Ludivico nodded in approval as Stefano listed the names of his hounds, committing them to memory as he petted each one with equal attention. 

"Names of great women and noble mare of royalty. There is strength in such names. It's a pleasure to meet you all." 

Ludi perked up as Stefano gave details about his rifle. In an age where sword and shield is heralded as weapons of honor, the instant result (often anti-climatic) from a firearm was often frowned upon. Yet those who've tamed its power and explored its inner workings know the brilliance of such craftsmanship and ingenuity. They were the future, Ludi often said when he pitched his sale to businesses and potential buyers, but it had a long way to go before it became the standard weapon of use in Alestoth. 

Stefano commented on the rifle's Bastion inspired design, noting its longer barrel and even longer reloading times compared to a standard rifle. 

"I'm sure it packs a powerful, if not more accurate shot." Ludivico said.

[color=fff200]"Are you a marksman Ludi? How do you plan on us killing 75 orcs in the morning?"[/color]

Ludivico patted Agrippina, Livilla, and Incitatus' bellies before he rose back up and sat next to Stefano at the campfire. 

"It's not my best skill, but it is a skill nonetheless. I've had my fair share of hunts in the Shadowlands. I'm much better at selling them than firing them, being an arms dealer and all. My preference for dispatching foes isn't as fanciful as the aim of your rifle, I'm afraid." Ludivico almost felt ashamed to say that aloud. He prides himself to be a businessman of taste and professionalism, yet the brutal dual axes he's wielded since his pirating days never left him. They weren't even on his person, as they were rolled up in his traveling bag, hidden from prying eyes. "Prior time spent as a brash swashbuckler left me with a knack for the up-close-and-personal. A hypocritical notion, considering my interest in firearms."

"Though, I do have this when swifter conclusions are needed." Ludi reached under his leather coat and revealed a magelock pistol. "It does not pack the punch of your rifle, but the loading tube mechanism makes for a speedy rate of fire." He offered it to Stefano to hold and inspect. "Mind if I have a look at your arquebus?" 

Ludivico decided that he could trust this man and proposed an idea. "Would you agree that our pairing would compensate for the tactical weaknesses we'd otherwise have as individuals? Out of the shoddy sort I've scoured in this band of oddities, you're the first sane man I'd prefer to have at my side for the coming battle. Plus, should you meet your end tomorrow morning, I would be more than willing to carry on your rifle's legacy." The last bit was clearly a joke. The old pirate in Ludivico couldn't help himself. 

[@Cuddle Pot]