Open - Duchy of Rutledge

Roland sighed as the old woman before him handed him yet another document to sign. It seemed acting as Duke was more than just showing up at court every now and again, as he had been assigned actual land he had to care for. Huddled in the western expansion of Astorea the realm designated as Roland's domain is one filled with the untamed forest and rural patronage. Due to the lack of humanoid interference in the past, the wildlife is as abundant and ferocious as ever causing the few player based explorations into the area to falter greatly.

Through some effort, however, much of the threat has been sidelined into the edges of the border allowing fledgling lumbering companies to begin to start work. The debts occurred by issuing such quests, however, have left the duchy in a near economic collapse before even entering into Rutledge's hands. In order to salvage the situation much of the previous estates and staff have been traded or sold to local merchants leaving a bare handful estates in Roland's possession. The first of which was the Duke's manor, which upon inspection turned out to be an ancient stone outpost which had been retro fitted into a large house manor complete with non functioning moat, and broken drawbridge. It seemed the small skeleton crew running the house were at their wits ends with the dilapidated structure, having barely enough time to patch holes with plywood before a new one appeared.

"Are you even paying attention?" The old hag said haughtily, snapping Roland out of his reverie.

"Yes, yes, the Gilbitar's Axemen or Hoiemin's Lumber. I am too choose of the two, which I wish to have a contract with. By allowing them access to our lands, as well as ostensibly protecting them the best we can they will pay us in much needed lumber and taxes on every successful harvest..." Roland said in an attempt to summarize what she had been droning on about moments previously.

The old drone clicked her tongue, "And... which company is based out of Stockbon?"

Roland winced, he must have been tuning her out better than he had thought, so he took a guess, "Gilbitar?"

"Wrong, the answer is neither, no company in their right mind would haul lumber from here ALL the way to Stockbon, honestly, what am I to do with a miscreant as a host? The manor is in ruins, absolute ruins. My families legacy will finally be snuffed out in its entirety." As if the punctuate the point, the old lady collapsed into her chair and began sobbing.

Roland couldn't help but recoil away in disgust. He hadn't exactly asked for this position, and was beginning to think Astor gave it out as a punishment. If it were true though, it was a mistake on Astor's part. Had the duchy been running smoothly Roland would have left it to it's own devices as he ran off to a more exciting adventure. Something about snatching a failing province out from extinction. Well that...somehow seemed exciting.

"You don't need to worry Edna. I have a plan." Roland said with a smile as he strode towards the door.

"My name is Agatha!" Edna screamed behind him, but Roland was already to far away to hear.

----------------------------


Roland pounded down the steps of the manor entering what Edna had described as the reception hall. In reality it was a large oval shaped room that functioned as the only entrance and exit into the outpost. The previous resident, had thrown down an ornate rug, and set up a large conference table facing the large double doors that led to the drawbridge. Roland had thought to get rid of it but it worked for his current purposes.

A week prior to coming here he had sent out a notice on some of the game's forums. It directed for those interested to meet him here, within the next few hours. Lazily, Roland took a seat in the plush chair facing the door, and propping his feet up on the table before him. "With any luck...." he thought, "I'll find some worthwhile help."

 

Aalam was out of a job, and that was something he did not like he had worked on a job every day of his life since he was seven. He had tried to look after the entire duchy after Seto had disappeared, but it wasn’t a job for one man. Even if he was a player, he was in no way that skilled. However he knew that the man’s lands would soon be passed to another player in the order of succession, it was how things worked in a kingdom. He had enjoyed being the ranger in the service of a duke however it gave him a bit of purpose. Suiting up for the last time in the south pulling on his amour and his cloak but leaving behind the old crest. He would be able to carry with him anymore and started to head out of the town; he did wish those that he passed the, best however. This was a good piece of land and he was going to miss it but he had completed his oath to Seto and it was time to find a new one. As he made his way out of the town the list of duke and duchess that he knew ran through his head. Seto had been in charge of the south but he was gone now and Lucia was in the north but that woman disturbed him in ways that he would never admit. So that just left east and west, however he had no idea who was in charge of those parts of the country.

He would was making his way back to Astorea there was a good chance that he would be able to find a good amount of work there. There was faction now and they had job boards he might get luck and find something that would keep him busy for at least a couple days. A notice then popped up on his UI however at that point it seemed that someone had sent out a world message. Well that was good timing, changing the direction he was traveling him to take him from Astorea to a Duke’s manor in the west. Making his way across a rundown moat to make it to once what was a castle, however it seemed the most of the crew was unused to seeing player. The watching him as he entered pass the gate, he ignored them mostly there was something that he needed to do. Well the workers gave him a wide berth, until he reached the door leading to what seemed to be a reception hall.

