Redlun I

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>Redlun Archives</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id202.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXV"><U><B>Volumes XXV to </B></U></A><B>XXXXV</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id295.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXVI"><U><B>Volumes XXXXVI to L</B></U></A><B>XV</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Village"><U><B>Redlun Village Map</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Plans"><U><B>Redlun Manor Plans</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><B>Redlun Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Decree"><U><B>Redlun Decree</B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Redlun I</B>   |   <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun II"><U>Redlun II</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun III"><U>Redlun III</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IV"><U>Redlun IV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun V"><U>Redlun V</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VI"><U>Redlun VI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VII"><U>Redlun VII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IIX"><U>Redlun IIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id98.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IX"><U>Redlun IX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun X"><U>Redlun X</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XI"><U>Redlun XI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id101.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XII"><U>Redlun XII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIII"><U>Redlun XIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIV"><U>Redlun XIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id167.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XV"><U>Redlun XV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVI"><U>Redlun XVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id169.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVII"><U>Redlun XVII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id171.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXVIII"><U>RedlunXVIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id172.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IXX"><U>Redlun IXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id173.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XX"><U>Redlun XX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXI"><U>Redlun XXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id193.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXII"><U>Redlun XXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id194.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXXIII"><U>RedlunXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id197.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXIV"><U>Redlun XXIV</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Redlun I</I><I> </I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Missiledine: All right then... Lets get the ball rolling </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You are presently living in a rented house in the</div> <div>                        City of Velitrium. With you is all your assorted hangers on</div> <div>                        etc. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: 8-)Nobles need hangers on. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Several weeks ago you were contacted by a</div> <div>                        Royal Solicitor in regards to the possibility of inheriting</div> <div>                        some property. He was vague about what the </div> <div>                        properety was or where it was located. He wanted any</div> <div>                        documentable proof you could supply that you are indeed</div> <div>                        who you claim to be. Naturally you supplied the </div> <div>                        required documents </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Some time went by and you heard some</div> <div>                        rumors that the property in question was a manor some</div> <div>                        where in Gemmatus that had been held by some great </div> <div>                        uncle at the time of the Rebellion. You never met any of that</div> <div>                        side of the family, they were Mulgrave loyalist and fled</div> <div>                        before you were born </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Finally you are contacted again with a time and</div> <div>                        date for an audience. You will need to spruce up your</div> <div>                        wardrobe and use your best manners for this one! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. Do I need to spend more on clothes? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: No, just pick out your best, have your people</div> <div>                        clean and press it, etc </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: clean under fingernails... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: unless you want to </div> <div>                        Missiledine: you got it </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Your audience is at 9 am tomorrow morning, if</div> <div>                        there are any last minute preperations you want to make </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: ok. Athamar picks out his best clothes. something</div> <div>                        subdued but of good quality. He wants to make a good</div> <div>                        impression, not make an ass of himself. takes </div> <div>                        a bath, gets his hair cut, polishes his fingernails etc. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: is it appropo to bring a gift of something? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Not this time, in the future, when you are landed,</div> <div>                        yes </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: and do I bring attendants or gurads? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: guards. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Well, only a fool walks around flashing money</div> <div>                        without a guard. And the steward might be valuable in</div> <div>                        asking any important questions </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Won't be bringing the guard into the audience</div> <div>                        chamber tho </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Velitrium City is fairly safe, but you are dressed</div> <div>                        to the nines, so... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: K. He brings both guards, the steward and the</div> <div>                        valet. and the alchemist is invited as well, though the lots will</div> <div>                        probalby remain outside when he goes in. </div> <div>                        except maybe the steward. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar takes Nordan he Valet along and asks</div> <div>                        him to find out what he can while Athamar is in the audience.