Hymen
Days seem to pass in a blur for Jack once he has returned safely with the girls -- and glad he is too, that they have come to no harm. He walks around the fortress, getting to know the layout, and uses some of his tools to draw a map of the fortress while he also updates his map of the area. After the arrival of the others, spends one early morning hunting to bring back two deer to help feed everyone.
There is a cold gnawing at him, where rage had burned toward the Stag and the other bandits. Even now, he could not look at a bandit and see a person. But thinking on Akiros' repentance, thinking of the fear the Stag put into the others, he recognizes some choose the path for dire reasons--still there is little forgiveness in his heart. It is as if every brigand he sees is the one who struck down Arion many years ago.
Now he has three friends, rather than one. Volpe too, back in Restov. He would be as furious to see them cut down, and seek their vengeance. But as he feels the coldness in his heart, he wonders at the cost. He prayed for the soul of the animal he killed for a meal, thanking it for its sacrifice. He did not pray for the souls of the bandits when he shot them. He did not see them as having souls. But if he saw other people as things only to be slain, did that make him like them? These thoughts he chews upon for awhile. He did not want to be like the bandits. When offered the Stag's helm, he shakes his head. He cannot wear the crown of a criminal king. He is not a criminal, and he is not pure-hearted enough to cleanse its taint.
He spends much of his time in silence, thinking on this and other things. With the arrival of the soldiers, subjects turn to land and justice and trials, things not of Jack's concern. He is not of much use to anyone when scouting or shooting.
Still, their survey of the area was far from over. He should try to enjoy himself while they had time to relax. His troubled mind did little to allow him that pleasure, however.
Instead, he found himself waiting, watching, to see what happened next.
With the arrival of Bein and the soldier's patrol, Finnabar feels both relieved as the Stag will be taken out of his care but also anxious at the next steps he had to take. How to explore the rest of the land, try to establish communication with the flying beings they met at the old temple, chase the last of the bandits and find who the strange people the Stag met are. And all of that at the same time?
First things first, he thought, as the Lieutenant asked to see him in private.
"I fully agree with you, this is but a part of the mission we had. If you wish to follow me, we'll be able to talk downstairs", he replies to the Lieutenant, leading him downstairs in the Stag former room.
"We indeed have multiple things to discuss. In addition to the Stag, we have captured alive a second bandit you were looking for. A certain Falgrim Sneeg. We also have rescued two young ladies, Aranea and Minara Kelsei. They were attacked on the road to Pitax with their parents for the elder's wedding.
Kesten follows you down into The Stag's room, wrinkling his nose at the smell which still lingeringly pervades the cramped space, even after your attempts at cleaning it.
"Excellent! Kesten replies with a wide smile, "It seems you have been most successful in your endeavours. I'll admit that, at first, I was doubtful of your ability to lead this expedition. I had it in mind that your family had purchased the position for you and, frankly, I still believe that to be true. However you have proven yourself to be a capable leader and therefore I am happy to be the barer of this,..." at this point he brings out a sealed letter bearing the seal of The Swordlords, which he hands to you, seal unbroken.
"You may, of course, read it at your leasure. The gist of it, however, is that, as you know, the Swordlords are keen for a colony to be established in these lands. For reasons of politics the colony is not to be formally tied to Restov since such an action might cause problems with The River Kingdoms. They hope that, if settlers in the area have strong links with Restov then a balance of power might be established in these Eastern lands. The alternative, that one of the River Kingdoms might expand northwards and thus gain a stronger position here than the other Kingdoms, might lead to war in the longer term.
You have, I think through the actions of your family, been granted a charter to establish this colony under laws that you may determine. In order that you might do so successfully, The Swordlords have arranged for soldiers, including myself, to be formally placed under your command, and for the supply of a significant amount of money and materials to help establish the colony itself. I have also been informed that an offer has been made in the West for willing colonists to join you. I believe that these have started to find there way to Restov, and a number of them already wait, ready to move into The Greenbelt. For myself, sir, I am ready to perform whatever role you wish in these new lands."
