Of course, Mishka allows Miruna to reward herself with a job well done by receiving the highest honor: to be allowed to pet Mishka. As much as she wants, even. And for a few minutes after that. Such magnanimity of the cat!
Presuming they find a reasonable shelter in an abandoned building or some such to rest in while they take stock and chat.
Nadiya, not an expert on ghouls but generally knowing broken skin meeting dead flesh is generally not a good thing, asks to examine anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by the ghouls to determine if any are showing signs of exposure to or infection by disease (I'm guessing at who might need examination; please correct if I am wrong):
She casts remove disease on whoever looks like they may have contracted disease.
While resting before returning to Ravengro, Nadiya asks the group, "If I may, how did you all come to be working together? If you don't mind my saying, Baroness, you are not typical of most nobility I've seen."
"Heh, I'm nearly as new to her service as you--the Countess and her entourage came to parley with my tribe a few scant weeks back. Helped us out with some...unpleasant neighbors. Though not as unpleasant as this. Life is difficult at best in Belkzen, allies are welcome. So I am here to represent my people in the court of an Ustalavan noble--right now, probably the only one--who's willing to give orcs a chance."
"I...I...I think I can hear the monsters fleeing," Dr. Evets mutters nervously, cupping his ear and straining his hearing against the early morning mist. "It sounds like they are splitting up...some heading south, some heading east.
"All the same, I don't want to tarry here much longer. I can...I hope I am welcome back in your lovely town, too."
Bashuk rounds on the iternant merchant, eyebrows creeping up in skeptical surprise.
"You can hear them? How the blazes do you do that? How many--and how far off?"
"You don't survive out here as long as I do without having keen ears," the doctor boasts.
"Not sure how many there are. Definitely not as many as I've heard lurking around some of the other ghost towns. I think we definitely decimated their numbers. Probably why they're running off - some going south towards Virlych, others off towards new hunting grounds eastward. I think...I think they're at least a mile away already."
I'm just a girl trying to make her way in this world... I do what I believe to be the right thing, I treat others as I'd wish to be treated.
Until, they act in a manner that threatens myself or another. Valeska interjects as the others talk.
If you turn over a new leaf, dear Dr Evets... Perhaps Ravengro can be your base of operations of sorts. I could use a man like you.
Doctor Evets profusely promises to change his ways, and he spends the first leg of the return ride back to Ravengro brainstorming ways he could be of use to your community.
In a few days' time, your party returns to Ravengro. Despite the ingrained, Ustalavic stoicism and wariness, the residents demonstrate noticeable excitement and enthusiasm upon seeing your arrival.
On the trek home, Valeska would have begun a discussion regarding governmental transparency alarming the public at large.
She doesn't push one agenda or another, reserving her thoughts until after everyone speaks.
Upon her return, it is the happy faces of the children she realizes she's missed the most. And it's that which helps her beam her indomitable genuine smile.
She wastes no time spotting any of the refugees and asks about how they are settling in and is they need anything. Though in general, she tries to spend a moment or two with everyone.
People are what matters.
Nadiya nods at Dr. Evets. "Based on what we learned from the so-called 'Baron,' Verlych in particular may be an ongoing concern. But I don't think there is much point in immediate pursuit. They will no doubt be able to scatter more thoroughly than we can find them."
She will continue to treat Dr. Evets for his fever as they travel toward town.
Nadiya likely at some point travels using her mount spell to preserve her energy, but dismisses it before they enter town. She does not know the local attitudes toward mages in general and witches in particular. She too smiles at the children she sees who come to greet the arrivals, and looks to see who their mothers might be--her extensive travels has told her that always both populations are most at risk for ongoing disease and the results of poor diet. She does not try to call much attention to herself, but introduces herself as Nadiya, a midwife and herbalist. She's curious if any here have heard of "Old Lady Nadiya" (whether her or her mother) but she's not the type for announcing her presence.
"Well it's your call Countess, but at the very least folks oughta know we didn't kill off all the ghouls--not that they wouldn't be wary already but it's the right thing, to let them know."
As they arrive back in town, Bashuk grins at the welcome but sticks near the Countess--she's still quite new here, and an orc, and not at all certain of her reception outside of being in the Countess' retinue.