Pushing open the door and spying a man sitting behind a large table. “Someone sent out a message, I am here to answer.”

 

Regardless of where one went, the world of Terrasphere had an adventure waiting around every corner. After hearing news of a once in a lifetime quest, Alric could hardly pass up the chance to answer this call to arms. He had already participated in defending the country from an invasion but with few opportunities to make a name for himself during the war, actually meeting with this duke could serve as a better route for becoming a hero.

---

“This looks like the place.”

Reaching the manor was easy enough thanks to the information left behind in the world channel message. But that just meant the hard part would begin soon. With a sigh the man brought his hands up to clasp his face.

“Alright, I can do this… Whatever this is…”

Under his breath the words mumbled free as he pushed the front door open. Though he wasn't quite expected for there to be people already waiting on the other side. God, was he late or something?! No, he just had to stay calm. What was the worst that could happen? Probably exile, but he wasn't foolish enough to do anything warranting that kind of ruling.

“Hello?” He asked inquisitively as his gaze shifted between @Roland Rutledge and @Aalam Abungu. “There was a post in the world channel about a meeting here set for around this time. Is that still happening?”

 

It had not taken Kanashimi much time before she realized that she indeed needed necessary funds and help to reach her goal of becoming stronger. It had not taken her long before she had realized that she was weak and helpless when it came to the ideas of fortune and skill. The knowledge that she could just as easily kill monsters, end on end left no further satisfaction to herself. The very message that had been listed publicly hours prior to her journey to a land she had not been to yet, had caused her to think over millions of different things. One of the realizations that had hit the masochist seemed to be the fact that she needed people... It was a fact that Kana was unable to get around. Animals were just not satisfying enough. Humans brought about much more entertainment to what Kana sought after. Along with the fact that if she were to create stable relationships, she would become trusted. With such a necessary relationship for her ultimate goals, Kana was left with no other choice.

The very meeting that would occur, seemed only necessary in her eyes. The resting bitch face that left Kana relaxed seemed to produce an aura of displeasure in the compartment she sat in. The sound of hooves clicking on the dirt path as the wheels of the carriage bumped on each rock that protruded through the pathway to Astorea. The very dirt that it rolled over being lifted to the ground in clouds of dust. That was how Kanashimi had figured out how to get to the new city. She had manged to convince the very merchant she rode with to gain her faster passage to Astorea. She had even managed to get him to agree to take her to the very manor she needed to go to.

As Kana sat in the wooden floor of the carriage, her slanted ice blue eyes took everything in. Her thoughts continued to portray a reason to her decision. The very person she was aiming to meet was a nobleman.. A duke of stature. Even if he turned out to be an asshole, all he would owe her is her time. Something that she would have to give up for a chance to become stronger and richer. The very greed that set Kana on this most recent quest of hers was what had moved her the most.

