The Wooden Keep

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

"My apologies Lord Duke, it seems I continue to disappoint on all accounts. The elf - mage Baxtaw and Sir Albrecht will no doubt bring you the cessation of these continued threats, keeping you warm and safe behind your matchstick stockade. I have redeemed myself and my honour by standing as 1st tribute to this great wrym. I conclude therefore that neither of us are indebted to the other any further."

Foxy bows low to the assembled nobles. "Your grace." she says and departs the keep.

[Marullus]

The Archduke nods politely. "Your honor stands unimpeachable for your actions before this town. You may keep both the armor for you and for your steed as a symbol of my gratitude. It is the finest plate, and thus tailored, may suit you well into the future. Your actions also earn my gratitude, and I'd accept your fidelity as a knight of the realm should you wish to swear appropriately in the church of Baudh, and still offer you such land beyond the town as you'd wish to build and protect."

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

Halts her steps and turns to receive the gracious response.

"Lady Fochelle has a certain ring to it my Lord. However I feel my vocations will take me beyond the known frontiers. I would be pleased however to learn the Duke has apportioned some wild field to the care and nurture of Badger - priest, Clay of Beith."

She bows again to the Lords and ladies and departs for the tavern.

[Spearmint]

July 21, 2021
'Blackjack' Amistad

Puts on his best gear, shines his banded armour and shield and visits the Duke.

"Duke Gaul, the townsfolk grow in numbers and prosper. The ford seems unsuitable for further development so I am asking for the land rights to establish a new hamlet on the frontiers of your realm. I am yet a humble entrepreneur in your service and thus seek your wisdom and advice in this matter."

[Marullus]

The Archduke seems pleased with the entrepreneurial efforts. "A worthy endeavor indeed! It is too long that I've been plagued by the takes of grumpbears and weaseljays at the logging sites. I pray your efforts to complete your logging mill bear fruit and a forward hamlet would be additionally useful in supplying necessary timber to the town as we continue to build."

"The most important consideration, of course, is security. That is far beyond what my own guardsmen could patrol. You've ventured into the forests deep and know its concerns more than post. Those of your company have spoken of orcs on that frontier, we have the Morlock that was held here in the prisons as well. How will you defend the civilians that answer your call? If you can secure a location, you have my leave to establish vassals and citizenry therein, Amistad."

Mechanically, we'll establish construction of a palisade, then buildings. You'll need to pay guards and labor normally with "investment capital" from your adventuring. Once that's done, we'll figure how it aids your commerce and to what degree it is self-funding. Once you reach level 9, you attract followers which generally will cover security needs for an area the size of a map-hex.

[Stirling]

July 22nd

Foxy O'Hare

gets bored sitting or drinking around the tavern and figures that the Scatha expedition might be doomed for failure. Having faced the dragon three times before she is not convinced her luck will continue to hold. Mulling an offer to support causes close to the Frogmorton Ford site in a few weeks from now, she thinks it time to test her own leadership skills once again. Still plenty of unchartered territory on the tavern map yet unexplored, she pins a dart in place and sets out to see, of all people, Sir Albrecht.

Foxy charisma check [4d6] = 18, Foxy retainer roll [2d6] = 8

Approaching the wooden tower, she adjusts her dress and kicks an empty wine bottle into the litter bin. She smiles at one of the guards and enters into the wooden keeps reception."I wish to speak to the bold Mr Albrecht, the goblin of the guard, no err... my pardon, the bald captain of the duke's goblins, no the err guard of the goblin duke, ..." This isn't going very well she thinks having anticipated a saluted entry and red carpet for the heroine of Gauls maidens. A red faced and angry Albrecht soon appears only to point guards in the way to administer a swift introduction to the kitchen trash cans and the outside courtyard.

Foxy charisma check [4d6] = 13, Foxy retainer roll [2d6] = 6

Flustered at the loss of face and lack of courtly impression, Foxy returns again the next day, sober and this time in her shining duke's regalia and armour."Sir Albrecht, (lowly bow), Fochelle de Coulthard of Enniskillen, asks your pardon Sir for the unwarranted intrusion yesterday. (pauses) I have however come to my senses and my duties as a servant of this court and of my Lord, Duke Gaul. It is my wish to continue to serve as best as I may and I endeavour to further the Duke's influence among the uncharted leagues to the north and west of the town. I humbly ask for a trio of mounted guardsmen to accompany me upon my envoy-ship as I scout the plains and forest edges. I shall bear the cost of such an expedition upon my shoulders less I tax the duke's coffers and offer these lances to carry the Duke's pennons and tributes."

A trio of newly bought lances and carrot-orange plumed helms are brought forth by one of the court servants.

Foxy retainer roll [2d6] = 6

Foxy stands still at attention for a long time waiting for Sir Albrecht to make his considered reply.

