You know, my mother had three large sons, and then me. Always said I would have grown big and strong, had they not finished the meal before I ever made the table. Your good appetite reminds me of simpler times, better times.
The Lord's friendly tone takes Thom aback slightly, but it is cause for comfort that he is spoken to. He smiles and gives him a grateful nod.
Ozaziel remains mostly quiet. Taking food as it is presented to him and eating it almost as fast. It would seem he is largely used to eating in a hurry where utensils are optional.
The feast winds down after desert, with your host Dunkrint rising to propose one last toast, To worthy endeavours and to new associations. The other distinguished guests begin to rise, as double doors opposite the long hall open, revealing glimpses of what lies beyound. Wooden paneling, a well stocked credenza of tempting libations, and a high hearth giving warmth to this late afternoon, all first catch the eye. Then you see it is a library, as shelves upon shelves of books cover what walls are not tall glassed windows. An assortment of chairs, sofas, and other restful perches are scattered throughout the room, though a long table and lectern seems added to sit before the hearth. Six chairs are placed at the table, backs to the hearth. This will be the meeting hall for the true discussions of your future.
If our guests would excuse the assembly and myself for the moment, we have a small matter of business to which we must attend. Please, feel free to relax in the next room, and we will be with you shortly. Make yourselves at home, and all will be revealed as to the nature of our intentions, and to the purposes for this gathering. Thank you.
Radu rises with a small bit of effort, weighted down by the feast, and after nodding his acknowledgement of the host's instructions, heads into the meeting hall. He does not sit immediately, but glances over the assembled tomes, more to gauge their value and the interests of the host, than out of any desire to read one.
Arumil leaves the table with a bow to his host, when he gets to the new room he looks over the tomes for anything of interest. He keeps an eye out for tomes related to the surrounding area as well as any on his people or magic. He keeps his hands folded behind his back from habit, brushing up against a tome was a novice mistake always to be regreted where he came from.
Having enjoyed the meal, Thom rises from his chair with the other guests. Wordlessly he follows them, finding a chair or couch to sit on - anything to rest upon so that he may digest the meal. He attempts to avoid all eye-contact - he still feels uneasy.
Tomnus raises from the table and then enters the next room. look at all these books...these must be worth a fortune he thinks to himself as his eyes light up a little at the thought. He starts looking around to find any books of value.
** spoiler omitted **
OK, the result is 2, so Tomnus goes forward with his plan, but seems unable to find which books seem more valuable. Therefore, he instead grabs a small silver inkwell and quill stand off a shelf. He then pockets a gold and jewelled wax stamp off another table. The others in the group fail to notice.
While the hosts discuss matters, Radu will continue to idly peruse the shelves of books, seeking more of an insight into the hosts interests than anything else.
After a few minutes perusal, he'll select a single book, preferably the one that appears the most representative of the host's interests (due to amount of wear and number of similar books on this topic), and sit down to read from it (unless it's in a language he can't read, in which case, he'll find one he can!).
[spoiler=DM Kalizar]Sweet those should fetch a good street value as well as long as I can keep the inkwell from spilling. I see a habit forming...every time Tomnus and the rest of the group are somewhere nice he'll have to steal something...you know as a memento of the moment.[/ooc]
His initial curiousity over the books now satisfied, Tomnus takes a random book form the shelf and sits down to read until the other men return.
Ozaziel gets up and goes to the meeting room as instructed. Upon noticing everyone eyeing the book collection he moves on past them and takes a seat ready for the attendance with his would be employers.
The longer Thom stays in the room the more anxious he grows - he doesn't understand why the swordlords would want him for this... this extravaganza. But th' lordlings in th' room aren't s'big as ah am. He looks up, studying them carefully now - while trying to avoid giving away that he is.
They are all refined, in compare; his burly, rough hands are a sharp contrast to the lord Radu and the mage-man's skin; he's even broader than the two other men. And they all are ogling the bookshelves, sans the handsome man. All o'a dif'rent place...
