>>283411
You don't really have any problems you need medication for. And can't really forsee anything you would need it for in the near future.

And why he smells doesn't really matter, besides it would be rude to ask. You could however ask if he has any medical texts. Your dad might appreciate something like that and it could prove useful in the future.

Roanna 2011/02/22(Tue)14:51 No. 283437 ID: 197650
File 129841509592.jpg - (14.64KB , 524x327 , 123.jpg )

Dr-"It is always better to avoid than to cure, I always say."
He hangs the incense from one of his large claw's fingers, and proceeds to grab one of the items from his suitcase.
Dr-"This for example, will, when applies, warm you up. It allows one to keep away frost bite longer."
Dr-"I have a small collection of luxery goods, normally applied after trauma to lessen scars, etcetera."
Dr-"This ointment will reduce scarring left by a wound, and when applied to normal skin or flesh will make it feel softer."
He unscrews a small jar, showing a green-ish substance, it doesn't smell that bad but it's not exactly parfume either.
Dr-"This should allow a wound to be free of infection if applied daily."
Dr-"I carry a small number of drugs also, substances that will help one keep awake, berserker's weed, etcetera. Sedatives also."
Ro-"any kind of scripts, books?"
Dr-"Expensive taste, I have a few scrolls, mostly basic treatment of shallow cuts. Bandages also."

I ask Anundr for a private chat for a moment, and ask him if he thinks this guy is legit.
Anundr-"I am covered in scars, often, I am not concious when treated. But I recognise some ointments, I think he trustworthy. Besides, he wear raven robes, shows dedication."


Roanna-"Berserker's weed?"
Dr-"It is a collection of a few weeds, when combined and smoked it leaves one in a state of bloodlust, men believe it doubles their strength. I offer my services as doctor for extended periods also.

>>283437
Some of that anti-infection stuff might be good to have aroudn though. Would suck if you cut your finger and then died from blood poisoning.

While you shouldn't get him on retainer for yourself right now, you could send him on towards your Dad. If this guy is good then your Dad might have some work for him.

Why should we not hire a doctor, exactly? Seems like a good idea to me.

>>283446
Because it's an additional person to care for on the trip and keep track of. Will also make the going slower, more people generally means slower travel.

Then there's the cost factor. We still need to buy some very expensive horses. And doctors are expensive as well, their retainer costs are generally not low.

>>283439
Infection is always a risk, but there are cheaper treatments that are no less effective. Honey, for example.

Thank him for his time and continue on your way.

>>283457
Do we have honey?

>>283472
nope

>>283472
No, but honey is cheap and readily available.
If we weren't trying to travel light we could have picked some up in the last town.

>>283481
We should probably get some anti infection stuff then. Because getting wild honey isn't that easy.

>>283483
It might not be insanely expensive. But it's not something most people have around for every day use or have readily availible.

Roanna 2011/02/23(Wed)10:15 No. 283748 ID: 197650
File 129848491315.jpg - (18.45KB , 455x466 , 124.jpg )

Ro-"Wouldn't honey be a cheaper alternative"
Dr-"Yes. The ointment prevents other unpleasantries however. Flesh and skin rot for example. The ingredients are simple enough, thus not too expensive. Wounded men here have been reluctant to try it."
Ro'-"You sound like you know your stuff, but I'm afraid I can't bring along any more people. If you travel to the capital though, you could try asking my father. He kind of owns the place."
Dr-"Apologies, I was not aware I was amongst royalty. Your highness. Thank you."
Dr-"If I have nothing of interrest, I will take my leave."

I don't really know a whole lot about chemicals or drugs, so unless you guys have some stuff to ask him for, I guess we could just part ways here.

If we decide to move on, do you guys have any plans for on the road? conversation material, games, whatever. There aren't any more towns between us and Sigmund but he's still a few days away.

>>283748
If it's actually cheap then go ahead and get some. Other than that? No.

>>283748
Get some of the anti-infection stuff.

As for games along the road. Maybe some nice marching songs. Although that's not very good for avoiding detection. Otherwise there's always I Spy. Or just walking in stoic silence. The two guards probably know a few ways to make marching less boring.

Roanna 2011/02/23(Wed)13:01 No. 283791 ID: 197650
File 129849488543.jpg - (54.57KB , 686x754 , 125.jpg )

I decide to buy the ointment, it only costs half a piece, after which we part ways. I've given him a short note for father and whatnot so he's allowed into his keep to begin with.

