Despite his size, Jack remains upright in front of Kreed, looking up at him nonplussed. "Agreed." A very light smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he added, "In the meantime, Mr. Kreed, do take care. And Master Harg! May the better man win!" On that note, he sounds genuine, leaning around and nodding respectfully to the Gavel's nomination.
Turning on heel, he nodded to Rrruh and Krogge, bidding them to follow him before addressing the crowd once more. "And of course, if any of you good folk have questions, I shall be addressing them at Master Napes. I suppose it would be wise to grow accustomed to answering concerns, as that looks to be my job in the nigh future."
On that note, he started back for the tavern, mind already calculating the myriad of things he would need to do to not only win this election, but to keep Kreed from sabotaging it.
"Ooh, I grew up in the forest, I bet I know some of these stories! Please, keep reading! Sorry I interrupted." Sweet Pea slips into the room and takes a seat on the floor with Mikra, holding onto his arm.
Krogge continued to keep his shoulders wide and head on a swivel until Jack began to leave the crowd. Back to Jak's I guess. He quickly fell in line behind Jack and followed him down the road.
A couple of the stories are familiar. In particular, the sparrow and the acorn is a fable that the old druid read to you frequently. The story of the squirrel queen, though, is an entirely new one that you find wholly entertaining, although even you find it a little farfetched.
However, one story that you find puzzling is the book's telling of the rise and fall of the Forest King. The old druid had told you stories of Narven the Forest King, an honored figure amongst druids. Although his kingdom was short lived, it was a time of peace and cooperation between the people and creatures of the forests with the settlers of Darkmoon Vale.
Jurin's book, though, casts King Narven as a fiendish figure, and it blames him for the rise of the wicked druids and werewolf packs that stalk Darkmoon Vale nowadays. You know this is just plain wrong. At least, you think you know this for sure.
...
Kreed and his cronies withdraw into the tribunal, practically dragging Magistrate Harg along and slamming the door shut behind them. The crowd outside rapidly disperses - returning home for much needed rest or reporting for a night shift of work.
The walk to Jak'a'Napes comes with many curious looks and glances. There is nervous, hushed conversations as the other patrons watch you enter. However, Jak Crimmy breaks the tension with his own boisterous welcome.
"Aye, here comes the future mayor of Falcon's Hollow! And his coterie!" he calls out, raising a wooden mug as Jack and company enter his inn. The proprietor keenly notes how little enthusiasm his words evoke from the other guests, but his face does not betray whether this truth dampens his own spirits.
Pulk hauls the log onto the wooden platform, alongside others awaiting the water-powered saw. He then offers a long sigh.
"I didn't mean to do it," he says with eyes cast down upon the pile of logs, as though they had more value than his own life. "I can't even remember much of that night. A bunch of us were leaving the Duck and walking down Worship Way. I think Orvis suggested visiting the Cayden shrine. I don't know."Along the way, we ran into the church-folk. They started berating us, then fists started to fly. I saw Jeb come at me. I thought he was going for his knife, so I pulled mine, and well..."
Pulk buries his face in his hands. In the dim light, you can see many cuts and bruises on his calloused hands from working the mill.
"I was drunk. I was afraid, and I...I guess none of that matters," he says, looking up. "I did it. If the church-folk don't lynch me, then the sheriff'll probably have me hang."
"You're saying Orvis suggested this? And... try to think, did you remember what they were berating you for? " A swell of pity for this lug hits him.
He looks over the fellow for marks that might be more fight related than work related...though by now he fears any clues might be gone.
Sweet Pea listens raptly, until the last story, where confusion hampers her enjoyment. "That one was really different than I remember." she says, after the story is finished, "Are you sure you read it right?"
She stands and approaches the boy, trying to get a look at the page.
"With how much Red we put away, remembering anything from that night is hard. Um...I think some of us were feeling down about frittering away so much money on drink, so Orvis said we could offer prayers to the Drunken God and we'd be forgiven and protected for indulging ourselves after our day's labors."
Pulk casts his eyes to the sawdust-caked planks of the mill floor. He groans as he struggles to remember.
"The church-folk never need much prompting to berate us. They call us drunks, faithless, gutless, honorless."
The man suddenly perks up.
"Wait! I remember something Jeb said. He said, um, he said our souls were as empty as our purses after a night at the Duck. I think Jeb aimed that insult at Orvis in particular. That seemed to set him off. I think Orvis took the first swing at one of them Iomedeans."
"My father doesn't like storybooks much," Jurin admits. "This is one of the few he would buy for me, and I think it's only because the author hates the forest as much as he does. Even though our family's wealth and power is built on the trees cut from the forest, father sees it as nothing but a cesspit haunted by druids, fey, and beasts."