Valeska also keeps an eye out for signs of Half-Orcs and Dwarves as they approach Ravengro... she was looking for emissaries.
If you see any Dwarves, they could be our new friends.
Leta squints painfully at the daylight, overcast though it may be. Daytime was not her bag, but that seemed to be when most people liked to be about. Which was fine with her, normally, as they'd be at home in bad at nighttime, when she liked to commune with nature.
Leta knows little of "government transparency", so she hums a gentle tune reminiscent of the autumn winds as she walks, toward the rear so as not to distract from the Countess' conversation.
Perform
Checking in with the Countess, Shontar and Chao report that Jorfa the local smith continues to be the only dwarf around Ravengro.
However, a number of orc-kin have been sighted crossing the border into the county. Although many of them carry weapons, none of them appear to have been raiders or warbands. Nevertheless, this has caused a lot of anxiety and tension among your citizens, who fear another attack. There have been some near conflicts between these travelers from the Belkzen and your outlying subjects living in the western marches of Canterwall, but so far your councilors and representatives have prevented outright bloodshed.
...
Perhaps surprisingly, some of the more recent transplants to Ravengro - particularly those who have emigrated from the eastern reaches - cautiously approach Nadiya and ask about her identity. There seems to be some measure of recognition, so the legends of "Old Lady Nadiya" have likely spread to Ravengro.
...
Despite her efforts to remain out of the way, Leta soon finds herself attracting a growing handful of locals. They bring with them simple instruments, and even improvised ones like washboards, and invite Leta towards the gazebo on the village commons for a bit of a jam session.
Wanting to keep favor with the public, in case the Countess needs to make use of her in some official capacity, Leta goes with them, taking the hand of a short, squat local woman carrying a washboard and following her to the gazebo.
"I'll be back with you in a bit, Countess!" she shouts, assuming the entourage won't be too hard to locate later.
"Well it's your call Countess, but at the very least folks oughta know we didn't kill off all the ghouls--not that they wouldn't be wary already but it's the right thing, to let them know."
"That's a good idea."
Nadiya nods as some ask her who she is. She confirms yes, she is the traveling healer they call "Old Lady" Nadiya, though to take any rumors attesting to her capabilities with a grain of salt. She will quickly turn to asking how they find Ravengro, if they are settling in.
As they pass through, she spots the apothecary shop and makes a mental note to reach out to the proprietor later. She'd like to offer her potion making services--if the shop can cover the cost of creation, it can take the bulk of the profit.
Miruna sticks close to Bashuk, partly to watch her fellow Sarenite's back in unfamiliar territory, but also to pester her with questions about her tribe and how they came into the faith.
While back in town, Kain makes a big showing of him and Silver flying over, and walking through, the town and keeping it safe to help ease the populaces potential anxiety. He also doubles down on drilling the current militia, and since there is still a shortage of war horses has them focus on formations and fighting as a unit. Taking only those with high promise as marksmen and/or horsemen and attempting to drill them in how to both spot and take down higher priority targets at range while on foot and horseback.
He is friendly enough to folk, but focuses more on protecting the town, and instilling discipline, than befriending it. Eventually he will find Valeska with a report, waiting until they are out of the public eye.
Countess, I have a few concerns regarding the militia. First and foremost, with the new information we have gained, I believe we should start bolstering our military prowess. As I said before, I'd like to at least get light horses for a few mobile units of marksmen. I understand warhorses and more heavy equipment is likely unfeasible for us at this time so lightly armored and quick is the best choice. That said, I would also like to be able to equip each militiaman and soldier with a couple throwing weapons or other ranged weapon and if possible a healing potion each. Considering what they are likely to have to combat, weapons that cut and bludgeon likely are to be the most effective. There is also an alarming lack of divine magic in the militia. After seeing what they may have to face, I worry that is something we will need to rectify. We can't be everywhere at once, and while I hope we can combat most of the more dangerous threats we find, we cannot and should not assume such optimistic outcomes.
Valeska had arranged for a dinner of sorts, a casual working meeting that included all who were currently helping administer to the Canterwall's needs and her new friends who she'd hoped would join in the effort.
Title of Countess aside, her management style was not too overbearing though she had a strong devotion to the populace's well being.