For now, Kana would have to put her psychotic nature at rest as she pretended to actually want to be of help. A feat that would prove most difficult to her. However, putting aside her sadist tendencies would prove difficult if he was indeed an ass.

~~~~

The sound of the clicking hooves came to a stop as the carriage stopped at her destination. The frost colored nails sliding downwards, pushing herself up. Kana exited the the carriage through the back before looking at the building in front of her. There was a broken drawbridge set atop a non functioning moat. The door that appeared after the drawbridge seemed to be falling off its hinges as Kana took a deep breath. Her nature being suffocated as a smile appeared on her face. Her slanted eyes opening wider as a cheerful expression took its place upon her face. With the facade that Kana put into place in that moment, she knew no one would be able to tell she was any different than the happy woman she seemed to appear as. Her footsteps thudded on the drawbridge as she continued forward. Her eyes glowing as they took everything in. Upon entering the stone estate the sight that she took in almost caused her to drop her facade.

The sight to behold was of a seemingly stouchy clean-shaven man sitting at the head of the table. His feet drawn up and crossed over upon the tabletop that separated Kana from the man. The very way that his aura echoed through the room made Kana know without a doubt that he was the Duke. His athletically slim build, setting Kana on the inside to fantasize what she would do to him. The ideas of -------

His hair was tied by a white scarf of sorts. Only a few strands of hair overlapped the white band, one being drawn in between his eyes, adding a rather handsome aspect to him.

The other two men were nothing short of addiction. One taking on a rough appearance. One of the only thoughts Kana had on the man being of whether or not his personality matched his appearance. ----

The final man that was in the same room as Kana was very slim fitting. He appeared more optimistic and gentle than the other two did. He in himself appeared as if he would be fun to play around with as well..--

Yet out of the three in the room, the one that had caught her attention the most was in fact the man with his feet propped up on the table. The very way his body was positioned spoke that he was of stature, yet it seemed like it did not excite him to an extent. The way he appeared to Kana made her think he was like her.. Greedy.. Like he was selfish in himself. After all, one had to be a bit selfish in Kana's eyes to seek audience for people to join their own Duchy. Whatever the tasks that Kana would be faced with, she knew it would lead her ultimately to where she wanted to be.. And if she were to ever have doubts she would simply quit. Having entered the building to catch just the last bit of the more gentle of the three boys' question, Kana assumed that the rougher man had already spoken up. Leaving Kanashimi as the one person who had yet to say anything. Her smile that remained on her face, leaving no evidence that she had even thought of anything she had thought about brought the same aura into the air as the other two boys that were obviously not the Duke. Choosing to instead not speak, but listen, Kana waited for the Duke to speak.

 

Roland leaned back with a smile as the three entered one by one. He let them come and speak in turn, not moving to interrupt or respond to neither Aalam nor Alric but giving them his full and unbridled attention as they talked. The third did not share a tidbit of why they were here, nor who they were, but Roland at least nodded in her direction as if validating her presence here.

A moment passed before Roland pulled his feet from their resting place and stood up before them. "It seems you've gotten my message." He said with an affable smile, "To be honest. I had left it so vague I was curious if I'd have any takers." As he spoke Roland rounded the table, casually walking towards the others before leaning back in a relaxed pose, "It's interesting to see what kind of a pull my title has, as you may have suspected I am Duke Roland Rutledge. I'm sure most of you are curious as to why I called you here, and trust me I will get to that in due time, but for the next t...ask.. to make sense it's important to understand where I, and ultimately you stand."

Roland paused as an older lady in a maid's outfit appeared pushing a tray into the room. On the plate stood a glass carafe, filled with a less than mysterious dark red liquid. In addition to the pitcher, there were a variety of glasses, some large and ornate, while others were smaller and made of copper. Roland wasted no time, swiftly moving to snatch one of the larger more ornate glasses for himself, before filling it with the liquid and greedily gobbling down its contents.

After draining his glass he motioned towards the others, "Feel free, my critics claim I'm a lush, but I've found the alchemy in this game rather fun to play with. In fact, this concoction is of my design, but I digress. As I'm sure, each of you noticed on your way here my estate is in disrepair. This is indirectly no fault but my own, it seems the hesitation of my appointment here caused a lot of contracts to run out, leading to large penalties, or so I'm told. Repeatedly"

Roland sigh and moved to refill his glass from the carafe, "That said I'm not entirely convinced this region was worth a lot before its recent finical downfalls. What I am convinced of, however, is it's potential."

Roland took a moment to consider another sip of the spiced wine; it had a strong earthy aroma, it was a shame he had decided not to ferment it long enough to create any alcohol content, in its current state it was little more than fruit juice.

