“Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.”
-Sun Tzu
Mengus didn't have much time to stay in the town and be depressed, to spend one night costs a lot of gold. That gold he didn't have much left of. He gathered his party members and decided to head to the next town, Panconn.
Panconn was a town in Barrania. It was owned by the chieftain of Eroan of Clan fer Gillal. It has three villages bound to the town. The town sits on a promontory overlooking the Tremd river as it plunges from the Achalion plateau into the lowlands of Valdia. Legends speak of the water-nymphs who live in the dark pools under the rock, luring travellers and invaders to their deaths except, on those rare occasions when they fall in love with some hero and grant him blessings and victory.
The weather was nice, and they arrived very fast. To earn some extra gold, Mengus found a caravan that wanted protection on the road. They were headed towards the same town so he accepted the job. The caravan was adorned with colorful banners, that had caught his attention. The merchants and travelers within were preparing for the journey, their goods neatly packed on the backs of sturdy pack animals.
"In these treacherous times, protection is a commodity worth its weight in gold," the caravan leader remarked, eyeing Mengus' formidable appearance. "Would you be interested in earning some gold?" And Mengus accepted the offer. As the caravan set forth, Mengus took a position at the front, his senses keenly attuned to the surroundings. As they approached the gates of the next city, the caravan leader approached Mengus with the agreed-upon payment. The gratitude in the merchant's eyes mirrored the satisfaction of a safe and successful journey. Mengus, having fulfilled his role as protector, bid farewell to the caravan, leaving behind not just coin but a trail of respect and trust in his wake.
Unfortunately for Mengus, in the town Panconn, were no tournaments held. He talked to some people just to find out that the next tournament is in Carbeseth. The town sits high on the cliffs of Alita Draun. Staring north on a clear day, across lands that were once Barranian but now are held by the Stargians and Valdians. It is said that those who keep faith will one day witness from this high point the ships of the vanished High King Lon, who shall return to free his people from their enemies. But today, one is far more likely to see the sails of Nordic adventurers and mercenaries, coming to assist the foreigners in their relentless push into Barranian land.
So Mengus, with some extra gold he earned, recruited 5 Sword Sisters that he met in the tavern. Sword Sisters are elite female mercenary cavalry. They demand significantly lower wages compared to their male counterparts, therefore Mengus didn't think much when he overheard them on the opposite table talking about needing a job. One of the members in his party recognized Saraphine of Valos, it would seem as she was kind of famous, but Mengus had no idea who she was. Their leader, Saraphine of Valos stood tall, her raven-black hair cascading down her shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes were filled with determination and a sense of wisdom. Clad in polished silver armor adorned with intricate engravings, she wielded a slender, yet deadly, longsword with an ornate hilt. A crimson cloak under her, while she was sitting on the bench.
The bustling atmosphere of the tavern served as the backdrop for Mengus' peculiar recruitment mission. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Mengus approached them, while they were enjoying a drink at the corner table. Mengus flashed a friendly grin and leaned casually against the back of the neighboring chair, as if they were old acquaintances. "Well, well, if it isn't Saraphine of Valos, the legendary swordswoman. I must say, the tales don't do justice to the radiant armor and the... exceptional hair."
Even in his past life he was bad with talking with the opposite gender, and now in this new life of his he seemed to be even worse.
She arched an eyebrow, her piercing blue eyes appraising Mengus with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "And who might you be?" she inquired, a hint of caution in her voice.
A small chuckle escaped her lips, despite her attempt to maintain a stern facade. "What brings you to me, Mengus?"
"Mengus, at your service," he replied with a theatrical bow. "Defender of caravans, conqueror of awkward silences, and, on occasion, an accidental comedian."
Mengus, adopting an air of mock seriousness, straightened up. "I find myself in need of a companion on this grand adventure of mine, and I've heard whispers that your sword has a penchant for tales and mischief. What say you Saraphine? Fancy a journey filled with laughter, danger, and the occasional questionable decision?"
Her lips curled into a smirk. "You make it sound like a delightful romp. What's in it for me?"
Mengus theatrically tapped his chin, feigning deep contemplation. "Ah, the perks! Well, besides the joy of my charming company, how about a front-row seat to the chaos, a share of the spoils, and the rare opportunity to witness Mengus, the not-so-heroic hero, in action?"
She couldn't help but laugh at Mengus' audacious approach. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. I'll need a moment to decide."
Mengus winked playfully. "Take your time. Just know that the offer stands, and my adventures are known to have a higher entertainment value with a valiant swordswoman by my side."
As Mengus sauntered away, leaving Seraphina to ponder his proposition, the tavern echoed with the faint sound of laughter—a promising note in Mengus' unconventional recruitment serenade.
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Not long after she came to his table, the negotiations started immediately.
"So, Saraphine," Mengus began with a grin, "24 gold it is! A princely sum, I might add. You're not just joining an expedition; you're investing in the future legend of Mengus, the somewhat competent traveler."
She chuckled, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "You drive a hard bargain, Mengus. Let's hope your tales of chaos are worth the gold."
