Let's take the head. We are close to your place. Do they eat Drake."
"I mean, anything could eat Drake to be fair." Cleonora pointed out. "It is just meat now."
"We can see... does it have poison in it? Then where is the poison gland?" He asks.
After a half hour or less the head is clean off, a lot of the meat has been butchered into slabs. The wings are cut too much to be salvaged. The talons and claws are easily collected but that is about it.
With a quick jaunt your group is back at Krazok's lizardfolk tribe and distributing the meat.
Quince smiles as they approach the lizard folk giving Krazok pride of place. "We have much to share from a successful hunt."
The group talks about the different organs and remember that they haven't done anything with them.
With mirth and gratitude he states, "Yes thank you!"
Quince inspects the meat and had found the whole poisonous gland had not been punctured, or at least it didn't spread.
"You are welcome my friend."
"So now that we're done with this drake.... What are we going to do?" Cloenora asked with a raised brow and crossing her arms. "I mean this seems like something you could have sent rangers for. No something for the likes of us."
"And if it had been a dragon?" He looked at Cleo with a shrug. "Besides its a nice trip. I wanted to spend time with folks."
"We will be home soon enough."
"If it had been a dragon then the scouts would have returned to get a stronger group. And a trip isn't needed for spending time with folks. You seem to easily forget that you have more to prioritize and so do I. As it might have slipped your mind but my responsibilities have not slipped mine." Cleonora explained as she shook her head. "Such a pity." She muttered.
"The reports we received were exaggerated. We didn't send scouts we hear reports of a DRAGON. Resent me if you wish." He chuckles in exasperation resigned to the belief he will never be able to make Cleo happy. "If it had been a dragon I thought you would be good to have with us." He swallows more thinking it will do no good. He moves off.
"Sometimes it is good to just take a day trip! If the kingdom can't survive without the three of you for a day or two, then maybe you need to delegate a bit more. Then again not my shoes... Thanks for inviting us and was there something else we needed to explore?! I know Ole Belemean said something of a tower and a crystal or will we delegate that to the Rangers too?" He says diplomatically hoping to sate se nerves.
He stays by Cleo's side for the festivities with Krazok and the lizardfolk. He enjoys himself by eating anything given to him and trying to have a good time.
Hex 50- The site of the Forgotten Keep; Rigg Gargadilly the Quickling, the Grimstalker, & the Dancing Lady. The keep would serve as a castle if turned into a city. Elven ruins now infested with twisted and evil fey. Treasure: Mithral statuette of Findeladlara elven goddess of art and architecture (1,200gp), +1 short sword, 5 doses of Blue Whinnis, fine velvet cloak (10gp), gold neclace (100gp), a silver ring with an emerald (300gp), bejeweled masterwork short sword (510gp), a moonstone (50gp), life size alabaster dancing elf statue 500 lbs (900gp), masterwork harp, jade statuette of a coiled snake (75pg), elven water clock 200 lbs (1,000gp), bearskin coverlet (50gp), 2 royal outfits (200gp each), 3 courtier's outfits (30gp each), 3 viles of perfume (100gp each), gem studded tiara (350gp), elixir of love, 570 gp, 638 sp, 27 cp, and a dozen different sparkling gemstones worth 1,800 gp in all.
Hex 49- Forest
Hex 57- Forest
Hex 58- Hodag Den- Svetlanna has to kill this creature. I mean check her out Treasure: MW Greataxe, +1 Studded Leather Armor, & +1 Keen Spear.
Hex 59- We fought the Scythe Tree here previously. More forest.
Hex 66- Hargulka's Stronghold- Ruined dwarf stronghold. Treasure: Necklace of Fireballs (1 8d6 Fireball, 2 4d6 Fireballs, & 3 2 d6 Fireballs), +1 Hide Armor(Large), +1 Darkwood Thundering Morningstar (large), Amulet of Natural Armor +2, 4 BP...