"You see while others might call this place untamed wilderness, I call it a treasure trove filled with strategic resources all but ready for consumption. This, as I promised earlier, is where you fit in. I need help to establish this fledgling territory before its collapses, to do this I need to attack a variety of issues somewhat simultaneously. The tasks will be various, and different, but the prize will be the same. Beyond a normal quest reward, I'll offer you each piece of land and possible titles within the Astoreian political sphere. If land or political titles are not something you're interested in, you could always sell them; I will be more than happy to sign off on any buyer you find."

Roland paused letting his words hang in the air for a moment, before lithely jumping backwards to sit on top of his table, facing the trio with his previous amenable smile, "I actually have something pressing that needs to be handled, if your interested, but I'd like to hear what you think before anyone leaves." Casually Roland leaned back, peering at them with a piercing glance, apparently trying to read their body language as much as hear what they had to say. If they didn't decide to up and leave that is.

@Alric Stalwart @Aalam Abungu @Kanashimi

 

Aalam leaned up against a wall as he looked around the room at everyone else how had come to answer the call. He was the first to arrive, but that did surprise him he had spent enough time in the woods to make it through any areas with a decent amount of easy. He was still on the wall when the other walked in grabbing his flask off his hip and popping off the cover as the beautiful smell of spiced rum mixed with ale. It was a decent combination for a buzz, but it did work for anything else. Taking a sip from his flask feeling that familiar burning sensation run down his throat. Taking stock of the room around him it the stonework was well done, the place was built for war and not comfortable, but he could see that there had been some attempts to make it livable for a duke. They were failing terribly it character would never be like that; this was built to be a fort and a fort it would remain until it was torn down. However, he had time to kill until the duke gave his answer. Taking a second swig from his bottle as he waited for anyone else to show up, turning on investigation mode for the kick of it. It seemed that he didn’t have to wait too long.

For only a few minutes after he arrived the door was pushed open again, he watched the lad enter. A lad was the proper term to use for the boy he didn’t have much of a stride in his walk it was more timid steps if anything. He slightly reminds Aalan of a mouse as he looked back and forth between himself and the duke. Well, that boy was either entirely new or well that was the only thing that he could think of. No one that had severed in the war on those walls would still have the much nervousness in them especially if they were on the south wall.
The second one to enter was a different breed that much as apparent from how she walked, she strode with a purpose and a clear intent. Judging from the only horse sounds that he had heard from anywhere in the general area of the manner she had come by horse and not rode it here. Not in that outfit. It was like looking at a spectrum she was a predator, that expression that graced her face briefly was one of hunger and little else. The fact that it seemed to want to take a bite out of every person in the room was interesting added to the point she didn’t say a word when she entered.

He would have been content just to drink and wait, but it seemed that the duke chose that time to break the silence. Turning his attention to the duke as he spoke, well if the man stood up the least he could to listen. He had to raise an eyebrow at the offer the name was willing to give them land and a title if they were willing to help him with the cultivation of his properties. The duke was right. However, he had made his way to the manor through the wilderness there was a lot out there that would be turned into funds. Even if it were just the timer alone, the size of those trees would bring a reasonable amount to the land. Well, it was a job and not one of the most difficult, but it would be one of the more time-consuming. Making his way over to the table but ignoring the collection of drinks that was laid out. It might have been a bit rude, but there was no way in hell that he was going to drink anything from an alchemist. He would stick to making his mixtures. “I will work for you, the job and the people seem interesting enough. I don’t need a title though just the land, and the money is good.” Taking a sip from his flask as he stood to the side looking at the others it was their game now.

 

From each subtle movement to each sound that was made in the room, iced eyes and attentive ears took everything in without a single motion to show for what the female player was doing. One thing that Kanashimi had not noticed was the bottle that hung from the rough player's hand. The opening to its contents making its way to the man's mouth every so often. The other seemed to be the Duke, leaning back with each motion that the three guests made in his presence. The only movements that the Duke had seemed to make towards either three of the guests seemed to be a simple nod in Kana's direction. Knowing all too well that his attention was most likely on all of the players that had found their way to his manor, she shifted very lightly.. The movement so subtle, yet holding enough motivation as if to acknowledge the nod that Roland had offered to her in greeting. The soft movement had been a greeting of sorts, her eyes had shifted at the same time her hand moved from the side of her body to the front. They seemed rather natural if one were unable to understand the art of subtle gestures.

