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"To be fair," He continues "Eloyse, she is better than me I think at the smithing. Giant of a woman for a human. Galtan I think."
And if he gives a little sigh at the thought of the towering black smith with arms that could break a man's back, well, what of it?
Those who have dwelled in Haven for any length of time know that Eloyse is skillful enough. While it is unreasonable to expect her to forge a weapon worthy of legend, her skill is certainly enough to suit the settlement's needs.
However, she has been difficult to deal with as of late. She grumbles about a lack of materials. The iron ingots shared by the orc-kin, found in the abandoned dwarf outpost that served as their previous home, are almost spent, and the last few remaining are reserved for special need. She loudly complains about resorting to scavenging and smelting down old nails and fastenings from broken wagon wheels or other cast offs. Under her breath yet still audibly, she also rues that the caravan shared the ingots with the orcs, suggesting the settlers should have claimed them all as payment for keeping the orc-kin safe.
The wizard goes on, "Sadly, she wants little to do with me or for that matter many other orc kin. She grumbles about sharing the iron. And is frustrated by it's lack. I do not think she hates Orc kin, but she must vent I suppose." A bit sad at that"I think if we could find a source of raw iron, she would be the much happier. Then again, many would be."
If she is made aware of the iron shortage, Kalig will ask the leshys and the locathah if they know where red clay deposits are, or any rusty looking rocks. Iron ore may not be far.
A suitable replacement for Iron would be the most apt solution in my opinion. Though what that would be, is hard to say. Mia ponders for a bit
Though.. If we are to continue the use of Crude Iron, I may have a way to help find some.
She is clearly hesitant. Though whether that is from her unsure nature, or because she is against the idea of mining ore is not readily apparent.
The locathah are a poor source of information on local ore deposits. They do not even bother seeking or extracting metals due to their inability to smelt it underwater. Even when on land - an already uncomfortable situation for the aquatic beings - they don't attempt the process due to the oppressive, almost painful heat involved.
The leshys are a bit more help. Once they understand what you're looking for, they describe deposits of metal in the hills to the north and west. They even specify that this is a stretch of land that the hill centaurs do not claim as their territory. Unfortunately, two problems become clear as they small plant people eagerly speak about the site.
First of all, as they continue to describe the metal (as best as simple nature spirits can), you come to suspect that these are deposits of copper rather than iron. While still a valuable resource, it may take some persuasion to get Eloyse to accept it without complaint.
Secondly, it also becomes clear why the hill centaurs do not claim the territory as the leshys describe some sort of creature that inhabits the area in question. The image they cobble together is one of a creature the size of a large mastiff, covered in chitinous plates stone gray in color, and with a set of horns upon its head. The detail that stands out most, however, is when the leshys describe these creatures' penchant for "eating weapons," hence why the hill centaurs avoid the area, lest they lose their hard-to-replace armaments.
"More good news," Kalig groans, sarcastically. "But... the presence of such a creature would explain the low iron content in the area. I hate to say it but we should hunt this thing down before it comes for your weapons and our farmers' to..." She pauses mid-sentence, her eyes lighting as she gets an idea. "Or maybe... we could try to lure it toward the oncoming army?"
As soon as the leshys state that the creatures "eat weapons," Kalig arrives at a singular conclusion: rust monsters. Although these creatures, looking like large insects, are aberrations rather than natural animals, they often occupy unique niches in local ecosystems - hence Kalig's knowledge about them.
The physical description given by the leshys, though, differs from the typical appearance of a "common" rust monster. Of course, Kalig reasons that subspecies would probably have developed as the strange creatures adapt to different environments. In fact, these sound similar to rare stories she's heard of the so-called "rust rhino" variant.
"To lure it, we might risk what remains of our own metals? " But he looks intrigued
Could we not make due with veins of copper and tin? It may not be as strong as Iron, but bronze should be easier to work with. It may not be as... effective... for instruments of war, but for tools and every day uses it should suffice.
