"Hey, when did he get this big?"
"Sargon, when did you grow?"
The door to the tavern opens, and where last you saw Sargon as a small sized wyrmling, he is now the size of an adult bear.
"Hello friends. Some interesting developments on my side.
For one, i have recently entered a growth spurt. For another, i now sort of have a partner for life."
"I agree, food must be priority but I..." And he turns as Sargon enters. At first not realizing the size change, "Hello, Sargon. We may have a food crisis that..." Then it sinks in, "Growth spurt? I see. Partner for life? You are married? Do Dragons get married?"
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Varr eyed the dragon warily. It was a problem for the future to be sure. Many a warlord would literally kill to own one, and if that happened it was likely to become a tyrant of its own. For dragons and greed went together as dwarves and gold. It represented another reason why he was glad to be there, for someone had to keep an eye on it to determine if it was a threat to his homeland. But in the short term it was good to have around, if nothing more than deterrence against other minor powers.
He wondered how long it would take for a starving wyrm to start eating peasants. Or how long until starving peasants sought to eat it. Either way, the problem of lack of food has become even more pressing.
Do Dragons get married?
"Not in your traditional sense, no. We find a partner to share our lives with. In a way my current situation is similar, but what would you call it....a partnership of convenience. I like her, but i will far outlive a human, barred from any unexpected events before she'd pass away."
"She arrived in the last group to start living here. I have asked her, well told rather, that she had to meet you guys. She shouldn't be long."
A few minutes after Sargon had said that, the door opens again.
Enters a young human woman, clad in dark warm red attire, with a gold colored deer crest on her belt buckle and clasp that holds her mantle.
picture
Sporting long red hair and carrying an icey blue bow, of which Varr recognizes the type of material to resemble that of what is axe is made of. There are some subtle but visible
"Sargon, these are the friends you were talking about i take it?"
She looks at everyone, nods and raises a hand in a greeting. "Hello, i'm Claudia von Reegan. I was told by my partner that you were sort of taking lead here, when it comes to exploration? I believe we can help with that.", as she makes an open palm gesture to include Sargon.
There are some subtle but visible runic tattoos on her neck.
Ulfen runes.
The talk of lifespans puts a weary look on the half orc's face. His own heritage would be sure to die before most humans if it came to simple longevity. But he nods, then greets Claudia.
"Dargys Hungerflame, wizard of the unsubtle magics. Welcome Claudia, any friend of Sargon's, as they say." He glances at her neck with academic curiosity, "Your pardon, those are .. how you say, Ulfen Runes on neck? You are either far traveled or know a tattoo artist who is."
”Far traveled I would wager. That bow was made by a true master of the art, for liquid glass rebels against enforced form.” The dwarf piped in. ”Name’s Varr. Quite curious. How did the two of ye…eh…bond? It’s nay every human who can impress a dragon so.” He asked, unsure of the nature of their union. But it really didn’t feel polite to ask. Least of all because an offended dragon was a sure way to have one’s beard set on fire.
Your pardon, those are .. how you say, Ulfen Runes on neck? You are either far traveled or know a tattoo artist who is."
"I am half ulfen from my mother's side. These were set by her. But i hail from Gralton."
That bow was made by a true master of the art, for liquid glass rebels against enforced form.”
"Thank you for the compliment. And it is as you say, material like that requires patience and effort. Getting my hands on some required no small effort."
Quite curious. How did the two of ye…eh…bond? It’s nay every human who can impress a dragon so
"I don't know what Sargon told you, obviously he said something, but it was something that became topic of conversation between us."
Sargon shrugs, as far as is able with a dragon.
"I said what it is. Partners, what was the expression again....until death do us part?"
"Ah, i believe i get the gist of what you said.", and she looks back at the others.
"It isn't marriage, but it is a rare type of bond between a dragon, of one kind or another, and a person whom they will allow to ride on their backs into battle. Likely arcane in nature."
"Both Sargon and i had read of such a bond in books on our own.