What you read in the book confirms the boy's words. The stories emphasize the danger and ugliness of the forest while ignoring its wonder and beauty. Of course, your departed mentor would say that the truth is somewhere in between. Nevertheless, you know that these stories don't tell the whole truth.
.....
As you settle in for a night at Jak's, your host takes a break from cooking and entertaining to settle his robust frame upon a chair at your table.
"Looks like Kreed heard about the plan to elect a mayor," he says with only bare wisps of his normally gregarious nature tinting his words. "Wish I could say it's surprising, but he's got ears on every stump and bole for miles. He probably decided to jump the log and make the announcement himself so he could lead in this political waltz, setting his own tempo."
He runs a hand across his scalp, pressing back the sweaty wisps of red hair.
"I can't exactly say that these are immense stakes. If Kreed gets his puppet set up as mayor, things in the Hollow will largely remain unchanged. Then again, considering how much misery that already entails, perhaps it is a terrible fate nonetheless. Despite how much I often look the buffoon, I know quite little about politicking. All the same, I'll offer what help I can to your cause."
The smile returns to Jak's face, though worry continues to haunt his face.
As it gets late, Sweet Pea will take her leave. Especially if it seems anyone is coming up to the kids' room.
Back at the inn, Sweet Pea has slipped into another quiet, thoughtful mood, as she sits at the table with her friends. "Things are so complicated out here."
Pulk looks over his shoulder and returns to hauling logs, likely afraid of being caught slacking off. He continues to talk, though, which you take as a good sign.
"Orvis had a couple chips on his shoulder about Jeb ever since that man came up from Olfden. I don't know if there was some personal grudge between them, but they were just very different. Jeb was a church-going Iomedean, while Orvis only believed in anything with some drink to fill him with faith. Jeb worked on a farm, while Orvis worked the cutyard like the rest of us."
You aren't surprised by this last detail. Working at the logging camp, you've heard much spit cast about the people whom the men distrust. The loggers have almost been condition to resent the farmers in the area, spouting off how much lazier they are - "All they have to do is sit back and let things grow. We have to go in and actually work!" summarizes the sentiment you've often heard.
Of course, you've long come to suspect that this might be the influence of the foremen, supervisors, and even the Gavel himself: turning aside the ire of their employees to scapegoats. It's the reason why Kreed always insists that druids, fey, and refugees from Galt are the biggest threats to life and limb in the Vale.
As for Jeb's death, although Pulk admits that he pulled his knife and may have, indeed, killed the man, your suspicion has been turned towards this Orvis. Did he instigate the fight? Was he the reason that Jeb drew his weapon first? Was Pulk simply caught in the middle of their feud?
The election will be held in one week. How will the party make use of this time?
Whatever the answer, he says "Avoid the church going folk for now if you can. They're angry, and it's blinding them a bit I think."
When he wasnt busy making sure Jack wasnt doing some foolhardy scheme to get himself killed he found himself wandering the town, actually seeking out the downtrodden. He asked about the town, asked about what brought them there. Then he invited them to come see him in front of the inn each morning.
Every morning in the bright dawn he was there before the inn, working out, flowing into a kata. Any villager whom joined him he led in the light work out, offering tips, training.
Each evening late, he would find himself in the bars,brothels,or what have you. Doing much the same. Asking about everyone's life, their hopes, their dreams. Inviting them to his morning session.
By the fifth day at night he would offer suggestions, that perhaps it was time to organize themselves, for themselves. That as a group working together they were more powerful than corrupt governments suggesting that perhaps this upcoming vote was the time to start to express themselves.
He never outright politicked for them to vote for Jack... but it was strongly hinted that he wouldnt be under Kreed's thumb, and that had to be good for the Valers as a hole.
Krogge had no head for Politicking, neither was he a charmer. He will spend the week at Jacks side as long as the room, board, and Bellis mead continue to flow from the rich mans purse. If Jack dismisses him at any point during the days for a few hours he will spend his time looking for odd jobs around town, especially at Root's and Remedy to see if Laurel needed his help with anything. If he has a chance to see Rrruh during his morning workout he will join him any morning he can, not realizing the point of the exercise, however, he constantly asks questions and comments on the goings on of the town.
"So you think Jack will win"
"what does a mayor do anyways?"
"If Kreed wins I'll probably never come into town again."
"do you think Ms. Laurel likes furs?'
"Don't need to tell me twice," he says, rubbing away the soreness in his lower back after hauling a particularly stout log onto the saw track. The whine of the waterwheel-driven saw drowns out most sounds beyond a few feet, but you can still hear Pulk, close at hand.
"Working and drinking is about all that Orvis does," he explains. "When he's not felling trees, I've only ever known Orvis to be at either the logging camp or at the Duck. I always found it strange that he'd stand up for me against the churchfolk. I had never really considered the two of us friends."
