"Perhaps Kundal, given his recent experiences, might be able to find some affinity with the creature?" Fenna speculates quietly, her small hand resting on the holy symbol hanging from her neck as she considers those she knows of in Kardas who might possess the necessary skills.
Casimir heads off and harvests shamblesap from the slain plant creature.
If he detects the presence of chaos he will not stop and focus but will instead keep searching the city. Once he passes every building in the city he'll return to the gate of the castle and take stock.
How many chaotic presences, if any, does he detect in Swordhaven?
You walk through the main streets of Swordhaven late into the night, thinking that you will focus on the slums and outskirts later- especially as constant light sources are rare enough in the main streets, let alone the slums. A couple of hours yields not a single chaotic presence, a discouraging result. Suddenly you detect one as you round a corner, but it appears to be Kundal leading a troop of town watchmen. He waves merrily to you as he passes by, torches lighting their path through the streets. Continually concentrating on the detection spell for extended periods of time is beginning to make your head ache. Twenty minutes later, however, you pass by The Lonely Hippogriff- the best tavern in Kardas. Through the wooden walls you can detect the presence of chaotic aura/s. Concentrating, you determine that someone or something inside the tavern is radiating an faint aura of chaos. You can only determine the vague direction the aura is emanating from rather than discern its exact location, as you do not have line of sight inside the tavern. From outside, you can tell the tavern is almost completely full of revellers and commoners, drinking to forget or discuss the Owlbear's attack yesterday and other local rumours with friends. It is clear that trying to walk inside the tavern with your plate armour on is likely to get someone hurt merely by the density of the crowd.
** spoiler omitted **
If we take the beast back any thoughts on how we get it there and keep it under control? How we can do this escapes me...
The swarm appears to still be slowly eating the Owlbear's body, its mass proving to be taking a long time for the swarm to devour.
You filthy your hands and armour digging around through the filth and faeces for some time, but your efforts earn you an additional 318GP, a set of chainmail and a breastplate, three daggers, two short swords, a longsword, a masterwork warhammer, a set of masterwork thieves tools and a stoppered vial that appears to be the source of the magic.
After the somewhat grimy job of sorting through the debris for useful items, Casimir quickly uses his magic to clean himself up.
Seeing Cas cleaning himself up with a wave of his hand, Kalev mutters You have a trick for every circumstance, don't you?
After retrieving the Owlbear head and stuffing it in a sack, Kalev returns to the others. Do we pickle this and save it for the Midwinter Feast, or do you want a trophy to adorn our Banquet Hall, Lord Malthir? And what do we do about the cub? A leather leash on a long pole might be enough to control it. Or we can tie it up completely and try to load it on one of the horses, though I think that'd be a bad idea.
For now I guess the leash will do. We should get it to follow us with some food and bring it back to SwordHaven. The head will do well for our people to see our victory. After that we can figure out what to do with it. Lets get back as best we can.
"Pretty much, Kalev...although I've yet to discover a way to remove the odor of half-orc. Casimir says with a grin.
Kip helps Casimir examine the vial.
Realizing a boot to the door will lead nowhere this time, Ricter returns to the castle, breathing the crisp night air deeply to try and dispel the headach bought on by the overuse of his detection abilities. Passing the guards at the gate he returns to his chambers and removes his armor, not bothering to place it back on it's stand with the usual reverence. Then, he dons the same clothing that he wore to lunch and, in addition, a face scafe and hat to hide. He then leaves the castle via the servant's enterance, relying on his steely glare to get through the still-busy kitchens without hassle. The staff will undoutably guess that the Hellknight was leaving in plain clothes, but with his features covered it matters not.
One away from the castle and certain nobody is looking, Ricter stows the hat and scafe behind a bush in favour of the infinitely more secure disguise of anonymity. He then makes his way back to the Lonely Hippogriff, his confident stride in favour of just...walking. Nothing notable about it.
He re-enters the crowded bar, looking around as if for friends. Once again - hopefully for the last time that night, as the pain returns to his temples - he scans for chaotic presences.
The aura of chaos is emanating from a fairly nondescript looking man sat in the corner of the room. He is gambling with dice- with a dirty looking commoner, clearly a labourer of some sort. Nothing about the man emanating chaos is particularily notable, although his clothes are of slightly higher quality than those worn by the other tavern patrons. His hair is cut short, he is of fair skin and his facial features are completely bland. Judging from the growing piles of coins, the chaotic individual is very lucky or very skilled- or he is using loaded dice.
