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More Information is gathered [2 Jun 1211]

Filed under Tar's Company Storyline » 11 Taking the Amulet Trail by Steve | | Bottom

The sun rises on the 2^nd of June, but the Company cannot see it. It is behind the clouds and a light rain is falling. Dreune stands outside his tent, under the rain fly watching the camp moving about. His anger still hasn’t really subsided when he sees Nyra walking toward him. He glances around for something sharp or at least a large shield and then realizes that she is far more skilled in either than he is. Though he wants to flee, he decides that it is best not too. Still, he wishes he had his morning coffee before this. It’s then that the badger shaman is on him.

Nyra:

Dreune, Tar asked me to contact Ballanuveal again this morning and to report my findings to you. He wants you prepared before the staff meeting this morning. I am doing so. Last night she told me that she felt an evil presence near the river. It was intent on us and was with several other beings. She doubted that we would meet them if we kept up on the same path that we are following. This morning she tells me that the group that is there contains about 25 fell beings and the evil presence. She tired and I tried this morning to get closer to them, but failed. The evil thing has demonlings hanging around to do its bidding that attack anything that comes its way. That is all she had to tell me.

Dreune:

Thank you Nyra. I appreciate that you brought this matter to my attention. I would like to discuss this with you. I could not make a decision on this issue, without your council. There is another issue that I would also like to discuss with you. I would like to invite you to discuss it with me over breakfast. Would you join me?

She appears to want to say something, but holds back.

Nyra:

Another issue of more importance than… Nevermind. I will join you for breakfast.

Dreune sits down with Nyra and starts eating. He says:

Nyra, I ask your forgiveness. You do not have to accept it, but I offer it to you. You see, our confrontations are my fault. I’m sure you would agree to that. You see, I am not used to being with a traveling company like this. I’m having a lot of firsts with this group. I’ve ceratinly never been attacked by a group of wargs and goblins. I’ve never met anyone who’s talked to a dragon. So as you can imagine, I’m quite out of place. Drathon has been kind enough to meet me for a time and teach me his way of leadership. I have learned through you, that his ways are not always applicable to my situation. So again I apologise for not treating you like a person, but a soldier. You deserve to be treated like a person. A smart but powerful woman. Though we’ve had our disagreements, I can not deny, nor would I try to, your skill and knowledge. I value your opinion and would like to get to know you more, as a comrade or at least as a coworker. With that I turn it over to you. You do not have to respond to what I’ve said. If you’d like you could simply talk about the spirits that mean us ill, but that I leave in your hands.

Nyra is quiet so long that Drathon thinks that once again, he has failed. Just as he is about to lose hope she speaks:

I accept your apology, Dreune. Although, perhaps I have not been as forgiving as I should be. Let’s get something straight here. I do not like you. You, or others like you. You don’t see me as a person. You don’t see me as a friend. You see me as a tool to use either as your weapon or as your pleasure, but not as a person. It is so with almost all men. When presented with an opportunity you would take it. Men take what is not theirs to take in the name of the gods, their country, or their…their rank. You want my respect, then do something that earns it. You’re right. I have talked to a dragon. I have talked to the Mother of this Wood and many others. You sit there eating your mutton staring at Vanith’s breasts. Certainly, she displays them as she shouldn’t but you could at least have the respect to not stare and ogle. You are a pig and I believe always will be one.

Dreune drops the food out of his hand and just stares for a second. He is not sure weather to be angry or not. After a second he responds:

Oh. I see. Well Nyra I can’t argue your beliefs, nor do I want to. But I hope that over time that you could consider calling me friend. In the mean time, we’ll have to do with teammate. I’ve learned quite a lot in this conversation. I will do my personal best (even if that doesn’t mean that much to you) to apply what I learned. I appreciate the time you’ve allowed me to have with you. I thank you. Is there anything esle that you’d like to talk about before we talk about the spirits?

Nyra:

No, there is nothing I would like to discuss before we talk about the fell beings.

Dreune:

Very well then. Now, the “fell beings” as you called them…they only have intentions of harming us, IF we cross thier path? Or do are they seeking us out?

Nyra:

I know not their motivation; only their intent—to do us harm.

Dreune:

Have they moved since you’ve tried to watch them? Not just specifically towards us, just in general.

Nyra:

I know not. Ballanuveal was not specific as to where they are located. I may be able to send a spirit out to find out.

Dreune:

Would you be able to find out before the command meeting? If it’s not possible, don’t worry about it. I’m mainly asking so I have something to say for the command meeting

Nyra:

If the command staff meeting happens after breakfast, then I don’t have much time. I shall have to spend some time doing this. If they are some distance away, the spirit may not be back in time before the meeting.

Dreune:

I see. If I remember correctly, you can do this on the move correct? If not, we’ll have to do something during lunch.

