Once all other business is discussed he rises.
"I would like to take the floor concerning some recent discoveries and issues. If the council would hear me."
He waits a moment for any objects or formal responses then continues.
"The Obsidian Eagles are far to few for Freewater, much less our borders and the surrounding areas. I would ask the council for funding towards recruitment and the establishment of a base. During my groups last excursion, we discovered and emptied a ruin of wicked fey."
He pauses on that for a moment.
"Pardon me, I was mistaken. Our group did this twice at two different locations. One of the locations I deemed suitable for the site of a base. It is an ideal location for both access to Freewater and patrolling her lands. It will also require less time to make functional with an existing foundation in place. It's location is also near two fey that have shown themselves to be approachable and amicable. Will the council consider this? I will answer any questions that I can if needed."
The tea sounds an excellent idea Kyras, it is usually a delight to try new blends, doubly so with friends and new acquaintances
she stands and leaves with everyone else headed to the tea vendor.
Turin sits back and calmly speaks as the rest of the business commences, "I would desire to know the guild laws in these lands and the laws concerning contracts. I desire to recruit apprentices, however this land lacks much in the way of wealth. As such the traditional way for an apprentice to pay for his training is a number of years service to the master who trained him.
I need to know whether such a contract of apprenticeship will be legally binding, if I am training apprentices for no coin upfront I have to get something out of the bargain."
Hearing Lorald and perhaps the chance for some contracting work Turin speaks, his tone brisk and business like.
"You will find that numbers do not matter when you have access to magic, if you desire it I can arm your Obsidian Eagles with enough firepower to make numbers moot. For the right price of course."
Turin then turns to Matsu, "I believe that you are displeased with the actions of this "Grigori". I can give you a way to literally drown out the voice of his sort in the future, tell me when you want to assembly your people and I will have a serum ready that will make your voice resonate across the square."
The wolves will indeed speak to me, amongst others. I like the sound of your thoughts on nature guiding me, it is something to embrace when the night seems unending in its pull. Perhaps our paths will be parallel for a while soon, I believe we have much to do in the kingdom before we can go out on safari in the wilds again she tips him a wink and moves on.
Natalya addresses Turin
We are shortly to head out on a time-sensitive mission, hunting down an evil rampaging tree, so I must talk with you tonight Turin. These wands you can can craft, can they heal as well as harm? I would like to be back to my full strength before I have to leave here if possible, on the off chance you have something in your stocks that could help.
she explains
If not I understand and will have to see you upon my return!
Sipping her tea and seeming to enjoy the bitter taste, she waits in case anyone wishes to talk further, but retires early.
"I don't think we have a law for apprenticeships. We don't make it a habit to have a hand in everyone's business. Contracts you make with your employees are your buisness. Those with magical capabilities need to be on my register, in case of emergency, and for the kingdom's security, but you won't pay extra taxes for it. If you want to open a magic antiquities shop, that's in your rights, as is for anyone else. You'll operate under the same rules and pay the same taxes as every other store."
Carter states things in a matter of fact way, simple is simple.
"I don't see a problem with making the ruins an outpost, if no else does. It would be beneficial to have some troops on that area. Is it close enough for light or bell signals to the capital? And what makes the second unfit for use?"
Carter is not one for tea, but declines very politely.
He turns to Natalya.
"Do you have need of others in hunting down you 'evil tree?' I just got down a fire spell that may be helpful. I'm also very well versed in the natural world, plants and animals and such."
"The second is underground and was partially sealed to keep dangerous creatures from the darklands below. I would rather not risk exposing these lands to more threats, much less use such a location as a base."
Carter, that's kind of you to offer. Zartana, Jenya and Turin are joining us too, if we set out tomorrow morning we can hopefully make quick work of the evil tree and be back in good time for the kingdom planning and growth that appears sorely in need of our attention!
she nods in thanks to the alchemist.
"Underground you say? I like this idea. Maybe i can claim it as my own..." she ponders about this location
-Posted with Wayfinder
Turin calmly takes out a strange, silver pistol like object. Where a pistol would have a muzzle however this has a set of needles... Turin inscribes a strange rune onto the pistol and it begins to glow.
"Hold out your arm, this will sting a bit..."
