Chronicles of the Wild Frontier
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: HairyHeretic on 26-02-2023, 20:40:20</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>26-02-2023, 20:40:20</strong>
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				The group had been on the road for several weeks at the this point, the weather generally remaining comfortable, other than the rainstorm of a few days back that had resulted in a days worth of squelching through mud. Thankfully the trade road was well enough kept that the going hadn't been worse. The town of Teraebor lay another day or so's travel, but if the group didn't dawdle, they ought to be there before the gates closed for the night. The trip, so far at least, had been relatively uneventful, occasional travellers and one or two large merchant caravans with hard eyed guards there to break up the monotony of travel through the Drakgeld forest.<br><br>Time enough for easy conversation, and the occasional bout of fishing or hunting to add something fresh to the nightly stewpot, a welcome addition to trail rations. Conversation that turned back through the days and miles, to the home of the well to do dragonborn merchant Nalrendramid Tazjurn.<br><br>"Thank you for coming so promptly," he said, after laying a lavish meal on for everyone. He had been somewhat reticent about the reason for having called for you all, but with the servants now dismissed, and everyone ensconced in a comfortable library, he seemed prepared to talk further. "We have had a number of opportunities to work together in the past, and each of you have proven your skill, your reliability, and perhaps most important to me tonight, your discretion." He raised a glass perhaps a quarter filled with a warm amber liquid and sipped from it, gesturing everyone to make free of the drinks they had been served, the small trays of finger foods and the bowls of pipeleaf that were a speciality of his. "I must confess, it would be good to see you all at any time, but tonight, more so than ever. You see, I am in trouble."<br><br>He paused for a heartbeat or two before adding, "This is where you traditionally exclaim your heartfelt denials that one as talented, handsome and likeable as I could ever possibly be in trouble," he said, with a twinkle in his eyes . "I know, I can hardly believe it myself, but there you are. My hope is that I can call upon you all to assist me in getting out of the situation that I regrettably find myself in."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cold Heritage</strong> on <strong>27-02-2023, 00:59:28</strong>
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				Gloriosus sat in the chair around the table. He ate daintily of the finger foods on offer, his Elven eyes missing little. The High Elf was not inclined to partake of the pipeleaf - such was not a vice that he indulged in. Although he did not care for it he would not complain if others did, even if his keen Elven senses ensured that he would endure the lingering residue of their enjoyment long after they no longer did.<br><br>His white attire was clean and spotless - such was one of the many benefits of the fleet and sure stride of Elvenkind. His cloak had kept him and his possessions well and dry during the heavy rainstorm. <br><br>Gloriosus raised his glass - a flute filled with a light white wine of wonderful sweetness and complexity - in kind with Nalrendramid. He bowed his head to the merchant took a sip, allowing his sophisticated Elven sense of taste to fully appreciate everything the liquid had to offer before swallowing. <br><br>A light, airy laugh responded to the Dragonborn's grand claims. The slender lips of the Elf tilted up in an affable smile. "Verily, good merchant, quell our enormous disbelief and lay plain what manner of trouble you are in." The High Elf said, his voice rich, ringing and clear. "For surely none us of might naturally deduce what manner of ill could be so great as to afflict one of your impeccable character, such that you would call upon us to set it aright for you." His expression was serene and friendly, playing along with the cordial setting that the merchant created for the group. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>28-02-2023, 01:17:57</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/kH84KYb.jpg)</div><strong>Character:</strong> Tymir (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=349291.msg16414192#msg16414192)<br><br>Upon retiring to the library, Tymir had chosen to stand by the window to stare outside as conversation flowed. It was a usual occurrence - the quiet man had a knack for finding the location that would keep him both apart and away from the group. He was physically present and clearly listening, but his eyes seemed glued to something in the vast distance. Until he needed to re-fill his cup. And then again. His face was a warm red from the alcohol consumption, but there was no slur to his speech or stumble in his step. Eventually, he took the open seat by Gloriosus rather than wander back and forth. <br><br>One of the downsides of being so close was now Tymir felt the need to adopt polite social customs. He couldn't avoid eye contact or responding when sitting right next to their generous host, so when he spoke, Tymir felt the need to look at the merchant and nod his head. That was all he did, though, as Gloriosus eloquently got to the issue at hand. Polite <em>and</em> to the point. Bless that elf!