[Maekrix'edar'nesh Kirask'Iden'nabal 07]
Dragon's Lair Inn, Market District, City of Illusk
His glorious new tavern was starting to resemble what he desired after days and days of hard-work. Plans to open up immediately had been a little silly the sorcerer and future dragon thought as he walked into where Petra was already preparing her workspace. Humming a tune and not noticing him either he saw as the human female moved about, placing bottles and boxes in an orderly fashion on the shelves and work table. She noticed him as he tapped his staff off the wooden floor; turning her head first, then her body and giving him a curtsy while bowing her head to him.
"Ah, good morn Lord Maekrix'edar'nesh, and are you well this day?"
"Greetings Petra, Menkin is wells, yes-yes, busy-busy, good see Petra nearly readys starts makings many potions, yes-yes"
The human female nodded, a faint smile on her face as she towered over him and looked about her workspace just off the side of the Inn's kitchens "Yes, took some time Milord, but the shelves are up and filled, and the new equipment is better than expected even! If you would give me a list of what potions and salves you wish me to prioritise I expect I can begin preparatory work tomorrow, actual potion-making within two...three days, at the most"
He bobbed his head happily at that, it was better than he had expected "Excccellentsss, hmm-hmm, best Menkin expects as always. Petra's goods partners in business, Menkin want opens tavern business soons yes-yes, and shops toos"
This place was much , much, bigger than is tavern back in the mountains, which he'd left his Vaerier, now calling herself Franja again as she had earned that privilege, run to ensure there would be many shiny coins upon his returns. Truthfully taking only Katya, formerly Feuryon, had been a mistake in some ways, as he'd had to find new minions to serve in his tavern, though he still preferred the tavern in the valley working just in case this situation here failed. Of course getting those slaves, and then training them, while cleaning out the damaged building, had taken far too many ten-days though.
Petra beamed back at that "Thank you Milord, can I help you with anything?"
He waved her off "Noes, Menkins goings trainings others, gets foods, wonders Petras comes haves breakfasts with Menkins, hmph-hmph?"
"Of course, it would be a pleasure Lord Maekrix'edar'nesh, please lead the way"
"Goods, goods, is many things doings, and Menkins finds best fully belly before doings thems..." he replied walking through the area and out the large solid oaken door into the kitchens, the much taller human coming along behind him "...and is more rains, damps and wets and rats"
"Aren't they all dead though?"
He bobbed his snout again at her question "Yes-yes, all deads here's, and Menkins payings shiny coins fixings walls so no mores gettings ins, and magics keepings outs"
The big boss orc shaman had done that, to help towards future dealings the kobold guessed, and he'd trade several spell scrolls and potions later assuming the 'anti-vermin wards' worked as intended. That and give some discounts to the Adventurers Guild as well, but beings like that would buy plenty of potions and booze anyway, so it would encourage buying more than usual he hoped. Anyway, he needed the patronage to keep his position secure, and for allowing him, and his body-slave, access to that big strange tree-tower the dead-thing mages had owned.
It had also allowed him get some decent slaves, or in the case of the two human females serving in his kitchens the baker still free Alyssa, and his slave, her older sister, Clarissa who'd served some noble as a cook before the city's fall. A strange situation, dependent on where they'd been, but merely buying the one, and treating her well, brought the other in towards buying her sister's freedom alongside paying bed and board. He'd renamed Clarissa Ulhar'saurivic, or Ulha for short, due to her blue eyes, to the irritation of the other female, but they worked well together, bowing deeply as he entered the kitchens.
"Good Morning Master, how may we serve?" the both said in not-quite unison as he and Petra entered, Ulha's fingers touching her silver collar then blushing as she did so. The female had many stories to tell under his magic, and had been surprisingly willing to submit to him as long as her blood-kin did not learn of her hidden thoughts. He did not care as long as she served, and her skill with cooking, as did her blood-kin's, was worth such as long as she submitted and allowed herself be trained.
"Cooking Menkins and Petras breakfasts yes, Katya toos, meats and fruits and breads and cheeses, Menkins goings finds Katyas nows, bring out when dones, yes-yes!" he commanded barely pausing as he strode through the room. Ulha couldn't poison him after all thanks to her collar, nor allow her blood-kin do so either, so he could trust in getting a good meal as he idly noted Petra give the two younger females a small wave and a friendly smile.
"Thank you girls"
Both females bowed again as he exited the kitchens into what was going to be the Common Room "Of course Master, as you command"
His best minion, and soon to be Familiar, as all the best Dragons need a brilliant Familiar, was busy showing the two other slaves, a young human female and a half-elf female, through their roles as barmaids. That and helping Alyssa in cleaning the rooms of guests, when they had guests anyway, that were upstairs on the second and third floors of his Inn. Katya spoke with his voice, and was energetically driving the two about in a strange dance as she herself showed them the moves, then instructed them to repeat it. He hissed in amusement, tapping his staff of the ground before speaking.
"Goods, goods, Katya trainings goods yes-yes, comes, joins Master and Petra's for eatings. Menkins seeings hows goods theys servings Menkins"
His body-slave turned, bowing deeply hands at her waist, then almost bouncing over to him and Petra as she spoke "Master, good morning, I've only started today's training, but I gladly obey your generousity. Now, you two, do as Master Menkin commands! Set the table and serve his needs!"
"YES MISTRESS! AS YOU COMMAND MISTRESS!"
"Sits, sits" he ordered both Petra and Katya gesturing at a bench in the gloomy room illuminated by the great stone fireplace that was only now starting to light up. Both slaves had voiced their obedience, at long last, bowing quickly in almost decent response before jumping to their duties. The human was some noble's offspring, young, not that overly pretty he'd been told, and unused to serving in any way, shape, or form; even if she was desperate to do so to avoid ending up elsewhere when he'd mentally enthralled her.
The half-elf had been a thief, pretending to be a full blooded human female, and was less than enamoured at being a slave to a 'slimy little lizard' as she'd put it. Thankfully she was trainable though, and he'd taken precautions when he'd magical bound her into her collar and brand, even if'd taken near a whole ten-day to get her obedient enough to start serving. Skilled with a dagger too, and acrobatic, but those and other such skills would be hammered down on till she was trained enough to his liking to risk trying to make use of them in any way.
Katya placed a pillow on the bench for him before sitting at his side, Petra taking the seat across from him, and he allowed himself to be lifted up before speaking "Nows, Menkins wanting opens soons, have boozes and foods in cellar, have other wines and brandies, ands trainings servers. Menkin want knows if any problems Menkin need knows?"
Katya shook her head "No Master, those two as trained as can be without actual people to serve, and stores are full. I would suggest the night of the full moon though...three days?...maybe four?...from now. One of the drow girls might be willing to dance if you allow her free booze for the night, and hiring a bard might be a good thing as well. Lord Karguk's concubine Tris, and I have heard tell one of his new ones, would be ideal as that would bring in extra guards for your opening"
Petra nodded "Yes, which would be an excellent idea Milord, at least till those you employ from this Guild are sufficient to your needs. The Lord Shaman's guards would keep things calm, and would perhaps bring him and his attendants even, which would spread word of your desired clientele"
"Hsss...hsss, yes-yes, a good idea, Menkin will doings this. Katya best talks to females of Shaman, Menkin will visits tomorrows, speaks Shamans some reasons and Katya talks females. Sees what sayings" he agreed after a few moments thought. A grand opening, worthy of a dragon, would probably be the best way to make everyone know of his greatness, but could also bring thieves and other scum. While he could burn them all to death if need be...that probably would damage his building, and that'd be bad. So bringing in such orcs would keep trouble down and let them kill any troublemakers that should appear.
'Gives a chance to talk of how many potions is *many* potions for Shaman Karguk' he thought to himself as he listened to Petra tell Katya of her progress on the alchemy laboratory. He had this magnificent new Tavern, in a giant city, and there were many, many, things he wished to do with that. Sadly it was harder than he'd thought it might be, but he was getting there, slowly but surely...
