The Waterworks

After being soundly rejected by the Reive, Joshua and I got to planning.

Better not to wallow in defeat, but try to find another path to victory!

We got together what we thought would be a pretty comprehensive plan for our water project.

It consists of three sections; City Infrastructure, Defensive & Food Industry. The City Infrastructure section includes a Base Camp and Quarry, Running hot & cold water, a sewer system, the construction of an aqueduct and pressure mining. The Defensive section include a Moat and the ability to flood the surrounding plains, slowing down invading troops. The Food Industry section includes Mills along the aqueduct to produce breads (saving us from possible sieges), improved irrigation and a flooded area for growing of non-native plants.

We were putting together the presentation and we realized that we had no way to show these new ideas to the very nobles we hoped to gain the favor of. Luckily, we stumbled across a traveling artist who, after some negotiation, agreed to paint our concept sketches.

Joshua Tariq Aziz, after having planned the idea, discovered that he did not have the necessary skills to develop such a plan. It was interesting to see how quickly the humans want to move with projects and ideas. I suppose it’s a natural offshoot of their mortality, but it seems more akin to the orcs than anything civilized. We decided to take a year and improve ourselves.

A year well spent

During this year while he studied, I started my own Herbalist & Alchemist Shoppe. It is doing quite well. I ask people only to pay what they can and their generosity amazed me!

Also during the year I studied; forest management (to better grow the forest), my alchemy skills, also my herbalism, the Latin (written, I still can’t get my tongue around it!), I learned more and more about the Catholic religion and I worked to improve my Essential Wood spell. I was able to significantly improve my speech and lose most of my heavy Elven accent. My insights into the humans are a bit deeper now, I’m not as constantly surprised by everything that they do!

In the Lands here is what transpired

April – June – Animal Plague kills 60% of all animals

June – Granite mine discovered south west of the area (a quarry began construction)

July – A large drought, which we both helped with. It improved our relationship with the Reeve.

August – Murder most foul! (a guard murders and rapes a peasant’s wife – he’s hung by his neck until dead!)

September – Lord Wallace announces new vassal, a Landed Knight for the north.

October – Sir Titus Horatious loses his Keep!

November – a necromance is discovered, put to trial and escapes outside of a village to the North East of Wallace.

January 2006 – Lady Talia has border disputes with Richard Scrape.

March – a gold mine is discovered northwest in the desert (towards the foothills)

The Waterworks (part two)

He figured out what we will need! He got his plans together as well. Laborers – 100 Craftsmen – 50 Miners / excavators – 50 Guards – 25 General Labor – 25 Cooks – 10 Whores – 10 Teamsters – 10 Quarrymen – 20

The initial price – 50 million copper. We worked the number and brought is down to about 33 million. We had many talks about how my magic could help and we agreed to examine that more completely, but we think it could bring the price down to about 15 million.

We then went to speak with Master Thomas who suggested we speak with Brent Stonecutter, he advised that we let him know that we had already spoken with the Master who had briefed Lady Wallace, Bailiff of Wallace as he has a penchant for stealing ideas. Humans.

We returned home to plan, had a nice discussion with the artist and, as we were leaving the bush we met Fuzzytop Pathtreader. An adventurer looking for work, I decided to hire her after she mentioned that Marly had mentioned the site to her. I have to find out how many others he has mentioned this to. She had tales of the approaching army of the King.

Meeting with the town leadership

We then went to Brent Stonecutter, and told him our plans for the Waterworks. He let us know that while the plans seemed fine, the King’s army’s were days away and that the only work going on was defensive in nature, and very, very rushed. I let him know that I had spells that could turn the walls of the castle (stone) into iron. He got extremely interested and rushed us to the palace to speak with the Lord and Lady. Along the way, he requested that we not mention our Waterworks project.

When we got there I presented my idea to the Lord and the Lady. As a side note, the Lady is definitely functionally in charge. Back home, this would present no problem, here, it appears the facade of male rule, must remain intact. I discussed the possibility that I could change the castle (and a surrounding city wall, quickly constructed) to iron. She expressed disbelief at which I turned a section of the keep into iron. I explained how we could work on this problem in the short term and then I explained how the Waterworks could assist in improving the mining of the nearby gold, limestone and other precious metals. The Lord got bored and left while we explained further to the Lady.

