"Shouldn't be too hard. Market days are held three times a week in town. Every family that's able to grow or raise or make more than they need sells everything they can. Most of it gets bought and floated downriver to the capital, but I think I can put in a good word for you, so they'll be more keen to sell to visitors rather than the usual merchants."
Gestelle gives you two names.
The first is Mendel, a merchant who specializes in buying up grain, beef, and produce for resale in Almas. Even though he's more of a wholesaler, she can convince him to sell foodstuffs to you. More importantly, he owns a couple riverboats that facilitate his business.
"I reckon I can convince him to ferry you downriver to the capital."
The second person she recommends visiting is Humphrey, who runs the general store. While most of his business is importing tools and housewares that the locals can't produce themselves, he does a brisk side business selling traveling and exploring supplies.
"Most of those customers are folks heading to parts north. He'll probably be surprised to have some travelers heading south, for a change."
Dugan digs in the purse at his hip and produces a small handful of coins. 'To feed you and the babe.'
Gestelle offers a snicker at the kind gesture.
"It's fortunate my husband isn't home, not just because he'd be jealous of you strapping men keeping me company. He's a very proud man. He'd say we don't need no charity. He's also a bit of a fool that way.
"Nothing wrong with helping folks out. It's the way things oughta be. Thank you."
As she speaks, you can tell that she is making jokes to avoid breaking out into tears. With her emotions already pushed to their limits by the recent delivery of her now two hours-old son, this show of kindness and generosity is almost too much for her.
"I'll make damned sure that the folks down at the market treat you right tomorrow."
Aleksey thanks the woman, You should get some rest, if vee are to go to this market tomorrow it will be a long day. Thank you for offering to make connections for us, it is most appreciated.
Turning to the others, he will then ask, Stop for supplies with this Humphrey, restock small things we may need, and then to talk to Mendel, perhaps for safer passage to the city? This seems like a good plan. the priest suggests to his colleagues, his Ustalavic accent thick.
I am tired, and may take zhee last watch that I may be awake to offer my day to the Inheritor? Aleksey turns in, finally removing the chainmail he'd worn all day since they came ashore.
Rest is hard to find in the farmhouse. The newborn boy proves to have formidable lungs, and he uses them through much of the night, crying out for food, to be cleaned, or simply for attention and affection. When morning comes, you feel so tired that you imagine canoeing downriver through the night would not have left you feeling so spent.
Although not much larger than Falcon's Hollow, hosting perhaps only a couple hundred more permanent residents, Riverford proves to be a far more energetic town - at least on market day. Carts haul heaps of wheat and produce into the marketplace at the end of the town's main street. Ranchers herd their animals towards the square or to the butchers. River merchants haggle loudly, both with the locals and amongst themselves.
Sitting along Riverford's cobbled main street, it is not hard to find Humphrey's general store. As described by Gestelle, it is topped by a pole bedecked with an overly large Andoren flag, flapping lazily in the morning wind.
'You imagine this place has a half decent brewer? I'd buy a barrel but settle for a sip at this point.' Dugan scans the market stalls thirstily as they make their way through.
As if in answer to Dugan's question, you see a cart laden with casks clattering along the cobbled street as it is hauled up from the riverside docks and toward a pub sitting beside the market square. One of the passing locals notices Dugan watching the cart, and he proudly boasts that its brewed down in Almas from hops and barley grown right here in Riverford.
Aleksey grins wistfully at the dwarf, Aye, stop for a pint, but we need to be speaking with Humphrey before my meager wits become addled. Ulark, your thoughts? Aleksey grins at the other two, producing a sufficient clay tankard to fill with ale.
Topped off, the priest urges the others toward Humphrey's shop, Good Evening, we're seeking supplies, and anything of interest which may peak our fancy? Our friend Gestelle said you were the best around for re-supplying.
"Well howdy, friends!" the friendly, ruddy-faced shopkeep calls out as you enter the store. "All are welcome, save for them shifty Absalom city folk. Or them Chelish devil-worshippers. Or them strange Qadirans."
Humphrey's eyes light up when he sees Dugan and Phineas enter with the party.
"Aye, our stout neighbors to the north and our allies from the sea are 'specially welcome in my store! The dwarves of the Five Kings are always so polite and respectful, so they'll always be honored guests. Same to you fine gillmen! I saw the Archstone down in Almas once, back when I was a boy. A fine gift from your kin, so you have my thanks!"
Phineas looks incredibly bewildered by the store owner's words, his overly gregarious approach, and the way he grabs his hands and gives them a vigorous shake by way of welcome. In turn, he greets each of you with a hardy handshake that he clearly puts his strength into.
