Dolgrym was awakened by the rapping on his door. After being updated that a war council was meeting, he made sure that he was actually invited to such meeting. If confirmed he was invited, he quickly gathers his things and hustles to the meeting place, after grabbing a hunk of bread and cheese at the local serving establishments. Cant talk war on an empty stomach, he thinks, rushing to the site.
"What'd I miss? Any plans on dealing with this foul King," he asks, taking a large bite from the loaf of bread.
"Just in time master Sharpaxe, we are in the middle of making the plans as we speak, so feel free to speak up if you have any ideas yourself."
The Green Man finds a seat at the table, resting his chin in one hand, thinking heavily.
"Shall we try to collect what we know so far?
We have information as to where the Foul king is, we have been informed that he considers us...if not a threat than unwanted competition.
We also know that he is hot headed and not a very consistent leader, showering food and luxuries on his closest, while leaving the rest of his army to starve or fend for itself.
And we also know that we need "20 times our number" to challenge him.
What else?"
"Have you considered trying to 'recruit' some of his disgruntled army away from him? An army marches with its stomach, so to speak. A few good meals and a sack of gold might turn them into our men."
"We have had good luck with recruiting from the enemy in the past, so it is certainly not something I have a problem with.
And since we are considering weakening his hold on the area by sapping his ability to feed his troops, that may well go hand in hand with recruiting.
For each person who abandons him the odds goes one point in our favour, and for each person we can convince to join us instead, it goes two points in our favour."
Sonechka looks over the report on Kinsilvi and glances curiously back at Rojeune. "Who is this person? Where is this house?" She tilts her head curiously as she looks at Rojeune, glancing at Green and Furiel to see if they would make introductions. "And who are you?"
"I would be very interested in investigating a place someone is protecting with wards against scrying. Especially since it lies in between us and the Foul King's territory."
-----
....And we also know that we need "20 times our number" to challenge him. What else?"
Sonechka nods at Dolgrym as he comes in. "I will say that planning an attack before we know anything substantial about the Foul King's forces seems foolhardy. Training warriors to defend us in case of attack is simple common sense, but we know nothing about his territory, his fortifications, his people, troops, allies..." She shakes her head and looks back at Green.
"Until we have independent verification we can't trust anything Barndoor has told us, though I will happily call him Vesket rather than the Foul King. We do know the he has trolls, at least one and possibly several tribes of lizardfolk, and fey mercenaries in his service. He may or may not have human followers."
"Ike'yurot's tribe feels the most pressing threat to them is the nearest camp of lizardfolk aligned with the Vesket. Their scouts are spotted often - likely looking for a prime opportunity to strike. They wield dark magic, and share their lair with a few river trolls. Also of note near our friendly lizardfolk is a small human settlement several miles upriver of "tree-takers". They had contact with them once about a year ago, and both sides thought it best just to steer clear of each other."
"Vesket was described as generations old, giant, and strong. I am not sure whether that means he is a lizardman himself, just somehow very old, or something else." She shakes her head and goes on. "The lizardfolk have named his trident Screaming Wind and say no thrown spear can touch him. If I understood correctly, the lizardfolk chief believes the Foul King serves a manipulative female. I don't believe he was referring to the Beldame, as she supposedly serves Vesket. Of course that could be misinformation. From either source."
Sonechka shrugs. "Of all the threats we learned about yesterday, I think the tribe of lizardfolk near our would-be allies is the most pressing. As far as we know, they are Vesket's followers best positioned to attack us here. We may be able to glean more information about their Foul King from their leaders. In addition, if we could eliminate their enemies for them we may be able to convince Ahn'gur'frok that we can be allies."
She gestures at Rojeune. "And I am very curious about that area protected from divination. That sounds ominous to me."
Errol nods... impressed, and inches over to Sonechka. He subtly clears his throat. "Hello... Errol Voelker m'lady. I have been made aware to what capacity you were intended to serve in the abandoned Narthropple venture. I assume by your presence here, you are meant to play a similar role here? I would be more than willing to step down... and serve Rojeune more directly."
