>>4963026

This won’t do, you are not going to let a single letter from Lord Uther or King Terenas dictate or push what you are doing down. There must be a solution to this or a way around it. You knew that if more people would learn about this letter it could cause the morale of the men to drop, so you decided to keep it a secret at least for now.

Calling your closest officers for an emergency meeting, you had to plan what would happen next and what kind of solution could be made. It didn’t take long for Sergeant Cromwell and the former Royal Gamekeeper to arrive at the farmstead. You felt bad for not including Lieutenant Beckston or Sergeant Maxwell, but they weren’t Alteraci.

When both men had arrived, you showed the letter to them and their reactions were quite similar to how Garside had reacted. Cromwell took it more professionally, but you could see that Rover was simmering under his beard.

“Sire, I do not know if we can really go around this decree. Invasion force is too big to properly hide and sooner or later people will talk.” Cromwell said to you.

“Sergeant Cromwell is correct. We cannot march our troops to Gallow’s Corner without people noticing.” Garside agreed with what Cromwell had said. “And we have to presume that amongst us are spies that would speak to their masters.”

“Raleigh.” Muttered Rover.

“I spoke with Father Hampton in Tarren Mill, he described that Raleigh was ‘loyal to the fault towards Silver Hand’, it wouldn’t surprise me that he sent information to Lord Uther.” You said to everyone. “Then there is the possibility of a hidden Syndicate agent within the peasants.”

“We have to accept the fact that all decisions and what we do in public will be reported to someone else.” Garside said and continued. “Everyone is watching what we are doing and if the kings and lords of Alliance want to stop us, we must think that they are watching closely.”

This was really a tough spot to be, but something must be done.

1/2

>>4963027

“We cannot let this stop us as we must find a solution around it or otherwise improve our position.” You said to everyone. “Any ideas?”

“Sire, our holdings are somewhat spread out. We should invest more in the defences. Both Gavin’s and Sofera’s Naze should get their own Scout Towers.” Cromwell said to you.

“Strahnbrad Hills.” Muttered Rover again.

“And I did say that Strahnbrad Hills are a dangerous place, but maybe we have to go through it.” Garside said to Rover. “There is the Syndicate that we must investigate too, like where and why they were moving the kidnapped people.”

“We have Tarren Mill as our friend and the deal with Durnholde.” You said and continued. “I don’t know if Dalaran still carries a grudge, but maybe the town of Hillsbrad could accept us and we should try to fix our relationship with Southshore.”

“Yes we could gain a lot from our neighbours.” Garside mused.

“Or I could try to get an appointment with King Terenas and the Alliance council.” You said to Garside.

“Sire, I think they are expecting that.” Cromwell said and continued. “They most likely want to see how you react and not doing that could make them complacent.”

“That is a good point, at least I could write a letter to Lord Uther explaining my point of view.” You said back to him. “I don’t think Lord Uther is happy about this, but he does what King Terenas tells him to do, he could be the person that changes their minds.”

You had options, but what you could do now was limited somewhat. You could visit your neighbours, scout Strahnbrad Hills or just wait till something changes. Either way, your position should be strengthened.


>Do a diplomatic tour of Hillsbrad, start from Dalaran, go to Hillsbrad and finish in Southshore.
>Send a letter to Lord Uther explaining your point of view and attempt to solve this diplomatically through him.
>Prepare a party and scout Strahnbrad Hills, attempting to find an alternative way to Strahnbrad.
>Wait for something to happen.
>Other, write in.

QM: Both pastebins are updated.

>>4963027
Could you please post current political map?

>>4963029
>Send a letter to Lord Uther explaining your point of view and attempt to solve this diplomatically through him.
>Prepare a party and scout Strahnbrad Hills, attempting to find an alternative way to Strahnbrad.

>>4963029

Well it is clear we can’t just sit by and do nothing. It would be good to send a letter to Uther that we understand his position along with stating our intention to prove to the alliance that reclamation of Alterac is not a threat but an opportunity for the region to prosper, until then we‘ll focus on keeping our people safe and prosperous without overstepping king‘s decree.

I’d say investigating Strahnbrad hills falls firmly under securing safety and prosperity for our people. Maybe it’s even better this way, kidnappings cannot be tolerated.

We are essentially surrounded by Alliance so we have to play nice with them whether we like it or not and being forthright with Uther may not get him to defy Terenass outright but it might get him to speak up on our behalf at least.

>write a letter to Uther
>make a diplomatic tour

I‘m tempted to scout Strahnbrad hills first but it might make poor impression to simply push in a different direction in response to this. We‘re better served meeting some of the lords and regional authorities and finding out how to get them on our side.

File: Map of Alterac and Hillsb(...).png (1.21 MB, 1002x668)

1.21 MB PNG

>>4963057
Here you go.

>>4963029
>Start offering incentives for farmers from surrounding lands
>Start covert disinformation campaign against Alliance
We don't pay any taxes to Alliance, do we? But peasants all around us on Alliance land are taxed heavily aren't they? And we do provide security at the land we own. Let's start pulling manpower to us while formenting anti-alliance sentiment.

>>4963029
>>Do a diplomatic tour of Hillsbrad, start from Dalaran, go to Hillsbrad and finish in Southshore.

We haven't been to Dalaran yet and we still have the magic dagger and gnoll grimoire. We can get them identified.

>>4963079

This only works if you can't be silenced because you are either already in hiding or because you have a large enough army and some WMDs to hide behind. We are neither of this. If we tried to pull this off Alliance would squash us like a bug. We can't afford to be openly antagonistic to Alliance at all.

>>4963079
Correct, Alterac isn't part of the Alliance so we do not pay taxes to them. If we were part of the Alliance, we would be paying for the Orc Internment Camps just like others are.

Also I should have posted the colour code for that map. So here it is.


Colour Codes:
Blue, Kingdom of Lordaeron
Purple, Dalaran
Orange, Prince Alric
White, Dwarves
Brown, Crushridge Ogres
Red, Bandits
Grey, Unknown or unclaimed

>>4963059
that seems like a good idea

>>4963100
There's already strong natural anti-alliance sentiment which is probably added on by The Syndicate. I fail to see how us covertly pouring more gasoline to the fire would lead to alliance sweeping down on us. Are they gonna start chopping heads off because their farmers are coming to us?

If they come accusing us of working against them just point at Syndicate as the bad guys and offer to clear them out together.

Don't forget Alliance right now is barely holding itself together. Already they are expending most of their political capital just trying to keep everyone together. They are not as strong as it may seem they are.

>>4963029
>>Wait for something to happen.
Better wait. I don t want the prince to be a target of insults if he attempts diplomacy.

>>4963138

We can't produce enough gasoline to burn the Alliance down before the rumors are tracked back to us and leave us as isolated troublemaker and a common enemy. We'd only end up antagonizing even those who don't already dislike us over our father's treason and validate the ones who do.

Plus, even if we did somehow manage to take Alliance apart with bullshit that would definitely be a reason for Terenas to sic the paladins on us, and in that case there would be no moral quandary for them in it either.

>>4963029
>Do a diplomatic tour of Hillsbrad, start from Dalaran, go to Hillsbrad and finish in Southshore.
>Send a letter to Lord Uther explaining your point of view and attempt to solve this diplomatically through him.

As much as we may want to just storm off and do as we planed to do before we got the letter. We must except that even at our strongest we would still only ever be a small time power playing in the big leagues. We need to make as many and keep as many friends as we can get if we want to live. If that means we have to kiss some boots and play the role of the prince of clowns to the rest of the Alliance. Then for the sake of Alterac and our people we will put on our big red nose and paint our face white so we can play the best damn clown we can be. Our pride be damned.

“I will write a letter to Lord Uther explaining my own point of view and after that I will travel to Dalaran, Hillsbrad and Southshore.” You told everyone. “Hopefully this resolves something and helps our cause. I have nothing else now, but I want to remind you that the content of the letter will stay a secret. People don’t have to know.”

“We will keep Dawnholme safe and projects going on while you are away.” Garside said back to you.

“Now if none of you have anything to say, this meeting has ended.” You said to them and stood up.

…

You had penned several letters until you finished one that you were happy with. You started the letter with you explaining that you understand the position Lord Uther is in and that you have empathy towards him for being a middleman in all this. You explained your intention to prove to the Alliance that the reclamation of Alterac is not a threat, but a possibility and opportunity for the region to prosper.

You told him that now you will focus on keeping your people safe and prosperous without overstepping the bounds set by King Terenas and his decree. You told him that this wouldn’t be easy, but you wouldn’t let this decree stop you and you wish that Lord Uther and King Terenas would understand that.

Finally you put the letter inside an envelope and sealed it with one of the remaining royal seals that Garside managed to take with him when he left Alterac nine years ago. A messenger would carry the letter to Lord Uther and you hoped it would reach him in a few weeks.

...

The weather was pleasant as you rode towards Dalaran. You had left Dawnholme a day ago and stayed for the night in one of the hunting lodges in Gavin’s Naze. Leaving early you hoped to reach Dalaran before evening arrives.

Riding with you was Sir Gravis and his knights. They had been given the eagle pins made from steel and they had attached them on their cloaks. While really none of your men carried the colours of Alterac, the eagle pins brought them together and was the mark of unity.

You knew not to ride too fast as you had decided to make this diplomatic tour in your armour just in case and you had packed some supplies with you. There was no need to get your horses tired by riding too fast. Amongst the supplies you had brought the necklace and the grimoire that you had taken from the hut of the gnoll mage. You wished that maybe you could find answers to what they might do or be from someone in Dalaran. You also had your rondel dagger on your belt, you knew it had some magical properties, but what?

The ride to Dalaran was pleasant, the roads were well maintained and there were signs regularly telling the distance there. You knew that the road you took was closer to the Alterac Mountains so you wouldn’t be passing the Lordamere Internment Camp, but instead you just passed farm after a farm.

Everything you passed seemed to be flourishing and in good order. You wondered if the mages of Dalaran had something to do with it.

1/2

>>4963350

You had never seen the spires of Dalaran this close before. The morning weather had been too hazy back in Gavin’s Naze to see the city from afar, but now as you were closer, it was easy to see the many spires that seemed to pierce the sky. It wouldn’t be that long until you reach the city gates.

But then you heard it, a sound of hooves that were rapidly approaching. In just a few moments two dozen riders carrying the violet colour of Dalaran rode towards you. As they got close, they slowed down and formed a semi-circle in front of you blocking your path. The riders of Dalaran were wearing lighter armour than yourself or the knights, but you didn’t want to test how sharp their spears were.

The semi-circle opened and allowed a rider wearing purple robes through. As the rider carried a long staff with him, you immediately presumed him being one of the mages of Dalaran.

“Why does the Prince of Alterac ride towards Dalaran?” The mage asked with an unnaturally clear and booming voice. “I wonder if he intends to kidnap some of our people?”

You felt like you wanted to deflate a bit, but forced yourself to straighten up. Of course the mages of Dalaran hadn’t forgotten what your father did to them.


>You intend to visit Dalaran to learn about the city and its inhabitants, especially as you are neighbours.
>You are here to visit your good friend Lady Jaina Proudmoore.
>If you were to kidnap their people, you wouldn’t be riding on one of the roads leading to the city.
>The mage doesn’t need to know why you are here as he clearly doesn’t know how to greet a prince properly.
>Other, write in.

>>4963029
Supporting >>4963059
It's a sour situation, but maybe we'll be able to convince Uther to speak on our behalf regarding how the Alliance can benefit from us holding the Gallows. Endearing ourselves to other parts of the alliance should help too. Maybe we even can get in contact with Jaina and see if she can help us find a way to better our relations with the Kirin Tor?

>>4963367
Well then, no idea why the thread didn't update for me until after I posted. At least it didn't matter :P

>>4963356
>You are here to visit your good friend Lady Jaina Proudmoore.
I feel like this ought to be the most disarming approach, showing that we're acquainted with one of their mages. Might want to ask if there's been a rise in kidnappings in Dalaran as well, thought we dealt with the worst of it in the region.

>>4963356
>>You intend to visit Dalaran to learn about the city and its inhabitants, especially as you are neighbours.
>>4963377
> Might want to ask if there's been a rise in kidnappings in Dalaran as well
He's probably referring to how Aiden Perenolde imprisoned Dalaran mages during the Second War.
https://wowpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Betrayal_and_the_Destruction_of_Alterac_(WC2_Human)

>>4963475
Ah, that'd explain it. Never played WC2.

>>4963356
>You are here to visit your good friend Lady Jaina Proudmoore.
>You intend to visit Dalaran to learn about the city and its inhabitants, especially as you are neighbours.

>>4963356
>“What my father did was wrong. I’ve set out to make right what his error has wrought.“
>You intend to visit Dalaran to learn about the city and its inhabitants, especially as you are neighbours.
Well we can hardly begrudge them with our history. Although we bear no personal responsibility it is only natural they’d feel some bitterness against us.

>also ask where we could find lady Proudmoore if the opportunity arises to ask for directions, although they will likely direct us where they want us.

>>4963356
>You are here to visit your good friend Lady Jaina Proudmoore.
>You intend to visit Dalaran to learn about the city and its inhabitants, especially as you are neighbours

>>4963356
>You are here to visit your good friend Lady Jaina Proudmoore.
>You intend to visit Dalaran to learn about the city and its inhabitants, especially as you are neighbours.

Oh fuck. I really hope our elder brother has not been acting like dear old dad and kidnaping mages from Dalaran while we were not looking in that direction. And i really hope our big sister is OK as well. As she may be the first person our elder brother would go after.

File: Dalaran-flag.jpg (26 KB, 346x453)

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“I am here to visit my good Lady Jaina Proudmoore.” You said to the mage who was still looking at you with disdain. “In addition I am here to visit Dalaran and learn more about the city and its people.”

“Is that so? Coming to meet Lady Proudmoore, a prince like you being her friend?” The mage said back and turned around. “Alteraci prince or not, Dalaran is an open city so I cannot forbid your entrance.”

