Gorguk will approach the rest of the group and inquire about the music box. Oleg has indicated that Svetlana would like the music box and that he would purchase it from us. Neither he nor I know its cost, but I have a different proposal to make. What say we gift this box to her as a way of thanking her for all the cooking and hospitality that she has shown us.
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I agree with you Barnabus about selling Oleg's goods back to him. I just assumed that once he saw them he would have indicated that they were his once before. Since he hasn't said that, that is why I was going to sell them.
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Lothar: I am hesitant to mention anything about the mine even to Oleg and Svetlana. Not that I don't trust them, but even if they would find ways to mine and purify the gold, the news will spread like wildfire and right now we haven't got the resources, manpower, or even the rights to control the mine. We would then have more than just bandits to worry about here as well.
"Indeed yet Oleg might not say so on tha goods recovered I will accept tha payment an if they be his goods it is a reward for tha findin if they are not his goods, likely he would need tha inventory in any case."
"I am fine fer tha giftin o tha box as well, she ken keep tha box an let her know we are still lookin fer her ring."
"We covered tha mine fer a reason, not tah blab tha information at tha first chance."
"Svetlana, and Oleg, have more than earned the music box with their generosity. If Oleg indicates that some of the bandit's gear was his originally, he is welcome to it, as well. I need no reward for its return."
After thinking for a while, she has to concur, "The mine is not ours to develop yet. It would be best if we keep it to ourselves until that time, both so that we do not lose it and so that we do not put our friends in jeopardy for their knowledge."
Thinking about the road going forward, "I propose that we move against the mites while we are at strength. We can investigate the fangberries while we recover, if necessary, and then hunt Tuskgutter. Much as I would like to put the Staglord higher on the list, I think we need to wait."
Calinder sits quietly and listens as Lothar recounts their adventures of the past week. He blushes a bit at the recounting of the hedgehog incident, and remembers the thrill and fear of fighting the spider. He notes also the things left out, but knows that those are safely recorded in his personal notes.
Afterwards, when he and his companions gather together he agrees with Gorguk on giving the music box to Svetlana, and with the rational of keeping the potential gold mine a secret.
"I think Rhasaliara has the right idea about what to do next as well. Now that we have the gear that we have ordered, we can see about retrieving Svetlana's ring from the Mites and then look for the fangberrries and Tuskgutter."
"I also believe that see is right about our confronting the Stag Lord at this time. We are not yet strong enough, but soon through more trials and experience, the time will come when we will be ready to face the Stag Lord. Perhaps these other tasks will give us some of that experience."
In regards to the questions of the claiming of this land, Gorguk is writing a letter to the Lord Mayor giving an update on our position and asking for clarification.
The other reason that I write this to you is for clarification of our orders. The last time that we met, you indicated that the rights to the land could possibly be granted to those who prove themselves and are sympathetic to your agenda. It is these questions of land rights that I write to you about. There have been inquiries into the Warden's futures in these lands by ourselves and by others we have met. What are your intentions as to the future of the Wardens in the Stolenlands? This may seem forward in asking, but if you are thinking that we may be those trusted few to whom you grant this land, then I would request that knowledge be known to us now. It would help cement our authority here with those that we meet and deal with in the future if we have the proper jurisdiction. I do realize that matters of this importance will take time. Hence, we will continue to explore and limit the bandit activity in these lands.
This humbly requested by Erastil servant,
Gorguk Tsadok, Warden of the Green
=============
Gorguk will relay his actions to the rest of the Wardens and hope they approve. In the meantime lets get Svetlana's ring back.
In regards to the questions of the claiming of this land, Gorguk is writing a letter to the Lord Mayor giving an update on our position and asking for clarification.