Dugan, with his thirst ever so briefly slated, follows along contentedly. He enthusiastically returns the shopkeep's handshake and sets to perusing the man's wares. 'Not sure what I'm looking for, but I'll know it when I see it.'
"Go on, take a look around!" Humphrey encourages you, hooking his thumbs under the straps of his overalls. "If I don't got it, you won't find it in Riverford! I also keep a stock of traveling gear - rope, tents, packs, canteens, and the like - since you boys look like a hardy bunch bound for the northern frontier."
Aleksey is well stocked other than needing some rations, so he'll stock up on those. Vee are headed to zhee capital, any advice since ve're heading in zhee opposite direction from most?
"Well now! It's been a dog's age since I got down to the capital, so I don't know much about what's going on there nowadays," Humphrey says, doffing his cap and scratching his head.
"First of all, if'n anybody tells you to watch out for folks from the Mwangi Expanse, calling them criminals or what not, you can spit in their face for me. Them Mwangi are decent, hardworking folk and don't deserve no trouble. When I was a boy, I heard tales about that magic school of theirs. I used to wish I'd get some kinda magical summons and get to become a wizard. Oh well," he sighs.
"On a more serious note, though, keep outta Portside. The docks in any city are a rough place, but they been having some 'specially nasty trouble down in Almas. I've heard stories about some 'Portside Strangler' going 'round and...well, strangling folks. If'n you ask me, it's probably some Chelish devil worshiper. Or maybe just some vagrant hopped up on pesh."
As a counterpoint, Humphrey strongly encourages you to visit the Liberty District in the capital. He rattles off a list of landmarks worth the seeing: the Golden Aerie, the Golden Cathedral, the Field of Concord, the Citadel of the Supreme Elect.
"And, of course, the Archstone Monument," he adds with a wink towards your new friend, Phineas.
Dugan wanders the shop, listening to Humphrey's advice on Almas before stopping awhile before a display of bows. He takes a few in hand, strings them, tests their draw, and finally finds one to his liking. His hand goes to his coin pouch as he continues to admire the weapon and his face sinks as he feels it's lightness. Sheepishly, he returns to bow to it's display and steps back.
"Don't be shy! Want to take that one out back and loose a couple o' arrows?" Humphrey says, sidling up to Dugan. "Not many hunters 'round here, but I thought I could sell them to adventurers heading north. Didn't pan out. Anyhow, if you like the draw, I can give you a good deal on it!"
'If you don't mind me getting a bit of practice in with it, I'd be more than happy to. I don't want to lead you on, I'm very coin poor at the moment. Too many mouths to feed. I don't know that I could offer you enough for it.' Dugan says, casting longing glances at the bow.
Humphrey shows Dugan a shortbow with a sturdy draw. He offers it to him for 20gp, also offering a half-quiver of arrows at no extra cost.
Later on, when you make your way to the market square, you find Gestelle and her wailing infant already negotiating on your behalf with Mendel, convincing him to offer you passage on his barge to Almas.
Greetings Gestelle, zhis is the Mendel you told us of? Zhank you for all your help. We seek passage to Almas, for us and our gear, as I'm sure she's already told you. She is a powerful advocate for herself and her son, is she not? the priest beams with the last, Oh, I am Aleksey Rostmonov, cleric of the Inheritor. May the blessings of justice find you well this day. Aleksey introduces himself, allowing the others to do as they please, and then sits back, allowing Gestelle to continue to work on the barge captain. Please, we did not mean to interrupt your negotiations.
Even though your arrival pauses the pair's conversation, you heard enough to recognize that Mendel was trying to rake her over the coals - demanding an exorbitant amount from the farmer for just ferrying a handful of passengers downriver.
Now that you have arrived, having seen you, Mendel is suddenly much warier of his negotiating tactics. Recognizing the potential passengers as adventurers, he he visibly regrets his aggressive tactics, lest Gestelle's surprising new friends turn the tables on him.
Between the party's intimidating presence and the strong-willed Gestelle's skill at haggling, you secure passage aboard Mendel's riverboat for 1gp apiece.
"A steal, considering the distance and the fact that you'll be taking up room that could otherwise be given over to valuable cargo," the merchant insists.
Aleksey begrudingly hands over a gold Andoran Falcon, Thank you Captain, the Inheritor bless you this day. he nods and waits for the others to do so.
Dugan thanks Humphrey for his offer, but ultimately leaves empty handed. He hands Mendel a gold coin with a tut, and then settles in for the voyage.
'Be nice to relax and enjoy the river.'
