The current season is Spring

The Current state of the realm:
Safety: Strong (The Militia are doing a good job)
Morale: Trusted (He has become known to a secret of the village.
Farming: Sowing Season.
Housing: Good (The State of the village is alright.)
Gold: Good (You've spend no gold during the winter and made a small profit off the sale of timber)
Wood-cutters: Good (Production going strong)
Marble: Good (Production going strong)
Iron Vein(s): (Mining has begun, one vein discovered, quality to be determined.)

Important People:
Magda & her Maids (The caretakers of the castle, only five remain)
Karl (Spokesman of the villagers)
Jehenna (Karl's wife and Priestess of Gaia (earth mother))
Kalistra (Smart woman from Village, daughter to Karl and Jehenna, married to Alvin)
Ulri (Priest of Gaia) (And beekeeper!)
Alvin (New Steward, young, married to Kalistra) (Us)

Layout of the Land:
The castle is situated atop a hill, to the east of your lands forests ride up to the mountains in the east, the forests are filled with game. A road has been logged to reach the valuable stone known as Marble.

There is a road leading through your territory, it crosses two rivers, both of them are bridged and guarded by towers and are tolled, (low toll), trade is going strong, a small temple to the earth goddess Gaia is the main sight in the village. Along with the newly made Inn Gaius' Rest, a palisade wall is being put up around the village as well, linking up the hill and with the Castle.

Furthermore, defense works have been made to make the bridge more secure.

Known religions:
Gaia (Earth-Mother) Goddess of Farmers
Coin Father, Patron god of Traders
Iron Prince, War God.

Known civilizations:
The Kingdom of Pendra (us)
The Empire City-States (Loose federation all owning allegiance to the Empire, War)
The Inner Empire (Shrouded in secrecy, but known to have an army like none have seen. Tech-wise more advanced then us. War)
The Norselands (Vicious Raiders that often come for the other people of the world, pillaging is their game)

People we know:
Duke Hamish, Our uncle once removed, he loves us.
Count Jenniker, noble to our north, has a reputation for being cruel to his peasants, likes our father was before he passed.

Family:
Lady Isandra (Wife to us and mother to our Son)
Angelo Urs Tarkin (One year old)

Quests:

Battle Quests:
A new Arrival. (Mandatory)
Scouting for the King (Mandatory)
- Secret Quest -

Town Quests:
Quality Control (Mandatory)
A Caravan (Optional)
- Secret Quest -

Now decide how to rule your realm.

>>15877605
Since we spent all of yesterday in county, Lets start with that mercinary that showed up.

Main things to do - Urs' lands, ensure that the crops dont fail this time.
the three potential veins of iron ore make it possible that we could have a industrial centre for iron and steel production. What needs to be done is a *small* furnace and some exploratory mining, to get enough ore for some small batches, and see if the resulting steel is poor, ok, of good quality. once we know that, we can decide on a course of action there.

Will need to know what the state of the war is, if we've heard any changes from Highhall.

Continue to look at growth in Jalek too. with spring, the miners can get back into marble extraction to keep the merchant happy.

meanwhile, the mercenary.....

hey, how much would we need to improve housing?

we can expect more loyalty and productivity if we help them. and perhaps better army morale because their loved ones are cared for?

>>15877612

Alright.

---

Standing in the tent together with Farran and Hamish you pour over the maps, "So they've got troops here.. and here", you say slowly, working out some form of strategy of baiting the enemy onto your turf. When all of a sudden your interrupted.

In strides a massive bear of a man, his face is coated in thick fur and he smells of the road. There's not a weapon on him though and he grins before offering you a letter, scanning through it you see that Alvin has sent him here. Perhaps to aid in your war-efforts. He glances at the map for a second, "They are setting up strong-points", he says solidly.

Showing at least some rudimentary tactics of dealing with the Empire. Or having been one of them. Hamish seems unsure of the man, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword and Farran seems equally restless. He has the look of an Empire Knight.

>>15877623

That's being worked on, different food for different soils.

There is already a vein discovered, the only thing needed now is for the quality to be discovered.

