To help us remember the last Game play Post
Bydar is not surprised given Arumil's words to him before he left, "Your advice in matters arcane will be greatly welcome in the future."
Some more discussion of names comes up, many good ones coming about and a few just a tad odd but finally Bydar advises they be put on slips of paper, and then lots drawn. Such methods are spoken of in myth and legend. No doubt some will place a few bets on the side, which Bydar will pretend not to notice. Prayers for chance to be kind are made, and then the names are drawn.He smiles as he reads the fortress city name, "The city we hope to build with Riverwatch as its heart is Corbenic. I'm told it means place of Ravens, or Raven's Roost. Ravens are often messengers in stories, let us hope we bear this land good news."
Another lot is drawn, and Bydar smiles, "The name of our new nation shall be Tir Rhyddid... the meaning of that? Land of the Free. May it remain so always." Bydar holds the piece of paper up with pride.
Bridgette replies
"When I suggested Corbenic, I was using the a dialect of Skald with the meaning of United(or Holy) People."
"I like the sound of that," Arianna replies to Bridgette's translation of the name of the new capital.
"Then let us hope it proves prophetic." He nods to Bridgette
Scouts begin arriving at the Trading Post in early Rova indicating the imminent arrival of the building supplies and settlers that will be the base upon which you will build your new realm. Over two hundred souls have volunteered to travel with you to the site of your new city to start the arduous process of creating a safe harbor in the midst of the wilderness. Even though the bandit threat has largely been neutralized, the surrounding countryside is by no means tame – wild animals still hunt throughout the region, and many provinces have not seen civilized feet since you last explored them. And with autumn arriving, there will not be any harvest this year. Some of the livestock from Oleg’s pens will accompany you to your new home, but for this winter at least, you will have to depend on the supplies you receive from Restov.
Luckily, Margrave Asher proves to be as good as his word. The supplies you receive are loaded wagons full of food and construction materials of the highest quality. You also receive a roster of settlers along with their skills and occupations – many are simple farmers and craftsmen, exactly the type of people you need to literally build your new capital.
As the caravan scouts begin laying the trail for the journey to Corbenic, Happs and Yiv join them to provide guidance and advice about the lands south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The scouts use a system of painted stakes to indicate the best routes through the terrain as well as alternate paths for travelers who are heading south on foot rather than wagon. Red stakes are used to indicate dangerous locations or caution, but to your relief, only a handful appear along the route, usually as a warning to avoid blind ledges or small cliffs that could prove disastrous to a wagon should it tumble over the edge.
The bulk of the supplies arrive by mid-Rova, just as the nightly temperature has become cold enough for most to require additional covering beyond typical clothing. Frost will likely not appear for several more months, precious time that must be used in the most efficient way possible to ensure your people have the best chance for survival through the upcoming winter. Unfortunately, as you travel to the site of your new capital, the clouds hang lower and lower, becoming a thick blanket across the sky, casting an uneasy gloom over the land. The sun has retreated behind a veil of gray clouds, and while the temperature remains above freezing, the days and nights seem even colder under the perpetually darkened sky.
The settlers persevere, and set up a small small tent city on the northern side of the Shrike River before it flows into the Thorn River, a few hundred yards away from the ford that leads to Riverwatch. The wagons continue to arrive, and though there have been some problems, the porters and drivers have managed to get just about every pound of supplies delivered in usuable condition.
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Realm Turn: Autumn - Rova
It is now Rova 15th, and autumn is fully upon you. Everyone seems to be affected by the gloom that hangs over the land, and all rolls suffer a -1 penalty for the season.
Upon arrival, you claim the province
Realm: Tir Rhyddid
Starting BP: 52 (50 base +1 Sootscale silver trade +1 livestock from Oleg)
Spent BP: 1 (lost 1 during travel to Corbenic)
Current BP: 51
Currently, the plan for the city is to have Riverwatch form a bastion of defense at the convergence of the Shrike and Thorn river, with the city spreading out toward the southeast. The two rivers will provide natural protection for the city, while also allowing for the construction of buildings that require water (i.e. mills).
Suggested Settlement Construction Options
1. Repairing Riverwatch
A fort typically requires 24 BP and 5 months to construct. Since Riverwatch is 75% intact (the walls are sturdy, the foundation is secure, etc), you would need to spend 8 BP to get it fully repaired and functional. It would require two months to complete the work. Once it is finished, you would have a Fort that provides an excellent defensive bonus to the city. If and when the time comes, you could also upgrade the Fort into a Castle (and only pay the difference in BP).
