On your way in you are asked to surrender all weapons and magic items, and are subjected to a professional but incredibly careful pat-down and search as the guards take 20 on their checks. You place your gear in a box and are promised it will be returned. You note that you’re not the only one needing to check gear.
The town-hall was not designed by anyone with a flair for imagination. A high dock has been furnished with four seats, on for each of the High Lords and one for the High Priest. Below, there are three semicircular rows of seats for the remaining nobles. Off to one side is another dock, where a speaker can address the nobles and still see the High Lords at the same time.
The guards are patrolling the upper level, and while their weapons are well made you see no magic sigils anywhere, odd considering Tsar is a magocracy. The explanation for this is the short black pillars placed liberally throughout the room. There’s no secret made that they emanate a permanent aura of antimagic field. Interestingly there’s the same pillars up where the guards patrol.
As the city bell tolls mid-day, High Priest Viktorin steps down to the speaker’s dock.
Victorin: (A slightly overweight woman in very plain robes of Mitra. She has short brown hair and has a look of forced cheer) I call to order the Summer of seventeen-eighty-nine meeting of the High Lords and Lords to discuss and preserve this land of the Stoneheart Valley. I speak on behalf of Mitra, and all the faiths of the people. I bless this ceremony, as our land is beautiful and dangerous, and we must be ever vigilant and selfless to protect our land.
All: Vigilance and selflessness protects our land.
Victorin: One does not speak unless addressed and recognised by this Council. I recognise the High Lords of our Council, High Lord Mayor Deverin of Sandpoint
Deverin: (A middle aged, athletic man with short dark hair and a stylish moustache and goatee. He looks like he spent some time on his appearance, but his smile is genuine) I attend!
Victorin: High Lord Regent Rolth of Skor
Rolth: (A fat halfling with a magnificent greying-red beard. He looks every bit the merchant king, although he does not look comfortable) I attend!
Victorin: High Lady High Arcanist Teyr’anaric of Tsar. (No one seems to be bothered with the oddly stacked titles)
Teyr’anaric: (A well-preserved elven lady, clearly many hundreds of years old. There’s clear lines on her neck and hands where jewelry has been removed. In typical elven style she still has waist-length hair, although it is thin and white) I attend.
Victorin: We would now recognise the Lords of the Land. High Lord Deverin, whom do you recognise?
Deverin: I recognise Lord Ethram Vlademar, for his role in aiding the businesses of Sandpoint
Ethram: (A clone of Deverin, or at least just copying his fashion. The two are clearly friends) I accept!
Deverin: I recognise Lord Archmage Fondon Mirthsphere, and in his absence Lady Mogriss for his role as Archmage of the Stoneheart Valley.
Mogriss: (You’ve seen this woman before, although she’s cut her hair and cleaned herself up. You found this attractive blonde woman among the basilisk's statues. Now in wizard’s robes she looks every bit the mage she claimed to be) “I apologise on behalf of the Archmage, and accept”
Deverin: I do not recognise another.
Rolth: I recognise Lady Jedden for her role as Guildmaster of Skor
Jedden: (This middle-aged hippie looking woman seems to have zoned out, but the moment her name is called she snaps back and answers right away) I accept
Rolth: I recognise Lord Arrat Weyld for his role as Protector of Skor and captain of the Purple Ribbon Knights
Arrat: (You don’t recognise this martial man, but he wears a the uniform of a guard of Skor or Tarren’s Junction. He doesn’t look terribly pleased to be here) I accept!
Rolth: I recognise Lord Mayor Lennithal Marcone for his role as Mayor of Tarren’s Junction
Lennithal: (You doubt you’ve seen a shorter gnome, he can’t be an inch over 3ft when standing. He also has a very serious expression) I accept
Rolth: I recognise Janice Rockpick for her role in coordinating naval trade within the Stoneheart Valley, and her role with Ironclad Goods and Services.
