Corax, we expect you to continue to live by your agreement with us. We will take care of the situation of this Fey. We will show you the new grove and we expect you to leave this one alone unless you get our express permission to log it please.
If you break our terms your names will be spread throughout Kardas and you will not be allowed to trade again in the realm, do you understand? Soon these lands will belong to Kardas, keep that in mind.
Corax responds-
Aye... I'll keep it in mind, Baron. If this new grove is suitable then i'm mighty pleased with the arrangement; the forest is safer further north thanks to them friendly wolves anyway.
The Nixie glares at Malthir, somehow still seeming to look down on him with scorn despite her current status and stature.
You have my thanks, Marshall Kalev. I had heard of your prowess and i'm glad you were able to take my men without causing them permanent harm. We'll keep them secured just in case the Nixie's magic lingers on them.
Kalev shakes the hand in return, smiling, I just hope I didn't break too many bones in their bodies or cracked their skulls. Sometimes I don't know my own strength.
Malthir, I suggest we release her, when the loggers are away. I don't want any quarrel with her and I hope she doesn't want any with us, either.
Kip waves his hand, and with a word, dismisses the entanglement so Corax's men can get to the unconscious loggers without hindrance.
Kip replies to the Nixie's lament, There will be no enslavement... the manacles are for your, and our, protection. If you cease your hostilities and enter into reasonable negotiations with us, I will see them removed.
At Ricter's rebuke of the Nixie, Kip interjects, Now Ricter! Does the rule of law not allow for the possibility of innocence? We do not know what transpired before our arrival. Is it not possible that the Nixie was acting in self defense? This is her home, and until our arrival and my subsequent blundering, the Nixie had up until that point used non-violent means in an attempt to resolve the crisis. Kip shoots a look at Corax before continuing, We have his word against her word. Given the obvious animosity Corax seems to harbor against Nixies and Fey in general, I would be disinclined to act solely on his assertions. Look at it from her viewpoint, our arrival and befriending of Corax and his men could be construed as additional threats to her person and sovereignty over her domain.
Kip turns to look at all the Guardians, Is her response any different than our own when Kardas is threatened?
We need to tread carefully, or we shall earn the enmity of the many Fey creatures of this region.
At Malthir's comments to the Nixie, Kip responds, I do not wish to see her exiled. That presumes guilt as I spoke a moment ago. Corax and his men have what they want, and are admittedly happier to the north. None of his men have suffered unduly given the circumstances. None of us are the worse for wear. I fail to see why the Nixie need further punishing. If anything, she is the wronged party, as it is her trees that lay fallen. We should be looking to make reparations of some kind and assure her, and all Fey, that there is a place for all goodly creatures in Kardas! Present and future.
"What Kip says is true," Fenna says calmly, "her actions have brought about no lasting harm, so it would be rather unfair of us to cause harm in our response. I do not believe that she meant any malice in her actions, and I would like nothing more than to find an amicable solution to this... but that will require compromise from both parties."
"I am concerned however, should we not find a way to work constructively together, this situation is doomed to repeat itself once our borders reach this grove. Simply releasing her is not going to solve anything.
"If cooperation proves impossible," she pauses heavily, turning a sympathetic look towards the Nixie, "then relocation might be the only alternative. I truly hope that it does not come to that, but your actions bind us as surely as those manacles bind you, if you become a threat to our citizens, then we have no choice but to act... please, help us to ensure that you no longer need to use threats and violence to protect what is yours, let us protect it for you within the laws of Kardas; today we have had to demonstrate our ability to protect our friends, I believe that if you are willing to hear us out, you could be counted among them in the future.
"Surely you have heard of the wolves to the north, they have no fear of poaching from our people, and in return our people have nothing to fear from the wolves. Even the Satyrs of these lands have embraced the value of operating within the laws of Kardas, they can revel and mate on terms that ensure there is no cause for reprisal or ill will. Do you not even wish to consider the potential benefits we can offer to you?"
Please trust us...
We may be even willing to try and see about replanting some of the trees that were felled by the loggers to make your grove whole...but this is dependent upon you being willing to work with us.