"Sometimes it is good to just take a day trip! If the kingdom can't survive without the three of you for a day or two, then maybe you need to delegate a bit more. Then again not my shoes... Thanks for inviting us and was there something else we needed to explore?! I know Ole Belemean said something of a tower and a crystal or will we delegate that to the Rangers too?" He says diplomatically hoping to sate se nerves.
He stays by Cleo's side for the festivities with Krazok and the lizardfolk. He enjoys himself by eating anything given to him and trying to have a good time.
Quince makes eye contact with Jorne with a look of thanks for his diplomacy.
At the feast he enjoys himself and tries to get a feel for Krazok and the lizard folk and how he has done with his new people. He chats and laughs with friends enjoying the time. He talks about the changes and explosive growth of the kingdom happily with the others. He inquires what resources Krazok sees that would help his people. Knowing that their benefit would contribute to the peace with the unlikely allies. When the evening wanes on he thanks Krazok and the lizard folk for their hospitality. "We give thanks for friends and allies. To long and continued peace between our peoples." Remembering Krazok's ushering them out of the lizard folk city quickly so many months ago when the feast starts to run down he nods to the others. "We should be off home. The great thing with our horses is they can move us quickly."
"Delegation is how corruption seeps in." Cleonora reminded them with a shrug. "And yes, I am useful for facing a dragon depending upon the dragon. There are so many classifications." She bluntly stated. "I don't resent you, if I resented you I'd not be here. I just think you are more short sighted than you should be." Cleonora clarified. "As for this tower, we're already out so if we're doing it we better decide now."
"Corruption?" He responds with an exasperated shrug. "Well I was glad you are here and frankly glad that the beast was not as fearsome as reported." He ignores the shortsighted remark. "The tower is one location in a large forest all of which needs to be explored. I was thinking that we would head home. Regroup and prep a larger expedition."
"Yes, while I am greatly disappointed at the lack of dragon I am glad such a thing did not get close to the people. Rather a drake than a dragon for such."
"Now that is more like it!" Cleonora nodded in approval to Quince's words on to regroup and prepare for a larger expedition. "I can see what books we might have on this tower and anything I can find on glowing red crystals. With luck I might even have time to make us something that will give us an edge against anything we might face." She said thoughtfully. "I'll also need to bring something to collect any magical reagents we might find safely and return them for study. Sulvanii has a place I could safely store them, I could convince him to allow me to set them in his vault and we could see what we can learn together. It would be the safest choice. However if the items are too volatile or dangerous to people they will have to be taken care of at the location of this tower."
Krazok is obviously in charge there is no doubt about that. The lizardfolk are happy to have the meat and the feast.
As the feast finishes your group ventures back home.
---
Exploring is easily left to your Rangers but when they find an abandoned castle or threat it is alerted to the council. At that point Kevros determines if the standing army regiment can handle it or call in the council.
Krazok is obviously in charge there is no doubt about that. The lizardfolk are happy to have the meat and the feast.
** spoiler omitted **
As the feast finishes your group ventures back home.
---
Exploring is easily left to your Rangers but when they find an abandoned castle or threat it is alerted to the council. At that point Kevros determines if the standing army regiment can handle it or call in the council.
As the feast came to a close and the group headed back home Cleonora brought up something she had noticed. "Those lizardfolk where really giving you all the side eye. Just what did you do to upset them so yet for them be so fearful of you as not to act. I've rarely know a lizardfolk to restrain itself like that. I mean if looks could kill we'd all be dead."
------
Hearing the word Troll put Cleo slightly on edge, but she nodded when informed. "I know what is needed, with this I can prepare accordingly."
As the feast came to a close and the group headed back home Cleonora brought up something she had noticed. "Those lizardfolk where really giving you all the side eye. Just what did you do to upset them so yet for them be so fearful of you as not to act. I've rarely know a lizardfolk to restrain itself like that. I mean if looks could kill we'd all be dead."
