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Using Seraph's plan the kingdom reclaims the mine hex, repairs the mine and road there, builds a watchtower, farm and housing.
Repairing the Mine and road cost half the building cost, but the mine's bonus to include helps offset that. Also building farms in the hilly terrain about Greenhart cost more than the open plains.
Noblesse Oblige (Settlement): A noble family offers to construct a Monument (01—50) or Park (51—100) in your settlement at the family's own expense. The nobles pay all costs and Consumption for this purpose.
Totally unrelated to one of their family members being given an position in your kingdom the Noble family of Lebeda offer to construct a Park in your settlement at the family's own expense. Congratulations on your new Park it has a nice two tier shrubbery hedge installed by the expert Shrubber Roger.
As his first month as Diplomat wears closer to the end, Thomas spends more and more time pondering the map. He sends a messenger to request General Starsky’s presence in the map room.
”My Lady,” he says with a smile, ”there is something I would like to discuss with you. Despite my assigned position as Diplomat, I do have a significantly skilled eye for tactics and logistics.” Thomas points to the map, ”It would seem you have fairly thoroughly explored and mapped out the northern lands, but those between us, Mivon, and the other River Kingdoms south remains a mystery. I believe in the coming months we should endeavor to rectify that, particularly here,” he traces his finger along the hexes G5, H6, I7, I11, and I13. ”Those areas are precariously close to Greenheart, and should any threats to the city lurk there...we need to know. Maybe even begin pushing our borders directly around our capital out to provide more of a defensive buffer against incursion.”
Sunset works hard on her property, in council, in helping her neighbors, in assiting folks who's buisness she has a knowledge in.
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The one building/buisness/shop Sunset has a hankering to establish is a Clock/Time piece-maker. She enquires as to who might have contacts with the Gnomish comunity.
Seraph is surprised by the messenger when he finds her on the training ground, drilling with the reserve troops on their day off. Being so summoned she thanks the messenger, gives him a message to tell Sir Thomas she would see him shortly and outlines her wishes to the Officers of the Reserve army when she stepped out. Despite clear instructions she made sure if they worked hard they'd be done within the hour. Something she knew all of them would want. Home by high light, end with a positive note.
From there she went to meet Sir Thomas straight away. She was wearing he rcustomary white and purple clothing beneath her full battle attire and heavily ladden backpack. Which she took off after entering the strategy room, returning Sir Thomas's greeting politely. "My lord." She adjusts her holy symbol so it was out and she set her large sword by her pack before sitting down. Looking over the map she added, as respectfully as possible. "Feel free to call me Seraph, we can keep the honorific for official meetings. Especially when discussing during war talk. But I won't hold you if breaking etiquette is disrespectful Sir Thomas"
"Now, ground rules, I will gladly accept input. I find that my lack of before led to us being far to vulnerable. Also, since Torod is indisposed with sickness, I will do my best to answer any questions you have." With that said she perused the map, looking over the areas he had outlines again and nodding at his explanation politely to show she was listening and interested."You are right sir, we also have to consider these areas." She indicates (F12) the Sootscale Caverns and (D6) The Temple of the Elk. "The Sootscales former home is a Silver mine, something economical we can't afford to lose and the Temple of the Elk may help bring some calm to the kingdoms unrest since Grigori. Both would bring the added benefit of more foot traffic from up north into the kingdom. However, forgive my long proposal,..."
She points to the Sootscale Caverns. "I suggest our next month we expand here and open up the Silver Mine again, get the money flowing for the eventual expansion of our borders around the Capital. Which I suggest H10 first, a popular fishing spot is there and perhaps we could work on building docks in the capital for Ships."
"The month After we expand to the Temple and then swap over to either G7 or H8, so long as the Old Beldame who lives there doesn't have an issue with us tromping about her swamps." Then she taps around F8, H12 and finally H14. "Barring issues with her in over half a year, we should secure the river of our eastern border and claim a few more resources to bolster our growing roadways."
