OGGM's Kingdom Builder

Game Master Jeff Przybylo

BTW, Kaalib: I have just realised that you can in fact build a farm on a hex which is adjacent to a river hex, not just in a hex containing a river. So F3 and E4 for example suddenly look much more attractive in the short to medium term, once we've claimed the gold mine. As does G2.

Vosil has been looking at the map; he nods at Kaalib's words. "Let's hold off on army-building for now - anyway, I've a feeling that 100 dwarves aren't going to be worried by a milita that only outnumbers them slightly. Talking is the best option - if they'd wanted to take us, they'd have tried it then and there when they arrived."

He frowns. "So how do we want to do this? One delegation to the dwarves and another to the kobolds? Or do we all band together and do one thing at a time?"

There's also the matter of the missing three stooges, but Vosil isn't going to mention them. They'll come back - or not. It's all the same, in his view.

PLEASE someone for the love of Desna get our advisors back! The spreadsheet is going to look terrible without them...

Edric walks in the door at this point, having caught the end of the conversation.

"I don't think the dwarves are coming back. I went to speak to them but they didn't seem inclined to stick around and headed off. As best I could tell they weren't headed for either of the mines so I assume they're giving up on us entirely." He pauses for a moment, obviously headcounting.

"Where are Asha and the others?"

"Starting to train the people to defend themselves and their lands sounds wise. Maybe dedicate one morning each week to weapon practice. I'm sure Magna could find the ones that have some previous experience and divide them into groups each with an experienced fighter to teach them. I'm sure it would cost a bit to buy everyone a weapon but we should be able to afford it right? And if we bought some horse stock I'm sure I could farm and breed them and train people to ride them to make a faster force to start regular patrols of the boarders."

"Dwarves are famous for having a quick temper. From what I've been told nothing irrevocable has been said. Maybe you can go in morning and talk again, offer them something they want in exchange for their help. Maybe offer to supply the materials to setup the mine and a steady food supply in exchange for their fealty instead on the normal farm land offered."

"We should get an army going, but I think it will take at least a month to cobble together the proper supplies, maybe more."

Suggestion to put together an army for next month, bare bones. 200 1st level warriors could be put in our castle for 1 BP a month. I recommend we give them bows, so 2 BP a month. One farm hex gains us 1 BP in consumption, so we'll need to dedicate one farm hex and a fishery just for this fairly weak army. A granary could be terribly useful, but we might be a bit strapped for BP in the short run.

Remember that a Large army costs double for extra resources, both in initial cost and consumption; so Ranged Weapons would cost 4 BP to equip and add 2 to consumption, while mounts (presumably light horses, CR 1) would cost 2 BP to equip and add 2 to consumption. Also, to get mounts you need a Foreign Quarter, Stable, or Stockyard which we don't have- but I'm getting to that...

Vosil gives a tip of his hat to Dregan: "It's a nice idea, I like the thought of having a set of mounted rangers - that way, depending on the enemy, they can harass them with shortbows or at the very least, flee to report to us."

He nods. "Not cheap though, that level of training - not to mention fodder for the mounts! I think that would be beyond us right now. Our current need is simply for some armed troops to hold the castle, conduct regular patrols, and keep order for the time that we're away exploring. At a later point, we can consider training them in archery and horse riding, but for now I recommend we settle for foot patrols."

"However. There is something I've been considering, and if Dregan is looking for horses I think it is worth bringing up now. As you know, we are predominantly hill-farming right now, which I gather involves livestock. If we built a suitable pen here in Concord, we could improve our breeds - get more meat, more milk, that sort of thing; and have a place to trade in horseflesh."

Stockyard increases the effect of all farms in adjacent hexes by 1, costs 20 BP so we'd have to save up for it. Just a thought.

A slight frown. "The only difficulty I foresee is that where you get horse-traders, you'll bring in Varisians - we're not always popular. Some people-" he very carefully does not look at Magna at this point - "think we're all thieves..."

Not my decision ultimately, but a Stockyard would massively reduce our consumption if we got one; and would give us a discount on Stable and Tannery buildings (which aren't essential, I have to say). Thoughts?

"Anyway. We're drifting slightly off topic, I think. What are we going to do about the gold mine, the dwarves and/or the kobolds?"

