• Graded • [Fosters Landing] Out on business (Noth)

[Ryder]

22nd Cylus

Cylus, as far as Ryder was concerned, was the worst season he'd ever had to experience. Generally being cold was a discomfort he could live without, but the fact that it was always dark just made matters a lot worse. Tactically, it was difficult, and practically it was much similar. So being asked to travel to Fosters during this season didn't make Ryder entirely happy.
Fortunately, Ryder was one to follow the orders he was given, especially by a man like Noth. Whatever the hybrid was, he scared Ryder. So much so, that Ryder was still somewhat persistent that the creature was more animal than he was human, if there was any humanity in him at all. He had spared Ryder, and others had been spared, but that didn't mask what he was. Powerful, intimidating - and he knew it. His crimson eyes made most men, Ryder included, tense. The difference was, he liked Ryder, and Ryder somewhat liked him back. That was a blessing as far as the mercenary was concerned. A powerful ally was important, especially in recent times. Ryder needed all the allies he could get.

As he always tried to be, Ryder kept himself heavily armed. Not all of it was visible, however. His dagger was at his back as always, and his longsword at his side so it was easy to reach. But hidden as usual was his spring-loaded dagger, up his wrist and waiting to be launched at anyone that managed to somehow prevent him from using the other two weapons. In his pockets were knuckle dusters, as was common for him to keep. Truth be told he rarely used them these days, but they gave him a kind of comfort - in a weird, murderous way.
Eventually, Ryder caught glance of the twilight beast arriving at the destination. Maintaining the polite demeanor he always tried to have around the hybrid, he stood himself up straight and gave a nod. Although he was no soldier, Ryder knew when where his place was. Besides, treating the man with respect meant he would have good treatment in return - something most bandits chose to ignore. But Ryder knew what good favor could get you in this world.

"If you don't mind me askin', why did you need me out here? Is there work that needs to be done?" he glanced around the area, curious as to what the murderbird might want from him this time. This wasn't their usual meeting place. In fact, it was a lot colder and a lot less comfortable than the underground, and anywhere that earned itself a status like that was one that Ryder would try to avoid. Besides, he didn't like what he didn't know, and Ryder had rarely come near this area of Etzos. He felt lost, and he hated it.
He put his good hand over the one that had been mauled prior as he spoke to the man, the skin irritating him. Had it not been for the medical gel they'd raided beforehand, he may never have recovered. But thanks to it, the wound was entirely clean and perfectly sealed. That, however, didn't stop the skin from feeling irritated and hot.

With one final glance to check they were alone, Ryder looked to the murderbird, waiting for an explanation as to why they were here and what he had with him.

[Noth]

The twilight hybrid could still distinctly recall when Cylus had been a very real threat to his survival. Of course, it could be argued that the frosty and chilling season of darkness was still a threat to his survival in the sense that it was far more dangerous to wander around in the outdoors than it would have been during the other seasons, but there was substantially less threat to such actions now then there had been in the past. There were several reasons for that, but perhaps first and foremost among them was that he was no longer alone in the way that he had been when he had first begun to inhabit the cavernous system that had become his home.

Where once it had grown cold and he had huddled up alongside his only companion; Vern, his pet goose, now whenever the air grew frigid he simply gathered together with his allies and associates around one of the many bonfires which could be lit within the cave’s deeper chambers. He preferred not to ignite them near the surface lest they call the attention of wanderers, and the chambers required needed to be fairly substantial in size lest the smoke begin to clog at their lungs and asphyxiate them. The greatest threat of Cylus had been defeated through companionship, and any subsequent threats to their survival; wild beasts, opposing banditry, etc had all been nullified by the many men who served underneath his crimson handed banner.

The Avriel considered how greatly his life had been changed by the sudden addition of others who supported him as he patrolled around the general area, crimson eyes scouring the darkness for any indication that Ryder had appeared. The man was not an altogether unfamiliar archetype, considered the Avriel as his thoughts drifted away from the wintery season to a man whose soul was just as chilled. He had observed him slay others in the field of battle, and he had performed admirably, taking to his duties in the same way that a fish takes to water. It was little surprise that Noth had taken notice of his efforts, and he fully intended to reward them with positions of prominence, and gifts that would befit the fellow’s rising station.

