Before the injured family departed Seraph approached them, she pulled out a pouch and handed it to the bereaved mother. "I am sorry for your loss and hope that this will cover expenses while you start new lives here. Also, if you ever need to speak with me send word to the castle or through the Bathhouse. I will do my best to see you as soon as I am free to do so." She wasn't so vain as to think of adding them to her following, instead if they joined over time she would be overjoyed but for now she was focused on dealing with the Mite threat. Harshly, at that. She stays long enough to answer any questions before heading off to be with Asta once more.
Asta
When her and Asta were somewhat alone, without the prying eye of the public mainly, she spoke. "While they enjoy their festival I guess its time we made quick decisions milady." She stood before her Queen as a subject should, polite and respectful as she made her suggestions. "I believe it's time we spoke with Jhod and Kressel and inquired on Kundal's condition and if we are planning on releasing him. If so, I suggest to do so quickly."
"The remaining prisoners... I politely request to send word to the church of the Lucky Drunk and see as to how they want us to deal with them. For attempted regicide and the murder of a visiting priest I can only suspect they will be executed. If so then I request to do it myself." She raises a hand to pause any comment as she finished her proposal. "The reason I suggest this, regardless of our promise to set them free, is that they accept money to assassinate us. Such action warranted only a death sentence. The murder of the priest may mean they hang elsewhere but I would deny such requests and finish this here. Allowing no chance for escape and recurring attempts."
"I suggest this only to silence Grigori's pitiful claims of unjust rule. He has a point, though reaching at best, but it is time we dealt with these issues."
"Besides that, I have already voiced my want to raise an army within the next month. With the Mite threat I imagine casualties will increase among the settlers coming south and our kobold allies. Therefore I will be pressing for a formalized force to be created. So long as you support such action, I can and will donate to the cause if needed to outfit this fighting force." She gives a small smile then. "I would like to teach you celestial in time, because not being able to speak with you is... frustrating... in and outside of combat. That is if you wish to learn it." With that she bows her head, finished speaking and awaits Asta's response.
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"On the matter of Kundal, agreed," Asta says.
"As to the assassins, I would have a ruling by the full council.
As to the army.... agreed. Full speed ahead; we need more than Outriders. Try to get as many trained in the use of the longbow or crossbow as you can.
In time, it would please me to learn this celestial language," the Witch Queen adds as she rubs her forehead. "But not right now. I am.... a little under the weather."
Asta sighs.
"I'm going to bed for a while. But wake me if that cur Grigori starts another presentation of lies. I should attend as Queen this time, not as an anonymous bystander."
She nods, bowing her head with a salute as she speaks. "Understood, I will see it done and abide by your wishes.
" Relieved she was more relaxed as she spoke this time, formalities set aside for now. "I will make some tea for you. I will see if Justinian can alleviate what ails you Asta. For now I hope you get some sleep." Unless Asta halts her she does exactly as she says, having a attendee make the pot of herbal tea. Which she purified out of sight from others before giving it to Asta. She seeks out Justinian by way of a messenger.
Tonight she wouldn't stray far from Asta's side...
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The family is grateful for the aid, but in shock at there lost and near honorific death at the hands of the mites. The people have taken them in and found them a place to stay.
After hearing the family's plight with the mites, there are plenty of able body citizens ready to form a militia.
Seraph learns through her inquires that Kundal is a model prisoner, helping with chores and clearing undergrowth from the temple ruins. He has not shown any signs of werewolf change in the six plus months he's been there.
As for the two prisoners left from the ambush, they are still in the dungeon, looking worse for the wear. It would take about a week to get a message back from the Cayden Cailean Church. It will be something along the lines of "For there cowardly deed they should be given a chance to redeem themselves. Offer them trail by combat facing ether a champion of your choosing or summoned celestial hounds of Cayden. They should be given a weapon and large mug. For redemption they should sing a song in praise of freedom, bravery, and Cayden's glory (and good looks). The song must be audible to those nearby—friend or foe. Between stanzas, they must pause to drink from a full mug of ale, wine, or other spirits. When the song is done, they are to drink the remaining alcohol while mentally composing the song they will sing on the morrow. In confronting their foe or creatures, they do their best to engage it in conversation about the merits of Cayden Cailean. If hostilities become inevitable, leap boldly into the fight without hesitation. If they have redeemed themselves set them free."
