Foreword:

Word came that Baron Malwind of Vornavis would visit the Landing.

Gurbah says, "Baron says tell Gryphons he comes. Will be six days from now. He sneaks in a ship. Maybe evening."

Gurbah says, "He says he will speak to Wehner folk. Gryphons should be there too."

Gurbah says, "I think he come. He speak. He go home. He no eat this time."

Hyoko rallying the order:
Hyoko says, "I do not believe Lord Gurbah came to us to rally the people."

Hyoko says, "I believe he came to us to rally the Gryphons."

Hyoko says, "When Baron Malwind addresses the people of Wehnimer's Landing..."

Hyoko says, "I believe he will tell them that the leadership of the defense of the Landing rests with us."

Hyoko says, "He will not want to point at 5 Gryphons."

Hyoko says, "He will want to point at 30 Gryphons.

Hyoko's Missive:

Honorable Gryphons,

I shall wait this evening at the North Dock for Baron Malwind's arrival. I would hope many of you will wish to wait with me, or on the other docks.

We anticipate his disembarking at one of them. After he disembarks we will recommend that he follow us to the Assembly Room in Moot Hall. He can speak there. It is a spacious room with special meeting abilities. We shall use the most direct route from the docks to the Meeting Room.

In order to try to ensure the Baron's safety, the Militia will, upon Lady Titaniia's command, sanct all the rooms along the route. We shall also arrange to have the Assembly Room in Moot Hall well sancted too.

I hope to see you all at this historic occasion. Please be on guard, though. There are elements in our society who would interfere if possible.

Respectfully,
Hyoko Fujimoro

Malwind Arrives:

The militia was called out to act as an honor guard, and as a guard against possible assassination attempts, but all went quietly. I have edited this ruthlessly, but hope I left in all the essentials.

You see Lord Dunrith Malwind the Half-Elf.
He appears to be in his 60's, has receding light brown hair, green eyes, and fair skin.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a golden goblet of red wine in his left hand.
He is wearing a pair of golden spurs, a baronial coronet, a deep burgundy cloak, a gold-trimmed burgundy doublet, a gold-trimmed belt pouch, a gold link belt, some gold and grey striped trousers, and a pair of black doeskin boots.

[And so we followed to...]

[Moot Hall, Assembly Room]

Titaniia says, "Baron Malwind, this is Moot Hall. Our Town Hall, sir."

Welan says, "welcome to our humble Town Hall M'lord"

Titaniia asks, "Shall we call folk to hear you speak?"

Dunrith says, "If you'd give me a moment or two to look things over, that might be best."

Titaniia says, "Troops, stand at attention to th' side an' watch th' doors, please."

Deavon asks, "Perhap's, Sir Welan, the Baron would like to meet some of the newer members of the Order he is nae familiar with?"

Welan says, "of course Lady Deavon.....if I could ask Lord Hyoko to make the introductions"

Dunrith says, "I believe we can begin."

Hyoko says, "Baron Malwind, may I present Lord Jafirnn."

Hyoko says, "Baron Malwind, may I present Lady Kytaara."

Hyoko says, "Baron Malwind, may I present Lord Cryheart."

Hyoko says, "And, Baron Malwind, may I present Lord Yarx."

Hyoko says, "Baron Malwind, may I present Lord Geijon."

Dunrith says, "It appears your order has been growing since last we met."

Hyoko says, "Indeed. Ah, Sir Cemb has arrived."

Dunrith says, "Sir Cemb, a pleasure to see you again."

Cemb asks, "Really?"

Dunrith nods to Cemb.

Cemb says, "It's strange to see you here, that's for sure, for me"

Cemb says, "But a pleasure for sure"

Dunrith says, "Yes, Sir Cemb, especially since I haven't heard of any new escapades in the interim since last we met."

Hyoko says, "Baron Malwind, another fairly new member I would be honored to introduce. Lord Seldan."

Dunrith asks, "Has every one been introduced that needs to be, Lord Hyoko?"

