"That would give me a little bit of time to work with Wynston," Remis said. He gave the horse a pat on the neck before securing the saddle. "Plus, Tibold, I would love to pick your brain, maybe compare some notes."
"Krayquer? I'm not sure I know who that is?" Remis said as he slipped the coin into his pack.
The a~~~%** seargent with the super hateboner for Lizards Sigvald informs Remis.
Brightberry takes time to look at each of his companions in turn. Tibold, Remis, Saoirse, and Sigvald.
"You are all different now. You are all now part of the forest. It has chosen you and your are connected as we are." brightberry says as he looks over to Brambles, his new plant-dog, who has tendrils dragging in the water behind the raft. "I think we all need to stay together. Make something of these forests. Redleaf will agree when he gets back.". With that, his attention reruns back to the water.
Brightberry will take his gold and begin gathering the materials needed to bring Redleaf back.
It's hard to tell who the enemy is and who the friend is. These traveling companions are tied to me now, for good or ill.
"Aye, I can feel the difference...somethin' powerful and...right. I'm all for making sure the natural spaces and old ways of livin are protected...have a haven of some sort." Saoirse agrees.
The bard spends time whiling away the journey in song, as well as practicing her swordwork finding a way to incorporate her talent for dance into her fighting, taking advantage of the newly enhanced fluidity of her movements.
"Ah knew we couldn't trust that bastard! Ye might want to keep an eye out for Vass as well. She's a turncoat servin' some 'Queen o' the First World'. Almost got us all killed by sidin' with the Orcs."
Tibold nods at Remis' suggestion. The opportunity to discuss his work while only obliquely acknowledging his own findings was always a fun game. Get as much as you can from them. Guard your own secrets. His mentor's teachings continued to resonate in Tibold's thoughts.
The alchemist's eyes narrow and he smiles conspiratorially at the druid's words. Brightberry may notice Tibold offering him a degree of interest and respect while grinning suspiciously whenever the vine leshy isn't looking.
The captain of the guard seems surprised that Vass was in your group.
"Maybe that is why Krayquer picked her, to put an agent in our midst. Well, when the fort was sacked downriver, someone stole some charters to land in the river kingdoms. They are supposedly setting up land that I think is to the east of where your charters apply."
"Greatwall is mostly a fortress, but I can get access to any items you may need before you set off. I do not know if you can beat the cavalry company we sent to the mines, but you can head that way. I also have a group going to Oleg's Trading Post in your new lands. I am also looking to send a reliable bowman to aid you."
"That'll be helpful. The opposition we've encountered so far has tended tae start off attackin' at range, before swarmin' in. An archer would be a big help." the fiery haired bard replies. " And if ah ever catch sight of her or Krayquer again, I'll be stickin' a blade between their ribs for the treachery."
Edoom hopes he in not late to meet his new companions. While he enjoyed meeting and adventuring with his last group, he wasn't sure if their goals and his were similar.
When the captain told him about a group in need of a skilled archer he jumped at the opportunity.
"Anybody looking for a skilled archer"?
Brightberry, twiggy arms full of reagents, pauses to look at the newcomer. He stares for as moment and then pitter-patters along his way, Brambles the plant-dog trundling behind.
"I'll be back."
Brightberry wonders around for some time, likely outside of the fortress, until he can find a nice leafy area.
With this much coin I could give form to another leaf, or even a gourd leashy! I should wait until we settle down somewhere first.
With that decided, Brightberry sets out all of his materials and begins the ritual needed to bring Redleaf back.
Soon, I will be able to begin arming the forest to defend itself. Patience.
"With timin' like that, you might be exactly what we need." Saoirse says, greeting the newcomer with a smile. "Saoirse Oparaeal, pleasure to meet ye."
Siegvald Ulfheddr, call me "Sieg" or "Beatstick" if you want because thats quicker.
The half orc grins.
Mostly providing violence with some reach, oh, dont freak out if I grow claws and my eyes turn pitch black, part of my skillset.
Remis gestured for Tibold to step to the side before speaking.
"Tibold, given that we will be working together a bit longer still, would you be open to sharing notes? When I loaded up my belongings into your wagon I could not help but notice your equipment," Remis said. "I was not snooping! I just happened to see it there," he quickly added. "Combined with that and the explosives you produced, I would think that you have a collection of formulae."
