Jamandi Aldori's page

"Congratulations on your triumph. I knew I had picked well for this adventure. I also apologize for the situation with Tartuccio, but you must understand that such an important mission forced me to err on the side of caution."
Jamandi waves towards the half-orc.
"This is Kassil Aldori, my adopted son and apprentice. I'd like you to take him with you as my envoy to your new barony."

"All right, we have two teams. To avoid any unnecessary conflict on the road, you'll each take different routes to the Stolen Lands. Tartuccio will go through Nivakta's Crossing -- the garrison commander will provide him all the help he needs. Halden will to Oleg Leveton's trading post -- he's been complaining about the Stag Lord's bandits for a while now. There, you'll be able to get all the travel supplies you need."

Jamandi turns to Halden. "I'd like to believe you, but I know all to well how convincing traitors and spies can be. If you're truly innocent, I'll hope you'll forgive me this precaution."

She then addresses everyone. "While you're away, Kesten will investigate tonight's events. As soon as I know who was responsible, so will you. I warn you, there are several entities that would like to thwart this endeavor. Not only Pitax, but the Royal House of Surtova may interfere. I have tried to keep this a secret, but we see that has not been entirely successful. In my estimation you have no more than three months to complete your task. Any feats you accomplish beyond that time will be pointless. You set out first thing in the morning, good luck."

"Enough!" Jamandi's shout silences the squabble. "I'm still not sure which of you I can trust. The risk of entrusting the whole affair to aspy is too great. Here's what we'll do -- two teams will head out. One will be with Tartuccio, the other with Halden. That way I'll know at least one group can be counted on to serve my interests in the Stolen Lands."

Jamandi looks back and forth between Tartuccio and Halden.
"Yes, such a gambit would be typical of Irovetti and his henchmen... And yet, it still seems suspicious."

She sighs in exasperation. "There's definitely a spy among us, but who? Tartuccio or Halden? All I have is one word against another. I'm afraid you're both under suspicion."

"Someone already knows of our plans and is acting against us. This means your expedition will begin immediately."

"Yes, Kesten. it also appears that we have placed our trust in the right people for our little endeavor." Jamandi responds.
However, it seems our plans are not as secret as I would desire. This is problematic."

"I am sure you will do Restov proud." Jamandi responds.

We will absorb the costs of preparing and equipping your expedition. When you return victorious, we will allocate a significant sum to provide financial support to help establish your country. Essentially we will build your first settlement, your capitol. I hope such a reward is satisfactory."

"As for the rest, we have provided lodgings for all of you here at the mansion for tonight. Tomorrow morning you shall set out on your expedition. Thank you once again for answering our call."

As several in the crowd start contesting the gnome's statement, Jamandi cuts through the babble with a shout.
"Please! If I may answer the question!" The noise immediately abates.
"Obviously, whichever group brings me the head of the Stag Lord shall receive the prize. It is up to that group to decide who gains the title."

The Swordlord's gaze is chilling as she responds, "Perhaps as we do have standards to maintain. This hall has seen many celebrations for adventurers, and even those who 'just got lucky.' But giving a noble title to a bandit leader? That's one thing that has never happened here. And it never will as long as I still draw breath!"

"We no little beyond what the few surviving victims tell us. His bandits roam freely throughout the area and prey on travelers as well as exacting 'taxes' from the few people settled in the region. We do not even know the location of his hideout." Jamandi responds.

"And this leads to the second condition of this task. Time is a factor in this endeavor. You have three months to bring down the Stag Lord. Any time after that makes the entire expedition moot."

"Unfortunately, one serious obstacle is in the path of such conquest. A den of bandits holds sway in this area and their self styled leader, the Stag Lord, claims ownership of the region and no one has yet been able to challenge his power. Bring me his head and you will be able to return to that land as its legal ruler. Any questions?"

"Thank you, Lord Mayor. Now, to the point, to the South of here, just beyond Brevoy's border, lies a region known as the Stolen Lands. This is disputed territory, claimed by several States. I won't bore you with the legal details, but suffice to say if someone had the courage to tame and seize these lands and name themselves ruler of them; well let's just say that the neighboring States would be in no position to oppose them. And Restov would be the first to recognize this new country as well as the noble title of its founder."

The crowd hushes as two figures emerge from a side door and head to the dais. One is a tall, slender woman in her mid-30s and the other is a portly middle aged man dressed in expensive finery.

"Greetings all, I am Swordlord Jamandi Aldori and this is Lord Mayor Ioseph Sebellius, welcome to my mansion"