Errol grins inappropriately toward Rojeune, then adds. "You'd make quite the pair. I'd like to see the two of you get together." Rojeune puts him to sleep, and nods curtly to acknowledge Sonechka and her assessments.
"After our deliberations are done, I'd like to talk to you for a moment M'lady Rojeune.
By the way, this is M'lady Sonechka Alkaeva, meet M'lady Rojeune.
She is the leader of a group of intelligence gatherers that has allied themselves with us, provided we are never without a standing army."
Tapping his finger impatiently on the table, The Green Man looks at Rojeune's report.
"Mild threat...yes, I can agree with that.
I HATE slavers with a passion that burns dangerously in my heart, but right now, he is too small for us to focus on.
At the same time, we cannot ignore him for long.
While we deal with the foul king, perhaps the magpies can focus on uncovering more about old man Kinsilvi..."
In the dark of the cell Norton listens to the prisoner's silence.
Then, when sure the woman is not going to talk, he speaks.
"I have been thinking about what you said to me: your hatred for mankind and your desire for its utter destruction."
"I must say I can't understand it."
Furiel explains:
"The garden appears with the moon and disappears with the sun. The moon is an honorary wolf and the sun nature's herald."
We need to send our scouts to look for this garden when the moon is in the sky.
Seeking out Dolgrym, Furiel nods at his suggestion of gold.
"After they are hungry, we can pass out sacks of food. To a starving man, food is more valuable than gold."
Rojeune clarifies to Sonechka the one thing she is able to comment on. "It is about as common as a the birth of a two-headed calf, but there have been lizardfolk with inexplicable lifespans... and growth. This Vesket is over 100 years old and the size of an ogre if he is a true lizardfolk king."
Rojeune nods to Green. "Very well. Details to be determined. I will remain in Stagfall for the day."
The "Hour of the Wolf" is a concept which you know of - in both superstition and some of the arts. Though the exact time varies in accounts, all fall within 3am and 5am.
In superstition, it is supposedly the time when most supernatural things occur - the borders between worlds is most thin.
Artists have drawn inspiration from this. Both the concept and in using that time to fish creativity from the surreal span of time.
Norton shares his in-thoughts on the riddle
Furiel ticks off his plans on this fingers and invites Rojeune to their council.
"First, train the militia, those workers in town who will fight for defense. We pay them when they drill and supply them with weapons to man the walls when the alarm is sounded. Second, train the Irregulars: scouts and hunters to deplete the land of the Foul King and send them out--they will look for this garden too. Depleting the land of food will make it harder for the Foul King to attack us. Third, train and supply our regulars to deploy in the field. Fourth, join our regulars to the kobold visitors I invited and use them against the troublesome lizardfolk in our first battle."
He explains his take on the riddle to Rojeune--that the garden appears when the moon appears.
"Rather than risk less capable scouts, if you can find a magical place that appears during moonlight, it may save the lives of those less capable than the magpies."
Sonechka nods at Rojeune. "A lizard king. That would explain it."
At Furiel's comment on the riddle, Sonechka nods and gestures at Norton. "More specifically, as Norton just said, in the hours just before dawn. I suspect that if we investigate the place that is shielded against divination we will find that there is nothing to see until those hours of the night."
"We can likely do this once your trainers begin forming your armies. It isn't as though your militia and regulars will be ready in a day. We can perform smaller, more discrete missions while these larger tasks are being carried out by your people. I would suggest that we investigate the divination-shielded region ourselves and scout the close band of lizardfolk to see if we can deal with them without an army at our backs."
She stops suddenly and looks suspiciously at Furiel. "What do you mean, deplete the land? Are you going to have your irregulars raze villages and set fields to the torch? You already have the antipathy of some of the fey- how might others look on such destructive actions? Or have you given any thought to the people who live within the Foul King's territory but are not warriors? How will they see you and yours if you defeat Vesket and take over his lands with the ashes of their farms still on your hands?"