As Malthir signals for him to back off Ricter mutters to him, trying to keep his voice low so as to not undermine the other guardians
"There's as much chance of her keeping her word as there is of a devil protecting the helpless. If you talk her round, remember for the sake of your subjects that none of her promises have any meaning"
With that, he moves away to talk with Corax and his men
"Tell me the exact sequence of events that lead to you being enchanted"
Kip watches as Ricter goes to talk with Corax and his men.
Kip rolls his eyes and thinks to himself, Oh yes, I'm sure they will be totally honest and forthcoming. No reason to stretch the truth at all. Kip shakes his head as he returns his attention to Malthir, Fenna and the Nixie.
The Nixie seems like she might be swayed into unfriendliness rather than pure hostility for a moment, but continues to stare in anger at the Guardians and Corax. She speaks slowly, quietly and clearly, as though talking to children and reprimanding them.
My grove has been desecrated and you have me in chains- neither your actions nor your words raise you up from beasts in my eyes. Your pet wolves and weak-willed Satyrs may fall in line to your expansion in these lands, but know they will always truly belong to the Fey.
She laughs, and in her laughter there seem to be undertones of menace, pity and hints of dark things to come. The black pupils of her strange purple eyes seem to flare up and consume them for a moment, giving her quite an unnerving countenance.
Fools. Your kingdom lives on borrowed time... Far greater and older creatures have their eyes on the Stolen Lands than yourselves...
The Nixie seems to clam up at this point, seeming unwilling to speak any further or listen to you.
Corax shifts a little uncomfortably on his feet, but gathers his wits and tells his tale once again.
We came into the forest to search for valuable wood to log- we don't have a contract with any guilds in Kardas and we didn't want to trespass on anyone's land- we're honest folk my lord. The coachwood trees here seemed perfect, so we began to work. Then this weird fog descended on us out of nowhere and I knew some Fey was trying to use tricks to drive us away- strange noises and that. She didn't even ask us to leave before she suddenly had three of my best men charmed; and we'd been at an impasse for several hours when you arrived. I'm just glad you were here to deal with her before she got really nasty. These Nixie often have powerful magic. I just want to look after my men and turn a profit, we didn't mean to trespass in some Fey's garden...
C
R
K
The men are nodding along vigorously and adding their own little comments as Corax speaks, agreeing with him. You sense no dishonesty from the logger leader, who seems a little upset that things went so far in all honesty. You doubt he is lying; he seems too simple a soul to lie to legitimate authority.
"I see. Your testimony is noted. How we procede from here is for the Baron to decide"
He returns to the rest of the group and listens to the tail end of the Nixie's threats
"The accounts of the fey and the loggers match. There is nothing here requiring investigation. Though it goes against what I would expect of it's kind, the Nixie used a reasonable escalation of force given the dangers involved in direct confrontation. Execution or expulsion cannot be justified under Kardas law. I recommend that fences and signs be erected around this area to warn away the curious."
He pauses a moment
"Of course, she will at some point decide that her domain stretches beyond those fences, and use that to 'justify' a revenge killing. Sadly for whatever traveller happens to pass by at the wrong time, fences are still the best option we have given your collective beliefs."
Ricter, please release her.
This grove is yours, we recognize that. Remember that we offered to help you, to re-plant...to try and repair the wrong that was done here. But you chose to attack and threaten us and refuse our offer. Still we are willing to let you go back to your life.
The next move is yours Nixie. You can choose to live peacably alongside us and enjoy a good life or become our enemy. If you seek revenge on these men or attack any other innocent folk you will become the latter. No threats, just what must be.
Go in peace, again we are sorry for your loss and if you change your mind, we would be willing to help your grove.
Malthir turns from the Nixie to let her think through what has transpired here, mounting up...
All right Kalev, lets be on our way and get these men to this new grove. We have a true enemy to find, the trolls must pay for what they have wrought.
When they have left the grove far behind, he talks with Corax, Corax, you seem level headed, leave the Nixie be but if she attacks you, come to Kardas and get us, we will help you deal with her if needed.