"I've read Mikra the same stories again and again," he sheepishly says. "Would you mind telling some of your stories from the forest?"
Sheriff Baleson politely takes Laurel aside and speaks quietly to her. You involuntarily feel the hairs on your neck and arm bristle at the sight of them together. For his part, you see Baleson shoot you more than one dirty, sidelong glance.
You catch snippets of the conversation. Baleson is cautioning Laurel about the coming days leading up to the election. He warns her against getting too involved herself, particularly in relation to Jack and his circle.
Laurel rolls her eyes and explains that she has always been able to take care of herself. She even seems a little incensed that Baleson would stop by just to coddle her. Meanwhile, her eyes also briefly dart away from the Sheriff, looking to you, as well.
.....
Jack wastes no time in barnstorming the town. Across the Hollow - the Low Market, the sawmill, Jak's, and the Duck - he finds time to hop atop a fence or chair and address the Valers with all the rhetorical skill that even a member of the People's Council would envy.
Although much of it goes over the heads of the locals, he begins striking many chords with the discontent, disenfranchised Valers. In fact, simply having an alternative to Kreed and the Consortium is an unprecedented prospect that simultaneously entrances some while frightening others.
Even though Rrruh is an outsider, like Jack, and his appearance is still an oddity for the overwhelmingly human town, he finds his passive campaigning take surprising root among the Valers. Perhaps it is his patronizing of Jak's, the Duck, and even the Rouge Lady, but several of the uncouth locals seem to identify with him - and thus, pay heed to his words when he speaks of Jack. When he broaches upon philosophical matters, Rrruh even finds surprising amounts of interest from his impromptu audience, many of whom never had anyone actually ask them what they want from life.
Amongst his kung fu training mixed in with yoga and philosophical teachings Rrruh couldnt help but smile at Krogge. He found his simple nature refreshing.
"I dont know if Jack will win Friend Krogge, but i think he has a good chance."
He answered honestly when posed the question by the half orc local. He paused what he was doing to adjust a young man's form in one of the stretches he was doing.
"A mayor's primary function is to oversee the growth of a town. An individual worries over his own needs, the mayor oversees everyone. A mayor can notice and fix problems that a business or person may not see, simply because they are too enmeshed within it."
Again another pause, a toothy smile, the gentle correction of someone's form.
"Raw furs? perhaps, I bet if you got a nice fur and had it made into a cloak or perhaps a stole she would appreciate it very much."
He added before he head back in front of the small group and started to lead them in a new series of movements, teaching them without it being obvious how to parry overhand strikes of heavy object like clubs while making it looke like a simple working out movement.
"YES! I love stories!" Sweet Pea will sit at the window and tell any story she can recall. Her favorites are ones about iconic animal characters, like the wily Fox, or the clever Rabbit. Her stories have a different flavor compared to the ones in Jurin's book. Simpler, ignorant of the cruelties and sophistication of civilization, but uncensored in matters of natural life and death.
As Sweet Pea flutters from one building an the next, she notices Rrruh leading some village people in some kind of activity. Not wanting to miss out on a good time, she lands next to him.
"HI! Whatcha doin'? Is it a dance? I like dancing!"
Within a day or two, you start to take notice of Kreed's attempt to undermine the coming election through his pawns across the town and vale.
Around the logging camp, the foremen begin spreading word that a new "axe tax" might be levied by the Consortium upon the loggers if the "political situation" in town doesn't improve. This is clearly a thinly veiled attempt to extort votes for Kreed's candidate.
Around the Low Market, you overhear folks angrily discussing the matter of the "Poll Tax," suggesting that they may skip the "lousy election" rather than shill out any money. What is this poll tax that they speak of?
Lastly, you wonder about the farmers and ranchers who live beyond the town's palisade. Are thugs from the Consortium and Redrock Guild paying them intimidating visits?
How does the party address these developments?
Randu frowns and serves his food, trying to listen in on the poll tax, perhaps during the meals or in line the folks will feel chatty
"It is not a dance my little friend, as poetic and rhythm based it might be. I am leading these fine folk through a kata, precise movements of their body to train their muscles and mind into the first flowing steps of defending theirselves against an attacker. It is also excellent exercise and a good way to clear your mind. Would you like to join in?"
He frowned at the word about both a poll tax, and an axe tax. He knew the first signs of extortion when he saw it for sure. But he certainly needed more information before he could act. Clearly the loggers would need axes to do their work. Was it a specific kind of axe? How much did they cost. Could Jack speak with someone and get a bunch of axes shipped up.
The pole tax was perhaps even more worrysome. Who in the government that didnt exist was even going to collect the tax? Should they host some sort of debate between Jack and this Mr. Harg? He went to Jack with the idea.