"I said nothing about burning anything. It is probably easier to pay the farmers. Anyway, I think Rojeune can locate this magical place more discretely than a party that includes a mounted knight. We need to continue mapping the land towards the Foul King."
Sonechka nods. "And by fortuitous coincidence, the location is between us and Vesket's territory." She points at the spot on the map.
"And what will you do if his farmers don't care to sell to your men? Or if they encounter people who live off what they glean from the land, rather than farming?"
"To be honest, I do not expect to encounter many farmers at all.
A warlike lizard king, he would likely take what he wanted rather than ask for it nicely or pay, and that does not sound like a good neighbour to me."
"Still, it bears considering, what do we do if it turns out that his main supply of food IS willing and reasonably loyal?
Seeing as we will not have men ready for any sort of action in the immediate future, why don't we, ourselves scout the area and find an answer before we commit ourselves fully?"
"That is why WE continue to map lands toward the Foul King. We can deal with intransigent farmers later."
"Do you think we can work a way to sway Beldame's allegiance, or when we go we must just hit hard on the place?"
"Keep up the exploration. Let the Magpies do the heavy scouting for the time being. If an army starts moving toward us, they will let us know. If we happen to encounter the Moonlight Secret, much the better."
Sonechka frowns. "Which sounds fine, except that you just listed 'deplete the land of the Foul King' as your third priority. That seemed, to me, that you intend to send forces to do that now. Did I misunderstand?"
She glances at Dolgrym, then Rojeune. "Is that what you do? Scout?" Sonechka taps the Magpies' report. "From this I thought your group's scale might be more... tightly focused."
"We do prefer focus in our assignments. Preparation for the scope of variables is everything. Our success depends heavily on scouting through divination. Magpies have flown there before when under the Festering Lillies' command. They did not return. I'm sorry, but Beldame sounds out of the Magpies' league."
You are both fairly confident you have the riddle handled.
Beldame's home(?) will appear at the center of the "blind-spot" during the Hour of the Wolf - when the borders between worlds is most thin.
It will disappear with the dawn chorus - morning birds (if you hear them, you are either up too late or too early)
"It is of no consequence milady Rojeune. Our alliance is a fresh thing, we have yet to truly come to a complete understanding.
If you feel this is not a task the magpies are suited for, then there shall be no ill will between us."
The Green Man after briefly speaking up, returns to slowly drumming a finger on the table, listening to the conversations going on around him.
Sonechka nods at Rojeune and Dolgrym. "I think the task of general scouting or our enemies is likely better set aside for the army's scouts. Or irregulars. It sounds to me as if the Magpies are better suited to more... discrete missions." She taps the report again. "Such as investigating this man further and discovering similar threats to the... duchy?" Sonechka looks curiously at Furiel, Green, and Norton.
"Or is it a kingdom? You don't act like any one of you is the king. Or duke, for that matter. Are you a republic, with you as the ruling elite?" She shakes her head. "My apologies, but I find little things like that very interesting. I would love to read your... city's founding documents. But I digress."
She looks back at Rojeune. "I agree that your resources are better focused elsewhere. This divination-shrouded location sounds like a dangerous place, and we are best prepared to deal with it." Sonechka nods at Norton.
"Given the dangerous types she employs, I would hope diplomacy can succeed with her. Presumably the Beldame is more dangerous than her hirelings. Perhaps we can simply pay her more than Vesket. Of course, a mercenary who does not stay bought would not have many repeat clients."
"Barndoor mentioned that we should be very polite to her, likely she has a short temper.
I guess we need to observe the niceties very strictly.
Lots of "please" and "yes mam" perhaps..."
Continuing his relentless tapping, The Green Man turns to Sonechka.
"I would say we are not large enough to call ourselves a kingdom yet, more like a city state, seeing as how we are currently little more than an unfinished city and the land surrounding it."
"I have thought to take on the role of leader myself, but even then, this council must still have an unhindered voice, lest I would descend into tyranny, even well meaning tyranny."
Slapping a meaty palm down on the table, The Green Man then turns to face everyone.
