Once he is gone, he speaks to Oleg "Yes, we killed the worst of them, but a few have come back also seeking redemption. Oleg, I am sorry we weren't more aware of the troubles we were bringing you and your wife by asking you to help us reform these men. Hopefully, with Jhod's help, we'll be able to have them feed themselves sooner rather than later, and even build shelter. I know it is OUR job to explore, but is there any place you want them to settle or is near here ok?"
Is there any one item that your looking for, that they stole?"
The rest of the caravan is in good spirits, but everyone is alert. Even though this route is generally considered to be safe from bandits and predators, nobody wants to rest easy in this wilderness. Lots are drawn and curses are exclaimed as the guards and drivers determine who gets stuck standing watch in the darkest part of the night. Many, it seems, would prefer to avoid the last watch, hoping to spend a few more precious hours in the relative comfort of their bedrolls.
Thankfully, the night passes uneventfully, and the caravan is quickly moving again with the morning light.
An hour or so after noon, the driver calls out for guards to be alert, informing them that another group of wagons is headed toward your caravan. The wagons stop about a hundred feet apart, hands are raised in greeting, and people from both sides dismount and walk forward.
After several minutes of apparently friendly discussion, hands are clasped, good tidings are wished, and both groups return to their wagons. As their group passes yours, you hear several people from both sides calling out to familiar faces.
The master follows them at a respectful distance, a unique sight as he has been in the front for the entire journey. He reins in beside you and motions to your group, he pulling you to the side and away from the rest of the caravan.
In a husky and urgent whisper, he confides, "I just thought I'd warn you, there are rumors of a plague hitting some of the smaller villages and farms to the south. It started with farmers not showing up with their crops last harvest season. A few of the merchants who deal in food sent men to investigate, and many of them didn't return. Those who did spoke of sickness and death around the farms they visited. Now, these are only rumors, mind you, but I wanted to spread the word."
He pauses for a minute, "Also, thought you might want to know a bit about the other folks like you - with those charter things. Supposedly, Oleg already has some working out of his place. The locals have started calling them the Giant, the Amazon, and the Priest. Don't know if any of those names mean anything to you, but figured I'd pass 'em along. We should hit Oleg's before nightfall."
He spurs his horse forward and rejoins the lead wagon, leaving you all to ponder his words and warnings.
Temerith listens to the man's words with rapt attention, even though he seems to refuse to make eye contact. He shifts in his seat at the mention of more charter-holders, his left hand coming to rest on the pommel of his weapon once again.
Hope they are friendly, he thinks to himself. Looking around carefully to make sure no one is watching him, Temerith shifts in his seat once more, attempting to adjust his tail beneath his coat so it is less uncomfortable.
Oleg's face tightens as Bridgette speaks, "Thank you, I'm glad you found them, and none too soon. A caravan is scheduled to be by here tomorrow, so it will be good to get those furs on their wagons. As for anything else..."
He glances down, "That woman stole Svetlana's ring. I didn't even know until I found out a few days after they left. Svetlana didn't want me doing anything stupid, like riding off after them. And I would have too, if she hadn't stopped me."
He sighs, "She doesn't really care, said she knows we're married and that's all that matters to her, but I care. If you do run across it, I'll make it more than worth your while to return it."
Oleg clears his throat, "But enough of that, we've got bigger problems." He drums his fingers on the table and glances down for a few seconds. Raising his eyes again, he continues, "Here is what I propose. We build an addition on the south of this post; maybe a couple of bunk houses... and expand the storage shed. The soldiers can stay in the current beds, the prisoners will get one of the new ones, and we'll set up one for you folks to stay in when you're here. We'll add a few more beds in case we have more visitors, or some of the trappers who stay overnight when they drop off their pelts. Might need to expand the stables too... Either way, the woods to the south can give us as many trees as we need, we just have to figure out how many..."
He stands up and walks over to a set of shelves full of papers and books. Moving a few papers around, he finds one and brings it back to the table, laying it in front of you. It shows the Trading Post and the surrounding area. Oleg points out a green section of the map to the south, "As for farming and the animals, the most fertile land is here, a few hundred yards from the Post, so any crops would do best in that area."
