"If ye like, just make sure ta blow up somethin on your way out, so Rav know to shoot anything chasing you. If no want shoot, don't blow up stuff."
"This world has moved on," Drancis reminds her, "I do not expect a warm welcome from anyone to is still living here."
Multiple lean-tos mark the fields of what appears to be a moss farm, each crafted from wooden spindles and coarsely woven sheets of cloth. Beneath their shade, patches of cultivated moss grow in similar fashion to those of the nearby trees, save that their appearance seems more varied and thicker... and, seemingly oblivious to the group's arrival so far, a tengu is digging near one of the shacks. Other than the tengu, there is no other sig of life here...
”Only one tengu? Could be much worse. Maybe he will be pleasant like the gnoll...well maybe pleasant isn’t exactly the right word. But, perhaps it can confirm we are still on the right path, if nothing else,” Rikkan chimes in, taking in the scene.
Drancis looks at the scene ahead with a look of unease, "Something does not feel...right here. It's like when we ran into that abandoned farm back on Golarion, near Holver's Ferry remember?" He glances back to where Ravboom and Relas are hanging back, "I think if we are going to talk to him then we need to be prepared for trouble."
Drancis strokes his scraggly beard in thought, "Well, we definitely look like we don't pose a threat to whoever is hiding out here, if anyone is." He holds out his hand to the odd woman, "After you."
Deciding that, in this instance, friendliness is the better option - Palomia and Drancis leave the camel train behind and stroll towards the strange farm. Walking past clusters of moss growing from all kinds of angular structures, this is by far the greenest place that the group have encountered so far since they arrived in Rythes... it is a far cry from the barren wastelands of the Barony of Dust - yet still, it has nothing on the green pastures, woods and forests of Golarion.
Looking up from his work as the group approach, the tengu stands and waves towards them, "Greetings travellers!!! On your way to Trebelbet? You must have hiked from Fort Buckle? Tell me, how is that rascal Wuli? Still trying to scratch a living down in that wasteland?"
Rav scratches his chin as he watches them move on. He looks over at Relas. "Rav wonder how this so green, maybe it be fertilized? Smell blood or anything? Like maybe Tengu use travellers for fertilizer?" He asks the winged cat.
"He was doing fine the last time we saw him..." Drancis responds in a neutral tone, not sure what the tengu was planning here, "I take it you know him, Mister...?"
"Kesko... Kesko Mollot", the tengu is rather friendly - and a stark contrast to pretty much everyone else on Rythes so far, "Pleased to make your acquaintance - and yeah, Wuli's a friend... I guess".
"Trebelbet's just up the way a while - I'm only just back from there actually... my moss gets a good price in the markets there".
And then, hearing Ravboom's query - but not rising to the suggestion that maybe he is somehow using passing travellers as fertiliser, "The land is blossoming again, blessed by god because of our faithfulness. In my father’s day we could only farm near the cenotes, but the arable soil has expanded ever since! The whole barony’s getting bigger because of it, and I’ve heard travelers say the same thing’s happening in the Blue Barony, over in Veleate, and the Barony of the Bloom as well".
”So everyone is being more faithful now? Was there anything in particular that caused the new found faithfulness? That’s interesting to me,” Rikkan says as he jumps into the conversation with the tengu.
"Oh wow...that sounds like a lot of distance," Relas remarks as he decides to wander over and join the conversation. "I'm pretty sure just using people as fertilizer wouldn't have that big of an effect!"
"And Rikkan's got a good point...when did everyone around here start, um...finding religion? I think that's what people call it, right?"
If this land is blossoming like Kesko says, then why has it not spread throughout Rhythes? Drancis thinks to himself with a skeptical look on his face.
"It is...good to see the land starting to recover fromthe horrors of the past. Just out of curiosity, is there anything we should look out for when we reach Trebelbet. Like are donations...expected?" He asks carefully.
Staying near the camels, Zoreck listens to the conversation between his friends and the crow-man.
Hmmm... That guy we met when we arrived said something about the planet starting to die when the Gates stopped functioning. I wonder if signs of new life might mean that one of the Gates is now working again...