<br><br>It was a curious start to their contract. Not the trouble part - trouble was what made business for folks like them so secure - but the caution. In the archer's experience, people who sought discretion usually did so for interesting reasons. That was interesting. Possibly even exciting. Or maybe that feeling was the alcohol. It truly was hard to tell. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Andronica</strong> on <strong>28-02-2023, 03:23:05</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f2/6b/3f/f26b3f2e1b1b6f34157da6e1761ec5e9.jpg)</div> Nalrendramid Tazjurn did a fine job at ensuring his gets were beyond satiated when they came in response to his missive. Truthfully, Orisanna had little experience with such fine dining besides the occasional feast back home in Alyeria, but even that felt like it paled in comparison to the dishes the dragonborn offered up. Though she ate daintily - probably birdlike if one were to make an observation - she might've impressed a few souls with her ability to pack away that many roasted, candied, and pickled vegetables coupled with the most exquisite out of of season fruit she had the pleasure to taste. Fruit leather paled in comparison to the morsels she licked clean from her plate. Hopefully it had come across more endearing and appreciative of their host's graciousness than anything else.<br><br>By the time they retired to the library for the social half of the evening, Orisanna was willing away the insidious thought of how wonderful it would be to crawl onto Nalrendramid's floor and enjoy the hearth fire. She stood rather than sit in order to keep herself more alert lest she fall prey to that lax notion, and paused to lean on a nearby enamelled ornate table while the dragonborn began to tease the purpose behind his call. Her vaguely restless movements made it clear she enjoyed the night, the rain, and the elements in general. Being indoors for long was something of a minor tribulation.<br><br>The druid watched as Leonidas exchanged a look and tipped the flute of amber liquid in some unspoken custom. She did not have a liking for such spirits, nor did she understand the appeal of the burn, but she surely appreciated her counterpart's penchant for graceful speech and mannerisms. Truly he was the epitome of elven nobility and bearing as proven when his mouth opened and spun gold came out. His knowledge of such social customs went a long way in situations as these. Yet despite his delicate urging, Orisanna's own curiosity was a feral little beast.<br><br>She politely affirmed her attentions upon the dragonborn in his lush seat by taking a few steps forward into view. Orisanna approached behind Leonidas' chair and wrung her fingers carefully along the top, almost leaning into the furnishings. "Dear Nalrendramid," said the elf, speaking in a soft voice with a hint of concern. "Tell us what troubles you so that we may remedy it." 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Muse</strong> on <strong>02-03-2023, 12:07:46</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://iv1.lisimg.com/image/11857280/640full-levi-coralynn.jpg)</div><strong>Amanda Firesong</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=349291.msg16415935#msg16415935)<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The group had known Amanda Firesong for almost a year now.&nbsp; She was a passionate and chipper maiden, quick to smile and quicker to cry—especially when another suffered or shared their pain.&nbsp; Despite the ease with which cleansing tears came to her eyes, it could be hard to imagine that her childhood was as painful as the faded scars beneath her purple wristbands hinted.&nbsp; There were a few other hints, though.&nbsp; One of them was her response to food.&nbsp; She could be elegant and frequently tried to mimic the sophistication of her elven friends, but when hot food was in front of them Mandy <em>could eat!</em>&nbsp; She served herself a plate better suited to a man half again her size and—though she <em>did</em> take the time to savor it—the young redhead didn't stop 'til she was done.&nbsp; At a table like this, a few fruits or bread rolls were slipped into the bodice of her dress, too.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was a girl who had known hunger.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No echo of that pain was enough to leave the kindly girl bitter, though.&nbsp; In the library a few minutes later, she relaxed in a chair by the fire, green eyes bright and attentive.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She chose a glass of red wine rather than the stronger drink some were offered.&nbsp; Nothing the fine tabbac, Mandy held up a pipe.&nbsp; “Does anyone intend to indulge?” she asked, making it clear as she began to pack it that she was doing so for them rather than herself.&nbsp; Once the pipe was packed, she held it one hand and reached over to a candle with the other.&nbsp; Taking the flame in two fingers she brought it to the pipe and lit the tabbac.&nbsp; She took two puffs to get it started then offered the pipe to whoever wanted it and replaced the flame on the candle.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“You have good leaf, Master Tazjern,” Mandy said with a smile.&nbsp; “Now who could possibly have a grudge against such an exquisite host?&nbsp; Are they bitter because a feast invitation was lost in the mail?