His slightly over-played but no less sincere ramblings rebuffed with a barrage of elitism and racism, Halvair changes gears while trying to mask his frustration with this has-been.
"Given you're such a busy individual, I was not planning on taking up much of your time. As I mentioned, His Majesty is redirecting the kingdom's resources to make this push for new land and a new future. That he is sending a motley team of outsiders - some of whom apparently have as pristine a reputation as The Cursed Lands - demonstrates he is either a visionary who understands the Cursed Lands must be redeemed at any cost, or he is convinced that the local help isn't up to the task. I'm trying to help you save face by pushing for the first option, General.
"Speaking of saving face, I think you'll be hearing a different tune around here in a year's time regarding the Cursed Lands. Just as we'll be changing your impression of the forbidden territories, I'm certain you'll have good cause to reconsider what you said about my wave-blooded comrade; he's had multiple chances to falter from a most dedicated path, and he's walked it straighter than the most upstanding citizen I've met. What your critical eye registers as inexperience or bravado in my half-elven companion is, in fact, the spark of limitless potential and an unwavering sense of duty to a cause only recently adopted - an army with but a hundred of his focus would never rout!
Halvair narrows his eyes as his rebuttal's flames are banked for more intense purpose. On the matter of duty, General, you might remember your own oaths. His Majesty offered us every blade of silver to which he has a claim. Whether it is your hand that wields the moon-touched edge or the equally adept hand of another, each blade must point to the Cursed Lands for this expedition. To whom do you have greater loyalty?" Halvair motions with his arm towards the general's sword.
The general takes a heavy sigh. He pulls his sword off his belt and hands it over. "If this is all you wanted, take it. I have no further need of it. Me and my men have never seen battle. We were unprepared for what we encountered out there. I am not fit to be a general. I am done with all this, I must leave." With that the man walks briskly past you and out of the chamber. You now have another silver sword in your possession.
The blue man watches, shocked by the sudden change in the general, and more so by his retreat from the room. "Prejudice born of guilt, though he needs our comfort to bring him back to glorious ways, it looks like he is lost to his black despair." He pauses as he thinks on the poor man, but continues "But we have attained our goal, the sword is ours to use, I say we go back and meet the rest. I am getting tired of all this, a mere foot soldier need to eat...hahaha yes broth and drink, you with us." He starts to walk out, but stops, "If there was something I could do to help him, release him from his guilt?"
Evrail turns to Surveen "Guilt is like a darkness that will be a companion for them the rest of their days. Some men cannot give up their darkness. In others they can find a way to release it. The general though I not know what type of man he is seems to be of the latter. His darkness is with him all the time."
Having not expected the leader to deflate, wither, and sink like a week-old birthday balloon, Halvair is stunned enough that the general makes it out the door unobstructed. He starts as if to follow the man and make some amends, but he stops after taking a single step.
No, he invited my retaliation for wrongs committed, and he shall have to live with the sting of my vengeance. Oh, Calistria, for one who favored this prisoner, you sure do take none yourself.
Grim-faced, he hands the general's sword to Evrail and nods once before slipping out the door to find the nearest servant. Slipping the young man a gold coin, he entreats the liveried employee to keep an eye on the general and make sure he doesn't do anything untoward. Returning to the general's room, Halvair looks to the two guards and says "That was not quite the result I was hoping for, but hopefully it leads to no lasting harm. For now we have what we came for, and meeting up with the rest of the team is a promising prospect. I'm sure there's plenty for everyone to report. I'll be just a moment."
Halvair procures an inkpen, ink, and paper from the general's quarter and leans against the table to write a note. Finishing it over the course of some inspired scrawling and a few stylish flourishes, he folds it, seals it (using the insignia on the butt of his whip, assuming wax is available), and places it in a conspicuous place.
When I first led men into battle, I did not know inspired tactics from wanton recklessness. Why they followed me I cannot be certain, but follow they did despite my lack of experience. I kept them alive as best I could, but many died and many were captured; I do not know if any survived, as the years I spent imprisoned by the enemy never saw fit to grant me a even a glimpse of my fallen command. I gave in to despair, but fortune saw fit to give me another chance.
