"Greetings to you Oskar. I am Ong'rag. I have no questions at this time. I stand ready to depart and bring order to the land." Ong'rag almost forgets to leave off the "For the glory of the Iron Empire!" at the end of that sentence!
He straightens the Nodachi on his back and adjusts the ropes on his armor. "When do we leave?"
A-after we speak with the lord high treasurer, I p-presume. Oskar, can you a-arrange a meeting with Count Reginald?
Sylas seems momentarily puzzled by Oskar's question, "Nearly everything my good man! We shall need good maps of the region. Much of the Vollyr Plains is still in chaos after the war, aside from what remains of Daelsend itself, how much of the region is secure at the moment? What other imperial presence is there aside from us? We have a garrison stationed at Shapedstone, yes? What of other reaches of the border with Lochlannoch? What of inside the borders, men to uphold the peace, I'm to understand it's just us yes? How many settlers are with the caravan?"
The tiefling pauses for breath before rattling off more questions, "What level of involvement will the crown have? Will we be able to call for aid should the situation arise? Whom will be our contact in the court, you? Will we have any others of note traveling with us, aside from Theodor...provided he returns?"
"I will get you maps, at least as good as we have of the region. My understanding of the situation is that we still have a few army units stationed at Shapedstone, but I think the plan is to rotate those troops home soon. General Alfonz could tell you more. The observation forts along the old border are ruined, but not really needed now."
At the mention of Theodor, he pauses, staring a bit at each of you. You can tell he's weighing how much to tell. A decision reached, "I think most of you have already figured out this is something of a test, a challenge. The king needs someone to claim and organize the Voyllr plains. Giving the charge to any of the surviving noble houses would likely lead to civll war. Count Patrick and Theodor thought this task would fall to them; they will be watching for signs of failure and will likely try to cast your efforts in poor light." He glances at Saturday. "But removing him would also have dangerous consequences. My father believes you are the best chance of success in this matter, and I believe he is ready to assist in ways that the crown may not be able. At minimum, I'm fairly sure you could request additional guards both for the caravan and later for the town, through him."
"There are no others of rank scheduled to travel with you, aside from Theodor; and you can be sure he will return. I don't think he would be rash enough to leave ahead of you. I think the initial caravan is roughly 50 able bodied adults -- families are due to follow in a month or so. If you want additional people, I might be able to encourage some younger sons of the minor nobility, or bastards, to volunteer. I actually wish I could join you. For all the superstitions and history, I think there's more possibility in the Voyllr plains than here. For now I'm your contact with the court. As long as that remains, my father should be able to grant some aid, even when the crown will not."
"I will return shortly with maps, and find out when you can meet with the Lord High Treasurer"
Jason hadn't paid much attention to Ong'rag before, but now he closer look. Hmm, something about him stikes on the familiar. I'll have to talk to him later. Turning to the others, he asked, "What is my role in all of this? I am but a simple soldier, I do not have a grasp on how to run, well, anything outside of a small military unit."
Sylas vigorously takes down all the information provided by Oskar, looking up as he makes to leave, "Excellent, we shall also want to have a talk with your father before departing. It seems the two of you have done much for us already but we shall require even more in the coming months."
He turns his black eyed gaze on Jason, "Yes, yes, this must all seem rather beyond your limited scope. As luck would have it though, it seems we may well have little more than a small military unit to look after initially. I'm sure you'll have the lot of them whipped into shape and saluting in short order."
Jason's chest puffed a little with pride, "Those strong enough to pass my training regimen will certainly be a force to be reckoned with."
Sylas looks at the other tiefling warily, "...such ideas can certainly be taken under advisement. An official temple to your lady...may well take some time however I'm certain bordellos can be seen to more immediately. As long as they are sanctioned, regulated and taxed, such trade should provide a boon to our economy."
Oskar comes make into the room. "Here's one of the maps of the region. Sadly this cartographer is known for *ahem* artistic maps, rather than strictly factual. However it should show the major landmarks and terrain featured. I have scribes searching for some of the maps the army's scout's made, those should be more truthful. The map lacks a scale, but I beleive the Voyllr plains are roughly 600 miles long and 80 miles deep."
"The Lord high Treasurer can meet with you in two hours; my father could re-arrange things to see you now if that's desired, but he was keeping time open for you later this afternoon. I'm not sure if his advice is more useful now to get you started, or later after you've met some of the others."
