It has been a long month. The scent of fresh grass fills the large room. While mostly empty, apart from some chairs and the big table, it has enough room to fit several dozens. The wooden door, ajar, lets in a warm summer's breeze. Outside, a growing chatter can be heard.
As you are all settled around the grand table, several people, heads of families and independent folks, all pour in. Lady Elise Angevine leads the flock of men and women with a pleased look. "The mill has ground its first batch of grain. The smell of bread is wafting throughout the village."
The chatter grows - more joyous, more cheerful. Nods of approval can be seen in your direction. The chatter slowly shift into a chant.
"New Celtara!"
"New Celtara!"
"NEW CELTARA!"
The rumble carries on for some time as the crowd disperses, shouting in joy. Lady Elise stays behind with you. There is a smile on her lips. "The villagers are pleased. I am confident that New Celtara will be a great place to live."
It has been a long month.
"But this is only the beginning."
With a slight bow to Lady Elise, "We will strive to make it so, my Lady."
Yes, we hope to build something upon this foundation we are setting.
Korvin kicks back in his chair, his daggers scratching against the sides of it. He teeters back and forth, keeping his balance on two of the chair's legs. He looks over to Elise while picking his teeth with a splinter of wood and widely smiles.
"Ye are lookin' as fine as ever, lass, an it's good ta' see them well fed." He motions over to the villagers. " But, these back yard farms aint gonna do it fer the winter. Wee be needin ta' cultivate some farmland. Maybe make sum hops n' barely fer me pops. His brew be the best in the Inner Sea. Hands down."
Korvin is still teetering in his chair as he watches the responses from everyone else. A perpetual smile runs across his face as he watches everyone treat one another as equals.
Falger's eyes shone brightly as he looked around the room, what had been his family's dream for so long was finally becoming a reality, and here he was, getting to take part in it. He fairly bounced up from his chair with the energy reserved for youth. "This is the start of something great, I can feel it, but there is so much to do, so many things we'll need, a town hall, trained guards, and of course, proper walls..." He stopped, furrowed his brow, and rested his left hand on the old sword that hung from his side, seeming to come down for a moment. "Well, I guess Korvin's right, we do need food first." Perking back up, Falger beamed at the others, "We should go scout out some good farmlands, and make sure the surrounding area is safe and secure as well."
The young Jarix, who tells everyone to call him Jarix the wolf, looks like a boy playing dress up in his overlarge cape with wolves head shoulder pads. His boots and shirt are trimmed in wolf's fur. He has a necklace of wolves teeth. Jarix holds his reinforced walking stick (club), also with a wolf motif, as if a scepter of ruler-ship. The entire outfit is topped with a cap designed to look like a wolf's head. What brings it all together, though, is that he is entirely serious.
"This mill, The Grand Celtaran Mill, will be the cornerstone of our great country. From it will come the bread that will feed a country, a country that will grow in size and greatness. So says The Wolf."
Leadership bonus should go to Economy
I vote Mill and Smith.
Irikar looks around, a smile on his face as he sees the assembled crowd and their cheer. Father bought us the time we needed to escape, but I still never thought that a band of refugees would find this kind of opportunity and do so well...
He nods at Falger's comments, silently agreeing with his assessment of the work to be done. "Indeed, sodliers mean little if they are too weak from hunger to lift their blades. Such things will come in time." At the mention of exploring, Iri's eyes brighten as he feels the call of the wilds pulling him, "Aye... Exploring the wilds, finding the gifts of nature, is a very high priority, and one I look forward to."
Alrich pauses a moment and then speaks.
Soldiers do not go hungry unless it is winter and they are at war with someone in a better position than they. Otherwise, they just take someone else's food.
Alrich finishes his statement with a laugh and then continues.
But, I see your point.
I wish to be a part of something greater than a nomadic tribe like those roaming Belkzen. There is work to do now to bring that about.
The unexplored wilds to the west of us could contain any number of dangers waiting to threaten our toehold and should be explored. The plains surrounding us on all other sides should be annexed quickly, in my opinion, so that we can grow that food we will need before the winter arrives. Also, controlling the old road will allow us to establish a trade route.