He spotted him rather quickly, and began his approach, not bothering with any sort of subterfuge or attempting to suddenly appear behind him for dramatic effect. He admitted to himself that he was a tyrant and a monster, but that didn’t mean that he needed to act like a storybook villain. He observed with careful analysis as the fellow stood himself up as he often did when he entered his proximity, and awaited to hear what his master had to tell him. Perhaps it was the frigid air that stung at his flesh even past his feathery exterior or the carapace of metal he wore upon nearly every visible surface of his form, or perhaps it was simply a general discomfort given the relative darkness outside that prompted the fellow to question the Avriel as opposed to simply wait for instruction. Either way, the hybrid determined not to hold it against him; he had probably been waiting for a short while whilst Noth patrolled.

“There is always work to be done, Ryder. Come.” He spoke briefly, turning upon his heel to face the nearest structure, a building with holes dotting its exterior. Were one to attempt to gaze into said holes, however, they would find that they had been patched up on the inside and blocked any sort of vision. He approached the door of the structure, twirling something which jingled into his gauntleted hand for an instant for sliding the key into the lock and twisting until it crackled with a noise not altogether dissimilar from the snap of ice when it is stepped upon with excessive pressure. The door was hurled open, coming to a brief stop before it could slam too harshly into the wall behind it, and the Avriel entered, motioning for the man to follow.

Inside, a few persons could be seen, hard at work in their respective duties. A pair of men each with their own distinctive appearances were busy lifting crates and containers, though one occasionally cast his wizened eyes towards the remaining employee, as if ensuring that she was working to her maximum efficiency. A single glance towards the woman revealed that her feet were propped up upon what must have certainly been a window sill at one point, though it was now completely empty, and her eyes were cast downwards, papers and parchments being rifled through with frantic dedication as she sought out her desired documentation. As she discovered her paper, her eyes shot upwards for a brief instant towards the entering pair and a look of absolute disgust and anathema crossed her features for a fraction of a trill before she absolved such feelings by returning her attention to the document.

“This is where Al’Angyryl will be setting up its first smuggling operation. The goods that we take from the caravans are being shipped here, stripped of their identity if at all possible, and then sold both to other criminal elements, or to those individuals who seek a specific good but have difficulty finding them.” He nodded towards the woman, “Alice works as something of a receptionist, writing down orders that are received, and also ensuring that our funds are laundered appropriately.” Next, the hybrid directed a finger towards the pair of men, pointing at each as he identified them. “Wolfram Doyle, he is a rather flamboyant sort, though not altogether dislikable. His primary role here is to move objects and to assist with deliveries. Besides him, you will see The Don. If you’ve been around Etzos for a long while, you might recall that he once possessed a criminal empire.” The Avriel grinned wickedly, “How the mighty do fall. He is in charge of this facility and its operations.”

The hybrid spun rapidly upon his heel once more, talons shrieking against the stone underfoot as he faced Ryder, his hand pointed forward, dangling the key above empty void so as to hand it off to him. “And you shall act as Security. The Don is capable of fighting, but even he could not fight off any dedicated assaults from competitors or Guard, and it is no secret that that dreaded mercenary faction has at least some foothold in Foster’s Landing. You will ensure that the facility is kept safe, and you will be accommodated accordingly.”

“Speaking of accommodations, Alice should have a package prepared for you. I picked it out myself, and I do believe you’ll find it most… useful.”

[Ryder]

Hearing the brief reply from Noth showed Ryder all he had to know. His reply was a simple nod to the murder bird, before following after to the structure that was clearly set to be their destination. Ryder glanced around at it, taking note of the holes and damage to it, yet inability to see through. Had he never met the man behind Al'Angyryl before, then he would have many questions to ask. But run down, dusky and dark was somewhat of a theme he'd noticed with a lot of the buildings they used. In fact, it somewhat described Etzos as a whole in the mercenaries eyes.
As he entered after the winged creature, his eyes gazed around the place. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was somewhat less abandoned than Ryder had originally imagined it to be. Seeing that there were people surprised him, to say the least. From the outside it looked almost entirely void of life, abandoned. Though with whatever Al'Angyryl had planned here, Ryder could imagine that was an intentional choice. After all, their work was hardly ever within the law.

