675-10-09 - The Smith and the Ruler
The Smith and the Ruler | |||||||
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Summary: Agostino goes for a walk and Ottis learns a bit about another source of smithing knowledge. | |||||||
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Having had his fill of the castle for awhile, Agostino decides to stroll around the capital once more, this time without an escort. After all last time things went fine, also the fact he can now speak the common language of Felaguria well enough for simple conversations at least. Attired in clothes befitting Felagurian royalty, though lacking any house colors, the Ningo Patrician casually walks about the main square seemingly looking about idly.
Having heard of the upcomming marriage of Barbeta and King Agostino, as well as the release of his friends, the sell sword Slider, and the knight Baldwin.. Ottis decides to take the long trek from Equis up to the capital. Figuring that due to the announcement of the wedding there'd be ample time and chance to sell his wares to the nobility and royality that'd be arriving to attend. Ottis's found and rented a plot in merchants row. Far enough from the other smiths of like trade to set up his shop, even Hiring a few young men to act as muscle should the rival shops try to cause trouble.
Has set up already finished works, on several tables displaying the various styles and designs he's come up with over the past twenty years of work. There is even a bit of Isles influence in some of the designs shown. Every thing weapon wise, from small daggers and dirks up to the larger weapons, spears and lances.
Strolling about six foot five inches in height, a man nearly his forties approaches the tables set up by Ottis. Looking over the wares silently with a critical eye, aside from his height what stands out a bit is his dark eyes and hair, four scars across his face like from an animal attack, along with his bronzed skin. Finally he looks up to the, presumed maker of the weapons and gestures to one of the blades with some inspiration from the Isles and asks in a casual tone, "These do not appear local." with a thick accent that doesn't seem to be from the two Rivers at the least. His words are slow, careful, but said properly.
Ottis looks up and grins. "Well... sir.. " as he pauses to take in the mannor of dress. "they are quite local, it just happens I've spent some time on the Isles and talked with the smiths, and found some of their designes to be quite beautiful so started to incorporate bits here and there into my own works. " Ottis sets an unfinished longsword down on the Anvil.. as he walks over to the back of the table your at.. "See anything in peticular you like, or would you prefer an Origional?"
The man shakes his head and says, "Simply observing, the designs your southerners use are... Different." Not someone from the Two Rivers and the only ones north of the kingdom are the 'Northern Barbarians', or the 'Ningo' as the announcement about the marriage called them. "Looks to be good steel, fortunately times are better now." as he shifts his scarred face from Ottis to the wares once again. "What can you tell me of these 'Isles'?"
Ottis says, "Well other than being ruled by the women, I've found what parts I did visit quite nice. They seem to be friendly but there was at least one part that wasn't so much, just by asking where their smiths were I was nearly attacked if it was for Sir baldwin and the sellsword slider commng to my aid." he rubs his chin.. "Well design's are bound to be different depending on where you learn and who's doing the teaching, but like any craft it's a continuous learning craft. As I learn when I visit other places and I hope they learn from me. The steel is as good as you'll find anywhere else, perhaps better as Im alway trying to improve upon it and for quality I've yet to find anyone yet my equal in skill. "
Agostino nods and says, "I still find it curious to favor one sex over another when it comes to rulers. I suppose the Isles balances out the two Rivers in that regard then. I believe I met your Baldwin when the prisoners were brought here after word of the alliance reached my people."
Ottis arches a brow at that. "Very little has been said about that where I live, I knew that Slider was headed north to deal with some problems but not much beyond that. It wasn't until later when Rayne, baldwins wife, told me that he too went north. I've crafted blades for both, some of the best I've ever done. Hence why Im here, to try and sell my wares to the nobles and royality that are to attend Princess Barbeta's wedding. "
Agostino nods to Ottis and says, "I do not recall the name Slider mentioned, though i believe there was something about Baldwin fussing over his sword when it was returned to him. I understand many soldiers do so, even with my own people." He then stands more erect and says, "I am Patrician Agostino of Family Cornelia, at least I believe formal titles is customary for introductions here."
