Seeing that no one else wishes to really bring other suggestions to the table he then makes the motion, "With the proposal of 105 gold pieces for the Academy's first month, and then the installment of 60 gold pieces each month afterward. All those in favor? Against? Abstaining? With a major vote, the proposal passes. We would like a naming of the Academy before the end of the month. Please bring suggestions to any following meetings. Is there any other new business concerning the Academy?"
"Next item on the docket. The founding of Tatzlford. Cleonora you are welcome to stay at this hearing or you may leave." At the mention and a nod from him, the guards open the doors letting in several individuals and a couple. At the fore front is a ruddy, friendly, and energetic man named Loy Rezbin.
"Loy Rezbin and your wife Latricia already have plans for a village deep in the Narlmarches at a ford on the Skunk River where, until
recently, a pair of tatzlwyrms dwelt. They ask for support to get this village started. Any questions?" Bearik introduces.
"The few informants that we have found are mostly paid citizens. Gregori has an entourage of about six men and women who work up the crowd and connect with the citizens willing to wag their tongue for a little silver. We made an example of one of the entourage due to his foolishness, to his detriment. He thought he could wag his tongue at acolytes and get away with it. He only lost a digit in the duel physically. The acolytes have been more present around those who have been wagging their tongues. As you have asked we have only watched him and his entourage." He relays to the council.
"Well if he is spending money to spread his vitriol its obviously not his own. Perhaps it is time to separately speak with or if necessary pick up some of these associates and question them. Heavily imply that Gregori . . . is Grigori or Gregori, is involved in the same cult as the women killed or perhaps why they were killed. Lay it on as think as you can and then make it clear that naturally Gregoi's associates would likewise be culpable and see what they report. Any confirmation of either his actual involvement in the cult or the matter with the cult or report that he is being paid by folks from elsewhere would suffice for grounds to arrest him and bring him in." He furrows his brow, "Unless any of you think we are already moving to slow on this. I did not want to make the man a martyr of his opinions." He pauses and looks for council.
"I suggest Scientia Academy." Cleonora said when asked about the name. "That or, Doctrina Academy." She also suggested before she began to gather her things. "I'd stay but there is more to do for the academy, I'll go finish packing and head out to Rostov today in hopes of getting them back before the month ends." Cleonora told them. "Oh, can I borrow anyone's horse? I walked here, on horse back I'd be much fast and likely to get them headed out here within a week."
"I believe Lorina was going to offer you a mount." She states in response to Cleo's request and then winking in Tristan's direction.
"I think what Quince is suggesting would be a good next step in removing more power and support from Gregori." She relays.
"I suggest Scientia Academy." Cleonora said when asked about the name. "That or, Doctrina Academy." She also suggested before she began to gather her things. "I'd stay but there is more to do for the academy, I'll go finish packing and head out to Rostov today in hopes of getting them back before the month ends." Cleonora told them. "Oh, can I borrow anyone's horse? I walked here, on horse back I'd be much fast and likely to get them headed out here within a week."
Quince ponders the names, "Either works. The shingle hasn't been painted we can think on it."
Quince smiles stifling a laugh, "I am sure that you will find the road moves swift for people of purpose."
Quinces laughter is contagious as she begins to chuckle herself. They share a knowing look, likely with many of the other Wardens.
"I'm excited that some people want to branch out. That land is harsh and not within our current borders. It will take some time to expand that way. The current plan is to claim more plains to the north to build farms to support our growing population. If you have people willing to follow I encourage you to go, but we have no way to support such an effort right now."
Kev replies, "Aye for the Academy votes.
Kev nods to Cleo, "My vote is for Scientia Academy."
Kev smiles when Katrina chuckles.
"As for Gregori, so should we address his support the traditional way or are we changing our ways not to allow one chance only and immediately apply stick or force to quiet them?"
Kev nods to Tristan's comment but currently has nothing to add.
Loy Rezbin brings out his plan after addressing your concerns, "Sorry, we are not apart of your forces. So we wouldn't be branching out. The land is harsh but similar to the lands in the River Kingdoms. We come with a few families of lumberjacks."