What else do we see before us, High Lords?
Alrich, you have hit upon the meat of the situation. The woods to the west must be scouted and the plains must be brought under the plow. We are well protected by the rivers, but the unknown forest flanking us is the biggest threat I currently see.
"Ya. Let's not be strayin' too far 'round these parts. We need ta be close to tha city so we can lend a hand or two. Let's make way tomorrow into tha nearby plains 'an choose a nice fertile spot ta plant our crops. An we be savin' wut we have for dat now? Right? I'm hopin' we have 'nuff after the mill an' all."
Korvin slams the chair down onto all fours and looks around the room before standing. He grabs a small cloak from the back of the chair and slings it around himself.
"Well I'll be 'round here somewhere. Come find me when ya be ready to travel."
After listening to the other.
I am glad they we have found this town and these good people. For many years, Celtara was the center of enlightenment and liberal government. Sadly in the years since it fell, many have suffered prejudice and hatred. For years, I have wandered these lands seeking only to help those in need, and every time I have been run out of town by youths and drunkards who only saw a kobold and decided I must have been the cause of their hardships.
New Celtara will be the center of a great land, a land where all are welcome as equals. A land where enlightened thinking is foremost and hatred and distrust of ones neighbors is something only discussed in tales to frighten children.
I agree, while taming the forest north and west of here is paramount, we must explore the fertile plains along the river to feed the people of this great town and to allow for transport to and from the south. So, let us head southeast along the river and see what these lands hold.
"I, Jarix, the Wolf, First Lord of New Celtara proclaims that the High Lords will venture forth and bring peace and prosperity to the land."
Let's get this game on. We'll be out for two weeks exploring and claiming land. We will take a circular route in the hexes surrounding New Celtara. We have to know as much as we can about the land immediatly around us. Once we are done with that, we will do a circuit of the the hexes one out from there. After that, we will be more selective in our explorations.
The ones immediately surrounding us are important, but the four directly along the river already have a road in them. If we claim these and build farms, then we get consumption reduction and economy boosts. I think these should be the first four we actually annex.
Polmora fixed on Jarix with that slightly predatory, hungry look of hers. "Well, young wolf, it appears as though you've made up your mind. Who would you have go, and who would you have stay here and look after things in your absence?" She quirked a half-smile to punctuate her question.
Breaking eye contact Polmora brushed aside the hair at her forehead, a faintly glowing sigil of an eye could be seen there. Something that, in the short time she had been with the settlers, most people had come to realize could only mean that damnable creature of hers was lurking about...somewhere, watching with it's big saucer eyes. Polmora looked around at the others. "I agree with Msosth, exploring the river to the south seems like the best idea to start. It's the sort of area that's liable to attract people, and possibly other things. Better to see what's there as soon as possible, see if the river is passable for transport as well."
Lady Elise bows to you as she glances out the open door. "I will ask the villagers to prepare some supplies for the morrow. Their celebration seems to be escalating, and I think I could go for some warm food myself."
With a smile she leaves. The evening turns to night, and the night turns to morrow...
The skyline offers little joy as the sun hides behind thickets of grey clouds. The weather does little to dampen the mood of the villagers, and as early in the morn as it is, the mill is churning. As you all arrive in the centre of town, you find the Lady Elise with several of the village youths and some of the older men. "Good morning, m'lords. We've just finished preparing the horses."
Several saddled horses, all with saddlebags filled to the brink with equipment and supplies, are presented to you. "The other villagers were so kind as to prepare the horses with supplies in case you were to explore continuously," Lady Elise smiles.
Irikar looks out over the horizon, trying to distract himself from his anxiety by studying the upcoming weather . Those clouds are not exactly welcoming..
He reaches the village center, distracted by thoughts of possible threats in the wilds and his excitement at being able to explore, oblivious to the villagers who have come to see the group off.
He nods in thanks to Lady Elise, "Most excellent, Lady... and a wise course of action. If all goes well, we may not need to return for several days."
He then returns his gaze to the horizon, looking off to the wilds, feeling them calling to him. Remembering himself and his role as a noble, he adds, "Fear not, friends. I will lead this group home again, and our nation shall be the stronger for our journey."
