Bannik

[badkarma]

Coming down from the princes chambers, Banniks stoic face looks worn thin. Walking in just the underarmor mesh from his battle plate, Alfonse waits for his lords return, the pieces of his suit organized respectfully out of the way within the camarilla structure. 

Approaching his retainer, Bannik looks at the man, judging him for a minute before speaking. 

"Our house is gone. Alicia Caddens house is gone. My history is gone. As of a few moments ago, I was labeled a Caitiff, an... unknown, or unclaimed to my clan. I represent the Camarilla no longer and until I have discovered and re-stablished myself to my rightful place. I am no knight, I am.... nothing. My name no longer even exists in the gold or silver tombs of record.

The choice is yours Alfonse, if you'd still wish to follow me. For I know not how long, nor how hard this path I walk will be."

Bannik finishes speaking, letting his retainer muster his response. 

"My lord...erm, ser. You will always be my lord. I've only been your squire for a decade, but I've seen you fight honorably, and I know you will not simply let this stand unchallenged." 

Alfonse smiles at Bannik. 

"Besides my lord, where else would I go? What else would I do? If our house is gone, then so is mine, yeah? So, the fates tie us together still. And one day perhaps, my name will go into the tombs next to yours as well yeah?" 

Bannik looks at his Alfonse, and extends a hand out to the man, placing it on his shoulder before pulling him in for a hug. While embraced, he speaks into the ghouls ear. 

"Forged in fire, bound in blood." 
Alfonse responding in kind as they still embrace. 

As the two separate, Cassius lazily waltzes by, eyeing the two men during their embrace, he speaks out to his companion Innor, 'Those two look like they were getting ready to fuck again. I swear, some caitiff.'

The insult stings his pride, but his love for the man overrides the pain as he watches the sheriff move past. 

Alfonse looking to his master, Bannik motions to have his armor donned. His voice having lost some of the confidence it had before entering the building.

"Dress me, it'll be easier than carrying everything all over the city again. Perhaps we might find lodging at the glass curtain. At least for the time being. We are commoners now. I suppose we'll have to earn some wages now. I doubt the resources we carried back with us will last much longer without some upkeep."

Alfonse speaks while applying the first layers of his masters battle plate. 
"Well ser, I'm skilled with a sword, and you know I grew up a blacksmiths son. Perhaps I could find some employ in something along those lines."

Nodding at that, Bannik says softly in response. 
"That might have to be what you do for some time then Alfonse. Within the city walls, I doubt I'll need you at my side each night, though I will still maintain your training."

The two talk, still maintaining the original hierarchy of their relationship as they head out towards the glass curtain. 

[badkarma]

The next day, Alfonse sets out throughout the city. Approaching various smiths and craftsmen, he auctions and showcases his capabilities. Quite successfully even. A smith of some renown takes him in, as an apprentice initially until he can prove with some consistency that he is in fact worthy of being paid as practiced journeyman that he claims to be.

Alfonse dons the blacksmiths apron, tools in hand and gets to work. Weapons and armor can be made at a blacksmiths shop, but the more standard items are rivets, iron and steel bands for barrels or metal work for ship and construction. The first week goes by quick, and the earnings are better than a new apprentice, but still clearly below what he should be paid.

"You did good kid, I almost believe you're actually a journeyman, but you're a bit slow on the uptake. Sure you say you grew up a blacksmiths son but looks like the only thing you know how to do is weapons and armor. More to it than just that in the city. Lots more. Give it a few weeks, if I see you bend the iron to your will quick and proper, yeah, i'll pay you like a journeyman."

- His master crafters report after Alfonses first week. Taking his earnings home to Bannik with pride, Alfonse spends some of his own earnings enjoying an evening out.


Bannik sets out to find mercenary work, only to find no real contacts for mercenaries within the cities walls. Some suggest he join the military or even become a guard. The weeks worth of nights dragging on, Banniks heart sinks.

His entire skillset focused around his combat prowess or intimidating his foes, when Alfonse brings him his weekly earning, he praises the retainer. Hiding the fact that his own pride his hurt by being outdone by his own retainer.

After Alfonse makes off to enjoy some of his earnings, Bannik comes down into the glass curtain, where he sees again the man he swoons for, Cassius the Sheriff.

Eyeing the blood dolls of the establishment, Bannik looks for a man or woman of his flavor, of one whose blood is rife with aggression. Finding a burly fellow, and brunette woman, Bannik bids them to drink until they are both drunk with stupor.

