|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 15, 2016 19:42:33 GMT
Eadwig arrived outside Earlshill. He was still well within Friedlander territory, and should be able to charm his way through conversation by invoking his former homeland. Before entering, he grabbed the attention of someone who appeared to be a local. He inquired about where he may go to buy a horse, as well as the locations of any decent smith and bowyer in the town. He also asked about any taverns in the area, after he sussed out the place, he might feel safe enough to stay the night.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 15, 2016 20:10:24 GMT
The journey to Earlshill is long and arduous, fortunately, there are ample farmsteadings to call on. The 150 mile journey takes 5 weeks (thanks to being able to ride upon a farmer's wain for part of the journey), and Eadwig consumes 5 crowns. He finds the town bustling. There is a crier walking about the city calling 'all brave fellows of stout heart' to one of the inns come nightfall. There are a number of horse merchants and stables dotted about the city, and a friendly local recommends the Earl's stud farm as the place for the finest horses in Bretain.  |
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 16, 2016 14:34:10 GMT
OoC: I am not in form at the moment. It does NOT take 5 weeks to walk 150 miles. I know that, you know that, my dear mother knows that.
The journey takes 5 DAYS... costs 2 crown for bread and board en route, and you arrive in fine spirits.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 16, 2016 14:38:55 GMT
OoC: No worries, I honestly didn't realise  |
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 16, 2016 18:05:09 GMT
Eadwig decides to spend the day resting and recuperating after his travels. He to head to the market, to purchase another month's worth of rations.
Walking through the bustling market, Eadwig feels somewhat comforted. Earlshill reminded him of his hometown in Friedland, a place aptly named Canny Hill. The bastard found a lovely inn serving a stew familiar to him, a recipe from the old lands. He did not ask for the price, instead leaving 3 crowns - the extra for the impeccable customer service, and the great dose of nostalgia.
Eadwig then went to the armoury. He might have went to the stables first, but he needed some equipment. A bow, a dagger, some arrows, preferably iron. With these he could hunt for himself on future travels and need to rely less on the kindness of others. Particularly further north, a place that seemed perilous to all outlanders. He walked at a steady pace. It was a fine day, for the time of year, and Eadwig had not had much time to enjoy his new homeland since arriving in Ottshaven. He felt almost disappointed that it was over as he reached his destination. 'Hello?' Eadwig called out. Hoping to be greeted by the man in charge.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 17, 2016 23:46:06 GMT
While resting in the inn, he is approached by a middle aged warrior, wearing a wolfskin over his mail. The man is raising men for one Falka, self-proclaimed Earl of Falka's Land, an island to the South-West. He explains that any man bringing a warband of at least 10 men, properly armed, will be awarded with land and lordship in Falka's Earldom. He advises that the small flotilla will leave Portsmouth a moon's cycle hence.
Eadwig is informed at the armoury that the Earl does not typically sell his arms to those not in his service, but he is advised that there are a few armourers and smiths along the road off the market, backing onto the Greenbrook. The smiths typically make to order, but you note that iron seems expensive in the town.
There are a large number of Oak, Beech, and Ash hunting bows available, prices varying from 10 crowns to over 200 for some particularly fine Bordish Yew.
The market is bustling with the produce of the fertile lands surrounding the city, early crops of beans, cabbages, salted lamb from the highlands further north.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 18, 2016 0:14:31 GMT
Eadwig pondered, he could probably get a hunting dagger at the market at decent quality, he is willing to pay up to 30 crowns for a double edged blade.. A simple Hunting Bow should suffice, 10 crowns will be put aside for this acquisition.He will also take 60 arrows, for the price of 8 crowns. This should do as much as prepare him for the wildlands.
Eadwig resolves to head back to the inn, but he shall need men. Where to go... He decided his men needn't be of quality, only he must prove himself in battle...
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 18, 2016 8:30:34 GMT
Eadwig beats the smiths down, and has found two knives worthy of his attention. A simple steel, tempered in the fashion of the day, for 22 crowns; or an exquisite blade, also tempered, inlaid with runic markings and bone hilt inlaid with gold.
He has a choice between a fairly springy beech bow, or a rigid ash for 10 crowns.
He returns to the inn, to rouse himself out some men...
|
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 18, 2016 18:05:27 GMT
Eadwig chooses the simple blade, a weapon does not need to be fancy to do it's job. However, he does inquire about the more exquisite option, a scheme beginning to emerge from within his mind... He takes the Beech bow, speed is more important than force while hunting game.
The inn was pleasant and, like most of the town, bustling. There were a few men who looked like they knew how to handle themselves, most were green. After gulping down a flagon of 'Freidlander Courage' - a fine and aptly named ale -he climbed upon a table to grab the attention of those around him.
