The goblin snaps back at Farin, hurling insults, but it's more of a distracted insult, obviously not really meant and just tossed off as part of an ongoing insult exchange.
He nods at Rodric though, again in a distracted way.
"Good Hella Forest boom!" He responds, not speaking in goblin first this time. "Wolf teach hunting Hella kill maim tasty." The words just seem to randomly string together, not quite matching the ones before or after.
Mme. Pindles nods along with Lord Aldorini's speech, and eyes the map almost hungrily. When she raises her eyes to the man, her face appears friendly and charming... but a bit of her own craftiness sparkles in her eyes.
"This land seems rather lush, your lordship. How is it that no one has dared stake a definitive claim already? Are the tales of eerie creatures and mysterious happenings actually true?" She titters at the ridiculousness of the idea behind one small hand. "Perhaps all the superstitious are scared away by mere fairy tales!"
Mirth aside Farin turns to the others. Stayin' mobile is the key. If ye don't take nothin' there won't be nothin te loose. We've enough woodsmen ere to keep us fed and clothed indefinitely. Pack animals can haul extra gear and game. A permanent base camp gives a place to be looted and tracked to and from. Clear the bandits loot the supplies and move on te the next place.
Ravboom opens his mouth, but then closes it. But he glances at Hella, and his look says he thinks this is not the right idea. But he ducks his head back down and goes back to staring at the map, his little gobby brain working overtime.
Looking at Farin. "Mobility is not the key on this. Having base let's those that wish to help and settle go there. Even wolves have den's they go back to for shelter and comfort. While this will invite bandits and predators if we make it known that we will protect our territory it will discourage them. I agree we will not be spending every night at base. But it is wise to have one. Lord's may wish to send money or troops to assist. Base will be needed for housing."
Smiling though she says. "Though we will often be mobile and will need your ideas for that. If bandits come and raid, we can track them to their lair and snuff their pack."
Reaching out she scratches behind Ravboom's ear.
Hrmm. Arrivin troops would imply contact with the outside world. Coordinating a meeting location'd be perfectly reasonable. People're lazy by nature. Tracking actively moving targets leads to irritation, complacency and boredom. All of these things can be used te our advantage. Farin's gaze sweeps the others in the room. I'm not against a stronghold but I think it's a mistake. We're on our own fer a long time. Focusing on the immediate problem at hand is more practical. However that doesn't mean we don't plan for the future.
"Not see what Nedys complain about, not normal human land good thing. Keep enemy off balance. Plus much more better trade with people not like you, have things they need, they have things you need. Like making babies, better with goblin from different tribe, less babies with one eye and three arms."
Nedyr chuckles, "I'm not complaining, merely bringing it to their lordships' attention. Why, if all goes well, in a mere century there could be a thriving culture very unlike any other River Kingdom. As for discouraging inbreeding, I have to agree with you on that." A smile crosses his lips Given my weakness for human women, there might be some half elves there eventually but I'd not be sad to see a new place where elves and the elf blooded could feel welcome.
He finds himself nodding at many of the questions being asked, and the debate of mobility versus a strong outpost certainly catches his attention.
"There maybe ruins or the like that these maps overlook. Exploration may lead to better choices for settlement."
"I fear I must disagree Master Dwarf. We will need a stronghold to be able to project power. As a roving band, sure we may be able to clear out small encampments of bandits that we run across, but that is no way to ensure long-term success. We may need to recruit and train locals for a militia, offer safe haven to those who are displaced, set up a larger supply line. Ah...but I get ahead of myself! First we must explore and...I assume, report." Rodric very obviously seems entranced with the whole idea, and you can almost see the scenarios and though experiments run across his face.
"Why Rodric, this could be quite the glorious undertaking indeed!"
Arilyth, or rather the Lady Lebeda, accepts Aldorini's hug. "A pleasure, Lord. And as I remember, the last we met you had just won honors in some tourney, unless I'm mistaken? But it is good to see the years have done little to slow you down!" She steps off to the side, and listens to the plan, nodding on occasion. Finally, when the talk switches to 'nation building,' she pipes up.