Oz stands in the room almost statuesque, whether this is from impatience or years of training (possibly both) he doesn't even know. His position remains unmoved even with the big man starring down at him.
Those interested in viewing the books and brick-a-brack have but a few minutes before the door opens and three of your hosts arrive. The books cover a variety of subjects, ranging from astronomy to zoology, with a strong emphasis on subjects particular to the areas in and around Brevoy. The largest collection of tomes seems to deal with the subject of history, with numerous works on Choral the Conqueror and the time both before and after his rise to power.
The three men seem slightly perturbed that some of you took it upon yourselves to examine the works. Apparently, "relax and make yourselves at home" may have been more of a figure of speech than an invitation to go through things not belonging to you.
Lord Mayor Sellemius takes the podium while Lord Orlovsky and Jacob Pero take seats at the table.
Gentlemen, we thank you for attending today, and for your discretion in the matters we will discuss today. Gesturing to the other attendees, and beyond the closed doorway, he continues. The others have needed to leave due to an unforeseen incident that has arisen. They have full confidence in the matters at hand, and have given their blessings for us to continue in their absence. Tell me, what do any of you know about the Stolen Lands, banditry in and amongst the River Kingdoms, or more specifically about the Greenbelt? He pauses a moment to allow you to answer.
Tomnus sits back in the chair trying to look inconspicuous and innocent as people talk of the Stolen lands and The River Kingdoms.
Aren't the Stolen Lands highly disputed territory between the River Kingdoms and Brevoy?
The knowledge check is for the Stolen Lands.
"The so called Stolen Lands have yet to be claimed by anyone and held by none for long. Or so it is said."
Radu observes the host's surprise at his guests taking such familiarity with his books, and promptly slides the tome he was examining, about the arrival of Choral the Conqueror, back onto the shelf and turns to take a seat.
At the Lord Mayor's comment, he replies, when the others have finished speaking, "The lands seem to have abandoned even the 'freedoms' of the River Kingdoms, let alone any more proper authority, and have become a haven for the lawless, a threat to free commerce along the rivers."
Thom stays quiet, listening to the other men talk - he is well aware that he has little to contribute. Dun' speak lest spoken t', his mind repeats, careful to avoid eye contact. He tries to stay invisible, to avoid disrupting the lordlings' discussion.
Lord Sellemius continues Rostland and Restov have not enjoyed the best of relationships with House Surtova and the Dragonscale Throne. The reasons are diverse and many, with deep grievances and issues held on both sides of the scepter. Suffice it, that Rostland finds itself facing strangled trade routes, ever increasing tariffs, and an increasing alarming rise in bandit activity along our borders.
A cough from Lord Orlovsky causes the Lord Mayor to pause, nod ever so slightly, then continue. The tariff issue is best handled in the political arena of Port Ice, and it is regrettable that I even mentioned it. Please do not feel my displeasure is any indication of disloyalty. Rostland and Restov beleive in the unity of Brevoy, and will always work both to improve the nation and for the betterment of it's peoples.
Lord Orlovsky interrupts for a moment, It is because of these issues that we asked for discretion from you and your peers. Conversations given in relaxed and casual fashion could be misconstrued, or subverted to cause mischief. We wish you to understand we work only for the greater good of all of Brevoy.
Taking a chance to rise, Jacob Pero speaks As many know, the Stolen Lands have long been a thorn in the side of the kingdoms that have risen and fallen in this small piece of Golarian, for age upon age it seems. I have studied the lands and its lore, first from the halls of Absalom, and now here in Restov. I have lent much of my service to this assembly because I hope to someday discover the reason and cause of this 'unusual' phenomenon.