Seeing the group in the square and knowing that we are unlikely to return for a few days.
Thank you M'lady for your assistance. But, before we leave, are there any here who are in need of healing? We may be gone for a few days and I would prefer that any injuries sustained working, or celebrating, yesterday are tended to before I leave.
If there are any wounded, I shall use my Healing Hex on them before mounting. Once this is done, I am prepared to leave.
We'll go in a circular pattern starting with the road hex each time. I don't recall if DM Patcher mentioned it or not, but I'm hoping there's resources to be had in the unexplored/unclaimed hexes. We may not want to follow the yellow brick road from the start.
"Let it not be said that I, Jarix the Wolf, First Lord of New Celtara, is a micro-manager. Let any who would seek adventure and who loves New Celtara venture forth with me."
Alrich laughs and quickly responds,
If put in that manner, I cannot resist.
As he speaks the leaves move on the ground around him and whispering voices can be heard on the wind.
Yes, yes. The time is drawing near Alrich quietly responds to the voices.
Korvin eyes the pony with disdain. He huffs at the thought of riding it but eventually shrugs and climbs into the saddle. As soon as he pulls the reigns into his hands, the pony jets off, out of control. Korvin hangs on by the reigns, slamming side to side into the horse trying to regain control. Eventually the horse yields and the goblin climbs back into the saddle. He wipes the sweat from his brow and smiles to the group.
"Bet'cha didn't know I was part of da circus in my prev'yus life." Lets be hit'n the trail!
Kezzin mounts the mildest looking of the ponies. Here is to a successful survey! We go forth to secure prosperity for our new homeland! He moves his pony into a position behind and to the right of Jarix, On your lead First Lord.
Seeing the others mounting up, Msosth carefully climbs on his pony and sits there watching the world from much higher than he is used to. When the others leave, he carefully coaxes his steed onward at a slow pace.
Let us be off then Alrich bruskly states and with that, there is a swirl of the wind around him and his mount, drawing a whinny and quieting the whispering voices.
Korvin's pony falls in line behind Irikar's. The goblin takes a quick look back to his family standing on the edge of the town waving him and the other adventurers good luck. His breast swells with pride as he returns to waves in kind. Looking around to his fellow members he shines a toothy grin.
"It's good 'ta be doin tha right thing. Ya know'
Throughout the day while exploring some of the plains Korvin tells tall tales about his life in his old city. Tales of how he single handedly stole over a thousand gold and, being the swell goblin that he is, divided it to all of the poor goblins and kobolds. Most of his stories are filled with fanciful lies and tales, but a few hold some truth. Before long most of you know pretty much everything about Korvin's past - albeit with a few indulgences.
While he talks almost incessantly, you notice him scouting around. His eyes flash back and forth scanning the horizon. His ears perk up when he sees some wildlife every once and awhile. But his main focus is studying the earth before the group.
"Ya can nev'r be too careful 'round 'ere. Traps can find themselves anywhere."
Falger had bid his grandfather farewell with a hearty hug and stepped out from the gathered villagers, beaming from ear to ear. The sight of the horses gave him pause for only the briefest of moments (he wasn't much of a rider), before he swaggered forward grinning at the small group of youths present. After managing to mount his horse without looking like a complete ass, he waved confidently to those there to see them off and urged his steed after the others.
As they rode Falger listened to Korvin's tale telling with great interest, in fact he seemed to be paying more attention to the goblin than to where they were going. Taking most of the stories at face value Falger found his opinion of the, evidently quite adventurous, rogue significantly raised.
"Really?!" Falger eyed the ground incredulously.
From the village the road is heavily worn. The sun still refuses to flash from the skyline - in the wind the hint of rain is apparent. The great plains south of your village stretch for several dozen miles. The first hours of leaving New Celtara remain uneventful.
Korvin yawns. He looks to the sky and then checks what the villagers had provided him with, hoping to find a tent. After checking, he pulls the hood of his dark cloak over his pointed ears and keeps an eye on the ominous sky.
