"Of course," Jhod bows. "Petitioners began arriving over a week ago, in anticipation of the usual audience offered on the 1st of the month. We have lodged them at the Witch Hex for the time being, and tried to keep them patient..."
"But that has become increasingly difficult," Akiros interjects. "And rumors of your absence have begun to spread. I recommend holding court as soon as possible to quell any... unsavory talk. On the morrow, perhaps?"
"Aye, first thing in the morning. Let it be done."
We can use the opportunity of explaining our absence to get volunteers for helping Varnhold. Also to introduce some new faces.
Unrak takes Bytor aside.
If you're serious about helping us out, I've got a suggestion. I'm currently the Baron's Grand Diplomat, but it's not where I think I'd be most effective. Diplomacy really ain't my bag. And, that would free me up to start whipping up troops which I'm sure we're going to need, sooner than we'd like. What say you?
"Aye, first thing in the morning. Let it be done."
We need a new spymaster. And, if Bytor takes the Diplomat job, give me General. He pauses here. Or keep Kesten. Maybe he's fine there.
”I would be honored to become the Grand Diplomat! I have no trouble traveling about and making connections across this land. This sounds like a very exciting opportunity!”
Augrym approaches Jhod.
"Great Erastil friend friend Jhod. I am in need of your services at your earliest convenience. I am afflicted with something that is in need of your divine magic. If you could case restoration on me, it would be greatly appreciated. This negative feeling has been with me for some time. I am afraid that it is the reason that I have been unable to connect with this newcomer Tess so far. All others who come to this realm know and love the Stag Lord, Aurgym. But this Tess... her dislike of me eludes my understanding. I am hopeful it is this ennui that has been following me."
"Of course, of course, I would be glad to aid you" Jhod replies. "Are you supplied with the diamond dust needed for the spell? Dipping into the church funds would not sit well with the flock..."
When the group arrives in town...
As the Huntsmen settle into their responsibilities, Tess makes a decision. "I think, at this point, I will bit you all farewell. I will stay for a time in town, at the inn. I need rest, and you have important business. I'll be around for a few days, mostly to rest and think about what comes next for me."
"If you get tired of running a kingdom, come by the inn and join me for a drink."
John is a bit at a loss... he wanders Solasgaard with his sons exploring during the day looking for some small way to contribute. With the sun standing straight above, he finds Jhod and engages him in conversation. After a few pleasantries he offers his and his sons' services with any odd jobs that might need doing, and humbly asks for permission to stay the night if he can spare a corner somewhere.
He and the boys work tirelessly, in measures of effectiveness diminishing with their ages of course.
Taranis spends some time offloading and cataloging anything the party found before worrying about the spells.
He actually joins John and the boys for some odd jobs, surely attracting incredulous looks.
Before the big leadership meeting, Baron Taranis asks to speak privately with Bytor, Unrak, John, and Svetlana....
"Lady and Gentlemen, I'd like to discuss the future of The Marchlands with you in private before in front of the entire team."
"First, John... your skill with a bow and comfort in the wilds is clear and obvious. We have recently lost our person in charge of recon and clandestine security. Would you be willing to donate your expertise in this field to our agents and Barony? Your dexterity extends beyond your aim, and I think you'd be great for the job."
"Bytor, your silvered tongue is better than anything we have in the Marchlands. Currently my brother performs our diplomatic duties, but I'd like to use him for things more suited to his own skillset. I'm formally inviting you to stay part of our group, to make a home here in Solasgaard, and to act as our Grand Diplomat. What say you?"
"Svetlana, your service has been exemplary. You never asked for his position, but you took it willingly. If you are okay with it, I'll simply use up ALL my brother's new free time with these duties. It allows you the chance to return to your life's work. What say you?"
Taranis can see that John didnt completely follow his flowery leader-speech, so he gracefully adds, "I've come to trust you John. Would you patrol the wilderness of my lands? Would you see to any beasts or men who seek to do us harm? You could report back on anything bigger than what one man could handle..."
M'lord, I confess I didn't fully know what i could do to repay you for your kindness. I'd be proud to help in any way I could. But I'm troubled on account of my boys. I could take Gozrek out on a patrol, but the other two are too small to be a help." John is clearly torn between needing to provide for his family and needing to care for them
Whilst moving between meetings, Taranis takes a moment to access the roof of Castle Redleaf, where he summons forth an Animal Messenger. Once a bird lands upon his wrist, he ties a short note to the bird's leg before whispering the way to where he encountered the Priestess...
To the esteemed Aecora,
I trust that by now Xamanthe has returned to you in good health. I apologize for not greeting you in person. I ask that you forgive me the slight of sending a message. The damage done by the foe we felled together has been severe. I hope that we can find a common cause of peace and mutualism. I look forward to the sunrise that sees us meet again.
