Christian nods as he agrees quietly with the others.
Upon cursory inspection, Syretia guesses that the bundled cloth is a robe of bones. However, her magically guided insight soon deduces - and warns her - that this is something far less useful.
This items is what's known as a robe of vermin, and it actually carries a foul, vexing curse upon it.
This raises the question of whether the Whitehollows left this behind as a trap or if Ortho genuinely could not identify the robe's nature and failed to comprehend the danger it represented.
After spending several seconds puzzling over the robes, Syretia yanks her hand back from them as if they'd suddenly caught fire.
"No one should touch these, let alone wear them," she says, all inflection gone from her voice. "Whether through malice or incompetence, the Whitehollows left behind something with a powerful curse. We should burn it before someone else comes along and tries to use it."
Christian looks at the robes from where he is standing.
Can they be destroyed that way? Will that get rid of the curse or will it just move on to a new item?
"Good catch, Syretia," Grateful "That makes me itch just thinkin about it"
"I don't have any experience with destroying such unwholesome things," Jhod adds, recoiling when he hears the robe's nature, "But I would kindly ask you dispose of it far from here. This ancient temple was just freed from one curse, and I pray it does not have to endure another."
Bydar nods "If we carry it for a day, far from here, I can by then have prayed for the gift to remove a curse, cast it upon it, then burn it"
So there is not detriment when destroying that thing? Then let us take care of it and get back home. There are letters to be written, people to see and things to build.
With the apprehended Abadaran in tow, you return to Charis by the following afternoon. Thankfully, no great calamities have unfolded in your absence, and there is no evidence that any remaining members of the Whitehollow Company have dared come near your lands.
To whom shall you turn over Barris Volklev? Sapphira, your enforcer? Narthropple, your marshal? Or Garess, your warden?
Once they get into view of Charis, Orlog moves his mount close to the Abadaran priest. "See? This is what we are trying to built here. Civilization in the middle of nowhere, while keeping a appreciation to the beauty of nature. With time, we will have more outpost around and this place will bloom into a great city." He looks for a moment at the priest, stroking his beard. "You feel like this is something you would like to be part of? If so, my advice to you, be truthful and helpful and you might just be able to participate on the inside of this project instead of looking at it from the outside."
Brandt considers for a while, staring at the Cleric, Well, since you are not necessarily a prisoner, why don't you check in with Kesten Garess, Warden of Charis, and we can find you a room in the Inn to stay at? You should be comfortable there while awaiting a response from your church.
Brandt offers up to the group, pending their approval for his suggestion. Fenrir seems as though he hasn't decided on the new cleric, and disregards the man for now, perhaps because he smells too strongly of civilization, or ink, or mistrust....
"See? This is what we are trying to built here. Civilization in the middle of nowhere, while keeping a appreciation to the beauty of nature. With time, we will have more outpost around and this place will bloom into a great city." He looks for a moment at the priest, stroking his beard. "You feel like this is something you would like to be part of? If so, my advice to you, be truthful and helpful and you might just be able to participate on the inside of this project instead of looking at it from the outside."
Christian nods at the words.
We all live in the same world. Easier to work together then against one another.Well, since you are not necessarily a prisoner, why don't you check in with Kesten Garess, Warden of Charis, and we can find you a room in the Inn to stay at? You should be comfortable there while awaiting a response from your church.
Christians voice is soft and reassuring.
He is a good man and will most likely have a few questions for you. Mostly about the brothers and their whereabouts. You are free to move about the city as you please and if you deem your time here is at an end. I would greatly appreciate being informed of such before you depart. You are welcome here as long as you like. Take in all that the city has to offer. Visit the shops and talk to the citizens. The Tuskwater is a beautiful sight to see when the sun sets.Trust but verify...
Sometime later when the group has settled in and Barris is resting at the inn...
Christian sends word for a meeting with his advisors, including Booker and Mister Pink. When all arrive he makes sure all are up to date on the current events of the past couple of days and he listens to any events that transpired while they were gone. When all that is done he turns to his three more secretive advisors.
As all of you are aware...we have a guest in the city. He is to be given his freedom to move about as he sees fits. Lord Gress will be his escort and he is to be our guest until he proves otherwise. That being said.
