Re: 10 Nuzyael 720

[Barak Daas]

"Come" says Barack to Borygg, Erdick and Jurri, "Let us go to the meadhall to drown our sorrows. Perhaps Algarad, Kugald and Thorin will find us there later."

Barak heads off to the meadhall, hopefully with the others in tow. Barak has just about enough silver left to buy them all a round of drinks.

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald and Algared look for someone with the means to buy his gold ring. When they find someone, Kugald asks, "I have need of some coin, would you be interested in buying this ring? How much would you give me?"

TTYL

- Kerry

[GM]

Barak, Borygg and Erdrick make their way to the meadhall to quench their thirst. It is late mid morning and the market has been opened for a little while by the time the warband are dismissed from the Jarl's service. The day is still cool with just a whisp of cloud in the sky with a slight breeze blowing in from the north west.

Kugald and Algared wander the market in search of traders. Most of the traders seem to selling produce - it would appear that word of the muster has spread and traders are vending their wares to make the most of the market.

Algared is able to find an armourer who is willing to purchase your plate halfhelm from you after haggling for some time for 40d.

Kugald is able to locate a trader that will offer you 120d in coin but has other items for trade. "What would take your fancy" the trader says. He has other items of jewellry, items of clothing or personal items for trade.

[Algared]

Algared makes the exchange, maybe something of his father has rubbed off on him, and he feels the Armourer clearly has the better deal. Algared thinks; Shame my father's skill at haggling didn't rub off on me.

As he takes the coin he sees the helm added others near by. Algared considers that since most armourers at the market seem to have a good supply of half-helms and the fact it is also second hand, something he heard time and time again from the armourers who usually also said it wasn't their work either, he realises that 40d is the most he's likely to acquire at least with the muster. that the sale remedies his lake of coin along with the knowledge it will give him at least a token of independance from his father softens his feelings that if he has more deals like this he'll end up a pauper.

[Barak Daas]

Whilst chatting with Jurri, Erdick and Borygg, Barak will keep an eye out for someone who seems knowledgable about the muster. He wants to find out when they are due to march and if people know where they are marching to. If he has the opportunity he'll ask Jabor the same questions.

If it get to be late afternoon or they finish their small ales, and neither Kugald or Algarad turn up at the mead hall, Barak will suggets that the group meet up again (after sunset in the meahall will be suggestion). Barak will look round the market for a jewelry seller who will make an offer on his broach. He wants 24d for it, but will probably settle for a little less.

Both in the meadhall, and whilst in the town and thranhold, Barak will look out for Hovik, or listen out to any news which might relate to him.

He then makes his way to the thranhall to see if he can find Thaldris. He knows Thaldris will be busy but he hopes that he'll make a small about of time for him (aquaintance 45%). If he does see Thaldris he'll ask him about the arrangements for the muster. If Thaldris isn't too busy and seems in a friendly mood, he'll ask about scout - he and his friends would make an excellent scouting party...

[GM]

You spend the rest of the afternoon trying to find out how the muster is being organised. You are able to catch up with Thaldirs during the afternoon.

As for making up a scouting party Thaldirs smiles and says "I doubt it!" he adds "Your friends are much to good to waste as scouts they will find plenty to do in the warband when we march"

You are able to find out that the current muster is broken down in the following manner.

Clan Daas numbers around 500 warriors all mustering under clan Daas but from many different families. They form the backbone of the muster and form the core fighting units of the Daas' army.
Clan Grebel numbers a little over a hundred warriors under Kelsi Grebel, they form the majority of the skirmishers and scouts of the muster.
Clans Trens, Batheson, Nildrom and Alden each numbers a little over a hundred warriors under their clan Valhakar they form one of the fighting units of the muster.
The rest of the muster is made up of smaller clans they are able to put together a warband number over a hundred warriors to aid in the muster.

All up the army has over 1200 warriors assembled.

During the afternoon you are able to secure the services of Borygg into the service of clan Daas. He shall be paid 1d per day and shall be provided food and lodgings. He shall like every other warrior be entitled to 2/3 of all booty he captures and as is the custom he forwards 1/3 on to his employer (as will you all).

Wandering the market the best offer you get on your brooch is 16d.