>>15877640
Unless you suddenly get like a whole slew of new people, as in the region of 70 people, coming into your county. The current housing does it's job well.

>>15877646
Ask the bear-man for his take on the Empire's current deployment. Followed by questions about him.

>>15877662

Seeing the distrust in both of the men's eyes he none the less does what you ask, bowing down over the map he draws his finger to the three main stacks. "These are just straw-men", he slides his finger and taps the spots where you've seen scouts, "They are going here when your main force comes for them. They'll form ranks, here.. here and here", he seems to indicate the Empire setting up besides a good defensive position.

"They'll put spikes on the hills to prevent your cavalry from coming after their crossbowmen", he slides his finger across the hills, "their main line will be fitted here and I assume they'll draw cavalry support from the City-State of Grosz"

When you ask him about his own story he retells it much like he told Alvin. After battle he found himself being stripped of his knightly titles and narrowly escaping the hangman's noose by being saved by his Squire. Who died while traveling through Pendra. His name, he grins. "My name is Maximus"

>>15877646
read the letter, Alvin shouldve explained that he was an ex-empire soldier, and repeated the comment about "returned from a suicide mission"


"So. My steward says you were betrayed, and wish to turn to Penda.

Very well. First, your price. if you wish it, I will see to it that you are given land to live in my feif. Other prices, you must ask.
We have faced assasins, and the Empire has shown willingness to strike without honour. You may not bear arms near me, untill such a time that I feel your motives are trustworthy. This is no slight to your honour, but prudence which I shall not ignore.

In light of those conditions.... Tell me, sir, your name, and what you believe these forces are preparing. Come, sit, and wash the dust of the road from your throat with a good ale..."

>>15877699
If what you said about the Empire's plans are true, then you're welcome to join/stay/whatever, but if you're lieing, I'll kill you myself.

>>15877699
very well.
Tell me, if they expect us to approach there, will they expect cavalry to come at them from behind, driving them into the spikes?

Have the baggage mules drag logs to kick up dust on the road infront, while we move cavalry round and above the hillside, under cover, to strike down and behind the defences?
Or will they responde too swiftly to that?

>>15877706
>>15877736

The man nods softly at your requests, "That can be arranged, though I wait to test my blade against the Empire. Though my equipment.. could use some work", he indicates the horse for a moment standing outside.

His battered armor and chipped sword hang from it's side, he seems almost ashamed, no Knight should have his tools be like that. But he's no longer a Knight. "As for my price. All I ask is that I get to kill Empire scum".

As he's led away Hamish approaches you, "I would counsel you against this Nephew", Farran also pipes up, "you don't know this man. He could very well be an Empire spy or be leading us in the wrong direction".

Hamish glances at the map, "Though if what he says is right, then our strategy will need to be changed"

Just then another horse arrives, it's a messenger bearing the Heraldry of the King. "My lords", he bows to you slightly, "orders from the King", he hands them to Hamish.

Unhooking it and reading the note Hamish shakes his head, "He wants us to scout, to see if there's a route around the enemy force. But he wants us to stay hidden as well bah", he shakes his head again. "So you will only be able to bring a few men"

>>15877754

Maximus shakes his head, "An Ambush could work very well. Provided you had time to set it up. Though driving them onto the Spikes might prove difficult as they are angled your way", when you ask your second question he shakes his head. "The Straw men are close enough for them to assemble their army in position within two hours time. They are close by, but not close enough to show their hand"

>>15877784
Lets take Max on this scouting, might help us get a better feel for the man, but never take our eyes off of him.

>>15877784
"We'll see to it that sword is set to the grindstone, and honed anew.
And the baggage train will have oats and new horseshoes can be shod.

Likewise, the strapping can be re-made on that armour. The empire's marks bossed into the breast, not so easy. we travel light, without a forge suited to that sort of work. I would suggest for now you wear a tabard of my colours lest you be mistaken in battle. In time, we will see what can be done there."

Seems our orders are to find paths, not to fight immediately, though. Tell me, do you know of other roads through this area? We will fight the legion soon enough, a few day's wait will not harm any, and if they are dug in, they will not move willingly. We know where they are..."

>>15877796

Very well.