Hyoko says, "As far as I am aware, honorable Baron Malwind."

(Hyoko clasps his hands and bows low to Malwind)

Welan asks, "did your ship encounter any difficulties passing the blockade, M'lord?"

Dunrith looks over at Welan and shakes his head.

Dunrith says, "No, we provided them with a monetary insentive to be elsewhere when we sailed."

Welan says, "I'm glad to hear it....we feared for your safety"

Welan asks, "M'lord...if it please you....may I present my fiancee...the Lady Alahara?"

Dunrith asks, "Since introductions seem to be taken care of, is everyone here that needs to be?"

Hyoko asks, "Baron Malwind, would you like us to announce this publicly?"

Dunrith says, "Hmmm, I don't know how many more this room can comfortably hold."

Welan says, "I'm sure M'lord that people will come in as word spreads of your presence....however we can began whenever you desire"

Dunrith asks, "Are all of your milia present that wish to be, Lady Titaniia?"

Hyoko says, "It can be announced over the various nets in Wehnimer's if you wish."

Titaniia says, "Nae, there may still be some who are missing, Baron Malwind."

Titaniia says, "It was a fast call to action."

Titaniia asks, "Shall I call them?"

Dunrith asks, "Do you wish to wait?"

Titaniia says, "Pardon me one moment an' I will call th' rest."

Welan says, "settle down if you please....the Baron will speak when he is ready"

Eloricth asks, "wasnt the baron the bad one?"

Dunrith says, "I'm the other baron, Eloricth."

Dunrith winks at Eloricth.

Dalimar says, "he's the 'good' baron"

Saberwolv says, "There is Hotchstib and our good lord, Baron Malwind"

Ruffelin says, "Och, nay, Baron Malwind be our ally from Jantalar"

Dunrith says, "I'll get started then. Assuming things remain quiet I'll forego silencing or restricting actions in here."

Dunrith smiles.

Dunrith says, "Worth people of Wehnimer's Landing, members of the Silver Gryphons, and members of the town militia, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today."

Dunrith says, "Over the past few years our lands have become allies through little choice of our own, but out of necessity to face a common foe."

Dunrith says, "In the absence of a formal nobility here in your land, I have resorted to dealing with the only group that I was made aware of that would garner recognition within the Empire, that group being the Order of the Silver Gryphons."

Dunrith says, "We have in the past months forged an alliance, with myself speaking on behalf of my barony and the Order speaking on behalf of your town."

Dunrith says, "No presumption was intended in this, simply the choice dictated by need and opportunity."

Ugglorr asks, "this aint an auction?"

Dunrith chuckles.

Dunrith says, "However, in that time I have also known that in order for the Gryphons' order to become legitimate in the eyes of the Empire it must be made up of knights. Not just of aspirants to that title."

Dunrith says, "And so as the trade route between our towns nears completion, I have journeyed here to bestow the rank of Knight upon several more deserving members of the Order and to answer questions pertaining to the near futue."

Dunrith says, "Lord Brinn, do you have a suitably noble blade I might borrow from you? I seem to have misplaced mine."

Brinn removes a glowing mithril falchion from inside his mithril mail satchel.

Dunrith asks, "I trust touching someone with this won't injure them too much, will it?"

Dunrith taps a glowing mithril falchion.

Brinn says, "Depends on how hard you touch them, Milord. But using care will insure safety."

Deavon says, "I am sure, sire, no one will complain over a little cut"

Dunrith smiles.

Dunrith says, "Lord Waldo, would you please stand before me and kneel."

Waldo2 says, "sorry I am awake again"

Fisdan says, "Tink dat speech put em ta sleep."

Dunrith says, "Lord Waldo, would you please stand before me and kneel."

Waldo2 kneels down.

Waldo2 bows to Dunrith.

Dunrith asks, "Waldo Ptolomy, do you swear to uphold the ideals of Knighthood, display conduct worthy of a chivalric warrior, and pledge loyalty to the town that has given you a home and the order that has given you companions in a worth cause?"