Also, if you can keep an eye out here for the trolls, we are trying to find their lair to take the fight to them. Do you know anything about this area and anything around here?
The Nixie laughs scornfully as you release her.
You will come to regret this decision, Guardians of the Greenbelt... she threatens, twisting your title bitterly.
Kip nods in agreement with Ricter's assertion of the logger's account of the incident.
During Malthir's and the Nixie's exchange, Kip opens his mouth to speak before pausing and thinking better of it. He realizes the time for words has passed. It was his bungled attempts at diplomacy that had resulted in the eruption of violence. Something he did not wish to repeat. Kip makes a mental note to approach Fenna and Malthir, when time permits, and seek their council in becoming a better speaker and diplomat. He also resolves to intensify his studies to better his knowledge of all things Fey.
At the Nixie's last scornful chide, Kip whispers to nobody in particular, As will you I am afraid... With a last mournful look at the Nixie, Kip retreats to his pony and mounts up to follow the others.
Kip is uncharacteristically quiet during the ride, seemingly lost in reflection. In his mind he replays the events over and over, wondering what they could have done differently...
Malthir rides up by Kip after a while,
Don't like feeling rejected? he says jokingly
Seriously, you did what you could, not all will agree or believe in our cause or our leadership. To those folk we will try to let them be. My only reget will be not removing her head if she hurts someone else, but we can't do that to everyone that does't agree with us.
Let us hope she calms down and comes to her senses.
Maybe we can try again given a little time. We have other fey who we count as friends, maybe they can talk to this Nixie at a later date ad we can make this right...you would like them Kip.
Tyg and Perlivash are kindly Fey, we should enlist their help when we have time, I think you may have met them at my wedding?
Kip manages a slight smile at Malthir's teasing. The rejection I can handle. She isn't the first to put me in my place... and won't be the last I'm sure. The smile fades. I just hope that I... we... Kip corrects himself, We can set things right. Whatever "right" is.
Kip takes in the wild forest surrounding them as they ride, I would be quite upset if my part in this was the impetus for further violence. I do not wish a war with the Fey of the Greenbelt... Kip sighs and strokes his pony's neck.
Kip tries to shake off his melancholy mood and looks back to Malthir. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any attempts to repair our relationship with the Nixie. You will include me I hope?
Kip adds with a smile beginning to return to his face, And I would indeed be very interested in meeting your Fey friends! I spent much of my time missing all the interesting guests it seems. You will have to introduce us! The prospect seems to lighten Kip's mood.
I don't think there's anything we could have done differently. Kill her? She hadn't committed any actions we wouldn't have taken, if our homes were attacked. That she chose not to settle peacefully is regretably, but I am sure, we acted in accordance with both Erastil and Iomedae in our dealings with her. Also, we cannot apply the laws of Kardas to this region, at least yet. Hopefully, one day...
Kalev takes the point and lead the group in silence, occasionally stopping and searching the ground for tracks.
As Kalev moves takes point Ricter speaks after him
"Why not? Laws are the first step toward prosperity. They only thing that need limit your juristiction is the boundary of another kingdom. Have you not been granted the right to claim these lands by one of the most powerful factions in this part of the world? You are the rulers and army of Kardas rolled into one. Whatever codes you uphold within it's boarders are the codes you must carry with you when you march."
As Kalev moves takes point Ricter speaks after him
"Why not? Laws are the first step toward prosperity. They only thing that need limit your juristiction is the boundary of another kingdom. Have you not been granted the right to claim these lands by one of the most powerful factions in this part of the world? You are the rulers and army of Kardas rolled into one. Whatever codes you uphold within it's boarders are the codes you must carry with you when you march."
Ah, the six river freedoms......I don't like it, it just means that the strong can take from the weak.
Even the weak deserve our protection, their souls are not any less worthy of hope, peace, and freedom than some fat lord with lots of men who would take it from them.Malthir looks south then west, That is the other River Kingdoms today. Mark my words Ricter, we will change the River Kindgom forever before I am finished on this world.
