Brett glances at Yillim - considering things.

"I'll not lie to ye lad - ye're well founded - right and true! And, if I may be so bold - I like ye besides."

"Fact is - we be short o' help 'round these parts. Lots of work to be doing - and lots of troubles besides."

"Ye're handy with a blade - and seems skilled besides - but living in a tavern hardly be worth it to my line o' thinking regarding a man o' yer talents. I'd rather see ye working then lounging about, as it were..."

He lights a pipe and blows a magnificent smoke ring.

puff-puff-puff

"Why not put yer skills to use - do some work with ol' General Kae - he may got lads south that could be useful fer you to work away on the southern border - the river ye done crossed to push north into our land be likely needing scouting soon... Also - with the summer waning and fall coming - well; we got lot o' troubles creeping about the northern borders - hell, it were only a year ago that the little village up there be hit by raiders and, during Yuletime - a bloody Ettin, hell - that be how we done meet the general; course then he was less respectable as he be now."

Brett enjoys another puff of smoke.

"Now - I reckon we get ye some work here; maybe set ye up a staff - and after a month or two - if ye keep work up, and got the chops - we be upping yer salary, and maybe see what we can't be doing to get ye something decent to be living on."

"Nay offense to ye, Ry lass - but this lad here needs breathing room; and I reckon if he's handy with a blade - then we'd be better suited to have him on one of our flanks one day."

"So lad - what do ye say on it? Meantime - it be looking like ye be late to a ceremony to be raising our lads from the dead, quick smart! They be needing it, I reckon - and they be good lads," Brett says with a dark frown, but you sense he is somewhat relieved that - at the least - he can bring good news to the Ironhorse family, who were crushed to know that Hank had been killed in service to the nation.

Yillim - I got your map for you all ready - but I can't remember your email. If you send it to me via private message - I'll mail out the national map, with all barony areas marked out.

From the desk of Director Rowan: S.I.D.

Greetings!

As you can see – this is the method of any additions made to this page. It is meant as a quick resource for case files only and should not be used except for details that you feel are specifically important to the case – as this example demonstrates.

Remember – the S.I.D. has limited resources and cannot afford to have this space filled up with issues that don’t pertain to the cases. For the most part – you won’t even need to make any additions here – unless you feel a note is important for the whole group to read over. Consider it as a brief version of “favorites” on other areas – only these issues just deal with cases.

Thank you for your support!

Bartleby Brett Rowan

All Addendums to this Case File – and all others – can be discovered here later. This space is specifically reserved for a listing of current case files – and their ongoing details. Proper use of “discussions” can be found in the usual channels. Members of the S.I.D. are encouraged to add on to this file when, and if, they see details that they believe will be useful. Again – please restrict those details specifically to the case file, as there are more then enough places in the proper forums for general notes or discussions.

”What the hell IS all this?” Brett roars out as he stares for a moment at the talk and commotion in his cramped office; now seemingly twice as crowded!

”Did the sign on the door say “Come on in and make yerself at home?” – nay – it didn’t – and why? Because there ain’t a sign like that on the door, that’s why!”

He begins to pace back and forth between you all, puffing furiously on his cigarette all the while.

”First things first, Mallik – I got yer file – read it through, just like I did with all these other blasted folks! I know 'em all - name, age, hell - I even know their bloody eye color! But then - ye don’t get to be the head of a National Intelligence Agency – that be “Spymaster” fer ye that don’t speak the lingo – without knowing a few things!” he adds with a wolfish grin.

Taking another puff from his smoke he strides up to Mallik and looks him over – observing the shield on his back.

”Huh! That shield be just blamed foolishness! How’s a lad supposed to hang a droopy trench coat over his shoulders on a seemingly never-ending rainy night so he can meander down dark alleys with a slow and purposeful stride when he’s got a damn shield on his back!” he mutters to himself.

”Ye think these folks never detected anything! Bah! Amateurs!” he growls in a somewhat louder voice.

He then slides his drawer open and plucks out a badge – tossing it to Mallik – who catches it deftly.

Seeing the goblin – he frowns a bit.

”Lad – I be square with ye now – firstly – there be not much liking fer goblin-kind in this berg – but they tolerate ‘em aright if ye don’t push hard. But right now ye got the chance to be in… shall we say… “Cognito” – as it were… that's book-smart lingo fer meaning "in bloody disguise!" And it ain’t going to work well if ye advertise it to all in sundry!”

Brett slides the flap of his dark blue vest open – and you see that inside the vest, hanging from a pocket – is the badge. Easily disguised – but also easy to show – in a pinch – should he need to.

”And – as I already said – there be a coach waiting fer ye all outside – and why? Because I can’t get one inside, gods damn it! The coach’ll take ye straight away to the capital – where ye’ll see the news that’s there. There be a bloody copy of the notes in the carriage; the Council, Chief Members – all sorts o’ other things – and, as I said – the Council expects – nay – it demands results! We don’t dance around here, as it were – we want action – and we want bloody answers! So get yer collective arses out o’ here – but first; stop over at the supply room and meet with the lad who’s running it – Miss DeLight will show ye the way – pick up yer gear – which be the bloody company’s mind ye – and then catch the coach on the way to the capital. I want this thing wrapped up quick-smart; don't ye professors know what "48 Hours" means? That means fast, like - less then two days – so – what the hell are ye waiting fer? Get going!” he roars out and stumps over to his chair, throwing himself into it as the crew rushes out of the office.

To Ariarh and Arasmes conversation abotu eliciting aid, Kae adds "To be sure, some "Allies" are not friends at all. From what I've heard of the nation of city states, it seems to be a less than stable area, and informing that there is a fledgling nation coming into being may be an invitation for another invasion. If we contact them from a position of slightly greater strength and stability, we will not only have more to bargain with, but be less of an inviting target."

"Now I do believe that the Serpent was destroyed, although my memory of that battle is admittedly somewhat hazy," taking a moment, Kae recalls having leapt upon the creature as others attacked it with magic and such..."but there could be another creature having taken it's place. Now loath am I to miss out on a fight, I worry that the entire council taking this trip, and leaving the Capital once again lacking leadership could be dangerous."

I believe Drake is still around, right?
"I would be more comfortable if some of us remained here to oversee matters. I can continue to manage things, but I am sure Clari and Garith along with a small contingent of riders will join. Arasmes, once you get your letters written, it will take time to receive any response, so you will likely to be at liberty."

"I can afford to send a small contingent south, but we are certainly in dire need of income to keep the soldiers paid properly for the coming months. Hopefully the taxes on our Baronies will help with that."

Brett steeples his fingers together – considering the points Kae brought up, and others.

”Kae lad – I like yer policy on moving from strength before ambassadors be sent out. But I reckon we got time – I also got a hunch that pretty soon months will feel like days around here – and we can do it, in a few months or so – nay doubt Ras didn’t be meaning he wanting such folks be sent out at the end o’ the week – hell, or even month. But we ought to start preparing for it, though. Ye know – for in the coming months – once we get things feeled out.”

”Now – Drake be here – sure as hell; but here be the thing – I don’t reckon that leaving the folks alone again so soon be the best o’ policies. Tell ye what – why don’t them that wants to check out the cave volunteer – I’ll stay back with Drake to keep an eye on things – not to mention the new crew I’m getting set up.”

”Then – while them that heads north handles that – I’ll stick around here to keep a familiar face about – and have someone the new crew be reporting to can be familiar with. Sound good to everyone?” he asks.

So – here’s the straight skinny: for those of you who want to go to the Spider Cave to go exploring – you are free to. Volunteer by hopping on the “Combat Thread” – oh yeah; there will be blood…

Meanwhile – those who want to stick around Saravale can social RP on the main thread – and those of you who have ALT characters in the S.I.D. – we’ll keep things rolling there – hope to see you soon – but just let me know when I can see you and where – and who is going where – on each post. In the next few days – the good times will roll!

One last thing – I’ll need a basic list of what buildings you intend to build in the first month of your Barony – that’s actually more important to me then the Council at this point – because it will effect what happens in terms of “story” – for example; as Arasmes is building a Wizard’s Tower – he’ll be getting different news then if he built a bunch of houses and a dump. And Ry is getting different news with a temple instead of a series of Watchtowers and a barracks. That will make a difference to social RP.

Ariarh watches the interplay between Lia and Yillim. Even saying their names in her head made her want to chuckle at the tongue-twister.

"There is a drop down to the floor of the cave and then are tight crawl spaces, if my memory serves me right. And there is also water down there, a lake of sorts, and a fell creature which swims and guards it. Mayhap not the best place for wolves."

"Aye - the fell creature was pretty big undead serpent o' sorts - but I reckoned it was destroyed - weren't it?" Brett asks.

Between Arasmes and Brett they could fill a room and heads with a thousand questions.

"I could send a letter to my family in Artume, Arasmes, and gauge the situation there before a delegation is sent. However, in theory I do like your suggestion regarding accessing more allies across the River Kingdoms to put an end to this southern, expanding slavery trade. But we must be cautious for others may try to usurp our lands and control. One thing I have learned over my time here is that allies are not always what they seem," silently referencing Hermia and this unknown old ally who even now raises armies to overthrow them.

"Brett, I think your special department should concentrate on the vermin situation. It is imperative we find out how to cure the hosts of these parasites and sooner the better. Lia and Yillim have offered to ride to the Spider's Nest with a contingent of others versed in cave exploration and I think we are covered there."

Remembering something she turns back to Arasmes, "You are right, Arasmes, the Council take on too many duties and responsibilities and we spend much time outside of the capital. It would be good to have a ready supply of community members we can delegate and entrust tasks to. Please arrange that soon, Foreign Ambassador."

"So, I take it we are all riding to the Spider's Nest to locate Mak Morn and Ironhorse? Well except for Brett's special department who will discover, I am hoping, a cure for these little will-power sucking parasites. By the way, Brett, who is in charge of this unit when you are not in town? I would like to be introduced to these folk before we leave Saravale."

Then remembering Kae's concerns regarding the wages of the militia, "Are our armed forces paid up for the year and still loyal to us? Can we secure their services by other means while we convert commodities into coin?"

"Forces be paid up fer about another month - until we pay them again - which better be soon - Kae's got the notes on that. Meantime - Ras' - I ain't too worried about ye being attacked specifically - but being seiged. I mean - if ye want to eat - how ye going to feed a whole town o' folk? If ye don't got the food fer them - then what are ye going to do? And if ye send fer help - all it needs is magic users on their side to sink the boats - then what? Nay - best thing fer it is to stop them from coming - but if I be right - then we likely got at least several months before that happens, hopefully."

"And Ry - if ye be asking who my second-in-command be? Well - truth to tell - I hadn't got that far ahead - fer now I just be reviewing applicants - some of them seem promising - but I'll keep ye posted on that front."

Sorassa's mouth was agape, yet she was not saying anything but listening to the Holbyt shout orders at his assistant (who seemed to take it all in her stride) and talk at her and the green menace.

When he decreed that he liked her mettle and she had the job, Sorassa closed her mouth.