It's near's noon and Girgori having gathered information is prepared to give a speech soon.
Torod will go along with Asta and Seraph. He'll be in full gear, like he's ready to go out to battle at any moment. Strawberry will not be with him. She'll be out patrolling. On the look out for mites.
"Tell everyone not to make any drastic moves until we speak again in the morning. The Council will not take this tragedy lightly, no. The mites will rue this day!" she draws her sword, raising the large bastard sword to gleam in the moonlight. "They spat on our attempts at peace, so now they will taste defeat in war. Our allies the Kobolds will stand with us." She sheathed her sword, again encouraging the gathered people to remain steady and ready to move once the Council spoke in the morning.
The last thing they needed was an unruly mob, more lamb to ambush by the mites. No, they needed to approach with caution.
She informs the others of her findings and of the church of the Lucky Drunk's response. There answer was something she definitely agreed with. However with the Mite war she was more then apt to gather a militia and take down this menace once and for all. Grigori was the last thing she was concerned with now that this threat loomed on the horizon. "We do not lack for volunteers and I think it's time we move to gather them while the iron is hot. I have cautioned them to wait for our call but I don't know what Grigori will do. So I think it best we silence him today. In all honesty his attempts at sedition are obvious, he is working for someone. Much like the "Freedom Fighters" he so defended."
She didn't smile as she suggested. "I honestly hope he tries again... Because today we will shatter him."
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At noon Grigori stands before the gathered crowd, ”Friends and concerned citizens of stagland, I know many of you are concerned, fearful even outraged at the events that took place yesterday.”
”You should be! Mites are evil fey creatures and anyone to think otherwise are fools!”
”Your leaders acted boldly to save the poor family that had been sentenced to a horrendous death by the mites for nothing more than being ignorant of the border agreement between stagland and the mite state.”
”It was a brave thing your leaders did when they acted in haste after failing to negotiate the family’s freedom, despite offering them more territory. Their quick actions did manage to save most of the family from a cruel death and for that they should be applauded, perhaps they should be given a day of rest where they might go fishing in peace. Hero’s they maybe, but at what cost? A dead son, a war with fey creatures, and a oath broken? The future maybe uncertain, how many more must die due to your leader’s choices?”
”The treaty with the Mites should have never been made! A riverfolk knows they must keep their oaths or die trying. The reason the family was placed in mortal danger in the first place was because your leaders made an oath to respect the mite’s sovertry! Few of us would have been able to standby and watch the the mites slaughter a family which by fate’s chance could have been any of us, but your leaders must be willing to take into account the greater good! Their choices past and future have have life and death consequences for those who choose to live in Stagland. Yes they saved three lives, but they are now oathbreakers! The kingdom is at war with the mites, which may very well cost more lives, land and property! Will Stagland be able to call upon treaties with others in defense, and who would make a new treaty with your leaders, knowing they will not keep their oath? You know what the second river freedom as hard as it might be!”
You find his talk to be fascinating, but you resisted and shake off the temptation to listen passively.
You know you Resisted a Supernatural effect. No spell was cast to your knowledge.
Fascinated: The creature stands or sits quietly, taking no actions other than to pay attention to the fascinating effect, for as long as the effect lasts. It takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat, such as a hostile creature approaching, allows the fascinated creature a new saving throw against the fascinating effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a ranged weapon at the fascinated creature, automatically breaks the effect. A fascinated creature's ally may shake it free of the spell as a standard action.
You feel, you have earned the right to take a day off and go fishing! You go fishing for the next six hours.
Asta does attend Grigori's speech. She attends it with bells on -- or rather, with ravens settling down on every roof in the vicinity, sitting and watching in full sight of the people.
And so is Asta; seated on horseback and dressed in black, the Witch Queen quietly listens to Grigori's words without saying a word.
But her expression is cold as midwinter frost.
Croft ruffles his feathers as Grigori speaks, casts a suspicious glance at the man -- and suddenly starts to caw loudly, jolting Asta: "Spellcaster! Spellcaster!"