Waldo2 says, "I do Baron, with all my heart and soul"

Dunrith asks, "Do you pledge friendship to the Barony of Vornavis so long as it's ruler is of the bloodline annointed by the Arkati, and do you pledge never to knowingly aid its foes?"

Waldo2 exclaims, "yes Baron, I do so pledge!"

Baron Malwind taps Waldo2 ceremonially on each shoulder with the glowing mithril falchion.

Dunrith says, "Waldo Ptolomy, in recognition of your loyalty, the example of your conduct both on the field of combat and off, and your unwavering belief in honor and its intrinsic value, I hearby dub you Knight."

Waldo2 bows to Dunrith.

Dunrith removes a pair of golden spurs from inside his burgundy cloak.

Dunrith offers Waldo2 a pair of golden spurs.

Waldo2 accepts Dunrith's golden spurs.

Waldo2 puts on a pair of golden spurs.

Waldo2 says, "it is an Honor to be a Knight, and I will wear that honor with pride"

Dunrith says, "Arise, Sir Waldo2, and wear your status with pride."

Dunrith says, "Lady Wanton, would you please stand before me and kneel."

Wanton blinks.

(Wanton steps forward, in front of Dunrith.)

Dunrith asks, "Wanton Destruction, do you swear to uphold the ideals of Knighthood, display conduct worthy of a chivalric warrior, and pledge loyalty to the town that has given you a home and the order that has given you companions in a worth cause?"

(Wanton takes a deep, shaky breath.)

Wanton says, "Yes, I will do my best."

Dunrith asks, "Do you pledge friendship to the Barony of Vornavis so long as it's ruler is of the bloodline annointed by the Arkati, and do you pledge never to knowingly aid its foes?"

Wanton smiles at Dunrith.

Wanton says, "I do pledge my friendship, as I have in the past."

Baron Malwind taps Wanton ceremonially on each shoulder with the glowing mithril falchion.

Baron Malwind taps Wanton ceremonially on each shoulder with the glowing mithril falchion.

Wanton whispers to the group, "heh.. double-knighted."

Dunrith says, "Wanton Destruction, in recognition of your loyalty, the example of your conduct both on the field of combat and off, and your unwavering belief in honor and its intrinsic value, I hearby dub you Knight."

Dunrith removes a pair of golden spurs from inside his burgundy cloak.

Dunrith offers Wanton a pair of golden spurs.

Wanton accepts Dunrith's golden spurs.

Dunrith says, "Arise, Dame Wanton, and wear your rank with pride."

Dunrith says, "Lord Brinn, would you please stand before me and kneel."

Brinn kneels down.

Dunrith asks, "Brinn Mithrandir, do you swear to uphold the ideals of Knighthood, display conduct worthy of a chivalric warrior, and pledge loyalty to the town that has given you a home and the order that has given you companions in a worth cause?"

Zellex whispers to the group, "gets to be knighted with his own weapon ;)"

Brinn says, "I do so swear."

Dunrith asks, "Do you pledge friendship to the Barony of Vornavis so long as it's ruler is of the bloodline annointed by the Arkati, and do you pledge never to knowingly aid its foes?"

Brinn says, "I do so pledge."

Baron Malwind taps Brinn ceremonially on each shoulder with the glowing mithril falchion.

Dunrith says, "Brinn Mithrandir, in recognition of your loyalty, the example of your conduct both on the field of combat and off, and your unwavering belief in honor and its intrinsic value, I hearby dub you Knight."

Dunrith removes a pair of golden spurs from inside his burgundy cloak.

Dunrith offers Brinn a pair of golden spurs.

Brinn accepts Dunrith's golden spurs.

Dunrith says, "Arise, Sir Brinn, and wear your rank with pride."

Dunrith says, "Lord Hyoko, would you please stand before me and kneel."

Hyoko gulps.

Hyoko kneels down.

