Happs and Akiros both appear uneasy with your reticence to deal with the two bandits who don't speak Common, but they keep their opinions to a minimum. But they do suggest that you keep the bandits well away from Bridgette and Arianna.
"They are rapists?" Bydar asks with a frown.
They also warn you about the small graveyard behind the fort. Apparently some of the bandits have been hearing sounds coming from that direction.
"Thank you, I'll look into that..." He assures, already having suspicions. And heads that way.
When he returns from the graveyard's edge, he fills the others in, "I will want to examine it more carefully but the graveyard has been desecrated. There are undead creatures buried there. I think we can dig holes and destroy them, if need be I can channel positive energy within and do so. More important in the long run is the reconsecration of the land here. I can handle that easily enough, but perhaps not right away."
Finally, you find remains of at least a dozen people in the cellar. Even to untrained eyes, the people were tortured and physically abused before death claimed them. (Most of the crates containing trade goods were also found in the cellar)
When Bydar sees this, his jaw sets.
"They're what?" Raxus asks Bydar
"They're what?" Raxus asks Bydar
"I'm not sure yet, that's why I asked Happs and Akiros the question," Bydar says somberly.
Akiros glances at Happs, then speaks softly in reply to Bydar's question, "Yes, and worse - they enjoy hurting people."
upon hearing how bad they were.
Ok, that's extremely creepy.
If it's that bad, either they get life in prison or death.
"We have witnesses to the crime. In the future, I think we'll want a more organized trial system, more civilized, but Shelyn forgive me, then we'll yield to the advice of Akiros and Happs, and to Bridgette's decision. Had we more resources, a long term prison might work...but we don't. Death it is." He looks to Raxus, "Raxus, we can just kill them, unless you wish to give them a chance to fight again?"
Raxus' eyes narrow as Akiros speaks. Bydar had barely finished speaking when Raxus brought his hook around. Two heavy blows later and both men were dead.
Raxus looked down at the corpses for a moment, wrestling with something in his mind. He didn't speak about the conclusions he reached, but it was clear that he was not happy. He turned away and set about the grim work of dragging the bodies into a pile outside the the walls, searching them for valuables, and lighting them on fire.
Bydar helps Raxus with the bodies, "I'm sorry my friend. Do you think I made the wrong call?"
"No." Raxus said fiercely. "They needed to die."
He paused then continued. "It just seems wrong to hurt someone who cannot defend themselves because they hurt someone who could not defend themselves. I want there to be a better way."
"So do I, my friend. I wish I knew a better option," Bydar sighs, "I have always believed it was better than ten guilty men go free than one innocent man be punished. But the punishment, even over the guilty, is rarely pleasant. However, you do not have administer it if you don't wish to. Please remember that. One of us can do it instead if we must."
Arianna distances herself as her companions mete out justice upon the Stag Lord's minions. Instead, the young woman spends her time studying the Stag Lord's corpse, committing his features to memory while also searching for any sign that he might be linked to the fey powers that influenced the gnome Zatlusan.
Despite taking her time, Arianna is unable to find any links between the Stag Lord and the fey powers.
The bodies are piled outside, the pyre lights easily and quickly begins to consume them. All around, darkness is beginning to cover the land. Happs approaches, "Are you planning to rest here tonight, then set out in the morning?"
"If I am not willing to kill someone myself, I should not be allowing anyone else to do it either." Raxus says with a shake of his head.
Bridgette notices Raxus' unhappy state from doing what needed to be done, and tries to comfort him some.
"I know it was not the easiest course of action. But since we have not means yet of preventing them from spreading evil, misery, despair, shame, sorrow, and suffering.
This was the best choice. I can only imagine the tip of the sword of what they did, and their victim's suffering and trama."
Raxus goes still as Bridgette speaks and nods glancing at her for only a moment. "You are right... Thank you."
The bodies are piled outside, the pyre lights easily and quickly begins to consume them. All around, darkness is beginning to cover the land. Happs approaches, "Are you planning to rest here tonight, then set out in the morning?"
"I believe so," Arianna replies, glancing toward her other companions for confirmation. "I assume you and Akiros will be coming with us? The others will want to hear of your bravery in infiltrating the Stag Lord's fortress and helping us defeat him."
"I'm just wondering if there are anymore bandit camps or groups that are still operating here."
