On the 20th of Serenith, Burnsten, Abbas, and others return with several sacks of smelly shellfish, including the three giant crabs. Abbas is able to use a purify food and drink to freshen up the crabs and clams, allowing for a modest feast among the colonists.
On the next day, Biter and Elorin return from their scouting mission.
Actually, it's not a roc (it's too big). It really looks like a normal hawk, except it's waaaaaaay too big.
Biter's demeanor shifts during Friend Rath's re-telling of the events. His scarred face hardens, red eyes squeezing to slits, torn lips peel back in a snarl, tiny knuckles going white as they crack. "Shaac-okhec, duugaan rharar." he curses as he whirls around and makes for the door.
When Rath tries to grab the goblin's arm, Biter spins around, wrenching his arm free, "Notting to hurt Falcon.. much. Friend Rath and Biter both is'ign to know that'ing is notting the way to lead." He drives one pointer finger towards the ground, as if to drive the point home. "This'ing was lesson learned IN PATHFINDER ACADEMY!"
Swept up in his anger, the tiny warrior storms out to find the Pathfinder 'leader'.
When he sees the man, he yells out, "Falcon, Pathfinder Biter is'ing to talk to you …. now." The green warrior bristles with rage barely contained.
Falcon eyes the goblin up and down.
"Really? I would think you would wish to wait until you'd calmed yourself down a bit. I'd hate for you to say or do something in a fit of anger that you would later regret."
BIter ignores Falcon's implied suggestion. "Falcon was'ing to ARREST Pathfinder Rath for trying to helping Falcon from being manipulated by the magic-woman?"
"I believe it was more like he was taking advantage of the situation to get a bit of revenge on her on Alexis' behalf. In any event, this discussion has already been had, and I won't have it again. Rath disobeyed an order from me, and more primarily that reason, I had him arrested until he came to his senses. If you truly wish to make an issue out of it, I will accept your resignation as well."
"I believe it was more like he was taking advantage of the situation to get a bit of revenge on her on Alexis' behalf. In any event, this discussion has already been had, and I won't have it again. Rath disobeyed an order from me, and more primarily that reason, I had him arrested until he came to his senses. If you truly wish to make an issue out of it, I will accept your resignation as well."
You hear a chuckle from behind Biter & Falcon, Elorin is sitting on the rail of the ship examining an arrow, Well well, didn't I just stir up a giant hornets nest. Falcon, you wouldn't think that one women's wet loins would cause all of this trouble, or is it that you desire Imogen or Carylis yourself? It is okay, we are a long way from home and we are all just mere men. I think you should thank me for exposing the tenuous nature of your pathfinder society. That you would side with a common prisoner, than one your own Pathfinders. That is why I prefer the company of mercenaries, you know where they stand, whichever side has the most money, Hah! Biter, before you say something you will regret, we should probably go find a Beargle to tear apart.
He pokes Biter in the arse with his carried arrow to drive home his point and then walks back into the ship.
The moment we arrive to camp I report Lord Brycen our find and the giant "hawk" thing we found, after that I will search for Lady Harrolyne to give her a report of how things are when I find her and of course if she has time for me.
Biter filters Falcon's words through what he knows of Friend Rath. Then realizes what type of leadership is being presented. 'My way or no way' is it?
Biter jumps at Elorin's goading, and remarks over his shoulder to the LongEars, "Looking like LongEars' is'ing about to be missing a scouting leader. Maybe LongEars is'ign to get the job, no?"
He turns back to Falcon, "Glading to finally understand Falcon." A wide grin splits his face as the anger seems to fade a bit and he crosses his arms, "Biter quits. No way Biter is'ning to follow a leader who is notting to respect his followers. Respect and loyalty notting a one-way thing. LongEars is'ing right. Biter notting to follow a leader who takes sides with other teams."
With that, Biter turns and leaves, ignoring any words Falcon might say. He immediately goes to inform Alexis of his resignation, "Alexis is'ing still good pack leader to Biter. Pathfinder or no."
Other than that, he'll catch up to what was his scouting team, and also let them know that he's just another scout now.
Pete looks up from his reverie, and notices the commotion. Once he gets the gist of the events from the others., he shakes his head and his face loses all traces of good hum. ”Aye, this not be bodin’ well fer th’ start o’ th’ colony.” He knew where he would stand if push came to shove, but he feels it would be best to get everyone on the same page again.