The Lady let us know that if we were able to convert the castle (or at least survive the assault) we would reexamine the Waterworks issue. I then explained what I would require for a Ritual version of the spell (more casters, mana, people) and talked with her about timing. (If only I did not fatigue so quickly!) She said she had to plan and that I should return to my bush, prepare and be ready for her call. Which we did.

After we left it became apparent that Brent Stonecutter was extremely angry we brought up the Waterworks, after he had said he did not want us to. Sadly, he told Joshua Tariq Aziz that he would prevent him from working in the town again.

We return to the bush and I enjoy some medicinal smoke. At that point I see three robed priests entering the Keep hurriedly.

(translated from the elvish)

Thoughts

The more time I spend among the humans to more becomes clearer and the more becomes muddled.

Why do they not clean themselves regularly? I insist on a full cleaning before I bed any of them! By the Eternal, they’ve got water!

The leaders seem to mainly treat the “free” workers as a resource to be exploited. What makes them so docile to accept this? Is it in their nature? Is it their god? I do not know, but it is passing strange.

Events in Town

Some items of news first, Master Thomas, the Steward to Lord Wallace, was acting as the Reive (the name of the office of the person who advises the Lord about what crops to plant, where to dispatch the plow teams and all things agricultural.)

Master Tom came to me to let me know that he would be traveling for the Lord. He seemed almost apologetic when he explained that a human would be taking of the post of Reive. He let me know that the newly appointed Reive, Martin, Reive of Wallace, was in town and would be in charge of my activities, specifically the growing of the rice I wanted to do. He also let me know that he had instructed the Reive to get in touch with me already, but that he was not surprised that he had not done so yet. Apparently Martin, Reive of Wallace might be a bit intimidated by elven folk (specifically a particular Plant Magus.) I assured Master Thomas that my only concern was helping to feed these good folk.

Master Thomas then proceeded to brief me on some of the other influential people in town. Specifically he let me know that the person in charge of the money (the human barter replacement) is Lady Wallace, Bailiff of Wallace.

Included in this discussion was the makeup of the region. He discussed the seven vassals of Lord Wallace and the political makeup of the realm, now that it was mired in a long term Civil War. He explained the huge amounts of acreage they each “own.” (I do not understand owning land.) He let me know that the Lord has a court magus who is a goblin! I’ve never me a goblin. That will be fun. (Sadly, he didn’t know what colleges the magus knew.)

We discussed our survey mission and he agreed to brief Lady Wallace, Bailiff of Wallace. He also let me know that the King’s Ranger, Barry H’ras, The Protector of the King’s Forest would be joining us as a guide, as well as Marly and Edward to act as our guide. We also discussed Elven politics to the South. Apparently there is some concern that Elf’s are becoming too commonplace and attempting to interfere in human politics in the region. I learn of Elven advisors to the South and let Thomas know that the tribe they are from cares only for the forest and would only have left it if it were threatened. (Which is was) I also let him know that if we helped with the forest, those elf’s would likely return. Apparently the vassalage that these Elf’s are influencing is neutral in the Civil War. I suggest that if we helped with the Forest, perhaps the Elf’s would return and the vassalage would swing to Lord Wallace.

When I learned that another elf was here I immediately asked where I could hire a cook. Master Thomas suggested I speak with James, Lord Wallace’s Chamberlain. I sought him out and asked for a reference to a cook, post haste! James was unable to help so I determined to look elsewhere. Among the friends I have made among the serfs.

Before leaving I stopped in to see my lover, Elsa, Head Chambermaid, we coupled then discussed who among the members of the Court were refugees from the Castle Defiant debacle, they include Master Thomas (brother to the Lord of Castle Defiant, Kerin) as well as James. What a horror to have to flee!

Surprise! When I returned to my home Joshua Tariq Aziz, the orcish sounding human with an apparent gift for measurements and all thing engineering asked to move in with me, and I agreed. (Mind you I grew him a separate room with it’s own entrance.)

I went to the serfs to find myself a cook. The name I kept hearing was Maria so I quickly went and hired her. She prepared a wonderful meal for myself, Joshua Tariq Aziz and Barry H’ras. During the course of the meal I learned about Barry and his deep love of the Forest, Joshua’s apparent distaste for women and Maria’s desire to give her daughter a better life. Later I spoke with Sergeant Sven Helsmein and paid him a gold bar to train her daughter to become a knight. Maria was well pleased! Maria also agreed to watch over my home while I was away. Mostly to make sure the children were getting enough fruit and vegetables.