</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: ok, they will all put on their best, scrape the dirt</div> <div>                        off, etc... If there is nothing else we will move on to the AM </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamr will spring for baths for eveybody. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: oooh! A Bath! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Actually, Velitrium has public baths that are</div> <div>                        quite good. The habit started during the Dark Years </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Specifically, Athamar will say to Gallus "Gallus, I</div> <div>                        would like you at my side." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: good. sticky people are no fun to be around. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He will be flattered and honored </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: stinky </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: That is the idea. Athamar has a good deal of</div> <div>                        respect for Gallus and in addition, Athamar recognizes that</div> <div>                        a noble is only as good as the people he leads. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Ok then, early the next morning, after a lite</div> <div>                        meal, you set out for the palace. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: That is true </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Miklas on point... I think I will be saying that alot. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The Royal compound is kind of a city within a</div> <div>                        city. It is walled and gated and contains the palace, assorted</div> <div>                        government offices, Royal Arsenal, which is </div> <div>                        the HQ for the Royal Army. Barracks, stables etc. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: lol </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Weapons are checked at the gate you enter the</div> <div>                        compound. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You may keep 1 knife or dagger </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: they get Athamar's staff. He keeps his pifddly</div> <div>                        bronze knife. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Once you are inside the gates of the compound</div> <div>                        you won't need the guards. No criminal elements in here! If</div> <div>                        there is any rough stuff its with the soldiers </div> <div>                        and you don't have enough force to win that </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. is there any place they can hang? if so, is</div> <div>                        there any beer? Athamar gives em a few coins so they can</div> <div>                        have a beer. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Your name is on the list of expected people and</div> <div>                        the gate guards will direct you to follow a page who will lead</div> <div>                        you to the palace. You can see the palace, </div> <div>                        you don't need the boy, but that is the custom </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Your gurads can exit the compound and go to a</div> <div>                        tavern across the square. They point out which one they'll be</div> <div>                        in. They'll come out when they see you at </div> <div>                        the gate </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "good enough" Athamar nods. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar says to the page "Lead away, then,</div> <div>                        young man" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The page leads you across the compound, in a</div> <div>                        square visable between two buildings you can see troops</div> <div>                        marching and drilling. There are varios 'clerk' </div> <div>                        types scurrying here and there as they go about the</div> <div>                        buisness of running the kingdom. You see an ornate coach</div> <div>                        pulling away from the palace entrance. The windows </div> <div>                        are curtained, but the arms on the doors are those of the</div> <div>                        Duke of Glenluce </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar tries not to gawk. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Arriving at the doors, the page introduces you</div> <div>                        to the guards, who nod briefly, but respectfully, and send for</div> <div>                        another page </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The first one bows and departs, the second one</div> <div>                        bows and invites you to follow </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Through the grand entry hall and up a wide set</div> <div>                        of stairs... The palace is beautifully decorated and there are</div> <div>                        guards everywhere. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Gee... decisions decisions.... Should he follow??</div> <div>                        Well, okay. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: In the years since Mulgrave's defeat there have</div> <div>                        been numerous assasination attempts </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Bastids. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: From the top of the stairs you are lead down</div> <div>                        another wide corridor. The floor is stone, but laid with</div> <div>                        carpets to muffle sounds, the walls are hung with </div> <div>                        tapestries and paintings, mostly historical in content </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I suppose that there isn't enough time to linger and</div> <div>                        peruse them. ah well, the scolar in Athamar will just have to</div> <div>                        suffer. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: At the end of this hall is a large set of double</div> <div>                        doors. Just before this are a number of smaller doors that</div> <div>                        lead into waiting rooms. The page takes you to </div> <div>                        one of these </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar thanks him. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You'll have time afterwards if you wish </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The room is VERY comfortably furnished, table</div> <div>                        chairs etc </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The page offers you refreshments while you</div> <div>                        wait </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar thanks him. and accepts, but he doesn't</div> <div>                        do much more than wet his tongue. he is too anxious. