Exploration and Discovery: Into Lancearc (IC)

[Lancearc]

OOC thread
It was a fairly warm day on Monday, November the 20th, 1595. A warm tropical breeze blew in from the west, on the border of the Pyiz Kingdom, near the shore where Jeff Wallace sat. He sat against a large boulder, at his side standing were two men that carried large hiking backs. He himself had a hiking bag at his feet, but for now he sat against the large rock, the warm sand heating his legs comfortable. Jeff sat now, writing in his journal, as he planned on mapping everything that happened on the way from this kingdom--who hired the group of explorers he'd be paired with, some foreign and some native--through the treacherous Jir Taoim and through it, into the unknown lands where no man nor woman had ever set foot before. The unknown lands that the Pyiz Kingdom sought to settle on and expand peacefully. He finished moving his quill, and dropped it in the inkwell at his side. One of the men carrying the packs picked it up, putting a lid on the inkwell and placing it carefully in a pouch at his side. Jeff read through his writing quickly.

Jeff Wallace, The Pyiz Kingdom

It is today that I must say my farewells to my country and friends as I prepare for my departure upon my journey in which I seek to scale over or around Jir Taoim and into the Unknown Lands. I can see Jir Taoim towering in the distance, mocking me as I sit and await the arrival of my group of adventurers and explorers, of whom I must get along with and--in turn--make sure they cooperate with me and other members of the group if we are to survive this dangerous journey. Some of us may die. That is why we live, so we may live great and die eventually. But I hope that I can prevent the deaths of any of the brave men and, perhaps women that have signed themselves onto this journey. It will not be easy, for Jir Taoim is our first obstacle, the mountain so many have tried to conquer and so many have died attempting, but I am in high spirits this day. The sky is clear, the wind is soothing and I feel as though Jir Taoim will prove no obstacle for me and the group. I must go now, as I am prepared for the journey and my hand now shakes from excitement.

Monday, November 20, 1595

With that he stood and began inspecting his gear, crouching next to the pack he'd sat at his feet.

[Luziyca]

This insane Prince, from a city-principality, of 2,500 people, Prince Arev XIII from the House of Lhnesok had a mental breakdown ten years ago. Since then, he has been becoming more and more psychotic.

By that point, Prince Arev got two large frigates and knew he had to find new land, for a colony. No, he would transport THE ENTIRE PRINCIPALITY to a new land and let the old area fall. Sighing, he began ordering the guards to load 500 people in the frigates, 500 each, thus taking 1,000 people, including Prince Arev to settle a new land.

He chuckled at the thought, thinking of those that he lived in as his own playthings. With a wink, he then settled down at the stern, in a luxurious room. The commoners would be in the cargo hold, with beer, and wine. Mostly beer. With that, he was ready to sail and gave orders to the loaded ships. Now, he would begin sailing...

[Wiersdorf]

---

The Pyiz Kingdom :: The Wallowing Walrus

On the 20th day of the month of sacrifice, 1595;

Hello, readers. If you have found yourselves in the possession of this volume, then I must congratulate you on your immaculate taste. It also means either myself or my notes have arrived safely back in Wiersdorf, where they are expected. My travels have sent me over the world, known and unknown, but what I face now might as well be the hardest quest I have undertaken, one from which I might not return...

Suddenly sentimental, Theodor laid down his quill, and looked out the window. Starting the book is always the hardest, he thought. Too many questions. Too many possibilities. He longed for a simple answer, that he complete what task he had set out to do, and revel for a good few days while his pockets were full and his stomach was fuller. But that wasn't going to happen by itself.

He looked out the window. Ideal weather for venturing; but in the comfort of an inn's room, he was loath to set foot outside, and find the troupe he was to travel with. He did have an excuse; it had been a long journey from Wiersdorf, one with many stops in between, but nevertheless, he needed some time to 'recuperate'. Perhaps visit the local brothel...?

Shaking his head, he reached for his journal, the page now dry. Swiftly, and with a practiced, methodical hand, he packed what belongings he had into the burlap knapsack. He was in plain garb, having left his fancier attire with the crew he had arrived with.