Before going to the speach, Torod casts Lesser Restoration on himself, Sunset, and Asta
Don't forget you heal one point back for a full night's rest.
+2 vs. enchantments, +2 trait bonus vs. charm and compulson.
Torod leans over to Asta and asks "Did you feel that?" It is then he notices that she does not respond to him. "Asta. Asta!" He reaches out and shakes her. "I know his speech is boring, Queen Asta, but surely you can keep from falling asleep right now."
Asta shakes herself, eyes blinking -- then narrowing.
"The last time we heard him speak, he cast a spell on the people to force them to listen to him," she says, her voice tight. "I must be more tired than I thought. Now. Let's go have a word, shall we?"
Seraph was there, in full battle dress with Julius beside her. Her breasts were binded, her horns were gleaming and her armor shined in the noon day sun. As Grigori starts his tirade she stares out at the crowd.
She says a prayer to Arshea before stepping forward. "Let my words be heard clearly lady of Abandon."
"Thank you, but we decline. Please feel free to go without us Grigori. Does anyone wish to join him?" She waves a hand over the crowd, waiting for someone to speak up. "No? Good." Her facial features turn solemn as she speaks. "The most important thing is not the Mites, nor the happenings of last night. But that last night we lost a child, a father's son, a mother's child. Snatched away by uncaring hands. So I ask now for a moment of silence, in honor of the one we lost." She stands in silence, gripping her holy symbol as she hopes for the child's judgement to be fair and unbiased in the court of the gods. After nearly thirty seconds she speaks again. "Thank you all. Now. Let's be serious."
She pulls forth a document and unfurls it to the section she found applied to the situation. "Mite treaty, section dealing in 'PEACE', I will recite the passages that matter most to this conflict between our two nations.
Consequently, both signatories agree to
#2 - not molest individuals found away from the opposite nation
#5 - accept deliberation from the Stolen Lands Group in case of rising conflict, to prevent war and improve chances of lasting peace." She then offers the treaty to the people in the crowd to read, not Grigori initially. She does not part with it however before then showing Grigori.
Her point made she speaks again. "So Grigori is clearly mistakened." She holds up two fingers. "On both points and more, the Mites broke their treaty with us by molesting those en route to our city regardless of an accidental crossing. They did not try to get a toll or make the family pay a fine for the crossing. The family had no armaments to speak of, so calling it an invasion is just a fallacy. They sent no word of this incident to us, nor did we meet a messenger on our way to see them. So clearly they had no regard or care in violating the agreement! Then they had the gall to ask us to make a choice which was unwholesome and unacceptable. They willingly and purposefully failed to uphold fair deliberation before dealing out a death sentence to a family of unarmed travelers. They even went so far as to attempt to strongarm us by taking our people as hostages!"
She spreads her arms wide. "So had we bent to their demands where would it end? Who else would they take? Would we continue to bend, again and again? The treaty was made in good faith which thy tried to take advantage and failed. At great cost but one we shall not repeat!" Her face turns angry. "It is clear who the true Oathbreakers are unequivocally. Any who think otherwise are truly blind." She looks between the crowd and then stares briefly at Grigori before turning away from him as she speaks again. "Besides that seeking peace should be more desirable than unending war, which is not only folly but madness. It would mean burdening our people because of our avarice and xenophobia, which would lead unerringly to us dying out as a Nation. So we don't not engage in war lightly or without consideration however..." She draws her blade then and raises it to shine in the noon day sun. Her voice passionate and without reservation. "... but for a violation of the peace, so blatant and barbaric there can be no recourse but to go to war. I swore thrice to defend this nation, whether from the depredation of hostile creatures, armed threat or Sedition at home by foreign or domestic powers. We the council and I personally will not allow those that actively threaten our people to go unchallenged!"
She sets the blade point down and holds the hilt as she speaks to those assembled. "So now this discussion is past. Today the Mites barbarism shall not go unchallenged. We will not suffer further trespass and the Kobold's stand with us. So let it be so known we are forming a Militia to deal with this threat! Those who wish to join us may volunteer and I will be leading the militia force personally foremost in battle! So,
Sunset escorts every one back to town. The trip using Seraph's valiant stead and poor Fluff taking most of the night. She does travel with Asta to the castle but, with nothing further happening that evening, she returns to her home stead.
