Old Dog, New Status

[This document should be considered back-dated to 6 September, right after the reported decision of the Souffets and the response by the party that Pako should be censor of their new grant of land]

Pako the Citizen

The Souffets granted the company who captured Fort Stormbreak, né Bugeater, the right to elect a military commander (mridha), for whom they chose Sesel; and to elect a civilian commander and tax collector, or censor, to mutually command the Fort. For the latter, the company elected Pako, longtime loyal comrade of Durham of the Ringing Anvil.

This is certainly a surprise! There is no law against granting citizenship to a renyu or assigning one such a high office, it is a thing almost unheard of. There was Saint Khristof once, who was indeed even a saint, but renyu are not widely known for their intelligence or initiative. Whatever the feeling of the Souffets regarding this decision, they certainly won't deny it the heroes of the Bugeater crisis.

Therefore, with some little fanfare, Pako was duly invited to make the procession between the Long Walls from Cothon to Gadeed, to enter the Court of the Mount, escorted by Sesel, his sponsor and companion. In that palace, Pako stood first before a lesser magistrate, whose office of censor Pako would soon take on himself, to declare his answers to the four formulaic questions: 

1. What wealth do you claim?
2. Do you make any claim to rights or privileges according to the pedigree of your ancestors?
3. What is your profession?
4. Do you swear loyalty to Gadeed, to Cothon, and to their Souffets? Do you swear to keep arms, and/or to provide for the arms of your servants and/or slaves, for service to the Mother of Cities and the Ten Cities' League?

From there--assuming he answered well and without any offense to Gadeed, and did indeed swear the oath--he was escorted before the Souffets to be invested with his office of Censor of Stormbreak (as the fort was renamed) alongside Sesel being invested as Mridha of Stormbreak.

Pako's name and the date inked in lapis lazuli blue, and stamped with gold

Pako the Censor

As censor Pako is responsible for the development of the land around Fort Stormbreak into productive land, the taxes on which he can farm and will retain 10% for his own personal use. The land allotted him is a 10 mile radius around the fort, which is approximately 314 square miles.

The land is currently not well developed, except around the inn-on-the-ford, and so the land as a whole yields only a fraction of what it could if properly developed. The river is replete with fish and eels, so one might imagine fishing weirs providing one place for development; or using its current for driving a mill. One might also expect Pako to use his connections with the Was'go tribe of renyu, from among whom he was born, to perhaps develop the land in some way that renyu would be good at, like hunting or birding. Other ideas will have to be developed by Pako (and whoever might wish to help him).

As of September, Pako would have a monthly personal income of 100 dinars between taxes from the inn and the little bit of income from the land. This can be significantly increased if Pako surveys the land to see how it might be used, and invites settlers to come out to the Fort or the area around the inn and to thus start developing the land to be useful to Cothon-Gadeed.

This means that Pako has earned 400 dinars since investiture.

Pako should, of course, coordinate with Sesel on ideas about the Fort itself

The Company's Decision

Following their reported successes at Fort Bugeater, the company of that expedition was called to the Court of the Moon to report to the Souffets. Taking in all the information provided, the Souffets came to a decision regarding the reward of 150,000 dinars (gp) that they had offered for its capture. This reward was divided into three parts:

