What will happen to our young band of adventures?
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The large crowd mumbled and murmured inside the largest cavern as Jalel, a fair skinned, very good looking, tall, long blonde haired, green eyed young man stood before and a few feet above them, upon a makeshift wooden stage. A stage that was made for other important speakers that are now past.
He wore sturdy leather breeches, a good belt with a dagger attached, dark shirt, well worn but well maintained boots and leather armor all of which has been stained to darken the color and not catch light. Covering him is his cloak and he also carries a pack filled with other supplies.
He stood there confidently ready to make known why he deserved to be the next duke. A small but confident smile crossed his face as he began to speak...
Brennus scratched the hair over his chin, as he looked out at the crowd gathered in the cavern. He sat in an old wooden chair, in front of the side passage that led to his workshop.
This is best, he thought, let the people decide who will lead them, history's burden should not fall on blood this day.
He took up a stave harvested from the root of an old ash tree, and set it against the inside of his foot. Wood was rare these days, but the hunters still needed armament and the stave would make for a sturdy short-bow. Longbows were scarce, and Brennus found little cause to use his own; the cave rats weren't worth the wood.
He unsheathed his draw-knife and began to work his craft as Jalal stepped forward.
Tagolan, having traveled back to prepare to check the mists, saw a bunch of people gathering in a crowd, and his curiosity got the best of him.
He heard mentions of a duke, and ad to ask what that meant.
A new leader he thought Hmmm I should pay very close attention to this.
__ .... ._ _. _._ ...
"I thank you all for coming and for giving me this opportunity to address you directly. While we all know that this is far from a happy occasion, it is one, I believe, that was destined to show our strength of will as we carry on and not fall to the waves of despair that have pulled at us for these last fifteen years.
Some of you may think this moment is synonymous with a beginning, others an ending. You are all correct. This," he said, holding out his arms.
"Our time underground, has been an interlude, a transition between our old ways of life and what we will become. Though there are not so many as when we started, know that you are enough. You are resilient, capable, smart, and talented. If we have survived, then I know that others have survived in the world too. We will rebuild our city together, but more than that, we will thrive.
I was inspired by the old Duke's openness regarding other races, as some of you who are with us today can testify. Through his wisdom we saw a change in midst of the Giants attacks upon civilization. A united front of races that were, for a time, able to hold back the Giants. Sadly this did not last." He sighed.
"But it was the old worlds ways which held them back. Though the idea of a coalition came about when it became apparent that none could stand against the threat alone, the old nations were too separated in their own ideals. Who received the most defenders was more important, the forces began to fracture and then things fell apart.
It will be different this time!" Jalel said fiercely, emphasizing his point with a clenched hand.
"We will be the beginnings for a new foundation, and we will form a new nation, one in we will incorporate others from the start. In which we will be able to stand together and face the threats that the Giants pose.
Look at how much is at stake, we who are alive today have the opportunity to live the most meaningful lives ever. You are the seeds of a new beginning, and under my care we will see our future flourish!
He stood for a moment gazing out at all of the faces of the people in front of him. Then he stood up straighter and waited.
Some of the crowd shifted and stared at one another some nodded in agreement to Jalel's words. A few women even applauded but quickly stopped as they were nudged irritably by their neighbors. Some of the boys pointed a guffawed in Jalel's direction and jokes about his gender could be heard. But again were silenced by angry stares from folks around them, especially the once applauding women. But Jalel made no indication he was aware of any of this. He just stood quietly waiting for whatever the crowd may bring.
"But what if the fog never lifts? What if we are stuck down here forever? How can you improve our lives the way things are now?" Asks a red headed girl of nineteen or twenty. Her serious brown eyes looking into Jalel's.
Tagolan looks at the girl. It can't be. Not after so long.
Tagolan looks at Jalel. Whats your plan. How will we survive?! How can the bold prove themselves?! You speak of great things, but Not of necessary things like military and farming. Hunting and gathering. Why should you lead if you forgo these things?
Its been fifteen years, there must be other survivors, and the Giants could still be around. What does a single leader have compared to a general or Warlord. If you had one of those maybe you'd stand a chance. Your idea's are good, but you lack substance.
Tagolan will look down, embarrassed to have said so much.
The Red headed girl named Emily, Tagolan recalls. Looks at him briefly than back at Jalel. The folks nearest Tagolan look at him with mild surprise, then go back to looking at Jalel for his response.
Jalel looks contemplatively at both the questioners for having spoken out to him.
Both of you of course, bring up strong points. First I will answer your question. But I admit you may not care for the answer.
Unfortunately, we currently lack the power to alter the fog as it is now. Whether we are stuck down here forever is a question for time alone to answer. The fogs came suddenly, and even after fifteen years they have not dissipated. Duke Fitzgerald was a man of resources, I believe he knew more about what was to happen here than even we do now.