He grants me some of his natural qualities, and in return, i serve as a catalyst of sort, to his growth. He could, if the stories are to be believed, grow in years to a size that would normally take hundreds of years."
"It piqued our interest, and we're both interested to see more of this new land."
"I would hardly be a capable explorer if i remained the size of a dog for another 20 years at least."
"Plus, you've already shown interest and care for our kind. Taking that childling around with you."
Varr leaned forward, interest clear in his body language. ”If this is true then that is exceptional. It takes ages for dragons to reach full size, even by the standards of elves. To accomplish that in mere years.” He shook his head in disbelief. ”It will be a great boon for the town to host the two of ye during this time. We were planning an expedition to go explore some nearby ruins. Salvage what we can and use it to buy food. Will ye join us?”
He paused and watched the interplay between the others keeping silent. The dwarf was right, there was no true leader here if the count wanted to keep out of politics. He knew nothing of true leadership, nor had he the deisre. What he wanted was a quiet life with his wife and maybe some day children. He did know.... someone who had some experiance with such things though, leading people and the like. Well second hand at least. He sighed Thankfully Sargon entered.. much much larger than the last time he had saw the little wyrmling.
"Oy.... Sargon my young friend... growth spurt indeed. Im going to have to ask you to avoid the rafters now my friend."
He chuckled and shook his head. He kissed his love on the head and asked her something quietly in the ear. She nodded and head torwards the kitchen.
"Well hail and well met new friends. Welcome to my inn. I've sent Noemie for one of the nicer reds we managed to acquire and bring with us. Searching the ruins? Im sure she won't mind if i tag along. . ."
We were planning an expedition to go explore some nearby ruins. Salvage what we can and use it to buy food. Will ye join us?”
"Of course!", Sargon seems quite excited to see new places.
On her way back to her cottage, Mia couldn't help but overhear the rumors going about town of Sargon nearly doubling in size overnight. With a billion concerns whirling through her head, she decides at the very least, she can work on resolving two of them. This potential issue with Sargon, and Aristide stepping aside. With a heavy sigh, and after having had a hot cup of herbal tea, she makes her way back to towards the inn.
She enters the inn and speaks up before she notices the others.
I was hoping to speak about a couple of.. things... but then stops as she notices some unfamiliar faces. After several moments she works of the courage, or perhaps, frustration, to speak.
Well, good day to everyone.. Sargon, I see the word of you growing was well founded... I can sense some that resembles that between me and Eep. Though, different, and perhaps even deeper... so um...
She pauses, looking to Dargys and Francoix.
"Mia, you return. Good, we are having small population boom in more ways being than one. Folks, this is Mia, a druid friend. Mia, this is Varr who suggests we explore the ruins for treasures and wealth to help offset upcoming food shortages and like. This is Claudia von Reegan, Sargon's new partner. She is here as explorer." He gestures to each in turn
Oy.... Sargon my young friend... growth spurt indeed. Im going to have to ask you to avoid the rafters now my friend.
"That will not be a problem, do not worry."
Well, good day to everyone.. Sargon, I see the word of you growing was well founded... I can sense some that resembles that between me and Eep. Though, different, and perhaps even deeper... so um...
"You're not far off, Mia. But different, indeed.
I take it you have been well?"
This is Claudia von Reegan, Sargon's new partner. She is here as explorer." He gestures to each in turn
"Greetings, miss Mia.", Claudia gives a polite nod.
"If it is of use in the settlement, i have also been raising and training domestic animals for years, and crafting bows, back in Gralton."
"Animal training and care might help with our food worries as well, in long term"
Claudia nods.
"I've trained with horses, dogs, even small birds for hunting.
Which reminds me, Sargon, if at some future moment we'd join a hunt for game, we'll definitely need to get my hawk to be less nervous around you."
"It's not my fault such a tiny bird shivers in the presence of a dragon.", is the reply.
"But you're right, it will need seeing to."
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There is a knock on the door of whichever space was reserved in the Inn for a discussion on important town matters, and upon receiving permission to enter, a young man dressed in Taldan High Court fashion enters and confidently approaches the group, only showing slight pause at noticing the adult bear-sized dragon in the room.
