Refran nodded as all those questions were answered, him now having enough information. He rose up and stretched out to loosen his muscles a bit. "Alright, thank you Countess, es. If that's all that had to be discussed, I think I'll be taking my leave. I have some things to prepare before we all depart, es." And with that the warf slid his chair back to it's rightful spot and walked out of the dining hall. He was making his way to the armory, fairly confident in where it was now that Ref was able to spend a night in the castle.
Refran knocked on the door twice before going in, just so he doesn't startle Orson. "Hey, Orson, es. Countess Raleena said that if we need any basic equipment we could visit you, es. Do you have a basic knife lying around somewhere I can use? Not a combat knife, just a regular utility one. I... Might have some use for it, es." Ref had a smile on his face, but it wasn't really re-assuring... It almost seemed forced. His muscles weren't tense though, he seemed just about as relaxed as ever.
Castle Raleena, Dining Hall
Try not to kill them... that might kill any one of us in the future.
"I'll be taking my leave, as well, Countess Raleena," Nid pushed back her chair, its screech echoing across the hall. She was halfway to the door when another question popped inside her head. Turning back to face the countess, she began to speak, "Excuse me, Countess, but will this be the last time we will be meeting in your castle - or in any other place, for that matter?"
Actually, call me Dem or Dem Kimos I hope they add a name change soon..."Almost certainly not" Countess Raleena answered Nid with a raised eyebrow. "Unless necessary at the time, I was presuming you would be staying here at the castle. As for this particular mission, if you are unsuccessful or must otherwise flee the mine, feel free to return here. If you do hold the mine however, wait there for further word" she elaborated, feeling that would be a satisfactory answer.
The armory was a square room of all stone construction, with a thin pillar in the center as a support. Only around ten feet across, the room would probably not seem as small if not also for all the weapon racks and armor stands about. Orson was to one side of the room when Refran entered, in his armor as he was yesterday only this time missing his helmet. Thus his face which was fair but in a more modest kind of way was finally visible to the Dorothans; as was a few scars clearly marking it, which might seem a bit odd considering he could have them easily removed via certain healing magics. His hair was dark, cut short, and neatly trimmed, as likely expected of a knight who could expect to wear a helmet for long periods.
As Refran made his request, Orson was busy sharpening a sword with a handheld stone, and paused, looking slightly confused. "What, like a hunting knife?" Orson asked in return, producing one of said knives from a belt hanging on a nearby weapon rack. It was a simple, sturdy looking knife; the kind someone would use to skin a dead animal with.
You are reading this.Castle Raleena, Dining Hall
Nid nodded almost absent-mindedly then made for the thick double doors that marked the entrance - and the exit. She took a brisk pace and walked towards the armory, all the while thinking of the quality of the weapons it might hold.
Castle Raleena, Armory
Outside, she heard the scraping of steal on steal, a little grating to the unseasoned ear followed by two voices that silenced the former. The door was already open and she went past it and into the room.
All types of common weaponry were inside, stowed away carefully but a rare few had started to rust. The air was hot and smelled of steel. Surveying the room, her eyes found the owner of the two voices she had heard, Ref and the husband of the Countess Raleena.
"Sir Raleena," she started. The events of yesterday still gave her a litttle shame but she acted as if no such event had taken place. Instead, she quickly proceeded to what she came for. "Do you happen to have a quiver of arrows? Two, at least. And maybe a short sword or a rather large knife, one that can be drawn in an instant and slashed with in another."
Nid was silent for a few moments. "On second thought, if you wouldn't mind, I'll get them myself. As it is, I have somewhere to be," she said as she rummaged through the armory, looking for the quivers and the blade.
edited 15th Jul '15 6:36:38 PM by DemKimochis
Actually, call me Dem or Dem Kimos I hope they add a name change soon...Castle Raleena, Dining Hall.
"Thank you, Countess. I'll be taking my leave for the armory then."
With that, he walked off, staff going clack as it hit the ground.
Castle Raleena, Armory.
He walks into the armory, nodding hello to the others.
"A torch, and a dagger, if possible, please. For emergencies."
He turns to face the others.
"Are you prepared for the coming task? We cannot be too cautious."
Frederick pondered for a moment, thinking of what might be needed.
"First thing that comes to mind is explosives of some sort. We can cause a cave-in if everything else goes to shit. That said: I have no practice in explosives and I'd rather not blow my fingers off for that..." He sighed as he drew his fingers through the air. "Otherwise, a local map of the area... mine, armory, barracks and miner's homes, the rakosh's residence and whatever else might be important."
Frederick leaned against the wall, looking around the area. "Does anyone have any other ideas?"
