an elderly man leaning heavily on his staff slowly trods down the path, his direction would take him towards the newly recovered fort... he stoops in the shade to freshen himself for a few
Hyassus catches up with Boolna, and they briefly exchange words. The conversation ends with a nod from Hyassus. Boolna continues toward the orchards, and Hyassus starts to return to his "post".
Hyassus then says - not too subtly urging you away... "If yer business is done here today, see you around again I suspect."
The Green Man nearly explodes in violence as Hyassus speaks in a not particularly polite tone.
The red mist begins to settle down over his eyes again, and it is likely he would have drawn his axe and buried it in the offending mans skull there and then if not for the presence of the others.
His hands halfway raised already, instead settles for cupping the back of his head and flexing his chest as he yawns.
Suddenly, something that actually distracts him from his anger catches his attention.
"Ser Ambrosi...do you see the lone wanderer over yonder? He seems...out of place here."
Having said so, The Green Man begins to walk towards the stranger.
the old man raises his bush eye brows over a raised canteen. Oi there, you're a big one aren't ya?
The rather blunt comment forces a tight smile on The Green Mans lips as he takes a good look at the man before him.
"Some...might say so yes, but usually not as direct, unless it is a lot less polite of course."
Looking around a bit, The Green Man then turns his attention back to the old man.
"You are not from this farm are you? Are you a local? If so, I think it is a good opportunity to tell you that the Stag Lord is dead, and that we are the new anointed rulers of the land.
By "we" I mean my fellow travellers that are still over yonder at the farm."
"People call me The Green Man, but I allow most people to just use "Green" for simplicity’s sake."
oh, no I'm just looking to make a name for myself just like any young adventurer would... I'm actually here to find the new lords of the land so to speak... he pauses a moment after his slow speech, "greens" words sinking in he begins to laugh a little What good luck! I find one of the new lords already!
he feebly rises and dusts himself a little
I am Senex Senis, scribe, tutor, magister, and old as dirt. I've come to offer myself to the new rulers in exchange for my wealth of experience, I'm hoping to leave a legacy behind worth something more than a foot note in a text book
he peers around a bit
I however am no rube, perhaps this conversation is best when all the lords are present at the keep no? It makes things a bit more official and on the up and up... you can tell his words are without guile or judgement, but he is wise enough to realize you might not be exactly who you claim
If you wouldn't mind helping an old man to the keep, I assure you the lords will all find my small demands worth their efforts and yours.
"Well, we are currently exploring the area surrounding the keep, so we won't be going back until evening, if we can find someone to share a horse with you, then you can come with us until we return."
"Come on old timer, I will introduce you to the rest of the fellowship."
The Green Man moves to give Senex a helping hand if needed, but he is determined to not offer more help than needed, not sure if it might be seen as insulting or not.
I appreciate the help, you're considerate to your eldars and that's a good sign! he takes a hand getting up and totters after green
The gnome looks at the old man with curiosity.
"I not know that any wizards are nearby. I am building my own mages tower. The dwarven craftsman are working on it."
Clapping his hands in excitement.
"The study of magic items is quite a hobby of mine. I will have to show you the plans when we reach Stagfall!"
"By the way, I don't suppose you are skilled at alchemy, or have any other knowledge that could help us identify minerals that may be slowly polluting a river?"
I'm sure I can reason something out of it, there is little I have not read or studied at this age.
"Well then, I would say that we have also had a spell of good fortune in meeting you.
Play your cards right old-timer, and maybe you'll sit on the council."
"We have strength, wisdom and the ear of the common man, but someone who can deal with the more...academic part of running a kingdom would be most welcome."
There is a small break in the grey clouds above. The little light from the sun - and morning rains, creates a lush green glow across the terrain around you.
You travel a roundabout path to Yeosum Farm to avoid wasting exploration time backtracking.
An hour later you come to the lowlands in the southern part of today's planned exploration. You see the few structures, patterned rectangles of planted fields, and a grouping of brown, black, and white which is likely a small herd of grazing cows.
The grass in the lowlands is a long wispy brilliant green fescue... the fields of it ripples in waves from the slightest breeze.
"Well, since it worked so well the last time..."
The Green Man dismounts, leaving the axe on the horse for now, then, as unthreateningly as a massive green Halforc can be, he begins to walk towards the structures ahead of the rest of the party.
"Just follow a little behind me."
As with the Quillor Farm, your first contact is with a wary farmer.
With his worn straw hat and bushy white beard, the man who walks up to greet you looks the part.
He briefly looks over each of you as he speaks...
"Afternoon folks. Not from around here are ya? Welcome to Yeosum Dairy Farm, I'm Philo. What can I do for you?"
You see two middle-aged men, and a slightly younger woman on the porch of the farmhouse... just within earshot. You also see men inside the larger of the two barns dumping metal canisters into a large metal straight-sided tub.