Quince nods, when a moment of relative privacy arrives he explains, Krazok has taken the control of the tribe. They still have a great deal of distrust. And in the past Krazok has pointed out that his presence is what keeps them in line. Is there a possibility of lasting peace I don't know. But in time who knows." He shrugs.
------
Hearing the word Troll put Cleo slightly on edge, but she nodded when informed. "I know what is needed, with this I can prepare accordingly."
Quince nods, "Thank you. That extra help is going to be clinch with this kind of foe."
Once returned back to Elkheart. Quince settles back into the routine. During his first morning 'Doughnuts with the Duke' with Sulvanii Quince explains the news to the southwest including the trolls. "Cleo mentioned knowing some spells, I know I do as well. But what can we do for our soldiers to have an edge. Alchemist's fire is an obvious one. But I am sure you can think of something." He finishes breakfast and runs down any daily business Sulvani has and he heads toward the academy.
He finds where Cleo is, "Hey I hope I am not intruding. I shared about the trolls and the exploration south west with Sulvanii, and knowing you had mentioned preparation I figured your input would help. Both of us have some spells, I am sure lots of the leadership has a number of options. But I don't want rangers or soldiers closer home to have no options."
At the 'Doughnuts with the Duke' there is very little new news to bring up. He calmly points out, "As of now there is no official report on the trolls. Merely rumors and tales, Krazok apparently killed one as two of its brothers fled the battle. Now if you are planning on fighting trolls with soldiers there is no economic or simple logistical way to prepare them. Sure a vial of alchemist fire, pints of oil, flasks of acid are a few cheap ways to prepare them. Honestly trolls should be handled by council members."
Responding after Quince and to the question Cleo posed, she adds, "To get the full story it might be best to get Krazok to tell it. Now they know we are the rulers of these lands and we hold power like Krazok. So did you see distrust or was it fear?"
At the 'Doughnuts with the Duke' there is very little new news to bring up. He calmly points out, "As of now there is no official report on the trolls. Merely rumors and tales, Krazok apparently killed one as two of its brothers fled the battle. Now if you are planning on fighting trolls with soldiers there is no economic or simple logistical way to prepare them. Sure a vial of alchemist fire, pints of oil, flasks of acid are a few cheap ways to prepare them. Honestly trolls should be handled by council members."
Quince rubs his chin in thought. "Sounds like this exploration trip shouldn't be delegated."
He agrees, "Trolls should be dealt with prejudice and the powerful to make sure they are all dead."
Quince sets out to meet with them and compare notes on the ruins they are looking for as well as the reports of the tower.
"Neither Katrine, it was resentment." Cleonora answer, the words falling from her lips heavy and with some bite. "You would do well to watch them Krazok or not, resentment is a powerful motivator and we know fear does not keep one down forever." She added, mainly to Quince.
------
Cleonora, who had been messing with a few things at the large table in her office, looked up and gave a shrug. "I was trying my hand at alchemy honestly." She explained as she set the ingredients down. "A small blind spot in my vast knowledge."
"Baron, are you asking what works against them? Or what I have that works against them?" Cleonora asked with a raised brow. "I am not sure I am following you inquiry." She stated, before following it up with a question "Or are you asking what I can provide those who are not us?"
"Neither Katrine, it was resentment." Cleonora answer, the words falling from her lips heavy and with some bite. "You would do well to watch them Krazok or not, resentment is a powerful motivator and we know fear does not keep one down forever." She added, mainly to Quince.
He smiles and looks like he is enjoying himself, He responds quietly to Cleo's caution. "Oh its noted. I am not convinced this will be the status quo forever. I have hope but I am not so foolish to let our guard down. This dinner even the hunt was gauging some of this." He takes a drink letting the subtle indication that hunting was about more than just a drake but also learning about the kingdom and some of its stranger folk and their leader.
------
Cleonora, who had been messing with a few things at the large table in her office, looked up and gave a shrug. "I was trying my hand at alchemy honestly." She explained as she set the ingredients down. "A small blind spot in my vast knowledge."