Mia thinks out loud, trying to recall areas the ores may be located.
”I like Kalig’s thinking. Lure that thing into an oncoming wagon train and it will reck havoc without us having to intervene directly. It will drop their morale and would allow for a wider opening for soft glove diplomacy. Plus, you take care of a threat to your settlement and ore supply.”
”The dragon could dangle a “carrot” while invisible until the rust monster smelled the oncoming band and zeroed in on them. Rust monsters want the metal, not the people around the metal. That reduces casualties unlike luring a land shark into the enemy.”
Kalig nods. "I like the idea of the invisible flying lure. None of us, including Sargon, have to get hurt. I don't think these creatures are especially smart; we don't need to risk much."
She shrugs at Mia. "Bronze is certainly an option for creating household goods given the shortage, but given there is little iron in the region, the creature's presence in the hills presents a threat to us; it will come seeking what we have left once it runs out of other things to feed on. And even if it does not directly attack people, it is a large and dangerous enough variety of creature to trample us and cause massive property damage if nothing else. Since we will need to eliminate the threat, we may as well get creative."
"If we can find sources of trade that are rich in iron but lacking in what we have, it may all balance out," He chuckles "I Like more and more this idea of siccinng the rust beast among our threat."
”Maybe I am turning into a bit of a Druid, but wouldn’t a tamed Rust Monster also lead us to sources of Iron and Steel? Do they actually eat copper or bronze?”
The armored warrior asks quizzically.
Even tamed creatures must eat, Ivan. Even if one could be tamed, the amount of iron it would require would likely be more than we could, or would want, to give... however, given that bronze does not rust, I would hazard a guess that they would not feed on it.
Mia gives an answer, though clearly shrugs, mildly unsure.
”Then, since it has not starved to death, there is a source of iron or steel for it to feed upon and for your settlement to smelt.”
Mia has only a general geographic sense of where native copper ores are likely to be found, but she reasons that deposits may be scattered across the hills and forests north of Haven.
However, her natural knowledge informs her that the so-called rust rhinos strongly prefer copper over iron or steel. Whether this is due to some sort of physical adaptation or merely due to the metals' prevalence in their preferred habitat remains to be seen. Thus, while the presence of such creatures all but guarantees the presence of copper deposits, it may not necessarily mean that iron ore is nearby.
In regards to Ivan's suggestion, she reasons that it might be possible to develop a symbiotic relationship with the rust rhinos. Watching them "graze" for ores to feed upon can lead you to copper ore deposits. Meanwhile, you can feed them slag from the mining and extracting process that can leave them placated.
As the rust monster's antennae, which is the mode by which they corrode metals for consumption, functions via a supernatural process, it is uncertain whether metals and alloys that naturally resist normal rust - such as bronze - would resist the touch of a rust monster.
"I'll have a talk with Eloyse about commissioned tableware for the inn in copper. Maybe getting her to work with the material for coin and favors will open her eyes to the other options. I don't know about rust monsters or leading them to the problems, not my sort of thing, but if you need a volunteer for anything or need me for somethings just let me know."
"Hey Eloyse, I dont think we have met, Im Francoix, the innkeeper here? I've heard from some of the others of copper deposits and tin to the north and was thinking that a nice set of bronze utensils for guests to use at my place would be nice. I would need at least two dozen sets. Would you be able to handle that or is bronze unsuited to your skills?"
He asked with his best polite smile.
"Well, could still be useful to try to lure it away toward the army and could still cause us problems in the future if we leave it alone. So, are we making this happen or not?"
Darygys contemplates what the arcane side might tell of such rust beasts. Though he's not sure he'll get much more detail than Mia which is... detailed and intriguing already.
