RP:Muraski Begins Recruiting
Background
Muraski begins recruiting for his gang inside of Cenril
Mercenary Shop
A thuggish looking, one eyed barbarian stares at you with fury-filled crimson eyes, his face scarred from the many battles he has partaken of in his days. He grunts before going back to lining up his wares of blades and shields before returning to a simple wooden desk that is quite notty. He pushes out a list for you to read, a single chuckle escaping his lips as he seems to be sizing you up.
Muraski entered into the mercenary shop, several quick steps made to the store owner as he asked for the list. The list was handed towards the newly sired, observed, looked over, as Muraski began to memorize names of minotaurs upon the list. The portion needed was removed from the paper and a respectful nod given to Bob, “Thanks..” Several gold coins placed upon the counter top and with that he turned from the man to go find talent for his campaign.
Northern Vista
High atop the northeast corner of the city, this vista is a favourite spot for many new to the land. The cliff sheltering Cenril runs southward above the beach, the eastern sea spanning on to the horizon. A narrow path snakes to the northeast, leading back around the cliff face, though many say the ruins beyond not yet safe enough to travel. Westward is the town, the Cathedral towers rising up like beacons. The faint gurgle of water trickling can be heard from the west. Directly north however is a huge magnificent building, the great library of Cenril. Its collection of books is unmatched anywhere in the known lands, yet its vast vaults of knowledge lie in wait for someone to enter and learn their many forgotten secrets.
Muraski approached the third house upon his trip with relative distaste, the first two minotaurs having already been killed in the line of duty, you would think that the stupid store manager kept better track of his list but unfortunately that was not the case. The third person he moved upon was living in an apartment type structure with several other people apparently and when he knocked upon the door, a loud amount of noise could be heard within. Slowly, a cautious human could be seen to approach the door, Muraski's tux to be straightened as the man inside opened the door. “Looking for a man named Kren? Ever heard of him?” The human raised a brow, “What's it worth ta ya?” The human raised a bag of ten gold coins from his pocket, “A small amount of coins, more then you've probably seen in the last year. Now, you tell me whether or not you've seen him and I'll decide if you deserve the gold.” The human's head seemed to bob back and forth as he debated gold or minotaur to which he finally reached towards the bag, “Yah, I've seen 'em, ya ruttin banker.. Now gimme the gold.” The bag was quickly snapped back, “Where?” ...”Oh, ya wanna know where, now do ya?” He called out, a loud yell through the house and a man responded only to shortly come to the door. Murasi gave the human the gold coins then turned his attention upon the minotaur. “Outside, cow, so we can talk business.”
Kren looked upon the man as he stepped out of the house, a solid three feet above Muraski, a rather large axe brandished in his hand. “What'cha want pinky?” The man clearly felt he had an advantage over the puny newly sired. Muraski gave a soft shrug, “Kren, I take it?” He looked down at the name upon a long list of minotaur mercenaries for hire, “I got your name on this list, looking for some men interested in making some gold and working for me for a short period of time. Do well, you'll get paid more, do poorly, and well.. You'll probably end up a corpse upon the ground. Are you interested?” The minotaur continued to stare Muraski down, “What kinda job we talkin' about?” Muraski shrugged, “What kind of job for mercs normally get hired for? I am after conquering a place, you're after gold, the other details are unimportant to you, yes?” The minotaur nodded at the man, “Guess ya be a right there, boss. So, you're looking for laborers, I'm the labor, and the business if your own. How much ya gonna be offering?” Muraski grinned, “Ahh the gold, it will be two thousand five hundred gold before and twenty five hundred after.” The minotaur's eyes grew wide, “That's a lotta gold guv.. I'm most certainly interested iffin you're gonna be a payin that much each time..” Muraski simply shrugged, “You do your job well, you'll get paid well, you feck it up and I'll make sure the amount you got paid prior comes back to my pocket.” The minotaur nodded, tough talk from a small fry but he would let it slide due to the future investment he could make. “Ight, I accept yer terms.” Muraski grinned as he finally recruited his first of a list of men he would be needing, “I'll send you a letter when you're needed.” With that, Muraski glanced down at the list, a check placed next to the third name, though the first two were crossed out and the fourth address memorized and soon he was on his way.
Temple of Aramoth
It is hard to tell if this grand hall is temple or training ground. All around are warriors and monks fighting in mock combat lit against a backdrop of large bonfires that cast their combating silhouettes against the Spartan stone walls. Many marvellous weapons hang from these red stone walls, all varieties of weapons are on display here; finely polished rapiers, gigantic gem encrusted great swords, and many two handed steel war axes. In the centre of this grand looking hall is one of the largest and most imposing statues you could ever hope to catch sight of. The statue is at least thirty feet tall and is made from brass, it shows the form a very well armed and armored warrior with a great horned helm, tower shield and a great sword that is swung over his back ready to be brought down upon the chamber. There are no gems of any kind upon the statue which means this must be Aramoth the greater god of war and bloodshed, who demands his followers live a spartan life. Carved expertly into the great tower shield that lies against Aramoth’s leg armor is his personal coat of arms a sword, spear and axe atop a shield split into four sectors each representing a different aspect of his power, blood, war, martial prowess and courage. Laying before the statue are a number of Aramoth’s holy weapons that only his chosen may carry in times of great need, these weapons are guarded by a number of sombre men in studded leather armor, the monks of Aramoth who always fight barehanded.
