Zokon puts up a hand "Well that will be the site of our capital, so no one will buy that parcel of land, Master Dool, is using a tactic to influence proceedings, you are also welcome Max to use your own, to get what you want. There really aren't any rules to this."
Both Dool's and Max's flash as do several other interested observers.
Durgan chokes on his ale a bit.
No rules?! Zokon, Zokon...He bring his ale over to Rutgar Dag.
"So tell me sir, what kind of a place are you looking for? What do you hope to find in the Stolen Lands?"
"Oh you know someplace that's easy to tend to where I can raise a grand hall party every night. Some tall hills and forest would be good too." says the tall northman smiling. He leans back in his chair boots on the table.
"I've already talked to your competition. I was waiting to see if you were ever getting around to me." He eyes Castigan and Drelev (upon whose Lady Pavetta is currently sitting on, laughing) "I'll give you twenty on the fancy toy soldier to clean the wizard's tower belfry. Is it a bet?"
He'll look for any religious iconography on Rutgar Dag, or any phrases that he uses that might indicate what god the man worships. He rather guesses Gorum, but isn't certain.
Durgan smiles back. "No bet." He isn't sure if the Northman is using an unusual euphemism. 'Clean his tower belfry'...?
"A grand hall party is all well and good. Good for any brewers in the area, right?
But anyone with a grain of sense has at least some reason to be leery of a renowned Ulfen warrior gathering his friends. Consider our wariness a sign of respect for your prowess.
We could come to an arrangement for a plot of land. You could have your mead-hall and your parties and your friends. We would leave you to run your affairs for the most part, we would trade with you, and we would allow you use of our roads and canals at good rates. But should your friends cause trouble in the surrounding lands, we would cause trouble for them.
I don't think it would come to that. I think more likely, we might find an occasion to employ you and some of your friends, should the need arise. And should your mead-hall come under attack by enemies or by some monstrosity, we would come to your aid.
We just need to be clear that, while 'You have what you hold' may be the law in the River Kingdoms, it will not be the law in our land."
He drinks some ale.
"Or, you could instead deal with someone who lacks the courage to say this to your face."
We are looking to see what Rutgar Dag is about... this is Durgan's approach for doing so.
The less rules and by laws, the better usually. Though to have none is to invite entropy. A few, well thought out rules to cover a broad range is best. In more than one thing. He mentions, largely to himself and Zokon.
And perhaps, renting a small plot of land so near the capital would be a highly sought after thing. The space would belong to the capitol, but, perhaps, renting could be a profitable way to keep all happy.
"A grand hall party is all well and good. Good for any brewers in the area, right?
But anyone with a grain of sense has at least some reason to be leery of a renowned Ulfen warrior gathering his friends. Consider our wariness a sign of respect for your prowess.
We could come to an arrangement for a plot of land. You could have your mead-hall and your parties and your friends. We would leave you to run your affairs for the most part, we would trade with you, and we would allow you use of our roads and canals at good rates. But should your friends cause trouble in the surrounding lands, we would cause trouble for them.
I don't think it would come to that. I think more likely, we might find an occasion to employ you and some of your friends, should the need arise. And should your mead-hall come under attack by enemies or by some monstrosity, we would come to your aid.
We just need to be clear that, while 'You have what you hold' may be the law in the River Kingdoms, it will not be the law in our land."
He drinks some ale.
"Or, you could instead deal with someone who lacks the courage to say this to your face."
"Well then you'll have to find me a bigger hill than the one I plan on building on. There's even a big stone bridge over the Sellen nearby." He says as he spins one of the big maps on the table around. "Hannis says its from some earlier time when the Taldan were trying to spread their kingdom up north here." He says pointing to a spot next to the plot of the hilly patch of land he's chosen.
"That and I like Drelev. The guy knows how to have a good time if you know what I mean." He stops, takes and drink and looks over at Durgan and smiles slyly. "Then again."