--
[Karguk 86]
Temple-Market District, City of Illusk
The streets were busy I found as I moved through them with my entourage of guards along with one or two members of my household. Gone were the days when I could walk unknown of course, eyes watching us, people clearing out of the way, or greeting us, as I moved about on my mix of inspection and general patrol. Another, though less visible to the others I hoped, was in attempting to encourage along a functioning economy and general city development. Production of things, from baked goods to clothing, was restarting to an acceptable level, and getting that out to trade, rather than sitting being hoarded, was a minor objective of mine.
In a way it was a mild surprise to see decent crowds about as the weather for most of the day was miserable, cold rain showers earlier having cleared away as night approached. The moon was already in the clearing sky, sharing it with the descending sun, and I was glad of my armour and cloak as there was certainly a chill in the air. Despite that I was in good spirits having just left my Rose's small Temple of Chauntea, and seeing that it progressing nicely; along with the training of her acolytes under my lot's guidance. It kept the remaining free human population contented, and they were more eyes and ears for me.
"Not many buildings left free Lord" my head bodyguard for the day, Tanalasta, noted as her eyes wandered this way and that as ever. Disguised Alusair had fought hard to earn her place in my guard unit; sure she was an orc, but an outsider female on a pilgrimage wasn't prone to much respect, so she'd been challenged of course. She'd been challenged, and then proved herself sufficiently to earn her paladin's blade, one of my little over a dozen, as a Red Branch Knight. Not that I didn't think she'd earned it either, as she was certainly a skilled warrior and useful for keeping up my own martial skills and I nodded in agreement glancing about myself.
"Yes, at least we're trying to do so anyway, dividing them all up was the hard part really. Avoiding all the fights over who gets where and what"
"Uh-huh, but at least you got the places for temples and shrines Papa, and places for traders all in close together" Rose interjected and I shrugged.
"Ah, that wasn't that hard, our Emperor and the other Chieftains understand the idea of keeping the market district open, and whatever religious matters left in the hands of my clerics..." I replied truthfully. Mirrinock and I wanted to keep any non-orc religious groups firmly under control, and orcs were backwards, not stupid, when it came to the need for trade. Jernak of the Moonblades for instance was proving a driving force behind encouraging various trades, such as blacksmithing and clothes-making for instance, to my surprise "...and it's useful for training our combat engineers. Even if they all whine about it"
"Yes Lord, this new city guard grumble but fight hard"
I sighed in response to Tanalasta's words "City Guard undersells it Tana, it's a proper army in its own way, get things a bit more organised I suppose"
"Once you decide upon healers and other casters to send to it Papa"
I nodded "I know, I know, but whose sending who is taking forever Rose, the others, and our Emperor, want about a thousand warriors and, since they listened to my idea for the small Guard force, want to try have a spell-caster or two per squad. But it's not like we can afford that and keep up our own strength, finding moderately talented spell-casters amongst minor clan takes time sadly"
Me and Zah had put forward the nucleus of the idea for a combined fighting force, or garrison, for the city to sweep up the minor clans and unaligned groups. Maybe two hundred strong in total, twenty squads of ten, with an arcane and a divine caster per squad...that had morphed though into a thousand strong Legion, which was harder do that level of supply. Forty was manageable, five times that was not, and it was realistically twelve hundred when adding in the two hundred non-orc auxiliaries that were also to be added in from various clan's thralls or vassals.
Equipping it wasn't a huge problem, there were still great stacks of captured armour and weapons after all, and it would sweep up those younger warriors that remained unaffiliated and train them as I wanted. It was an opportunity, but one that had arisen unintentionally, and outside my direct control as they'd appointed a half-orc mercenary who'd joined up at Mirabar. An old half-orc mercenary who, most importantly, had no links to any of the major clans...but still, it was a good idea as a core unit, a full time professional force, to join up our various clan retinues too.
"You still have to do something Papa" little miss cheerful reminded me and I have an amused snort as she was completely right of course. I'd been putting it off in favour of other things, ones I had better control of, as this was more Jernak's and Kurnak's thing outside my influence over the potential officer corps, and support elements. So I nodded, patting my adopted daughters shoulder.
"Yes, yes, I know Rose, and I'll be doing that in the next ten-day, more meetings and feasting before any final decision is made. Training them up over winter looks like, then the wars come the spring"
Tanalasta glanced at me "You seem sure of that Lord?"
"We've taken the city, the Kings of the Spine will be drawn to us in jealousy, and more clashes will be inevitable even if Neverwinter and Fireshear stay calm towards us. And, of course, is that come the snows clearing there will be bandits, pirates, and various other things that erupt in the wave of cities and kingdoms falling and rising. Undead and demons maybe too consider rumours we've heard from the far south and human lands"
That, and the unspoken problem of clerical magic failing when the GODS WALKED THE EARTH and a host of other problem I knew about coming. Thankfully I could sell the need to develop a powerful military, one of the Pillars of the Holy Illuskan Empire, for the coming seasons without giving any hints of other dangers. I'd have to improve my own arcane abilities for the months I wouldn't have clerical power, along with potions for healing, but all that could be hidden with preparation for other wars. Wars that likely would come regardless, but hopefully not to the worst case after all the fighting so far.
"We already have undead in the city, in those ruins, and of course the Lich Wizards"
"Don't I know it Tana, but the first's a long term project, and the second we've driven off and hunted as best we can. But, as I said, I expect undead to surface in the days to come, as do the other clan chieftains, now Arleigh, ready to show me your shrine and it's progress?"
My household slave, and High Priestess of Tymora, nodded her head, her golden collar barely visible under her sturdy cleric robes "Of course Master, I would be proud too. Though I admit I might be looking forward more to the plans to visit this new tavern afterwards"
"Heh, it'll be good hopefully, Menkin had good ale back in the valley, and certainly knows how to put on a show, especially since Tris is involved..." I chuckled in reply, as Tris had conspired with the little scaly menace, taking Joanna with her, to serve as bards for the night. Supposedly one of Veladorn's lot was to do dancing, but now Veladorn was invited alongside myself, Zah, Jernak, and Obould, so I suspected it'd be more than that in few hours "...and don't worry, I'll let you drink yourself stupid if you wish"
"Huzzah!"
I gave a snort of amusement at that cheerful reply "Of course, you too Tana, Shandy can come too, so you can relax, off duty, same as you Jyhurt. It's on my coin, so enjoy yourselves guys, Bosses orders"
There were other of my guards assigned for securing the place after all, and it was important to reward loyal service in whatever way I could. It didn't guarantee loyal service, but it was still important in my mind to reward my loyalists, whether they be a slave like Arleigh, or warriors such as the Red Branch Knights. A small cost in the greater scheme of things, and it was also nice to enjoy a pleasant evening and break from the constant plotting and studying the arcane.
"Thank you Lord, your generosity is appreciated as ever" the polymorphed princess said with a nod. I doubt it would have been up to the standards she grew up with, but Arleigh looked like the cat that got the milk, and Rose gave an amused snort along with Jhyurt. Lack of Hreshgk, since he'd returned to the stronghold, meant I'd had invest effort into ensuring the others functioned just as well without him, along with expanding my retinue with non-paladin blade armed foot-orcs. Rising in status had its own costs, and both Oggy and Zah were doing the same with related forces.
"The others Papa?"
"Ogrash, Ghorza, Missy going, Lua and Lara obviously, and Tsuruhoki if she can be dragged out of the terrified staying in the Library. Wives and such of the others attending, smart little lizard really, get in the crowd with the coin" I replied chuckling, then nodding as the small Temple of Tymora came into view. Once I'd done here we'd do a circuit and check the remaining non-orc ones we'd allowed before heading back to the markets...
--
[Zahgorim 32]
Walking towards Dragon's Lair Inn, Market District, City of Illusk
"When's he getting those baths up and running?"
Zahgorim shrugged in response to Breyza's question as they walked down the street with their guards "Soon, ask Karg and Oggy when we get to the tavern. I've spent most of the day training with the warriors remember? Haven't talk either of'em since yesterday, and I'm looking forward to feasting not talking about hot water, and other borin' stuff"
"Hmph, well I am, so it shall be asked by me, or by Hollawayn here of course" his first wife sniffed, while his second, the aforementioned elf Hollawyn bowed her head obediently to Breyza with a 'Yes Mistress' murmured out. He sighed, rolling his eyes at the talk amongst his females, and then watching the guards here and there as they walked along the street. He, Karg, and the other senior clan warriors had done their best to make sure their area of the city...stayed their area of the city basically.
