Hopefully sensing an opportunity
"Yes my Lord Medvyed, Restov will be financing the bulk of our new lands, but if you throw your support behind us and we succeed, you stand to gain, while Restov has footed the bills."
"Tell me. You've explored this place have you not? What treasures does it hold, and what do you have need of?" asks Lord Medvyed while drawing Zokon aside.
"The lands seems to be raw untapped potential, there are many eager people that will leap at the chance to move to a new land and we have a fort that is by a lake that should provide a good start to getting the area under civilised control. There are a few mines and such, but the traders of house Medvyed would be most welcome as the trappings of civilisation will be wanted but hard to come by until we are established." Zokon tries to say while not giving too much away
"And do you have any maps or journals that show the what and where as it were. Certainly I need no quarry slate here in Stoneclimb, but wheat and gold is always in scant supply."
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Later that evening, back at their spacious if quaint billet....
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Assuming he's been pulled to follow his companions, Balzeros does his best to blink back the wine-powered sleep. Gotta... gotta focus. Zokon's meeting with a, a Lord? Lord Medvyed! Whataguy!
"I think we do have maps in our gear somewhere, but at the moment we have nothing to ship resources to, we will soon but mainly we need friends and allies, trading partners who can reliably get goods to us and be compensated accordingly."
"For that though one would need know what one is purchasing, young Santyev." says Lord Medvyed.
Happy Bar Night the night before Thanksgiving (here in the States), which is celebrated every year in honor of Black Friday that follows it. Basically, it was Black Friday Eve. That is, until Black Friday got uppity, and slid back into Thursday and--well, you know what I mean.
Happy Nondenominational Retail Season!
"Yes Lord Gurev, we will get word to your people when we are setup, I look forward to a fulfilling relationship in the future."
Eventually he will make his way back tot he inn with Alia and any others in tow.
Illthir slides down in the first chair in sight. She needed to digest the day - both the political events and all the tasty morsels she'd pilfered. Way better then dried bread! When everyone has had the chance to find a seat (or slip away?) she summarizes the day with a laugh. "None has tried to stab us yet. Other then well your mentor Zokon. So I'd say we did as well as we could!"
The wedding party turns into more of a general feast thanks to a combination of Balzeor's wine-glass diplomacy, the traveling players' antics and Lord Medvyed who by his action and feigned cheer makes the evenings events seem more like a summer storm at joust rather than a plague amid the people. In other words a mere inconvenience.
Bythe hears of his father's embarrassment at his "other embarrassment's hands" and looks darkly upon Zokon for the rest of the night. The Lord Santyev himself drinks himself into a humiliating stupor.
The night passes into hazy memory and the party leaves Stoneclimb behind the next day setting it's sights to the south, and the largest city in the this region of the north, Restov.
They cross back through the Gronzi forest urged forward in part by Illthir's martial music . Along their path, on the first day they encounter a pond that seems to crackle with energy due (as they find) to the presence of a colony of shocker lizards along the bank whose discharges of lightning dissipate the mid-morning spring mists.
Illthir shields her eyes with her hand and look out at the pond. The skald smiled. Now that was an odd sight! "Hah. Look at them go!"
Zokon looks and stops holding his hand up for the rest to stop
"Umm Shocker lizards are not friendly, and a group of them might see us as food and attack, let's go round."
"They are almost certain to be an integral part of the ecosystem as well," Balzeros speculates, changing course. "A wide berth seems to be the best choice."
________
"They are almost certain to be an integral part of the ecosystem as well," Balzeros speculates, changing course. "A wide berth seems to be the best choice."
________
The display of blue white flashes is quite stunning. One imagines that getting closer would make it more so.
And so the party marches onward hedging the broadest part of the forest river by climbing into the highland around the Icerime Peaks before returning back to the old forest lands again.
six days later, about mid-day they return to the stony shores of the broad lake, near Brunderton and begin to make their way around it when evening comes on. The edges of the lake are dotted with logging camps, and jetties for the rafts that ply the waters from here to New Stetven and beyond.