So, they would be getting an office, living quarters, food, supplies, gear and other incidentals. And a wage of 200 gold pieces.

First she decided to answer the question pertaining to Euwag the goblin. "I have an natural distrust of green men..err goblins, Mister Rowan, and I make no apology for it. Most of those known to me have done wrong by me, mine or others. That is not to say I cannot learn to like a colleague for I am rather amiable. As long as Euwag, the name did not sit right on her lips, like sucking on a lemon, can be trusted and is loyal then he and I should have no problems", fixing her peridot eyes on the green menace...err goblin.

Curious to know more about the strange events in and around the capital and greater republic, "It is true I am book-learned and have spent a great proportion of my time indoors than out. But I am not without knowledge of the Praxian outdoors. I am no warrior or fighter, if truth be told. My expertise would lie in gathering information and applying knowledge to the problem at hand. My natural curiosity lends itself very well to observation, have no fear on that account, Mister Rowan."

Having endured the green menace...err goblin's question, Sorassa continues, "How many in the department, sir? It would be good to know everyone's skills so we can apply the jobs effectively and manage the expertise on hand accordingly. And, are there detailed files on these numerous open cases you have?"

Brett sidles up to Sorassa and takes another taste from the cigarette.

”Yeah doll, I know ye ain’t no tough guy – these papers here say ye’re some kind o’ wiz at all things bookish – which be pretty damn handy, I reckon – not to mention ye’re on pretty good terms with the gods – which don’t be a bad thing neither,” he adds.

”How ye take yer coffee?” he asks, as he pours a cup for her and leans back again, glancing her over, the cigarette dangling from his lips.

”Fancy a light?” he adds, reaching for another smoke – glancing at her. As he waits for her answer – he plows on.

”I got a whole list o’ notes on each case I been piling up.”

”Meantime - what do ye be looking fer – I got cases with undead; I got cases with dark rocks that may be connected to dark otherworldly planes; I got cases that deal with magic spells and alchemical poisons; I got cases with mind control and possible psychic slavery; I got cases with missing persons; I got cases with folks that need getting spied out – hell yeah – I got a whole mess o’ cases – take yer pick!” he adds.

”As fer partners – hmm… it seems I got an extremely smart, somewhat pristine and very educated lass – coupled with a bit barbaric, certainly gruesome and quite likely foul little lad – you’ll be tossed together in obvious wacky adventures and somewhat intense hijinks… bit of an “odd couple” there, hmm, now that I think of it… ” he start to muse aloud about something.

”And let’s not forget the “foxy lady” there – aye – this is all coming together,” he adds, adjusting his hat a bit as he exhales from his nostrils.

”Oh Mista’ Rowan – it is to laugh,” you hear suddenly from outside the office door interrupting his musing.

”Er – yes… well – back to work, then…” he harrumphs.

”Alright then – here’s the straight skinny – I got a pile o’ cases to handle and I got no one to do it – meantime - the boss of this place – a real big-wig from out west; handles horse ranching and such, bit of an equestrian – well, the thing is that she’s busting my balls for some hard action on solving these cases quick smart, ye hear?”

”Now – ye don’t want to tango on her wrong side – she don’t put up with results that go amiss – so I figure ye get the jobs done – and get done fast,” he adds.

Picking up a stack of papers, he begins to flip through them – somewhat frustrated and frowns at them.

”We got a few cases that could work fer ye all – but I don’t want to push something heavy on ye that ye can’t handle – and I’m not clear on what that can be – yet… “ he muses a bit more.

”Here be something relatively easy – and close to home…” he adds, half to himself.

”We got a trouble with some bugs that can bend a brain. I want ye to tackle it – I want ye to figure out what to do with them bugs – how to get ‘em off the person – and how ye can solve it – I want to know what’s what – and I want it done in the next 48 hours – now – the bug be in the Capital City – called Saravale – I got a coach waiting fer ye outside to take ye there – once ye get out there – take this to the Council – tell ‘em its from me – and get to work,” he adds, handing you a dossier.

”Oh – one other thing – ye’ll be needing these,” he adds, and reaches into his desk and pulls out two badges and tosses them to each of you.

These “Badge” indicate that you are a formal member of the S.I.D. – any citizen of Praxis – if they see and recognize the badge – you will gain specific bonuses with them. You will gain a +2 to either Diplomacy or Intimidate – but not both. This bonus can be changed at any time – but it only functions as long as you either are wearing the badge – or indicate by “showing” the badge to a person. If you are “undercover” and the citizen doesn’t know who you are – you do not gain the bonus.

There is a knock on the door and a stunningly beautiful young woman walks into the room. She is human with brilliant blue eyes and long auburn hair that falls nearly to her waste. Two highlights in her hair along the front, one blonde and the other a deep red, accent and frame her face.

Is this where the interviews are being conducted? I was instructed to see a Councilman Rowan. Her voice has a musical, lilting quality to it as she speaks.

Brett glances up and sees the new “applicant”. After the once over – naturally – he adds something completely appropriate and somewhat poetic.

”Humuna, humana, humana!”

Then, clearing his throat - he moves over to introduce himself properly.

”Well, well – who is this foxy lady?” he says with a grin.

”Name’s Rowan, miss – Bartleby Rowan – care fer a drink?” he queries as he opens up a cabinet and pulls out a bottle of scotch.

”Hey slim – why don’t ye hop up and make some room fer the lady,” Brett adds to Euwag.

”Soo…” he says making himself comfortable as he picks up a file from his desk as he reads it over.

”I should add – that there be nay possible way I would allow a person from Tian Xi to be jumping up here without clearing it with me in advance normally,” he says pouring two glasses of scotch ”But at the Department – I got to admit – me standards are bit more… relaxed then in other places – savvy?” he adds with something you presume is supposed to be a charming grin.

”Now – that said – I can be offering ye the same deal as with the others – but in yer case I be willing to make a few special considerations on “private quarters” – if ye catch me drift,” he adds, wiggling his eyebrows.

”But – never mind all that,” he adds, sliding her a general contract that has the details of the project – in terms of needs and necessity.

”Ye look it over – and let me know what ye think,” he says, finishing up – his mind suddenly jumping off on a modes tangent – recalling another attractive red-head - but in her case he remembers instead her determination to make sure paladins didn’t step out of line!

Related Topic about rules for Paladins

The goblin stares wide eyed as the the gentleman with the cigarette speaks his piece and blows the winding smoke into the room. For a moment, he is distracted by the nymph, and obviously new to some of the more refined cultural norms, actively stares at her, his gaze focused in the normal areas a teenager of any race would place them on a buxom female.

Of course i wants job boss! I knows that there be monies for job, big sister tolds me. She says that if you aks first, sometimes you get monies for jobs, and then not has to steal. She sayses that aksing its much better than takesing it.

Then, after a moment, he seems to realize maybe wasn't the question that was asked. He scratches his head and glances over at the gnome, but also realizing that he heard she "doesn't like goblin types" will get no encouragement, turns back to the halfling.

I wants to know what needs to be looked for? I heards that this were a job for finding stuffs out, and that there was monies and maybes a plce to sleep too and also? Is that trues? Also, you says I was hired. When does we gots a thing to find out about? What works you want me and gnome...uh...Sore-aaahz-aah, to start? I wants to help and also get monies for help. So what you want me and gnome to do boss?

”Fair enough then – ye want to talk money – we talk money!” Brett spits out, as he takes another hit of the smoke.

”Like I said, bub – I read yer papers – I see the worth on it – and here’s what’s what on that account,” he adds.

”First off – I be getting an office set up fer everyone. The office be kind o’ complicated – not finished yet – need a lab fer ye to work cases – and also some new things fer ye to use on cases – but it be far from getting stuff done – yet – but it will be.”

”That be at Department Headquarters – lab, weapons storage, magical gear to break down and go over and other things – including offices and sleeping quarters.”

”Ye be getting a place to sleep there – yer own apartment, as is – so ye don’t need to worry on paying fer quarters – plus we’re getting a chowline set up fer agents… Basically we get all yer bloody expenses taken care of; uniform, basic gear, medical, to an extent; full coverage benefits be getting hashed out – and meantime we get ye 200 gold pieces a month – plus a cut of what ye find,” he adds, taking another puff ”But that’s bloody pocket money – provided ye’re worth it, ye hear?” he adds with another growl.

”Now – that settle yer hash – or ye got more questions? Oh yeah - what do ye do? Well - I got a mess o' cases fer ye - when I see about this one here," he adds jerking his thumb to the gnome "then I figure what case to be sending ye on,” he spits out.

”And as fer ye – do ye got anything to ask?” he says rotating to Sorassa.

Sorassa gives the green menace a sharp look but does not speak to it directly.

Addressing the Holbyt councilman, "How many applicants are you requiring, Mister Rowan? Do you prefer a particular skill or ability? If I know more about what you are looking for, I may be able to better answer you." She delivers another bright smile upon the councilman.

Diplomacy with Brett Rowan: 1d20+7

Hearing this last question Brett hops up from his chair and begins to pace again.

”Hey – in this Department I’m the one who asks the questions?” he responds to Sorassa - “You got me, toots? Good – so, any other questions!” he barks out.

Realizing you clearly have more questions for him anyway – he yells out again – ”Misses DeLight!”

The door swings open and the golden-skinned Dryad flounces inside.

”Hey dollface, fetch me a cup o’ coffee – this could be a long night,” he growls at Miss DeLight.

”Oh you!” she retorts with a wave of her hand at him and a grin.

”Besides Mista’ Rowan – it’s only noon! And anyhow – I got yo’se all some coffee made the moment these lovely new folks entered yo’re office, and here it is,” she adds with a smile, brining in a tray with some coffee cups on it, and big clay pot, filled with good stuff - steaming hot and smelling freshly brewed.

Brett pours himself a mug and dismisses the buxom assistant – who rolls her eyes and shakes her head, and as she leaves you still hear her pop and smack whatever it was she is chewing as she closes the door behind her.

”Alright – ye got questions – I got answers,” Brett says as he pours himself a cup of coffee and adds some honey and cream to it.

”So – you want the job – eh? Just like that,” he says, turning to the goblin

“Ye mean to say ye don’t want to know what ye’re going to get paid – or what the job entails –that means “what it be about” Professor “Read’s-a-Lot”! And hell - ye realize that is by far the dumbest thing I ever heard? That ye come in here with yer half-cocked attitude and cavalier ways, demanding the chance to risk yer neck without even knowing what the challenge is, or how much ye’re getting paid fer it? Damnation, son - ye remind me of me! Ye’re hired!” he growls at the goblin as he takes a gulp of the coffee, adjusting the brim of his hat, and rolling up another “cigarette”.

”And as fer ye,” he adds, swiveling to the young gnome, lighting the smoke, taking a puff, then gesturing with the burning cigarette as he talks ” I read yer case file already – according to my paperwork ye got plenty o’ schooling in the books. Well, ain’t that nice. Yeah - that’s nice,– realll nice – but how much schooling in the mean streets of Praxis do ye got? Or maybe ye think this’ll be a chance for some fun and adventure, eh? Or maybe a chance to go out and “serve and protect” and just “do some good”?”