1. Eighty thousand (80,000) dinars would be awarded to the company of the expedition for personal rewards. Divided into shares, full shares to leaders and half-shares to retainers, this comes out to:
   11,428 dinars each to Sesel, Durham, Heijo, Fa Min, and Najm
   5,715 dinars each to Raoden, Pako, Demitrytus, and Fa Mei
2. Iqtadar Sesel would expand his holdings, taking up the office of mridha (castellan) of the Fort. It was requested by the company that the fort be renamed, given that "Bugeater" was the name of the Kzin who commanded it formerly. As mridha, Sesel receives thirty-five thousand (35,000) dinars for maintenance and upgrades to the fort. A force of at least 120 fighting-men must be hired and supplied, including support staff such as armorers and blacksmiths (it is suggested that perhaps Durham's Ringing Anvil get first refusal to take up this opportunity?). Sesel will hold this post for at least one solar year, with the chance to be reinvested with this authority with the accession of the next two Souffets.
3. Pako would take up the mantle of censor of the land around the Fort, acting as overseer and tax-farmer and ensuring that the land is developed for the good of Cothon and Gadeed. He will receive thirty-five thousand (35,000) dinars for the development of the land, and hold the office of censor for one lunar year, or longer if renewed during the Feasts of Investiture next year. It is expected that the Was'go take up some of this work, though certain rumors suggest that they are also engaged in their own expansion in the sea caves of the Ocean's Throat. As part of taking office as censor, Pako will also take on the mantle of citizen of Gadeed.
   This last is very unusual--a renyu citizen?! It seems clear that this is, to some extant, a thumbing of the nose at the Souffets, a deliberate following of the letter of their decision, but twisting the spirit. Many suspect that Durham, foreigner and Hansemann that he is, put the company up to this unusual choice.
   Yet, there are many who are happy to see a renyu raised to such status--after all, why should they not be allowed such status, when Bulrathi and Klackons are granted the same? Is there really anything about a renyu that should bar them from citizenship?

Pako's new status as citizen will be covered in a separate post.

Furthermore, the Souffets also promised a triumph and feast for the successful adventurers, in part to buoy the morale of the Cities, so long assailed by fears and disasters stemming from the Red Cloud and his horde of Kzinti, and the Stygian and the undead horrors infesting Old Tsurr al Qadim. This too will be covered in a separate post.

The Souffets' Decision

 

PROCLAMATION OF THE SOUFFETS

AT THE COURT OF THE MOON 

CONCERNING THE MATTERS OF FORT BUGEATER

The Souffets of these great cities have come to a consensus concerning the matter of Fort Bugeater and associated events pertaining to its recent liberation. The Souffets would like to take this moment to congratulate and give praise to these heroes who, through great courage and haste, have performed their charge to an exceptional degree. Let it be hereby noted that Iqtadar Sesel, Hansemann Durham, Najm the Fishmonger, Heijo the Dyer, and Fa Min the Elementalism are individuals deserving praise for their actions, and shall be duly rewarded. It is also to be noted that General Dalinar al Khalid, through assistance of these individuals in their quest, has shown to continue to be a valuable and trusted ally across this great land, for this much praise is deserved.

As just reward for victory undertaken by these individuals, they were promised 150,000 dinars as compensation. After deliberation and request, it has been decided to award 80,000 dinars directly, to be split amongst the group as they see fit.

A second portion, 35,000, will be put within the charge of the party as a trust to develop the land surrounding the fort for a term of one lunar year. Taxes collected from this development will be turned to split amongst themselves and regional council to continue development and bring prosperity to this land, so long stricken. One member of the party, excluding Hansemann Durham, must stand for this post as censor, and perforce also stand for citizenship; their term in the office will be reviewed and either renewed or revoked during the next season of investiture.

The final portion of 35,000 dinars will be used to recondition and maintain the captured Fort Bugeater as a resupply depot and trading hub. This reconstruction will be overseen by the party as they have shown interest in the security of the land. The fort will be under lease for a term of one solar year. During this term Fort Bugeater shall remain well provisioned and garrisoned, a respite for weary travelers and a stronghold for our great cities. From this boon, great strides towards a brighter future have been taken. Again, one member of the party, excluding Hansemann Durham, must stand for this post of mridha ("castellan"; one character may stand for both offices), and thenceforth also for citizenship; this term of office will be reviewed and renewed or revoked with the accession of the next Souffets, whoever they may be.

Let this be the beginning of a new age of prosperity and dominance for Gadeed and Cothon and the League of the Decapolis. And let us hold a triumph and feast for these intrepid denizens!