The amiable smile that laced across the facial expression of the man who had thus been sitting with his legs crossed on the table welcomed the three of them in. Followed shortly by movements signifying he was at least satisfied in the somewhat appeasing array that had gathered. The words that escaped from the Duke's own mouth was blatantly stated words, admitting to his own curiosity. Upon hearing the simple feat that he had spoken, the interest level only seemed to rise in the opinion of Kana. The mere mention of the man's title was in fact quite lulling, yet what Roland seemed to assume was actually quite contrary to why Kana was assembled in the manor of his.

As the rather old hag entered the room, Kanashimi watched. The only movement being in her eyes flickering to the maid as she brought a tray of a dark crimson liquid.. The very dark shade making Kana think of dried of blood. The sight of Roland hastily sipping some of the contents of his own drink, filled in a rather ornate goblet proved Kana's thoughts of how he was like her... Greedy.

Since the moment she had paused to stand at the edge of the table, Kana moved for the first time. The very faint sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoed through the rundown room as her body made its way to the tray brought out by the maid. The milky white hands of the lady reached forward, the fingers latching around a goblet. In comparison to the goblets left on the tray it would seem as the most ornate of them all, yet when compared to the goblet Roland had taken, his seemed slightly more fashionable. Holding the cup out, Kana waited for the old hag to fill her cup with the dark red liquid. Rather than out of pure curiosity, Kana was acting out of interest and greediness. Without much hesitation her cup was filled and brought to her lips once she turned towards the rest of those assembled. Her tongue swirled the liquid around in her mouth. The only thing that seemed to be missing, as her taste buds screamed out was the fermentation that would incur the pure alcoholic twist to any drink. Other than that, it tasted rather earthy, much like the juice that she would drink while she was younger.. The same spiced juice she had to drink, being forced to go to church and partake in the communion that was held once a month.

Removing the cup from her lips, Kana took a small step away from the tray. Her ears taking in each word that Roland produced from his mouth. The promise that the land had potential was true enough it itself, Kana had been able to see it from the steps to the drawbridge. Throughout all that Roland spoke of, Kana resumed to take sips from her cup. The contents of the juice swirling in her cup and mouth.

As soon as Roland made his offer, the rough looking man that Kana had yet to hear from spoke up. His own hand pressed his flask to his lips, speaking of the potential money earn that he would occur from proceeding to do the tasks that Roland offered to him.

Sipping from her glass again, Kana brought the cup away from her lips. Now her own voice finding surface for the first time during the whole ordeal. "Let us discuss of these pressing matters and tasks." The alluring voice escaped through the iced lips that Kana claimed as her own, her head nodding slightly towards Roland, much like the gesture he had first given to her. As if to seal off that she was willing to help Roland, without so much as a word as to whether she was in it for the land, titles, money, or some other unknown reason, Kana brought the ornate cup to her lips, taking another long and blissful sip of the lacking juice.

 

Alric listened intently as Duke Rutledge introduced himself to the group and went into explaining why they were gathered here in the first place. Unsurprisingly his words were enough to seal the deal for the young player, but what of the other two? The man was the first to speak up again followed by the woman who arrived shortly after them both, each confirming their own willingness to help. At some point Alric had drifted closer to prepare a small glass on the tray and take periodic sips until it was his turn to speak. He had never been best with public speaking so when all eyes were on him the man’s own unconsciously drifted to the floor in an attempt to stave off the uncomfortable feeling.

“If I can be honest with you Duke Rutledge, I'd like to become a hero one day. By following you maybe that can actually happen; that's what my gut is saying anyway. So, count me in.”

Still, he was curious what the nature was of this pressing matter the noble mentioned earlier. For someone with such a calm way of carrying himself, could it really gave been as bad as he made it seem? Eh… His relaxed attitude might have been what lead to the problem. Alric wouldn't assume anything until he had more information though. He'd simply move back to his spot by the door and let his eyes fall back to Duke Rutledge.

 

Nobility - despite being inclined to monster hunting or piracy - still interested Comet who remembered the visit to Dormont's castle and all of its glory. She felt as if joining in on the business that worked behind closed doors would be beneficial in many ways. Hopefully, Roland's offer would stand as well as be what she expected. To have power in her hands seemed more than ideal at the moment. People-pleasing, submissive, insecure Comet: these restrictions brought upon by unrealistic expectations by others around her could be shattered. Or at the very least knocked over from the pyre that controlled who she was. It meant another opportunity to be someone in Terrasphere rather than a meager Archer who aided in war but hardly dealt damage. As Violet Palfrey there were no possibilities aside from those pushed into her trembling hands by selfish parents. In-game a title could be utilized in any way, shape, or form she desired. The feeling squeezed at her heart filled with need thus she attended Roland's meeting to hear what he had to say.

