Warden Garess sighs, being rebuffed by Brandt's logic.
"The Levetons also left a suggestion before they departed to check on their trading post for the next fortnight or so," Garess says, changing the subject. "At least, Miss Svetlana gave her husband some of the credit for the idea. It doesn't sound like the sort of thing that gruff of a man would propose freely.
"Anyhow, she suggested that investing in some of our more...unusual citizens and neighbors - such as the kobolds and lizardfolk - would be a good way to build up our economic base. She also mused that it might entice other monsters in the area - at least the more intelligent ones - to cooperate with us rather than prey upon us. I can guarantee that this part of the idea did not come from Oleg."
Your Warden mentions some examples of these "monster tribes" that have been identified in the region by your woodsmen and Marshal Narthropple. These include frog-people in the swamps to the west and centaurs beyond the mountains to your east.
"There have also been sightings of at least one giant in the riverlands south of the lake. I know not what kind, but if nothing else, it's a danger worth keeping abreast of."
While a giant would be a massive asset to our defenses it could also be a determent to us. We have no knowledge of how a creature of that size would react to the rest of the community. I am not opposed to the idea, but we know nothing about them.
I am open to ideas on how to neutralize the civil unrest in Brevoy and how to deal with the impending war with Taldor...
He looks around the group and even lets his eyes fall on Jasrella.
It may be time to end the charade. I cannot think of any other way to keep the city safe while the threats of Taldor looms on our doorstep. Brevoy would be where I would go for more supplies, but the civil unrest is making that highly unlikely to happen and every day more and more Galt refugees are coming into the city.
The unrest in Brevoy will be limiting factor on our supplies from them and it very well may dry them up. Where can we get supplies from if Brevoy breaks out in civil war? How do we stop the Taldorian conquest?
Jasrella looks right back at Christian with concern.
It may be time to resurrect the past.
She nods at him.
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A few suggestions arise from your councilors, former traveling companions, and other allies.
Trade or alliances with some of the stronger River Kingdoms could fortify Charis against future Taldan aggression and create a more robust economy that can better host those displaced by unrest and invasion. Thus, it might be prudent to visit one or more of the River Kingdoms as envoys.
Similarly, there is the strange land of Numeria, located many leagues to the northwest. Two powerful factions call that harsh land home and vie for power: the Technic League and the Tiger Lords. Approaching either one to secure an alliance could also help bolster your strength against Taldor.
There are rumors that an underground faction in Taldor seeks to replace the conquest-hungry Grand Prince Maxilar and place Princess Eutropia on the throne. Making a pact with the exiled princess - even negotiating a political marriage - could entice members of that Loyalist faction to move to Charis, bringing their skills and resources, and use your land as a base to undermine and eliminate the Imperialist faction that pushes for Taldor to regain its fallen glory through invasion.
The idea is also nervously floated that you could swear fealty to Taldor as a vassal state. Through skilled negotiating and diplomacy, you could maintain a level of autonomy while pleading ostensible loyalty to Grand Prince Maxilar. This would preclude a potential invasion of your own land and gain you a powerful new patron to replace the unstable Brevoy.
Remedying the unrest in Brevoy, despite being so near, seems like the most challenging task by virtue of the lack of obvious, simple solutions. Siding with either the Rostlandic or Issian factions could tip the scales of the struggle by lending them your considerable skills. This would mean committing yourself to the conflict but offers the potential to significantly shaping the evolution of Brevoy and its future influence on Charis.
I thank you all for your words and suggestions.
Christian looks at the maps that are all over the table.
We will send a small contingent of troops along with supplies to the Iruxi tribe. Please make sure some of them speak Draconic. Have an offer of trade prepared for them and also make it in Draconic.
If we are to increase our trade in Numeria...I feel that the Tiger Tribe will be the better choice. I have not heard good things of the Technic League.
We could send word of trade to Mivon, Pitax, Fort Liberthane and Gralton. I would not mind reach out as far as Mimere, Outsea and Mendev.I have even thought about Ker Sharic and Orlov.
