"Well, we managed to kill the demon, so I guess it went well. Considering the demon was actually in a well, that should sound as a joke, but it isn't, trust me."
"Please meet me and Princess Almah in an hour on the third floor for a proper report then." Garavel requests and leaves.
An hour later the group meets with Princess Almah, Garavel and Father Zastoran in Almah's conference room. A long table is prepared for all the visitors. Coffee and tea is served with baklava, small baked goods that are very sweet.
After a short introduction about the purpose of the meeting by Garavel, Aithaloessa gives an extensive report on what was found in the crypt and the demon that was slain. Tariq complements that with the plans to clean and consecrate the place again.
Then princess Almah takes over. "It is splendid, that the take over of Kelmarane worked that smoothly. Of course we assumed that it would be a success in the end, but you made it look easy. Your role in this and your service for me is invaluable."
"With the gnolls gone, and the evil that threw Kelmarane into chaos defeated, a new era can begin. For one, ee will report to Katapesh of our success. This will set many things in motion to make this town a prospering trade post between Katapesh and Osirion again."
"But this new era raises also the question what your role will be. Before you answer that, let me tell you what I have to offer. First, invalueable doesn't mean unrewarded. For your services each of you will receive 100 platinum. Further, you get the Manor house close to the bridge. You can do with it as you see fit, but my hope is of course that you move in and stay in KLelmarane. Last but not least, I'll name each of you officially 'Knight Protector of Kelmarane'."
"In this new era many positions are open to be taken by the courageous. Positions in the administration, or guard that has to be founded. Or the stalls in the battle market that need to be filled with stores again. Whatever you set your ming to do, if it adds to the good of getting Kelmarane back to its former glory or beyond, you have my support."
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Antarah sits at the table and treats himself with four baklava and coffee. The sweet reminds him of his younger days.
He hears princess Almah and looks down, almost embarrassed as she declares them Knight Protectors. In truth he doesn't really know how to react. As she indirectly asks them if they are staying, Antarah feels he can share something about himself and says "Even if I had somewhere to go, I'd prefer to be here, where I'm useful. If I may, I will take one of those stalls. I think I will finish my smith training and learn how to enchant weapons. I'm ready. Maybe one day I will retire my sword and live off my anvil."
Tariq loves these little sweets, and even if he has to take care with the sugar, he thinks he deserves a reward.
After his second one, he finds out Lady Almah had a juicy reward for them indeed. When he's offered a position somewhere in Kelmarane, Tariq immediately knows what to say.
"Milady, with your permission and approval, I would like to stay here and lead the reconstruction of the monastery. There's much to learn there, and our Lady Dawnflower truly deserves to be restored to full grace." He knows he'll need all the help he can gather. "I'm sure days to come will shed light and glory on the artificers of the restoration, and their names will be remembered for long" he adds, throwing a clear bait.
Yasmeena seems genuinely touched and humbled by the princess's recognition. "I thank you, your highness. It is an honor to serve." She laughs merrily, and continues. "With your leave, I would like to see to the battle market's restoration as a place of commerce and entertainment for the people of Kelmarane. I also think it would be prudent to consecrate a small chapel to Sarenrae there, to provide peace and comfort to those who dwell there."
"A shop for magic weapons! That will do the reputation of Kelmarane a great good." Almah comments.
"The monastery isn't really my concern, as it is too far out of Kelmarane to have a direct influence here. But of course you're free to pursue this goal." Almah answers Tariq's request.
To Yasmeena she replies "So you want to join the administration of Kelmarane, with Garavel in the lead? Or are you applying for the entertainment part, which will be subcontracted to a creative entrepreneur?"
"The peace and comfort for those seeking the guiding light of the Dawnflower will be offered in the temple, once it is restored. I expect the church to send a delegation to reopen it soon, but it hasn't to wait, til then, if you" She exchanges eye contact with Tariq and Yasmeena [/b]"want to take that into your hands."[/b]
Almas doesn't seem too thrilled by Tariq's choice. The monastery is clearly regarded as secondary.
"Thank you, Milady. No doubt you've considered that, with such beautiful and unique art in the monastery, it will soon attract new dwellers, pilgrims and visitors... who will probably spend their coin in the nearby town."
After driving the Lady's attention to something she might like more than religion, he's given the task of helping restore the temple here. "It's always a pleasure to help restore the Dawnflower's glory, Milady."
