Pathwalker - RP

[Kinslayer]

Anyan stared at Monty, with his cold look. "It's best to make friends instead of foes amongst this crew" he thought, so he answered: "The name's Anyan. 'Tis an interesting contest I guess, as the unknown summons fear amongst the ignorant ones. Lets us face our fiends together, for now" he said, with his quiet voice. "But watch your back if you dare to betray me" he thought for himself. "When will this bloody King arrive?" he asked, whispering.

[DeusExMachina]

"Well met anyan.....'tis not in my benifit to betray an ally.....As for the king, if theres one thing I know about my "dear Leader" (allthough I think of him more as a cowardly tyrant between you and I, sending mercenaries and such to do the work that his Army is more than capable of) Its that hes Eating mutton, And drinking in Excess before Making his presence. And mark my words, he will stand far out of the range of Scent, as his breath will surely reak of Bourbon and the perfumes of underage chambermaids"

[Dragonium]

Alziel hung back, listening to the conversation between the two men standing a few feet from him. He had established their names - Montclair and Anyan - and had a fair idea of whether they would be a threat.

The competition would be fierce, certainly.

As Alziel continued to eavesdrop, the great door where the competitors had entered was slammed shut. A hush fell over the room as a guard spoke.

"The gates have closed. No more entrants will be permitted. The King shall make his address in a few minutes' time. After that, there shall be a feast laid on for all of you" - a murmur of approval washed over the room - "And then lodgings will be prepared. There will be five of you to each room. The facilities will be appropriate for this many".

More people nodded in agreement. A dwarf standing near to Alziel laughed loudly and swung his axe about his head, so that a number of people shuffled away from him. The guard looked about to leave, before turning again.

"Tomorrow, the selected candidates will leave by ship".

There was a sudden confusion. Selected candidates? That had to have been a mistake. There were no conditions for selection. The people who appeared at the castle would go to the Western Lands. Alziel thought to call out, before a number of people did it for him.

"We shall hold a draw", called the guard, "And from the hundred or so of you here, thirty names will be selected. These thirty will be provided with adequate mapping equipment and travel to the Western Isles by ship, where you will each"--

His voice was quickly drowned out by angry shouts. There had been nothing said about this. Only a few people would be permitted to go. Most of the people here today would have to return home disappointed.

Alziel sighed, and as he did so, he caught the eye of a sprite standing a short distance across the room from him. Not knowing what else to do, he nodded, and she smiled back. Before either of them could move a number of guards carrying quills and parchment surged forward and took the names of everyone in the room. A list was quickly completed, and whisked away for names to be drawn after the feast.

Alziel sighed again. It seemed his luck would have to continue for a little while longer yet.

[DeusExMachina]

"No doubt the nobility here will pull strings to have me deported from this town, after the last job"

Monty thinks back and recalls the events of his last job.

It was rigged from the get go. A select few of the Nobles in town, had comissioned out a series of murders to out of town mercenaries, and set evidence to frame another Noble, who happened to oppose the others veiw on economic growth and ethics.

When Monty was put on the Job, his abilities were underestimated. His Job was to Find the Killer, or at least Whomever was responsible.
Or at least, whom the Nobles led one to believe was responsible.

But Monty was better than that. Not only did he Uncover the evidence, but found the bounty hunters, and sadistically interrogated them into divulging the information.

Monty, being the Capitalist he was, Let the jurisdiction imprison the innocent nobel, collecting the Reward. And the systemattically proceeded to blackmail ever nobel involved in the conspiracy.

The Inncoent Nobel was made an accomplice to Montys actions. But before the full extent of the Plan the two had made was carried out, the Noble was mysteriously assasinated in prison. At this point, Monty made a modest living off of the blackmails, and small bounties. At that rate, he could retire In Fifteen years.

But then again, If he were to win the Kings prize, he could retire wealthy, and Immediatly.


Turning to Anyan....."These things are always rigged. While we eat, Scholars, Nobels and Advisors will hand pick. If ye be using an Alias, Anyan, Id suggest using a well known one.  The feast..... will surely be good.....best to feed up"



When the Gurad Took Montys name, He specified that he would be requiring room for his horse, and if not his horse, an arrangment for boarding would be needed.