Ryder glanced to the few people working as they were introduced by Noth, his expression remaining blank. All he wondered through was how he played a part in this, though he could already imagine. Ryder had never shown much prowess with anything but his weapons and fists. If Al'Angyryl was going to be doing the usual illegal things here then someone to keep everything safe was important. Sure enough, his guess had been right and the murderbird told him that he had to keep the place safe. It was then that a smile came across his face. Fighting people for a living, and trying to be intimidating? That was what he'd been doing his entire life, and this time the pay was probably better.
"Consider it done. Nobody will step foot in this factory that shouldn't, and if by some chance they do - they won't step foot out of it" Ryder nodded to Noth. He knew how this went, he'd been working with the guy long enough. Noth wanted people dead if they did anything that put the faction at risk in any way. Entering this factory counted as that. Ryder was more than just a mere bodyguard, he had to keep the place safe - even if it meant shedding some blood. In fact, as far as Ryder was concerned, the more bloodshed the better.

It was then that a package was mentioned, and with a small glance to Alice he noticed it being taken out and placed on the desk. Ryder gave a small look to Noth before walking over to it. One of the gifts was a small drink in a beautiful chalice, almost too spectacular to be in a place like this. Wherever Noth had found this package, it was a hell of a good find. Ryder glanced in to the chalice to see what was there, confused and curious. Sat in it was a liquid of some kind, causing Ryder to raise an eyebrow to Noth.
The mercenaries gaze then fell to the long, wrapped item. Cloth covered it carefully, so that whatever it was couldn't be seen without unwrapping it. Ryder curiously glanced down to it and started to unwrap the gift, his eyes widening as he saw the blade. A blood red longsword, razor sharp and of incredibly stunning quality. Without a second thought Ryder picked up the blade and glanced at it, holding it in front of him to feel the balance - and loving it. It was exceptional. Hell, it was the best blade he had ever seen.

Ryder looked between Noth and Alice, a genuine smile on his face. "Thank you. Genuinely, thank you a lot. I'll make sure to put it to good use" he nodded to the murderbird. He put the longsword back down before looking to the drink, glancing up at Alice who just rolled her eyes before returning to work. Ryder glanced to Noth, then shrugged and drank what was in the Chalice - unknowingly testing his fortune.

► Show Spoiler

The sword is a Masterwork longsword, made of Adamantite and coated with blood metal, as discussed in my PSF ticket. The Chalice is a Chalice of fortune as paid for by Noth, with a dice roll being monitored by Bas ASAP (Will edit this with whatever I get)

Edit: Got 19, a familiar of choice. This will require another thread, and is currently being sorted in the PSF

[Noth]

Noth took notice of the way that Ryder examined the structure, observing all its minor flaws and issues. He couldn’t listen to the man’s thoughts… at least, not directly without the Diri interfering, but he assumed that the fellow was considering the damage that had been applied to the structure, and perhaps wondering how it might be fixed once it was revealed that the facility was an Al’Angyryl owned subsidiary. The man had proven himself to be quite capable in many regards, especially in past operations wherein he had assisted in leading skirmishes against hostile forces possessing equipment that typically surpassed that of the average caravan guard, and in ensuring that the battles he fought were won with diligent and fierce effort. Yet, security was a somewhat different animal than the typical violence of battle in many regards. There was less focus upon combative skills, and more upon preventative measures which might make it difficult or impossible for a person to even assume that the business was actually owned by a band of criminals. Noth believed that it would be another excellent test for the man, and if he excelled at it as he had with other things, than there was little doubt that he would continue to rise through the ranks of the organization.

Once he had revealed the purpose for bringing Ryder to the establishment, the man vowed that it would remain safe, and that no one who entered would be allowed to leave. That was a somewhat fierce promise, but it made the hybrid grin, not at the promise that blood would be spilled if intruders entered, but at the idea that the facility would be guarded with such rabid devotion. The fact that he would be willing to so quickly promise to annihilation of opposing persons seemed to indicate to the hybrid that he had all intentions of fully supporting the faction in its efforts, and the loyalty that could be ascribed to the group and to himself was the most valuable trait in a member by far.

