"If i may, as we have not been introduced. I take it you are lord Aristide? Nice to make your acquaintance, sir."
"I have not heard of Sogg or locathah before. What kind of a people are they?"
"Please forgive my oversight. There is much on my mind as of late. Valdemir Aristide, formerly and regrettably of Corentyn, at your service. I also hope you won't mind terribly if I don't rise to formally greet you," he says, gesturing towards his abbreviated legs, his trousers hanging slack below the knees, while wearing a rakish smile that indicates that his disability is no sore spot for him.
"Anyhow, The Sogg is what our settlers have taken to calling the swampy forest that stretches southward, on the far side of the river. It is where our friends here discovered Sargon and his 'father's' lair.
"As for the locathah, they are the fishfolk who live just offshore from here. They introduced themselves some weeks back after discovering that we had settled here. They have been astoundingly friendly. If not for their rather marked odor when on land, they would be perfect neighbors."
Aristide also goes on to explain that Mother Shimmerscale is the matriarch of the locathah settlement, and that she has eagerly visited Haven a handful of times herself, rather than working through representatives.
"She behaves like a surrogate grandmother, albeit one with the face of a carp."
Since food is the looming crisis, Aristide cautions against using fish as a trade good for now.
"Putting aside for now the treasure from Barthazar's hoard, we still have a few potential trade goods. Lena and Seraphina have suggested recovering Kaskkari artifacts from the ruins around us; the Padishah Empire has many antiquarians and collectors, so it shouldn't be too difficult to convince visiting Keleshite merchants to purchase them.
"Kalig and Soraya also speculate that the Sogg, across the river, may contain rare woods, herbs, and spices. Of course, we would need to send an expedition to locate, confirm, and collect such things. Considering that Miss Mia's new animal companion is but a juvenile specimen of the type of creatures inhabiting the swamps, this could be dangerous.
"Our hunters have also pointed out the bison and other large beasts living in close proximity to Haven. Besides being a source of food themselves, they offer the potential for rare hides, pelts, and ivory to trade. Miss Kalig seemed...less than pleased with the notion. Of course, I think the bigger risk would be angering the Hill Tribe of centaurs.
"Lastly, after speaking with Mother Shimmerscale, it seems that our locathah neighbors are keen to trade for metalwork and pottery, which their aquatic home makes difficult to produce themselves. Furthermore, it seems they consider tubers to be a delicacy. Thus, we could trade from the supplies of potatoes we brought along for a larger amount of fish and other seafood."
"Regarding religion," Aristide offers, "I believe that the faiths of Erastil, Abadar, Iomedae, and Shelyn are represented among our own settlers. I cannot be certain of those from Borjan's party. The need for secrecy when organizing the expedition meant recruiting clergy was particularly difficult. It was conversely, and thankfully, much easier to recruit those more attuned to the natural world, such as Misses Mia, Kalig, and Soraya."
Aristide names two lay clergy who arrived as part of the second wave of settlers. The first is Brother Martin, an Erastilian monk who, though well versed in the tenets and lore of his faith, has far more talent as an apprentice baker than a spell-casting priest. The second is Dame Ladica, a Iomedaean warrior priestess
"When she met with me, she was quite upfront - blunt even - about being both exiled from Taldor and cast out from her church for supporting Princess Eutropia's bid for the Primogen Crown."
"Even putting aside talk of dragons, there is another power we will have to contend with sooner or later. That Keleshite patrol cutter that visited some time ago will have likely reported back to its home port by now, so someone in the Padishah Empire now knows we have settled here.
"Fortunately, based on my understanding of Keleshite politics, it is highly unlikely that we will find ourselves the target of a military subjugation. Instead, we can expect representatives from one of their satraps or numerous merchant houses to arrive, aiming to broker trade deals and lay the foundations of political and economic influence."
"Young Sargon guided a party across the river and into the swamp to the stores you liberated from the ogres," Aristide clarifies. "Can't exactly say I'm keen to dine upon what a swamp-dwelling ogre considers edible, but we are in no position to be choosy. Still, even the amount of food that would satisfy a trio of ogres would only last our hundred or so settlers for a week or two at best."
Aristide also explains that he did not ask Sargon to pilfer any of his "father's" treasure, lest Haven incur the older dragon's wrath.
"Unless, of course, you have a plan for dealing with this Barthazar."
"Savor your drinks. We may not be able to brew any more for a time," Aristide says, trying but failing to not sound grim. "Our next challenge will be ensuring we have enough food for everyone.
"When we first set out from Stoneriver, our caravan carried enough food for the journey across the Whistling Plains and then to get through our first winter here on the Castrovin coast. Even when Harkan and his kin joined us, it did not overburden our provisions, especially once we earned the friendship of the leshys.
"However, once our second wave of settlers came downriver, our problems began. We had planned to wait until at least next spring to send for them, after our first successful harvests."