Often observant she abandoned this trait to focus on the words the tightened the air around her. Comet felt unsure about the situation proposed seeing as wildlife held a multitude a value deep within her adventurous soul and consistently brain seeking knowledge of the world around her. Though through thought the pink-haired woman decided that after the war and devastation caused to the poorer villages of Astorea and knowing what precious items its natural, unexplored depths could hold; the option to establish permanent structures among Astorea and its beauty, with the possibility of natural exhibitions being apart of the whole bunch, caused her to remain in the room rather than turn on her heel to leave at the sound of ruining the wild. She did need to take chances to be known every once in a while, anyways. Who else would know of her loyalty other than the few players who cared to acknowledge it? Thinking of too many questions without answers muddled Comet's mind and since a break from such mental torture wouldn't ever work she took a deep breath to remove any tension. Tension caused by herself for herself in moments not meant for the action whatsoever.

Fortunately, she wasn't alone. Those who entered the room kept previous intentions by their side. "I'm interested." she breathed through pink, pursed lips in hopes that Roland would soon get to the point of the meeting. Whatever had to be done would be done. Within reason of course. With time to spare emerald eyes caught the players now by her side. Or perhaps against it if push came to shove. And, in that moment, the pink-haired woman wished she knew what they had in mind for future plans other than what their replies gave away.

OOC: just gonna hop in like Comet was always there

 

Roland smiled as he moved to his carafe filling his glass once more. Slowly filling it, and drinking at a much more leisurely pace than before. "Damn it..." he thought to himself as he eyed the others over the rim of the glass, "I had hoped they give me more of a response there, I need time to think..." He had intended his speech and glass demonstration as a test of sorts; he wanted to know who he was working with and what he could expect from them. Thier actions were rather telling, with the blue-lipped girl taking the most expensive glass, and the younger man the least. Roland concluded this would represent their feelings of self-worth while, choosing not to drink likely represented a more cautious behavior. Slowly but surely Roland drained the glass of its contents, the lack of replies where what he hadn't expected. Three out of four of them barely said more than a few words, and the fourth told him little more than he already had suspected. Roland leaned back his head finished his drink before setting it down an empty glass on the table and turning back to the four of them, a plan fresh in his mind. "Very well, lets us begin."

Roland gave a curt gesture to the old maid from before, who in response brought a small stack of papers from a nearby room. Delicately she placed them on the table in short stacks before them. As she did so Roland made his way around the table, grabbing specific pages, and pushing the other piles messily out of the way. On the forefront of these pages was an impression of a familiar four-leafed clover, "I'm sure you've all seen the clover before, its quite popular in our world as a symbol of luck. Here within Terra Sphere, however, it serves a different function. You see when applied to different alchemic reagents it easily turns into a luck potion, and unlike the snake oil we find in our world, it works. As such its quite a commodity, luck potions that is, as everyone from a gambling tavern dweller, to the highest nobles of Falderen, use them on a continuous basis. Of course, within anything popular in this world, it has been ravenously scavenged from the face of this world. This has led to a severe shortage of the plant, that is to say in places where it can be easily harvested, in places like the forested region of this territory? It's still flourishing." Roland paused tapping on the impression of the plant, "This is the key to our financial revival. The lumbering companies will support us as well, but the costs to haul the lumber where it needs to go is mind-boggling. But I digress. I plan to capture and secure harvesting areas in the forest as well as set up supply lines for future trading. This is being hampered by several issues."

Roland paused taking a deep breath, "The first issue is that the western border has seen attacks by unknown raiders lately. There are some reports that state these raiders are... nonhuman, I need a team of two to scout the enemies position and report back."

"The second issue is that there is a caravan coming from our western allies that will make their way through our territory. The "Allies" are new, and we need to make a good impression upon them, at least one of you will need to join the caravan and ensure it's protection. You can find the details here. Just make sure when you arrive to tell the company that you are working for Duke Rutledge" Roland said pointing a letter on the table.

"The last issue is finding, and marking the clover patches on a map. This may seem boring but is vitally important in our future planning. Once we know the amount and locations we can start accepting alchemist orders while I try to work on some hydroponics to help increase our production."

Roland nodded as he stood up straight, "There are other issues that need to be handled but none are as urgent as these. You can feel free to volunteer to fix any one of these issues, but I expect everyone to help with at least one. I will fill the gaps as needed. Like I said though... these are time pressing issues, so let's not waste time."


((OOC: If you are interested in Pan's DM challenge, post in that LFG right away, Roland will ICLY agree to send you there. The other options are not DM'ed [though if I join I will be using the spice the thread option]))

@Kanashimi @Comet @Alric Stalwart @Aalam Abungu

 

