[Riparia] The Dawning of a new Brightening for the Coven of Twilight
Solaria of Ponutis in Imperos, in the Season of Autumn, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.
It was another sunset, all the suns of Aelyria had set, and once again the man who hoped to start an empire sat alone. His hair fell before his face as he stared into the mug. The alcohol of the liquor stung as he swallowed, but in the last era it had falled to feel any longer. Memories of his past, shadows of what he should have accomplished, all haunted him. From his training by his wily Katta mentor, to being a protegee to one of the undergrounds most infamous killers in the largest city, to back to being the 'boss' of a gang that has seemed to run out of steam.
'It isnt my fault.' Lucian mumbled into his mug. The dwarf next to him shot a look of confusion through a bushy eyebrow. The man's words were to himself, not anyone at the bar, nor for that matter any one in the town that was once a thriving mining hub. The young man from Imperia spoke to himself, trying to justify what had happened to him. To justify what had happened to the gang that he started, and put their faith in him.
Where was he now? He had been in Riparia running a few jobs here and there, but The Coven of Twilight had dwindled. First it had been his absence after his last AFCL fight, where he destroyed the reigning Champion. It should have launched his name, but it did not. Of course his name and contacts awarded him the possession of the building as the AFCL disbanded, and a few more thugs to his rooster. But his absence there after did not bode well for the future of the Coven.
Then on top of that there was the storms. Through out Riparia, frag, through out the Empire, buildings were destroyed, government was collapsing, armies were moving at their own agendas. It should have been a time that the Coven had sprung forth and garnered strength. Yet Lucian was just able to hold together a portion of his crew. He did not blame them, much... The men and women had families to feed. That is how he got them to agree to follow him during the start of the tough times. Much of his stored wealth had dwindled as he 'helped' out his people. A few extra portions, and bonuses here and there, when not earned. It kept food on his peoples tables, but took from the reserve that he had built up.
As that reserve dwindled, so did the shipments from the other cities. His contacts in Zerdargia slowed then stopped. Be it the smaller payments, or the state of the Empire, Lucian did not know. It started with the shipments of ale, but grew beyond that. The contacts that the Imperian had worked so hard to foster and maintain slowly dwindled away. To now there was just a few crowns left in his coffers...
He tossed a few crowns on the bar to cover the tip, as he stood to leave. As one of the few remaining Coven stood to escort him 'home', he waved him off. The boy served as doorman for the last remaining spot the gang called their own. There was not an exchange of crowns, but an old agreement. Lucian's men kept the place from getting too rowdy, and the Coven got a few drinks here and there.
The once tanned man strode through the streets, a stumble here and there. It would have made him a target to the shadier element of the city, but Lucian was known here. There was still a little respect carried over, but one day the head of the Coven would loose even that shred. Unless he did something, unless he did something....
***A few Brightenings later***
The men sat at a rough hewn table. At one time gambles place their bets here, losing money that the Coven would come to collect. But 3 or 4 Ordinations had passed since then, and Lucian counted them with a heavy heart. At the table sat the Coven of Twilight's last serving crew leaders. Salaar, and Fajur. The two had been with Lucian for many an Era, and Lucian had rewarded them well during that time. But those times of wealth and excess had passed. Lucian sat looking at two men who had been with him, but wished to see more of the man they once knew. Through whispers it had come to Lucian that the rest of the crew was ready to disband. It was only the last few strands of loyalty that kept the men in the Coven, and the honor that was Salaar, and Fujar that kept them following Lucian.
'Serale my friends. This evening marks a new beginning, a fresh start. Too long have we accepted what the fates have thrown at us. It has gotten us nowhere. We began as an are of the AFCL, but have fallen to be a tattered remnant.' Lucian watched the men's eyes as they stared at him. He was using all the skills he had as leader to speak. To urge the men to believe in him once again.
'It is true, Riparia is not what she once was... Frag... Even the Empire is not what it once was. But we still have a chance to make our names in this world. What we need is to establish the contacts that made us who we were.
