Theold's eyes widen at the mention of being granted land, a small town nontheless!
He bows again, placing his fist on his chest: "My lord, I am ever greatful and I won't disappoint you." Reading the papers carefully he seems to quietly mouth the words he reads, at least until he realizes he's doing it and presses his lips together. Keeping the papers save he was about to ask something else when others came to his attention. He bows and raises his cup as sign of respect but watched the short woman. "Theold Falke of Stonewall though now I'll have to rethink my title."

“Should you find yourself needing any insights into trade with your western neighbours “, offered the halfling merchant, “I would be happy to speak. Fort Drelev and Wyvernbridge are well-known to me.”

He thought for a moment, then smiled, “And though my cousin would chastise me for saying, I might even be interested in running trade out of West Gate in due course”

This hall seem like a hot spot for the vertically challenged, as Drezin enters as well. Granted, the Dwarf was not quite as short as Tic, miss Primrose or the good mr Cotton, but he was still shorter than a man. He carried himself well though, a sort of humble dignity exudes from the blonde dwarf.

His hair is long but beard kept fairly short for a dwarf, although both hair and beard are braided and adorned with numerous rings, a common symbol of Torag. The rustle of the metal in his armor and the sound of heavy boots means that his entrance is by no means subtle, nor would he necessary wish it to be. He has no foes in this hall.

"Hail, my Lords and Lady." Each of the company present receives a nod in turn. He was glad to see gnomes, although a little eccentric at times Drezin had always found them to be good company.
"Your sister sends her regards, Lord Henri, although it has been some time since we spoke, so perhaps those regards are past their due-date by now. I suppose that wasn't why you invited me here?" His voice was less gruff than one would imagine, more firm and with a slight regal tone, although with an unmistakably dwarven accent.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Mon 07 Nov 2022.

Henry smiles lightly as the Dwarf enters, ”Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Drezin al Golka, freshly in from Brundeston.  I thank you for your message, Drezin.  While my sister often sends a letter, they tend to be as terse a greeting that she sends with you.   Mind you, she was always like that.  However, the invitation to join us was purely social.  Theold, Tobias and yourself -  have all arrived about the same time, and I thought that you might wish to get to know each other.  After all, I doubt that any of you have made that many friends or contacts in this part of the world yet.”

This time he smiles more broadly, ”And, I suspected that if I let the word get a round, a few of these reprobates would turn up as well.” He waves his hand to encompass the others who have joined them, although the smile takes any sting out of his words.

”So take a seat, help yourself to some tea, and relax somewhat.”


Feel free to chat amongst yourselves and get to know each other(that counts for new and longer standing characters).  You never know, you might make useful contacts.  Henry is still here for conversation – but he can only talk in one conversation …

"If I may Master Tobias, I believe you mentioned building a jetty, I do believe Lord Domitius was looking for an investor to build one at his new settlement on Lake Silverstep.  If you wish I could introduce you to him when he returns." Toc said fidgeting at his eyepatch which appears to have somehow switched from his left to his right eye.

"Also welcome to you Master Drezin,  am sure old Hargrym will be delighted to meet another Dwaf here in Midmarch."

"Of course, Mister ...?" and Tobias smiled welcomingly at the as-yet-unintroduced halfling, "As I mentioned to Lord Henry, I have yet to determine where Lilycotton Holdings will establish themselves"

"Of course", he added, "I would be looking to establish a full trading station."

He inclined his head to the dwarf, addressed him in flawless dwarvish "Honour to your clan, Master al Golka"

Theold had kept to himself and watched the scene unfold in front of him, occastionally drinking from his cup he didn't know what to make of these people of their ways. With one big gulp he finishes most of his drink and stands up from the chair and starts to mingle. Starting with the newcomer. "Well met master Dwarf, I am Theold of St.. Westgate. I am still getting used to my new titel." His voice is strong and to the point without being gruff.

Tugging a forelock "Sorry, where are my manners Tic Hucklebuckle of the Restovian Hucklebuckles.  I mostly work as a scout for the Winter Sun Merchant coster but I'm Lord Domitius man since the time he and his men rescued us from Chellaxian slavers." he smiles at the other halfling.

"Of the Restovian Hucklebuckles", echoed Tobias, the faintest hint of a question in his tone. He paused, for a moment, "Lord Domitius is a good man; I cannot abide slavery, and the Chellaxian are the most of such a sort"

Drezin did not hesitate to take Henry's advice, and took his seat and poured a cup of tea. The greetings from the others were repaid with a smile, and a special nod of acknowledgement to Mr Cotton for the dwarven greeting.

Much of the on-going conversations' context were a bit lost on him. Perhaps he was still fatigued from his travel, even though it had been relatively comfortable accompanying Lord Henry's caravan.

"Congratulations on your new title." he said to Theold, for at least this he could track. "May your rule be a wise one."

Theold smiles and takes a second to look around the room before turning his attention to the dwarf once more. “Are you here on business or is there another reason?

