GM says, "*** SESSION STARTS ***"
GM says, "over the past week or so, a number of cattle have been stolen from the farms of Praesus and the surrounding villages of Benecortum, Soltis, and Salentum."
John wakes up and wanders out of his hut.
Caralchis is already up and wandering about
GM says, "people are getting restless and concerned that a new groups of bandits may be operating in the hilly forest south of town."
John says, "Is there a mandate from the local authorities?"
GM says, "the Gaillard Hills, as they are known locally, designate the current border between Frankish and Burgundian territory"
GM says, "so it is also possible that the Burgundians are to blame, although as far as you know there is no conflict going on at the moment"
Corin is farming some land with his mother, and notices again there are less cattle in the fields.
Joseph says, ""are cattle just 'disappearing'? Has anyone been hurt?"
GM says, "last night, Baron Garomach was invited to a banquet at Benecortum (the largest village in the area, and one right on the main north-south road). this morning, he has called for all the villagers of Praesus to gather in the village commons."
John goes about his business of feeding the pigs their morning slop.
GM says, "no one has been hurt"
GM says, "let me describe a bit about the local geography as well..."
John hurries the morning feeding and combs his hard with a touch of lard to try and look good for the authorities.
Caralchis makes sure all his animals are in order and then starts hanging about the village commons
GM says, "Praesus is about 2-1/2 miles ENE of Benecortum, and nearly a mile north of the forest line"
Corin wonders what exactly John's hard is.
John giggles.
John says, "Freudian Slip ...his hair"
Corin says, "lol"
GM says, "it is also about 1-1/2 miles ESE of the Maradoc River, which runs north out of the Gaillard Hills"
John says, "I assume during the week we can get a local map via email"
GM says, "the villages of Soltis and Salentum are north of Benecortum and Praesus - the four together form a rough rhombus"
John looks around the house for his brother.
GM says, "yeah, i'll get a map together this week"
GM says, "it'll be on the web page"
Corin stands. "Ma, I'm heading over to the commons to see what Garomach has to say. You coming?"
John cheers for the webpage.
GM says, "Margis: 'you go on. i'm busy with the washing. i'm sure he just wants to talk to the men anyway.'"
Caralchis is at the commons leaning against a tree and gazing toward the sky
John John looks about frantically. "Dad? Bub? Where is everybody?"
John giggles.
Corin nods, brushes the dirt from his clothes, and heads to the commons.
John says, "John John...hehe"
Corin says, "Hi Caralchis" as he approaches."
Caralchis greets Corin with a subdued nod
GM says, "btw, Joseph: the St. Vincent monastery is another couple of miles north of Salentum, so 4-5 miles north of Praesus... it's on the west side of the river"
John dejectedly heads towards the commons, assuming his family has gone off to the market.
Joseph says, "Joseph is home from school, he walks to the commons."
John says, "quick question...is there any to to start an emote without your name coming first?"
GM says, "john: nope"
John nods.
Corin nimbly climbs a low branch of the tree, and sits, awaiting Garomach's speech.
Joseph says, ":look for father"
GM says, "it is early May. the spring rains have come in earnest, and the commons is a muddy mess."
Caralchis says, "is anyone else there yet?"
GM says, "about 100 people have gathered in the commons... nearly all the men from Praesus, down to boys as young as 10"
John approaches slowly, tossing rocks at the fenceposts.
John hangs out by the back, not wanting to get drawn into a discussion if avoidable.
Corin throws small acorns down on John's head, bored as he waits.
GM says, "Garomach comes walking down the trail from his villa"
Caralchis moves slightly toward Garomach
John (it takes about a minute for John to figure out where the acorns are coming from.)
GM says, "ooc: keep in mind that i'm not Mavis Beacon and can only type so fast :)"
Corin says, "ooc rofl"
John (then he winks at Corin with a silly grin.)
Corin waves down to John. "Mornin' John! Whats the news?"
John shrugs.
Corin waits for Garomach to speak.
John says, "Dad and Bub went to the market I suppose."
Corin nods.
GM says, "Garomach's wearing boots like most of you, and like most of you he strides right through the mud."
John says, "Something said there's a meetin' here."
Corin says, "maybe we're gonna do somethin' real excitin like. Maybe go after those damn bandits!""
GM says, "Garomach is a very handsome man, and obvious of German heritage with blond hair and beard and piercing blue eyes"
Joseph look for dad
GM says, "his left arm dangles uselessly at his side"
GM says, "you've all read the description of Garomach, right?"