It is at this meeting that she would have "officially" extended offers to hold positions to those who's help she needed and was not ashamed to admit.
She was open and inclusive and her discussions, for that was more akin to what they were than debates, were mostly around prioritization and timing rather that labeling something as a good or bad idea.
She listened to Kain's concern and explanation.
Yes, Kain. Military prowess is a must, but how best to start? Perhaps the simplest of general forces to be mustered and a few specialty teams.
I'd like to enable constant communication between our locations, which may entail partols and fast horses would be best. I've heard some use trained birds for the messages, at least.
It was understood that the floor was open to all, established and new members. There were no stupid questions and brain storming was encouraged.
Wanting to keep favor with the public, in case the Countess needs to make use of her in some official capacity, Leta goes with them, taking the hand of a short, squat local woman carrying a washboard and following her to the gazebo.
"I'll be back with you in a bit, Countess!" she shouts, assuming the entourage won't be too hard to locate later.
Valeska smiles and nods.
We've uncovered a disturbing development...
Valeska details what was discovered, encountered and witnessed to those that were not there.
I wish to be a open and honest with the citizenry as possible without causing mass hysteria. The threat is eliminated... for now. But, that they did this at all is worrisome.
We must reclaim what's ours, rebuild and become stronger for what we have suffered.
"Ah, but you have unearthed a potent weapon that will keep our people safe!" Vashian Hearthmount of the town council speaks up. "Though my military command days are behind me, even I could put down a score of undead with such a legendary weapon in my hands."
The matter of Raven's Head prompts a polite disagreement between the town councilors, including those who now serve on the Countess' privy council.
Hearthmount believes the artifact should be kept and wielded by your best warrior, used to protect the county should the undead legions be rising again.
Grand Diplomat Muricar suggests that it should be presented as a gift to Prince Aduard, the ruler of Ustalav.
"The prince currently faces certain...challenges to his authority, primarily from the powerful and beautiful Countess Carmilla Caliphvaso," the rakish Muricar explains. "Possessing a relic belonging to the old lineage of kings would solidify the prince's right to rule. He would be incredibly indebted to you, my lady, and we could parlay this into political - and financial - support."
On the other hand, town councilor Shanda Faravan suggests turning Raven's Head into an exhibit in Ravengro, either in Castle Harrowstone or in a specially built museum. Not only would this attract tourists and their coin, but it would provide Countess Valeska with the same political clout that Muricar mentioned as being desirable to the prince.
"I don't pretend to know anything about this Prince, or this Countess, but seeking and building up allies is always a good thing--right now this county is small and fragile, having allies who can help us just as we help them seems like the way to go."
"I do like the idea of having it here, as a symbol to the people."
Leta enters as stealthily as possible, her impromptu jam-session with the citizens over. She listened in on the opinions. Her own is that she'd like that device as far away from her as possible, but she keeps it to herself. She won't be around it much eitherway, Leta hopes.
Kain frowns.
I am against it sitting in a museum. We took it from what basically already was one after all. If that were what we desired to use this for, leaving it in the crypt would have been better. No, I think that it should be put to use. Either with us, or with the prince. Besides, simply having it, whether in martial use or not, would provide the... "clout", so mentioned. Though, I don't doubt any enemies would quickly claim we are but thieves and grave robbers. Despite any evidence to the contrary.
Nadiya sits quietly as things start out. She's been in all kinds of situations and even been invited to nice dinners before, but she's new to this particular circle. Still as others start offering a multitude of suggestions, she shifts uncomfortably, and clears her throat.
"I know I am not a formal advisor here, but I was present when we found Raven's Head. The Countess removed it from its consecrated resting place only so we could use it fight the undead threatening the people of this land. It would not just be disrespectful to the person it was buried with and a waste of its power to put it on display or send it as a placation to a noble, but a sacrilege to the gods whose power is represented by that weapon and the others we found in that crypt. It should remain in the land it was intended to protect and be used for the purpose the master priests and smiths forged it for."
She pauses. "In my opinion."
This is as formal as it gets amongst ourselves. Perhaps there will come a time for more formality.
You are always welcome to speak your mind, everyone is. We just need to remember to be open to others opinions and respectful too one another.
Valeska is silent once more. Looking from advisor to advisor.
What other matters demand our attention?
