A Place of their Own: CHAPTER 3 Through The Gate - 1.13.22 - 1.27.22

General Summary

The Might of Stojanow Gate

Stojanow Gate dominates the countryside, and the group is reminded of the first time they came upon it more than a year ago, and Ivor’s militia controlled its towers, hanging criminals from its ramparts. Now, it is adorned with red fluttering flags and a garrison of well organized soldiers. Indeed there are remaining militia men among them, but it is apparent the Red Regiment are in control and the superiors.
Townsfolk and traders wait nervously in a long queue, waiting for their papers to be checked, for the soldiers to either approve, or send them back on a long journey home. Once the Minstrels approach, a brief confrontation breaks out between Vargas and the gate guard as the group tries to negotiate their way through the checkpoint, and if possible, help the poor travelers they are accompanying. It becomes apparent the Regiment is also using the gate as a profit center, looking for bribes from anyone who isn’t of Anghor decent. Their prejudice is apparent, as those with he right paperwork and heritage pass through unprovoked.

Fast Talking and Deal Making

After taking a day to reconsider their options, and hopefully have the guardsman cycle out so they can try their luck again, Ho-Gun spent the night in his apparition bear form, traversing the countryside, looking for other options out of their plight. He comes upon a a group of merchants by a fire, who, as luck would have it, are in the bean trading business. After some slick negotiating, the party acquires more beans, for a cost, and a new alibi to get through the gate in the morning.
As morning breaks and the soldiers cycle out, the group again lines up at the gate. With heavy ballista trained above them, and a platoon of Red Regiment and Militia surrounding them, they are able to fast talk and negotiate their way, with the travelers, through the gate and further on their journey.
However, from high above, the gate’s commander, Valmund, an imposing figure in red drapery and a cool, almost maniacal disposition, stares them down, announcing he has taken notice of them, with ominous overtones.
Lastly, as the group cleared the area they pass a new, large stone statue of the Baron of Anghor, dead now for years, but whom the Regiment swear their allegiance to.
A harrowing few days on the road has mentally exhausted them, but they are happy to have passed the trials without violence. Their hopes are buoyed, and they are confident the worst may possibly be behind them.

Valmund - Leader of the Red Regiment's Gate Guard

Report Date

23 Mar 2022