It is clear we are in a war now and not just suffering an isolated attack. If there are more of these...dragon men...then the very land is in trouble. The animals have told me of the wanton destruction of the forest and fauna. Chislev weeps.
Are the Line Breakers up to this task? We worked well together in Vogler and seem even now to be matched in our methods if not our goals. I think they want to save this new town. Already Yaevinn has joined up and Katt has inserted herself deep into their politics. So far Oskar has stayed quiet but you can always see the gears turning with that one. And me? I don't give two shits about Kalaman other than its use as a beacon to draw the enemy armies to it and hold them here rather than ravaging the countryside. The remains of the Vogler population though...they could be useful as well. Handing the gem pouch to Katt, I ask her to save enough to buy components for me so I can make a few healing potions. Hopefully it won't all be spent by the time I catch back up.
Heading back out of the city, I ask around until someone points out Mayor Raven. She smiles slightly as she sees me, though I can tell I un-nerve her a little. If I could just put on some weight or grow the beard out I'd look less like someone crossed a dwarf with a goblin. Sighing, I push forward with my plan and pull her aside for a private conversation.
The situation is bleak. There are many wounded but very few who are wounded badly. Those who were grievously injured did not easily make the boat ride here. "I may be able to help" I say. "Not just with the badly injured but even with some who are held back by smaller wounds. I hear Kalaman is going to provide aid, but we both know it will not be enough. They will hold back most for their own people and you need the able bodied to cut wood for heat, fish, hunt, and gather. Even your own strength must be kept up since you need to deal with Lord Bakaris and his politics."
Her eyes harden at the mention of Bakaris. No love lost there I can tell. "What are you offering?" she asks. "And what do you want?" Right to the point. I appreciate that.
"First, I cannot help you with Lord Bakaris. Reach out to Katt about that as she has already dealt his credibility a blow. As for my part, do you recall the berries we were handing out that had some minor healing property?" She nods, urging me to continue. "Those not only heal but provide enough sustenance to a person for a full day. Chislev has granted me the power to bring those about several times per day. I cannot guarantee that I will always have enough of Chislev's boon at the end of the day, especially if we get into combat, but as often as possible I'll finish the day here in your camp and make 40-50 berries. Start with the injured and get them back to where they can be useful, but spread it out to supplement where it is needed."
"That is generous" she says, eyeing me even more warily now. "Though I fear even that will not be enough. What must we do to earn this boon from Chislev?"
"You would be surprised what a difference a full belly makes, even for 1 day in 3 or 4" I retort. And I know it to be true. Shaking off the memories, I continue. "I ask for three things though I do not think any will be a burden to you. One - bring to me those of your people who truly love nature. Forest, river, mountain. No farmers. Just those who love the wild for its own sake. No doubt you have woodcutters, fishers, hunters, and the like who are known by reputation to spend more time out of town than is necessary for those tasks. Bring them to me and if they have the desire to learn and if Chislev will give her blessing I may find some few who could join the ranks of the Druids. Even 1 or 2 more could greatly increase your supply of goodberries if nothing else." I do not mention it yet, but I also plan to teach them Druidic. It would be good to have someone near town to send messages to that cannot easily be understood by others.
Mayor Raven begins nodding emphatically while I talk. "That is indeed no big ask as it benefits my people as well. What else?"
"Two" I continue "as you send your people into the wild, have them look for hermits or other woods and water people who have shunned society. Especially any who worship Chislev. And of course, any who claim to be Druids though they may have no magic to back it up. Invite them here that I may speak with them. I will show your scouts the symbols that Chislev uses so they will recognize them." She nods again in agreement and I continue. "Lastly, I will need a private place to sit in contemplation and to teach any who Chislev finds worthy."
There are many small copse of trees nearby as well as some outcroppings of rock reaching out to the waters edge and even a dark hole that may lead into a cave. I close my eyes and touch the symbol of Chislev with one hand while reaching out with the other. I spin three slow circles with eyes closed and stop when I feel Chislev's symbol grow warm beneath my hand. I open my eyes and see that I am pointing though I do not recall closing my hand and extending my finger. I am pointing directly at one of the copse of trees, slightly larger and growing thickly in a circle. "There" I say. "That shall be my grove for now. There will be a small spring inside and a large tree at the center. That is where I will be as often as I can. Leave it alone. Leave me be when inside unless you are bringing potential candidates to me." I do not know how I know what it will look like inside the ring of trees. I just know. Who knows how the winds of war will blow, but for now this shall be a small haven.
To seal the agreement, I produce some goodberries and reach a handful towards the Mayor. I look at her questioningly and once again she nods. "You may have your own agenda, but this clearly helps my people and I do not see how it will bring us harm in the future. You have a deal Mr. Dwarf." I hand over the berries and we shake.
"If you need us and I am not in the grove, ask the guards to find the Line Breakers and I'll come when I'm able" With that, I take my leave. Step one of the plan complete.