Zokon puts up a hand "Well that will be the site of our capital, so no one will buy that parcel of land, Master Dool, is using a tactic to influence proceedings, you are also welcome Max to use your own, to get what you want. There really aren't any rules to this."
"So you are saying that there is still a chance?" says Dool.
Max eyes him angrily before shouting "I WILL NOT BE OUT DONE BY A LOWLY HEDGE WIZARD!"
This causes Dool to slam both hands upon the table and rise to his feet.
"Gentlemen, please!" says the Mayor rising to his feet.
Certainly those able to control their emotions would make the better individuals to form a partnership of sorts with. Fergus mutters loud enough for most to hear.
Both men spin on Fergus, eyes like daggers, spells and swords within easy reach.
"Of course Master Dool, if your offer is approved by my group and you have a genuine plan for seeing yourself and our nation get what we want."
Seeing Max's demonstration
"Then figure out a strategy where you can win."
While the others are making dramatic gestures he sidles over tot he table of books and opens up the Zuddinger's Picnic book.
The skald only has eyes for someplace to hide, should newtification prove to be an imminent issue again. And ...
He eyes Castigan and Drelev (upon whose Lady Pavetta is currently sitting on, laughing) "I'll give you twenty on the fancy toy soldier to clean the wizard's tower belfry. Is it a bet?"
"*Shudder*"
---
"In the interest of fairness, perhaps interest could be left on note? For the sake of keeping our host's peace as well." Plus it'd give them a chance to evaluate things. Which was probably what was actually planned for *tomorrow* but eh. The party had started!
"Well then you'll have to find me a bigger hill than the one I plan on building on. There's even a big stone bridge over the Sellen nearby."[/b] He says as he spins one of the big maps on the table around. "Hannis says its from some earlier time when the Taldan were trying to spread their kingdom up north here." He says pointing to a spot next to the plot of the hilly patch of land he's chosen.
Does Durgan know anything about that stone bridge from his work? Is it in good repair, or is it structurally unsound?
"That and I like Drelev. The guy knows how to have a good time if you know what I mean." He stops, takes and drink and looks over at Durgan and smiles slyly. "Then again."
Durgan acts oblivious. "Well that's good. Good for you to have made friends with Drelev."
Durgan does not notice...
He goes to speak to Max and hopefully calm down the Taldan.
"So, Max the First, negotiations have only just begun. What is your vision for your land?"
"In the interest of fairness, perhaps interest could be left on note? For the sake of keeping our host's peace as well."
"Yes, where is Ser Iannuchi anyhow?" asks Allisa looking around.
The Lord-Mayor's frown deepens in response.
Does Durgan know anything about that stone bridge from his work? Is it in good repair, or is it structurally unsound?
He goes to speak to Max and hopefully calm down the Taldan.
"So, Max the First, negotiations have only just begun. What is your vision for your land?"
"Of course Master Dool, if your offer is approved by my group and you have a genuine plan for seeing yourself and our nation get what we want."
Seeing Max's demonstration
"Then figure out a strategy where you can win."
Max's face reddens, and then reddens further when Zokon turns away to inspect something he found on the table.
The corners of Alak Dool's lips turn upward into something that is not quite a smile.
Durgan knows nothing about this bridge.
He will try to get Max's attention, by shouting a bit.
"MAX, FIRST OF HIS NAME!
I am more interested in your offer than that of the wizards.
Don't be baited into losing your place at this table.
Will you discuss your offer?"
Serena sits quietly, seemingly bored by the proceedings. She does her level best to look attentive and listen to everything going on around her, but it is obvious to even the most casual observer that her thoughts are elsewhere.
Fergus gives a almost interested expression with one eyebrow slightly cocked in return to the glares.
Tis but the truth. You both seem like fine candidates to treat with. So every little bit is bound to help your cause. He pauses as he hears Durgan's approach before giving a nod.
He turns to Dool, offering a nod. As a practitioner of magic myself, I am curious, would you be conducting any research of interest that the plot you had your eye on would be critical too?