Be it so known that Finnabar d'Orlovsky, having delivered the northern reaches of the Greenbelt from the scourge of banditry, having initiated the mapping of the lay of the land, and having done no small amount of work in the exploration of said land and the culling of hostile monsters and indigenous hazards, is hereby granted the right to establish an independent colony in The Greenbelt. The nature and laws of rule are his to define, and the wellbeing of this new nation is his to protect. In accordance for providing a stable colony to the south of central Restov, let there be a generous stipend of funds, support, and advice provided to this fledgling nation as a token of Restov's goodwill, such that future relations between colonies might be mutually beneficial. So witnessed under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and by the authority granted by Sir Kailen Heresham, Govenor of Restov.
"That's a bold comment to make, now that you've been placed under my orders. However as you'll see, I value honesty and courage. And to be fair, it is true my family had a hand into my position at the head of the expedition. But I'm not sure they really thought I could succeed. And they were not risking much: at worst they would have lost a crippled second son."
Putting one of his hand on his lame leg, he adds: "Sometimes I think this leg was a present of the Gods. People tend to dismiss or overlook me due to it. and that's a mistake I'm pretty happy to let them make.."
Extending his hand, he clasps the Lieutenant one. "That said, welcome on board. With this news, there's a lot to do before getting the first colonists in. Let's go and talk to every one."
Coming back out, Finnabar announces the news to everyone, showing the letter and starting discussions about their next plans.
At some point, during the day, Finnabar asks Xarafine and the two rescued girls to come and discuss.
"Minara, Aranea,", he starts with a soothing voice. "We all know you've been through very rough times but you have shown an unusual strength of character when you tried to escape the bandits and when you accepted to guard the last bandit while we were attacking this fort. Now that the Lieutenant is here with his soldiers, they could bring you back either to Pitax or back to Restov with the rest of your family. I don't know what your planned wedding included in terms of alliance between your families , Minara, and how both families will react at your situation. But however things go, I'm proposing today a third issue. As you know, we are going to found a new colony here, under our own laws. If you want and only if you do, you can stay here with us an make your own life. You don't have to decide now, obviously. But as long as this place exist, it will be a safe place for you."
Bein is elated at the news, primarily for their success but also because he could forge his own path. With the idea of his own heraldry he was finally able to break away from his empty future and create a brighter one. He hoped that he could take his grandfather and younger sister from the crumbling estate their family called home. No longer the son with no future.
"HUZZAH!" He was surprised at his own outburst and quickly moved back to taking care of the horses. Flushed with embarrassment but knowing that they needed the munts combat trained and soon...
Bein spent the first month of their colonization working himself to the bone, each day he sported new cuts and bruises. Between patrols, helping with construction and training horses for his companions he found little time for sleep. His Lords and Teachers horses were quick to train. Jacks tried to kick him and the last three put him through his paces as he finally was reaching his breaking point. By the time they were done he had a fresh hoof imprinted on his left shoulder when he pushed the last horse too hard.
All and all it took twenty three days to complete and the results were more then satisfying. These horses weren't as heavy as Arundel but they wouldn't shy away from combat now. Which would make their mobility greater then before during their exploration. For the remaining days of the month he worked more around the settlement and improved his relations with the colonists who were arriving. He hoped to establish a good rapport with them and get them familiar with the helm he had come to wear during patrols as well. He couldn't wait to sport his personal Heraldry and finally sever some of his ties to his overbearing tyrannical parents.
Finnabar's & Xarafines Horses (Trained for Combat Riding in 3 Days (DC 20+5+2= 27):
DC 20+5+2 = 27 (Normal Training DC 20, Reduce 1 week training time to 1 day +5 dc, +2 For each Additional horses)
Upon hearing the news of the colony, Jack seems surprised and pleased, although his response is muted as a million questions come to his mind as to what this means for them as a group and the wilderness and the creatures they have encountered and so forth.
