Turin reports to his comrades, "nothing to report of note in his room. Time for me to speak with some of your fellows, I believe I know a way to "drown" this dissension that "Grigori" started..."
Turin proceeds to the castle and will make himself known to the majordomo and ask where he may find the council...
Zartana walks with him to show him the way. She is one of them after all.
Zartana accepts his findings, but promises to keep her ears to the ground and her eyes open to find out about this character
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After receiving reports from Elangomat, White Eagle abandons his tracking. without a known direction his searching would be useless.
He heads back to the council chambers to see if there is any other news that he can work with.
Turin awaits the council...
"So. New in this part of the world. How did you join up with the others?"
She sits across from him. Her basic gear on. Since she was out working. Her formal attire left in her room.
"Its good to see and meet new faces. My name is Zartana of the Orlovsky family. Welcome to Freewater"
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Upon hearing there is a council meeting, eager to catch up with the other founders despite he tiredness, Natalya will move to the castle once her discussion with Raven has finished.
Upon reaching the council chamber Natalya exclaims warmly when she sees Zartana
Well met friend! It seems like an age since we last saw each other. How goes it?
Jenya is just about to bring out the satchel containing the weapon blanches when word comes down that Council is about to meet Well looks like the alchemy will have to wait she comments to Carter. Let's go see what's up.
She greets her friend with a nonchalant wave and a smile
"How are you? You are correct. It has been a while. We have a gift for you waiting in the pens. I believe White Eagle was taking care of it for you."
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Turin reclines, his studded leather armor fits his lithe frame perfectly as he examined Zartana with his chiseled features...
"Joined up while scouting a trail for my fellow refugees, joined up hoping for some information on the surrounding environs for a settlement... Then I figured that joining your comrades in their assault of the lizardfolk would be a good idea, a nice occupant free village for my people to use for a time.
As it stands my people should be arriving late tomorrow, I need to procure housing and so forth. Are you by chance looking to have some artifice done on your behalf Zartana Orlovsky?"
"As crafting items of the magical kind? Not at this point in time. I am actually researching a few things. Mostly from my heritage. So my time goes into that. But if i do come across something i would like, i will seek you out. Dont worry about informing me whem you settle down. Ill see you around eventually" she gives him a knowing grin
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"Don't make the poor human even more on edge than he might already be."
"Nn, i 'andle de main diplomatic social talk. Dough sometimes i've to repeat or rephrase, wit my accent sometimes gettin in my way."
Before returning to the Council chambers, White Eaghle informs the pack of the person he seeks. Describing him as best he can in terms that the wolves will understand best.
He also informs them he may be dangerous and to not engage him, simply follow long enough to learn his destination. until he can catch up and learn what they have learned.
returning to the council chambers, just as things start. he take a seat to listen to the proceedings.
Turin who understand elven perfectly well doesn't even lift an eyebrow as he listens in on Kryas's "secret" message to the ebon elf...
Earlier, with Natalya:
Raven nods at the half-vampire and gives her a slight smile. "Though Anton and Erastil's teachings could probably tell you more about the fey than I probably could, your unique physiology tells me all I need to know as to why you came to me instead. I am hoping it is not in vain."
Raven ponders Natalya's story for a while, praying to her Queen for to see if she knows anything about such creatures and how to undo their magics.
Raven sighs. Her Queen has shown her that needs to do more works in her name to become more able to help those in need, especially her friends. A renewed vigor to gather more followers crosses her face.
Alanya, speaking all languages Kyras does, keeps a curious eye on the Turin fellow. Inspecting carefully his body language, eye movement to see if he 'capisce' elven.
She brushes him over the hair.
"Kyras, he understands elven, no need to be discrete."
Turin growls, although one can tell that he is more bemused then anything.
"You blue lady have a talent for ruining secrets..."
After speaking with his Obsidian Eagles, Lorald makes his way to the meeting. Coming across the newcomer he simply watches him with his two toned eyes. His gaze clearly measuring the man. Without a word he moves on to take his place with the others. He had some things for the council himself.
"My pleasure ^^ "
White Eagle received the greetings he had expected from those he has not seen in awhile, but he does not let that bother him.
As the others speak in secret, foreign tongues beyond his understanding. White eagle grows tired of the games.