&nbsp; Small of them, but truly sorrowful to miss such an event.”&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Isengrad</strong> on <strong>02-03-2023, 18:37:32</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://64.media.tumblr.com/bea5ea9a1443517ea46cdd1815cc42a1/f8f67915ca341204-79/s1280x1920/16dedc87657934eacd14b161b9cb25e43cb0d99e.jpg)</div><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Kaehless Greyflame</strong></span> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=349291.msg16415094#msg16415094)<br><hr><hr><br>This was not the first time the Planetouched had the chance to spend time with the Dragonborn. Kaehless had been this way as both a tradesman and as an adventurer, and he was delighted to see that the man still treated his guest with respect and a taste of high society. The food was a welcome change to the hardtack, salted meat and whatever wild food they could find. As always the food offered was plentiful and well made. During the initial festivities he had made small talk here and there while maintaining a watch over the rest of his group, especially the young firestarter Amanda, while he was not the oldest in the group by far he still felt like group dad at times.<br><br>Eventually the night wound down, the servants and any other guests were dismissed or gone and now they stood within the confines of the library. Kaehless had found a nice corner to keep an eye on things while they talked. He stood, he listened and let the words roll over in his mind. <br><br>Once Amanda had started preparing the pipe he had pushed away from the wall to approach her, taking the proffered pipe with a polite nod and a hand on her shoulder.<br><br>"Like always Friend, you speak a lot without saying anything." he took a draw on the pipe to let the fire fill his lungs, more than used to the heat of breathing in smoke and ash from making his living in a forge for years of his life."I have to agree with the girls here, tell us what is wrong friend."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-03-2023, 21:26:41</strong>
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				"It's, well, somewhat embarrassing, if truth be told," Nalrendramid said. "You see, over the last year or so, I have been .. becoming closer, shall we say, with a certain lady, one of impeccable taste and breeding. Our correspondences have grown warmer, and on the rare occasions that we have been able to see each other .. well, yes, a gentleman doesn't reveal such things. As a token of the great esteem I hold her in, I sent her a certain piece of jewellery, an heirloom of my house. It was passed down to me when my grandfather passed away, some years ago." <br><br>"Well, now it seems that there has been a discrepancy uncovered in his instructions, and it should have gone to my cousin, Shaldithoren Kilturim. She's a terrible waste of flesh, without, to my mind a single redeeming characteristic. She is demanding her rightful property be returned post haste, and while I have the ability to stall her somewhat, it gives me only a temporary breathing space." He raised his glass and took a swallow of the liquor within before continuing.<br><br>"Naturally, when this issue first arose, I dispatched word to my lady friend, explaining the situation and begging her indulgence of returning said jewellery, promising her that I would replace it with something even finer. Alas, I have heard no reply from her, and I do not have time to waste on couriers going back and forth. Hence I turn to you .. I am hoping that you will go to her, plead my case and return with the item in question before my cousin manages to exhaust my delaying tactics."<br><br>"While I would quite happily, under other circumstances tell her she could shove her tail .. well, yes .. the issue is that her brother in law, who for some reason I cannot fathom adores her, has the ear of the local Duke, and he stands to make my life very difficult." He spread his hands in a '<em>what can you do?</em>' gesture. "Naturally I shall recompense you generously for your assistance, should you be able to help."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cold Heritage</strong> on <strong>04-03-2023, 06:44:28</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/gfLuQID.jpg)</div><br>Gloriosus held the glass of wine beneath his nose, and looked down at the table as the Dragonborn explained his plight. The High Elf took it all in with passive aplomb. He was aware of such familial feuds, but he thanked precious baby Pelor that his family was not embroiled in such tiresome wastes of time and resources. A swirl of the glass was followed by a delicate sip of the white wine, and Gloriosus held it in his mouth for a moment before swallowing it down. <br><br>"Truly, never in all my days would I imagine your plight to be great and your need so great." The High Elf said with a sage nod of his head, gracefully inclining it towards the merchant. "We shall, of course, do our utmost to resolve the matter for you in a manner that puts this whole wretched affair to rest." Gloriosus spoke candidly and surely, confident that the words he spoke were unvarnished truth. There were two Elves on the case - overkill, surely, for a matter so trifling as recovering some gaudy bauble that was the cause of internecine familial squabbling. <br><br>He reached for a small piece of something sweet from his plate of finger foods and