Sonechka inclines her head at Lord Fievri as he prepares to leave. "Thank you for your wise counsel, Lord Fievri. We have much to think on."
"My lord, how long are you planning to stay here? We are having a festival in a couple of weeks, should we expect your presence there?"
Furiel smiles and adds:
"It would be wise to have your bets on us. Imagine a united kingdom here. I trust shrewd judgement is a family trait."
The Green Man has been sitting silently throughout the conversation, not sure of what to say, a not really minding letting the others do the talking.
To be honest, he had felt a little snubbed by the lord and not fully trusting himself with being civil if addressed directly.
Besides, cultivating a strong silent type reputation can be useful.
People might underestimate me for thinking me slow, or think me a shrewd thinker and listener.
Either could be useful in the long run.
Dolgrym kept his tongue as well, other than his first question. He had not been with the group long enough to offer suggestions in front of strangers. He didn't want to take a chance on disrespecting one of the others due to his lack of knowledge of the new kingdom's etiquette.
With Lord Fievri gone, Norton readies himself for the rest of the day.
"It seems politics is reaching us, way faster than we expected. But I think right now we can just keep neutral, and watch."
Then he raises to his feet. "If today we are lingering around Stagfall, I'll take care of a few things, shall we adjourn to noon?"
"Noon sounds like a good idea, people often take a break at that time, so we can be ready to inform our people after lunch.
Anything important going on Ser Ambrosi?"
Sonechka turns from watching Lord Fievri leave to listen to Norton. Once he was done, she nods in the direction Lord Fievri went. "His suggestion was rude, but it makes me wonder what the climate is like in Restov and New Stetven. I think I will have Rojeune send some of her people north to make sure our information is as current as possible. I would hate to hear first about the Throne's displeasure with our leadership from a general at the head of a thousand men."
"Good idea, that also means we have to deal with our "evil old man" as soon as we can, so they can pull people of watching him and focus on other things, like the state of the throne.
There are only so many of our little birds, we can't stretch them too thin until their number grows."
Sonechka nods. "I was hoping we would deal with the man soon."
"Nothing really, Rook was supposed to put a trakers-hunters team together, I want to see how that is coming. I would hate to see people run into another Manticore or similar. They are supposed to check on the wilds for dangerous animals. We know for sure an Owlbear is out there, some kind of devilish boar as well. The sooner we find them the better."
"Then there is the festival. I have neglected its preparation for too long. If you don't mind I'll check on these things."
If no other matter is brought up, Norton bows to the others at the table and leaves.
"Well, we still have an army to raise. I am going to talk with Kesten and see how that is coming. I also have raid on the farm to organize to drive the slaver underground or apprehend him. Also, we haven't heard from Mikmek and the kobolds yet. He would handle the kobold slave/disease carrier incident quite quickly if he was here."
Furiel is going to check on the recruiting drive to get trappers and hunters.
Dolgrym's ears pick up at the talk of a festival. "what sort of festival are you planning?"
"Nothing too fancy, to celebrate the fall of the Stag lord, and the new course these lands are set to, we decided to have a celebration. People from around here are invited to join, bring their goods, and spend a couple of days enjoying the place."
"Right, well, everyone seems to have some tasks to deal with, and no more issues to address now.
So I guess we can officially call this council meeting adjourned.
We'll meet at lunch then, to address the people."
You summon Rook, and he arrives to meet you. "Lord Ambrosi." He bows. "I've put together a small team. Me'n five others - if it's still alright for me to bring Arliss along. Should be fine. Would've liked a crew with a bit more experience, but most folk you got here aren't too anxious about going out in the woods - wasn't why they came here." He shrugs.
Kesten tells you that he has been preparing a training program for recruits, and has brought on a couple with experience as potential drill sergeants. "Regarding the hunters and trappers, General, considering your intended use, I would strongly suggest those recruited to at least have a rudimentary training."
"Those who were sent to make contact with Mikmek returned unsuccessful. I believe you mentioned they patrolled among several hidden caves - not just the one we are aware of. I can send our men on a mission with a longer time frame if you wish, General, have them stay until they make contact?"
Having had a gutful of political talk, The Green Man waits for the others to leave, slowly drumming his fingers on the table.
As his temper cools and his thoughts collects, he decides to have a walk.
Sketching a slow circle around the town, he takes the opportunity to just observe people, looking at them as they go about their daily lives.
There is a lot of energy and hustle and bustle here. Not like in the old cities where people have already decided on their lives long ago, here people are still uncertain, and it lends them energy.