Foxy retainer roll [2d6] = 3

Foxy wishes for a small unit of troopers, (mounted shortbow men) to accompany her on a proposed week long survey of the NW plains. She will supply an additional helm, lance and a weeks provisions, offering the retainers a half share of xp and treasure found and as a sweetener a further half share of treasure could come in to the 'overseer' of the mission, Sir Albrecht.

[Marullus]

21 July 2021
Sir Albrecht considers the now-sober Foxy's introduction and proposal, including her offer of gifts for the cavalrymen and the inclusion of potential profit for himself. Given her recent actions on behalf of the town, he's hard-pressed to decline. "I am glad to see you so well recovered, Miss Coulthard. I would be glad to see you venturing beyond the city's walls. I give leave for a patrol to accompany you... you may entice them with the offer of treasure and also address their pay."

Three level 1 guardsmen, mounted bowmen, with shortbows, leather armor, shortswords. You need to pay 45gp (15gp each) for their normal week's pay. Treasure will be split in six shares with Foxy gaining two, one for each of them and one for Albrecht. XP is split in 5 shares with Foxy getting two.

I appreciate the roleplay around the initial failure!

[Rusty Tincanne]

21 July 2021 this date is per arrangements made with Marullus

Over 80 armed men cross through Frogmorton's Ford, half mounted. At their lead rides the possible fugitive, Lord Commander Bremen. The men set up tents outside town, though a few small groups enter to carry out business. A group of three move directly to the Wooden Keep and approach Sir Albrecht. The leader speaks with the smooth confidence of a man used to getting his way, one way or another.

313EBAB400000578-3448560-image-a-42_1455579338020.jpg (148.89 KiB) Viewed 782 times

Good afternoon, Sir Albrecht. I am Lieutenant Dirk Branson. I am here on behalf of the Lord Commander Bremen of the White Tower and the Knights of the Baudhil. Pleasantries are short, ending with a scroll handed over. This is for The Duke of Gaul. Considering the local curch's actions against our Lord Commander, He is making a formal request for safe and unmolested passage in and out of Gaul, for a private audience with his Lordship, the Duke. It's my understanding that the Lord Commander wants to discuss peaceful and mutually beneficial relations between the Wooden Keep and the White Tower.

[Marullus]

Sir Albrecht is waiting, word of the armed force already having reached him ahead of the emmisary. "Inform Lord Commander Bremen that he may enter safely, at the ArchDuke's word. His knights, of course, shall remain without the walls for his return."

Lieutenant Branson winks at Foxy as he departs.

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

Salutes Sir Albrecht as he appoints the three troopers to accompany her. She waits in the hallway as the militia arrive for an audience. Still dressed in gleaming mail, she adjusts her helmet. The officer winks at her but in her distraction she doesn't immediately recognise the scoundrel's face. If she had, perhaps Bronson's head would soon join Scatha's on the hillock gibbet outside the town. For now though her escaping groom, hubby-to-be, charmer, cheat and rogue can bask in his Baudhic knights protection.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Lord Commander Bremen arrives at the Wooden Tower early the next day, still wearing the leather armor and cloak he wore when he fled Gaul, but he now has a scimitar and whip hanging on his belt. He brings Lieutenants Stantz and Bronson with him, as well as a handful of other guards. Once he is shown in, he offers the Dike his right hand in greeting.

Your Grace. I had hoped to meet under different circumstances a month ago. Still, it is nice to finally meet. I am Bremen, Lord Commander of the White Tower and the Order of the knights of Baudhil. I offer you this golden mask, recovered from the crypts beneath the White Tower, as a sign of friendship and good will. For that is what I would have, if we can. Good will between the Wooden Keep and the White Tower, so we might have a mutually beneficial relationship. Our swords to protect Gaul's eastern flank, as well as access to the White Tower, itself, if you wished to visit us. (The Fountain of Absolution is a sight on its own!)

In exchange, we would have open avenues of trade with Gaul - food, lumber, livestock, and such. My own knights will ride the road daily to escort travellers, pilgrims and merchants. He pauses a moment and looks the Duke calmly in the eyes before adding, And a full pardon for myself for the accusations of the Markd One and the... irregular and abrupt conclusion of the trial against me.

Bremen makes his case for a pardon to the Duke directly, pointing out the weak musings and leaps of imagination of the mage, Pendleton and his various witnesses, then the sudden turn of events when the Archbishop Keelan took the golden knife. This whole thing was a withc hunt from the get-go. And the archbishop's reaction was the same Markd had when he took up that blade. Seems likely it's cursed - we found a fair few cursed items in the Tower, one of which almost killed me. He repeats that he never sold his soul to a demon and still holds Baudh above all others. The Order is based on his Laws and the Yoldessi Plains will see the return of his justice with my leadership.