"With the Stag lord dead, any remaining bandits will avoid this area if they are wise. We surely must be getting something of a reputation by now. Of course, other threats are rising so its little comfort."
"Let's hope that with the reputation of kicking the Staglord off his throne makes the local bandit rethink their careers."
The journey back to Oleg’s Trading Post passes quickly. There is a definite sense of satisfaction among the group as everyone begins to understand the ramifications of ending the depredations of the Stag Lord and his brutal associates. The Stolen Lands, for the first time in generations, are largely free of organized bandits roaming the region. And even more importantly, any other bandits who consider establishing themselves in the Stolen Lands will have undoubtedly heard about the Stag Lord’s demise.
Happs and Akiros speak at length about what they learned while around the bandits, and it comes as no surprise to learn that Oleg’s Trading Post was slated for destruction. Had the Stag Lord lived a few more days, he would have assaulted the Trading Post, killed or captured all of the inhabitants, and burned the structure to the ground. Happs is especially relieved that the Post is safe. Despite his aloof demeanor and frequent absences, everyone learns that he, much like the other Free Brothers, has come to see the Trading Post as not just a place to sleep, but as a home.
Akiros is another matter. On the third night while the group makes camp, he asks everyone to gather together. He begins by saying his name is Akiros Ismort, a noble warrior of Erastil, and former soldier serving House Rogarvia. He became friends with a woman, who eventually betrayed him. She invited him to her house, only to reveal that her husband and his guards were waiting for him. Irate at the betrayal, Akiros fought his way free, killing both the man and his wife in the process. But as a result of his actions that day, his divine link to Erastil was shattered, and he became a shell of a man, wandering the Stolen Lands in an effort to just survive one more day.
He hopes that the characters will give him a chance as they have with other former bandits so that he may try to redeem himself, and once again prove worthy of Erastil's blessing.
-----
As the group arrives at Oleg's, several things immediately stand out. The first are the two large carriages outside the front gate. Decorated with the finest detail, everyone notices the prominent signs of elvish design. A dozen elven steeds are picketed near the carriages, guarded by three grim-faced soldiers wearing elven chain armor and bearing elaborate elven curved blades. They watch the group with wary eyes, though they do not move or speak as you pass through the gate.
Entering the Post causes a flurry of activity, as several more elves look at one another. One moves to knock on the door to Oleg and Svetlana's house. A few moments pass and the door opens - a beautiful elven woman exits the house, followed by Oleg and Svetlana.
Smiling, the elven woman approaches your group. She pauses, and bows, perhaps mockingly, but it seems the gesture is sincere. Up close, everyone can see that every single detail of her body is perfect - the shape of her eyes and nose, the curve of her hips, even the way she stands in front of you when she stops walking. She finally speaks, and her voice is melodic and rich, "Greetings, I am glad to see each of you in person. I am scheduled to return to Kyonin this evening, and it would have been a pity to miss seeing people of such renown."
Most of the other people in the Post have stopped whatever they were doing to watch this encounter. Lanner and Teremith are at the corner of the stable, watching intently.
The elven woman shifts her eyes to look at Arumil. "Hello, beloved. You're looking... well. A bit dirty, but nothing that a long hot bath wouldn't fix." Her tone makes it clear that she would like nothing better than to be involved with the suggested bath.
She turns her body to face Arumil and steps closer, "Dearest, I have some distressing news. Your family has suffered a tragedy - all of their land and wealth has been confiscated, and they have been named traitors to the realm of Kyonin. Obviously, this is a terrible mistake, but unfortunately, the charges against them are quite serious."
She reaches out and places a hand on Arumil's arm, "That is why I'm here - you have been ... traveling ... since you left me. That places you outside the scope of these charges. You can be the savior of your family - see your lands returned, recover your family's treasures, and have the allegations dropped from the annals of history. You can save your family, Arumil."
She pauses, "But you have to return and manage the affairs in person, Arumil. I have convinced my superiors that you would be safest my protection, and they have agreed. I have been tasked with personally taking responsibility for your safety, and while in my care, you shall have the full legal protection of the Church. It's time to come home, Arumil. For your family's sake, for your sake. It's time to come back to me."