Guiding them both along, he offers the brunette to the sheriff as he drinks from the burly man himself, both of them getting drunk from the saturated alcohol in their veins.

Cassius cuts Bannik over the course of the night with words. Boasting of his sword skill and eventually egging Bannik that he could not possibly be better than Cassius in a match. Bannik, making the bold claim that he is likely as skilled as Cassius, wagers coin to the table, the bulk of his retainers earnings for the week, which the Sheriff casually produces in response. They agree to a friendly sparring match. The first to cut or pierce undead flesh declared the winner.

Bannik, promising to not break the sheriffs weapons in their sparring match, they clear a corner of the glass curtain for their make shift arena. The patrons enjoying the spectacle of the sheriff dueling with this unknown man.

The fight drags on much longer than anyone anticipates. Cassius slashes and parries quickly, deflecting nearly every one of Banniks blows, dodging with his inhuman speed out of the way of those he can not. His blade meets against Banniks flesh, each round Cassius is a flurry of slashes and stabs, the sound of his blade bouncing off of Banniks undead flesh repeating again and again.

The crowd cheers and goes into an uproar as the two square off and lunge at each other once more. Cassius, in his drunken state, moving faster than the eye can see at times. Bannik by comparison, is sluggish but like a mountain, weathering the storm of Cassius' blows. After the first minute, Banniks tunic is in tatters around his body. Cassius' coat has a single cut in it, invisible until he moves about, it flapping open in response.

The fight drags on for another minute. Cassius the storm weathering away at Banniks attire. The Ventrue, a wobbly mountain parrying perhaps one of every four blows in the process. Finally, one of Cassius blows gauge into Banniks eye, the sword becoming lodged in place after biting into his undead skull. Standing with the sheriffs sword stuck in his skull, the fight is declared in Cassius' favor.

The gathered crowd goes wild as the match finally comes to an end in the 3rd minute. Bannik standing there in tatters for attire, handing over his promised wager, returns back to his abode, not seeing Alfonse return that night before the sun rises to break the bad news to him until the next sunset.

Banniks pride is uninjured, as he faced off with the man he admires most in the city. The fight proving to him that Cassius is worthy of his admiration and respect. The art of the sword earning his heart that much more.

[badkarma]

---10 years ago---

On the estate of Axagarius Bestus, rows of soldiers lined up in ceremonial armors. Banners waving in the air at the center of every row, Bannik marches down a red carpet laid out as tradition. Music is played by a small contingent off to one side, the conductor waving his arms to a traditional hym for this such occasion.

At the end of the carpet, seated in two separate thrones, sit Duke Axagarius Bestus on the left, and Lady Alicia Caddeno to the right. Both the epitome of elegance and nobility. Garbed in their ceremonial attire, each one adorned with various filigrees' and accoutrements, many of the Toreador in attendance becoming entranced by lady Caddens beauty.


Bannik wears his battle plate, polished to a mirror sheen, his crest engraved across his pauldrons, his sword freshly sharpened and attended by his newly appointed retainer the night prior. Marching to a stop 15 feet from the base of the positioned thrones, Bannik stands at attention as the music comes to a slow stop. The only sounds left behind are those of the flapping banners in the wind.

Both nobles stand in unity. Duke Bestus speaking first to those in attendance.

"Today, you will begin your march east. To aid in the holy war against the ottomen. Your duties will be etched into the annals of history. So carry yourselves with the dignity I expect of each of you. For we do not march alone. With the lord above us, and Lady Caddens forces along side us, we shall stand side by side in our endeavors."


The Duke going silent, Lady Cadden steps forward and speaks her turn.

"Our forces, in unity will turn the iron of your will into steel. In unity, we will prevail. Our combined faith will trample the enemies of god and bring back peace to these lands that we all fight to protect. From here hence forth, our houses are joined in alliances."

Stepping back, the Duke looks down at Bannik.

"Sir Bannik, Kneel."

Doing as instructed, Bannik bows his head as he bends the knee. The duke continuing on.

"You, Sir Bannik are hence forth promoted to captain. And as your first duty, is to lead a contingent of men assigned to you and march east."

Cheers erupt from the formations behind him.

"Now stand, Sir Bannik, or rather, Captain."

Bannik standing at the command, turns around to the cheering soldiers. Giving a solid salute, the formation clamps down instantaneously in response, returning the salute.


The ceremony carries on for some time. When it has met its conclusion, Duke Bestus approaches Bannik alone.

"I would say congratulations Bannik, but you've earned this honor. And I have two final orders for you before you take off tomorrow night."