Norton talks with Rook. "Good, proceed as you see fit, what I want is to keep strange creature in check, and avoid civilians to get hurt. I know for a fact that an owlbear lives nearby, and some kind of wild boar seems to be a menace. Try to track them down, but do not engage them, come back to us with news. Now go, I have other matter to attend to"
Then Norton goes to look for master Broadhammer.
Furiel explains how to handle the move to the farm to Kesten. The use of nonlethal methods and overwhelming numbers should keep things in hand.
Green sees no sign of concern among the people. The bows, curtsies, and well-wishing his passage brings seem genuine.
~~~
Rook is comfortable with his orders, and leaves.
Norton finds Brarim Broadhammer just adjourning his morning meeting with his team leaders.
"Late start... Lord Fievri desired our presence for his departure."
~~~
The source of the "words of discontent" seems to be from a mouthy pair of ruffians who were sharing a campfire with a dozen others. They went on for a while about why conquerors make lousy rulers. Someone finally spoke up against them, and ran them off. Though someone must have passed it on, those asked about it didn't admit to agreeing with the complaints, but the one who drove them off was a bit harsh (and happened to enlist for militia duties).
The identities of the two ruffians is unknown, and no one matching their description has been seen in the past couple days.
Dolgrym spent the evening drinking with his Dwarven builder friends. He slept late the next morning, knowing he didn't have any real business until the luncheon meeting that would need his attention.
"Really? I can't immagine what he could possibly had wanted from you." says casually Norton, hoping to get some information about this meeting back.
Then he gets to the real matter. "Master Broadhammer, as you might know in a couple of weeks a fair is going to happen here. I know your men are already busy with the construction of the fort, but I was wondering if you could spare a couple to help building a few shacks."
"Aye m'lord. Old family friend. Gone all crotchety on me... mind's gone to gears, but still sentimental I'm afraid."
"We can handle that, M'lord. Building a couple shacks can be done on break from real work."
Sonechka has Rojeune tell her people to keep an eye out for the two men, though she had likely already told them to do so. Then she goes looking for Ta'de-win to get the marshal's people looking for the two rabble rousers.
The Green Man tries his best to be friendly and open to the people...no, HIS people.
About halfway through his walk he suddenly remembers what and who he is, instead of trying to be friendly, he stops and begins to simply BE friendly, like is natural for him.
"Hustle and bustle eh Goodman? The hamlet is coming along, soon it will be a town and then a city.
It won't be lone ere this place is a wealthy capital.
We are setting roots here, and from the roots, a mighty tree will spring.
And the tree is watered with our sweat and toil."
Green's "mingling" with the public goes well enough. Many seem intimidated - particularly at first, but for most of the groups of people he comes across have at least one able to help kindle friendly (not-too-familiar) banter.
The closest to a pointed question Green hears are a couple who ask if he feels the settlement is really ready to have proper festival.
Another brings up that they'd heard mention of Spitch Fowler and Enzi Quillor preparing a "Notables Games" for the festival - friendly competitions for Chef Fowler's esteemed clientele.
Later that evening, Rojeune tells you it may take some time and luck. Without a proper infrastructure to the settlement (neither structure nor "underworld contacts"), there are no avenues of investigation... only random canvasing. No taverns, no stables, no shady alleys....
No point in delaying this any longer, people will find out eventually, hard to keep massive recruitment for a standing army secret when you are recruit FROM the people you were trying not to tell.
At noon, The Green Man heads to the centre of town, climbs up on what could be called a podium and waits for the rest of the council to arrive before turning to address the people.
"People of Stagfall, it is time that we laid some news on you, something important that you need to know now, ahead of time.
I ask that you take a little time from your daily lives and hear what we have to tell you, how you chose to spend your future here may very well depend upon this."
Dolgrym attends the town hall meeting, for lack of a better term. He hadn't met many of the towns folk, normally spending his time with his kinsman, the Dwarven crafters. He supped on a cup of mead while the speeches were made.
Sonechka settles herself at the edge of the crowd to both listen to Green's speech and keep a watchful eye out for troublemakers and rabble rousers. She directs Glaza to perch on the roof of a building on the far side of the crowd from her to make his own observations. She assumes the Magpies have their own sources scattered through the assembling crowd and plans on talking to Rojeune later to hear their notes.
Since Green is making a speech, Furiel decides to make one too.