"We should wrap up our plans for now, we need to put what we can into motion and then proceed with the tasks at hand.
That is the only way we can find out the details we need to finalize the plans.
Can we contact the Beldame?, The Green Man begins to tick points of on his fingers, are there farmers we can negotiate with? How soon can we form our army? How big will it be?"
Furiel convenes another council meeting to decide the issue of hunting the lands and using other means to deplete the lands of the Foul King.
"It seems we will be looking for this magic place ourselves, of that we are in agreement. The decision to have irregular forces reduce the food in the lands of the Foul King seems to have opposition, so I guess we decide that here."
He adds:
"I plan to train a militia to defend the city, if there is opposition, please voice it now. I plan to train irregulars as Norton has begun to do as an arm of our military. I plan to form a regular army and march on the lizards that are enemies to our potential allies when we have spoken to our kobold allies--I would like them along."
"During major engagements, I do not plan to gain consensus on every decision. But if we wish to do so, we can decide to bring the ruling council into a large tent while on the march as a headquarters if that is needed."
"I wished to scout the lands ourselves toward the Foul King before we looked for the garden to make sure we didn't leave our capital in peril before we went looking for the garden, but we can look for the garden first if that is the consensus."
"We should wrap up our plans for now, we need to put what we can into motion and then proceed with the tasks at hand.
That is the only way we can find out the details we need to finalize the plans.
Can we contact the Beldame?, The Green Man begins to tick points of on his fingers, are there farmers we can negotiate with? How soon can we form our army? How big will it be?"
"I would imagine that the size of your army depends on how many able bodied men your population can spare from vital tasks such as farming and construction. Though I can't imagine an army of any size could be trained in less than a month. That gives us," Sonechka gestures at the people around the table, "a great deal of time to take care of other issues, such as locating and dealing with the Beldame."
She nods at Furiel. "I think the army's irregulars are best suited to scouting Vesket's lands and locating the farms feeding his people. The Magpies aren't numerous enough to do such a wide search in anything like a timely manner. Though it will take time to train them to your army's standards."
Sonechka gestures at the map again, specifically the spot Rojeune marked as the place where divination did not work. "We all are in agreement, then, that we will investigate what we think is the Beldame's home. It is in Vesket's direction, and the land around it needs exploring anyway."
"As for waiting for the armies to be trained before seeking out the hostile lizardfolk, I don't think it's necessary. If it were all of Vesket's lizardfolk together, yes, but this is a single tribe. If they are too much for us alone, we can always retreat and return once the army is ready."
Furiel replies "I have put the Foul King as a higher threat than the lizard tribe. Rather than wait for scouts to be trained, I'm heading that way. I was hoping we'd stick together. Until the kobolds come, I was going to put lizard folk on hold. Other draconic forces may work in our favor when dealing with lizardfolk."
Sonechka looks curiously at Furiel. "But the hostile lizardfolk serve Vesket. As far as we know, they are the closest of Vesket's forces to this city. If he were to want to attack us today, they are the only forces we know of who could carry it out. And if we eliminate them, in addition to removing the most immediate threat to us here we would also gain the favor of Ahn'gur'frok's tribe." She shakes her head.
"It seems to me that we are better served eliminating Vesket's allies, followers, and mercenary forces before we try to attack him directly. And as scouting in his territory's direction includes exploring the region around what we think is the Beldame's home, it would be silly to ignore her. As it is, you're suggesting we leave the two threats we know the locations of- Vesket's lizardfolk and the Beldame- behind us while we explore enemy territory. That does not seem like a good plan to me."
"The decision to have irregular forces reduce the food in the lands of the Foul King seems to have opposition, so I guess we decide that here."
"I see the efficacy of the tactic, but I believe it is too early to decide upon it. You have accomplished a great deal in little time. The gathering of armies moves at a much slower pace. You have time to consider the merits before casting a vote."
"To your other points regarding the militias and armies, General, I am of the same mind."
He nods with the talk of you visiting Beldame. "You've learned a good deal from one spy. I have to believe an encounter with the Foul King Vesket's apparent Master of Spies would give us far more to work with."