There she sets about making a large fire in the main yard, setting much wood and kindling to lioght... before stripping all her clothing off and tossing itinto the fire. .
After watching the configration burn for a while... she walks off into the barn/house and comes back woth alchemists fore to add to the blaze to increase the power of the flames.
It is only after all of her vermin riddled clothing is definately reduced to a fine ash that Sunset sets about making and enjoying a very long, steaming hot bath.
Come the morning finds Sunset in her second best clothes wearing her dark lenses over her eyes and her searching the town's stores for a new hat.
As people gather to listen to the speaches of te new day Sunset remains quet at the back of the crowd, her clothes and manners no different form any of the other farmers gathered to hear what people say.
After Seraph's rousing speach Sunset is stirred to cheer and 'Aye!' in agreement.
"Damn fine speach there, luv!"
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Grigori smiles knowing that Seraph has score her points with the crowed for the day, but he does read the treaty document when given a chance.
He seems to find something very amusing in the document that Seraph presented before commenting to her "May your efforts leading the militia prove as fruitful as you speech today, for the sake these people."
Grigori retires to the Inn for the day. If you have more businesses with him you know where to find him.
Seraph has no problem raising an armed militia mob of farmers and tradesmen to go take care of the mites. She sends scouts out to report on any mite movements, and the bulk of the force will be ready to move out in the morning.
Later in the evening, you receive word that Mikmek (kobold ambassador) is back in town and requesting an urgent meeting with the Stagland leaders.
He looks sad as he reports, "I regret to inform you that the Mites have invoked the mutual defense clause for the treaty.
#5 – That, if necessary, all signatories of this Treaty may call upon any of the other signatories to assist them in the case that their sovereign borders are violated or under threat from any party, signatory or otherwise."
The mites claim you broke the treaty with them by attacking them on there own land. While we are loath to do so, the kobold clan must keep our oath and aid the mites against the Stagland aggressors."
Seraph smiles at Grigori and gives him a rather warm smile. "Save your palaver for tomorrow Lord Grigori you'll need your strength." Having dismissed him she gathers the militia, readying them for what needs to be done until she's called off to meet with the rest of the council. Mikmek's report isn't a good thing but she couldn't hold it against them. The Mites were a step ahead of them.
"That is fine Mikmek but be careful, the Mites wanted more land to match you. It seemed they were unhappy with the treaty they signed. So they used those people try to extort more land out of us all. An entire hex per person if my math was correct. So don't let them use your people as fodder." she pauses for a moment then before adding. "I'll return. I'm going to talk to the settlers from the night before... This entire situation isn't adding up."
She bows her head and heads out.
She apologetically asks to speak with them. Hoping to clear up the mess before returning to the Council chamber. "Can you please tell me what happened and why you strayed from the main road? Don't leave anything out, tell me from before leaving the main road and your capture by the mites..."
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Sunset has a quiet word with her Niece.
"This Gregori feler has things fallen his way too much fer tha' card changes ta' be honest an' fair."
"Perhaps, with ye self bein' careful, if ye could find out tha' how a him gettin' all these whispers in't his ears? That may be one way ta' help ease tha' pain seems his prescence be makin'." She suggests of her Niece.
"I would dearly love ta' know how all this infromation is flyin' around ahead of us seemin' even ta' be doin' things...."
Seraph would invite the gunslinger with her, feeling as they share a similar bad feeling. "Do you wish to accompany me to see the family? Maybe we can get something useful to make sense of all this rapid developments..."
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"That is really not a problem, Mikmek," Asta assures the Kobold Prince. "Because, in accordance with the treaty, I hereby formally invoke that same clause and ask for the assistance of the Sootscale nation in defending us against the Mite aggressors. By our estimation, the Mites violated the treaty first by capturing citizens of Stagland and sentencing them to death without any reasonable provocation, rather than levelling a fine or sending a message to us to negotiate."
The Witch smiles .... and winks.
