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