Kip raises an eyebrow at Kalev's comments and mumbles under his breath, I certainly wasn't in favor of killing her. Killing anyone for that matter...
Kip smiles as Ricter finishes his remarks. You see Ricter, that is another way in which we differ. Any time you leave the house, you are marching somewhere. Enforcing something. Me? I'm usually out for a stroll. Taking in the sights. I am pushing no agenda or carrying any message. A large grin spreads across Kip's face. He seems to be returning to normal. Needling the Hellknight seems to agree with him.
You should try stopping and smelling the flowers once in a while, rather than crushing them under the heel of your jack boots. It might do you some good. Kip guffaws and nearly falls from his mount.
Kip composes himself, wiping a tear from his eye, and sits upright in the saddle while listening intently to Malthir. Awaiting with interest, Ricter's inevitable retort.
"Well said, Baron! Too often talk of freedom masks simple greed. We will deny the folk of this land their right to starve and their right to die"
Ricter then removes his helmet to address Kip
"We of the order of the chain have a saying, Magister. "The chain binds both ways". It means that the domination of others is not pleasurable. If you have authority you have responsibilities and obligations to the very system that gives you that authority. Kardas is small now, but it will grow and it will make ever more demands of you. One day it will cost you a great deal to waste even a second on enjoying life. You would do well to start getting used to that now."
Surprisingly, he sounds almost sympathetic
"That's why I have such respect for the Lictor, for freeing me of the burden of a destiny. Life is far simpler when you answer to someone."
Kip listens to Ricter thoughtfully before responding. Well, we can agree on something. Domination is not pleasurable... for either side. Lordship over others is not something I desire, nor pursue. (As is the reverse.) That mandate, that burden, is for others to bear. I shall serve the people of Kardas, and my fellow Guardians, to the best of my abilities, doing what I feel is right and good for as long as I can bear. If there comes a day when I cannot do so AND enjoy life, as you predict, then I shall relinquish my duties and responsibilities to another, and seek out new avenues to contribute to the well being of the people of Kardas.
Kip retrieves two apples from his pack and feeds one to his pony. The other he cuts in two before holding out his hand offering Ricter half. Do not judge me fickle, but I do understand the need for law and order... in doses where appropriate. I just have less use for it than most others.
Kip grins at Ricter and adds, I can say, I rather enjoy speaking with you Ricter. I look forward to many future opportunities to continue this discourse. Of course this will not preclude me from trying to lighten you up a little. You have the serious-as-death thing down pat. I want to see the other side of you Ricter. I shall see you take some enjoyment... life is to be experienced, not endured. Otherwise it is as a famous bard once said, "sound and fury signifying nothing!" Kip takes a large bite from his apple and leans back in his saddle, lifting his face skyward while closing his eyes...
I don't think there's anything we could have done differently. Kill her? She hadn't committed any actions we wouldn't have taken, if our homes were attacked. That she chose not to settle peacefully is regretably, but I am sure, we acted in accordance with both Erastil and Iomedae in our dealings with her. Also, we cannot apply the laws of Kardas to this region, at least yet. Hopefully, one day...
Kalev takes the point and lead the group in silence, occasionally stopping and searching the ground for tracks.
Unfortunately, Corax doesn't know anything about the trolls. His men say they are rarely seen this far north into the Narlmarches. Your group seems to have made a strong impression on Corax; he tells you that if he makes as much profit on this logging trip as he hopes, he might come to live in Swordhaven and offer his services to you. Its clear he himself is a skilled ranger and he claims to have fought in several battles in the River Kingdoms. He also gives you a detailed map he made of the area around the Nixie's grove, so you don't have to map it out yourselves.
It takes the rest of what small amount of daylight is left to lead Corax to the untouched grove of trees. He and his men seem very satisfied with it and they thank you for making their lives easier. Corax invites you to spend the night in the grove with them and share their meal before continuing your exploration in the morning.
Malthir accepts his invite and spends the night listening to Casimir's tales of River Kingdom and Brevoy folk that he has learned over the last few months, it has been too long since they have been out on the road adventuring and the burden of leadership and the troubles his people have faced weigh heavily on him.
