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ARCHIVE: Kingmaker.

Posted by MittensFor group 0
Mittens
GM, 976 posts
Shifter
change job kupopopo!
Tue 17 Sep 2013
at 07:06
  • msg #1

Kingmaker

http://kingsofkings.wdfiles.co...aps-brevoy/Bevoy.jpg
http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...The_Stolen_Lands.jpg


Brevoy is a proud land, known throughout Golarion
for producing able warriors, regal nobles, and clever
rogues. Yet Brevoy’s two regions, Issia and Rostland,
have long held one another in contempt and now stand
on the verge of civil war. Both Issia and Rostland were
independent nations until Choral the Conqueror’s barbarian
armies and red dragon servitors united the regions into
a single kingdom two centuries ago. Until recently, the
iron rule of House Rogarvia maintained a fragile peace
between the two regions. But a decade ago, House Rogarvia
mysteriously disappeared, and the conniving leaders of
Issia’s House Surtova supplanted them as Brevoy’s rulers.
Now a labyrinthine political landscape plagues the nation,
full of secret alliances, provincial loyalties, and nefarious
plots; civil war seems inevitable. In Rostland to the south,
the swordlords see in many of Issia’s recent political moves
the swift approach of such a war. They rightly fear such an
event, for Rostland is smaller than Issia, it has fewer armies,
and its rolling hills and grasslands offer very little in the
way of natural defenses. Worse, unlike Issia, whose northern
border stretches along the Lake of Mists and Veils, which
offers some defense, Rostland’s southern border lies along
a stretch of wilderness infested with bandits and monsters.
If Brevoy falls into civil war, it won’t be long at all before
the violent, opportunistic vultures to the south move to take
advantage of Rostland’s problems.
This southern region of wilderness is called the Stolen
Lands. While these lands are technically a part of the
River Kingdoms, several of which have advanced claims
in the past, Rostland has long viewed them as “stolen”
from it by bandits and monsters. Many attempts have
been made to settle the Stolen Lands, but to date, none
have succeeded, making these 33,000 square miles of
unclaimed wilderness the largest swath of unclaimed
land in the entire River Kingdoms. As tensions mount
in Brevoy, some of Rostland’s swordlords hope to change
that fact; they have issued charters to several groups of
adventurers, sending them south into the Stolen Lands.
These initial charters are simple enough: re-open the
old trade routes along the rivers and scatter or defeat the
bandits who have made them too dangerous to use. Beyond
that, it seems apparent that Rostland wants to encourage
new nations to grow in this region—and believes that by
supporting these nascent kingdoms as allies, it’ll gain
loyal support in any coming conflict with Issia. It’s a bold
and brilliant political move—for if Rostland turned its
own resources to the task, not only would such a move
weaken its defenses against the north, but the blatant
power grab would certainly force Issia’s hand. By sending
free agents south, the swordlords of Rostland hope to
create new allies without sacrificing their own position
of power in Brevoy.
Yet as with most complex and brilliant plans, there are
plenty of opportunities for disaster.

t he K ingmaKer Pc s
Your group of characters begins the Kingmaker Adventure
Path as one of four groups sent south into the Stolen Lands
to defeat bandits and, hopefully, to establish one of four
new nations in the River Kingdoms.

Charter:
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charge by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and
authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel
within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration
should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and
west and sixty miles uth of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of
this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful
behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry
remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this
24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov
and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of
the Dragonscale Throne.


A dventure S ummAry
The adventure begins with the PCs, each bearing a charter
from the Lord Mayor of Restov granting license to explore and
map the section of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt,
arriving at a small, remote trading post at the southern edge
of rural Rostland.


This message was last edited by the GM at 07:15, Tue 17 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 42 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 17 Sep 2013
at 13:03
  • msg #2

Re: Kingmaker

The oversized 7'6" female fighter made her way to the trading post. She sighs in relief upon seeing the place. The girl had not been sure if she would make it to the trading post. But, remembering the banditry in the area, she quickly regathers herself, prepared for either an ambush or bad news for when she walks through the doors.

With her is a little boy. A runt for his age on top of being young, the little boy seems like a baby next to the giant fighter. He's wearing a very arcane looking outfit, even going as far as to have arcane markings on his skin (although none of it is permanent). He's sitting on the tall fighter's shoulders as the two get closer to the outpost.
Scott
Tue 17 Sep 2013
at 20:29
  • msg #3

Re: Kingmaker

  Meanwhile, a fair skinned shaggy haired blond man of average height in common traveler's clothes rereads some of the finer details of the charter he was given*  'Hmm, I don't have a sword.' he thinks to himself, 'But I have some rope, and Rope Gauntlets are made of rope.  That should count right?'  It was best to consider the practical difficulties, before the philosophical ones like, if they say they are sorry does that mean no execution?  Unrepentant bandits don't usually apologize.

  Putting his legal document away, Scott sees he is approaching traditional civilization, as well as fellow travelers.  Anyone who gives small children (or very skinny halflings) shoulder rides probably wasn't a bandit.  "Hello, are you also here about this whole striving against banditry thing?"

*A wounded adventurer leaving the lands and saying "Screw This" threw the charter at him in passing.

OOC: Oversized would suggest Tread is too big.  But Tread is Tread, she's proper sized.
On the subject of size, Gnome Girl in the Core Book race lineup is a half foot taller than the halfling man.

Joey
player, 38 posts
Changeling that
looks like a Dragonborn
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 03:10
  • msg #4

Re: Kingmaker

Joey, a kitsune cleric of Serenrae, has been sticking to human form for the hourney mostly because having a fur coat underneath gear and armor is unneeded.  He is of course very impressed with little Eli and his big mommy for a number of reasons.

"This must be Oleg's Trading Post," he thinks aloud, "Sure will be nice to rest in something other than a tent for a change.  And eat something other than rations.  Assuming there's room and food to be had.  I'll be surprised if there isn't."

He smiles and nods at the unarmored man, opens a pouch, pulls out a folded paper, unfolds it, and shows it to be a copy of the charter.
Tread
player, 43 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:09
  • msg #5

Re: Kingmaker

Tread turns to look at Scott. She is surprised the man is not surprised by her size. Then again, there's always the chance he doesn't think she's human. Some people have thought she was some exotic human-looking race before, after all. "Hi there... and yes I am here on the behest of the Swordlords of Restov to help rid the area of banditry." her voice is feminine, sure, but is also as big as she is, booming at around 70 decibels*. "This is Eli." she says, motioning to the boy on her shoulders. "And who might you two be?"


*OOC: For reference, 60 decibels is conversation levels. 80 decibels is yelling.
Joey
player, 39 posts
Changeling that
looks like a Dragonborn
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:23
  • msg #6

Re: Kingmaker

"A pleasure to meet you, Mam," Joey answers with a smile and a bow, "And the little one too.  My name is Joseph Aldori, but I prefer Joey.  May I ask your name?"
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:25
  • msg #7

Re: Kingmaker

  Monk Scott has found it worth more to be surprised over more jarring things, like 'why is your skin plaid?' and 'stop trying to bite me'.  Or would that be that such things are more surprising anyways?  Outdoors Voice Pro Edition is somewhat attention getting at least.  "Hello, Eli, Lady.  I'm Scott, I have not been traveling too long but hopefully this is something I can help wit."

  He also nods in greeting to Joey,  "Even if it costs a bit more, a fresh hot meal indoors can be worth it after time on the road."  Then again, living in a temple hadn't really been a showcase of frequent hot meals for him either.
Tread
player, 44 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:28
  • msg #8

Re: Kingmaker

Tread blushes some. "Oh... sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Tread." she goes to the doorway and knocks, her gauntleted hand making a sound like someone slamming a hammer on the door.
Joey
player, 40 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:34
  • msg #9

Re: Kingmaker

A pretty woman answers the fortress door, smiles, and opens it wide for the group.

http://photon1966.files.wordpr.../svetlanaleveton.jpg

"Welcome!  Welcome!  Please, come in!  Make yourselves at home."

Meanwhile, the sound of hammering can be heard from a roof of one of the buildings beyond.

"And a pleasure to meet you too, sir," Joey answers.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, mam," he says to the lady.
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:42
  • msg #10

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott waves hello to the nice lady.  "Thank you, a kind face is always a welcome sight at the end of the road."  Well, anywhere really come to think of it.  But you don't really see as many of them between locations.

  He does not yet comment on how quiet Eli has been, which has nothing to do with overcoming an idiotic incapability to use personal pronounce or a real name, that would be crazy.
Tread
player, 45 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:49
  • msg #11

Re: Kingmaker

Has more to do with the fact Eli is shy, so it takes a bit for him to get conversational with someone. Tread enters and follows the lady. "Wow, such a warm greeting, thank you!"

Eli blinks in surprise. Most people at least have a slight nervous quake in their voice when they first meet Tread. Eli doesn't count because he has a nervous tone no matter who he meets. This pretty lady isn't afraid of Tread. And neither are the two men with the same vouchers. Could this be a bad sign the lady is used to much scarier things than just a very tall human? Or is he over-thinking this and the lady is as nice as she is pretty?

Tread says, "We're here to help clear the bandits from the area. I suppose you already knew that..."
Joey
player, 41 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 04:59
  • msg #12

Re: Kingmaker

As the group enters, they can see a gruff, unwelcoming looking man is busy repairing the roof.  http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...206/oleg_leveton.png  He eyes the newcomers with suspicion, managing to not hammer his thumb while distracted.  He stops his work and begins climbing down the ladder.

"Oh my," the lady say, hands on her blushing cheeks in reply to Tread and the others, "You're most welcome!  It's the least I could do to show courtesy to the heroes here to help with the bandits.  Please, have a seat."

She motions to some nearby picknick tables and benches.

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...-OlegTradingPost.jpg

"Obliged," Joey answers, taking a seat, "I take it the bandits have been a direct problem for you, then?"
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:08
  • msg #13

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott understands why the man perched on a broken roof holding both a blunt object and pile of sharp objects does not wave hello, he thinks.  "It would probably be wishful thinking at this point to assume the hold in the roof is just weather damage.  I'm flattered you think so, I did intend to but I have hardly done anything to help there just yet."  This last in regards to the bandit problem solving.
Tread
player, 46 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:14
  • msg #14

Re: Kingmaker

Tread takes Eli off her shoulders and gently sets him down. She then daintily sits, though makes sure she is at the center of a bench. The wood can be heard creaking from the weight. Eli goes to sit beside Tread. The two look on at Svetlana in anticipation to her answer to Joey's question.
Joey
player, 42 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:20
  • msg #15

Re: Kingmaker

"Would you be so kind as to bring out the food for these kind people, dear?" the lady coos at the sweaty man, "I'll be a while answering their question.

He grunts with a frown and disappears into the house.

Exposition time!

The PCs should arrive at the trading post the day
before the bandits are scheduled to arrive for their
monthly “tax collection.” Once the PCs agree to help
with the bandits, the Levetons can tell them what they
know about the thugs.
• The bandits’ first visit was 3 months ago—they
threatened to burn down the trading post and abduct
Svetlana for their own amusements back at their camp
if the Levetons didn’t agree to hand over all of the furs
and trade goods they’d accumulated over the past month
from hunters and trappers.
• Since then, the bandits have returned twice more, each time
within an hour of sunrise on the first day of the month.
The Levetons have learned to have their “taxes” ready and
hand them over quickly—the bandits usually seem eager
to return to their camp somewhere in the Greenbelt,
which makes Svetlana think their camp is about a day’s
ride away.
• The first time the bandits visited, there were a dozen
of them—10 lower-ranking thugs led by a cloaked man
armed with a bow, and a woman who carried two small
hatchets. The woman did the majority of the talking
on that first trip, and her black sense of humor and
the way she smiled when she spoke of what fate would
await Svetlana if the Levetons didn’t comply frightened
Svetlana all the more. The woman also seemed to be
particularly sharp and observant, whereas the man
seemed to be a bit more crude and foolish. This, plus the
fact that the woman quite nearly lopped off Oleg’s right
hand with one of her hatchets in a cruel bit of mockery,
convinced the Levetons that she was the most dangerous
of the bandits. As it was, the woman took Svetlana’s
wedding ring right off her hand and tossed it to one of
her men as payment for “not shortening Oleg’s reach.”
• On the second and third visit, only the crude hooded
man accompanied the bandits. The second visit, he
came with only six other men, while on the third he only
came with four. The Levetons suspect that the bandits
have let down their guard and think the owners of the
trading post are completely cowed. Hopefully, when
they visit tomorrow they’ll be even fewer in number, and
hopefully the scary woman with the hatchets won’t be
with them.

Joey frowns, http://img.photobucket.com/alb...core/angry_frown.jpg  clenching his gauntleted fists.

"Those fiends!  By the goddess, they will be punished so help me!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Wed 18 Sept 2013.
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:30
  • msg #16

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods in agreement to Joey,  "Part of me wishes they still came with four or six, but I am unsure of how much I would help when we were outnumbered by that much.  Still, any bandits we can deal with now are that much less when the rest of them come to calling in response."

  He turns back to The Lady, and asks "Has it always been just you two running this outpost alone?  I know the only thing that counts as the law out here amounts to volunteers with a piece of paper, but still."
Tread
player, 47 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:36
  • msg #17

Re: Kingmaker

Tread's frown is less like Joey's and more like a look of concerned hurt. "We'll stop them. When is their next visit?"

Eli seems sufficiently intimidated by the descriptions.
Joey
player, 43 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:44
  • msg #18

Re: Kingmaker

"Tomorrow morning," the lady says.

The man returns with stew.

"Please forgive my manners," the lady continues, serving stew to everyone, "My name is Svetlana Leveton and this is my husband Oleg."

"I have a plan," Joey says, "We don't want those who come getting away to alert the rest.  When they enter, we close the doors and demand they surrender.  If they fight, we focus on whomever looks to be in charge.  Once he is subdued, the rest may lose courage and surrender.  With them secure we can question them to find their hideout."
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:52
  • msg #19

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott considers this, and thinks on the problem.  He then comes up with an answer a 4 year old might suggest.  "The bandits have to come to the front gate, right?  If we are willing to forgo asking them to give up after closing them in with us, can't we just wheel out one of those catapults and aim it at the front gate? Ready, open, fire."

  Knock knock.  Who is there?  Bandits.

  CATAPULT HATES KNOCK KNOCK JOKES.

  "Of course, I guess if it works there wouldn't be bandits left to question."
Tread
player, 48 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 05:57
  • msg #20

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I like the idea of giving them the chance to surrender while also giving us a chance to spare some of them for questioning."

Eli quietly adds, "I.. don't suppose I could convince you all we can capture them all alive..."
Joey
player, 44 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 06:03
  • msg #21

Re: Kingmaker

Oleg reacts by throwing his hands in the air and cursing loudly that if the catapults worked, he would have dealt with the bandits himself.

Svetlana apologizes for her husband's outburst and assures the group that whatever plan they come up with, they will both do whatever is needed.

Joey nods to Eli. "I have trained very hard to know how to subdue enemies without killing them.  If any of them die, it won't be from my weapon."
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 06:10
  • msg #22

Re: Kingmaker

  "I think I can understand Oleg's outlook, I was more thinking of the safety of those who live here first."   He looks over to Eli,  "Oh, it's not that I'm eager to kill them." not that he'd care if a he punched a bunch of bandits to death.  "It's that I've yet to meet a bandit who would not rather die than tell you what color the sky is."   That's just as much as your fault for having low CHA and no CHA skills, as it is modules writing bandits that way.
Tread
player, 49 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 06:16
  • msg #23

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Then we have a plan. Let's hope it works."

Eli gives Joey a hopeful smile. When Scott mentions how bandits act, Eli looks confused. "....I don't understand why."

Tread pets Eli. "And I doubt you or I will ever understand bandits."
Joey
player, 45 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 06:22
  • msg #24

Re: Kingmaker

The bandits arrive as scheduled, approaching
from the south on horseback about an hour after sunrise.
They array
themselves nearby and begin calling out threats to the
Levetons to “open up or we’ll start tossing some fire in to
speed your asses up!”

Once the trading post is open to them, they arrogantly ride
in and begin making crude comments at Svetlana and
threats against Oleg while they begin loading their
horses.

If the PCs ambush the bandits, the PCs automatically
gain a surprise round—in addition, the bandits themselves
are so agog at this unexpected development that they all
suffer a –8 penalty on their Initiative checks. Oleg agrees
to serve as “bait” for this plan, but insists Svetlana hides
in the safety of their bedroom—though once the fighting
starts, Oleg runs for cover.


Joey shuts and bars the doors!  "We have you surrounded!  Surrender!"

"What?!  NO!" the bandit leader replies!
Eli
player, 146 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:08
  • msg #25

Re: Kingmaker

Eli casts a spell on Tread by high-fiving her.

As Tread and Scott come out and get attacked by the two bandits they face, Eli makes a gesture and says something arcane. Two of the bandits and two of the horses collapse asleep.
Tread
player, 50 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:14
  • msg #26

Re: Kingmaker

Tread thrusts her sword at Happs and stabs him through the side. She says nothing, looking at Happs with pure malice and concentration.
Joey
player, 46 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:23
  • msg #27

Re: Kingmaker

Joey throws a javelin, blunt side first, but misses by a mile.  Happs braggs that he could take the entire PC group on his own, steps back, and shots an arrow at Tread, but it deflects off an invisible barrier!  The horses who are still awake, scatter!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:32, Wed 18 Sept 2013.
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:30
  • msg #28

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott isn't exactly going to complain that Eli's peaceful methods have taken out half the enemies at once (now complaining when it happens to the party, totally reserved right).  So he steps over the fallen bandit, taps Ayelese on the shoulder, and uses the ancient mysterious art of 'Ow! You broke my nose!'.

  Which was apparently so effective the bandit collapses trailing blood from their face as a second swing wildly wiffs where there used to be a bandit standing.  "Not gonna lie, I thought they would be harder to punch unconcious."

  Flurry vs Bandit.  Hit, Miss, 9 DMG = Exact takedown.
Tread
player, 51 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #29

Re: Kingmaker

Tread walks up to Happs and grabs him in her rather large arms, restraining him. She looks down at him with a scowl.

Eli seems to slink a bit, hiding from the fight.
Joey
player, 47 posts
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:45
  • msg #30

Re: Kingmaker

Joey approaches. "Surrender!"

He threatens with his spear.  Happs falls silent and struggles against the giant lady's grip but fails.
Scott
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:52
  • msg #31

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott steps over even more (alive) bodies, and says "Thanks for holding him still Tread, Glad nobody got hurt."  He said, while punching the bandit's face into unconsciousness.

  "I think I'm going to need more than fifty feet of rope before this trip is over."  Silly Monk, you can just reuse the ropes after they inevitably refuse to do anything but spitefully go to their death.
Narrator
player, 256 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Wed 18 Sep 2013
at 07:59
  • msg #32

Re: Kingmaker

As an officer in the Stag Lord’s
army, Happs wears a small silver amulet shaped in the
likeness of a stag’s skull—even though Happs has yet to
actually meet the Stag Lord in person.

XP 200 CR 1/2
Combat Gear alchemist’s fire (2); Other Gear leather armor,
dagger, composite longbow (+2 Str) with 20 arrows, 2 days of
trail rations, silver Stag Lord amulet worth 20 gp, 35 gp

Each bandit:
XP 135 each CR 1/3
Gear leather armor, longbow with 20 arrows, short sword, 2 days
of trail rations, 10 gp

Oleg lets the PCs take any bits of gear they want from
the bandits—anything left over he’ll claim as new stock.
If the PCs claim the gear and then propose selling it to
Oleg, he’ll gladly purchase the gear from them at full price
(as long as he’s got the money and stock to carry out the
transaction). In any event, if the PCs protected the trading
post, Oleg offers the group a reward consisting of 50 gp
and all three potions in his stockroom. Further, he tells
the PCs that they’re welcome to stay free of charge in his
guest house as long as they want. He and his wife will even
provide meals for them for free.

Quest: Wanted : bandits:
Source: Wanted poster at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: The bandits in the Greenbelt need to be
shown that their actions will not be tolerated.
Capture or defeat at least six of them to send
a message.
Completion: Any six bandits defeated completes this
quest.
Reward: One week after the sixth defeat, bandit
activity is noticeably affected and the swordlords
send a reward of 400 gp.

Tread
player, 52 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Thu 19 Sep 2013
at 20:56
  • msg #33

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is sure to claim what looks like stuff they can use, and then ties up the bandits. She looks to be quite angry at the bandits and says, "Good job, everyone. Thanks for your help."

Tread goes to wake Happs. She has her sword at her side, but not in her hand. With clear anger in her voice, Tread asks, "OK, you... where is Svetlana's ring?"
Joey
player, 48 posts
Thu 19 Sep 2013
at 22:24
  • msg #34

Re: Kingmaker

Joey concentrates on a prayer and uses his detect evil spell.  "Unsurprisingly, the spell says they are all evil."

"Why should I tell you?" Happs answers Tread, "You're just going to kill me once I tell you what you want to know."
Scott
Thu 19 Sep 2013
at 22:32
  • msg #35

Re: Kingmaker

  While Scott can't question the convenience of such a spell, he never did like the fact it was a bit of a crutch and easily abused against those who don't ask questions.  "That might depend on how sorry you are, and what you'd actually do to make up for it."

  Somehow, Scott doubts there is anything close to a jail or prison.  The paperwork makes them judge, jury and executioner.  It doesn't mention jailer.
Tread
player, 53 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Thu 19 Sep 2013
at 22:45
  • msg #36

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Scott's right. If even bandits like you can spare the lives of your victims, will not people who bothered to keep you alive continue to do so?"
Joey
player, 49 posts
Thu 19 Sep 2013
at 23:15
  • msg #37

Re: Kingmaker

"Ok, so you'll keep me alive.  That's encouraging."

"You haven't answered her question."

"Right.  The ring.  Uh...  I think Topper Red wound up with it.  Unless he's lost it again."
Scott
Thu 19 Sep 2013
at 23:23
  • msg #38

Re: Kingmaker

  "Topper Red has a habit of losing wedding rings?  No wonder he took someone else's then." Probably not the point, but it still comes to mind.
Tread
player, 54 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 00:09
  • msg #39

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "OK.. so... you took something THAT precious to someone and gave it to someone who someone who couldn't give two hoots about it? What is wrong with you people?"

Eli manages to say, "...what about where this Topper guy is?"

Tread nods. "Right. Where's the bandit hideout and where is Topper? And where is that lady you guys came with before?"
Joey
player, 50 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 00:35
  • msg #40

Re: Kingmaker

The bandits don't have much in the way of scruples, and given enough time all offer info on the others to save their own necks.

Fluff:
These bandits are led by a cruel and vindictive
woman named Kressle—although she’s not present at
this time, having entrusted the collection to her second-
in-command and sometime-lover Happs Bydon. Happs is
a crude and foul-mouthed man who turned to banditry
after he was caught running a protection racket in Restov
while also, in theory, serving as a soldier and city guard.
He fled the city when he learned that the law was coming
for him, abandoning a wife and two children to suffer the
shame of his crimes. He’s found that banditry agrees with
him—he quite enjoys the outdoors, and the occasional
tumble with Kressle is nice too. He suspects that she’s
working for an even more important bandit, but for now is
content being the second-biggest fish in the bandit camp
at Thorn Ford (area K). As an officer in the Stag Lord’s
army, Happs wears a small silver amulet shaped in the
likeness of a stag’s skull—even though Happs has yet to
actually meet the Stag Lord in person.

Ayles Megesen: Ayles is a soft-spoken man
whose calm demeanor should not be taken
for passivity—Ayles enjoys the act of torture
the most among the bandits, and often
spends hours after a fight “exploring”
surviving victims.
Cragger Kench: A former cutpurse,
Cragger was beaten senseless by the Stag Lord
for drinking a bottle of his liquor, and his
injuries have left him a little dim-witted—
although not so dim-witted as Auchs.
Dirty Jeb Megesen : Ayles’s younger
brother, Dirty Jeb likes to think he
got his nickname for his penchant
for fighting dirty, when in fact the
moniker stems from his aversion to
hygiene.
Falgrim Sneeg (Not here): Falgrim Sneeg is an
older Varisian with graying hair and an unruly beard. A
former mercenary, he possesses an unnerving calm in the
face of violence.
Fat Norry: Behind only Auchs in size, Fat Norry
somehow never seems to lose weight despite the hard lives
the bandits live. This rotund bandit is rarely seen without
some sort of food clutched in a greasy hand.
Jex the Snitch (Not here): The least popular with the men but
perhaps the Stag Lord’s favorite minion is this aptly-
nicknamed man. His penchant for reporting the other
bandits’ mistakes to the Stag Lord is likely to earn him a
shallow grave before much longer.
Topper Red (Not here): Topper Red was a struggling street poet
from the city of Pitax. He fled that city when an affair turned
sour, and eventually joined the Stag Lord's ranks while
romanticizing the thrilling life of a lawless brigand.


The location of the bandit camp is "a few miles up the Thorn River."  Kessle and the others will be expecting the return of these guys within a few days.

"I suggest we execute these scum and hurry over to the other bandits," Joey says, "By their own testimony, they're all deserving, we don't have the means for keeping prisoners, and if they should escape, there's no question they'd have no problems with putting the Leventon's lives and livelihood at risk."
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 00:45
  • msg #41

Re: Kingmaker

  "Honestly, I can see the reasoning there.  It's just a bit awkward how often we will probably have merciless criminals who would kill us even if they said they wouldn't call us hypocrites for doing the same."
Eli
player, 147 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 00:52
  • msg #42

Re: Kingmaker

In an uncharacteristically loud and bold moment, Eli yells with a tone of desperation as if he was the one about to be executed, "But we led them to believe we were keeping them alive! Isn't that the same as lying if we kill them?! What about second chances?! We could put manacles on them and have them fix things around here! Like those catapults!"

Tread blinks in surprise, having only known the kid for a week or so herself. "I... guess that's up to the Leventons. But don't forget we are charged with the duty of putting bandits to death."
Joey
player, 51 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:02
  • msg #43

Re: Kingmaker

Joey bows and prays.

"Sarenrae is a goddess of Justice, but also of second chances," he says, "I suggest that we instead hobble the prisoners.  With broken legs, they won't be able to do any harm to the Leventons while we are away, and it is a much more merciful punishment than they deserve.  They can make themselves useful with whatever sit-down jobs can be found for them.  Hopefully we'll have more time to set up a proper prison after we capture the others."
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:08
  • msg #44

Re: Kingmaker

  Monk is glad the kid is speaking up, even if some would consider it an inconvenience.  "Well, breaking legs is easy at least.  Hopefully keeping honest from here on remains at least that easy.  The bandit's didn't seem very sorry, but maybe some them will at least act repentant when their options are a broken leg or a broken neck."
Tread
player, 55 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:15
  • msg #45

Re: Kingmaker

Eli seems to calm down. Tread nods in agreement. Soon, the criminals are cripples. Tread says, "Don't make us regret sparing your lives, you you will regret the results."
Joey
player, 52 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:35
  • msg #46

Re: Kingmaker

With Svetlana busy splinting broken legs, Oleg has an alone talk with the group.

"Thanks for dealing with these bandits," he glances to make sure his wife isn't listening and lowers his voice, "Since you'll be going out into the wilderness and fighting the other bandits anyway, maybe you keep an eye out for Svetlana's ring...."

Quest:
Task: Although his wife claims it’s not a big loss
compared to what the bandits could have taken, Oleg
knows the theft of her wedding ring has distressed
her. She’s forbidden him from risking life and limb to
recover it, but if anyone else can find the ring and
return it to him, he’ll be very grateful.
Completion: Track down the ring. The bandits were the last
to have it, but they might have lost or sold it already.
Reward: Oleg promises 1,000 gp in trading post credit
if his wife’s ring can be recovered.</quest>

He offers a few other wanted posters as well.

<quote More quests>
W anted : t uskgutter
Source: Wanted poster at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: Every Greenbelt hunter has a story about
Tuskgutter, each wilder than the last. Whoever
manages to kill the ill-tempered beast will get a
nice reward from old, retired Vekkel Benzen, who
lost his leg to the monster pig a year ago.
Completion: Deliver Tuskgutter’s head to Oleg’s.
Reward: Vekkel has promised his masterwork longbow
and six  +1 animal bane arrows to whoever can kill
Tuskgutter. He also promises to share the head
cheese he plans to make out of this trophy.

W anted : t atzlWyrm
Source: Wanted poster at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: The way everyone talks about tatzlwyrms,
one might think they’re swarming throughout the
Stolen Lands. This isn’t the case; they’re actually
quite rare. A tatzlwyrm head would be a great
conversation piece at Oleg’s. He has promised a
reward for anyone who can deliver one.
Completion: Slay a tatzlwyrm and deliver its head.
Reward: Oleg will pay 600 gp for a relatively
undamaged tatzlwyrm head.

k obolds in the h ills
Source: Wanted poster at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: The Sootscale kobolds dwell in a cave
somewhere in the Kamelands. Normally not a
problem, they’ve been riled up by something lately.
Find their lair and ensure that the kobolds aren’t
going to continue being a threat.
Completion: End the kobold threat.
Reward: The swordlords send a reward of 800 gp
once the kobold activity is under control.

Wanted: Bandits
Source: Wanted poster at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: The bandits in the Greenbelt need to be
shown that their actions will not be tolerated.
Capture or defeat at least six of them to send
a message.
Completion: Any six bandits defeated completes this
quest.
Reward: One week after the sixth defeat, bandit
activity is noticeably affected and the swordlords
send a reward of 400 gp.

Each quest in this module is worth 100xp / char


Joey tries to comfort Eli.  "Concern for the lives of others is to be commended, young man."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:45
  • msg #47

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott things the Tatzylwyrm will probably be the hardest of these new sidequests to accomplish.  Not due to their rarity, but because they would have to do it without punching it in the face.  That's crazy talk.

  "Respect for the living is a good thing to be able to keep a hold of.  It can be hard to manage when traveling the wilds."  Fortunately, Scott isn't bloodthirsty so much as doesn't mind if what is trying to kill him lives or dies.
Tread
player, 56 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:50
  • msg #48

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods to Oleg. "Already on it, sir..."

Eli gives a hopeful smile at Joey and Scott. "...thanks..." Tread then says, "If the bandits were expected to leave right away, we'll need to leave soon so their being late won't alarm the other bandits when we get to their camp."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:50, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Joey
player, 53 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 01:57
  • msg #49

Re: Kingmaker

"You're welcome," Joey answers with a smile and hair-ruffle for the boy, "But Scott is right to warn you that the wilds can be harsh.  Be prepared for the inevitability of a villain or two dying along the way despite our best efforts."

He looks up to Tread and nods.

As the group is prepping the horses to go, Joey suggesting that the group take all 6 to have spare loot carting capability, Svetlana approaches them, glancing about to see that her husband isn't listening.

"Since you'll be going south anyway," she whispers...

quest:
m oon r adish s oup
Source: Svetlana Leveton at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: Oleg’s been under a lot of stress lately, and
Svetlana would love to cook him his favorite meal
(moon radish soup) to help him relax. Unfortunately,
moon radishes are relatively rare. A patch grows
about 16 miles south of the trading post.
Completion: Bring Svetlana a basket of moon
radishes.
Reward: Svetlana is ready to pay a 250 gp reward
to anyone who can bring her enough moon radishes to
make soup.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 02:15
  • msg #50

Re: Kingmaker

  "If we come across them, I guess we could bring them back...  What is the difference between a moon radish and a regular radish?" About 16 miles Scott, didn't you read the quest?
Tread
player, 57 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 02:23
  • msg #51

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "No problem, Svetlana. And rest assured it won't be too out of our way if we get them." she smiles.

Soon, Tread is mounting up with the others and agrees to what Joey said about taking more than one horse. Due to her size and weight, Tread actually is sure to have her equipment, sword, shield and helmet all on a different horse so she isn't burdening the horse she's on too much.

Eli rides on the horse that has Tread's stuff so he can help hand it to her in case of danger.
Narrator
player, 257 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 02:27
  • msg #52

Re: Kingmaker

Svetlana gave a detailed description on how to find and recognize moon radishes.  Joey encourages Tread to travel with armor and weapon equipped given that the horse could probably carry two Treads before being slowed down noticeably.

While the group is taking a mid-afternoon break from their long journey, a squad of greenscale kobolds pop up from their hiding places within the tall grass!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 58 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 02:34
  • msg #53

Re: Kingmaker

Tread charges the nearest kobold and slashes it dead with one swipe of her sword!
Joey
player, 54 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 03:23
  • msg #54

Re: Kingmaker

Two kobolds flank Tread shreiking, "Kill kill kill!"

Their weapons glance harmlessly off her armor.  Joey steps back and slashes a kobold across it's leg with his glaive.

"Surrender and be spared!" he shouts at them!

Another kobold attacks Joey, but he dodges!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 03:44
  • msg #55

Re: Kingmaker

  While there are more enemies to one side, and Scot might be able to hit more than one enemy at a time, he feels for the moment it would be best to try and clear out the danger to Tread's back as he steps over to the Kobold flanking the tall warrior, and... Slaps the kobold in the face.

  This doesn't quite do the job, so he drops them with the back of his hand on the backswing  "Otherwise this one's tombstone will read 'slapped to death'... If we gave them tomebtones.  Or marked graves.  look I just slapped someone half to death give up seriously."

OOC: 5 step.  Flurry vs kobold, hit, hit.  4 dmg, 7 dmg.

Kobold HP: 5-slapped=silly.

Eli
player, 148 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 03:55
  • msg #56

Re: Kingmaker

Upon seeing Tread hit before he could even do anything about it, Eli heads over to the two men and says, "Back here, Miss Tread!"

He slams his hand on his chest and uses his other hand to make gestures that seem to leave glowing runes in its wake. A dim glow aura surrounds Scott and Joey. "If you stay close to me, you'll have a protective field!"


Protective Ward (Su): As a standard action, you can create a 10-foot-radius field of protective magic centered on you that lasts for a number of rounds equal to your Intelligence modifier (4). All allies in this area (including you) receive a +1 deflection bonus to their AC. This bonus increases by +1 for every five wizard levels you possess. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Intelligence modifier(7).
Joey
player, 55 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:14
  • msg #57

Re: Kingmaker

Whiff whiff whiff whiff.  The kobolds look like they're losing resolve.  Joey backs up and his halberd clashes with the nearest kobold's armor.
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:17
  • msg #58

Re: Kingmaker

  The Wiffothon must be contagious, because Scott goes from double slappage to wildly fitting a pair of punches aimed at the kobold who came closest.  He considers asking Eli if the kid is sure his spell only helps them and not everyone, but Eli is why the last fight went by without any of them getting hurt.
Eli
player, 149 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:23
  • msg #59

Re: Kingmaker

Eli casts protection against Evil on Tread since she's the only one to have been hit so far.
Joey
player, 56 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:36
  • msg #60

Re: Kingmaker

The kobold that Joey injured earlier finally gets it's revenge with a sling stone... that doesn't hurt all that much, really.  Joey knocks out a kobold and backs away.

"What little damage you did will soon be healed!  You've no chance!"
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:39
  • msg #61

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott moves up between the Kobolds at the outer edge of all these shenanigans, kicking the Kobold beside Tread in the face sending it sprawling to the ground.  His follow up punch at the farther back kobold glances off their tiny shield, unfortunately.

  "Maybe they think they will get enough lucky hits in to take one of us with them?"

OOC: 5 step.  Flurry vs two kobolds.  Hit, miss.  7 DMG.
Narrator
player, 258 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:45
  • msg #62

Re: Kingmaker

"Gah!"

The remaining kobolds begin to flee!  Tread fails to fell the last fleeing kobold.  Joey begins tying up knocked out foes.  Even the one slashed by Tread seems to have been spared death.  He then says a quick prayer and in a burst or two of positive energy, everyone, including the kobolds, is restored to full health.

"Why did you attack us?" Joey asks.

"You invaders!  This our territory!  You want take our raddishes!  We no let you!  You die first!"

"Besides.  You probably have things we want.  We kill you and take them."

"Yes yes!  Kill!  Kill!  Take stuff!"

"I just like killing 'cause it's fun."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 59 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 04:59
  • msg #63

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Fun enough to risk your life?"

Eli says, "....at least they're honest."
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 05:06
  • msg #64

Re: Kingmaker

  "...Okay, this may be the wrong thing to focus on.  But what is so great about these Moon Radishes? Seriously."  Really though, that swiftly went from 'The Elf Defense' to 'facepalmingly what'.
Joey
player, 57 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 05:20
  • msg #65

Re: Kingmaker

"Why yes, as a matter of fact," the fun kobold answers Tread, "Wouldn't you know?"

"Take... stuff."

"Raddishes taste good!  Yum yum goodie lip lick!  I kill anyone who touch my yum yum raddishes.  Except me."

"Give me one good reason to let you go," Joey demands.

"Uh...  We kill you if you don't?"

Joey sighs and says a quick prayer.

"Evil.  All of them.  Shocking."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Sat 21 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 60 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 05:27
  • msg #66

Re: Kingmaker

Tread sighs and says, "I really wish it didn't have to be this way." she begins systematically killing the kobolds.

Eli looks away, teary-eyed.
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 05:31
  • msg #67

Re: Kingmaker

  "If it helps Eli, you could think of it as saving them from headbutting eachother to death, or trying to pull turnips out of a bear's mouth... Wait no, that's terrible."  If people should die just because they are dumb, that would not leave a lot of people left.
Joey
player, 58 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 05:35
  • msg #68

Re: Kingmaker

Joey goes to cuddly-comfort the fluff boy.

"I'll let you in on a little secret," he whispers, not really caring if the others overhear, "That you care for non-humans so much matters a lot to me because I'm not really human.  I only look human at the moment."
Eli
player, 150 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 05:46
  • msg #69

Re: Kingmaker

Eli huhs? "...you can change how you look?" he whispers.

Tread ohs as she overhears Joey saying things and starts heading back to him.
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 06:36
  • msg #70

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott stuck with Tread while Joey and Eli had their little private moment (and he was too lazy to use his Perc skill).  "Okay, while these guys were clearly a problem, on closer examination they were not the Kobolds we were looking for."
Joey
player, 59 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 06:39
  • msg #71

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods.  "I'm a Kitsune.  I can change into a fox person... or... more accurately, I can disguise myself to look human.  But outside being more comfortable on cold nights, there tends to be little advantage to my natural look.  Until now.  Now I have a little boy to rub cheeks with.  Would you like to feel my fur?"
Tread
player, 61 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 06:45
  • msg #72

Re: Kingmaker

The silly reasoning of Joey seemed to force a giggle from Eli and he nodded.

Tread looks suspicious as she hears what is going on. "...Joey? What's going on?"
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 06:54
  • msg #73

Re: Kingmaker

  Is this where the hidden cameras and the show host give Joey a Talk?  "Should we be mildly concerned, or trust Eli to make his own life choices if we can trust him to possibly light people on fire with his mind?"
Joey
player, 60 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 07:00
  • msg #74

Re: Kingmaker

Joey smiles at Tread and explains what he explained to Eli.

"I've gotten so used to being in human form, I sometimes forget when I haven't mentioned this to people I've just met."

He changes into kitsune form and cheek-rubs with Eli.

"Considering it's still technically winter, I suppose I should stay with my fur coat."
Eli
player, 151 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 07:10
  • msg #75

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is startled and even gasps when she sees Joey change, despite having the shape-changing explained to her. After all, she has never seen someone change shape before. "That's... amazing..."

Eli wows and then blushes and slightly cringes from the cheek-rub. "I heard about kitsune... from the continent of Tian Xia, right? Did you live there? How do you change shape?"
Scott
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 07:15
  • msg #76

Re: Kingmaker

  "And is it really a Kitsune's fault I had to sleep in the rock garden or were they making things up like I always suspected?"

 Hey, it's an important question that will determine if he punches Joey (Once... Wait, that's still terrible), or just accepts this like he accepts women being as tall as they are good looking.
Joey
player, 61 posts
Sat 21 Sep 2013
at 07:23
  • msg #77

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles.  "That's right, Eli.  I don't know if I came from Tian Xia because I grew up an orphan in many places.  I don't really know how I change.  How do we move our arms?  We just do.  And thank you, Tread.  Scott... I have no idea what you're talking about.  Did someone tell you some strange tale about Kitsunes I haven't heard?  What little I've heard is that supposedly some have multiple magical tails."

He wags his tail.
Tread
player, 62 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 02:46
  • msg #78

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "So why be disguised? Or is this form just as much you as the other form?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 02:53
  • msg #79

Re: Kingmaker

  "It's probably too stupid to get into, so I wont. "  He looks over, and up, to Tread.  "Aside from the possibly violence, maybe he's just self conscious about it?"   Being hairier than a dwarf's beard was easier to notice at a distance than standing stand dunk capabilities for one thing.
Joey
player, 62 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 03:02
  • msg #80

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods.  "Yeah.  I can't change the way either form looks.  If the land were mostly Human fearing types, I suppose I'd likely spend more time in my non-human form.  But as it is, here in Brevoy it seems the worst I get is a rude comment or two if I look fuzzy, but is usually nothing more than a bunch of questions.  So it's usually just a question of what feels more comfortable at the moment.  Which for me tends to be the form that the people around me are more familiar with so I don't have to explain myself to every passing stranger."

He looks at Scott, puzzled.  "Too... stupid?  I don't understand."
Eli
player, 152 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 03:05
  • msg #81

Re: Kingmaker

Tread ohs and says, "Well... OK."

Tread and Eli look at Scott when Joey asks what he meant by stupid.
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 03:13
  • msg #82

Re: Kingmaker

  "As in, the stories told to me regarding Kitsuines were too stupid to mention.  The rock garden question was just an example."
Joey
player, 63 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 03:24
  • msg #83

Re: Kingmaker

"Heh.  I'd be curious to hear them some time.  I know so little about my own kind, even silly stories about them would be interesting."

The remainder of the day is uneventful.  Following the tree line to the hills is easy going as far as trackless grasslands goes.  The occasional harmless wildlife is seen, and the rare not-so-harmless wildlife, such as a possibly poisonous snake now and then, is either easily avoided or easily avoids the mounted adventurers.  Eventually, around sunset, a good campsite is selected.  Joey is happy to lend a hand with any cooking for the sake of making the trail rations a little more savory.

"It can get quite chilly on these Calastril nights as I'm sure you all are well aware," Joey says, "If anyone wishes to take advantage of having a warm fox nearby as they sleep, I'm willing to accommodate."
Tread
player, 63 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 03:40
  • msg #84

Re: Kingmaker

Tread has taken off her armor to reveal the leather padding she had underneath and gives Joey a scriggly smile. "Uh... heh... are you used to offering that to people?"

Eli ohs... "Are you warmer than a human?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 03:46
  • msg #85

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott pulls a winter blanket out of his pack, and says "On that note, one of the stupid things was 'You can't have a blanket because a Kitsune would just steal it'".

  Kitsunes apparently really disliked orphans, so does Lucky Joey hate himself?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:54, Mon 23 Sept 2013.
Joey
player, 64 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 04:01
  • msg #86

Re: Kingmaker

"No not really," Joey answers Tread, "This would be my first adventure with a team.  Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

To Eli he shrugs.  "Well... I guess it depends.  How 'bout you see for yourself."

He also has basic clothing under his armor.  To Scott's point he looks conflicted.

"That sounds like an excuse to me.  I'm glad to see you've gotten a comfy blanket anyhow.  But if it does get stolen, I'll be happy to give you mine."
Tread
player, 64 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 04:11
  • msg #87

Re: Kingmaker

Eli just blushes.

Tread says, "Maybe another time. Eli is a shy kid... he has yet to sleep close to me and I'm sure it'll take a while for him to be ready to cuddle to anyone... despite the fact he may need it."

She looks at Scott. "Did you believe all that stuff they told you?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 04:17
  • msg #88

Re: Kingmaker

  "I would like to think I am slightly less gullible now that I am not four years old."  Said the guy who trained Swimming instead of Sense Motive at level 1.

  He looks to Joey (not Lucky) "If things get notably colder, I might take you up on that offer."  Hey, not freezing to death is a good thing.  "For now, I think I shall be fine.  Thank you for both offers though."
Joey
player, 65 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 04:44
  • msg #89

Re: Kingmaker

Joey bows courteously to Scott, "You're quite welcome, my friend."

He smiles to Eli.

"Well perhaps you'll allow me to sleep close to you, Eli.  I could sure use the company after being so lonely for so long."

He side-scoots little by little to get close enough to reach to arm-around the boy.

The northern border of Brevoy is only several dozen miles from the polar ice cap.  Oleg's Trading post is more like 500 miles away, taking the edge off the cold.  The date is coming up on the end of the Pathfinder equivalent of February, so spring is still technically a month away.  Nights probably drop below freezing.
Tread
player, 65 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 05:46
  • msg #90

Re: Kingmaker

Eli doesn't pull away. The boy is shy, but he also fears being rude or mean.

Tread asks, "Either of you two have any good stories?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 05:52
  • msg #91

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott shrugs,  "Not much in the way of stories worth telling.  My travels have been thankfully boring up until recently."  He looks to Eli, "From the look of things, Eli may have something interesting.  But that's for him to say."  And going from neat perpetual silence to story time would be quite the jump for the boy.
Joey
player, 66 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 05:58
  • msg #92

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles.  "If you don't mind hearing about Sarenrae..."

Assuming he can get away with it, he'll cuddle Eli to keep him warm while telling a legend or two about the goddess or one of her servants doing some do-gooder deed.  The cold, cloudless night passes uneventfully, the stars tracking their slow, ancient course through the sky.  The following morning finds Joey bowing to the rising sun in prayer followed by a quick meal.  The next day's travel is pretty uneventful, with the occasional appearance of dozens of hoofprints headed in the direction of Olegs, presumably belonging to the same horses the heroes are riding now.  It's easy to tell the group is on the right track, though travel through these hills has been slower than on the flatlands.  By the time they reach the point where the river emerges from the forrest, the sun is nearly set.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:12, Mon 23 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 66 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 06:27
  • msg #93

Re: Kingmaker

Tread hrms. "I thought they were supposed to be a day's ride... you think the prisoners sent us the wrong direction?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 06:31
  • msg #94

Re: Kingmaker

  "I would wonder that myself, if not for the fact we have an easily visible trail to work with that says otherwise.  So they may have lied about how long, if not where."

  Besides, everyone knows NPCs can always travel faster than PC's unless you are specifically supposed to catch up to them.  It's to make up for the fact evil plots are usually never time sensitive until you are within ten minutes walking distance.

  "Still, it couldn't hurt to expect more waiting for us than seven bandits and their axe wielding leader."
Joey
player, 67 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 06:40
  • msg #95

Re: Kingmaker

"I remember them saying a few miles up the Thorn River from where it comes out of the forest," Joey says with a shrug, "We should be close."

That night, during Tread's watch, the camp fire explodes and turns into a huge cloud of smoke!
( http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/...pells/p/pyrotechnics )

Then, the grass springs to life, wrapping around the heroes!

( http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/e/entangle )

The sound of a very large cricket making quite catchy music then makes everyone feel a strong need to dance!

( Fiddle (Su) http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestia...er-listings/fey/grig )

A tiny voice can be heard from not too far away, demanding, "Nasty biggins bandits GO AWAY!  Never come back!  Or guardians of forest hurt you bad!"
Eli
player, 153 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 06:54
  • msg #96

Re: Kingmaker

Eli coughs, putting his arm over his mouth.

Tread is also coughing and covering her mouth. But upon hearing the grigs, she yells out, "We're not bandits! We're trying to *cough* drive the bandits out of the Greenbelt!"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 06:58
  • msg #97

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott partially stands up, wondering who needs to be punched in the face.  After the urge to dance is thwarted by Legs being tied up His Monk Bonus To Save Throws, instead he wonders if the facepalm he does will cause bruising.  "What.  Really.  If you hate bandits so much why did you let them rob the kindly married couple a ways down so often then?  Also, What."
Joey
player, 68 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 07:05
  • msg #98

Re: Kingmaker

Joey breaks free from the grass and begins to dance, caughing on the smoke.  He casts his light spell on his clothes, not that it helps any with how thick the smoke is.

"Please don't hurt us, guardians!  *Cough!*  We meant no harm to you or the forest!"

A tiny discussion can be heard by especially perceptive ears.  The music continues to play and the smoke annoy.

"Really?  You're really, really not bandits?  Uh...  If that's true, sorry for scaring you.  But if it's not true, you go away!  How do we know if you're telling the truth?"
Tread
player, 67 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 07:11
  • msg #99

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Because... *cough* We carry official orders on us from the *cough* Swordlords of Restov... to rid these lands of the bandits!"

Tread pulls out her scroll and waves it around. "Here it is!"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 07:22
  • msg #100

Re: Kingmaker

  After Scott pulls himself free from the horrors of grass, he uses the shiny new (well, not really. it was used) Dagger of his to start cutting Eli free.  Then facepalms with his non dagger wielding hand as the grass starts to try and keep his feet still again.

  "I like your idea much better than mind, Tread."  Scott's idea was to point out that unlike bandits, he would not squish them once they caught them.
Joey
player, 69 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 07:32
  • msg #101

Re: Kingmaker

"Also, I am a cleric of Sarenrae!" Joey says, "I can vouch for these people!  Cough."

"Wow... They have proof?  Wow.  Uh..."

The music stops.  "Let's see this proof!  But only one of you may come closer!"

Once the grigs see the charter they look embarrassed.

"Sorry.  We thought you were bandits.  We saw them a few days ago going away on six horses."

"Even though there were only for of them!"

"Yeah.  They've been doing this each month."

"And they keep coming back!"

"Bandits are bad."
Tread
player, 68 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 19:30
  • msg #102

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "They went to Oleg's trading post to bully those people into giving them stuff. Well this time, we were there. We broke their legs and put them to work helping Oleg instead. And then we had them tell us where their base is. Which shouldn't be far from here. We're going to the base to arrest the others... are you interested in helping us?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 19:33
  • msg #103

Re: Kingmaker

  So, about as smart as the Kobolds, but with less annoying goals.  "It would make getting the bandits out of the forest easier if you attacked actual bandits, yeah."
Joey
player, 70 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 19:43
  • msg #104

Re: Kingmaker

The grigs look uncomfortable.  "We know where their camp is."

"We can show you the way, but we're scared of them!"

"Their leader said she'd cut down the whole forest with her axes if we ever bothered their camp again!"

"Our bows and swords don't hurt bigginses very much."

"If you could just do to them what you did against us, that would be a big help," Joey says, "It will be much easier to take them alive if they're tangled up in plants."

"Take them alive?"

"You were going to kill them if we don't help?"

"We should totally help."

"We should totally NOT help!  Bandits baaaad!"

Joey headshakes.  "Nono.  We were going to try and take them alive with or without your help.  Just that it will be less likely for us to get hurt in the process if you help."

"Oh."

"Okay!  I'll help!"

"Me too!"

"Me three!"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 19:47
  • msg #105

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, thanks guys.  The help is appreciated."  Anything that makes them get less murdered by the attempts to murder them is good.

  He looks back to Eli who has gone back to silent during all this, to make sure the Kid's okay.
Eli
player, 154 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 19:48
  • msg #106

Re: Kingmaker

Eli thrusts his fist in the air and says, "Yippeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Then pauses. "I... still need to finish sleeping and then study. Sorry."

Tread chuckles and smiles brightly from all the yay factors. "Thank you very much for your help. Alright then. Let's finish our rest and get the bandits in the morning."
Joey
player, 71 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 19:58
  • msg #107

Re: Kingmaker

The following morning the grigs show the way to the bandit camp.  Not that it was hard to find.  The hoof-prints are so obvious in the soft soil it would be hard to miss them.  The grigs have one of their team sneak ahead to scout out the camp then return.

"Some of them aren't here.  There's about a dozen normally.  You captured four at Oleg place.  There's five at the camp now.  One of them nasty boss lady with axes.  The rest must be out hunting."

The grig draws a good diagram of the camp for the group.

Joey looks it over.

"The grigs could do their thing with the campfire to these three."

He points at the marks that indicate boss lady and the two lakeys near her.

"We'll have to figure a way to get the two guards out of their platforms.  I have a spell that if it works will make one of them come down on his own.  Any other ideas?"
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 20:37
  • msg #108

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is apparently Gods damned terrible at being a ninja.  Sneak up on a guard, and then spectacularly miss someone who doesn't even know you are THERE.  Followed up by missing and then barely clipping with two more swings after they are magically restrained.

  Scott would consider investing in explosives, but he'd probably just blow himself up only with such things.

OOC: surprise miss.  Miss, hit flurry.  1 DMG, 4 bleed to come.

Red Hands Jill HP: 9-4 = 5  (then 4 bleed).

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:39, Mon 23 Sept 2013.
Eli
player, 155 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 20:57
  • msg #109

Re: Kingmaker

Eli had cast sleep on the group and Kressle fell asleep.

Jex fails to hit anyone with an arrow.

Red-Hands Jill frowns at Scott and stabs him.

Tread starts heading towards Scott, hoping to catch up in time to help out.

Joey follows Tread.

Eli then casts Protective Ward on himself and glows with blue energy just like the fight with the kobolds. He rushes over towards Scott and both Scott and Tread have a feint glow about them, indicating the extra protection.

OOC: Jill did 4 dmg to Scott. Eli is granting +1 to AC to anyone within 10' of him, which is currently Scott and Tread. Tread and Joey spent their turns trying to make it to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Mon 23 Sept 2013.
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 21:40
  • msg #110

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is less surprised that he got stabbed (Really, with how he had been doing it was a wonder he hadn't punched himself in the face), and more surprised that it didn't kill him outright with the way things have been going for everyone so far.

  Still, even then, it takes two tries before he takes down the resilient lady before she turned around and killed him with a first aid kit or something while binding her wounds.

OOC: Flurry, miss, hit.

Jill = KO

Joey
player, 72 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 21:42
  • msg #111

Re: Kingmaker

Badguys are made to surrender, disarmed, and tied up.  While Kressle sleeps, the other bandits are quick to blabber whatever they know when interrogated.  The grigs cautiously watch from cover even after the bandits are tied up.

fluff:
The leader of the Thorn Ford camp bandits is a woman
named Kressle, a sadistic criminal and career bandit who
grew up in the River Kingdoms. Never spending more
than a week in one spot, banditry is in her blood—as a
young child she was already helping her parents rob
travelers and roughen up pilgrims for some quick cash.
When her parents were killed after an ambush on a road,
Kressle fled north from Mivon and into the Greenbelt. She
managed to make her way through the dangerous region
with a bit of luck, only to be caught by a group of the Stag
Lord’s men. When two of them lost hands and fingers to
her axes, their thoughts turned from rape to escape, and
she followed the maimed and frightened bandits right
up to the Stag Lord’s fort. Impressed with her skill and
bravery, the Stag Lord threw the cowardly would-be rapists
to the dead fields and recruited Kressle on the spot. After
serving at the fort for a few months, the Stag Lord sent her
north to run the Thorn Ford camp—she’s enjoyed the mix
of freedom and responsibility, and her arrangement with
Oleg is but the latest of her initiatives enacted since her
arrival in the area.

Treasure: The bandits’ spoils,
kept hidden under less interesting
supplies like food, firewood, and
tents under the platform at area
K2, currently include 321 sp, 90
gp, a pair of silver earrings worth
150 gp, a wooden music box worth
90 gp, three crates of furs and
hides worth 50 gp per crate, and
a polished wooden case of potent
greenish herbal liquor. There are
still eight bottles with liquor left
in them, each worth 20 gp.
These bottles of liquor
are special requests
from the Stag Lord, who is an alcoholic among his many
other character flaws. A captured bandit can inform the
PCs that if the Stag Lord doesn’t get this shipment, he’ll
likely grow more aggressive. If PCs take the liquor and
use it as part of a disguise to enter the fort, the Stag Lord
drinks it almost immediately. The precise effects of liquor
shipments on the Stag Lord are described on page 45.
If the PCs search for Svetlana’s wedding ring, they
won’t find it among this treasure. If the PCs capture any
of the bandits, they can reveal that a couple of bags of loot
were stolen just yesterday by a group of filthy mites—the
annoying little bastards escaped with both bags, and the
bandits believe that they’ve fled to their lair under the old
sycamore tree, but no one’s been eager to go try to get the
stolen loot back since the majority of those bag’s contents
were just copper coins and some cheap-looking trinkets
(the wedding ring included).

