"Bokken a local potion maker lives nearby and I hoped to stop by and get some potions brewed. I will have to go tonight after dinner. Others are welcome to go as well."
Barnabus heads to Bokkens hut while the sun sets and before the darkness comes.
He arrives at the hut to deal with the potion maker....
.....he turns aside to whomever went with him.
"I hope he is up for some bargaining."
DM
Offer to assist Bokken in making two potions of Command person, my part is the spellcasting, his part the potion making. His share 1 potion, my share ditto
"I had hoped for sobriety, perhaps next time."
Barnabus leaves to meet up with the group to travel with the Sir J. to travel back to the staglords fort in the morning.
Barnabus thinks back to the pomp and circumstance and use of the glitterdust previously then asks Lothar and Rasha.
"Maybe we should work upon a signal at distance...we should ride ahead an prepare Gorguk fer tha arrival o these guys."
Rhasa will have been an outrider for the party, likely with another of the lord's men (whom she will be trying to get the measure of - whether she will have to carry him in a fight or how to complement his preferences in a fight, etc.). She will ride ahead to let the fort know of the visitors and give Gorguk and Co. a chance to prepare for the grand arrival.
Not knowing who is coming towards the fort, gorgukmprepares for the worst and hopes for the best. Readying the men, Gorguk hands out weapons and informs them not to take any offensive action until we know more of who the people are. Gorguk gets Durok ready and dons his own armor and shield. Once ready, Gorguk has the doors opened on the gate so can be ready outside.
Gorguk sits and waits the coming of the group. Thus it is with some relief when two of the approaching group and Gorguk can make out the easy saddle gait of Rhasa. Calling to his men to stand down and that friends approach, Gorguk relaxes himself. When Rhasa gets closer Gorguk calls out and welcomes her back safely. Obviously due to the fact that the group is so much larger than when they left, Gorguk calls for Dyfrig to start cooking a meal for guests.
Gorguk remains in his armor and waits for the caravan to arrive. Gorguk has no better dress to meet dignitaries than the armor that has saved him from countless blows. Besides, even though the Staglord was defeated, there could still be beasts and individuals who are beyond the power of reason to defend against.
Seeing Gorguk putting on his armor and shield and preparing Durok for what appears to be battle, with a concerned look, Calinder asks, "Gorguk, what is the matter, you look as if you are expecting battle."
Then as he see Rhasa ride up, Calinder is as relieved as Gorguk appears to be, and once he hears the news of the coming of the dignitary from the Swordlords, he busily starts doing what he can to prepare.
"Gorguk, Calindar, it is good to find you well. Lord Jedward Jotham-Sales has come to determine the progress that has been made. We felt that he needed to see the territory as well as speak to you directly. He's appreciative of formality, according to one of his men." She shrugs, "But I'm not sure of the proper way to formally receive him. Perhaps we should get the men from the fort out here in a line? Or along the walkway?"
Hearing the report from Rhasa, he aggres with her assessment and asks that those on the balcony, stand at attention when the Lord Jotham-Sales arrives. Once he passes through the gate then you can be at ease. A man like this needs ceremony as much as food and water to live. Do yourselves proud this day men. The future of this area and your future lives may depend on what he says.
With that Gorguk tries to instruct the men how to stand properly and make a good first impression, however, Gorguk is a bit rusty since it has been so long since he has had to stand on ceremony that he does a poor job instructing them.
Once Lord Jotham-Sales approaches, Gorguk will give the herals time to announce the presence of the lord before Gorguk takes any real action. Welcome Lord Jotham-Sales. My name is Gorguk Tsadok, at your service. Please come in and rest yourself and your steed as we have Dyfrig prepare some refreshments for you. Our larder and supplies are not what we would like for a dignitary as yourself, but he is a master cook and will have something prepared for you shortly. Once you are refreshed, then perhaps we can discuss your visit here? I take it you have come regarding the notice I sent and wish to discuss the future of this area and the Wardens.
diplomacy
Surprised at how quickly this seems to be happening all of a sudden, Rhasadilara looks at Lothar, eyebrows raised.
Listening politely to Lord Jotham-Sales, Gorguk is actually impressed at the lack of words and directness this man has. Perhaps his first impression was wrong and this man actually new how to get things done quickly. Quickly is right. A group of settlers is already on the way and we are suppose to find a good spot for them to settle and start a government. Not only that, but he wants Gorguk to be the governor.