Nyra:

Yes, I wil have to summon it whilst standing, but can maintain contact while riding.

Dreune:

Ok. What are our options if they decide to attack? I imagine that most of the company will be pretty useless.

Nyra:

I have no idea. I do not know what awaits us. For all I know we may be facing 10 evil toads, although I suspect that there is more to it than that.

Dreune:

Ok. Very well. I have thought of all the questions that I can think of. Can you think of anything esle that I should know for reporting purposes?

Nyra:

Not that you should now, but I wonder why we need to know so much about them. Are we considering moving toward them?

Dreune:

Certainly not. I need to know as much as possible so I can report it during the command staff meeting. The more that we know, the more options might have. We don’t know what thier intentions are so we’ll have to keep a watchful, but distant eye on them. Besides all that, I don’t want to tell Tar that I have no idea what’s comming and that I don’t have any idea what to do about it. Most of the command staff meeting will assume a confronation and want to know thier roles during the attack. If they are to do anything it’ll be based on what you tell me Nyra.

Nyra:

I understand.

Dreune:

Excelent. Once again, I thank you for the time that you’ve given me. I will leave you to your meal. (he hesitates) I’d like to perpose that we meet for a meal a day just to get to know each other as teammates. That is of course, if you have nothing you’d rather do.

Nyra:

I can think of almost anything I’d rather be doing than eating with you. I will give you an update when I have it. (She takes her plate and leaves his tent)

Dreune (mutters):

Progress comes slowly, I guess

Dreune enters Tar’s tent and finds Firena at Tar’s left as is usual. Also as is usual, Yalinari’s seat to Tar’s right is empty. Drathon and Morven are not there yet. Dreune takes his seat and waits. He isn’t long before Drathon and Morven come in.

Morve:

Yalinari will be here shortly. Apparently, practicing his juggling took precedence over the staff meeting.

When Yalinari takes his seat, Tar greets them and tells them mentally that there are three things on the agenda today. The first thing is the report from Nyra that the Spirit of the Forest has told her of evil being in the forest near the river that are waiting for us will ill intent. We should not cross their paths, but I’ve asked Ray to look into it. Ray?

Dreune stands, speaking verbally:

This will be quick. We don’t know what they want or what they are. But Nyra is keeping a watchful, but distant eye on them. She has spirits that will be reporting to her about them as quickly as it can. During lunch and permenant stops Astral guards will be espcially watchful. To further our protection, on the physical realm it is recomended that scouts and the hawk will be utilized.

With that Dreune waits for questions.

Drathon:

What are we watching for?

Dreune:

Ah…fell beings. We don’t actually know right now. Perhaps before lunch we’ll know, but for right now, enemies will have to do. Assume 30 ft tall rock monsters…worst case that is

Firena:

Can we avoid them?

Dreune:

We are Lt. That is to say that currently our paths do not cross but Nyra is keeping a watch on that.

Firena:

Then we need to decide … what? Whether we seek them out? That seems like an unusual aspiration.

Morven:

If they seek us, it may be a moot point, assuming they can find us.

Yalinari:

Cccccc-ccccc-cccc-an wwww-www-wwe outdistance th-th-th-th-th-em?

Dreune:

No no no. We are watching them to avoid them at all costs. There are many unknowns right now. All that i know, is what I have told you. As soon as Nyra discovers more, I will tell the command staff along with the current recomendation

Tar:

Nyra has said that we are on a different paths than theirs—unless they move.

Drathon:

How far off?

Dreune:

All I know has been told to you. That is to say more specifically that we don’t know. I will ask Nyra to find that info out, however

Firena:

Which means we watch them. We continue on our present course and attempt to go by them without being noticed. If they see us and come after us, we fight if we can’t outsdistance them.

Yalinari:

Wwwww-www-wwwe cccc-ccccc-cccc-cccould ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-choose a cccc-ccccc-cccc-ccourse thththththththat is ffffffffarther away from them…

Dreune (points to Firena):

That’s the one!

Drathon:

No warrior seeks a battle. Not if one can be avoided. I agree with the Lieutenant.

With that Dreune assumes no more questions and sits down. Tar nods:

OK. I want an update at lunch. We’ll meet again tonight after supper. Next item. Most of of you have seen the problems between Ray and Nyra. Firena and I have talked to both of them and hopefully things will simmer down. If not, we will have to make a move with Nyra. Any questions or updates that we should hear about?

Morven:

I have spoken to Nyra many times over the past year, but she is little more than a mystery to me. She has a past that does not allow her to trust many, if any. What’s clear is that she has little respect for authority in general and none at all for men in specific. Can she ever be truly happy in a military organization?

Dreune:

She can if she wants to be. This morning she and I ate breakfast together. I think that speaks for itself.

Morven:

I disagree. Many do not choose what makes them happy. Nyra is as much a product of her past as of her choices. Which is stronger in the long run remains to be seen.