They'd gotten a good part of the city Zahgorim found, not the most easily defended overall, but they had strong-points and all goods and coin passed on their watch he'd noticed. Between all the loot taken in the capture of the city, and the tithes taken from those taking up lands and dens within their territory, the clan was rich and growing in strength. Low tithes as both Breyza and Karg argued; better to have small amounts every year than big amounts once only, to which he'd shrugged in agreement. They'd plenty at the moment, and spending that on weapons, armour, and other things was the goal right now.
"Whatever you wish my wives, you'll have time as we sit with Karg's, and do not cause trouble either. You Wyr in particular, it be for your own good" he replied herding along his senior females, giving a firm glance at the taller, but subservient, Wyrmogha who bowed nervously back. Her fire-giant blood made her a bit...well, fiery, even if his Breyza, and cajoling the elf Hollawyn, had largely broken any defiance out of his now third wife. Though that came off with arrogant domination towards other females outside the Household, something best avoided with the little magical killers that Karg found attractive.
"Oh hush my mate, myself and Ogrash will maintain control, just avoid Ghorza, and do not paw at his human adopted whelp"
"Yeah, yeah, I won't..." he replied honestly, waving it off, then slapping Sylfine on the buttocks "...I plan to feast and get drunk is all. Have me own females after all don't I?"
The half-elf huffed at the slap on her cloak and trousers covered butt, one hand on her rapier's hilt to hold it out of his way. Sylfine glanced at him with a mild glare, but her eyes sparkled with energy once again, and she sighed after a moment, smirking "Anything you desire My Master?"
"Maybe later, we're just here" he replied as they approached the tavern owned by the crazy kobold sorcerer, hopefully with continued great booze. Sylfine was filled with life of late, the plan to be freed at Mid-Winter, had caused a sudden desire to please, and the addition of new concubines for her to boss around seemed to have added a spring to her step. Zahgorim suspected the clothes helped too, as Marya beamed when she got to choose the fancy dresses from the loot, though Sylfine had adopted leggings, tunic, and a feathered hat, along with a cloak, rather than a dress.
He didn't mind, as the tunic at least showed over body somewhat, and even with th cloak Sylfine moved like a hunting wolf. Marya wouldn't leave the harem even with being freed, she was too terrified of the outside world and losing their child, but keeping Sylfine meant letting her go off and do some 'adventures' now and then. That and paying her coin, as child or no child, the half-elf wanted some freedom;- no matter, she would be his eyes and ears out in the world then should she so desire.
Or she could travel far and never come back, which would be a loss, but not a terrible one as he'd gotten many young females in replacement thanks to her actions, and a son with elven blood, well half-elven blood, than none had seen till now. Much as he'd prefer otherwise she and Marya had earned being used an example as Oggy put it. Breyza agreed as it would show their power, and both Sylfine and Marya were already training up the recently enslaved Luskan females along with his wives. Whatever...as long as he could fight, and had females to fuck, Zahgorim was a happy war-chief!
"That's pretty!" Marya noted, and Zahgorim glanced up at the coloured lights dancing in the dark night sky above the tavern as they approached the crowd outside, Music drifted from inside, and the crowd parted as his party arrived, though the clapping and music continued alongside the lights flashing above the street outside of the tavern. A few more steps revealed one of the drow females dancing, though still with some clothes on, as the kobolds human slave waved her hands about nearby, an armoured guard on either side. Catching sight of him, the human girl sashayed across to them, bowing deeply and theatrically, causing the coloured lights to move more chaotically.
"Glorious Lord, this lowly one welcomes you and your magnificent females to her master's establishment, how may I serve you?"
The drow, one Zahgorim didn't recognise beyond 'serves the tall drow priestess' paused in her dance seeing this, bowing deeply to him as well, as he waved them off "Show me and mine inside is all I want, your Master knows we were to arrive"
"Of course Lord..." the young female he towered over replied coming up out of the bow, then gestured toward the doorway music was emerging from "...if you would follow me noble one, I shall lead you to your tables and serve whatever you request"
The short female then gestured at the two warriors, then at the drow, who had returned to dancing, before the two warriors nodded silently in response as Zahgorim encountered the blast of warm air from entering the tavern. It was massive compared to the tavern back in the valley in found stepping inside, orcs parting for the girl as she guided he and his towards where Karg awaited with his females. Zahgorim gestured in greeting at seated form of Chief Jernak nearby, though could say nothing over the murmur-murmur of the crowd and energetic singing of the two female bards.
"Hail Karg!" he greeted as they came a number of strong looking wooden tables with Karg sitting at them with Oggy and his females "Bigger place you give the little fella?"
"Eh, he did a better job than any of the others would have..." Karg replied with a shrug as Zahgorim took one of the empty spaces on the bench across from his friend "...now come'on, we're hungry and been waitin' for you to arrive ya'know?"
"Heh, joys of been the Chief eh?" he chuckled back, the short human girl smiling at Karg's wife Missy as she stood at Zahgorim's shoulder waiting for orders as his party sat "First though, booze, Ale...and wine too, Oh, and some of that boar ye got cookin' too..."
It was easy list off what he wanted, then Breyza for the others, before the young female hurried off to gather their orders as his and Karg's guards took careful watch in the packed inn. While he, Karg, Breyza, and Oggy, along with Hollawyn and Missy, sat across from each other the other females clustered together to his right, beyond Karg's two females who were up singing and playing musical instruments. Soon the kobold's slave had returned, helped by another female, and tankards of ale, goblets and bottles of wine, were delivered to the table, followed by great platters of cooked meat, breads, and fruits on the second trip.
"Shall I join you my fellows?" Chief Jernak greeted after a few minutes, walking beside the tall drow female Priestess Veladorn. Zahgorim agreed of course, as did Karg, though that involved moving tables themselves as the scrawny human girls, nor the kobold, were likely going to do it easily. Soon they had taken over a full quarter of the 'Common Room' driving tables together, making cushioned areas for the females, as they formed a proper area to talk and discuss matters as they feasted. It seemed even with a night of planned celebration and debauchery he couldn't escape this whole clan-politics thing.
"Okay, you've word of three ships coming up from the south?" he asked after a while of meaningless talk, after the tall, wild, Drow indicated what she wanted at least. She nodded, drinking an ale from a tankard, yet somehow now splashing her sheer dress as Zahgorim watched the kobold's slave-girl dancing on the tables distant beside one of the other drow "I don't see a problem, more ye elves? Didn't this already get agreed?"
"Nay, only the one, and it shall arrive in the next two ten-days, but the others are traders they travel with for safety, and now plan to come here after travelling from the far south. They seek to go to the Ten Towns come the spring to gather pelts and bone to trade in the south"
"Ah, they intended to stay here over the winter then?" Karg replied after Zahgorim gave him a questioning look in response to the elf's words "...so it's not just your consort and your temple guards? It's two ships crews needing guarding?"
"Aye, holds full, though nothing of food or other such things, and assurances are desired, for as greedy as these merchant-pirates are they..."
--
[Wifne 10]
Inner Keep, Stronghold of Sparta
Wifne Humbletree was somewhat relieved that things were not to change too much in the valley despite the fact Shaman Karguk and Chief Zahgorim had departed for Luskan. It was bad enough that her little flower had chosen, *chosen, to stay in that wicked, now orc, city. Wifne would spank the young lady's bottom for that if she could get her hands on her. Sadly that was not to be, and all she could do was continue to worry her little flower returned safe to her in the coming seasons, and focus on her duties as village leader.
Something that right now meant feasting on a cold miserable night within the confines of the Great Hall of the castle. Young Millicent Hangbarrow, her acolyte, and Andran Ploughman of the Auxlia, were her company for the night, though Andran was really their guard as she and he looked like, and felt like, parents to the young Millicent. Not that the girl seemed to care much as she drank from her goblet and talked away to the hissing little lizard from the kobold village of Verthicha; or that was the short version of the name. Trade from them, of iron, and salt from the goblins, was rather important to the village, so playing nice was important.
