"Indeed. Your father and siblings are off to Tatzylford to oversee the new shrine. I've been granted permission to retain you though. You helped me previously, and with aplomb. Before the Huntsmen head out again, I'm hoping to benefit from your skills once more. We have a locked chest, recovered in the field, and it's eluding our attempts to open it. Additionally, we found a magic rod whose powers are beyond Bytor's ken. Are you up to the task of solving both of these tasks?"
"I shall do my best Your Grace."
Taranis gives the lad a nod and then returns to the task of plotting the next excursion into the field.
Gozrek first works the chest. Locks, snares, and traps come easily to him, and he figures it'll be a short piece of work. Before starting though, he searches the chest for traps:
Just to make sure he also casts a spell that will reveal the presence of poison. Assuming it's safe, he sets to work.
Gozrek sets to work. The ornately-carved chest proves tricky at first, and he breaks the first pick he puts to it. But he soon gets the measure of the lock, and the lid springs open.
Inside are just two items: a wand and a spellbook.
1st: Color Spray, Enlarge Person, Identify, Magic Missile, True Strike, Vanish
2nd: Blur, Darkvision, Haunting Mists, Knock, Resist Energy, Spider Climb
3rd: Haste, Magic Circle against Evil, Phantom Steed, Protection from Energy, Stinking Cloud, Water Breathing
4th: Dimension Door, Ice Storm, Wall of Fire, Wall of Ice, Vermin Shape I, Mnemonic Enhancer
5th: Absorb Toxicity, Cone of Cold, Contact Other Plane, Planar Binding (lesser), Shadow Evocation, Symbol of Pain
Augrym casts Ears of the city before we leave town. 9 rounds.
Augrym "overhears" some old fishermen, traveling to Solasgaard on a lark, having an argument about whether one of them did in fact see a silver dragon in the Tors some forty years ago.
Proud of his work, Gozrek looks the wand over: but the magic eludes him. Frustrated, he also looks at the rod. "Man, I can't start on a failure Off to see Jhod."
Gozrek casts Read Magic and sees that the spellbook has Identify... Well, interesting. Jhod first.
"Welcome, young lad! Do come in," High Priest Jhod Kavken exclaims when Gozrek visits his small chapel in Castle Redleaf. "Hmm, a rod you say? Let us have a look." The balding man leans over the device, studying it carefully.
After a long moment, Jhod sits up again. "I really can't make heads or tails of this, at least not straight away. Leave it with me a while and I may be able to figure it out. But have you tried the Old Beldame? She is much better at this sort of thing than I, if you can stomach her, ah, demeanor, that is."
"Oh, and a wand too? Let us see."
"An arcane wand, and a useful one at that! Teleportation magic, yes, and, hmm, 22 charges left."
Augrym will seek out the fishermen, to greet them to our land and to learn more about the decades old dragon sighting.
Inside are just two items: a wand and a spellbook.
The spellbook is perfectly square, leather-bound, and in remarkably good condition---as though it was purchased from a shop only a few days ago. The pages are still stiff and clean. A small pressed plate on the inside cover identifies the (former) owner as one Zb-Gar Gar-ghani.
Augrym will seek out the fishermen, to greet them to our land and to learn more about the decades old dragon sighting.
Sadly, identifying the pair in question from among the hundreds by the docks proves more difficult than Augrym expected.
Bytor spends time appraising the chest.
After spending some time admiring the chest's exquisite woodwork and construction, Bytor realizes that this chest was built specifically to be the focus of a secret chest spell!
"This is one exquisite chest, my friends. You could easily get over five thousand gold pieces for such a work of art!"
Bytor tries to recall what he can about Mivon.
"I don't know much about Mivon. Is this worth sending a delegation to find out more?"
Indeed, Bytor does not know much at all about Mivon's leaders.
Accompanied by Marshal Narthropple, Grand Diplomat Sniegsun takes a small delegation south to meet with representatives of Mivon. The delegation charters a riverboat in Solasgaard, crosses the Tuskwater and the Candlemere, and sails downriver along the Shrike, some 150 miles or so to the city of Mivon nestled at the confluence of the Shrike and East Sellen Rivers.
Mayor Raston Selline grants a brief audience. Selline's greying hair and hard face speak to his age, though an athletic build and youthful spring in his step remain. Standing beside the Mayor's seat is a young swordlord, alike in build to the elder. Selline introduces him as Gaspar Tellick before asking you to state your business.
After being introduced by the heralds, Grand Diplomat Bytor Sniegsun steps forward in his elegant attire and gives a grand bow before the audience.
"Hail be thou, Mayor Selline and hail be thou, Master Tellick ". Bytor begins as he presents the most respectful greeting, bow, and flourish that he knows.
"This honor has long been overdue as I present to you greetings from Duke Tyranis Redleaf and his noble company of huntsmen. We wish you excellent health. Furthermore, we are delighted with the mutually beneficial trade agreement that we share and hope that your people have been pleased with the lack of trolls along the Little Sellen River. We want to extend our good tidings with you and work to support our mutual prosperity with you and your people. As we consider such matters, do you have any requests of your neighbors to the north?"