"Aye he is a good man, a little fiery at times but then he is the First Swordlord of Southern region." Tic says with a smile.  "I'll send him a letter of introduction for you, between us well I think he would be happy to help us small folk."

Henry looks across towards Drezin, to hear the answer to Theold's question.  He is always interested in what is going on in Midmarch and  the rest of The Southern Region.

He nods as he sees the halflings and gnome talking, unsurprised that those of the small races are sticking together.  But Tic's suggestion of an introduction to Dom, gives him an idea.  "Drezin.  I could do the same for you.  Would you like a letter of introduction to some of the other Dwarves in the region?"

OOC:  Theold -  not trying to cut you out of the conversation, just trying to give Drezin some options.

Theold looks at Viscount Henry and listens to his generous offer. He himself turns to him after Drezin answered him. "A generous offer my lord. If I may ask, what were your original plans for Westgate? Of course I'll have to see it for myself first before I can make any grand plans but it would undoubtly be useful to hear the opinion of someone as successful as you are."

It's all right. I hope you don't mind me addressing Henry, while I'm waiting I might get some more info.

”Plans for Westgate?” Henry pauses for a moment, and he thinks  back over the history of the town. ”Westgate was originally built to act as the western gateway to Midmarch, along with east gate, on the other side of our holdings, over by the pass that leads to Varnhold.  Neither were intended to be strong defence points, but more of an early warning system.  Since then, we have claimed the land out as far as Wyvern Bridge and started developing across the land between, to take advantage of the fertile, and flat, land there.  So the focus for Westgate changed, to become a safe stopping place on the road between Newgate and Wyvern Bridge.  That section of the road leaves Oston, and has two simple stops before it reaches Westgate, and passes perilously close to the Fey Enclave in the Narlemarch.  Westgate is the first good stopping point, which is why DELEM built a town base there.”

He pauses for a sip of his drink and, perhaps, to collect his thoughts, before he continues.  ”So it meets all of the objectives that I had for the town.  I think, if I were in your position, I  would start by getting to know the town and then go about making it into a home for myself and my family.  But then, I am a married man with children.” the Viscount smiles at his own ‘family man’ status, and the fact that he has heirs to inherit the fruits of his hard work.  One way or another, Henry’s family will not want for anything in the next few generations.  His family holdings are spread wide, and are still expanding into new areas.
”I think, with its position in the rich plains, I would try and develop Westgate as an agricultural market town.  There is plenty of land for expansion, which means  you could have a lot of farms to grow the corn, and other crops, that both Midmarch and Tusk  need.  I suspect that you could have enough corn  to develop a fairly self-contained brewing economy, first with ales, and then, Perhaps, with some whiskey.  While the schnapps that The Roth’s make is very palatable, nothing beats a decent whiskey.”

Henry grins again, perhaps savouring the imaginary taste of a decent, locally brewed, whiskey.

OOC:  No problem.  Henry is there to talk to,  as is Brother Bart -  a Priest of Pharasma.

Those development plans are a suggestion – and the first one that came to mind.  Westgate does have fertile land, it would be good for farms.  Grain is always important, and the main by-product of grain is beer and whiskey.  And, just as importantly, can be realised as a self-contained growth plan.  Farms are part of the strategy that I use to develop Newgate on Henry’s behalf.  *shrug*  There are other ways of development that work just as well, Marik has based his holdings on controlling the Metal and Ore supplies in the region.  Safiya built a pair of canals that link Tusk and Restov via the Shrike River.  Cass is a big player in the Hospitality field, while Dom has built up WSM (a merchant house) to fund his holding's development.

What ever you choose, you will still want to encourage external investors if you can.  Tusk and, to a lesser extent, Wyvern Bridge are the fastest growing settlements, and they both rely on external investors for that growth.

Listening with interest and nodding along, Theold's head quickly becomes heavy and sleepy. Shaking his head a little and reaching around for his drink, he takes a deep gulp and nods "My lord Henry, is there blood of the fey or dragons in your family?" He asks, half seriously "I was thinking about taking a good look around the area and to see if its viable for some good whiskey production. Clearly some sort of precognition ability must run in your family." He laughs and bows his head. "From what I've read on this document of yours, it seems to be perfect for agriculture. Perhaps I could interest you into investing some of your coinage into a brewery? Or better yet using your contacts to get some of the old barrels into the hopefully newly build brewery."
Tapping his chin with his finger he thinks about it for a moment and talks to himself more than to the Viscount. "Indeed, some barrels from my old neighbors might be just what I could use to make some good whiskey here. Though I'm gonna have to increase the guard and..." He trails off as he is seemingly deep in thought.

Ha, I was having the same thought. Originally I wanted to focus on sheep but since the area is rather flat I was thinking exactly the same. Perhaps I should get some dwarves to brew their beer and keep another half for Whiskey

Henry notices the nodding head, and smiles.  Either Theold has had too much whiskey already, or he is talking tofor too long.  Still, the young man would soon find out that if he asked a question, he was liable to get a full answer.

