Antonio takes a moment to gather his wits, the responds, "Lord, I hit my foes with a mighty hammer, or else I hurl myself straight at them and break their bones. I trained in the fighting pits to the south. You should have seen me in my prime: I was magnificent! When I retired from the arena, I joined a mercenary company, the Savage Bastages. My brothers and I have fought in several wars, mostly around the edges of The Great Kingdom."
"I've no real training with any manufactured melee weapons, though there are a few I've used... staff, some blades, that sort of thing, but I am master of none of them, only the bow... Of course, if cornered, my whole body is a weapon... I am not helpless without my bow." she smiles at him with a little glint in her eye.
Anchard fights the urge to roll his eyes, the thought of being ignored and having to repeat himself settled the matter on whether this was a waste of time or not. However the risk of offending those in power and influence wasn't lost to him. "Joramy, the goddess of fire, volcanoes, wrath, anger, and quarrels. Domains of battle, destruction, fire, and war. Her following is not numerous, but we make up for the numbers by maximizing the efforts of our impact. And what of you? What is the dominant faith here and why is there no established cleric?"
"Why everyone here reveres Kord, god of strength and challenges and war. Why wound't we...? I guess some worship Lendor and some farmers follow Phaulkon or Phyton. Llerg is also an important god to some. The miners in town favor Jascar. We had a priest of Kord but he died not so long ago."
I would have thought perhaps Ulaa would have adherents here or even Fhlaragan comments the elf.
Jarl Ulfensson smiles at Tanariels question. "Some do follow Ulaa, both those are the dwarves and gnomes that live in the hills. Jascar is more of a ... martial miner that the hardy souls around here adhere to. I have not heard of anyone swearing allegiance to Fhlaragan... not that i know of." The Jarl drains the last bit of mead from his drinking horn indicating the dinner is done and stands up. "My dear if you would entertain the ladies in the garden I would be most appreciative. I am told the moon is full tonight. I will catch up with warriors among them and speak of heroic deeds long past. I am sure some of the book folk among them would speak with Conrad as he loves to speak of this thing called filosofy." The Jarl bids the group to depart the great hall as servants begin to clean up as he leaves followed by a hard looking huskarl.
He could only partly smile at the mention of philosophy but followed the Jarl. He followed along, carefully sizing up the hard looking huskarl while trying to appear not to.
Kit will wander out the gardens, not with any real intent, just that she'd feel more comfortable among the flora... but while there, she'll attempt to strike up a conversation with the lady...
"Hello, My Lady... do you mind my presence here? I can depart if I am disturbing you... but if not, I would love to stay and speak with you, if I may. You seem to hold much sway in your Lord's court. I find that refreshing. Might I ask you how you came to be Lady here? I mean to say, was your marriage one of convenience? or attraction? or perhaps a mix of the two?"
Antonio follows the jarl to his armory eager to share stories of heroic deeds.
The wizard will follow the lady into the garden.
Anchard remains with Cerian and the Jarl if his company is still welcome. People of power and influence were dangerous, but their favor was too often worth the risk.
A nice yet small garden lies in the small courtyard with vibrant colored flowers that don't seem native to this area nor climate. A couple of benches in polished stone complete the scene.
The Jarls wife laughs at Kitherials question. "Yes it is true it was an arraigned marriage. He had never met me nor I him. Political convenience... but we grew fond of each other over time. Enough to have some children. I learn enough of the northman lives to understand when not to speak in the company of other northman so as to not disrespect him. But I will give him an earful after hours if I think he is wasting my money." she tells you both as she stops by to smell a flower. "He likes his wild ways from his time up north so we agreed to take the lands and title out here, but I do miss some comforts of my city life and made him make me a garden." After a moment of silence she then says [b]"My ears heard tales that you all came looking find treasure in the area. I warn you that many have tried in the past, and many still do now. I surmise many of these northern barbarians volunteer to mercenary here for chances at finding treasure in the hills... or worse."
The armory has a collection of spears, swords, axes, and a few bows with arrows. Chain mail and heavier scale mail hang on the walls while wooden shields rest on the floor.
"This fine blade was made by a master craftsmen in Ratikhill- Oswold Glimmerhand. Long dead now. Was my grandfathers when he made a name for himself waging wars in the Bone March for Ratik. Killed many foes with it, even a giant or two I am told." he lets he hold the longsword as he speaks. After a bit more talkative banter he asks "How long will you stay in here before you go off searching for whatever his name was? The goofy fellow that could not hold his drink. I only ask for I may have need of folks unaffiliated with any of the clans or tribes. Things are not as peaceful as they seem in these areas."
"You are lucky to have begun with estrangement and developed a fondness ... too many times have I heard of marriages for fondness that end in bitterness and estrangement. And your garden is lovely. What a blessing to have such a haven.... as for searching in the hills... You make me curious... what is this 'worse' you speak of?"
Know nature to see what she recognizesaid in the garden
"If we did do you a favor, what small thing would you have us do for you?"
