** spoiler omitted **
That it be, but may Old Deadeye show you a path with few roots.
At that, unless the soldier has more, Kalev turns and leads Babiska inside the walled trading post.
Things inside are looking busy. Many other hunters are already sat drinking, making merry and eagerly awaiting Svetlana's cooking. A few hunters are bartering their skins with men you do not recognise- it appears Oleg has hired some assistants. A beautiful young blonde girl who clearly has a rapport with the hunters takes the time to sing frontier songs in between helping Svetlana in the kitchen- this must be Vaysh of the Guardians of the Greenbelt. Your hunter friend Janosk described her as 'a glorious sunrise' but that did not truly do her beauty justice, or her almost unearthly grace.
A worn-out Oleg leaves the main building, looking like a strange admixture of stressed and satisfied. Spotting you across the Trading Post, he makes a beeline for you.
Kalev! I haven't seen you since I set up shop here a few months back, how have you fared? Can I get you an Ale? Svetlana's frantically busy preparing her Elk Stew but i'm sure she'll come to catch up with you later.
Oleg leads you to a table and barks for one of his assistants to get you both a drink.
With Tartuk defeated, Fenna takes a moment to wake Mikmek and Casimir, before sinking to her knees beside Edric's head. Holding the wooden symbol of Aroden in one hand, and the other over the knight's eyes, she speaks the words to a short, but traditional warding of a passing spirit. "Oh, Father of Humanity, watch over this man's soul and see it safely into the care of the Lady of Graves that he might be sent on to the fate he fairly and justly deserves."
Looking with soft eyes to Yelena, she speaks in a subdued tone, "Sir Edric spoke little of is own faith, so I am unaware of what he would want to happen from here. As his family, the decision rests with you, but you needn't decide immediately. I believe the best thing to do now, is get back to Oleg's so we all have time to think, and come to terms with this terrible loss."
The sombre mood does not reflect onto Chief Sootscales, who has seen much death of his loved ones in the last few days. He speaks up once more-
Tartuk made the tribe leave his god offerings here. he says, gesturing to a pile in the corner. It is yours, as an apology for the death of one of your tribe.
(Each magical item has a small label denoting what it is, written in beautiful script.)
8,420 cp, 2,632 sp, 382 gp, a masterwork light metal shield (medium sized), seven +1 flaming crossbow bolts, a pair of boots of elvenkind, and a soiled leather bag. Inside the bag are the treasures stolen from the mites (who stole from the bandits who stole from Oleg’s). The leather bag contains 421 sp, 349 gp, 18 pp, and a plain brass wedding ring set with a single pearl, and a pouch containing a single dose of dust of illusion.
As he is shaken out of his magical slumber, Casimir sits up warily and surveys the chaotic cave. He stumbles to his feet and is just about to retrieve his blade when his eyes fall on the lifeless form of Edric.
Oh no....I would have wished you a death with more glory than this, my friend. But don't worry...I'll tell you a tale to make you name live among your mighty ancestors, he mutters quietly.
Looking through the "offerings", he picks up the ring.
This is certainly the wedding band we are searching for. A small comfort in this time of sorrow. If the rest of you escort Edrics body and possessions directly to Oleg's, I'll ride by the temple and pick up Kressle, so she can be present when we deliver this back to Oleg and Svetlana.
Casimir stands a bit in quiet thought, his eyes wandering about the cave walls. He gives the kobold chieftain a thoughtful look and then makes a suggestion to him.
Sootscales. You and your people will be allowed to stay here in the Greenbelt, but we will not tolerate any more warfare or pillaging. However, there may be a way for you to live peacefully with the humans in this territory. These caves were once mined by humans. I know that you kobolds have some skill as miners. If you could find any precious metals or gems that might remain, you can certainly trade them at Oleg's trade post. We will make sure that you receive a fair price for you efforts.
Sootscales. You and your people will be allowed to stay here in the Greenbelt, but we will not tolerate any more warfare or pillaging.
Sootscales rolls his eyes in frustration.
Why human ally not listen? Tartuk drove tribe to war over stupid god. Tribe numbers only thirty kobolds now. No warfare in your 'Green Belt'.
"House Orlovsky does not require his body sent to them, only his family signet ring and a sworn statement from me. I believe they would wish him interred with respect, regardless of the circumstances of his death." Yelena pauses over his body and touches her fingers to her forehead, "Swift journey, cousin."
Yelena patiently translates the party's words into Draconic for Chief Sootscale.
