Norton looks through the loot and upgrades his armor with the shiny mithral shirt. Then he finds the letter:
"Dearest Miss Kressle,
How lovely to hear from you. I regret to tell you that I will not be aiding you in recovering your lost property. The mites you speak of and I have an understanding. I fear my involvement in your dispute would upset that balance. And you are right to assume if I see any of your bluecloaks stick a toe in my domain, they will most certainly lose it.
Yours truly,
Sal’dor Graenkin
Lord of the Bloodbands"
"This starts to have some sense. I think I'll have a word with Kressle." He leaves to seek the woman.
Once finished his breakfast Rogar joins the others at the board with the bounties:"Good idea Oleg! A wyrm's head would REALLY look great on a post here. If we encounter such a creature rest assured we'll do our best to provide you with the required head! And this Tuskgutter's too, if possible. The beast really seems impressive. A worthy challange for heroes of our caliber!"
"What about that flying woman's tale? No one bothered to answer me! What's the matter?"
Arliss tries to scoot by with a tray full of bowls for the others just getting up while Rogar speaks.
Oleg points emphatically to Rogar forcing Arliss to duck "Yes! Yes! So much better than hanging bandits! Ten times as impressive, and just .. I don't know ... less icky."
Arliss finally gets by, rolling his eyes.
Arliss makes it out to the temporary camp, and delivers food. Mauersberger is currently working with Kressle and Budgie. He is trying to teach them basic carpentry, but spending most of his time telling the two gnomes to be quiet.
Norton enters the area seeking Kressle ... sees her and the others. Mauersberger's attention is currently held by the gnomes - draped in wires and flexible tubing "let's keep it simple ... it's a table... where did you even get that?!""
Furiel takes a cue from Norton.
Time to use honey rather than vinegar.
Furiel smiles as he approaches the gnomes and speaks in gnomish, "Furiel the sorceror and dragonkin, pleased to meet fellow gnomes. Gnomish ingenuity, best in the known world. I am sure you have innovations humans wouldn't think to try. Have any of you been in the main fort of the bandit king? I am thinking of an innovative way to gain entry, and firing myself in on a catapult seems too dangerous for my small mass, now the the cavalier on his horse, haven't worked out the calculation for him. Any ideas?"
Diplomacy/Bluff
The Green Man decides to go check up on MikMek, and to show that the statuette is still in safe hands.
Rillo and Bunyon both nod to Furiel's stating the obvious regarding gnome ingenuity.
Rillo affirms: "Yes we've been there." .. Bunyon adds proudly: "Designed and built their catwalk launcher. Worked beautifully."
Rillo: "Once." .. Bunyon: "What was the question?"
Rillo: "He wants to get in." .. Bunyon ponders: "How many moles do we have?"
Rillo: "None." .. Bunyon throws up his hands: "... well I'm out of ideas."
Rillo sighs... "We might be able to help you. Let us know when you can give me more details. If ... you are going disguised as delivery boys, could do something special with the wagon."
Green finds Mikmek inside Loomis's tent ... sitting in an oversized cloak with his arms crossed. "I do not understand this 'tent'... You cannot see your enemies approach, and your enemies know 'tent' does not just happen... and if you seek shelter from sky .. why live on surface?" He looks at Green "Is it custom to welcome you to my tent? ... If so, welcome Shaman."
"Haha, you have to understand that "Civilized" people do not think like you and me. You and me are creatures of the wild, able to live on the land.
But many here have never left the cities before; it would be a bit like you never leaving your burrow."
The Green Man slowly folds his legs under him, wincing a little at the stiffness in his permanently wounded leg.
"Anyway, I thought you might like to know that we are wrapping up our business here, and most likely we will begin travelling again today, or possibly tomorrow. And our course takes us to your home."
"So, depending on how fast we travel, you will most likely be able to return your tribes heirloom quite soon, pleasing news yes? When we give it to him, do you think your chief will agree to an alliance with us?
We are not really going to ask him much I think, it's more like asking him NOT to do a few things."
