Quest: Pledge to No Warlord Arrival in Ghur
Beldric’s Expedition Fleet – Barak-Izrildrakkaz
Beldric Forgehand stood on the deck of his ship and looked upon Ghur. It was always a lovely sight to see the Realms from this height! So much potential above and below him, it made his mind whirl with possibilities. What ancient artifacts might they find? What lost civilizations would they see and discover? But, before he and his fleet could begin exploring in earnest, they needed a base of operations. Before the journey, he had reviewed ancient maps of Ghur to get a feel for where to start. While Ghur was always in motion, some land masses generally stayed in place, if they were big enough. One such location he was hoping to find was an ancient keep, the BanKur Duardin Mining Outpost. It had been created high on a mountain, to increase its chance of survival and allow for ample mining into and below the mountain. Rare metals, bones, and amber were all obtained at one time or another there.
“Admiral, port bow!” Beldric was roused from his reverie and made his way to the port side of the ship. Aha! He could see the old mining outpost now……dilapidated for sure, but they could secure it and fortify it. “Bring her down!” Beldric shouted to his first mate. As the fleet descended, they got a better look at the old keep and the surrounding area. It was in an area named the Hungering Steppes, but it looked like the mountain was still intact overall. Now to inspect the interior.
The BanKur keep was indeed dilapidated, but its stonework was still impeccable, and it was easy to fortify the tunnels into the keep and the keep itself. While the keep itself might be useful later to actually conduct mining operations, his fleet was setting up a different type of mining operation! Various chains would link his flotilla of mining rigs in the sky above BanKur so they could harvest and refine the aether gold and supply the expedition force. When they were done, it would look like a magical city floated alongside this mountain, along for the ride as the continent made its migration across Ghur! It would be beautiful and practical! The advisory crew had already decided on a name, after several long discussions with ale and grub, and their floating stronghold would be called the Spire of the Amber Aether! For now, the fleet would ignore the politics and warmongering below and get their stronghold established. Then, they would evaluate the opportunities and would make their move.
Quest – Pledge to Bor Goadfist of the Bogswallow Marauders
Admiral Beldric Forgehand evaluated the intel his lads had brought back from all over the Hungering Steppe. There was quite a bit of conflict starting up in these regions! Never mind the fact the ground was shaking with unknown purpose. He was glad they were situated on a sturdy mountain, rather than down in the plain! The prime opportunity seemed to be assisting the Bogswallow Marauders, mainly because they seemed to be a reliable source of amber. When Beldric had found out the hobgrots also had a merchant relationship with the Aurannar Lumineth, that had solidified his plan! Establishing a trade agreement with the Aurannar and the Bogswallow Marauders could be done at the same time and prove profitable in the long run. Since the Ghurneth of Packhome seemed to be doing a blockade, Beldric knew exactly how he could help and negotiate good terms……he would provide aerial transport for the Aurannar and enable trade to continue and would secure deals while they were on board.
To set the plan in motion, Beldric called for his Mizzenmeister, Sven Ironsmith. Sven could form a small, but fast team to evaluate the best flight paths and landing grounds, as well as evaluate the immediate threats in those areas. Besides assessing the trade route, they would do some mapping of any key structures or strategic locations.
Sven was eager to explore the area with his team and they quickly readied their supplies and equipment. Buvorn was the only one on foot, so he headed out early with some flares and Sven, an endrinrigger, and two skywardens headed out for the main pathfinding mission. The warband’s initial route was safe and they cleared out a landing area where they planned to meet the aelves. Beldric always preferred to have more than one route ready, so Sven and the lads moved together this time to scout the secondary route. Good thing they did too, as they came upon some Kruleboyz waiting for them! They injured Halvod, between the crossbows and that swamp belcha, but Sven was able to take one sniper and the team regrouped and cleared a path through the wicked stickas. The Kruleboyz retreated into the trees when they saw they no longer had the upper-hand and the lads gave them some parting shots. After they had a moment to recoup and tend to Halvod, they moved on and marked the route from above for “wariness”. A third route was determined and they all made it back to BanKur without further incident. Halvod headed to the medical bay to ensure no poisons were still coursing in his blood and Sven made his report. The next day, the fleet headed out to meet the Aurannar!
Beldric smiled in his mask as the Aurannar merchants approached his Ironclad and looked warily at the Grundstok Gunhaulers and Endrinriggers patrolling the area. “Please, do not be alarmed! My name is Admiral Beldric Forgehand and I am at your service. Your way is barred by savages in the plains and I merely seek to help you over the problem, so that you may meet with the Bogswallow Marauders!” Beldric gave a short bow, “In exchange we only ask that you recommend our services to Bor Goadfist and we can continue to ensure you safe passage.” Beldric gestured towards the ramp to encourage the aelves aboard. They spoke quietly with each other and then likely realized Beldric was speaking the truth. They nodded and then began boarding the Ironclad. Beldric instructed his crew to assist the merchants with their belongings and ensure everything was stored safely aboard. Beldric walked behind the merchants as they walked onto the deck and said, “You’ve made an excellent choice! We have cleared the way to ensure smooth passage and my scouts will guide us along to the bog. Please, have some refreshment and perhaps while you are taking in this splendid aerial view, we can discuss what items you have for trade and how we might assist you further?”
Beldric’s fleet had made excellent time and established some potentially fruitful trade arrangements with the Aurannar. To prevent alarm, he had sent ahead Sven Ironsmith, with a small contingent, to discuss arrangements with Bor Goadfist and prepare some initial contracts for review, contingent upon the safe arrival of his Aurannar associates. The landing area was cleared and ready and Beldric couldn’t help but smile again as he worked to set up these commercial relationships…..an excellent opportunity for sustained trade and hopefully access to some unique relics!