Turin presses the device into Natalya's arm and pulls the trigger, releasing a surge of pulsing energy into Natalya's arm...
CL check against curse
"I second Zartana, the greatest treasures of Numeria are often found in the most dangerous of places. While I do not advocate the immediate investigation of the underground complex it should be set upon the agenda..."
Lorald shakes his head.
"If you need a report I will supply one. But in short we found an army of mites, greater then those first encountered before the founding. It was only through luck that they were driven below, we killed their leader a wicked fey priestess of unknown kind. She alone took on our group equally, had she not been taken by surprise without support. I doubt our group would have survived her much less the sheer numbers. I would advise you leave the place sealed and do not attract denizens of the darklands that are more dangerous."
He did not care if that ruin had a diamond mine, it was foolish and dangerous to open a route to the darklands. More so with a waiting army of evil fey on the other side. He had no doubt that they could and would return given the chance. Freewater was in no condition to deal with such problems, they could not even protect themselves completely at the moment.
Maybe later when we are more capable we can clear out that possible threat. But for now I agree we need to keep it bottled up as best we can and a base will go a long way towards that. Hate to say this but we probably need to get a barracks up soon in Freewater and a jail. We got a possible werewolf locked up in a storage closet and that's no way to run a village let alone a nation
Jenya murmurs an apology to Desna, lover of freedom, for advocating building a jail. Life was strange sometimes.
White eagle decided to stay his tongue toward the end, but the thought "snake oil" had crossed his mind as Turin espoused his abilities.
As the meeting draws to a close, and several seem ready to go in search of some fey , White eagle makes his way to the exit, If you will excuse me, but I must meet with some of my friends on the outskirts of town. If I learn anything I will report it.
with that he goes to meet with the wolf pack he has befriended. after receiving the news...
you have done well, please continue your watch. also I must know if any of the pack is harmed by the people of this town.
White Eagle returns to the Inn where Grigori was staying and begins looking for some method to track him. Hoping that the trail is not too old. If possible he will try and obtain something with his scent.
(+3 more if bright light conditions)
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White Eagle returns to the guest house to search for some sign of Grigori and finds the Lady of the house just about to step out. She explains that she was just about to go fetch someone from the Obsidian Eagles and instead invites White Eagle in.
She shows him to the room previously occupied by Grigori only to find that it has been ransacked. The furniture has been overturned and Grigori's meagre possessions have been scattered about the floor.
Red paint has been splashed on the walls and the words "TRAITOR" and "LIAR" have been written in tall angry letters.
Regardless of this development White Eagle obtains a pair of patched and stained longjohns that appear to have belonged to the missing man.
Raven returns to her duties as priestess, listening for any more word regarding the rabble rouser.
-Posted with Wayfinder
As Turin raises the small silver gun, Natalya looks suspicious but holds forth her arm for the device to touch. As it makes a clunking sound and slams needles through her flesh she grits her teeth, yet this is eclipsed immediately as a flood of wellbeing washes through her.
She can't help but grin at the leather-clad Artificer
Thank you! she urges, sincerity overflowing as she flexes her sinewy musculature, straightening up once more under the weight of her armor and sword.
I must say, whilst slightly daunting to participate in the Numerian way of healing, I think I actually prefer it to the usual divinely provided assistance she meets Turin's gaze and offers a wry smile
I always feel slightly unwelcome in religious houses, the aid their magics render seems to feel slightly...reluctant!
she marvels at the small silver gun that has somehow restored her to herself again
As we travel, I'd like to learn more about your culture, tell me everything!
The next morning, just before the party heads out to hunt the tree, Natalya stops by the Chief.
I have spoken to some of my agents, those that prefer the night, and they speak that no-one of Grigori's description appears to be in the surrounding area. I wonder if he has staged this to make it look bad for Emermark? Whilst I am out of time to help hunt him down, perhaps see first if he is hiding under our noses here in the town whilst we think he has left! Good hunting she nods at the shaman as she leaves.
Turin's gives a crooked smirk at Natalya's praise and speaks, "if you desire to understand artifice and Numeria I will tell you as we travel. I also wonder if you might be willing to assist me in a little project of mine..."
Hearing Lorald and perhaps the chance for some contracting work Turin speaks, his tone brisk and business like."You will find that numbers do not matter when you have access to magic, if you desire it I can arm your Obsidian Eagles with enough firepower to make numbers moot. For the right price of course."