The Green Man leans forward slowly, until he is nearly nose-to-snout with MikMek, allowing his vibrant green eyes to bore into his.
"I want to be perfectly clear and honest with you here, the lords that are backing us wants this land, and they want us to try and tame it. And they are letting us do it OUR way. But if we fail, if we can't do it, then they will send their armies...knights on horsebacks...archers in the thousands, spearmen, swordsmen and militia...
And THEY won't talk about alliances, THEY won’t offer barging, THEY won't listen...
Do you see? If we can't settle this, us and your tribe, this land will be drenched in blood."
The Green Man holds out one hand to MikMek.
"Will you help me avoid that? Will you help me try and make a lasting peace?"
Norton approaches Kressle "Good morning, may I have a word?" and gestures to a less crowded space where words can be said with more privacy.
With Green's words Milkmen lowers his head slightly, but maintains eye contact. "If you words are true, we must speak to Chief with no Shaman Tartuk. Tartuk will want war ... He speaks only glory of becoming war dead. You have me at your side in this."
Kressle looks to Mauersberger - who gestures with a 'he's the boss' expression...
She walks with Norton to the far side of the stable construction "Yes my lord?" ... slightly playfully.
"He must be insane...I don't doubt the bravery of the sootscales, but this is not a battle you could win.
But the chief can see reason? Good, so how do we get access to him without the shaman present?"
"Amongst the things we found in your previous camp we retrieved this" Norton shows Kressle the letter "Is my understanding that there is a Stag Lord, to whom you where associated with, but I lack knowledge about this Sal'dor. Could you explain me who and how are things settled around here between the different players?"
Rogar just goes around the outpost asking about the tale of the flying woman. If he happens to find Budgie he will ask him directly as the story has intrigued him.
Rogar just goes around the outpost asking about the tale of the flying woman. If he happens to find Budgie he will ask him directly as the story has intrigued him.
Mikmek thinks for a moment. "Chief Sootscale would not deny a private word if I yield the glory of Old Sharptooth's return. This is how I will repay you."
Kressle frowns when Norton brings up Sal'dor. "He controls the Bloodband of the Kamelands. What exactly he does for the Stag Lord... I'm not sure. I've wondered that myself ... I found his words curious so I kept the note. I find it hard to believe he has the influence he claims. I have even heard that he holds some connection to some nobles of Northern Brevoy..."
Budgie snorts when Rogar asks him about the flying woman. "Flying woman? What ... the witch that posed as me mum flew away?"
Kressle's ears perk up ... she wheels around the unfinished stable toward Budgie. "Did you say flying witch? I have not heard of this. Budgie! Why haven't I heard about this?! The Magpies know we are here!"
Jhod corners Ta'de-win. "So. I hear you follow the call of Erastil, as well. Happen to have come across a temple to the Elk Father during your time in the woods? I have a dream that haunts me ... a tortured soul, angry bear, and a forsaken shrine. That is what has brought me here... "
"I'm afraid that is not quite correct, Jhod I believe you were called. My worship is that of the Green Faith, not Erastil in any specific form. Though as I understand they do share simiar beliefs. I am interested in this dream you speak of though. I too have felt a presence in these lands, so I can understand the draw it may have, dreams being one voice it calls to us. I have not seen such a shrine as you speak of. Perhaps you would tell me more? Any aid I can provide, I shall."
For a split second a look of pure atonishment passess on Rogar's face:"Let's be clear here: you are claiming someone who claimed to be your mother infiltrated the outpost, delivered this"-Rogar pauses and takes the letter out of his pocket and shows the evenlope to Budgie-"And then basically flew away?"
"if this is true... then there's an awful lot to explain here... I don't like this. Not at all!"
"Magpies? Is that the name of another one of the merry bandit groups in the area...or something more sinsiter?"
"Kressle, would you be so kind to give us an overview of all the stuff that usually goes around here, starting with a list of all the outlaws, groups or singles, that inhabit the area?"
Kressle is visibly shaken. "The Magpies are the Stag Lord's spies and assassins... She left how many hours ago? She certainly has gotten back to his fort by now... " She takes a breath.