** spoiler omitted **
She turns to Mikmek and lays a hand on his shoulder.** spoiler omitted **
After Malthir has some time to calm down from the battle,
Away from Sootscales, Yelena, I have several ideas for the Kobolds. Left to their own devices I see them going back to their own ways and eventually causing us some trouble. Instead I would see them become of use and part our kingdom to be. Do you think, if brought into our fold, they might give up their evil ways and become valuable members of our society? I would like you to support my words and by translating my words into Draconic to him and his people.
Assuming Yelena agrees, Malthir walks back over to Sootscales,
Chief Sootscales, thank you for your offering, we accept this in return for our mutual friendship. I would like the honor to address you and your tribe, to talk about what we can offer you in return?
Malthir will leave it up to the Kobolds to decide if they are ready to take this step or they can do it later if they approach the Fort with a white banner and tell the humans of our word. We will even give them a parchment promising them protection when they come to Oleg's with our signatures.
Sootscales agrees to Malthir's request, but insists he only speak to himself and Mikmek rather than gathering the tribe. Sootscales seems a little patronised by Malthir telling him what a silver coin is, but his naturally diplomatic ways are enough to keep a good rapport throughout conversation. Sootscales agrees working the mine could be profitable, but not when Oleg's Trading Post is such a small community- hes well aware of its location. Sootscales explains that Mikmek has agreed to continue to journey as Yelena's servant and act as the voice of the Sootscales tribe, as their diplomat. Sootscales is amenable and the talks go well, but hes not willing to send kobolds to the trading post at this time. You do get the impression that the alliance Sootscales speaks of isn't a trivial thing in his eyes either.
** spoiler omitted **
Hello, Oleg, my good man. It seems times have been...good to you. Last I was here, this place looked like the end of a horse's behind, but look at this...you practically have a garrison stationed and a thriving village going.
Kalev grins and eagerly follow Oleg to the table, taking a huge "bite" out of the offered ale when it arrives.
Elk Stew?! Your woman certainly knows how to tease a man's tastes, no disrespect of course. You are one lucky man, Oleg.
Kalev takes another mouthful of ale and smiles.
I've got some skins, but that can wait till after supper. Tell me about what has happened since I left. And these Guardians...are they truly behind all this?
Oleg chuckles heartily, then gestures around him; a generous sweep of his arm that seems to indicate the whole Greenbelt.
Aye, seems like a tale straight out of a book doesn't it? But just over a month ago, these folk that came in with Vaysh march right into the Trading Post and kill the bandit leutenant that was extorting from me; why, the battle took place right here where we sit! Since then, they've been slowly stabilising the area and dealing with all kinds of menaces, like Ol' Tuskgutter. They even converted the bandit leader Kressle to their cause, 'tho she had to endure a trial and a whipping first. A smug, self-satisfied smile spreads across Oleg's face. Since then, folk seem to have slowly drifted down here, and they stay for the good food and company. Its no secret these self-styled "Guardians of the Greenbelt" are going to end up re-colonising these lands if they manage to drive out the Stag Lord, so all kinds of pioneers are itching to be the first ones to seize the opportunities.
The talks with the Sootscales end on good terms, and the tribe wish you well as you leave their caverns; careful not to let you walk into any traps.
The journey takes the remainder of the day, and you find yourself approaching the gates of Oleg's Trading Post late in the evening. The usual sounds of merry-making between the locals and the recent influx of pioneers here can be heard- it sounds like its rapidly approaching dinner time at the Trading Post. The noise quietens down, and as you wonder why you can hear Vaysh sings a mellow, sad song about lost loved ones.
Malthir stops for a moment to look at the outpost with pride; the gathering souls, the bustle of activity, the singing and laughter, and savors it for a moment. He doesn't dwell on the costs and puts on his best face for his friends and the folk that he is about to meet.
He suggests on the ride home that the group not immediately report on Edrics death until the morrow. Best that the first news that any new folks hear is not the death of one of the Guardians. If anyone asks, we just tell them that we will tell them more tomorrow. There is reason for some celebration this day. The mites have been defeated and the battles between them and the Kobolds has ended. The Guardians have also forged a peace agreement with the Kobolds.
We will honor Edric, as is his due. Malthir suggests that we should commission a statue of him, in his honor. It would be dedicated to all those who have died and will die in protecting the GreenBelt and those who live in it. Would the group be willing to sacrifice some party funds to this end?
Other than that he would get with Kesten to see how his visit went to Restov, what news from the fort, and meet with his men and socialize with any new folk that have arrived as well as the current folk as possible throughout the night.
We will honor Edric, as is his due. Malthir suggests that we should commission a statue of him, in his honor. It would be dedicated to all those who have died and will die in protecting the GreenBelt and those who live in it. Would the group be willing to sacrifice some party funds to this end?
