"Speaking of the bandits, we did discover that the bandits who attacked Tilver's Folly were mercenaries, hired by either Jessilyn, a Priestess of the Lady of Pain, or a mage called Profidius, with the deliberate intention of breaking into Lassathor's vault... hmm, where did I put that letter.."
Swiftly checking her numerous pockets, Janiries eventually pulls out a piece of parchment and reads from it.
"Fools!
You have more than enough manpower to work the mines every hour, day and night. I care not a whit for your delicate sensibilities - let all, from the youngest children to the expectant mothers - be sent to the mines for work shifts. Our work here is too important - the secrets within Lassathor's vault are worth the lives of every pissant villager, and yours as well. Our lord's assent to Godhood will be quickened by our success here!
Jessilyn shall be down shortly to assist you in motivating the villagers. Remember that you are being paid well, and remember that your families' well being resides with your compliance to our contract!
Profidius"
"Now, I don't know if either of them died at Tilver's Folly, if they triggered the burst of undead activity deliberately, or just as an accidental consequence of breaking into Lassathor's tomb, but it certainly gives us something to look into."
"Aye, they're the type who don't give a whit about the damage they do, so long as they get their little ascension. Likely only way to reason with 'em is with a nice, wide, hewing motion, right about neck level."
That is most useful, Lady Janiries, thank you. Bertram smiles as he relieves you of the letter, reviewing it's contents before passing it to Aidan. Anise rolls her eyes, then shakes her head. I've been blaming these fools for their poor performance, but Aidan, responsibility for this failure really falls upon you for encouraging their recruitment in the first place. Why didn't we send our own people on these tasks?
Aidan's face darkens a bit. Firstly, I do agree that they faced opposition well beyond what was expected - and I mourn for each life lost. But adventuring groups have often been the means by which darkness has been cast down; I hoped for, and still believe, that these adventurers can achieve great things. Not just for the church, and our influence, Anise flinched at that blow! but for the common people, whom we are sworn - bound by oath and faith - to protect. We will have influence enough, amongst the people and the rulers, when they recognize that the presence of the church means safety and guardianship for all! Groups like these adventurers, sponsored by the church, can do more good than some sort of centralized effort, with us pulling every string.
You are deluded - that drink you take to keep your arm from falling off must have found it's way into that adled mind of yours. If we recruit adventuring groups like this, and they fail spectacularily, who will be blamed? We will! And the cost will be borne by the people, as well as the church - for who will trust us, if they know all we will do is send packs of underskilled fools when real help - leadership and trained guardians - are needed? Anise answers, her voice dropping in tone as she looks at the assembled adventurers, shaking her head as she does so.
And when we succeed who will gain the credit for hiring us? You will. Just the same as if you had ventured to Tilver's Folly yourself.
Hezar answers quiety.
Belgrin finishes a mouthful of wine and slams his cup on the table, relatively gently, but enough to grab attention. He then eyes Anise directly, unflinchingly, with a look of absolute disdain. "If ye got time to pout and point fingers, lass, ye got plenty of time to do somethin' about it. Lassathor's comin, and he's not of a mind to sip wine while ye throw tantrums about yer 'station.' I'd rather be out there hewin' heads off the unlivin' and puttin 'em to the torch than hearin' ye whine about losin' a popularity contest. Only two things I got the patience left for from YOU right now are new orders or my pay."
He then leans back in his chair and laces his fingers together expectantly, glancing around the table at the reactions of all present. "Pfft. Don't even posture. Every one of ya's thinkin' it."
Hezar raises his glass to Belgrin.
Taking another drink of the wine, Janiries listens carefully to what Anise and Aidan say, periodically taking more bites of the food. Once Anise stares at her, the Sun Elf grins cheerfully back before replying.
"You know Anise, I actually do think you have the best interests of Tethyr at heart, rather than solely being concerned about the position of your church in this country. And you're correct, some leadership is required, and I'd prefer it to be from a church that cares about the people, rather than a bunch of royals who call hunts against the Tel’Quessir whenever they're bored of sleeping with their cousins."
Sipping the wine again briefly, Janiries puts the glass down before continuing to reply to Anise.
"You are, however, sorely mistaken about one thing. Your continued importance to our efforts to stop Lassathor. You and your church has offered very little to stop this threat, not even information about Lassathor! I have contacts of my own, as do the rest of us, all of whom would be happy to help stop this dire threat. Your own god, through the cleric we met at Tilver's Folly, even helped us in this fight. Besides, as Aidan mentioned, we adventurers have ways of our own. Get rid of us if you want, you won't stop us.
