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She give a nod to the mayor and says, "Your thanks is most appreciated. I am most delighted to accept your grateful hospitality. I can understand you are quite a busy man, so I thank you for your indulgence."
She then takes a seat at the table and awaits the arrival of the others as well as the refreshments.
Aurelius takes a seat slowly, pushing back his cloak to let his arms free, as he relaxes back at the table.
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Wonky follows the group silently, her wide eyes taking in everything. Sprocket pads behind quietly, occasionally sniffing at pieces of furniture.
I cannot believe my good fortune. Desna must be smiling at me!
When offered a seat, Wonky has Sprocket scramble up beside her. She then sits on the dog in order to be at least chin-height at the table, looking expectantly around the table at the mixture of folks. After a few minutes, she clears her throats and looks at the halfling.
"Um, could I trouble you for a bit of parchment?" She pulls a vial of ink and a stylus from her belt pouch. "I thought I could take some notes," she replies to the looks from Kalima, Ahto, and Aurelius.
Aurelius smiled and tipped his head to the Gnome woman. He found the request odd, he assumed the Mayor had someone to take notes himself, but it was not a bad thing, showing that they were invested in the whole venture and willing to be proactive when it came to the whole thing.
"I will have some water, if I may?"
'Good, act like a sober competent man for once!'
The halfling leaves by a side door and in a few seconds is back carrying expertly a tray filled with cups on his left hand, another tray with a couple bottles and a jar of clean water on his right hand, a bit of parchment under his left arm and filled to the brim with fresh fruit dangling from his right arm.
As he serves everyone around the table and sets the trays and the basket on an auxiliary table the Swordlords enter the room and take theit place behind the mayor, one of the women nods at Aurelius acknowledging him.
The halfling takes his place at the end of the auxiliary table and readies a bunch of parchment and some ink.
The mayor stands and with a broad smile begins As you've heard we're intent on bringing the law to the lands south of Restov he says I had intention today of asking good Ahto to join this task and I guess your presence here means you are all interested on taking part of this great endeavour
Paval had moved in after the others, "I know I am. Nothing left for me here except a burnt down, haunted estate." He leaned on the table, his right hand clearly sporting the signet ring with the Aldaar insignia.
At least those sword lords and ladies should recognise it, some of them were probably taught by grandfather.
"What is it that you'd expect from us, besides laying down the law."
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Kalima gives an approving nod to the Mayor and says, "Indeed I am most interested in seeing that the law is brought to the realms to the south, the Stolen Lands I believe they are called. You can trust that I and my travelling entourage can handle the problem of bringing the banditry and lawlessness to heel."
Kalima then says, "However, I must say that the Bandit problem you mentioned is only a symptom of a greater problem. The true problem if I may be so blunt is that the Stolen Lands lack administration. Bringing justice to a few scattered bandits still leaves large tracks of land unclaimed and a safe harbor for new bandits, monsters or other Ner-Do-Wells to take root. The only way to change this is to make use of the land. I propose that the nation opens up the land to settlement and establish proper defenses and infrastructure. As for the administration the establishment of landholders in the region would allow for this to be accomplished."
The swordlords behind the mayor seem surprised seeing Paval's signet ring but before they can say anything Kalima intervenes.
The mayor stares openmouthed at Kalima for a few seconds before regaining his composure Lady Kalima, I must admit I wasn't expecting a Taldan aristocrat to be so direct in showing her ambitions he raises a hand to stop any possible protests Of course settling the land and submitting it to Brevoy's authority would be ideal but this country is on the verge of a civil war, after the Vanishing the old rivalries between Issia and Rostland have surfaced once more, if any of them was seen trying to make a landgrab it may end in open conflict he looks at those at his back Before we can say more we need to ask you a question. Your family in the north, the Lodovkas, how is your relationship with them?
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Kalima says in response to the mayor, "The Raustald Family and the Lodovkas have a long and fruitful relationship. My great grandmother was a member of that house and even now the Lodovkas have a long standing trade agreement. The details of that agreement are not something that is relevant to this discussion. As for a Land Grab as you so precisely put, I am a Taladan noble so am outside this Issia and Roseland civil war. Currently the land is not being used so what would Brevoy lose if it were brought to heel? They would have much to gain in fact for Brevoy would benefit from the trade and resources of the Stolen Lands once it has been properly settled."