He misses Vaysh mightily though and sends her a message in the evening to their whereabouts and how much he misses her...
Fenna listens to the comments regarding the extent of Kardas' jurisdiction during the ride, but remains silent in thought. While we may have the power to carry our laws with us, overextending our reach might bring more enemies than we can defend our citizens from alone. Civilization must expand, surely, but also steadily.
During the evening, she seems more at ease than she has for some time, laid back and staring up at the stars, she seems lost within her memories. As a cloud passing the moon sends a shadow flowing across the camp site though, a serious look grows on her face as though in sudden realisation.
Pushing herself quickly to her knees, she rummages through her pack with an uncharacteristic urgency, muttering quietly to herself in a dead language.
Kip spies Fenna's urgent rummaging and asks, What is it Fenna? Is everything alright?
"Hmm?" The gnome acknowledges over her shoulder, continuing her search, "Just a thought. It may well amount to nothing, but I can't say for certain without checking."
After just a few more seconds, she flips the pack closed with what in anyone else could be construed as nothing more than mild annoyance, "It isn't here... I must have left it in my room."
Casimir looks up from his usual work with his whetstone, a look of light curiosity on his face.
"What isn't there, Fenna?"
"Just a letter," she answers, sinking back down to sit, "from a friend back in Brevoy. I just had the thought that something he wrote may have had more significance than I first saw... but it may be nothing more than a bad feeling."
"I think I will ask Kesten if he would mind checking on my friend, when he heads north. Even if it does mean something, there is little that can be done right now."
As Kalev moves takes point Ricter speaks after him
"Why not? Laws are the first step toward prosperity. They only thing that need limit your juristiction is the boundary of another kingdom. Have you not been granted the right to claim these lands by one of the most powerful factions in this part of the world? You are the rulers and army of Kardas rolled into one. Whatever codes you uphold within it's boarders are the codes you must carry with you when you march."
You said it yourself, within Kardas' borders. This land is not yet, if ever, part of Kardas, so we must treat witha ll inhabitants as if they were free of Kardas' rule. And even within Kardas, I believe that too strong laws will turn the will of the land against us.
During the evening, Kalev talks with Corax, trying to get a feel of the man and also pump him of useful information, asking him about his past experiences.
Corax is more than willing to talk about himself, and its clear that he has a very high opinion of himself, although its also clear that his skills as a ranger help to justify it. He has worked for many of his twenty eight years as a mercenary but wanted out of the life half a year ago. He is new to the logging business and says hes happy with it initially, but as the night goes on he confesses missing feeling like he matters. He achieved the rank of Sergeant in the mercenary company he was part of. He also seems to have a deep mistrust of Fey- apparently hes had to fight them several times in his time and he made it a point to study them and their habits in order to better defend men under his command from 'their damn tricksy magic'. Hes a bit of a free spirit and is hard to read but hes clearly impressed with what Kardas has to offer.
The other loggers are mostly simple folk from either Kardas or Brevoy. They are happy to share their meal and drink with you and most have families back home they are working to support.
The night passes without incident, and the loggers are up early to begin to earn their pay.
Malthir chats amiably with the loggers and Corax. Telling them that the wood will be well used in SwordHaven, especially because of the re-building.
We continue west of our current position, looking for Troll sign.
Still seeking tracks or signs of the Troll lair, you head south and then west, a little deeper into unexplored territory and the Narlmarches. Ricter is fully introduced to the tedious and rather tiring business of mapping out territory and noting landmarks, Kalev so proficient at it by practice over the years he could almost take naps on his horse and still produce a good map of the area. The area is almost completely mapped when you come across a clearing in the dense forest.
The trees part to reveal a once peaceful forest glade, looking a little malevolent in the evening sundown. A small, almost completely obscured pond lies at the roots of an enormous, shattered oak tree, with a scattering of immense fallen branches clogging it and twigs floating upon its surface. There appears to be a body floating face down in what little water is left wearing some kind of natural armour, and the glade is full of several rotting corpses of different animals- a badger, a brown bear, several wolves and an eagle. You also note the body of a Satyr, back broken over a low hanging branch.