Development: While the bandits remain relatively loyal
and well-behaved as long as their boss, Kressle, lives, their
loyalty to the Stag Lord vanishes as soon as she’s defeated.
Any remaining bandits attempt to flee at that point, and
any who realize they can’t escape the PCs are quick to
surrender and beg for mercy.
Like an increasing amount of the Stag Lord's bandits,
these thugs are dissatisfied with the rule of their master,
whose grip on reality seems to be slipping into the bottom
of a whiskey cask. While they continue to support their
lord, they aren't foolish enough to die for him, nor do they
pass up any seemingly good opportunities. A bandit won’t
help the PCs before learning the hard way that he might
be outclassed, but a bandit that is captured alive can reveal
crucial information concerning both the Stag Lord and
the Greenbelt itself. GMs should feel free to give PCs any
of the following information as needed or as requested.
“Our boss is a monster of a man. Calls himself the Stag
Lord. He’s a deadeye with the bow, and I saw him crush a
prisoner’s hand to mush in one fist. Come to think of it,
I’ve never seen him without his creepy stag helmet on—
some of my friends think he ain’t got no face under it, but
not me—I think that creepy helm is his face!”
“It’s hard keeping track of who’s working for the boss,
so we use a master phrase as a sort of password to get in
to the fort on the northeast shore of the Tuskwater. Unless
it’s been changed recently, the current phrase is, ‘By the
Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?’ And no,
I have no idea who ‘St. Gilmorg’ is.”
“The Stag Lord is a bloody drunk. All that booze under the
platform’s for him. He's half of what he used to be, and ain’t
never been right in the head. A few weeks ago he punched
my horse for spittin' in the yard. Personally, I wouldn't care
if he dropped dead tomorrow, but even drunk out of his
mind he's still got a fair amount of fight to him.”
“The Stag Lord keeps a strange old man locked up in the
basement. I suspect the old guy might actually be running
the show, using the Stag Lord as a puppet, you know. I got
a look into the old guy’s eyes once, and it terrified me. He
ain't someone I'd want to cross.”

Kressle had: Combat Gear potion of cure light
wounds; Other Gear studded leather
armor, 2 masterwork handaxes, 4
daggers, 85 gp
worth 400xp

Bandits each had:  leather armor, longbow with 20 arrows, short sword, 2 days
of trail rations, 10 gp
worth 135 xp each, 800 combined.

Will Edit: FOUR bandits, and Kressle. 400 exp, AND 800 Exp.


"Well he'll meet the same justice as the rest of you so help me," Joey says.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Tue 24 Sept 2013.
Eli
player, 156 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 23:32
  • msg #112

Re: Kingmaker

Eli goes to high-five the grigs! "Yippee! We won! And clearly thanks to your help!" Seriously... those holds were useful mcuseful!

Tread helps tie up bandits and such. Eli oogles over the music box.

Tread and Eli both, however, would immediately be all over Scott the moment they realize he's bleeding. Tread mommying him while Eli offers to do anything he can to help. Both, apparently, know first aid.*

After the interrogation, Tread says, "Well after hearing all that, I honestly don't think Kressle even understands guilt. How sad. Not that these others are much better."

She faces the grigs. "Thanks again. Your efforts made this battle one-sided."

Tread then looks at the team. "...shall we go straight back to Oleg's? Or deliver the liquor so we can get the stag lord?"

Eli says, "Won't the staglord think something is wrong if he doesn't get those drinks?"

*OOC: Heh... trained in Heal for both characters. I was gonna have just one trained in it, but couldn't justify in-character for either one to not know first aid.
Scott
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 23:47
  • msg #113

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is clearly thankful for the kind attention.  "I'm just glad I didn't get stabbed someplace important... Well, more important." Even if it wasn't in an organ or extra blood filled body part, being stabbed still hurts.  And will probably happen a lot more in the future.

  He considers their options.  "Probably one, then the other.  Unless we want to try and hand their boss alcohol, while still escorting them."
Joey
player, 73 posts
Mon 23 Sep 2013
at 23:58
  • msg #114

Re: Kingmaker

Joey of course uses one of his many channel energies to heal up Scott.

"Returning these bandits directly back to Oleg's is probably for the best," he suggests, "Traveling all the way to the Stag Lord's fort while having these prisoners to lug around doesn't sound appealing.  If we want to kill two birds with one stone, we could explore this area of the forest and each area we pass through on the way back as we were commissioned to do, but I'm more inclined to just go straight back."

The grigs are of course thrilled with the praise they receive and play some dance music for everyone, but this time no magical compulsion to dance.  Just catchy music.
Tread
player, 69 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 00:07
  • msg #115

Re: Kingmaker

Tread and Eli are more than happy to dance anyway. On the topic of going to Olegs, both welcome the idea of going and relaxing with Oleg and then worrying about work after. As it is, it will be a chore putting up with the bandits on the way there.

Still, Tread seems willing to engage in conversation with the bandits, so long as they verbally behave. The punishment for misbehaving? Boredom due to lack of conversation.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 00:16
  • msg #116

Re: Kingmaker

  "Thank you Joey, though I'm glad nobody else got hurt."  That matter, anyway.  He does not mention that at this rate, Oleg will probably gain levels in loanshark minion from all the broken legs they will be inflicting at this rate.

  "I guess if we are lucky, when there are less bandits waiting to go on a drunken rampage through the forest, we might actually find that wedding ring sometime."  Or it will continue to be just ever so slightly beyond reach until the end of the campaign, where the only way to complete that sidequest is to turn around from the door to the final boss.
Joey
player, 74 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 00:30
  • msg #117

Re: Kingmaker

Red-hands seems perpetually angry and only curses come out of her mouth when she talks.  Dirty Jeb likes flirting with Tread or making lewd comments about what Scott and Joey plan to do with the captured women once they get a moment alone with them.  Topper Red is a gambling addict and challenges anyone who'll try to a game of chance, then promptly lose whatever bet he made.  Kessle doesn't talk much other than to ask how things went at Oleg's.  Lastly Jex isn't very rude, just full of questions about anything and everything.  "What's with the fox person?"  "Does the church have interest in Oleg for some reason?"  "How did a kid so young become a bandit slayer?"  "Is Tread fully human, or part giantess?"  "Why doesn't Scott wear armor?"  "How did you convince the grigs to join you?"

Speaking of the grigs, they thank the heroes for routing the bandits, but reminds everyone that there's still probably about 3 or 4 milling about.  The grigs are not willing to go all the way to Oleg's and want to stay within a few miles of their nest.

Joey doesn't put up with Dirty Jeb and gags him, leaving Jill to Tread.

"You're welcome, Scott.  Chances are the wedding ring is at the mite nest mentioned by the bandits.  They're likely dangerous if left to their own machinations, but we could always ask them nicely to give the ring back just in case they happen to be the only reasonable nest of mites ever heard of."
Tread
player, 70 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 00:52
  • msg #118

Re: Kingmaker

Tread gives Red-hands one warning and then gags her. She blushes from the flirts, but doesn't much care for Jeb insinuating that her heroic friends would be so cruel. Tread answers Kressle, giving an account of how things went down.

Jex: "What's with the fox person?"
Tread: "He's a Kitsune, a race of people who look like foxes and can change into humans."
Jex: "Does the church have interest in Oleg for some reason?"
Tread shows Jex the charter. "More like Restov. With politics and land-grubbing kings wanting this land, you bandits were bound to be taken down sooner or later. It was only a matter of time. Just that we are the ones doing it."
Jex: "How did a kid so young become a bandit slayer?"
Tread: "I'm not sure of the details, but he's a very smart kid who studied magic under the tutelage of gnomes. He probably won't talk to you. But don't take it personal... he's shy."
Jex: "Is Tread fully human, or part giantess?"
Tread: "I'm human. Both my parents are human and normal height. Mom'n'dad seem to think my height is some kind of sign or blessing from the gods."
Jex: "Why doesn't Scott wear armor?"
Tread: "......I don't know." she has this "why didn't I think of that question" look on her face.
Jex: "How did you convince the grigs to join you?"
Tread recounts the story to Jex.

It's clear Tread is more than happy to converse with Jex.
If Jex EVER dares step into sciencey topics, including magic or such, Eli will actually pipe in and answer.
Joey
player, 75 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:10
  • msg #119

Re: Kingmaker

On the second day of the trip, as the group is just about to leave the edge of the forest to the open plains that lead to Oleg's twelve miles away, a grizzley bear begins charging at the group from within the forest!  Joey dismounts and stands just behind Tread.  He jabs the butt of his longspear into the ground then leans it forward, bracing it for the bear's charge.  As expected, the bear attacks Tread but impales itself on the unexpected spear!  Even so, it manages to bite Tread's arm, nearly ripping it off!  Joey puts a hand on her shoulder and the wound begins to heal.
Tread
player, 71 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:15
  • msg #120

Re: Kingmaker

Eli had activated his protective aura. When he casts sleep on the bear, the bear seems too hungry to care.

Tread stabbed, but had a hard time hitting anything with her arm preoccupied with the bear's mouth. She then moves to flank with Monk and still can't seem to hit the bear. "Ow..." can be barely heard from her.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:19
  • msg #121

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott manages to punch the bear right in the bear nose as Joey stabs it, but then somehow manages to miss the large animal on the next two swings.  don't ask him to hit a barn with a sling anytime soon, it would be bad.

  Still, even as annoying as that can be he is less concerned with his miss so much as the bear taking a bite out of Tread.  "Let me guess, none of you ever got attacked by a bear before now despite years in the woods, right?" he calls back to the captives.

Prepared, hit.  6 DMG, 4 bleed.
Flurry. Miss, Miss.

33?-10= 23

Joey
player, 76 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:33
  • msg #122

Re: Kingmaker

The bear turns and digs it's claws into Scott, grappling him!

Joey points a glowy hand at the bear and commands, "FLEE!"

The bear shakes it's head, but resists the spell!  The prisoners are beginning to panic.  "Untie us!  We'll all be eaten!"
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:40
  • msg #123

Re: Kingmaker

  Let's see here.  Yup, Monk is going to die.  Now, he could futilely try to escape from a bear that could easily pursue even if he was succesful, never mind escape meaning he would just stand around doing nothing while his friends are attacked instead.

  So the least Monk can do is kick the bear in the bear balls once for the road, so that hopefully the others will come out of this fight alive.  "Nature is a jerk"

OOC:  Flurry, miss, hit.  7 DMG.  1 bleed.

Bear HP: 23-8= 15

Tread
player, 72 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:41
  • msg #124

Re: Kingmaker

Tread thrusts at the bear while Eli casts a spell on it. Somehow, Tread's sword just doesn't pierce the skin and Eli's spell doesn't work. Again.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 01:59
  • msg #125

Re: Kingmaker

Scott gives a thumbs up out of reflex. from his spot on the ground.

Aaaaaaay.
Tread
player, 73 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 02:00
  • msg #126

Re: Kingmaker

Eli casts his spell one more time, hoping it will work. The bear falls asleep briefly.

Tread then stabs the bear through it's head. The bear dies.

Bear HP: 15 - 16 = THERE!
Joey
player, 77 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 02:08
  • msg #127

Re: Kingmaker

Joey begins praying.  Wave after wave of healing energy pulse out from him and Tread and Scott are healed.  Mostly.  Scott will still need some care.

"Oh my god!" Topper screams, "It's dead!?  IT'S DEAD!  Ahah... Ahahaaa!  Alriiight!"

Jex answers Scott's earlier question.  "'You don't have to be faster than a bear to survive.  Just faster than the guy you're with.'  We lost three men to wildlife last year."
Tread
player, 74 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 02:14
  • msg #128

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Seems a waste to leave it here when it can provide plenty of meat and a nice hide. So let's take the bear to Oleg's."

She strongly considers wearing a bear skull as a helmet. Would look cool.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 02:16
  • msg #129

Re: Kingmaker

  "I do believe I strongly dislike bears.  Also, I considered that faster thing but that would involve leaving small children behind to fend for themselves."

  He gently gets back to his feet, and says "Thank you, whoever is why I am not dead.  Which is probably all three of you."
Joey
player, 78 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 04:10
  • msg #130

Re: Kingmaker

"Agreed," Joey says, helping with the looting of the bear, "And yes, it was a group effort."

Moving a 900 pound bear onto a cart turns out to be very hard work even with the aid of some of the bandits, but the task is eventually done.

"Now I don't feel so bad losing to you guys," Topper says, "Knowing that you're all bear slayers.  Jeez."
Tread
player, 75 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 04:16
  • msg #131

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "It actually was all three of us... though mostly the other two. Eli put the bear to sleep so I could aim and kill it properly. Joey healed you with the powers Sarenrae grants him."

Eli blushes. "Yeah... but you killed it."

His aura ends.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 04:40
  • msg #132

Re: Kingmaker

  "And to think, there are animals apparently worse than this one with prices on their heads.  Come to think of it, I think those rewards are higher than the ones for dealing with bantids."  On the other hand, the reward for finding the repeatedly more and more lost wedding ring is even higher.
Joey
player, 79 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 04:59
  • msg #133

Re: Kingmaker

It's well after sunset by the time the group makes it to Oleg's trading post, and a snow storm has blown in.  There's a guard atop the walls who greets the returning heroes and calls down for someone to open the doors.  Once open, the group can see four tents pitched south of the stables.  A battle-hardened man-at-arms wearing plate armor is the one to answer the door.

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/images/962324/Kesten.jpg

"Welcome back, Greenbelt Explorers," he says, craning his neck to get a look at the shivering bandits, apparently unsurprised at Joey's fuzzy appearance.

"WAKE UP, MEN!" he hollers over his shoulder.  There's movement inside the tents and soon two men in leather armor and coats emerge.

"Allow us to deal with the horses and bandits," the commander says, stepping aside to make room for everyone to enter.

"Thank you, sirs," Joey answers with a polite bow, "My name is Joey.  This is Scott, Tread, and Eli.  May I ask your names?"

"Kesten."

The other men introduce themselves.  Kesten studies the faces of the bandits once he can see them.

"Damnit."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:04, Tue 24 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 76 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:06
  • msg #134

Re: Kingmaker

Eli hides behind Tread. An easy person to hide behind. Tread looks down at Kesten. "Pleased to meet another friendly face. Perhaps we can catch each other up over dinner?"
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:13
  • msg #135

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott sayss "Thank you for taking them off our hands.  Catching criminals is easier than bringing them along as you keep working."   Why yes, those are bear claw marks in his shirt.  Why do you ask?
Joey
player, 80 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:24
  • msg #136

Re: Kingmaker

"You're welcome," one of the grunts answers Scott.

All the horses and bandits are somehow crammed into the stables with the cripple prisoners.  On the bright side, it's going to be quite warm in the make-shift prison with all that body heat.  Tread barely fits in the dining room of the Leventon home, let alone through the front door, and winds up having to sit on the floor.  A warm meal is served by Svetlana and Oleg who are pleased to hear that Kessle has been defeated.  Joey makes no mention of the search for the ring.

"So... Keston.  You were looking for someone in particular among the bandits?"

"Yes.  Yes I was."

quote:
W anted : F algrim s neeg
Source: Kesten Garess, at Oleg’s Trading Post
Task: A mercenary Kesten worked with months ago
was a Varisian man named Falgrim Sneeg. Falgrim
robbed the group and fled into the Greenbelt to
become a bandit, and Kesten hopes to catch him
alive and return him to Restov for punishment.
Completion: Capture Falgrim Sneeg, alive if possible.
Reward: Kesten can arrange a reward of four masterwork
weapons of the capturer’s choice if Falgrim is delivered
alive. If he’s delivered dead, Kesten can only promise
two weapons.

Tread
player, 77 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:38
  • msg #137

Re: Kingmaker

Tread seems OK with sitting on the floor, so long as she rests her back on a wall or something. She says, "There were some bandits missing from the camp. Maybe we can ask the prisoners about him?"
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:40
  • msg #138

Re: Kingmaker

  "Robbing your coworkers doesn't sound very professional.  Though we have had good luck so far taking bandits in alive, so you just might get your wish."  When they are actually hitting things, Set Fists To Stun has been rather convenient.
Joey
player, 81 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:50
  • msg #139

Re: Kingmaker

"Hrm," Kesten replies, "Good.  No need to trouble yourselves, I'll ask them myself.  When you all are ready to go bandit hunting again, me and my men will hold the fort.  I'll send for prisoner transport from Restov."

"That would be most appreciated," Joey says.

"You have no idea," Oleg grumbles.

Svetlana gives a nervous chuckle and changes the topic.

"There's another man looking to speak with you if he's still awake.  I'll go check for you."

She hurries out the front door.

"Priest of Erastil," Oleg says, "Didn't want to say what he wanted you for other than to send you on some holy quest in the forest."

"Holy quests are right up my alley," Joey says with a chuckle.

OOC: Forgot to mention earlier that Joey would have changed back to human fore before entering the fort.
Tread
player, 78 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 05:57
  • msg #140

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "With Kesten here, I have every confidence the prisoners will trouble you a lot less, Oleg. My apologies that they have been a trouble." her expression apologetic as she says this.

Eli just stares at the food he's eating, ducked head.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:09
  • msg #141

Re: Kingmaker

  "I wonder if it is something that would be on our way?  We still need to deal with the Stag Lord before they get too cranky without their booze."
Joey
player, 82 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:17
  • msg #142

Re: Kingmaker

Svetlana returns with the priest, http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/images/908825/jhod.jpg and Kesten excuses himself to question the bandits.

After initial introductions and pleasantries, the cleric sheepishly asks the heroes for a favor.

Quest:
Quest: Temple of the Elk
The PCs restore a lost temple of Erastil.
Source: Jhod Kavken, at Oleg’s Trading Post.
Task: Jhod asks the PCs to seek out a lost temple of
Erastil somewhere to the south. He warns them that a large
bear seems to be guarding the site, and that something
isn’t quite “right” about the bear. He won’t reveal the fact
that he had a vision of the temple without the PCs making
a DC 17 Diplomacy check to make him more trusting.
Completion: If the PCs discover the temple’s site at
area J, Jhod implores them to return and put the tortured
bear to rest and escort him to the temple. To complete this
quest, Jhod or a PC worshiper of Erastil must restore the
temple to functionality (see area J for details).
Reward: Jhod agrees to provide all of his spellcasting
for free to the PCs for life (with the exception of expensive
material components, which the PCs must still supply).


"The forest isn't exactly on the way to the Stag Lord's fort," Joey mentions, "Though once the bandit issue is dealt with, we'll be exploring the entire Greenbelt so we'd be likely to bump into this temple eventually anyway."
Eli
player, 157 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:23
  • msg #143

Re: Kingmaker

At the sound of a bear mentioned, Eli hides behind the nearest party member.

Tread says, "Uh... what Joey said. People's lives continue to be at risk until the stag lord is dealt with. I hope you understand."
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:27
  • msg #144

Re: Kingmaker

  "I suppose the only way I will avoid developing a fear of bears after last time, is to kill one the gods got tired of."  Seriously, that was an incredibly vague reason for why the bear had to die, and he just lost had a fistfight with one.

  He of course is in agreement for their timetable priorities having crazy helmet bandits at the top of the list.
Joey
player, 83 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:35
  • msg #145

Re: Kingmaker

Kavken thanks the group and retires to the guest house.  Tread will have to sleep on the floor because of her size, but there's 3 normal person sized beds besides the one Kavken uses.  The night passes uneventfully, and the following morning is a glistening white snow-covered paradise.  Unless you're Oleg, hard at work shoveling snow.

"I'd be happy to help," Joey offers.

"You'll have to wait your turn.  Only one shovel, and Kesten's band is next in line to use it.  Go eat breakfast."

Svetlana is pleasant as always, and serves a hot meal.

"Thank you, Mrs. Leventon," Joey says between bites.

"It's the least I can do for such brave heroes."
Tread
player, 79 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:38
  • msg #146

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is groggy from having slept on the floor. "I'm gonna have the prisoners build a bed. Just for me." she says tiredly.

Eli shows up to the table with a book in hand and gets to eating while he studies.
Ball Of Failure
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:48
  • msg #147

Re: Kingmaker

  "You'd more likely end up with a bed of nails if you tried that, Tread. But it's a nice thought."  Scott is still getting used to bedrolls, let alone beds.  So can sympathize.

  "If you really wanted to shovel Lucky Joey, I got one."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:48, Tue 24 Sept 2013.
Joey
player, 84 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 06:57
  • msg #148

Re: Kingmaker

Joey unrolls the undetailed map of the Greenbelt he was given with his charter.  The others would all have one of their own.

"From what we're told, the Stag Lord's fort should be somewhere around here, the northern shore of Tuskwater Lake.  The only way we know to cross over to the south side of Thorn River would be near the bandit camp at the ford...."

Svetlana looks and says, "There's also a ferry over here somewhere for crossing the Shrike.  And there's another ford where the Shrike and Thorn join.  Around here.  I think there was a bridge once up the Thorn, but with all the banditry there's no telling what state it or the ferry are in."

"That's good to know, thank you."

"You're welcome.  Are you really ready to take on a bandit fort?  It's probably much more dangerous than Kessle's camp that was split up and had no walls."

"Good point.  Maybe we should look to recruit some help first.  Keston's group seems willing and able, but that would leave Oleg's undefended and overflowing with dangerous prisoners.  Maybe we should wait till the prisoners are taken away before dealing with the Stag Lord and focus instead on the mites and kobolds in the mean time?"
Eli
player, 158 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 07:05
  • msg #149

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Nobody to recruit besides Kesten and his men, so we're forced to wait. Taking care of other problems in the meantime sounds like a good use of our time."

Eli says, "Having reinforcements sounds good... of course, if we knew more about the Stag Lord's fort, that could help. Maybe the prisoners can give enough of a description of the place for us to draw a basic map of it?"
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 07:08
  • msg #150

Re: Kingmaker

  "Honestly, at this point I'm not sure which problem deserves our immediate attention first.  Though before we wait on dealing with the stag lord, we should probably makes sure Keston and the others would actually help so we do not wait for nothing."
Joey
player, 85 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 07:19
  • msg #151

Re: Kingmaker

"Hmm.  Good points," Joey agrees.

The questions are answered easily enough.  The Stag Lord's Fort is surrounded by a wide-open field, so sneaking up on it is unlikely if possible given enough of a diversion or failtastic guards.  The current password will likely be different by the time the group gets there given that it is changed once a week.  The fort is home to the top officers of the bandits: Akiros Ismort a former paladin, Auchs a huge thug, and Dovan from Nisroch a duelist.  Nevermind the creepy nameless druid in the cellar.  The walls cannot be walked on, but there are platforms and towers that look over the walls.  Besides the officers, there's usually some other bandit lackeys, one of whom just might be the one Keston was looking for.  Keston is willing to join the assault on the fort and agrees it best to make sure the prisoners won't be a danger first.  Oleg insists on no more leg breaking.  Wheeling around cripples to the outhouse several times a day was a full time job before Keston's band showed up.
Eli
player, 159 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 17:13
  • msg #152

Re: Kingmaker

Eli looks very confused and asks, "If the password changes so frequently, how do you get the password to other bandits? By the time you got to the fort, the password is void."
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 17:17
  • msg #153

Re: Kingmaker

  "That is a good question Eli.  I doubt the bandits are willing to spend money on sending rituals for that sort of thing.  Or, they just normally send someone password changes to tell them."

  He looks to Oleg "No promises about their condition after a fight, but I guess not smashing them extra after winning would be easy enough."
Joey
player, 86 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 17:21
  • msg #154

Re: Kingmaker

"Animal Messenger spell," Jex answers, "All it costs is a tiny bit of food."

"That's handy," Joey comments, "Will have to keep that in mind for the future.  So shall we get going?  I'd like to go to the mite nest first."
Tread
player, 80 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 17:25
  • msg #155

Re: Kingmaker

Tread looks at Kesten. "Find out how they get their messages. When we return, I'd like to form a plan to go inside the fort, and that plan includes knowing the password."

With that, she heads off with the others.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 17:28
  • msg #156

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott follows along, saying "As much as I hate to say it, I think if the Wedding ring has gone to yet another location by the time we deal with it's last known, it is probably not meant to be."
Joey
player, 87 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 17:51
  • msg #157

Re: Kingmaker

Keston grunts and nods to Tread.  Joey saddles up and heads out, this time without the wagon.  No way it's going anywhere with all the snow.  The first day of exploring in the region just outside Oleg's is uneventful.  No monster dens or significant hidden landmarks are found.  Just nice, level, fertile land ideal for farming.  Camp isn't attacked in the night, and the following morning is clear and sunny, if still freezing cold.

100xp: 25 per PC.
Eli
player, 160 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 20:39
  • msg #158

Re: Kingmaker

During breaks, Eli would play in the snow, clearly loving it. Tread is pulled into it and winds up having a snowball fight with her team.

For the first time, Eli finally curls up next to Tread to sleep. Seems he's warming up* to her, which is a good sign he'll warm up to the others.

*OOC: I know... bad winter pun when he's sleeping in her sleeping bag with her.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 20:53
  • msg #159

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott takes to wearing his cloak now that the weather has gone from crisp to sorta cool.  "After the last few trips out, this is a nice change of pace even if we didn't find anything of immediate value or note."  Hey, 'might make good farmland later' wasn't immediate note.
Joey
player, 88 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 21:22
  • msg #160

Re: Kingmaker

Joey of course was happy to join in the snowball play and smiles that Eli is opening up.

"Not being ambushed is nice, yes."

The following day is another uneventful one until around midday as the snow is melting away, the team finds signs of danger...

quote:
h. S Pider ’ S n eSt (cr 1; S tAndArd )
This area is the den of a giant trapdoor spider, a black
and red brute the size of a pony. The area surrounding the
spider’s den is strewn to a radius of nearly 200 feet with
the skeletons of boars, deer, bears, and a few humans, but
the spider hiding in the center just under the ajar lid to its
lair is hard to see—a Perception check against the spider’s
Stealth +11 allows someone passing too close to notice the
spider before it attacks. This particular species of spider
lacks offensive web-spinning ability or the bonus on
Acrobatics checks most hunting spiders have, but it does
have Spring Attack as a bonus feat, allowing it to lunge out
of its trap to bite a creature and then retreat to the safety of
its lair. As long as it is within the trap itself with the door
ajar, the spider has cover.


After some careful searching, the spider's lair is found.

"Well," Joey says, "This shouldn't be too hard.  Eli can just put it to sleep."

Take-20 perc to find the lair.  Bugs are "mindless" and are immune to mind effects, but Joey doesn't know this.
Eli
player, 161 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 21:37
  • msg #161

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "That spell doesn't work on bugs. Come to think of it, none of the spells I have prepared work against bugs."

Tread says, "Not like we were prepared to fight bugs, much less horse-sized spiders. Is that a bear skeleton? Yeah, maybe we should just put warning signs and leave the spider be."
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 21:42
  • msg #162

Re: Kingmaker

  "I think there is some proverb about not poking a hornets nest, but really more people would pay attention if it was a proverb about giant bear devouring spiders."

  He considers all the mentioned skeletons laying about.  "...Yeah, I would believe some people would still need a SIGN to tell this is not a happy place."
Joey
player, 89 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 21:45
  • msg #163

Re: Kingmaker

Joey gulps.  "A...as much as I would rather just leave well enough alone, I think Scott is right.  And I didn't happen to bring my sign-making supplies."

He sighs.  "My spear works well against charging foes.  So I'll take point and the rest of you can just plink at it with arrows till it gets annoyed enough to charge."
Tread
player, 81 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 21:56
  • msg #164

Re: Kingmaker

Tread sighs out the held breath she had and says, "...alright."

Eli says, "Fall back to the rest of us, Joey. I'll have my protective aura up."

Tread has her shield leaned against her leg for easy access and readies her longbow.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:02
  • msg #165

Re: Kingmaker

  "This feels really dumb, and this is coming from the guy who's answer to being grabbed by a bear was to </i>punch it more</i>"

  He sighs, and draws his sling to contribute a small rock to the opening salvos.  "Still, not about to make you deal with a giant face eating spider without me."
Joey
player, 90 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:08
  • msg #166

Re: Kingmaker

Sure enough, once a rock hits its hairy leg, the spider gets angry and charges!  Joey turns the tip of the spear into its path at the last second and the spider skewers itself onto the cleric's spear!  It's still alive and trying to bite Joey, but he backs away to the others as Eli requested and readies his shield.
Tread
player, 82 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:12
  • msg #167

Re: Kingmaker

Tread had fired an arrow just as requested. But as soon as Joey backs up, she picks up her shield and unsheathes her sword! Her protective nature has her move to be slightly in front of Joey.

Also as planned, Eli activates his protective aura.
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:18
  • msg #168

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is honestly amazed the spider even noticed the rock with that kind of swing, but then it still beats missing completely.  So he prepares to do attempt the incredibly ridiculous action of punching a spider in the face once it gets near enough.
Joey
player, 91 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:22
  • msg #169

Re: Kingmaker

Skitter skitter BITE!  The spider charges Joey provoking an attack from Tread, and it's fangs pierce through his raised shield and shield arm!

"Get it!" he hollers, wincing from the pain, but glowing a bit to heal himself.
Tread
player, 83 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:25
  • msg #170

Re: Kingmaker

Tread moves around behind the spider while its fangs are in the shield and slashes at its rear, killing it!

Tread stares at it in disbelief. "......."

Eli says, "Element of surprise counts for a lot. It probably caught those bears by surprise and poisoned them. Then waited in its lair for them to die."
Scott
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 22:34
  • msg #171

Re: Kingmaker

  "Speaking of, are you feeling allright Joey?" Scott has heard about otherwise flawless victories against giant spiders nearly killing entire parties of adventurers from single bites.  Just four more levels and Scott will have immunity to... Oh, right. Just disease.  Still, not worrying about mummy rot or head exploding eggs is a good thing to look forward too.
Joey
player, 92 posts
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 23:35
  • msg #172

Re: Kingmaker

Joey drops his shield and arm guard, examining where the wound was.

"Yeah... I am...  I guess the cold weather stunted its poison production maybe?"

He smiles slyly at the group and winks.

"Or I'm tougher than a bear."
Eli
player, 162 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 24 Sep 2013
at 23:38
  • msg #173

Re: Kingmaker

Being a curious kid, Eli is going to the spider's lair, but stops himself. "What if there are more spiders down there?"

Tread says, "Good point. Let's check."
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 01:12
  • msg #174

Re: Kingmaker

 "If not for the risk of forest fire, I'd suggest just throwing one of our alchemical fires down the hole."
Joey
player, 93 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 01:15
  • msg #175

Re: Kingmaker

Joey shrugs.  "Melting snow in a grassy field.  Fire risk is probably minimal."

Though if they had torched the lair, they would have missed out on some of the loot.  A thorough search reveals no more monsters.

quote:
Treasure: The spider’s lair is a 5-foot-diameter,
25-foot-deep shaft. The thick webbing along the walls
makes it relatively easy to clamber up and down the
shaft (DC 10 Climb check). Although the spider often
cleans out the skeletons that accumulate within its den,
it hasn’t done so for a week or so and a few bodies still
remain at the bottom of the shaft, including the body of a
dead bandit, still dressed in leather armor and carrying
a short sword and 10 gp. He also wears about his neck a
silver Stag Lord amulet worth 20 gp. Of perhaps more
interest is a scrap of paper tucked in the bandit’s left
boot (DC 20 Perception check to discover) that bears
a simple drawing of a claw-shaped dead tree atop an
otherwise barren hill, with an “X” in blood scrawled by
the tree’s roots. This is a crude treasure map that should
give a clue to the PCs about the treasure hidden beneath
the old tree at area M

Spider: CR1.  400xp.  100xp per PC.

Tread
player, 84 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 01:19
  • msg #176

Re: Kingmaker

Upon finding the loot, Tread says, "....so much for torching places unlikely to have treasure."

Eli says, "Well no treasure is worth your life. So we'll keep that in mind for when we have to."
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 01:24
  • msg #177

Re: Kingmaker

  "I never understood hiding your valuables in attention getting landmarks that anyone curious walking past would examine.  But then I guess finding a normal looking tree in the woods in a hurry would be somewhat difficult."
Joey
player, 94 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 01:34
  • msg #178

Re: Kingmaker

"Yeah," Joey says, "Well I'm glad this threat is dealt with.  If it were traveling after dark there's a chance we might have missed the warning signs.  So let's keep that in mind for the future as well."

Once the rest of the region is scouted out, the group makes camp.  That night, the sound of a stampede wakes everyone!  The group is able to move out of the way of the herd, but half a dozen bucks break away from the main group and begin charging, the moonlight reflecting off the backs of their eyes, making them look like they're glowing red with rage!

Buck: "Humans.  3 o'clock.  Damn Humans.  Bandits, all of them!  Let's trample them before they get a chance to shoot one of our family members!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Wed 25 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 85 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 02:22
  • msg #179

Re: Kingmaker

Tread takes point with Joey and Scott, Eli hiding behind the three. Eli activates his aura. When the first elk charges, Tread synchronizes a stab with Joey and the elk charges to its doom.

Another elk manages to nearly down Joey with a nasty charge, so Joey takes cover behind Scott. Tread slashes its neck. Before it can realize it's dead, KARATE CHOP DECAPITATION from Scott!

Eli puts two of the elk to sleep while another elk that monk hit backs off, hobbles and collapses.

Tread swipes at the last elk that was beginning to retreat, but misses. Scott jumps off Tread's shoulders with an elbow drop to the final Elk.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 02:26
  • msg #180

Re: Kingmaker

  "So, bear, spider, Elk.  At this rate I am expecting the Squirrels to take offense at our existence and fashion small knives out of pinecones to attack us with."

  He wipes his hands off with a black rag, and goes to check on Joey.  "Are you allright?  Was a bit too distracted trying to make sure they couldn't hit you again to see how bad you were hit."
Joey
player, 95 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 03:59
  • msg #181

Re: Kingmaker

"Eheh... seriously," Joey chuckles, putting pressure on his gaping wound, "What on earth possessed these animals to attack us?  We weren't being threatening.  I hope they're not rabid...."

He goes to stabilize any dying animals he can find.  When it's safe to do so, he begins radiating healing energy.  His wounds and those of the injured elk begin to close.  One of them wakes, looks confused, and runs away.  They seem to all act the same when they recover, as if wondering why they were spared.

100xp for exploring another hex.  25 / PC
2,400 for defeating elk.  600/PC

This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Wed 25 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 86 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 04:07
  • msg #182

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Well... at least now we have some more traveling food."

Upon seeing the way the elk respond to being released, Eli says, "Maybe they were under a spell."
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 04:15
  • msg #183

Re: Kingmaker

  "I would question that, but killing a bear because the shrine owner thinks it isn't holy enough anymore or something is on our to do list.  So for all we know the forest has a 'murder adventurers' curse on it."
Joey
player, 96 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 04:20
  • msg #184

Re: Kingmaker

The following day is more fruitless exploring.  Until Eli spots something the rest of the team almost missed, that is.

quote:
l. g old m ine (h idden )
A particularly rocky crag rises from the hills here. At
the crag’s base is an overgrown 5-foot-wide crack (DC 20
Perception check to discover while exploring) that leads
down 20 feet to a 30-foot-diameter cave. The cave wall
directly across from the entrance sparkles
slightly—a DC 20 Appraise or Knowledge
(dungeoneering)  check  is  enough  to
recognize this as a vein of gold. Indeed, this
cave can be transformed into a healthy gold
mine with the proper time and equipment—this
procedure is detailed in Pathfinder Adventure Path
volume #32


"Wow... You never know what you might find."

100xp for exploring a hex.  25/PC
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Wed 25 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 87 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 04:25
  • msg #185

Re: Kingmaker

Tread asks, "So... how do we secure this place without drawing attention to it?"

Eli is quiet. He's a genius on mechanical stuff and the arcane... not establishing territory.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 04:32
  • msg #186

Re: Kingmaker

  "I... don't think we can.  The most we can do is keep it in mind, and maybe check in spare time before we can put it to use if somebody else has beaten us to a mining operation."
Joey
player, 97 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 04:51
  • msg #187

Re: Kingmaker

"Let's stake a claim," Joey suggests.

He uses a charred bit of torch end to scribe a "we saw it first!" type message into the wall.

"We'll just have to be very descriptive about the location of this place in our notes.  That should suffice for legally having a claim here."

The following morning, not long after the group catches sight of a huge, lone tree ahead, they're ambushed by seven kobolds!  Their scales are a sooty gray color.  Likely the "Sootscale" kobolds mentioned in the quest.

"Kyahaa!" one screams, "You bandits been warned!  You die now!"
Tread
player, 88 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:01
  • msg #188

Re: Kingmaker

Tread yells*, "WE'RE NOT THE BANDITS!!!"

She hops off her horse. "We are here to STOP the bandits! For as much as attacks us for being bandits, why are the bandits still alive?!"

Eli covered his ears. Tread's voice hurts at those levels.

*OOC: and her voice is already loud, so her yelling ranks at an amazing 95 decibles... equal to jackhammer levels
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Wed 25 Sept 2013.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:14
  • msg #189

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is impressed at Tread's lung capacity, and feels guilty for wondering if they can threaten people with her scolding them as an option.  "Before this inevitably spirals into a display of carnage, could you tell us why we look like bandits to you?"  Once from idiots, okay.  Twice from idiots, something may be up.  He checks the back of his friends and himself for 'Bandit. Kick Me' signs.

OOC Diplo 9.
Joey
player, 98 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:23
  • msg #190

Re: Kingmaker

"HOLD OR DIE!" Joey demands, looking quite furious, raising his holy symbol high and making it glow, "We have already slain a BEAR!  And we've defeated several bandits, several greenscale kobolds, and many other foes!  By Sarenrae the Everlight, you've no chance against us!"

He transforms into his fox form and bears his teeth!  The kobolds shriek and run for cover!

"Not bandits!"

"Worse!"

"Let's run and let the Mites harrow them to their doom!"

"Yes!  Run!"

"No!  Hold!  They're bluffing!  We're not hurt yet!"
Tread
player, 89 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:28
  • msg #191

Re: Kingmaker

Tread refrains from facepalming. "Let me repeat: He said HOLD or die! Meaning he WON'T kill you as long as you don't attack!"

Eli cringes a bit, still covering his ears.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:34
  • msg #192

Re: Kingmaker

 "A bear grabbed me and that just made me punch it more"  and also get taken down by the bear.  "I Karate chopped an Elk's head off."  After Tread did most of the work.  "If I punch you once, you will still die even if you kill me."  True because these kobolds do not look like good doctors.
Joey
player, 99 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:43
  • msg #193

Re: Kingmaker

"Mites took something that belongs to our friends," Joey explains, "We were on our way to their nest to take it back."

"Aheh.  Ahaha!  Ahahahahaaa!" the apparent leader laughs, "You hate mites?!  We hate mites more!  We at war with mites!  They kill our friends!  Steal our idol!  Make us suffer from curse!  You not bandits?  No kill us?  Can kill bears?!  Go kill mites!  Good!  Yes!"

"Yes!  Yes!  Kill mites!" the others scream, jumping up and down, shaking their spears!
Tread
player, 90 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:47
  • msg #194

Re: Kingmaker

Tread ohs and calms a bit. She straightens out and says, "Point the way, then. And spread the word to your tribe that we're your allies."

Eli uncovers his ears, seeing that the yelling is now just cheering. And Tread isn't yelling anymore. He calms down some himself, seeing the situation change.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 05:51
  • msg #195

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, that's a change of pace.  So, on the subject of Mites.  How do you prefer to kill them?  Also, what does this Idol look like?"  Hey, pointers are pointers.
Joey
player, 100 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:04
  • msg #196

Re: Kingmaker

"You no touch Sharptooth idol," boss kobold answers, lowering his voice as if spooked, "Touching it taboo.  Get curse!  Turn yellow and die!  How kill mites?  With spears!  Slings no work."

"Work once!"

"Once not good enough!  Use spears!"

"Spears!  Spears!  Kill Mites!"

"What does the idol look like so we will know what not to touch?" Joey re-iterates.

"Look like mighty, winged kobold!  Old Sharptooth our god!  Idol sacred!  You go that way."

He points toward the tree.

"We follow.  Watch you kill mites."

"Kill mites!"

800 xp for dealing with 7 kobolds.  200/PC
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Wed 25 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 91 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:06
  • msg #197

Re: Kingmaker

Tread mounts her horse and starts heading in the direction indicated. She can't think of anything to say.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:18
  • msg #198

Re: Kingmaker

Scott shrugs, and follows along.  <brown>"Do you think I could borrow one of your spears?"</brpwn>  Hey, Monks have spear and shortspear proficiency!  They also have Siangham proficiency, which Monk has on him.  But we're a bit hazy if that's Cold Iron or not.
Joey
player, 101 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:29
  • msg #199

Re: Kingmaker

Not surprisingly, none of the kobolds are willing to give up their spears.

"You can use my longspear if you like," Joey offers, "I have my scimitar as a fallback.  Really I use the longspear mostly so I don't get in the way."

The trip to the tree is uneventful, and the kobolds can be quite sneaky when they try.  And they're trying.  But they're not able to keep up with the horses even at a horse's walk speed.  Joey suggests slowing down so if there are any more kobold encounters these can explain to them.

It's unusually common to stumble across dead kobolds
and mites in these two areas, their pitiful gear pitifully
stripped by the victors of their pitiful little scraps.


One way or another, the group eventually arrives.

Looming over all the hills in the northern Kamelands,
a graying hulk of a sycamore tree clings precariously to
its last years of life. The 100-foot-tall tree is a well-known
landmark and is visible for miles around—but is also well
known to be infested with mites.


Meta: While the old sycamore itself is a landmark, the mite
lair itself has only a single entrance, hidden amid the
ancient tree’s roots. It’s a DC 20 Perception check to find
the hidden entrance, which consists of a root-lined shaft
that drops 10 feet down to the middle of a 40-foot tunnel
that runs east-west and connects areas R1 and R2. The roots
allow navigation of this shaft with a DC 5 Climb check.
Alternatively, if the PCs watch the sycamore from afar, every
night they’ll see five or six mites scamper out of the hole to
scatter into the surrounding hills, off to gather food, catch
animals to torment, or on a foray against the Sootscales.

The mites are small creatures, and their lair is sized
for such. Ceiling height is rarely over 5 feet high, with
much of the upper foot a tangle of roots and thin
stalactites. Medium creatures in these caves are forced
to stoop over or adjust the swing of their weapons, and
suffer a –2 penalty on all attack rolls made within the
lair as a result.

The mite hive under the old sycamore contains dozens
of mites in all, but the war with the Sootscales has
thinned their numbers. Currently, the tribe numbers 31
mites, although when the PCs first arrive, only 18 mites
are within the hive—if the PCs fail to drive the mites out
by killing all of them, they can replenish lost numbers up
to their total population of 31.

Tread
player, 92 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:34
  • msg #200

Re: Kingmaker

Upon arrival, Tread gets off her horse and begins approaching the tree, looking for the doorway.

Eli stays on his horse.
Scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:44
  • msg #201

Re: Kingmaker

  "Thank you for the offer Joey, but I'm not much good with the longer ones."  In regards to the Kobolds unwilling to give up sharp objects, he comments "Well, if you are going to help in the fighting I can see why you would hold onto them"  Scott used Passive Aggressive.

  After the methodical examination of a giant object that isn't really very hidden, and the entrance is located... The tiny entrance.  Scott considers this and says "I hope this isn't becoming a habit, but I'm going to suggest arson again."
Joey
player, 102 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:51
  • msg #202

Re: Kingmaker

Joey stares at the hole, considering Scott's suggestion.

"I sure as heck don't want to go down there.  I doubt Tread would even be able.  We could wait for some to come out and ambush them."

He sighs.  "What I'm afraid of is even if we somehow manage to catch this tree's roots on fire, the mites escape through a second exit.  Or worse yet, there's some undeserving prisoner down there that might wind up dead because we set the whole place on fire.  Do we still have one of those axes?  Maybe if we cut at the roots enough we can topple the tree.  At the very least that'll get them to come up out of the hole."
Tread
player, 93 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:56
  • msg #203

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Let's call 'em out."

She takes a deep breath and yells as loud as she can into the entrance!

Eli was sure to cover his ears again.
scott
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 06:59
  • msg #204

Re: Kingmaker

 "Well, you do raise some good points Joey.  It is no wonder that sensible people do not solve most of their problems with fire."  Unless they are hut sized or pillaging problems, maybe?

  Scott is to manly to flinch at Tread oh who are we kidding, he totally flinches.  "There is a petty part of me that hopes there is an echo down there."
Joey
player, 103 posts
Wed 25 Sep 2013
at 07:18
  • msg #205

Re: Kingmaker

The sound like a distant shriek can be heard from within the lair.  Then nothing.

Inside the lair:

undercommon:
"What in blazes was that?!"
"Sounded like a bear!"
"Nono!  It was an orc!"
"Oooh!  Orc!  What do those taste like?"
"Lime."
"Lime?!  How do you know that?!  I like lime."
"I know 'cause I've eaten orc before."
"What if boss Grabbles wants some?"
"Then he'll kill it so we can all feast!"
"Let's go tell him then!"

*scurries deeper*

"Boss!  Boss!  An orc!  An orc!"
"Let's kill it, boss!  It tastes like lime!"
"Lime?!  I like lime.  But orcs are tough.  We should sick Legs on him."
"But what if Legs eats him all up!"
"He'll share.  Orcs big.  Bigger than Humans even!  We'll all feast!"
"Yeah yeah!  Feast!  Feast on the orc!"


*Hurries to marshal an attack party that includes "Legs" and rushes to the chamber below the entrance....  All this would take a few minutes.

Joey waits for a few seconds.  "I think you scared 'em."
Tread
player, 94 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 27 Sep 2013
at 22:47
  • msg #206

Re: Kingmaker

Tread shrugs. "So let's camp here. They're bound to exit some time."

Eli stares at the entrance in thought.
Scott
player, 1 post
Fri 27 Sep 2013
at 22:56
  • msg #207

Re: Kingmaker

 "There's a lot of open obvious space to reach us through if they wanted to get at us from another exit.  So waiting for something to poke it's head out to hit is probably the best option unless we really want to fight things in dark tunnels probably half our size"
Narrator
player, 259 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 00:05
  • msg #208

Re: Kingmaker

A huge centipede crawls up from inside the mite lair, making plenty of noise!  It circles around and rears up then chomps at Joey, but only gets a mouth full of spearhead!
Joey
player, 104 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 01:02
  • msg #209

Re: Kingmaker

In a flurry of punches and stabs, the centipede is defeated!  Just then, three not-as-huge centipedes and a mite climb out of the hole and attack!  Joey is bit and Tread stabbed!

XP 800.  200/PC
Joey HP: 13-2=11 and taking ongoing 1d3 dex damage save ends.
Tread HP: 24-1=23

This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Sat 28 Sept 2013.
Narrator
player, 260 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 01:32
  • msg #210

Re: Kingmaker

A centipede manages to bite Scott, but the poison doesn't take hold!


Scott HP: 17-2=15

Joey
player, 105 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 01:37
  • msg #211

Re: Kingmaker

Joey radiates healing energy and everyone is healed up to be good as new!
Scott
player, 2 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 01:51
  • msg #212

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott says "Thanks Joey, it's a wonder bandits get any work done around here when the animals are the worst thing so far."   That said, he tries the whole 'knock heads together' trick on the two remaining centipedes...  "...I am beginning to see some of the practical appeal of weapons."

  Fistfuls of centipede brains.

  "That's probably not all that's in the tree, even if everyone around us is on the ground in one state or another."

<small>: OOC:
Experience:
Legs: 800 Exp, 200 each.
Mite and Centipedes: 700 Exp, 175 each.
Totals:  1,500.  375 each.

GRAND TOTALS: 10,705 Grant Total Exp.
2,676.25  Each.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Sat 28 Sept 2013.
Eli
player, 163 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 02:20
  • msg #213

Re: Kingmaker

Eli screams like a little girl, then cautiously moves away, nearly tripping over himself and casts a spell and three mites fall unconscious.

Tread smashes the mite that was between her and Eli and then steps into the space it was in. "SURRENDER!"
Narrator
player, 261 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 04:25
  • msg #214

Re: Kingmaker

"Hi ho, Tickleback!" the boss mite screams as he and his oversized tick mount emerge from the entrance along with four mite guards.  The guards use their doom ability on Eli, Joey, and Tread.

Looming nearby is Grabbles’
pet and mount, a stocky tunnel tick the size of a bugbear
named Tickleback. Grabbles has a particularly large gap
between his teeth, causing him to make whistling sounds
when he talks. A particularly unsightly scattering of
pimples decorates his face and tongue.


http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H...5846660&pid=15.1
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sat 28 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 95 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 05:37
  • msg #215

Re: Kingmaker

The fight goes on longer than expected. When all the other mites have fallen, the boss riding a giant tick gives the group a real fight. Tread is grappled by the bug and getting sucked of her life. Even so, she fights on while tears stream down her cheeks.

Monk leaps into the air, the mite cranes its neck back to look up to the sky only to get facefull of the sun. It shades its eyes as Scott comes down, thrusting his fist through the mite's mouth and all the way through the mite into the bug with a loud crack! The two enemies instantly die.

Tread falls to the ground and, even while Joey heals her, she just curls into the fetal position and cries, shivering.
Scott
player, 3 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 23:50
  • msg #216

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott pulls his punch out of the tick, but has to take a few tries to unimpale Grabbles from his arm.  Again, seeing the practical appeal times of weapons even if he's somewhat better without them.

  "Eli, I'm sort of covered in what just did this to her, so if you could hug tread for me that would be great."
Joey
player, 106 posts
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 15:13
  • msg #217

Re: Kingmaker

Joey is somewhat surprised by Tread's reaction, but he can kindof understand given the supernatural doom feelings forced into his mind this time compared to that time when a bear almost killed his friend.  Is he already so callous that it takes magic for him to be this afraid of his friends dying?  No.  No he reminds himself that this time like last, it was his confidence in them and in the goddess of resurrection that made him feel everything was going to be alright.  Still, seeing Tread in tears is enough to force tears from his own eyes as he kneels over her to heal and comfort her.

"It's over, Tread," he says softly, washing her in healing light, "You fought bravely."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Mon 30 Sept 2013.
Tread
player, 95 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 05:41
  • msg #218

Re: Kingmaker

Eli rushes over to Tread to hug her. He then points a hand at Scott, makes some gestures while speaking some magic words and within seconds, all the filth is cleaned off Scott.

Tread slowly calms down. "I... I'm alive... thank you..." she slowly begins sitting up. Even as she says this, Eli cleans her off like he did for Scott.
This message was last updated by the player at 05:41, Tue 01 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 4 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 05:50
  • msg #219

Re: Kingmaker

  "Glad to see you recovering thanks to Joey, Tread.  I just wish I didn't have to pay you back for saving me from grabby animals in the first place."  Seriously, he lost track of how many Mites they had to fight but of course, it's the wildlife that is the most dangerous thing, again.

  He looks to Eli, easy as he's in the same place. "Thanks, Eli."
Joey
player, 107 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #220

Re: Kingmaker

Seeing that no more mites are exiting the nest, the Kobolds burst into cheers.

"Horray!  Horray for the Humans!"

"Ding dong the Mites are dead!"

"Is it over?  Is the war really over?!  Ahahahahaaa!"

"Who's going to go get Old Sharptooth out of their nest?"

"You asked, you go!"

"Me?!  Alone!?  No way!  You go!"

"I ain't going."

"Well someone's gotta go!  If we don't get Old Sharptooth back, we all die of curse!"

The kobolds all look at the heroes.

"Brave, brave humans!"

"Horray for Humans!"

"Powerful, and... brave!"

"Yes!  Very very brave!"

Joey heavy sighs.  "You're welcome, Tread.  I'll go in, though I don't much like the idea of perpetuating idol worship."

"We worship your god too, brave Human!"

"Yes yes!  Just don't let us die of curse!"
Eli
player, 165 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:03
  • msg #221

Re: Kingmaker

Never mind the recently traumatic near-death experience, Tread voices something about herself, "I... thanks, Joey. I really don't like tight spaces."

Eli says, "...I could go in. I mean.. nobody's coming out anymore and I'm short enough to actually walk in without needing to bend."
Scott
player, 5 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:09
  • msg #222

Re: Kingmaker

  "While I appreciate the thought Eli, unless we are sure there aren't a few more mites hiding down there" AkA, Smart Mites "I'd hate to send you down alone.  Have Joey go with you and I'll stay with Tread, unless one of you would prefer to stay up here in my place."

  He looks over to the Kobolds.  "Yeah, about 'touching it taboo.  Get curse!  Turn yellow and die' with the Idol.  Why do you want an idol back that kills you?"
Joey
player, 108 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #223

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods.  "Eli and myself probably the best choice to go down."

The kobolds look sheepish.

"No choice.  Tartuk say Old Sharptooth choose us."

"Promise us victory over mites!"

"Mites dead now.  Praise be to Old Sharptooth!"

Joey shrugs.  "I'll be sure to not touch it."

He heads down.
Eli
player, 166 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:18
  • msg #224

Re: Kingmaker

Eli follows behind Joey, holding off on activating his aura for when there is actual danger. After all, it only lasts 30 seconds or so. Joey can hear Eli sniffling. The boy has also been crying, but has been quiet about it and held it in earlier. "Why aren't the kobolds getting their idol? And why didn't they fight?"

Meanwhile, Tread is just staring at the mite cave entrance.
Scott
player, 6 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:23
  • msg #225

Re: Kingmaker

  Eli will cry when he's done (not) killing.

  Meanwhile, Scott goes to sit by Tread while asking the Kobolds "So who is Tartuk then?"
Joey
player, 109 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:38
  • msg #226

Re: Kingmaker

"Fear, I imagine," Joey answers, using his tail to pet the boy's cheek comfortingly.

Walking along bent over in cramped tunnels makes it hard to use traditional comfort methods.

"Tartuk our shaman," the kobolds answer.

"Purple scale.  Very rare."

"His talking bird is creepy."

"He way creepier.  Almost as creepy as Old Sharptooth."

Eli and Joey meet no resistance, though they find a kobold prisoner in the torture chamber among three other dead ones.

Development: The kobold is a young warrior named
Mikmek, the last surviving Sootscale of a doomed attack
on the mite cavern. If rescued, Mikmek swallows his pride
and falls to his knees and thanks his saviors in chirping
Common. He promises the PCs “many treasures” if they
help him finish his quest to rescue the Sootscales’ holy
statue from these nasty blue mites, and if armed with a
weapon he can use he squeals in delight and, at least until
they reach the chieftain of the Sootscales, will be a loyal
companion to the PCs.


The nest is easily looted and evacuated.  Joey exits, carrying the idol in a sack with the rest of the loot.

quote:
Treasure: The ivory statuette depicts a crouching
horned devil. This statue was stolen from the Sootscale
kobolds—to the kobolds, the statue is a sacred relic and
the focal point of their worship (they worship the statue
as a mighty, winged kobold named Old Sharptooth).
The statue is nonmagical, but worth 250 gp for its
craftsmanship.
The paper weighed down by the statuette is an
accounting of the status of the war, as defined by key pieces
of stolen treasure. Written in charcoal in Undercommon,
the paper consists of two columns, one labeled “Us” and
one labeled “Them.” The “Us” column lists only two
things: “kobold statue” and “lots of spears and coins.” The
“Them” column lists “magic dust,” “lots of coins” and
“shiny human ring.”
The burlap sack contains the mites’ treasure, much
of which has been looted from slain kobolds. Within
are 12 Small spears, 193 cp, 120 sp, and 32 gp.

Eli
player, 167 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:45
  • msg #227

Re: Kingmaker

On the way out, Eli is reading the "Us" v "Them" list. "So... the sootscales have the ring then?"

Tread turns her attention to the two as they exit with a kobold. "You found a friend?"
Scott
player, 7 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:50
  • msg #228

Re: Kingmaker

  "That wedding ring really, really gets around."  Hopefully it's not trying to tell them something about it's owner.

  "Good to see you two back, and the Kobold too since he's not trying to stab us." or call them bandits.
Joey
player, 110 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 06:58
  • msg #229

Re: Kingmaker

"Mikmek!" the others gasp, "You're alive!"

Heart-warming kobold reunion ensues then bragging about the Human heroes is exchanged.

Joey nods.  "Perhaps they will be willing to give us the ring in exchange for doing them so many favors."

Though he inwardly expects a last minute reversal and the kobolds turning hostile.

"None of us have ring."

"Tartuk may have it in offerings to Old Sharptooth."

"Chief may have it."

"Let's go home!"
Tread
player, 96 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 23:35
  • msg #230

Re: Kingmaker

Tread stands up, finally. "If I get my hands on Topper Red again, he's going to beg me to throw him in a jail." she says with hurumf and foot stomp.

She turns to the kobolds. "Let's get going to your home."
Scott
player, 8 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 23:52
  • msg #231

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott says "Yeah, we are real easygoing when people don't give us a reason to punch holes through them and those behind them."  He wonders if before the day's end they will have to snap the neck of a Kobold demi-god just to get a completely nonmagical ring back?

  "...How do I word that without sounding like a violent lunatic?"
Joey
player, 111 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:05
  • msg #232

Re: Kingmaker

Joey reaches down to pick up little Eli and cuddle on the way there.

"Context," he answers Scott, "You seem perfectly sane to me given the circumstances."

"Evil evil Mites!" Mikmek chirps, "They torture us for fun!  Didn't care if we knew anything!  Laughed when Jumtal screamed and cried and begged.  Made her play their 'swallow the caltrops' game."

"Human make them play swallow the fist game!"

"Yes yes!  You missed it!  Smush Tickleback in same punch!"
Tread
player, 97 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:11
  • msg #233

Re: Kingmaker

Eli doesn't say anything, but blushes and ducks his head.

Tread says, "I'm very sorry about your tortured friends... it's over now. May the victims of this war rest in peace."

She looks at Scott. "And that WAS really amazing. I was just a bit distracted with dying to tell you earlier."
Scott
player, 9 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:13
  • msg #234

Re: Kingmaker

  "I have the unfortunate feeling that that saying is going to happen a lot for us.  But at least being able to say it after the fact beats the alternative."
Joey
player, 112 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:27
  • msg #235

Re: Kingmaker

After much travel...