I suggest we send a contingent of riders with a trade offer to each of these settlements.
If we are to attract more people to our region, we need to secure the lands and our borders. While political marriages are common, it is not something I am not too fond of. However, I am leaning towards supporting Princess Eutropia to take the throne of Taldor.
Our northern neighbors are in a bit of an ongoing struggle for power. Issia and Rostland are not too happy with each other. Supporting one will anger the other. I have personal ties to Rostland and Issia but more so to Rostland. I feel we should travel back to Restov to officially give them our support. Before that I want to feel out the political landscape and the fall out of such an alliance. I can only do so in Restov. We need to know who each of the most powerful house will side with when word gets out.
I know the Surtova's will not be happy with me on this matter. The always want more than what is rightfully theirs.
Elenora does her best to stay near the ruler when he makes sweeping decisions like this. To understand where the tides are flowing and more important when it is time to jump ship.
"You want to open or increase trade to Iruxi, Numeria, Mivon, Pitax, Fort Liberthane, and Gralton." the accountant raises one finger after the next, and then has to shift her ever present ledger to under her arm to get them all.
"If the fates be with us for each and every, where they welcome instead of give us a gesture, do we got enough trade goods?"
Lady Brissbee, I want to open trade with the Iruxi officially. We have met and come to a mutual respect on our positions. Now is the time to formalize trade with the village.
He continues to smile
I want send letters of intent to open up trade markets within the nations of Numeria...the Tiger Lords, Mivon, Pitax, Fort Liberthane and Gralton. It is my hope that some on these nations will send envoys to our city with a desire to open negotiations on trade.
He points at the map to several areas.
The Hooktongue Slough makes trade from the west to the east very difficult and Pitax has to send trade north towards Brevoy or south to Mivon. Now Mivon shares a water way between us and them. I think that would be a huge advantage to getting good from Brevoy to the Southern nations and vice versa. At which point our traders can move on to Gralton, Fort Liberthane and beyond. With the cities of Ker Sharic and Orlov so far north, we would need allies on the Lake of Mists and Veils. We would need to make a good impression with House Lodovka and House Lebeda as the two houses control most of the lake traffic.
Christain looks to the new accountant with a pleasant demeanor.
We as a whole do not have a huge amount of trade to offer. However, I feel that there is a market for the spicy moon radish and our Charis Wine that is made from the rare Fangberry. When we get our first crop in that is. We are more a hub for trade to enter and to leave. A central port for trade to the north, south and west. A safe haven to rest between trips. We also have two mines that will produce a nice amount of Gold and Silver. We do have the catacombs below that offer a unique look into a lost culture that will entice many a scholar from around the region.
Oh and do not forget we have the opportunity to collect the Black Rattle Mushroom. We could cultivate and them use the mushrooms as trade. I can also look into and make the arrangements with Lady Verniex to trade her tea as well. A potent brew she makes herself from the mushrooms.
Elenora listens with interest, tapping her chin with her quill. "The gold and silver alone should make your country prosper, all eyes like the shiny.
On mushrooms, radishes, and tea... we could entice a right proper chef, one of them fancy types and have them make someone mouth watering so all the posh toffs would want to be the ones that Discovered it and gossip to the hills and back about it all? Rare is their favorite word... m'lord"
She forgets for a moment about him being one of them she was talking about.
I agree, I think if we can master those three items in our region...we can profit from them greatly.
Sense Motive:
At the mention of the Suratova, Bydar can feel Christian's ire despite the good fellow's attempt to keep it in check, "They're a dangerous house to be enemies to OR friends of, and we'll have to keep an eye out for their prying fingers whatever they choose, but I think for now they'll watch and wait and see how we fare before taking direct action."
We will send a small contingent of troops along with supplies to the Iruxi tribe. Please make sure some of them speak Draconic. Have an offer of trade prepared for them and also make it in Draconic.
”I think we could have some of our kobold allies work as translators on that,” Bydar adds, ”if it goes very well, it will increase the strength of our overall alliance.”
