”What am I doing here? Well, currently I am eating lunch and having a drink.”
He sits back and displays his open palms clearly displaying he is disarmed.
”If you are hinting that I am here to attack you Kalig then you should know this. Had I wanted to attack you I would have bashed you first with my shield, hopefully to knock you off balance and put your prone, then I would have tried to stick the cook over here who would undoubtably be trying to set up a flank with you. Because we all know Francoix is more than just a cook.”
”A great cook I might add.”, he says winking at Francoix.
He continues.
”Then I would try to gut the wizard.”
He shrugs apologetically to Dargys.
”Nothing personal, it’s just tactics. Hopefully I could disrupt your spell or survive the first one before ending you and moping up the others.”
He sits back hands Exaggeratedly kept far from his weapons, though they could no doubt dart to them in a blur at anytime.
”Depending on how the fates wove said encounter, I would’ve adjust my attacks after that. I must say though Mia, your dinosaur would have been a suprise. A real wildcard.”
”The beast must be new because the children didn’t mention it once.”
”In further evidence of my intentions here, I point out I would not have sent away the children if I had evil intent because you care for them and would be hindered with them here. Even without them in here, I am sure the cook would not want the wizard dropping a Fireball , incinerating the whole place and his wife and employees in the process.”
He points up to the trophies hung from the rafters and the head of the bar.
”Let your displayed loot make their silent warnings of danger to me. I see a drake of some kind, a land shark, but the color of the bone makes me think it was poisoned, and a giant king’s crown.”
”Based on the wood still being green and the skulls’ current state of bleaching, those are all recent and can be attributed to you. Impressive display really.”, there is no mocking tone in his voice whatsoever.
He nods towards Kalig’s shield arm.
”Don’t pull that shield or draw steel on me Kalig of the Four Winds. If you want to duel me, it would be best for you to lure me outside first.”
He points to his plate of half finished food.
”But as you can see I have broken bread and shared water from your well. The proprietor of this place has bid me welcome and I have clasped hands with him. Would you wrong me under his roof? Or do those customs have no weight here?”
Mia goes to answer, however grows silent as the mysterious stranger continued to speak. Her eyes narrow as he goes. At even a theoretical threat to her allies, most of Mia's nervousness seems to fade, and an underlying fierceness shows through her usually amiable and docile demeanor.
She speaks in a lower tone at first, however it becomes more fiery as she goes along.
I was merely making a jest in regards to your remark to the children. However perhaps showing you would be better. She pauses for a moment
And while it is true, Kalig...all of them have always been stronger than me, and all of them more daring, you should not underestimate someone. As you said, I'm full of surprises. Besides, even without me, I wager my friends have faced worse than you.
A slight, involuntary shudder runs through her as she remembers the undead cyclops, and the stories of the vegelich in particular.
As for my new companion, her name is Eep, and she is far from primitive, I'd believe she is more intelligent than most of her kind. Her gaze lingers on Ivan for a short time.
It didn't take long for the adrenaline rush from her outburst to run its course however, leaving her keenly aware of the dull "thump, thump, thump" she felt in her head. She takes a deep breath and steadies herself.
What I mean is.. you must understand... that is.. She glances to Kalig, unsure if she should explain the situation we.. must be wary of any traveler at this time, particularly one so... boastful. For we have already suffered worse from one we considered our own. Much less one unknown. While the fierce temperament from before is mostly gone. She attempts, though poorly, to try and fake it but unconsciously takes a step back. After another few moments she tentatively speaks up again.
If you are not from Galt, are you from Taldor? She takes another step back without waiting for an answer. But does keep her eyes on Ivan.
what was I thinking??? That was terrifying and exhausting... and yet...
”Then I would try to gut the wizard.”
He shrugs apologetically to Dargys.
”Nothing personal, it’s just tactics. Hopefully I could disrupt your spell or survive the first one before ending you and moping up the others.”
"Oh, as long as it is not personal..." A bit drily "I like fire but the name was not self bestowed." He says "And conversation is now getting a bit heated and not to my fire. Perhaps less with the the threats all around mm? We are not, I think enemies. Far from it I hope"
Kalig gives Mia an approving nod, proud of the shy girl for speaking up.