He tries to maintain his composure, but despite himself, Aristide cradles the side of his head in his palm and drops a groan.
"We should not begrudge the Brightshields. They bought as much hospitality from their kin and their hold for our people as they could, but I had not anticipated our people being removed from Stoneriver so soon. The Brightshields sent along some supplementary supplies, but it is not enough.
"Our situation was already precarious, but now that we also have Borjan's former followers in our care...as it stands, even with tight rationing, we will not have enough food to last the winter."
Aristide's attendants ferry him to the inn to better meet with you in private.
"I extended invitations to some of our other prominent citizens, but they declined. Harkan and Fendir thought it best to keep an eye on their kin, protecting them from the new arrivals, and vice versa. Kalig, Lena, and Valentina likewise declined their invitations. I suspect they would prefer to leave leadership in your hands," he adds with a wry smile.
He also notes that Noemie's natural charm endears her to the new arrivals, and she is able to gather some basic census information about them.
This might be a good opportunity for any of our new PCs to enter the inn and introduce themselves. Maybe you were among the newly arrived Galtans, or maybe you were part of the previous waves of settlers but have decided now's the time to step up.
Also, if any of you want to try developing any of our NPCs, either as part of your backstory or for RP purposes, please feel free to do so.
"I would think that would be obvious," Aristide says with a wan smile. He clarifies his thoughts by gesturing towards the party.
"By this point, your service to Haven has outstripped my own by leaps and bounds. I think many of our residents already look to you for leadership far more than they do me. And as for our new arrivals...well, considering that you are the ones who've secured them sanctuary, they'd undoubtedly look to no one else for leadership."
"My worry," Aristide begins, clearly weighed down by his thoughts, "is that these new arrivals, even if they are willing to become peaceable citizens of Haven, would never accept me as their leader. I have no doubt that Borjan told them certain details about me and my family, and though he may have exaggerated things, even the truth is enough to cast me as a villain in their eyes."
He looks towards the crowd of expats. They keep to themselves and remain cagey around the other Haven residents as the transition remains tense.
"I wasn't born in Galt. When the Revolution fell upon Galt, my great grandfather spirited the whole family away to Cheliax, where he had cousins and business contacts. It was there that I was born, after our family spent about a generation building back its fortunes. I was almost a man by the time I learned how they did it.
"From the Obari Ocean and across the Inner Sea, my kin trafficked in slaves," Aristide states, grim and solemn.
"I know not how many souls were kept in bondage for my family's enrichment, but it weighs upon my own soul like a lodestone. When I reached adulthood, I began planning how to sever myself from my family's foul enterprise.
"It was whilst studying at Almas University that I first conceived of this expedition. Living in Andoran, sandwiched between Cheliax and Galt, was a perfect metaphor for my life then. I couldn't return to my family's ancestral homeland without being lynched by the mob for being a noble, and neither could I return to Cheliax, lest my kin force me to sell my soul and join the family business. When my father and uncle died, it was almost a mercy.
"No sooner did I inherit the family fortune and title than I set about disposing of it all. I sold off every bit of physical property and real estate. I freed every last slave under our control and did my best to return them home. Then I fled to Stoneriver, to avail myself of the hospitality of the Brightshields, who I had met during my time in Almas. I then dedicated myself to putting together this expedition."
Aristide sighs heavily when you make your report, but the relief is plain to see upon his face.
"I know not what to say. You have done what I thought impossible. I never believed that even Borjan's death could save his followers from his venomous lies. And to have destroyed his accursed Final Blade, no less?
"Friends, you do not provide service to Haven, you provide miracles."
He looks towards the crowd of expats, and the look of serene relief flees from the viscount's face.
"I would seek your counsel, friends. Would you think it wise if I were to address them?"
Aristide arranges for caltrops to quickly be crafted from odd bits of wood and bent, discarded nails. Bits of cast off meat, not fit for the settlers, is made available to distract the mob's animals.
Soraya offers to see if she can put together a couple smoke bombs before you venture off.
My apologies for the delay in posting. The short explanation is RL issues related to the new baby.
"For what it's worth, my understanding is that Keleshite royal family are apt to provide a considerable amount of autonomy to their farther flung vassals. As long as they get to chart more territory within their borders, they are content to apply a very light hand. In fact, given how remote we are, they may be pleased to be able to leave governance to us.
"Of course, I dare not make such a decision without the consent of our people."
As the subject changes, Aristide is intrigued by Kalig's suggestion. After quietly mulling the idea for a moment, he gives his blessing and promises to make food available for the effort.
"Frankly, it would be a surprise if Borjan arrives here at any strength," Aristide sighs. "He has always been adept at social manipulation. Logistics, on the other hand...
"Our caravan from Stoneriver was the culmination of years of planning. I invested the last of my family's lingering wealth, called in every favor owed to our house, and received far more support from the Brightshield twins than I could have hoped for.