I must say that this is quicker than I expected. Not that I am complaining mind you, I prefer direct speech. If I may indulge you patience though, I would ask the other Wardens what their thoughts are on the matter of location and governor. You see, even though you are trying to bestow this honor on myself, without the rest of them, I would not be here today. I rely on their experience and wisdom to make sound decisions. Therefore I wish to refrain from giving an answer till they have spoken.
I will say though that It seems to me that there are two likely areas for settlers. First is at the temple of Erastil. There, people will have a spiritual base and something to lean on in hard times. The second is here at the fort due to its defenses and proximity to water. Beyond that though, I wait to here what the others think.
Barnabus waits till everyone is gathered in private.....
"Seems we have done well, considering what is proffered to us in this region. This fort needs much work, but offers much security. I foresee a place for myself here, not as leader but with some role."
Lothar returned Golden Arm's glance, his expression briefly mirroring her own. The Swordlords move with such quickness to seize the moment offered, like a heron seizing a fish from the stream, and in the process leave us little in the way of time to think. Well played.
The magician listened to the witch, somewhat surprised by the logic of his statement.
Barnabus is correct. We should have the town built around the fort because it provides safety from the dangers of the wilderness. That will offer more peace of mind to the people that would be settling this region, an important consideration since they are not that far behind the lord in arriving.
Gorguk turns to Lord Jotham-Sales, It seems that the location has been decided at least. The new territory will be founded here and spread after that. Now that the location ha been decided, I need to know a few things before I am to say yes to the rest. Namely, what ties are we to have with the Swordlords. Are we a territory under them to pay taxes and goods, a place for them to recruit conscripts for war? Or are we a separate entity with our own rules and governing body? Do we have to follow the laws and edicts of the Swordlords or are we able to make our own statutes? If we are a territory, then are the swordlords providing men at arms and a garrison to protect the new settlers? It is these questions and others like it that I must know before I take the responsibility you offer.
"If we agree in theory, might we look upon tha new charter and perhaps enter into treaties wit our neighbors."
"Tha fort being rebuilt should be a symbol to tha people o tha region an give a place fer a town tah be evacuated to , though some minor provisions must be made. Magic aids in re-building quiet well."
Rhasa's mind appears to be wandering as talk of construction and politics proceeds.
So in name and principle we are our own entity if some other state looks at us. However, we are to hold close ties with the Swordlands and follow their lead in foreign matters. As the Swordlords are providing the resources to found the new colony, I have no problem telling you that we will support them. As far as our position to other nations, however, it would seem to me that the best course would be one of neutrality. A fledgling territory would be ripe for the taking from a neighboring power. A position of open neutrality would not be a threat and would have a better chance to thrive. As the spokesman for the Swordlords what are your thoughts on this plan? It will keep Brevoy from seeing too much involvement on your behalf, strengthens your southern border like you said, and will be a strong ally in the future.
"Or at least an army marching through would be harried the entire way through by magic of the most terrible sort."
Barnabus smiles and likes the obstacle the swordlords have set in place to protect themselves, even if he and his friends are the obstacle in question.
"On another note some laws should be decided upon and in a way enacted, an this fort must be repaired."
Calinder sits quietly listening through the talk of ruling, foreign relations and construction of a new colony. He is excited, but also cautious as to what the future may bring.
He nods in agreement as Gorguk lays out his plan to Lord Jotham-Sales as he feels that the more autonomy that they have as a new territory the better, but will be supportive of the Swordlords should anything happen.
At the first break in the conversation, Calinder asks, "Lord Jotham-Sales, what of the shrine to Erastil we have found? Also, what about religious matters in general regarding the new colony, how is that to be handled?"
Listening to the exchange between the Brevic Lord and Gorguk, Lothar seemed concerned about the political situation they now found themselves caught up in.
The magician certainly had his work cut out for him as far as making sense of it all was concerned. Once this colonization officially begins, the other nations would try to find ways to insert themselves into what they were doing in ways both covert and overt. Lothar resolved to deal with the secret goings-on, as Gorguk was not one to engage in such dealings. The paladin was more than capable of handling the open affairs of state.
He looked to Rhasa and silently mouthed, Let the games begin.
Brought back to the moment, she looks back questioningly. Silently, "Games?"