Tanariel sees that some of the flora here in the garden is not native to this area nor altitude. As the elf spell caster is studying the flowers the Lady says "IF you are wondering how these flowers grow here, I know not myself. My husband made a deal with a servant of Obad-Hai who then made this garden for me. It blooms with color, even through some of the long winters and the temperature is always nice." The lady then re-freshens the cups. "There are many violent men here in town. You have seen some of them. Now count how many brought wives. I hear rumors of rural families going missing whenever some of the patrols from different...groups... go out. That is worse I think. There are reasons the fox and boar are close to my hearth and the others are across the river. My husband does not have the power to deal with that, nor does he have evidence of such crimes. If he did then he could banish such groups from here."
Tension... HA! that is one way to put it. Tension indeed." the Jarl responds. "I was a rakish man in my youth, no doubt, part of the charm that scored me a fine wife. But that wild streak comes with a price. I killed a man in a fair duel when I first came to Ratik. He insulted me, I cut him down according to the ways of the northern barbarians, bit I was not in northern lands when I did and Ratik city folk have some strange laws. Before a judge I was taken and pleaded my case. This man that died was part of a powerful Ratik noble family- the Dublers. They wanted my head. But I had earlier saved the life of Jory Bandermin on the field of battle and Jory was one step by family to the Ratik rulers. So other nobles came to my defense, one being Lady Tessa's own father, the man I killed was bad at wooing her. I was let free and given her hand in marriage and we were 'relocated' to these lands as payment, or punishment, for what happened. It was scandalous in their courts. So here we remain charged with protecting this southern road. I hire mercenaries, as is the custom of Ratik for the borders, but the Dublers also have the power to hire mercenaries to protect their interests as well and they have some interests in these areas ... according to Larko. So some of the other tribes are here but not to truly listen to me. I try to manage the patrols as best I can but the Dublers have a long reach from the capital at Marner. If I could find evidence of nefarious acts committed by some of the bands along the road or in the countryside and tie it to the Dublers then I could bring that evidence to the Ratik thing and make this area safer. But I fear for my family's safety if I leave Highfrost to find such evidence. If I could only find some outside help for that..."
Mogwag stays in the main hall as the servants clean up and they think he is the servant to the adventuring party so they enlist his aid in helping clean up.
Anchard takes a long sideways look at his companions before replying, We might keep an eye out for something along those lines, easy enough I suppose. If we happen to find something and then happen back through, it is as good as done. However,
do not let us get your hopes up too much. I suspect the way we got here will be the same way home; teleportation that it.
"Not groups Lady Elf, but people. At first everyone thought it was due to raids from the Bone March but I fear that may not be the case. Conrad believes the rural atrocities occur whenever the Schnai or the Fisters go out. Terrible louts. I wont let that Jorgo enter our family area and force my husband to meet with him elsewhere. I feel the man leers at my children. I envy you two... able to move freely about on adventures... I wish I could do that but duties and responsibilities keep me here as wife of the Jarl... plus my husband was never good with math so I need to review all the mercantile books and find when they cheat us, not all are bad or I should say some are not as bad as others. He would rather split those books with an axe... I am afraid I will never get the north out of him." she laughs as she says that last part.
As the groups are talking in their respective areas a commotion can be heard from out in the estate courtyard.
Understood... appreciated. Anchard nods though is fighting to keep interested in what sounds like charity and as the noise from the courtyard builds. Anchard moves to observe exactly what is causing the ruckus.
Mogwag has no problem helping out and will chit chat with anyone
Cerian tells the others the noise is a rider calling out for the Jarl.
Everyone moves to the courtyard, even Mogwag who is stuffing his face with sweet tarts in the kitchen, and they see a man in plate armor sliding off a warhorse. The Jarl seems at ease with this individual and moves to grasp his hand. A crowd of locals gather by the gates to see and hear what is happening.
"Lord Skel Jarro! What brings you here?"
Lady Tessa whispers to you all that Lord Skel is a distant cousin of hers and a just and noble warrior from the captial, but not a friend to many of the chaotic barbarians here.
"I rode straight when I heard the news. Boy! tend to the horse. You! Bring me some wine for my throat!" he barks at some servants almost mistaking Mogwag for one. Then he turns to the Jarl "Wars across the lands, the Mad King and Nyrond in battle, the Old One and Furyondy clashing, the Shield Lands gone, and an Orcish army marching to the city of Greyhawk from the Pomarj."
A grave look comes over the face of the Jarl. "How does Ratik stand? Are the lands safe?" he asks.
"Aye, for now. But it is worse than you think. Tenh invaded and laid waste by northern barbarians, and King Ralff, the old boar himself, dead in battle with Fisters near Djekul. The Fruztii have been called back by the new King, Hundgred Ralffson. I came to tell you myself."
Lady Tessa cries out as the Jarl hears the news and stumbles a bit before Lord Skel catches him.
"This is grave news indeed..." the Jarl says and some locals cry out as the news spreads.
Kithariel watches and listens, shocked at the news of so much war and devastation, though the full concept of it is a little lost on her, as her knowledge of the world outside her own homeland is scant... Still, she gets the gist and takes a staggering stop back. "This is horrible news... is there anything we can do. waiting here to see what unfolds isn't a real option... We have to do SOMEthing!"
