So.. we will hold loyalty to Erathia? Daniel asks, wanting to be sure.
Sounds good. Thank you, Lord Markham.
"You are welcome, young lady."
So.. we will hold loyalty to Erathia?
Judge Thomas:
"Technically speaking, while one could swear fealty to another country, if this is still about nobility titles, if the land is not of that country, that country's monarch can't appoint someone as a noble just like that."We should go and get Sally to travel with us. We promised, after all. And I probably owe her an apology too," Estelle says, after the information about the new lands is shared.
You'll find Sally at her house, discussing her plans of the future.
It's not a heated argument, but it does involve her mother voicing her worries, as a parent might. But in the end, she wishes her daughter good luck.....and that she please come visit from time to time.
The next day, the port of the isle is busy again, with all groups, minus Sal's, boarding the ships for the trip back.
The trip back is without much of a problem. One day of rainy weather but you arrive halfway the 3rd, due to good conditions.
"Port in sight!", from the crow's nest.
Sure enough, a coach with matching description from Lord Markham, stands at a stables near the building where the public announcement was held.
You show your document, and the coachman stores your luggage, as far as you prefer.
"Heyah!", the coach departs, making a 5 days travel towards Welnin, with a few stops at an inn along the way.
After the argument of sorts concludes and the group is underway to the docks, Estelle halts her pace. "Sally... I feel I owe you an apology, and a confession of sorts. I could pretend this didn't happen, but that wouldn't be honest. And if you're going to travel with us despite the risks, I wouldn't want a friendship rooted on half-truths."
She looks down from her, and her tone drops, ashamed. "When Sal took you hostage... I thought there was no way he could be trusted, and that the only way to get you out safely was to risk a shot. No... worse than that, perhaps, I asked Brunhild to shoot you, so we could heal you back up after Sal lost his leverage. But doing that still risked your life, and that probably wasn't my right to decide. For that, I'm sorry. I'd understand if you no longer wish to travel with us, though I'm sure all of us would still be happy to take you along."
Lord Markham stretches out his hand to look at it.
"I don't recognize the woman, but the locket itself, by design, it must come from Bracada. See these intricate decorations? Desert part thereof, i would say. Bracada has artisans well skilled in jewelry craft. Whoever the dead was, they must have had time and money, these aren't particularly cheap.", he gives it back.
Sally is at a loss for words, briefly. The first expression is a frown of disappointment, still looking you in the eyes.
"That's cold...."
"Sure, drastic situations, but that's still cold, willing to gamble another's life."
She crosses her arms and turns to look away at the sea.
Leaving an awkward silence hanging for a minute. Then she replies.
"I'm still grabbing the opportunity to settle elsewhere, don't get me wrong. And i do appreciate honesty, but promise me you will never do something like that again. Also, if you come across a place that sells puppies, i'll have one. So it can be my own friendly guard against types like Sal."
"Ok?", back is a more determined look in her modest smile.
One puppy, coming up as soon as possible.
Astella smiles at Sally, glad that she is still coming along, and not sure how else to smooth things over.
When they get to Welnin, Astella will try to get to know the town by going on a quest for a puppy for Sally... guard dog stock preferably, asking around and getting to know people on the way.
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Daniel will find a spot on the ship to write up a letter to his folks. After finishing, he will fold it and seal it with some wax he bought before leaving the island.
Dear family,
I know this is the first time I've wrote you, admittedly, I hadn't thought to do so until now... I never returned home after the war finished because, well, I let the armor and weapon you all spent so much on get nearly destroyed.. I mean, it saved my life so, thats good but... You spent so much effort on the blade, and father spent so much of his hard earned coin on the armor that I didn't want to return until I had fixed it. It never occurred to me that you may assume the worst until a new, good friend brought it up. So, uh, sorry if I made you worry. Anyway, the other more important, and better news. I joined a scavenger hunt, and my team won! Not only that, but I managed, along with them, to save a girls life and catch a pretty foul person. It was all thanks to what you taught me too. Oh yeah! My team, first, theres Brunhild. Shes a dwarf, and a hardy one at that. She may seem a bit harsh sometimes, buts shes always seemed fair and trustworthy, as most speak of her kin. Then theres Astelle. Shes an elf, and she comes with all the elven beauty, grace, and aloofness one may expect. She also has one of the most beautiful singing voices I've ever heard! Oh, she also can use magic! Then there's Estelle. Shes a simple human like me. Shes earnest, kind, quite hard working and quite pretty one could mistake her for a half-elf, or one of the noble knights honestly. She can be a little cold... or maybe pragmatic is a better word, at times, but I think she has a good heart in the right place. They are all honestly far better than I am haha... Ah, uh, anyway I'm uh, running out of space so I'll try to make the rest quick. We managed to win after saving this noble from a dragon, and then he wound up giving us our final item which was a fancy hat. The prize was winning rulership, I think, of Castle Harmondale and the lands around it along with the town of Welnin. So, I was thinking that you could all move there, if you wanted. I'm sure it could use your work ethic mom, and most certainly a good businessman like father. I'd love to see you all soon.
