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Forums » The Roads of Calabria » Chapter 1 - Road to Triskellian

Meira approached the village crossroads, with three of her soldiers standing to her side. The village was not an impressive one – the hint of a marketplace lined the streets, but most of the residents were tending to the farms beyond the city walls. Regardless, Meira took note of prominent number of boys with swords strapped to their side, and far-too-young looking wizards. They probably wouldn’t have the skill and experience if they happened into any danger, but their addition to the group would at least make them appear more prepared than reality.

Although all the Soldiers wore the Rinaldi Arms, it was noteworthy that all her subordinates were not grey foxes, and all far larger than their commanding officer - a bear, a rhino, and a lioness. The lioness carried a simple sign, and staked it into the ground when they reached their position under a large willow tree.

Mercenaries needed.
Honorable work under the Rinaldi Family.
1 Đ upon arrival in Triskellian.
3 Đ if protection of caravan is required.


Micha – the rhino read the sign out in his bellowing voice for those among the townsfolk who were unable to read. “If interested, please report to Meira,” he added, respectfully motioning with his hand towards his leader.
The wandering thaumaturge, Flint - a curmudgeonly creature even for boar standards - was more than ready to just walk by and ignore these people. Then coin was mentioned.

A hand moves to the boar's chin as he examines the people around him, and if any, those who choose to enlist. But his decision is already made, and he quietly approaches the leader of the group.
The fox narrows her eyes at the sight of the boar. She was expected a low-grade of fighter, but not one as low as this. Regardless, it wouldn't hurt at least speaking to him. If a more reliable fighter showed up later, he would easily enough be replaced. No need to burn bridges until all possibilities have been exhausted.

"I suppose you're interested." She began, looking him up and down. "What kind of fighting do you do?"
The boar does not even bother to pretend to be more than he looks. He just answers, and he doesn't seem to be lying. "Wit'out weapons, ma'am. An' magic. Les' just say this ain't my first experience as a merc." His voice is low, gruff, and thoroughly unpleasant to the ear.
Meira exhales loudly. An oaf like this use magic? He was probably insane - the kind to throw some sand in an enemy's face and call it a spell. "Very well," she responded bluntly. "Wait over there, will you. Can you manage that? I want to find a few more before we head back to camp."
It's not that the boar doesn't notice Meira's reaction towards him - it's more that he is well used to it. With a grunt of approval, the boar does as he's told.

The pay will be worth it, he tells himself.
Quiet steps brought the silent feline to a halt behind the boar, though how long she had reveled in her eavesdropping would remain vague. Until the creature had taken his leave off to the side, the cat indulged in a conversation that had little to do with her.

At least, it did originally. "I can use magic as well," she murmurs, pulling down the edge of cloth covering her mouth. "If you're willing to take me."
This one at least looked capable. "Of course," she replied, her tone a pinch more polite than it was towards Flint. "Please wait with" she paused, as she glanced back to Flint "-- you don't need to stand right next to him. Over there is okay." The Rhino read the sign again. Two or three more fighters should suffice.
As more unsavory figures were pulled to the group of commanders another figure quite imposing approached slowly. Mauricio's white winter coat struck a stark contrast against his bright red robes and the wide-brimmed hat that was typical of his order.

Watchful blue eyes observed the mercenaries as he passed them, he made no effort to hide his displeasure as he strode to the lioness with purpose.
As hushed as she had came, Vix makes her way over towards Flint. Strangely enough, she returns back to her position behind the beast. Completely normal behavior.
The lioness glanced at Mauricio but said nothing, preferring to keep her watchful glance at the suspicious mercenaries they were gathering. Instead it was Meira who spoke up. "Mauricio, wasn't it?" she stepped towards him. "I'm surprised to see you here. Don't you have business with Lord Mordechai?"
Thank goodness the cat doesn't have to stand near the boar, too - because, true to stereotype, he smells. He smells of herbs, cut leaves and resin, but most of all he smells of unwashed boar.

He also does not seem to be keen on showing a complete stranger his back - arms crossed, the less-than-friendly boar turns around and stares the cat in the eye, after a moment of careful examination.

"Y'can do magic too, eh?"
Mauricio seemed less than pleased with the foxes’ tone. “You are correct, commander. But first I had to go pray to the Lord in the church…” The inquisitor looked around him, making it very obvious he was eyeing the mercenaries. “We will certainly need his blessing, as you can surely agree.” The ermine’s voice was polite, with words carefully chosen.

His hat tipped slightly as an ear twitched. "... magicians?" His eyes sought out the source of the sound he heard and found the boar.
Jade contemplated the sign for a few moments. Mercenary work was far from the top of preferred jobs, but the group already looked fairly well-armed and they shared a destination. The potential for an easy Denarii was there, the client's family name was a perk... the only problem was personal appearance. A dress wasn't exactly normal combat attire, but given the options around here just being armed and willing might be enough.

Making some mental preparations on the way, Jade approached the one leading the group.
"Yes I agree," she tried to hide an exasperated sigh, but it was clear she was frustrated. "Do your prayers, but be sure to return to camp soon. I just need a few more," and with those words she was approached by a skunk in a dress. The fox raised an eyebrow. The boar managed to scrape into the party - but this was too much.

"Sorry we're looking for fighters," she said bluntly to the stranger.
The smells do get to her, as much as she had been determined to prove otherwise, though she masks with a simple raise of her muffler to rest over her nose.

Of course, this leaves her unable to respond appropriately, but those narrowed eyes do not relent in their persistence as he motions to glance at her.

A nod would do just as well as her vocally confirming his question.
“As it is I finished my prayers already, but I came here from the church to have a look when I heard you were hiring.” Mauricio said to the fox, knowing the fox was as exasperated erased all subtle ire he had for her briefly. He seemed about to add to that… but held his tongue when he saw Meira turn to the skunk.
Jade cracked a smile at the fox's statement, turning slightly so the sheathed sword was more obvious in case she'd missed it. "That's why I'm offering my services, m'Lady."
While waiting for Meira to finish with the skunk he looked for Flint again, once his eyes settled on the boar the inquisitor just stared for a moment, trying to size the guy up. In addition, as he was certain he'd caught the line "magic too" he tried to find the other potential magician.

rolled 1d6 and got 2
Observation

rolled 1d8 and got 6
MInd

Under his filthy exterior there is certainly something more to the boar. It could be magic, but it could just be gas. Perhaps there is more to him than the Commander suspects

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