"The people are still celebrating your return in the streets, albeit in smaller groups now. I planted a few ideas among the citizens that will hopefully encourage them to keep their eyes open for suspicious goings-on. Much as warriors are your best defense in battle, the lowly citizens who work the streets are your best defense against unrest and criminal abuses."
Valeska is silent once more. Looking from advisor to advisor.
What other matters demand our attention?
"What about the survivors from Clover's Crossing?" asks town councilor Shanda Faravan. "It sounds like they fled north, across the river towards Tamrivena. We should send word to them that it is safe to return to their homes and that the countess is rebuilding the village."
Faravan suggests recruiting Dr. Evets to serve as a messenger in this regards. You can't tell whether she's nominating him for the responsibility because she naively trusts the shifty salesman or if she doesn't trust him and merely wants to send him away, even if only for a week or two.
Grand Diplomat Muricar also suggests sending an envoy westward: "If you are truly dedicated to brokering some manner of truce with the orcs, then they will need an escort across the border and on to Ravengro, at least for now. Otherwise, their presence will continue to alarm our more...rural residents."
This is as formal as it gets amongst ourselves. Perhaps there will come a time for more formality.
You are always welcome to speak your mind, everyone is. We just need to remember to be open to others opinions and respectful too one another.
"Yes, but... why am I here? I asked to come to see if I could help. But I am not sure why you have asked me to this table."
Yes, we should send word. But, surely Evets will need an escort.
This idea of escorts and even envoys has merit and would seem to work well with the force that General Kain wishes to cultivate. And, Bashuk can certainly co-lead that effort.
Turning her attentions to Nadiya. There are two places where you can help. In here and out there. Sitting at this table you have leverage, meaning resources beyond your own skills and strengths.
This... team, Valeska mashed a sweeping gesture encompassing all gathered, is entrusted with the security, welcome and development of Canterwall.
Only you know how best you can help Canterwall... and when you share your ideas, others can help you achieve your desired outcomes.
A question. Why did you accept the invitation?
"Because you invited me?" She pauses. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound flippant. I mean, I don't take hospitality for granted. I am used to helping people while traveling. I love my people. But we are superstitious. A person can praise me for healing them and accuse me of demon-infused witchcraft the next. While sometimes I need to go where I am unwanted, I can help more where I am welcome. And you... welcomed me."
"Friend Nadiya. We have traveled together many weeks before meeting the Countess, and I feel we have developed a trust between each other. This is what I have discovered."
"Just as the Countess needed our assistance in the caves, so she could use our unique gifts here, helping her with the people and business of guiding this ship. Doubtless, the specific ways we might help will grow and change, such is the ebb and flow of the natural world, our lives included. Personally, I see myself helping best by easing the flow of information from events on the streets to the council chamber. I am certain you, too, might find little and big ways to assist here, over time."
"This need not be forever, but for the time being, perhaps the Old Lady can accept that welcome and find a place to use her gifts for the good of the Countess."
Because you can help these people, this land... is exactly why you are here and at this table. Leta has the right of it.
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Nadiya pauses a moment, taking it in. "I expect, however, you are asking more than what I usually do... where I am pausing is I've not had a leader ask me to assist before. But as I speak... perhaps the answer is right in front of me. Perhaps we could work to end some of the superstitions that hold the people back. Research... and use magic, carefully, toward positive ends." She spreads her hands. "If my role in this world is to help others give birth, then let us see what shall be born from Canterwall."
Nadiya pauses a moment, taking it in. "I expect, however, you are asking more than what I usually do... where I am pausing is I've not had a leader ask me to assist before. But as I speak... perhaps the answer is right in front of me. Perhaps we could work to end some of the superstitions that hold the people back. Research... and use magic, carefully, toward positive ends." She spreads her hands. "If my role in this world is to help others give birth, then let us see what shall be born from Canterwall."
"For what it's worth," chimes in Mirta Straelock, one of the town council members, "I've already heard quite a few folks excitedly talking about a medicine woman called 'Old Lady Nadiya' - although that does not seem to be an accurate moniker, at all - moving to town.
"If nothing else, your presence has already inspired a sense of hope and optimism, and that is far too rare these days."
...
Over the proceeding month, you pool your efforts to continue building up Canterwall and building back Clover's Crossing.
