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Hello." She said, finding the old man. "Got a letter here, that needs to go to Stone City. Hopefully it'll help rebuild this castle. Be there anyone here that ye could recommend as a messenger?"
Brunhild finds Wendel and Tobias about to leave the inn to go home.
"A coincidence you mention that, it was exactly what mr. Maine suggested. Albeit asking them in person, i believe he meant. But yes, i believe one of the town watch used to be a scout, as the usual courier is currently out of town. But i would advise he not go alone. The Barrow Downs have their reputation for a reason."
At Estelle's question about the wine, Tobias offers a look.
The seals are mostly gone, torn off largely.
The bits that are attached, he recognizes with the eye of a caretaker.
"Late king Gryphonheart's beard, these we still in the wine racks?
This green bottle is an Erathian white wine, notice the partial banner?Though without the proper label, i couldn't say who made it."
The brown bottle he seems to recognize quicker.
"This is elven wine. Their bottles have this subtle decoration on the neck.", as he points a thin lining looking like a branch.
"Each province, region for them, i think, has its own. This is Tularian wine. I couldn't say their values, but they are not cheap drinks, i would say."
The following morning, around 8:00, Estelle is having breakfast in inn she stays at. Which for this night was free of charge.
The others gradually join up, all still before there is sign of either Tobias Maine or Wendel Tweed. The two arrive around 9:00, Wendel carrying a few scrolls with him.
"Good morning. I hope you've gotten your rest last night."
He waits for someone to clear the table, and takes a chair from nearby.
He rolls out a dated looking map.
"Ahem. This map is dated, but as the library i had was in the area outside the town's limits, it was the only one i could find at home."
He points at a few specific points, around Welnin.
"The immediate region has one minor settlement. It is little more than a stop for travelers, and has, last i knew, around 20 people living there. It is 3 hours away on foot. The contested lands itself, has three townships to speak of. Welnin lies a bit to its western half. Then there is the town of Fairbrook, a mainly elven town, in the northeast, and Fairhaven, a town with inhabitants from both sides, vaguely in the middle. Personally, an example of how relations aught be, is what i think."
When Tobias describes the wine, Estelle nods along. Inwardly, she was quite curious to see what these supposed high-quality wines tasted like. This sounded like they were normally way out of her price range, and it wasn't like she had much experience drinking either.
Not after that incident at the temple's balcony with the rather harsh scolding from the head priestess, or the looming threat of a similar one from Captain Thunderhoof should he ever catch her doing something similar...
"I see. Thanks. Probably best to hold on to them and wait for a specialized merchant or such. Good night to both of you!" she says, somewhat quickly, and heads to bed, a bit red in the face from the memory. It was only that one time! And with Flynn, too!
Very fatigued from all the day's events, the haze of emotions is muted.
"...I wonder... is he still alive?"
Estelle patiently waits for Wendell and Tobias to lay out the problems in the region. She definitely wanted to visit the neighboring towns at some points, but travel there would have to be safe first.
”A good idea on holding onto the wine. It’s value won’t decrease, so it’s in our interest to wait for the the right time.”
—-
After listening to the lay of the land, Brunhild asked [b]”Are these towns part of our territory? And realistically speaking, if so, how do the locals see the legitimacy of our rule?”
"There have been a few hamlets, mainly attempts to settle somewhere quiet. Such as Hamel, to the far west. I believe it was on the border of being a small village, before the Deyja necromancers came through. Even if people tried to resettle, with recent raiding, i can only guess as to what state they are in."
Are these towns part of our territory? And realistically speaking, if so, how do the locals see the legitimacy of our rule?”
"Not as such in regard of territory under your management. They lay outside of the surrounding area of Welnin. Lord Markham's governship encompassed only a portion of the lands. Welnin had, at the time, the best public layout for commerce and appropriate facilities. The rest was pretty much left to their own devices, after it was determined they were no threat anymore.
As for acknowledging your rule....None of the settlements, in past experience from conversation, thinks highly of 'ruler of Welnin', not after the late mayor Falruk Welnin, who would welcome people from either side. If you are looking to expand your area of influence or connections, might i suggest helping them, to foster more good will. Showing them you are more than just people appointed land by their occupators, to be in charge."
A few other things he points out,
"There is an old Erathian tower fort, built during one of the previous conflicts over the lands. It housed our soldiers last year, but it was captured and abandoned after catapult fire broke a hole into one of its sides, creating an entrance for Erathian forces. Speaking of forts, there is one other, more towards the central region. Prior to Welnin's defeat, this was a strategic point in the lands' defense. Due to that it has good view on the roads, the quickest means of travel. Both Erathia and Avlee have occupied it, and traces of such may well be present. I dare say that if goblins hole up somewhere, those locations would be ideal."
