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Post by Diocles on Jan 15, 2021 2:31:18 GMT
Necho shakes his head. "Um no. That sounds like a very bad idea. You are not from around here, and maybe you live by different rules. But here in Breakwater, in this neighborhood, Ramses is the law, and a brutal law it is!"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 15, 2021 5:00:05 GMT
At this point Aethyl loses the last vestiges of patience. He looks meaningfully at Drusinicus, and then fixes Necho with a piercing stare. "As a matter of fact, we AREN'T from around here, and we DO live by different rules. And in this case, as FRIENDS of the King, we have a personal interest in this matter. Let us be clear: your Ramses is due for a thrashing, and we aim to turn him over our knee. We can do this with your help, or without, but it is going to happen."
He looks with a freezing calm at Necho, allowing the silence to unfold, making it crystal clear that he is neither ruffled by the prospect of Ramses, nor in any mood to tolerate hesitancy.
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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 16, 2021 2:47:26 GMT
"Ahhh, Aethyl. I am glad that we fought and defeated Ramses. I didn't realize what an excellent marksmen you were with your bow! Those skills go far in the arena." Drusincius smiles to Aethyl and says. "Perhaps you missed your true calling - what a shame …. "
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 16, 2021 3:42:48 GMT
A lucky shot, Drusinicus. I am comfortable with my humble calling, as you clearly are in yours!
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Post by Drusincius on Jan 16, 2021 19:50:08 GMT
Drusincus rubs his chin while thinking and turns to Aethyl, "We should put on a performance in the next town. We can set up targets and compete with our bows. Who knows, the crowds may love us and you can create your fans!" One must understand that Drusinicus is both gladiator and entertainer and longs for the roar of large crowds and gatherings and enjoys competition.
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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 16, 2021 23:53:28 GMT
"What do you say, bard? Of all people certainly you enjoy the thrill of entertainment and thunderous applause. Besides, a bit of cheer might bring some good to the people especially since the world has turned dark and cold."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 17, 2021 19:45:52 GMT
Aethyl's face registers some doubt at the prospect of his budding skills with the bow being the source of anyone's entertainment (mockery aside), but his ever-present smile flickers, betraying the thought of a show, and of rousing up a crowd.
At last he nods and says, "You have a point. It would be good practice, and good sport, and I think everyone could do with some lively entertainment in these times. Who knows? I may actually hit something. And if our fame spreads just a little as a result, that seems none too hurtful. Count me in!"
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Post by Drusincus on Jan 18, 2021 1:48:28 GMT
"Ahhh, that is great! I knew when I first met you that you were a true gladiator at heart! I can teach you how to master your bow and work the crowds, Aethyl The one rule that is most important to all gladiators is maintaining focus." At this point, Drusinicus seemed deep in thought starring into the cold, icy darkness. " I remember training with a highly skilled archer named Aetius. He was the most feared gladiator (with a bow) in all of Nirrion until his untimely death. His death came swiftly one warm afternoon while the crowds were still roaring. Aetius, my old friend, made the most critical error of any gladiator - he, for just a moment, took his eyes off of his opponent to enjoy the applause of his many fans. Within a second, his life ended when an arrow pierced his skull. The applause suddenly turned to cries when thousands of his fans quickly realized that their champion was dead.! I wept for Aetius for many days. Please, Aethly, always remember to stay focused on your enemies for I could not bare seeing you or your cousins falling in battle."
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Post by Diocles on Jan 18, 2021 3:30:22 GMT
(damn good backstory there!)
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 19, 2021 3:22:54 GMT
Aethyl raises an eyebrow. "You are a gem of many facets, Drusinicus. And your advice is as sage as it is sobering. It is a hard thing to admit to one's own faults, but I have at times been overfond of the applause of the crowd."
He sinks back, lost in thought for a moment. Then, his face grows mischievous once more. "Then again, the audience weren't trying to perforate my lute, or its humble player."
He shares a laugh with Drusinicus. "Well put, master gladiator. You may yet make a fighter of me, and I a rogue of you. Come! Let's wash away this gloom with a drink, and a song or two!"
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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 19, 2021 20:29:39 GMT
"Yes, a song it is! We will drink and sing to you and your cousins, and to the late Aetius and to the memory of every gladiator who's life was cut short!" As they drink and sing, Drusinicus becomes even more determined to train the cousins in the art of war fearing where their adventures are taking them.
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Post by Diocles on Jan 19, 2021 21:38:54 GMT
Those nearby gather round, and Aethyl realizes that they crave a proper song, one as only the bard can perform.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Jan 19, 2021 21:46:47 GMT
Cian would love to dance to one of Aethyl's tunes! (I have the proficiency as well).
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 19, 2021 22:04:37 GMT
Needing no further invitation, Aethyl pulls out his lute and strikes up the merriest of tunes. It is a story of three ill-tempered old men, a faithful dog, a cat, a bird, and a ball of string, and their follies in trying to patch a leaking roof in a rainstorm. It is a favorite of his, and completely nonsensical, but always a sure bet to lighten the mood in any circumstances.
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Post by Diocles on Jan 19, 2021 22:42:08 GMT
Roll your proficiency checks, gentlemen!
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