"Priestess, mind if sit beside you and talk a moment?" came from her right as Andran had watched the half-orc mercenary turned clan-orc Captain approach through the noisy crowd. He was wearing a gambeson, a sword at his belt, the robed form of the gnome wizard coming behind him, and a friendly enough smile on his face. Wifne smiled back politely, nodding in agreement and patting Andran's shoulder for the dependable man to move around to her other side beside Millicent and allow the half-orc sit.
"Indeed Captain, Mage, an honour...please, please, have a seat"
"Thank you Priestess Humbletree..." the big burly fellow murmured as Andran vacated his spot and Wifne moved over to find herself sitting beside the half-orc, the gnome hoping up into his lap moments later to glare hatefully at the kobold. Something that earned her a swat at the back of her head, a gentle one, from the half-orc as he nodded at the glaring kobolds "...and all is peaceful and friendly here?"
"Of course Captain, of course..." she replied ensuring there remained people between the small-folk who hated each other as more drinks were brought over along with servings of cooked meats and vegetables "...such is the command of our hosts, and best not offend them"
"Well put Priestess"
"Call me Wifne Captain..." replied accepting the refill of her goblet of wine from a slave serving girl "...and I trust business brings you to my table? I find my age has meant strapping lads such as yourself do not arrive as suitors much these days"
"Heh, their loss Wifne, and call me Krowluc, we've met each other enough to stop having this conversation, and call ourselves by our names instead of titles. I'll also sadly say I bring words of my trade, or perhaps more accurately requests for your village, if that would be acceptable to you?"
"Well, spit it out young man, I can't say yay or nay to what I do not know I'm sorry to say?" she replied in her 'kindly old village leader' tone. It was best to be friendly but firm with things somewhat unsettled, for demands had to met with demands of one's own, or at the least compensation, in response. With many gone from the valley, despite the number of births and children running about, there was room to do things if people so desired after all. The bulky half-orc gave an amused snorting, nodding his head and drinking from his flagon of strong smelling blood-beer before replying.
"Aye, can't fault that can I Nims?"
"Yep, she got ye there Boss!" the cheerful gnome replied not even bothering to look up as she guzzled down proffered wine.
"So, aye, what ah'want is to garrison some of my lads and lasses in the village over the winter, stable the horses there too, a few of the new ones are with foal. It'd been easier do patrols that way, when the snows are clear anyway, and easier to keep messenger riders running back and forth along with your caravans"
Wifne hummed in thought "How many are we talking about?"
"Two squads, so twenty, in your village and another up at Zahgorim's Conquest, and in truth I'll either buy or build a house in your village as well. Going to be moving back and forth between here and there, least till I start rebuilding me tower out in the wilds"
Wifne smiled "Wise choice, warmer here or in the villages than a broken down tower needing fixing up in the middle of the winter"
"Don't I know it, and Nimmel here is serving as teacher in the Tower, so most of the company are staying in the valley and I prefer have some comforts, even if we're not staying in the big city. Orders are orders after all, so would that be acceptable Lady Wifne?"
She hummed a moment in response to that, thinking on the matter and hiding it as she drank her wine before nodding "Aye, should not be a problem, though you'll need rebuild the house and I expect you'll pay for the feed and such for the animals and their riders? We already provided food and board for the clan-orc garrison, so we can offer little charity I'm afraid. Trading for guarding our caravans, and perhaps a little hunting, might help get discounts on such costs"
"Sounds fair, I can live with that..." the half-orc replied taking up some cooked and flavoured cut up potatoes into hand "...especially with the big bosses gone, and things been a bit confused, the lads they left in charge.." he nodded towards the cluster of orcs at a table distant "...want make there aren't any raiders or the like sneaking about the mountains"
"Don't we all want to keep such away" she agreed sagely. The village...the valley, was more prosperous than any time she could remember from her youth, and success could bring dangerous and hungry bandits your way as well. It had been a fear as well, that with many of the orcs warriors away others would come and overpower them, but there were still plenty of numbers to keep the valley secure. A funny thing really; she feared having too few around as much, or more, than having too many orcs running about without the saner leaders.
Thankfully young Halnguk she'd had in her village before for a few seasons with Ghorza before he'd been sent off to that wizard's tower, and the old Orcs Cardac and Taugh seemed to be inclined leave what was working alone. So as long as Wifne's village didn't act up, paid its tribute, they were happy enough to keep things as mad Shaman Karguk had established them. That was good, and she was doing her best to keep things 'positive' between her folk and their less-savage-than-normal orc overlords; even if training her acolytes with them orcs young ones was nerve-wracking in its own way.
"Aye, indeed, it's been a good year, even as bad as its been in other ways, and truth be told this be some of the better livin' we've had out in the wilds in some time"
"Yeah..." the gnome huffed "...I got me a big room and all, and maid-servants even, Rini is so utterly harmless ya know?, and plenty food and booze. Best contract in a long time I tell ya...even with the scaly fu..."a big hand swatted the gnome's head causing Wifne to resist a snort of amusement "...I mean, some of the company we work with"
"Oh, stop it you, just shut up and enjoy being the 'Archmage on Site' as you call it..." the half-orc chuckled, tilting his head to Wifne "...technically she's the head wizard in the valley now by order of the Shaman, even if that Halnguk is the actual head of all things magical"
"Religiously magical, not arcane..." the gnome groused "...even if he is a wizard, he's just a fighter some spells at heart"
"Warrior-Priest with some magic is what I believe he sees himself as..." Wifne replied back with a smile, listening as music began to come out in ribald orcish tones "...though, be all accounts he studied with the least crazy of these...Harpells yes?"
"Hmph...fine, fine! He's not so bad, got better than I thought he would! Still don't mean he doesn't have more to learn from the glorious mistress of magic that is the Dread Gnome herself!"
"Uh-huh" the half-orc chuckled, glancing at Wifne "See what I have to deal with?"
Wifne chuckled as well "We all have our burdens to bear I fear warrior"
"Mayhap, mayhap, but someone has to count the coin and ensure the food is paid for, so I am one indispensible burden indeed" the gnome laughed happily as she demanded a refill off her wine. Now it seemed they would get down to dickering over the details of the cavalry garrisoning in the village, with the kobolds [who talked through Wifne to the 'hateful ugly thing' as they called Nimmil] getting drawn in over another squad been placd there to guard caravans. Iron ore would be useful to forge more tools if they could move it before the snows made that impossible...
--
When: 24th Day of Uktar, 1357 Dale Reckoning
Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk
Visited the Dragon's Lair Inn last night, because, of course, that's what the merry little kobold would rename the place. So, spending a relaxing morning in today, mildly hungover, and just sitting here in the room scribbling as Mara and Kethri cook away at something nice smelling basically; ordering my thoughts so to speak. Wasn't a wild night, but draining between the feasting, drinking, and then the time with the now currently less energetic ones here once we returned home.
That and alcohol had a strong effect on Tsuruhoki, who probably hasn't drank in an eternity, and Arleigh because she drank like a fish with Lua, so they're completely out of it. Dissension in the new slaves ranks at drunken Arleigh and the bard Joanna getting to go carousing, or perhaps because they had decided to rest versus it and are now serving the bunch of hungover people. Sad for them I guess. Thankfully my {let's go with improving} alchemical abilities had allowed me to relieve it down to merely tiredness and hunger, though that could be the smell of cooking drifting in from the kitchens, so that's a positive.
It's raining outside according to Oggy, who's returned to bed, which is fine as I'd planned a day inside resting and then studying my tomes anyway. Or research, or alchemy, I still haven't decided yet. After a good hearty breakfast I'll make that decision. Anyway, rambling aside, various talks and such during the night of feasting, for one a ship of Drow coming along with two potential trade-ships. Veladorn smart there, approached Jernak of the Moonblades first, then us and Obould, so promises of her peoples 'share' of the traders so we all don't cause trouble to more turning up.