Past this point is not public:

The adventurers are asked to pursue an investigation on the “Shadow Figures” and to report any findings on the mystery of the clearing of Fort Bugeater. This is something to be kept close to the chest. Let the people celebrate a victory, they need it. A feast will be held at the expense of the Souffets, inviting the party as esteemed guests, and a parade through the cities as victors.

[written up by Logan, who took on the aspect of one of the Souffets, with only a few edits by the Scribes]

The Barcidae Concerning Fort Bugeater

Presented by Urash ibn Tobrugh, Master of the Migdol of the Dyers, dressed in fine saffron as he bows to the Souffets to argue his case on behalf of his own household of the Bani Barraqi--the Barcidae.

"Honored Souffets, we of the ancient Baraqi Tribe thank the court for this chance to stand before you and present our case to you, even despite our inability to directly assist in the matter of this fort “Bugeater” and the aggressive Kzinti threat therein. (Though of course, how could we assist in such an effort, when we ourselves were not alerted to any joint venture against this threat?)

"Long have we stood as a bulwark in defense of Cothon and Gadeed, fending off the attacks of pirates and Kzinti alike from the walls of our Migdol and Tower, all for the sake of the Cities. Long have we stood as pillars for the Souffets and all the citizens of Gadeed, shouldering burdens like Duris hoisting the world on his shoulder of old. Long and long have we stood thus, and may our shoulders be pillars and our left hand a strong shield for the Dual-Cities ever longer.

"It is in this spirit that we come before you today, to offer our own services and resources in the garrisoning of this fort.

"A great reward was offered for the capture and manning of this fort—and it is mete that the Souffets should have the prerogative to reward citizens and servants with munificence for deeds well done! But consider the coffers of our Two Cities, and of the League at large. We Baraqi can outfit a force of armigers to hold the fort at no expense to anyone but our own tribe, and thus save the treasuries of the Souffets, the Cities, and the League from bearing any burden, and thus able to be better spent in efforts against this menace of the Red Cloud and the shadow over Tsurr. Our only request in return for garrisoning this strong place--at our own expense--is the use of the land and its fruits for the very maintenance of that strength.

"We expect that the esteemed Dalinar al Khalid, loyal though he is to our cities, will be too busy with affairs in Gadeed and his wracked estates in al Zaytun to be expected to maintain this fort. Thus do we present ourselves, castellans of the Migdol of old, as a fine choice to shoulder such a burden.

"By all means, grant a fine portion of the promised reward to these heroic adventurers. By their actions they have discovered a weakness in our enemies’ plans, and exploited it in due service to yourselves and our Cities. A sixth portion of the proffered bounty seems more than enough for such service—they did not, after all, lead any great force of men, but only themselves and certain barbaric allies—and twenty-five thousand dinars will surely be a surfeit of gold with which to enjoy their cups and their luxuries.

"Again, we thank your august personages for the chance to speak here, and humbly and eagerly await your decision in this matter."

 

Sesel: The Capture of Fort Bugeater

 This information presented regarding the inquiry into the capture of Fort Bugeater.

Let me first thank you for this opportunity. I, of course, was already preparing a report on the activities, and so being given this chance to present it before you both was a welcome thing.

I shall begin, naturally, at the beginning. We had received several opportunities, namely those with regards to the disposition of the tower, fort bugeater, and the device blocking the riverway, and as a group decided that we would begin by investigating the tower. We prepared for months, sending scouting parties, preparing spells, and developing new martial styles. All to prepare ourselves to overtake the watchtower, and then, ultimately, the fort.

When we finally set out, we made sure to disguise our number as best we could. Given that we were able to scout and spy upon their forces, we operated under the assumption that they might have the same.