Sylas studies the map briefly, "It's a start. Knowledge is the key to success, we can make use of your father's before we talk to the others. He can help us identify those it behooves us most to meet with before departing at the very least. While we meet with your father, you should also set up a meeting with Theodor's father. I can only hope the apple fell a good distance from the tree in this case."
Oskar leads you all from your planning room down a chain of hallways deeper into one of the wings of the castle. Like all the primary hallways, these corridors are all un-adorned. However unlike the paths you walked before you cal tell these aren't as well tended, instead of lamps and lanterns there are sooty torches, and while the floor is swept clean you can see small piles of ash in the corners.
The servants here move efficiently, with signs of stress, yet generally appearing happy.
As Oskar approaches a door at the end of the hallway, another servant hustles out; seeing who is behind Oskar, he says "He's ready for you all, m'lords."
The room is very similar to your planning room. A few lamps, a desk, and a large table. Piles of parchment are all over the room. Duke Marcus stands as you walk in, and looks tired.
"Please, please come in. Take a seat." He sinks heavily into his chair. "What can I tell you? The sooner you're ready to leave for Voylrr the better for the province and the safer you'll be. I know its a tall order, but I think you're capable of it."
"What do you mean the safer we'll be?" Jason asked while taking up a position that was the most defensible.
"With the end of the war, all the old squabbles are starting back up. Troubled succession for some of the nobles houses. Everyone knows about the fabled wealth of the Voyllr plains; and while many are too scared of the supposed 'curse' to brave it themselves, they'd happily interfere with those brave enough to try. Most of the malcontents are lazy oafs and for them out of sight is out of mind. I know Count Patrick and Theodor are unahppy, but they're smart enough to know if they let you do most of the work, it benefits them in the long run if you fail, so I think they won't hinder you outright. I'd keep your eyes out for minor nobles... any baron who offers to help or to send his sons...."
Sylas inclines his head, "Duly noted. Now lets get the obvious questions out of the way. What do you hope to gain by backing this endeavor? and secondly, why do you believe we six are the ones to give it to you?"
"That's a very direct question, young man.... but it deserves an answer. My family, along with the king's, created and unified this kingdom. As part of a compromise between the other then-independent nobles, my family renounced all claims to the throne in favor of the king's. Honestly I'm not sure why they were worried about my grandfather and my family, but that's the past. But as a result we've had an extremely privileged adviser of the king role, as we're seen as more invested in the welfare of the kingdom. There's no assurances that a new ruling family would treat us as well. So my primary interest is the protection of the kingdom."
"This war has drained us. We need to rebuild and repopulate. The crumbling remains of the empire to the south may start lashing out and we need a strong southern defense as well. The east and west are less understood. The western elves have generally left us along, but we're seeing increased 'pranks' along that border that we assume reflect a growing distrust of us by them.... And the east... none who have been sent east have ever returned... Something is there, something strong, but something that has never shown itself."
"We need the north secure, but we also need to king's and kingdom's attention here at the heart, rebuilding our ability to respond anywhere. An independent force, answerable only to the king, seems like the best approach. I also feel we need to the king focused on growth and protection, rather than revenge."
"As to why you.... I'm actually less sure you're the right six than I've said in public. But we can't trust the major and minor nobles with this task. You're all deserving of some reward and I saw the king was beginning to be fearful of your popularity with the people. Yes, even you Saturday are becoming a folk hero, after all you saw justice done to many who they thought had escaped it. Getting all of you away from the center of the kingdom and busy assisting the kingdom should help the king remember the good and stop resenting your popularity. I believe it will make him a better king."
"Finally, I know my son craves adventure. I know he's wasted here in the castle as a under-steward, but again the politics of the other nobles has made anything more exciting inadvisable. I'm hoping that once matters have calmed here, and you've begun settling the plains that there be a place for him to continuing to learn about the proper administration of a kingdom in a more 'exciting' setting."
I can't speak for the other splinter kingdoms in the south, but I know Pastar wouldn't bother with a weakened kingdom. Jason thought to himself.
Ong'rag cracks a stoic smile. None who went east ever returned. If that was true they either were'nt strong enough and were killed, or they witnessed the glory of the Iron Empire and decided to stay there.