He was probably one of the most handsome men many at the table had ever met, relatively slender yet with an almost perfect mixture of strong and soft facial features. His blond hair bound back in a short pony tail and exotic violet eyes augmented this very well, as did his straight posture. He didn't wear much jewelry, though he did have a beautifully ingraved golden circlet through his hair which, if checked, detected as magical.
On his back was a many-coloured cloak showing a songbird and rainbow pattern, and in contrast to the Noble outfit which appeared brand new, the cloak showed some sings of wear and having been repaired often over time.
His cloak contains the holy symbol of Shelyn, Patron diety of love and creative arts.
"Greetings to each of you," He then says, and makes a formal bow. "My name is Oliver Renheim, and I was a hostage of sorts of Borjan. I understand I have you all to thank for his demise, and for offering a home for the refugees that wished to stay. Thus, I only thought it fair to come to offer my gratitude in person. Is there anything I could perhaps do as a return favor of sorts, in exchange for my freedom? I am a skilled healer and musician, for one. I was also raised among the Taldan Courts and believe I know my way around diplomatic ventures. Lastly, I can create magical items of various nature, within certain limits."
He glances around the group after making the offer.
The Renheims are a minor noble family in Oppara, the Taldan capital city. They are mostly concerned with trade by sea, and are in service to, or some would say part of, the much more powerful and widespread Talbot mercantile empire. Like the Talbots, their wealth has was part of the elevation to high society on its own, after which they simply bought the necessary titles.
It is rumored that one of its members, Patricia Renheim, is one of the maitresses of Maxillar Pythareus, supreme commander of the Taldan military forces and now its ruler following Princess Eutropia's exile after her failed attempt to reclaim the throne. This was after her Father massacred the Senate when it voted in favor of removing the Primogeniture law, which Pythareus defended as a staunch traditionalist. Pythareus eventually won, after which he apparently chose to invade Galt as his first major decision in power: to reclaim Taldor's lost glory of conquest.
She supposedly has a son named Olivert.
As he looks around after making his offer, his gaze lingers on Mia slightly longer, but Claudia even more so.
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As another new arrival comes in, the cloak's emblem catches the eyes of Claudia and Sargon.
It is of no significane to Sargon, who despite reading a lot of books in his generous amount of free time, does not recount the entire pantheon of gods.
Claudia does, though.
A Shelynite. The patron of arts and romance.
The looking at the gathered people...
All three of them notice. Team dragon is perceptive at this gathering.
He's rather attention focused on me and Mia. I know that look. Patrice taking me to those parties paid off, i guess.
Hang on, Renheim....that was a family who amassed enough wealth to work their way into nobility. One of theirs was rumored to have a close relationship to Maxillar Pythareus, supreme commander of the Taldan military forces and now its ruler following Princess Eutropia's exile after her failed attempt to reclaim the throne. That news traveled quickly, even over the distance between the two locations.
"Greetings, Oliver. I am Claudia von Reegan. The people you are looking to thank, would be these three.", and she in turns points towards Dargys, Francoix, and Mia, with a presenting open palm.
The Von Reegan house is of lower nobility, but still above the minor, who fled from Galt some generations ago. They had invested firmly in Gralton's economy, regaining wealth, positive reputation, and standing over time.
One of the family, Charles von Reegan, a married man, was topic of wild speculation. A few years after his marriage, the wife of a distant relative, along with their daughter, came to live in the Von Reegan residence.
The distant relative's name was never known, so some started wild speculation that the child could be an illegitimate one. Nothing was ever confirmed, and the woman and child were only ever introduced as 'of a distant relative', also treated such, yet never as part of Charles' own family. But that was all it ever was, speculative gossip.
Dargys rises from his spot, and says "A rush of newcomers is not to be a surprise when one has liberated refugees, I am supposing. Still I am surprised at the talents here new come. Yes, it is as Claudia is saying. I am Dargys Hungerflame. Wizard of unsubtle magics. We are always welcoming more healers.. of Shelyn I am thinking? But freedom is freedom. Is natural state, not something we 'give' merely returning what is yours I am thinking. Still, help is welcome."
