((Still no map!))
During the next few days, you were staying around waiting for your clothes. You remember that at least in your home village, the Governor is probably the only well-dressed man, so a good suit should relieve some of the trouble of showing authority.
Meanwhile, you tried to get your hands on the ropes. You know that Dora have a contingent of 100 uniformed regular city guards, which also doubles as Helmus' bodyguards, fire brigade, police force, jailers, and generally speaking, anything that need someone in official capacity. You did have a look at his armory, and it looked like it has enough weapons for 1000 men. Either way, you don't have any idea on if this number is too high or too low, but you know that its common courtesy that one should not spend more than his superior.
You also remember some details of your military life, given you were an infantryman. Being drafted into the more imperial parts of the army, you were relatively well equipped, with a leather brigandine over gamberson, and you sole weapon is a steel-tipped spear. Those who know how to shoot will be given bow and arrow, and some are also tasked to man large crossbows. The elite core of the imperial army were very heavy infantry, in extremely heavy steel armor, so heavy that they also can only effectively use a spear and nothing else. Cavalries of all kinds, from those in full armor to those without were also present. Helmus' armory lacks armor other than a very simple "mirror" to be put in front of the chest, consistent with those of drafted militia. They might be issued with a spear, a falx, knife, and large crossbows, or they will have to make do with anything in hand.
((note: the large crossbow is essentially a longbow-sized crossbow firing full-length arrows. Most personal bows are shortbows.))
You also remember that most people dead were not killed outright in battle, but rather from festered, black wounds, and even more from diarrhea.
-----
A few days later, you were once again in attendance of Helmus. He presented you with a brand new court uniform. Its the most fitting piece of clothing you have worn: every bit is tailored according to your size, except at the hand end of the sleeves, which are as large as your waist. You do remember that most court clothes looked like that, unlike your old clothes which are close to skin to allow easy movement.
"Rory, I hope you enjoyed your stay. Before leaving, I have some bad news to tell you. A messenger just told me that the governor's villa in Black woods was burned down and looted, probably by bandits. So I think you have to make do with your own. With this in mind, Rory, It might be prudent for me to lend you 100 gold so you have some money to rebuild."
100 gold, that should be enough to pay 100 commoners for a year. Or 50 skilled tradesmen. Either way its a lot of money, Rory told himself.
"How will you spend this is not my concern, and you don't have to repay this if you cannot. That said I would expect some return on my investment. I would also want the area be secured, and some taxes be safely collected, but that's for the longer term.
"I think there is enough information for you to work with. One more thing, 100 gold is really heavy. You can take an extra horse from my stables, or if you like I can procure a sedan chair for you, with two labourers prepaid for a year.
"I expect you to be travelling from tomorrow morning. Be dismissed."
This night, you have been plotting at your room. You will certainly need to buy some supplies - just in case you can't get enough food from your subjects. You may also recruit labourers and tradesmen ((GM note: ask for a quote)). You are also mulling upon whether you should take the horse or sedan chair.
On the map, there are a few places of interest.
There is a town, just on the road from the forest and by the river. Pavar told you the place has around 100 households, but the data was almost 20 years old. You also noticed a symbol that might stand for governor's office.
There is also another settlement, further from the forest but by the river, and of only 50 households.
Another place will be some crags, just by the forest, along the road, but far from the river, and you were told there is an inn and a few huts there.
Finally, there is a part of the river being marked with green ink. Pavar said that part of the river is less steep, and some early settlers have been recorded to cultivate the land around there.
Or you can suggest anywhere else (GM: describe some place to see if it exist).
Author
Topic: Governorship - on the very frontier of civilization (Read 8387 times)