"What does this mean for us?" He asks simply -- a loaded question, however brief.
At some point, during the day, Finnabar asks Xarafine and the two rescued girls to come and discuss.
"Minara, Aranea,", he starts with a soothing voice. "We all know you've been through very rough times but you have shown an unusual strength of character when you tried to escape the bandits and when you accepted to guard the last bandit while we were attacking this fort. Now that the Lieutenant is here with his soldiers, they could bring you back either to Pitax or back to Restov with the rest of your family. I don't know what your planned wedding included in terms of alliance between your families , Minara, and how both families will react at your situation. But however things go, I'm proposing today a third issue. As you know, we are going to found a new colony here, under our own laws. If you want and only if you do, you can stay here with us an make your own life. You don't have to decide now, obviously. But as long as this place exist, it will be a safe place for you."
The two girls smile at Finnabar's words. Over the time they have been present at the fort both have busied themselves helping to clean, cook, and Aranea has demonstrated a sharp intellect and a naturally helpful nature. Her sister, meanwhile has become a kind of mascot to the still mostly male inhabitants of the fort, which still consists of soldiers and a few workmen, and she has been particularly helpful to Bein, helping with the horses, with whom she seems to share a special bond. After listening carefully Aranea steps forward. "Our thanks my Lord" she says "but since the death of our parents, and without a brother, am now the head of the family, and I think I would prefer not to marry just yet. If it pleases my lord I think we will stay a while and see whether we might not make a life here. Besides," she says with a bright laugh, "Minara would not be happy if I were to take her from her horses."
As Finnabar moves off with Xarafine Bein answers Jacks question. "We are about to get a whole lot busier." He says this as he pulls Finnabars horse out of the line along with Xarafine's. Bein smile as he asked Jack. "Have you ever thought of holding a public position? Because I think your going to be asked to do so... Really soon."
Jack raises his eyebrows. "No, I can't say that I have. All in my clan but my mother thought I was good for little but being sharp eyed. I know the charter offered a great deal if we succeeded but..." Jack shook his head. "What on earth could I do?"
"That's a good question Jack.", replies Finnabar. "You see, I've had plans about what I would do if I ever landed a domain or a city to administer. Let me share them with you."
Sitting on a three-legged stool, he turns to Jack, Bein and Xarafine first. "While I got the responsibility of our expedition together with you, cousin, it is obvious for me that we could not have succeeded without the qualities of each of us. So the grant I received should be shared with you, because you've earned it as much as I did and because I value you as companions and friends."
Pausing for a long breath, he adds. "What does it means for us? I means we have the possibility of creating a new colony according to what we think is right and just, where people can thrive. Will we succeed? I can't say. But what I'm sure of is that we have to try it."
"What of the people we met? To those who are honorable and ready to take a second chance, we will propose to join us. I also hope some of the indigenous species will want to live with us or alongside us in peace. If they do, so will we."
"What of you Jack is a question only you can answer. How do you want to contribute? I know you are a good scout and want to protect the people from bandits, so you could take care of our borders and of the remote parts of the land. But maybe you've got different ideas. There is also those elven tombs we found. You may want to study them?"
Bein nods at Finnabars words, clearly enjoying the idea of forging his own path. He really liked the idea of being out from under his families thumb.
"I will work to breed the best horses this land has ever known. I am also very interested in this lands forgotten culture as well and would like to discover more if I am able. I would love to get my hands on some larger artifacts... If there comes a time that you need a General then say the word lordship and I will be there. However I need to get our horses trained this mont. It is great to finally be out from under multiple families scrutiny..."
Jack sits back and thinks. "I am not sure. Certainly, I will always be ready to drive away the bandits, but that is not me taking on anything I wouldn't already do. As for studying the elves..." He shakes his head. "I am interested in the ruins, but I am no scholar. And I am not sure what to think of the ancestors of the people who left me to die as a babe in the Salt Wastes."