-
Your son, Daniel
He will look around for a reliable messenger and tip them 3 gold on top of the fee for a speedy and safe delivery. (Either in Welnin, if its closer, or once back on the mainland's port.)
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Daniel for his part would go around town trying to get to know the area and the people. Mostly by simply talking to them as he goes about the day, stopping at any local shoppes or the like. Preferably with one or more of his teammates, now turned co-rulers?
Estelle maintains a remorseful, serious look during Sally's reaction but smiles hesitantly at the end. "Thank you. It'll be one of my regrets moving forward. And I'll be sure to chime in on your puppy! It's the least I could do."
She then grins a slightly teasing one at the merchant girl on the way to the ship, hoping the coming switch of topic would lighten the mood a bit further. "By the way... I've been meaning to ask: was I just imagining it, or did you quite like the company of a certain mercenary guild captain at the celebration?"
When Estelle reaches Welnin, her initial idea is also to get to know the people and the lay of the main city first and foremost. As such, she quickly joins Daniel when he appears to do the same thing. Foregoing claiming any sort of rulership yet, she talks to some of the locals to hear about any urgent issues. It might have been the only chance to talk to them as actual equals, weird as that was to think about!
Other than the shops (of which she notes down any dog kennels to visit along with Astella later) she also looks around for any churces and which gods are mainly worshipped here.
"Hard to imagine all these people are now our subjects!" Estelle whispers to Daniel at some point, half nervous and half excited. "How do you feel on being responsible for so many? Did you think about how we should go about this?"
Daniel finds a package service in Southport, and they tip their hat in thanks to the generous tip. Telling them what town, what territory, his parents live, a messenger is called for, and a man with a saddlebag with plenty of room for missives, comes to pick it up and rides off.
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As your coach arrives, it enters a landscape with a lot of open space at first, with trees not much in sight. Hills are more common a sight.
It is situated between natural elevations, but still with three ground level areas to enter through.
The town's walls, or what parts remain standing, are thick wooden poles, with a few elevated platforms here and there. Nearby debris suggests the original walls would have been stone. Among some of the rubble, you can still make out ammunition of catapults, shot to bring down the rebels' capital walls.
The entirety would be comparable to a small city district.
You see a blacksmith, pretty basic setup, with an armorer next to it.
An inn is right across it, near the main gate. Further in you'd guess there to be about 80 modest houses. When was Markham last here?? They don't look fit for housing 300+ people. Roughly 200-240 more likely.
Among them, amidst a well kept area of flowers, a small church, room for about 40 people seated. Both The Radiant One, and saint Elaine, have altars here.
Some other establishments, are guilds of magic. One to elements, and one to the body & mind.
Across the church, is an alchemy shop.
Your arrival has not gone unnoticed, and a few kids stop kicking a ball, and head towards the inn.
"Mister Maine, mister Maine, a coach has arrived!"
Well, I guess we're meeting the town rather than easing ourselves in...
Astella would have preferred to be able to get to know the town anonymously at first, but trying to slink off now would get them all off on the wrong foot, so she heads in the same direction the kids went... towards the inn.
Astella would have preferred to be able to get to know the town anonymously at first, but trying to slink off now would get them all off on the wrong foot, so she heads in the same direction the kids went... towards the inn.
Surveying the town, what remains of it, including talking to every shop keeper, takes you roughly little over an hour.
You are addressed as 'stranger, traveler, and newcomer', for the moment.
There isn't a kennel for puppies, from what you see, but inquiring about it, you are suggested to speak to the town watch. One of their dogs is said to be due with pups in a week or two.
Said town watch have their meetup in a house that's relatively central.
The town watch aren't great in number, and are equipped with mundane items. Studded leather, short swords, small shields, and some red potions.