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He paused watching the new entrant and he found himself suddenly scowling as the young handsome man ran his eyes along everyone there... but in particular the young and pretty ones. For some reason that got his dander up. With a sniff he called back to his wife.
"Love. Perhaps we should get one of the pies off the sill and start some of that coffee. Seems we have more guests.!"
He began tossing the towel he had just wiped his hands off on over his shoulder. He made his way over to the newcomers offering his hand.
"I am Francoix Delacouis, this is my Tavern and well eventual Inn. Welcome to Haven."
He paused making sure his eyes met the Shelynites as he added.
"You are welcome. Borjan had it coming."
He said simply only a slight twitch to his eyes hinted at anything more than what his word's entailed.
"Feel free to take a seat, the count and well all of us were discussing the future of the town. He beleives its wise that one of the townsfolk take the mantle of being the leader of this endeavor and while I dont agree fully, I see the merit in his decision..."
He paused as he caught the movement of his wife out of the corner of his eye carrying a freshly cooled pie in her hands and a bottle under her arm.
"Greetings, Oliver. I am Claudia von Reegan. The people you are looking to thank, would be these three."
Oliver bows to Claudia in formal fashion with a pleasant smile. "And good tidings to you and your house, of course... 'Miss' von Reegan? I confess, I can't quite remember which areas your family had interests in, though I must also admit their produce seems to leave little to be desired," he adds with a wink before Dargys explains the situation and he grows more serious again.
I am Dargys Hungerflame. Wizard of unsubtle magics. We are always welcoming more healers.. of Shelyn I am thinking? But freedom is freedom. Is natural state, not something we 'give' merely returning what is yours I am thinking. Still, help is welcome.
"'Unsubtle Magics', you say? Hah! A man of my heart. Healing wounds isn't exactly subtle either, so we can meet eachother there. Or, well, some would disagree but personally I always found using enough positive energy and willpower solved most issues," he seems to think for a moment, then shrugs. "And thank you for the offer. It speaks well of you to not ask anything in return, though if there's anything I DO dislike, it's a debt unpaid. Shall we say, a few months of helping out for now?"
"Feel free to take a seat, the count and well all of us were discussing the future of the town. He believes its wise that one of the townsfolk take the mantle of being the leader of this endeavor and while I dont agree fully, I see the merit in his decision..."
Sensing a hard edge beneath the Innkeeper's somewhat welcoming demeanor and getting the idea the other man disliked him, Oliver remains professional for now and sits down on Francoix' invitation. "And thank you for your hospitality. It couldn't have been easy to set up an Inn like this all the way out here, but it looks lovely. Would you like a musician to play from time to time? I have to honor the Goddess somehow, and right about now, after the grueling march behind us I think I'd take just about anything in return. Especially pie? Yes, a taste of civilization sounds great right about now..."
Sure enough, he eyes the incoming cake and wine with great interest. Unlike with Mia and Claudia however, he seems to take deliberate care not to look at the Innekeeper's wife. "That aside, do any of you have a preference to what you'd like me to do? I am but a newcomer here. Should you want to make use of me as a spokesperson, I think I'm at least somewhat popular with the Galtan refugees, and I have some connections due to my familiy back in Taldor. Yes, I realize my country invaded Galt and this did... ah, 'sour' things a bit on first impressions with Borjan's lot, but I did help quite a few of them get through the journey alive, which is worth something. A true leader, however, implies you'd want that person to make most decisions by themselves. Would any of you be comfortable with such an arrangement, especially instating someone you just met?"
As Mia and the Dwarf remained silent, he merely nods again to them after sitting and the discussion continues.
Another newcomer. But it was a pretyt-boy who looked like he could barely wear his armor. But he was a self-proclaimed healer, singer and crafter, so he could let the slight frame slide. Varr raised his mug in welcome to the man and then turned back towards it, content to let the others speak. As a newcomer himself, it wasn't his place to welcome everyone who came through the door.