After marching for what feels like a good number of hours we eventually run out of songs, and I'm starting to lack behind...

Anundr pauses occasionally to see if I don't lag behind too much.
After a while he asks "Want us to slow down?"
I feel kind of emberrased, I'm the royalty here, wouldn't I look weak if I took his offer?

I guess Anundr and Anvindr are used to marching, and I've always heard Kelts have to make their way on foot since their woods are too dense to use horses.

I still feel weak though...

>>283791
Speed up to match until you need a break, then have them take a break. Do NOT lag behind them!

You are on a casual stroll, enjoying the scenery, with no need to hurry. Just because they are used to walking fast doesn't mean they always need to.

>>283791
Well they're used to it. You're not, nothing to be ashamed of. And there's no reason to wear yourself out. Take regular breaks but keep moving. Eventually you will build up some more stamina and you will be able to go longer.

Roanna 2011/02/23(Wed)16:37 No. 283871 ID: 197650
File 129850783057.jpg - (17.15KB , 378x294 , 126.jpg )

OH GODS WHY MY LEGS WHAT DID YOU DO
Anundr-"Did offer to slow down."
Ro'-"I was just going to take more breaks to rest instead!"
Anvindr-"Sorry your highness, we usually don't really you know, take breaks."
Eoghan-"That doctor would've been helpfull right around now.."

Now what

>>283871
Now you stretch some, massage your legs and then get up and keep on moving. Possibly hand over your pack to the Celt and tell him to carry that as well.

Well great, now you'll be traveling even SLOWER and look like MORE of a weakling.

Make camp around here unless there is a town literally over the next hill. No point making it worse.

>>283871
"Eoghan? Not the time."
Have him massage your legs to break up the cramps.

How far did you get, how far do you have to go?

Most importantly, have you learned to pace yourself? What did you learn about weakness and the appearance thereof?

Here's a lesson you may not have noticed in all this: Wishing doesn't change reality. Denial doesn't change reality. Ignoring facts doesn't change reality.
You could have taken a break, but you instead chose to ignore your weakness and press onward and as a result you've suffered an injury that will make you even weaker and slower.

Feel the pain. How much worse would it have been if you pushed yourself too hard in combat instead of walking?

>>283871
Sorry to say, but your companions probably realized you were going to have trouble before you did.
You haven't Marched before. Your companions have.
Well, Eogan probably hasn't, but he's probably used to long walks anyway.
It is something that has to be cultivated with practice, just like your other considerable skills.
Unfortunately it's hard to put enthusiasm behind it.

Roanna 2011/02/24(Thu)11:16 No. 284040 ID: 197650
File 129857498284.jpg - (20.12KB , 365x269 , 127.jpg )

Ro'-"Not the time, Eoghan."
Eoghan-"I just meant to say I could try and catch up with him."
Ro-"you can help me get rid of my cramps!"

While Eoghan gets to it I'll try to assess the situation.

...

So... good...
He knows his stuff~

I suppose I could send Anundr or Anvindr for the doctor, but he should be a couple of hours away by now. He didn't seem like the type to march fast, but we did travel pretty quickly.
It'll take a bit before I can really walk with a propper pace again. Anyway, we made a lot of distance, at that pace. It should take another 2 days before we arrive.

I haven't been taught how to pace myself, father just taught me how to fight.
You don't have to remind me wanting something badly enough makes it realy, Hakon isn't alive, is he?!
You wouldn't understand, I carry my father's name. If I look weak, he looks weak. I can't live up to him but people expect me to anyways.
Besides, you were the ones telling me to keep going.

Whatever, we're not making camp, and there are no villages between us and Sigmund.

>>284040
>I suppose I could send Anundr or Anvindr for the doctor, but he should be a couple of hours away by now.

Don't bother. This is a leg cramp, and there isn't much a doctor can do for that besides give you something for the pain.

>I haven't been taught how to pace myself, father just taught me how to fight.

Pacing yourself is entirely about knowing your limits, be it walking or fighting.
Surely your father taught you to hold back in combat? That people who fight with all their strength quickly tire and become vulnerable?

>You don't have to remind me wanting something badly enough makes it realy, Hakon isn't alive, is he?!

