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Post by Croupier on May 5, 2022 18:20:58 GMT -8
Croupier perused the arsenal on display as Bastille continued his lecture. No - to call it that was a disservice to the advice being dispensed. Words of Wisdom was the closest thing Croupier could think of as he examined the racks of weapons, considering each sword in turn. A great sword was too large and required too much room to use, especially if they found themselves in a claustrophobic part of the Hedge, and the same went for the longsword. A gladius and stabbing sword on the other hand, were short and easy to use - but only served that one mode of attack. A katana was too dramatic.
Finally, Croupier settled on a straight-edged, heavy chopping sword. Light enough to be used in one hand, the blade not only could be used as a weapon, but could cut through any brush that might bar their path. It was always better for any tool they carried to have more than one purpose, and the balanced weapon felt like it would serve Croupier well. He took a moment to remember Wayland's name and thought to send her a letter when all this was done. Should he survive.
As he tested the balance of his new weapon against the weight of Bastille's words, Croupier began to think about how significant this dive was going to be. Bosko in particular was talking about it as a quick jaunt - a grand adventure to open a new venture; one where we would be home for Christmas. That was, now that he thought about it, Croupier's fault. He put the idea in the Elemental's mind, all because Croupier was eager to get into the Hedge - to chase down the thing he wanted and find his treasure.
Everyone he talked to had horror stories about the Hedge Dives. No one told tales of glory or thrilling chases. It was a place everyone wanted to go, except those who had already been there - they only went back because they had to.
His mind wandered to his- far as he knew - only encounter with a Huntsman thus far. Croupier had only survived because he wasn't her intended prey. But only because he had what she needed. His life was spared by the roll of the dice.
By a sheer fucking gamble.
But that's what Croupier's life amounted to, in the end: one long string of bets; hedging some, doubling down on others, finding the right chums to sit at the table to get the cards dealt in his favor. Hoping he could sit at the table long enough for that big payout to come his way, and then - well, he'd probably just bet again. Like any good addict.
But every big gamble started with a small bet. And this was Croupier's.
The Fairest smiled to himself. Time to see how the cards would face.
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Post by Bosko on May 16, 2022 14:39:05 GMT -8
Bosko took in all of the information. Changeling politics was tricky enough. Fae politics- if it could even be so concretely defined as such- seemed to at times only EVER hold the constant of changing by the minute. And in Arcadia, even that span of time was an unknown. There was at least a smidge of comfort, then, to know of a Fae that seemingly held no allegiance to title or claim save utter annihilation. The metal man was not at all surprised by what the Machine had left in its wake.
"Hm. A strange turn of events, and a complicated one. So many of Them in one space. It may be that they run into one another- in fact, that is perhaps inevitable. Such an encounter would be disastrous for the local Hedge. But... There are things to utilize, even there. Things for another time- we will be wary. As much as can be, in that space.... Nonetheless, should trouble arise what do you suggest for our course of action? Individuals we can lean on, for medical care? Perhaps individuals in the Thorns we can lean on in a pinch? Safe places to leave? Even a basic idea could save a life."
Every little bit would help.
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Post by Bastille on May 16, 2022 19:46:49 GMT -8
"Swear a Pledge now if you haven't already," Bastille informed, "And perhaps forge the promise where you will not lose one another as the landscape twists to separate you. Once you're lost, you're lost, and your friends can't do anything to fix that without magical interference. You also want to guarantee if one of you is caught by a Huntsman that they cannot betray you without you knowing."
The advice was weighted with the seriousness that the Ogre didn't expect "the power of friendship" lasted when Huntsman were involved, and could take everything from you before even approaching the threat of bodily harm.
"Depends on the trouble, Bosko. If it's a Huntsman, fight only if you must sacrifice yourself, as at that point it is likely one of you will die to guarantee the others escape." He didn't appear to even entertain trying to cut a deal. "If a Hobgoblin has trapped you, don't panic, but take measure of the situation. If you are going to attempt to be clever, do not try to cheat it, or you will likely find yourself down a limb or lobotomized... The denizens of Sunset Canyon had grown quite used to having a stranglehold on Market industry and it makes them bold and often a bit dismissive if you don't know what they like. Medical care would be a middling Spring Courtier or an Ogre willing to bleed; you may call upon the Hedge to bring you the Doll Maker, but it is not a gentle Hob. Safe passage is awarded by the shadows of the Hanged Town if you give up your flesh. Otherwise I would advise you to summon your own Goblin with the Arcadian Crown... And avoid stealing."
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Post by Croupier on May 17, 2022 10:38:41 GMT -8
"Before we do," Croupier interjected, "Would it be possible for us to wait until our guide came? I just got in touch with one Gavin Graves after I was looking for a sword, and he agreed to help us with this dive if we would be up for his guidance."
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Post by Gavin Graves on May 18, 2022 22:52:49 GMT -8
The Beast, quite familiar with the route to Bastille's office, was not long to arrive after he had managed to gather his usual supplies from around his apartment. The good Ogre had been a casual friend and mentor in the ways of Summer, and they shared an area of professional interest with respect to the Hedge and the perils within.
Stopping just outside the open office door he waited for a moment to make his entrance. Nodding respect to the Knight, "Knock, knock. Someone here was looking for a smoother Dive, yeah?" He shot a glance over to Mr. Miller after settling into the room before looking to his Court fellows. "Hello, hello."
