Legendary Exploits of Three Not Viking Brothers

[No damage after damage reduction]

Ah, you are too quick to lump me in with my brothers. I'm not a creature of bloodshed, nor a slave to faith. Tell me, how did you come to speak this language?

[Gwain takes the consider action, which will give him +2B on his text influence. He also uses a destiny point to improve the woman's disposition by one stage.]

[She seems to hate you a little less, like a shank you in your sleep hate instead of clawing out your eyeballs and shove them down your throat hate]

"Like I'll tell you! You have to offer me something that's not your fucking giz if you want me to tell you anything!"

[11 on manipulate. unless you have will 4 she likely succeeds. She manipulates you to use bargain your next turn]

[7k5 on Bargain gives 16, oh the shitty rolls]

"If you would rather stay away from me, that is fine by me, but doing so means you'll be looked after by the other men, and there's nothing I can do to guarantee your safety. Unfortunately, it's either me or them."

Her eyes narrow on you with a sort of predatory hunger to them "What kind of a deal is that?! All you've done so far is try to get me to take my shirt off! Of course, I don't want to talk to you! Your fucking master wants me alive for that stupid map so if you want me to cooperate you better offer something good dog! Better yet, Pooch!"

[manipulate again. 7 this time so if your will is 3 you're fine.]

"You place a lot of faith on the man who destroyed your city to keep you alive once he has what he wants, but if you'd rather take your chances with him, then by all means, do so." Gwain begins to turn away, letting the impending doom of the woman's circumstances do the talking.

[Intimidate 5k5 gives 16]

The women's face turns from anger to dread and she stops struggling against the men. Her head hangs down with her hair a mess and reaching down far enough to her waist before speaking in a defeated tone "What is it you want pooch or did you just want to rub you victory in?"

Gwain turns around at the sound of the woman's voice with, his face bearing a hint of a triumphant smile. "My eldest brother would have you beaten until you lead us to the next city, and my other brother would have you burned with the other heretics. I can see you've no interest in my company, but you listen here. It pains my heart to see a woman like you mistreated by these grunts. Leewan will not let you leave this army until you cooperate, though with whom you cooperate, he could care less. Now that you've calmed, I will personally see to it that you are not mistreated further. When you are ready to speak, send for me."

She doesn't say anything. She continues to hang limp in the arms of the two guards in a defeated manner

Now that Robillard and Leewan are away from the rest of the soldiers, he tells him of the curse he suffered in the Crusades. He also explains what happened as they sacked the city, and how he has now learned more of the dark dangers facing him.

[you should probably actually say that considering nobody knows how you got it or what those dark dangers you have extrapolated from what has happened]

Leewan is satisfied with Gwain's persuasions and leaves them to their business. Before he steps aside with Robillard he passes orders to his sergeant that Gwain's men (but not Gwain himself) pay for their leader's transgressions and that for this show of disrespect they'll be without food for five days.

In hushed tones Leewan inquires further into Robillard's condition.

"Continuing under the belief that what you say is true. Do you keep the mind of man or beast during your transformation? How long until your next change?"

"That's just the thing, brother. I don't know! I knew that I had been cursed in the Crusade, but I had no idea of the details. Now I have been confronted by my curse. I will pray to Themis for deliverance but I fear we must find a priest. They will know more of these matters than I."

Leewan scratches at his beard and stares dramatically into the distance, unaware of what a trope he is living. Finally he looks back into Robillard's eyes and rests a hand softly on his brother's armored shoulder.

"Your curse is a dire thing but this man you describe is twice as fearsome. Why you? Why here? What did you do in your crusade that twisted magicians have stalked the Griswald forces across water and land!?"

"I simply served my god and brought glory to my family! As I told you when we met at the feast you held, I was often targeted by their mages. Perhaps my faith was not strong enough and a spell has attached itself to me."

He becomes quieter and moves closer to Leewan. "Now, I fear another reason why I may be targeted. We all know that the only good heretic is a dead heretic. Purging then with fire and steel is the best way to protect Thenisian faithful. However, sometimes at night I lie awake, remembering all that I purged and I worry my actions may have been ... excessive. I have done terrible things in Themis' name, brother. Women and children have fallen before me by the dozens. I know it is Themis' will, but I still cannot hold back my shame. When I joined the Templars I swore to be valiant and true, to protect Themis' worshippers and help spread peace among them. I have done my best, but peace never seems to come, only more bloodshed."