At Ivan's final question to her, Kalig snorts. "If you think I care for custom perhaps you haven't finished your research into us." The one hand never leaves her shield strap, but with the other she points at him. "Do you understand that it does not put us at ease, showing off all the little 'facts' you know about us, a total stranger? We have been gone not that long, but yet you've made an effort to learn every story you can about us. And yet for as well as you seem to listen, your ability to read the room is lacking. You mistake loudness for power. and your criticism of the hobgoblin's efforts on the wall, whether accurate or not, will alone likely earn their mistrust if not outright ire permanently. You bandy about what you've heard, but all that will do is earn suspicion. People here are frightened of their own shadows--and for good reason, given all we have been through to get here and build our homes with our own hands, the same homes you sneer at for being hovels rather than a great city. You speak like you can read our minds--even if all you have done is listen to the stories of our children--that does not suggest you are just passing through or exploring. That you would take advantage of our children's innocence and use them as unwitting pawns in your intelligence gathering makes me even more suspicious." She pauses to give the children a sharp, chiding glance. "And I will have a lengthy chat with their parents about their telling stories about us to strangers."
"You are showing off that you think you know us, you know our weaknesses. And for all I can trust, based on your demeanor, is that you may sell that information at the highest bidder. That you can smile and shake a hand is the opposite of soothing. The wolves that eat best disguise themselves in a sheep's hide." She juts out her jaw, but finally Dargys's interjection sinks into her skull.
"But I've been known to be unfair, as well as cranky, and all the moreso for your arrival is delaying my bath and a hot meal. If you are here on good faith, there is only one way you can prove your worth, and that is ceasing the talk and doing the work. Help us finish building the walls. Help us dig defensive berms on the other side. Clean the privies. Go into the ruins with us and face the undead."
Ivan looks at the women incredulously.
”Are you being serious?!”
”No, Mia, I am not an arson happy beheading enthusiast from Galt, nor am I from from Talador, riding about on fancy horses, issuing challenges, chasing overripe titles, clinging to honors centuries past.”
He points to a distant point on his map.
”I am from Orlav, last true city in Iobaria. Which explains why I look like an Ulfen, I’m wearing Ulfen garb, my hair, my height, my braids and whatnot.”
He shrugs.
”As for your other concerns, I am guessing you are talking about the woman that killed someone and was taken out to the woods? I don’t know if the kids had all of that story right, but I am guessing they gave me their parents thoughts on the matter. Some said you left her out there to die and others think she will return to kill again.”
He shakes his head.
”Look. If I was here to kill anybody, why would I have come in here and order a sandwich after openly revealing my presence? Nothing more chilling than a man ordering lunch and having a drink of water at the Inn. I even paid for my meal up front.”
”Besides, who the hell would I sell you out to anyway? The centaurs? If you haven’t noticed there isn’t a whole lot out here.”
”Not to mention, did you really want me to come in here and be a Dick to the kids?”
Ivan crosses his arms.
”I am guessing your hostility is born out of fear of some real threat.”
”If you do have mortal enemies out here you could use my help. I am a trained engineer and was a professional soldier serving the Prince of Orlav.”
”You will forgive my remaining seated, but it makes me less imposing.”
He stands up to his 6’ 5” height and works the kinks out of his neck.
”As far as being boastful. We can take this outside?” he says menacingly before shifting to a very congenial tone.
”Or! You can invite me to stay for drinks and ask me any further questions you have in a polite manner.”
”I am hoping you are all a bit thirsty?”
He smiled civily and shook his head. He actually had expected almost all of that.
"There are a lot of threats to this small place and most of us have no desire to see this new place we are trying to build here. We have word that some forces seek us harm. I do welcome you here, and despite Kalig's concerns which i share... I do welcome you here. Have you tried the boysenberry pie? Let me get you a slice."
He moved to the back to his wife and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Hate to ask love, can you go find the count and let him know we are back and we have ... concerning news and could use his thoughts."
He returned to the common room with the pie and slid it in front of the newcomer.
"What are you traveling for Ivan? What brought you here to our fair little town?"
As Ivan neck gives the manliest most macho pop this land has ever known, the wizard's eyebrrows go up. There's a small thump, for his rat has fainted. A sigh, and Dargys picks up the rodent.
Ivan's size and suddenly aggressive stance sends Kalig's mind reeling to seven long years in her childhood of being beaten and bullied by much larger orcs in the camp. Her survival instincts and traumatic memories awakened, she swallows, but does her best to square her shoulders, and tries to conceal her shaking as she replies.
"I'm not here, like you, to posture, but to protect my people. They seem to have things well in hand. I told you how to earn our trust. We will see what you are worth shortly I am sure. Now as I mentioned, I have better things to do."
She turns on her heel and marches out of the inn, moving as quickly as she can to her little hut on the hill and to see to Matilda.
Mia continues to remain behind Kalig for now, but does say after a bit of a stumble.
Well... you could have been from the ulfen guard. Or an ex member of it.
She will lean in to whisper to Kalig and Dargys.
I.. I don't think he is lying. He really doesn't know about the threat galt... not that I can tell... But.. I've been told I'm too trusting.. oh nevermind she mutters as Kalig makes her statement and leaves.
