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Stuck, at the city gates of Cliffhome. Jibjib was cross. He had been arguing with the guards for nearly an hour about being let into the damned city with Bloodgorger. I'm sorry sir, but the invitation clearly extends to one Jibjib, not a Jibjib and a Bloodgorger. We have orders to not allow dangerous beasts into the city proper had been their initial response to him. Who did they think they were? thought the halfling. Bloodgorger is as much of a hero as he was, and he could only think of the trouble the dinosaur would get into without his careful eye.
Jibjib was friends with the captain of the guard, and he knew that Bloodgorger would be let in once the captain got there, but it was just a matter of time. "Mouthbreathers" muttered the halfling, as he sat down and pulled out a piece of jerky, getting ready for the wait.
Mid morning comes and you find yourselves in the waiting room for the audience room of the castle. Guards have led you through a short series of corridors and entrance rooms. The under-guards made gestures towards your weapons, but the captain waved them off.
The hallways and the waiting room have been completely bare. The square, stark angles make the castle appear dead. You can see signs where metal fastenings have been removed from walls, and uneven wear marks on the floor suggest places where furniture and perhaps suits of armor once stood. The common folk had always heard that the beloved king had sold off most of the castle's furnishings to fund the war. It appears those rumors are true.
Waiting alongside you in room is a young nobleman. He had been waiting quite confidently and patiently. As he sees you being led in, he flushes a little. As the group gets larger and larger, his eyes get wider, eventually being driven to speak
I'm honored to be in your presence. You're all heroes of the war. I wonder why we're here at the same time...? Oh, where are my manners, I'm Theodor; first born son of Count Patrick."
Kyras glowers at the young man.
Hmph, Hero's? If killing and torturing men makes one a hero, I suppose.... The names Kryas. I do what I do to protect this land and its people. Not because I enjoy it. Though, I certainly don't NOT enjoy killing a few raving savages that have no thought or care for anything good.
He plucks a feather from his hat and hands it to the man. But his glower never fades.
As Versys is led into the room is walks into the corner of it and props herself upagainst it as she surveys her fellow occupants of the room her gaze unfaltering even when Kyras speaks and a knowing smile creeps onto her face.
"I am Versys I am a hunter, of sorts. I expect the king wants to parade us around like show animals before giving us some form of token reward".
Jibjib walks into the room, still smarting about his interaction at the gate. As Theodor introduces himself and praises the motley crew, the heavily tattooed halfling puffs up. He mutters something in halfling at first, and then speaks to the room.
"Don't get too excited, Jibjib."
"HELLO COMRADES, GOOD DAY. AM JIBJIB, SON OF JIBJAB, SON OF JABJAB. AM FANGBEARER TRIBE, LEARN TO TRAIN DINOSAURS YOUNG."
He seems to blurt all of this out at once, half-bellowing, but is clearly pleased by what he assumes is his mastery of common. Realizing that he was yelling at these people, Jibjib calms down a bit and continues.
"Not hero of war! Jibjib and Bloodgorger just have fun!" he replies to Theodor.
"Hmmmm... Drawg was hoping not to have to deal with too many humans. Their odor was cloying. He glanced around the bare chamber with a new appreciation for the ruler. Drawg believed in and lived a spartan life.
"Seems they got a bunch of us 'heroes' to come visit.... how *ahem*... nice." Drawg looks around at the crowd disdainfully.
Drawg saunters over toward Theodor, moves in too close and takes a big sniff of the nobleman.
"You smell of the city and a pampered life, boy. I am Drawg Hammerfang, but you probably know me as The Hatchet. Drawg pulls out one of his axes and twirls it in his fingers before re-sheathing it and giving the nobleman a hard stare.
"Pleasure to meet ya."
Jibjib narrows his eyes at the newcomer, feeling like he's being talked down to, which is quite the offense to this proud halfling, especially given his height.
"Jibjib thinks if ugly has a problem seeing people, Jibjib can fix. Ugly has no head, ugly has no problem." says the little halfling, looking equally disdainful of the larger humanoid.