First we lost the duty free ale from Zerdargia, then the 'specialty' items from the islands, and deamon possessed, we have no clue where the Claw scattered to...' Lucian paused to take a swig of the harsh dwarven drink, a big difference to the Arakmatian liquors he used to partake. This was all that seemed to affect him, strong enough to block the thoughts of failure that seemed to be growing every brightening.
'I would like for you gentle,men to hold together the gang a bit longer. There are few last leads I am wanting to pursue to bring us back into power. Well bring us back from the dead.' Neither men acknowledge his slight attempt at humor.
After clearing his throat Lucian continued. 'At first Brightening I will set forth to the other cities that we used to have dealings with. With a little nudge we may be able to start up a new agreement, or at the elast get a promise of support.' As he spoke he thought of the other options. But shrugged them off as he felt he could accomplish the tasks at hand.
In his calm and usually understanding manner Salaar nodded. Not one for many words his motion conveyed all Lucian needed to believe. It was Fajur that Lucian was more worried about. The big brute was trust worthy, almost to the fault, but sometimes his words were more than a bit harsh.
'Boss... uhmm well to be honest. These last few guys are all we got. I have four left on my watch, and Salaar was telling me Brock left so that leaves him with six. That is a group of thirteen, including you. We need a big boost to be able to keep up, our rounds are just givin us enough to keep on going.
I dont know how long they will stickwith us. A while I hope, but you know how tough it is getting around here. After the Storms...
All's I am sayin Boss is that we need to do something'
Salaar stared at the burly man as he spoke the words he did not have the heart to say. They had all been through alot, and it was tough to place the blame, but Lucian felt it heavy enough. There were a few things left to settle before he left, but he would set a few things straight before leaving to remake the Coven what it once was.
**OOC**
I was not sure if this needed mod input. Wanted to start RP my interaction with the 'gang', so I could work on keeping them together. The NPCs are verified via GD. If someone would like to assist in RPing the rebirth of the gang please jump in. I can provide what ever input I can.
The middle of the Month of Kalendryas,
in the Season of Winter, Era I of the Celestine Mandate,
Era XV Post Fractum.
A few months had passed while Lucian was out of the city. He had done some traveling, and much soul searching. He served as a trade negotiator for the Three Suns Trading house, he trained within the confines of the Academy of Shadows, and he met new friends. He had seen much, and learned much more. The city of Riparia had become a home to him, and he owned several properties there. But business had died down and with it the profitablity of his holdings. The men of his gang had all felt the crunch, and that plugued Lucian alot.
The Coven of Twilight served several functions, from business protection, to debt collection, to smugglers and caravan guards. They were a group of varied skills and now Lucian felt it would be time to move on. To a city where they could make a new start, it would be tough and it was not certian that they would make it. But Lucian thought of his hometown and knew he must make the journey. He was on his way this cycle, but had stopped in to check on his gang and see where they stood.
The others of his party were put up in an Inn in the nicer part of town while Lucian went to see his men. There guild hall was a warehouse that was converted from the old AFCL fight club, and there most of the men bunked. If they were not out working, they would be found there. Lucian walked into the building without knocking.
Two men stood up, the larger of the two stared angrily at the intrusion. 'Who goes there...' he said in a gruff tone. Once he saw it was the gang leader he sat and motioned for the other to do likewise, 'Jus the Boss, now are you goin to draw or not.' It was Fajur the young hot headed thug. A former fighter in the AFCL, like Lucian, and not one of his lead guys. The other was Salaar, and older gentleman that soon found his way out of one of the back rooms.
'Serale... I am at home at last.' He paused to make his greetings to each of the men there, and looked around to see who was missing. 'Where is Kida?' He was informed she was 'working', which usually meant she was with some noble. Drinking him into a stupour before making off with the crowns he had on him. There were a few other men that were out and about, including some work at the Green Goblin.
After a candlemark or so Lucian pulled everyone together, Kida was still missing but eight of the ten thugs were here. The young boss felt he should proceed, and catch them up when they got here.
'Well I have been gone for a few months, and I have made a few contacts for us. But I have also decided one one major thing.' The group looked amoung each other questioningly. 'I have decided that we should move our main base of operations to Imperia.' He looked at the group, one fellow stood up and walked away mumbling under his breath.