Christian's voice turns serious and his tone is direct and filled with resolve.
I want to know all that he does and where he goes. Who he talks to and what was said. I want to know what he writes in his letters before he writes it down. If he takes a shit I want to know if it matches with what he ate for breakfast.
Christian takes in a deep breath and his voice softens slightly.
Trust but verify. I would ask that the three of you keep an eye on him. I want him to feel comfortable here and not as a prisoner. I also am not going to let him walk around freely until we are certain that he is what he appears to be.
The mercenary leader turn lord a dresses the group as a whole.
There is a delicate political situation that we need to deal with sooner rather than later. I am thinking we need to ride for Restov and deal with this in person. A meeting with the Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius is in order. The topic being the capture of Barris Volklev and the current Taldorian motives. I am thinking that while we are there we can reach out to the Red Shields as well. I also understand that there are other tasks to be done here in the city. If you wish to remain behind to take care of some personal matters...I am all for riding to Restov and maybe even see how the Sycamore tree is healing.
Lord Christian's rhetoric is successful, and Barris feels more akin to an emissary for his church rather than a prisoner. The introduction to the settlement you have built also goes a long way to impressing upon him the validity of your claim to the land.
You arrange for a room at the Feather and Scale to house - or hold - him for the time being. Sapphira is eager to put Booker and Mr. Pink to work keeping tabs on the man, since she is clearly uncomfortable with the notion of being around the Abadaran herself.
"So, that's another fire put out, at least for a while. What's next?"
Well, if Lord Christian is serious about riding to Restov, then I suppose we ride for Restov. There are political games to be played and allies to be courted. I'm not sure how much help I can be there, should I accompany you as far as the Sycamore and keep an eye on things here, or come all the way to Restov with you? he asks Christian and the others, And whomever goes should check on Oleg and Svetlana while journeying roughly that way.
When the Charis council convenes, a few matters of business are raised.
The first and most obvious is reporting the latest development with the Whitehollow Company to Lord Mayor Sellemius of Restov, your liaison with your Rostlandic patrons. This can be handled either via messenger or an in-person visit.
There is also the matter of checking upon the health of the old sycamore tree and seeing whether, freed from the malice of the mites, it has begun to heal and grow anew.
Someone also suggests checking upon the progress and welfare of your allies, the Silverfang Kobold tribe.
A letter has also arrived from a woman named Martella Lotheed, who identifies herself as a displaced noblewoman. She has expressed an interest in settling in Charis and investing in its development.
Lastly, some of the local woodsmen have also reported seeing frightening green creatures whilst ranging afield in the swampier southern regions of the Greenbelt. Although none of these creatures - the identity of which appears to be argued among said woodsmen - have yet been sighted near Charis, these stories have begun to spook residents who worry they may soon move northward.
Christian leans back in his chair and crosses his fingers over his stomach. He bites his lip while in deep thought.
We have a lot of tasks that need attention.
He looks around at the others.
A well visit on the sycamore tree, visiting our friends the Silverfang Tribe, dealing with Restov, investigating these green creatures in the swamps, and the Lady Martella Lotheed. Not to mention we need to make arrangements for supplies to the Temple of the Elk, the exploration of the gold mine and what are we going to do about Nettles Crossing...did I miss anything?
Thoughts on how to proceed?
A letter has also arrived from a woman named Martella Lotheed, who identifies herself as a displaced noblewoman. She has expressed an interest in settling in Charis and investing in its development.
"Displaced? Displaced from where?" He ponders
"As to the options, I can help where you think I'm best needed. I want to look after the flock here, but we shouldn't neglect our kobold allies, and I know the tree's heath is important to us. I'm suppose I'm saying I'm happy to hear olthers views on where I might be most useful for this" a thouoght "The Redshields are hoping to be a true noble family, if we show them they have a chance at elevation, at least here, we might find it a good bargaining chip. Just be cautious they don't try to corral one of us into a political marriage. It will surprise none of you that the goddess of love isn't not a fan of loveless arrangements"[/B]
"Did the woodsmen offer any description of the creatures beyond simply their color?" Syretia asks, a bit miffed at the lack of information. "They could be anything, from giant frogs, to green drakes, or a band of particularly mossy boars."
She ruminates on this for some time, before perking up when the conversation returns to the topic of the Silverscales.