Bytor gauges everyone's reaction in the moment as he measures the pulse of his company with every word that he speaks. He is looking for their interests and intentions.
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Sadly, identifying the pair in question from among the hundreds by the docks proves more difficult than Augrym expected.
Inner orcologue... I really wanted to hear more about this dragon. I will need to bring someone with me next time that is able to gather more information. Then I will be singing in dragon stories!
John enjoys hearing Bytor's introduction and is glad he is not expected to speak publicly. His attention is on the diplomat most of the time, but he carefully scans the room now and again lookong for signs of trouble.
Bytor and Selline talk for a long while. The Mayor is fond of stories and asks many questions about the happenings in the Greenbelt, in Dunsward, and beyond, and is particularly captivated by the tale of Vordakai's rise and fall. In turn, he allows Bytor to inquire after matters in Mivon.
When the conversation turns to borders, Selline waves off any concerns. "One of the minor houses that owe fealty to Mivon has holdings that far to the north... hmm, which is it?"
"House Rullen, your lordship," Tellick interjects for the first time.
"Yes, that's it. House Rullen. Their lands are bounded by the Narlmarches, the Candlemere, and the Shrike, if I recall."
"There were reports of a hill giant causing problems near the Shrike, your lordship. I believe that has been dealt with."
"Right, right. Keep your homesteads north or east of the Shrike, or to the forest, and House Rullen should offer no dispute."
Selline seems pleased with the respect afforded him by the delegation's visit, and overall Bytor considers the mission a success. Indeed, he learns much about Mivon during the conversation. The city's politics are dominated by the so-called Houses in Exile---former Aldori swordlords of Brevoy who fled during Choral's Conquest more than two centuries ago, destroying or absorbing the bandit lords who previously ruled the city. Each of the thirty or so Houses maintain their own fiefs and forces, with a tenuous Aldori "meritocracy" that holds the city-state together. While Bytor senses that Selline (and his protégé, Tellick) are quite mercurial, and certainly not above an opportunistic land grab if the occasion presented itself, they likely have their hands quite full already with managing Mivon's internal politics.
Still, the Marchlands has no standing army whatsoever as of yet... perhaps the time is coming soon for that to change. Castle Redleaf is a safe refuge only if it has soldiers to man the walls.
Grand Diplomat Sneigsun returns to Duke Taranis and gives his report.
"We had tremendous success, Taranis. Indeed the visit proved quite illuminative. Apparently, Mivon's politics are dominated by the so-called Houses in Exile---former Aldori swordlords of Brevoy who fled during Choral's Conquest more than two centuries ago, destroying or absorbing the bandit lords who previously ruled the city. Each of the thirty or so Houses maintain their own fiefs and forces, with a tenuous Aldori "meritocracy" that holds the city-state together."
"Although I would not put it past Mayor Selline, and his protégé, Tellick, to take an opportunistic land grab if the occasion presented itself, they likely have their hands quite full already with managing Mivon's internal politics."
"I know you have many pressing matters to consider, and you are making great strides to bring about a peaceful, prosperous kingdom. With that being said, I fear that without a standing army, Castle Redleaf is the only safe refuge out there. My Duke, I am not suggesting conscription, but you will want to consider ways to grow the number of soldiers who can help secure your peaceable kingdom."
"I know you have many pressing matters to consider, and you are making great strides to bring about a peaceful, prosperous kingdom. With that being said, I fear that without a standing army, Castle Redleaf is the only safe refuge out there. My Duke, I am not suggesting conscription, but you will want to consider ways to grow the number of soldiers who can help secure your peaceable kingdom."
Unrak gives a lop-sided smile, and a small grunt. Brother, you leave this to ME. I'll need to know what kind of resources I can use, but yeah...I'll raise an army.
With plans starting to come together, the Huntsmen reconvene at the gates of Solasgaard on [color=teal]15th[/color], ready to push exploration further.
Retcon: before leaving, John asks around for a pair of Boots of Speed.
John is in fact confined to the boat by the Mivoni guards, and is not permitted even to set foot upon the dock. He passes his request to Bytor before the old man takes the delegation to the Mayor.
2 Medium Wondrous Items
Shoulders, Slotless
Sadly, Bytor has little luck seeking out such an expensive item.
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The Huntsmen strike south, hugging the eastern shore of the Tuskwater. Near sundown on [color=teal]16th Sarenith[/color], you return to where the Little Sellen flows into the Shrike as the larger river turns south towards Mivon. The rotted ferry docks that once made crossing here still stand empty.
You make camp on the riverbank. Unrak strokes his beard thoughtfully, gazing into the cookfire, then its embers, then the tapestry of stars crawling by the old posts by the water. A memory in his mind as he finally finds sleep.
Over the next four days, you proceed east along the Little Sellen, taking your time to map and explore the hills on either side of the river. Now and again, Taranis offers strange guidance and foresight about what you find over the next hill or around the next bend. Then again, he does seem to be spending more time meditating in the mornings...
