The boy sniffles and replies: "I wandered from the caravan we were with. My parents had packed everything up to move to some new city by a lake so that they could start over again. I'd never been outside a city before and I just wanted to explore a bit and I got lost."
Well, we'll have to find these parents of yours. King...do you happen to know where this caravan is? Perhaps it is already at the city. Th man shrugs, In any case, do not worry, boy. We will find your parents.
The king shakes his head. "My men just found the boy wandering through the forest, they never saw this caravan he came from."
Alexander shrugs, Fair enough. Well, now that we're allies, you'll have to come to the city some time. We'll have a celebration!
"Well, if nothing else, we'll take this boy back to Voranakholm. Perhaps his parents will be there."
As Alexander speaks of celebration, Finnegan says, "Shall I set my men to hunting proper game for a feast?"
Nummy num That sounds like a splendid idea.
perhaps Vorenkholm is where his parents were headed?
Eduard will cast Detect Magic and scrutinize the child just to be safe.
Alexander nods, Perhaps. Well, we should get back. He smiles and runs a hand through his hair, Yes, Mr. Rook, I think that's a fine idea!
Indeed. Chief, we will be sure to stay in touch with you.
After leaving the Lizardfolk with the child in tow, your group begins an eastern course through previously explored and cleared territory until you reach your city one again.
It doesn't take too long for you to match up the boy with the most recently arriving caravan of new settlers and before that day it out, he is happily reunited with his family.
Andrea buys a MW Longspear. I believe being in the second rank supporting Radomir would be a good move. As for our prison, we'll have to see if there are any miscreants that qualify. Drunkenness and petty disruption are fit for a few days in the local cells.
I should, perhaps, visit the local merchants and see if we can't unload most of this treasure we found. Is there anything in particular people wish to keep? He looks through the equipment they've gathered. I suggest we save the banner, these tokens, the potions and scrolls. Everything else seems worth selling. Andrea, are you sure you don't want that breastplate? It seems like you could fit it...with some work from a smith. Might be better than carrying around several different sets of lighter armor. He shrugs, But that certainly depends on how much you mind being weighed down, I suppose.
I am strong enough for the breastplate so I will take it.
Radomir shakes his head "no". My lord, I am well equipped, I think. But, please, allow me to come with you. We have made some enemies, of late. And I would not wish you to be unguarded.
"I shouldn't need any of those. Eduard, when we have the opportunity, I would like you to enchant my bow. A bit more of a hit wouldn't be bad."
Sliding the shimmering chain shirt over his head, Othniel smiles and nods. "I'm not usually much for armor, but I like this, actually. Think I'll hang on to it."
Looks good on you, Alexander says, with a smile. We should probably see to our duties for a short time, at least. As much as I like gallivanting around the forest, someone has to run the castle! Though I will have to stop by the market for something. Eduard, would you mind joining me? I'd like to speak to a mage about you learning a new spell.
Andrea prepares to get back to the business of counseling, having no other things to purchase oo make.
After divesting yourselves of excess baggage, you make your way to the castle and council chambers so that you may discuss with the other other councilors what you have discovered and what has been going on in your absence.
Oleg, Svetlana, Kesten, Jhod and Tartuk are awaiting you there, having already been informed by the town guard of your arrival.
"Welcome back my lords and lady, I hope that your explorations went well. You've come at just the right time to assist in coming up with a solution for a couple problems that have come up. First there have been reports of Forest Drakes down in the Narlmarches causing problems and a ferocious worg has been stalking the Kamelands."
"The most pressing concern though is one that has been striking too close to home. A few days ago, some livestock were brutally slaughtered in their pens at an outlying farm; then two people were killed as well—a maid named Saki, who never made it home after her shift at an inn, and a shepherd boy named Beven, who (along with his flock) was attacked on his way back to town. Both had been traveling alone, so there were no witness as to what occurred, but the nature of the attack make us think it was some kind of savage animal. So far we have managed to downplay these things as isolated incidents and have kept anyone from panicking. It would make attracting new settlers difficult if they thought they we wouldn't be able to protect them."
After Kesten has said his piece, Svetlana stands. "In a different bit of news, an envoy from Brevoy have arrives. They claim that they were sent here to establish an embassy to ensure that there will always be diplomatic relations between our two countries. We were waiting for a full council vote on whether to allow this and where to house the soon to be embassy section of town."
What do you think, Andrea? Seems like something you and Svetlana can work out, Alexander says, as he contemplates the people from Brevoy. An embassy would be welcome, I think, but you have more experience with these things than I.
The man frowns as he considers the other issues. Forest drakes and worgs? Sounds like something we'll have to look into once we're back out on the trail. But you are right, this local attack needs to be looked into. It might be best if all the lords look to take an interest in such matters. Though I trust that, Mr. Rook, you and Radomir can take the lead on this?
We found some allies out in the wilds. Lady Lilandria, a fae, and caretaker of an old elven tower. We have plans to renovate and I believe Othniel is planning on handling relations with her. We also met King Vesket, the lord of a village of lizard people. A strong but simple people. Tartuk, you should speak to Eduard about them. They have need of some counsel and education on mystical things. Or, at least, some advice.
Indeed, I would be pleased to receive the Envoy. Andrea contemplates arranging her miracles for maximum effect.This would happen eventually, so we could arrange for quarters to be constructed as the embassy
"I think Radomir and I could investigate. Where did each of these attacks occur?"
"Is there any chance this worg, or another of its kind, perhaps, could be responsible for the mystery attacks as well?" Othniel asks, frowning.