Being a general means far more than knowing your way around the battlefield; it requires showing a strong face to the people so that they know they are protected. Your men followed you because your presence inspired them to do their best and more besides. Engaging the spirits you did as a first battle was not poor planning - it was a turn of bad luck that appears to have haunted you ever since. I've lived with something similar for twenty years, but I can still be the inspiration for a new team seeking a better future. It is time to break out of the prison you built for yourself. The people of this kingdom still look up to you, and as the faithful of Cayden Cailean say, today is the first day of the future.
I look forward to your joining me tomorrow to witness the sun's dawning on a new expedition. The kingdom will need your expertise in consolidating the expansion.
Faithfully optimistic,
Halvair
With that, he departs to find the other two.
Thats a good idea, I will accept recommendations for new player. Have them put thier apps in the ooc thread
Thats a good idea, I will accept recommendations for new player. Have them put thier apps in the ooc thread
You all finish a long day of exploring the new society. Most of you have gain a rather useful amount of information and some extra equipment.
Unfortunately Gregor's eerie silence and Serra's rambling were enough to outright offend the herbalists daughter. She denies any assistance you ask for and demands the two of you leave before she calls the guards. The two of you leave and return to the caste.
Eemund informs you all that there will be two new recruits who will arrive at the border city to meet with and assist you in exploring a potential site for starting a new city.
You all spend an undisturbed evening getting rest. The next day rolls around and Eemund assembles you. "Now we are going to the border city of Gathlan to meet with the two recruits and then I will give you the official charters."
You travel about a day to the northern most city in Baltheras. There you meet with a dwarf named Angus Hammersmith and a gnome Kicknicker. You are all introduced to each other. Then Eemund pulls Halvair aside and hands him the charter. "This is for you and Serra only. The two of you are in charge of the group and this is a list of objectives as well as some other info."
You two are the leaders of this expedition. You are responsible for everyone in your team.
The survivalist will aid in procuring food, exploring the land, and providing details on the local setting and whereabouts of any wildlife, weather to be used as food, or to be considered a threat.
The EngineerYour specialist in construction and tool work. The tight tool for any job. This individual should be used to aid in building any elaborate set up you need. Dealing with locks when they appear, and making repairs where needed.
The Guards These members of your team are meant for protection. They are not meant to start wars. Do not assume simply because you have these combat capable individuals that you are invincible. Assess every situation before plunging head first into them
The Quatermaster This individual is in charge of the camp you set up as well as watching over the your teams equipment. He has a wide range of supplies provided by the Guild. Use him and the supplies wisely. This person is trained in arms but is only meant for camp defense. He should not accompany you on any of your exploration
Camp Hands You will be supplied with three able bodied hands to care for you and the camp. They are responsible for only the following: Cooking, Laundry, Cleaning, and other busy work around camp. They are non combatants and while they have been commissioned crossbows, these individuals are not to get involved in any conflict situation.
Objectives
You are to finds a suitable locations at least two to four days travel from the nearest Balthelras city. You will continue to explore different locations until you have found a spot that meets the majority of the needs. Once you find a candidate spot, you must explore withing a 60 mile radius of it to find all the needs. Base camp will be set up in the center while you explore. The needs you will be seeking are as follows:
Food: A good source of food, weather from wildlife, or agricultural prospects, the land must be able to supply.
Water A water source is always helpful, weather it be from a lake, river, or a well. There needs to be a supply of water.
Raw Materials Ore, Lumber, and masonry are not as necessary but are defiantly a benefit. We need to make sure that the area can provide appropriate materials for building.]
Terrain Good topography is good for building a new city. The land has to be rich but solid to build sturdy structures on. There should be plenty of even land and a lot of room. Space to build a road always helps too.
Safety The chosen area must be safe. All potential dangers and threats must be noted and observed. You are simply required to study these threats. Not engage or attempt to remove them. If the opportunity to remove or pacify a threat should present itself, consider carefully before taking action. Remember. Surveying and choosing the right location is all that is required.
Final Say It is not likely that a single location will meet all of these demands but we are looking for the location with more pros than cons. Once you have decided on a location, return to the Balthelras capital and speak with Eemund to confirm your pick. Then the colonization of the cursed lands can begin.