** spoiler omitted **...
Lothar approached Oleg with a list of items that he would like for him to order, as well as a custom design piece. The magician called it a surujin - a double edged curved blade attached to 12-feet of chain which then ended in a metal weight. An exotic weapon more commonly known as a flying claw or chain whip. He had trained with such a weapon back at the monastery, but that had been a long time ago. Lothar was sure that he would have to relearn its use all over again, but given the versatility that the weapon provided, he did not mind in the slightest. For in the hands of a proficient user, the weapon was capable of disarming or tripping opponents without putting the user at serious risk. In the meantime, he began the process of re-training by using a length of rope with a rock tied securely to each end. It was his own special time when he wasn't sparring with his fellow Wardens, and he often returned to Oleg's with more than a few bruises from mishandling the training tool (he quickly learned to minimize this by tying slips of cloth near each end). But when Lothar hit the proper marks of handling the makeshift weapon, it was a sight to behold, the surujin seeming to take on a life all its own in his hands, especially with the attached cloths producing a rushing sound as the weapon rapidly wrapped and unwrapped around various parts of his body, including the legs, neck and elbows. Then by twisting or flicking it as the length of rope unwrapped, the tool would move at faster speeds. In the past he was capable of twirling the weapon while performing jumping kicks and other acrobatics, but that level of use was not something he could just get back into doing. One step at a time...
After the group has their discussion and has finished eating, Calinder picks up the dagger and crossbow bolts that he ordered from Oleg and pays for them. He then stows them in his gear.
Calinder then finds a quiet spot to sit down and pulling out parchment and pen and ink, begins to very artfully write on the parchment filling most of the page. Then waiting a few moments for the ink to dry, he carefully rolls the parchment into a scroll and stows it in his gear.
Calinder then bids the others good night and prepares to go to sleep.
Barnabus continues his studies of any books available at Oleg's and tends his horse making sure he is ready for the road, also goes through and checks all of his gear and gets Dyfrig and Rash together to pack the cart....
Also enjoys time communing with his familiar and general down-time, as well as estimating time to finish the fort.......
If we are going after the mites, then I am ready to head out now to take care of them. If we do stay for a bit, Gorguk will train with Durok and attempt more complex riding manuevers with a lance this time.
Rhasa is ready to go mite-hunting after a couple of days at the trading post.
Nice letter, Gorguk.
Something like this, Lothar?
OK, orders placed with Oleg. Most stuff he reckons will take about a fortnight to a month, but Lothar's exotic weapon could take longer... well, until someone can be found who'll make it! (Where was your monastery? Might have to send there for one...)
How long do you want to stay, and what else do folk want to do?
Of course, I can just not worry about the weapon right now (its not like Lothar is going to be using it anytime soon, after all). It can show up or not at all. If it'll help, Lothar will send detailed drawings of the weapon as well as the method used to fashion one along with the order so that it could be taken to a proper smith. If necessary, Lothar will increase the amount (15 gp) sent for its construction to 50 gp to both take into account the time required to actually make the weapon, as well to ensure the maker's discretion in its making. (If the maker is capable of the discretion I require, then he/she/it/them/they will continue to benefit from my patronage. Otherwise....)
So, couple of days' R&R then off to the mites?
Anything much anyone wants to do before we're off?
Rhasadilara will assist in repairs around the trading post and work with the horses - hers and the spare animals. She will also practice her bladework .
R&R? Who needs that. It just makes you soft. The good home cooked food sounds great, though. No offense to Dyfrig, but nothing beats home cooking. Gorguk will ask to borrow an ax, the bandits cart, and 2 of the spare horses. With that, he heads in the direction of the woods and spends the day chopping trees and bringing a load of wood back to help in the reconstruction of the fort.
Handle animal to push them for heavy labor
@Oleg
"How goes tha repairs?"
When Calinder isn't spending time working on the scrolls he is preparing, he helps wherever he can in the repairs and upkeep of the trading post.
During a break in their work Calinder says, "Oleg, soon if things continue to go our way, your trading post will be the gateway to the lands beyond that we seek to tame. That will make this a very important place indeed."
So, couple of days' R&R then off to the mites?
Anything much anyone wants to do before we're off?
Rhasadilara will assist in repairs around the trading post and work with the horses - hers and the spare animals. She will also practice her bladework .
** spoiler omitted **
Barnabus is satisfied the fort is secured and noting the antics of the elf speaks to here...
"Is it possible to make sure tha a back way is open in case tha fort was over-run by bandits?"
"A truce with em glad I learned tha language then tha is quite a reward, mayhap we will find why they are bothersome o late."