Akiros is another matter. On the third night while the group makes camp, he asks everyone to gather together. He begins by saying his name is Akiros Ismort, a noble warrior of Erastil, and former soldier serving House Rogarvia. He became friends with a woman, who eventually betrayed him. She invited him to her house, only to reveal that her husband and his guards were waiting for him. Irate at the betrayal, Akiros fought his way free, killing both the man and his wife in the process. But as a result of his actions that day, his divine link to Erastil was shattered, and he became a shell of a man, wandering the Stolen Lands in an effort to just survive one more day.
He hopes that the characters will give him a chance as they have with other former bandits so that he may try to redeem himself, and once again prove worthy of Erastil's blessing.
Bydar is sympathetic to Akiros' plight, How could I not sympathize despite the darkness of his deeds? "Perhaps you should speak to Jhod. The temple to Erastil may have need of hard work and strong arms to restore it fully, and while I cannot claim that will be enough to restore what was lost, it is a good deed to be done for its own sake. And who knows?"
.............
Bydar is surprised to see the elven steeds and elves themselves. He glances to Arumil, wondering at a connection here but he tries to restrain voicing his curiosity in front of the elf guests. Answers, he trusts, will come soon enough.
And they do...
Smiling, the elven woman approaches your group. She pauses, and bows, perhaps mockingly, but it seems the gesture is sincere. Up close, everyone can see that every single detail of her body is perfect - the shape of her eyes and nose, the curve of her hips, even the way she stands in front of you when she stops walking. She finally speaks, and her voice is melodic and rich, "Greetings, I am glad to see each of you in person. I am scheduled to return to Kyonin this evening, and it would have been a pity to miss seeing people of such renown."
"Truly, you have already met many of the people who have made this outpost more than a simple dwelling place, but a true home," He gives nods of respect to Oleg and his wife, and those of the Brotherhood about. "I'm Bydar of Shelyn. It's a delight to meet you."
But then her reasons for being here unfold. Bydar glances to Arumil to see his response to this.
Raxus looked at the heraldry and the grim-faced soldiers with curiosity, but the moment the elven woman stepped out into view, he averted his eyes and decided it was time to be anywhere else.
He turned on his heel and headed for the kennels without a backward glance.
He knew nothing good would come when he saw the carriages. Once they had entered and Sabariel had stepped out that was completely confirmed. Her words brought three thoughts to mind. His consideration of killing her right then and there, yet that would hardly end well or solve the problem. The second was the blatant act of Sabariel's actions against his family, ether his people had grown more foolish then even he thought. Or she had gone through the great trouble of swaying many involved, which he was sure she did. Lastly that he had little choice in the matter. Not showing anything he turned to the group.
"It seems their is considerable trouble back home that can not be ignored. I rather doubt I will be able to return quickly in any matter. As such I do not make it a habit of abandoning things. I will arrange something to make up for it."
He gives Sabariel a steely look as he turns to her.
"While I do not know what this is about. I will find out, I can assure you of that. Once I have my things we may depart."
He saw no point in wasting time. He gathers his things from his former home and before he leaves takes Bydar aside.
"Here are something's I will not need or you may find useful in more way's then they seem."
With that he goes with the elves.
What about Mylbaen Mistweaver? Does he switch over?
Bridgette has not seen a group of high standards, or thinks is high standards before in her life.
she thinks
"Is Arumil a noble or something similar?"
Bydar, when taken aside, speaks to Arumil quietly.
When the items are offered, he takes them graciously, "My thanks. Is there anything you'd like done with the Statuette in particular? Other worshipers of the god may yet arrive, if a shrine is called for, would you like me to use this as a part of it?"
He simply nods.
"Concerning the Statuette, it may serve in a shrine. But it could be of better use. I am sure if the right type of person see's it they will understand".
The elven guards load Arumil's things in one of the carriages while he boards the other with the female elf - Sabariel. Glancing around the Post one last time, he ducks his head and enters without another word, heading toward whatever awaits him in the elven homeland of Kyonin.
The guards are gracious as they exit the Fort, thanking Oleg and Svetlana for their hospitality. Whatever else they may be, the guards, at least, seem to appreciate the small slice of civilization they found in the wilderness of the Greenbelt.
-----
The next few days pass quickly as life around the Trading Post returns to normal. It has been several weeks since the heroes have been around, but all of you notice how much life has changed since you have arrived.
