"I can see some cave formations in the roots of the mountains ahead." Taisper says over his shoulder. "It should just be a matter of finding one that's not already occupied or surrounded by grouchy neighbors. Or deadly ones."
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Verik gives Tandlara and Jemini both level looks, "I think you two take entirely too much pleasure in seeing me get hot and bothered. So yes, lets all snuggle up in a cave, and see precisely who gets the better out of that deal shall we?"
Bold words, that cannot quite set aside the young clerics blzing crimson cheeks. I might well bunk with a bear instead if its an option.
The group seeks out a cave that is sufficient to protect them from the elements, yet free of crazed bears or strange frog-men. With Taisper's instinctive guidance, they find a good-sized cave in which to take shelter. They get a decent campfire going from the sparse foliage in the area, which heats the cave fairly well. Once the tents are set up and the furs used as blankets, they have a fairly cozy place to stay.
Outside is another matter. The storm hits hard right before sundown, first crashing into the mountain with heavy, cold rain. As the night temperature drops, it begins to hail thick balls of ice the size of acorns. After a few more hours, the hail turns to snow, slowly building up outside the mouth of the cave. The fire and furs keep the cold at bay, but makes them feel rather stranded.
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"Well at least we made it into the warm - ish - before the skies opened. I've always rather liked listening to the rain pound down outside when I am warm and dry inside, curiously soothing. I suppose we get as much rest as we can, if it keeps up maybe we can talk about setting up a basic code of law? I was thinking we could start up a little council, with ourselves, Oleg, and Kesten perhaps? I for one would feel better if we had a bit more legitimacy." He looks about at his comrades, sitting wrapped up in his blankets and the fur and leaning against the cave wall.
'Legitimacy is all well and good, but it doens't mean anything when the Stag Lord is the authority in the area. Thats the thing with governments, they have to be the big fish, people don't do what you tell them because your nice, or they're good citizens. But I think it is a good idea to lay out ideas. Just don't expect us to be taken seriously until we can make our will felt. Its a sad truth of the world, power is power.' Tandlara says from the depths of her furs, Riddleskin is curled up on her stomach, hidden beneath the furs, and she can feel his tiny schest rising and falling in deep sleep.
'How many laws do you want? I assume we want to have regulations on the way ducks walk?'
"What? You actually mean you want to plan ahead when we're gona meet and argue? You like it or sumthin?" Berrin asks with a mischevious glint in his eye. "You like it so much you want others to join for a more prolonged argument?"
Zander works alongside the others to set up the cave to be as livable as possible and joins his companions in warming themselves around the fire. At Verik's suggestion, he replies, "A council is a fine idea once we are able to establish ourselves a bit more, but I agree that we might not be ready for that yet. If the Stag Lord is as bad as they say he is, I'm not thinking any laws or regulations will be of much help until he's deposed. And as for the council members, I don't know why we'd give that Kesten guy a place of power... He's fine keeping Oleg's protected, but we don't really know the guy well enough to give him a vote in our affairs. I suppose Oleg will have gotten a measure of the man by the time we return to the Post and can weigh in on his character."
"I also think we may have more pressing concerns as I'm not sure how long this weather will keep up, but we might have to spend another day or two in this cave as it looks pretty bad out there. Berrin, Taisper, and I will check things out in the morning and see if we can get a feel for how long the snowstorm will continue..."
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Verik waves away the objections, "We don't need to argue we just need a simple framework, murder is wrong, murder being killing someone without a fair reason such as self defense, or punishing grievous wrongs. Bandits can be hung or put to the sword. That would be enough to be getting on with, I doubt anyone would object. We hardly need trade regulations at this point."
"I can offer five castings of endure elements. I think, as the guys are such gentlemen, that me and Tandlara can each take one. However, I also think that everybody that does not receive an endure elements is entitled to a good nights sleep - while those that are fortified against the weather conditions get to keep watch. Does that sound fair?"
Jemini lets the discussion on this solve itself based on that initial seed, and will cast endure elements as appropriate.
Jemini calls Zander on his discrimination. "Kesten is doing his part to help us build a case against the Lord Mayor. He's of noble stock - and even if you don't like us much, we are trained from childhood to lead and are well educated in the ways to govern. There are countless considerations that are easy to forget or be unaware of - but Kesten is trained to incorporate them in his judgments. Also... consider that he's a noble from a different perspective: it ties his noble house closer to us - and having powerful allies is an important consideration for us. Both now and in the future. As much as I like Oleg and Svetlana - neither is as suitable to advise us on nation-building as Kesten."