"And what is that Lord Bestus?"

"First, when the war is won, be it five years, twenty or however many. You are to return first, ahead of all others and report to me directly. To give me a first hand account of what you saw, learned and any pertinent information you may gleam marching east."

"Understood my Lord." Bannik says with a bow of his head.

"And for your second order." The duke continues, snapping his fingers to the side. A burly man steps forward, wearing simple clothes, one eye scarred over and other visible scars coating his flesh in various places. Other similarly scarred men and women standing behind, the duke motions with his hand across them all.

"Indulge yourself this evening. Get them drunk, drink from them. It may be a while before you find the comforts of Venice again."

A smile crossing Banniks face, he nods again. "With pleasure, my lord."

[badkarma]

---During the War----


The din of battle rings out on all sides. Banniks bannerman stands, dead on his feet with the shaft of his banner still supporting him, multiple arrows protruding from his body.


Bannik stands alongside Felicia Pavan, a Toreador soldier under Lady Caddens banner. The two fighting alongside, their ghouled soldiers laying dead around them, the raid on this den of Assamites turning out to be a well calculated ploy of misinformation into an ambush.

Felicia Paven is a glorious fighter. More of a dancer with her sword, her armor light and mostly leather with only a metal breastplate to protect her heart. Bannik is stalwart, his plate armor battered, coated in blood of both his allies and enemies, he is clearly skilled with a blade but by comparison to the ally next to him, he is a brute.

The two take advantage of a Lasombra distracted while killing one of their ghouled soldiers, charging him, Felicia cuts off his leg charging through him, as he falls his forward momentum drives his neck into Banniks blade, severing the head from his body cleanly. The body turning to ash almost immeediately, another of Banniks men falls nearby.

"Bannik above you!" The call comes moments too late, as a barrage of arrows is let loose from 5 assailants he had not seen. The arrows strike true, 3 of them pinging off the metal of Banniks plate, the remaining two finding purchase in his neck and shoulder. He grunts, being taken down to one knee, the arrows making it hard to swing his sword arm, he runs to cover out of line of sight to the shooters as they begin to scatter along rafters above them.

The fight is chaotic. Paven cuts an arrow out of the air as it flies at her, snarling her fangs at the assailants above as another charges her headlong. An Assamite assassin, light skinned, young. Paven barely spares him a glance as she steps out of the way of his initial strike, stabbing her blade through the would-be assassins heart. The body stays solid, not decomposing as another arrow strikes into its back.

Bannik picks up one of his fallen soldiers bows, returning fire to the assailants raining arrows upon them. The arrow finds its mark but the man moves mostly unhindered. Paven rushes past him, running up stairs faster than he can follow naturally. Only three ghouled soldiers remain from the original 12 they had assaulted this den with.

As Bannik follows Paven with the soldiers in tow, he calls out "Captain Paven, if you go off alone we can not keep up!"

Reaching the top of the stairs, she cuts down another assailant, another Lasombra, two other bodies lay dead at her feet. She stands, looking back at Bannik, a wry smile on her face.

"By the time you climbed those stairs I killed the last 3. The war will be over by the time you catch up to me Captain Bannik."
Her usual demeanor to try and prove she was a better warrior. She was, probably. Though the two had never sparred against each other, it had been a widely contested thought among the soldiers. A friendly rivalry between them.

As Bannik starts to cross the expanse, it occurs to him moments too late as he begins to say, "There were 4 of..."


His eyes going wide, as the man with the arrow Bannik had gifted him moments early appeared out of thin air behind Paven, the blade in his hand piercing through her breastplate from behind. The cross she wore around her neck snagged on the tip of his poisoned blade as she gives Bannik a pained look before her body begins to fade into ash.

Bannik roars, charging Pavens killer, they exchange blows, the following soldiers joining the fray. Surrounded, the assassin dodges and parries blows Bannik imagined impossible at the time. Felling on of the soldiers in a counter attack that stabs him through the throat.

Bannik taking advantage of the split second the cainites arm is extended, swings his blade, severing the arm still holding the hilt of the blade, stuck in the soldiers throat. He snarls, trying to jump back into the blade of a second soldier, impaling himself. Still not felled, the third one finishing the job driving his own blade through the front of the assassin. Moments later, he goes limp as his body also begins to turn to ash as well.


The three of them standing there in the dark structure, look at each other. Of the enemies they killed, two corpses remain, and two others are cleaned skeletons. 10 of the 12 soldiers were killed in the ambush, and Felicia Paven, the most respected swordsman Bannik knew in the force, is lost.