Over the course of our hike out towards the tower, we were cautious. However, as we reached the approximate area around the tower we discovered it silent. Our forward scouts having confirmed that the tower was vacant of all occupants, at least to their keen eyes. We decided to approach, slowly, carefully. However, we received no opposition so we approached and investigated the place. The signal towers (he provides a rough sketch of them here, in case Cothon/Gadeed might be interested in making use of such things for signaling between their Iqta’s, outposts, and nearby villages), were lit, their weapons and gear cleared out.

Having seen the state of the tower we sent quick word back to the city, thinking to seize it while it was available. After accomplishing that, we began the trek towards fort bugeater that we might better understand the reason for the abandonment of the tower.

Approaching the fort our scouts, and then our own eyes and ears, identified much of the same. Silence, and a general lack of occupying forces. We pressed on, cautious but curious. We discovered heaping piles of bodies, burned and discarded, but otherwise vacant rooms and fortifications. Searching deeper into the fort we discovered a pair of prisoners. The first of these I assume you have heard about from Durham, the second of which I will return to in a moment. After thoroughly investigating the fort, and concluding that there was no imminent threat, we sent word back to General Dalinar, knowing he had standing forces enough to occupy the fort. While we awaited the various forces from General Dalinar and House Othmani to occupy these places we set about destroying the mechanism that was used to obstruct trade on the river.

And so went our expedition to capture the fort. However, I have learned some additional information as a result of this capture.

Namely, that the fort was abandoned as the result of strange shadowy creatures which swept through, slaughtering all that followed Red Cloud, but leaving those two prisoners untouched. In fact, I have spoken with the male prisoner. While his mind has nearly completely retreated from his consciousness due to the horrible tortures put upon him by the Kzin, he was able to explain that these shadow creatures actually saved his life, by withering to a husk the Kzin who had previously been his torturer. And so, while I believe that these shadow creatures are certainly something to keep an eye on, “the enemy of my enemy” as they say. The Survivors and I will continue to investigate these shadow creatures, but I believe the fort to be secure for the moment.

There is further information that has been gleaned. However, for operational security I would ask that we take a more private session. If that is not amenable, so be it, and I will provide it here, but I ask that you understand that this information could put lives at risk and jeopardize our ability to protect the city.

(Which is to say, Sesel provides this either way, but ideally “stricken from the notes” or otherwise in a more private session with as few as the Souffett’s will let him get away with)

I have learned that a major task of Red Cloud, significant beyond even his desire to hold the fort, is to retrieve and reforge a legendary weapon called the lance of St Inistas. Much like the shadows, this lance has moved up to the top of our research tasks, as we must discover more information about what and where it might be that it could be secured. Of course, we will be working with the Confraternity of St. Inistas, and would appreciate any additional authority you could lend to that endeavor.

Finally, I have confirmation that Red Cloud does, indeed, have agents and allies within the dual-cities. I am still in the process of verifying information, and confirming identities. This is, of course, the reason I asked for a more private audience. For, even if I can verify all the information I have, that does not preclude there being others, and we must be very careful who has information about the activities to counter Red Cloud. Lest they undermine our efforts before they’ve even solidified. Additionally, I do not think a city wide hunt, stirring up citizens and turning neighbor against neighbor, would help. And so wish to leave this, above all else, out of the public proceedings to keep the great Dual-Cities from tearing themselves apart. We need to fight these external threats, not each other.

(end private things)

I would also like to explain the, perhaps somewhat obviously embellished, stories that circulated upon our return to the city. As I said before, it was always my intent to bring this report before your council and to make sure the truth of the matter was investigated and known. However, Cothon-Gadeed is facing serious threats. Red Cloud brings war and destruction. An unprecedented undead threat gathering strength in old Tsur. The pirates menacing our trade. Winter hindering crops, and trade alike. Morale in the cities needs a boost. We needed a big victory.