Kyras throws a withering look towards the half orc and halfing.
save your insults and threats for the enemies, its unbecoming to so slightly treat a comrade. Heros or no, that's what we have been named. Whether we all fit that title remains to be seen.
Jibjib narrows his eyes at the newcomer, feeling like he's being talked down to, which is quite the offense to this proud halfling, especially given his height.
"Jibjib thinks if ugly has a problem seeing people, Jibjib can fix. Ugly has no head, ugly has no problem." says the little halfling, looking equally disdainful of the larger humanoid.
"Don't be mad Jibjab. Drawg said hello politely to the nobleman."
Theodor takes the feather, trying to figure out if he should be honored or insulted, before eventually giving up and threading the shaft of the feather through holes for the bone fasteners of his cape.
He appears completely flustered by Drawg and Jibjib There are some many stories told of the Hatchet and the beast riding halfing, but I somehow thought they'd be more cultured, more heroic Not people who would kill me as soon as look at me
Finally finding his nerves, "Master Hammerfang, you're right. I have lived a sheltered life. My father bade me look after his city, Flossberg, during the war while he rode at the head of our armies. My father has been petitioning the king for our family to take stewardship of the Voyllr plains and begin its rebuilding. I think that's why I'm here. I'm sure the King means to reward you in in much more than a token manner." The last is addressed to Versys.
"You will be heading to Voyllr?" Drawg takes another look at the young man. "Perhaps you have the mettle. We must share some stories and some ale after our meeting here."
"No past no matter when you adventure! You earn your worth in Voyllr Theodor, this one thinks." the small man says as he beams, apparently having completely forgotten the tense situation just moments before.
Indeed, I judge a man not based on his heritage or words, but rather, on his character, his strength of will, and his might with his blade. Empty words have little meaning.
Kyras Finds himself agreeing with the small yet large halfing. Although It is somewhat difficult to follow him sometimes.
Nod in agreement with the others speaking up a little "You are still young Theodor there are still many years to come where you can prove yourself. We only did what we had to at the time, what was expected of us. When your time comes I am sure you will thrive."
"Travelling with good company will present opportunities for you to not only learn but also to shine! Theodor, do you have an inkling of why you were summoned? Perhaps if we knew that, we might be able to figure out why the rest of us are here."
"My father, Count Patrick, is the administrator for the king for the northeastern border lands and the city of Flossberg. It is only natural that the king would choose us to develop the Voyllr plains as our existing holdings adjoin."
As he finishes speaking, the doors to the audience chamber are opened and you are ushered in. A majordomo by the door booms out: "The king's heroes of the great war!" He looks at Theodor and adds "and Theodor, Count Patrick's heir."
The audience chamber is smaller than you expected; At one end on a stone throne on a slight dais sits King Oleg. Two nobles stand to his right, and a robed figure to his left. Four guards stand at attention along the sides of the room. A large table, with a rough map of the northern regions of Wodmarch and the entirety of the Vollyr plains stands before you and the King and his advisors. Much of the map is sparsely drawn. The room is well lit by lanterns as opposed to the torches you saw in other areas of the castle. This is a room for private discussions with the king your realize, not a room for presentation to throngs of courtiers.
The King's expression looks somewhat distant and someone pained. One of noble advisors steps forward and addresses you.
"Greetings heroes! I am Duke Marcus, the Lord High Steward, and I speak for the king in this matter. You have all served our nation well during this recent war and the king wishes to reward you. The Voyllr plains are a fruitful province, yet few seem to have the temperament and patience for unlocking their bounty. I have prevailed on the King to try an unusual approach.
"You: Kyras Lorach, Versys White Dove, Drawg Hammerfang, and Jibjib Fangerbearer are being granted provisional rulership, in the King's name, over the Voyllr plains. This grant will be re-assessed in one year's time, or in the event of a serious complaint made by the other nobles. At the end of the year, if you've proven yourself, you will be elevated to the Peerage with a rank appropriate to your success."
Theodor's face shows his shock at this news.