Janice: (The dwarven lady looks very businesslike and also a little timid. Her clothes and accent do not mark her as someone who spends much time around other dwarves) I accept.
Rolth: I do not recognise another
You spot Illden Aerim across the room demonstrating a poker face Rhombodazzle himself would be jealous of.
Teyr’anaric: I recognise Lady Abby Mirrax, for her role in coordinating the naval defences of the Valley.
Mirrax: (Mirrax looks totally relaxed. She’s clearly enjoying this and is dressed very differently to normal, in very gaudy attire with big bangles and cheap gems sewn into her leather armor) I accept!
Teyr’anaric: I vouch for Arbiter High Priestess Victorin of Mitra. I nominate Abbott Daram Foeblade to speak on her behalf, so she may remain impartial
Daram: (Daram is the incredibly old near-blind dwarven priest of Mitra who runs the temple at Tarren’s Junction. While Victorin calls Tsar home and Daram lives in the Skor-aligned Tarren’s Junction, it’s clear the laws for the High Priestess are without borders) I accept.
Teyr’anaric: I do not recognise another.
Victorin: I recognise Lord Peng Yan.
Peng: (An aberdeenian, but lacking in finery. Yan looks like he’s seen more sun than most Aberdeenians, and his expression is cautious and reserved) I accept.
Victorin: We note in absence Lady Celia of Tsuen and High Chief Lord Rukki Ironvein. High Lord Ironvien has sent a letter saying he abstains from all matters.
Is there any here who feel their claim has gone unmentioned?
You try not to notice that all eyes briefly swivel towards Illden. (I think I notice anyway, seems pretty obvious)
Shades: Why yes, actually, High Council. I have some words, if you fine folk’ll do me the pleasure o’ hearin’ them out.
Victorin: The house hears the Tengu. What is your name, and what claim do you have? Be brief, if you would.
Eyes are now on you. Illden’s face is as blank as a golem. Mirrax is trying to hide laughter with no real success.
Shades: The name is Pezzack Highroost, but the few o’ you I already done business with will know me as Shades. I am the current inheritor o’ The Great Downwards Engineering Company, as well as the Lordship over Mosswood the great Lady Calaelen herself once enjoyed. My wish today is merely to have what’s already on paper officially recognized by your fine selves, Council.
Victorin: Forgive me Mister Highroost, but the Duchy of Mosswood was property of Maybeth Calaelen. You are no child of hers. I do not think you grasp the gravity here. Lordships are not an inherited title. No paper you can hold give you a title unless you are part of the royal bloodlines.
Shades: As far as memory serves me Maybeth Calaelen weren’t really the child-havin’ type, but on account o’ not bein’ even the slightest touch Elven, I ain’t gonna waste the Council’s time arguin’ such a thing. Now there ain’t a paper I could hold that could bypass such a condition, but what about a magically bound agreement described on said paper?
If Victorin is surprised she hides it well
Victorin: If you have the deed to Calaelen’s estate and Company, I would like very much to see it. Rolth is our resident expert on such things, I am sure he could verify it. Would you be so kind Mister Highroost?
Shades: I can certainly oblige you and the High Lord Regent, Arbiter. I assure you I wouldn’t be here, a Tengu claimin’ the inheritance o’ an Elven legend, if I weren’t convinced I had a case.
An aide passes the papers to Victorin. She studies them for a moment, then passes them to Jedden. Some of the council chats among themselves while others watch you in a curious silence. Mogriss flashes you a smile, and Mirrax pulls a face. Illden maintains her golem-like expression, and you get the feeling that she could keep her expression blank in front of anything short of a dragon.
Jedden: These papers are genuine. The paperwork attached and the seal names the Highroost family as heirs to the deed to Castle Calaelen and its surrounds, as well as the right to run The Great Downward Engineering Company free of taxes by this Council.
