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When the Torod suggest claiming the Southern Rostland Road, Councilor Suetlana speaks up ”While we could claim the area with the Rostland Road, it is considered the border to Rostland and I don’t think we want to effectively declare war on Brevoy.”
Seraph Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 VS DC 10 check to Aid Stability by +2
Kingdom Rolls
Seraph 12
Asta 11
Torod 13
Doran 11
Development Plan for Pharast
Build Roads in Hex C11 (plains) 1 bp
Build Farm in Hex B10 2 BP (already had farm in C11)
Build Shop in Greenhart 8 BP
Claim Hex D8 1 bp
Upkeep:
Stagland is very stable and productive with no unrest
The Kingdome did have to play 2 BP out of its coffers to pay for imported consumables.
Edict:
Claimed the forest hex D8 with the Moon radishes. Developed farms and roads in the plains hex C11 and added a shop district in the capital of Greenhart.
Income:
Stagland collected tax and income of 13 bp.
Event:
yes
beneficial
outstanding success
Lily Teskerten opened a dress shop in the kingdom’s newly created shopping area, her elf inspired dress designs are the talk of the town and beyond bring fame and increased revenue to your kingdom! She still is interested in elven artifacts (see quest on campaign info).
Once all the kingdom's work is done it time to explore more. A meeting is set up between the two ship captains for Torod and anyone else interested.
Captain Bloodtusk a rough looking half- Orc makes his offer first ”I hear you want to hire my ship and crew for for exploration along the rivers here about. Aye we can do that for 30gp a day.”
The other Captain Captain Esteban is a human hailing from the Shackles, ”Well we can match, Bloodtusk deal and get you there and back faster, granted the quarters are more cramped, but you not looking for a luxury cruise.”
Sunset eyes the pair,
"T'is not matchin' tha' draws an' costs we be interested in now, is it?" She says as her gaze flicks from one man to the other.
"Now, I'll admit t' be not havin' a nautical bent, but mates an' I," She indicates those of the group who are seeking to further their explorations,
"In't interested in how fast we be gettin' places as t'is tha' learinin' of tha places we be goin' to, is more our goal." Sunset points out. She seeks to have the pair challenging each other for the group's services.
"Cut the price in half and you'll get exclusivity whenever we explore by water. Also, in time, we intend to build a small naval force. A known and trusted captain might get tapped as a consultant."
I've thought better of bringing the steeds. So its the five of us with Strawberry Deathstrike and Croft plus 4 guards and supplies. I figure it to be a 4 day round trip.
Torod looks to Bloodtusk to give him one final chance to give a better deal before shaking hands with Captain Esteban.
Asta watches the negotiations with interest, but lets Torod get on with the matter. Given the people's ... unease ... about her dealings with nonhumans, she has decided against directly involving herself in the choice of a ship captain.
Provided the Council agrees to meet at her earlier suggestion to discuss the Fangberry Thicket with Mikmek, Asta schedules the meeting as soon as possible -- and preferably before the matter of choosing a ship comes up.
"You see, Prince Mikmek," she explains, "if we can turn the Thicket into a joint operation, we could increase its productivity very quickly. Do you think the Chief would be amenable to such a suggestion?"
Asta makes a point of paying an official visit to Lily Teskerten if she can find a moment to do so, and personally compliments the seamstress on her work in recognition of the boon she has proven to be to the kingdom.
"These are truly excellent dresses," she praises the craftswoman as she admires some of her products. "I wonder, might I place an order with you for some robes of state? My wardrobe is in need of a little .... updating."
Whenever affairs of state allow, Asta spends solid time with her new apprentices, including Imiria, taking them through their paces and guiding them to an understanding of the Feral Speech Hex, as well as basic healing and protection spells.
Justinian stands by while Asta negotiates with the kobolds, very interested in the response from Mikmek.