(Vosil can actually pronounce the "/" in "and/or")

Magna would be outside the fort kicking dwarven butt.

Magna would be outside the fort kicking dwarven butt.

You need to stop with that. I've already explained in the Discussion Tab. I hate to do this, but that's the last time I'm going say it. Next time the repercussions will fall and there won't be any die rolling. Let it go.

Talia sighs. She knew a militia would be expensive, but still...

"Well, we work towards getting Dregan's rangers, and in the meantime we equip our citizens and give them basic training. It is their duty after all. I like your idea for a stockyard, Vosil. We'll also need a granary before the harvest season comes. Perhaps we should save up a bit of money in the meantime, and just concentrate on laying the groundwork for control in our more remote regions. And perhaps facilitate more settlement by encouraging more farmers to settle in Fairhaven?"

"I'll set out immediately for the north, with Dregan's help. Perhaps we can track down our missing councilmembers."

I'm down with saving for a granary and a stockyard, and just claiming hexes in the meantime, with an odd farm here and there. Then we build an army and take the Greenbelt!

"I did suggest before offering food and to supply the materials to set up the mine in exchange For there oaths. I don't mind the using the stick but we should offer the carrot first after all we will have to deal with the dwarves for a long time."

"That is a good idea, Dregan. We'll offer them the carrot first."

Naralesh smiles. "Agreed. That is a wise course of action. They may not like the allies we have chosen to keep, but they will like the wealth this mine will make for us both. Let us act as though they have not offended us with their actions - we gain nothing but pride from trying to prove we were in the right."

"As for our missing council members... I have woefully little experience dealing with human nobility, but elven royal courts are often a convoluted dance of rivalries and trumped-up shows of gratitude or offense - a life I was happy to leave behind when I settled down in Rostland with my wife. I was not accustomed to thinking of Kestern or Asha as nobility, but the fact remains they are accustomed to the wheeling and dealing of Brevic politics." He looks at Vosil. "And I think that not only Darrick took great offense at your comments. They did not take it in the way you might have expected - I think they saw it as a challenge. They might even think they are doing you a favor by leaving instead of responding in kind."

And yes, that is indeed the first time Naralesh has ever let on that he is not of common birth.

Vosil nods, mentally filing away the useful bit of information that Naralesh has (perhaps inadvertently?) let slip about himself.

"I have experience of working with and for the nobility in many realms, and yes, they all have in common the touchiness of a shaved monkey. I should not have lost my temper with them." He gives a rueful smile. "They were not wrong about the sensible course of action, after all; it is just that it came at too high a price, if it meant abandoning Kaalib along with his people."

He sighs. "Do not worry about me, Master Naralesh. If an apology is what is needed to restore their honour, then they shall have it."

Vosil can recall that the Brighthammers are noted tunnel fighters. They and their clan are very famous for it. In addition, the Brighthammer clan is big - very big. And they aren't all here in the Stolen Lands.

Gah. Should have had this in my last post.

Vosil closes his Pathfinder Chronicle with a grimly satisfied smile. "I was sure that the Brighthammer name was familiar: they are known for their tunnel fighters. A large clan, as I recall, although somewhat scattered. The very, very, best way that I can think of reuniting them would be an act of aggression on our part. "

He nods. "With that in mind, may I suggest we delay putting an army together? If we do it now, it may well look like a reaction to their arrival. It is of course your decision, Lady." He bows his head to where Talia is sitting.

From the doors to the Council chamber, Magna's voice breaks into your discussion.

"I..." she begins, her voice as unsure and wavering as you have ever heard her, "I..I have to leave" she stammers, her eyes downcast.

"I'm afraid I have been tested. And found wanting. My faith, my race, everything I thought I was." She looks up, and it is obvious she has been crying. "For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to bring the word of Torag and the might of his hammer to the unjust. I've known that my part in life was to forge the bonds of community that he teaches." She looks down again.

"I do not think I am worthy."

Edric, standing quietly to the side, looks horrified but says nothing. The look on his face however is a combination of guilt, shame and worry which speaks quite eloquently on its own.

Talia nods, "Wise words as always, Naralesh. I also am guilty of not thinking of Asha and Kesten as nobility. In fact, the last name shows Asha's lineage, but Kesten? Is he nobility?"