"We may be getting a tad ahead of ourselves, yes? Perhaps we should be focusing more on ridding the area of it's bandit issue before we begin discussion of long term colonization, yes?" Yet even as she says this, memories of Greenhold come forward and thoughts of a nation akin to it makes her ears twitch in anticipation. Why, she may even have a dominant role in the country to be, and visible shakes begin upon her. Quickly realizing this, she pulls her cloak up on her to pretend it was but the chill.
"I was speaking of just that. Not nation building. We will need a place to den. A place to lick wounds. While a mobile camp is good it provides little protection for the wounded." Hella said looking at all of them.
"Quite right, Hella. I'm sure the opportunity for a 'den' will arise in due time. Until then, I'm sure living in the wild isn't too difficult. Winter is ending and with the coming of spring bountiful fish, fowl and the like can be readily secured by nature. An encampment should be easy enough to come by, with the number of bandits in the region."
I'll miss a good bed for a while, but we elves take to nature as ugly takes to an orc.
"I confess to being a dreamer, and the idea of a new nation intrigues, but you're both right of course. Removing the bandits and having a fallback position at the very least is best." He sighs wistfully though
"Are their any settlements, trading posts, trapping outposts already out there?" He asked glancing at the map. "you had said that my parents were part of a similar missing expedition, where did they head, if I may ask. Perhaps they had a base camp, even a failed one could be a place to start."
He glanced at the others, ending with the strange woman and her wolf and the elven bard. "The bandits themselves might have camps along some of the better places to settle, if they are living off the land themselves which I would imagine them to be. Scouting, then Settlement seems to be a more logical choice. I highly doubt that this undertaking will be finished in a fortnight. Do our lordships have any... suggestion as to where a good place to start would be?" This was certainly a mission he had never thought of undertaking ever in his life,
The Lords look flabbergasted as the conversation takes off without them. The questions and back and forth completely subsuming nearly all the occupants of the room.
As the questions fly their way as well they do their best to keep up.
Lord Aldorini nods, "Of course, we understand this is a very unconventional situation, so an unconventional solution is necessary."
Looking somewhat shocked, as if he had believed the goblin about the mental faculties of the feral woman Lord Sellemius responds, "We must be kept at arms length due to the politicol situation. We can provide some support but other than that you are on your own."
Lord Aldorini looks a tad uncomfortable and casts a glance over at Cerian, "We had sent a couple of smaller teams to scout the region. Some disappeared others didn't. We aren't asking for more than just the greenbelt from you though."
Lord Sellemius looks a little more comfortable now, responds with a smile, "Theres a trading post here just south of the border. It's a newer outpost and on the other side of the border so I don't have a whole lot of information about it. We have no other presence in the area and don't know of any."
Lord Aldorini frowns, "Unfortunately not much. Upon completion of the map itself we will pay handsomely, mostly in goods you can use for this venture. We need to be very careful how much interest we take or it may draw ire from the riverrats or the Issians. We will certainly provide transportation and supplies for the group to get them to that local trading post though."
Both lords turn to address this. Lord Sellemius runs a hand through his beard, "We've tried, the land itself resists, the River Kindgoms resist, our lords to the north refuse to support us in it, often taking it as a move for power by us. Thus the bandits thrive and then THEY resist." Lord Aldorini smirks and adds, "I don't put a whole lot of stock in the tales of the uncanny down there. More likely tales the bandits concoted to keep the curious out."
Mme. Pindles laughs gaily at Lord Aldorini's smirking remark, and considers the map once more. "I assume copies of this map will be available to us, your lordship. Do you have any other requests to make before you send us off? How often do you expect a report?"
Farin turns his attention to the lords as they speak.
How exactly will we be sendin these reports then eh?
Hella couldn't help but smile at Lord Sellemius. "My wolf is wise. He talks to me." Hella said as explanation. It was clear she was amused. "That is a good place to start. If everyone agrees, I say stop there first. If anything they would have word on the bandits and what is around the local area."
She seemed more concerned with looking at everyone else seeing their input then really paying attention to Lord Aldorini's words.
