Vernda's eyes widen as Green heals the group... "You can do magic too? .. I know Furry-el can turn into a bird... I saw it." She yawns "I want to see more."
Davner leads her to their bedrolls "Tomorrow perhaps...."
"Goodnight, good sirs.. miss."
They bed down with silent little Luke between them.
--- --- --- --- ---
Morning comes, and the hunter group takes their leave while you prepare for the day. You come within sight of Stagfall by late morning. Warden Kesten Garess, and Rojeune of the Magpies (with fellow Magpie Mince at her side) greet you soon upon arrival. Akiros Ashmoor is there as well. He has changed his look... now clean-cut, and dressed in two-tone green robes befitting his position of Councilor. His greatsword is however still slung on his back. The fine leather double strap is clasped by a bronze heartplate stamped with the image of a sword driven through an antlered skull. Councilor Ashmoor tells you the morale of the people is high. Growth has shown no signs of slowing.. people are anxious to see where they can expect to see progress next.
Kesten tells you no issues have arisen during your week away, and the castle is nearly complete... a matter of days.
Rojeune eyes the children, and smirks when she see Green interact with them.
The Green Man grins happily, glad at hearing no new crisis having popped up in their absence.
It was nice for a change to have everything seemingly going their way.
"So, good news all around then? Good, we better use this tranquil times to grow strong, because I think we have a lot of ill winds in our future.
But the way things are going now, I also have no doubts we shall weather them and survive, nay, thrive even!"
"Oh, by the way, this is Davner, Vernda and Luke.
And these good people are Warden Garess, Rojeune and Mince of the magpies and councillor Ashmoor.
If you look over at the castle, you might be able to spot master Broadhammer as well."
"We had an encounter with Tuskgutter ourself, he had the worst of it. Saddly we didn't have time to skin and cut it properly. It would have been a good show for the feast. You might want to go and have a look yourselves, maybe there is something you can take back to Stagfall."
Norton then explains where to find the big wild boar body. Probably the meat is already spoiled, but the head would be a nice trophy.
"This I gotta see... We'll head there first."
"THAT was Tuskgutter?" The Green Man slaps his forehead in surprised chagrin.
After a few moments he chuckles, after all, he had not been completely "there" during the fight, so it was perhaps excusable that he had not realized that they were fighting a local bogeyman at the time.
Dolgrym as usual really wasn't focused too much on the governing. Back in town, all he cared about were the creature comforts of good food and ale while trading stories with the dwarven craftsmen. Bregor had proven trustworthy so far, so the dwarf was sure he would do what was in his people's best interests.
--Near the Castle entrance-- (whoever going to get food, drink, going to check out castle construction progress..)
Chef Spitch Fowler's pavilion tent eatery has grown, and is currently near capacity with Broadhammers, farm owners Enzi Quillor and Philo Yeosum, and your treasurer Droman Tornatore.
The latter three look on in disbelief (not the good kind) as Brarim labors over a miniature Stagfall he is constructing on the table top with flapjacks, some unknown buttery-smelling paste, and eating utensils he's bent and beaten into tiny tools.
Enzi and Philo take hat in hand, and bow.
Droman stands, bows and addresses you....
"Ah good. My Lords.. we are trying to have a meeting on festival planning. Master Broadhammer has taken it upon himse-"
Brarim interrupts "Bah. They're telling me what t'build.. but I'm not followin. He says.. alright pretend this loaf is the castle, put my what'hav'ya there, and sets down a ploom... The loaf is the castle?! Hmmpf."
Enzi corrects him "Prune."
"Hrmm? So I... uh.. eh I'm bout done." Brarim glances to you.. a hint of caught wasting time on his face, but then looks to Enzi Quillor, "Alright lad... now y'can tell me." and presses his finger into the prune. "Where do y'want yer ploom?"
While the exchange continues,
Treasurer Tornatore tells you they are well under budget, and midway through planning... "Is there is anything "special" you would wish to see included in the festival?"
The Green Man grins at the antics of Brarim, glad to see that the often overly serious Broadhammer has a whimsical side to him as well.
"Well, assuming master Rook can retrieve the carcass of Tuskgutter, we might have an impressive main course.
Even if the meat has gone bad, I know there exist a spell to refresh food, so it should be doable nonetheless."
Rubbing the back of his head, he tries to recall what is popular and not.