"So I was thinking Mr. Jack with all the wild rumours sprouting about the town maybe we should start telling people about like a town meeting to discuss your ideas for the town, we could invite this Mr. Harg to see what he has to say as well. If he is truly just the voice of Mr. Kreed It will be very obvious he has no answers in a mass public setting. We could also bring up the nonsense about poll taxes and the like. Get that out of folks heads."
Randu hears little from the men around the camp about the poll tax. They seem more concerned with the prospect of another axe tax.
Randu and Flint know, and are able to explain to the group, that so-called "axe taxes" are an old extortion trick used by the Consortium underbosses to wring a few more coins out of employees, impressing the Gavel with extra revenue. Consortium employees are extorted a fee for an axe, saw, or other essential tool; if they do not pay, the item is confiscated for being unlicensed or some such nonsense. Those who refuse to pay or surrender their axe to Boss Teedum and his boys soon find themselves with several broken bones after suffering a "bad fall."
The talk of poll taxes seems more common among the Hollow residents who don't carry axes and saws to work. To learn more, you could try persuading locals to open up Alternatively, you could attempt to watch for the men carrying out this extortion
the Axe tax is nonsense, of course, but Randu does wonder if there's some sort of 'official brand' or mark made in 'approved/paid for' Axes. If there is, perhahaps one could be counterfeited?
He listens in and watches as best he can, and clucks sympatheticly now and then...but listens and watches to see who is handling that.
Later, away from the lumberjacks, he'll do much the same to see who is applying pressure on the poll tax.
It takes Sweet Pea a whole day to figure out that people aren't complaining about tacks, whether they be on axes or poles(her opinion on whether a pole with tacks on it would make for a good weapon is another argument entirely).
At some point she simply approaches a random Consortium mook on the street. "HEY! Hi! I'm a Sweet Pea, and you're one of the guys doing the taxing, right?" She continues without waiting for confirmation "I'm confused about some things. Why would you make people pay for their own tools? They already bought them, most likely from you guys! And the poll thing, wouldn't making people pay to choose their leader make it so poor people don't get a say? Only explanation I can think of is if you guys are either stupid, or plain evil. Are you? Help me understand this!"
Although he has some suspicions about which foremen and supervisors around the logging camp might be spreading worry about the axe tax to coerce the men to vote for Kreed's candidate, Randu cannot catch any of them in the act to be sure. He suspects that, over the past few days, they have begun to recognize him as a troublemaker and thus act more cautiously around him.
However, Randu makes more progress around the Low Market. He catches rough-looking men systematically harassing locals in the market, either browsing or running the stalls. He does not recognize them as any of the usual strongarms paid by the Consortium; instead, he suspects that they may work for the Redrock Guild. Rather than intentionally aiding Kreed's meddling in the election, it is more likely that these criminals are just jumping upon an opportunity to deceive and extort money from the residents. Nevertheless, their skulduggery is sure to affect the integrity of the election.
...
As Sweet Pea approaches, the Consortium mook eyes her with incredulity. He listens, and his incredulity turns to outright surprise. Rumors of the "green child" have spread rapidly through the town. The fey of the forest are the boogeymen for the Valers, and having one openly walking among them has caused quite a stir.
Of course, this mook was not expecting the green child to make this much sense. Her clear, direct, and honest words disarm him almost as much as her fey seeming. She speaks of the bitter truths that the Consortium employees spend their lives trying to ignore, making their days pass easier.
This man is probably a very low ranking employee, with very little influence over his own life much less the business and politics of the town. However, as he walks away without a word, Sweet Pea has given him much to think about.
Randu realizes his secrecy is slowly eroding, and that's a scary thought. He has survived by it, but then there are secrets and then there are secrets.
The redrock's catch him by surprise. He sends them a rum cake disecretly and annonymously to see if they take it. No funny business. He just wants to get them used to the idea of being placated with food.
If that works, well, he wouldn't kill them, but sleeping herbs and draughts might still their behavior.
He also seeks out Orvis.. He doens't want to give up on folks
Krogge spends the bulk of his days either with Rrruh or Jack, or both, but he made sure to visit Laurels as often as possible whenever he had enough herbs and supplies to bring her. I don't know why he looks at me like that, It's not like I'm some beast stumbled into her shop. Human's are strange. he thinks to himself when Baelson leers at him.
He found peace in the exercises Rrruh lead every morning, even if he did feel clumsy and awkward during most of it. He began to enjoy the company of this "Kitty" more and more. He was one of the few who did not speak down to Krogge and did not answer his questions with sarcasm or mockery.
"I hope he does, I fear what will happen to the town if Kreed wins. It sounds like this Mayor needs to be a good man and Kreed is a bad man. He only acts in self interest, and this talk of an axe tax is evidence of that." he said as the Catfolk adjusted his stance.