"We are first asking for permission to start a town there. Second we would welcome you to include us in your nation once it spreads to us. Third, assuming the first two are acceptable, we would ask for help in the starting of our village, . Fourth, that the deaths of werewolves not be punished. This fourth statement is in separate addition to the first three. We have had troubles with their kin in the past and fear possible... avengers. Then fifth, seperate as well, once we are established we would like to have a trade setup of wood for food."
He takes the motion from Kev's suggestion, "The motion that Stalker and his men should immediately apply stick or force to quiet Gregori's men as described?" He votes, "Aye."
In response to the call of votes on the subject of use of force on Gregori he votes, "Aye."
Tristan nods.
"Aye do what is needed Stalker."
He ponders over the statements from Loy.
"That is good to here. I don't see any issue with what you have stated. We will need a better understanding of the goods you need so we can have them sent with you. Also a contract agreeing to be absorbed into the kingdom when the borders expand. Like Fort Promise it will need a Regent to rule as the voice of the Baron." Tristan looks to Quince.
"Your Excellency do you or the other Wardens have any issues with this? If not I will set to getting their goods and provisions ready to go with them."
Kev waits for the others to vote for aye or nay looking at each one as they call out their vote.
"I vote Nay, violence won't help the situation. But I will honor the majority vote."
He will vote, Aye. Sulvanii will vote, Aye. Jhod will vote, Nay. Sota will abstain. Saren will vote, Aye.
"The motion for Stalker to take extreme measures has been approved." He states.
Then later he makes another motion, "Does anyone oppose supporting the creation of tyzleford? Then how much BP are we willing to divert to the startup?"
Kevros smiles to Katrina and nods with her, "I vote "NAY" as well since it goes against our original core values. But like Katrina, I will honor the majority."
Kev nods his head in agreement for the establishment of Tatzlford, "Aye, I agree with Tatzlford's establishment."
"I sense a desire for the meeting to be over and done. I was asking advice on the issue with Grigori. But the question called, it sounds like the consensus is that we have let him go on to long. It certainly could be said that he has broken the peace, and through bribery attempted to cause insurrection." He face moves from light conversation to one of authority. As he paints Grigori's actions in the most extreme light.
"I am much in favor of this Tazleford town. Though it is a hard spot and will be out of our control for the moment. My family has a history in working with logging communities. I am sure the idea of frontier living is not out of sort for the lumberjacks. Though I would give some caution. We should make effort to appease our allies in that region. We have some connections with the Fey in that area and as such harvesting of the woods should be done with care to keep the forest sustained and that sites precious to the Fey are shown respect. This is a common concern in many forests so it is likely you have taken it to account. The river that is forded their does flow to the Tuskwater so getting the timber here might be possible on the water. Additionally north of the Tatzlford is temple shrine to Erastil. It has long been our goal to have the surrounding land within our border. Once the town of Tatzlford is built and within our keeping we would in turn seek aid building there. That would be well within keeping of the timber for food arrangement you have asked. Assuming that you are agreeable to our terms. Then we can see to offering significant help to the start of the town."
Kev looks confused, "Isn't Tatzlford where we met Krazock, over here?" Kev points to Hex 50 on the map.
"Or are we naming the former Tatzlwyrm den over here at Skunk River crossing Tatzlford? Personally, I prefer it over on the grasslands but if the people and council will be happier at Skunk River Crossing, then I approve." Then Kev points to Hex 24 on the map.
"I don't like the name much myself but that is not up to me. They are starting it deep in the Nalmarches on the skunk river. Near the Fjord."
"Tatzlford has a better ring than Skunk Crossing."
Kev nods, "Ok, the name is better than Skunk Crossing but how much logging do you really want to allow in the area? If we don't set boundaries of tree crops and rotation, then there may not be trees in the area 10 to 20 years from now."
Loy Rezbin nods his head, "Our only spot of clear cutting would be the immediate area around the land we need to make the village. After that we would welcome the fine knowledge of the Medvyed family. We will do our best to be in contact with fey in the region before we cut and follow your suggested plan. Yes our proposed location is, "
The rest of the assembled Wardens push for 5BP as well and the motion passes.
He brings up the last two motions together, "Now with that settled. The trade agreement will be drafted by Sulvanii, Jhod will proof it and will be recognized by the Rezbins the next time they are at the capital. The other suggestion of killing of lycanthropes without possible punishment is up for debate. I understand they have been a plauge in the River Kingdoms and we have had problems with them too. Suggestions and voices on the topic?"