"To the east lies my lands." he says with a hint of pride and perhaps a touch of homesickness. "The Iron Empire, massive and powerful, a land of warriors and artisans. Ruled by powerful warlord nobles and home to a people of fierce heart and strong backs. If this nation or any other becomes a threat to them, they will be destroyed without mercy, but for now, many of the warlords spend time fighting against one another for honor and glory or the favor of the Shogun."
Sylas raises a scaled brow, "Jealous, really? Now if only the vaunted academia could be made to follow suit. Still, I'm inclined to believe you. This posting is more to keep us out of the way than anything. Still it's a greater opportunity than we could have hoped for. A chance to accomplish something worthy of real recognition. I suppose we can work to put your fears of the north to rest, Duke."
He moves over to the table, setting down the parchment he took from the planning room, "If your son is to join us we'll need what assistance you can provide. To that end, who of the other notables would you prioritize meeting with before our departure? As I'm sure you know we have a meeting with the Lord Treasurer shortly, do you think there is anything we could expect as to additional support from the crown itself?"
"I wish I could tell you to just ignore the lot of them, but that's probably short-sighted of me. The Lord Treasurer is going to be important.... he's likely speak a lot, make hollow promises, and later demands much. Once you're established, he's the one who's going to be requesting 'taxes' and resources in the Kings name. and if I know him, he'll keep increasing the demands. Honestly I think he'll be the hardest to placate and I don't have much advice for dealing with him.
"For others, the Lord General's knowledge could prove useful, and if you get on his good side he might 'forgot' and leave some extra troops garrisoning the fort and town for you. You can probably enlist his aid by being respectful, acknowledging that you're in a little over your head, but determined to succeed -- the talented junior officer he decides to take under his mentoring so to speak.
"If you're the superstitious type, you might want to meet with the Magister, though I personally discount all such rubbish about the region. Still he's a learned man, often eccentric and no one can predict his moods or desires.
"The other dukes... I doubt they'd have anything to add, aside from trying to inject an agent into your group."
"What type of extra support were you hoping to get from the crown?"
Perhaps I should speak to the Lord General, one soldier to another. Jason mused in his mind as the noble chatted away.
Sylas shrugs, "I'm unsure what I might expect if the lord treasurer is as uncooperative as you say. Otherwise your advice is very helpful. It would seem we still have several meetings ahead of us. I'm afraid we really should be going."
He turns black eyes on Oskar, "It seems we will need to arrange meetings with the Lord General and the Magister as well. With time of the essence feel free to double book us. A division of labor might be prudent at this point."
Turning to Saturday: "Most of the commoners and nobles feel the Voyllr plains are cursed due to how often the area gets overrun. There appear to be numerous ruins suggesting that earlier civilizations have had similar failures in this area. Personally, I think its just that the area is so rich in natural resources that people fight over it."
Oskar says "Its time for the meeting with the Treasurer. While you discuss matters with him I'll setup the meetings with the other two."
Oskar leads you back through the castle, back into areas that appear better kept. The passageways by the Lord Treasurer actually look more maintained than the area by the king's audience chamber.
Oskar shows you in, then heads off to setup your other appointments.
The Lord Treasurer is well dressed and the furnishings in his room are richer and softer than those you've seen in other places of the palace. He's sitting as you enter.
"The heroes of the Voyllr Plains! Its so good of you to see me before you head to your claim. I'm sure you're develop the land and start a steady flow of resources back to us. Our iron mines are beginning to become harder to extract ore from, and of course precious metals are always useful. Now what in particular did you want to ask me about?"
Sylas inclines his head to the Lord Treasurer, "Predominantly I was hoping to ask you about those very resources you mention. The crown has been generous to us and I wish to understand what is expected in return? We will throw ourselves into the task of developing the Vollyr Plains but such an endeavor will take time, the region is dangerously destabilized. We need to know how much of a return the crown is expecting from our developments and how soon so we might plan accordingly."
"In the first year, we'd like to see a *ahem* token amount of resources coming back -- mainly samples of what you're finding so we can prioritize future requests. The Voyllr forests are filled with many old trees of species we don't have here. Some may make ideal masts, others may have intrinsic beauty. Our craftsmen are eager to see what's possible. We have less interest in furs and such, but new dyes are always valuable and cheap to ship. Any ore would be useful as well. In later years we'd like to see a steady flow of raw or rough materials."