Corin nods.
Caralchis nods
Joseph nod
GM says, "joseph: Bodoni had to leave with your oldest brother early this morning to collect a new load of iron, so he missed the announcement and is not here"
GM improvises
Joseph smiles knowingly
GM says, "Garomach: 'A pleasant morn to all of you, my villagers! I have come to discuss a problem which affects all of us.'"
Corin leans out of the tree so he can hear Garomach.
John shakes the branch a bit, chuckling.
Corin hangs on.
John grins.
Joseph moves forward to hear better
Corin kicks some mud off his boots, letting it fall on John.
John is obviously distracted.
GM says, "'As many of you already know, there are cattle thieves in the area. Last night, I was asked to investigate.'"
Caralchis tries to ignore all the shenanagins and pay heed to Garomach
GM says, "'So far, every theft has been from a village on the west side of the Maradoc.'"
GM says, "'So we think the bandit camp is also on the west side. That means it may be only a few miles from our home!'"
Caralchis raises his eyebrows
Corin licks his lips, thinking he may be having some fun soon.
Joseph looks around at the people in the crowd
GM says, "'My own fighting prowess is not what it used to be, I fear. I would like a few volunteers to help locate the bandits and root out this evil from our midst.'"
Corin jumps up and down excitedly in the tree. "I'll go!"
GM says, "the crowd starts mumbling to itself. people look at each other suspiciously."
John says, "corin "where"
John says, "Where we gonna go?"
Corin shrugs. "west, I'm guessing. Git them bandits.
GM says, "villager: 'sounds dangerous....'; another villager: 'with the spring planting here, i can't spare the time...'"
Caralchis waves and says loudly "I will spare my crops. This cannot be left longer."
John scratches his head.
Joseph raises his hand, 'Ill go'
GM says, "Garomach (in Frankish): 'Caralchis? who is that odd-looking young man who cried out first?'"
Corin says, "ooc - Frankish the native village language?"
Caralchis says, "(also in Frankish) "I believe he goes by the name of Corin. He is anxious to spill blood it seems.""
GM says, "[Frankish is Garomach's native language, but your native tongue is Latin]"
Corin says, "ooc ok thanks."
GM says, "none of you understands frankish except Caralchis, i think (correct me if i'm wrong)"
John feels bad about letting the youngsters go off alone. He better keep an eye on 'em.
John raises his hand and walks towards the front, not saying anything.
Corin quickly clambers down the tree, and scurries up behind John.
GM says, "another big guy speaks up: 'the tavern ain't gettin' much business these days anyhow, i s'pose i'll go'"
GM says, "you recognize the speaker as Gamerus, who runs the one tavern in the village"
Corin remembers getting sick in his tavern, and grimaces.
GM says, "he's a huge fat guy - he and John vie for the armwrestling championship every year"
Corin says, "It'll give ya some exercise, too Gam.""
GM says, "Gamerus: 'your father should teach you some respect, boy.'"
Corin scowls. "My father's dead."
GM says, "(ouch, huh?)"
Corin turns his attention back to Garomach.
GM says, "Garomach: 'i am disappointed to have gotten only five volunteers. it is perfectly within my rights to call upon all of you in time of need. if we do not succeed, all will suffer.'"
GM says, "Garomach [to the volunteers]: 'follow me!'"
GM says, "and he turns and starts walking back to his villa"
Corin follows, falling in behind John.
John says, "I'm sure Bubba will come along when he gets back from the market."
Caralchis catches up to Garomach and walks just behind him
GM says, "does Bubba have a Latin form? Bubbus?"
Corin ooc lol
John says, "Bubbua Lostus"
Joseph looks back at the fellows causing all the commotion, shruggs, and follows Garomach
Corin ooc two of them make Bubbii
GM says, "some of the villagers look ashamed at this last speech, but most look relieved as they head home."
orin runs up alongside John. "Where we going now?"
GM says, "Garomach's villa is in the northern corner of the village and is surrounded by a high wooden wall. there is an iron gate in the wall, which he walks through."
Corin looks around as he enters. "Must be nice, livin' 'ere."
GM says, "once inside the gate, there is a paved path to the front door of the domicile, but the rest of the villa yard is muddy and crappy."
John shrugs.
John says, "I need to go home and put the pigs back in the pen."
GM says, "Garomach: 'Ah, John! I'm sure your brother can take care of that chore.'"
John follows along.
John says, "Alright. You tell 'em. Pop "
John says, "oops"
Corin grins.