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Bloodtusk thinks about it for a minute, then declines "I've given you a fair price, I'll not haggle like a fish mugger. Enjoy the cramp quarters on the River Queen, hopefully she wont explode like the others while your aboard." With that he takes his leave.
Captain Esteban smiles reassuringly, "Pay him no mind, there's almost no chance of the engine exploding, I have Hurg the best dwarfen engineer working for me. When do we set off, and I'll be expecting full payment when we leave."
Asta's meeting with Mikmek about the Fangberry Thicket, the Kobold listens to Asta's plan, "Joint operation? Patch already produce enough berries for tribe. We already send works to pick when ever we need more, no need for joint operation, but thanks for offering."
Lily Teskerten is flattered that Asta visited her shop much less she placed an order, "Yes, my ladyship I'll see to the order!" She does reiterate her desire to acquire elf artifacts you may find in your exploration.
The witch apprentices make progress under Asta's tutelage, but it will take time. Imiria is of course an advanced student already.
Seraph doesn't interfere unless needed. It was obvious Bloodtusk was very proud of his ship and crew. But she didn't need any backlash for stepping in where she wasn't needed. Now that they were closer to traveling once more she had little need to mince words.
Wherever Asta went Seraph was close behind. Fully armed and armored, just in case, prepared to stop any threats to Asta.
Now that we have the transportation worked out, Torod is eager to return to their explorations.
The kobold's answer doesn't surprise Justinian. There is no reason for them to share a resource that they hold and have always held.
"You speak truth, Master Mikmek. The kobolds do not need our help in harvesting the fangberries. However, you do need our assistance - however indirectly - in maintaining the roads and safety of the area between the thicket and your lands. Surely that is worth a business agreement in which we both share the bounty of the thicket between our people?"
"More to the point," Asta says, "we can help you grow more fangberries than the thicket produces of its own accord. As you well now, fangberries are delicious and good for a number of uses. If we can cultivate the thicket to become more yielding, then we can - together - sell a certain amount of surplus berries, both inside and beyond the borders. The proceeds, we could split fairly."
Before the group departs to explore the waterways, Asta takes some private time with Imiria.
"I should like to know how our secret service is developing," she says, not bothering to beat about the bush. "You have been working for a while now, so I hope you have developed better sources of information than just listening at doors, my Spymistress."
The Winter Witch smiles a little, to take the sting out of her words.
After Imiria has given her support, however, she adds to the younger Witch's troubles:
"I have some additional duties for you. No doubt you realize that the Witch Circle is going to be an invaluable tool for gathering information and protecting the kingdom. A time may well come when our secret service and the Circle are closely linked, feeding each other information for the good of the land. To that end, I want to make sure no one slacks off on their training just because I'm away for a few days.
You are my head apprentice. While I am away, you must continue to put the younger pupils through their paces. Make sure they stick with their learning routine, answer every question you can, write down the questions you cannot. Also make very certain that no one reaches too far; I don't want to return to news that someone wound up killing themselves through overenthusiasm and lack of caution."
Seraph, having known Mikmek as a friend, tries to appeal to his ideals as to what is best to for his tribe aiding Justinian and Asta''s diplomatic reasoning. That cultivation would lead to developing wine and foods exclusive to their allies and the Kingdom. Will enforcing that their vow to leave them unhindered access would not be altered nor refused once cultivation began. She hoped as General of Greenpeace her friend Mikmek would trust in them.
She goes as far as too offer to show him what current Brevoyian agriculture could do once the fang berries were planted across the entirety of the twelve mile area.
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Mikmek listens to the new Grand Diplomat's offer, Thinking for a bit before replying "I see you wish to pick more berries. If you guarantee our supply of berries, then we would be not object to your kingdom cultivating more berries."
Imiria nods in reply to Asta's request "Yes, I'll keep the initiates practicing. I've added listening at windows to my tricks too. But seriously I have several sources of information to keep track of the kingdom's heartbeat."