"Theodor, you are tasked to assist these heroes in their efforts. Your skill at maintaining Flossberg during your father's war duties has been noted. Consider yourself Mayor of Daelsend under a similar provisional grant"
Addressing the group at large: "You have the king's thanks; you have the king's grant" gesturing to a scroll on the table. "I'm sure you will have many questions, but the king's time is short. Please begin your planning, I will send my son Oskar to you to help make appointments with various palace officials to answer your questions."
The guards and majordomo usher you out of the room before you have a chance to speak and lead you to a smaller room with a table, parchment, ink and quill. Theodor storms off.
After the brief yet, shocking speech Kyras Speaks up.
SO we are expected to turn this war ravaged fief into a bountiful land from which riches flow like water? well, I always enjoyed a challenge, I'm in. Though, I believe my expertise lies in the guard, and defense of the city, from without... and within, when necessary.
As Kyras speaks he turns to the rest, directing his speech towards them.
Looking a bit bemused by the preceding audience, move to the table and stand over the map trying to get my bearings "Am I only one who finds this a little odd? My instinct is that we are being handed a poisoned chalice. Theodor didn't look too impressed either though that's not surprising."
"I am not surprised. Nothing changed, at least for me. Once again they call upon The Hatchet to do the king's dirty work.... I am not so sure he will be happy with the results this time.
Drawg looks at each of the others and then at the map.
I agree with you Versys. This seems very strange to me. Judging by all of your reactions, we probably all did similar "dirty" work for the king. Do you think Theodor was unhappy that is being sent to serve us rather than rule? Or is he unhappy because this place we are being sent is a s&$~hole?
Kyras stares at the others as they make there observations.
He directs his first comment towards versys
yes, it is strange but poison chalic or no this is what we have been given. Perhaps he hopes our "heroic presence" will help to increase morale of those loyal and deterr any actions from those.... less than loyal.
he places emphasis on "heroic presence" as he says it.
He then turns to regard the half orc
I feel we all did our part in some way.. though as to your second question I would say its a bit of both. Those with "noble" blood feel above most others and are usually raised from a babe to beleive it is there given right to rule, with little concern or patience for anything less.
He regards the whole group I feel we have been given a piece of land destined to fail... I never much liked destiny. What say to making this work?
"I say we make this land in our image and see what the King thinks of that!"
The halfling grins at Drawg's most recent statement. "King Oleg not my king. Jibjib like Drawg idea. In Jibjib's land, king is the one with most battle scars. Maybe nobleman Theo has none, and we give him some!"
The halfling looks immensely pleased with the task before them. After pondering for a few seconds, he quickly adds, "Jibjib think Drawg and others can squeeze land very hard for resources. And this one hopes there is resistance." The halfling gives a bloodthirsty grin after this last statement.
Carry on looking at the map before looking back up to Drawg "It was war we did what we were asked. I doubt he is unhappy because of the place as he said to us his family considers it theirs so it may be because we have usurped him."
From Drawg versys looks across to Kyras "From what I remember this place has been been burned down several times so I'd hope those that are left are loyal whether it be to the king or at least their town.
Regarding Jibjab for a moment "I hope there isn't resistance, but we shall see".
Then to the group I agree lets make this place our own, play the king at his own game".
Then to no one in particular "I wonder if we can get a large copy of this map"
I suggest we divide the duties up. Defense, administration, resources, and public relations...
Kyras takes a look around the room.
On second thought. perhaps Theo should do the public relations bit.. I suppose we could combine defense and law with administration.
He pauses a moment as he considers this
I propose that I and Versys head that area. While you, Drawg and you jibby, cover the resources. Eventually we will have to come together to confer, but at first we will need a strong basis. I and versys will weed out any contempt townsfolk, if there are any, as well as set of defense measures and train the guard so that we can keep our work from being burned down, yet again. You will be in charge of gathering and teaching the townsfolk, How to hunt, gather and farm the land if possible. without harming them, he adds after a pause
After we have a defensible town that can easily support itself, we can branch out to other areas.
after his suggestion he pauses.