** spoiler omitted **
Malthir activates the soul mate necklace to send a short message to his beloved,
My love, we are okay and the OwlBear was defeated. Returning now to SwordHaven, hope to be back by your side by tomorrow.
Kip glances at Casimir as he speaks about wasting time in speculation, arching an eyebrow in mild surprise. I'm not sure what he means about wasting all day... I was merely contemplating. Are we suddenly in some sort of hurry? Shrugging his shoulders. Kip likewise fails to grasp the meaning behind Casimir's pointed look.
Kip's contribution to the discussion surrounding the fate of the owlbear cub is, If the centipedes are allowed to live, then so should the cub...
My brother Bon keeps birds of prey, and to keep them calm he covers their eyes. I wonder if this would work with the cub? We could wrap it tightly and cover its eyes for transport.
We do not have to decide the future of the cub, here and now. My preference would not to have it trained for fighting if at all possible. Perhaps it could serve as a mount? Magicked to fly... would make it a formidable sight to behold I am certain! Kip says with a mischievous grin.
Kip looks immensely relieved that it was Casimir who dredged the filth of the cave. Magic or no magic, that was certainly a job I had not wished to perform! Kip smiles broadly.
Kip calls out to Casimir, You missed a spot. Here allow me to clean it for you. Kip moves over behind Casimir, and uses the very same magic used by Casimir to instead soil the back of Casimir's clothing.
Kip winks at Kalev.
Ricter intends to keep tabs on the chaos-tainted man and if possible follow him home. In the meantime he will try to avoid attracting attention by ordering a drink and trying to strike up a conversation with whoever happens to be next to him by playing the traveller impressed by tales of the Guardians and looking to hear more. If he has difficulty making enough impromptue friends to cover his observation he'll spend some coin on a round.
It's worth noting that whilst outwardly friendly Ricter is not enjoying this situation, especially since the ale is doing nothing for the detection headache.
You successfully blend in to the patrons and gain a fair acumen of rapport with them and the barkeep. The patrons are eager to tell you, a traveller, about their fair city and make small talk with you. As you converse, you nod and smile and make encouraging noises, but you focus out the commoner's speech out and concentrate on the conversation and noises coming from your mark's corner, your Hellknight discipline allowing you to concentrate on the sounds and successfully filter the drivel and tavern noise out.
You hear the dice rolling.
It seems I win again... comes the first voice, smooth and silky and clearly belonging to a man who grew up educated. The sound of coins scraping across the table can be heard.
B... But that was my last coin! I'm going to win the next round, just give me some credit- i'm good fer it!
Oh, i'm sure you are my fine sir. But if i'm giving you credit, lets make it two gold this time shall we? With that much, you could feed your family for several months, could you not.
I... Yeah. Yeah I could. Low!
You hear dice rolling again. With a distinct sound of triumph in his voice, the smooth voice says-
It seems luck is not with you tonight, friend. You now owe me two gold pieces.
Dammit Ilgruth, you tricked me!
Now, now... Calm down friend. I have a proposition for you- an opportunity.
The voice gets even quieter, and you imagine that the chaos tained man must be leaning in even closer to talk quietly. you can barely hear the conversation, but you do manage it.
This is just between you and me, and your sworn to secrecy... But- the hill that the Castle is built on? I've got a local druid, tells me theres a gold seam running deep under it. I need labourers to dig the tunnel to find the gold- but it has to be kept completely secret, or the authorities might hear about it and claim it for themselves. Once we reach gold, i'm going to give every man who helped me find it a share of what we get out, and i'm paying 5 gold a week until we do find it. You could pay back our debt to me and make a fortune besides- but it needs to be kept secret. You'll need to tell your family your leaving town for a couple of months, and you'd live in our little camp- but think of the fortunes you could bring home to your family once we are done! What do you say?
Well, it sounds great... but isn't it risky? I don't want trouble with the watch... How do you know your tunnel ain't going to be found...
You just let me worry about that- are you in or do I have to call you on your debt?
I... I'm in. Fine.
Smart man. Come here tomorrow evening, make sure your not followed...