"They were things of legend... descendants of the dark forces that drove out civilization long ago. When I first heard the Magpies were working for the Stag Lord, I thought it was some bandits just using the name to instill fear."
She shakes her head, and turns to Norton "I'm sorry I don't know much, and I don't even know what to believe of what little I've heard. You should go see Papa Grundy. It might be difficult to get him to talk, but he knows more about these things than anyone I know of."
Budgie glances at the envelope Rogar displays, takes a good look at the seal, and shrugs. He then nods at the mention of his father. "I've come to know you good folk long enough to know whose side he would fall on. He's no happy badger, but he not too sweet on the 'horned princess', no sir. Won't take two coppers to get him jawing. If ya ask me, I'm thinkin he just doesn't like being the least wicked thing out there... doesn't fit his personality."
"Things are fast becoming very complicated for a simple healer like me. I must say, I think this lands needs to have an axe taken to it to remove some of the "weeds".
Papa Grundy lives nearby did he not? Maybe we can travel there and talk to him and then head to the sootscales?"
"Just one last question... Rogar, what is written on the letter?"
Rogar offers the evenlope to Norton:"Check it out. It says to hunt down the Stag Lord and that Sal'Dor is not a problem and should be left alone. I don't think we were dealing with one of these mythical "magpies" if they work for the Stag Lord. I thnk we are dealing with someone who wants some outlaws removed.... but not all of them..."
"Well, I think we help Mikmek out and establish some peace with the kobolds first and explore our surroundings more. Do we want to sell some of our materials of war and have our new labor force start on an inn? It should bring money and improve morale, especially if we can attract a bard."
Furiel brings the gnomes forward, "These esteemed colleagues have a plan to get us into the Stag Fort in a delivery wagon. How about we give them the go ahead to see what they come up with?"
"Let me voice a thought, just for fun...
What if the magpies have decided that the Staglord is too unstable to rule?
They use US to remove him and install this other person in his place.
Then, to prove their power, they remove us, the slayer of the Staglord.
How does that sound?"
"A strong argument, my Green friend, for consolidating our power by exploring around Oleg's and making friends with the Mikmekians."
Rogar chuckles:"Sounds a bit convulted and based on wild assumption, Green. As for the mik...". Almar stops and shoots Furiel a look of reproach. "As for the kobolds, we agreed to give them their statue as long as they behave themselves. No need for bloodshed unless they prove hostile"
From time to time Rogar gives the gnomes dubious looks, seemingly undecided if to speak. After a while he adds:"As for this plan... sure, go on, as long as it costs us nothing and we check it out before it's set into motion..."
Back inside the palisade...
Jhod murmurs an apology regarding Ta'de-win's faith, then continues "I have had the dream for a while. Last night, it was as vivid as ever. A shrine in these woods ... I don't know how, but it is these woods. Deeper in the forest .. in the dream, the trees are different, like ancient sylvan spirits turned wicked, and just as the shrine starts to come into focus ... a massive angry twisted bear attacks me .. I can smell the sickness in him ... feel his rage .. his implacable torment. " By the time he stops speaking, he is trembling. He opens his eyes and breathes deep. "And then I wake."
Jhod is quiet for a moment, looking as if he is trying to put something in words, but decides to keep it simple...
"During your exploration of the woods, should you come across what appears to be a shrine to Erastil I would very much appreciate telling me where to find it. I plan to stay here for some time, do not hesitate to come to me for healing." Jhod bows slightly to Ta'de-win. "I thank you for your time."
Rogar turns towards Jhod as he hears healing being mentioned:"Well, my good man, we should of course do what we can to help you. If our explorations will bring us to a shrine of Erastil we'll make sure to inform you of its location. And... since you mentioned healing I'd be in need of some small help as I had an unpleasant meeting with some critters earlier and I was wounded pretty eavily. Can you perhaps help me?"