The first obvious change is a group of tents outside the southern wall of the Trading Post. Several small families have taken up residence here with Oleg's permission. They tell you they came here intentionally after learning about the Trading Post from a trapper they met while traveling. Apparently, word of your good deeds, and the significantly lower bandit presence, has started to spread throughout the Stolen Lands.
Lanner and Captain Garess have also become closer, and the two laugh and jest while leading morning exercises for all the soldiers and Free Brothers. Teremith is also there, apparently enjoying the activities. You also notice that Lanner no longer wears the scarf to cover his demonic features. Perhaps it prevented him from properly instructing the men? Or maybe it's something more?
Oleg and Svetlana are also doing well. Oleg informs you that caravan traffic has increased recently, but most importantly, none of them have seen any bandits for several months. He further reports that such information has a way of spreading around the merchant community rather quickly, so he hopes that the following season will see much more trade now that the roads are safer.
Svetlana has become something of a caretaker for the children living at the Trading Post. She has set up a room in her house as a small school, complete with desks and chairs for each of the children. In the mornings, the children attend their daily lessons, then after lunch, they help around the Post with chores. Feeding the animals appears to be a favorite, while helping with the laundry is seems to be one of the least popular.
Bokken has returned to his home, though he has left a note reminding you about the fangberries, claiming that he has something special in mind for the people who saved his life. Jhod has visited the Trading Post recently, reporting that the process of cleansing the Temple of the Elk is proceeding well. Jhod also promises to look into the story you tell him about the druid you encountered at the Stag Lord's Fort.
The Free Brothers continue to support the Trading Post, and they have expanded their livestock pens to almost twice their former size. Their farming endeavors have not fared quite so well, and the harvest has been abandoned for the season. The good part is that the poor results appear to be from a lack of good soil rather than a lack of effort. With the crops allowed to return to the ground this season, next year's efforts should meet with much better results.
When you all arrived, Oleg's Trading Post was a forgotten and crumbling island of stability amidst a sea of chaos and danger. Now you find yourselves walking through a thriving community of diverse men and women, their sweat and smiles giving mute testimony to one thing - these people have all found something in this tiny wooden village, something all of them had lost... something called hope.
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Several months have passed since the heroes returned to Oleg's Trading Post. Missives were sent to Restov indicating the end of the Stag Lord and his bandits. Replies were received which instructed the heroes to remain in place, and that more communication should be expected. Time passed, more delays were passed along, and life around the Trading Post fell into a busy, but predictable routine.
The silver shipments from the Sootscale Kobolds have started, and despite a few initial obstacles, all parties seem content with the arrangement. Hhurstilax, in particular, is very pleased to have the silver moving out of his realm. His tribe continues its war with the grey dwarves, but fighting has been sporadic and it seems both sides are consolidating their positions in anticipation of future battles.
Late in the afternoon of a day near the end of summer, the guards on the towers call out. A troop of horsemen bearing the colors of Brevoy and the city of Restov approach. If nothing else, this should be a change of pace for everyone in the Post - caravans stop once or twice a week, but soldiers haven't been seen for many months.
There are a dozen soldiers escorting another man, dressed as a rider, but not a warrior.
They arrive, dismount, and greet everyone in the name of Regent Noleski Surtova, a common form of address from those not of his house. The Restov heraldry gives away the reason for the social slight...
Gathering everyone together, he reads from a perpared scroll.
"Greetings to all the inhabitants of the Trading Post owned and managed by one Oleg Leveton, I hope this message finds everyone in good health and spirits. I shall be calling upon those of your number who received a Charter to explore the region of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt on the fifteenth of Arodus. Know that the Regent, the Swordlord Council, and the good people of Brevoy and Restov seek to repay your heroic deeds in a manner befitting your succees. Respectufully, Ventris Asher, Margrave of Destin, Master of the Fourth Form, Member of the Swordlord Council."
Finishing his speech, he and the other soldiers bid everyone a good day, then gallop away toward the west.
-----
The day finally arrives and the Post has been decorated by Svetlana and the others in anticipation of the Margrave's arrival. Flags fly from the towers, and a large banner hangs from the barracks. The atmosphere is electric, and everyone is excited to see what happens.
The Margrave and his retinue do not disappoint.