He moves his finger to the west of the Post to a yellow spot on the map, "And this land is isn't as good for farming, but it can support goats or sheep. Little bit further out, but not impossible to manage, just a ten minute walk from here. Probably don't want to deal with cattle though, not worth the tie or money it would take to get them here. Might need some dogs too. We could also think about chickens, they're cheaper and are full grown in a few months."
Oleg sits back and looks at you, It would keep everyone busy, but we'll need your help to get everything going, especially getting the wood up here. What do you think?
"It sounds good."
Old Group
Oleg nods, "I'll let you know how much gold I'll need tomorrow after the caravan arrives. Good evening."
-----
New Group
The rest of the journey to Oleg's is uneventful. Your arrival is greeted by several soldiers and other men, working under the watchful eye of armed guards.
A burly man with gray hair and beard comes to meet the caravan leader. After several minutes of speaking, he walks toward you, "Welcome to my home. There are three other explorers inside, you should probably meet them. They're inside the house looking at a map of the area."
He directs you to a house, and inside you see three people sitting around a table looking at a map of the region.
-----
The man that ducks and dips a shoulder through the door frame is bigger than the door. Broader also. His bald head sits above the rafters and he moves carefully into the room to avoid hitting his head. It is obvious he has been here before as he shucks pack and his heavy leather and canvas coat and tosses them haphazardly into the corner near the fireplace then leans a heavy metal hook against the wall.
He is bald with skin the color of well-treated leather, but has a surprisingly boyish face. On any other man, it would be handsome. On this brute it is odd and out of place. A mottled discoloration, like a burn scar or birthmark, coils around his thick right arm and vanishes beneath his shirt before reappearing to climb up the side of his corded neck.
Two large wardogs follow him inside, one light and honey colored, the other dark like charchol. They flop over on the rug and pant with happiness as the warmth of the fire.
This big glances at the table of newcommers, but says nothing to them. Instead he pours bowls of food and water for his dogs, and promptly goes back outside. A bit later the sounds of splashing can be heard from the horse trough.
Upon arrival he takes Mist to the stable, he would have to have a word with Oleg about the conditions. Once his mount is taken care of he enters the house. Upon seeing the three Arumil does not speak, he does find a free space to look over the map. Seeing any progress so far as well as if his knowledge would find anything missed or helpful.
Bydar glances up as he notices the newcomers nearby, "Good day to you."
she sees the newcomers
"Looks like we have company?
Well then why don't we introduce ourselves,
I'm Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius."
Looking vaguely uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the other charter-holders, Temerith takes a cautious look around before lowering his hood, exposing his horns. "Temerith of Ragathiel." He taps his right fist against his chest, only barely attempting to meet the eyes of the gathered people, as his left hand rests on the pommel of his bastard sword.
Arumil looks up from the map for a moment.
"Arumil Amaim"
He looks back down, seemed not to much had been explored so far.
"Is there anything I should be aware of concerning our mission?"
"Mission?" Bydar says, "Pardon, were you all also given a charter?" then he realizes he hadn't really given a name, "And I'm Bydar of Shelyn."
Arumil looks up at the human for a moment.
"You were not informed of our coming. I was informed of your group."
Bridgette upon seeing Temerith, looks like she is recalling something/someone,
and starts to smile a bit and starts holding back on laughing.
Arumil looks up at the human for a moment.
"You were not informed of our coming. I was informed of your group."
"So it seems," Bydar says with a smile, "Might I ask what skills and gifts you bring to this endeavor? It turns out we've call for a lot more than I expected."
Temerith shifts uncomfortably where he stands under Bridgette's gaze. Sharp eyes could tell that he is grabbing the hilt of his weapon a little more tightly then is strictly necessary. He attempts to stifle a heavy sigh with his right hand, but is not particularly successful.
Again...
Arumil studies the man.
"I bring knowledge and experience. You?
Varnius is deep in conversation with one of the soldiers and has not yet come inside.
