Dawn of Mercenaries

The names Marcus. I’m a Changeling and some bad shit has happened to me before (are tragic backstories still in?). But before you go pulling out violins, let me tell you a tale about a bug and his dog, or at least what I can remember about it. On their adventure to make money and find something to do with themselves. It all started on a dirt road, or it could have been gravel who the hell knows; it had been a few days since I met another traveler to trade, tell stories with or just annoy. It was usually annoy; but it had been green hills, and dirt (or gravel who cares) for days now. I could have looked at my map or gone back, or something, but I had a strange feeling something plot driven was bound to happen, so I kept at it. Remember kids, persistence usually works, unless you see her reaching behind her back for something. You’ve missed several signs at that point and i recommend immediate unpersistance. But anyway, low and behold a bit of plot comes along. I had met some strange characters in my travels; some weird quirky individuals who probably had no right to be anywhere or do anything without an adult.

However the one that was walking towards me was bipedal and rather large. Much larger than a griffin, so that was awesome. Finally I can say my travels have been truly racially diverse. As he got close I could see his tail, and the massive sword he was casually carrying on his shoulder (diamond dogs are awesome. They give you bonus diversity points). He was in a full suit of steel armor with an orange mohawk looking thing on his helmet, which can I say was a nice touch 10/10. We eventually got close enough to wave at one-another. Well ok...I did. He was just looking at his sword, and I guess whispering to it, I heard him chastising it, telling it to shut up (poor thing probably had rabies or something). I knew he was probably crazy, and there was a chance he’d cleave me in two if I were to say the wrong thing, but there are some things in life; certain moments and events where you’re like “yeah I know what the smart thing to do here is” but later on you always wonder what could have been, or where you’d be right now if you’d just told common sense to suck it. If you’re slow or not getting what I’m putting down; this was one if those moments for me.

“hey there traveler...how ya holding up?” I asked. He turned his head in acknowledgement; then plunged his sword into the ground. He turned around completely and gave me a stare that said; “my face is covered up by a helmet” so I couldn’t really get a feel for him.

“I’m fine” was all he said in a much more normal voice than anticipated, his helmet gave him a slight echo but that was about it. I was expecting some grizzled war dog, but nah I just got Peter from accounting, that being said he was still a crazy war dog that could cut me a new one, so about a 6/10 on the intimidation scale.

“doubt it considering you were having pillow talk with your sword back there, but hey I’ll take your word for it...so got anything you want to trade?” I asked.

He gave me a swift “No.” and turned back to his sword no doubt to whisper sweet nothings into its nonexistent ears; I had to think fast or this opportunity to advance the plot would rush by me. “Well then I’m somewhat lost so you mind If we cross reference maps?” I gave him my best “don’t stab me” smile and considering there’s a few more chapters you have to sit through, it worked. He rummaged through his satchel (upgraded fanny pack) until he found his map; and then I handed him my piece of paper with chicken scratches on it.

“are you serious?” he asked. He asked that question, the same way a preschool teacher would ask her students, if she found them not only eating crayons, but using it as a zest for their paste patties. My smile didn’t waver as I continued not wanting to get stabbed.

“you know what fuck it, why don’t I follow you wherever the hell you’re going?” I asked. He barely gave me a response as he threw my map back at me, and stuffed his back in his satchel. He picked up his sword and started to leave my ass in the middle of the road, So with all my wisdom and knowledge I followed him and hoped he wouldn’t use my head as a kicking stone.

“why are you following me?” he asked threatenly.

“Meh I’ve been walking down this road for a few days with nothing interesting going on. So why not backtrack with a pal and see if I missed anything”. He growled at me (still a 6/10 maybe a 7 if I want to be generous).

“we are not pals, and you are not going to follow me. Leave me alone or else” he exclaimed. I tilted my head and gave him a good look over.

“You really gonna kill someone for walking the same path as you?” I asked. He stopped in his tracks and sighed; he rummaged through his satchel again and dropped a small dagger at my hooves.

“First town we see I’m leaving you there” he said, I picked up and looked at the dagger in my magic, it seemed sharp enough. I stored it in my hat and walked alongside my new found companion to start our grand adventre together.

“So let’s get this show on the road shall we?” I said cheerfully. He said nothing and started walking, but he didn’t need to; I knew we were getting along just perfectly.