The oak tree itself must be one of the tallest trees in the Stolen Lands, but along with the superficial damage to its branches, it seems to be rotting away at its core and repidly losing its leaves. Kalev almost immediately notes massive, circular shaped tracks leading south from the glade; they are at least a few days old but easily discernable due to their sheer size and the destruction that is wrought in their wake. You suddenly notice the birdsong you hear throughout the Narlmarches seems to have fallen silent in this defiled glade... As though something almost unholy took place here. The abscence of scavengers feasting on the rotting corpses also speaks of animals giving the place a wide berth...
You recognise that this Oak tree must have been bonded to a Dryad- Chaotic Good Fey that tend the forests and wild places of the world; and often become powerful Druids in their own right (despite their strongly aligned beliefs). The Dryad cannot survive without her bonded Oak and vice versa.
I don't like the looks of this guardians. It speaks of something foul or evil. Could the reason behind this be in the pond?
Fenna, maybe you should summon in an ally to test the area and the water while I try to determine if there is anything evil in the area.
Malthir draws his blade and starts to detect evil unless he is interrupted.
The first thing Malthir does is detect evil; but despite the destruction around him, he does not sense its presence.
Kip takes in the scene before him. As his gaze falls upon the large oak tree, his eyes flash in recognition. This is most unfortunate. This tree was most likely the bonded tree of a Dryad. A kindly fey creature of forests and wild places of the world. They often become powerful Druids and cannot survive without her bonded Oak and vice versa. Kip shifts uncomfortably in his saddle. The state of the tree would suggest that either the Dryad has met the same fate as these others, or has been removed from the area. Most likely by whatever wrought this destruction.
As Malthir scans the area for the taint of evil, Kip does likewise for magic.
After he finishes, and turning to Kalev, Kip inquires, Any idea as to what may have made those tracks?
Kip add quickly If there is any hope of saving the oak, and or the Dryad, we should hurry... before realizing the body in the pond may be the Dryad!
Kip jumps down from his pony and rushes towards the edge of the pond...
Fenna hesitates in casting her spell, taking in the scene of destruction in the grove and deciding upon the best ally to call upon for this task. Before she has chance to begin her spell, though, Kip rushes forwards leaving the benefits obsolete, so she merely dismounts and follows the halfling magister, ready to summon forth a celestial dolphin should his own efforts to magically retrieve the floating body fail.
"I am sorry Kip," she says gently from behind him, "but from the state of these animals, whatever happened here was some time ago... we may already be too late."
Casimir stalks the grove carefully with the others, sword drawn.
"This reminds me of the unicorn we found a few years back. That was also a native being of the forest, and the scavengers shunned that too. Something sinister is at work, and I don't think it is the trolls. Kalev, can you make anything of the tracks?"
Kalev steels himself and crouches, examining the tracks while muttering a brief prayer to Erastil, hoping to be able to tell what did this.
Aid other attempts:
Knowledge (nature)
Survival
Ricter replaces his helm when the ravaged glade comes into view
Let us see if the dryad really has departed
He draws his shield and flail and begins to detect chaos
"It looks like that for all the Nixie's boasts the fey are not the masters of this realm after all"
The body proves far too heavy for mage hand. Although it does bear some similarity to the dead Unicorn Casimir mentioned there is one distinct difference; each body bears horrific, rending wounds that tore open their bodies and in many cases ripped right through organs and bone. In contrast, the Unicorn bore no visible wound, other than its horn being removed.
When Kip looks for magical auras, he finds two, both coming from the body in the water. Ricter senses no chaos in the aura (except from Kip...) although hes aware if that happened days ago as the evidence suggests, only an overwhelming aura of Chaos would linger this long; Malthir comes to the same conclusion about auras of Evil.
Kalev and Casimir have little difficult seeing where the tracks go- they lead south, out of the Glade and deeper into the Narlmarches.