"A wise choice. This being who claims cheifdomonial sovereign authority may be in league with the mites due to being fey. It sounds as though he is spreading poison or plague while encouraging cannibalism. That could pose a threat to this settlement."
Deudermont, taking notes, interjects at this point. I believe the Baron has forwarded a motion to seek out the kobold chieftain on the morrow with the aid of the Guardians, and to rid the lands of any threat he may possess. The motion seems to be seconded by Silas, Grailmont, and Ser Brandon. I believe a vote is in order.
A call of hands leads to a unanimous vote amongst the councilors, enough to defeat any nays that may occur amongst the Guardians.
Deudermont scratches a few notes into his scrolls, then again speaks. The motion carries, the Guardians will seek out the kobolds and address the issue of Chieftain Tartuk. The next item on the agenda is a status report on the defenses of Olegton and the Barony. I yield the floor to Baron's Armsman Garess to give his report.
Garess stands and turns as he gives his report, at one time or another taking the eye and measure of every person in the room save the Baron. Thank you. The Barony now numbers a standing force of 80 militiamen, many formerly from the forces of Brevoy. Additional to this number we have promoted 7 officers. Our current voluntary rolls should muster another 170 able bodies from the farms and hunting lodges now part of the Barony. More could be mustered under conscript, but we have yet to fully provide arms and armaments for these. I think however many would be able to muster with gear of their own fortunes. We currently have two patrols afield, with a third watching over the wagons held in check by a unit of Crimson Guards just beyond the town. Another patrol can be mustered to travel with the Guardians if needed. This will deplete our cavalry troops for a day or two, but we can conscript from the local population if needed.
Garess checks a few notes he holds crumpled in his hands, continuing. The tower arms have been fully restored, numbering two light catapults and two heavy ballistae, with four light ballistae mounted one per tower. We have the materials to form two additional light catapults and one trebuchet as field arms if needed.
Looking to Warden Orlovsky, who nods in assent Garess adds We have increased the Warden's stock of rangers and woodsmen to a full dozen, travelling now in pairs. Olegton keeps another dozen on duty as constabulary, reporting both to his former lordship and myself. The constables allow us to keep the militiamen separate from the legal duties of the Barony. Aside from the normal crimes one may expect to arise out of Highhill's establishment, we have had no serious issues within Olegton. The town has been peaceful, and by the gods' blessing should remain so.
Looking to Irakli, he stiffens before commenting further, looking slightly apologetic. By your leave sir, I was not able to speak with you in time to inform, but Lady Amberhue was able to finally break some information from the prisoners taken in the attack on the last caravan. Both men have agreed to give us information on the Stag Lord's pending plans for Olegton. The rub is that both men seek an agreement from this body to honor their demands before granting the information. They did indepentantly confirm Kressle's location is as we suspect it, and that she has pulled her raiders back to the camp. Both men indicate the Stag Lord is planning something big, something soon. What they will not say, not yet. Lady Amberhue has the demands of the men, if you wish to hear them. While I detest the idea of it, the men truly fear this Stag Lord, more so than they do us. Pain, thirst and deprevations have not broken them yet. This may be our only option, lest you wish to try some other means of coercion.
. . . Spymaster Irakli Laindir, expert in stealth and reconnaissance. . . .
. . . Both men indicate the Stag Lord is planning something big, something soon. What they will not say, not yet. . . .
Excuse me, but I have a question. Might they reveal more to a possible confidant than an obvious enemy? Orin scratches his head for a moment.
Leaning forward with his elbows on the table with his hands gesticulating here and there, I mean to say, I am not experienced with holding my feelings and they show plainly. However, could someone who is tricky pose as a brigand? Could we throw them in jail, and they elicit what the men know? Or if it seems unlikely, allow one to escape and lead us back to the Stag Lord?
By Torag's Teeth, I have had my share of bad ideas. If this is just one of those, if it is too risky, or if the there is no one capable of the ruse, just ignore the idea.