Interesting specimens.... potentially useful to study, all said. Could lead to a better understanding of lightning and electricity magic.. though, if you would rather let them be I won't argue. Hmmm... I wonder how one would do as a familiar...
Ditzy pokes her head out from the small bag she sleeps in at the mere mention of familiar. She stares cold daggers at Fergus.
You wouldn't dare. Before squeaking in what seemed to be a laugh after Fergus chuckled.
"Almost seems odd to be in civilisation again, we are reasonably safe, reminds us of the job we still need to do." he ponders while travelling
At least the wolves in the woods look the part. You never know once you're in 'civilization.' Balzeros enjoys his time in nature while he can, he knows it is fleeting.
"Do we already have plans to make our way to Restov, or is that our next step?" he asks.
________
Serena smiles at the antics of the lizards. It is the first time in some time that the paladin has smiled.
In the middle of the night, Serena hears something slide through the underbrush, but figures it for the wind, or some low-to-the-ground animal, and pays it little mind. The sound was so soft, how big, and dangerous could the thing be, really?
The next day the party makes it to Brunderton and party reunites with their horses. Walker neighs happily before casually stepping upon Illthir's foot. He tries to eat her straw-colored hair while she tries to dislodge the huge hoof pinning her to the ground.
After paying the stable fees and setting Illthir's sore foot, the party proceeds into the hills, south to Restov, to meet with the Lords of the city and then on to their meeting with their fellow explorers and possible backers.
Zokon will wander the town, looking at the various shops, looking for potential good sources of equipment, mainly to just see what they have and then leave.
Once the group are gathered Zokon asks "When are we to do the wedding, didn't we want to do it before we get to Restov or should we continue and have it done in their company?"
Durgan will walk around the dwarven shops a bit.
If there is the opportunity for Alia to work at the forge again, he will ask if she can take the remaining components that he bought into enchanting his plate armor.
"Can we stay here for a day or two?"
He will go check out the Mother Lode again, and look for Silver.
The last time we were here, visiting dwarves from Glimmerhall had everybody on edge, but I don't think we figured out what the trouble was. Durgan will try to get a sense of the city and how the locals are doing.
To Zokon, he replies, "I'd say have it done in their presence, so it does not seem surreptitious or sneaky. That carries a risk of course. But it will show that you have the courage to face their opinions. And the courtesy to invite people of their station to such a landmark event. There will be fewer rumors about anything nefarious going on if the wedding is out in the open for all to see. Your vows will be heard by all so I would suggest you figure out what you want to say."
"*Ow!* Missed you too Walker!" Illthir grunts. Once she has her foot free and unsquished and most of her hair back she gives the horse a hug and some carrots.
Tal folk and their silly past times.
Fergus would puruse the market, it reminded him of home. An honestly warmer, kinder home than his was. But, still. He didn't have much gold on him at the time, though, so didn't take up too much time. He would look around for any book merchants before asking.
Yes, I'm looking for any books or records on Brevoy, and the untamed lands if you happen to have anything of the sort. Legends and Mythos would do as well. Oh also, any tales or records involving the noble houses. If you happen to have it.
Without much gold to spend and interested in peacekeeping himself, Balzeros sticks to Durgan. "Durgan, you seem to have a lot of experience with dealing with nobles and the like. Do you have any pointers for me? I've been speaking to common-folk my whole life, but if I'm going to be rubbing elbows with a different kind of people, I can't make a fool of myself or you!"
________
"I don't mind I figured Durgan and Fergus may have a particular interest in this place so we can stay if you need."
Durgan Far-Walker He will go check out the Mother Lode again, and look for Silver.
Silver is there still bustling between tables.
"Well hello again, darling. What can I get you?" she says.
The last time we were here, visiting dwarves from Glimmerhall had everybody on edge, but I don't think we figured out what the trouble was. Durgan will try to get a sense of the city and how the locals are doing.
