Dawn break on the morning of 20 Calistril 4710 over the border town of Restov. Newly fallen snow covers the walkways and streets; most wooden dwellings have a slightly uncomfortable draft. The skies are now clear, with the crisp smell of winter air.
The Lord Mayor has announced a festival in four days in celebration of some new undertaking.
Vors walks about town with his head held high and his sword at his hip. The montsh of work and training to protect this place, and now an even better way to distinguish himself by leaving it. Taking some of what remains of his pay, he visits a stable outside of town and makes arrangements to purchase a mule and explorers gear, to be picked up in a few days.
He pays a visit to his sweetheart, Reinala, a dancer and musician at the Five Courses Inn (one of the nicer in town). They go out for dinner and talk quietly about his upcoming venture into the wilds and her preparations for the festival.
He returns to his regular watch patrols for the next few days, and keeps time free to meet with the other expedition members as they are available.
The amazement is as easy to read in Farfadet's eyes as a child's for a new toy. The fire-haired gnome hobbles along the busy streets of Restov as marvels of all sorts fill his mind and imagination. Street stalls of a thousand colors, fishermen shouting and hailing the passer-bys to sell their deliciously smelly fish, troubadours and acrobats performing for a captivated audience... His spirit wanders, excited at the perspective of spending four full days in this town of wonders.
What a truly amazing place! Who would have known civilization could be so appealing. Desna be blessed, there's so much to see... and a festival! Oh my, there won't be enough time to sample it all.
Hours later, Farfadet's spirits have soared even higher, maybe thanks to the local ice wine, with such a mellow aroma of nut and fruit. Giddy as ever, the gnome dances and flirts with so many gentle ladies (and maybe even a few gentlemen... a good thing he won't remember everything the next day!) that he soon fails to understand what the badly-shaved fellow in front of him is talking about. He sure looks full of surprises though!
***
The excitement is soon over when his hangover matches the time he wakes up in a dark alley, his gold pouch having vanished with the merriment of the day before.
Oh my... full of surprises indeed! My dad would say that it's still a new experience, but one can see he's not the one in my situation.
Walking into the first inn he can find, his path crosses that of a broad-shouldered, six feet tall human specimen eating his morning broth. Feeling his pocket, he ends up finding what seems to be his very last copper piece, one that the previous night's "gentleman" didn't even bother with. A sign of luck, thank you great Desna!
Putting the coin on the table for the innkeeper to see, he addresses the burly human. "Excuse me, err... human person? Would you be so kind as to let me share your meal? It looks like someone took my last penny. I'm Reginald Karavalthinosaruntir, pleased to meet you!" Having a difficult time deciphering the warrior's blank stare, he quickly adds. "But you can call me Farfadet, all my friends do!" A bright smile illuminates the gnome's face, despite the sour times he's recently been in.
If Restov wasn't a festering sore on an ogre's backside, Ardainn wasn't sure how one could tell the difference. It was full of humans, for one thing, and they seemed only a hair less foul than the bandits that had set upon him and his friends as they traveled through the wilderness into Brevoy. The wilderness he now intended to go back into.
Oh, Istiel, how has it come to this? he thought to himself, as he walked through the gates of town and found himself on a muddy street bustling with the savage activity of human business. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. If this is what I must do to find you again, then so be it.
He spies a fire-headed gnome wandering into what looks like one of the less filthy inns in town, and follows him inside. He would have to learn how to work with other races, even humans. He knew that. But he could start small. He chuckled at the accidental joke.
Naturally, when he spotted the small man inside, he was speaking to a human. A burly looking man. He sighed, and approached them anyway.
He moved through the room with a surprising grace, like a great cat moving through the jungle. His otherwise handsome features were knotted up in a scowl that hadn't left him since he'd woken to find himself in Brevoy, without his love.
"Greetings, Mister Farfadet" he said, a bit formally. "I am Ardainn Jadanas, from Kyonin. May I join you?"
