".... However, a thought has occurred to me. If my comrades give a place to Sandralane, and she wishes to provide the healing of Sarenrae for free, which she very well might, I imagine that is a very easy way for her to win adherents.
I know that the faith of Abadar is spread far and wide, and coexists along that of Sarenrae in many lands. Have you any insights as to what I should do?"
"Not easily do the followers of the Dawnflower and the Master of the First Vault mix. The goddess is comparatively lax in her ledger-keeping and such indifference is not good for business. I will admit, I was against the inclusion of devotees of such foreign gods for this very reason, but politics is against us in this." the Archbanker says his eyes shifting to the Lord Mayor and Lord Orlovsky.
"We can but hope that the cold climate is not to their liking, and that they move on." he continues shifting his gaze back to Durgan.
As mid-day a passes, Durgan's superior Archbanker Barasav arrives in a beautiful white coach decorated in gold leaf. The aura of civility he gives off is in marked contrast to the previous guest.
Like the others he checks in, makes some small pleasantries (in particular with Durgan--though the Archbanker keeps it brief), and then leaves to attend to his company's lodging before returning for the night's feast.
The manor remains half-empty, with the only explorers present being Zokon's and Drelev's parties.
As usual the PCs can make one roll and open all of the following that apply. Durgan can just open these without a roll.
Knowledge (nobility or religion) DC 15:
The Archbanker is the recognized head of the Church of Abadar in Brevoy and the less structured surrounding lands (including Galt, all of the River Kingdoms, and eastern Numeria). In his position as Archbanker he is both wealthy and politically powerful.
Knowledge (nobility or religion) DC 25:
Barasav's long-term goals revolve around spreading his church's beliefs and organizational structure to all the northern lands that fall within his portfolio, but political instability in Brevoy itself constantly threaten to upend his plans.
"I thank you for your time and your support, Archbanker. I understand that the Lord Mayor will be holding some sort of celebration in honor of the exploratory groups. Perhaps I will see you there.
"Certainly."
Durgan Far-Walker wrote:
Zokon, do you have any questions or requests?"[/b]
The Archbanker looks pleasantly over at Zokon.
Zokon Santyev wrote:
"Thankyou Archbanker Siguard, I am sure the people of Avalon will benefit greatly from the prescense of the faithful of Abadar. I must warn you that I intend to give voice to at least three religions in the area, being the faiths of Abadar, Erastil and Sarenrae and I intend to show no bias for or against any. That will not preclude me from acknowledging the positive accomplishments and earning of goodwill of such faiths though. " Zokon stops before he goes any further as he knows he has a tendency to waffle
"Yes, well, of course."
sense motive DC 17:
The Archbanker's mood has slightly soured, even as his church's loan interest rates to Avalon have probably risen.
After some pleasantries the Archbanker sees both men to the door of his office shakes their hands and offers the blessing of Abadar upon them both. Then he suddenly remembers a bit of church business that he promises won't take long and invites Durgan back in.
"We won't be, but a moment." assures the Archbanker to Zokon.
Durgan:
The 'What's-all-this-about-Erastil-and-Sarenrae' discussion.
"Durgan. Let me be frank, while we in the church applaud diversity leaving one's door open to everyone can only invite chaos in as well."
(If for some reason Durgan did not make the DC for the sense motive spoiler above he can read it now.)
"It is important that a state--most especially a state born in the turbulent River Kingdoms--have a vision for the future, not only for themselves, but for their neighbors, and civilized people as a whole. Few if any kingdoms survive for very long in the lands you have claimed. You know that. You and your companions will need to bring all of your focus to bear on crafting this fledgling Avalon of yours. Too many voices might only serve to distract. Zokon seems a fine young man, but he is still a very young man, and will need your tempered guidance to see this project through. Do not let him down."
"We will speak more of this at the Mayor's ball."
Just before Durgan leaves the second time, Durgan Perception DC 15:
On the Archbanker's fastidiously neat desk, atop a stack of papers is a large folded piece of parchment. The paper was only folded recently and hasn't taken to its creases yet. One corner flutters up in a breeze just high enough to reveal something of its contents to Durgan. It is an architect's drawing of what one day might be a grand Abadarian cathedral.
"Greetings, Archbanker. May I present Zokon Santyev. Everything I have to say is for his ears as well; if there is any private Church business I would ask that we deal with it afterwards."
Durgan heads up to the office.
"Of course." says the Archbanker inviting the pair up to his sumptuous office. He shakes Durgan's and Zokon's hands at the door and waves them in. The place is large and comfortable looking with patterned, yellow, gold, and sepia stained-glass windows letting in a glorious diffusion of warm light. Barasav bids everyone else to be seated before taking his own seat behind his boat-sized desk.