“I follow the teachings of St. Albat, the Planter, the Sower — St. Albat of the Soil. I tithe to their abbey in Singwheel Canyon", the tengu smiles as if the group likely know what this means - and then seeing uncertainty in the group, he clarifies, "All civilized folk follow the catechism of one saint or another. Most in Merebec follow St. Albat, and just about everyone but off-worlders worship the one god, the lord of all creation on Rythes. The saints established the first teachings, pulling the world out of certain death after the Great Cataclysm”.
"As to when did folks start getting more faithful... more in tune with the teachings of the saints? I couldn't say, not for sure... but look", he points towards the greenery of his farm, "life is returning to this place".
Answering Drancis's query about Trebelbet, Kesko shrugs, "It's not a bad place... a little more established than what you will have seen at Fort Buckle. But that's not saying much!!!" Kesko laughs at his little joke... before composing himself, "there's no donation or fee for entering the town... just mind the local laws and you'll be fine by Baron Yacob".
Drancis smiles at the tengu, feeling more at ease now. "So Kesko, you are out here by yourself? Have you run into any trouble out here? Any bandits or other unsavory types?"
I am curious how he managed to not draw the attention of those who assaulted the Sea Bridge? Does he have an...agreement with them?
”Are there any .... different local laws than most towns abide by? Last thing we want to do is commit some insult without even being aware!”
There is a sadness behind Kesko's eyes when he tells Drancis that he is alone out here, he points to a small pile of rocks near the largest of the building, "Alas, my wife and two chicks succumbed to fever last month. I thought about moving on, but moss farming’s all I know”.
As to the question of other travellers, Kesko shrugs, "I keep my head down... I see raiders come through, the occasional caravan, Trebelbet's guards, travellers... but I've nothing anyone would want to steal from me. Your caravan though... it's no surprise if you've drawn the attention of ne'er do wells... chag shells draw a good price around these parts".
"You're headed to Trebelbet then? You could be there before nightfall if you keep a good pace", and then, answering Rikkan, "There's nothing too special about that place... no real local laws beyond keeping the peace".
"I say we press on here," Drancis replies uncomfortably, knowing he upset the tengu. "No reason to have to deal with these camels any longer than we have to!"
"Do we have to?" Relas suddenly asks, finding himself feeling rather sorry for Kesko. "Maybe Kesko could use the company for a night? If you're okay with that, I mean," he adds hastily, lest he seem rude. "I mean, I guess you really don't get many visitors and all...does it get lonely?"
Rikkan was torn. Part of him wanted to speed ahead to town, but when Relas spoke up, the ratfolk couldn’t help but nod just a bit in response. ”I suppose we aren’t in that big of a hurry, if you would like some company. We can always get back on the road tomorrow.”
"Lonely? Oh, not really... I have my work and every so often, folks like yourself stop and converse - if you wish to stay that night that would be fine by me... or, if you could maybe wait an hour or two, I could accompany you the rest of the way to Trebelbet? Safety in numbers after all!!!"
Kesko proves to be a companionable sort as he pulls his cart of moss along aside the group's caravan - his conversation moves, as he points out various ruined structures along the roadside, towards discussing what he terms 'the Great Cataclysm', "The teachings say it happened so long ago that no one remembers what happened or why. There are still ruins from that time, though — like the Seabridge Causeway you must have crossed, and others besides", he occasionally points out the moss-covered structures, "There are artefacts, too. The monasteries guard most of them - so I’ve never seen any. The monasteries, that's where all the knowledge is in Rythes"
Eventually, the stone highway broadens as it rises towards a small city overlooking several forested lakes. A 20-foot-tall wall surrounds the entire settlement with armed watchtowers every 30 feet, and the ubiquitous moss blanketing the countryside grows on its every surface, giving the walls a greenish cast in the setting sun.
"Ahhhh... Trebelbet"
Rav rides along on Relas's back, since there's not likely to be any attacks, and as the approach the city, his glasses whirr and the lenses switch in and out with mechanical precision. "Hmm, Rav think having moss growing on wall not good idea. Make good big roaring fire all up and down wall, roast defenders."