Or,we could work fully together, I believe my first proposal will yield quicker results, but that one were we do things together may bring more order. Though I feel haste will be key at the start. Though if anyone has a better idea That seems more tactical sound I am indeed all ears.
He looks up, with a grin, quite proud of his tactical insight once again. He is sure the group will accept his proposal, or at least, his second proposal.
Jibjib not a farmer. Jibjib can show humans how to hunt, but Jibjib not know farms. Fangbearer tribe model work well. Everyone warrior, everyone hunt. Not too many people. Live lightly, no luxury. Keep the produce of resources flowing. No over harvest animal or plant. Everyone in tribe in charge of security." ]
Jibjib contemplates more. Jibjib think there be experts at farm already who help us. This one can help with defense and hunting though.
Carry on studying the map before announcing I think getting results quickly will probably be a good idea, I agree that getting town as self sufficient as possible is key and if we can so it can also defend itself against future attacks so much the better. I am just not sure if we can trust Theodor.
Oskar walks into the room, dressed in white and blue livery of his family's house. He looks confident, but no hint of arrogance or condescension in his manner.
"Greetings, I'm Oskar. I've been sent to provide you with information, answer what questions I can, arrange meetings with the powers in the kingdom. I haven't been given a deadline to get you on your way, but I think everyone would be happier having strength on the ground in Daelsend sooner rather than later.
"The king has already sent orders for a caravan to be prepared at Flossberg of supplies and some new settlers and has authorized use of the messenger relay's horses to get you to Flossberg as quickly as we can once you're ready to strike out. Using these relays and the mountain switchback, you'll be in Flossberg in three days. I haven't heard an estimate of the caravans time from Flossberg to Daelsend, but I'd guess a week or two, those wagons are slow.
"We've heard, as no doubt most of you already know, that Daelsend is close to completely destroyed. I believe they still have a blacksmith, though the soldiers say he's not good for much, and several farming families. Very little in civic, religious, or defensive infrastructure survive. So I think you're basically starting from scratch, and dealing with a rather superstitious populace.
He spends a bit of time outlining the resources in the caravan .
He also tells you briefly about some of the other powers in the kingdom that you might want to meet with
"What else do you need to know?"
"Was the town's most recent sacking the result of war or brigands taking advantage of the fog of war?"
"We haven't heard of any bandit activity, though it wouldn't surprise me if deserters from either army have started such; no the desolation of the town occurred during the war."
should we expect any.. surprises enroute to the settlement? Also, will there be any additional people working with us? Oh, and I should like to meet with the general before our departure.
Kyras asks. Eager to get started and put his planning skills to the test, but also aware that haste brings waste.
"I haven't heard much from the Voyllr plains since the war, so I can't really tell what other surprised you might face. Though to hear the stories, you should be ready for anything! Additional people, well the fifty or so able boded adults from the caravan. Childen, some elderly relatives, and the like are to join the settlement in a later caravan once space is prepared for them."
"I'll see about the General's availability, and also try to track down some maps for you."
hmm. Will there be additional guards with our caravan or are we considered its defence? Is the king to expect tribute and if so how soon and how much?
Kyras has dozens of questions buzzing around in his head its hard to hold on to one long enough to ask it.
"Some of the settlers are retired soldiers, they can probably help with caravan defense, possibly with town defense as well. But if you're looking for a longer term solution, you might want to recruit more dedicated individual before you leave."
"Ahh tribute, from what my father has said, that's apt to be a volatile topic. I know my father has focused on trying to keep no requirements, at least during the first year, but I know the treasurer and most of the nobles are pushing the king to start rebuilding the kings resources and wish to plunder the plains quickly."
Drawg gives Kyras an appraising look before speaking to Oskar.
You can't plunder what ain't there, but it sounds like you already know that. What do you suggest we do to help the king keep his boot-lickers in line?
Just out of interest what constitutes proving ourselves? Is there anything in particular the king hopes we can bring to Vollyr plains?