As people are making introductions, Oleg enters with Captain Garess. He stands at the side of the table and watches as the group interacts with one another. When an opportunity presents itself, he clears his throat, "I have a couple of items to discuss with you."
"First, the prisoners. If you're going to pay them, I assume you want to do so at typical laborer rates. If that's the case, you owe each of them one silver a day. I don't mind keeping accounts and acting as their paymaster as long as you're staying here."
"Second, do you want goats, chickens, or both? The cost is about the same. The difference is that goats are a better investment long term, while you see your profits back on chickens much sooner. But you get higher return on goats. Luckily, any of the men can be trained to care for the goats or the chickens, so either one would work. I'll need 30 gold to get everything, and we'll get the animals in a week."
"Third, expanding the Post isn't something that can wait, so if you don't mind a request, could you focus on exploring the areas immediately to the south? That's where we need to get the wood, and it will be much easier if you clear it out before the guys head in there to harvest the logs."
"Finally, I can get about 15 gold pieces for the earrings, 120 for the music box, and 160 for the liquor (20 gp per bottle). I'll add in another 100 gold for returning my goods as well. Are you okay with that?"
Kesten steps forward after Oleg speaks. "I just thought you should know, the Swordlords provided me a warrant for six bandits to be captured or killed. Since you have already done that, I've submitted the necessary documentation for your reward. I'm sure we'll get another warrant though, so keep your eyes open for more of the criminals."
-----
The priest has green eyes and brown hair. His skin is bronzed, but more from Taldan heritage than time outdoors (Though recent travels have indeed tanned that even further).
Arumil studies the man.
"I bring knowledge and experience. You?"
"A fair question given my own, I'm a cleric of Shelyn, by her grace I have been granted some small miracles, chiefly of healing. I am of noble blood, and was afforded some education thereby, but I confess I spent my time pursuing religious studies given my chosen path."
.......When Oleg and Kesten speak, Bydar ponders, "Well, my initial thought is a mix of animals would be safest, to promote long term and fast gain. The prisoners pay I am not as certain of. I think fair pay would be better for their morale, but we must make sure they know they still making amends and not merely making their own way. As for the items..." He sighs, "As much as I hate to see beautiful items leave the lands, if it will help the ex-bandits better themselves and this rough territory, that will bring beauty too. Unless anyone else wants any of the items or sees a need I do not, then I am for selling those goods. Thank you for handling all that, Oleg."
Arumil remains silent on the exchange, he had not done any work so he was not about to speak on anything. He did find a few subjects interesting as to what these people had done so far.
The big man comes back inside toward the tail end of the conversation, obviously having just cleaned himself off outside. He was dripping but didn't seem to care much.
"Keep my share." he rumbles to Oleg. "Use it for more food and shelter."
The group spends a restful night and gets an early start the next morning.
Before you set out, Svetlana meets you near the gate.
"I wonder if I might ask a favor. Oleg has a deep love for the wild radishes that grow in the forest, and we haven't been able to harvest them for a few years. If you come across any, would you mind bringing a bag back for me?"
-----
The trip south is uneventful, as is your entry into the forest. The first night passes quickly, and you rest knowing that your first few hours of exploration have gone well.
You discover a large field containing wild radishes early the following morning. Lying in the middle of the field are four kobolds with dark scales, all moaning loudly and clutching their bellies. Half-eaten radishes litter the field around the small creatures. One kobold occasionally reaches down, grabs a radish, takes a huge bite, then lets it roll out of its hand, noisily chewing the treat and sighing contentedly... before resuming the moaning.
The kobolds do not appear to see you.
Arumil looks to the others, while pointing to the kobolds. He whispers as to not give away their presence yet.
"I speak draconic. I have heard of kobold problems in the greenbelt and we may as well try diplomatic means first."
"I'll agree to the diplomatic method."
Temerith gives an incredulous look to the suggestion, but doesn't say anything. His hand remains on the pommel of his weapon, and he simply observes the kobolds warily.
The big man simply waited. He didn't seem to have much of an opinion about anything that had been discussed. This was no different.
"That sounds wise," The cleric raises a brow, wondering if the creatures are ill from bad food, or merely overstuffed.