He fixes an intent eye on the gnome.

”Hell, this ain’t some kid show, sister – this is the real thing! And ye come in here with your “fancy talk” and yer thousand and one questions about things that I haven’t even begun to figure out yet, and think I’ll just know the answers in a pinch when I got a whole nation on me mind in the meantime?!” he growls over the rim of the coffee cup as he takes another hearty gulp.

”Lady – I don’t mind telling ye - ye got some nerve! But ye know what? I like that! Ye’re hired!” he adds, downing the cup of coffee with a gulp and pouring himself another.

”So – any more bright questions – or do ye two plan on taking a case? I ain’t got all day, ye know!” he adds, leaning back, waiting to see what other questions you may have, and determined to do his best to answer them in a consistent and seemingly melodramatic manner.

Brett looks up in surprise – before he addresses either of you, though he bellows at the door behind you.

”MISSES DE-LIGHT! GET IN HERE!”

The door swings open and you see a rather buxom looking Dryad hurry in. Her greenish hair and golden skin seems to have an earthy and otherworldly look.

”Sorry Mista’ Rowan,” she retorts in a brisk tone – and it sounds like she is munching on some dried tree sap – possibly pine – you’re not sure – but she is certainly smacking her lips with some enthusiasm as she talks. You cannot place her accent – you believe it may come from some slum part of west Absolom – but some suggest her accent is closer to the accent’s found in the nation of Nu Jer-Zee.

”How many times did I say I will not be disturbed without an appointment?” he asks her hotly – seeming to ignore you both.

”Oh go on’ Mista’ Rowan – like yo’re so im-port-ant with your fancy self! These two want a chance to speak to ya – so I told ‘em – I said – “You just go on in and see the boss – but do it sly – he don’t like being dis-toibbed and all that – do ya Mista’ Rowan, sir? And so they said – “Why of coise we understand Honey – that makes perfect sense – we’ll slide in real quite – quiet as butta on a hot piece o’ toast!” and then I said “Ooh – mention the toast – because he likes to snack – and he’ll appreciate that quite nicely, he will” – and then they said…” Oh – but what am sayin’? You understand what they said – as they slipped in sly – and here they are!”

Brett stares needles at her, and pinches his nose between his thumb and forefinger muttering something you can barely make out – but it sounds like he is annoyed at something called a “Kwiky” – and is saying also “and now this, too”? But that doesn’t make sense…

”Yes – fine – that will be all, then,” he adds, looking up at her, and letting out a sigh.

”Oh yo’re just such a sharp one Mista’ Rowan – I said so myself when I first laid eyes on you – I said “Honey – that lad’s going places – hitch yo’re carriage to his horse – er, pony – and ye’ll be riding in the stars long before morning” – which makes sense – as I don’t see many stars after morning – let me tell you – oh, but who am I talking to? You know all that – after all; yo’re detective types – and that kind of clue finding be right up you’se guy’s alley, am I right?” she adds as she turns to head out the door.

Brett lets out a deep sigh and counts to ten.

He then looks up at you both and pastes on a semblance of a smile.

”Pardon all of that – you just met my assistant – a Miss Honey DeLight – a Dryad – of the Beech Tree variety, as you may guess…” he says, pulling out a hip flask and taking a swig.

He then stands up and walks over to you, glancing between you.

”Alright – now that that nonsense is gone – let’s get down to business, shall we?” he adds.

Brett then picks up a beat up hat and plunks it on his head, tipping it back a bit. He deftly rolls a quick smoke with a bit of tobacco and some scrap of rolling paper, then lights it on a candle and inhales deftly, then blows the smoke from his nostrils as he pushes the hat brim back a bit to examine you both better.

The white trail of smoke meanders from his hand-rolled “cigarette”, which clings precariously between his lips as his eyes roam over you like a Dire Rat searching for scraps: hungry and vigilant!

You see the butt of his pistol hangs just under his left arm-pit – and another pistol is perched on his right hip. He plucks the cigarette from his lips with his thumb and forefinger – flicking some ash into a silver bin on the well-worn oak desk, and leans back on it to examine you both better, his eyes flicking from between each of you.

”Hmm… so – ye want to be part o’ the Department, eh? Well – I don’t know what ye heard back out in the world – but in here, this is the big leagues – we don’t deal in fun and games – play-time is over – you wan the law? I am the law! It’s no picnic, that’s for damn sure – when you stick your hand in a pile of goo that used to be your partner’s face, you’ll know what to, do! Because out there it’s madness – utter chaos – mass hysteria – fire from heaven – rivers running red with blood – cats and dogs living together! Ye think ye see it all – then ye wake up the next morning only to find out ye ain’t seen nothing yet, baby! Now – get the hell out of my office,” he roars as you suddenly hop to your feet.

”Where the hell ye think ye’re going – sit down!” he bellows, as you quickly plunk yourself back down.

He takes another swig from his hip flask and glares at you both.

”I got a backlog of cases longer then my arm piled up – and ye two – characters just waltz in here and think ye can save the day, eh? I got undead prowling the underside of a cursed swamp – I got black rocks that suck life like a bad monologue sucks my patience – I got missing persons lost in caves – and I got persons found I’d rather be lost – and ye two think ye can swoop in my office and take care o’ all that?”

He deftly scoops up a pile of papers from his desk like an Air Elemental blowing sand over a beach on a windy day.

”I’ve seen both of yer files – reading them now; interesting stuff here,” he growls – prompting you both to wonder where the hell he got those files – and what exactly is in those files.

”You,” he barks out a Euwag – ”Pretty handy at sneaking around here, eh? Well – according to this – you’re some kind of “loose arrow” – slipping in and out of trouble like a bad writer slips in and out of two different obvious “genre” writing styles… But down here in the Department – I ain’t got time fer yer flim-flam and reckless ways. Here – it’s my way – or ye can get the hell out! Ye’re part of a team here – and if the team don’t win – then ye don’t win – ye got me? Good!” he adds with a growl, tossing the papers to his desk and thumbing through the second set of documents.

”And ye,” he says turning to Sorrassa with his same inexplicable intensity and seemingly angry attitude at no obvious motivation – ”says here ye got a hatred fer goblin types – well; what if I told ye that yer new partner was a goblin? Think ye can handle it – think ye can handle that challenge – I want to know! I want answers – I want the truth – nay – wait – scratch that – I don’t know if even I can handle the truth…” he adds, taking another drag from his cigarette.

He then moves back into his rather comfortable chair and flings himself into it, his rumbled hat pushed back over his curly hair, staring at you with a cocked eye from over the plume of cigarette smoke – and watching you with an intent look.

”Well – that sums things up enough on my end – why don’t you two unburden yerself with some questions – I’m sure ye got a lot o’ them – then; when I hear what ye got to say – I reckon we’ll fix the particulars – and I’ll toss a case yer way – if I think ye got the chops to make it in this world – but let me clue ye two both in to the reality of how things work around here – there ain’t nay “free rides”– we don’t tolerate “second-best” – we take all cases, and solve ‘em or go down swinging – and if the people in this berg got a problem, and no one else can help – then we’re the one’s doing the jobs that got to get done! You two got me? Good! Now – what the hell questions ye got to ask so I can answer ‘em?” he demands in a harsh and intense – yet surprisingly comfortable and relaxed – tone, as he eases himself back into the chair, glancing at you both from under the brim of his hat, the cigarette dangling from his lips, and the smooth polished oak stock of his pistol gleaming dully from the holster under his left arm-pit as he tips back another swig of the hip-flask and waits for what you have to say.

Hmm - Brett isn't kicking either of you two out right now - it seems like he is eager to hear more - if you're up for it. You suspect he'll certainly answer your questions. Though you suspect his answers and manner of speech in this "department" may need a second helping of eggs to go with all of his "ham" - because - for some reason, he sure seems to be laying it on thick...

Brett is munching an apple and offers his opinions.

”Hmm – like the idea of a census, but so soon? Mayhap we do that at the end o’ the year – when the kingdom be settled in a bit – and baronies entrenched a bit better. Taking a census is a good plan – for taxes and such – and it can also figure on lot’s o’ useful things. But, well – we do it now – in about the end o’ the month we may as well do it again, as things will change a lot once the baronies got their ground broke proper as were…” he says glancing at Arasmes.

”I also like allies, too – as fer Delain? He done already left before we got back – more’s the pity – he got reports that nasty folk be hitting western Brevoy in the northlands – and had to go back and take care o’ things. But we already got work done on the front o’ getting some contracts done with him – specifically trade deals with me, Ry and Kae – we did that near a month ago – or I reckon ye’d be on board with it – but part o’ the deal was we’re supposed to send lads up to his place in about a month or so and get an embassy fixed proper – maybe when we send ‘em – we can send an Ambassador from yer barony to see if ye can hop on with the deal, too? If ye’re interested, that is.”

”Delegations take a bit to send, though – and may be costly – as they’ll likely need guards and such, and we don’t got our borders watched right – though I like the plan quite a lot – it may need a bit o’ time before it can really take shape, I reckon.”

”As fer the rest o’ the River Kingdom’s themselves? Well… lad; ye’re a southern one – and ye don’t know much about what be going on in the northlands, I reckon – not lately anyhow – just on what local tales may get circulated south now and then – but as fer the rest of the “River Kingdom” – why… going on those tales may not be the best way to know ‘em – I mean, I do like the enthusiasm, damn sure – but, the thing is – there’s quite a bit o’ strange mixing up going about – I reckon them folk that told ye about all these other places never even heard o’ our trouble with the Ustalavian hash – nor the southern attackers – nor the whole deal with the silver kobolds… I mean to say – there could be pretty big differences from the rumors ye hear at the local taverns – not that ye’re notes are all wrong, mind ye – just recommending ye proceed with a bit o’ caution there – feel things out a bit before diving in on what be really going on in the nations around us – specifically the River Kingdoms. Could be that they be a bit… more changed, then ye know about, that’s all. And using what skills ye got to rustle up news on that count first be a good plan,” he adds with another munch on the apple.

”Meantime – like yer plan on the knowledge thing – but I worry ‘bout ye, lad. Ye’re kind o’ at the doorstep fer real trouble – if them southern basterds ride north and all… Ye got plans on fixing up the land and terrain fer protection? Granaries on the island be a good start, I reckon – fer food, if ye get sieged – and maybe sending down some militia on loan from the main kingdom with a guard – just till ye get the borders protected be a good plan. As it is – yer barony got a lake around it – which be a nice big “moat” – but once ye start building there – there ain’t much arable land fer yer folk – I recommend we send out some troops there – just to keep an eye things – make sure ye don’t have any trouble – ‘course – that means we got a bit less funds fer the capital – but I reckon it be worth it. Also – Kae here wants an outpost at the smuggler’s cave – good plan indeed – but can we afford that now, too? And if so – what be the priority – I say Arasmes first – the watchtower at the cave can come – but fer now he just station a few likely lads with some basic supplies at that cave, it be fair defensible fer a time, but nothing too much until we get the resources; but sure by the end o' the year! Then toss ‘em up. Anyone object?” Brett adds, looking around the table.

