Patience, Kern. Get out from under these jackasses before you lose your temper.
"Never mind, Ser. I'll eat dust at the back of the column"
Better than eating sh*t at the front of it
Kern heads towards the rear of the column, offering to help any of the various commoners in getting things packed and ready to go.
"So you promise us a place in a promise of a place?" Gliadel holds a hand in front of her mouth as she giggles. "Have you at least plucked the feathers for the bed you spoke of?"
"In truth, though, we are in a similar position," she said. "I give you my promise that I will come and dance in Varnhold, and my hope that you will consider us your friends and allies."
Dyrm looks confused as Kern takes the rear, but takes a spot in the carriage after the others have.
It might be worth while to see if Maegar has any valuable information about the Greenbelt. I certainly know little about it.
Theodric turns to Maegar and says "I'd love to hear about your plans for Varnhold Ser Varn. I'm sure it will be a grand settlement with you as its leader. Perhaps I could join you up front and you could tell me about it as we ride? My name is Theodric Lebeda by the way."
"Greetings and well met Ser Varn. I am Cromwell Wist-Lebeda."Replies Cromwell to Maegar Varn." I will gladly accept the offer of a carriage for our shared part of this journey. Also I offer my services as both a healer and a guard until we must part ways."
Cromwell also looks on as Kern departs for the rear, frowning in thought.
" Mayhap when we camp we can discuss the merits of Abodarian worship in your newly named Varnhold. Having a God of Cities and Merchants, who firmly believes in prosperity can be a boon, especially to those just starting out."
in the carriage Cromwell will spend some time cleaning and oiling his crossbow. Humming softly to himself.
Maegar loses his color a bit at Kern's jibe.
"I have offended you. Please forgive me Master Therensgard. In truth, I was never very good at reading people. Please, join me and Ser Lebeda at the front."
"As for you Cromwell, well met, but it is Cayden who blesses our venture and we will drink to his good humor when we do set camp."
Kern hesitates, then relaxes.
[b]"You are gracious, Ser. Perhaps I was too quick to take offense."
Kern mounts and rides up front, choosing for the moment to remain silent and see where Theodric and Varn take their conversation.
Lanya walks up to the carriage and takes a seat by a window. Setting down her backpack she takes out her mirror, an inkpen and a small notebook.
She checks herself in the mirror, fashions her hair a bit and casts Prestidigitation to clean the dirt off of her before any of the others come in.
She then puts away the mirror and jots down a few words in her notebook as the first member of her new group gets into the carriage as well.
First day, met my new companions, they look able and trustworthy enough. A lot of noble houses present here, hopefully things will keep calm in Brevoy for the while, don't want tensions to rise amongst us.
Also met Maegar Varn today, he looks an able man and fighter, quite handsome, but easily distracted by a pretty woman. Diplomacy and deals with him should be easy.
She nods to Cromwell and Dyrm as they climb into the carriage and looks on as Cromwell cleans and oils his crossbow.
"I see you keep good maintenance of your equipment, are you as accurate with that crossbow as you are diligent in keeping it clean?"
She turns towards her attention Dyrm.
"You look pretty tough and strong Dyrm, I'd wager you could arm wrestle Ser Varn and win, even though he is a Swordlord. I'd also like to know what other skills you and Cromwell might possess to make our mission in the Greenbelt easier."
Dyrm answers, having nothing to hide, "Ja, I am strong. But der are always stronger out there somevhere. I am a Berserker. A varrior who can channel his rage und passion into greater strength still. I am not der craftsman many of my kin are, but I haf studied some engineering. Vhen one knows how to put somezing up, vone learns to tear it down more easily." He considers, "Vhat of yourzelf? Clearly you are polished und refined enuff for der courts, und goot vit peoples but iz zer anyting else you would wish to let us know of?"
One thing Dyrm might notice when speaking to Lanya, is that she seems much cleaner than a few minutes ago.
"Thank you for that compliment Dyrm, I have always been kind of a people person, so many of that comes naturally, though my court skills I owe to my time at house Medvyed."