Pokedy Poke-poke"Pay? For a hunting knife? Boy, you're a guest of my wife, and assisting her in her quest to become queen; for simple things, you may just have them. If you want a magical artifact or full suit of armor, then we'll talk compensation, but otherwise, have at it" Orson told Refran, before looking to Nid. "If you want speed, I'd recommend a stiletto or a dirk" he suggested, pointing to two separate daggers. One was overall cross-shaped and didn't really have a blade, just a glorified, thin spike with handle and cross guard; it was a stabbing weapon only. The other, while also clearly built best for stabbing, had an actual blade with a single cutting edge.
After Nathan's request, Orson grabbed an unlit torch from a bundle of them and passed it to the sage-in-training, then asked, "what kind of dagger do you want? For fighting? Skinning animals? Punching into armor?"
Count Escom's expression dropped somewhat at Frederick's mention of a backup plan. "Collapse the mine? Oh no, no. Heavens no. The mine in of itself is not what's important, just the support of Count Rakosh by way of it; if you collapse the mine to deny it from your enemy, all you will do is anger Rakosh against your cause. There would be no quicker way to guarantee his support of Raleena" Count Escom said, shaking his head a bit. He sighed, then glanced at Roger, "now, Roger, what do we have in terms of maps and information?"
Roger spoke up, still in that usual emotionless tone, "no concrete maps, especially not of the mine itself. By its very nature the interior is undergoing constant change, and our available eyes there have not bothered mapping out the layout of the exterior either. What we do know is that the mine is just a few miles from the district's main town, nestled against the side of a plateau. About a hundred miners work it regularly, though with the current issue with the guards we believe it is not at full production, if it is still being worked currently at all. About two thirds of the workers live at the main town, the rest stay at a common house outside the mine entrance. Also outside the mine is a water tower, an outdoor stables, and a storage barn. The miners' tools are mostly kept in the common house. Count Rakosh's residence is several miles away, halfway across the district. We know that the mine is overseen by a lizardfolk woman by the name of Razig'l, but that is all we know of the miners personally."
With that explanation for Frederick and Mart done, he finally turned to Dart. "We do not currently have any kind of horse armor in stock. I could put in an order for a full set for about five hundred coins, or a light set for two hundred."
edited 16th Jul '15 9:10:40 AM by FirockFinion
You are reading this.Refran clicked his tongue when the rest showed up in the armory behind him. Too slow. Waaaaay too slow. He'd decided to leave early to buy himself a bit of time, but he's shorter on it than he'd thought...
"Thank you, sir Orson." Ref gave the knight in reply, walking over to pick up the knife and then turning to face his two companions. "I'm going off ahead, I'll be waiting at the gate for when you guys are ready, es." After informing them of this the warf snuck through his two allies and went off towards said entrance. He wouldn't be going there normally but considering his allies are here it probably means the meeting is done, and as such, he won't have any time left. Damn it...
Ref walked through the courtyard until he reached the gate, then pulled out the knife and stared at it. He shuddered and quickly put it away again, then glancing around to see when everyone else would arrive.
edited 16th Jul '15 9:31:34 AM by Nickpws
Castle Raleena, Armory
Taking the knight's advice, Nid went towards the two swords and picked up a rather plain dirk. A dirk would no doubt offer more utility. Pleasef to see it came with a strap, she tied it around her waist, letting it rest just below the small of her back.
Satisfied with the blade, she made for the door but then stopped before what seemed to be the archer's section of the armory. Nid picked up two quivers, running a thumb over an arrowhead in each before slinging it unto her shoulder. She then went out of the armory, not even acknowledging the prescence of the newcomer.
Castle Raleena, Guest Rooms Nid had gone back to her room. She sat on the bed as she searched around the room for her bow. It was easy to find, of course. It rested on the only table in the room on top of a piece of cloth rimmed with gold.
She picked it up and drew the string, holding it in place for a few moments. Releasing the tension slowly, she put the bow over her shoulder parallel to the arrows. Nid pulled an arrow from one of the quivers, and held it with both hands. She closed her eyes and her eyes furrowed as if she were exerting gtrat effort. Putting as much force on it as she could, the arrow bent and made a cracking sound. With a sudden snap, the arrow split in half.
With a look of apparent disgust she dropped the two parts on the floor. Grabbing her hat and a pouch from the foot of the bed, she left the room.
Castle Raleena, Gate Nid walked towards the only other person there. Fully clad, she stood beside Ref and patiently waited for the others.
Actually, call me Dem or Dem Kimos I hope they add a name change soon...((OOC: I asked All Hail Thrall about what Anabella would want before leaving the castle, so don't worry, I'm not just arbitrarily controlling her; the only reason Thrall didn't post it is because he also had writer's block.))