'Easy guys, I said main base... Not the whole group. We still have obligations here, and need to keep up the buildings we have. The idea is that one third of you stay, while the rest move to join me in Imperia in a few cycles.'
He paused to let his words sink in, he had lead the group for many eras now. He felt that they trusted him, and he would do what was best for the gang as a whole. That was true, though Lucian had been a thief, a thug, and an assassin he had always taken care of those in his charge. That included all those who counted themselves as Coven members. Lucian could have made his way to Imperia, and not bothered to include them. But he was honorbound to them, they trusted in him and he trusted them.
'So I will give you time to think this over, but I will be leaving to Imperia by mid-brightening. It will be a cycle or so of hard riding, but I should be in Imperia by the first week of Immanis. I would expect you guys there by the end of the first cycle. Hopefully I will have something lined up, if not there is much to do in that city and we should have work soon, more work than we have in Riparia.' Lucian spoke in a confident tone, stating facts as his mind was made. He would leave the choice of who stayed with the captians, for he trusted them.
Next he would have to swing by the old Green Goblin Inn, to have a chat with his old friend and partner. He wanted the man to know that he would still be availible if needed, and that he was leaving a small portion of his gang there to help keep the Goblin up. There was also the situation of his warehouse, which had not been used that much for business. He would need to go over an arrangement to see if the Green Goblin could use it, and cover maintiance costs in return.
The oldest man of the Coven held a note pad in his hands, checking off items as he moved through the warehouse. He was working to have all the men's supplies gathered for the journey to Imperia. Salaar knew the route fairly well from his tenure working with the AFCL. He served them in Imperia and in Riparia, in various ways. The AFCL was no more, and he had sworn himself to Lucian and the Coven of Twilight.
The Coven was made of ten base members, in addition to Salaar and Fajur. They served as group leaders, and then there was the ever seductive Kida who was an entity of her own. Now the group would be divided, for there was little for them in Riparia. First there was the mines that seemed to be slowed in production, a collapse here and dead end there. Then the trade that had slowed with rumors of war, and troubles in Prime. So Lucian had made the decision for them to transfer to Imperia to set up a security company.
There were several tasks that Salaar still needed to do.
Talk to Phillip DuBont, the owner of the Green Goblin Tavern. To see if he could keep an eye on the Warehouse, use it for his storage until they returned or it was sold.
Collect on all current contracts, which had dwindled with the rise of the Guard.
Gather any gear that would help in the endeavors they sought in Imperia.
The trade town of Riparia was know for it's dog breed, the Riparian Warhound. Salaar believed that if he took a breeding pack with them it would assist in their role as a protection outfit. One of the Coven knew of a breeder that lived outside of the city proper who raised and trained the large muscled dogs. He gave some further instruction to the working men, and then left to find this trainer.
The rundown cottage and grounds stood three miles south of Riparia , it was off the beaten track but those cognizant who followed the hounds had heard of the owner of the cottage known simply as Wilfred the Hound he was the man to go and see about dogs and hounds and especially the famed “Riparian Warhound”
Salaar might well have asked around on the subject of the hounds and for a few mugs of beer to the right person he would have gained all the knowledge he needed to find Wilfred and settle a deal for the dogs. He would have been warned that Wilfred the hound did not sell to everyone …..“they gets judged they does”…. said one old fella swigging back another jug of ale…“young fella you got to know about yer dogs before Wilfred will let them out of his sight”.
Behind the cottage stood pens carefully maintained and cleaned and in much better shape than the cottage itself and by the gate of the pens stood an old man wrapped up against the cold leaning on the gate and watching the dogs as they prowled the pens. He spun around as the rider came up the lane to the cottage alerted not by the passage of the rider but by the howls of alarm set up by the pack of Warhounds.
Easy young fella he called to Salaar tie yer horse up and walk nice and slow over here don’t alarm me dogs a piercing whistle escaped his lips and the immediately the dogs fell silent but many pairs of eyes watched the vistor as he made his way towards Wilfred.
.
