@ Regongar:
The man looks up at you when you inroduce yourself. He carefully sets down his drink.
"So you are one of the new Baron's companions? Famous slayers of the notorious Stag Lord and his gang. Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is... Lander."
Reg takes a good long look at the young man ...
"That is a remarkably short name for a guest in this room, how, refreshing.
Fury flies in, just above Reg's left shoulder
" ... and this is Fury, the friend I was telling you about. It has been extraordinary to have summoned such and amazing companion. Tell me Master Lander, what makes you so lucky to be here this evening?"
@ Pyros:
As you approach, Natalia is having a whispered conversation with an unfamilair older lady. Upon noticing you, she breaks into a sugary sweet smile.
"Ah the man of the hour! You were not only tough, but quick! Congratualtions on your victory. Enjoy it... while you can."
”We plan to. Do you have reason to believe it won’t last?”
@ Faerin:
"But of course, the faithful of Erastil have only respect for the Green Faith."
"The feeling is mutual, I look forward to seeing things blossom and grow." the druidess replies.
Linzi leans over to whisper in Regongar's ear.
"It is still bothering me, but he is very familiar. I know that I should be able to place him."
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@ Pyros:
"Oh, surely you do not think this beneficience was out of the good of the Aldori's hearts? I see they did not inform you of their plans. You see, they are planning on seperating from Brevoy -- it will not be a peaceful process." Natalia replies with a knowing smile.
"They lack the strendth, currently -- thus this use of a legal loophole to create some 'independent' allies. Once the civil war breaks out, your lands will be one of the first to endure a strike from Brevoy's forces. Perhaps they'll erect a memorial stone in your honor in newly independent Restov... Well, I wouldn't count on even that, really."
Reg smiles the same smile he smiles when he is excited about ... food.
"Well there's nothing like a field test, right? Isn't that how people get Baronys? So let's see that expertise in action. Surely you are as aware of the room as anyone, and can see our Baron is speaking to the King's grandmother or older sister over there. Who would be the best choice to intervene and draw his attention: myself, who might even be mistaken for the Aldori ward; this delicate flower of bardic wisdom who stands with me; or my other companion, who really only speaks Auran but will most assuredly get the attention we need?"
As Regongar looks to Lander for his thoughts, the faintest pop of static electricity seems to indicate he's enjoying this.
@ Pyros:
"Oh, surely you do not think this beneficience was out of the good of the Aldori's hearts? I see they did not inform you of their plans. You see, they are planning on seperating from Brevoy -- it will not be a peaceful process." Natalia replies with a knowing smile.
"They lack the strendth, currently -- thus this use of a legal loophole to create some 'independent' allies. Once the civil war breaks out, your lands will be one of the first to endure a strike from Brevoy's forces. Perhaps they'll erect a memorial stone in your honor in newly independent Restov... Well, I wouldn't count on even that, really."
”How interesting. With the disappearance of the legitimate claimants to the throne, I would not have thought the nobility would be so quick to support civil war. Do they want to die for a regent’s personal aggrandizement? Surely a war with the Aldori will be a bloody affair, what with the rather notable lack of dragons on Brevoy’s side this time.” Pyros says, all jovial smiles. ”Besides, we don’t want war with Brevoy. Why would Brevoy attack us, given that they’ll already have their hands full with the Aldori”
"Thank you, I hope you enjoy them as well." Faerin says, inclining her head, before once again roaming the gala, keeping an eye out for Amiri or Octavia.
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@ Regongar:
Lander looks over to where Pyros is talking to Natalia Surtova.
"Ah yes, Natalia Surtova, I heard she would attend. No doubt she is trying to convince your new Baron to avoid close ties with Restov. I see she has Shandra Mervey with her. She is not unskilled in politics. I would bet that Natalia will try to get you to take her as the envoy. As for the Aldori, Jamandi will probably propose her ward, Kassil."
He looks back to you.
"Still, will either truly be beholding to your new Barony, or will their old allegiances hold sway?"
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@ Pyros:
"Oh, I would never. However, if you are allied with them, that would make you part of the war. In your situation, the most reasonable course of action would be to align yourself with the lawful rulers of Brevoy -- the noble houses. The Aldori wouldn't dare rebel, knowing they would immediately be entrapped. You could help prevent civil war while at the same time earn some well deserved peace for your new realm."
She pauses and looks over to where Jamnadi is conversing with a large man and Kassil.
"I believe Jamandi has already tried to impose a guard on you as "envoy?" I'm guessing her lowborn stepson -- the green-skinned boy, Kassil? It's up to you, of course, but I would recommend a different envoy. Please meet Shandra Mervey, an experienced diplomat with far more knowledge of Brevoy's politics than any brawler could have."