"Where your highness thinks my talents will help, I will be happy to serve," Yasmeena replies. "I would like to see the battle market restored, and would gladly assist Garavel with the administration when my talents are not needed elsewhere." She smiles. "It would be nice to see the city filled with music and culture, as people begin to return."
“You are beyond generous, ma’am,” Aithaloessa says, with uncharacteristic bashfulness, partly due to her finally clueing in that the princess part of merchant princess is much more precise than she thought (Should that be ‘your highness’? Or just ‘m’lady,’ like the others? Or don’t they say after the first bit one can drop the full honorific?), but perhaps mainly because the conversation turns to the monastery that she can’t help but acknowledge she should help Tariq rebuild at some point, given what she did to its main ritual space.
As the topic shifts more comfortably back to Kelmarane, she muses, “Well, it’s not quite what I had in mind, but I did say I would help you retake this place, and the least I could do is make sure the walls are sound and the buildings within. You may rely on my skills in engineering. Beyond that…” It will be a place where messages can reach you, she reminds herself, and you can get used to a world where magic doesn’t depend on being in the right part of town, and then maybe one day- it will be easier with a teleport.
“I can help keep the peace, since I seem to be sponsoring our citizen harpy,” the guardswoman gives a tiny, polite shrug, before finding a heartfelt smile, “but above all, whatever a consulting arcanist can do: research herbal, alchemical, or … spellcrafty?” Spellcraftical isn’t a real word, is it?
"No offense, but in my experience people are either creative, inspiring, entertaining and have a heart for the arts - or they like forms and processes. And both jobs will be full time." Garavel comments on Yasmeena's ideas.
As Aithaloessa speaks up and mentions: "I can help keep the peace..." Garavel jumps the opportunity. "So you're applying as head of the guard? Great, you're hired. Budget, troop strength and detailed planning will be discussed in a separate meeting."
Tariq rolls his eyes at the prospect of Aithaloessa leading the guard.
Yasmeena bows to Garavel and turns back to the princess. "I merely meant, your highness, that if an emergency should arise that you need the five of us to address in our capacity as troubleshooters, of course that would take precedence. Otherwise, let me serve where you and Garavel believe my talents will do Kelmarane the most good."
"This isn't about my needs or Kelmarane's needs. You paved the way for what to come. This is about you taking the opportunity you earned, to make your dreams come true. If you dream of a safe employment behind a desk, to hand out permits and collect taxes, so be it. But I can find someone else for this job if none of you want it." Almah clarifies.
"The guard is a different thing, I appreciate to have one of you for that."
"I'd like to keep the stage in the Battle Market alive. I've performed there myself and got some ideas what other entertainment we could have performed there. If we can agree on terms that allow to make a business of this, I'd take that opportunity." Haleen brings forth her dream.
"And I'd really like you to join me in this." she adds to Yasmeena.
Yasmeena's smile is like the sun. "A beautiful dream, and an excellent idea! Together we will make Kelmarane the shining jewel in the crown of the Brazen Peaks."
“Candidly, my dream has always been to travel,” Aithaloessa says circumspectly, stretching the point just a little, since she’d rather not reveal herself to be absolutely the wide-eyed innocent she really is, in the grand scheme of things, if she doesn’t have to. But she also gathers that the others’ dreams really don’t tend towards leading the guard, while she has more time, and probably, in the long run, the hope of easier ways of getting around.
“But as I said, I’ll see you on your feet before I think about moving on, unless certain elven notions of policing are a disastrous fit,” she continues, having noticed Tariq’s expression. “And even in that case, I’ll happily be your resident mad mage until the time comes. Who knows, by then, I might even be able to provide a convenient means to call me back as needed.”
As Aithaloessa speaks up and mentions: "I can help keep the peace..." Garavel jumps the opportunity. "So you're applying as head of the guard? Great, you're hired. Budget, troop strength and detailed planning will be discussed in a separate meeting."
Her glance flickers between Garavel and Almah. “I can’t wait to see what the constitution of the Kelmaranians will look like.”
As much as she hopes it’s more humane than that of the city of Katapesh, Aithaloessa’s eyes undoubtedly sparkle with enthusiasm. Perhaps alarmingly so, as some section of her brain jumps immediately to a preliminary estimate of ideal troop strength, patrol routes, and so forth as a fascinating puzzle to play with. Social engineering is still engineering, right?