While the others are making dramatic gestures he sidles over tot he table of books and opens up the Zuddinger's Picnic book.
Zokon flips the book open. The book seems to be a children's book, illustrated with intricate, yet disturbing woodcuts.
He turns to Dool, offering a nod. As a practitioner of magic myself, I am curious, would you be conducting any research of interest that the plot you had your eye on would be critical too?
"Not particularly. Only that it is on the frontier. Why?" he asks looking about suspiciously. "Does it have some special arcane significance?"
He will try to get Max's attention, by shouting a bit.
"MAX, FIRST OF HIS NAME!
I am more interested in your offer than that of the wizards.
Don't be baited into losing your place at this table.
Will you discuss your offer?"
"Oh course." Max snaps. He straightens up and overmasters his anger. "And would you be the representative that I would be negotiating with, Ear-Walker, was it?"
Rutgar laughs at an unvoiced joke.
Serena sits quietly, seemingly bored by the proceedings. She does her level best to look attentive and listen to everything going on around her, but it is obvious to even the most casual observer that her thoughts are elsewhere.
Allisa looks over at Serena, puzzled at first and then flashes her winning smile. She holds her tankard up for a refill.
While the others are making dramatic gestures he sidles over tot he table of books and opens up the Zuddinger's Picnic book.
Zokon flips the book open. The book seems to be a children's book, illustrated with intricate, yet disturbing woodcuts.
"Oh course." Max snaps. He straightens up and overmasters his anger. "And would you be the representative that I would be negotiating with,Ear-WalkerFar-Walker, was it?"
"Yes, Max, I am certainly capable of negotiating. And interested in doing so..."
Unlike Zokon. What is he doing?
Durgan is momentarily distracted, then returns to the matter at hand.
"I will bring back any offer you have to my companions and we will discuss. But even if they are hesitant, I would still be able to grant you a parcel within my own lands within the realm. For myself, I seek to make my lands less rustic and much more fitting for the nobility to visit - be they from Brevoy, Restov, or Taldor."
Durgan intentionally specifies Restov separately from Brevoy.
"I am not planning to build an opera house right away, of course, but perhaps a basic theater in a few years, maybe a public library or museum... bringing culture and civilization to these lands.
Naturally, with the lands as wild as they are, there may be a need to do battle with fiends of all sorts. The stuff of heroic tales, is it not?
So tell me, what is it that you seek to build?"
Fergus scratches his beard and replies in a mildly cryptic manner.
Its rare for such places to not have something about them. As much as happened there. I've not had time to study the place though, so couldn't rightly say yes or no.
He continues to rub his beard.
As said, it may be possible for us to rent out smaller sections of the land to guests of prestige to the kingdom for periods of time. If that is something you would be interested in. Though I can guarantee nothing as of yet, of course.
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"So tell me, what is it that you seek to build?"
Max's eyes seem to focus on something beyond Durgan, beyond even the grand gazebo, and the cloying flower gardens.
"A legacy...." he says.
I don't want to take up too much screen time.
No worries.
Durgan will chat with Max and Ser Ernest Daye to see what they envision for their plot of land (figuring that others are talking to some of our other prospective investors). What terms do they want? And, at least for Max, what sort of person is he? Why does he want this parcel of land?
Durgan would like to establish some basic trade agreement with Mistbreather and the Glimmerhold dwarves.
Mistbreather is interested in forging an agreement to place a lumber mill, and some off-(Glimmerhold mountain)-site crafting halls in and around the Narlmarches adjacent to some of the waterways. In exchange for cheap lumber and price discounts on craft goods (armor, weapons, wooden planks, farm implements, horse shoes, nails, etc...). They are also willing to deal with any lingering kobold issues, particularly if you give them rights to the Sootscales' silver mine lair.
And, he wants to talk briefly to Lord Mayor Sellenius about some trade agreements with Restov (lower tolls for Restov merchants, for example). Durgan would like Avalon to follow Restov's lead in relations with the Dragonscale Throne, though I think it important for others to weigh in on that.