The old woman next to Natalia gives you a slight bow.
"I would be happy to help you establish diplomatic relations with Brevoy."
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”Why would I need an expert on Brevic politics? People move out of Brevoy and into the wilderness to get away from that sort of thing. The sword of a skilled duelist will always be more useful in such lands than some court functionary.” he turns to Shandra ”No offense. I’m sure you know all the right people in New Stetven. But that’s less than useful when an owlbear is trying to tear your head off and eat it.”
"Haven't had a good fight in Gorum knows how long. Leave me at that old man's trading post? I don't know how much more of these windbags I can take." She pauses muttering to take a long swig of ale. "River kingdom softies."
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@ Regongar:
Lander looks over to where Pyros is talking to Natalia Surtova.
"Ah yes, Natalia Surtova, I heard she would attend. No doubt she is trying to convince your new Baron to avoid close ties with Restov. I see she has Shandra Mervey with her. She is not unskilled in politics. I would bet that Natalia will try to get you to take her as the envoy. As for the Aldori, Jamandi will probably propose her ward, Kassil."
He looks back to you.
"Still, will either truly be beholding to your new Barony, or will their old allegiances hold sway?"
"Ha! Great word, sway ... nice choice for the orc with an air elemental. All odds to the contrary, I know almost as much about wind as all these bags in the room. So I'll tell you a secret about "sway" - it's directly in relation to how strong the wind is blowing.
Reg smiles and gives a little wink to the young man, which together looks rather more like a growl, or a grimace.
"So, as you said, old alliegiences have a great deal more to do with where the wind is coming from and how hard it is blowing. I will mention to the Baron that I'm not sure we can blow any harder than Jamandi or Natalia; then I will suggest he ask you what old allegiances you have. That said, I think the devils in the room are wearing plainer clothes. I'm glad we met ...
"Boss, here is the thing. I think we take them all ... or we take Lander. Sometimes, the enemy you DON'T know is at least the surprise you can prepare for. We can work with this guy. My "brother" works for Jamandi, and that's fine, certainly I have worn a collar before, I can teach you all about it. The old gurl from the capital, lol, whatever, we all know I love lesbians at this point, it's all good. But I think Lander is the choice. Whatever his game is, I think our chances of playing it are greater than all the rest."
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"What do you need an advisor for? Your chief now, or baron, or whatever you want to call it. We're strong, we don't need outsiders telling you how to run your own tribe. Can't be worse than the one I left, may Gorum shatter their bones..."
"On a side note, Evanki, acting in the interests of Erastil's church, seeks permission to establish a shrine to him in our capital. They will assume all costs and ask only to practice the faith unobstructed, and will in turn respect the following of the Green Faith within our borders. In truth both faiths have much in common. I see this being one of the easier decisions to make really." Faerin updates her companions.
"As far as an envoy, I'm sure whoever we accept will provide some short term advantage, and whoever we reject will cause problems."
"Your baronialness, why not go talk to the guy? Linzi swears she remembers him from somewhere, and I feel like that is good. He has quite a bit of saavy beyond his years, and while I doubt that he was ever a slave, everyone has something they learn from, right? You talked to the old-lady, Jamandi rammed another orc down your throat, what could it hurt to see what Lander is about?"
”Of course. Erastil’s Faithful are always welcome.” Pyros says to Faerin. Turning to are to far, he shrugs. ”Fair enough.” with that he goes to speak to Lander. ”What brings you here, my good man?”
"I...see. And you have no relationship with any of them, you just like to watch? What do you think of the Surtovas? The Aldori?"
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Your conversation with Lander is slightly cryptic.
"I'm travelling... incognito. Under my circumstances, it's best to keep one's lineage secret."
"Truth be told, that's exactly what I wanted to speak with you about. I am the heir to one of Brevoy's noble houses, I won't say which one, but beleive me, a newly appointed baron with no connections would do well to have a friend like me."
"I travel the country in secret, with no sevrants, so I can see it for myself -- not from some carriage window, but face to face with the people. My family would never approve, of course -- but then, I never asked. I need to know Brevoy if I'm going to rule part of it someday."
"I know Jamndi wants to have you take her stepson as emmisary to Brevoy, but take me instead. Don't let my age fool you, they may have trained Kassil to swing a sword, but I've been training in statecraft since a very early age. I will be of far more use to you, both now and in the future, espcailly once my position in the family is secured."
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"Hm. They trained Kassil to use swords? Maybe not all of these diplomats are completely useless."