Zander glowers at Jemini, already feeling himself getting perturbed, "Are you kidding? I don't care what sort of stock he is, if he's going to earn any vote in how we conduct our affairs, he'll have to earn that vote. I'll admit he's doing a good job of guarding the Post and we'll see how his future deeds speak to his character; I'll give the man a chance, but won't hear of installing him in a position of power without more to go on than his heritage. As to alliances, given the state of Brevoy these days that could be just as much of a liability as an advantage."
"Oleg on the other hand, has proven himself to be a good man and has survived out here for quite some time. If anyone is qualified to help us, it's him. Do you know this Kesten from before now? Can you vouch for his character or simply his birth?"
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"I think we have to include Kesten because he - whatever we think of the system that places him in the position - leads a force of men who we wish to abide by the laws. If we have their commander on our small council the laws we make will have a far greater influence upon them." Verik says shrugging.
To Jemini he says, "I don't think we really need endure elements in here, and but if anyone wishes to go out and watch endure elements would make that possible. I do not see the need myself, I doubt anything will be moving around outside, maybe it would allow us to stock up on firewood. We should keep someone awake in here though, just in case."
"Yes I can vouch for his character," Jemini smiles a bit at that.
Jemini clearly knows something that she's not telling, about Kesten.
"He's a decent man, and his heart cannot be faulted more than anyone else here and his ambitions are entirely justified. Now Oleg will have some small measure of understanding of the area immediately around the trading post - and has a fair run of the few trappers and farmers that come to barter goods with him. But that does not put him in a position to give reliable insight into strategic value of the regions we explore, Kesten on the other hand is a commanding officer with a good deal of military experience. I think Berrin can easily testify to the importance of having a good officer - to a normal soldier that often can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield."
'I've never conquered a land before, but don't we need people aswell? The only non-bandit locals we've met were a psychopath an a boggard, both miles and miles apart. How much do we need laws for empty wilderness? We have the charter, but its meaningless. This isn't Brevoy. We kill bandits because this is nature, its us or them, and they are a dangerous threat. We don't need to convince Oleg or Kesten's boys not to go murdering either. If we're not setting down specifics or writing laws for a group of people, do we need to? I mean we all agree on the no murder, and basic property rights front. Specifics will be what need discussion.'
'Hell even if Kesten is a magnificent leader of men, but we don't have anyone to lead.'
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Verik gestures excitedly, "But don't you see Tandlara people will come because we can provide safety and law. There is land in plenty, we offer it out to those who would farm, who would take risk for great reward. There are many who would take such a deal to be their own masters to own and tend their own land. And to cater for them we will bring in tradesmen, and builders, tanners, we can begin to tailor the trappers furs here earning more for finished garments than pelts alone. We will form villages, then towns, the cities! And from those who come we will recruit guardsmen to help protect the peace and forge a nation. Laws as much a statement of intent as a necessity."
His eyes shine, "We have the opportunity to make something great here. I say we offer up to any who will come as much land as they can tend. We can send out a charter of our own. I am sure the Abbott will sanction sending us aide, if only a priest or two to man a temple - healing is always valuable and one of Abadar's holy texts is afterall The Manual of City Building.
And of course we must seek out and earn the trust of what locals there are already, there must be enough to support a trade post after all. I am sure they would want the bandits put paid to, more services, the land made safe for womenfolk so they can have families which I would guess are few and far between now.
'In that case I'd like to throw my weight against buidling lands and cities in the usual human way. My people have watched you strip the land amny times. The first few generations never see the change, so they always act callously towards nature, because its easier and cheaper. I'd like there to be replanting laws, and crop variation so the land isn't sapped of nutrients. There is plenty of land, now. But what about in 200 years?'
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Verik, frowns, "Well that makes sense, but we do need to move fast Tandlara, we are not possessed of elven life spans. I do not think we will have the numbers to make the kind of impact you fear for many decades, I would think we can take all we need and more and make hardly a dent upon the land.
I am not sure what you mean by replanting? A man who chops down a tree plants one of its acorns, or what have you, in its place? Something of that stripe? I think we could encourage that with little enough trouble, I am not sure all men would follow, but I think most would if it were explained. And crop rotation is just good sense, education might serve better than laws there, though I suppose both would hardly hurt. I am sure with your advice we can avoid causing any major harm to the land and still get what we want."