She glances to Ivan for a few seconds before following Kalig out the door. She calls to the others.
I'll be back shortly.
Mia catches up to Kalig not long after they leave. Mia stops her for a moment and brings up the following in the druidic tongue.
I.. I know now may not be the best time to ask this, but... I don't know if I will get a good time to ask this anytime soon.. What with the, well near endless stream of things to do... anyway. I was wondering... a-and I don't really know if it can even be done but... What if we formed our own druidic circle? A-And taught some of the village folk the craft? I-If any were interested in learning... I think I would enjoy teaching it.. and, well, eventually it would lighten our own load. Even if only one or two people really got actually invested... It.. Its a long term goal I guess, but.. One I wanted to speak to you about. Since, you know, you actually were trained by an actual circle. She twists her hair and seems like she wants to say more, but for some reason seemed hesitant.
He smiled civily and shook his head. He actually had expected almost all of that.
"There are a lot of threats to this small place and most of us have no desire to see this new place we are trying to build here. We have word that some forces seek us harm. I do welcome you here, and despite Kalig's concerns which i share... I do welcome you here. Have you tried the boysenberry pie? Let me get you a slice."
He moved to the back to his wife and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Hate to ask love, can you go find the count and let him know we are back and we have ... concerning news and could use his thoughts."
He returned to the common room with the pie and slid it in front of the newcomer.
"What are you traveling for Ivan? What brought you here to our fair little town?"
Ivan’s attention is immediately redirected.
”Heck yes I love Boysenberry Pie! Wait, how did you get those winter berries down here? Do the plant people actually grow food for you? I saw all the vegetation covering the Ziggarat on the way in. That must be the temple where they live.”
Francoix sends his wife to go summon the Count.
”Does this Count really not have any legs? And you have a one armed Orc Chieftain too?”
He picks up the spoon and digs in.
”Mmmmm oh my gosh!”
The sweetly tart berry filling mixed with the flakey pastry crust works wonders of diplomacy.
”Sorry, I will answer your questions first and stop asking mine. After I decided to leave Orlav I went East into the Forests. Honestly, unless you have a ship, you really can’t go anywhere, but east from there. I went overland, I had a lot of great adventures while building my legend and luckily none of them killed me. I even picked up a few enchanted items along the way.”
”So why here?”
He points out areas and markings on his map.
”I don’t know if you know this, but the first builders in Iobaria were Cyclops. Yeah! They had a whole empire up in this region. I can think of 5 of their cities that men still occupy, including Orlav and three I think that are occupied, but not by men, one lies haunted down here by the mountains.”
”However, there is one left abandoned. Which marked the eastern extent of their empire. A jewel on the rim of a vast inland sea.”
He rests his index finger on a city north of a river delta on the coast of a vast waterway.
”And I think it’s where you built your town.” l
”I wasn’t expecting to find this town here. I did know there was a fishing village to the north of you. I was told I could trade with them and resupply basics, but was warned the people who lived there would never be convinced to bring me here. There is something evil or dangerous that they won’t speak of.”
”As for why I am here. I’m an adventurer. There might be loot and fame, a good fight and besides. This was the end of my journey you know?”
”Literally the end of the road.”
Kalig zips through the town, striding on long legs, before she realizes Mia is trying to catch up with her. She gestures to Mia to walk beside her, slowing down to a reasonable amble. She is silently grateful for the distraction of Mia's inquiry and takes a few breaths first to be sure she is answering calmly.
"I... am not exactly massively experienced either. I walked with the Circle the minimum prescribed year and a day before seeking out my own path again. But then much of druidic life is finding your path, something you certainly know a lot about." She hmphs in a way that's hard to tell if it's a half-chuckle or simply a clearing of the throat.
"I'll admit my first thought was that I am not the type of person to be good at teaching anyone. I am too impatient. Too blunt. And you are too meek. Although, I was impressed with the way you spoke to Ivan back there. Perhaps if you can learn, so can I." Her black eyes scan the horizon as they approach the little garden path leading to the shrine of Gozreh. She pauses as they near it, and she points to the path.
"This I hope will outlive both of us, whether that's till tomorrow or in a hundred years. Our lives are by necessity dangerous. And..." her eyes seem to search for something in front of her that isn't there. "My calling until now has always been to the road. The line drawn between wilderness and civilization. A time will come when I no longer belong here. Given new people, humans especially, are finding their way here, that time may come sooner than later. That is not something to fret about anymore than the coming of winter. It is just part of the turn of seasons." She nods, and reaches out to pat Mia on the shoulder.
"Yes. I am sorry for rambling. As you might guess I often think aloud. But yes, you have the right of things. We must prepare for seasons and cycles to come and see that there are those who can join us and, when necessary, take our place. Let's go to the altar."
