He looked a little shocked at such a forward question. He thought about it and nodded to himself before answering, "That does seem a prudent question. I am not a deity or a god at the moment. In the distant past I would have been called such, and in the near future I would hope to gain power that many would call me such again. As I have said before it is hard to explain but the answer is no."
When Katrina asks the question Quince's eyes go wide, "That's a question." Quince smirks but grows quiet. He listens as Bearik answers.
Quince takes a pull from his glass to clear his throat, "That is intriguing and profound news the works you have done here," Quince motions to the building itself. "I would ask a question, when you named among the gods, what were you revered for? were you a god of home and hearth, of protection, of war, of justice? Its not like he'd own being a god if lies. Quince leans back.
He nods politely to Quince at his statement and his response is civil, "Thank you it did take several weeks to make it all work the way I wanted it to turn out. I was known for travel, community, artifice, and runes. I never stay in a region for more than a human's lifetime or that of the populace. Quince I won't count that as your question just a continuance of Dewtree's." He takes a few more spoonfuls of his soup before looking for the next question.
Changing his tune from earlier when the two men rubbed each other the wrong way, "Please excuse us for the further prying Lord Bearik but if you are not a deity, my recent research into religion indicates you could be a herald or messenger of Iomedae. However, if you are claiming that you once were and since Iomedae collected all of Aroden's worshipers after his untimely death due to the betrayal of his Herald and his nemesis, the Lich King Tar-Baphon, are you a former messenger of Aroden? After this one question about your background of ole, I will ask no more and leave it as you have stated."
Bearik brightens some at the further investigation, he warmly says, "But I would expect further prying until you have your specific answer, as it seems you have deemed it not so yet. Perhaps we keep it at one question per night and delve into the essence of the question for full clarity, hmmm?"
"I was born in the Age of Wonders. Many horrible and great things happened during that age. Some would say I was one as others would say the other. I was born a Noble in a prominent family but after my 13th year that life ended.
A wicked witch came into my father's domain and for one reason or another she cursed my family. Most of my family turned into let's just say monsters, they turned into what was in their hearts. I was innocent at the time and was merely given power. Some of them went mad, some of them went after the witch, but in the end the witch was dead with the rest of my family.
As each of my family members died I gained more power. As the circle came to a close as the witch was dead, the power made me immortal. Infused by the curse, ten fold for my family dead, ten fold for my innocence, and ten fold for the witch's death. She had infused herself into our family or she was a bastard my father either way I was the last living heir and member of my family. My immortality was not without loss, I felt pain, just I would not stay dead.
In the turmoil of the fight between my family and the witch our lands were spoiled and our holdings burned. Villagers and adventurers fighting against the monsters that were my family. The witches antics with magic and her charming ways. To put the nail in the coffin for my lands a neighbor warlord paid us a visit pillaging and plundering.
I found myself under the tutelage of four adventurers to my luck. They knew of my family and two of them had worked for them at times. I quickly learned what they offered and learned to be a wizard.
Skipping ahead some 20 years and I fought another cursed bound. A cleric of a mad god. My whole party was wiped but each day I would rise and come at him again. I had hid my Grimore very well and could get my spells each day before assaulting him again. At the end it took me 100 days, and on that 100th day his body boiled and I destroyed the relic that tied him to the god. The connection may have reset to me but the next morning my powers of creation were much stronger. The cultists of the area that worshiped the mad god stopped and were now worshipping me.
I traveled again. I helped to create buildings and monuments. I began to work on rune crafting and soon realized it was just a personal extension of creation. I always did my best to help the community one way or another."
He sighs as if it hurts to remember and rubs his temples, then references your previous questions, "I am no god, no deity, no herald, or outsider. Merely one who has gainedpower and keeps gaining powers from one source or another."
Kev nods and smiles graciously to Bearik, "Thank you Lord Bearik for giving us more background on yourself. Now what does the Greenwatch or Stolen Lands and its people mean to you? Everyone at this table has different reasons, some grew up here, some are escaping their past or present, and others want to make a better name for themselves. As for me, I would fall under that last two points even though we signed a contract with the Swordlord in Brevoy."
His forehead burrows as he scowls and after a deep breath he says, "As you will have it Kevros. To answer your multiple questions in one word, home."
Kevros nods and forces a smile to not let what happen before get in the way of business but he thinks to himself, "Lawful Good my arse! Maybe Lawful Good with chaotic tendencies.". "Thank you Lord Bearik, shall we get down to business or did you have personal questions regarding us since this is your home?"
"I have no questions of you, may the first official meeting of the Wardens and Bearik commence with the serving of the main course." The soup bowls dissappear and are replaced with a tray of sliced meat and steamed vegetables.
"I will floor the first concern but then let you take over. What do you want done with the mites and kobolds?" He asks directly but looking at those assembled.
Kevros waits for other to speak, and since no one is speaking, Kev feels obligated to respond, "I believe the Wardens should make ally with the kobolds since they are more likely to side with us than the mites. If we develop a good report with the kobolds, they could make great scouts and small army. However, the wardens must agree with me as well as yourself Lord Bearik?"
Quince nods, "A list that places kobolds as the most reasonable is a sad list. But they are likely more apt to reach an agreement. That alone makes for time to deal with the mites. If the Kobolds can hold to agreements then the matter is done."