Lorald levels his gaze on the man yet again.
"You can be as strong as a dragon and it matters not at all if you lack awareness. What good is power, magical or otherwise, if you can not respond to or protect the people under your care. Unless you have the ability to make a dozen men aware of every incident with in and around our borders as well as able to travel any distance in a instant. Numbers do in fact matter, the world is not so simple that you can buy every solution."
While it seemed he was putting the man in his place he was simply stating the truth of it as he saw it.
"If you are offering your services as an outfitter then I will consider it when the time comes for such. I make no promises."
"The Technic League only fielded forty men...within hours hundreds died and an entire town was razed to the ground. It was las guns versus crossbows. The las guns won out, it is from this that I have derived an important lesson: peace through superior firepower."
Turin then decides to address the "you can't buy your solutions"... And his feeling that those around him think him think him to be a charlatan...
Turin takes out a device, it's looks like a strange, grey rectangular object. He presses strange, rune like buttons. After a minute of this strange behavior you hear a static hiss from the device something happens...
Suddenly in the middle of council four figures arise... They wield armor and weapons from another age and upon their armor is clearly emblazoned an Obsidian Eagle.
They then proceed to stand at attention before Lorald and salute him, then they proceed to speak in clipped, efficient accents. "Orders High Marshal?"
"Eh, what is this Turin?"
"Kyras sweetie, as well as everybody, this is a trick. They are fake."
She chuckles, holding a fist in front of her smiling mouth, the arm's elbow supported by her other hand, at whatever reaction Turin's showing or replying.
"Neat trick, but how about the purpose of it? Intimidate opponents of sheer overwhelming numbers?"
"It has two purposes at this point in time, one is to show that I can offer many different forms of magic... The second is to show anyone at this table that I possess the real deal, I am no charlatan pretending to be a wizard."
"Attacking is far easier then defending. Your point has nothing to do with these affairs."
A crossbow bolt is seen peeking above the table in front of Lorald.
"I would also warn you such actions will not be tolerated in the council chambers. You just gambled with your life, make no mistake. Be grateful the council members have shown restraint at such a display."
The bolt disappears below the table.
"You have made your case and received your answers. While I can not speak for the others, if you continue to press. You may find my own answer may change against you. Respect a decision when made, you only insult by rejecting it."
If he expected to do business in these lands he would do well to learn patience and manners. You receive the treatment you put forth, the harder he pushes the more those he deals with will push back in response. The folk of this land did not bend before anyone, why would those they raised be any different.
Turin calmly sits back in his chair and put's both boots on the table causally as Lorald brought his crossbow out.
One of the "Obsidian Eagles" helpfully speaks, "Marshal sir didn't the quartermaster issue you an actual weapon for this campaign?"
Another pipes in, "sir if that was an assassination attempt it was damn shoddy, I mean took him over a minute to prime the device. And it did zilch..."
The images only appear for a moment to Carter before evaporating.
Carter looks to one of the leaders, to see how they would react to such dissension.
It's not his place to say.
Lorald stands, his crossbow still in his hands.
"You will remove your figments from the council chambers and yourself. This disruption will not be tolerated any longer. Your business with the council appears at an end and those not of the council are not purview to all it's contents."
Anyone can tell Lorald is prepared should the man make another mistake. His eagles as well, barely restraining themselves the first time his trick appeared.
"If I am unclear I will state it simply, leave. The Obsidian Eagles will not do business with you, nether will I. Your own actions have assured that. Anymore and you risk violating the law, in which all are accountable."
It seemed the man was determined to be exiled or jailed. Apparently his ego or whatever his aim, was more important then his people. If that was the case, he would not hesitate to enforce the law. His matter was heard and passed, it was closed. Now he played tricks. Even the recent troublemaker did not disregard the law as this one was doing.
"Best leave Turin. Not a good idea to agitate things further. " she states flatly. The drow motioned him to depart
-Posted with Wayfinder
As the soldiers appear, Sebastian draws his blade and stands in front Miyuki, shield to the fore. He calls out to the power of his faith and his word flashes gold. " 'Ware! Assassins!"