The mage rode past other riders who signalled you to follow. Slowly you took some speed and followed the mage towards the city with the riders escorting you from the front and behind. The mages of Dalaran are really putting emphasis on security of their city of which you got proof when you saw the city.

The great wall around the city had battlements, guard towers and bastions. The great gatehouse had numerous murderholes and arrowslits. You could see soldiers of Dalaran in their purple tabards patrolling the walls and you did note that their armours were all well crafted. It felt like the city was impregnable that no one could invade and destroy it. You had never seen defences like this.

The mage guided you through the gate and into this small courtyard that had several soldiers milling around. You saw that the battlements had been built around the courtyard turning it into a killbox in case of someone getting through the gate. It also worked as intimidation towards unruly or problematic visitors, of which they most likely see you as one.

“Wait here Prince of Alterac. I will go get Lady Proudmoore and then we will see if you truly are friends with her.” The mage said to you and rode off deeper into the city.

1/3

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>>4963926

You had to wait for some time and the afternoon was slowly moving towards evening. The lamps on the walls slowly started to emit light to keep the darkness of the night away. You knew about these magical lamps, but you had never seen one before.

You heard the sound of approaching hooves and saw the mage coming back. Then you saw Jaina following him on foot.

You had dismounted from your horse some time ago and passed the reins to one of the knights as you took a few steps towards Jaina. She was wearing a similar dress and a shirt when you saw her last time, but this time she also had a purple mantlet that she was wearing.

“Prince Alric, it is so nice to see you. Not that often people come to see me.” Jaina said to you and gave you a careful friendly hug as you were wearing your armour. “I hope Gedrick didn’t cause you any problems, he is just very serious about his job.”

“Don’t worry Lady Jaina, there were no problems with me arriving here.” You said back to her and smiled a little.

“Oh that is good to hear.” She said back and turned towards the mage whose name apparently was Gedrick. “Lord Gedrick, I will take care of Prince Alric. Thank you for escorting them to the city safely.”

“It is my duty Lady Proudmoore.” Gedrick said and turned away before leaving with his riders.

When Gedrick had left, Jaina turned towards you.

“You could have sent a letter saying that you were coming.” She said to you somewhat annoyed.

“Sorry Jaina, this trip came as a surprise even to me.” You said back to her. “I hope I didn’t cause any problems to you.”

“Oh don’t worry about that, it is nice to have a break from all the studying.” She said with a laugh. “Now just to get you and your men a place to sleep. Please follow me.”

You didn’t have to walk that long before you had found a stable for your horses and then a visitors barracks for Sir Gravis and the knights. Meanwhile Jaina guided you further into the city while giving you a tour of the place. You walked past the great Violet Citadel into a residential area.

“Most of the mages and high ranking visitors live here.” Jaina told you. “I will arrange a room for you.”

She disappeared into one of the buildings for a few minutes before coming back with a few servants in purple robes. One of them guided all of you deeper into the residential area before stopping by a one house.

“They demanded to give you this house. Other princes and high ranking diplomats have used this place.” Jaina explained to you as you stepped in.

2/3

>>4963927

It was the finest house you had ever been in. Beating even your old home in Alterac City. All the furniture was made from finest woods, the paintings on the walls were all masterpieces and you could see the amount of detail used in building and decorating the place.

The servants went immediately to work to get the house suitable and ready for you.

“I am sorry Alric, but I still have things to do.” Jaina said. “I will arrange tomorrow to be free so I can guide you around the city. I will come to pick you up from here.”

“That sounds fine, see you tomorrow Jaina.” You said and waved to her as she left the house.

…

It didn’t take the servants that long to get everything ready in the house. They carried the saddle bags from the stables, they got the bath ready and food delivered. You felt like you were pampered. Unsurprisingly you also slept like a baby in the softest bed you had ever been in.

Next morning after waking up, you brushed your hair, shaved the short stubble away and tidied your moustache. Putting on your slightly better clothing you went downstairs to eat breakfast and wait for Jaina to come.

It didn’t take that long for her to arrive and you let her into the house.

“Isn’t this place nice.” Jaina said. “They really put a lot of effort into keeping their guests happy and content.”

“I felt like I was being pampered.” You said to her. “Haven’t felt like this since being back home in Alterac City.”

Jaina smiled and laughed.

“That tells me that they are doing a great job.” Jaina said to you. “But what do you want to do here, or did you just come to see me?”


>You picked up several things from the gnolls, a grimoire and a necklace. Maybe Dalaran has more information about them?
>You have this rondel dagger that you know is magical. Maybe it could be identified here.
>You are here to learn about the city as much as possible. Ask her to give you a tour.
>You came to see Jaina as you hadn’t stayed in contact since the expedition.
>Other, write in.

>>4963928
>>You picked up several things from the gnolls, a grimoire and a necklace. Maybe Dalaran has more information about them?
>You have this rondel dagger that you know is magical. Maybe it could be identified here.

>>4963928

>Well honestly as much as I'd like this to be a social occasion the principal reason behind this trip is a diplomatic one. Alterac has caught attention of Alliance lords and so I set out to improve relations with our neighbours to prove that our nation can be a trustworthy partner.

>Although if opportunity permits, I'd also like to catch up.

>Finally if there is still time left, I've gathered some items of arcane nature I'd like to learn more about, while I'm in the fabled city of mages (all of them - grimoire, necklace, dagger)

in order of importance and value, I think, although I expect the items may yield surprises or interesting clues to follow. It would be a shame to miss on them.

>>4963938
Support

It is best to be polite to the nice lady that can kill us in ways we can not even imagine in our darkest nightmares.

>>4963928
>>You picked up several things from the gnolls, a grimoire and a necklace. Maybe Dalaran has more information about them?
>>You have this rondel dagger that you know is magical. Maybe it could be identified here.

And diplomacy

>>4963928
>You came to see Jaina as you hadn’t stayed in contact since the expedition.
>You also brought a few magical items that might be of interest?
I don't think we need to be overly polite and diplomatic like we're talking to any old archmage. We can catch up and then go over to discussing our state of affairs and course of actions. I'm sure she'll be sympathetic when she learns of the news we recieved.

>>4963984
>I don't think we need to be overly polite and diplomatic like we're talking to any old archmage.
Sure, but personally I'd like to open with why we actually arrived. It feels more honest than acting like we came in because we wanted to hang out before we drop the real reason.

>>4963992
I suppose that's fair, but the way it's worded feels a bit stiff to me. Maybe instead something like

>I *did* want to see you again, but sadly I'm not exactly on a trip of leisure. You see, I have a favor to ask of you...
And then explain the situation.

>>4963928
>>You picked up several things from the gnolls, a grimoire and a necklace. Maybe Dalaran has more information about them?
>>You have this rondel dagger that you know is magical. Maybe it could be identified here.

“As much as I would like to keep this visit just as a social one and just meet you, the main reason why I am here is diplomatic. Unsurprisingly Alterac has gained the attention of the Alliance and its lords and kings. So I set out to improve the relations between Alterac and our neighbours to prove that I am not my father and that we can be trustworthy partners.” You told Jaina. “After Dalaran I will visit the town of Hillsbrad and then go to Southshore.”

“I see.” Jaina answered and looked thoughtful. “After meeting with you and coming back here, I did read more about Alterac and what had happened during the Second War. I know you have a tough journey ahead of you.”

“But that being said, if we have time, I would like to catch up with you.” You said to her.

“That would be nice, I would like to hear what you have done.” Jaina said back and again smiled gently.

“I do have something else too. You remember the gnoll mage we fought? From its hut I found something that I cannot understand. I also have this.” You said to Jaina and placed the silvery rondel dagger on the table.

“That dagger is magical.” Jaina said immediately and when she went to pick it up, she quickly dropped it back on the table. “And it feels burning, but still like it is frozen.”

“What do you mean?” You said back while being puzzled about what had happened. You took the rondel dagger and held it from its blade. “I don’t feel anything.”

“We mages feel and sense magic differently than others do.” Jaina explained. “I know a man who can check the dagger and see what it is about.”

As Jaina talked you had walked to your saddle bags from which you took a bundle wrapped in leather. Opening it on the table, you took out the grimoire and the necklace.

“What do you think of these?” You asked her.

“The necklace is clearly magical, it has a faint trace that I can feel.” She said before starting to go through the grimoire. “Some things in this are vaguely familiar, but I cannot read this writing.”

“Then can we do anything about them?” You asked her again.

“I know a mage who has studied gnolls, maybe he can take a look. If you don’t mind, I can take this necklace and grimoire and deliver them to him later.” Jaina said to you and wrapped them back into a leather bundle.

“If you could do that, it would be extremely nice of you.” You said to Jaina and nodded your head.

“But now Alric, let’s go see how special this dagger really is.” Jaina said to you with a smile and stood up. She was eager to learn the secrets the dagger had.

1/2

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>>4964106

You had walked through the city to the other side. The walk did surprise you how quick it was and as you asked Jaina, she did tell you that Dalaran wasn’t that big of a city with a population of just a few thousand.

The district you entered was a craftsman’s district. All sorts of workshops, tailors or gem cutters were located here with plenty of human, dwarven, gnome and elven workers milling around and doing their duties.

“This place is the source of all the clothing, armour, weapons and staffs Dalaran ever needs.” Jaina explained as she guided you past a wagon full of swords and other blades into a side alley that went away from the main street.

The alley continued for some time until finally after a few turns Jaina reached a door and opened it.

“Lady Proudmoore, pleasure to see you again.” Said an older man behind a desk. “I will go get our Master, he can talk with you.”

As the man disappeared into the backroom, you turned towards Jaina.

“To whom did you bring me?”

“Melondras Steelweaver is his name, a master smith specialized in magical weapons and armour. He has made countless priceless works of art through the years.” Jaina told you. “I ordered a birthday present from him several years ago to my father. He will know what your dagger is.”

It didn’t take long for an ancient looking elf to come from the backroom. Melondras was wearing a plain white robe that matched the colour of his long hair. From purely how he carried himself, you could see that he was wise beyond years.

“Lady Proudmoore, what a surprise.” He spoke with a voice that demanded respect. “What did your father say about the blade?”

“Master Melondras, my father said that it was the most beautiful blade he had ever seen. He carries it proudly.”

“That is great to hear, but who is the man with you?” He said and turned his eyes on you.

“Master Melondras, I am Prince Alric Perenolde, the second heir of Alterac.”

The moment you said that you were a Perenolde, Melondras turned his gaze towards Jaina.

“Lady Proudmoore, why would you bring a Perenolde here?” Melondras said and turned his gaze back to you. “Don’t you know how much grief and sorrow your father brought upon us?”

“I know, that is why I try to avoid the path my father took.” You said back to him.

“Hmmm, a passable answer.” Melondras said back. “Why did you come here?”

“A dagger that needs to be identified.” You said and pulled it out from its sheath and placed it on the table.

“Made by the smiths in Capital City 214 years ago. The elements were unstable and to combat the threats the humans were facing, a number of these blades were made. A cut or a stab with one of these are very dangerous towards magical creatures.” Melondras explained to you after just seeing the dagger. “What do you intend to do with the dagger?


>You intend to keep it as your sidearm and backup.
>You intend to sell it as it is valuable and Alterac needs the coin.
>You don’t know what to do with it.
>Other, write in.

>>4964110
>Keep it as backup
This sounds way too useful to sell.
>thank the artisan

>>4964110
>You intend to keep it as your sidearm and backup.
Never know when we might need it

>>4964110
>>You intend to sell it as it is valuable and Alterac needs the coin.

We're not going to fight any magical creatures in the foreseeable future, only bandits and ogres.

>>4964162
Actually we may well find something in Strahnbrad hills, and we got all this stuff from our enemies so it’s safe to expect there’s more when that came from. The ogres are organized enough that they likely have magi among them and Syndicate definitely will have some in their employ. The moment we meet something incorporeal or resistant to physical we only have Raleigh to fall back on.

>>4964110
>You intend to keep it as your sidearm and backup.
>Thank the Master Smith, tell him we'd be interested in returning to peruse his works at a later time.
An anti-magic knife? I'd only ever sell it if we absolutely had to, or got a rediculous sum for it. This thing might not be immediately useful but when it comes up it might be a life saver.

>>4964110
>You intend to keep it as your sidearm and backup.

>>4964110
>You intend to keep it as your sidearm and backup.

Life is going to be so much easier for us now that we have a means to fight back against the magic things of the world that want to smash us like a bug.

>>4964110
>>You intend to keep it as your sidearm and backup.

Thank the master smifh. How much money we have on us ? Perhaps we could aquire some new equip. Our sword and shield are standard, while our armor well... it just can t do anymore. It s ok but a prince can t go around with that. Qnd rhe sword and shield are similary not something amazing. If we have the money, we should consider having new equipment. Beside Dalaran equipment is probably one of the best around.

“I intend to keep it. I already carry it as my sidearm or a backup. Now knowing what it is really capable of, selling it feels foolish.” You said to Melondras.

“Wise decision Prince Alric. Weapons like this should be respected.” Melondras said to you.

“Thank you Master Melondras for your help.” You said and bowed after putting the dagger back in its sheath.

“Do you need anything else?” Asked Melondras.

“I am not rich, nor do I have resources to spend on arms and armour, but I heard from Lady Jaina that you are a master smith, could it be possible to see what you could offer us?” You asked him carefully.

Melondras thoughtfully looked at you for a moment.

“Prince Alric, please follow me.” Melondras said and showed the way to the backroom.

Entering it you saw arms and armour in different states of being ready. They were all made in the elven style.

“The weapons are not for sale, I do not sell them anymore.” Melondras said as two of you walked past the weapon racks and armour stands. “Enough blood has been spilled by them.”

“Then what can you offer?” You asked him.

“The best armour in Azeroth.” He boasted and pushed open a wide door.

There were a dozen suits of armour, all done in the elven style, but all of them looked different. There was a full set of armour for a knight, something much lighter for scouts and then something to fit an archmage.