It took him the good half of an hour to finish his preparations and set out the doors of the Wallowing Walrus, which swung as if to invite him back into the belly of the beast. He was, indeed, at the border town where he was to meet the leader of the expedition; but to find him would be a bit of a bother, as his latest correspondence hadn't really set a place for meeting.

However, with the knapsack on his back and with a heavy heart somewhat uplifted by the cheerful weather, he made for the shores and the docks, where most travelers would be, instead of the merchants' quarters he enjoyed frequenting. Perhaps he would find the expedition there. The middle-aged man, with the distinguishable silhouette of a knapsack almost half his size, trodded along quietly.

---

[Lancearc]

After Jeff had finished writing down his thoughts of the first day of their journey, and after going through the contents of the knapsack he'd be carrying along with him over Jir Taoim and into the unknown regions beyond, stood, sliding the straps of the sack over his shoulders and hefting it onto his back. It was a heavy load, but he did not complain. The faster he got used to carrying the knapsack while he was still on flat land, safe, and not risking falling off of mountains the better. As he stretched, tucking away his journal into a side pocket on the sack he spotted a figure with a similarly large bag he carried on the docks. Considering this was the starting point for their journey, he decided to get the man's attention. He stepped forward, his light chainmail-backed leather armor jingling slightly. "You there! On the docks, are you with the explorers?" he shouted, raising his arm as he waved towards the man that he'd spotted. The other two men had followed him, quietly.

[Bodarkia]

Alexsia sighed and then fixed her skirt and kept walking, musket in her hand as she whistled to herself before noticing a man shout."Calm down, will ya!?"She then put the musket on her back and rushed up to him, slapping him, gently on the left cheek before rolling her eyes, shaking his hand."Alexsia at your service, mi-lord."She then smiled at him, accent thick in Bodarkian.[Russian.]She then let go of his hand before fixing her messy hair."I was sent to come and help you,dearie, but be warned, you'll need parent advisory if you want me in your party~"She then laughed before patting his back."Drink?"

[Lancearc]

Jeff grinned slightly as he noticed he'd unintentionally flagged down another person, who was apparently a member of the party that was set to head out into the wilderness soon. He shook her hand, before issuing an elegant--at least, as elegant as one could be in such armor--bow. "Well Alexsia, I'm Jeff Wallace, set to lead this little expedition." he said, speaking in the accent that was typical of most in the area, something of a mix between Argentine-Spanish and Cuban-Spanish accents. "Unfortunately I didn't get my mum's permission, but she won't have to know about that right?" he joked with a grin, before continuing. "Yes. I've been carving a wine or an ale all day." he said, moving his hand to one of the flintlock pistols at his hip before unclipping it from his belt and moving it to his other hip, alongside the other so they were both easily accessible.

[Wiersdorf]

---

The Pyiz Kingdom :: The Docks

Upon hearing the voice, Theodor looked down towards the docks. A man was waving back at him. Explorers, no doubt; he thought. He wasn’t sure if this was the group; giving an acknowledging wave, he descended towards them.

He had made it half-way there when a woman rushed past him. Theodor wrinkled his nose. He had never been one to oppose those who would seek their fortunes, but there are always rules, manners, etiquette that were to be observed.

The physical contact was also making him uncomfortable; but whatever. He decided to shrug off the eccentricities of another traveler, who he would have to get along with nevertheless, and waited until she was finished with her heavily accented speech with a disapproving but polite look on his face. He then turned to the man who had originally hailed him, and addressed him.

"Theodor Albrecht, esquire and traveler of the world at large, at your service." he bowed tersely. He wasn’t one to talk about accents; years of traveling and sales had gave him a metropolitan outlook and accent, but years of experience couldn’t shake off his Wiersdorfian roots, and his German accent was quaint…sort of. By now he was ready to indulge in some drink of his own, the change in climate and the socialising worsening his yellow bile. He reached for his canteen of mead.

"It is good to meet you at last. I believe this is the expedition to find the regions beyond Jir Taoim?" He waited for a response from the man before continuing. With formalities out of the way, if this was indeed the right crowd, then business could continue.

