Who is this Lita? I have never heard of her.
Baguta tips his cup to Jarcal and says "We should visit the rebellion as well. I've wanted to avoid it, but we cannot. I have contacts there, but will need to find them again." Baguta pauses to finish draining his cup.
"Long road ahead. Hope it doesn't kill us."
Who is this Lita? I have never heard of her.
"We don't know much about her, but she has apparently been heckling the merchant's guild to lower their prices to affordable rates. This part of the city is starving and sick because they can't afford the commodities they need, and the merchant's guild won't lower their prices for fear of losing their profits."
"There's high tensions running across the board, and I agree with Jarcal. By the sounds of what Hu was saying, leaving the merchant's guild in charge for too much longer might actually spell out catastrophe for everyone in these parts."
"Lita is leading a... resistance? She's trying to take control of the city--and I think the claim is rightfully hers, no?--and force the merchant's guild to share their products at a more reasonable price."
Vorannia remains silent through this, though she does accept a glass of wine. She seems to turn a little paler though, when the lady mentions the impossibility of escaping, even to formulate a plan without harassment.
Agatha nods. "Lita Tresben is a strong young half-elven woman. She is still to some extent a child as her father, the last regent of Torallas passed around the same time as the king. She is absolutely adamant about solving the lesser living problem. She lacks experience but makes up for it with a strong desire to learn. When she isn't harassing merchants, helping common folk, or running the day to day activities of Torallas, she is studying books written accounting the exploits of great leaders both in politics and military. Most people of good nature think that she has all the makings of a good leader and given the circumstances surrounding the kingdom, they believe she is doing very well. She is definitely a good prospect."
"We should visit the rebellion as well. I've wanted to avoid it, but we cannot. I have contacts there, but will need to find them again."
"We should make sure the rebellion puts the right people in charge, before we agree to help them. But yes, we should arrange several meetings and try to get our bearings in this volatile situation. I believe we should meet with this Lita first, then either track down the rebellion or figure out where to go from there--unless the Baron's contact from the collective finds us first," he nods to Tars Ruukin, reminding him that they are still waiting to hear from Leon's cousin. "But until that catches up with us, why not see what this Lita makes of the entire situation?"
Vorannia seems thoughtful for a moment as she sips from the glass of wine. "Of course, we do not only have to help the charismatic good-doers. It's a possibility, but leadership also belongs to those who can seize it by personal ambition and hold onto it through ruthless law."
"At some point, I want to find my relatives, and my family's estates in Jorallas."
Jarcal steps into the conversation to lend more detail to Leon's explanation, "Lita is the daughter of the former governor here in Torallas. It would seem her father took ill and passed away recently...he was a good man. From the sounds of it, Lita is even more of a philanthropist than her father was. It sounds as though she has genuine interest in helping the people here. Currently she is the rightful governess of the region and still holds much of the power here but that power is being challenged by the merchant guild who rankle at the thought of her soft hearted ideals and seek to take full control of Torallas. To this end, they have hired every mercenary in the city to oppose Lita's rule and raised their prices so high that the only way any of the common folk can hope to survive is to pledge their support to the merchant guild in order to purchase goods at a reasonable price."
"The merchant guild may have the right idea. With the area thrown into violence and chaos, prices will rise, albeit unfortunately." She stands silently and looks around the room before settling her eyes on Jarcal.
"I will go with you, though, if only for companionship. For health reasons, I hope that we can use the hours of darkness and twilight more to our advantage."
Vorannia seems thoughtful for a moment as she sips from the glass of wine. "Of course, we do not only have to help the charismatic good-doers. It's a possibility, but leadership also belongs to those who can seize it by personal ambition and hold onto it through ruthless law."
"At some point, I want to find my relatives, and my family's estates in Jorallas."
Jarcal gives Vorannia a sharp look, "That sounds much the same tactic as the Steward tried to use and it broke this kingdom into pieces."