"By contrast, on the eve of Taldor's invasion of Galt, the extent of Borjan's preparations was probably little more than whipping his followers into a frenzy, ordering them to grab whatever they could carry, and promising them victory over the traitors who abandoned Galt for the east."
Aristide taps himself on the chest as he describes the "enemy" that Borjan has constructed for his mob.
"They will be hungry, tired, and desperate. Ordinarily, this would leave them at their most vulnerable. With Borjan's rhetoric pouring into their ears like venom, though...despite all they have been put through, they may yet fight against us like cornered beasts."
Ultimately, Aristide sees the outcome boiling down to one of two possibilities: slaying Borjan to remove his influence from his followers and hope this breaks his metaphorical spell upon them, or attempt to best him at his own game by persuading his followers away from his misguidance.
"The other matter we need to consider is the Padishah Empire. We will likely have more Keleshite ships arriving soon, perhaps even before Borjan arrives. While there will undoubtedly be traders among them, there may also be political emissaries seeking to establish a foothold here at Haven. If not for individual noble or merchant houses, they may represent the emperor or his satraps and make an offer of vassalage."
"Sir Dorick has informed me of the success you found in the Sogg," the Viscount says. "With the treasures you've recovered, we will have no trouble buying supplies from Keleshite traders to get our unexpectedly large population through our first winter. Likewise, it would provide the funds with which to buy an alliance - even if only temporary - with the more warlike hill tribes of centaurs in the region."
He strokes his chin, deep in thought.
"If we were fighting an entire war over a large territory, then a scorched ground policy would make tactical sense. However, since we have but a single battle looming, fought over the only home left to us, I would prefer that not a single acre of land be burned or salted.
"It weighs heavily upon my heart, but our new friend, Ivan, may have the right of it: cutting off the head of the serpent. Borjan's fiery rhetoric may be all that's keeping this mob together over these trackless miles. If we were back in Galt, I'd worry that making a martyr of him would only invite violent reprisals from yet more mobs. However, since his followers are limited in number and likely low on morale, the Bloody Baron's death might force them to concede and accept our olive branch out here, at the world's end."
"You are correct," Aristide tells Kalig. "It has been a generation or two since Galt had a proper army, and I suspect whatever may have passed for one has been swept aside by Taldor. Borjan, like so many of Galt's demagogues, relies on whipping ordinary people into a frenzy, convincing them that they need to rise up against whatever enemy was convenient for him: intellectuals, immigrants, non-humans.
"Sadly, I've seen so many otherwise ordinary people fall into a cult-like fervor as they carry out the will of men like Borjan. That is the only reason why he has been able to convince so many people to uproot their entire lives and drag their families, ill-prepared, across the Whistling Plains.
"These children are not soldiers. They are merely swept along by their parents' misguided crusade, which may be just as tragic."
"Lady Brightshield sent me a magical missive whilst you were gone, providing some information on Borjan's group," Aristide announces. "They number approximately 60 adults, with perhaps half as many children. They will arrive in nine days."
"Yes, I'd heard that a new face arrived in Haven," the Viscount muses. "It seemed quite hard to believe, given our remote location, yet the proof stands right before me. In fact, just at a glance, I can see that the wilds may have more to fear from him than the other way around."
Thus, the ostensible leader of Haven, Viscount Valdemir Aristide, introduces himself to Ivan.
"If you intend to put down roots here - and make no mistake, I have no opposition to the notion - you should be aware of the trouble somewhat literally on the horizon. A violent demagogue by the name of Borjan approaches with a mob of Galtan exiles, intent on transplanting their bloody anarchy and transforming Haven into some New Galt.
"My trusted councilors here, whom you've already met, believe that the situation can be resolved without bloodshed. Nevertheless, I am familiar with Borjan, and there are no treacheries that I can imagine being beneath him. He has rightly earned his epithet, the Bloody Baron."
@Kalig - thank you for naming the potter. I actually appreciate that you took the initiative to flesh out one of our NPCs like that.
When talk turns to finding someone skilled at butchery to cut and preserve meat for Haven, Fendir and Harkan exchange sharp looks. The pair seem to be wordlessly daring the other to speak up first, volunteering one of their kin for the job, so they can then contradict their counterpart.
"Trade with the locathah has been slow to start," Aristide explains. "It would be erroneous to claim that our people simply remain...skeptical of these peculiar neighbors, but that is a contributing factor. However, I think the real issue is that most of our people continue to stockpile their goods rather than offering them up for trade, even though they might get more that way."
The viscount commends Kalig's mind towards industry. Brewing or distilling, however, would take time to yield results, and in the process would consume grain or fruit. Hides, furs, pelts, and similar animal products from the region might be a better alternative.