To the point, refugees, you mentioned refugees. Refugees from where exactly, explain your plight.
Carter joins the other founders.
Having removed his coat, armor and hat he is clad in pristine white bandage wraps and a white cotton skirt and a black belt with a gold medallion attached buckle.
There's an ankh emblem around his neck on a leather cord.
Black ears stand above his deep black hair, which covers where human ears would be.
"Did you say you could make magical items?"
Turin begins his story...
"We are Numerians, like many of the settlements in that country we paid taxes to the Technic league. Eventually however the taxes became abominable, we could barely afford to buy food from the River Kingdoms. Then we stopped paying taxes and then the Technic League showed up with las guns... By my own estimates we lost nine out of ten, we are roughly a 130 refugees excluding myself by my count."
Raven, I thank you for your wisdom, both divine and social
the dhampir smiles, tiredness ingrained in every movement.
I'll see if anyone else here can shed light on what ails me.
she turns to go but looks back over her shoulder
You and I should probably talk more, when there are less pressing things to address. Perhaps we can have a drink together before the founders all rush off again to deal with whatever new issues are plaguing the kingdom this season
At Zartana's mention of a present, Natalya's expression noticeably brightens
Seriously? You wonderful woman! Thank you so much!
she beams, barely containing the urge to rush out and find the pup. She reaches out a hand and touches the drow's shoulder
I'm glad your hunt went well and you came back safe
Glancing around she sees more people coming in, so smiles at Zartana and begins to move to the table herself. She notices Chief White Eagle enter the room and move to stand away from the centre of things. Changing her destination she slowly approaches him
The wolves tell me you've done an excellent job in finding them new and safer hunting grounds after removing that despot of a Worg dominating them.
she nods appreciatively at the shaman
I may not be of the natural order, but I am a part of the night and those things that call it home. So you have my thanks for helping the wolves too. Zartana tells me you've been looking after a pup for me, for this I'm also appreciative. Don't hesitate to call on me, even outside of the role of Warden or Founder, if you need my help. Ask and I will come.
she takes her seat at the council table, looking over the leather-clad stranger.
Turin is it? I'm Natalya, Warden of Emermark, pleased to meet you.
she nods politely
I'm not sure about the exact laws and procedures, for that you'll need to speak to Dai Hu, but I'm fairly certain anyone that chooses to abide by Emermark's laws is welcome to come and build a new home here
she looks around for agreement from the rest of the council
Turin responds to Carter's query his tone is business like like a merchant sizing up a new customer.
"Indeed I can manufacture magical items, I won't craft anything save various "scrolls" and potions at cost. However for assistance for my people I am quite willing to negotiate prices..."
Turin studies the "newcomer" () carefully and speaks in a querying tone, "is it just my eyes or do you look sick? Skin wasn't meant to be that pale, an accident as an alchemist's apprentice perhaps?"
Sebastian enters the council chambers resplendent in his polished steel armor and gold-trimmed white cloak. The golden symbol of the Inheritor is emblazoned on armor, shield, and cloak. The only mark of his ordeal is the vicious scar across his neck. The thick, dark scar wraps full around at the base of the throat.
He nods at Raven as he walks in, and halts to take in the room's occupants, many of whom he has barely spoken to. After a moment, he takes place to the left and behind Miyuki, watchful of the goings on.
'Better to keep the sword-arm clear.'
Natalya barely suppresses a laugh at Turin's forthright manner
You're supposed to take me out to dinner before you start talking so lovingly of my pale white skin she laughs
I...'naturally' have this pallor, sickly though you may deem it, though I like to think in Luna's light it looks its best. her smile fades slightly Your eyes do not deceive you completely however, I recently fought a fey creature with my companion Lorald, and its death had a strange effect on me. Still, we're here to talk council business, not discuss my ailing health!
she cocks her head in thought
It is a good gesture to offer to craft at all, we are all in need of those trivial magic items that make adventuring less dangerous, and our current town alchemist, bless their heart, is quite overwhelmed with requests. As to your people and negotiating prices, regardless of where you choose to set your prices, unless someone corrects me they can settle here as long as they obey the law.
Raven nods agreement at Natalya and joins her in the meeting hall. Though she had met him before in a more business standpoint, she did want to meet the newcomer more formally and add him to her ever-growing roster of the town's living population.
