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#Post#: 92--------------------------------------------------
The Plot Thickens In The Vegvisir
DIR By: High Captain Song
Date: July 9, 2023, 2:09 pm
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SETTING: The Vegvisir
PLAYERS:
High Captain Song, Frode of Kassau
Hrolf, High Jarl of the Vegvisir
Karl, A Merchant
Synneva, A Slave
--- Northern Thassa ---
-[... Upon a ship within the cold waters of Thassa ...]-
Frode
It had been sometime since I had reason to come to The Vegvisir.
Oh, I did not actively avoid it, as my Mate did, though
admittedly my memories of my visits here were far more fond than
hers were. Come to think of it, the last time I was here was to
honor the man she thought was her father. That whole occasion
had set off a merry mess and though we were much the richer for
it once her inheritance was puzzled out, it was still a vexing
occasion. Not that I had any right to complain, were I inclined
to do so. No, I had other matters on my mind.
In the not so distance south, a dock caught fire. Such accidents
were not uncommon, but an old friend of mine, a forester called
Longbow for his mastery of that weapon, thought it arson. I
dismissed his concerns as I helped to rebuild the docks, though
I could think of no explanation for the trophy he'd claimed -
three arrows with purple fletching of the kind often used by
Panthers. And what is more, the iron arrowheads appeared to be
made of Kassau iron - the same kind I had sold to many Panthers
over the years.
I thought little of it until a return voyage North, this time on
the ship of my Mate's father, Captain Squiggy. Again, the docks
had caught fire. Again, Martin had found the three-arrow
marking. More, he'd heard of a merchant who found the same
arrows shot into the side of his wagon as he slept.
I agreed to see what news I might find, for I disliked seeing my
work undone and the loss of the dock would hurt my business.
Too, there was the matter of my arrows being used for such a
deed. The search for rumors gave me news of a fire in the
Vegvisir and, according to one of HIgh Jarl Hrolf's own girls, a
Panther being caught and now warming his furs. There was no word
of the three arrows marking territory, as was Longbow's
speculation.
So here I am, sailing into The Vegvisir not on my own
Persephone's Fate... not in the stately manner in which a High
Captain should travel. I am clad in the simple traveling clothes
of a sailor, with an oilskin cloak to protect from the wet and
cold. No cittern or drum to mark me a Skald. Just the 42 inch
double-edged rapier I call Mercy hanging on my right. The 12
inch bowie knife of no particular name hanging from my belt at
the left.. The two three-inch blades I keep sheathed up my
sleeves. The two other three-inch blades I keep tucked in my
boots. I do not anticipate a fight coming here, but only a fool
travels Gor without weapons and, despite what many might say, I
am no fool when it comes to that!
--- Docks ---
-[...At the ever expanding dock area, and beach landing for
various sea vessels...]-
Frode
I stand on the bow as the ship makes its way through the reefs
and wreckage that are as much a feature of the Vegvisir harbor
as the icebergs that obscure the path inland during the winter
before the sea freezes completely. Thankfully, the pilot is a
skillful one, and we're soon being guided into the docking
station proper. I make my way off the boat along with the rest
of the crew checking the hull for damage now that it is
convenient to do so as I ponder my next move. I consider combing
the forests nearby for signs of three arrows together, but
quickly dismiss the thought. Skulking around the forest edges
here would be a fast way to get an axe through my chest if I
were doing it without the locals knowing, and while I'm
confident in my own stealth skills, I'm also confident in the
keen eyes of the Vegvisir guards. No... best to speak with Hrolf
himself and see what he knows. If nothing else, I think he'll
want to be informed of the troubles to the south if there's any
chance it might have made its way up here. The Great Hall it is
then.
-- Great Hall ---
-[ Come in peace to reap the roar of our central fire. The flow
of fine Mead. Company of a Saucy Bondmaiden ]-
It doesn't take me long to make my way to the Great Hall of
Vegvisir - a place I know well, having played here in the past
on many a happy occasion, However, the hall is empty of the man
I seek when I walk in, cloak up, looking like a common sailor as
I don't have one of the instruments that mark me as a skald or
the fancy Captain's Coat and Hat I favor when I am trying to
look like the impressive Captain I am meant to be.
"Halt, stranger!" says one of the guards, seeing someone he
doesn't recognize just standing there, clearing not working at
anything. I freeze and fix him with a wide smile, trying to look
agreeable, harmless or possibly mad. Either one might make him
easier to deal with.