Arumil looks at the rest of the group.
"None the less I would like if someone could be between me and them. I am not very useful in close quarters."
Once someone agree's he moves towards the kobolds. His nature did keep a spell ready in case the kobolds made a bad choice.
"Good day, are you alright?"
All four of the kobolds leap up... or they attempt to leap up. One manages to get on his feet, while the other three roll around wildly, flailing their arms and legs while trying to stand.
The one who stands up first looks back toward the others and screams in its high-pitched yipping voice,
He continues yelling for a time, finally resorting to throwing small radishes at them in his tiny fury. As the other three finally gain their feet - while clutching their bellies and moaning - the first one turns back toward Arumil and points a clawed finger at him,
Temerith moves to stand in front of the elven man as he addresses the prone kobolds. He peers at them, his red eyes seeming to glow slightly in the hood's shadow. With both arms crossed over his chest, the Inquisitor stands his ground.
Seeing the kobolds clamber to their feet and begin to shout at his party, Temerith draws his bastard sword from it's sheath, resting it on his right shoulder as he glares at them. Though the hood obscures his features, one can almost feel the scowl on the tiefling's face. Though he can't tell what they are saying, their intentions or even if they are as harmless as they appear, Temerith keeps his guard up.
"They're stuffed to the gills to the point of being sick. I doubt they'd be much of a fight in such a state" He assures Temerith
"They are more than stuffed.
Let's just hope they don't get gassy,
as we are down wind of them at the moment."
Hearing his companions, the Inquisitor seems to calm a bit. He even seems to crack a smile, but the hood prevents anyone else from seeing it.
"Good," Temerith states, but the weapon remains firmly gripped in his hand, sitting broadside against his coat's shoulder. His posture relaxes, and the tiefling's eyes don't seem to burn with the same red-hot intensity.
Arumil places a hand on Temerith when he draws his sword. The kobolds even in better condition were little match for the group, as they were it would be an easy battle if it came to that.
"Easy, don't push things without need."
He had already gained some information. So the kobold clan was called Sootscale.
"You are in no shape to fight anyone. But I am sure we can come to an agreement of some kind. Maybe we could even gain a meeting with your great chief. We do not seek to make an enemy of the Sootscale clan, rather allies if such an honor could be gained."
Arumil responds to the kobold, and it dances back and forth from foot to foot for ten seconds. Finally, it jumps up and yips, then yells,
Arumil translates to the others . He then whispers to the others.
"It makes no sense that they would tell us where their chief is, the clan hold by extension, then not want us to follow them. I am guessing that location is in the direct opposite direction of their home or a trap. Time for plan B, we capture them alive. Lets see what happens when we bring them to this tree they directed us to."
Arumil cast a spell at the kobolds, one of sleep. Catching as many as he can.
Arumil is able to catch all of the kobolds in his spell's area of effect, and two of them fall over, snoring loudly. The other two, including the one who spoke, let out surprised yips, turn around, and sprint into the forest.
"Arumil, a little morning warning next time before you make such a choice on your own, please!" Bydar frowns.
Arumil gives the man a look.
"If they did not attempt to trick us I would not have attempted to capture them. Their actions had a price, a lighter one then they would take had roles been reversed."
Looking at the two that fell and towards where the other two escaped.
"I would suggest those with tracking abilities find the other two. It would be unwise to let them go."
Thinking for a moment.
"Does anyone have rope or something to bind them with?"
Bydar looks back, "We will discuss who sets what prices later but what's done is done." he looks to the others, "I have no rope with me, do any of you have such with you, and what do you think of Arumil's suggestion? If we follow it, it will have to be done hastily"
she looks angrily at Arumil
"Arumil that was rash, put us in danger, and starts us off with a bad reputation among the locals inhabitants.
I would ask that you take the group's opinion before you do something so rash and dangerous again."
"I say we let the Kobolds be, and not use them as bait or anything of the sort."
"Arumil is right about one thing, there is something odd in their suggestions and it could very well be a trick, but to what purpose? Perhaps we should ask these two to guide us there?"