Zhi looks around, a bit confused. "Well, I'm still fairly new, so I'll need a bit of time to get the details of the position. Then I'll be able to know what's right and what needs to be addressed." He doesn't know about his position, but neither does he know about anything else in the place, so anything he says would probably sound dumb and pompous.
Yes, many of us are new, but I'm recently good at Oratory, like as of 5 seconds ago!
Yes, we're all fairly new, but this letter demands immediate attention, unless our citizens have anything more pressing. Farus once again prompts all members of the council, pausing for a moment to allow interjection I too was hoping for some respite in the comforts of civilization as we attended to the duties of Silverhold, but I take faith, because I've seen us in action. The bandits and the Hodig stood for mere moments against us, because of the efficacy of this group. I have every confidence that we'll be similarly effective in our investigation of our fellow colonists, and should everything be fine, we'll take the opportunity to discuss trade networks. Oleg, what news from our mine and sawmill in terms of production? Or perhaps our farm or fishery have excess that'd be available for trade?
Lisl picks up the ledgers that Oleg has dutifully been keeping and gestures with them as she says, "While it is still early in the season, productivity seems to be positive. People are eager for us to expand the towns to have new businesses available to them - a mill to grind grain, a smith to shoe horses for the fields, and so on. Spirits seem to be high and there is much potential."
She inclines her head graciously to Oleg. "If you will forgive me for stepping in."
"This means that matters are well in hand for the month, and perhaps we should respond to this letter about Varnhold," she continues. "After all, we are a reasonably stable, if young, settlement. We should be good neighbors."
"I agree. We should check in on them. I can't imagine why they would stop sending messages unless something bad happened. Even if you were planning treachery you would send letters to keep up appearances."
If the PCs wish to learn more about Varnhold, a DC 10 Knowledge (local or geography) recalls that Varnhold was established by a group of mercenaries led by Maegar Varn and that his band was called the Varnling Host. Like the PCs, they were one of the initial groups selected to colonize the Stolen Lands. A quick investigation of their colony’s
various points of contact with other nations confirms that no new communications have come from Varnhold in the last 2 weeks.
A DC 15 Knowledge (nobility) check recalls that Maegar Varn is the third son of Androth Varn, a Brevic baron of Issian descent. As such, he does not stand to inherit his father’s title and holdings, and the opportunity to found a colony offered by the swordlords is likely his best chance to make his fortune. Maegar has no particular loyalty to Brevoy but also has nothing to gain from openly rebelling against it—so it seems unlikely that this lapse of communication is intentional.
It seems that matters locally are quiet for the moment. Perhaps it is safe to investigate your neighbour's sudden silence?
"That's the outpost of Varn's expedition, right? The guy had always been quite independent, though I don't think to the point of seceding."
Well, as the council agrees, lets set forth
The town is ticking over quietly, everyone is watching to see how the new leadership performs before starting riots.
Dealing with what could be a major problem on your border would settel some doubts, maybe? :)
Setting off now?
"I am ready to go."
Zhi takes note of what they're expecting to achieve during the journey out, and prepares the according set of incantations.
You’re the resident geographer, shouldn’t you be plotting our expedition? Farus says with a smile.
"I don't know about this Varn, but am ready to leave when you say. I will try to keep us from getting lost in the wild."
You travel east along the Gudrin river towards Lake Silverstep. The passes there are the quickest path through the Tors of Levenies range.
Lisl & Johanna with the experience of previous encounters both spot the pair of Wyverns attempting to stalk the party. The are keeping low and circling, using the terrain as cover when they can.
What are you doing now?
Lisl nods to Johanna and points out the wyverns to the team.
"They'll shadow us and try to strike from above with their poisoned tail stingers," she says. "Anyone have magic to bring them down? Otherwise I can place flying magic on someone who wants to go up and fight them."
Johanna nods in agreement. She lets others know trying to not bring too much attention.
"We may be able to scare them off with ranged attacks or draw them in to fight.
She uses her wand.
[b]"I can take cover when they fall out of view. They are flying low. I can sneak attack one as they fly over. I will call out. That will be the signal to turn and fire or run back if they engage. Lisl can make one of you fly if you wish to go engage in the air."
Perhaps if we can draw them low enough, I can anchor one to the ground via a glue seal and you can permanently end their threat to our citizens, travelers to our lands and us?
Farus takes cover and attempts to ready a glue seal should one get close enough to the ground to be caught in it.
Zhi thinks for some time, carefully going through all his spells mentally. "No, sadly I don't have a way of binding them to earth. I can slow them down once they're close enough, though."
Johanna is first. Then the Wyvern's, who swoop into attack runs on their initiatives.
Johanna, wyverns, party. Then Johanna again.
Johanna puts the wand away and stands swords drawn as they wyverns approach.
She readies to attack and fend them off.
"Farus some words of inspiration would help."
Zhi words a drop of sweat from his eyebrows, waiting for the perfect moment to discharge his spell.
On his turn Farus begins to inspire his allies, and casts mirror image to protect himself.
The would be dragons,
swooping down,
thinking they would loot our Flagons,
nevermind that they are acting like clowns...
Both Wyverns swoop into attack runs, tails poised to stab as they fly past you.
Li Zhi casts as they close and both slam into the ground with squawks of shock and dismay.
Two downed and slowed Wyverns. The party may now act.
"Excellent work," says Lisl as the wyverns are brought low. She quickly casts a spell and a sound like a moneychanger's bell goes off, but shrill and loud, blasting the wyverns with sound.