“Everything I do is made to fit the user and no one else. Accurate measurements make sure that the armour fits perfectly, doesn’t chafe and provides maximum protection.” Melondras said proudly. “I will order a pair of my apprentices to take the measurements. We will store them so when you finally can send your order, I will make a set of armour fit for a prince.”

Melondras bowed to you and in a moment two older men came and guided you to another room to take the measurements.

Melondras' offerings:
>Melondras’ Masterwork Armour, 10 Wealth, masterwork armour made to fit the user perfectly. The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be.

1/2

>>4964358

It took a long time. They measured everything from multiple spots. They were very thorough and finally they had everything they needed. The two apprentices told you that the measurements will be saved in a fireproof room. If you cannot get to Dalaran to give updated measurements, you would have to send them to Melondras so that he could make the best available armour.

Jaina had been waiting in the lobby of the workshop patiently reading a book and drinking tea one of the apprentices had brought to her.

“Sorry Jaina, they were really thorough with their measurements.” You said with a chuckle.

“Ahh Alric, don’t worry about it. Melondras is the best smith in Dalaran. It is all worth it.” She said back to you and stashed the book away. “What next? I could show you the city or did you have anything else to do here?”


>You would like to ask a favour, you would want to meet the Council of Six and talk to them.
>Getting into Violet Citadel could be educational and you could maybe meet someone important unofficially.
>Ask her to give a tour of the city and catch up with her.
>Other, write in.

QM: I will be somewhat busy in the coming days so most likely just one update a day.

>>4964257
You have 3 Wealth and gain 13 more at start of the season. In addition the new trade deal of lumber to Southshore will give some additional Wealth.

>>4964361

>You would like to ask a favour, you would want to meet the Council of Six and talk to them.
>Ask Jaina if she has any insights left to share. We wouldn't want to accidentally make matters worse by offending someone out of ignorance.

One potential hazard is running into someone whose relative died as direct result of father's actions.
I wonder if they will ask or expect reparations for Alterac actions in the past. We may have to swallow some expenses in the future for this but there's probably no way around it. (but damn we definitely should get that outfit once our coffers allow without hamstringing our development too much...)

>>4964361
>Ask her to give a tour of the city and catch up with her.
Because she is our friend and hanging out with her will help us de-stress about life right now.

>Other, write in.
We should ask her if she knows anything about our big sister. And if she can ask her to see us so we can make sure she is OK and safe. We still worry about her all the time after all.

File: IMFUCKINGINVINCIBLE.png (193 KB, 500x421)

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>The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be.
pic related

>>4964361
>Getting into Violet Citadel could be educational and you could maybe meet someone important unofficially.
Ask Jaina if she knows anyone that'd be more likely to be somewhat sympathetic to our cause I suppose. Once we have a foot in, speaking with the Council of Six should be easier in the future.

>>4964361
>You would like to ask a favour, you would want to meet the Council of Six and talk to them.

>>4964361
>>Ask her to give a tour of the city and catch up with her.

Two of you exited the workshop before you turned to face Jaina.

"Jaina, I want to ask a favour from you." You said to her.

"I cannot make miracles, but I can try. What is it?" She asked.

"I would like to meet the Council of Six." You said back.

"Wow, that is quite a big favour and hard thing to accomplish." She said back with a sliver of amazement in her voice

"Will you do it?"

"I will try, but don't keep your hopes up." Jaina said with a smile. "I can ask Lord Antonidas and if it happens, it will probably happen tomorrow."

"Thank you Jaina. You have already been a great help for me." You thanked her.

"Oh don't worry about it, this beats reading old dusty tomes and writing essays all day." She said with a laugh.

…

Having asked for the favour to meet the Council of Six, you had asked her to give you a tour of the city.

Two of you walked around Dalaran looking at sights. Jaina told you what different buildings were, who the statues around the city resembled and what they had done to get the statues built. The complexity and beauty of the city amazed you a lot, especially how functional it all seemed to be.

Dalaran as a city was just amazing, you hadn’t seen anything like this before and the city overcame your expectations thousand fold.

Walking got both of you a bit tired and hungry so you decided to visit a restaurant frequented by the mages. Jaina apparently visits the place regularly when she has time.

As two of you enjoyed salmon soup with plenty of vegetables in it, you told Jaina what you had done since the expedition. You did leave out some details like the deal with Lord Blackmoore, but you did tell her most of what had happened.

After you had finished, Jaina seemed to be very defeated. She apparently just had been studying with only a few days off. Even in the few days off, she had stayed in the city.

In the end she demanded that you will have to write to her regularly and tell what has happened. Otherwise a terrible boredom will strike her.

You promised to write to her as she pleaded for you to do so.

1/2

>>4965362

It was late afternoon and you were escorting Jaina back to her private study that was hidden behind a large tower, but still surprisingly close to the Violet Citadel.

Approaching the study, two of you saw a lone individual in bright red and gold robe standing outside the door of the study. You quickly realized the individual being an elf due to his long ears and unnaturally blonde hair. The elf was carrying several books.

"Good afternoon Lady Jaina." The elf said. "I brought the books you had asked for."

"Thank you Prince Kael'thas. I hope you did not have to wait here for long." Jaina said with a smile and took the books from him.

Kael'thas gave you a deep questioning look.

"And who would you be?"

"I am Prince Alric Perenolde. It is my pleasure to meet you Prince Kael'thas." You said and gave him a slight bow.

"I had heard that there was a human prince visiting Dalaran, but I had thought it would be Prince Arthas and not the much talked Alteraci prince." Kael'thas said to you and continued. "What brings you to Dalaran?"


>You are on a diplomatic tour to visit your neighbours. Dalaran was first on the list.
>You had magic items that required to be identified.
>You came here to visit your friend Jaina.
>A much talked Alteraci prince? Ask Kael'thas what he has heard of you.
>Other, write in.

>>4965368
>A much talked Alteraci prince? Ask Kael'thas what he has heard of you.
>You are on a diplomatic tour to visit your neighbours. Dalaran was first on the list.

The first bit is to brake the ice with this nice young elf prince that can kill us with a look. And the second bit is to keep him happy by telling him the truth so he does not think we are trying to blow him off by talking only about our-self all day. We really can not afford another Prince Arthas level of a problem on our hands.

>>4965368

>>You are on a diplomatic tour to visit your neighbours. Dalaran was first on the list.
>A much talked Alteraci prince? Ask Kael'thas what he has heard of you.
nothing too bad I hope...

>>4965368

>You are on a diplomatic tour to visit your neighbours. Dalaran was first on
And
>You came here to visit your friend Jaina.
pause
>A much talked Alteraci prince? Ask Kael'thas what he has heard of you.

>>4965368
>>You are on a diplomatic tour to visit your neighbours. Dalaran was first on the list.

>>4965368
>A much talked Alteraci prince? Ask Kael'thas what he has heard of you. Hopefully something besides 'The upstart son of the traitor'
>You are on a diplomatic tour to visit your neighbours. Dalaran was first on the list, it'd been a while since you last met your friend Jaina after all.
You know, it's gonna be interesting to see how the dynamic among the alliance remnants might change after the fall of Lorderon and Quel'Thalas if an at least partially rebuilt Alterac exists by then, especially with the displaced elves.

>>4965550
Are we down for letting exiled blood elves hang out with us in alterac? Could keep them out of the horde in the long run.

>>4966326
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, there’s like two major crises between that and now, depending on what OP throws at us.

>>4966334
Still if we can live thru Arthas going full emo Hitler we may be able to look out for our friends after everything blows over.

>>4966349
Of course. That’s what friends are for, after all.

>>4966334
What is crisis 2? We have undead scourge ala arthas, but I don't remember what comes after that.

>>4966389
Well thralls jailbreak and uniting of the clans is going to classify as a crisis for us

I wonder if there will be time travelers around, probably not.

>>4966389
Well there is all of the dragon shenanigans that go down and the dark portal reopens as well. Then there is the old gods waking up and the artifacts of the titans stir up all kinds of trouble. Oh and all of the cults and bandits that pop up everywhere. I mean just look at what our big brother is up too.

>>4966399
I completely forgot about thrall.

>>4966399
Do you think that the bronze dragon flight will see us as an anomaly to the timeline that needs to be fixed? And are the infinite dragon flight responsible for our rise to power?

"A diplomatic mission. I have been so concentrated on our own concerns that I haven’t really learned that much about our neighbours." You said to Kael'thas. "So I decided to come to Dalaran first."

Kael'thas didn't answer immediately.

"Prince Alric, you are going to find many who oppose you. Even amongst those who pretend otherwise. Your family name carries a lot of weight." He said.

"I completely expect that, Prince Kael'thas. But I try to avoid doing the same mistakes as my father did." You said back to him and continued. "What rumours do they tell about me?"

"Oh, interested in gossip?" Kael'thas said and raised one of his brows.

"Gossip can be useful, how people talk tells you how they hear things." You said back.

Kael'thas was silent again for a moment.

"They speak of this errant prince, or would prince errant be more fitting, that has accomplished a lot in a short time, but has shaken the balance of the region. People are worried." Kael'thas told you.

"Thank you for telling me this, Prince Kael'thas." You said and nodded.

He waved his hand dismissively and smiled.

"Not a problem, but I must go now. Lady Jaina, remember that you have the pyromancy lessons tomorrow." Kael'thas said and bowed before leaving.

Jaina and you stood there watching as the red and gold robe disappeared behind a corner before Jaina turned to you.

"Alric, you know the way to your house? Go there and wait for a servant to pick you up tomorrow. I will go and ask Lord Antonidas for a meeting with the Council of Six."

"Alright, I will wait there. Good luck Jaina."

"No Alric, it is you who needs luck. Council of Six doesn't take outsiders into their meetings often."

1/2

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>>4966431

You spent the evening cleaning your armour meticulously. One of the servants had asked if they could help, but you had politely sent the man away. Cleaning the armour was quite relaxing and something you liked to do.

Next day came and every time there was a knock on the door, you jumped up and went to open the door anticipating that it was a servant of Kirin Tor. Every time you were disappointed and you were losing your hope for getting the meeting.

It was early evening and no one had knocked on the door for a few hours since the dinner was delivered. Finally there was a pair of knocks and you went to open the door.

Outside the door stood an old man who had a long white beard and was wearing a purple robe. The raiment on the robe made him look very regal and important. Your mind hit a blank for a moment before you realized who was standing there.

"Lord Antonidas, please come in." You said somewhat nervously and allowed the archmage to walk in before closing the door.

"Prince Alric, the Council of Six declined from meeting you, but I came to hear from you." Lord Antonidas said as he walked inside and sat on one of the chairs. "I don't have much time to spend so make it quick."

You hadn’t expected this, but you had to get as much out of this as possible.


>Ask him what was the stance of Dalaran regarding the edict from King Terenas.
>Tell Lord Antonidas your plan to reclaim Alterac for your people.
>Inquire if you and Alterac could do something to make amends and fix the relationship between Alterac and Dalaran.
>Other, write in.

>>4966433
>Thank him for coming and briefly explain we intend to reclaim and rebuild Alterac for our people and make it into something they can be proud of, recovering it from infamy it fell into. Mention that the recent edict by King Terenas as example of the consequences of infamy we want to work to lift.
>Inquire if you and Alterac could do something to make amends and fix the relationship between Alterac and Dalaran.

We don’t actually know if Dalaran pushed for the sanctions though it seems likely that they would. But that needs not be conditional for us wanting to get better relations with them, it would be good to have the mages as trading partner and perhaps more in time.

>>4966410
Nah, we’re not time travelers, just a completely parallel storyline. Bronzes should have no issue with us unless OP goes breaking the fourth wall.

>>4966433
>>Inquire if you and Alterac could do something to make amends and fix the relationship between Alterac and Dalaran.

>>4966453
Support

Well people already know we want to reclaim our kingdom back.
After all what ruler would leave the ruins of their homeland to monsters, criminals and barbarians ?

>>4966453
Support

It is the only sane thing too do really.

>>4966453
+1

>>4966433
>>4966453
Backing this as well.

"Lord Antonidas, thank you for coming." You said to him. "My intent is to reclaim and rebuild Alterac for my people and make it something they can be part of and feel proud of, recovering it from the infamy it fell into."

Lord Antonidas listened carefully.

"Everywhere I have gone, there have been people who bring up what my father did and use it to paint all Alteracis under the same light. The consequences of this infamy then led to the recent edict by King Terenas that you must be familiar with. I want to lift it and show everyone that Alterac can be a good and trustworthy neighbour."

Lord Antonidas continued listening to you without a single emotion.

"I want to make amends with my neighbours. So I am going to ask you, is there anything we can do to fix the relationship between Alterac and Dalaran?"

Lord Antonidas listened and then closed his eyes for a moment.

"Finished?" He asked and opened his eyes.

"Yes Lord Antonidas." You said back. You felt like being under the gaze of your tutors before fleeing from Alterac City.

"You Alteracis are like the orcs. The lethargy keeps them nearly harmless with lords and kings liking it that way. Same way the spread out Alteracis are harmless, but now you are here to unite them. To the lords and kings you are changing the status quo that is favourable to them." Lord Antonidas spoke to you.

"A trustworthy Alterac…" You started to say, but Antonidas silenced you by raising a finger.

"Imagine if there was an orc that would unite the clans and form the Orcish Horde again and would break the status quo. You are that orc to them." He continued, stood up and walked to the door, but before he left he turned back. "Some kings would like to kill all orcs, but I am against it. I feel that they can redeem themselves and the lethargy could be healed. Make that what you will."

Lord Antonidas opened the door and left the house.

You frankly were baffled, but what he said felt true. Many wanted you to fail.

…

Next day you felt like a longer stay in Dalaran would be fruitless. You couldn't get the meeting with the Council of Six, but you had a brief visit from Lord Antonidas. You also identified your dagger, left the gnoll necklace and grimoire here and learned about a potential source of new armour.

And of course you met with Jaina and catched up with her.

When one of the servants came delivering breakfast, you asked him if he could send a message to your knights and to Jaina that you were leaving.

