Legendary Exploits of Three Not Viking Brothers

The shopkeeper leans onto the shops counter so his forearms support him before speaking "So what am I to lick your mud coated boot because your ego isn't big enough?" He gestures to one of the three men at his store "This here is the second son of House Abdalla from Frajan and they understand that coin is what will get you what you want. As to your Baron, last I heard he was forced to leave with two less testicles after being caught sleeping with the lords daughter." The supposed lords son says something in a language you don't understand and the four men present laugh among themselves.

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Leewan stands in as much a lordly manner as he can muster and after a couple minutes a pair of guards come to you. The older of the two with completely greyed hair and a heavy pair of mutton chops speaks to you in a voice that makes you think he must smoke all day "Can I help you sir? We weren't aware of any individuals of import due to the castle today."

Gwain responds with a self-satisfied grin. "Sounds about right. Now about that ironbark, if coin is what you seek, then coin is what we will offer. We've come from our homeland to welcome the new king and have brought wealth enough to purchase a gift fit for our kingdom's ruler. For how much are you willing to part with an ironbark bow?"

"I'm not about to talk prove without letting you hold the thing. Wait here for a second while I fetch one." The clerk leaves his counter area and disappears behind a flap in the tent covering his shop. Three minutes go by before he comes back out and when he does so he carries a bow which, to the untrained eye, looks exactly like a regular and plain wooden longbow except that the wood has a slight metallic sheen to it and the bow string looks to be triple braided to give it increased strength. The shopkeeper holds the item out to you and says "Take a hold and tell me what ya think. Then I'll tell you the price."

Gwain takes the weapon with curious care. He strings the bow, then pulls back on the triple braid to test the draw strength.

[make a strength/athletics test]

[4 on 2k2]

You make to pull back the draw string and as you pull you are surprised when it doesn't budge under the amount of force you ordinarily apply. You give it everything you can to try and pull it back including adjusting the string length but the string just doesn't budge under the force you can muster. The shopkeeper chuckles to himself along with the three foreigners who watch your struggle and he says "Not able to draw it huh? I can't sell someone a weapon they can't use. Why don't you try a weapon more along your capabilities?"

"I represent a noble house, that of Griswald. Fetch your steward and he can validate our seal."

"I'll not be staking my reputation on someone who can't pull the bows string back to fire the thing. Lords son or no"

Gwain blushes a deep red and gingerly places the bow back on the counter. "Ironbark truly is as magnificent as in the tales. I may not be worthy now, but mark my words, you have not seen the last of Gwain Griswald."

Gwain plops down a small pouch of five gold dragons, which is quite a bit more than the cost of a standard longbow. "Consider this a down payment. I'll be back to pick up my bow when I have the strength I need."

The clerk nods and takes the bow from your hand. You can't help but feel overwhelming shame at having to do so but the clerk gives you a smile and says "Gwain Griswald is the name I'll remember. If you dress like that all the time I won't have to remember your face either. Five dragons will keep it out of others hands for a year. When ya're looking for another try just ask where Ashraaf is and they'll point you to me."

Gwain shuffles outside the tent in humiliation and looks towards the infinitude of shops before him to lighten his mood.

[Gwain and Robillard are free to choose which shops they go to]

Robillard follows after Gwain, patting him on the back to cheer him up. "It's alright, little brother. Themis may not have blessed you with brawn, but you have your own strengths. Maybe shopping for the king will put a smile on your face! Now what can we get the man who rules Aten?"

"Hmm.... Perhaps jewls from a far off land, or maybe the pelt of a rare beast. Royal fabrics fit for a king? So much to choose from!" Gwain continues his expedition through the market, trying to find the perfect gift.

[Status check: 5 on 2k2]

"Perhaps we are looking in the wrong place. A great King will not be satisfied by some trinket we find in this market. We should give him something unique. Perhaps if we build him a grand pleasure barge, glittering with comforts, he will think fondly of us and pur navy. Let us find some woodworker who can make a model of the ship we will give to the king."

"Brilliant idea! I'd fancy such a cruise myself. Imagine gliding across the waves with no one but the wind and a boat full of beautiful women to bother you..."

