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Tove exhales slowly, taking in everything that's been said. Her gaze lingers on Grigori as he's taken away, and she instructs the guards to ensure that he is kept comfortable until the day they can rid him of his Geus. "Pitax may be powerful, but for now our borders are far from theirs, and are buffered by the fey-blighted woods. Elkmark is under no immediate threat from Irovetti's expansionist ideas," she says at last. "In any case, it seems they're not prepared to move openly against us, at least for now." "Even so, we should remain vigilant. I'll talk to Celeste and Kesten about keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. If any more newcomers arrive with unclear intentions, we should know before it becomes a problem." Tove looks to Celebeth, "in the meantime, we deal with what's in front of us. The trolls are still out there. We know where they're based, there's no reason to delay any longer. We have to finish what we started and wipe them out before they can do any more harm. That’s our next step."
"We can certainly keep you safe, and comfortable, inside the fort. If you are truly acting against your own will, then we hold no animosity towards you personally. And I have no reason to doubt Wulfric is right about this geas. I will meditate on this tomorrow and pray for Erastil’s guidance in suppressing the spell long enough for us to get to the bottom of this." Tove speaks compassionately but still projects her voice such that the gathered townspeople are aware of what is being discussed in front of them. As she turns away from Grigori she adds for the benefit of the crowd, "And so we see that this plot runs deeper. Rest assured that we will uncover the truth of this matter and that Elkmark will blossom in spite of those who wish to nip the bud of our young nation"
Tove beckons the Marshall to bring the man to the front, then she addresses the crowd again. "I know that some of you have listened to this man in the past." She meets their eyes, her expression calm but firm. "But if his intentions are as noble as he claims, then why flee now? Why not stand and speak plainly, as I invited him to?" She opens her arms wide, hands turned toward the crowd in a show of transparency. "I am no tyrant. I will not silence an honest voice, no matter how harsh the words may be. But neither will I abide lies and manipulation that hides behind a friendly face." She gestures to Wulfric. "Our new magister’s arcane sight can sense the illusions this man hides behind, but let us all of us hear the truth of his heart together. I will call forth a Zone of Truth, and with it, we can lay everything bare for all to see." Tove fixes the man with a cold stare. "If you truly stand for the people, you will have no reason not to speak plainly before them. But if your come here to seed poison in their minds, then let this be the day we cleanse them of it."
With most of the crowd seemingly on her side, Tove decides to call out the grumbles she and the others are hearing. "It sounds as if some of you remain dissatisfied with what I’ve said. If this is the case, please come forward and make yourself known so that we may speak openly about your concerns. Whispers and grumbles won’t get your concerns addressed, and as I have said, we are here today to work with you, not against you."
Tove stands with the rest of the council on the makeshift platform in Fort Redemption’s informal town square, her arms crossed loosely as the townsfolk of Fort Redemption gather before them. When the last stragglers find their place, Tove steps forward to the center of the platform and removes the Stag Helm, holding it before her in her hands. She takes a deep breath while she lets the murmurs of the crowd settle into silence, standing tall and resolute before them. Then she begins… "Citizens of Elkmark," Her eyes scan the crowd as she ensures she has everyone’s attention. "Six months ago, we stood together and turned the ruined Stag Fort into the blessed Fort Redemption. Beam by beam, stone by stone, we have built this town. Together, we have carved Elkmark from the wilderness, from Oleg’s Trading Post on the South Rostland Road to our Fort on the shores of the Tuskwater, this land has become a real haven for free and peace loving people. We stand here united in the face of immense challenges. Bandits have sought to steal our livelihoods, our families from us, cruel fey have tried to drive us away, in our earliest days, a wicked cult even sought to destroy this fledgling nation. Now, we face our greatest threat yet. You all know by now of the trolls from the south. But let me tell you this—we do not falter, and we do not fail. Just days ago, we struck a decisive blow against the trolls, driving them back to their camp on the southern banks of the Murque River. Seven of their number fell to our blades, and we will not rest until Elkmark is safe." Her tone sharpens as she addresses Grigori’s rumors. "And yet, there are those who whisper among us, spreading doubts and lies. They claim that your leaders seek glory for themselves, that we spend your taxes for our own gain while you toil for nothing. I ask you, do you see glory-seekers before you? Have you seen anything to suggest any of this is true? My council and I have never sought fame nor reward from you. Every step we have taken, every enemy we have fought, every risk we have borne has been for one sole purpose; the safety of our people." "As Erastil’s Stag Lord, I am driven to build community. Old Deadeye demands no monuments to my name, nor to anyone on