Respectively,
Baron Taranis Redleaf
With a heavy sigh, he summons another messenger, this one for the leadership of Restov. It recounts the tale of Varnhold. The baron spares no tragedy, and blunts no detail of the horror. The message includes the emergency measures for rebuilding Varnhold and its leadership.
"Bytor, pray tell me when you've confirmed Ervil's return. Jemanda promised a wand of curative magic, and I fear that such a treasure will be needed as we expand..."
to the Huntsmen ensemble, "Was Tomin one of the rescued? I'd like to provide happiness.... or closure to Edrist."
"John, if I may, I'd like to see if Gozrek has what it takes to do some adult work. I'd like him to go into the town and search for a magic rod, a bit shy of half a stone and made of iron. I see potential in the boy. I also recommend you avail yourself of our economy. If you can find a belt to enhance your aim, I think you'll find the money well spent."
Unrak seeks out the town smith, and hands off the raw materials for his breastplate, requesting that this be done in all reasonable haste. He'll stay for measurements.
Later, he seeks out Tess and spends some time with her, tossing back several drinks. Once he's a bit more mellow than usual...
You know, I'm going to miss you. You and I are the only ones who have...gone where we've gone. He lightly rubs the angry scar on his neck If you ever want to talk about it...I can't with anyone else, they won't get it. But you would.
After an awkward pause, he simply lifts his mug to her, drains it, and calls for another.
"The boy knows his letters m'lord, his mother made sur eof that. But I'm not sure he knows what exactly you need, and I can't help with it either. Mayhap if you could write down what you need sir, I can set him to the task."
Armed with a note from the Baron, Gozrek sets out in earnest on his mission to find a metamagic rod and a magic belt for his da'. He is determined not to let his lord or his father down.
Svetlana curtsies gently. "It has been a ball! I am sure my dear husband will need help with the numbers anyhow..."
Success. RP post to follow but buying one.
In a little over a week, the messenger returns from Restov. "Lord Baron, Rostland expresses is sincere gratitude to you for removing the lich threat, which the Swordlords recognize would have eventually threatened their own security. In thanks, they are prepared to formally recognize your suzerainty over Varnhold, and subsequently confer upon you the title of Duke."
"Additionally, the Swordlords advise that Varnhold's challenges with the Nomen centaurs are now yours. How you wish to engage the centaurs is at your discretion, but Restov offers a reward of gold if you can ensure that raids on trade caravans and villages in southern Rostland cease."
No missive has returned as yet from Aecora.
"Of course, of course, I would be glad to aid you" Jhod replies. "Are you supplied with the diamond dust needed for the spell? Dipping into the church funds would not sit well with the flock..."
"I would be willing to pay for to resupply. I do not want to live any longer with this affliction, nor do I want the flock to suffer. Is this something you can do right away?"
Shortly after arriving in the city, Augrym casts Ears of the City to get to know the goings on. He will report back to Taranis.
One check per round for 8 rounds.
After reporting back, Augrym will also go to sell his +1 Longsword to make up for the loss of funds from the diamond dust.
The town is abuzz with the news of Varnhold, and of the baron's return. Amid all the discussion of the horrible fate that Varnhold met, a bit of conversation about the Nomen centaurs is mixed in: "I hear that the Nomen centaurs eat humans. I suppose that’s not technically cannibalism, but it’s still pretty horrible!"
Augrym also picks up whispered rumors that a cult has infiltrated Solasgaard, dedicated to a hag-goddess.
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare Baron's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check.
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items: unchanged.
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Later, he seeks out Tess and spends some time with her, tossing back several drinks. Once he's a bit more mellow than usual...
You know, I'm going to miss you. You and I are the only ones who have...gone where we've gone. He lightly rubs the angry scar on his neck If you ever want to talk about it...I can't with anyone else, they won't get it. But you would.
After an awkward pause, he simply lifts his mug to her, drains it, and calls for another.
Tess smiles at the idea of Unrak missing her. "Would that I could remember much of what happened. It's a strange thing, knowing that you were actually dead. That concept, that idea, is not one you can shake, right? And that's even without considering the more obvious physical changes."
She chuckles, lifting her own mug and draining it. "I will say that I thought I would have been stronger as a half-orc. Instead I feel so... drained still. I don't feel like myself yet, and I'm not sure I ever will."
"You all have a lot more ahead of you. You're running a growing kingdom! And honestly, that's not for me. At least, not yet. I've got my own problems to figure out."
She takes the pitcher the barmaid had left at their table, refilling their respective mugs. "I'll stick around for a little bit here. Maybe see if I can arrange for my payment to come to me. Otherwise I've a long journey back to Taldor. But that's okay."