He thinks awhile more--perhaps even while others converse. "If there are people coming here, we need to know what their needs are, and what they find--and to be sure they are not causing trouble. You will be concerned with grander matters of politics, Bein with his horses and his duties as a soldier, Xarafine with her duties as Teacher. But this place cannot grow if the people don't have what they need... I am not..." He blushes. "I am not good with words, but I can listen and observe. Would that be something? To keep track of who comes here, and be sure they have what they need. Are there positions that do that?"
"A Seneschal..." His native tongue obscured the intended meaning and after a moment he corrected himself. "A Lords Steward? You are destined for more jack, I see the same greatness in you as lord Finnabar, however I think a councilor is a better fit. You could give voice to the voiceless. But mayhap i am wrong in my assumptions..." He looked a little uncertain then.
Arundel looked impatient to death at these proceeding, having been this way since the battle ended...
Xarafine smiles at the young girl's enthusiasm, amazed at her optimism in light of recent events.
"This will be remembered as a seminal moment in history. This is the moment when a new kingdom was born."
She looks to each of them in turn.
"It is a great responsbility, being parents. We must be certain to rise this child with honor and courage."
GOZRAN
Over the next weeks materials, labourers and settlers begin trickling and then flooding southward from Restov. Many of these spread out into the land surrounding the Stag Lord's fort, now officially re-christened as The Stagwatch, whilst others set up a bustling tent city in the empty fields surrounding the semi-ruined keep.
At your orders construction is begun on more permanent houses and even an inn to the fort's east and the sounds of hammers, saws, awls and the shouts of workmen fill the air. After two weeks Oleg makes his way to the burgeoning settlement, greeting you warmly with a smile and grumbling as he recounts crowds of settlers who have passed through his trading post on their journey east.
Before long word comes in that the new farms along the banks of the lake and the two rivers have been cleared and breeding has begun of sheep and poultry, both of which seem well suited to the climate of the land. As the days pass the weather grows sunnier, and the days longer as spring spreads through the land, bringing with it the bloom of wildflowers and the sound of birdsong.
Income: / 3 = + 11 BP
"It is and its our mission to make it work for those who will join us." adds Finnabar.
Then, noting Jack's doubts, he adds. "Jack, your commitment to the people is honourable. I know you will be successful because you will be their voice and not your own as councillors often end up being."
Then when you raise a child, you end up putting you hands in s!#%, Finnabar still has Xarafine metaphor in his mind as he reaches the cage where the Stag Lord has been kept. He was going to leave with some of the soldiers for a one-way trip to Restov.
Keeping out of reach of the man, Finnabar stands, hands clasped in his back, looking at the prisoner with cold, unflinching eyes.
"Your time has come to an end and you are going to die soon. Don't doubt it. There is one last question: will you die slowly and painfully or quickly. From what I know, it's going to be the former. To make an example, I'm sure the governor has planned the most gruesome death for you. Especially after what I've written to him. However, I'm ready to reconsider my recommendation and ask him to make your passing as swift as possible. For that, you'll have to answer three questions: Who worked with you in Restov? Why did you chose to kidnap Miriana and at last who were those who promised you a kingdom and what do you know about them."
Pausing for effect, he raises his hand to stop any reply from the prisoner. "Don't think I won't eventually learn the true answers. Because those question will be in my message to Restov and they will get the answers out of you if I ask. But I find this method distasteful and offers you to answer my questions here and now the easy way."
"You have ten beats to make your choice, it's a one off offer only."
Seeing the success of their fledgling settlement Bein returned with three war trained mounts ready for their group to continue their mapping prior to planning their city expansion again. He was settling into the rigors of being the General of a kingdom that consisted of only militia thus far. He looked forward to the day they muster men-at-arms and knights sworn to serve and protect the land in Finnabars name. Casting away his daytime fancy he tied off the horses at their temporary head quarters at the inn and followed Lord Finnabar to meet with the former bandit lord if needed.