The next day, Joshua Tariq Aziz, Barry H’ras, Sergeant Sven Helsmein, Edward and I were off! I reminded myself of the necessary steps for growing free rice for people now include doing the survey, asking the Reive’s permission and then getting the money from Lady Wallace, Bailiff of Wallace. These humans do love to overcomplicate things!

Events on the Journey

Day 1 – We travel 30 miles and I plant pocket trees, blessing them the whole way. Wonderful weather.

Day 2 – We travel 15 miles and then encounter the Boarder to The Great Desert. Horror. All Mana disappears. I thought Wallace was bad, with it’s low mana, this is Hellishly worse! We make another 5 miles, but that’s all I’m capable of.

Day 3 – Joshua Tariq Aziz wants to make a side trip, will not explain further other than to say there may be limestone, it doesn’t take us too far out of the way, so we all agree. We make 20 miles.

Day 4 – The second day of the side trip. Another 20 miles. We reach an area where a battle occurred. Weird relics from a Banestorm are scattered throughout the desert. Find an iron tube, take it. We discover this is where Joshua Tariq Aziz’s grandfather came through the Banestorm. We also find a large deposit of what appears to be limestone. We camp for the night.

Day 5 – We search further, finding 2 more iron tubes and 30 empty casings or cartridges. We unearth what appears to be a carriage from another world. Later in the day, we discover something unimaginable! What appears to be buried, intact building brought by the Banestorm! By the Eternal, this could advance my research stupendously! I get visibly excited, Barry H’ras wisely calms me, I pretend I made a mistake and the human guards do not seem interested. We all agree to not mark this on the map and return during the project.

Day 6 – 17 – We go about the business of the expedition, discovering foothills with a large basin which could be channelled to Wallace. It has just one valley to pipe through and could go underground from there. Also, there is an easy area in the Northeast area of the manor lands to flood. This would allow fresh water to the castle, the fields, the irrigation system and the serfs! Fantastic news!

The Disastrous Results

Upon my return I finally meet with Martin, Reive of Wallace who summarily dismisses the water works project and the idea of growing rice. I am subservient as I can be, but this does not move him. I magic him some rice for him to examine, which he claims he will consider, but I sincerely doubt it. I return to my hovel, discontent among this race which refuses good work to feed its own people.

Each night I dream of a cozy supper back home. A long table, crowded with kinfolk and such. The table is set out with dishes spilling over with fruits and fresh breads and cheeses, piping hot meats falling off the bone, and mug after mug of ale. We sing songs and tell tales the whole night long. Some may say that I get a bit lost in this being as I have been known to wake them up singing our laughing in my sleep. But it’s a fine way to greet the sunshine each morning, I’ll tell ya.

(translated from the elvish)

Random observations about the Humans

Humans are very smelly.

I knew leaving the forest would be a life altering event. I had heard the stories of the humans from my elders. I just could not believe the stories that I had heard. I don’t think I actually believed that they could really exist.

They seem to be a short lived, fat people who refuse to wipe filth off of themselves.

They appear to worship a god, similar to The Eternal, but with a punitive streak and a per chant for human women. He appears to have impregnated one of the women and then given birth to himself, or some strange half-god, half-human hybrid. It’s all very confusing and very odd. The humans calling themselves Christians seem to need Sunday to worship this man-god. They do this by drinking his blood and eating his flesh. They begin drinking wine and bread which they claim magically becomes the actual flesh and blood of their man god. What kind of race eats their own god’s son? Every week? Otherwise, they don’t seem to be cannibals, but I can not be sure yet.

Also, I dislike the facial hair both the men and the women seem to grow.

My travels

My desire to travel began when I learned about the Banestorm. Were we at fault? Who are the Dark Elfs?

My need to travel among the humans began in 1994. Starting in 1970 I had been under the training of my beloved Master, Rangyl Berethryl. Early in the 90’s my training was completed when I Mastered the Plant College of Magic.

After my Mastery, Rangyl decided to wander and he joined with a group of humans who were setting up an outpost in the Orc Lands, Castle Defiant. The castle withstood many trials and fought back many Orcish attacks. However, during the beginning of 1994, the settlers were at their breaking point, no longer able to hold against the Orcish hordes.