Eemund steps away and turns to the rest of you. ”We are to aid in the Exploration of Northern Furbiddian as well as the colonization efforts into these unknown lands. Most of you are looking to start a new life. This is your chance to do just that. Here we will be the first foreigners to have a place in Furbiddian and the treasures and discoveries of this land are ours for the taking. There is the possibility of hostile life out there in the unknown lands, weather it be in the form of wildlife, monsters, or even other lesser civilizations. Though we are not mercenaries, we have an investment in this expedition and I expect every one of you to fight to defend it. All threats must be made aware of, and should we happen to have the resources, we will deal with them accordingly. You have waited a long time for an opportunity like this it is standing within reach. Now let nothing stand in our way. The future is ours and it is filled to the rim with opportunities. Go and make our dreams reality. Good luck and may the gods of all things good guide your steps and protect you on your travels”
Eemund bows and heads over to meet with Halvair "I am sure you have managed to decide on an appropriate location to start right Halvair?"
Here is the list once more for your final approval:
Northeast: 2 and a half days from the border.
Terrain: Dense Forest and Possible River
Due North: 3 and half days from the border.
Terrain: Plains and a nice amount of foliage but not many trees. Possible lake further north
Northwest: 2 days
Terrain: Mountainous. Possible Mineral deposits.
These are the three sites at which you are asked to evaluate for settling purposes. Pick one to go to first. Once more I will say Halvair has the final say.
|
Angus harumphs loudly. "Of course, I can work with any landscape selected, but stone as a medium for building is far superior to wood. Less prone to collapse, less prone to burning down, if a bit longer to properly set. Of course, if it's quick you're after, and I remind you as my father said, 'If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right,' wood will work. I'll build you a city worthy of the ages, be it stone or wood or any medium you have. But stone is my counsel, not that I expect you'll take it."
The big blue man speaks with a longing, "No good sir, stone may be your way, but the refreshing taste of water is the giver of life, well that's the way I feel. Either due north to the lake, or to find the river through the forests. Either gets my approval, if you would take my advice."
Evrail sighs as the new comer and Surveen speaks he than turns to Halvair saying " I believe the best course of action is to go to the plains. My reasons for this are thus. First choice is the forest. It has workable material from the trees and the land that is cleared by logging may be used for farm land. The problem with the forest is how dangerous it is when no-one knows what is in it. The predators of the forest know the land far better than we do and we will just be easy picking for them." He than pauses for a moment before going on "The second option we have are the plains. I suggest here because it is open land which allows us or settlers to see any thing that might come at them. Plains also allow for good farm land which will help with the settling of the areas by proving more food. If it is true as well that there is a lake farther north than that is all the water that will be needed for growing and living. Now to the mountains even if you do not take my advice listen to this. Let us not go to the mountains they would be the most dangerous of all. We have no idea how safe the paths are or if the area is known for land slides. A land slide could level everything that is built in less than a day. We also do not know the weather or if the paths freeze doing the winter there. The mountains I suggest should be studied before thought of as an option for a colony."
"I would prefer the forest route, but baring that the plains seem to be a reasonable route. The mountain site, while likely the most valuable in terms of minerals and gold, would prove to be the most difficult settle in terms of food and land on which to build.
"Well, I've been here for about a second, but if you would like my opinion I'll give it.... I agree about the plains. Farmland is easiest to provide food. We're just scouting it out now, anyway. We can choose which place to settle after visiting all three, can we not?"
Halvair considers the advice and recommendations for several minutes, during which he shakes his head, paces aimlessly, and sporadically mumbles to himself.
No clear winner between the forest and the plains, so we'll just have to choose and adapt.
Turning to address his most patient companions, he begins "There are merits to each of the locations, and I think each could serve as solid starting point for our expedition. In the long term, I am interested in developing all three sites, but I feel the plains will make the best starting point.
"Not only will it provide plenty of easily developed land, but the minimal effort to begin farming projects should help to make the installation self-sufficient; the last thing I want is a settlement cut off from our food suppliers to the south due to some disaster. In addition, the plains are nestled between the wooded river and the mountains, which makes it a natural jumping point and - if necessary - a welcome fall-back position should things turn sour as we explore the other sites. With the lake nearby, we may be able to develop productive food resources and explore future settlement locations hitherto unknown on the far banks. On that note, the open plains should make it easier for us to spot potential dangers in this foreign territory and easier to predict hazards to safe settlement.