Gathering a group of riders you ride out as dusk begins to settle, it's a good enough time and Maximus rides besides you. Farran close besides him, he's clearly very much wanting to keep you safe. Leoric was left with the troops in case something happens at camp.

With Ten riders, you start out and slowly ride. Maximus seems to be a rather talented tracker, his new breastplate fit well, he seemed to like the burned off double Eagle. Having you wait he touches the ground, "Logistic train..", he says softly, then stares at the woods. "I think there's a small party of Auxiliary units in the woods", he says softly. "We'll need to go through them Lord Tarkin". He's right.

The forest is the only way to get to the back of the Empire's defensive line, but Maximus can't tell how many troops there'll be. Even so, it's getting closer to night, so there will be quite a few of them asleep.

>>15877829
Take a closer look.

>>15877829
Dismount. take off all armour but breastplates and helmets with visor up. (no noise of plate on plate), strap it to the horses so we have no baggage loose, and tie the horses to a suitable point in a hollow we can easily find in the dark. keep swords scabbarded for now. this is a time for knives and guile.

Wait till it grows dark, and approach, so we can see how big the camp is, and how many men there are. take it slow, see how many guards, and how many resting, and be prepared to quietly take out guards and then slaughter men in tents. but be ready to back out at any moment.

>>15877864
Taking a close look intelligently, that's a better idea.

>>15877864
>>15877848

Slowly stripping down you hide the horses and much of the equipment, the helmets however have no visors, instead relying on a metal cap and a cross-bar to protect the nose. Slowly sneaking closer to the camp you see a few men on guard.

Two of them are taken out rather easily, though the third struggles. The knife doesn't penetrate his lungs far enough and he yells for help, the sound is silenced by three more Gladius' the Empire's signature weapon helping.

Maximus pats your shoulder and nods over at two men waking up, "We should go..", while you could rush the camp. There are a good twenty men sleeping outside and there are five tents set up, though how many are inside of each is hard to determine.

One of the men on guard has also begun moving towards your position, a spear in his hand.

Where can I find earlier parts? Just interested

>>15877893
Withdrawing probably is the wise move.

>>15877893
drag the bodies away into cover if we can, otherwise, get out now...

Presumably there's no fires nearby we can grab burning branches from to throw onto baggage trains while we retreat?

>>15877911
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15710346/ Part 1
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15721967/ Part 2
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15733358/ Part 3
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15745377/ Part 4
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15780071/ Part 5
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15791965/ Part 6
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15804405/ Part 7
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15864745/ Part 8

There you go.

------------------

As you slowly start to skirt back into the darkness of the night you see more men exiting the tents, it's clear you were lucky. At least fifty men, well besides the three you just killed, stand around camp.

Soon enough you hear voices behind you, "They've found them", says Farran, though that's obvious enough. They aren't coming after you yet though, probably still looking closer to home. You find the horses easily enough.

Return home and report, or scout further, an even longer route-around.

>>15877911

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15710346/

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15721967/

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15733358/

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15745377

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15780071

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15791965

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15804405

>>15877951
Head home, then we come in through the forest to destroy their logistics train at dawn.

>>15877951
"next time we do that, we should put the willies up them, and take the heads. nothing better than no sleep and stories if head-taking to get them worn out...

Maximus, do you know of any old folk tales, anything that we might use to get on their nerves?"

>>15877975
>>15877971

As you head home on the horses and talk to Maximus, he smiles. "I know of one of their legends", he clears his throat. "It's a tale of caution, it tells of a Legion commander who became mad with blood. Every battle, every village, every caravan, everything had to be killed".

"It's said, that he is the reason why so many rebellions still survive to this day, even some of the City-States spit on the Commander's name. However it's said that he isn't dead, that he haunts the Empire, looking for death", he shrugs, "It's just a Legend however I've been in many battles, but I've never seen him. It's a caution to not become mired in blood and turn into a beast like the man did and all his troops with him"

>>15877998
We're painting the armour red, we're painting the armour red.

>>15877998
*look right at him*

A giant of a man? The empire's arms on his armour that's been scorched by fires, soaked in blood?
Dont think most soldiers would be able to tell if its a man's blood, or a deer caught in the forest earlier.