Probably not, but since you brought him up I should point out that you've been trying to pretend your love never happened.
When we asked you claimed to be a virgin; you lied to us because you would rather wish your time with him had never existed than bear the pain of his loss.

>You wouldn't understand, I carry my father's name. If I look weak, he looks weak. I can't live up to him but people expect me to anyways.

Yes, and now you know that trying to avoid people thinking you weak runs the risk of far worse than proving them right.

>Besides, you were the ones telling me to keep going.

No, we said to keep the pace and take frequent breaks. You didn't take a break when you needed one, so we aren't to blame for this.

>>284040
It may not seem fair, but being a woman means you are held to different standards. Being tough is great but you don't have to try to outperform every other guy. It would earn more respect to show that you know your limitations and act accordingly.

Also, be aware that you are pitching little chest tents. Also don't give a damn because it feels so good.

>>284040
Get your foot out from his loincloth. Not the time or place.

Rest up a bit more. Then tell Eoghan to carry your stuff and set out at a slightly slower pace, take regular breaks. Then get a full nights sleep and let the others keep guard instead. Next day you should know your limits better.

And unless something went terribly bad you're not going to need the doctor. Better to let him move on.

You're also doing pretty well for someone not used to this crap. Takes a bit of time to build up long distance stamina. But it's quite a useful thing to have.

Roanna 2011/02/24(Thu)16:01 No. 284089 ID: 197650
File 129859211834.jpg - (21.13KB , 415x297 , 128.jpg )

>>284043
Gods, fine, you're right!
I'm a liar and I wish I never met Hakon so I wouldn't have to lose him.
Happy now?
Noone can know about this, ok? Father expects me to be strong.
If I look weak, he looks weak, and the neighbouring tribes are just looking for an excuse to invade.
If looking strong will kill me at least I'll die making father proud!
A fight usually barely lasts a minute and only at actual battlefields would you need to pace yourself, if you-OUhou- have a decent group of bodyguards they'll relief you from the front line anyways.

>>284064
I wasn't hitting on him or anything, he was just in the way...
Ro'-"When we get moving again, I want you-OUhou-... want you to move at a slower pace, and I want to take regular breaks before my legs get worse."
With disinterrest, Eoghan just nods quietly and seems to focus on my foot; "Yes, your highness."

I guess knowing your limits would b- oh shit am I?
He's just so-OOoooohh good...~
I can't remember the last time I've been touched.. eh, massaged like this. I can't help but caring, if only a bit.


I should be ready to move again in a bit, and at least I learned something out of all of this.
My sla-Aaahhve is an awesome masseur.

>>284089
>If looking strong will kill me at least I'll die making father proud!
No, you'll die making your father sad making him look weak.
You're the chieftain's daughter. If you die that shows he's too weak to even protect his own bloodline.
Let them think you're weak. Better than than proving your weakness by failing.

This brings me to the next point: Ignoring your weaknesses makes you weaker, not stronger. You must admit these weaknesses to yourself, then work against them until they are gone.
You can't keep up with the soldiers? Then walk to build up your strength and stamina.
By the same token, you still nurse the void Hakon left instead of dealing with the problem.
He is dead.
He died with honor.
He enjoyed his time with you as much as you enjoyed your time with him.
The past is past. Remember him, but do not remember him with pain.
When you return home you will speak with your other slave and decide if you will keep her. If so then you will discuss this pain with her, and the pain will lessen.

Oh, and although most fights are quick you're eventually going to encounter somebody you can't defeat quickly, and at that point the only strategy that will see you to the end is fighting conservatively to save your strength so that you will be strong when they wear themselves out.

>>284089
Good to know, might be useful. Now load him up with everything but your weapons and then if you're ready, continue.

And as you said, a learning experiance. Now you know one of the things you need to work on more. And this one you learnt in a good way, as opposed to waking up without panties on a roof.

I think he's peeking up your tunic.

>>284089
Next time you have him do this for you, use a tent and have a blanket to cover what needn't be shown. You'll want to be mostly naked under it too so you can turn over and pull it back for him to service your back properly. Trust me it's worth it not to be shy about this.

And just out of curiosity, ask him how he came to be so skilled at this.

>>284126
Nah, doesn't look like it.