Thirty cavalry come trotting into view, followed by four carriages, then another twenty horsemen. The carriages are massive, pulled by eight horses each, and large enough to easily sit six people in comfort. The lancers lead the carriages up to the gate, then watch as the occupants disembark.
The first man out is obviously the person everyone is eager to see - Margrave Ventris Asher. He is a older man, but instead of the noble clothing that some might have expected, he wears a suit of polished chain armor. An Aldori Dueling Blade hangs on his belt, and he wears a burgandy tabard with the two-headed dragon of Brevoy in the center. Over his heart is the small heraldric device of Restov.
He proves to be both polite and patient, though he is clearly a man on a schedule. He smiles when he meets Oleg and Svetlana, praising their spirit and fortitude. He greets Captain Garess with a formal salute, an honor for the man who is basically serving as the gate guard for an out of the way Trading Post. And surprisingly, he even bends down to say hello to the children. Those nearby hear him make a reference to a dozen grandchildren he wishes were here.
After introductions are complete, his functionaries begin ushering people into an area outside the Post where a small stage has been hastily erected. While that is happening, the Margrave greets each of the heroes, taking time to personally thank them for their efforts in pacifying the Greenbelt.
He leads the group to stand with the rest of the crowd, then walks up to stand on the stage. In a deep voice, he begins speaking, "Friends, it is a joyous occasion that brings me here today. Several months ago, worthy individuals were sent to this region tasked with the impossible. Explore the Greenbelt, and bring the bandits that infest the land to justice. I am pleased to say, this group of heroes has accomplished their task, and done so in a manner that brings respect and honor to Brevoy, Restov and all of her citizens."
He begins clapping, and bows low toward the heroes. Everyone quickly joins in, with many of the Free Brothers hooting and hollering. Even the grim-faced horsemen bang their shields in a sign of respect.
Ventris holds up his hands after a few moments to quiet the crowd.
"When you were assigned this task, you were promised rewards. You shall have what you were promised, and more."
At his words, various servants rush forward with crates and boxes which are hastily opened before the heroes. Suits of armor, weapons, gold, jewels, and other assorted treasures lie within. Gasps of surprise and admiration spread among the crowd, and another round of congratulations begin. This time, Ventris allows it to continue for a minute before settling the crowd.
"We have no wish to see these lands once again fall into chaos. But our interests and resources lie to the north, and we do not have the ability to spread our influence into this region. Thank the Gods then, that there are men and women who are strong of arm, and stout of heart, who may be exactly what we need to maintain the safety and security of the Greenbelt."
He reaches into a pouch and produces several rolls of parchment. "I have in my hands new Charters, issued by the Swordlord Council of Restov, under the seal of Regent Surtova, Rightful ruler of Brevoy. These invest the holders with the royal permission and direction to establish a new colony in these lands. A shipment of resources, and several hundred volunteers, have already been prepared and await my word to begin the journey."
Ventris steps off the front of the stage and walks up to Raxus, Arianna, Bridgette, and Bydar. Holding out the scrolls, he says, "I would be honored if you would all accept this charge from my hand. I cannot promise you much beyond the initial shipment of resources and people, and I assure you, the task ahead is going to be more difficult and dangerous than you can imagine. But after seeing what you have built here, I ask you to do the same on a grander scale - create a land where people are happy and healthy, free to live as they wish without the fear of tyranny and war. I admit, I had my doubts, but seeing all this... I am impressed. Please, take these charters. Be the leaders who can guide this land into a new era of peace and prosperity."
-----
When he'd accepted the first charter so long ago, he hadn't really understood what it meant beyond a call to try to make the land safer. He still had that charter, stained and worn thin, packed away in his satchel.
This charter seemed to him to be much the same, but he'd learned since then that among humans things were rarely what they seemed. He hesitated only a moment before deciding that even if everything around him was steeped in layers of conflicted meaning and half-truths, he would be straightforward an honest in his intentions.
Raxus stepped forth with long purposeful strides and accepted the piece of paper from the man in the fancy clothes, looking the man straight in the eye even though the man was on the stage and Raxus stood on the ground.
"I will."
After Arumil's departure, Bydar gets to work anew, but this is work of a happier nature than the violence he often feels compelled to be a part despite his distaste for it.