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Milmek leaves you to make your decisions, knowing that it would be weeks before the next kingdom expansions are decided.
Unless there is other business, the River Queen keelboat waits upon the next morning at the water's edge ready to take you exploring. Captain Esteban standing ready to receive payment and welcome you aboard.
After a long, cold and sobering winter. The chance to explore with fair breezes and green foliage was a welcomed change. She had their horses readied and left strict orders for the men to continue their training in her absense.
When she eventually sees the others she singles out Torod. Smiling at him. "Do we travel westerly boats boatswain Torod?"
"Very well Master Mikmek. Stagland will agree to allow your people access to the Thicket and harvest there at the current rate." This last is said with slight emphasis, to make a point to the Council.
Justinian watches Mikmek go. "We are making a grave mistake here. I've given you the information that I have about this situation. If we do not take what we need to expand and survive as a nation, someone else will."
Justinian turns to face the Council. "You Have What You Hold. That's one of the River Freedoms. To not adhere to this would put us in jeopardy, both from inside and out. Mark my words. This will be seen as weakness with our neighbors."
My plan is to go back up the Gudrin River and look into the hexes around the lake. If this boat thing works we can do it again later.
Council meeting response
Seraph nods to Justinian words, clad in full armor and armed as she has been for days. She watched Mikmek go before commenting civilly. "Many times we have heard the same in recent memory and as a newcomer I understand your hesitation. Out of the mites and kobolds I trust the kobolds far more. Mikmek has been a good ally and friend. The mites not so much in my opinion due to their ultimatum and if it ever comes to open conflict. Then they will lose everything Master Doran. Oath breakers Die is another Freedom, which we tread around breaking if we deny them access. Along with the freedom of unbarred travel. So yes, we dance on the edge of several blades but it's not a weakness to compromise when our allies are held to the same laws... at least in theory."
She looks to the rest of the council then, deadly serious with her next statement. "Next session I will press for the official creation of our first standing army. I have been training the men hard and the threat of the trolls possess means we need to be more prepared then mere militia rabble. Keep it in mind, because it is a necessary expenditure and soon. Perhaps it can be impressed on the kobolds to create their own force as well." She fidgety slightly with her magical ring, rolling it with her knuckles around and around again. A habit she had gained now that she was awake fare longer these days.
_________________
She makes a sad face as she prepares to escorts Julius back to the stables. "That is unfortunate, but I understand, can't be too low in the water. Come Julius."
When she returns she is carrying a covered item, which she uncovers before handing the shield to Doran. Iomedae's holy sword was crafted into the face of a masterwork heavy steel shield. "It was hard to craft a gift that suited a man of your position. I hope it is to your liking and you use it well."
Sunset gives Mikmek a polite nod as they leave the meeting together. She standing to watch the small retinue walk off down the burgeoning town's streets and the reactions of other passers by.
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Sunset arrives at the river bank early and ready. Having taken time to ensure her live stock and property will be cared for in her absence. She casts an eye over the boat and its crew as she waits to board.
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The River Queen is a sternwheeler paddleboat, powered by a magical engine. The boat itself is 77 feet keel, with a 20 foot beam and has a draft of only 3 feet. Captain Esteban brags, ”The Queen can make 6 knots a hour when under way.”
The main cabin made of teak would on deck has a single door and nine shuttered windows. Narrow gangways run along both sides of the cabin. Forward of the cabin is the Cargo Deck. Aft of the cabin is a wheelbox which is a wooden housing covering the upper access to the machinery of the sternwheeler and is locked shut. In the bow of the ship is the Foredeck where the anchor is attached. Below the Foredeck is the Magazine room a strong wooden door bars entry into this area. The topdeck sits atop the main cabin and covers the Cargo area a rickety ladder provides access to this level. At the front of the Topdeck is the pilothouse also made of teak where the captain steers and commands the ship.
