Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98 
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Post by Korruk on Apr 13, 2022 3:29:55 GMT
Some things in life were sacred. A warrior's oath. A promise to a God. A drink shared at a Tavern. The last of which was a rite that had been disturbed by the sudden flash of a dagger, and a dastardly plot to put the knife in an Orc of taste. If not for the likes of Cyrus and his furious blade he may not have been having any more drinks. With his massive frame leaned over the bar he would bang the bar to grab the attention of the busy keep. “Four of your lightest ales, bread, cheese, and add these to the platter. Slice some meat on there too if you have it. There is a bigger tip in it if you make sure the arrangement looks like its presentation was considered.”Acknowledgement was given as the keep reached out and retrieved what the orc had asked to be added to the platter, and quickly presented the four tankards, which Korruks large hands could handle easily enough. A table in the corner, with a good line of sight to the door, and no seat with its back to the growing evening crowd was beginning together - a better crowd than The Last Refuge. Drinks on the table, two a piece - to start - were joined by the bread, cheese, meat, and slices of apricot he had made sure to save before they were passed their ripeness. Tonight was about making up for lost drinks! Cyrus |
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 13, 2022 17:45:05 GMT
"A spread fit for a king. My man."
The Red Saint had arrived, his white and brown ensemble completed with the montante hanging from his back. The pirate stared at the bartender for a long moment before flashing them a grin and following Korruk to the table. One apricot slice disappeared immediately.
"How the fuck are you. Keeping out of trouble, huh?"
The Aasimar flopped into his wooden chair, leaning back and putting a boot up over his other knee. His toes were almost at table level, but at least the irreverent corsair didn't put them on the table.
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 13, 2022 18:06:10 GMT
“Out of? No, but less knives - which is refreshing. You? Kept to your bad rather than the bailiffs?”
As he sat, the orc shed his coat, letting it fall on the back of the chair, the worn colours of the interior on display, accentuating the broadness of the shoulders they hid. There was a more casual feel in the air.
“Speaking of trouble - I have to know, where did you learn to stick that beast in a bastard?”
Korruk nodded at the montante,
“Not something I see all that often outside of the ranks of sellswords and some legionnaires.”
Ale in hand, bread and cheese in the other he waited with eagerness.
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 13, 2022 18:12:52 GMT
"An angel came down from on high and personally trained me in how to use a giant, fuck-off sword. True story."
Smirk. It was clearly not a true story.
"Naw. I once ran with a corsair ship called the Grinning Devil. Captain was an asshole named Shanti Fehr. He believed in the value of making the enemy shit their britches before you even got on board, and the symbol of his sheer fucking intimidation was this sword. Showed me how to work it, how to cover a deck with it, how to half-sword and use it in tight spaces if need be."
He took a sip of the ale as a taster before giving a grunt of pleasure and tipping it back. His eyes were closed, perhaps from happiness at the drink or perhaps from memory.
"As they're wont to do, the Navy got the Devil. Fehr died in the melee. I got the sword and swam for it as the ship burned. Got to land, got ghost. Served me well since. Better than him, even. I'm still here."
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 15, 2022 6:22:16 GMT
Pirate? He made note of it, he wasn’t expecting to have come across the most scrupulous individuals in Vynne but he was surprised that he was in league with a real high seas bandit. If it were the Empire the conversation may have grown sharper, but not his country not his justice. If Vynne had a problem with men like Cyrus they would need better bailiffs because this man fought like a devil.
A drink was taken with Cyrus, letting the meaning remain vague enough.
“Well I’m plenty happy that you can swing that thing like you do, impressed me as much as won my gratitude. So here here.”
Another drink, and another plucking of morsels off the platter.
“So, did you swim from the ocean to Vynne or was it a bit of a roundabout? Regardless, your arms must have been tired.”
A great joke.
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 15, 2022 19:16:01 GMT
Cyrus raised his tankard for the cheers to him. The joke earned a bit of a grin, but the Aasimar had a far-off look in his eyes. He didn't answer the question right away. Rather, he thought about why he had bothered. A random Imperial who came to a rough town where Imperials weren't exactly welcome wasn't usually someone he'd put his neck out there for.
So why this one?
"The Powers That Be had strong feelings that I ought to intervene."
He gestured at the orc with the half-empty cup.
"Which makes me wonder about you. I'm not exactly what you would call a dependable servant at the best of times, but I gotta tell you, the Grand Celestial Pains-in-my-Ass don't exactly whisper in my mind for just anyone. What makes you special?"
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 17, 2022 3:54:38 GMT
And so the turn tabled as the jovial warrior turned the question on him about what made whispers from wherever suggest he was worth something, and that earned a sneer from the Orc, a cocky one - if anything, this pair were not lacking in the confidence.