"Lets clear the building, then call in for others to help us remove the bodies. These men deserve heroes burials."


AS the three quietly and systematically carry out their duties, Banniks eyes wander over to the pile of ash that had once been Felicia Paven. Eventually returning to it, he sees a glint in the ash. Picking up the cross she wore, he adorns it over his neck in remembrance.

"Go with god friend. May we meet again in heaven some day."

[badkarma]

A pile of crumpled letters litter the ground around Banniks feet. The quill in his hand etching out another letter on parchment for the unknown number of tries now.

"Dear Cassius,

At the upcoming Fete, I'd like to ask your sword arm for a duel once more."

Scrunching a face at the letter, Bannik shakes his head, crumbling it up, and throwing it among the pile building up at his feet.

Alphonse enters the room, dirty from the days work.

"Uh, is something the matter my lord?"

Bannik not looking up, waves off the question as he answers,

"No, I'm simply not certain how to pen a letter to Sheriff Cassius about challenging him to a duel at the fete coming up without sounding.... off. It's either pompous or... low. I can't quite get the tone of the letter right."

Shaking his head, Alphonse goes about his business as Bannik crumbles up a few more attempts at a letter.

"I could simply go to him and ask on your behalf. See if he would be willing to at the fete, as entertainment even."

Bannik looks up, considering the offer.

"That... might be best Alphonse. I know you've been working hard, but I would appreciate it. Thank you."

As the ghoul changes, he nods to his master, eventually leaving the room.


Bannik looks about the floor where the letter are crumbled up. Shaking his head, he begins to clean up after himself.

[badkarma]

As Ipsey leaves his chamber, Bannik proceeds to don his war gear upon his body. It takes time, enough time that Bannik ponders the potentials of what is to come...

- If Cassius accepts me as a hound, I will spend much more time with the man.

- Why do I have such strong feelings for him? Is it his swordsmanship? Am I simply smitten? Is this truly love?

The ritual of donning his war gear is rote memory to this point for him. Unthinking he clasps on the armor plating to his body, as concerning thoughts ebb and flow through his mind.

- The bible states that to lay with a man is a sin. If this is love, does that make me a sinner?
- Am I thrice cursed then? My name removed from the records of Venice. My clan turned its back on me. And now, I go against the faith?
- Am I no longer noble, even in demeanor?
- I don't believe Lux sees the path that she guides me on and its potential perils. Perhaps I should speak to her of this at a later time. For now, I will try to be the sword and shield that Cassius needs. Though, I do not know if the Camarilla is truly the place for me any longer. What am I doing?

Bannik is not a philosopher, but on certain nights he spends in deep contemplation as he performs his duties. Immortality proving too long to simple live at the direction of others without ones own thoughts.

The last clasps of armor fastened to his body. He takes one of his swords, a fine blade, tested in battle and tempered by his squire. Attaching it to his hip, alongside the dagger he normally carries. A single wooden stake is also carried on him, hidden under the side of his armor. Most mortals would not understand the need for such, but the weapons and armaments would not be questioned.

Pausing before he leaves, Bannik sits down once more at his desk, pulling out parchment and quill, and begins to write a letter"

"Deer Innor,

I do not know you personally, but you are a friend of someone I hold in high regards. I come to aid your employer in his duties as sheriff.

I do not know your rituals or your methods, but perhaps in time, you and I may also become allies.

If you'd humor me, I'd like to test one anothers capabilities and limitations. Should the need arise, it would be good for two soldiers standing side by side to know one anothers merits and flaws on the battlefield. My invitation extends to Paolo as well, but I have told Lux that should the need arise, I will stand back to back with you, to ensure you return from future encounters.

With Respects,
- Bannik Beragus"

Placing the parchment in an envelope, he writes 'To Innor' on its front before turning it over, dripping hot red wax over its fold, stamping it sealed with the former house he belonged to.

Pausing again, he looks at the seal in his hand. The seal of 'Axagarius Bestus', a shield with a lion sitting atop it. Thinking upon his own history for a time, eventually, he gathers his helmet under his arm, the letter in a pouch and makes for the Glass Curtain.

[badkarma]

Bannik leaves the Lucerne dressed in his full War plate. Clean and polished, it could serve as a ceremonial wear but on close inspection some old war scars can be spotted from prior battles.