The crew consist of Esteban the Captain and Pilot. Faruq first mate a half orc who keeps the crew in line. Hurg the Engineer a decrepit old near-sighted dwarf. Three other humans make up the balance of the crew doing laborers and muscle work They are Danner, Houghman and Speraggo.
Twelve people can bunk in hammock in the main cabin comfortably and can hold as many as 24 if need be. Riding animals can be tied off on the cargo deck for those who want to bring them.
Torod plans to explore and clear the Hexs around the lake.
The group has explored the area at the mouth of the Gudrin river. There is a large dangerous turtle called Crackjaw that has attacked fishermen and sailors alike. Areas H8 and I9 have not been explored yet, both are hilly with a forest covering about half of H8. Any of those areas can be reached within a few hours.
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Sunset is happy to follow along on board, though she does take some time before the vessel casts off to make her ideas/thoughts/please know to Lady Asta (See above).
Sunset looks about for where to stow her gear...
"Just because Mikmek has been a good ally does not mean his people are. The exception does not define a people. Kobolds have earned their reputation." Justinian shakes his head. "Freedom to travel does not mean freedom from being charged a fee for safe travel. Keeping roads safe costs us, why would we pass that on for free to anyone that wants to come through? Tell me, Seraph, who will pay for this army of yours if we keep giving away our natural resources and allow anyone to travel the roads of Stagland on our coin?"
Justinian was frustrated. His time on the front in Mendev taught him one thing: nothing comes for free. Nothing. It wasn't as if he hadn't dealt with evil beings before. Quite the contrary. The crusade often saw regiments from Cheliax - Hellknights even - sign on to fight the demons of the Worldwound. But they were never given the freedom to just move about the camps of the Mendevian paladins and their troops.
He is still lost in thought when Seraph returns with her gift. Justinian is touched beyond words. "I will strive to be worthy of it, and of your trust."
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"The Kobolds have been good neighbours," Asta replies to Justinian's warning. "And our prosperity equals theirs; we open up a market for their silver and open to them markets for other amenities. Besides, they were here first. The Fangberries were theirs long before we ever clapped eyes on them. It is they who are making a concession to us in this matter, not us to them."
The Witch steeples her fingers and studies Justinian over them.
"Understand, good Justinian, that quite apart from being an excellent friend and a loyal ally, Mikmek is the equivalent of the Crown Prince of the Sootscale nation. One day, the current Chief will pass on to the halls of his ancestors, and Mikmek will set all policy. All Sootscales will follow his word, even as they now follow that of the Chief.
Even now, Mikmek is the current Chief's eyes and ears, and all diplomacy with the Sootscales flows through him. When that day comes, Mikmek will have been with us for a long time, engaging in diplomacy and trade, and picking up impressions both favourable and negative. The future of Greenheart's relationship with the Sootscales is being forged right here."
Asta's eyes briefly flare ruby red.
"Caution is wise, but discourtesy is not, as it bars the way to progress. Do you know that in my homeland of Irrisen, the Jadwiga, the Winter Witches, are vicious tyrants?"
Slowly, Asta spreads her hands in a mildly sarcastic gesture.
"I chose to move beyond that. I choose to move beyond that every single day that I sit upon this seat. When I forged agreements with the Kobolds and the Mites, I told them there was room for them in my dream for the future. There still is. But a dream must be forged day by day. Among other things, it must be forged through courtesy and honour. We did not have the Fangberries when we came here; we are hardly Reliant on them. The Sootscales have a far greater need for them, but are allowing us to share in their bounty. Such generosity should be answered with gratitude and equal goodwill. I will say so to whoever might claim we are hemorrhaging resources."
"You have a fine ship, captain," Asta says, gravely inclining her head to Captain Esteban. Glancing at Sunset, she adds: "Might we have a grand tour of her? I must admit, as an arcanist I am very curious about your engine."