She waves a hand across the unknown south and south western areas. "I would like to speak with the others but another expedition should be mounted for exploration purposes, just as you suggested, had the Mite War not occurred then indeed we would already be heading in that direction. As it sits now we are mired with the unrest and healing the rift is our primary concern. I will bring it to Asta's attention, so long as you come with me that those five areas need to be explored. Whether by the council or by me leading the Reserve Army afield and performing a sweep of each of these areas. We do have some concerns though in the areas mentioned..."
Pointing to the Lizardfolk village and the Murderer's approximated area she speaks again. "The Beldame told us two threats, one being a mad man needing dealt with and the other being a village of Lizardfolk who may be hostile which we may run afoul with out exploring. We don't know the location of the Trolls who are trying to build a monster kingdom to threaten our hold here as of yet or if they have allied with the Lizardfolk. Aside from this that is all I can provide at the moment."
Thomas nods to Lady Seraph at her request for dispensing formalities in private. He then listens to her planning intently, following her finger along the map. ”My apologies,” he interjects, ”you say their ‘former home.’ Where exactly ave they relocated to, and are we certain they do not pose a continued threat? Kobolds, I have heard, are diabolical pests...”
As she continues, he adds some points, ”Yes, gaining control over the Tuskwater would provide both defensive and economic advantages. And tending to this madman and the lizard men are an eventuality that will need dealt with sooner than later. I agree settling the unease of the people is our primary concern, a fact which I hope Lebeda Park will provide some respite.”
He smiles to her, ”But, of course I would join you in speaking with the Queen on this matter, especially since we seem to agree on all points. I believe we could work it out to accomplish both the explorations and expansions simultaneously, if we remain focused on the task.”
She couldn't help but look tired as she responded politely to Thomas on the Kobolds status. "I'll give you some history. The Kobolds allied with us against the trolls incentive and even sided with us against the mites despite the treaty in place. At the moment I am unsure where they have gone but we bought them out of the treaty so we didnt have a two pronged war front. They have always treated with us well, not the vile pests I too once thought of them." That was as far as she would take it before adding. "We are hoping not to have to fight the lizardfolk and enter a treaty with them as well or some non-aggression pact. But that is yet to be seen. If we plan on an expedition we need to present it to Asta post haste before we get wrapped up in next month's preparation."
Torod returns from his illness in a grumpy mood.
He continues with his tradition of hosting different meals throughout the month.
* Erastil's faithful
* Ranking clergy in the city
* Ranking military personnel, including city guard
* Members of the Circle, unless Asta would rather do this
* His friends and other important personages
He hand delivers an invitation to Thomas to attend the monthly dinner he hosts for the religious leaders of the country. "You should come. Meet the important people." Torod does not know Thomas' religious leanings, but figures it would be good for the new Grand Diplomat to meet the religious leaders early and in a friendly environment.
Thomas takes the hint of the tone Seraph’s voice conveys ont he subject of the kobolds, and says no more on the subject.
”Allow me to just say in advance, I judge none of the intelligent races simply by their appearances. However, many of them have generations-long cultures and beliefs that may prevent them from becoming allies or citizens. But I am willing to extend them the offer. But we also may have to consider that they may refuse and demand their lands be kept separate. In which case, we either have to decide to respect their wishes, or the needs of our own people.”
When she is ready, he agrees to accompany her to meet with the Queen.
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Thomas smiles at Torod’s invitation. ”Of course, Marshal. I am eager to meet with them as well! Learn their opinions of Lord Ragathiel,” he says, gauging Torod’s own outlook with a curious eye.
She smiles then. "The park will go a long way in cooling the unrest I am sure. I always enjoyed parks. Somewhere to just relax. I hope it'll calm the hearts of those twisted by Grigori's magic... I hope at least."