He coughs gruffly, then speaks boisterously again. "But enough of that! Look at me, talking like a woman. What do you say we get a drink?"

"Drinks?!" Gwain pipes up as he leaves the captured woman. "Come brothers, let us eat, drink, and be merry!"

"Haha, of course, little brother. Let me go find a priest, and I shall join you shortly."

If Leewan has no response, Robillard will go and attempt to find a priest of Themis.

There aren't any priests. Any that there were you or someone else killed

"Hah, a pirest of Themis, here? I thought the whole reason for this venture was to spread our faith and destroy the false gods? Come brother, your vain search can wait till the morn'. You aren't really going to turn down a nice pint of the good stuff are you?"

It is morning

"And by that I mean, by the goddess, I am tried! Let's sleep!"

"Finish your self set tasks and be ready for departure. Extract the location of a port city from the woman, or render her to my whims. We are soon headed for the warships."

Robillard will do his best to drink as much as possible, carousing the men and whomever else is willing to join him. If he can't find a priest to help his worries, alcohol is the next best thing.

[Also, something's going on with my phone. It won't let me text the group, and I'm not sure if I'm receiving messages either.]

Robillard goes off with Gwain and they both drink themselves into a stupor. Leewan is left alone with the women who he now realizes has stopped yelling (probably because he was just so happy to be able to hear again he didn't notice) who held limp by the same two guards.

Leewan speaks softly.

"Give up the location of the nearby port. You have no control over the fate of the town, we'll find it one way or another. You do have control over the suffering you'll endure."

The women glares at you through a matt of hair that's been made messy by all the flailing she has done for some time. She responds to you with a low growl in her voice "Try all you want, fox, you'll never take Orilon. It's not even ours, but the damn McDonalds. Slaughter them all you want for all I care, all they ever did was steal from us like you."

Leewan bunches up the prisoner's hair and yanks up her head.

"Then you do know where they are. Direct us. Do so and we may grant you freedom, or at the very least, food."

Despite you pulling her hair up she still glares at you "And why should I believe you fox? Doesn't matter, take the western coast for a months sailing and you'll see it. It's hard to miss."

Leewan can't help but feel as though he's heard the name McDonald before

[16 on cunning test to recall the McDonalds]

Leewan orders a guard to bring a bucket with a ration for the prisoner.

Leewan ponders on the name of McDonald for some time while he goes and gets some food himself realizing he's quite hungry from the raid and battle previously. Midway through his meal Leewan recalls why the name McDonald sounds so familiar. He recalls that the McDonalds are one of the wealthiest merchant houses of Frajan. The nation is well known for being one of the few in the known world that still worships the old gods and the only reason they have managed to escape destruction at the hands of crusaders is because of their extremely powerful navy and the dangerous nature of sailing their islands (large and small) without one of their own guiding a ship. It is extremely concerning to learn that the nation of Frajan is seeking to expand their borders and with one of their most influential families backing such expeditions to boot.

After finishing his meal Leewan will ask the prisoner if she knows any simple villages nearby. He'll convene with his brothers after that.

She identifies three that are both about three days march for the army away. Two to the East of where you are and one to the North West. Though calling them villages is probably an exaggeration of how large they are as they mainly consist of something like three buildings each.

We go home

The men of Griswald begin their long march home. With loot aplenty, morale is very high for the men and many are eager to return home after the campaign. Though it was a fairly short campaign it was nonetheless a bloody and fruitful one and so the march back to the ships goes by faster in the minds of everyone with all the drinks to be handed around. After reaching the coast it takes another two days to get the attention of the fleet and another day for everyone to get everything on board. After a month of sailing back the call goes out for the sighting of port and everyone becomes that much more eager to stretch their legs on dry land. Not much later the ships are docking at port and cheers and celebration is shared amongst the soldiers and dockworkers.

As the three brothers step off the ship and onto the dock you are hailed by Leewans wife who waves her hand through the air to get your attention. At her side is Leewans son and your Steward all of whom look happy to see your safe return.