I think there was a nobility or local spoiler about him earlier that I missed a check on.

Frowning, Talia takes account of Vosil's advice. Blasted dwarves. Bringing the wrath of a large and powerful dwarven clan down on Fairhaven was certainly not a good idea. But... Talia also really wanted an army, even if it wasn't used in the Brighthammer negotiations. They were presenting a soft underbelly to the world, ripe for gutting.

"Very well. No militia... for now."

---------

Talia frowns even further as Magna states her intentions. Another ally lost...

Sighing, the Countess makes her appeal. "I'd ask you stay, Magna. We need your help with the training of our guards. And we will be raising an army soon, if not as soon as we'd both like. We're all tested all the time. Perhaps I can bring in a priest of Torag? Or surely there's at least a laypriest among the Brighthammers you can converse with?"

Even as she pleads, Talia knows it will do no good. Blasted dwarves.

Talia nods, "Wise words as always, Naralesh. I also am guilty of not thinking of Asha and Kesten as nobility. In fact, the last name shows Asha's lineage, but Kesten? Is he nobility?"

"House Garess is based in the western part of Brevoy, in the foothills of the Golushkin Mountains. Their crest is that of a snow-capped mountain peak in gray set against a dark blue field. There is a silvery crescent moon in the upper right corner, and there is a black hammer across the base of the peak. The House motto is "Strong as the Mountains" and they are known for mining and good relationships with local dwarves."

The facts come unbidden from Vosil's long-term memory, courtesy of extensive training in recall and learning.

Player's Guide and the wikia...

"As for Kesten himself, I know not; although I have speculated, I have refrained from asking. A man's business is his own, out in the River Kingdoms. Doubtless he does as we do: seeks a new life."

He is about to continue in this vein, but the arrival of Magna spares the party. Be grateful for small mercies.

Aware that this is Ruler business, he fades into the background for this conversation.

"NO!" Magna retorts to Talia, a bit too sharply.

"No. Milady." She says, correcting herself. "You don't understand. The Forge Father teaches us to stand up and face our enemy. To protect our people in a straightforward way. I...have deviated."

The dwarf paladin drops her hands to her belt, gripping the haft of her axe. Her knuckles turn white with frustration. "But I am not working to change things for the betterment of the people. I am working to change them for myself."

"I have desired to rule for myself. I have compromised with one of my people's greatest enemies. I have wished violence on my own people because of the desire for power! I have...loved..." She speaks this last softly, with a sidelong glance at Edric. "In a word...I am...soft." She whispers. "Not the steel edge of the axe forged on the anvil of Torag."

There is a long silence.

"I will go north. Join the next band of crusaders bound for Mendev. They use the Sellen as a route to join Queen Galfrey's armies there. I need to re-forge my very soul, and I will go to the greatest such forge on Golarion."

"I am going to the Worldwound."

Looking for responses AND what are you going to do next?

Nothing? No plans to ride north? Send an emissary to the dwarves? I might have the man for the job...

Magna waits for a moment. Clearly she is set on this path, but is not easy to leave something so hard-won. She turns on her heel and begins walking out; eyes forward, jaw set.

She stops for a second when reaches the point where Edric is standing, looking for all the world like she will say something. Her mouth opens, but she snaps it shut and strides out of the door, never looking back.

You spend more than a few moments in silence, looking at the empty door frame. It's never easy losing a friend and a comrade-in-arms, and even less easy when you know in your heart that you cannot do anything to help them. They must find their own way.

So, with hearts heavy, you sit and contemplate your next course of action. You have a county to run; families counting on you for safety and prosperity. There are dwarves setting up in places deemed vital to your national security. And there is the matter of the missing councilors. Such things are a heavy burden on adventurers-turned-rulers, and only in the first few months!

You do not notice the guard in the door until he clears his throat. 'Ahem' he begins. "Milady. I beg pardon," he says with a bow, "but there is a man here who says he knows you. Says he has ridden a long way to find you, and won't be denied."

"I'll set out immediately for the north, with Dregan's help. Perhaps we can track down our missing councilmembers."[/b]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I'll get a post up at lunch, but I'm in the middle of my hellweek here at work. 15 hour days through the weekend. Tomorrow it is probably impossible to post. Bot T. as needed.