"As for you," he said nodding toward Tagolan, "You ask how the bold might prove themselves... whether or not we might have military matters to contend with. Well first off, I did not speak of things like this as those were things I would have spoke of after our speakings and elections were over. But since you brought it to the front, what numbers for an army do you think we have? What is a war lord or a general to do without men and women at his beck and call? We are too few for such overt military action.
I won't have us throwing our lives at dangerous raids in some ill conceived attempt to gain enough supplies to live another week or two. No we need order and self sufficiency at first. If there are other survivors they are likely needing stability as well. I will do so as civilized individuals. Not as some barbaric culture of crude warriors."
Some of the crowd murmured in agreement. Others looked unsure.
Arriving just after Jalel began his speech, Lershoth swishes his tail back and forth while directing a piercing gaze upon Jalel.
After the crowd quiets slightly he takes up an opportunity to address Jalel, stuttering over the first couple of words before composing himself.
"You, you speak of fine things that you do, words that might invoke courage in the hearts of some. But courage is not enough. We need plans of action, what good is it for us if the fogs do lift and we about ground to find the Giants everywhere..."
At the mention of the Giants his tail starts to swish even more vigorously.
..."what good are fancy words if, like Tagolan stated, we do not have the proper strategies and contingencies in place for such basic things as farming?
And as the girl asked, what if the fogs never lift? We have been down here for 15 years, as far as I've been able to tell, any conceivable strategy to remove them has failed, we need to plan not only for the "if" but the "if not" as well. Whatever Duke Fitzgerald planned, we can not leave our lives on faith alone, we can not afford to continue under the conditions that we have been, resources are low and disease is still a problem.
We need solutions, and fresh ideas, as well as someone who is willing to push those ideas through. You want us to follow you and you promise those plans will come, but why should we?"
Tagolan finds himself nodding along to the Tieflings logic.
A few folks nearest Lershoth moved a few more feet away from him. A lot of the crowd gave him a cold stare. But even so A fair few seemed to mumble in agreement with his words. Some even nodded along with Tagolan.
Jalel nodded in an almost thoughtful and pleasant reverie at the statements of farming.
"Ah yes, well you see during my time under here I have come to understand some things about plants that live underground. Unfortunately I have only recently made such discoveries, else I would have brought my findings to light much sooner. I had thought initially that plants could not hope to thrive in such a dingy environment. But it seems that I am able to grow them with even the light granted me through the use of my arcane talents... with enough perseverance."
He demonstrates his ability to actually cast the light spell.
"With the use of arcane talents such as this, we can achieve something I was not sure we could. Duke Fitzgerald had certainly given us enough seeds to use, presumably for when we left these caves and saw daylight once more. But no I know now that with the proper cultivation of these plants we will be able to become self sufficient once more underground.
Disease is part of our problem in so much that our intake of proper nutrients has been hampered by decreasing levels of diverse foods and reliance upon the feasting of vermin. Once you begin to eat things like vegetables and fruits again, there should be a fairly remarkable drop on the disease rates. Also unto that nature, the complete lack of real sunlight we have been living with slowly weakens us every day, I cannot guarantee that that arcane lights will offset this problem entirely but it should slow it down some.
He paused, taking in a deep breath. "To that end, I must ask you all... how many of you have the talent for the Arcane arts? There is no room for deceit here any more. If some of your concerns about us staying below ground forever prove to be true, then our survival is dependent upon how many of us can do things like myself. If you fear your friends and loved ones will shun you for such power, then I ask you to set those feelings aside and step forward."
From her vantage-point at the back of the cavern Rodia smirks, impressed by this "Jalel"'s witty play. Revealing this any other time and few would have remembered it was his idea, but here? Here it would stick in their minds as they considered candidates for duke.
Rodia snaps her fingers, and places her own light next to Jalel's as she begins to walk towards the makeshift stage. This plan of yours has potential, but it will not work with only two. She stares at the crowd, her eyes meeting those of each of its members as she says it. Not all casters are born, even if you have no power I can teach the willing. It will take time, it will be hard and you will probably fail. But we need you to try.
As some of the crowd looks hesitant at Rodia's words, with a few looking willing. A bell dings off to the left of the stage. *DING DING* A young man with short black hair and a simple white tunic holding a small wooden mallet. He sits behind a small desk with a simple bell sitting on top of it. He then calls in a clear voice " That is the end of Jalel's election speech. Candidate Benny, please step onto the stage."
Many of the crowd applaud lightly as Jalel steps of the stage, while the clapping women from earlier cheer and applaud loudly. The noise dies the instant that Benny steps on stage.