How would you feel about a new name, Maximus? One from the history books, and legend, specifically?

Takes just one massacre in a battle on a misty day, with such a figure to walk out of the mist, and let a few survivors to escape with what they've seen, to start the story anew..."

>>15878029
>>15878024

Maximus chuckles, his chest rocking with laughter before he nods. "That could certainly be done", he touches the beard. "Livius.. that was his name, though I'll need to shave and most men won't know the difference", he slowly starts to formulate a plan.

You camp the horses further away and start to wait until dawn, a few riders are sent back to camp. Some archers are rounded up and you return to the camp, a full complement of troops now.

Coating his armor red in the blood of a bull he looks quite the part, his shaved face coated in blood, his eyes burning he grabs hold of a broad-sword, the weapon's wicked edge gleaming.

You can see the enemy force, they seem to be preparing to move out and most of them are busy putting the logistic train on the tracks. So how do you go about this?

>>15878047
Have the archers shoot to disable the guards, then come in and clean up, but let people be able to flee. Then be sure to tell Max that he look completely ridiculous, followed by raucous laughter.

>>15878047
>>15878047
set the archers to put some volleys in from just off side of the direction of sunrise, have footsoldiers just in front hdden, so they can assault soldiers charging the archers.

Arrange for maximus to come in from the direction of the sunrise, red sky in the morning, blood-red sun.... screaming "Blood for the Empire, And All must die!" perhaps?

have him"fight" Farran. Farran should stick a sword right through the breastplate (under the armpit, and "livius" to simply pull it out, drop it to the ground, and then "strike Farran down"
Then Livius turns on the Empire troops, and attack them, as the forces attack.

>>15878076
>>15878047
and why do I have a mental image that Maximus is in fact BRIAN BLESSED!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1zjeYhJs7o

>>15878100
He's shaved the beard though.

>>15878094
>>15878076

As the Archers let loose the first few men fall, clutching arrows, some dying instantly, whatever happens. The entire group turns, five men die in those first moments and ten more follow them before Livius steps out, his roaring voice making them stop for a moment as they see Farran.

He seems to find this sort of trickery distasteful, not to mention being clad in a still solid plate of the Empire's armor. The golden eagle glowing on his chest as he 'stabs' Livius who simply draws the blade out and stabs Farran instead.

With Farran rolling down on the ground he turns to the now almost looking in terror men, "BLOOD!", he roars, his feet pumping hard as he charges at them. Some drop their weapons and flee, those that stay are butchered by arrows followed by a full infantry charge.

Maximus grins as he cleans his face from the blood, "That went well", he says, smirking as he stares at the heads on spears.

>>15878135
Well we should take anything useful, and burn the rest.

>>15878135
pick up farran, dust him off.

"honour and honesty are one thing. But the heart is stronger than any steel. And in war, breaking their spirit before they have even faced us is more effective than any honour..."
You played your part well. and its not every day you can say you died in battle, and your death was what won the day."

Now, let's sack the caravan, take what we can, bun the tents, and be off before they come back with more men!

>>15878157

There's mostly only food, arrows, bolts and a more Gladii (sc) but nothing else really. Oh and some wine, but you guys don't want wine do you?

>>15878176
Depends, is it cheap Imperial swill or expensive Imperial swill?

>>15878176
reward for the men. Half the men get wine tonight. The others get wine the next night.

take the food, take the bolts for our crossbowmen, take each gladius, drive it to the hilt-deep into a gap/crack in the wood of the carts, and then give it a good hard smack sideways-on to the blade to snap the blades off each one. make them useless as weapons.

Anyway, because I'm stupido I have to type my secret quest in a new post.

Ahum.

Returning back to camp you are greeted by something you didn't expect. There's a large group of men in the woods, looking AT your camp. They clearly weren't there the night before so they must have passed you somehow during the dawn.

Regardless, they seem well armed, all carrying the Gladii you found before. The are speaking the Empire tongue and Maximus softly translates, "Scouts.. here for the same job as us", you count a good thirty of them.