His original intent to go to the glass curtain, Bannik finds himself wandering. His thoughts and his legs carry him back to the Teatro where the fight between Lux and the Gangrel happened weeks prior. He receives looks from some civilians as they walk past. Some stop to talk to the man as he plays the part of a soldier patrolling the streets.

His thoughts wander further as he finds himself coming up to Francescos haven, the elegant manor now becoming overgrown as it had been unattended for some time. Bannik marches up to the door, looking about the area, knocking hard. A few more tries go unanswered, and the caitiff turns to leave. Looking about as he leave, Bannik wanders off once more.

This time entering the bazaar as he cuts through, looking at the merchant’s wares and those in attendance that night, Eventually, Bannik finds the entrance to the glass curtain, paying paolo as he enters, he’s stopped from seeking out his objectives by timothy and small group. The conversation is short, but eventually, he makes himself comfortable to wait for Innor or Cassius’ arrival.

[badkarma]

Making his way down to the docks with Alphonse, Bannik remembers his promise. When he was lost, Slow Wurm pointed him in the direction of the Biscione. The first person to not doubt him for what he knew his blood to be.
It had been months now, and Bannik had to work himself up from nothing. Taking shelter in the Glass curtain originally, and then being adopted into the Semwhoras by Lux. He was given a place to defend and work to improve. Bannik fulfilled his duties, while seeking out how to keep his promise to the woman who guided his path.
Searching for what had caused his lineage to disappear in Venice had led him to discover the activities of those other kindred chasing after the ‘thief maker’. A loose coterie he’d formed in order to hunt down and speak to the unknown kindred who spoke of the “Biscionne” that Bannik has come to believe is the reason for his lineage’s disappearance.
The Biscionne ‘eating’ memories of entire family lines as the thief maker explained. The story and the metaphors being too vague for Bannik to fully understand, Timothy later explained to him, making the Ventrues’ direction become focused. His hated, his vengeance for becoming labeled a Caitiff solidified. At the back of his mind, Bannik seethes to go hunt down this Biscionne.

[badkarma]

Bannik, knowing that the Biscionne is at a designated island. Decides it would be a “Good Idea” to go exploring the waters around the island. A determined soldier going ahead to explore a potentially deadly force before sending the full group in.

Hoping down into the water, he is weighed down by the full regalia of his ceremonial plate. He sinks to the bottom. Standing at the bottom of the river, he is surrounded by utter darkness. Standing in silence for a time, Bannik contemplates his undead lifes choices.

A thought occurring to the hardened soldier ventrue, “Perhaps… I should ask Innor to teach me to see in the dark as he does.”
The helmet fastened on his head only making the effect of his alien darkness worse, he begins to trudge, the water down here cold and heavy. Fish scurry out of his way as he trudges along, trying to climb back up to the top of the river, it takes him most of the night, but he manages to rise up out of the water eventually.

Finding a sloping path to trudge back up to the surface of the water, Bannik finds his way home. Slowly trudging back into the Glass Curtain in a sopping sad state as the sun rises.

[badkarma]

Standing in the basement of his new haven, Bannik swings his blade. Practicing the most basic of sword strikes taught to every beginner. He does so with force, each time the blade coming to an abrupt halt as he resets the stance.

He looks focused, the blade never moving as fast as he would like. He remembers the fight in the lucerne. The massive wolf moving with preternatural speed despite its size. It was able to attack and evade in fluid succession.

He continues swinging. Slash, sidestep. Slash, sidestep. Slash, and then he trips, leaning into it, he rolls getting back up almost as though he meant to do the entire motion. A pause as he thinks about what he had just done. Bannik steadies himself again, slash, and a hop to one side. Another slash, this time hoping to the other side and using its momentum to guide his blade back up into striking pose.

He grins, and almost childlike, Bannik dances with a sword in the basement of this house. Slashing, tumbling, trying to make his motions more fluid, faster with each swing. Trying to make two cuts in the same speed as one, mimicking Alvrids speed in the curtain during their exchange.
Eventually, Bannik noticed Slow Worm watching him from the entrance. The pale maiden able to see the soul of his efforts as he whirls about the oversized basement room.

Noticing her, he bows.

“I hope I did not disturb you Lady Worm, I’ve been trying to…. Become faster.”


The Lady smiles, facing in his general direction.
“You train much Bannik, are you always this disciplined. This, focused?”

Not thinking before he speaks Bannik replies.
“We are trained to Lady Worm, from early on, when we battle, that is all that exists right then. To focus on other things is to give your enemy an edge they can use against you.”

Slow Worm shakes her head and smiles, simply turning before she says over her shoulder.