Despite Alanya's words, Sebastian is unconvinced. He listens for a moment to Lorald before acting. He levels his sword at Turin, his voice steel. "I do not know what is considered proper manners in Numeria, and after meeting you, I do not care to find out. At first, I valued your contributions at the lizard village, but now I am coming to realize that your were doing this for your own selfish reasons. Your actions in these chambers confirm that. Remove your filthy boots from the table, and your self from the chambers. While you still can."
Jenya sighs as the odd man from Numeria seemed incapable of seeing that his attempts to negotiate and raise the stakes were making things worse You and your people are welcome to settle here but... we're going to keep a close eye to make sure you and yours follow the laws of Emermark. she gets up. I think this council meeting is over
Thanking Sebastian with a gentle hand on his arm, Miyuki sadly shakes her head and waits till the stranger has left.
"That was incredibly impolite! I think enough words are spoken. It seems to me that it is high time to remind people that we are no children and neithr that this a pig-sty. First we get this demagogist and now this. I would like to get Sebastian, Etienne and Lorald to meet and think about some levels of protocol. Sir Lorald, I am convinced your heritage will be paramount as will be the wisdom of you Sir Sebastian and the Devotion of Sir Etienne so that in the end we have a code of conduct that will show respect to booth sides."
Sebastian sheathes his weapon. Turning to Miyuki, he bows. "As you wish my Lady. Although I fear that all that I have to offer is the promise that all sides will be treated fairly, and with justice. Thus it is written the Acts of Iomedae: 'He shall not judge one man from the next, unless he judge them evenly and without prejudice.'
"I shall strive to live up to that task, and be worthy of your trust."
"I would rather no such code be needed. But if that is the case, I will try my best to keep it fair to all and that those who have earned respect are given it. Merit deserves recognition not merely those condemned of sins."
He had said to the wicked fey in the tower. Nobility is not a matter of birth. All would get what they deserved if he had any say in it, for good or ill. That was why he followed Olheon after all.
Turin calmly withdraws from the council chambers and the retinue of Obsidian Eagles illusions collectively look down at Lorald with obvious disapproval...
Turin himself decides to busy himself finding apprentices for his future business and enterprises, apprentices who he shall ensure will be loyal to him alone...
Turin will begin scouting out Embermark for potential apprentices and for rumors concerning his new environs... He also inscribes a rune onto his armor, his armor seems to shine immaculately: a much needed social boost.
Perception (to locate apprentice candidates)
Diplomacy(gather information)
White Eagle returns to the guest house to search for some sign of Grigori and finds the Lady of the house just about to step out. She explains that she was just about to go fetch someone from the Obsidian Eagles and instead invites White Eagle in.
She shows him to the room previously occupied by Grigori only to find that it has been ransacked. The furniture has been overturned and Grigori's meagre possessions have been scattered about the floor.
Red paint has been splashed on the walls and the words "TRAITOR" and "LIAR" have been written in tall angry letters.
Regardless of this development White Eagle obtains a pair of patched and stained longjohns that appear to have belonged to the missing man.
Thank you for showing me this, White Eagle tells her. I will make the report to the Eagles. he tells her attempting to calm her down.
He takes note of the words and the writing. looking for signs of the paint used. where it may have been obtained.
after the search and clothing in hand, White Eagle heads out to meet with his wolf pack.
Turin decides that now is the time to Drum up political support... He will stop his search for apprentices and rumors in favor of seeking out White Eagle and perhaps later on Carter to discuss the manufacture of his bandages...
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White Eagle gets down on his hands and knees, searches the place with a fine toothed comb. While lifting up the rug he finds a small yellow smear. I'll save you the trouble, because White Eagle knows what it is immediately. With his vast knowledge of Nature he recognises the sap of the acacia tree.
Aside from that, nothing of note.
hmmm, that is interesting indeed. he says as he gets back up.
not very sure on any possible locations White Eagle heads back out into the woods outside the town, the pair of long johns in hand.
Turin will proceed to locate Chief White Eagle and when he catches up with the man waves at him to come closer...
White eagle stops, he definitely was proceeding with purpose, still he makes time to see to needs of the citizens.
approaching Turin, he realizes who he is. ahhh, the man from Numeria. You seek my guidance?
White Eagle is a tall and rather muscular man, definitely tribal and would be considered primitive by Turin's standards.