You risk a glance over your shoulder and see a small slip of paper being handed from your mark to the desperate men before him. The man waves a pleasant farewell and begins to make his way towards the door. The chair in front of the gambler is now empty.
Malthir receives a reply from Vaysh-
Oh, I am so glad dearheart. We have a visitor in the castle with a proposition- a Hellknight. He seems quite friendly. See you soon.
Cub in tow with your loot, the Owlbear's head and Varn (still holding his banner of Kardas), you begin to make your way back to Swordhaven. You travel throughout the day and make camp for the evening, as per usual; after crossing the Gurdin river. You expect to make Swordhaven by tomorrow night. As you sit around the fire eating dinner, Varn addresses Fenna.
Forgive me Councilor but I am curious- you are not much like other Gnomes I have met in my life. Always scurrying about with some curiousity, some idea or cause, all to keep themselves going in spite of the Bleaching. Yet when you act, it seems to be only with calm grace. I don't understand.
As Varn and Fenna begin their conversation Malthir speaks with the other Guardians,
Vaysh just informed me that we have a visitor. A Hellknight has arrived at SwordHaven. Looks like they have become interested in Kardas. I know little of them other than they are a military organization of some type.
Do any of you know more about them? Before I meet this Hellknight I would like to know more about them and what they stand for.
Kips arches an eyebrow at Malthir's comment. A Hellknight? That doesn't sound positive... I'm afraid I have nothing to add. Should we be concerned?
"Well, Lord Varn," the gnomish Councillor replies with a slight tilt to her head, the flickering firelight giving the faint illusion of colour to her features, "as you say, my people often become quite obsessive over things out of a fear of the Bleaching... and they are probably right to fear it, for succumbing to the condition is not typically an experience we survive."
She looks at the flames for a moment in silence, before turning her gaze back to Varn, "I do not entirely understand why or how, but I am an exception to that... from what I am told, not the only one, but one of only a relatively small number."
"I am clearly changed by the experience, but I cannot explain in what way, I feel..." she holds her hands open in front of her, "like myself. I still care deeply for those things I cared for before this happened, though perhaps a certain urgency to those feelings has been removed."
I know little specific about that order, Kalev says, as Malthir mentions the Hellknights, except that they hail far from here, and are a military organisation focusing on law and order. What they want with Kardas, I cannot say. I'm not sure I like the prospect of having an established religious order with its own military gain a foothold in Kardas, but I'm willing to hear their proposition so we know more about it, before we make a decision.
Ricter lets Ilgruth leave - whether he's Gregori in disguise or not, Ricter doesn't have a training to shadow a man like him nor the equipment to confront him. Instead, he follows the gambler home. He leaves as the man is getting his coat on, crosses the road and then waits for the man to emerge (dropping his coin purse to give a reason to be loitering. Once he sees the direction the gambler is walking in he proceeds briskly in the same direction on the opposite side of the road, staying ahead of the man until he reaches a junction. There, he will wait.
When he sees which way the man turns at the junction he will follow him in such a way that there's no chance of losing him. Should the man look back Ricter will glare at him and nod for him to keep walking, playing the part of one of Ilgruth's lackeys making sure the man doesn't go straight to the watch
Hopefully this will allow Ricter to check if anyone else is following the man before begining to himself. If there are, he'll change his plan. If not, once he sees where the gambler lives he will walk right on by, then come back in half an hour and knock on the door.
"I am clearly changed by the experience, but I cannot explain in what way, I feel..." she holds her hands open in front of her, "like myself. I still care deeply for those things I cared for before this happened, though perhaps a certain urgency to those feelings has been removed."
I see... Thankyou for sharing that with me Fenna.
In response to Malthir and Kalev, Varn replies, with respect inherent to his voice-
I wouldn't think of the Hellknights as a religious order. To them, religion tends to be secondary to upholding the law. You do find Paladins among their ranks, even some Iomedeans, but mostly they tend towards neutrality between Good and Evil. There are those who are devout diabolists, but they are not the majority of the organisation. They respect legitimate authority and any who has achieved the rank of a full Hellknight is going to be an exceptional warrior; if he is evil he will be strong enough to detect as such to the right magics. In addition, Hellknights also differ based on their order. Did Vaysh say which order he hailed from? They are an elite military organisation. What they would want so far into the River Kingdoms, I am not able to fathom.