"You need to know that there are some threats to our settlement already. Kesten, your Castellan and Guard Captain, will be looking into this threat today. Forces that liked how things were like before we arrived, are trying to keep us from making a unified land out here."
Furiel does mention: "We can use this incident to show how slavery is wrong. Using slaves as disease carriers will make the main slave owner a villian and we can use this as justification to implement the no slavery poliicy."
A good majority of the people gather - with few structures to block views it is easy to spot an event coming together.
The Broadhammers gather near the council covered in sweat, dirt, and stone dust.... With their build site as the backdrop, the scene looks like a mural depicting civic progress.
Green's opening goes well. They him their full attention, and many seem appreciative of being acknowledged at all. Furiel's mention of concerns, your ability to deal with them, and your moral standing do not exactly rouse the crowd, but they still seem "with you".
"As some of you no doubt know, this is not the first time someone has attempted to settle this land, and as you can plainly see, there is good reason for it.
This is a fertile land, the sort of country that inflame the mind and heart of people.
Here a person of strong will and heart can start anew, and in the toil and sweat of hard labour build a life.
Here the clever can forge an important position for themselves and their descendants.
Here, hard work pays off as the land is rich.
You can farm here and expect good crops, you can hunt as the game is rich, there are minerals to be mined, lumber to cut and trade to be had.
For those with the skills and will to make it so, this has all the hallmarks of a kingdom made from the stuff of dreams."
The Green Man pauses a bit, taking a breath and calming himself.
The truth was, he was falling into his own rhetoric just a but, and wanted to try and stop himself before he became too passionate.
"However, all is not well, and as I said, it requires a certain mind-set, a willingness to overcome and to struggle.
However, when you came here, you may not have expected danger, or that you might have to fight to keep what is yours.
Sadly, this is exactly the reality we now face.
One great problem has already been overcome, this very land we stand upon was in the thrall of the bandit lord known as the Staglord, some of you no doubt know the story, some do not."
"But he was only the first of these petty kings, seeking to make a name for himself upon the backs of others.
As we now build a city upon his failure, we find ourselves still in danger.
The land itself is untamed, some of you may have heard of wild animals of unusual size and aggressive behaviour for example.
I wish that was all..."
Pausing yet again for effect, The Green Man allows a moment of anticipation to build before continuing.
"You may not know the name of the foul king, but it seems that he has heard of our attempts to build, and he does not like it.
Perhaps he fears competition, perhaps he simply hate civilization, or perhaps he seeks plunder and slaves?
We do not know, all we know is that he is raising a horde, and his aim is to wipe us out.
You have been called here today so that these facts can be laid bare before you."
"Should you wish to leave after hearing this, nobody will call you coward, nobody will blame you, this is not what you expected, and you should not have to put yourself in danger against your wishes.
But for those of you who will not be moved, those of you who have put down root, I ask you, if you are willing, stand with us, fight with us, help us keep this dream of ours alive.
Some of you will want to fight, and we are forming a militia as the first step to keep our lands safe.
But for those of you who will not leave but do not wish to fight, there is much to be done.
Supplies must be gathered, defences must be raised, and more than that, since we intend to win, there WILL be a city here, with taverns, city halls, a harbour, gardens and such.
Some will fight, some will build, and together...we will make our dream come true!"
Sonechka continues to scan the crowd, hoping to be able to head off any trouble makers before they could start. She was only half listening to Green, concentrating as she was on the crowd, but she liked what she did catch.
There are few who look "troublingly panicked"... most who've made their way here are of a hardier stock, and stronger will. Overall, the crowd appears to be with him - quiet, but resolute... ready for stewardship of these lands - caring for what they care about.
The Broadhammers raise their stoneworking tools and cheer before singing an old workman's tune on their way back to the build site.
"Our own hands are bui-ilding this bright new morning
So steeped seemed the evening in darkness so foul
Working land's glor-ory where our sons will be born in
My hammer rings so brightly, pride streams from my eyes."
"Well, most of what needs to be said has now been revealed, and many of you will want to get back to work.
For those that have a wish to sign up for the militia or perhaps help in other ways, by making weapons, armour and the like, there will be a recruitment centre put up tomorrow."
"As you can probably guess, we will all be busy in the coming days, but if anyone has any questions, now is the time to ask, I shall answer a few before I leave."
Since Green seems quite comfortable with the words all by himself, Norton doesn't intervene in the speach.
When the speech is done Norton heads to the fort and descends to the lower level.
Once inside Nitschada's cell he asks "Hi, still thinking about burning whole human kind to ashes?"