Turin sizes up White Eagle and thinks, "not a Kellid but definitely in the same boat..."
"I sought you out for several reasons, although you do seem to be going somewhere... Would you like to continue this conversation as we walk?"
Turin himself is a wiry being, this is contrasted by his face with it's chiseled features and sharp eyes that seem to size up whomever they gaze upon like a jeweler eyeballing an uncut diamond...
Turin sizes up White Eagle and thinks, "not a Kellid but definitely in the same boat..."
"I sought you out for several reasons, although you do seem to be going somewhere... Would you like to continue this conversation as we walk?"
Turin himself is a wiry being, this is contrasted by his face with it's chiseled features and sharp eyes that seem to size up whomever they gaze upon like a jeweler eyeballing an uncut diamond...
White Eagle glances toward Turin as he walks with him. we may continue, if you wish?
White Eagle, despite moving along in a slightly hurried pace, does slow a bit to allow Turin to keep up. You want something from me? he asks.
"To discuss the future primarily, I have plans for great industries and so forth here. I am also interested in recruiting apprentices and could use some assistance in rounding up potential prospects..."
Turin pauses and decides that he probably couldn't hunt down Grigori solo...
"Finally I have an admitted interest in pursuing this rabble rouser that got on the box in town... Finding him and perhaps bringing his head to the council would serve my interests well, a nice present to the council should keep them out of hair..."
Turin then shrugs slightly, his tone isn't quite apologetic but more..."factual". ()
"No offense intended to yourself or the majority of the council, just the few whom by my judgment have a stick up their arse..."
White eagle stops, turning to face Turin, I understand your situation all to well, I had a similar problem with my people. it has been resolved, and I, as well as my people, have learned to make certain concessions. yet we still teach our way to the children of our tribe, and allow them to grow and learn from our ancestors.
placing a hand on Turin's shoulder, you and your people will learn and soon adapt. but like a tree in the storm, to keep its footing it must also learn to bend with the winds.
with that Elangomat circles a couple of times and lands on White eagle's gloved forearm.
a wolf soon appears a few others. Turin, these are the ones I travel with, they will help us find this speaker of lies.
he turns to the wolves to explain what he had found, producing the long-johns. this is the scent, will you help me track it down? he does not command the wolves rather asks for their help.
Turin meets White Eagle's gaze squarely and replies.
"Iron can only bend so far before it breaks, if I or my people ever reach such a breaking point we must act... I hope that breaking point never occurs."
Turin then decides to ask a question, one that he is admittedly curious about.
"Do you and your people come from the same neck of the woods as say the Kellids? You possess some similarities with them but some differences are quite stark."
Turin then eyes the pair of long johns and speaks, his tone helpful.
"If your friends fail to track down the scent I may have some tools that can help us with this matter... I will need to perform a chemical analysis of the blood stains."
As Turin speaks the strange device that Turin used to project the illusion at the council appears in his hands.
I did not reference Iron, Iron is strong and very unyielding. but it does not live. the Tree lives and groes, it bends with the changing winds but remains steadfast and firm. as long as its roots are good, it shall prosper. just as my people have done. we remain true to our roots but learn to bend with the changing wind. we find peace in our new lands and welcome it when it is returned.
My forefathers came from a land very far from here, across the great sea in a land the Ulfens call Arcadia. Most of my people were taken and enslaved by the ones that call themselves Chelaxians. We escaped their rule and moved north, making a new home here in these lands. we were met again with distrust, and persecution deemed "savages" and forced to move again. my father, Chief Ten Bears, made a deal with the Chief of Restov. and now my people have settled here in this new land.
White Eagle steps back from Turin's device, I prefer my ways for now.
Arcadia...
"Arcadia? Never heard of it, then again we Numerians are far removed from the goings on outside our borders... Between the Technic league, raiders from the River Kingdoms and the technology scattered across the wastes we had enough on our plate..."
Turin's grimaces as he hears about Cheliax...
[b]"Now Chelexians I do know and disdain, anyone who relies so heavily on demons and gods for power is weak... And a slave to boot."
Turin stows away the device, "I am all for saving battery power but I'm concerned about this liar... You don't go making political trouble without some form of backing and this liar doesn't have the brains to be said backing..."