Muraski made his way into the Temple of Aramoth, a brisk, quickly taken pace to go directly for a priest of the temple. He tapped the man upon the side, a large ogre to turn about and stare down the puny vampire, “I'm looking for a minotaur by the name of Traop.” The ogre looked confounded, “Traop? Me no know no Traop..” How an ogre managed to become a priest in a temple the vampire never could understand, “Yes, well could you find me the man known as Traop? He has a merc listing within the merc shop here in Cenril. I'm looking to find him for work.” The ogre shrugged, “Me not know Traop, me hand feel little empty recall such know..know? No – ledge..? Yeah, me hand need shiny to remember.” One fat finger tapped the palm of his other hand to which Muraski just sighed, “Alright, here is a bag of gold.” He set it upon the hand of the ogres. A jingle could be heard as he placed five hundred copper coins painted gold. The ogre quickly opened the bag and went, “He over dere, he over dere! Over dere!” He pointed and seemingly began to bounce up and down with joy as he was most surely rich! Muraski just rolled his eyes as the giant oaf and proceeded to speak with the newest person he had hoped to recruit.
Muraski approached the next man he had hoped to recruit, a quick clearing of the throat made to announce his presence. The minotaur quickly turned around, along with another man who stood beside him, “What you want, small fry?” Were the words of the minotaur, “Me?” A simple response to be made, “I am looking for Traop, I have a job for him. Pays well too.” The minotaur took a step towards Muraski in an attempt to intimidate the vampire yet Muraski took no step back, “Ya got me a job, do ya? And I bet ya was the one who payed the fat ass over there who now I gotta watch his flab flop up and down cause he got a bit'a gold, right? Well the image disgusts me, I oughta just cut'cha up where ya stand.” Muraski once again, simply shrugged in response, “Sure, you could cut me up exactly where I stood, though you would never have the opportunity for three thousand gold..” The minotaur's brow raised, “Three thousand, ya say? I ain't accepting less then four.. And mah partner here gets da same.. I don't work without the man, ya hear me?” Muraski having purposely offered him less based off his additude make a quick nod, “So you want four thousand a piece? That an be arranged.. Though, I need the name of your friend there so I can keep in touch.” The minotaur scowled, “His name is Rex, lame ass name but some say he beat a Rex, lost his tongue doing so and ain't been able to speak since but I keep him 'round all the same.” Muraski shrugged, “Long as he can do his job the tongue is optional. Now, you will be contacted ahead of time about the job and what you will be inquired to do, simply, we will be taking over somewhere. I'll expect you to come to work for me shortly. Meet me at my shop when I send word.” A card was placed in the man's hand. “Now, if you don't mind, I'll be off. When you receive my letter you'll know to seek me out there. Don't show up before, less you feel like lacking in funds.” With that Muraski was off, though the minotaur could be heard spouting something out to the mute about ruttin bankers.
Cove
The rising cliffs curve back inward just north of the barrier, forming a peaceful horseshoe shaped inlet cordoned off from the outside by rock and wave. The waters quietly pass the breaking jetty, rolling back and forth with gentle lapping movements that have smoothed and cooled the surrounding sands. Sparkles of light catch and dance delicately upon the tranquil sea as the breeze brings with it a salty mist. This calm relaxing spot makes this a favoured hideout for young lovers of all races...An immense crimson-sailed structure bobbing and swaying in the waters to the east appears to be a ship. At the end of the jetty is a tied ferry, anchored with a rope to a thick wooden pillar branded with a strange symbol. This is the only visible means of access to the vessel painting a silhouette on the horizon in the morning's light, though other moorings suggest smaller boats might be used now and then. The area seems to be a lot more busy than usual, without counting them; a fleet of ships appears to be settled on the horizon. They could merely be fishing ships, but something tells you they aren't, and if that is the case, you can almost guarantee that their long nines are trained on this position.