Victorin: In that case, welcome to the Stoneheart Valley, Highroost. The deed entitles you to a lot of land but I have heard you stake no claim over it, and most of it has long since been swallowed up by other duchies.
Peng: If I may interrupt, Arbiter?
There’s no surprise here. Victorin looks like she was waiting for him to speak up. She nods.
Peng: The land around Castle Calaelen was passed to House Yan during the treaty of Amoreen. Calaelen built on that land and claimed it as her own. Now that she has departed we would say the land is once again property of House Yan and Aberdeen. This tengu cannot hold land by law, and must therefore pass the treaty back to us.
Victorin: A claim, perhaps even a casus belli. What say you to that, Highroost?
Shades: Aw, and there I was thinkin’ Lord Yan and I were gonna be friends. (no you didn’t)
What say I? I say House Yan has itself an interestin’ set o’ priorities if it wanted to start a war over Calaelen’s old property. I mean, have you seen Castle Calaelen lately? My company and I have sunk a hefty amount gold and effort into dollin’ it up, and it’s still an awful riot. House Yan had all the time imaginable to reclaim the property from the infestation o’ kobold squatters it used to have, and yet only now is it showin’ any interest.
And the land? I don’t know how familiar Lord Yan is with the geography outside o’ Aberdeen’s borders, but the land’s sittin’ right on top o’ Rappan Athuk. The dungeon. Home o’ Greznek, and the Sunken Graveyard, and whatever awful place the last o’ the Righteous March finally met their equally awful fate. When they were tryin’ to rout out Orcus himself from the premises. This ain’t prime farmin’ land, unless you’re plannin’ on farmin’ the undead. It ain’t prime anythin’.
House Yan has had the opportunity to object to Mosswood’s borders and the Calaelens’ property literally for centuries. I think it’s safe to say this objection really ain’t about the land, Arbiter, it’s about my face. I would kindly suggest that Lord Yan gets used to it, as takin’ back the Calaelens’ old land doesn’t remove my ownership of the Great Downward Engineering Company, nor the seat the Calaelens have given me on this Council. And whether he likes it or not, my seat is equal to his own.
Finally losing any pretense at composure, Lady Mirrax Abbatha Teribeth begins to loudly applaud, drawing no kind looks from Peng or Victorin. Deverin and his cronies seem to think this is funny as well. Mogriss flashes you another smile. It’s quite clear some people take this meeting more seriously than others.
Victorin: Settle down. Highroost, Rappan Athuk is well known to the council. We have entire religions to it’s maw. Claiming to be fighting the orcusites does not make you a Lord or a hero, merely a tengu with a significantly reduced lifespan.
Peng Yan smiles and relaxes.
Deverin: Hear me out, High Priestess. When Aberdeen converted to Abadar, the treaty of Amoreen was rendered invalid, as the treaty was blessed by Mitra. When Aberdeen closed it’s borders, they gave up the Calaelen estate, essentially abandoning it to the wolves. Zombies. Zombie wolves. Whatever is out there.
My scouts inform me that Mister Highroost and his band have cleared the local area of bandits and established regular patrols. I am told they’re also trading, Mayor Lennithal
Lennithal does not look like he wants to be dragged into this.
Lennithal: I have not taken part in any trade or seen any tax papers from Mister Highroost. Perhaps Rockpick has had dealings
Buck successfully passed, Lennithal resumes his stern expression. Put on the spot Janice Rockpick moves one step closer to panic.
Janice: Ironclad have uh, that is to say, we have extended the Ferry run, as in, we have been treating them as an extension of Zelkor’s ferry. I have not signed a trade agreement!
Mirrax is in danger of dying from a popped rib. Rolth looks at his subordinates with an expression that says “I will be speaking with both of you later”.
Deverin airily waves his hand as if nothing has happened.
Deverin: Trade is happening. Patrols are happening. Glodsson Heavy Industries have been hired to make repairs. To the sum of 265 platinum, not a minor amount by any man’s pockets.