Ravboom mutters in goblin for a second or two, and then he nods. "Hella speak truth, Wolf Wise, and tell Hella wisdom." He nods though looking at the map, and stabs a finger down on the spot with the trading post. "Yes, here first, then find bandits, then kill stab maim slaughter bandits, make forest safe for people."
"I agree, Hella. A trading post will have news and tales of the area in addition to any supplies we may find we lack. Not to mention that we should try to befriend anyone living there who isn't a bandit. If we wish to eventually start a community, we'll want everyone working as one." Aluxion stops himself from launching into one of the parables of Erastil that talks about the benefit of befriending your neighbors.
Farin turns his attention to the lords as they speak.
1d20+2How exactly will we be sendin these reports then eh?
"Pigeon! Good for message, and for Eat if hungry." He looks at Wolf. "Wolf can make Hella make messages, no hurt her lose words putting on paper." He gives Wolf and Hella a sly grin.
"The outpost seems ideal then." Nedyr looks thoughtful, his eyes drifting off for a moment But where is the tower, I wonder?
"you had said that my parents were part of a similar missing expedition, where did they head, if I may ask. Perhaps they had a base camp, even a failed one could be a place to start."
As Cerian says this both the lords get quiet. Lord Mayor Sellemius pales slightly. Lord Aldorini finally speaks up, " Your parents were part of the group that was hired to scout the greenbelt... These rough maps are actually their work along with their companions. The last message we received from them contained this and hinted that something was stirring, that they were heading deeper in to investigate. That was nearly 3 months ago. We don't know where they went, or what happened to them."
Lord Sellemius addresses the concern, "Really we only expect one report, the completed and detailed map of the northern portion of the Greenbelt. Ostensibly this is what you are being "hired" to produce. We have a writ for you that will entitle you to other stipends due people in the service of the Sworldlords and such reports can be made at your discretion. We would prefer to have the completed map within 2 months time at the latest but can certainly extend more time to this if need be. There are traders who carry goods and such from the Trade Outpost into Restov so you may send them from there." He stops then nods as if thinking of something to add, "We will cover the stipend the traders normally charge to carry messages when they arrive of naturally." He then pulls to of the copies of the map out and places them on the table. Map "Take these copies of the map, they should at least give you a good idea where to start. The northern most territory is already part of Rostland and is well mapped so there is no need to remap that. Everything north of the lakes is what we are looking for now." Drawing the writ out of a scroll tube he lays it on the table for anyone to read.
by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and
authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel
within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration
should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and
west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of
this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful
behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry
remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this
24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov
and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of
the Dragonscale Throne.
6
Ravboom looks the maps over, the writ, and takes a copy of each and stuffs it in his pack.
Ravboom gives Lord Aldorini a salute from the table. "Ravboom ready now! Talky Talk all done? Time go sleep and go get Bandits?" He asks, looking around, to see if anyone else wants to talk or if they're all talked out. From his posture, he's obviously hoping the talking is done and the time for sleeping and then going south is at hand.
Lord Aldorini laughs, appreciating Ravbooms enthusiasm. I'm going to miss the scamp but it's for his own good, he'll end up gutting someone here eventually heh. "Soon enough Ravboom, unless my nose has betrayed me I think I smell the roast venison coming."
"Your nose does not betray you. Your servants will be entering the room soon to report dinner is ready. Time for the pack to eat." Her wolf jumped up at that looking around for food trotting to the door sniffing at it as if asking someone to open it his tail wagging.
Ravboom salutes Lord Aldorini, and nods. Muttering in goblin, he drops off the table and opens the door for Wolf. "Hella no good, no open door for Wolf." He chastises the woman, then bows and makes a sweeping motion. "No eat in Mayor study, Hella and Farin make mess." He then exits the room with Wolf and follows the startled servants to the dining room, his goblin mouth watering.