You talk for a while longer, trying to get more details out of him. He won't be pinned down on exact quantities, you can tell he wants to reserve the right to increase his demands if production goes well and so is unwilling to give you a minimum number to shoot for.
Sylas seems mildly annoyed, "One would think the success of production would be best judged by those overseeing it directly. Still, I'm sure we can come to a reasonable agreement when the time comes. Thank you for seeing us, it has been...enlightening."
He glances at the others, before turning back to the Lord Treasurer, "Unless there are any other questions I believe we should be on our way. Still much to do before we depart."
Thank you for y-your time Lord Treasurer. It has been a p-pleasure.
Adding to the others, I t-think we should make a-acquaintance with Lord General Alfonz, having the a-army on your side is im-imperative for any administration! And we have a handy c-contingent of soldiers to i-impress him. Willem gives a slight smile towards the collection of warriors.
Ong'rag bows slightly to the Lord Treasurer, and agrees with Willem, "Yes let us meet this leader of warriors." his face is stern. "I would take his measure."
Sylas nods distractedly to the others, his attention lost in all the considerations, "Indeed, Oskar should be back from making the arrangements shortly."
As would I. Jason thought to himself.
Oskar returns with another individual, dressed in well-kept hardened leather armor and bright helm. Oskar nods at the new person, "This is Lieutenant Aldonfuns; he'll take those of you who wish to speak with the General to the training grounds. I can lead those who want to speak with the Magister. Both groups will be returned to the original planning room afterwards where food will be provided. It is hoped you'll have the information you need to finish your preparations and perhaps be ready to ride in the morning."[/b]
As you pass through the training grounds you see small and large squads training -- large squads with headless pikes learning to march and small squads training with short swords in formation under the eyes of leathery arm-masters. A pair of guards, clad in chain and holding spears stand outside the headquarter's building and wave you in.
General Alfonz, stands before a large map of the kingdom affixed to the wall, wearing well worn plate. His red cape of office is draped over a nearby chair, along with his helm.
"So, you're the ones the king has decided to send north to secure Voyllr. You look like strong no-nonsense types, jus what we need there. We have a small force at Shapedstone, need to rotate them home soon, but will replace them with another group for at least two seasons. Would prefer to garrison the pass with local recruits, I can probably spare some officers to help train at some point, once you have a suitable set of recruits. Probably need you to scout more completely along the mountain range to see if there's other passes Lochlannaicians could sneak through. You can probably tear down the river border forts for stone at some point."
"What else were you wanting to know?"
Oskar leads you back through the cooridors, staying within the better appointments ones, but leaving the extra luxury. The 'decorations' start to become more and more esoteric, large animal skulls, melted and fused lumps of metal and crystal, faded and burned maps. Oskar looks a little less confident in this section of the castle.
He leads up up two sets of stairs in one of the corner towers, before reaching a large iron door. He knocks on the door with the hilt of his dagger.
A muffled voice wearily commands "yes, yes, come in". Oskar pushes the doors open and gestures you to enter, but remains outside.
Inside is the jumbled mess of books, scrolls. On a side table you see a collection of balls on wire arms. More skulls, candles, and preserved animals in jars than you've ever seen before.
The robed man from the earlier interview stands there, looking a little annoyed at the need for this interview. "Well, you're the ones who wanted to meet me?"
Sylas seems to falter under the Magister's harsh tone, "He's...he's right. We need to know what sort of lingering power we might stumble into on the Voyllr?"
In the magister's office:
He stares broodingly at you, finally he relents a bit: "There does seem to be something in the plains. Your term 'lingering power' might be a good description. I've only been in the plains once, myself, and it was an interesting experience. There's at least two extremely faint magical auras that permeate the entire region, at least as far as I've been. One is steeped in necromancy and an evilness I haven't felt before... not demon, nor daemon, nor devil... yet somehow a bit of all of them. Ancient and not tied to any particular landmark that I could tell, and it didn't seem to power anything. This one might lead to the unease some people feel in the region. I won't say its harmless, but haven't seen any actual effects."
He walks over to another pile of debris in the chamber and pulls out a very large blade -- curved a little like scimitar, but oddly shaped in other parts. Exquisitely crafted in bronze, with carved gemstones, but sized for a giant.