Healing remains a priority for him, for where there is labor, there will always be risk of broke bone or torn flesh. He continues to see the spriritual needs of the Free Brothers, trying to pass on her teachings with patience and understanding in ways that can imrpove their lives. As the population grows, he begins to give sermons near the shrine in small congregations. It would seem more are coming to services, not just those of Shelyn.
Bydar has no doubt that Jhod will find many turning to his temple once it is fully restored.
Speaking of restoration, Bydar's skills an archetict and sculptor also come into play. Not just the work he'd been doing on the shrine, or the statues he starts to put up to add more beauty to the area, but since he must go to the fort anyway and destory undead and consecrate it, he also begins to work on its restoration, at least the planning stages.
Destroying undead is ugly work, blessing the area is his sacred duty to remove the taint. Indulging in his artistic side?
That's a joy.
When you all arrived, Oleg's Trading Post was a forgotten and crumbling island of stability amidst a sea of chaos and danger. Now you find yourselves walking through a thriving community of diverse men and women, their sweat and smiles giving mute testimony to one thing - these people have all found something in this tiny wooden village, something all of them had lost... something called hope.
A smile crosses his face as he looks about the scene. We still have more men than women, but that is slowly changing I hope. Maybe I'll get to practice the proud Shelyn tradition of matchmaking for some of them, and see if love can grow.
Yes, he might encourage some ladies to come here, though he will not lie about possible dangers in these lands to any. War may yet be on its way.
He stays in contact with family in church now and then, though he faces some heart ache on those few times he writes his brother. Old wounds don't heal easy. Even now, he wonders if he will ever fully make amends.
The silver shipments from the Sootscale Kobolds have started, and despite a few initial obstacles, all parties seem content with the arrangement. Hhurstilax, in particular, is very pleased to have the silver moving out of his realm. His tribe continues its war with the grey dwarves, but fighting has been sporadic and it seems both sides are consolidating their positions in anticipation of future battles.
While little silver stays IN the town, Bydar takes pleasure in some of the small touches it can bring artistically even here.
When the rider from Restov is there, Bydar greets them all and welcomes them.
It turns out they won't be staying long.
Gathering everyone together, he reads from a perpared scroll.
"Greetings to all the inhabitants of the Trading Post owned and managed by one Oleg Leveton, I hope this message finds everyone in good health and spirits. I shall be calling upon those of your number who received a Charter to explore the region of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt on the fifteenth of Arodus. Know that the Regent, the Swordlord Council, and the good people of Brevoy and Restov seek to repay your heroic deeds in a manner befitting your succees. Respectufully, Ventris Asher, Margrave of Destin, Master of the Fourth Form, Member of the Swordlord Council."
Finishing his speech, he and the other soldiers bid everyone a good day, then gallop away toward the west.
Bydar is surprised, and pleased. He informs those who do not know what this means of the social implications of such an important visitor. He almost feels apologetic as Svetlana goes into a veritable frenzy of preperation, and he aids her in this offering his own insights if she would like. They may not have much, but they'll make a good showing for the Margrave.
------------After introductions are complete, his functionaries begin ushering people into an area outside the Post where a small stage has been hastily erected. While that is happening, the Margrave greets each of the heroes, taking time to personally thank them for their efforts in pacifying the Greenbelt.
When introductions are made, Bydar bows respectfully, "Welcome to lands stolen no longer, Most Honorable. I am Bydar Lebeda of Shelyn. I hope your journey has been as pleasant as possible and if you are half as pleased with what you see we've done with this land as we are proud of it, I know you are well pleased indeed." And Bydar is proud of what they've done here.
Tempted as he is to go into detail and praise each and every person's efforts here, he knows the Margrave is on a schedule so restrains himself as a courtesy.
Then the Margrave takes the stage. Bydar is not sure what to expect exactly.
It goes beyond anything he imagined.
The treasures are generous, and welcome.
The praise is flattering.
But a new Colony entire?
Please, take these charters. Be the leaders who can guide this land into a new era of peace and prosperity."
"I will."
"And with that, Raxus speaks for us all, I think, Most Honorable,"Bydar inclines his head, "My friend certainly did for me. We shall do right by this land to the best of our mortal abilities."
Early one morning when the mist is thick an early patrol is about to enter the trading post when a guard yells at a towering figure behind them. The massive shadow in the mist is nine feet tall seemingly at the waist with even more so in upper bulk. Like some barrel chested giant stood over them. Moving forward the shadow flashes into focus, the beast a giant elk with a enormous rack of antlers wider then it's body. The shock lasted long enough for a white masked head to poke out from the side of the creature's neck into view. His voice musical and resounding.