Emperor Kurnak then is unlikely to care as long as he gets some coin or goods from it, and I've an interest in ensuring we have trade relations, with visitors under maximum security. Jernak agrees with me, Zah, and Oggy, and I'll be let do the dealings with them when they arrive, largely due to Missy, and of course Shrouda Stargleam my Mirabaran guest. Who's currently fallen asleep beside me after pestering me for ages after I, foolishly, let her know about the prospective arrivals. Aiming for Fireshear and the Ten Towns, but they'll be frozen in by now according to everyone, so they'll be wintering here;- fun times guarding them I expect, and watching them for threats as well.
In other news things have somewhat settled down in the city;- those who've arrived have establishment themselves, and those wanting to setup outside the city, or returned to the Crags, have done so. Same with the Host Tower, we've got some basic lessons up and running, and I've restarted the 'fostering' school for younger children, mostly orc, though a number of our vassals too. Got to put all those captured apprentices and other professions to work after all, along with spreading the power of literacy and mathematics amongst those possible loyalist clans. Anyway, enough speculation, breakfast's ready, time to go.
--
When: 28th Day of Uktar, 1357 Dale Reckoning
Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk
Hurrah, we have fish!
Yeah, not much, but the fact we've any fishing boats operating at all is big success. I know we had fish from the rivers, and near the harbour, but this actual proper netted fish that bought for coin. Actual trade would you believe?
That's a positive in my view, one more step towards getting a functioning market economy up and running in our conquered lands. Well, at least beyond crude inter-clan trade. Secondly it's seen work on repairing the two harbours, the true one, Whitesails in the northern section, and the secondary to our south at Dragon Beach, as well as fixing up our damaged sailing ship. The other two's crews have been getting practice, though staying within easy range of the habour;- basically sailing out a few hours, then back in, with a crew half made up of orcs, and few human pirates, or half-orcs, who know the ropes.
Considering we've got the blacksmiths somewhat concentrated, at last, into a crude foundry system where we can get out proper orc sized plate armour. We've plenty of stuff to melt down after all, and there are stores of coal, wood, and iron, to work with over the winter, and it is good to see the fire and smoke of industry churning once more. I've got a mint established as well, and begun running mine, and others, acolytes, into blessing the weapons, armour, and coins even if only weakly. Better than nothing as they say, and keeps up the coin quality in my opinion; harder to do a forgery hopefully;- that and I want to keep the quality of the coins high.
Of note is I've having new armour forged for my Rose, well the others too, but Rose's is first as her current set got somewhat battered in the fight, and she's a bit 'bigger' and that makes the chest, legs, and arms a bit tighter than she'd like. I'm training with her, and the Gods-slaves, to get her up to using a longsword alongside her mace and magical summoned scythe. Tanalasta is helping with that, the woman is better fighter than I am without my magic, so it's useful to expand mine, and Rose's, fighting abilities. Looks like we're starting to get back into the physical-training, then magical-training, then priestly duties routine;- one needs more time in the day sometimes!
--
When: 29th Day of Uktar, 1357 Dale Reckoning
Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk
Bronwyn is either a masochist or actually genuinely believes Mystra has put her in my service, as she's happy Ghorza and me essentially beat her black and blue on the training field. Not that I'll mock her, as she genuinely tries to make the best of every moment of her time between getting beaten up {training} and studying magic when we've time. Something of a funny little class there run by Missy made up of various magic users, from that kobold's renamed slave-girl, to that Uthgardt girl and my merry bard team Tris and Joanna. Yes, because my dynamic duo of singers have hit it off; even if Joanna does not want Lua's more amorous attention; prefers men apparently.
Anyway, it's good to be training again, keep the skills up to par, as once the snows drift in it'll get harder to do, and less enjoyable too. My library and alchemy laboratory are up and running properly, and Tsuruhoki serving me and Missy as Chief Librarian after she got used to what I want. Personally I'd love to set up a greenhouse, but getting the glass together is less easy than desired, so that idea will have to wait for some point off into the, possible far, future. Considering the growing cold, there's been hard, hard, frosts in the past few days, without its pretty much put an end to any garden till the spring I expect.
Hasn't been any snow and yet the ground has a sprinkling of white everywhere it feels like. The main news has been a string of meetings over the past few days over minor things with Kurnak and the various chieftains, and Mirrinock and the shamans, over bedding down control of the city. Things like keeping the sewers functioning, having slaves clean the streets, and general work towards getting ready for the harsher blast of cold coming soon. It's a fight for control in some ways, and a dull thing none of them want to do, but have to do, in others, but it's getting things done even if I, and others like Veladorn have to make compromises and such. Still, it's slowly starting to resemble a dangerous city rather than a violent, lawless, frontier town. So, Slán go foill for now a chardaí, I've Oggy to help arrange a fertility festival for tomorrow.
--
When: 2nd Day of Nightal, 1357 Dale Reckoning. Winter has come.
Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk
Nightal, the Drawing Down, and we just came through the Feast of the Moon. Less organised than I'd like, but it was more of a impromptu series of linked mini-festivals with a mass marriages and blessings, even extending down to the non-orcs. Rose for instance had her own series of blessings and a few weddings, of widows and widowers she said, in her little temple with her acolytes, and I encouraged those religions we tolerate to have their own ceremonies. For once the Drow didn't have a mass dance naked party for their ceremony, or at least kept their wedding orgy-celebration indoors if they did anything beyond the respectful thing they did.
Course, that could be because their trade ship arrived right in the middle of all this. Hardly ideal as this is both a fertility festival mixed in with bloody Halloween {yeah, yeah, you don't know what that is. Other life} and that meant increased security over the ruins. Punching skeletons basically, as while nothing emerged several bands decided attacking was the best defence, and now the upper layers of the ruins are largely free of those undead not cleared out during the Sack and afterwards. Probably all that Holy Water seeping into the soil weakening them maybe?
Anywho, we've sailing ships in harbour, and crews up settled beside the Drow District in what had been the warehouses and Mirabar district. Well, exploring as they've stayed on their ships, with large watches according to my patrols, and we're meeting later today to negotiate terms. They are from Calimshan apparently, the ones that didn't bring the Drow at least, and bring news along with holds full of things from the far south, from silks and gems, up to magically preserved things like dates. Oh, and Kav.
THEY HAVE COFFEE. I SHALL HAVE IT.
Now, I can't let them know that of course, but I really, really, would like coffee again. Anyway, going to take a potion to clear my head, then grab my team of expert negotiators, who are pretty and not terrifying orcs, and then shall meet these fine fellows who are either pirates or honest traders. If I can pull it off they'll be hunkering down here for the winter, and then give us an in for approaching Fireshear potential, outside Team Emo Drow should they return, and the Ten Towns. Thing is word has reached us of Drizzt and King Grumpy Dwarf throwing back an assault by Drow upon Mithril Hall, so I don't see any return or quite some time. So, away I must go, across the river and talk to the traders. International Relations Hoh!
--
When: 3rd Day of Nightal, 1357 Dale Reckoning
Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk
Meeting with the totally-not-pirate merchants over the course of today and yesterday went well I think, as we've traded various items that Missy assures me are not-completely exorbitant prices. I got coffee out of the deal, or Kav as they call it, and, once I was 100% sure it's just coffee, I ensured some of it was given to relevant parties to encourage use. I'm not a natural trader, and building a market of more than just me is somewhat more likely to bring traders with more of the stuff in the future; so that's what I've done, hopefully. Whatever the case I'm having a cup right now, with some sweetening herbs, and I am quite happy with myself over the rather minor facts.
Now, I'm pretty sure these merchants are also spies, or scouts, though why their scouting us I don't know, because we didn't actually exist in Luskan when they left port. Then again, there's a lot of stuff happening down south to investigate, from demon armies to undead ones suddenly popping up, and they're certainly turning a profit from the goods in their holds. Spices, silks, wine, and a surprising number of quality weapons, all go over fairly well in our lovely city; and we've got plenty of looted wealth to trade for it. Something of seller's market so to speak, and Shrouda is certainly interested in selling them mithril if they'll lurk about till spring.
Missy did much of the talking mind you, along with Miss Stargleam, once we got serious in negotiations at least. Mostly as my own interests once you get beyond coffee, alchemical ingredients, and a few books, my own interest in purchases was rather limited. It's more the fact of operating as a gatekeeper of sorts between outsider merchants and the clans here; not completely as others are meeting them, but I can limit it somewhat by making it easier to deal with me than do it directly. Putting the Drow under Veladorn in the area atop the cliffs over Whitesails harbour, Shrouda from Mirabar behind that section, and some humans in nearby homes; well, it hopefully helps with that I find I have positive relations with right now.
