The tanner looks nervous, he wrings a cloth between his hands. Once he has settled he says, "Um... Yes. I mean yes I put those skins to dry on my racks. I thought it a bit strange that a good portion of the hides were missing. I get plenty of hides from the hunters but Devin Crom and his group brought me those hides. Sorry my memory is still a bit fuzzy from being stuck in the 'bottle'."
Quince looks at Sulvanii, "If one left now. Could you get them back by morning." His question began somber but by the end of the sentence he bore a wry grin.
He shows a wry grin in response, then says, "That would be easily settled. I know a certain someone that would love to have you back for the night."
With the matter of that done, Lykan looks or Sulivani.
"You mentioned that you still had wishes available. Could I make use of one to obtain an equipment?"
"Sure go right ahead." He offers nonchalantly.
To Quince, the red haired elf looks ashamed.
"Their quarry." he looks ashamed.
"Was apparently an old woodcutter living in the forest where he made a living selling deadwood. He denied them their 'request'. he spits out the last word.
"To spare them coin for a tankard or two. That rejection lead them to their deeds. I......I came too late to save the old man. Not even a single piece of him I could find in the aftermath."
Quince rests a hand on Lykan's shoulder, moisture finds the corners of his eyes as the flood of emotions that Lykan released surprises him and he is overcome with empathy. Silently his cheeks puff out and he exhales an expression that speaks of being overwhelmed by it. "There's more to that story. You can share it when its time." He is quiet a moment, "We cannot always undo cruelty, but we can bring justice."
"Bring these men in."
Devin and the other one walk forward in manacles on their arms and feet.
Doing this court hearing before anyone leaves those present in the room are Jorne, Arthur, Quince, Saren, Selena, Katrina, Krazok, Sulvanii, Dinenen with Lykan close behind the prisoners. Also included is the few remaining elders of the town.
The tanner looks nervous, he wrings a cloth between his hands. Once he has settled he says, "Um... Yes. I mean yes I put those skins to dry on my racks. I thought it a bit strange that a good portion of the hides were missing. I get plenty of hides from the hunters but Devin Crom and his group brought me those hides. Sorry my memory is still a bit fuzzy from being stuck in the 'bottle'."
"Did you get a lot of work from Crom? How often did he bring you such hides?" Quinces questions are slow and calm. He let's the man answer the questions, he nods hearing whatever answer it is. He looks at the man intently, "They were centaur one who works as close with skin as you should know. Did you know they were centaur?" He stands furious, "Did you know they sang to the moon around the fire at night. Did you know they were fathers, did you know they were daughters? Your mind is fuzzy?" Those in the room and know Quince recognize his line of thought but it is usually veiled behind tact and thoughtful reflection. He has clearly thought this through but his honest take on thinks perhaps due to the zone comes through. "It should be clear now. You stretched the skin of person on your rack. If you didn't know . . . you would weep, vomit, and your sobs would echo in this hall. Speak something in your defense I am sure Crom will tell the price you would pay, he will gladly carry another to the gallows or the block with him." He looks aside at those gathered clearly himself caught up in the zone of truch. "I don't even know this Crom guy and I know that." He looks back at the man. "Well."
He lets the man gush if he is going to.
After the man has said his peace and Quince responds with some sort of judgement.
He sits again in the chair as Devin and his partner are brought in. "I am Quince Medvyed I am of the Greenwatch. Here at the request of the Swordlords. We hoped to rescue the folk of Varnhold. We also found you. I would normally have questions for you and I would try to get a feel for who you are and what I should justly do." He leans in quietly, "Is there any question of what I should justly do? I doubt it." He leans back in the chair, "This is Lykàn Delĩss, the mad elf," Quince nods as others in the room mention Lykan's nicknames, Jorne calls out, "The killer from the plains and forests," Krazok in his deep growl,"The Beast Lord." Quince looks to Crom and partner, "Have you heard of him? Doesn't matter. I know you men to be murderers and accessories to murder even as you stand here now. I have heard from those I trust . . . far more than you that you have murdered others and are arsonists as well. You can deal with my justice or you can deal with his?" He holds out his hands, "You men are known to rove the wilds. That's his lands." He indicates Lykan.