"Given that this is a conflict situation for the Sootscale nation, where two allies simultaneously request assistance, my personal recommendation would be official non-involvement. Regrettable as that may be, of course; I know the Sootscales are a helpful and law-abiding people who would like to assist their allies in accordance with the treaty, but this is a clear conflict of equal interests."
Asta leans back in her chair.
"That being said, keep this under your hat. That swine Grigori does not need to know. On the subject of Grigori -- I want you to know that I do not believe his filthy blather, and I will do everything I can to preserve our treaty with the Sootscales. But be careful. And please counsel your people to caution as well. I had wanted to contact the Mites and caution them, but .... Well. Events conspired against us, and here we are. I do regret it, but we must move forward."
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Just when we need Justinian. "Mikmek, you and your tribe have been friends with us and our people since the first day we met. You even helped us to set up our government. It is through our friendship that we made trade treaties that are a boon to both our nations. We are friends and as your friend, I tell you that those mites are dealing you dirty. If you choose to ally with them over us, they will betray you. I believe you know that already. So tell us what proof would you need to convince your people help us against the mites?"
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Seeking out the family, Seraph questions about how they came to be in the mite’s territory. The father relates ”The family had set out to establish a new farm where land was available for settling. Stagland has been getting a steady influx of settlers, and that there were farming land available within the kingdom’s. After Olegs, we found the main road and headed south. Most of the best farmland on the right side of the road was claimed, so we wandered off on the left side looking for just the perfect place. I suspect we went too far not knowing about the mite’s border or any kingdom agreement we’re just simple farmers. Next thing we knew these blue mites on centipedes had surrounded us and hauled us off to be tried before their king!”
Mikmek nods at Sunset’s question, ”A mite ambassador arrived this morning during the moon radish breakfast, saying the Stangland leaders had broken a negation truce and attacked the Mites at their home unprovoked. The mite asked us to uphold the treaty and aid them as promised in the treaty Stagland established between our three kingdoms. We were told about the family that trespassed on the mite land and how your leaders negotiated for their freedom, but was unhappy with the outcome. Kobold leader agree mite was within their rights. Kobolds very unhappy about having to fight for mites against stagland, but more unhappy about breaking treaty bond. I was sent here try and avoid further war for kobolds.”
Asta attempts to explain the treaty loopholes that Seraph quote in the noon rebuttal speech confuses Mikmek for a bit. It turns out the treaty Seraph quoted was the peace treaty solely between the kobolds and mites, the stagland being the agreed upon negotiator in event of disagreements. So unless the family the mites threatened were Kobolds and stagland leaders were acting as negotiators for the Kobolds it wouldn’t apply.
Mikmek has two offers to present one from the mites and one from the Kobold king.
Mikmek spells out the mite offer first, ”To avoid war the Stagland must disavow the actions of their leaders and deliver the offending leaders and the family rescued as prisoners gagged and bound back to the mites within a day.” The kobold shakes his head, ”Kobold king doesn’t think you will agree.”
Mikmek then present’s the Kobold offer, ”Kobold king thinks it is time to find new Soootscale homeland, but doesn’t want to leave empty handed. He offers to sell Stagland the rights to Sootscale kingdom for five build points worth of goods. If Kobold kingdom no longer exist, treaty no longer important. We leave for new lands far away. Kobolds not worry about helping mites, or Stagland keeping treaty.”
Mikmek smiles at Torod words, ”Yes you have dealt honorably with Sootscale, and Sootscale king say this is good offer you should take it?”
She had reason to doubt their testimony,
Indeed Stagland had been expanding exponentially and the border had been an issue for some time. Farms were popping up as quick as they could be built. She nods in appreciation for their time. "I will bother you no further, please get some rest and again I am sorry for your loss."
With little else she returned to the fort and rejoined the others to share what she had found.
Torod sadness is obvious. "What if there was another option? What if you joined Stagland? You would, of course, get a seat on the council and all that stuff. Mikmek, I don't have many friends. And I don't want you to go."
"I, also, would be sad to see you go, Mikmek," Asta says, her eyes narrowing in evident pain. "Why do the Sootscales see the need to depart? Are you worried about what that kine Grigori is trying to stir up? Because I will see him die in the dark rather than let him hurt the Sootscales. Has the silver mine played out, perhaps? Because if that is so...." -- Asta gives Torod a significant look -- "we might be able to guide you to a new location to mine."