"Me? Some people love legends, great stories, epic tales, etcetera - Others, like me, we seek to be legends. Not just in the foolish sense of youth where we mock play walking up Dukes and Devils and making them bow to ones mights, no, legends are built by great journeys. Maybe, just maybe while I thought my story was supposed to stay in the capital, this is just the first noteworthy chapter of my own legend, eh?"
He stopped to finish his first drink of the evening, the first of how many? That was a problem for later.
"Even Tuskin Shar - Tamer of Giants - begins his story as a runt, two weak to weild a sword normally. A precursor to the fact he later weilds the dagger of a giant as his preferred blade, ripped from the belt of a felled Storm Tyrant. Really though, all good Orcs should aspire to be like the heroes of old."
"Tell me, there has to be someone who inspired you in a more spiritual sense than just the men around you."
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 17, 2022 6:25:00 GMT
Cyrus stared at the Orc over a mouthful of charcuterie, chewing idly as Korruk explained his goal: turning himself into a storybook protagonist. By the end, the Aasimar had a grin on his face, something between his teeth, all of which was washed away with a sip. He didn't get the culture, but the idea of becoming notorious wasn't exactly something he had difficulty understanding. After all, the Red Saint knew a thing or two about inspiring people.
For a given value of inspiring, anyway.
"Well, in this shitpile, you'll either die in a way a bard finds worthy of a song or live it. That's a fact. Either way, go spectacularly. Apparently, the stowaway angel in my mind is rooting for you."
He lifted the cup in Korruk's direction as he considered the question.
"Brother, you know there's a whole god-damn empire that thinks I'm the descendant of a God-Emperor because somewhere back among my ancestors, someone fucked an angel? Can you imagine that kind of pressure?"
Shrug. He spat a bit of something onto the floor.
"Turns out I don't want to be the chosen one. Everyone's so quick to hand over their agency and inspiration to some higher power. I inspire me in a spiritual sense every time I tell my would-be master to do shit for itself and do what I want. So. You're welcome. Leave a footnote for me in your epic."
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 20, 2022 5:52:04 GMT
“When it is all said and done, and they are writing the books I doubt you could fit in just a footnote. I have seen so many people that let expectations get the best of them, and I ask myself if they get it? For us, in new borders, legacy carries a lot of weight in certain realms but so many people have ugrukh*. Related to an Emperor of old? Fantastic, you are not him, do something yourself. Letting your heroic lineage weigh you down? You are not your ancestor so worry about your own path.”
An apricot found the Orcs mouth as he explained his view on the matter.
“In short? If someone thinks your ancestors fucking angels means you owe them something? Well putting boots to them is as valid as anything.”
He pointed at the angelic man to accentuate his point.
“There may be a person of renown I am aware of who has taken a similar path, but this is really about saying you are not wrong about freely surrendering. No tangible gift, no display of strength, just some words and vague promises? What good is the imaginary?”
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 20, 2022 17:21:41 GMT
"Exactly. A whisper in my mind doesn't rule me. The only ancient and righteous cause I'm committed to being a Paladin of Prickdom. If an angel wants to come down here and tell me what to do, they're more than fucking welcome to buy the first round." He jammed a bit of apricot in his mouth and spoke as he chewed. "It'd be the first tangible upside to all this."
He gestured toward the orcish Knight with the flagon.
"So, of all the places to start being a legend slash hero, why Vynne? Surely there is some front line somewhere you could be hoisting the Empire's Standard."
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 22, 2022 7:53:04 GMT
"I think I heard tales of the Paladin of Prickdom on my travels. As an oath, it seems a little…sticky."
He laughed at the crude joke about it, bundling more meat and with bread to shove in his face.
"Vynne has history, special to the continent, jewel of the old borders, separate now but still happily enjoying the bricks laid by the empire. Plus the beds are comfier than any cot."
Another pull of his drink before he set it down, pushing it away for the moment.
"Between the two of us, though? The Legions are restless and stagnant. They aren't the picture of strength and order they used to be, and often times are deployed to deal with situations much smaller than what their size merits. The Empire is restless. With that mentality most nobility are eschewing the chance to send their children to the Legions, instead choosing oaths or service in court, academies, or larger houses guards - The definition of honor has been changing. So between that, and the weather here, if I don't have a comfortable post back home, Vynne isn't that bad, isn't it?"
"That Galleon you want, do you have a crew? Or just a dream? Looking to get out of the city as soon as possible?"
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 22, 2022 16:42:09 GMT
Cyrus smirked at the joke before emptying the last of the flagon and waving to the barman for another.