With a large shout, you could probably awaken the camp, but you'd alert them too. Furthermore you spot not only the blades in their hands, but also the crossbows some of them have shouldered as they scan the slowly awakening camp.

The leader seems to be the only one wearing a cloak, it clearly has the Empire double eagle on it.

we have a full compliment of troops right behind us...

they only fired off a couple of volleys... they should have plenty left.

time to turn the tables on them, I'd say.

>>15878208
Can one of our archers fire an arrow into our camp? If an arrow comes into camp at a high arch, I'd say people would take notice. Maybe tie a ribbon to the arrow and have it land short.

>>15878232

It might. Though it'll probably be seen by the Empire scouts as well.

>>15878240
in which case, one archer should do that, while the rest volley into the empire unit. with any luck the two should give a warning to the troops in camp.

Okay.

Forming your troops up the best archer of the bunch shoots an arrow in a high arc, the arrow comes right into a still smoldering firepit before lighting on fire. At the same time, the other arrows fire into the backs of the Empire Scouts.

They clutch their backs and you see the leader turn, his eyes narrow at you, before one takes his eye. The arrow's momentum burying it deep inside, he clutches the arrow and struggles as he dies.

It's only a few minutes, but the Scouts die. As you explain what you did around camp it seems congratulations are in order and that night your men drink and celebrate loudly, the wine flowing richly.

In the dark you can see Maximus sharpening his new broad-sword, eyes staring at the gleaming blade. "Soon", he whispers to it.


Okay:

Town Quests:
Quality Control (Mandatory)
A Caravan (Optional)
- Secret Quest -

>>15878278
so... did we make Max crazier or not. Anyway, I'm curious what the QC is about, our iron vein?

>>15878289

Maybe.

And yes the QC quest is about our Iron Vein.

Kinda light on participation tonight though.. shame really.

So QC quest?

>>15878278
Quality Control, thought I dont really know how one determine if the iron is good or bad.

>>15878278
make sure the sword gets put away, and congratulate him on the first attack. Deception and fear are as good a venegance as any other.

Ask him while we talk if there's any way to find who it was who stripped him of title, and arranged for execution - we should see if we can ensure that we are working towards that target, and if we get there, make sure Maxumus can extract his revenge personally.

>>15878319
Making stuff with it, then testing the stuff. Or chemical analysis.

>>15878319
>>15878289

Alvin groans as he gets up, the night before had been short and he slowly dressed with the help of one of the maids. He was becoming more and more a man now, as he walked into the audience chamber he was greeted by the massive black-smith he had arrived with.

"Steward, the men have found Iron within the mountain", he holds a small clump of it up before you, "I was going to take it to the city, to have it tested, graded by a Master Blacksmith", he shrugged. "Karl sent me here.. he assumed you'd like to go as well".

>>15878360
Why would we go to Highall just for that? I guess we could hunt for people.

>>15878386

While Bor is a competent Blacksmith, he managed to create Gladii btw, he doesn't know 'Good' Iron from 'Excellent' Iron.

>>15878319
basicly, you take a load of ore, you build a small test furance, and you extract the iron from it, and get a "bloom" of impure iron.
that'll then get heated up hotter with a smelting furnace which has air pumped into it (for a small furnace, probably a few guys workingin rotation ppushing bellows. if it works, and you get good steel, that'd be replaced with water-wheel driven bellows)

that should get it nice and hot, and produce a passable load of wrought iron.

A load of that iron in turn is taken, heated even hotter, and carburised in a furnace, where more carbon is added (they did'nt know it was more carbon being added then... they just thought it was part of the process, and adding more stuff that burnt improved it).
that should end up with a ingot of steel.

so the ingots of iron will be handed to a blacksmith, and he can decide if its good iron, or bad iron (crumbly, brittle, etc)

the steel ingots will likely be split into smaller, and folded about a bit and then hammered into a blade or a plate, and then hardened by quenching and tempering...
if its good steel, it'll be strong and hard.
if its bad, it'll be brittle and crack easily when hit...

Sure, go with him.