Then lt us formalize this here and now so we may proceed quickly then. We have little time to make all of the arrangements necessary if we are to govern ourselves and be prepared when the settlers arrive. What positions other than governor are needed? What are we to call our community, and what is the name we are to give to our country?
"Mayhap we should name first tha fortress here, an let tha naming build upon our minds...."
Gorguk thinks for a long moment about the future of the area and it's past. Along with that he thinks about what has happened to the group since they first started this journey. Of all the things that have occurred, the most difficult was the death of Kylia. Somehow, someway, Gorguk knows that she should be honored in her sacrifice. Whether that is the name of the town, country, or monument, her deeds must not be forgotten.
Speaking his thoughts to the others, Gorguk suggests a possibility for Kyland as the country. If that does not work, then perhaps the fortress could be Fort Kyla, with Kylaville as the town?
If anyone should ask why we named it so, we can say that it is to represent the sacrifice that others have made to make this reality a possibility. That we may continue to remind ourselves that we are here to serve the people and not be served by them.
Lothar nodded his agreement. Kyland. It has a certain ring to it. I wholeheartedly approve of honoring her sacrifice in this way.
Lord Jotham-Sales you are of course right that one's religious devotion is a private matter. And I am not suggesting that we force religion, or a single belief on those in our new country, I do believe that belief in something greater then what is in the world can be very beneficial.
And while I am one that would be accepting of other religious groups coming and being a part of our new colony, there are some beliefs and influences that I would rather not see move into our new country.
At Gorguk's suggestion of Kyland in memory of Kylia, Calinder nods and smiles in approval.
"Yes, it is a good choice." She puts a hand on Lothar's shoulder, a gentle pat, before clasping her hands behind her back once more.
Very well then does anyone have a name for the fort or the settlement itself? I don't know if we want to include our group somehow in the naming process something akin to Greenward. Otherwise we can go with something more religious with Erastil...Hunter's Haven or Stag's Haven. Once we fix the fort, then we can worry about christening it and coming up with a name then I suppose.
"Once the men at arms arrive, we Ken finish tha northern reaches o tha land, an turn tah re-buildin, tha temple needs a cleric an parish."
That sounds like a wise plan Barnabus. Perhaps once we have established our main city here at the fort, we can expand to include the temple and found a second city there. Although it might be more work for us as the leaders of the new governance, it would provide a second option for settlers and immigrants to choose from. One would be the commercial and military center, whilst the other would be the center of religion and learning. Of course like you also mention, once the men at arms and settlers arrive, we must ensure the very of our northern border by quickly exploring the other regions that we have not traversed yet. The quicker our exploration is completed the safer our subjects will be.
Rhasadilara looks thoughtful, but says nothing.
"Should we leave sir Jerwold here with his men an finish exploration o tha northern landscapes?"
If the settlers are due to arrive in a few days I don't know how much we can explore to the North. Perhaps some forays that only take a day to travel and return would work. That way we are back each night and can have a forward scout tell us when they are only a day out so we may be present that day when they arrive. If Sir Jerwold agrees to the arrangements then I think it would be a fine idea. This way he can recover from the trip he just took and cans ee the first fruits of the settlements.
Barnabus looks at the lord with a bit of respect
"We have a treaty but not yet a designation o tha kobold kingdom, tha will take another trip to tha tribe tah establish, an even then a buffer area tha can not be settled should be in place."
You are correct Barnabus. We will have to discuss maters with Chief Sootscales and find out his opinion on the matter. We have dealt with them peaceably thus far and I would see them as allies in an unforgiving and ruthless area. Our mutual support may be the difference in surviving this area and flourishing. It might be that eventually our realm will encase theirs and they will join us as vassals.
Given the time frame that you have given us, I believe that on the morrow we should leave immediately to scour the lands to the north and tame the wilds in preparation for the settlers. Not that this means we are to eradicate all native life, but to make sure that the people are as safe as we reasonably can.
Calinder continues to listen to the conversation as it goes back and forth.
He likes the idea of a second settlement near the temple of Erastil, but says, "I think that we need to be cautious about building things up too quickly. Let's first get a foothold here established, then we can move on to other cities."
"A small settlement maybe more than enough to support the temple of Erastil for the moment."
As the conversation turned to the Sootscale tribe, Calinder agreed that every effort needed to be made to maintain the peace that had been established between the Wardens and hence the new settlement, and the kobold tribe.
Then as the conversation turned to doing more exploring, Calinder said, "I'll be ready to go at first light."