And once we're done fighting this threat and become heroes, we'll happily tell everyone in Tethyr about just how helpful you here in the Church of Helm have been. And then I'll stick who the hell I like on the throne, and get rid of your petty church that's more concerned with how they look than stopping this threat.
So, what's it going to be, Anise? Do you want to prove you actually care about Tethyr? Show some leadership, put recriminations aside and work with us to stop Lassathor. Cause with or without you, that's what I intend to do."
Janiries then leaps up from her position of sitting delicately from the food table, looking annoyed.
"Food's terrible by the way. No idea why I put up with this human swill.."
Landon looks like was about to say something but stops and waits. I wonder if she remembers that Mathias and I are part of that very same church.
Matthias, too, waited for the outcome of the argument. He was used to following orders, but... what was best for Tethyr came first. He wouldn't speak against the church, as Janiries threatened to do, but he would do his best to be a good example of Helm's teachings, regardless of Anise's worries.
Aidan stands, regarding each of you in turn. I know you have been through much ... and I am sorry that we didn't prepare you properly. But I believe that you can still help Tethyr, in fact, I believe you are the very ones who must help. You've seen firsthand what transpired at Tilver's Folly, and you've encountered the emerging bandit confederation and emerged alive.
Aidan mutters a few words and the room grows dark, save for a large map of Tethyr projected above the large wooden table. At least, it looks like a map - you can see what looks like Tethyr from very high above, including cloud cover. Aidan points to an area just a bit east of Tilver's Folly and the Stendarr estate, on the river.
This was the old Barony of Talonhawke. Prior to the uprising, it was an area of stability and peace - the Talonhawke family was well-known for their honest dealings, fairness, and for keeping their lands secure in the name of the people first, the crown second. They fell not to angry mobs, but to an assassin's knife, a few months before the Kings death.
Anise sits up - she had seemed disinterested up to this point, scratching Apollo behind his ears as he sniffed her boots. At word of the estate, however, she bolts up. Aidan - don't. They can't possibly be ready for....
We must, Anise - Bertram and I have already discussed it. Aidan turns back to you. What I am offering you is this Barony, it's lands, the castle and keep - in exchange for your promise to rule fairly over the area, to keep the people safe, and to make it a beacon in an otherwise dark nation. It may seem like a reward, but it's actually a great responsibility. We will help you as we can - I have a company of Helmite troops to help you establish order, and you will be given enough gold to help rebuild the area and draw in enough farmers, merchants and the like until you are self-sustaining. Two noble families - the Stendarrs and the Lethspurs - will become your vassals as their estates will be on your lands. I encourage you to maintain good relations with them, as they both have influence and their co-operation will make your lives much easier.
Once you have tamed your lands, what you do next is up to you. The rising threats of Lassathor and the bandit confederation must both be met. We will help you create an alliance of like-minded folk to try and meet these challenges, but you may wish to pursue your own alliances and agreements as well. The area is also rife with ruins and places which seem to attract danger - you may wish to explore them more fully as well.
In short, we are offering you these lands for you to rule, to use as your base of operations, and to use as the starting point of a great alliance against the evils which threaten us all. What do you say - are you up for it?
Bertram remains seated, nodding at Aidan's words. Anise is dumbfounded, saying nothing, her beautiful face going red. Aidan, though young, appears tired and worn, and leans heavily upon the table.
A barony? I can hear my grandmother cackling about this already and planning, spinning her webs.
Well I guess there is a new forest for me to tame huh. I guess we better get started. Any of you know anything about running an estate? I might be able to convince my parents to steward the place for us, get the household running and manage the troops. They both have experience in that. That would keep us from the mundane tasks and let us focus on the real challenges. That is if you would all accept the help.
I suggest we move out and consolidate the barony then move to find our allies. I also know that some of us have made a promise to help Marius, and perhaps that would allow us to gain some Druidic assistance as well.
Belgrin watches with fascination as the glowing landscape covers the table, shooting Aidan a raised eyebrow at the conclusion of his offer.
He scratches his beard thoughtfully, contemplating the possible outcomes of managing an entire barony.
Be a lot to do to get that place secure. Farmin' ain't my cup o tea, but there's bound to be mines around...
"You're.. you're giving us a barony? Huh.. didn't quite expect that."
Janiries curses to herself in elven a moment, before grabbing another glass of wine and downing it in one.
"So which lucky person are you making a baron? Landon? Matthais? Amestri? Hezar?!"
Let me bow out of that one. I am not meant to rule. And I see no reason it could not be you or Amestri as Baroness, or Belgrin for that matter.
You will judge amongst yourselves who is to rule - whether you appoint one person, or rule as committee, or take votes - that will be decided amongst yourselves. We do not seek to impose our order on you - you will decide for yourselves what your power structure is.