"I could try an illusions of copper, but I'm not sure if I can mimic the.. smell of same with it. Mostly is visual... and yes yes, tell me what you want me to do and I'll try ot help"
Well, it may be possible to have one or two... "tamed", though tamed is a strong word. Should it ever go unfed, I doubt it would be particularly amiable. Perhaps better than killing it though. If we sought the former course of action, it may be better to wait until we can more aptly guarantee a constant supply for it. That said, I would rather not use it as a weapon against the army. It shouldn't be forced to be involved in this conflict. If indeed there is to be one. The bullette was one thing.. but.. besides. We have no practical way to lead it. She is clearly against "leading" it to their potential enemy.
She sighs. Slightly off topic, but I fear if we want iron or steel in the future, I believe we will have to trade for it.
Eloyse scrunches her face as Francoix suggests working copper, tin, and bronze.
"My pa used to call them 'elf metals' on account of how weak they were," she quips. "Of course, I suppose it's better than nothing. If I break the damn things while shaping them and have to start over, don't expect a refund or discount for having to wait. I'm no coppersmith or tinsmith by trade, so I'll need to get used to their different heat thresholds, so you better not mind if your order acts as practice for me."
...
Rust monsters, and presumably their variants, possess a natural ability to "scent" metals, allowing them to find their meals. Thus, using a visual-based illusion to lead them is a dicey prospect. It may work, but there is no guarantee.
"I need to research smellier illusions" The wizard grumbles
She sighs. Slightly off topic, but I fear if we want iron or steel in the future, I believe we will have to trade for it.
"is trade so bad? It could lead to prosperity for the people if we make sure they are not taken advantage of I hope?"
Well, I'm... not schooled in that sort of thing, but, I just feel uneasy if I was entirely reliant on outside forces for something that people find so vital... I'm trying to think of ways to replace it. Since if possible that would help more than just us but.. She shrugs.
"I think if we want to truly gain, We would need something that others think of is vital, but not so vital that they want to make war on us for it... " he ponders "Tricky balance."
Eloyse is appeased, at least for now, by the promise of copper and bronze to work with. However, additional smithing discussions are tabled as Sargon returns from his scouting mission.
"I planted those little caches of food and the accompanying messages," he announces proudly. "I also saw those other humans approaching. They're about two days away now. They're also hauling a very bizarre wagon. It has a very wicked blade suspended between a pair of elaborately carved wooden beams."
This description is disheartening for those who grew up amid the chaos of the revolution, for Sargon's account suggests Borjan's mob bears with them one of the dreaded Final Blade rescued from the conquest of Galt.
"Wicked blade, between wooden beams?" Dargys ponders this. He is not a Galtan native
At hearing they were bringing a Final Blade with them the young innkeeper at first grew pale... then his skin began to flush as his features contorted into a very clear hate.
Francoix and Noemie are all too familiar with the menace and power of the Final Blades. They are magical guillotines that were commissioned by the original Revolutionary Council of Galt, many of whom ended up meeting their own ends by these creations as the tide of anarchy and endless revolution turned against them.
Whilst they were designed to provide a quick and "humane" end to their victims, they grew infamous for their power to trap the souls of those executed beneath their blades. This was originally intended to prevent any Galtan soul from falling into the clutches of Chelish devils - or to prevent any evil souls from adding to the ranks of Hell - but the more modern sentiment among the Galtan mob and the Gray Gardeners was that such limbo-like imprisonment was a deserved punishment for (perceived) enemies of the revolution.
It seems his intentions are clear now, at least... Mia says with a sigh.
We should certainly hasten our measures to secure the town. I'll see to it the walls are finished... we have two or three more days If I understand yes? Ivan, can you have anything... mildly.. humane ready by that times end?
When the wizard hears of this thing, he hisses with disgust, "What a foul device."
Kalig practically snarls as Francoix explains the purpose of the "final blade."
"These folk have bought into something truly barbaric. I'd rather still lure the people into betraying Borjan and joining up, but if they have bought into the use of such a thing, they may be too far gone. We need to know more, and I can think of one way to scout closer, get a real sense of these folk without drawing suspicion."