As it stands Kugald, Algared, Barak, Thorin, Erdrick and Jurri are all either part of clan Daas or employed by them. Borygg has just been offered employment as a warrior with clan Daas.

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald is able to locate a trader that will offer you 120d in coin but has other items for trade. "What would take your fancy" the trader says. He has other items of jewellry, items of clothing or personal items for trade.

"My good man, I know you have to make a profit, but that is highway robbery!", Kugald is enjoying the haggling and gets right into it.

"I am no jeweler, but I am a smith. I know metal and I know gold. This is the best there is! It is truly worth 750d. Now, I know this is a busy time. And, we are both busy men, so I won't waste your time. Let's make a deal. I will accept 360d for the ring...less than half its worth mind you...120d in coin and 240d in goods."

Kugald looks around at the assorted goods, pointing out several items, "That waxed brown buckram cloak with hood (OOC: 99d + 9d = 108d), the serge tunic and leggings (67d + 54d = 121d), pewter necklace (9oz worth 9d) with a bone pendant of a axe crossed with a hunting horn (1oz worth 1d), this piece of amber (12 carats worth 288d) and that ivory comb (worth 8d)."

"So, my friend, what do you say? I get the gear I need and a little coin in my pocket and you get a gold ring worth double what you paid for it."

Kugald leans in conspiratorially..."Remember, when we are successful, many will be looking to trade weapons, armor and thralls for small, easily portable wealth...I am sure a skilled merchant such as yourself will be able to trade it for at least 1000d in goods."

"What say you my friend?"

TTYL

- Kerry

[Barak Daas]

> The rest of the muster is made up of smaller clans <

Barak specifically asks his informant "Did clan Geherbt muster? I heard that they were a bit late."

[Ooc: > he forwards 1/3 on to his employer (as will you all). <

So specifically for Barak, who does he officially muster with? Jabor's family? I have been presuming that he, Algarad, and Kugald probably went through militia training together being roughly the same age and from the same time. ]

> During the afternoon you are able to secure the services of Borygg into the service of clan Daas. <

Good: Barak is looking forward to fighting alongside him.

> Wandering the market the best offer you get on your brooch is 16d. <

"It is a good offer, but I am afraid it isn't what I was looking for. I will just have to keep my broach for now. Though I may seek you out if I change my mind."

Barak makes sure that he gets back to the meadhall before sunset and reports to Jabor: "How can I help tonight?" he asks. Barak will work extra hard at serving the customers, keeping order and clearing up afterwards. If he gets the opportunity he'll sit with his companions for a pint of ale and discuss their future plans. He is looking forward to telling Borygg about the offer of employment.

[Borygg Raal]

During the afternoon you are able to secure the services of Borygg into the service of clan Daas. He shall be paid 1d per day and shall be provided food and lodgings. He shall like every other warrior be entitled to 2/3 of all booty he captures and as is the custom he forwards 1/3 on to his employer (as will you all).

OOC: I will wait for someone to tell me that this has been arranged. Did Kugald or Algared handle this? I am interested in who I will be reporting to, etc.

Also OOC: Given Borygg's shifty background, I am going to play it as if handing over the 1/3 has sometimes been a problem for him and that he has managed to hide away choice bits of loot to get out of paying that share (and is probably how he got his bracelet). Since he is now trying to reform himself and lead a more honorable life, it will be interesting to see how he deals with this temptation in the upcoming days.

[GM]

Barak specifically asks his informant "Did clan Geherbt muster? I heard that they were a bit late."

No they have not yet mustered

So specifically for Barak, who does he officially muster with? Jabor's family? I have been presuming that he, Algarad, and Kugald probably went through militia training together being roughly the same age and from the same time.

No, you are not a member of the Jabor's family. You would be fighting as a member of the Daas clan. There would be other Daas clan members like you who find themselves without immediate family and would attach themselves to their nearest kin. Perhaps in this case for you to keep things easy your nearest kin in Ygesdram might be Kugalds. Perhaps this is a reason why you fled to Ygesdram in the first place. You have family in the area should you need their support.

Barak makes sure that he gets back to the meadhall before sunset and reports to Jabor: "How can I help tonight?" he asks. Barak will work extra hard at serving the customers, keeping order and clearing up afterwards. If he gets the opportunity he'll sit with his companions for a pint of ale and discuss their future plans. He is looking forward to telling Borygg about the offer of employment.