An outcropping of large boulders emerges from the weathered
face of a nearby hillock. A narrow opening in the rock leads
into darkness below. A fallen sign leans against the side of the
cave entrance, and a cage made of branches and sticks sits on
the other side.

The fallen sign is weathered and bears a few faded
words: “Oaktop Silver Mine.” Originally used by
Taldan explorers, this mine was abandoned long before
its potential was played out as the Taldans realized
the mine was far too distant from other settlements to
be viable.

Creature: The stick cage contains a single, sobbing
mite—his eyes squinted tightly shut against the light
during the day. The wretched creature is the only prisoner
the kobolds have managed to take alive, and they’ve
placed him here as a warning to any mites that might
approach. If released, the thankless creature hisses and
runs away, attacking with unarmed strikes if prevented
from fleeing.

A lone kobold stands constant watch here, crouched
behind one of the big rocks at the cave entrance. If
he spots PCs, he chirps loudly in surprise—he was
expecting mites, not bigger foes. The kobold hesitates for
a few moments, confused since he has no actual orders
regarding big folk, then makes an unusual decision
driven by an uncharacteristic stroke of logic. He hails the
PCs and cries out, “Wait! Wait! I wanna talk!”


Then the kobolds traveling behind the heroes emerge.

<draconic>"Nakpik!  It's me!  Mikmek!  I'm alive!  These Humans, and... fox person, rescued me!  Killed all the mites!  Recovered Old Sharptooth!  The war is over!"<draconic>

Nakpik stares, jaw-dropping.  The other kobolds rush into the lair.

"We go get Chief Sootscale!"
Eli
player, 168 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:44
  • msg #236

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I... don't speak your language..."

Eli says, "But I do! Mikmek's just telling how we killed all the mites and rescued him and Old Sharptooth." excited to finally put Draconic to use for conversation, Eli says, <Draconic>"We're here to celebrate and be friends!"</Draconic>
Scott
player, 10 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:51
  • msg #237

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, that's convenient.  So what language is that again?"  And how did most dragons feel about their language being an equivalent of 'All Goblins and speak Elven as their native language'.
Joey
player, 113 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 00:58
  • msg #238

Re: Kingmaker

Probably the same as Gnolls feel about Pugwumpi speaking their language.

"Thank you for translating, Eli," Joey says, finally setting him down from the fluffy cuddle time.

He smirks at Tread. "I'd have carried you too if I had the strength.  But if it's the thought that counts, know that I was holding you close in my heart.  Same goes for Scott if I had any inkling he needed a hug."

Nakpik is skeptical.  "Why?  Why you do all this?  We kobolds not rich."
Tread
player, 98 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 01:13
  • msg #239

Re: Kingmaker

Eli just smiles up at Joey brightly.

Tread answers the kobolds first, "We've been chartered with ridding these lands of bandits and anyone who would impede an honest living. Besides... we're the kind of people who can't stand by while people get tortured or oppressed. In short; it was the right thing to do."

She then glances at Joey with a blush. "I'm... probably heavier than you can carry, yeah." she demonstrates by gently flopping an arm on his head. Joey now has about 22 pounds on his head. Granted, about 8 pounds of that is the armor on her arm and hand.

Tread decides to also lay an arm on Scott so he knows what Joey's feeling.
Scott
player, 11 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 01:22
  • msg #240

Re: Kingmaker

  "Do you have any idea how hard it is to find people smart enough to not attack us for no good reason out here?"   Plonk, armor arm on head.  He comments to Tread "You'd be worth trying at the very least"  Not to mention drag weights are a lot more generous than carry weights.

  "Like she said, we've got basic orders and dislike pointless torture.  I don't think we'll have any problems unless you start hurling spears at settlements that aren't bandit camps or something."  Scott was hazy on politics, but it would be dumb to point out the Kobolds were potentially rich as hell from living in an abandoned halfway silver mine right?
Joey
player, 114 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 02:39
  • msg #241

Re: Kingmaker

"You... You talk to Chief Sootscale.  He know what to say."

Joey chuckles at the arm weight on his head and smiles up at Tread.

"So glad to have you on my side."

He refrains from the "long arm of the law" pun.  Chief Sootscale shows up http://kingmakercampaign.pbwor...hief%20Sootscale.png along with several armed Kobolds, some of them the joyous ones who were praising the heroes earlier.  All but the Chief are whooping and dancing, looking quite celebratory.  The Chief, shoots several nervous glances over his shoulder and hurriedly speaks.

"Thank you very much for killing our mortal enemies, the Mites and recovering Old...  the uh...  statue."

He reaches his hands out impatiently, eyes wide with excitement.

"Give it!  Give it to me quickly!"

Most of the kobolds continue to dance and cheer, but some are snapping out of it and looking at their chief in disbelief.

"Touching taboo...." one mutters under his breath.

Joey looks around at the others.  "Should I?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Wed 02 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 99 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 02:47
  • msg #242

Re: Kingmaker

Tread takes her arms off her temporary armrests and greets the chief when he shows up. However, upon the chief asking for the statue, Tread looks a bit confused. She kneels down to the chief and manages to lower the volume of her voice some, "According to what the others said, touching it could kill you. What's going on, Chief Sootscale? And remember... we're here to help."
Scott
player, 12 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 02:51
  • msg #243

Re: Kingmaker

  "The Sootscales have been the nicest kobolds I have ever met, so I would really hate to see their chief die a horrible death because of an idol."  The actual cause of said death is up in the air, but he was starting to suspect the Idol would only be an indirect cause.

  He blinks, then looks to Eli "I don't suppose you can identify magical artifacts?"  With that many uses of Sleep he not only prepared, but needed to prepare at the rate things were going, probably not today.
Joey
player, 115 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 03:14
  • msg #244

Re: Kingmaker

Considering the urgency in the Chief's voice, Joey takes off his backpack and pulls out the loot bag, but stops short of opening the bag.

"I can, Scott," Joey answers after chanting a quit spell, "Nothing in the loot is magical."

The Chief looks increasingly nervous and agitated about to panic, glancing over his shoulder.

"Tartuk is shure to be coming any second!  He's the priest so he... outranks me.  He won't take kindly to you Humans carrying the statue in a sack.  I don't want my people confused and getting themselves killed if he demands you be punished!  Please!"

He rushes over to Joey to open the sack!
Eli
player, 169 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 04:23
  • msg #245

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "...yeah, actually, I could have. That's just a cantrip."

Tread frowns. "...thanks for your concern, Chief. You know what you're doing, so... go for it."
Scott
player, 13 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 04:27
  • msg #246

Re: Kingmaker

  "That's probably the most reasonably thing I've heard about a creepy idol I will ever hear."  Well, outside of 'destroy evil looking object for victory'.
Joey
player, 116 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 04:43
  • msg #247

Re: Kingmaker

As the chief digs through the sack, Tartuk arrives and the cheering instantly dies to a nervous murmur.  http://kingmakercampaign.pbwor...304223009/Tartuk.png

<draconic>"What in blazes is going on here?!"<draconic> he screeches.

"AHA!" Chief Sootscale shrieks when he finds the statue and recovers it from the sack.

<draconic>"What?!  These Humans dared defile Old Sharptooth with their soft, scaleless fingers?!  They must be punished or we'll all turn yellow and die from the curse!"<draconic>

As the kobolds begin whooping and shaking their spears, Sootscale holds the statue in his hands with a fierce look of concentration, as if he were making a particularly difficult decision.  Finally, he shrieks in triumph, holds the statue over his head, and then smashes it down onto the ground, shattering it!  The other kobolds freeze in shock while Sootscale, a frantic grin on his snout, thanks the heroes.

"You have freed us from the mites and this curse!  Come!  Join me!  Kill the usurper!"

He points at Tartuk who shrieks a curse and looks ready to flee!

"HOLD!" Joey commands!

Tartuk freezes in place!
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Wed 02 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 100 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 04:59
  • msg #248

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "That kobold wanted us punished for bringing the idol back!"

Tread picks up the frozen kobold, taking the caster's weak AoO. "I'm sure it's a misunderstanding... so I'm sorry, but we'll have to knock you out, unless you surrender."
Scott
player, 14 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:05
  • msg #249

Re: Kingmaker

  "I would almost feel bad punching them like this." Then Eli points out the obvious.  "Oh, nevermind."

  He steps up to Tread holding off on the beatings for the moment, but ready to should it try to harm the tall lady  "Do we have to worry about this bird?  Wildlife has been... Problematic."
Jake
player, 181 posts
Kid genious
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:13
  • msg #250

Re: Kingmaker

"Release Tartuk!" the bird squawks, "Release Tartuk!"

"K...k...k..." Tartuk sputters through his teeth, unable to answer.

<draconic>"Pinata!"<draconic> Sootscale screams, jumping up to take a swing at the dangling shaman, the others regaining their courage and approaching with spears pointed.

"I Surrender!  I surrender!" Tartuk screams.

<draconic>"You die now, Tartuk!"<draconic> Sootscale cheers, taking another swing, "Kill the usurper!"

"Calm down, please, everyone," Joey says, looking exacerbated.
Tread
player, 101 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:16
  • msg #251

Re: Kingmaker

Tread begins tying Tartuk up. "Now that he's captured, will you be so kind as to explain what this is about? Why kill him? Why didn't you all do so a long time ago?"

Eli looks worried.
Scott
player, 15 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:22
  • msg #252

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott still doesn't trust that bird.  "Has the guy caused you harm aside from threatening you with a curse to get his way, and has that caused any of you to actually die so far?"  He considers for a moment, then adds "Could he be reasonably defined as a bandit of the unrepentant variety?"
Joey
player, 117 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:32
  • msg #253

Re: Kingmaker

"Bandit?!" Tartuk echoes, not liking the sound of that question, "What?!  I'm no bandit!"

"If you accept a very loose definition of bandit, I suppose," Joey answers.

Sootscale relents and stops swinging at Tartuk.

"Tartuk demanded sacrifices be made to Old Sharptooth!" he accuses, "Kobold sacrifices!  But yes.  I have seen the curse in action.  People die of accidents or in their sleep or choke on food.  Then their scales turn yellow.  That was the sign that Old Sharptooth was angry."

"Angry!  Squawk!  Sharptooth Angry!"

"I wasn't the one demanding sacrifices!" Tartuk screams, "It was Old Sharptooth!  I can hear his voice now!  He's furious you destroyed his idol!  He'll let the Humans off with a light punishment if the tribe sacrifices you, Sootscale!  Otherwise, everyone will die of the curse!"

"Odd..." Joey says.
Tread
player, 102 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:43
  • msg #254

Re: Kingmaker

Tread gets angry. "Why bother worshiping a god who demands you die whether you worship him or not?! Let Sharptooth be angry! His idol is no more and if he kills his worshippers, nobody will ever know about him and he can fade into oblivion!"

Eli says, "He's lying anyway. I can tell. But even if I couldn't tell he was lying, wouldn't he say that lie to save his own life and still hold on to the power he once had?"

Tread is locking her wildly angry eyes with Tartuk's, "I can understand greed leading someone to rule with fear. But killing them as "sacrifices" wasn't necessary! Why did you go that far instead of just demanding treasure?! What's your problem?!"
Scott
player, 16 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:45
  • msg #255

Re: Kingmaker

  "At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the usual sacrifices or 'cursed' were people who either inconvenience him, or didn't like how he ran things."  He looks to the other Kobolds,  "When was the last time somebody he liked was sacrificed or cursed anyways?
Joey
player, 118 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:55
  • msg #256

Re: Kingmaker

"Someone he likes?" the kobolds ask as if confused by the question.

The crow squawks and flutters off to a nearby tree branch.  "Die of curse!"

"Old Sharptooth demanded it!" Tartuck insists, "It wasn't my idea!  I don't want to die!"

Joey sighs.  "Uh-huh.  Look, Sarenrae is the goddess of redemption.  But to be redeemed, you must own up to what you've done."

"I don't need redeeming!  It was Old Sharptooth!  I just told them how to sate his wrath!"

"Seems pretty unrepentant to me," Sootscale says, arms folded, "You gunna let us kill him, then?  I thought your human gods demanded evil cleric be burned or something.  I don't understand why you're protecting this nasty purple scale!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Wed 02 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 103 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #257

Re: Kingmaker

Tread hands Tartuk to Sootscale. "He's yours. It was your people he murdered in the name of his lies."

Eli buries his face in Joey.
Scott
player, 17 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 06:03
  • msg #258

Re: Kingmaker

 "Things get a bit awkward when the problem is someone we can kill without being able to fight back.  Though yeah, pretty sure by this point Tartuck deserves a good head crushing."

  Poor Eli, the kid tries so hard but nooooo people just had to be insane murderous assholes meant to be dropkicked into a volcano.
Joey
player, 119 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 06:12
  • msg #259

Re: Kingmaker

Fluffy fox cuddles for Eli as the tribe brutally slays their former shaman and the raven flies off.  They woop and dance and cheer!

"Ding dong the shaman's dead!"

"Best humans ever!"

"Lets throw a party!"

"We could use the mite prisoner as a pinata!"

"Or Tartuk's body!"

"Both!"

"I don't think the humans like that kind of entertainment," Sootscale says, "But they do deserve a reward of some kind..."

"Ring!  They wanted a ring!"

"We go find!"

Several kobolds rush inside.
Tread
player, 104 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #260

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods to the chief. "The ring is a wedding ring. It belongs to Svetlana. The bandits took it from her. Then the mites took it from the bandits. Then your tribe took it from the mites. It's like this ring is the most sought-after treasure that nobody but its original owner wants."

Eli just keeps quiet for now, keeping his face hidden.
Scott
player, 18 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 06:26
  • msg #261

Re: Kingmaker

  "Still, as easy as that looked just now I appreciate how hard it must have been for you to do that Chief.  It's easy to fall into the rut of tradition, and hard to just walk away."

  Of course, Scott didn't kill or hurt anyone when he left his 'are they very Zen, or Apathetic?' caretakers.
Joey
player, 120 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 06:42
  • msg #262

Re: Kingmaker

The kobolds return triumphantly, one of them holding high a ring that matches the description of the Leventon's wedding ring, a plain brass wedding ring set with a single pearl.  Tartuk’s personal journal contains much of his bitter history.  Tucked into the back of the journal is a single scroll of fly; his journal indicates that when he grows tired of his life, he intends to use the scroll to fly up as high as he can, effectively committing suicide when the spell expires in 5 minutes and leaves him at a height of nearly 2,000 feet, well out of the safety range for the spell’s expiration.

Tartuk's story:
Art F ive : t he S ootScAleS
The name of the Sootscale kobold tribe changes each time
their chieftain changes—currently, they are ruled by
Chief Sootscale, and so they are known as the Sootscale
kobolds. They have lived in this old silver mine in the side
of a hill just north of the Shrike River for several decades,
periodically clashing with bandits or mites or trappers
but always enduring even through the most disastrous of
times. The Sootscales all have dark gray or black scales,
and have a particular fondness for swimming in the
Shrike River and catching fish with their tiny teeth.
In fact, Chief Sootscale is not the actual leader of these
kobolds. Their true leader is a frighteningly intelligent and
manipulative kobold sorcerer named Tartuk who came to
the tribe a year ago from the east. Tartuk is a destructive
force—a murderer and a maniac who finds a perverse glee
in manipulating his kin into self-destructive spirals of
fear and madness. He’s ruined two kobold tribes already,
and hopes to add the Sootscales to his list soon. Tartuk’s
appearance is as unusual as his loathing of kobold
kind—his scales are a deep purple, unlike any other
kobold. In fact, Tartuk was not born a kobold—he was
born a gnome. He was killed in a fight against a group
of ogres who were tormenting his village, but his
accidentally heroic sacrifice was enough to give his village
a chance to defeat the ogres. The village, sorrowed by
Tartuk’s death, unanimously voted to restore him to
life—so they decided to use a scroll of reincarnate that had
sat in the village treasury for years. In an ironic twist of
fate, poor Tartuk came back as a kobold.
Scandalized, the village didn’t know how to react.
Tartuk did—he hadn’t meant to give his life to save
the village (he’d actually been trying to surrender to
the ogres and offer to help them destroy the village in
return for sparing his life, but the ogres crushed him
efore he got his offer out), and now they’d turned him
into one of the most hated of monsters—a kobold! The
fact that his new scales were the same deep purple as his
hair in his previous life served only to ensure Tartuk’s
shame. Enraged, he fled into the woods, only to nurse a
deep grudge. He found a tribe of kobolds, joined them,
used his magic and manipulative lies to rally them, and
led his new army in an attack against his old village. The
resulting battle was furious, and only Tartuk survived.
That was fine with him.
Since then, the mad kobold has drifted through several
River Kingdoms, periodically haunting towns and
murdering gnomes he finds and at others insinuating
himself into kobold tribes, taking them over from within,
and then driving them to extinction by forcing them into
wars they can’t possibly win. The Sootscales are but Tartuk’s
latest project. He uses a combination of lies, magic, and his
favorite tool—a non-magical statue of a devil—to seize
control of a tribe. He’s become quite skilled at convincing
tribes that the statue is magic and that it will curse the
entire tribe if the chieftain doesn’t follow its commands—
commands, of course, that only Tartuk can hear.

Creatures: Tartuk’s work has already reduced the size of
the Sootscale tribe by half. In all, the tribe currently numbers
only 20 kobolds, but many of them are out patrolling the hills
at this time—when the PCs arrive.

t Artuk ' S Q uArterS
Creature: Once the private cavern of Chief Sootscale,
Tartuk took over this chamber and redecorated it to make
it look more “mystical.” Although Tartuk is not an actual
divine spellcaster, the unusual coloration of his scales and
his habit of adding unnecessary hand gestures, chants,
and strange spell components to his spellcasting has been
more than enough to trick the rest of the kobolds in the
tribe. The false shaman further keeps the kobolds in line
by weekly sacrifices before the (currently stolen) statue of
Old Sharptooth, using Still Spell illusions to enhance his
sermons and the sacrifice of “bad kobolds” (chosen by him
from any kobold who seems to be about to question his
right to rule) with shrieking ghosts and smoky spirits. He
even convinced Chief Sootscale that the tribe had been
cursed by surreptitiously casting prestidigitation on a dead
kobold to make it look like his scales had turned yellow.
As a result of all of this trickery, Tartuk has the Sootscales
convinced that, now that they’ve taken to worshiping Old
Sharptooth, their tribe will wither and die out if the statue
of the “god” is stolen or lost. He periodically enforces
these beliefs by having his “talking bird” Tickbiter deliver
ominous messages, creating illusions of eerie omens, or
simply by using Bluff to explain everyday bits of luck as
signs of Old Sharptooth’s pleasure or anger.

Quest: The Sacred Statue
The PCs find and return the stolen sacred statue to the
Sootscale Kobolds.
Source: Mikmek the kobold prisoner in area R3.
Task: The PCs must liberate the sacred statue from area R5.
Completion: The PCs must deliver the statue to Shaman
Tartuk at area Y5. Alternatively, they can deliver it to Chief
Sootscale in area Y4 to let him free his tribe.
Reward: Delivering the statue to Tartuk wins the PCs
safe passage out of the kobold lair as well as a shiny 500
gp topaz and (if the PCs ask for it) Svetlana’s wedding ring
from the shaman. Delivering the statue to Chief Sootscale
wins them instead the ring, the shaman’s gear, the eternal
thanks of the kobold chieftain and, perhaps, an actual
alliance with the Sootscale tribe.

(Which counts as a success for the Kobolds in the Hills quest)

Tartuk  CR 4
XP 1,200

Sacred Statue Quest: 400
Dealing with the Kobolds Quest: 400

Eradicating the Mites...
r1. P rAnk w orkShoP (cr 1/2) 200xp
r2. h Atchery (cr 2) 600xp
r3. c hAmBer oF t orment (cr 2) 600xp
r4. c entiPede c hASm (cr 3) 800xp
r5. w Ar r oom (cr 4) 1,200xp

This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Wed 02 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 170 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 06:50
  • msg #263

Re: Kingmaker

Tread reads the guy's journal and just gets angrier. "How... why... but.."

Meanwhile, Eli jumps ALL over the fly scroll. "I could add this to my spellbook!" he says like a boy who just got given his favorite toy.
Scott
player, 19 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 07:08
  • msg #264

Re: Kingmaker

  "Sometimes Tread, the answer is pretty much just 'they were a huge jerk'.  Doesn't make it much better, but that's how it can be."
Joey
player, 121 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 18:10
  • msg #265

Re: Kingmaker

"Seems we made the right choice to hand him over to justice," Joey says, reaching up to put a comforting hand on Tread's shoulder.

Even though every last one of these Kobolds is pinging evil, it still counts as justice, right?

"You mean..."

"Old Sharptooth..."

"Wasn't real?"

"WOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Yeayeayea!  No curse!"

"We're going to live!"

They continue to mutilate Tartuk's body in celebration!

"So uh...  I suppose it's safe to say you'll be sticking to self-defense when it comes to outsiders from now on, right?" Joey asks Chief Sootscale.

"Oh yes!  No more attacking invaders without warning!  Even if they look like human bandits!"
Eli
player, 171 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 04:59
  • msg #266

Re: Kingmaker

Eli looks scared and cornered. He looks like he wants to say something, but can't manage to spit it out.

Tread says, "I'm happy to hear you are going to be good kobolds now that you don't have an evil one dictating your actions."
Scott
player, 20 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:03
  • msg #267

Re: Kingmaker

  "Seriously, could someone explain to us what it is that makes us look like bandits?"  Even the wildlife seems to think so, but then the wildlife in general seem to all be huge jerks.

  He has a general idea why Eli is looking the way he is. but doesn't comment at the moment.  He does step between the kid and the view of diced gnomebold though.
Joey
player, 122 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:18
  • msg #268

Re: Kingmaker

Chief Sootscale points at Tread, looking surprised by the question, "Human.  Armed and armored.  The rest of you all look tough.  Our experience is anything not a member of our tribe is almost always hostile."

Joey offers more cuddles to comfort Eli and if accepted will walk away from the violence with Eli in his arms.

"Well our job is to tame this wilderness," he says, "So as long as you remain non-hostile toward those who are non-hostile to you and your tribe, we'll remain your allies."
Eli
player, 172 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:24
  • msg #269

Re: Kingmaker

Eli is easily carried off. If Joey goes alone with him, Eli continues to try to speak. "...uh... I... c-can't..." he gulps. "I-I'm... out of sssssspells." he takes a breathe. "Need rest. But s-scared... if we stay, kobolds make a party of death. If we leave, we get attacked during our sleep. N-not even sure... we wouldn't be attacked by kobolds." tears roll down his cheeks from his feelings of being trapped.
Tread
player, 105 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:26
  • msg #270

Re: Kingmaker

Tread looks at Scott. "He does have a point. And at least the bandits don't mistake us as bandits? Though that would be a good thing because we could sneak up on them... as for why any sentient creature would mistake Eli as a bandit, I'm guessing most assume he's a halfling or something. People mistaking a holy man as a bandit, though, I just don't get."
Scott
player, 21 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:30
  • msg #271

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott stays with Tread to avoid time paradoxes.  "Well, almost everything we've run into in this forest has tried to kill us too.  So some violent paranoia isn't surprising."  He looks back to tread and says "Their last holy man wasn't very nice, so at least the Kobolds have an excuse there."

  Eli's blood red tribal murder cultist markings causing problems was just a coincidence.
Joey
player, 123 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:39
  • msg #272

Re: Kingmaker

Joey recites a prayer for children that asks for protection till dawn to help calm Eli.

"Let's camp someplace far enough from the grim party to not have to be a part, but close enough that we can call for help if needed," he suggests, "And remember, Eli, that so far the only thing to attack us in the night so far were three little grigs who we were able to befriend."

Nose nuzzle, forehead kiss, hair pet.
Eli
player, 173 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:46
  • msg #273

Re: Kingmaker

Eli seems to be calmed by Joey's assurances and says, "I... guess we can tell the kobolds we're gonna be on a lookout for the night. Not like we'd fit too easily in their tunnels anyway."
Tread
player, 106 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:48
  • msg #274

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods to Scott. "Yeah. That makes sense. But how can we look like NOT bandits and still be prepared for combat?"
Scott
player, 22 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:53
  • msg #275

Re: Kingmaker

  "I somehow doubt we can at this point.  Really no matter how we carry ourselves there will be idiots using any excuse they can to attack us, and our biggest problems have been ones where it wouldn't have mattered what we look like."  He considers the concern in Tread's face, and says  "For what it's worth, I think you look too nice to be mistaken for a bandit.  Even when you're slicing people and wildlife in half it's to protect others."
Joey
player, 124 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 05:57
  • msg #276

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles and nods.  "Good point.  I'll be looking into the not-bandit-looking thing.  I've been thinking of hiring Svetlana to make us a team banner if she's up to that.  Let's get some rest."

Joey stays with Eli cuddles and lets someone else inform the Kobolds what Eli asked them be informed of.
Tread
player, 107 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:01
  • msg #277

Re: Kingmaker

Tread gives Scott a smile. "...thanks."

She is sure to inform the kobolds and soon joins the others to camp just outside the kobold encampment.
Scott
player, 23 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:04
  • msg #278

Re: Kingmaker

  "I wonder if Oleg will be as surprised as us we got the ring back finally."  Not as surprised a Scott about a good nights sleep though.
Joey
player, 125 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:07
  • msg #279

Re: Kingmaker

The night passes uneventfully and the following morning is sunny if breezy.  Joey as always is up with the rising sun, worshiping the goddess.
Tread
player, 108 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:14
  • msg #280

Re: Kingmaker

Tread gets up early enough. 8am isn't crack-of-dawn like Joey. But then again, winter days start late and end early.

Eli gets up an hour later and gets to studying his books to make sure he is ready for the day.
Scott
player, 24 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:16
  • msg #281

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott hasn't gotten to sleep in (9 is sleeping in, right?) for a long time, so let's hear it for small pleasures.  "Good morning, wonder if our luck will hold for the trip back."
Joey
player, 126 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:26
  • msg #282

Re: Kingmaker

"Good morning," Joey answers, "Yeah I was thinking it wisest we head back to Oleg's to regroup and return the ring.  I have a thought about storming that fort.  We'll probably need a good size ladder to get in and some camo."

"You not going up river, are you?" an Mikmek asks as he approaches, "There be terrible zombie at boat place.  Gobble up any go that way."

"Oh dear," Joey says, "What if a traveler goes there to cross not knowing about about the zombie?  We should put it to rest on our way back.  We'd be needing to explore that area eventually anyway."
Eli
player, 174 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:34
  • msg #283

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Good morn-"

Eli says, "Zombie?! How about we just let it be for now. The only people who travel the Greenbelt's hills anymore are bandits anyway, right? And it sounds like those who already live here know about it. Who would be traveling along the river aside from us and people who already know about the zombies?"
Scott
player, 25 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:36
  • msg #284

Re: Kingmaker

  "Gonna be honest here, if we detour to every single problem then we're never going to get back to the trading post.  As silly as it sounds, I'd rather not risk that ring having yet another violent step between it's retrieval and return."  The zombie probably wouldn't give them quite enough experience to level up anyways.
Joey
player, 127 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:42
  • msg #285

Re: Kingmaker

Joey looks to Tread for a vote but answers Eli's question.

"Fur traders heading from the southeast to Oleg's would likely use that crossing.  Any shipment to or from the River Kingdoms likely passes through there.  I'm not so sure all the locals know about it either, depending on how recent this development came about."

"Me first hear about it four days ago," Mikmek says.
Tread
player, 109 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:52
  • msg #286

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "....it IS a specific trade route. But we can't be everywhere. If it's on our way back, then sure. But if it's out of the way, we really should go back to Oleg's to restock before we tackle something like that."

Eli frowns. "Sleep won't work on a zombie. Lemme check something..." he flips around in his book. "Nope... nope.... maybeeeeeno." He closes his book. "I don't have a single spell that works on zombies. Aside from that magical aura of protection I give off, you three would be on your own. I'm not going to try swinging my staff at a zombie."
Scott
player, 26 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 06:55
  • msg #287

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, while I don't really know how the actual details behind wizarding, seriously, find something that works on the undead as soon as possible.  I've heard that they are one of the most common problems for wandering adventure sorts alongside bandits and wildlife."  The percentages were skewed depending on if zombie animals counted under undead, wildlife, or both.

  "Still, I don't blame you for not getting within biting range just to lightly flail at them with a stick."
Joey
player, 128 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 07:02
  • msg #288

Re: Kingmaker

"While technically not directly on the way back, the travel time would be identical considering terrain," Joey answers pointing out the rout on his map, "You're welcome to stay back and fire arrows or just provide the shield, Eli.  I don't expect you to go front line with anything.  But as a cleric, I'm prepared to deal with zombies.  Travelers and merchants notsomuch.  It would haunt my conscious if I allowed this threat to continue for another week while I knew about it, so I will appreciate if we could look into this, if not every threat to the lives of innocent people.  Even if it means the ring never makes it back to Mrs. Leventon.  I'm sure she wouldn't have it any other way."

Mikmek face-snouts.

"Me and my big mouth."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Sat 05 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 175 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 07:24
  • msg #289

Re: Kingmaker

Eli ducks his head and grumbles a bit. "....you don't understand, Scott. I would have had to have known years ago that I was going to adventure some day in order to learn ways of combating the undead. Holy people like clerics and stuff are the only ones who have powers specifically for the undead. The only wizardly spells I'm aware of that would be nice against undead belong to the Evocation school of magic, which is one I gave up, along with Necromancy, in order to focus on studies I thought might help the world... I focused on defensive, utility, and generally harmless spells, not knowing my home would be wrecked and I would be thrust into this situation. I'm only here because I don't want you all to get hurt..."

Tread is helping pack up the rest of the camp to get ready to go. "Then it's a good thing we have a cleric, who just said he's prepared to deal with zombies. And your protective aura is very useful, Eli. Lead the way, Joey. We can chat more on the way there."
Scott
player, 27 posts
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 11:22
  • msg #290

Re: Kingmaker

  "I have no idea what Evocation even means Eli, but from the rest of your explanation I'm assuming it has something to do with explosions.  Not that I blame you for expecting to get by in life without that sort of thing."  Though he is also sure plenty of people would think magical explosions could only improve the quality of life.

  Eli seemed more like the sort wishing the world was a sane place without everything trying to kill eachother in ways that result in colorful pyrotechnics and witches screaming about their constant headaches.

  He looks back over to Joey.  "Well, even if I suggested otherwise I'm not going to ignore the problem with you heading right for it."  Mikmek, he comments "It's fine.  I'd rather know more about the local zombie menace than less before dealing with it... It is just one zombie right?"

 Is it ever just one zombie?  Unless it's one of those really impressive ones with odd tendencies to pursue naughty teenagers.
Joey
player, 129 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 00:36
  • msg #291

Re: Kingmaker

Mikmek cheers up and answers Scott, "Is what me heard.  'Has huge weapon as tall as tree!'  That what Widesnout said.  'And walk on water!'"

"That could be problematic depending on how young the tree it's being compared to is," Joey mutters.

He nods to Eli.  "I'm sure a wand of magic missile will work just fine on the undead."

He nods to Tread, mounts up, and heads off.
Eli
player, 176 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 18:57
  • msg #292

Re: Kingmaker

Eli noticed Scott didn't claim ignorance on Necromancy.
He looks at Joey. "...but I don't have a wand of Magic Missile. Or even know the spell Magic Missile."

Tread says, "Don't worry about it, Eli. If the zombie proves to be a bit much, we'll back off and run. I promise we aren't trying to get killed, even if it looks that way sometimes."
Scott
player, 28 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 19:04
  • msg #293

Re: Kingmaker

  Knowing what a zombie or necromancer is compared to Evocation, is like knowing 'H2O=Water' but not the molecular composition of, well, any other given thing.

  "Even if we could get one from them, we should definitely make a return trip after the zombie before looking for insane godbears to get spell sales privliges."
Joey
player, 130 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 19:17
  • msg #294

Re: Kingmaker

"Godbear... priviledge... what?"

Joey eyes Scott for signs of a fever, poison arrow, or perhaps spell induced confusion.

The journey is uneventful for its lack of violent ambush.  Or is that more noteworthy than not?  The wind blows in a cold mist, but the ferry is easy enough to find by following the river.... what's left of the crossing, anyway.

Today, Nettles’ Crossing is a soggy,
abandoned remnant. A thick, sagging
rope still hangs across the river, all that
remains of the bridge that once spanned
it. A signpost at either end of the ruined
bridge reads “Nettles’ Crossing—5
coppers—ring bell for service.” A
rusty bell hangs by each sign. On the
south bank of the river, the crumbled
remains of a burnt-down wooden
building are slowly being overgrown by
encroaching vegetation.



(PCs approaching from NW)
Tread
player, 110 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 19:21
  • msg #295

Re: Kingmaker

Tread approaches first. She looks for a bell as per the sign. Upon seeing one, she tries to ring it.
Scott
player, 29 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 19:25
  • msg #296

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott may have trained swim at chargen, but he somehow doubts that would help much in this case.
Joey
player, 131 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 19:32
  • msg #297

Re: Kingmaker

"No answer," Joey says, "Not surprising consi..."

Davik’s
rotting body climbs from the rubble
downstream and makes its inexorable
way across the river’s surface,
walking over the water
toward the PCs. The sight
of the obviously long-dead man, flesh putrescent and
dripping ranseur clutched in his hands, is likely to drive
the PCs to attack. Yet as Davik rises from the waters, he
calls out to the PCs in an eerie, soggy voice: “You are not
my tormentors. Throw the Stag Lord’s body into the river
that I may look upon his death, or join me instead.”


Joey is left speechless.

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...390/Davik_Nettle.jpg
Tread
player, 111 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 20:40
  • msg #298

Re: Kingmaker

Tread's voice is shaky as she addresses the zombie, "We are the Greenbelt explorers! We have come to rid the Greenbelt of banditry, and that includes the Stag Lord! Why do you demand his corpse?!"
Scott
player, 30 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 20:58
  • msg #299

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott looks to the demanding zombie, then to Tread.  After a moment he goes "Because revenge, duh."

  Intending to kill a guy as an offering for zombie revenge was Lawful Good right?  They were probably going to kill the stag lord anyways.
Joey
player, 132 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 21:18
  • msg #300

Re: Kingmaker

The zombie takes note of Scott's guess and Joey's holy symbol.

"Justice!  For refusing to pay his extortion, he and his bandits killed me and my dogs!  Now my spirit is trapped in this river until I see justice!  You will have payment.  Drop his body anywhere in the Shrike and this magic weapon of mine, worth thousands of gold, will wash ashore to be yours."

quote:
Quest: Davik’s Revenge
The PCs help Davik Nettles’ unquiet spirit achieve
vengeance against the Stag Lord.
Source: Encountering the undead guardian of Nettles’
Crossing.
Task: In order to aid Davik in getting revenge, the PCs
must seek out and slay the Stag Lord.
Completion: Only when the Stag Lord’s body is thrown
into the waters of the Shrike can Davik find peace. When the
PCs do this, the undead menace lurches up from the river, no
matter where along its length the event occurs, to grab the
Stag Lord’s body and pull it down into the water forever.
Reward: As soon as the Stag Lord’s body is given over to
the river, Davik’s magic gear washes up onto the shore at
the PCs’ feet, a final gift from the grateful undead.


He begins sinking into the river.

"Wait!" Joey calls out, "How do we know you won't attack innocent travelers?!"

"I remember the faces of my tormentors.  I pose a threat only to them."

He disappears below the surface.  The mist becomes darker as the last rays of daylight fade.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Sun 06 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 112 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 21:29
  • msg #301

Re: Kingmaker

Tread watches with disbelief as the zombie disappears. "...well that was unexpected. Frightening, but not a danger." she looks at the others. "So much for him being a danger to bystanders. Given what he said, though, it makes sense."

She looks on at the setting sun. "We should set camp. If the zombie isn't a threat to us, maybe here is ironically safe?"

Eli says, "Murderific kobolds are "safe" and now a zombie is "safe". I'm going to wind up making camp at every bad place there was just to stay safe from wildlife, aren't I?"

Tread says, "To be fair, like Joey pointed out before, the wildlife only attacks at day so far, it seems."

Eli says, "I'm just glad we didn't have to fight this time."
Scott
player, 31 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 21:37
  • msg #302

Re: Kingmaker

  "At this point, I'll take what peace we can get.  Even if it does seem incredibly stupid if you think about it too long."  less than a minute can still count as too long right?
Joey
player, 133 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 21:41
  • msg #303

Re: Kingmaker

"Yeah..." Joey answers, unsure.

But the night passes uneventfully.  The following morning is a winter wonderland covered in frost formed from the previous night's mist.

"Good morning, all.  So shall we head directly back, or explore as we go?"
Tread
player, 113 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 21:44
  • msg #304

Re: Kingmaker

Tread checks the provisions. Assuming there is enough, she says, "Explore."

Of course, if there ISN'T, the obvious conclusion is to head straight to Oleg's.
Scott
player, 32 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 21:55
  • msg #305

Re: Kingmaker

  "May as well get the exploring done on the way back."
Joey
player, 134 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 22:06
  • msg #306

Re: Kingmaker

Explore, explore, explore... GIANT CENTIPEDE!  *Violence ensues*  Dead giant centipede.

"I wonder if it's just luck that we haven't been ambushed at night or the fact that we don't move around much while we camp," Joey muses, healing up whatever injuries may have been incurred.

1 giant whiptail centipede.  CR 3, 800xp.  200/PC.  Also, 1 hex explored: 100xp.  25/PC
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Sun 06 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 177 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 22:11
  • msg #307

Re: Kingmaker

Eli squirms. "....I want a pet centipede..." he is sure to say as QUIETLY as possible.

Tread says, "Maybe we've just been lucky? I'm not gonna complain."
Scott
player, 33 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 22:17
  • msg #308

Re: Kingmaker

  "As bad as the last one was, this one didn't have an entire tree full of mites and a giant tick backing it up."  who knew that less Doom would make you less doomed?
Joey
player, 134 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 22:21
  • msg #309

Re: Kingmaker

"A pet... centipede?"

Joey checks for signs of fever, poison darts, or magical confusion on Eli.  He would think the kid would be terrified of giant nasty monsters normally, let alone after encountering them in deadly combat.  The night passes uneventfully as does the following day of exploring.

Explored another hex.  100xp.  25/PC
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Sun 06 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 135 posts
Sun 6 Oct 2013
at 22:31
  • msg #310

Re: Kingmaker

The following day the group comes upon an interesting landmark...

quote:
m. F orgotten c Ache
(h idden )
An old lightning-struck oak tree stands atop a
low hill at this spot—the only tree in a 2-mile
radius, in fact. Approached from the north,
the tree looks eerily like a claw reaching for
the clouds. In a hollow amid the tree’s roots
on the north side, a DC 20 Survival check
reveals that a section of earth there has been
disturbed (rangers can apply their Track
bonus to this check). Several months ago, one
of the Stag Lord’s bandits robbed a particularly
rich traveling wizard and decided to hide some of
the loot here so as to avoid giving the Stag Lord
his cut. The Stag Lord found out that the bandit
had withheld treasure and executed him to make
an example of him, but not before he sketched a
picture of the tree and told his lover about
the stash. Unfortunately, that other
bandit met an entirely different (but
no less final) fate on his attempt to
track down the cache (see area H).
Treasure: Digging up the cache
takes 10 minutes—the cache itself
is wrapped in a heavy leather cloak
and consists of a masterwork dagger,
a wand of burning hands (CL 2nd, 4
charges), a silver ring worth 75 gp, and
a spellbook. Unfortunately, rain
seeping down into the cache has
damaged much of the spellbook,
but five of the spells (identify, mage armor, reduce person,
silent image, and unseen servant) remain intact.


Joey closes the diary that records this whole story and sighs.  Then prays for the souls of the victims.  The rest of the day and night will pass uneventfully.

Explored another hex.  100xp.  25/PC
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Sun 06 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 114 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 7 Oct 2013
at 23:03
  • msg #311

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I would say, 'gosh, we could just let the bandits kill themselves off', but no. Even if they did, which they won't, they would still cause suffering in their wake while we waited."

Eli asks, "What does it take for a person to feel guilt?"

OOC: The thing I *really* like about Ghost Rider is his ability to cause the bad guys to experience the suffering they caused.
Scott
player, 34 posts
Mon 7 Oct 2013
at 23:24
  • msg #312

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods, "Though I do worry where all these bandits are coming from in the first place, if there are so many of them."  It's a bad sign when there are more bandits than citizens it would take to fill a town or more.

  "They would have to care about what happens to other people, probably.  The sort of Guilty we're dealing with don't often feel guilt."
Joey
player, 136 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:10
  • msg #313

Re: Kingmaker

"From Brevoy and the River Kingdoms," Joey answers, "From what we've learned so far anyway.  People so far gone they can't even manage being a reasonably low-key thief within a civilization to remain unnoticed."

The next two days of exploring are uneventful.  Just lots of fertile grasslands.  In the early morning of the third day the group comes upon a hut all on it's own.  A wisp of smoke from it's small chimney indicates somebody is home.  Joey knocks and when the occupant answers, he introduces the team and their business.

quote:
Although the Greenbelt is far from safe, the seclusion
promised is too much to resist for some, such as local
eccentric and potion-maker Bokken (CN male human
adept 4). His manner is that of a nervous bird or a
jittery child, and his speech is swift and clipped as if
he’s eager to finish every conversation he starts. Yet
Bokken is no hater of gold, and his eagerness to sell the
potions he makes is well known to many of the travelers
in the area—he usually sells directly to Oleg, but he’s
willing to sell to the PCs if they ask. He can craft any
potion of a spell of 2nd level or less on the adept spell
list, and generally keeps two potions of cure light wounds,
two potions of endure elements, and a potion of cure moderate
wounds handy.
Bokken also has a favor to ask the PCs as well—see
the inside back cover of this book. Further, he’s likely
to mention his younger brother if any conversation is
allowed to go on long enough—Bokken spits as he does
so, bitterly holding up his right hand and indicating his
missing pinky finger: “Bastard cut that offa me the last
time he hit my mother, Desna rest her soul. But he took off
right after to live in a hollow tree down south rather than
face the guards, so I guess it all worked out well enough.”
Bokken decided to become a hermit a few years after his
brother (whose name, like many other details of his
childhood, he can’t quite recall due to senility) left
home and their parents passed away. Originally,
Bokken had toyed with the idea of tracking his bully
of a brother down and getting revenge, but the wildlife
in the Greenbelt was too frightening and dangerous,
so instead he settled down not far from the edge of
Rostland to live the rest of his life in nature.


quote:
g athering F angberries

Source: Crazy old Bokken http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...s/1218270/bokken.jpg
Task: Bokken’s something of an eccentric, but he sure
knows how to make delicious potions. His secret is
fangberry juice, but he’s running low. A large thicket of
fangberries grows about 55 miles southwest of Oleg’s.
Completion: Bring Bokken enough berries to make
fangberry juice for seven potions. Make sure they’re
not dirty... Bokken won’t bother washing the berries
before he uses them.
Reward: Bokken gives the PCs a 25% discount on all
potions for a month.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Tue 08 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 115 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:19
  • msg #314

Re: Kingmaker

Eli is scared of the man and hides behind Tread.

Tread takes pity on the man after hearing his story and asks, "How come the Stag Lord is willing to pay you instead of just bullying you and stealing your wares like he does with Oleg?"
Scott
player, 35 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:24
  • msg #315

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott would guess because random people can run a trade post, while potion making requires an actual potion maker.  One who won't poison your goods... Deliberately at least.

  "So, what exactly do the fangberries do for the potions?"
Joey
player, 137 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:38
  • msg #316

Re: Kingmaker

"Stag Lord?  Pay me?  I don't sell to bandits.  They don't shop here either.  Can't say why.  Fangberries are important to my potions because...  Because...  They're on the recipe, that's why."

"If we happen upon someone who bears a resemblance to you and lives in a tree, we'll be sure to be on guard," Joey says, "Thank you for the warning.  Any other advice you may have for us would be appreciated."

"Uh...  I think Oleg has lots of work for folks like yourselves.  You should go ask him about...  whatever it is he needs done.  Look, if you're not going to buy anything, I've got important...  things."

He begins searching his hut for something.
Tread
player, 116 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:41
  • msg #317

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Let's get a couple potions, just in case, and then buy them in bulk after he has given us the discount." she buys potions and then continues on towards Oleg's.
Scott
player, 36 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:43
  • msg #318

Re: Kingmaker

  "Considering how things have gone, drinks that keeps our insides on the inside would probably be a good idea, yeah."

  Hopefully the missing important thing wasn't the mentioned recipe for actually making potions.
Joey
player, 138 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:51
  • msg #319

Re: Kingmaker

It rains most of the day, making Oleg's a very welcome sight when the group arrives after sunset.  As ever, Svetlana is very hospitable and hurries to provide a hot meal.

"The bandits were taken to Restov yesterday," she mentions, "Took two wagons.  So how did your latest adventures go?"

Oleg looks eager for news as well.

Joey smiles proudly at the others.  "We found a ring among some stolen things...  Maybe you might recognize it."

When the ring is shown, she squeals and begins crying for joy.  "My wedding ring!  Oh thank you thank you so much!  I don't know what to say!"

She and Oleg embrace and even he sheds a few tears.

"What good fortune!  I uh...  You'll be rewarded appropriately."

He winks over her shoulder at the heroes with a knowing smile.

Explored another hex.  100xp.  25/PC.  Completed ring quest.  400xp.  100/PC.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Tue 08 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 117 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 00:57
  • msg #320

Re: Kingmaker

Eli smiles brightly. Tread daintily puts both hands on her mouth with shrugging shoulders and gets teary-eyed. "Let's celebrate and enjoy some revelry! Anyone here good at singing?"

She starts to sing. She isn't BAD, but she isn't good either, simply having an absolutely average voice. Thankfully not tone deaf.
Scott
player, 37 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 01:15
  • msg #321

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott rates Tread's singing voice better than his own at least, if only for the bias of 'pretty girl singing'.  We'll leave it up to the audience to decide if Monk's right there or that is simply his low exposure to traditional chainmail bikinis and scraps of leather on female traveling companions to compare her to talking.

  "I can usually remember the words to a song while drunk, for what that's worth."

  OOC: Total Exp: 16,705.  Per character: 4,1076.25.
Joey
player, 139 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 02:50
  • msg #322

Re: Kingmaker

Joey and Svetlana sing along.

"Lovely voice, Tread," he says with a smile after the song, "I'll be happy to buy you a drink if you like, Scott.  Eli.  It would be fun if you could provide pictures with your magic.  I'll tell the story of how we recovered the ring."

He'll give a detailed account of the adventure since the last adventure.
Eli
player, 178 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 03:00
  • msg #323

Re: Kingmaker

Tread blushes from the compliments.

Eli is excited to use his magic for awesome. Namely giving 3D cutscenes of their adventures, with built-in censorship of all the blood and gore that came with it. It's interesting to see Eli's interpretation, though. The mite's pet centipede, for example, is as menacing as it was in real life and he does show Tread crying. But when Scott punches through a mite and it's oversized tick steed, Eli pictures it as Scott shattering the two like glass.

Tread is taking drink after drink. The group is likely used to the fact she has twice the appetite of any of them. But for her to guzzle as much liquor as she does is impressive regardless. Granted, she only takes what is permitted to her... which if she is allowed to, Tread gets drunk (And it almost seems like she WANTS to get drunk).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Tue 08 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 38 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 03:10
  • msg #324

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott refrains from going past somewhat tipsy, because in the unlikely even a barfight breaks out in such a nice place he doesn't want to see double, that means he'd have to punch twice as many things.  "Things would be so much nicer if the most we had to worry about magic wise, was how entertaining it was instead of 'will the purple kobolds start a death cult'."

  He considers if arm wrestling Tread is a good idea or not.  The fact he realizes this could be detrimental to furniture and his attachment to limbs let's him confirm he's still okay to drive...  Also hopefully sober enough to not wonder where you put car keys in a horse (nevermind 'what's a car?').
Joey
player, 140 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 03:20
  • msg #325

Re: Kingmaker

Joey doesn't have any more than one glass of wine and is happy to share a sip with Eli just so the little one knows what it tastes like.  Svetlana seems to be having fun refilling Tread's glass over and over, opening a second bottle if needed.

"Thank you for the visuals, Eli," Joey says, "And thank you for the hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Leventon.  It's been a long week and I would like to get some rest.  I tend to be up early too."

"You're most welcome, heroes," Svetlana says, "I'd like to have some girl time with Tread tonight if that's OK with the men."

She gently wraps her arms around Tread's to guide her to another room.
Tread
player, 118 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 04:58
  • msg #326

Re: Kingmaker

Eli smiles proudly from the comments on magic. He gets to studying his books some more, hoping to learn about what kind of spell might effect undead, bugs, and pretty much everything he's fought so far. He's also very grateful for the sip Joey gives him. It makes him feel at the least - not left out. And on top of that, a little grown up.

Tread is the pleasant kind of drunk. Where she laughs easily. Granted, her voice can get loud and hurt people's ears. Soon, she gets the occasional hiccup. "Oh.. yes! Anything for you, Svetlana." Tread answers as she gets up to follow the tugging.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:59, Tue 08 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 39 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 05:09
  • msg #327

Re: Kingmaker

  "Even in her current state, I'd figure that's a decision we can trust Tread to make on her own." At least until proven otherwise.

  Poor Eli.  Mage armor might work on bugs in a roundabout manner, but the rest? Probably not.
Joey
player, 141 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 05:16
  • msg #328

Re: Kingmaker

When alone with Tread, Svetlana takes advantage of the girl's drunken state to ask lots of very personal questions like her mommy feeling toward Eli and her feelings about the men of the team.  If asked, she'll confess that she's eager to have a child of her own, but hasn't had any luck in that department yet.  Women stuff.

The night passes peacefully and the following morning is still cold and rainy.  Svetlana is up earlier even than Joey and has a hot meal ready for the early risers.

"Thanks again, Mrs. Leventon."

"Svetlana, please."

"Very well, Mrs. Svetlana."

"Very funny."
Scott
player, 40 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 05:21
  • msg #329

Re: Kingmaker

  Fortunately for their host, Scott finds sarcasm difficult first thing after waking up (when it's not something trying to kill or rob him).  "Thank you Svetlana.  A hot meal from someone who cars is always something to look forward to."  Not to mention utensils.
Tread
player, 119 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 05:39
  • msg #330

Re: Kingmaker

In her drunken state, Tread would've been open with anyone about anything. But she would have opened up to Svetlana, drunk or not. She admits to some mommy feelings for Eli, though as young as Tread is, her feelings waver between that and older sister feelings. She admits to crushes on both Joey and Scott since they are both brave and unwavering. She tells Svetlana of the sad fate that befell Eli and why the boy is hesitant to let anyone adopt him. "Give him time and maybe he'll be you and Oleg's little boy... if he doesn't decide to take me as his mom."

Of course, the next morning, Tread joins the others at her usual time, accompanied by a red-faced Eli. Noticeably, Tread only has a minor hangover and guzzles water with her breakfast. "Thanks for the food, Svetlana! You're such a sweetheart."
Scott
player, 41 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 05:50
  • msg #331

Re: Kingmaker

  "Good morning Tread, Eli.  Hopefully you slept well."  Of course, the sleeping part of 'sleep off a hangover' was one of the easier parts usually.

  He looks to Eli, and asks "You okay?" Did Eli have to overhear Girl Talk?  Does he sunburn indoors? Did he facepalm while applying his red voodoo paint?
Joey
player, 142 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 05:53
  • msg #332

Re: Kingmaker

"It's hard enough as it is seeing him go out into those dangerous wilds with the three of you," Svetlana said the previous night to Tread, "But if he became my child I would insist he be at least a grandfather before he goes out adventuring again."

(OOC: In other words, if you feel like writing off Eli as an NPC, here's one out for him.)


"You're all quite welcome.  If there's anything else you need, please let me know.  Like... laundry?"

"Eli's been helping us with that using magic," Joey says, reaching to cuddle Eli on his lap, "I haven't bathed in weeks and feel just fine thanks to him."

He'll write a little note to him that says, "Your secret will be safe if you choose to confide in me."

"Considering the weather, maybe we could kick back for a bit.  I do have one idea, though.  The Stag Lord's Fort was described as having a wall about 15 feet high.  While Tread might be tall enough to just jump up and grab hold of the top, the rest of us will likely need a long ladder if we'll be scaling that wall.  I was thinking of commissioning Oleg to build a ladder that could be rigged for travel."
Tread
player, 120 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:02
  • msg #333

Re: Kingmaker

Eli just gets even more embarrassed, shakes his head and hides his face.

Tread says, "I honestly would LOVE to kick back... but I wouldn't want to take too long of a break. We've dealt the bandits a pretty solid blow and the Stag Lord will likely start hurting innocent people just to vent his frustration. So let's spend the day relaxing, but also figuring out how we'll approach the fort. And then we can head off tomorrow."
Scott
player, 42 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:08
  • msg #334

Re: Kingmaker

  "Rope ladders are convenient like that on the way down, at least.  A bit more awkward when they have to go up though."  How can adventurers not love rope ladders? They are a combination of Ladders and grappling hooks.

  "I can see not making the angry sober stag lord seethe before fighting them longer than necessary.  Though one whole day of not worrying if the wildlife will jump out and try to eat our faces would be welcome."

  He opts to not bother Eli for now about his 'oh god make it stop' reactions.
Joey
player, 143 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:19
  • msg #335

Re: Kingmaker

Joey's reaction to Eli's silence is more cuddling and a fuzzy cheek rub if he can get away with it.

"Thinking the same, Tread.  Good idea, Scott.  Rope ladder could work out.  The palisade probably has plenty of places you could lasso quietly enough.  Even a rope with several loops tied into it would be good.  Here's another thought.  Suppose we try and lure at least some of them out to us.  Build a campfire in a nice ambush spot.  Wait and watch for them to send a scouting team.  Take out the team then proceed with the infiltration plan at night.  The fewer eyes in the fort when we sneak in, the better.  I'd rather not resort to firing flaming arrows into the fort, but depending on how well defended it is, that might be the best option.  Also, now that the prisoners have been taken to Restov, Kesten and his men will be able to join us in the taking of the fort."
Tread
player, 121 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:25
  • msg #336

Re: Kingmaker

"Luring them sounds like a good idea." Tread comments. "Let's draw out our plan."

Eli jumps on the opportunity to be useful as he pulls some paper out and gets to "sketching" a very basic "fort" on the map and then writing down the ideas. "Our plan will likely change a lot once we get there. I'm sure they will have surprises for us, ranging from traps to patrols."
Scott
player, 43 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:28
  • msg #337

Re: Kingmaker

  "As much as I like the fact punching people can be a viable solution, having to hit as little people trying to kill us at once as possible is a good thing, yes."  Just because Scott understands that violence is often wrong, doesn't mean he can't appreciate the occasions it is fun.

  Hey, if a Catgirl turned actor turned nun can admit violence is fun, why can't he?
Joey
player, 144 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:37
  • msg #338

Re: Kingmaker

"Nice art there, Eli," Joey commends.

"We already know of three lieutenants and a...  wildcard.  Akiros, Dovan, Auchs, and 'the creepy old man in the cellar.'  There's likely to be at least as many minions as Kressle had under her command.  So eleven or so.  I'm going to guess that one of the lieutenants will be ordered to take a few minions to investigate the fire.  Probably no tougher ambushing that group that Kessle's.  I wonder if we can talk the grigs into joining us?  Hmm... maybe even the Sootscales would be willing to go.  Well the main thing will be dealing with the..."

He does some numbers. "Dozen or so that wind up staying in the fort?  I wonder how effective a battering ram will be if sneaking in with a rope ladder isn't an option."
Scott
player, 44 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:45
  • msg #339

Re: Kingmaker

  "As much as I'd like the extra help, I don't think the Sootscales will help out with something like this.  We only just got them on track for having a 'no sacrifices to made up dark god' lifestyle, and they even sat out the fight with the mites they were at WAR with before that."

  He shrugs, "Maybe after we establish that we can clear out more problems than what fits in a tree, they'd be willing to help with later problems.  As for battering rams, I guess it would depend on if this was a ramshackle bandit fort, or they took over a properly made one.  If there was time, people going over the wall might be able to open the gate from inside as well."
Tread
player, 122 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:47
  • msg #340

Re: Kingmaker

Eli squirms and blushes again. "It's... just... simple shapes...."

Tread says, "Hard to say until we see the place. But it would be good to have several backup plans. Still, I'm not going to go out of my way to ask the Sootscale tribe for help. They didn't help against their own sworn, hated enemies - the mites. I doubt they will help much more than stand back and cheer us on."

Eli mutters, "Or worse, betray us if they think the Stag Lord is the winning side..."