"I'd be very curious to see how they're doing. It's only been a short time, but it doesn't sound like they've returned to raiding local homesteads, or I'm sure we'd have heard of it."
I agree and I would like to maintain our good relationship with the Silverfang Tribe.
When topic switches to the swamps.
We would have to send scouts to investigate these creatures and the rumors to better understand the situation.
Martella is a black sheep of the family, being the half-Qadiran offspring of an affair by the late Count Mercater Lotheed.
"I had shortstack and the birdman collect the accounts and report them to me," Sapphira announces when Syretia inquires about the creatures sighted to the south.
"The descriptions don't match up. It sounds like some of them have been seeing trolls, while others sound like they're describing lizardfolk. Given where these sightings have been coming from, either one is plausible. Hells, I might even wager than both are correct."
I am open to all options and want your honest input.
The mercenary leader looks at the map.
My thoughts are thus. We purchase supplies for the Temple of the Elk, the Silverfang Tribe and what we need to survey the mine and to start up the infrastructure. Look into workers for the temple and mine as well. We all travel to the Sycamore Tree. This is a good central location. After investigating the tree, we split up.
He looks to Bydar and Syretia.
You two will travel to the Kobolds with supplies. When all is well and good, come home and look into the Lady Martella. Feel her out and see what she is about.
He the turns his attention to Orlog and Brand.
We all will travel to the mine with the rest of the supplies and workers. Get the mine looked into and see what we got there. Once we get things unloaded and you two settled in, I will ride for Oleg's Trading Post. I will continue on to Restov to meet with the Mayor and House RedShield with a few of Lord Kesten's men. Whenever you feel the mine is as good as it will get, deliver the supplies and workers to the Temple of the Elk. Then travel home when Father Kavken is satisfied.
He pauses for a few seconds.
The threat of the a encounter with trolls does not sit well with me. Nasty creatures. The only ford that I know of is down at the Tatzlwyrm den. That is a long travel into territory we do not know. I think it is best for all of us to go together on that one.
I would like to reach out to our friend Apothyl about the temple of the Elk. She might find it refreshing to behold.
Your thoughts?
"I'm no miner, but I wouldn't mind taking a look at the place again. And having us staying will show them that we care about their safety. I'll try to find out if they seen anything weird like the woodsman. I would've liked to go to Restov to get a few supplies, but I don't need to go if someone else can get them for me. I'll draft a list, it is mostly smithing gear and enchanting material."
"Heading back to the Temple make sense. We don't want to leave the place unattended for too long. If only to make sure that the brothers don't settle there again."
Syretia suppresses a snicker at Sapphira's nicknames for her erstwhile traveling companions, but quickly grows more serious.
"I wouldn't take that wager. Thank you for looking into this; I suspect it will require our attention sooner rather than later." She nods, mostly to herself, then turns to leave.
"This Lotheed woman worries me. She could be just what she says she is, but I doubt it. Her father was a Count, and her family is well known for their cleverness in magic and alchemy. I wouldn't be surprised if that extended to more mundane skills like espionage and sabotage. Gossip claims she's not held in high regard by her family, being half-Qadiran, but that could just be part of a public persona." Syretia shakes her head, irritated. "There's too many Taldanes poking their noses into our neck of the woods."
Christian's itinerary raises an eyebrow from the sorcerer.
"To be clear, you mean to leave two of our most capable warriors to guard a mine, while you go off--by yourself!--to Oleg's trading post, which is at least a two day's journey, all while the Whitehollows remain at large."
Brandt listens to Christian's ideas - and to Syretia's counter arguments as well. Finally the ulfen speaks up, Well, let us consider everything- would it not make sense for Bydar and Orlogg travel with you to Oleg's and Restov; while we set 'short stack' and 'birdman' he grins at Sapphira, to get an account of the Lotheed woman. I'm still learning how it works with these manipulators, but were a Viking to come to these lands and wish to challenge us, he would knock upon our door and see violence done. I assume she has not declared herself upon us yet, but may be sizing up the competition? By setting our sneaky-minded folk upon her it is a game of cat-and-mouse is it not?