Turning his head over his Shoulder Monty spotted another listening in


To Alziel, Monty Spoke "Be you Friend or Foe, I ask you not to peer in on my business. Listen as an Equal. I have nothing to Hide...."

Turning around monty continues "My name is Montclair, Most efficient Bounty Hunter and Mercenary in the Kingdom......What is your Name, oh  less than subtle audience of one?"

[Kinslayer]

Anyan smiled when the guard reached him. The guard was Klerr.
"Mark my words Klerr... Anyan Falastor Leddwick. Send my name to your King, he will be more than willing to send me to the West".

Klerr smiled, as he reamained pale, but said: "I don't know how you did it, but I swear that if you shall return from the west, I shall duel you to death".

"That will not be possible..." said Anyan, as he scratched Klerr's hand slightly with his sword. "This is the Viper's bite. Remember it when you go to bed. My revenge against you is fulfilled" whispered Anyan.

Klerr didn't understand Anyan's words, as he wrote his name on te list. Anyan noticed a notation at his name's saide, which was (It is him, Lodrd. We must send him).

Turning towards Monty and Alziel, Anyan said: "This will surely be a hard task. I think that, for now, we should remain toghether. What is your name (to Alziel), you, who was listening my conversation all along?"

[Moosetroop11]

"So, lots?" remarked Liara offhandedly. "Sounds cheap to me. Doesn't having more competetors mean more chance of getting a good map?"
Alziel sighed. "The equipment is expensive. They'll decide who's most likely to succeed and then rig the draws."
Liara made an exagerated O with her mouth, in way of an answer, and then sat down on the floor next to him with her wings folded around her. She beckoned Alziel to follow suit, and he reluctantly crouched beside her.
"So" began Liara with a serious smile. "What's your name?"

[DeusExMachina]

My Name, Dear Sprite, is Montclair. Bounty HUnter Extrordinaire, of this very City. Allthough, If it werent for this expidition, the locals of power would surely find a way to deport me. But this is better left as a campfire tale. But may I ask, young one, why thou would ask my name without having the courtesy to first divulge yours? certainly now is the time for gracities, as in due time, we shall almost all inevitable compete for the Bounty, and rest assured, there is only ONE bounty."

[Moosetroop11]

Liara turned and smiled at Montclaire. "I wasn't adressing you, but as you're so courteous I'll answer. I'm Liara."

[Dragonium]

Alziel replied his name, gesturing slightly to the others as he did so. He could think of little to say in reply, but Liara continued.

"I wonder why they need a map, anyway", she mused. "Nobody ever goes that far West. No ships come and go. Nobody is likely to go there any time soon".

"The King wants answers", Alziel mumbled. For a moment, he was not aware he had said this aloud. But Liara heard him and looked on in curiousity.

It had occured to Alziel that nobody knew about the creatures from the West any more. The king wanted answers, knowledge of what those things were and the land which they came from.

Nobody knew or cared. All they wanted was the reward.

But Liara seemed different somehow. It probably did not matter to her whether she won or lost.

Alziel had seen that look before. A person searching for knowledge rather than power or any reward.

"It's probably an insurance policy", Alziel said finally. "It's not likely anything unusual will happen out there, but if it does it would be much simpler for the King to cover up thirty missing people than a hundred. Most of the people here will be well known to someone. It will be awkward if anything happens".

Liara frowned.

"Not that it will", Alziel added hastily. He stood up. The floor was not comfortable.

There was a dull murmur from the crowd as conversation died down. The King had come to his throne.

Alziel watched. "This should be entertaining", he muttered.

[Kinslayer]

Anyan had listened closely to Alziel. After he had finnished talking, Anyan said: "I believe that the King is searching to win something for himself. Having a map will give him information about undiscovered lands, so he will have knowledge on the terrain, in order to occupy it. Besides, he knows that there is something odd at those lands, and that many will die, that's why he chose to bring mercenaries, thieves and "unwanted people". Like that, he'll kill two birds with a single arrow".