They appealed to the King of their land who said he would provide troops to help them. The King sent troops, but another noble from that land attacked the King’s land while he was away. It turns out the King was expecting trouble and his troops were immediately back to fight the insurrection.

This began a Civil War in the land know as Caithness. After the likely death of my Master, Rangyl, and my growing Mastery in the Plant College I decided it was time to set out. I left in the spring of 2004 and wandered until the Winter approached.

As Winter settled in I approached the town of Wallace. My thinking was to trade my services for a place to spend the winter. I was greeted at the gate by Marly and Sergeant Sven Helsmein. Marley requested some money to enter the town. It was my first exposure to “finances.” I had heard about money, but I had used or needed it.

Fascinating!

I was met by Master Thomas, the right hand of Lord William of Wallace. I offered my services and he seemed pleased to have the assistance of a Mage. I worked for a week and busied myself bringing two more harvests in for the peasants. As well as growing a Bread Oak tree for Master Thomas. I should point out that Master Thomas speaks flawless Elvish and says he has spent significant time with the N’mar tribe.

After my extra harvests, they were ready to let me winter in the hovel and be on my way. I countered with an offer that I could help shore up the defenses, using the mysteries of the Essential Wood spell.

I spent the Winter helping the town of Wallace get ready for renewed hostilities and earned myself 8 silver bars and 100 pence for my trouble! I also spent the Winter answering farming questions and helping with the serf’s needs. (The humans divide themselves into different castes, very distasteful. It is tied up with the money concept, but I am not entirely clear how.

Also of note, on the “Sunday” work is not permitted. It’s the serfs only day of rest, so that makes some amount of sense.

Once weekly I take dinner with the Lord and important folks of Wallace Town.

In the Spring, after the preparations for the upcoming Civil War, I met a particularly interesting human, Joshua, he has the voice of an Orc, the smell of an Orc, the manners of an Orc and the apparent Engineering skill of an Ancient Dwarf.

I met him through the Masonic Guildmaster, they manage all engineering, stone masonry work etc. Over the Winter I came up with the idea of flooding a section of the Lord’s field’s with water and growing rice. I had a lot of explaining to do to explain what this exotic plant rice is, but I feel confident that rice, with some Engineering and Magical help will become a staple of the Humans here. Especially the Slaves, or Serfs. Same thing really.

The Masonic Master, |Jeff’s character| and myself are scheduled to go out on a reconniscance mission soon! It will be great fun.

Thoughts

My hosts have been kind, but they treat me like an idiotic child rather than an extremely powerful Mage in a Mana poor area. This counts against them.

The story they tell about the “betrayal” at Castle Defiance doesn’t really hold water for me. The fact that the Leader of this land is held in Ill regard for being sensible (i.e. holding troops back against an obviously mutinous vessel. (Is that the word? Vessel, vassal? To few vowels in this brutish language to differentiate properly.)

I might be on the wrong side of this Civil War.

However, the people of this town have been kind to, including their “Nobility”

I have seen nothing Noble about any of the “Nobility.” If anything the daily work and strength of the human slaves inspires me. Mortality and drudgery is Sad. I think I might try to teach them about Elven equality.

It is my idea, after watching this horrific disparity that the humans should take from each one of their own according to their ability. And they should then provide to each according to their need.

It is good that I came out of the forest.

I will learn more Magery.

I will help my Human brothers and sisters.

And I will make comrades out of the Oppressed humans. Their lives are so short, they deserve communal friendship.

Every campaign gets an Adventure Log, a blog for your adventures!

While the wiki is great for organizing your campaign world, it’s not the best way to chronicle your adventures. For that purpose, you need a blog!

The Adventure Log will allow you to chronologically order the happenings of your campaign. It serves as the record of what has passed. After each gaming session, come to the Adventure Log and write up what happened. In time, it will grow into a great story!

Best of all, each Adventure Log post is also a wiki page! You can link back and forth with your wiki, characters, and so forth as you wish.

One final tip: Before you jump in and try to write up the entire history for your campaign, take a deep breath. Rather than spending days writing and getting exhausted, I would suggest writing a quick “Story So Far” with only a summary. Then, get back to gaming! Grow your Adventure Log over time, rather than all at once.