@ Council: "Justinian, I understand your position. During our first encounters with the Sootscales, my position was the same. With time, though, the kobolds have proven me wrong. They have proven to be allies and Mikmek in particular being a good friend. We have adventured together. Now we only wish to be good neighbors. Is that so much a burden?"
@Ship: Tomaru stands next to Asta with the payment in hand awaiting the Captain's response.
Strawberry is not sure of this floating piece of wood. I mean that is a lot of water. If leopards were meant to be on the water, the gods would have given them fins.
Sunset remains on the side lines and watches.
Sunset settles her gear and approaches Lady Asta, keeping herself well within Seraph's sight and reach. With a nod Sunset coughs,
"Um.. beggin' yer pardon, Mistress... but whut t'is be pushin' this along may-hap be of interest t'ye self." She glances towards either nearby crew or captain.
"Now, ye know me not be one castin' aspersions... but.... Havin' a person's word that t'is magic an' not, say, a tread-mill of somit else..." Sunset shrugs and offers a slight smile.
"A-heh... perhaps t'is me nature gettin' tha' best of m'self, hmmmm?" ^^;
Justinian stiffens at Asta's tone. "I act in the best interests of the people. Even as some spent the past two months on personal issues, I spent it trying to understand the way of things. Keep one thing in mind: Stagland is currently - currently, mind you - a petty kingdom in land that has seen many petty kingdoms. We have done nothing as yet to prove we will be any more successful than those who preceded us."
He copies the sarcastic gesture made by Asta. "I hear your words: 'I chose', 'I choose', 'I forged.' Discourtesy my Lady? If you do not like the way I handle diplomacy for Stagland, you are free to remove me at any time."
"As far as tyrancy, some say the same of Queen Galfrey of Mendev, because she leads the crusades with an iron fist. But none would argue that she is not successful, because she does what she must."
Stung by the vote of non-confidence from Asta, Justinian returns to his room at the inn. When he arrives at the boat - and Seraph finds him - he accepts the shield gratefully, but silently.
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The Captain directs Sunset to stow her gear in the main cabin.
Captain Esteban gives a bow to Asta ”I would be happy to give a tour of the River Queen, please store anything you need to in the main cabin, and I’ll take that payment if you please.”
Esteban shows you the different locations on the ship, Cargo Deck, Foredeck, topdeck Pilothouse, then the Magazine area which is a small cabin used to store the boat’s weaponry and especially valuable cargo. Currently it holds an arsenal of six light crossbows, 200 crossbow bolts, four light wooden shields, three spears a s supply of cheap rum. Esteban next shows you the Engine room and Loocker area yelling over the noise of the engine ”Watch your head the ceiling is quite low below deck” Indeed the ceiling is 4ft, The magical device providing the ship's propulsion is contained within a large iron box, with two vats forward and several large gears connected to the spinning drive shaft alft. There is a small metal box toward the stern that is locked. You can see bolts of magical energy continually arch across the metal surface of the engine box. Hurg the Old near-sighted dwarf tending the engine calls out ”Mind you don’t touch the engine box or you’ll get a nasty shock.”. Esteban finishes the tour by showing you the Loocker area which the part of the under deck not taken up by the engine.
Once back above deck, Captain Esteban explains ”The protean engine is the brainchild of of a Chelish inventor named Arthox Sandlespit, and it remains a closely guarded secret of the Aspis Consortium. Sandlespit was something of a pariah in old Cheliax, having been kicked out of the prestigious Egorian
Academy in his first year when one of his inventions was responsible for burning down an entire wing of housing. After that, a long series of questionable decisions and shady financial backers landed him in hot water with just about every legal authority in the empire. Nevertheless, his undeniable ingenuity guaranteed there was always someone interested in his services. When he joined the Aspis Consortium the company relocated the eccentric inventor to Bloodcove, where he would ideally be out of sight of his Chelish enemies. The invention of the wheelboat (and its accompanying protean engine) was undeniably Sandlespit’s biggest coup, but unfortunately for his employers, he managed to construct only a few prototypes before his old enemies finally caught up with him. The fire that destroyed his workshop not only killed the inventor, it destroyed all the notes concerning the creation and maintenance of the wheelboats, and to this point, no one has been able to recreate the unique blend of magic, metallurgy, and ingenuity necessary to duplicate his discovery.”