Deverin is watching your face carefully.
Deverin: I have heard no reports of mistreatment or cruelty from Calaelen’s citizens, or at least no cruelty from inside Calaelen’s borders.
Peng Yan looks very cross suddenly.
Deverin: I move for a vote to make Highroost Mayor of Calaelen and it’s surrounds. Do you object to the vote, Highroost?
Shades: No High Lord Deverin, a fair and free vote is more than I’ve received for most my lifetime so I ain’t gonna object. But before said vote is made, I humbly request to make known the full spread o’ achievements the Great Downward Engineerin’ Company has made durin’ its short time under my lead.
Teyr’anaric: I do not know you Tengu. Nor have I seen you in prophecy or my divinations. This means you are either an exception, or you are just a soul who‘s stumbled in out of the metaphorical rain, and will soon be on their way. I will hear you, youngling, but be brief. We have important matters to attend to. While this may amuse my younger fellows, I am all too aware of the passage of time.
Shades: Why I thank you, High Lady...High Arcanist. (he’s a bit uncomfortable/unfamiliar with all the stacked titles but he’ll get there one day) Here’s to hopin’ I’m part o’ the exception camp, as the other option ain’t bodin’ too well for my business.
Some centuries ago some highly decorated servants o’ Sarenrae came to Mosswood to investigate the plague runnin’ rife ‘round the area. Despite their efforts and dedication they met an untimely end in the Mouth o’ Doom, as many have unfortunately done, and their work towards curin’ the plague was lost. Durin’ our expeditions the Great Downward Engineering Company discovered what they were up against- a great ghastly glabrezu payin’ lip service to Tsathogga. Usin’ what the brave but lost company o’ Sarenrae had left behind, and through our own efforts and bravery, the Great Downwards Engineering Company was able to defeat the demon. Not only is Mosswood free from its plague, but the memory o’ their work has now been preserved, a holy fountain o’ Sarenrae’s has been restored, a lost artifact o’ Sarenrae’s recovered, and the medical knowledge uncovered from the expedition is now bein’ translated by yours truly, so that it may be shared with those who need it in these tryin’ times.
I ain’t been to Doren’s Hold myself but I don’t need to to know that the dwarves there are in some frightful trouble lately. Doren’s Hold is lookin’ at evacuation, which is its own mighty tragedy. As actin’ Lord in the area I have allowed Doren’s Hold to relocate their sick and injured to my land, and I have asked for no payment or service for this kindness. I have even allowed the dwarves o’ Doren’s Hold to build a new runeforge o’ Dwerfater on my own premises, so that they may have at least one holy place left, small as it may be, should the Hold sadly fall to the horrors tearin’ it open from within.
The work o’ the Great Downwards Engineering Company has ended the banditin’ careers o’ three o’ the most notorious bandits prowlin’ Mosswood’s lands. With the death o’ Bloody Jackson and his crew, and neutralization o’ Hengsha and her Runners, the eastern coast is a much safer place to travel and trade, as I’m sure Lady Mirrax and perhaps Lady Janice will attest. The death o’ Dorrag has placed his troupe in disarray, and with only the largely non-lethal Korrak at large, the land is much safer as well.
The Great Downwards Engineering Company has flushed a lot o’ needed new money into the area, made it stronger, healthier, and safer for all. We do not discriminate against those who fall upon hard times, or those look different to us. If voted for as Mayor of Calaelen and its surrounds I will continue this line o’ work, and even if I don’t I’ll continue it anyway as head of the Great Downwards Engineering Company.
You are somewhat distracted by Mirrax doing her best tengu-beak impression while you speak.
Teyr’anaric: Young folk have no concept of the passage of time. You see your deeds as something strong and meaningful, and perhaps to one as young as you your words seem worth the time it takes to say them. You’ve made friends as well as enemies in your short time here. I will allow this to go to a vote.