"I beg your pardon, but I had business with High Jarl Hrolf. I
had hoped he might be available to speak to an old friend?"
The guard snorts, apparently not thinking much of my claim to
friendship, but either my smile had the desired effect or he's
sure that if I were out to cause trouble, I'd have drawn a
weapon if accosted. "Well, this early in the morning, he's
usually up inside The Busty Slavegirl."
"Ah! Wonderful! And where is The Busty Slavegirl?"
"This early in the morning? In the High Jarl's furs at his
longhouse!"
Ah. Classic Gorean male humor. I laugh as I find myself the butt
of a very old joke as I idly think The Busty Slavegirl WOULD be
a fine name for a tavern. Maybe if I ever tire of piracy I'll
retire and open such a place. I think the guard and go on my
merry way before he decides I might be trouble after all.
--- Hrolf's Longhouse and Forge ---
-[... Perched upon a rise, looking out to the fjord and village,
sits the personal longhouse and forge site of our High Jarl...]-
Hrolf
(To Karl) - He would open the door of his longhouse and would
step out onto the porch, before he turned and looked over to you
a moment "Good morning Karl... I make my way to the Great
Hall... you should walk with me... if you have need, my girl can
help you." he said easily and quietly. The large man would shift
the cloak he wore. and would smile. "We can speak further." -
Frode
As luck would have it, I am just making my way up the path to
the longhouse just as Hrolf is speaking to the older merchant. I
lower the hood of my cloak as I approach and raise a hand in
greeting. "Tal, Hrolf! And Tal to your friend, as well. I bring
news I think may be of interest to you and hope maybe you might
have news for me as well."
Hrolf
The large man would raise his hand "Tal Frode ... it is good to
see you again." he would smile and looked over his shoulder to
the merchant and his newest property. He would nod and listen.
"I would always enjoy and listen to information and share
news... Welcome to my home, Captain Frode." he would smile. -
Karl
' Mornin' to ye as well '' He said with a smile and could only
grin as he taps his way along beside Hrolf , Although he was
without sight , Though some would argue that this would only
prove them wrong for his senses were strong and his hearing now
being Acute '' Tal there synneva '' He said in greeting , His
lips forming a smile , Then another voice could be heard making
him to halt his movement '' Tal , Send my greetings to Malora
when you see her my good man '' Karl said speaking to the man
which he knew not but knew of his mate.
Synneva
Of course she recognised bother Master Frode and Master Karl, it
felt like another lifetime since they had exchanged words but
the warmth glittered in the pale gaze shifting between them both
beneath the deluge of curls graced with the crown of white
blooms she had weaved only just this morning in a moments
reprieve while tending to the laundry lines and doing battle
with the ravens. Now, those eyes remain vigilant to her Jarl,
his manner of speech was one borne of familiarity with both of
the Men and Synneva is unabashed in her new found position, she
could thrive in a scribes office watching ink dry and find
something trivial to keep her amused. Thus now, while the Men
confer, the statuesque creature remains close to her Jarl though
allowing her thoughts to wander as the tapered digits trace idly
upon the rippling silk gleaming with the sea foam colors of the
Thassa and wrapped exquisitely about the lean feminine
musculature contemplating the next creation she shall fashion
from the bolts of silk.
Frode
I nod to Hrolf and then to the other man as he he mentions my
Mate at the mention of my name. I quickly put two and two
together, for she had mentioned the blind merchant to me before
when discussing our respective business dealings apart. "You
must be Karl. So nice to finally meet you, and I will pass on
that word when I next see her, which will hopefully be soon."
That pleasant business aside, I decide to cut right to the heart
of the matter, for I'd not waste anyone's times.
"A story came to me in the south, Hrolf. A story of a fire that
destroyed your livestock pens. Your Brenna told me something of
it and I fear it may be attached to another disaster which I
encountered recently, but I would hear your telling of it." The
smile fades, which is a disquieting sight, as I am prone to
jolliness and trying to make all smile around me. For me to be
serious, matters must be dire indeed.
Karl
' Well there's only one of me in the whole world of Gor so Aye
that'd be me alright '' Karl said giving the man a smile and
listened in , it didn't take much due to Acute hearing ''Yes i
heard the same from my men whom i placed within this home to
keep me updated on turn of events '' Karl said this , Moving a
hand he placed the seeing cane in front of him as he stood there
with the three men , He stood there now silently listening after
saying his own part knowing not to talk to much overwise risk
taking over the matter and out of respect for both he knew
better , He could only stand and let his friend Hrolf take the
wheel as per say on this matter but he didn't do this from his
placement but out of respect for his friend
Hrolf
(To Frode) The Son of Torvalds had looked to you and tilted his
head and wondered idly a moment. "There was a fire.... where we
were attacked in the night. A granary burned to the ground.