"Your time has come to an end and you are going to die soon....
As you approach the cage The Stag, motionless at the back of the cave until the very moment you approach the bars of his prison, suddenly throws himself at the metal bars, insensible of the pain it must cause him. At your words he merely spits at you and grabs hold of the metal bars violently shaking them, and almost giving the impression that he might succeed at breaking them open. "They're all bloody traitors." he spits out "the great ones' head was promised to me! I am the king of the land of mists and first things. I was given the key! Give me my head. I will have my revenge on the skulkers! They promised me everything! You will die. You will never take my head. Take my neck instead. Ha! just try it. You're no more king than The Stag, than The Stag's horns, than the Stag's doe."
He's CRAZY!
Veins longsword slides out of its scabbard slightly as he readies to defend Finnabar if he must...
"He is mad. There will be no reasoning with him. He will not repent, as he has no conscience. He is no more than a rabid dog walking on two legs."
"I don't suppose it would be worth asking if he knows how to get that door open?"
"I agree, but this was worth trying. Maybe the Staghead helmet and his armor is the clue. That would be the Stag's helm and the stag's doe. Or would the doe be Aranea? Let's ask Aranea if she has any clues about that."
Bein listened to the madmans ravening, wondering how such madness allowed him to lead so many bandits. However as long as Finnabar was questioning him he would remain silent, hopefully the mad man let something slip that was useful. He wore the helm at his side as he watched with an uncertain look on his face.
When Xarafine spoke he turned to her and asked. "True but is it a madness caused by the mind or by magic milady Teacher..."
He thought about the gear they were looking to sell and thought perhaps it was looking into combining the gear once more. Best to make sure they weren't losing a vital piece of this lands history.
Xarafine extends her hand toward the Stag and calls upon the Nine to reveal any magical auras about him.
"I agree, but this was worth trying. Maybe the Staghead helmet and his armor is the clue. That would be the Stag's helm and the stag's doe. Or would the doe be Aranea? Let's ask Aranea if she has any clues about that."
An argent (white or silver) shield with red birds wings over a red rose.
[dice=Spellcraft, Is the a curse or spell?]1d20+8
Xarafine extends her hand toward the Stag and calls upon the Nine to reveal any magical auras about him.
[dice=Healing Check, to diagnosis natural madness]1d20+8
Although he has no magic aura about him, you suspect that his madness is unnatural.
Xarafine frowns and starts to consider other possibilities for the Stag's affliction.
Bein watched curiously as the others worked there magic and consulted their combined knowledge for an answer. If no one else spoke to the bandit lord then Bein speaks up. He wore the Stag helm on his belt for safe keeping and because it made others nervous when he wore it openly. Hopefully he could remedy that issue sometime...
"Who is the stag doe stag lord?"
"where is the key? How do we open the door so we can seek out those that wronged you?"
"Who are these traitors?"
Bein hoped he'd answer these questions seeing as these were what angered the madman most.
Bein wasn't lying either as he and the others would seek out the robed figures and stop them lest they come for the girls again. He wondered if the Stags Doe was another enemy they had yet to face or if it was the girls. Then he remembered something they had seen and he smiled then.
"I will trade you liquor for your answers Stag Lord."
[dice=Bardic Knowledge (planes? religion?)]1d20+4
Xarafine frowns and starts to consider other possibilities for the Stag's affliction.
From your spell craft check: Even if the madness was caused by magic The Stag wouldn't have an aura. - Only if the spell was ongoing - not if it was instantaneous with permanent effects.
Bein watched curiously as the others worked there magic and consulted their combined knowledge for an answer. If no one else spoke to the bandit lord then Bein speaks up. He wore the Stag helm on his belt for safe keeping and because it made others nervous when he wore it openly. Hopefully he could remedy that issue sometime...