"You're bored. They're bored. Huh."
He wasn't a political creature, not really, but restless legions tended to lead to saber-rattling politicians. It was something to think about.
"No crew, not yet. You get the ship before you get the crew. No point paying people to sit on their arses, and payroll is still a thing pirates have to consider. Mongrels can barely count, but give 'em silver and suddenly they're walking abacuses. Fuck."
Snort.
"Can't say I'm in a rush to go, though. The town isn't so bad, and you need money to buy a ship. So now, it's an adventurer's life for me. Perhaps we'll find some treasure or gain some rich asshole's patronage, and then we can truly be free."
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 25, 2022 7:08:55 GMT
“Armies and Marauders march on their stomachs, and neither wants to settle for any less than the best wine, isn’t that right? Do you have anyone you can at least rely on to take your offer once you get your galleon, or is this all a hope and prayer and screeching inside of your head for now? I am sure there are a few zealots in this town that wouldn’t mind joining just for the circumstances. That does contradict our thoughts on handing over one's own will, but you have to admit it does make staffing easier when it works in our favour.”
A motion was made, and soon more drinks would find their table.
“Have you looked into anyone in town who might be willing to sponsor you? I have been through a fair share of salon’s of sorts, and have played the part of a courtier enough to understand the most basic of fundamentals of how this city works. The weather is fair, but like most places the politics are not.”
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 25, 2022 18:22:24 GMT
"Not a hope. A plan. Finding rapscallions wishing a life of adventure is easy. Hit any dockside tavern and you'll find most of what you need. Finding the money to pay them, feed them, and the solid people to act as your officers..." He rubbed his thumb along his forefinger and middle finger in a gesture implying 'expensive'.
The idea of sponsorship got a huge grin. He feigned shock.
"Sponsoring me would be a criminal offense, my friend. Surely no noble of this city would stoop to such things."
Cyrus gestured toward the noble Orc.
"So. Hero shit that pays. You're into hero shit, and I'm into pay. We should find a contract or something. Drag the good Dominé out with us for good measure."
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 26, 2022 14:43:43 GMT
New drinks were dropped off, and the Orc was quick to indulge as he listened to Cyrus' thoughts on both a crew and patronage.
"You are right, it is a bad look. I have never seen a noble stoop so low as to hire much less greet a pirate. They spend most of their good will on privateers of proper repute."
A no good pirate was a no good pirate until they were a noble and useful privateer. Korruk was a noble who may have been lacking in certain worldly knowledge, but he knew a few things about the nobility here and there.
"And I think you are onto something. Something that I think we both crave in our downtime. A contract of sorts sounds like a splendid way to explore the city and hinterlands around it - there has to be a gaggle of brigands or den of beasts ready to become a stepping stone. Show the city that when they hear the screech someone's days are numbered."
Dots were being connected about how to right the story of Cyrus the Red and here they were with goals aligning.
"I will have my man put his feelers out, find us papers of note - but that does come with strings attached, Cyrus. I want to see how strong those sword swinging arms myself, if you aren't too far lost in the drink already that is. Or is arm wrestling beneath you?"
Korruk put the offer down, he wanted to see just how strong the warrior was - even if it was in the most simplistic of ways - for himself.
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 26, 2022 17:57:49 GMT
"Becoming a privateer is for quitters. You might as well throw a fuckin' uniform on."
He grinned broadly, nodding at the acceptance of the contract and the mention of the screech. The elbow found the table and he put his hand up to accept the match.
"One contract and a one gold wager on this match, if you're down. Let's go, big man. Show me what you've got."
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Korruk
Visitor
Name: Korruk Logar Race: Orc Class/Level: Paladin 2 XP: 480 Maximum HP: 21 Alignment: Lawful Good
Posts: 98
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Post by Korruk on Apr 26, 2022 18:17:10 GMT
Korruk laughed at the notion of quitters and uniforms. While he didn't exactly share the sentiment he had to applaud the man's resolve for his chosen path. He did not let conformity cripple his free spirit. Then the wagers came - and the Knight whistled.
"A rich man's game we are playing, but if you have more than coppers lining your pockets I am glad to take them off your hands."
The greek skinned arm found the table with a practiced hook in the wrist, this wasn't his first time testing strength, it was practically his favorite schoolyard game. It was just about whether or not he would win.
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Post by Cyrus on Apr 26, 2022 18:38:15 GMT
Cyrus was strong, but Korruk's practiced technique overcame the Barbarian's raw power. He laughed as his hand touched the table after a solid back-and-forth.
Producing the coin, he said, "You earned it. Come now. Let's eat, and we can make some money later."
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