Tar:

She once was happy in a military-like atmostphere. Of course it was in a more friendly atmosphere. Shehas been working on it, and I think in time she may be able to put some old wounds aside. If she can’t be happy, or won’t be happy, she is free to leave. No member of the Company will be forced to stay if they wish to leave.

Firena:

Though I fear we’ve strayed off topic. Certainly Nyra may leave is she want to, though given her skills, I think we all agree that the Company would be better off if she stayed. The question is what do we do with her if she cannot get along with Dreune as her … boss?

Dreune:

I would be much happier if I were not her boss, but I am. I shall deal with it. Her services are required. Perhaps, we could develop the arcane side of the house a little more. There are many fields. She could be in her own astral section underneath a head mage

Firena:

Dreune, you are the head mage.

Dreune:

(sarcasticly) A promotion! How excellent. (being serious) I was more speaking of, if we were to get more people who are magically inclined, she would not have to work with anyone but Korkyn, or other shamans, as she would call herself.

Firena:

Reporting to whom?

Tar:

I would not think that this Company will turn into a magic academy. I fear that you will not have the people to have a wing of shamans and a wing of mages.

Dreune:

You also fear that Nyra and I will not be able to work together. Both those things remain to be seen. I will always push for more mages. We’ve luckily and barely been able to fend off what we have so far. For example, wouldn’t you all like some more healers?

Firena:

Undoubtedly. And should we get some, they will likely also report to you. ... Are you saying you don’t want the senior mage position?

Tar:

I think you misunderstand. It’s not a question of what I, or we want. It’s a question of who will join us. Mages are not falling off of towers looking to join the Company. To date, we have had none seek us to join us.

Yalinari chuckles and Morven supresses a smile.

Dreune:

I am not being clear and I apologise for that. If we are to get more mages they would report to me. I agree that mages are not looking to join this company, but I want to gather them. I want to develop the arcane section and there is no other way to do it.

Firena:

Which brings this conversation full circle. Nyra will still be working for you … [she stops when she realizes Tar has started speaking, too]

Tar:

That is an excellent segway. We have drifted from Nyra and that, I think is a good thing. There is a question put to us about what the goals of this Company ought to be. Certainly, the Company is named after me, but I don’t beleive that I shold have the only say into it’s goals…perhaps not even the final say. I have my thoughts of our future, but I want to put the question back to you. Where is it that the Company is going and how do we know when we’ve gotten there.

Dreune:

I can only tell you what the arcane section can promise. As far as the company I can only think of growth as an option. Perhaps a Tar’s Force…Tar’s militia?

Yalinari:

I assume wwwwe’re nnnnot ddddoing it ffffor ththththe mmmmoney?

Dreune:

Perhaps a professional mercenary army to work for kings of nations.

Morven:

I haven’t given it much thought.

Drathon:

I am following you’re lead.

Firena:

I cannot possibly answer that now. Now that I know the question is on the table, I’ll consider it and get back to you.

Tar nods:

I have thought about it and I shall look forward to your response. I do beleive that one of my jobs is vision. I look around this table and if I were to walk about the camp I would find one thing: A group of people who are outcasts from their prior lives. We are a new family. Is there one among us who is living the life that was set out for them? The world and its leaders are vile. We all have had experiences with these vile people. I do not know if we shall ever find a home, nor am I sure that I want to find a permanent home. However, we will find ourselves people that are not wanted by society and give them a home. We will take what we need from the less vile people and give it to those that need a place to belong.

A stunned silence rings through the room.

Dreune:

That’s it? That’s our goal? To find the poeple who are outcasts, like ourselves and take them into our ranks. I don’t mind doing it, that’s how I joined, but why are we doing it? What are we going to do once we have them?

Drathon:

That was my point. That’s why I asked. What do I train them to do? Where do we focus? Horsemanship now. Later, stealth? Weapon skills?

Tar:

Good questions both. What are we going to do with them when we have them? Isn’t it enough to give people a safe harbor form the ills of the world? The question is how to give them that harbor. I’m not so full of myself to beleive that any of us are smart enough to create a new society based on new rules. In the world we live, most of these will end up dead. Maybe we can give them a useful occupation. The question begs what type of people do we need? How big will we be? It seems to me that the larger we get, the more cumbersome we are. Look at us now. Two carts, thirty plus horses, support staff almsot as big as the Company in general. I do not beleive that we should grow too much larger. We will be too slow and too ineffective.

Firena:

And to repeat your first question, what do we do with them when we have them? Do we continue to fight for Greyhawk? Do we rent ourselves out to the highest bidder? Do we forcibly take land from the “less vile” and carve out a commune for ourselves? Where are we going, ultimately?

Dreune:

You could form a second company that reports to you.

Yalinari:

I llllike ththththe ssssound of hhhhaving our own lllland. ... Kkkking TTTTar! I ccccan ssssee it nnnnow.