Then it hits him, he knows people, he has travelled through many villages to get to this point.
Most of the people here were sturdy, down to earth people, so surely they would enjoy the traditional things.
This was a good way to create a few such earthy traditions for this new realm.
"We should definitely have a dance, there are likely to be a lot of sturdy lads and lasses, and this is a good way for them to meet.
And we should have a play! It's a good way to build tradition.
Oh, and we could try to have a grand melee, allowing our troops a chance to compete and show off their skills.
Oh and..."
The Green Man stops abruptly, realizing he is allowing himself to get a little lost in this.
Better stop now, I think I may just be a little too passionate for this.
"Depending on how many people show up, we could certanly organanise some sort of competition: archery, sword, rope pulling, wrestling."
Sonechka splits off from the others as they enter the town, taking Rojeune with her for a private consultation.
"Jousts are popular, but I don't think we're ready for a grand joust...
Aside from Ser Ambrosi, we don't really have any trained knights to take on any comers from the outside."
The Green Man suddenly realizes something that slowly makes the colour drain from his face, and beads of cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
There might be a formal part of the dance...and *I* may have to take part.
And...oh dear...I'm suddenly "rich and powerful"...I'm...I'm an eligible bachelor...
"I didn't mention a joust on purpose. It takes long to train for such things. I would keep it simple, probably a Boot Throwing Contest. And I would also like to see some poetry and jester competition."
"If we are not leaving in the next few days I can take care of it."
"What gripes me the most isn't that we CAN'T have one, if we can't, then we can't right? Accept and move on.
No, what gripes me is that in the future we will have to engage in diplomacy with other nations, and some of them won't take us seriously until we can have one.
Hmmmph, like we don't have better things to spend resources on.
Like housing, farmlands, roads and fishing."
"Well, we need to stay a day or two at the very least. Go over new events, hand out orders, get reports and the like.
I'd say we will remain two full days beyond today at the least."
"Since the feast is in a week, I don't think would be advisable to go exploring right before it. It would be terrible to get stuck out there and not be able to attend."
"That's a good point, if we need to stay for a while anyway, we'd only have two or three days of exploring to do.
Perhaps we might as well stay in Stagfall and set out again after the festival."
"How about a drinking contest? Some friendly wagering would go over well with the populace, I'd think. I'm sure we could go explore just a bit and be back in plenty of time for the drink...I mean the festival begins!"
"Not a bad idea, we might be able to get more beverage in by letting it be known.
Anyone with brewery experience can show of their wares, and the best one could be sponsored by the crown as the official brew of Stagfall for a year.."
4 emeralds 1000gp each
240gold in coin
+1 Light Fortification Breastplate (large) (2200gp sell price)
Leshy Warden Cloak CL5
As a free action, the wearer of this cloak can gain the ability to
magically blend in with rural surroundings. This provides a +10
competence bonus on her Stealth checks when in forest, jungle, hills,
or plains terrain. As a standard action within these surroundings, she
can also use the spell vanish 1/day (5 round duration).
Amulet of unknown name CL8
Natural armor +1 + Golembane This amulet enables its wearer to detect any
golem within 60 feet, although he must concentrate (a standard action) in
order for the detection to take place. The amulet also enables its
possessor to combat golems with weapons, unarmed attacks, or natural
weapons as if those golems had no damage reduction.
Councilor Ashmoor inserts himself into the conversation..
"There was a game we used to play when I was young. Padded staves... any limb struck cannot be used. Once two limbs are down, a body strike eliminates the contender. We did duels and free for all both."
Brarim shrugs.. "Two sides of arena-style benches'll suit all yer spectator events, eh? Longtables and benches for feasting and drinking, of course." He then points a bobbing finger at Dolgrym, "Now that I'm thinkin of it." then redirects it toward his nearby worker. "Ride to camp. Take two with yuh. Bring back a few kegs, eh?" The dwarven worker nods and leaves.
"Hmmm, that sounds like a game that would be as much fun to watch as to compete in.
I heartily approve."
Rubbing his hands together, The Green Man nods a little.
"Does anyone else have any business that needs addressing while we are here?
We will have a proper council meeting in three days time otherwise.
I will see that the children have proper accommodations, after that I want to meet Kressle in the council chambers."
"Ah, before I forget, Warden Garess, have the militia been sent to Oleg's?"