Listening in at the chamber doors, Shalmarea comes in at that moment to answer Orin's question. That method of investigation was tried, as were other more physical attempts at persuasion. We discovered that the Stag Lord operates using a sort of detached commands approach. Each group of bandits operates independently, the commanders meeting at the Stag Lord's "palace" every other fortnight to deliver their goods and receive new orders. Kressle and the Stag Lord himself operate here in the Greenbelt, another called Mellion rides the Nomen Heights, while Lubon roams the Slough. Each group has a passphrase to identify themselves to all other bandits associated with the Stag Lord. Only the leader of each group and their lieutenants know the location of the Stag Lord's base, or that of any other commander.
Shalmarea walks in, bowing before the council and standing near to a seat along the front. My apologies, I did not intend to disturb but this matter is urgent. I gave both prisoners my word they would receive a fair hearing. Owlin Creed is a former merchant and child killer. He demands a pardon and safe passage to Mivon. Jeb Megesen is wanted for banditry and brigandry. He admits he guilt, and wants to serve his sentence out under hard labor. More importantly for him he wants mercy for his brother Alyes, whom he says fell under the powers of a witch, and did not know she was a follower of the mother of monsters. The boy serves as cook and servant to the Stag Lord in his castle to the south.
I should have expected as much. Orin nods, looking slightly embarrassed. Thank you for words I did not have before.
Shalmarea leans forward, patting the dwarf on the shoulder. She whispers to him, You only just arrived good dwarf, I have been working with Laindir's network for weeks now, and have spent the past few days working with the prisoners, gaining some measure of influence over them. You could not have known any of this until now, indeed most none of the council had been informed.
When we return from dealing with the usurper, I will sit with the prisoners and discuss options.
Grailmont raised a brow and motioned to Shalmarea. If it is okay with the Baron and the Priestess, would you be so kind as to bring in these prisoners, I'm sure everyone here would like to hear their "important information" and I do so hope that it proves useful to us, I have a hard time keeping my blade dry around those who slay the young. He said, gritting his teeth a bit.
Deudermont comments on the mixed proposals. We have motions to both table the discussion of the bandit camp per Baron Syne, and a motion for further interviews with the prisoners, proposed by Commander Grailmont. Do we have a second for either proposal before the floor?
Orin mouths a "Thank you" and a smile to Shalmarea Amberhue before turning back to the discussions at hand. At the mention of a motion from Deudermont, Orin chimes in again. Well, to be fair, I think I am of the same mind of Grailmont. Would it not take just a moment to hear out the prisoners before going to aid the kobolds?
The one that offers information for leniency for another is to be somewhat commended. The one that looks to save his own skin after such actions deserves an axe to the back of the neck. No one should harm a child.
Duedermont acknowledges Orin with a nod. We have a second for Commander Grailmont's proposal. The prisoners are to be brought forward for further questioning.
The scribe motions to the door guards, who speak to someone outside the room. It takes about ten minutes for the prisoners to be brought up to the chambers. Once arrived, the message is passed back to the floor.
Who do you wish to interview first please?
"One second," Silas says, holding up his hand before the prisoner is brought in. "Has anyone tried these prisoners for susceptibility to magic? I don't know all the laws of the barony, but a few spells of truth, mind-reading or friendship might help to loosen their tongues, if such things are allowed—and we seem to have enough spellcasters here for it."
Magical coercion has not been tried at this time. Most other bandits we have encountered either died in combat or were more compliant under questioning. These are the first to claim to have valuable or important information regarding the safety of Olegton.
Before we bring them in, is anyone in this room capable of performing such spells?
Not I, Sir. The only things I had prepared for the day were things in case the caravan ran into bandits on the way here. If you want to be taller, or if you want me to burn or blind someone, then I am your man, so to speak. Orin rubs facial hair for a moment.
There is a spell that will allow one to detect thoughts if you concentrate long enough, and if a person's will is weak enough to allow it, but I do not have it. The closest thing I have is a charm spell that makes one more favorably disposed to the caster, but it does not do anything that several pints of alcohol could not do.