As the goblin leaves the Lord Mayor nods to one of the servants and says, "See to their needs please, and try not to upset them. The rest of you are perfectly welcome to eat there, it was our intention to do so. Access to the books here could come in handy if we need to reference anything further." As he finishes a parade of the mayors serving folk begin to enter. The first two bare braziers which they quickly set up and light next to the table. Upon these are placed various dishes meant to be eaten hot, or at least warm. The crowning glory is a haunch of savory venison, its enticing smell making the mouth water. The small tables about the room are loaded down with trays of a dizzying array of breads and fresh fruit and vegetables. Another of the servants placed a pot of mulled cider on the hearth to keep warm and goes about refilling mugs.
Oddly enough the last man to enter bears Lord Aldorini's livery. He enters carrying an odd stand and makes his way to the floor behind Nedyr to set it up. Upon rigging it fully it becomes clear that this is a perch intended for the feeding of birds, designed to keep them from messing their surroundings should they do what comes naturally. He fills the plate to the brim with the tidbits that most owls adore, complete with fur still in place. "Master Nedyr, if your owl is inclined we have made arrangements for his comfort as well." Getting a better look at the fellow it's clear he is Lord Aldorini's Master of the Hunt, bearing the marks on his hands and arms of a man who trains dog and falcon, as well as some of the Lord's more interesting pets. He then produces another bowl and fills it with chunks of raw meat, placing it down near Miri's chair to accommodate her four legged companion. He then see's to the needs of Hella and Ravboom, having associated with them plenty in the past.
Ravboom (with or with out Hella and Wolf) will climb up to the battlements, where he intends to sleep. He figures someone will catch up with him shortly with fresh food. He hops up on the wall, waves at the guards (grinning bigger at their double takes), and sits with his feet hanging off, looking down the castle wall at the moat. His sharp little eyes pick out all the fires and lights of people from the city and country side.
Hella grins as the servants started coming in being eagerly followed by her wolf. He pranced around but didn't snatch any of the meat as he sniffed at it and would give pretty blue pouting eyes to any that looked as if begging for some.
As the Lord had said. The food was coming here. Hella growls a friendly greeting to the Master of the Hunt and would move to the furs taking the food offered to her and in human speech. "Thank you Hunt Master. The animals, they are well?" She asked with a warm smile. Her wolf dove to her and the food. She lifted it out of reach with ease and her wolf huffed and laid down taking on a very regal pose looking like a sphinx. Hella started feeding her pack mate from the meat given to them.
"Eat enjoy, introduce. Pack's turn to bond before a long journey." She watched everyone making sure they were getting food and eating well.
The Master of Hunts greets Hella with a mock bow, an affection he has adopted for her, "Welladay, Lady Hella, The animals are well, and truly glad your friend here is far away tonight!" He says with a grin, and hands her a leather satchel containing the bits he knows are most treasured by Wolf. He then takes his leave and heads up to the battlements to share repast with Ravboom.
Arriving at the wall he offers Ravboom a tray of his favorite cuts done just the way he likes them. Sitting with his back to the wall he enjoys the quiet night. The rain seems to have stopped but there is still a stiff breeze.
Ravboom enjoys the silence, liking the Hunt Master, one of the few he'll miss. He eats the food, and shares it with the Huntmaster. He even hands over some of the spicy horse jerky, all without a word said. The stiff breeze makes the earrings in his ears tinkle softly in the night. Fishing out a flask with ale (salvaged from all the glasses they bought him at the inn), he passes the flask back and forth with the hunt master.
The scent of the expertly-cooked cuisine wafting through the study is overwhelming, and the gnome finds herself suddenly ravenous. With a graceful nod to the servant bringing meat to Darbi, Mme. Pindles excuses herself from the table to gather her own plate.
The variety of the selection is outstanding, and she is eager to sample every dish. Although she takes only a bite-sized portion from each serving tray, her plate is soon filled.
Returning to her cushioned seat, Mme. Pindles waits for the rest to settle down with their own meals before beginning to eat- although her dignified air is slightly undermined by the way she keeps eyeing her plate.