"I think Tandlara is well-suited to act as lead councilor for the land's natural bounties. Just because it makes sense in the long-term to rotate crops, does not mean that many of the people we attract initially are actually experienced and dedicated farmers. People are quite lazy, when left to their own devices. In terms of deforestation, I think it's prudent to have laws governing the size of trees that are being felled - then have a body of nature wardens, perhaps rangers or druids, that are responsible to look after the health and seeding of the forests."
"Personally, I feel strongly about instating mandatory schooling for our future nation. And that equal rights are afforded to men and women."
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"Those sound like worthy aims, but they might take a little time to implement. And remember if people are living out on distant farms, or as trappers their children will not practically be able to attend a school. But certainly in the settlements. Though we may be better off encouraging people to send their children to school rather than commanding it, and gradually moving towards making it mandatory once people have had time to get used to the idea. The Church would certainly offer up its services, if I can persuade the Abbott to send me some initiates teaching is something they will likely be well used to. Equality of course is something we should implement immediately, but most people are rather ingrained against it - through simple habit as much as anything else - so having it in truth will likely prove a matter of education.
I am hoping we might prevail upon Kesten to have his men do some building when we get back, maybe start construction on a bunkhouse to accommodate newcomers while they get started. Perhaps a tavern? I think that would serve to draw in more people, and bring in the trappers on a regular basis so that they begin to feel part of the community and our efforts."
Zander grumbles to himself as Verik sides with Jemini on allowing Kesten a place of power and keeps silent throughout most of their discussions on future laws and edicts. Eventually he speaks up, "I think the most important thing is that once we do have people live under us that we treat them fairly and listen to their voices when they tell us what they need. A nation is only as good as the people who live in it and we have to set out with that goal in mind."
The snow continues to build outside, quietly coming down from above. The white expanse stretches out all across the mountain. It is probably only raining (or perhaps hailing) outside the mountain range, but this is likely the last snowstorm of winter. It looks like it is clearing up, but will probably last at least another day.
Jemini nods, "Perfectly right Zander. Along that line I think we should encourage a variety of creeds. Many of the people drawn here initially to settle the land will be followers of Erastil. And Abadar is, of course, well represented as well. For my part I would like to see several additional deities represented."
"A question remains on how the voice of the people can best be made to be heard. Also the scale needs attention. I don't think we should be invoked each time there is some small squabble between neighbors. How much should stay in our hands? How much should we delegate to local authorities?"
Jemini grins - "Don't you guys think it's exciting? We might in a years time be parents to a new nation!"
As Jemini continues speaking, Zander remembers a slight hesitation in her voice when she was talking about Kesten. "What is it you aren't telling us about Kesten, Jemini? If we're supposed to trust this man, we need to know everything about him and if we're to trust you, you have to tell us what you know."
'I may have ideas about how we should maintain the land, but Verik is right. My veiws on nature tend towards the impractical for human needs.' She smiles around at her companions, remembering her reaction to the traps Orvilanch had set.
'I spent the last century living in subsistence off the land, my methods are not suited to maintining large numbers while maintianing the land. Sadly. Education though, thats something I could play a part in. I agree with Verik that it should be voluntary but encouraged at first, it might be an idea to have our teachers travel around and have a schooling day in each small area, allowing rural children better access. I don't like the idea of preists as teachers though. Religion will be important, and we will encourage people who choose to do so to study at temples, but I'd rather not include it in the broader education. Trained professionals whos only motive is education is much preferred.'
Jemini laughs at Zander's proposition. "What? Even if I knew something: there are plenty of things you don't know about me - and also many things we don't know about you. Everybody is entitled to a bit of privacy. Including Kesten."
"Concidering our neighbours we should get everyone at least familiar with the wight of a blade in their hands, if not proficiant. The first law of the River Kingdoms is 'You have what you can hold.' or somthing like that. Add this blasted wilderness into the mix and frankly we should close our proverbial borders to anyone who doesn't come armed and armored." Berrin pipes in, going along with the groups daydreaming to pass the time if nothing else.
Jemini laughs at Zander's proposition. "What? Even if I knew something: there are plenty of things you don't know about me - and also many things we don't know about you. Everybody is entitled to a bit of privacy. Including Kesten."
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Verik looks skeptical, "Well you concern yourself with academics willing to wander the wilderness. But the Church will be offering schooling, education is after all an important part of civilization, and the followers of Abadar with our love of numbers and progress are ideally suited to the task. I have trouble seeing how you are going to recruit teachers with the skills of warriors without paying them through the nose, and schooling in dribs and drabs is hardly ideal. Maybe instead we could simply offer up some dormitories for children whose parents wish them educated?