As Robillard and Gwain discuss amongst themselves in the crowds of people Gwain they are suddenly interrupted by a soothing feminine voice coming from behind them "My good sirs, pardon my eavesdropping but I believe I heard you say you are looking for a kingly bauble?"

Gwain practically shoves Robillard aside. "Why hello my good lady. How can I be of service to you today?"

Gwain turns around (and Robillard too but a little later due to his brother knocking him into some people in the crowd) to the sight of a lovely lady around her early 20's who's brunet hair is pulled up into a neat bun but portions of the sides have been left to hang down behind her ears. The woman wears a fanciful blue dress with a fair amount of the lower fabric bunched up and pulled back into a sort of round pillow formation at her backs waist (I'm sure this style has a name but I haven't any idea what it's called). A red ruby necklace with three prime gems and a golden bracelet are the only jewelry she wears though she rather obviously doesn't need anything more to attract attention (intentionally or not). She gives Gwains brashness a warm closed lip smile before bringing up the back of one her hands to hide a chuckle and says "I do believe I owe you the service sir as I was eavesdropping. You are quite kind for offering nonetheless."

"You see my lady, we are sons of House Griswald, and we are on our way to the capital to welcome the new king. As is only proper, we plan to present a gift. However, finding a treasure worthy of his stature has been an unprecedented challenge. Though I am noble-born, my skill with the bow far outpaces my skill in court. I just wish there was someone to guide us and help us earn the favors of the new king."

Robillard stands off to the side, bewildered. Weren't we just talking about our gift? Had we not decided on a boat? however, despite his confusion, he knows better than to get in between Gwain and a beautiful woman. The mad strength Gwain showed, shoving his 400 pound, 7 foot tall brother into the crowd, convinced him of that.

[somehow I doubt you're 400 pounds though you might be with your armour on]

"I did not realize that I was in the company of so lordly and skilled an individual. Please, accept my apology for not bowing sooner to your position" she gives a slight courtesy bow after saying this. "If I recall correctly I overheard you two speaking about a boat to act as your gift. If you seek a master shipbuilder than I'd have to suggest Sir Eichwald in the northern portion of the bazaar. He maintains a small business where the Lords and wealthy may place orders to be completed."

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[Sorry, hadn't seen you post Amos]

The Guard looks at you with curiosity for a moment before turning around and yelling to one of the younger guards to fetch the Steward before turning back to you and speaking "The Steward will be here shortly. Would you prefer to wait here or come inside the gates to meet him?"

"We will see the antechamber of their great home as my men and I wait with you for the steward to answer his summon."

Gwain smiles with the full charm of his youth. "Oh you flatter me my lady, I am but the third son of my ancient house. But I would be delighted if you would show me to this Sir Eichwald. House Griswald maintains quite the navy and we have our own share of ship builders. I would love to see how his craft compares to our own. This land is clearly filled with great beauty after all."

"Then follow me to Sir Eichwald and I'm sure you will be impressed. If you would walk with me Lord Griswald I'd be happy to take you passed any crowds that are surrounding his practice." She says and gives an out of place courtly gesture for you to offer your arm.

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Leewan and his two guards are led through the castle gate by the guard, through the initial courtyard, and into the antechamber immediately inside the main castle structure. When you enter through the pair of heavy wooden doors you are greated with the sight of a sizable pyre in the center of the room where you can warm yourself up at and along the walls are several weapons displayed on shields and tapestries depicting the houses heraldry. As you wait your guards warm themselves some while you take note at how much better your castle is than theirs.

After about fifteen minutes the doors at the opposite end of the where you entered open and a middle aged man with most of his hair having turned grey walks in with a book in one hand tucked under a brown wool cloak. His clothing is fairly courtly in nature but he's obviously not dressed for anything beyond his usual jobs for the house that he has to do. Once he closes the doors the man says "Greetings Lord Griswald! I'm the houses Steward and you may call me Kuchler if you would like. How may I be of service on this fine day?"

Robillard will follow behind the peacocking pair. Although his player is suspicious, he doesn't understand enough about courtly intrigues to know if this is out of the norm.

Leewan Von Griswald motions for his guards to be at ease.

"You recognize me by face alone. Then confirmation of the seal is no matter. I have come with desires to meet the lord here and trade in information on the state of the nation. If he is available. Secondly, what do you go by Stewart?"