There are no questions for Green at that moment, but a few directly after he leaves the "stage" of stone block palettes. A couple men self-admittedly "past their prime" but experienced ask about essential militia positions not likely to see combat.
Another asks if issued weapons and armor will be high enough quality to protect volunteers.
Most of those quick to voice their intention to enlist go directly to Kesten and Furiel. There are a few awkward and eager introductions, but once one simply salutes, the remaining volunteers each do the same as they step up to the military leaders.
Two of the volunteers are wearing the same armor Glausho's men were wearing - the mercenaries you faced when you captured Nihtscada and Errol, and when you took the fort.
~~~~~ In the cells ~~~~~
Nihtscada eyes Norton as he enters, and nods. "Wise enough not to do such a foolish thing at night. I would not make it far in the light."
"You've trapped me into dwelling on this long enough to put it plainly. I am not a creature born of civilization.... To hold the same ideals as you would be... perverse. Once your ideals are removed from the formula, we have only this... You, young lords, overthrew a leader in power, and put one who served him in chains."
"You did not accept his rule... this is clear."
"But if it had been you who'd been bound behind bars, would you have come to see his way in time?"
"Or would you still.. rather see him burn?"
Norton sees a hint of a genuine earnestness as if the hate toward him is gone... She only wants to make him understand there is no more ground to give, and she will not change.
She still would likely rather not be here, but she is not seething in captivity as she seemed to be at first.
The short of it is, they will be with you when war comes, and delivers a mug-raising vow... "With this battle, I have faith Broadhammer and Sharpaxe will be names chiseled in stone together."
"With hope, as minor a matter as it'd seemed from the start?"
To Barim:
When Dolgrym has a chance to speak to the others out of earshot of the general citizenry, he tells them what he heard from the Braodhammers. "They are with us until the end. However Barim Broadhammer did admit that that his kin's camp were being harried by some lizard men. He said they could handle it, but it seemed to be distracting him a bit. Perhaps we could swing by there and convince the lizard men to pack up and leave, one way or the other."
She shakes her head. "For now, I suppose all we can do is stay alert for more malcontents and keep our eyes open for those two, in particular. As for our other problem, we will move on it soon, and then I will have another task for your eyes."
"Well, with some of the threat being located at a nearby farm, we will get ready for a quick test of the more experienced of our group. Kesten, we will group the recruits into two groups, those with prior experience under arms, and those with none. The ones with experience should be up for a quick visit to the Kinsilvi Farm. Until the claim of Kinsilvi is validated, the Farm will be 'secured' for now. The priority is to locate Kinsilvi so we can validate his claim. The soldier finding him will get 100 gold from me as a bonus."
Furiel shows the newer recruits to the stockpile of weapons and armor Rogar, their former swordlord, insisted on keeping.
The Green Man stops and does his best to answer the questions put before him.
"Well, if you have experience, obviously you are in a unique position to pass it on.
I would suggest that you apply for jobs as drillers and trainers, helping us getting the eager but less capable volunteers in shape."
The Green Man can't help but smile at the image of a squad of angry old men shouting at the younger recruits about "Being old enough to be your grandfather, so don't give me any of your lip sonny!"
"Weapons and armour will be purchased from Brevoy until we have sufficient infrastructure to make them ourselves.
According to early surveys of the land, we have several rich deposits of high quality metal, all we need are people and places to make them in."
Since Green is making a speech, Furiel decides to make one too.
"You need to know that there are some threats to our settlement already. Kesten, your Castellan and Guard Captain, will be looking into this threat today. Forces that liked how things were like before we arrived, are trying to keep us from making a unified land out here."
Third post on raiding the farm.
The next day you head to Kinsilvi Farm. It is much the same... cowled kobolds are working the field (though a different further field... the near field is starting to sprout.) The large man Hyassus (with a protruding forehead, and eyebrows bushy enough to shame the wisps of hair ringing his head) spots you from his perch on a fence between the house and the fields. He trots over as you make your way to the front door.
On either side and behind the farmhouse, there are boxy hutches the size of outhouses - one behind the house is larger and long like a henhouse.
"To be honest, I am not trying to make you see my way, I am trying to understand yours. On the matter of keeping you captive here, I'm not fond of it either, and the accomodation is only for lack of a better solution; I hope it will soon run its course. I must go now, but I'll be back."
Not knowing quite what to expect, Dolgrym casts Bull's Strength on himself, as the man approaches the group.
Sonechka smiles at the man as he approaches. "Is your master home? We would have words with him."