He then glances over to Dross – and ponders a bit.

”I agree them folk be overdue – best send some lads – but I reckon that some who be sent are handy with solving clues and such – I don’t figure it being a straight fight – or at least – don’t hope fer it – last time it were ugly. But when whoever goes to go there gets there – they need to keep an eye on things good – and be careful not to mess up what they find. That could fluster the whole operation – as is. Meantime – I got a few names in a hat o’ folks back at my place that could go along – hope at least they got a way o’ cracking clues and mysteries, and such… But I reckon they do…” he adds.

”Anyhow – yeah – that Oleg thing? I mean to say – it be his land formal – he joined with us – but I reckon he’s open to new names – if ye offer him any – give him a few, he’ll likely pick the one that sounds the likeliest, if ye understand me?”

Brett then smacks his head with his hand.

”Damn – them lads I be recruiting to crack mysteries - they may be already on loan to Ry – she needs them to look over them buggy things – bleh! Hate bugs! Spiders are the worst… even so – the folk I be getting to solve mysteries may be helping Ry, and not the caves now - Still, Ry – what do ye say – ye want the new folk at the cave – or at the bodies looking the bugs? The bug thing be worth seeing, I reckon – but then again – I’m also wondering what happened to ol’ Mak Morn and our good buddy Ironhorse. Still – if anyone got a good way of deciding – I know ye will,” he concludes with a sage nod.

Then – he stretches his hands over his head – and yawns, waiting to hear if anyone else has anything to add.

Sometime during the month…

WIth concern Ka'etil asks, "You said one of the guards perished. Were you able to apprehend anyone? Are there any survivors left from the group that we can test? We need information, if anyone can cast a spell to speak with the dead, we can question this Smyth fellow or one of the others, postmortem. Otherwise we could possibly use either the scroll or rock you mentioned having acquired in order to resurrect one of the cultists. We need information, and by the sound of it, we have no leads only dead bodies."

I had said that i wanted to have men keep tabs on the camp, way back when, and compile lists of those acting there, and that are involved with the gang. So there should be records of citizens that regularly visit, although it may take time to fully sift through those records, we should be able to use them to pick out any survivors of the cultist and try to find them, in order to question them. Big Brother was watching, after all.

Brett turns to you and looks at you with a cocked eye.

”Lad – I'm glad to hear your voice on these matters, that's true. But as the general of what army we got here - well; what be our next military move. I mean, just a suggestion - the best thing is – as I see it – is fer you to ride out and try to find our mate Mak Morn and Ironhorse – they be toward that spider cave, I reckon… and nay word on them. Ye think ye can do that – that is – find them and get ‘em back safe?” he asks.

Brett ponders a moment.

”Also – what be yer opinion of the position of the land here – our defenses and stuff – what do ye think we ought to do – what be best, eh? Where’d ye want to put things like watchtowers and all that? Ye be a tough customer – got any plans on hard action? Also – what be yer plans on yer barony and such? That be on our eastern flank – close to that blamed cave – I’d like to be having some protection out that way – ye close to getting a bite on things?” he adds.

”Oh yeah – one other thing – and this goes to the lot o’ ye – even ye,” Brett says, glancing at the diseased newcomer with the extra arms…

”That unit I be putting together – I want it up and running soon as can be. So – if ye got any names fer the hat – as it were – feel free to send ‘em my way soon. I need bloody interviews to start fast – we got a mess o’ hash to deal with here; make no mistake!” he adds.

Still waiting to leave – one of the people who is heading south with us in “real life” is flying to DC first – and we’re picking him up after his plane lands – which hasn’t happened – so I have nothing to do but sit around and wait – except, of course – posting! More on that front soon… and I’ll be answering any “in-game” questions for a while yet – well; at least until we leave – which may be in the next hour or so. Either way – if you got ‘em – toss ‘em up. I’m eager to see as much action as possible. I am now working on a post for Arasmes’s thread – and answering any questions from Mister Dross – if you guys toss them up, that is. If not, and you don't see anything else from me - that is because I missed you via the writing. Sorry about that - I am trying, but I don't know formally when we will leave. Meanwhile, I’ll be back late Sunday night, and we can go from there.

"Bloody hell..." Brett mutters, reading over your report and sipping some tea.

Thanks Sanny, appreciate it," he adds, thinking a bit.

"Well - I'll get to work on this right away - of course; but the thing I reckon next is - how many o' them can be here? Do ye know their breeding patterns? I mean to say - they be native to south deserts - is it possible that these cultists take their lads and put them bugs in them to get them to follow after them all, eh?"

"They may be got what they brought - or they may be breeding them on the sly to fill up the entire town - could be even now peppered with spies and such."

"Any thinking on how to get 'em out - once they be in? I mean to say - if we got a lad here that got one stuck inside - then what happens to 'em? What if one o' our mates got one o' them in it - how do we get 'em out? They be doomed, or nay? What can be done on that?" he asks the group.

"That said - what do we do with this information next?" he asks the group.

"I too was referring to the Baron Romanov, the Scarlet Wyvern Knights. They through this Luthario are certainly connected to the cultists in the south. I was not suggesting that Dashan and Aliento would be connected to these enemies, save by similar bonds of enmity." Kae says, nodding as Brett points his attentions to the Baron.

"Are you suggesting that Kaid is aligning himself with the Baron? that would be rather dangerous for us. Even if commander Tinker remains loyal to Oleg, that is still another faction aligned against us. Where was it that we received this information?" Kae asks, concern in his newly green eyes.

"I think we need to see what this next month holds so we know what sort of resources we have at our disposal in terms of military action, fortification, and so forth. hopefully your team can make headway as we focus on keeping the city and territory in order"

"Oh yeah - best lad fer information on Kaid be Drake - him and Kaid, the younger one, they don't like each other one bit, as I recall - almost killed each other... And Kaid be treating Dasha bad - she were a slave to the Ustalavians, too - and she be from Ustalav. They be able to answer different questions on that - I reckon."

"But don't fret much on that count - I got me team on board already - and they be going north to Oleg's to find out what be going on there - and they'll get to the bottom of this little tussle with House Kaid and House Tyrell - that be Drake's House formal-like, as I recall..." Brett muses, mentioning again his "Team" - the specialists he is recruiting specifically so they can go out and begin to get the answers to these questions settled.

"I too was referring to the Baron Romanov, the Scarlet Wyvern Knights. They through this Luthario are certainly connected to the cultists in the south. I was not suggesting that Dashan and Aliento would be connected to these enemies, save by similar bonds of enmity." Kae says, nodding as Brett points his attentions to the Baron.

"Are you suggesting that Kaid is aligning himself with the Baron? that would be rather dangerous for us. Even if commander Tinker remains loyal to Oleg, that is still another faction aligned against us. Where was it that we received this information?" Kae asks, concern in his newly green eyes.

"I think we need to see what this next month holds so we know what sort of resources we have at our disposal in terms of military action, fortification, and so forth. hopefully your team can make headway as we focus on keeping the city and territory in order"

”Oh – I’m not suggesting anything particular like, nay sir! Just be saying – we met up with the younger child of the Kaid House in the beginning. See – he and a bunch of folk were taken as slaves fer some purpose – what it be, we don’t know so much, or at least – if we do – I don’t recollect on it well.”

”We got to Oleg’s at first to be doing business on some sort of letters from Brevoy – to wipe out the bandits and claim the land as our’n. Kaid be one of the slaves we done picked up – and liberated – and he done say he took all the others back to Brevoy to make them free, and pocketed a nice bitty of loot, too – that he claimed was his after we rescued him!”

”But he had something odd about him – odd ways, I reckon – it were right strange the way he done acted. But I reckon he be a small fish in a big pond – trying to play folks against the other – but way out of his game, as it were… ‘Sides – we met only with the son, not the dad o’ that crew. The dad be the one that runs the House formal – the son be the one who tries to be important but ain’t so good at it.”

”But all that aside – we got be practical-like, as I see it, and so does Kae, there.”

”This place done have nearer to 12,000 souls in it – and it be well situated. Ye ain’t go against it without a goodly amount o’ troops. That means that they be needing to mobilize troops too, But they need to recruit it hard – and then they need to know what they be up against”

”I reckon they be spying us – see how tough our lads our – where are walls are – how thick they be; both real and imagined, as were – and that means we got time. Every day that goes by, they done recruit more and more – and get more and more lads – but when they get notes on what we do – that means they need to change their tactics a bit.”

”If they rushed up here hard and fast – we could hold him well at the rivers; this be a bad time o’ year to move an army north with the rivers swollen – we’d have our lads on the far banks, and when they tried to cross – we’d cut ‘em down easy.”

”They’re more likely to attack late fall, I’d reckon – as late fall means that less rains as it closer to winter – I ain’t talking early fall, but later – toward yule. Then the rivers be drier, and the grounds harder – better fer marching and all – rather then the damp in the spring and summer – and the land be more chill fer less disease fer armies then swampy wet rivers – and it give us time to prepare better a nice reception.”

He glances at the group, nodding toward the basic map of your land – which is bisected neatly by several rivers running across the horizontal axis of their southernmost border – to get a few men across the rivers would be one thing – but an army? That would require something else – bridges or boats, and either way – it could be marked and stopped fairly easily. In addition – provisions for the people to make bridges and boats would be needed while they worked. And all of that would need to be guarded while they worked - and that means that while they did that - then they couldn't do anything else at their own city, which means their own city would be un-guarded, and unproductive, while they attempted to attack you, assuming they did this.

Brett glances at Kae with a cocked eye.

”Come on, lad – ye be general – and ye know the disposition of the weather – being that ye can survive in the wild. Ye know the rough location of the enemy, the way the rivers fall and run – as ye see the map – and ye know enough on ways to stop ‘em – or ye should, as the general. And fer the rest of ye’ – well; ye know enough about basic terrain usage and tactics to formulate a working knowledge that ye don’t move armies over water without bridges or boats; neither o’ which be made without us seeing well – and the waters be heavy swelled in this time o’ year, which be a good thing. But the rivers be less swelled, if not frozen over in winter; which mean they be more likely to attack in wintertime, toward yule – which means it done give us months to get ourselves organized, though not forever, that's fer sure – even as we send out spies to find out what they be doing – and watch they ain’t doing it to us now – which be likely – as they got magic – but ye all know how to block that type o’ magic, I’d reckon.”

”Meantime – ye seen the disposition of our capital – ye know how it be laid out and all – ye know where to fortify it best – and what ye think be the best way to do it – like on how to block river crossings and use hills and cliffs that be there – and where be good crossings to put guard types and such… which be good fer trade besides – provided we control the crossings…”

Brett looks at you all, seeing you nod at his obviously rhetorical advice about combat, tactics, stratagems and planning.

”Well – what be yer thoughts on what we need doing now – hey?” he asks the group.

"Well, no - never saw this Lutharo lad - but maybe Sir Dashan did - or at least - he may be knowing the lad's lineage and all that... If they both be from Ustalav and all that."