>>15878386
>>15878360


in that case, let's saddle up, set up the cart with a load of the ore, and haul it over to highhall..

once there, we'd best go around the bladesmiths, and ask around for one who will do some tests on a new iron source.
while we're at it, we should aslo ask around to find where the current source of iron and steel is... make sure we know who possible competition is.

>>15878438

Well the County of Urs. Also us creates Iron & Steel. So if ours turns out to be good. Well we're in luck as we'll be the primary supplier in the region. Monopolies anyone?

anyhoo.

-------------

As you load a cart with Iron you ride towards Highhall, the journey takes roughly a week, it's slow going but as you arrive in the city you find it bustling with trade.

Traders hawking their wears, finally you find a bladesmith, his name is Lucius, a well known bladesmith, he created a sword for the King, which he accepted and adopted into his personal armory.

He charges a hefty price, but you've the gold to pay it, he says that it will take a few days. So your stuck in Highhall until then, ordering the Militia to stay with the cart you set them up with lodging.

The main attraction though is a trader from the North, a massive norseman, on his cart are various weapons, large double-bladed axes, maces with large spikes. Basically weapons for very strong men, many are gathered around and it soon becomes clear why.

Two of the North-men are with him and are 'testing' the weapons on each-other, the men seem to have been going at it for some time. Sweat layering their bodies.

Apparently the best result of getting quality iron would be using a blast furnace, melting the iron and placing into a form. Any ideas of how to get hold of this or do we have to make one ourself?
( history, europeans didnt use blast furnace until the year 1740, they used clay-lined oven, that would only separate the iron from the rock, but never melt it completely = not even close to pure iron an therefore lower quality )

>>15878480
Watch the weapon testing, make mental notes about the weapons shown in case of future conflict with the Northmen. Then check in with the Engineering Guild, Alvin did work there.

>>15878480
>>15878480
I'm sure we have a sovereign spare that we can bet on the result of the fight.

while we do, let's look at the weapons, see if there's anything interesting that might work well against plate armour...
y'know.
something sort of.... pollaxe-shaped.

(AFK for 15mins, too from now...)

>>15878492
bloomery steel from a decent smelting with bellows is'nt that much lower in quality than blast-furnace steel was, up till the 20th C...

but that's more a discussion for the fech/tg/uy threads.

Okay keep in mind.

We can only create stuff, 13th century-ish right now. So nothing from the 1800's just yet. Just basic medieval type stuff, and figuring things out is hard work. We can meta-game it and say, you do this and that, but how do the people know?

>>15878514

There are several large maces around the wagon, as well as flails and such. All weapons that are known to crush armor during combat.

>>15878502

Alvin slowly walks into the Engineering's guild only to see one man. Before him is a book, it almost seems like 'spells' written into it. But as Alvin reads it over his shoulder, he sees it's formula's, ways of creating things. The page the man is writing is a formula for creating what seems to be a fertility potion.

>>15878553
I can't for the life of me remember why we wanted an alchemist.

>>15878585

Then we don't hire him simply enough.

So skip to the next day or buy some weapons from the Norse?

>>15878640
No, we still talk to him. He might be useful, but I'm not sure how. Maybe fertilizer.

Alchemist are currently the ones who specify in purity of metals and of course potions for the ones who ask for them. As long as he doesnt use poison and acid as fertilizer, he is ok.
> when I think about the word alchemist, I get the picture of fools trying to make the philosopher stone...

>>15878640
just a humble comment, but if we can smelt our own steel we can just make big, heavy weapons.
No point in spending gold where it isn't needed.

>>15878694
Having a prototype or two isn't a bad thing. Bor will have an easier time making more if he was one.

>>15878672

Not to say he won't try turning some Iron into Gold. Y'know because Alchemists.

>>15878653

Okay.


Approaching the man you sit besides him, offering him another cup of drink. "Thank you.. young man", he seems to be older. His hair is gray for most of it, only a bit is still it's natural brown color. "You must have been interested in my formula", he smiles as he reveals he caught you watching.

"What do you want?"

>>15878717
Shug and say that you don't quite know, but you came in looking for people with useful skills to employ back home.