He was distracted by the map for the most part, though he did take a glance at the scroll. At least it was official. He frowned slightly at the part about the execution. Not that he disagreed with capital punishment, it just merely seemed to him that with a hangman's noose waiting for banditry, what bandit would fight like a cornered rat? The wafting smells of the food distracted him enough though he were no longer that hungry after the stew at the tavern. Like the Goblin Ravboom, he too was eager to be on the road to the greenbelt to find these bandits.. and with luck some sign of his parents
"Thank you for the answers Lords Aldorini, and Sellemius. It would seem that we have our work cut out for us. Tomorrow we ride for the greenbelt and this trading outpost."
Then, turning to the remaining host of adventurers Rodric said "But tonight, let's eat, sing and drink!"
The Lords partake of the feast as well, the conversation turning lighter as people mull over their options and enjoy themselves. The night winds down and good to his word Lord Mayor Sellemius provides accomodations for everyone.
A new day dawns on Castle Restov, the dew on the grass disrupted by the trump of boots as servants prepare a wagon for the travellers in the courtyard. The smell of fresh bread, warm butter and spiced venison coming from a number of bundles prepared for them so they need not wait to embark.
Lord Sellemius appears in the courtyard, yawning as he does so, ready to see the group off. Lord Aldorini has been here for a bit, taking a few practice swings at the pells over near the garrison but comes over as people start to arrive.
Ravboom has been practicing his sword hits against the practice dummies as well, and as people begin arriving, he let's out a snarl and pounds his sword into a wooden practice dummy.
Bits of wood go flying and the dummy sags to one side. Satisfied, Ravboom wipes his sword clean, checking it for nicks as he catches his breath. Sheathing it, he follows Lord Aldorini over to the group.
He had always been an early riser, and he watched from the courtyard as the wagon was loaded with supplies. He had even went so far as to offer to drive that wagon. It wasn't that he couldn't ride a horse, In fact he thought himself a very good rider It was just something his father had once told him.
He was certainly glad he was a part of this mission, he had barely slept at all last night thinking about it. He still had questiona about the journey but it was more for his companions... Who was in charge? The little goblin seemed to think he was in charge which would be fine when it came to battling bandits... dealing with traders and the like... well Cerian was afraid the goblin being their leader would be a problem.
And it wasn't because of the goblin even, just... colored perceptions... well and the random bouts of cursing colorfully in its natural language...and the threatening to bite things... well actually all of it sounded dangerous. The pretty elven bard from the tavern could probably speak well, as did that human male, Roderic he thought he said his name was. He knew in a pinch he could spin a tale with the best of them, Something to work out on the road he supposed. HE circled about the wagon even know double checking things to make sure things were stowed properly.
The wagon was an open afair, heaped with supplies and some trade goods. Cerians offer to drive had been respectfully declined as the merchant who owned it was inclined to drive it himself. He was seeing to his pair of heavy old horses when Cerian began his inspection. Smiling he walked over and offered a hand, "Name's Gunter, you can trust she won't fall apart on us my good man!" He says with a jovial smile.
Cerian smiled and nodded his hand resting on the smooth wood of the wagon. "Indeed she looks to be a well built wagon." He said as he took the mans hand and gave it a good polite and firm shake. "Have you made this trip to this trading post before? Whats the layout of the land? Open fields? rolling hills? Do you see many others on the trip down?" He asked simply just wanting to gather a little bit more information about things from what appeared to be well, a neutral enough sort.
Ravboom follows his Lord over, and as people begin to arrive, he begins to accost them.
Seeing that Cerian is the first to arrive, the goblin walks up, interrupting the elf. "What weapon Cerian use? Cerian good in fight or be practice dummy in fight?" The goblin hooks a thumb back at the training dummy, which looks like it's been chopped in half. The goblin does give the wagon master a wave and a salute in passing. He also avoids the horses.
Glancing at the Lords he lowers his voice a bit, "The land's a little hilly in the area around the outpost but a nice enough place. Fellow running it is a good chap by the name of Oleg, truth be told bandits are a problem in the area, don't know if the lords over there told you that. There's a few trappers in the area though so the furs I get for the trip are well worth the risk."