"Gerla is good with animals. Has a way of keeping them calm, and she is devout." She points to a cow-shaped fetish Gerla has left on the altar. "There is a fisher, Enro, barely a man but who seems to have a knack for knowing exactly when the schools will be the most plentiful swimming through the rivers, or whenever it will rain. In addition to whatever you think, your assistant Teriel is observant and may have other suggestions. We should also ask Harkan and Fendir who from their people they would recommend." She looks at Mia. "When do we get started?"
I.. I don't think he is lying. He really doesn't know about the threat galt... not that I can tell... But.. I've been told I'm too trusting.. oh nevermind she mutters as Kalig makes her statement and leaves.
The wizard nods to her before she goes, to show he heard her more than anything.
Mostly he listens to the barrage of chatter from Ivan, happy Francoix and his family are handling things
Mia chuckles nervously at the mention of her outburst. Yes... well, I've noticed that I'm becoming a bit more...outspoken. I suppose. Especially when in danger. I... Don't have time to be timid or shy in a fight, and those emotions kinda... came out, back there.. I always thought I was just quiet by nature. Though, now I'm not so sure.. Whenever I.. whenever just the thought of talking to a large group came up I got... anxious almost scared. Though after dealing with, well, all we have dealt with. That seems a bit silly now. Even if I still feel uneasy at times.. sometimes I wish I could be as, um, stubborn?... assertive? as you... uh.. anyway.. back on topic. Mia seems to struggle for words, pausing intermittently, its clear another thing seems to be worrying her, but she doesn't say.
Mia is a little surprised at Kalig's quick acceptance of the idea of forming their own circle, and while visibly happy, stumbles over her words at first.
Uh, that is, well, I-I haven't given it that much thought really. Just that it may be a good idea.. I didn't want to think too in depth about it until I asked you for your thoughts. And, well, Teriel is an amazing assistant but, I'm not sure she would fit well, she's smart, and has always been more interested in ways an ingredient can be used, rather than the ingredient itself if that makes sense. Though she is outgoing and friendly, so likely would have at least one suggestion. You know the people here better than I do as well, so, I'll take your lead on potential candidates for now. I also had some ideas on...integrating, the village's development with nature more. Though, those are likely even more long term than a circle haha.
She seemed to be thinking about what Kalig said, clearly taken slightly aback at the suggestion of Kalig leaving, as she had been talking and for several long moments after answering before speaking again.
I.. You belong here more than I. You.. you always provided a firm guiding hand. I believe that its largely thanks to you that our rather diverse village gets along the way it does. I doubt I could have handled your role in balancing the different peoples here. Or made the harder decisions, certainly not then, and I'm still unsure now. I was, am? too.. too timid. Mia sighs, struggling to find the proper words she wants to say before gingerly putting a hand on Kalig's shoulder.
What I mean to say is, this is your home, as much as its anyone's. If anyone belongs here its you. And even if your calling takes you from here, just remember. You will always have a home, and friends to return to. She gives a heartfelt smile.
Besides, with our luck, we may well just be reincarnated, or reborn to watch over this place again. She lets out a small chuckle at the suggestion.
... though... I don't think that would be too bad a fate.. She says after a moments thought. Thinking about her small grove, her shop, and, despite herself, the potential of the town.
Despite having come to discuss a potential druidic circle, it seemed Mia was more than happy to just talk as well.
”Okay, now that the Ladies’ Council is gone.”
Ivan says to Francoix and Dargys with a crooked grin.
”You have got to tell me, what has got Kalig’s small clothes in such a bunch?”
”I mean, I thought our meet and greet was going just fine. Even Mia seemed cool, before Kalig started teeing off on me. Something bad happen to her or something? Do I look like an ex-lover? She was really really angry and defensive. About the wall, the citizens, just about everything really.”
He bro taps the wizard’s shoulder.
”I tell you Dargys, If you had not put in your little piece, I think she would have drawn on me.
He throws up his hands.
”I was like come on lady just let me eat my sandwich.”
He nods to the rogue turned cook.
”Your wife was very gracious Francoix. She set up the table for me so I could have a proper sit down meal. Even gave me a cotton napkin.”
”The kiddies were fine too, they were just excited. I don’t want to get them in trouble.”
He stares down at his plate silently for a moment as he thoughtfully dabs up the last of the berry filling carefully with a fork tine.
”Am I going to have to go through this whole thing again with the Orc Chieftan and the Hob Squad Leader? Is it like a cultural thing?”
”I mean if people want me to leave that’s fine. My horse is just outside the wall I can bounce and find some other shelter out there.”