She then grins a slightly teasing one at the merchant girl on the way to the ship, hoping the coming switch of topic would lighten the mood a bit further. "By the way... I've been meaning to ask: was I just imagining it, or did you quite like the company of a certain mercenary guild captain at the celebration?"
Sally is surprised at the question.
"I know too little about him to form a solid opinion, but at least he had moral, or professional, decency, going for him. While he had a good physique... *chuckle* i'm not into beards like that. Perhaps if he cut it off, and we could actually see his face, but didn't look like he would just for someone asking."---------------------------------------
The kids run towards the inn. As Astella takes the lead into inn, [On The House] she is first to see a man in modest formal attire, befitting a retainer or caretaker, sitting at a table in the center. He seems to now have been half expecting you to come in.
"Ah, good day. Please have a seat. There are things we must discuss."
In here are just some local patrons, and the barkeep, cleaning a few serving trays.
"Aye?" Brunhild said. "Then let it be said." She finished. While her face was as stone-like as ever, she was in a good mood. All told, their adventure had concluded satisfactorily. Now it just was to be seen what fruits their labors would produce.
You must be Tobias Maine? Good to meet you. I am Astella, and this is Brunhild, Daniel, and Estelle.
"I am, indeed, Tobias Maine."
Tobias is a human middle aged man, with brown-grey short cut hair and thin sideburns.
"I can only guess, as to what Lord Markham has told you about our town.
Probably a more generous estimate of population? Anything about our situation? He hasn't been here for a stay in quite some time, so it wouldn't surprise me if his experience is rather dated."
He briefly pauses, to see if he still has the attention.
"Personal opinion of the management situation aside, i am here to provide support in everyday tasks and to oversee day to day business while whoever resides in the castle, is away.
With you four 'being in charge', Erathia has formally withdrawn their hands from the situation. This leaves us completely on our own."
"To be honest, the people haven't seen the castle, which lies up the hill to the west, occupied in quite some time. Not being worth much interest has its merits. Be not surprised if waving around your position doesn't get you much enthusiasm, or trust, for the moment."
He pauses for your questions.
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That makes sense. I think we wanted to get to know people before we even think about any changes... and of course get an idea from everyone here about what things they want to see. We're just normal people... we want to make things better, not worse.
Why don't you start out with the financial situation? Let us know the basics... how is money coming in and where are we spending it? That seems like a good place to start getting a handle on things.
I'm sure that it will take us a bit to get settled, but if you have any areas where we might be able to directly and immediately help, also let us know that. Are there dangers or bandits we could take care of, or do you need a trade delegation for needed supplies, or... anything else where we could jump in and maybe make a difference?
Daniel goes to speak up after Astelle before pausing.
Actually, yeah I think she covered anything I would have asked and more... though, I guess I would add, no problem is too small for us not to hear about or help with. At least, not for a while probably. What is the primary figure worshiped here?
"Hard to imagine all these people are now our subjects!" Estelle whispers to Daniel at some point, half nervous and half excited. "How do you feel on being responsible for so many? Did you think about how we should go about this?"
Ah, well, I guess you could say it hasn't really... sunk in yet? Though, I wager that we'll be doing mostly what I'm already used to doing. Helping with everyday stuff. Like, helping build a wall of a house, or dealing with a bandit or three. So, I guess I haven't put a lot of thought into it... have you?
Daniel answers.
"Hard to imagine all these people are now our subjects!" Estelle whispers to Daniel at some point, half nervous and half excited. "How do you feel on being responsible for so many? Did you think about how we should go about this?"
Ah, well, I guess you could say it hasn't really... sunk in yet? Though, I wager that we'll be doing mostly what I'm already used to doing. Helping with everyday stuff. Like, helping build a wall of a house, or dealing with a bandit or three. So, I guess I haven't put a lot of thought into it... have you?
Daniel answers.
Surveying the still visible damage from the last fight with the debris of the old walls and catapult ammunition used to destroy it still visible, Estelle's earlier excitement gives way to concern. "I think... I'd like to be among the people and visible. And help them too with their main issues, yes. Because that's the right thing to so, but also to form bonds of trust. I've only lived in a small village and a fortress city in AvLee afterwards. Looking back, I think I liked the village more. Everyone knew eachother and cared about the other families. Maybe we could build something like that here. A strong community the genuinely likes its leaders."
The now-healer points to the catapult shots spread across the outskirts. "I think it's important to do something about the wall remnants and those stones, too. As it is, they're a constant reminder that this was once a town at the center of a rebellion, which was forcefully suppressed. That can't be good for morale. If these people who live here now lived here then, they must have lost many friends and family. Also... I don't think it helps the feeling of safety. Did they leave this on purpose just to remind them what would happen if they tried to become independant again?"