"Ry lass - I don't trust Kaid - er rather, his son - ye remember that blighter be trying to traffic slave folk - or so it seemed - or at least - he be mixed up in things and taken prisoner when he tried buying his way with a deal to the bandit lord here?"

"Anyhow - he knowed which way the wind blow - he follow us now, as the coin be good - but it's a sure bet he's got folks in town watching our work - though likely it's more probable they be north toward Oelg's - for lot's o' reasons."

"Best thing on that account is to speak to our man Drake - but he's probably busy - what with the wedding coming up and all... tricky business planning one of them things..." Brett ponders a moment.

"As fer the Ustalav lad - nay, their boss weren't Lutharo - and he sure as hell weren't Kaid - what was his name - I reckon it be, um... blast! Where did that letter go we translated - trying to remember - ah - that Ustalavian Baron - Romanov - or something like that. He be the one that runs the Scarlet Wyvern folk - and remember one of their lieutenants came to Oleg's that time - the one with the rotted face, who done try to carry off Dasha - who killed that hag Hermia - and he be all chummy with that lad Lencher and his mates? Well - what be that about? Seems too much o' a coincidence to me, eh? Could be this Lutharo be another captain under him," Brett muses.

"And, if I don't be knowing better - it seems that Lutharo - through them Ustalavians - be connected to the Southern experimenters - through Lencher - and whatever they got be planning here - it all be mixed up in this land..."

Brett ponders some more.

"Well - if and when I get that team up and running - nay doubt they can settle most of this hash easy - while we get things squared away - like getting a border patrol fixed up - and other kind of stuff like that. And maybe doing scout work south to find about this city... Lot to consider here..." he adds.

Okay gang - need to sleep myself - long day today, long day tomorrow. Hope to see more posting, though. Keep up the good work! Hopefully by now you're noticing that things are coming together. In the following "in game" year - you'll see a lot more of that - as clues are put together. Meanwhile - goodnight - and good luck!

Arasmes ibn'Fayad wrote:

Based upon my brief meeting with Alaric he does not seem to be the type that would be gathering thugs for something as pedestrian as "gold he is owed." Also, I have known a few dwarves in my time and they all were such that would not let a debt, even an imagined one, stand without payment.

I really hate it when I want to say things in character about what is going on but I can't because my character doesnt know them! lol

"'Tis true what you say, Arasmes. Alaric was never one for accumulating personal wealth. Even if he were once under the influence of that mysterious ring, I do not believe he would return from the Plane of Air and seek to raise an army against the very town he helped build and the people who aided him along the way. I cannot believe it can be him."

.

"Or can you - er, he - wait - ah hell; I don't know... Or do I?"

- Puff, puff, puff -

- Puff, puff, puff...

"Perhaps! But then again - what about good Alaric hisself? He be gone long time - no knowing when he be getting back, or where he comed to, and anyhow - that be something we need to check out - but we got's lot o' plans on our plate direct."

"Fer example - them crystals? Two? That ain't right by a long shot - there be more then two, that much I recall, eh - ye know - that rhyme they done say - didn't it be saying there be quite a few o' them - was it seven - or mayhap it was nine? Anyhow - they all be putted around the piece o' land that was the kingdom so that the center stone could see all the rest of the kingdom and talk to each other, and the others could see from one to another to another stone - and they could all speak fer the king to the folks in the lands?"

Brett continues to puff his pipe.

"Course - I got a wee bit more on that back in me notes - as ye may or may not know - I be recruiting folks fer a bit o' work on solving these blame mysteries so we can go about doing other stuff that need get doing."

"While I'm at it Ry lass, I can't be believing that Sir Dashan be mixed up in any o' this nonsense - why, he gave us the news on the southfolk anyhow - if he be to work with southern types, then why did they give us news on how to beat up on the southern types?"

"Nah - if I reckon right - we done mixed up in Ustlav cults from the very beginning here. Remember they tried to mess up Oleg - and they done allied with the bandits here - and they also be after Dasha - and they also be paying off folk fer to join with Lencher - like that damn bastard with the messed up face that be making talk with Lencher? I mean - come on - they also be gotting red wyvern's on their flags - that got to be them... am I right?" he adds looking at the group, giving a quick run-down on his thoughts on the Ustalavians.

"Plus - as I recall - Sir Dashan's boss knight knew the boss chief of the Ustalvians - and they ain't mates - they done hate each other, as I recall - and be at war in Ustalav, as it were... Maybe they got something on notes we can use..."

Brett ponders a moment...

"And anyhow - speaking o' folks that be enemies - didn't these Ustalav folks with the red wyvern be joining up a bit with that southern lord from Brevoy - ye know - the one who hates Drake - the one that has a grudge with him, like - maybe a reason to dislike him - and that lord - what's his name - I don't remember - but he made his corporal a boss at Oleg's - and now that lad looks like he wants to quit the Brevoy lord to join up with Oleg direct - and through him us - which could make someone feel kind o' slighter - I reckon..." Brett adds thoughtfully.

"Though - o' course - that could all be coincidence..." he adds, puffing again on his pipe.

Brett strokes his chin thoughtfully - but his eyes look concerned.

"Hmm... point being - and this ain't the first time we done think o' it - this place be filled with tough customers - nay matter how ye look it..."

"And we ain't got nay direct intel on it, so to speak..."

"I'm reckoning on maybe trying to see what we can see, eh? On this damn city down south a piece - how far it be - what be filled it in, specific-like - how many troops it got, and what their next move be, too."

"It be a sure bet that what we done did at the lake down a few days back didn't make 'em happy. Not only did we sack the island - but we done killed one o' their bosses, too - that snake-priest - and we burned up that bitty of a city by the beach when we busted out their prisoners."

"Good news is - as far as I be seeing it - their chief spy here get busted up. He's dead - and I reckon that crystal he had be his way o' showing news 'twixt our town here and them there - but we got the crystal, and their boss and his folk are killed - fer the most part - which I be coming back to, soon."

"So the southern folk can't get news - their chief spy in our town be dead - his mates be dead - their seeing crystal be taked, and their north most outpost be burned up, and we got a lad ready to move in and take things over there right proper and form a southern bastion against any invasion," Brett adds.

"Now - when I done said - for the most part - that be because we got them folk that were guarding that boss spy's little house. Speaking o' which - Ras' me lad - how did that venture go? What did ye find there?" Brett says turning to Arasmes.

Ras - a good point. Potentially important intel can be found at the house there - you were ready to ride in and bust some heads - but I needed to see what happens next there before I can give you the information here. That said - game's to you I'd guess.

"Well then; who's first on the list for recruits?" Brett Rowan - Councilman of Praxis, Halfling - and the appointed "Spymaster" of the nation asks of one of his men.

The man nods and presents him with a list - and - in addition to the list - he is informed that a list of applicants will be arriving for interviews.

Brett gets comfortable, picks up a hot cup of spiced mead - and awaits the first applicant.

Wow - well, that was a quick fast-forward - will there be any time for social RP with the new folks?

Okay - quickly - here is what Brett does.

1. He collects all the folk he needs for his "council" - please examine the sheets I presented for them soon.

2. He speaks to Garith specifically about the orders he made - and demands that Garith formally addresses the Council with a summary of the orders he gave him - and any results Garith may have discovered must be shared, including the recruitment idea.

3. He also checks on the dispatches that he had set out last fall - and the results on them (you said I would receive word on them in Spring - when Ariarh and Sir Bronwyn sent their stuff out - I hope Brett hears his news soon?)

4. Brett will deliver letters to Oleg's also - asking him if he has any folk that may be interested in his province.

5. Finally - he'll tell Galen to leave summaries of his notes for the Council - and not be such a cocky little punk, so we don't have to listen to his mouth for a bit! (just kidding - but seriously - we need a break from obnoxious NPC's for a bit). Toward that end - he'll have Anaitis hang by as his bodygaurd - but orders her to be silent, unless speaking directly and PRIVATELY to him.

Sound good? Cool beans!

"Oye - that's enough out of ye," Brett suddenly barks out at Galen's tone and disrespect.

"Ye attend to yer business and show a little courtesy - the smug attitude is getting on me last nerve - and I reckon I ain't the only one. Now - ye got yer notes - study them or whatever - and that be that," he adds.

"As fer the rest o' ye - we got what we came fer - seemingly - so let's sack out and be done with this place. We ain't improving nothing by sitting up all night when we got a town to get back to and let 'em know what happened. So - if ye aren't planning on doing anything constructive in solving this hash - I reckon then ye should sleep it off before we leg it tomorrow," he adds.

Garith throws a smart salute to Brett, "Sir, I'll get right to it." He finishes his meal looking surprisingly dignifies, considering how very quickly he devoured it, then moves to find Galen. He listens and observes briefly, then rather loosing track of things in the explanation, catches onto the suggestion that the caster may be divine or a magical beast, he chimes in. "Is there the possibility that the marks were made by a summoned creature? Then even if the cultistd vanquished teh monster attacking them, it would leave no trace, and the summoner could then reveal itself and attack with its sonics?

He then adds, "I can speak with the Priestess Isani, while you further consider the scene."

"Good - tell the other the details as soon as possible - spread the word. When you gather the crew; let me know - inform them I'll be providing them with a workstation, as well as a modest amount of gear and coin to get started."

Brett is looking for a new specialty type here - the short crunch is a 3rd level type with a 25 point buy; and all other standard rules apply. If you elect to join the crew - you'll be an independent working on special cases. Garith - I leave the explanation of the details to you.

Sup, teh waiph has "Returned" I'm not really back, just able to scrounge up some internet time to post.

Garith rides out with the party, under the orders of teh General who has remained behind. He stays mostly with his men for the ride, but upon approaching the scene of havoc and death even his hardened stomach turns. He dismounts and sets about examining the bodies, separating the good from bad-folk as Councilman Rowan suggested, and assists in collecting gear and items.

He orders the cavalry setting up camp, keeping them moving like a well oiled machine and then removes his armor, and joins the meal, taking it easy after such a harrowing experience.

Seeing that all are fed, he takes a meal, greeting Brett. "Councilman Rowan," he says with a nod, loading a plate, and says with a contented sigh, "Another masterful piece of culinary expertise. Honestly, most militia cooks would use the same items, and just pass them out as trail rations. Well, if you don't mind me saying, your council has the uncanny knack for finding strange and powerful individuals, just happening upon this wolf-rider and the other lady with the wolf... It is truly uncanny."

"But after seeing what we did, i guess it is good that the young ones are keeping their spirits up... Living life, as it were," he says paying a particular glance toward the newcomer and the half elf, as well as the summoner and the Priestess.

"I am unfortunately unaware of the full details of what the council has encountered outside of the city, but the men are rightly fearful of the possibility that a dragon is winging about these parts. Now from stories, those creatures like their hordes, so the magical itmes left rather preclude a dragon's presence, unless it was otherwise occupied, so i was able to calm the men. But you mentioned a giant Crow, and the General has discussed with Arsinian and myself something about these great fearful birds at the temple of Erastil, and if such a creature could do such damage to...