Roanna 2011/02/25(Fri)11:23 No. 284223 ID: 197650
File 129866183889.jpg - (66.06KB , 1076x848 , 129.jpg )

I guess that makes sense...
I'd rather we just dropped it.
Anyways, a fight is usually over within half a minute, because one of the two either makes a mistake or can't keep up. All it takes is 1 mistake.
Still, it's not like I use all my energy for each hit, that'd just be silly.


Getting all my stuff loaded back on Eoghan, we get moving.
After walking for a bit, I ask:"Hey Eoghan?"
Eoghan-"hm?"
Ro-"How'd you get so good? At massaging I mean."
Eoghan-"Learned it from my master, when I was younger."
Eoghan-"We concider it important to keep your body in a healthy state. All warriors are meant to know how to take care of their muscles."
Eoghan-"Just like we're taught to take care of our weapons."


I guess I did learn somethi- I'm never going to live down that party, am I?
Getting my whole back massaged does sound tempting, maybe I'll try it tonight when we make camp."

>>284223
If you agree to find somebody in which to confide your problems, then we will drop it.

We are the product of our experiences. You will never completely live down that party, but that does not mean that it will cause you anguish for long.

You're going to want to have Eoghan teach you about muscle care. You are a warrior princess; you must train yourself in all aspects of combat.

>>284223
There is another leason for you here as well. If you're ever in command, don't just evaluate how good your soldiers are at fighting by themselves. See how well they cooperate and especially how good they are at marching. They can be the best warriors in the world, but they would still be useless if they arrive too late for the battle because they weren't able to move fast enough. So keep that in mind for the future.

And no, you're not going to live down that party. But there is another leason in there. Drugs seem to affect you harder than advertised. So if you ever find yourself in need of going berserk and have a few of the berserker drugs availible, then you're probably going to be able to kick ass sorts of ass.

Roanna 2011/02/25(Fri)16:22 No. 284265 ID: 197650
File 129867974733.jpg - (31.03KB , 884x539 , 130.jpg )

Will you just stop pushing me.
I guess drugs do effect me differently, I'm not sure if it was a good or a bad move to not buy any from the doctor. Ah well, things'll work out.


We spent the rest of the day marching, taking frequent breaks for my sake. The guys are trying to encourage me, but I still don't feel great about being so slow.
Once done for the day, with little light left, we make camp. I ask for Anvindr and Anundr to keep watch, and invite Eoghan into my tent.
I've stripped down to my panties, and am enjoying a damned good massage. I'll ask him for pointers later, I really will.
Yawn... Just.. 5 more minutes...

Roanna 2011/02/25(Fri)16:22 No. 284266 ID: 197650
File 129867976319.jpg - (115.16KB , 1349x1317 , 131.jpg )

My name is Gerdr Ragnvaldr.
I am a son of the chieftain, and I am the third heir to my father's throne.

Me and my men are about to reach our destination, our goal is to raid and pillage these coasts, and use the wealth gained to build a stronhold on behalf of my father.
It's been only about 6 days, but the waters were treacherous, but if the rumors are true, this stronghold will pay for itself.

I have 3 large longboats loaded with well armed and well motivated men, 4 ships with mercenaries and workers spread between them.
We are approaching a village, and it is ready to defend itself. I need to prepare a plan for the attack.

>>284266
Wake up, Roanna. You aren't supposed to have a penis, this is going to be all awkward and weird for you.

>>284266
What is the beach like? If there are some good shallow waters then hold off outside the coast. Wait through the night and strike at dawn, drive your ships up onto the beach and strike swiftly before they can react. Loot, rape and then burn. Unless you plan on holding it. Young kids and old people get put to the sword, the ones of an acceptable look and age get taken as slaves.

If they have a palisade then things become a bit more problematical. Especially if you need to keep the place, since that means you can't burn them out.

Anyway, do they know you're coming?

Gerdr 2011/02/25(Fri)18:43 No. 284317 ID: 197650
File 129868820232.jpg - (43.52KB , 967x638 , 132.jpg )

My sister is not with us, but my brother should be arriving with a fleet on these coasts within the week!

The local beach is of gravel, it seems, the boat will have no trouble landing if the waters themselves are safe. My captain has assured me they are.
The soil should be soft, so a direct charge would be costly in lives.

We bear father's banner, they should assume we came to trade. I can consult with my mercenary captains. Night time is almost half the day away, and the men are eager to land.