”Kalig had me confused, because I was thinking, ”Damn, she is getting more and more pissed at me like I owe her some serious money. Is she going to have me jumped and stomped out!?” then she switched it up and starts talking about putting me to work shoring up the wall, digging berms, and cleaning out the outhouses. Like what is going on with this woman!?”
He sighs and chuckles.
”I am glad that hadn’t gone down like that up North. Different set of rules up there.”
He shakes his head.
”Okay, now that the Ladies’ Council is gone.”
Ivan says to Francoix and Dargys with a crooked grin.
”You have got to tell me, what has got Kalig’s small clothes in such a bunch?”
”I mean, I thought our meet and greet was going just fine. Even Mia seemed cool, before Kalig started teeing off on me. Something bad happen to her or something? Do I look like an ex-lover? She was really really angry and defensive. About the wall, the citizens, just about everything really.”
He bro taps the wizard’s shoulder.
”I tell you Dargys, If you had not put in your little piece, I think she would have drawn on me.
He throws up his hands.
”I was like come on lady just let me eat my sandwich.”
"First I should say, I do not know Kalig that well but she has faced trials and has reason to be on guard. She is.. abrasive, but also wise. The flexing back at her, not the way to peacefully build a bridge by the way. She is also close to a leader here.. in fact, between her and Mia, I think we maybe in a Matriarchial Druidocracy with a strong nod to Merits. Nothing official there, but my point is, though I do not know here well... I know here well enough to realize she has good reasons for what she does. Francoix could tell you better. He knows her longer, but that is my take. Best way to deal with her is consider that she cares for this community like mama bear. Make no sudden moves, let her get used to your scent. Be useful, and.. is good." The half orc shrugs
”That wasn’t flexing. I was dead serious she shouldn’t draw on me.”
Ivan’s features grow darker for a moment as he considers something.
"Pardon term, did not mean to infer you were just boasting or not serious. let me clarify that escalation was mistake in my opinion. Your opinion differs, but you ask what I think yes?" he shrugs "Is something we move past I hope." a look about "So it is not what you were expecting, but over all I hope you like area?"
Francoix frowned. He respected Kalig a lot, the stern woman was certainly a very large driving force in how the town was established. It wasn't his place really to tell such things either... or maybe it was. He was something of the ... diplomatic smooth talker in town. He gave his wife a smile and sat down.
"To be as blunt as Kalig can be, her story itself is personal and you would have to ask her about it... Good luck with that, but if you want to know why most of us are looking over our shoulders or appear wary... Almost every single person here, choose to start life here as some form of refugee or another. We have word from that person whom we led away that a large almost army sized group of idiot zealot Galtens are on their way here, led by a very dangerous man. In fact that man was responsible for my parents deaths many years ago in that lunacy filled land. Glorious peoples reclamation my as..... We have no intention of letting that madness anywhere near this place, this Haven we have found. I think you seem to be a decent fellow, you like my pie after all. You seem to be good with children and I don't think your arms or armor is store bought and unused. There are a lot of good folk here, and that includes in our orc and hobgoblin allies. Its not perfect yet, but we are all focused on the same thing. Building a home where we don't have to worry about some tyrant, madman or other fool telling us what to do. Think it over, I know a lot of folk will be glad to have you. Couple of decent widows about too. If you think settling down might be a thing you may choose to do. If you have further questions dont hesistate to ask, I do have to go speak with the Count though, about our findings. Welcome to Haven Ivan, I hope your stay is to you liking."
He offered his hand to the man again and nodded to Dargys. The wizard was good folk too, even with his rat.
"Try to keep your friend decently hidden, Noemie will have stern words for me if he gets running about loose."
He added with a smile to the wizard.
Ivan’s head snapped up.
”Wait! What!? An army of Galtens? Why in the world would they be coming out here? Do they not have an entire country to raze? Is this Count of yours a threat capable of taking back the Throne of Galt?”
”What would drive them to pursue you here?”
He throws his napkin down on the table top.
”Crap.”
The thought of the ruins caught in the middle of a war sinks in.
”Crap!”
His frustration builds.
”This is . . . Uuugh! It was weeks from the last outpost then a week riding through the Sea of Grass just to get to the coast.”
He offered his hand to the man again and nodded to Dargys. The wizard was good folk too, even with his rat.
"Try to keep your friend decently hidden, Noemie will have stern words for me if he gets running about loose."
He added with a smile to the wizard.
"Understood. Plague, back in the robe." And the rat vanishes into the folds "Would not want to upset Noemie"
At Ivan's surprise that the Galts would make such an effort, the wizard says "It is said Galts have a lot of gall. Fanatics will go to great lengths to force their vision on others"
”Francoix said the leader killed his parents. . . “
Ivan sighed and looked out the window for a moment as though trying to decide something.