"The empire's markets always hunger for interesting new products," he confirms. "Of course, we might risk incurring the wrath of the hill centaurs if we begin hunting what they see as 'their' animals."
"I have thought about the Keleshite traders, as well," Aristide adds in reply to Kalig's suggestions. "Canny traders, they would suspect that a newly founded settlement would need extra food to survive its first winter. My one concern would be whether we have enough money to purchase all that we need.
"Another possibility is trade with the locathah. They expressed interest in tubers and pottery, both of which we either have in our stores or can easily produce. With their help, we could rely upon the bounty of the sea to get through the winter."
Aristide sighs before addressing the topic of Borjan and his followers again.
"I would rather feed our countrymen than kill them. I do not want to see them sacrificed in needless bloodshed, even for survival."
"We have but four weeks at most to prepare," the viscount declares, "and prepare we must."
In turn, Aristide addresses each of you and humbly makes a request, calling upon your talents to ready Haven for what may come.
"Sir Dorick, I am pleased by your efforts to assemble and train a militia to protect us from threats. Do not run them too ragged, but it may be wise to redouble your efforts at drilling them. We must make sure they are ready to defend what we have built, should the worst come to pass."
"Mia and Kalig, our best hopes at taming and living in harmony with this new land have always been in your hands. I am loathe to turn your gifts to war, but would it be within your power to create natural defenses, such as earthen berms or briars to restrict hostile advance? We may also want to visit our leshy friends to see if they could help improve our first harvest. If we coax these newcomers away from Borjan's influence, we will suddenly have yet more mouths to feed."
"Francoix, I must ask of you perhaps the most regrettable of favors. You are the most genial person in all of Haven, and you've built up a connection with almost everyone in our community. Please keep your eyes and ears open for any other lurking serpents like Hatha. There is too much at stake to not be cautious."
Kalig's illumination brightens the viscount's face by a shade.
"Of course!" he gasps in awe. "How else could that cad have survived those hidden hunters for so long? He was turning their own bloody game against them. This provides a glimmer of hope, but the situation remains treacherous nonetheless.
"You are correct. As new neighbors, asking the locathath to fight would be outright folly - even more so the leshys, given how...poorly figured they are for war. While the centaur tribes could likely be recruited as mercenary allies, we would need to countenance what could be spared as payment.
"If we could make this a battle of words and rescue our former countrymen from Borjan's vile rhetoric, that would spare so much bloodshed. It would also be the end of his malignant career of demagoguery."
"Despite my infirmity, I have never felt like half a man. That changes here, now that I feel so impotent to stop such reckless hate and fear. I'd trade everything left to my name to welcome our former countrymen as long-lost friends rather than invaders. I've learned that life is scarcely so kind, however.
"Our centaur neighbors, regardless of tribe, would be good allies. Another one of the Bloody Baron's delightful traits is his abhorrence for non-humans. From the tales I've heard of his exploits, he was always keen to direct his followers' bloodlust against elves and so-called 'half-bloods'."
He pauses to cast an apologetic look towards Kalig, wordlessly begging her pardon.
"If he were to plant his bitter roots in our land here, he would soon turn his followers upon the slaughter of the centaurs and locathah. He slakes their bloodlust, and it overcomes their reason more potently than pesh or opium. Thus he keeps them in his almost magical thrall."
Aristide buries his face in his hand, frustrated by the looming situation.
Knowledge (Local or Nobility) DC 20:
There is one more paranoia of Baron Borjan that Aristide is overlooking.
Back in Galt, it was widely rumored that this demagogue has a deep distrust and even hatred for the Gray Gardeners. Despite his claims to be a man of the people, Borjan plays a dangerous game: living like a noble while disguising that's what he's doing. The Gray Gardeners, of course, would never tolerate such a thing.
Thus, the carefully whispered rumors back in Galt claim that whenever Borjan builds up his base of supporters, he quietly ferrets out the identities of local Gardeners and has them eliminated, lest they threaten his own power and life. Therefore, it seems unlikely that there would be many - if any - surviving Gray Gardeners left among the group he leads. His followers will likely be just ordinary albeit misguided Galtans.
"I almost wish you had named any other man," the viscount groans, planting his chin in his hand like a stake in the ground.
"Few men better embody the danger and hypocrisy of the Red Revolution than the Bloody Baron.
"He is terribly skilled at manipulating the mob. He earns their loyalty by fostering their fear and anger. He distracts from his own vices and crimes by casting accusations at others. He simultaneously disavows his noble roots while relishing how they still call him baron."
Aristide pauses his explanation to sigh heavily.
"Borjan is a dangerous man. I cannot overstate that. As long as he stands among them, it may be impossible to reason with the wave of Galtan expatriates coming our way."
The calving is not the last favor Kalig is approached with that day, though it is thankfully the only difficult task. The other requests are largely other farmers asking for blessings upon their land, as well as newcomers asking for advice on the best crops to plant in this unfamiliar soil.