Gwain is almost taken aback at how quickly the woman offered her arm. Almost, but not quite. He happily accepts her offer and off the pair go to wherever the lady will lead them. As the two walk, Gwain summons all the flirtatious charm he can muster. "Lord Griswald? Hardly! That's my eldest brother. Please, call me Gwain. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

As you two (and Robillard) walk through the bazaar the woman keeps a soft smile as you walk and talk "I quite like that name, Gwain. It's the name any young girl would dream an earstwhile hero would have when he storms a castle to save her. My name I'm afraid isn't quite as romantic. Nonetheless my sir, my name is Emily and might I say you walk with a large amount of grace. I can only imagine you would make a fine partner at a ball." As you have been talking so far you've reached the eastern edge of the bazaar and the crowds have begun to thin somewhat. The stores around you are tailors, spice shops (including perfumes as that's what goes in such items) and a single blacksmith.

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The Steward pauses for a moment as he closes the door, whether it's to make sure there isn't a draft coming through or wondering why you asked his name when he just told you you can't tell. He walks over to you and extends his hand to shake in greetings as he speaks "I'm sure the lord would be happy to speak with you. I'm his Steward Kuchler, as you likely guessed, and the lord is currently dealing with those merchants that were just admitted but he'll send the in their way quickly if he knows you're here. Tell me have you enjoyed the bazaar?"

"Emily... that's a beautiful name." Gwain responds in earnest. "I just had a crazy thought Emily. What if we put the ship builders aside for now and took some time alone just the two of us?"

[Gwain starts an intrigue with his first move being seduction as always. His disposition towards Emily is amiable. Initiative is 7]

Robillard clears his throat. "Brother, I think now might be the wrong time for ... that. We really need to be finding this Sir Eichwald. Perhaps Lady Emily could give you a tour of the city once we have finished our business meeting."

Emily gives Gwain a flirtatious smile "And here I was worried I was being too forward but you my dear are something else. I'm sure Sir Eichwald can wait." She looks back at Robillard and back to Gwain with neither answering Robillard before she whispers to Gwain "What will we do about him? Unless you're into that kind of thing"

"Oh Emily, I am into many things. Alas, old Robillard is quite timid when it comes to women. As far as I know he's a virgin."

"Emily, would you be so kind as to give my brother here the address of your ship builder's shop? He'll be happy to do the negotiations while I find us a suitable establishment for the afternoon."

Emily chuckles and says "How innocent, the shop is four streets down. Just follow the crowds and you'll recognise the building by the blue flags that hang over the entrance. You should be able to hear the people out front from two streets away so you'll be hard pressed to miss it." She and Gwain then begin to leave Robillard to whatever adventures he chooses.

"My kin are admiring the breadth of goods available. When would your lord return?"

"He can see you now if you would like, sir. Typically the lord will take any opportunities he can to get away from the merchants that ceaselessly bother him; much to my own frustration." The last part is said in jest and he cracks a smile at his own joke

Shaking his head in frustration, if not shock, Robillard turns away from the randy pair and begins walking down the streets, making sure to carefully count as he goes. As he walks, he mutters a quick prayer to Themis, asking her to forgive Gwain's sins.

"He does his business with haste. He is a respectable man. Yes, let us be on with this meeting."

Robillard leaves Gwain to his "buisiness" and makes his way down the streets. On his own the claustrophobic conditions and crowds make Robillard uneasy and he begins breathing deeper than usual from the frustrations of people bumping him around. Eventually the noises of the bazaars crowds begin to die down as Robillard makes his way along the path Emily had described and the more fanciful houses give way to a more "sleazy" manner where many poorer individuals seem to be found. As Robillard continues further along the path he begins to hear the sounds of a crowd like Emily said there would be. The sounds though aren't like those of the bazaar but more jeers.

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Gwain and Enily take their leave of the bazaar and after some walking they find an appropriate place in an in. Walking in many jealous eyes fall on Gwain and approaching the inkeeper Emily says "One room please. One with a soft bed preferentially." The inkeeper nods and pulls out a sheet of paper and points to a line for someone to sign. Emily looks at Gwain after patting along her dress looking for a coin pouch and says "Oh Themis' sake my coin was nicked in the bazaar. My lord would you mind I can't wait much longer?"