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Antarah thinks he can also command the guard, but Aithaloessa seems to like this idea, so he lets it go. Instead he offers "Since I'll be involved in the trading bits of the city, I can also manage trading guilds and rules."
He never really considered being in a position of political power, but now one was falling on his lap and he was not going to say no.
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Antarah is moved by Tariq's devotion to the monastery. Seeing that he means to start a business, he says to the priest "I pledge half the earnings I make as a weapon enchanter to the renovation of the monastery. It won't be much at first, but I think it may add up over time." He feels it is the least he can do, given how often Sarenrae's magic has saved him in the recent past.
Aithaloessa stands and straightens to attention, bowing in acknowledgement of Almah, Garavel, and her colleagues. “Milady, sir, my friends - if the detailed planning about organizing the guard is to be discussed separately, I’ll take my leave if I may. Even if I can keep my office here in the battle market , I’ll have to reorganize my space … and think of a new nameplate for the door! In addition, there are some samples that still need to be processed.”
She finds a way to avoid saying ‘demon parts,’ which seems out of place over good coffee and baklava. Regardless, with all of the possibilities to think of, not least Captain? Sheriff?, the elf is almost vibrating with excitement.
It's clear that she's still forcing the tune, but compared to the last time she strayed from a source text, it's almost competent enough to be unremarkable. Almost. At least she's keeping her voice down this time.
"Of course, no need to prolong that meeting." Almah replies "though you are welcome to stay and enjoy what's served." she adds to the others.
"And of course you have time to consider the offers and discuss details with Garavel later. Just know that letters will be sent soon and people will flock to Kelmarane and right now, you have a headstart on them."
Tariq bows when Lady Almah departs, and puts a hand on Antarah's shoulder. "I thank you for your intentions, and the Lady does as well, but you don't have to." He smiles. "You'll need that money to improve your business, and an improved and famous business can also atract visitors. Thus, you'd be helping the monastery indirectly without having to cut your earnings." Tariq is a loyal servant of Sarenrae, but truly he knows that real life doesn't only sustain on prayers. "We'll need to be practical" he says, more to his Lady than to Antarah or himself.
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As Aithaloessa leaves the table, Antarah feels he should do the same. He gets up and syas "I thank you, your highness, for your generosity. If I may be excused, I will begin setting up my shop in the battle market."
He watches Aithaloessa singing, he pulls out his flute and tries to keep up.
Confused, Antarah smiles at Tariq, acknowledging him and says "Well, my offer still stands, in case you change your mind.".
Yasmeena looks to Haleen, and elects to stay with her and the feast for as long as she is inclined. "This seems an excellent place to discuss our plans for the future," she laughs.
"Indeed. I was thinking battles, just not as bloody as the ones during Kardswann's times. And of course singing and telling of stories. And dramas! We even have the setup to have an orchestra play!"
"I just have no idea, how to earn money with it. Will the Battle Market have hours open to the public for free to visit shops and then at a certain time everyone without a ticket to the gala has to leave?"
"Or will you Princess Almah be the sponsor of the entertainment? We could fence and sing and put a hat out. But for a drama, or an orchstra that wouldn't do."
"I need the market part of the Battle Market to work first to get some taxes flowing. Until then I won't be the big spender." Almah replies somewhat amused.
As Aithaloessa leaves the table, Antarah feels he should do the same. He gets up and syas "I thank you, your highness, for your generosity. If I may be excused, I will begin setting up my shop in the battle market."
He watches Aithaloessa singing, he pulls out his flute and tries to keep up.
Aithaloessa welcomes Antarah’s company as she works, and lets his music take over. Interesting, she notes as she scrapes away at the inner lining of the demon carapace, it looks like there’s something in the shell quite like what’s in the wings. I wonder – and then what about this membrane?
She bungs a bunch of it into a flask and finds a burner to let it steep over, before proceeding to a bit of wing. Even dead and detached, it catches her eye and, as she flexes it, her ear, with its twinkling rustle. Or maybe she’s just that spacey.
Nope! Restart!
Progress this week: 675 sp
Bis:
Hiss, fit:
Well, finally.