Anabella showed up in the armory after giving a quick goodbye to the Countess. She asked Orson for a small dagger, something she could just use to defend herself if necessary. Orson gave her a short iron dagger; a simple and lightweight weapon with a double-edged blade that was no longer than a man's hand. Other than being lightweight, it was a weapon built with no specific purpose in mind, no specialty; just a short blade, a handle, and a cross guard. "This wouldn't make a half bad throwing knife, but it's not specifically built for it" Orson informed Anabella before sending her off. After Nathan got a knife of his choice, the group of Dorothans would have to go to the stables, to retrieve or borrow a mount for each of them. (Except presumably Anabella, since she has a flying broom to ride.) Then they'd ride out, heading South...
Count Escom cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, we're burning daylight" he told the Exlans, his gaze passing over each of them, "Your opposition is not likely to wait, so you must be going as soon as possible."
"If there's anything else you would like to request, tell me now. I'll have what we can provide brought to the stables, along with ammunition" Roger told them. After taking whatever requests they had, Roger left and another servant ushered the Exlans to the stables. The horses were already ready for them, along with ammunition for Fredrick's and Dart's guns, plus a few other items like coils of rope and lanterns, and (possibly) whatever they had requested as well. After packing up, they would be sent out on the path to go North...
It was now midday, the sun high in the sky and beating down with relentless heat. In the distance, the Dorothans could see the plateau that the mine was located at, though from this angle they could not clearly see the mine, as it was on the South East side. They could however pretty clearly see the town East of the mine, which meant it was on their left; it looked like it housed maybe a few hundred people by rough estimate, and they could see a few prominent buildings such as one with a clock tower, a large rectangular one, and one that almost looked like a concrete bunker.
With their destination sort of in view, now would be a good time for them to decide how they wanted to approach.
It was now midday, the sun high in the sky and beating down with relentless heat. In the distance, the Exlans could see the plateau where the mine was located, and could even just make out the shape of a building close to the plateau, near the right side. Since that would be the South East side where the mine was supposed to be, that building must be the common house where some of the miners stayed. The town was also visible to the East of the plateau, though as it was a bit over a rise from their angle they could not see it very clearly, only a clock tower that reached up into the sky slightly being prominent.
If they wanted a plan besides just riding straight to the mine, now was the best time to figure that out.
You are reading this.Seliinan Desert, North of the mine
Nid pulled on the reins, slowing down to a halt. She surveyed the horizon. The mine and the adjacent town was near enough to be seen by now but they were too far away to get any specifics.
Nid turned towards the other Dorothans. They had little experience in battle, if any at all - or so it seemed to her. If someone were to make the plans, the one with the most knowledge of battle should. Clearing her throat, Nid began, "I'll be the one to plot our course of action." She looked at each one carefully: the one who spent all his time studying, the one who spent all her time conjuring potions, and the one.... What does the warf do? she found herself surprised that she didn't know. "Objections?"
Actually, call me Dem or Dem Kimos I hope they add a name change soon...Seliinan Desert, North of the mine
Nathan shook his head.
"No objections from me. I'll provide support, so long as you keep them away from me. I'm not exactly the best fighter, you must understand."
He patted the hunting dagger at his side. It wasn't much, but it would do in a pinch when the staff would prove to cumbersome to use at close range.
"Just protect me, and I'll send fire, shock, and ice at them, as well as medical support."
A small smile crossed his face, a symbol of trust.
Now, for a plan of strategy...
"Battle will undoubtedly be a possible factor. We need to plan ahead. No war was ever won without a strategy."
Man... That heat was unbearable. Even with Refran who was probably the most light-clothed of the four sweat was pouring down in buckets... On top of that, he had to focus on horse-riding which he had absolutely zero experience with. Sure, the stable hands had given Ref some pointers but he was still mostly clueless as to how to actually ride a horse... So naturally, when Nid pulled to a stop ahead Refran had a bit of trouble following suit, his mount staggering and throwing him right into the sand.
"OWWWGODDAMNIT!" The fall hurt like hell, but what's even worse is that the warf's now covered in sand. "Sorry about that, es..." Refran pulls himself up, dusting his clothes off a bit before climbing back on and listening to what Needleworker has to say. "No objections, es. I'm a bit worried Exlans might arrive before we do though, es."
Selian Desert, South
Frederick wiped his brow, eyes darting across the landscape. It was hot. It was hot and it was awful and he felt like he was sweating a storm and fuck this goddamn heat.
"Alright gentleman: Here we are, in the ass-end of the desert with one job: take that mine. How we will win Rakosh with it, I do not know." He cleared his throat for a moment as he addressed his comrades.