He shrugs, now not entirely sure what to say to the assembled. I do not mind trying it, but spellcasting is rather obvious, which would defeat the purpose in this case, I think.
This is not the place for such a task. I have the means to do just what we are talking about here, and will do so, privately at a more appropriate place. Interrogation is not the purpose of the council or this hall.
"These humans run this meeting like an imperial senate. So far no one has responded to me . . . I shall observe more intently."
[dice=Know Nature]1d20+11
[dice=Know Religion]1d20+7
[dice=know Arcana]1d20+11
[dice=sense motive]1d20+8"A wise choice. This being who claims cheifdomonial sovereign authority may be in league with the mites due to being fey. It sounds as though he is spreading poison or plague while encouraging cannibalism. That could pose a threat to this settlement."
"I am in agreement with Commander Grailmont as well The Lord Baron. These men may be questioned before we depart. If magical means are to be employed I understand that such shall take long to deliver the desired result though Baron Syne would be a better judge of it. This forum is not the place for questioning."
"I propose that that the prisoners be questioned before we depart but after this meeting."
With that Ser Brandon bows and take a seat.
Looks to Ser Brandon and Grailmont and nods in agreement.
We should question them and get as much information as possible...the more we know the better off we will be and I would like to be there when and if they are questioned
Judge Lebeda-Grigori comments, So, does the Baron seek to keep this council in the dark, choosing what information passes before this body? If the information is sensitive, we could have had the council chambers cleared of all but members. Does the truth need to be parsed out to only those worthy? Shaking her head she continues, The Baron's motion was seconded and agained, so the matter of questioning shall pass until later. Looking around the room she cannot tell if she has the support to overturn his decision. I instead yield the floor to those who can better discuss and explain this.
Taking out a folded flyer from her robes, she tosses it onto the table. Is this why we risk ourselves, to loose all we have gained, to be jailed, to be returned to Brevoy in disgrace? To end up under the "protections" of the Crimson Guard, like poor Vendrake?
The parchment on the table is one of the flyers posted around Olegton this morning by the Castellan's emissary.
Hear ye one and all,
Be it so known that upon the 18th day of Desnus, this loyal colony of Brevoy shall be visited by an emissary of the King, his worshipful Nikoli the First, in the body of the Watchful Eye, the Agency of the Regent, Castellan Waldorf Dupreux.
This meeting is to bear witness to the allegations that the leadership of this Brevic colony have taken upon themselves mantels of leadership and authority not blessed be nor allowed by the Regency. It has been reported that this body has woefully failed to discharge the duties laid out for it under the writs of charter so wisely and graciously granted by the throne.
Castellan Dupreux shall visit with any and all persons deemed worthy, to hear testimony upon the leadership of the colony town of Olegton. The words of the people shall condemn or exonerate these individuals as to whether they have discharged their duties faithfully to the crown. Have these agents striven against and ended the banditry and brigandry perpetrated by the criminal known as the Stag Lord. Or have they instead conducted themselves with goals of mere exploration and commerce seeking to enrich themselves and carve out under the protections of Brevoy a kingdom of their own making.
Bear witness all to this posting,
Signed,
Lord Mayor of Restov
Watchful Eye of the North,
Agency of the Regent
Castellan Waldorf Dupreux
&
King Nikoli Surtova
Regent of the Dragonscale Throne,
Ruler of Brevoy, Issia, and Rostland
Upon inspecting the document, Grailmont showed a bit of worry. It seems that we will have an adjudicator evaluate our progression in the elimination of the bandit threat. I don't think they will be happy with our answers when they get here. Everyone, time is of the essence, and we don't have the leisure to waste time. In the next hour we could have this meeting adjourned, and have the other guardians and myself on a march to capture kressle, and quite possibly have Tartuk dethroned as well. I implore you to not be tepid to do this just because of the room we are in, Echo. Grailmont finished, putting down the flyer and awaiting further answer.
"If the flyer's words are not bluffs, perhaps it would be... good to tell the emissary that the Barony leadership are in the field, searching for the Stag Lord, and perhaps remain there for a while, not returning to the town itself until he has been dealt with."