Tread reaches to pet Eli. "...The grigs proved very useful, though, and showed a strong desire to be rid of the bandits. If we can find them on our way there, I don't see the harm in asking their help."
Joey
player, 145 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 06:54
  • msg #341

Re: Kingmaker

"Mmm, good points.  We also have four broken catapults.  Which would take weeks to repair if I remember right.  Dragging them through hills and rivers would be problematic.  So... nevermind the catapults.  I wonder if the cleric Jhod would be willing to lend aid.  Oh yeah!  And I was going to ask Svetlana to make us a banner.  We should decide on a design."
Scott
player, 45 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 22:40
  • msg #342

Re: Kingmaker

  "The grigs have helped with actual bandits before, so that might work out unless they hate working near or in buildings."

  He turns to Joey  "Do we even rate a banner?  I mean, we are doing nice things sure.  But we're just a couple people with permission slips hitting things in the face."  Nevermind the fact Scott has no idea what would be a good banner.
Tread
player, 123 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 22:46
  • msg #343

Re: Kingmaker

Tread thinks about the banner idea. "...but we ARE storming a castle here soon. Doesn't that count?"
Joey
player, 146 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 22:52
  • msg #344

Re: Kingmaker

"One of the main reasons I wanted to have one is so people don't mistake us as bandits," Joey explains, "While it's true we're not the most impressive military force to have ever existed, we are at least more legitimate than bandits and it wouldn't hurt to advertise that.  But one thing's for sure.  Whatever banner design we decide on, it better not have anything to do with stags on it.  I was thinking something simple like a flaming sword in front of a round shield."
Scott
player, 46 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 22:58
  • msg #345

Re: Kingmaker

  "Okay, no Stag Skull out of spite then.  While I'm lacking in ideas for what to use, which part of those instruments of war suggest against banditry?  Will Tempus worshipers be annoyed we 'stole' their flaming sword, even though a flaming sword is an incredibly common idea?"

OOC: Useless Trivia:  Klondike Bars tried to sue for ownership of BLUE LETTERING 'because blue = cold and that's our idea'
Tread
player, 124 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 23:08
  • msg #346

Re: Kingmaker

Considering Tempus doesn't even exist, the Continuity Police step in and simply replace the word Tempus with Iomedae.

Tread smiles teasingly. "Maybe we could make it a pink ribbon with rainbows and flowers?"

Eli says, "She's onto something. If we make a symbol that doesn't even have a weapon, it would communicate we're not here to hurt if it can be helped. Maybe instead of a sword and shield, we could go with just a shield."

"With a ribbon on it." Tread adds.

Eli giggles. "Maybe. Most banners have an animal of some kind."

"A bear? A giant centipede?"

"A bunny?"
Joey
player, 147 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 23:12
  • msg #347

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles.

"The banner itself is kinda ribbon-like, so I don't suppose we need to get too girly in the design itself.  If we want to communicate peace, a white banner with a dove on it.  Or maybe an open hand...  That will slap you silly if you refuse to stop hurting people."
Scott
player, 47 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 23:17
  • msg #348

Re: Kingmaker

  "A bunny with a knights helm?  Also I'm going to have to say a hand is totally a sign of violence, but then I am biased there."

  He sighs, "Of course a completely peaceful banner like a dove feeding orphans will just end up a joke, considering how we'll have to go about getting that peace a lot of the time."

: The Winner By Default Land emblem, was one of those 1st through 3rd place stands with only the 1st place stand having anybody on it.
Tread
player, 125 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 23:24
  • msg #349

Re: Kingmaker

Tread slams he fist downward into her open hand. "Bunny with a helmet! So cute! ...but yeah, Scott has a point. We don't wanna go too sissy or people won't take us seriously. How about a gauntlet giving the "halt" motion?"

She holds out her hand in a "halt!" motion to demonstrate.
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x...-gesture-6195860.jpg
Joey
player, 148 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 23:30
  • msg #350

Re: Kingmaker

"Works for me," Joey says, "Representative of law and order, looks like it means business, doesn't look bandit like at all, and implies peace and security to those who are not our enemies."
Scott
player, 48 posts
Tue 8 Oct 2013
at 23:31
  • msg #351

Re: Kingmaker

  "I suppose a gauntlet giving a thumbs up would be too silly, yeah."  There will probably be a later temptation to suggest a gauntlet facepalming a helmet, to get across how they feel about all the shenanigans they have to deal with.
Tread
player, 126 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 00:37
  • msg #352

Re: Kingmaker

Tread brightens up. "Whee! My idea was a good one!"

Eli seems to be staring at equations, doing the Tony Stark thing of layering equations 3-dimentionally to figure out stuff in a more visual way. He temporarily looks away from said equations to smile at the others. "Yippee for banners that will make us NOT look like bandits!"
Joey
player, 149 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 00:48
  • msg #353

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles at Scott's idea, smiles at Tread, and reaches for a shoulder pat.

"Of course it was, Tread," he says, "Your ideas often are."

He decides it best not to ask the genius boy about his math.

"So also on the agenda is getting Eli some spells that will work on the undead and deciding on if we should take a battering ram of some sort.  We have a cart for carrying heavy things, but I'm unsure about crossing the river.  Supposedly there's a ford here where the Thorn empties into the Shrike that's no more than 3 feet deep, so the cart should be able to make it if it's not too weighed down.  Considering spring is on the way, we don't want to wait for the rains to swell the river.  Hmm... I should look into getting a wand of cure light wounds.  I wonder if Jhod has one he would be willing to sell me."
Scott
player, 49 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 00:57
  • msg #354

Re: Kingmaker

  "The fact wood is supposed to float is surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to crossing unfriendly waters."  Of course, boats sink all the time.

  "Would it take more or less time to just chunk down a hunk of tree and cram handles in it after we cross the water, than it would to try and bring a ready made battering ram?"
Eli
player, 179 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 01:03
  • msg #355

Re: Kingmaker

Tread smiles from Joey's comment. "Thanks, Joey..."

Eli speaks up, "I could try to create a spell to either create a battering ram, or reshape a tree to be one... of course, I'm also working on creating a spell for undead and a spell for insects... and possibly making wands or spell scrolls of the spells I do have... How should I prioritize all this?"
Joey
player, 150 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 01:11
  • msg #356

Re: Kingmaker

"You're most welcome, Tread.  I think yours is a good idea, Scott.  And considering it's easy enough to fashion a battering ram the conventional way, it probably makes sense to prioritize making a wand of magic missile or something that'll allow you to be prepared for insects and undead without having to re-invent magic....  Unless you think you can do each of those things in just a day or so.  Let's at least see what we have available at the trading post."

OOC: Ordinarily there's all kinds of rules about what is available for purchase, but I'd rather handwave that the NPCs here have everything we want to buy with our lvl 2 money like we do with 4e games.
Scott
player, 50 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 01:16
  • msg #357

Re: Kingmaker

 "The thing that sounds like it is the most likely to keep you from getting killed would probably be the best priority."  Hopefully Eli does not have a massive fear of not enough wicker baskets or something in that case though.

  OOC: Not really gonna think about magic gear yet, unless this is like the only time to learn those rules and get some between now and 12 encounters after the bandit lair assault or something
Tread
player, 127 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 01:49
  • msg #358

Re: Kingmaker

Eli nods and begins working on something. "Got it. Focus on wand."

Tread gets up to follow the others and see what all is available. Since she needs her hands free to hold a sword and a shield, she likely doesn't get anything new beyond maybe an amulet.

Throughout the day, Eli works on his wand, but tries to stay with the other three (or with Svetlana) as much as possible.
Joey
player, 151 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 02:01
  • msg #359

Re: Kingmaker

Meanwhile Joey gets himself a wand of cure light wounds and makes sure everyone has at least one potion of cure light wounds.  Svetlana makes the group a nice banner.  Kesten and his men agree to joining the excursion, but he mentions that since he's going he'll be giving a lesser reward for Falgrim Sneeg's capture assuming that happens at the fort.  He's not as reluctant to use burning arrows on a bandit fort and is sure to pack plenty of them.  Jhod declines the offer to go.
Scott
player, 51 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 02:05
  • msg #360

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott keeps Eli company as much as can be managed without screwing up the kid's arcane works.  Joey seems the more knightly tactics learned guy, he just punches people and sometimes has reasonable ideas.

  "Thanks for the potion of die less Joey."  Hopefully they wont need more than the one.  He's not so optimistic to expect not needing the first.

 OOC: Reserve the right to have totally picked up a magic item along with everyone else.
Tread
player, 128 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 02:10
  • msg #361

Re: Kingmaker

Tread answers Kesten, "While gold is important for continuing what we are up to, bringing these men to justice is our priority. For me, that is the reward, followed by surviving to see said justice."
Joey
player, 152 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 02:17
  • msg #362

Re: Kingmaker

The following day's travel is uneventful if rainy.  It lets up by the time the group is ready to camp.  That night the night watchmen alerts everyone to an approaching animal.  A wild warg appears!  And promptly gets stomped.  The rest of the night passes peacefully.

"Once we talk with the grigs, we'll have a choice to make," Joey says, "We could go up river a few miles and cross there, or we can follow the river down on the northern shore and cross where it empties into the Shrike.  Personally, I'd rather go upstream in case the one downstream is flooded.  I don't want to have to go all the way to Nettle's crossing, and there's a good chance the horses will refuse to cross there anyway."

1 Warg.  CR2.  100xp/PC because we have mercs with us.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Wed 09 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 52 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 02:24
  • msg #363

Re: Kingmaker

 "I doubt that zombie would let us pass, even as much as he hates bandits.  So yes avoiding nettles crossing would be for the best."  sometimes when you aren't sure what the best idea is, picking out what the worst idea was to avoid it was what you worked with.
Tread
player, 129 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 02:30
  • msg #364

Re: Kingmaker

"Un-spooked horses better than spooked horses, yes. Crossing sooner than later is best anyway." She looks at Kesten. "If you didn't hear our tales, there is a real Zombie there."

Eli is afraid to speak and is still adjusting to the presence of Kesten.
Joey
player, 153 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 03:20
  • msg #365

Re: Kingmaker

Keston and his men aren't much for conversation, but they do look impressed when they overhear the kinds of adventures the heroes have been through.  The group is easily found at their campsite by the grigs who chirp their approach.

"You have new friends?"

"They look mean!"

"Don't be rude!"

"Good to see you again, friends," Joey says.

He introduces the mercinaries.
Scott
player, 53 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 03:33
  • msg #366

Re: Kingmaker

  "Hopefully, we're going to be putting a stop to the largest bandit problem in the area."  There will obviously still be plenty of bandits no matter what they do.  Just like there will always be murderous herbivores.
Tread
player, 130 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 03:41
  • msg #367

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "They look mean because they plan to be mean to the bandits. You can't live life without having to be mean to someone."

Eli looks away as if in shame. A tear escapes his eye and rolls down his cheek.
Joey
player, 154 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:01
  • msg #368

Re: Kingmaker

"Mean to bandits!  Good good!"

"What do you mean, 'going to?'  You already did!  No bandits here since you left!"

"Well some poked around a day later then left."

Joey decides to let the others answer and focuses on Eli.  He offers the boy another fluffy fox cuddle and whispers, "Allowing them to heap more murders upon their souls would only make their afterlife all the worse, Eli.  It's not mean to stop bad people from being bad.  It's the best thing that can be done for them.  If you want to do more, we can pray for their souls."
Scott
player, 54 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:07
  • msg #369

Re: Kingmaker

  "Their boss is still around, and there are even zombies threatening to kill people if they aren't dealt with.  So while you have had less to deal with personally, bandits are still a problem for everyone else."
Eli
player, 180 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:17
  • msg #370

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods and explains the situation to the grigs in the simplest way possible.

Eli leans on Joey. "But I wanna prove Tread wrong. I disagree with her... I think it's possible to go through life not being mean to anyone. But I'm afraid she might be right. And the only way to go through life without hurting anyone is to be ineffectual. And there will *always* have to be someone good who has to be mean, whether or not other people aren't."
Joey
player, 155 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:22
  • msg #371

Re: Kingmaker

"I haven't seen you be mean even once, Eli," Joey says in a comforting whisper and a forehead kiss, "So keep up the good work.  You set a good example for all of us to follow.  Thank you."

He smiles to the grigs.

"You were such a big help the last time we fought the bandits, we came here to ask if you would be willing to come with us to help stop the Stag Lord once and for all."

"Far far away?  No no no.  We can't go more than an hour's flight away from our nest."

"Can't leave nest undefended!"

"We will sing you a good luck song!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Wed 09 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 55 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:32
  • msg #372

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott would like to be optimistic, but doubts the grigs will be willing to help against something that wasn't asleep when they attacked, or trying to enjoy dinner around a campfire, or assorted 'not prepared for a fight at all' once sided situations.
Tread
player, 131 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:46
  • msg #373

Re: Kingmaker

Upon hearing the "defend their home" argument, Eli is hesitant to ask the grigs to leave their home. Especially given how often wildlife can attack.

Tread says, "...alright. We thank you for any help you give. So here's a thought. See this banner?" she points at the banner. "Spread the word across the forest and hills! The ones carrying the banner with the hand on it are the heroes who are ridding this place of evil!"

OOC: DC 22 is too high. Even trained in diplomacy, Eli would need to roll a 19 to get that.
Joey
player, 156 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 04:54
  • msg #374

Re: Kingmaker

"Sure thing!"

"Not all animals listen, though."

"If they hungry enough, the attack."

"Some just attack 'cause they're mean."

"Bears...."

"Wargs..."

"Even some Elk!"

"Wow, thanks for thinking to ask that, Tread!" Joey says, "At least now the people of the forest won't mistake us for bandits and we'll know they're only attacking because they're mean."
Scott
player, 56 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:02
  • msg #375

Re: Kingmaker

  "Or they really really hate gauntlets."  Druids are offended you did not pick something natural, like leather gloves!  Because skin of a dead animal is much more respectful of nature than chunks of rocky substance forged without hurting anything.

  "Still, like Joey said thanks for bringing that up to them."
Tread
player, 132 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:12
  • msg #376

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is sure to sing with the grigs before leaving. And if it's late enough, camps in that area.
Joey
player, 157 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:28
  • msg #377

Re: Kingmaker

The Thorn River crossing turns out to be easy enough to cross on horseback, but the horses are quite happy when Eli uses magic to remove the ice cold water from off them on the other side.  The two days of travel south are without any more danger than the heroes have become used to.  The group finds a fangberry patch and are able to harvest plenty of them.

quote:
w. F AngBerry t hicket
(cr 1; S tAndArd )
A dense patch of rare raspberry-like berries known as
fangberries grows in a long, thin valley between two
low hills here. Much of the thorny thicket is draped in
the white gossamer silk of spider webs. The best of the
berries lie at the heart of the thicket, but harvesting must
be done slowly to avoid being lacerated by the thousands
of fangberry thorns. Gathering enough for one potion
or a day’s meal requires 10 minutes of work and a DC 20
Survival check, with failure indicating the forager takes
1d6 points of piercing damage from the plant’s sharp
thorns. In addition, each round that a person within the
thicket takes more than one move equivalent action, he
takes 1 point of piercing damage from the thorns. Any
creature with an armor or natural armor bonus of +7 or
higher automatically ignores this damage.
Creature: The webs that infest the thicket are the product
of a swarm of chew spiders—a species of aggressive spider
the size of a man’s thumb and with particularly large,
serrated fangs. The chew spiders scuttle out to attack
anyone who enters the thicket—note that while the spiders
are immune to the thorn damage, larger foes are not.

CR 1, but only 65xp / PC because mercs.


As the last rays of the setting sun are fading, the group catches sight of the bandit fort near the north shore of the Tuskwater.

"Let's skip the campfire for now," Joey suggests, "Tomorrow we can go to the woods for a battering ram and keep our eyes peeled for a good ambush point.  Then we can make a campfire to lure the bandits."
Eli
player, 181 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:32
  • msg #378

Re: Kingmaker

Eli feels rather useful now. "I can prepare our rations without a fire. So no fire doesn't mean no food." He demonstrates by using prestidigitation on some of Joey's rations to heat them up and serve them.

Tread says, "If I wasn't 100% sure I wasn't smart enough to learn magic, I'd be completely sold on the idea of learning it myself now."

Eli says, "You never know until you try."

Tread says, "I... did try... once."

Eli says, "Oh..."
Scott
player, 57 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:37
  • msg #379

Re: Kingmaker

  "Thanks Eli, warm food is much nicer than cold food."  He looks to Tread, and says "Even if you were willing to share something that sounds rather personal now, I'd suggest waiting until we finish the job here.  But if you think it will help, I'm sure all of us would be perfectly willing to listen."

  What's more distracting than learning of a friends misfortune before battle?  The temptation to drop what your doing so you can help your friends once you learn about their problems.
Joey
player, 158 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:47
  • msg #380

Re: Kingmaker

"There's always magic potions," Joey points out, "Cleric in a bottle.  Gotta love it.  No such thing as a knight in a bottle, though.  So I'm glad you are the way you are, Tread.  Though if you should ever want to begin the road to paladin or cleric, I'll be happy to write whatever letter of recommendation you might need."

The night passes uneventfully.  At about noon the following day, the group arrives at the point where the Skunk River emerges from the Narlmarches.  Plenty of wood to be had for making a battering ram.  And plenty of places to set up an ambush.

"Well shall we get started then?"
Joey says, "If we set a campfire now, and they notice it right away, they should be able to get here by nightfall on horseback."
Tread
player, 133 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:55
  • msg #381

Re: Kingmaker

To Scott, she huhs? Then ohs. "Oh it's nothing major. Just tried to learn magic and found out why it's usually scholars and big-brained people who learn magic."

Eli says, "Actually, there are ways to create magical items that summon warriors..."

The next day, when Joey asks about setting the trap, Tread nods. "Let's get started."
Scott
player, 58 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #382

Re: Kingmaker

  "As long as you point out how, I should hopefully be able to at least help set it up."  Even if he couldn't do as much heavy lifting as Tread, didn't mean he couldn't do it at all.

  "Particular trap you had in mind?"  Would it be beartraps just in case?  Do beartraps even WORK on bears except to piss them off?
Joey
player, 159 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:08
  • msg #383

Re: Kingmaker

Joey didn't have any traps in mind.  Just a simple ambush.  Outside shovels for a simple pitfall trap, he came without trap-making tools or skills.  But Keston was prepared with plenty of animal traps which are easy enough to set and hide.  The battering ram is simple enough to make, though.  Log with ropes attached as handles.  Bandits are spotted approaching... on foot.

"Well.  Looks like they won't be here before sunset, then.  Let's try and get some rest now so we'll be fresh for the fight tonight.  Then we can make it to the bandit fort on horseback before dawn and catch them by surprise."
Tread
player, 134 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:11
  • msg #384

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "....either they don't have horses, or their boss is too angry to "allow" anyone to ride horses."

Eli says, "But I just slept... how am I supposed to sleep now?"
Scott
player, 59 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:14
  • msg #385

Re: Kingmaker

  "You could just take it easy instead.  Even if you're not going to sleep, and leaving on your armor, doesn't mean a break after lifting heavy objects isn't welcome before getting into the violent efforts."

  He considers the first comments from Tread, and adds "Maybe they don't trust them with horses after they lost a bunch of them to us?"
Joey
player, 160 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:23
  • msg #386

Re: Kingmaker

"I can think of one way to wear you out, Eli," Joey says with a mischievous smile and wiggling his fingers at the boy.

Tickle wrestle play ensues.  Eventually sun sets and the silent waiting game begins.  The bandits made good time for not being on horseback and walk right into the trap!  They quickly surrender.

7 bandits CR 4ish.  200xp/PC because mercs
Eli
player, 182 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:27
  • msg #387

Re: Kingmaker

Tread celebrates and seems in a good enough mood to treat the prisoners kindly. Eli pleads with them to turn from their ways and at least TRY to learn to be good. "All the other bandits said they'd try, but they were just lying. And you can't lie around a paladin. So pleasepleasepleasePLEEEEEASE say you'll try to be good. And mean it. Because if you don't, Joey or Tread will kill you. I'd like to believe there's some good in someone out here besides us..."
Scott
player, 60 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:30
  • msg #388

Re: Kingmaker

  Is it a good sign or bad sign that he isn't mentioned on Eli's 'you will totally be executed' warnings?  Considering who it's coming from, he'll take that as good for now.  "It may help if you convince yourselves you would totally have gotten a normal job if the Stag Lord, or whatever is behind the Stag Lord, didn't make you do it."

  After a moment, he says "How do they drink lots like they are rumored to, with that helmet anyway?"
Joey
player, 161 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:40
  • msg #389

Re: Kingmaker

These bandits aren't any different from the last.  They lie about being sorry and willing to change their ways to save their own hides.

"His helmet doesn't cover his mouth," one answers Scott.

"Well we can't have these bandits running about, so let's bind them and bring them along."

"Well well well," Keston says, recognizing one of them, "If it isn't our old pal Falgrim Sneeg.  Thanks for the help, heroes!  This is what we came for!  If you would rather not be slowed down by these slimeballs, we can take these prisoners up to Olegs while you finish off what's left in the fort."
Tread
player, 135 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 06:49
  • msg #390

Re: Kingmaker

With a mix of catharsis and sadness, Tread sighs out, "Keston..." then frowns as she looks at Falgrim. "Most of the bandits we came across had no career, no promise. Only ONE so far had any promise and he threw it away. You had promise as one of Keston's men. What's your excuse?!"

At least the people who never had anything kind of have an excuse. But Tread has no respect for those who had an honest living and threw it away for common lowlife banditry.

Eli says, "None of the people we've met really had a *good* reason, Tread... I think the gods of evil just eat some people's souls when they are born and those are the people who become bad."

Tread's eyes are fixed on Falgrim, waiting for an answer.
Scott
player, 61 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:00
  • msg #391

Re: Kingmaker

  While it wouldn't surprise Scott that people being evil was entirely the fault of gods, the thought of being considered beneath the 'good' gods at birth offended him.  "Being led astray because of the world you live in is one thing Eli, but being damned just because the Gods said so whatever you personally do or believe in would mean we may as well not bother."

  He looks to Keston, and says "While we appreciate the help so far, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if you were as unwilling to help deal with the heart of the problem as the Griggs and kobolds.  Even the vengeful undead can't be bothered to deal with their leader."

  Along with all this talk of good and evil, Scott is learning the lesson 'nobody wants to deal with problems, unless dealing with the problem means attacking you personally'.
Joey
player, 162 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:06
  • msg #392

Re: Kingmaker

Falgrim is used to angry people who'll hit him no matter what he says in reply, or hit him if he stays quiet.  But as tempting as it is in these damned if you do or don't situation, he's also learned that saying something smartass only makes things worse...

"I was a mercenary.  Thievery was a step up from killing for money."

Sometimes it was just irresistible.

"Smartass!" Keston hollers, kicking Falgrim in the ribs.  He then answers Scott, "I see my jobs through.  I only offered to take prisoners to Oleg's as an option to lighten you all's conscious."

He draws his sword and prepares to finish off Falgrim.

Joey shrugs and raises his hand to indicate Keston shouldn't execute anyone.  "We don't have time to waste.  Let's get going.  We can question these prisoners later.  Your aid will be appreciated at the fort, Keston.  If the prisoners slow us down, they'll regret it."

He ties a prisoner to the back of his saddle.  The bandit will have to keep up or be dragged by the horse.
Tread
player, 136 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:18
  • msg #393

Re: Kingmaker

Tread goes to put a hand on Keston's shoulder. "Thanks for the offer... it's OK. Let's go make the others pay."

Whether Keston has a grumpy response or not, Tread heads over to Scott to put an arm around him. "I know it can feel like we're alone in this, but try not to give up hope. And thank you for all the times you stood by us when most men would be running for their lives." she leans over to whisper in his ear, making as sure as she can that Keston won't hear her as she cups her hands around her mouth and Scott's ear, "And you know Joey, Eli and I will stick by your side as well. Try not to fault others for not having your exemplary merits."

Eli looked like he was holding his breath when Keston was getting ready to kill Falgrim. But Joey stops him and Eli lets out a sigh of relief.
Scott
player, 62 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:26
  • msg #394

Re: Kingmaker

  This sort of thing is why Chekin gives Kyle a hard time, because they are the kind of Mercenary who WOULD stop to help heroes clear out a bandit camp.  Much to his own annoyance.

  Scott smiles to Tread, "Even after this short time, I wouldn't have expected any less Tread.  Though yeah, I can see why Keston would stick to the job as said.  Which does put him above 'we hate bandits so much!... well, later' sorts."
Joey
player, 163 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:33
  • msg #395

Re: Kingmaker

A narrow path of hard-packed earth winds up the
hillside approaching the Stag Lord’s fort—this path is
30 feet wide, 300 feet long, and provides no cover. The
remaining hillside surrounding the fort is a swath of
hill devoid of shrubbery save for isolated thorny vines,
but periodic large boulders provide better cover for a
stealthy approach. If the PCs observe the fort from the
cover of more heavily vegetated hills 300 feet away, a DC
20 Perception check notes that the guards who stand at
watch don’t seem to keep much of an attentive eye on
the hillsides.


As the group gets closer to the fort, the bandits get increasingly scared out of their minds, even to the point of being dragged by the horses.  Joey stops to question one and finds out that...

There’s a reason for this, and one that helped the Stag
Lord settle on this location as his fort, for the ruins he has
chosen to live in were once a small monastery dedicated
to Gyronna, a lesser-known goddess whose faith has
always been strongest in the River Kingdoms. Yet when
the monks lapsed from proper worship and began to leave
their cruel ways behind in favor of a more minimalist
monastic lifestyle, Gyronna grew insulted. One night, she
caused the dead of the monastery’s extensive graveyard
(which surrounded the monastery on the south, east, and
west hillsides) to rise up and attack the monks, dragging
their still-living bodies back into the graves and leaving
the building abandoned.
Creatures: The unquiet dead still lurk in the soil of
the surrounding hillside, even though their unmarked
graves are forgotten. The bandits learned the hard way
that the dead do not take kindly to intrusions upon
their soil—the approach via the main path is safe, but
anyone who attempts to approach the fort from any
other landward route angers the undead guardians.
Halfway to the fort, the ground around the intruders
bursts open as a pack of four zombies lurch out of the
ground to attack the intruders. There are a total of
a dozen zombies haunting the hillside—the ancient
curse laid by Gyronna allows them to emerge from
the dirt at any point along the hillside, bursting as if
from a grave anywhere they need to. The zombies can
emerge at a rate of four every 4 rounds, so if the PCs
are swift about dispatching the zombies they can avoid
being overwhelmed. Of course, a fight against zombies
immediately attracts the attention of the bandits, who
may or may not take a few pot shots at the PCs with their
bows while they watch the fight and jeer.

Tread
player, 137 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #396

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Huh... well whaddaya know? It was a good thing we dragged these bandits with us after all. Well if we can't approach from that direction, should we go to the front door?"
Scott
player, 63 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:45
  • msg #397

Re: Kingmaker

  "The battering ram would feel left out otherwise, so front door it is."  He doesn't even suggest the idea of prisoners as zombie bait, because some days you know for a fact that yes, you can qualify as lawful GOOD.

  "If someone had a better idea that didn't involve the zombies, that would be nice too,"
Joey
player, 164 posts
Wed 9 Oct 2013
at 07:51
  • msg #398

Re: Kingmaker

"Front door it is," Joey says with a sigh, "So the stealthy approach is out.  I had hoped...  Well.  Let's stay close together so I can heal when needed."

He takes the long way around, dismounts, detaches his prisoner from his horse, and binds the prisoner's feet.

"I doubt we're skilled enough to convince riding horses that they're warhorses, so we're going to have to charge on foot.  Ready when you all are."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:53, Wed 09 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 138 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 22:24
  • msg #399

Re: Kingmaker

Tread simply nods before charging with the others. The time for talk has sadly passed.

Eli, of course, stays behind whatever/whoever provides the best cover for him.
Scott
player, 64 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 22:50
  • msg #400

Re: Kingmaker

  <brown>"Somehow, I don't think the zombies would play fair with stealth, even if we literally walked on air."<brown>

  Welp, looks like it's time to approach a hostile fortified stronghold as fast as possible that doesn't grant combat advantage.
Joey
player, 165 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:00
  • msg #401

Re: Kingmaker

There is only one guard that can be seen, and he spots the approaching group and their flag.  He begins to ready his bow, hesitates, looks over his shoulder, then puts his bow away.  He then raises a finger to his lips as if to indicate he wants the approaching heroes to be quiet!

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/21423/Akiros.png

Joey looks on in surprise, glances at his allies, and whispers, "Why wouldn't he raise the alarm?  Should we do as he suggests?"

By now there's about 240 feet of road between the group and the gate.
Tread
player, 139 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:03
  • msg #402

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "What do we have to lose by being quiet? And the way these people are, maybe he thinks he can get back at the abusive stag lord this way."
Scott
player, 65 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:11
  • msg #403

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, the Stag lord isn't very popular even with the bandits from what we've heard.  Maybe the guy is hoping for a retirement option that doesn't involve a chopping block or shackles."

  Scott isn't really going to put a stop to there being LESS alarms for the moment.
Joey
player, 166 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:15
  • msg #404

Re: Kingmaker

When the group arrives at the gate he whispers down to them, "Who are you, and why are you here?"

Joey answers, "We are the Greenbelt Explorers, and we're here to put an end to banditry in this region."

"Good.  I'll open the gate.  It'll be noisy and wake the others, so be ready."

He sneaks off down some stairs.
Tread
player, 140 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:28
  • msg #405

Re: Kingmaker

Tread whispers, "Keston, take point with me. Joey, behind me and cover our right side. Scott, stay behind Keston's men and let them guard the left side. Once it's clear who is coming at us from what direction, feel free to come out from behind us to strike."

Formation: (K=Keston, T=Tread, M=Keston's Men, S=Scott, J=Joey, E=Eli) the . is to force RPOL to space for me.

. KT
MSJM
. E
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:28, Fri 11 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 66 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:31
  • msg #406

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott hopes that guy survives.  Well, unless they betray them at the last second as opposed to betraying their bandit employer...  Man, the good guys really are kind of hypocritical when it comes to traitors isn't it?  Oh well, it's made easier when the betrayed are huge jerks.

  He nods, and follows Tread's advice.
Jake
player, 183 posts
Kid genious
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:43
  • msg #407

Re: Kingmaker

KERKLANG!  CREEEK!  THUD!  The front gate opens!  The sound of surprised men can be heard coming from inside the fort along with a powerful animal sound:  "WHO?!"

Joey readies his spear.
Tread
player, 141 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:51
  • msg #408

Re: Kingmaker

Tread leads the way! She wanders to the spot where it looks like it'd force the enemies to funnel the most. "Keep formation for now! If they come at us from the sides, We'll be ready for 'em!"

She is careful to not even look at Akiros.


Tread readies an attack for first enemy to enter melee range.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Fri 11 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 167 posts
Fri 11 Oct 2013
at 23:58
  • msg #409

Re: Kingmaker

Joey, Keston, and two of Keston's men advance.  One of the men fires an arrow into the bed of one of the bandits.
Scott
player, 67 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 00:02
  • msg #410

Re: Kingmaker

  Despite the hectic situation, for the moment it's just very simple as Scott moves up beside tread, and prepares to punch anyone he dislikes that happens to enter punch distance.
Narrator
player, 262 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 00:11
  • msg #411

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros heads for the front line, readying his sword.

"Come out, you cowards!" he hollers, "Today you pay for your crimes!"

Another of Keston's men steps into the center of the formation and fires an arrow into a bandit bed.

"Wh.  What?" a big, stupid voice says from around a corner.

Soon, a big, stupid man appears, scratching his sleepy head.  http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9508/auchs.png

"Who are y...  Hey!  You're taller than me!"

"We're under attack, simpleton!" a sharp voice calls as Dovan tumbles out of bed, "Release Beaky and fight the invaders!"
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZSa...van+from+Nisroch.jpg

"OK, buddy."

Dovan runs for the back.  "STAG LORD!  WE'RE BETRAYED!  AKIROS LET IN OUR ENEMY!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Sat 12 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 142 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 00:32
  • msg #412

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "That's right! Go call on your mommy and pet instead of facing us!" She motions to her allies. "They're fleeing! Advance!"

She rushes over to Auchs. "Yes, I'm taller than you! Now give up!"


Readied attack for if Auchs does anything that would be harmful (move towards the cage or attack)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Sat 12 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 168 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 03:41
  • msg #413

Re: Kingmaker

Keston steps forward, taking up the front with Tread, then stabs Auchs who roars in pain.

"HALT!" Joey commands before stepping forward to keep formation with Tread.

"Urk!"

Every muscle in Auchs's arms and legs sieze up, rendering him unable to walk or attack!  Two of Keston's men take shots at Dovan but miss.
Eli
player, 183 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 04:09
  • msg #414

Re: Kingmaker

Eli steps forward, leaving some space for Scott. Then waves his hand in an arcane gesture and Donovan falls unconscious.


Don will save vs sleep: 7. Fail. Don taken out.
Scott
player, 68 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 04:15
  • msg #415

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott moves behind the tall idiot while his friends have them otherwise occupied, and manages to kick Auchs in the back of the head.

  "Is this more or less cowardly than the running away guy?" not that he's particularly concerned about that, but it is something to think about.

OOC: Move, duh flank.  Attack, hits.  9 DMG,  1 Bleed.

Auchs HP: whatever HP = 9  (then -1 later).

This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Sat 12 Oct 2013.
Narrator
player, 263 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 04:51
  • msg #416

Re: Kingmaker

"I'm gunna kill you, Donnav..."PLOP.

Donovan goes down.  Akiros stares for a moment.

"Ox!  Let's kill the Stag Lord together!"

"K...K...K..." Auchs answers.

Akiros charges toward the back of the fort!

"There you are, you *censored* murderer!"
Tread
player, 143 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 04:57
  • msg #417

Re: Kingmaker

Tread smacks Auchs in the side with the flat of her blade and moves off to flank with Keston so he can finish Auchs off. "Looks like we don't need the formation anymore! Eli, make sure the cage won't open!"


hit Auchs with 7 non-lethal dmg
Auchs HP: 9 - 7 = 2

Joey
player, 169 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 05:17
  • msg #418

Re: Kingmaker

Keston waits a few seconds to see if Ox will get hostile.

"Never mind what he said," Joey says to Ox, nodding toward Akiros, "You're dying.  I'm a cleric.  If you lay face down and put your hands behind your back, I'll heal you."

"OK," Auchs says, laying face down and putting his hands behind his back.

Joey begins to tie up Ox.  Keston is satisfied and hurries to the back to get in the Stag Lord's face.  His three men approach and take shots at the Stag Lord but the agile bandit dodges.  The Stag Lord steps back and drinks a potion.

Official art of the Stag Lord:
http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...442202/Stag_Lord.jpg
http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/...128651/Stag_Lord.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULVl...2BLord%2BAttacks.jpg

Awesome image from an image search: http://thefoolscourt.zxq.net/images/staglord.jpg
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Sat 12 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 184 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 05:31
  • msg #419

Re: Kingmaker

Eli does as Tread told him and goes to make sure the gate can't be opened by its normal mechanism.


13 engineering to rig gate to not open until fixed.
Scott
player, 69 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 05:40
  • msg #420

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is obviously smart enough to not forget the mercs are allies who came with him and not in fact, more enemies.  Honest.

  So he moves up ahead and ties up the fancy rapier mans.  Not like he could have reached punching distance against the stag lord just yet anyway.
Narrator
player, 264 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 05:40
  • msg #421

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros rushes forward screaming berzerker fury and slashes the Stag Lord with his longsword!
Tread
player, 144 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 05:46
  • msg #422

Re: Kingmaker

Tread heads towards the Stag Lord. As she does, she says, "Surrender, Stag Lord! Your men have been taken out and you are out numbered eight... no, NINE to one!"
Joey
player, 170 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 06:00
  • msg #423

Re: Kingmaker

"Good work, Eli," Joey says, standing back up from kneeling beside Ox.

He then rushes toward the front lines.  Keston and his men attack but fail to do any damage.  The Stag Lord backs up and kicks dirt into Akiros' eyes!
Narrator
player, 265 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 06:10
  • msg #424

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros curses and backs away, trying to clear his vision.
Scott
player, 70 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 06:16
  • msg #425

Re: Kingmaker

Scott moves up to the wall nearby the stag lord.  Though he isn't very surprised (even if still annoyed) that he fails to land a +3 to hit vs 19 AC through a chunk of wall.
Tread
player, 145 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 06:22
  • msg #426

Re: Kingmaker

Tread moves past the Stag Lord, using her shield with the same wall he used to protect from the Stag Lord's attack as she goes past him then stabs him. "I don't WANT to hurt you, villain! But if you don't surrender, I have no choice!"


Tread hits (20 v 19 AC)! dmg: 10!
Stag Lord HP: 57 - 10 = 47
Joey
player, 171 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 06:28
  • msg #427

Re: Kingmaker

Joey steps in and jabs at the Stag Lord.  Keston and his men fire a volley of arrows.  All fail to hurt the Stag Lord who steps back and fires an arrow directly into Tread's eye!  The tall lady collapses to the ground!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:30, Sat 12 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 172 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 06:42
  • msg #428

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros screams bloody murder and slashes the Stag Lord!  Joey pulls the arrow from Tread's eye, chanting a prayer about the healing light of the Dawnflower.  Tread's eye and consciousness return!

"Let the others take the front line for now," he suggests, offering her his longspear.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:44, Sat 12 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 173 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:02
  • msg #429

Re: Kingmaker

After Scott takes a swing at the Stag Lord, the deadly bandit backs up and fires a pair of arrows directly into Scott's heart, downing him!  Eli's sleep magic once again fail to stop the Stag Lord, and another shot from a merc misses.  Joey steps forward, yoinks out the arrows, and heals Scott with another prayer.

"You can't win!  Surrender!"

Akiros does his berzerker screaming and stabbing thing.
Tread
player, 146 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:03
  • msg #430

Re: Kingmaker

Tread moves about, still behind others and says, "He's moving that way! Someone go around that way and block his escape!" she stabs at him with the spear, but doesn't hit.
Narrator
player, 266 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:09
  • msg #431

Re: Kingmaker

"On it!" Keston answers Tread, "Men!  With me!"

He and the others take pot shots at the Stag Lord before heading back toward the gate.  The Stag Lord takes a step back, downs Joey with an arrow to the throat, then fires another that Akiros deflects with his shield!
Eli
player, 185 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:14
  • msg #432

Re: Kingmaker

Eli moves into position and does that arcane gesture he's known for. The stag lord finally falls unconscious. Eli would be jumping for joy if not for Joey dying at his feet.
Joey
player, 174 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:20
  • msg #433

Re: Kingmaker

"Thanks...  Scott," Joey says, looking about to find out what's going on, "Oh good.  He's down."

He sighs in relief and says a prayer.  A burst of energy much like a sunbeam washes over the group, beginning to heal their wounds.  Akiros drops his shield as he steps toward the helpless Stag Lord, and dramatically raises his longsword.

"Die!"
Tread
player, 147 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:23
  • msg #434

Re: Kingmaker

Tread rushes over, "Not yet! We need to tie him up and get information!" she doesn't put a hand on Akiros, though.
Scott
player, 71 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:29
  • msg #435

Re: Kingmaker

  "As much as they deserve it, at this rate I'd expect that to only wake him up pissed off."  Scott's speech position bleeding from the ground may not have much merit, nevermind his lower than average charisma.

  He lurches to his feet, and adds "Or if you want to do it now, at least take his weapons away first."
Joey
player, 175 posts
Sat 12 Oct 2013
at 07:43
  • msg #436

Re: Kingmaker

When Joey noticed Akiros was about to kill the bandit lord, he reached to cover Eli's eyes.  Akiros hesitates.  He lowers his sword then takes the Stag Lord's weapons.

"Question him?" he asks, "About what?"
Tread
player, 148 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 04:27
  • msg #437

Re: Kingmaker

Tread goes to tie up the Stag Lord as she answers. "For starters, who the person in the basement is and how we'll defeat him. And even beyond that, only the Stag Lord would know everyone under his employ, so I'll need to double-check that we have caught all the bandits."
Scott
player, 72 posts
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 04:46
  • msg #438

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods.  "The one in charge, or even a violent figurehead, would be the one to know the most about what has happened yes.  Or at the very least, having been roaming around here most than the rest of us means he might know where more dangers are before we find out by running into them."  You know, thinks like river zombies, giant spiders, the usual.
Joey
player, 176 posts
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 05:08
  • msg #439

Re: Kingmaker

"I can answer any of your questions and without the need to interrogate," Akiros says, helping with the tying up of the Stag Lord, "The one in the basement can be defeated like any other druid - through the application of sufficient violence.  As for who he is - though the Stag Lord never openly admitted to it when sober - I was able to piece together their story...."

Nugrah's story:
The storage cellar is not without a guardian,
although the bandits loathe and fear the decrepit old man
who lives in these rooms. Only the Stag Lord knows the
truth—that this frail, malformed creature is in fact his
father. Imprisoned and abused at the hands of his son,
Nugrah spends most of his time lurking in the far end of
area Z11c in a nest made of ropes, rags, and furs.
In his youth, Nugrah belonged to the Green Faith.
Against the tenets of his cabal, he took for himself a
wife—a pretty, much younger girl with dark tresses and
pale green eyes. Soon after, she became pregnant, and
despite his best efforts, she died in childbirth, leaving
him with a son. Agonized by his loss, he turned to blackest
magic to bring her back. Enacting an ancient and terrible
ritual, he sacrificed another girl in an effort to ask the
spirits to release his wife’s soul and have her return to
him. Appalled by his monstrous acts, his wife’s spirit
appeared before him, cursed his name, then departed
forever into the afterlife.
Soon after, members of his secret druidic order arrived
at the scene of his undoing. They tried him on the spot,
and upon finding him guilty branded him a heretic.
They banished him from the order, sparing his life only
that he might care for his infant son. He converted to
the worship of Gozreh, finding strange solace in all the
violence and impassive cruelty in nature, and in the years
that followed, Nugrah blamed his son for his misfortunes
and treated him as an animal. Often he threatened to kill
him, and made murderous attempts on more than one
occasion, such as by leaving him outside in the winter
and beating him bloody. Once, he tortured him near to
death by dousing him with acid. This event left the boy
permanently scarred, so gruesomely that for years he
covered his frightful face with a burlap sack, and to this
day he never removes his helmet.
Then, one night, the relationship between the two
shifted...

The Stag Lord's story:
The Stag Lord never had a name, for his father only called
him “boy,” and then only when the old man demanded some
sort of backbreaking chore or was looking for something
to beat on. He never knew his mother and never knew a
proper home—his father, being a roving and misanthropic
druid, stayed on the road at all times, never sleeping in the
same town more than 3 days in a row and usually camping
out under the stars. Food was often scarce, especially as his
father would only share after he’d eaten his fill, so the boy
learned to hunt and steal. His father bruised and cut him,
and so the boy learned to tend his own wounds. His father
left him for death so many times, he came not to fear it.
Eventually, the druid’s misanthropic ways forced him
to abandon civilization or face persecution. And so he
headed north into the Stolen Lands, bringing the boy with
him. Times grew tougher for the boy, until the night when
he had his Dream. In the Dream, a blindingly beautiful
woman came to him and told him he was no longer a boy
but a man, and she lay with him to prove her claim. After,
she asked him why, if he was a man, he still deferred to
his father’s brutality. She gave him a lock of her hair, and
told him that the next time his father tried to beat him, he
should fight back.
When he woke, he assumed his Dream was nothing
more, but then he saw that he still clutched the lock of hair
his nocturnal visitor had gifted him. So when his father,
drunk and angry, came at him that afternoon, the
boy fought back and beat his father to within an
inch of death. Then, with the only lessons he
had been given—anger, spite, rage, vengeance,
and greed—he became the leader. Yet for all
his father’s cruelty, he never let the boy (now
a man) die. And so the man kept his broken
father with him, caring for him when he
had the time, railing upon him when he
had the urge, and generally keeping him
just this side of death.
Eventually, the man noticed that
other bandits deferred to him
when they met on the road, and
so he sought others he could easily
intimidate, weak-willed things that
seemed drawn to his dominance. He lured
drunks, petty thieves, and other spineless knaves
into his service, and when they came upon the ruins
of an ancient Iobarian tower on the north edge of the
Tuskwater, the man realized he had found a place to call
his own. Within the ruins, he found a grim helmet made
of strange bone and graced with a stag’s antlers. He took
the helm as his own, and from that point on his men
knew him as the Stag Lord.
In the months to come, the Stag Lord gathered more of
the outcast and desperate to his side. He armed them and
taught them how to hone their combat skills. And as they
grew in number, he ordered them north toward Rostland
to take what they willed—and as long as they returned
every month to pay him his dues in gold and other wealth,
they would never have to fear reprisal from their lord.
In time, the Stag Lord hopes to build an army, perhaps
one great enough that his Dream might return to him,
whereupon he shall become a king and she his queen, and
they will rule over the Stolen Lands as one.

Nugrah's story:
His son had become a man, one physically and
emotionally scarred with terrible, dark desires, and after
a near-fatal beating Nugrah realized that he had become
the victim in the family. In sour and sickly vengeance
his son deals him the same hand the old man once
forced him to play. He is abused and beaten frequently,
and lives in fear of the son who mercilessly keeps him
alive to endure his fate.
Today, Nugrah obeys his son’s commands to guard the
treasures kept here, and uses his magic to heal wounds
endured by the bandits as well (although the bandits loathe
the old man’s moist touch so much that they generally
hide their wounds unless they’re particularly painful,
preferring to let them heal naturally rather than spend
even a few minutes down here with the old man). Nugrah
passes the time crafting twisted fetishes and praying to
Gozreh for an end to his wretched existence, but lacks the
courage to take his own life.


"...I can tell you about the others as well if you like.  There are many dangers I've heard rumored of within The Greenbelt.  A powerful river zombie, a giant spider, tatzlwrm, and so on.  I could fill your ears for quite a while."

"Let's just stay focused on the tasks at hand," Joey says, "And uh... what's your name?"

"Oh, right.  It's uh...  Akiros."

He glances at the heroes, looking for signs that they recognize his name.

"Just Akiros?  No surname?"

"If it's all the same to you, yes."
Tread
player, 149 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 05:12
  • msg #440

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods to Akiros and introduces the team before asking, "We're very grateful to you, but... why did you help us, Akiros?"
Scott
player, 73 posts
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 05:22
  • msg #441

Re: Kingmaker

  Not for the first time, Scott is aware of that difference between casually neglectful and outright abusive when it comes to an upbringing.  "Well, that sounds surprisingly comprehensive for something you had to piece together second hand."  He is not surprised at all this all started with something having to do with nature.

  "I'm more thankful than the help than curious why at this point.  But I'll admit I'd like to know sooner rather than later, even if it was for something as simple as wanting a way out that wasn't death."
Joey
player, 177 posts
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 05:37
  • msg #442

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros nods.  "I was able to fool everyone but Dovan that I was on the side of the bandits.  Mostly because he was jealous the Stag Lord gave me his former position as second in command in so short a time.  I wasn't sure what I could do on my own to see justice done until I heard rumor of your exploits and was looking forward to the day I could finally help you put an end to these filthy monsters.  I helped you because it was the right thing to do.  I'd like to redeem myself for living so long among these flea-bitten dogs by joining you on your quest if you'll have me."

Keston looks skeptical but doesn't say anything.

Joey glances at Keston then back to Akiros.  "You joined in order to break up the banditry in the Greenbelt without any plan for how?"

"Not exactly.  I joined because at the time it was either join or die.  Looking for a way out that wasn't death was my first objective.  Ironically, it was my ability to survive fighting back against especially murderous bandits that impressed the Stag Lord.  He didn't care about my motives, just that the others feared me.  I suppose you could say fortune just played out in your favor."
Tread
player, 150 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 05:42
  • msg #443

Re: Kingmaker

Tread extends a hand. "Welcome aboard, Akiros. I'm most relieved to find decent men even out here."

Whether Akiros takes the hand or not, Tread asks Eli, "Do you have any more castings of that sleep spell?"

Eli shakes his head. "The Stag Lord took all my sleep castings to finally go down. But I do still have that aura."
Scott
player, 74 posts
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 05:58
  • msg #444

Re: Kingmaker

  "Do we know how competent a druid they are, or do we not have to worry about being shot at with bees and snakes flying out of his eye sockets or whatever it is evil druids do while calling it natural."
Joey
player, 178 posts
Sun 13 Oct 2013
at 06:07
  • msg #445

Re: Kingmaker

"That and turn himself into a savage animal that can walk on the ceiling and cast cures," Akiros answers.

"Marvelous," Joey grumbles, continuing to heal the group.

"Chances are he has no idea what happened up here if you all want to rest up and attack him in the morni... erm... afternoon at this point."

"How tame is that owlbear?" Keston asks.

"Not very.  The Stag Lord likes it for some inexplicable reason and keeps it as a pet of sorts, but the darn beast near took off his hand for the only kindness I've seen from him."
Tread
player, 151 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 20:17
  • msg #446

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I would normally offer to lead, but being a cleric of Erastil, I'm thinking Joey should lead us on this one. I'm sure Erastil does not approve of a villain perverting nature."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Mon 14 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 75 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 20:21
  • msg #447

Re: Kingmaker

  "Just out of curiosity, is the difference between normal nature and perverted nature that one will ALWAYS try to kill us, instead of just usually?"  Were dark arts of raising wife from the dead more inexpensive than nature and good aligned god approved methods?  It would explain why so many turned to them.
Joey
player, 179 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 20:41
  • msg #448

Re: Kingmaker

"That sounds like a good idea," Joey says, "We could use the rest.  We can set up a watch to make sure he doesn't sneak out.  Then once I've recovered my spells and healing energy we can confront the evil druid.  Maybe then you can ask him what he thinks about nature vs. perverted nature, Scott.  Him being an expert and all."

"Works for me," Akiros answers, "But if you don't mind, I have a personal beef with Dovan I'd like to settle and it's likely to get noisy.  I'm going to enjoy... erm..."

He glances at the little boy.

"I guess it'll have to wait."

He looks down at The Stag Lord.

"So still want this one alive?  I can put him out of your misery easily enough if you'd rather not do the deed yourself."
Tread
player, 152 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 20:51
  • msg #449

Re: Kingmaker

Tread frowns, looking down at the Stag Lord. "I..." She sighs. "Joey? Do you want to give him one more chance to turn to the light before his soul goes on to face judgement?"

Eli just looks at Akiros curiously. "What do you have against Donovan specifically?"
Scott
player, 76 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 20:53
  • msg #450

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is guessing the problems with Donovan could range anywhere from 'is a huge jerk' to 'ate my kitten'.

  "I suppose we could give the Stag Lord one last shot, but as heartless as it sounds I think that would only mean a chance for him to insult us on the way to the gallows at best rather than a merciful death while he's out."
Joey
player, 180 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 21:15
  • msg #451

Re: Kingmaker

"Dovan wanted me dead but didn't have the backbone to confront me directly," Akiros says, "So instead he tricked Ox into trying to kill me.  Was forced to near kill the darn oaf because he thought I took his teddy.  Now that I know better, I probably should have killed him.  He's just as sadistic... well...  almost as sadistic as the rest."

Joey facepalms.  "Scott's right, but on the off chance the Stag Lord or the others are redeemable, let's just haul their sorry butts back to Oleg's and have them taken to Restov for trial.  I tire of all the killing.  Which is what we'll likely end up having to do to this owlbear.  Let's get some sleep, shall we?"

He makes triple sure the prisoners are stripped of any means of cutting through their bonds before finding a place to curl up, inviting Eli to join him.  Keston offers to take watch.
Tread
player, 153 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 21:22
  • msg #452

Re: Kingmaker

Tread thinks about it as she watches Eli take the invite. First, seeing as Keston is taking watch, Tread feels safe enough to take off her armor and throw a fur hide over herself. Then she goes to drag Scott over to join her in a cuddle fest that involves her being between Scott and Joey, but Eli being between her and Joey. At least, as long as the others don't object. She would, of course, share the fur hide with her allies.
Scott
player, 77 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 21:31
  • msg #453

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott deliberately fails the save vs grapple.  "Thanks Tread.  Some pleasant moments between all this sorry business are appreciated."  At least his willingness to actually kill the insane murderous overlords they have been sent to kill hasn't ruined opinions his friends have of him too much, yet.
Joey
player, 181 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 21:47
  • msg #454

Re: Kingmaker

Exhaustion makes for good medicine against insomnia.  The time passes and everyone is rested well enough.  But as soon as the team is up, Kesten takes his turn at getting caught up on sleep.  When the group is ready, confronting the evil druid is easy enough, though unpleasant and resulting in at least a few injuries.  Which Joey heals.

quote:
Before Combat As soon as Nugrah notices intruders entering
the cellar, he casts meld into stone to step into the southern
wall of area Z11c to listen and wait. While in the stone, he casts
barkskin, spider climb, and longstrider (already included in his
stat block). He then clambers out of the wall and up onto the
ceiling to scuttle forward to see who’s intruded in his den.
During Combat Nugrah’s first act is to use wild shape to assume
the form of a wolverine, while remaining affixed to the ceiling 15
feet above. He swaps out cure moderate wounds to cast summon
nature’s ally III to summon a giant ant to attack the PCs, followed
by summon swarm. Only then does he scuttle down to attack in
melee. He does not pursue foes out of the cellar.


The druid doesn't communicate if questioned, responding only in moans or grunts.

"So what do we do about this owlbear?" Joey asks.

the hAunted hillSide
3 groups of 4 zombies.  CR 4 / group.  600/PC total because we have help.

Auchs  CR 2
XP 600...  100/PC total because we have help.

Dovan from nisroch  CR 2
XP 600...  100/PC total because we have help.

Owlbear  CR 4
XP 1,200...  200/PC total because we have help.

The Stag Lord  CR 67 (he was sober)
XP 2,4003,200...  535/PC total because we have help.

nugrah the Decrepit  CR 4
XP 1,200...  200/PC total because we have help.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Mon 14 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 154 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 21:50
  • msg #455

Re: Kingmaker

Tread looks over to Akiros. "When you mentioned the Stag Lord showing "the only kindness he ever showed", what did you mean?"
Scott
player, 78 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 21:56
  • msg #456

Re: Kingmaker

  Punching bees in the face.  He knew it would happen but didn't expect it to be so soon.  "I would assume along the lines of feeding it, and attempting to maybe pet the thing instead of punching it.  Scott sighs (only once, no snorting)  "The nice one with nature thing would be to let it loose.  But then it would just probably try to bite our faces off, and we all know our track record with nature both 'normal' and 'corrupt'.  Simpler to leave it there until it starves, unless  we want to slowly stab it to death through the bars."  Or waste sleep spell per day attempts to make it's head easier to cut off.
Joey
player, 182 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 22:09
  • msg #457

Re: Kingmaker

"Yup," Akiros affirms, "Fed it rather than torment it.  Made everyone else put up with it's hooting all night.  You should probably just put it out of it's misery...  but I can't help identify with the blamed monster what with it's being all caged up with no way out.  Maybe open the cage at a distance with rope or something leaving the front fort gate open so it at least has the option to run?"

Joey nods.  "Worth a shot, I suppose.  If it turns hostile we can shoot at it from the platforms above where it can't get to us and maybe it'll get the hint to flee.  I wonder if it'll avoid the zombies?"

Keston lights up.  "Yes!  Lure it to the zombies so that threat will be dealt with once and for all!"

Akiros squirms.  "I dunno.  That seems kinda underhanded."

"Speaking of zombies," Joey continues, lowering his voice, "There's still that spirit of vengeance to sate.  Nettle demanded to see the Stag Lord's body thrown into the river."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Mon 14 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 186 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 22:21
  • msg #458

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "Well let's feed it first. That way, it won't attack us from hunger and it won't be escaping only to starve to death before it even finds any food."

Tread pauses for a bit. Then says, "Alright. The owlbear was a victim in all this." She looks towards the Stag Lord. "I don't know why you were kind to this Owlbear when you were so cruel to everyone else, but I want to let you know that it matters. I can only hope you will repent of your deeds, so you will at least rest easy when it's all over..."
Scott
player, 79 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 22:34
  • msg #459

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, as long as we're able to do it without putting you in harms way we may as well try the nicer method."  Scott nods to Joey's comment about the demands of zombies.

  It really would have been a bit of a snag even he couldn't ignore, if the Stag Lord had been anything but crazypants violently evil if he wanted to justify quest completion.  Tossing the remains of a criminal to a zombie was far and away from tossing a living prisoner to one even then.
Joey
player, 183 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 22:47
  • msg #460

Re: Kingmaker

The owlbear fed and a trail of snacks lined up toward the outside of the fort for good measure, when the cage is opened with Eli's mage hand the owlbear ignores the snacks and just runs away.  Either it knows to avoid the zombies, or the simple instinct of "get away from the bandit fort in a straight line," is why it takes the only safe rout and doesn't wind up ambushed by zombies is anyone's guess, but off it goes.

Keston huhs.  "Looks like it wouldn't have taken any bait to lure it to the zombies anyway."

"Let's have a trial of the Stag Lord here and see if he's worth salvaging instead of executing and handing over to a river zombie," Joey suggests, "Then we'll see about dealing with that field of undead tomorrow.  I want to be fully prepared and I had to use some healing in the fight against the druid.  We can start by asking Akiros and the others to be witnesses to the Stag Lord's crimes.  Separately.  So we'll be sure to find any inconsistencies in their stories."