"If you don't mind me asking... how'd you die?"
A time for significant change is upon the Marchlands. New blood in the leadership, and the tragedy of Varnhold require a measured and wise approach.
Upkeep Phase Summary:
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability). (POSITION IS VACANT)
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 2 new hexes of territory, if desired. All hexes must be fully explored to be claimed.
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Step 4 - Build Terrain: Pay for up to 3 terrain improvements in existing territory, if desired.
Step 5 - Settlements: Found up to 1 new settlement in existing territory. The site must first be prepared for settlement. Additionally, pay for construction of up to 2 new buildings in your existing settlements. The construction of a single house, tenement, noble villa, or mansion does not count against this limit, but must still be paid for.
Step 6 - Army: Raise new military units, or upgrade or repair existing ones, as desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Step 7 - Edicts: Issue any new edicts as desired.
Edict Phase Summary:
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Gozrek holds the paper gently in one hand, being careful not to wrinkle it or smudge the ink. The winter morning is cool, but not yet as cold as it will be come Abadius. He breathes in the smells of Solasgaard and feels a thrill at the bustle of the city. With hard-packed dirt giving way to a muddy slurry as he descends a slight depression, the young man picks his way around a puddle, a pile from a passing horse, and some refuse tossed on the side of the thoroughfare.
With a glance toward a gang of surveyors marking out what might be a wall or perhaps a guard tower with pickets, shouting, and some good-natured laughter, Gozrek hurries on at the edge of town. His goal is a shop one of the Baron's men recommended, where he might find the items on his list.
Fragrant smoke, as from a brazier burning incense or some rare wood, wafts from a doorway and the boy knows he has arrived. He enters the shop, and a soft magical chime announces he has crossed the threshold. As if summoned by the chime, a strapping youth of about his own age emerges briefly from a back room, ducks his head back inside, then fully emerges with a smile and a pleasant greeting. Gozrek exchanges pleasantries and grins at the teen's enthusiasm as he examines the offered paper carefully.
"One moment friend, I'll show this to my uncle and see if he can help."
The young man disappears into the back once again, and Gozrek hears him speaking indistinctly, apparently explaining their customer's request. "The Baron?!" a second voice exclaims. In short order a figure much closer to what Gozrek envisioned as the proprieter of a shop selling magical items emerges.
The man's nephew hovers excitedly nearby while the older gentleman peers at Gozrek curiously under bushy grey brows. After explaining the situation again, Gozrek gestures to the now-partially crumpled paper in the man's bony grip.
The shopkeeper nods, smiles at Gozrek showing a familial trait of good-naturedness that the nephew apparently inherited, and starts bustling around the shop with an air of urgency.
In time, the man produces an inlaid case - black with fine stained oak highlights. He opens the case carefully on the worn wooden counter and gestures for Gozrek to inspect the item. The archer's son leans in without touching the rod and nods, although he is a little unsure of himself. The rod is wrought of iron, with a leather thong tied through a small loop at one end. It is about the length of a small mace, and seems totally inert. Gozrek isn't quite sure if he expected a magical glow, or glittering sparks to manifest, but he can appreciate the quality workmanship before him.
"Please convey my compliments to the Baron young man, and my thanks for considering my humble shop. Of course if he isn't completely satisfied, simply come back with the rod within two days' time and I will see if I can find something that might better meet his needs."
Gozrek thanks the man, and promises to carry the rod and case carefully back to the Baron's man. The shopkeeper then produces a rolled up piece of leather, bound with twine. Deftly, and perhaps with a touch of magic the twine is suddenly untied, and the leather roll unfurls itself with a sigh and seems to pour itself languidly over the countertop.
Gozrek smiles at the clever trick and admires the belt on the counter. It is a black leather belt that is incredibly supple. There are silvery runes along the inside, and the buckle is a strange flat black metal that barely makes a sound at all and reflects very little light. "This is for your father, no?" Gozrek nods, and the shopkeeper encourages the young man to try it on. Unsure of himself, the nephew offers to help. With a flourish, he wraps the belt round Gozrek's waist and buckles it.
The tingle he feels might be his imagination, but the belt seems alive with energy, and Gozrek feels lighter on his feet upon wearing it. It is a strage feeling, but not at all unpleasant. Stranger still, the belt seems to adjust itself dynamically to allow for bending, stretching, or twisting without constricting Gozrek's movement at all.
"This should make my father very pleased. If I agree to purchase it, and he is not as pleased as I think, can he have the same opportunity to exchange it as youve extended to the Baron?"
The shopkeeper hems a bit, clearly not having anticipated this. But upon considering that this young man came armed with a chit from the Baron and is clearly shopping for someone of means in the person of his father... he agrees.