”Aye, this not be bodin’ well fer th’ start o’ th’ colony.”
A spark of what would almost seem to be delight appears in the old druid's eyes. Then he shakes his head in disagreement with what his dwarven friend is saying.
"No, no, no. This could be the first sign of something positive for this colony. I know I may not necessarily speak for all of our companions, but I for one did not come to this strange land to repeat the same damned mistakes that societies have made back 'home'. These bastards like Brycen, Harrolayne, and Gray believe just because some fool saw fit to put them in charge back in Avistan, they should continue to be in charge here. I'm quite pleased with the actions of Rath and Biter, and have half a mind to do the same. As a matter of fact I think I will..."
Gregor then walks over to Falcon Gray's quarters and turns in his own resignation.
Biter claps Pete on the back, "Looking on the bright side, Grease-beard… notting to have to obey Biter anymore, no? Ha ha!"
Pete chuckles, "Aye, ye always was good at findin' th' nuggets in all th' scree, if ye know what I mean, he he." He lowers his voice, and continues, "I jes t'ink this mess be engineered by somebody who wants dis ta fail. Now I gots me suspicions, but it be best ta keep quiet fer now."
Biter shrugs, "The team was'ing to fall apart 'round Falcon as leader, anyway. Biter is'ing to know that now. Biter can group with a strong leader of Biter's own choosing now."
"Aye gotta make ale out 'o the bark o th tree's I s'pose"
Harrolayne is in the best mood Burnsten has ever seen her in; although she's clearly trying to hide it, she can't seem to contain the half-smiles and silent chuckles.
She takes Burnsten's report. "Very well done, Burnsten, and please give my thanks also to Tracant. Tell me, how did Daciana peform on your mission?"
The prisoners are bunking together in a single tent near the beach.
Once the conversation winds down, Biter approaches LongEars and begins removing his sword and dagger. "LongEars, willing to hold Biter's weapons for a bit? Biter is'ing to need to go have a word with Kuras."
Then he makes his way over to the tent. Once there, he'll try to ask to have a word with the big half-orc.
Imogene sticks her head out of the tent, and smirks at Biter. With exaggerated innocence, she says, "Why, I don't believe we are permitted to interact with each other. I hope you haven't come to cause more trouble."
Upon learning that he just wishes to talk to Kuras, she scowls and ducks her head back inside. Biter hears a few mutters, and then Kuras emmerges from the tent.
He looks down at Biter, looming over him, asking in a slightly friendly voice, "What's up?"
"Thought'ing Kuras should know. Biter notting to be a Pathfinder anymore. Notting to be able to back Kuras officially. Biter still respect Kuras's blade, and if Kuras is'ing to need some outside help, Biter is'ing to try." He shrugs, knowing that the reality is that the two groups will probably be at each others' throats. "If'ing Biter is'ing to have to face off against Kuras because of stupid long-legs politics, Biter is'ing to look forward to the challenge." He holds out a fist, an offer of mutual respect. "Was'ing fun to watch loud Half-orc pounce LongEars, though."
Kuras smiles through crooked teeth. "It was a fun trip. Take care of yourself." He shakes/bumps/whatever Biter is looking for with that fist, and then ducks back inside the tent.
While Burnsten is still away reporting to Harrolayne, Alexis gathers everyone else for a meeting aboard the Rose of Cassomir. "By now it appears that you have each heard about the events of the past few days and reached your own decision on how you wish to proceed. Ravarath has already resigned from his position in the Pathfinder Society as has Biter. As I understand it, Gregor also just informed Falcon Grey that he is ending his working agreement with The Society effective immediately."
"As of right now, I have not taken that course of action. At least not yet anyway. Before I make any decisions to that effect, I would like to hear from all of you on how our group shall organize and contribute. For that matter, do each of you even have an interest in maintaining a group affiliation?"
"Here..." Alexis lays out a diagram indicating the top half, "are things as they currently stand."
CHART: Colonial Hierarchy
"Right now, I am the junior-most member of the colonial council. Beyond Governor Brycen and Lieutenant Governor Harrolayne, the other council members are considered peers. Seniority matters only insofar as succession should something befall either Brycen or Harrolayne. Acaman Beeron is not a member of the council but would be left in charge if something happened to all the rest of us."