Dyrm and Cromwell might see a sudden and subtle change in her eyes, as though her pupils take on a slightly different colour and shape for a moment.
"Your other question is somewhat difficult for me to answer as I do not know exactly what you are referring to. I take a guess that you want to know what else I can do besides eloquent speech and persuasion?"
She looks a bit uncomfortable at the mention of this subject, clearly no intent in hiding it from them.
"As we will be companions for some time, trust will be needed, so I'll tell you what I know. I've experienced some involvement of magic in my life though I not know exactly where it originates from. I have a small skill at using magic, something I learned only during my stay here in Brevoy, I wish I could tell you more though."
"Vell, if you are unzure of your magic, particularly in kombat, zhen do not hesitate to use warriors as cover. Goot advice period, ya? Ve each haf our areas of expertize. Vhen you learn more ov your magic, you vill no doubt grow more confident in it."
Theodric rides alongside the Swordlord to the front of the column, staying a small but noticeable distance behind him as a sign of respect for the man's position as leader of his charter, although not so far as to inconvenience conversation.
"So Ser Varn, what has your group been tasked to do in Nomen Heights? Are you exploring the region like we are with the Greenbelt, or are you settling this Varnhold you spoke of on this very expedition? Forgive my ignorance, but I had not thought to read any charter other then our own."
"No harm done Therensgard."
Maegar's attention shifts to Theodric.
"I am tasked to tame and settle the heights. While we have sent some scouting forays into the territory before now, much of the area remains a mystery to us. We know two things for sure: There is a good foundation for a settlement naturally built into the bed rock of the mountains, and that the native centaur population is giving hell to anyone and everyone who enters what they say is 'their grass lands.' I am tasked to seek diplomacy with these savages or to crush them if they will not hear reason. At the same time, I will be establishing and governing the township of Varnhold."
"After we both get settled, it would be wise, I think, to trade both goods and information if we are able."
"I agree wholeheartedly Ser Varn. Working together will help both of our groups to survive and prosper. I'll keep an ear to the ground for any information that may help you deal with the centaurs and ask the rest of our companions to do the same. I personally do not know much about the species, but perhaps my friend here does." says Theodric as he gestures to Kern.
Turning his attention to his companion, he says "Master Therensgard, I have only recently made your acquaintance but by our earlier conversation I can already tell you seem of the intellectual persuasion. Do you by chance know anything of centaurs that might assist Ser Varn?"
Cromwell continues humming quietly for a minute after Lanya asks about him, allowing Dyrm and her to converse.
"I have been trained in the use of my crossbow, my Lady, but have not as of yet, had any real reason to use it." He pauses to think for a moment."I did very well on the timed trials, reloading as fast as the more trained guards, and I could hit the target for a fair ways. But it was not moving."
Cromwell fingers his silver Key around his neck.
"To be completely honest I've never been in actual combat. I have had much training in the magical healing practices, by spell or divine burst from Abodar. I can even have the will of Abodar choose to heal only the person or persons I want. But as a guardsman we were never alone and most people surrendered or ran away instead of fighting.
As you can see I don't even own a melee weapon. But I trust Abodar to see me through, that and my spells. Or Dyrm's strong arm."
At the last part he smiles and shrugs.
" Mostly I've always talked my way out of fights."
"hrm...", Kern's gaze hits the horizon as he considers the question.
"Little enough, I think, but from my studies...if you seek a diplomatic solution, I'd suggest placing an elf at the head of any delegation sent. I think it is more likely to provide for a positive reaction."
"Ve can find you a veapon sometime I tink. Ist always good to have a bit of steel handy should the worse happen too cloze, ja? The dwarf says to the cleric.
Lanya nods at Cromwell's words, tapping her notebook for a while then putting it back into her pack.
"I can usually also talk my way out of most fights, I have sparsely felt the need for a weapon, this staff is more of walking stick than a weapon to me."
She looks out of the window, keeping a hand for her mouth for a few moments, she lets out a deep sigh and lowers her hand again.
