Kesten of House Garess's page

"To my knowledge, a time of return was not set... though I'd suspect he will not return for several days. It is more than a day's ride to the lumberyard even without the time spent searching for tracks."

Tig's mother comes running not long after, and the two embrace with tears flowing. She thanks and blesses you all, and mentions how supportive the people of Hope's Haven have been. "I've so many to share the good news with." She takes him home.. they both wave farewell, and thank you one last time.

The crossing of the Skunk, and the ride after is miserably cold. You reach Hope's Haven before midnight, and are greeted by the guard as well as General Kesten Garess - who immediately sends for warm blankets and dry cloaks.
He looks at the child... and then you - with an incredulous expression. "Is that the Tannersen boy? The notice was posted just a day ago.
Warden Sneeg led a group of hunters toward the lumberyard to try and track them down this morning. Looks as though you beat them to it."

A few of the housekeeping staff and a stable hand bring the blankets and cloaks.. one asks if she should send for the boy's mother.

Kesten's face turns more somber.. his voice low.. he steps away from Tig... "... the uncle?"

"Well.. I'm off to get some sleep. Please let me know if I can be of any use. I am more than willing to serve in whatever capacity you deem fit. I am certain Oleg would not begrudge my exit of service here... he is well aware I yearn for greater things, and to put greater distance between my old life and new."

morning comes when you are ready... what next?

Kesten smiles... clearly happy to see your reactions to the charter. Compared to Oleg's wide-eyed expression, Kesten must have had a better idea what was contained within the sealed parchments.
"The swordlords did request a copy of your maps, and asked to be informed where you plan to build. Once they receive word of a location, they will send the assistance mentioned in the charter... in the form of gold, tools, supplies, craftsmen, and colonists."

Oleg exclaims "Ha! I've gooseflesh for it all! To think I sit here with future lords!"

Morning comes.. rumbles of thunder, grey skies, and mild but persistent rain.
Not long after you've had your breakfast and gone through your routines, Kesten gathers the council.
"Trouble m'lords.. m'lady. A rider arrived from the Karrasin lumberjacks.. " he gestures to the rain-soaked man who now bows...
"They've received warning from a fey sorceress... if they do not leave that grove in one day's time, she claims she will drive them out by force."

He adds, "This would directly affect us, of course, concerning construction in Tatzlford."

The women in shabbles are soon shackled... taken up and out of the barn.
"We'll march them home M'lord.. unless you'd prefer a word with the leader here and now."

Kesten greets you, and informs you of what has transpired since your absence.
"Overall, things are going well here."

"Loy Rezbin and his wife Latricia wish to construct a settlement within the Narlmarches... not too far upriver from the Karrasin Lumberyard on Skunk River. They have a fair amount of funds, supplies, and support to do so, and would like to be a part of your kingdom."

"A hunter named Oadwilm came by to see you. He has told us that there has been little sign of the Lizard King's forces in the area surrounding his fortress. If true, it might be time to squash the threat... would be good for morale, I believe."

Errol taps Kesten to go ahead and not wait for Sonechka...
Kesten speaks briefly "I understand laws of the kingdom are to discussed today? I believe that is high on the list of priorities. I believe we agree on that... I needn't enumerate reasons."
Before moving on to his second point, he scans the council in case someone asks for his reasons to be enumerated.
"Determining the name of the kingdom should be done sometime in the near future, as well." He then looks to Errol.

Kesten seems distracted - he glances over each time someone passes toward the castle (likely to enlist).... "Sorry, my Lord, Arliss had already been recruited by Ser Ambrosi for his team of woodsman. I'll have soldiers on the road tomorrow morning. I had them run through the recruit training exercises yesterday to assist setting standards... and I thought not a bad thing for those transferring to Oleg's to use themselves."

Upon hearing Green approach, Kesten tugs Kinsilvi up straight - he'd begun to ragdoll coming into sight of his current situation.
Kesten instructs him "You are about to be in the presence of your Lord. You are a prisoner. This is not a conversation. You will not speak other than when questioned."