"Baron, are you asking what works against them? Or what I have that works against them?" Cleonora asked with a raised brow. "I am not sure I am following you inquiry." She stated, before following it up with a question "Or are you asking what I can provide those who are not us?"
When she says 'Baron' he smirks, "I much prefer Lord Commander , if we are going to be formal. Sulvanii says that our size and booming population has crossed the Dutchy line. So Duke would fit." He waves it away as it is trivial pomp. "Quince works with those who would be friends, in informal settings." He shrugs knowing that these are the unavoidable trappings of power.
Quince smiles, "A bit of both I guess. I imagine you have several fiery spells an any given time unless your plans don't call for action. I have a few myself. Between my natural magics and my devotion to Erastil I can cast a spell similar to what wizards describe as 'burning hands,' which spits a fan of flames 'acid splash, well splashes acid, 'Sun Metal' which makes a weapon deal additional damage with fire and a unique spell that both burns with acid and fire, 'Trial of Fire and Acid.' Seems tailor made for this. I am sure Sulvanii, Katrina, Elizabeth and some of the others also have abilities that could for themselves deal fire or acid. I wished for Sulvanii to bring this sword into being." He pulls out his new flame tongue. "I kinda like this." He smiles. "Also Sulvanii suggested these gloves. Deliquescent Gloves he called them. Pretty handy any hit with any melee weapon adds a bit of acid damage."
"That said. With the possibilities of trolls running across our rangers or other forces I wanted to see what we might be able to do to prepare them as well. Alchemy I am sure can play a role in that. . . as well as . . . well." He thinks a moment. "Perhaps older students of magical talent might be interested in service to Greenwatch. IF they are so inclined. Or perhaps either here at the academy or one of the soon to be built educational sites in Fort Promise or Tazlyford might be dedicated to those who learn magic, or alchemy and such that wish also to serve. What do you think?"
"Dinner with those who want you dead... either bold or foolish." Cleonora mentioned. "Time will tell."
------------
"Actually my spells related to flames are very small in length. However my ability to cast them is great. My skills lies in versatility and my ability to go unseen. Scorching ray is my main fire dealing spell as it is. Though a simple torch is enough to halt a troll's ability." Cleonora mentioned, and she seems to eye the blade with suspicion. "Sulvanii does good work, I've seen what else he keeps in his vault, cursed of course." She added. "Oh, I've been rude. Would you like something to drink Lord Commander?" She asked. "I can get us some tea."
"Large fires will keel Trolls at bay from our rangers and other forces during the night when they are most active. I'd also suggest each one carry a torch and knows how to light it. Sadly I have no one to teach Alchemy. I did not find one I liked nor that I could sense would be trustworthy. Alchemy you see often runs the risk of being too close to madness, I will not have one I cannot control or trust within these walls... not again..." Cleonora breathed.
"As for the academies that will be built in Fort Promise or Tazlyford I shall seek out a alchemist for it. Oh, as loathed as I am to lose him, I am thinking of sending Gao to over see the academy. I trust him a great deal and it is either send him or go myself." She explained. "The academy is not old enough to have students ready to serve. A year or two then we could have some who might be ready for the field or for their own magical arms making... but I will no put my students in danger when I know they're not ready yet."
"I am toying with alchemy in the hopes of making us alchemist fire. I have used it before, once. It was greatly useful and can be use with some spells. However it is trickier than I expected... what I would give to Sulvanii if he could grant me this knowledge..."
"Tea sounds lovely."
Quince listens and nods along wither her logic. He stops and makes puzzled but quirky smile when she says 'not again.'
"Well torches, and lamp oil are probably already in many packs. Funny how simple tricks fit the bill."
Quince laughed, "Well Sulvanii has a way with wishes. They need to be worded just right fate has a devilish lawyer's sense of entanglements. But I would imagine that such skill could be granted. Or an item that would make it far easier."
"Very well." Cleonora said before she took a moment so vanish into her side room and get a kettle on the fire.
