Year 487 Summer Campaign

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn made the sign of the cross. [assuming its holiness would be apparent and not open to interpretation as sorcery. Collan then says something to the effect of...do you give you word to be nice and obey the rules. Basically this is a temporary diplomatic oath or whatever is appropriate. Let me know the costs to maintain Artaigne as appropriate during our embassy]

"I would take your oath. That by your sacred honor, in the name of the Christ and Saint Brigid, you will serve as my aide-de-camp for my embassy to Preator Hearraut. Pledging your honor to respect the boundaries and strictures placd upon and obey my commands. In turn, I pledge my honor to yours as a brother knight to aid you and provide comfort."

[Artaigne]

Artaigne listens to Cedwyn's words solemnly and answers for his part, "I do so swear by honor, in the name of Christ and Saint Brigit."

[GM Craig]

The steward looks flustered. He opens his mouth to speak, then changes his mind.  Finally he frowns. "Very well," he says in an icy tone. "I do not wish to offend your king. But he shall hear of this... this ploy. Leave your horses - they will be cared for - and come with me."

You follow him inside, where he hands you over to a servant. They speak in Latin (nothing nefarious - just instructions for your disposition), and the servant guides you to a series of rooms. Inside, you see the rooms are small, but not insulting. They overlook the outer courtyard, not a pleasant view, but again not insulting either. The rooms are fitted with crosses slits for windows, and the shutters are poorly fitted - these will be drafty rooms in even a light breeze.

At any rate, you unpack and settle in.

[Pausing here for reactions and RP if you want. Can you give me a general notion of your plans for the next few days?]

[Arne]

Arne waited until they were left to themselves, and grinned broadly.  "Well played, Sir Cedwyn.  I hope that this does not cause problems with King Uther, though."  He looked around.  "Nice rooms.  So, what next?  We could always ride out to meet the Centurion King in the field . . . if indeed that is where he is."

[Artaigne]

"For what my opinion is worth, I must agree with goodman Arne.  We will likely be waiting forever here, and it seems that your task is urgent."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn sighed, "It may or may not. It all depends on the outcome of this embassy. I mislike being cooped up in these rooms like cattle. T'would be better if we did ride for the Praetor's army and seek audience directly. The question though...where do we go?"

[Artaigne]

"Mayhaps towards the coast? The saxon dogs are known to raid from their ships."

[Arne]

Arne snorted a laugh, and shot Valka a wink.  "Yes, they do.  And we showed those motherless swine how it should be done.  A shame none lived to teach others.  But if the steward or his soldiers will not tell us where their king is fighting, perhaps we could visit the market and draw it out of some of the commoners through talk?"  He shrugged.  "That is, if the commoners are not as haughty as their superiors."

[Geoffrey]

Rodric nodded in agreement of Arne's plan

"Knowledge of the Praetor's plans and location is likely to be common among many of those within the castle.  A good ear and a silver tongue may get one or more of them to share that knowledge with us."

[Arne]

Arne waved a hand at the exit.  "Shall we see this city's sights and sounds, then?"

[Cedwyn]

"Let us avail ourselves if the the Roman hospitality. It's possible we may acquire rumours from the townfolk as well," Cedwyn said, "Have any of you practice at intrigue. I've gitten lucky a fee times but that is it."

[Arne]

Arne snorted laughter.  "You'd have far more success than I would, Sir Cedwyn.  I have all the subtlety of a war galley's ram."

[Valka]

Valka smiled at Arne's self-deprecating humor.

"I have a little experience. My father and I would entertain at court, and in my boredom would listen to all the interesting gossip. Some events were more entertaining than others."

[Geoffrey]

"My skill is with the sword, not with politics but we must still attempt it.  If we do not we are certain to not learn anything."

[OOC: Craig, can I use my flirting skill to see if I can talk up a few of the women, and if successful possibly get a boost to intrigue?]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: I'll have to think about that - the rules don't really cover skill chaining. Let me see what I can come up with.]