Ottis grins up until the name drop and studies the man more accurately, As even he's heard of Agostino since his arrival in town. When Agostino reveils his name and title Ottis stands up just abit more and nods his head. "A pleasure, Majesty.. " never one to be swayed by anyone noble or what not Ottis says. "I am Master Ottis Penderghast. " as he then looks around more carefuly trying to find the hidden enterage that typicaly follows royality and nobles alike. "I'll admit, you caught me a bit off guard as I was expecting someone of your stature to be swarming with men at arms, or the like. "
Agostino waves dismissively and says, "Patrician is the proper form of address. Majesty is not used by the Ningo. I do not believe I have heard the title of 'Master' before, is it due to your skill or your job? As to guards, it depends on the patrician some of us have more training in combat then others. Besides we are allies, there should not be a need for soldiers to come with me."
Ottis Oh's as he learns a bit. " I see, Patrician. Master is my title and rank, as it denotes skill level in my craft. " he grins as you speak of skill in martial prowess, and there for the lack of need for guards. "I see, I've just noticed that many nobles and one young royal have had guards and handmaidens or others with them when they've met with me, Save sir baldwin.. like you he probably felt such was unwarrented. I mean Im just a smith, what harm or threat could I pose."
Agostino nods and says, "Guards and handmaidens as you southerners call them, seem to be required for woman of noble and royal blood here I am told. Ningo only use guards when there is a threat or a strong potential for it." looking back to the wares he adds, "Perhaps the Ningo will trade for some of your works, when we have coins for such trade at least."
Ottis smiles, "that sounds reasonable. I'd even be willing to do trade weapon for weapon, as I'd love to see how your blades are crafted study them see if they are as good or better than those I make or if Mine are better. " he grins softly. Ottis nods when Agostino mentions how its mostly women of noble blood who seem to require it more. "Well Im unable to make a comparison between noble women and men though I dont think all noble men are trained in the art, though I could be mistaken.. "
Agostino nods and says, "Not all Ningo men and women are either. I did not train in the use of sword, shield, and armor until I became the heir to my predecessor. I felt it suitable to know how my people fight if I might lead them in battle. As to an even trade for weapons... Well the alliance is still fresh, and there remains distrust between our peoples. You may have the chance to view one, though I doubt you'd be allowed to study one, at least until the alliance has passed a few years at least."
Ottis shrugs, while grinning, "well one can always hope. Though just thought it be fair should your people get access to our blades why not try to get access to yours. as I am always facinated by the art and skill of other craftsmen, and women."
Agostino nods and says, "Perhaps with time, when we've had time to show the truth in the words of the alliance. Regardless, it will take time before the trade hub between our peoples will be built enough to allow trade anyway. If you do get the chance, our swords are called a gladius, and the less common spatha. The spatha is a bit longer."
Ottis arche's a brow at the teminology and smiles, "well I look forward in time to seeing these blades of yours. Hopefuly you and your people will be able to venture further south to Equis where I've my shop set up."
Agostino nods and says, "Perhaps some of my people may. I personally have a sword of each type, passed on through my Family. Weapons from the Old Empire are not quite the same as those we produce now, it would not be a good comparison beyond the general look of the weapon."
Ottis hmm's "I see, though if I could at some point speak to your craftsmen who produce your blades, that'd be as vaulable as the actual blade themselves. That is once this alliance has proven itself as you've mentioned. That way some skills of your people and that of ours could blend and enhance both our nations. "
Agostino nods and says, "Certainly of benefit in such a case. I shall make a note of your name, if such a time comes I may make a note that if such an exchange shall happen you shall be the first choice, that is if either of us are still alive by then." chuckling softly.
Ottis laughs, "well Im sure my wife would be quite displeased with me should I perish anytime soon. Besides I plan on being around to see my grandchildren, and teach as many as I can my craft so that both our nations and any others who want to can continue to purchase the best quality weapons around."