If we can get some answers on where the Stag Lord is will do us some good,but to face him may not be the wise right believe me I have seen him in a fight before
clenches his fist
it is not going to be an easy fight or easy to get to where ever he is. We need to start making a plan to get rid of this menace
slams his fist on the table in anger of past memoires of being face to face with the Stag Lord
Judge Lebeda-Grigori. I was given my charter by an agent of the crown, an aide to the Castellan of Issia, Waldorf Dupreux. The aide asked that should I decide to join up, the crown would be most appreciative if I were to that it is the King of Surtova to whom all of Brevoy and it's citizens . It would be if the leadership of the colony remembers this. A grimace slowly grows over his face as he relates his experience.
That same government that we remember who we owe allegiance to is running patrols, harassing those immigrating to a new area, just another not so subtle reminder of . This visit is the same. Orin makes and shakes a fist once, as to emphasize the point he is making.
He then takes a deep breath and his face smooths into a large smile before continuing, his gestures becoming noticeably larger and pausing between some for effect. Bow. Smile. Scrape if necessary. Fly the flag and play the anthem. Let them believe you are a proud supporter and the representative will be happy.
I support Brevoy. But the need that some in positions of authority have to lord it over others tells me they are uncomfortable or insecure in those fancy seats. All we need to do is make them feel comfortable. Sometimes that is what is necessary to have others to allow you to do the job that needs doing without interfering.
His voice drops a bit in volume and and takes on a hard edge. And like Irakli and Grailmont say, the job that needs doing is the Stag Lord.
"Irakli, I would be happy to discuss plans for dealing with the Stag Lord, since you seem to be the expert in strategy here."
"I should mention, however, that with a few days of crafting, I could build us a brace of magical, fiery catapults small enough to fit into a coin purse—assuming we can approach this bandit's fortress or encampment undetected, reducing the place to rubble should require no more than accurate aim and creative thinking. The blessings of knowledge are many, and I would be happy to discuss strategy after the meeting with one who knows far more of the Stag Lord's tactics than I do."
Nods to Silas
I just got here and it seems everything is going to turn to ash before me. I have to do something. I'm not going to let this happen. Show them reason, show them the way."
Ser Brandon stands and seeks to gather everyone's attention and begins to speak with such purpose as he has never know. he pauses for a moment for the words to sink in. he finishes drawing his sword and raising it into the air.
The Flyer:
"I do believe the Lord Mayor had personal reasons for supporting this colony, as well. Perhaps, while resources are scant, it would be best to start with something smaller than repayment, like a lasting trade route for the quality weapons and silver this colony will soon be creating."
. . .
Orin hangs his head for a moment. Good points all. They are well reasoned and well delivered.
I, for my part, was simply trying to make the point that being high up sometimes makes it so that you do not see what is underneath you. Some nobles do not appreciate that they stand on many shoulders.
Grailmont sighed heavily at the answer he was given. As General of the militia, I have issued my requests in the change of the patrols, which of course can be relaxed once the Stag Lord and his followers have been dealt with. I shall be in town, preparing for the ride, with the assumption that we will be taking down kressle, and perhaps Tartuk. Echo, since you are the only one with the skills necessary to acquire the information we need, and seeing is that you are stoic in your decision to question them where and when you want to, I would appreciate it if Deudermont could scribe the information received from the bandits, and have it delivered to me so that I may prepare properly for our journey. I would be very appreciative. With that being said, are there anymore points that need to be addressed at the moment?
Looks to Silas
After this meeting Silas I would like to discuss a strategy involving the Stag Lord and then present it to Echo and see what out leader thinks...if that is ok with you
Then looks at Grailmont
I would like a copy of what we get from the bandits so me and Silas can get a better understanding and maybe you can join us in the strategy and I will get what I have written down from my sources....how bout it?
Aye Irakli, however I think it be best we evaluate the information together, as we will be fighting together. If I receive the information I will send for you and we shall meet to discuss our plan of attack.