In response to Daniel's question on the main figure of worship, Estelle chimes in: "I think I recognized statues of the Radiant One and Saint Elaine. Is that correct?"
She then remains silent as nods along with Astella as she asks the most burning questions she had too.
Except for one...
"Um, Sir Maine? I realize this might be a painful topic, but I think it's important to understand the people here and their history. We were told this city was at the center of a Rebellion of sorts, against Erathia I believe? How did that come to be? And what are the people's sentiments towards Erathia and AvLee now?"
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Why don't you start out with the financial situation? Let us know the basics... how is money coming in and where are we spending it? That seems like a good place to start getting a handle on things.
"Ah, yes. As you can imagine, we have very limited income right now, it has been like this for quite some time. Our income mainly came from travelers, who used Welnin as a one night stop."
"Would we somehow get a source of income, may i suggest improving the equipment of our town watch, and our walls. Rebuilding some key buildings, such as the town hall, stables for horses of travelers, as the current ones are part of the coach establishment after all. Some extra sources of food would be no excessive luxury. We have, currently, limited farmland, and a fishing lodge, the latter of which is located a few miles at a local river. Only just enough to provide our population."
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Um, Sir Maine? I realize this might be a painful topic, but I think it's important to understand the people here and their history. We were told this city was at the center of a Rebellion of sorts, against Erathia I believe? How did that come to be? And what are the people's sentiments towards Erathia and AvLee now?
A nearby seated man, middle aged and greying hair, along with beard, puts down the book he was reading. "I can answer that question, young lady, i have been a resident for a little longer than mister Maine here."
He stands up, wearing a coat befitting a minor official, with a brown and grey formal outfit.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Wendel Tweed, historian and librarian, to Castle Harmondale and the region."
"The history of Harmondale, as the contested lands as a whole, were called at its first foundation by Erathia, is quite turbulent.
You see, most of the land was once woodlands. Some 520 years ago, the Eratian king at the time, David Gryphonheart the fourth, expanded his kingdom's borders into woodlands, that were also inhabited by a population of elves, despite not being Avlee by default. At least, as far as remaining records mention."
"Understandably, the elves were offended, and a conflict erupted, resulting in the Contested Lands. A land of neither country, but claimed by both. Both have held control of the lands, with control shifting back and forth throughout history."
"Even with the change of management, we are still under Erathia's wing. While geographically we are a different region, by current official records, we are still under their control. Lord Markham shifted management to you, instead. Until Avlee suddenly occupies us, that is."
At the question about the rebellion,
"More than one, in fact. The most recent, last year, had the ranger Ryland rally the people of the lands to rise up to declare independence. Sadly, all know how that ended. For a very brief time, it was a success, catching forces from both countries by surprise. Mayor Falruk Welnin, Radiant One have his soul, offered the town as base of operations, and it became our capital. The Erathian military struck back in force, and nearly all of our military assets were destroyed. No doubt you have seen what remains of our walls and buildings, beyond the town limits."
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I'm sure that it will take us a bit to get settled, but if you have any areas where we might be able to directly and immediately help, also let us know that. Are there dangers or bandits we could take care of, or do you need a trade delegation for needed supplies, or... anything else where we could jump in and maybe make a difference?
"Indeed. One of the reasons we need improvement for our safety, is the roving warbands of goblin marauders in the countryside. Some could be considered small armies. A number of the outlying villages have been plundered, others in the west we don't know the status of."
Your home village was one in the west of the contested lands.
"And, speaking of goblins...", Tobias leans forward with folded hands.
"Castle Harmondale currently is being held by one such warband.
We do not know exact numbers, but we estimate them at at least a dozen, likely more. There may also be a fair number of vermin in the castle. Therefor, before you can start helping the town, may i suggest force with extreme prejudice, to take it back."
"They don't know the status of villages to the west...? Why? How long? Could they be... harvested like mine?" Estelle supressed the chill crawling up her spine.
"Thank you for sharing all this with us, Tobias and Master Tweed," she instead forces herself to say. "I think recapturing the castle is a good first step. It would show other bands of brigands not to try us and that the people here can rely on us too. Not to mention that the castle might contain valuables, gear or other materials we could use to rebuild our economy and military. Is there any estimate to how much gold we'd need for the stables and walls to start? Those seem like the most important two for a safe resting place for travellers, next to a reliable town watch. That is, if we want to achieve that same income source again."