He looks back at the half orc mage appraisingly before asking.
”Dargys, what brought you here? What do you make of this place?”
"What brought me here? Heritage and chance, but eventually I followed Onearm into exile though I am no kin to him," He ponders "What do i make of this place? I think a tower one day, wizards are supposed to have towers. Maybe I take an apprentice. Too much to hope for magic school I suppose but maybe who knows? Little dreams it will be, each of us seeing something to make, and then stitched together. A glorious mess. But orc bloods are accepted here. that is.. that is good."
Ivan watches the half-orc wizard as he speaks.
”So this Count has forged an alliance between so many different types of people. Your tribe accepts a one armed chief and all of your children run together as one.”
Ivan begins gathering up his gear and slings his shield over his shoulder.
”Take me to either Mia or Kalig. Whichever we can run into first.”
A few moments later he adds.
”Please.”
Mia's words stun Kalig into silence for a few breaths before she finally replies. "You are kind, Mia. Too much so for your own good, sometimes. But I appreciate what you are trying to say." She sighs, rubbing the back of her head. "I am glad you came to talk to me, but we need to finish this conversation later. All I wanted to do when I got back here was check on my stupid donkey before we reported to the count. Dorick would usually be the one to go straight to the count, but he is no doubt checking on the guard and reporting that our 'guest' somehow slipped past our guards and through Fendir's wall--even if we take him at his word, to only prove that he could rather than show up on the docks or enter through the town gates like a civilized person--" She pauses and says a few words in Orc that are probably rude, "Anyway, Dorick will be devoted to sealing those gaps post-haste so we need to get to the Count. Given all that is going on here, I suppose a goodberry will be my dinner rather than the hot meal I hoped for. Once our preparations for the invasion are underway, you and I can get to starting a circle. We will need to come up with a name, among other things. I must get to Queen Matilda the Petulant and then I will meet you at Aristide's quarters."
"Ha. I didnot say there were no divisions, some still keep to 'their own' a bit... but is good dream no? I am Not sure where they are, but I'll help you look..." He decides to seek out Mia first.
”Brothers fight tooth and nail at times, but woe be he who comes between them. Hopefully outside adversity will drive the disparate groups together as such.”
Ivan says as he walks with Dargys through the town looking for Mia.
”Speaking of towers, have you looked too see how intact the gate towers are at the city’s entrance?”
"No, I have not," He admits, "Something I should check on I suppose. If you have experience in construction and the like maybe you should join me or see for yourself as well?"
Ivan and Dargys find Mia and Francoix speaking with Viscount Aristide just outside his pavilion.
Aristide sits upon an antique chair, the only family heirloom he brought with him to this end of the world, with his trousers tied off where his legs abruptly terminate. Fading wisps of smoke curl from the wooden pipe in his hand, the embers dying and suggesting that he has not taken a puff in some time, likely as he speaks intently with Mia and Francoix.
The ancient Kaskkari gatehouse stands a few dozen yards beyond the viscount's pavilion, his home as he continues to divert his own resources towards building permanent homes for his settlers first. The gatehouse is becoming the anchor for a western wall being built by a somewhat cooperative effort by the orc and hobgoblin kin.
Fendir's tribe work on the arm of the wall stretching to the north; they work to connect it with the northern wall they've already built. Harkan One-Arm's kin, meanwhile, pile stones to form the arm of the wall stretching southward from the gatehouse. Sir Dorick has wasted no time stepping in to serve as a foreman, focused upon maintaining civil cooperation between the two groups of humanoids.
The wall remains low, only about knee height for now. With so many old stones and bricks left behind by the Kaskkari, there is no shortage of materials for the task. However, there are not enough proper tools to go around, with many workers using tools improvised from rocks, sticks, and boards. Time also remains a precious resource, with the Galtan mob growing ever closer out on the Whistling Plains stretching almost infinitely westward.
Ivan waits a bit to see if anyone will introduce him.
Kalig chuckles at the affectionate donkey. "I see, this time we're trying sweet, mmm? I can see right through you, you know." (There is of course nothing but warmth projected toward the beast, despite skeptical words.)
"All right, I'm sure Calder was good to you while I was away, but here are your oat tops, fresh from the fields." She also fills the water trough with create water. "Now let's see if the others have had a chance to report in..."
Dargys looks about as he moves with Ivan. Clearly, some of these folks he doesn't know well either, but when he sees Ivan expects introductions the wizard obliges rather casually, "Hello. This is Ivan Blackshield. He may become regular."
