In the hilly forests of one of the more Tax-Happy Kingdoms a rogue has arisen who steals from the King’s Tax-Collectors and gives to the poor. Yet, more observant folks have noticed that this thief seems to be keeping most of the pilfered wealth. Perhaps Wraithvine (alone or with someone) can help set this would be Robin Hood straight? -- Deathshead419
The castle at the heart of Drichithia was a beautiful crown atop a small mountain, allowing those resident to see sweeping landscapes and picturesque views. Each suite within is a work of art. The ballrooms and gathering halls the talk of all its neighbours.
There's just that persistent bandit problem spoiling everything.
The worst, according to Pyrechmades Rex, was a band encamped somewhere along the picturesque hill road on approach to his castle. There, nobles and tax collectors alike were waylaid for any and all valuables they had on them. Co-incidentally, the copper and silver reappeared in the charity coffers all around the realm.
Wraithvine was summoned to recover the gold and gems for his majesty. Ze had alternate plans. Trying to find out what happened to those gold and gems, first, and then acting according to hir own judgement thereafter. The area where the bandits lurked was difficult to search. Picturesque, shaded roads gave a lot of greenery to hide in. Hills came with valleys, and thereby hollows in which to conceal interesting forces. Further, the area was riddled with caves and caverns.
His majesty, in pursuit of aesthetics, had created the perfect funnel for those with wealth to attract the attention of desperate souls with little to lose. That had to imply a very special level of stupidity. Almost as stupid as placing a bedroom window below a guarderobe on a higher floor.
Wraithvine was allowed to walk the road away from the castle. To attract their attention, ze made hirself look and sound like a wealthy carriage on the road to the castle. Replete with the image of a slumbering personage as a passenger.
The bandits turned up after half a mile.
"Ah. There you are," said Wraithvine, dismissing the illusion. "Apologies for getting your hopes up, but I would dearly love a tour of your operation."
Three of them lowered their bows. Two threw down their swords. One said, "Shit. We're doomed. That Wraithvine. The real one."
There was one with a pheasant feather in their hat, presumably the leader of this sortie. "Calm down. We're not dead yet. You want a tour, honoured mage? We can show you what we're doing. And then we can ask for your help." They offered their hand. "And withhold your wrath until we explain it all."
They followed deer trails and a rivulet to a cavern, where some were sorting coins into bags. Copper and silver went into small pouches. Gold went into small barrels. Enough for a strong man to lift. Gems and jewellery were wrapped in rag and placed in boxes.
Silver jewellery was disassembled and melted down. Turned into coins forged with the help of an ancient token from some old tomb, then tumbled with manure and gravel to age them. These new ancient coins were then added randomly to the small purses they were preparing.
"And what's happening with the gold?" asked Wraithvine.
"That's where we have an issue," said the leader. "It's illegal for common folk to own gold. Anyone caught with it are sentenced to death. Merchants are permitted some, but only in receipt for sales of their wares. It's extremely difficult for us to exchange gold for lesser coin. The gems might as well be offal. It's worse. You might be shocked how many nobles only carry gold and gems. We get more out of stealing the horses."
Wraithvine noted that they didn't have many horses. In combination with there being so very little in the way of meat farming, it was highly likely that Nobility's prize equestrians were being redistributed from the bandits' stewpots.
Desperate times.
"I can help," announced Wraithvine, "but only if you're prepared to make a pact with the local Kobolds."
"We didn't know we had Kobolds. What are we going to need them for?"
"Revolution," said Wraithvine.
[Photo by Anthony Aird on Unsplash]
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