"Odds are whoever we select as a diplomat will be a fair hand with a weapon. People are often more than what they seem at a surface glance, Amiri." Faerin comments.
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"I see. Let me talk to my council." returning to the group, Pyros looks between them, speaking low so that they are not overheard. "I know that I'm probably biased toward the Aldori, but Kassil would be my choice. I don't trust this Lander. If he's the heir of some noble house, he has an angle, and he's hiding it from me. Or he could be lying, in which case he's a liar. Why would we trust him? The Surtova woman just seems useless. The Aldori got us here, and I'm not inclined to turn my back on them. Of course, I have an obvious bias. What do you think?"
"While I agree that it is thanks to the Aldori that we are here, we need to be careful or find a way to make clear that they aren't simply establishing a vassal state." Faerin replies. "I also agree that the humanist hag is useless."
"I think I know a little bit about humans, and about slavery. A young human born into his family has pride, not debt. To be certain, and adopted half-orc ... is "encumbered"
Reg looks thoughtful for a moment, a really brief moment
"Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer, and if you cannot determine, keep them at least at arms length."
Reg is clearly in favor of Lander ... and this is NOT a democracy.
Pyros needs input, and should then hand out a decision.
Regardless of when Jamandi gets out her sword and makes it official, everyone knows it is HIS decision, and even Regongar isn't going to step on his toes.
Let us hear it Baron!
"I will ensure the Aldori don't think we're they're doormat. I still think they're our best choice though. We'll stick with them. For now." with that, he turns and approaches Lady Jamandi.
"Lady Jamandi, we would be honored to accept Kassil as envoy to our lands."
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The rest of the banquet continues until Jamandi calls attention. With greta fanfare, she announces the successes of you and the other two main guests; Maegar Varn, who is gaining a barony in the Dunsward region, and Hannis Drelev, who is gaining a barony in the Glenebon region. You met both of them at the banquet. Varn is an experienced mercenary company leader who seemed genuiniely interested in developing close ties with your barony. Drelev came across as pompous and dismissive.
Another decision presents itself. The mayor of Restov, Iospeh Sellimius, has offered to give 500 BP (this would slightly more than double your starting resources for building) in resources at very favorable rates in exchange for exclusive contracting for construction through the Restov Builder's Guild until the debt is payed off.
This is really something I should consult with the treasurer on. If we had a treasurer. Lacking a treasurer, Pyros turns to his council as a whole. "Your thoughts on the loan offer?"
This is really something I should consult with the treasurer on. If we had a treasurer. Lacking a treasurer, Pyros turns to his council as a whole. "Your thoughts on the loan offer?"
"Octavia & I watched a LOT of coin change hands over the years: ALWAYS know what is expected. A lightning slave, a comely young mage ... or easy peasy loyalty in a civil war. Remember, Surtova wasn't trying to enlighten you: she was warning you."
While present for most of their council meetings and major decisions, Faerin spend much of her time in Restov working with a local druid on deepening her connection to the plant world specifically, expanding her connection, and manifesting new powers.
"We should name ourselves after what we are. Like my tribe. It was named Six Bears, after the six bears our first chieftain killed. We should name our tribe something similar. Something easy to understand the meaning of so the people can say that they are proud to be members of our tribe!"
"If we seek to emphasize our ties with Brevoy and Rostland, perhaps encouraging immigration from that region, we could call ourselves something like "New Brevoy" or "Free Rostland". But I'm not sure we want to tie ourselves to Rostland quite that tightly. If we want to emphasize our deeds, perhaps something like "Stag's End", since we ended the Stag Lord?"
"Having recently spent a great deal of my own time studying language, let me share a couple thoughts? New ... always implies Old ... and Old Brevoy may or may not appreciate the implication. Likewise, UNfree or Shackled Rostland may feel similarly. In writings particularly, we try to refer to the positive and what began, usually, rather than the negative.
So what began? What was the positive outcome of our work?
But let's be honest too, what would FEEL good?
To you Your Grace.
Because if I were you, and it were MY barony in the Shrike Hills of Brevoy, I would name it "ALDORI"
I would found the capital city of "FREEDOM"
and I would name my keep "FREEDOM'S HOLD"
all the while secretly knowing, the names themselves could very much hold your entire extended family to a higher standard ;)
Just some thoughts."
"I doubt we want to pick a name that too strongly identifies with another nation, instantly gaining us their enemies as well." Faerin comments. "Though Stag's End or Stagfall definitely have power for any that have been under the yoke of the Staglord. Perhaps a good name for the capital if not the Barony. It would carry the power of our deeds as Amiri said, and give Linzi the opportunity to spin the tale of it's founding into something that spreads like wildfire."