1/2

>>4967711

You stood outside the stables with Epona's reins in one hand while feeding her apples from a basket. The knights were doing their last set of checks and were ready soon.

"I received your message." Said Jaina who had walked behind you.

"Hey Jaina. I felt it would be rude to just leave, especially after all the help you gave to me here." You said back to her after turning around and let Epona eat another apple.

"Thanks Alric, that was nice to do." Jaina said to you. "I hope you accomplished your goals here."

"So do I. Will you inform me what you find out about the necklace and grimoire?" You asked her and mounted your horse. The knights were ready to leave.

"I will, and remember to send me letters too." Jaina said back.

"I will try. See you later Jaina" You said and waved your hand at her as you started to ride away.

"Goodbye Alric!"

…

It had been some time since you left Dalaran. Leaving the city was much easier than your arrival. There were no escorts or more guards leering at you. Just a few traders and peasants that were coming and going.

The next stop of your diplomatic tour would be Hillsbrad. You expected that you could reach the town before it was evening, but you weren’t that sure. Either way the weather was good and the road was well maintained.


>1d10
>Best three

QM: Random event roll

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4967714

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4967714
Let us hope our luck holds and we do not get ambushed by a pride of mountain lions or something like that.

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4967714
Looks like Antonidas is somewhat sympathetic to our cause, at least some good news. Not sure how we’re going to convince the others the change we bring us not one they need to oppose so. I guess actions speak louder and we’ll have to wait for good opportunity.

>8

You had been riding for a while and the towers and spires of Dalaran had grown smaller behind you. The road leading south had some travellers, but less than you expected. The pleasant spring weather made riding easy as it wasn't too hot or too cold.

"My prince, may I ask how your time went in Dalaran?" Sir Gravis asked you after riding next to you.

"I would say relatively well. Of course you have to first take small steps." You said back to him. "How about yours Sir Gravis?"

"Ah well we mostly spent our time either in the stables, or in the barracks we were sent to. Never seen a barracks that clean and tidy." He said back.

"Dalaran is a beautiful and well built city."

"Sire, you are correct in that."

…

The day had turned into late afternoon and you clearly had left the territory of Dalaran. The road markers were missing and the road itself was full of potholes and clearly wasn't maintained that well.

Several farms and cottages dotted the land and you saw peasants working on the fields. The farms and cottages were all small and they didn't look to be in that good shape.

As you rode through a small forest, you spotted a horse cart on the side of the road. What made it peculiar was that when you got close, you clearly saw that it was empty. Empty baskets and boxes were thrown on the ground and there was no sign of the horse. Your right hand hovered over the hilt of your sword automatically.

"Sire, this is clearly a work of bandits." Sir Gravis said.

"Look sire, blood." Knight named Thomas said and pointed on the ground. There was a bit of blood on dirt.

"Not enough to be from a serious wound, and there is no sign of the body." Sir Gravis said.

"But enough to follow the tracks, they head deeper into the forest." Joe, the shortest of the knights said. "Even a blind man could follow these."

He wasn’t wrong. There were maybe a dozen tracks, a pair of drag marks and then the hoof marks of the horse. Following them would be easy.

"Sire, what should we do?" Sir Gravis asked.


>Follow the tracks and find the bandits.
>You aren’t here to track bandits, go to Hillsbrad before it is evening and report the robbery to officials.
>Other, write in.

>>4968631
>>Follow the tracks and find the bandits.
Turning up on the heels of highway robbery seems like a way to cement a preconceived negative impression of Alteraci as bandits. We should try do for Hillsbrad what we already did in Tarren Mill - a protection racket, lol.

>>4968631
>Follow the tracks and find the bandits.
Cant resist a bandit related plot hook.

>>4968631
>>Follow the tracks and find the bandits.


It s good that the talk betwenn us and Antonidas was just the two of us. A comparison between Orcs and Alteracis, would have made things difficult. More than now.

>>4968631
There may be time to help whomever the blood belongs to. And safer route is always a good news.

>Follow the tracks.

>>4968631
>>Follow the tracks and find the bandits.

"We will follow the tracks. Swords and shields ready." You ordered and all of you took out your shields and drew your swords.

The tracks continued further into the woods. First past a small clearing, then between a group of large rocks and finally into this dense forest of alders. Clearly peasants and foresters hadn't been clearing the forest for wicker either. This was a quite good place for bandits to be and hide in.

Soon you heard some commotion ahead of you and ordered your knights to stop by raising your gauntleted fist. You gave order to slowly ride forward and when you approached the sound, you quickly reached a point where you could see the bandits.

Around a small fire were maybe twenty men milling about. Some carried the spoils of the robbery while few kept the fire going. You saw the poor trader tied to a tree near the fire, but he seemed to be okay as he was talking with the bandits. The bandits seemed to be armed with whatever weapons they had with little armour, but most of them did have bows with them. An old cottage was standing behind the bandits.

The forest was too dense for a proper cavalry charge, but you could advance to them and fight on horseback or on foot. You could also go talk to them and attempt to free the trader that way as while you are outnumbered four to one, you are armed and armoured professionals and they are not.


>Advance to them and fight the bandits.
>Advance to them and demand release of the trader, if they decline you will cut them down.
>Ride slowly into their camp and diplomatically solve the situation.
>Other, write in.

QM: Will attempt one more update today if there is enough votes.

>>4968866
>>Advance to them and fight the bandits.
Half of them will prbably runn away wen they see a well equipped force

>>4968866
>Advance to them and fight the bandits.

>>4968866
Much as I generally like to talk before fighting it’s probably pointless and unwise to give away initiative by trying here.

>Advance and fight

>>4968866
>Advance to them and fight the bandits.

>>4968866
>>Advance to them and fight the bandits.

File: Bandits_Forest.png (539 KB, 676x746)

539 KB PNG

You raised your sword up and then pointed the tip at the bandits. Sir Gravis and the knights understood your intent and all six of you started riding towards them.

First few dozen yards went as all of you attempted to pick up speed and momentum, but the dense forest made it difficult. Closing the distance through the branches and bushes made a lot of noise which alerted the bandits, but for them it was too late.

It felt like you and the knights casually just trotted in their mids and broke them apart. You exchanged blows with one of the bandits a few times before kicking him straight into his mouth. Sir Gravis cut down one of them as did the knights. Several dead bandits were already on the forest floor.

"We surrender! We surrender!" One of the bandits shouted.

"Then drop your weapons!" You shouted back.

One of them threw down their axe and a few others followed. Your knights showed good restraint as they herded the bandits into one group next to the old cottage. The bandits continued to throw their weapons on the ground.

"Y-Y-You a-a-are t-the L-Lion K-Knight!" One of the bandits stuttered.

"Lion Knight?" Another bandit asked. "The Alteraci Prince?"

"Sir Gravis, if there is rope, tie up their hands and don't let them escape." You said to him as you dismounted and went to untie the trader. You carefully cut the rope with your sword and watched as the trader massaged his wrists. Now you noticed that his nose was badly busted, but no other wounds on his body.

"You killed them? They were local boys, I knew them." The trader said in a bit of a shock.

"Are you alright?" You asked him.

"Yeah yeah, just a broken nose." The trader said and brushed dirt off his clothes.

"Can you tell me what happened?" You continued asking questions.

"Well they robbed me. Said they would need the goods I was carrying. I knew some of the men, local small time farmers and crofters, so I disagreed. One of them broke my nose and knocked me out. Next thing I knew was that I was tied up in here." The trader explained.

"It is good to hear that you are okay." You said to the trader and gave him an assuring smile.

"What will happen to them now sir…?" The trader asked you.

"Prince Alric Perenolde, the second heir of Alterac." You introduced yourself. "And it depends on what sentence the Magistrate of Hillsbrad gives them from banditry. If he is lenient it is jail or hard labour, and if he isn't, it is noose then."

The bandits all froze when they heard that.

"N-noose?" Bandit stuttered. "W-we a-are j-just p-poor f-farmhands."

"They can't hang us!" Came a shout. "They forced us into poverty, into banditry!"

Sir Gravis silenced them by kicking one of the bandits. With a shriek the bandit fell on the ground.

1/2

>>4969154

"Prince Alric." The trader said and bowed. "Their banditry is not their fault. Town of Hillsbrad controls the labour and farming here. If you don’t work for one of the estates, you are out of your luck."

"You are trying to tell me to be lenient even though they robbed you? To avoid the noose?"

"Yes my prince." The trader said and bowed again.

You weren’t in Alterac, you were in Hillsbrad so the laws of Lordaeron and those of the Magistrate of Hillsbrad apply here and banditry is a serious crime everywhere. You are also on a diplomatic tour and meeting the Magistrate was very probable. Bringing these bandits to him could be a positive thing.

But you had seen the farms and cottages that were in poor shape, what if what the trader is true? Or is he just in shock and tries to protect the locals?

Either way you had to make the decision.


>They will be brought to the town of Hillsbrad. Laws of Lordaeron must be followed and respected.
>Let them be free. The few dead bandits will be their price to pay for banditry.
>Other, write in.

>>4969157
Well if the injured party speaks in their defence…
>Let them be free.
As far as we’re concerned there’s if bandits ran away when we freed the trader. Still, if things are so bad in hillsbrad, what’s keeping them from moving to Southshore? Maleb is short some hand. Banditry is never a good choice of career.

>>4969157
>Other, write in.
Take em in for hard labor in our mines.
They will honesty have a better live living under us even as hard laborers. We will treat them fairly.

Plus it will allow us to find out more and if they speak the truth later on.

Have the trader keep this quite for now till we determine if what the say is true.

>>4969157
>>They will be brought to the town of Hillsbrad. Laws of Lordaeron must be followed and respected.

Lets give a good first impression to the magistrate of Hillsbrad.

>>4969157
>They will be brought to the town of Hillsbrad. Laws of Lordaeron must be followed and respected.

It sucks for everyone but once you start breaking the laws of the land you will never stop. As we have seen these men have no problem resorting to harming other to get there way. And they have no issue at all with stealing what they want even from there kinsmen and friends. So it does not take much to think that if we let them go they will not become much worse with time and become true cutthroats and outlaws. It is ugly but it is for the best that we bring these men to the law now before they start killing folk later.

>>4969157
>Interrogate them regarding the state of Hillsbrad
Information is worth it's weight in gold, and knowing what we're getting in to and who we're going to meet is arguably worth more than any possible reward we could get from turning in some poor ex-farmers. Also, if we *do* let them go, we should probably point them to our lands. They might not be alteraci, but we could still offer them a better alternative than a rope. Just ask Radan.

>>4969403
Support,

But i would prefer if we can convince them to stop doing banditry and come willingly to our land as peasants

At first you thought about delivering them to Alterac to work in the mines or at the lumbermills, but you had to throw that idea away. Escorting them that distance would be very difficult and if someone who isn’t an Alteraci finds out, you could be accused of kidnapping people who aren’t under your rule. The mere thought of people connecting this to your father kidnapping people from Dalaran, made you nearly shudder. Like father, like son.

You mounted your horse and rode next to the bandits who were now all tied up. They were a miserable bunch.

“Sir Gravis, start escorting them to the road.”

“And then sire?” He asked.

“To Hillsbrad.”

The bandits froze and then accepted what was going to happen. You were in Lordaeron so they follow the local law. If these bandits thought that they could just keep robbing people, they were wrong. And if they continue the robberies, especially robbing people they know, at some point they are going to kill someone innocent. You weren’t happy about this, but bringing the men to face the law is the right thing to do.

The trader’s horse was found behind the old cabin and you escorted him to his cart. The trader said that he would enlist a few of the local farmers to help him to carry and gather the stolen goods. You left the trader to his cart and started your slow journey to Hillsbrad.

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>>4970386

It took longer than you thought to reach Hillsbrad, but thankfully the tied bandits didn’t try anything as the sun started to set. You had passed the large farming estates that you had heard about and you could see that they were prospering. Large orchards and fields plotted the land.
The town of Hillsbrad itself was bigger than Tarren Mill. It had higher stone walls, few guard towers were built to strengthen the defences and the barracks was a proper one instead of a large wooden house of Tarren Mill.

The gate to Hillsbrad was still open and you could see a group of footmen gathering. When you got close enough they locked their shields and a man who you thought to be their leader stood in front of them. When you were close enough to them, the leader of the footmen spoke to you.

“I am Baron Haart, the commander of the militia of Hillsbrad. Who are you and who are those men?”

“I am Prince Alric Perenolde and these men are bandits who we caught and delivered here.”

“Prince Alric? Now this is a pleasant surprise. The bandits had been harassing our law-abiding citizens recently and we haven’t been able to catch them.” Baron Haart said and looked at your knights with interest. “Thank you Prince Alric for delivering them here.”

Baron Haart gave his orders and the footmen marched out to take care of the bandits. Without issues the footmen took the bandits and escorted them into the town and probably towards the jail.

“Prince Alric, being in charge of the security, even if you are a prince, I must ask you what is your business here?”


>I am on a diplomatic tour. I wish to meet with the Magistrate.
>I came here to talk about potential trade between Alterac and Hillsbrad.
>Bandits have caused trouble all over Hillsbrad and Alterac. I wish to get rid of them.
>Other, write in.

QM: I should get back to more than one update a day schedule starting tomorrow.

>>4970390
>>I am on a diplomatic tour. I wish to meet with the Magistrate.

>>4970390
>>I am on a diplomatic tour. I wish to meet with the Magistrate.

>>4970390
>>I am on a diplomatic tour. I wish to meet with the Magistrate.

>>4970390
>I am on a diplomatic tour. I wish to meet with the Magistrate.

Honesty will more often then not get us far more than a clever lie ever will. As the truth will more often hold up to scrutiny and investigation that a lie ever will.

“I am on a diplomatic tour to meet my neighbours and to get to know them better.” You said.

“And I presume you want to meet with Magistrate Burnside?” Baron Haart asked.

“That is correct.”