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"'Unsubtle Magics', you say? Hah! A man of my heart. Healing wounds isn't exactly subtle either, so we can meet eachother there. Or, well, some would disagree but personally I always found using enough positive energy and willpower solved most issues," he seems to think for a moment, then shrugs. "And thank you for the offer. It speaks well of you to not ask anything in return, though if there's anything I DO dislike, it's a debt unpaid. Shall we say, a few months of helping out for now?"
At the mention of healing been unsubtle, the half orc actually slaps his knee amused, causing a rat on his shoulders to reorient itself, "HA, I suppose I am the creating supply for your demand or is other way around? Anyway, is not for me to say what and how you should be paying anyone. I am not ruler. Maybe one day I have a nice wizard tower, snap at some apprentices about how in my day apprentices were respectful eh? But help is too needed to refuse either. Many will thank you I am thinking"
Then he turns to Francoix, and nods, "Yes, to the point you are getting. This visit is turning into matter of governance, and provision for the people. I dislike bending neck to great blue dragons OR Keleshite empire but I fear we may need a patron or worse, have choice taken from us. Perhaps, if I may suggest, we consider what will go down smoothest with people? I am feeling chatty, so the thoughts that come to my mind is that we need to figure out core foundation. Example, it was druids who first seemed to see to spiritual needs of people. Many have taken up green path and respect Gozreh. Perhaps policies that respect the lands and environment should be one of our core values? Also, in long run may pay off in healthy agriculture and so forth."
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Is Gralton the name of the region we are in?
And good tidings to you and your house, of course... 'Miss' von Reegan? I confess, I can't quite remember which areas your family had interests in, though I must also admit their produce seems to leave little to be desired
"I am of the family, but not of that household. I came to live in the current Lord von Reegan's house.
The current head believes a prospering Gralton might get the people more unified and clear headed, and less focused on pitiful skirmishes against Galt. He's firmly invested in multiple businesses, apart from his personal studies. It's an idealist's way of thinking, with some undesirable elements present there in Gralton, but i can't blame him for trying to do some good for the city's people. But something my late grandfather on mother's side seemingly used to say.... don't linger too long in a city of intrigue and games of social chess. It was time to leave, i have had my fill there, i'll leave it at that."Oliver you get the feeling the young innkeeper isn't overly found of nobility...especially not the young handsome type
he adds with a wink before Dargys explains the situation and he grows more serious again.
Sargon must have missed it, but suddenly cocks his head, looking towards, yet past Claudia. His eyes become somewhat inquisitive, and he slowly moves towards Francoix.
"Is it customary for Taldan nobles to wink at people they meet within ten minutes?"
"I am of the family, but not of that household. I came to live in the current Lord von Reegan's house."
"The current head believes a prospering Gralton might get the people more unified and clear headed, and less focused on pitiful skirmishes against Galt. He's firmly invested in multiple businesses, apart from his personal studies. It's an idealist's way of thinking, with some undesirable elements present there in Gralton, but i can't blame him for trying to do some good for the city's people. But something my late grandfather on mother's side seemingly used to say.... don't linger too long in a city of intrigue and games of social chess. It was time to leave, i have had my fill there, i'll leave it at that."
Oliver listent attentively, then thinks a few seconds. "I see... part of the extended von Reegan family, then?" He says, somewhat vaguely, though he does seem symphatetic at that. "I'm sure each of us has good reasons for coming here, of all places."
He leaves it at that, missing the interaction between the dragon and Francoix. "So... if I understand correctly, we are thinking of establishing a religion, and feel the need to ally ourselves with someone powerful, as a deterrent of sorts? Do you know of any other entities than these... blue dragons? Or the Keleshite Empire? And, for that matter, what immediate threat are we facing?" he asks Dargyswhen the half-orc elaborates.
I see... part of the extended von Reegan family, then?
"That is one way to put it."
It seems she has a distaste, or perhaps disappointment, for 'something' in relation to that statement.
But otherwise seems like it is something of the past.