John says, "Alright. you tell 'em. Pop will have my butt if they're out when he gets home.""
GM says, "Garomach asks for ideas"
John says, "We gonna smash em over the head, right?"
Caralchis says, "if we can find them, John"
Corin says, "maybe we ride out there at nite and look around?""
Joseph says, "scout out the place"
John says, "Lots of cows missing or just a few?"
John says, "Can we git some horses? I want a white one."
GM says, "Gamerus: 'the area which has been stolen from is vast. i don't think our band of 6 can cover it all.'"
John says, "How about a gud dog?"
Corin says, "I know this area pretty well. I may have some ideas wher they'd be hiding out.""
John says, "It ain't easy to hide a bunch of cows."
GM says, "Garomach: 'Old Faiseric at Benecortum said that 15 cattle have been stolen.'"
Corin says, "We could set a trap out west near our cattle.""
GM says, "john: plenty of mutts around, but no hunting dogs"
Caralchis says, "From Benecortum alone? how many from here?"
Joseph says, "were there any tracks where the cattle were taken? "
GM says, "'no, from the area altogether.'"
GM says, "Garomach: 'i can supply a few horses, although John and Gamerus might bend them!' he chortles heartily."
John looks a little hurt by the comment.
Corin says, "My eyes are good at nite. Let me hide near some cattle at nite and catch 'em in the act!"
Caralchis smiles
GM says, "Gamerus laughs."
Corin says, "How long has this been going on?""
GM says, "John starts petting a mangy-looking dog"
GM says, "six days"
John says, "I's bet you can sniff em out miles away."
John says, "Can I get a big sharp axe?"
Caralchis wonders if farms on one side of the village have been plundered more
Corin ooc brb - coffee refill.
John says, "I reckon these bandits deserve to go to hell."
GM says, "Garomach: 'I see you've met Garamund, John. A faithful hound.'"
John says, "Garamund...Garomach...hehe"
GM grins
John plays fetch a bit with Garamund.
GM says, "Garomach: 'Caralchis, the only pattern we've noticed is that only villages to the west of the Maradoc have been targeted.'"
Joseph says, "were there any tracks where the cattle were taken? "
John says, "The others must be next."
Ro [Guest] has arrived.
John says, "OOC: is it practice to brand cattle?"
GM says, "'There have been only 5 farms hit, though.'"
GM says, "ooc: yes, in fact cattle rustling is a major form of banditry and is taken pretty seriously"
Caralchis says, "ooc: which villages are on that side of the river?"
Joseph continuing his thought to Garamach "any *suspicious* tracks? say, 15 cattle all going in one particular direction...
GM says, "after a few minutes of discussion, Joseph's father Bodoni pokes his head through the gate"
Corin says, "And how many farms in the west have not been hit yet?""
GM says, "Garomach: 'It's been so muddy and rainy, no one has seen any tracks.'"
GM says, "Garomach: 'and not all 15 cattle were taken from the same place. most of the farms haven't been hit.'"
Corin nods.
Bodoni says, "::steps in with heavy boots:: What are you doing in all of this, boy?"
Corin turns, and realizes Bodoni is not talking to him.
Joseph says, "some of our friends have lost their cattle. Garomach needs our help."
John says, "Where are the horses?"
GM says, "ooc: in the stables just outside the villa"
Bodoni says, "::nods to Garomach:: please excuse my intrusion, milord, but I'd like to help."
John walks over to the stables to check out the horses.
GM says, "Garomach: 'I'd welcome another strong back!'"
Bodoni says, "::nods::"
GM says, "ooc to Bodoni: aside from the group here, the tavern owner also volunteered. big heavy guy named Gamerus."
Corin says, "How about just moving the cattle to the east. Then they'd attack other villages."
Bodoni says, "::mutters:: I leave for a bit, and he volunteers."
Bodoni says, "(GM, who'd ooc?)"
Bodoni says, "(who's)"
GM says, "ooc = out of context"
Bodoni says, "(oh.. heh)"
Joseph says, "we were trying to decide what to do next... "
GM says, "i should create a monster called the 'ooc'. that'd confuse you all!"
Corin says, "So can we move the cattle? Until the problem stops?""
Bodoni says, "(GM, these attacks just begin? this the first time?)"
GM says, "Garomach to Corin: 'but they are OUR cattle.' he looks puzzled."
GM says, "ooc to Bodoni: first time recently, yes. the thefts started six days ago."