We could also offer some kind of incentive for craftsmen who do come to take on apprentices, which will both enable them to do more work and eventually provide us with a larger base of skilled men."
As the conversation gets rolling, Taisper quickly finds himself way out of his depth. Mumbling an "excuse me" too low to be heard, the teenager gets his bedroll and fur and moves close enough to the cave mouth to see outside, but not so close as to get snowed or rained on.
Huddling under the warmth of his bedroll and pelt, he stares out at the snow and sleet, hypnotized by the patterns the snowflakes make as they twist and fall. He puts his hand in his pocket and takes out the elemental's eyes that he still has. This time, though, he doesn't look at them, just holds them in his hand as he watches the storm.
'I'm brainstorming Verik, that was the point wasn't it? I was trying to think of ways to reach distant children, not planning to abolish schools. And followers of Abadar also have teachings to push on children, which I'd rather not institutionalise. Your god and his church will be instrumental in founding this hypothetical nation. But it isn't theres, I have as much aversion to that as Zander does to continuing the established nobility into it. The idea of influencing tradesmen to take apprentices is a good one though, if the people see that education is prosperity they will want it. Perhaps we could offer access and better contracts at first, initilialise a guild system that mandates apprenticing, allows us to delegate the duty while acheiving our aims?'
'Berrin is right. Having the citizenry be a militia is a vital part of starting the nation. We shouldn't close our borders though, simply offer education in martial matters. Maybe include that in the other education, so that the next generation are better able to defend their lands.'
"Next generation? Heh! Berrin laughs at that. "Our charming neighbours won't give us the chance. We'd need a standing militia within a year depending on our neighbours aggression."
"Next generation? Heh! Berrin laughs at that. "Our charming neighbours won't give us the chance. We'd need a standing militia within a year depending on our neighbours aggression."
'Oh of course! I'm not suggestign we wait for that to be our armed forces, but I think that it is a good long term plan. Hiring and training men isn't my forte however, but I'd certainly like to integrate some physical training into the education. Children are how we shape the nation, make it our own.'
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"Well I think it likely that most who come will be prepared for tough times at the least, and ready to defend themselves if needs must. But yes a militia is sensible. We could set up watch fires or horns to allow us to swiftly move against threats, something like that. I tend to think a standing force is better able to deal with things though, a man who sees his neighbors farm burn might want to stay to protect his own family rather than rush to their aide, but a permanent force has no such constraints. Of course to pay a permanent force and teachers we would have to institute some form of taxes, all of these things are pie in the sky without that."
'Or we could always find lots of dragon's treasure!' Tandlara smiles, aware that discussing with Verik is not the most entertaining spectator sport.
She moves around to find a more comfortable place in her furs, before saying. 'Yeah, taxes are what alot of peopl will be fleeing too. Don't want to alienate our new citizens. We'll have to strike a middle ground. But its nice to lay out ideals for now.'
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"Mmmm, I don't think that is true, I would expect those who come to be those without, second or third sons the dispossessed and such. Taxes are not for the most part ruinous, they are grumbled about, but most men understand the necessity and with good government will when pressed acknowledge their worth. We need to provide obvious benefits for the taxes, if a man can see the worth of them he will not truly resent having to pay them.
For example for with the trappers we would take a price from the sale oif their pelts, but by bringing furriers to them we will create competition, and I hope earn them better price; and more they will have somewhere to spend that money, protection when they call for it, eventually roads to make their travels easier. For the farmers we take a toll from the prices they get for their crops, or livestock. We provide protection, markets, education. As we expand we might change from such a simple tax system as needed.
And as for dragon hordes, well, I would rather not place my hopes in such things. Besides they tend to come with dragons, perhaps we should be careful what we wish for."
"I think there's good reason to push for the building of roads very early. It opens us up for a greater influx of people, goods and knowledge. Ultimately - and I say this as a representative of House Lebeda - peace and prosperity for a nation is best assured with trade. A free market and free economy that affords equal opportunity for all. And few things better support such ideals than a strong infrastructure."
Jemini takes a moment's respite from the conversation - just long enough to walk over to Taisper and endure him to elements. "There; keep a sharp lookout, we don't want to be surprised in this place with no avenue of escape. But there's no reason why you cannot do so in comfort." She squeezes his shoulder reassuringly, before returning to the discussion. "So... an inn or tavern first?"