The two barns and farmhouse are grouped in the center of two large fenced fields... giving the farm an overall "H" shape.
There are a few dozen noisy chickens wandering around, and two sleeping hounds near the front steps of the farmhouse.
The Green Man grins a little at that.
"We're new to the region but not from very far off. I guess you have not heard of Stagfall yet?
Named so because that's where the staglord fell to our righteous fury."
The Green Man gives a slow bow.
"You could say we are the new authority in the area, and I believe you will find us much nicer neighbours than the bandit."
"Sounds good to me. Lost well over half our herd to his men."
He looks back to his fellow farmers, and waves... they seem to relax, and return to what they were doing.
"Well... if you find yourself needing butter or cheese, you know where to find us. Got a nice selection of aged cheeses in our cellar."
"We are the new Sword Lords. We are here to provide protection to our charges and foster cooperation and understanding throughout these lands."
Smiling:
"I am The General."
"We've been touring the surrounding lands, yours is the third stop so far, only the Lurleton estate left for us to visit.
By the way, when we visited the neighbouring farm, the man there mentioned that the Staglord had crippled some of his kin, we were able to reset the bones and heal them, have you also suffered such abuse?"
The Green Man is not really one to tout his own horn, but he did not think dropping a hint of benevolence would really hurt the relation he was trying to build with the folks of the land.
Philo lets out a low whistle.. genuinely impressed. "Never met a general before. Wouldn't of thought of a gnome general. From what I hear you folk got some smarts... Glad to have you lookin out for us little people." He does not seem to catch the irony in his last comment.
Philo shakes his head grimly, responds to Green.
"Nothing like that... mostly threats that would make the most worldly man's stomach turn. A few of us have gotten a decent thrashing, but no lasting injuries. Heard about that... nasty business at Quillor's. Good to hear you were able to set things right."
nods at the half-orc, it's clear he approves of the way he's treating these folks. To the gnome he looks mildly surprised to learn he's the general
"Aged cheese, I can't say no to a good block of cheese."
Furiel looks at the new wizard and says sadly:
"I had this old spell book we found. I kept it around a while, but we finally had to sell it. Hope you are flush with magic writing. I just know the spells--kind of comes naturally."
"Can I have a word with you master Yeosum? In private?"
The Green Man looks pointedly around for a second.
Assuming they go off a little way, The Green Man then nods.
"I want your opinion on something, and I want you to be completely honest with me.
One of the laws I intend to see followed most rigidly is "no slavery" and I don't think you'll have a problem with that right?
But there is someone, we'll not name names for now that I consider a slaver, he offered us a deal, the land in exchange for a certain estate.
My thought is that he plans to set himself up as a nobleman, rule in our name as it were.
As much as I hate to admit it, I don't think I would be justified in following my heart and answer him with my axe, yet...the concept of accepting turns my stomach.
I don't want to see a former slaver rise to power, possibly becoming a minor tyrant, fortifying his rule in OUR name as we strive to make the lands safe."
"You seem to have been put in a difficult position. I am honored that you would ask my thoughts. I've learned from past experience, what swindlers really are after is in the unspoken details. More you know, the more likely you can find a way to accept his words with a smile, but deny what he wants."
"Hmmm, I like that, beating him at his own game.
And it would set a nice precedence for future dealings would it not?
Speaking of dealings, in time, Stagfall will sport a nice market for you to sell your produce.
Being that you sell food, which will be needed to grow, I expect you will soon be able to consider yourself "Esquire"."
"If you don't mind, perhaps we could trouble you to stay for some rest and food? While we eat, you can tell me all you know about the swindler.
It seems like what he wants most of all is the Lurleton estate; do you think the Lurletons might have left something in the estate proper that he is after?
Local stories about wealth, that sort of thing?"
"Certainly, and we need to get the General a wheel of cheese."
He jogs over to the porch, and passes on the request. The others get to work, and Philo jogs back to Green as he returns to the rest of the group.
"In regards to what might be at the Estate, I likely will be of little help. They seemed like good people... not real social. There were some stories. Wasn't until we were pretty well set up here that we started hearing rumors about the Lurletons bein involved in some witchcraft or some sort of thing.
Didn't here it from me, but Enzi's sister-in-law Rojeunet would be the one to talk to... "
The Green Man gives Philo a much exaggerated wink before saying with a voice full of innocence.
"Hear what? I didn't hear anything, did you say something?"
Putting a big hand on Philos shoulder, The Green Man smiles his most unthreatening smile.
"Thank you for your hospitality. A good ruler rules with the blessing of the people, and people who play fair with me will find that I return the favour."
I read somewhere that fear is better than respect for a ruler, but I shall make sure we are respected, and to hell with such writing.
The people will have reason to respect and perhaps even love us.