Countess Valeska applies her experience and knowledge to plot out how fallow stretches of moorland to the south of Ravengro could be turned to fertile vineyards. Likewise, General Kain draws upon his military experience and draws up designs for a space and material-efficient stable that makes use of surrounding terrain.
Despite lingering misgivings about him, Dr. Evets finds apparently success on his trip north into Tamrivena. Survivors of the disaster at Clover's Crossing return to their despoiled home in a handful of small waves. Although a grim endeavor, the renovation of the cemetery brings some solace to the survivors, knowing the remains of their fallen neighbors and kin will be respectfully laid to rest and kept from being consumed or raised in blasphemous undeath.
Some of the survivors decide to resettle in Ravengro, however, and the shanties renovated into proper houses provide pleasing accommodations.
When you receive the latest report of orcs crossing the border into your county, you ride out to meet them - and arrive just in time to diffuse potential violence by the mob of farmers and ranchers who have been keeping them at bay with pitchforks, shovels, and hoes. Countess Valeska's authority is reinforced when your party firmly talks down the rankled locals and makes it clear that peaceable travelers from the Belkzen will be welcomed in Canterwall.
...
Towards the end of the month, you receive word that a small party of dwarves has arrived at the gates of Castle Harrowstone, requesting an audience with Countess Valeska.
"That is my mother's legacy," Nadiya nods to Mirta, "And in her memory, I am pleased to hear it. May our ancestors' wisdom guide us all in what's to come."
=====
Nadiya mostly spends her time talking and listening to people--though of course anyone who needs healing she will attend to as necessary. As rebuilding occurs she also--thinking like a midwife--thinks of sanitation and hygiene, which may not be typical magisterial duties but could be addressed/supplemented as needed with both mundane and magical research.
She talks to the apothecary about possibly working with her to make potions--if the apothecary covers the crafting costs, Nadiya could occasionally provide potions for her to sell and the apothecary could keep the profits.
When the dwarves arrive she is most curious.
From time to time, Sasha would return. The nearly feline silhouette would accompany Valeska as she made her rounds, joined sorties and attended meetings with advisors individually and in groups.
The waist-high panther was clearly of Fey origin and Valeska made no attempt to mask this, he ties to the First World being no secret. Upon his forehead a matching sigil to Valeska's own.
When Sasha was not present, Valeska would sometimes be seen aiding in the rebuilding efforts by her own hand or by the summoning of aid from elsewhere. Elementals or earth, air, fire and water, beasts of burden and Fey.
The citizen's of Canterwall will not live in squalor and although it will take time, we shall create proper homes and farms to shelter and feed all. Places to work and earn decent wage.
A place to worship in peace. Even our dead shall be shown respect and remembered.
Canterwall is not perfect! For perfection invites stagnation and we shall always be improving our land, our relationships and ourselves.
When she hears about the Dwarves at Harrowstone, she excuses herself from what she is doing so long as it is not rude. And, makes her way over, Sasha trailing and keeping a watchful eye.
As she walked, she picked up some provisions. Ravengro baked goods and fresh fruit and vegetables in a large basket. She carried it herself.
Though she occasionally pops by to see how the development of the militia was proceeding, Bashuk's efforts were mainly focused on assisting in the reclamation of Clover's Crossing, including scouting out what tunnels were not previously cleared and directing work crews to wall off or fill in as many ghoul-dug tunnels and side halls as possible.
When tensions flare between her people and the Canterwall locals, Bashuk mentally braces for the worst--tit for tat assaults or even murders, night riders, another promising start reduced to ash and bitter disappointment. So she is delighted when the Countess' intervention is swift, firm, and laudably even-handed...instead of the worst-case, the Burning Suns found themselves openly welcomed, if begrudgingly by some. Though she's uncertain how to express her gratitude to the Countess, Bashuk privately resolves to do everything in her power to see this unusually open-minded project succeed.
Mishka poofs up quite large the first time she spots Sasha, though Nadiya hushes her low rowling. "Hush now," Nadiya chides her familiar, "Do not pick a fight with the fey."
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Nadiya introduces herself to Jominda Fallenbridge, the town's apothecary, and she eagerly welcomes a colleague who can provide an extra pair of hands around her shop.