Remis swung his pack around on one shoulder so that it hung in front of his chest and pulled a simple leatherbound book from the bag, "I have my own, if you were not aware, and I imagine that you and I might have varying forumlae given our, um, different backgrounds," he shifted his weight from one foot to the other and back before continuing, "I would consider it an honor if you would be open to trading. Maybe one for one?"
Pursuing the original plan, you take the next raft downriver after procuring supplies on 6 Gozreh AR 4710. Tibold loads his car and horse on the rafts with no issue and you return to Sarah Jean's by river on 11 Gozreh.
As you arrive, you notice there is a gnome visitor. He wears a forest green outfit with a pendant. It has a fairy hand clasping a human hand in front of a tree.
"I am an emissary of the United River Kingdoms. The king of Pitax sends his greetings. If you would be future neighbors in the river kingdoms, it would probably be a good idea to be friends. My name is Tertuccio."
Redleaf returns to Greatwall to find Saoirse. Walking up to her, he reaches out a hand (to her knee) and touches it as if you were laying on hands.
He smiles warmly and walks off.
Brightberry and Redleaf speak (in druidic) at least about the state of the forest.
[Ooc]Sarah Jean's [/ooc
"United River Kingdoms. What is this. Are you a member of this, Sarah?"
He doesn't mean friends. He means allies...I think.
Edoom is pleased with the welcome and introduces himself. He stays mostly quiet on the journey, speaking with any who address him, but not initiating conversation. He likes to feel out a new group of people before trudging in.
Saoirse gives Brightberry a slightly puzzled smile, not really understanding his words, but gathering the positive intent at least, as he walks off smiling, once again reminded of how grateful she is at her second chance at life and the row power of the natural world.
Meeting the newcomer at Sarah Jean’s, the bard greets the visitor, noting the choice of color he wears and the nature of the pendant.
"Pleasure to meet you, Tertuccio, I’m Saoirse. United River Kingdoms did ye say? D’ye speak for them or the king o’ Pitax?” she asks, acutely aware that it was an outpost of Pitax they were preparing to take action against.
OK, so, he is a gnome, basic suspiciousness rating of 500. He is also from Pitax, which increases this rating with a multiplier of 10, and then his name ends with "uccio", which doubles it again, hej, his suspiciousness rating is above 9000! Impressive! Scientific mercenary racism for the win!
I think I know at least 2 Succubi who are less suspicious!
Sigvald takes note of the envoy, and immidiatly starks looking around to see if he is a cunning distraction.
Tertuccio smiles and says
"Sarah prefers to be a sanctuary to all and has avoided taking sides in what seems to be a proxy war. As you may know, we are way beyond the boundaries of Brevoy, who is not a river kingdom but insists on involving themselves in our business. Pitax has been a proud river kingdom for years. So I speak for the king of Pitax and all the river kingdoms uniting under our banner."
Saoirse feels Tertuccio seems to be trying to convince you of something he believes in.
"So here we are in the river kingdoms now. I have been told you are agents of Brevoy. We cannot have Brevoy meddling in our business. If you would like to join our alliance, we can even be friends."
"I wouldn't necessarily trust everything your sources tell you about our allegiances." Saoirse says with a conspiratorial wink. "But thank you for the warm-ish welcome." she finishes with a chuckle.
Before departing, Tertuccio hands Saoirse a business card with his name embossed on it and the new symbol of the URK.
{b]"We are close to Pitax, the gem of the river kingdoms. You may visit court to change your status. Well it was finally nice to meet you in person, I have to run."[/b]
He bows to Sarah Jean {b]"Miss Jean, a pleasure as always. Rejected twice in the same day, I will have to get over it."[/b]
It seemed Brightberry was content to leave this discussion to the Fleshbags, but suddenly he steps forward.
"Tertuccio, we know what it means to be friends with Brevoy, and the added bonuses that come with it. What would it mean to be friends with Pitax instead?
Saoirse accepts the card, taking a moment to study it before putting it in a pouch on her belt. The bard's ears perk up as he mentions rejection from Sarah Jean as well.
'So he tried to get his hooks into her as well...probably trying to sway her neutrality.'