Then, an idea strikes her for the assault on the castle. It was a remote possibility, maybe, but given what Wendel had just told them... "Actually... Master Tweed? Sir Thomas? Would either of you know if there was an escape tunnel of sorts from the castle we could use to get inside easily? Or if there is a stonemason who worked here under the former mayor or Ranger Ryland? They must have known that making this town the center of a rebellion would make it a target for the Erathian and AvLee armies. It stands to reason they might have made a secret way in or out to deal with possible sieges."
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What the man said about the financial situation made no sense. Were these men volunteers, or were they actually paid? They were going to have to dig this town out of a lot of different kinds of holes, the economic one being huge, but maybe the most important one being political... making sure they established good relations with the nations on either side, so they they weren't made into a political plaything again. Perhaps she could help with that, at least as a representative to the elves.
...But hearing about the goblins in the castle really superseded all of that. They were going to have to battle to win the place even before they moved in. After all that time journeying, that was definitely not what she wanted to hear, but it was still what needed to be done.
She listened to Estelle's question, thinking that if there really was a secret about the castle, it was about to become public knowledge. Useful for now, but something to think about protecting against if they actually were able to move in.
Okay, well, that seems like the first order of business then. Thank you gentlemen for the information. I'm going to run have a word with the town watch, but I'll leave you in Estelle's capable hands.
To the rest of the group she said
I'll meet the rest of you at the edge of town to go up there, after you get whatever information you can. Sally, you should probably hang out in town for now, and when we get it cleared out, we can come back to get you.
Then she went to the house that she'd been told was where the town watch met up and arranged to purchase a puppy from the litter that was to be born in a few weeks, with Sally being able to choose first from the litter when they were weaned.
After doing so she restrung her bow, having loosened it for traveling, and got it ready to use again. This contest prize wasn't working out the way that she expected, but she figured that usually the best things in life were things that you had to work for anyway, and that it was best that way. Things could of course be better, but if you looked at it the right way this was still an exciting new adventure. She just had to keep her head straight and look at the long term rather than the short term.
Is there any estimate to how much gold we'd need for the stables and walls to start?
"A stables, everything included, we'd be looking at about 1700 gold.
The walls, i couldn't accurately say right now. It would also depend on whether it is made of wood or stone."Would either of you know if there was an escape tunnel of sorts from the castle we could use to get inside easily?
Both shake their heads.
Tobias: "None to my knowledge. It would indeed have been convenient."
As Astella arrives at the townwatch house, one standing outside holds up a hand.
"Good day, traveler, can i help you with something?"
At mention of puppies, and what one was for, he smirks. "Yes, she's soon to deliver. And we won't keep an entire litter. Come over in a week."
The equipment of the town watch isn't much. A chain shirt, short sword and spear, a small shield, and two red potions on his belt.
A quick glance inside from out here, you get a small headcount of 4 other people, and a voice unseen.
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Is there any estimate to how much gold we'd need for the stables and walls to start?"A stables, everything included, we'd be looking at about 1700 gold.
The walls, i couldn't accurately say right now. It would also depend on whether it is made of wood or stone."Would either of you know if there was an escape tunnel of sorts from the castle we could use to get inside easily?Both shake their heads.
Tobias: "None to my knowledge. It would indeed have been convenient."
"Seventeen hundred gold is quite a lot. Especially since we have to take back the castle first, too... it's a shame there's no backdoor in. That probably leaves only frontal assault and trying to sneak in at night for us," Estelle replies, then sighs. "Neither sounds easy. I think I'm going to check if the smith might be able to help us for the coming fight. Do you have any remaining questions, Daniel and Brunhild?"
After concluding the talk, Estelle heads to the smith to check on his inventory. She knocks on the door of the shop and enters. "Hello? Is there anyone here?"
Wondering why this person was smirking at her... was there something else going on? Astella explained
I'd like to arrange prepayment and a guarantee that my friend can have her pick. Is there someone I can talk to about doing that?
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Daniel's smile fades a little at the mention of goblins in the keep.
Well, that won't do. I hate to think of the clean up if they've occupied it for long... do you have an estimate of how many are there?
He pauses for a moment.
Renovations seem a much longer term goal... Especially since, unless the castle has a hoard of gold laying about we aren't likely to gather the funds any time soon.
As he is talking, Daniel is going about readying himself for their assault on the keep.