** spoiler omitted **
Your plan goes off without a hitch, the man never even turning or paying much heed to you. You don't think the man was followed and you sense Ilgruth is relying on a combination of fear tactics and his enticing proposal in order to ensure people turn up to their new 'job'. The whole thing seems to be a cunning entrapment and it wouldn't surprise you if you learnt the dice were loaded. You knock on the door some time later, a little past one in the morning. The same man opens it, looking like hes just woken up. Bleary-eyed he mutters sullenly-[/i]
This better be bloody important, piker.
@ Varn No, Baroness Vaysh didn't say what he was about. The magic we employ nods a thank you at kip is only good for short messages. I am sure this HellKnight will tell us what he wants, or at least what he wants us to know about what they want.
Ricter reaches into his pocket and takes out four gold coins
"I'll wager it's worth this much to you"
Casimir arches an eyebrow at the mention of the Hellknight.
"I know little about the various orders of Hellknights, save that they are some sort of military brotherhood, most prominent in Cheliax. I suppose it was only a matter of time before our fledgling nation attracted the attention of such organizations. We should take care with such a man before we know the motives of those who sent him. On the other hand, we DO have a use for extra blades - although I would prefer to go into battle alone, rather than with a man I could not trust behind me."
Once Varn rejoins, Casimir moves beside him.
"You mentioned a visit from my uncle. When did you see him last? It has been many months since he came this way, and I am most eager to hear news of him."
** spoiler omitted **
The man goes a little pale at your words, looking ready to run. He stares at disbelief at the four gold coins he tentatively takes from your hands.
I... But... Alright... I won't ask. Do you want me to meet him tomorrow still or...?
Once Varn rejoins, Casimir moves beside him.
"You mentioned a visit from my uncle. When did you see him last? It has been many months since he came this way, and I am most eager to hear news of him."
A few weeks ago. I'm glad you brought it up again actually Casimir, I forgot to mention the news he gave me and asked to give to you once I told him i'd had correspondence from Kardas. Forgive my tardiness in telling you. Hes working for House Orlovsky as a saboteur, doing rather well for himself actually.
He warned me that civil war is coming in Brevoy- less than a year now he thinks. He also warned me that Surtova is planning to demand tribute soon from both of our realms as well as from Drelev in the west- within the next few months. A request from Surtova is a request from Brevoy itself, and that puts us in a tricky situation. To refuse risks invasion or subjugation... Brevoy is still a mighty military force, even in the prelude to civil war. But I am not planning to pay- i'll not gamble the future of my kingdom by sending what little resources I have north. I'd rather take the chance that the Swordlords would resist any army sent this way, or that the war will be too pressing to send forces here. Surtova just wants to flex its muscles for some easy coin. I hope. Your kingdom's economy seems to be thriving, so perhaps its better if you pay; access to Kardas is easier than access to Varnhold. You won't stand a chance against a Brevic legion.
"Important news indeed. It is good to be forewarned, so we know how to respond to such a request."
Malthir draws out Liberator, which he often does when he is deep in thought, and looks over his blade, inspecting it for scratches or nicks in the blade,
Hmmmm, important news indeed. Surtova is the current regent of Brevoy. Our legitimacy is on the back of the charters that were supplied under his rule....
That being said, Kardas is a independent nation, forged by the will of the people I see here and thousands of others. Who is Surtova to demand tribute from an independent nation?
The funds given by Brevoy were those to foster trade and friendship between the two kingdoms and bring about a stable southern border. I believe that we have held up our end of the bargain to date. I didn't see any terms stipulated by the charter nor would I have agreed to any. I am not Surtova's enemy but neither are we his serfs that he can make demands on.
He will wait his year and we will have ours and we will see. It should be too late by then for him to make any real demands from us, the start of my plans for Kardas should come to completion by then...
Malthir looks around like he might have said more than he intended to at the moment...
The funds given by Brevoy were those to foster trade and friendship between the two kingdoms and bring about a stable southern border. I believe that we have held up our end of the bargain to date.
Not exactly correct, Malthir. The charters did indeed claim on his authority, but they were granted by the Swordlords of Restov- one of Surotva's least favourite subjects and from what Casimir's uncle Stanislaw tells me, the chief protagonists in the coming civil war for the revolutionaries. The mayor is legally able to make certain declarations and spend certain resources in the name of Surtova, although its usually considered polite to inform the crown... We have been used in a clever move to keep Restov's southern border secure, allowing them to wage a war without fear of sudden attack from the River Kingdoms- an excellent political gambit I must say.