Silly last thing:
After a while, once she’s got her experiments under control she starts talking. “I was thinking, Antarah,” her eyes sparkle, “it might be worth trying my hand at some of the recipes we found under the monastery, but those might be a bit ambitious yet. And so I thought I’d ask if you have any ideas – it occurs to me that we could do something with those garnets we got from Kardswann’s hoard – and I also thought I’d ask, since you’re more of a warrior than I am, what do you know about armour crafting?”
“It’s quite alright, I’m not trained in either,” Aithaloessa says kindly, her eyes moving to the middle distance as she thinks of the place she grew up, a somewhat wistful smile edging onto her features. “A bit too much metal and dwarven influence in Alkenstar to really approve of the notion that just came over me.”
“There must be a way,” she muses abstractedly. She’s sure there must be some sort of magic that could help, and with a second-opinion... “I’ll keep working on it, and if I get any ideas, could I ask for your help? Just as a second pair of eyes and hands, from someone who at least knows how to wear armour better. And I’ll certainly reciprocate.”
Tariq smiles after he finishes his task. Leaving the brush aside, he beholds the piece of wood and what he's just written on it:
DAWNFLOWER'S SOUL FOOD
Well, of course the monastery needs to be cleaned, and restored, and he'll have to find supplies, and... But he thinks he might as well start advertising it. People will surely need some time to chew over it.
At Kurrelak's tavern.
She finds her client at the bar and meets him with a smile of her own. "Good news. There's no trouble, after all. I'm pleased that Kelmarane starting to shore up the route between Osirion and the city will be good for both of us."
She offers her hand to shake on it.
"Let's drink to that." the handsome, well dressed and always smiling man from Osirion relpies. "What shall I order for you? My treat."
Haleen comes by the bar and seeing Aithaloessa decides to join her. She takes the seat next to the elf. "Give me a watered down wine, but not that one, the one on the left of the shelf." she orders Kurrelak.
"Congratulations on landing the job as head of the city guard. I hope I can keep my quarter. Or are you planning to repurpose them to the original use as prison cells?"
Aithaloessa considers everything that still needs to be done so that the guard isn’t made up of herself and the caravan guards she can – she presumes – now boss around a bit. Am I working? Always, of course, but now… Not for the first time, she almost wishes people were as predictable as potions, mixed according to a set formula. At least – she has some stories from some more adventurous concoctions, but she decides to try not to belabour the point.
“Make that two,” she tells Kurrelak, just in case things take longer than even nursing one drink will pace her. Math or magic with her edge just slightly off she can do, reading people, not so much. Also, I guess that’s how they take their wine here?
She thinks about Haleen’s question, and the spaces still available on the second level. “We will need to put them somewhere, even if Katapeshi law runs more to catch, fine/mutilate, and release, as I understand it.” It's not exactly a veiled warning to this Gav fellow, but it's not not either. A certain amount of odd dealings is alright, but "excavations" from locals' pockets and/or houses is decidedly the sort of thing she'll be expected to come down hard on.
She wonders if she has discretionary power to make things more humane. If she ends up the person who draws up charges, perhaps… Anyway. “Could I tempt you into one of the rooms upstairs, before they’re all snatched up? You’d have more space, and the champion of the arena deserves a room with a view.”
Is it still flattery if she means it? “Otherwise, I could prioritize rebuilding and fortifying one of the outbuildings.” It occurs to her that a crypt guarded by fire elementals might provide ample scope for reflection and, ideally, reformation and redemption for such long-term prisoners as there may eventually be, but she imagines that might be a hard sell to the current priest. She adds research into planar contracts to bolster the prison guard section of the guard (organization) to her to-do list, but knows that if Haleen prefers to stay where she is, the best course of action is probably to just convert some other space to a jail.
Gav closely follows the conversation with this breaking news.
"I don't HAVE to live in the Battle Market. And for sure not in one of the stalls. Princess Almah looks all business, so I'd have to make enough money from the place to eventually pay rent, tax or whatever payment will be expected. The main selling point of my current accomodation is the low price."
"I just put out a few feelers to see whether I need to get another place in the near future. With the small fortune that has come my way, it should be possible to find something."
Taking a sip from her glass she ponders an idea. "Maybe I should talk to Yasmeena about Hadrah and Hadrod. They are great hosts, do a great cooking. Maybe we can hire them for our business and expand it to housing. You come to Kelmarane, you come to us for a bed, for your food, for a drink and for the entertainment."
"That way there should be a bed left for me too. And it would be one with full room service."