“My Lord, that has to wait till tomorrow. Magistrate Burnside has already retired for the day, but I will arrange a place to sleep for you and your men.” Baron Haart continued.

“Thank you Baron Haart, I appreciate this.” You said back to him and smiled.

…

Baron Haart guided you into the town and to the town hall. There were few people still on the streets minding their own business, but outside of that the town was silent. Few guards could be seen patrolling the street.

Sir Gravis and the knights were guided to the barracks, while for yourself Baron Haart arranged the guest room of the town hall.

As you followed him, the first impression was that he was a professional soldier, but that he was very stiff. How his very well made armour was decorated spoke about excess wealth and the way he walked and stood gave you the picture that he takes himself and what he does extremely seriously.

The servants and clerks quickly prepared a room for you and when

“Prince Alric, for tomorrow I will arrange a meeting with Magistrate Burnside for you.” Baron Haart said after having .

“Thank you, I will be waiting for that.”

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>>4971303

The morning had gone very nicely. The servants and clerks of the town hall did everything they could to make you comfortable. Thankfully you didn’t have to wait that long and quickly after breakfast, one of the servants came to bring you to Magistrate Burnside.

Entering his office, you noticed how lavishly it was decorated.

“Prince Alric, terribly sorry for not being able to meet you yesterday.” Magistrate Burnside said to you and bowed.

“It is not a problem, Magistrate Burnside, I understand that you are a busy man.” You had asked the servants about the Magistrate and that was the thing everyone said, he is a busy man that is always involved with his work.

“Thank you for understanding.” Burnside said and sat behind his desk after you had sat down. “But enough of me, I heard from Baron Haart that you are on a diplomatic tour, so what can Hillsbrad do for you?”

“I wish to learn and know more about my neighbours. To then being able to trade and cooperate with them.” You said to him.

“To work towards the common interests and security of Hillsbrad Foothills?” He asked you curiously.

“Yes, you are correct.” You said to him.

Magistrate Burnside thought about something for a moment before he spoke.

“It seems favourable for us to cooperate, but I do not know much about Alterac and what you can offer. But I presume you don’t know much about Hillsbrad either?” Magistrate Burnside said.

“True, I only know what I have seen.” You said and didn’t mention anything the trader had said.

“Then it would be wise to change that. I am busy, but I can arrange Baron Haart to guide you around if that is fine.”


>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see
>Decline the offer, you can search and learn about Hillsbrad on your own without anyone watching behind your back.
>Other, write in.

>>4971306
>>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see
Let's see the potemkin street. We are here to meet the notables after all, and we already know some of the context what he doesn't want to show so we'll be able to see past bullshitting anyway.

>>4971306
>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see

Accept the mans hospitality.

>>4971306
>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see
It would be easier to explore after they give us the tour and don't feel the need to watch us.

>>4971306
>>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see

>>4971306
>>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see

>>4971306
>>Accept the offer, let Baron Haart give you a tour of Hillsbrad. You will most likely see

“That sounds fine, Baron Haart can give me the tour.” You said to Magistrate Burnside.

“Very good. I will inform Baron Haart as quickly as I can.” Burnside said to you.

…

You had exchanged a few words with Magistrate Burnside before he apologized for being busy and needing to go back to work. You were already wearing your armour so you just had to walk to the barracks to collect a pair of your knights as escorts and then to go to the stables to prepare your horse.

It didn’t take long for Baron Haart to arrive and soon four of you were riding out of the town.

“The town of Hillsbrad is the second largest town in Hillsbrad Foothills after Southshore, but we are the richest. Strong stone walls, guard towers and a great town hall are a sign of importance and wealth.” Haart explained. “But it is not the town which is the most important thing around here.”

“What would it be, Baron Haart?” You asked and humoured him as he was explaining this all with great pride.

“Estates, it is the estates. The farms and orchards around the town are all owned by a group of nobles, myself included, and through careful control we have managed to acquire maximum harvests and profits. There is no other place in Lordaeron that is just as fertile and productive.”

You rode on a small road in the middle of the fields and they did look quite good.

“Is it truly that profitable?” You asked him and decided to push him a bit. “I could imagine farming having a lot of things that could go wrong or cause problems.”

“It is very profitable, but as you said, problems still do happen.” Baron Haart said and stopped as you passed into a shade of a great elm and continued to speak with a more serious voice.. “It is good that you caught those bandits.”

“As a prince I must act within the rules and laws of Lordaeron.” You said back to him.

Baron Haart gave a questioning look at two of your escorting knights, but you without saying anything waved his concerns away. Whatever he wants to say can be said now.

“Prince Alric, the thing is that the bandits you caught are just a small part of the bigger group of bandits. We have been chasing them for nearly two years now, but our footmen cannot catch them. If we can catch them, we can defeat them.” Baron Haart said to you. “Magistrate Burnside has been hesitant to deal with them.”

“Baron Haart, what are you suggesting?” You carefully asked him.

“Prince Alric, you have five knights with you and I can gather several more. With the knights we could catch the bandits and allow the footmen to attack them.”

So he was suggesting using you and your knights in his plan to defeat the bandits. But it felt like he wasn’t exactly saying everything and you knew what the trader and bandits had told you.

1/2

>>4971598


>Tell Baron Haart what you heard from the bandits and see how he reacts.
>Express your interest in his plan, but don’t agree yet.
>Decline and distance yourself from the plan. You aren’t here to fight the wars and battles of someone else right now.
>Other, write in.

>>4971599
>Tell Baron Haart what you heard from the bandits and see how he reacts.

We need to know what is really going on here if we can. That way we can find the best way to help everyone.

>>4971599
Hmm… it’s probably not good idea to confront the man as he doesn’t seem conflicted on the situation at all, but given our reason of being here we can‘t exactly turn him down out of hand.

>we are reluctant to commit men to an enterprise of such scale because we have some bandits in our neighborhood as well… can baron tell us more of the plan, what the opposing force is estimated to be and whether some sort of less violent solution would not be preferable. After all they want the bandits gone, not necessarily dead…

>>4971599
>>Express your interest in his plan, but don’t agree yet.

>>4971598
>Other, write in.
Baron, I came here under a the express purpose of a diplomatic mission, it would be bad form and reputation to do so otherwise and act in a mercenary capacity while claiming to have come for diplomacy.
While I did assist in helping clear the roads of bandits, it is for the mutual interest of future trade and safe passage of diplomatic staff.

I hope it sounds "princely".

>>4971599
>>Express your interest in his plan, but don’t agree yet.
Better prepare something, we aren t paladins saving everyone.

>>4971599
>Express your interest in his plan, but don’t agree yet.
>Ask him why the Magistrate has been hesitant to deal with the bandits.
Yeah, there's a distinct smell to this Baron and his plan. Tempted to confront him with what we know from the bandits, but it feels like that would reveal our hand. This is supposed to be a diplomatic mission, but something tells me we've stepped on a spider's web.

“I did not exactly come here to act as a mercenary to fight someone else’s battle.” You said to him and continued. “But I can relate to your problems with them due to having my own problems with the bandits. So what can you tell me about them? How many bandits there are and whether some sort of a less violent solution could be achieved?” You want the bandits gone, but maybe not necessarily dead?”

Baron Haart seemed a bit disappointed with your answer, but he seemed to accept it.

“Prince Alric, we are talking about one hundred bandits. Their base is located in the northernmost part of the forest.” He said and pointed toward the general direction of the bandit camp. “But Prince Alric, I do not believe that they could be talked to stop their banditry. They chose to be bandits, so they will die as bandits.”

“Baron Haart, you do not want a peaceful solution?” You pressed him somewhat.

“If it was plausible then yes, but I do not see it being plausible.” Baron Haart said to you. “Of course if you could be part of this, we could share the glory of dealing with them on a battlefield.”

It still felt that Baron Haart wasn’t telling you exactly everything, but it seemed that he wasn’t exactly lying. This is how he saw the situation.

“Baron Haart, I am somewhat interested in this. But I cannot make the decision immediately, I need some time to think.”

“That is understandable. We can talk about this later, as I presume you aren’t leaving immediately.”

“That is correct.” You said and smiled. “But shall we continue the tour?”

…

Baron Haart guided you around the countryside explaining who owned what fields, who the nobles were and how far past their families went. He especially explained with pride when his own manor and holdings were seen in the distance. It was quite clear that his holdings were one of the biggest and richest.

You at one point stopped to eat at one of the smaller farms before continuing the tour and returning back to Hillsbrad. Baron Haart then left you as he had his other duties to do.

This gave you time to do something. You could go talking with Magistrate Burnside about Baron Haart’s plan, you could also go to speak with the people of the town and the nearby farmers who you see on the fields. It also came to your mind to find the jail and go ask the bandits there. There was definitely something more going on here, but you didn’t know yet what.


>Go talk to Magistrate Burnside about Baron Haart’s plan to defeat the bandits, see what he thinks about it.
>The locals might know more about this, go talk to the workers, farmers, innkeepers etc.
>The bandits you caught could provide you with more information than just what they said when they were caught.
>Other, write in.

>>4972886
>>Go talk to Magistrate Burnside about Baron Haart’s plan to defeat the bandits, see what he thinks about it.

>>4972886
>>The locals might know more about this, go talk to the workers, farmers, innkeepers etc.
Let's see what the common folk are saying

>>4972886
>The locals might know more about this, go talk to the workers, farmers, innkeepers etc.

>>4972886
>The locals might know more about this, go talk to the workers, farmers, innkeepers etc.
And then
>The bandits you caught could provide you with more information than just what they said when they were caught.
And then
>Go talk to Magistrate Burnside about Baron Haart’s plan to defeat the bandits, see what he thinks about it.

We ask the locals in town to see what is going on and if we can help them. Then we find out if the bandits are telling us the truth from what we learn from the locals. And after that we talk to Magistrate Burnside to see if he and Baron Haart are just trying to use us to kill some innocent peasants because of there fucked up ruler-ship of the land and its people.

>>4972886
>The locals might know more about this, go talk to the workers, farmers, innkeepers etc.
We can talk to them under the guise of finding out more about the bandits

The locals might know more, they after all see or hear things that people like you or other nobles might miss. Asking them about the bandits, could provide some new information.

You started from the tavern and talked with the innkeeper. He was somewhat intimidated by your presence and wouldn’t speak much. The biggest tidbit was that Baron Haart and Magistrate Burnside had been at odds on how to deal with the bandits and that they haven’t been able to come into decision what to exactly do with them for nearly a year.

Next you tried to talk with the blacksmiths, but they too were tight-lipped and just a lot of mumbling came from their mouths. You saw an impressive amount of weapons being made and asked about it. Apparently Baron Haart has been ordering large quantities of arms and armour for the Hillsbrad Militia. Outside of that they wouldn’t tell you much.

At this point it felt pointless to ask more from the citizens of Hillsbrad and you decided to go back to the fields. Going back to your horse, you quickly mounted it and left the town with the your escorts.

…

Annoyingly, the farmers didn’t want to talk either. The first few quickly excused themselves and went to their farms and estates. Few others didn’t know anything.

Riding further from the town and towards the less successful and poor farmers, you found success. One old farmer was really open about this all and explained how since the Second War the estates bought the land from poor farmers and confiscated it from those who had died in the war. They had increased their power at the expense of the small farmers. The farmer told you what you had already known, the bandits were these poor farmers and farmhands whose farms were either bought or had failed due to the actions of the estates. You threw the old farmer a coin as a reward for telling all this as it confirmed what the bandits had said.

So the situation was that the bandits were the poor farmers driven away by the estates and the nobles who had been making tremendous profits thanks to this. Baron Haart wishes to defeat them through a battle, while Magistrate Burnside has been hesitant at acting against them. Baron Haart had also been ordering a lot of arms and armour, most likely for his offensive against the bandits.

1/2

>>4973700

It had taken most of the day first taking the tour and then talking with the locals. The night guards had already come out with their lanterns and dark cloaks to keep the chill away. You allowed your two escorting knights to leave as you brushed Epona clean and made sure that she had food to eat. As you did that, the town had become silent.

Leaving the stables, the walk to the town hall would only take a minute or two.

“Hey Alteraci Prince, I got something to say to you.” A voice came from a dark alley to your right. You stopped and turned towards the alley and saw a hooded man standing there.

“I just want to talk, nothing else.” The hooded man said to you.

A shady man in an alley could mean trouble, but you are one hell of a fighter and you had your full armour on.


>Go see what the shady man has to say.
>Brush the guy off and go to the town hall.
>Call the guards very loudly, he isn’t going to get away from them.
>Other, write in.

>>4973701
>Hear him out
don't walk into an ambush though. Have him come closer or meet him halfway if we can maintain control over a retreat route. It is probably one of the bandits but for all we know it could also be a syndicate agent or something else sinister.

>>4973701
>Other, write in.
Perhaps one should be seeking an audience with me in less shady and dark areas would be more enticing to one such as myself.

>>4973701
>>Other, write in.
Tell him that if he wants to meet us, he can do so in Dawnholme after we return.

>>4973704
Support

You should repeat history in a better way. Find some mok'nathal and half-ogres, and offer to grant them a claim of legitimacy. Then take over the ruins of Alterac from the ogres with their more intelligent kin. Then sldeclare yourself a neutral 3rd power with heavy ties to the Horde, but make yourself a powerful trade hub so you don't get fucked.

Form your own rebel country composed of local murlocs, gnolls, kobolds, trogs, and whatever other type of monstrous humanoids who aren't tolerated in polite society. Form a nation/horde of your own. Conquer. Set up a meritocracy where you're higher up the social totem pole based on how much you contribute to society instead of based on blood lineage.

>>4973704
Support

Give the man enough rope that he can hang himself if he proves a dishonorable cut throat. But if he really has something to tell us we should hear him out and not turn a blind eye to him. I get the feeling that that is the same thing Baron Haart has done with his peasants. And that is why they are turning to banditry.

“Perhaps you should walk a few steps forward so that I could hear and see you better.” You shouted to him and rested your right arm on your sword. You made sure that the man could see it.