Secrets :
Riparian Warhound - This breed of dog has been specially bred for war in the great city of Riparia, in the Administrate of Centripax. The dogs are heavily muscled and large in build. They have been trained for fierceness, lethality in battle, and their ability to obey commands, causing them to be a dog not often approached in the streets. Riparian Warhounds are alert, loyal to their masters, and protective to the death. They are short coated and can come in a single colour of black or tan or more usually a mixture of both colours. Their muzzles are blunt, and they are stocky in the legs. Since ages past, Riparian Warhounds were used in battle, now during present times, they are used more as guard dogs and cart pullers due to their great strength. Riparian Warhounds are fairly common throughout the Aelyrian Empire.
The cottage was easily enough located, just where old DuBont said they were. The owner of the Green Goblin had his contacts, and his resources were vast. The Coven of Twilight was lucky to count him as a partner, and more importnatly a friend. Salaar slowed his pace as the howl went up and the old man turned to face him.
He did as Wilfred instructed, he further slowed his approach and eventually dismounted. Closing the remaining distance on foot, the tall bowman and mentor to Lucian greeted the Wilfred the Warhound Master.
'Serale, sorry to raise such an alarm.' He said in greeting, then looked over the well amintained pins, and the menecing glare of those within.
'I am here looking for a few good dogs. I work with a security group here in Riparia, but am preparing to move on to Imperia. Our operation there will be much larger, and detailed. I was hoping to get a few or your trained canines to assist in some guard details...' He said looking at Wilfred, then turned to watch the beasts move around still fixated on him. Just the animals needed to guard homes and businesses, and to back up lone sentries.
Lucian's second in command gazed around teh property, and took in the man once more. It seemed like he was here alone, all his time and energy focused on the dogs rather than forming a traditional human family. This man's family seemed to be his pack.
'We could actually use a trainer, and some breeding stock. If that would suit you... seeing that Riparia trade has fallen off, it could offer quite a good wage.' He threw out a bone, you could say, to see if the man would bite. He seemed just the type that Lucian would like to have within his organization.
IC ~ Wilfred scratched his balding pate and eyed Salaar up and down .. Security eh, moving to Imperia are ye? Wants some of me dogs, do a bit of guarding like, keep inquisitive folk with sticky fingers away from yer stock …that sort of thing?
Satisfied that he had scratched enough Wilfred gave the man a long last look , Not from these ’ere parts are ye son? I heard tell that Imperia is the very last place on Carmelya’s good earth that a man takes risks with his property, full of pirates, thieves cut purses and they be the respectable types. Son you are going to need some good dogs I think and good dogs cost money you catch me drift.
He put his fingers to his lips and let out a piercing whistle of three rising notes , the door of the cottage opened and a huge man appeared at the door at his feet was the largest Riparian Warhound imaginable it strained at the length of chain that was being used to as lead it slavered it snarled and it looked as though it would rip anyone’s throat out without a single regret.
“Billy get your lazy backside over here and keep a strong hand on Sampsonhe turned around to the visitor and grinned a gap toothed smile. Now mate if you had any ideas of sort of stealing my dogs think again don’t mean I aint prepared to talk business just that I like a bit of insurance catch me drift?
Sampson is the sire and he is good at his job, the pups he sires have all got his potential for size and ferocity. So if yer wants guard dogs these are the best so what exactly are you after how many dogs do yer want?
Look here if yer want a trainer Billy knows everything he don’t say much being a bit soft in the head like but he knows dogs so ’e comes cheap 30 crowns a cycle and make sure he sends some cash back to his old dad right mate?
Me dogs are 500crowns for a full grown dog 300 for a female and 150 for a pup so lets talk dogs!
Old Wilfred was right, Salaar was not from Riparia. He had moved here at the behest of the now defunct AFCL, and gotten to know the city as well as most locals. He had his own set of contacts that helped him stay ahead of the current gossip. But those contacts never included old Wilfred, so it was understandable that he would be cautious of the man. Salaar and his position within the Coven of Twilight was not hidden, so Wilfred may well know nit more about him than he knew of Salaar.
'You don't have to worry old chap, I don't think I could attempt to rob you of these beasts if I knew the first thing about larceny.' Which was the truth, for Salaar served as defacto leader when Lucian was away. He lead others, that was his skill. He utilized their gifts to do the deeds he or Lucian could not.