When Dargys and Oliver bring up fundamentals and religion for settlement policies,
Perhaps policies that respect the lands and environment should be one of our core values? Also, in long run may pay off in healthy agriculture and so forth
"If it is a deity you would like to incorporate here, in regards to community and cooperation, The Huntsman fits the bill. Or Erastil, if you prefer that name."
"No establishment of religion, no one should be made to honor Gozreh, or the Green Faith, or Erastil either though I'm sure many will delight to take them up, and in the first case many have. However, ideals of working WITH Nature instead of endangering it or urbanizing to it's extreme detriment? That might be something we agree on. Apologies. I did not mean to suggest 'a state religion' " He's not sure how to word the idea, "But.. parks or green patches preserved? That kind of thing."
"As for immediate threat. I direct you to ask Aristide." A respectful look that way.
Claudia holds up a hand in a way one does with a misunderstanding.
"No, Dargys. It was meant as how you described it in the latter. Drawing inspiration from, not imposing."
"Ah, thank you. Just so" a nod of relief.
I see... part of the extended von Reegan family, then?"That is one way to put it."
** spoiler omitted **
Oliver tries to gauge the response and fails, his hunch unconfirmed at least for the present. He listens to Dargys as he waits for Aristide to share the information on immediate threats to the town, as the man the others seemingly deferred to on such matters.
"So we're going with a temple dedicated to all gods? Or instead a select few? Actually, does the town even have a temple yet? I confess I only just arrived here..." He says, taking a drink from the wine offered to him.
”Food, pretty boy. Food. The town is starving. Making temples will just mean pious corpses.” The dwarf said, dryly. ”So, is everyone on board with finding a solution to this problem? I’ve given the best short term solution I can think of, but I’m open to hearing others.”
"There is a small shrine to Gozreh" The half orc speaks up in answer, "One of the first buildings I believe, before my time though."
When Oliver is filled in on Varr's solution, he comments: "So, trading for food? That could work. Do we have money or other valuables? And which groups of people are nearby who would be open to such deals?"
He thinks a while when a map of the region is presented. "Farming for food will take a while, unless you have a group of druids speed growing it, I'd assume. I would suggest building functional docks instead with haste. Fishing for food can be done instantly, and opens up trade with other settlements by sea. I could perhaps petition my family for some small aid as well, if they can miss a few vessels. Even if we can't build the docks in a day, if the entire village were to help out, we could probably still build a few simple fishing boats relatively quickly."
Mia falls silent as yet another new face enters the now small feeling inn. She seems mildly flustered at the young Olivert's gaze and speech, and withdraws for awhile. She had become more outspoken around those she had grown to know, but truly 3 new faces, one being such a flamboyant one as Olivert had caused her shyness to resurface. She could only wonder if these fellows, offering their aid so easily, knew what may lay in store.
After a bit, she managed to speak up, forcing herself to speak calmly and without stumbling.
I for one, would prefer if the people of this.. potentially burgeoning town to do so alongside the natural world. As am sure Kalig, one of the people most responsible for the towns survival thus far, would as well. I'd like this place to be a Haven to people and animal alike. If people wish to take up the green faith, then I would support that. I would also be fine with followers of Shelyn, Erastil and Sarenrea. While I want the town to prosper and grow, I do not desire Abadar to become a prominent faith however. They often care so little for what they trample on should it be in the name of their cities...
At the mention of fishing, Mia nods, but speaks of caution.
We should certainly look to the bounty of the rivers and sea, but do so cautiously, we should not agitate the Lochathah, and we must be careful to not imbalance the natural order too greatly with our fishing or construction. I and Kalig were discussing forming a circle here, to aid the town and hopefully help guide it.. We are already encouraging crop yields with magic, both druidic and leshy, and we could potentially do more of this. Though I worry that Kalig's thoughts may be right, and that over saturating the ground with magic may cause unforeseen problems in the future.