Anise can barely pick her jaw off the floor. We're ... REWARDING them? Her eyes are wide as she surveys the room, her eyes hovering over Janiries for a moment longer than anyone else. Bertram - you must see that this is unwise ... the blind leading the blind!
Aidan had a vision from the Watcher himself, Anise. responds Bertram, not looking at his lieutenant, as he watches the room.
After hearing my parents speak of the running their household, and from the days when they worked under nobles, I have a feeling that this is less of a reward than most people would think. There is much work to be done I am certain.
Hezar reaches down and scoops up Apollo as he leaves Anise's boot after her outburst.
Amestri blinks and looks up at Aidan's offer of a barony. I left the nobility to help others and now... we help others by being nobility? "I am not from around here... obviously, and thus do not know the politics of this nation well. Does the church of Helm rule the country and thus can dole out plots of land to those they deem worthy? Or did the Talonhawkes bequeath their land to the church? I ask to determine how others might view the legitimacy of this responsibility you are offering us."
The church took over responsibility for protecting as many of the people of the land as possible - including the people who once relied upon the Talonhawke family for protection. But we have neither the numbers to blanket the whole nation, nor the inclination to rule. We are not doling out plots of land; we are relinquishing responsibility for these people and the lands and entrusting them to you. Aidan smiles at you comfortingly. As for the legitimacy of our offer: the lands are certainly ours to give, as Merisel Talonhawke left all the families' lands, heirlooms and other possessions to the church, in absence of any heirs. The legitimacy of your stewardship will not be in question legally. Practically, it will be up to you to win hearts and minds in the area - the folk have become very independent over the years, as living there has seemed more and more like living on the frontier.
Not quite what I pictured when the ghost said we'd need an army, now...But then again, why not? A little Dwarven sensibilities might do the softskins some good. Certainly can't hurt the pride of the clan.
Looking at Bertram and Aiden in a somewhat odd way then turning to Hezar, "Before I left to join the church my grandmother raised me to manage our families estates and holdings. I may be rusty but i'm sure we'll be fine."
If you say so, but don't be expecting me to do any cleaning or gardening or training men on a daily basis. That stuff is for the birds.
Utterly dumbfounded, Matthias stared at Bertram and the others, at a loss for words. The parallels with the Talonhawke family and his own struck a chord, and he had to swallow a lump in his throat.
He had never aspired to be a leader, being just one of many children, but with the possibility before him... just imagine what good could be done in the name of Helm!
He looked at his friends. "This is a great responsibility, it is true, but 'from earnest striving lords are made.' I couldn't help but remember that quote - it's from Guirlon Jevath, in The Honest Worker. I think he meant that if you rise to the occasion, you can do great things." He nodded to Bertram, almost a seated bow. "If we can do any good, now is the time to prove it. My friends, let us tame Talonhawke!"
Aidan smiles at your responses. Remember, our church will be your ally so long as you think of the people first. From the time you take possession of the Barony, you no longer answer to us - unless we find your methods deplorable, which I doubt, considering the number of goodly beings assembled here. We will support you, as we do other holds throughout Tethyr, and you can expect help from the churches of Tyr, Torm and Lathander as well - and others beside.
Anise sits, shaking her head at what has transpired. Bertram stands and gives a short bow. I must attend to other business. Aidan - and Anise - can answer your questions, of which I assume you have many. With that, the tall patriarch exits the room.
You know Anise, I am sure the people would appreciate a little extra spiritual advice. I am sure we could find a small church for you.
"Right! Well, to start with, what condition is the Talonhawke estate in? Is it liveable in or will we have to rebuild it?"
"More to the immediate need, is there anyone else occupyin' it at the moment?"
"What condition are the settlements within the territory?"
From Hezar's roll: The area of the Barony is roughly 100 miles east to west, bounded by the Stendarr estate on the west and Hawking's brook to the east; and fifty miles north to south, bounded by the Starspire foothills to the north and the Sulduskoon river to the south. At around 500 square miles, the Talonhawke family holdings were once amongst the largest of Tethyr's baronies. Much of the southern part is farmland, especially along the river; the northern part is less developed, mostly grassland, which thins out as you approach the foothills and the mountains proper. A small forest (The Fellwood) grows thicker and more wild as you approach Hawking's brook.
The estate was in quite good shape when last inspected a year ago; the surrounding keep also appeared structurally sound. We cannot be certain that unwelcome guests haven't taken up residence; you will have to find out for yourselves. Aidan gives you a wry smile and a wink.
As for settlements; the Stendarr and Lethspur households are in good repair and occupied; and there are several small villages and hamlets in the area. The farms are ready to be reclaimed, but most lie fallow at the moment, needing people acquainted with farming to get them going again.