The old man gathers his thoughts and blurts out, "As much work as the other hunters. I do know the feel of the hides that I cure, horse, sheep, cow, wolf, deer, rabbit. No I didn't know they were centaurs, as I said before it seemed odd but a hide is a hide." As Quince furiously rises the man falls down and gets as small as he can with his arms over his head.
---
The two men go pale knowing the one behind them is the hunter Lykan. Both of them hearing there is a choice, they hoarsely shout out, "Yours! Your justice, not his! Please not his, your merciful justice over his!"
At this point Katrina rushes forward and checks on the tanner, she looks up saying, "He is alive, likely in shock. I will not restore him to only be continued to be badgered. I am sure you will get your answer when he comes to."
The old man gathers his thoughts and blurts out, "As much work as the other hunters. I do know the feel of the hides that I cure, horse, sheep, cow, wolf, deer, rabbit. No I didn't know they were centaurs, as I said before it seemed odd but a hide is a hide." As Quince furiously rises the man falls down and gets as small as he can with his arms over his head.
Quince looks a little shocked at the sight. He softens some.
At this point Katrina rushes forward and checks on the tanner, she looks up saying, "He is alive, likely in shock. I will not restore him to only be continued to be badgered. I am sure you will get your answer when he comes to."
Quince starts at badgered, but nods, "He gave his answer." He helps Katrina help the man up, he looks at her and says quietly, "I doubt you would want me to go gentler if we found strings of elf ears or cat folk stretched on the racks. But he has spoken his peace and you yours, and its heard." He almost rolls his eyes catching himself being over honest, "Its your spell you know. This room I was sitting too close when you cast."
---
The two men go pale knowing the one behind them is the hunter Lykan. Both of them hearing there is a choice, they hoarsely shout out, "Yours! Your justice, not his! Please not his, your merciful justice over his!"
"Very well." He leans back into the chair. "Lykan is there anything else about these men you think I should know."
Katrina does her best to stay calm at the thoughts Quince gives her. She takes a deep breath.
The red haired elf growls from where he is.
"They chosen your justice not mine. I do not smell any lies on them. They'll get more mercy from you then from me. I would see you burnt as well but it would sully the memory."
he adds one more last bit.
"Consider your self lucky."
"I wish for an Amulet of Mighty Fist of the highest grade that I can wield."
Sulvanii nods with understanding at the wish, then offers, "The most that you can safely wish for is 25,000 gp. You could get an epic legendary Amulet of Mighty fists but it would have many curses upon it. So I would suggest you alter your wish some, 'I wish that an Amulet of Mighty Fists with a plus two enhancement is created and placed before me with no curses or other negative effects upon it.'"
With the Genie's advice. Lykan does so.
"'I wish that an Amulet of Mighty Fists with a plus two enhancement is created and placed before me with no curses or other negative effects upon it.'
The red haired elf growls from where he is.
"They chosen your justice not mine. I do not smell any lies on them. They'll get more mercy from you then from me. I would see you burnt as well but it would sully the memory."he adds one more last bit.
"Consider your self lucky."
Quince nods. "Very well. For the murder of centaurs, arson, the murder of the woodcutter. I sentence you to death." He stands up and looks at Sulvanii, "We haven't named a Warden over Varnhold yet."
He steps around the men and stands before Lykan, "I name you Lykan Deliss Viceroy of Varnhold. There has been a call for the Duke's justice I trust you can carry it out. These murderers must be dealt with. Justice has waited to long for these men. Today is their time. Make it quick."
He turns toward the men, "You wronged this man and his and the laws that bind all folk long before you broke laws that I might uphold here. Your crimes predate my time here."
He nods indicating that the men be seized. And walks with Lykan and the men outside building still within the walls of the fort. "I am a servant of Erastil, Katrina likewise is a priest, High Priestess of Erastil in Greenwatch, he indicates Dinenen, he follows Iori, are there any rights you would have us recognize?" Depending on their response he says a prayer with them or waits as the others go about the appropriate rights. "Lasts words?"
Once they have spoken their peace he nods to Lykan.
After the deed is done Quince goes quietly and checks on those leaders from the town council and speaks openly about things that were told him previously about the men from Lykan himself and the revelation from the tanner. Making sure that given everything that had happened that they fully understood.