---

[Lancearc]

Jeff turned his attention away from Alexsia for the time being, nodding towards the man whom he'd first sought out to hail. He extended a gauntleted hand for a handshake, grinning slightly. "Aye, this is the right group. It's a good deal. Fame, plots of land, and," he said, reaching into the side pocket on his knapsack and retrieving his journal, "I plan on recording all of the happening in this little guy." he said, tucking it back into the pocket he planned to contain it in at all times except if he was on his death bed, for he'd lie it on the ground next to him and hope a future adventurer would find the notes useful, or when he was writing in it. Another advantage to this journey should they be successful is wealth. He hadn't said it flat out, but he was fairly certain that King Roberto Melo had hinted at vast amounts of wealth being handed to the adventurers of this group if they were to map out the unknown regions beyond Jir Taoim.

[Wiersdorf]

---

The Pyiz Kingdom :: The Docks

He nodded. A fellow writer, he thought. "Well, the weather is fair and the chances are fairer; an ideal time to set out on a grand adventure." He reached out to accept the handshake, a softened leather glove meeting the metal gauntlet. "You must understand that the guild was unwilling to commit a vessel to this expedition; as a lone traveler, I entrust myself in your care."

That finished, he lowered the knapsack he was carrying gently onto the ground, the contents making an awkward noise. He turned to the lady, and bowed to her as he had to the leader of the expedition. "May I have the honour of knowing your name, my lady?"

---

[Bodarkia]

She pulled a bottle of wine out and bit the cork out before drinking half of it, giving it to Jeff before whispering into his ear."Me and you, later tonight ~"Through this was just the wine talking, she then giggled and began to clean her musket, licking the tip, teasingly while eyeing Jeff, yup she was drunk as hell and she was most likely going to fall off the deck, if she reached back and grab her ale in her bag, which would make her loss her balance and fall...Through she was smart enough to not do this, leaning on her musket as she yawned, waiting for both men to lead the way forward."Hurry up, lads! I want to get this little adventure on the road."She then hiccuped, giggling afterwards before standing and taking the ale out of her bag, drinking it all."Good thing, I stood or..Hic..I would have went swimming..Hic.."

[Lancearc]

Jeff smirked at the maid's drunken behavior, before downing a good bit of the bottle himself and tossing the wine back towards Alexsia. He took the checked his hip, making sure the rather large cavalry saber he wore on it was secure, before nodding, gazing towards the two men that had stood quietly. "These two fine men will take us to the bottom of Jir Taoim in a wagon. After that, we are to find a way up and over the mountain. Be warned that these mountains are prone to landslides and avalanches, and the natives may or may not be willing to cooperate with us. If all goes well we estimate we can get over Jir Taoim in around a week, though we know not what lies beyond. Come, let us move." he said, leading the way up from the beach to a wagon that sat with a team of horses ready to move. He stepped up into the uncovered wagon, taking a seat directly behind the driver as the sun beat down on their transport to the bottom of Jir Taoim.

[Salutem]

Josak had spotted the expedition when they boarded the wagon. He could tell it was the expedition because everyone was armed, including the woman, and they were carrying large packs like he did. Hefting his musket, the blacksmith jogged over to the wagon, his sword sheath bouncing around at his side.

"Josak Lokin, you the expedition?" he asked, looking at each of them. Without waiting for an answer, the man climbed into the wagon and claimed a seat, setting his pack and musket between his legs. He was ready for this. He had gotten bored of the life of a blacksmith. This would give him a new beginning, let him become the outdoorsman he dreamed about being. He would be able to live freely, or at least free-er.

[Lancearc]

"That we are friend, that we are. We're just departing for our first, and probably most dangerous obstacle, Jir Taoim. You're just in time, we were about to depart." he finished, tapping each of the drivers on the shoulder with a cry. "¡Adelante!" he cried, and they were off, being pulled relatively quickly be the eager team of horses that were tasked with drawing the wagon full of people, supplies and armor, and everything else in the knapsacks the explorers would need. He took the journal out of the side pocket on his bag, and took out the inkwell and quill. To be sure the inkwell didn't spill, he dipped the quill and returned the cap to the inkwell as quickly as possible.