You spend more than a few moments in silence, looking at the empty door frame. It's never easy losing a friend and a comrade-in-arms, and even less easy when you know in your heart that you cannot do anything to help them. They must find their own way.

It's this emotion that I think has made it hard to come up with a quick post. Recent events have made all our characters wish for a few moments of silence as we ponder our situation.

Naralesh shakes himself out of his thoughts. Magna, gone. Darrick, Asha, Kestern, gone, at least for now. Hopefully just for now. After all this... Governance is a greater responsibility than any of us dreamed of.

Looking to Talia for confirmation, Naralesh said "Let him enter."

As for the Army prices, I was looking off of the samples listed here.

Kaalib narrows his eyes at the dwarf. After all, what could be said at this point. She obviously regrets having made peace with him and is unwilling to listen to reason or necessity. Her words hurt him, and he cannot allow such a thing to go without being repaid, but he was too slow to do it in the public setting she did it in, so it would have to do in the courtyard.

"Dwarf!" he shouted once he got her back into his sight line. "You who deserve no name because you desire nothing to make you distinct from the stubborn cusses that spawned you. You cannot decry your selfishness and atone with another selfish act. You said you would be here if I needed you, and I do." The honest admission surprised the kobold as much anyone else. The scales on his face began to glow as the water from his eyes began to steam the instant they came from his eyes.

"I need you to show me that this can work, that I'm not crazy. That there is light and hope for me and my people, that we're not doomed to be worthless. If I can convince you than I can convince anyone and now you're leaving? I need you to stay and if you go from this place, I call you an oath-breaker." He covered his face with his scaly hands and started to go back to his records room only to stop and angrily shout back at her once more. "Damn you if you lied to me! You made me hope!" With that he ran off into a side door and slammed the door, stomping off to his numbers and figures, where things made sense.

See what you did, OGGM? You made a dragon cry. Hope you're proud of yourself... ;-)

Vosil hadn't realised he'd been holding his breath until he lets it out explosively. "Well that escalated quickly..."

He almost closes his eyes as the guard enters. What more bad luck must we endure? The news of another visitor however sparks his curiosity and he nods along with Naralesh's order. After all, how much worse can things get?

He really, really wishes he hadn't asked himself that question.

Edric really, really really didn't have anything to say there! His feelings on Magna were confused enough before this happened!

Edric's eyes follow Magna and Kaalib out of the door but he doesn't move, his thoughts swirling too violently. The darkness is creeping up to the edge of his vision and he bites his tongue hard, hoping that the pain will hold back the darkness.

Will DC15 to not go crazy!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Just!

He manages to stave off the darkness, but it takes all his strength and he misses the exchange as the guard comes into the room.

Talia nods, her interest piqued, the presence of a mystery guest pushing thoughts of misfortune from the Countess' mind. Surely, it cannot be more bad news, can it?

[ooc]Sorry I hadn't posted, my time is currently rather variable (most depending on how much sleep my son has (and thus me)).

Dregan is stunned to silence with Magna statement, he'd always liked her. Her decisiveness made her a better leader than Talia in many ways but apparently it also made her fickle. "Aren't dwarves meant to be more steadfast than men?" he says vocalizing his thoughts.

Magna stops as Kaalib calls her, but does not turn around. When he finishes, she mounts her horse and rides out of Concord.

---------------------

The light behind the doorway casts the approaching figure in silhouette; but you can tell he is tall, wiry and has a smooth gate. As he crosses over threshold, his simple brown garb: boots, trousers, and vest mark him as common man. But his grin is anything but. With a smirk on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, he looks up.

"Hullo Talia. Nice digs."

The Scoundrel of the Greenbelt has returned.

See what you did, OGGM? You made a dragon cry. Hope you're proud of yourself... ;-)

When you put it that way, I am, actually. But the vision of a mini-dragon standing there on the castle steps with steaming tears is kind of awesome!

Gavriil saunters into the "privy chambers" as the guard guiding him through the castle calls it. Why the hell would they name their council chambers after their outhouse? he thinks as he winds through the halls. As he walks, ignoring the taciturn guard, he marvels at what the group had done. He had to admit, the job had really paid off for Talia and the others. He had thought that after all that hard work the Swordlords would've just paid them and told them "good-job!" but this was something else!