Gozrek and the nephew share another grin as money changes hands, and the lad departs the store to another sounding of the magical chime. With his father's belt wrapped up in its twine once more, and the Baron's oblong wooden case in his arms, Gozrek returns with his mission accomplished.
Taranis pulls John and Gozrek aside, "Well done my boy. You've got your father's initiative. What say you both to a little apprentice work for the Baron?"
Edict Phase Summary:
Step 0 - NA
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: John as Spymaster, Bytor as Grand Diplomat, Unrak as Counselor
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Baron Redleaf recommends claiming Hexes 21 and 60
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: none
Step 4 - Build Terrain: In Hex 21, Baron Redleaf builds roads and a farm. In Hex 60, simply roads for now
Step 5 - Settlements: Commission nothing new as we’re growing FAST
Step 6 - Army:
Step 7a - Festival (Holiday) Edicts: Jhod Kavken High Priest of the Marchlands, declares no change
Step 7b - Promotion Edicts: Baron Redleaf declares no change
Step 7c - Taxation Edicts: Oleg Leveston, Treasurer of the Realm sets the Taxation to its typical rate
Income Phase
Step 1 - Withdraw from Treasury: Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Step 2 - Deposit to Treasury: Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Step 3 - Sell Items: Sell up to 2 personal magical items to benefit the treasury.
Step 4 - Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
EVENT!
Kingdom event
Land Rush
Mayor Rezbin of Tatzylford writes to advise that three over-eager settlers have constructed a saw mill north of the town, but are now fighting over ownership. What began as a business conflict has stoked tensions in the town, as well as with local fey populations.
Income Phase Summary:
With help from Bytor, you manage to convince the three infighting factions to pursue mediation, and to placate the riled fey. While the conflict still simmers, it does not threaten to boil over.
By [color=Teal]15th Kuthona[/color] you have matters well in hand.
"Huntsmen! Anyone feel like eel fishing?"
She takes the pitcher the barmaid had left at their table, refilling their respective mugs. "I'll stick around for a little bit here. Maybe see if I can arrange for my payment to come to me. Otherwise I've a long journey back to Taldor. But that's okay."
Eel do it!!
that does sound familiar, and correct. I'll take that action. End of the 2-week downtime sound about right?
Tess smiles at the idea of Unrak missing her. "Would that I could remember much of what happened. It's a strange thing, knowing that you were actually dead. That concept, that idea, is not one you can shake, right? And that's even without considering the more obvious physical changes."
She chuckles, lifting her own mug and draining it. "I will say that I thought I would have been stronger as a half-orc. Instead I feel so... drained still. I don't feel like myself yet, and I'm not sure I ever will."
"You all have a lot more ahead of you. You're running a growing kingdom! And honestly, that's not for me. At least, not yet. I've got my own problems to figure out."
She takes the pitcher the barmaid had left at their table, refilling their respective mugs. "I'll stick around for a little bit here. Maybe see if I can arrange for my payment to come to me. Otherwise I've a long journey back to Taldor. But that's okay."
"If you don't mind me asking... how'd you die?"
Unrak drains the next mug in one draught, putting it down with slightly more force than strictly necessary.
Two-headed troll ripped me up.
that does sound familiar, and correct. I'll take that action. End of the 2-week downtime sound about right?
Eel do it!!
that does sound familiar, and correct. I'll take that action. End of the 2-week downtime sound about right?
John offers to help too!
"Huntsmen, I have learned of rumors of a cult worshipping a hag goddess. I do not know more at this time, but I will be investigating this."
During the kingdom building, I would like uncover as much as possible on this cult.
Two-headed troll ripped me up.
Tess waits to hear more of the tale. When there's nothing forthcoming she sips her drink and says, "Yep, that'll do it."
"Excellent! Equip yourselves with anything you think might help with an eel catching trip. Additionally, if time is on our side, I'd like to do some mountaineering, so prepare for that."
Taranis uses his new assistant, Gozrek, to procure some items for him: Masterwork Healer's Kit, 2 scrolls of Carry Companion, and a Masterwork Fishing net.
Once ready, he grabs the Folding Boat and awaits the others. It's clear that this is his kind of adventure.
Purchased.
With Gozrek employed, John sought an apprenticeship for Crayden. Thirteen years is an ideal age for such an endeavor, and the lad's natural intelligence, even tempered nature, and piety made him a natural for Jhod to take him on. Erasten was a bit more of a handful, and at only 9 years of age not quite at the point where a tradesman would be willing to take him on. So John was able to hire a governess for a modest sum per diem . With his boys looked after, John prepared his kit for a journey in the wilds with his new employer.