Muraski seemed rather skeptical as he came up upon the cove of Cenril, surely no one really lived out here where he got sired? And yet, as he approached, way off in the distance, a man could clearly be seen. Muraski continued on his path towards the rather odd minotaur who quickly yelled towards him, “Can I help ya, mate?” Muraski's eyes studied over the man as he came within viewing distance, complete silence till the evaluation was complete, “I'm looking for a man named Wran?” What an odd name.. “He had a listing in with the merc shop. Was curious if he was interested in working for me.. It said this was his current residence?” The man simply gave a nod, “Aye, that's me little one.” Muraski's eye twitched.. Little one? Gah, damned cows. “I see and can I ask exactly what you do seeing as you seem more like a hermit then a minotaur?” The minotaur simply laughed off the comment as he approached the human with but a staff, a rather large, solid looking staff, but a staff none the less. Without warning the minotaur's staff had made a sweep for Muraski's leg. Unaware of the impending attack the vampire quickly found himself upon his back, a staff stuck right below his chin. “That's what I do human, any more questions?” The minotaur seemed confident in his assumption of Muraski being a human and Muraski wouldn't change his opinion. “I see, impressive indeed.” Quickly the mobster found himself upon his feet once more and extended an arm towards him, he rather liked this one, “Wran is it? Allow me to introduce myself, I am Muraski Leskovac and I' would like to recruit you to work for me. I am on a quest to take over Cenril. If you're interested, I could make use of your skills with a staff.” The hermit shrugged, “What are you prepared to offer me?” The man thought, “I would say gold but currency doesn't seem to be of your concern.” The minotaur's head shook, “Wise your are human, so here is my terms. You assist me on one favor when I ask for it... That's what I want, one day, you will help me with something no questions asked and I'll help you on your conquest.” Muraski nodded, “Tis a deal, Wran.” Gloved hand met hermit hand, and the two came to an agreement. Muraski would pat down his clothes and then be off. He had four men now, only a few more would be needed to start.
Grand Cenrili Arena
This grand Arena appears to be the focal point of the recent restoration work. Marble Columns and arches awe and amaze your eyes as you enter through one of the two large archways, metallic gates are swung open on either side permitting entry. Your eyes fall on some of the ancient stone seats that have been lined with material in specially sealed off areas for the well off. The Arena appears to be better off than it was a month or so ago, the god of light that had descended and announced his protection from those that may spread chaos reassuring the people of Cenril so that they may return to the fights, one their favorite pastimes.
Muraski approached the arena as he looked upon one of the last names on the list. All the other minotaurs had been poached out, recruited, killed, or ended up missing in action. Unfortunately, there was a high demand for the cowmen and Muraski entirely understood why. As he entered inside he spotted the trainer of a small group of gladiators and swiftly approached the minotaur, “I'm looking for a man named Grash. Would you know where he is?” The minotaur lowered his gaze upon the pupils, “Hold, five minute break men.” The trainees seemed absolutely thrilled to be given a break. “Yeah, I know Grash, he is I. How can I help you?” The newly sired grinned, ahh another easy one, “I'm in hopes that I could hire you based upon this ad for your services for merc work. Would you be interested?” The man shook his head, “Sorry, I ain't into the kinda work no more, mate. I can't help ya.” Muraski began his typical evaluation of the people, a hardened veteran is what he seemed to be, gladiator experience, used a trident, he was different and therefor useful. “I'll pay you handsomely.. I can bet you'll be worth easily six to seven thousand gold pieces.” The minotaurs eyes widened temporarily, “Ain't after gold mate. I'm after glory and these arenas offer that the best, ya know?” Muraski simply nodded at first, “Indeed they do, though, what I offer also offers glory. I seek to conquer portions of this town, if not all of it. Help me, have your name known, feared, across this town, not just in a silly arena like that which you sit in now as a great gladiator but as the guard to a man of worth.” The minotaur thought over the words, it seemed to intrigue him. “You promise me battle? Glorious battle amongst the city? And, you claim that perhaps I might be well known based upon you conquering a city?” His face scrunched, his hand to rub it several times as he thought. “It'd be an idea of much consideration, mate.. I like the sound of a real battle, not just these puny events against common foe mates see every day.. I'd be interested though.. Keep me in mind, alright?” Muraski's head shook, “Not quite how it works. How about, you offer to assist me and if we succeed, I promise you the arena? All the honor you could ever possibly want to have, it would be yours..” The man's eyes grew wide once again, the thought to control the entire arena seemed to please him. “I'll take you up on your offer mate..” He paused, “But, if you don't keep up your end the agreement, you can expect me trident to be placed in your back.” The newly sired nodded, “I understand and I am a man of my word. When your employment begins, I'll be sending you a letter.” With that, Muraski departed once more.
Muraski's Shop
As you enter into the small shop, one would first stare upon the counter before them. A large raven sits atop the cash register seen within. A glance around the area would reveal pilfered goods from all over Hollow, prices to vary between fifty gold coins to upwards of five thousand, each to be sold for a decent profit made for the vampiric owner. A cashier could also be seen behind the counters, an opening question along the lines of, What kinds of goods are you looking for? Would be asked as you came inside. The shop itself seemed to be lit by candles, the walls to be laced with a metal, though without a better look into it one could not tell what kind of metal it actually was. Upon the back of the room one could see that there was two doors, locked as they might appear and which prevented one from furthering their journey into the small pawn shop.
Muraski reentered his home tired from his travels about the city in recruitment. Five men in one day yet no possibilities left within the list of minotaurs given by the shopkeeper. He moved towards the back room, envelopes to be removed, paper along with it, then moved back into the main room. Quill placed to paper, words written upon it, details and facts placed, dates, and times, then when he finished they would be placed within the envelopes and finally set in the back room as he awaited delivery of the notes upon the right day at the right time.