There was also a time when there was smoke that was revealed to
not have been a fire that caused damage... (( unless I
misunderstood the roleplay! ))... but at the end of this... we
have been discovered to have more and more wild-women...
panther's are out and about... even taking some of our people
and pushing them back." he would smile and tilted is head.
"After the season of raids that we've been having we will have
to be especially vigilant and protect our borders more
closely... yes... I am ... quite... emotional of My Failure to
protect the village proper." ..
- He would pause a moment, "I am even more acutely aware of the
failure as it sounds like news of our failure has spread....
quite far it would seem." He would smile. "It seems like my
enemies would be happy to see us... to Valhalla and away from
this place." he would grunt. -
(To Karl) He would take note, that you had placed spies in his
home. Bold. Nigh almost offensive to him. Though you'd probably
not see his reaction to your words. His brow did furl at the
aspect that his friends so openly admitted to spying on his
home. -
Synneva
She half listened, attentive should her Jarl need her however
and bits of the conversation were filtered; a cant of her head,
the granary fire she had not know of, it must have occurred
before her arrival in the north, the smoke though from the
second issue had only been one, wet, smoking manure pile that
had swiftly been drenched (yes that is correct Jarl from the rp)
no damage, or livestock harmed, just alot of smelly dung smoke
quickly quelled. She muses at Tove's wanderings, what the woman
has been up to on her travels, apparently there was much Synneva
had not been privy too but that was expected, she had been a
captive, living in Tove's lair and merely providing her skills
for medical aid, care and warmth in the night....so many things
in this strange new world were coming to light and though they
no longer concern her, she was sad to hear her Jarl's words and
the caress of fingertips would extend to touch his bicep, silent
acknowledgement of his emotion, the Man who had given her mercy.
Karl
"My friend, I only did it to Look out for your home and ran the
intel to your men so the threats can be dealt with" Karl said
simply stating this hearing the change in his breathing pattern
"How else was the fire dealt with so quickly?" Karl said simply
"I meant no offence but the Desire to help your home in my own
way!"
Frode
I simply nod a Hrolf's words as my worst fears are confirmed. I
have nothing to add to the apparent confession of spying and it
is not my place to say anything, for I just met the blind
trader. Still, my Mate spoke well of him. And while I might not
be carrying my instruments of office at the moment, I am still a
Skald and it is the duty of my caste to ease hearts when I can,
even as I am often the bearer of bad news from my travels. Such
was the task that earned me the name Stormcrow once upon a time,
for I always seemed to arrive just before things turned bad.
Hopefully that will not be the case here. Finally, I speak.
"Word of your loss has not spread that far, my friend. All I
heard was that there was a fire here - not the cause or of the
losses beyond a few livestock. Your girl Brenna was quite firlm
about not speaking to me of any details beyond confirming what I
already heard, hence why I came to get word from you directly.
She did, however, mention you had a new pet..." My eyes move to
Synnea at this. "A cat who once wore the Green, I believe was
her artful phrase." i smirk briefly.
"Unfortunately, your own words confirm a fear I had hoped was
simply paranoia. But now it seems my friend Longbow's worries
were justified. There have been similar fires at the docks near
the Western forest crossroads. No lives lost, thankfully, but
signs of Panthers traveling and marking their territory. How
large a band is unclear, but Longbow suspected the band split up
and some moved North. When I heard of your fire, I suspected
they might have come here. But launching a raid on your village?
That is bold unto stupidity!" I shake my head. Panthers might
attack men in the forests, but going after a settlement,
particularly one as sizeable as the Vegvisir..... only a mad
woman would consider such things!
Hrolf
(To Frode) The large man would nod to this. "I was not aware of
the burning of the docks... I suppose I should be listening a
little bit closer to the problems of the world around. So you
believe there is a connection between the panthers and the fires
hmm." he would nod to this and thought idly for a moment. -
(To Karl) - The Son of Torvalds turned to look at you a moment.