Alexander chuckles, That hadn't even occured to me, though when you say it, it seems the obvious question, no? He frowns in thought, scratching his chin. We've settled about half of the Kamelands and built farms over most of those hills. Perhaps the mites or kobolds have seen this worg. General Garess, he says as he turns back to the noble, Have these drakes, speaking of the other threat, caused Father Kavken any problems? Or any pilgrims, for that matter?
Kesten answers Othniel. "I have been to the site of the mystery attacks myself and I can say with certainty that there were no worg pawprints in the areas at all. Now, it is possible that the ground was simply too hard to hold any tracks, but we don't want to say for certain that the worg is to blame if we have no proof. It could make us miss the true culprit and lead to more deaths."
Kesten then addresses Alexander's questions. "The drake has not been seen near the actually shrine, but we do think that he is responsible for the attacks on two groups of pilgrims that had been heading towards the shrine all the way from Restov. We are assuming that the drake has moved in and claimed territory over an area that includes at least one of the trails to the shrine. This could effectively block any pilgrims traveling in either direction until it gets dealt with."
The attacks should be dealt with swiftly, I believe the drakes can wait.
Agreed. Tell the pilgrims to stay home for now. We'll clear out this drake, but these attacks need to be stopped. The sooner the better.
Eduard remains quiet, but writes notes on everything that is said.
"I think Radomir and I could investigate. Where did each of these attacks occur?"
Radomir nods, Aye, my lord. Let us investigate this while you see to matters of state.
"Othniel, Eduard, would either of you care to accompany Radomir and I to the sight of the attacks?"
Eduard chuckles softly, I'm not exactly the right person to investigate tracks at attack sites. My eyes aren't particularly keen and my survival skills are...lacking.
I'd like to accompany the two of you. I think Andrea can handle a few diplomats. As I said, I think it'd be good for the people to see as much interest in this as possible. He smiles as he continues, I too don't have the sharpest eyes, but I'm interested in seeing you both at work.
So myself and one other here to meet and greet? I would like backup if needed. Radomir's soldiers at minimum.
"I can go wherever is needed, whether to the site of the attacks, or staying here in the capital with Andrea."
Alexander frowns, No Andrea, you're right. My curiosity got the best of me as it often does. He chuckles in thought, It's probably best if I join you and speak with these representatives. Ah, well.
You certainly are quite the statesman.
Svetlana will lead you to the section of your castle that has been designated as a "guest suite" to be used by occasional visitors until you have the chance to build something better.
She politely knocks on the door and then opens it when someone from within calls out: "Enter."
Inside are three people, two male and one female. One of the males looks like a stereotypical swordlord and has what looks to be a very expensive rapier at his waist. The other male is an older gentleman, likely in his 50s with gray hair. The female is in her 20s, seated upon a chair, with a lute across her lap.
The older man moves forward to speak, smiling at the group. "Hello again Svetlana dear. Who have you brought to meet us this time?"
Kesten will lead you to an area a little ways outside of the city, taking you along a narrow footpath through a wooded area, finally coming to a stop beside a very large tree.
"This is the area where the young lady was savaged. If we were to continue on down this trail a short ways, we would come across several houses of settlers who raise various animals for market in our city."
"The lass had been working the closing shift at an inn inside town and been walking home alone in the dark. Not the safest thing in the world for her to have done, but I would like a city where doing such a thing would be as safe as doing it in the daylight."
Andrea dresses more formally than she usually does, a well made dress in red and black, just perfect for meeting dignitaries. Good day to you, I am Andrea, councilor to Alexander Orlovsky. I welcome you to our young kingdom.
Edit: Adding diplomacy to help Alex
Eduard sighs, I suppose mysteries do have...mystery...going for them. He will mount up and follow Kesten to the site.
Alexander strides into the room with a welcoming smile. And I am Alexander Orlovsky. Welcome. How was your trip? I hear you've come all the way from Brevoy.
Alexander continues to speak about idle things as long as the visitors wish to, asking about their trip, where they're from, and most importantly, who they are. Eventually, he'll move the conversation on to why they're here and what they want.
Othniel stands to the side and rear of his lord, not quite looking bored, but certainly not looking worried either. His Aldori blade is sheathed, but he's careful to stand so that the rapier-wielding man can see it.
Finnegan kneels down on the ground, examining the area for signs of what may have attacked the girl.
The older man speaks: "We are of the House Lebeda. My name is Larson, this is my nephew Hern and my niece Honoria. Now, those of you who have heard of our house, know that were have quite the reputation as merchants. With your fledgling country building up, we thought that we would get in on the ground floor for trade rights and negotiations."
Finnegan takes time, carefully examining the scenes of the attack and discovers something interesting. Despite the claim that the young lady left the inn alone, by the time that she had reached this point, someone was walking right beside her. What is most disturbing, is that by the time they reached the scene of the attack, the larger (likely male) footprints began to slightly change, appearing to get a little larger and gaining toeclaws. The only prints that lead away from the scene of the attack appear to be a canine of some sort, perhaps a wolf or large dog.
Finnegan walks the tracks carefully, examining them. "Look here. It appears that someone, probably a man, joined the lady in walking with her prior to the attack. And see, as you follow them to where the attack took place, the footsteps begin to change. They are getting larger and appear to be gaining toe claws. The tracks that lead away belong to either dog or a large wolf. Lends credence to the theory the worg might be involved, although the way those prints appeared to change..."
Grimacing, Finnegan turns to the others who are with him. "We're looking for a werewolf - a man who turns into a fearsome wolf, typically in the full moon. This isn't something we can handle on our own. We'll need everyone to handle this beast."
I believe we would be amiable to discussing terms and services rendered. We will soon have need for more building materials for example.