"I have been in a fight or two in my life, but not real combat. At least you two are armed and armored. If it gets to a fight, which will probably happen, I'll stay in the backline for support."
"Been a bit too often up close and personal with people, I like being a bit more subtle."
Kern rides in silence for a minute while he considers what he knows about Centaurs in general and the local ones in specific.
"Any peace made with the Centaurs will require patience. As you said, the consider the grasslands to be theirs, and rapid expansion is likely to trigger a violent response.
"This last is pure speculation on my part, but based on the terrain, I'd expect them to be of a slighter build than is typical, but with a great deal of endurance. Tactically, I'd expect them to behave as Keleshite cavalry, rather than heavy cavalry of Lastwall."
"If they are anything like Keleshites," Gliadel said, riding alongside but keeping the wizard between her and Varn, "they will be unlikely to see the land itself as belonging to anyone, but wells and streams and so forth will belong to the different clans. They will see it as a violation of the land to build on it, though, and it would be wise to reach an understanding with them before you build, or you will find yourself with a dedicated foe who will hit you where you are weak and avoid any confrontation with your strength." As she speaks, her expression softens, remembering the riders of the distant sands of her home.
"I am straightforward myself, but der are times that does not serve me as vell as I vould like," Dyrm says as the carriage moves on he looks outside, "There is an old Dwarven proverb: It is easier to see in the dark, than it is to see in shadow."
"Good advice. Indeed my own adviser and scholar has told me much the same."
"What of you? What do you know of your charter. Do you have plans?"
"I too will remain back from the forefront of battle, but close enough to heal our martial allies as the need arises." He will respond to Lanya.
"A wise proverb, friend Dyrm. The teachings of Abodar have a similar, if different, tenant.'Be strong and fair in your dealings with allies of the church, for more perspectives allow for clearer vision.'
We also firmly believe in diplomacy as well, as long as the other side honors its dealings."
Cromwell then sits back and, holding his Holy symbol in one hand, stares off in the distance. Lost in thought.
"We have been tasked with exploring and charting the Greenbelt and pacifying the region as required. We know there are bandits in the woods, but not the number or possible organization of them. Regardless, I'm quite confident we'll be able to rout them with ease though."
"As to our plans, we have yet to make any. No one in our group had met before today, so we have not had time to discuss our plans yet. However I imagine we'll head to a trading post that was specified in our charter and make further plans based off of what we learn there."
"Have you heard anything about the Greenbelt that might aid us with our task Ser Varn? I can't say that I'd ever paid any attention to rumors about the region until I applied for this charter."
"I wish I had such wisdom in the proverbs I have learned, Cromwell and Dyrm. Alas my wisdom in such matters extends only to matters of the tongue and 'backdoor' diplomacy.
'Diplomacy and deceit go hand-in-hand, to master one you have to practise the other'.
"I know that some of you might not agree with me on this, but politics is all about diplomacy and intrige. You must know one to play a part in the other."
"I've heard that the bandits down there, in the Greenbelt I mean, are getting braver. Oleg the trader keeps sending petitions for the Swordlords to send troops to garrison his outpost. He thinks they have a new leader: a man what moves like a deer and dresses in animal hides. I heard he's called the Stag Lord."
"I think they'll give you more trouble than you're wagering. Don't ever underestimate desperate men, sir."
"You're right Ser Varn, desperate men can do desperate things. I hadn't realized they were organized enough to have a leader either, I expected several small unorganized groups of thugs. This Stag Lord certainly has a menacing name if nothing else."
When I vanquish him I might have to take his title for myself. Theodric the Stag Lord has a nice ring to it. I need a sigil for my shield anyways and a stag could be a good one.
"The trading post I spoke of earlier was Oleg's. We'll be sure to ask Oleg more about these bandits when we get there, he sounds like he is knowledgeable about them. Thank you for this information, I'm sure it will prove quite helpful for our mission."
"Bandits are the one thing that our charter is very explicit about. We are enjoined to deal with them."
Kern shrugs, "We'll deal with them as we need to. Ideally we can deal with them in small groups, and whittle down his forces."