Finally, the guard (who Gavriil was starting to think was just a construct in disguise for all he talked) let him enter the chamber. He grinned at them all and opened up with "Hullo, Talia. Nice digs!"

Seeing Dregan all dirty unlike the others he shoots him a wink and says, "Dregan! You haven't changed a bit! Still more comfortable out in the woods than in court I see! How's the wifey? Please tell me that these folks aren't still keeping you away from her too often."

He walks up to the council table and pulls a seat out to sit down and throw his feet up on the table. He grins ear-to-ear at Naralesh, eye-patch and all and says with a wolfish grin, "Naralesh! I see you're still keeping an eye on things! I hope you've been staying out of the midden-heap."

He glances at the two in the chamber that he didn't know and gave them each a once over. "Nicetameecha! I'm assuming you two took my place. I'm Gavriil, just Gavriil." He glances to Talia and mock whispers, "Seriously, I know I was good, but did you really need TWO people to replace me? That's less of a share for poor Dregan and his wife!"

He looks to each of them, finally taking them all in for the first time and saw that something was wrong. "Guys, seriously, don't look so happy to see me. Calm down already! The smirk slowly fades from his face. "Why do you all look like your favorite tavern got burnt to the ground? What's wrong?"

Vosil's eyes dance with poorly suppressed amusement as he regards the newcomer. For one thing, it is uncannily like looking through a window on his past, before the Society found him: a Brevic youth with neither breeding nor education to commend him, and reliant on a flippant braggadocio and some skill at arms to mask his insecurity.

For another, the look on Talia's face; he has spent several months in the presence of the young Countess, and has learned to read her moods. This one promises to be... entertaining.

But - O, Desna. Did you really have to send me a younger version of ME?! What did I do to deserve THAT?!

Maintaining a studiously polite expression, he nods very slightly at Gavriil and introduces himself with a tip of his hat: "Vosil Comarenza, of no fixed abode and of little to no consequence. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Then he goes back to observing. Talia's reaction is likely to prove educational for someone. The only question is for whom.

Talia had awoken this morning in a fine mood. Things were progressing nicely in Fairhaven. The castle walls were nearly functional, the interior of the building was coming along well, and more settlers were arriving for the day. The Countess had even begun to think that she was pretty good at this whole rulership thing.

And then, as the day progressed, everything that could go wrong, had, barring a natural disaster, invasion, plague, or pestilence. Smaller disasters to be sure, but a cavalcade of them so rapid that her head was pounding and her mind weary. Finally, of all the unexpected things to be seen this day, there sat Gavriil, legs propped up on the privy council's table as if he'd been there all along.

Talia pinched her nose, sure that her face was betraying a series of emotions. Happiness, certainly, to see the Scoundrel back, but also wariness, exhaustion, even a slight undercurrent of anger and nerves. But now was no time for that.

"Nice to see you, Gavriil. As for our metaphorical tavern, today we've heralded the arrival of some new allies and then lost them within the hour. They are likely are headed now to our gold mine, to take it for themselves. Then, in short order, we lost four of our Privy Council - Asha, Kesten, and our councillor, who you don't know - have ridden north. Magna left in a crisis of faith, to go throw herself at the demons infesting the Worldwound."

A small, flat smile, crosses Talia's lips, though it doesn't reach her eyes. "And yourself? Did your favorite tavern close your line of credit?"

"Nice to see you, Gavriil. As for our metaphorical tavern, today we've heralded the arrival of some new allies and then lost them within the hour. They are likely are headed now to our gold mine, to take it for themselves. Then, in short order, we lost four of our Privy Council - Asha, Kesten, and our councillor, who you don't know - have ridden north. Magna left in a crisis of faith, to go throw herself at the demons infesting the Worldwound."

A small, flat smile, crosses Talia's lips, though it doesn't reach her eyes. "And yourself? Did your favorite tavern close your line of credit?"

"As best I could tell they were not headed towards the gold mine. I rode with them in part to avoid that. If need be I can ride out again and try to convince them more forcefully." Edric speaks from his corner. He doesn't quite know what to make of Gavriil, who is clearly an old friend of some sort so he opts simply to nod politely while they deal with business. Thankfully the threat of a fit recedes and he is able to speak without gritting his teeth.