Philo walks everyone to the long wide porch of the farmhouse. They bring out a couple more chairs, and drinks... a tea made from sassafras bark sweetened with dark molasses.
The others aren't as talkative as Philo, but seem pleasant enough. They also take great care to make Senex comfortable. Philo's wife supplies a cushion for his chair, and serves him first.
The youngest of the women perches on the rail writing and sketching in a leather-bound book. The others bring out sausage and cheese wrapped in a leaf of chard and grill-seared for lunch.
As The Green Man takes a seat he takes of the Staglords helmet and places it on the table, letting anyone who want have a look.
The difference between me and him can be seen in the helmet in a sense.
He makes an effort to be as friendly and pleasant as he can, trying very hard to impress the people.
In his mind, sowing the seeds for the future was something he did now, and these people would spread the good word in time.
Darling he says to the sketcher what are you drawing? I have a few daughters, now grown and moved on with their husbands, and you remind me a little of my oldest... Would you mind indulging an old man and letting me glance at your book?
he smiles warmly towards the youngest woman
Furiel speaks with some feeling: "If I had grown up on a farm like this, I would have had a more understanding nature."
I was held own and teased while I was growing up.
Furiel manages to shake the bad memory as he samples the excellent food and drink.
The woman nods.. "No sir, I wouldn't mind." She seems slightly shy, but approaches and shows Senex. The book is filled with still-life drawings, and nature studies... All the drawings are contained within a perfect circle. While by no means masterpieces, she seems to have considerable natural talent for dynamic compositions.
The one she had been working one of all of you from the shoulders up standing together as if posing for a monument. She has portrayed you with simple but elegant lines.
Philo smiles proudly, then shakes his head. "Aye Aletha is my oldest. Tough to come across good suitors around here suitable for such a fine well-mannered young lady."
Aletha rolls her eyes and sighs. "Father... he asked to see the drawings, not hear about my lovelife."
Ta'de-win listens to the words being spoken, attempting to instead seek out what may be seen from the obvious. One of the names spoken causes her to search her memories until she realizes who. "The name, Rojeunet. You say this is Enzi's sister-in-law? What more can you say of her family, if you do not mind me asking?"
These are beautiful drawings! If you don't mind when you finish that one of us here, I'd love to pay you for it. This is a real talent you have here! he smiles warmly to the shy girl as he says this Perhaps, a gold piece?
Enzi shrugs, and responds to Ta'de-win "I know very little, I'm afraid... I believe Ro has family in Restov. She is the only one I know of around here who makes regular trips there."
Aletha smiles "Thank you sir. I'm glad you like them.", and then smirks.. "We'll see when its finished if a gold piece will cover it."
The Green Man gives a resounding "Hah!" at the young womans wit.
She would be a good match for a ruler, I think I'll listen in a little bit more, to see what else she may have.
Furiel whispers to Green when given the chance:
"I do not think you should have mentioned this no slavery law. If we are to have a ruling council, these decisions probably need to be discussed before being mentioned to others. Also, given the intelligence and cunning of the human cook, I would not put placing spies past his capabilities. I know you wish to deal with others in a straightforward fashion, but in this matter it will probably lead to disaster. Sometimes great changes need to be implemented gradually."
The Green Man frowns a little; Furiel makes a point that is worth considering.
It had never occurred to The Green Man to suspect these honest farmers of duplicity, especially since he was so good at reading people.
Was this another ruler lesson?
The idea of holding back in speaking did not sit well with The Green Man who was blunt and straightforward by nature.
In the past he had found that the curious mix of gentleness wrapped in a scary body often made people deal more honestly with him back.
The Green Man sits silently for a moment, mulling over Furiels words, and while he does agree that there is merit to this way of thinking, he also knows that deep down, he won't be able to hold himself back from certain things, and the no slavery was one of those things.
The people here had suffered as slaves themselves, slaves to fear and the capricious rule of a bandit lord, as such, he expected them to back him if he made a real play for this.
"In some things you are right little friend, and I shall think on it and try to remember your words, but not in this, not in this one thing."
The Green Man stands up, his voice rumbling forth with an undercurrent of powerful emotions held in check just barely.
"For now it is a vision, a vision for a future, a dream far of perhaps, but so powerful it cannot be denied in my soul.
A land, green and verdant, where man lives in harmony with nature and each other.
Rolling fields of golden grain, pastures with fat livestock, orchards with rich red apples.
Happy children playing in fields of green and in deep lush forests.
Rich herds of deer, schools of fish in the lakes and rivers.
A land where ruler and subject share a simple yet powerful bond born from respect.
Trade from far and near, Cities surrounded by the bounty of nature.
Men and women of of all races living in peace if not perfect harmony."
The Green Man slams a massive fist onto the table.
"I will NOT back down from what I know is right, I will not allow fear of failure to hold me back from trying.