In short order, you are ushered aboard Mendel's broad, flat-bottomed river barge. You stand alongside many sacks and barrels filled to the brim with wheat, millet, barley, radishes, turnips, potatoes, and other produce. However, the earthy aromas of these foodstuffs is overshadowed by the smell of the slabs of freshly butchered beef.
"Grain and produce may pay the bills, but beef? That is where the real money is made," Mendel boasts.
...
What follows is an exceedingly dull voyage down the last 100 miles of the Andoshen before you reach the capital on the coast. Fortunately, it is at least a scenic trip. The riverbanks alternate between thick stands of majestic trees, rolling hills covered in wildflowers, and bucolic villages with well-kept architecture. Smaller skiffs and boats go up and down the river as the signs of commerce and civilization become far more pronounced.
Finally, the bright walls and soaring towers of Almas come into view, with the vast glittering blue of the Inner Sea beyond. Pennants and flags flutter vigorously in the wind upon the parapets. Stone bridges arch over the arms of the Andoshen delta, raised upon tall pilings to allow riverboats - like yours - to pass freely beneath.
You have reached your destination: one of the busiest ports on the Inner Sea, and the seat of the only democratic nation in Avistan.
Now we have gotten here Dugan, where is it we are going? There is someone to report the Lumber Consortium's complicity in the goings-on? The priest asks the dwarf and the others...
The party's original mission is to deliver two messages. The first is a pardon from Commander Odeber, exonerating Ulark and company for the death of Gavel Kreed - documenting it as a justified action and with proper punishment meted out.
The second message, as Aleksey guesses, is irrefutable evidence of the Lumber Consortium's illegal and immoral activities. This will provide the People's Council and the army with grounds to shut down the Consortium and seize the assets of its board of directors.
From Inconnu and Phineas, you know that these can be delivered to either the Palace of the People's Council or the Golden Aerie, headquarters of the Eagle Knights, both of which are located in the city's Liberty District.
Well, let us proceed to the Liberty District, since all of our immediate errands seem to be heading in that direction. the priest says to the others, Perhaps we should be wary for more assassins, but likely not in the day given how the city tends to view things such as that. barring anyone else's input, Aleksey will ask for directions to the Liberty District from a random passerby, and once the party starts heading that way, will ask the group, Should we head to the Palace or the Golden Aerie? I'd be partial to the Palace myself, but either works for me.
Dugan nods dumbly at Aleksey's suggestion. The sheer press of humanity causes the dwarf a great amount of distraction and he marvels at the diversity of buildings in the city.
'Why can't you just put all the gods in one temple? Do they all really need their own?'
Each of the faiths have different rules about when and how to venerate their deity, and of course, certain faiths do not get along very well at all. Imagine a priest of Adbar trying to share space with a ranger of Erastil, or a devotee of Cayden?
'Aw, sure, but that building has to be big enough to give 'em all space to do their thing?' Dugan argues, throwing a thumb towards a warehouse dominating the block the group is traversing.
You eagerly leave behind the maze of narrow lanes twisting between the tall, ramshackle buildings at the center of Almas’s meat industry, a neighborhood commonly known as Mugget. Mendel's barge docked and let you off here, on the southern shores of the Andoshen, so he could offload the cow carcasses he picked up in Riverford. You step carefully across cobbles slick with gore produced by the ever-busy butcheries and make your way to one of the long stone spans that cross the mighty river.
The bridge eventually deposits you on the southern end of the Liberty District, given over more to famed restaurants, inns, taverns and other entertainments than the civic buildings that give the district its reputation. Stopping to ask for directions, you are told that either destination sits along the Field of Concourse, about a half dozen blocks to the north. The Palace of the People's Council sits on the western end of the concourse, overlooking the river; meanwhile, the Golden Aerie anchors the center of the long processional.
Aleksey looks around, marveling at the construction of the city and the openness of the fields. Comparing the city to his native Leipstadt, he marks the differences in architecture and style.
This is truly a wonderous place, full of promise and prestige.[/ooc]
His feet lead him west, toward the Palace of the People's Council, and he mounts the steps, ensuring his holy symbol drapes properly from under his chainmail, looking every inch the warrior priest of Iomedae. He enters the Palace with the others, walking side-by-side, showing to all that this ragtag group is made of equals.
[b]Pardon me, but my companions have a need to speak with someone in the department of justice. Our mission is twofold and important to the economic future of Andoran.
The honor guard at the gates of the grand building view you incredulously. You suspect that only Aleksey's bearing as a holy man keeps them from turning you aside on the spot. Once you produce the letter Commander Odeber sent along with you, laying out your purpose in brief and granting you her commendation, they take you a bit more seriously. You are left waiting for a few minutes before a sergeant arrives to escort you inside.