"Furs? I have lots of furs at my cave... but they are old and probably smell like my cave." he says as he focuses on his form. I can always get a new fur, maybe fierce mountain cat or mighty bear... he daydreams as the stretches continue.
Once he hears of the poll tax at first he misunderstands it and thinks that Kreed wants to tax the axehead and the handle but when it is explained to him it confuses him even further. " I don't understand it but it stinks of Kreed and that is good enough for me to be against it!" he says that night, slamming his mug down perhaps harder than he intended. Once he hears about Teedum's men harming men who refuse to pay the tax he gets much more serious about ending such things.
As he goes about his days he tries to keep his eyes peeled for anyone he can question about these falls and accidents,
If Krogge is able to find anyone linked to these "accidents" he will immediately seek out Rrruh and speak to him privately.
"Mr. Rrruh, I think I might have lead on who Teedum uses to deal with loggers who don't pay their axe tax. I think we should pay them a visit and let them know such things will not be tolerated. are you with me?" Krogge makes sure no one else, especially Jack, is around to hear his proposition.
If Krogge is unable to ID anyone in Teedum's employ he will instead head directly to Rrruh, in this instance not caring if anyone can hear them.
"Mr. Rrruh, is it true that this Teedum man has men who do not pay the axe tax beaten or worse?" he asks honestly. "perhaps we could show these men what we think of such dishonorable tactics?" he says as cracks his knuckles and chuckles.
Randu finds success with his anonymous "gift" to the Redrock guilders. They are too hungry, too unscrupulous to question the delicious surprise. The rum cake could not have been devoured more ravenously had Randu left it in the middle of the street for wild dogs.
Later, as Randu keeps an eye open at the cutyard for Orvis, he notices Krogge stop by the camp, clearly looking for someone.
...
Krogge has little luck on his own picking out the foremen responsible for coercing the loggers' votes with threats of the axe tax. Perhaps it is how he sticks out, being such an irregular visitor to the camp, that keeps the men responsible at bay - encouraging them to wait until he leaves to resume their intimidation.
Fortunately, Krogge and the party have allies among the loggers. Ben Fulgore hobbles out on his crutch, a saw swinging from a strap at his side, and approaches Krogge. With his disability, Ben has faded into the background of life at the camp, viewed with the same level of interest as a bucket or outhouse. From this position, he has watched and listened.
He directs Krogge to one Bartram, a foreman who answers directly to Boss Pay Day and has been spreading threats of the axe tax.
"I think I will swing about town and see where shopowners stand my friend, but when you go to confront the axe tax men i will go with you."
Later that day he found himself seeking out the towns Sheriff.
"Sheriff Baleson, we found ourselves in an awkward position yes yes? Trying to do what is right for folk in a town where that seems an uphill task. You are no doubt swamped with work, I was wondering if you could tell me whom amongst those in town are in positions of influence and authority. We are not trying to purchase their influence but wishing to see if they have thoughts on what should be down for the town. Also any suggestions were we could hold some form of public address for the town. To get out our ideas."
"I will back your play on this my friend, you are the local its best they locals see you stick up for them."
Sweet Pea watches the mook wander off. "...ohh, kay?"
She takes off to look for her friends. Maybe they could help.
Soon, she finds Rrruh and Krogge talking, and lands next to them. "Hi! Do you guys know where we can find somebody in charge of the axe tacks? I tried asking some random guy if they were evil or not, and he didn't seem to have an answer, so I figure we have to talk to someone in charge..." she seems suddenly struck by an idea "But wait, we know the bosses are bad, they were trying to steal medicine! So, we definitely need to find someone in charge!"
She looks up at her friends' patient expressions. "...You're already on that, aren't you?" She deflates a little. "Things are so complicated out here."
Krogge grins a toothy smile when he hears Rrruh will go with him, his....studied approach to fighting should be useful against thugs who arent ready for one. he thinks to himself as the small Green Child Fluttered down beside them.
"we were just about to go talk to local shop owners to see what they think about it all, then we are gonna go "talk" to the men threatening this axe tax." he says whith a wink as he says 'talk'.
"I think we can find Bartram at the camp so lets head that way, although I don't know how much of a local they see me as. I think I've spent more time in town this past week than I have in the past year. Plus some people just don't like the orc look. Like that Sheriff Baleson." he says as they make their way towards camp.
"The two best places to speak," the sheriff says, addressing the second question first, "would be the Low and High Markets. They attract the greatest number of people, although very different sorts of folks. You'd have to tailor your approach, I reckon. In the Low Market, you could easily win folks over by offering an alternative to the Consortium's stranglehold; of course, you'd have to also inspire the confidence needed for them to actually stand up to Kreed and vote against him.