Durgan Far-Walker wrote:
"I wasn't certain that I would make it here as quickly as the Magister, so I gave him a sealed letter to deliver."
The Archbanker produces his copy of the letter. "Yes. It seems all in good order."
The letter's 'Trade Goods' In-game, most of the possible claimants were either killed by the bandits (there are very few big trading houses in this neck of the woods--most merchants operate their own carts or caravans), or are simply not able to make a claim (travel and communication both being difficult in most medieval fantasy settings). This is not to say 'never' though. Basically, in meta game terms, the party gets to keep the wealth of trade goods they captured from the Stag Lord. Anything returned to a claimant is already accounted for (and you could assume that there would be one or two), unless said claimant actually comes forward in-game.
Durgan Far-Walker wrote:
Durgan adds, "Archbanker, if you have any concerns about our lenient treatment of the Stag Lord's men, I stand ready to answer for it as you see fit.
"Don't give it a second thought, Dugran. After all why waste good material."
Durgan Far-Walker wrote:
As to inclusion in the Charter, we will need ties to Brevoy to assure our patrons, but there is merit in not being too close. In order to keep the peace. Your home of Mivon might prefer that we were a bit more autonomous, and not fully subservient to the Dragonscale Throne. As well, the Free City of Restov might like that. I ask your advice in navigating these matters of politics."
"If I may be so bold, you have come to the right place." The Archbanker stands and paces to the window and looks out through a clear pane and over the city. "All the lands around us are in chaos. Brevoy, Mivon, Pitax, Galt, Numeria, and all of the other River Kingdoms. It is a constant battle every day to maintain the stability needed for rational people to survive and thrive to become something larger than themselves. To that end, we are prepared to help you become the shining beacon of hope that these war-weary north-lands have been aching for. I want you to know that you both may count upon the Vault of the Wealthy Father to aid you in taming the untamed vastness of this new discovered land."
Durgan greets the tithe taker. "May your ventures prosper." He puts a few coins in the box. At the tithe taker's presumed skeptical look, he adds, "I have a far more significant contribution to make."
"Who is the ranking Banker here at the moment? We have a matter of some importance to discuss."
"Why, I am, of course." says the Archbanker from a second floor balcony. "I did not expect to see you arrive for another day or two, Banker Far-Walker. Come up, so we may talk in the comfort of my office."
The Lord Mayor smoothly observes all the formal protocols.
"The Lord Mayor is one of the most knowledgeable and informed people I know. He has graciously granted you a private audience once our business is complete. We won't be but a moment." says Archbanker Barasav proudly.
The two excuse themselves to a sumptuous wood-paneled drawing room off the side of the main hall.
Front steps of the Grand Treasury (of Abadar) of Mivon
"Well, it will have to do." says the archbanker to Durgan in regards to the other's attire.
A carriage arrives to pick them both up and then rides across town out the eastern gates and across a tall stone bridge and into the castle that overlooks the town.
Mivon Castle
"Now be careful. And mind what you say." warns the archbanker.
Footmen arrive to usher the pair in to a grand hall with overlooking mezzanine. The room is filled with noble party goers, servants and entertainers. Chamber music resonates through the warmly lit space.
Front steps of the Grand Treasury (of Abadar) of Mivon
The archbanker is polite but formal.
Durgan Far-Walker wrote:
I have two matters on which I would seek your advice. First, can you advise on respectable merchants and inns? Those least likely to cheat their clientele. I don't spend much time here in Mivon.
Second, I was wondering if any of our brethren had ever made report of a creature of the swamps called a nuckelavee. Looks like a flayed horse and rider joined together. I'd like to learn more about it...."
"Whatever for man? It sounds horrible. This is what comes from straying too far from civilization. If this was a thing that was native to Mivon then there is one who would certainly know." The Archbanker pauses and looks about. "And I just so happen to be meeting with him for dinner this evening. That, and I think that he would be very much be interested in meeting you. However, I would tossed out on my purse if I were to take you as you are, Durgan. Can you clean up, and attend me here within the hour? I should have a copy of the Commerce Guild membership list for you by then as well."
Front steps of the Grand Treasury (of Abadar) of Mivon
"Well, if is isn't our wayward evangel--Durgan. What brings from your missionary wandering in the hinterlands back to civilization? A bath and change of clothes I hope." Says the man dressed in Archbankers's regalia near the top step. He smiles fondly. He steps away from a cluster of lesser functionaries and heads down the steps to greet Durgan and now the dwarf can see it is Siuard Barasav a compatriot from his time in the fortress city of Kenebras in Mendev where he served the order of Justicars as a Junior Lay-Clerk and then as an ordained Banker.