Gavriil smiles at Vosil and says, "It's a pleasure."

He then turns to Talia, and listens to all that has happened in that day alone. If I'd known there was this much to do I'd have waited a week longer, He thinks. He returns the smile to her and gives a her a wink and says, "That and they got tired of hearing the same stories of how I led an expedition into the dangers of the Stolen Lands every night."

He lets out a long sigh before he stands and starts heading toward the door. "Well, it sounds like we have some work to do. You can't have half a privy council. So... Why don't you all go talk to Kesten and Asha. They never really liked me much."

He jabs a finger at Edric and says,"Your friend here can take me to these allies and fill me in. I'll talk to them. They don't know me and don't necessarily know I'm helping you out. Maybe I can convince them how charming you can be," He slips another wink in and adds, "For a small fee of course."

"You have as much right to talk to them as any of us." Edric replies, a grin forming. "I don't think you were ever actually removed from the original charter so I might even say it is your responsibility to deal with such things!" Reaching out to take Gavriil's hand he shakes it firmly.

"Edric. Given what's just happened," his smile falters for a moment. "I believe I am the General of this fledgling kingdom. Get your horse and we can talk on the way."

On the way out he says, slightly too loudly to be coincidental. "And you can tell me all of Taalia's little secrets! I want to hear about how you met!"

I know ooc that he was removed from the charter but I imagine we'll all conveniently forget about that given the circumstances? :)

On the way out he says, slightly too loudly to be coincidental. "And you can tell me all of Taalia's little secrets! I want to hear about how you met!"

Desnan Paladin is mischievous! I approve!

Vosil nods at Gavriil's suggestion of splitting the various responsibilities. It makes sense.

"I should be in the group who retrieves Kesten and Asha."

He sighs. "We may as well get on with it. I would expect to find them at Oleg's; I do not know their full stories, but I doubt they volunteered for duty in the Stolen Lands - and I would not expect them to be in any hurry to return home to their families with nothing to show for it."

Especially Lebeda: from what I heard, he left his family under a cloud; he would have to choke on his pride to ask for readmittance, especially if it means cozying up to the Surtovas... if the Surtovas would even let him. Not exactly known for letting bygones be bygones, that clan.

"I suspect they plan to wait it out there for a while, hoping for us to ask them to return." He nods at Talia. "Lady, you might be best placed to do that. Doubtless they shall expect an apology. So I should be there too."

He grins at Edric on the outside, but on the inside...

Responsibilty? Gods, the others must not have told them anything about me. He shakes the man's hand, with a grin on his face that's probably closer to a grimace considering Edric's "firm handshake" is crushing his hand.

"Well then, after you, General!" he says as he follows the man out to their horses. Not exactly the warm welcome into an easy life he was expecting, but better than sticking around Restov. It seemed Gavriil's life was set on a constant course of pulling Talia out of the frying pan.

Speaking of which...

"Oh boy! You don't want to hear how we met! You want to hear about how I staged a daring night infiltration with the help of Dregan and Magna into a bandit infested trading post to save our Viscountess and the one-eyed wizard! It all seems so long ago now. Back before this expedition had even really started. Waaaaaaaaaaaay back when Naralesh had two eyes..."

Edric would probably come to regret ever asking Gavriil for a story after this...

Also, splitting the party! What could possibly go wrong?!?

Let me make sure I have this right: Gav and Edric are off after the dwarves; who - I keep repeating (Edric) - are most likely headed for the gold mine. Talia and Vosil are going to Oleg's to find and speak to the missing councilors? Did I leave anything out?

Sorry OGGM - I think last time I asked about the gold AND the silver mines, and then mixed up your answer. My mistake! :)

As far as I know that's the plan. Unless Nara, Dregan, or Kalib want to go with either group.

Dregan smiles at Gavriil We'll catchup after. Mary and I would love to have you for dinner" then he leave to prepare the horses.

Dregan will go with Talia in order to track the councilors, he figures any should be able to track the dwarves, there is a hundred of them wiand pack animals. He half expects to catchup with the dwarves along the way, they won't be moving fast and there aren't that many ways over the river,

Sorry OGGM - I think last time I asked about the gold AND the silver mines, and then mixed up your answer. My mistake! :)

No worries, just want to make sure we're all clear. :)

As far as I know that's the plan. Unless Nara, Dregan, or Kalib want to go with either group.