The mayor stops a few seconds to meditate on Kalima's words. Well my lady, I'll be straightforward with you. IF you and your companions manage to survive and stop banditry in the lands you'll be assigned it may be possible to grant you authority over those territories, under Brevoy's crown rule of course, I understand you have family in the north but if we finance your efforts we would expect to have your loyalty. he flashes a smile The fact that you're an outsider will put some Issian minds at ease, for that same reason the group assigned the lands west of yours were brought from Cheliax.
He looks at the rest of the party The interests I'm representing here are well beyond mine own, but I guarantee all of you if lands are given as a reward for your merits you will all get an equal share if you so wish
He stands and adds If any of you has questions now is the time to ask them. If not my secretary will deal with the details
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Wonky raises her hand. Once called on, she stands on her chair.
"If there is a concern about a 'land grab', and we were to encounter organised competition vying for control of the same territory, would we have the Crown's backing to complete our duty? Also, is there a time by which we should frame our mission? And - last question - are we to be commissioned under the Crown as official agents? Thank you."
Wonky sits abruptly, causing a snort and a flutter as she almost falls off the chair and a canine face appears briefly at the table's edge.
The mayor looks at Wonky and answers her questions Right now your mission is bringing law and stopping banditry, for that you have the official support of the Crown and the ACTUAL support of the Rostland Swordlords. As for an eventual land grab it would depend on the political situation at the time, right now the King and his court are more worried about internal strife than expansion he flashes her a smile About the time frame... well the sooner the better but between getting rid of criminals and mapping the land we expect the first part of your mission to take several months. he seems worried at something on his mind for a second As for organised competition... I don't think the River Kingdoms are able to organise their own house much less try to take more land. But if any external menace tried to take the Stolen Lands you could count on Brevoy's support since those Lands are considered by many to be rightfully ours
One of the women at the back steps forward and answers Ahto's question before the mayor can Unrepentant bandits and those caught while committing such crimes shall receive their choice of blade or noose. Those that repent of their own volition shall be judged by you. If they've committed murder they shall be sent to jail or executed, if not it's up to you to decide a fair pumishmemt
Since you're a servant of the very Judge of the Gods we expected that responsibility would fall to you says the woman looking at Ahto straight in the eye We know you're not someone who flinches at the thought of imparting justice, neither one who enjoys cruelty
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Kalima listens to Ahto's response and afterward says, "Certainly Inqusitor Ahto here has much experience in dealing out justice and I can trust he can invoke proper justice upon the criminals. Death and execution does send a message of fear to the Lawbreakers and that in itself is of use. Often times though, the bandits likely would flee or fight to the death to avoid such a fate and if that is the case so be it. But what good is a dead bandit in terms of proper retribution? What they stole is still stolen and what acts they have done cannot be undone. I might suggest an alternative sentence of Indentured Servitude to those who are captured alive. Have them work off their debt through labors and reform them. For a dead man is worth nothing, a living peasant can work the land and make a profit."
"While in general I agree with miss Kalima on this, I do see an issue. If you let them live they can still pick up a blade against you. The selection of who qualifies for alternative punishment would have to be stringent. It also should, at least in part, be done by someone who has eyes for things other than the letter of the law."
He then turned to Ahto, "No offence intended, but from what I gathered you are very strict in your reading."
The woman rolls up the sleeve covering her left arm and shows a long scar covering almost the full arm This, my lady, is what you get if you trust bandits. They're only loyal as long as you can kill them. I say if a man forced to banditry managed to not kill and repents on his own he may have a chance at redemption. If they are murderers or only repent at swordpoint you are a fool if you trust them
Aris clears her throat. "I would suggest not imposing any sentence to start with. Humans tend to be almost feral when faced with death, or to be eager to please. It might be easier...or less blunt...to wait on sentencing and get to know these people before simply throwing them to the hangman or the sword." She pauses. "Either way, today's public spectacle felt as much a show as it did justice. Perhaps there is a better way?"
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Kalima says in response to the woman, "Indeed, one cannot trust this rabble so far as you can throw them. That is why you put them in irons and have them under guard, to make sure they don't stab you in the back. In the end it comes down to manpower and the lack of it in the Stolen Lands. If we had a plentiful amount of peasants to work the land and soldiers to defend it, then we would not have such a problem with the banditry. Unfortunately as of now, there is barely anyone who lives there, thus we must make due with what is available. It is far more efficient to reallocate local labor than to bring in outside forces. As despicable as the bandits are, you must remember these are people who have thrived in a land of untamed wilderness and infested with monsters. If properly reformed, their skills could be put to good use to the settlement efforts."
