Answers in Silverymoon - Eleasis 16th

Eleasis 16th
H 76/L 61

Closest Patrol Today:
Captain Ensyer departs (early) in the morning to Cholnudon
Captain Kremmel is scheduled to pass by from Temel to Silverymoon

Early the next morning Umberto, Althalus, and Hasimir head out to go to Silverymoon for answers. You meet a troubled Captain Ensyer before your departure.

“I don’t like this at all. But we have our orders to continue the patrol south to Cholnudon. I just hope Silverymoon reimburses me for this, else I will be out of coin shortly” says the captain with a smile.

You make the trek down to Silverymoon by the afternoon and start the process of trying to see someone. You get the sense that you are really getting the run around for some reason.

Anyone want to pound their fist on the counter and demand service?

Hey, I have fists, I will pound

Umberto pounds his fists on the counter and demands an answer, a startled clerk mumbles something and runs off, a few minutes later you are ushered into the offices of Valamros Moonshadow, an elf and high ranking government official.

Umberto goes through the details of what has happened recently in Temel and again insists on a response from Silverymoon. Valamros thinks it over carefully and slowly gets up and shuts the door to his office.

“Silverymoon’s hands are tied, I’m afraid.”

“What do you mean?” asks Althalus.

The elf takes a deep breath and continues, “It is a very…embarrassing situation. Through a loophole in a recently passed law Silverymoon is not only prohibited from attacking the Broken Tusks tribe on it’s sacred land but Silverymoon would also be compelled to defend and or retaliate on anyone who might seek to oust the orcs from the village formerly known as Temel.”

Valamros sits back down at his desk, prepared to answer any other questions you might have.

This makes you complicit in displacing the residents of Temel. What aid do you plan to provide them with? If you will do nothing to restore them to their homes, then you should provide them with new ones. At the very least, they should be compensated for their property and troubles, so that they would be able to start anew.

Valamros ponders what the ranger has to say, “Some might argue that the Temelites never had a legitimate claim on the land in the first place.”

You go on to explain how they have all moved to Rock Hammer Hold and seek to establish new lives there.

“Hmmm,” think Valamros “Perhaps the High Lady can be persuaded to help right the wrong and assist the Temel refuges in Rock Hammer Hold.”

The official sits back down at his desk, “I understand that the Broken Tusks have re-opened the Everlund Pass and instituted a toll, is this correct? How do you think this will go?”

For my own, I would say that it will go badly. The increased price of trade goods flowing through the tollway will be a strain on those already struggling to feed their families.

As for the Temelites, I wouldn't mind them establishing a new settlement in the surrounding area, but the hold isn't suitable for supporting a village. <I mean, seriously, it is a magix inflatable castle that we have added boards and bricks onto>

I think that the High Lady helping them establish a new home would go a long way towards improving the standing of Silverymoon in the area. You can see that their first thought was to come to us rather than to you and the Hold has seen very few moons. If they settle on our side of the former Temel, then you will likely lose any previous trade with them. What incentive would they have to trade with the city that would not show them mercy or support in these dark times? Would you have been this sympathetic to the Broken Tusks had it been Silverymoon so uprooted?

" Indeed Althalus, I do not think the High Lady would have appreciated that. My other concern is how do we discern which is holy orc land which is not? Do we wait until the orcs invade us and tell us it is theirs? It should not be a matter of "persuading" your High Lady, but a matter of doing what is right by law. Is it lawful for any person to forcibly take that which is not theirs?" Umberto pauses and takes long hard look at Valamros. "When did Silverymoon know of this attack on Temel? And when did this law get passed?"

Valamros thinks for a moment then answers Althalus’s question, “Perhaps a tax break in Silverymoon for those merchants who use Everlund Pass as their route, to help compensate their losses from the toll. In fact,” Valamros pauses to put quill to parchment, “it is now official. No taxes for the aforementioned merchants.”

The elf sighs and continues, “I do understand how the Temelites might feel anger towards Silverymoon, but as I said. Our hands are tied.”

Valamros turns his attention to Umberto and his question about the orcish holy land. “The land mass is not that great, it apparently was the site of a famous orcish battle centuries ago, that” he shuffles some papers around on his desk until he finds the right one, “the Zeth’Gor Holy Land extends equally in distance both east and west of the village of Temel for a distance of half a mile. The width of the holy land is about the width of Temel itself.”

Valamros lets the paper drop to the desk, “And as you are not doubt familiar with the terrain of the Nether Mountains, Temel is the only place for the Everlund Pass. To the east is a sheer wall of mountain and to the west is a cliff. So to answer your first question, those are the boundaries of the Zeth’Gor Holy Land.”

“Your next question, regarding the law to forcibly take what is not their, unfortunately, does not apply here as the Zeth’Gor Holy Land does cover Temel and, again unfortunately, the Broken Tusks have every right to the land. While I do not agree with their method, I am amazed that no one was killed. Something very strange about that.”

“When did we learn of the attack? Same time you and Hasimir did, when you were last here.”

Valamros chuckles, “When did this law get passed? You will enjoy this one…three days before the attack. That is why, when we heard about the attack on Temel by the orcs, we knew it was using the newly passed Native Peoples Rights of Sacred Land Act. Suspicious, is it not?”

And now we come to it... who put forward this law? How much coin was behind its passing?