Lord Sellemius continues, Master Pero is correct, and his insights have been of benefit in determining a course of action in regards to the Stolen Lands. The Dragonscale Throne has refused to allow troops or personal expeditions into the lands, for fear of upsetting the River Kingdoms or the indigenous peoples. Lord Noleski Surtova, our regent, feels any military or noble actions amongst the Stolen Lands would bring strife to Brevoy, whether from outside realms or challenges amongst the Seven Houses. However this course has left Rostland open to the depradations of the lawless and degenerate. We have therefore come upon a unique, and we feel fairly legal means of giving heed to the call of House Surtova, as well as benefiting Brevoy and Rostland. Each of you has been summoned to provide a service to our Kingdom, to serve both Brevoy and Rostland, to be agents and arms of Restov, and to do so with the blessings of the Dragonscale Throne as well. Lord Surtova's decrees have made mention of the need for Brevoy to exercise justice and enforce the will of the Dragonscale Throne upon all who would trespass upon it's sovereignty.
Lord Orlovsky looks to each of you in turn as he speaks We wish to commission your particular group to act on behalf of Restov and Brevoy in a part of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt. Others have taken commissions to serve in areas such as the Nomen Heights and Hooktongue Slough. What we seek is a group willing to explore the lands and seek out threats to the rightful rule of the Dragonscale Throne over the sovereign lands of Brevoy. Banditry, hostile monsters, and the depradations of foul humanoids would all pose such threats to our Regent and his reign, as their influence upon trade and rightful passage undermines the faith and confidence of the peoples of Brevoy. We cannot allow wellsprings of conceived weakness grow within the hearts and minds of our peoples, our neighbors, nor our allies. The safety of Brevoy and of the Regency are at stake. Do you have the will and desire to serve our nation?
Arumil listened to what was said while standing with his hands behind his back.
"If I may be blunt and clear. I for one have yet to be offered anything in return for what sounds to be a very dangerous and some what fatal endeavour. If all you have to offer is a noble quest for the nation, then I am disinclined to accept for such a poor reward."
It may have sounded cold but he did not care. He knew things were becoming unstable, but those problems were not his. He was not going to waste his time doing their bidding, at least not without being offered something more then a job well done at the end of it.
Thom listens carefully - to the request, to the urgency of the regent and the lords - and more importantly the plea for the safety of the people of Brevoy. This was it. He rises from his seat, placing one of his massive paws for hands on his chest and he dares speak aloud for the first time. "Ah will serve Brevoy, M'Lords. M'blade is yehrs."
He keeps his back rigid and he has his head lowered, obediently.
Radu listens attentively, although his brows knit with concern when the elf bluntly speaks his mind.
"The disruption to trade that the bandits and other dangers present has long been an annoyance to my family's business, so I am inclined to support this endeavor. Is there perhaps some bounty on the region's bandits and other dangers that might serve as a more compelling incentive for those with less personal stake in securing our nation's trade routes?"
Tomnus looks a little uneasy as such harsh words are spoken of his brothers in arms, the bandits. As they all stop speaking he smiles "Dealing with bandits, you have the right man. I will serve your nation but don't think dealing with those that oppose the crown will be an easy task. Bandits and brigands have a certain ability to get what they desire, though I will see to it that they won't interfere with anything the house of Surtova or the Dragonscale Throne have planned. Though for this to truly be accomplished I'll need to know the intimate desires of both those organizations." He pauses for a moment and then continues "And of course, since I have done something for you, I need something in return. There is a matter reguarding my past in Port Pearl that I need taken care of in order to truly give you everything that I have, get a few men off my back, and you will have my full service."
And when these Stolen Lands are reclaimed and the Banditry is dealt with and all his made safe. What then? Are we to stay out there and make way for civilization or are we going to be recalled to our respective houses and sent on our way or be commissioned for other enterprises?
Looking to Lord Orlovsky, Lord Mayor Sellemius comments Perhaps Tamus was correct, these are not yet favored by his master.