"In the High Market, you'd probably have better luck playing upon guilt. The more well-off Valers who shop there for unspoiled food and what not are sitting comfortably under Kreed and the Consortium. However, I reckon that at least some of them know that what they're doing ain't right.
"Of course, that also gets to the trouble of appealing to the influential folks in the Hollow. Most of them live either in Kreed's pocket or his shadow. Of those who don't, I don't think you need to worry about convincing me or Jak Crimmy on this matter. And Laurel...er, Miss Gelbre seems quite intent on taking a stand. However, I can think of a few notable folks who could be convinced to appeal to their colleagues."
Baleson then goes on to describe a number of locals whom you could reach out to.
Gadsel has been trying to organize a guild to provide mutual protection from Ayda Vorshin, who sees Gadsel's workshop as a threat to her import business. The Lumber Consortium is paid a share of Deveera's profits as an "administrative fee," a burden endured by many local artisans.
If you reach out to Gadsel, she could rally the craftspeople, artists, and artisans in town to support Jack in the election.
He's one of Kreed's most vocal critics and one of the other voices that have long called for a change of leadership. Owing to his past spent swinging an axe alongside the loggers and his continued work protecting them, Splint is well revered among the low-ranking Consortium employees.
Perhaps more importantly, Splint is actually in a relationship with Magistrate Harg. The sheriff reveals that Harg has struggled over the seasons to protect his handsome dwarf lover from Kreed's wrath, a subtle act of rebellion on the Magistrate's part. It's a longshot, but it might be possible to persuade Splint to convince his lover to step out of the election. This would send Kreed scrambling to find a new pawn to run for office.
"Lastly, there's The Sitting Duck," the sheriff adds. "You could either give some kind of speech there, or convince Tock to appeal to his regulars. I don't rightly trust the man, but he has an 'in' with many of the axe and saw-swinging folks in town."
Later, at the main logging camp, Flint and Randu notice their other new compatriots - Rrruh, Krogge, and Sweet Pea - arrive. It is not entirely unexpected, and they can easily guess whom they are here to see.
Sweet Pea seems interested in meeting a guy named after a tree.
Once they arrive Krogge will begin looking around for Bartram.
You spot Bartram addressing a gathering of loggers before they head out to the forest. The foreman notices your approach, and a nervous look crosses his face. His eyes dart around, looking for an escape, but the men crowded around him make that difficult.
Krogge sees Flint and Randu in the crowd that is conveniently keeping Bartram from a quick getaway. I wonder if they'll help us out if this turns to blows... he says before moving his eyes over to Rrruh and Sweet Pea, and I know Rrruh thinks I should do the talking but... And the little Sweet Pea... once they are close enough he calls out, "HEY BARTRAM!!!"
Krogge quickly realizes he isn't prepared for this, oh gods... what do I say??? oh and everyone is looking at me now...
"errr uhhh I HEARD YOU WERE TAXING AXES AND I THINK THAT'S BAD!!! uhhhh DON'T EVERDOITAGAIN!! he screams out in 2 breaths. I guess that could have gone worse. he thinks as he tries to bare his teeth threateningly.
The assembled loggers jeer, as a blend of cruel chuckles and awkward grins cross their faces. Foreman Bartram turns back to face Krogge, crossing his arms with renewed confidence in the face of such paltry resistance.
"Exactly as well spoken as we've come to expect from you, hermit," the foreman taunts Krogge. "I'm supposing that the little green child is writing speeches for you and your foppish boss? You don't know how things work around here, and you should stay in your hole down by the river."
Krogge's efforts to chastise the Consortium underboss have fallen flat. Will other party members try to intimidate him, or will they try to appeal to the audience - convincing the loggers not to be coerced by the Consortium's extortion?
RRRRHHHH I could show him!!! he thinks as his eyes narrow on Bartram and his had shoots to his club handle, but he does not draw. Jack wouldn't like it if we busted Bartram up right now... I sure wish he would put on his Blue Corvus face so he could help out right now....
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"He at least has the desire to help the very folk you are trodding down upon miscreant."
The catfolk said putting a single hand on Krogge's shoulder.
"Weird how you think to draw support from the very folk you are taking advantage of? Tell me friends"He began speaking to the loggers. Why you should pay a tax on the very equipment your employers need you to use to provide their profits? What will be next? A tax perhaps on entering the very woods you travel to, to do your work? A handling fee for each log you bring in for them to process. Do barmen get taxed on each keg they tap? Does a shop owner get taxed on each sale he makes?"
He stood up to his full height and set himself square in front of the underboss.
"What you do borders on extortion. Remember this moment loggers. He and his boss want to take everything they can from you for as much profit as they can muster. This hermit wants to help you as much as you can, and so does his boss Mr.Callahan. Your lives will get better if Mr. Jack Callahan wins this election... it will stay the same, perhaps even worsen if you vote for his boss."
