"Aayalla please check her make sure she is not hurt."
Aayalla approaches the girl.
"Guards please remove her bonds. It is alright now. I'm just making sure you are not hurt."
Galendir approaches as Aayalla checks over the girl.
"Can you describe this mask?"
As the girl describes the mask, you all realize that you’ve seen one like that before. It belonged to the man from Carnivalia who helped you slay the dragon in the mine!
"Ahhh, I suspected as much. This is the handiwork of someone you lot know better than I. In Carnivalia, rapists and predators know not to ply their wicked trades."
Galendir looks to all gathered in the room.
"All of you out, Barons of this court stay. Aayalla my dear please care for and escort the young woman here home."
When all leave Galendir looks to Flaith. He shakes his head in disbelief.
"So this injustice was done by one that serves one of your barons, yet murder is murder. What do you wish done my queen."
"He doesn't serve me; I've never met the fellow. But what he does is justice, for those privileged types who can avoid it by coin or campaign."
Govannon, his head spinning from the events of the day, starts slowly, "If we believe the girl, this person merely defended her. Perhaps a little too vigorously I agree. Better if they had been brought to justice before the people, rather than in an alley at night. Still, it's possible he didn't have an opportunity to save any. After all, we all know what can happen in the heat of combat."
"My Queen, this is a killing, that's true. But given the circumstances I'd recommend leniency. Perhaps we can find this man, and hire him to be your enforcer - rather than an independent vigilante. Reign in his, uh, bloodier tendencies."
He takes out his tobacco pouch and fumbles for some paper.
Flaith looks at Lucius and shakes her head.
"No what he does is not justice! What he does is standing himself above the law! What he does is anarchy and not even giving law a chance to show what it can do! He disgraced me and showed me that he thinks so little of me?
That I have not the strength of will to show justice for all not only the priveleged."
Standing up she looks at him. "Where do you think is the line. Does it start with murder? With rape? With thievery? With lying?"
Lucius smiles. "My Queen, you should know by now I'm not one for drawing lines. Binary thought is so gauche. I daresay this poor girl is glad she needn't have waited for the courts, and I shan't weep for dead rapists. Perhaps with more guards she would have been safer, but security wasn't my responsibility nor am I an expert on such dreary matters. An innocent was saved from gang rape and probable death. I'd say that isn't disgraceful, but a point of honor. Some nations have cowed citizens, unable to do anything themselves. In our nation, the evil are dealt with by State and Citizen alike."
"I don't disagree, I would have acted nearly the same I think in the situation. Perhaps not kill them but I can not say as I was not there. Perhaps it is best they are dead then. How do you want to handle things with there fathers? They will find it laughable that we take the word of some poor girl over what they think of their sons. They will want or seek reparations."
"Tell them to raise better sons."
"What reparations would pacify them? Though I'm loathe to protect this vigilante without reigning him in somewhat, the peace must be maintained. I'd be willing to chip in, or even offer favorable contracts to these merchants."
He turns to Flaith, "What would you have us do my Queen?"
Govannon feels a bit out of his depths, and decides it's time to lean something of law. It's one thing to make pronouncements and measure justice. But to grow, there must be balance and fairness, at least to some.
He finishes rolling his bulging cigarette and stabs it between his lips though he doesn't light it.
[b]"Galendir, as you are now our maker of the law, what do you propose!
Do you think vigilantism should be tolerated? Dolgrin what is your opinion?"
Flaith leans back on her throne.
"Auch! Nay kin ye be lettin' anyone wit' a blade be dispensin' justice! Tha'll lead ta more problems than solutions. An' where do ye say enough is enough? Best ta nip it in tha bud before it gets out o' hand!" Dolgrin says as he fills his pipe with some of his own tobacco and lights it up.
"This vigilante already stepped over the line. This type of justice undermines our rule and can not be tolerated. I will have posters done up. It didn't strike me till just now, but as the girl described the mask you were shore in speaking who done the handy work Baron Lucius. We all may have been thinking it but you spoke as if knowing. What are you not telling us? You say this man does not serve you but he acted in your stead against the dragon and now with a simple description you are sure of his deeds. So my good Baron do you have any words to defend this man before we call for his arrest and public execution?"