"The main drawback I see is that there are few construction resources in the plains. Here I'm leaving a fair bit of responsibility to our engineer, scholar, and surveyor; I know you'll rise to the challenge and keep the rest of us apprised of potential difficulties we can help you overcome as a group. To those of you who recommended other locations, your advice did not fall on deaf ears. We will reach the other sites, and even your dissenting opinions will help to spot potential pitfalls on the plains that I might not spot."
Nodding in conclusion, Halvair adds "Well, it's about time to tell Eemund. Let me know about any concerns you have as we walk. I also have some discretionary coin to spend on additional supplies, so let me know if there's anything you need to requisition with the group treasury before we head out."
Kiknikricker appraises the dwarf with a questioning eye. "Sod houses? You mean with earth as the roof? Whatever for? I'm sure we can come up with something less likely to bury us all alive... I think. I mean grass can be woven together, thatched for a roof. I'm sure we'll be able to find something to keep things upright, the plains can be full of all kinds of life. But then again, the plow idea is a good one, you've got it right we'll probably have to clear some tough land, but do we need to do that now, or are we just surveying?"
Kiknikricker looks at the rest of the group sheepishly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to talk so much. My name is Kiknikricker. I must admit it's a bit startling being so far from anything I've known suddenly. You'll find I have no trouble expressing my ideas, but they usually tend to be me just thinking out loud. I apologize ahead of time if I say something offensive, or talk out of turn... I mean nothing by it I assure you."
”Our fearless leader has decided on the northern plains as a starting point.” Eemund praises your decision. ”Now, you objectives are to scout the site and make sure it is ready to receive settlers. You must first find as many natural resources as you can to ensure that the site can be self sufficient if need be. You may not find everything in one site but as much as you can would work. You also need to secure the site. The military here believes there to be monsters but I have learned that even a goblin is considered a horrifying and vicious monster to be feared. We know better. You are all trained and equipped to deal with whatever you find. Make sure you clear out any unreasonable hostilities that live in the area. If you find you need assistance, do try and return and we will try and acquire aid from our employers. Now, once you believe you have a secure and suitable site, report back to me and we will begin the colonization efforts. Now good luck to you all. The Guild is counting on you.” With that Eemund shakes each of your hands and bids you farewell.
You set off into the northern lands. You have three wagons in tow. Durban is driving one, Adam is driving the second, and Abbie is driving the third. Each of you are either mounted on horses, or sitting in the wagon. The land is lush with nature, aggressive nature at that. There are no signs of development anywhere in this land. You travel for the three days with plenty of supplies and are for the most part you are unhindered.
You arrive at the first site of the expedition. Durban calls out to Halvair. ”So, what’s da plan boss? Should we set up base camp here or do you want to set up somewhere eles?”
The current landscape is fairly clear. There are rock outcroppings here and there and a few patches of trees in various places. There are also patches of bushes all over the place, most of them sporting funky looking fruits. The weirdest part of this landscape is the purple grass. Most of you have never even heard of purple grass let alone have seen it. The site seems clear though, no signs of any hostile wildlife.
The choice is in Halvair’s hands. Is this where you will establish base camp? Your goal is to set up camp, and explore the surrounding area within two days radius of the base camp. Your main goals are to tally all resources within that zone and neutralize or pacify any and all potential threats.
Kiknikricker spends the journey riding in a wagon, conversing with people if they wish, but mostly tinkering with an odd device that seems half hammer and half hook of some kind. It seems to be cobbled together from various broken items.
|
|
Kiknikricker appraises the dwarf with a questioning eye. "Sod houses? You mean with earth as the roof? Whatever for? I'm sure we can come up with something less likely to bury us all alive... I think. I mean grass can be woven together, thatched for a roof. I'm sure we'll be able to find something to keep things upright, the plains can be full of all kinds of life. But then again, the plow idea is a good one, you've got it right we'll probably have to clear some tough land, but do we need to do that now, or are we just surveying?"