"Oi! I'm wonderin... Ya think it floods 'round here?
Sorry for the short posts, posting from my phone.
Msosth carefully takes note of the land what beneficial purposes it can be used for.
Kezzin looks up at the sky thoughtfully. Not really knowing much about weather all he can do is guess.
I think ...
Time is of the essence, in my opinion. I say we should push on throughout the day, exploring. Then, I tink we should rest and determine our new direction, if any change is required, in the morning. Any other suggestions? What say you, First Lord? Alrich asks as the winds begin to whip around him.
Irikar nods, "I would suggest we press on and continue exploring unless the weather worsens."
"What's a little rain? We've got important work to do, let's make sure this area is secure." Falger looked around at the flat landscape around them with a sigh. "I wonder if there is anything interesting around here..."
"Indeed. It is but a trifle. Jarix the Wolf, First Lord of New Celtara, is not concerned of a little water. Let us continue on."
The weather will likely shift into a heavy downpour that evening, and will last until the next morning, if the clouds are any indication.
The rest of the day proves to be as uneventful as the morning. Travelling along the road and mapping out the river shows good potential for farmlands. On the plains you spot the occasional fox, rabbit and elk. The area seems peaceful.
Evening arrives slowly as you finish mapping the area. The dark of night is accompanied by rain...
The rain has barely let up this morning...
I think the general consensus was to explore all the hexes around the town in a clockwise fashion. So the next hex SW or W should be next.
We'll go clockwise from here.
"Aye, settin' the perimeter's a fine idea. It's wut them guard did back in' me home town ta' try an' catch me. If we wantin' ta be keepin tha baddies out an keepin' an eye on our town it sounds like tha best idea 'round."
Korvin gives his consent to continue the search around the city in a clockwise pattern. He voices one single concern before they continue on, "Wonder where that road be headin tho."
I agree, one revolution around the city. Then I think we should explore along this old road and the river. Farmland along the river will be more fertile and the road and river will allow for much easier travel to and from New Celtara.
Irikar nods, "While I confess to burning curiousity about what's down the road, I do think we need to learn our defensive position first -- which means doing the rounds around the city...."
"Echo, echo...echo....ecchooooo" Korvin chuckles. "As an empty hall gives consensus to a lone goblin..." He clears his throat, "Uhmm, I be meanin, yeah, umm, let's be gettin' a move on!"
Alrich laughs and the symphony of whispering voices surrounding him grow completely silent for the first time.
Despite my instinctive desire not to, I find that joke remarkably entertaining.
After a moment's pause, the whispering begins anew.
So, per First Lord Jarix's request and that of my fellow High Lord, Korvin, I suggest we move off to investigate the plains to our west without further delay. Any other suggestions?
After a moment when the whispers grow into an angry chorus and the wind whips about his shoulders, he adds emphatically
We claim this land for New Celtara. he states and places a small stake in the ground. A stake with a string of bones tied to it.
Yes, yes, it is ours now he continues more quietly and the chorus hushes itself to a low whisper once more.
Falger listened while the others discussed their plans for the day. Not having anything to add he simply nodded in agreement and set off, whistling cheerily, to make ready for the days explorations. The rain had evidently not dampened his spirits.
Kezzin has nothing to add to the conversation, and looks a bit uncomfortable. He will keep his horse moving along with the rest.
Unless someone disagrees, we will move clockwise around the town. DM Patcher can do more than one hex at a time if we discover nothing in any one particular hex.
Our discussion now should focus on what after we have completed the 6 hexes around town. My vote is to move down the river and explore the 4 hexes with roads and river as this will be very beneficial.
After a quiet, cool night with heavy downpour, you head westwards. The clouds disperse to reveal the morning sun, and a warm breeze gives all the indication that today will be a warmer day.
You spend the day mapping out the plains. As afternoon starts to reach a quiet end, you can see the sun starting to turn. Another onset of thick, white clouds start to drift in across the open skies from the south.
You can hear something that sounds like howling.
Accompanying the howling is painful whimpering - as if something is being chased.
Perception:
Perception
Jarix is daydreaming. Someone be sure to give him a nudge.