Journal Posts

Sir Gerrol,

My great many thanks for your recent letter. I have been thinking about your holdings for some time. I have to say I am quite pleased at how things are progressing. Old Tor Hammerfist himself would be proud. In fact, I think some other areas might benefit from your leadership. I'll get to that in a moment but first, I'd like to discuss your proposal, paving the road between Tor's Hold and Harken. This is a good idea, but one that I'd like to offer some modifications to. As I'm sure you know, the forest west of you is far more dangerous than the stretch between your holdings and the barony proper. If you think to make some coin by offering caravan protection, your best bet would definitely be to improve the forested section first. So, this is my offer. First, send an envoy to Fallcrest, in both of our names. Tell them your plan. Markelhay is no visionary, but he's not stupid. I think he'll agree with us. See what kind of funding you can get from him and make it clear they too stand to benefit. But take care we don't steer any of his Iron Circle thugs down our way. We don't need that again. They seem to mostly ignore us for now and I'd like to keep it that way. Anyway...Then, put up some money of your own, whatever you can muster. Whatever that amount may be in combination, from Tor's Hold and Fallcrest, I will match from the Harken treasury. What I can't currently cover, I'll pay back through abdication of my share of the road and protection levy until such time as the road is fully paid for. You'll need to use your diplomacy and knowledge of History to convince Markelhay. Good luck.

Ok, onto the second point. Marl. As you know, Marl was possibly the greatest casualty of our Iron Circle entanglement. It's complete devastation effects me to this day. I'd like nothing better than to see it rebuilt. If you can work out plan to rebuild and repopulate Marl, I would expand your holdings to include it, with the appropriate title to match. I'll likewise abdicate any taxing authority I currently control for a period of 5 years in order to provide you with the funds you'll assuredly need for its revival. If you feel up to it, send me your plan for Marl. Make sure to include the necessary points on how you could apply your abilities with Dungeoneering and Streetwise to make the project more scalable and affordable. If I like what I hear, I'll send up half the grounds crew from my estate to help with the work load. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Please give my regards to Erdrick and let him know that I am ever thankful for that last batch of RedCask Ale. I know better than asking what is in it this time. I don't want to raise his ire again.

Baron Stockmer of Harken

Good News Sir Gerrol!

Having gotten the license out of the way and my operations updated, I've been able to get quite a lot accomplished since our last meeting despite all the meddling of the Ferris fellow. He tries hard but for some reason he just puts me off. Too much meddling I say, always up in my business!

The Brewery is functioning at full capacity. The first 10 barrels of the good stuff have been loaded and are on the way to Fallcrest as I write this. After Ferris was having trouble with a couple of the former Fallcrest cityguard, I had a little talk with them. Offered them a nice price to guard the caravan. Seemed like a good idea to get them out of our hair for a piece. Let them go get drunk in Fallcrest for once, quit fighting here in Tor's Hold.

Perhaps they will pass you on the road, as it has been brought to my attention that you'll be returning to us. How exciting! I have so much to show you. I've been able to harvest several loads of mushrooms from the old toadwallow and I've been working on several concoctions, ahem! recipes for some interesting beverages. Please make a note, do NOT attempt to use the purple stinking mushrooms, they are USELESS! However, the greens and the reds mix nicely to create a powerful stimulant. You'll feel like you're drinking a nice stout at first, but as it starts to kick in, Woo Hoo! Lets just say you'll want to give it a try. To wrap up, the taxes are paid on the export and I'm certain the tiefling Amara in Fallcrest will be able to find plenty of buyers. I see strong profits in our future if she doesn't try to renegotiate, (you know how those tieflings are, always looking to make a better deal even if its with the devil HA!) I look forward to your safe return Sir.
-Erdrick

Sir Gerrol,
Thank you so much for your confidence, I'm certain that I will not let you down. I'm a little nervous to give the news to the Brew Master. He's a hard man you see. None the less, I'm thrilled at the idea that I might serve both you and Tor's Hold in a great capacity. I much appreciate the money you've sent and I've followed your instructions to set up a residence. I've picked a Master at Arms and he has begun the process of forming a militia.

However, I'm afraid it's not going as smoothly as I'd hoped. The men forming the militia are the hardy sort and beings there are few men hereabouts besides them, they've taken to quite a bit of rough housing about town. No one has gotten hurt and only a small amount of property damage has resulted so I'd hate to sound too negative but I do hope you'll be back soon, as a strong hand is needed to keep these men in line while off duty.

One other matter that could use your attention is the homestead act you've proposed. I've made some announcements regarding the 16 year old male service and it seems that may be more difficult than we realized. After the difficulties at the battle of Albridge, quite a few families no longer include a male of that age. I've explained that as long as there is a placeholder male who WILL BE of age within the next five years, we can probably have some flexibility but families are nervous to risk such a change on my word alone. To have you here to quell fears would do wonders I'm sure.

I hope we can expect a return sometime soon, at least temporarily until we can bring things in line.
Your loyal assistant,
Ferris