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Dave, I have to run downstairs a sec to let my</div> <div>                        dog out </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: be right back </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok. Once again, I'm back </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You sit waiting for about twenty minutes, when</div> <div>                        the door opens and a clerk enters carrying a thick bundle of</div> <div>                        papers. He is followed by an older man, </div> <div>                        clearly a servant but highly placed, like a Steward. They both</div> <div>                        bow slightly. The clerk deposits the papers and leaves. The</div> <div>                        steward introduces himself, "I am Siel, I </div> <div>                        have handled the accounts of Redlund Manor for the last</div> <div>                        nine years. These," He gestures to the papers. "Are the</div> <div>                        deeds, descriptions, and inventory for the manor. </div> <div>                        Please take a few minutes to peruse them. I will return after</div> <div>                        the audience if you have any questions." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He will bow again and leave </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar digs in to the papework, he expects that</div> <div>                        Gallus will too. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: This is the first time Athamar has heard the</div> <div>                        manor's name. These are the papers I gave you earlier </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><I><B>Link to Survey</B></I></U></A></div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus does </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmm," Says Gallus after a minute or two.</div> <div>                        "There is much here to absorb." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The cash that you have already spent, the</div> <div>                        $15,000. That is part of this too </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar smiles "Looks like we will be very busy</div> <div>                        for a long time to come." Athamar skims the papers. looking</div> <div>                        for vital statistics like how many people, </div> <div>                        the income. etc. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The only thing obviously not here is the Deed</div> <div>                        and the cash </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The deeds that are here are between the Lord</div> <div>                        of Redlun and the Freemen families living there </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. only threee. i remember. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You'll have another fifteen or twenty minutes to</div> <div>                        study the papers, then the door will open and another page</div> <div>                        is there. "My Lord, if you will follow me. It is </div> <div>                        time." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Nordan will gather up the papers for you </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar says "very good" nodding to the page. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Bragan says, "Nordan and I will wait here." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "All right. make sure the chairs are comfy and the</div> <div>                        refreshments are adequate" Athamar grins.... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus will follow you out after carefully ordering</div> <div>                        the papers </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The page leads you to the double doors which</div> <div>                        a guard opens. All the guards are hard eyed, tough,</div> <div>                        competent looking fighters who don't seem to miss </div> <div>                        much, </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Good. Athamar feels safer already </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: :-) </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Beyond is the great throne room. This room is</div> <div>                        the stuff of legends. The throne itself is said to be enchanted,</div> <div>                        as are the statuary that lines the walls, </div> <div>                        beautiful renderings of fair maids, mighty warriors,</div> <div>                        huntsmen, beasts... all rendered in white marble. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: cool. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Off to the right, just before the actual throne, is a</div> <div>                        large alcove. In it stands a strange, ominous statue. Its of</div> <div>                        some grey stone and is of a vaugely </div> <div>                        anthropomorfic giant about twenty feet tall. The stone looks</div> <div>                        battered and beaten... You have heard of this, but never</div> <div>                        seen it before </div> <div>                        Missiledine: It is one of the Great Golems that accompanied</div> <div>                        the ancestors across the desert. It is said that only a Lord of</div> <div>                        the Velitar can command it. It was placed </div> <div>                        here five hundred years ago and hasn't moved since the last</div> <div>                        True King died </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: impressive. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Surprisingly the throne is empty </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You have heard that Urien prefers to conduct</div> <div>                        most matters in more intimate surroundings. Apparantly it is</div> <div>                        true </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar takes a longish gander at the Great</div> <div>                        Golem... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The page turns left, opposite the golem, into</div> <div>                        another alcove. There is a door guarded by four hard eyed</div> <div>                        soldiers. The poage knocks softly </div> <div>                        Missiledine: A voice is heard from inside and the steward</div> <div>                        Siel opens the door. You and Gallus are ushered in </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Across the room, seated facing you at a desk,</div> <div>                        is King Urien Buell of Gore </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He looks up from the papers he is reading as</div> <div>                        you come in </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar makes the proper obeisence. A bow, I</div> <div>                        presume. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Deep one </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Lord Athmar," Siel announces </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar waits until he is addressed before</div> <div>                        greeting his soveriegn. "Your majesty. I am honored. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The King looks at you for a long moment, then</div> <div>                        says, "I knew your Grand Father, Sir Gerrad. Your Father</div> <div>                        was a good man too." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Thank you, Your Majesty. Their memories are</div> <div>                        cherished." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Sir Gerrad's brother, Lord Dryson was a</div> <div>                        horse's ass! I hope you didn't get much of his blood in your</div> <div>                        veins." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: King Urien is easily in his mid eighties, he's</div> <div>                        been ruling for over fifty years. Despite rumors to the</div> <div>                        contrary he seems as sharp as a tack </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "They tell me your a mage?" He waits for you to</div> <div>                        answer </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar tries to keep hjis face straight hearing</div> <div>                        such blunt talk from his King. He inclines a bow to cover it.</div> <div>                        "Yes, You Majesty. My Master was ___. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmm. Do you think you can handle a manor?</div> <div>                        Its not all papers and beans you know. Especially out there</div> <div>                        on the edge." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "I have good men beside me and I am not afraid</div> <div>                        of work. I will endeavor, Your majesty" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmph." He picks up a pen, dips it in the ink</div> <div>                        and scrawls his signiture on one of the papers in front of him.</div> <div>                        He then does the same witha second, </div> <div>                        identical page. The King gestures and Siel comes forward</div> <div>                        and pours a spot of wax on each sheet. The King raises his</div> <div>                        seal and looks up at you. "Your sure?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Yes, Sire." Athamar says in firm tones. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Mmmph" He slams the heavy seal down with a</div> <div>                        thump that echos through the chamber. Again he stamps the</div> <div>                        second sheet and sets the seal aside. He </div> <div>                        shoves one copy to Siel, for the records, and hands the</div> <div>                        second across to you. "Becareful there, its heavier than you</div> <div>                        think." </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Link to Decree</B></I></div> <bR> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar uses both hands. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: From the pile of papers he pulls a vellum script</div> <div>                        and signs it as well. Lastly he takes out another, letter sized.</div> <div>                        paper and signs it. "This," He passes you the </div> <div>                        vellum "Is a draft for threethousand farthings ($15,000) and</div> <div>                        this (the second sheet) is an order for the garrison</div> <div>                        commander at Drunmore to release a quantity of arms </div> <div>                        and armor to you. It will need to be presented in person." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar raises an eyebrow "Most generous, your</div> <div>                        Majesty. Thank you." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "You'll need it." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Redlun is right out on the edge. Beyond your</div> <div>                        back fence is wilds, and only the strength of stell and little</div> <div>                        places like Redlun keep the wilds from </div> <div>                        creeping up on all of us. Don't loose sight of the woods for</div> <div>                        the trees." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: steel </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar ponders. then nods. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Good luck to you. May Mitra smile on your</div> <div>                        labors." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar bows and takes his dismissal. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Siel opens the door and says, " I will join you</div> <div>                        shortly in the waiting chamber." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The page is waiting outside to guide you back </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar takes his leave and follows the page. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: he visably sighs a bit in relief on exiting the</div> <div>                        Throneroom. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: he confides in Gallus "I was afraid that I would trip</div> <div>                        over my tongue." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Nordan and Bragan are waiting anxiously.</div> <div>                        "Well?" Bragan demands as soon as the page closes the</div> <div>                        door </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus smiles and says, "Your father would have</div> <div>                        been proud." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: In answer, Athamar puts the paper on the table</div> <div>                        and says. "Redlun. Small place. a bit far from the center of</div> <div>                        things. But we can make a go of it, eh?" HE </div> <div>                        grins at his people. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Nordan frowns, "I've heard of Redlun, was in</div> <div>                        your family as I recall." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Bragan shrugs, "I've never heard of it." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Yes. my grandfather's brother. He went through</div> <div>                        the Gates. Mine now." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Well then!" Smiles Bragan. "This is cause for</div> <div>                        celebration. I will buy us all a round of drinks!" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (Bragan rarely spends HIS money) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "That's a deal. After we are finished here. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus has gone back to looking through the</div> <div>                        inventory </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar does too. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Perhaps fifteen minutes go by, then Siel comes</div> <div>                        in. "Does My Lord have any questions?