Asha strolls into town and slumps over a moment putting her hands on her knees. She takes a deep breath before standing up right. Seeing the streets being prepared for festivities she grins and tightens the straps on her pack before walking on. Passing by a water trough she splashes a bit of water on her face and scrubs her hands a moment before slicking back her hair and tying it up in a ponytail with a green string.
She makes a round through town before finding one of the nicer taverns and inns. Coming inside she finds a table with a bench. She up strings her bow and sets it on the table, then up straps her pack and sits it on the floor next to her seat, laying her quiver on top. Before sitting down she surveys the room. Not too many patrons around she takes note of the fire-haired short man, talking with a human and being followed by an elf. She turns her chair to face the others while she reaches into her belt pouch and pulls out a few coins flashing them at the tender for service.
Vors chuckles at the small gnome's appearance and introduction. "Well, Farfadet, on behalf of the city watch, let me apologize for your troubles and loss of coin. Despite our frontier heritage, we are a noble people, but not without our flaws. Iakob, a breakfast for the gnome, here." He places a pair of coins on the bar and turns as the well equipped elf approaches, then spots the human woman come in with her longbow. "Looks like you'll be busy for the festival, Iakob. Hope you have plenty of brew ready."
As the man addresses the barkeep Asha listens in anda smile comes to her face as he buys a meal for this Farfedet, he eyebrow quirks as she says the name in her head. Shrugging she stands and walks over to the others, placing a hand gently on the mans shoulder "A good deed for the betterment of one shall better the community as a whole." She nods a greeting to the elf and Farfedet as she withdraws her hand.
Smiling she continues "I am Asha, humble servant of Erastil. I have a table if you would all care to join me to break fast."
Iakob and a server walk out for the kitchen carrying a pair of flat platters with a portions of bread, cheeses, and a few slices of sausage; as well a mugs of the common ale. They wait while the two groups reshuffle their seating, and then place the food before you.
Iakob: My, my, what a collection of new faces here. Vors, I know. Master elf, master gnome, milady, welcome to Restov. I am Iakob, owner and barkeep. I hope your visit or stay, whichever it may be, proves most enjoyable.
He appears about to address Ardainn more directly, but thinks better of it and returns to the bar where he and a slender lady, likely his wife, begin a quiet conversation with some looks towards your group.
Asha shifts her gear over and move the bow from the table to lean against the nearby wall as the others come over. She pays Iakob and helps him place the plates down on the table "Thank you sir."
As she sits, she pulls out a small carving, looped around heavy cord resting on her neck, depicting a bow made of stag horns with an arrow nocked in it and holds it a moment before starting to eat. She smirks after taking a sip of the ale and looks to the others "Good to have something aside from water for a change."
Vors turns to Asha, extending a hand in greeting before moving the table. "An Erastilian, eh? Most welcome, then! And you, Ardainn of Kyonin, well met. As good Iakob says, I am Vors, Vors Falchen. A pleasure to meet you all. Is there anything I can tell you of our fair town? I grew up in these very streets."
For Vors:
Extra knowledge since you're a native to Restov:
This is the first winter festival you've heard of in the city that wasn't tied to a religious holiday. The city is normally bunkering down this time of year, hoping to make it through the final weeks of winter with enough supplies. Most people in town are completely taken with the idea and are trying to come up with how they can contribute/enjoy the festival best. No major details have been announced, but the Mayor has let it be known that some of his personal supplies and herds are being offered up to inns and taverns that present interesting proposals.
If needed
There's been rumors all over Rostland that the lord mayor of Restov has been outfitting and recruiting explorers for the Stolen Lands. Not exactly secretly, but also not exactly publicly. A series of backroom deals. If you pased through northern Brevoy/Issia, the rumors were more of a "what are those Rostlanders up to now?" variety. In your family's area it is more of a "Something needs to be done about the Stolen lands, but this is matter for Brevoy as a whole, not Rostlanders or Restov alone.