As Leewan greets his wife, Gwain catches Robillards eye with a knowing wink. "What say you and I head down to a local drinking establishment and find ourselves some company tonight? I'd be a shame for war heroes like us to sleep along, wouldn't you say?"

"As much as I hate saying no to a drink, I fear I must refuse. I will find you later. For now I must go and speak with a priest. Hopefully Cardinal Schuyler is still here."

Robillard hurries off to find the Cardinal, after leaving his armor and weapon at home (obviously). He's dressed in his humblest, most monk-like robes.

As Leewan greets his wife he notices Robillard running off up the mountain towards the castle. Your wife says to you is a happy tone "Welcome home dear, I trust that everything went well? I took the liberty of hosting a number of the other houses maidens while you were away. You'll be happy to know that the Ducards youngest is coming of age and will make a terrific wife someday. Perhaps even to one of your brothers if you would like? Though I fear Robillards size would ensure she'd suffocate before spring time." The last sentence is said with a small chuckle from her.

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Robillard runs off to the castle and changes as quickly as possible. He gets the idea of asking a servant if Cardinal Schiller is back before he goes running down to the village and he's told he is. Robillard also realizes that given the time it's likely the Cardinal is giving a sermon and so he has a little time to do something else while he waits.

Do something else with his time?! Robillard, currently wracked with guilt over fears of losing his religion, will spend his time in mass, like a good Themis-fearing individual.

Leewan retires to the castle with his wife and child to trade stories of their lives over the past three months. When all is said and done he calls a meeting with his trusted advisers and brothers (if Gwain can even be roused from his drunken onslaught).

Leewan's messenger finds Gwain rather engaged with folk from the town below. Despite being intimately occupied, Gwain has at least the decency to respond to the messenger's summons. "I've never liked war meetings and I never will. Go tell your master I'll sit this one out like all the other ones. Or stay, if you'd care to join us." Gwain chuckles, only half joking before turning his attention back towards the matters at hand.

Robillard is at a sermon. He may answer the summons or not to his choosing

Due to Robillard's fear of imminently losing his soul, he tells the messenger that he will return to the castle as soon as possible, but only after he has spoken with Cardinal Schiller.

The poor messengers who are probably hoping that Leewan follows the adage of "don't shoot the messenger" inform Leewan that his brothers will not be joining him. Leeward wife says to him "You've only just returned dear. Surely you'd rather take some time with your son? He managed to beat Ritter the other day in sword practice."

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Gwain enjoys the company of people in town. When he's not at the castle or galavanting around he's often found here at the whore house spending his brothers money. At this moment he's currently being presented three potential "partners" by the houses patron (pimp).

"Lord Gwain, you'll be happy to know that in the time we were gone we have added some new members to our house. Prescilla here comes from the desert lands to the south and out other patrons have enjoyed her company very much. Gertrude here is well renown among others in town for her bust if you'd prefer that. And Hellen here is a little shy and quite but she has taken well to the training as a lady of pleasure. Which would you prefer today my Lord?"

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The sermon Robillard sits in on is exceedingly standard. A couple of hymns are sang to Themis before the Cardinal reads from the holy book (Praise Jebus!). This goes on for a while until the collection basket goes around and when this happens the Cardibal says "Remember my faithful servants of Themis, the pathway to purity is as much in the amount of praise you give as it is in the amount of support you give to her trusted servants. Think not on your own troubles but of those on crusade against Themis' enemies" Robillard can see the peasants putting in enough money that would probably feed them for the week into the baskets while the nobles put in enough money to feed the same fanilies for four months.

Robillard gives all the money he has on him at the moment, hoping that every sign of his devotion will help stop the curse. He also tries to make eye contact with the Cardinal.

Gwain seems suitably impressed by the patron's offerings. "Hmm... you present me with a difficult decision. Well, life is short and youth is shorter, I'll just have to settle for all three." With that, Gwain empties his purse and prepares himself for a good time, the details of which shall not be described for the sake of our younger readers.

"Hmph. You mean Ritter allowed Edlass to win in sword practice. Edlass can sleep. For now I must hear the status of the nation and the implications they bear for us."