Enjoying the view of the shocker lizards from a safe distance, Alia spends most of the travel time either learning about Nobility and Brevoy from Durgan, Illthir or Zokon, or spending time with Ilvah. By now, there was some routine in the daily activities.
One time, while working on some delicate piece of silvery art, she shows it to Ilvah, casually asking: "ghu'vam vISovbe'chugh."
As they make their way to Brunderton, Alia gathers some more supplies for crafting, and complies with Durgans request, if time is spent there. The massive buildings with low ceilings were...confining, and she longed to be back in the temperate forests of Telvurin. But there was more they had to take care of yet...
Finding Zokon, she takes him aside for a moment:"I know that is kind of silly, but I think an exchange of rings is expected for such a ceremony. I am a skilled smith, but not adept at Jewellery...we may be able to find better quality at a lower price here, though, rather than look in Restov."
---Lizards!
"If you want to try and wrangle one of them - be my guest." Illthir jokes with Fergus. That surely would be a sight to see! With a silly smile she contined. "I'd make a song about it. And maaaybe inflate their size a bit..."
---In town
In another effort to return Ilvah to her parents wherever - and whatever - they were Illthir sits down with the girl at their room in the inn. Anyone whom want to come as moral support was of course welcome.
The skald started off by explaining what she would attempt to do. "So. While we've been traveling I've tinkered a little with a small spell. A divination - something that *might* work to find your parents Ilvah. Or about them at least. You shouldn't notice anything but a tingle. But if it gets uncomfortable or anything we will stop. Understood?"
She placed a small piece of copper on the ground between them and sat down. With both palms pressed against the ground, touching the coin, she started to sing sofly.
School divination [mind-affecting]; Level bard 1, psychic 1, shaman 1, sorcerer/wizard 1, witch 1
CASTING
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, F (a copper piece)
EFFECT
Range 60 ft.
Target one creature
Duration concentration, up to 1 minute/level (D)
Saving Throw Will negates (see text); Spell Resistance yes
DESCRIPTION
You can scan the thoughts of one individual and learn the names and locations of the target’s living relatives, as well as the attitude of the target toward those relatives (and vice versa). You learn about one relative per round you concentrate on the target. For example, you might learn the target’s father’s name, that the father lives on a nearby farm, and that the target and his father don’t get along. Since this spell reads the target’s mind, you can learn only what the target knows or believes.
"That's a wonderful idea. Knowing the dwarves we may be able to find one that will be eager to show off his wares on the hands of the new nobles. We will be a talking point and our dwarven contingent will almost guarantee interest from the people of Brunderton."
He thinks for a second and continues
As for the wedding, I can arrange for couriers to carry messages from here to my family from here, my mother and father should be invited, I may have done him some harm and hope that I may be able to make some small amends. Restov sound like the place to hold it or another location, maybe a grove would be more fitting for you?"
Alia laughs in a friendly manner: "Not sure our high-born guests will take well to a grove...and Durgan would probably complain that it'd send the wrong kind of signal to the political participants. But maybe we could do it in a park or something - under the open sky sounds good enough and it would seem reasonable with the amount of guests expected."
Thinking a moment, she adds:"As for the specific location, it does not HAVE to be Restov, but if it is, we should also send couriers ahead so at least those on our Council have a chance to join us."
Without much gold to spend and interested in peacekeeping himself, Balzeros sticks to Durgan. "Durgan, you seem to have a lot of experience with dealing with nobles and the like. Do you have any pointers for me? I've been speaking to common-folk my whole life, but if I'm going to be rubbing elbows with a different kind of people, I can't make a fool of myself or you!"
________
"You did quite well in Stoneclimb, with your wine-glass diplomacy. That seems to have helped our cause.There are different schools of thought in how to deal with the nobility. I tend to approach it in a transactional way. Who can offer something to us, and what we can offer to them. I do make an effort to mind my manners and not give offense, but if a noble were to mistake politeness for submissiveness, they would be mistaken.