>>284317
Oh, this should be easy then. Get everybody off the boats, have them spread out into the markets and other such areas, then call a meeting with the town's leaders. Tell them that they are now part of your father's lands, that they are to inform the town of this, and that anybody can leave if they want to but they can only take what they can carry at a steady pace.

You have enough soldiers to crush them, but if you're conquering lands then it's best to try to keep things intact. There will be bloodshed, but people are less likely to try and stop you if they think you'll mostly let them be. You'll kill fools and drunks.

>>284317
Well they're bloody well going to have to wait. Or you can go at night. But fighting in the dark is a rather chaotic experiance.

The village is hardly going to let you get off your boats and wander into their village unopposed. They might accept an emissary in. But then they're going to know you're there and can prepare for you. It's a lot better to wait until nightfall and then move in just before dawn. That's when their sentries are going to be tired and least watchful. It will also give you the most amount of daylight hours to work with, making it easier to loot the place and convincing your men to be out of there. If you go now they might insist on staying the night in there, which could get you trapped if support arrives for the village from somewhere near.

Gerdr 2011/03/02(Wed)14:10 No. 285748 ID: 197650
File 129910381417.jpg - (60.24KB , 869x979 , 133.jpg )

Only my flagship had come within sight of the shoreline, we (hopefully) made a few convincing manoeuvres to suggest we were a merchant ship sailing to a village further along the coast. From there we were able to hide our presense.

We've been waiting here for hours, and it's getting dark. In the meantime I've put on my armor. It is made of high quality chainmail covered with wool cloth. THere's another layer of mail to protect my shoulders and upper chest.

One of my mercenary captains has approached me:
Kreszenz-"Our men are ready for ze attack. Do you have a battleplan, or vill ve simply all charge in at vonze?"
I could send in the mercs first and preserve our numbers, but if I do that too often it could upset them. I should set up orders too, who to kill, who not to kill but capture, what to burn and what to pillage. That sort of thing.

>>285748
You should preferably attack from several different directions. But how feasible that is depends a bit on the lay of the land and how the village is laid out.

As for what to take, depends a bit on where you can unload the goods. If there is a slave market nearby then slaves would be a good thing to grab. Just the ones who look nice or are young and healthy though. People don't want ugly ass old merchandise, or young kids all that often. And since this is a raid, loot anything that looks valuable, burn and kill the rest. See what information you can get about nearby communities. Then go back to your ships and either hit another one a bit further away or start sailing back to unload the loot and possibly get a few more captains in on it.

>>285748
take a wave approach, and from diffrent directions.
If you can get them to think it was just a raid from inland, you'll be able to take them from the costal side while they try to defend on the inland side...

cause you know, they probably aren't attacked from the shore very often

Gerdr 2011/04/21(Thu)00:27 No. 298029 ID: 197650
File 130337086186.jpg - (114.41KB , 1164x1027 , 134.jpg )

I've instructed my men to approach from different angles under the cover of night, the mercenaries strike first, then my men move in.
Last, I and my person guard, aswell as the mercenary captains move in.

The Town is quickly burnt and looted, the villagers, some fighting bravely and dying by our blade, some surrendering and enslaved, fall to our will.
A number of them managed to flee into the woods, in this darkness it'll be hard to track them down.

The fight lasts untill deep into the night, and I think this lad looks old enough to be of use.

When we're done here, deviding the loot needs some thoughts.

>>298029
Get out of there first, then you can think about dividing the loot. Their response should take a day or two, but on the off chance that they can respond earlier you want to be out on the sea before they can get there. Then you can divide the loot, payment for the Mercs comes first. They did their job and so they're getting paid for it. Once that's done you can divide the rest among the other captains. They can handle loot distribution for their own crews. Although everyone should probably get a small bonus for a job well done.

Gerdr 2011/04/22(Fri)14:22 No. 298294 ID: 197650
File 130350736945.jpg - (32.42KB , 690x836 , 135.jpg )

I manage to persuade this weakling into ratting out his chief in exchange for decent treatment. Appearantly his hut was meant to look like any other to not stand out, but is reinforced from the inside.

Luckily, the idiot didn't lock his doors, and kicking the doors open is no problem at all.
The chief is ordering someone out just as I burst in. He seems alone with a slave chained to his chamber. Outside, the village is in chaos and I brought a few of my elite troops.
There's a chest in here aswell, jackpot.

He's ordering someone out? What's out the other door?