Partway through the journey, you reach the hidden lair where you felled the mighty owlbear that once ravaged Solasgaard. The cave shows evidence of black bear droppings, suggesting that it was used for winter hibernation by the usual fauna, and is empty now. A day later, towards the end of the week, you return to an area marked "Leucrotta Territory" on your map. You keep in tighter formation as you explore, wary of the beasts tricks and ambushes. But there is no sign of the creature any longer; your chase must have scared it off to find fresher pastures.
You break your fast on [color=teal]21st Sarenith[/color] to debate your next move.
"Let us explore east a bit and then head home. I think it's time to expand our borders a bit."
The Huntsmen continue east along the Little Sellen River, charting out the hills that march on either bank. The work proceeds quickly enough that Duke Redleaf suggests pressing on, and before the end of the month you return to Solasgaard with the whole length of the Little Sellen mapped from where it joins the Shrike to where it is joined by Runoff Creek.
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare the Duke's modifiers (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check. If successful, reduce Unrest by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items:
Tatzylford Potion L2, CL3 Common Potion of Undetectable Alignment
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 3 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 5 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 5 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.
Tatzylford again sends representatives to court on [color=teal]1st Erastus[/color], this time to request funds to assist in building a library/schoolhouse to support the growing number of children among the town's swelling population.
Upkeep Phase Summary
Edict Phase Summary
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
NO EVENT
Income Phase Summary
Old Oleg reports booming revenue streams on all fronts!
As has become custom, the Huntsmen meet on [color=teal]8th Erastus[/color] to discuss their plans for the rest of the month.
Before leaving for a few weeks, The Duke delivers the spidersilk to the weaver.
During the meeting he says a few things, "Visiting another country has reminded me that we have a LOT of people to protect now. The Marchlands is home to more than twenty thousand, and we'll need to keep them safe. Unrak, brother, I think it's time for you to look into raising forces."
He looks over the map, "Our individual power grows, but we cannot yet travel like the wind. I suggest we stay close to home for the moment, perhaps exploring these lands." He points to Talon Peak and the unknown lands North.
Former Varnhold Territories
Hex 55: Visited
Hex 56: Visited
Hex 57: EXPLORED
Hex 58: EXPLORED
Hex 59: EXPLORED
Hex 64:
Hex 65: EXPLORED
Hex 66:
Hex 67: EXPLORED
Hex 68: EXPLORED
Hex 69: Visited
Hex 70: Visited
Hex 71:
Hex 72: Visited
Hex 73: Visited
Hex 74: ceded by the Nomen by treaty, but unexplored
Hex 75: EXPLORED
Hex 76: Visited
Hex 77: Visited
Delivering 50 square yards of spider silk to Chamaie the Weaver earns a beaming smile and a cloak of resistance +2 from her.
You have passed in sight of Talon Peak several times during your travels. The peak is known for its high, sheer cliffs near the summit, which is topped by a partially ruined tower, a remnant of an age long passed.
If you intend to scale the summit, you should be prepared for a difficult climb.
Ears of the city upon our return. Report back to Taranis.
Augrym overhears someone retelling a tale of being captured by a tribe of spriggans somewhere in the Tors, and a daring escape from their hideout that followed.
"Everyone, I strongly recommend buying a potion of Spider Climb. On arrival, once the climbing becomes difficult, I will cast a spell on all of us that should make the climbing easier. Keep the potion for a situation where I am incapacitated."
Bytor heeds the advice of the Duke and purchases 2 potions of Spider Climb.
Available
Unrak also finds potions of Spider Climb.
Delivering 50 square yards of spider silk to Chamaie the Weaver earns a beaming smile and a cloak of resistance +2 from her.
Unrak looks at his friends. I'd like this cloak. Any other takers? We can dice for it.
...Unrak, brother, I think it's time for you to look into raising forces.
Aye. Not sure if making me the official General is the best choice yet, but this, I can do. We're going to need a barracks once I get started.
Before you depart for the Tors, you each look back on the gates of Solasgaard and consider what you have built. It has been three years, almost to the day, since this city was founded. Even as the Duchy has grown, so too have your settlements. To the east, Varnhold has returned to life, even as it honors its dead. And to the west, Tatzylford has grown into a thriving village of its own. Across the whole of the Greenbelt, the Tors, and Dunsward, you have explored and mapped nearly 9,000 square miles of territory.
You have come far. How far will you go?
"I'd like this cloak. Any other takers? We can dice for it."
"Unrak, I will challenge you for it in a game of dice. To sweeten the pot, I will throw in my own Cloak of Resistance to the loser."
-300gp
-300gp
-450gp
On the first day of Erastus, the Fletcher household celebrates Erasten's eleventh birthday. It is a bittersweet celebration because Rekayla's memory hangs close to the Fletcher men. The youngest son finds his cheeks wet with tears a few times this day.
"I'd like this cloak. Any other takers? We can dice for it.""Unrak, I will challenge you for it in a game of dice. To sweeten the pot, I will throw in my own Cloak of Resistance to the loser."
DONE!