"Shall we take him back straightaway?"

All go back to Stagfall now?
Send him with Kesten and two guards and remain to "tidy up" here?
Have Kesten and guards wait while you deal with things here then all back?

Regarding diplomacy/know (nobility)... Considering they were not officially invited to visit Stagfall, the situation does not call for any special decorum.

In attendance for the conversation, Kesten simply asks "Shall I?"

"The decision to have irregular forces reduce the food in the lands of the Foul King seems to have opposition, so I guess we decide that here."

"I see the efficacy of the tactic, but I believe it is too early to decide upon it. You have accomplished a great deal in little time. The gathering of armies moves at a much slower pace. You have time to consider the merits before casting a vote."

"To your other points regarding the militias and armies, General, I am of the same mind."

He nods with the talk of you visiting Beldame. "You've learned a good deal from one spy. I have to believe an encounter with the Foul King Vesket's apparent Master of Spies would give us far more to work with."

"We have a lot to do, so unless either of you have something to say, we should all retire for the night."

Kesten has one last piece of advice "I believe it would be wise to involve General Furiel in this matter. Once war is declared, he will have the final word. It might be better to reach an understanding now."

"I need these lands depleted of as much food as possible."

Kesten looks wary of Furiel's plan. "Hmm... not a terribly honorable action, but that tactic... or something of that nature does sound familiar. However, from my understanding General, war has not yet been declared. Depleting their food supply is an act of war."

Kressle adds "You can't raze a village without breaking a few heads..."

Kesten speaks after Green finishes...
"We have some worthy of soldiering. I would be willing to devote time toward preparing a training curriculum and a call for recruits. The sooner you know how many anticipate needing, the better I can say how difficult it might be... I'd prefer at least a month to train if we have that much time."

Kressle keeps quiet for Kesten, then adds... "Yeah. Just let me know what you need. I'm itchin to step off the flagstone for a bit. And I don't have a problem fighting beside any folk or critter who knows how to fight with some sense."

Barndoor defers his decision to whomever offers to share their saddle, and is quiet on the ride to Stagfall.

You arrive after midnight. Kesten shows up once he is made aware of your arrival and prisoner, but offers to let you rest before tending to other official matters. Regarding Barndoor,
"Master Broadhammer has assured me the lower level is quite secure. There have been no issues with our current prisoner... this fellow certainly appears less sinister. Shall I take him down...?"

Kesten clears his throat, and apologizes quietly "Sorry.. old habit. Thank you, sir." as he takes a look at Kane's dagger.
"Very nice. I've always admired the skill required for knife-fighting... but the hilts... they are always too small... too delicate for my fat paws." He smiles, nods, and hands it back.

He then nods to Norton bows once to all, "M'lords.. m'lady... sirs..." and leaves.

Kesten squirms a bit - still not yet comfortable with the unorthodox fashion by which things here are run.
"Yes General... I have not yet heard word from the messenger. He has orders to return tomorrow morning if no contact is made."

"Will you be requiring anything? I have a manifest of craftsmen and merchants who have yet to build storefronts. That seems to be all we have here. Few with any soldiering experience... none with any experience leading others... military command or civilian leadership."

To Kane Kesten says, "Wouldn't worry, sir. From what I've heard, there are more farmers than kobolds..."

"If there will be nothing else M'Lords, I will take my meal before my shift begins."

It is just after noon. The camp is about 9 miles from here. Go nowish, or in the morning?

Kesten arrives shortly after - bearing a folded parchment in an envelope with a broken seal. Though the setting is informal, he delivers curt bows and crisp salutes to everyone present.
"M'lords... good sirs, m'lady. M'lord, we have an opportunity here... As you may have heard - I myself was not made aware his personal camp was nearby, gnomish notable Narthropple and his partner Egiard had begun plans to start their own colony in the Southern Narlmarches. Since committing his wealth to this endeavor..." Kesten waves the correspondence... "Sir Narthropple has discovered his partner stretched the truth on what he was able to bring to the table. Now Sir Narthropple is near bankrupt, and has offered to divert his resources - which were already en route, here.... liquidate for copper on the crown."
"His offer comes with the request of rescuing his heir from whatever fate seems to have befallen him. They have lost contact with his exploration team in the Narlmarches."