Most of the crowd becomes cold and waits to see what the goblin could possibly have to offer.
As Jalel steps off the stage, he gives a slight nod in Rodia's direction.
Hmm... That went better than I had planned. I'll have to keep a close eye on that one.
Tagolan watched as the Sorcerer left and a goblin arrived on stage. He smiled a bit when he saw it. He also scanned the crowd for the woman who had spoken up, and nodded when he saw her.
This is going to be interesting, he thought.
"Okay, Benny is here with big plan for chief spot. We'll need rules, a good number of rules. Benny has worked out several of the rules, like not killing without cause and no stealing. Big, important rules to live by if we are to rise above what we have become down here."
Benny makes a sweeping gesture at everyone before continuing, "We'll need a good military and Benny wants everyone to enlist for a time. Lots of choices between guards, rangers, and benny's personal favorite, cavalry. It'll take some work to get it running, but Benny has faith in everyone. Benny also knows food will be a problem when we rise back up, and i've come up with a solution in the form of the rangers, our mobile force and outreaching hunters. We can use the secrets of blackpowder to our advantage and lead us to a time of prosperity where we can hunt the giants!" Benny raises his musket with both hands and lets out a cheer with it.
"This moves on to Benny's third point, the necessity of the community and working together. We'll need the help of everyone to get a stable farming community and economy running. We'll need blacksmiths, animal tamers, farmers, leatherworkers and more. Benny knows we can do this, we're inventive and clever. Let's be like goblins and be impossible to wipe out with our stubborn resolve!"
Benny gives a small bow when he finishes and looks at the crowd, "Questions for Benny?"
Tagolan was speechless. Benny certainly didn't have skill with fancy words, but Benny's Plan was something he could agree with.
How do you plan to get this started? I like the plan, it gives everyone a place. But it seems to me that you would need people to represent each group, like the leather workers and the farmers. Who would represent them? Who would lead your army? Would you have use for anyone with Diplomatic skills? How would you deal with strife? How would you start the economy? Tagolan stopped to take a breath. Even as he asked the questions, he could see this little Goblin being successful with help.
Also, what place would people like me have? Some of us happen to be shunned, or live on the outskirts, yet have developed certain skills. What use would we be to you?
"Benny is open to people applying to represent the various factions. Benny's army would be lead by someone who shows all the qualities of leadership and tactics. Diplomacy is always important to avoid unnecessary conflict. Strife would be dealt with on a case by case basis as everyone deserves to have their voice heard by Benny. The economy will mostly handle itself, with the people setting up what they believe to be fair prices for their various skills."
Benny offered a smile at the last question, "You're the same as everyone else. You may look different, but you want what's best for our little community and Benny supports that. Benny would have you all do what you're best at so you can shine and show everyone how wonderful you are."
"Cavalry?" Brennus lays the draw-knife upon his lap and points a half-curled, upturned finger at the goblin, "Do you suppose the mists will part at your bidding and produce horses and saddles upon which we will ride against the denizens left above? We have passed the time for the fantasies of power. Our resources are dwindling, a decade from now we will be little better than the rats and roaches that dwell in the dark. We must make plans for the present, our focus must be in the now."
"Benny doesn't expect anything to change based on my whim. It'll be a tough road ahead and Benny is prepared for it. The idea of a cavalry is that of a dream, something to aspire for. There are no beasts in the underground that would carry a goblin, much less a man. Benny knows that a cavalry is a dream, but without a dream, what can we head towards. Don't you dream of a time when we'll be free of the mists and this cave? Dreams are important to a people whose resources our so low. We must be prepared for a better tomorrow, even if we have to pry that tomorrow from the cold hands of fate. We will escape the mists, even if Benny has to go outside himself and deal with it!"
Jalel stood off to the side of the room watching Benny. Contemplative.
What an unusually insightful thought process. Stirring the hearts of the people by making them seek out their own innate talents of self-worth and reminding them to reach for dreams of a better future. Not the most practical stance of course, but certainly wide with implications. Were we in better circumstances, I could almost be inclined to agree with some of what he says. He is brave though, foolhardy, but brave. I doubt even I could withstand those mists for very long.
But really, what is he thinking? Me... in the military? Preposterous.
Who will train the Rangers and Hunters? I know of only two people who can train them fully, and I doubt people would be happy with me training them. That leaves one person, but if that person can't do you have a back up? Tagolan asks, concerned about the community's food supply.
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Brennus waves off the conversation with Benny, "Do what thou wilt dreamer. May thy foolishness doom only thyself."
Tagolan, who has been enjoying the speech, and the one before it, gets annoyed by the Human insulting Benny, and decides to kick him in the back, not enough to hurt, but enough to move him out of the way.