She sets her hand on Thomas's. "I apologize, I spent months arguing with your predecessor and I don't mean to sound judgemental to your views. I'm just... worn thin and I understand the negative outlook. Thats why i provided insight and I understand that It's not easy looking past proven history. That's why it's a hope, no matter what disappointment comes in the end." Seeing as Thomas was being summoned she takes it as her Wye to move on. "Plan on tonight when Asta is in, I will gather everyone and we will discuss another expesition. Thank you for you time and understanding Thomas." Her smile was genuine and she radiated her previous warmth and welcome to their newest member. He seemed very promising.
After they bid each other a temporary fair well she sent messages to everyone asking for a meeting tonight. Torod was optional but she mention the expedition Thomas was proposing, knowing he'd want to be in the know about it...
"Ragathiel? Vengeance and battle?" If corrected, he acknowledges the correction then keeps talking. "As long as he and you can keep it in perspective, which is the same as I insist for everyone, then we should all be able to get along. And you're welcome to sponsor a shrine." Torod really only cares about encouraging the community. His dinners aren't flashy, but they (hopefully) give the leadership of the fledgling country a chance to do business in a not so formal setting.
Thomas smiles politely, ”Don’t forget Chivalry and Duty! Though, those are often overlooked of the Empyreal Lord known as the General Of Vengeance,” he replies with a chuckle.
”Perhaps I will,” Thomas adds in response to the Shrine offer, ”Though I do honestly desire to perhaps found a true Temple or Cathedral in his honor. Eventually.”
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Thomas gives his advice on tactical expanding the kingdom.
Sunset practice her crafts and would like to have a clock/timepieces shop
Seraph meets with Thomas to discuss the kingdom expansion plans, and the need to mount another expedition.
Recovering from his illness, Torod continues hosting dinners for the kingdom’s prominent people.
Torod and Thomas discuss the religious aspects of Empyreal Lord Ragathiel.
Thomas: hexes G5, H6, I7, I11, and I13.
Sunset: Clock/Timepieces shop
Seraph: order of hexe claims : F12 (silver mine), D6, H10, G7, H8, F8, H12, H14
Torod: Shrine
Thomas eventually: temple or cathedral to Ragathiel.
"Another expedition so soon," Asta murmurs. "The purpose is good, but .... I am uncertain. Grigori is out there somewhere. The last time he came oozing in was when we were out dealing with that wretched turtle. If we're to leave again, we must make sure to leave better defences in place."
Torod backs Seraph's plans for expansion. Getting the Sootscale Mine operating would be a boon to the country and he wants to eventually build a full cathedral at the Temple of the Elk so claiming that hex is a first step towards that.
Seraph pushes forward her plan B as discussed with Sir Thomas. "Then allow me to propose this." She places a small wooden piece on the map by the capital. Then another, larger piece, on the capital. "We can muster the reserve army and scout the areas that way, I will lead them while the rest of you continue your work in the capital milady. I will alert my Order to be at your beck and call."
With that said she gets down to business. " It'll be costly but..." She places the smaller piece on I11 after taking a meandering March through the ford as part of her explination. "I will take the army to the ford, cross it and map I11 and I13 grids. If we have time we will map everything else between the Sellen, Shrikes and Gudrin Rivers. Hopefully eliminating any threats in those areas and giving us the Intel if the mudbowl is worth developing. I believe it should take no more then a week..."
She adds in a cautious tone. "I considered the western side, but i didnt want to agitate the lizardfolk with our movements. We could map areas G1, G3 and G5 but I don't know how the lizardfolk will take us being so close..."
"Your thoughts? Seraph was curious. This would also mean that Torod or someone else could accompany her but leave them able to perform multiple duties.
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”If I may,” Thomas interjects, ”but if a peaceful negotiation with the lizardmen of the Narl, then going roaming with a small army would not be the best way to begin negotiations. Even if it is an area well outside the swamps, word tends to spread about such things.”
He continues, now addressing Asta directly, ”But in these matters, there are no easy answers. If the leadership remains here, word could be spread that we are all hiding behind our positions of power and putting other lives at risk. If we go ourselves, we risk trouble brewing here in our absence. As you so wisely put, my Lady, we would need to make sure the nation was in competent hands while we were abroad. I feel that the latter is our better option, if you trust your kinsmen to hold down the proverbial fort while we are away.”