"Ever time we turns round it is somethin else, now where could them mites be?"
Rhasa is itching to get back out into the trail, "No offense to your hospitality, my friends. I just feel more comfortable in the wilderness."
After a couple of days at the trading post, Calinder is rested and ready to explore again. This time with a couple of scrolls that he hopes will be helpful.
"Shall we leave bright and early in the morning to go and 'visit' the mites?
Alright, quests in no particular order:
- ring and mites
- Tuskgutter
- fangberries for Bokken
- Sootscale Kobolds: Dead or Allied
- Tatzleworm head for Oleg
- Staglord and bandits
Does Oleg know who put up the notice on the kobolds for the Swordlords? If so, they might be the one to take the letter back for Gorguk.
So we are heading to the mites to recover a ring. Hopefully that goes well and we can find out from one of them where some of this other stuff is at least located.
Ready to head out. In the morning at first light, Gorguk will mount Durok and head out the gates. With a look back at the friends he has met at the fort, Gorguk will wave to Oleg and Svetlana, Wish us luck and may the next time we see each other we both have good news to share. Erastil bless you in our abscence.
Had to look back at what Finlee told us about the mites. 12 miles south of the bandit camp under a huge sycamore tree. So...E2, F3 (both already explored), E4 witht he mine in it, and then ?F5? would appear about the right direction anyways.
Calinder arises early in the morning, performs his daily meditation and prayers. He then packs his horse and prepares to leave. As they get ready to depart he says goodbye to Oleg, Svetlana, and the others, and adds his own words of blessing from Erastil in addition to those of Gorguk.
Lothar, having already performed his morning meditation, came out of the stable leading his riding mule in the direction of Gorguk and Calinder. He added his farewells and Irori's blessing to their own before mounting up himself. Taking the time to do one last run through of his gear, Lothar sat quietly as they waited for the last of their fellow Wardens to arrive.
Would be appreciated, Rhasadilara...
Will someone go wake up Barnabus so we don't leave without him. I would sorely miss his presence and his arcane talents if we are about to encounter the mites. You would think that he would be uesd to sleeping softer by now what with hedgehogs and what not. It must be the fine accomodations that Oleg and Svetlana have provided that lulled him into a deep sleep. It is a fine day to travel and make all speed toward our next destination.
"I overslept, looks like tha easy life o sittin an eatin is bad fer me time tah get on tha road again."
Excellent, plenty of supplies to make it through the next couple of weeks, or as trading equity with other creatures we may find.
Makes certain his new cold iron morning star rests comfortably on his person......
"Make ready,.....we ride!"
Calinder smiles at Barnabus' signal that he is ready to go, and says, "Yes, let's be on our way to see the mites and explore some more of this land."
He then falls in to place with the others as they leave the trading post behind once again to see what this land hold in store for them.
Megan, are there any checks we need to make to get back to where we want to go? I know Cal has been mapping the area and Rhasa is our guide so I think we should be good, but just let us know.
Also, even though we just got supplies, if any fresh game presents itself, Gorguk will attempt to take it down with his bow. surv for food
Megan, are there any checks we need to make to get back to where we want to go? I know Cal has been mapping the area and Rhasa is our guide so I think we should be good, but just let us know.
Also, even though we just got supplies, if any fresh game presents itself, Gorguk will attempt to take it down with his bow. surv for food 1d20-1
Rhasa would prefer to extend the supplies with fresh game or foraging as much as possible, as well.
Survival
There is a twinkle in Rhasa's eye as she rides next to Gorguk and puts a hand on his shoulder, "My friend, you are very good at protecting us. Let me gather the food."
Lothar observed his fellow Wardens as they went about their activities. Gorguk and Rhasadilara were out hunting game, no doubt an attempt to begin the process of stretching out the supplies they had brought with them from the trading post. A sensible thing, he reasoned. Though they had brought enough food to last them all for three weeks, in truth there was no telling how long the Wardens were going to be out ranging and exploring. And though his elven partner was serving as scout for them, there was no guarantee that the Wardens of the Green would find the mites and their lair, even with the information they were working from.