“Well, you’re welcome to stay on at your current terms until you find a new place, as far as I’m concerned, if you don’t mind having ne’er-do-wells as neighbours from time to time. Although, if it’s a question of affordability…”
Her thoughts go a mile a minute. “Long story short, it’ll be kind of boring, I hope, but at least until you get quite settled, I could use a sergeant, I think, and I’m due to talk to Garavel about staffing and such. Might be the right pay grade, and unless the village suddenly booms overnight, will mainly mean making sure her ladyship is safe when everything gets locked up of an evening, doing some rounds, but otherwise you could do whatever Yaz comes up with for the battle market during the day. No pressure. But probably no room service either, I’m afraid.”
She smiles, in case it’s not clear that she’s teasing a bit, and finishes her drink. When she turns to Gav, she’s still beaming, willing to overlook his odd moment of hesitation. “Drop by anytime. I’m hoping to branch out into magical oddments soon! Evenings are better though, after town business is done for the day.”
* * *
She takes her leave, and a leaf from Tariq's book. Later that afternoon, two placards appear on the door of the space she's claimed for herself in the battle market. The one on top simply reads "SHERIFF’S OFFICE" in small Common capitals, while a little below, a smaller one fits in her loopy handwriting, first in Elven and then again and thereafter in Common, "Cyana's Secrets - evenings 5-8, or by appointment." A stylized wand to one side suggests the available services.
"Doing the last round and checking everything is locked? Well, I got the key for that already." Haleen replies. "And I don't think you'll find a prisoner soon who is worse than a bugbear who wants to kill me, because he's a sore loser. He lived right in the next cell, which he had his own key to." she takes another swig of her beverage.
"But having the cell tract to myself, with the option of using the guard room for meetings would be nice. 'Here is your room. As long as your performances are good, you get to keep the key to the door. If not, I lock you up for harassing the public.'" pondering her own words for a moment she reconsiders that.
"Maybe I should let Yazmeena do the talking with the creative folk. I can be very persuasive, but I guess those artsy types are better handled with honeyed words."
"I'll make sure to send some business your way the next days." Gav replies. Then he empties his drink in one draught and puts some coins on the counter, signing to Kurrelak that it's for the drinks of the two ladies too.
"I have to go. I have some more people I need to meet. Have a good time and see you."
Then he quickly opens a small pouch and pulls out an item wrapped in fine cloth. "On commission. 300gold."
Aother two days later a woman who's interested in some face creams visits the shop. You get the impression she is some servant buying for someone else. When it comes to paying for that, she opens her purse and younts out 30 platinum coins in addition to the price for the salve. "I assume you have something for me?"
Tariq approaches the group - in which he naturally includes Haleen.
"If you guys ever need free lodging, well, the monastery is there for you. I've started a deep cleaning, though I'll have to speak to Garavel and ask him if there are any specialised workers who can help me with the restoration." He smiles apologetically. "Also, it's not in Kelmarane, but well... It's free. And you'll get free meals also - I'm doing a lot of different tries at the dishes I want to serve, and there's always loads of leftovers."
Leaving them to think about it, he goes to seek Garavel for advice.
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Antarah listens to everyone in silence. He is excited to be part of this novelty. He worries how Aithaloessa will handle the harpy, it will be hard to police a flying predator. But for now, he has his own shop to worry about.
He sets it up with a sign that says . His father taught him that the first name is more inviting, but the name should be descriptive. He is worried since for now his offer is small, but there aren't many who can afford magic weapons anyway. But his weapons will improve in time, as will Kelmarane, so more people with money will be there, and his portfolio will increase with demand.
As everyone starts putting up signs, Haleen does too.
~~~
BATTLE MARKET ENTERTAINMENT
open auditions
~~~
BATTLE MARKET PRISON
~~~
The prison one goes to the entrance of Haleen's corridor at the southern entrance of the Battle Market. The audition one, goes to the entrance of the same corridor at the Eastern door of the Market, so it is easily seen from the tavern.
After a short visit to Princess Almah to discuss her further business ideas she comes very excited to Yasmeena. "We got the stage, we got the tavern and if we want to have it we can have the former inn - well, what's left of it - together with the stables. And we can have Hadrah and Hadrod, as employees that is. If they want to. I haven't asked them." Pausing for a moment, Haleen notices that she needs to put that story from the head to its feet.