With a softer tone Jarcal continues, "We each wish to locate our families and despite our new duties I refuse to force any of us to abandon that search. Once we meet with the Baron's contact, we should continue outwards, to Jorallas and learn what we can about how the other cities are faring in these desperate times."
We should not sneak out so soon after our last escapade without coming up with a plan first. I think we are in agreement that we should meet Lita? We have knowledge of the merchants guild but Lita is mostly unknown to us. Our information is only second-hand; we need to meet her face to face.
Vorannia seems thoughtful for a moment as she sips from the glass of wine. "Of course, we do not only have to help the charismatic good-doers. It's a possibility, but leadership also belongs to those who can seize it by personal ambition and hold onto it through ruthless law."
"At some point, I want to find my relatives, and my family's estates in Jorallas."
Jarcal gives Vorannia a sharp look, "That sounds much the same tactic as the Steward tried to use and it broke this kingdom into pieces."
With a softer tone Jarcal continues, "We each wish to locate our families and despite our new duties I refuse to force any of us to abandon that search. Once we meet with the Baron's contact, we should continue outwards, to Jorallas and learn what we can about how the other cities are faring in these desperate times."
"Perhaps you are right about the Stewart. But do-gooders too often focus on self-sacrifice rather than self-aggrandization. Personal ambition is what makes rulers, not goodness or nobility. No noble can hope to maintain his or her rule without an audacious clinging to power."
Jarcal smirks, "You are correct of course, the meek cannot hope to rule, but a firm grasp of one's power need not come at the expense of those you represent, only those who seek to subvert you and abuse said power...
"I think you thinking of this control of Torallas in black and white only. You only think there is two options; Lita or the merhcant guild. The reason that we know so far from my source is the merchant guild came up in arms because they see a young kid trying to tell them how to run there businesses when she lacks the knowledge, it would be like me forcing swordplay tips onto Leon when we know I've never swung a blade. Anyway this brings me to the grey area, what if we tried to strike a deal between Lita and the guild, to where she was the figure head and had an advisor from the senior staff of the guild, some like guild chairman Gurrham, he could let his group feel comfortable that there is experience close to her and she could try to work with them instead of forcing them. I promise you if this Lita tries to take control with out the guilds help, Torallas will be thrown into greater chaos."
A figurehead? I have not met Lita and I cannot vouch for her personally, but I can certainly support her ideals. The government must remain separate from the center of power that the merchant guild holds. Tyranny results when too much power is concentrated. If anything, Lita would need a series of advisors specializing in different fields, including a moral advisor from the church.
Faith will always be a more treasured currency than the wealth, and it is the clergy that distributes it. There is a reason that many people donate their livelyhoods to their church and atone upon their deathbed.
Jarcal considers the Baron's words for a moment before responding, "I never claimed that only one side could survive this conflict. No kingdom the size of Borallas can run efficiently without a well managed merchant guild. That is why I have suggested that we try to avoid severing any of our collections. A truce is the most likely resolution to this conflict to begin with, the only question is how much blood will be spilled before one can be reached? For that matter I have in no way endorsed Lita as the best candidate for ruler of Borallas yet, none of us have even met the woman and even if she lives up to expectations, this is only one city, there are sure to be strong leaders who have filled positions of power throughout the kingdom and most likely many of them will have far more experience than she. At this stage we can do little until we have gathered more information."
Turning to Jen, Jarcal gives her a quizzical look, "No one person is fit to rule a kingdom without support from strong advisors. However, I'm curious as to which church you would recruit this moral advisor from, if there is to be only one? Surely you cannot expect the entire kingdom to be represented by a member of the church of Erastil? There are many gods represented strongly within the kingdom. Any direct religious influence on the government would need to be made up of a religious council with representation of all faiths that are to be found within Borallas. Wouldn't you agree?"
All of the good gods share a set of morality. The importance of a religious advisor is to consult gods on vexing questions and advise from a moral standpoint, not spout religious doctrine.