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Post by Croupier on May 26, 2022 8:19:05 GMT -8
Croupier smiled when he saw the familiar Razorhand. "Welcome to the party, Ser Graves. It's good to have you aid us as a guide." He turned and looked to the other two members of his party, "I hope neither of you mind, I told Gavin about our little planned adventure and thought we might need another hand to help us along the path. Strength in numbers, am I right?"
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Post by Bastille on May 26, 2022 18:35:18 GMT -8
The image that the Fairest had ran all the way outside the Hollow to receive a cell signal and make an emergency call to the Fall officer caused Bastille to chuckle. Perhaps something had been said to give the man more cause for concern?
"Oh! Mister Graves. A late addition?" he asked, double checking the submission on his desk with an earnest squint. One of the Hobgoblins seemed to take notice of the Beast, scrambling into the eaves of drawers to scurry down with another letter that the Ogre promptly opened with mild surprise.
"...Ah! You've been hailed as Ranger of the Thorns by His Majesty, Baron Samedi. Congratulations! But I don't see your mark of Entitlement, so perhaps we should get Dame Scorpio down here to properly forge your pledge?" It was a gentle nudge.
The Fall King was known for his odd designs.
This was the also first Gavin had heard of it.
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Post by Bosko on May 27, 2022 9:52:21 GMT -8
The metal man nodded along at Bastille's suggestions. He would take them all to his metallic heart, and implement as needed... Should the worst occur.
Bosko was glad to see the additional company- Dan was proving to be an invaluable ally, and a good friend. Having a seasoned diver would make this all the more smooth.
"Yes- I had asked Ser Croupier if there was anyone else that could assist us- here is that answer." A nod to Gavin. "It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, and I look forward to working with you. I hope your services are not needed, but I am delighted to have the help."
At talk of requiring an entitlement... What manner of hoops was this? Bosko hadn't heard of such a thing.
"Is that necessary, Ser Bastille? I apologize, I had thought all the required er... 'paperwork,' had been completed."
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Post by Gavin Graves on May 27, 2022 10:17:25 GMT -8
"Yeah, Croupier here hit me up to come along. Hope that's not too much trouble." The man had previously given him the critical warning that the devil child was on his trail during a turning point in the invasion. That fact alone had made the decision to answer the call a simple one. Gavin was familiar with gratitude.
"Right. Good to meet you as well mate." The Razorhand replied to Bosko before becoming confused at the follow up. "I thought I would be playing Hedgeguide. Who did you have in mind to perform that role here?"
Ranger of the Thorns?
The news provoked a raised eyebrow. "Hmmm."
Unfamiliar with the protocols of the halls of power, he was surprised by this angle of approach. "Suppose this is a little 'shot across the bow' that I should have known to come to him when the Season took notice," he figured aloud. An affable nervous chuckle escaped in the awkwardness.
"Is that how it's done?" he asked earnestly to the suggestion of dragging his liege into it, his ears flushing warm with embarrassment.
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Post by Krakenbox on May 27, 2022 11:15:53 GMT -8
"She started with that Entitlement and can pass it on," Bastille explained, unperturbed by the Beast's momentary embarrassment for not knowing what to do.
He chuckled at Bosko's protest. "I was simply asking if he wanted to be sworn in and receive its benefits. I trust Graves will be the same with or without wearing his calling on his sleeve. As for paperwork, I realized we needed to get a little organized ages ago, Bosko. "
He flashed a scroll that had been stamped and signed by Stephen Callahan.
"The Squire of Webs signed off on this already, else we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I'll oversee the societal oath and make sure your sovereign is satisfied. Without anyone but Graves sworn to a Knight, I have to check a lot of boxes."
He flashed a glance at the Autumn officer, silently conveying his quiet patience with random applicants looking for adventures. The Ogre had see a lot of Shit this year.
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Post by Gavin Graves on Jun 12, 2022 20:03:48 GMT -8
"Ah, alright. Yeah, no. I can worry about that on return. Thanks." He nodded, allowing the tension to cool. There was little reason to delay this effort for a formality.
"There's a box to check if we're going to go on this little trip, a Pledge. I'd want us to all know where each other are and some safety limiters in case of unforeseen capture."
"I think I can borrow inspiration from a past task related Oath to whip something up really quick and get us rolling, yeah?" He glanced around momentarily making sure each was paying attention.
"I dedicate this Oath to this gathered alliance of the Verdant Crown and the Harvest of the Leaden Mirror—
I swear to seek the Harvest bounty to be found within the Hedge, so that the Freehold will benefit from our findings and exchanges.
We do not seek to risk our lives, and will endeavor to ensure each other's prosperity is maintained until this fellowship returns from its task to the realm mundane.
I will defend you with skills both natural and fantastic, and will never seek to betray or deceive you, lest future Harvests satisfy as ashes."
Thanks, Mitch.
He scanned the others for their consent.
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Post by Bosko on Jun 16, 2022 15:07:33 GMT -8
Oh, he had confused the helpful man. "nono, I mean I hope things go well enough that your assistance will not be necessary in a major capacity- wishful thinking perhaps. I am more skilled at sniffing out the fruits- that is my contribution. Just help me avoid the ah... Pitfalls while I chase after them." A chuckle, as he continued to listen to matters that sounded.... Unassociated with him. But he kept the discussion in his metal memory bank, waiting for business to continue.
An oath. Bosko was glad to hear it- he had troubles forming the right words sometimes, and the terms? Fair.
"As a voice of the Leaden Mirror in this endeavor, I accept the terms of the oath. May this cooperation benefit both."
Bosko Consents to the oath.
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