The ranger, looking uncomfortable floating non-military ideas continues - Bydar has far more sense of the politics of Restov than I, Syretia, or Orlogg from what I know of all of us, and Orlogg needs materials for his craft, and that gives you a hammer at your back should trouble arise. gaining in some confidence, What if Syretia and I check the mine, travel to the temple of the Elk, and then scout toward the fords and see if we can get better accounting of the 'green-skinned' interlopers? It worked well when the dragons, no?
"This Lotheed woman worries me. She could be just what she says she is, but I doubt it. Her father was a Count, and her family is well known for their cleverness in magic and alchemy. I wouldn't be surprised if that extended to more mundane skills like espionage and sabotage. Gossip claims she's not held in high regard by her family, being half-Qadiran, but that could just be part of a public persona." Syretia shakes her head, irritated. "There's too many Taldanes poking their noses into our neck of the woods."
"AHHH," Bydar eyes light up in realization as what Syretia knows of Lotheed, "The name didn't sound Brevoyish, now I see why. Yes, if she's any kind of courtier, she'll be skilled at social graces and that might include concealment of purpose."
"I'm no miner, but I wouldn't mind taking a look at the place again. And having us staying will show them that we care about their safety. I'll try to find out if they seen anything weird like the woodsman. I would've liked to go to Restov to get a few supplies, but I don't need to go if someone else can get them for me. I'll draft a list, it is mostly smithing gear and enchanting material."
If you give me a list of what you need, I can arrange for those supplies to come back with me or at the least, to come at a later date.
He smiles and looks at Orlog.
A miner you may not be but I know of none myself. There are not many that I would trust when it comes to mining...professional or not. I trust your judgment and your ability to assess the mine and its future.
"Heading back to the Temple make sense. We don't want to leave the place unattended for too long. If only to make sure that the brothers don't settle there again."
I agree
"This Lotheed woman worries me. She could be just what she says she is, but I doubt it. Her father was a Count, and her family is well known for their cleverness in magic and alchemy. I wouldn't be surprised if that extended to more mundane skills like espionage and sabotage. Gossip claims she's not held in high regard by her family, being half-Qadiran, but that could just be part of a public persona." Syretia shakes her head, irritated. "There's too many Taldanes poking their noses into our neck of the woods."
"AHHH," Bydar eyes light up in realization as what Syretia knows of Lotheed, "The name didn't sound Brevoyish, now I see why. Yes, if she's any kind of courtier, she'll be skilled at social graces and that might include concealment of purpose."
That is a fair assessment...
"To be clear, you mean to leave two of our most capable warriors to guard a mine, while you go off--by yourself!--to Oleg's trading post, which is at least a two day's journey, all while the Whitehollows remain at large."
Christian nods appreciatively at Syretia.
That is a view that I thought about and you are right to question it. My...well it is a risk and one that can go badly for us. We have things to take care of all over. I am trying to cover as much as fast as we can so that we can be better prepared for the future.Yes, no, yes and yes.
He holds his hands up defensively and with a disarming smile.
First...You and Bydar are known to the Kobolds and you are still within our area of control. Our patrols are on the roads and such. A hopefully safe trip there and back. You both intimately understand the ins and outs of nobility. You have magic and the resources of the city at your disposal to investigate Lady Lotheed.
Yes I feel that Orlog and Brand would be more than capable of handling themselves at the mine and at the Temple.
No I would not be alone on my travels to Olegs and Restov. I plan to take a few of Lord Garress' men with me.
A few days travel yes
Yes the Whitehollows are about and I am counting on them to still be putting out the fire from a certain fireball to be of any threat...for now that is.
He looks to the map and then at the gathered friends.
That is why we are riding together to the tree and then going our separate ways. My hope is that whomever they have spying for them will report us leaving as a group. Three against five is not what they want. Even when it was five against five they still ran.
Well, let us consider everything- would it not make sense for Bydar and Orlogg travel with you to Oleg's and Restov; while we set 'short stack' and 'birdman' he grins at Sapphira, to get an account of the Lotheed woman.
I thought about that as well and I am worried about them being spread too thin in their responsibilities. Their first priority should be Barris.