You are met with the usual rapport of cheers and high spirits from the people at Olegs, pleased as always to see you've returned from your latest sojourn safe. After some celebrating and mingling, you find out that it is becoming public knowledge that a colony will soon be founded in the Greenbelt; Oleg's Trading Post is fit to burst with pioneers and prospectors seeking to be the first to seize the opportunities once the land has been made civilised, and there is some speculation as to where the first city shall be built, and what its name might be.
Kesten has little to report, but is happy to take your word for it that the Kobold's will not be a threat to you. The messages were delivered promptly to Restov, and House Orlovsky in particular is extremely wary. The hostilities between the houses are increasing, as subtle shifts of power and betrayals mean the land of Brevoy exists in a time of great uncertainty- another reason for the pioneers flocking in droves to the Greenbelt.
Oleg is sat nearby in the midst of all the chaos of dinner around him, having a long conversation with a muscular half-orc, clearly a hunter by trade. He does not immediately notice your group, but a flash of emotion crosses his face as he notices Kressle's presence with the group- although his reaction is surprisingly calm.
Speak of the devil eh... Welcome, welcome Guardians... Kressle. I was just telling my friend Kalev all about you. Seems the lad's taken a shine to your tales. I assume Edric's helping out at the temple? Oleg asks cheerfully.
Malthir carefully ignores Oleg's question by getting right down to business, Oleg! Well met my friend. I hope you have a few of those ales ready for us? he turns to Kalev and extends a strong handshake, Kalev, good to meet you as well. You are a hunter in the area? We hope to make your life much safer around here. Plus it looks like there will soon be many new customers to sell to as well! Talking amiably with an ale in his hand, Our latest expedition has met with some success Oleg, although Casimir will be weaving a grand tale I expect tomorrow night to give a better recounting. The Mites are no more, and the Kobold problem should be resolved. In fact you might see some of them around here soon wanting to trade as well. So pass the word around to not attack any travelling Kobolds, they seem pretty harmless. We will have some business to discuss tomorrow, regarding some trade goods, but for now I am looking forward to seeing Svetlana and tasting whatever delicious food she has in store for us.
The gnomish ex-prophetess remains quiet as the Guardians arrive at the trading post, and unusually, she retains her reflective mood even as the stars begin to appear in the darkening sky. Leaving Malthir and Casimir to explain the new arrangement with the Sootscale Tribe, the pale skinned woman takes her leave in order to change out of her outdated, but well-kept, traveling garments and into the far more complex, multilayered robes of the dead faith of Aroden.
Seemingly somewhat comforted after donning the ceremonial garb, Fenna returns to the dinner-time revelries to make her usual rounds of listening to the concerns of those in attendance.
Oleg is sat nearby in the midst of all the chaos of dinner around him, having a long conversation with a muscular half-orc, clearly a hunter by trade. He does not immediately notice your group, but a flash of emotion crosses his face as he notices Kressle's presence with the group- although his reaction is surprisingly calm.Speak of the devil eh... Welcome, welcome Guardians... Kressle. I was just telling my friend...
Casimir accompanies a visibly uncomfortable Kressle over to Oleg and the half-orc hunter he is sitting with.
Greetings Oleg. It is good to see you again. Svetlana is busy in the kitchen, I presume. Do you think you could fetch her out here? Kressle has something for the both of you.
Once Svetlana and Oleg are back, Casimir nods to Kressle, who produces the recovered wedding band from her pouch.
Oleg, Svetlana. Please accept this back with my sincere apologies. I deeply regret the pain I have caused you both and hope you can find it to forgive me some day, Kressle says, as she holds forth the ring.
Both she and Casimir stand silently and await a reaction from Oleg and Svetlana.
** spoiler omitted **
Oleg and Svetlana are clearly touched by the gesture, and Oleg gently slips the ring onto his wifes finger and kisses her. Svetlana embraces Kressle, much to the former bandit's shock, and Oleg looks decidedly uncomfortable.
Erm... Why thankyou Kressle. With your task done, I suppose we can put all behind us eh? Your welcome here anytime... Oleg mumbles awkardly as he extends a hand, which Kressle shakes firmly.
Oleg and Svetlana are clearly touched by the gesture, and Oleg gently slips the ring onto his wifes finger and kisses her. Svetlana embraces Kressle, much to the former bandit's shock, and Oleg looks decidedly uncomfortable.
Erm... Why thank you Kressle. With your task done, I suppose we can put all behind us eh? Your welcome here anytime... Oleg mumbles awkardly as he extends a hand, which Kressle shakes firmly.
Here here! A drink to celebrate the bride and groom!, Malthir let's out a good laugh.
Casimir joins Malthir in raising a glass.
Aye, a toast! And gather round and I shall tell you the tale of how the Guardians of the Greenbelt recovered this lost treasure. And listen well for it is a tale of both glory and woe.