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Ahto nods in response to the woman's appointment of him for the task of law enforcement.
"I will do my sacred duty to uphold the law. If I am to do so, however, I must ask that those laws be written to be clear in language and in intent."
As the others voice their opinions about laws, Ahto looks to the line of nobles with an expression that says he expected these kinds of objections.
"It is my opinion that execution be reserved only for murderers, rapists, and those who commit violent robbery. If you wish to permit indentured servitude for non-violent, petty criminals, or those who renounce their former lives of banditry without first resisting with arms, I will honor that, but it should be codified."
The mayor raises his hand to stop the woman from answering again I'm afraid that part of the charter is not negotiable. he looks around the party members As long as you want to have any authority under the Crown auspices law MUST be obeyed. he looks at Kalima and continues I'm not a highborn aristocrat as you are Lady Kalima. Over the years I've met the kind of people who turn to banditry and I assure you most of them are beyond redemption. Now do you accept the terms on the charter?
After Ahto intervenes he adds I'll have my secretary define with precision the code to be applied. It'll be on your possession and on the townhouse board before you leave
Aurelius snorts undelicately and downs his glass of water, as if it were harder stuff. "It is easy for you all to take of crime in such a damming manner when you all have not faced the desperation that has driven men to steal since the beginning of time. Yes violent crime is a disgusting thing, rape is unforgivable but petty theft is usually a means to allow the thief to live another day. It is wrong aye, but indentured labour is more than punishment enough for petty theft, more than. And if someone has to dish out justice I feel Ahto is the man to do It!"
Paval nods, "We'll have this discussion again once we get to it. For now, lets just get this thing going. No point in discussing how bandits are to be punished if they ransack the countryside while we do so. Where do we sign?"
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Kalima nods to the mayor and says, "Very well, we shall fulfill the terms of the charter. We shall save negotiations on land claims until the initial bandit problem has been dealt with in the Stolen Lands. After this is done, we shall correspond on the establishment of fiefdoms to better stabilize the region."
The mayor sits down and makes a gesture to his secretary Copy.
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
Once the halfling is done writing he passes the parchment piece to the party Please, sign here, if any of you don't know how you can make an X he stands up and gestures toward the door You may leave now if you don't mind, we need to prepare a code of laws and still have two more groups to meet
The halfling accompanies you to the door and with a small voice says If you should need anything I shall be available after the fourth hour of the afternoon. I'll be in charge of requisitions for the parties going down south
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"Thank you, Lord Mayor," Ahto replies. He accepts the charter, once it has been sanded, and lays it up on the table before the group.
"This is the moment, friends. Once we sign, we are bound to this course. If any of you feel you cannot continue, I will not think less of you for it. As for me, I cannot help but see the hand of Abadar pointing my way."
He takes the quill, dips it, and signs his name to the charter. He then sets it down and steps aside, making way for the others to do likewise.
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Wonky finishes scribbling her own notes, including scoffing at herself for getting the date wrong - "I don't know why I thought it was Pharast and not Calistril!" - and moves happily to place her flourished signature on the charter.
As she awaits the others, she chatters excitedly: "It's so useful to get physical coordinates by which we can orient our exploratory efforts. I'm very much looking forward to helping to map the area thoroughly!"
She looks around the room for a territorial map on the walls, performing some perfunctory calculations in her head:
(to estimate travel needs)
Sprocket follows her around the room, whining slightly. Once all have signed, Wonky leaves with them.
"Thanks!" she says to the halfling secretary. "What's your name? I'm Wonky, by the way." She extends her hand to shake the halfling's hand, currently full with quill, ink, and scrolls.
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Kalima reads over the charter making sure the terms are clear. She did see a loophole with the whole "unrepentant banditry", where mercy could be shown if indeed they were repentant.
Kalima then says, "The terms are agreeable. I shall put my signature to this contract. This looks to me like quite an adventure and a way to put my skills to the test."
With that she takes out her quill, dips it in ink and puts her signature on the contract.
She then says to the Mayor, "Thank you for your time good Mayor. You have put the task in good hands."
Aurelius signs without another word, turning and leaving the room, without looking back.
Paval signs after the others, nods at the mayor and the gathered swordlords and leaves.
When the halfling attendant tells them any supplies would be available later that day Paval nods and mouths a thank you.
The halfling nods back at Paval while he somehow manages to get everything he's carrying on his left arm and shakes firmly Wonky's hand I'm Neko. It's a pleasure to make your acquaitance Wonky
Aris pauses to re-read the charter, then signs in a hand that combines flourishes with chicken scratch. When she's finished, she looks back to the mayor. "Who else are you sending out, and will we be in a position to help them or receive help from them?"