When it is her turn, she gives him a curt nod. "Turin of Numeria, I am, as you know, Raven of Bonespire, the resident caretaker of all things life and death." Though it is warm with the hearthfire in the meeting hall, her words are emphasized with frosty breath. "I am looking forward to adding you and your kin to my Book of the Cycle. Though I am not a true member of the Council, my ears are always available to listen and my breath to speak wisdom from my Queen." With that, she steps back and allows the Council to continue.
She approaches Zartana and stands beside her.
White Eagle nods, my pleasure. You speak the language of the wolf then? perhaps then the spirit of the wolf guides your destiny.
thinking a moment he continues, we shall see what the future holds perhaps we shall journey together once again, and with a better outcome than before.
"I'm not doing that badly... work piles up when we're out..."
Carter says off handedly when called overwhelmed.
"There's a coat that makes rope and twin endlessly. I was wondering if you could do the same for my bandages. Replacing them becomes a pain. Especially when there's blood. Say, 700? My own money of course."
Lorald stands once he is given a chance to speak, bows to everyone in attendance.
"I am Lorald Orlovsky, Founder and Marshal of Emermark. Turin of Numeria, while I do not claim to speak for the council. What your proposing is favoritism toward one group over the other. You will find that is not something seen in this land and you will not get it from me or those under my command."
He lets that sit for a moment.
"I would also remind you that if that is the game your intending to play. What will become of your people when you or them are of no more use. Will you repeat your history, only this time of your own accord. Should we grant you favors, then when you are bleed dry or no longer worth the effort, stripped of these privileges. When the laws and rights of people are so easily bent, you will find they can quickly be bent against you just as easily."
He bows again and takes his seat.
Turin nods at Carter's request...
"It can be done, although it will take some time to perform the necessary research..."
Turin moves to grab the sack at his feet, Before he pulls the contents out though Lorald interjects. Turin allows his to continue on speaking until he is finished, Turin then decides that he needs to appeal to the council as whole to get what he wants...
Turin looks stone faced at Lorald and rises to respond, "I am an unapologetic advocate of my people. If I did not advocate for their interests I would fail as a leader by default. As for what I propose it can be applied to all citizens, indeed it may be required to colonize the Stolen lands within a generation.
I propose a Homestead law, the idea is simple anyone who wishes to may build a "homestead" within these lands once they are officially citizens. If they work the land either by farming, logging, mining or fishing and possess a homestead sound in structure they are entitled to claim 100 acres of land in a radius surrounding their homestead.
What say you councilors?"
Note for those who ordered upgraded magic items, Turin will present them to you after the council meeting.
"I will inform you at a later stage. Now is not the time. Too many people."
She makes herself more presentable at her seat and listens carefully.
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Speaking up Miyuki again adresses Turin."As you can see, your help is very much appreciated, but many of us set off to escape the old families and ties. Maybe you could explain what kind of special privileges you want? Is it the right to own land and live of it. This is nothing we would deny. The right to found a city. If you accept our rules, I think you have our blessing.
Is it lesser taxes or choice pickings. Then, as you can see we do not grant those. We all are at the frontier, and we all have to work together. Either we work together and succed or we fail seperatly."
As it concerned one of his duties he speaks.
"Even if we did agree, which I would not, we do not have the ability to cover that much land. The problem is not the land or the people to work it. The problem is safety, the river kingdoms is a bounty of unclaimed land. As well as an endless source of danger. If that is all you desire then feel free to move on and claim whatever land you wish far from our borders. You will find that holding that land is the greatest challenge. Dangerous wildlife, bandits, and monsters aplenty. You come to us because you wish for the same protection afforded to those under our care yet wish to be granted more then those already under our care. I for one, will not support that in any form. You wish for land and property then your people work for it as those that came before them. They came asking nothing more then the chance to build a life, not with schemes to be granted one unearned by their own hand. I am beginning to see why you were taxed so heavily if this is your way of doing things."
The more this man spoke, the more he seemed a con artist. Let him go to Druma if all he cared for was gain. If he had his people's best interest at heart he would not risk them being expelled with his grasping. It seemed they were attracting that sort lately if the reports were any indication.
Keeper Poole Jenya nods at Turin as she introduces herself Lawgirl supporting the Warden and the Sherrif.