"Who is the stag doe stag lord?"
"where is the key? How do we open the door so we can seek out those that wronged you?"
"Who are these traitors?"
"I will trade you liquor for your answers Stag Lord."
At your last words The Stag seems to come back to himself a little, moving back from the bars and crouching defensively in the cage. "Liquor?" He says in a slow drawl, licking his lips. "give me my head too and I'll get the black skulkers myself. I'll show you what you want. I'll take the doe and the horns and the land of mists can be yours to mount like a backstreet whore for all I care."
Bein quirks an eyebrow at the mans sudden change, he restrains his anger as he speaks. "I cannot give you your freedom. Your best bet is to answer Lord Finnabar and my questions." He nods to Lord Finnabar as he steps back.
"He is unable or unwilling to help. He should be put out of his and our misery and be done with it."
"His insanity may be tied to the helm. He keeps referring to it as his head, and I cannot imagine that he could competently organize and lead a band of marauders babbling incoherently as he is, now."
She rubs her chin speculatively.
"If we allowed him to don the helm, and then questioned him, would we get more cogent answers?"
Bein nods to Xarafine as he remembers some of the items the had found. He lets the Stag Lord stew as he moves off to discuss things with the Teacher outside of his hearing. Hopefully.
"He could be attached to it like those strange leather masks we found. Perhaps he doesn't like his real face? He also wanted the Doe... Whatever that is..."
"His insanity may be tied to the helm. He keeps referring to it as his head, and I cannot imagine that he could competently organize and lead a band of marauders babbling incoherently as he is, now."
She rubs her chin speculatively.
"If we allowed him to don the helm, and then questioned him, would we get more cogent answers?"
"Most of the work could have been done by Akiros or by another Lieutenant of his. Let's ask Akiros about what the Stag said. We should also ask Aranea if she's got any ideas of why she could be the Stag's doe.", proposes Finnabar once they are out of sight.
"And why I'm not going to kill him on the spot, the Stag should not be given anything. I don't want him to escape and do not trust his words at all."
Bein nodded as Finnabar laid down how the prisoner would be treated, dropping any other questions completely out of his mind. "Understood, I hope Akiros can shine some light on his cryptic madness. As I remember correctly we also encountered that statuette of a Doe back in the elven caves did we not? Perhaps a more thorough investigation will be needed when we have the time." He looked forward to finding more items related to the strange history of this land. Unraveling the previous Stag Lords madness would hopefully grant them insight into whatever the bandit lord had discovered as well.
"I think Finnabar is right... if he wants the helm, that is very good reason not to give it to him. And if what he is saying is true... that these 'black skulkers' are offering the region to him... we will likely run into them one way or another anyway. While it would be best to be prepared, trusting what he had to say about them might do little to help us."
"What I would like to know is why he thinks, mad or no, these men have these lands to give."
Bein looks to Jack and after thinking on his points responds. "All you've said is valid Jack, I was just hoping we'd get an idea of what we are up against. Whether his Madness is natural or somehow induced some other way would be prudent to know. Especially if they start targeting us, with poison, magic and the like. Those who fancy themselves to be so powerful may think the land is theirs to give"
He changes topic though referring to the places that Finnabar wished to travel to next. "Have you had a chance to decide where we wanted to start Jack? It's fine by me however we start just hoping for an idea of the terrain we may encounter. The horses will get their trail by fire run so to speak but I am confident they won't fail you." He smiles genuinely at Jack.
"Well, as we rebuild the fort here, maybe we can bring a sufficient battering ram at some point down to break that door open. But if you're asking where to continue our explorations... the area directly to the west, where the river crossing was would be the easiest place to start. If this colony expands, that's probably the most sensible place to annex, as it's along the river route, so we want to be sure it's mapped and clear. After that, back to where we found the 'cave livers' -- and we can deal with them once and for all. My notes say we didn't finish the area around the obelisk either. That would more or less just move us slowly west."