The meadhall is extremely busy tonight. The warriors are thirsty this evening after their afternoons training. Jabor has you working in the back room mainly bringing ale upstairs from the cellar while the girls work the common room. You do get to spend some time working in the common room but most of your time is spent between the cellar and the bar.

[GM]

As Kugald and Algared wander throught the market place trying to get the best deals available they spy Hovik with approaching he is escorted by 4 men from clan Alden.

As Hovik nears it is apparent that he is carrying all his equipment and the four men with him are carrying enough equipment to see them safe for several days travel.

Though Hovik's face is beaten there is a dispondant look upon his face.

Hovik weaves a path through the crowd so that he can get near to Kugald and Algared and above the other sounds in the market place you can hear him say "The Daas is sending me back to Froyaheim, under escort"

[Barak Daas]

Assuming that Barak knows / arranged in some form, for Borygg to be taken in to Daas service, and Borygg is in the meadhall he'll let him know of the arrangements.

At the even of the evening, when things have quitened down, Barak will ask Jobar "Have you been to war? Can you tell me what it is like? Do you have any tips of things I need to do before I leave? The muster training, guard duty, and the raids I went on seem like a game now. I don't think I am well equiped, even my helm is a hand-me-down and dosn't fit cofortably. I think I am fighting alongside Kugald which will be good - I trained with him. I did ask about scouting duties, I don't think they have many good scouts, but apparently I am need in the shield wall. What will happend to Gelda if we loose?"

[GM]

Jabor invites Barak to take a seat and over a mead he informs the lad that he has not been to war like this either. "The Daas is a smart man and good leader, trust in him to lead us through this!" he says.

Jabor laughs and says "at least you have a helm to place on that nut of yours, there are many out there with less than that."

"Kelsi is in charge of the scouts and skirmishers, between him and that barbarian with him they know those mountains like the back of their hands" he pauses to take a mouthful of mead then continues "the Grebels will see us safe wherever it is we go"

Jabor wipes his face with his hand then says "Fear is a good thing to have but a horrible master. It will keep you on your toes but do not let it become your master and stop you from acting" he looks into your eyes and adds "I cannot speak for how you will act during this war, but let the Ljarl guide your thoughts and actions and should the Grey Slayer decide to take you, you will be welcome in his halls, there can be no greater acheivment for a warrior than that."

He takes a deep draught of his mead draining it's contents before standing and saying "Looks like closing time, hey! Lets get this rabble out and get some rest"

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald looks around at the assorted goods, pointing out several items, "That waxed brown buckram cloak with hood (OOC: 99d + 9d = 108d), the serge tunic and leggings (67d + 54d = 121d), pewter necklace (9oz worth 9d) with a bone pendant of a axe crossed with a hunting horn (1oz worth 1d), this piece of amber (12 carats worth 288d) and that ivory comb (worth 8d)."

Yep coins plus goods totals 655d still a good profit for this trader (or so he thinks) not to playing favourites but a gold ring worth 750d is going to be more valuable to a trader than a used halfhelm which the trader knowing about the muster has brought a good supply along with him.

Kugald hefts the sack of silver coins. He extends his hand and gives the trader a firm handshake. "Done!"

The weaponcrafter hefts the package of goods and walks away well satisfied, feeling they both got a fair deal.

"Come, Algared, it is time to find our friends and grab a mead, I am mighty thirsty."

Hovik weaves a path through the crowd so that he can get near to Kugald and Algared and above the other sounds in the market place you can hear him say "The Daas is sending me back to Froyaheim, under escort"

Kugald waves farewell to Hovik, "Best of luck, may the Elkyri watch over you."

With Algared by his side, Kugald heads to the meadhall. They get in a few rounds of mead. He finds a quiet corner and calls the men together. "I know that the last few days have been hard, tramping around the countryside with little to show for it and no sign of Reike. I want to let you know how much I appreciate your loyalty and trust in me."

He takes out his pouch of coin, heavy from this afternoon's trading.

"Algared, Barak, Borygg, Erdrick, Jurri, and Thorin, I want to make sure you each have enough for a few luxuries before we march." He counts out 12 silver pennies to each man (72d total). "This is from me to you. Use it as you like. I might suggest some extra rations, you never know how long we will be."