Asta drums her fingers on the armrest of her chair, then adds: "Perhaps.... perhaps the Sootscales might go on a .... a small vacation for the duration of the unpleasantness between Stagland and the Mites. I have a lot of ravens. I could let you know when the time is right to return?"
Seraph would invite the gunslinger with her, feeling as they share a similar bad feeling. "Do you wish to accompany me to see the family? Maybe we can get something useful to make sense of all this rapid developments..."
Sunset does agree to meet the family again. Upon hearing their tale she frowns, though assures them it's something else which is troubling her mind. To Seraph, though also for the family Sunset opines.
"We've got'a make some sort'a boundry marker fer things. Darn huge poles or some such what people will be noticin' a good ways off afore they wander in't places what're right stoopid ta' wander into..." She blinks, hangs her head and again appologizes for her blunt ways.
"But first we got them Mites ta' deal with. Them Sootscales ta' work out how they're doin' an Griogri ta' manage not murderin'...." She sighs "Frankly? We're a tad swamped." Sunset tilts her head.
"I wonder what Asta can wrangle out'a that lass in'a swamp...?" She suggests to Seraph.
Sunset perks up, "Heck! Why not get three things done all at the same time?" She steps forwards and offers her thought to the council and the Kobold dignitaries. "We'll give ye all that help ye asked fer. Ye go an' find some naffy place fer yer selfs. Once tha' dust settles a'tween them lil blue meanines an' ourselves.... um... assumin' we win..." Sunset does look at her companions honestly at that point,
"Ye come back an' now ye've two places ta' be callin' hearth." She smiles, "Maybe find a second place fer them deliscious Moon radishes ta' grow, hey?" Before getting back on track.
"Plus, ye take along stuff ta' make maps... an' what have ye so we get an idea of where t'is ye've been?"
"We had planned to build a more permanent border and this happens... Ugh. I'm sure Asta will think of something..."
As they were making their way back Seraph is torn, her mind warring with her duty. The family's story is missing essential details, though she felt no need to pry further. Because what they provided was that they had unknowingly traveled into Mite territory. She grips Julius's reins white knuckled as her anger nearly gets the best of her.
"Gods. This entire situation is just as they predicted. In the end we made a one sided treaty, easily manipulated and the Mites are getting away with tearing everything apart we worked hard to put together.." She releases the reins.
"We still have the trolls to fear and Grigori... I'm not worried about him really... We can handle him but a direct assault on the town would devastate us while we are away."
While the others speak with Mikmek, Seraph stares out an open window. Having shared what the family said she was now in deep contemplation. Losing the Kobolds was another dagger in the kingdoms back. She remained stoic as the deliberated.
"Dun't worry luv. Tha' family an' tha' Mites problem? Well.. like ye said, t'were a problem bound ta' happen sooner or later.. it jus' when all sploin shaped sooner, is all." Sunset shrugs.
"I do admit havin' folks fightin' fer us kitted out with me sparkly shooters... or better yet some true iron long arms, yeah that would be a treat but." Sunset shrugs phylosophically again,
"Looks like we make do with sticks an' planks a wood aginst tha' Mites. Long as we bring lots a fire an' alchemist stuff fer burnin' them bugs? We should do okay." Sunset does seem to be trying to be 'Up beat'... which is something she also might have to work on...
Sunset shrugs at Mikmek's words, "Well.. ye all can jus' surender now an' save every one all tha' hassles on that end..." She says pragmatically.
"Sunset," Asta sighs.
The Witch Queen turns to the other Councillors.
"We must vote. I am loath to lose our friends and neighbours, the Sootscales, but I prefer their offer over the Mites'. And we cannot demand that they break oath for us. I vote we accept the Sootscales' offer."
Asta turns to Mikmek.
"What of the young Kobolds I have been tutoring to become Witches? Their training is far from complete, and your people might benefit from fully-trained Witches. Would your Chief be willing to foster them out to me until the time that they are at least of journeyman status? I will vow to bring them to your new home when that is done.