But his boot just hits Brennus in the back.
All plans have issues fool. At least Benny is trying to improve the lives of everyone.
"Benny can teach most people how to survive in the wild, and about proper gun use. If no one else rises to accept the training from you, then they will not eat. If you don't work, you don't eat. Benny feels this is very simple and effective. Everyone is capable of some job, so they should do that job. Benny will work with every person to find there talents if I have to."
Having remained silent for a while, observing the discussions that have been unfolding, Lershoth speaks up again.
First addressing Tagolan
"Were all down here together, the last thing we need is to start insulting each other's ideas."
Turning to Brennus
"Though, I think it is fair that however unlikely it may seem sometimes inspiration for a great idea comes from the least likely places."
Turning to Benny
"That being said, I do agree that idealism will only carry us so far. Perhaps it is necessary to kinder the spirits of others, I don't know, but it's not going to be enough on it's own.
Also, I've seen you use that musket of yours, how many times have you almost blown yourself up?"
Lershoth winces slightly. Not that I haven't done the same thing myself many times over messing around with Alchemy.
"I'm not saying they aren't effective, but that's a lot of risk to put on any troops me may have. Though you at least seem to have some idea of what sort of actions we might take."
Lershoth starts to say something more, stumbles over his words, and then remains quiet.
"Guns are for the willing, bows and swords for the rest. Benny will not force a fighting style on someone who doesn't want it, but everyone needs to understand the basics of defending themselves."
Benny nods sagely, Everyone can fight if they need to, I just have to inspire them to fight for what's right.
The crowd seems to be slightly warmer towards Benny now. Some are even nodding in agreement. Then a twenty something year old with short blonde hair calls out to the crowd irritably "Yes, yes. But we would still be under the rule of a filth eating goblin! Wake up people! As soon as we make any real progress this thing!" He points angrily at Benny. "Will burn it to the ground! Not to mention a matter of self respect! If we do get out of here, no one will take a city ruled by a goblin seriously! Why are we even letting a goblin run? It feels like a bad joke to me."
He then stared with his blue eyes narrowed at Benny. The crowd then starts to talk amongst itself animatedly. Many agreed with the blonde. Others argued that the rules stated all that wish to run will be given a fair chance. The arguments became heated.
The sound of wood hitting wood echoed throughout the cavern. "Order! Order! Everyone settle down!" The man with the mallet said as he banged it upon the desk two more times.
Finally after a few moments, the crowd cooled down. Though folks were still giving each other the stink eye.
Talirin almost goes for his blades when the Hobgoblin kicks the man in his back...the slender cat was no fan of Bully's.
He moved up between Brennus and Tagolan in his silent, but predatory manner.
We should focus of those who wish to lead, not each others opinions.
Fair words Benny, and Jalel. I care little for who would lead, as long as they are capable. Whomever is to lead, I will help them as I have done so in the past for the group...hunting and scouting.
"Benny is goblin, yes. You are human, yes. But is it that I look like a goblin that you say such mean things? I certainly don't feel like a goblin. I was raised with as much of a human upbringing as any of you. Unlike any of you, though, I was raised to deal with the mist, and so i'm going to honor my adoptive father and take care of it, whether you choose me as chief or not. Benny will show you not to judge someone merely on their race, but on the merits of their person. There will be true understanding under my rule and we will enter a new age of prosperity."
"How will you deal with the mist? It is completely toxic. Even if you have built up a small tolerance what good does that do the rest of us?" The blonde from earlier demands.
"Benny doesn't know how we're going to solve this, but we're not going to manage it if we attack someone's ideas just because he's different! Benny will work with everyone he can to clear as much mist as possible, and if we discover a way to remove it, then everyone wins. If Benny does have some measure of mist immunity, then that means all the more supplies that can be brought in from outside. Benny would be able to help far more than just by hunting the rats and lizards down here."
Brennus stands and glowers at Tagolan over Talirin's shoulder. "Do that again...and you can find yourself another bow-maker Tagolan."
Tagolan growls, but backs down.
He looks at the crowd. His hands tighten into fists and winces as his claws cut at his hands.
Brennus, sorry I let my anger get the best of me. But this prejudice is ridiculous. No one seemed to complain about Jalel's race. Its a pity our old duke died to protect these people, who can't seem to figure out they can't simply draw race lines or they will die. The old duke died for nothing. Its pitiful to look at what you have become!
Hopefully this works.
"What I've become!?!" Brennus' face darkens, "I have denied not a single man or woman, goblin or otherwise. Benny's plan is foolishness! And I would gainsay any other creature that brought it forward, even if he be one of the gods themselves!"
Not you. Them. These sheep.