In fact, Surtova was not told of any such arrangement made with regards to an expedition to the south for a couple of years. He had assumed that we were all independent adventuring companies- and know he knows different he is attempting to gain further funds for his side and potentially weaken the aid we could give the Swordlords in the process. Not a bad move. Both sides are cunning.
36 Rostland Lane (eastern outskirts).
With that, Ricter shuts the door and finally returns to the castle to get some sleep. The plan the next morning is to go out in plain clothes again and find a spot of heavy cover that will allow 36 Rostland Lane to be observed. He will also seek out Kressle and request her aid in an attack that evening. It is unlikely the gambler will be able to keep himself from telling Ilgruth Ricter visited him, and the conspiritor will cut and run as soon as he finds out.
With a worried nod, the man shuts his door. You return to the castle and get some well deserved sleep. A little past dawn, there is an urgent knocking on your door that wakes you- heavy, hard knocks that make the door shake just a little.
A woman that can only be Kressle stands before you, fully garbed in her studded leather armour and with both handaxes visible tucked into her belt. She stares at you imperiously, before stating without introduction or formality-
My sister said you were looking for me, Hellknight.
"I know little of the order's recent activities," Fenna adds to the discussion of Hellknights, "but when I was a priestess in Westcrown they certainly seemed far more motivated by their political and moral beliefs than any religious affiliation. They had a particular reputation for rooting out corruption wherever it manifested, no matter how highly placed... which naturally caused certain tensions."
"Perhaps Surtova does intend to bolster his own power at the expense of the Swordlords through his demands, though this combined with the blatant attacks on we Guardians seems more likely to push us towards an alliance with his enemies."
"I am. To prove the value of my order I have taken it upon myself to root out the disorder that has taken root in your fair town. I have discovered a plot to dig a tunnel into the castle. I cannot say what it's purpose is - the man, this so-called Ilgruth, said it was to mine for gold illegally. That smells like lies to me. Whether he is plotting something more insidious or is merely seeking to steal your resources, it matters not. I know he is meeting with his minions in a house within the town tonight. Perhaps the tunnel enterance is there, perhaps he will lead them to it."
Having finished looking over his potential ally, Ricter turns his magical sight on her to check she can be trusted. As he does so he continues.
"I can put Ilgruth to flight myself and end this plot. However, if I am to capture him alive I will need assistance. If fear he may be able to use magic to escape, though if we can corner him in his tunnel...he will be in chains by dawn."
"I am. To prove the value of my order I have taken it upon myself to root out the disorder that has taken root in your fair town. I have discovered a plot to dig a tunnel into the castle. I cannot say what it's purpose is - the man, this so-called Ilgruth, said it was to mine for gold illegally. That smells like lies to me. Whether he is plotting something more insidious or is merely seeking to steal your resources, it matters not. I know he is meeting with his minions in a house within the town tonight. Perhaps the tunnel enterance is there, perhaps he will lead them to it."
Having finished looking over his potential ally, Ricter turns his magical sight on her to check she can be trusted. As he does so he continues.
"I can put Ilgruth to flight myself and end this plot. However, if I am to capture him alive I will need assistance. If fear he may be able to use magic to escape, though if we can corner him in his tunnel...he will be in chains by dawn."
So does this have anything to do with Grigori? Karina implied that you were seeking me out after interviewing her, so I came as promptly as I could. I will still help you, but I don't yet trust you. Your a stranger to our land and to me. You should know that my sister and others know I am meeting you today- if I should have an accident or disappear, they'll know who to look for. Sorry for my plain talk, but Kardas has many enemies who might try such a trick to get to Malthir or my husband. If this is an acceptable alliance between us, I will help you. I've not had a chance to use my axes for many months, and i'm tired of Casimir telling all the tales.
"Perhaps Surtova does intend to bolster his own power at the expense of the Swordlords through his demands, though this combined with the blatant attacks on we Guardians seems more likely to push us towards an alliance with his enemies."
You were attacked by agents of Surtova? Hmph. Perhaps it was personal- i've had no trouble from them yet. Varn muses, sounding a little hurt that his kingdom was not also attacked. In any case, Surtova already believes there is a strong alliance between the three remaining expeditions and the Swordlords. The fourth expedition was a failure, killed to a man, so said Stanislaw at any rate.