Anyan sat on the floor and sighed. "Those who go, are wanted dead", he whispered. He saw Klerr walking inside a room, quite dizzy. That made him smile.

[DeusExMachina]

Watching the mailcious smile on Anyans face, Monty decided to put his 2 cents in....

"I dont think the king wants the map to occupy the west, so much as he wants it to find out if its even WORTH occupying.
 His reasoning would be two fold.
One, to asses the danger envolved in the potential of occupation, and two, to find out if there is in fact, anything worth conquering.

If it turns out that its a 'savage land of winged beasts', then theres not much use for a map, aside from strategically placing outposts and strongholds to prevent invasion, if in fact any hostile forces do Exist.

If I get there, and find there are nothing but leaderless savages, living in golden cities...this king wont get a map from me.

For all we know, it could be a paradice though, full of beautifull maidens, and fields of smoking-herb, just as quickly as it could be the most baron inhospitable place on the earth.

One thing I know for sure, the Old man can only sit on the thron in silence like that for so long before somebody kets arrested for telling the king to hurry up and get to it" Montys tone had hushed to a loud whisper......

A rowdy from the farther side of the room piped up,in impatience

"OI! 'URRY UP AND GET TO IT, WE AINT GOT ALL DAY"

A slight commotion, albeit hushed broke out as the nearest guard motioned for silence from the ruffian with the business end of a halbred.

[Drace]

Bowen stands up, not far away fromt he group who's been speaking so loudly about what those lands may be. He slowly starts to walk into the direction and gives a sharp look at Monty. Noticing this, Monty looks at Bowen. The look changes into that of a smile as he stands next to the group.

"These lands can better have gorgeous maiden," Bowen says cheerfully. "The name's Bowen, btw."

Monty looks a bit confused at Bowen. "Friend or foe?"

"From the way I started a conversation I thought it was kinda clear. Friend, of course."

Monty's confused look chances into a smile. "The name is ..."

"Monty," Bowen interrupts him. "You were talking loudly enough to have the West hear you mate. No worries, everyone around here was too busy with their own conversations."

"I said silence!" The guard shouts. Apperently the ruffian has make quite an uprise with two of his friends. "You either be silent or you leave now!" The guard shouts fiercly.

[DeusExMachina]

with a quick and hushed whisper in Bowens Direction, Monty give a quick address...

"Ye must have sharp ears if ye hear my hushed whispers above this dinn...well met, Friend."

[Dragonium]

Alziel stared at Monty discreetly enough that he would not notice. This man had spoken so openly about the winged beasts from the West. Yet this was information that only the King and a few of his closest comrades had access to. It was peculiar. How could he have known?

Eventually Alziel thought aloud.

"Those of us who are selected", he said to the group, "Will probably not see each other once we ground in the West. It is a large place. Most people will fan out and cover the area. A few will team up to help each other for an agreed reward. Then again, many people will choose to go it alone".

He left his point unmade. He did not trust Monty, or his supplies of impossible information.

Come to think of it, there were few here he would trust in a thousand years.

"Ladies and Gentlemen", the King boomed suddenly from his throne. Silence fell. "I will not make a long speech, because I am sure that most of you will want to enjoy the feast" - many people nodded or laughed - "But I shall say this; I wish for a map of the Western Lands. A complete, detailed map. You have come here of your own accord, and now fate shall select those whom are wished to be put forward. A contest of champions, certainly. You will need strength, and cunning, and intelligence, if you wish to win".

There was silence and thought.

"Seventy of you will be going home. Thirty of you will be going to the Western Lands. One of you will emerge a hero".

The King clapped his hands together, the doors swung open, and a great feast table was brought in by a troop of twenty kitchen staff. Many people scattered to avoid this. It was set down in the middle of the room, and more staff appeared and layed the table with cloth and fine silverware. A hundred chairs were swiftly brought in.

"Everyone take to a seat", the King laughed. Platters of rich food were brought in and layed about. Many people went to seats and sat down, taking meat and vegetables and sauces and guzzling them greedily. This would be the best meal some of them had had in years.