"I admit, I prefer Cromvell's religious saying to vhat you say, Lanya, but many tings in dis world go on despite mien preferences. I vill not judge you for your visdom. Still, I hope that whatever ve make of der Greenbelt, there vill be some need for straight talk, odervise I shall feel quite out of place," He chuckles.
" I believe that there will be much straight talk, friend, for the most believable untruths contain a kernel of fact. It makes them stronger and more trusted. You just have to learn the art of deciphering them. Which I must admit I haven't done quite yet."
He then leans forward with a grin at Dyrm and Lanya
"Also if I have my way, the Church of Abodar will have a strong presence. Which will entail fair deals and much honest toil, leading to prosperity for all."
"That, gentlemen, is a good plan. It's what I would do in your place."
"But I don't think we should be all business, tell me about yourselves! Where are you from? What do you enjoy doing?"
Kern looks a bit disconcerted by the question, "Enjoy? I haven't really thought...there have always been goals, thing to accomplish, things to prove...I like the feel of a good horse beneath me, I suppose, but I don't really ride for pleasure, per se."
He shakes his head to clear it, "I have some local ties, but I was born in Lastwall and grew up there and in Absolom"
"I've always quite enjoyed equestrianism myself. I've ridden Oscar here through the woods and plains around New Stetvan often enough that I know them like the back of my hand. Probably better actually, between riding gloves and gauntlets I seem to have my hands covered most of the time haha." Theodric says with a great laugh as he gestures to his gloved hands.
"I'm a native Brevan though myself. I was born in Silverhall, but my mother fled with me to New Stetvan when I was but a newborn infant where I'd lived ever since."
Lanya turns her head to the window, rolls her eyes and sighs, hiding the gesture as good a sshe can from the other two.
Religious men are a boon to any party, religious fools are not. I hadn't thought of him as a fool until now, he is trying to sell his religion before we even settled down yet.
She then continues with a warm smile towards Cromwell.
"I know of Abadar and his protective spirit, he should make a good patron. My only hope is you don't enforce his religion. For every person wants to be free in the things that affect him.
Freedom is a precious thing, many people would not like to give it up easily. Enforced rules and enforced religion breeds contempt, please keep that in mind."
She keeps awfully quiet about her own preferences and patron, trying to avoid any tensions between them before they have settled.
The dwarf considers what is being said, "It is a cleric's duty to promote his or her deity, I am tinking, Cromwell. Your god seems like a useful and vise vone. But I am shure der vill be room for others, or, as you say, Lanya, der may be some backlash. I follow Torag and his kin, some more than ozers. I vould be very cross mit somevone who told me I could not but I do not think that is what the goot priest has in mind."
"Your story makes me sad Kern. I hope you can take time to enjoy the little things that make life worth living. Maybe after you begin your work in the Greenbelt, you will find the time."
"Myself, I enjoy little more than Elven wine and a good story."
" HA ha! Indeed Not Dyrm. I am no crusader, and I have no quarrel with other religions. They are valid and have their place. Abodar is just a God of Prosperity, Cities and Merchants. As such he is always a boon to have on your side when you are attempting to start new ones. Tho that hasn't been stated in our charter, I feel that it is an eventual goal. I know it is for me. As a partner in governing cities the Church of Abodar raises money's and help through volunteers and fees on spell casting. Yes I am going to push for support for my Religion, but no I am not interested in forcing my beliefs down anybody's throat. However, enforced rules are, I believe, necessary for the safety and security of all citizens. Chaos can be fun but should never be THE plan for a civilization. It leads to, well, Chaos."
( +4 wis, +1 silvertongued haggler , trade subdomain)
"Don't get me wrong, Ser. I have some regrets regarding missed opportunities, but on balance, I do not think I would change who I am. The day I am content will be the first day I begin to stare into the grave."
"As long as freedoms are valued as highly as rules, I see nothing wrong with allowing Abodar's influence into the Greenbelt," Gliadel says, watching Cromwell with a hint of suspicion. "It should be a place for all, so long as they do one another no harm. Even the most rigidly structured dances of the desert leave room for a performer to put her own stamp on them."