Once the party is reunited in Haven, it comes as no surprise when you are summoned before Viscount Aristide again.
"I would much rather discuss all the good that we have accomplished," he laments. "The first fields are plowed and sown. Most of our people have houses that will see them through the rough seasons. We've even made cordial contact with the Keleshites and locathah. I truly wish we did not have to meet as though assembling a war council."
He bids Gustav fetch him a drink of water. The viscount irrigates his throat before continuing with the dire business.
"During her questioning, Hatha revealed she had sent a message back with the dwarves. At the time, this was hardly unusual. A few settlers sent letters to family back home. We can assume that, rather than family, hers was a letter destined for her fellow anarchists. There is no telling how quickly they may organize, but it would take at least three weeks - and likely closer to four - for them to make the crossing and arrive here.
"Did Hatha speak anything else that might offer a clue regarding her compatriots?"
Aristide groans and rubs his head, sharing Kalig's frustration.
"I am glad I dismissed Hatha. I would not want to give her the satisfaction of watching our struggle to decide her fate."
He sighs, and his eyes rove across you, his close advisers and allies.
"If I were to pronounce exile as her punishment, would you dear souls be good enough to escort her far north, to the forested fringe of Iobaria, and deposit her there? I will quietly inform our guards, as well as Fendir and Harkan, to watch carefully for her return in the days to come."
As Dorick reenters the inn, Hatha is escorted out by Hovant, Buckel, and Crookshanks.
"My first thought was exile on pain of death," the viscount begins. "However, Miss Kalig has suggested the possibility of indentured servitude as punishment. In the meantime, I had our guards take our murderess to be secured until her fate can be decided. I did not want her present to taunt us, lest she goad us into taking an action we might regret."
"Indentured servitude?" Aristide muses, moving his hand from his temple to his chin as he mulls the idea. In an echo of Francoix's thoughts, he adds, "It is true that I am reluctant to condone an execution. After all, we all hoped to leave the memory of the final blades in Galt well and truly behind us. Then again, with forced labor, I also don't want to stray down the path of Cheliax and allow slavery."
He slaps a hand upon his thigh, above his abbreviated knee.
"Gustav, please fetch Sir Dorick. His input upon the matter of punishment is paramount. Furthermore...Hovant," he says, directing his attention now to his bodyguard, as well as Mr. Buckel and Ms. Crookshanks, "Please find a safe place to secure this butcher and keep watch over her. She has been privy to enough of our deliberations."
Outside, Dorick:
"Thank you for your sympathy, but your deeds have done far more for me and my family."
He sighs heavily and keeps his eyes trained on the darkness.
"Please pardon me as a tarry. I am now simply putting off the dreaded task of facing the rest of my family, especially my grandchildren. They will so miss their dear uncle."
Your conversation with d'Beranza is interrupted as the viscount's steward emerges and asks you to rejoin the meeting within the inn.
"Appointing a sheriff might be a good, long overdue idea," the viscount muses. "With all due respect to those of you present, Sir Dorick is the first candidate to come to mind.
"Francoix, my good man, you are a close second, but I imagine the duty would conflict with the business you are founding."
Aristide taps the side of his head, thinking.
"I would also propose exiling this butcher, but I worry that she may linger to harry us in the night. Of course, Fendir and Harkan's kin would, presumably, gladly keep watch for her deadly mischief, especially considering how she tried to frame them for her own heinous deeds"
My sincere apologies for the long delay. I imagine most if not all of us are dealing with a bit of chaos in our lives as of late.
"We will need to watch her closely, lest this butcher harm any more of our dear souls and further demonstrate her utter lack of one," the viscount announces coldly, leveling his own judging glare at Hatha.
"We will need time to carefully consider what form our justice will take. For now, I think it most prudent to tend to our more decent neighbors, allay their fears and allow them to rest at least somewhat soundly."
"Before we settle her fate, I have one more pressing question," Aristide states with a trembling hand raised to call for calm and quiet. "What did you mean when you said 'we would be reminded' that we were citizens of Galt, even though that is no longer true?"
"Your concern is well merited," the Viscount replies to Francoix. He closes a book, evidently studying up on Kelish, to intently consider the future innkeeper's suggestion.
"Admittedly, I feel a slight reluctance to decree where people can and cannot live. That does seem to sabotage the frontier spirit, does it not? Also, considering how many of us trace our roots back to Galt, although we disown the anarchy, the spirit of freedom itself is hard to part with.
"At this point in our endeavor, I daresay that you and your compatriots have overshadowed me in terms of contributions to our Haven. Thus, the settlers will likely heed you better than me. You have my blessing to attempt this plan, if that is what you seek.
"Consider that your own inn could serve as a focal point. Whether human, hobgoblin, or orc - I doubt any of our settlers would turn up their nose at being neighbors to the smells of your kitchen."