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Estelle would inquire about whether masterwork and/or cold iron weapons are available for sale or forging. She'd also ask about the prices to outfit the town guard better (what was their standard equipment in the past?). She'd also ask if some deal can be struck for a discount considering there'd be a lot of commerce involved in outfitting a future growing armed force, and that removing theorcgoblin warband from here adds to safety of the lands. Happy to roleplay this out or speed along this to keep things going. "
Just a little prior,
Tobias: "I believe getting some form of stability and safety in the region, would accommodate more travelers to resume coming through here.
I can only assume most take a ship to move from the north to the south, circumstances considered."
The smith informs Estelle he could forge a masterwork weapon, but it will take the day, as his facilities are but standard. Cold iron is not a material available to the town. He does mention that, should you find some cold iron ore, he would use part of it to craft you a weapon from it, at a discount.
Through some small talk, the smith tells you that the town's armed defenders used to have a bit more at their disposal. The town watch had pretty much the same equipment, but the more trained guardsmen wore breastplate, long swords, and medium sized shields. With quality spears as an extra. Much had been confiscated by the Erathian military.
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I'd like to arrange prepayment and a guarantee that my friend can have her pick. Is there someone I can talk to about doing that?
"So happens, miss, i am our dogs trainer. If you are going to do the training yourself, a fiver for the pup, and you come over in a week with your friend. The parents are both guard dog breed, loyalty is an inborn quality with any fine raised dog. Is this okay by you?"
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Well, that won't do. I hate to think of the clean up if they've occupied it for long... do you have an estimate of how many are there?
"As i said, over a dozen, most likely."
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Astella pays the man what he asks, and then says
We may want training as well, but we'll decide that when Sally is here. I'm not sure whether she wants to try doing that herself or not. I appreciate your time, and we'll be back in a week. Got to run now... we're retaking the castle from the goblins today.
She nods her thanks, waving also to the 5 others inside
Nice to meet you all, and thank you for your service to the town!
and then goes to meet up with the others in her own group, in preparation for retaking the castle.
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"I see! Thanks for sharing your expertise. You know, I meant what I said earlier, we'll try and do our very best for this town. And it sounds like there's lots that has to be done to restore it, from rebuilding important lost buildings like the stables, the walls, clearing out all the debris left outside... there will be a lot of work we'll need you for, I imagine," Estelle says to the smith with an earnest smile.
"Although... we've been told that we need to win a fight against a warband of orcs in the castle first, to win that back. For that, I'd like to ask if you could forge a good bardiche for me to use in the fighting? And... if you could spare anything to assist us in retaking the castle, even if it's just lowering the rate a bit, that would be a huge help to us, too. Everything we can spare, we could put into either the attack or investing in the town later."
The smith muses the town would also benefit from improved facilities, as his own, and his colleague the armor smith, are working with the very basics.
He agrees to put a discount, and lower prices to 75%. Assuming you'll be buying large quantities. On condition you actually manage to make the town safe for customers to come through. "There's been multiple people put in charge, none have managed or bothered enough to make things proper around here."
We may want training as well, but we'll decide that when Sally is here. I'm not sure whether she wants to try doing that herself or not. I appreciate your time, and we'll be back in a week. Got to run now... we're retaking the castle from the goblins today.
"She can observe the training, or try together. Might be good for bonding with the pup. Good day to you."
"There's been multiple people put in charge, none have managed or bothered enough to make things proper around here."
"I think I can speak for all of us when I say we'd like to change that. My friends are genuinely good people, though I'm aware that might be hard to believe, listening to your previous experiences with the Lords here," the healer replies, as she hands over the gold for a Masterwork Bardiche. "Yes, I believe I will go and talk to the armorer as well. I believe his or her shop is next to yours? And thanks again for offering your help, master craftsman."
She gives him a polite small bow and leaves.
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The armor smith isn't convinced by your words. Granted, a safer area is very good, but he's not going to lower prices any time soon.
Nodding, Estelle takes her leave. "Of course. Sorry to trouble you, sir."
Happy that she still managed to get a discount with the smith, as well as a similar deal for the weapons of expanding the town guards later, she returns to the On The House Inn and shares the news with those who are still there. "Guess what?" she begins, smiling. "I talked to the smith. He was willing to lower his prices by a fourth! That is, if we promised to make things safer around here, and would buy more equipment for the town guard at a later date. That seemed like a very good deal to me, as I assumed we'd be doing both anyway. I couldn't convince the armorer too, but I think Daniel stayed behind to give that a second try. The shopkeeper didn't seem to like me much, so I left to not get in his way."