"After all," says the Mayor gesturing grandly about the space, "What would be the point otherwise?"
He also wants to try to figure out what Maegar Varn is offering the others, and what his game seems to be. Same as us, just looking to grow his realm?
Its rare for such places to not have something about them. As much as happened there. I've not had time to study the place though, so couldn't rightly say yes or no.
Dool nods contemplatively. His eyes stray sideways to Zokon for a moment as Fergus continues.
As said, it may be possible for us to rent out smaller sections of the land to guests of prestige to the kingdom for periods of time. If that is something you would be interested in. Though I can guarantee nothing as of yet, of course.
"My research will require some space, and I have a liking for... beachfront property." he says gathering up his gold and putting it away.
Mm a quick synopsis is easier to put into words at least. I'll try to do a bit of conspiratorial work as a skald :p
For the rest of the evening Illthir would like to hang around with the priestly types and see how they are. Which are open to cooperation, which of the other priests they (dis)like.
The leaders of Brevoy's religious orders are doing much the same thing that Illthir is planning on, with the various outsiders in attendance. While Sandralane and Ser Daye seem to be in deep conversation with Varn's man, the smiling Matheus.
We're kinda pondering if we can cram multiple religious institutions into our land, if there's a delicate way to probe that idea Illthir would love to try.
If she sees Samuel she'd love to try some delicate probing there too to see if/what he's able to compromise on. And how hostile his hostility is ...
"Looking for someone, dear?" comes the voice of Mother Vorst from over Illthir's shoulder.
Durgan is fairly perceptive, so while he isn't unusually intuitive in his conversations with the potential settlers, he may still pick up something.
But when it comes to the potential rival next door, Durgan probably can't get a read on him. It may be that the cleric is distracted by a nagging feeling that Something Very Bad almost happened.
He will step away from the book and then tell people about it say Fergus and then one of the hosts men "Hmm.. that book maybe a trap."
Zokon will concentrate on a few Allisa, Dool Varns man Matheus and Sandralae at the same time.
He will Basically outline what will happen and that they are welcome to come along but we won't really be setup for a while but if they put in the effort, for Allisa and Dool
For Sandralane he points out that a couple members are worshippers and that Abadar will have a presence, if she's willing to start out with us from small?
Matheus - "Varn and I seem to be on cordial terms, please feel free to treat us as friends, as we develop we can exchange skills and trade, help each other to survive."[/b]
Durgan is fairly perceptive, so while he isn't unusually intuitive in his conversations with the potential settlers, he may still pick up something.
But when it comes to the potential rival next door, Durgan probably can't get a read on him. It may be that the cleric is distracted by a nagging feeling that Something Very Bad almost happened.
Max seems like he wants to build something that lasts. He actually says at one point that he wishes to build "a dominion that will last a thousand years."
Ser Daye, honest to a fault just comes out and tell Durgan that he wants a big stone house, with servants and nice view. A hall with small nooks and dens were he might entertain friends. He envisions a homestead that nearby nobles might send their sons and daughters as squires and ladies-in-waiting to so that they may learn court mores from an old knight, and he might pass on his years of experience in service to Iomedae.
Maegar Varn though is a bit of an enigma to Durgan.
Zokon will concentrate on a few Allisa, Dool Varns man Matheus and Sandralae at the same time.
For Sandralane he points out that a couple members are worshippers and that Abadar will have a presence, if she's willing to start out with us from small?
Matheus - "Varn and I seem to be on cordial terms, please feel free to treat us as friends, as we develop we can exchange skills and trade, help each other to survive."[/b]
"Ah. Not here at least." the skald responds politely and smiles. "More of a concept; harmony, if you will..."
"Ah. Not here at least." the skald responds politely and smiles. "More of a concept; harmony, if you will..."
"Well do not take too long in looking. As the Shepherd might tell you; until you find your target you cannot properly aim for it." says Mother Vorst before making to move off.