Bremen goes on to offer his services in the hunt for Scatha as an act of good faith. To show I'm a good-natured person. But I'll need my things returned to me to do the deed. He looks forward to his pardon and the return of his belongings.


That is a 100 pound, golden object d'art and (possibly) his life (on the expedition with Baxtaw) he has offered as a bribe to sweeten the deal.

[Marullus]

Early 22 July, 2021

The ArchDuke listens to all Bremen's words, treating him with respect.

"I admit, Lord Commander, that I was dubious when you sent word to the South calling for soldiers to flock to your banner. I have, however, seen the unprecedented success of your effort - my patrols have been reporting many score of men crossing that way to join your Order in the six weeks since you departed. I congratulate you on this success in your leadership. The merchants, at least, find their journeys to be that much safer and more profitable. The duties of a Lord are weighty and I empathize with you; there are few others who can know what you'll face here."

Two guardsmen accept the heavy golden mask and array it to the side of the chamber for display. "I will return your belongings, of course, and accept your Liege gift. As Liege over all lands north of the mountains, I am willing to acknowledge your Lordship over the northern Yoldessi Plains surrounding your tower within my Archdutchy subsequent to your oath of Fealty. The road South by which both our communities are fed and supplied shall be accessible by your fealty to this Dutchy, of course."

"I regret the unfortunate irregularities regarding your ecclesiastical trial; I am sure that you understand,
witch hunts are indeed serious matters. I appreciate your assertions against the accusations made and assure you that, as there is no conclusion to any finding against you at this time, I will not hold any such accusations against your name. I find such things work themselves out in time." He smiles.

"It is often said, if you must face a dragon, take an army." He nods solemnly. "I have found the results of that advice spectacular; I am sure your men will greatly aid the endeavor."

[Rusty Tincanne]

Bremen stands slack jawed for a moment, somewhat surprised to have received his three prime concessions so easily. But he shakes it off, realizing the Duke is a great and wise man who easily recognized Bremen's greatness. He smiles and prepares to kneel, offering fealty to the Duke. Sir, I have a Divine appointment as Lord Commander of the White Tower, and am honored by the post and to guard the Eastern regions of your realm. I would find further honor to be knighted by you directly, if it pleases you. Bremen knows it is not traditional, but he does not have the time to undergo the trials of knighthood before leaving to deal with Scatha, nor is he willing to subjugate himself to the Church in Gaul. He is hopeful for further titles, such as proctor of the East, or something like that.

[Marullus]

"I would be glad to personally dub you as a Knight of the realm," he nods. "When you have the confirmation from Archbishop Keelan as the designated representative of Baudh for this Archdutchy, it will be arranged. Gods-speed your quest against the dragon,
Scatha, Lord Commander."

[Rusty Tincanne]

Bremen frowns at the Duke's response. Disappointing, indeed. Especially when the Archbishop appears to be ensorcelled against me. I will live with the simple title of Lord Commander, then, of which you will surely provide documentation, I presume. Also, if a full pardon is not within your power to grant, then perhaps something in writing that I am not to be apprehended again for the matter of witchcraft, leaving the matter to "work itself out," as you said. I know my men in the Order of Baudhil would appreciate knowing that their Lord Commander, your subject, will not be molested as I roam about your Archdutchy.

He's shooting for papers with the Duke's seal stating that Bremen is the Lord Commander and is not to be apprehended while in the Duke's lands. Some sort of protection from Markd, or a Church bounty hunter, etc.

[Marullus]

The Archduke arches one eyebrow. "You have a Divine appointment as Lord Commander of the White Tower, do you not? What greater use is a paper from myself? Do you not trust your scores of new armsmen to secure your person?" He shakes his head. "If someone is set on doing you harm despite your status and guardsmen, I doubt that you shall find a piece of parchment to be a sufficient shield."

"As for a certificate that no church shall pursue you again..." He looks sympathetic. "Such is not within my power to give. Even Kings rule at the grace of the Gods." He raises a reassuring hand. "I assure you, however, that any who seek to bring harm upon any Lord of my realm unjustly will face consequence from both the gods and men."

[Rusty Tincanne]

Able converts 30gp to 3pp
30gp and 1sp deducted.

[Dram]

Neegan walks into the keep. Seeing one of the guards. Good sir, I would like to have counsel with the Archduke. It is concerning the Orb of Endless suffering.

[Dram]

Neegan walks into the keep. Seeing one of the guards. Good sir, I would like to have counsel with the Archduke. It is concerning the Orb of Endless suffering.

[Marullus]

Dang it. I replied to that!

You are admitted to the audience hall.
"How can I assist you, Master Dwarf?" says the ArchDuke with a raised eyebrow and a dubious tone.

Make your whole pitch and the roll 4d6.