Kesten hands Norton the letter from the Narthropple patriarch basically stating what Kesten has already said.
In addition to a few self-effacing comments about being a foolish old man, and mentions of how he cannot hope to compensate everyone whose dreams will be dashed by this event, there are specifics of what resources and manpower are available.
Assuming wages promised to working settlers and militia appears to be the lion's share of the cost.

"I met with the merchants you had encountered on the road... They have agreed - by your leave M'lord, to lead you to the main camp when you decide to start the search."

Kesten meets Norton by the cells - one of the finished portions of your castle...
"The curious halfing is in good hands, sir. If you are ready, the prisoner Nihtscada's cell is this way."

Kesten raises an eyebrow at first. After Green pulls him aside, he nods ... seeming to appreciate the clear orders - the opposite of which just so happens to be his pet peeve with non-military interaction...

We can move on to morning whenever... just pipe up if there is anyting you care to do before setting out again.

Kesten's response to Senex sounds like he had already given the question some thought.
"I continue to be impressed. I believe they are uncommonly suited for both expansion and rule.

Master Green's heart is the size of an ogre fist, and is there to defend before you realize you are in danger.

Ta'de-win wields the power of a raging storm while maintaining the steady calm of stone. From what I've been told, few have held such a connection with nature at so early in age.

Furiel turns the tides of battle and challenges the others to consider other points of view. He is a powder keg of ambition.. unsullied and unjaded in the spite of a reality unkind to him.

Ser Ambrosi is the personification of patience and the process of understanding. He is what I strive to be. I have never felt such conviction in my heart to serve my superiors."

Once he gets the opportunity, Kesten takes Senex to a temporary quarters.
The room consists of a two stacked bedrolls on a simple bedframe of unfinished wood, a bookshelf/endtable, and a footlocker.
"I hope this will do for now. We should have something a little more suitable within two weeks. I'll get a small table and chair in here for you tomorrow."

Kesten lingers... he seems uncomfortable; a fear of misspeaking.
"I apologize for our rugged accommodations. I was not made aware you would be joining us.
By what honorific should I instruct the men to address you?"

"No word yet, sir. I asked the settlers who arrived today, but they were not among those gathering at Oleg's. I'd expect them tomorrow or the next day."

The early arrivals have finished putting up temporary shelter, and are now mingling. As a whole they appear to be in good spirits. A few wave, and Kesten returns the greeting.
The dwarves are still working, and have stone blocks and other supplies set up in staging areas.

Kesten enters while the two conversations are going on. After a moment assessing Merick's diminished involvement in either discussion, Kesten approaches him.
"Master Merick. While I understand Norton's decision to allow the others to share leadership... I think - as a consequence, there should be double the effort for organization. What might have seemed unimportant before, having management for minor concerns will become increasingly vital... even in your own affairs."
"There is a well-known businessman in Restov named Flewder Tornatore... his influence is above politic. He has three extremely bright children who share his keen and even mind. They are several years younger than I, but I feel I know them well. All three wish to make their own lives outside their father's shadow. Any one of them would be well-suited for management positions. I have been holding onto their resumes, as well as two of their close friends."
"Please look them over... and pass them on after you've done so."

This time you hear a response... it takes a few moments, but you hear movement, and a little sliding rubble beyond the last wall. Kesten calls back "Green? Is everyone uninjured? No sign of anything on this end. There is an iron gate. We can probably bust the lock, but there is a wall there too..."

Kesten returns after making preparations. "I am ready to ride with the Broadhammers to the other end of the escape route. They appear to be willing spare two of their six experienced warriors. We have Errol, Rook, and Akiros - if willing... Who should I ask to join me?"