"I motion that all measures of capture should be used before lethal force. If a large force is met and no aide is near, lethal force can be authorized tempered with wisdom." She says on the topic. "Also silver weapons should be created in preparation of such threats."
Kevros nods and smiles in agreement with Kat, "Since we have time to prepare, I propose we build a safe means to round up the werewolves and transport them to the Pool of Erastil for cleansing. This will either be a freedom for those who do not want the curse, a punishment to those who embraced evil lycanthropy, and a solution to eliminate the threat. I also agree that we create silver weapons to save money from making a good sum of magical weapons powerful enough to injure and kill werewolves.
"I would agree. They should be empowered to defend themselves though. I will go to arrange the goods if there is nothing else."
"Katrina has the right of it. And of course in matters of self defense the law already protects those who justly defend themselves. But lycanthropy is an affliction that few seek and it is one of corruption. While we won't abide these afflicted hurting the innocent we cannot simply assume the solution is to hunt them to extinction. We need to allow for its cure. This is one reason a great reason for the Temple of the Elk be restored and brought into our lands. It is a place of healing and should be known as such. It is a place of restoration and deliverance. In the last months Wardens in this very room subdued and cured some so afflicted by this curse."
He sighs, "I will not open things up to what would likely become lycanthrope hunts." He shakes his head. "Not all who can change skin are evil, even whole sub groups of lycanthropes are said to be goodly folk. If people are suspected of crimes that stem from this curse it will be investigated and if necessary dealt with swiftly and justly. If such matters result in death it is understandable, if they can result in the subduing and curing of individuals even better. But no I do not think it wise that we open season on the killing of folk within the kingdom because we think they might be lycanthropes. You cannot be allowed to kill the butcher because you think him a wolf and expect he was a were-wolf as a defense. Unless such a butcher can be proved or is in the act of harming someone such matters should be reported to authorities, investigated and if it can be cured do so."
"It can't hurt to research as much as we can on the matter so that we and our people are educated well on the subject, how to deal with it, how it can be cured, how dangerous foes can be fought if necessary, and so on. Silvered weapons available are wise, as is alchemical silver, and their are natural herbs that I believe can be utilized."
"You could get a werewhistle." Cleonora spoke up. She had been rather quiet after speaking on the academy, after all nothing outside of that involved her. "It's a magical whistle that forces the lycan, natural born or afflicted, into their mortal form and keeps them from changing for a full day and night. No I cannot make you one, I'm not powerful enough. I've only finished my second circle of magic you need an understanding of fifth circle at the minimum. I know what is needed for it but without the raw power there is nothing I can do." She said with a roll of her shoulders.
"Also silversheen, a paste one can place upon a weapon that will help cut through those with resistance against everything but silver, I can make. I can make about eight a day actually. They last for a little over an hour but if you keep them on hand you can put it on any weapon when needed."
"Do remember that only naturally born lycans can spread the curse. It is a magical curse that is attached to a disease. Those bitten can be cured with remove curse and remove disease cast upon them. However this must be done before their third full moon. So you got about three months to work with." Cleonora said.
With the decision to capture rather than kill lycanthropes settled for the most part the meeting ends.
The day after the council meeting Quince seeks out Selena and accompanies her to meet with Jhod. Hoping to smooth any transition with her taking over the duties.
When he has a moment where he is out of earshot of anyone else.
In such a quiet moment Quince asked, "Selena, given your situation. You seem to have a system to manage your curse. I know that we have begun to look for ways to lift your curse. I know it has been some time that you have learned to live with it. I am sure the idea of gaining control is an attractive. The attention that other lycanthropes have caused recently worries me. Perhaps the pool at the Temple of the Elk might be a cure for you."
Though at your insistence to cure her lycanthrope or slavery she blows up at you, "BY THE GODS, WHY DONT YOU LISTEN?!?! Do you want me to leave? I have told you multiple times, STOP trying to fix what I want!" Then she marches off in a huff.
At the end of the month, Stalker calls for an emergency meeting. As the Wardens approach you see many more guards and acolytes along the path. As you enter the council room you can see Katrina and Stalker waiting.