Jeff Wallace, The Pyiz Kingdom, approaching Jir Taoim

The sun is high, the sky is clear, and the feelings are hopeful as I and my party of adventurers--from many different walks of life, from guard lieutenant all the way to maid--set out on our journey into the unknown regions that lie beyond the towering Jir Taoim. It's snow capped peaks glimmer like the purest sugar atop their craggy peaks, and they stand in defiance of our advance. I've been introduced to most of my team today, Alexsia, a currently drunken maid (I do hope she's sobered up by the time we get to Jir Taoim!), Theodor Albrecht, who introduced himself as 'esquire and traveler of the world at large', and Josak Lokin, a man I currently know little about. Hopefully the lord continues to smile upon as as we make our way to Jir Taoim, and--with any luck--blesses us enough to let us pass safely over. I must end this for now, for we've reached a rather bumpy stint of road.

The moon's day, November 20, 1595

[Bodarkia]

Alexsia put her feet on Jeff's lap, sitting opposite of him, still holding her rifle."I might call him Retribution, yes that'll be his name."She then pulled out some chalk and write on the wood, writing Retribution on the side before blowing on it, so the left over chalk flew into the air."That's even better!"She chuckled then put her musket down, across her lap, stroking it as she stared at Jeff, smiling at him, warmly...Well he was aright looking."So where are we going first, boss?"She asked, taking her feet out from her shoes, holding them as her bare feet rested on his lap, closing her eyes.

[Lancearc]

He looked up from his writing, shutting the leather-covered journal with a grin. "We, señorita, are heading there, to Jir Taoim, the 'Great Barrier' in the tongue of the natives. It's kept man on this side of it's peaks for hundreds of years, and we are going to finally conquer the beast." he finished, placing a hand on her feet and softly running it up to her ankle though it appeared as though he wasn't really thinking about it as he turned to gaze out at the snow-capped peaks of Jir Taoim, which they were now a little less than a mile from.

[Lancearc]

Eventually, the team of horses had arrived at the base of Jir Taoim, tired, along with the wagon. Jeff stood, gently moving Alexsia's feet from his lap as he stood. He reached into the side pocket on his knapsack--the same one that held his journal--and retrieved a folded piece of fine parchment. He carefully unfolded the intricate creases on the paper, before finally unfolding it fully to reveal a map of the known paths that lead half way over Jir Taoim, that being as far as anyone had traveled up it. The paths were sure to be difficult, and most of them involved climbing, but the map would help. The wagon departed, leaving the explorers standing alone in the shadow of the rocky monstrosity before them. One ridge at a slight upwards slope was visible that lead into the valley before they would be forced to begin climbing.

Jeff turned to look at his group. "Alright guys, it is around...fout, maybe. We'll head as far as we can into the valley. At the end of the valley is an old Roman mission. We'll rest there for a few minutes and get ready, then begin climbing."

[Bodarkia]

"Good."She then slid her feet back into her shoes before jumping off the wagon, humming as she then pulled her bag off the wagon, placing it on the ground, putting a foot on the top as she then looked around, whistling in amazement at the mountains...She was sober, for now.Reaching into her pocket she out a pair of black goggles, putting them on to protect her eyes from the sun before she looked at Jeff."Well then.Lead the way then Boss!"

[Lancearc]

"Alright then. It's an easy hike into the valley to the Roman ruins, and when we reach the first cliff face we should be prepared for climbing." he said, before turning his attention from the group and making his way forward, across the lush grass that lead into the fertile valley that split Jir Taoim. As they walked into the valley, an eagle screeched in the distance and a falcon could be seen building it's nest on a ridge overhead. The valley was the near perfect definition of natural beauty with it's abundant wildlife, forest-green grass and trees, and the majestic mountain towering over their heads. "But like everything about this mountain, it's beauty is a mask for nature's deadly power..." Jeff muttered, continuing forward through the grass that was still damp with the dew of morning.

It wasn't long before the group came upon what looked to be the ancient ruins of an old Roman mission, standing proudly at the bottom of the cliff face despite it's obvious aging. The building still stood, moss and other plants growing up the walls of the structure, in an attempt to overgrow the sturdy stone building. Jeff picked up his pace slightly, before the group was now standing outside the structure and he reached forward, pushing open the door. It creaked open, and Jeff stepped inside.