Losing 9 of 10 must have been devastating to your people. Don't know much about Numenera 'cept you've got metalworks that probably buy my little friend she pats her pistol to shame, and what you say does jibe with the little I know about how high end engineering like yours hasn't spread throughout the world. Seems like this League are tyrants and wanted your people eliminated and it speaks well of you that so many survived. It makes sense that you'd negotiate with whatever you have to find them safe harbour
Jenya smiles Well you've found it no need for haggling. Emermark needs folks who are law abiding and hardworking. This ain't Numenera though and we ain't the Technic League. We're building a place where everyone is equal before the law and the law is fair. I think you may have figured that your offer to negotiate ain't sitting well with us and this is why. Why're trying to do things better than they are elsewhere. No currying favour. As little corruption as we can help it.
Then Jenya makes her offer. Seems to me if your people have similar skills to yours than their abilities would be a bit wasted in taming wild lands. You need industry and trade. Why not settle down in Freewater as full citizens? Alternatively we're expanding North to build a link to Brevoy and will probably build a city there. When that happens your folks could be some of the first settlers there.
She straightens up
The offer is full and free citizens of Emermark for all your people with all the rights, protections, and responsibilies that come with it. No need for negotations if everyone is equal right?
Jenya looks around I'm only one of the Founders though and not high ranking at that. So if anyone else sees any issue with what I said then go ahead.
Sebastian bows to Miyuki. "With your leave My Lady."
Then he steps forward. "All this talk of homesteading laws and bequeathed acreage is premature. We do not possess the infrastructure nor the means to secure such things at this stage. If White Eagle's people wish to settle here, then they are welcome. If Turin's folk wish to settle here, then they are welcome. As long as all follow the laws and strictures as laid down by the Founders. Emermark needs people to settle, and to farm, and to create industry, etc. These people need a new place to live. It is a fair exchange, and none should ask for more. "
He looks directly at Turin. "By bringing your people to Emermark and petitioning for settlement, you are agreeing to the terms set by the Founders, and no more." He looks at White Eagle. "The same goes for your people. As a Founder, you have no additional claims to land or privileges for those that have come with you. While I have not heard of such from you, it would be unjust of me not to state that fact before Turin and the Council. Your peoples, and those who have come from Restov, are the same in the eyes of the Council." He touches his right fist to the sword of Iomedae hanging from his neck, and steps back to his position behind Miyuki.
His eyes shifting between speakers, Kyras began to feel itchy, feeling a tension in the air.
"Nn, okay, so de current issue addressed, i 'ave an easier topic in between. Between after askin about de bard and arrivin back for dis meetin, i noticed an elf merchant standin on de square. 'e said 'e was goin to be 'ere just for today.
Why do i brin dis up? Cause 'e's got a certain sort of 'erbally spiced tea and bread, a kind dat clears up tensions from 'ard work or anxiety from intense experiences.
I wanted to get some of dat and wondered, guessing, if someone else could be interested in it."
He looks at Sebastian briefly, the man did seem a bit worn out after all. Coming back from the dead isn't the average day event.
"My treat."
"Well, i guess we do this another time then. Adjourned? Or more entertaining banter?" She asks with a grin
She looks at Turin
"Well, I could show you around some more if you would like. Lot's to see, everything is still hustle and bustle, but things are coming to a point."
Speaking of the bard. Did we figure out if the man ran away on foot or by spell?
"I didn't see him anywhere...*sigh*....and i had been flying for some time today."
"We didnt find anything. Only a messy room, packed clothes. I think he bailed town. No magic in the room."
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Jenya sighs. I ain't good at word fights. But we got bards of our own. Can't we get them to discredit the mysterious fat man with the fancy robes who appeared out of nowhere to insult the people of Emermark and call them sheep? There's got to be good material there.
Kyras will spend the next day socializing among the masses and accenting the good effort of the council, as well as undermining Gregori's accusations.
White Eagle simply looks to Sebastian, My people have already come, they have settled among the population, the deal was already struck. there are no claims to land except as already established.
on the Grigori discussion, Elangomat kept watch through the night, no sight of him leaving. I have already contacted my associates outside of town to keep an eye on his whereabouts, I will see them tonight to discuss any findings.