Returning his gaze back, he clears his throat . Firstly, thank you Masters O'Brian and Stanislav. The Assembly appreciates you and your comrades, and your interest in the charge we wish to bestow upon you. Know that it was never our intention to send you out ill-prepared, nor improperly compensated. The Greenbelt holds promise for exploration and subdual. Indeed, perhaps it is those same qualities that have attracted the influx of bandits and brigands to the area. Glancing at the others he continues. First and foremost we seek an end to the bandit threat to our trade routes and to Brevoy's southern frontier. Three days beyond Nivakta's Crossing, a frontier fort maintained by a former Brevic native, has been attacked and despoiled by a group reportedly led by a man calling himself the Stag Lord. Master Oleg Leveton seeks aid in repelling this menace. That we request should be your first mission. Beyond that, we wish you to explore the Greenbelt in an area deemed acceptable by the Regency, to determine the level of threat posed to Brevoy. How you accomplish this should be guided by enforcing the laws and justice of Brevoy, ever mindful not to abuse the trust placed in you by Lord Surtova.
Rising to face the group, Lord Orlovsky speaks. On the matter of just and fair compensation, what do you feel is just? We humbly suggest you explore the Greenbelt, rooting out any existing enemies of Brevoy, fugitives from the Throne's justice, and potential threats to the sovereignty of our Regent. What seems fair in exchange for such services?
Jacob Pero smiles throughout the ordeal, fiddling with his compass. Perhaps they might find something at my shop to be of use in their tasks. I suppose it all depends upon what you folks agree to as 'fair and just' reward, eh. He winks and joins his fellows awaiting your responses.
At the mention of dispensing justice Tomnus smiles. How do you want us to deal with those that are fugitives from the Throne's justice and those that we see as potential threats? Do you want them escorted back here or are you granting us the authority to act in the crowns best interest in how to punish those we find? And as for my payment, take care of the issues in Port Pearl for me and that will be payment for me, I don't require anything else...at least for now.
Arumil gazes from one man to the other. He was getting bored with the whole thing, the fact that they were trying to manipulate him did not help things.
"If I should accept I would do so with proof, in the form of a contract or writ. As for what I consider fair compensation is only in reflection to what you offer. I would not be so foolish to think you summoned us with no intention of offering something. If it was something so simple then you would have just put up a poster at the local tavern. Yet here we are, meeting personally and taking up your much more vauable time. So I would guess you have something in mind for all expected questions. It would be best to state what you want and what you offer so that I can accept or decline, that way we can both be done with things and move on."
He refused to be handled by these humans, compared to the nobles of his homeland they were far to easy to see thru. These games were bitter to him, that was the main reason he had left those old men to begin with. He counted four in their pocket already. Two good men, a merchant cleric, and a likely criminal seeking sanctuary. All taken for next to nothing.
Thom pays little attention to the demands and questions the others voice. He feels a sense of accomplishment when being addressed with thanks - by lords no less! He dares to look up, and finds yet another piece of courage somewhere in his thoughts when they ask what would be a suitable or necessary reward.
Ah, m'pardons m'lord, all ah could use's some maint'nance on me arms, arm'r 'n' shield. An' feedings for m'steed. Ashe tends t'go 'n' be stubborn if she's not fed proper. Carrots 'n th' like."
At the mention of dispensing justice Tomnus smiles. How do you want us to deal with those that are fugitives from the Throne's justice and those that we see as potential threats? ]
Upon his first question Oz will tap Tomnus on the shoulder and mime a stabbing action.
Documentation will be prepared by my office, and duly presented to your group prior to your leaving for Oleg's trading post. It will outline the purposes of your journey, and the matters to be undertaken. replies the Lord Mayor. Turning to Ozaziel and Tomnus, For the truly unrepentent of brigands and malcontents, yes, death may be a necessary sentence, to be carried out as you deem fit. The standing penalty for brigandry remains death by hanging in public presentation. We leave such decisions for the Regent's duly appointed representative to determine. Justice shall be his to mete as deemed appropriate, according to the laws and decrees of the Dragonscale Throne.
Turning to Master Pero, he continues, Shall the members of the expeditions present themselves at your shop, say half past eleven bells tomorrow, for outfitting and final instruction? My office will have all necessary documents delivered by that time.