Feeling such matters should be dealt with by someone lower in command, Kesten puts together a framed memento to send to the Lord Mayor as a token from the charter members. It is a plaque-like display box containing a folded faded banner from the fort, one of the Stag Lord's arrows - broken in three places, and a silver stag amulet.

"I believe this will suffice, sir." Kesten seals Norton's letter with wax and - considering a lack of crest for your group, a plain metal cylindrical weight from the scale on the desk. He places it inside a leather courier folio as they prepare to take their leave. "If I may, sir, I do not agree with Rogar's assessment in your level of faith in yourself. It is my belief he mistakes patience for passivity..."

Errol nods, and adds "Unless Ser Valertis learns the difference, that will be his downfall."

As Green's question hangs in the air, Kesten enters. He glances around to divine if he is interrupting... "Pardon me sirs, m'lady. The wares have been appraised and loaded. We are ready to leave, but... I went to find Rogar, and found this where he had been bunking. It is his exploration charter and a note, which reads..."

"My comrades, I take my leave for now. I am departing for Avendale. I will seek out the family of Akiros Ashmoor, and get to the bottom of their meddling in my affairs...
Norton... do your best to lead without my counsel. Have some faith in yourself, boy!
Ta'de-win... good luck, and I hope you find a way to have a bit of fun in your life. You appear to have a rather manly throwing arm for a woman... maybe take up Prismati?
Furiel... I expect big things out of you. Perhaps a change in diet will help you fill out a little, eh?
Green... Keep them safe Green. I will see you again, and it will warm my heart.

Rogar Valertis"

Kesten nods "Very good, sir. No sir, I have no issues with women among my ranks."
"Other than a few more men with better eyes than these bandits, I'd say repairs to that tower would be first. Wouldn't take much to knock that over, and do more damage than a siege weapon."

That was a deal from Oleg... structures near his trading post which would benefit him and his business.
Rogar looks like he is about to respond, but settles and casts his eyes downward after Furiel's mention of his opposition to building.

Kesten returns to the room. "Rook is here with the remaining horses. What is to be done with the prisoners? We have two wagons, Alice, Rook, Errol, Kressle, and myself at your disposal."

"Oh... and the man Akiros - who quit battle before it began, wishes to see you when you find time."

"Owlbear?... Oh mother of mercy... There are rats! ... coming from the crates!"

You hear Rogar not far behind Kesten "Did he just say rats? You know my good man, there is an occupation specifically suited for such a task... a rather lowly one, I might add."

You find a door key and two small lock keys (likely to the already open chest and footlocker) in the Stag lord's coin purse.

Kesten ducks in while you are searching the Stag Lord's possessions... "Captured are secure... checked for hidden weapons. Any orders? Line em up along the wall or something for now? "

Kesten approaches. "Someone mention traveling? Well... I think we are about ready to go" He looks over at Hrafen still sleeping, and shrugs. "Sleep this late and you have decisions made for you, my friend."... and then back to the rest of the group. "Follow the same route in return? Or we could head east out of the woods before turning north... Ooor, if you don't mind escorting us that far, the three of us could head back to Oleg's and give you some time to get some exploration done while you are here."

Morning comes without incident. Kesten walks the area while shimmying his armor into place. "Well-chosen spot for a camp... almost hate to leave it." He looks around the horizon and treetops as if trying to find distinctive landmarks.
"Should we take our positions on the wagons now?... do we expect patrols?" He looks to Errol who shrugs... Kressle shrugs as well. He turns to the group for their word.

The canopy of the forest is thin here. Thin enough for some visibility from the moon and lightly illuminated grey popcorn clouds. With Vladimir's news, you hear the leather crunch of Kesten clenching his horse's reins.
"Are we able to continue? ...any idea how old the tracks are?"

Kesten continues to lead you along the edge of the Narlmarches, until the terrain changes to the twisted ancient trees and dark rich soil of the "old woods". The rain clouds begin to roll in as Kesten slows his mount, and scans the treeline.