She was involved in our merry little trade discussion as well, since husband turned up on the ship with drow that came with the two ships of far off Calimshan. The Drow ship at least, though it has a mostly human crew, is from Waterdeep, and plans to leave as soon as they bloody well can now that they've dropped off their terrifying passengers to the terrifying city of orcs. From their point of view anyway; as they basically sold their stuff, it's getting unloaded now, straight away and didn't ask any questions beyond what we want and how much we'll pay. Shrugs, what can you do? So we've made as best a show of strength as we can, and they can head off on their merry way just fine. They should beat the winter snows and storms back home by all accounts, especially with light, mostly empty, holds.
So, our Drow numbers are up to about a hundred and twenty maybe, and Qilue wants to make their festival on the Winter Solstice super-special awesome to celebrate that. Which means a Great Hunt, or something resembling it, so they want some big animal captured so they can all run after it naked with swords in celebration of their Goddess. Lua thinks it's a fantastic idea, because of course she does. It's literally adding Hunting Dangerous Beasts to their favourite 'religious' festivals of dancing naked and waving shiny swords about;- have to get something for them to hunt and somewhere to hunt it on that night. Fun times, so I'm off do some study before I got try get the chieftains, or maybe Kurnak, onside.
--
When: 6th Day of Nightal, 1357 Dale Reckoning
Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk
Yeah, those merchants are interested in something, clearly the Drow for one, even if they've lurked between their ship, the 'merchants' area in the north, and going to the tavern. Drizzt Do'Urden and King Bruenor are supposedly topics of conversation according to Lua, which is understandable considering he's taken back Mithril Hall, and held it. I know this because the brave squad of ten we sent returned today, or at least here as they went 'home-home' first, and there was only four of them plus the others ashes and bones. The price of sending aid to potential enemies I fear?
Died bravely, and burned, and the four who came back, surviving Elistraeen priestess in tow, have confirmed we aren't actively hostile to the dwarves, or distance Silverymoon. Good, because it seems Mithril Hall has joined with Alustair, and the Lords Alliance beyond that. Thankfully said alliance, nearby at least, is rather busy with Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate invested in besieging the demons in Dragonspear Castle, and Neverwinter barely recovered from the wars with Luskan, the island pirates, and undead of the King of Shadows. As the various 'prophesy' holy books spoke of the lands are in chaos as the darkness approaches.
Sadly my immediate predicative texts have fallen aside in their relevancy over the past seasons, though having awareness of what 'would have happened' is useful for understanding motivations at least. I've spent much of today speculating and 'wargaming' the situation with my harem of advisors, yes, yes, I know, but I'm open to advice on the political situation in the southern lands. Ideally we can keep the big hitters, who could magic nuke us, away by means of our dealings with Qilue of the Seven Sisters, and the Harpell family.
We can deal with regular armies and 'adventurer' level mages, or hordes of our fellows from the north, on something resembling equal terms after all. Or, at the very least, we are getting there in being able to face them on the field come the unset of spring, and then later when the heavens descend. Missy's general feeling, after picking the brains of our various captured former mercenaries, is that while we won't have trouble with Neverwinter as a whole. Well, as a whole does not mean everyone, and we're likely to see at least some families or factions, how bad the fight was dependent, who'd just to drive us out of Luskan and 'liberate' the city and make it Neverwinter friendly.
A problem, but nothing unexpected, and my own concern, and that of the Chiefs and Emperor Kurnak, is the surviving Liches and potential undead or such abominations. Just because we haven't seen anything like that doesn't mean it isn't there, and we've been patrolling hard in, and around the city, just in case. Or they'll have headed north and attempted to bring Fireshear and the Ten Towns against us;- a reasonable situation for them to take to be honest. They can sail around us, but if they don't want to trade, or just can't accept our rule of the area here, then I think war is inevitable sadly. Let's hope not, but it's one of the dangers on the map-table, and Mara certainly attacked when she played as them.
Anywho, gotta go, want to get a few more hours in on my ritual book.
--
When: 14th Day of Nightal, 1357 Dale Reckoning
Where: Host Tower of the Arcane, City of Illusk
I really need to rename this play, break the lines with the Arcane Brotherhood and all that. Perhaps I'll call it the Mages Guild, and this place the Illuskan Mages College, or the Tree of Magical Knowledge, or something to that effect. Regardless there's a structure of teaching up and running at least, and I'm slowly, but surely, getting things broken down into essential classes, and skills we need now, and those we can afford to wait for. Also improving living conditions for everyone involved, slaves included, as their educated, and therefore valuable slaves, and as such live better than many freeborn within the city. I want to avoid the whole privilege or elite thing creeping in, but I've to balance that against carrot as well as stick with them; gilded cage and all that.
No matter, I've taken time aside with my dedicated team of magical advisors [ie my wife, the crazy boob doctor-necromancer, shaman shadow-assassin, total-her-real name Shandy, and the chosen of the goddess of magic] and my magically inclined slaves to study various things. Sat down past few day after sending out hunters, and dealing with political matters, and basically been working on my combat spell-book, and my book on ritual magic, and planning out the ritual a month a bit from now. That's the official reasoning at least;- the second reason is dealing with the magic scroll thingie in me noggin', and learning more about the, now mine, Black Staff of Office.
Gifts of the All the Gods and all that fun stuff, well, the Orc Pantheon at least. Truth be told I'm still learning both roles, though I've got the 'shared library dreams' thing with Shandril, though she hasn't guessed it's me it seems. Not surprising as time seems to move, well, strange within them, and I feel there and yet not there during them. Sadly I don't have a huge amount of time to play the easy tutorial, as a) the Boss Orc annual review be coming up and b) it might be my main source of divine power in a few months. I can feel the power within the staff, and managed a bit of healing from it so far, and I've bound by my blood as well.
Oh, and I can enhance my spells with it, which a fairly useful boon. But we'll tell no one that we set outselves on fire accidently to learn that fact; oh, and then healing the fucking painful burns. Thank heavens for my basic wardings against blowing myself up. Learning from Team Megumin has had the effect it seems, even if only barely. Bad Karguk, picking up bad habits from Harkle and his family of lunatics!
Now, I've had time to think through what happened at Mithril Hall based upon what, now Captain, Yarghuk and other three survivors of his squad. It seems more a large extended skirmish that the full on battle laid out in the 'holy texts' for some time next year, and it does look like they're going to be back. So good news; others are sending them aid, and that means those members of the Lord's Alliance will be distracted, and Mirabar has been also asked for aid. Technically not us, but I'm putting up an offer in our new 'Adventurers Guild' to send a few brave souls, a maybe a squad or two, to try deny Lloth's minions any true success. My lot did return with a bunch of orcs and goblins they picked up along the way; something, something, blames Drizzt apparently?
Whatever, they got rewarded with damned good armour, and it's allowed me think on the potential knock on effects of banishing Wendonai. The divine magic is lingering in the air, and I'm planning another mass ritual, so ensuring the city is hard for undead to deal with is a possibility; ideas are in my head, just out of reach, tip of my tongue. Meditation helps, accessing the 'City of the Mind' as I like to think of it, as it is all beyond me often enough, and I have to be careful as well when trying to make use of it. As I said, writing helps, though in this case it's in planning out ritual in a methodical fashion, its...
Honestly it's hard to describe, a nudge here, like having a calculator in your head for working through certain magical matters. Thankfully I'm not at the mad ramblings on the walls stage, but I've been writing notes and calculations I don't fully understand right now when I channel that golden 'power' I can generate them, as well as filling my spellbook. Whatever, preparation is the key to success, and I'm my best to ensure I am developing my limited abilities and resources to their maximum capacity. From the merchants on the ships down in the harbour, to my arcane leaning, and keeping up my martial training; only time will tell.