”Agreed that the league is… not of good reputation. Particularly not in a land that values freedom such as ours.” He ponders ”I think I prefer turning most of our focus to the other River Kingdoms. Mivon is is a bit rough and violent, but they’d make strong support with such martial talent if we won them over.”
. We would need to make a good impression with House Lodovka and House Lebeda as the two houses control most of the lake traffic.
”Well, many of my family would support me, but you saw the House Lord. He is more on guard. I’m sure I could at least broker us a ‘family discount’ with Lebeda though.”
On mushrooms, radishes, and tea... we could entice a right proper chef, one of them fancy types and have them make someone mouth watering so all the posh toffs would want to be the ones that Discovered it and gossip to the hills and back about it all? Rare is their favorite word... m'lord"
”And there is a certain artistry to cooking too. Good idea.”
The Surtova's are...
Christian settles his temper openly but just slightly as he continues.
...they are led by a selfish man that has no desire to help the region unless it benefits him. This is a problem that will have to be addressed at some point in the future.
I think we could have some of our kobold allies work as translators on that, if it goes very well, it will increase the strength of our overall alliance.
A member of the silver fangs would be very useful. I like that idea Bydar. Let us make that happen.
Mivon is a bit rough and violent, but they’d make strong support with such martial talent if we won them over.
I agree, and I may be able to bring their talents over at some point. A very delicate situation but let us concentrate on trade first and see what that leads to.
Well, many of my family would support me, but you saw the House Lord. He is more on guard. I’m sure I could at least broker us a ‘family discount’ with Lebeda though.
I think we need to meet with all the major houses as some point. I would be honored to sit with your family and discuss our future.
And there is a certain artistry to cooking too. Good idea.
You should talk to Oma about brewing...she has claimed on more than one occasion that it is an art form in of itself.
Bydar nods at the idea the Surtova being dealt with some time in the future. There really will be no avoding it forever.
A member of the silver fangs would be very useful. I like that idea Bydar. Let us make that happen.
Always glad to help promote harmony between peoples, and knowing harmony can only start once you get to know each other, Bydar nods with a smile
The point of trade is well made.
I think we need to meet with all the major houses as some point. I would be honored to sit with your family and discuss our future.
"I'll make overtures." He had already invited a few. But that was less a political alliance and more just a kind offering.
The talk of brewing has him think, "Perhaps it could also encourage growth in the industries of bottlemaking, mug creation, that sort of thing."
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---------------------------
'Numbers is truth' the crusty old sogger, who taught a young Ms Brisbee numbers, loved to say. It took Elenora a total of one week as an accountant to discover various ways that truth can be filled with lies.
Humming at her new desk, letting the steam of a (slightly spiked) cup of black tea waft up to her round nose, Elenore scanned the most recent account book on trade... and then beamed with a wicked happiness.
She had found some of those lies in the truth of numbers.
'Wicked Happiness' cause a cat always loves catching a mouse of course but even more because these lords were so... Good. It's nice to have a bit of dirt on their damned pretty noses.
A bit later she sighed in disappointment when she discovers there was little chance that the Three were involved: the Lord himself, D'Elagante, the emerald gazed head cleric, or that Ulfen general with that o'so cuddly wolfhound.
She had wondered since the lies were buried in Draconic. A decent obfuscation: hide corruption in words most can't read. Luckily this place had a Taldane to Draconic dictionary.
"Lords" the plump former pirate did her curtsy, then slipped a tray with her books, a translation, and a kettle with tea on the meeting table. Tea cause bad news went better with a nice cup of it "They be cheating the lizard folk, telling them one price, telling us another, hiding it cleverly, but ins and outs aren't matching." she pours the tea, pushing cups to each of them and Cenna who she asked to attend for moral support "Clever and methodically too, so not some fresh on the boat type. I'd wager a old bag at it with a crew to back. But I'm thinking the hands of a proper digger is needed to get them all, not just a soft pen pusher like me." she flashes a grin, happy to be still thought of as a soft pudding in a pile of sharp swords.