Yes, they tried to take one of our own, a man named Edric. He is the one whose monument was in the square in front of the castle. The one that is now in ruins...
We knew that Surtova's allies were involved in this plot, although any direct involvement was a little vague. Unfortunately he died later on fighting some Kobolds.
So Lord Varn, you have heard some of our stories but how about you. We have heard of your centaur problems but know little of them really. What are the centaurs really like?
How unfortunate. I am sure the monument can be rebuilt...
Varn looks pleased to be asked about his own experiences.
The centaurs give the Nomen Heights its name- they live in a single tribe known as the Nomen. Thousands of years ago, they used to belong to a massive tribe known as the Rashalkas; which means "Thundering Hooves" in Sylvan. The Rashalkas once roamed the northern Casmar steppes by the tens of thousands and the Nomen were an off-shoot of this massive horde.
Pausing to eat for a moment, Varn continues the history lesson.
The Nomen originally settled in the heart of what we now call Rostland; southern Brevoy. Taldor’s expansion into the Stolen Lands led to much warfare between the Nomen and Humanity, and eventually they were driven back into the Stolen Lands at the very fringe of their formerly vast territory, their tribe almost decimated. One centaur warrior is worth at least two or three Taldan soldiers, but numbers and organisation won out.
You can confirm that Varn's telling the current history of the Nomen tribe back to their conflict with the Taldan Army of Exploration.
Now, the Nomen only exist in my section of the Stolen Lands. All centaurs tend to be an old race- they are struggling to accept and adapt to the modern world- the majority of centaurs still live in tribes roaming vast plains or the fringes of eldritch forests. They tend to enjoy their privacy and are territorial, making peaceful contact difficult. We found this when expanding our territory.
His eyes distant, the middle-aged Swordlord remembers the details.
Lord Dalgum was commanding twenty men exploring to the south of Varnhold. A Nomen centaur warband numbers a dozen warriors- all females. The warband charged at him and his men in a show of strength; which Lord Dalgum interpreted badly. The skirmish that followed left Dalgum victorious, but with only two men left and Dalgum himself badly wounded. Diplomacy was difficult after that incident- the Nomens are not a friendly tribe. Generations of conflict with humanity have left them with an ill opinion of "two-leggers". In the end, I approached their tribe alone, was escorted to their Matriarch and negotiated peace- we would not expand into their territory and they would not raid us or attack our colony.
Their leader is Aecora Silverfire, a fierce an noble priestess to their deity- "Mother Moon". I could tell from the symbol on her shield that it was an interpretation of the goddess Desna and with this information and a great deal of careful talking, I was able to win her trust and the truce. The tribe numbers around three hundred centaurs and thus is a formidable fighting force- i'd rather be their friend than their enemy.
Remembering that he had mentioned a Matriarch, Varn adds one more detail.
There are very few males in the tribe and they are encouraged to hunt and work rather than be warriors- as there are so few of them the tribe could be destroyed if it lost many more males.
An interesting tale. We all find allies in odd places. Who would have thought that Kardas would be a kingdom that is made up of Kobolds, wolves, and man?
Not I. This land has wiped away my previous notions of the absolutes of good and evil. I still hold true to my faiths tenants, but I no longer maintain the notion that everyone around me must as well. It took years for me to believe in this and I still hope that Iomedae becomes the foundation for our kingdom, but I want our people to choose this and not have it forced upon them.
What about you Varn, what do you believe in? Conquest and glory are for the young, what legacy do you hope to create?
He turns and looks at his armour. Kressle is unlikely to care, but it is quite unnerving having it standing perfectly still in the corner of the room as if occupied. There are many suits of ornamental platemail arranged so in the castle, but none have the subtle signs of use that makes Ricters seem so...watchful. Judging, even.
"Ilgruth will lead us to Gregori. He may even BE Gregori. I know it..."
What about you Varn, what do you believe in? Conquest and glory are for the young, what legacy do you hope to create?
With a twinkle in his eye, Varn says-
I'm not too old for glory yet, Malthir he laughs and winks. I've had to wait most of my life for an opportunity like this to come around and I plan on being around for a long time. I want to create a strong nation that stands the test of time and build my own legacy. A little vainglorious perhaps, but we are who we are.