Valamros smiles, “The law was signed by Taern Hornblade, High Mage of Silverymoon (18th level wizard), however before you go accusing him of wrongdoing, I can vouch for him. He is a good an honorable man. In fact, he is the reason behind your monthly stipend from the High Lady. He has done a great deal to promote and protect the communities outside of the walls of Silverymoon.”

Valamros smiles and stands, “Anything else gentlemen?”

"How would we go about an audience with the High Mage? This ordeal is far from resolved for my likings or the needs of the people of Temel. Make note that Rockhammer is housing the people of Temel, and gladly so, but a great injustice has occured. I intend to get to the bottom of this."

The monk calmly waits for instructions to have audience with Taern Hornblade.

Valamros thinks about it for a minute then motions everyone over to the door, “Let’s talk to him right now.”

You follow the elf through the government building and Valamros casually dismisses any and all security checks for the three of you. You are quite impressed, especially when just a few months ago you were all getting together for a card game here in Silverymoon, now you are gaining the respect of city officials.

Soon you find yourselves in the office of the High Mage of Silverymoon. Taern stares out a window overlooking a marketplace. He is a tall man in about his mid-fifties, with a grey beard typical of all wizards. You remember his nickname of “Thunderspell” and are a bit nervous when you meet him.

Valamros clears his throat, “Mr. Hornblade, there is a contingency from Rock Hammer Hold here to discuss the Temel issue with you.”

Without seeing his face, you can tell Taern is troubled by this as he slumps forward a bit and lowers his head. Finally he turns toward you and forces a smile, “Gentlemen, I am pleased to meet you finally and thank you for all you have done for Silverymoon. Please, be seated.”

Valamros remains standing, and makes proper introductions and the High Mage smiles and shakes your hands. The elf continues, “Our good friends here have taken in the Temel refuges in the valley near Rock Hammer Hold.”

“Yes, I’ve heard. They mysterious keep and valley that appeared out of nowhere.”

Valamros turns to you, “As you know, Mr. Hornblade is the one who pushed for your inclusion under the Silverymoon umbrella of protection.”

“And from what I have heard, you have done wonderful work. Several of the patrol captains speak very highly of you.”

The pleasant talk continues for a bit, talking about the various highlights of Rock Hammer Hold, then Valamros interrupts. “Sir, we would like to know more about the bill that was passed that allowed the orcs to expel the good people of Temel with no fear of retribution.”

You brace for a reaction to the elf’s strong words, but none is coming. Taern silently nods his head for a moment. “Tis true, I signed the law. But the law’s purpose was to protect the Gillshire halflings, a community just a few miles north of here in the countryside. It was brought to my attention that their land was being overrun by human hunters, specifically the wealthy here in Silverymoon. It made for a convenient day hunting trip for those who lived in the city. Well, as it turned out this was ruining the lifestyle of the Glilshire halflings. They posed a problem to the halflings own hunting grounds and their crops were destroyed. Well, we found that about 50 years ago the Gillshire area was basically declared, to be sacred to the halflings of that area. We passed the law to allow them to protect themselves and oust the hunters. Obviously the law was worded as to not protect anyone who wished ill of Silverymoon and we knew of no sacred lands belonging to any monster races in the area, including the Nether Mountains.”


Taern "Thunderspell" Hornblade

Hasimir raises his hand and says, " Is there no way around the law? If there is not then how can we restore the people of Temel to their former lives? Rock Hammer Hold cannot feed and protect an entire town."

Taern shakes his head, "Neither myself nor the High Lady see a way around the law. Unless the Broken Tusk do not act lawfully, and from what I understand, they didn't kill any of the Temeliites. How they managed that is beyond me."

"As far as the Temelites, I think Silverymoon might be able to send some aid your way."

" That will do in the mean time. I think with the aid we can manage, and perhaps even prosper. But this is unprecedented, never have I heard of orcs in this part of the world being so, non-violent. This holy ground they claim, how much do we know of it? I am sure that Silverymoon has considered the ramifications of allowing these orcs to open the door for hordes in Nether Mountains. Also, how did the orcs know they could do this? Since when do they, if they did, approach politicians with diplomacy and not knives?"

“How did the orcs know about this is the 64,000 gold piece question,” answers Taern, “find that out and we may learn what the Broken Tusks are up to.”

Taern thinks for a minute, “Might I persuade you to look into this? I can give you a day pass to the Hall of Records, perhaps you can look into this? Hold on, let me grab that pass”

Taern stands up and leaves the room. Valamros leans over, “He mentioned something about the situation with the Gillshire halflings being ‘brought to his attention’. You may ask him about that.”

The High Mage returns with cards in his hand, “Ah, here we go. Three passes for our esteemed friends of Rock Hammer. Is there anything else?”

"Thank you greatly for the passes, I think they will be quite useful. By the way, in regards to the Halflings, how and who brought the situation to your attention?"

Taern thinks for a minute, “It was Nolan Cromwell of the 7th Ward. He is one of about 20 representatives in Silverymoon. Hmmm, perhaps he has a decent amount of halflings in his ward.”

"Very good, we will look into this matter. Let me know when we can expect to receive the aid for the Temel refugees

Taern nods, “The process has already begun”, who stands and walks you to the door, “keep me posted on anything you find.”

Once outside Valamros looks to the setting sun, “The hour is late, I’ll set you up with a room at a nearby inn and you may set out on your tasks first thing in the morning.”

Investigation in Silverymoon - Eleasis 17th

"Thank you Valamros, I value Rockhammer's relationhsip with SIlverymoon and I appreciate you aiding us. Recent events have me greatly concerned, we will rest and proceed."