"Let me tell you from the start. I asked Princess Almah if we could open an inn for Kelmarane as part of our business. She liked the idea and offered the building that formerly housed the inn and stables. Then I asked her about Hadrah and Hadrod. They work in the tavern kitchen anyway, but so far the princess paid them. She told, she doesn't need them any more, as now with Kelmarane taken back, it is no longer her duty to feed everyone. So if the two agree, we can take them over as employees of our business. We'd even have our first regular customers, as the Princess, Garavel, Father Zastoran and the four guards are still on the princess' tab."
"If I understood it right and my calculations aren't wrong, then the Princess would save a bit of money and get rid of the responsibility for provisions. And we would start with losing a gold or two a week until we get customers beyond the princess."
"The inn would need some fixing, which would cost too and I have still no idea how to make cash from the entertainment though."
"But, what do you say?" Haleen inquires her face full of excitement.
Yasmeena laughs, and nods encouragingly to her friend. "It is good to see you so excited and pleased! You have found a lot of good information, my dear. If we hire some of the people from the Battle Market as general laborers, and offer them a month of free room and board in lieu of wages, I think we should be able to fix up the inn and ensure that Hadrah and Hadrod's efforts are not wasted on a lack of tenants. I will speak to them about staying on.
"As for entertainment, well, you may not remember this, but back before we came to Kelmarane I would sometimes play my instrument on the streets and public houses for coin. Few taverns would pay me a fee for playing, but I was allowed free food and drink and whatever coin I could convince the patrons to offer. I would certainly be willing to do so again for a time, until we could find others willing to perform under the same conditions. Your sign about auditions should scare up a few!" She laughs again.
"Do you have a mind to continue to let out the tavern in the Battle Market to its current manager? I do not know the man who runs it, but he did not impress me during the skirmish against Kardswann. However, if he has changed his ways and is willing to work for us instead, there might be a nice exchange of business and resources between it and the inn. Supply lines, cleaning staff, that sort of thing?
"What about the fighting? Obviously neither of us want to have any slaves in the city, so I wonder if the promise of prize money would convince the local toughs and bravos that a bloodless competition is worth their while? Perhaps we might make an arrangement with the new sheriff to allow prisoners to participate, for exercise and public acclaim to help them improve their reputation and outlook. Do you think people would pay to watch such a spectacle?"
"The tavern is currently under my management. Kurreleak is a coward at heart, always has been, and he is happy to be able to stay and get some food and alcohol. We can shift him to mop duty at night if his gnoll face offends future customers. Your pretty face would go a long way with better beverages."
"That said, we need to change the suppliers if we don't want our customers to go blind in the long run." Haleen groans.
"So singing with a hat going around for coin? I don't know. I have no experience that. But it's worth a try, as it has no costs attached."
"From what I know you can make money by having the crown bet on the fights. But the fights have to be real. I don't think you need blood, but there can be no doubt, that the loser was taken out. If they get the impression it is faked, you got a riot. At least under Kardswann. If we are good at offering odds to not make us lose money, that could work. And earn us the coin to pay fighters. Or I could be the current champion with a fee to fight me and a prize for the win."
Yasmeena nods with satisfaction. "Good, I am glad to know you have things well in hand! I am not sure how we attract a better class of suppliers, but perhaps if we offer traders and their drivers inducements to visit in the first year, we can negotiate a better deal for everyone?
"Once performers establish their reputation, they can begin to ask for money up front to see them play, either from management or their audience." She shrugs with a little smile. "That's just the way it is usually done."
She pauses thoughtfully. "Would combatants fight under conditions where they are not allowed to deal lethal damage, do you think? I don't think we should do things the way Kardswann did, but I'm also reluctant to unreasonably restrict performers. And I know some places have animals fight, but I would hope we can make it profitable without arranging matters so that living creatures die without the ability to choose not to participate."
"But having the cell tract to myself, with the option of using the guard room for meetings would be nice. 'Here is your room. As long as your performances are good, you get to keep the key to the door. If not, I lock you up for harassing the public.'" pondering her own words for a moment she reconsiders that.
“Perfect! In that case, no need to be all fussy about things. Let’s go with that, and if anyone asks, then we’ll worry about deputizing you officially,” Aithaloessa decides.
* * *
Kelmarane’s a whirlwind of activity these days, it appears, as the paths of the Knights Protector zig-zag and cross all over the place. Aithaloessa loves it, naturally.
