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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 7953940" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Over breakfast the following morning on Alturiak 6, the company gathered in Rahnee’s room to debate accepting rulership of Hallton’s lands. Rahnee raised two points: firstly, that their presence in Tallwell would benefit the Baron because he viewed them as reliable, but secondly that Pahar and Carlin might want the group out of their way in Turnton. Darrow, in a similar vein, declared that he did not know exactly what to make of either the Baron or the High Cleric, but thought it was fishy that Carlin had grown in power shortly after the ritual of the Hand. Dinendal’s thoughts were to accept Pahar’s offer and continue their plans while working from Tallwell.While Jokull contentedly ate and let the others debate, Rahnee asked Aerikoth for his thoughts on the matter. The wizard asked if she was inquiring about the Baron and the priest or about the question of rulership; she replied that she would welcome his thoughts on both. Aerikoth commented that he thought it likely that some part of Ashnakzeroth had survived and was affecting Carlin’s powers, noting that the creature had previously survived a greater catastrophe, that being the loss of magic completely, than being destroyed by a mysterious stone effigy shaped like a hand. While Aerikoth stated that he was not overly interested in rulership, he nevertheless considered it quite a privilege to be bestowed on the group and recommended that it be accepted, if all were willing.At this point, Dinendal suggested using his divine powers to attempt to detect any malice or deception on the part of the Baron and High Cleric. He said that he was not usually suspicious of others’ motives, but then again was not normally flung to the ground like a wet sock, as the elf put it. Dinendal opined that of the two, the Baron would be easier to read in this manner. Aerikoth said that he saw no reason to attempt this, as the priest had been open about the changes in the Hand and in himself, also noting that if Carlin had been attempting deception, there would be no logical reason for him to bring up the issue. Rahnee interjected, saying that if some part of the lich had taken over Carlin, that Carlin could then control the Baron, who would believe anything the priest told him. Rahnee also noted that if Dinendal’s spell were detected, it would be viewed as a sign of mistrust, which the elf acknowledged.Rahnee at this point asked for Jokull’s thoughts. The warrior said he was as concerned for Carlin as the rest of them, but did not believe that the cleric would intentionally cause them harm. As for Hallton’s lands, he stated that he cared little for the consequences and believed they should take them, given all that could be done there. Rahnee asserted her support for taking the lands as well, based on what she called the payment in blood and death that had been given, and also the fact that their rulership would be a tribute to what Brok-Tul and Veran had believed in. Darrow grunted in response, saying that he did not feel particularly qualified to rule a bunch of humans, but declared he would help.As the discussion on Hallton’s lands was wrapping up, there being general agreement on accepting rulership, Dinendal raised with Rahnee the conversation he, Aerikoth, and Darrow had conducted with Carlin the previous night. The elf observed that the cleric had been evasive regarding possibilities for Brok-Tul’s resurrection, then asked Aerikoth if he had the same recollection. The wizard confirmed that Carlin had apparently not wished to speak of it. Rahnee noted that Thyxlys Jon had behaved similarly when questioned in Teziir and indicated that she would speak privately to Carlin on the matter. (It is instructive to see how, when one desires something badly enough, its denial can itself be denied. I would interpret the responses from Carlin and Thyxlys Jon - that they were not capable of resurrecting Brok-Tul from just his mangled head - as quite clear in nature. The clerics each speculated that someone in Westgate might be able to perform such a ritual - which is perhaps possible, but it was also a way to soften the blow and provide some hope to people who are not prepared to fully accept reality. --C.) The group then talked lightly about who would have what responsibilities in ruling Hallton’s lands.An hour later, Aerikoth finished studying his spells and returned to Rahnee’s room. In the meantime, Dinendal had excused himself to say his daily prayers to Corellon, while Jokull had decided to go out by the Turnton barracks and practice his sparring. Rahnee, Aerikoth and Darrow therefore represented Helm’s Shadows as they returned to the Baron’s audience chamber to deliver their decision. Pahar was pleased at their acceptance, saying that he took neither them nor their assistance for granted.In response to a question from Rahnee, Pahar indicated that they need not bother notifying Westgate about the situation, as the domain of the authorities there extended only so far as their city walls. Pahar then reviewed what was known of Hallton’s lands. The only town of any size was Tallwell, which possessed a smithy and an herbalist as well as the surrounding farmlands. To the north and south of Tallwell were small landholdings with a few families each. All were poor, possessing little beyond their land and a few animals. East of Tallwell were the former baron’s personal holdings; freeholders had once worked his lands, but had long since fled his tyrannical rule. The existing Tallwell barracks would hold Pahar’s ten soldiers easily and the priest of Helm planned to establish a shrine in town.Rahnee in turn said that she understood it would take time to gain the trust of the people on Hallton’s lands. She planned to be the figurehead leader, while Jokull took charge of their defenses, Aerikoth lent what assistance he could, and Darrow started an ale brewery. Pahar said that they appeared to have a plan. He could offer no further information, other than noting the challenges they would face: beasts, monsters, and Hallton’s still-unknown patrons in Westgate. (Adventurers' grand plans often come to nothing, whether due to failure or simply the distraction afforded by another shiny object being presented to them. As we shall see, the dwarf is in fact the best prepared - or perhaps most motivated - to follow up on his intentions. --R)Rahnee informed the Baron that the adventurers had a commitment in Westgate on the 8th of the month, so could not go to Tallwell before then. They agreed that the Baron would send his soldiers on ahead and, in the event of any resistance, they would fall back to Glees and await the companions there. Darrow spoke up and declared his support for Helm’s Shadows and their commitment to rule the lands, but caveated this by noting that his first commitment would always be to Clan Ironhelm. Pahar saw no conflict in this, leaving the dwarf satisfied.As the three took their leave of the Baron, they started discussing various plans for their new lands, including the need to rename them soon, in order to avoid calling them “Hallton’s lands” in the future. Rahnee and Darrow agreed to collect Jokull and Dinendal in town and then head for Westgate, with Aerikoth teleporting on ahead.</blockquote>

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