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"An Inn makes sense, somewhere people can take their ease, and with room so people getting started have somewhere to stay in the short term." Verik says obviously enjoying what he regards as his gods work, "We can either find someone to finance it, lease it to someone, or simply find someone to run it and have any profits go to the treasury."
"If we start at Oleg's, we could have Svetlana run the place - she and Oleg would make a good team covering all the basic needs of new arrivals. And her cooking skills are exceptional." ...the discussion goes on for quite some time - as the night wears on cold and wet, the arguments swell from subdued to heated and back again several times; but (whoever isn't sleeping) is actually having an enjoyable time as dreams of a nation solidify.
The night is bitterly cold, but the group is well-protected by the fire and Jemini's magic. The application of endure elements lasts overnight and well into the morning, allowing them the possibility of exploration in relative comfort. The snow sits on the ground, not melting but no longer falling.
Waking up in the brisk cold air, his breath coming out in puffs of condenced air, Berrin holds the fur pelt close as he rises to stoke the fire. Looking around the cave as he prepares breakfast from their supplies of rations he is glad for the shelter and relative safety the cave provided for the night. Growing more secure with the group of people Berrin realizes he has been sleeping better, his dreams haunt him less often the week since ariving at Oleg's than they have for the past seasons. Maybee it was the time passed since the fatefull night, or maybee the renewed sence of purpose? Berrin didn't know, nor realy care, he just liked his station in life for the time beeing. He had a purpose, a place in the group, maybee not a glorious one like Verik, Jemini and Taisper, chosen of the gods by their own decree and shown by their acts of magic and healing, but a place nontheless. So satisfied with his place in life this cold morning Berrin sat under furs stroking the fire and preparing breakfast.
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The next morning Verik awakens teeth chattering, still warm under his furs, but every inch of exposed flesh protesting. He stirs the fire and grunts greetings to anyone else awake before the dawn and then drags his bedroll closer to the fire sitting cross legged and wrapping himself in the fur. Before he begins his prayers he whispers,
"Jemini? Jemini? Do you need me to prepare some endure elements, or can you manage to cover us all? I would rather save my spells for healing, but..." He nods to her response and closes his eyes beginning to pray.
Dear Abadar,
Spent a fairly cosy night in a cave all things considered, and I am feeling fairly positive. The task you have set for us is no small one, and it will I am sure be fraught with problems and unexpected obstacles. But the sheer thought of being part of moulding something great! To be a founder, and help set law and establish culture, to guide and shape a nation, it is a great honor and a beautiful dream.
For once I envy Tandlara, she might see our plans reach fruition and help gently steer the nation to its future... Come to think of it we will need a name, something catchy, strong, and sadly secular. Perhaps an anagram of The Stolen lands, ah Lensto? or Lentos? No, sounds like a vegetable. Telson, Tonsel, nope, hmmm, Lenost? Maybe not an anagram.
Maybe something wholly made up would be best? Rorn, or Kilmar, hmmm I must think on it...
"I'm guessing I can keep about five of us under a constant protection from the weather - unfortunately that is just a bit short."
Tandlara gentle snoring ceases abruptly, but she makes no sign of moving for several minutes. Her awareness however is readily betrayed as Riddleskin clambers out of the depths of the furs and sniffs his way around the cave, stopping two feet from Berrin and eyeing the man with beady eyes, the greyed rat stands on his hindquarters and studies the man in an all too human manner.
After a few minutes the elf women arises and scoops up her familiar, placing him in her belt pouch. She sits down near the fire , but thanks to Jeminis magic feels little more than a chill from the snow outside.
'So are we going to push on and out? Our poor horses won't like the cold so much, but its probably better that we get down off this mountain.'
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Verik rises and straps and speaks while strapping on his breastplate, "Well how does the weather look? It seems a shame to not finish exploring the area if we have a cosy cave available. I would hate to trade it for a damp camp. Perhaps we should finish our exploration and spend another night here if the weather looks like letting up soon?"
"The snows settled but not melting so we can get goin but at a slow pace." Berrin replies to Verik as he watches the rat watchin him. Tearing his eyes of it with a shudder he puts away his utensils and sets to gearing up. "Someone should see too the weather though. No sence heading out only to get stormed in somewhere a mile out."
Taisper awakens on time and moves to the back of the cavern for Exercises. Flush and warm from activity he steps to the mouth of the cavern to get a bead on the weather with Berrin.
Zander joins Berrin and Taisper outside, trying to get a sense for the upcoming weather. He breathes in deeply once he steps out in the snow and studies the clouds, chatting with the other two men about their predictions.