The smile quickly drains from Bartram's face, fading into a scowl. Likewise, a somber realization crosses the faces of the assembled loggers. Even as they chuckled at Krogge's attempt to shout down Bartram, they knew he was right, but they were simply afraid.
Rrruh says nothing that these men don't already know, but his wisdom is in his courage to give voice to the discontent. Perhaps it is because they have lived so long with the drudgery, being ground down beneath the Consortium's boot, but they had internalized such things as "axe taxes" as an inevitable part of life.
A volley of stern eyes pierce the foreman like javelins. There is no shouting or violence, only shared nods of understanding. As they carry their axes to the forest's edge, they will also carry a new determination, a new truth. They will spread this truth to their fellow loggers, in whispers that will soon grow louder.
"We have had enough."
At day's end, when you return to Jak'a'Napes, you find a thoroughly worn out Jack waiting for you. At first you suspect he just finished another long day gallivanting around as you-know-who. However, you soon learn that he actually spent the entirety of the day visiting the farms and homesteads surrounding the town. With Flint as an escort for much of the sojourn, the man who would be mayor spoke with the Valers outside the palisade about the election and the town's new opportunity.
Rather than sending goons to intimidate the local farmers and ranchers, it seems Kreed took the opposite route: trying to keep all word of the election from reaching these outlying residents, thus strangling democracy through ignorance.
Paring away his eccentricities, suddenly Jack seems all the more fitting as the town's first mayor.
As they left the logging camp Krogge couldn't believe it. He had completely screwed up the confrontation, but somehow Rrruh words were able to sow the seeds of change. "You have much better tongue for this politicking I think Mr. Rrruh." he says to his feline friend with his head hung low.
Krogge will spend the next day trying to kill 2 birds with 1 stone; After the morning exercises with Rrruh, Krogge decides to seek out Tabrik Splint and, if he ends up in the woods, start looking for something to make a nice fur cloak or scarf for Ms. Laurel. Maybe a firefoot fennec or two would make a nice one?
He will start his search with someone he does not usually seek out, the Sheriff. Splint is his man after all. Krogge reasoned. It's not like they're married or anything. theres no reason he shouldn't like me just because we are friendly too. he thinks as he heads out towards wherever the sheriff would be in the morning.
Following advice from Flint, Krogge ascends the path leading up to the Perch, and there he finds Sheriff Baleson at the entrance of the High Market. He and a nearby halfling woman periodically shoot each other dirty looks.
Baleson offers a curt nod of greeting as Krogge approaches, although he seems more pleased by the half-orc than the halfling.
"I'm ensuring that Miss Salk honors the High Market passes that Kreed has issued for the month," Baleson explains, nodding towards the halfling woman.
Even as something of an outsider to the townsfolk, Krogge is familiar with this practice. The High Market is usually off limits to everyone except the town's most well-to-do residents, which unsurprisingly coincides with those in Gavel Kreed's favor. However, once a month, three Consortium employees - which includes most residents, except for a few such as Laurel, Lady Cirthana, and Krogge - are chosen by lottery to receive a pass that provides them access to the High Market for two days. This provides a rare opportunity to purchase fresh food and imports from Olfden.
"Splint's been keeping to the Woods for the past few days," Baleson explains. "Grung Knifetongue has been up to his old tricks lately, and Tabrik has made it a personal mission to put that poacher and robber out of business."
"Also," Baleson adds with a pause, mulling whether to continue, "I think he's been trying to keep some distance from Magistrate Harg. With Harg running for mayor as Kreed's pawn, I think their relationship is a bit strained right now."
Randu makes note of the others, and observes Orvis, listening to him, does he say anything about the incident, blame anyone? Alas, when the man goes out into the wood proper he realizes he may only get small windows of opportunity to snoop on him. Hiding amid trees? Possible but dangerous. Hiding among trees that can fall on you any second? That's just stupid.
But he tries to peek out what he can if it doesn't mean risking a pine on his head.
----------
Later when he sees the actions of the others, he fills them in on the those behind the poll tax "criminals of a less consortium sort, not that it won't hurt all chances for fair and honest elections"
Orvis is among the loggers who congregate around Bartram as the foreman talks about the axe tax. Although his cronies appear unfazed by the extortionist threat, you can read genuine worry upon Orvis' face.
After Krogge and Rrruh work together to undo the foreman's extortion on the loggers' votes, you wait for the loggers to stream back to the forest's edge, and wait for a moment when you will not be missed, before risking following them.