After about an half an hour the River Queen is underway across the Tuskwater lake to the southwest shore, which takes about 2 hours without incident. It’s actually a very pleasant boat ride for those who are not subject to sea sickness. Finding a spot to along the shore, the gangplank is put in place and the adventures can start exploring the area.
"Chelish, you say," Asta says, her eyes narrowing. The Witch purses her lips in thought. "Hm. On the one hand, I am inclined to favour someone who managed to get up the nose of Chelish society. The Aspis Consortium, on the other hand.... Hmm. I shan't lie to you, Captain, I am not a fan of their style of 'doing business'."
Asta seems to quite enjoy the boatride. If she can, she spends a lot of time at the prow, allowing the breeze to stir her white hair and periodically calling out to the creatures of the stream and air. Croft rides her shoulder the whole time, likewise keeping his dark eyes on the creatures of the wild, but with wholly different intentions....
Sunset nods to the Captain and settles her gear and thence herself. Resting amongst the stores and such Sunset simply pulls her hat down over her eyes and catches a few hours snooze.
Upon the ship arriving at the far shore Sunset stirs, rises yawns an stretches before giving her self and her gear a once over check. Satisfied with things she saunters over to stand with others besides the railing.
Strawberry finds a nice warm place toward the middle of the boat and lounges.
Before the gangplank is put out, she has leaped from the ship to solid ground.
Tomaru happily gives over the pouch of gold. "Captain, I am not accustomed to being idle for extended periods. So, if there is some task I can perform to aid the running of the boat, please let me know."
If Torod is not given any duties, he will join Asta and the others at the prow and enjoy the boat ride.
"Is this why you came here, Asta? To walk the land and rule all that you survey?" He asks without preamble.
Asta turns to Torod and .... smiles.
"To walk the land and see it with my own eyes, yes. But I do not believe in ruling nature. I believe in forming bonds."
The Witch spreads her arms, letting the wind catch her sleeves and bell out her cloak as it has been doing with her hair.
"All of nature is the cradle of civilization, my friend, and it is within my power to lay bridges and forge bonds. It is within my power to establish peace and prosperity for all, man and beast, and eventually plant and Fey, if I am resolute and wise -- and if my friends and allies will help me. This is so much better than what the Jadwiga do back home."
For a moment, Asta's smile is simply joyous. Then it turns impish.
"Of course, it doesn't hurt if I can call upon all the creatures of earth, stream and air to report to me things of interest. A few loaves of bread and handfuls of meat now and then are a small price to pay for an early-warning system of such vast scope and quality, aren't they?"
"And cheese," Croft adds. "Cheese always goes over well, since eyeballs appear to be off the menu for the foreseeable future."
Asta has been taking the Sivanan Clerics and her apprentices, human and Kobold both, out into Greenheart, all of them dressed in the robes and veils of Sivanan clergy to hide their identity. Wherever they go, passing through the new settlement's streets, they offer spells of healing to the sick and injured, as well as the blessings of the Seventh Veil.
Only Asta walks with her face bared, both to make certain everyone knows the Sivanan clergy and Witches are acting under her supervision, and to explain to anyone who has questions the value of her patron's teachings.
"The world is full of mysteries and illusions," she is fond of saying, "and not all of them are harmful, yet also not all of them are beneficial. We must learn to understand them, to master them, and thus learn to master ourselves and our place in this world. Let the Seventh Veil guide you to deeper understanding."