At Jacob's nodding consent, the Lord Mayor decides the meeting is at an end, sensing the party should be eager to return to Restov. A round of shaking hands, hearty wishes of good luck, etc. insue, followed by being ushered out to the waiting coach for the return ride to the city.
At the mention of dispensing justice Tomnus smiles. How do you want us to deal with those that are fugitives from the Throne's justice and those that we see as potential threats? ]Upon his first question Oz will tap Tomnus on the shoulder and mime a stabbing action.
Before being addressed by Lord Mayor Tomnus leans in and whispered to Oz "Yeah thats what I figured but I just wanted to get permission before killing ev...anyone that I deem fit." Boy I hope he didn't catch that slipTomnus thought to himself and then smiled at Lord Mayor "Of course we won't stand in the justice you see fit being administered but I just wanted to see where the lines were so I don't inadvertently cross them."
Looking to the party as they bored the coach "So we meet back at Jacob's shop on the morrow in the morning? Does anyone mind us going our seperate ways, I have some strings to tie up before leaving on this quest."
Does anyone mind us going our seperate ways, I have some strings to tie up before leaving on this quest."
He would get his proof tomarrow it seemed.
"I better get started on what to bring on this mission of exploration."
Radu adjusts himself in preparation to get up, finding the weight of the meal, and the unfamiliar weight of his newly commisioned breastplate, to be sitting particularly uncomfortably on his frame.
He nods respectfully to their hosts, attempting to give the Lord Mayor his due, while also respecting the Orlavsky merchant-lord, and sparing a moment to acknowledge Master Pero.
As he hauls himself up into the carriage, the scent of the pastries he had brought for the morning sours his stomach, which rebels at the thought of more food. He waves dismissively at Tomnus' comment about needing to handle some personal affairs, sparing not a second's thought to whether or not the man might be 'up to something.'
He pats the seat-bench next to himself as Thom O'Brian boards the coach, and after he has settled himself, says, "I am heartened that another son of Restov has taken up the challenge, Master O'Brian. Have you a soldier's training? Or perhaps the skills of a woodsman or tracker?"
Thom, having stood there almost like an ugly statue while the Lords finish up their informative speech, does sigh in relief when he can slouch for a second. He gives a grateful bow to the lords, though says nothing else - Father Laine's mantra still repeating in his head.
When he enters the carriage, the Lord Stanislav offers for him to sit. He is partially relucant, but does so out of submissive courtesy. When he is called 'Master', he winces ever so slightly.
"Ah, m'lord, ah was in th' town militia fer close t'two years. Ah 'ave a little exper'ence with protectin' th' people, an' ah 'ave some way with th' sword. Ain't no master, though, m'lord, an' ain't killed no-one proper. Was only tasked t'bringin' threats in alive th' rare times ah had t'."
Aftr reclaiming his sword and wearing it proudly at his side he unshrathes it to clean it and sharpen it while the others finish handling their affairs. After Thom boards Oz will step on board takin a seat as close to the door as possible. He flashes a half smile and speaks Well it looks like we have our work cut out for us in more ways than one. . He glances towards Tomnus at the end of his sentence. He rests his hand on the hilt of the dueling blade for the return trip.
At Thom's mention of not having taken a life, Radu nods. My lord Abadar teaches that all things have value, and that a life cut short of its measure is coin thrown on the ground. There can be no justice, if the wrongdoer cannot be made to make amends, and a widow cannot feed her hungry children the corpse of her husband's killer. He smoothes his robes as he warms to the subject. To be counted in the company of worms, necromancers and assassins, is the man who seeks to gain from death.
He pauses, aware that he may have stepped too far, and looking up at the others, Hopefully, we do not count any such among our company. He looks to Arumil in particular, Your arcane studies are not focused on the arts of the resurrection-man, I hope...
Tomnus raises an eyebrow at Oz but plays it cool. "Don't worry about the brigands and bandits I'll handle them" he says, a slight hint of cockiness in his voice.
Arumil listens and looks at the merchant cleric when addressed.