Kesten steps up.. "Yes M'Lord. I expect those returning to arrive in three to four days."
"We've heard nothing of note in Stagfall since you've been away."
"We've heard little of the outlying lands... merely comments that travel from the north has been significantly safer."
"There is one thing... a rumor that renowned artist/playwright Annastel Kimber is coming to Stagfall... perhaps for the festival. We are uncertain as to why, or for how long, but there appears to be some connection with Councilor Ashmoor."
"Good, everything is coming together well.
We'll leave any other business for the council meeting then."
The Green Man then goes to find the children, and make sure they are settled in.
Furiel decides he will take his new fey charge to talk to the children, hoping to convince them all fey are not bad.
He carefully instruct his charge and new roommate on the ordeal the fey have been through, and tells him: "You are our liason. I trust you to put the children at ease and convince them that fey, like humans, come in many flavors."
Five days tinkering in his magic shop appeal to the gnome.
"Alright then, three days to the council, meanwhile I'll take care of organising the events for the Festival.
Regarding the council, though, any specific agenda you might want to discuss? One of the items on the list should be our prisoners. We still held Kinsilvi, he has been in the dungeons for days and we haven't even charged him. Nihtscada has been there even longer."
The Green Man feels a lot of his good mood evaporate at the thought of the smug old man, however, Norton is a friend, and HE doesn't deserve to be snapped at.
Instead, The Green Man takes a deep breath and counts to ten in his head.
"Yes, it is something we should discuss, if we reach a solution or not, that's a different story.
Hmmmph, better get used to it I suppose, I suspect a lot of days will be like this in the long run."
Not to mention the dreaded possibility of a lot of young ladies wanting to "tame" the big bad ruler...
Norton leaves the others to start concentrating on the last arrangements for the festival. He needed to put down a list of competitions, and then find somebody that would take care of setting up the spaces and everything needed.
Another thing on his mind was the situation with the Inn he was trying to build at Oleg's, it had been a while sincehe had checked on that, and he still needed to find suitable employees for that.
Last but not least he had to pay visit to the prisoners, another thing he neglected for quite some time. Kinsilvi was a troubled soul, and Norton hoped to find a way to set him on a redemption course rather than just rotting away. Nihtscada was probably hopeless in her hatred for humanity, he had no idea how to work her around, but something in Norton's heart just couldn't let go without trying his best.
The Green Man walks over to the children, to make sure they are settled in for a few days, then he goes to the meeting hall to wait for Kressle.
Dolgrym spends most of his time eating and drinking at the tavern. He had began enjoying creature comforts and greatly preferred a hot plate of pig to cold rations out in the field.
Green finds the children near Furiel's area. They are currently in the company of Barndoor and a woman in matronly attire. Judging by how - and how quickly - she turns away from Barndoor, she'd been there long enough to be thankful you'd arrived.
"Master Garess sent for me to tend to the children, M'Lord." She curtsies to you, then stoops her head to look them in the eye. "They need sleep.. cleaned up.. few days of a proper food by the looks of them." She gives Barndoor a quick but clear glare before turning fully to you again.
"I have been taking care of two local orphans.. plenty of room for these three. Elorna Nickelworth, M'Lord." She curtsies again introducing herself.
Barndoor states his position, but soon relents.
"It was under General command that I tutor these tots.. on the finer points of fey.
But milady Maid Nickleworth is certainly welcome.. to waddle them away."
He shields his mouth, and "stage whispers" to you...
"I've a hunch my compulsion may've made Maid Nickelworth take offense.
Miss thought it flippant tomfoolery.. making fun at her expense."
He shrugs and frowns.. emoting bafflement.
The Green Man smiles and gives Elorna what he hopes is a sufficiently regal nod.
"A pleasure to meet you goodwife Nickelworth, and I am glad you do not consider it a chore to help."
He then turns to the three children and adopts a stern mien.
"You three behave yourselves now, don't cause problems for the goodwife you hear?"
Then he grins and gives them a wink to show he doesn't quite mean it.
"So Barndoor, how are you settling in otherwise? You've been here a week or two now."
"You are.. as they say, M'Lord." She smiles warmly to Green as she ushers the children toward the housing development which had been built last month.
Barndoor responds...
"So far, My good Lord, I've had more ups than I've'ad downs.
Your civilians seem more civil than I'd heard 'bout your towns."
He raises his sketchbook and journal...