Agostino nods and says, "Certainly a sight to see, few Ningo live to see their grandchildren, I am actually only a few years away from being of the age my people die. It does seem your people do have an easier life then mine as well, so this might have something to do with it. A Ningo who lives past fifty winters is a rarity one sees maybe once in several generations or so."
Ottis hmm's "I didn't know that, you've healers right those who tend to injuries and the like as we've apothecaries who brew potions and mend wounds to help enhance our lives. Perhaps that is something else we can share to help your people live longer lives so that you might enjoy seeing your grandchildren."
Agostino says, "We have them yes, though our lands are far more dangerous then yours. Given the small animals I saw on my way here, that alone would make things worse. Even our trees are larger then yours. I have heard of your people becoming sick with our illnesses as well, at least those who we took prisoner. Not all of them, but some, perhaps our sicknesses are worse then yours as well. It is also far colder in our lands, especially in winter."
Ottis hmm's "Well I know my wife, procured a few plants and various herbs from the Isles when we visited, things that she'd never seen before here. She's built a greenhouse of sorts to help keep them growing as she's found them to have interesting properties in helping in healing and various other ailments that we had previously been unable to treat. I dont know how they compare to the ailments in your lands, as Im not an apothecary. " he grins. "though I would bet my last gold coin she'd love to speak to your healers and see what plants and herbs your lands have so that she can Identify them and learn how they help the sick and injured."
Agostino nods and says, "We have them yes, the one known as Marcus recovered some before his capture I'm told. They were returned to him upon his release, if you know of him perhaps your wife could ask him."
Ottis nods his head. " I know of marcus, though few do know him by anyother name other than slider. I shall ask her to do so.. The next time we see him. I am glad to hear that he like Sir baldwin survived and were returned home safely."
Agostino nods and says, "He survived better then the others I am told. few can face a smilodon fatalis alone and live." He then thinks for a moment as he seems to realize such an animal likely doesn't exist here. He then asks, "i assume you have cats, think of one that is heavily muscled, roughly this tall at the shoulder" gesturing with his hand to about three point twenty-five feet in height, "They also have long teeth visible outside of their mouth which are about this long each. "Gesturing once more with his hands to roughly eleven inches.
Ottis lets out a low whistle .. "Wow.. glad he managed to survive it. Marcus has always claimed to be one very skilled warrior and it seems as if he proved it. While I've the basic knowledge on how to use them, so that I can make sure they are properly balanced and stuff, I dont' claim now or ever to be a skilled warrior wouldn't know how to wear armor if you tried.. find it cumbersome and not very productive to crafting weapons."
Agostino nods and says, "I find lorica segmentata better myself. They seem little more then metal bands attached together, but they move well with you. Lorica hamata is more commonplace though, which from what i've seen is similar to your 'chainmail', though there are a few differences. I will admit i've not killed a smilodon myself, though i have killed a canis dirus without the use of weapons. I had its pelt turned into a cloak, though we did have to remove the hind quarters so it would only descend to my ankles instead of drag on the ground."
Ottis hmm's and nods. "Ahh well the most armor I guess you can say I've worn is my leather apron.. granted its not much for protection but when working a forge its quite helpful to diswade hot coals and iron from burning your torso and legs. " he grins at how you've had to trim back this creature. "Well Im thankful none of them live here, or our soldiers and knight would be working non stop to thin them out I suspsect."
Agostino nods and says, "We must take precautions, even with those there have been times where Ningo have fallen to them, even soldiers and Patricians. It is yet another of the dangers we face. If there are no more questions you have, I will not interrupt your business further." in a casual tone, he is in no rush to leave, perhaps waiting to see if there actually are any other questions.
Ottis shakes his head. "No.. I dont, beyond the desire to meet your craftsmen, blades and if possible the ore you mine. "
Agostino smiles and says, "We have no ore in our lands, it is why it was among the things we raided from the lands of the Two Rivers most." He then nods and turns to continue his stroll unless stopped.
Ottis just nods his head head as he learns of this. Watching you depart, before he returns to the work on the newest longsword he's got planned in making before the wedding so that he's got more wares to sell to those wanting high quality blades.