And wherever the Sootscales go, let us forge a new treaty between us, just us, and stay in touch. You are our friends, and even if you are no longer to be our neighbours, I want us to stay friends."
Torod is in full agreement, but he does not trust his voice at the moment.
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"The kobolds have decided what is best for themselves. I am not certain it is our place to accept or reject Mikmek's statement, considering the options. If we 'accept', they leave, which is what they want. If we 'reject' it, there is war with them as well. All we can decide is whether we give them the supplies they need to move on."
Justinian holds the gaze of each in turn. "I vote we give them what they need. Send a supply train with our regards to the Sootscales. They get to keep their word, we remove an unpleasant situation in the upcoming conflict. Both sides win."
She had been considering suggestions for possible places for the Sootscales when Justinian's words made her nod. "I agree." When she spoke it was with a heavy heart, this option minimized casualties but led to the loss of allies. She would not forget the cause of this regrettable situation but was thankful to not have to meet Kobolds on the battlefield. I'm tired of burying the dead even with the Mites.
She turned then and looked to Mikmek. "If the Sootscales encounter problems, do not hesitate to seek us out. Regardless of the situation, as Asta said, you are still a friend."
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Everyone can make a single aid check during the kingdoms building cycle. Use it wisely {see Campaign tab for Aid Leadership Rolls rules}
1st: Determine kingdom stability: 1st roll + 20 stability -2 unrest vs a DC29 {effect unrest total}
2nd:Modify Unrest: 2nd roll + 17 loyalty - unrest vs DC29 {success reduces unrest by 1}
3rd: Income Collect Taxes 3rd roll + 22 economy - ? unrest => income
4th: Mite vs Stagland battle: (Monster Attack) 4th roll + 20 stability - ? unrest vs DC29 {success defeats mites}
(Remember some buildings will add or reduce unrest. Also, claiming a hex will increase the kingdom DC.).
Seraph spends time aiding in rebuilding the council's reputation, having been badly damaged by Grigori was a blow she knew they would survive. But the wound would take time to heal. She tapped into the Bathhouse and her small gathering to help smooth things over as best they could. She also reviewed maps and other strategic data until late into the night as she planned a proposal for the coming council meeting.
When it came time to propose expanding the kingdom she spoke out against claiming more territory in light of the strife with the Mites. "We need to focus on completing the Road to Olegton and building farms by this new road while also focusing our remaining resources on defense. Defeating the Mites is paramount before expanding further or we may expose ourselves to a greater threat."
She provides a map of the city and their exploration map, indicating her proposal for the city first. "As Grigori pointed out, our city is badly defended. So I propose to increase its defense tenfold, by first building defensive walls for the city proper and raising an army to defend it while we perform our duties elsewhere. Sadly we cannot afford them bows or mounts at this time. Though please keep it in mind for the future."
She then indicates area's of concern pointing to the areas that may contain more enemies. "We do not know if the Trolls have recruited the Lizardfolk, who are masters of the sea, nor if they are skulking nearby to strike when we aren't here. So this army would be a deterrent to a direct strike against the city. A two hundred man force will bring our enemies pause, hopefully buying ourselves the time to eliminate all internal and external threats."
She notably pauses before adding with little certainty. "We also must assume that the Mites may have reached out to the trolls for aid. It's possible, seeing as just four of us defeated many of their precious beasts. Sunset, do we have a steady supply of alchemist fire?"
Asta spends time with her apprentice Witches when she can, but also sends her ravens out to scout the land surrounding the city. In fact, she has them scouting out all the Hexes settled by the kingdom for potential threats.
Asta listens to Seraph and nods.
"All very sensible. However, there is one more wrinkle we need to smooth out. Anytime we depart the city, Grigori will do his damndest to blacken our names and undermine our rule. We need to put paid to him, somehow. We need to know where he comes from and why he is doing this."
"Nothing obvious on that, I'm afraid." Justinian replies to Asta. "His coin comes from Restov, and all other facts about him have been hidden. Of course, I haven't resorted to searching his room, or his person as of yet. It doesn't seem like he'll go away on his own. He is persistent in his vocal opposition to your rule. He refutes any and all statements we make regardless of how logical or true they may be. And we suspect there is magic involved when speaks to the crowd. Whatever he is, he is more than a 'simple man' here to defend the people."