He folds his arms behind him, adding ”Also, if a treatise with the lizard folk is our goal, being the newfound Diplomat, I will begin focusing my extra time learning their language for the eventual negotiations.”
Seraph nods in agreement with Sir Thomas. "A smaller group of outriders would work as well. However our army is untested in the field since the battle with the mites, a little footwork would do them some good. But I agree with Sir Thomas, we are... in a precarious position. That's why I sill lead the men, it's a Generals job to lead the troops and a Queen, Diplomat and such would be expected to attend matters of state. Especially if calming the unrest is the top priority."
She taps the unknown zones. "We have to consider that the longer we delay an expedition. The more our remaining enemies move quietly against us. So outriders or not, even two of us can go on horseback and begin mapping."
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Thomas nods, then turns back to Asta, ”My Lady, is there any nation in particular you would like me to initiate contact with in the meantime? Perhaps one of the other groups chartered to establish other barony’s? Learn what they’ve discovered, as well as perhaps what they have to offer or need in commerce? Or if they may pose a threat themselves?”
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"The trolls have already declared their enmity. The lizardfolk are isolationist xenophobes - and xenovores. They can wait, so long as we can block the trolls' access to the swamp.
Contacting the other baronies might be wise, if any remain. See who want to be allies. See which are collapsing and might welcome joining with us instead of sticking it out where they are. We also need to expand our base of agents, yes, and season them."
Asta taps her index fingers together.
"We can't all leave the city together anymore, unless there is urgent need. Not until we have rooted out the conspiracy Grigori spearheaded. And when we travel, we mustn't do so alone. At all times, council members on business should be at least two in number, and have a guarding force with them.
We need better communication in the field. Move we contract Beldam to craft magic devices for far-speech. For now, we'll use ravens to exchange messages.
We need to contact the elder Fey, too. Where were Tyg-titter-tut and Perlavish last?"
"If I recall correctly, they left after the coronation. More then likely returning to their woods in the North." Seraph responds to Asta's question as best she could.
"I also agree that better communication is essential for future endeavors as well as contacting the other baronies." Such rapid expansion would be great for the kingdom, rough at first but overall a great thing.
From there she was Waiting until she had more to offer to the conversation.
Thomas replies, ”Then I shall send a courier to Restov and see what information they would be willing to relay to us in regards to the other groups.”
Lady Asta of House Blackheart sends you her well wishes from her from Greenheart. But we write to you now in need of information. We desire to make contact with our newfound neighbors here in the area formerly known as the ‘Stolen Lands,’ specifically those of the other chartered groups sent elsewhere in the region. We would appreciate any information on them you may have and be willing to share, as we desire to establish peaceful relations. We understand we could send explorers blindly into their outlined territories, but to do so, in our opinion, would recklessly put said explorers lives in jeopardy, whereas if their townships are already known and they are open to negotiations, we could more assuredly send a messenger or raven.
We thank you for any assistance and information in this area you may be willing to relay,
Sir Thomas of House Lebeda, Knight Of Ragathiel, Grand Diplomat of Stagland.
He seals the message and sends it with his footman Michael, who is to be accompanied by Frederick and Preston of his personal guard. He sends them with 70 gold crowns to Restov, to cover their food and lodging. ”Return to me with their reply as soon as you can.”
"I shall send a raven to the northern Woods, then, with instructions to deliver a message to the Fey," Asta says. "Hopefully, they'll pause to see why a black bird is carrying a scroll before they try to prank it."
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Asta is loath to leave the kingdom unprotected from the likes of Grigori.
Torod is in favor of claiming the Soothscale mine and eventually restoring the Elk temple.
Seraph suggest using the reserve army under her leadership to scout the surrounding area.
Thomas hopes for peaceful negotiations with the lizardmen. He is concerned about projecting weakness if the leaders make a habit of remaining within the castle walls.
Seraph suggest a smaller group of outriders would work as well for mapping and exploring.