Dunrith asks, "Hyoko Fujimoro, do you swear to uphold the ideals of Knighthood, display conduct worthy of a chivalric warrior, and pledge loyalty to the town that has given you a home and the order that has given you companions in a worth cause?"

Hyoko says, "I am most honored to do so."

Dunrith asks, "Do you pledge friendship to the Barony of Vornavis so long as it's ruler is of the bloodline annointed by the Arkati, and do you pledge never to knowingly aid its foes?"

Hyoko says, "Again, I am most honored to do so."

Baron Malwind taps Hyoko ceremonially on each shoulder with the glowing mithril falchion.

Dunrith says, "Hyoko Fujimoro, in recognition of your loyalty, the example of your conduct both on the field of combat and off, and your unwavering belief in honor and its intrinsic value, I hearby dub you Knight."

Dunrith removes a pair of golden spurs from inside his burgundy cloak.

Dunrith offers Hyoko a pair of golden spurs.

Hyoko accepts Dunrith's golden spurs.

Dunrith says, "Arise, Sir Hyoko, and wear your rank with pride."

(Hyoko clasps his hands and bows low to Dunrith)

Dunrith smiles.

Hyoko says, "I am honored beyond words, My Baron Malwind."

(Dunrith clasps his hands and bows low to Sir Hyoko)

(Hyoko moves back to stand with the others)

Truekillr whispers to the group, "a good leader. He knows when to follow custom. "

Dunrith says, "Congratulations to those of you who have been put forward by your peers as worthy of this rank. I confess I am distant from your actions and deeds, but the esteem that your comrades hold you in is sufficient for me."

Dunrith asks, "Lady Titaniia, would you stand before me please?"

Titaniia moves to stand in front of Dunrith.

Dunrith bows to Titaniia.

Titaniia curtsies to Dunrith.

Kuromaku suddenly fades into sight beside you.

You see Lord Kuromaku Hikoemon the Giantman Warrior.
He appears to be in his 80's, has short, straight black hair, dark eyes, and black skin.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a blackened mesh belt, a dark silk satchel, some dark trousers, a dark silk shirt, an enruned urnon key, and a jade-inlaid sheath.

Dunrith says, "Your commitment and loyalty to the defense of your home in the form of maintaining this militia long past the time it was thought it would be needed speaks highly to your sense of duty."

Dunrith says, "In token of the esteem in which those in my position regard such loyalty, I would like to present you with a token that you may keep or return to me at your convenience in redemption of a boon."

Dunrith removes an emerald signet ring inlaid with a swan rising of white opal from inside his burgundy cloak.

Dunrith offers Titaniia an emerald signet ring inlaid with a swan rising of white opal.

Titaniia says, "You honor me, Baron Malwind."

Titaniia says, "Our town Militia stands ready if you should ever call."

Titaniia bows.

Dunrith says, "And lastly, but certainly not least...Lord Errick, would you please stand before me."

(Errick stands up a bit straighter and a lot more nervously.)

Dunrith says, "In recognition of similar loyalty, but this to the Order that has been pivotal to my interests here, I would like to request that you accept the office of Herald in service to the Baronly of Vornavis at least in regard to serving such functions so far north, where my normal herald is unlikely to travel"

Dunrith removes a deep green silk tabard bearing the Rising Swan of Vornavis worked in opalescent thread and bordered with gold from inside his burgundy cloak.

Errick bows to Dunrith.

Errick says, "I'm honored, sir"

Dunrith says, "In other words, don't expect to have to re-locate to Solhaven."

Dunrith offers Errick a deep green silk tabard bearing the Rising Swan of Vornavis worked in opalescent thread and bordered with gold.

Errick accepts Dunrith's deep green tabard.

Errick puts on a deep green silk tabard bearing the Rising Swan of Vornavis worked in opalescent thread and bordered with gold.

Dunrith says, "That concludes the presentations that I intended for this visit. I am open to a few questions with regard to the immediate future, but they would need to be posed via raised hands in the absence of any other structure."

Dunrith asks, "Metadi?"