2. Residential Areas
You could choose to go ahead and start building permanent houses for people, either by building specific buildings, or designating locations and allowing them to construct whatever they want. From what you have seen of these people, you get the sense that if you let them build whatever they want, they will construct Houses (not Tenements, Mansions, etc). It would take two months to construct houses for all the settlers. (Generic residential = 4 BP, 1 month; House = 3 BP, 1 month)
3. Food Storage
The food stores provided by the Margrave are packed and sealed to last through the winter, but nothing ever works out perfectly. Unless the food can be stored inside a structure and moved out of the elements, some loss is going to occur. If a particularly bad winter storm hits while the food it outside, it could be disasterous. This option provides a Granary (12 BP, 2 months)
Suggested Terrain Improvements
4. Roads
The markers left by the caravan scouts provide an excellent path that could be used to lay a road through the wilderness. These markers will only last for six months before they are worn beyond recognition. Road cost (and prep time) varies by terrain.
5. Bridges
To make travel across the rivers easier and safer, bridges could be built across the Thorn, Shrike, or Lower Thorn River. The settlers are currently camped across the Lower Thorn from Riverwatch.
Council Requests
A few council members have specific requests they mention during your monthly meeting.
Spymaster (Lanner) – Lanner requests 1 BP to begin investigating the settlers, and possibly creating an information network if he can find trustworthy sources. He is unsure about the actual value of information he can discover at this time, but he is certain that some of the settlers are there for reasons other than establishing a new life in Tir Rhyddid. This is a one time expenditure that may be requested again at a later date. Possible increase in realm Loyalty.
Warden (Kesten) – Asking for 1 BP to begin equipping and training militia volunteers to protect Corbenic (until the city is built, they would protect the tent city and supplies). If approved, this militia will eventually be converted into a force of constables who protect the inhabitants of the city, as well guard the city itself. This is an ongoing expense that will increase as the population grows.
High Priest (Teremith) – Teremith would like 1 BP to begin spreading the message of both Shelyn and Ragathiel among the people. He hopes to establish small congregations of each church among the settlers. This is a one time expenditure that may be requested again at a later date. Possible positive increase in realm Stability.
None of the other council members have any requests.
”I want you to know that at least ten of the settlers are members of a Black Guild – thieves, rogues, pickpockets. There are probably a few more, but not more than a handful. These guys are the mid-level agents, likely sent in to scout out the area and set up a Guild House in town. They’ll keep their activities in check for a while, we’re too small right now for them to make any money, but as we grow, they’ll start becoming more and more ingrained in the city until they have a thriving operation.”
”I wanted to get your opinion on what we should do with them. Getting rid of them will work in the short term, but people like that don’t take no for an answer. Letting them stay will cause crime to be higher, but it might be possible to come to an arrangement with them, letting them conduct their affairs in exchange for refusing to sanction kidnappings and murders. Or we could just keep our eyes on them and not interact with them at all.”
He shrugs, ”There are positives and negatives for each scenario, and you come up with another way to deal with them. You don’t need to decide now, but we need to do something before Spring.”
He looks up at you, then grimaces, ”I should also mention that you might prefer to stay out of direct contact with their members for… political reasons. If things get out of hand and we end up moving against the Black Guild, you can be sure that they will try everything they can to bring you down. If you’re too close to them… it could end up destroying you and everything you’re doing here. So you may want somebody else to negoiate on your behalf. As somebody who has had experience with them in the past, I would be willing to do it if that is your decision. “
=====
Once we get Bydar's rolls, we'll continue. Until then, feel free to discuss what the priority should be for construction.
Raxus' priorities are simple and straightforward.
"Food storage and shelter first."
A week after arriving at Corbenic, Lanner asks to speak with you privately.
”I want you to know that at least ten of the settlers are members of a Black Guild – thieves, rogues, pickpockets. There are probably a few more, but not more than a handful. These guys are the mid-level agents, likely sent in to scout out the area and set up a Guild House in town. They’ll keep their activities in check for a while, we’re too small right now for them to make any money, but as we grow, they’ll start becoming more and more ingrained in the city until they have a thriving operation.”