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar looks up "Hmmm... Its a bit much to</div> <div>                        digest all at once." Athamar asks him to explain in some</div> <div>                        detail the management of the agricultural exports, </div> <div>                        i.e. the arrangement with the shipping company. etc. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: We have kind agone over this, but I am</div> <div>                        roleplaying Athamar. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "The surplus produce is shipped from Redlun</div> <div>                        and is, for the most part, sent directly to the various Royal</div> <div>                        Arsenals for use by the Army. What isn't used </div> <div>                        there or in other Royal projects, is sold with the procedes</div> <div>                        going into the privy purse." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "THe money you have recieved is this years</div> <div>                        liquidated surplus." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Of course, as the new Lord of Redlun, you are</div> <div>                        free to dispose of all the surplus as you see fit." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grunts "I see. What have been the</div> <div>                        frequency and stregnth of threats to the area? have the</div> <div>                        locals been able to deal with them? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: In the papers you will find the names of the</div> <div>                        private contractors who hauled the produce for the Crown </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "The locals have reported loss of livestock on a</div> <div>                        small scale, but with increasing frequency. To date there</div> <div>                        have been no confrontations with the cause of </div> <div>                        these depredations. Local efforts have determined that it is</div> <div>                        not natural predators causing the damage.... At least, not in</div> <div>                        most instances." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods. He looks at Gallus. "Anything to</div> <div>                        add?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus looks at the order for arms, "Weapons</div> <div>                        and armor for twenty men to be drawn from Booty." He</div> <div>                        reads. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Siel nods, "That is, weapons armor and other</div> <div>                        gear taken or captured from enemy forces. It'll be a</div> <div>                        mismatch of stuff, but all servicable, with a bit of </div> <div>                        cleaning and polish I'm sure." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "This Sir Ryan said that a garrison</div> <div>                        of twenty men plus the locals should hold out against several</div> <div>                        hundred. Mayhap some folks are </div> <div>                        expecting some trouble" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Is all the land in production? Or could the fief use</div> <div>                        more serfs? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Siel sniffs a bit, then says, "I'm sure I am not</div> <div>                        qualified to make predictions. However," He leans forward</div> <div>                        slightly. "You must know that Redlun is right on </div> <div>                        the edge of the Lonath forest and not thirty miles from the</div> <div>                        Mondalith Mts. And just up the river is the River March.</div> <div>                        Everytime the Army pushes up there, especially </div> <div>                        in a southern thrust, the Humanoids trickle out of the mts." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: All Manors always need serfs. Labor is always</div> <div>                        in short supply </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Which is why Lords get hacked off when</div> <div>                        adventurers get serfs killed! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: It also explains while slaves are popular </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: lol </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar as a few questons about the state of the</div> <div>                        roads and her disposition of the neighboring Lords </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (I'll send you a map ASAP) But, One of you</div> <div>                        neighbors, to the east, is Church land belonging to the</div> <div>                        Abbey of Oak Hall. To the North and NE are two </div> <div>                        Lords (details yet resolved) and to the south are lands held</div> <div>                        by the Baron of Oak Hall. West of you is wilderness. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: her = the </div> <div>                        Missiledine: gotch ya </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. well, unless Gallus has anything else.</div> <div>                        Athamar thanks him for his time. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Siel bows and takes his leave. "You may</div> <div>                        remain here as long as you wish." He adds before closing</div> <div>                        the door </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar spends about another half our absently</div> <div>                        drinking whatever beverage is provided and reading. Then</div> <div>                        he starts and says "well, this is a comfortable </div> <div>                        place to study, but I think we should be on our way." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Everyone rises. Nordan gathers up the papers,</div> <div>                        Gallus will get the door </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Right. off we go,. lots of preparations to make. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: A page is waiting outside, he will escort you to</div> <div>                        the entrance where another page will take you to the gate. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay </div> <div>                        Missiledine: As you exit the gate, you see Ollyn and Miklas,</div> <div>                        who have been leaning against a wall in a shady section of</div> <div>                        the square, straighten up and head your way </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Run them out of beer? Athamar smiles. "We will</div> <div>                        be going on a trip soon, But first Bragon is standing us a</div> <div>                        round.... then I am standing us another. Where </div> <div>                        to, Bragan?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Bragan rubs hsi hands together, "Now, where</div> <div>                        shall we go? Can;t be some seedy hole in the wall." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmm, I know just the place... Follow me." He</div> <div>                        adds </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Bragan leads off towards the better side of</div> <div>                        town, which actually this is </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar has a bit of life in his step. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: It dosen't take long and soon your all sitting in a</div> <div>                        private room in a rather nice tavern. Bragan calls for wine,</div> <div>                        the good stuff mind you! And when it is </div> <div>                        poured and the srever has left, he stands and salutes you,</div> <div>                        "The Lord of Redlun!" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "The Lord of Redlun!" The others echo </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar raises his glass. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "To the King" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "The King!" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar orders some food. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Bragan sits down, "Errr, one question. Where</div> <div>                        the hell is Redlun?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Do we havea map? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: No </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Ollyn says, "Tell us about the place, My Lord. Is</div> <div>                        it big?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Miklos says, "Are there a lot of people?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Redlun is a small fiefdom once owned by my</div> <div>                        great uncle. Rightt on the edge of the Kingdom. No Lord has</div> <div>                        lunt say? 178\9 in the village. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: 179 </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: oops </div> <div>                        Missiledine: what? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: No Lord has lived there in some time. What does</div> <div>                        the papers say? 179 in the village </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: pardon. my keyboard stuck </div> <div>                        Missiledine: np </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Still it produces quite a lot of wine.... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: and has a strong Manor that is in some need of</div> <div>                        repair. We will be quite busy. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Wine? Hmm." Says Ollyn. "Is therea garrison?"</div> <div>                        Missiledine: "When do you wish to depart?" Gallus asks </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "The Garrison is us. the King has given us leave</div> <div>                        to draw equipment for 20 men, which is the optimal garrison</div> <div>                        according to this Captan Ryan Forn's </div> <div>                        report." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "we will need to get our affairs in order. arange for</div> <div>                        transortation. As soon as possible. How soon can you get a</div> <div>                        laboratory purchased and packed, </div> <div>                        Bragan? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus looks at the rquisition slip. "We'll have to</div> <div>                        stop in Drunmore at some point." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmm, two weeks" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Where is Drunmore relative to the quickest route</div> <div>                        there? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: If you travel by river it is at the junction of the</div> <div>                        Varsol and lendalfoot. You'll float right past it </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "see if you can speed that up a bit. But we will</div> <div>                        tentatively plan on leaving in two weeks time. We will travel</div> <div>                        by boat, which I will hire. Stop in Drunmore </div> <div>                        to acquire teh equipment. WE can stretch our legs there and</div> <div>                        make sure we get decent stuff. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Everyone nods in understanding </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus peruses the papers, "The Manor could</div> <div>                        use more people, My Lord." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Hmm.... well, surely we can hie some locals, but</div> <div>                        do you suggest something in addition? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hie = hire </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "No, My Lord. We need serfs or freemen to</div> <div>                        work the fields as well as men at arms, servants and the</div> <div>                        like." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Either buy some slaves or see if we can find</div> <div>                        some freeman to contract with." (It being almost impossible</div> <div>                        to obtain serfs.) </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The only manors willing to part with serfs are</div> <div>                        those in the center areas, where there is no hope of</div> <div>                        expanding the land and everything is already at max </div> <div>                        capacity. To get access to these serfs you need to know the</div> <div>                        Lord who wants to get rid of them. They are very valuable. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Ah. Yes..... a perpetual need. perhaps cutting</div> <div>                        some taxes will encourage some freement o move into the</div> <div>                        area.... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "A possibility, My Lord." Gallus agrees </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmmm... How many people do you think Redlun</div> <div>                        needs based upon this information? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Just as a guess, another five or six families...</div> <div>                        The herds seem to be close to maximum capacity for the</div> <div>                        grazing..... I think that the laborers are stretched </div> <div>                        thin to maintain these kinds of numbers. Any loss will cause</div> <div>                        a sharp drop in out put"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>                                                                              </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun II"><U>Redlun II</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U>Back to Archives</U></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>