“Don’t let me interrupt, I just wanted to see”

Smiling, Bannik goes back to the center of the oversized room, his blade rising up once more. Pausing for a few moments, he changes stances, going for cross strikes and parry in the same motion.

The variety becoming routing over the course of time.

[badkarma]

After winning the Stallion at the fighting pits, Bannik holds his composure until after he is alone. Not wanting to be seen by his companions or Lux as he dotes on the massive horse. Bannik inspects the beast, going over its hand by hand, searching and marking down scars, patches of fur that do not match, counting the number of teeth in its mouth and in turn feeding it. Some oranges from the Lucerne and some apples he would pick up from nearby.
Mounting the stallion, Bannik gets a feel for the saddle, taking the reigns in hand before trotting off. Letting the animal choose the path at first, before beginning to test its temper. He digs his heels into the side of the horse, causing it to turn the trot into a full gallop as he makes his way down the wider streets of Venice. One sharp turn almost has the beast topple a citizen as it leaps past. Bannik looking back as the man shakes his fist and curses, he yells back an apology and then leans back into the gallop.
Letting the massive beast run until it slows from its own fatigue. Bannik pulls it off to the side, coming to a halt at the edge of the water. Some gulls flying about as he circles the stallion once more, examining it after the ride. Patting the creature on its side he speaks to it.
“The next time the Anarchs arrive, you will aid me in capturing them. Together we will breach their stronghold….”
Thinking on the idea for a moment he pauses, remembering some of his military teachings.
“I think…. That is what I will name you then, Percy. As you will aid me in breaching the Anarchs front lines.”

The horse neighs and shakes his head and Bannik smiles as he pulls a dagger from his hip. Coming up to the beasts mouth, he slices across the palm of his hand, sliding it into the creatures mouth, willing some of his vitae to flow out as Percy takes its first drink.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the following nights, the bond to Percy would be complete, and on the third night, Bannik and Percy would stand at the edge of the water along one of Venice’s many shores. Wading into the water, they test their limits.
Bannik hanging onto Percy as he commands it to gallop at its top speed through the water, and the beast itself trying to force its way through mother natures fury. At one point, turning, the knight plunging his mount into deeper water, letting Percy swim across a channel with his masters weight bearing down.
It is clumsy, with both going below the surface of the water momentarily at times, but they make it across much to Banniks joy. As they reach the opposite edge of the canal, he hops off mid stride, rolling and then running along as Percy trots forward, shaking himself dry before turning to wait for his master to catch up.
Patting the horses snout again, Bannik laughs and walks next to it, reigns in hand as they make their way back to the docks over land, dripping from the canal all the way.

[badkarma]

Entering into the Glass curtain, Bannik is wearing his full new knights armor. The curtain is mostly empty still, the attack causing many Cainites to avoid it for some time now.

Innor, not recognizing Bannik as he enters initially, slowly starts to let his claws extrude. Before Innor could move on to him, Bannik raises the visor to his helmet with a stupid grin on his face.

The grump scowls a chuckle and shakes his head.

"Where'd you get that suit? Seems like you emptied your coffers for it."

Bannik would shrug, the armor shifting slightly with the motion.

"The Hobblers chipped in. Figure if I'm going to be hunting others down, they'd be interested in the bounties as well. I told them I had no need of it, but I also won't turn away a gift like this either."

Looking at the knight up and down, Innor audibly 'harumphs'.

"You weren't any good at being quiet before, in that get up, you might as well be banging pots and pans when you run down the street.... At least you'll be a heavier bag of rocks if you want to the let the sorcerer drop you down on someone again."

Laughing at his own joke, Bannik shakes his head as the helm is removed. Placing it down at the bar, Baldo and Bannik exchange pleasantries for a bit before he turns back to Innor who paces about the curtain.

"Innor, I want to ask you for something."

"What are you looking for, runt?"

"I need you to claw me, to hurt me over and over so I can become... sturdier. So I can take more punishment."

Innor stares at Bannik for a minute as if though he were insane.

"You want me to cut up your pretty new armor? Or have you just gone mad?"

Shaking his head, Banniks' face turns serious as he replies.

"No, Innor. I feel as though we will be facing some difficult times ahead, and all I can do in the meantime, is prepare. I've tried to increase my fortitude further but to no avail. So, in order to push my limits, I would test myself against your claws...

With no armor on, I don't think the hobblers would appreciate needing to buy me a new set already."


Innor just shakes his head, mostly ignoring Banniks request as the two converse throughout the night.