Bydar frowns at this news, "And greed follows even before we've planted it seems."
”I wanted to get your opinion on what we should do with them. Getting rid of them will work in the short term, but people like that don’t take no for an answer. Letting them stay will cause crime to be higher, but it might be possible to come to an arrangement with them, letting them conduct their affairs in exchange for refusing to sanction kidnappings and murders. Or we could just keep our eyes on them and not interact with them at all.”He shrugs, ”There are positives and negatives for each scenario, and you come up with another way to deal with them. You don’t need to decide now, but we need to do something before Spring.”
Bydar ponders this, "Do you have the list of 'which' ten settlers are in service to the Black Guild? And do we have any proof of their plans?"
He looks up at you, then grimaces, ”I should also mention that you might prefer to stay out of direct contact with their members for… political reasons. If things get out of hand and we end up moving against the Black Guild, you can be sure that they will try everything they can to bring you down. If you’re too close to them… it could end up destroying you and everything you’re doing here. So you may want somebody else to negoiate on your behalf. As somebody who has had experience with them in the past, I would be willing to do it if that is your decision. “
"I'll consider your kind offer, frankly, my first thought is I want them driven out. The sooner they start digging their own dark roots into our new nation, the harder they'll be to uproot. I have an idea, but it maybe hard to pull off. We might be able to get a third party to deal with them in a way that will baffle and confuse them on just what they're facing."
Raxus' priorities are simple and straightforward.
"Food storage and shelter first."
"Agreed, as much as I might want to build a glorious temple to honor Shelyn, I must curb priestly impulses somewhat and see that the women and children of this land are fed and sheltered. Of course, I would love to hear Jhod's view on this as he's both a priest and our agricultural minister. Any other suggestions?"
Bridgette adds in her thoughts
"Repairing Riverwatch would be a good idea, if we get a monstrous heading our way, then we'll have a place to shelter them until the threat is dealt with.
But if we do go with it, I think it would be best to set the foundation and other parts of Repair for easy of repair and ease of enhancing it."
"As for the people settling, I think an good district set out for building homes should be chosen.
And to help motivate that area we could have it so that a potential Tavern and or Inn get's funded,
but the people have to come forward with the request to build it, and then we choose one to fund for half of it, but they have to build."
"I do Agree in that making sure that the food stored lasts the winter and less vulnerable to the elements."
"Making a Proper Road between here and Oleg's is a great Idea.
As it'll help in making sure someone does not take a wrong turn somewhere."
"Making of the bridge should wait until we can see what the River is like in the spring during the snow melt.
As I don't think we'll want to rebuild the bridge over and over again."
And she agrees with all three requests.
Bydar looks over the ideas being mentioned, "All right, Food storage, Shelter, but maybe with a folks encouraged to build their homes in a specific area at first. All three requests granted for the needs, and..well, personally I think a tavern or inn could wait but Riverwatch will be needed eventually to be sure."
"Bridge or Road? A tricky thought. I dislike the settlers being divided from us by the river in case they need to run to the fort but a road is better for trade. Maybe we can start on both. Let me see..."
Bydar begins to work with paper and pad, trying to think on what designs might be best to serve their needs.
While he doodles, he tells Arianna, "I may have a task for the chief diplomat as well, if you think it's a good idea. We'll want to make sure the discussion is closed off to all not of the council though."
Bridgette adds in her thoughts
"As for the people settling, I think an good district set out for building homes should be chosen.
And to help motivate that area we could have it so that a potential Tavern and or Inn get's funded,
but the people have to come forward with the request to build it, and then we choose one to fund for half of it, but they have to build."
While he doodles, he tells Arianna, "I may have a task for the chief diplomat as well, if you think it's a good idea. We'll want to make sure the discussion is closed off to all not of the council though."
Arianna's left eyebrow arches quizzically. "A diplomatic task so soon? You have my interest piqued, Baron. I am available to discuss your task at your earliest convenience," she replies, bowing her head respectfully.
Bydar nods, "Likely nothing will come of it for a month." and when privacy can be obtained, he explains
***********
Turn 1 – Rova
***********
Phase 1 – Upkeep
Stability
Bydar’s d20 roll = 12
Realm bonus = 15
Seasonal Event adjustment = -1 (Gloom)
12 + 15 -1 = 26 vs. Stability DC 22 (Success)!