Aalam watched the duke as he dealt with the group it seemed that the man liked his drink a great much, but that was nothing against him as a person. He had taken to the bottle a great many times in his life and even more times on Terra. However, it was the fact that he was drinking when he should have been talking that was had Aalam interested it seemed that the group that had gathered was a bit different than the one he was expecting to come. That would be correct no matter how he looked it, Aalam had been quiet for most of the interview. The other had said as much as a sentence; hell the pale one hadn’t said anything at all. He wasn’t too sure that she had moved at all once she had arrived, even when he had offered a reward there wasn’t too much discussion. The only one that had piped up was the young lad, and it was to say something about he wanted to be a hero. The boy was young, so he had excused that comment; there were only a few people that he knew were real heroes, and that road was hard fought and painful. He was still too soft on this place, but that could be trained out of a person. He would give the lad time he might be able to realize his dream or he would die.

However, it seemed that there was some activity was happening and that meant he had to pay attention to what was going on in front of him. He watched an elderly lad bring a stack of papers to the table and drop them in front of the duke. She didn’t bow to him it seemed that the duke wasn’t the most favorite person in the room. So that statement of him being recently appointed to the area was correct, those that worked in the manor had yet not come to think of him as their lord. However, this luck potion that he was talking about it seemed like something that would be impossible, but then he remembered the wall, and they had killed on the wall. If he were speaking the truth, then the land of the duchy would go up a vast amount enough that he would easily be able to get the land in shape. However, that was a plan that would require a reasonable amount of time and effort one that an ordinary man wouldn’t be able to do. Well, now it was clear to him why he sends out that request for the player instead of hiring standard NPCs. There were skills that had, and things that we were able to do that would make that process go much faster. However, no matter how much he would like to tame the wilder areas of the land there was something else that drew his attention. Taking the papers that detailed the caravan mission, reading through the documents had come together. It seemed that this was a protection mission for a company that would be delivering some good to the west. Opening his shirt and putting the document into his inner pocket, removing it from the table. “I will take part in this mission.”

Stepping back from the table once he said what he need do but waiting to leave he wanted to see what the others were going to choose

 

The symbolism of luck immediately captivated Comet who dabbled in pouring time dedicated to raising her Luck within the game. It meant a lot to her to have support to fall back on when the going got tough. She could more than understand why anyone could benefit from the clovers, and why so many would be willing to take the time and money to turn them into profitable efforts. The offers were tempting enough for Comet to want to reach out and grab them but she knew her time needed to be spent well. Of course half-promises of stepping stones towards true Nobility were thrown out there and she wanted those opportunities to be utilized greatly. Only, with all the adventuring and dedication to exploration and future plans set up there weren't many slots of time to be pried open simply with the seemingly powerful hands of Roland.

"I can do all and any of those things. I'd like to say everyone I've met enjoys my company and that I specialize in cartography. So mainly I'm interested in maps, but I'm no stranger to scouting or tracking either. I've touched many known parts of the world so far, I believe, and spend a lot of time exploring the land. Just tell me what you want and I'll decide on how to go about it," she paused before letting her mind speak more freely. "By establishing territory do you mean you'll eventually start building on land if your plans are well-received? Preserving natural habitat is important to me. I wouldn't want to feel, one day in the future, like I contributed in some way to ruining the forests or by limiting places to hunt, etcetera. Kickstarting trading and harvesting materials for that reason is fine. But completely deriving the wilderness from Astorea would be against my morals."

 

The five simple words that Roland the Duke had voiced aloud to the group had Kanashimi acquire a feeling of ecstasy. The sound of his cup clicking against the table sending a chill down her spine, her ears listening as she continued to observe the unique behaviors centered around each individual person in their group of nomads. The blunt nature of the cleaner cut brought out his own cuter.. naive nature that was unable to be seen in the other two. Her liking to him seemed to lessen yet grow at the same time.. In two different manners of speaking. He wanted to be a hero one day. The goal of almost every single individual that Kanashimi had met. The very mention of the four leafed clovers caused a scowl to form in Kana's mind. Luck.. Something she was unsure if she had or not.. Time would tell. Yet the small clovers offered next to no closure to Kana's reason for being in the presence of the group as a whole.