Thomas ask whom he should initiate contact with on the Kingdom’s behalf.
Asta suggest the other baronies, contacting Beldam for far-speech devices, and the fey tyg-titter-tut and Pearlavish.
Seraph recalls the fey are in the north woods.
Thomas sends a message to Restov for information about the other baronies.
Asta sends a raven to the northern woods to contact the fey.
After about a week Thomas’ footman Michael and guard Fredric return from Restov, with the following information about the other three charter groups.
Glenebon Uplands: The swordlords sent a relatively experienced band of adventurers known as the Iron Wraiths into the Glenebon Uplands, charging them with purging the hills of the Tiger Lord barbarians and, eventually, to make diplomatic contact with Pitax to work out border issues.
Nomen Heights: The centaurs of the Nomen Heights have always been trouble, and in an attempt at a show of force, the swordlords sent a group of mercenaries led by one of their own, a low-ranking but eager-to-impress swordlord named Maegar Varn to establish a town and make peace with the Nomen centaurs.
The Slough: The East Sellen River runs through the swamps known as Hooktongue Slough. As the most vital trade route from the south, this area has been the most important to Brevoy—as a result, a large group of diplomats and high-ranking soldiers has been sent into this area to ensure the trade route is open and safe.
All three groups are making progress about equal to your own kingdom. The closest is to the west across the mounts has set up a town called Varnhold. To the west past the woods and swap is the group has set up Fort Drelev.
As for Pearlavish sends a reply message via a turtle, ”The matter you ask about, is best not spoken about for one's own good health.”
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Torod is all in.
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"I must admit to some .... concern about Nomen Heights," Asta says. "Not all mercenaries are able to tell the difference between making peace and butchering everything in sight. Likewise, this command to wipe out the Tiger Lords bothers me. Has any attempt been made at diplomacy? Sir Thomas, can your contacts find out more about how each of the other settlements is faring?"
Darian nods, "I shall send messengers out to each nation with utmost haste, my Lady."
Greetings and salutations from the nation of Greenheart. Lady Asta of House Blackheart sends you her best regards and hopes that things are fairing as well for you in the Nomen Heights as it does for she and her subjects here in the Greenbelt.
She is interested in your progress in taming this wild frontier collectively known as the Stolen Lands. Also, she would like to inquire with you as to if you would be interested in a peaceful meeting to arrange possible trade and alliance between our growing city-states.
We look forward to hearing your reply.
Cordially,
Lord Thomas Lebeda of House Lebeda, Knight of Ragathiel, Grand Diplomat of Greenheart
Greetings and salutations from the nation of Greenheart. Lady Asta of House Blackheart sends you her best regards and hopes that things are fairing as well for you beyond the Slough as it does for she and her subjects here in the Greenbelt.
She is interested in your progress in taming this wild frontier collectively known as the Stolen Lands. Also, she would like to inquire with you as to if you would be interested in a peaceful meeting to arrange possible trade and alliance between our growing city-states.
We look forward to hearing your reply.
Cordially,
Lord Thomas Lebeda of House Lebeda, Knight of Ragathiel, Grand Diplomat of Greenheart
We need to get exploring again.
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Seraph searches for some guards to take along, she finds four experienced scouts who are handy with bows and longswords, lightly armored.
Torod and Sunset are willing to joint the trip.
Exploring I11 and I13 would take about 4 days one to get there 1 each to explore the hexes and 1 to get back.
Asta is concerned about the other group’s likely methods in dealing with the locals.
Thomas writes messages to both Varnhold and Fort Drelev, he expects replies no earlier than a week.
While waiting for replies, Seraph, Torod, Sunset and four Scouts prepare for their short exploration to the east just south of the Gudrin River.
"Asta, a short, safe jaunt in the woods would do you some good. Thomas, this is a prime chance to see the beauty our nation is blessed with. You should both come along. We even have guards this time."
Sunset and Fluff are also waiting folks in the courtyard/main square/Gathering place.
