[LPF] Expansion

[jkason]

Saktouk Bekloric, half-orc monk

[sblock=posting stuffs]I can generally post at least once a day during the week, in the 10am EST - 3pm EST area, possibly with a same-day followup depending on my workload and how active my current games are that day. i.e., I do most of my en posting from work. Weekends are less reliable, as my time in front of the computer tends to be limited by what else is on the agenda at home. Usually I try to at least check in once over the weekend (though this weekend, for example, we had commitments each day, so I just never wound up on enworld).

I will say this, too, though, that Saktouk's a pretty 'go with the flow' type despite being Lawful. So long as the party isn't suddenly deciding to start a rebellion or something else off-the-wall or especially risky, you can assume he's probably fine with it if I'm the only one you guys are waiting on.[/sblock]

Saktouk keeps his mouth shut during much of the camp setup, least he put his foot firmly in place. But as dinner approaches, and the prospect of drink, his mood improves.

"If ya need help plying the noble's tongue with drink, Audra, I'll be happy to test their head for drink," the monk says with a wink.

OOC: Fine to move forward to dinner. FYI, Saktouk actually has a mechanical bonus to keeping sober, so if the plan is to get folk tipsy, he may actually be a good one to have 'round. And here I thought that element of the trait would only ever be fluff.

 

[Artur Hawkwing]

Audra nods to Saktouk.

Idea isn't to get them smashed, just relaxed. Show that we are interested in helping and working together.

OOC: I've nothing further until the serving of after dinner drinks.

 

[sunshadow21]

While the workmen are more than happy to get smashed, and a few even have their own personal supply to assist in the endeavor, neither Lord Marvox nor Windflower look like they are going to allow themselves to be that distracted. Between helping with the hunt and talking with the workers, you've managed to earn the grudging respect of both, though neither are as yet any closer to agreeing with each other.

Supper goes well enough, and the after dinner drinks are enough to relax the two foes sufficiently to get full information out of them.

Lord Marvox lays out his case first before Windflower even has a chance to put her thoughts together. "You are right in your points from earlier that no one uses the road. Why should they when they can use the waterways for the same cost in everything but time, and still have access to at least some of the creature comforts from home while doing so? Even during the previous heyday of the road, it was mostly merchants and caravans traveling through the region, stopping only at night, and that was often done at roadside campsites. Of course such people would be more likely to cause problems; they have no sense of ownership or duty to the surrounding area. Meanwhile, half of the estates neglected and ignored because their noble owners couldn't be bothered to travel beyond the comforts of the city to be the first to establish the necessary infrastructure to support those comforts. It's even worse now; aside from the few truly powerful nobles who still maintain summer houses or hunting lodges, the vast majority of the estates lie largely neglected, empty shells that crumble at the touch. In turn, the peasantry suffers by the lack of a local market. While there certainly is value in restoring the merchant trade, that by itself will not help, when the market once again collapses, as all eventually do, without the support a local economy, the road will be back to being a fleeing memory. I seek to address this by providing a place where the absentee lords can stay in comfort and fellowship as they build up their estates to a proper level. This is what will sustain the future of this road, not trade. I can speak from experience when I say this; trade, by itself, can be a strong catalyst, but on it's own, is a fleeting market that will reroute itself as markets change."

Finally managing to get a word in as Lord Marvox stops to access the impact of his words, Windflower's retort is much shorter and much more direct. "And how do you propose to handle it when your precious nobles stir up things that are best left undisturbed? The caravans were bad enough, but they were by their nature incapable of rendering permanent damage. Your nobles could easily stir up trouble and in their stubbornness, keep stirring for the sake of their own pride. They don't have to bother the cursed woods in order to cause havoc, either. Several relics of the past still lie buried in the wilds around the edge of that cesspool, tantalizingly just beyond reach of those who would give much to control them if they were reminded of their existence."

 

[perrinmiller]

Ariel Esimae, Female Aasimar Cleric

Ariel was thinking to separate the two and speak to them individual with some privacy and avoid further confrontation. But with them still acting civil so far she accepts the situation.

"Milord Marvox, is my understanding then that you are intending to build a community of some permanence then? How many peasants are out here on these estates already?"

Trying to placate Windflower and show interest in her point of view, Ariel asks her some questions as well,

"What are these things that are better left undisturbed? So far you have been adamant that these nobles are going to trigger chaos and destruction, but the specifics of how this will happen are escaping me."

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +2
AC: 22 (20 without shield, 18 flat-footed, 12 Touch)
HP: 23 Current: 23
CMB: +3 CMD: 15 Fort: +5 Reflex: +4 Will: +7 (+8 vs. Fear)
+1 for all with Resistance
Resistance: 5 Cold, 5 Acid, 5 Electricity
Conditions if Effect: Point Blank Shot

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Javelins: 5/5 Remaining

Fire Bolt: 4/6 Remaining Channel Energy: 4/5 remaining
Deflection Aura: 1/1 remaining
Spells Remaining: Orisons: (Light, Resistance, Guidance, Detect Magic)
1st Level 2/4 (Shield of Faith, Doom, Bless, Burning Hands)
2nd Level 0/3 (Resist Energy, Bull's Strength, Barkskin) [/sblock]___________________________________________

Ariel Esimae

 

[jkason]

Saktouk Bekloric, half-orc monk

"Aye," Saktouk agrees. "I come from the Seithr, so I know a bit about dangers in the wild and whatnot, but if'n you ask a body to nae enter the entire mountain range for fear of a thing ... well, 'tis easier to steer a body clear of the worst passes and ranges, and point toward where the orcs tend to raid, than it is to ask a man to nae climb a mountain.

