2.1 Chapter 1: Into the Stolen Lands

"Glory of coarse! The Stag Lord is a big bad bandit king. These guy always know how to fight. Taking a chump like him down is the kinda stuff that gets you noticed by Gorum" Amiri bellows with satisfaction

"... and a kingdom." Tartuccio bravely interjects as he stares at his empty wine glass "Lord Jamandi Aldori will issue a charter to anyone that clears the Stolen Lands from bandits"

"eh ... which will of coarse be me, Tactuccio the great and natural leader!"

Amiri whirl around to loom over Tartuccio and rants "Yeah yeah, a great chief. Yet you are sitting here doing nothing while the warband is keen to go hunting."

With a bright smile, limited by the scar on Amiri face, the barbarian says "A real leader takes actions ..." before grabbing the gnomes cape and dragging him to door.

"No tricks this time, the oxen in this city are a bit weak anyway"

Perturbed the gnome protests "Hey, stop it. We are on our way anyway. Your wrinkling it. A little help"

Meanwhile, an unassuming greybearded dwarf had entered the tavern from the backrooms and slowly dropping off the key to the bartender. In monotone voice he says "Easy now, there is no need to rush to the end. It will come eventually."

He sighs "I know of this bounty you speak of, I can lead you there now without the need for violence"

With that the dwarf starts plotting off.

"Ohhh, eat the rich" the little leshy say innocently

Following the dwarf, who eventually introduces himself as Harrim everyone make it to an impressive hilltop manor, with hardly any violence.

A cobblestone path, bordered by regal oak trees and well-manicured hedges, winds its way up the hill for nearly a mile, past a two-story guard barracks, the stables, and a dozen thatched-roof cottages that house the families of the manor’s servants and retainers. The manor itself is a sprawling, three-story structure constructed of light gray mortared stone, surrounded by hedge-lined rose gardens and ancient oak trees.

The guards let you in without issue, or deference to Tartuccio. There are many hero's here for Lady Jamandi’s "Call for Heros", and the feast has already started. You are quickly rushed to the Manor's east room and issued sparta quarters with four beds. Amiri, Harrim, and Tuctuccio are given different quarters.

You arrive to the feast just in time to hear Lady Jamandi giving a speech

A striking half-elf woman enters the hall, followed by an aristocratic, middle-aged human man. The man wears finely tailored clothing, fit for a noble, while the woman appears dressed for battle. She wears a fine leather coat over a sparkling mail shirt, and at her waist hangs an Aldori dueling sword with a bright silver pommel. The two make their way to the head table, where they remain standing.

The man speaks first. "Greetings, heroes! I am Ioseph Sellemius, lord mayor of Restov. And this," he gestures to the woman beside him, "is Lady Jamandi Aldori. We both thank you for answering her call for heroes. You may be few, but we need only the best for this great task."

Lady Jamandi offers the room a broad smile before she speaks. "South of here, beyond Brevoy’s border, lie the Stolen Lands. This disputed territory has been claimed time and again by would-be settlers, but because the area has been a haven for bandits and monsters, it has never been held for long. Restov intends for this to change."

"If you have enough courage to drive off the dangerous denizens of the Stolen Lands, you can seize territory for yourselves and name yourselves baronesses or barons. Restov intends to recognize the legitimacy of the new rulers of this land, and none of the other neighboring realms care enough to challenge you. We are prepared to provide backing as a trade partner and military ally. If you claim the land, you will have my—indeed, all of Restov’s— support!"

Lady Jamandi raises her goblet. "But the details of your individual missions and charters into the Stolen Lands can wait. I raise my glass to you, brave heroes! For now, let us eat and enjoy the evening. Tomorrow promises to be a very busy day."