Brett nods – pleased that someone desires to solve this mystery. Whatever did this will likely be a problem for the city later – and even more so – the nation.

"Well..." Brett says with a shrug.

"I guess that the puzzle can wait then, eh? Anyhow - me question was less about that rock that raises dead folk - which sounds right handy, I'll allow - but more about the rest o' this hash."

"Fer example - the seeing stone? Mayhap that be how they done communicated with their lads over in that canyon base? And anyway - what do we do with the loot we got here already? Bronze pieces, gold pieces, rubies - magic rings, swords, knives - all that sort o' thing - and that's not mentioning the pile of bracelets, cups, candlesticks, earrings, armbands, and all that other hash that be in the other chest - and what about the incense - that be worth something, too - not counting the magical incenses?"

"That all ought to be going back in a treasury or something - I reckon - excepting maybe the big pile of loot; ye know, the candlesticks and earrings and such - that aint' be our'n - if I had to guess, it be townsfolk that maybe sold it off fer drugs and other hash in the town. Maybe it be better to return it to them - though I don't know on to find out who it belong to on that account," he adds, eyeing that part of the treasure skeptically.

"But anyhow - all the other stuff - the magic rings, the knives and swords - what be that fer - and what we be doing with it? Seems like pretty good stuff - and I guess if beasties can be crawling about that can wipe out all the folk here that carried this - and be strong enough to do this - and just leave it lay - why.... chances are that things may be tougher out there then I reckoned," he muses.

"We may want this gear - and more like it, but then again - maybe not. Anyone here got ideas on things, or should we done save it fer the council chambers back home," he adds, as if suddenly aware that there are witnesses - and gives an obvious nod to the new folk, as if he is not sure that they should be included in this discussion.

"I'll say! Like - fer example - what the hell we do with all this gear? And anyhow - the real question that be vexing me hard is - what the hell did this to all these folk?"

"Because it's a cinch that whatever did it had some sort o' magical power - and if it did - well... Why the bloody hell didn't it - whatever the hell it was - do a little magical detection and take this bloody stuff itself? It should be shining bright and true with that spell like a fire at Yuletide, eh? But it all be left here for any to find," Brett adds.

Yillim sits solemnly on the edge of the camp, watching as the group goes about their business.He pulls the blanket closer about him, taking in the sounds and smells of the others. Blackfang approaches on padded foot and drops his heavy frame beside his friend.

Yillim looks over to the beast and produces a nervous half grin.
Well, we'll have some kind of safety, at least for tonight. These folk are well armed, and seem to have a great purpose about them. Shall we stay with them for a while and see if they can be friends?

He stands slowly, careful not to disturb the careful mummy-like layers about him, clothing, cloak and blanket. After placing his pack and weapons on the ground nearby and while Blackfang closes his eyes and breaths heavy, he removes the fine armor and worn saddlebags from the large wolf's back.
There you go, صديق حميم, get some rest and scratches him behind the ear.

Seeing the halfling cooking, his stomach grumbles as the sweet and salty smell of the pork enters his nostrils, and moves over to where the small man is tending the meal.

Could I perhaps offer some trade for a meal? I must confess, that apple was a kindness, and still needs to be repaid, but the meat you gave Blackfang would be nice as well.

He stands still next to the fire, and its dance seems to make his red eyes all the more vivid. There is a tiny movement within his cowl and he jerks his head to the side to stop it, settleing himself.
Pointedly looking over the half-elf practicing with her scimitar, he says to the halfling:
Who is this woman? She has an air about her that is both comforting and threatening at the same time., then, almost as an afterthought: Truth be told,I would know more about your group as a whole, if it is not too rude a thing to ask?

Brett glances up, seeing Dross, and pushes down a grimace at the man’s appearance. Even so – he is still polite – just unsettled by his features, it seems.

”Well of course! There be one thing I like better then others – though some more then most – and others less then some – and in this case it be that; namely – cooking!” he adds in his usual succinct and easily understandable way.

”Now – I got a mess o’ things I can be cooking up – but didn’t bring much o’ my hash – as I reckoned on this by a fast journey south, and not room for real gear. But when we get back to the capital – as it were – I can make ye something good and fair.”

”Right now I be cooking up salted pork; as it keeps well on the trail – but – as ye asked – I think I can “sweeten” the deal, eh?” he adds with a wink

”Salted pork be tasty – as ye may know – but it also be a mite salty – don’t know if eat much pork in the south, but I love it – bacon mostly – it be tasty, though I got little on me now – feed most of it to that greedy blighter Dior – the griffon lad – he likes the stuff.”

”Well, in this pot I got a mix to have with the salt pork. It be mostly diced apples. I cut ‘em up fine – then add them to water and stew ‘em up; mix in some honey, mead and also a wee bit o' walnuts – and a little bit o’ cloves – and Hey, Presto! – there you have it; a fine bit of side dish fer the pork! Just take a ladle of it on the pork, and it cuts the saltiness of it fine – and leaves you enjoying the meat, and gives you something sweet to munch on,” he adds.

”Now – as we ain’t riding the full 5 day journey – I reckon I can add a few more pieces o’ pork to much on fer yer lad – but he’s big enough – size of a bloody horse – doubt much we can give him to tide him over good. Still – I reckon I’ll do what I can. Pay me, eh? Well – not really – fer now call it some good ol’ fashion hospitality – more then that, I’ll think o’ something later,” he says with a grin.

”Ah – that red-haired half-elf lass? Truth to tell – don’t right know who she be – the blondie there – that be me mate Ry lass, I should add – Ry done picked the half-elf up on our trip north a few days back. Don’t know the red one at all – but, as they say – if ye don’t know, best thing fer it is to ask, eh? ‘Course – I got so much on me plate that asking another lass be near a trial fer me,” he adds with a somewhat weary sigh.

”It’s me looks, lad – I can’t help it! I’m too charming fer me own good. Why – if I went to speak to the red haired girl – nay doubt she’d be mooning and sighing all over me, and that’s just too much fer one lad to handle. Hell – even Ry lass was nearly overcome by my rugged ways when we met – still, now we be mates, and she like a sister to me, though – twixt ye and I – I reckon that thoughts o’ me still stir her… though she’d likely never admit it – but that be my effect on the fair sex! Even so – as I said – here… take a plate o’ this here hash, and maybe another – and why not slide up and go on introducing yerself to the red-haired lass – a hot meal’ll do her good, reckon,” he adds with a nod, given you a metal plate from some random mess kits that were found recently, as well as a generous portion of the meat and “apple stew” – a two-pronged metal “fork” is given to you, so that you may eat the meat, and he hands you another helping for the half-elf.

Revion the Wolf wrote:

Revion and Blackfang nip, push and race across the plains, following the horse riders and the running man. Revion being the smaller strides longer in order to keep up with the larger wolf.

Wolf speak/"You are large. Where is your pack? Where do they dwell?"/Wolf speak

Revion's golden eyes never lose sight of Lia.

Yillim nods to the halfling, understanding his meaning. I would not wish to put your folk at dis-ease. I would cover myself more, but I'm afraid my last blanket was torn to shreds, and might not serve well that purpose.

Brett continues to look at Dross out of the corner of his eye.

"Nay offense - but, well - what they done to ye - ye aren't ah... contagious? I mean to say - we got a rash o' troubles in our town already - ye be looking sickly - we bring ye back, it won't make none sick or nothing, will it?" he asks nervously.

Oh! Good question, Brett - are you contagious? No one knows if that is true - including you! You might actually have a terrible disease the party will have to roll a Fortitude roll for - then again - they may not... Even so - does anyone in the group have the ability to determine if he is diseased or contagious with some sort of plague? If so - now would be a real good time to find out...

Ariarh Kane wrote:

"These beast men sound like the ones portrayed in Lencher's journals and the one called Amun", she says to Arasmes.

To the newcomer she elaborates, "There was once a man who worked with the Osirions to create new species of warriors, those who would do the bidding of masters. Lencher was a man of science but black of heart. We are only beginning to see the extent of his perversity."

"Yillim, you mentioned a man named Lutharo. Can you tell us more about him? It would do good to have a clearer picture of this new adversary."

Pulling back his hood, Yillim is indeed quite dirty from constant travel. With a slight frown, he wipes some of the road from his forehead and bats at a twitching movement from behind his ear.

I don't recall hearing this "Lencher" person's name, but no doubt he and Lutharo are connected somehow. Lotharo was a northman, that I'm sure, for his manner and dress were not of my people.
Yillim frowns
I could not forget his face, his armor. Upon it was a crest, that of a scarlet wyvern.

As the half elf approaches him, sussing him out as an animal would, he seems to be ready to offer her his hand, as if she were actually a beast, but remember himself and quickly pulls it back into place.

flatly he replies to her inquiry and to that of the halfling
I am a man. Or at least I was born one. The man I spoke of, he orchestrated my transformation. And many others, i'd wager.

With trained reflexes, he catches the apple offered to him by the halfling. Immediately biting into the fruit and nodding back to its provider.
My thanks. It has been ages since i've tasted anything sweet, and I'm sure blackfang will enjoy that meat.

I would surely join you back with your people, If indeed they are as calm-headed as you all seem to be.

and again he looks over at the snake woman, now a bit further away.
...but i think perhaps I will run back with you, and give Blackfang a bit of rest, let his back feel...

"What the? Scarlet Wyvern? Oh bloody hell - can't a lad get a piece o' rest around here? Damnation! Ye never would think that building a country be such a pain in the arse!" Brett grumbles.

"Oye - Dross - this northman with the armor - he got fair skin - like real pale - dark eyes - maybe... bit o' accent different then us?"

Brett mimics an Ustalavian accent fairly well - but the man you saw did not have such an accent - you do not believe he was from Ustalav - despite his uniform. He may be from another nation - and has enlisted into the cause of these "scarlet wyvern" folk.

"Anyhow - here be thing - we be got trouble with folk that be mixed up in experiments and such - fer now - toss a blanket or something over ye - nay offense - I don't want the raw recruits all bothered at ye... they be likely scared enough on what slaughtered all the folk on the plain - next thing they be hearing is folk be mixed up in curses and such, and maybe they get nervous and do something right dumb!" he adds, with jut of his chin at the young lads north who are already setting up pickets and digging a wide trench for a quick camp.

Her Holbyt friend and councilman certainly had no knack for subtlety.

Quietly to him,

"Brett, it appears that Yillim is a product of Lencher's experiments. The information in his journals did not pinpoint all the forms he experimented with. And I did not imagine the longevity of his experiments -- I believed it was simply within this year or two, yet it may have been going on much longer than we ever imagined. How many have been created? And what if the creature that destroyed al-Kazeem and his followers is one of Lencher's more significant experiments? He was certainly searching for dragon's blood."

"Well - that be right possible, lass - true enough - but remember; Lencher be only working fer others - he worked with them Southron folk - and this lad be Southron, too - though I think he not from the same place... His accent be a mite westerly, I reckon."

Brett is currently urging his pony northward to the others while he talks - hoping the rest of the company is also moving north.