>>15878694
no need.

half-decent steel is enough for pollaxes which will fuck armour's shit up.
but swords and blades are still an advantage, nevermind the advantage of plate armour that can be made too...

pic is a pair of 15th C lucerne hammer heads. perfect to mount on a 2 1/2foot, or a 6-foot haft of good ash, and be a lethal weapon for very little material used.

>>15878742
"what do we want? wisdom. knowledge to get better crops, secrets to good steel, practical work.

And above all else, we need to know who to turn to, when we really need something, and not be spending days searching fruitlessly when time is pressing. One peice of wisdom we already have, is to be prepared in advance...."

"I'm an alchemist", he says softly, closing the book. "I can make many things, many potions", he rummages through his bag, taking a small vial filled with a greenish liquid. He pops the cork and slowly drains the liquid into your now emptied cup.

It swirls slowly, creating a white circle just away from the rim of the cup. Taking a small knife he scratches the table and drops it in, as you watch you see the circle start to bond, the liquid turn solid and you see a small tree forming. "A life-giving potion", he says softly.

>>15878780
welp, time for Urs's lands to get them some alchemy up in dem crops

Neat. Tell him if he's in the area we might have work for him.

>>15878780
"the sort of thing that could save a vilage, when the crop fails in fields... or just sprout a dozen trees swiftly?"

>>15878800
>>15878798

He smiles as you ask if he's available then nods, "Yes I am.. though my services do not come cheaply.. however, I might be willing to cut my costs.. if you can find me a suitable apprentice", he says softly.

>>15878821
We do have those two kids we were training as scribes...

>>15878839
beat me to it.

Heck, even Kalistra might be a good candidate

>>15878821
"we have good teachers, for a humble village, and there are some boys who are well on their way to becoming lettered, educated men...
*thinks: dammit. those boys had better not be dodging their lessons again!*
... perhaps one among their number would be an appropriate apprentice. Would you consider traveling to Jalek, the castle of Lord Tarkin, to see if one has the skills you seek?

if so, perhaps we could have an arrangement, should the village be in such need."

(*thinks* and if we can get enough industry in Urs, and enough skilled men in Jalek, how long before merchants flock to us, not to Highhall....)

>>15878869
>>15878839

As you mention the two young scribes he smiles, "I will take the youngest.. make arrangements and I will come to your County", at least the deal is done right now and he seems to be gladdened to have a new place to visit.

PS.

Yes the potion can make new crops, but it's not like *snap fingers* created, takes time, not a lot can be made in one batch. So sowing with the liquid would take two seasons instead of one, with the added bonus that it'd work flawlessly.

Also.

I'm gonna have to cut this one short tonight, terribly sorry but I'm tired as hell.

>>15878898
perfectly understandable....

last thing, before we end will be to return to the bladesmiths, and see how he's got on.

with any luck, he's got a blade there, and we can take a hammer, and see if its brittle, or good steel...

and so, alvin will be the one to swing the hammer.

and we're left on a cliffhanger?

I say no to giving him the youngest one as an apprentice...We can probably find a alchemist if we really need one..

>>15878893

That could very well happen, the only thing is, we do not have the structures in place yet. To create something like Highhall would take.

A. Sealing off the forest, so building a stone wall, with a gate of course.
B. A wall going from our South river, all the way to the base of the Mountains on Urs' land.
C. Setting up some sort of Market/Industy/Fabrciation type thing with enough craftsmen and people.
D. Which means more housing and more food needed.

It'd cost us a literal fuckton of money, but it could potentially be done. Just don't expect it to happen overnight, this is a three year deal at the least.

>>15878898
Given time, maybe we could set up an alchemical plant.

>>15878922

Aye it would seem so.

>>15878930
Rome was'nt built in one day.

Neither will jalek.
We just need to take our time, not rush, do things right, and see the village expand into a town, and then a city....

>>15878968
We really need large food surpluses, so use more draft animals, build carts pulled behind said animals what have a gear that rolls along the ground providing the ability to slightly mechanize harvesting with just a simple sawing action. Or it could be hooked to a hopper that dispenses seeds at regular intervals.

what if the guy sacrifices the scribe to a demon or something?

Why are you so willing to give off one of our own. We should investigate more before committing

>>15879791
knowing more about the terms would be nice.