(044) A Hinterlands Venture

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:
Olaf frowns and crosses is arms. He does not like Gustave referring to the rest of the party as his retainers. Lies can be useful, but here Gustave is lying and it appears to just be to make himself look important and to hell with the rest of the group. Olaf doesn't like having to fight a duel to pass, he doesn't like the threat of "forfeit of arms and armor" if the duel is lost, he doesn't like any of this.

But for now, he'll keep his mouth shut...for now.

[mgtremaine]

mgtremaine wrote:
Wen stares wide eyed at the unfolding exchange. "The plan was no plan I see", he whispers to no one in particular. Wen steels himself prepared to cast a spell, but seeing Gustave move the outcome to Dieter facing the Sir Eberhart he relaxes a little. Still taking a good look around for the easiest line of retreat.

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
Josiane knows the tradition of Knightly Disputation and frankly doesn't think much of it. She regards this playing at battle while people are in real need as a waste of time.

But she also sees they will get no help and more likely direct hindrance from this man until they have indulged him in his little game. So be it.

As Dieter steps forward she passes Murphy's reins (to Torben if he is willing) and moves up to stand beside the Ogreslayer.

"It is customary to be attended by a squire on these occasions, Lord Dieter," she says quietly; "If I might have your permission to assume the role..?"

She will call her healing magicks to mind, whilst at the same time wracking her memory to see if she can recall her foster-father ever making mention of this 'Sir Eberhart...'

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:

Rufus been a bit slow at times, gets back to Ulric query.

"Pleased to meet you Ulric, you seem nice enough fellow, I like you", smiles Rufus up to Ulric.
"I'm not scared of a little fighting and am glad to help out old Wibert's comrades", says Rufus.
"Yeah... we found the vaults of Ket empty, open they where and picked clean. We stopped a few of them but then where overwhelmed and I'm lucky to escape with my life. Unlike poor Wibert so I hear. I say Ulric do you still have any of his stuff. Wibert had a magical pot set you wouldn't believe and he know how to use it. I would like to claim anything of his and return it to his family one day", asks Rufus.

"Yes, we have Wibert's possessions," Ulric answers on their approach to the pavilion. "When we make it back to Ket you may certainly have them as far as I am concerned."

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
Ulric stays silent at the exchange between Gustave and the herald. He carefully looks over the assemblage of fighting men and servants trying to gauge their true strength. He also keeps an eye out for this robed servant. If it comes down to a fight, he will be Ulric's first target.

As they move forward, Ulric moves next to Olaf and addresses him quietly.

"What do you think? Are these seasoned fighters or mere braggarts?"

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

Ulric stays silent at the exchange between Gustave and the herald. He carefully looks over the assemblage of fighting men and servants trying to gauge their true strength. He also keeps an eye out for this robed servant. If it comes down to a fight, he will be Ulric's first target.

As they move forward, Ulric moves next to Olaf and addresses him quietly.

"What do you think? Are these seasoned fighters or mere braggarts?"

Olaf doesn't turn his head directly to Ulric, as he keeps looking around trying to get a feel for the men they might have to fight, but he answers him with equal quiet, "A mixed bag from their looks. Some look like hardened veterans, but others have the look of bullies more than warriors."

Frowning Olaf continues, "No matter, I'd rather not fight them if we can avoid it. We will have enough fighting to do ere we reach the Sister's Abbey, is my guess, and more now...especially, just for sport...is a waste of time and energy.

OOC: Ways, what does Olaf think about Eberhart's men? I might amend Olaf's reply depending on what you tell me that Olaf observes.

[waysoftheearth]

sulldawga wrote:
Dorgan will keep silent, waiting to see what sort of response is forthcoming from the Boar and his retinue once the Ogreslayer is recognized (or not).

He, too, will gauge the skill of the gathered fighters as best he can, by appearance and action.

[mgtremaine]

mgtremaine wrote:
OOC: It's too late now but I was tempted to chuck a The Mellifluent Concord on the herald and try to talk are way around.... Perhaps next time.

[waysoftheearth]

tonneau wrote:
"Roast boar for afternoon tea?", whispers Gustave to Dieter as the big man strides by him.

Shuffling back a few steps (toward his 'retainers'), he loosens his sword in its scabbard under the pretense of an almighty yawn and, sidling up next to Dorgan and Olaf, whispers "I have nothing but confidence in our 'champion', but let us not leave anything to chance, gentlemen - and gentle...er..dwarf, of course."

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Eberhart's men make way for Dieter, ably assisted by Josiane who relieves him of his pack and checks the buckles of the big man's armour, shield, sword belt as we walks thru them to the front of the pavilion. The rest of the company follow, and the two camps form a wide ring of spectators in which the contest will take place.

There are whispers aplenty among both groups... Olaf (and the other fighting types) assess Eberhart's men, who likewise assess them in return. they have the look of seasoned campaigners. Hard faces, battle scars, oft repaired mail, and the minimal lope of the economical killer. These are not common brigands.

When they hear Dieter's name and see him come forward, their attitude becomes more enthusiastic; they whisper and chuckle between them "Is that him?", "The Ogre Slayer?", "I thought he'd be taller", but in summary they seem pleased that they might see some genuine sport today.

There is no sign of the robed one, but from within the main pavilion there can be heard a great voice. "Well don't just sit there, fool, fetch my armour. And refill this goblet d**n you!" the great voice continues to admonish whoever is his squire for some time, while Dieter is awaits... "Tighten that pauldron! And loosen that belt, fool! Do I look like an Elf??"

At last The Boar seems done, and there is a splash and a clang as he casts down his wine goblet and bangs a weapon against his chest armour, and then... he emerges.


"Ah Ha!" grins the huge, armoured Man who appears before you as his hungry eyes fall upon Dieter. He is well over 6ft tall and as broad as a bear. And, it must be said, rather thick in the belly -- his scaled armour strains to fully encompass him. His amber beard is thick and shot through with streaks of grey, but his grin is eager and enormous.

"Welcome to this piss hole of a tent!" he booms, in good humour. "It's been too long since we've had any real Men through here, far too long!"

He shrugs off his two squires, who attempt to offer him shield and wine goblet respectively, and advances in gutsy strides to within 30ft of Dieter and stops.


He holds a heavy axe in one hand (as though it were a quill), and with the other he reaches for the visor of his helm, which is made in the image of a glaring, tusked boar.

"Let's see if you're one, shall we?" he grins, and slams down his visor!


What to say or do, Dieter?