To better ensure that loyalty, however, at times one needed to make a personal sacrifice to guarantee that they were considered fondly. His sacrifice had come with a cost of several hundred golden nels, though he didn’t worry much about the lost currency. It would be put to good use, and besides, it would be replaced rather quickly by the business so long as its operations were allowed to continue. The other gift that he had acquired had been discovered only a couple of trials before the meeting, and he had been informed of its presence once it had reached the warehouse. The original owner, a mystic hermit had assured him that it possessed magical abilities beyond the norm, and that drinking from it would provide a great deal of change. On the off chance that what he had stated was true, the hybrid didn’t desire to take the risk and drink it for himself lest he discover the change to be of a negative variety.

The mercenary seemed to be quite pleased with the gifts, and the hybrid observed as he fiddled about with the sword, examining all of its little traits like a child who takes heed of all the new pieces of a toy. Eventually, he cast a glance between Noth and Alice, and what the Avriel could only assume was a thankful smile rippled across his visage. There was a sentence of genuine appreciation and a promise that the gift would not be squandered, and the hybrid nodded his acceptance of this, knowing for a fact that the man would not let him down in his duty.

“You are welcome, Ryder. Competence and loyalty are traits to be rewarded, and you have displayed both in your short time with us. Continue, and there will be many more gifts to greet you.”

[Ryder]

When the hybrid spoke to the man, he couldn't help but smirk. Something about Ryder, and who he was, found itself both challenged and complimented by the beasts statement. More gifts to greet him. Ryder's greed and lust for power loved the idea of it, the idea that the harder he worked the more valuables he would earn. That as he grew in respect, he grew in value too.
But the part of him that was challenged was the side of him that wanted more than that. Noth, as far as Ryder was concerned, was becoming more than just an ally or a provider of gold. There was no denying that the mercenary liked fortune, and intended on earning the biggest one he could gather. But there was an emptiness to a goal like that, a hollow feeling that showed no meaning. No purpose.

"I appreciate it" Ryder spoke, deciding to stay quiet about the challenge he felt. He took no offence from it, why would he? His entire life had become about the gold he earned over the many Arcs he'd been doing work like this, it was a safe assumption by anyone that gold was what he was in it for - and truth be told, he was. But alongside that gold, Al'Angyryl had given the man a purpose, a cause he could call his own. Something about that felt satisfying.
"I'll get straight to work" Ryder nodded to the man, putting the chalice down on the counter. He walked to the area, examining it for any potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses, as well as familiarizing himself with it. If he was going to be keeping this place safe, then it was important to ensure he knew it like the back of his hand. That was a fact he had to consider and work on as hard as he could. It would also be safe to ensure that he knew the people well and earned their trust.

As he walked, a small raven landed on the roof - Rocky taking his place. Noth didn't know it, but there was more than just the Murder Maid guarding the area now. With Rocky helping and keeping an eye out, Ryder had every intention of making this place harder to breach than the Black Guard barracks would be. This was his chance, to do more than earn gold.

But to prove his loyalty.

[Pegasus]

I really enjoyed this thread! It was a heap of fun to read and I love the relationship between the two pcs. Ryder is afraid of Noth, but there's a lot of respect and loyalty there, too. And Noth seems almost fond of the young man. I like it a lot - and I really did have fun reading this. It's really interesting to see the transition to leader for Noth - and seeing that with fellow PCs gives it real nuance. Enjoy your rewards, both - and pm me if there's any questions.

Ryder

Points

XP: 15

Renown: Nope

Loot

1 x sword (as detailed),
A Diri from the Chalice (being finalised via PSF)

Knowledge

Tactics: Examining an area for weakness
Tactics: Waiting for the right moment to speak
Tactics: Securing an area
Tactics: Making Mental Defense Plans
Discipline: Showing loyalty
Discipline: Waiting patiently
Discipline: Doing the job asked of you
Discipline: Maintaining a strong work ethic

Noth

Points

XP:15

Renown: Nope

Loot

-440gn

Knowledge

Business Management: Hiring Employees
Business Management: Securing a Business with Security
Business Management: Introducing New Employees to Other Employees
Business Management: Handing out a Signing Bonus
Tactics: Patching Up Holes in Walls so Passerby Can't See Inside
Tactics: Equipping Prominent Soldiers with Better Equipment
Leadership: Better Equipment Leads to More Loyalty
Leadership: Delegating Responsibility to Underlings