"Though in truth I'm prepared to set out on my mission,
I'd like to linger for feast day, if you'd grant me permission."
He winces.. a minor pained twitch from speaking the "more match than rhyme".
"Permission granted of course Barndoor.
So far, this is the only official celebration we have for the year, but I expect in time there will be many more.
Celebratory feasts, memory days, holy days perhaps, seasonal feasts like spring and autumn..."
Kressle is found near the housing set up for the hunter team selected by Norton. She is helping their spouses build a vermin fence around the tiny gardens between their shacks.
"M'Lord." Kressle bows, and gestures to a nearby bench.
The Green Man gives Kressle a nod in return.
"Warden captain, have you had a chance to meet your new command yet?
I've got your first official task set up.
No need to worry however, you do not have to start until after the festival.
It's fairly straightforward, the plans for expansion for the near future is to claim the areas between Stagfall and Oleg's outpost and then connect them by building a road.
I would like you to take charge at exploring that area for us while we work to explore the area to the west."
Kressle shakes her head - regarding her team.."Nah, M'lord. Not yet."
After she hears what's expected of her...
"I'm sure I can handle it. No offense to what you've got goin on here, but.. it'll be good to get out."
Rubbing the back of his neck, The Green Man grins a little sheepishly.
"Yes...I know what you mean, the call of the wild, the call of the road.
You know...as Stagfall grows, and we claim more land, my own chances to get out there will probably get fewer and fewer.
So...uh...if you see something interesting, don't forget to share a story with me from time to time."
Straightening up and schooling his face into a more professional mien, The Green Man clears his throat.
"Ah well, be that as it may, why don't you come to the courtyard after the council meeting, we'll make the introductions then."
Furiel continues to get the gnomes involved in the magic shop. His fey assistant, he gives a nod to.
"You must stay for the Feast. It is part of your new duties."
The time for the council meeting comes after a couple days to yourselves, and among your citizens. Councilor Akiros Ashmoor, High Priest Jhod Kavken, Royal Enforcer Errol Voelker, Treasurer Droman Tornatore, Warden Kesten Garess are all in attendance.
Marshal Ta'de'win sent word she'd be occupied with her responsibilities regarding the most recent expansion. (Kesten delivers this news with a look conveying disappointment...)
Other notables are in the antechamber.. to be summoned as needed.
The Green Man takes his place at the table and motions for the others to sit.
"Good to see you all here, excepting our Marshal, it seems we are all in attendance.
That everyone can spare the time easily means everything is going smoothly."
"Stagfall is growing larger by the day, we have new settlers arriving, and volunteers for our militia."
"Thanks to the Broadhammers, we have made great strides in rebuilding the castle as well as our other various projects.
Master Broadhammer has assured me that the newly started foundry project will be finalized before our next meeting.
That means we may be able to ship a caravan of ore from our new mine soon for extra profit."
"Now, our developing tasks remain the same, to grow slowly but steadily northwards.
However, we must not ignore the threat from the west.
In fact, baring any other concerns brought up during this meeting, that is probably going to be the main focus for the near future."
"Now I open the floor for address, unless someone has any urgent business to bring forth, let us go along the table from left to right."
The council's spymaster was not, as befit her position, one to volunteer information. And in any case her Magpies hadn't discovered any threats to the kingdom in recent days. So Sonechka sat and listened, curious to see what the others cared to share.
Errol taps Kesten to go ahead and not wait for Sonechka...
Kesten speaks briefly "I understand laws of the kingdom are to discussed today? I believe that is high on the list of priorities. I believe we agree on that... I needn't enumerate reasons."
Before moving on to his second point, he scans the council in case someone asks for his reasons to be enumerated.
"Determining the name of the kingdom should be done sometime in the near future, as well." He then looks to Errol.
Errol shrugs. "Kesten spoke my words. Laws would be good... unless you're looking for me to enforce my best guess at law and order."
Sonechka looks curiously at Kesten and Errol. "Which laws? There are many we can discuss, so perhaps we could focus on a single particular type of law?" She gestures at Errol. "Do you mean criminal law? Which sorts of behavior should be worthy of imprisonment or death?"
"Laws are indeed something that will be brought up.
If you recall, we have had master Senix's relation going over the books as it were.
Since it is something that may take up a significant part of our deliberations, I suggest we cover any other issues first, and then call him in to hear his recommendations based on his research."