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Once their latest “friend” was out of earshot, Remis blurted out what they must have all been thinking, “We are definitely going to be making an enemy of him when we take out that fort, huh?”
Edoom listens to the conversation, committing it to memory, but he has no dog in this hunt, and is content (For now) for working for the company that hired him.
Redleaf, Brightberry's familiar leaf leshy, approaches Edoom. Redleaf, true to his name, he has one red leaf in a forest of green,s browns, and yellows, located approximately where one might think his heart should be.
Out of earshot of the Tert.
Redleaf smiles at someone else he thinks he can finally talk to.
As far as I am concerned, I have met at least 3 different demons I considered least like to betray us than that Tartuccio guy, how about we pull an surprise reverse betrayal?
Edoom listens carefully to Brightberrys speech. It's a language he doesn't frequently use, but it came back quickly, and he had no issues understanding the statement.
Sylvan:
Remis swung his pack around on one shoulder so that it hung in front of his chest and pulled a simple leatherbound book from the bag, "I have my own, if you were not aware, and I imagine that you and I might have varying formulae given our, um, different backgrounds," he shifted his weight from one foot to the other and back before continuing, "I would consider it an honor if you would be open to trading. Maybe one for one?"
"Oh?" Tibold perks up as Remis makes his pitch. Interest has definitely entered his eyes. He eyes Remis' book with greed. "I imagine we may have much with which to collaborate!"
Tibold gladly accepts Remis' offer to exchange information on any unshared formulae.
Edoom listens carefully to Brightberrys speech. It's a language he doesn't frequently use, but it came back quickly, and he had no issues understanding the statement.
Sylvan: ** spoiler omitted **
Redleaf seems to smile, and then walks away to stand by himself again.
After the suspicious gnome leaves, Tibold overhears Redleaf's speech to the newest member of the group. He raises an eyebrow and then says very fluently,
He cocks his head, and continues,
He leans in closer to Redleaf and Edoom.
Once their latest “friend” was out of earshot, Remis blurted out what they must have all been thinking, “We are definitely going to be making an enemy of him when we take out that fort, huh?”
"Aye, that we will...I'd there's any evidence that it was us...if not, well,plausible deniability. They've got enemies aplenty who'd be glad to see their outpost burn." Saoirse replies.
Taking a moment to approach the druidess she considers her words. "So be it safe ta assume that he made a similar offer o' 'friendship'?"
A large owl arrives through a very large open window and perches on a large peg on the wall. Sarah Jean, the dwarven druidess, seems to stare into the owls eyes and share some exchange of thoughts.
"I have been approached by Brevan agents such as Jasper and Emerald as well as these United River Kingdom agents. I am equally distant from Pitax and the Brevan border in an delicate position. Although I have declared myself neutral, my sympathies lie with the United River Kingdom as they have the support of the indigenous people. Brevoy is offering titles to rule over lands that people and creatures have lived in somewhat peacefully for years."
Sarah Jean looks at Brightberry. "The fort nearby that was sacked clear cut trees to provide lines of sight for their archers and the lumber to build fortifications. But Jasper and Emerald are personal friends and are much nicer than any agents this URK has sent. But I will continue to be against those who do not leave nature alone, and the natural forces of this land are being greatly underestimated by Brevoy, this is for sure."
"Some of these are very interesting...oh! We both have that one! Well...while I'm tempted to spend the rest of my coin on materials. I think maybe just a couple."
"And of course, you are welcome to mine as well."
Remis nodded along as Sarah Jean spoke. He felt his pulse quicken at the mention of trees being cut down. Remis had never considered himself an outdoorsman and he understood that room had to be made for civilization but, he always felt a pang of sadness when more of the natural beauty of teh world was taken away.
"So, Brevoy is, essentially, the lesser of the evils as far as you are concerned?" remis asked. "And Pitax is fully expecting an attack."
Brightberry listens quietly. Finally, he responds "No. I think that the Brevoy representatives are nicer people, but pose the bigger threat to this land. If Pitax supports the indigenous peoples, then they are my people.". Another long pause. "Maybe we go along with Brevoy, and then double cross them, with Pitax in the loop."
I am from the worldwound, as far as invaders go it could be much worse.
Sigvald offers.