I'm still learning how it works with these manipulators, but were a Viking to come to these lands and wish to challenge us, he would knock upon our door and see violence done. I assume she has not declared herself upon us yet, but may be sizing up the competition? By setting our sneaky-minded folk upon her it is a game of cat-and-mouse is it not?[/b]
I miss those days as well my friend. You knew your enemy and you went at them. Win and it is over. Now everything is twisted layers of knotted balls of string that you pray you do not pull the wrong thread and have the ball unravel.
Bydar has far more sense of the politics of Restov than I, Syretia, or Orlogg from what I know of all of us, and Orlogg needs materials for his craft, and that gives you a hammer at your back should trouble arise. gaining in some confidence,
Christian looks a bit worried about his next words.
I did think about Bydar with his political and noble background. While I feel that he is a capable and wanted....I am worried that it could further strain the relationship and possible create a divide between Restov and House Lebeda. I think that Lady Lotheed will feel more comfortable with him than the rest of us.
What if Syretia and I check the mine, travel to the temple of the Elk, and then scout toward the fords and see if we can get better accounting of the 'green-skinned' interlopers? It worked well when the dragons, no?
That is a good point and you did a great job with the dragon. I am not really sure about investigating the possibility of trolls on our southern border with out all of us together. It can be done and you two are a capable duo.
He looks to the group as a whole.
Do we want to change up the groups and directions? I would like to cover as much as we can. Restov is a topic that should not be put off for too long.
Your concern are warranted and understandable. We can all go together. We ride for the kobolds, the tree, the mine, oleg's and then to Restov. We can resupply there and continue on to the temple and then down to investigate the swamps. It will take longer to accomplish all this but we can travel as a group instead.
Thanks to the roads you have constructed, leading from Charis across the Thorn River, you are able to cross the roughly 24-odd miles to the Silverfang Tribe's home in the span of a single day.
One of their sentinels spots your approach, so by the time you reach their cavern, practically the entire tribe - small though it may currently be - assembles in the fading afternoon light to great you. They report that they have restored their food production, cultivating a mushroom farm within their caves and setting up small animal traps in the surrounding hills.
Their present project is security, restoring the traps protecting the inside of their home whilst rebuilding the defenses at the entrances to the caves.
As the group are shown the improvement of the kobold, Orlog takes Christian aside for a moment. Should we tell them about the fact that the brothers are still in the area. I don't want to scare them, but they wouldn't put much of a fight as they are and could get slaughtered if they don't improve their defense even more."
Christian nods in agreement.
They have the right to now. It will do them no good to hide it from them. Maybe when my people get here, I could set up some training for them.
Christian greets them warmly. His voice is kind, warm and gentle.
I am glad to see you have made progress and you are doing an amazing job.. I hope that all is well and that you continue to have progress. Once you get things finished and are able to start trade, I would like to have some of your people come to town and meet the rest of us.
He looks to the others.
We encountered the Whitehollows not too long ago. We were able to capture one of them. That person has been cooperative so far and appears to be willing to help us find the others. His future will be determine soon. I felt that you should know that.
Bydar offers, "Of late I've been asking for Stoneshape gift a great deal, if there is someway I can help with rebuilding of defenses or increasing their tunnels in a way they like, I can certainly offer it. " For his own sake he looks over at the displays from a different angle, for hints of artistry or religious growth. He has told them before about Shelyn, Apsu, Sarenarae , Torag, Erastil and other good ly gods. He makes himself available should the kobolds want to learn more. On the practical side, a healer can always be handy
Syretia is, as usual, delighted to see the kobolds. When circumstances allow for it, she excitedly tells them about their recent adventures in aid of two mighty dragons. Leaving out, of course, that one of their foes was himself a dragon.
Brandt listens quietly as Syretia regales the kobolds with tales of dragons, listening and laughing at the appropriate moments. He'll then take Fenrir and inspect the kobold defenses with Orlogg and Bydar, making appropriate seeming suggestions, but deferring to the other two's expertise in building things.
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Rather than fear, the Silverfangs express relief and satisfaction at the news regarding the Whitehollows. They feel vindicated that you have pursued the ones who nearly massacred their entire tribe and are working to bring them to justice.
Bydar does not spot any signs of new artistry among the tribe's holdings. While they have effaced the murals and carvings of their old attempts at religion, they have not had time to conceive of any replacement art. Proving to be rather pragmatic, the Silverfang kobolds have focused on survival before moving on to spirituality.
