The Ghostfence rp: Playground 1 Options

[jack cloudy]

Well, here we go. This is the thread where the actual rp will take place. I suppose that I'll go first.
Note: Right now mentioning locations isn't important because odds are everyone will be in Balmora, but later on it might be usefull. Like when people split up and stuff.

Eno Arval, Balmora. (Gah, got his name wrong in the first post already. Not a good start)

"Next stop, Balmora! Please remember to collect your luggage before departing. Also watch your step and do not jump, levitate, ropewalk or do anything else that would be either obstruct your fellow travelers or be hazardous for your health." The caravan-master shouted. The trio of Siltstriders slowed down as their steps became shorter. Waving gently from side to side, they broke formation and each headed towards its own ramp where workers already stood prepared to receive them.

One passenger, a middle-aged Dunmer dressed in brown, looked up from the small flute he'd been carving.
"Ah, finally there. Balmora, it sure hasn't changed much since the last time I visited." He muttered and put away the scalpel he had been using.

The Siltstrider he was on came to a halt and a ramp was placed against its side, secured by hooks that were lodged between the creature's plates.
"You may now disembark. Thank you for accepting our service and we hope to see you again soon." The master said and gestured towards the ramp. The Dunmer nodded politely and got off.

"Now then. I should rent myself a Guar first before I join up with a caravan. What did the brochure say again?" He thought, taking out the leaflet he'd picked up in Ald-ruhn.
"Ah, here it is. A stall has been erected in front of the council house where one may register for transportation to Ghostfence, as well as rent Guars and buy supplies. Be advised that by order of the Temple, all must accept the task of ferrying two sacks of supplies intended for the construction-site. Those who have been assigned as escorts for their respective caravans are exempt from this duty." He read. In his mind, he made a quick calculation on how much more he could take with him without overloading the Guar he was going to rent.



OOC: Umm yeah. I suppose we can go and dismiss the whole 'two sacks' thing if you really want to. It was really just an attempt to make sure that at least some construction-critical supplies would be coming with the caravan.

This post has been edited by jack cloudy: Dec 23 2008, 12:18 PM

[bbqplatypus]

OOC: I wanted to do this conversation while we were still in town, but real life got in the way.



Apelles Velvus

Apelles walked alongside the caravan, his eyes ostensibly scanning the horizon. The sound of pleasant music filled the air, but he barely even noticed. Right now, all he could focus on was Dranas Heleran.

He knew exactly what he was up to. He had been in perfect position to stop him. And yet, he had failed to uncover any illicit merchandise. He had been publicly humiliated in front of a group of devout Armigers who likely already resented him to begin with.

Dranas had to be hiding the skooma somewhere. He knew this even before he searched him. But where?

His thoughts were interrupted, however, by a stern, familiar voice. "I'd like a word with you, Cyrodil."

Apelles swiveled his head around. It was Salms Ralas. He had pulled up alongside him, and the look on his face showed that he was not at all pleased with him.

Apelles measured his response carefully, making an effort to seem as respectful as possible. "Of course, muthsera. What is it that you wish to know?"

"I'd like to know what was going on with that Dunmer back at the square. You seemed to know each other." Ralas leaned in, eyes narrowed, and voice lowered to an accusatory, almost threatening whisper. "Quite frankly, I think there's something you're not telling me."

Apelles looked down at the ground beneath the Armiger's feet and scratched his head nervously. "I ran into him in a smuggler's den on an expedition a few years back. We were -"

"Guardung!" Ralas snapped. "I may not know you very well, but I'm not an idiot. You are far more familiar with him than that. At the very least, come up with a more convincing lie, or I'll have you marching right back to wherever the hell it is you came from."

Apelles looked at his surroundings. There were dozens of people within earshot. Their conversation had not attracted anyone's attention yet, but he wasn't willing to take that chance.

"It's a private matter," he said in a low voice. "One that I cannot discuss with you in public right now. Suffice to say that it concerns old business - a problem from days long past. I can assure you, sera, that it does not pose a significant threat to this caravan apart from a moral one. I can tell you about it in private, once we've made camp...if that's alright with you, of course."

"Hmph. Very well," Ralas grunted. "But if this is a private matter, as you claim it to be, my advice to you would be to keep it private. You weren't hired to capture criminals or settle old grudges - you are here to protect the caravan. Anything else is a dereliction of duty. You're endangering lives by pursuing such a trivial matter. I will NOT have any more of my men dying under my command - ESPECIALLY not to incompetence and inattentiveness! This is my caravan! I won't have anyone dying under me! I'd sooner die first! Do you understand!?" His voice grew louder and faster as he spoke. A few people even turned their heads to look at what was happening (though most still ignored them). There was something wild in his eyes - something more than mere anger. It had a tinge of madness to it.

Apelles was silent for a moment, momentarily stunned by the outburst of the previously stoic Armiger leader. Then, he finally responded. "Yes...yes, sera. I understand."

"Well, good. Carry on."

Ralas slipped back to his proper place on the perimeter. No one was the wiser, it seemed.

In the meantime, Apelles once again affixed his gaze to the area around him. This time, he made an effort to focus on the mission. However, deep in the corner of his mind, he still remembered Dranas Heleran. But there was something new as well - a feeling of dread that he could not place. And with every step they made toward Ghostgate, the feeling got stronger. He ignored it and kept onward.

This post has been edited by bbqplatypus: Mar 7 2009, 02:57 AM