The people are happy this month! (no Unrest increase)
Pay Consumption: -1
Phase 2 – Edict
Install Leaders in open Council positions
Current Council
---------------
Ruler: Bydar
Councilor: Bridgette
Grand Diplomat: Arianna
General: Raxus
Treasurer: Oleg
Magister: Krenrath
High Priest: Teremith
High Pastor: Jhod
Warden: Kesten
Marshal: Happs
Spymaster: Lanner
Justicar: Miles
Chief Architect: Vacant
Claim Provinces
Claim Rivermeet
No BP cost since the fort is already established in the province.
Build Terrain Improvements
Road – 1 BP
Bridge – 1 BP
Total – 2 BP
Create/Improve Settlements
Build House – 3 BP
Granary – 12 BP (Build 1 / 2 turns)
Total – 15 BP
No BP cost to establish a settlement since the fort already exists in the location.
Other Improvements
Council Options:
Establish Information Network (Spymaster) – 1 BP
Create Town Guard (Warden) – 1 BP (ongoing)
Begin recruitment for Churches of Shelyn and Ragathiel (High Priest) – 1 BP
Total – 3 BP
Total BP Spent - 20
Phase 3 – Income
The only income this turn is from the Silver Ore trade with the Sootscale kobolds.
BP Gained – 1 BP
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Treasury
Beginning Balance: 51
Consumption: -1
Terrain Improvements: -2
Settlement Improvements: -15
Other Expenses: -3
Income: +1
Ending Balance: 31
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Events
Seasonal Event: Gloom descends upon the land (causing -1 to all rolls)
Individual Events:
Bydar
"So What's on the agenda for the rest of the month?"
Realm Turn: Autumn - Lamashan
Unfortunately, the gloom that has settled over the Stolen Lands continues this month, and many comment that since arriving, the sun hasn't been seen for more than a few minutes at a time. Luckily, the weather has not completely turned yet, and there is still some warmth to be had during the day. But the nights continue to get colder, and the first hints of frost can be seen here and there, and the black of night continues to last longer and longer. The dark months of winter are on your doorstep.
But the new citizens of Corbenic have not let the weather affect their attitudes! The road and bridge have been completed, and all of the settlers have finally moved into their new homes. With Bydar's guidance, the houses are sturdy and functional, entirely suitable for the common folk that will inhabit them, but the simple beauty of the bridge is a true masterpiece of stonework more suitable for a major city like Restov or New Stetven. Many have taken to strolling the length of the bridge at dusk and watching the sunset over the Shrike River.
Morale is high in the city, and there is a definite air of excitement at seeing the granary being constructed. Knowing that the Council is taking steps to protect their food for the winter goes a long way toward keeping everyone happy.
(NPC Event Roll: Result = +1 stability and loyalty until Spring)
Kesten's Town Guards are settling in nicely. He is currently training three squads of 10 people each and at Bridgette's suggestion, he has allowed both men and women to be members of the guards. Some of the men grumbled, but they were quickly silenced by their wives. By their own vote, and in keeping with their new role as peace keepers and protectors, they have started calling themselves the Ravens.
Lanner reports that his information network is taking shape, and he should have enough connections to discover any significant events that might affect the realm.
Teremith is happy to report that his efforts have paid off, and quite a number of people have shown interest in learning about both Shelyn and Ragathiel.
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Individual Events
Arianna
A letter arrives in a nondescript envelope, you do not recognize anything about it, and it’s written in what could charitably called "chicken scratch". The first word catches your attention:
I’ve been watching as you and your friends have pacified the Greenbelt. You should know that things in the Forest are fine (the silver ore has helped), but Brevoy itself descends toward anarchy. The Regent is pushing for the Throne, but Restov remains stubbornly resistant. Most of the families are turning to support, while the churches maintain their neutrality for now. Restov funded several colonies in the Stolen Lands, yours included, and now many whisper questions about your true allegiance. Don’t answer until the whispers become spoken words – bide your time.
I’m sure you recall the attack that ended with your capture? You weren’t the only survivor. Another of your company also lived, but he was taken further south, into the forests beyond the lake, past the range of my sight. I know not what counsel to give you, but I assumed you would want to know.
We shall meet soon,
M
Bridgette
A familiar face graces your doorway – it’s Soloman.