Four dozen stout oxen accompanied the caravan of settlers eastward, pulling the heavily laden wagons. Upon arrival and once the stacks of lumber and stone were distributed, Viscount Aristide divided the lion's share of the herd among the farmers and herders of Haven, as well as bequeathing a few to Lord d'Beranza, Harcourb, and the new town's resident carpenter and mason.
"The three oxen belonged to Gerla Hadondottir. She was a first generation Ulfen immigrant to Galt, but it was not long before her parents fell to the mob. Gerla's plight moved me, hence why I recruited her for the expedition. Now this has befallen her," Aristide groans, briefly rubbing his forehead. "It is a terrible shame."
When led to the scene of the attack, Kalig immediately makes several key observations. A large, roughly circular patch of disturbed earth, about twenty feet across, sits at the center of the attack. At first glance, it appears as though the ground collapsed, as though by a small sinkhole. However, a more thorough examination reveals a shower of dirt clods and small stones across a wider area, suggesting that something exploded outward from beneath the surface.
Kalig:
You identify the tracks of a very heavy quadrupedal predator around the scene of the attack. These tracks can be distinguished from the dead oxen's hoofprints because they are characterized by five clawed digits. Despite its evident size, the beast moved quickly as the three oxen were slain in close proximity, evidence by the distribution of bone fragments and how the blood splatters are arrayed on the knee-high grasses.
Your high Survival check will provide you with a +2 bonus on the Knowledge check to identify the culprit.
Other party members can also benefit from this if you share these details.
"I rue whenever I must summon you with ill tidings rather than celebration," Aristide begins, clearly worried by whatever is on his mind. "Sparing any more preamble, there is one or more predators that must be hunted. Overnight, three whole oxen were taken, leaving little but blood, fur, and fragments of bone behind. The timing is especially poor. Our people's families will be joining us in less than a week, and yet such a voracious hunger now preys upon us."
Dorick's liege mulls the idea carefully, rubbing his closely shaven chin as though considering the next move in a game of chess. His eyes remain upon Captain al-Shirin, who in turn also eyes the viscount.
"The good captain has her eyes set socially upward," Aristide muses quietly. "She hopes to either secure a new vassal for the empire, or at the very least a new trading contact for her family, and earn prestige for herself in the process."
Aristide turns a wan, knowing smile to Dorick and the other nearby party members.
"She puts on airs, hoping we believe that she speaks from a position of power." Aristide shakes his head. "She and her crew pose no threat, so don't let her subtly insinuate otherwise. Nevertheless, I would hope that we can establish a cordial working relationship.
"I will let you and your comrades continue the overtures with Captain al-Shirin," Aristide instructs Dorick and the party. "I believe you have already established a rapport with her, and I would like you to practice your diplomatic talents. If we're to come to the attention of Keleshite, Vudran, or even Tian traders and travelers, I will likely have need of your future services as envoys."
"Of course, Aristide. Can you speak the Kelish tongue yourself?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot," Aristide admits, looking a tad sheepish. "I studied the Shoanti tongue during a brief spot of adventuring on the Storval Plateau in my youth, and I am well versed in the Dwarven language, as my long friendship with the Brightshield twins might suggest.
"In fact, up until now, I've never had significant dealings with anyone of Kelish descent," he speaks from his chair, watching the distant rowboat closing with the shore. "I believe it would be prudent to defer to you, my cosmopolitan friends, in this meeting."
The Kelish ship draws closer to shore, sparking a commotion among the settlers of Haven. Many are fearful, based on the empire's reputation for expansion and the history of conflict between Qadira and Taldor. Harcourb, the caravan master, instead preaches optimism - speaking of the potential for trade with the Kelishites.
The patrol ship soon drops anchor and dispatches a ship's boat, laden with a landing party. In response, Viscount Aristide asks you to accompany him and serves as envoys.
"And defenders, if it should come to that," he adds with quiet solemnity.
"I fear there may be a misunderstanding," Aristide says with a laugh. "I mean to say that the barges will float downriver and land right here, beside our settlement. Lady Brightshield and her personal guards will be able to protect our people on their journey, just as her magic helps them navigate even seemingly insurmountable obstacles."
Kalig:
The warrior, Rhork, responds quite well to your flattery, and he lets slip that Harkan knows about the door but has forbidden them from tampering with it.
"He's just afraid of what he can't see," Rhork declares, perhaps oversimplifying the orc leader's concern. "I know no fear."
As for the symbol itself, you aren't familiar with anything comparable from Avistan, leading you to conclude that it is specific to Kaskkari and perhaps Ninshabur. Speaking with Lena and other historically minded settlers, you've learned that these ancient people revered winged beasts, such as the lammasu. This symbol might be some seal, meant to call upon such a creature or a god that it serves to grant its boon upon the door and what lies beyond.