"With the massive influx of laborers, porters, builders, and everyone else," she says, waving her hand vaguely, "there's been a neverending demand for salves and poultices for pulled muscles, cuts and scrapes, accidentally hammered thumbs, and every other minor injury you can think of. None of the remedies are especially difficult, as I'm sure you know, but simply fulfilling all the requests and restocking the ingredients - it just gets to be too much!"
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jominda has heard of Nadiya's mother, and for better or for worse, from that point onward her attitude towards Nadiya shifts from professional courtesy to something just a shade below hero worship. Sometimes both of your concocting efforts are slowed down as she lobs questions at Nadiya about the exploits and recipes and secrets of both her and her mother.
...
You find a trio of dwarves standing at the gates of your castle. From their small number and how they have eschewed heavy armaments, it is clear that they prioritized speed and stealth as they trekked to Ravengro.
One, you recognize: Vreya Grayhand, the same lookout you spoke with outside the hidden stronghold in the mountains.
Of the other two, one has the look of a warrior, while the third - clearly the party's leader - looks like a priest or sage. This elder, his grim face looking like it was carved from the mountain stone he calls home, is the first to speak. Rather than a booming, commanding voice, though, his words come out like a wheezing mountain breeze.
"I am High Oathkeeper Daras Moradan, priest of Kols and elder of Gerduhm. Your...invitation has been debated in our halls for weeks on end. Ultimately, owing to the...passionate insistence of many of my kin," he says, casting a quick, darting look towards Vreya, "we have accepted.
"Understand this: By making this journey, we have broken eight millennia of secrecy and security, potentially jeopardizing the future of not just our hold but all descendants of our kin who fled when Koldukar fell."
Nadiya is patient with Jominda's hero worship. She doesn't encourage it, but she doesn't condemn it either, as for not wanting to provoke either a sense of betrayal or a need to double down on the adulation. Nadiya just gets to work and talks to Jominda about ordinary things, she figures she will see Nadiya's human imperfections over time.
At the talk of the heavy demand, she says, "Have you thought of taking on an apprentice? No doubt all that has gone on, there's an orphan or two in need of work and shelter. It would be a quite a responsibility to take, but also more opportunity to share the burden..."
Valeska bows in formal but not ostentatious greeting. Putting her basket down, she reaches for the man's hand and pats it affectionately of allowed... as one might, their own elder.
She affords the warrior a similar bow and greeting, without the pat. Vreya gets a strong hug and clap on the back.
Come, let's talk privately. With that, she picks up her basket and turns to lead them away from the castle and towards the smithy.
On her way, she asks the occasional gawking citizen to let council members who are not present know where she is and that Ravengro has Dwarven visitors looking to trade, old friends .
You'll like Jorfa.
When the runner arrives Bashuk is watching the militia drill just outside of town, and she returns with the messenger immediately, giving Vreya a small informal wave in greeting.
She had intended to take a more observational role, but the High Oathkeeper's intonations shock her out of her silence. "You've been in hiding for...eight thousand years?" She blinks, trying to wrap her head around this. "Why? Hiding from u--from the tribes of Belkzen?"
It is late morning when the dwarven envoys arrive, although one would never know that from looking at the sky.
Valeska and Kain have now lived in Ravengro long enough to learn something about the climate in Canterwall. The Tusk Mountains, from which these dwarves hail, casts a rain shadow upon the county. Clouds rolling westward across Ustalav are halted by the mountains, ensuring the volume of rainfall that makes Canterwall and Tamrivena the breadbaskets of the principality, while leaving the Belkzen beyond parched and barren.
Of course, this does mean that the weather is often bleak, with this day being no exception. Cloaked behind thick, woolen clouds, the sun provides scarcely more light than the moon and stars would.
The High Oathkeeper harrumphs in response to Bashuk's question.
"Why else? Our ancestors watched Koldukar, the first and greatest of our Sky Citadels, fall to the accursed warlord Belkzen and his orcs in the Battle of Nine Stones. Their own wretched descendants have squatted in our ancestral home ever since. If they learned of our presence, we would be just another conquest, another stronghold for them to tack their tattered banners upon."
There is some other, perhaps more important reason why the dwarves of Gerduhm have kept themselves hidden for so long.