"Hamel..." Estelle mutters quietly, glancing at the far left corner of the map. "I... doubt much is left of my childhood home. Still... if we ever get near that area, I'd like to visit it. If only to pay my respects."
'Don't think of them, don't think of them. DON'T THINK OF-!"
She takes a deep breath to try and steady the sudden rising heartbeat, clutches her shaking left hand tightly with the right and hopes no one notices. Only at the end of Wendell's report does she trust herself enough to speak. "Wait... wait. I'd like to ask something first. I get the impression from both Tobias and you that the goblins are responsible for the region's trouble and that's it's a certain thing. But, are we *really* sure they're the reason why this region is being viewed as unsafe to travel? Are they really responsible for raiding merchants? How reliable are the sources claiming such? The unit of them we faced yesterday seemed like a reasonably honorable and law-abiding troop. Are they the exception here, and the rest mere bandits?"
"And... has there been any Deyjan activity anywhere near here?" she adds, after a pause.
Daniel sits and listens as the others converse. Finally he speaks up.
The primary concern for us now is the safety and rebuilding of this town and area as they are under our care. Should the other towns ever feel inclined to.. join us, that oath would spread to them. For now, let us work directly on seeing to the safety and needs of the people here, and possibly send word to the other towns in hopes of opening a communication train, trade, and possibly aid between all of the towns. For our part, that means removing the current threat to those life-lines of trade and communication. At Estelle's question in regards to the goblins.
I think, Estelle, goblins are much like us. They are different and varied. Some, follow the honorable path, like us, or that old beard. Others, the path that the sleazy Sal. It is quite possible that more than one group is ranging these lands. In any case, we should make sure that the keep is fully cleared before any attempts of restoration are made. He looks back to Tweed.
I would like to speak to Tobias, would you happen to know where he would be at the moment?
Tobias, having just to the barkeep, walks back, "What did you need to speak about?"
In response to Estelle's questions,
"Yes, we are quite certain the goblins are making it unsafe.
We haven't seen or heard of any necromancer activity since the end of the wars."
Tobias chimes in.
"The 'sources', the few travelers coming through here, and the few messengers that actually travel between the towns, from time to time. They are reliable."
"I... like the idea of the other towns joining us in an alliance someday. Though, we'd probably have to be open like the previous mayor to join his and Fairhaven's example. We'd have to work hard on gaining that favor too, so that they'd realy wish to join." Whether the elves and forest folk would hold to oaths over more informal shared interests of working together to defend their home was beside the point for now."Though... when we do, I hope it won't be seen as a sign by Erathia and AvLee that we're about to form an independant nation again. That didn't end well the last time, even if they're both currently not staking claims."
She takes a long, deliberate sip from her water cup to throw of lingering nerves as she ragards the map. "...Either way, it seems we have to start with removing these goblins. Both for stability and to show the other towns we can be valuable as allies. So... where should we go first?"
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Brunhild could tell that Estelle was troubled. Something to do with her home and family, most likely. But that was Clan business, and she resolved to not disrespect Estelle by showing that she had noticed.
"So, first we ensure that the keep is cleared." She nodded to Daniel. "Then we should take stock of what militia forces we have available. We need to know that our people can be defended while we travel. And then parlay with the local goblin forces. Does that sound right?"
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Daniel shakes his head
We need not even form an alliance. A simple array of outposts and rest spots along the roads connecting the towns would do wonders for everyone. It would make communications quicker, with fresh horses, and even messengers should there be a need, ready so you can freely push the animals at their swiftest pace without harming them. Not to mention the security it would provide for trade. He then turns to Tobias.
As for what I wanted, who did you say it was in town that trains and leads the few guards we do have? If possible, I'd like to meet them and the militia. See what they know, and if I could maybe teach them anything.
At Brunhilds statement Daniel nods.
More or less.
As for what I wanted, who did you say it was in town that trains and leads the few guards we do have?
"I didn't. Frankly speaking, the town watch are all the security we have left at the moment. From what we have heard from the messenger, the other two towns are in similar a situation. They have some people trained to defend against small numbers of intruders, but a large force would be something we could not cope with."
"As far as i know, the watch we still have, are a hound trainer, two young men, who took their position shortly after the war. Around your age, i reckon. Spirited, but not military trained. A former scout of our own military, and seemed to have been a trained huntsman prior to that."