"We've got 30 minutes until departure," Mengus declared, checking the sun's position in the sky with a mock seriousness. "Plenty of time to embark on this grand escapade. Ready for a journey filled with danger, witty banter, and the occasional detour into utter nonsense?"
She smiled at him and just turned around. "See you in 30 minutes in front of the gate." then she left.
Mengus went to the trading area and bought some cheese and grapes for the travel. After that he headed towards the gates where everyone was waiting for him.
The journey to Carbeseth unfolded with moments of camaraderie, shared laughter, and the steady rhythm of hooves against the medieval terrain. Saraphine of Valos, now accustomed to Mengus' unconventional charm, found herself drawn into the unpredictable orbit of their adventure. Along the way, they encountered quaint villages, traversed dense forests, and navigated through rolling hills, all the while weaving the tapestry of their shared exploits.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape, the silhouette of Carbeseth appeared on the horizon. The anticipation of the impending tournament hung in the air, and Mengus, in his usual fashion, couldn't resist turning the journey into a series of tales, embellished with his unique brand of humor.
However, just as the city gates loomed in the distance, the atmosphere shifted. A chilling breeze carried the distant murmur of approaching danger. Mengus, sensing the impending threat, signaled for Saraphine of Valos to be on alert.
In a sudden onslaught, a group of looters emerged, five strong, blocking the path ahead. Before Mengus and Saraphine of Valos could react, the ambush was compounded as an additional ten looters emerged from the shadows, surrounding them.
Saraphine of Valos tightened her grip on her sword, ready for the clash, while Mengus assessed the situation with a calm demeanor. "Well, it seems our welcoming committee is a tad aggressive," he remarked, glancing at Saraphine of Valos. "Time for a strategic retreat, perhaps?"
The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the open field in a warm glow as Mengus and his party retreated, seeking refuge in the expanse that lay ahead. The distant murmurs of approaching danger echoed in the air, prompting the group to gather in strategic formation, each member ready for the impending clash.
Mengus, his eyes assessing the terrain with a keen strategist's gaze, issued orders with a calm demeanor. "Hold position," he commanded, as footmen formed a stalwart front line, shields raised, and weapons poised. Their purpose was clear—to weather the initial onslaught of the looming looters. The looters were level 2, highest level was the person that looked like their leader, he was level 5. If he plays his cards right, this will be an easy win and experience gain very easily.
Positioned behind the footmen, archers notched their arrows, anticipation etched on their faces. Their skilled hands awaited the signal to unleash a storm of projectiles upon the approaching threat, thinning the enemy ranks before they closed the distance.
On the right flank, the cavalry, adorned in gleaming armor, took their place with a palpable sense of readiness. Their mounts pawed the ground, restless energy barely contained. Their role was crucial—swift and decisive, they would exploit any opening with a thunderous charge.
Mirroring the archers, footmen on the left awaited the command to advance, ready to engage the enemy in close combat and complement the efforts of their counterparts in the center.
As the looters materialized on the horizon, the archers, disciplined and focused, let loose a volley of arrows that arced through the air with deadly precision. The whistle of arrows found its crescendo as they met their marks, thinning the looter ranks significantly.
With the looters weakened but undeterred, Mengus signaled the charge. The cavalry thundered towards the right flank, their momentum building with every stride. Simultaneously, footmen in the center and left surged forward, meeting the disoriented looters head-on.
The clash was an eruption of chaos—a cacophony of clashing steel, thundering hooves, and the cries of battle. Swords met shields, arrows found their targets, and the cavalry carved through the looters with brutal efficiency. Mengus, at the epicenter, directed the flow of battle with a keen eye for opportunity.
The disciplined tactics and strategic positioning bore fruit as the looters found themselves caught in a pincer attack. Overwhelmed and outmaneuvered, they crumbled beneath the coordinated assault of Mengus' party.
Breathing heavily, Mengus surveyed the aftermath of the clash. His party, though tested, stood victorious in the fading light. Saraphine of Valos, the archers, cavalry, and footmen—all played their part in the meticulously executed plan.
"Well done, my valiant companions," Mengus declared, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "To Carbeseth, and may our arrival be as memorable as our defense of this field!" With renewed confidence, they resumed their journey, leaving the open field behind as they ventured toward the medieval city, where the allure of the tournament and the promise of new challenges awaited.
Reward:
+5 Morale Boost
+45xp
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I AM LATE?!" Mengus screamed at the guy in front of the arena. His voice thundered through the air as he confronted the stern-faced gatekeeper in front of the grand arena.
"The tournament is about to start, no free space today sorry, try again next time." With a decisive motion, he shut the massive arena door in front of Mengus, the heavy thud resonating through the air.
Mengus
level 2
Skills:
One Handed: 20 ; Two Handed: 10 ; Polearm: 13
Riding: 7 ; Athletics: 1
Scouting: 26 (LvL Up! new skill: Night Runner (+5% travel speed during nighttime, +30% sight range during nighttime) ) ; Tactics: 20
Leadership: 12
Medicine: 13
Focus:
VIG:5
CTR:2
END:3
CNG:4
SOC:2
INT:2