Drancis smiles and nods in reply to Kesko's tales, storing the information gleaned carefully in his mind.
We need to gain access to one of those monasteries, either openly or in secret. I wonder if there are any other places they keep historical records from this time that still exist...
Drancis glances at the moss with a doubtful look, "I would think if the moss is moist enough it would be able to resist the flames." He turns to face Kesko, "Is that correct?"
Rav frowns. "Not exactly in a jungle or swamp, was dusty whole way here, until storm blew in. Not sure how wet it can be when not just rained." He objects.
"I dunno, I'm more curious about this 'Great Cataclysm' than the funky moss," Relas admits as he pads along with the others. "How do all the records of what actually happened or what caused it just disappear, Kesko? Did it cause some sort of...well, some sort of reset on the history of the land? Everything before was lost forever?"
"Ayyy, no-one really knows about the time before the Cataclysm!!! Least no-one outside of the monasteries and abbeys... that's where you'll be finding more about the world before ours - until now you see, most of us were scratching a living in the dust... it's only since the moss returned that anyone has really had time to stop and think about bigger things than how to stop their families from starving", and when the conversation drifts towards the use of moss, he really lights up, "Oi, I grow six different kinds of the plant. Four are edible if cooked proper whilst you can weave hempmoss into rope and clothing when dried and treated. And, if you soak and ferment mossbeard, it makes a potent ale".
He considers the question posed by Ravboom and Drancis, "I ain't never heard of it taking light though... it's too green... too damp".
Drawing close to the small walled town, the group espy a tall, red-haired woman standing watch on the walls with a handful of guards. She wears a necklace made from polished chag shell fragments with a carved stone medallion... an unusual affectation given the functional clothing worn by everyone else the group have encountered on Rythes.
Kesko, before they are in earshot, whispers to the group, "That's Sabila Carn... let me do the talking and we'll be inside the town walls before you know it"
What follows is a protracted debate about the worthiness of the group and repeated questioning as to what they seek here... eventually though, and with frequent references to the need for trade between Trebelbet and Fort Buckle, the woman orders the gates opened. Haughty, to the point of being objectionable, she shouts down, "You may enter to enter Trebelbet but know this off-worlders, it is at Baron Yacob’s sufferance".
Kesko merely shakes his head as if he has heard the routine many times, "I will take my moss to the tavern - it's mainly mossbeard I'm selling today... and you, you will need to announce yourself to Baron Yacob and get those chag shells sold to him. Maybe I'll see you in the Alehouse later?"
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Rav nods at Kesko. "Knowing Palo, she'll want drink and complain about not being appreciated by traveling companions. Then she turn maudlin, complain that her crossbow is warped and every bolt she buy is warped worse, and then she pass out. Is fine long tradition."
Later, Rav frowns. "Are we selling them for someone, or are we delivering them to someone? I thought we were delivering?" He asks, when Kesko heads out with his moss.
Drancis cannot help but snicker at the description of his woman companion, but hurriedly hides his smile before she takes notice. "I suppose she is just homesick right?" he responds to the goblin.
Or maybe she is lonely...like I am...I miss Andretta.
When the question of the Baron gets raised Drancis shrugs in reply, "Beats me Rav. I suspect the Baron will know what we need to do here, once we talk to him."
Rav looks at Drancis as if he's daft. "How you not know if we supposed to take to Baron or deliver to someone else? You hire Rav and Palo and not even know what job you hiring them for?"
”That was a lot to take in. I now know more about loss than I ever suspected I would. Be interested to see if any of the variations could be used in my summoning extracts. And we need to sample some of the ale.”
Rikkan listens to the debate had with the woman, Sabila. He didn’t care much for her demeanor from what he could tell. After they were admitted to town, he also asked about the Baron. ”Could you tell us anymore about this Baron? I’m wanting to make sure we don’t insult him by accident,” Rikkan whispers, still concerned about customs on this planet.