However, since you've arrived the rumors have dried up, with the festival being all anyone can talk about.
Since entering Restov, or since last night in the case of Vors, you've had the feeling off being watched whenever you were outside. However you never caught anyone watching
Since you arrived in Restov, or since last night in the case of Vors, you've frequently spotted multiple young men, in the livery of the Lord Mayor in your vicinity. Perhaps they are only out on errands for the major and this festival of his, but you think they may also be keeping tabs on you. You've been stymied in all attempts to confront the errand boys directly.
Asha sits down her mug and looks to Vors "I've heard talk of a festival, what is the town celebrating? I don't recall any major holidays any time soon." she shrugs before continuing "At least there aren't any coming up soon from where I hail."
Farfadet smiles brightly as he contemplates the impromptu convergence of friendships-to-be. All of this because I was robbed! Humans are truly a wonderful folk. I won't stay in that city for long, but they could be the company I have been longing for!
"Well met, Vors, and thank you for your kindness! And you... Ardainn? How elvish of you! And you're... Asha, and Iakob. Well met! Let us share a meal together, for Lady Luck never tells what will happen in the days to come. A friendly moment shared - even ephemeral - is a wonder of this world, let's enjoy it!"
Breaking the bread and handing it to the various people who sat at the table, Farfadet listens carefully to the chatter of the tall people, basking in their learning to know each other.
Slowly feeling more at ease among the tall folk, he joins in the conversation. "Don't apologize Vors. You know, it wasn't so bad... In fact I find the dealings with human folk quite unintuitive. It has to be because I've never been in a real town before. I'm more of a wanderer, I make my small way in the Stolen Lands, where I've always lived. Are you all from this city? Apart from you of course, Master Ardainn. I've heard so many stories of wonder about Kyonin. So sorry about the demons invading!"
Vors says to Asha, "You know, this is a new celebration, as far as my memory recalls. It's not a holiday - we're usually just trying to ride out the end of winter. My darling Reinala - an entertainer here at the inn - is making plans for performances during the festival."
Between bites, Vors takes the occasional look at the door.
Asha smiles "Well a good time to come through town then I suppose." She looks to Farfadet "You say you are from the Stolen Lands? I'm hoping to potentially make a trek that way. As for me, I am from here in Brevoy, up north a ways around the northern parts of the Gronzi Forest.
The conversation flows around Ardainn, and he sits quietly. There is a festival coming, which explains the number of people he's seen on the streets. An unprecedented event, according to the guardsman.
"It should be fun, yes?" he says, scowling. Somewhat grudgingly, he introduces himself to Vors and Asha. "I am Ardainn, of Kyonin."
"Well, Ardainn, I should hope it fun! I only hope for mostly peaceful revelry. I am like as not to be working extra for both the guard and for Iakob over the next few days, and I'd rather not spend it hauling every stir-crazy laborer to the stocks after he's had a drink too many."
"Indeed I am! " he answers Asha. "If you wish to explore, I could take you there, though I'm not much of a guide... I always end up lost! That is no matter of course, since I have no real goal, no place I want to reach. I love the wilds for what they are. And the fey too! I'd be delighted to introduce you to my many faerie friends."
While you're finishing your breakfast, a young man in an obviously too large tabard bearing the office of the Lord Mayor, steps into the common room. He glances around, nervously consulting a piece of paper in his hand. His eyes' widen noticeably as he notices your group and appears to double and triple check is scrap of paper; swallowing several times, before walking over to you.
"I-I-I, was sent to find four individuals matching your descriptions. I was not told you would be together. The Lord Mayor requests your presence, tomorrow after the noon bells, in his office.
"Vors, you are of course known in the city. Your guard captain has been notified of this appointment, and you've been granted the next 48 hours off, with pay. Report to the captain to draw your pay, if needed."