Akiros simply hands over his diary where he's kept a detailed record of the crimes of the bandits.  "You'll have my entire statement in that.  Dovan's a liar's liar.  I wouldn't trust him even if he were confessing to a crime.  Ox is easy to tell if he's lying, though."
Tread
player, 155 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 22:55
  • msg #461

Re: Kingmaker

Tread can only hope if the owlbear ever becomes an issue, that he will remember the ones who set him free and not attack.

"Agreed... a trial sounds good." Tread says. Upon looking at all the evidence and hearing everyone out, Tread then turns to the Stag Lord. "Do you have anything to add?"

Eli, of course, tries to keep out of this, but his curiosity morbidly drags him into every discussion against his will. Thankfully, he is still able to work on his spell design projects while this trial occurs.

OOC: I'm reminded of how last time I played Kingmaker, one of the bandits started flipping his lid from Tread's non-stop hero speeches and agreed to anything as long as he didn't have to listen to her anymore.
Scott
player, 80 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 23:12
  • msg #462

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott is somewhat less involved in the legal process.  While he agrees with the idea, he knows he isn't really the best for that sort of task compared to his friends.
Joey
player, 184 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 23:26
  • msg #463

Re: Kingmaker

The Stag Lord just gazes at the open gate of the fort, twitches the slightest of smirks on his otherwise expressionless, scarred face, and says nothing.

Joey sighs then takes a serious tone.  "No remorse, repentance, or indication of any desire to redeem himself.  Stag Lord, you have been found guilty of countless crimes and are hereby sentenced to death on the authority of the Swordlords of Restov and the Dragonscale Throne.  May Sarenrae's light guide you to a better afterlife.  Eli, you'll probably want to look away or hide your face in Tread's belly."

He draws his scimitar and waits for Eli to look away before executing the bandit lord.

"Since there's no need to execute the others today, I'd still rather just let Restov deal with their trials."

He hoists the body onto his horse and ties it down.

"I'll go to the river to dispose of the body.  Whomever wishes to stay can stay."
Tread
player, 156 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 23:40
  • msg #464

Re: Kingmaker

Eli did as asked and hid his face.

Tread says, "You will take people with you, Joey. At the least, I'm coming with. Nettle's Crossing is a long journey from here and I'm not about to let you go that far alone."

Eli says, "I'm... coming... too..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Mon 14 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 81 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 23:44
  • msg #465

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'd hardly want to leave you alone with a zombie who's best intentions are still demanding someone's death.  Looks like we're sticking together.  At least we can trust Keston and the rest to get the prisoners back and sorted without us if we take long."

  Though Scott will be annoyed if they get back to find Akiros got arrested or worse.
Joey
player, 185 posts
Mon 14 Oct 2013
at 23:54
  • msg #466

Re: Kingmaker

"Wasn't going all the way up to the crossing," Joey clarifies, "Just to the river.  Nettle said anywhere in the river, so I'm going to see if that's true.  It'll only take a few minutes.  But I do appreciate the company even on such a short trip."

It's not even a 10 minute ride to the river.  Joey ties a rope to the body to make sure it won't float away if the zombie doesn't show up just in case what he was told wasn't true.  But it was true.  No sooner does the body hit the water than Nettle emerges from the water.

"I have looked upon the death of my tormentor," he says in his eerie, soggy voice, "With justice done, I can now rest in peace.  Thank you."

As he melts into the water and the body of the bandit lord floats down river into the lake, his magic weapon washes ashore as promised, surprisingly good as new and untainted by the smell of death.  Joey says a prayer for the bandit lord and his victim, takes the weapon, and returns to the fort in contemplative silence.

Quest complete: Davik’s Revenge.  100xp/PC.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Mon 14 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 157 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 00:02
  • msg #467

Re: Kingmaker

Tread and Eli are silent as well. But when they make it back to the fort, Eli goes RIGHT back to his research. Tread says, "Well that's that. We've really put an end to banditry in the greenbelt. Or at least, the large scale banditry."
Scott
player, 82 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 00:04
  • msg #468

Re: Kingmaker

"They are the only bandits we've run into so far with their own expensive gang emblems, so I would hope as much."  Those silver stag emblems were worth almost as much as his entire starting gold supply, after all.
Joey
player, 186 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 01:29
  • msg #469

Re: Kingmaker

The following day the zombies are dealt with.  The day after that the group is ready to move on.

"So let's get back to Oleg's.  The sooner we're rid of these bandits for good, the better."
Tread
player, 158 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 01:34
  • msg #470

Re: Kingmaker

Like last time, Tread is sure to be conversational to everyone. She reassures the bandits that these don't HAVE to be their last conversations and they can turn from their ways. Eli isn't one to strike up conversations with strangers to begin with, so he just minds his own business unless spoken to.
Scott
player, 83 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 01:38
  • msg #471

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott looks to Joey during their return trip,  "So, once we get back and get this bandit situation all over with, I'm assuming we're looking for that temple bear and pretty much just getting back to exploring and hoping we don't run into anything to stupid?"
Joey
player, 187 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 01:49
  • msg #472

Re: Kingmaker

"Sounds like a reasonable enough plan to me," Joey says, "I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be going out of my way to look for an insane bear, boar, and tatzlworm and consider it a nice break from the norm, but if Gozreh will forgive any irreverence, slaughtering wildlife seems to me to be much less distasteful than hunting bandits.  Even so, I doubt said wildlife will hesitate to try and kill us just for breathing the same air."

Dovan of course tries to sweet talk his way into Tread's good graces, but Akiros is quick to gag him and give Tread the bandit's real story....

Dovan's Story:
Dovan from Nisroch: Until Akiros usurped the role,
Dovan was comfortably the second-in-command of the fort.
Secretly pleased with the Stag Lord’s alcoholism, Dovan has
been actively encouraging the man to drink, for as long as
the Stag Lord is in his cups, more power over the bandits
rests in Dovan’s hands. Dovan himself is a mystery to the
bandits—a dark, tattooed figure with an obvious taste for
pain and cruelty. All they know of him is that he claims
to hail from Nisroch. In fact, Dovan hails from Ustalav,
where he grew up amid the horrors of the Widow’s Boudoir
in Caliphas, a brothel that specialized in mixing sexual
fantasies with murder. When he discovered that he was on
the menu for a particularly violent evening, Dovan gathered
his things and quietly fled town, spending the next several
months enjoying all the decadences and freedoms the River
Kingdoms had to offer. After a close call with a press gang,
Dovan “recruited” Auchs by saving the huge man from a
brawl Dovan engineered. Dovan often grows tired of Auchs’s
simpleminded sounds, but is just as pleased with how well
the oaf takes to torture—and the security his friendship
brings can’t be denied. Of late, Dovan has been plotting
ways to kill Akiros, but he can see how much both the Stag
Lord and the other bandits admire him, and knows that he
needs to make his move subtly. Until the PCs’ arrival, his
best idea was to somehow get Auchs to attack and kill the
fallen paladin, but he has yet to come upon a reliable way to
goad Auchs into attacking Akiros.


Auchs on the other hand seems to be quite frightened at being captured and is quick to say he's sorry.

Auchs's story:
Auchs is as simple as Akiros is complex. A
lumbering lummox of a man, Auchs is simpleminded in
everything but cruelty. He loves the sound of sobbing and
screaming when the sounds aren’t coming from him, and
gleefully crushes and pummels bandits and prisoners alike
according to the commands of his fellow lieutenants or the
Stag Lord. Illiterate, the only word Auchs can spell is his
name—and not even then, since Dovan took perverse glee
in telling him that “ox” was spelled “Auchs.” He’s traveled
with Dovan for the past 6 months, after the smaller man
saved him from being killed for starting a deadly brawl
in a marketplace in Daggermark, and is rarely found far
from Dovan’s side—although he is taking an increasing
liking to Akiros, much to Akiros’s annoyance.


After about a day's travel, the group comes upon the point where the two rivers meet and Akiros assures that it should be fordable.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Tue 15 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 159 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 02:04
  • msg #473

Re: Kingmaker

Tread looks from Akiros to Donovan and back. "...how you endured that environment for so long. I'm very happy for your release; that you can join us now and return to living life." she puts a hand on Akiros' shoulder. "Well you're with friends now. It's over."

Eli looks the river over, trying to calculate the speed of water and other things, mostly overthinking how cross-able the river is.

Tread tests it by going first with her horse. Once she has confirmed it, she helps carry prisoners over so the wagon can cross without being weighed down.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Tue 15 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 84 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 02:12
  • msg #474

Re: Kingmaker

  "I have found the 'survival of the fittest' nature philosophy tends to give way to anger when so called prey manages to defend itself. Or was that 'Give a man a fish, feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish, Gozreh will destroy his boat'?  I'm a bit hazy on philosophical sayings."

  Speaking of water based accidents, Scott helps Tread ensure there aren't any.
Joey
player, 188 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 02:26
  • msg #475

Re: Kingmaker

"Th...thanks..." Akiros answers hesitantly, "Sorry.  I was betrayed by someone very close to me once.  It's hard to...  yeah.  Thanks."

Once again Eli's magical towel is a very welcome thing in cold weather especially with night falling.  A campfire is made to help with the cold and the night passes peacefully.  The following morning is foggy, making navigation a little more difficult, but Akiros seems to know where he's going well enough, suggesting that the group avoid the mite lair.

"Not too terribly tough alone, but extremely annoying in numbers and extremely aggressive."

Joey nods.  "Don't we know it.  Though I would like to pay the place a visit again to see if any stragglers have returned to it to rebuild."

"W...?  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  Very well.  It'll make for a good landmark to judge our progress and location by."
Narrator
player, 267 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 02:48
  • msg #476

Re: Kingmaker

Quest: The Stag Lord:
The PCs are asked to slay the Stag Lord and thus disrupt
the organized bandit activity in the Greenbelt.
Source: Official charter from Restov—this charter is
waiting for the PCs the second time they return to Oleg’s
Trading Post after defeating the bandits at area K, and
states that the Stag Lord is wanted “dead or alive,” and
that if he can be removed from power, the PCs will be
rewarded greatly.
Task: The Stag Lord is not interested in surrendering—
the PCs will likely need to kill him in order to complete
this quest.
Completion: Word of the Stag Lord’s defeat must be
sent to Restov—if his body is not available as proof, an
agent of the swordlords shall arrive in the area shortly to
confirm the banditry has been addressed.
Reward: 5,000 gp, plus a new charter to settle land and
establish a colony in the Greenbelt—this charter and its
ramifications are dealt with in Pathfinder Adventure Path
volume #32.

100xp/PC

This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Tue 15 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 160 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 03:53
  • msg #477

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "We took their whole base. They just kept coming out and piling their own dead bodies. Nearly killed me, but then, so did the Stag Lord."

Eli says, "I'm not sure I believe what I saw. I saw an arrow go in your eye. But you're alive."
Scott
player, 85 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 04:26
  • msg #478

Re: Kingmaker

  "While we're on the subject of the short and violent, we did mention that the Sootscale kobolds and us have reached an understanding right?  It was nice running into something out there that not only agreed not to attack us, but would like to keep it that way."

  He looks to the eyeball talks and says "Yeah, it was that crazy.  I'm glad Joey was around to keep Tread and myself from just staying down then and there."
Joey
player, 189 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 04:36
  • msg #479

Re: Kingmaker

"And me that you saved my tail as well," Joey says, "Not to mention Eli dropping that otherwise apparently invincible Stag Lord."

"I tried to draw his fire..." Akiros says, sounding like he doesn't consider himself to have contributed much, "You bunch sure are impressive...  Negotiating with kobolds.  Never thought it possible."

The tree is found, but nothing has taken up residence below its roots.  The group then travels north till sunset.  The night passes uneventfully and the fog lifts by morning.  The following day and night pass uneventfully.  Finally, after sunset the day after, the group arrives at Oleg's Trading Post to the familiar smell of Svetlana's fine cooking.
Tread
player, 161 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 04:40
  • msg #480

Re: Kingmaker

Eli would have actually explored the tree base while he was there. What? It's a neat-o place! However, nothing in the Greenbelt is more welcome than the smell of Svetlana's cooking.

Tread is sure to greet the lady with an embrace and joyfully says to both her and Oleg, "The Stag Lord is dead! His evil reign is over!"
Scott
player, 86 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 04:44
  • msg #481

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well to be fair, the Kobolds we ran into before that were suicidally dumb."  They were dumb and they got within punching distance.  That counts as suicide on the police report right?

  "Hello Svetlana, it is good to see you again."  Home sweet place not trying to get you killed.
Joey
player, 190 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 04:55
  • msg #482

Re: Kingmaker

"That's fantastic!" Svetlana, "So good to see you all made it back unharmed!"

"I wouldn't say unharmed.  But thanks to Sarenrae's holy healing light, and a timely potion you sold us, we're back unscathed.  Allow me to introduce Akiros, the man who opened the door to the bandit fort for us."

"Oh my.  Sounds like quite the story.  Do tell."

Joey winks at Eli.  "Eli, if you'll be so kind as to supply the visuals."

He recounts the story, going into great detail about everything but the gore.  Oleg, Svetlana, and Jhod listen intently and react with wide-eyed amazement.  Keston seems a bit embarrassed by the story as does Akiros.
Tread
player, 162 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:08
  • msg #483

Re: Kingmaker

Eli blushes as well, though he is still happy to provide visuals.

Tread says, "I'm just so glad that's over with. I would say 'the worst is over', but that could jynx thing. Some of the things we have come across have actually been tougher than the bandits."
Scott
player, 87 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:10
  • msg #484

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods,  "So far, the Stag Lord has been the only thing as dangerous as the wildlife... So I guess I can see why he'd name himself after an animal that will attack you for no reason."  Well, that and the crazy helmet.
Joey
player, 191 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:19
  • msg #485

Re: Kingmaker

"Gods forbid we should ever run across The Bear Lord," Joey mutters.

"Amazing!" Svetlana cheers, "Such heroes!  Thank you so much for all the good you've done.  If I should have a baby, I'll feel so much safer raising the child.  Please enjoy your stay, and keep up the wonderful good work!"

She hugs her hubbie's arm and kisses his cheek, drawing a smile from his generally frowny lips.

"You're most welcome, Mrs. Svetlana.  And don't worry, Jhod.  Finding your temple is next on the agenda."

"Wonderful!  Thank you!  Maybe I'll at last be... eheh.  Looking forward to your success."

"Well that wasn't suspicious," Akiros comments sarcastically.

"Oh don't worry," Svetlana coos with a sly smile, "I know his secret, and it's not very sinister."

Jhod blushes and hangs his head.  "I'd rather not talk about it."
Tread
player, 163 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:32
  • msg #486

Re: Kingmaker

Tread rolls her eyes. "I see how it is. You'll tell someone who cooks a good meal, but not the people willing to go into mortal danger for you." She's only half-teasing. The other half is genuinely annoyed.

Eli goes to hug Tread, as if instinctually sensing she needs calming. "I didn't talk to you for a while... even though you took care of me."

Tread doesn't respond. Though she does put an arm around Eli out of reflex.
Scott
player, 88 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:38
  • msg #487

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott let's Eli and Tread have their quiet moment, though does comment to Jhod "It's not something we'll run into at an awkward time while clearing out the dangers at that temple is it?"
Joey
player, 192 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:50
  • msg #488

Re: Kingmaker

"Don't be jealous, Tread," Svetlana says, concerned, "Just trust me."

"Nonono," Jhod says in reply to Scott, "Crazy bear at a temple of Erastil.  No other dangers that I'm aware of."

Joey shrugs and unrolls the map.  "Any guesses where it might be?"

Jhod headshakes.  "Somewhere wooded?  I'm sorry."

"Hmm.  If we combine this trip with our commission to explore, it would make sense to focus first on the area of the wood this side of the Thorn River first.  And if we don't want to waste time going over terrain twice, we can go explore the plains to the west a bit on this trip as well."

"Not my strong suit," Akiros admits, "You all are the experts, I'm just along to lend my sword arm as needed."

"Did you want me and my men to stay here to watch the prisoners till they can be transferred?" Keston asks.
Tread
player, 164 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:56
  • msg #489

Re: Kingmaker

Tread just gives Svetlana an unsure look, but slowly nods. Then to Keston, Tread says, "Oh! Absolutely. That would be very helpful."

She looks at the others. "As usual, I vote we spend the night here and set out first thing after breakfast."

Eli squirms and nods.
Scott
player, 89 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #490

Re: Kingmaker

  "Thanks Akiros, the help is appreciated."  He looks over to Keston and adds "Though it does make sense for the rest of you to do as you suggested.  As much as I'm expecting the bear to be trouble, we're not exactly storming a fortified zombie surrounded stronghold this time around." ...It's going to be one, isn't it...
Joey
player, 193 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 06:11
  • msg #491

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods to Tread then reaches to cuddle Eli and whispers, "Willing to share with me what's on your mind?"

"Only two prisoners," Keston says, "Though one of them is like two in one.  I could leave two or three men here and come with you myself if you'd like.  Just seems overkill to have four men to watch just two prisoners."

"You're always welcome to stay longer if you want a break," Svetlana offers.

"No, the longer they dally the less they'll want to get back to it," Oleg surmises, "One night upon return from each trip seems a good, diligent practice.  Then once they're done they can look forward to a longer break."

"But yesterday was a holiday and they missed out!  And it's still planting week."

"Eh...  I think they'll be fine skipping Firstbloom and a farmer's work week celebration."
Eli
player, 187 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 06:20
  • msg #492

Re: Kingmaker

Eli whispers to Joey, "What's the rush? I mean... didn't we just do one of the two big things we're here to do? Why can't we stay longer?"

Tread thinks about it. "That's very kind of you to offer, Keston. Alright. If you would like to come, then come."
Scott
player, 90 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 06:24
  • msg #493

Re: Kingmaker

  "I don't have any problems with taking some time after almost getting ourselves killed, before we go out and do it again."  Those random encounters wont change if they walk through those hexes now or later, after all.

  "Though I'd hate to think any of us are so lazy that more than a day away from violence will make us want to stay away from it forever.  Not that it would probably even work if we tried." Sterotype GM Houserule.  If you risking random encounters in travel after a day, the random encounter rolls will come to you.  This goes for setting camp to heal.
Joey
player, 194 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 06:49
  • msg #494

Re: Kingmaker

"One day off it is, then," Joey says with a smile, "We can paint and hide some Firstbloom eggs and dance around a fire and sing songs.  I'm sure the horses would appreciate the break as well."

Cuddles!  Cheek kisses!

"Firstbloom eggs..." Akiros says wistfully, remembering his childhood, "Sounds fun."

"You're welcome," Keston answers Tread before rolling his eyes at the childish celebration suggestions.

Svetlana giggles and claps her hands.  "Yay!  Looking forward to it!"
Tread
player, 165 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 06:55
  • msg #495

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Not gonna complain about a day off. But Oleg is right. So after tomorrow, we continue."

Eli waves his hands over himself and his clothing becomes colored similar to a Firstbloom egg. He giggles.

OOC: PRESTIDIGITATION AT-WILL! Thank you, Pathfinder and 4e!!
Scott
player, 91 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:03
  • msg #496

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'm just warning you all now, I am a terrible dancer."  Well, probably less terrible and more has no idea what he's doing.

  He looks to Eli, and comments "Good progress on the Egg, but you forgot the hiding part."
Joey
player, 195 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:11
  • msg #497

Re: Kingmaker

"I'll be more than happy to teach a lesson or two," Joey says with a chuckle, "You sure make for a colorful egg, Eli!"

More giggles from Svetlana.  "Looking forward to seeing the boys dance together!"

"On that note I'll be turning in for the night," Akiros says, weirded out.

"For once we agree," Keston says.

The following morning's festivities are soon interrupted by very noisy moaning coming from Auchs.  When approached, it becomes clear he's in tears.

"What's the matter?" Joey asks.

"I wunna play too!  But I'm tied up!  I'm sorry I was bad!  I'll do anything to make up for it!  Just let me play too!"

Joey is left speechless.
Tread
player, 166 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:25
  • msg #498

Re: Kingmaker

Tread has a decision to make. Auchs could hurt people even if he doesn't mean to, much more if he DID mean to. He's clearly an evil man, if simple-minded. Tread wonders how much "showing mercy" plays here. Would it be cruel to leave the mentally challenged guy to not play? Or would it be justice? After all, being locked up is the consequence of being a murderer. Still...

Eli says, "I have a brand new spell I was going to try out between activities anyway. I can read his thoughts."

Tread glances at Eli. "....you're kidding. Right?"

Eli gets a determined look on his face and begins doing some arcane gestures, casting Detect Thoughts.

Range: Everyone in a 60' cone in front of Eli must succeed a DC 17 Will save or Eli can read their surface thoughts.
Scott
player, 92 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:31
  • msg #499

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott was in the cone.  Unfortunately, deep thought was not on the table at the moment.  So enjoy this mental image of a desktop ball clacker with fist themed balls.  Punching eachother.  Forever.
Joey
player, 196 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:38
  • msg #500

Re: Kingmaker

Joey's surface thoughts are, "Is this guy for real? sure is convenient eli can read his mind to make sure."

Auchs's thoughts match his words exactly.  Except he's also wanting to hug his teddy for comfort.  The only evil thoughts are that he's angry at not being allowed to play.  He wants revenge for that.  On everyone.  "But if I break these ropes and smash the mean people who won't let me play, then they'll be dead and I won't be able to play!  Also, they're stronger than me.  Argh!"
Eli
player, 188 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #501

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "He actually means what he's saying. He knows if he smashes anyone, he won't have anyone to play with. He also wants his teddy." He glances at Scott. "......wha?"

Tread says, "I will only allow it if everyone else is OK with it."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Tue 15 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 93 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 07:51
  • msg #502

Re: Kingmaker

  "It's okay Eli, my mind is a mystery even to itself some days."   He considers the request for fuzzy.  "This isn't one of those Teddy bears with a knife hidden under the head is it?  Though if it's just a teddy bear can't see the harm... except for him getting angry at people he thinks stole it wasn't it?" 

OOC: I can't remember where I saw that, just that I have.
Joey
player, 197 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 08:03
  • msg #503

Re: Kingmaker

"Well we have been looking for people who are legitimately sorry and want a chance to redeem themselves," Joey says, looking through the bandit personal gear to find the teddy.

He squeezes it a bit to check for knives and finds none.

"Behave yourself, Auchs," Joey says, "And you can have teddy and play.  But if you hurt someone on purpose you'll go right back to being tied up.  Understand?"

"Yes!  Yes!  I understand!  You're the boss now!  I do what you say!  I can play!  Yaaaay!"

Joey sets the teddy down next to Auchs and unties him.  He immediately hugs his teddy, smiles his stupid grin, and wipes his nose.

"Hide and seek?  I'm good at finding things!"
Tread
player, 167 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 22:51
  • msg #504

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is kind of dumbfounded, but shrugs and continues to take part in festivities. She goes to have some one-on-one with Svetlana to let out her girl. Of course, making points of how wonderful it is to have the Leventons as constant reminders that not everything is out to kill her group.

Eli smiles brightly and finally lets his playful side show as he giggles and runs and plays like a normal boy should. He actually seems more interested in playing these simple, childish games for the time being than he is in studying. Granted, he hasn't had the chance to actually play anything with other children in months, and Auchs is providing Eli with "another child" to play with.

Noticeably, Auchs' lack of intelligence doesn't seem to bother Eli, or even evoke teases from him. The boy doesn't take advantage of Auchs and just has fun.

At one point, Tread is curious to see how the men measure up in a strength contest, but is sure to quietly suggest it to Joey and Scott first, adding that she's honestly afraid Auchs might seriously injure someone things like arm wrestling, so maybe weight-lifting. Should Tread be confronted about entering the contest, she seems very bashful about the idea.
Scott
player, 94 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 23:01
  • msg #505

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott looks to Akiros and asks "Okay, you've spent the most time with the guy.  He seems a bit off but you did think they were worth convincing to join us.  Anything to worry about?" He's mostly worried about how poorly the guy may take being found, or unable to find Eli.

  On the subject of strength shenanigans, Scott is okay with it, even if he's fairly sure what the results will be outside of wrestling (hi grapple check bonus).  "The big guy would probably take an arm through the table and off a shoulder though, yeah."
Joey
player, 198 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 23:25
  • msg #506

Re: Kingmaker

It takes effort to not take advantage of a person as dim-witted as Auchs, but he seems to have fun regardless.  Probably because he hasn't grasped the concept of losing a game.  So far, he seems to be relatively harmless so long as one understands his lack of knowing his own strength.  Eli being as smart as he is, the worst that happens is a bucket being crushed when the huge man playfully attempts to sit on it which he's quick to apologize for.

Svetlana of course is also very happy for the feminine company given that she seldom has any, the traffic that passes through the trading post being mostly male.  But she has her tomboy side and would love to see Tread out-muscle the men.

Akiros seems rather surprised at how well Auchs is getting along with Eli.  "I did?  I was angry about Dovan taking advantage of him and trying to force us to kill each other, but Auchs enjoys hearing the screams of his torture victims.  I didn't think he was redeemable at all.  But watching him today... apparently all you have to worry about is giving him orders that are unclear.  Tell him to hold a prisoner, he might crush them unless you tell him to not hurt the prisoner.  Left to his own devices I'm sure his sadistic side will surface.  So yeah.  Arm wrestling is probably right out.  He almost makes me think of what it might be like to own a pet bear."

Though if put to any test, Auchs is hands down the strongest in the group.  Joey will politely decline any challenge claiming physical strength isn't his thing any more than wizardry is.  But he'll participate with cheerful, festive singing and dancing.
Eli
player, 189 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 23:37
  • msg #507

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is definitely impressed with Auchs' strength and claps for him. She comments to Svetlana about how unsurprised she is that Auchs was strongest. Eli takes part in the strength contest, falling on his butt from lifting a hay barrel that Svetlana could probably easily handle. But the boy giggles. Seems he was in it just to have fun.

Aside from being given torture victims, Eli is probably the most fun Auchs has had. The only other thing to set Eli apart is that the boy is very nice to Auchs. Granted, Dovan was probably nice to Auchs in a sadistic, using sort of way, so chances are Auchs can't tell the difference besides Eli not calling him names.

Tread stands near Akiros and says, "You know.. Auchs is in a special position. I heard you say he's sadistic, but he likes taking orders and playing simple games. I don't believe torture to be moral, but I've heard it can sometimes be very needed in order to save entire kingdoms. I dunno... it's hard to think of him as bad, seeing him this way, even though I know better."
Scott
player, 95 posts
Tue 15 Oct 2013
at 23:58
  • msg #508

Re: Kingmaker

 "A pet bear would probably be worse...  Unless Auchs has been known to have a biting problem in the past?"

  Today's lesson.  Rural wife can snap a wizard in half if they want to.

  "I think part of why teaching him about proper restraint and why violence is wrong will be so hard, will be how hard it is to explain that sort of thing in the first place, let alone to those who are in their current situation because you hit them really hard."

  He sighs,  "As for torture if we had to turn to that...  Just causing someone suffering isn't the same as hurting them just enough to get them to cooperate.  But then most people who have that sort of staff on a permanent basis keep them around for when they don't care what the truth is.  They just need someone screaming enough that it sounds like admitting to accusations.  The 'good of the kingdom' can mean many things."

EDIT:  #8  http://www.cracked.com/article...ds-ever-uttered.html
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Wed 16 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 199 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 00:18
  • msg #509

Re: Kingmaker

"Only biting incident I can recall was when someone on a dare flicked Ox's nose," Akiros answers, "I'll leave the moralizing to you all.  I'm far from an authority on the topic.  Right or wrong, I can see Ox as useful.  The Stag Lord kept him around for good reason.  And since he and Dovan have preconditioned the man to understand obeying authority, there's a good chance he'll be just as good or evil as the one giving the orders."

"Auchs useful, yea!" the big guy interjects, "I obey good!"

"I wonder..." Joey says, saying the familiar prayer he's used before to detect evil.  He looks disappointed with the results and sighs.

"Say Auchs.  I want to teach you something.  It's called 'prayer.'  It might help you be even more good."

"Uh... I not so good at learning.  I'll try."

"I'll repeat the lesson as many times as you need."

"OK."

Joey teaches Auchs a simple "I want to be a good boy" prayer for children and Auchs repeats it with a stupid smile.
Tread
player, 168 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 00:21
  • msg #510

Re: Kingmaker

Far be it from Tread to interrupt such a thing.

Eventually, though, as the day wears on, Eli falls asleep in Tread's arms. He had expended more physical energy than he's used to and wore himself out. Tread heads for bed and bids everyone a good night.
Scott
player, 96 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 00:26
  • msg #511

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods,  "Worth trying at least.  Certainly better than just standing back and watching what would happen otherwise."

  He nods to Tread carrying Eli, and says "Hope you both sleep well.  I think I'll hang about a bit more to enjoy a night where that doesn't mean keeping watch."
Joey
player, 200 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 00:35
  • msg #512

Re: Kingmaker

Keston insists that Auchs be tied up for the night just to be safe, but since play time is over Auchs doesn't object much.  The night passes peacefully and the following morning promises good weather for travel.  Keston and his men have decided to stay behind to make sure the prisoners can't escape and harm the Leventons.

After the usual morning pleasantries, Joey asks the group, "So we're going to be taking Auchs with us, then?"
Tread
player, 169 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 00:40
  • msg #513

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I'd rather not have to worry about him running off or hurting us in our sleep. Here, eyes are kept on him and he'll be obedient. Hopefully to the point of helping Oleg with chores. He has certainly proven he can obey orders."

Eli says, "Svetlana and Jhod can keep helping him learn how to be nice. If he comes with us, he'll only get reinforced the idea that violence is good."
Scott
player, 97 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 00:45
  • msg #514

Re: Kingmaker

  "I agree with Tread here.  On the job training is one thing, but if we end up in a violent situation being sure what will and will not end up hitting you is pretty important."  After all, if Scott's player can get confused and think random nameless mercenaries are enemies, what hope does Auchs have?

  He nods to Eli,  "Yeah, as much as we keep suggesting otherwise to what we meet, our main problem solvers are forced unconsciousness or death to prevent the same being done to us."
Joey
player, 201 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 01:09
  • msg #515

Re: Kingmaker

"Then it's important we make sure he isn't transferred to Restov with the others," Joey says, "Because he'll be executed for sure if he is."

"But Ox is most useful in combat," Akiros says, "And though his... attention annoys me, I'm willing to put up with him either here or on the road to keep him in line.  Though he seems have taking a liking to you all readily enough.  Maybe it's because he can tell you all don't hate him.  I'd like for him to bond with you more if only so he's not fawning over me as much any more.  Also... he'll likely be trouble if he sees his so-called 'friend' Dovan being hauled off.  Yeah.  The guy is built for violence.  He'll likely be more manageable smashing bears with you than here spilling produce while unloading merchants' carts.  If he throws a tantrum, you all could subdue him without killing him.  Keston and his men I doubt would be so gentle.  Frankly, neither would I.  Whoever keeps him is taking a risk, but if you want him to survive, his best chances will be with you."

Joey frowns, deep in thought.
Tread
player, 170 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 01:14
  • msg #516

Re: Kingmaker

Tread thinks about it. "Alright. I don't want a potential ally and convert to be executed. And I don't want Oleg being troubled when he flies off the handle."
Scott
player, 98 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 01:17
  • msg #517

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, I never thought making someone fight a bear would be the more merciful option.  But then I suspect a lot of stupid things will continue to be true the more time we spend out there."
Joey
player, 202 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 01:41
  • msg #518

Re: Kingmaker

Auchs is very happy to hear he'll be joining the group to go explore the Greenbelt.

"Stag Lord never let me go anywhere fun."

Joey says a lot of prayers before and during the excursion.  Svetlana offers to give the fangberries to Bokken and let him know who went to the trouble of picking them for him.  About noon, as the group is exploring the forest, the group comes upon a clearing...

quote:
A large patch of delicious moon radishes grows in an
arrowhead-shaped clearing here.
Creatures: The radishes are a particular delicacy among
the kobolds of the region, and the first time the PCs come
upon this area, they find foursix moaning kobolds lying on
their backs in the center of the patch, bellies full of the spicy
roots and three overfilled baskets of the same lying nearby.
The kobolds ate too many radishes as they gathered them
and are now sickened, but not so sick that they don’t shriek
and clamber to their feet if they see people approaching.
Normally cowardly, the foursix kobolds fight to the death to
defend what they think of as their radish patch.



Quest XP for fangberries: 100/PC.  Boot button XP for kobolds: 100/PC.
Tread
player, 171 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 01:52
  • msg #519

Re: Kingmaker

After STOMPING the kobolds, Tread just looks down at the bodies of the kobolds. "I'm beginning to think either the Greenbelt has a curse that forces people to be retarded, or forces people to be violent to the point of retardation." she pauses. "Correction: Not just people; Living things. Maybe that 'somehow more violent than normal bears' creature is central to such a curse..."

Eli begins to speak, "I could do some... calculations..." but gets shy when attention is drawn to him.
Scott
player, 99 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 02:03
  • msg #520

Re: Kingmaker

  "That was kind of sad."  Scott tried to just knock them around, or convince them how stupid it was/they didn't care about their radishes or candles.  But no, one even tried to flop over and bite him after Scott had broken their arms and legs.

  "Auchs, you actually gave up and know dying is bad.  Would you have thought trying to kill people, or fighting to the death over your favorite snack was a good idea."

  To Eli, he comments "If you could actually figure that out, that would be great." If it turns out to be something like 'Feywild did it because nature I guess', he may be tempted to just wander off.

  Then come back with as many sources of fire as possible.
Joey
player, 203 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 02:16
  • msg #521

Re: Kingmaker

"Snack?" Auchs answers, "No.  I gave up because you're all scary.  And I was hurt.  And Joey said he'd heal me."

Akiros finishes off whatever survivors there were unless prevented from doing so.

"This is pretty normal for the Greenbelt.  I've gotten used to it."

Joey gathers up some radishes and gets ready to move on.  "Could be the reason this place has resisted attempts to tame it in the past.  Those who tried to wound up just as crazy as the natives...  That's a sobering thought."

"Mm... Nah.  I'd say all the bandits were plenty crazy before they came to the Greenbelt.  I haven't noticed anyone get more crazy over time... well... except the Stag Lord.  But always just figured that was due to the alcoholism."
Tread
player, 172 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 02:27
  • msg #522

Re: Kingmaker

Tread frowns. "No way. Every living being we've come across in the Greenbelt that attacked us had in no way had any good intention for this place ever. I may be a bit less hunky-dory than when I entered the Greenbelt, but I'm in no way crazy."

Eli says nothing, staring at the dead bodies with a vacant and somewhat fearful look.
http://www.counselling-leeds.c.../Fearful%20child.jpg
Scott
player, 100 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 02:33
  • msg #523

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'm not an expert on wildlife, but I am surprised to learn that Elks are normally bloodthirsty."

  This time around, Scott moves over to comfort Eli. "We tried Eli.  You've made it this far, I know you will always care about lives even if you do ever get used to us taking them."

  Getting used to people so suicidally violent they cracked their own skull trying to headbutt his knees is a different matter.
Joey
player, 204 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 02:59
  • msg #524

Re: Kingmaker

"Only elk I've met in person were all hostile," Akiros says, "But then I've never met an elk from anywhere else but the Greenbelt, so I can't say how different they are."

Joey goes for his typical cuddles to comfort Eli.

"I may not have met any elk in person before this, but from what I've learned they're supposed to be generally shy, gentle creatures."

"So I heard before I met any."
Eli
player, 190 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 04:19
  • msg #525

Re: Kingmaker

Eli smiles at Scott. "Thanks..." Upon hearing people talk about elk, he says, "There was the fact that the Stag Lord's dad was an evil druid. Maybe he caused nature in this area to go bonkers, or preconditioned it to not trust anything on two legs."

Fun fact! Eli may not call himself an expert on nature, but he actually is. Because he oft studies it in awe of its mechanical properties.

Tread says, "Well maybe we'll find a way to fix things while we explore. Until then, it can't be helped that we defend ourselves."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Wed 16 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 101 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 04:28
  • msg #526

Re: Kingmaker

  "If that's true, than Nugrash's sect is very very bad at this whole 'punish your unnatural heretic' thing."  He's using unnatural magics!  Kick him out so he can make an entire forest go unnaturally hostile!

  Though he wouldn't be surprised if the wildlife had been made less violent by dark magics.
Joey
player, 205 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 04:45
  • msg #527

Re: Kingmaker

"Elks are bad," Auchs informs, "They try to kill you."

"At the very least we've been given the impression that the bandits weren't popular," Joey says, "Here's hoping our grig friends spread the word about us."

The rest of the day's exploration and the night that follows are uneventful.  At about noon the next day the group is approached by a Grig lady and her fairy dragon friend.  http://kingmakercampaign.pbwor...f/Tyg-Titter-Tut.png  http://kingmakercampaign.pbwor...036400/Perlivash.png

"Hello, nice bigginses!" she says merrily, "We've heard of you!"

"You're the ones who killed the Axe Bandit, aren't you?" the dragon says, "With the hand flag."

What was supposed to happen:
The fey have a strong presence in the Stolen Lands,
although in the northern reaches of the Greenbelt,
where the land is regularly traveled by human bandits,
trappers, hunters, and explorers, they are less common.
Yet one creature in particular, a grig named Tyg-Titter-
Tut, has always lived in the northern Narlmarches,
sharing her tree with her close friend, the faerie dragon
Perlivash. The two small creatures have long enjoyed
taunting, teasing, and occasionally frightening the
human “bigginses” they encounter in the woods. Once
in a great while, their pranks turn deadly (see area E),
but never without proper cause.
The two creatures’ nests are high in a fir tree at area F,
although the PCs are likely to encounter the duo even if
they don’t make the DC 25 Perception check to notice the
two nests 40 feet up in the tree’s branches.
Creatures: Tyg-Titter-Tut and Perlivash are hard at
work playing tag high in the leafy canopy when they first
notice the PCs. You can have them encounter the PCs at
any point in the northern Narlmarches, but you should
strive to have them run into the PCs before their nests or
the bandit camp at area K is encountered.
At first, the two take the PCs for bandits. Being
cautious, they spy upon the PCs for a bit, following
them about and keeping close inspection upon their
mannerisms and belongings. They take care never
to approach closer than 30 feet off the ground
and follow the PCs as stealthily as they can.
While doing so, Tyg-Titter-Tut playfully
challenges Perlivash to a small wager to see
which of them can pull the most jokes
upon these bigginses without
getting caught.
For the next few days, these two trail the PCs and take
turns playing their pranks at a rate of once per creature
per day (for a total of two pranks per day). The longer the
game continues, the more outlandish the pranks become
as each one attempts to outdo the other. However, these
goodly creatures also keep watch over the PCs, even as
they sport with them. Should an untimely encounter
threaten the PCs, the pair aids the PCs as best they can,
but expose themselves if doing so is the only option to
save a PC’s life.
As the pranks continue, a DC 15 Knowledge (nature)
check is enough to confirm that the pranks are likely
caused by mischievous fey creatures. A PC who wishes
to make contact with these unseen tricksters can try to
stay alert and catch one in the act of pulling a prank
(a difficult task for low-level PCs), but the successful
Knowledge (nature) check also reveals that trickster
fey can often be befriended with bribes (although fey
generally think of these as gifts, eschewing the ugly
word “bribe”).
Gifts of shiny bits of jewelry, alcohol, sugary food,
and potions are particularly useful, although items
that incorporate cold iron are generally hated. Each
time a PC leaves a gift, he can make a special Diplomacy
check, modifying the result by +1 for each 10 gp of
value possessed by the gift. Once a gift results in a DC
23 Diplomacy check, that PC is no longer targeted by
pranks. Once all of the PCs in a group successfully give
gifts, the grig and the faerie dragon reveal themselves
to thank the PCs. If the PCs manage to contact the two
before befriending them with gifts, they must make a
normal DC 23 Diplomacy check to befriend the pair.
Perlivash is a small, butterfly-winged dragon with
shining eyes and a quick wit. He is quite fond of doing
loops in the air while flying, sipping wine and mead
(but not beer!), and perching on the heads or hats of
friendly bigginses. Tyg-Titter-Tut is an excitable grig, a
cat-sized fey with the upper body of a waifish humanoid
and the lower body of a cricket. She enjoys music and
can sit for hours listening even to poor performances,
and always has something nice to say about the music
when it ends.

Tread
player, 173 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 04:56
  • msg #528

Re: Kingmaker

Tread squeaks and covers her mouth with her fists. "So cute!" She then calms herself a little, but is still smiling brightly. "Yes! Yes! We want to help the land heal and stop being terrorized. We have killed the bandit leader known as the Stag Lord and taken prisoner all the other bandits! Now we are just exploring and will stop any evil we find."

Eli smiles brightly also, but blushes and hides behind Tread, only peeking to see the two new faces.
Scott
player, 102 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 05:02
  • msg #529

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott waves hello to the tiny people who are not overtly trying to murder them, or scream at them for totally being bandits, or both.  "Less things trying to kill or rob eachother for no reason are always a good thing, yeah."   Or would that be a good lack of thing?  "I don't suppose you'd know of any particular problems still roaming the area we haven't come across yet?"
Joey
player, 206 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 05:15
  • msg #530

Re: Kingmaker

"Hello, nice smallinzes," Joey retorts with a sly smile, "Or would you rather be addressed differently?  My name is Joey, by the way..."

He introduces the rest of the team.  Auchs seems able to tell that these are not enemies and doesn't attack.  Akiros isn't so sure and remains on guard.

The grig giggles.  "You so silly.  I'm Tyg-Titter-Tut and this is Perlivash.  I'll tell you what we know if you make music for us."

"They already kicked out the mean bigginses," Perlavish points out, "You don't have to make music.  But I'll show you my magic breath if you do."

He perches on Joey's head and tells all...
quote:
If the two are befriended, they immediately cease their
pranks and thank the PCs for being such fine sports. The
pair have no love for the bandits in the area, and eagerly
ask the PCs if they’re here to “kick out the mean bigginses.”
The fey know that there’s a camp of bandits at area K, and
can even provide a map (drawn in the dirt) of their campsite
and an accurate list of the number of bandits and their
descriptions. The two also know about the traps in area C,
the radish patch located at area G, the hot springs at area I,
and the location of the Temple of the Elk at area J

Tread
player, 174 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 05:21
  • msg #531

Re: Kingmaker

Tread sings for the pair anyway, "I would sing for you anyway because I'm so happy to find friends out here!"

Eli uses his magic to provide backup music for Tread. Good thing the grig isn't a critic since singing isn't Tread's thing.

Upon hearing about the many bits of information, Tread thanks the pair lots and asks if the two live in this spot so the group can come for visits!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Wed 16 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 103 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 05:34
  • msg #532

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott still stands by the 'at least she's better at it than me' opinion when it comes to Tread's performance arts.  "Thanks for the heads up.  We were looking for that temple, and knowing ahead of time about traps is always a good thing."   Is it a bad sign that when he hears about the hot spring, his first thoughts are about what could be dangerous in the area or what's wrong with the springs, as opposed to how it might be nice?
Joey
player, 207 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 05:45
  • msg #533

Re: Kingmaker

"Yup!" Tyg answer Tread, after applauding and thanking her for the performance, "Come by any time!"

"Watch out for those places," Perlavish warns, "They're all dangerous for bigginses who can't fly."

He flies over to be face to face with the tall human and uses his breath weapon on her!  It looks like a spray of sparkles and is apparently completely harmless.
quote:
Breath Weapon (Su) 5-foot cone, euphoria for 1d6 rounds, DC 12
Fortitude negates. Affected creatures are staggered, "sickened," (the status effect if not the actually feeling of being sick)
and immune to fear effects for the duration of the euphoria.

He then flies over to Eli to give him the same reward for his music.
Tread
player, 175 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 05:54
  • msg #534

Re: Kingmaker

Tread smiles dizzily. Eli also looks dizzy and happy. The two look drunk. Tread says, "Thanks for showing me your beautiful breath... we'll come by again some time!"

Eli grabs at things that aren't there, seeming happy for it. "Yeah... thanks..." he says, apparently having forgotten for the moment that he's supposed to be shy.

The two enjoy being in this state for about half a minute before it wears off and they continue on with the group, waving at the friendly fey!

Tread says, "So how about it? Go to the temple first?"
Scott
player, 104 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 06:00
  • msg #535

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott will ask to make sure Tread and Eli are okay once the tiny sorts are gone.  Considering how easily offended everything is, bringing up the fact Tread looked more coherent when she got drunk than when inhaling sparkles may not be best within tiny earshot.

  "We did set out to look for that temple in the first place, so now that we know where it is it only makes sense to head there first.  I doubt the bandit camp will have moved by the time we get to it."
Joey
player, 208 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 06:07
  • msg #536

Re: Kingmaker

"Sure.  Especially if there's a chance that defeating this bear might make the entire forest less hostile.  So... what was the magical breath like?  You both seemed tipsy."

"I smash bear good!"

"Let Tread take the lead, Auchs.  She has better armor."

"OK."
Eli
player, 191 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 06:13
  • msg #537

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "It was like being drunk, but felt nicer. Being drunk is more.. numbing."

Eli says, "It feels like smoking marijuana."

Tread looks down at Eli. "...you KNOW what that is like?"

Eli says, "Well kind of. Gnomes smoke all kinds of things and sometimes the room will fill with marijuana so I'd be breathing it and eventually get the sensation they bragged so much about. I'm working on a spell just like what that breath did for us!"
Scott
player, 105 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 06:17
  • msg #538

Re: Kingmaker

  "Seems to wear off faster too at least.  Just wanted to make sure."  He looks to Eli,  "So, does casting a spell like that get easier or harder if you're already feeling that sort of thing?"
Joey
player, 209 posts
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 06:20
  • msg #539

Re: Kingmaker

Joey snorts about Eli being a former pot-head, but makes no comment about it.

"Smoking bad," Auchs informs.

Akiros just chuckles.  "Raised by gnomes?  Wow."
Eli
player, 192 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 16 Oct 2013
at 06:35
  • msg #540

Re: Kingmaker

Eli nods and says, "I sure miss them..."

Tread looks down at Eli, picks him up and carries him for a while, petting his hair. "I miss the sea. You ever been on a boat, Eli?"

Eli headshakes.

Tread says, "Then I gotta take you sailing some time."
Scott
player, 107 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 05:15
  • msg #541

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott wonders how Tread manages not to hit her head anywhere but standing on the top decks of a ship.  "I think the closest to swimming any of us have done in a while has been crossing that river.  Something more pleasant related to water would be nice."
Joey
player, 210 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 05:39
  • msg #542

Re: Kingmaker

Joey just can't picture Tread as a sailor in spite of her apparent affinity for alcohol, though her being tall could come in handy for quite a number of things on a ship.

"You're a sailor, Tread?" Joey asks, not veiling his surprise, "I think I'd like to go sailing with you too.  I've never even been to the sea much less sailed."

"Rain is nice," Auchs comments.

Akiros remains silent.
Tread
player, 176 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 17:26
  • msg #543

Re: Kingmaker

Tread giggles. "The water is entirely too cold to swim in for now. But if we find those hot springs, if it isn't too hot, and there's ample room to swim, I'll be more than happy to show you how to swim. But yeah... when we're done with the Greenbelt, I'm TOTALLY taking you all sailing!"
Scott
player, 108 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 17:35
  • msg #544

Re: Kingmaker

  "Despite certain sterotypes, I do not picture myself standing underneath a waterfall meditating anytime soon compared to looking forward to warm and calm waters."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:36, Tue 22 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 211 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 19:19
  • msg #545

Re: Kingmaker

"Sounds like fun," Joey says with a smile, "And with Eli's handy drying magic, we won't even need to worry about swimsuits or anything.  So what's it like being a sailor?  Were you fishing?  And where was it you sailed to and from?"
Tread
player, 177 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 19:31
  • msg #546

Re: Kingmaker

Tread answers, "Mom and Dad were part of a crew to a cargo ship. I grew up as much on the ship as I did on the ports we visited. I learned how to help out around a ship and the ins and outs of not only ships, but also a bit about international trade. We weren't a fishing boat, but we fished. Was a great way to cut food costs, after all. Sometimes, we found discarded junk. And sometimes, discarded treasure. Like a intricately carved wooden box, or torn clothing."

Tread paused a moment, looking at the others. Then looks at Scott. "...Stereotype? Who stands under waterfalls?"
Scott
player, 109 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 19:36
  • msg #547

Re: Kingmaker

  Pleasant aspects of a nice girl's past, definitely beat the usual subjects these days.  "Oh, apparently some Monks do that or something.  I'm a bit hazy on the why, or if they even do so.  Not like there were any waterfalls around where I was raised as it is."  And yet you have swimming trained anyways.
Joey
player, 212 posts
Tue 22 Oct 2013
at 23:18
  • msg #548

Re: Kingmaker

"Hadn't heard about the waterfall thing, but it sounds like it would look impressive, so maybe that's where the legend comes from.  Sounds like an interesting upbringing, Tread.  How did you wind up an adventurer?"
Tread
player, 178 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 04:52
  • msg #549

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I decided to. When I became an adult, I thought I'd go try the life of adventuring to see if, indeed, this is what the gods intended for me. While I certainly miss the sea, I can tell I'm needed out here."
Scott
player, 110 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 04:58
  • msg #550

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well the world is likely better off for it, though I do hope you get to see your family again sooner rather than later."  He shrugs, "I just sort of wandered into it, after being kicked out to fend for myself."
Joey
player, 213 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:04
  • msg #551

Re: Kingmaker

"Goodness," Joey says of Scott's story, "Harsh."

He smiles at Tread.  "I can see the gods taking a special interest in you.  You certainly are exceptional."

The thick tangle of brambles gives way into a large clearing
in the woods, its border partially defined by ruined stone
pillars. The western face of the clearing is dominated by a
looming, upthrust ridge of rock, nearly 300 feet across and
rising to a moss-topped height of 100 feet at the center.
The side of this towering boulder facing the clearing has
been carved in the likeness of an immense elk, its antlers
drooping down from its weathered face to frame a 50-foot-
wide cave entrance. A flight of stone steps leads up to this
cave entrance from the forest clearing—both the steps
and elk face feel quite old and are thickly encrusted with
layers of moss. A 50-foot-long oval pool sits in the middle
of the clearing, its waters thick with algae.

The water in the pool is foul and stagnant. A DC 10
Knowledge (religion) check establishes the entire site as
a shrine dedicated to Erastil, although also one that has
long since fallen into disuse.

Eli
player, 193 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:14
  • msg #552

Re: Kingmaker

Eli has a glance around and says, "This is the shrine Jhod wanted us to find." He closes his eyes and says a quick prayer to Erastil. "So all Jhod wanted was the location... right?"

Tread says, "Technically. But there is supposed to be a crazy bear protecting the area."

Eli says, "....I could try putting it to sleep?"
Scott
player, 111 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:20
  • msg #553

Re: Kingmaker

  "That would be nice if you could manage to make the fight easier.  Though even if we didn't slay it like we were asked to, do we really want to set a literally cursed bear loose in the woods?  The owlbear was just naturally violent, this one sounds more like driven to kill... more than usual."
Joey
player, 214 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:24
  • msg #554

Re: Kingmaker

"Titter-Tut did warn that the bear should be considered dangerous.  If we can't find a way to remove whatever curse it is under, we should probably put it out of its misery."

Joey advances slowly, spear at the ready.  A powerful roar emerges from the cave and a bear appears from the darkness within!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Wed 23 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 179 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:28
  • msg #555

Re: Kingmaker

Eli activates his forcefield and moves forward.

Tread cautiously moves forward, moving just ahead of Joey.
Scott
player, 112 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:33
  • msg #556

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott follows along, ready to once again commit the insane action that is 'punch bear in the face'.  Though at least, that course of action was more sane than 'die to insane bear', even if it was still a possibility.
Joey
player, 215 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:37
  • msg #557

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros and Auchs also move to the front line.  The bear rushes the group!  Joey pokes it with his spear!
Tread
player, 180 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:47
  • msg #558

Re: Kingmaker

Swing and a miss for Tread. And the bear resists Eli's spell.
Scott
player, 113 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 05:53
  • msg #559

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott attempts to punch the bear, but somehow manages to completely miss a large and charging animal.  He is silent for a moment, before mailing subtlety to Abudabi and BEAR WRESTLER!  "Tap out you stupid bear, tap!"

  Scott has the bear in a headlock.  What.
Joey
player, 216 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 06:02
  • msg #560

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros and Auchs take the opportunity to stab and club the bear good!  The bear claws Scott badly, nearly dropping him in one hit!  But Joey reaches over and heals him back to near perfect health with a cure spell!
Tread
player, 181 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 06:03
  • msg #561

Re: Kingmaker

Tread stabs the bear, only to be followed up by Eli putting the bear to sleep!

Eli waves his hands and mumbles arcane words and the bear just collapses.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Wed 23 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 114 posts
Wed 23 Oct 2013
at 06:06
  • msg #562

Re: Kingmaker

  "And nothing of value was lost... Except a lot of my blood, thanks again Joey."
Joey
player, 217 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 01:29
  • msg #563

Re: Kingmaker

"You're welcome, Scott," Joey answers, "I wonder what on earth the story is with this bear anyway."

He begins to bind it with rope.

"Why tie it up?" Auchs asks, "Aren't we going to kill it?"

Akiros sighs and just assists in the tying.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Sat 26 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 194 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 01:32
  • msg #564

Re: Kingmaker

Eli gladly helps wherever he can and uses prestidigitation to clean people of their battle grime (whether from blood or sweat).

Tread says, "We have a habit of keeping our enemies alive until we get all the answers."
Scott
player, 115 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 01:35
  • msg #565

Re: Kingmaker

  "Tread has a point there... Though, do we even have a way of getting answers from a crazed maul first roar questions later bear?"
Joey
player, 218 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 01:45
  • msg #566

Re: Kingmaker

"Doubtful.  But worth a try.  I won't be able to remove curses until I become significantly more powerful in my faith."

Joey prays then wakes the bear.  The bear struggles against its bonds and roars in anger.

"If you are able to understand me, just nod.  We do not wish to kill you if it can be helped."

The bear just struggles and roars.

"Bears don't talk," Auchs points out.

Akiros is wary, watching the ropes for signs of breakage.
Tread
player, 182 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 01:53
  • msg #567

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "Lemme try something." He creates fake food and tosses it at the ground in front of the bear to see if it will notice and eat.*

Tread says, "That's right, Auchs. Bears don't talk. But this bear is curse, so we don't know what to expect..."

If the bear eats the fake food, Eli says to the bear, "Do you remember kindness? Peace?"

*OOC: The food provides no nutritional value, isn't even organic, and will vanish soon after it's eaten anyway. But to a creature who doesn't know any better (even intelligent humans), it still tastes like "food".
Scott
player, 116 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 02:09
  • msg #568

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott would like if this worked, but is more expectant that the Bear dislikes any food that doesn't scream during mealtime.
Joey
player, 219 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 02:17
  • msg #569

Re: Kingmaker

The bear continues to struggle, seeming uninterested in the food.  Joey stares at it then casts his familiar detect evil spell.

"It's not evil.  I don't have any more ideas."

"I want to keep it," Auchs says.

Akiros facepalms.  "It's a bear for goodness' sake!  There's no taming it!  There's only putting it out of our misery!  What are you all trying to prove?!  Clearly someone who hates Erastil put a curse on a bear to force it to keep people from this temple!  There's no big mystery here!"
Eli
player, 195 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 02:24
  • msg #570

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I have to agree with Akiros. It really seems to be what it is."

Eli folds his arms. "I'm out of ideas. And this bear is going to kill anyone and anything until it's dead." He looks over to Akiros. "There's no need to yell... we've seen some pretty strange and amazing things. The dead aren't supposed to walk, for instance. And even if they do, they shouldn't be able to mysteriously appear to a location 6-days-travel-by-horse away from where they were instantaneously."
Scott
player, 117 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 02:31
  • msg #571

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is more surprised at Eli's shift into practicality.  Then again, a bear can't beg for mercy as well... Not that most of the people they could have killed then and there even had the chance to do so yet.

  "In this case it felt like a waste of time, really.  Though knowing our luck, if we didn't waste time like this then it would have turned out the other way."
Joey
player, 220 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 02:40
  • msg #572

Re: Kingmaker

Joey raises an eyebrow at Akiros' outburst.

"It's settled, then.  If anyone's curious, I'm not detecting any evil from Akiros either."

He reaches down to cuddle Eli to make sure the boy doesn't have to watch the bear get killed.  Akiros looks greatly offended by Joey's comment but doesn't waste any time in finishing off the bear.

When the Guardian is slain, it makes
an almost human-sounding sigh of relief,
then collapses in on itself, transforming
first into an incredibly old human
man with a look of peace in his eyes,
and then a moment later crumbling
into a skeleton and thence to dust. At
this moment, the entire shrine seems
to grow more vibrant and colorful. The
water in the pool becomes crystal clear


"What the hell?!" Akiros hollers, looking rather nervous, as if expecting an ambush.

"Wow," Auchs says, approaching the pool to stick his finger in the water.
Eli
player, 196 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:08
  • msg #573

Re: Kingmaker

Tread notices what Joey said about Akiros, and then noticed his reaction. For now, she's quiet about it.