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The Steward nods and gestures for you to follow him. He leads you through the doors he had just come through and you find the next hall to be covered in a crimson red rug along its length. The walls themselves have numerous paintings and tapestries hanging from them with the occasional guard in glistening armor standing along the passage. Soon enough, you come to the end of the hall and a large set of wooden doors are opened for you by two halberd bearing guards. Upon entering the grand hall you see an enourmous line of finely dress men and women leading up to a pair of thrones in one of which sits a man with completely grey hair and a well trimmed beard that hides some of the mans wrinkles. All around the grand hall numerous tables packed with merchants and stately officials sit and eat while the houses Lord sits in his throne with his head rested on one hand and obviously barely paying attention to the man speaking before him.

Upon your entering the Steward pronounces "Lord Leewan Von Griswald seeks audience my Lord." As he says this everyone in the room turns to look at you and the previously bored Lord sits up straight with obvious delight in his eyes at someone interesting being present.

Glad to finally have a sign of his destination, regardless of what the shouts sound like,  Robillard hurries forwards. His throat is dry as he struggles to control himself. As soon as I get back I'll have a drink, he promises himself.

Now walking at a brisk pace Robillard hurries forward. The last few streets twist and turn but eventually Robillard finds a sight he wasn't quite expecting. In a substantially wider street than those you took to get here (wide enough for two carts two walk side by side) there is a crowd of several dozen drunk men lazing about on benches and the ground while two scantily clothed women bring mugs to those outside. The building all the drunken patrons stands there floors tall and fine crimson drapes can be seen hanging in each window. The sounds from inside leave you hesitant to enter.

Hesitant, but unwilling to speak to any of these drunk men (and especially not to the scantily clad women) Robillard has no choice but to proceed forward. He takes a deep breath, shifts his armor and checks his sword, then strides forward, his head down to avoid eye contact.

As Robillard walks forward with his eyes to the ground he can still feel the piercing glares from those outside as he walks up and the uneasiness from before only grows with each step. Once at the door, Robillard can hear hooting from those inside and upon entering through the doors the scene explains why such noises could be heard from the streets. Setup in one large room is probably three dozen tables with three or four patrons at each one (some have one or two but those are the minority) and walking in between them is more women dressed much the same as those outside carrying drink and food to those at the table. Some of the men have women in their laps with various portions of their clothes removed and on the floor while others hoot at those who have grabbed one of the presumed witnesses. Two flights of stairs can be seen at the end of the room opposite Robillard up one can be seen a man pulling one of the women upstairs with a giant grin on his face. As you look about some of those present glare at you from their seats and you hear a deep-throated voice from your right speak to you,

"Are you lost, boy, or are you here for a purpose?"

Frantically trying to keep his eyes from staining his soul, Robillard barely knows where to look. He is flustered and uncomfortable. Turning towards the voice, he mutters, "I fear I've become turned around. I'm looking for a ship-maker, a man named Eichwald."

Robillard is relieved that looking in the direction of the voice doesn't have half naked women in its direction. The bulky man before Robillard is dark skinned and has a series of mean scars on his face though Robillard is still larger than him by comparison. The accent that the man speaks with is similar to that of the fletcher that he and Gwain and spoken to earlier this day "Why are you looking for Eichwald? He doesn't like to be disturbed and the Boss doesn't like it when his best patrons are bothered without reason. Especially if they're trying to muscle in on what Eichwald already owes him."

"I was told he's the best man around for building a boat. Is this his place of work?" Robillard asks, obviously expecting a negative answer. He shifts his weight in an attempt to appear comfortable, but is unable to calm himself. "Just tell Sir Eichwald that Robillard Von Griswald is here to see him. Our initial meeting will be quick, I promise you."

The bouncer (for lack of a better word) smirks and says "Might as well be where he works. Head up to the third floor and the fifth door on the right. I suggest you knock first. Oh, and mind the girls. We charge you if you touch them... not that you appear man enough to do so."

Just hoping to get out of this place as fast as he can, Robillard ignores the bouncer's insult. He hurried up the steps and knocks quickly and loudly on the door.

"Sir Eichwald!" He calls. "Lady Emily sent me to speak with you!"