2.1 Chapter 1: Into the Stolen Lands

Seeing the heros up and about one of the house lieutenants, Ivenzi if you recall, orders servants and guards to assist the group. They haul in chests of gear and assist with done of armor.

"Also, check if the fifth one is up, the bright haired gnome" the lieutenant asks a healer. "Speeches are starting soon"

A squeaky voice mumbles "I'm awake"

Tartuccio whips off his blankets, revealing that he is somehow already dressed and groomed. "Lets go, MY destiny awaits!"

He quickly leaps out of bed and strides off. Servants and guards in tow

That's not our gnome. I'll find Tassle before I head out.

I appreciate and love all the gnomes.

The nearby staff has not seen anyone close to Tassle’s description. As best you can tell, she is not in this part of the manor

Dalia sighs, and dutifully makes inquiries about our loud little gnome. ( as the replacement that has appeared is sub par)

It’s shocking how quickly Lady Jamandi’s staff have restored the manor’s Great Hall in the space of a few morning hours. Very few signs of the violence of the night before remain, and things have been mostly returned to normal. One thing to note is that the manor is still in lockdown, armed stressed guards prevent free wandering the halls.

Lieutenant Ivenzi assure everyone that "Only House Aldori are allowed to go to the West Wing. The Manor has been thoroughly swept for hidden traitors and spies. I am sure your friend is already with the other adventurers.

"Excellent" Lieutenant Ivenzi exclaims as he directs armed guards to escort you to Lady Aldori.

The heros are brought to the great hall that is filled with adventurers who survived the assault or others who stayed outside. Some who had missed the feast entirely last night. The adventurers companion Tassle does not appear to be in the hall. Even with these newcomers, though, there are far fewer heroes in the hall than there were the previous evening, and the atmosphere is serious and somber as Lady Jamandi steps up to speak.

"I would like to thank those of you who helped defeat the Black Tears last night," Lady Jamandi begins. "It’s obvious someone doesn’t like our plans to settle the Stolen Lands. Well, we’re not so easily dissuaded, are we? I say no, and this morning, I would like to issue formal charters to all of you to begin exploring the Stolen Lands and make them safe for tomorrow’s settlers."

"The first charter we would like to bequeath goes to the group called the Iron Wraiths," she states, with a wave towards a band of four well-armored adventurers. "The tales of your adventures have thrilled many Brevic nobles, and I’m excited to see what you can do with the exploration of the Glenebon Uplands. Your charter is to establish a base for Brevoy there after dealing with the Tiger Lords and then to open diplomatic relations with Pitax from a point of strength."

The Iron Wraiths make their way up to Lady Jamandi and she gives them their charters. As they leave the room and pass the table when Octavius, Seline, Ralf, and Dalia are seated one whispers. "Hey, ‘heroes,’ don’t forget to bring your stuffed animals so you don’t get scared."

The lady continues

"Baron Hannis Drelev, as per our previous discussions, your charter is one of specific importance for Brevoy. Securing the southern trade routes along the East Sellen River and establishing a base for merchant caravans and barges alike is of utmost importance! Hooktongue Slough will be your base of operations."

A dour-looking nobleman takes his charter from Lady Jamandi with a crisp bow that’s barely more than a nod, then walks from the room. He has a slight sneer on his face and does not talk to anyone.

"Maegar Varn, your father Androth has long been a faithful friend. Your charter assigns you to Nomen Heights to establish a town with the Varnling Host. In time, we hope to establish an Aldori dueling school there, but in the more immediate future, we ask you to broker an alliance with the Nomen centaurs who roam the region. I trust you and your fellows are up to the task!"

Maegar Varn walks up to accept his charter from Lady Jamandi. As he leaves the Great Hall, he passes by the Octavius’ table and smiles at them. "Once you get established, I would love to have you come visit so we can set up trade relations. Good luck!" With a swish of his cape, he turns and leaves.

"And last, but certainly not least, last night’s heroes. First, I want to thank you again for risking your lives to help defend my manor. The courage, gumption, and skill you displayed will take you far, I suspect! For your charters, we’re asking you to travel to the southwest into the region known as the Greenbelt, a swath of wildlands that includes the forest known as the Narlmarches and the hill country of the Kamelands. We’ve heard that the bandits have grown particularly aggressive in the Greenbelt, and they need to be stopped before anyone safely settles in the region. A small trading post in the Rostland hinterlands has been particularly hard hit—I suggest starting there. Once the bandits have been dealt with, we will be ready to bequeath to you more permanent charters to settle the land and establish a government of your own!"

Lady Jamandi hands each of the remaining adventurers copies of the same charter. Tartuccio is the most vocal of the group and brags "I’ll have my own kingdom carved out before you all are done wrestling in the dirt with bandits!" while staring intently at Ralf

After the ceremony Lady Aldori pulls the heros aside.

"I wanted to thank you for your bravery last night, without your aid the assassins' might even have succeeded" She says regally. As a reward, I would like you provide an advance of 200 gold, plus other supplies to hurry your fulfillment of the charter. I would ask that you start at a trading post run by Oleg Leveton. This would be a good base of operations for excursions into the wilderness"

Her Courtiers bring 4 bags with 50g, 2 minor healing potions, and also a single map of the 'stolen lands'

"There is one more issue of concern ..." Lady Aldori says tensely "What do you know of the gnome Tassle?"

We have been looking for Tassle. Our companion has been adventuring with us for some time.

Lady Jamandi Aldori eyes burn with the flame of last nights battle for a moment, before leans back one of courtiers. Whispering "they were searched thoroughly?" which is answered with a firm nod.

Turning the adventures, locking eyes. "Let's cut to the chase, last nights attack was the direction of Pitax spies" her eyes twitch at the name "Your companion has fled the manor sometime last night, she is a prime suspect"