"Good Morning."
He pauses, turning his head slightly.
"Is this Oleg's Trading Post?"
The only features that peaked below the mask was a pair of long pointed ears and glittering emerald eyes.
"Aye, it is," Bydar is surprised to see another masked figure but not completely stunned. He's already known one fellow, a tiefling, who did the same even if his habits changed. Now, the elk? That's surprising. "And good morning to you. I'm Bydar Lebeda of Shelyn."
He stares at Bydar for a moment.
"Krenrath Valirin"
He dismounts with ease off the great elk. He bows low or so it seemed, he was looking at a plant near his feet for a few moments. Finally rising once more he looks around at everything while speaking.
"I have come in place of Arumil Amaim. Due to certain matters he will not return for some time, likely not in your life time. He has passed the matter of his place over to me as I accepted."
He turned to Bydar.
"Am I welcome or to remain outside the post?"
"Arumil? I hope he's doing well enough? Ah, but forgive me, I'm curious as to news of him and neglect to answer your question. You're welcome to come in, of course." He gestures to the outpost, "All pretty much are, if they come without ill intent to those within. How much as Arumil told you of the place?"
Krenrath grabs the rein's of Suro, the great elk eyes the guards as it is lead in. Snorting at them in challenge with out Krenrath paying any mind. Once with in the gates he speaks.
"He told me little of you or the others. Mostly of the state of things upon his departure. Also despite the fall of the local bandit lord, their is still much danger left and mapping to be done. I am sure their is much for you to share with me. Yet that is all I know concerning your endeavors."
He keeps looking around.
You notice an emerald inlaid with jade brooch, a strange design surrounding the oak center piece, on Krenrath. Something very out of place on the odd man, as none of his other possessions show signs of wealth such as that item.
The strange design is a bamboo forest, a plant only found naturally in far off Tian Xia. It is largely unknown much less seen outside that location across the crown of the world.
"There is so much to cover, I barely know where to begin," Bydar admits, "but perhaps after you meet the others."
Bydar leads Kenrath into the Trading Post, and with everyone gathering around, and Jhod visiting the Post for supplies, Oleg proposes a meeting.
Present are Bydar, Raxus, Arianna, Bridgette, Oleg, Jhod, and Kesten. After being introduced, Oleg also invites Kenrath and gives him the short version of who everyone is seated around the table.
After securing refreshments from the pantry, the large man begins speaking, "So, as I understand it, you folks are going to be responsible for starting a little country down here. Well, you can count on Svetlana and me for support. I had nearly lost hope before you showed up, and now we're doing better than either of us ever expected. Now I know you'll all be moving down to the fort by the river, and some people here are going with you, but we're going to stay here. It's been expanded, and the traders are coming again, and well... it's home."
Jhod speaks up, "Oh just tell them!"
Oleg shoots him a glare, but quickly relaxes. "My friend should learn to keep his mouth shut. Well, anyway, Svetlana is going to have a baby. Jhod thinks it's a girl."
Jhod beams in guileful glee when Oleg reveals his news, and Kesten's normally stoic demeanor drops as he claps and cheers in excitement.
Oleg's typical mask reasserts itself quickly and he looks around the table, "So you lot better keep doing a good job - I'll not be raising my daughter in some bandit-infested wilderness!"
Kesten nods and adds, "No worries there, Oleg, the Liberators are going to make this a nation so strong, armies will break against it like blind goblins charging an iron bastion!"
Jhod agrees, "Yes, I quite agree. By the way, speaking of babies... Raxus, did you know Dawn is going to have a litter of puppies? She's very excited about it, but Dusk is quite nervous about being a new father. You know their breed typically has around eight puppies, right?"
Bridgette squees at the baby news
"Congratulations, Svetlana.
I'll be my best to keep this area safe."
on hearing the puppy news
"Looks like Raxus will be a god father to a litter."
Raxus' brows shot up. "I... did not know."
The big man seemed like he was having a great number of thoughts all at once, but all he said was "They will have to stay behind until the pups are grown."
"When is she due?"
Glancing briefly toward Bridgette he quietly continued "What is a godfather?"