He chooses his next words with precision.
"Of course, it is your rule. You do not have to tolerate him or his ideals."
"He was using magic of some sort. He used it against us." Indicating himself and Asta. "For me that is enough to bind him in chains and gag him. To question him vigorously about his motives and ends. I volunteer to do it myself."
Sunset (When she is at council) leans against a wall.
"Well.. we is at a kind a war with peoples. We could, y'know, maybe have tha' feller removed from tha' place fer tha' country's safety. Maybe get him gone fer oh... vagrancy?" She suggests.
When not at council Sunset is seeing to her land, seeing to the hard done by settlers and helping outfit any Army or Militia that the town is raising.
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Asta leans back in her chair and steeples her fingers.
"It's tempting. As Torod said, the bastard is casting spells on people without their knowledge or permission. If you will all agree, we should issue a law against that. One that says it is forbidden to cast spells on people without their consent or knowledge, save to their immediate benefit, such as healing spells on the sick and injured, or dispelling mind-controlling spells and the like."
It is oh-so-tempting to just have the blackguard jumped in an alley, gagged and tossed into a dungeon so we can .... extract .... the truth from him.
It is oh-so-tempting to just evict him from the country without trial, because we have the power to do so.
I admit it. It is tempting."
Asta looks to Seraph.
"It is tempting, but I do not wish to go that road unless we absolutely have to. That said, I do not feel any moral qualms against searching his belongings. Do we know where he rests his head?"
"I hazard to guess the local Inn, but I think he will expect this course... He isn't a complete fool." Seraph looks to Asta her eyes locking with hers. "Though if you give the command, I will drag him out of the inn by his throat and place him in irons. Regardless of the outcome, because to me he is a seditious scum trying to endanger the kingdom with his activities." Her oathes would deem him worthy of being defeated in combat then. Her eyes soften for a moment as she sighs. "But then again... We will give him what he wants, we will be the vile tyrants he so warned them all of. Whatever we do the people will be upset and rally behind him. So I propose we wait... Despite what he tries to say in our absence."
"Because I think this time Grigori will be his own undoing. When the conflict with the Mites ends, when we are victorious, then we strike him down. Targeting his inaction when the citie needed aid. Especially since he didn't volunteer when the common folk did, despite his blustering speeches of being a man of the people. I think that honestly this is the best way."
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The kingdome works well under the threat of mite war, with the people focusing on the task at hand they have less time for descension.
Kingdom upkeep of 1 is paid.
Royal Enforcer Kressel tries to weed out the remaining descension among the populace, but they keep out of sight when ever she is around.
Seraph’s proposed plan is adopted, The road to Oleg’s is extended, farms are built, and one side of the city wall is added to Stagland, making people feel safer.
The rulers chose to accept the Soothcale offer to buy out their lands, sending them several wagons of supplies as the whole tribe packs up their stuff and move east out of the stolen lands, Mikmek promises to return for a visit after the current unplessenes are settled. The withdrawal of so many supplies from the treasury cause some talk among the populace causing some additional unrest, but it is partially countered by the city wall.
An militia is raised by Asta’s command.
The taxes are paid by the people and counted by the treasurer
Pending => Mite vs Stagland battle: (Monster Attack) 4th roll + 20 stability - 4 unrest + 2 aid vs DC29 {success defeats mites}
Asta spends time with her apprentices and sends ravens out to keep an eye out for threats. Unfortunately, the Kobold king insist on keeping the kobold tribe together, so any kobold witchlings remain with the tribe.
The leaders discuss what to do about Grigori in private. During the month Grigori keeps a lower profile. No public speeches, while the kingdom battles the mites, but he still speaks with people in small groups spreading his poisonous words.
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When not involved with the war, Justinian spends his time among the people as well; offering words of encouragement, adjudicating disputes, and generally working to uplift the spirits of the people. It's not all roses and unicorns, however. While he is out there, he tries to find out as much as he can about what Grigori is saying, working with Kressel closely.