"Well, it seems to me that we can accomplish no more at this meeting.
So let us go back to exploring for today so that Kesten and Kressle may spread the word of the announcement I plan to hold tomorrow.
I would imagine that after the call for volunteers it will take 2-3 days to get a tally of how many sign up and where they should be assigned.
Let us reconvene again for a new meeting at that time lest something else comes up before that time."
"Now if nobody else minds, I would like to have a few moments alone with milady Rojeune.
If you have not broken your fast yet, I suggest you do that so we may leave as soon as possible."
Those who leave Green for his meeting with Rojeune, run into the gnomes from the Narthropple expedition.
The leader hands you a tube. "Looks like our plans have washed up. Thought you could use these... in gracious gratitude for your help in the woods. In hindsight I guess we were in a bit of a sticky wicket."
The tube contains maps and notes of areas they had finished exploring.
There are three hexes of exploration which you had not yet completed.
Just outside the tent, Sonechka takes the tube and looks inside. She gives the gnome one of her chilly smiles as she lets the notes fall out and into her hand. "You were. Thank you for these." She holds up the sheaf of notes in her hand. "So what will you do now?"
"These lands have proven dangerous, I do not intend to send our scout into too many untamed places if it is convenient for us to go there too."
Furiel prepares to explore the last lands close to the fort. Before leaving, he shows the gnomes his tower.
"I plan on conducting all manner of experiments to figure things out. Right now, I am concentrating on figuring out magic things, but I need help with mechanical things."
"I'm in this area to do some exploration. I've heard rumors of a dwarven site somewhere in the area, and just sitting around isn't helping me achieve finding clues about it. If the Foul King tries anything, we can respond appropriately. At least while our armies are being built, then we can respond more than appropriately."
"So what will you do now?"
Jubi Narthropple shrugs. "Dunno. Father has frittered away my inheritance on this failed expedition. Might map out the depths of despair for the time being. Maybe I'll catch you when I get back."
He grins and winks, "Naw... I'm alright.""Most of my team have already signed up for work around here, so... I might do the same. I sent out a request to join one of the other River Kingdoms expeditions in the northwest... I'm sure it'll be weeks before I hear back - if at all."
Sonechka nods. "There is a lot of territory to still be explored around here. I am sure we could use you, if you want to stay."
Jubi, gnome explorer of House Narthropple, nods self-assuredly. "Thought you might say that after seeing my handiwork there. I've been doing this my whole life. My father - mother's husband actually - used to train me on day trips out in the wild. He'd scoot away when I'd go look for firewood. I always found my way back home!" He winks and bows.
"I've struck camp on the lake side of the new repository with my old team if and should you need me. Good luck to you in your next foray to ferret evil from the wild, M'Lady... M'Lords. May the winds not sway your arrows, and bless the woof of your hounds." He bows again, and takes his leave.
Rojeune waits for the last to leave... "Yes M'Lord?"
I believe that if I asked you to define the relationship between the magpies and...let's say Stagfall for now, you would answer "allies" rather than anything else."
The Green Man rubs a hand over his lips for a moment, considering how to best approach what he means to ask.
"I have a request, your organization have a long history, and I would like to learn more.
This land...it is heavy with spirits, old magic and power...for a spirit walker like me, it is everywhere.
I can smell it on the wind, feel it in the water, taste it in my food.
I want to learn more, but I realize you yourself cannot be bothered with such trivial tasks."
"So I would like to ask you to assign one of your magpies to me for the near future, to tutor me, and to function as a direct link to the magpies."
Eager to head off any ill feelings that such a request might spark, The Green Man continues to speak, in a calm even voice.
"I am not asking for a hostage, nor am I making this an order in any shape or form."
"To your specific yearning... If I understand correctly, you also are essentially looking for someone to gather information. Errol would be capable of assembling a team - one which could work in concert with us - to glean whatever they can regarding the history and spiritual past."
"If what you are looking for is a spiritual adviser... I will keep an eye out for one."