Hella watched with amusement as one of the stable boys tried to get her horse over where he could saddle it without getting close enough it could bite. Moving over she gently touched the stableboy's shoulder and took the reins clicking her tongue and the horse moved with her prancing in front of the other horses. He was an energetic stallion. She clicked her tongue again and he settled. Saddling him up she looked around as the others filtered out.
Telling him to stay she would salute Cerian and Ravboom casually. Her wolf was to one side out of the way chewing on a bone.
"Morning." She would listen to the man's words also and would smile a greeting. Hella knew people got intimidated when she growled a greeting.
Picking up her saddlebags she would put them on her horse and though he didn't look happy he did not budge. Settling the weight evenly she would pull out a carrot and feed it to him letting him chew on it before she put on the bridle.
Ravboom waves at Hella and Wolf, and calls a cheery curse filled greeting to Wolf. He pulls the last half stick of horse jerky out of his pocket and tosses it through the air toward's Wolf, a morning snack.
Wolf lunges and snatches it out of the air eating it eagerly. Hella just chuckled as he scarfed it down and then went back to his bone picking it up and moving to the stallion and sat chewing on the bone.
Her stallion seemed used to it and didn't balk at the wolf being near.
"When everyone gets here we can figure out who will be scouts, rear guards, and flankers. I don't expect trouble but we should prepare for it."
"They had mentioned Bandits.... its why we have our secret weapon Sir Ravboom here." The elf intoned half excusing himself from the merchant. Of course their would be time on the road to chat more. He smiled at the goblin well aware he wasn't probably anywhere near the rambunctious green skins talent to hit things. but. . . "I have been known to be fair enough in a fight, I'm a mobile sort but I can manage to make myself useful. I think. " He said drawing the short sword at his waist and motioning to the half destroyed dummy Ravboom just handled. He would leave the large curved Elven two handed sword sheathed and tied down. It was a gift from his father he had never fully wielded well and instead he darted forward and flipped over the dummy's 'sword' and then thrust through the dummy from behind it with his sword
"Just don't expect me to stand in front of them and let them attack me."
Rodric, walks out into the courtyard. He is no longer dressed in his finery but instead is wearing leather riding pants, a green jerkin over a loose shirt, and a wide brim hat that's pinned loosely on the left side.
Walking toward the stables he calls out to the boy saddling his horse, "Did he treat ya alright this morning lad? No trouble I expect?"the boy nods in affirmation, and silently hands Rodric the reins. The cavalier reaches in his pocket and pulls out an apple he snuck away from the feast last night and feeds it to the horse. Then, reaching back into his pocket, he grabs a pair of gold coins and hands them to the stable boy.
"You've done a good job handling my Fortune, I can see you even brushed him down proper. Take these coins as my thanks. Y'know lad, I started in your very same position, just a stable-boy. Keep your chin up, and your nose down, and you'll likely have a horse of your one day." Rodric flashes his warm smile at the youngster and claps on him the shoulder. Grabbing Fortune's reins he leads the dappled grey stallion over to Hella.
"Suppose we should introduce our boys to one another so there's no pissin' matches on the road later. What's your horse's name?"
Mme. Pindles appears on the lawn, yawning slightly. She'd been in the city far too long and gotten more used to late nights than early mornings.
As she moves toward the caravan, she takes care to see that Darbi doesn't frighten any of the horses. She glances around to see if any of the riding beasts are more appropriate for someone her size... Perhaps there's a pony hidden behind all of the huge tramping steeds?
Hella grinned and nodded to Rodric. "Indeed. Blue Moon here is very energetic and wild. Raised him since he was a tiny foul. His mother didn't survive the birthing unfortunately." Hella moves to her stallion and taps his shoulder and he turned his head. Grabbing the reins she would lead him over to Rodric.
Blue Moon stared at the other horse sizing him up before leaning his nose out to inhale his scent.
Hella didn't look like she had changed, but she didn't have the smell of someone that hadn't bathed. Nor did the furs smell gamey.
"How old is your horse?"
The Lord Mayor, seeing Miri looking around walks over, " I apologize Madame we did not have beasts to spare, but if you will allow me to help you this merchant has plenty of room in the wagon for you." He offers here a hand to help her up in a gallant manner.