The grey elf is silent but pensive.
"It sounds like there's a lot of killing to do. Where do we start?"
Jarl Worrik turns to you all and says "Apologies. I must deal with the fall out from this news must leave you all. My wife will show you out." He turns to an elder warrior and says "Henrik- go and gather the tribal leaders. We must stop this before it gets out of hand. Have them meet me in the Great Hall."
Lord Skel walks with the Jarl towards the Great Hall and nods at the party as he passes by, particularly at Tanariel.
Lady Tessa bids you to follow her to the other gate of their estate, by the local section where Anchard gained some local fame. When asked how this is bad new she responds "The Bearclaws and the Iron Boars are Fruztii and their King just died. They will have to journey back to swear fealty to the new King. My husbands most trusted troops are leaving shifting the balance of power in the area not on our side. Tomorrow will be interesting to say the least." she bids you farewell and she leaves. You make your way to your sleeping area as you see Jarl Borg walking towards the manor. He does not look happy.
The night goes by with a few incidents here and there as some Fruztii and Stonefisters have words and clubs with each other but the leaders eventually establish order.
In the morrow news spread that funeral events will be held to honor the fallen King and as a sendoff for those that will leave back to the north.
Jarl Borg is busy but Einar speaks with you all if you have questions.
Just outside of Highfrost there will be a festival area with competitions dedicated to Kord. Known competitions will be: Archery, Axe throw, Spear throw, wrestling, fisticuffs, various feats of strength, endurance and balance, drinking, fire walking, coal holding, tree climbing and then duels (both to first blood and sometimes to the death). Each of the factions in the town will put forth their best participants and you all won't be disallowed from participating.
"I'm sorry Jarl Borg is leaving us, but these funeral games sound like fun. I want to drink and fight and show these north-men what I'm made of!"
Must Mogwag remind you all what we are here to do? our contribution stave off the worse of this coming war has already be asked of us. Mogwag suggest that we don't delay much in our duties
"Hey, brother, I'm just the hired help. If you would rather continue with your quest, then lead on. Any word on this man we were sent to find?"
No one seems to know or care where he has gone off to. We need to do some information gathering outside of the sphere the jarl's influence but until this man surfaces again, there isn't any harm in garnering these peoples respect through fair competition. Anchard pauses a moment before asking rhetorically, I wonder if divine influence is banned from the fire walking and coal holding competitions. I reckon I might stand good chance of winning one of those.
"Perhaps people would be willing to talk to us some more if we did not seem as much an outsider. I wonder if the Jarl has men competing. I would lift my bow in his honor in some of these competitions."
The party has their discussion about their mission and then remember multiple times of being told the man they seek met with Aerdy Conrad a few times... and then remember no one went to speak with the man after dinner with the jarl...
If you would like to participate in the events you can either choose to participate as individuals and unaffiliated with the factions or compete for a faction.
"There is so much to choose from! I think I might try my luck with feats of strength, drinking, fisticuffs, axe throwing, and maybe even a duel or two. I will compete in the jarl's name, if the price is right."
Nevermind, if magic is allowed I doubt I can channel enough energy to win. I'm going to find Aerdy Conrad. Where is he at this moment?
If Anchard can not find an answer to his question he will seek out someone that knows where he is or personally seek him out.
Archery for her
Mogwag will head over to talk with Jarl borg Mogwag will compete for you Jarl, Mogwag is strong and can replace anyone of your team for various feats of strength drinking, then duels (both to first blood and sometimes to the death)
As some point he will also look for conrad
Mogwag bids you a good day, Cerian, along with other of my group would like to have a drink and words with you, as we know you can help find the scholar named Ragmas
Before dawn there is a bustling of activity as locals and faction members begin setting the needed items for the festival. By mid morning the festival grounds are set up and folks begin walking around drinking and eating. It seems to be a rather pleasant atmosphere. A short ceremony is made to Kord for fairness and luck in the games ahead.
The first event is the axe throw where scores of men line up to try their luck.
all participants throw normal, non-magical throwing axes (provided). Targets are wooden stands 10 feet back. AC 10 to hit the stand. Higher the actual die roll the closer to the center. Nat 20 is a bullseye. After the first throw from everyone in line, 16 closest to center are selected and the target is moved back an additional 10ft (second range increment). Surviving 16 throw with the 8 best advancing (if they hit). The process repeats until 1 is left.
Antonio lines up with a multitude of other men and waits for his turn to throw an axe...
Only 14 throwers hit their mark with Antonio giving a good show.
The targets are moved back another 10 feet and the throwers throw once more...
A local man, the woodchopper, hits center mark and seems to be the odds on favorite to win followed closely by the only DragonFang entrant. Bets are now being made. As the throwers line up the BloodyFists throwers push past the others to throw first until people speak up to boo them but three of their number toss first.
and only 7 hit their mark with Antonio scoring a bullseye.
Kithariel watches avidly, staying fairly quiet though she does let out a soft 'whoop' of delight when Antonio hits a bullseye.