Her smile turns to a frown and she speaks "Fine then, right down to business after three months of war. Not sure what I expected from a man who rarely takes time for his own child. Perhaps Egon will host him for the coming winter. At least there he'd have something to do besides his studies." She begins walking off with her shoes clanking against the stone floor. As she does this your trusted advisors enter through the war halls doors and they take their seats at the table.

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Gwain enjoys a wonderful evening with the ladies of pleasure. The details of what goes on are left to your imagination as this is America and blood and gore is fine for pg13 but not nudity. Anybody who says something bad about America is forever branded a heretic!

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Robillard does his best to get the Cardinals attention after emptying the entirety of his pockets contents into the baskets. The Cardinal makes eye contact with you but doesn't even pause in his sermons and so things go on for another two hours. After the praises to Themis are given the final prayer is said and everyone is dismissed. Robillard sees the Cardinal head off towards his office in all likelihood and you go after the holy man. Upon reaching the office a lower-ranking priest stops you and says "Hold a second my Lord. I will see if the Cardinal is willing to see you right now." The priest knocks on the door before entering and after another minute comes out and tells you to enter.

Upon entering you see the Cardinal has removed his stately red robes and instead wears a much more modest set of clothing consisting of an embroidered black gown with a hood down in the back. Such attire is often used in the everyday actions of clergy including travels. Cardinal Schiller turns to you from a window he was looking out of when you enter and says in a happy tone "Ah Robillard, how good to see you've returned from your ventures safely yet again! Tell me, will you be staying for more than three days this time or will your brother have you setting off on another venture so soon?"

"I believe my brother Leewan is meeting with his advisors right now to decide exactly that course of action, Cardinal. On my own behalf, I hope to remain for at least a small amount of time, for I have many questions and quandaries, which all require your help."

With that introduction, Robillard explains his current predicament: the curse, his crisis of faith, and his encounter with the false Adroysian priest. He holds nothing back, knowing his immortal soul is on the line.

[type out what you tell him because what you do and don't tell him could have drastic effects on your future]

Leewan waits for the educated elite of his domain to take their seats. Once everyone is in their place he delivers a report on the happenings abroad:

"We sailed for quite some time to fight for only two days. The fighting was rich and the spoils were plentiful. Our forces have sacked plenty of valuables and coin from a lowly Czar of Abatosia (I think that's the name?). To solidify our victory and dash chances of retaliation we massacred the population and set fire to the town. At least for the near future there is no worry of backlash coming from the north."

Leewan plants his hand on the war table and scans his advisors.

"That is the tale of our exploits across the waters. Now inform me of the happenings in our domain and the courts."

Castellan Ohly speaks first "The defence of the holding has been fine. The bandits have been the usual nuisances they always are but we managed to find one of their dens a month ago so attacks on trade have been down. Ritter here was so restless with nothing else going on he wouldn't stop asking me why he didn't go on the expedition himself. Had to settle for training your lad." Ritter snorts in amusement at Ohly's jest but doesn't add anything to the account.

Master of the Hunt Nowitzki speaks next "Some our esteemed Kennelmasters hounds managed to find a black bear on a hunt last week. The rest of us who were out put it down in quick order and it's being made into a nice rug which I imagine some of the servants will put somewhere. Unless of course you'd rather it be sent to someone as a gift? I'll have it sent your way for inspection when it's finished."

Finally Steward Gerfried speaks "Seven merchant ships came through the harbor while you were away. Only four of them stopped to offload or sell their valuables the rest continued their journey towards the Ahrendt families port. They've been undercutting us for four months now with their tariffs and we've lost some trade as a result. There's a lot of worry amongst the noble families of Atten that the king hasn't been heard from out on the crusade for four months now. The royal family has been trying to keep it under wraps but people are starting to become concerned since there's no heir at the moment. Of much more interest is that Cardinal Schiller returned from his trip to Adroysia not four days ago and he's been in something of a fuss since getting back. The entire village is getting concerned that something terrible is happening in the holy capital and they've been donating more than usual to the church since his return. Much to the detriment of our own taxes."

Ritter chimes in after the Steward speaks "Not only that but I swear there've been more priests roaming the castle halls since he's gotten back. I only hope your brother can alleviate whatever's bothering him"