"Meantime - I don't know nothing 'bout dragon blood - but I do recall something on troll blood... And anyhow - how'd he get four arms? That ain't right - not by a long shot... But troll's got green blood; remember them scum we cut down near Oleg's place?"

"And I don't mind taking him along, as were - but what about his pup? That be a big 'un - who knows - maybe it got 'sperimented on, too, eh?"

"While I'm at it - it be pushing near 7:15 - 7:30 - and it be about 6 hours or so back to town on a good ride. Maybe we ought to set up camp and talk a piece - see what the others done found out..."

He rubs his chin, considering things.

"I tell ye what lass - I don't know Kazeem like ye did - didn't ye meet with the bugger? What manner o' man was he? I mean to say - I reckon on him being like me lass Ani - but the thing is - is he magi - priest, or something else more nasty? I mean - they got powers - but what were yer thoughts when ye sat with him? Ye think he was tough - or am I upset over naught but hash on that account?"

"Oh yeah - I got Drake searching the remains - trying to find if them be drugged or something - I'd rather take any of them that were home to their kinfolk north for a decent burial, if they had any. What do ye say? Ye want to lend a hand on that account - ye know, searching all?"

Brett lowers his voice.

"Twixt ye and I - how come ye don't be offering him a drink, nor a bite to eat? He done looked rided out - could use a meal, reckon. Maybe when we make camp - we can give him a piece o' meat, and get his tale - but I think it be better to keep him apart from the young lads - so they don't get spooked - at least till we know him better..." he adds.

At this time Brett trots up to the party on his pony, with Galen riding behind, his hat cocked at a jaunty angle, while Param rides on the brim, watching things from the little box.

When Brett rides up he pauses, watching all with a careful examination – staring hard at the newcomer.

”Huh – sorry – I’m late – had a bit o’ work to do back there with them basterds,” he adds to no one in particular.

”Meantime – here’s the thing, as I reckon it – we got a heap o’ trouble back yonder. We all be ‘feared o’ our ol’ pal Kazeem? Well – reckon on he’s dead – or near enough. But what be strong enough to kill him, eh? What be strong enough to wipe out all them cultists?” he adds, glancing at the party.

Kicking his pony up closer to the new person, he stares hard and obviously at him; his ears perking up at the mention of Lencher.

”Huh – well – at the least ye be talking on lots o’ strange things – but never mind all that – what the hell kind of race are ye to be having four arms, eh?” he adds, somewhat to Dross, somewhat to himself.

He peers closer at the pale flesh – looking at the sickly pulse of dark colors running nearly green through the veins.

”Oye – Ry lass – you recall Lencher be trying to mix body parts and blood with folk?” he adds to the Baroness as Anaitis sits on her horse, close by, watching the southerner, while Galen, seeing everything – works exceptionally hard at pasting a forced look of nonchalance on his 14 year old features - a look which fools no one that that bothers to take the time to look at him.

”Ye reckon this lad be mixed somehow?” Brett adds.

”Ah – pardon me, bub – don’t mean to be disrespectful or nothing – but, ah – we’ve had a bit of rum luck here, and I’m all out sorts, as were.”

”Ani – why not ride back to Drake – er… Deputy Mayor Tyrell, and tell him to hurry things up, and get that list o’ findings made fast.” he adds.

Anaitis stiffens a bit at the name “Ani” – but salutes with her hand to her breast, and turns her horse and rides off back to the others.

”Say now – ye be a southern lad, eh? That is to say, ye got the lingo of southern folk, I reckon - but yer skin look a mite too pale, if ye’ll pardon me fer saying. Anyhow - how the hell ye get so far north?” he adds, looking at the newcomer.

”Oh yeah,” he says, looking over the essentially gearless person in front of him ”Ye look like ye maybe rode hard – here – how ‘bout a bite, eh?” he adds, reaching into his saddle bag and tossing the stranger an apple.

”Oh – and fer yer beastie there,” he adds also – pulling out a lump of salt pork and tossing a shank to the wolf.

”Don’t mind me – I love pups – even big ones – still; that be a big son o’ a buck, too. But ye be saying hash on Lencher... Meantime – ye got four bloody arms or I’m a bloody Tiefling, nay offense – and yer skin be pale as milk with green lines where the blood should be pumping all wholesome through – well, what the hell happened to ye, mate? Oh – and, ah - ye need a drink – a smoke? Better yet, why not ride back to the rest o’ the crew north there – and talk while we’re all riding, heh?” he adds in a amiable tone.

Yill – you’re not sure if the Halfling is eager to have you return to his company of 20 or 30 armed men for his protection – or to genuinely get you back to the “scene of the crime” and try to figure out what happened to the cultists even as his companions interview you in a sort of “multi-task” way – or if perhaps it is some combination of the two. You believe he is certainly suspicious of you – but not in a malicious way. It seems that your “condition” is drawing more sympathy from him then suspicion – but then; you suspect he may have seen quite a bit at the hands of folk like this “Lencher” which could stir his sympathy a bit more then the usual presence of mysterious and otherworldly races. Even so – what is your next move?

To all: Yeah – same question for you guys too; that is – what is your next move?

Galen begins what would otherwise be a smug retort on the advantages of “hiding in the plains from a dragon” – but Brett, seeing the look, cuts him off with sudden bark.

”Right, then! Here’s what’s what – Drake, get over here!” he calls out to the “Deputy Mayor” – who tacks course and rides toward the party from his point in the plains.

”Now – I want any and all with a knowledge of healing to search through them bodies – firtsts things first – separate the decent folk from the foul; I want all all our folk pulled out of that heap – bodies to be taken aside and made ready to be brought back north. Prep ‘em for travel – and burn the carriorn foul – especially if you see that lad “Kazeem” – you see him, take his head before you burn the corpse,” he adds with a frown.

”Next – I want ye healers to look at the dead folk who were our citizens – do what ye can to check their flesh fer signs of opiates, Pesh – and anything else that may be a tell on why they went the way they did.”

”Next – I want any with magic powers to sweep this place for any magical goods and gear – and while I’m at it – police these bodies. Take all their gear and goods – collect ‘em for taking north. We may be needing them fer our own city – gold, jewels, gems – what-have-you – not to mention any weapons or magic hash that can be useful fer our purpose.”

”Next – while that be going on – make a wide sweep – see if we missed any stragglers out westerly toward the river – they may have panicked and runned off that way,” he adds, then turns to look at his chatting companions to the south – removes his spy-glass and stares at them for a bit with a frown.

Returning his spyglass to his case, he sees Galen – apparently ready with another snappy remark.

”Dragon – maybe – but didn’t I hear anyone say about some big “crow thing” flying north near the temple – stealing sheep? That got claws and flies – and gods know if have magic… even so – wonder why whatever it is would attack these folk and leave our town in peace… Odd thing, what?” he adds to himself.

Turning to look hard at Galen, he looks at the smug, cocky, youth. Seeing the thin frame, with the intelligent gaze giving him a wry grin under the wide brim of his hat, he slides a pistol from his hip, and hefts it a bit.

”Ye alright with magic – ye any good with one o’ these?” he asks the lad, tossing the pistol to him.

Galen catches it deftly, and glances up at him from under the low hat brim.

”Well – as they say – I’m your huckleberry,” he returns, his lip curling in an uncharacteristic smile.

”Oh – my – gods,” Brett says with a sigh.

”Well – let’s go, then,” he adds, spurring his pony south as Galen follows hard and fast.

It seems Brett's estimation is correct - they have indeed been dead for nearly two days or so...

Meanwhile - his continued perplexity at the situation causing him to look even more vexed at the situation. Scratching his head - he decides to search the bodies...

Brett just takes a "20" on his "perception check" to search the bodies. He gets a mere 32.

Brett looks baffled, and eases himself to his feet.

"Here be the bloody crux o' it - they got their gear! That be the rub, aye? Never heard o' a creature that kills the folk and leaves the gear - or a beast that kills the folk and leaves the meat... But here they be - dead as dead - and all their gear be on or nearby... Saddles, swords, rations, and there be some piles o' jewels and other such hash... as that..." he mutters.

"Best thing is to gather this up - but I don't see no one be living now... and these marks - what the hell could have done this?" he asks, looking back at the extremely non-lackadaisical party.

"What be ye making o' this hash, eh?" he asks the others.

Brett trots up - looking at the slaughtered horses and dead bodies - watching Lia and the wolf.

He swings himself off the saddle and hops to the ground - his pistol loose in his hand.

He glances at Lia and moves to the bodies, stooping down and looking at them.

The flesh is fly covered crusted, and the blood dried and rust colored.

Brett rolls a "heal check" - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 and glances well back in the company at the healers...

"Whell... by my count they be dead about nearer to maybe a little over a day - maybe two... hard to say exact - but they ain't be living now..." he adds, half to himself.

"Anyhow - the thing I be wondering on is - what the hell did this anyhow?"

Turning back at the rest of the party, he frowns.

"Oye! You - get to it, hey? There be healers there - them with that sort o' skills - why not fan out and search the bodies - chop-chop, savvy, eh?" he adds, then shakes his head in frustration.

He moves through a few of the bodies, and looks at it with confusion.

"Damned strange - never seen things like this..." he adds, looking at the ground confused.

"And there be something odd here too..." he says, looking at the body.

"Does anyone else got a read on this?" he adds - looking back at the stoic party behind him.

Brett will roll a quick "tracking roll" - though he has not "maxed out" his survival - and the bonus is still set for level 6 - he does have a fairly decent modifier or two - as his "favorite enemy" is human.

He tosses his roll - again - it is not a very high modifier - even with tracking bonuses - so if any wish to aid him - they are free to do so now. Also - remember - you should still be level "6" - but will before any real trouble starts. Just not for the current rolls -

Brett's "Survival Roll" to track - if anyone can "Aid" him - that would be helpful - also what are the "flying folks" doing?

1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

Even as you politely ask for favors - you hear a noise behind you.

"Ya har! Well now, lads and lasses - what be all the gabbing for! Our lad Drake says there be trouble to the south - said mayhap spell-slingers and healer folk be handy - said at best it be a 5 day round trip journey - innocent folk needing saving - lives at stake - danger all about at - and everything hanging in the balance when we got but only moments - and nay hardly time fer ourselves! Gods damn! But it be a hell o' a thing to rule a kingdom - er - republic - well... maybe a confedericie! Anyhow - he be taking 20 outriders south - and in less then an hour. Who the hell be with me? And that magnificent basteard "General" Kae - aye - let him lounge around here running the show - but tell 'em to keep 'way from the bathouses, eh?" he adds with a grin.

"Well - what the hell are we waiting for - let's ride! Yaaaaaaa" he roars out lustily as he charges down the hallway, waving his pistols in the air.

Brett is using a "Channeling Spell" seemingly - in which magically summoned the spirits of "Bluto" - from Animal House, Gimli the Dwarf - and somehow - Yosemite Sam... Very odd chap... Oh well.

"Personally - I think the whole thing be bosh! And if me ol' mate Alaric be here, no doubt he'd back me and Ry too - still; they done say that the blessing - and the curse - o' a democracy, be its leadership. As such - I guess if that be the way of it, then that be the way of it... Unless ye got another notion on it, Ry lass?" Brett adds hastily to Arairh - hoping against hope that a forestalling of any taxes at all on his land be the straight word from the Imperatrix.... as it were....