" Excellent, Lanya, we are in agreement. But I would add that they have to be productive in some way, not just do no harm. We don't want useless parasites about." Cromwell replies." Freedom, to mean, anything has to be earned. If it is just handed to people they tend to abuse it and not respect it. So, yes , I think freedom for all, so long as they accept the responsibility that goes with it."
Cromwell seems like he has danced this dance before, but also a little nervous, trying to make sure he is understood, and not misinterpreted.
With a start Cromwell notices Gliadel peering into the carriage and realizes his mistake....
" My apologies Lanya, Gliadel. I hadn't realized you had entered our conversation. Welcome and well met." He finishes and looks down, blushing in embarrassment.
"Elven wines you say? I'm not an expert on them by any means, but I recently had one I was very fond of at one of my favorite taverns. It was a Merlot from Avennara with hints of blackberry. I'm struggling to remember the name of the winery though, but I know it had Woods in the name. This is going to bug me for weeks if I can't remember it. Grandeur of the Woods maybe? No, that wasn't it..."
"Yes, that was it! I had completely forgotten about the barrels until you mentioned them, but now that you do I'm sure that must have been what gave it that distinct flavor."
"With Varnhold as far south as it's going to be perhaps you'll be able to get better prices on Kyonin imports there then in Brevoy. Although with an entire settlement you might want to think about starting up your own winery. I hear mountainous areas are perfect for growing certain types of wine grapes."
Lanya nods at Gliadel, giggling a bit as Cromwell makes his apologies ending in him blushing and a bit embarassed.
"Well it seems as you have little experience with women, if you think every woman sounds like the other." She can't resist a smile but keeps the back of her hand for her mouth as to not really show it.
As the joy of the moment resides, she straightens her face again.
"My apologies Cromwell, it was a funny situation as I've haven't had in a long time."
"But I can find myself in Gliadel's remark and your answer, I only hope that there is also a place for people to have a bit of fun, within the rules of course." she says with a wink at Cromwell
"But let us first clear the place from bandits before we do anything else, that might also be a greater problem than we know."
"Ja, ve haf bandits to contend vit, but I admit, his idea of buildink a city in the wilderness is appealing. Above ground, I take it?" He looks to Cromwell, "You humans normally like tinks above ground. If I might ask, vhat vill you do for vives? Wilderness like dis vill mostly haf bandits und frontiersman, and most of dem vill be male. You humans breed so quickly normally, I should not encourage it, but let us face tings, vithout vimmen to voo, your colony vould go novwhere." The dwarf says this out of pragmatism but it is clear to the insightful there is something else on his mind he's leaving unspoken at this time.
And a dwaven colony maybe that much harder to make, but then, maybe we could build a town under a town? Or even live WITH Some humans. That will take some getting used to.
Gliadel glances towards Lanya and fights back a smile.
"You raise an excellent point, Master Dwarf," she says, grinning playfully as she teases. "Women are notoriously difficult to recognize and ensnare. If only we had one in our party to consult about such things." After a moment, she turns serious.
"I think a settlement is an excellent idea, a buckle to the greenbelt, if you will. Where there is freedom and opportunity and a measure of security, women will come. The land itself is will be opportunity for some, and a growing settlement will be opportunity for others."
"You raise an excellent point, Master Dwarf," she says, grinning playfully as she teases. "Women are notoriously difficult to recognize and ensnare. If only we had one in our party to consult about such things." After a moment, she turns serious.
At that, the dwarf has the good decency to blush, but only a little.
"I think a settlement is an excellent idea, a buckle to the greenbelt, if you will. Where there is freedom and opportunity and a measure of security, women will come. The land itself is will be opportunity for some, and a growing settlement will be opportunity for others."
Here, Dyrm is quiet, curious to this talk of how human women will be lured. After all, if it works on human women, perhaps lady dwarves might also be interested in coming over so that young single dwarves like himself might impress them with dozens of orc heads, or a well crafted axe.