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I load up on additional crossbow bolts (60 - if there are that many), two more daggers, 10 days more rations and a set of the cold weather gear, expected that we would head out immediately.

Gear stowed, I approach the Captain-Chaplain, "Sir.  I will check the mounts."

I leave the group, Creon at heel, and approach the beasts [Nature: 1d20+13: 10+13 = 23 to make the beasts familiar with me and pliable.  Perception: 1d20+13: 4+13 = 17 to make sure their tack is properly fitted and secure.].

Unusual choice for this terrain.  These are handier further south.  Chair jockeys.

Quote from: jussr on April 29, 2016, 04:42:47 PM

"You been here awhile, sir?" I ask the old corporal as I start changing my armour.  "With the general and all?"

He snorts.  "You could say that."

"He got a kid in the army too, right?" I ask.

Gear stowed, I approach the Captain-Chaplain, "Sir.  I will check the mounts."

I leave the group, Creon at heel, and approach the beasts [Nature: 1d20+13: 10+13 = 23 to make the beasts familiar with me and pliable.  Perception: 1d20+13: 4+13 = 17 to make sure their tack is properly fitted and secure.].

They do their usual clawfoot snarly jig as you approach, but are sufficiently well-trained not to snap or claw with any real intent at you or Creon just now.  Their tack looks fine, worn but in good shape, without any military signs, although the girths are loosened for waiting; you'll need to snug it up before mounting. 

They're not the most impressive specimens, not the flashy or fiercely powerful beasts that go for big money, but they look to be healthy and in good weight.

"I'll answer for the sergeant." I say, while poking among the packages, sacks and crates. I straighten and look around. "Remove any and all insignia or identifying military marks from any gear you wish to keep. And at this point I think we should drop all references to rank, so to be used to it before venturing onward. It's time to reveal and specify by what name you wish to be called. I am Gisaul Leatherleaf. You may refer to me as Leatherleaf from now until out mission concludes."

I look around expectantly.

"Thank you, ah, Leatherleaf. I am Valenae, usually a forward scout and general problem solver."

I look around expectantly.

I eye the Major and the rest, "Pepper."

"The mounts are in good order, Leatherleaf, such as they are.  They will be adequate." 

Quote from: Aden on April 29, 2016, 04:44:26 PM

I swing by him on my way to inspecting the weapons.

"No mate, got in the way of some magic a few years back. Bright light makes me ache. Not contagious of course.

It's a bit of a cold post here. Much warmer in the fort. Any idea what we'll see out there?"

[Diplomacy: 8 + 12=20]

"Snow," he replies, not disagreeably.  "More snow.  Probably ice.  Maybe some mortal peril."

"Thanks," I say dryly, " So normal conditions then."

I go over and look at the weapons. I can feel a pull from one of them. I squat down and move scabbards out of the way until I uncover a plain, dull brown scabbard. But as dull as the sheath is, the hilt is magnificent. An ornate claw extending down to form a half guard for the fingers, a strange metal, somewhere between brass and gold but with a vibrant red sheen. I pull it out of the box and draw a blade a few inches. Equally beautiful metal, closer to steel coloured, but with the same red glow within. As I take the hilt the claws bend inwards and touch my glove. I instinctively pull my glove down and let them touch my skin. It is warm and cold and sharp. After a brief touch the claws resumes the normal position. Perfect. We shall be good friends, this blade and I.

"I'll answer for the sergeant." I say, while poking among the packages, sacks and crates. I straighten and look around. "Remove any and all insignia or identifying military marks from any gear you wish to keep. And at this point I think we should drop all references to rank, so to be used to it before venturing onward. It's time to reveal and specify by what name you wish to be called. I am Gisaul Leatherleaf. You may refer to me as Leatherleaf from now until out mission concludes."

I look around expectantly.

Occupied as she is talking to the corporal stationed here, Astra doesn't respond, or indeed seem to have been listening.

I lower my voice and grin at him.  "That good, huh?"

"Ain't like that," he says, his previous willingness to indulge Astra fading significantly.  "General's a proper soldier and lord and his people're the same." 

Quote from: borealis on April 29, 2016, 04:46:32 PM

I look around expectantly.

"Shrikumari", I say. "Most people just call me Mari, though. Or Aaaaahwhatthefuckareyou. That one's pretty popular recently."

The corporal subtly makes a gesture of warding evil in the direction of Mari as she speaks up.

Quote from: MartinM on April 29, 2016, 05:11:29 PM

Quote from: borealis on April 29, 2016, 04:46:32 PM

I look around expectantly.

"Shrikumari", I say. "Most people just call me Mari, though. Or Aaaaahwhatthefuckareyou. That one's pretty popular recently."

The corporal subtly makes a gesture of warding evil in the direction of Mari as she speaks up.

Thank you, I think, giving him an almost relieved look at this evidence of sane people around.

The corporal subtly makes a gesture of warding evil in the direction of Mari as she speaks up.

I wave back and smile.

"So not the kinda captain you'd worry about without good reason, huh?" I conclude, watching the old corporal carefully.

[Insight: 20+5=25]