"You will leave no man behind. They will travel with you to and
fro. I will be unable to guarantee their protection." the man
would speak easily at this point. "If I didn't like you, I would
have their heads mounted upon the palisades." He would stay
quiet for a moment as he wanted his voice even and courteous. "I
do not speak in anger. In the North, to say such would be an
insult to the Men that called this place home, that we should
have to depend on any one else. Man, or Woman. Mortal or God.
Northern or Southern. To imply that a Merchant of the South,
knows better how to defend the walls of this Village then its
own men... would probably not be something that you speak so
loudly to other men. Especially if they do not like you." He
said simply. -
- I stayed quiet for the moment, "I am not offended. This is
just as it needs to be." he spoke simply. -
#Post#: 93--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Plot Thickens In The Vegvisir
DIR By: High Captain Song
Date: July 9, 2023, 2:09 pm
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Frode
I nod. "Not without cause. One fire may be an accident. Two
fires in two weeks, carefully set so as to cause the maximum
amount of damage with the minimum chance of occupied buildings
being hit as well? Too much chance for my liking." I shake my
head. "Additionally, Longbow found signs of Panthers after both
attacks. Three arrows of a panther make with purple fletching
were fired into a tree on the forest's age, with the same purple
fletching. No archer would leave their arrows behind if they
could be recovered.... unless they were leaving them there to
make a statement. Longbow thins they're trying to scare people
and mark their territory. But if they're raiding your village,
either they are getting bolder or plan to start killing and
raiding.... if that wasn't their intent with you."
I sigh before my eyes meet yours. "I had hoped this was just a
coincidence. And perhaps there are two bands with the same idea
at work. You haven't happened across any arrows with purple
feathers on your lands have you?"
Hrolf
- The Son of Torvalds would nod to this. "The docks being
damaged in the south, makes travel and goods coming north,
increasingly hard. So.. I will send some few men and
tradesmen... and we will add our collective construction." He
would smile and tilted his head. The man looked over you and
nodded. "Coincidence or not.. .I do believe there are problems
that I will need to push into the forests. So we shall do so.
You are welcome to join in on our endeavors if you so wish after
bringing this information to us." -
- He would smile to this, and brought his hand up to tug at his
beard. Turning and looking over his shoulder. "What other news
is there in the world my friend? Anything note worthy?" -
Frode
(To Karl) I nod to Hrolf's words. Had he threatened to kill the
blind merchant, I might have spoken on his behalf, though we
have just met, for my Mate spoke well of him and I can
understand how one deprived of sight might take extra measures
to enhance his sight, as it were. But you do not come into a
man's home and imply he cannot protect it. Especially right now.
You may offer aid, certainly, but only with respect.
Karl
Yes Hrolf i'll do as you say and i thank you for your
understanding '' Karl said with a smile though not looking in
his way he simply waved his cane up in the air in a motion and
called all the men back making sure no man was left behind and
made a motion to the docks so they would be ready to depart when
he was leaving to and from Veg '' Luckly i have my ships still
so importing goods to here shouldn't be an issue ''
Synneva
The business of Men was being discussed thus Synneva slipped
into her own thoughts, content to simply explore the landscape.
The rustle of the trees called to she, somewhere beyond them
there was a waterfall where she had spent many a moonlit nights
swimming laps in the cool depths of its pool. Synneva ached for
the water, it was a daily and a nightly ritual borne of a desire
to keep her muscles toned and soothe her thoughts. Now, those
thoughts are interrupted by the loud Caw!..of her arch nemesis;
the leader of the Ravens had returned to settle upon one of the
laundry lines, taunting she, cocking its head between her
distant form and the forlorn sheet cloak she had left atop the
basket of linens, it was mocking her and she would chase it
later, for now, she kept her Jarl in her peripherals, swaying
idly upon the balls of her feet; the pendulum sway of her hips
generates those delectable rivulets of sunshine to gleam upon
the silk encasing her supple curves while her gaze would
occasionally narrow upon the bird, studying him as he studies
her.
Frode
I return the smile. "I will gladly join you in the hunt for
these firebugs if you would welcome my company. It's been far
too long since I've hunted in the Northern forests for the wild
cats. It may be our problems have a single source, but even if
they do not they are problems that plague both our houses and
must be dealt with, as you say. As for other news of note, I can
tell you what I know. But perhaps we might head to your Great
Hall before I tell those tales? It is a better place for it than
standing out here in the open."
Hrolf
- The Son of Torvalds would hear the words of Frode. He would
smile. "Let us retire to the Great Hall. There we can drink." He
would smile, and turned to look over to his pet. -
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