Krenrath remains silent through the exchange, he drinks nothing and watches.
"A godfather is a male godparent or a man who'll be the legal guardian of a child in case the parents die.
And is most likely someone who the parents know."
Jhod smiles at Raxus' reaction. "I think she's due in another few weeks, and don't worry, she'll be back traveling with you in no time. She quite enjoys it, you know. Dusk grumbles a bit, but he's moody, so that's no surprise."
Jhod's face looks at Oleg who nods in return, "By the way, I need to speak with you about two topics. The first is the druid you encountered when you killed the bandit leader." Everyone notes his refusal to use the term 'Stag Lord' in reference to the man.
"My sources have informed me he has been living in this region for many years, and that he originally came from the north, near the Lake of Mists and Veils. If it helps ease your minds, he was by all accounts and evil and selfish man who deserved exactly what he got. It's only a shame he caused so much pain and sorrow while he was alive."
"The other issue is Akiros. I have spoken at length with him, and I believe he is a good man at heart, but he struggles each day with his past actions. For the near future, I would like him to remain with me at the Temple of the Elk. He can assist me in my duties around the Temple, as well as represent me any time I an unable to visit or offer counsel. I hope that is acceptable?"
Krenrath's ears suddenly twitch as he focuses on Jhod. His mask clearly showing no expression but his eye's bore into the man.
"Suro has a temple and you live there?"
After securing refreshments from the pantry, the large man begins speaking, "So, as I understand it, you folks are going to be responsible for starting a little country down here. Well, you can count on Svetlana and me for support. I had nearly lost hope before you showed up, and now we're doing better than either of us ever expected. Now I know you'll all be moving down to the fort by the river, and some people here are going with you, but we're going to stay here. It's been expanded, and the traders are coming again, and well... it's home."
Bydar smiles at that.
Jhod speaks up, "Oh just tell them!"
Bydar had turned to Jhod when he spoke, but then his eyes went back to Oleg patiently.
Oleg shoots him a glare, but quickly relaxes. "My friend should learn to keep his mouth shut. Well, anyway, Svetlana is going to have a baby. Jhod thinks it's a girl."
Jhod beams in guileful glee when Oleg reveals his news, and Kesten's normally stoic demeanor drops as he claps and cheers in excitement.
Oleg's typical mask reasserts itself quickly and he looks around the table, "So you lot better keep doing a good job - I'll not be raising my daughter in some bandit-infested wilderness!"
"Congratulations, to you and your wife, Oleg!" the priest is delighted, "The whole village will celebrate."
Kesten nods and adds, "No worries there, Oleg, the Liberators are going to make this a nation so strong, armies will break against it like blind goblins charging an iron bastion!"
Bastion...mmm maybe.
Jhod agrees, "Yes, I quite agree. By the way, speaking of babies... Raxus, did you know Dawn is going to have a litter of puppies? She's very excited about it, but Dusk is quite nervous about being a new father. You know their breed typically has around eight puppies, right?"
Bydar pats Raxus on the shoulder in silent congratulations.
Jhod smiles at Raxus' reaction. "I think she's due in another few weeks, and don't worry, she'll be back traveling with you in no time. She quite enjoys it, you know. Dusk grumbles a bit, but he's moody, so that's no surprise."
Jhod's face looks at Oleg who nods in return, "By the way, I need to speak with you about two topics. The first is the druid you encountered when you killed the bandit leader." Everyone notes his refusal to use the term 'Stag Lord' in reference to the man.
"My sources have informed me he has been living in this region for many years, and that he originally came from the north, near the Lake of Mists and Veils. If it helps ease your minds, he was by all accounts and evil and selfish man who deserved exactly what he got. It's only a shame he caused so much pain and sorrow while he was alive."
"That does ease my mind somewhat." Bydar confesses.
"The other issue is Akiros. I have spoken at length with him, and I believe he is a good man at heart, but he struggles each day with his past actions. For the near future, I would like him to remain with me at the Temple of the Elk. He can assist me in my duties around the Temple, as well as represent me any time I an unable to visit or offer counsel. I hope that is acceptable?"
"I don't think any here hold a claim on him. His aid was invaluable. I hope he can find the peace he needs in service side by side with you."
Raxus was smiling, a rare thing for the big man. At mention of Akiros he spoke up again. "Does he need help?"