As he sees the bundle, he raises an eyebrow, waiting to see if an explanation is forthcoming or not.
Then something else she says catches his attention and he smirks before speaking.
"Errol eh? Are you sure I don't like certain...ah...Anatomical resources to be able to fully hold his allegiance once his year of service is up?"
"I've known Errol for some time. Allying himself with you has been good for him, and he is well aware of that."
"Provided she accepts, your contact will be Lady Alkaeva. "
I had hoped to keep this away from the rest of the council...
"Yes, that would make sense, she certainly fits the mysterious type does she not?"
Deciding to not let this small setback remove his otherwise good mood, The Green Man continues to think for a moment, idly offering Rojeune a glass of wine.
"You could say that I am looking for both of what you proposed, so please do look out for a spiritual advisor. If nothing else, I do believe that Jhod may not be the best man for the task, he has his own goals...even if I cannot recall them at the moment."
"Finally...and this is somewhat delicate...if we continue to expand, attract people and so forth, eventually we will found more cities and grow into a minor kingdom, and as such, I will eventually have to look for a bride.
I know a ruler can seldom marry for love, but as the time people will demand I marry is still far off, I would like a chance to perhaps find a match before one is forced on me.
IF you are willing, and IF you find the time, please do make a note of likely candidates you may spot."
"Well, unless you have something to add, I guess that concludes our business for now.
Since we will be dealing with the Beldame, please return to your previous mission until such time that either the royal spymaster gives you new orders or you find something I can use against that vile old slaver bastard..."
The Green Man's eyes briefly turns red at the thought of slavery, and with a metallic screech of protest, his mug deforms in his fist, something he does not seem to be aware of himself.
Furiel prepares to explore the last bit of lands near their capital.
He waits until all are ready. He thanks the gnomes for the map and tries to get them to join.
"We have an opening for you in our group if you like."
Once the group has left for the exploring, taking advantage of the riding time, Norton picks the discussion up again, to share with the others a couple of ideas he had had.
"there might be a better way to handle the food situation. We might have to check with Kesten, but it is my understanding that we have quite a bit of surplus. If we deplete the land, already hungry enemies will turn hungrier and enemier, what if we share that food and buy henceforth yet more allies? When I was little I was taught that leaders must make unpopular choices, but I don't see why we can't make popular ones given the chance. As long as we face rulers like the Stag Lord we should exploit their true weakness."
"Another issue seems to be the menacing lizard tribe. We might copy a cheliaxian strategy that has been used with much effect. Instead of heading head on against this tribe, we could provide our friendly tribe with the means to gather an edge. This way we stll get on the good side of Ahn'gur'Frok tribe without descending in open battle, sparing energies and remaining ufficialy neutral."
The Green Man can't help but snort out a surprised laugh at Norton.
"Eh..."Enemier"? Is that how they talk in the courts of Cheliax?
I will freely admit that I liked the idea of trying to convert some people from his side to ours, and if the idea can be done then maybe we should.
But we will need more information, are there farmers? Are there soldiers we could use?
I doubt they would appreciate us recruiting them only to then banish them when we find out they are too morally corrupt to be allowed to stay..."
"As for helping Ahn'gur'Frok...I certainly would not say no to helping potential allies, but I doubt they would want to raise a claw to help us fight, or enter a fight themselves."
*** *** ***
Rojeune pulls Sonechka and Furiel aside before you depart.
"From what I understand, the rightful claim to this cloak leans toward Furiel. However, since the magpie is a loaded symbol, I think it would be best for both sides if it were not worn by the General of Stagfall."
"I hope this will be a suitable replacement. They are crafted using the same process." She hands Furiel an Eagle Cape, then to Sonechka she gives a Magpie Cape... as well as a few feather tokens.
"Have any of you heard any whispers from the scouts about discoveries of any ruins in the area? I guess I can come clean for the real reason I was sent here...the rulers of my homeland had heard stories about a dwarven ruin somewhere around here. I'm looking for it, if it exists at all, " the dwarf asks! once all the group gets back on the exploration path.