Soloman says, ”I’ve grown a bit weary of the nonstop travel. I heard of what you have done, and now I see it for myself. It’s amazing! Would you mind if I stayed here, in town, for a while?”
Raxus
You awake one morning to find both Dusk and Dawn missing.
In a quiet but firm voice, she states, ”General Raxus, abate thy pace. Your Dawn has just delivered her litter – seven healthy pups, four girls, three boys. She is tired, and quite irritable, but she shall be fine with rest.”
She stands up and dusts off her hands. Behind her, you can see the puppies curled up around Dawn’s stomach. Looking at Dusk, the woman makes a few strange sounds that resemble barking; Dusk ducks his head in response, then looks back at you, tail still wagging.
The woman looks at you, and her face is a picture of raw strength – the set of her jaw, the fire in her eyes, you get a sense of feral power just looking at her. This is a woman who has had a hard life, but she has persevered, and not only survived, but thrived in the wilderness. She finally breaks the silence, ”I am called Sara, and I have traveled here to be your shieldmaiden, my Lord.” To your complete surprise, she kneels down in front of you and bows her head.
Bydar
You receive a formal visit from a man wearing the familiar uniform of a family Page. He presents you with two letters sealed with the impressed wax of your family’s crest.
The second letter is also from a member of your family:
[i]Dearest brother, you cannot imagine how proud you have made us! Father and mother are positively beaming, and they are taking advantage of every opportunity to make sure the entire family knows about your recent appointment. Truly, Bydar, I have rarely seen them this happy – you are a worthy credit to our heritage, and I am honored to call you brother.
I am writing because when Adula found out about your promotion, she insisted that we brave the wilderness and come visit to offer our support. My mobility isn’t what it used to be for obvious reasons, and our doctors recommend against traveling down there with winter around the corner, but do you think it would be possible to come see you when the snows melt this Spring? It would mean so much to Adula, and we both would love to spend time with you again.
I know you are busy with your new responsibilities, but I must confess, we also have a matter to discuss with you of a more personal nature, one which I am loathe to commit to in writing. I hope you will consent to our visit, the matter weighs on our hearts and the situation is one in which you may be the only person who can help us.
Your loving brother,
Brayton
Krenrath
You are not sure, but you get the sense that this Librarium is located somewhere to the South-Southeast. Additionally, based on what you know, you expect it to have significant safeguards in place; meaning traps, wards, and even guardians that would not disappear or die over time.
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1. It does not appear that any significant immigrants will move to Corbenic this month, so housing should be sufficient to meet demand. (No action required)
2. Oleg has contacted you and let you know that the Silver Ore trade continues to pay dividends, and all parties are happy with the arrangement. (No action required)
3. Hhurstilax has sent a group of kobolds, led by Mikmek, to congratulate you and present gifts appropriate for your new positions. He further hopes that your new realm and his can continue to cooperate and regard each other as friendly neighbors. (+2 BP this turn)
Mikmek is especially happy to see you again, although he doesn't really understand what's going on - from his perspective, you conquered the old ruler, so the fort is yours by right. The fact that Restov gave you charters, treasure, and settlers to begin your new realm does not make any sense to him, but he accepts the situation as one of those "crazy big people" things. He reveals the war with the dwarves continues, but most of the fighting is still sporadic. (No action required)
4. Happs and Yiv have charted out the nearby locations and they ask permission to begin exploring the surrounding provinces. There will be no cost associated with their activities, but there will be some risk involved. If you agree to their plans, should they explore normally (some risk), emphasize safety over speed (low risk, but take longer), or focus on discovering as much as they can as soon as possible (shorter time to explore, but higher risk)? (Can they begin exploring, and how should they proceed?)
-----
I've got all the rolls I need for this turn.
You can build two terrain improvements this turn.
You can build one house this turn as your residential option, but the granary needs to be finished and us currently slotted as the general settlement option.
But the new citizens of Corbenic have not let the weather affect their attitudes! The road and bridge have been completed, and all of the settlers have finally moved into their new homes. With Bydar's guidance, the houses are sturdy and functional, entirely suitable for the common folk that will inhabit them, but the simple beauty of the bridge is a true masterpiece of stonework more suitable for a major city like Restov or New Stetven. Many have taken to strolling the length of the bridge at dusk and watching the sunset over the Shrike River.