He continues, looking embarrassed and nervous, "Master gnome, the Mayor told me you were the victim of unfortunate events last night and I was to offer you this small token in apology. The Mayor also asks your name and mode of address. He hands you a small coin purse.
A small, utilitarian made coin purse, with 10 gp worth of mixed coins
"Good lady, master elf, like the gnome you are unknown to us, how should you be announced to the Major tomorrow? You all mean to attend, do you not? he finishes in a rush.
What confidence he gained in executing his mission, appears to drain rapidly from him. He doesn't seem intimated by you, but still very nervous in your presence.
"The point of a festival is to indulge oneself, is it not?" Ardainn said to Vors. "Is it the custom of these lands to encourage men to drink and then punish them for drunkenness?"
"I am Ardainn Jadanas," he says to the nervous man. His scowl deepens, if possible. "What reason has this Lord Mayor given for wishing to see us? I am not some servant that will answer a summons with no explanation."
Farfadet brightens like a flame when the guard addresses him. "You mean... me? The Mayor wants to meet... me?! There is surely a mistake, I am very much unimportant. My name is Reginald Karavalthinosaruntir, but my friends call me "Farfadet". Let's be friends! What's your name? My address? I have none so far, I've just arrived in Rostov."
The gnome also gladly accepts the coins from the guard, though he appears to be at odds as how to express his gratitude. Shaking vigoroulsly the guard's hand, he finally opts for a vibrant "Thank you so much!"
"Wonderful!" Asha exclaims to Farfadet "It would be a great boon to have one familiar with the area in my travels, though it may be some time before I set out depending on circumstances." She grins sheepishly as she continues "As to the matter of getting lost, I must admit I've run into the same issues from time to time, though by Erastils grace I always eventually find my way and Old Deadeye provides in times of need." Her face moving from a grin to a look of concern "Though these fey you mention, I would advise caution. They can be quite dangerous."
As the man enters and comes to address them Asha listens attentively and responds promptly to his question "Of course, if the Lord Mayor is in need of my presence I shall be sure to see him. I am Asha humble servant of Erastil."
The young man, more boy than man, starts at Ardainn's hard tone.
"Master Ardainn, my pardon for giving offense. I am not privy to the Mayor's reasons."
He pauses a bit, looking increasing uncomfortable as Ardainn's scowl deepens. He steps a little closer to the table, between the friendlier Farfadet and Asha, and pitches his voice a little lower, continuing to address Ardainn.
"The Major did say I was to impress upon you the importancy of this request.... The Mayor's office has been exceedingly busy of late; perhaps such experienced individuals such as yourself can read into the follower events."
"Yesterday began as a normal day, with the Mayor in countless meetings with notable business owners in preparation for the festival. However, around mid-afternoon, messages can rushing in with news of the death of Sir Menas. Sir Menas had been meeting with the Mayor frequently and had been purchasing cold weather and surveying gear. However he got into an argument with one of his companions Marcus Lodovka, calling blood-fued, on Marcus's house. Both ended up dead!
"The Mayor quickly dismissed the merchants and summoned Magister Eandi, Banker Gabradon, and Elder Silvui to council. I was bade to stay an watch... There was much chanting and burning of incense, the sun set and candles burned low. As they asked for guidance on who nearby was the most likely to be successful in Sir Menas's place. Images floated in the air! I saw each of you.
"Vors was shown walking the streets, enforcing the law. You, Asha, were shown walking confidently through the snow, towards the city. Farfadet, we saw visions of both your wide-eyed amazement at our city and your unfortunate robbery. Good master Ardainn, we saw you far from our borders, valiantly fighting off bandits from your kith and kin.
"Banker Gabradon was most pleased by the vision of Vors and gave me your name. Elder Silvui appeared content by the inclusion of the other three, while unknown to him. He mentioned that you three should lend and 'appropriate respect for the natural world to the endeavor'. The major added and 'the elf obviously has no love of bandits'.