Eli was SURE to look when Akiros and the others started reacting all WTF-like. Upon seeing the bear shift into a human, and then fading away, he looks just as shocked. But then says, "....so it wasn't a cursed bear. It was a man cursed to be a bear."

Tread says, "Looks like the man wasn't long for this world, regardless."

She looks around at the changes in awe. "...I'm going to DRILL Jhod until he explains what he's been keeping secret from us."

Eli says, "No need to be loud or mean... just ask him again and I'll cast detect thoughts on him."
Scott
player, 118 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:11
  • msg #574

Re: Kingmaker

  "Yeah, that'd be why we take so much time, even if we weren't successful in it this try.  We check things out as thoroughly as possible when given the chance not wholly from some moralistic point, but because things like this keep happening.  Oh, it's just a bear kill it alrea-wait it was a person."  That said gesturing to the ex bear.

   "I am a simple man Akiros.  Most problems I've solved the same way Auchs would have.  I'll never ask you to hold back when defending yourself, that's a good way to get yourself killed.  But if there is a chance something can be safely solved without shattering a skull with your fist, surprises like this are why we take that chance."

  He sighs "That and after the fact revelations that the Fey or whatever judgmental native entities have been spying on you the whole time, and the only reason they aren't poisoning half your rations and stealing the rest is from acting like a storybook hero instead of purely through common sense.  A lot of dangerous things don't care how good you really are Akiros, only if you look the part."
Joey
player, 221 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:19
  • msg #575

Re: Kingmaker

Since no one stopped him, Auchs winds up touching the water.

"Ooooh," he says, sticking his wet finger into his mouth with a wide-eyed smile.

"Being repeatedly mistaken as bandits, for example,"
Joey agrees.

He says a prayer for the spirit of the old man, whoever he was.

"I'm going to search this place for any more clues."

As he heads for the cave, Auchs starts drinking large gulps from the water.

"This feels good!"

Akiros was going to clean the blood from his sword, but finds that it's already clean, so he just sheathes it.  He then answers Scott, "They can go to hell."
Tread
player, 183 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:26
  • msg #576

Re: Kingmaker

"And they just might if they kill enough heroes." Tread answers Akiros. "In the meantime, be sure we have your back. Anyone trying to kill you is going to have to get through all of us." She smiles endearingly from Joey to Scott. "None of us are alone."

Eli moves over to taste the water, curious what has Auchs so stupefied. Err... we mean what has him so fascinated. Or both.
Scott
player, 119 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:33
  • msg #577

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott shrugs,  "Yeah, can't really argue with that Akiros.  I wouldn't be surprised if people like that would have just taken you out once the Stag Lord wasn't a problem anymore."

  He looks to Eli, and asks "Anything of note beyond the cave water looking less natural Eli?"  Hey, super pure crystalline waters aren't exactly the norm in nature.  Not matter what certain advertisements want you to think.
Joey
player, 222 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:50
  • msg #578

Re: Kingmaker

for 24 hours the waters grant the
effects of a cure light wounds spell (CL
5th) to anyone who drinks directly
from the pool.


Auchs playfully splashes some water at Eli.  Joey returns reading a book.

"I think this explains the story of this place..."

He reads aloud.

Once a small but well-tended shrine to Erastil,
the Temple of the Elk has stood abandoned for many
years since Taldor’s last attempt to occupy this region.
Unfortunately, the last keeper of the shrine went a
little mad after he finally admitted to himself that the
indigenous tribes of trolls, savage humanoids, and other
monsters had “won” and would drive the Taldan colonists
out. Frustrated, the cleric planned to lure a bear to the temple
and sacrifice it in the name of “any who would answer
the call” to aid against the humanoids....


"Blood sacrifice and blasphemy against one's own faith are very dangerous things," Joey explains, "There's no telling who or what might answer the call, and what they might do to you.  Or perhaps an angel of Erastil punished him for offering a forest creature's lifeblood to an unknown power."

Akiros' face goes pale, and he gulps.

"We're done here, right?  Let's go."

He leaves in a hurry.
Tread
player, 184 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 04:55
  • msg #579

Re: Kingmaker

Eli is squealing and giggling, splashing Auchs back, but then follows the others as they head off.

Tread pulls Joey aside, breaking off from the others a little ways and whispers to him. "Joey... did you use your ability to detect evil on Scott, Eli and myself?"
Scott
player, 120 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:01
  • msg #580

Re: Kingmaker

  "While that definitely doesn't sound like a decent thing to do, it seems more like whatever cursed the cleric was more upset at him asking for outside help.  Things probably wouldn't have turned out any better for someone making an offering to Erastil in a temple of Lolth."

  He looks after Akiros, and follows.  No judgmental comments or anything, he's just making sure the man is allright.
Joey
player, 223 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:10
  • msg #581

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros quickly mounts up and takes the lead in order to keep his back to the group.  Joey nods to Tread.

"That's how it works.  I detect the presence of evil in the direction I'm looking, and it lasts several minutes.  It's still on, even now.  You weren't worried any of you three were evil, were you?"

Auchs tries to catch up to Akiros after mounting up.

"You missed the nice water, Akiros!"

"LEAVE IT!" Akiros snaps.

Auchs falls silent.
Tread
player, 185 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:18
  • msg #582

Re: Kingmaker

Tread headshakes to Joey. "No... not worried. Just wanted to tell Akiros you have it on all the time. But had to be sure I was telling him the truth. I think you offended his sense of honor back there by saying you checked him."

Eli follows alongside Scott for the time being. "...Gosh. That guy sounded like me. I sometimes feel like evil just refuses to let anyone anywhere sleep peacefully. I guess the difference is I wouldn't be trying to seek power from evil to defeat evil. I'd be seeking power from my studies..."
Scott
player, 121 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:21
  • msg #583

Re: Kingmaker

  "It's okay Auchs, I don't think it's you Akiros is mad at."  That said, he lets Akiros be for the moment.  He can understand being annoyed at the concept of not only someone staring at you looking for 'Good/Evil Yes/No?' labels, but in trusting those labels more than actions.

  He looks to Eli, and says "I can see that, just like I couldn't see you just blindly going 'hey, whatever is listening works' either.  Though I'm sure you're also learning that unfortunately not everything Good is very nice either."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:37, Sat 26 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 224 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:35
  • msg #584

Re: Kingmaker

"He's always mad," Auchs mutters.

Joey nods.  "Not all the time.  30 minutes once I cast the spell.  But yeah.  I think he misunderstood my intentions.  I wanted to reassure him that in the eyes of holy magic granted by Sarenrae, his time with the bandits had not tainted him.  In his shoes I would have a lot of self-doubt.  But I suppose he has much more self-confidence than I.  Thank you for offering to smooth things over.  I never doubted any of you.  And even if somehow the spell told me someone is evil, that would only tell me a little bit about their basic attitude.  Not whether they've done any evil deeds.  What matters most is a person's deeds."
Tread
player, 186 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:42
  • msg #585

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods to Joey, then hurries her horse to catch up to Akiros. "Akiros. What Joey said earlier, I want you to know he has used the same power on me and the others. He just wanted to make sure to clear any self-doubts you may have had..."

Meanwhile, Eli looks over at Scott. "Have you ever heard the phrase 'Power corrupts?'"
Scott
player, 122 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 05:52
  • msg #586

Re: Kingmaker

  "I've heard it, from the same sort of people who also say knowledge is power.  Why, are you going to stop learning because knowledge corrupts, Eli?"  Scott knows the answer is 'no duh will keep learning', but those two sayings being held with the same respect had always bugged him for some reason.
Joey
player, 225 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 06:02
  • msg #587

Re: Kingmaker

"Self doubts?!" Akiros rages, "The power. is. WORTHLESS!  It won't tell you a darn thing you can rely on!  He'd do well to never EVER trust it again!  Tsh.  Just.  Drop it."

"If power corrupts, then wouldn't all the gods be evil?" Joey asks softly, trying to not react much to Akiros' shouting, "And this whole world plunged into misery?  Power only enables one to more effectively act upon what was already in their hearts."
Tread
player, 187 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 06:16
  • msg #588

Re: Kingmaker

Tread scrunches her face and says, "We don't use it as a crutch, Akiros. Why do you think Auchs is with us when the power says he's evil? You know... Auchs has a point. You're always angry. Why?"

Eli cringes a little from the yelling, then says to Scott, "What? No." and Joey comments on the conversation and Eli says nothing in return. He just kind of ducks his head and looks through his stuff for a book to read as if he had just been scolded.
Scott
player, 123 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 06:25
  • msg #589

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, beyond the power itself is also the fact that it is a matter of believing the one saying they used it.  I trust Joey, but I'm sure there are plenty who would take advantage of being taken purely on their say so."

  Scott doesn't comment on the apparent track record the world has shown since arriving in these parts when it comes to misery and apparent tendency for religious figures of the 'Not Evil' gods to find them so lacking as to turn to such desperate things.
Joey
player, 226 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 06:37
  • msg #590

Re: Kingmaker

"Enough!  No more questions!" Akiros answers.

"Appreciate it, Scott.  Sounds like Akiros had some really bad experience with the spell in the past.  I will try to be as responsible as I possibly can with it."

Joey reaches over to pet Eli's hair and smile at him.

"You're a good boy, Eli.  I love you lots."

"Paladins detect evil," Auchs says, "The others said Akiros used to be a paladin."
Eli
player, 197 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 06:48
  • msg #591

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Just trying to help, Akiros."

Eli looks annoyed at Akiros. He makes a few hand gestures and mumbles some arcane words. But after a moment, he sighs out his nose in a minor hurmpf, then looks over to Joey. "I hope so... so far, all I've had to compare myself to are two extremes. Either people who are nicer than the gods, or people who are more evil than the gods."
Scott
player, 124 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 06:58
  • msg #592

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott has been making sure not to ask Akiros questions, but then either that hasn't helped at all, or one less person asking made things not get much worse.  Of course on that note, is why he doesn't comment at the moment on what Eli is obviously doing.

  "As poor a showing they have had aside from Joey's presence here so far, I really doubt any of us have been that good."
Joey
player, 227 posts
Sat 26 Oct 2013
at 07:15
  • msg #593

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros just grunts and sniffles in reply to Tread, still sure to keep his face hidden to everyone.

Joey gets flustered and doesn't know how to respond to Scott so he winds up just blushing.


"I think of the gods as like royalty with lots of personal power.  Even if they were the world's most accomplished adventurer, a king's influence is mostly from the armies and people that lend him their loyalty.  Even gods have limitations.  They're not all-knowing.  And sometimes even knowing, they don't have the resources or influence to answer every prayer.  So don't think them less good or evil than what's right under your nose simply because they're not present at the moment.  Because if any of them were present, I'm sure you would see just how small the things we've been dealing with so far are by comparison.  Yet I'm sure even our little bit of good would put a smile on the face of Sarenrae and the other good gods."

"I've been a good boy too!" Auchs asserts.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Sat 26 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 198 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 02:47
  • msg #594

Re: Kingmaker

Tread jumps on the chance to encourage good. "Yes you have, Auchs! And we're very happy for it!"

With a tone of flabbergasted amazement, Eli says, "Little bit of good? A little bit of good is sharing your ice cream with a friend. Near-dying several times to clear out banditry from a section of the world to possibly completely shift how the government works across Brevoy and maybe as far as the River Kingdoms? If that isn't a lot of good, it at least isn't little. If you consider what you all have done as little, you and I need to sit in front of a dictionary."
Scott
player, 125 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 02:53
  • msg #595

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott shrugs, "Well, you know.  What we do matters, and we've been dealing with some terrible people.  But things get weird when you compare bandits and land development to 'God of darkness ate all orphans born on a Tuesday' and 'On the third day, kittens were created'."

  Those were valid religious examples right?
Joey
player, 228 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 03:08
  • msg #596

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles at Eli's retort.  "I stand corrected.  But if you'll allow me a clarification, Scott is right.  I was referring more to the relative power and evil of a bandit to an evil god.  But now that you mention it, Eli, we do have a lot of accomplishments to be proud of.  Not the least of which is helping Auchs be a good boy."

Auchs laughs a happy laugh that he was commended.  "Yay!"
Eli
player, 199 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 03:15
  • msg #597

Re: Kingmaker

Eli calms a bit. "...well I think the idea of them being royalty and not being everywhere makes some sense. Thanks for the example."

Tread says, "I didn't really think our exploits so far reaching... gosh."
Scott
player, 126 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 03:20
  • msg #598

Re: Kingmaker

  "For some reason this talk of scale brings to mind a question.  Aside from the trading outpost... What was there for the bandits to rob from?  Hardly anyone seems to come through here."
Joey
player, 229 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 03:30
  • msg #599

Re: Kingmaker

"Good question," Joey answers, "I suppose Oleg might know..."

He glances at Akiros who doesn't offer any insights.

"Pirates," Auchs answers, "We robbed pirates a lot.  They sell their stuff in Restov if they sneak past us."
Tread
player, 188 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 03:46
  • msg #600

Re: Kingmaker

Eli was wondering who else they stole from, yeah.

Tread says, "That makes sense. Stupid pirates..." her tone clearly indicating some familiarity. She looks over her shoulder. "That whole transformation was amazing... and the place became so enchanted after looking so depressing. I hope it still looks that way when Jhod gets there. Speaking of Jhod, I remember Svetlana saying his 'secret' wasn't anything all that special, so I have to assume whatever he's hiding has nothing to do with the fact that bear was a human. Still not forgiving him for not telling me. Maybe after he tells me what his secret is."

Eli says, "Detect. Thoughts."

Tread says, "I know, I know... I'm just still upset that a way to a man's heart is SO through his stomach that literally dying, being mauled by bears, getting shot in the eye, and killing an entire encampment of evil doesn't even compare."

Eli says, "To be fair; Jhod never asked us to do all that."

Tread sighs. "OK. So now that we have "did as you asked" under our belts, topped with "while were at it, we defeated demon bear and un-cursed the land the temple was on", maybe he'll tell us?"

Eli gets a scriggly face and shrugs his shoulders.
Scott
player, 127 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 03:50
  • msg #601

Re: Kingmaker

  "While we do seem to want to try for the best in people, I still wouldn't be surprised if at most we get a thank you."  You saved the temple! ...No, I'm still charging you for cure disease, why?
Joey
player, 230 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 04:09
  • msg #602

Re: Kingmaker

"So there wouldn't have been enough to sustain the bandits here if Restov's underworld weren't buying up stolen goods from pirates," Joey concludes in and angry tone, "And now we've cleared the way for the trade to continue unhindered.  I think I have a job for Keston and his men.  Ambush pirate shipments.  We can use the proceeds to oust whatever corrupt law enforcers in Restov allow this accursed cycle to continue."

"Jhod is bald," Auchs reminds everyone.

"I really do wonder what he's hiding."
Tread
player, 189 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 04:15
  • msg #603

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says in an unsure tone, "Uh... yeah. Jhod is bald."

"I could use detect thoughts on the officials until I find who's responsible." Eli assures.

Tread says, "That'd be useful for directing Kesten and his men in the right direction for where to look."

Eli says, "But we'd also have to ask them condemning questions since the spell really only lets me read surface thoughts."

Tread ohs. "It's OK, Eli. I'm sure just a little detective work will get results. Don't worry yourself over it."
Scott
player, 128 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 04:21
  • msg #604

Re: Kingmaker

  Considering how sensitive Eli seems, Scott isn't sure if he should be worried or hopeful what spamming detect thoughts on corrupt people will show the kid.

  "I doubt things will work out so well there once Eli develops a reputation for digging through people's heads."
Joey
player, 231 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 04:30
  • msg #605

Re: Kingmaker

"Yeah.  Let's keep Eli's spell a secret.  No need to advertise."

The rest of the day's exploration yields nothing of interest.  The night passes peacefully and the day after is also uneventful.  Finally, during the exploration of the next day, the group finds the hot spring mentioned by Tyg Titter-Tut.

i. F rog P ond (cr 3; S tAndArd )
Two hot springs bubble at the source of the Skunk River,
filling the surrounding area with the distinctive odor of
rotten eggs. Despite the smell, the hot springs are really
rather pleasant to relax in.
Creatures: A 150-foot-diameter pond at the river’s
source is home to a pair of 3 giant frogs—these creatures are
aggressive and attack anyone who approaches the pond.
Giant frogs (23)  CR 1
hp 15 each (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 135)

Skunk River: The unfortunate combination of algae
and bubbling geothermal hot springs along the Skunk
River give it a distinctively unpleasant scent of rotten
eggs. This river averages 100 feet wide and 30 feet deep.


Boot button fight.  200xp/PC
Tread
player, 190 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 05:50
  • msg #606

Re: Kingmaker

Eli activated his +1 AC aura as usual, but the others kick the frogs' butts so hard, he doesn't have to use any spells.

Tread is wrinkling her nose. "This place stinks..."

Eli says, "That's the sulphur you're smelling."

Tread asks, "Can you make it smell nice, Eli?"

Eli says, "I can only change the scent on something about your size or smaller, not a whole pond."
Scott
player, 129 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 05:55
  • msg #607

Re: Kingmaker

  "So, are any of us surprised that the 'nice' place the little fey sorts pointed out to us was something like this?"  It's not stereotyping, it said right there in the module they do this sort of thing.

  "Though not anywhere as unsurprising as more wildlife trying to kill us merely for existing."
Joey
player, 232 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 06:05
  • msg #608

Re: Kingmaker

"As I recall the little dragon warned that all the places they knew of were 'all dangerous for bigginses who can't fly,'" Joey reminds, "Though these frogs would likely be dangerous even for them if they weren't careful.  I wonder if the heat of this place could be put to good use in the winter somehow.  Not getting any ideas, though."

He then opens the map and consults with the team where they want to explore next.

"We could head west and explore the open plains that way.  It's the most efficient, but we'll be another dozen days exploring it all before we make it back to Oleg's.  If we head southeast we could spend two days exploring then two and a half days traveling back to Oleg's through already explored territory."
Tread
player, 191 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 06:11
  • msg #609

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I like that idea."

Eli says, "This sure will make for a nice tourist spot once we've rid the area completely of its dangers. I heard hot springs are always an attraction."

Tread says, "If they're all that, should we take a break and try it out?"

Eli says, "Anyone wanting to try it will have to take off their armor or get cooked alive. But I can wash and dry anyone who wants to try..."
Scott
player, 130 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #610

Re: Kingmaker

  "Getting what exploring done that we can per trip does sound like a good idea, yeah."  Gotta get something done between all the 'go X, fight Y' tasks that are actually intended, after all.

  He shrugs,  "Not like I'm any more armored than Eli, though it does make keeping a spare outfit around a lot easier."  It takes a talented warrior to fit their change of plate into the overhead compartment.
Joey
player, 233 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 06:45
  • msg #611

Re: Kingmaker

Joey shrugs and gives the water a try without bothering to take off his armor.

"It's quite nice once you get past the smell, yeah."

Once the group is done playing around in the hot spring, they return to work.  On the 2nd day, 3rd morning, 5th day, 8th morning and night, 9th night, and 10th day, the group encounters 7 kobolds, 5 mites, a warg, a boar, 4 grigs, 1 grig, and 1 bandit respectively.  The grigs are friendly.  Apparently word has gotten around that the bigginses with the hand banner are heroes.  Everything else not so friendly.  The boar and bandit at least have enough sense to try and run away once they realize they're sorely out-matched, but they are unable to outrun mounted heroes for long.

Also, on the 5th day the group finds an ancient burial ground.

B. B ArBAriAn c Airn (h idden )
Amid an overgrown section of blackberries lies a hidden
cairn of stones marking the grave of a long forgotten
barbarian. A DC 20 Perception check is required to notice
the cairn while exploring this hex. The skeleton buried
under the mound of stones was once the son of a minor
chieftain among the Tiger Lords, from a time when that
tribe’s territory stretched all the way from Numeria to the
Narlmarches—patrols from Rostland have forced these
barbarians back to the east, and the majority of their
cairns were toppled and the bodies looted—but this one
has been forgotten, obscured as it is by brambles.
Treasure: Toppling the stones and digging up the body
below takes a good 30 minutes of work. Once exhumed,
the body still wears tattered and rotted remnants of hide
armor, and the skull still displays the crushed-in side
that spelled this barbarian’s doom. Of all the barbarian’s
gear, only a strange ring made of green wood on one
finger seems of interest—the ring depicts an eel and
a frog locked in a tangle. This is a ring of swimming.


But Joey would rather not disturb an ancient grave even if he or Eli detect magic under it.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:46, Sun 27 Oct 2013.
Eli
player, 200 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 06:51
  • msg #612

Re: Kingmaker

Throughout the travel, Tread gives her usual warnings. Obviously, the mites don't care. Eli, of course, does what he can to make sure living stay living. Though he doesn't seem too concerned about killing the boar or other wildlife that can be eaten. Life out in the wilderness is teaching him to care more about being able to eat well off the creatures that mean to kill you, than caring about trying to spare the creatures trying to kill you.

It goes without saying that Tread and Eli befriend and party with the grigs the group comes across.

At the cairn:
Tread and Eli share Joey's misgivings about grave robbing. Tread for the more superstitious reasons, Eli for the more "that's just wrong" reasons. Both for the "are you kidding me?! We've MET a zombie before, unrest in the dead is REAL!" reasons.

....doesn't stop Eli from pointing out there IS something magic under the stones.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Sun 27 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 131 posts
Sun 27 Oct 2013
at 07:08
  • msg #613

Re: Kingmaker

  +10 Bonus speed really helps when catching up with fleeing suspects.  Well, that and other people just throwing/shooting stuff at them.

  "For the moment, I think we should skip digging up some obscure grave.  If it turns out to be something we inevitably need, we know where the place is now at least."
Joey
player, 234 posts
Mon 28 Oct 2013
at 22:44
  • msg #614

Re: Kingmaker

Nevertheless, Joey is sure to comfort the gentle boy whenever the team is forced to slay badguys or wildlife.  He's beginning to believe the rhetoric of all those clerics of Abadar he heard insisting that the only shelter from the hostile insanity that is the wilderness is within the protective walls of a city.  How any druid or ranger ever managed to survive on his own for very long is becoming a greater and greater mystery.

Eventually the group arrives at Oleg's in the afternoon of the 11th of Gozran, about two weeks after they left.  Svetlana immediately rushes to hug Eli and kiss his cheek!

"Oh I'm so happy you're alright!  You all were gone so long, I was worried for you!"

Joey rubs behind his head bashfully.  "Well we got ambitious and decided to explore the open plains west of the Narmarches."

"Well you have a visitor.  And some mail.  Come make yourselves comfortable."
Eli
player, 201 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 28 Oct 2013
at 23:03
  • msg #615

Re: Kingmaker

Eli, of course, was happy to receive comfort from his allies. And Tread, of course, gave comfort as well.

Eli blushes from the kiss and gently hugs Svetlana back. "A visitor...?" he barely expresses.

Tread says, "Lead the way, Svetlana. Sounds like we have some catching up to do."

How do druids survive NATURE solo for so long?
-Animal Companion
-Charm Animal
-And lastly, they do something most parties wouldn't DREAM of: Run Away! (Or stay hidden)
Scott
player, 132 posts
Mon 28 Oct 2013
at 23:09
  • msg #616

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'm surprised anybody sent us mail, let alone came to see us."  Well, unless they wanted something from them.  In which case it would be the most expected thing possible.

  After all, the nobility might get worried if people actually put the non life threatening aspects of their permission slips to use.
Joey
player, 235 posts
Mon 28 Oct 2013
at 23:35
  • msg #617

Re: Kingmaker

The group is taken inside where they are introduced to a well dressed man seated at the table and getting an early start on lunch.  Or perhaps this is his second breakfast.

"Everyone, this is Byrtol Addelworth," Svetlana announces, "He already knows your names."

His clothes are about the only attractive part of him.  Byrtol Addelworth is a tremendous man, in all the wrong ways.  Hugely corpulent, his flesh flows from his body into a virtual puddle of fat.  Threads of greasy black hair frame a round, chinless face.  In one pudgy hand he clutches a half-gnawed pheasant drumstick.

"Ah!  The Greenbelt Explorers!  Much have I heard of your exploits!  Come!  Let us feast and become acquainted!"

He wipes his free hand clean and offers an official looking missive.  Joey takes the offered paper, unseals it, and reads aloud.

"Be it so known that the bearers of this charter, having delivered the
northern reaches of the Greenbelt from the scourge of banditry,
having provided detailed maps of the lay of the land, and having
done no small amount of work in the exploration of said land and the
culling of hostile monsters and indigenous hazards, are hereby granted
right to rule. The nature and laws of rule are theirs to define, and
the wellbeing of this new nation is theirs to protect. In accordance for
providing a stable nation to the south of central Rostland, let there
be a generous stipend of funds, support, and advice provided to this
fledgling nation as a token of Restov and Brevoy’s goodwill, such
that future relations between kingdoms might be mutually beneficial.
So witnessed under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and
by the authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of
the Dragonscale Throne."

This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Mon 28 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 192 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Mon 28 Oct 2013
at 23:46
  • msg #618

Re: Kingmaker

Eli's eyes widen as he looks from the paper to Byrtol and back. He gets weak-kneed, but manages to not faint and goes to sit somewhere as he stares blankly.

Tread's jaw is agape and she says, "...f-fledgling nation? As in... we are the ruling bodies of a new nation?" For the moment, her intent to track down Jhod and give him a thorough talking-to is completely derailed.
Scott
player, 133 posts
Mon 28 Oct 2013
at 23:51
  • msg #619

Re: Kingmaker

  This is the complete opposite of what Scott was expecting.  Even if the declaration of surprisingly benevolent seeming perks was being given by a stereotypical example of depraved nobility (though if the worse they had was an appetite, they were lucky).

  "Well, thank you for coming all this way to deliver this in person, Addelworth. Will you be staying long, or do you have business back north needing your attention?"
Joey
player, 236 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 00:08
  • msg #620

Re: Kingmaker

Joey wears a solemn expression and remains silent.

"That you are, madam," Addelworth answers Tread's question frankly before answering Scott, "I represent the 'advice' mentioned in your charter, so I'll be staying as long as you need me.  Having some experience in founding settlements, I am qualified to answer any questions you may have about your new mission and help you devise strategies.  Of course, my first advice is to take a load off and relax!  You've been traveling in the wilderness for weeks, so you'll be wanting to enjoy some of Svetlana's fine cooking and all the comforts of her hospitality, no doubt!"

"Indeed," Joey answers, taking a seat, "Just how generous is this 'stipend?'"

"Straight to business?  Very well.  You have been granted 50 funding units for the construction of buildings.  Build Points I call them.  Each build point is more efficient if channeled directly to construction, however should the need arise to convert one into spending money, they are worth 2,000 gold apiece.  Though in a new settlement, withdrawls of this sort tend to be problematic, so I recommend against it."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 193 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 00:20
  • msg #621

Re: Kingmaker

Tread takes a seat, as suggested and begins eating, still looking to be in a daze. "That's... that's..."

Eli thinks, 100,000 gold, if all of these build points were liquidated as stated. But I don't think our benefactor would allow something like that when we should be using these to build a settlement., but can't bring himself to say all that at the moment, so all that comes out is "100,000 gold."

Tread says, "Right. So.. where are the workers? The people who will build these buildings? Do they just come along with the materials? Or are we going to be chopping down trees from the nearby woods?"
Scott
player, 134 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 00:31
  • msg #622

Re: Kingmaker

  "Tread raises a good point.  Money, or IOU's for construction do not help if there is nothing to spend it on."  As it was, catapult repair had been right out already, even if the bandit problems were the main cause for that.

  "Even then, it would be good to know just how much more useful are these 'points' compared to real money.  How much more of the construction bill gets covered by comparison?"
Joey
player, 237 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 00:46
  • msg #623

Re: Kingmaker

"Somewhere between thirty to fifty percent more efficient.  You see, what you're getting is the established trade agreements with the various guilds involved in construction that the Sword Lords of Restov have already hammered out after generations of negotiation.  Or to put it more simply, you're taking advantage of their bulk purchase prices.  Now it's generally assumed that as much native raw materials and workers will be used as possible to reduce costs when building a new settlement, but if unavailable the cost of imported materials and workers can usually be balanced out with whatever exports are available.

"I understand you have already discovered quite a bit that could be considered export material.  Your grasslands if converted to farmlands could provide much needed food throughout Brevoy and fetch a good price, fertile land and favorable weather being as scarce as it is.  Also, fur trading is already strong in the region and you could kick off a logging enterprise, especially around that temple of Erastil I understand you were looking to re-establish...  You really should get something to eat.  Business is so much more palatable with a full belly."

"Um... thanks," Joey answers, "I think a bowl of soup will be nice, Svetlana."

"Coming right up!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 194 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 01:01
  • msg #624

Re: Kingmaker

Tread takes off her gauntlets and begins digging in to some of the food that's already present. "I appreciate how helpful you're being. Thank you. It's always good to meet yet another friendly face."

She then ohs! "Oh! Right! So, we wondered how the bandits were living with so few people to steal from. I mean, surely Oleg wasn't single-handedly supporting the entire Stag Lord gang, right? So we asked the two ex-bandits who are helping us. They informed us that the bandits were robbing pirates, who apparently come this way to sell their goods in Restov. I realize, as rulers of a new nation and all, being focused on getting the settlement of the area started is our priority, I thought I'd bring it up to you. We planned on asking Keston and his men to look into it, but I also wanted to let you know about it since you're going to be involved in the Greenbelt now."

Eli immediately uses Detect Thoughts on Addelworth to see if the man is thinking anything about the pirates or has a connection to them. He also won't mind seeing how corrupt or not Addelworth is.

OOC: Addelworth rolled a 13. His will save needs to be a +4 or better to succeed.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 135 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 01:11
  • msg #625

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods at the explanation, it made sense even if it remained to be seen how true the discount scale was.  "I suppose we may end up having to look into who the pirates themselves are robbing, if they are getting their goods from the local area and not just deciding to keep pulling into port where they get ripped off for no good reason."
Joey
player, 238 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 01:33
  • msg #626

Re: Kingmaker

Eli is unable to read the fat man's mind, though his face seems to be expressive enough to show he is impressed with Tread.

"You are most welcome, madam.  Ah yes.  The long lived "exports" of the River Kingdoms.  Yes, you'll likely run into trouble with those ruffians sooner or later and the only negotiation they'll understand will be the sword, no doubt.  Taking a proactive approach of course has it's merits, though I am here to tell you no good deed is without it's cost.  At the very least, while your attention is focused on one issue, another either crops up or worsens elsewhere.  The art of statecraft is prioritizing your efforts in such a way as to maximize results.  Much like the art of adventuring, no doubt.  I do appreciate your consideration in keeping me abreast of your plans and knowledge of current events as it will help me perform my job more to your satisfaction.

"As for whom the pirates are stealing from, I would say anyone and everyone they can reach, no doubt.  From Lake Encarthan to The Inner Sea and beyond, there is much wealth moving about for them to prey upon.  Considering that they are to become your neighbors, you might consider working toward eventually reaching an understanding with them about how unwelcome their unsavory trade is within your borders.  Some rulers instead take the approach of welcoming their trade, which too has both its merits and drawbacks, but you all are unlikely to consider that option, no doubt."

"Indeed," Joey says, "I'm not about to condone piracy any more than I would condone the banditry of those we put to the sword."

"Commendable, commendable!  Your people will love you for your strong convictions!  And at the merest cost of a slight improvement in your economy you might otherwise have gained."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 195 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 01:45
  • msg #627

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I have to admit some excitement at the idea of having such a show of force that a whole crew of pirates will think twice before even trying to challenge us by sword. Having the largest contingent of arms and forces can be the cause of peace when those who would otherwise oppose you are too frightened to bother."

Eli seems surprised at the result. He quickly hides the fact he just cast a spell (Detect Thoughts requires verbal, semantic, and component). Then just stares at the table. His spell hasn't been working lately.

Tread asks, "Say.. where's Jhod? Or for that matter, Keston and the others."
Scott
player, 136 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 01:55
  • msg #628

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott refrains from facepalming, leaving Eli's attempts one facepalm less obvious.  "Pirates likely get away with more than bandits simply from the added difficulty chasing someone across the water compared to kicking the door to their home down." Or having it opened up for you.

  "Still, as much as we want to stop them I suspect there will be many more land based problems we end up having to deal with first, considering we'd need a decent boat to deal with more than ones conveniently docked nearby."
Joey
player, 239 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 02:03
  • msg #629

Re: Kingmaker

"They're outside," Svetlana informs, "I'd offer to call them in for you, but you all simply won't fit inside!"

"No worries, we can go out to them," Joey says.

Addelworth nods.  "Yes yes.  Until your settlement has grown significantly, the men at arms you have at present will suffice, no doubt."

"Would you like to talk to them now, Tread?" Joey asks, ready to follow along if she does.
Tread
player, 196 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 02:08
  • msg #630

Re: Kingmaker

Tread stares at her food. Then stands up. "This is a lot to take in. I mean... I can hardly believe it. So I'm going to take a step back for just a moment and do the mundane things I was used to, like telling people about completing quests they sent me on."

Eli hops to his feet to follow. Tread heads outside. She looks over her shoulder and says, "I'll be back shortly."

She heads off to look for Jhod.
Scott
player, 137 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 02:14
  • msg #631

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott has been dealing with it on a 'will believe it when it happens' basis.  There's a huge difference between being told 'oh, you totally rule the lands' and that sort of thing becoming the case.

  "Thanks again, Svetlana.  Maybe during all this we'll be able to finally get you some help around here."

  Scott joins the 'trail of characters' chain after Tread.
Joey
player, 240 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 02:20
  • msg #632

Re: Kingmaker

"Welcome back!" Jhod says once the group meets up with him and Keston, "So...  Ox tells me you all found the temple and defeated the bear!  I can't tell you how relieved I am!  Thank you so much!"

"Yes we did," Joey answers, "I don't suppose he told you the rest?"

"That the water became clean?  Miraculous."

"And the story behind the bear?"

"Only that it turned into a person then dust.  So strange."
Tread
player, 197 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 02:32
  • msg #633

Re: Kingmaker

Tread has an annoyed look and says, "Stop acting like you didn't know about the bear being a man or the place being under a curse. Don't you think it's time you tell us what you're hiding? We found your temple. We killed a man who may have been a werebear. Pretty much rid holy ground of an unholy entity, considering what followed. It's not that I expect anything because of having to kill people for you, it's just that I have felt hurt at the lack of trust you have for me all throughout my scouting despite all this, and it's eating at me. I honestly don't expect you to care either, but I figured it was worth asking one last time."

Eli is quiet, looking like he wanted to talk, but couldn't. He had wasted his only memorization of Detect Thoughts on some fat man who had the ability to resist it. Which of course, only makes Eli suspicious of Addelworth.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 138 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 02:43
  • msg #634

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott's assumptions of Eli only go so far, but if he knew what the kid was thinking he'd find it sadly amusing Eli was lamenting that digging through people's minds wasn't working out while Tread talks about trust issues.

  "Considering he told us he learned of it from a vision, maybe he's afraid he's next if what he's not telling us didn't put Erastil in a favorable light?"

  Yes! Now that that guy is dead, Erastil will cure my baldness!... Wait, that sounds incredibly petty IS A DIRE PLATYPUS.

OOC: Ooops.  Jhod Trusting the PC's and being friendly with them ICLy does not = Trusting the PC's OOCly, because Module idiocy
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Joey
player, 241 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 03:12
  • msg #635

Re: Kingmaker

"W-what I'm hiding?" Jhod gasps, looking very intimidated, "How would I know about the bear being a person?  I told you what I knew.  Only that something felt wrong about it."

Joey frowns and folds his arms.  "Akiros mentioned about you sounding suspicious.  You said you didn't want to talk about it.  Svetlana said she knew your secret."

Jhod hangs his head.  "Oh.  I-I'm sorry.  You see, I'd been haunted by visions of that place.  Night after night.  I didn't know for sure if it was real or not.  I was worried you'd be angry with me if it were a fool's errand.  Or think me mad for claiming to be seeing visions.  I didn't know anything about the bear being a person!  I swear it!"
Tread
player, 198 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 04:00
  • msg #636

Re: Kingmaker

Tread doesn't know why she's surprised. Svetlana warned her it was no big deal and kind of silly. She pauses a bit before finally sighing. "...I'm sorry. I mean, I trusted what Svetlana said; that it was no big deal. But I guess that's what made it a bigger deal to me. But now that I've heard what it was, it makes sense why you wouldn't want to tell us. Sorry I was so upset with you. In retrospect, my arguing the dangers we were in probably convinced you all the more you shouldn't tell us, given there was a chance the temple didn't exist. Well at least all is in the clear now and you know the temple IS real. I hope you rest well from now on."

Eli is staring at the ground and says, "M... mr.. Jhod. I have a spell that lets me read minds. I was going to use it on you to get the secret. I'm sorry. It's just that the only reasons people have had to keep secrets from us have been evil reasons. The kinds of things I've seen has me really jumpy..." he hides behind Tread.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 139 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 04:10
  • msg #637

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott looks concerned,  "You've been getting visions of this every night?  I'd be careful about your job then Jhod, if Erastil so casually made you suffer hoping someone would kill his old priest faster.  Hopefully now that the temple is more attractive again, they won't care so much."
Joey
player, 242 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 04:20
  • msg #638

Re: Kingmaker

"Not every night, but the visions stopped as soon as you slew the bear," Jhod answers sheepishly, "I'm glad you didn't look into my mind.  You wouldn't find anything there but regret.  Erastil had good reason to punish me as I'm sure he had reason to punish the old priest.  I wonder...  what was the reason for his curse?"

Joey relays what he found in the cave.

"I see.  Erastil be praised.  Poetic justice for us both."

"So what reason has Erastil to punish you, then?"

Jhod gulps.

"It's difficult for me to say, but I suppose if now I've payed my penance in Erastil's eyes..."

In truth, Jhod has been all but excommunicated from
the priesthood after he helped form a lynch mob against a
traveler his home village thought was a werewolf responsible
for several recent killings. Only a few hours after they lynched
the man, the true killer was caught by a hunter and revealed
to be nothing more sinister than a particularly wily worg.
An investigation by the church of Erastil followed, and they
found Jhod’s involvement in the village’s overly aggressive
pursuit of the traveler’s lynching to be actionable. Only the
fact that the traveler happened to be a bandit spy sent to town
to look the place over (a fact that Jhod discovered only after
the man was executed and his belongings were searched)
kept the church from fully excommunicating the priest—
and even then, only if he accepted exile. And so Jhod traveled
from his home in Galt up the Sellen and into Numeria. From
there, his wanderings eventually brought him east into
Brevoy, where he had a particularly vivid dream about an
overgrown temple of Erastil guarded by a huge, angry bear.
Upon waking from the dream, Jhod felt an irresistible tug to
the south, and realized that Erastil had given him a chance
to redeem himself. The tugging led Jhod to Oleg’s Trading
Post.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Tread
player, 199 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 04:31
  • msg #639

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I will let this serve as a warning to me and any who would seek justice too quickly. Thankfully, as careful as we've been about keeping even the vilest of enemies alive and sort things out calmly, I doubt it will be an issue. Still.. I'll not let pride stop me from keeping myself in check. Thank you, Jhod."

She looks at the others. "I think Addelworth had the right idea. I'm going for a bath to relax and let my mind drift. I suggest you all find your own ways to unwind. We can discuss our new responsibilities over dinner."

Eli says, "I'm gonna go study then..."
Scott
player, 140 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 04:39
  • msg #640

Re: Kingmaker

  "At this rate, I worry our caution may end up more out of paranoia than our concern.  Though that would take a while even if things kept up like this."

  He nods to Tread, "A good point, we've been traveling for a while.  Maybe I will try that meditation thing again."

  I AM THE VOICE OF MEDITATION. BALANCE IS ACHIEVED THROUGH EXPLOSIONS. PUNCH EXPLOSIONS. IF TURTLE STYLE WILL CAUSE EXPLOSIONS, JUST IMAGINE WHAT SNAPPING TURTLE STYLE WILL DO.  THAT GOKU IS A PUNK.

  Scott may be very bad at meditation.
Joey
player, 243 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 04:52
  • msg #641

Re: Kingmaker

Relaxing time is relaxing.  Joey keeps Eli company as he studies, unwinding in silent prayer.  Eventually lunch is served outside so there's plenty of room for everyone to sit together.  Addelworth, unable to wait for the meal to be served, holds himself over with snacks until it is.  Once everyone is present and served, Joey addresses the group.

"I've given some deep consideration to what we've learned today and I I've come to the conclusion that it is no coincidence that everything has fallen into place the way it has.  I believe that an angel of Erastil is guiding us to tame whatever taint it is in the Greenbelt that has for so long thwarted any honest settlement in the area.  The fact that this also could help prevent a civil war in Brevoy is more icing on the cake.  Clearly, there will be serious opposition.  Possibly even from beyond.  But that we have been ordained by the heavens to this heroic task is for me a great encouragement."

"Well said, well said," Addelworth agrees.

Jhod and Akiros seem especially solemn.  Auchs claps.  Kheston eyes Addelworth with distain.

Svetlana slips Tread a letter.  "Sorry I didn't give this to you earlier.  I guess I was just so wrapped up in all the amazing news."

The letter is a personal one from her parents telling her they got her last letter, miss her, and want to come visit.
Tread
player, 200 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 05:03
  • msg #642

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "With all the evil concentrated in the Greenbelt, I wouldn't be surprised if it did, in fact, catch the attention of a god or two. Especially Erastil since he had a temple here."

Eli seems to be having an ah-ha moment. "You mean... WE are Erastil's way of fixing the land? I was thinking over how the gods didn't care about this place. Maybe when we've fixed things here, you all can help me find the monsters who destroyed my home."

Tread says, "You bet we will..." she pets Eli. Then looks at the others. "OK. So what's involved in ruling a land anyway? Is it really just as simple as telling people to build buildings? And who's going to rule? I always thought a ruling body had to have one person in charge, but me and my friends are more than one person."
Scott
player, 141 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 05:14
  • msg #643

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott wouldn't particularly mind a God pointing reasonable people in the direction of problems, even if only being there because of that would take away from the worth of their own decision on that matter.  At least it would mean more than the darker forces are willing to throw whatever is available around and see what sticks.

  "For the moment, it will probably be that simple.  There's not exactly much of anything to 'rule' at the moment.  Though when it comes around to it, I doubt we would end up deciding just one of us rules over the rest.  Unless that was the only way Brevoy would legally recognize us or some other political flaw."
Joey
player, 244 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 05:57
  • msg #644

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods to Eli's conclusion.  "I believe so."

Addelworth nods to Scott's guess.  "A mayor is just fine for just a tiny town, but you've been tasked with building a nation and as such, different rules apply.  To be sure, there are many different forms of government, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, but I am only qualified to advise on the building and sustaining of a barony.  Which means that there will be ten positions of responsibility that must be filled, including the baron, in order for it to function properly.  If there are any vacancies in those positions, even if the alternative is appointing someone unsuited for the job, it becomes much, much more difficult for a young barony to remain afloat.  Avoid vacancies.  Very important.

"Buildings represent important functions within a community, so they serve as a marvelous abstraction that serves our purpose of learning quickly how to run a nation.  When looked at from this angle, yes.  Building a nation is as simple as the construction of key buildings.  Once you've assigned people to each of the positions.  Vacancies are very very bad.

"Simplified, three fundamental attributes give a good idea of the overall health of your barony.  Stability, Economy, and Loyalty.  You want each of these to be as abundant as possible, and more so as your nation grows.  The larger the nation, the harder it is to rule.  Good attributes make it possible to rule a small nation, but great attributes are needed for a kingdom.  Bad attributes result in unrest which makes it harder to rule which no doubt results in more unrest and it snowballs until the nation falls apart.

"Now.  Filling those positions should be your first order of business.  I cannot stress enough how important it is that there are no vacancies.  The positions are as follows:

"Baron.  The baron is the primary leader of the kingdom.  It is advised that an inexperienced baron focus his attention on any one of the three attributes in any given month.  As he gains experience and his nation grows, he may split his attention to more, but that is beyond the scope of my lessons.

"Councilor.  The councilor ensures that the will of the citizenry is represented.  He applies his wisdom or charisma to bolster the nation's loyalty.

"General.  The General commands the kingdom’s armies and is a public hero.  He applies his charisma to bolster the nation's stability.  If you cannot find a charming leader, one who has raw strength to spare can be equally inspiring.

"Grand Diplomat.  The Grand Diplomat oversees international relations.  He applies his charisma or intelligence to bolster the nation's stability.

"High Priest.  The high priest guides the kingdom’s religious needs and growth.  He applies his wisdom or charisma to bolster the nation's stability.

"Magister.  The Magister guides a kingdom’s higher learning and magic.  He applies his charisma or intelligence to bolster the nation's economy.

"Marshal.  The Marshal helps organize patrols and enforces justice in rural
and wilderness regions.  He applies his wisdom to bolster the nation's economy.  In the absence of a clever one, one who is deft or especially skillful with a bow will do.

"Spymaster.  The Spymaster observes the kingdom’s underworld and criminal elements and spies on other kingdoms.  He applies his intelligence to bolster any one of the nation's attributes.  In the absence of a smart one, an especially sneaky one will do.

"Treasurer.  The Treasurer organizes tax collection, and manages the treasury.  He applies his wisdom or intelligence to bolster the nation's economy.

"Warden.  The Warden leads the kingdom’s defense and city guards.  He applies his strength or endurance to bolster the nation's loyalty.

"There is an optional, though highly recommended, eleventh position.  I call it the Royal Assassin, but this is just an abstraction.  The Royal Assassin can serve as a public executioner, or headsman.  Their job is to inspire fear.  Doing so will help keep any unrest you may have within your borders to a minimum."

"That's a lot to take in, but it all seems to make sense.  Shall we decide who does what now, then?"
Tread
player, 201 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #645

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Some of these positions are pretty obvious. Eli would be obvious choice for Magister. I could be General, I think. Scott could be Warden. Royal Assassin brought Auchs to mind at first, but I'm still hoping to avoid putting him in a position where he's encouraged to bring pain or suffering. Keston or Akiros interchangeably could have Royal Assassin or Marshal. Oleg would be a good Councilor. I think Joey could make a good High Priest, but Jhod can take that position to free Joey up for Grand Diplomat. But then, who would be Baron?"

Eli says, "You and Joey are leaders. Scott and I tend to be followers. Unless Scott wants to be in charge and I'm totally wrong about him."

Tread asks, "How bad would it be for one person to fill two or more roles?"
Scott
player, 142 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 06:24
  • msg #646

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott shrugs, "Stop committing crimes on our streets, or you will be face first on them?"  He looks to Eli and says "I don't really know much about leading a nation, but then working alongside people isn't quite the same as following them.  Doesn't seem to be a whole lot of middle ground considered by people on that subject though."

 Get in charge or get me coffee, being the usual sort of mindset it seems.
Joey
player, 245 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 06:35
  • msg #647

Re: Kingmaker

"You may not realize it, Eli, but you've been leading me by example," Joey says, "Your compassion and true-heartedness has been inspiring."

"Bad," Addelworth answers Tread, "Each role must be filled by only one person.  The only exception is if the baron is married.  Then his charisma and hers could both be applied to bolster the nation's attributes.  And unfortunately there is no substitute for charisma when it comes to the baron and baroness.  Whomever you choose as your baron must be charismatic."

"I'll pass on the counselor position," Oleg says.

"Uhm... if it'll help... I could try," Svetlana offers, "And Oleg is an excellent bookkeeper.  He could be your treasurer."

"Svet...  Uhn...  Fine."

"I'm good at causing pain," Auchs reminds.
Tread
player, 202 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 18:13
  • msg #648

Re: Kingmaker

Tread looks over the roster so far...

Baron: ?
Councilor: Svetlana
General: Tread
Grand Diplomat: Joey
High Priest: Jhod
Magister: Eli
Marshal: Akiros/Keston
Spymaster: ?
Treasurer: Oleg
Warden: Scott
Royal Assassin: Auchs/Akiros/Keston


Tread asks, "Does anyone want the spymaster position? And who here considers themselves charismatic?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 143 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 18:25
  • msg #649

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'd be surprised if any of us really qualified for that position, even if we did have better luck talking people into not being violent than we do."

  The closest to 'spy' Scott could get would be Action Movie/Game so called spy that did less espionage and more taking out bases full of terrorists by punching them in the back of the head one at a time.
Joey
player, 246 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 18:42
  • msg #650

Re: Kingmaker

"I'd be more than happy to fill the position of baron for you," Addelworth offers.

"Like hell!" Keston hollers.

"What's the matter, Keston?" Joey asks.

"There's no way I'd ever follow that lump of lard!  If he's taking over, I'm done with this place!"

Addelworth unsurprisingly takes offense and sputters.

"Gotta side with Keston on that one," Akiros agrees.

"Don't go, Akiros!" Auchs whines, "You're my friend!"

Akiros raises an eyebrow and almost looks relieved.

"Nobody said he was taking over, Keston.  We're just considering options.  And apparently, that one is not an option for two of us."

"Envy of my station, no doubt," Addelworth concludes.

The two human soldiers glare angrily at him.

"To answer your question, Tread, I have a few spells granted by Sarenrae specifically for helping with diplomacy, so in the absence of any actual charm I may lack, I can make up for it by relying on the goddess."

"Well as I said before, vacancies are more an issue than someone in a position who isn't fully qualified.  You'd do better making your shy child your baron than to not have a baron at all."

"If I may suggest Keston seems to favor the bow, so we could make him our Marshal, make Akiros our Warden, Scott our spymaster, and if needed, Auchs our executioner."
Tread
player, 203 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 18:58
  • msg #651

Re: Kingmaker

"That would still leave Grand Diplomat open." Tread says with a slight tone of disappointment. "For what it's worth, Joey, I will stand behind you as a baron. Certainly qualified for it in my eyes."

"And mine..." Eli adds. "But I'm going to love the position of Magister..."

Tread smiles and scruffles Eli's hair before looking at Addelworth. "I would like to thank you again for your help and for coming all this way. Please don't let the objections bother you. It is good to know, though, that you can fill a position. But none of these decisions are set in stone and we'll all need to think on them a lot. And since Joey is convinced Erastil brought us here, we'll be praying to him for guidance."

There is a knock at the front gateway of the trading post.
Scott
player, 144 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:04
  • msg #652

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'm not sure I'd have a good grasp on proper 'spy' work, even if I end up being most qualified solely by virtue of knowing how to walk slowly.  There's a large difference between punching street criminals or finding a warehouse full of contraband than dealing with elaborate assassination attempts."

  At the knock, Scott stands and says "Guess I'll go take a look who that is."
Joey
player, 247 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:12
  • msg #653

Re: Kingmaker

"Oh, please stay comfortable, Scott," Svetlana requests.

Oleg and Keston head to the door as if they didn't hear Scott's offer and while Keston has his hand on his sword hilt, Oleg opens the door.

Joey blushes, more visible on his human form cheeks because he changed to look human before meeting Addelworth.

"Thank you, Tread.  I'm flattered.  I will do my best until a better choice presents itself."

"Yes, yes," Addelworth agrees, "Any of these positions can be switched out during the appointed time each month for making such decisions.  Very important to fill any vacancies due to illness or other cause of unavailability as soon as possible.  If you like, I can act as your grand diplomat for the time being.  I have some experience in this sort of thing and already serve as sort of a go-between for you and the Swordlords, so it's not much more for me to take on."

Keston and Akiros calm down knowing Addelworth won't be their baron.
Shelly
Player, 1 post
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:23
  • msg #654

Re: Kingmaker

At the gate, a 3' tall, white-furred teddy bear with the tail of a seal smiles up at Keston and Oleg with her hands behind her back (a trident in them), shoulders shrugged and bending forward slightly as if in a slight bow. With a squeak in her voice, the little seabear says, "Hello! I am Princess Shelly Telina Urser of the Urser kingdom, and Oracle of Gozreh! I come on behalf of the oceans to help the heroes of the Greenbelt in any way I can!"

Meanwhile, Tread and Eli are looking over their shoulders curiously. "Wonder who it could be? This trading post sure has had a surprising number of visitors for such a remote place. But then, given what's been going on in the area..."
Scott
player, 145 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:28
  • msg #655

Re: Kingmaker

 Scott wonders why he's expecting something that can headbutt a dragon out of the air.  "Well, I guess news that it's slightly less horrible lately helps.  Even if we still can't go barely ten steps without something in the forest trying to kill us."  But then, that's a problem everywhere.
Joey
player, 248 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:40
  • msg #656

Re: Kingmaker

"What the..." Keston says, staring.

Oleg looks a bit more jaded and just opens the door wider for the little white otter girl.

"So cuuute!" Svetlana squees!

She rushes over to Shelly.  "Welcome to Oleg's trading post.  My name is Svetlana and this is my husband Oleg.  Please, come in and make yourself comfortable.  You're just in time for lunch!  Can I get you something to eat or drink?"

"Uh...  What's that?" Auchs asks.

Jhod looks frightened and gulps nervously.

"An honor to meet you, blessed of Gozreh," Joey greets, "Auspicious that we should come together but a few days after Currentseve.*"

"Princess?" Addlesworth echoes in some surprise, "Urser?  I must admit I don't recall hearing of your kingdom, m'lady."

*Gozran 7 Currentseve (Gozreh): On this religious holiday, all who travel on the water make offerings to Gozreh in the hopes of safe passage for the coming year.
Shelly
Player, 2 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:53
  • msg #657

Re: Kingmaker

Eli is smiling brightly and blushing. He's thinking the same thing Svetlana is saying, but typically is too shy to speak what's on his mind.

Tread is somewhere between Keston and Svetlana's reaction. But having been seeing various fantastic creatures, she's more in the Svetlana camp of thinking. However, she notices Jhod's reaction and leans over. "What's wrong, Jhod?" she asks in a quiet tone.

Shelly grins at the hospitable greeting. "I'd love to try whatever's cookin', ma'am!" Again, with the occasional squeak, Shelly speaks, "Don't let that bother you, sir! My kingdom is in the depths of the sea, where your folk generally don't concern themselves."

She looks up at Joey and with a coy smile and a wink, she says, "Auspicious indeed... ever mysterious, the gods are."

Shelly walks over towards the others. "Honor to meet all of you!" she twirls her trident in a flourish before slamming its hilt into the ground, only to lean the trident on a table and hop up to take a seat. Her tail is in constant motion, swaying slowly and smoothly behind her.
Scott
player, 146 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 19:59
  • msg #658

Re: Kingmaker

  Adorable fuzzy short princess.  This is actually surprising to Scott because it's something nice"Always nice to meet someone pleasant, Shelly.  I'm Scott.  Hopefully your stay goes as well as it can, as far as that can happen if you are here to help."

 Really, wishing someone a pleasant stay is sort of a lost cause when you keep running into zombies and less happy bears.

  Oh, that's why he was expecting someone who can snap someone in half.  Sea BEAR.
Joey
player, 249 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 20:24
  • msg #659

Re: Kingmaker

"Oh..." Addleworth answers, "Well it seems you've concerned yourself with the Greenbelt in a positive way, so it is appreciated.  May I introduce Baron Joey, General Tread, High Priest Jhod, Magister Eli, Marshal Keston, Auchs, Warden Akiros, and myself, High Diplomat Addleworth."

Svetlana offers Shelly tea, sausage, baked beans, bread, and so forth.

"She's an oracle," Jhod whispers back, "Chosen of the gods.  Mortal vessel of their divine will.  More rare than meeting an angel in person."

"Thanks for offering your help," Joey says, "What kind of aid did you have in mind?"
Shelly
Player, 3 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 21:16
  • msg #660

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly smiles over at Scott and waves. "Hi, Scott! Thanks!" she then thanks Svetlana as well. A woman singing a haunting song accompanied by the sound of ocean waves can be heard in the distance as Shelly starts to eat. She pauses, listening, then swallows before looking at Addleworth. "Mymy... I heard there were heroes here, but I didn't know there was nobility involved. Thanks for the introductions."

She then looks at Joey. "To be more accurate about my introduction earlier, I'm actually an oracle of the oceans. Not Gozreh specifically. Although I have obvious respect for them. They just happen to be the sea god most are familiar with. Please don't let the haunting music worry you. As an oracle, strange things happen around me. That said, the way I can help is two-fold now that I know I'm among nobility! As the crown princess, I have a lot of knowledge on politics and how kingdoms are run. Granted, land kingdoms might have a very different way of doing things, but I'm positive my knowledge will still be of much use! As for how else I can help, I originally intended to lend my boon and powers to the heroes of the Greenbelt in hopes of establishing ties with the land dweller nations... looks like my timing is perfect."
Scott
player, 147 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 21:27
  • msg #661

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott decides not to comment on the aspect of timing that is 'cute advisor on royal matters' vs 'meat pillow advisor'.  Even if Addleworth has been surprisingly sane so far.

  "I think at this point, someone coming with their own theme music is probably one of the less strange things we've dealt with.  Hopefully we manage to be at least as helpful to you if you are thinking of making this your first stop in land politics."