"Yes, I'd heard that a new face arrived in Haven," the Viscount muses. "It seemed quite hard to believe, given our remote location, yet the proof stands right before me. In fact, just at a glance, I can see that the wilds may have more to fear from him than the other way around."
Thus, the ostensible leader of Haven, Viscount Valdemir Aristide, introduces himself to Ivan.
"If you intend to put down roots here - and make no mistake, I have no opposition to the notion - you should be aware of the trouble somewhat literally on the horizon. A violent demagogue by the name of Borjan approaches with a mob of Galtan exiles, intent on transplanting their bloody anarchy and transforming Haven into some New Galt.
"My trusted councilors here, whom you've already met, believe that the situation can be resolved without bloodshed. Nevertheless, I am familiar with Borjan, and there are no treacheries that I can imagine being beneath him. He has rightly earned his epithet, the Bloody Baron."
"Some of us think it can be resolved without bloodshed, personally i hope we kill the a@&~+#&."
He muttered very quietly.
"Our new friend here has some ideas on how we could improve the defenses."
Ivan nods in acknowledgement to the Viscount.
”When I came upon your new settlement I thought it was some sort of Hobgoblin camp so I did not come through your front gate. I am surprised by the unity you have forged here with so many types of people and groups.”
”I have met some of your defenders and they are quite loyal to your cause, motivated and forceful.”
”I came here seeking adventure, expecting ruins south of a fishing village. Instead I find your fledgling town of Haven.”
”I only just got the gist of what you are facing from the mob army of Galt, I do have ideas of what can be done to present a strong defense, but I also came to give counsel of how I might make offense part of the strategy if I were in your shoes Count.”
”Can you tell me how many are coming here? How many days out are they and how would one negotiate with such emotionally driven anarchists? I do not mean to sound belittling, but it sounds easier to talk water out of being wet.”
Dargys listens intently. Strategy is not his forte, or at least, he is not trained in it but he has an interest of course. There's much to be learned.
"Lady Brightshield sent me a magical missive whilst you were gone, providing some information on Borjan's group," Aristide announces. "They number approximately 60 adults, with perhaps half as many children. They will arrive in nine days."
Kalig enters as Aristide shares the latest bit of information.
"Thirty children? Is he known to recruit child soldiers?"
”Kids. That changes my initial tactics. Would your goal be to turn them around? What is driving this group here? Do they seek revenge against you and your band for some specific reason?”
”A group that small in size, burdened with dependents, needing supplies and nine days for our field operations, we could put some serious hurt on them. They would never reach your walls. Unless, they have specific assets or heroes among them to counter our measures.”
”However I assume you are hoping for alternative outcomes, so maybe a decapitation strike with a zero child casualty goal? But also, can any in this band be reasoned with?”
”Is this a force seeking your total annihilation? If so I would preserve your own children’s lives, while trying to reduce the loss of theirs as much as realistically possible.”
"Children..." Dargys seems troubled "I.. there is a twist I can put to my magic to make it non lethal"
"Borjan's rebels are rumored to be forced to fight on empty stomachs, and our original plan was to try psychological warfare before resorting to spell and blade. We wanted to try to convince a number of Borjan's own to defect to us, promising them homes and food. We had just come back with both extra supplies and some agricultural wisdom for that purpose," she nods to Aristide, hoping to add some word of success of their previous mission. But she frowns as she continues her original train of thought, "If a third of them are children this bodes strange. It sounds more like families than an army--one child to a pair of adults each. Either they have enlisted the children to fight, or they are themselves more refugees than an army, despite the butcher's claims. And with that many children... it may be easy to make them want to join us, but we may still be hard pressed to feed them adequately even with what we have found. And if the children are pressed to fight... if they have been conditioned to... imagine, a soldier with Hatha's zealotry combined with the stubbornness of youth. They will impossible to convince they have been fooled." Kalig flattens her ears and leans against the wall, looking at the floor. Perhaps for the first time ever she looks completely without solutions... or hope.
"You are correct," Aristide tells Kalig. "It has been a generation or two since Galt had a proper army, and I suspect whatever may have passed for one has been swept aside by Taldor. Borjan, like so many of Galt's demagogues, relies on whipping ordinary people into a frenzy, convincing them that they need to rise up against whatever enemy was convenient for him: intellectuals, immigrants, non-humans.
"Sadly, I've seen so many otherwise ordinary people fall into a cult-like fervor as they carry out the will of men like Borjan. That is the only reason why he has been able to convince so many people to uproot their entire lives and drag their families, ill-prepared, across the Whistling Plains.
"These children are not soldiers. They are merely swept along by their parents' misguided crusade, which may be just as tragic."
"I refuse to believe that there is no hope to save these children from lies. My own father was a monster, and not because he was orc person. But I escaped his shadow, my siblings too I am hoping. We must findn way to show children kindness if children there are."