"I was told to make notes on your appearances and to seek you out in the morning. Magister Eandi insisted that while the visions showed some of you far from the city, that you'd all be within by the morning. I'd guess whatever Sir Menas was planning for the Mayor involved a journey and killing bandits."
He stops his recital. While talking about his experience with magic he is obviously excited and frightened.
To Asha: Thank you. A Erastilan? I can see why the Elder was happy with your inclusion!
He turns back to Farfadet, and and a genuine smile appearing on his fast. His nervousness disappears and he begins to babble with the enthusiasm of a child.
"I am Theodric! I like friends; you must have many amazing stories! I haven't seen anyone with clothes like yours before, where did you get them? Oh by 'address' the Mayor was only wanting to know if you had a title or honorific to use when talking to you! But I can see why that would be confusing. What do you do when you're not eating breakfast?"
Vors thumps a hand on the table. "A summons from the Lord Mayor, and thanks to a vision? Of course I'll be there! I must go quickly to the barracks to report, then come back to make plans for tomorrow." He strides to the cloakroom to collect sword and shield, then makes for the door. "I think it best for us to gather here tomorrow as well, then make for the office together. I will be happy to lead the way. Until then!" He opens the door and braces against the cold as he heads out.
Despite his best intentions, Ardainn finds it difficult to dislike the young man as he tells his story. He is strangely unimpressed by the description of images floating in the air, having some experience with magic in the past. When he hears the reasons why he was selected, and Theodric's guess as to the reasons for the summons, he very nearly smiles.
"I will be there after the noon bell, then," he says. Then after a moment, he adds, "Thank you."
When you arrive at the barracks, the guard captain waves you into his office.
"So you heard; if they'd've asked me, you would have been my choice, but they didn't ask; they never do.
"Anyways, you're one of our best patrolmen, but as we've talked about, there's no openings here for advancement. A special project for the Mayor sounds like just what you need and deserve. I've been told this is a longer term task and to not expect you to return for quite some time.
"You'll be heading south, I hear, into the Stolen Lands. Rugged, uncivilized. Expect to be camping rough; don't expect barracks living or even lodgings every night. Its still winter, better be prepared for snow, cold and a wet spring to follow.
I've let the quartermaster know to help you out; get him a list of what you need, he'll round it up for you. Now that you're off to books, he'll have to charge, but as you know he gets good deals.
"Maybe I'm jumping ahead of things, but I can't see you turning down whatever the Mayor has up his sleeve and better planning and provisioning wins campaigns... Any questions?"
"Hmm... Yes, I can see a clear way to allowing you to 'sponsor' the others. It is slightly bending some regulations, but you're only as prepared as your companions."
He then turns a more stern eye on you.
"Keep this quiet until given leave by the Mayor. The Mayor seems up to his neck in politicking again and I think he's hoping to get you out of here with minimal fanfare... might be why I was instructed to assist with the supplies.... I think this festival might a cover, a distraction. Of course if I can see that, so can others.... I know you have a dancer friend....I don't envy you trying to find a way to satisfy all your loyalties."
Vors spends most of the rest of the day in his rented room, organizing equipment and trying to think through what might come from the meeting tomorrow. In the evening, he returns to the inn for dinner, and to cheer on Reinala's dancing. If he runs into the others, he would invite them to do the same, his treat.
Asha bows her head in thanks to the complimant bestowed by Theodric.
As Vors rushes off, she waits a moment before interuppting Theodric "Excuse me, but might yoy have any recommendations for rooms for the night?" She looks to the others that remain to see if they have suggestions as well.
"Well met Theodric! I believe it's the first time someone notices my clothes."
Saying so, he turns and takes various postures - some of them elegant, other ridiculous - to show his clothing. He's wearing a daring bottle green outfit, embroidered with various motifs in silver thread. The cut itself is highly original, but not very practical.