"On one of my more secret missions I found this; I don't believe anyone else alive has seen it, thanks to Saturday's disposal of my escorts on that mission. We had heard that an ancient civilization lived in the plains, but this is the first artifact that I've seen. I would be most pleased if you could find more."
"The other aura I spoke of, seems weaker and seems to fight the necromantic one. Bolstering courage and hope. Again to no measurable or understandable effect. I think there is much to learn."
"Oh no, no, no no. The blade stays here, I still have so many tests to run. Though ... if you find me another interesting item of antiquity I'd be very happy to trade. It is after all only a blade... I doubt any books would have survived, but a staff or wand... or perhaps they wrote on tablets..."
Sylas listens intently to the Magister, "That's incredible, I'd not noticed either during out campaign. Though I was rather preoccupied with the war and creating revolutionary alchemicals. It sounds almost as thought the region itself was the sight of some ancient planar battle. Perhaps a ritual? This is most interesting, far more research will be needed."
His black eyes grow large as the blade comes out, he moves forward to examine it up close but is careful not to touch it, "My, the size of this. Inferior metals though, possibly pre-iron society, likely ceremonial. Could even be oversized for decorative purposes. Does it show signs of use? Magical auras?"
"As I said the auras are extremely subtle, you have to actively be looking for them, rather than simply looking for magic. That's what makes them so subversive."
He points at a few imperfections in the sword and some discolorations. "It looks like its seen use, and not just the weight of ages. Some of these discolorations suggest blood was left on the blade for a while. No detectable magical properties."
He listens intently to Saturday's story. "Indeed." You think he's slightly excited by the story.
Sylas frowns slightly but it's quickly replaced by the look of wonder, "Hm, fascinating. We might venture that the owners were very old and very large. These aura's, you said both are present. Do they fluctuate in strength depending on location? Are both present throughout all locals of the plains?"
"I'll admit, I had my doubts about you when I heard who the king had picked for this charge. Yet your questions show me he was wise after all. I didn't have time to conduct a thorough survey... And I suspect you would need to invent some new spell or equipment to detect any fluctuations. The auras are so faint and so widespread that any differences would be minute."
Sounds to m-me like the plains are the current battleground between multiple forces, both of this world and the next. Finding the s-source of these aura's will quite possibly reduce the tension mortals feel at the place.
Sylas draws up to his full height at the compliment, clearly reveling in the acknowledgment, "I believe the lost eras or our lands have far more of value to teach us than most would care to admit. I will see what can be discovered in regards to these auras."
He turns at Willem's comment, having nearly forgotten there were others in the room, "As faint as they are, these auras are likely the shadows of a conflict long past. None the less they weigh a heavy hand on the present, understanding and countering them will likely do much to alleviate the regions tensions."
He turns back to the Magister, "Thank you for your time Magister. We will be sure to keep you appraised of our findings but for the moment our time grows short. We should return to finalize our plans."
General Alfonz gives a brief grunt and nod to Jason's comment after looking over the professional solider image Jason presents. He looks a little impatient, wondering why you asked to see him if you have no further questions.
Ong'rag stares silently at the general. Right in the eyes, taking the measurement of his fellow warrior.
After a moment he speaks. "Very good. What sort of ease can forces be mustered with on the plains? Effective and strategic bottleneck points, or field positions?"
Ong'rag doesn't speak rudely, just to the point and not wasting any time.
"We're nearing the harvest, so levies are much harder to draw upon, even if we hadn't already used all we can't without lasting harm. On the other hand, we have more trained troops than in our history, if you count trained levies as trained. We've actually found some good commoner leaders, but we'll be blessed with noble leadership again soon. Shapedstone fort remains the primary strategic point in controlling access from Lochlannach. We know they can get raiding parties and skirmishers over the mountains in small numbers. The western and southern edges of the plains are secured by existing settlements and holdings of ours. The eastern border is odd. As you may have heard, nothing we send there every returns, yet no threat has ever emerged from their either. The large lake near Daelsend combined with the rivers likely forms a reasonable rapid mobilization pathway should you get some boats."
You can tell that the general is much happier with the current commoner/soldier leadership than the noble leadership, but is of course too intelligent to say so outright.