However when she returned to the look on his face her eyes narrowed for a moment. "Trolls are simple creatures." She commented in return.
"Yes I aware of Sulvanii's way with wishes, he is a genie after all. But I'd not ask such a thing of him. Every wish made must be such a horrible reminder..." Cleonora mentioned before she moved to take a seat behind her desk, the same one she had been pinned to. She had yet to have it removed. "Genies cannot use wishes upon themselves, it must be for another. Such is their curse you could say."
Quince furrows his brow thinking. "He came to us freely. Offering his gifts freely. Speak with him. He seeks to aid the kingdom. Your time here has been a true help. You might find his help useful. Turning aside such help seems a waste."
"He offered it to the kingdom, I am not the kingdom nor am I a Warden. Besides I count Sulvanii as a friend. If he wanted to offer me a wish, believe me he would. I have spent many an hours at his side speaking of magic, of the plane of fire, of himself." Cleonora explained, her voice sounded uplifting for once. "I never thought I'd ever meet an Efreeti let alone to get to speak to one... or be able to call him a friend."
She seemed like she was going to say something more but the kettle began to whistle. She got up to fetch it and when she returned she came back with a tray that had a tea pot and cups on it. "Is Earl Grey okay?" She asked.
Quince nods, "You are most certainly 'the kingdom,' your school is vital to our capital. I hope you will help us establish other schools in Fort Promise and Tazleford. I certainly would see you get any help you need given your role. As for the future I think it is very likely that you will be made a warden. But if you wish to wait till you feel it is due to a specific office. I understand." He smiles "Earl Grey is fine."
"Will I now?" Cleonora asked with a slight smirk. "That is an intriguing statement to hear from you."
She poured Quince a cup before taking a small sip from it and waiting for a moment. Then she passed it on to him before pouring her own cup, which she added milk to. "First you shower me with a great honor of teaching the youth and now you put a possibility of overseeing much more." She stated while she mixed the tea and milk. "Do you believe I have earned such a place?" Cleonora questioned as she pointed at him with the spoon she had used.
"I believe that you have made a home here. I believe that you feel obligation here. I believe you want what's best for your students. I believe you capable. You seem less exasperating to others than the sprite we had as magister for a time. . ." Quince leans back, "Trust is only sure in the testing." He looks her rather intently a moment. "Do you think you fail to meet such an honor?"
"Kevros was not as close as a brother to me when we met in a tavern to run a fools expedition to wild untamed lands. Tristan I have known even shorter. Perhaps one day we will be stayed and solid and have the luxury of taking our time. But currently we are a boom with new life and new opportunity. Elkheart was but a ruined bandit hold not long ago. Fort Promise a trading post. Tazleford was well a Tzlywyrm den."
He pauses a moment "I suppose between Sulvanii and Katrina we could interrogate you and run you through quite a crucible of geas coaxed questioning. But some have joined our cause and have remained and remain vital. Others . . . have left. We have yet to deal with significant treachery. It will come I guess in time. Another hurdle. I don't think it will come from you."
"Is that so..." Cleonora hummed curiously as she took her drink back to her desk. "Even between Sulvanii and Katrina I don't know how much you'd get out of me short of a wish. My will is rather strong, and Katrina's heart would not be in it." She explained, "and while I don't put it past Sulvanii to have the stomach for interrogation nor would I seek to be on the receiving end of his anger... My death effected him for more than I expected. Which is saying something, because my expectations are high. He might not be so willing to interrogate me with the memory of my corpse so fresh in his mind."
"None the less, you bring up the statement of treachery. Do you not think it interesting or at the very least suspicious of my coming here? You have heard a bit of what I did when we had to deal with my baggage, which I once more apologize for, but our interactions have been... Limited to say the least. Yet your court knows me well. At least most of them. One was even so kind as to give me something that would hide my true nature from you. Don't you find that even a little strange?"
Quince looks a little stunned.
"You know I was kidding about interrogating you right. And I meant questioning and truth compulsion not torture."