You are guided along immaculate hallways of polished wood and white stone. Briefly you pass a wide, arched doorway that looks upon a massive amphitheater, lined with marble benches, that surely must host the assembly that governs Andoran, made up of elected representatives of the people. No other place in all Avistan hosts such an oddity.
Eventually, you are deposited in the office of one Andira Marusek. Although her attire marks her as one of the members of the People's Council, there is much in her bearing and demeanor that reminds you of Commander Odeber - suggesting she is a retired military officer.
Marusek explains that she heads the committee charged with investigating the Lumber Consortium's abuses and crimes, and she bids you share what developments you have brought with you.
'I don't know many specifics, but I know the lumber bastards to be piss-poor hosts. They never bother to even try to treat me decent. Most of what I know is there in them books.'
Marusek politely accepts the documents you provide, and she begins thumbing through their contents. As she progresses, her stoic demeanor slips away and she grows visibly more excited with every page. A wide, sharp smile crosses her face.
"Hot damn!" she declares, slapping the top of her desk. "We got 'em! We finally got those Consortium bastards!"
She summons her aide and gives him some whispered but urgent instructions. It isn't long before the halls of the legislative palace are a flurry of activity.
"I've bid that an emergency session of the People's Council be called to hear and act upon this long-overdue evidence. We must act fast, lest the barristers of the Consortium seek to bury this, or their other agents attempt to silence it.
"I would ask you and your companions to serve as witnesses, offering your testimony to corroborate this damning evidence against the Consortium."
'That's why we're here, as I understand it. How long until you get enough of your folk together to pass judgement? I don't relish spending more time than I have to in all this.' Dugan gestures all around, slightly exasperated.
Marusek indicates that it will take at least two hours to assemble enough members of the People's Council and make the other preparations for an official, admissible hearing. She also asks that you stay within the building, to make it easier to ensure your safety.
"Once word gets out about these proceedings, there will be Consortium agents and sympathizers on the hunt for you."
Aleksey nods, Well, they have already sent assassins after us, but we defeated their ambush. In fact, that is where we met Phineas here. I have no part in the testimony, other than the fact that the Consortium attempted to murder these men that they wouldn't testify at all. I was dispatched by members of my church to aid these men, and it is my duty to see it through to trial with them. the priest forces his accent aside, speaking slowly to ensure everyone understood him without difficulty.
You stay under the protection of Marusek and the guards at the legislative building while the assembly is gathered. Although it is a tedious affair, at least you are given very comfortable seats and good drinks to make the wait more tolerable.
Eventually, you are escorted to the grand amphitheater used by the People's Council to address the governance of Andoran. Unfortunately, your boredom is not yet assuaged as you must stand in the wings and listen to the opening procedurals before Marusek invites you to the podium to share your testimony.
The armored priest shifts his weight from foot to foot standing in the wings, and adjusts his shield to hang more completely behind him. Then, his head whips around, tilted slightly upward, and a tattooed hand quickly fishes his gauntlet from behind his belt where they were tucked. Smoke! somevhere in zee building, it is on fire! he calls loudly, attempting to alert Marusek and whomever else may be close at hand.
Aleksey's timely warning sends a sharp reaction throughout the amphitheater. Representatives bolt upright from their benches and hurriedly rush for the exits, despite calls from a few of their fellows and the chamber guards to remain calm and orderly.
"The door won't open!" one of the council members calls out.
"This one's sealed, too!" shrieks another.
Panic and fear seize hold of the People's Council and intensifies as they realize the doors are barred against them, trapping everyone inside as the smell of smoke grows stronger and closer.
"We need to find a way out," Marusek declares, remaining a rare island of composure among her terrified peers. She turns to you for insight.
Aleksey looks to Dugan and Ulark for suggestions, and then considers their surroundings. He casts about for an axe to take to one of the doors, finding none, he looks to the windows, and finally the walls of the chamber.
Aleksey shrugs and pulls out his most valuable scroll, rapidly incanting the holy prayers to Iomedae inscribed upon it, and rapidly fashions a doorway from the chamber to the exterior, he motions for the other warriors to lead the way and then quickly follows with his shield raised to ward off any potential attacks when the heroes emerge. Everyone, outside, now! he loudly cries, and emerges into the outside of the building, calling the strength of the Inheritor upon Dugan.
His shield high, with Iomedae’s symbol shining upon it, he moves to shelter the politicians as they exit the smoky chamber safely.
Aleksey and the magic of his scroll provide salvation for the Andoren legislature. The representatives pour forth from the doorway the priest fashions, maintaining an orderly egress thanks to the auspices of the selfsame Iomedaean.