"More of a puzzle today I think. But thank you for your kind words." the skald smiles.
Mother Vorst seems as inscrutable as ever. She continues mingling.
Shepherd Keegh though is quite talkative and inquisitive, asking Illthir if she has a man yet to settle down with once the kingdom's boarders are settled. "Why a filly like you will probably has herd of young fellers beating a path to her door. Pick a good one though cause Zokon's gonna need a lot of good men to help him run things in Avalon. Of course I could be persuaded to come down and oversee your wedding. Let it never be said that Ezvanki Keegh ever turned up his nose at a good meal. HAHA!" he says laughing at his own joke.
Across the way though Samuel just glowers at the interplay.
Alia had been very cautious, following Zokons lead and avoiding independent action. This social setting was a very volatile mix, and as Durgan had explained her, her position was precarious - a foreigner, a female, and an elf. Any mistake she would make could and would be used against her. So for now, it had seemed safer to let others do the talking, and then consult with her companions in private.
She also lacked skill in reading people, something she definitely needed to address in her new role.
Illthir uses her best disarming smile at the shepherd. Welp. At least we know where he stands! "Hah maybe one day..."
---
And there were someone that they *also* knew where he stood. A bit in the way to be honest. But ... Perhaps he could be convinced? Or at least brought to view us as decent people looking for a decent compromise. We'll see!
The skald decides to use the last bits of time to talk to Samuel. While maybe not being able to get him to their side, at least he might remember that they'd at least tried. She wiggles her way towards his skulking corner without making it too obvious at first, just in case. On her way she tries to nab a drink or something to use as an offering of peace.
"Dread it. Run from it. Politics still arrive." she presents her offering. "Even has a party to rain on the parade. Regardless; it is not our wish to trample crops planted by another. Nor squander an opportunity for mutual betterment. There's many things we'd like to discuss - but perhaps at a less jubilant setting." She offered the man a smile. And another less loaded topic, if he didn't want to discuss any of the above. "Walker's doing fine by the way, a fine friend for the road."
"Glad to be rid of him. He was always stepping on people." mutters the man taking the drink and hammering it home.
From the direction of the stables Illthir hears a woman scream, and then shout out a long string of what seem to be shouted curses.
Renault wipes his mouth with the back of his sleeve, and sets the glass down. He looks squarely at Illthir and says "Well?"
Alia had been very cautious, following Zokons lead and avoiding independent action. This social setting was a very volatile mix, and as Durgan had explained her, her position was precarious - a foreigner, a female, and an elf. Any mistake she would make could and would be used against her. So for now, it had seemed safer to let others do the talking, and then consult with her companions in private.
She also lacked skill in reading people, something she definitely needed to address in her new role.
Someone bumps into Alia from behind. "Pardon, my lady. It's a bit cramped." says the merchant Kozen a small smile showing from beneath his veil.
Actually the party went to parley with a meeting of Greenbelt kobold chiefs (sort of a smaller, scruffier version of your current meeting) after they had mustered to attack Oleg's Outpost seemingly in response to Mikmek and Nakpik's treatment at the hands of visiting Magister, Blustrova Lebeda. Mikmek escaped the outpost to warn you. The kobolds had captured a few of Vekkel Benzen's many kids in the lead up to their upcoming attack and set up an ambush for anyone who got too close. The party foiled the ambush and saved the kids, but the party's attempt at parley didn't go so well and the ensuing fight sent all the kobolds into hiding (probably not the ideal place for bands of angry kobolds to be).
"So about my offer. We could have small crack force of our Vandalliers--all good solid dwarves, in to route out your unwanted guests from their hidey holes by Crystalhue. Just say the word. They can be very discreet." says Mistbreather to Fergus before taking a sip of his wine.
Both of his masked guards perk up at the suggestion.
Durgan tries to keep a close eye on Kozen after the man 'accidentally' bumps into Alia.
Maybe an accident.
Maybe a pickpocket.
Maybe just a creep.