"It was just along here... in fact. I believe we entered the woods there." He points a couple hundred feet ahead.

Kesten waits for the charter bearers to mount before doing so himself. He nods to Jaestra, and rides southwest down the slope to the Narlmarches leading a second horse. Once within a few hundred feet of the treeline, he turns parallel to it.

"When the guides who assisted me found the boys' tracks entering the woods, they mentioned it was directly south of their village." Kesten points toward "Mudtown" to the northwest.

As Vorik pulls him aside, Kesten seems to brace himself for a tongue-lashing. The apology regarding knowledge of the letter seems to lower Kesten's guard; allowing Vorik's more stern but pragmatic words get through to him. He does at first say "I meant to come back... I meant to just ride to Restov , but.."

But as Vorik continues with a fraternal pat, and encouraging words, Kesten lets it go with a solemn nod and a not-very-snappy, but sincere fist to chest salute.
"In the morning then." With one last look toward the departed and Jhod watching over, Kesten leaves for his tent.

He does nod to Vladimir appreciatively for his words, and regarding Ethan says simply, "Restov is where his family lives." He looks around lost for a moment...

As Vladimir continues, Kesten looks at Loomis, now arriving half-dressed from the ruckus... Kesten's fog seems to be lifting; piecing together what you should know, and your actual awareness of the situation... with that comes a deflated look.
"No... Ethan did not have the map with him. I can take you to where we found him. All I got out of him was about something about dogs, and cursing Nouri as a coward for running."

Kesten who has been quiet most of the evening, asks to woken for his watch as he lays out his bedroll. "If we leave an hour after first light, we should be to the fort a couple hours before dusk. Sleep well."

Kesten returns from sending Budgie and Arliss off. "Well... I think we are ready. I have 5 days rations and water packed for everyone. The liquor seized from Grundy is aboard the crossbow wagon. Some of those planning to hide inside the wagons may want to ride for the journey... it'll take us a couple days to get there."

starting journey in about 25 hours real time.

Kesten starts to answer Ta'de-win with some thinly veiled snark about where best to post your bandits when Green approaches... After Green's intervention, he says, "Budgie and Arliss would be who I would say to stay behind. Rook could be useful... he has said he knows a few of the Stag Lord's men who have frequented Grundy's Taphouse."

Kressle responds "Wherever I'm neede-."
Kesten shakes his head interrupting. "We have more than we have room for on the wagons." He looks over the group.. appearing to be counting heads.. he shrugs "Well.."
Kressle smolders, glaring at Kesten.

As the rider comes closer you see the unarmored dark haired female. "With the Remeika and Gielgud lumber mill cleared out and running, we can speed up building. Also, they no longer need Miss Morell." Kesten gives a slight bow to greet her.

As you are finishing preparations, a rider approaches from the northwest. Kesten, who had been glancing in that direction for some time, speaks up. "Ah, good. I took the liberty of sending word we could use an extra hand."

"So if you want to come, then you can, as a leader."

"Thank you Master Green, I will do what I can to not disappoint."

"By the way, how many people can be hidden in the wagon?"

"Four, sir. No more than four."

Kesten nods in agreement with Green's thoughts and adds, "We have Errol as well. If he was sent to clean up after Kressle, he may be the one to use."

"I am not held on high regard by my family. Those who cared enough to even comment on my decision to volunteer, were not shy about voicing their low expectations.... I am meant to lead men, and yet I've never seen real battle."

Arliss and Budgie run off to pick through Oleg's wares for battle. Rook nods in appreciation, and follows them. Errol and Kressle both act as though they already assumed they were going. Kesten clears his throat. He looks to Furiel and then to Norton. "And what of me? Will you do me the honor of allowing me to ride along side of you in battle?"

"The duel ends when either of the combatants yield. Choice of weapon and armor was decided by Errol... Aldori dueling blade, and no armor was his decision. Any interference whatsoever by anyone is considered a loss by their combatant."