Jack pauses. "The 'cave liver' also mentioned serving a powerful being. Perhaps it is connected to the Stag Lords' 'black skulkers.' So we might learn more as well."
Bein listens to Jack's well educated report, delighting in having a direction. Despite their new titles Bein tried not to demand too much from his allies. Especially as the only real army they had was Militia thus far.
Jack bringing up the Cave-Livers elicited a tired sigh from Bein. "Looks like we will possibly clash with Mikmek and there tribe too eh? Hopefully we can come to an understanding. Itll be interesting to see if the Skulkers have manipulated others..."
It seems we agree on the course to take. Before going, I'd like to talk to Akiros, Aranea and Kesten."
The same day, at then end of the day, Finnabar gathers all the leaders of the March for a council.
Summarizing the Stag words, he asks all to keep those in mind and to try to gather information:
"Akiros, do you know who was the contact of the Stag in Restov and who drew Aranea on the message we found?"
"As for you Aranea, the fact that the Stag wanted to capture you and to bring you with that meeting indicates that there's something in your history or your family history that was key. Do you have any idea what it could be? If not there may be something in your family history."
Akiros thinks for a moment: "The contact was through Ayles and only The Stag n' him knew who it was. There was one time though. Ayles was drunk as an Imbarian. He said something about wantin' to get his leg over his "little mouse", so i'm pretty sure the snitch is a girl at least. Probably highborn if I know what his tastes were. He was always join on about wantin' t' ride a noble filly."
As for Aranea, she doesn't know what interest the Stag might have in her. Her father's family only came to the East thirty years ago, but she doesn't know anything about her mother's family - only that she had arrived in Restov from somewhere to the south about 20 years ago.
Having thought on it, Jack interjects. "It's also possible that the Stag just wanted any girl of the right age, for whatever depravity he had imagined. He heard from his contact there was a family with the girl of the right age traveling through the area, and he commanded his men to target them. After all, it's not like there's hordes of women running through the plains here. He also hired new men to do the deed, which might mean it was a last minute idea." He shrugs. "Anyway, if Aranea or Akiros doesn't know, there's probably not much we can do about it. We can keep an ear out for who this 'mouse' might be. If she contacted the Stag from elsewhere, she might attempt to contact him again. She will soon hear that we have taken this place, but in the meantime, maybe you can ask Kesten to have some of his men keep an eye out for anyone trying to get a message to this area."
hymen/Akiros
Bein asks Akiros about the Stag Lords claims. "Do you know who the strangers were that offered the Stag this land?"
"Did you ever find anything in your travels around this fort of interest? Different creatures, caves and anything else of note?"
After Akiros answers Bein is satisfied with dropping the subject entirely, he'd keep an eye out for this informant and looked forward to crushing them if he got the chance. Until then it was time to begin exploring, lest Jack leave without them.
Akiros doesn't know who the strangers were (see previous posts) on the other question, Akiros is able to give a brief description of the immediate area and several points of interest...
All of these remain unmapped but Akiros is able to give an idea of the general terrain and a few specifics. He hasn't really been to the East since the bandits only really operated between the fort and the road since crossing the rivers to go further East was tricky.
Hex 37: Kamelands (rounded hills), there's an old abandoned mine of some sort here. Some of the bandits thought about trying their luck but it was too much work and there were some strange creatures there - Devon called 'em "Kalds"
Hex 38: Kamelands where the Thorn River flows into the Shrike, there's a ford here where the bandits often crossed over the Thorn river.
Hex 39: Kamelands, Auchs once got stuck in a tangle of thorns here - he was trying to get some "tasty berries" but only ended up getting bitten by a whole lot of spiders - he had welts for days afterwards.
Hex 40: Forest, There's a trapper who likes to set unmarked traps in this part of the forest. The bandits tried to catch him but he always got away.
Hex 43: Kamelands, nothing of interest
Hex 46: Forest with Skunk river, nothing of interest