Fueled by his battle rage, Dugan intercepts a gaggle of rough-looking men outside who definitely seem out of place in the Liberty District. He kneecaps one and blocks the escape of the others. The surrender almost immediately, begging forgiveness for what they did and insisting they were just following orders.
Priests and spell-casters affiliated with the Eagle Knights or civil authorities quickly arrive to contain and squelch the fire within the legislature building. The would-be arsonists are taken into custody and soon give up information that begins a trail eventually leading back to Consortium offices in the city.
You are hailed as heroes for saving the People's Council, as well as bringing damning evidence that both incriminated the Consortium in Falcon's Hollow and pushed them to desperately make this last-ditch effort that only sealed their fate.
Constables, investigators, and Eagle Knights are issued warrants and mobilized to raid every Consortium office in the city - and the army is authorized to follow suit throughout the rest of Andoran. The Consortium's assets are to be seized or frozen, and logging activities will be overseen by government-appointed agents.
Ulark and the rest of the party are exonerated for the death of Thuldrin Kreed. Of course, now that you are national heroes, it might be difficult to return to the lives you knew.
For his part, Ulark took poorly to his newfound stardom. He was, by all accounts, a simple man. For him, being literate was enough when it came to an education, and he was content with making an honest living from manual labor. To be an exotic guest for the rich and powerful was nerve wracking. But what made it worse was his fear. The fear of his sight, and the angelic fury that lurked within. He was plagued by doubts of whether he could control himself, and whether he would be compelled to kill again. Because Ulark the woodsman was not a killer, even if one was inside of him.
Before long he retired from city life, and then from town as well. Moving out into the countryside, he used what coin he had to buy a tract of land and took up farming. There he earned a reputation as a polite, if reclusive, neighbor. In time the story of the day moved on, meaning that both the visitors and the guests dwindled. Which suited him well, for a life of excitement and adventure was not for him.
Perhaps in a different life he would have continued on the road, and would have had to contend with his bloodline. Then he might have fallen to, or conquered, what dwelt within. But such was not fated, for one way or another, all adventures must come to an end.
Aleksey, satisfied to see justice done to the Consortium, and the star of his new-found friends on the rise. He journeys to the temple to Iomedae here in Andoran, seeking counsel of his divine patron, and assists Phineas in finding his way back to his own people.
Justice achieved, Aleksey wandered north upon his steed, itinerant, looking for divine inspiration as to where he would be needed again, perhaps the Worldwound, perhaps Last Wall...
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Dugan returns to the Vifstaurvolk living in the depths of Darkmoon Vale. With the Lumber Consortium now on the proverbial gallows, they would pose no more threat to his people. He continues to visit Falcon's Hollow and meet with Jak Crimmy to speak of his exploration of ruins left behind by fallen Tar Khadurrm. Commander Odeber soon begins sending messengers in hopes of recruiting the dwarf as an emissary for his people, but Dugan continually declines. Rumors soon arise that he wages a lone war against the fey of Darkmoon Vale, aiming to dissuade them from preying upon the Vifstaurvolk. Thus, a new conflict may soon erupt upon the Andoren frontier...
...
Micheo returns to the Wolfrun Hills and sets about restoring the Sarenite shrine at the Grotto of St. Elth. He uses Falcon's Hollow as a base of operations and source of supplies before venturing downriver to continue his work. He also makes visit further downriver, towards Wolfshire, to try and guide Baron Zebulon and his son Bartram towards "freeing" the people living in their town like serfs.
...
Inconnu's travels grow more infrequent, and he is found around Falcon's Hollow far more often. Specifically, he is found in the company of Jocelyn Artem the tanner. Many locals eagerly gossip about when the wedding will be held and how well the Varisian bard will take to settling down.
...
Freed from the threat of reprisal by the Consortium, Joanne and the rest of the sizeable Aiba family return to their roles as pillars of the community in and around Falcon's Hollow. Already, the Aiba sisters and their kin are set to be secretly preparing clothes and goods for the pending wedding of Inconnu and Jocelyn. As serious talk arises of holding an election for a mayor of Falcon's Hollow before the year's end, Joanne is one of the candidates floated by the locals...much to her own chagrin.
...
Ultimately, Falcon's Hollow never loses its frontier spirit. It remains the northernmost bastion of civilization for the democratic nation of Andoran. However, thanks to the party's actions, this spirit is unshackled from corporate tyranny. From the cutyards to the sawmill docks, the workers of the town see their quality of life slowly but surely improve. Although tensions between the superstitious townsfolk and the fey court of Darkmoon Vale continue to rise, the people of Falcon's Hollow have been freed from their mortal oppressors.
- The End -