Of course, this seems subject to change once they begin listening to Syretia and Brandt's account of the party's adventures with Apothyl and Eranex. The way the kobolds begin to look at you with eyes full of hero worship, Bydar begins to worry they may revere the party more than Apsu.
Fortunately, as one of the kobolds keeps pressing for more details of the dragons and the party's exploits, Bydar senses the spark of creativity, and he suspects this kobold may embark upon the creation of a mural depicting these stories.
Bydar smiles at that one kobold and tries to get to know his name, and hints at the creative process, trying to muse him or her as the case maybe. While he doesn't want the party worshipped, the idea that they can and WANT To express moments important to them is good to know.
Clasping a hand on Orlog's shoulder, christian smiles.
It was a risk but even if this turned out bad...they deserved the truth.
The young nobleman stands back and watches as the Kobolds and his friends interact with one another. He smiles inward at this sight.
Good...very good. They are growling and become so much more than they were a few months ago.
When the right time presents itself, Christian seeks out the chief.
You have done well for yourselves. Is there anything we can do for you before we continue onward with our other tasks?
The potentially artistic kobold gives his name as Lanip. His creative process seems to be...somewhat crude, but Bydar recognizes some potential.
Beyond the supplies being provided, there is little that the kobold tribe as a whole requires. You have the sneaking suspicion that they would like to ask for some other tribe to be subjugated and given over to them as servants, but they know that neither you nor Apsu would approve.
"They took it better than I expected."
Orlog inspects the place and offer some advice where he can. Eventually, his inspection leads him back outside, where he waits for the others to be ready to heads to the next destination.
"They're progressing excellently, I think," Syretia says, beaming. "I think they have great potential."
Bydar speaks Draconic so is happy to talk to Lanip and give any suggestions, hints, and encouragement if the kobold prefers it to common.
Bydar almost has to be pried away from his talking of art and faith, but when he rejoins the others "Lanip has a real gift. I Think it will only get more polished in time."
Lanip is very taken with Bydar, his potential art tutor. If allowed, the budding kobold artist will escort the Shelynite inside the Silverfang caverns - along safe paths, of course - to show him the wall where he wants to paint his mural. He will implore Bydar for details on the dragons' size so that he might start putting down an outline.
Perhaps persuaded by Bydar's diplomatic talents, the other Silverfangs also admit that they have begun working the mine shafts beneath their home again. They cannot dedicate much time to it, as they need to focus on rebuilding their home and defenses first; however, almost as a pastime, some of them venture into the mines if only to remind themselves of glories that might come once again.
They offer a few rough minerals and gemstones they have dug up, offering them as tribute for what you have done for their tribe so far.
If nothing else, it hints at what greater rewards your investment in these unusual vassals might produce in the future.
Bydar is detailed in the description, if a bit poetic. But he's happy to teach Lanip with patience , well, as much as his time allows.
THe other Silverfangs open up a bit about their mines, well, more hope arises in the young priest. There is a gentler side to the kobolds, a softer side. He can't blame them for focusing on security, but it is good that they see that life is more than mere survival, even if they must put survival first.
The gemstones being presented to their group impresses him, "These are lovely finds, and that is a kind offer." A look to Lord Christian and the others to see if they're as touched as he is. Of course, I can be a softy
Christian is visible pleased and a bit taken aback.
Thank you very much. These are absolutely beautiful.
He nods politely at the tribe.
We will be back again as soon as we can. Please stay safe and continue the great work you have done. Each of you should be proud of what you have accomplished.
He looks to the others and the back to the chief.
We are on our way to the great Cyprus tree to see how it is doing. The Mites did a lot of damage to it and we are trying to make sure it is healing properly. We will see you soon and thank you again for the thoughtful gift. It is much appreciated.
Syretia is similarly pleased with the gems, and is particularly excited about one of the choice pieces of malachite.
"This is a beautiful gift you have given us," she tells them, smiling. "I can't wait to see what you dig up next!"
The Silverfangs bid you farewell, with Lanip all but insisting that you return to see the progress he's made on his mural.
It does not take long to cross the hills westward to reach the old sycamore, a very distinct landmark visible across the Kamelands.
Such a beautiful sight. I pray that we were in time to keep it from succumbing to the mites.