"I've seen his handiwork in Carnivalia. It's not easily mistakable. Twas my dear Lady Kaba who sent him to help you all slay the dragon; I've never seen him, as far as I know. If this is our intention, to execute a man who saved a woman from rape, I can only hope he stays in Carnivalia from now on, where such heroism is appreciated."
Dolgrin grunts at Lucius' response. "Then ye better keep yer flyboy in yer own lands, lad! If'n 'e e'er tries this sort o' s*@% in Nighthelm, 'e better be ready ta face Dwarven Justice!" he says as he pokes Lucius in the chest.
Lucius slowly looks down at the finger poking his chest. "Baron Dolgrin, I did not consent to this physical contact. Please cease it. And worry not, I've never recommended anyone visit Nighthelm."
"Now everyone calm down a bit. I think suggesting public execution for a man who saved a little girl is a bit much. Yes, by all means, reign in his method of justice, for it is wrought with peril. But execution? That's a bit much."
Govannon chews his cigarette thoughtfully, still unlit.
Flaith exhales and looks Lucius deep in the eyes.
"I think we have a consens here. But the moment we call for his arrest and execution we also do the same. If he is ever found, he would be arrested and brought for court. He would be tried and judged.
Lucius, I am happy that the poor woman was saved from being raped and possibly murdered. And this will put a good light on him. But nevertheless he is not a divine being, able to know with certainty the future. Maybe they would not have raped the woman. Maybe one of them would have spoken out and stopped the others."
She nods to Govannon. "And you are right to be our concsience!"
Exhaling she continues.
"Nevertheless, 5 people are dead. While under the truce of hospitality. And no matter what we do, we have lost prestige. If we find Carnifex, we have to put a comrade on trial. If we do not find him, we are to stupid to find a murderer. And their families will want weregild." She sighs.
"The only way to stop this would make the poor woman testify that she was about to be raped. And she has already been through a lot.
I could ask their families for a private audience and make it crystal clear what happened just before they were killed by the carnifex."
She looks at Galendir and nods "We have to erect the posters and start a search for him!"
Returning her gaze at Lucius he adds."I hope your "ally" has the good sense to stay hidden. At least his trademark blades are gone!"
"These bodies would say otherwise."
Govannon shrugs at the harshness, but he's not the Queen thank Desna, and doesn't have to make the hard decisions. He lights his smoke and says, "If you decide to pay off the merchants, I'm in for my share. Just let me know how much it is."
He then heads out of the alley back into the dark - other things on his mind.
Galendir bows as he excuses himself. With the queens command he rounds up his followers and they begin searching for the Carnifax.
Galendir and his men spend most of the wee hours searching for further signs of Carnifex. They thought they had a trail at one point, but lost it in an area that had seen heavy foot traffic earlier in the day.
The next morning, most of the caravans are packing up, particularly those of the noble entourages. Preventing your local group from doing proper farewells, however, are the fathers of the murdered boys leveling complaints over the shoddy security allowing their sons to be murdered “in the street like dogs” and that they believe the word of “some peasant girl.” They claim she was the likely murderer, not this imaginary “Carnifex” you have cooked up in an attempt to shift blame away from your own citizens and attempt to belittle not only their sons memories, but their own houses honor after having made the trip to this festival in good faith.
"Just where is it that you merchants come from that has taught you to speak to your betters in this way?! You can still make more sons and teach them proper respect not only for royalty but for women in general! Continue this disrespect and I guarantee you'll lose that ability! Remember who you are and KNEEL."
Govannon watches as Lucius calls out the merchants, the Queens guests, for their complaining. Feeling he's gone too far, Govannon approaches Lucius and says, "My lord Baron, a word."
He pulls him aside, somewhat forcefully, and whispers in his ear, "Baron Pence, enough is enough. Stop antagonizing the Queens guests. They've lost kin, and are complaining louder for it, too loud I agree, but that's no cause to do what you're doing. You're making us all look bad and forcing a confrontation we don't need."
"You have a problem with that, let's talk, but not now, and not in public."
He bows evenly to his fellow Baron and gives as many goodbyes as he can manage. He is however, careful not to miss Lithandra Lilandria. He makes a point of saying farewell to her, and speaks nothing of her concerns for now - assuming they're likely being watched.