Alziel wandered to a seat at the end of the table, but Liara pulled his sleeve and he sat down by her in confusion. All the seats were soon filled. Alziel took a plate, and serving girls came round and filled the goblets with wine (Though the appearance of fifty buxom young ladies was more pleasing to many men than the free alcohol).

Food was quickly taken, and more was brought in.

The King stood up and clapped his hands together again. "Let the feast begin".

[DeusExMachina]

Monty was suddenly in his element. Food, Ladies, Drinks, and a local audience to shoot his soon to be mildly drunken mouth about the rumors of this quest...

As the feast began, the crowd was loud....Loud enough to drown out hopes of hear any conversation taking place more than 10 feet away.

"This" monty thought "Will suit me just fine. Much Distraction."

Monty scanned his eyes about the room, cataloging his surroundings.

His eyes were drawn to a group of Nobels, many of whom were hostile toward monty, and also, were casting sideways glances in his direction.

Monty couldnt help but get the feeling that the Nobles would not only see to it that Monty was selected for the quest, but also, selected not to finish the quest...they would surely do all in their powers to ensure a saboteur to montys progress. As one of the Nobles made a glance, monty reciprocated the eye contact. And a Gaze was returned...and a small staring contest ensued. The Nobel Smiled, maliciously at Monty, and Monty returned the smile, as he shook his head in disapproval.

*****************************
Blackmail was a beautifull thing. Remarkable, in its profitibility.

The Secret society of Noblemen among the kingdom, Known as the "sages of the veil" Had much to hide.

The society was not all that well kept of a secret however, as most of the kingdom was aware of their existance, allthough many assumed them to be nothing more than a philanthropic group of old rich men, with nothing better to do than conduct theatrical rituals of worship to false gods.

Monty, However Knew better.

Montys ancestors, were high standing members of the Sages of the Veil. His Grandfather was born a bastard child, and as such, was not eligible for the sages, allthough his half brother was. The two often told secret stories of what transpired in the Sage meetings....And as such, when on his death Bed, Montys grandfather, also a reputable mercenary and his dearest relative, imparted the location of a series of documents to Monty. Documents of a few testimonials of survivors of an ancient Halocaust, Involving a series of attack from the west.

These documents were part of the Blackmail that monty induced upon the Sages of the Veil.These documents also happened to hold some very usefull information about the quest at hand. One of which being a Map, of a city, that was supposedly in the west. The directions to the city were not known.....But the City itself, now said to be in ruins, was rumored to have a sewer system, with passages leading into a Vault, Housing "The greatest of all treasures, kept watch of by nil but the wind"

Monty had made Written transcriptions to use as fodder for the blackmail.

The stipulations of the argeement, were as such:

Monty was put on the top of the list for Union Mercenary Jobs. This meant he got the most High profile jobs, with the most lucrative payout.
The Nobles also were intended to subsidise montys work and living costs, provide housing, and tax exemption. After Fifteen years, A lump sum of 250 thousand Gold was to be payed out.

And the Documents would be returned, Until then, all was kept secret.

But monty made copies. Fearing deceit on the Nobels Part, Monty imparted transcriptions to another, anonymous party, to ensure that an assasination attempt was not made on monty to prevent an information leak.

Upon obtaining knoledge of this, the Sages of the Veil, needless to say, were not impressed.

If monty were assasinated, the Information would be leaked surely.
But if he dies of Natural causes....or a convienient accident......
A new blackmailer would soon emerge, and be dealt with much more efficiently that Monty had been.
************************************
Monty shook his finger in the air at the Glaring Noble, as if to say "I wouldnt do that if I were you"

And he mouthed the words "I HAVE IT WITH ME"

(Which was a lie...the transcriptions were with him, along with a set of copies, which could be sold to the highest bidding adventurer on the quest, if the going got rough.


A Buxom wench passed by, and Monty broke his gaze, Pulling the wench in close by the upper thigh, after guzzling a pint of Ale...
"Hows about bringing me another, oh stunning maiden"