"We have given those who have gone astray a chance, we should offer that to any beast that has some sort of power to think and make choices."
"My experience with kobolds is it depends on who leads them. If they have a wise leader that can be spoken with and empowered then they will ally. If an ambitious warrior then they may have to be put down. The mites however need to be dealt with."
Tristan speaks in between stuffing his face full of meat. You would think he hasn't eaten in days, fortunate for them though Katrina keeps them well fed.
Kevros nods, "Do kobolds recognize a superior warrior or group of warriors? Or is that only within their pack or tribe, whatever it is called?"
Angrus sighs, a little exasperated , "We've been over this before..."
she rolled high enough at the time to reveal all of these spoilers and later relayed the info
"They respect strength as they have little. Their cowardice nature should aid us in getting them to fall in line."
Kev looks at Angeus, "We have discussed it among ourselves without Lord Bearik, now everyone is up to date."
Kev nods at Tristan, then looks at Bearik, "Thank you Warden Tristan ... Any further questions on the Kobold-mite issue Lord Bearik or shall we proceed with your next question?"
"No need in the title Warden Kevros, I have no lands to be called a lord. Just call me Bearik. Your thoughts on the kobolds are valid, I am sure youwill find them agreeable. I will leave that topic in your capable hands. Was there any other topicsto discuss?" He asks genuinely.
Quince poliety inquires, "Bearik do you have a plan for the Kobolds or were you raising the issue because the situation is rising to a head."
"I have no plan for them, I was just bringing the issue to your attention. I can handle it for you should you not want to interact with them." Bearik offers.
Kevros nods, "If you want to take care of them, I do not mind as long as my fellow wardens don't mind. What payment do you desire for this mission? I am sure there will be some kind of treasure to be had? I only say this because we need coin for what is coming from the recent charter update we received by the Swordlord which Warden Quince will introduce."
"I can offer to take care of the mite and kobold situation for a fair price for their lands once they are cleansed, if you don't want to deal with abstracts we can do it for 500 gp. Also any treasure we find will be ours." Bearik offers.
The grix and faerie dragon would have left you a few hours before getting to Olegs'. If you asked, they merely would have said, "We should check on our nests. We will see you when you head out of the... building." They would have only come with you if you suceed on a diplomacy DC 20 and have a good reason.
With the question asked by Quince, Stalker responds, "Quince I do believe that the fey we have interacted with so far would be neutral about the kobolds and against the Mites like any evil fey."
"How many Fey are you friends with?" She asks Tristan more than anyone else but her words can still be heard by anyone listening.
"I can offer to take care of the mite and kobold situation for a fair price for their lands once they are cleansed, if you don't want to deal with abstracts we can do it for 500 gp. Also any treasure we find will be ours." Bearik offers.
"I think we , as the Wardens, should take care of this ourselves, Bearik." Angeus says, here ears perking up at the mention of treasure.
"Kobolds, Mites, Bandits, lug them all into the same category and kill 'em all!" Oleg grumbles out.
Svetlanna scowls at her husband but remains quiet on the subject.
"As you wish Angeus, but should you find another nuisance that you need taken care of please keep me in mind. My men like to keep their skills in practice." Bearik graciously says deferring to Angeus.
Quince nods at Stalker's words, "That is what I figured as well unless there is some special cruelty these Kobolds have been about."
Quince smiles at Angeus words She loves the life of adventure, what have you gotten me into Erastil.
"A few, I grew up out here. While they can be mischievous most are good natured. Do you not like fey?" He ask back to Larina
Kevros looks to and speaks to all, "Is the Kobold/Mite issue our next field prerogative? Also, is that all to discuss regarding them or anything else before discussing our Charter Update from the Swordlord and make it official?"
"A few, I grew up out here. While they can be mischievous most are good natured. Do you not like fey?" He ask back to Larina
"I cannot say, I have not met many. Most that I have met have attacked without provocation. More just curious, especially what kinds?" she responds.
The issues about settlement are decided.
Angeus flings up her hands, "OK, OK, we'll let Bearik deal with the little dragons." then she takes a gulp of wine, then looks directly at Larina, "Well you've met one in me." she says sweetly.
Kevros looks at Bearik, "Mr Bearik, it sounds like we have changed our mind and your men will gain training through experience. We will pay you 500 gps and you can keep all treasure found but we continue to have supervision over the land. It sounds like the Kobolds are the only ones that can be reasoned with so see if they can either be allies or citizens. If not, kick them out along with the mites or do as you see fit."
Tristan nods in agreement.
Quince smiles and stands thumps the table mostly just for ceremony common at get togethers in his homeland, "Thank you again Bearik for the dinner. It was good to return to a place where we might find a sift bed, but you feast us to boot." He turns and addresses everyone, "The Wardens of the Greenwatch have been extended a new charter. Now that the hold of bandits is broken we have been give privilege of forming a new Dutchy. We will be taking the coming days speaking with many of you and hoping that we can look to thise who have already given so much to these lands will continue to better things for those who call it home. It will be a time of great opportunity and great reward for those who will come to work. We will have another day of celebration to celebrate the founding of 'The Dutchy of Greenwatch'." He raises his glass inviting others to the toast.