this council. Instead, he calls for homes to be raised, fields to be sown, and bonds to be strengthened. That is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. None of us, not one, are inclined toward glory or riches. Every step we take, every decision we make, is to protect and grow the community we have built together." She gestures toward the town. "Look around you. The taxes you have paid, lighter here than in any surrounding realm, do not line our pockets. They have built Ulster’s smithy, the mill, the Grey Griffon Inn, and a brewery. They have raised your homes and paid for a special quarter for refugees from the Candlemere lizardfolk village, who have suffered more at the hands of these trolls than any of us. They paid for the boats we use to trade with the Sootscale kobolds, trade that has filled our coffers and brought new opportunities to Elkmark. Our sawmills hum with life, our fisheries thrive, and our farms grow more bountiful every day." Tove leans forward, her voice firm but earnest. "When we ride out to face the dangers that threaten our home, we do so with equipment paid for out of our own funds, not yours. The arms and armor we carry are traded from the spoils of bandit lairs and monsters’ nests, not bought with your gold. We spend nothing from your taxes on ourselves. Our only reward is seeing our people safe, seeing Elkmark grow, and seeing a future where none of you need fear the return of that lawless cruelty that once ruled this land." Her tone softening, she concludes her opening speech. "It is easy to spread doubt. It is easy to listen to the voice that whispers of division and selfishness. But we are stronger together. Divisive rhetoric will not build homes. It will not keep your families safe. It will not drive back the trolls or plant the fields. Do not let these whispers of selfish greed or glory take root in your hearts. Together, we have turned a wild and dangerous land into a home worth defending. Together, we will build something greater still. For Erastil. For Elkmark." The Cleric of Erastil holds the Stag Helm aloft as she leads the crowd in a unifying cheer.
Tove takes a moment to consider Wulfric’s suggestion, "Wulfric, there is merit in transparency. Letting Grigori air his grievances openly could demonstrate our willingness to listen and prove that we have nothing to hide. But you were not there last time he took the chance to do so. Azen is right, he will almost certainly use his magic against us given another opportunity, and that could turn into a spectacle we can’t easily control. We can’t let him undermine us like that in front of the town." She glances at Azen, nodding slightly in agreement. "We can still address his accusations without giving him the stage directly. That way we can undercut his influence without giving him a chance to twist things further. The good thing is there’s no truth to what he’s saying. We’ll present the town with a detailed report on the progress we’ve made, the taxes we’ve collected, and where those funds have gone. Let the people see for themselves that we’re investing in Elkmark’s future, not chasing glory. We’ll make it clear that the council is here to build Elkmark, to protect it, and to serve its people. The facts will speak louder than any of Grigori’s lies."
Tove finally speaks again, her tone measured but firm. "You’re not wrong, Kesten. Your frustration is justified, and if he keeps stirring up trouble he’ll deserve whatever rope it takes to shut him up for good." She taps her fingers on the table, her tone sharp. "But we’ve got to be smart about this. Celebeth’s right, if we come down too hard without evidence, we risk turning him into a martyr and ourselves into the villains of his story." "That said, we can’t ignore this troublemaker sowing division, especially now when our unity is more important than ever. I don’t want him near tomorrow’s meeting unless we can control the narrative. If he shows up, we need to have something we can counter him with. We all remember how quickly his vile tongue twisted things last time." She looks toward Celebeth, Azen, and Wulfric. "Celebeth, if you can uncover who’s funding him, or what he’s really after, that will go a long way in earning the people’s trust while keeping us on the moral high ground." "Azen, maybe you could keep an ear to the ground in the Grey Griffin? Talk to the staff and patrons. See if you can find out what it is he’s been spreading, who he’s been meeting with or how much coin he’s actually splashing around." "Wulfric, if you think you can talk to him directly without riling him up, go ahead. Try and get a feel for what he’s after, be it money, a score settled, or something more ideological." Her gaze shifts to Kesten and Rhiannon. "Kesten, I need you to hold back for now, but I want you ready to act quickly if this escalates. Rhiannon, I trust you to keep watch and make sure nothing gets out of hand. Stay vigilant, but don’t give him any excuses. If he becomes violent, we’ll deal with it decisively, but we can’t afford to let him paint us as the aggressors." Tove leans back, her arms crossed, her eyes still burning with barely-contained irritation. Her voice softens slightly as she feels their strategy coming together. "If there’s anything any of you can find out that we can use, I want to know about it before we’re standing in front of the town tomorrow evening. I want this meeting to remind people why they chose to settle here, why this settlement is worth defending. If he tries anything this time, we’ll make sure the people see him for what he is; a coward and a liar."