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As the gnome veritably prances out of the mayor's audience, she remarks to Ahto:
"It looks like I'm going to a ball tonite! I've got nothing to wear that's formal. Do you think Neko meant formal wear when he mentioned 'acquisitions'?"
I don't know who that unhappy white-haired lady was, but I gather that she and Kalima aren't friendly, and we will likely be seeing her again at the ball.
"Lady Kalima, since it appears that I'm going to be in your company for tonite and hopefully some time longer, perhaps you could fill me in on the derisive Chelish woman we encountered upon entering the mayor's chambers?"
The gnome lowers her voice to a whisper as she suddenly remember something. She turns to Paval.
"Do you think Neko could get me a set of thieves' picks? I couldn't find the set my father had given me in my things when I left Lepidstadt. It would be useful to have - you know, in case...but it might be indelicate to ask a noble's attendant. What do you think?"
Well the area to the west has been assigned to the Baroness Althea Thrune, she's a professional adventurer and has anot excellent lineage but I don't think she is the collaborative kind he strokes his chin for a second To the east we're still negotiating who to send but our original plan was for it to be a team led by one of the local Swordlords
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Kalima looks to Wonky and says, "Ah, miss Wonky. Taking a step from being an inn-employee to adventurer I see. You must have some interesting skills to bring to the group if you were invited to come along on this expedition? You do not appear to be a Cleric or a Wizard but I'm sure you got some ability to deal with the rugged bandits we are bound to face. As for the Baroness Althea Thrune, she is a Chelixian and bearing the Thrune name so likely deals in the Diablism that their country is infamous of. We will undoubtedly cross paths on this expedition and I am sure and likely not on pleasant terms."
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The gnome cocks her head to the side as she responds to Kalima.
"I'm an adventurer first, Lady Kalima, and only working at the inn due to a lack of funds for my research. I've got more than a few alchemical tricks up my sleeve thanks to the good university where both Aris and I studied, I was trained as a tinker and an animal husbander by my parents, and well, there's Sprocket!"
The bulldog gives a little woof!
"I can't say enough about him," she finishes.
"Seems likely the Chelaxian b*%+! will be the same pale haired tart we will be meeting tonight, no?"
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"Seems likely the Chelaxian b$%*~ will be the same pale haired tart we will be meeting tonight, no?"
Wow, he has some anger issues to work through, I think.
"I think the appropriate term is 'Chelish', you'll find, Aurelius." Wonky winks. "Rhymes with 'relish'. As in, 'you relish the chance to see her again tonite.'" The gnome giggles.
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As the party leaves the townhall a heavy rain is falling again. They hurry back to the inn where they're received by a hot bowl of soup and a big smile on Madame Vika's face News fly in this town my friends, come eat and prepare yourselves for tonight she looks down at Wonky You're a terrible waitress and washerwoman but I'm happy you've found your calling my little library mouse
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"It seems I need to see about procuring a proper set of vestments," Ahto says to the group. "Madame Vika, would you be so kind as to direct me to the local Church of Abadar? I doubt even a fine tailor could put together an entirely new set for me on such short notice, but a little hemming on an existing cowl and stole might not be too much trouble."
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"You're a terrible waitress and washerwoman but I'm happy you've found your calling my little library mouse."
The gnome gives Madame Vika a big grin. "Does that mean my job won't be waiting for me when I come back?" She gregariously shakes Madame Vika's hand and then hugs her left thigh. "Thank you, Madame Vika, for the storeroom floor, and the hospitality towards Sprocket and me."
She turns to head to the storeroom, thinks again, and spins on her heel.
"Madame, if I make up another batch of my special cocktail syrup one last time, do you think you could see your way around subsidising my evening dress for this upcoming ball?"
Wonky will gather up her belongings in a neat stack, tidy up her clothes and hair as best she can, and then give Sprocket - and likely herself, by exposure - a bath out back of the inn.
Vika indicates the ways to a nearby Temple of Abadar and says You're welcome to stay the night here anytime you need she looks down smiling at Wonky and the same I say to you Wonky, as long as you bring my dearest Sprocket alongside you she seems to think for a couple seconds You know we're having trouble making ends meet lately but I think I may have some clothes of my youngest daughter that I may be able to adjust for you... if you don't mind the fashion sense being almost twenty years old