The shady looking man didn’t do a thing for a moment before he stepped a few steps forward and raised his lantern. Then you recognized him as one of the apprentices the blacksmiths had.

“Prince Alric, I know you have been asking around about the bandit and I am here to speak the truth.” The man said.

“Then what is it?” You asked him.

The man took several steps forward so that you could see him better.

“Nobles like Baron Haart have pushed the common folk too far, forcing people into banditry. They cannot make a living under the current rule.” The man said.

“So what is what you want to tell me?” You asked him.

“It is that the Baron wants more than he tells you. That the bandits aren’t bandits because they want to be bandits, but because they are forced to be. The actions of the nobles force them to be bandits.” The apprentice blacksmith said.

“So what is your role in this?” You continued with your questions.

“I am just a sympathetic bystander.” The apprentice said. “That doesn’t want to see the estates winning.”

“So what do you want?” You asked him.

“You are a prince, go release the men you have captured. Then you can maybe do some good.”

“What if I don’t do it?” You said to him.

“Then you are as worse as Baron Haart and everyone else is.” The apprentice blacksmith said.


>Do as he says, find a way to release the bandit you had captured.
>Decline, but thank him for his information
>Ask him about the arms and armour the blacksmiths have made.
>Call loudly for the guards.
>Other, write in.

>>4974084
Ask him if the Bandits have any links to the local ogresrt0ry

>>4974084
>>Decline, but thank him for his information

>>4974084
>Decline, but thank him for his information
>Ask him about the arms and armour the blacksmiths have made.
>Other, write in.
Ask to purchase the bandits from the magistrate.

They shall work the mines!

Sell the bandits as buttboys for the horny ogres.

>>4974084
>Other
We should discuss the problem with the magistrate, he seems to want to resolve the issue without bloodshed. We could offer to take in the peasants that cannot make a living. That way everyone is going to be happy, we gain more workers, the peasants get to make a living and the barron and magistrate won't have to deal with bandits anymore.
I don't see a reason for the magistrate to refuse, it's not like the bandits are currently contributing to his workforce.

>>4974084
Desperation can drive a man to choose a path of crime, but it’s still his choice to make. We will discuss the situation with magistrate and try to find a way to resolve this without bloodshed and as justly as is feasible.

>>4974180
When the choice is ether you and everyone you know starving to death in the wilds as a nobleman steals your farm and home from you. Or become a coldblooded killer and thief so as to provide for your family. The sad thing is there was never a choice to begin with. And everyone that says there is are just saying that it would be better for them if you and everyone you love and know would just go and die quietly somewhere they do not have to look at you. As you are disturbing them with your wails of helpless suffering and despair.

>>4974084
Pretty presumptive of a blacksmith's apprentice to go ordering a prince around. I'm sympathetic, but if both he and the Baron aren't hasty.
>Decline, but thank him for his information
We should discuss this with the Magistrate. Hopefully he'll hold some final pieces of the puzzle and we can act from there.

>>4974202
I‘m not saying I don’t sympathies with someone put into a difficult or even impossible situation, but I don’t agree that a situation where you can choose between villainy and death is a no choice situation. There are people who would rather die than to raise hands against an innocent. But that is already a simplification that excludes other possible options. And I agree that if the circumstance where someone is put into such a situation has been created by someone then that someone bears responsibility for the outcome, especially if they created this situation with deliberation.

>>4974084
>Decline, but thank him for his information

Just freeing these men will not solve the problem here. We need to talk to the Magistrate now to fix this as he may be the only person that can help us now.

>>4974572
What makes you think he's not apart of the whole scheme and benefits himself?

>>4974764

>>4973700
>You started from the tavern and talked with the innkeeper. He was somewhat intimidated by your presence and wouldn’t speak much. The biggest tidbit was that Baron Haart and Magistrate Burnside had been at odds on how to deal with the bandits and that they haven’t been able to come into decision what to exactly do with them for nearly a year.

We already know the baron wants to deal with the problem by force, if the magistrate is of different opinion it means he sympathises with the peasants to some extent, which means he should be open to alternative solutions if we talk to him and offer some sort of help.

However, our options here are limited. These are not our people, or our jurisdiction. We can offer some sort of arrangement where we get the troublemakers to leave these lands, perhaps for Alterac or Southshore. But they might not want to leave, we have right now an immediate glut of workforce and Maleb might not want people who already turned to banditry, even though he is probably flexible enough to allow penal labour.

We certainly are not in position to interfere with Haart's noble titles or land ownership. Maybe we could ask Raleigh to inspect this situation with his authority as a paladin but that could end either way because dura lex sed lex - the law is probably on Haart's side.

Honestly, as dubious as it is morally, best chance is probably getting the magistrate to offer leniency to the rebelling peasants as long as they move to southshore.

>>4974835
That only details a difference of opinion, not that he isn't complicit. You don't get a public position like that when there are plutocrat's around.

“I decline.” You said to the man. “But I will thank you for the information.”

The apprentice was stunned for a moment, but then he relented.

“At least you listened, unlike the Magistrate or the Baron.” He said and took steps back before turning around and walking away.

Seeing that the man had walked away you too decided to leave the scene. You had a lot to think about and really only talking with the Magistrate most likely brings answers or solutions to this.

…

Next morning you asked one of the servants to ask the Magistrate for some time to talk about this. The servant came back soon after you had asked and told you that Magistrate Burnside will have time in just a moment.

When you were brought into his office, Magistrate Burnside was still eating his breakfast as he was doing the paperwork.

“Good morning Prince Alric, please take a seat.” He said to you as he stood up and bowed. “And please excuse my rude manners, eating while having a meeting.”

“It is not a problem Magistrate, you are a busy man after all.” You said and sat down.

“Prince Alric, you had something you wanted to talk about?”

You told him what you had heard and seen about the bandits. How they see that the estates and nobility are forcing them to become bandits in the first place and that Baron Haart is planning to defeat them in a battle. As you spoke, Magistrate Burnside listened to you carefully.

“What you told me is the truth. We have managed to make Hillsbrad into the richest town in this region and every year there has been growth. Soon we will rival Southshore for importance and then we can start competing with Andorhal as the breadbasket of Lordaeron.” He spoke to you and continued. “It is a shame that as the byproduct of this progress we have pushed people away and as they say ‘forced into banditry’, but without this progress Hillsbrad would still be a town damaged by the Second War.”

Magistrate Burnside stood up and went to get a book from his bookshelf. He carried the book to you and opened it. The book was the ledger of all the profits the town had made in recent years.

“As you can see, the profits are staggering. And the demands of the bandits are risking that.” He said to you. He wasn't lying. The profits they were making were tremendous and way above yours.

“But are they risking enough to allow Baron Haart to bring a battle to them?” You asked him.

“The recent robberies by the bandits have made the other nobles and councilmen to support Baron Haart in this and truth to be told I am starting to lean to that too.” Magistrate Burnside said to you. "But I am open to different solutions that preferably avoid bloodshed."


>Would getting the bandits to leave Hillsbrad be an acceptable solution?
>Is there any way to integrate the bandits back to the workforce here?
>A military solution could solve this problem once and for all.
>Other, write in.

>>4974968

>These people seem to feel pressured into outlaw's life by being pushed out of their livelihood, not because of blood feuds or revolutionary ideas. Using force to deal with them will only create more resentment and vilify the authority further.
>Would it be possible to spend some of the profits on public works projects, communal housing and apprenticeships for those willing to take them? Baron Haart might find distasteful spending money on bandits that seem willing to take it by force, but in the end a display of magnanimity would leave him looking a benefactor and with new sources of prosperity.
>Barring that, I have it on good authority that magistrate Maleb in southshore is now short some workers, if they can be convinced to leave they will no longer be problem for you or the nobles.
>If all else fails, I could also take them to Alterac. That would make sure they are not source of problems for you anymore. (we might have to pay some sort of compensation to offset the stolen goods in this case)

>>4974968
>>A military solution could solve this problem once and for all.

>>4974992
Support this.

>>4974968
>Would getting the bandits to leave Hillsbrad be an acceptable solution?
Is that some mf resources?

Milord, we could make a deal with the ogres inhabiting the area. In return for allowing them to stay and providing then with food and wood, they agree to enter marriage arrangements with us. Over generations as we breed together, we could form a society of Half-Ogres physically superior to baseline humans and mentally superior to baseline ogres. Such a nation would combine the superior arms and armor of humans with the superior strength of ogres to create a much better army than the opposition.

>>4974992
Support

This seems like a really smart thing to do now that we know what is really going on. Tho Magistrate Burnside now seems like a cold blooded mother fucker to be so willing to resort to purging his peasantry just because it will make him more money in the short term.

>>4975137
Thermaplugg please

Seek help. Mekkatorque can have you de-radiated and recombobulated.

>>4975281
No. I want my plus-size sbbw tol musclegut gluttonous dommy-mommy with a phat azz.

>>4975301
Can you not just calm down and lust after male High Elf's like a normal person. ... I MEAN FEMALE HIGH ELF'S!!!

>>4975397
No. I want handholds, and someone who likes grease and meat in large portions as much as I do. I want to watch her ass jiggle like gelatin when we do it. I want to use her musclegut as a blanket on cold winter nights. I want to have romantic dinners where I'm basically shoving squig brisket down her jowls and she orgasms from the feedings.

>>4975400
Than just go buy yourself a male orc slave wife from the internment camps. It is easy and cheap man. I am just trying to save you money and heart ache for when it all goes wrong and the ogre you go after smashes you with her club and throws you into the cooking pot with the rest of the simps she found that day.

>>4975513
I'm not gay though. Did you mean a female orc wife? And I'm anti-slavery.

>>4974992
Support

“These people seem to feel pressured into outlaw's life by being pushed out of their livelihood, not because of blood feuds or revolutionary ideas.” You said to Burnside and continued. “Using force to deal with them will only create more resentment and vilify the authority further.”

“That is one reason why I haven’t supported it before.” Burnside defended himself.

“Would it then be possible to spend some of the profits that you have shown to me on public works, communal housing or apprenticeships for those willing to take them?” You asked him.

“Baron Haart…” Burnside started to say.

“...Wouldn’t like it and neither would other nobles, but in the end a display of magnanimity would leave them looking like rich benefactors.” You stopped him and continued speaking.

Burnside looked somewhat annoyed, but continued to listen to you.

“Barring that, I have it on good authority that Magistrate Maleb in Southshore is facing a shortage of workers. If the bandits could be convinced to leave and go to Southshore, they wouldn’t be any more a problem of yours.” You said to him and continued. “And if all else fails, I can take them to Alterac.”

Burnside was silent for a moment after you had finished speaking before sighing deeply.

“Prince Alric, why are you so interested in trying to solve this?” He asked you.


>Because it is the right thing to do.
>If I can help you, I hope the relationship between Hillsbrad and Alterac could improve.
>The bandits are unemployed workers, getting them back to work would benefit us all
>Other, write in.

>>4975988

>Partly because it is in the interest of my people to have safe and prosperous neighbourhood, but also because it bothers me to see misery and pain where there could be prosperity and development instead.

>>4976006
Support

Good things sometimes happen when you do good deeds. So it is for your best interest to do as many good deeds as you can so you can have some good things happen to you sometimes.

>>4975988
>>The bandits are unemployed workers, getting them back to work would benefit us all

>>4976006
support.

>>4976006
>>4975860
+ This write in too.
>The bandits are unemployed workers, getting them back to work would benefit us all

>>4976006
Support

Sounds like a good answer

“Partly because it is in the interest of my people to have a safe and prosperous neighbourhood, but also because it bothers me to see misery and pain where there could be prosperity and development instead.” You answered him.

Magistrate Burnside listened and nodded a few times.

“If that is the case, I will allow you to pursue a more diplomatic solution. If you can get the bandits to agree to lay down their weapons and return to civilization, Hillsbrad will allow it.” He said to you.

“Thank you Magistrate Burnside. I will do my best.” You said and stood up.

“Prince Alric, I hope you succeed. Unnecessary bloodshed should be avoided.” Burnside said back to you and stood up and bowed.

With a nod you excused yourself and left his study.

…

As you walked downstairs you saw Baron Haart in the lobby of the town hall. Before you could exit the town hall, he stopped you by carefully putting himself between you and the door.

“Prince Alric.” He called you. “I heard you were talking with Magistrate Burnside.”

“That is correct Baron Haart.” You answered him and gave him a smile.

“May I ask what you talk to him about?”


>Tell him that Magistrate Burnside allowed you to try to accomplish a diplomatic result to the issues.
>Tell him that it was just a meeting to talk about what you had learned recently.
>Tell him that you just had some questions to ask him, nothing serious.
>The discussion was between you and Magistrate Burnside, it doesn’t concern Baron Haart.
>Other, write in.

>>4976412
>Tell him that it was just a meeting to talk about what you had learned recently.

>>4976412
>>Tell him that it was just a meeting to talk about what you had learned recently.

>>4976412

>Tell him it was a meeting to talk about what you had learned recently.
without the 'just' it's technically true

the problem is how the baron will react. If we could get him to see value in resolving the problem with diplomacy and sort of pardon and commitment towards a more inclusive development that would be ideal.
If he decides to take advantage of the talks to swoop down with his goons as the bandits disarm, that would be a disaster as we'd have to choose between accept complicity or raise hand against a noble and his men which would amount to very good casus belli against us.

On the other hand if we tell him now what we're about to do it might well spur him to accelerate his plan or it might get him to try and organize the aforementioned ambush in the first place.

So it comes down whether we want to get him to accept our idea is beneficial for him as well in the long run, or try to go around him entirely and hope the negotiation can go through to the point where he or other nobles can't do anything to intervene without crossing Burnside openly.

Personally I think it's less risky to be forthright with the baron than to try to go around him.
>Tell him that we want to help Magistrate achieve a peaceful solution that will preserve lives and create goodwill

Additionally I think we should
>Send one of the knights from our escort to get Raleigh to come over to serve as moral authority over the negotiation and guarantor of just conduct of everyone involved (and witness on behalf of Silver Hand that would testify if the nobles tried something dishonourable)
if it's possible to get him to arrive before we arrange a meeting with the bandits. It would be nice if we could benefit from his role as the paladins' emissary for once.