To say that Bydar is pleased by the way the streets and homes are shaping up would be an understatement. It maybe a slow start, but the designs have worked far better than he hoped. But the bridge which he helped design is a particular source of pride. He congratulates the masons who made that dream such a wondrous reality.
With the Granary being a source of morale as well as simply practical, Bydar makes it a priority. He envisions designs along side of it depicting symbols of wheat and the like eventually, but knows the aesthetic must give way to the practical if need be.
He thanks Lanner for his hard work and looks forward to his reports.
Teremith is happy to report that his efforts have paid off, and quite a number of people have shown interest in learning about both Shelyn and Ragathiel.
Bydar smiles at his friend's news. It wasn't a great surprise. For the last week or so folks had been actually seeking him out to learn of Shelyn. He'd imagined he'd heard a prayer or two cast the goddess' way by the townsfolk. It would seem in a thriving young community, love is not far from the minds of many lads and lasses. While he is very busy at the council, Bydar still makes time to continue acting as a cleric should.
And he notes that Ragethiel, a minor deity to some, seems to be catching on with some of the more aggressive types. The idealogy is different, obviously, but he's glad they've found some spiritual succor.
As to the letters..
The letter from his father is pleasing. Bydar IS Glad he's done his family proud in his endeavors.
He writes back
Dearest Father,
Thank you for the kind words and praise. I did not come to this land seeking title, but I cannot lie and say it did not fill me with pride to have it bestowed upon me. Our House is a great one, and my achievement is but a drop in the rich lake of our heritage, but I'm glad to contribute it by action. Shelyn willing, I hope to bring about yet more.
Sadly, the above is the very reason I will not likely return anytime soon. My duties keep me firmly pinned for the moment while I seek to build up the foundation of the people. I would love to give you a definite date when I can return, but for now I cannot for all is in flux. Do not mistake me, the people here are amazing in their own right, and my pride in my title pales compared to how I feel of their determination in crafting a beautiful new land, but I cannot desert them any time soon.
I hope the family fiefs continue to prosper. I know some political matters are tense, but I trust the swan to weather it with the grace that is our bithright blessing. Please do keep me informed.
Your loving son,
Baron Bydar Lebeda of Shelyn
The next letter shakes him, however. Indeed, his hands tremble for a moment as he reads. Oh Brayton, you do not know of my betrayal, even now you do not know. I ran from you, from Adula, and now , without realizing you it, I find you hunting me. Oh Shelyn, I should have known you would not let me hide forever. So be it.
Putting pen to paper, he writes,
Dearest Brother,
You do me too much kindness. I am not half the man you think I am to have earned such praise from you. I would not have you endanger your health for all the world. Your words of love and kindness are all the support I should need in truth. War may yet come here, and I am loathe to risk Adula or your own safety.
But if you must come when you feel the time is right, then I will, of course, not spurn you. Indeed, there are matters I cannot speak of by quill and paper either that you have a right to hear. If you can arrange it, bring some guard along your path, for this is still a dangerous land.
Shelyn shine on you and your wife always,
Bydar
Mikmek is especially happy to see you again, although he doesn't really understand what's going on - from his perspective, you conquered the old ruler, so the fort is yours by right. The fact that Restov gave you charters, treasure, and settlers to begin your new realm does not make any sense to him, but he accepts the situation as one of those "crazy big people" things. He reveals the war with the dwarves continues, but most of the fighting is still sporadic. (No action required)
Bydar is glad to see Mikmek, and treats him and his cohorts as honored guests with the best fare they can muster.
"I'm glad you are doing well despite the war, Mikmek. And yes, Crazy Big People ways can be confusing, sometimes even to other crazy big people."He considers Happs and Yiv's plans and thinks on it. "I suppose , in all things, moderation. A balance between safety and risk sounds best to me, but we'll see what the council thinks in general before we send you off. IF you are sure of braving the dangers that is."
[ooc]Obviously one of our actions will be finishing the granary. I'll hit the Discussion boards as well as here to see what others think
"Soloman it's so good to see you as I've missed you."
When he presents her with the present and she opens it.
"Oh Soloman, it's beautiful."
after Soloman asks if he could stay, she replies
"Of course you can stay here."
Raxus was stunned twice.
The excitement of the new litter of pups completely overshadows what would normally be apprehension and confusion at meeting this strange woman.