I would be eager to recruit any one of my clerical colleagues, from the honor bound clerics of Iomedae to the bringers of the sun, Sarenrae. I trust them, as Erastil trusts their respective deities, to defend the interests of faith in the government.
Of course, a religious council is an excellent idea. The more clergy in the government, the better!
As the cool breeze of the night sweeps in through cracks in the boards over the windows, Lady Vorannia turns her face to accept the delightful scents of the dark.
"I agree that a conglomeration of ideals would be required to rule effectively, and most likely a truce between disparate organizations would be ultimately required to bring solidarity to the city. As to interpreting divine will, I will leave that to the religiously inclined, but while the deities may be able to inform and sometimes grant miracles to their mortal followers, I believe it is the freedom of the individual, and the strength of the individual to forbear in the face of adversity that ultimately determines the fate of the realm's ruler. And the power to make the sacrifices necessary to rule, in opposition even of moral standards, if that is required."
"Obviously we're going to need to learn a lot more about the political situation in this part of the city and everywhere else, too, before we come to any lasting decisions. If the merchant's guild and Lita could be persuaded to compromise with each other, however, that might be a good goal to shoot for while we're in these parts. Once the turmoil in this area settles down, we could watch how Lita handles herself in a position of power, and gauge her abilities at something even larger when the time comes."
"Let's keep the same watch order we've been using for tonight--seems to be working well enough."
Yes. Does anyone know how far Goralles is from our current location?
Jarcal sighs slightly before continueing his conversation with Jen, "I'm sure you would have no problem supporting a cleric from one of the faiths you are comfortable with. But what of the other deities who are well whorshipped throughout Borallas? Morality itself is a subjective term and many well known faiths share dramatically different interperetations. Can you honestly tell me you would be comfortable if the government's chosen representitive where a follower of Calistria like our new companion here? Or perhaps a member of Abadar's chosen, maybe Nethys? Each of which hold sway in this kingdom and have as much right as any other to be represented within the government. Would you deny them?"
Jarcal falls silent for a moment, "I'm sorry, my point is that we must be careful to establish an impartial government."
He then addresses everyone once more, "I think Leon may have the right of it. I think it is time to sleep, we've all had a very long day. Our previous watch works for me but we may want to find room for the lady Agatha in our order? Perhaps after myself or last in the moring?"
"If I may be so bold as to put for my unprofessional opinion. It is a bad idea to allow any faith to have any say on the government. Many people have cursed the gods for these troubled time and then as Sir Jarcal had mentioned. There are far too many religious groups that would want the government run to fit their personal deities. Many of the religious groups at the moment are at odds with one another. None of which are willing to accept anothers views over their own. Even some of the closer deity followers such as Cayden and Calistria are even disagreeing with one another. It would invoke another rebellion to have any number of religious leaders run the government. It just wont work." Agatha stands up and stretches letting out a big yawn. "Now we really should head to bed. Tomorrow we can try and get an audience with Miss Lita so you may talk with her. Your bounties mean nothing to her and her men. They are segregated from the main government and would do nothing that may help the Stewart and whatever mad plan he has. So I'm sure she wont turn you all in." Agatha looks around with an appraising eye. "So, where do I get to sleep tonight?" She says in a teasing manner.
Jarcal gives her his most charming smile, "A lady of your caliber sleeps wherever she desires. My home may have lost much of it's hospitality but I'm sure I can find accomodations to your liking."
Yes, we will soon have a pantheon. Could we head to visit a church of Erastil in Goralles after we talk to Lita?
It is getting late. I must be rested for tomorrow. Jen heads into her room, a bare room with few comforts.