>>4976412
>>Tell him that Magistrate Burnside allowed you to try to accomplish a diplomatic result to the issues.

>>4976412
>The discussion was between you and Magistrate Burnside, it doesn’t concern Baron Haart.

A violent resolution would benefit Haart alot more than a peaceful one, he gains prestige and more power, and legitimacy. Failing that he losses out more without fighting along with the support of the aristocrats.

>>4976455
Support

We really do need Raleigh down here as fast as possible so as to avoid any "misunderstandings" from Burnside.

“We discussed what I had learned recently. Outside of that we didn’t talk that much.” You said to him.

“I see.” He said back to you. “I presume you have learned a lot.”

“That is correct Baron Haart.”

You felt that Baron Haart accepted your answer, but that he knows that you know more than you are saying. But everyone here knows more than they are saying.

“But now Prince Alric, please excuse me. I have a meeting with the Magistrate.” Baron Haart said and bowed to you.

As you then walked out from the town hall, several ideas came to your mind. You could go visit the bandits now to explain what could be done and try to solve this diplomatically, but maybe you should send one of the knights to retrieve Raleigh the True. He is a paladin and they are respected across Lordaeron so he could have a good positive effect during the talks. It would take a few days for him to arrive here, but you don’t believe that anything is going to happen in the meantime.

Attempting diplomacy was going to happen, but should you just go and find the bandits or wait for Raleigh to arrive?


>Do not send a knight to get Raleigh, go and find the bandits immediately.
>Send a knight to get Raleigh, after he has arrived, then go and find the bandits.

>>4977044
>Send a knight to get Raleigh, after he has arrived, then go and find the bandits.

We need Raleigh here now. But getting him here as fast as possible may be the only hope there homeless folk have of not being murdered.

>>4977044
Hmm, a few days could mean trouble if the baron decides to preempt whatever he thinks we’re planning … still it should be worth it both as a moral authority himself and to deter other parties from trying something sinister. In the meantime we could get into contact with the bandit sympathizers and/or the landlords…

>Send a knight to get Raleigh, after he has arrived, then go and find the bandits.

>>4977044
>>Send a knight to get Raleigh, after he has arrived, then go and find the bandits.

>>4977044
>>Send a knight to get Raleigh, after he has arrived, then go and find the bandits.

>>4977044
>>Send a knight to get Raleigh, after he has arrived, then go and find the bandits.

Quite unanimous so give me a random event roll


>1d10
>Best three

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4977348

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4977348

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4977348

>10

You decided that the presence of Raleigh would be beneficial and getting him here would help you a lot. Going to the barracks, you found your knights there and you ordered Garth to carry a small letter back to Dawnholme and to the hands of Raleigh. You also wrote a quick letter to Normand Garside to explain what was going on and the possibility of a large group of people arriving there shortly.

Having finished the letters, you saw that Garth had enough food and water with him for the ride back home. He estimated that it could take maybe four or five days for the whole trip depending on the weather. You told Garth that it would be fine as long as he and Raleigh stay safe. When Garth left Hillsbrad, it was time for you to wait.

…

You had spent the days mostly sparring with your knights and the Hillsbrad Militia members who wanted to either challenge you or ended up as your sparring partners. As you stayed in Hillsbrad longer than just a few days without really explaining yourself, of course the locals and peasants started to have rumours about you. One was that you were here to purchase the whole town and you were just waiting for the gold shipment to arrive, some had said that you had heard how beautiful daughters the local nobles have and decided to find one to marry while one popular was that you weren’t actually Prince Alric, but an imposter trying to act as him.

Either way you found this all very amusing as the days went by without anything worth of note happening. You had tried to keep your ear close to the ground and find out if Baron Haart was doing anything or if Magistrate Burnside had made any decisions, but thankfully you hadn’t heard anything.

It was the late evening of the fourth day when Garth returned back to Hillsbrad with Raleigh the True. Because it was quite late, you decided to tell Raleigh everything, come next morning after the breakfast, then you could go and find the bandits. As you stood outside of the town hall and looked up at the starry sky, you knew big things could happen tomorrow.

1/2

>>4977635

You had explained to Raleigh the True the situation and what had been going on in Hillsbrad. He at first was sceptical of how he could help, but as you continued explaining the events, he saw his position in all this. Silver Hand has a lot of political weight in Lordaeron and what they say or promise will most likely happen.

You, Raleigh, Sir Gravis and the knights rode and entered the woods. The progress there was slow, but even if you wouldn’t find the bandits, you trusted that they would find you as you made a hell of a noise as you made your way through the woods.

After several hours of gruellingly slow riding through the woods, Raleigh heard something and raised his warhammer up as the signal to stop. The seven of you listened for a while for sounds before you gave a signal to continue forward. You only managed to ride forward for a few seconds until a whistling arrow hit the ground maybe dozen yards in front of you. You and the knights drew your weapons out of instinct and the knights spread next to you into a line.

“Stop right there Alteraci Prince.” A loud shout from ahead of you. “If you move, we will pepper you with arrows.”

“We won’t move, we want to talk with your leadership.” You shouted back and put your sword away.

“You want to talk? That is hard to believe.” A shout came back. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I want to solve the situation between you and Hillsbrad without bloodshed.”

There was no response for a moment, but then several dozen men carrying spears, axes and other assorted weapons came out from the bush and moved to face you. A man wearing chainmail and having wrapped his head in cloth stepped in front of them with a sword in hand.

“Now say again, what do you want to accomplish? Your lives depend on your answer.” The man said as his eyes studied all seven of you, especially you with your mountain lion pelt and Raleigh for his armour and insignia of Silver Hand.


>To get the bandits integrated back into Hillsbrad.
>Finding another place for the bandits to live away from Hillsbrad.
>To warn them that Baron Haart has been gathering troops and equipment to attack them.
>Other, write in.

>>4977641
>>To get the bandits integrated back into Hillsbrad.

>>4977641
>To get the bandits integrated back into Hillsbrad.

>>4977641
>To get the bandits integrated back into Hillsbrad.
>Finding another place for the bandits to live away from Hillsbrad.
>To warn them that Baron Haart has been gathering troops and equipment to attack them.

All three are important and they need to know that they are running out of time. They need to make peace with the law fast if they want to live past the next few weaks. And if they will not go back to Hillsbrad than there may be other places they can go to find work and homes for themselves and there family's.

>>4977641
>>To get the bandits integrated back into Hillsbrad.
But talking about the other things would be wise as well

>>4977641
>Since I have learned more about this situation I desire to stop it from turning into a confrontation that would lead to needless loss of life.
>What I want to accomplish is a peaceful hillsbrad and your people not having to live or die as outlaws. How exactly to achieve that is up to debate but I see several options, which makes the perspective of violence here even more tragic.

File: Forest Bandits.png (2.83 MB, 1884x834)

2.83 MB PNG

“I want to get you back to Hillsbrad peacefully.” You said to the man. “To allow you to leave these woods and go back to your homes.”

There was some chatter amongst the bandits and someone spoke to the leader of the group.

“Alright Alteraci Prince, you may come, but only because you have a Silver Hand paladin with you.” The leader said and continued. “Put your weapons away and follow me.”

…

The bandits escorted you through the woods by following a hidden path concealed within bushes. When you finally cleared the bushes, you found yourself in the middle of a camp made from tents and assorted small huts. Everyone stopped doing whatever they were doing and watched you ride through the camp. You noticed that there was a quite large number of women and children amongst the bandits and that most of the people there had quite ragged clothing.

The bandits guided you towards one larger tent and ordered you to dismount and leave the knights and your weapons behind. Only you and Raleigh could enter the tent. You sighed and said to Sir Gravis that it was okay as you dropped your sword belt on the ground and left your shield behind. If this was what the bandits wanted before they would talk, it was to be accepted.

When you entered the tent, there were several guards inside and a trio of men sitting in the middle of the tent on a large pelt. One of the three men was the bandit who had stopped you earlier, the one in the middle had a large leather hat and a beard and on his left was a man with a fur collar and very nice looking moustache.

“Prince Alric and paladin friend, please sit down.” Said the bearded bandit in the middle. You did as you were told and sat down with Raleigh. Only then the bandit would continue talking. “I am Lyion, on the right is Getz and on the left is Netherand. We three are the leaders of this group.”

“Pleasure to meet you Lyion, Getz and Netherand. I am Prince Alric Perenolde and this is Raleigh the True, a paladin of Silver Hand.” You greeted them with a small nod.

“The rumours of you being a polite young man weren’t incorrect.” Lyion said. “Neither were the ones that said that you are a brave man. Not everyone would walk into our camp unarmed.”

“Thank you, but I am not here to talk about my bravery.” You said in an attempt to ease the somewhat tense atmosphere.

“Yes, you are here attempting to get us back to Hillsbrad peacefully. I applaud your attempt, but you nobles are just the same. Only reason why we allow you to speak to us, is because you have a paladin of the Silver Hand with you.” Lyion said to you. “When you arrived at Hillsbrad, you and your knights attacked our people and killed several of them. Then we know that you have talked with Baron Haart who plans to destroy us and drive us away. How do we not know that you aren’t inseparable bedfellows or the moment you have left, he doesn’t just do it?”

1/2

>>4978463

It was true that getting them to agree would be difficult, but at least they were hearing you.

“And of course there is your last name to take into account, how could we trust a son of the Traitor King? So how it is, what will you do?” Lyion asked you.


>Apologize for attacking the bandits while in your opinion you didn’t do anything wrong.
>If any agreement is made, it will be a signed one and its legitimacy protected by Silver Hand.
>You can get them to live and work elsewhere, Hillsbrad is not the only place to go.
>It feels like they are too stubborn to agree to anything, just leave the place.
>Other, write in.

QM: Accidentally dropped my trip.

>>4978466
>If any agreement is made, it will be a signed one and its legitimacy protected by Silver Hand.
>You can get them to live and work elsewhere, Hillsbrad is not the only place to go (southshore or us)

>>4978466

>I am not my father, and although father's sins are often passed down to their children, I hope to be able to make up for them, for my people as well as for myself.
>And I am not in league with baron Haart. I would not have approached you to parley if I were.
>It is true I have attacked your men as I have seen them capture a trader. I regret their deaths now that I'm better informed of your circumstance, but that is a risk anyone has to face when taking up arms against another. I have had conflict with bandits before, ones that kill and abduct innocents.
>I understand why you would doubt the word of myself, the nobles or even the magistrate, that's why I asked sir Raleigh to accompany me...
(does he have some sort of title actually? It feels too casual to just call him Raleigh and kind of rude to refer to him just as a paladin)
>...even the baron and the magistrate will hesitate to pit his word against testimony of the folks backed by a paladin of the Silver Hand.
>This means magistrate Burnside should be good for his word in his offer to welcome you back to Hillsbrad.
>If that is not good enough for you, you can always go elsewhere - at least until things get even more bloody.

>>4978515

Raleigh actually is not knighted so he isn't a Sir. While being a paladin of Silver Hand, he is one of the more junior members of the organisation, but he is a capable fighter. Similarly the knights following Sir Gravis aren't knighted either, but they have the equipment and skills to act like one.

So while peasants might call Raleigh a Sir, there is no requirement for you to do so even if you wanted to be polite.

>>4978544
I see, thanks OP

So let’s go with just Raleigh then, or whatever you feel appropriate in the flow

>>4978466
>>If any agreement is made, it will be a signed one and its legitimacy protected by Silver Hand.

>>4978466
>>If any agreement is made, it will be a signed one and its legitimacy protected by Silver Hand.
>>You can get them to live and work elsewhere, Hillsbrad is not the only place to go (southshore or us)

>>4978515
Support

Humility and honesty will get us far when speaking to peasants.

“I am not my father and although father’s sins are often passed down to their children, I hope to be able to make up for them, for my own people as well as for myself.” You said to Lyion. “And I am not in league with Baron Haart. I wouldn’t have approached you if I was.”

The bandit leaders continued to listen to you carefully.

“It is true, I attacked your men as I arrived at Hillsbrad. And I now regret their deaths as I am better informed of your circumstances, but try to see the event from my eyes. Anyone who takes up arms against another is at the risk of dying. And my previous experience with bandits is the sort that kills and abducts innocents.”

You had a small pause in your speech as you gave a glance to Raleigh who was sitting next to you.

“With that said, I understand why you would doubt the word of myself, the nobles or even the Magistrate. And that is why I asked Raleigh the True to accompany me here. He is a paladin of Silver Hand and even the Baron or the Magistrate will hesitate to act against his word and against the testimony of the folks backed by him. If any agreement is made between you and Hillsbrad, it will be a signed one and protected by the Silver Hand. This means that Magistrate Burnside will have to be good for his word and Baron Haart must stay his hand.” You said to them and stared at Lyion. “And if that is not good enough for you, you can always go elsewhere. Be it Southshore or even Alterac.”

The bandit trio looked at each other and the one known as Netherand whispered something to Lyion.

“Thank you Prince Alric for speaking to us. If the two of you could excuse us, we have some talking to do.” Lyion said and stood up. You understood his intent and you stood up as well before heading out of the tent.

Maybe your speech had some effect on them.

...

You, Raleigh and the knights sat some distance away from the tent so you couldn’t hear what they were talking, but it had already been some time since you had left the tent. You were still surrounded by the bandit guards, but the tension had somewhat lessened as it was clear that you weren’t here to fight.

You didn’t talk that much, mainly because there wasn’t much to talk about as no real results had been made yet, but mostly because the guards gave you angry glances when some of you decided to talk.

You had noticed that the children were especially curious at trying to have a look at you, but when they tried to do so, the womenfolk drove them away.

Finally one of the bandits approached you and told you that the trio would like to talk.

1/3

>>4979189

When you got into the tent, all three bandits seemed really serious and their moods were bleak.