"I imagine 'tis the same for a forest full o' dark things. Sure'n that many dark things have their territories?"

 

[Artur Hawkwing]

Audra moves about the camp, refilling a mug or cup if requested from the groups supply of liquor. Otherwise she keeps herself to the shadows, out of the conversation going on and just generally watching reactions around the camp in general.

 

[sunshadow21]

"You could not possibly understand the danger the denizens of the Feywood or their creations pose to the health of the land." Windflower replies obliquely.

"That or you just don't want to admit that your conflict is in no way impacted by our presence. I have researched your so called artifacts, and they appear to me to be no more than sentimental places or items, and that you are simply afraid of change. No where in my extensive research did I come across anything that suggests any other solution. There is absolutely nothing in the written or spoken historical record that suggests you are anything but pouting after letting change get the best of you once and are now determined to refute it's very existence. If you have evidence to make your case with, I suggest you make it now in front of these fine folks who have taken their time to listen. And yes, dear, I do seek a permanent community that can sustain itself. Those who live here currently deserve that much. Number wise, they are spread out enough that you can't see them all, but there a lot of lives who depend on this road for their well being." Lord Marvox retorts, trying to remain civil, but getting impatient with the constant interference of the local fey without a good reason.

"I and my kin have gone over this many times. The evidence is around you everywhere, yet you ignore it. The wailing of the wind through the cut down trees, the tiredness of the soil, the teardrops you call rain, the absence of the animals that once roamed this land. All point to the despoiling of nature as it was intended to be. Those of the Feywood forsook it long ago, and you, while traveling down a different path, are going in the same direction. If we cannot turn you from your path, we fear the consequences may be dire. The occasional city is all well and good, but there must remain wilds." Windflower pleads her case to you, having given up all hope of getting anywhere with the stubborn noble.

The nobleman just sighs. "And the wilds shall remain, as they are an integral part of this region, critical to the hunting and vistas that will draw the permanent residents and travelers alike. You assume that it must be either civilization or wild land. I see no reason for drawing such lines. Proper management can ensure the coexistance of both, and those who lack proper management will find that they return to the city rather quickly."


[sblock=Audra]Aside from the workers completely ignoring the philosophical discussion going on, being well on their way to being properly drunk, and the growing frustration of both the druid and the noble, you don't see anything of interest.[/sblock]

 

[DalkonCledwin]

"Lord Marvox, pardon my bluntness in this manner. But how much do you actually know about the society and culture of the Fey other than what you have read in books? It would seem to me based on your blatant disregard for what you term sentimental places or items that you don't place any stock in the intrinsic value of the culture and society of the Fey people. That would in my opinion be a grave mistake. Especially if it turns out that the Fey are far more vast in populace, and more well organized than outward appearances would lead one to believe." Veniarus explains while sipping from a glass of water, not having the stomach for some of the human beverages. He then continues "I don't know how much you know about the Harran Forest, but I was born and raised in that forest. And from what I can remember I would be loathe to upset the Elves and Fey creatures within the Harran Forest, and by proxy I would be worried about doing the same with creatures of such disrepute as the Dark Fey of the Feywood. So I must ask, what makes you so determined to pursue a course of action that could be potentially as disastrous as the one you are pursuing?"

 

[perrinmiller]

Ariel Esimae, Female Aasimar Cleric

OOC: Just giving Megan a chance to participate before I reply to our NPCs

Ariel listens to both the noble and the druid, starting to feel that Lord Marvox has been pretty forthcoming on his intentions and his arguments appear to hold merit.

Assuming he is not lying of course. Eh? Oh, Helena! Veniarus and I are not going to see eye to eye on this issue at all.

Before she asks further questions of Windflower though, Ariel looks to see if Megan has something to say or comment about.

OOC: Sense Motive(+6) Check please.

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +2
AC: 22 (20 without shield, 18 flat-footed, 12 Touch)
HP: 23 Current: 23
CMB: +3 CMD: 15 Fort: +5 Reflex: +4 Will: +7 (+8 vs. Fear)
+1 for all with Resistance
Resistance: 5 Cold, 5 Acid, 5 Electricity
Conditions if Effect: Point Blank Shot

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Javelins: 5/5 Remaining

Fire Bolt: 4/6 Remaining Channel Energy: 4/5 remaining
Deflection Aura: 1/1 remaining
Spells Remaining: Orisons: (Light, Resistance, Guidance, Detect Magic)
1st Level 2/4 (Shield of Faith, Doom, Bless, Burning Hands)
2nd Level 0/3 (Resist Energy, Bull's Strength, Barkskin) [/sblock]___________________________________________

Ariel Esimae

 

[sunshadow21]

[sblock=Ariel]The man seems to believe his statement quite thoroughly, not seeing any point in lying.[/sblock]

"You would have a valid point, good sir, if there was indeed evidence to support the position that it was potentially dangerous course of action. So far all I have seen in my efforts to research it, which includes talking to the locals as well as digging through the history books, is that there is a rift between the Feywood and the surrounding fey, with no indication that anything humanity has done has ever, in the entire time we've been here, had an apparent effect on said rift. If Windflower has evidence to suggest otherwise, beyond arguing that all civilization should be left to the city, and the woods already inhabited by people should be left completely to the wild, I am all ears." Lord Marvox replies to the summoner.