Tariq approaches the group - in which he naturally includes Haleen.
"If you guys ever need free lodging, well, the monastery is there for you. I've started a deep cleaning, though I'll have to speak to Garavel and ask him if there are any specialised workers who can help me with the restoration."
“I can certainly help you figure out where and how the reconstruction needs to start,” she offers happily. “I don’t just knock or burn things down, you know.”
* * *
Afterwards, she prepares herself to meet with Garavel. It’s her chance to act all knightly and everything, so she pulls herself together.
“Sir,” she salutes smartly, “I’m ready for that meeting, and I’ve drawn up some notes of some factors we may wish to consider.”
She listens carefully to what she’s likely to be able to work with, in terms of budget and desired troop strength, operations…
She nods, “I imagine we’ll have to build capacity as we resettle Kelmarane. To start, I imagine it will help to reassure visitors and potential settlers: a few guards for the battle market and the watchtower, one or two stationed at the north and south roads into town, and again to respond to incidents in town. Some scouts able to work independently would be ideal, to keep an eye on the outlying areas. I presume we’re retaining the services of Dashki and Lady Almah’s guards?”
“In the meantime, again, as part of making Kelmarane feel safe, until such time as patrols, &c., are actually needed, I thought they could be assigned to help with the rebuilding efforts, so the view on approaching isn’t mostly ruins. Similarly, it would be mostly symbolic, but along with everything else, a low mound on the south approach will make it that much harder for raiders to simply ride or charge in. Longer term, I’m thinking of the possibilities of mounting a defensive siege weapon on the roof of the northern section of the guard tower.”
As the sheriff spins out her more ambitious ideas, she’s absolutely, definitely not mostly indulging her interests in engineering and arcane construction.
"I'm positive, that almost all combatants don't want to die. If you don't put a cage around the stage and leave them the options to give up, even under Kardswann's rule, no one died. Most of the time. They had prisoners fight to the death for their freedom."
"If some sore loser starts drawing blood, it backfires quickly. It's a sure way to capture your audience too. But let's hope that we don't face that problem too soon."
"If you want a wild beast to fight, you could ask Undrella. You'd just have to find a victim she deems worthy."
"I see you're properly prepared to take care of town. That is good to see. We can keep Dashki if you think he is a valueable addition. Of course we keep the merchants. I suggest you look if you can hire some more to get about ten guards."
"I like the idea to have some visibility to give all new citizens the feeling that safety is taken care of. Both, for those with a desire for safety - and those who try to challenge this safety." Garavel comments.
"About that ideas for fortification though, I don't know... The greatest threat are gnolls. They are not known for bringing siege weapons to towns. And the downside of fortifications is that they hinder the town from growing. We want to be an open place for all to come in and trade."
"But you should have a plan how to nib everything that flares up in town in the bud. A system that allows you to focus forces within minutes to any place in town. There is this huge trumpet at the watch tower, but that is too unspecific. If you could come up with something to alarm the guards you need and tell them where to come and what for. Like four guards to arrest a thief at the inn? It's sophisticated, but I've seen it done. And I'd like to impress some people from the capital. You're up for the challenge?"
Besides the heroes of town there are others that come to repopulate the town. Some craftsmen appear who see a chance to earn some coin restoring the buildings. Travelling merchants who see their chance to get good prices for their wares while Kelmarane is still a pile of stones in the middle of nowhere. And some gutter rats who seek to make some easy coin while life isn't as orderly yet as at the coast.
Some newcomers are standing out. For example Rahuul with his large wagon eading Rahuul's Necessites and the small trek of carts with construction wood. Rahuul is an aging travelling merchant who feels like getting too old for the life on the streets. He did good so far and got wealthy with his family business. He applies for a building on the outskirts of town to open a general store there. In addition he plans to have a backyard full of wood to sell to all those rebuilding town. Rahuul is a pleasant guy and everyone trying to get to know him, is introduced to his wife Sabrina and his three sons who he is very proud of. He is very interested to befriend Aithaloessa once he learns she is head of the guard, for construction material stored in the open has the tendency to disappear in the night.
Another group that comes to town these days is a delegation of Sarenites. Two priests and four acolytes sent from Katapesh to restore the temple and provide regular services to the hopefully regrowing congregation.
They are invited to meet Princess Almah for dinner for proper introductions. Tariq is also invited as the local representative of the faith.