He hefts the pouch again, now considerably lighter. "Still enough for a few rounds."

"Jobar! A round of mead for all my friends!"

"Jurri, can you grace us with a song?"

Kugald is soon singing along...badly...and the mead and ale is flowing.

After Jobar calls last call, he invites all those without a place to stay, including Algared if he wishes, to come sleep at his family's clanhouse. "It will be warmer and drier than the tents in the muster lines. We will be sleeping rough soon enough."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

As the warband sit and drink Algared says for the benefit of Barak, Jurri, Thorin and Erdrick, 'Hovik has been sent back to Froyaheim, I don't think he'll be joining us again. He certainly made life interesting. I hope all goes well for him. I cannot say he endeared himself to me with his tongue, but I think he was trying to find his place. it seemed at times that he hung onto his thralldom like a cloak, like the one thing he knew and at others like he desired to be free of it altogether. Somehow I feel I failed him.'

Algared raises a his tankard, "May Sarajin guide and keep Hovik the best physcian I've ever travelled with."

The meadhall is crowded and Jabor is running a brisk trade, Barak is rarely seen though occassionally manages a little time whith his companions. Kugald counts out the 12d for each of the party suggesting the aquisition of food supplies to suppliment the provisions on the march. As the band consider the windfall Kugald has provided, Algared looks at each of his companions. "So we are all marching as marching as Daas I hope?" It is more a statment than a question that Algared makes as he adds the 12d to his pouch and securing it.

On another occassion as Barak is freed from his tasks, Algared says "Barak, it is good you are with us on this day. And while it is certainly not the celebration I had in mind for today I could ask for no better comapny than my cousins and friends with me." Algared laughs, "Though I feel I have figured out finally I was not my father's favoured son, I was born on a market day."

[Jurri Grebel]

Well, Jurri is impressed with Kugald's generosity. He'll gladly perform, being sure to speak and sing favorably of his new patron.

When the subject of Hovik comes up around the table, Jurri will remark that he's not so certain we've seen the last of the thrall.

"He is nothing if not a survivor. The shieldmaidens must be watching over him, for surely that is the only way to explain how he continues to draw breath after so many ill-timed remarks."

[Borygg Raal]

Thank you for your generosity, Kugald, I am short on ready coin at the moment. While I have done my share of raiding in the past, I have never been part of an organized battle such as the ones I see in our future. If your experience suggests that I take along extra food, I'll gladly do so and think of you when it keeps me from going hungry.

I must confess something to you, my companions. Although I am skilled in the use of shield and spear, I have never been part of a shield wall. All my fighting has been of a little more chaotic nature. "Get in, grab what you can, and get out quickly" was the motto of my last warband. I have done more fighting with my bow of late than my spear. I fear that while my armour [OOC: quilt tunic, leather vest, kurbul halfhelm] has been suited for that type of fighting, I may wish for something more if forced to stand in a shield wall. I have some trinkets I could sell that would allow me to buy a few things. Kugald, Algared, knowing what's ahead, do you think I should?

[Barak Daas]

"Algared, Barak, Borygg, Erdrick, Jurri, and Thorin, I want to make sure you each have enough for a few luxuries before we march." He counts out 12 silver pennies to each man (72d total). "This is from me to you. Use it as you like. I might suggest some extra rations, you never know how long we will be."

"Your generousity does you credit" Barak replies "But I can not accept such a rewared, I have done nothing to deserve it. It was Cunate I was working for." Jabor calls for him to broach another hogshead. Barak starts to rise "However, I am short of coin, so I will take it as a loan with my thanks", Barak scoops up the coins "I will repay you, even if it is only in venison."

"Barak, it is good you are with us on this day. And while it is certainly not the celebration I had in mind for today I could ask for no better comapny than my cousins and friends with me."

"It is good that we are all together. It will be just like all the training we did together. It is a pity that you will be fighting with your family, and I willl be fighting with Kugald. But I am sure we will see a lot of each other on the march. I tried to see if we could act as scouts, then we'd get a bit of adventure away from the army. But no, we're too valued in the shieldwall - even you. So worry not about using your left hand. I wonder how long it is before we march or where we march to - I am unable to find out. Listen to me, I am waffling on... this mead must be stronger than I expected. I must get back to work. No trouble now - I don't want to have to throw you out" he winks broadly.