"If they have not been trained as soldiers, they may be convinced with food even more easily than their parents. The questions are, will we have enough and can we convince our own people that this is the right course of action? If the adults fight and force our hands and we defeat them, they will leave the children in their number orphans--who will take them in? Who has the willingness and the means--do you, Dargys? It is pretty to talk about 'kindness.' But it is both cruel and dangerous to promise what we do not have, or offer words of empty comfort without commitment behind them."
"What say the rest of you? What are our next steps?"
"I do not know of the means or will, but if one of those orphans has a gift for magic? Well then, I guess I have an apprentice when I am in Haven." A stubborn look "It is only one child, but it begins with one."
Ivan listened to see what the group thinks before he spoke.
”There is little honor in a mob or total war.”
”I am going to give you some tactical options, not all of them will be to your liking and may offend your sensibilities, but they are realities you may deploy or have deployed against you.”
”Your greatest advantage is you are currently in the defensive position. You are entrenched and fortifying. They are advancing, have supply issues and need to cross distances.”
”You can deny them resources, by muddying water supply, poisoning it, driving off game that would otherwise be available to them. You could bait large predators like the Landsharks into the area. Fire is a great ally. They are in grasslands. A fire directed by wind can sweep over their lines. If they are using oxen or handcarts they will have to abandon their burdens or scatter to avoid the flames. Scorched earth does make it hard to forage. Your forces can address broken units, disable and loot wagons, despoil or capture material. Ideally you could separate the principal and his command staff and eliminate or capture them.”
”You have the advantage of being able to set ambushes. We could try to kill this Bloody Baron or whatever he calls himself. We could wound pickets. Strike a few with arrows and they will be forced to care for their own. Two to three personnel will be needed to care for one seriously wounded individual and will sap any healing power they have and of course will have a psychological effect.”
”The enemy of your enemy is your friend. You can run psyops that draw in the Centaurs. Have you reached out the the fish people to see what material support they can offer you?”
”Target their mobility, target horses, livestock, wagons, handcarts.”
”Traps can be set to hobble the wagons, horses and live stock.”
”If you have the ability summon swarms to make the trip miserable.”
”You could try to ride out to them, show strength and sow doubt. You can offer the women and children alms. This creates internal descent and divides if they are driven by want and need. If you cannot turn the Baron’s people to you, you cannot be successful in this approach. His people will have to separate from him.”
”We need to know what would happen if we killed this leader of theirs. Would they falter or are they driven by ideals.”
He gestures to the camp
”You defenses can be no less aggressive. We need defensible space, danger zones, we need battlefield control. You want artillery if we can get it. Take the high ground, find defensible structures, and deny the enemy the same.”
Realizing he has already said quite a bit he pauses.
"I can't speak to may of the suggested guerrilla tactics--Aristide or one of the others will have to weigh in on whether we are capable of conducting such things--but for the matter of the water, we are downriver. If we poison their water supply, we poison our own. Setting fire to the land is also likely endanger us, if not directly, then the centaurs who live in those same plains. I have aided in controlled fires and it can be done responsibly, but against an army of 90 is not going to allow for control."
She spreads her hands. "As for the other creatures in the region, those of us who work here and have shed blood protecting this place already have discussed this at length. The fishfolk they trade what they can, but they have little capacity for fighting, and the leshies even less so, though they are helping the farmers with improving their yields so we can try to persuade the hungry rebels away from their cause. The centaurs must be paid if they are to aid us, and we can discuss whether what we've brought back includes things that may be of value to then. And I may be repeating things said as well; have you discussed that with Aristide yet?" Kalig looks inquiringly to Francoix on this last.
"Sir Dorick has informed me of the success you found in the Sogg," the Viscount says. "With the treasures you've recovered, we will have no trouble buying supplies from Keleshite traders to get our unexpectedly large population through our first winter. Likewise, it would provide the funds with which to buy an alliance - even if only temporary - with the more warlike hill tribes of centaurs in the region."
He strokes his chin, deep in thought.
"If we were fighting an entire war over a large territory, then a scorched ground policy would make tactical sense. However, since we have but a single battle looming, fought over the only home left to us, I would prefer that not a single acre of land be burned or salted.
"It weighs heavily upon my heart, but our new friend, Ivan, may have the right of it: cutting off the head of the serpent. Borjan's fiery rhetoric may be all that's keeping this mob together over these trackless miles. If we were back in Galt, I'd worry that making a martyr of him would only invite violent reprisals from yet more mobs. However, since his followers are limited in number and likely low on morale, the Bloody Baron's death might force them to concede and accept our olive branch out here, at the world's end."