She stands back, concentrates, and her flesh seems to wriggle and writhe a moment as it grows pale, smoother. Her limbs grow more balanced looking, her hair turns silver, and soon you are not looking at Kalig but a fine-featured elven lass. A slightly higher, smoother voiced Kalig snorts, "I know, hideous. The other day I woke up looking like this, imagine the shock. I did not want to share it until I was sure I could control it." She shrugs and shifts again, and shrinks but grows more stocky, and sprouts a full beard, until she becomes someone who resembles part of the dwarf retinue that visited not long ago. "It is a gift of druidic shifting; since my calling as a druid is to keep nature in balance with the world of civilization, this has been bestowed on me in this form instead of beast shaping, although one day I expect I can master that as well. And I can do it for as long as I like." She reverts back to her true form.
"While Hatha no doubt reported to Borjan and his folk exactly what we look like, I can become someone else she has never seen before so they cannot be suspicious. Moreover if I stick to the edges of their camp I could probably even blend in as one of them for a time before disappearing--or pose as a traveler they meet on the road and offer to aid their cause. I don't think I could exactly copy someone, but I could slip into a circle of folk easy enough. It is dangerous, but so is all else we do. It would be best if I did it alone so as to reduce suspicion--trust I can live on my own for a good long time, and I am not the foolish type to sacrifice myself for a cause. A whisper of a thought they might attack me, I will flee. But if it works, I can learn of their movements, learn of their motives, and get a better sense about who is worth wooing over to our side, or if they are all too far gone to save. I can also determine who they might trust outside of Borjan. What do you think?"
"Is amazing," Dayrgys gaze intently at Kalig as if trying to pierce an illusion "Yes, it could work. Very dangerous but you know this. That final blade, we do not want your soul trapped there. My suggestion, look for those that look sad when others cheer. In the tumult of zealotry, discontent rebels with cautious silence."
Merely from Sargon's description, Francoix is unable to recognize whether this is the same Final Blade that slew his father and entrapped his soul. The prospect carries both a grim air, as well as a hint of promise. If the wicked artifact could be destroyed, the souls trapped within would be freed.
Kalig's shifting proves keener and more convincing than any mere disguise. There is little doubt among you that it would allow her to fool not only Borjan's mob but any other groups near to Haven.
Dargys goes to seek out Mia, "Mia, I have thought. Is crazy thought. But, the idea of trapped souls has me thinking, and you are druid who knows druidy things. IS there.. any such thing as a rod of reincarnation?"
He looked conflicted. The young cook and tavern owner was paler than normal. Finally he spoke and when he did his voice was higher than it normally was.
"He dies.. he has to die. Bringing his followers all this way to cause problems is bad enough, but to bring a final blade with him? Thats evil and madness. By the gods my father's soul might be trapped in that damned thing. Hundreds perhaps thousands of innocent souls. Borjan can't be allowed to continue infecting the world with his madness.... he just can't."
The look of worry and just general upsetness in his face said it all.
"I ... i may be comprimised on decision making it seems, I trust you all's judgement when it comes to it."
He said faltering in his reserve. Although he did his best to hide it, his fists were clenched white and they were trembling slightly.
At Francoix concerns, the wizard looks at him "For every thing magically made, there is a way around it, to bypass. We have a dragon friend. He may have ideas on how to safely free the spirits. I am lookingg for one myself with a druidic twist of all things. As for this monster of a man? Well, he does nnot sound very redeemable...and even if he surprises us and sues for peace, we will keep an eye on him at the least, and that.. 'Final blade' will be part of our demand. It will no be used."
A beat "And if a fight comes, well, we cut head off snake then."
Kalig returns a day ahead of Borjan's group.