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”Could you tell us anymore about this Baron? I’m wanting to make sure we don’t insult him by accident,” Rikkan whispers, still concerned about customs on this planet.
The enormous sandstone mansion that Kesko points towards represents the largest building in town. Purple banners displaying a green, two-headed stag flank the double doors leading inside whilst a pair of liveried guards, by far one of the grandest sights the group have seen so far on Rythes, stand at attention just outside.
...and, as the group approach, they move down their steps to bar their access, "State your business... the Baron isn't expecting visitors or representation today".
"Business be delivering the Baron, His Higness's, chag shells. If you no want him get them, Rav sure can sell, be your butt Baron be put on spike for losing them. Up to you." He says, grinning and lighting his cigar again. He blows a plume of smoke, and looks at Relas. "Was trade square back there yah? Maybe they want Baron's chag shells since guy in fancy pants say we no have business here?"
Drancis nods formally, "Yes, like our friend here says we have a delivery of these chag shells from Fort Buckle. The Baron is aware of our agreement and we would like to close this deal as quickly as possible."
While awaiting a response from the guards he does take note of their livery, Quite ostentatious methinks. I wonder if we saw that design back at the Sea Bridge?
"Oh sure, I bet lots of people around here would want them," Relas agrees amiably. "But we need to make sure we do our best to live up to the original deal, of course...you know, maintain our reputations and all. If that doesn't work, then we can work on our reputation of not jacking around when people don't have any sense!"
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"We gots to maintain our reputation?" He asks Relas, rubbing his chin. "Well, Rav got couple of kegs of powder, could blow up half town, that keep our reputation. But it kinda pretty town, with all the moss, maybe we not worry 'bout the reputation?" He ignores Palo's hisses with long standing experience in doing so, as if it required no effort at all. "'Sides, where going to find giant lizard attack other half of town way out here? Hard do reputation right if no giant lizard attacking town while we blow up."
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Rikkan waits for a response to the group. He was beginning to learn he had no idea how others would deal with them. Heck, half the time, Rikkan wasn’t sure how he felt about them!
While awaiting a response from the guards he does take note of their livery, Quite ostentatious methinks. I wonder if we saw that design back at the Sea Bridge?
The livery on the guard's cloaks and on the flags draped from the manor matches, almost exactly, the tattered remnant of the pendants at the Sea Bridge... and, taking the measure of Ravboom, the guards quickly step aside, "The Baron will, if these Chag Shells are his, be very pleased to grant you an audience. Please, leave your weapons at the entrance, and you will be escorted to the reception chamber".
Past a magnificent dining area and a freshwater pool, both signs of opulence that are at odds with everything the group have previously seen of Rythes, the group are escorted into a drawing room where a young man, with flecks of grey starting to show at the temples, is busily writing in a journal. Their arrival announced by the guard, the man looks up at the group... standing, and with a wide smile, he offers a hand of friendship, "Baron Yacob... welcome to Trebelbet... and you are?"
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Rav pulls an old mace out of his pack, and leaves it hanging up on the outside of the door. He has no other visible weapons*.
Rav's boots 'ching' as his gold spurs spin and he steps forward. "Rav is often called Rav, but is really Ravboom. This is Relas, no worry, Relas housebroken." He waves at Relas, and then scritches the cat under the chin. "That is Palo, Mistress of Arts Arcane and Mysterious." He coughs, and under his breath can be heard 'Rav sure as hell never figure out what they are'. He then turns to Rikkan. "This is Master Rikkan, Doctor and embalmer. Companion Zoreck is guarding Chag Shells, to ensure delivery, so couldn't be here." He looks around, and then counts on his fingers. "Oh, and that be Drancis, still not figure out what the hell he do."
Keyword, Visible
Drancis shakes his head in a mixture of amusement and disgust, "I am the guy who patches up your wounds when you go and pick a fight Rav," turning his attention to the Baron he accepts the proffered hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you Baron. Mister Wuli sends his greetings to you. He is doing well and he has a shipment of chag shells for you to take charge of."
Rav snaps his fingers. "That be it, Drancis healer. Rav not need healing much if ever, prefer hit things from far far away."