She sits down and orders a few drinks for everyone then present. "Say, Sir Maine? I forgot to ask this earlier, but is anything known about this war band? How they fight and what they're armed with? Or any oddities about them?"
To her friends, she adds: "And as there is no back door of sorts... how should we attack? We could try scouting the outskirts of the castle first I suppose, but I'm not that good at hiding, myself."
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Daniel had remained silent for a large portion of the time, seeming lost in thought. Yet, at the end he gave a nod towards TnT (Tobias and Tweed).
I promise you that I will do all I can to ensure the safety of this town and its inhabitants... while I never officially became I knight, I learned from them for a time. I also have the utmost faith in my companions that if nothing else, their hearts are in the right place and would trust them with my life. You'll especially find fewer more earnest than Estelle. While I cannot and will not speak for my companions... and while I know not the value you hold in such things, I give you my vow to keep you and the town safe from all threats I am able, even at the cost of my life.
Yes.. I think that's what mom would have said... Or something like that..
Daniel had accompanied Estelle through out the day so far, not having had much better idea to do. And once in the Smith's shop, notices the man seems hard to barter with. He'll give it a go once she leaves the shop.
Ok.. um.. What would dad do? umm...
Now, I understand everyone must make their own living, and times are hard... but, that is exactly why we must band together and help each other. Here are the potential benefits of working with us. We retake the castle, we buy things from you and better equip the guard. The guard can now do their job in keeping the town and the area safe both more easily, and much safer. You get the credit for making such quality armor and the good will of the town knowing you sacrificed a bit of your bottom line to make sure their husbands, sons, and daughters were as safe as they could be. Then, because the town is safe and secure again, more people start coming back through the town. The town prospers, your name is spread further and we, in gratefulness, return some of that prosperity into better materials and better equipment for you to work with. Everyone wins. I will even let you decide to give the discount only after we retake the Keep. So, will you help us help this town?
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*clank, clank*
The armor smith was in a bad mood when Daniel approaches him.
Then comes the next newcomer, who -also- came to him for bargaining.
"Listen, boy. I've heard such sweet words before, from people who were 'in charge' before. I don't buy it until i see it. Town already knows me, but they don't know you, yet."
"Besides, i don't have enough raw materials to work with. I can maintain, but without new iron, i can't just make armor out of thin air.
Let's see you fix me that problem, and maybe i'll consider your words."
Daniel gets the idea his reasoning may have come across, but this grumpy man certainly isn't budging too much just from this alone.
Daniel nods.
Fair enough, its why I offered to wait and see what we do. I've already given my oath to protect the town as best I can, but some people don't take much value in words, even oaths. So I'll just have to show you.
He says this with a smile.
Also... how long do you think it would take to fix this...
He places the destroyed full plate, or at least, what was left of it, on the counter.
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”Orcs. Much more dangerous than crabs.” Brunhild said, a frown on her face. They were “in charge” but not really. They had to take their lands. Which in its own way was just fine, as it would prove that it was theirs and that they could protect it. She looked over her comrades and wondered who was going to die. Because someone certainly would. When fighting real warriors, the odds were against a clean sweep. Probably Daniel. He was honesty noble, she couldn’t see him fleeing. He could be trusted to hold the line. And she’d seen how such men died. She didn’t want to see it happen to another person she cared about.
”Anything ye do could keep him alive. I’m a bowyer meself. Know what it’s like to have people expect a quality bow to pop out of thin air. But if ye can help, then it will be appreciated for the hard work that it is.”
Brunhild, who seemingly walked just behind Daniel, chimes in with the smith. The man's demeanor doesn't seem to change.
When Daniel places the remains of the armor on the counter, the smith sighs through the nose.
He goes over the armor... "What in the blazes happened to this suit of armor? That's barely holding together."
He sifts through what is still in somewhat acceptable shape or condition, and what would do very little for protection.
He looks back at you when done.
"One: Did you let it get into this sorry state?
Two: There's two options if i'm going to work on this....pile of metal."
He strokes his beard in thought. For a change, it's more the face of a man facing a challenge, over one of a grumpy craftsman.
"I can salvage parts of it, and turn it into a breastplate, with the greaves and wrist pieces still intact. Give me...a full day, maybe 2, and it can be done.