The lords listened, discussed, frowned a bit, then got their digger to dig. Turned out to be a bright young lad with a few dark thugs to back him up and suggest ways for the lad to use his head and charming smile to make them all a bit of coin. Propping him up to take the fall if needing be, but once properly pointed their spymaster, an odd sort for the parts, got the cake and the icing.
"I think the kid might turn about if done decent back to." the canary to this sting pointed out to the lord on sentencing day "Maybe a work off at the tribe, teaching our numbers and language so this be harder next time?"
Christian is not happy with this news. This in of itself is unsettling as the lord rarely shows his anger.
Bring them in. All of them.
He turns to a guard.
Send word to the Argent Dracos encampment that I wish to see Master Vormunde right away.
Christian continues to look distant until he sighs out loud. It is as if he just released the burdens of leadership off of his shoulders. The jovial look returns with a passion.
I guess we need to provide direction for the talents of these young men.
A tall skinny middled aged male enters the room shortly. He is out of breath and a bit nervous.
Mmy Lord? You called for me.
Christian rises and comes out from around the table and hugs the man tightly.
Sarrick it is always good to see you. You are a sight for these sore eyes.
Sarrick softens a bit at the hug and smiles.
So this is not about the bee boxes I had set up for Oma?
Bees?
His face turns slightly red with embarrassment.
OH...the mead. Nope not that.
He turns to look at the others quickly.
We have a few...aspiring entrepreneurs that need some special guidance. I was hoping you could take them under your wing and teach them some business etiquette. The leader has some charm to him, but they did get caught so there is that. He has acquired a few...what I can only assume are his guards. We will just call them thugs for now. They also will need a lesson on etiquette.
Sarrick smiles slightly.
I can always use more runners. We are expanding, and I cannot be in every city. I am going to need more boots in the markets. If those boots have been trained the mercenary way, even better.
When the "New recruits" enter, Christian's face remains neutral.
I am not going to beat around the bush here. You f$+#ed up and you know it. So here is your one and only deal.
He stands in front of them arms crossed over his chest.
Option A is simple. You all leave the River Kingdoms and never return. Your short-lived occupation as a bandit is over. Yes, your little stunt makes you a bandit. Per our charter, the sentence in these lands for banditry is death by hanging. If I or any of my agents see you in these lands, we will hang you from the closets tree. There will be no third chance.
His face turns from neutral to deathly serious.
Option B is well...worse. You work for Argent Dracos. You will be placed in the care of Master Vormunde here. He is the Quartermaster and when it comes to trade, merchants or the procurement of goods and such, his word is law. With any luck you will survive and actually thrive.
You have a choice to make, and I want you to think long and hard on your options. Unfortunately, I will need an answer before you can leave this room.
Lord Christian demonstrates well that he knows how to mete out justice - particularly in a dramatic, inspiring manner.
Uniformly, the thugs and con men agree to work for Argent Dracos in lieu of exile or execution. Most grumble and seem wary about the idea, but they recognize that it's the better option being presented to them.
.....
"That's not the other people issue we've got today, m'lord," Marshal Narthropple announces; the halfling explorer begins his report with a sharp salute and ready stance. "I've been informed that a rough-looking band has arrived, seeking lodgings at the inn. They look like adventurers or treasure hunters of some sort. They're certainly well-armed. They don't seem to be Taldan, though."
Christian nods at the new recruits as they follow Master Vormunde out of the room. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of yet another group of adventures.
What can you tell me about them. Any markings to signify who they are?
Are the causing trouble?
The scamming of the Lizardfolk offended Bydar, and he was glad Elenora was bringing it to light.
He does wince at the mention of a death penalty by hanging, but while he does not always agree with Lord Chrisitan, he knows the man tries to be just and fair and it would be only if they violated their exile. The alternative catches his attention.
And so it's settled.
"Nice work, Ms Brisbee." And a nod to Lord Chirstian as well. "I may need to see if the academy can teach more people draconic so we can more easily double check trickery."
---------
The Marshal makes his announcement, Bydar listens "And, if there is a priest or cleric among them, did you recognize the holy symbol?"