"Hell - if he were - he would have made taxes in the capital - and he never did at all... just saying," Brett adds.

A little interlude ...

Later ... when Ariarh is alone with Dior, walking out across the grassy plains just outside the gates of the fortress, wind whipping at her face...

Ariarh sighs and the sound forms part of the air around her. Dior walks beside his mistress, listening to and noting her outward expressions. He rubs his feathered head against her hand.

She looks down, momentarily shaken from her reverie.

"Ah my protector, how the days pass with unusual speed." She draws her cloak tighter about her slim form. "With the large company of creature folk and the sojourn to Saravale, my birthday slipped by unnoticed and uncelebrated. I wonder if mother and father acknowledged the day back in Artume ... I hope they did for then I would not feel so...forgotten and sad. This is the first birthday that has gone by without recognition and with all the arduous days that have passed, even most recently, it would have been a nice distraction -- a joyful memory to keep with me as I govern and guide this land and try to assimilate the newcomers into Praxis. I am twenty now, no more child but true woman. I wonder what mother and father would say if they saw me now. Would they think me changed? For better for worse? Some days I long to see their faces ..." and her words tapered off and the wind song grew in strength then receded. "Delain wrote me a letter which was nice of him. I miss him too ... more than I can admit to." Wisps of her long pale blonde hair had come loose from her ponytail and now fluttered and fanned around her face and behind her. She reached behind and loosened the leather cord, allowing her hair to fall free and loose down her back. She ran quick fingers through it, loosing it further, and feeling her scalp's relief as the tension was released. She spies an ancient, warped tree a few feet away and runs toward it, feeling the blood quicken and flow through her veins. The cold wind bites back, stinging her face but she enjoys it as it enlivens her.

She hears...

Brett is quite miffed that you didn't enjoy the amazing pie he made for you - it was apple, with bacon sprinkles - which is tasty, and covered with a dollop of sweetened cream - a tall mug of frosty milk, and a large baked loaf of bread, with honey, cinnamon, walnuts, and some raisins to add bite and flavor.

He waits until you're down with Dior - then carts you back to the Banks's house - where all your friends are there to enjoy the meal and company together.

Arasmes ibn'Fayad wrote:

Arasmes gives Brett a wry look, That is, in point of fact, the opposite of what I was saying Brett...and you know it. I am not suggesting taking away your autonomy but I am suggesting that we pool our resources together rather than splitting them apart. The River Kingdoms currently is a series of city states and look where it has gotten them. Feuds, war, and bloodshed. There is an old battle saying that is quite apt here I think...divide and conquer. Without a strong effective central government this nation will fail. Carving out little kingdoms for ourselves and acting as independent city states seems to me to not be in the best interests of the nation as a whole. This idea of a confederacy is not one I hold in high regard. I implore you all to not only think about yourselves and your own interests but the nation as a whole. I fear us fracturing ourselves apart is the main thrust of the issue. Ariarh? What will happen if something happens in your barony that is at odds with the nation you rule? Will you be able to rule while your time is spent building another city for yourself and your chosen people? I say chosen people because there is the implication from Brett that certain people would not be welcome in these cities if the rulers did not wish them to be there. My concern is that if we do not make Saravale strong, as it is the capital, the what is the purpose of the nation?

Having listened first to Arasmes and then Brett, Ariarh sighs inwardly before speaking calmly and openly with both males, "I have not forgotten my duty and responsibility to the capital or to the nation of Praxis, Arasmes. I am not selfish, lax or demonstrating a wanton disregard of what is here. The notion of smaller baronies to support the capital and nation is not in opposition to the growth and viability of Saravale. In fact, I believe that the baronies may possibly be the saving grace of the capital from collapsing under the weight of its various issues, keenly those of wealth...

"Well..." Brett begins, continuing to puff his pipe, sliding his thumbs up and down suspenders...

"That's fair and true; I'd say - but, begging yer pardon - I think at least we needing to be setting that price on taxes, as were. Fer now - we go ye lass voting on 10% - Ras be looking at 20% - Kae sort o' be in between at 15% - and I personally be liking no percent - and everyone makes it on their own sweat - but I'll be agreeable to a majority vote - as were - if ye don't mind... But so far we got three separate votes - and not a majority... So - ye all give thinking on what ye see best in terms of finance - so that when we stab outwards and get things cooking - we get a sense on what be ours to spend next month, or nay - that'll effect a lot o' how I plan my constructing over the months - if I know what's to be kept, or sent back here... Never mind the fact that Saravale also got it's own tax system in place... just saying."

"Even still - need to know the numbers - I reckon - before we set out sure. What do ye say, heh? How about a square vote all around - then, when we know best - we go from there?" Brett adds, glancing at the others.

Brett is correct - at the start of next month I'll need to know the formal tax standards for baronies - which works a bit different then the usual method - and is outlined in the email you received. That said - please let me know. Thank you!

"Well, Ry - I'll leave it to ye, as ye got ideas on how ye want to run things, to be sure..." Brett says with a friendly nod to his old companion.

He continues to puff on his pipe, and waits for the response...

I have some concern of the sustainability of the nation as a whole. Without a strong central government, and I do not mean strong in an authoritarian sense but strong in a sense of economic, political, and security strength, then we will descend into a series of independent city states. I do not believe 15 or even 20% will be an undue burden upon the various cities but conversely would go a long way towards the strength of the nation. The financial difficulties are significant, we expanded too far too fast and are paying the price for it now. I for one would be willing to pay a little extra in order to give the nation of Praxis a better chance to survive.

Well since I do not want to waste a full year since it's impossible for me to start a Barony apparently, I will go ahead with the business. I'd like to start a Barony but oh well.

”And there ye got it! We be like city states – sure as thunder!” Brett says, thumping the hard oak table.

”And what be wrong with that? As o’ now we all got our own ways o’ running things best or better, as is… and they don’t be agreeing with every folk in town,” he adds, lifting his pipe to his mouth and taking a puff.

”Fer example – Ry lass not be a fan overmuch of Grishnak and his mates, eh? But ol’ Kae got a good way to handle his lot better then others, right? Well then – what if Kae sets up shop not too far away – and rustle up Grishnak and his lads to live with him? Then Kae can handle them folk better, and Ry don’t be having to deal with them folk, eh?”

Brett puffs mightily on the pipe, then jumps from the chair and begins to pace about the table.

”Nay – ol’ Ras got it right and true – making city states may be the best thing to do! Why – we all run things the way like, within reason – keep the rules o’ our own lands closest to the laws of nation, with a few little tweaks, as were – and we all support each other.”

”Aye – less a united nation, but rather a confederacy of city states…” Brett adds, hooking his thumbs under his suspenders, puffing on his pipe.

He cocks an eyebrow and glances toward Arasmes.

”That be a fine notion there, lad – fine indeed! Only thing be – I never figured ye be such a supporter o’ the Confederseye! And if we go that way, then we need not be overly troubled about spending all our loot on making the entire bloody nation function. If folks don’t like how a city state be running, let ‘em move to another!”

”Ras me lad – that be a gem o’ an idea, damn sure!” he adds, patting Arasmes on his back with a sage nod.

"Huzzah! Well - it done seem that low taxing be a good thing - no doubt we be able to give out more jobs to the folk if we don't have to be using it on the government," Brett says with a grin.

"Still we got to be agreeing on one thing, as I see it - if we do be planning on keeping the loot local - then we better be using it to be making jobs for our folk - I don't want to see folk lording it about and so on - they need to be using it fer folk - right and true, eh?" he adds, a concern that some wealthy who claimed to need coin for jobs simply meant "slave labor jobs"... even as he suspected Grishnak or possibly DeVille - or those sorts may be doing even now.

In his lands Brett intended to make sure the folk that lived here got work for a fair wage - not send the gold to nations far away, nor keep it to lord over folk high and mighty-like... where only one percent had money, and the rest of them suffered. He envisioned a land where the citizens could have jobs, decent homes - not tenements, and maybe hospices for citizens with reasonable charges for herbs - not black-market, cutthroat terrors that certain scum were eager to see; exploiting poor homebodies to fill their pockets!

Well - that was the plan; but - he realized of course, it wasn't always easy to do.

"Bah - this be bloody expensive to build! I shall be building only 1 hex - E1 - which puts me right next to Ry - but also - right on the bloody border - I can't expand outwards till we move our nation westward... So I guess that I get only 1 hex fer now - plus I got to get rid o' all the trees!" Brett mutters.

"Even so - them ruins may be useful... maybe - plus - it let's the other lads make good use out o' the land to the east - where the ruined piers and caves were, and the village by the ruined tower near the volcano was..." he adds.

"And as fer the bloody taxes? What - 10% be pretty damn high to me! Ye know - taxing the income by like... how do I bloody say it - ah! It be like taxing the industrious! You be penalizing me fer what, hard work? Pah! That be hardly fair... I'd rather 10% - at most - still; I be tolerating 15% if the whole bloody council fer it... though I rather not... I like me loot, my gods!" he adds with a grumble.

"Blast Ry lass - we may want to go grab your "brother lad" - as it were - seems he got a little friendly-like with one o' them snake lasses, my girl here done think ol' Kae be eager to, shall we say - "make beautiful music?" Maybe ye ought to go pinch him quick so, at the least - he don't be tuckered out in the morning? Wouldn't want him to be tired for his big day," Brett adds the last with a shake of his head and roll of his eyes... but in this matter he leaves it up to you.

"Alright - it's clobberin' time!"

Female Halfling Barbarian...

Yeah - you know what? I needed a good laugh... So - hope you guys laughed, too.

Sorry for my lack of posting. Haven't been feeling so well today.

Arasmes takes the time to fish with Brett for the length of time it takes for Shaezon to prepare his spells for the day before suggesting they be off. Arasmes is open to anything Brett has to say but will let the Hollbyt speak first.

Once their conversation is complete, Arasmes suggests we get a move on and rescue Anuk-su's brethren so they need not be imprisoned any longer than they need to.

Brett is content to fry up his food - and during your breakfast - you notice that he is far nicer to you then he had been before - but find it odd that he occasionally repats himself - saying words over and over again - words that "we shouldn't fight" - and "we're friends here" - and other things.

In any case - the breakfast is well made, and tasty - and Brett is eager to proceed.

"Uh - yeah... not so much... Remember; we left Galen behind to keep track o' the horses! If he comes over, the horses pretty much stick around unattended - no telling what could happen to 'em... Hopefully nothing bad; but unless you need him specific - he'd rather keep the horses safe; as it is our way home - at least, that's just my thinking on the matter..."

"Yeah - well... maybe... It rankles me a lot when people stand in front of me talking words they know I can't understand - then be all Huh? What? Oh no - I were just speaking private stuff about the weather! when I hear words like "Holbyt" distinct in their words, and see their eyes on me... They don't want me to know what they be saying... well; it ain't very perlite, that be all..."