I generally place far less emphasis on a noble's character than I do on their needs and aspirations. Even one who is good at heart may work against us if we threaten their status. And even one who is less inclined to kindness may still be a necessary trading partner.
I don't imagine that appeals to moral virtue will particularly impactful in Brevoy or the Stolen Lands - I don't proclaim the inherent moral rightness of Abadar, but rather that his principles can lead to prosperity.
But again, there are different schools of thought."
---
"Zokon, Alia, perhaps there is a suitable grove on the Lord Mayor's estate in Restov. It could show respect to Elven ways, but be welcoming to the Brevoy nobility.
The Lord Mayor of Restov is our primary patron, is he not? Having the wedding on his estate would be a symbol of his support for this union."
"I like it Durgan, as always you are eminently wise."
"ghu'vam vISovbe'chugh."
{Puzzled expression}
In another effort to return Ilvah to her parents wherever - and whatever - they were Illthir sits down with the girl at their room in the inn. Anyone whom want to come as moral support was of course welcome.
The skald started off by explaining what she would attempt to do. "So. While we've been traveling I've tinkered a little with a small spell. A divination - something that *might* work to find your parents Ilvah. Or about them at least. You shouldn't notice anything but a tingle. But if it gets uncomfortable or anything we will stop. Understood?"
As realization seems to dawn the girl's expression changes to one of fear and horror. She turns, and runs sobbing to Alia as she is in the middle of discussing rings with Zokon.
"That definitely counts as 'uncomfortable'. So I won't..." the skald announces and palms the copper coin, putting it back in her pocket. She then raised her hands to show they were empty. Just in case.
Zokon finishes the conversation when he can, but for now he steps back and let's Ilvah take comfort in Alia.
His search of the market complete, Fergus returns to the others about at the time the girl begins sobbing. Looking around curiously, he asks.
Alright, well what exactly happened now?
Balzeros nods as Durgan speaks. That gives me much to think about. Often, farmers of the Stolen Lands are willing to band together and weather the storm if there's a good plan in place. But it seems like nobles are more keen on maintaining or building status than what happens to others. Fair enough. A generalization, to be sure, but if Durgan is still here with that philosophy at the root of his actions, it must have merit!
"Thank you, this is very helpful!" He chuckles uncomfortably. "The wine was more to cope with... everything. That was more a fluke than anything else, but I think your words will help me turn it into more of a habit!"
"I asked Ilvah about her parents - and if I could use a spell to try and find out more." Illthir explains to any newcomers.
Then she attempted to talk to the girl again, for what it was worth. "We are trying to help. I know it hurts - that it is hard. But ... Sometimes we have to be brave. So we can try and make things better. Ilvah. Please. Let us try and help..."
Serena watches the skald perform her magic, and is as surprised as any at the girl's reaction.
Fergus would puruse the market, it reminded him of home. An honestly warmer, kinder home than his was. But, still. He didn't have much gold on him at the time, though, so didn't take up too much time. He would look around for any book merchants before asking.
Yes, I'm looking for any books or records on Brevoy, and the untamed lands if you happen to have anything of the sort. Legends and Mythos would do as well. Oh also, any tales or records involving the noble houses. If you happen to have it.
Most of the paper in Brunderton goes toward the making of lrdger books and family histories which only tangentially touch upon any of the topics Fergus is interested in.
Illthir attempts to calm Ilvah down but the girl keeps a death hold on Alia and tries to use her as an "elven shield" anytime the half-elf draws near.
Fergus would purchase a few of the books anyway, every little bit helps.
As he watches the scene unfold, he sighs to himself.
Oh enough of this. Lets see if a little subtlety can help. Fergus steps several feet away, before he mutters the incantation for a spell.
He then walks back the few feet to his companions group and begins to focus on Ilvah, just looking at the girl with a mildly worried expression.
After about 12 seconds pass, he speaks up.
Lass, they just want to help you find your home.