For a time, you remain hidden and observe Orvis and his friends as they work. Over the course of several strong, muscle-straining axe swings, you notice something interesting. While his friends often remain idle in chatter, Orvis remains silent and focused on the task at hand. He continues to swing even when his fellows pause to sit and catch their breath.
Contrary to the impression of him built up by others you have spoken with, depicting him as a drunken lout prone to starting fights with Iomedean church folk, Orvis appears to be a very dedicated worker.
He leaves the tree he was chopping at for his friends to finish felling, and he wanders off a ways in search of a new tree to start upon. You follow as he walks, now out of earshot of the chattering men left behind.
"Why are you watching me, you short stew stirrer?" he asks, turning towards your hiding spot. From his tone, he seems more anxious than angry.
"Heard you were there with Pulk, you know he nearly got mobbed recent like?" He lets his own concern for Pulk show through "Anyone been after you for your part in things? You look spooked and I doubt a short stew stirrer like myself would cause that."
Following advice from Flint, Krogge ascends the path leading up to the Perch, and there he finds Sheriff Baleson at the entrance of the High Market. He and a nearby halfling woman periodically shoot each other dirty looks.
Baleson offers a curt nod of greeting as Krogge approaches, although he seems more pleased by the half-orc than the halfling.
"I'm ensuring that Miss Salk honors the High Market passes that Kreed has issued for the month," Baleson explains, nodding towards the halfling woman.
Even as something of an outsider to the townsfolk, Krogge is familiar with this practice. The High Market is usually off limits to everyone except the town's most well-to-do residents, which unsurprisingly coincides with those in Gavel Kreed's favor. However, once a month, three Consortium employees - which includes most residents, except for a few such as Laurel, Lady Cirthana, and Krogge - are chosen by lottery to receive a pass that provides them access to the High Market for two days. This provides a rare opportunity to purchase fresh food and imports from Olfden.
"Splint's been keeping to the Woods for the past few days," Baleson explains. "Grung Knifetongue has been up to his old tricks lately, and Tabrik has made it a personal mission to put that poacher and robber out of business."
** spoiler omitted **
"Also," Baleson adds with a pause, mulling whether to continue, "I think he's been trying to keep some distance from Magistrate Harg. With Harg running for mayor as Kreed's pawn, I think their relationship is a bit strained right now."
Krogge walks up to the High Market, visibly nervous, he has never been here before but he had heard stories about choice meats and other things from far away. He had also heard only those in Kreeds pocket had regular access. When the sheriff explained what he was doing Krogge only glared at Salk.
His eyes dart back to Baleson when he mentions Splint. "I know that jackal Knifetongue, the woods would be a better place with his stain removed." he growls out before thinking aloud, "Do you think he'd like some help? I know the Wolfswood better than most after all. Any idea whereabouts he might be today?" he asks.
He picks up his axe and aims up several potential first chops upon the young oak tree, but he abandons the endeavor and sets his axe down, leaning against the trunk. He turns his whole focus to you.
"I'm not trying to set up my buddy Pulk or nothing - no matter what other folks is saying," he insists. "He never shoulda been caught up in that fight. It should just been between me and Jeb, that holier-than-thou moorsnake."
You've seen a lot of bluffing and bluster among the logging camp men over the course of countless chow lines. However, this seems like sincerity. He is not trying to deceive you.
"As soon as Jeb came up from Olfden and bought into Cirthana's fire-and-brimstone talk of good and evil in this town, he pushed around everyone he thought was beneath him. And that was everybody! I know I'm no saint. I drink, I get into fights, I've cheated a time or two at the huckle-chuck table. But I ain't some monster either! I'm just trying to get by, even though that gets harder by the day around here."
.....
"That jackal hasn't dared venture into the Wolfswood since you made it truly your own," the sheriff says, betraying a hint of respect for Krogge.
"Knifetongue keeps to Darkmoon Wood to hide among all the other dangers. Here's his new game: He's taken to catching firefoot fennecs in traps then leaving the creature and lying in wait. If a wolf or moorsnake comes to eat the fox, Knifetongue kills it and skins it.
"If a person finds the trapped animal, whether they try to free it or kill it, Knifetongue robs them - or worse. We've already found the bodies of two travelers that weren't done in by no animal. He's gotten too bold. It's why I let Tabrik go off on this hunt, rather than keeping him closer to town."
Might be able to get the Firefoot fur for Ms. Laurel and get rid of the Knifetongue at the same time Krogge thinks, then responds aloud,"Well I'll head out to catch him myself then and if I run into Splint I'll see if he wants to work together on this one." Krogge starts to turn around before thinking, Did he just try to give me a compliment? he thinks while even daring to imagine a future where he could be a deputy.
"Thanks... for telling me about Flint and Knifetongue. Err Is there anything you want me to tell Splint if I see him?" he ask the sheriff before heading back to Jak's.