In that case, I would like to sit in, if you do not mind. I cannot say I have much experience with tactics, but I have heard there is a first time for everything. He nods to the two. I might be able to add some suggestions about how magic might be used.
Sounds good Grailmont....I hope they give us enough information to make a plan of attack
Looks to Orin
Fine by me if the General does not mind
Deudermont signals for a break in conversation to bring the meeting back to track. It would seem that the majority of the day's business has at the least been touched upon if not duly discussed. Personal feelings are a bit high, perhaps a break is in order. Should those with business remaining for the council may, if they desire, bring those matters now, or wait until after the dinner break.
The scribe looks around the room. Most of the council members with issues remaining agree to table their concerns for a later time. It is agreed then, this meeting of the council shall adjourn for dinner. Remaining matters are tabled for a later date. On the matters discussed, Commander Grailmont and Councilors Laindir and Earthglider shall meet after dinner to discuss seeking out Kressle's camp tomorrow and ending her presence so near to Olegton. Any others interested in destroying this menace should likewise meet with the group. I believe the garrison office downstairs would be most suitable to such a gathering. Deudermont looks around the room gauging which other Guardians look to be interested in the coming fight.
While the Guardians seek out the bandits, Baron Syne has volunteered to stay behind to meet with the current prisoners and discover what information he may from them. He has further volunteered to meet with the Crimson Guard as well to seek the release of the remaining wagons and discuss how best to address the return of Treasurer Vendrake. Any parties likewise interested should speak with the Baron and plan to accompany him at the appropriate time. A few of the councilors lean close to discuss the matter, Councilor Eagle agreeing to do so on behalf of a few others.
Are there any other matters to be decided before this body? The meals await. Militiamen ready the trays, uncovering platters of roast boar, smoked trout, or small game hens and an assortment of side dishes, awaiting requests from the group.
If we are able to, I would prefer that we take two birds with one stone, I'm sure coming back with that news will be pleasing to our guests. He said, turning to Echo. In the event that they don't talk, send for me, and for ulfric as well. He said, turning to ulfric I'm sure you and I can squeeze what we want out of them if echo fails to.
Ser Brandon enters the room hearing the last comment of Echo Syne and Grailmont's response as he does. "My Lord Baron, General" he says with respect. "If I may be permitted to offer my opinion."
"With regard to the Kobold tribe, if we are able after the assault on the Stag Lord I suggest we should ride there next. If our forces are depleted we will still be able to triumph and this is a battle for allies and prosperity."
Ser Brandon pauses for a moment giving those in the room time to consider his words before adding. "My Lord if you intend to treaty with the Crimson Guard, may I be permitted to accompany you. I have had some success with their Captain on my way here and I believe I may of use to you." On completing his submissions the Knight looks hopefully at those in the room. [I hope The Lord Baron finds my counsel of use and permits me to ride with him. That will be all the chance I need to prove my worth, both on the field and off it.
"Are there any other matters to be decided before this body? The meals await."
"As a matter of fact there is something that should be said prior to convincing for the evenings meal."
"I am Ayerth Terramielle of Kyonin. My journey to the Greenbelt began after a meeting with an agent of the crown, an adjunct to the Castellan of Issia, Waldorf Dupreux to be precise. The man had learned that I interested in journeying south to participate in the colonial venture and possibly the re-establishment of the lost pathways and trade routes with the country of my birth. I was advised, the crown would be most appreciative if we were to remember that it is the King of Surtova to whom all of Brevoy and it's citizens owe their due allegiance. It was communicated to me that it would be better for everyone if the leadership of the colony remembers this."
"I have in my possession a signed and approved charter, granting full rights and abilities in the Greenbelt, the same as those enjoyed by this current leadership of the colony. As I left Restov, I received his charter signed by the Castellan and sealed with the King's stamp. I present it to you now for inspection."
Ayerth displays the King's seal.
i was detained along with several wagons waiting to arrive in Olegton. Our interdiction occurred less than half a day's ride from town, enforced by a patrol of Crimson Guards, The patrol was under orders to inspect all wagons and parcels leaving Brevoy for suspected stolen goods, namely a large cache of coins and gems purported to have been looted from the treasury in Restov."