'You say, Billy here, with that beast of a dog. He would be willing to move to Imperia, for the price of 30 crowns a cycle...' That was a bargain, he thought. The price of the dogs, that was a far cry from a bargain.
'What would be a good amount for a breeding stock? A few bitches and a male or two?' He thought out loud, attempting to work out some figures in his head. He felt Lucian would appreciate the use of canines in the security work. But not so sure of his approval of all of his remaining crowns.
'For that price, the dogs are fully trained. Will take command from who, and what are those commands. If they only listen to Billy, well that will not do us much good.
Hmmm, while I am thinking of it. Will Billy be able to transport the dogs, and have kennels set up for them?' He wanted to be sure all that was included before starting his counter offer. They would need two or three males, and one or two females with a few pups thrown in. That put hims close to two thousand crowns, if the animals were full trained and their transport and lodging covered Salaar could just about cover it.
The dickering haggling and bargaining went on for some time and was at a standard that would be appreciated by aficionados of the souks of Arakmat
Finally a deal was done in true fashion and the two men spat on their hands and then grasped firmly. For 1900 crowns Salaar would get two dogs, five bitches and four whelped pups. The adult dogs were fully trained in security work and would come to their names or a whistle. Billy would be able to transport the animals to the given location in Imperia, care for the dogs, train the pups and set up kennelling when they got to Imperia. He was also quite keen to demonstrate his skills and if needs be he would be an effective guard for what ever stock the organisation needed guarding and all for 30 crowns a cycle.
So unless Salaar had any other questions on passing over the crowns their business was concluded.
The New Green Goblin Tavern was open for business as usual the normal eclectic bunch of regulars drank ate and discussed the news of the day in typical boisterous fashion. The clink of coin and glass gladdened the heart of the avaricious owner of this establishment a man ever ready to earn a few extra crowns and not particularly bothered about the how.
If the business was lucrative enough he would invite the customer “to the back room” and over a bottle of good wine not normally available to the locals in the bar they could discuss business without the fear of prying eyes or eavesdropping.
The arrangements had been made. The young man named Billy would have the dogs crated up ready for transport within the next few brightenings. Salaar had promised to bring the old hound master the required bank notes at that time.
Salaar was older and a bit wiser than Lucian, but it was the young Imperian's crowns that he was spending. He hoped he was making a good decision. He doubted that Lucian would be upset with him, for it was surely a sound business choice. But would he appreciate the amount money that was spent.
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Just as promised the man returned to gather his goods. Once he looked over the dogs, and the wagon they were crated in, he returned to the old man.
'Wilfred, here is the amount that we agreed upon. We may return in the future for more of your beasts... So remember to save the biggest and meanest for us... 'Preciate the business!' Salaar said after shaking the man's hand once more. He then went to Billy to tell him that they would stop in Riparia at the Coven's headquarters before heading out at first light the next brightening.
The last cycle had not been an easy one for Salaar. But being the professional that he was, he did not let it show. He held Lucian's trust and he did not want to let the boy down. The two had been through much in the establishment of the Coven. Much more than Salaar had been through with any one else. Those experiences and the young man's personality had cause Lucian to grow in his heart. He was willing to do much for the dark haired Pit Fighter, and did not want to let him down.
This was the final major task that Salaar had to accomplish before the gang departed the city of Riparia. He had to visit the man who had worked with the Coven of Twilight for almost a handful of ordinations. The time had passed quickly, and the two groups had been through good times and bad times.
The last era had been a bad one. For some reason, perhaps many, the trade in the city had fallen off. They city seemed to be closed off to the usually bustling trade routes. There had been wars, there had been natural disasters, and all seemed to have driven a nail in the coffin for trade with Riparia. That was not quite true, they had trade for the mines had never stopped spewing the numerous jewels of Telath. But traders, and merchants did not buy as many as before. Nor did they pay the same rates they had in the past.
As a result the businesses the Coven protected were not able to afford to keep the guards around. Though some did, and one was the ever busy Green Goblin Tavern. Through the worst of time and the distant best of times, the Tavern stayed active. Due to the skill of the owner, and barkeep, or through the populace ever wanting to hide their face in a cool mug of ale. One would not be able to say.