So, using the time honored tradition for an adventurer to embellish upon their story, I took my chance. I told of a great battle, one that we so handily won as to not even wind ourselves. A battle that routed Red Cloud’s forces from not only the watchtower, but from fort Bugeater itself, granting a reprieve of oppression from his forces. I told these stories not to mislead your graces, or the authorities trying to fight against this threat, nor even really to specifically mislead the citizens, but to try and lift the spirits of those sheltering in taverns and homes, those refugees and Survivors of these horrible events going on outside the walls. I seek not to mislead, but to instill hope and strength in these dark times. To let the people of the great dual-cities know that there is hope, that they are defended.

Durham's Report on Fort Bugeater

 I will start with the Pako's and Was'go elite scouting of the area. How they learned the number, composition and armament of the patrol, watchtower and the main Fortress itself. As well as observed the coming and going of two parties to the fort. The first a band of twenty Kzin and one human. Another of eight wagons filled with meat, cheese and perhaps weapons and armor as they smelled machine oil. 

I will also give information that was gathered earlier on an adventure with house Urdos, the names of some of the person's of interest within the fort, Bug-eater of course, another Kzin Tracker, a human Titus and another Kzin Mweep. 

On the day in question the plan was to escort Xandar to the fort to open talks between the city and forces of fort Bugeater. I personally also saw an opportunity to free sister Kyssa that was too good to pass up. We had myself, Sesel, Najm, Fa Min as Xandar escort and the others Pako, Heijo, Raoden, Mai and Demetritus were under a veil of invisibility.

We met up with Xandar at the inn near the fort then proceeded down the road, then met up with the Was'go elite, who were scouting ahead of us and reported no activity. 

From there this story becomes one of mystery more than one of action. And begs more questions than answers. We came to the watchtower to find it abandoned, same with the fort. All left in good condition. We did find six piles of bodies at the fort; all burned human and Kzin, no heads. 

At this point I started to fear that some sickness had affect those at the fort. Why else would the burned bodies be there, the food and other items left, the fort itself not sabotaged at all. It gave me the feeling that Bug-eater didn't wish to stay a moment longer than needed. 

We explored the main building, the dining hall left untouched, food still on the tables. Most rooms empty minus a strange room with only one gem, one gold dinar, and one silver dirham and one copper coin as well. I do not know if this was some kind of code left for others or a trap left for us. We decided to leave it alone and continue our exploration. We found a hole with a ladder that led to an underground hallway, discovering some food and wine, as well as some chests of coin and two prisoners. Sister Kyssa and a man who was clearly driven to madness. 

At this point we sent some messages to contact Dalinar. I attended to sister Kyssa and the mad man by giving them both a sakkra potion. Sesel did do some psionic investigations of his own. Discovering that Bug-eater had joined up with Red Cloud, the details there I leave to Sesel. 

We held the fort for a night and the better  part of a day till a force could be gathered to occupy the fort's defences in our stead. 

I close with that. I find the situation strange and those at the fort should remain vigilant. While the fort and the surrounding area was recaptured easily, much effort and time was spent scouting and in reconnaissance, all done by Members of the Was'go. Their contribution should be noted as it was no small part played. 

I ask all who hear this testimony today to hold on to hope, as many dark things have gathered around Cothan-Gadeed for some time. But know that I will not abandon the twin cities or its people to the darkness, so long as my body draws strength, my mind has will and my sprite holds hope. 

Dalinar al Khalid on the Sack of Fort Bugeater

 

For the Souffets

An account of a mission to Fort Bugeater

As described by Xander Magnificat

The Souffets, in their wisdom, have seen fit to inquire as to the recent events that transpired during what has been locally rumored as “the sack of Fort Bugeater”. As the patriarch of House Khalid, who has been wisely summoned to give testimony for our elected leaders (and citizens alike), it is my pleasurable duty – as it should be for any citizen – to provide this account, as it was accurately described to me, by my trusted adviser and envoy, Xander Magnificat.

Before I proceed with this description, be it known that the House of Khalid ... and I, Lord Dalinar, as my forebears have before me ... ensconce our loyalty in Cothon-Gadeed. Our most fervent desire is to lend our strength and honor to the protection of these dual cities, and all the citizens therein. As Cothon-Gadeed succeeds, so do we all.