"Well you have me at a loss and you have made your point. But you also risk exposing yourself. So it seems you are willing to risk telling me about yourself. I doubt your true nature is going to be more shocking than others who serve here. But they have given me no pause either."
"Depending upon the magic they are on in the same." Cleonora pointed out, her head giving a subtle nod.
"I could be gone from here before you could even raise an alarm." She shrugged before taking another drink. "I doubt my nature would be shocking, however the actions I have performed which your council has hidden from you might be." Cleonora told him as she set the teacup down. "Then again you are well aware that my hands are not the cleanest... Are you aware my soul is Hellbound?" Cleonora inquisitively questioned. "I always knew, but Sulvanii confirmed it."
Quince nods in agreement "Depending on the magic."
Quince slows down puts the tea down and grows rather serious his normal charm shaken. He waits a moment. "Let's unpack that in reverse. You say 'Hellbound' like its a foregone conclusion. Have you made a bad deal with something? Otherwise I would suggest that the history of redemption is replete with last minute reversals."
"If you think you need to go I won't stop you."
"Your going to need to make clear what service you have done the council. That you think I am not aware. Who requested it and who else knows. Assuming you share this we me so that I know the truth."
"If you share this to rattle me it hasn't. As I said before now we have yet to taste treachery but I know it will come at some point. If it has already come so be it. Sharing this with me suggests you think a betrayal has already happened."
"Redemption means one wants to change. Or that one feels remorseful for the act. I do not." She very simply stated. "Leaving is no longer an option you see. I have responsibilities, not to mention I don't believe Jorne wishes to leave."
"As to what I have done, I murdered three women who had be a part of a cult that was going to rip your dutchie apart. One of your council actually met me tracking the same cult, yet I beat her to it and she found me in the cult's hideout. She allowed me to interrogate the one I had left alive to get more names and then sent me out to deal with them." Cleonora answered as she watched Quince's face. "Tell me, does that rattle you?"
"So prickly." He sighs, "You seem to dislike the notion of Hell. I simply point out that many once destined to end there found a better result. I meant no slight. I was offering hope, not intending judgement."
"As for leaving I hope you don't certainly not over this. You implied that you could. Laid out a vague notion of things done. As such. I simply pointed out the option is yours. That you actually desire to stay. Good. Though your responsibilities would be filled by another if you no longer wished them."
"As for what you have done for the Duchy. The particulars are far less unsettling than the vague notion. The Gyronna cult was a wicked group who committed and planned to commit great evil."
"I was briefed that more members where found and dealt with."
"I hate to brake it to you. He looks at her with smirk. "That wasn't murder, a killing perhaps. There are many times where a life is taken that do not rise to label of murder. Self-defense certainly, war, depending on the circumstances the pursuit of justice, and the application of justice." Shrugging he continues, "Tragedies perhaps all, and such semantics don't comfort those who lost. But in the end such moral and legal distinctions are the division between just and unjust, hero and villain."
He chuckles, "Sounds like you were even sent on the mission by someone with the authority to go after such criminals. Its not even vigilantism." He rubs his neck as a great deal of tension leaves him. "If this is the scandal?" He shrugs.
"Few wish to find themselves in Hell. But we all make choices."
"To a point the less you know about my acts the better. For then they cannot be used against you and thus you cannot be shamed or held accountable." Cleonora clarified. "Many would say what I did was indeed murder as being a vigilante isn't legal. It wasn't till after I had taken the lives of all but one within that place, that I was given leave to end the others legally. So half the time I was a vigilante, half I was working within the law." She shrugged as she somewhat ignored his question of if this was a scandal. As if letting him decide.
"The point I wish to make is this, there are many things which I have done that have left the blood of many upon my hands. But I can say that I have never taken the lives of one who is innocent of all things. I expected people to be held accountable for all actions they make. How can I skip out on my own judgement? I will stand in the boneyard and answer for every soul I have sent to them when my time comes. It is only fair, do you not think?" Cleonora asked with a raised brow.