"You might try the Roths.  They seem to have the brewing trade tied up.  You can probably find them at their Inn, The Dragon's Den, here in Tusk.  Or Lord Cass, of Silverton, has expressed an interest in brewing.  Although Cass is a busy man, he is Lord Mayor of Tusk as well."

"Very kind", mumbled Tobias softly, to Tic's offer of an introduction, "Very kind, indeed."

Although he had half an ear on his fellow halfling and half on the matters of trade Lord Henry was speaking to the new Lord of West Gate on, his wits were sharp and he spoke softly to Tic, "Lord Henry mentioned that the Lord Domitius was exploring Lake Silverstep presently. Do you know more as to what he has found, or hopes too?"

Drezin nods in response to Henry. "That would be most excellent, Lord Henry. I am always looking to maintain contact with as many of my people as possible, that is part of why I am out here."

To Theold he responds: "Aye, a bit of both I suppose. Although the Stolen Lands have had some order restored to it, it has long been a lawless and fickle place. I am traveling to different areas, seeing what different people have recorded of it's history." He takes another sip of his tea. "It is my hope to find some clue of lost dwarven history, and to get as complete a picture of the current state of affairs as I can."

Brother Bart writes the letter, as Henry speaks, "Lutz, of Clan Stigmar , is allied to Lord Marik, while Valguard, who runs the mines at Ironkeep is also associated with Lord Marik.  Hargrym, of Clan Silverhammer is allied to Lord Domitius, and runs a number of businesses for him. Gandred is the bailiff at Ringbridge, the holding of Lord Cyrus. I think those are the most influential Dwarves in the region ..."

Henry pauses for a moment, to see if Brother Bart adds anything, then, when the letter is passed to him without further additions, he signs it and passes it over to Drezin.

A servant come in with a note, that is first passed to Brother Bart, and then to Lord Henry, who read it while sitting at the table.  After a moment’s reflect, he smiles slightly, and gathers the three newcomers together with his eyes.  ” And this would appear to be your first chance to do something in this new land of ours.  There have been reports of a madman living somewhere in the woods west of Reedham, who has been waylaying travellers.  Not that are many that pass though that area on legitimate business, but there are certainly a few hunters and trappers that will use the area.  I can appoint you three as Deputies of the Order, and you could go and sort it out.  That would certainly help to get you established.  I suppose that it would be a ferry to Reedham, and then on foot overland from there …”

OOC:  I’ll start a new thread for the adventure -  but you can ask a few questions in here, if you like. The private conversations, etc, can continue while you are off adventuring.

"Of course, Lord Henry", demurred Tobias instinctively, though his eyes widened as it struck home how personally involved he would need to be here on the frontier.

"Dangerous business, stepping out one's front door", he murmurred softly to Tic, "Or so my Uncle used to say"

Reaching for a smile, he addressed the Viscount Midmarch more carefully and clearly, "Does his Lordship have any steer for how the matter is handled? In Fort Drelev, folks were quite free with club and blade in recent days, but I understand different lords call for different measures..."

In reply to Tobias Cotton (msg # 29):

"Well as far as I know the plan was to look for a spot on the lake where they can found a settlement with easy access to the Gudrin river, I have heard that there is good fishing in the lake. he scratches his chin "I heard down at the docks there is a nixie that lives in the lake, they say she guards a palace filled with treasure, pearls gold and gems.  I also heard tell she is waiting for her true love. he shrugs "If you believe in that sort of thing."

Henry smiles thinly.  "My charter says I need to clear this land and make the southern borders of Brevoy safe, and since I have been here, I have ordered executions and brandings to help me fulfil those duties." But then he continues, "I have chosen to keep  the land we have cleared safe, by settling and imposing a judicial system, which has made the lands safer and means I can be less 'finite' in my judgements.  BUT, you should note that we don't have any long term prisons in either Tusk or Midmarch.  Lock-ups, yes.  Prisoners that I have to feed and care for, no."  He lets the consequences of that policy sink in for a moment, while he takes a sip from his cup.

"However, that area I am sending you to is just outside our border, and therefore just outside the southern border of Brevoy.  It is not subject to the normal laws of either Southern Region or Brevoy as a whole. By making you deputies of the order, I have given you authority to deal with the matter as you see fit.  In the process you will be acting for me, to carry out my charter duties of making that area safe and no threat to our citizens."

Tusk and Midmarch appear to be well run, with no public fear of bad or inhumane treatment -  but there is clearly a steel behind Henry's urbane exterior.

"Those clarifications are helpful, Lord Henry", nodded the halfling merchant, pleased at what he was hearing. Law and predictability made for a solid backbone for commerce. Within that in mind he addressed the unspoken subtext of the Lord's remarks, "We will be certain our actions reflect justly on you"

Laughing a little at Tic's report, he retorted back, "Underwater palaces and treasure beyond measure, I can stomach. But true love, that is preposterous"

Perhaps a little more soberly, he continued, "Those folk I bring with me are familiar with the lakes and the rivers; perhaps we might be of some small help with the nixie"