"I doubt we want to pick a name that too strongly identifies with another nation, instantly gaining us their enemies as well." Faerin comments. "Though Stag's End or Stagfall definitely have power for any that have been under the yoke of the Staglord. Perhaps a good name for the capital if not the Barony. It would carry the power of our deeds as Amiri said, and give Linzi the opportunity to spin the tale of it's founding into something that spreads like wildfire."
"Well ... if we're going to make it about Linzi that different!
He winks at the little bard
She & I have talked a lot since the feast. In that case, and again, positive like I said before, we call the Barony "HAVEN"
The capital is "Haven's Hold" - the throne sits in "Haven's Keep"
Simple.
"Haven? Isn't that the place that angels or whatever come from?" Amiri scowls at her own misinterpretation. "We're no angels. I say Stagfall. Even though you left me to guard the trading post. You better take me on the next fight, or else we're going to have a problem, understand?"
"Amiri, I think you're thinking of Heaven, not Haven. It seems like Stagfall is a popular choice for our new capital. For the Barony as a whole? Reg says Haven. Not a bad choice, anyone have a better idea?"
"Sanctuary or Virida come to mind." Faerin says thoughtfully. "Either as a declaration of purpose or veneration of the Green and the wilderness around us."
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After the weeks of preparation, you head back to your new capitol. True to her word, Jamandi has set up the basics of the new village that comprises your capitol. The smell of freshly cut timber and planed wood prevades the area. Already there is a bustle of activity.
You are met at the gates of the new, and vastly expanded, pallisade that surrounds the village by Kesten Garess. He proceeds to conduct a tour of the new village. Several houses are already in existence as well as a tavern. Several vendors have set up temporary stalls in the village square. Kesten leads you to the Longhouse which contains living quarters for each of you (though you are also free to build or find seperate living space). It also contains the throne room/audience chamber/feast hall.
Kesten also informs you that there people in the town that seek your audience.
"Our old acquaintance, Jhod is here. Erastil's clerics usually do not like cities, but he seems eager to serve you. The emissary from Brevoy, Kassil, awaits you in the throne room as well. There's also a curious matter: an Elf has paid us a visit. A blind Elf. Desna only knows how he made it here. He seems peaceful, even a pleasant fellow, if a bit odd. I let him stay at the Longhouse, but it's up to you what to decide to do with him."
Kesten leads you to the Longhouse. When you enter the throne room, you are first greeted by Kassil Aldori.
"Good day, your Grace." Kassil gives a bow to Pyros. "It was a pleasure to meet you at the recpetion. On the behalf of your allies, I'd like to offer you some early advice. Many of your new barony's issues can be handled by advisors, I suggest you consider trusted and competent people to fill those positions. However, certain issues and special visitors will require your personal attention. It is a custom in the River Kingdoms for a Lord to hold auddience at the beginning of each month. Your new subjects are hardy and enterprising people, but the traditions of the region run strong in them. My suggestion is to follow this particular tradition to make your rule more familiar to them. Your clerics, Jhod and Tristian, were the first to seek your audience. I will not delay you further. Again, congratulations on your achievement. May your rule be long and prosperous."
Jhod steps forward.
"Your Grace! Congratulations on receiving the title of Baron. I'm sure you will bring order to these wild an troubled lands."
Jhod stumbles a bit.
"Though to be honest, that's not what we wish to discuss with you. Tristian and I have been discussing the events at the Temple of the Elk quite a bit. It doesn't all make sense to us yet, but one thing is clear -- there is a powerful curse in effect. It corrupted the very essence of that holy place, steeping it in putrescence. Ugh! I am disgusted with whoever could do such a thing!"
Jhod exhales loudly.
"And now there is a new woe. Locals described a place to us that they have believed to be cursed for a long time. We visited this place, it is not far from here, and I felt the very same putrescence that invaded the Temple of the Elk."
Tristian speaks next.
"There is a bald hilltop to the north of here. It's crown is completely devoid of life. The locals say that sacrifices to ancient, dark gods were performed there. There is no longer any trace of such rituals, but the air is heavy to the point of stifling. It is like a rotting wound, closed but not healed."
Jhod steps in.
"An this wound will open again! Trsitian and I felt something approaching... something ominous. The curse will return to plague us again -- I swear by Erastil!"
Trsitian says, "I will be glad to accompany you there, but I do not think we will find anything of use currently."
Jhod nods in agreement.
"I agree with Tristian, we have been there. It is empty, but filled with a sense of foreboding. The curse will grow and reach the peak of its strength in about one month. That's when we should visit this bald hilltop and resolve this issue!"
"For now we can only wait. And prepare." Tristian adds.