Angus points one stout finger at the gnome. "Listen you! Sod houses are a perfectly acceptable adaptation to the plains, I'll have you know! Of course, a decent person would never build from anything but stone, but seeing as I'm surrounded by you lot and not decent people, sod will have to do! As my Uncle Gorogormus used to say, 'You work with what you have, lad, and you make do with the least to make the best!' Why, I imagine he'd have something to say about living in grass, I imagine. Fancy living like a rabbit! Might as well grow giant carrots and hop everywhere!"
The arguments continues, I imagine, as we travel.
Serravael gasps
"Look, look at these plants! All of these plants there are such interesting specimen among these plants the like of which has rarely been seen! Oh my oh my oh my there are so many things that can be learned here! Even apart from the lack of magic among the people, but not all of you know this, so yes magic is unknown in these lands andit'squitefascinatingreallysoverymuchtolearnsoverymuch!"
She takes a breath, pauses, and then her eyes light up with realization.
"Oh, but I'm not here just to learn, I'm here to teach and impart knowledge!"
Evrail turns to look at Serravael and starts to laugh. His laughing stops as quickly as it starts however when he turns to Serravael "I know you are excited but do try to keep yourself contained. We have no idea what this purple grass does or what lives in it. You being so excited while examining everything might wake up or catch notice of whatever lives here."
Spending most of his time, with his eyes surveying the near and far horizon for anything that might threaten the group's progress, the large blue man is a picture of concentration he rides to the side of the group. However he cannot stop but notice the vehement discussions going on between the two new members sent to join the expedition. Despite himself, he joins the two during one or more of his breaks, "Now gents, this is no time to argue when we need to all work together to survive in these dangerous parts." Try as he may, he cannot convince the two to agree on a common view and in the end, he just shrugs his shoulders and looks pityingly at the two. Do they never stop.
But, the next time he has a break, he starts towards them again, trying to find the common ground between the two, yet coming away disappointed once more. Despite this, he gets to know them a little better, describing his role as a guard and how he is counting on them to "Bring safety and a feeling of home to any encampment that they have to make. That's what I want, whether its stone or sod, its just gotta me secure and keep the elements out."
Later, as he stands ready to help with whatever task he might be assigned, though as usual he takes his lookout duty seriously when not given work to do. He says "Surravael, you just be careful with all these strange plants around, no knowing what they might do. After all, even this purple grass doesn't fill me with any great confidence that it won't be the cause of some harm. I know I should be used to strange colored things, I mean some people look strangely at my colour, but purple! Now that is a strange and poignant colour." He watches Surravael as she excitedly looks around at the flora, ready just in case she forgets herself and starts off to study the wildlife from a closer perspective.
|
|
Spending most of his time, with his eyes surveying the near and far horizon for anything that might threaten the group's progress, the large blue man is a picture of concentration he rides to the side of the group. However he cannot stop but notice the vehement discussions going on between the two new members sent to join the expedition. Despite himself, he joins the two during one or more of his breaks, "Now gents, this is no time to argue when we need to all work together to survive in these dangerous parts." Try as he may, he cannot convince the two to agree on a common view and in the end, he just shrugs his shoulders and looks pityingly at the two. Do they never stop.
But, the next time he has a break, he starts towards them again, trying to find the common ground between the two, yet coming away disappointed once more. Despite this, he gets to know them a little better, describing his role as a guard and how he is counting on them to "Bring safety and a feeling of home to any encampment that they have to make. That's what I want, whether its stone or sod, its just gotta me secure and keep the elements out."
The dwarf looks at the man with a stern expression. "Listen here young man, do I spend my time telling you how to guard the caravan, hm? Then let us worry about the planning and building!" (Turning back to the gnome) "Fancy that! Young people today, I tell you, no respect for age or experience. No proper respect! Well, in my day we'd have been flayed alive if we'd had the temerity to.." The tale continues as you move away.
The dwarf looks at the man with a stern expression. "Listen here young man, do I spend my time telling you how to guard the caravan, hm? Then let us worry about the planning and building!" (Turning back to the gnome) "Fancy that! Young people today, I tell you, no respect for age or experience. No proper respect! Well, in my day we'd have been flayed alive if we'd had the temerity to.." The tale continues as you move away.