The magician sighed as Barnabus alternated between walking and riding. There was definitely a sense of unease there, though the source of it currently eluded him. Calinder, as always, was quiet. If he was feeling anything out of the ordinary, Lothar certainly couldn't tell at the moment.
Is it our intent to parlay with these mites we're after or are we planning to raid their lair and exterminate them as though they were a verminous infestation in need of removal? Lothar put the question out to no one in particular, but it was one that he needed to know the answer to. And only one person could provide him with that. Not so much for his own peace of mind.
There was more to it than that.
The time had come to find out the methods that the Wardens would be using to achieve their goals. And with this, their first undertaking as Wardens of the Green, they would be put to the test.
With Gorguk as leader, Lothar was not terribly concerned about the response that would be given. The half-orc was a man of honor and as such, the Wardens, by default, had to be honorable as well with their deeds. But could they be what he needed them to be?
Sure, the Wardens had stated their intent. And those intentions were certainly noble. But until the Wardens had proven themselves, all that they had were those very intentions. The affirmation of their intent needed to be more than that and if there was one thing that the magician knew it was this, having had the words drilled into him mentally, physically, and spiritually:
Intent was nothing without conviction.
Without it, without that unshakeable belief in themselves and each other, their noble intentions would be meaningless. And the Wardens would be doomed from the very outset.
Calinder was just enjoying the ride and keeping an eye out for anything of interest, even though they had explored most of this area already.
At Lothar's statement, Calinder thinks for a moment and then says, "I think that if there is any chance that they can be reasoned with, then we ought to try. I would hate to potentially anger or destroy a possible ally. At the same time we also promised to do whatever we could to get Svetlana's ring back. Of course, we don't even know for sure that they have it, so I don't think we should charge in and start bashing heads."
Calinder shrugs his shoulders and says, "It's another of the series of hard choices that must be made in life. Let's hope that we make the right one."
"Unfortunately, I don't know enough of the Mites to know what their disposition towards us may be."
"Tha mites were once fey creatures an sucombed tah evil long before the passing o tha fey world into our current age. I have seen no proof tha mites are other than evil tricksters whose pranks end in death an destruction. I am not so quick tah say all mites are such, but as a whole they tend tah be."
"Parlay, I agree should be a first course o actions."
"I'm only too happy to negotiate if they will talk. If they choose to fight, I intend to give them no quarter." She looks back at Barnabus and nods, "I have heard much the same, but there are exceptions to every rule, it seems."
After riding a while farther, she stops and turns Sunset so she can face the others better. "I do not want to ruin our efforts by reacting poorly. My first instinct is to attack if attacked - but I know there are times when a wise one will hold rather than reciprocate with violence. I will do my best to not attack until the party chooses to do so - but as I have told Lothar, I have no desire to lose another friend if I can help it." Having delivered her message, she nods firmly and turns Sunset, kicking him into a canter so she once again leads the party.
Perception
Survival
WE are as one mind in this it seems. For we each desire a peaceful resolution to the problem the mites and in extension the kobolds represent. The kobolds, seem to be the easier task as Barnabus here states that he can communicate with them. It is this lack of communication with the mites that worries me. How do we get our intentions across without becoming threatening? Likewise, if hostilities should ensue, how do we tell them to halt their actions before we retaliate in kind? I will let you all know now ahead of time, I will not initiate hostilities on some perceived threat. All we have so far is the word that the mites stole from thieves a ring. Now, we might find that the claim is true and they give the ring over peacefully. From that point, we may be able to negotiate a treaty that, as long as they keep to themselves and do not interfere with any who settle the Greenlands then peace can be maintained.
If however, they are unreasonable and press hostilites, then I will eliminate the threat they pose much like the Staglord that we pursue. It is so stated in our charter to solve the banditry problem here. I make no distinction between Staglord, bandit, or mite. If they have stolen goods and are unrepentant like our dear Barnabus believes, then they are guilty as such and will face the wrath of The Wardens.
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Basically, when we arrive, Gorguk intentions will be to not have a weapon drawn but will have his shield ready. If we can't communicate and he is attacked, he will go full defensive until another party member or himself is injured. Form there, the wrath of Erastil will be mighty indeed.