Quince goes quietly and stands beside Katrina, "You warned me to proceed gently with the tanner. Perhaps I should have found a better way to approach it. I know horses, and I have skinned my fair share of hunts. I can't imagine not realizing . . . well what had happened. The idea that he might not have realized . . .," He trails off. "My decisions have annoyed the others before, Kev, Tristan, Cleo well when didn't my decisions annoy Cleo," He smiles at the shared history between the two, "but not you. As far as I know." He adds. "I don't like it. Your own out look on things is most like my own among all of us."
Quince sets up a meal with the former leaders of the settlement that remain. He inquires about things and asks for access to records considering that the wish to join the Greenwatch.
He inquires about Maegar Varn the former leader, how he died, their opinion on him and such.
Once everyone is free the bard is helping keep a list of those missing which include the wizard Cephalus, Megar Varn, his captain of the guard Kepresh, and the high priest. There is a handful of other mothers and fathers that are missing. There are four families unaccounted for.
Maestro Pendrod offers his recount, "There was a beautiful song, that enraptured people by the dozens. I was able to carve the word Nomen into the side of the door before I was taken too."
Quince looks at the bard, "Nomen, yes we sought them out that mark was one such clue that sent us to find them. What about the song made you think that the Nomen would understand the problem."
"So there are still folk missing, the wizard Cephalus, Megar Varn." He looks up, "From speaking with others I believe Varn was slain." He continues, "Captain of the guard Kepresh, and the high priest. Does he have a name?"
Quince takes notes and asks, "Where would you look for these folks?"
He nods again but this time magic seems to form before Lykan. A ball of glowing yellow light. It slowly takes the form of a metal ball. It then separates revealing a leather cord and bone necklace. Which you believe is the item you wished for. It stays in the air until you grab it.
The two men scream out for mercy but once they are pulled outside they are sullen and waiting for the justice to come swiftly.
With their last words they curse Lykan, Quince, Greenwatch, and Varnhold.
The town elders nod after Quince explains. They seem to understand.
The elders relay, "Varn was... heavy fisted, he clutched at his power too tightly. He was a good natured adventurer turning into a tyrant. Though he was more harsh with our neighbors than our own. He and his gang protected us well enough. Since he and his gang are not here, we assume he was killed by the liche."
Your houses are likely neutral towards each other. Though as you claim Varnhold and its surrounding area, other Varns are likely to be calling for compensation.
She looks up at Quince with knowing eyes but says nothing. At least until, he talks about Cleo and she chuckles, "You are right Cleo was always disappointed, not undermining you but being the devil's advocate. Disappointed still seems the wrong word... alas one better evades me. Quince, I have always supported you and agreed with most of your decisions. You truly are a wise soul. Yes, I always try to find the silver lining if not just being positive even through my episodes."
Once everyone is free the bard is helping keep a list of those missing which include the wizard Cephalus, Megar Varn, his captain of the guard Kepresh, and the high priest. There is a handful of other mothers and fathers that are missing. There are four families unaccounted for.
Maestro Pendrod offers his recount, "There was a beautiful song, that enraptured people by the dozens. I was able to carve the word Nomen into the side of the door before I was taken too."
Quince looks at the bard, "Nomen, yes we sought them out that mark was one such clue that sent us to find them. What about the song made you think that the Nomen would understand the problem."
"So there are still folk missing, the wizard Cephalus, Megar Varn." He looks up, "From speaking with others I believe Varn was slain." He continues, "Captain of the guard Kepresh, and the high priest. Does he have a name?"
Quince takes notes and asks, "Where would you look for these folks?"
"Their lore, from what I had gathered they know or at least knew of the many threats that these lands could unleash. Yes they are all still missing, though if the creature was a liche it likely would be able to sense strength and would consume those first. I am just lucky to not to have been selected." The bard replies. The others are at a lost to find the outcome of the others missing.
Quince nods at the bards words "So if they were among those that the lich took the would likely have been consumed."
The two men scream out for mercy but once they are pulled outside they are sullen and waiting for the justice to come swiftly.
With their last words they curse Lykan, Quince, Greenwatch, and Varnhold.
The town elders nod after Quince explains. They seem to understand.
The elders relay, "Varn was... heavy fisted, he clutched at his power too tightly. He was a good natured adventurer turning into a tyrant. Though he was more harsh with our neighbors than our own. He and his gang protected us well enough. Since he and his gang are not here, we assume he was killed by the liche."
Your houses are likely neutral towards each other. Though as you claim Varnhold and its surrounding area, other Varns are likely to be calling for compensation.