"The world is not so simple to be seen in terms of profit and gain. Can a murderer be set free if he has the coin to pay for returning his victim to life, then how many others could have died by his hand yet gone unnoticed or unknown. As for gaining from the dead, how much gold in this world has been plundered from the dead or by those who killed to obtain it. How can you be sure that even now the gold you hold did not come from the dead or thru anothers death. In Kyonin we kill those who cross our borders, we lay down our laws and punishments. It is not our desire to punish or kill but we do not hesitate to carry it out, even among our own. So I respectfully disagree, if you break the law of the land you must be punished accordingly. No amount of coin is above the law, at least not in Kyonin."
He shakes his head slightly.
"Do forgive me I have thrown the matter far off track it seems. I seem to forget myself, I am no necromancer. Truth be told I have a great distaste for the smell of it in general. Not that I am above using such spells when needed but best avoided if possible."
I prefer to think that a life, that of a man or an elf, has worth, and not merely value in coin. Radu says, in what seems like his best attempt at a conciliatory tone. If the time comes when you stand accused of some crime, I will continue to defend the value of your life, even if you do not recognize it.
An old trapper once taught me that when one must kill a deer, it is right to preserve the skin, to make into leather, and the organs, to feed to the dogs, and he even had use for the bones, to craft tools. 'The gods put nothing in this world without purpose. Do not test their generosity by casting away what they have given you.' he said to me, and I believe that ending a life without need is even more wasteful than tossing away the organs of an animal.
I fear that, with my youth, much of my wisdom comes from those more experienced than myself. he adds, with a rueful grin. Still, I am fond of my own life, and would not wish to live in a nation such as the orc-lands of Belkzen, where the natives would not see my life as being of value.
Arumil gives a slight shrug.
"Necromancy is mostly misunderstood. Its most well known practitioners are evil but the spells themselves are rarely evil by nature. It deals with death and negitive energy which many fear and so hate. I may not like the undead but that will not stop me from using them or controlling them thru spells if need be. You can not blame the sword for the actions of the swordsmen. To judge something based on fear or what others think only leads to folly. That is how I see it."
Here this now. All that would use bodies and spirits of the dead who have traveled to the boneyard for there own means would call me enemy. And would meet a swift end at the tip of my blade. I will not mingle with such profane individuals who think they are above the laws of man and gods. Necromancy is not misunderstood it is a vile undertaking by individuals with profane souls. . Oz quiets down and grabs his holy symbols. This is perhaps thelargeat number of words he has spoke. Since he had awakened under that tree years ago.
Arumil looks over at Oz.
"So by your statement no one should ever be revived. Rarely does anyone bring back the dead without something to be gained and it cost greatly to begin with. What do you know of Necromancy. Did you know it can heal wounds, safe guard a soul, preserve the dead, weaken an enemy rather then kill, or even that it can allow you to create another body. Sorry but it is your view that leads so many to kill without thought. It is sowing seeds of chaos to dismiss anything without knowledge and fact rather then personal taste or prejudice. Necromancy is no more vile then those who use it. You know little of what you speak so you understand little on what you speak of."
He never understood those holier then thou types. Give him facts based on knowledge and proof, he could respect that. Blind devotion without free will and thought was just asking for disaster.
I am no fan of the desecration of the dead, which, I should note, is far from the only purpose to necromancy, and would prefer that we find other means to achieve our ends. Indeed, I'd prefer that we not leave a trail of corpses in our wake, for that matter... Radu says. On the other hand, I am even less enamored of men of no authority or station telling me what I can and cannot do, and threatening me with harm or death if I do not follow their lawless proclamations. Such smacks of anarchy and rule by force, which is suitable only for brigands, and not men of law.
The fane of Abadar makes limited use of the animated bones of those who died in service to the church, so my faith does not inform my personal choice to eschew the practice. Nor do the ignoble and lawless threats of those who seek to impose their will on others through fear and violence. I will not be cowed or bullied by those who think that a sharp bit of metal gives them the right to demand respect or submission from others, be they bandit lord or self-annointed champion.