In addition to being good exercize for the apprentices, Asta hopes to make Sivanah a respected and loved name among the people of Stagland -- and to breed acceptance for her apprentices. She makes a point of letting it be known her junior Witches are among the clergy, but it is forever a mystery to each patient whether they have been healed by a Cleric or a Witch -- which is well in keeping with Sivanah's ethos.
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The Captain smiles Asta, ”Don’t believe the rumors and lies that the pathfinders spread about the Aspis Consortium, they offer opportunities for those willing to work hard to get ahead.”
At Torod’s request to be put to work, Esteban replies ”While I am sure you an able body, I sense you haven’t spent much time sailing. My crew knows what need doing and has practice as a team, you would like just get in their way if I put you to work, but if we are attacked by some wild creature feel free to join in then!”
Once the adventures disembark on land they spend most of the day exploring the hilly area with a little forest finding it suitable.
Justinan is the first to notice an odd cottage sitting in a small swamp on the southeast bank of the Tuskwater.
The dilapidated mud-brick hut squats atop a small hummock in the middle of the fetid marsh, a thin tendril of bluish smoke trickles through a gaping hole in the moss-covered roof. A wooden fence surrounds the perimeter of the mound and is festooned with crude fetishes crafted out of sticks, feathers and animal bones. A lone crow caws noisily from the top of a nearby cypress tree. A single gate in the waist high fence hangs askew. A fist-sized rusted iron bell hangs from from a hairy length of rope tied to a crooked post next to the gate. A scarecrow is propped up midway between the gate and hut next to a small vegetable garden.
On the boat: Torod seems happy with Asta's response. "I'll be here to help. Worry not about that. Just don't forget what you just said."
At the cottage: Torod takes note of the crow. "Friend of yours, Asta?"
"Let's make ourselves known." He goes up and rings the bell. "Hello."
"Let's see if we can make it so," Asta suggests.
Following along with every one else Sunset pauses as she takes in the view of the cottage and its surrounds.
As Torod speaks to Asta and moves to ring the bell Sunset begins to saunter sideways, around the property. The better to get a view of the uphill side of the building and perhaps any rear door.
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Torod steps up the gate and rings the rusty bell, It clangs loudly as he calls a greeting.
The crow cocks it head regarding Asta, ”Food? Yes! Pretty eyes look delicious, Caw … You seek Old Beldame, you do. Caw …”
The region around the hut is an 80 foot diameter area of solid ground, thick with bog grass and dotted with small cattail-clogged pools. This solid region is surrounded by a waist-high wooden fence, in which a single gate hangs askew. Sunset starts to slog around through the swamp around the fenced in property, it’s slow going taking a bit of time to make the 150 feet round about path to the far side only to see no back door.
A few moments after the bell is rang, you see something vaguely humanoid face with wrinkled greenish skin and pointy ears peer out a window of the hut followed by an angry creaky voice ”Whatever you are selling, I don’t want any! Go away!”
"A Witch's greeting to you, Beldame," Asta calls out, her voice chill music.
The Witch makes a subtle gesture to the others not to approach the house any closer.
"Or at least so you are named by your watchman," Asta continues, gesturing airily at the crow. "He seems to be hungry."
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The old lady cackles, "Watchman hah, I'll make crow pie out of him if catch him! And who are you calling a Witch? Do you mean to greet me as a witch? or Are you a witch greeting me, or greeting me the witch? Not that witches have different greetings that others mind you! Why are you still here, I told you to go away!"
"I am a Witch," Asta explains, shrugging casually. "I am also the head of the new Council ruling these lands. The Staglord is dead, a new city has been founded, and opportunities are opening up. Sooner or later, you may be getting new neighbours. I'd rather ease you into the new situation than have you wake up one morning to discover a new town has sprung up all around you."
Sunset finishes walking around the small property and comes to a halt besides the group.
At Asta's and the owner's interaction Sunset but tilts her head slightly, though her smoked lens gaze continues to shift about indicating that the lanky Half-elf is seeming more interested in watching the surrounding countryside.