Baron starts you yawn as well as he responds to Agatha, "I don't care how high and mighty you might be, were worth some real money so I wouldn't put it past this Lita to turn us in just as fast as anyone else. She might realize she can take on the merchant guild with our reward money or how many of her poor citizens she might take care of. All I be saying is morals don't always stick when moneys concerned, anyway we can talk more about this is the morning." He streches and gives a devilish look towards Agatha, "My rooms got a good view, and then looks to the group so I know Jarcal is going to smack me if I say this again but which watch number am I?" He gets ready for the retorts about his drinking again.
Okay moving along. You all cash in for the night. Agatha sleeps with the other two girls and when the next day comes about you do not get the rude awakening you have recieved in the capital. Instead you are awoken by a knock at the back door.
Leon grabs his sword and moves quickly do the door. "Somebody's here," he whispers, as he tries to peer out a window and see who it is.
Perception
You see your cousin standing at the door trying to look inconspicuous.
With a yawn and a strech Baron moves out by Leon and whispers, "At least they have manners, even if they might be here to collect our heads." He will queitly move up to the door and takes a listen.
"Baron," Leon says quietly, "I think your contact - my cousin - is here."
Leon moves to the door and opens it quietly, "Well met, cousin! I am Leon, and I hope you have good news for me. Come on inside, we'll be safer in here."
Diplomacy (if necessary)
Jarcal keeps an arrow trained on the door as Leon goes to answer it. Once his cousin is inside and the door is shut again, he lowers the bow and approaches to greet their new guest, "Greetings, I assume you are Leon's much expected cousin bringing news? Welcome to the Quean estate, I'm afraid I don't have much to offer by way of hospitality at present but know your making the trip here is much appreciated."
Baguta lays back down when he realizes that the guest is an expected one. His head hits the bedroll once again, but he remains awake and attentive.
Gayland moves in quickly and shuts the door behind him. "Good to see you too. Leon Holloway right? Your mother told me about you. I came to see my friend. The so called "Baron" Tars Ruukin. I heard from my contacts that he wanted to meet with me. My scouts told me you were hiding out here."
"So you have heard from my mother!" Leon exclaims, suddenly overcome with joy. "That is wonderful news! You must tell me everything, but first come inside, sit. We haven't much to offer, but at least there's a roof over our heads and a safe place to rest for the time being. The Baron is right here, I'm sure you have some things to catch up on as well." Leon motions toward the Baron, and steps aside to let him greet his old friend.
Jen comes out of her morning prayers satisfied, but her face quickly turns to alarm as she hears the ongoing conversation.
If they can find us, what makes it so that the government and bounty hunters cannot?
Veronnia draped the widow's veil over her head again at the presence of the newcomer.
She raises an eyebrow sardonically at the cleric.
"One would hope that certain individuals are more resourceful and less power-hungty than their political counterparts."
Moving back away from the door the Baron welcomes his friend, "Come on lets sit in a more comfortable room and catch up, took you long enough I thought you might be losing your touch." Tars snickers, and leads his friend to one of the more open rooms with places for everybody to sit.
"Don't worry Jen he won't turn us in right now, it would hurt his business. I hope your connections are still at the same level my friend, I have seen the collective has been changing its structure. I hope it was well to you."
"Still, it would not hurt for us to be more careful. If word is out that we are here, how long before ...certain people... will come for us?
Baron, find out who else knows we're here." And with that Baguta settles back into an uncomfortable snooze.
Gayland shakes Baron's hand and gives him a brief hug. "Thanks for the welcome. I know things are hard on you at the moment." Turning to Leon. "Yes I helped you mother and since the kings death she's been living quite comfortably in Gorallas as a middle class widow named Iona. Things have been a bit tough on her for a bit but she remarried, more out of necessity than actually love but they seem happy enough. Your step father is an Elf name Radan Hollcorn. Here is the address in case you want to visit." Gayland hands Leon a slip of paper with the location of the Hollcorn home on it.
At Jen Gayland chuckles. "We are at war with the government. Our scouts are better than theirs and it was the lot of you that revealed yourselves first. Your not being as careful as you should be. I wouldn't put it past some of the lesser of our organization to turn the lot of you in so I suggest you move soon and take much greater caution."