Metadi asks, "Does Vornavis fare well against Jantalar, Baron?"

Dunrith says, "Not as well as I would like, but Jantalar has moved much more slowly than anyone expected. The trade route nears completion and the invasion by Jantalar is still likely several months off."

Dunrith asks, "Truekillr?"

Truekillr says, "Good Baron, it has been shown that Jantalar employs ranks of Luukosians, my Lady's sworn enemy. I would ask if your clerics there are in good stead with Lorminstra, and also to offer my services as one of her most devoted apostle's. "

Truekillr places his hand on his Lorminstra symbol.

Truekillr says, "It will be a tough battle for those not ready for Luukos' minions."

Dunrith says, "The last I've heard was that Baron Hochstib lost his Luukosian hordes and had rethought that approach. I expect we will see little of undead in his ranks, but I gladly accept your offer."

Dunrith asks, "Monelle?"

Monelle says, "Your Grace, Truekillr asked mainly what I was meaning to ask, but I offer my services to you if you are in need of the presence of a Priestess of Charl."

Monelle smiles at Dunrith.

Monelle curtsies to Dunrith.

Dunrith bows to Monelle.

Dunrith says, "Your offer is most appreciated."

Dunrith smiles at Monelle.

Dunrith asks, "Kassheu?"

Kassheu asks, "When my we visit your fine lands Baron so we may visit upon its wonders and bathe in it's culture?"

Dunrith says, "As soon as the trade route is complete, Kassheu. I would hope within a very short time."

Dunrith says, "There will necessarily be a caravansary built near your town prior to the route being completed. I would think you could watch for its construction as a sign that the route will open shortly after."

Kassheu grumbles.

Dunrith asks, "Frorin?"

Frorin says, "caught me of guard Baron"

Frorin says, "I was just wondering sir.. if you know any more than we do about this talked about mandis crystal"

Dunrith says, "Not really. I haven't seen one. Only heard the same rumors and stories of them that I believe everyone has heard by now."

Dunrith asks, "Any other questions?"

Dunrith asks, "Kilan?"

Kilan asks, "any chance of joint Vornavis /landing strikes against Hochstibs forces?"

Kilan says, "its time we put the hurtin on im"

Dunrith says, "Perhaps after the invasion. I doubt we'll be organized enough to do that kind of thing before then. There are simply too many other things that my people need to attend to before then."

Kilan says, "i dont mean anything large scale..but a few raids to destroy his supplies would be wqorthwhile"

Dunrith says, "Saberwolv, currently Jantalar's forces are threatening Vornavis, but not to a degree that we're concerned with as yet. We're keeping them busy and they're doing the same to us."

Dunrith says, "As I said, Kilan, I doubt we'll manage such prior to his invasion. Raiding in the presence of a massing invasion force is too risky."

Dunrith asks, "Psionix?"

Psionix asks, "Will the road to Vornavis be a land route, sea route, or a combination of each Baron Malwind?"

Psionix says, "Being from an Isle town"

Psionix says, "I get land knees"

Dunrith says, "It is a land route. We've built it because the harbor of Solhaven is being blockaded by freebooters in Jantalar's hire. A sea route would not gain us anything right now."

Dunrith asks, "Frorin?"

Frorin says, "Baron Malwind we still are not sure of what path the invading forces will take on an attempt at ransacking our town and a while back we considered the possabilities while trying to come up with some sort of stratagy as to where to place our lines of defence.. any guidence on the matter would be of great help."

Dunrith says, "I would expect any Jantalarn forces would attack along a route they will create for themselves through the mountains to the southeast, but that may not be what they do. I am simply guessing at this point."

Dunrith says, "I'm afraid my time here is at an end. I thank you for your attention and your questions and again wish to congratulate those who received honors rightly deserved."

Titaniia asks, "Shall we escort you back to th' docks, Baron Malwind? Or have you your own transportation?"

[The group escorts Baron Malwind to the docks]

Dunrith says, "Thank you all again for the hospitality. You have a wonderful town here. Guard it well."