"I made these myself! Actually, I usually only wear clothes I designed or modified myself - I'm a tailor! Now, if you had to think of one adjective when you see my outfit, what would it be? Don't think for too long, it has to come from the heart!" he says to all the people in attendance.
Ardainn considers the gnome's costume carefully for a long moment and decides some questions should not be asked, or answered. He turns to Asha.
"I'm afraid I can offer little help in that respect. I have only just arrived, and it was my intent to spend the night in the woods I saw outside of town. Though I will stay long enough to cheer on Reinala," he adds with a nod to Vors. Though still uncomfortable with humans, he cannot deny that these three he has met today are not as bad as he had learned to expect. Not one of them had tried to kill him. Yet.
Theodric stares in a moment of further wonder at Farfadet's outfit before settling on "Wondrous!"
Turning to Asha, "You could also ask Iacob here about his rooms. Also I know the Temple to Erastil has an inner wooded courtyard that pilgrims and worshipers are allow to camp in, I'm not sure if they have alternate arrangements in winter. You could ask the Elder about that.
"Master Ardainn, you may also want to consider the temple, even if you aren't a worshiper of Erastil; while those woods are public land and open to your use, the families around them are mighty nervous around strangers; they had a bad encounter with bandits living in those woods a few years ago. It might be more restful for all involved, but you are free to do as you will."
With that Theodric turns and leaves the inn, with a few looks back in amazement at Farfadet.
To Farfadet, upon his questioning she grins and replys "Unique."
Upon Theodric's advise she nods "Thank you." She looks to Ardainn "As much as I enjoy the woods, after my walk in the cold I think tonight I will splurge a bit and get a room and a nice bath." With that she walks over to Iacob as Theodric is on his way out "Master Iacob, I should like to inquire about a room. Do you have any availabilities? Perhaps even with a bath if would be wonderful."
Iakob looks up from polishing the bar counter, you notice that this particular spot is worn smooth, well below the level of the rest of the counter, the rest of years of similar polishing in just one spot.
"A room, with a bath? You can bed down in the common room after sundown for 3 silver; or get a small private room for 6. There's a shared bath house across the street for 2 silver, or we can have our servants bring a tub to the private room, with heated water for 4. The private room and the private bath are available now if you wish, or we can hold the room for you with a 1 silver deposit towards the room cost."
Asha nods to Iakob "Wonderful!" She opens up her belt pouch and fishes out five gold coins "Here you are. This should cover all of our room and board through noon tomorrow plus a nice bath, any extra is thanks for your hospitality."
The gnome still ponders the words offered, letting them roll on the tongue. KaravalthinosaruntirUniqueWondrous? KaravalthinosaruntirWondrousUnique? I wonder...
At Asha's words, he snaps out of it. "Why, thank you dear Asha, it is most kind of you to offer us the comforts of this lovely inn! If I may ever repay you... I know, I'll make a dress for you, how would you like it? You like green? I'm sure you do! This is perfect!" Without waiting for an answer of any kind, Farfadet runs off and disappears in the cold morning mist outside, carried by his enthusiasm.
Asha smiles as Farfadet runs out in a hurry. ”This should be interesting. I haven’t worn a dress since I was a young girl.” Asha heads back to the table, gathering her gear, bow and a few pieces of left over bread. She nods to Ardainn as she moves to follow Iakob to her room. ”On the morrow then. I hope you have a relaxing afternoon.” Once she gets to her room she thanks Iakob once again before taking the key and stepping inside. She looks about the room. There is a queen bed on the southern wall topped with a down comforter with a small, simple wooden table next to the bed holding a half-burned candle. On the opposite side of the room is a small desk and chair with a mirror mounted on the wall behind the desk. Finally to the right of the window on the eastern wall, in the corner stands a wooden armoire.