"Not causing any trouble, at least not yet, sir," your marshal replies. "They seem to just be relaxing after their travels, but they've been asking questions about dragon sightings in the area."
Narthropple also reports that they are not openly displaying any insignia or emblems, including a lack of visible holy symbols.
Dragon hunters?
I think having Sapphira gather what information she can on them. We will talk to them afterwards. Sound good?
"It sounds good, but there are only so many dragons we've met. I don't want either hunted down and I suspect that's part of their goal. Mmmph, yes, we need more intel."
It just takes one group of adventures to piss off a certain dragon...again. If that happens, I do not want to stand face to face with him again. It was hard enough to talk him down the last time. This time it may not be plausible.
"Might be a good idea to see what kind of dragon-hunters they are. Some of that ilk don't distinguish between good and evil dragons. They are just looking for a valuable hide. I have a problem with that."
"As well you should, Cenna, Lord Christian speaks of a specific dragon, one who was goodly and gave into rage and hate. Redemption is a hard road but we thought we were helping said dragon achieve it. Hunters may topple all our progress. "
Christian stands abruptly, letting his chair fall to the ground.
Oh s%&#. If they are hunters and leave here to go after Mercifax. He will dispatch them quickly and track them back to here. We may have another crossing situation.
He looks to the others quickly.
Time is not on our side here. I think it is prudent to speak with them before they leave.
He lifts his chair and returns it to its proper place.
Master Narthropple, please go now and inform Lady Sapphira of the urgent need for details. Keep an eye on those adventures and when we have some intelligence, ask the group to come and see us. Be nice and invite them to a meeting. We will give them the benefit of the doubt, but we need to know their intentions.
Sapphira waylays you before you can speak with the purported dragon hunters for yourselves.
"They don't know how to keep a secret worth a damn, that's for sure," Sapphira tells you in private.
"They're dragon hunters, by their own admission. Not even freelance, either. After a couple rounds of free drinks, I even got them to reveal that they're in the employ of the Redshields. They've been contracted by the merchant house to hunt down and kill any dragons they find in the area.
"I haven't gotten them to spill the details of their contract yet, or if there are particular dragon sightings they are pursuing. I've already gotten their tongues loosened. You might be able to get them to keep talking, especially if they feel like big shots who've earned the attention of the local lord."
Cenna’s generally pleasant mien gives way to simmering anger. ”Full disclosure, gentlemen and lady… I have quite a bit of dragon’s blood in my veins. I’m not inclined to allow some group of fools to hunt my kin for profit without regard to their actions or ages. I’d suggest we…”
The sorcerer leaves the thought unfinished as she recalls something she’d read going through the barony’s intelligence reports. ”The Redshields, you’ve had run-ins with them before, yes? A shady group, involved in all sorts of foul activities. By all accounts you… we are forging relationship with dragonkind here. If war comes, even the prospect of having dragon allies may give potential enemies pause. So, is it possible the Redshields – or a patron of theirs – sent these dragonhunters here to undermine one of your – our – key advantages? Perhaps, we should start with a friendly conversation but be ready to have more than that if they don't answer our questions.”
She adds, with some hesitation, "It may be worth considering a policy of forbidding unofficial dragon-hunting within the demense."
"The Redshields are increasingly testing my normally forgiving nature" The Priest admits. Then he says "As for your kinship.. interesting... but who can blame you for taking it personally? And the idea that only folks THIS Council approves hunting dragons in the domain sounds like a good one to me. It can put everyone at risk to go stirring even kindly dragons up."
Cenna tries to cool her anger. It helps that she has a somewhat receptive audience to her ideas. "I don't advertise my heritage. But you folks are putting a good deal of faith in me, so you have a right to know where my biases lay. Ask me real pretty some time and I might even show you my back tattoo." She adds with the hint of a smile.
"That reminds me, I'll want one when we have time, Cenna but we can sort that out later." A smile back.