"The council members are considered peers with equal authority over the colony, except for in their area of expertise — noted beneath each council member. While the colony and colonists themselves are under the direct rule of the governor, each council member oversees their own personnel and assets as they see fit so long as their actions fall within the established laws of the colony."
"Here is the arrangement that I currently plan to propose to Grey." Alexis indicates the lower half of the flowchart.
"Exploratory requests from the colonial leadership and other sources such as merchant guilds would be filed with Grey. He in turn would evaluate and prioritize these requests. From there, he would interface with various team-leaders for purposes of getting cases assigned for execution. In essence Falcon's Pathfinder lodge would provide a managerial service to the colony rather than conducting exploration directly."
"Essentially, this would work much like how contracts are assigned to mercenary companies. Given our proven success record and my role on the council, the team I head would most likely handle jobs considered critical and for which other teams are either unwilling or ill-suited to handle the task."
"In order to avoid a conflict of interest, I would resign from the Pathfinder Society to fulfill the position of team-leader. This would serve two main purposes. Firstly, Falcon could not claim direct authority over me and thereby us. Secondly, it would absolve him of any accusations of preferential treatment to fellow Pathfinders. Furthermore, he would then have the freedom to form ad hoc groups from any freelance agents that might step forward."
"Those of you still willing to work as a part of my team would then report to me and I would liaise with Falcon. Any of you who would prefer to work for Falcon directly, or who are already employed by another colonial leader would be free to leave this group to do so. However, that is a choice that each of you must make for yourselves. More to the point, it is a choice that you do must make before we can proceed."
"Thoughts, comments, questions?"
Gregor's untrusting gaze never leaves the "hierarchy" as he addresses Alexis commentary.
"We're like minded enough, lass. I'll stick with you."
Pete glances at the chart, and gives an inward sigh. He just had a bad feeling about this whole business. But, he reflected, this was no different than any of the other bad business decision he has made in his life. Plus, Alexis had not been a part of his life back then either. Maybe this time...
"Aye, 'Lexis, I t'ink ye know where i stand 'ere. Ye did hire me, he he."
Abbas barely looks the chart over before giving his reply.
"I'm with you Lady Alexis, you have yet to lead us astray."
Biter climbs up on the table to have a look at the paper, stooping over it with hands clasped behind his back like a little green investigator. Satisfied that he understands the arrangement, he straightens (still on tue table), and says with deep concern in his voice, "Biter notting to ever be willing to work in the field with Falcon. falcon ising poor field leader... notting take his followers seriously enough. Other than that, Biter is fine with'ing this setup." He remains standing on the table to keep eye level with everyone else (for once).
"Daciana did a great job, would hire her if I had the money for it" with a nod "Tracant sends also his regards and is grateful that he can be of service to someone as great as you Lady Harrolayne" a she quiets for a moment and speaks again "I think Lady Alexis moves against your or at least you are very well... liked to say it in a kind way" crossing his arms and before Harrolayne replies "This is my dairy also with the list of their strength and weakness sofar I think and have found in them my Lady" as he stretches his hand and bows to her handing over the diary "Any news in this part my Lady?"
"I think Lady Alexis moves against your or at least you are very well... liked to say it in a kind way"
"This is my dairy also with the list of their strength and weakness sofar I think and have found in them my Lady"
Later that evening, Falcon comes to speak with Alexis.
"I suppose you will be resigning as well. No matter. I would like, if it's not too much trouble, of course, for you to take your group upriver for an extended two-day journey. I believe strongly that there are navigable waters further inland than Pete and Gregor's team explored and it would be good to know just how far. Take care, as along a river is a prime location for native settlements. Lord Brycen would still like for zero native contact at this time."
Alexis nods as Falcon speaks. "Yes, I have decided to submit my resignation if only to avoid a conflict of interests on my part and to remove the possibility for accusations of favoritism against you. In this way, you and I can liaise directly and avoid any of the confusion and potential confrontation that resulted from our prior organizational structure."