At Baguta. "Right now only I and a select, "trustworthy" few know you are here. I wouldn't take chances though. Baron does have friends in the Collective but he also has enemies. We all do. I suggest that our meeting today will be our last but I can try and put in a good word to the right people about you. May be best to come up with disguises and new names. The bounty hunters in this kingdom are some of the toughest around. They will find you eventually. You need to find some form of protection as soon as possible. I suggest a friend in a high place for starters. Someone who finds you more useful to have on their side rather than turn in. Right now there are a lot of folks like that and they don't trust the reward papers worth a rats ass."
Ah perfect, Goralles! Perhaps the shining beacon of hope in this tattered land. I know that times have been tough for everyone, but do you know how the religious flock have fared? I pray everyday for the safety of those people and I know that Erastil is working his divine hand to influence events, but there are many shadowy forces at play.
Perhaps we could visit and seek shelter in Goralles? The only type of people that I would trust more than the faithful is family, and Leon has living family members in Goralles. It is only four hours away; we will probably be able to visit all our destinations if we leave before the sun has not ascended.
"I recommend moving only at night at any rate. Unless we know we are in safe territory, and even then to act with extreme prejudice."
The lady's regal airs were not lessened by a night's rest.
"Disguises sound like a good idea. But I'm not certain what name I could come up with. If you have not noticed, I have a particular way of speaking that is not easily disguised or altered. The ancient blood of the noble Krellins flows through my veins."
"I'm not a fan of moving at night... but it might be safest for us. An encounter with the guards would go unnoticed a bit more easily at night--during the day they'd probably swarm us before we could do much of anything." He pauses, "Then again, there is the curfew. It might be a bad idea to run unnecessary risks. Either way, I would be happy to get to Goralles and see my mother as soon as possible. Perhaps after we visit Lita?"
Gayland listens to the conversation and pipes in. "Also there have been sightings of Dark Creepers and Stalkers hunting in the night. Not sure where they came from or why they seem so active but they are a very dangerous addition to the late night dangers of the kingdom streets."
Baguta looks up from his snoozing.
"Do either of those things explode with light when you kill them?"
"My friend do you have any tips on keeping eyes off us my friend, you know not getting noticed isn't the Barons specialty hehe. How much would it cost us to pick up a few fake documents and new identities and do you know who exactly called for my homes to be turned into stupid warehouses?"
At Baguta Gayland nods. "Yes all manner of Dark Folk explode in some way upon their demise. They are a secretive sort and have only become active in the past two months. They haven't attacked anyone that I know of, well not without provocation that is, but few people trust them as they are foreigners here. The guards can never seem to catch them and siting have been growing more numerous as the days continue. They're up to something but I am not sure what. Things have been hard on what few Drow live in Borallas as they are easy to accuse of being aligned with such creatures."
At Baron Gayland responds. "I can provide what you seek at the discount price of 500gp per person. You will look different, I will hand over new census documents to the government and make the old you disappear and make the new you a clean slate with no records anywhere. A bit pricey but with the bounty on your head you may want to consider it. Also, The people responsible for shutting down your home were the king and his advisers. When you were all arrested, they didn't stop there. They went to the trouble of going after everyone you knew. Mostly they were just arrested but many of them were executed in private. Others tortured to death. All because they knew you all and for no other reason."
Gayland looks at Veronnia with interest. "I believe I heard you mention that your a Krellin right? Are you apart of the group of your family that adopted Vampirism? Or are you against that group?"
Veronnia, I think it's time that you tell us. It's a matter of trust and a matter for your health. If I don't know the truth, then any treatment that I present for your injuries could be harmful if not fatal, especially if you were not in the condition to respond.
As a cleric, I may find it difficult to accept whatever truth this may be, but since it is clear that it has to be us to save Boralles, I will overcome that if you can overcome your secrecy.