Quince arranges a letter for Bearik explaining Maegar's loss and who his family is. He also includes a copy of his map of the region. In it he includes the findings of the potentially profitable mud found in the Mud Flats ((Q) N38 on our map). If they seek compensation the can have claim to the mud venture provided they make an offer of continued employment of those who are currently harvesting the mud.
She looks up at Quince with knowing eyes but says nothing. At least until, he talks about Cleo and she chuckles, "You are right Cleo was always disappointed, not undermining you but being the devil's advocate. Disappointed still seems the wrong word... alas one better evades me. Quince, I have always supported you and agreed with most of your decisions. You truly are a wise soul. Yes, I always try to find the silver lining if not just being positive even through my episodes."
"When he calms bring him to me. I will look to see it right."
Later when Katrina brings the tanner. Quince is in a grassy field in town with Scram. As they approach he turns and regards them. "Katrina is wise and she has made it clear to me that while my dealing with you led to the truth, that you were innocent of the centaurs killed. I was harder than I needed to be. Many leaders shudder at the thought of admitting mistakes. I could probably parse a path to how justified I was in my thinking. And that the questioning led to the truth." He looks off wistfully, "But we are not speaking now to save my ego." He looks at the man. "You have no more to fear of me or the law of Varnhold. Those guilty of the centaurs deaths were dealt with."
"This is Scram. One of my oldest friends." He points to a spot near the center of the horses chest below the neck where there is a 'v' in the muscles. "On a centaur the horse like fur transitions to more human like skin here. The navel would be about here. Look how much of the horses neck even if the horse was beheaded would remain. From now on I know that you would be more discerning of the type of scam these men played on you. In Greenwatch I have made education a priority. We have 3 cities there all have tanneries I am sure. But each has schools and places of training. We will build one here as well I hope. Diagrams, anatomy charts of animals common and exotic can be sent. You can be trained to read these if you do not already. It will add quality to your work and when the time comes for you to take on apprentices you will have even greater expertise to pass on."
The tanner nods quietly at Quinces words.
"I would caution that the lich is more likely to have alternate phylactries than to have a single phylactry fail so permanently."
---
"I appreciate the offer of another Wish, but what I desire is still to better perfect myself. I am no less conflicted now than I was previously."
"Perhaps a tool which would have allowed me to better help in the last fight, but would still have dependend upon my own skill to matter? A Holy Amulet of Mighty Fists?"
---
"I do not require much in the way of sustenance. What I carry will last me another two weeks or so. Let these have my share of the bounty you currently provide."
---
"I acknowledge the need for you to verify your authority for these new subjects, but handing the hunters not to Lykan but to the centaurs to deliver punishment could help solidify your intent to treat them as equal members of the land."
"I wish for a Holy Amulet of Mighty Fists which is also a Holy Symbol of Irori, sized properly for me to wear comfortably as an amulet and without any shortcomings, curses or other negative traits that should make me regret this Wish."
"I wish for a Holy Amulet of Mighty Fists which is also a Holy Symbol of Irori, sized properly for me to wear comfortably as an amulet and without any shortcomings, curses or other negative traits that should make me regret this Wish."
As the wish is uttered the magic coalences and the holy symbol of Irori with the holy ability upon it floats before Dinenen.
As the elf grasps it from the air he has a vision: A walk that leads to a climb, a crumbling peak that looks like a giant tooth, the ruins being rebuilt by your hands, the others are blurred. You rebuilt the tower and are rewarded with another vision.
"I would caution that the lich is more likely to have alternate phylactries than to have a single phylactry fail so permanently."
"We will have to be vigilant." He looks at the scorch mark. "Perhaps something in the magic failed." He shrugs.
------
"I acknowledge the need for you to verify your authority for these new subjects, but handing the hunters not to Lykan but to the centaurs to deliver punishment could help solidify your intent to treat them as equal members of the land."
Quince nods, "I thought about it. With the tanner as well." He looks to Dinenen, "I also want to make it clear that these hunters and killers like them won't have a place among the people going forward."
As he takes the amulet from the air, the elfling's head tilts to the right just a bit.
"A crumbling peak that looks like a tooth? With ruins? Do any of you know of a place that comes close to this description?"
Quince motions to Dinenen and shows him some of the town records from the team that settled Varnhold which includes a sketch of the ruined tower.