Slán go foill a chardaí
--
[Krowluc 27]
Entering Tach-Rhuulmech, Valley of Sparta Clan
Horseshoes thudded off the solid wooden bridge beneath them as Krowluc heard the familiar sound as his stallion led his patrol through the large, ugly and, blocky Gatehouse of Goblin-Town's main entrance. Snow was starting to fall, and wasn't that a joy he thought, as he gave gesture of greeting to the guards at the gate as he and his passed through. Falling night and snow meant it was one of those rare times that the half-orc was glad to enter military camp turned goblin town, and Krowluc was eager to get the horses stabled and something warm into his belly.
Sadly he had other matters to attend to before he could do that as his horses made their way through the streets as those goblins outside, drinking mostly in the market area and back at tavern, got out of the way or cheered them on drunkenly. Not that there were many, the bad weather rolling in was sending the sober, or just sensible, scurrying inside, and they made quick progress towards the large bastion of hard packed earth and joined stone that was garrison stronghold. He waved in greeting as he saw Bareyaras was waiting, along with the Captain of the Stronghold, the old orc Uzdak, at the stables as he passed by the guards opening the gates into the lower fortress area.
"Hey Boss, lemme help ya with that..." the half-elf greeted taking hold of the front reins of Krowluc's warhorse as it stopped, and allowing Krowluc to dismount with a soft thud from the weight of his muscles and heavy plate armour on straw covered earth "...gone damn cold now innit? Assume all went well on yer journey here?"
"Aye Bareyaras, trails were clear, no signs of trouble beyond a few animals anyways, least for now, by any of the watchtowers either" Krowluc replied honestly, wearily, as he allowed the shorter half-elf to guide his horse towards the waiting grooms from the Black Crow Free Company. Well, hardly a Free Company now, but his mind still added it on sometimes he found as he turned towards the other orc, giving a fist to heart salute greeting "Captain"
"Captain Krowluc" the other replied matching the gesture, then extending his gauntleted hand as the exchanged a hand to wrist handshake "Good to see you and your cavalry"
Krowluc gave a tired snort as he returned the firm grip before ending it "Not sure how useful we'll be for much longer, heavy showers blowing in"
"Aye, can't disagree there, but it'll help in its own way, once it clears a bit there's plenty of trails we can take before deep winter hits us. Truth be told you and yours warriors could just their stand around and look threatening, or just back my hunters up, but best be able fight if there be more there than we be currently thinking"
"Specially since it's on the word of a captured elf, right?" Bareyaras noted with amusement after the Orc Captain's words as Krowluc gave him a look and shook his head in irritation. Nimmil had dismounted as well, striding forward as best her short height allowed, as she puffed herself up and pointed at the half-elf with her staff. She was in a bad mood since been dragged out of her lovely warm tower to go riding about the wilderness, even if the lure of the captured spell-book and coin had decided Nimmil to come with.
"Oy, you, shut your gob, I can read that elfy gibble-gabble well as any, and scouts recorded what they saw, daft as that maybe. Bloody incompetent I'll tell ya! Not even in cipher, only a useless veil!"
Krowluc shrugged "Eh, they got beaten by a bunch of would-be adventurers Nims, ones dead, ones a slave to goblins, these two weren't the world's best and sneakiest spies. Send out what you got, an' that don't always give you the best results when what you got are a bunch of amateurs playing spies because they hate humans in their woods or something, crazy sort"
"Yup, and that's why I were so charmin' during the questionin' heh" Bareyaras replied with a grin, his eyes hidden by his hair and cloth band around his head. Nimmil's work too, for as much as the half-elf annoyed her they were all battle brothers and sisters here, and it was easier get a human obeyed than a half-elf...even most of the senior orcs knew he was a half-elf. Same as when in a human settlement in its own way, Bareyara's act had stayed the same even as the employers had changed. Considering what Nimmil had found in the journals, that might have been an added inducement to rage, or despair, from them.
"The elf told all we think..." Captain Uzdak rumbled as he guided them out into the night, out of the way as Krowluc's riders came inside and started to dismount "...so I'll bring you to the Temple of Khugorbeyeag soon, your gnome can use her gnome magics to see truth and lies"
"This gnome would like a..."
Nimmil started to say before Krowluc swatted as gently as possible as he bent down to shut her up before the demands for booze and food started. Best get the talking done before they drank and ate, and then slept for a few hours; best not put it off, as time wasting could end up costing lives "This gnome will shaddup and let her Captain do the talkin', sooner we get this over with, sooner we can get to the tavern right?"
"Right Boss, sorry Boss, just tired" she apologised, waving her free hand as she rested on her staff. Krowluc ignored her, his attention on his riders getting settled and on the Orc Captain and his guards. It was good solid defensive spot here, but not where he'd like to be stuck for several ten-days if the weather did turn bad compared to the castle, or one of the two human villages. But that was one of prices of building up his position within his new clan, one had to work hard in the Spartans to rise, or even just to maintain ones position within the ranks.
"So Captain, we still looking at a large camp? Scouts report anything different since word was sent?"
The orc Captain nodded, arms folded across his armoured chest as he looked out into the town "Aye, them gobbies can be right stupid sometimes, but their right sneaky when they want to be...we're looking least twenty, maybe half again that, about three days east of here. Humans mostly, an' a demon-blooded or two says the one the scouts sent back, course...goblins, is hard tell exactly that what he meant, or thought he saw. Could be bandits, could be cowards or hunters...or could just be armed some village burnt down. Dunno, the goblins couldn't tell, and the elf..."
"Hated the lot of'em and just wanted them dead, aye, Nimmil here read me the journals, more now sounds like..." Krowluc replied rubbing his chin "...seems hills are full all of those guesses of late, damned carrion crawlers even, says the band that did in the elves and their undead"
"Scavengers and predators, there all hungry and we've driven a lot of'em from our strongholds, so attack anything they can for now. Seven hells, Moonblades killed a Wyvern during harvests when it tried eatin' slaves in their hut while warriors off taking the city. Killed a number of warriors to do it, but damned thing must have been hungry or enraged to be attacking big group orcs like that..." Udzak replied gesturing at two of his guards to join them "...but that's that. We'll go meet Grugar and the new pride and joy of his temple and see if any of them answers changed, or have more detail, and then we'll get some grub and booze, it'll be day at least afore this weather passes and we can set out"
Krowluc nodded, sighing as the snow fell and adjusting his cloak over his armour "Aye, thought as much, come on then let's get this done, Bareyaras, Nimmil, you're both with me. Let's go and see if the other things on that map be truth, or lies, and whether their worth dealing with"
Night was falling, and the colds winds rising, so the time for daring cavalry charges was going to be passing, till the spring at least, shortly and patrols would doubly hard. Unfortunately there were elf scouts apparently about, with goblin-hunters-turned-zombie minions, who'd left enough information to make sure they a busy winter dealing with any other potential scouts. Or in this case either a bunch of bandits, starving refugees, or adventurers encamped far too close to Illuskan lands for comfort...all while they ensured any bodies were burned per standing orders of the Shamans.
Nimmil was here with three of her better 'students', and her new elf-slave too, just in case there was magic Udzak's lot hadn't noticed, or the adventurers either, at the abandoned goblin camp. He'd brought some oil for burning and holy water too, just in case there were undead about to be dealt with as well bandits and angry wildlife. The walk to the temple helped, weary legs 'waking up' a little after ages in the saddle, though it was annoying having to carry their demented gnome illusionist due to her tiny, and slow moving, legs as they came before a larger version of the blocky military camp buildings that seemed to be all that Goblin-Town had to offer...
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[Karguk 87]
Market District, City of Illusk
"It's snowing, it's cold!" Lua murmured resting against me and giving a shiver "Make me warm"
I sighed, breath steaming on the winter's air as I listened to Lua's whining and teasing "Yes Lua, shocking that in the midst of winter. Hence the ritual armour and warm clothes this here orc is wearing, unlike the crazy drow who think it's a hot summer's day apparently...anyway, it's only a light dusting of snow, and your holy ritual not mine after all that means you have to run about in this"
"It is no demand that you that unclad Lua'kah'wyss in this chill weather..." the distinctive, and amused, voice of Qilue Veladorn came over the frigid breeze as she sauntered towards us, very much nude, and very much showing no bother at that state on this winter's night, or in the middle of an orc conquered town. Just a smile on that towering drow female, her husband at her side, equally naked, as I tried very much not to focus on that fact and remind myself how deadly dangerous she was "...dear Jaina has not either, and young Iljrene has opted for retaining her boots and gloves"
"Holiness!" Lua replied, bowing, clearly embarrassed and a bit flustered at having been caught whining teasingly me to me "My apologies, I was merely...well..."