"Jibjib thinks running kingdom harder than killing one. These ones need help; can Oskar set up meeting with Duke Marcus and Count Reginald for these ones?"
"I can bring you to the General now. While you meet with him I'll find when the other two nobles can you see."
He leads you out of your planning room and out of the castle proper to the adjacent headquarter's barracks.
As you walk he attempts to answer some of your questions.
To Drawg: [b"I think you'll need to strike a careful balance, sending resources when you can, reporting successes, but not appearing overly successful, but also reporting challenges that would scare off city types. The old king had the experience to keep the nobles in line and could easily see through attempts to curry favor with words not results."[/b] The absence of comment about the current king tells you that Oskar and has father might have some worries about the new king in that regard, but aren't willing to say it outright.
To Versys: "That's a good question for everyone you meet with; I suspect they'll all have a different answer. I'm sure my father would say, a peaceful province, secure against invasion, welcoming to traders, and sustainably productive in its resources. He's also more progressive than some and I think he'd add 'happy peasantry'. The Treasurer would probably say 'Gold, gold, and more gold'. I know the king would like to be able to restory the castle and capital to some of its former glory."
As you pass through the training grounds you see small and large squads training -- large squads with headless pikes learning to march and small squads training with short swords in formation under the eyes of leathery arm-masters. A pair of guards, clad in chain and holding spears stand outside the headquarter's building and wave you in.
General Alfonz, stands before a large map of the kingdom affixed to the wall, wearing well worn plate. His red cape of office is draped over a nearby chair, along with his helm.
"Sp, you're the ones the king has decided to send north to secure Voyllr. We have a small force at Shapedstone, need to rotate them home soon, but will replace them with another group for at least two seasons. Would prefer to garrison the pass with local recruits, I can probably spare some officers to help train at some point, once you have a suitable set of recruits. Probably need you to scout more completely along the mountain range to see if there's other passes Lochlannaicians could sneak through. You can probably tear down the river border forts for stone at some point."
"What else were you wanting to know?
AH, General, You answered some of my questions already, But I do have a few more. You see, I was wondering if you could spare a couple of fresh recruits and an officer for this foray, I feel I could use the spare manpower for guards and scouts, The office for help in there training, as I will have many other things to work over once I reach the plains. I ask only because I don't want to get there, and start building only to have it brought to ruin due to some raid, be it deserters, bandits, or Lochlannaicians, I feel having a handful of soldiers, an officer and whoever signs on to the town militia could help deter many would be raiders. The way I see it, I will help train some of your fresh recruits, They could possibly get some combat experience outside of war, and eventually even start swapping out with new recruits, though not all at once, as the city grows the need for experienced militia and guardsmen will be needed even more. AH! Forts, I was wondering, in your tactical mind, what are the best places to set up forts in the near future to help defend what we are able to grow? I would need the most defensible positions that are close enough around the town to provide aid quickly, Perhaps a small keep in the town once we get the resources could work.. Any suggestions? I intend to do some surveying myself but I wanted to ask a superior and more experienced mind in this matter, to help narrow down my searches.
Kyras goes on a small rant, as questions finally are able to flood out. He even forgets to introduce himself properly, though the general should already know his face, if not his name.
How often does bandits or other nasties attack Shapedstone?
"Well Shapedstone sits across the only passable road we know of from Lochlannach into the Voyllr plains. We tend to garrison it well enough, along with its resupply caravans that small bandit forces and raiding parties know to leave it alone, so it doesn't see a lot of action. However, we know that raiding parties still slip through and plague the region, so there must be mountain paths, etc. Doubt you can afford to build forts along the entire extent... Perhaps more watch towers like we had at the south and one or two keeps from which a garrison could sally forth. But have haven't explored enough to know where. Large armies always came by the fort due to the road."
He pauses considering Kyras's other request.
"Lad, troops are short after that war, but what you say is also true... I might be able to send a few, recovering from injuries, to the fort, and free up a squad from there to assist. It would weaken the fort, but the convalescing could likely still assist with basic defense, just not patrolling... I'll ask around and see if I can find an officer who'd like the post..."