"He has a good eye to imagine it from the top down. Assuming he is not the one the Roc carried off and dropped." He refers to a previous entry.
"Their lore, from what I had gathered they know or at least knew of the many threats that these lands could unleash. Yes they are all still missing, though if the creature was a liche it likely would be able to sense strength and would consume those first. I am just lucky to not to have been selected." The bard replies. The others are at a lost to find the outcome of the others missing.
Quince nods, "The beautiful song you mention. The lich used demonic magic of an ancient artifact I suspect." He half shrugs knowing that with magic and powerful spellcasters all sorts of explanations can be applied. He looks to the bard, "Where you an entertainer visiting Varnhold, or where you part of Megar Varn's team?"
Quince pulls out the jade bracelet. "We had found notes you left referring to a jade bracelet. Like this?" He lets the bard get a look at it. "I suspect it was not always a bracelet. A ring for a cyclops maybe."
He steps around the men and stands before Lykan, "I name you Lykan Deliss Viceroy of Varnhold. There has been a call for the Duke's justice I trust you can carry it out. These murderers must be dealt with. Justice has waited to long for these men. Today is their time. Make it quick."He turns toward the men, "You wronged this man and his and the laws that bind all folk long before you broke laws that I might uphold here. Your crimes predate my time here."
He nods indicating that the men be seized. And walks with Lykan and the men outside building still within the walls of the fort. "I am a servant of Erastil, Katrina likewise is a priest, High Priestess of Erastil in Greenwatch, he indicates Dinenen, he follows Iori, are there any rights you would have us recognize?" Depending on their response he says a prayer with them or waits as the others go about the appropriate rights. "Lasts words?"
Once they have spoken their peace he nods to Lykan.
The Elf Chuckles to himself but he deems it impolite to reject the offer with an audience so wide. What would his late son think about him?
He waits until they are within the building and then he speaks up.
"I appreciate your decision but I admit, i do not like it as I do not see myself as any leader in these lands. Protector of a small area I am but ruler? Churlish though it seems of me to reject this postion, it feels right that I not take it. Surely someone amongst us would fit their role better? The plains, forests, mountains rivers and the wild calls to me more then the city. I would at most like a temple or shrine be put for all gods of nature and Erecura, she who has given me greater power then I would have thought possible."
He looks at the group.
"Can that not be done?"
The Elf Chuckles to himself but he deems it impolite to reject the offer with an audience so wide. What would his late son think about him?
He waits until they are within the building and then he speaks up.
"I appreciate your decision but I admit, I do not like it as I do not see myself as any leader in these lands. Protector of a small area I am but ruler? Churlish though it seems of me to reject this postion, it feels right that I not take it. Surely someone amongst us would fit their role better? The plains, forests, mountains rivers and the wild calls to me more then the city. I would at most like a temple or shrine be put for all gods of nature and Erecura, she who has given me greater power then I would have thought possible."
He looks at the group.
"Can that not be done?"
Quince smiles widely and knowingly, "Such appointments can be temporary." He shrugs and smiles, "Perhaps only as long as a single task." He nods understandingly, "We may find this one swiftly vacated and swiftly filled leaving you unfettered. Though I would say this and it is something any leader, any good leader should understand. Leadership has many facets but one key facet is taking responsibility for your charge. A wise person feels the weight of that responsibility and recognizes where they are likely to fail and buttresses their weakness. An old man will gather to himself a younger man of vitality that he trusts to carry out tasks that require youth, vigor, and physical prowess. A hot headed person brings in wise council. An unlikable prick, who knows it and is humble, a rare breed for sure, finds a herald that can be his voice."
Quince puts a hand on Lykan's shoulder, "That you know you are not ideally suited to meet the needs of the people is such a wisdom. You can hold the title and we can work to see that those aspects of the job are carried out by those who answer to you but have a greater natural affinity for the task. Or we can thank you for your service today and find another to serve as Viceroy." He chuckles, "You have chosen Erecura as a patron. Perhaps this is an environment unsuited to you that you might thrive in." He holds out his hand, "I will go by whatever decision you make in regards to Varnhold. I hope that you will remain in Greenwatch and work along side the Wardens. Your skill set and previous action would mark you a Reeve, provisionally until Kevros our Warden of the Sword, the role of Marshal in the kingdom Brevoy. But roving the wild and making sure people are doing the right thing seems something you were already doing. Stalker, our Warden of Secrets, a spymaster could make use of you when need arises. Or titles be damned you are your own person and I hope you remain close to us and we are able to use your skill to face problems that plague the people."