Joseph says, "(to Garomach) do you want us to protect the cattle that are left, or find the ones that are missing, and the people who took them?"
Bodoni says, "::coughs slightly:: Maybe we should stake out an area. wait and see if anyone shows up again."
Corin says, "Its a real big area, Bodoni. We thought of that."
GM says, "Garomach: 'Whatever we can do, young one.'"
GM says, "(that was to Joseph)"
Bodoni says, "(who's Corin, again?)"
GM says, "Garomach: 'It seems most likely that the bandits are camped in the Gaillard forest south of town.'"
John comes back with the mutt in tow.
GM says, "Corin is a youth of Hunnish descent. you know him as a brash, athletic kid."
Bodoni says, "::perks up having something he can get ahold of:: Well that's a different story"
GM will be away from its keyboard for a bit.
Corin ooc look corin for description
Caralchis says, "It would not hurt to scout the area a bit, even if it is so big that we couldn't cover all of it. It would also perhaps be useful for Garomach to require villagers to guard the town during the night."
Corin nods to Caralchis. "Sounds like a good idea to me."
Joseph says, "let's do it"
GM is back
Bodoni says, "::nods::"
Bodoni says, "::looks around at this rather youthful group, and sighs::"
John says, "who can ride?"
Caralchis is 32
Caralchis says, "I can"
Corin puffs up his chest. "I can ride with the best of 'em."
Bodoni says, "(Bodoni's like in his..50's or something..)"
Joseph says, "I can, a little."
Corin says, "Hope the old men can keep up.""
Bodoni says, "::raises his hand::"
GM says, "you going to scout tonight or during the day today? the thefts always occur at night."
Bodoni says, "::re: riding::"
Caralchis asks "Do all of you have weapons?"
Bodoni says, "::chuckles at Caralchis::"
Corin says, "I think we should scout at nite. I need to return to my house and get my belongings."
John says, "I didn't bring weapons to the meetin'. Should we head home first?"
Corin nods.
John says, "Or was Gar gonna let me use one of his big axes?"
Joseph says, "dad made me a sword, its at home. "
GM says, "(ack! i can't keep up!)"
Caralchis doesn't have a habit of carrying his weapons around with him wherever he goes, either.
Bodoni says, "I've got my mace in storage, but it's well kept."
GM says, "Garomach: 'we can bring the cattle into the commons for a night or so, but they need to forage. i'll do this tonight. at least Praesus will be safe.'"
Bodoni says, "I'll bring us something, so we won't trip over our own feet in the dark."
Caralchis says, "So are we going to do anything before nightfall?"
Corin says, "let's meet here at dusk then!"
GM says, "Garomach: 'We will meet here at sundown. I have enough horses for all of you, and I suggest each of you comes armed.'"
Joseph says, "are we going to scout the farms or the forest?"
John waves and heads back home, trying to get the hound to come with him.
Corin turns and leaves also, sprinting excitedly back to tell his mother the news.
Bodoni says, "Come on Joseph, on with ya.. we've got preperations to make."
GM says, "Garamund (the hound) wags his tail at you and walks with you to the gate, but then runs playfully back to Garomach"
GM says, "Garomach: 'Caralchis, spread the word that the cattle may be brought into the commons tonight.'"
Joseph says, "see you tonight..."
John gathers his EQ from the house, locks up the pigs, and heads back at dusk.
Caralchis says, "I shall. I will see you tonight"
GM says, "EQ?"
GM realizes that John doesn't have much IQ, but...
John says, " Corin runs up to his mother. "Ma! Garomach asked us to find out who's stealing our cattle! And we're gonna go lookin' tonite at sundown."
Bodoni says, "this was perhaps not the smartest move, boy. ::to Joespeh::"
Corin says, "I gotta get my stuff together.."
Bodoni says, "::rummages through his trunk, and pulls out a well used mace::"
GM says, "Johan: Bubbus Lazianus still seems to be away"
GM says, "ok, you get your stuff and meet back at Garomach's villa as the sun is setting"
Caralchis heads back to his farm, spends the rest of the day farming. Then before dusk and after a meal he dons his leather armor and helmet, gets his shield and his sword from storage, and returns to the villa
Corin waves goodbye to his mother and returns to the villa, fully geared up.
Caralchis didn't forget to spread the owrd about putting the cattle in the commons
Joseph tries on the leather armor left to him by a distant realative. takes a few pratice swings with his sword, trying to be careful not to break anything... oops! sorry mom.