Dregan, Talia, Vosil after councilors. Edric, Gavriil after dwarves. According to last posts, Nara was in the chamber, and Kaalib was in his accounting room. I do want to clean this up quickly, so if I don't hear from them soon, I will forge ahead.

I've been indecisive. I will go with Gavriil after the dwarves.

"What did you plan on saying to these dwarves?" Naralesh asks the other two as they prepare to ride. "We should not expect them to cooperate out of hand with just words. While I think we should speak with them, it should be to understand their intentions. They've made it clear they have no respect for our authority outside of our true borders, but it will be a few short weeks before we can securely lay claim to the mine. If we can patch things up with them, that will help - but if they wish to mine, they will soon be mining for us whether they intend it or not. Don't forget - they came here to offer their help, despite this momentary disagreement. There is profit in this for both parties still."

Saddle secured, he mounts his horse. "And don't let this come to hostility of any kind. If they insult us, the time for harsh words is later, in the Council chambers, not in front of potential allies whose help we - like it or not - probably need."

Gavriil's head snaps up to Naralesh. "Whoa! No one said anything about dwarves! I thought we were just rustling some brevic noble t*$&'s jimmies! This changes everything!"

Gavriil didn't know much about dwarves. In fact Magna had been the first one he had ever really interacted with. Going off of her, he knew they were probably stubborn and obsessed with the gold they had found. But there was one ace up his sleeve that he knew no one (at least no one fun) could resist.

He turned to Naralesh and Edric and said, "There wouldn't happen to be a place where we might be able to buy a couple of barrels of ale and a wagon around this po-dunk little town, would there?"

"Maybe afterwards. For now we need haste - if the dwarves make it to the mine first and entrench themselves then it will be war before we can move them." Edric spurs his horse and leads the way at a canter, dwarves may not be fast but they've had a long head start by now.

"We don't want to move them, and in either case we can't realistically stop them. But if they set up in the gold mine, they're moving into territory we'll control in a matter of weeks. They won't be able to move anything they mine without going through our land, and they've already agreed they'll work with us once they're within our borders." Naralesh looks sternly at Edric. "This is not a diplomatic mission where we go demanding concessions. They're eager to get started on the work, and we want their cooperation and friendship. We cannot let this turn hostile."

Naralesh turns to Gavriil. "I'm glad you're back, my friend. We can certainly use the help. I'm afraid you've missed quite the debacle..." The wizard fills Gavriil in on what he's missed. "As for ale - our fledgling capitol city doesn't have a brewery yet, but there's likely ale still left from the caravan's stores." He looks askance at Gavriil. "Planning to smooth things out over a drink with our wayward new business partners?"

GM, is there enough ale available in Concord for what Gavriil wants?

"I'm not suggesting it is Naralesh - I'm more worried about them settling in and claiming it as their own sovereign territory. They seemed very keen on the 'you have what you hold' part of the River Freedoms. If we hold it and then get them to work it that's very different to them holding it and us trying to exact tolls from them afterwards... I agree entirely we don't want hostilities - but I'm not sure we want them claiming the mine before us either."

Realising the point behind Gavriil's ale request Edric scratches his head. "We can probably rustle up a reasonable amount. Not sure how long it will take though..."

Scratch the riding off - Gav's idea is better!

Gavriil smirks at the sidelong glance from Naralesh. "I've found that good drink heals all wounds and free ale makes good friends. Unless dwarves don't drink, in which case more for me!"

He lets out a long sigh as they start riding around Concord looking for ale. "There's a couple of problems with boxing them in and it'll come mostly from our neighbors. You have to remember the River Freedoms, especially since the dwarves are using them against you. We aren't in Brevory anymore. The River Kingdoms do love their freedom.

"Walk any road, float any river. If we start tolling roads through our lands people are going to start getting angry. If that happens the dwarves will be the least of our worries. We'll have everyone at our door-step."

"The rules can work in our favor though. You have what you hold doesn't let them actually claim the land either. They only have it if they can hold it. And, well, a hundred dwarves against the wilderness and bandits probably won't be able to hold much."

"So why don't we all just come to an agreement that'll help all of us? Besides, that gold mine will help pay for some nicer clothes for me ."