"A shrine to nature is fitting. Including Erecura. Also in time we might expand our control over the lands where we found her temple grove and you can see it respected."
"Get some rest. We have some exploring to do in these lands. I hope you will be coming. We will have to cross the mountain pass again then it a couple weeks in the hills, learning what is there, and what we might be able to do to make life better for the people who have chosen these lands as home."
The bard relays, "entertainer, philosopher, searching for truths and history. I have been interested in the Nomen and their colorful past let alone the dangers that they protect."
"Yes! YES! I do believe it is a match, oh it might be a ring sized for giants, how interesting."
The bard relays, "entertainer, philosopher, searching for truths and history. I have been interested in the Nomen and their colorful past let alone the dangers that they protect."
"Yes! YES! I do believe it is a match, oh it might be a ring sized for giants, how interesting."
"What is next for Penrod. Surely there are things that an industrious mind can do here, but your field of study would be of great interest to scholars in the Greenwatch. I know a wizard Alkron who makes a study of the ruins in the region. Additionally our Warden of the Scroll would love to have your insight on the region, the Nomen and what we uncovered in Vordakai's tomb. My intent was to send back the trove of stone tablets and other cyclopean artifacts back for her and those who do research at the various schools in Greenwatch to be cataloged. Before we make the decision what might be good to sell. If you would like to go with that shipment and spend some time with the scholars of our academy that might be mutually profitable."
Items to be taken back for catalog and study before being sold
The preserved knowledge of ancient Casmaron is contained in dozens of stone tablets weighing nearly 1,000 pounds in all—but the tablets are worth 10,000 gp to a scholar of this ancient land.
600 gp minted in the ancient cyclops empire and bearing the image of an all-seeing eye on the obverse and a clenched fist on the reverse.
Vordakai’s spellbooks have crumbled, enough fragments remain
here to please any wizard.
9th - wish
8th - Gate
7th - Limited Wish, Reverse Gravity
6th - Guards and Wards,
5th—dominate person, waves of fatigue
4th—bestow curse, dimension door, phantasmal killer
3rd—dispel magic, displacement, suggestion, tongues, vampiric touch
2nd—blindness/deafness (DC 17), detect thoughts, false life, ghoul touch (DC 17), resist energy
1st—charm person (DC 17), chill touch, comprehend languages,
grease, mage armor, ray of enfeeblement, shield
0 (at will)—arcane mark, bleed (DC 15), detect magic, read
magic, touch of fatigue (DC 15)
Spellbook from Zombie Wizard:
4th—fire shield
3rd—fireball (DC 15), fly
2nd—acid arrow, glitterdust (DC 14), mirror image, scorching ray
1st—burning hands (DC 13), mage armor, magic missile (2), shield
He shows a wry grin in response, then says, "That would be easily settled. I know a certain someone that would love to have you back for the night."
Quince nods. He turns to Saren and Lykan, "I am going back to Elkheart for a bit. I will return likely tomorrow. The two of you can start to assess needs with the town council folks assess the needs for defense and so forth."
He looks to Lykan, "As I said before if this position is not what you want that's fine. I can find another Viceroy. You know these lands better than I do. My hope would be to see. Varnhold, and the surrounding farms as in touch and working symbiotically with nature as you saw in Elkheart. Knowing what can be done to work toward that would be a great help. You have the skills for that assessment. Whether you are viceroy or not."
He turns to Saren, "You wanted to stay here. Good. Looks like I will see Elizabeth before you I will send your love brother."
He looks to Sulvanii and to those returning with him to Elkheart and the Greenwatch. "Ready when you are."
Penrod practically drools at the thought of such finds, "Yes, I would be very interested in such studies. Then I will return to Varnhold and learn more about the Nomen."
Saren smiles at Quinces words and comes over to give him a brotherly hug. He whispers into Quince's ear, "You take care of her, she has been rather pent up and anxious with you gone."
He is making sure everyone has a place to live and help clean the place.
Once the overall business is done. He looks to those gathered, "With Varnhold settled and soon to be joining the Greenwatch we should add Varnhold to the town portal system. As well as a spot in Restov. I know this is no small expense do we have an appropriate property there one that might grow into embassy? That would eventually be part of this gate system you two have been working on." He smiles pleased at their ingenuity and nods.