  After a bit, he asks a more silly question "I've heard traveling the Ocean can be dangerous, but out of curiosity how often were you attacked by sea life in your travels?" Is the Ocean more or less bloodthirsty than a forest?  Or is someone of Divine relation to the sea more protected than someone of divine relation to 'nature' which seems to be land biased?
Joey
player, 250 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 22:16
  • msg #662

Re: Kingmaker

Jhod is clearly freaked out by the music, but he doesn't make comment or run.

"Nice voice," Auchs says, trying to find the source.

"Believe me, we're more surprised at your meeting nobility than you," Joey says, "We just today received the unexpected charter granting us the right to rule the Greenbelt.  Any help you can provide will be much appreciated.  As Scott hinted at, these lands are quite dangerous."

"I will be most curious how things are run in your kingdom, m'lady," Addleworth says, "No doubt your government is quite different to match your unique challenges."

Svetlana can barely contain herself.  "Oh... I just want to scoop her up into my arms and rub my cheek against her!"
Shelly
Player, 4 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 22:38
  • msg #663

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly answers Scott, "As princess, I usually had walls or guards surrounding me so things couldn't attack me. But I often sneaked off to explore. Those times I did, I usually just avoided the sea life that would otherwise attack me. But once in a while, a stray shark or especially aggressive seal would attack. But I'm a very very good swimmer." she grins proudly. "So I would out-swim them. And those who I didn't out-swim, well... got a taste of my power."

Shelly then looks at Addelworth. "And I'm curious about how you all run yours. Hopefully, we'll all be helpful to each other."

Tread asks, "What kind of aid can you give as an oracle?"

Shelly answers, "My powers involve water, but I don't have to be near water for them. But I guess the best way to tell you what I can do is to show you. So I'll travel with you."

She glances at Svetlana. "Uh-heh...? Obli'n miyay..." she opens her arms to Svetlana. "C'mere, you oversized cutie!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Tue 29 Oct 2013.
Scott
player, 148 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 22:46
  • msg #664

Re: Kingmaker

   Scott isn't particularly surprised the sea princess is a better swimmer than him, he still might fail a calm waters swim check if things went badly.  "I could imagine things that live in the ocean having trouble dealing with those having a habit of using it.  Though at least the river no longer has a zombie problem if that ends up the first place of demonstration here."

  He can't help but smile at Shelly and Svetlana treating eachother like stuffed toys.
Joey
player, 251 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 23:00
  • msg #665

Re: Kingmaker

Teddybear otter cuddle!

"Oh your fur is so soft!"

Joey chuckles.  "You're welcome to travel with us, just...  Well we travel on horseback, and I get the feeling you'll be too small unless you're willing to hitch a ride in Tread's backpack."

"No worries," Addleworth interjects, "We'll just order her a pony or riding dog.  I have a wand of sending for quick communication with Restov."

"Handy.  Addleworth.  Would you be so kinds as to repeat what you've explained to us so far for her?"

"As you wish, m'lord."

He begins teaching Shelly what he'd taught the group so far.  Svetlana sits with Shelly in her arms so the seabear can continue her meal without the host having to give up her cuddlebear.
Shelly
Player, 5 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 23:14
  • msg #666

Re: Kingmaker

"Those things sound great!" Shelly comments of the pony/riding dog. After she hears out Addelworth, Shelly asks, "So do you all keep a pool around here? I was thinking if you don't, you should TOTALLY have one! I understand land dwellers really enjoy dipping in the ocean at the beach, so we should have something like that here."

Tread says, "We kind of do... with the rivers, lakes, and the hot spring."

Shelly says, "Well... but are they anywhere close to here?"

Tread says, "About a couple days trav-" "Too far. TOTALLY need a swimmable pool within a 10 minute walk of here." Shelly objects.

Tread says, "I was saying I miss the water..."

Eli finally speaks up. "Tuskwater lake is a little more than halfway to the southmost part of the Greenbelt. Instead of importing water to Oleg's as a pool, why not just make our primary base of operations over where the Stag Lord's fort was. You already have part of a fort built for you and there's a lake near it, making it kind of defensible."

Shelly wiggles in Svetlana's lap and tilts her head back to look up at her. "Heh... still should have a pool here for you all to enjoy whenever you're here."
Scott
player, 149 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 23:29
  • msg #667

Re: Kingmaker

  "Even if this is the place with the catapults-" Even broken, still counts, "I'm sure Oleg and Svetlana may appreciate it if the busywork and construction to come aren't always getting in their way here.  Making sure to help patch this place up aside."

  He shrugs, "At the very least, even if we keep hanging out here as out preference, Eli is right in not wasting a perfectly good fort.  I wonder how many more old fortifications there are?"  None Scott, world building modes HATE giving you free buildings, duh.

  "I wonder if there is a calm part of that river to be found anywhere near here or there?"
Joey
player, 252 posts
Tue 29 Oct 2013
at 23:54
  • msg #668

Re: Kingmaker

Oleg looks very relieved when people are suggesting the city building happen elsewhere.  Svetlana is just tickled with the little otter's obsession with a swimming pool and giggles.

"Smart," Joey agrees, "And considering we still have the lower half of the Greenbelt left to explore, it would cut our travel time between excursions down significantly."

"A castle ordinarily costs 54 build points," Addleworth informs, "But depending on the state of this fort you speak of, that cost could be reduced by as much as fifty percent.  A park, or water park, costs about 4 build points and tends to help with unrest when built, if any, and raises loyalty.  Castles raise economy, loyalty, and stability significantly, lower unrest, and also improve your city's defensibility by a large amount.  The central location you suggest, near a water source, will no doubt help your nation overall as well."

"What's a pool?" Auchs asks.
Shelly
Player, 6 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 30 Oct 2013
at 00:04
  • msg #669

Re: Kingmaker

Eli blushes that so many are agreeing with his idea. He is left with a 404 Error in his brain when Auchs asks what a pool is.

Shelly says with pity in her tone, "Mister Auchs... we're going to have to show you one some day." she points at her now-empty glass and it mysteriously fills up with water, which she then picks up to drink. "Then it's settled! A lake, a discount castle, and I don't remember hearing a downside to settling down at this Tuskwater lake, so... any objections to the renovation of the fort?"

She certainly has the "matter of fact I'm in charge" thing going on that most royalty have. Or she just has a forceful personality. Either way, she looks cheerful and has been respectful to everyone present so far.

Tread says, "It's sounding like it makes sense. Good idea, Eli." she leans over to kiss his cheek, making him blush and smile.
Scott
player, 150 posts
Wed 30 Oct 2013
at 00:13
  • msg #670

Re: Kingmaker

  "So, normally a castle takes more than all the financial support we get put together.  Noted.  We may have to settle for simply fixing up the fort for at the moment if we want to get anything else done before finding additional funding."  While Addleworth has been giving nothing but good advice so far, he still figures on waiting before mentioning 'oh hey we found a literal gold mine'
Joey
player, 253 posts
Wed 30 Oct 2013
at 01:52
  • msg #671

Re: Kingmaker

It's possible Addleworth already knows about the gold mine because the group decided to file a claim on it with Oleg.

"Quite correct, Mr. Scott," Addleworth agrees, "50 build points is far from enough to build an entire kingdom, but should be enough of a seed to get started.  You all will be expected to build one that is self-sustaining then eventually profitable enough to grow on its own.  Then, should the need arise, you will be asked to repay your debt with a generous supply of troops to help with the defense of the Sword Lords."

"Figured the stipend would come with strings attached," Joey says, "But it seems like quite the gamble on their part.  Suppose our settlement folds like every other one in history that was established in the Greenbelt?  Nevermind all the other things that could go wrong."

"True.  And while 50 build points represent a signifigant investment even for Restov, the Sword Lords deem the gamble worth it.  Especially considering your impressive progress so far."
Tread
player, 204 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 04:09
  • msg #672

Re: Kingmaker

Tread asks, "So are we going to the fort? Will it cost extra to get the materials that much farther south? Maybe you could make things a little less rocky and free of attacks if you use the river, which takes you directly to the fort anyway..."

Eli considers this. "Chances are the effort to bring boats that carry all the materials would make it more effort than just taking things there by wagon."

Shelly chuckles. "Already, a problem I'm not used to at all..."
Scott
player, 151 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 04:40
  • msg #673

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'm sorry, but debt?  While I am sure you have had more opportunity for academic studies than us, I still know what the definition for 'stipend' is.  Though I suppose the term 'token of goodwill' is more up to personal interpretation."  Did we say we were going to pay you?  Are you sure we didn't say the opposite?

  "Immigration may also suffer.  The incentive to venture into new lands is rather lessened when you will still be conscripted into the armies of where you just left.  Not to mention in the unfortunate event of a war breaking out, every soldier taken from here is less to keep Issian forces from passing through and reaching Rostland in the first place."

  He shrugs,  "Of course if we manage to even gain an army of our own, as a gesture of good well we may defend a neighbor from invaders hoping to use these lands as an easy path to attack from.  If some ambitious fool decides it must come to war, then these lands will be dragged into it if we desire it or not after all."

  He considers the missive "Still, in future I'm sure we would all prefer any written proclamations given to be accurate.  After all, if such an important part of this document is wrong as you just suggested, then why trust any of it to be accurate?"


  OOC: Would it completely destroy the module if we just built things very slowly but debt free out of spite/sanity?
Joey
player, 254 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 05:18
  • msg #674

Re: Kingmaker

"There already exists a river boat trade," Addleworth answers, "As you mentioned, part of that trade is from the River Kingdoms floating their 'goods' up to Restov for sale.  The difference in getting goods and settlers to the lake fort compared to here would probably be negligible."

Joey nods.  "Scott is right.  We need to know exactly what is expected of us."

Addleworth shrugs.  "Expectations?  What is expected is outlined clearly in the charter."

He wipes off a hand to unfold a copy of his own while still managing to eat with the other.

"'theirs to protect... generous stipend...  token of goodwill...'  Ah.  Here it is.  'That future relations between kingdoms might be mutually beneficial.'  What this means in layman's terms is, 'Alliance.'  Or to put it metaphorically with recent events, you had the expectation to be trusted with the truth of the Temple of Erastil you cleansed once you did so even though there was no written agreement to that effect.  In the same way, Restov is expecting to trust you and to be trusted with 'mutually beneficial' arrangements like lending troops in times of need.  Quid pro quo.  The cornerstone of diplomacy.

"On the topic of conscription... I must recommend against it.  Only in the most desperate of times is it even close to an option, and at that point, you may do better to consider either surrender or retreat.  Conscription will create a rift not only in your populace but also within your military ranks so severe that makes it almost entirely pointless.  Of course, I am going under the assumption that you do not wish to institute a tyranny where you rule by fear and force.  If I am mistaken, then conscription may very well be your only option for a sizable army that you can afford.  If I am correct that you wish to run a just and noble nation, most soldiers will no doubt be so loyal to you that they will willingly accept the small wages you are able to afford to pay them."

"So.  To be clear, you're saying that we're under no obligation to 'repay' any actual 'debt' at all."

"Correct.  No obligation.  I used those terms in the social sense.  As you know, while Jhod was under no obligation to explain himself, you would have been disappointed had he chosen not to no doubt.  You may have even decided to never again do a quest for him.  In the same way, if you are unfriendly toward Restov in spite of all you have been provided, the Swordlords will be disappointed and will likely not send any future aid."


Building "slowly" is built into the module when you're limited to 1 building / month until your kingdom reaches it's first size milestone.  Any slower than that and Eli may wind up a grandfather before the module is complete.
Tread
player, 205 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 05:29
  • msg #675

Re: Kingmaker

Tread's eyes are glazing over. "...thanks for simplifying it for me, Joey. Oh! And you mentioned something about prior attempts to establish a settlement on the Greenbelt? And every last one of those attempts failing? I wasn't really aware of this. I thought up till now, it had just been attempts to throw the bandits out. Then again, I don't really know much about this place's history."

Eli is just watching the adults talk.
Scott
player, 152 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 05:43
  • msg #676

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods,  "That was my initial expectation, yes.  Quite different from your matter of fact statement that we will give you a large amount of soldiers as your preferred benefit.  Growing into somewhere that can be of some aid to Restov because it is not only expected, but reasonable is one thing.  The implied fact that we exist to give you a second army, and you will be very disappointed without that is quite another."

  He smiles "Or perhaps it is a simple case of a poor example given of what you expect from us, after all we can hardly consider what we have to offer before we have anything at all."
Joey
player, 255 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #677

Re: Kingmaker

"Yeah, the 'Stolen Lands' are called that because the wilderness keeps stealing them back from whomever tries to settle them," Joey says, "Since as far back as written history goes."

"I sometimes take my knowledge of current events for granted," Addleworth says, "While Restov is hopeful that troops will not be needed, they are not blind to the likeliness of war within the next decade.  Allow me to get you up to speed."

He then fills in the group on the history and current status of the political climate:

Brevoy is a proud land, known throughout Golarion
for producing able warriors, regal nobles, and clever
rogues. Yet Brevoy’s two regions, Issia and Rostland,
have long held one another in contempt and now stand
on the verge of civil war. Both Issia and Rostland were
independent nations until Choral the Conqueror’s barbarian
armies and red dragon servitors united the regions into
a single kingdom two centuries ago. Until recently, the
iron rule of House Rogarvia maintained a fragile peace
between the two regions. But a decade ago, House Rogarvia
mysteriously disappeared, and the conniving leaders of
Issia’s House Surtova supplanted them as Brevoy’s rulers.
Now a labyrinthine political landscape plagues the nation,
full of secret alliances, provincial loyalties, and nefarious
plots; civil war seems inevitable. In Rostland to the south,
the swordlords see in many of Issia’s recent political moves
the swift approach of such a war. They rightly fear such an
event, for Rostland is smaller than Issia, it has fewer armies,
and its rolling hills and grasslands offer very little in the
way of natural defenses. Worse, unlike Issia, whose northern
border stretches along the Lake of Mists and Veils, which
offers some defense, Rostland’s southern border lies along
a stretch of wilderness infested with bandits and monsters.
If Brevoy falls into civil war, it won’t be long at all before
the violent, opportunistic vultures to the south move to take
advantage of Rostland’s problems.

This southern region of wilderness is called the Stolen
Lands. While these lands are technically a part of the
River Kingdoms, several of which have advanced claims
in the past, Rostland has long viewed them as “stolen”
from it by bandits and monsters. Many attempts have
been made to settle the Stolen Lands, but to date, none
have succeeded, making these 33,000 square miles of
unclaimed wilderness the largest swath of unclaimed
land in the entire River Kingdoms. As tensions mount
in Brevoy, some of Rostland’s swordlords hope to change
that fact; they have issued charters to several groups of
adventurers, sending them south into the Stolen Lands.
These initial charters are simple enough: re-open the
old trade routes along the rivers and scatter or defeat the
bandits who have made them too dangerous to use. Beyond
that, it seems apparent that Rostland wants to encourage
new nations to grow in this region—and believes that by
supporting these nascent kingdoms as allies, it’ll gain
loyal support in any coming conflict with Issia. It’s a bold
and brilliant political move—for if Rostland turned its
own resources to the task, not only would such a move
weaken its defenses against the north, but the blatant
power grab would certainly force Issia’s hand. By sending
free agents south, the swordlords of Rostland hope to
create new allies without sacrificing their own position
of power in Brevoy.
Yet as with most complex and brilliant plans, there are
plenty of opportunities for disaster.

Shelly
Player, 7 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 06:22
  • msg #678

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "Seems a curiously persistent piece of land that refuses to be tamed, doesn't it? But if even Erastil has been bringing people together to tame this place, and the gods of the ocean saw fit to guide me here, maybe the war for this land is a little more than carnal. Do you have any historical records of this place being a major intersection of ley lines?"

Eli's eyes widen. "Why didn't I think of that...?" he mutters quietly to himself.

Tread asks, "What are ley lines?"

Eli answers, "Alignments of a number of places of geographical and historical interest, such as ancient monuments and megaliths, natural ridge-tops and water-fords. Some believe them to have a special energy to them, connecting them to things like feng shui."
Scott
player, 153 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 06:34
  • msg #679

Re: Kingmaker

  "I'll admit that not being from around here, what little I've heard has been rumors of both sides being just as likely to start a war.  I'm sure you can understand what sort of first impression it can give then, when soldiers are the first thing asked."

  He sighs,  "Still, if it becomes within our capabilities I doubt any of us will be against defending a supportive neighbor from attack.  Not to mention if we manage to get anything even close to resembling an army, many in it would likely be happy to protect their old home."   If not troop all the way to Issia to knock over homes there.

  He looks to Shelly and Eli, "Would bits of the land explode if the ley lines were struck?  Or is that just a problem people have when it comes to certain points of the body?"
Joey
player, 256 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 06:53
  • msg #680

Re: Kingmaker

Joey raises an eyebrow at Shelly's point.

"That hadn't occurred to me.  This land may become geographically important toward the defense of the entire world when you take into consideration that holy crusaders could move more easily toward the Worldwound* to the northwest if the Stolen Lands tamed.  Perhaps that is why an alliance of gods has taken interest in our success."

Jhod gulps nervously.  Akiros scoffs.  Addleworth shrugs.

"The more down-to-earth import of the Greenbelt is all I am qualified to speak on.  If all goes well, the mere presence of a strong nation in this area will be enough to at least delay an attack from Issia on Restov long enough for the Rogarvian royalty to be restored.  By simply building a thriving community, you could all very well avert a very one-sided war."


*A demon-haunted wasteland that lies at the northern-most reaches of central Avistan, the Worldwound is an unnatural blight: it is a rift to the Abyss opened on the Material Plane.  It appeared shortly after the death of the god Aroden at the beginning of the Age of Lost Omens, and is probably the greatest threat to life on the face of Golarion.  Since the First Mendevian Crusade was launched in 4622 AR, thousands of devout Iomedaeans have traveled across the Lake of Mists and Veils and up the West Sellen River to the Mendevian capital of Nerosyan to do battle with the demons of the Worldwound.
Shelly
Player, 8 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 07:10
  • msg #681

Re: Kingmaker

A spoon slides about a foot and falls off the table on its own. In Akiros' direction.

Shelly ignores the spoon and says to Addelworth, "Right. My apologies, I'm just thinking out loud."

Shelly looks over to Scott. "Explode? It's possible. But just like people's key points need to be struck with a certain amount of force, the world's lines need a certain amount of force to "feel" the impact. I'm sure they'd need to have more pressure applied than a normal person can do on their own, if that's what you mean."

She smiles up at Svetlana, bouncing a few times because she's happy. "So are you always so sweet to your guests?"

Tread says, "Yes. Yes she is."

Shelly finishes her soup. "Wow... nice lady. Good cook. Smile that lights up the day." Shelly grins up at Svetlana.

Eli quietly goes to pick up the spoon. He looks over to Addleworth. "Any tips or thoughts you'd like to add before we head in the direction of the old fort? Such as what other things are good for the start of a kingdom?"
Scott
player, 154 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 07:17
  • msg #682

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods, "No doubt that no war at all is the preferred outcome for many people.  Having the time to actually grow into someplace people would like to live will probably be hard enough as it is even without armies fighting.  Especially if we are next up on events trying to make sure that doesn't happen."
Joey
player, 257 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 07:29
  • msg #683

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros assumes one of the magical types are being mischievous, so he just glares angrily at the spoon.  Svetlana blushes at the flattery, but Oleg can't help but let a proud smile cross his face.

"Oh," she says, "Thank you!  It sure is nice to have such sweet company!"

Joey looks at the spoon and asks, "Does this sort of thing happen around you often, Shelly?"

"To be sure what you endeavor to accomplish will by no means be easy or without risk," Addleworth agrees, "But you have the distinct advantage of being accomplished adventurers.  Your tenacity and experiences will no doubt be an indispensable ingredient to your success.  As for what else is advised for the starting of a kingdom, I can teach on the way there if you're wanting to get going right away."
Tread
player, 206 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 07:35
  • msg #684

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods. "Thanks, Addelworth. I'd like to get started sooner than later, yes. Though if everyone would rather have a full night's rest first, I'm all for that."

Shelly answers Joey, "Yeah. The haunting music. Things moving on their own. Being an Oracle, for me, means I am haunted. For life. But I don't mind... I've gotten used to it. Could be worse... I heard the last oracle of the seas was partially blind."
Scott
player, 155 posts
Fri 1 Nov 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #685

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott can just imagine it now,  'The sea is empty, we won't hit anything out here I can't see-oh hello main continent, when did you get there?'.

  "I would be very surprised if things got any easier from here.  Even if some moments are somewhat less life threatening than others."  Scott only ALMOST got taken out in one shot by a Temple bear, that's an improvement over the previous bear problems right?  And now there was Shelly which brought their luck with bears so far in the other direction that maybe all the dire bears were replaced with stuffed toys.
Joey
player, 258 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 04:33
  • msg #686

Re: Kingmaker

"Haunted?" Joey echoes in surprise, "Yeah.  I've heard of blind oracles.  Haunted notsomuch.  You know what it's all about?  Are they evil spirits trying to frustrate your mission?"

He nods to Tread.

"We have a lot of work behind us and ahead of us.  So half a day's rest seems perfectly reasonable."

"In that case I will answer Eli's earlier question more specifically.  A codified code of law is indispensable.  Even if you don't plan to adhere to it very closely, it's mere existence helps keep things manageable.  I came with a copy of Brevoy's basic civil laws which has the advantage of centuries of history behind its wording.  Altering the wording is not advised for a new nation, but if after gaining some experience in running a nation you've found some specific thing you wish changed, you can send for an expert to advise you on that because it is beyond my ability.

"What I can tell you is that enforcement that is very strict, very loose, or somewhere between each have their own advantage.  Strict nations tend to attract wealthy merchants and consequently have improved economy.  Those were the laws aren't enforced strictly at all tend to have people who highly prize their freedom and thus have great loyalty to their lenient leaders.  Those who's enforcement is somewhere between the extremes have a much more diverse population who can better deal with disaster when it arises and thus the nation winds up more stable overall.  So it's a choice whether you wish to have a somewhat better economy, stability, or loyalty.

"I'd sooner see it as a choice of whether I can live with myself if we're overly strict or not strict enough and people suffer as a consequence," Joey contends, "I'd much sooner aim for somewhere between."
Tread
player, 207 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 04:47
  • msg #687

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly answers Joey, "I don't know. They could be evil. They could just be drawn to me because I'm an oracle. I just know they are with me."

Tread agrees with Joey. "It's nice to know the impact our choices will have on a kingdom at large, but ultimately I intend to rule justly and fairly, regardless."
Scott
player, 156 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 04:52
  • msg #688

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott figures a just and fair rule is easier said than done, but gets the feeling it won't be from a lack of trying.

  "I suppose the simplicity of 'Do not be murderous thieving jerks' leaves something to be desired when it comes to legal specifics."  Such as people arguing they were at most only two out of three of those.
Joey
player, 259 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 05:20
  • msg #689

Re: Kingmaker

Joey thinks twice about using detect evil with Akiros around.

"I suppose if they're harmless it's nothing to worry about either way," Joey says of Shelly's ghosts.

"That it does, Scott.  Now.  With that decided, coming up with names for your nation and it's first city would be a good idea.  Narland and Tuskport come to mind as more obvious names.  I would advise against using names that point to specific deities or ideals as that would likely be taken as most arrogant by all the other nations.  It is akin to saying that your nation is the very epitome of something."

"Good point.  But a name is pretty important, so it's worth some consideration.  Anyone have any other ideas for names?"


Noticed I went with blue for pokemon Joey.  May as well go with green to be different from Scott brown and Eli blue.
Tread
player, 208 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 05:34
  • msg #690

Re: Kingmaker

Tread considers. Names like "Nature's Revenge" wouldn't stick. A name like "Stolenville" wreaks of bad humor and taste. "Redemption" or similarly themed names would follow that arrogance Addelworth was talking about. "JETSS" would compose the names of the adventuring team that cleared the place, but doesn't sound right. Neither does Jests.

Eli wiggles with a shy smile. "Leventon. Has that shortened 'town' at the end and honors Oleg and Svetlana."

Shelly says, "That's pretty sweet. I don't feel I have enough experience to be qualified to name the place, so... count me out for now, at least."
Scott
player, 157 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 05:42
  • msg #691

Re: Kingmaker

  "Nobody remembers the names of the past major settlements?  Or would naming the place in honor of what had tried before also be considered arrogant?"

  He thinks naming it after the first friendly people they all met in this place could be nice, but also possibly attract some unfortunate attention to them.
Joey
player, 260 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #692

Re: Kingmaker

"Aww?" Svetlana squees at Eli's suggestion, "How thoughtful!  But I'd rather not have any places be named after me, please."

Oleg grunts his agreement with his wife.

"Name it George!" Auchs suggests.

Akiros facepalms.

Joey headshakes in answer to Scott's question.  "Nope.  If my history lessons were that detailed, I don't remember.  I like names that sound inviting or safe.  Like maybe Greenwall.  Or Meadowdeep.  So maybe we could call the fort Lakewall?  And the nation uh...  Spring...  something.  Or Summer?  Our symbol is the gauntlet.  So... Palm... armor... shield...  Summershield sounds inviting and safe."

Addleworth shrugs.  "Probably won't make much of a difference.  Just the having of a name is the important thing."
Tread
player, 209 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 06:02
  • msg #693

Re: Kingmaker

"Good name ideas, Joey." Tread commends.

Tread double-takes. "Won't make much of a difference? Didn't you just say how naming is important enough to change how neighboring kingdoms and people view us? Something about arrogance and stuff?"
Scott
player, 158 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 06:12
  • msg #694

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott manages not to facepalm, a good habit when your fists deal extra damage.  "Madlibsia does not sound like the sort of standard we'd like to set for our kingdom."  Are Madlibs even a thing in DnD?  Who cares we're using the stupid joke anyway.
Joey
player, 261 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 06:22
  • msg #695

Re: Kingmaker

"Of those suggestions made thus far that don't sound like you consider yourselves the epitome of good," Addleworth clarifies for Tread.

Joey nods his agreement with Scott.

"Thank you, Tread.  So what name would we like to go with?"

"You all have been my family's Summershield," Svetlana says with a smile, "Bright, warm, and protective."

"Sounds like a pipe dream if you ask me," Oleg grumbles, "But I do appreciate what Svetlana was trying to say."

"George!"
Tread
player, 210 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 06:28
  • msg #696

Re: Kingmaker

Tread asks Oleg, "What sounds like a pipe dream?"

Eli shyly says, "I like Summershield..."

Shelly nods. "Summershield sounds nice..."
Scott
player, 159 posts
Sat 2 Nov 2013
at 06:41
  • msg #697

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, from lack of nicer ideas it seems that Summershield is going to end up how this plays out.  Though at least Joey thought of a nice name in the first place."
Joey
player, 262 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 01:36
  • msg #698

Re: Kingmaker

"A safe place," Oleg answers Tread.

"Worth striving for none the less," Joey says.

Addleworth licks his fingers clean, wipes them with a napkin, and unfolds his miniature portable desk.  He takes out a pen, some fancy looking form, uncorks the inkwell, and begins filling in blanks.

"An important detail that I take for granted that I should mention now is the matter of claiming land.  While you may have cleared out many dangers within a huge area of the Greenbelt, you would be wise to not claim all that territory as your own just yet.  Claim only a 6 mile diameter circle's around your new city in the first month, then another area or two for farming adjacent to that one to offset consumption.  Or vice versa.  Because the larger your nation is, the harder it is to maintain.  You will need to have very good stability, economy, and loyalty before you can expand without risking collapse.  Unclaiming territory tends to cause unrest, so be very very conservative about claiming territory as overreaching is costly to correct.  Besides which, it costs about one build point to claim a 6 mile diameter area, so that money will be wasted in addition.

"Now there are some basic restrictions upon how much you can expand in a given month.  Any new claim will have to be adjacent to territory already claimed with the obvious exception of your first claimed area.  Until your kingdom exceeds 14,400 square miles or so, you will only be able to claim one new area, prepare one city district, construct one new rural road network, establish one new farm, and begin construction on one new city building due to infrastructure limitations.  That said, I have heard of very foolish new rulers push their options to the max every month and bankrupt their nation within the first year.

"I have developed a formula for calculating predictably just how likely you are to run into trouble in any given month assuming only mundane problems arising.  Each new area adds about a five percent chance for something to go noticeably wrong with your economy, stability, or unrest.  Unrest itself adds another five percent for each fumble, some disasters adding much more all at once.  According to my figures, if everyone takes their new responsibilities seriously, I'm figuring that at present you have a thirty percent chance for something to threaten your stability, and a fourty percent chance for something to go wrong with the economy and unrest.  Construction of a castle will drop all three of those by ten percent.

"This is a lot to take in all at once.  How do we improve our chances?"

"Mainly by the construction of new buildings in your city, the maintaining of people in leadership roles, and keeping your kingdom size as small as possible.  Expand only when doing so is worth the added difficulty of running the kingdom."
Tread
player, 211 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 01:49
  • msg #699

Re: Kingmaker

Tread scratches her head. "...what Joey said. But I think I get the gist of it."

Shelly taps her cheek in thought. "Wow... I learned about this stuff in school, but I never thought it'd actually come up. Then again, I'm from a kingdom that's been around for a long time, so expansion is something we don't focus on back home."

Tread says, "Could we put in for the materials for the fort and then escort the shipments? Or... you said they'd come by river anyway, right?"

Eli begins designing a spreadsheet to help simplify all this stuff.
Scott
player, 160 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 01:55
  • msg #700

Re: Kingmaker

  "I can see how there would be little point expanding if there were no means to support it.  Though does this mean there is no way to take advantage of locations we have discovered a ways off before we build right up next to it?  I mean, that sort of thing happens all the time.  Many rish kingdoms do so hate the noisy lumberjacks they get their wood from to be that close, for example."

OOC: My most successful SOTS1 game, I finally reached a point where it was nearly physically impossible for me to spend money faster than I could earn it on a "things that can be finished in one or two turns turn" basis.

Then it became a race against time to conquered the galaxy, before my space dolphin allies killed everyone with mutant plagues.

Joey
player, 263 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 02:20
  • msg #701

Re: Kingmaker

Addleworth shows his own sheet to Eli.

"You can let the guilds handle the delivery.  That way if something goes wrong, you won't be held liable.  If there is a way for a new nation, I haven't found it, Scott.  Remember that I am only qualified to advise up to the point where your nation reaches that critical point of being large enough to expand at a faster rate."

"What about taxation?" Joey asks.

"Ah yes.  Edicts.  Taxation is helpful to boost your income.  Each level of taxation translates to approximately 1/5 of a build point per month.  However, each level lowers your loyalty.  A normal taxation level would probably be best until you need to bolster loyalty for some reason.

"The other edicts are promotions and festivals.  Promotions can include recruitments, advertisements, and even propaganda campaigns.  Light promotion is recommended.  It costs one BP per month and improves stability, but without it you'll suffer a penalty to your stability.  Festivals, which can also include parades and other public events, can increase the kingdom’s happiness and loyalty.  Though you'll have a penalty to loyalty without any national festivals, they cost one build point per month just to have one annual festival and you can probably get by without any at first."

"That's awfully expensive just for one festival."

"Indeed.  Which is why I don't advise them.  There are much more affordable ways to improve loyalty."
Tread
player, 212 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 02:27
  • msg #702

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Shouldn't a small kingdom be built on everyone being in agreement over a common goal? It feels like there's an awful lot of ways for the kingdom to self-destruct. Why can't people just get along for the common good?"

Eli says, "We've counted ourselves very lucky to find anyone as hero minded as you, Joey and Scott. That's because heroes and people willing to give their lives for the betterment of everyone are rare."

Shelly says, "Don't worry... when you set a good example, people notice!"
Scott
player, 161 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 02:37
  • msg #703

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott hopes that people don't also notice that for a bunch of heroes, they are also incredibly violent people (well, except for Eli, he just makes it easier to hit things).

  "Well, I can see why they felt we'd need an advisor.  I would have never guessed that the more successful you are, the more likely your people will get upset.  Or that just two years simply existing in a stable would use up all our given build points."

OOC: I subconscious typo'd bunch as punch first.
Joey
player, 264 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 02:50
  • msg #704

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods to Shelly then Scott.

"So if taxation only adds 1/5 of a build point, how are we going to stay afloat with 1 BP expenses for just basic promotion?"

Addleworth works up some more numbers.  "Excellent, excellent.  By these figures you will have enough stability to not have any chance for unrest just from day-to-day occurrences.  And you'll have a seventy five percent chance of a surplus from your strong stability.  Which will translate to one build point.  A farming district will offset two build points worth of consumption, so if you start with one of those instead of a city you'll begin in the black with a good chance for additional funds.  Then, if you build two more farming districts, their production will offset the consumption from your first city district.  From there, certain buildings improve your economy and consequently your income."
Tread
player, 213 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 02:57
  • msg #705

Re: Kingmaker

Tread flops face-forward onto the table. "My brain hurts..." she says in a fading, grumbling tone.

Shelly reaches over to pet Tread's back, but gets a handful of armor. :\ "S'ok, Tread. It'll come a lot easier once you actually DO these things. Being taught is one thing, but can be no substitute for experience."

Eli ohs at Addelworth's spreadsheet and starts comparing with what he came up with.
Scott
player, 162 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 03:04
  • msg #706

Re: Kingmaker

  "At the very least Tread, having enough farms to feed people is a simple enough starting point to understand.  There's less politics involved too compared to other things." Look, agricultural staffing and living conditions are still a lot more simple than nation wide holidays.
Joey
player, 265 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 03:33
  • msg #707

Re: Kingmaker

"And here I was expecting today to be restful," Joey mutters before correcting himself, "But I suppose any day we're not ambushed by deadly creatures is a good one.  Starting with farms sounds like a good idea.  Let's do that."

"You cannot build a farm district in a city region," Addleworth notes, "So you'll have to put it somewhere that isn't within 6 miles of your fort."

"Hmm.  You said three farming districts would get us started in the black.  What if one of those districts had a mine in it.  Would that be a problem?"

"Not a problem at all, but rather a boon.  It would add a little to your economy if you laid claim to territory with a mine in it.  And so long as you don't build a city there, you can instead have a farming region around it."

Joey looks at the others.  "Shall we start at the mine, then?  Three farming districts will put us right next to the fort."

He shows them on a map.
Tread
player, 214 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 03:37
  • msg #708

Re: Kingmaker

Tread doesn't bother lifting her head and just holds up a thumbs-up.

Shelly looks the map over. "Nice! How convenient!"

Eli says, "So are there farmers looking to move off their land and claim new farmland?"
Scott
player, 163 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 03:41
  • msg #709

Re: Kingmaker

  "While that is a good question, we'd probably at least need some farmland to exist before any get excited enough to come over."  Well, unless they were REALLY good at farming to the point they didn't need one?
Joey
player, 266 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 03:59
  • msg #710

Re: Kingmaker

"There are always people discontented with their current state and willing to gamble that the grass really is greener elsewhere," Addleworth answers Eli, "But clearing land for farming costs money.  You can develop any grassland or hill region that contains roads into farmlands to help sustain your kingdom’s Consumption. It costs 2 BP to prepare a grassland area for farming and 4 BP to prepare a hill region.  Roads have an immediate initial cost but over the long term can pay for the investment handsomely.  It costs 1 BP to build a road though a grassy or hilly region.  This cost increases to 2 BP in forests and to 4 BP in swamps and mountains.  If the road crosses a river, a bridge must be built—this doubles the road’s cost."

"What's the long term benefit of roads, then?"

"For every four regions with roads, your economy improves.  For every eight with roads your stability improves."

"So in truth, if we just put farms and roads in all of the regions, we could build our kingdom simply by converting this land into a huge farm."

"You're forgetting that for every added region the kingdom becomes more difficult to control, offset only by key buildings within cities."

"Oh wait.  So then maybe we should build the city first?"

"Farms first means no monthly expenses but increased chances for stability problems.  City first means you'll have monthly expenses but can begin building your kindgom stabilizing buildings sooner.  Both approaches have merit and consequence."

"Hmm... I'm guessing folks would be more likely to stake a claim against our gold mine sooner than against our run down fort."
Tread
player, 215 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 04:08
  • msg #711

Re: Kingmaker

Tread is not the kind to say "can't I just decapitate malcontents and thus make my kingdom a win/win scenario?", but she is the type to think about those who would. So she comforts herself with the thought that even a villain would STILL have headaches to deal with when running or building a new kingdom. "You know... I wouldn't be surprised if leadership of an enterprise is what drove the Stag Lord to his more recent drinking."

Tread gets a sense of schadenfreude.

Shelly says, "Stag Lord?"

Eli says, "The guy who was in charge of all the banditry in this area... we defeated him."
Scott
player, 164 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 04:13
  • msg #712

Re: Kingmaker

  "I think it would be less the details involved with leadership, and more the constant 'oh by the way, here is another thing that could ruin you we forgot to mention until now'."  Following the rules is a lot easier when the ones who happen to hold the rulebook don't seem to have the habit of saying 'gotcha! law you couldn't have known about!'.
Joey
player, 267 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 04:29
  • msg #713

Re: Kingmaker

"As Shelly stated, it's not that difficult once you're used to it," Addleworth affirms, "The priority with which I explain these things assume you have some sense between your ears, Scott.  If this assumption annoys you I can instead assume your a moron if you like, and attempt to simplify the process further by prioritizing those things you're likely to do to make things fall apart.  Such as insulting the one person who was willing to leave the comforts of civilization to come out to this wilderness and teach an ungrateful brute the finesses of building a healthy community."

"And if you want respect you should show it, Addleworth," Joey admonishes, "I think a man who can split a fey monster and his monstrous mount in twain with a single punch deserves a little patience."

Akiros does a double-take.  "I shouldn't be surprised..."

Jhod gawks.  Auchs giggles and claps.  "Wish I coulda seen that.  But I saw him punch a bear in the face!  There was lots of blood!"

Keston acts like he's unsurprised, arms folded.  Addleworth stuffs his face with food, sputtering.  Svetlana giggles and Oleg snirks.

"Would you like some seasoning with that crow?"
Tread
player, 215 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 04:44
  • msg #714

Re: Kingmaker

Tread stands her full height with an angered look on her face as she towers over Addelworth (and everyone else, for that matter), her shadow completely encasing him, despite his own girth. "Apologize to Scott." she says in a crystal clear tone that sounds like a glass damn holding back a flood.

Eli stood up just as quickly as Tread, also looking upset. But he stays quiet, as if waiting to see what will happen.

Shelly has an "oooo boy..." kind of frown on her face as she just glances from one person to another.
This message was last updated by the player at 04:44, Sun 03 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 165 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 04:53
  • msg #715

Re: Kingmaker

  So, what's Mister Punch Face's take on this?

  "Fortunately, what little is between my ears knows that punching someone's jaw off because" he slips into more stereotypical barbarian voice (as opposed to one with book learning)  "talky noises mean to Scott"  And we're back to your regularly scheduled voice.  Thank you, this has been brought to you by post filler productions.  "Is not very sensible."

   He sighs, "You should have seen what the bear did to me though, most of the blood that day was mine."  That said, he adds  "You have tried to be nothing but helpful Addleworth, but you must understand that every other statement being some sort of as yet unmentioned fee for us to pay off is frustrating to those who have yet to even have the full comforts of civilization."  Will not make 'thought you'd be more thick skinned' comment.  But he's damn well thinking it.

  He looks back to his friends, and smiles softly.  It is nice to see I'm worth such a reaction though, thank you."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:54, Sun 03 Nov 2013.
Joey
player, 268 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 05:07
  • msg #716

Re: Kingmaker

As established earlier, Addleworth has a decent will save, if not much experience with folks who don't fawn over his every word.  So he manages to not choke on his food when Gandalf Tread gets all intimidating.

His face turns red at first at the overwhelming opposition, but then turns pale, his eyes go wide, and a look of pity crosses his face at the mention of an entire lifetime without the comforts of civilization.

"I'm...  So sorry," he says in a tone that suggest he's offering condolences to someone who just lost a loved one.

"Please...  take this.  A small taste of what you've been missing, and what you're striving for."

He opens a small, fancy box with one exotic treat within where there must have been many at one point, and offers it over.

"I had no idea."

Joey is left speechless.

"Oooh!  Candy!" Auchs says of the dessert.

Svetlana can't take it anymore and buries her face in her husband's chest to bust out laughing.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Sun 03 Nov 2013.
Tread
player, 216 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 05:16
  • msg #717

Re: Kingmaker

Tread blushes like Freiza did at the arrival of the Ginyu Force. But the man apologized. And it sounded sincere. So Tread goes over to Scott to give him a hug. "I forgot that about you already... now I'm excited about you watching civilization grow."

Shelly glances at Scott and comments on the candy, "Ooo... tasty... I highly recommend it!"

Eli sits back down, looking calmed. He occupies himself with some 3-dimentional complicated formula.
Scott
player, 166 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 05:30
  • msg #718

Re: Kingmaker

  "Thank you, Addleworth, I appreciate it.  Things could have been much worse for me.  Being raised with just enough care to ensure I was fed and clothed if not remember my name is still a better upbringing than many have a chance for."

  He takes the offered candy.  Omnom candy om nom.  Not like sticking it in his pocket for later would work out so well.
Joey
player, 269 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 06:51
  • msg #719

Re: Kingmaker

Joey also offers a hug to Scott since it's cuddle time and will get Eli in on it if the boy doesn't object.  Svetlana of course melts from the cuteness of it all.  Auchs looks disappointed he didn't get any candy.

"On the topic of running a kingdom into the ground versus enjoying the finer things of civilization, let's talk about the treasury," Addleworth says.

He explains the consequences of a negative total in the treasury and that you cannot salvage things with new construction projects with BP you don't have.

"I'm sure our treasurer Oleg is at least somewhat familiar with that," Joey says, "I'm not terribly worried considering we're starting with a goldmine."

"I wouldn't get too excited about the mine.  To an individual it would mean great wealth, but to a kingdom it represents but a tiny fraction of it's income.  In this case approximately one fiftieth of your monthly income."
Tread
player, 217 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 06:57
  • msg #720

Re: Kingmaker

Eli doesn't object, though he's his usual shy self about it.

Tread points out, "Depends on how much gold is in the mine, but I see what you're saying. Don't worry, though. We'll be careful."

Shelly grins. "You're such a cuddly bunch, aren'tchya?"
Scott
player, 167 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 07:08
  • msg #721

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is certain enough of his manliness to be hugged by a man.  "Having some form of extra income is still better than none at all.  Even if it may very well end up with hardly a handful of coins worth knowing our luck outside of hitting things."

  Scott, this isn't team Star Wars D6.  You might be able to handle basic tasks.
Joey
player, 270 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 07:24
  • msg #722

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles and offers Shelly a hug.

"Yup.  So looks like you'll fit right in."

"Now to explain the various building types..."

Addleworth will read from his book the very long list of cost and benefit of buildings if allowed to.
Shelly
Player, 9 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 07:28
  • msg #723

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly takes the offered hug. After all, she let Svetlana hold her on her lap all this time. :)

Tread occasionally has Addelworth slow down.

Eli just soaks everything in like a sponge.
Scott
player, 168 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 07:32
  • msg #724

Re: Kingmaker

 Hopefully, Eli does not get wrung out like a sponge too anytime soon.
Narrator
player, 269 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 07:46
  • msg #725

Re: Kingmaker

r uling a K ingdom
Like a player character’s stat block, a kingdom’s stat block
continues to evolve and grow as the kingdom expands,
gathers more resources, purchases upgrades, and suffers
defeats and setbacks. As the kingdom grows, the PCs will
need to deal with a host of situations, all of which can
further influence the kingdom’s stat block.
A kingdom’s growth occurs during four phases, which
represent a month in total. When the PCs establish a
kingdom, you should pick a day of each month to resolve
that kingdom’s growth and fortunes—it’s best to set this
as the last day of each month, so that any accomplishments
the PCs have made during that month can impact that
month’s growth.
One thing to decide early on is who makes kingdom
rolls. The obvious choice is for the Ruler to roll the dice,
as this adds a feeling of command to that player’s role.
You can also assign each roll to a specific leader—for
example, the Treasurer might make Economy checks and
the Warden may wish to make all checks having to do with
events under her command. Ultimately, since a kingdom
is shared by all the players, it doesn’t matter who makes
the kingdom’s Economy, Loyalty, and Stability checks, but
assigning them can be fun nonetheless.

((My vote is we alternate between players using current post order.  So Tim > Joe > Me.))

upKeep phase
During a kingdom’s Upkeep phase, take the following
actions. If your kingdom currently controls 0 hexes, skip
this phase and proceed to the Improvement phase.

improVement phase
During a kingdom’s Improvement phase, take the following
actions. The number of improvements you can make during
a single phase is limited by your kingdom’s size; see the
Improvements per Month table for these limits.

Step 1—Select Leadership: done.  Though Shelly's stats might be better than some NPCs at certain things if we want to plug her in.

Step 2—Claim Hexes: Done.  Claimed gold district.  (To claim a hex, you must explore it and clear it of monsters or dangerous hazards... done.) Cost: 1 BP.

Step 3—Establish and Improve Cities: Not yet.

Step 4—Build Roads: Done.  Gold District Cost: 1 BP

Step 5: Establish Farmlands: Done.  Gold District.  Cost: 4 BP

Step 6: Edicts: Pick or adjust your edict levels (see page
55) as you wish.  Done.  Set Taxes to "normal" and Promotion to "light".  Adjusted stats accordingly.

inCome phase
During a kingdom’s Income phase, take the following
actions.

Step 1—Deposits: We can't afford 4k gold for 1 BP

Step 2—Withdrawals: Bad idea.

Step 3—Sell Valuable Items: You can attempt to sell items
that cost more than 4,000 gp through your city’s markets
to bolster your kingdom’s Treasury; these can be items you
recover during an adventure or they can be magic items
currently held by any of your cities. To sell these items,
make an Economy check (DC 20 for minor items, DC 35 for
moderate items, and DC 50 for major items). A failed check
indicates the item doesn’t sell. Success indicates that the
item sells and you can increase your kingdom’s treasury
by 2 BP (for minor items), 8 BP (for moderate items), or 15
BP (for major items). You can make one Economy check per
city district during each Income phase.  Good source of income once we have the buildings for it.

Step 4—Generate Income: Make an Economy check
against your Command DC at the end of your Income
phase. If you’re successful, divide your result by 5
(dropping any fractions) and increase your Treasury’s BP
by that amount.  Tim, roll please.
Narrator
player, 270 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 07:56
  • msg #726

Re: Kingmaker

Tim roll result: 22.  Success!  4 BP get!

eVent phase
During a kingdom’s Event phase, roll once on the Kingdom
Events table to determine if an event occurs. Adventure-
specific kingdom events occur during this phase. Once
you’ve determined what kind of event occurs (if any),
simply follow the rules for each event to determine how
the event impacts the PCs’ kingdom or cities.
Chance of an Event: There’s a 25% chance that a random
event occurs during an Event phase. This chance increases
to 75% if no event occurred in the previous Event phase.

Result: 85.  No event occurs.

And that's it!  We're done with 1st month of kingdom building and are now the proud owners of a 1 hex farm kingdom!
Joey
player, 271 posts
Sun 3 Nov 2013
at 08:03
  • msg #727

Re: Kingmaker

Joey was surprised how much work went into something as simple as claiming a bit of land and preparing it for farms.  Even with the hired help from surveyors and other sorts of experts.  But it all paid off with a surprisingly sudden influx of farmers and income that nearly completely offset the cost of it all.

"Well.  Looks like we're off to a good start," he comments after reviewing the financial report Oleg put together, "At this rate, we'll have doubled our treasury in about a year, and that's just with one small region."

"You'll want to do much more than double your treasury if you want to make a strong kingdom," Addleworth says, "But yes.  You all did your assigned jobs very well."
Tread
player, 218 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 00:24
  • msg #728

Re: Kingmaker

Tread had busied herself with going from person to person and trying to be a "friendly neighbor", but it quickly started becoming quite the effort keeping up with that many people. Shelly had taken to responsibilities rather easily, though she was sure to take trips to the river and swim in it at least once a week. Eli mostly kept to himself, his close allies, or the Leventons.

Presently, though, getting an "atta boy" from Addelworth is nice. "Thanks, Addelworth." Tread says.

"Wouldn't have been possible without your initial advice." Shelly comments with a smile.

Eli says nothing and just seems to be leaning against Tread while studying a book.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Tue 12 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 169 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 00:37
  • msg #729

Re: Kingmaker

  With lack of better things to do™, Scott spent a lot of time helping out in the actual setup of the farms.

  "I'll take double our money still being small, over going into debt first thing."
Joey
player, 272 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 00:48
  • msg #730

Re: Kingmaker

Joey was sure to visit Eli frequently and spend some time with Shelly swimming.

"And you would be wise to avoid treasury debt like the plague," Addleworth agrees emphatically, "I cannot tell you how rare it is for a small nation up to their ears in debt to remain afloat.  Because I have no record of it ever happening."

"Right," Joey says, "So shall we kick things off for another region of farms then do some exploring, then?"

"Though you all are getting the hang of running a nation very quickly, I would recommend you hire someone else to go do the exploring."

"Noted.  But considering we were the only ones willing and able to go face the dangers of the deadly wilderness that is the Greenbelt in all of Bravoy, I doubt anyone would take the job for any price outside desperate criminals.  Whom we've heard lost their lives to wildlife on a pretty regular basis."

"I suppose the farms won't fall apart without your supervision in just a few days, but I would recommend against any excursion that took any more than 10 days or so."
Tread
player, 219 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:02
  • msg #731

Re: Kingmaker

Which isn't to say Tread and Eli didn't swim. Tread especially. But yeah, both Tread and Eli had also spent the time getting to know Shelly.

Tread says, "I was born for this... and as a general, I'll need to keep my skills sharp if I hope to inspire confidence in my future troops..."

Eli says, "I... think I'm gonna stay behind and study. And help run things. And just not be involvedinviolencethanks..."

Shelly says, "I'll be happy to go with you three. I've been hearing your storied over the past month and it has made me curious. Scared a bit... but curious."
Scott
player, 170 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:07
  • msg #732

Re: Kingmaker

 "If a farm falls apart without us watching, then it is probably doomed in the first place."<brown>

  He nods in understanding to Eli, and says to Shelly <brown>"Well, hopefully we'll be able to keep you just as safe as we've kept Eli despite everything trying to constantly kill us."

Joey
player, 273 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:18
  • msg #733

Re: Kingmaker

Joey smiles at Eli and reaches to smother-glomp.  He then looks the boy in the eyes with a big smile of pride.

"As the smartest one in the land, I'm sure you'll do perfectly well back here while we're away.  And as the most gentle, forgiving, pure heart in all the land, I want you to be the final say in my stead should a final say be needed."

"A choice that has the advantages you expect, no doubt," Addleworth, "Though not without drawback as I'm sure you're aware."

Joey nods.  "While it's a big responsibility for someone so young, Eli is well beyond his years in so many ways that I am confident he would make a better substitute than all our other choices."
Eli
player, 203 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:24
  • msg #734

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly's response to Scott is simply to squeak along with a bright smile and tail swish.

Eli says, "I wouldn't say I'm the purest heart in all the land... but I would say I'll do my best and it shouldn't be too much for me with the Leventons and Addelworth here to help me."

Tread says, "We'll try to be quick about our exploits either way, Eli. As you know, too much combat wears on us too."
Scott
player, 171 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:30
  • msg #735

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, we can at least safely say the most averse to violence who has actually participated in violent situations we've seen Eli."  Everyone else was trying their damndest to KICK THE OTHER GUY'S ASSES.

  He nods to Tread, "Yeah, you can only loose so much blood between outings."
Joey
player, 274 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:39
  • msg #736

Re: Kingmaker

"Thanks for accepting the appointment, Eli," Joey says, beaming with pride in the boy, "I'd like for at least one more to come with us.  I'm thinking Akiros.  Seems Auchs can't go more than a day without his best friend Eli.  And Keston likes to stick with his men."

Joey's not saying it, but Akiros proved way more effective against the Stag Lord to his recollection.

"You should put it in writing that Eli is your substitute," Addleworth recommends, offering a form.

Joey immediately signs and seals it, this particular chore having become very familiar to him in the past weeks.

OOC: EVERYONE else?  Images of Svetlana and Shelly pile-driving bandits come to mind.
Shelly
Player, 10 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:55
  • msg #737

Re: Kingmaker

If they have to, Shelly and Tread are also sure to sign over their responsibilities temporarily to Eli. But by the way Addelworth went on about how bad an idea it is to hand the keys of one job to another who has a different job, chances are Eli is "only" taking on kingship for the time being.

With a squeak in her voice, Shelly says, "Alright, team Summershield! Let's get going!"
Scott
player, 172 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 01:59
  • msg #738

Re: Kingmaker

  "Hopefully we find something more pleasant than bandit camps and violent Elks this trip.  But I'm expecting something like violent bandit elks."  Watch out for the Squirrel yakuza!  They have bad haircuts and bad attitudes!
Joey
player, 275 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 02:09
  • msg #739

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles.  "You never know."

The group gets started work on setting up the kingdom to run in their absence...

Phase 1 - Upkeep Phase

 Step 1 – Determine Kingdom Stability:  Make a
 Stability check against your Command DC to determine
 your kingdom’s level of security for the month. If you
 make the check, reduce your kingdom’s Unrest by 1 (if
 your Unrest is at 0, gain 1 BP as a result of surplus goods
 and services). If you fail this check by 5 or more, increase
 Unrest by 2.

I think it's Joe's turn to roll for us.

Narrator
player, 281 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 02:25
  • msg #740

Re: Kingmaker

Joe roll result: 24
+1 BP

 Step 2 - Pay Consumption: Deduct your kingdom’s
 Consumption from the kingdom’s Treasury BP. If you
 aren’t able to pay for the month’s Consumption, your
 kingdom’s BP drops into the negative. Every time you end
 an Upkeep phase with negative BP in your Treasury, your
 kingdom’s Unrest increases by 2.

Consumption: 0

 Step 3 – Fill Vacant Magic Item Slots: If there are
 Any vacant magic item slots in any cities, randomly roll
 new items to fill these slots.

Item spots to fill: 0

 Step 4 – Unrest: If the kingdom’s Unrest is 11 or higher,
 it loses one hex chosen by the kingdom’s leaders. Any
 improvements in that hex (farmlands and roads) are lost
 and must be rebuilt after the hex is reclaimed. Any
 settlements in that hex become towns that must be
 annexed if they are to be reclaimed into the kingdom.
 Finally, if the kingdom employs a Royal Assassin, reduce
 your total Unrest by 1 at the end of this phase.

 * If a kingdom’s Unrest score ever reaches 20, it falls into
   complete anarchy and the campaign could well be over
   short of a miracle!

Phase 2 -  Improvement Phase

 Step 1 – Select Leadership:  Assign leaders to any vacant leadership roles.
 Leaders must be PCs or closely allied NPCs. You can change leaders as often as you
 want with no impact on your nation’s statistics (apart from changing what bonuses
 apply, as the ability scores of leaders differ); reallocating roles allows you to give every
 player a chance to play the role of ruler if you wish.
Joey
player, 276 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 02:36
  • msg #741

Re: Kingmaker

"I've noticed that Keston has been having a difficult time adjusting to his new position," Joey says, "And I'm thinking I may have made an error in judgement in where to assign him.  But at present I can't think of where better to assign him or whom would take his place.  Shelly, if you would be willing to take on one of the positions, we may be able to shuffle things around to be more efficient."

What are Shelly's stat mods?  Going to put the link to the spreadsheet in Narrator and Joey's charsheets.
https://docs.google.com/spread...QUGc&usp=sharing
Shelly
Player, 11 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 02:43
  • msg #742

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly smiles brightly and says, "It'd be an honor! I offered that when I first arrived, but I knew you couldn't just trust me on day one with major responsibilities. But as mentioned, I've been raised to rule a kingdom some day. So I'm pretty good for top position or any people relations."


Shelly's stats:
STR: 10 / DEX: 14 / CON: 08 / INT: 10 / WIS: 13 / CHA: 18

Scott
player, 173 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 02:47
  • msg #743

Re: Kingmaker

 "I'm sure we'll figure out something you'll be best with.  Or at least, close enough with.  I still can't believe I ended up Spymaster"

  Shelly the executioner.  The guilty kill themselves out of guilt after seeing her oh so disappointed in them face.
Joey
player, 277 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:04
  • msg #744

Re: Kingmaker

"Thank you, Shelly," Joey says, "And you too, Scott.  So far you've done a fine job of it.  I think from what I've seen of her charm Shelly would be best as our Grand Diplomat or our Councilor.  If she took Addleworth's job as diplomat, he could ply his intelligence to being our spymaster, then Scott could be the Marshal.  Keston wouldn't be a national leader any more, but I think he'll be fine with that."
Tread
player, 220 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:09
  • msg #745

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly squeaks, "I'd love to be either of those for you!"

Tread smiles and says, "Marshal Scott. Much more fitting. And I agree.. Keston probably doesn't like dealing with any politics beyond keeping his men in order. And who can blame him?"
Scott
player, 174 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:12
  • msg #746

Re: Kingmaker

  "Another thing Keston has in common with us, yeah."  Just because Shelly has practice with diplomatic things, doesn't mean she might enjoy it any more than the rest of them after all.  Though it would be convenient if she did enjoy the work.
Narrator
player, 282 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:18
  • msg #747

Re: Kingmaker

As expected, Keston is happy to be rid of his national leadership role.  Addleworth of course agrees that the arrangement is more efficient and apparently takes no offense at the change.