popped it into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. "Your foresight and wisdom are well-known to us, so I am certain you have already procured maps and guidance to the residence of your lady correspondent." The High Elf stated airily, as though it were already fait accompli, feeding into the merchant's self-image. <br><br>"As for the matter of recompense . . . your gratitude and generosity to those who do well by you are well-known to all, to say nothing of our close association. Along our journey we passed an orphanage that has seen far, far better days, my dear friend. Why, the roof was leaking in more than a dozen places and the children scarcely have clothes upon their backs." The High Elf said with genuine dismay. "I ask, for my part, that you see fit to see the building into good repair - you must surely have contacts with reputable, honest tradesfolk whose craft is quality. A new building, if the old is beyond saving - and to my Elven eyes that seemed very much the case - and goodly vestments for the children."<br><br>The High Elf had all but beggared himself already as they passed the place, emptying his purse to the elderly caregivers in charge of the orphanage. And he spent all of his magic to heal the ailments of the children, of which there were many. <br><br>"I know you for a one of compassion and a goodly heart, friend Nalrendramid. As you entrust this task to me, I may entrust this request to you?" Gloriosus asked, turning his sharp blue Elven eyes upon the Dragonborn over the rim of the glass of wine.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>05-03-2023, 19:25:59</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/kH84KYb.jpg)</div><strong>Character:</strong> Tymir (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=349291.msg16414192#msg16414192)<br><br>Very interesting indeed! Tymir placed a forearm on the table, leaning into the conversation as Nalrendramid shared his tale. Romance, family, and business all entangled together was a potentially disastrous combination. But the thing the retired sailor latched onto was the secret affair, for he was a romantic at heart. <strong>"You must include a bauble for your woman,"</strong> Tymir stated in a soft, rich voice. <strong>"Never no good come from asking a woman to part with a treasure, no matter the circumstance. The blow always lands softer when a gift of topi pearls, duckling stuffed sweetbread, and a sharper blade is involved."</strong> It was clear that the very specific list was not meant to be Nalrendramid's suggested gift, but one that Tymir had used to his benefit for his own lady of impeccable taste and breeding on more than one occasion. The man's lips twitched in a smile of remembrance and then a dip of sorrow before his countenance became forcibly bland. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the Dragonborn's plight that had loosened Tymir's lips, but that was all the peek into the sailor's past anyone was going to get this night.<br><br><strong>"For <em>his</em> portion,"</strong> Tymir corrected when Gloriosus suggested that the payment go to the orphanage. Tymir wasn't heartless, but he couldn't afford to strip down the way the elf had. He needed to squirrel away every cent if he were to... He leaned back, unwilling to let his thoughts wander down such a path.<br><br>The situation seemed straightforward enough. Perhaps his lady lover had been offended. Maybe the affair had been found out and she had cut contact. The courier may have never reached the intended destination - there was a variety of situations to explain the silence, none of which seemed particularly difficult for a group of their caliber to engage with. He had banded with the men and women present for several different adventures now, and felt quite confident in their abilities to accomplish such a task, especially with the amount of sweet-talkers in the group. And with his attention already focused on tomorrow, Tymir had fell silent again. His hand had reached out for his cup, but rather than downing the liquid, he rested his hand thoughtfully. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Chronicles of the Wild Frontier</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-03-2023, 02:39:13</strong>
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				"I confess, I've never quite been in a situation like this before," the merchant replied. "If you think carrying another gift would see the matter resolved more smoothly, then yes, by all means, let us do so." He rose and moved across the room, to a large wooden desk. He withdrew a keyring from one of his pockets and unlocked one of the drawers, lifting out a smallish box, unlocking that and setting out a soft cloth onto the desk onto which he places a dozen or so fine looking pieces of jewellery.<br><br>"Please," he said, gesturing to the group to join him. "Rhona," he added, beckoning her to his side. "Rhona is one of my better couriers," he said by way of explanation before turning to her. "You've been in her home a time or two now. Do you recall any jewellery you might have seen her wearing. Do you think any of these a suitable match for her taste?"<br><br>He looked up from the jewellery, again beckoning the others to gather around. "I confess, I have little of an eye for jewellery. If any of these pieces stand out, I would happily take your words for it."
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