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Varr opened his mouth to argue with the druid. He was a merchant afterall, and talk against Adabar struck a nerve. But he stopped himself, for she was a druid. And that was of great importance given the food crisis. True, her vision of a town where trade was stifled, resources were left untouched, and bear droppings were more common than trade wagons was not in line with his. But he was a new comer, here to ensure that there was no danger to his homeland. In a way, strangling the town of its potential so that it remained rustic would do just that. It wasn’t like his homeland could handle the demand that would come from making this town too prosperous. Canny and experienced merchants would be more likely to discover their secrets. He sat there, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. Much would depend on how long he wanted to stay. And what opportunities he could make for himself. His mind was already turning. If the town strangled itself by offending the cult of Adabar, then perhaps he could have a monopoly on their goods. Especially druidic ones. If she guided them to rural stagnation, could he make that better for himself than if they were a bustling trade hub? If nothing else his homeland always needed food, and a friendly druid circle would be good for that. He smirked. Here he was thinking of exporting food during a famine. These were considerations for later. And no matter how he looked at it, now wasn’t the time to argue.
Seeing some smirking and chin rubbing....
Ah? Last time i saw someone act that way.....
"Positive thoughts, mister Varr?"
She's looking at him like one would a merchant who is counting his daily profits. Politely with a faint smile, but with an inquisitive twinkle in her eyes.
Varr shook his head. ”Just thinking of what opportunities the future might hold if we don’t all starve to death.” The dwarf said, waving his hand as if to dispel both his thoughts and the conversation. ”So, big plans for the future. We settled on wee ones for the present?”
"Varr is new but right. He has suggested seeking wealth in the ruins to trade if I am understanding him, and I agree. It is dangerous, but we have faced danger before. And we have more interested in helping us. Is something we can do here and now. Assuming no one objects to this plan, how soon can we go?"
"Regarding religion," Aristide offers, "I believe that the faiths of Erastil, Abadar, Iomedae, and Shelyn are represented among our own settlers. I cannot be certain of those from Borjan's party. The need for secrecy when organizing the expedition meant recruiting clergy was particularly difficult. It was conversely, and thankfully, much easier to recruit those more attuned to the natural world, such as Misses Mia, Kalig, and Soraya."
Aristide names two lay clergy who arrived as part of the second wave of settlers. The first is Brother Martin, an Erastilian monk who, though well versed in the tenets and lore of his faith, has far more talent as an apprentice baker than a spell-casting priest. The second is Dame Ladica, a Iomedaean warrior priestess
"When she met with me, she was quite upfront - blunt even - about being both exiled from Taldor and cast out from her church for supporting Princess Eutropia's bid for the Primogen Crown."
"At first light, I would say." Varr said to Dargys, ignoring any further talk of religion. "Gives us the most time to make it to the site and properly do some salvage work. A good night's sleep before a hard day, with the time we have left to ensure that everyone is ready for travel." Looking around at the group, he asked "That sound reasonable?"
Since food is the looming crisis, Aristide cautions against using fish as a trade good for now.
"Putting aside for now the treasure from Barthazar's hoard, we still have a few potential trade goods. Lena and Seraphina have suggested recovering Kaskkari artifacts from the ruins around us; the Padishah Empire has many antiquarians and collectors, so it shouldn't be too difficult to convince visiting Keleshite merchants to purchase them.
"Kalig and Soraya also speculate that the Sogg, across the river, may contain rare woods, herbs, and spices. Of course, we would need to send an expedition to locate, confirm, and collect such things. Considering that Miss Mia's new animal companion is but a juvenile specimen of the type of creatures inhabiting the swamps, this could be dangerous.
"Our hunters have also pointed out the bison and other large beasts living in close proximity to Haven. Besides being a source of food themselves, they offer the potential for rare hides, pelts, and ivory to trade. Miss Kalig seemed...less than pleased with the notion. Of course, I think the bigger risk would be angering the Hill Tribe of centaurs.
"Lastly, after speaking with Mother Shimmerscale, it seems that our locathah neighbors are keen to trade for metalwork and pottery, which their aquatic home makes difficult to produce themselves. Furthermore, it seems they consider tubers to be a delicacy. Thus, we could trade from the supplies of potatoes we brought along for a larger amount of fish and other seafood."