You knowledge of landscapes tell you that logistically, this is a nice even place to set up a settlement. Though there are few building resources, the land is flat and even and has been easy to travel the whole way here. Supplies would be easy to transport and irrigation would also be easy to do. However, your knowledge of nature reveals something quite startling. Most of the plants and fruits here are poisonous. Most not all. Worst of all, the reason there is purple grass is because of an undead taint. After examining it closely you are certain of this. If the grass is consumed it would potentially cause madness and even undeath to whatever eats it. Basically, the grass and much of the food found here could turn people and animals into undead. This taint isn't permanent however, and the grass should return to normal in a little under a year if the taint is removed. As will most of the fruits. The first problem is finding the source of the undeath taint and the second is destroying it. Knowledge Arcane will reveal more on the source
This taint comes from a rather strong undead known as a purple lich. While they are no where near as powerful as a normal lich, the essence they emit is their deadliest weapon. This very essence has the ability to taint nature and suffocate any living creature and turn it undead. The trick to defeating this lich is to first find it, defeat its minions, then find its bound object and destroy it. This lich does most of it's damage through draining spells as opposed to physical damage. The creature simply does not have the capacity to attack physically. Will and fortitude are your most important abilities against this monster. This area is likely infested with undead and not much else. Other wise it would be the perfect spot to start a settlement.
Kiknikricker spends a pleasant journey discussing buildings with the Dwarf, suspecting they will spend a lot of time arguing various building possibilities. He expects they will thoroughly enjoy themselves.
As Serravael grows excited about the plant life, Kiknikricker joins her. He glances with interest at the plants, but the elf's commentary is of more immediate interest to him. "You say they know nothing of magic? Hmm, that could prove problematic for those of us who wish to increase our own knowledge of magic."
He notices her survey of the area, and takes a look himself.
Kiknikricker spends a pleasant journey discussing buildings with the Dwarf, suspecting they will spend a lot of time arguing various building possibilities. He expects they will thoroughly enjoy themselves.
As Serravael grows excited about the plant life, Kiknikricker joins her. He glances with interest at the plants, but the elf's commentary is of more immediate interest to him. "You say they know nothing of magic? Hmm, that could prove problematic for those of us who wish to increase our own knowledge of magic."
He notices her survey of the area, and takes a look himself.
1d20+8
1d20+8
Kiknikricker examines the purple plants cautiously. "Well, this could be a problem. What do you think, Serravael? Poisonous, isn't it?"
Overhearing the gnome speak, Surveen just thinks, See no good comes from purple flora, I knew it. He continues to watch the two from a few yards away, looking for anything that might be a danger to them, other than themselves of course. Yet he just can't stop watching the gnome and elf as they inspect and discuss their findings, Surveen is almost oblivious to what else may be around them.
Gregor surveys the area, scratching Thorn behind the ears...
Knowledge(Geography):
Knowledge(Nature):
Profession(Herbalist):
Perception:
"The purple plants are certainly interesting...What of it Halvair, we making camp here? If so I'll see if I can find a bit of wild game for us for dinner...no sense digging into our provisions if we don't have to."
Gregor surveys the area, scratching Thorn behind the ears...
Knowledge(Geography):1d20 +7
Knowledge(Nature):1d20 +9
Profession(Herbalist):1d20 +8
Perception:1d20 +8"The purple plants are certainly interesting...What of it Halvair, we making camp here? If so I'll see if I can find a bit of wild game for us for dinner...no sense digging into our provisions if we don't have to."
Trotting back from the front of the line, Halvair appears energized and excited. "Purple plants! There's rather amazing stuff out here, and it looks like it could be settled quite nicely."
He takes a moment to clasp a purple leaf in his hand and inhale deeply. "Is this any good for eating? Could it be cultivated?"
Halvair, I need a Fort save out of you for sniffing the plant.......
Halvair struggles to cough out a simple "Or maybe not..."
Surveen, a look on his face as he sees Halvair react to the vegetation he just smelled. He walks quickly over, "You alright halvair? What's the problem? How can I help."
"Well, I did just mention they were poisonous, although I suppose you didn't hear me?" He starts speaking more to himself, "It seems to be an undead taint... probably local, might not be too difficult to get rid of..."
"Someone help me get Halvair into a wagon so he can lay down. This poison may get very bad." Evrail says after seeing what happened he than thinks for a moment before saying "Maybe we should burn all this grass after we find the source poison? Leaving it like this might be a bad idea."