"One former soldier, one whose sense of duty kept him in an active role, and then we have Lewis. Or Lewis the Limp, as some children took to calling him. Luis has some injuries that keep him out of direct action, but he had trained the two youngsters as best he could, and more or less fills a support role to their efforts."
"As for a leader, they seem to sort things among themselves, as the previous watch captain passed away from illness last year. From what some of the other townsfolk say, they might benefit from someone experienced in a leading role, but so far they have managed."
By the description, two of them couldn't be much stronger than you guys are.
The other four could vary, but not by a large margin.
With the exception of 2, they're not of military background, and will have learned through life experience.
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”I might be biased. But it might be worthwhile to have compulsory practice with a bow for all able bodied men of age. It is a practical skill to have, and it means that in times of war we firing a large number of arrows is a deterrent in itself. It also means that our citizens do not necessarily need to be in direct harm’s way. As opposed to pike drills.”
"I think Daniel instructing the town guard in self-defense would be a great idea! Based on what we've seen, I think it's fair to say he's the most skilled warrior among us." Estelle chimes in, then her eyes shift to Brunhild. "...At least, for melee combat. The archery lessons for the civilians sound like a good idea too. We could donate a few of the bows we've found for this practice. Perhaps some will find it fun and consider joining the guard, too. Though... actually arming all able-bodied men with their own bows, or even part of them, will take a lot of resources and arrows."
She takes another sip of her water glass. "But, before we start issuing any orders to the civilians, shouldn't we adress the people first and make ourselves more known to them? Have a speech to tell them who we are and what we're hoping to achieve here? To give an impression that we're friendly and reliable, and involved instead of distant. Personally, I'd like to be an active part of this community, and be seen that way. And
having our people not know what we look like before we head off again kind of defeats the purpose. They know the town and the area best, and they're sure to have valuable advice for us, too."
Tobias:
"Military affairs is not my forte, but it would be worth knowing that the able bodied men of age, you speak of, are commoners and shopkeepers.
Generally folk with no experience in combat or in wielding the bow."
"Training all of them into basic combatants would require no small effort, considering the funding of weapons, and there would be a need for seasoned instructors."
”Not all must be done today. Time is one of the few resources we have in abundance.” Brunhild said. Her long term plan, such as it was, was to have a militia-tax. Paid in coin or membership, and charged only towards those who were deemed able bodied. There would always be merchants and the like who would eschew getting their hands dirty, so they could pay their way out. While those who were more suited for such tasks were the most likely to be unable to afford the tax. Therefore each would contribute, with there at least being the illusion of choice in the matter.
-Questions-
They tell you the town was relieved of military supplies, and left with the bare means for town security. Particular structures for an organized armed population were also taken down. Armory, expanded stables, an improved forge, barracks....
The military commander who lead the more strategic attacks to liberate the Contested Lands, was the ranger Ryland himself. In his army were both humans and elves, among others. He had left, about a month, after the lands had secured themselves as 'independent'. A time during which it seemed a success. The two of them assume he had returned to Avlee.Each town had a commanding officer and a sergeant in charge of the armed defenses and town watch respectively. The commanding officer present at the time defending against the siege, succumbed to injuries after heavy fighting, in an attempt to buy time for troops to withdraw, when the tables were rapidly turned against the defenders. The sergeant was captured. He was a likeable sort, both with the watch and the townsfolk. One who'd share a drink with the regular folk, but not neglect his duties.
Wendel thinks he is locked up somewhere.
There is not an established orphanage, as those that were, got taken in by family living in Welnin, got sent to family elsewhere, or taken in by good friends of their parents. For those not too fortunate enough for such circumstances, there have been a few spare beds in the residence of a woman named 'Nan Hamilton'. But the orphans aren't exclusively such from just the rebellion. The restoration wars and its preceding conflict played a good part in it as well.
After getting all of the information from Wendell and Tobias, Estelle nods and inclines her head towards them as a sign of respect. "Okay. Thank you, both, for telling us everything. In that case, I think I'd like to speak to miss Hamilton sometime, before we go too far from the town. I'm fine with just going to the castle for now and seeing if we can find anything worthwhile that was overlooked, though, or waiting a bit in case someone needs to finish something important first."
Heading back into the castle, some of you notice the absence of rat bodies when you come down the stairs. Opening the door to the bunk room behind, you now proceed through the door on the opposite end of the room.
It leads down a narrow corridor which, only very shortly after, meets a 15 by 10ft room, a door with a barred window leading further in. The room gives an impression of a small post with bare essentials. The door is locked, but a few tries has Astella open it.