Or, you find the components i need for a proper fix. I'll need metal, leather straps, probably 16 at least, some big sheets of new leather, and i reckon a few mugs worth of rings. I can tell you this much, you'll likely be searching outside of town for some of these."
"It'll not be done for free, but i -can- promise proper produce, on my honor as a craftsman."
From his temper about the state of the armor, to the means he questions you about if you were responsible, you subconsciously picture him in armor, and he'd fit the image of a quartermaster.
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"And, speaking of goblins...", Tobias leans forward with folded hands. Castle Harmondale currently is being held by one such warband.
We do not know exact numbers, but we estimate them at at least a dozen, likely more. There may also be a fair number of vermin in the castle. Therefore, before you can start helping the town, may I suggest force with extreme prejudice, to take it back."
Daniel winces a bit when the armorer questioned about the armor. He looks the armorer in the eye for several seconds before explaining.
I'll not deny blame. Not due to negligence, I make sure to try and keep it clean as best I can in accordance to how the knights taught me. A glance over his breastplate shows this is true, its polished and clean, save for what little dust has gathered on it from the days business.
But, because I was not properly prepared... the armor gave its life to save mine in a manner of speaking. I was always told my... unawareness would get me injured or worse. Turns out, just the armor heh... It uh, I was simply an aide, but when things turned dire, I assisted in guarding the rear... He kinda trails to a stop, not wanting to bore the man.
Anyway, I want to get it back to its original state, or better, so I'll find the materials for you. Is it OK to leave this with you?
She sits down and orders a few drinks for everyone then present. "Say, Sir Maine? I forgot to ask this earlier, but is anything known about this war band? How they fight and what they're armed with? Or any oddities about them?"
Tobias: "Nothing in particular that sets them out from others.
However, i suspect they are not the warband in its entirety. A cousin of mine fought at the border conflict between Erathia and Krewlod. He described an actual warband easily composed of several dozen warriors. The few lookouts the town watch beat, wore a mixture of crude leather and metal armor, and axes.""Which leads me to believe this to be but a part, set out to plunder the otherwise unoccupied Castle Harmondale. I think it not unlikely, that there'd be one or two, of rank above a normal warrior. Like low rank officers in other armies."
Anyway, I want to get it back to its original state, or better, so I'll find the materials for you. Is it OK to leave this with you?
The smith shrugs slightly, arms crossed.
"Suit yourself. You can leave it here."
"Well. Seems to me that we should get to clearing out our lands then." Brunhild said. "If they're just out to plunder, then we can likely head right in. Doubt that they're fortifying the place if this is a smash and grab for them."
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I guess they've probably ransacked it pretty thoroughly already. I can mend or clean most things with spells, so I hope at least some of it is salvageable. It would be unfortunate if we couldn't save anything. Are we ready to go?
....I also have the utmost faith in my companions that if nothing else, their hearts are in the right place and would trust them with my life. You'll especially find fewer more earnest than Estelle.
At being mentioned in this manner, Estelle, who'd been nodding along and smiling softly at Daniel's very intense yet also warm speech, is astonished. Forming the right response was suddenly quite pressing and difficult. "Oh! I mean... the feeling is mutual, of course. As you can both see and hear, Tobias and Sir Tweed, he cares deeply about those around him - the type who'd give up selflessly give up everything to shield others from danger. Even more so than us. The town is very lucky to have him as a Lord." Her features light up in a warm smile of gratitude, just as she suppressed a lingering feeling of guilt that she should have been better then, as he had...
"Well. Seems to me that we should get to clearing out our lands then. If they're just out to plunder, then we can likely head right in. Doubt that they're fortifying the place if this is a smash and grab for them."
At this, Estelle frowns. "Yes... that is a good point. I'd just assumed that these goblins have been here for a while, but you mean to say they've only been recent arrivals, sir- Tobias? That might make things easier."
Thinking a bit more, she then adds: "Actually... there is one thing I could do to make whatever approach we do a bit easier. There's a low level spell that could make a large fog cloud that lasts for a minute or so. We could use that to cover an attempt to climb, or use it somewhere outside of the walls to direct attention elsewhere while we attack. That is, if everyone is open to that."
"I guess they've probably ransacked it pretty thoroughly already. I can mend or clean most things with spells, so I hope at least some of it is salvageable. It would be unfortunate if we couldn't save anything. Are we ready to go? "
"If we were to wait until tomorrow to attack, the smith would have finished my weapon. And perhaps it's a good idea to just scout the outside of it first? If that could be done in decent time, that is."