[Kugald Daas]

Algared raises a his tankard, "May Sarajin guide and keep Hovik the best physcian I've ever travelled with."

Kugald raises his tankard, but says little. He wonders to himself what will become of the physician.

I have done more fighting with my bow of late than my spear. I fear that while my armour [OOC: quilt tunic, leather vest, kurbul halfhelm] has been suited for that type of fighting, I may wish for something more if forced to stand in a shield wall. I have some trinkets I could sell that would allow me to buy a few things. Kugald, Algared, knowing what's ahead, do you think I should?

"Well, you are as well or better armed than most. I have no great amount of experience, but I think that you should wait. After our first battle, there will be dead Ibanvaalese everywhere, and armor will be free and plentiful. At the very least, armor is dearly priced now, after a great victory, the market will be flooded and you will have a greater selection of sizes and much cheaper prices," he smiles and raises his tankard. "May we arm ourselves from the bodies of our foes!"

"Your generousity does you credit" Barak replies "But I can not accept such a rewared, I have done nothing to deserve it. It was Cunate I was working for." Jabor calls for him to broach another hogshead. Barak starts to rise "However, I am short of coin, so I will take it as a loan with my thanks", Barak scoops up the coins "I will repay you, even if it is only in venison."

Kugald smiles at his cousin's fierce independence. "As you wish. There may well be a time when venison is much welcome. For now, we drink!"

TTYL

- Kerry

[Kugald Daas]

That evening, after returning from the meadhall several friends in tow, Kugald seeks out his older brother Einar.

"Einar, I would like to ask for your advice. Over the last two days, I have traveled with several companions. They have become good friends and I would like to fight with them if I can, however I have some concerns. Perhaps you could advise me."

"Our cousin Algared is not popular with his father, Skorri. He would like to fight with us instead of his own family. Should he ask permission? Should I ask if he can fight for our family?"

"Our cousin Barak is estranged from his stepfather, what about him?"

"My friend Borygg has been hired as a mercenary to fight for the Daas, can you speak to Thaldirs and have him assigned to fight with us? While you are talking to Thaldirs, I have another favor to ask. My friend Thorin is a huscarl, will he fight with the other huscarls? He has been my strong right arm these last 10 days, I would dearly like to have him at my flank in the coming battle. And what about you brother? I would welcome you to join me and my friends fighting together?"

"That just leaves Erdrick and Jurri. Both are already employed by the clan, who decides where they fight? Can you bend Thaldirs' ear and have them placed with our family?"

"Eh, brother? You don't want your 'baby' brother going into battle all alone do you?" Kugald lets out one of his booming laughs, he is several inches taller than Einar and much stronger. "I am very delicate don'tcha know!"

TTYL

- Kerry

[Barak Daas]

Hovik has been sent back to Froyaheim, I don't think he'll be joining us again

"May Sarajin guide and keep Hovik the best physcian I've ever travelled with."

Barak, tries not to comment, but his tongue gets the better of him "I don't think that was wise. Hovik knows the plans of the attack, or so I am told. As a run away thrall he won't be well treated in Froyaheim. He'll need to buy his life, and warning them of the attack to come would serve him well. I doubt he thinks he owes us much. I wonder if Cunate thought this through. Perhaps someone had better warn him."

[Barak Daas]

[OoC: "Our cousin Barak is estranged from his stepfather, what about him?" If I understand our GM right, Barak fights alongside Kugald as his nearest living male adult blood relations]

[GM]

Kugalds family is related to Baraks via cousins etc.... [OOC] I have not done a family tree and have made a few assumptions to try to keep all the PC's together.

[GM]

The warbands spend the night in celebration of life and friendship.

Soon Jabor is ready to close up shop for the night. Those with accomodation return to their lodgings and prepare themselves for the upcoming events of the new day.

Einar informs Kugald to leave the matter with him and he will see what he can do to assist with Kugald's request.

The night is colder than normal but with full bellies, comfortable sleeping arrangements and a warm blanket the members of the warband do notice the cold.

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