*Squark*
"Short and safe, right," Asta snarks as she pulls on her riding boots. "Because that's the kind of trip we always have. Let me grab my mapmaking kit, we might as well do something useful this trip."
Thomas smiles eagerly, ”Agreed, Sir Stagheart.”
He instructs his men to watch over his personal effects and affairs while he rides out with the court on the expedition.
Seraph was battle ready in the morning, needing only to sleep two hours a night aided her greatly in preparation. She had Asta's horse ready and Julius was whinnying at her when Torod and the others came to find her. She had the Elite Outriders she had gathered up as well, more protection for the Queen. Which she hoped not to have to use.
She had the remaining vials of alchemist fire in her pack if needed as well. Though she hoped fighting swarms of insects was behind them.
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As usual, Torod and Strawberry break trail for the others. They usually range well ahead of the main group and leave prearranged marks and signs for them to follow.
Torod will Take 10 on Survival and Perception rolls while scouting with Strawberry Aiding him.
Perception 26 (28)
Survival 20 (22)
Sunset rides along easy on Fluff. The large bird's distance a good ways away from the newer riders. Sunset not yet trusting to Fluff's behavour around the less well known mounts.
Her gaze sweeps out over the vista of rolling hills that the party is wandering through.
Asta maps out the new territory while the party moves along, relying on others to warn her of any danger.
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The Kingdom leaders and guards mount up and ride out southeast across the hills towards the Gudrin river ford. It being early summer the group cross the cool shallow water of the Gudrin without incident.
As the sun drops low in the sky, the hero's locate a suitable campsite within view of the Gudrin near the borders of the unexplored lands. The night passes without incident.
The next morning, the work begins as the leaders explore the land to the west of camp, feeling confident in their abilities they leave two scouts to watch camp as the rest of the group spend the day riding up and down hills. At about midday Torod, Sunset and Seraph spot a small herd of Elk grazing. One bull with a nice rack and four cows. They pose no threat to your group, unless you choose to hunt them.
The rest of the day of exploring passes without further encounter and the group returns to the campsite where the two guards have some fresh rabbits basting over the fire.
On the second day of exploration, the group rides to explore the lands to the south of camp. This is more hills with what they believe is the little Sellen River flowing through it.
Little Sellen River: The offshoot of the East Sellen river that branches further east at Mivon is known as the Little Sellen for its relatively narrow width; this river averages 90 feet across and 20 feet deep.
With some difficulty, Torod, makes it across the river.
Perception
Can Strawberry Aid in this roll? If so Strawberry Perception add 2 to roll.
Sunest dismounts, takes time to remove her clothes and pack them into her addle bags, leaving a sword, dagger and 'gun' belt in place, before she attmepts the river crossing leading Fluff.
Sunset moves along easily. In part dragged to the far shore by the strong powerful paddling of her mount, Fluff.
*Squark!* Is Fluff's only comment before the large bird begins to preen its feathers.
Sunset obliges by taking the saddle and bags from her mount, removing a 'curry comb' and assisting in the task at hand. The day's sun drying them both nicely.
The travel was sinple, she was surprised that everyone had come instead. But it didn't matter, this jaunt would be quick.
Seeing the beauty of the land and the elms, without the need to hunt them, gave her a sense of calm. After many months of frustration. When they finally reached the river she acted as a General would.
She directs half the guard to cross ahead of Asta, the ot her half would stay with her until Asta was safely across. She stows her bow and readies her sword instead. The guards that stayed with her were to keep their bows ready and when Asta was safe, the last of them would depart with Seraph moving last across.
When it came time for her to cross she pulled off her armor and clothing. Putting them on Julius, hopefully high enough where it wouldn't get wet.
Thomas clicks his tongue to urge his warhorse to bear him across the river. The horse balls at first, so much so that the pair even dip below the surface! But that seemed to motivate the stallion to do the task and it carried the two across the flowing waters. Once across, Thomas dismounted and checked on the noble animal, and patted him on the neck reassuringly. ”Easy, boy,” he muttered into his ear as he calmed him down.