“Hillsbrad has been the home of our families just as long as the nobles have been here, if not even longer. Generations of our people have lived here and died here. Hillsbrad is our home and we want to return back there.” Lyion said and continued. “Prince Alric, we are ready to go back to Hillsbrad or elsewhere, but there are few demands.”

“What would they be?” You asked them.

“First the people you captured must be released, second we must have protection by the Silver Hand and the law of Lordaeron to prevent this from happening again and third is that Baron Haart must go.”

“Baron Haart must go?” You asked them again.

“Yes Prince Alric, we cannot trust Baron Haart at all and as long as he is here, we will live in fear. He must be incapable of acting against us be it him leaving Hillsbrad or his hands being literally tied.” Lyion said to you.

“The first two we can do, but the third will be more difficult. I am a Prince, but I do not have jurisdiction over the nobility of Lordaeron.” You said to him and continued. “And I do not believe Silver Hand can do that either without a really good reason.”

“Then getting us to return to Hillsbrad won’t happen. We will have to go elsewhere.” Lyion said to you and continued. “We will allow you to leave now to discuss these terms with the Magistrate.”

Lyion and the other bandits stood up and gave you a small bow which you responded with a nod. But when Raleigh had left the tent and you hadn’t yet, Lyion stopped you by grabbing your shoulder forcing you to face him.

“It is better for the paladin to not hear this.” He whispered to you. “We do not trust Baron Haart and that is where this all hinges on.”

“I understand that.” You said back to him and lifted his arm from your shoulder.

“You do not, for if you cannot get him to leave or have his hands tied, then he must be killed. Baron Haart must die.” Lyion said to you. “But now please leave, the people are getting anxious due to your presence.”

Lyion allowed you to leave. Next you collected your weapons and mounted your horses without issues. They even sent a small band of bandits to guide you away from their camp and back towards Hillsbrad. As you went through the woods and then through the fields, you had a lot to think about. Releasing the bandits should be easy, as would drafting a deal that ensures that the bandits are allowed to return and they can continue being farmers, but the issue was how would Magistrate Burnside and you deal with Baron Haart or could it even be possible?

If it can’t be done, then you need to find another place for the bandits to live in. When you get to Hillsbrad, you are going to have a meeting with the Magistrate and you have to decide a way to approach him. How it is done decides how the bandits future will look like.

2/3

>>4979190


>Attempt to push for removal of Baron Haart from the leadership of the Hillsbrad Militia. That should be enough to proverbially tie his hands. Without the troops, he cannot act.
>You don’t have a strong enough case against Baron Haart, but the rest of the deal can be prepared with Magistrate Burnside. Then you just have to find a case against Baron Haart.
>Removal of Baron Haart won’t happen, so the deal won’t happen either. You need to find a new place for the bandits to live.
>Other, write in.

>>4979191
>Other, write in.
Look for laws and dirt on Haart that he has violated so that the Magistrate can use as a reason to remove him.

>>4979191
>>You don’t have a strong enough case against Baron Haart, but the rest of the deal can be prepared with Magistrate Burnside. Then you just have to find a case against Baron Haart.
Well arranging the baron‘s death is off the table but perhaps we could find some material for book throwing at least. Some possible avenues of approach:
>hillsbrad archives – we could ask Burnside to give us access so we have some reference for preparing a trade agreement with hillsbrad and ‚coincidentally‘ see if we find something questionable we could use to neutralize Haart
>shopping at blacksmith could give us chance to talk with the bandit sympathizers
>trying to socialize with the other nobles in area in hopes of finding a rival of Haart‘s to make a deal with

Regardless we are treading a dangerous line here so we should not push it too much, better to arrange relocation for the rebels than to get caught in open confrontation with Lordaeron‘s nobility.

One elegant solution could be if we could come up with a way to get Haart to move on his own volition, but for that we’d need to know of an opportunity do much more profitable and/or prestigious that he’d be willing to abandon what he has here to pursue it, or alternatively convince him his deal is at imminent risk of collapsing and he’d be better served in leaving now while he is ahead rather than take blame for the fall. Though the latter goes also against what we’ve been doing.

>>4979191
>>Other, write in.
A good solution would be to relocate the rebels to Southshore. The extra workforce we will bring should put us in the magistrates good graces again

>>4979191
>>You don’t have a strong enough case against Baron Haart, but the rest of the deal can be prepared with Magistrate Burnside. Then you just have to find a case against Baron Haart.

>>4979191
>>4979217
Support. We really don't want to make an enemy with the baron. We will never be able to fulfill our goal of taking back Alterac if the nobles oppose us.

>>4979330
Not unless we have even more powerful allies, like emancipated Orcs and Ogre Mercenaries.

As an aside, I say we hire a Hunter or Druid to check around the area and take note of the local wildlife, flora, and humanoids native to the area.

Extremely busy today, updates tomorrow.

>>4980247
Np

bump so it isn't forgotten by tomorrow

File: Raleigh the True.jpg (70 KB, 491x957)

70 KB JPG

“Prince Alric, may I speak?” Asked Raleigh after he rode next to you.

“You may Raleigh, what do you have to say?”

“Sire, you brought me to witness quite a big problem, but I think we can find the solution to this.” He said to you. “While I do not like that I was mostly just an insurance to allow the talks to happen, it was the right thing to do. It is a good thing to help them.”

“I did not expect to end up solving problems like this when I left for this trip, but as you said, it is a good thing to do or at least try.” You said to Raleigh.

“Sire, what is our plan next?” He asked you.

“The deal hinges on Baron Haart not having the power to deal with the bandits and we do not have the leverage to remove that power.” You told him. “We can prepare the rest of the deal and find something to use against the Baron.”

“While I am not a friend of politics, I will do my best to help you.” Raleigh then said to you.

…

You and Raleigh continued to talk about the situation. Ideas were exchanged, details about how the written deal should be done and how to present this to Magistrate Burnside. So when you had the meeting, you could impress and help get your point through.

Reaching Hillsbrad went without any issues and when you rode into the town, a guard came to greet and meet you immediately. Magistrate Burnside knew that you wanted to talk with him when you returned from the meeting. So immediately after you had gotten your horse into the stables, you and Raleigh went to see the Magistrate.

1/2

>>4981488

“Prince Alric and Raleigh the True.” Magistrate Burnside said to you. “How did the meeting with the bandits go?”

“They are willing to return, but there are few demands.” You said to him. “Firstly they want the bandits I caught to be freed.”

“That can be done, we have talked with the trader and he recovered his goods and doesn’t really want anything bad to happen to them.” Burnside said back to you.

“Secondly they want the deal in written form, signed by all parties and protected by the Silver Hand. They want the protection of the law so that they are allowed to return and they aren’t disturbed later on.”

“A deal like that can be written yes. Both demands do sound doable.” Burnside mused. “I do have some ideas for what work to get them.”

You decided to not tell him about Baron Haart and that the bandits want him gone. It could cause the Magistrate to speak to the Baron, which could mean that the chance to remove him is gone.

“Magistrate, that is very good to hear. The bandits are waiting for the response, but they know that it will take a few days to finish it.” You said to him.

“Then we will do that. I will prepare the text and allow Raleigh to look through it and make sure that it has the blessing of the Silver Hand.” Burnside said to which Raleigh nodded.

Now just you had to find something to get Baron Haart get his hands proverbially tied up. If that fails, then get them to move to Southshore.


Choose one as you have limited time:
>Go find the bandit sympathizing blacksmith's apprentice, see if he has something that could be useful.
>The archive in the town hall might end up being useful if you could find leads or something damning from there, but it is a big archive.
>Go see Baron Haart and try to get something out of him that could help your case.

>>4981490
>>Go find the bandit sympathizing blacksmith's apprentice, see if he has something that could be useful.

>>4981490
>>The archive in the town hall might end up being useful if you could find leads or something damning from there, but it is a big archive.
This feels like it holds most promise. If we do find something it will be tangible and credible enough to be brought to Haart's peers (though obviously not by us - we'll have to hand this to silver hand or find someone else)

Although we must have eyes open for any opportunity...

>>4981490
>>The archive in the town hall might end up being useful if you could find leads or something damning from there, but it is a big archive.

Check for a book on the native Flora and Fauna of Alterac.

The archive was the place for you to go to look. It was this large room with multiple bookshelves and chests with all sorts of books and scrolls. Finding anything useful from the place would be difficult. You did have some idea where to start searching, ledgers regarding military spending, the deployment of the militia. Baron Haart was the commander of the militia and that could be the key in all this.

Thankfully the clerk in charge of the archive was really helpful and soon you had piles of ledgers and scrolls in front of you. Now you just have to start reading.

…

The day had turned into evening and you hadn’t found much at all. Cross checking the ledgers didn’t show any irregularities or anything else strange. When you nearly fell asleep on the desk, you had to retire for the night and think of a new avenue of approach for the next day.

After having slept through the night and having eaten a quick breakfast, you went back into work. The clerk had brought a few more books and scrolls to you and you started to read them too.

Finally in the afternoon you thought you were on to something. The number of men listed in the sheets that are part of the militia and the equipment number listed to be in the armoury didn’t match with the number of arms and armour ordered for the militia. While it is not uncommon for you to have some excess gear in storage, not this much. The amount of ordered arms and armour could be used to arm the militia three times over the currently needed number.

Making quick notes, you decided to visit the armoury of Hillsbrad to see the numbers yourself. Going there with a bunch of scrolls under your arm got some glances from the guards and inside the armoury the quartermaster at first didn’t want to cooperate so you pulled the ‘I am a prince so step aside’ card and in the end got the access to their ledgers.

In the armoury it was very clear that the reported number of arms and armour bought was way above the number in use or stored here. You finally had something to be used against Baron Haart, but will this be enough? You had the purchase papers that he had signed, but what if there was just a mistake in them? Would this be enough?


>Go present the findings to Magistrate Burnside, attempt to get Baron Haart removed from his post as the militia commander.
>Go to the blacksmith who had made most of the arms and armour, see what he has to say about this?
>Go see Baron Haart and try to get something out of him that could help your case.
>Other, write in.

>>4982666
>>Go to the blacksmith who had made most of the arms and armour, see what he has to say about this?

>>4982666
Let’s see the blacksmith

And that’s why due dilligence is a thing…

>>4982666
>>Go to the blacksmith who had made most of the arms and armour, see what he has to say about this?

>>4982666
I suggest research on the plants, animals, and humanoid and elemental inhabitants of Alterac. If we don't know what the region is like, how will we be able to prepare for retaking it?

>>4983197
>I suggest research on the plants, animals, and humanoid and elemental inhabitants of Alterac. If we don't know what the region is like, how will we be able to prepare for retaking it?

It is our native homeland. We probably already know.

>>4983203
We were raised elsewhere when our father sided with Doomhammer and got the nation destroyed, right?

>>4983238
Yes, but we probably already have books about Alterac at Dawnholme. Not to mention we have people like Garside and Rover who were adults when Alterac fell.

>>4983252
I feel we should check them out soon, so that the advisors (posters on this thread) can better make advice in the future regarding crops, hunting, alliances, diplomacy, and local natural resources.

You needed more than what you had now. The papers and the proof from the armoury is a good start, but you had to search this more thoroughly. The blacksmith of Hillsbrad was the one that had made all the equipment ordered so going to talk to him would be a natural progression in your investigation.

The blacksmith wasn’t that far away from the armoury and you made your way there with your papers easily and found the blacksmith with his apprentices making some horseshoes.

“Master blacksmith, I have some questions to ask from you.” You said to him as he was supervising the work.

“Yes my lord, what do you want to ask?” He asked you after giving a deep bow.

“There are some strange differences in the papers regarding the equipment you have produced for the militia.” You said to the blacksmith.

“My lord I do not understand?”

“The number of equipment ordered by the militia and delivered to the armoury or being in use doesn’t match. I would like to know if you would have any proof that the numbers ordered are equal to the number produced?”

The blacksmith stopped for a moment like he didn’t expect you to ask that question.

“Yes my lord, we have the documentation in our office.” He said after hesitating a bit. “I can go and get them for you.”

“That isn’t needed master blacksmith, I can look for them myself.” You said to him.

“Understood my lord, please follow me to the office.” He said to you and forced a smile.

The blacksmith guided you to the office and showed where the paperwork was kept. As you started perusing your way through the papers, the blacksmith left for a moment before coming back to watch over your back as you worked. His presence was annoying, but you didn’t let him disturb you that much as you worked your way through the ledgers and scrolls.

Finally after a moment of work, you found what you wanted. A ledger with all the order numbers and produced arms and armour to match them. From this book you quickly saw that the number of equipment ordered by the militia matched the number the blacksmith had produced. The blacksmith had done thorough work and very accurately wrote down the dates of equipment finished, the number of them and when they had been picked up. The signature of the person who had picked up the gear was a familiar one and with some quick checking it you found who the person was. He was the quartermaster of the armoury.

It was now clear what had been going on. Baron Haart had been ordering large quantities of arms and armour for the militia with the funds of Hillsbrad, the blacksmith had produced them and the quartermaster had come to pick them up, but before they were stored in the armoury, the arms and armour had disappeared.

1/2

>>4984265

“I will be taking these ledgers with me.” You said as you stood up. “Don’t worry, these will be returned in one piece.”

As you turned around, you saw that the blacksmith was holding a small dagger in his right hand. The man was trembling as you stood still with the stack of papers, ledgers and scrolls on your lap. At that point you cursed in your mind that you had left your sword foolishly into your room and hadn’t taken any of your escorting knights with you. You had your rondel dagger and you were confident in your skills if this devolves into a fight.

“My lord, please leave all the papers on the table and leave this place.” The blacksmith said to you and lifted the dagger.


>Try to talk your way out of this, the blacksmith had made a huge mistake lifting a blade against a prince, but it is not too late to stand down.
>Throw the papers at the blacksmith and then wrestle the man down to disarm him.
>Draw your own dagger and fight your way out if you have to.
>Other, write in.