Casimir waits for people to gather and settle, before he begins telling his story.
As fate would have it, this ring was stolen not once, not twice, but all of three times. First by the bandits. (Casimir intentionally glosses over Kressle's role in the first theft.) But they did not keep it long. For it was stolen from their camp by nasty fey-creatures known as mites. Wicked, blue-skinned pests they are, full of tricks and with a love for vermin. The kept their nest under the Old Sycamore to the south, so away we went, to reclaim what was now twice stolen.
As we entered the dank, narrow tunnels under the ancient tree, we soon came upon the cretins, hard at work with nasty pranks. We set upon them and dealt them a quick defeat, but many more of their number were about, and soon we were beset on all sides, with swarms of crawling centipedes among them, their poisonous maws clamoring to find holes in our defenses. With the combined might of our swords and spells, we slew them in droves, but as the tide seemed to turn, out from the foul depth came a true terror, a huge centipede as big as the trunk of full grown tree. The beast was enormous, and before we could bring it down, many of us were weakened by wounds and poison.
Having slain such a mighty foe, we found it best to retreat and gain our strength under the blessed oversight of Erastil. (Casimir pauses for a quick toast at the mention of the deity.) At the Temple of the Elk, our bodies grew strong again and the poison left us. So back again we went, fully determined to see the job done, and the mites defeated. And so we came once again to the Old Sycamore. But this time, there would be no need to go underground. We were met by a host, mites and centipedes alike, led by a feisty little runt atop a gigantic, bloodsucking tick. Grabbles, as this leader of the fey-creatures called himself, challenged one of us to a single-handed duel. Never has he made such a large mistake, for of course did the brave and noble Sir Edric at once rise to the challenge. Atop his mighty steed, the Eagle Knight bore down on the creature Grabbles, and dealt him one deadly blow after the other. Almost as soon as it had started, it was all over. Sir Edric was awash with glory, as his foe lay bleeding and lifeless on the ground. The day was won, and the mites agreed to leave these lands forever!
But alas, the stolen ring was not among the spoils of war they left behind. For it had been stolen once again, this times by the Sootscale kobolds who were feuding with the mites. So off we went, to the caves of the kobold tribe. Here we learned that an evil shaman had led the tribe to war, and the chief of the tribe begged our help to stop him. Never ones to refuse a plea from help against evil, The Guardians went to seek out this shaman and his cronies in his den.
Foul magic and deception he used, trying his best to bring us all low. But once again, the might of the Guardians won the day. After a hard and chaotic battle, the wicked creature was brought low, and the stolen ring recovered. But alas, joy was short and bitter, for as the dust settled, we saw Sir Edric lie in his lifeblood, brought low by evil magic and cowardly injury, wounded beyond the care of our healing. So everyone, raise a glass and and take a moment of silence for our fallen friend. For Sir Edric has gone to Pharasma, where his mighty deeds of good is sure to win him a seat of honor. The Greenbelt have lost a valiant champion and we have all lost a good friend.
Sir Edric Orlavsky! May the memory of his courage and glorious deed live forever!
Casimir raises his glass and stands silent.
Casimir's performance is both compelling and dramatic, and the toast at the end of the tale is taken up by the whole trading post. Despite the cheers during the performance, a heavy silence follows- one of the heroic Guardians has fallen in battle and the general mood of the trading post slowly becomes a little darker for the loss of the brave knight. Men and women raise glasses to the scion of House Orlovsky, and quietly discuss whether the Guardians willsucceed in their tasks without his loyal aid. Fenna is quickly overwhelmed by requests for spiritual guidance, as many of the hunters are reminded of their own mortality.
Casimir's performance is both compelling and dramatic, and the toast at the end of the tale is taken up by the whole trading post. Despite the cheers during the performance, a heavy silence follows- one of the heroic Guardians has fallen in battle and the general mood of the trading post slowly becomes a little darker for the loss of the brave knight. Men and women raise glasses to the scion of House Orlovsky, and quietly discuss whether the Guardians willsucceed in their tasks without his loyal aid. Fenna is quickly overwhelmed by requests for spiritual guidance, as many of the hunters are reminded of their own mortality.
As far as next steps, Malthir had suggested to the group that we explore for a while north of the river while we equip and get ready for our final assault on the Stag Lord. Fenna and group, are you in agreement with this course of action? I know it will be several weeks at least before I can have this armor I ordered ready. Need to look up Alex's crafting guidlines again. It will also give us an excuse to pick up a guide to help us map the area much quicker...hmmm who could that be....
At some point in the evening, Fenna takes a moment to examine the unknown potion, , but shakes her head as it's significance eludes her.