Once all in attendance you hear the main doors lock. Then Stalker begins, "We have been lucky so far but one of our Wardens has come under attack, Katrina. In response to this and other possible threats I am making a motion that we have protection details at all times."
Listening to your questions she does her best to calmy respond, "I do not want to lose my power, curse, or situation. I have been living with them for countless years, I never thought to count, it could be decades or even centuries. I even said I wanted you but you snubbed me for it."
Quince frowns at Stalkers words and looks about concerned, "Who has done this? Where they slain? What have we learned?"
Stalker sighs and begins to say what he knows but gets interrupted by Katrina.
"Thanks Stalker but it will probably be best said by me. I was hiring a chamberlain for the Cathedral and had three applicants this month. All with recommendations. The third one was a woman, I don't even know if her name was real, and for some reason I can't even remember it. I was telling her it was not working out but we could possibly find her work elsewhere. She began living to me about this and then spin a tale about that. I saw through it all and in the end she showed her true colors. She attacked me and wanted me dead. Thanks to Cleonora being in her room which was next door to the room I have meetings, she heard my cries. She blasted the door, gave warning. She disarmed her, separated us, and questioned her. She was not spilling her secrets and ended her. We can't, CAN'T, leave attacks unpunished. I did not order it but Cleonora finished her off. Then soon after Stalker, the guards and acolyted made it to the room." She does her best to keep calm and keep emotion out of it.
But then she changed her emotions to that of feircness, "To heck with it you all have secrets as well. The sooner we know the better we can handle things and support each other. You all know I have something special granted me. Some say its a divine spark, others whisper about something darker. I believe I have both. I am cursed with something, it has not shown me what and I am researching it. The girl who sought my death said she was sent by the All Fathers. An evil cult of snakes that believe in, if you eat it, it will make you stronger. The curse has flared up in me several times changing my demeanor to something fiercer. I know this may not be the time but bring your secrets to light that we may all support each other." She looks at those around and quickly scans over Quince.
He points out, "I have learned that though we are adventurers, we are also mortal, and we need protection. I suggest we always be escorted and never have a meeting with anyone alone. To this end I motion that we be accompanied by two guards, a historian, and an acolyte of Bearik."
"My secret most of you know. I was wrathful vengence. Many of you helped me through it and by the blessings of Erastil, I have left that trail and have grown for it. I have lost many dear to me in these rugged Stolenlands and I am happy with what we have built so far." He relays with emotions of sadness and happiness.
Sitting beside Jhod she stands and calmly explains, "I have many secrets. I have likely forgotten many of them and the acts I have done in my past. I dont know how old I am or how long I have been serving the monolith. It could have been many decades or even centuries. I do know this the monolith wants this land to be great and to let magic thrive. Really that is all I remember of it, once I find it again I will make sure. Through the power of the monolith I have been transformed, I am a werejaguar, a guardian. I serve those who hold power over these lands which is why Stalker holds my reigns. I offered them to Quince but due to possible conflicts of opinion, it was decided that the ruler should not have someone that could be construed as a slave to him. I also have the power to consume souls. A summoner that was my last master died but she had so much she still needed to do. Her soul is with me and thus I have some of her powers. With a master I am in control and he can control me if needed. I will serve these lands with everything I have. I will honor and protect all Wardens. I will do my best to make our country the best it can be. I have a crush on Quince, he showed such wonderful bravado that I haven't seen in years. I see I may have spoken too much."
He smiles a devilish smile and happily says, "Apparently truth is a good feeling. I know I didn't say the saying right but I can feel it. And likely better than most with so many secrets. You should all know I am an Efreeti, a Lawful Evil outsider. I am immune to fire and vulnerable to cold. Obviously I can change shape. I have been granting 3 wishes each day to my personal guards. I love crafting magical items and weapon smithing. I know many languages including Auran, Aquan, Common, Ignan, and Terran. Also I have telepathy with a range of 100 ft. I could likely scorch all of you from this plane of existence but I like you all. I truly do even if you haven't spoken to me in months. I watch many of you and enjoy your growth with each other. So for the next month I will be using my wish magic to enhance each of you! You are good rulers. Oh and I have a private vault of weapons that each of you can pick from. If the nation ever needs more funds I can provide them. After all our deal was for me to be the best councilor I could be for this nation."