"When you meet with these guys and get them talking, try to get them to spill the details of their contract with the Redshields. I don't know about you, but I'm curious why a bunch of merchants would be interested in killing dragons that aren't even in their trade territory. I think the key detail will be how the Redshields are stipulating the division of the dragons' treasure once the job is done."
"or the dragons' body parts. One hears tales ..." But he nods to Sapphira
Elenora looks back and forth as the others talk, not providing her own thoughts on the matter. Instead she smiles, frowns, nods, and looks aghast at the proper times.
Christian nods approvingly.
This will be a tough nut to crack
Christian looks to the others.
What do you think, are you up for some drinking and socializing?
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Glad others see that dragons are people too, he looks at Christian "A few drinks won't kill me. Brewing is an artform too"
Elenora happily plopped out of her chair "Me'lord's wish is my command" she agrees to drinking and socializing rather eagerly. At Bydar's comment, she grins ear to ear "Imbibing Art sounds like a splendid form of worship."
"A Caydenite eh?" A grin at that.
...to play out this role I think I will ask for some background noise.
Christian finds trouble hiding his smile.
Jasrella, I would like for you to join us tonight and have Hjorleaf comes as well.
You do understand that he will not fit through the door.
She says with a serious tone.
Christian nods with a smile.
Yes this is true, but it is not his size I am after.
His title will be sufficient.
Jasrella nods with a serious visage to her.
Earl.
Here eyes rise slightly as she begins to understand.
Earl Hjorleaf Asvidrson of the mercenary group Varghus.
You step into the inn's common room, far more raucous than usual thanks to the presence of the newly arrived dragon slayers. Mr. Pink has kept them entertained to ensure that they are still relaxing here when you came around to question them.
They are six in number. Five of them are humans who are only distinct from your garden-variety adventurer by the quality of their armaments and armor, which look like they could well have cost their weight in gold and silver.
Their leader stands out, however, marked by her shockingly red hair kept up in a pair of buns. She also distinguishes herself with her foul mouth, her voice carrying along the rafters as you enter. At a glance, you suspect she may be of Issian descent, but it is hard to confirm from her mannerisms and accoutrements, especially if she has traveled enough to blend different habits into her style.
Christian motions for the group to grab an empty table as he talks to the bartender.
Send a round over to the group over there on me.
He heads over to the table to join the others.
As he sits down Jasrella joins the group in a more military like attire.
The door to the tavern opens up as a large human enters. This man stands over seven feet in height and boasts a huge physique. His skin is pale, and his face carries a full beard and long braided blonde hair. Furs adorn his shoulders, and a large drinking horn made from a mammoth tusk rest along his side.
Nodding at the bartender...
Mead.
...and continues to walk over to the table where the party is residing.
He sits on the floor and his size is so big that he appears to be sitting on a chair.
Bydar goes along, but says "Elenora, Cenna, may I buy each of you a drink? I'd do the same for Brandt and Christian, of course, but this will be a proper welcome I hope."
The party's old friend Mr. Pink carries the round of drinks over to the dragon slayers and gestures towards Lord Christian, indicating the source of the generosity. Most of the slayers eagerly accept the drinks and begin downing them. Their leader, however, does not touch the one put before her.
Instead, she pushes her chair away from the table, rises, and marches over to where the party is seated.
"Oy! What're you trying to pull? It takes more than just some drinks to win me over. You don't look like you have an ounce of the strength it would take to impress me," she announces loudly.
Hjorleaf starts to stand up to his full height when the word strength is used. Christian nods for him to calm and he drinks from his horn and remains sitting on the floor.
Christian nods and smiles at her while remaining seated.
Appearances can be deceiving. There are times when a tailor is more than just a simple tailor. Then again, I am who I am.
He motions for her to sit at an empty chair.
Would you be so kind as to join us for a drink or two. The night is young, and my purse is heavy. I know just about every group plying their trade in the region and your group is new to me. I would like to change that if I may. Please...join us and in indulge an old man and his desire to be well informed.
Christian continues to smile as he stands to allow her to sit as befit a gentleman's station.
Bydar observes this , trying to get a read on the woman