"My one concern is the waterfall and canyon lake, which would surely pose a terrible obstacle to any barge. I've warned Lady Brightshield about its presence midway along the river, but she's promised me that her magic can get them through this obstacle.
"As it stands, it seems we'll simply need to meet them right down there," Aristide says, pointing down to where the ground slopes away towards the river's edge. "The Brightshield twins are still gathering all the supplies they can muster for us, but they should arrive within a fortnight."
Kalig:
The impetuous orc bravo describes a thick door shaped from sandstone set in a broad, lintel-topped frame. There is no sign of handle or rung, and he guesses the door is meant to be pushed open, but it offers nothing but resistance to even the strongest among them - which he strongly insinuates is himself.
The only carving upon it depicts a circle set with wings and horns like spokes on a wheel.
"Lady Brightshield and her brother remain our friends despite this turn of events," Aristide assures the party, looking to Kalig in particular. "Their position as the thane's representatives leaves them in a bind. I'm not saying this makes it easy for me to accept this change, but I can at least understand their dilemma.
"Nevertheless, they always had a plan in place to keep our people safe. Lady Brightshield will personally lead a set of barges down the river, bringing our people and some additional supplies. Once they arrive and disembark, she will use her magic to transport her group back to Stoneriver."
Kalig:
Your well-chosen approach quickly endears you to the orc-kin. Even if you are not of their tribe or bloodline, they still find a comforting familiarity with your presence.
One of the younger warriors boasts about how he's trying to open a sealed door in one of the cellar chambers. He speaks of the treasure he imagines waiting beyond, a sentiment that draws awed looks and even cheers from the children near at hand. However, you get the sense that this adventurous, risky course of action is counter to what Harkan has commanded.
"Yes, I would very much appreciate if you would check on them," Aristide says softly. "I worry that he is too proud and his kin are too wary for them to ask for help when needed. What's more, the description of what you found in the ruins to the north only reminds me of how untested the ruins on Temple Hill are."
Dorick:
Aristide looks upon you and hears your vow first with a look of surprise, but this quickly fades into an expression of fatherly pride.
"Of course, and without hesitation do I accept your pledge. After all you have done for us, to do otherwise would be the act of a damned fool."
Aristide gestures for his guard, Hovant, to pass him his sword. He draws the blade and touches it upon your shoulders.
"Although we'll be forging new traditions for ourselves out here, I've always been fond of this one. It's an image that fascinated me since boyhood," he says as he finishes your knighting. "Now then, please arise, Sir Dorick. Serve your liege and your community with honor and integrity, but I suspect that you would do no less no matter what."
"Taldor seeks to reclaim its wayward province. At least that is how it appears. With the vast, open distance between us, it is hard to keep abreast with Taldan politics these days. If I had to hazard a guess, though, I would say that the old Grand Prince has died and his successor is of a bolder, more militaristic bearing.
"Despite lingering, wistful memories many among us may hold dear, this tide of war would normally have no impact on us. However, our dwarven allies at Stoneriver are not so fortunately removed. They've remained largely withdrawn from the affairs of men for several generations, making a rare exception on our behalf.
"Lady Brightshield spoke of unrest among her people. They fear being drawn into this war by either side. This has caused their hospitality to run dry, and the families of our people left behind in their care have been firmly asked to depart immediately. I had hoped to have another season or two to build our infrastructure, even perhaps bringing in our first harvest, before sending for the rest of our settlers."
Aristide's steward, Gustav, quietly approaches each of you one morning, about a week after the logging expedition. He indicates that the Viscount would like to speak with you about a sensitive matter.
"Thank you, dear friends, for meeting with me," Aristide speaks to you. He sits in his chair, set upon a small knoll overlooking the river
"As I mentioned, our dwarven allies keep in contact with me through magic. Well, Lady Brightshield reached out to me last night, and unfortunately she brought ill tidings from home."
He pauses, steeling his nerve, before saying any more.
"If war is inevitable, we will need to build up our defenses and perhaps seek allies," Aristide speaks with a creeping sense of finality. "With no offense intended, I doubt whether our locathah neighbors are adept warriors. The leshys of the ziggurat, even less so. I am all the more grateful to have both Fendir and Harkan's kin with us. We just need to ensure that prejudices don't flare up and incite conflict among our own people."
Mia's check produces 4 units of capital, and Soraya's produces 2 units of capital.
This Downtime period will be one week. Select a skill to use to generate Capital (Craft: Alchemy or Profession: Alchemist would be best). We'll say that each herbal concoction/potion you contribute to the town will add 2 to the roll. For projects, the Rooms and Buildings Guide link at the top of the page details the types of things you can build. On the first tab, the purple columns indicate how much capital is required for that structure.
"Hmm, if we have no choice but to take sides, I fear that we will have to align ourselves with the Hill Tribe," the Viscount gravely replies.