He crouches next to Dusk and affectionately ruffles his fur, then more gently pets Dawn's head before taking a careful look at the pups. He pets each one slowly and gently, not disturbing them from their meal but beginning their acclimation to being touched early. He listened with half an ear to the woman's words until the end, when something nagged at him to pay more attention.
He stood and was about to speak to her when she knelt before him. He simply stood there for a moment, completely unsure of what to do, then he knelt with her and waited for her to look up before simply saying, "Please stand."
-----
-----
The woman quickly stands up and faces Raxus. She is tall for a human, but the top of her head does not reach his shoulder. Her eyes search his face, quite a forward gesture, but she seems to be interested, not provocative. She finally asks, "What are your plans today, and how may I serve you? Shall I continue to care for the puppies, or would you have me by your side?"
As the answer to your question should be what do you want to do."
"I... uh... am going to stay here for a while. I... don't understand why you are here. Where did you come from?"
Her eyes go wide for a moment and a small whine escapes her lips that cause Dusk's ears to flare out. She looks around in surprise before refocusing on Raxus.
"I came from the north. I learned to fight, and defend myself. I killed the bear that did this." she says gesturing to her scarred face.
Her voice takes on a slight edge, " I did not get along with my tribe, so I left them. I am not property, and will not be hidden being a wall, or treated like an animal. After I left, I learned of a giant hero with red eyes, one who tried to not fight, but was like a God when he did. I heard his name was Raxus, and he was at the place called the raven family in my tongue."
She tries to enunciate, though her accent makes it difficult, "Cor...been...iick"
She continues, fists clenched, "I came here to be part of your tribe. I want to stand by your side, both in the heat of battle and during times of peace."
She looks down, and her hands slowly relax. She continues in a softer voice, "I do not want anything from you. Just let me stay here. I can help with the little ones, I know how to raise them." she gently points toward Dawn and her litter.
She is also that you will tell her to leave.
Arianna's mood sobers as she shares a new concern with the Baron and the Spymaster. "I recently received this strange letter," she begins, removing a piece of paper from a nondescript envelope and passing it to Bydar. "I don't know who "M" is, but he or she obviously knows me. I believe all members of the Council should be made aware of the rising political storm in Brevoy - hopefully it won't affect us here for some time, but we need to be prepared. What has me more concerned right now is the implication that there was another survivor from the attack that saw me traded to the mites. Would it be possible to have Happs and Yiv focus their explorations toward the direction of the area indicated in the letter?"
Arianna welcomes Mikmek with a warm smile and a hug. "I'm glad to see you well, my friend. I've been worried about your tribe and the war with the dwarves, but I am certain that the fierce warriors of the Sootscale tribe will destroy their enemies!" she praises the kobld and his compatriots.
Arianna listens carefully to Bydar's plan to deal with the Black Guild members, nodding slowly as her mouth curves upward in a mischievous fox-like grin. "I believe both Barons Tyg and Perlivash would be agreeable to such a plan - with the proper tribute offered as incentive, of course. I believe Perlivash is fond of honey mead, while Tyg likes musical instruments. And both are quite fond of sweets. I don't think it will be a problem to find a proper tribute for them and any friends they may want to bring along. I'll even throw in my supply of fireworks to sweeten the offer," the chief diplomat offers.
"You possess a generous heart and a good memory. We'll try to get our hands on all that you mention before we ask the two to go off." He finds her grin infectious. "As long as they only go after the twelve we name, I actually look forward to hearing of the results."
Arianna's mood sobers as she shares a new concern with the Baron and the Spymaster. "I recently received this strange letter," she begins, removing a piece of paper from a nondescript envelope and passing it to Bydar. Please read Arianna's Letter spoiler. "I don't know who "M" is, but he or she obviously knows me. I believe all members of the Council should be made aware of the rising political storm in Brevoy - hopefully it won't affect us here for some time, but we need to be prepared. What has me more concerned right now is the implication that there was another survivor from the attack that saw me traded to the mites. Would it be possible to have Happs and Yiv focus their explorations toward the direction of the area indicated in the letter?"