Yeah that sounds like a good idea. And thanks for the inn Tal!
Did we have any plans for what we were going to claim next?
Of course, enjoy your holidays everyone!
Tove laughs, "It’s another year before the full moon falls in Erastus again, Celebeth," she chuckles. "You’ve plenty of time to catch a lucky lad or lass’ eye if you wish it."
"Agreed," Tove says firmly. "I must admit, the temptation to return south and finish off these trolls is eating at me, but you're right. The people could use some reassurance, it would do everyone good to see us returned and in good spirits." She glances between Kesten and Celeste, squeezing the latter's hand in her own. "Thank you both for holding the line in our absence." "Hmm, it's been almost a month to the day since the Lover's Moon feast. And by my reckoning, yesterday marked six months since our exploration charter was signed in Restov. Perhaps a small gathering, something simple to celebrate the things we've accomplished and to remind everyone we're not alone in all this. I dare say a day off has been well-earned by all of us anyway."
It’s important to consider that in game terms it’s only been six months or so since the original charter was signed. So Brevoy’s influence is still quite strong over our fledgling settlement. Still, Tove absolutely does see Elkmark as chance to do something different to the stone walls and shady politics of Brevoy, and will certainly be pulling away as much as she can. That’s part of why she rebukes the idea of being a Baroness, and styles herself as the new Stag Lord instead.
"I don’t think that’s what she was saying," Tove says, looking between Azen, Celebeth, and their guest. "However, while I do understand your bitterness toward the Crown, as Celebeth points out it wouldn’t prudent to bite the hand that feeds us, as it were. Such is our situation at this point in time, but I hope I can reassure you that our vision for Elkmark’s future aligns with yours. An honest land for honest folk is exactly the kind of realm we’re striving to build here. I do hope you’ll stay, Wulfric."
As Tove hears her name called, she turns, squinting slightly at the man approaching them. His face is familiar, but it takes her a moment to place it. When he introduces himself as Wulfric Tilernos, her memory clicks. She remembers visiting Tilernos farm, administering treatment to the man’s ailing father, she remembers his face in the crowd as she held services in the village nearby. "Wulfric… yes, from Rostland," she replies, her tone warm but measured. She raises a hand to her companions, signalling that she knows the man before stepping forward to greet him properly. "Welcome to Elkmark! Folks ‘round here tend not to use the word 'Baroness'. I’m go by the title of Stag Lord, but you friend are welcome to call me Tove. I’m glad to see you here." She takes in the sight of his mithral breastplate and the cutlass at his side as she takes him by the hand, and she listens thoughtfully as he explains himself. "Well Wulfric, we can use all the help we can get here, especially from someone with your skills. As you may have overheard, our Magister just now let us know that he will be leaving us come morning. And the threat of the trolls to the south has not yet been entirely extinguished, she furrows her brow. "The Stolen Lands have been unforgiving, you might notice none of my original cosignatories from Restov remain at my side. But I promise you the work here remains rewarding for those sturdy enough of heart and mind. You’re welcome to join us if you’re willing to put in the work." With an encouraging smile, she adds, "Come, we are road-weary and could use a good meal. You can get acquainted with the others over dinner. I do hope you’ll put down roots here. Elkmark could certainly use a man of your quality."
Tove’s face falls slightly as she hears the finality in Kalaman’s words. She watches him intently as a reluctant understanding sinks in. Finally she gives the tiefling a solemn nod. "I can see you’ve given this much thought," she says, stepping forward to mirror Garethane’s gesture. "If this is truly your path, then I won’t stand in your way. Just know that Elkmark will always be here, and the gates of Fort Redemption will always be open to you."
Tove says a quick prayer to Erastil and casts Bless.