Still, he shall miss her until there's a chance to meet again. Perhaps he should arrange a formal visit to Dolgrin, for a variety of reasons...
"Of course, my friend. Though now they have someone to fear, and someone to trust - you. A potent pair in negotiations like this. They will eat from your hand for this apparent upbraiding."
Flaith will take care to smooth the feelings.
Understanding the feelings of booth parties, she nevertheless assures the fathers that their sons death will be throughoutly investigated and properly handled, in an Abadar trusted way.
”We are NOT your subjects, Lord Pence! We are here by invitation, and your nation’s hospitality has proven itself to be as barbaric as these lands! I assure you that our caravans will NOT be returning,” one of the merchant lords replies vehemently.
As they turn to leave, another retorts over his shoulder ”We will make sure to spread the word as to the cut throat hospitality we have been shown here to our colleagues as well!”
They then proceed to collect the bodies of their sons and depart the city quickly, headed north for Brevoy. As the last of the nobles and guests leave, and your own guards and servants disperse to tend to cleanup, the barons are left alone briefly. In that time, one of the servant staff steps up to you all boldly out of decorum, ”Well, I must say that this was an interesting affair,” they say as their form shifts from that of a peasant girl house maid to the crowned humanoid form of Karistran! ”I am quite pleased to have not witnessed any treasonous talk from you to these other dung heap nations of humans you call neighbors. Quite pleased indeed. Though I must say, i believe you saved the best spectacle for the end!” he boasts as he moves through your ranks casually, moving to take a seat in Flaith’s seat.
__________
Lithandra bids Govannon a farewell also, now a seeming bundle of nerves around the Baron. She also does not mention their private talk, though she is visibly more anxious around Dolgrin. As the pair head off on their wagon for Nighthelm, he can be overheard asking her ”What’s got yer skirts all in a bunch, lass?”, though she dismisses the question by claiming to simply be eager to be back in Nighthelm.
__________
Flaith is for one moment a bit surprised but then smiles a forced smile.
"Well, I am happy you enjoyed the show. You made your wishes clear and we have no choice but to obey. Is there anything else we can do... to entertain you?"
Looking around she shrugs.
"It is easier to uphold our deal, if you are a bit less conspicious.
I know the gathered are used to keep silent about your illustrous presence, but alas, the simple folk is not!"
"Of course, my friend. Though now they have someone to fear, and someone to trust - you. A potent pair in negotiations like this. They will eat from your hand for this apparent upbraiding."
Govannon shrugs, confused but catching on fast. It's not enough to be a virtuous leader. You must also be smart and, at times, devious.
”We are NOT your subjects, Lord Pence! We are here by invitation, and your nation’s hospitality has proven itself to be as barbaric as these lands! I assure you that our caravans will NOT be returning,” one of the merchant lords replies vehemently.
As they turn to leave, another retorts over his shoulder ”We will make sure to spread the word as to the cut throat hospitality we have been shown here to our colleagues as well!”
Well, not much opportunity to be the good guy. And I'll not grovel to have them back unless my queen wishes it. I can't imagine they're worth it. he thinks to himself, though he looks to his queen to see her temper on the matter.
Lithandra bids Govannon a farewell also, now a seeming bundle of nerves around the Baron. She also does not mention their private talk, though she is visibly more anxious around Dolgrin. As the pair head off on their wagon for Nighthelm, he can be overheard asking her ”What’s got yer skirts all in a bunch, lass?”, though she dismisses the question by claiming to simply be eager to be back in Nighthelm.
His heart goes out to Lithandra, but there's nothing he can do at this time but watch and wait - and perhaps visit if he can get away.
When the dragon appears, he grows wary. He moves to the doors of the room and stands by to ensure no one stumbles in unannounced.
"Definitely avoid Carnivalia for a while. I hear the Carnifex is often fond of visiting the sins of sons upon the fathers," Lucius smiles sweetly.
Galendir watches and remains quiet as things go down with the merchants. As the dragon makes itself known he tightens with nerves.
"What do we owe this visit to great one?"
”Just making sure you lot are keeping your end of the bargain in regards to maintaining my presence secret. I must say I am pleased.”
"Though only mortals, we know enough not to spit on a gift as lavish as your patronage, sire."