Bydar reads, and then frowns. He listens to her and looks both sympathetic and troubled, "The Swordlords have planted seeds of what they hope will be resistance to aid them perhaps, while other forces no doubt see us as an extension of the Dragoncrown's reach. Political games that will put all we've done at risk. Yes, the council should know. For now, waiting to speak on it outside the council 'officially' is, as this says, probably wisest. We must appear to be as apolitical as possible for now when it comes to Brevoy." he says agreeing with much of what 'M' has said as well as Ari's own points.
As to the idea of another survivor, "Certainly, I think they were leaning that way anyway. Maybe they can at least find clues if nothing else. Do you remember the others you were with well enough to make a guess at who the survivor might be?"
"The choice to stay or go is yours. It always will be. I don't really understand why this place has been named the way it has, or how to pronounce it either, but I do know that no one tells ravens where to go or what to do, which seems fitting. I don't know what a Sheildmaiden is, but I am sure I would appreciate having one around."
"I hope the real me compares to the stories you have heard."
"If you stay, I only have ask two things of you. Be kind, and never kneel."
Sara looks up at Raxus with a mix of excitement and gratitude - though she has lived a hard life, her youth shines through for an instant, and it is a wonderful moment to see.
She quickly regains her composure and nods her head, "I will do as you ask - and a shieldmaiden is one who tries to protect... important... people. But if it is acceptable, I will stay with the dogs for now. Dawn could use some extra help, and Dusk is too excited about the puppies to be much use right now."
She moves toward the dogs and yips at Dusk who whines back in return before once again wagging his tail. She sits down nearby and begins gently stroking the puppies. Dawn raises her head to look around before closing her eyes and letting her head fall back to the ground. Seven tiny mouths begin squeaking in anticipation as they start nuzzling in looking for their first meal.
Raxus smiles and joins her.
Under Lanner's supervision, the next meeting has even tighter supervision and security. Bydar himself contemplates putting up a spell of silence outside the door to help block themselves from being overheard, but assuming Lanner assures him the Black Guild's members are no where near the meeting point, the cleric turned baron lets it be.
Krenrath noticed the extra measures on his way in. Something he found strange but then again it was no doubt involved in the meeting. He wondered if his own proposals would be effected. Once with in he took a seat and waited, he sported a half black half white mask today.
"Ah, Krenrath, since you are here before the others arrive, I have something for you. I should have given to it sooner, but as you have inherited the duties arcane by your position as Magister, assuming you have not changed your mind? I have some items of Arumil's that are for your use." Bydar lifts a box of goods and presents it to the Aasimar for his perusal. "I had thought the statuette might be a good center piece for an altar of Nethrys if enough worshipers ever came here to form a shrine, but Arumil suggested it too be among the items to serve his replacement when he came."
Krenrath takes the box while looking it over.
"Thanks but Nethys worshipers are few in the river kingdoms, that may or may not change. Still I respect Nethys and this statuette is very useful as a focus for certain spells. No doubt something he was aware of. Personally I worship Qi Zhong, an unknown god among the inner sea. Perhaps one day that will change."
He holds the elven wine for a moment, staring at it. Then places it back with the other items as he sets the box down to one side of him.
"Is their a certain reason you have called this council as there seems to be extra measures in place. Or would you rather wait for the others before saying anything?"
"Qi Zhong, interesting. The variety of faiths that our land has in one member or another is really intriguing," He muses aloud, "And Yes to both questions really... that and we should probably have the council meet regularly anyway."
Lanner and Kesten go over the security precautions, and you notice several men and women wearing black helmets posted around Riverwatch - members of the Corbenic Raven Guard. Lanner has reviewed each of them personally, and worked with Kesten to find the most reliable for this duty.
Happs provides several maps of the surrounding region in case the council needs to review them.
Jhod and Oleg arrive with Miles a day before the meeting. They take a tour of the town and surrounding area with Teremith and all are very impressed with the progress that's been made.
Current Council:
Ruler - Bydar
Grand Diplomat - Arianna
Councilor - Bridgette
General - Raxus
Magister - Krenrath
Treasurer - Oleg
High Pastor - Jhod
High Priest - Teremith
Justicar - Miles
Warden - Kesten
Spymaster - Lanner
Marshal - Happs
When the others show up for the actual meeting, Bydar is happy to greet them. He's especially happy to see his good friend Teremith "I saw some of the good work you've been doing, amazing friend. You have insight."
Bridgette enters the room
"I hope I'm not late for the meeting?"