I only have one life, but I shall gladly sacrifice it if it means success for my dream.
And if my life can inspire others then so be it."
Realizing his passion might have gotten the better of him again, The Green Man blushes a deeper shade of green before sitting down, giving his meal a shade more attention than what might be strictly necessary.
Furiel sits directly besides Green and tries to make his point again and talks in a subdued, controlled hiss to avoid eavesdroppers. He is obviously not happy.
"I have been on the powerless side like these slaves. I do not like slavery! Just issuing an edict from a castle does not fix things--I was tormented and bullied in a city where it was not allowed. What if the master cook makes a big kobold stew and sells it to a troll for 10gp to comply with your edict? You need to think before you act and listen to others--what is the use of advisors if you ignore them? I am concerned about having an absolute ruler."
Furiel is somewhat sad at the turn of events. He looks at Green with concern.
"Good intentions can lead to dangerous policies if they are not thought through. The kobold who talked to me realized that an immediate change is impractical. She pleaded for her children and I agreed to help. Making speeches is not how I intend to do it."
Smiles in delight at the young lady
I'm sure whatever the value of the work is when you finish it, I'll gladly pay it. Art has a rather frank value to some, and I more than others cherish it. When you are finish you'll have to send word to me and I will gladly come to pay you your dues!
gives a stern look to the two in open disagreement
Perhaps my young lords would like to discuss this when we aren't introduing o nothers time and generosity?
The Green Man is about to explode again, but instead he grabs hold of the bench he is sitting on, digging his fingers so deep in the wood that it splinters.
The pain of the splinters is enough to focus his mind and clear the red rage away so he can think properly again.
He then turns to Furiel and speaks in lower tones.
"What you say makes sense, and I'm going to think on it more, maybe we can't change everything at first sight, but we have to work at it still don't we?"
"Let's both think a little more and talk when we ride on, that way, tempers will cool, ideas will become clearer, and we don't impose on hospitality."
The Green Man reaches out and gives Furiels back a pat.
"I do value your opinions, never doubt that. This is just a sore subject for me, my family and my people have lived in thrall for centuries, it...colours my perception."
The Green Man then sits down, picking at his food as he thinks on what he has learned so far.
Furiel nods, chokes back tears, and hugs Green's shoulder:
"My first point was we would discuss this back at the castle after we left. Our new companion agrees with this. Let us speak no more about this for now. We only disagree on a timeline and technique."
"Agreed, let saner heads prevail like my father used to say."
Remembering his parents makes The Green Man sigh deeply.
For a moment, silence reigns as he contemplates this and that.
Then he turns to Furiel and whispers.
"Say, Gnomes live a long time don't they? Can you imagine how cranky you'll be when you're like our new arcanist?"
Furiel winks: "This food is delicious!"
He leans over to Green and whispers:"We have a saying where I come from: Beware the angry wizard!"
Furiel seems in a better mood.
I guess this high stakes game is new to Green.
Chuckles Wizard or not, I know Gnomes are reknowned for their bellies!
After eating, Furiel smiles.
"We best be getting back while we have some light. Not all of us can see in the moonlight."
By the time everyone finishes their meal, the tension lessens. Norton mentions the upcoming festival as Philo walks you to your horses.
"We would love to be involved. We'll be sure to stop out sometime before then. Anxious to see what you have goin on, and we can talk about what we can provide for the festival. Safe travels... welcome back anytime."
nods and bows slightly and with a warm smile says May fortune smile on your home
After the late lunch you find yourself a little behind schedule for exploration.
Mapping the remainder should take until an hour after dark, but considering the Lurleton estate is among what is left unexplored... the likelihood of finishing tonight is diminishing.
"Let us head back to the fort, we can use the extra time to show our new friend around, then we can get a new start tomorrow and be done with that area, exploration wise..."
The Green Man is silent after that, mulling over how to explain and apologise.
I have to listen as much as I talk, but I MUST use the right words...
"I'm...sorry I flew of the handle before, it IS a touchy subject for me, but I shouldn't have allowed myself to become so angry.
I do value your advice and opinions, please don't think otherwise, I just got...so frustrated.
If we tread too carefully we seem like weak rulers, but if we are too heavy handed we seem like tyrants.
The fact that someone like that "lord" can hide behind words makes me angry.
He strikes me as the kind of person who will only make a deal if it profits him MORE than the other person, if we were to make him swear of slavery, he is sure to keep a few kobolds back, breed a new batch of slaves and use them in the shadows.
ESPECIALLY if he can hide them in a large estate."
The Green Man looks at Furiel, his face is stern, but there is a hint of laughter in his eyes as he says the next thing.
"But you know, I don't make "speeches" little friend, I say what I intend to make happen so other people can get out of the way..."
The Green Man winks and chuckles a little at that.