Govannon doesn't like all the sucking up, but if it keeps the acid off their heads and the dragon out of their governance, it's worthwhile.
"We would not violate that bargain lord. We've seen what you do to the innocent ears who would hear such things. Have you been here the whole time? Did you enjoy the spectacle?"
Flaith nods and adds.
"I think we have shown that we are true to our word. Maybe we can continue with our works to grow our kingdom!"
”I have, and I did, what I saw of it,” he replies to Govannon.
”I suppose you could” Karistran says with a yawn. ”But, try not to get too ambitious...” he adds with a smirk before shifting to the form of a house guard of Queen Flaith and walking out with a smirk...
Upkeep - Stability DC 28: Failed, Gain Unrest 1.
— Consumption: 1
Edicts - Dragon Tax 1 BP, Build House (3 BP, -1 Unrest), Claim Hex 1 BP, Build Fishery 4 BP
—Holiday: 1 (+1 Loyalty, +1 Consumption)
—Promotion: Token (+1 Stability, +1 Consumption)
—Taxation: Normal (+2 Econ, -2 Loyalty)
Economy - /3 + 2 = +14 BP
Balance - 20 BP, Size 8, Consumption Net = -1, Unrest 0
Upkeep - Stability DC 29: Passed, Gain 1 BP.
— Consumption: 0
Edicts - Dragon Tax 1 BP, Claim Hex 1 BP
—Holiday: 1 (+1 Loyalty, +1 Consumption)
—Promotion: Token (+1 Stability, +1 Consumption)
—Taxation: Normal (+2 Econ, -2 Loyalty)
Economy - /3 + 2 = +10 BP
Balance - 30 BP, Size 9, Consumption Net = 0, Unrest 1
Upkeep - Gain Unrest 1.
— Consumption: 0
Edicts - Dragon Tax 1 BP, Build House (3 BP, -1 Unrest), Claim Hex 1 BP, Build Road 1 BP, Build Shrine (to Arshea) 8 BP
—Holiday: 6
—Promotion: S
—Taxation: N
/3=9 =17 BP
Balance - 17 BP, Size 8, Consumption Net = -3, Unrest 0
Upkeep - vs DC 27
— Pay Consumption: 0BP (hex +6, city +1, edict +4, farm -8, fishery -3)
— Fill Vacant Magic Item Slot:
Edicts
—Claim Hex (NE of Vista (VNE), 1BP), Develop (Farm VNE 4BP, Mine VNE 6BP, Road V 6BP), Buildings (Trade Shop 10BP)
—Holiday: 6 (+2 Loyalty, +2 Consumption)
—Promotion: Standard (+2 Stability, +2 Consumption)
—Taxation: Normal (+2 Econ, -2 Loyalty) , Development +5BP, Dragon -1BP
/ 3 = +14 BP
Balance = 20 BP, Size = 7, Consumption = 0, Unrest = 0
* Magic Items Rolls
Govannon writes many letters in the evenings on his trip home, not least of which are a few to Lithandra (though he doesn’t send them all at once). He remembers her fondly, and doubts he’ll be able to wait another year to see her again - for a variety of reasons. He begins to plot for a reason to visit Dolgrin in person… Perhaps in Gozran as there are no festivals then and he can make time for an extended trip.
He pens a note to Dolgrin, ”My lord Baron, I hope things are well with you. I find myself with some time on my hands next month (Gozran), and wondered if it might be possible for a state visit? I want to visit all the Barony’s in time, and thought I’d visit yours next, as I’ve already been to Galendir’s, and the Queen’s realm of course.”
”Please let me know if this is agreeable to you. No need to do anything special, I just want to see what others are doing so as to learn and improve my own lands. Thank you for your consideration.”
Govannon also enjoys the Boat Racing Festival which occurs on the third day of the month. Not much of a sailor himself, he enjoys most of the festivities from shore, but he respects the skill of those involved. And of course, he does like a good festival!