He eats some biscuit and washes it down with coffe. He rubs his eyes that despite his happy demeanor and eagar planning show sings of little sleep. "We uncovered a large bit of treasure in our efforts." He smiles, "Part of our message to Restov and the Swordlords that asked us to investigate Varnhold should be a caravan that puts Varnhold in the mind of traders and carries news that they are as much open and ready for business, settlement, and opportunity as the Greenwatch. We might need a little security given the size of what is needed. Unless the items and messages can get there faster by other means. The messenger you wish to send to make our success in Varnhold known Bearik and whatever additional security we need to supplement what the people of Varnhold can send can bring the treasure to market. Together it will create bit of stir and bring business back south. The funds raised from getting the stuff back to market we can split between Varnhold's treasury minus the wages and expenses for the getting the items to market, and those that defeated the Lich." He listens to any council and is flexible to any logistical concerns they have. Its clear he just wants their success in Varnhold to create some news that would benefit Varnhold, show the people of Varnhold that Greenwatch wants to see them prosper, as well as get the treasure to a cash rich market for top coin.
He drains his coffee heartily. And looks to Sulvanii, I will be ready to head back in an h . . . after lunch or whenever you need if arrangements need to take longer."[/b]
He straightens himself up and goes for a short walk outside the castle so that he is seen in the city greeting folk and quickly catching up. He buys a few warm honey cakes. Picks some flowers from the garden on his way back into the castle makes a brunch tray for Elizabeth and heads back the their room to wake her up and spend some more time with her before heading out again.
[ooc]Its completely up to you GM if Liz remains here serving as ruler or if she wants some adventure she can come. We have other Wardens that can sit the chair if she wants to come. Its up to you. I know in the past you made it clear she prefers the city to the trail. But Quince would be open to her coming.
He smiles enjoying the moment in the moon and candle light of the castle. He sweeps her up off her feet, "Your needs? A centuries old cyclops lich couldn't keep me off you. Seriously one tried." He kisses her again a promise of the night to come. He makes his way to their room half blushing at her whispers as they pass guards and courtiers. Once past the rooms threshold he kick the door closed and turns so she can lock it. He moves to the bed enjoying the company of his wife.
Excellent questions but you don't know.When you get home you will see the portal system, a 50 foot clear but rainbow colored crystal obelisk. The scrolls still work.
Yes all of the cities have a waypoint, The lizardflolk town, the kobold mining factility, Tyzelwyrm, New Hope, and Elkheart.
If you asked Sulvanii he might be able to produce a waypoint for you. It will likely take a few days. Unless you use all his wishes. You should also ask him to make one in Restov,
I assume the scrolls work for one person at a time?
Do you need a scroll for each trip? Meaning if you wanted to pop from Varnhold to Elkheart to Ft. Promise to Tatzlford and back you would need 4 scrolls? Or was the portal system a constant thing that did not require the scrolls of Town Portal? With the Town portal scrolls being an emergency fleeing opportunity.
"So Bearik how do these gates and town portal scrolls work. I assume the Town Portal scrolls work for one person at a time. Do we need 1 scroll for each trip? You mentioned a gate system? Tell me about that. Do you need the scrolls to use the gates or is Town Portal just a means to get back to Elkheart."
He replies to the property question, "I have purchased a few safe houses and a sizeable plot of ground for the embassy. One of the new requests is authorization for the creation of the embassy in Restov. Between Sulvanii and I we can have it built in a week."
He agrees with Bearik, then adds, "Which would you like established first, Restov or Varnhold? The system does have some security measures in place only someone with an activated ring of the kingdom may access it without permission. We have built an information house nearby to each of the waypoints where anyone without a ring can get permission though only for the trip."
He replies to the property question, "I have purchased a few safe houses and a sizeable plot of ground for the embassy. One of the new requests is authorization for the creation of the embassy in Restov. Between Sulvanii and I we can have it built in a week."
Quince nods, "Sounds great."
She is not ecstatic about venturing forth but she does say, "I suppose I could be persuaded to go along. It would be nice to get some fresh air once in a while. Bearik, Sulvaii, Katrina, or Kevros could easily fill in for us."
With Quinces affirmation, he states, "Good we will start in Restov tomorrow, then in a week head to Varnhold."