"The men seem to be enthusiastic about this arrangement. I think most of them are simply happy to be that much further removed from politics. Given this change, I wanted to share with you some thoughts I had on how this new arrangement might benefit you. It would be a something different role than you might have expected as a prospective venture captain, but I think there's a real opportunity here..."
Alexis explains the setup that she discussed with her group including the diagram she outlined for them.
"Exploratory requests from the colonial leadership and other sources such as merchant guilds would be filed with you. You in turn would evaluate and prioritize these requests. From there, you interface with various team-leaders for purposes of getting cases assigned for execution. In essence 'Falcon Lodge' would provide a managerial service to the colony rather than conducting exploration directly."
"This would work much like how contracts are assigned to mercenary companies. My team is willing to handle jobs considered critical to the colony or for tasks that other teams are either unwilling or ill-suited to handle."
"Another benefit for you is that you would then have the freedom to form ad hoc groups from any freelance agents that might step forward. Some of the former prisoners such as Kuras and Daciana have shown that they have a good work ethic, and there is also the elven woodsman Hildandi that Burnsten has been working with."
At this point a more solemn look comes over Alexis' features. "Grey, after everything that has happened, my men do not particularly trust anyone at this point. In particular, Mr. Woller has point-blank stated that he is spying on us for Harrolayne. While I suppose I could feel flattered that we merit such attention, the fact of the matter is that I need for my men to be able to trust one another. Right now, the bulk majority simply do not trust the man."
"While I was willing to entertain Harrolayne's request previously as a good will gesture, the fact that he would brazenly inform us that he is spying on us and then offer to give us information in return is simply unacceptable. While we are more than happy to continue to do good works for the betterment of this colony, we cannot abide working with such a dishonorable man with such treacherous intentions. I will not ask my men to open themselves up to being backstabbed by someone they need to be able to depend upon in the field."
Falcon looks worried at this news.
"I cannot believe that Harrolayne would have Burnsten move openly against you, certainly not overtly and violently. Perhaps...could you use him to feed false information, somehow? I know when you are out as a group, he's seeing and hearing things as you are, but perhaps you could find ways to communicate your true conclusions and thoughts to each other while letting him hear erroneous ones."
"If you openly refuse to take him, Harrolayne will protest officially, we'll get more squabbling amongst the council, and the colonists will lose even more faith in us than they already have."
Falcon grimaces. "It's a tricky situation. Poor Mr. Burnsten, from what I can tell, is just caught up in Harrolayne's schemes. If he is proving too treacherous for the group to function, and by that I mean he's actively sabotaging things, not just reporting your activities to Harrolayne, I guess he'll have to enjoy an extended stay out in the wilderness."
"I agree that it seems like he is being used. Thus far he hasn't tried anything overt, but then there has to be a first time for everything, correct? To be quite frank, I am less concerned about what he can do personally than what Harrolayne might engineer if she is truly against me for some reason. The man hails from a different culture from all the Rahadoumi serving her and his mannerism are quite foreign to them also. He's not especially good-looking, eloquent, or charming either so I highly doubt that Harrolayne is... availing herself of him in other ways."
Alexis sighs and shakes her head, "Some men are easily led by a pretty face and an alluring smile I suppose."
"Misinformation... counter-intelligence..." she gives a short laugh, running her fingers thru her shoulder-length hair. "Falcon, you do realize that if Alissariel had realized how much intrigue was going to be taking place on this expedition that she would have begged me to trade places with her, right?"
"Gods," she laughs, "she would have probably had Brycen wrapped around her little finger and Camder reciting prayer beads from sun-up to sun-down by now..."
Hmm... if thinking like my sister is what shook things up, then maybe Falcon is right about about a campaign of mis-information. I already started on that what with the scene with Imogene...
"Falcon..." Alexis says thoughtfully, "I don't suppose you have any advice on how to turn this situation around, do you? While the men might not trust working with Burnsten after his admission the other night, a bit of payback might yet interest them..."
"I will keep my diary updated and you, with your permission I take my leave and back to my activities with the group" as he turns quickly to look at Harrolayne "If there is any specific thing you need for me to do, tell me and I'll see what I can do" as he bows to take his leave "I told them already I was keeping an eye on them on the best interest, to see their reactions and take measure I still testing them to see what else I can find, information always good and useful" as he laughs going away to rest.