The Wizard's Challenge

Normand lowers his head in a moment of sadness.  "Three hundred, probably more.  I do what I can but..."  An older woman speaks up, she looks thin and frail.  Her modesty gone as the remnants of her shirt reveals much as she moves.  "But Oswald the kind doesn't care about those north of the church; he cares about the image of 'New Northbank'."  There is venom in her mouth as she says 'kind'.  You can tell it isn't a complement.

"wait miss, who's Oswald the kind, is one of the town leaders" Urselles asks the women 

Normand speaks up; "Oswald is leader and mayor of Northbank, and has been during the entirety of its decline.  I am on his council, but he never takes my advice on Old Northbank; but you'd just need to look inside his house to know he's not a true follower of Chauntea and her compassionate ways."

A look of frustration and anger crosses Normand's face before he realizes it and wipes it away with a smile.  He is silent for a moment and then begins handing out food again.

Urselles continues handing on food clearly seeing that Normand doesn't want to talk about this topic 

"Well, I am usually not that persuasive, so if anyone else volunteers I would rather have them do it. Of course if nobody else wants to, I can try!"

"I'm not sure we need my version of persuasion" Croak growls. "Usually this is enough," gesturing toward his longsword. "Speaking of which, whatever happened to that sword we found in the house? Theodore, do you have it? Any word from Dar about it? I sure wouldn't mind giving it a go, ya'know, just like, temporarily. But anyway, if you think the book might be at risk, I would be willing to guard it with all that I got, should it be deemed necessary."

Theodore informs Croak that the sword is currently at Dar's tower.  (Sorry, he is still away and I didn't want to take away the object without his permission.  Hope that is okay?)

The group continues into the plains.  They are actually quite beautiful, with the rolling waves of long grass; the occasional farm, the river slowly disappearing to the north, the giant shadow circling you... Wait a second.  (Perception Checks everyone.)

After some time Normand speaks up again.  "If I could only somehow convince Oswald or something; heck, failing that... further.. I'd look to replacing him if we could pull the votes away."  

Shalech perception check: 11

"votes? You mean there are people choosing to be lead by this Oswald, WHY, he's causing pain and misery to over 300 people and some group is continuing to follow him"

Normand sighs.  "Oswald got his nickname 'the kind' for a reason.  He can charm most anyone; which is exactly what he's done.  Business and land owners have the right to vote, and Northbank is surrounded by farms.  Some of these people don't even come to town, so its easy for him to sway their votes.  People trust him; that's the problem."

"and with how poor everyone is over here no one can afford any land, so they can't vote against him"

"Exactly."  Normand replies.  "Though the businesses in town have begun turning against him."

"so what about the council, what role do they play in all this"

"Advisors mostly; not that he usually listens.  There are Boabby, Klandar, Navid Thad, technically Kitta Doroff; if she shows, though she mostly forced herself on the council.  There are also Garth Manning and of course myself."  Normand states.

"Do Oswalts adviser have as "colorful" of him.ss you do"

(jimmop, check your messages)

"The board has mixed feelings about him.  Some of them have actually thrived during this decline."  Normand replies.

"of course, which members of the council would be willing to help us"

"Klandar for certain; Navid, possibly."  He thinks a moment for more and then just shakes his head.

"I'm sure we'll think of something, are God's didn't choose us without a reason"