"The highest guardsman, Captain Radet Tens, bears a royal warrant signed by Castellan Dupreux to inspect any and all travelers under penalty of law for whatever duration is deemed needed to recover the stolen funds."
"Naturally, I had not been involved in any such theft, and no such funds were found upon me or within my wagon. Likewise can be said of the family with which I was traveling."
"Waiting three days in a soggy wagon, just out of sight of a warm hearth was less than enjoyable. However, other than the occasional racial slurs uttered by a few of the guardsmen, my treatment was . . . Tolerable."
"Additionally I am able to read, write and otherwise converse in Draconian Era Draconic if that would be of benefit in our diplomatic discourse with the Sootscales."
As the food is served, Silas will try to hold a conversation with Irakli, Brandon, and Orin about strategy.
"Now, this is speculation—I know little of the Stag Lord's headquarters, or their fortifications, and I suspect none of us know much at all. But, should it be useful, I can craft a temporary, portable catapult. With Orin's help, I believe it would possible to make two or three of these in only a few hours of preparation—if not useful against the Stag Lord, it could still be wise to have siege weapons on hand for Olegton's defense in an emergency.
"Now, as I recall, Ayerth and I both have some skill at siegecraft, and I would wager in a surprise attack we'd have time to get quite a few rounds off against the Stag Lord's headquarters, especially with someone as strong as Ser Brandon here turning the winch. A catapult of that size has an accurate firing range of several hundred feet, so assuming we approach through forest or hills, we could set up a firing pad somewhere out of sight and get the drop on them.
"Finally, with a little alchemy, I could put together one of two explosive shells with the destructive power of a decent-sized fireball. With an ammunition-preserving spell or two, this might well let us strike the Stag Lord with a proper firing squad's worth of firepower.
"It is an extreme plan, and not a very humane or merciful one. But the Stag Lord is ruthless indeed, and should he prove himself the dangerous monster I have heard told, it may be comforting to have such a destructive back-up option."
Nodding his head to Silas' catapult plan That does sound good. It is much less risky than the idea that I was thinking up. Then again, my idea is currently beyond my means.
I was originally thinking we could just send in a sneaky type or two having been made invisible. Once they attack they lose the benefits of the spell, but invisibly would give them the time to get into a key positions. If cast from a scroll, it usually only lasts for about three minutes.
Take Olegton as an example. If Olegton had a wall, a spell of spider climb would give them plenty of time to scurry over the wall while invisible and easily get to the ballistae to disable them. He could possibly even open the front gate if he were quick enough.
I was also thinking that humans do not see well in the dark. Since that is the case, we could just attack at night. We could see if anyone else has the spell that would allow one to see in the dark as a dwarf does, and I could craft scrolls for Echo, Grailmont, and Brandon to see in the dark for an ambush.
Orin shakes his head. No, no. That might be too costly as well. It takes roughly seventy five gold for me to make such a scroll, and I am not sure that two hundred and twenty five gold is a cost effective ambush.
Maybe magic cannot solve everything.
Those are some good ideas, I was also thinking that some could disguise as one of them
Holds up a pendent, from around his neck, taken from one of the bandits that was slain
But then again that is really risky cause if caught then done for
pauses
Just a thought, but we should take all ideas and then put something together...I also like the idea of the catapults
Looks over to Grailmont
Any ideas
"Additionally I am able to read, write and otherwise converse in Draconian Era Draconic if that would be of benefit in our diplomatic discourse with the Sootscales."
I admit I am somewhat envious. At different times I have struggled with Draconic, but I have yet to put in enough time to actually learn the language. He admits to Ayerth with a slightly sheepish look upon his grizzled features.
Many useful tomes are written in it, or so I hear. If you do not mind, I would appreciate it if you would practice Draconic with me.
"Of course, for surely it is the universal language of magic. If one intends to conduct research at any of the higher schools, or join the Legio Magica, it would be absolutely essential in order to converse with one's colleagues."