"I gather child, relax..." the tallest of the drow murmured hand reaching out and patting Lua's bare shoulder as my own crazy drow lady blushed and fumbled her words "...though if you wish to dress some, do, the Goddess wishes only for your joy in her service. Now, if not I suggest you gather with the others, we are about to begin the ceremonies, I merely wish to speak to the High Shaman a moment"
I motioned my guards away, Tanalasta continuing to look distasteful upon all the drow nudists milling about in the cleared out market square while the caged sabertooth roared. Not too far away of course, but neither Veladorn or her husband were visibly armed, as I was standing there in armour, with sword on my belt, and staff of office in hand and it'd look weak needing guards to face down to naked elves. Lua glanced at me, and I patted her buttocks "Go on then, just don't get hurt during the crazy, you'll have all the drink you can down later on"
"You better, so watch me hunt that thing down!" she murmured in reply, grinning, as she moved away, silver sword in its sheath being waved at me as she strode across the market square. All very distracting, but apparently I lived in a crazy, crazy, death-world and leering at all the crazy drow priestess as my fellows were doing...well I had to project strength, and sanity instead. Because these things were entertaining certainly...but also a powderkeg waiting to explode as well, just like the Aurilite ceremony across the way; though that did not have the huge number of spectators this ceremony was having.
"She will come to no harm, I assure you Shaman Karguk"
"She better not Priestess..." I replied politely matching her gaze with my own "...and I'm guessing this about your daughter and her bout of madness. I have sworn Mirrinock to use non-lethal methods, and I know they spoken a geas to that effect between them...but, I must say I do not encourage this, nor can I assure you of her safety in its entirety"
Veladorn's consort, Elkanter Ilium, chuckled at that, while Veladorn merely smiled more at it, one hand running though her long silver hair "Truth I know, a truth I know, I and Elkanter worry so, as parents do, but life is dangerous for our kind and Ysolde is perhaps needing a lesson learned in such a manner, rather than upon the battlefield"
I glanced over at the only one of the priestess distant wearing much of anything; the traditional seeming white-silver armour, though with a dark cloak, with Elistraee's symbol proudly emblazoned on it "That would imply you think she will be defeated"
"Oh, you believe otherwise?" came the bemused sounding reply as the drow woman my height, amusingly towering over her husband, cocked her right eyebrow at me, hands on hips to try be distracting in some manner I expected. Really, she was a taller, more powerful, version of Lua at times. Never had politics been so...weird...I found as I paused, sighing again after a moment.
"No, no I don't, Mirrinock knows drow Priestess, the Night-tombs are of the Underdark till recently..."
She actually grinned "Yes, and a hunter of my kind that serve that terrible creature of the depths, that I know with but a glance. Sadly our Ysolde cannot, nor listen to honest advice that it is a terrible, terrible, idea to let one such as that set the terms and terrain of any fight. I have bet coin she will not even see him coming and will wake up not having seen or heard his approach till she is captured"
I just shook my head at that "You're all crazy you know that? And I say that as an orc all my fellows think is crazy"
Her husband shrugged as I looked down at him "We are here, so perhaps we are. But I do hope it will deepen our alliance in the eyes of some"
"So long as nobody gets killed" I grumbled back, earning a nod from both as I my eyes stayed on Veladorn's eyes "...but, yes, it helps either way I assume. She either proves her strength by victory to that assassin, or, most likely, Mirrinock continues with his favourable stance of your settlement, even if she'll be humbled you know?"
"An acceptable loss..." was the bemused reply "...we drow are shameless after all I have been told?"
"Hmm...I think you just have different standards and taboos, you don't fool all us simple-minded orcs Lady Veladorn..." I answered calmly hiding my amusement and irritation, glancing up at the roofs packed and the guards holding back the crowd around the fires and ale barrels "...largely as somebody has to watch the rest of the idiots while some people go out of their way to be provocative"
Qilue laughed, a genuine seeming sound as she brought one arm around her husband, and patted my shoulder with the other free hand as I watched her careful "Heh, heh, true my orc friend, a test I'm not sorry to say, but...you do not know what is like to be free to do our ceremonies in a city, it is a joy I cannot help but indulge in. Though I am sure it helps thine cause persuading all us mad elves to behave so heh? Your Emperor was most pleased when he and I had words hmm?"
"I'm sure he did..." I replied with a shake of my head and then a smile "...and the others too I imagine. But if you understand the dangers, truly understand and do not wish me to try end this madness as I see it, I shan't keep you from your ceremony"
A serious look and a nod came in reply as the drow straightened up, then bowed at the waist to me, publically at that, in a display of acceptance of my position before the crowds it seemed to my surprise "The risks are understood First Shaman Karguk, there will be no trouble should misfortune occur"
"Thank you" I replied honestly as she straightened back up, then folded arms together just under her chest, grinning at me teasingly as she turned away, glancing at her priestesses awaiting her.
"Oh, no pat of encouragement for mine humble self and my dearest Elkanter as for fair Lua'kah'wyss?"
"Please...just...go, do your thing so I can get to the tavern and out of the cold" I replied, rubbing at the bridge of my nose as both chuckled. A fake pout...dear Gods from both, as they turned and sauntered away, the tall female guiding her faintly shivering consort forward with her arm around his shoulders, mimicking Lua's departing words as I grumbled and motioned that my entourage could come back. They were crazy enough to fight a sabertooth, or chase it about maybe first, while starkers on a cold winters night, and armed only with swords and spears...honestly this was going to be such a ridiculously popular spectator sport amongst the orc clans it wasn't funny.
"Madness"
"Heh, I know, isn't it?" I agreed with the grunt of disgust from the princess of Cormyr in and orc body as she came over to me with my guards, Tris and Lara as well, though they were dressed in warm robes rather than the armour of my personal guard. I smiled at both, Tris fidgeting with her feather tipped hat as the breeze flicked it, and Lara giving a nervous smile, edging up me in her heavy cloak having changed her mind at the moment.
"And you two...joining said madness?"
"There's so many looking...and, well..." Tris replied huffing "...it's really, really, cold"
Lara merely shook her head, voice low as she bowed her head "No Master, Lara is not yet worthy she thinks...and it is cold too Master..." she flushed, a bit of life in those eyes as I placed my free hand on her shoulder "...I...Lara agrees with Mara that Lara would like that, and would prefer stay with Master while Mistress performs her holy duties. Lara is no priestess Master...and too many orcs from Master Ph...Phar...Pha"
"That's fine Lara..." I told her giving her shoulder a squeeze as she started to tremble, then brought her into a sort of one armed hug, till she nodded and let out a sigh, as I rested my staff on the stone of the street "...that's okay. So, let us go join Zah and the others then, and get something warm and alcoholic into you"
This wasn't really an orc religious event, crowds aside, but I was trying to stamp my authority into the 'public mind' by ensuring that the various clans saw me make the various non-orc clerics be shown allowed do their thing at our permission. That and to stomp down on any idiots who got uppity amongst our ranks; it was a valid reason for my clerics and Red Branch Knights out and showing my authority to rank and file as well. It was both easier and harder as there was the Aurilite's 'Calling Winter' thing, Rose doing a small, somber Winter Solstice ceremony, and then this...thing.
Our Emperor, Kurnak, and his lot were here of course, up there ogling away, and then there was the betting pool on the 'hunt' insanity between Ysolde Veladorn and Mirrinock the Shadowed of the Night-Tombs. Idiocy, and gamble of sorts by the assassin-priest, as failure would led to him needing to kill several other orcs, but whatever the hell idiocy and challange had arisen between the two had caused it. Potentially by some scheme of the girl's mother, who seemed to want her to lose...I sighed again, guiding my charges back towards some seats where Missy, Mara and Kethri awaited with the Gods-slaves...
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