Salaar entered the Tavern, and waved at the familiar serving girl that nodded to him. He was soon sitting down at his usual table, waiting for his usual ale and plate of steaming fried potatoes to arrive. This time he also requested the appearance of the owner, Phillip DuBont. He had a few final requests, that could help both parties.
Philip DuBont had met the Arakmatian lieutenant Salaar before and so as soon as the message was received he told the pretty waitress
You tell the gentleman to finish his meal and then join me in the back room we got a bit of business to talk about.
The back room of the Green Goblin was surprisingly well furnished in a lurid and exotic manner. Heavy drapes muffled sound, tapestries of bright hues and depicting maidens frolicking in the woodlands in a state of undress adorned the walls. In the center was a table with two glasses and a bottle of fine red wine uncorked and breathing waited Salaar.
Philip sat at his ease on one of the chairs and waited for his caller to explain his business. Philip was wealthy from gathering a reputation for seeing the main chance and not being too scrupulous about the nuances of law.
__________________
Fetch's law- for every moment of pleasure there is an equal and opposite moment of pain
The veteran was finishing up his meal. The pretty young waitress had informed him that Philip was awaiting him in the back room. The owner of the Green Goblin must have a 6th sense in what Salaar had came for this brightening. There were winds of change, and for the Coven of Twilight those winds blew through Riparia.
With several brightenings of stubble on his face, Salaar ducked between the heavy tapestry. The old Goblin held only one room such as this, but this by far was the most secluded and lavish. He was lucky to call men such as Philip DuBont friends. His eyes scanned the room and a smile lite his face as they adjusted to the lower lighting.
'Serale my friend, how are you this fine brightening,' He spoke a bit more friendly to the owner of the Green Goblin than he did to many others. Salaar was usually a quite man, that was know to be prone to action if it was call for.
'This past cycle has been busy, I am not sure if you have heard the news...' He said pausing to place his words.
'As you know Lucian was in town two cycles ago, and he wished to speak to you at that time. But there was urgent business pressing and... well you know how the young folks get...
To make a long story short, well... The Coven will be leaving Riparia.' There he stated it. It was laid out bare on the table.
'We will move just about all our men out, but there are a few that you are able to keep if you would like. I am sure they would prefer to continue working here, than go to the mines.
The second item I would like to talk about is the property the Coven currently holds. We have a large warehouse, the one we kept your ale that we were bringing in. Then there is the old AFCL building...' He said watching his friends reaction.
'We do not really wish to sell the property back to the city, though that is what they would probably like. But we want to make sure it stays in use, with out some homeless vagrants turning it into some slum house.' Salaar leaned in, then noticed the glass on the table. Ahh a lovely red, he thought. He was so occupied with the information he missed his friend's generosity. Lifting the glass, he swirled it around taking in the aroma. He then took a light sip, holding it a bit on his tongue.
'Mmmm that is a nice vintage... Did you get that from the little Cether shire you were telling me about a while back?' He said taking a momentary diversion form the business at hand.
Phillip DuBont like the Arakmatian as much as he liked most people which was not very much but they had done good business before and that counted more than small talk.
He tapped the end of his nose now, now Salaar we got our little secrets have we not and the name of the supplier of that particular vintage is one of mine don’t you know. We have done good business in the past your master has put good stuff my way and I appreciate that. So it’s a pity he feels it’s the time to up and leave Centripax still business men like him need to dip their fingers in new pies so I understands……
He drank from the glass savouring the fine wine and topping up his visitors glass at the same time.
Right Salaar I won’t deny the fact that good warehouse space is at a premium in Riperia so I would have no problems taking it over from you. I can use any men who want to stay here in my various business’s and the AFCL building well it can be put to good use, so your master will have no worries on that score.
All it would take is the right price! he tapped the nose again. I could pay Lucien a rent per era with the understanding that he can use the buildings for …..storage of …er unusual….er hot items if he ever needs somewhere out of the way of the authorities. The empire does not turn its head to Riparia very often if you catch my drift. So Salaar do you want to give me a number by way of a start to negotiations?
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Fetch's law- for every moment of pleasure there is an equal and opposite moment of pain
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