She reports that they found the caches planted by Sargon, and the people in the mob have taken to keeping this finds secret. When Borjan learned of these "care packages" and the accompanying messages, he destroyed them - even though the group had clearly been scraping by and surviving on whatever they could forage along the way. Thus, when new caches were found, the Galtan would keep it secret. Kalig even observed individuals keeping these finds from friends and family, lest they lose the desperately needed sustenance.
The Galtans' morale is dangerously low. It is only fear that keeps them in line - fear of Borjan, his Final Blade, and his lieutenant. The baron always keeps near at hand a man of hulking stature, only referred to as Tattercoat. Kalig grimly noted how this Tattercoat dragged along a small girl on a leash, as she clutched her doll for comfort.
Dargys looks to the others who also got this report, "Good news, kindness is working, or at least helping. These poor people want to be freed. Downside? They're still too scared to break away from Borjan. And pardon I know you all heard this. It sounds like best bet is to find way to take out head of snake, Borjan, but ..tatterrcloak fellow, he sounds like body guard or worse? Francoix, Borjan will not listen to needs of his people, I am tthinking you were right that he may have to die period for anything to get done. But trying diplomacy might help us learn more still. Ivan? You know tactics better. Mia, you are wiser than I. What do you think? For now, I am thinking of preparing a fireball that is... surprisingly less lethal. But it miht spare some poor fools, it makes me less effective against this Tattercloak and Bajon"
"Did she say how there defenses are at night? Do they appear to be wary of folks sneaking in? I am not above a silent blade at night for his ilk."
He began once more his knuckles whitening as his smile grew grim. A moment later with a long deep breath he managed to both unclench his jaw and his fist.
Although they have been traveling together for weeks, the size of their group and the constant struggle for survival means they have not had time to bond like your own settlers have. Thus, it is possible for a new face to blend in without much suspicion - hence how Kalig was able to conduct her reconnaissance with the use of her shifting.
Their defenses largely consist of tired members of their mob, armed with spears and slings, warding off the predators of the Whistling Plains by nightfall.
"Sounds like biggest defense is this tattercloak bodyguard fellow. I wonder when HE sleeps, might give one chance to close on Borjan." The wizard ponders "Is huge risk,Francoix. You'd have no back up nearby." A pause "Well I could cast invisible spell on someone, or you."
"We could all go, slip in see if we can't cause some harm and slip out. I dont mean sneaking around their tents when i see what I can do to even the odds, but i mean into their camp. If i get into trouble you could be there to help me abscond."
Your close allies ask if there is anything you need them to procure for you before you embark on this dangerous mission.
"We have a potion of healing or two for him? Going to need it. Other possibility might be a smoke bomb for getaway in case of emergency but I don't know if we have such a thing. " a pause "Maybe meat bits to throw off sniffy hounds if they had dogs? Caltrops?" A look at Francoix
Mia gives a soft laugh, we have plenty of potions. I also have a potion that would allow you to travel through the ground, like a Bulette, should you need to do so. It won't last long, only minutes, but could perhaps give you time to get out. I also have a couple that would allow you to shape stone if need be. I also can easily go with you, I could take the form of an animal, perhaps an eagle or falcon. I've been practicing a way to use my spells while shifted in such a manner. She pauses.
I can prepare vision hampering spells as well, calling a storm of ash or snow on a wide area. I can also conjure plants to entangle, slow, and harm them... think like briers that try to grab you. Though, I'm not sure if I wish to harm the people... I am.. hesitant to offer, but I have figured out how to craft a rudimentary poison. If you believe you could sneak into This Borjan's tent and secret it away in his drink it might work. Though, there is always a chance it does not. Alternatively, we could attempt the trick we used with the Bullette, give him several doses of Aboleth lung potion. Perhaps a more likely solution. The trick, would be getting in, dosing a drink, and making sure he drank it. If you think you could manage that Francoix. With or without the aid of my magic, whichever you prefer. I'm normally against such methods, despite their useful applications.. but.. I would prefer this over open war and the horrible designs Ivan has for those poor people.