Because of the evident and encroaching threat that is rising, that which we call Red cloud, and their inevitable, looming clash against our walls and citizens, I took it upon myself to attempt a parlay with the K'Zin war-master/architect formally named Eater of Bugs. Our ultimate desire was to entreat Eater of Bugs to grant my envoy (Xander Magnificat) a boon of safe passage to the main camp of Red Cloud, where a formal truce and treaty might be at last initiated. One that would end, or at least stall, the chaos of war, which we have all experienced too much of in these recent times. It had come to my attention that Iqtadar Sesel, Voice of the Survivors, intended to prove himself as a useful citizen to the cities and the Souffets, by accomplishing a grand mission against the formidable forces infesting Fort Bugeater, which has been wreaking havoc on local river trade and traffic. Thus, it became my design for Sesel and his compatriots to safely escort Xander Magnificat to the gates of Fort Bugeater, and to assist him in opening up a parlay (gaining much if successful). And if parlay could not be achieved, then little, or nothing, would be lost. But know this: for the purposes of House Khalid, Xander (and his escorts) were operating solely as an envoy from our House, and they did not maintain to have authority from the Souffets – thus allowing for all burdens that might come from failure to rest solely upon House Khalid, and the Souffets would remain outside of harm and blame.

Citizen Sesel accepted my covert mission of parlay, and did, indeed, deliver the envoy safely to and through the gates of Fort Bugeater. Yet, what Xander Magnificat has reported seems altogether enigmatic, and decidedly foreboding. It remains, alas, unexplained.

Upon their initial march to the fort, it was found that the watch tower – which House Othmani currently garrisons – was abandoned, yet without sign of siege or attack. Just … empty. This was the first curiosity. Adding to the mystery, no patrols were observed along the local forest trails, which before had been reported as constant. Arrival at Fort Bugeater was decidedly more disconcerting, and only continued to deepen the conundrum.

The fort was found eerily quiet and like the watch tower – abandoned – with its massive gates standing wide open. There was no trace of heated battle (e.g. no blood pools, no entrails, no spattered remains), no trace of siege, nor any sign of chaotic undisciplined departure. On the contrary, tell-tale signs, such as meals left uneaten upon tables, chores seemingly interrupted and left incomplete, and the lack of personal belongings or lucrative material, suggested that the entire garrison – or at least it's greater part – had simply, efficiently, and quickly packed their gear and left. However, several items of the most curious kind were noted. Within the walls of the fort were six (6) biers of stacked bodies, perhaps as many as 25 individuals, which had been burned almost beyond recognition. Their composition was that of K'Zin and men, alike. A closer examination proved that the bodies were all without heads. And those heads were later found, weighted down in metal sacks, under the flowing waters of the river below. Perhaps a burial rite I am unfamiliar with – yet, still disturbing, at the least.

Xander reported that Sesel and his compatriots made a thorough search of the fort and its internal environs, and also destroyed and removed the contraption that was used to control and harass river traffic. Upon inspection, they found that the various protective siege weapons upon the walls were in fine working order (8 ballistae, each with a bevy of ammunition), the smithy of the fort was well stocked and its furnace still glowed (albeit quietly), the well provided sweet, clean water, all of the walls and housing were in good repair, the latrine was clean and functioning, that the larders and pantries of the fort were laid out in preparation of maintaining a rather large fighting force for a period of approximately one year … and two prisoners. These unfortunate and sourly unclean wretches were released from dank cells hidden beneath the main feasting hall.