Victorin: This is the vote to declare Highroost as Mayor of Castle Calaelen and it’s township. You will be required to fulfill your duties and to patrol your own lands, or failing that you must pay another to keep them safe. You are forbidden -
Victorin looks for a long moment at Peng Yan, then back at you
Victorin: - from hostile action against any other members of this council. You are forbidden from taxing trades between Council states. You are forbidden from allowing hostile states or people past your borders
This time eyes turn to Illden.
Victorin: Finally, you are forbidden from taxing any workers on your lands if they are a member of another Council state. There are more rules, but first we may as well seem what happens with the vote.
Deverin: Calaelen was a friend of my family for a long time. I would love nothing more than to see her memory honored. I am for it.
Someone get Mirrax a cleric.
Rolth: Calaelen isn’t here. We’re doing well. We’re at the end of a silver era, I see no need to throw titles at Adventurers who stumble in out of the rain. I oppose.
Teyr’anaric: I am with Rolth. Although you, Rolth earned your title with wealth, you won by popular vote. I will allow the people to decide. I abstain.
Victorin: Then the vote goes to the Lords. Who would vote?
Jedden: I support my Lord Rolth. I oppose
Arrat: I support my Lord Rolth. I oppose
Lennithal: I support my Lord Rolth. I oppose
Janice: I support my Lord Rolth. I oppose
Janice gets a nasty look from Mirrax which seems to genuinely unnerve her.
Peng: I oppose.
Mogriss: Wow. No hard feelings, but High Lord Rolth I bet I can make you a set of golems for less than what you’re paying these guys.
Victorin: Do you have a vote, Lady Mogriss?
Mogriss: On behalf of the Archmage Fondon, I am for the motion.
Ethram: I too, am for it.
Daram: Cleared out one of the old hospices, and then filled it with dwarves. As a priest and a dwarf you got me coming and going. I am for the motion
Mirrax: You hate this don’t you? This actually hurts you. Watching a bird flap around a ruined castle with a bunch of divine murderers actually causes you physical pain. I am for the motion.
Victorin: I have a letter here from High Lord Rukki Ironvein. While he cannot vote as a High Lord as he is not recognised, I will cast my vote as he would cast it. Blessings of dwerfater, tengu. I am for the motion. Sadly, we are tied, and I cannot act as Arbiter as I have voted on behalf of the dwarves. Is there another here who would be recognised and vote?
You hear a whisper in your ear from a well-dressed lady sitting next to you.
Noble Lady: How much is this worth to you?
Shades: Sentimentally? A great deal. Word o’ a Tengu Lord could mean everythin’ to my people, or anyone who wants to ruffle some comfortable feathers. But that ain’t what you’re askin’, is it Madam (Madam? Miss? Lady?)?
Noble Lady: How much gold can you offer me to stand up and vote in your favor?
Shades: Does one thousand buy your kindness?
Noble Lady: How about two. One now, and one later.
Shades: Harsh deal you’re drivin’ but I don’t got many options. It’s a deal.
Noble Lady: My name is Maya D’Larariel, High Arcanist of Tsuen, Gateway of the Lower Dales. While I do not wish to take my seat on the Council, I do have something to say. We heard a bard’s tale of a Dalish catfolk who was chosen by Rhombodazzle and went with her people to glory. Shades here is the leader of that company, and I would be honored to have him take stewardship of Castle Calaelen. Thank you.
Victorin: Then the vote is done. One vote to one, Five to six. Mayor Highroost, Calaelen is yours. On behalf of the council and all gathered here today, do not make us regret it. Your application for Lordship is denied. You are not in control of all people within your domain, and as long as the “Bandit King” Corrack is about, you cannot even claim to be the person with the most needless title in your domain. Thank you for all your words, but please sit. As you are not a lord you are not entitled to speak for the duration of this meeting. Now, High Lord Deverin, you may address the council.