She lets out a deep breath and she sets her gear down at the end of the bed and places the bow and bread on the desk. Ah… I shall enjoy a good night’s rest in a comfy bed after so many days on the road. She goes over and flops down on the bed as memories of her child hood race into her mind.
Moments later the door swings open behind her as a young boy creeps into the room. He slowly tip toes over to the bed and throws back the covers as he yells ”Found you!” Asha throws the teddy in the air putting her hands up, as if to surrender and starts to giggle. The boy smiles ”My turn to hid! Count to 10. I bet you’ll never find me.” She shakes her head as the boy starts to run out of the room ”Kieran you always hide in the same spots, of course I’ll find you! 1…2…3….”
What seems like only moments later Asha comes back to the present as she hears a knock on the door. She looks out the window and sees the room is much dimmer, as the sun has moved to the west side of the building. Hm… must have fallen asleep. Going to the door she opens it to find one of the Inn’s workers with a tub and a large pale full of steaming water. She claps her hands together once ”Wonderful!” and comes into the hall to help him bring the tub and water in. Once inside she thanks him as he heads out the door. After pouring the water into the tub she unstraps her armguard, setting it next to her bow, removes her armor resting it over the back of the chair, kicks off her boots and slips out of her clothes and into the tub. Erastil this is heavenly and I shall enjoy it while it lasts. Thank you!
The night passes without notice and the four of you reach the Lord Mayor's office shortly after noon. A lavish room, appointed with rare woods and rich curtains. A room of privilege, like you’ve seldom or never seen. and this is only a Mayor Times like this drive home the wealth of the ruling class.
"Be seated" the Lord Mayor gestures pre-emptively. "Desperate times….
"You’ve heard the rumors; we’re sending parties into the Stolen Lands to pacify and begin colonization. We intended to send four groups. Unfortunately a series of duels and scandals has rendered the fourth group incapable of going. Priestly auguries have identified you as the most promising replacements with both Abadar and Erastil agreeing -- as befitting a journey to meld civilization and wilderness.
"We are prepared to grant you a charter; charging you to explore, map, and pacify a region known as the Greenbelt within the Stolen Lands. Success in this and we’ll see that you are most appropriately rewarded.
"Now all these rumors have been spreading a little too far and wide, and we need to keep this quiet to avoid inflaming regional politics. We have a festival scheduled, that we’re hoping will overshadow these rumors, and with the parties leaving at different times we’re hoping to downplay these expeditions. If you can leave before the festival, that would be ideal. Make what arrangements you need and be on your way. I hope the next we hear from you is the successful conclusion of your initial charter.
"While there is no explicit timeframe, if you can ready the region for colonization and farming within two months, the first farming season would be most productive."
The charter reads:
"Be it know that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to a an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixth miles south of Oleg's Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by rope or sword. So witness on this the 21st day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Doleshi Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne."
Farfadet is unusually quiet during the mayor's presentation of the mission at hand. In fact, his newfound companions can see him absolutely fascinated by what he's hearing. Once the mayor has presented the charter and what is expected of the group, he simply beams one of the largest, happiest smile Golarion has ever known in its entire history. His eyes move from Vors to Asha, then from Asha to Ardainn, then back to Vors.
Please say yes. Please, please, please, please, pleaaaaaase! New friends, exploring the wilds, possibly meeting fey?, finishing the dress, smiting bandits! How can you possibly hesitate?!
Not holding his seat a moment longer, he springs forth from it and boldly holds out his hand for the mayor to shake. "We're tremendously thrilled, we accept!"
Vors dons his best clothes for the meeting, proceeding lightly armed and armored to the inn before leading the rest to the Mayor's. He listens somberly to the description, and sighs quietly when asked to leave before the festival. She will not be happy. Two months away without telling why?
Upon reading the charter, he ventures to ask, "My Lord Mayor, I am also honored to serve. It would appear that this trading post will be somewhat of a central location for us in this venture. Is there a trader for us to accompany that direction? It would seem to me the best cover for departure."