- - -
Upkeep - +1 BP
— Consumption: 0
Edicts - Dragon Tax 1 BP, Build Inn 10 BP Claim Hex 1 BP, Build Road 1 BP,
—Holiday: 6
—Promotion: S
—Taxation: N
/3=10 =18 BP
Balance - 18 BP, Size 9, Consumption Net = -2, Unrest 0
PHYLACTERY OF FAITHFULNESS
Upkeep - vs DC 28
— Pay Consumption: 0BP (hex +7, city +1, edict +4, farm -10, fishery -3)
— Fill Vacant Magic Item Slot:
Edicts
—Claim Hex (two hexes east of Vista (VEE), 1BP), Develop (Road VNW 2BP, Road VNE 6BP), Buildings (Granary 12BP)
—Holiday: 6 (+2 Loyalty, +2 Consumption)
—Promotion: Standard (+2 Stability, +2 Consumption)
—Taxation: Normal (+2 Econ, -2 Loyalty) , Development +6BP, -1BP Dragon
/ 3 = +9 BP
Balance = 14 BP, Size = 8, Consumption = 0, Unrest = 0
Early in Gozran, Govannon gathers his sidekick Rusty, and two guards to act as an honor guard. He leaves Hendina of Dinbury temporarily in charge of whatever may occur in his absence, but he leaves her with little authority to actually do anything. More of a figurehead really, but he doesn’t expect to be gone overlong. He gathers his fastest horses for the expedition, and rides hard through the Kamelands to Dolgrins capital.
As they approach, he asks Rusty to nose around a little. ”Don’t be obvious, and I don’t know what I’m looking for. But I brought you along as you’re better at reading people than I. Don’t apply any pressure or ask any leading questions, just keep your eyes open. I’ll ask you for a report on the folks you meet and your thoughts of the kingdom. Ideally we’ll learn some things that will help us with our own Barony.”
- - -
Turn 11 (Pharast) - (Balance 45+10 BP, Size 7, Unrest 0)
Upkeep - +1 BP
— Consumption: 0
Edicts - Dragon Tax 1 BP,Claim hex grassland 1 BP, built farm (2BP), built quarry (6BP) built Exotic Artisan built settlement 31BP
—Holiday: 6 (+2 Loyalty, +2 Consumption)
—Promotion: Normal (+1 Stability, +1 Consumption)
—Taxation: None (+0 Econ, +1 Loyalty)
/3=17+6 =64
Balance - 64 BP, Size 8, Consumption Net = -1, Unrest 0
Turn 12 (Gozran) - (Balance 64 BP, Size 8, Unrest 0) change spymaster bonus to economy
Upkeep - +1 BP
— Consumption:
Edicts - Dragon Tax 1 BP,Claim hex grassland 1 BP, built farm (2BP), build road 1BP
Build Luxury store 14BP
found a second settlement 1BP build House 3BP, build Inn 10BP
—Holiday: 6 (+2 Loyalty, +2 Consumption)
—Promotion: Normal (+1 Stability, +1 Consumption)
—Taxation: None (+0 Econ, +1 Loyalty)
/3=19+7 =58
Balance - 58 BP, Size 10, Consumption Net = 0, Unrest 0
The dwarves acting as town guard seem quite tense, and keep a keen eye on your entourage as you enter town. You no more than give your instruction to Rusty when a pair of heavily armed and armored dwarves approach from the direction of the temple. ”Lord Gittins,” one calls out gruffly, ”Baron Girndmar requests your audience in the Temple.”
He accompanies the dwarves on foot as he ganders about the place. More stark than even his own home, but he can see some similarities. Both communities favor purpose over aesthetic. Govannon makes a mental note to bring someone in with some artistic sense - a different view - to shake things up a bit.
You can get too stark.
- - -
Gain Christmas Present 10BP, Treasure Starts at 41
(Balance 41 BP, Size 7 + District 1, Unrest 0)
Upkeep- +1Bp
No Change in Leaders
--Consumption: 10-2=8
Edicts - Claim Plains Hex Labeled 4, Build Farm and Roads 3BP (Adjacent to River Hex): City: Tavern 6BP : Dragon Toll 1BP
—Holiday: 1 (+1 Loyalty, +1 Consumption)
—Promotion: Token (+1 Stability, +1 Consumption)
—Taxation: none (+0 Econ, +1 Loyalty)
/3 =18 + 8 = 26
NO
Spent: 8+1+1+2+6+1=19
Gain: 18+8+1=27
Treasury: 49BP