After it was determined that no harm was present, Sir Durham sent runners to House Othmani (requesting that they might garrison the watch tower), and Citizen Sesel sent word to House Khalid, to provide garrison for the fort. I am told that the released captives were cared for quite generously. One was known to Sir Durham as Sister Kyssa, of the Confraternity of St. Inistas. It was she who was assumed captured and possibly imprisoned by a Red Cloud war party that attacked and destroyed Iqta Zaytun. She was in dire need of medical assistance, and they feared she may not survive. But providence prevailed, and I am to understand that she has been reunited, joyfully, with her ecclesiastical family. The other prisoner had most certainly been a poorly treated fellow – he was (remains?) stark raving mad. Apparently he blathered on wildly and incoherently in a language that none in their presence understood. I do not have knowledge of what has befallen that fellow, but assume that he is in the care of Iqtadar Sesel.

This is the entirety of information, concerning the “sack of Fort Bugeater”, that Xander Magnificat has truthfully recounted to me. I have no reason to doubt the veracity of my adviser's report.

Finally, with the Souffet's leave, I would like to propose to them the following, and implore their august body to wisely consider:

Look with pleasure, fondness, and gratitude to this fine Citizen – and these barbarians:

Iqtadar Sesel, Voice of the Survivors

Hansemann Durham, of the Ringing Anvil

Najm the fishmonger

the Mendicant, Fa Min

Heijo, of the ink-stained hands

They, and their comrades, risked their lives to entertain and undertake an enterprise that was credibly expected to be highly dangerous. While they certainly entered into this enterprise with an eye toward a lucrative reward, their expedition was solidly grounded in providing a great boon to the dual cities of Cothon-Gadeed. While a mystery remains as to why the watch tower and fort were abandoned, they did not have foreknowledge of this, and fully expected to encounter and be subjected to a very harsh and perhaps deadly reception at the fort, upon arrival there. And their agreement to act as escorts for Xander Magnificat, came at a personal request to me, who in turn has only ever acted in providing himself and his House as a shield and strength to our great citizens.

All rewards that have have been accomplished (and provided proof for) should without prejudice, be lauded upon these fine compatriots. All but one. We maintain that it be honored, but with a caveat.

As for the handsome reward that the Souffets have made promise of, concerning a rather impressive pile of coin, and the delivery of the fort into the conqueror's control, I make this proposal: That a full half of the promised cash reward be immediately made (that being 75,000 gold dinar), to be split among their company, as they see fit. That the other half of that monetary reward be placed in deposit – to be used solely in maintenance of Fort Bugeater, in the service of Cothon-Gadeed. Further, that the fort, along with its local “environs” and materials, be deeded to these same individuals, to be maintained and used as theirs in time of peace, but provided in service to and under direction of Cothon-Gadeed, when needs arise. The Souffets, in their wisdom would always, of course, be the adjudicators and final arbiters of what a “need” might be. The “environs” would include a circular area, having the fort as its center, and a diameter equal to the distance between the fort and the watch tower. The watch tower will remain garrisoned and maintained by House Othmani. It will be the responsibility of the fort to maintain river passage and safety of goods and personnel throughout the stretch of river that runs through their environs. In order to maintain this order and readiness, the fort must be garrisoned at all times with a minimum of 125 men-at-arms, along with necessary support officers, specialists, and staff (likely a minimum of 150 individuals). The hiring, housing, equipping, training, and feeding of this garrison will be the responsibility of those who accept this portion of the conditioned agreement.

(Bottom line is – accept part of 75000 gp and walk away, or accept part of 75000 gp AND become “landed responsible lords” of the fort and area, with a starting maintenance fund of 75000 gp. But the fort must be kept in good standing and well garrisoned, or you lose that deed, and forfeit what money is left in the maintenance account. After the pool of 75000 gp is spent in maintenance … well … the funding has to come from somewhere!)

Finally, I would like to publicly honor any of these fine, named individuals, the sponsorship of House Khalid, if they should so desire it. And to each of them I produce a gift of our House token, with which it will be known that they have leave to enter the upper city, unhindered, to seek out my presence, as well as to enjoy the hospitality and sanctuary within the walls of House Khalid.