There were three missions that Roland was handing out.. With the caravan mission taken up, Kana had but two choices left.. One of which seemed to fare better in the hands of the other woman in their group.. Her own voice speaking up to confirm that she indeed had cartography as one of her sub skills. That would leave the scouting mission.. Her partner, if he agreed to do the mission that Kana had no interest in would be the naive and talkative boy. This would definitely not go over very well... Glancing down at the table, her eyes lifted up, knowing her task would be difficult if she were to be paired up with him. Kana herself, would have preferred a quieter individual, yet she knew that with where she was at in this world that she had no right to be picky about who she had to be partnered with at any moment in time. As long as it does not take too long.. Glancing over at all of them, Kana spoke.. Her chilly and clear voice entering the room again.. A few minutes after the voice of the lady (Comet) had spoken up, "I will do scouting--" She finished speaking, her lips closing after she finished.. Deciding against speaking that it was not the things that she would do.. Her eyes glanced back and forth between the three. "It does not matter who takes it up with me.." Taking a small pause in her sentence to point at Roland, her frosted fingernails wrapping downwards, save for her pointer finger. "I would request you to join me.. Along with whoever else wants to." Her hand dropped back to her side as her voice disappeared from the air. Her movements back to becoming much like that of a statue. Silent and still.

 

Were clovers really that valuable in this world? Huh. This was the first time he heard such a thing, but then again it wasn't like he was actively looking for this kind of information before. To think this land was one if the few places where they could still be found. It made him wonder why no one had thought to harvest them before. Perhaps luck was on their side, even without using the potions themselves.

But it seems he was going to be the odd man out this time around. The other three hadn't hesitated in picking their jobs. Not that he really had either. In truth Alric was fine with doing any of the missions, so claiming whatever was left would be better than stepping on someone else's toes. They were all important after all.

The other man who had come took the papers that Duke Rutledge had set down on the table, effectively securing that job for himself in the process. Between the two other options, the pink-haired woman was clearly better suited for mapping out clover patches than he would be. That meant only one path was there for the man: A scouting mission near the border.

“I don't mind going scouting too.”

He said with a shrug. The task sounded simple enough and it'd give him the chance to at least get to know @Kanashimi better. If they were going to be working together under the duke in the future it would be better if he understood the woman who remained to be a bit of a mystery even now.

 

Roland let out a long breath as his speech concluded, it was a lot to say, but even more to digest, he just hoped he had managed to bring in the right people for the job. Even though only time would tell, Roland happily nodded as @Aalam Abungu was the first to move, snatching the document from the table and stuffing it down his shirt. With a smile, Roland called out to him, "Make sure to impress upon the caravan leader that you have been sent to me. Whatever goodwill you make will be the start of a bridge to bigger and better things." He then waved his hand, "You should make your way immediately, that document didn't give an exact time frame, but it seems that the caravan will leave sooner than later. Oh, and I'll obviously want to know what you encounter, so make sure to come back and tell me the details."

It was the red-haired girl who spoke up. Next, her comments were drawing a smile on Roland's face, "Being honest," he started, "I haven't thought that far forward. Currently, my sights are simply to make the territory financial viable. I don't have any further ambitions beyond this. That said, with such a large amount of untamed land, I doubt I could domesticate it even if I had the will or resources to do so. For now, we will have to settle on merely making the wilderness a bit safer." Roland turned back to his documents, fishing for what appeared to be a rudimentary map, "Here, you can use this if you'd like. I'll head out with you to a patch I know the location of to show you exactly what I expect."

Everything was going better than Roland had hoped, with two of the three missions already having a name behind them. It was the last. However, that would be an issue. The pale girl insisted Roland's presence on the scouting mission in such a way it gave Roland pause, instinctively causing him to raise an amused eyebrow as he eyed her up and down once before. Before Roland replied, however, Alric spoke up agreeing to join the three of them. This would typically not be a problem if not for the fact that it would leave the red-haired girl on her own with the scavenging. Roland frowned tapping his chin, "Well, we have a bit of an issue, the forest is too dangerous to go alone, not to mention an extra set of eyes would be helpful to catch any hidden clover patches."

Roland paused for a moment considering his options before breathing out slowly. He was the leader, after all, he'd have to lead even if that meant changing his directions. "Change of plans, you-" he said pointing towards @Alric Stalwart, "There will be other scouting missions in the future, for now, I need you to join miss red hair and find those clovers, and I will move with... uhm," he paused nodding towards @Kanashimi . "She, and I will handle the scouting mission with a friend of mine. That means all of us minus our ranger friend (Aalam) will follow me to the first clover patch, and we will proceed to the scouting mission afterward." Roland grimaced before adding, "-And before we go, it'd be nice if I knew everyone's name... It'd going to make things a lot easier in the future."


((OOC: Feel free to make one more post in this thread regarding introducing yourself if you'd like. Otherwise, I will assume we all exchanged each other's names. I will make the clover thread here soon and ask that everyone but Aalam make an appearance, but we will head to a second thread after the fact regarding the scouting mission.))