GM says, "about 50-60 cattle are mooing in the commons now, and a few of the farmers are standing around chatting"
Bodoni says, "::sighs at Joseph::"
Corin heads for the stables, and looks at the horses carefully.
Bodoni says, "::mace hanging at his side::"
GM says, "Dorinia (Joseph's mom): 'It's ok, dear, we can always buy more wine. Just be careful tonight.'"
Corin tries to choose a fresh horse, and one that is young and lively.
John whispers, "I assume I've 'picked out' my horse already...in the stables"
Joseph kisses mom on the cheek and heads back to the villa
GM says, "Dorinia (to Bodoni): 'And YOU, keep a careful eye on that boy.'"
Bodoni says, "Oh, I intend too."
Caralchis chooses a healthy looking horse that isn't too rambunctious
Bodoni says, "::slight smile::"
Corin ooc this is pre-saddle and stirrips, right?
Bodoni says, "::watches Joseph near the horses:: (Are we near them, or?)"
GM says, "saddles exist, but not stirrups"
Corin ooc ok
GM says, "Garomach's servant has seven horses saddled when you arrive."
Bodoni says, "::finds the nearest one, and gets on it with ease:: Right, then.."
GM says, "he is sitting astride the largest one, a chestnut warhorse"
Caralchis chose his horse from among the saddled ones
Corin springs lightly into the horse he chooses, and trotsaround, checking him out.
Joseph Joseph takes the horse that's left
Bodoni says, "::to Joseph:: "don't dally, boy, quickly now.""
GM says, "all the horses other than Garomach's are draft horses, but they'll do"
Caralchis mounts his chosen horse and walks around a bit, then trots up beside the chestnut warhorse
Corin says, "well, I'm ready!""
GM says, "the sky is partly cloudy, with some ominous clouds on the horizon... the moon is only a crescent..."
Bodoni says, "(They have lamps during this time, eh, GM?)"
Bodoni says, "(or that ooc.. stuff. :D)"
GM says, "there are olive oil lamps, but they wouldn't be suitable for horseback riding - they'd go out too often and might spill burning oil"
Bodoni says, "(okay, then. thanks)"
Corin says, "We'll be able to see ok.""
GM says, "Garomach: 'I can provide you with torches, but we might just scare away the bandits if we ride around with them.'"
John fills a small bag with several small rocks and mounts up.
Corin shakes his head at the idea of torches.
Caralchis says, "It would be a good idea to at least have them, whether we use them or not"
Bodoni says, "Yes. We'll have to do it this way, then. ::having suspected that anyway::"
John is wearing a Leather Torso piece and Helm with a Very Large Mace strapped to his back.
GM says, "Garomach (to his servant): 'Boy, run in and fetch torches!' The servant dashes into the villa."
Bodoni says, "::wears a scale-torso plate with a mace hanging at his side::"
Caralchis is wearing leather armor and a helmet. he has a shield strapped to his back and a well polished spatha in a sheath.
Corin is wearing a light leather jacket and helm, with cloth armor on his legs.
GM says, "bodoni has torso scale armor, right?"
Bodoni says, "(uh, sure)"
GM says, "just checking..."
Joseph is wearing leather armor and a helmet, a sword, and brought his bow along 'just in case'
GM says, "btw... one of the annoyances of the times... if you bring along a lit torch, you'll have trouble seeing past the circle of light it throws, and you can be seen from a long ways off, thus you're easy to avoid... if you bring along an unlit torch, how will you light it? (no matches....)"
Corin also has an oval wooden shield on his back, a bow close at hand, and a spatha in sheath hung at his side.
GM says, "kind of a catch 22"
Caralchis says, "isn't there flint or something?"
John I prefer to go by moonlight
Corin says, "we dont need no stinking torches.""
Corin says in his best mexican accent.
GM says, "sure, flint and steel... it isn't fast or reliable, but it can work... i just want to make sure you understand the limitations of the era..."
GM says, "so that i don't surprise you later :)"
Caralchis)
Corin ooc I may have to leave at noon.
GM says, "yeah, we're going to have to stop in about 10 minutes"
Bodoni says, "(Yeah... players: What do you mean no matches!! ;D)"
John nods at you.
John says, "you suggesting we get finalized to leave and stop?"
GM says, "i think it would be best to stop here, rather than after you start the search... not the best cliffhanger in the world, but we got started late."
Corin nods. Good point to restart.
Joseph nods
Bodoni says, "(Sure)"
Caralchis says, "Alright then"
GM says, "*** END SESSION ***"