"Alright, everyone get a bit of rest, eat, whatever you need. Get ready for a climb, so lose something heavy you deem unnecessary." Jeff said, before taking a seat on an old stone bench and removing his gauntlets, and setting them on the bench beside him. Minus the helmet and gauntlets, the armor was now very light compared to most, proving little challenge to climb in.

[Bodarkia]

Alexsia then kissed Jeff's cheek before wrapping a arm around his waist."Well, maybe you can help me with that~"She purred into his ear before setting up in a corner of the room, rubbing her hands together before she brushed her hair back."How I miss, Bodarkia..Even if I was only a maid..It was cold there..Oh and there is a man, called Heinrich Miklioo, talking about how in the future we will have thing's called "Tanks." And other things called "Aircraft."Through he is most likely just another one of those crazy guy's..But oh well, no one can tell the future..Well, maybe the Five Hero's of Bodarkia but am not so sure."She then moved over and sat beside Jeff, resting her head on his shoulder as she watched the rest of the crew come in."So about that me and you later thing, still open for that?"

[Lancearc]

Jeff's cheeks became a light red as he slid out of his boots, looking to relax a bit before the expedition was due to begin their climb up the first cliff of Jir Taoim. He typically wouldn't be so straight-forward with things, though he knew it was bound to be a stressful, tiring, and at some points, lonely trip. He smirked slightly, sliding his arm around her waist. "Maybe, we'll see." he finished. Here he shifted his gaze to Josak, who had been rather quiet.

"So, what was your profession before this journey?" he asked, as he knew little about the man up to this point, and it'd probably be best to learn about his expedition members quickly.

[Salutem]

Josak had quietly followed the group to the Mission. Once enterin the Misson, he sat away from the others with his back against a wall and his musket across his lap. Though he seemed paranoid and untrusting, Josak gave everyone a hearty smile before answering the man's question,

"Blacksmith," afterwards, Josak unceremoniously fell asleep against the wall. As he slept, his head rolled to the side and his arms sat limply crossed over his chest.

[Bodarkia]

"Well, since we are the only ones awake~"She dragged a finger down while she purred into his ear, gently nibbling his earlobe as she then moved up and sat on his lap, kissing him, as gently as possible."D'awww your blushing, how cute."Smiling when he put a arm around her waist, kissing both his cheeks afterwards.

[Lancearc]

"I suppose we are..." he replied with a grin, pulling her closer and into a kiss of his own, sliding a hand up her leg. "Don't think the ghost of ol' Ceasar would be too happy about this happening in his mission, amante..." Jeff joked with something of a mischievous grin creeping across his face as he gazed into her eyes.

[Bodarkia]

"I suppose we are..." he replied with a grin, pulling her closer and into a kiss of his own, sliding a hand up her leg. "Don't think the ghost of ol' Ceasar would be too happy about this happening in his mission, amante..." Jeff joked with something of a mischievous grin creeping across his face as he gazed into her eyes.

"Well, he's dead and won't care."She then rubbed her nose against his before her tongue then slid into his mouth, straddling his lap as her free-hand ran up his back and gripped his hair."Heh.."

[Lancearc]

"I suppose he can't do anything if he did care, huh?" Jeff responded, taken into a state of mind for those brief moments where nothing except Alexisa moved. Jeff pulled away from the kiss slowly and reluctantly before speaking. "We should be off, though. We will continue later, some place more...private." he finished, sliding her from his lap gently and standing, clapping his hands loudly. "Come now, everyone up, we've a short time of rest and now it's up Jir Taoim we go, el viaje de las edades awaits!" Jeff shouted, stepping out of the mission. A light snow had begun to fall he noticed, as he made his way around the Roman ruins and to the cliff behind them. He gazed up at one hundred feet of sheer rock, looking back at the group.

"This is our first challenge, a free climb up this barrier that halts our progress. We won't have any kind of support, so mind you, should you slip, you probably will not live. Keep your footing and don't look down, and everyone should be fine." he said, before turning and finding a good foothold on the rock, pulling himself upwards after finding a ledge to grip, and making his way--slowly but surely--up the rock.