I hope you enjoy your vacation! I’ll be on vacation too and unlikely to post between 26 Sept - 6 Oct. Please bot Tove as needed during those dates, her tactics will follow the same pattern as last time; Attacking from range until our heavy hitters are ready to engage in melee, then casting Sun Metal for each of them and switching to a support role to keep them in the fight.
Tove joins Azen in the old cypress tree and ready makes ready to cast Bless once the trolls move into longbow range, her own bow standing by in hand.
It definitely felt in character to me, haha. I’m glad I didn’t ruin any attempts to write him off!
Tove let's out a cheer from the tower as Rhiannon sticks the landing. Loosing one more arrow into the foremost troll, she takes to the stairs to head down into the fray herself.
Tove moves to Rhiannon’s side and lays her hand on the warrior’s estoc, casting Sun Metal.
"Elk Father, guide these arrows true, that they may strike down these beasts that come to tear apart the community we have fostered in your name." Tove waits for the trolls to move closer then says a short prayer to Bless the party before they strike.
"Agreed, starting with the smaller group and attacking from a distance is our best bet. That should give us an idea of what we're up against and we can use that experience to guide our approach in dealing with the group of four. It's definitely going to be in our best interest to deal with both patrols before word reaches the main camp... or the dragon."
"Sounds good everyone. We can try to find a good spot for an ambush, or plan a hit-and-run assault on their nearest encampment. Once Garethane has a better idea of what they're up to we can decide on which tactic will work best. Once we know the size of their groups we can also decide whether Celeste and Kesten's men should be working in parallel to us against other small groups or serving as a reserve force for our own party."
"Fifty vials does sound like a lot of fire. We could surely set some good traps with that and still hold on to three vials each…" Tove nods toward Meridian’s less ambitious assessment. "Do we have any idea about how many of these trolls we’re actually up against though? Garethane you mentioned the group that attacked the lizard folk was around a dozen strong, should we expect that to be the bulk of their forces?"
I'm back! :D
Tove once again lets forth a wave of positive energy against the remaining skeletons.
Hope everyone is having a happy and safe holidays, merry Christmas :)
With the majority of her companions in agreement and many visibly shaken, Tove turns back to the tormented spirit. "We will return here with the body," she announces. Then she turns to Godwin and places a reassuring hand on the man’s shoulder. "Lets find a place to make camp down river of here. We’ll give this spectre a wide berth until we can satisfy its demands."
Tove lets her friends introduce themselves, Once the introductions are out of the way, she continues. "As Azen says, food for silver could certainly form the basis of our trade deal. Our settlement is still in its infancy and our capacity for trade isn't high, but we do have a surplus of fresh fish at the moment. We can have some brought up the river for your people if that would be to your liking?" "In the meantime, my companions and I could head out, hunt some game and do some foraging for you now."
"You remember correctly Captain," Tove nods. "I don't think we'll take too long, but you're welcome to join us if you'd like to meet our Sootscale friends."
"I'm inclined to agree, if anyone here should know something, it'd be him." Bokken's words reassure Tove, and she spends some time trying to pass on that reassurance to the people of Elkmark, doing her best to assuage their fears. She also makes it very clear to those who hold the beliefs presented in the third rumor that the Stag Helm and its corresponding title are now safely in her hands, and that as Erastil's rightfully chosen champion, if any witch-spawned pretender should arise, they can count on her to defend it.
"I think we'll have the most luck with those who've been here the longest. But you never know what rumors people might have heard about the area before making their decision to settle here either..." "In any case, we'll cover more ground if we split up." Tove heads over to the construction sites to canvas the settlers there, while also assisting them in their tasks where she can.
”My companions and I were hoping to speak with you. I am Tove Hellstrom, Stag Lord of Elkmark and faithful cleric of Old Deadeye. We have been surveying the surrounding area and wish to get acquainted with those who already call these lands home. Would you meet with us?”
While Azen calls out to any potential occupants, Tove approaches the fence and casts Detect Evil, taking her time and studying the fenced off area and the dilapidated hut for any hint of danger.
With the wolf in front of her dispatched, Tove reaches for her holy symbol and calls down a wave of positive energy to heal her prone companions.
"Agreed, let's find somewhere close by."
"Given some time to prepare, it could be done…"
"Perhaps we should return here tomorrow?" |