Jhod turns to address Rogar. "It would be my pleasure, Ser Valertis" He inspects the infection on Rogar's neck ... I think I see the problem, can't quite tell how that came about, but this should take care of it. He starts gesturing - appearing a bit over-dramatic compared to your experience with healers. "That should help. Let me know if your strength doesn't return in the morning."
You feel refreshed, but your strength has yet to return.
Rogar feels refreashed as Jhod's magic works his way over his wounds:"Thanks Jhod! This was exactly what I needed. I owe you and I promise I'll do anything I can to locate this shrine haunting your dreams!"
Norton addresses Kressle again:"Let me see if I understood it: there is the Stag Lord, with his blue cloaks, mostly humans, then there are the bloodband, that are filled with goblins, the mites overun the goblins but still were somehow allied to the bloodband. Can you tell us something about their numbers and whereabouts?"
"Sal'dor's connections are unclear to me, but what Green says is worth a thought.... I think he finds ways to coerce these factions, rather than recruit.
Bluecloak's number one responsibility was 'protecting' Grundy's. If, as I assume, its the Bloodband that's been sending gobs to harass Grundy, and mites to steal from us... thought maybe his plan was to take us out of the picture without gettin his hands dirty - you know make us look bad - before making his move." She looks around to see if everyone is following her..
"Like I said before, that's who we thought you were. Either someone sent or set up by Sal'dor, or even someone hired by the Stag Lord in response to some deception by Sal'dor. I don't know ... the more I think about it, it just doesn't add up. "
She faces Norton directly. "I don't see the Bloodband being a challenge for you, but if the Magpies have sided with them ... or they have some .. friggin army of monstrous midgets that owes em a favor, you might wanna try ... diplomacy. Just try to keep from owing him a favor yourself."
The Green Man barks out a laugh.
"Hah! And MY idea seemed convaluted. Truly, the minds of these people are like a mire in autumn, deep, dank and deadly."
The Green Man turns to Kressle and gives her a polite nod, both in appreciation of her insight and her support of his own "crazy" idea.
"Kressle, two days ago we found some goblins harvesting blue stuff. For what I understand they were trying to pillage the Stag Lord's stash to piss him off. Do you think this is another of Sal'dor moves? Is there a way we can let the Stag Lord have his blue things along with the information that Sal'dor is playing behind his back?"
Kressle nods "Grundy has been having problems with goblin looters. Might have been one of his old radish fields, Rillo and Bunyon have helped him ... "
Rillo adds "consolidate?"
Kressle shrugs.
Bunyon goes on ... "Yeah, he uses the radishes in the old Green Hammer!" snaps his little hand into a fist emphatically.
Rillo nods ... "He grows his crop inside now - thanks to our geniousity. The radishes are used to make both his herbal liquor and his pipe tobacco blend. Stag Lord is hooked on the stuff, and he's gonna start missing it pretty soon."
"Well, if we don't want to sell our war materials and start on an inn, are we ready to return the statue? Maybe the laborers could continue to help Oleg improve the trading post. I was hoping we could get started on the inn, but obviously we have no consensus there. How about we get Mikmek and return his statue?"
Mauersberger, who has been setting boards up on saw horses, chimes in .. "Stable will take us a couple more days, anyway. Have to wait for next delivery from Smedley anyway... We can get some supplies from the local farms but ... their blacksmith is busy enough as it is. Inn might be a good idea; wouldn't have to worry about making the stable an interim guest house. That seems to be Oleg's preference."
He looks at the sun. "Guess you should be off soon. Should I get the horses ready? And taking anyone along?" Mauersberger asks this quietly to the group as if one of the ex-bandits might feel let down.
"Yes we can leave for the Kobolds', and the inn sounds good to me, we can have it started when we come back. Kressle, would you mind join us? Is meant to be a diplomatic mission, but I won't mind another sword just in case things go south."
"Forgive me Ser Ambrosi, but had we not agreed to visit papa Grundy and THEN swing around towards the kobols? Maybe tis me who have become confused now."
"I'm sorry, it was me forgetting the old weird one"
"Okay, we ready to go?" Furiel gets his pack together.