"I feel we need someone on the watch tower as support, as well as one of us informing the miners of the predicament, and finally the rest goes to actually hold the mine." He cleared his throat again, making a mental note to bring a rag or a doctors mask next time. Ah well.
"Any objections? Any volunteers? Any... other ideas?" He asked, checking his revolver and making sure it was fully loaded for the day up ahead.
Pokedy Poke-pokeAnabella laid down the broom and sat onto it, letting Merlin climb onto the broom as well. With a grin, she looked at the others, then kicked up into the sky and flew south. As Anabella flew, she noticed just how hot and dry the desert was. If she thought yesterday was torturous, today was even more so, and she was so glad when she finally made her way to where the rest of the group was. She touched down her broom and looked over at the others. "If you want, I can fly up ahead and scout the area from above. I highly doubt those Exlans can fly," she snickered, with a devious grin on her face. Merlin meowed and purred in agreement.
I can still hail the Horde even though the company has shamed us. Strength and Honor even if Blizzard has neither.Riding ahead on his horse, Dart could start to make out the shapes of other structures near the mine entrance. A small tower, presumably the water tower, some sort of half-structure similar to Count Escom's combat range, probably the outdoor stables, and finally another building just behind the half-structure with that distinctive type of pointed roof that made it unmistakably a barn.
He still couldn't see any people, though at this distance it was hard to say if that was because there weren't any outside or he just couldn't make them out yet.
You are reading this.Seliinan Desert, North of the mine
So far, they gave their assent. Then Nid heard a rather small voice. Turning towards the owner of the voice, it had slipped her mind that Anabella did have a flying broom.
Nid smiled widely. "Yes, yes. That would be very helpful. If it can handle two people and as long as it doesn't put too much strain on both the broom and yourself, then I'd also like to see from a bird's eye view. If it's not possible, then it's fine. Tell me what you see... in great detail. She then turned to Ref. "True, we might not be the first. That would either mean that they've captured high ground or hid in shops and whatnot." She breathed heavily once then continued, "We can't go for the clock tower either way. I'll risk losing it rather than risk losing any of us fighting for that tower. With that gambit, we could also bait them into going there by leaving it open and hopefully, we'll be able to pick one of them off."
Nid looked at Anabella and at Nathan, thinking deeply. "Both of you have fire. We could use that for emergency signals; a call for help. If we're to split up, I'll take Anabella since I can shoot her potions in the sky."
"For now," Nid looked at the witch expectantly, "Let's see what that broom can do for us."
edited 20th Jul '15 6:33:11 AM by DemKimochis
Actually, call me Dem or Dem Kimos I hope they add a name change soon...Anabella nodded and grinned. "Yeah, it can carry another rider. You'll have to hold on tight, though, and repeat what I do." She sat onto the broom. "I'll count up. On the count of three, kick off the ground. If you're even a second off, our launch won't work," Anabella explained, letting Merlin and Nid get onto the broom. "Also, I've never really taken a passenger on this thing before, so you might be in for a bumpy ride." Soon, she looked forward, a stern expression on her face. "Ready? Okay. One.... two.... three!" she shouted.
edited 20th Jul '15 11:05:38 PM by AllHailThrall
I can still hail the Horde even though the company has shamed us. Strength and Honor even if Blizzard has neither.Seliinan Desert, North of the mine
Nid kicked off the moment Anabella had said "Three!" But as her feet left the safety and stability of the ground, she found herself all tense. She felt her breath rising along with her and she closed her eyes in her shock. Nid must have looked so pathetic then, holding on to the little girl as tightly as she could. She heard herself cursing lightly, praying that it will be over soon.
"A-are we high enough yet?" she asked through gritted teeth.
Actually, call me Dem or Dem Kimos I hope they add a name change soon...

Count Escom raised an eyebrow at Mart's comment. "It was not intended to be; I'm sorry if you took it that way" Count Escom said simply, then looked at Fredrick. "Good, that's what I want to hear. Let Roger know if there's anything you gentlemen might need for this job, and he'll see what we can do" he told the Exlans. Roger said nothing yet, just giving a nod of his head and standing at attention.
"To be honest, I don't know if you'll be needing light inside the mine. You may not even have to enter it. However, yes in fact there is some things we could provide if you need them. Though I could not expend everything, sparing some torches, basic weapons, and other tools should be no problem" Countess Raleena said to Nathan. "Just visit Orson in the armory, and tell him what sort of things you'd like. I trust his judgement to supply you adequately" she added, sounding confident in her husband but with that slight hint of a tone that suggested this was perhaps among few things she was confident in him with.
You are reading this.