This leads to a cell block, but only two cells are accessable right now. The door ahead has a weird look to it, but from a distance, you couldn't quite put your finger on it. The cells are empty of any occupants....
Astella thinks that the door ahead looks strange, so she goes closer to check it out.
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The door looks like many other a door to Astella. It has a small barred window in it, through which she sees it is dark on the other side.
As she leans in to take a better peek, she goes to place a hand against the door. Before they make contact, something odd happens.
A shimmer covers the door, like a layer of faint green varnish. It flickers, but it doesn't disappear.
"Wow! Is that... some kind of magical barrier?" Estelle wonders, lowering her bardiche and shielding her eyes from the sudden light surrounding the door. With one hand, she begins the incantation for Detect Magic. "If so, whatever is behind here must have been important! Maybe this spell can tell us more before we try to fiddle with it..."
"Wow! Is that... some kind of magical barrier?" Estelle wonders, lowering her bardiche and shielding her eyes from the sudden light surrounding the door. With one hand, she begins the incantation for Detect Magic. "If so, whatever is behind here must have been important! Maybe this spell can tell us more before we try to fiddle with it..."
The vibrations of the magical aura are moderate in strength, yet there are moments where it feels just a little less consistent.
Withdrawing her hand, Estelle turns to the others. "These are fairly powerful magics at work. Though what they do exactly... I'm not sure. Unless anyone knows more of the arcane, the only options seem to be leaving it or trying to open it anyway and seeing what happens."
She waits to see if Astella knew more, being the known expert on this subject. If not, she would approach and attempt to touch the barrier with one of her javelins from reach. If the barrier doesn't respond violently, she'd then try to open it.
Astella is surprised by the flicker of green... almost as though she were seeing the door from the past perhaps, when it had been new and well-cared for?
She casts Detect Magic and follows it up by trying to identify any magic that she sees.
Astella focuses on the magical aura, and gets the impression a form of abjuration magic is in effect here. Definitely a sort of barrier, but an unusual sort. It might be one that was an effort done by two people, or a hastily done one by a single person. Like Estelle, Astella notices those flawed moments in the structure.
Since her Spellcraft check doesn't seem to help her identify what exactly is going on, Astella withdraws so she doesn't get in the way of Estelle's attempts at testing the door.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, the cleric steps forward. "Okay, stand back, everyone. Just in case something goes wrong..."
Daniel knew nothing of magic, and so sat back, sword and shield at the ready as the others worked on the mystical barrier.
Since her Spellcraft check doesn't seem to help her identify what exactly is going on, Astella withdraws so she doesn't get in the way of Estelle's attempts at testing the door.
Hearing other practitioners speak of the topic of abjuration;
The closest thing that comes to mind, is a barrier/wall of force. But the composition of this one looks and feels unconventional.Poking it with the javelin gives a somewhat expected response. It glows green, the javelin's tip's sound not metal upon wood, but similar to metal on stone, like a pick axe. There seems no clear gap to exploit, try as Estelle does.
Sheathing her bardiche and drawing her now somewhat expendable weapon, Estelle then attempts to use force to break through!
*tink*
*tink*
No effect...
After a number of futile swings, Estelle sheathes the former polearm. "I *pant* don't think this thing will budge," she says, catching her breath. "Maybe we need a key of sorts from somewhere. Or powerful enough magic to get past ourselves."
She looks around to see if anyone had any more ideas at present.
"...Maybe we'll have more luck if we try the other areas these goblins couldn't open. There were more than just one," she continues, and, unless stopped, makes to fall back to explore the castle for these other supposed 'dead-ends'.
"Seems like we have a secret for another day. I'm sure that, in time, we will either find a key or a mage strong enough to get us in."
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When nothing else of note is found in the castle, Estelle takes a moment to look out over the surrounding lands from the ramparts on the way out. The breeze was fresh, the midday sun was warm and the forests reminded her of those in AvLee. She smiles takes a deep breath, enjoying the scenery of their new home in this unexpected break from combat and time pressure.
"Anyone opposed to taking the rest of the day to ourselves? I suppose we could travel to that nearby outpost and see how things are there, too. Though personally, I'd like to start removing the rubble from the town, and there are a few people I'd like to talk to. I'm curious to see how Sally is setting in, and there's lot's of people we haven't met yet, I imagine. The town guard, for one. Lots of things we could do when we don't have to rush into danger for once!"
She stretches from toes to outstreched arms and waits to hear everyone's plans.
Sounds fine to me. The castle and grounds still need a lot of work. I'll work on more of that.