"Although the Sea Cliff centaurs provided aid and insight into hunting the local herds, we will need the Hill Tribe's aegis to continue logging along the northern forest. More crucially, if they are as powerful as we have been led to believe, then I don't think we could stand against them and survive."
Talk of the dwarves and housing lifts Aristide's mood.
"Lady Freya, one of the thane's advisors, keeps in contact with me through her magic. Typically, she will send messages that reach me through dreams.
"As for the matter of communal housing, I think that is a fine idea to pursue."
"What's more, thanks to the help you've all provided, almost everyone had ample shelter from our first storm today," the Viscount announces with a renewed smile.
"Harkan and his kin have taken residence in some shallow ruins up on Temple Hill. However, Fendir's tribe are still largely living in tents since they've focused so single-mindedly on the defensive wall. While our community is grateful for the effort, I worry that some of his kin are growing frustrated."
Aristide looks around briefly before continuing, in a slightly hushed tone.
"Tongues have begun to wag that one of Fendir's wives is with child, so that may also be incensing the situation." After sharing this bit of gossip, the Viscount raises his voice anew to a normal tone. "For now, I hope you'll continue to pitch in with everyone else to continue setting down our roots. Soon enough, we'll be able to send for our other settlers waiting with our dwarven allies at Stoneriver."
What Downtime projects will everyone work on during the coming week?
The Viscount welcomes your counsel, but as you report the long day's events, it is clear that the matter soon weighs heavily on his mind. He leans in and speaks quietly.
"I fear there is no good path here. Taking sides and putting ourselves at war would be folly. Nevertheless, either tribe might not look fondly upon us consorting with the other.
"Nevertheless, our loggers returned safely with their haul, and I'm sure that is entirely thanks to your efforts, so at least for today we can breathe easily."
"The decision seems to be split right now, one to one," Aristide muses. "What say the rest of you? If you are unsure, perhaps it best to err on the side of caution?"
"Well, it seems the lion's share of votes favor the north," the Viscount says with a nod. "It's a relief that we will be hauling timber with the wagons, rather than breaking them down into boards out of desperation. This may also be for the best, given our current needs. The swamp may hold rarer, more valuable timber that will best be saved for when we've established our crafts and trade.
"I suppose the next question is whether to set out immediately or wait for the pending rain to pass. I freely admit that I do not have experience on such matters, so I leave the decision to you."
"I admire your long-term vision, Miss Blacktip," the Viscount smiles. "As for now, Kalig's assessment is correct - at least for one of our options.
"The swamp to the south is, indeed, one option. Useful trees, such as cypress, ash, and maple, often dominate such places. Although bringing the lumber across the river poses an obstacle, I imagine we could strike a deal with Mother Shimmerscale for help guiding the felled logs across. Nevertheless, it is just as you say: according to both the locathah and centaurs we have met, goblins can be found in those swamps. I had hoped our community could go at least a few seasons without running afoul of their dangerous nuisance. Furthermore, swamps are always places of danger, and there's no telling what else might lurk within on this side of the world.
"Another opportunity presents itself to the north, however. I've had Machus and Natsagiin scout further afield, and they report sighting a sizeable forest of Iobarian pine just beyond those hills," Aristide says, pointing northward, where the grasslands sweep upward. "It is perhaps three leagues to the north, a little beyond the abandoned fishing village you discovered. With all the wagons and carts at our disposal, transporting the timber shouldn't be much of a problem. Since this is also likely near the territory of our sea cliff centaur allies, they may be able to act as guides. Of course, once again, we don't know what may lurk within that forest. Also, I worry whether we might run afoul of the more warlike tribes they warned us about."
The two potential sources of lumber are the swamp to the south and the forest to the north.
Both options pose their own dangers, and Aristide seeks your counsel on the matter.
Bae drops a brown field mouse at your feet. Before accepting the food you offer, the cat gives you a look that says "I've been doing [i]my[/b] job protecting the food." Bae picks up the scraps and scampers to the corner of the shack that it has claimed.
"Ah, I was hoping to speak with you, dear friends," Aristide says with a smile as Soraya, Kalig, and the other protectors approach. "We have made good progress. Almost everyone has some manner of more permanent shelter now, and in due time, too. Miss Ravenlock tells me that some rain will be coming our way from south along the coast.
"Harkan and his kin have taken up residence in a cellar up there on Temple Hill," the viscount says, pointing to the broad-topped hill that sits along the southern verge of the settlement, overlooking the river. "I worried that their desire to find shelter from the sun made them impetuous and they risked stirring restless spirits, but Harkan promises that they found nothing more dangerous than dust and stones.
"Something else that troubles me, we are quickly running through the lumber that we brought with us. Worry not, we still have plenty left for now. However, while the Kaskkari have left us a wealth of quarried stones, we will soon have need of a source of fresh timber."