You've already acquainted yourselves well with the Stendarr family, I see. notes Anise, her eyes on Janiries and the ring on her finger.
"We've had some.. dealings with the Stendarr family. I'm sure the Lady Stendarr will be enthusiastic at the prospect of serving under us."
Janiries tone returns to normal, having come to terms with the idea of being installed as rulers and leaders.. something that came quite naturally to any Sun Elf, even if it were in a human land.
"So, I imagine we should head to the estate first and confirm that it's structurally sound and lacking in any unwelcome inhabitants, then send word back to you here to send supplies and the like over to us. I'm certain we can find people willing to work the farms amongst the refugees we rescued from Tilver's Folly.. it'd be good for them to find a new, protected home."
I almost completely agree. I strongly believe we should help Marius catch his rogue druid. He has fought by our side with the expectation of our assistance. We can search for him with almost no side track, and once captured Marius might be able to earn us the support of his Circle.
"If there is a rogue druid threatening the people of Tethyr, it only seems right that we deal with that - especially if Marius' Circle might aid us in return. After all, Tilver's Folly is not so far from the Stendarr estate," Matthias agreed. "I have a feeling we'll need all the help we can muster soon enough. If there is no retinue provided for us off the bat, we had best see about gathering one quickly, the better to deal with the challenges we will face without wasting time on matters that could be left to them. Aidan, do you have any suggestions for us?"
Belgrin nods, satisfied that talk has steered away from blame, and towards action. "Huntin' a rogue druid sounds like fun. Gettin' Marius's boys on our side? Sounds like a plan. Sides', aren't druids good with plants and farms and the like? Surely it'd be a good start to have druids kickstartin' yer farmin' and watchin' over yer lands, aye? And besides, yer true on one count afore all others: We made a deal. Methinks Marius's done more'n a fair share of his end. Ah say it's our turn, no doubt."
"Sounds like we all agree, If you'll excuse us we had better get started." then turning to the others, "Lets meet up with Marius and find out what he can tell us about this rogue Druid."
Looks like I'm back hunting down dangerous spell casters again.
I suggest we all meet at my family home. We can provide a good meal and good company before we head out in the morning.
"So, we're helping track down this druid first, then heading to the Talonhawke estate?"
"Aye, sounds like a plan ta me. We take care of a pest, one less thorn in our side, earn some thanks and some new allies all in one go? Only sensible plan in my book."
More time traipsing around the wilds hunting for some Malarite druid, rather than potentially relaxing in a noble estate. Great.
Janiries nods in agreement to Belgrin's answer, helping herself to more wine. "I was hoping to get the loot valued and sold off before heading out again, so we should sort that out at Hezar's house."
"That sounds great, Hezar, thank you."
Marius clears his throat. I'd really appreciate the help tracking this bastard down - I know he had the blood of innocent folk on his hands before, and now - with our attentions turned towards this whole undead thing - I have no idea how many more victims he's claimed.
As to helping with your new lands - I'd be pleased, and I'm sure others of my faith would be as well. You understand, of course, that Silvanus is the God of wild nature - the untamed forests, for example. If you're looking for help with farming, then we'd need some followers of Chauntea - not that rare, amongst those who work the land.
Perhaps you could help me in the forest.
Hezar says with a smile.
"So, to Hezar's house to plan our next move?"
"All the same ta me; We know where the road's takin' us, matters little what stops we make on the way."
Amestri listens to the planning with a wistful look in her eyes. Ahh... it reminds me so much... She rises when the others do to leave for Hezar's homestead.
Aidan nods as you make to leave for Hezar's parents. I'll make sure to stay in touch - I've volunteered to be your liason with the church ... there wasn't much competition for the spot. Aidan looks meaningfully at Anise for a moment, who seems to ignore him.
Please say hello to your folks for me, Hezar - they're wonderful people. If they can help with this new project .... we'd all be better off for it.
As the room empties, Anise clears her throat. Janiries! I would have words with you!
Turning to the group a moment, Janiries sighs ever so slightly "Looks like I'm on the naughty step. I'll meet you guys at Hezar's house." before turning back to Anise.
"Lets talk then."
OOOOOOOOOOOOO Janiries is in trouuuuubllllleeeee! Hezar says like a school boy seeing someone called to the principal. Then he laughs and heads out.
Yes I will Aiden.
As they all leave. If you guys could give me half an hour head start that would be appreciated. I know my father will be thrilled, but my mother might be a little less than happy if a whole bunch of people showed up and she did not have at least 30 minutes to make sure the spotless home is gleaming.
With that he makes sure everyone knows where to go and he takes off at a trot with Apollo nipping at his heals.