'Listen up kinsmen. I'm looking for 10 willing and eager men, experience is not necessary. We will work together to seek a contract from the Earl. Each of you will receive a small portion of our earnings (5%) and I'll buy any man without his own arms a sword (obviously at the cheapest going rate). After our first job is done, I'll buy any man I deem most worthy the exquisite dagger boasted by one of our very own smiths in the market. Oh, and any man who signs up can have himself some Friedlander Courage, on me. What say ye?'
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 19, 2016 23:27:09 GMT
OoC: I might recommend a spear... considering the relative price and effectiveness.
IC: A few of the drunker, and more desperate sign up with you: two blind drunkards, who sing you a charming song about a one legged whore; a particularly dishevelled looking peasant; and a piss-soaked sod who looks like a pick pocket.
One particularly sneaky chap drinks the proffered beer and scarpers...
There is a deal of interest, but the general consensus is that Eadwig isn't offering enough for them to risk life and limb... a nominal salary would likely encourage the waverers to join his party.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 20, 2016 1:11:20 GMT
OOC: Your recommendation is my command, Lord.
Eadwig offers 3 crowns a man, for a week in which fighting occurs. 1 Crown a man for time in rest. He will maintain his offer of a split of the bounty, and the prize knife. Eadwig, humming impeding his mind from the ale, drunkenly claims that although he will take any lands and titles won, he may offer lesser holdings to his most loyal companions. He also offers 10 crowns to the man who both signs up and brings him the head of the man who stole his ale.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 20, 2016 10:28:15 GMT
Eadwig gets a crowd now, he can easily pick 10 fighters out from amongst them, of not more should he wish to.
One man approaches him, introducing himself as having been one of the Earl's former housecarls, and offers to accompany Eadwig who he advises looks "green as snot, but a decent sort. Probably."
|
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 21, 2016 19:21:16 GMT
'Aye, I'll take you friend.' Eadwig said to the seasoned soldier. Eadwig decides to take another 11 men, preferably seasoned fighters, though he's happy to bolster the ranks with green boys. 'Now, more ale!' Eadwig announced to those who offered to join him.
He decided to get to know his men, opting to begin by sharing a drink with the former housecarl. 'What is your name friend?' Eadwig began.
'Tengist Snake-Eyes, the gods seen fit to bless me with these beauties,' Tengist replied, gesturing towards his face. Indeed, he had a ferocious look about him. His pupils, due to some unknown malady, had reformed themselves into snake-like slits. 'Makes those Theists piss all over their fancy clothes.' Eadwig chuckled to himself. He'd yet to come across these Theists, but Snake-Eyes was the first man he'd met who didn't seem afraid of their mention. For the first time since he arrived in Bretain Eadwig felt at home. He had he company of warriors, and Friedlanders at that, fine ale, shelter and warmth.
Eadwig woke the next morning, a little worse for wear. He made his way back to the inn, seeking Falka's messenger.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 22, 2016 22:39:38 GMT
Eadwig is able to recruit his men: 13 warriors who have fought in the shield-wall, decently equipped with hauberks, helms, spears, shields, and knives; 5 hunters, who have not been in battle, but bring with them their bows, gambeson, and knives; 3 peasants, completely green, selected only because they had their own spears and shields; and of course, Tengist, a veteran warrior fighting with spear or axe.
With the rudiments of a perfectly fitting warband, Eadwig tracks down Falka's man, who provides him with a marked stone to present in Portsmouth within four weeks.
Tengist is a companion - he is a capable trainer of men, and will add this capability to your band
|
|
|
|
Post by Eadwig, the Bastard on Mar 23, 2016 13:54:51 GMT
Eadwig looked upon his men. He had gathered them just south of the armoury, intending to take the Reman road North towards Portsmouth. He was quite pleased, his father had often told him that a Friedlander warrior was worth three Bretain men. Whether this was true, he would soon find out. His warriors made up the bulk of his band. They looked fearsome and blooding them quickly would be the best way to examine their worth. The peasants, Eadwig decided, would support the warriors. Helping them in battle, handing them arms and defending them if a man became overwhelmed in numbers or faced a dangerous foeman. Thus, they could learn from the hardened men, pick up weapons and armour from the fallen and perhaps become recognised in warriors in their own right. Tengist Snake-Eyes would oversee the training, ensuring that the employment of these strategies were as fluid as possible. Currently Eadwig had sixteen individuals, he needed one united band.
Hunting was a fine art, skilled at range, stealth and tracking. This would inevitably become useful on the road to Portsmouth. They were told to keep their distance from the main band on the road, though stay within eyesight and earshot. They could intercept and surprise any enemies they encountered on the road employing simple hit-and-run tactics. Take out a few men, then make it back to the main band to prepare for the real fight. With hunters available, food shouldn't be too much of a problem either. Eadwig himself, keen to learn more about hunting decided that he would train with them in the arts of bowmanship and tracking.
After a brief training session, where Eadwig informed his men of the plans, they set out.
|
|