"Maybe not even that, just the convenient one on some of those we might consider friends are on that side. Perhaps once we've settled in the River Kingdoms proper, we might see things differently than we do now." Saoirse adds, thoughtfully.
"I think goin' with what benefits us for now, but keepin' in mind that that could easily change is a good idea."
"I would hate for us to gain a reputation as persons who cannot be trusted," Remis mused. "But I understand the notion." The half-elf flexed and cracked his knuckles as he pondered the idea.
"Nothing wrong with reassessin' once a better perspective brings new information." Saorise replies with a shrug.
Tibold's eyes narrow as the vice leshy switches sides without hesitation as soon as he feels Nature is better served through one master rather than the other. He had thought the two of them might become closer...at least until he solved the mystery of the Redleaf's power. Now he wasn't so sure. Deep down Tibold knew that his research was all about pushing life forward and advancing civilization. Having grown up on the frontier in a pioneer town, the entire purpose of his village's existence had been to tame the natural environment and expand the civilization of the humanoids in the settlement, increasing comfort and safety.
Science and alchemy...the concerns of nature had never been paramount for their success. Hmmm...
Tibold listens to others while leaning against the side of his wagon, his arms crossed. He mimics Saoirse's shrug and says,
"All on all, who we serve matters not to me. But I can't imagine Pitax willingly sharing the so-called Stolen Lands given their own desires for lordship of the area while Brevoy is trying to give it away."
The alchemist regards Brightberry. "If you really want to protect nature and prioritize it, choosing the path which will lead you to overseeing a realm of your own would go much farther than marching to anyone else's tune. No matter how attractive it seems right now."
Brightberry seems thoughtful as Tibold gives his opinion of taking a lemon and making lemonade out of Brevoy, and nods agreeingly.
Sarah Jean nods:
"It seems you are caught in the middle like I am. Both Jasper and Tertuccio are skilled agents that push their political agendas skillfully, and I have to carefully sift the truth from both sides.
I complained to Tertuccio about his secret hideout, and he has agreed once a secret hideout is discovered it is much less useful and will be transferring resources to appease me."
"Tertuccio is not a skilled woodsman, he is easy to track. But I expect he stopped to visit me on the way to the secret hideout. I have managed to keep neutral so far, but I started neutral. You have an obvious commitment to Brevoy and may take it more seriously than the other charter holders."
Back to Tertuccio. He responds to Brightberry.
”I can only offer membership in a league of river kingdoms. If you are negotiating for perks, that would come from a more established river nation like Pitax. As you have not accepted membership, if you reconsider or wish to negotiate, you may visit Pitax and present my card if you like. Or you can let Sarah Jean know, she seems to be able to find us even when we think we are hidden.”
“If we are still committed to the idea of taking on that Pitax fortification - which I still think may be beneficial to us in the long run - perhaps finding Terticcio’s cache of supplies and possible reinforcements would be a good first stop?”
Remis started to pull some equipment from his pack, “Sarah Jean is correct: It should not prove too difficult to track him. Especially if we work together.”
After Tertuccio leaves:
"Okay. We stick with Brevoy, follow Tert back to his base and ransack it, attack Pitax outpost, and set up a kingdom benefiting nature and it's local peaceful inhabitants. And then separate from Brevoy.". Brightberry sums up his understanding of the conversation, as he sees it, with hands on hip. A very comically confident posture.
"Or remain an ally, just one with stronger ties to the natural world. Jasper and Emerald have already withessed what nature's power can do, havin' friends who understand that things work differently in different places can be useful." Saoirse suggests.
"Sure!". He responds brightly.
Nature for me kind of means Gozreh, whom I dont particularly mind and who would be number four or five on my list of deities to worship if I wasnt a Gorrumite. She respects strength, just as nearly anyone else.
The group sets of, and tracking of Tertuccio is fairly easy except for two spots that involve solid packed ground or rocks.
As you arrive on the hill you see the only multistory building is the mining office you have the plans for. The top of the hill has been cleared, but the surrounding area of the hill is a thick forest that was used to log timbers to build the mine, but has since grown back.
You see an orog and six orcs moving to a long building in the south east part of the compound from the tree line far away.
Spot 1
Spot 2
"Oooh. Big orc again. Maybe a barracks? Do we hit the barracks or sneak into the office?"