Tar:

I do not beleive that any of us are fit into the mold of thieves or beggars? No. We will not be forcibly taking from the less vile. While Aphic continues to pay our bill, I’m content to let him call the shots. At some point however, we will become either too expensive, too embarassing, or simply not needed by him. When that happens we will be cast off like the outcasts we are. It is my job to ensure that we have another patron to foot our bills. We have kings of guilds and kings of countries willing to use us for a while. We shall let them think that they are in charge of our destiny, while we go where we wish. We will follow the Bakluni in this.

Tar:

I don’t know that I like the sound of King Tar, but I suspect that we would simply supplant one level of greed and villainy from another.

Yalinari:

YYYYYYou mmmmmight wwwwwant to rrrrre-think using the Bbbbbbbbakluni as your example. Thththththey are uuuuuuniversally ddddddddespised across the Fffffffffflaeness.

Tar:

Yes, they are, but they are free, as will we be.

Dreune:

So to sum it up, we are mercenaries working towards expansion, enough to outgrow Lord Aphic’s pocket and into a Kings?

Yalinari:

Fffffree? Fffffffree to bbbbbbbbe arrested wwwwwwwwwwwiththththththout chchchchchcharge. Ffffffffffffree to be held without trial. Ffffffffffree to be sssssssssspit on by every citizen of every ccccccccccountry across the land? Ffffffffree to be run out town on any nobleman’s whwhwhwhwhwhwhwhwhim? Yes, they llllllllllive wwwwwwwwwwithththththout bbbbbbborders, but they are hardly fffffffffree.

Tar chuckles:

The difference between them and us is that they cannot defend themselves from that oppresion. We are not under that same yoke. Why look at yourself my Bakluni friend. (He puts his hand on Yalinari’s shoulder). You are a knight…and a Bakluni. We will stand against them and make names for ourselves, but not play by their rules. Maybe we will be heroes to the Bakluni allowng them the ability to stand up for themselves.

Yalinari:

Hah! I mmmmmmay wwwwwwwwell be the fffffffirst Bbbbbbbbakluni to reach that status. Mmmmmmmy llllllllore dddddddoes not tttttttell of another. ... And we hhhhhhhhhave already ggggggggiven a small vvvvvvvestige of fffffffreedom to one Bbbbbbbakluni clan. Ppppppperhaps we may one day do so for another.

Tar:

Then we are succeeding in our goals! We have also freed some slaves and given occupation to one whose life would be misery without.

Morven:

Careful, Captain. You could become a revolutionary.

Tar chuckles and Morven’s face makes it clear that she finds the thought amusing.

Dreune:

Sir Tar, did you have that in mind before we sat down? I don’t think that’s something that you’ve just come up with. Our goals from now on are to help the underdogs while being paid by the top dollars?

Yalinari:

Ddddddreune, once you’ve known Tttttttar ffffffor llllllong enough, you’ll hahahahahahave ththththththe ananananananswer tttttto thththththat question wwwwwwwwithout asking it!

Tar smiles:

Yes, I have given this thought. I don’t think that I’m cut out to be a revolutionary living off what the serfs give me to change society, but I beleive that we can make a difference in a great many lives.

Dreune:

If that’s the case, then we’re done. We’ve already done that several times. I think we need a mission statement.

Drathon:

What then do I train? How do we proceed? What skills do we need?

Tar:

We will never be done as there will always be those that need us for aid and those that need us to remove some extra platinum from their purses.

Dreune:

Mages…people who are magically inclined to be sure.

Drathon:

I cannot train mages.

Dreune:

I know, I was pleading for my own cause.

Tar:

Again, the larger we get the more difficult for us to move and the more notice that we get from the larger institutions. I don’ t beleive that it gains us to become too large a group. We need to remain small, light, and fast. I don’t see us us getting too much larger. I think we need to rely on subtlety, speed, and misdirection. Stealth, magic, arrows, cavalry need to be our forte. We need to strike and fade.

Drathon:

Then we’ve started well. Mounted infantry. Mounted cavalry. Good assets. We’ll need stealth. We need … flexibility.

Tar nods.

I think so, but I think we need to focus on information gathering and stealth. Perhaps Vathirril can help us.

Firena:

Are you insane? ... No, don’t answer that. I know the answer already.

Tar smiles as a cat that just ate the canary, and then says:

Then we’re done I beleive. We meet again tonight.

Firena settles for shaking her head like a mother that just found out her drunken son crashed her new car while bringing his formerly pregnant girlfriend back from the abortion clinic. Upon leaving, Dreune heads right for Nyra and politely asks her to send out her spirit to look for check on the fell beings. He asks to get her report as soon as she is able to give it to him. Nyra nods and tells him that she has sent the spirit out already. She is waiting to hear back.

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