Step 2 – Claim Hexes:
 To claim a hex, you must
 must explore it and clear it of monsters or dangerous hazards;


"Well it looks like we've done as much as we can until we explore the Old Sycamore area,"
Joey says, "Let's take care of that and the other areas we intend to claim soon then come back here."
Tread
player, 221 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:25
  • msg #748

Re: Kingmaker

Tread agrees and goes to get ready.

When Tread joins the others, she has Shelly in her backpack, only the li'l seabear's head peaking out with a bright smile. "This is SO fun!" Shelly squeaks.

Tread has a smile as well. "Heh... I have a Shelly."

Shelly sticks her tongue out.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Tue 12 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 175 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:28
  • msg #749

Re: Kingmaker

 Today Scott learned that Seabears love piggyback rides, or at least things close to it.  "Is the face on principle of the matter?  It's a little hard for Tread to see if from there."
Joey
player, 278 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:37
  • msg #750

Re: Kingmaker

Five days of unimpeded exploration later, the group finds the Stag Lord's Fort still abandoned.

"That was surprisingly easy."
Scott
player, 176 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:41
  • msg #751

Re: Kingmaker

  "I guess without any stronghold full of enemies determined to kill us or die trying as our end destination, nature just didn't see the point in slowing us down this time."  That, or-
  A: Nature would feel bad attacking Shelly.
  B: Nature really hates Eli.
  C: Both.

  Probably C.
Shelly
Player, 12 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:43
  • msg #752

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly totally would have taken frequent dips into the river on the second and third day (since those hexes HAVE to dip into the river to fully explore them). She also would have played games with the others during the exploration.

By day three, Tread has a sad smile. "...poor Eli. It figures when he opts out, there's no danger had and he could have just had a fun vacation with the rest of us..."
Joey
player, 279 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:54
  • msg #753

Re: Kingmaker

Joey adds, "I'm sure he'll be relieved to hear we weren't in any danger more than anything.  So should we go back the way we came?  It should take about 3 days if we don't do any more exploring."
Tread
player, 222 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:57
  • msg #754

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly is off in the distance, swimming in the Tuskwater lake. Her form can be seen shooting up out of the water with a "YIPPEEEEEE!" and diving back in.

Tread giggles. "Sure. Don't see why not. We were told not to stay away too long and I told Eli I'd try to keep our outings as short as possible."
Scott
player, 177 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 03:59
  • msg #755

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods,  "Plus for all we know, simply going back the way we came could have everything we missed catch up to us."  He smiles and waves to Shelly in the waves (so far as lakes have waves).

  "Still, when it's not full of criminals this fort is surprisingly nice."
Joey
player, 280 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 04:07
  • msg #756

Re: Kingmaker

Joey chuckles and is sure to spend a little time splashing about with Shelly before beginning the journey back.  On the night of the first day traveling back, a sneaky person is caught trying to steal from the heroes and easily subdued.

"Lemme go!  I just wanted some pocket change!  I wasn't going to hurt anyone!"

"Tell it to the judge when you get to Restov," Joey grumbles.
Tread
player, 223 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 04:12
  • msg #757

Re: Kingmaker

Tread and Shelly were sure to play fort games with Scott and Joey due to Scott's comment. Tag and Capture the Flag come to mind as amazing games in an abandoned fort.

Upon seeing the subdued thief, Tread says sweetly and with pity, "If you were hungry, you could have asked and we would have fed you. Haven't you heard of us yet?"
Scott
player, 178 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 04:15
  • msg #758

Re: Kingmaker

  "Is it wrong that I find it oddly refreshing someone wanted to rob us without trying to kill us first?"  Oh look, their very first guy likely to survive to even SEE hard labor.
Joey
player, 281 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 04:25
  • msg #759

Re: Kingmaker

"Not wrong at all," Joey says.

The thief wisely keeps quiet for the rest of the trip.

On the last day of the trip at about noon a group of 3 rabid elk attack.  When the group finishes them off, Akiros finally speaks up.

"Honestly I'm beginning to wonder how the wildlife will survive constantly throwing itself at you to it's death."
Tread
player, 224 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 04:36
  • msg #760

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "Nature respects and fears two things: Size and numbers. As the kingdom grows, so too will the caution of the wildlife."

Shelly sings happy songs of the ocean for her team. Although the omens continue to happen to her frequently. About 2 to 5 times a day, depending on how many opportunities the spirits find to do their thing.

Unless Akiros thinks Shelly is a wizard, he would have to admit these aren't wizard magic tricks. Eli isn't around to do those things.
Scott
player, 179 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 04:55
  • msg #761

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, I figure with carnivores that's how they normally do things.  It's the fact even the ones that supposedly have a non meat diet are trying to kill us that pushes it over into ridiculous."

  They are going to have to deal with Dire Beavers putting dams where they don't want any later, aren't they...
Joey
player, 282 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 06:18
  • msg #762

Re: Kingmaker

"One can only hope..." Joey says of Tread's point before nodding in agreement with Scott's.

"There's only so many of 'em is all I'm sayin'," Akiros says, "At this rate they'll eventually all wind up dead."

Back at Oleg's it's dinner time and Addleworth is at his customary place to stuff his face.  Jhod is talking sheepishly with a representative of his church, and a human couple very familiar to Tread are waiting for her.

"Surprise!"

They approach to hug.  "So good to see you again, sweetie... erm, General!"

Joey of course smiles at the warm welcome for his friend.
Tread
player, 225 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 06:26
  • msg #763

Re: Kingmaker

Tread picks up the couple. The man is 6'2", so he's no shorty, but he still looks as small as a child next to Tread. The woman is 5'5". Tread picks them both up in the embrace, lifting them a foot or so off the ground! "Mommy! Daddy!"

Shelly grins and says, "Wow! You have GOT to be the cutest giant I've ever seen, Tread!"

Tread blushes. "Mom, Dad... these are my very dear friends Joey, Scott and Shelly. And I'm guessing the Leventons have introduced you to little Eli."
Scott
player, 180 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 06:32
  • msg #764

Re: Kingmaker

  Waves hello to Tread's nice parents.  </brown>"Hello there, Tread has spoken fondly of you.  Seems she was understating things a little."</brown>

  Scott is somewhat surprised at all the competition for adorable his friends have gotten into, fortunately Scott is aware that there are some contests he can't win.
Joey
player, 283 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 06:47
  • msg #765

Re: Kingmaker

Joey also waves hello. "Nice to meet you."

"We just arrived and we're told Eli is busy at the moment," Tread's Mom answers.

"But we were introduced to the rest of your acquaintances," her dad continues.

"She sure is the cutest, isn't she?  A pleasure to meet you too.  She wrote fondly of you as well."

"I'll let Eli know you're back," Svetlana offers before hurrying off.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:48, Tue 12 Nov 2013.
Tread
player, 226 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 06:52
  • msg #766

Re: Kingmaker

"Thanks, Svetlana!" Tread calls out. She can't help herself and picks up Shelly from under her arms, presenting her to the parents like a large stuffed toy. Shelly grins and waves.

Tread then finds a place to sit so she can start chatting with her parents about all the excitement going on.
Scott
player, 181 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 06:58
  • msg #767

Re: Kingmaker

  "Nice to hear, sometimes I forget I'm worth writing about."  Well, worth writing about in a non derogative way at least.

  As personally boring as it can be, Scott thinks Tread deserves to catch up with her family in peace (bothering them can totally come later).  He looks to Joey (not Lucky) and comments "Think Eli will have anything of note to fill us in on, or is 'idiot robber' going to be the political highlight?"
Joey
player, 284 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 07:09
  • msg #768

Re: Kingmaker

The mommy of course thinks Shelly is adorable and says as much but both she and daddy show her more respect than Svetlana did when she lost herself to the cuteness overload.  They are eager to listen to Tread get them caught up.

Joey snorts a chuckle at Scott's question and nods.

"I expect as much.  It's just a collection of farms."

"The sooner you return to your leadership duties, the better, though," Addleworth recommends.

Akiros already secured the prisoner in the stable and sits down to dinner.

"Dinner would be good, yes."

Joey takes a seat at the head of the table so he can enjoy watching both Tread's and her parents' smiles then waves Scott over to sit with him.
Shelly
Player, 13 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 07:23
  • msg #769

Re: Kingmaker

When Eli arrives, he goes to Tread to be introduced. Tread, of course, announces to the parents that she has adopted the boy. "He's very very smart. Far as I know, most people have to study 15 to 20 years just to become a wizard. But Eli here has picked up on it at his young age."

Eli just blushes and has a hard time looking the parents in the eye. "He's also very shy."

Meanwhile, Shelly says, "I'mma let you get caught up with Tread and Eli... if you hear any haunting voices or see an object move on its own, don't be distressed. It's normal around me." and with that, she goes to sit with Joey and Scott. "Hi, guys. Wish my parents could up and visit me. But alas, they have to stay at their kingdom to care for it. Best I can hope for is a visit from my friend Crucible. But hey! One of these days, I'll be more than happy to take you guys to visit my home."
Scott
player, 182 posts
Tue 12 Nov 2013
at 07:31
  • msg #770

Re: Kingmaker

  Invitation had, Scott walks over and takes a seat by Joey.  At Shelly's offer, he says "That sounds like it would be nice, thank you Shelly.  Though I wonder if I'm a good enough swimmer to make the visit." Swim skill trained vs Aquatic fuzzy sort of comparison and all.

  "Hopefully, if your friend visits the place will be nicer by then.  We're off to a good start, but I doubt 'a farm' counts for much by comparison."
Joey
player, 285 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 06:07
  • msg #771

Re: Kingmaker

Joey of course smiles at Shelly.  "Thanks for the invitation.  Though Scott already voiced my own worries.  And he's likely a much stronger swimmer than myself."

Addleworth shrugs his suggestion went completely ignored.  Understandable under the circumstances.  And the less he has to interact, the more he can stuff his face.  The church rep that was talking to Jhod bids him farewell and leaves with a token blessing to the group.
Tread
player, 227 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 06:12
  • msg #772

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly giggles. "Don't worry about how well you can swim."

Tread pauses from talking to her parents. "Hold on a sec... before you leave, if you don't mind, please tell us what the purpose was of your visit?"

Shelly and Eli look at the priest as well.
Scott
player, 183 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 06:30
  • msg #773

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, that is encouraging then for a future visit if it is not a concern."  He turns adds to the amount of eyeballs aimed at random priests.
Joey
player, 286 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 06:46
  • msg #774

Re: Kingmaker

"Jhod can answer any questions you have about that," the priest answers with a bow before before turning to leave, "It is not my place to answer for him."

Jhod blushes and bows his head.  "I um...  The church was just checking up on me to make sure I wasn't a fake.  It would misrepresent Erastil if admitted fallen priests such as myself making claims of redemption were simply taken at face value without some investigation.  Especially with my having been appointed high priest of a new nation.  I apologize for the interruption."

"I think Erastil has made your redemption rather clear," Joey answers, "In fact I believe he chose you specifically because of the hard lesson you learned in justice.  He knows you'll not be making that mistake twice.  And considering that visiting inquisitor didn't question us tells me he believes your story and doesn't need anymore evidence.  I am honored to call someone hand picked by the god of family friend."

Jhod blushes deeply and bows.  Akiros has a very deep frown and walks off.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Wed 13 Nov 2013.
Shelly
Player, 14 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 06:59
  • msg #775

Re: Kingmaker

Tread decides to let Akiros go and she continues to talk to her family.

Shelly, however, doesn't like letting people walk off upset. She trots off after him, curious. Once she is sure she is out of hearing range of Tread and such (not caring if Joey and/or Scott followed), she calls out to him. "Akiros? What's the matter?" After all... it's literally her job now to get involved in people's feelings.
Scott
player, 184 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 07:06
  • msg #776

Re: Kingmaker

  On the one hand, curious.  On the other hand, negative charisma modifier.  Scott opts to let the much more approachable seeming Shelly deal with Akiro's HURT FEELINGS.

  Seriously, us narrators know your backstory but even Batman and Spiderman would say you are being a big baby.

  Instead he says to Jhod, "Didn't they exile you out here in the first place?"  It made it sound like the church was suspicious of Jhod doing what he was told to do in the first place.
Joey
player, 287 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 07:21
  • msg #777

Re: Kingmaker

"Exiled from Galt," Jhod answers Scott, sounding and looking quite embarrassed, "Where to was non specific till I started having the dreams."

Joey nods and gets up to follow Shelly.  "Don't mean to make you uncomfortable, Jhod.  Just know that you are trusted by your allies.  Inquisitor's blessing or no."

"You m-might want to put more stock in an inquisitor's findings, m'lord," Jhod answers sheepishly, "Should they ever contradict your own beliefs.  They specialize in rooting out even the most convincing of fakes."

Joey doesn't answer and just quietly keeps an eye on Akiros from a distance.  Akiros is breathing slow and steady, keeping his back to Shelly.  He fondles the hilt of his sword.

There's a barely contained growl in his voice as he says, "Do not ask me that again."

And he continues on his way out into the open fields beyond Oleg's trading post.

OOC: A scorpion version of Scott stings Akiros for "showing FEELINGS!  Showing feelings of an almost human nature!  This will not do!"  (Pink Floyd's The Wall)
Shelly
Player, 15 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 07:30
  • msg #778

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly follows Akiros and says, "Hear me out; I will ask my friends and allies how they feel and why from time to time. It's not only my job, it is my duty as a friend and ally. That said, I can leave you alone for now, but I will not comply to the idea of leaving you alone forever."
Scott
player, 185 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 07:39
  • msg #779

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, I'll admit I'm hardly an expert on religion. Let alone compared to a priest.  I'll be sure to remember an inquisitors opinion matters more than my own."  They probably have some 'totally a heretic, honest' stamp just itching to hit some paperwork.

  To many bear incidents (hey, even one is too many) makes Scott sensitive to growling, so really hopes that he doesn't have to punch Akiros in the face any time soon.  Though it looks more like sad hulk piano will be the case instead.
Joey
player, 288 posts
Wed 13 Nov 2013
at 07:52
  • msg #780

Re: Kingmaker

"That's not what I meant!" Jhod pleads with Scott, "I meant in matters of finding fake believers specifically.  Surely you don't expect me to believe inquisitors are infallible in every matter."

"Nor infallible in their field of expertise," Joey says as he motions for Eli to approach, "Even the gods themselves are not infallible, much less their internal affairs department."

Jhod's eyes go wide in shock at a cleric of Serenrae saying such a thing.  Akiros looks over his shoulder at Shelly with a look of intense hate like he's about to shoot her with eyebeams.

"It's personal.  And none of your business."
Shelly
Player, 16 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 05:47
  • msg #781

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly squeaks from the glare, but stares right back at Akiros anyway, clearly intimidated, "I'm only trying to be a friend, Akiros. I'm not gonna dig or nothing, but you need to bury that anger before it destroys you."

A breeze kicks up and a voice can be heard on it saying, "Destroy..."

Shelly takes a deep breath and starts marching right up to Akiros with a look of determination.
Scott
player, 186 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 05:55
  • msg #782

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott isn't quite sure which potential blow up to pay more attention to... Wait, no.  Ghostly voices saying DESTROY are rather attention getting.

  "Joey, while I'm still somehow optimistic enough not to jump to the worst conclusion, we should probably be ready for the worst anyway."
Joey
player, 289 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:05
  • msg #783

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros helmet-palms at the crazy wind voice.  He doesn't much like the look on the seabear's face, but she's not casting a spell and he can't imagine her being able to tackle him, so his curiosity gets the better of him and he turns to face her with a look of deep confusion on his face.

Jhod notes that he's not the focus of attention any more and takes his leave to be embarrassed alone in peace.

Joey nods to Scott, readying a spell.

"Now might be a good time to make sure he's not thinking of hurting her, Eli,"
he whispers.
Shelly
Player, 17 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #784

Re: Kingmaker

When Shelly makes it up to Akiros, she opens her arms to him. "I'm your friend. Whatever you're upset about is past. This is now and right now you have friends; people who care about you. I don't have to hear what exactly is bothering you, but please let me at least be here for you."

Meanwhile, Eli casts Detect Thoughts on Akiros. It's a new day and he hasn't been using magic aside from cantrips. Success this time. This time, Eli only did this because Joey told him to in order to make sure Akiros isn't thinking of hurting Shelly. But he may get more than he bargained for.

(Akiros rolled a 2+? on his will save)
(Shelly rolled a 5+4 on her will save)

This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Sat 16 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 187 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:20
  • msg #785

Re: Kingmaker

  Well, so far so good.  Visibly confused is better than visibly angry.  Scott is still glad he has that bonus to grapple about now though if Shelly can't Care Bear her way through this.
Mittens
GM, 994 posts
Shifter
change job kupopopo!
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:27
  • msg #786

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros' eyes turn a cold stare at Shelly as he remembers his betrayal...


"No."

He turns to leave.  Joey heads over to Shelly to offer her comfort.
Eli
player, 204 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:33
  • msg #787

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly looks dumbfounded as well and just kind of stands there.

Eli watches Joey go to comfort Shelly, but looks a little scared. He's frozen in place like Shelly, but for very different reasons as his eyes tear up and he clings to the nearest wall.
Scott
player, 188 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:41
  • msg #788

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott eeers, okay then.  "Uh, Joey, with Tread busy you see, to have the most experience comforting Eli.  I'll go check on our princess guest.".

  Nothing so far has broken the Kid's brain, so he's wondering if Akiros ate an entire basketfull of orphan kittens in front of wheelchair bound puppies or something.  Either way, he softly walks over to Shelly and kneels beside her., offering a hand.
Joey
player, 290 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 06:46
  • msg #789

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods to Scott, offers a comforting shoulder-pat to Shelly, stands back up from his knelt position, and heads over to Eli to offer him a big hug.

"What's wrong, Eli?  What was he thinking?"
Eli
player, 205 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:05
  • msg #790

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly snaps out of it when Joey touches her. She then looks at Scott. "Oh... hi, Scott. Guess you saw all that."

Eli's fear is quickly becoming anger. "He... he's a murderer... but... the one he murdered betrayed him. And then the next one he murdered was the one who he betrayed..." he grips the wall, he face turning red. "I've never seen such a pile of back-stabs! How... why...?!"

Eli's brain is quite capable when it comes to equations, puzzle-solving, languages, and other such logic and reasoning. But when it comes to human nature, he's about as capable of grasping it as any normal little boy: Not too well.
Scott
player, 189 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:11
  • msg #791

Re: Kingmaker

  "Just the visible to the average sort bits.  I get the feeling I missed the big part."  At Eli's outburst, he sighs.  "Not how I would have preferred Eli learn that digging through people's heads is hardly consequence free."
Joey
player, 291 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:14
  • msg #792

Re: Kingmaker

Unless Eli turns away the fluffy fox, Joey smothers the boy in huggles and kisses.

"I don't know.  Sure seems like he regrets it all, though... right?"
Shelly
Player, 18 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:17
  • msg #793

Re: Kingmaker

Eli cries on Joey.

Shelly says, "Oh dear. Well... Akiros just... didn't want any comfort or companionship." she starts heading with Scott to Eli.
Scott
player, 190 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:26
  • msg #794

Re: Kingmaker

  No duh Scott heads over to the crying wizard with Shelly.  "I really wish I had a better handle on offering comforting words.  But for what it's worth, we are all here for you Eli."

  Can't even Punch Akiros for making Eli cry because Eli's is crying for reasons that would make Akiros punch Eli.
Joey
player, 292 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:36
  • msg #795

Re: Kingmaker

Joey carries little Eli over to mommy Tread.

"Well the good news is Akiros didn't harm Shelly.  The bad news is Eli got a peek inside his thoughts and what he saw there really upset him."
Shelly
Player, 19 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #796

Re: Kingmaker

Eli is too busy crying to express his gratitude, but what Scott said made a difference, just like Joey's hug.

Upon Tread hearing what gives, she stands up, takes Eli and says, "Mom, Dad... if you'll excuse me." She looks at Joey and Scott. "I'm gonna try and get him to calm down. Thanks for bringing him to me."

Bright side, if Akiros found out, maybe punching is all he'd do?

Shelly says, "So we just wait?"

Tread nods. "Did he say anything about what he saw?"
Scott
player, 191 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:45
  • msg #797

Re: Kingmaker

  "A vicious circle of betrayed, stab, betray, stab.  Or at least that's the impression."
Joey
player, 293 posts
Sat 16 Nov 2013
at 07:54
  • msg #798

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods.

"From the sounds of things it'll take time to sort things out for both Eli and Akiros.  Maybe now that Eli knows he can later help Akiros in a way the rest of us can't.  I guess time will tell."
Shelly
Player, 20 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:14
  • msg #799

Re: Kingmaker

Tread heads off with Eli.

Shelly says, "Well that was upsetting. I wonder how Akiros will feel when he finds out Eli read his mind?"
Scott
player, 192 posts
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:17
  • msg #800

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott sighs, "I generally prefer honesty, and it might end up worse the longer he puts it off.  But Eli just outright announcing 'oh hey, I just picked your most deepest and most personal trauma out of your head without you're knowledge or permission' can't possibly end in smiles and forgiveness for the kid's actions."
Joey
player, 294 posts
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:25
  • msg #801

Re: Kingmaker

"I'll take responsibility for that," Joey says, sounding guilty, "It was I who asked him to check if he was thinking of harming Shelly.  I suppose I should have trusted Akiros more.  And Shelly to be able to defend herself."

A happy-sounding whistled tune begins just outside the trading post, followed by a sturdy knock on the door.  As usual, Keston and Oleg answer the door.  They both look off-put by what they see.

"Greetings," a gravely voice outside can be heard saying, "I hear this is where the Greenbelt Explorers are hiding out."

Should anyone check, this is the person they'll see: http://paizo.com/image/content...ZO1124-Barbarian.jpg except more springtime clothing and a backpack.

I thought this a cool pic until I looked closer at the shadow of his target... http://wow.blizzgame.ru/gallery/orc-rogue-by-yaorenwo/  Then I found it simply hilarious.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Tue 19 Nov 2013.
Shelly
Player, 21 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:31
  • msg #802

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "Guess we'll just have to bring it up for Eli. He's a shy boy as it is. But we have a visitor right now..."

She starts padding over towards the doorway. "Who wants to know?" she asks with curiosity (and the usual squeak) in her tone.
Scott
player, 193 posts
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:37
  • msg #803

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott is taken aback less from the Orc situation, and more the wording from the Orc.  "I guess that depends on what you mean by hiding out.  We do like the place though."  Hiding out implies they've been running AWAY from most of their problems, instead of toward them.
Grall
player, 55 posts
Orc Warlord
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:43
  • msg #804

Re: Kingmaker

Joey also takes a look at the newcomer, rather surprised at the lack of hostility.  Grall smiles at Shelly but quickly loses interest in the adorable white teddybear when he hears Scott use the word "we."

"Name's Grall.  You killed my father.  Prepare to die!"

Keston draws his sword!  Grall pays him no mind and just watches Scott with what might be interpreted as veiled suspicion.  But he makes no aggressive movements.
Shelly
Player, 22 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:54
  • msg #805

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly immediately stands between the orc and Scott, trident in hand. For the first time, she shows her power in front of her allies as she yells in an echoed voice, "Urunolie!" and a bunch of water appears, seemingly from nowhere, slams on Shelly and solidifies into a bunch of armor made of ice. "No killing!" Shelly proclaims, taking a stance.
Scott
player, 194 posts
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 06:58
  • msg #806

Re: Kingmaker

  What's the roll for complete bafflement?  No roll? Cool.  "What."

  Scott was all set to spiral off into annoyance at yet another thing assuming they are complete bastards and thus must kill them for it,  but then Shelly puts herself in harms way for his sake.  "Thanks Shelly, appreciate it.  Seriously though, I've never punched an orc, let alone killed one."  Which is surprising given low level DnD.  Maybe they just didn't roll up on the encounters chart.

  "Though the way this usually goes, nobody seems to realize were are not a bunch of bandits and murderers until we hit them enough times and surprise, we let them live because we arent..  Is this going to be one of those days Grall?"
Grall
player, 56 posts
Orc Warlord
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 07:06
  • msg #807

Re: Kingmaker

Joey is ready with a spell should the need arise.  Grall's face contorts into one of immense amusement and he bursts out laughing!

"No orcs you slay?  I suppose I should have been more specific.  You killed my adopted father - The Stag Lord!"

He turns an amused look to Shelly, raising an eyebrow.

"No killing, you say?  So what are you threatening me with, mmm?  You plan to not-kill me with that weapon?  Or do your rules apply only to not-you?"

"This is no laughing matter, stranger!" Keston barks, "You think you can get away with threatening a leader of our nation?!"
Shelly
Player, 23 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 07:15
  • msg #808

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "Yes, I plan to not-kill you with this weapon! It is as Scott just said; We defeat our enemies, they remain alive. If you have a grievance, then talk with us. But if your intent is violence, be warned this group is especially adept at that. But we will not kill anyone until they have been found guilty of a crime worthy of the death penalty."

It's around then, all the yelling and excitement brings the towering lady tank that is Tread, little boy Eli following close behind her. Apparently, people in danger is enough to knock him back to his senses, because his "oh great, we're gonna fight again, aren't we?" face is on.
Scott
player, 195 posts
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 07:26
  • msg #809

Re: Kingmaker

  You'd think being adopted I'd have seen that coming, but no." Seriously Scott, learn to pick up on that.

  "It is a terrible thing to say, I am not sorry that the Stag Lord was lost to you.  It has meant less bandits threatening to chop the hands off married couples, for starters. So far, all you are is understandably angry that someone close to you died.  Just get trying to kill us over with if that's your intent, or drop it.  We may very well be killed by bears or elks on our next trip out and you'll miss your chance if you don't decide now."
Grall
player, 57 posts
Orc Warlord
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 07:40
  • msg #810

Re: Kingmaker

Tread gets a raised eyebrow from the orc that very well may weigh more than she.  If she weren't wearing plate armor, at least.  The little boy, on the other hand.  Was that a twinge of fear on Grall's face?  We're not telling.

"Yup," Grall answers Keston matter-of-factly.

To Shelly he smiles again.  "I like your spunk.  For what it's worth, I can take prisoners alive too."

He pats a sap hanging from his belt.  To Scott's comment he snorts.

"You fear me not.  Good.  As for the justification of killing my dad...  I suppose it's a good enough excuse.  He wasn't exactly gentle with his enemies or victims and that invites vengeance.  He was good to me the short time we were family.  Then I wound up sentenced to hard labor with little hope of ever seeing him again.

"No, I had no expectations of walking in here and slaughtering the lot of you with the kind of reputation you've got.  If I wanted you dead, I'd have to do so very, very carefully.  Or as you say, just wait for a wild animal to do it for me, heh.  No.  I just wanted to come here and see if you all really are what people have been saying you are.  And to collect on what I consider a debt.  Deserving or not, you still killed my dad.  So you owe me."

Shelly
Player, 24 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 07:54
  • msg #811

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "The only things owed to the orphan of a murderer is an explanation, compassion, and an attempt to find them a new family. Personally, I wasn't there. I didn't partake in the Stag Lord's death. So by technicality, I owe you nothing. However, I would still like to extend a hand of friendship, deserving or no." She twirls her trident and stabs it into the ground and offers her hand to the orc. "What is it you feel you are owed?"

Tread and Eli watch intently.
Scott
player, 196 posts
Tue 19 Nov 2013
at 08:02
  • msg #812

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott sighs,  "You're actually trying to be reasonable about things, which is a spectacular rarity ever since I've come to these lands.  I'm not going to admit to any debt over this, but I am inclined to help you out so long as helping you isn't stupid or crazy."
Grall
player, 58 posts
Orc Warlord
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 03:01
  • msg #813

Re: Kingmaker

Grall is getting a helpless "so cute!" look on his face and leans forward to accept the offered tiny handshake between his thumb and index finger.

"Your sweetness is giving me cavities!" he laughs, "What if you fail to find me a family?  Would you volunteer to be my mommy?"

He bursts out laughing at the thought.

"If not for the impressive reputation of the Greenbelt Explorers, I'd say you're far too nice.  But I suppose you can afford to be."

He stands up streight.  "I plan to have a grave stone made to honor the man who risked his own neck to rescue my sorry, starving, young self from a pack of wolves, nursed me back to health, and adopted me.  I think you owe it to me to not deface it."

Auchs scratches his head.  "I was in the Stag Lord's gang.  Why don't I remember you?"

"That was eight years ago."

"Oh."

Joey continues to keep quiet.
Shelly
Player, 25 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 03:13
  • msg #814

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly squeaks, "If you want a mommy that bad, maybe my mom would... how old are you?"

Tread says, "My own parents are here, but I doubt you're actually interested in parents at this point."

Upon hearing about the grave, Shelly squeaks in an almost desperate tone, "Defacing a grave is wrong! And has consequences." even while she is saying consequences, a whispering ghostly voice says the same thing at the same time with a small gust of wind. "Restless Spirits... don't worry. Nobody is going to deface any graves as long as I have a say."

Eli remains quiet.

Tread says, "Scott's right, though. Threats and such are a breath of fresh air compared to being constantly attacked without warning. So just let me know what you want on the stone. I'll be sure to have it in his old fort unless you have a better idea."
Scott
player, 197 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 03:22
  • msg #815

Re: Kingmaker

  "I think I can resist the urge to sully what little shreds of honor a dead man has left by carving 'likes butts' under his name or some other juvenile action."  Really, they had already thrown the body to a demanding zombie as an elaborate toll fee.  They have gone well past gravestones when it comes to defiling the memory.
Grall
player, 59 posts
Orc Warlord
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 03:35
  • msg #816

Re: Kingmaker

Grall busts out laughing again.  "Sister Shelly?!  I don't think my system could survive the sugar overload!"

He nods to Tread.  "I have an adopted mom, now, yeah."

"I agree with Shelly," Joey adds, "Defacing graves is not something we do."

He grunts, looking satisfied.  "Very well.  I plan to head out to the woods and make a living as a hunter.  I prefer that the stone be paid for with my own money.  Not decided on where to put it.  Perhaps at the place where I was rescued.  I'll let you know if I need you to make any accommodations.  Tata."

He turns to leave.

Joey whispers to the others, "I think I'd rather keep a closer eye on him.  Since he intends to get violent with wildlife anyway, perhaps if we offered he come explore with us..."
Shelly
Player, 26 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 05:22
  • msg #817

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly considers this, then looks up at Joey, cold fog emanating from her ice armor. She then looks back to Grall. "Grall! Before you go out there, it's still quite dangerous. You would be better served accompanying us as we continue our explorations. If there is one thing the Stag Lord and the Greenbelt Explorers agreed on, it's that there is safety and power in numbers."

Tread would have just as soon let the orc go. But then, she forgets that just because the guy LOOKS capable doesn't mean he's any match for a herd of elk. Or grigs who don't know him from Adam.
Scott
player, 198 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 05:37
  • msg #818

Re: Kingmaker

  Grigs would also probably call Adam totally a bandit.  "There is that, if you wanted to work off a proper sized block of granite you'd be better served working alongside people.  Out of curiosity though, how long have you been back in these lands, and has your traveling managed to avoid nature trying to murder you if it has been more than a few days?"
Grall
player, 60 posts
Orc Warlord
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 05:46
  • msg #819

Re: Kingmaker

Grall stops and turns around with a surprised look on his face.

"You're offering me a job?  Well....  Sure!  Why the heck not!  I've been wanting to see you in combat anyway.  See how I measure up.  Though...  You mentioned you try to keep enemies alive.  It would be kinda tough to take the pelt off an animal without killing it."

To Scott he answers, "About three days on the road.  A single bandit attacked, but the worst wildlife I've had to deal with so far was a swarms of gnats."

"What happened to the bandit?" Joey asks.

"Killed him.  What else?"
Shelly
Player, 27 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 06:06
  • msg #820

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly squeaks, "Welcome aboard."

Tread says, "Just humor us. Do what you can to leave your opponent alive."

Eli says, "I think I'm ready to tell Akiros what I did..."

Shelly turns to Eli. "The group already decided we would tell him before you do."

Tread says, "As long as Eli is out of harm's way, I don't see a problem with him conquering his fears."

Shelly looks back at Grall. "Stick with us, Grall."
Scott
player, 199 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 06:11
  • msg #821

Re: Kingmaker

    "I wasn't joking about the Elks and Bears."  If things keep up like they have been, Grall might not be thanking them for the job.  "I think it might be closer to say we try not to kill people, than not kill anything."

  He nods to the others, and as much of a hard time he has been giving over Eli playing thought police, he is still going to put himself between Eli and Akiros.
Grall
player, 61 posts
Orc Warlord
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 06:24
  • msg #822

Re: Kingmaker

Grall sweatdrops.  "Uh... ok.  Why do I get the feeling like I just stepped into something way over my head.  Name Akiros is familiar, though."

"Akiros is my friend," Auchs explains, figuring that reason enough.

Joey hmms.  "Eli may be ready, but Akiros might not.  You see, Akiros has been acting... temperamental.  Shelly tried to be friendly, but he looked like he was going to get violent about it."

"Over the adorable otter being friendly?  Jerk."

"I was worried he might do something... so I asked Eli to read his mind with magic to make sure Shelly was safe.  Eli found out Akiros' deepest, darkest secret and why he's so angry.  Now we need to talk to him about it."

"Uhn...  Wouldn't it have been simpler just to get between this Akiros guy and Shelly?"

"W...  Yes.  It would have.  And I was foolish of me to ask Eli to read his mind.  Which reminds me.  Eli, I owe you an apology."
Eli
player, 206 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 06:34
  • msg #823

Re: Kingmaker

Eli frowns. "He'll never be ready to talk about it! We either talk to him about it or we don't. You saw how he got when Tread or I were nice to him! ...I'm going to talk to him, and if any of you want to come, I won't stop you."

Tread says, "There's no need to yell, Eli. Joey's just trying to be considerate."

Eli says, "We all tried that. Time for being considerate to this murderer is over. He either makes amends and comes clean... or he faces the consequences. I may not like what I saw in his mind. And it made sense of how he acts. But there's good reason he was with the Stag Lord. It's time he stop turning his anger out on all of you when you rescued him, took him in, and have been nothing but nice to him!"

Shelly squeaks and says, "Calm down, Eli... don't let his thoughts make you as angry and bitter as Akiros."

Eli says, "I'm not. It's the truth. Seriously, have you ever known a time where he was ready to talk about his feelings?"
Scott
player, 200 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 06:47
  • msg #824

Re: Kingmaker

 "Eli, how long have we spent with him when not going too and from a job to smash something." Granted, most of them have known eachother for only slightly more than that.  "While we've been hanging out with people who care about us" More or less in Scott's case,  "He's been on the run and living with bandits who made a habit of trying to get him murdered and look like an accident.  It's a miracle he hasn't resorted to biting faces.  I'm not going to stop you, and you may well be right that putting this off will only make it worse in the long run.  But not opening up about his feelings is not the problem here."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:52, Wed 20 Nov 2013.
Joey
player, 295 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 06:52
  • msg #825

Re: Kingmaker

"Mmm," Grall grunts, kinda indicating he agrees with Scott.

Joey kneels down to put a hand on Eli's shoulder and look him in the eye.  "It seems you and he know him to be guilty of a very serious crime.  Should we be thinking about taking him prisoner?  Or is it the kind of thing that cannot be proven?"
Eli
player, 207 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:01
  • msg #826

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "He murdered an innocent man and not-so-innocent woman in cold blood. Right in front of priests. And guards. Everyone was so shocked, they didn't stop him when he ran. But it happened in Taldor."

He looks at Scott. "If I thought Akiros was nothing more than a tool, I'd be fine with that. But he's a person. And if his only worth as a person is killing people, something needs to change. And you saw how angry he was at Shelly... angry enough to hurt her. Or worse. Can we really keep shrugging off that he might suddenly decide to kill one of us without warning? Because I can tell you the two people he killed and every witness around him didn't see it coming."

Tread thinks about it. "We have been trying to give people second chances. Maybe he's afraid we won't give him that second chance if we know his secret."

Shelly says, "...Maybe we should detain him for now, as privately as possible, if just to secure things?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:04, Wed 20 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 201 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:13
  • msg #827

Re: Kingmaker

  "...Yeah, okay, when you put it like that.  Honestly, this sort of thing is a bit beyond my experience.  So far it's either been unrepentant wildlife of criminals trying to kill me, or people trying to kill me then saying 'oops sorry' when I beat them because they thought I totally looked like an unrepentant criminal."   Says the man wearing commoner's clothing.
Joey
player, 296 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:25
  • msg #828

Re: Kingmaker

"If I saw you out in the wilderness, I'd assume you were a criminal," Grall asserts, trying to lighten the mood.

Joey thinks hard about Eli's latest revelation.  "That's a no, then.  Not enough evidence to convict him, or even arrest him.  As much as I trust Eli, the last thing we need is to set an example that says we'll put someone in prison from the results of a magical spell alone.  Speaking of which, I'm remembering him telling me to not trust Detect Evil.  I wonder...

"Eli.  Perhaps you should talk to him alone.  Or at least, him thinking you're alone with him.  Those who can watch on without being noticed can keep an eye on you two.  It's important that we know he can be trusted alone with you or Shelly or any of us.  You understand him now more than anyone, so if anyone can find that out it would be you.  But of course I'll back you up if you want me to."

Eli
player, 208 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:34
  • msg #829

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "...I want to believe Akiros won't hurt me."

Tread says, "Alone? Eli's magic is powerful, but he has time to cast it because he has a wall of allies keeping him from being attacked. Right, Eli?"

Eli says, "I don't intend to cast anything on him. I'll just trust my allies to swoop in if need be."

Shelly says, "Scott, think you can be sneaky enough to follow Eli and keep him safe?"
Scott
player, 202 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #830

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, I can try." He HAS been putting a single skill point towards stealth all four levels of his existence, but is a +9 Stealth really enough to get the job done, even if it's probably the highest one in the party?  "I don't suppose in your list of less than directly harmful spells, you know one that can make me more quiet than usual?"

  "Still, given the choice between maybe getting caught watching out for your safety, and leaving you entirely alone, I'll take my chances."
Grall
player, 62 posts
Orc Warlord
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:49
  • msg #831

Re: Kingmaker

"I'm a ninja," Grall says, "I can be pretty sneaky too."

Joey doesn't know what to say to that.
Eli
player, 209 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 07:57
  • msg #832

Re: Kingmaker

Eli marches off to find Akiros.

Shelly says, "Stay with us for now, Grall. Thanks for the offer, though."

With that, Shelly lets Scott go on ahead first, waits a few moments, then follows Scott.
Scott
player, 203 posts
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:02
  • msg #833

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott SNEAKY SNEAKS after small children and taken out of context that would just be downright terrible.

  He hopes he doesn't have the chance to find out if a sneaking up and punching Akiros in the back of the head would work better or worse than trying that on a random bandit.
Narrator
player, 283 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:02
  • msg #834

Re: Kingmaker

Eli finds Akiros laying alone in the tall grass watching the clouds.  He doesn't seem to notice the boy's approach.

Joey and Grall follow Shelly.
Eli
player, 210 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:05
  • msg #835

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "Akiros. Before I say what I have to say, know that I and the others are your friends. That said, I've read your mind. I know what you did."
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:14
  • msg #836

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros answers in an annoyed tone, "That so?"
Eli
player, 211 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:16
  • msg #837

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "Yeah. It's not fair what she did. But it's wrong what you did."
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:18
  • msg #838

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros doesn't answer.
Eli
player, 212 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:21
  • msg #839

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "Anyway... I told the others you are guilty of murder. But they want to give you a second chance. So now that your secret is out and we all still want to be friends, are you going to keep running?"
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:23
  • msg #840

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros blinks some.  "What?  What exactly did you tell them?"
Eli
player, 213 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:25
  • msg #841

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "That you murdered an innocent man and a not-so-innocent woman."
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:27
  • msg #842

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros is silent for a bit.

"Huh.  And they didn't take your word for it?"
Eli
player, 214 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:29
  • msg #843

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "They did. But Joey said we can't start setting the example of having magic alone be enough evidence to condemn someone. All your witnesses were in Taldor."
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:32
  • msg #844

Re: Kingmaker

"That so," Akiros says, seeming a little less agitated, "Good.  To answer your earlier question, I ain't goin' anywhere.  But don't go spreading lies about me killing people who didn't deserve it, or I might have to."
Eli
player, 215 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:35
  • msg #845

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "They deserved death? How?"
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:40
  • msg #846

Re: Kingmaker

"The woman was willing to use the law to murder a man to save her wealth," Akiros says, "The man was a slave driver who made a fortune off of death and suffering.  I've had a long time to think about that day.  I know I did the right thing.  But I can't help but regret it.  And hate myself.  And mistrust people."
Eli
player, 216 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:46
  • msg #847

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "Can't blame you there. But think about what drove them. They match people like the Stag Lord and his bandits. Greed. Money. Power. These are not the motives you've seen in myself, Joey, Tread, Scott and Shelly. We rescued you from the Stag Lord. Now we want to rescue you from your hurt. The least you can do is not be angry at us for caring."
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:53
  • msg #848

Re: Kingmaker

"Tsh.  It's not that simple.  How 'bout I ask you to stop feeling bad when someone dies?  Can  you just make yourself feel different?  Of course not.  So you don't hear me demanding you do.

"I don't want people prying into my past.  It's personal and private.  Nobody's business but my own.  And it's not for caring I get mad.  It's for personal private reasons.  And I'll deal with that in my own way.  So leave it alone."
Eli
player, 217 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:55
  • msg #849

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "...OK." he turns to leave.
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 08:57
  • msg #850

Re: Kingmaker

"No apology?  I expected more from you.  Foolish me."
Eli
player, 218 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 09:13
  • msg #851

Re: Kingmaker

Eli twirls on his heel. "Oh, so now you're the ONLY one who's allowed to not trust?! You have spit in Shelly's face when she just wanted to be your friend. Me and the others thought you were going to kill her at first! You'll never see it that way and you'll never apologize for it. But you're right. That doesn't justify what I did. I apologize for peeking in your mind."
Akiros Ismort
Wed 20 Nov 2013
at 15:48
  • msg #852

Re: Kingmaker

"Tsh.  Angry?" Akiros asks, "Because I dislike people repeatedly prying?  Don't trust me and expect me to trust?  Well I don't expect you or anyone else to trust.  Which is why I don't want anyone to pretend to be my friend when they think me ready to kill them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:30, Wed 20 Nov 2013.
Eli
player, 219 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Sun 24 Nov 2013
at 00:20
  • msg #853

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "I knew you wouldn't apologize. And you wonder why I didn't want to. Shelly never doubted you. Or didn't you notice she didn't have fear in her eyes? She trusts you. Say what you will about my trust issues, but she wasn't pretending. When I cast that spell, I was able to see into her thoughts too. You want me to not spread lies about you killing innocent people? Fine. I won't. But don't you go spreading lies that Shelly was pretending to be your friend."
Akiros Ismort
Sun 24 Nov 2013
at 02:09
  • msg #854

Re: Kingmaker

Akiros falls silent.  He sits up to get a look at Eli.

"Hmm.  Perhaps.  I'll have a chat with her.  If I can..."

He purses his lips as if stopping himself, then shakes his head.

"I suppose I may as well warn you too.  It wasn't just the woman who betrayed me.  Beware of the so-called 'good' gods and their fanatical followers.  Or even the 'neutral' or 'evil' ones.  They're all manipulators who'll use you to their own ends.  Some are just more subtle about it than others.  But regardless of the god, the moment you offer up a prayer they've got their fangs in you.  It's like a pact where you're selling your soul in exchange for their power.  Sure they might lend you some for a time, but sooner or later you'll be a discarded husk once your usefulness is over.  You should rely on your own strength and follow your own heart."
Eli
player, 220 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 03:28
  • msg #855

Re: Kingmaker

Eli speaks in a hushed tone. "Yeah... I know. I watched my home burn and nobody came to save or even avenge them. And nobody ever will. I've heard people insist the gods can't be everywhere. Well it seems to me an entire town of screaming souls would be enough to catch at least an angel's attention. But on the other hand, Joey and Tread are religious and they have been nothing but nice. And I've seen in their minds too. What was it that convinced you the gods are betrayers? And do you plan to warn Shelly?"
Akiros Ismort
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 03:34
  • msg #856

Re: Kingmaker

"Yup.  Sounds consistent.  Sorry for your loss.  The moment I defended myself I was stripped of all the powers granted by Erastil.  Guess I was too much of a risk to his rep and he couldn't be bothered to send someone to defend my case.  Yes, I plan to."
Eli
player, 221 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 03:35
  • msg #857

Re: Kingmaker

Eli simply nods to him and says, "See you later, then."
Akiros Ismort
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 03:36
  • msg #858

Re: Kingmaker

Akros nods and reclines again to gaze at the clouds.
Eli
player, 222 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 03:42
  • msg #859

Re: Kingmaker

Eli goes to meet up with the others. "So did you guys hear everything?"
Scott
player, 204 posts
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 03:47
  • msg #860

Re: Kingmaker

  Eli appears safe, as was hoped but more preferable confirmed.

  A bush quietly walks off back to the others.

  What? You have to be creative when explaining 'how did my rolling an 87 Stealth vs a 2 perc work' when it involves a mostly wide open plain.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Mon 25 Nov 2013.
Joey
player, 297 posts
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 04:01
  • msg #861

Re: Kingmaker

"Most, I think," Joey answers Eli, "The guy is about as quiet as a thunderstorm."

"Not a word of it," Grall says with a shrug.
Eli
player, 223 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 04:03
  • msg #862

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "I think I got somewhere with him. But he said he'll talk to Shelly. Guess he's in no hurry."
Scott
player, 205 posts
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 04:07
  • msg #863

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott half successfully manages to put the bush the way he found it, and says "Considering how things went before, I think he can take as much time as he wants relaxing before talking to Shelly again."
Joey
player, 298 posts
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 04:10
  • msg #864

Re: Kingmaker

Joey takes a knee and reaches to give Eli a hug.

"You did really well, Eli.  I'm proud of you."

Grall grunts and nods to Scott's thought.
Eli
player, 224 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 23:39
  • msg #865

Re: Kingmaker

Eli says, "So what now? Are you going to get to exploring? Maybe take Akiros with you so he can take out his anger on whatever tries to kill you?"
Scott
player, 206 posts
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 23:44
  • msg #866

Re: Kingmaker

  "If he wants to come along, sure.  While I'd expect him to work with us allright either way, I'd still prefer someone who wants to be there compared to otherwise."  Not quite having your mind set on the situation of 'things trying to kill you' can be almost as bad as 'oh man I'm really angry at these people dire beavers are trying to kill'.
Joey
player, 299 posts
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 23:50
  • msg #867

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods to Scott.

Grall shrugs.  "It's work.  Specifically freeman's work.  Taking pelts beats prison labor any day."

Joey pulls Eli closer and pets him.  "I'm sorry I wasn't there for your hometown.  Maybe we can ask Shelly to find out from an angel if any are looking into avenging them."
Eli
player, 225 posts
Child Prodigy
Future Archmage
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 23:57
  • msg #868

Re: Kingmaker

Eli looks down and away from Joey. "I thought I was being quiet... so what's wrong with you trying?"

Tread goes to sit next to Eli.

Shelly pulls out a map of the Greenbelt as if double-checking the planned route.
Scott
player, 207 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:02
  • msg #869

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott helps Shelly with the Map due to 'actually went across prior explored hex' experience.  That and Eli might get crushed by sheer personal space loss if he went over to the little wizard as well.
Joey
player, 300 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:09
  • msg #870

Re: Kingmaker

"Well nothing wrong, really," Joey says, "Just that Shelly's an Oracle and I'm just a cleric.  I've never knowingly met an angel, whereas she's more likely to have chatted with at least one.  Like...  Addleworth is more likely to have met the king."

"The former king, yes," Addleworth says, "The present Reagent, notsomuch."

"Deific politics," Grall says, "Greeat."

He doesn't take much interest in the map.
Shelly
Player, 28 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:15
  • msg #871

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "I'll send my prayers for you, Eli. Remember that large triumphs happen for good too, and it takes just as long for the evil gods to try and undo those. If only it were so simple as every wrong being crushed the moment they happen."

Eli just nods, keeping his eyes away from people.

Shelly looks at Joey. "During our explorations, I like to swim in the rivers. If you'll keep the group a distance from me, I can meditate while swimming and hopefully... contact someone."
Scott
player, 208 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:24
  • msg #872

Re: Kingmaker

  "While we've had mostly good luck with their representatives" Well okay it's mostly bad luck if you compare two PCs to the more numerous NPC cases of religious figures gone wrong/horrible mistakes made. "I'd expect it to be a while before we're anywhere close to dealing with Diefic politics, we're barely there as it is on normal politics."
Joey
player, 301 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:32
  • msg #873

Re: Kingmaker

"Good to hear!" Grall says cheerfully.

Joey pours on the comfort for Eli.  "It's natural to feel the way you do, Eli.  Just know that you're not alone any more."

"Were you planning on putting off your more down-to-earth political responsibilities till after you return from another trip?" Addleworth asks, "I was under the impression you were going to claim and develop another area first like you did last month.  You've only just gotten back and Tread's parents have only had a short time with her so far."
Tread
player, 228 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:55
  • msg #874

Re: Kingmaker

Tread nods. "Don't worry yourself, Addelworth. Speaking of my parents, I need to get back to them..." She takes Eli's hand and guides him off to be with her. Eli takes the hand and waves to the others.

Shelly looks from Addelworth to the others. "Just sayin'... ahead of time and all..."
Scott
player, 209 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 00:58
  • msg #875

Re: Kingmaker

  "Considering how so much has been done in reaction or with little time to plan, working out our next path of exploration ahead of time is a surprising luxury even if we stick around to deal with developments.  Still, good point about making sure to get things done closer to home."
Grall
player, 63 posts
Orc Warlord
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 01:03
  • msg #876

Re: Kingmaker

"So you really do intend to conquer this region," Grall concludes, "Ambitious."

Joey waves goodbye to Eli.  "What Scott said.  And thanks for offering to help with Eli, Shelly.  Dunno how much of his conversation with Akiros you heard, but Eli sure could use the closure."
Shelly
Player, 29 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 01:12
  • msg #877

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "The Greenbelt needs taming. Many things have blighted this land with their evil and caused it to be nearly uninhabitable for anyone, even people just wishing to live in harmony with nature."
Scott
player, 210 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 01:16
  • msg #878

Re: Kingmaker

  "At the very least we're hoping to make this someplace people can live in some comfort without worrying a dire flying squirrel will attack their family at any moment."

  Bad news farmers, Dire Crows.
Grall
player, 64 posts
Orc Warlord
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 01:34
  • msg #879

Re: Kingmaker

Grall grunts to indicate a "Hmm."

Later at dinner, all the national leaders are gathered for food and business.  Akiros hasn't gone out of his way to talk to anyone, but he's not giving a silent treatment either unless he's asked a personal question.  Grall is just focused on nomming and seems only nominally interested in the task at hand.

"Assuming there's no objection to the new assignments," Addleworth says, "Shelly as our new Grand Diplomat, Scott taking Keston's place as Marshal, and myself as head of intelligence, our new totals look thus."

He shows his figures.

"Fine with me," Keston says.

"Then the next step is to claim territory.  City building to be skipped this month presumably.  So then comes building roads, establishing farms, adjusting edicts, and lastly income."

Joey points at the spot on the map where the mite nest was.  "I believe this is where we were going to expand next."
Tread
player, 229 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 01:46
  • msg #880

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly is smiling brightly at the table, happy to converse with any who talks to her. She is fussing in her chair like a little kid would, but doesn't go as far as putting feet on the table.

Tread is leaning on the table, causing her end of it to creak slightly.

Eli is taking notes.

Tread says, "If I remember right, this month and the next two are pretty well planned out, with the only exception being if our positions change. Oh right... it bears mentioning Joey, Shelly, Scott and I considered the idea of Eli being in charge of the kingdom as a whole whenever we are out exploring. Just keeping watch in case something urgent comes up and we aren't around."
Scott
player, 211 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 01:57
  • msg #881

Re: Kingmaker

  "If anything, taking care of that area will help make sure it doesn't get filled up again while we aren't looking."  they weren't leaving a fort stronghold unclaimed for example, though a 'stronghold' they couldn't reasonably occupy themselves was less of an example in that case.

  He looks to Shelly, wondering if he should be encouraged the girl with political experience finds this as engrossing as he does.  Well, less so considering Scott is sitting in a Completely Average Fashion.  "Think you'll find the trips as interesting once we start dealing with places nowhere near bodies of water?"
Joey
player, 302 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 02:11
  • msg #882

Re: Kingmaker

Addleworth nods to Eli's appointment as backup baron then begins to take notes, "Claim territory, one build point.  One for the roads, four to establish farmlands.  I understand the mites lived in a cave?  Good good.  Caves can be used as defensive fallback points, storage, or even guard posts or prisons.  A cave increases a kingdom’s stability."

He scribbles in his figures.

"Our treasury is now at 44 build points.  Changing the edicts?"

"I don't see any reason to change them for the next couple months," Joey answers.

"Well that's it for tonight's business, then.  All that remains is to go out there and get it done."

"Really?" Grall says in surprise, "That's it?  Beez.  If that's all it takes, even I could do this."

He bursts out laughing.  "Me!  A politician!"
Tread
player, 230 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 02:14
  • msg #883

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "You weren't there for the initial meeting... things are more complicated than that and will certainly get more complicated in the future."
Scott
player, 212 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 02:17
  • msg #884

Re: Kingmaker

  "At least we have help keeping the various political rules straight.  Things might get more complex later, but even that is a lot better off than we were before."  Short of the inevitable invading forces who lacked the confidence to attack when there was more insane wildlife and less pleasant housing.
Joey
player, 303 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 02:26
  • msg #885

Re: Kingmaker

"You'll be contributing anyway," Joey says, "By helping us explore and clear land of dangers."

Grall frowns and nods.  "Well how 'bout that.  Grall The Conqueror.  Has a nice ring to it."

He laughs some more.  "I'll be curious to see how long I can keep up with you all before it gets too complicated for me."

The kingdom building work goes smoothly when the group gets around to it.  Smoother and quicker even than the first month now that everyone has some experience at this sort of thing.
Shelly
Player, 30 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 02:36
  • msg #886

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly is sure to get in plenty of swimming throughout the process, and just like last month, invites her friends to come swim with her. The invitation is extended to Akiros and the others who are on the roster of "people in charge".

As usual, Eli is a little worried about swimming, but since Shelly is there, his worries are overcome by a desire for fun. Tread, of course, more than happy to join in. Where did she even GET a swimsuit that big?

Speaking of, Tread brings her parents along not only for swim times, but for most everything she does that month so they can see what life is like for her (aside from the violence)
Scott
player, 213 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 02:45
  • msg #887

Re: Kingmaker

  Swim skill points nearly every level, totally justified! (also totally because of Shelly in old threads that barely got anywhere).

  Still, a pleasant part of a trip for once between the inevitable.  Well, unless this ended up another surprisingly peaceful trip like the last one.  Maybe the local wildlife is starting to be Grey Named instead of Purple Named?
Joey
player, 304 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 03:00
  • msg #888

Re: Kingmaker

Somewhere in that time Akiros would find a time to talk to Shelly alone and warn her to beware the gods...  will warn each hero alone at one point, admitting to the fact that he was once a paladin and was stripped of his paladin powers when he defended himself against false accusations.  Joey offers that he and Shelly could pray for him like they'll be doing for Eli, but Akiros would rather they not.  Shelly doesn't get any visits from any angels right away.  Grall proves to be a strong swimmer, if not as good as Shelly or Scott.

"So where shall we explore next?" Joey asks the group.
Shelly
Player, 31 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 03:13
  • msg #889

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly's response to Akiros' warning is to squeak a "Thanks for your concern!" followed by "But even if what you say is true, might I give you a warning of my own? Do not upset the gods. If you are going to avoid worshiping them for a time, be sure you stay off their minds. It is a terrible thing to get the notice of the King if you hate him. In the same way, it is a wonderful thing to have the King on your side. So if your life is going to be miserable anyway, why not make sure you have as much going for you as possible before it's time to close the door forever?"

To Joey, Shelly says, "West to the edge of the Greenbelt, then go a little south and come back east to the fort. In that way, we will have combed another large swath of land!"
Scott
player, 214 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 03:21
  • msg #890

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott nods to Akiros, "Thanks, I'll admit I think more of the people taking better actions in the name of their gods, than the gods themselves.  I wish I could think of how this whole situation could have been handled better, but we both know there's nothing to worry about now at least."

  Note to self, look into diplomatic immunity options in case Akiros's backstory comes looking for blood.
Joey
player, 305 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 05:00
  • msg #891

Re: Kingmaker

"It'll be a long journey, but it'll be efficient," Joey agrees, "Let's get it done, then."

Grall grunts and nods, following whomever takes lead.
Narrator
player, 284 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 05:11
  • msg #892

Re: Kingmaker

P. t uSkgutter ’ S l Air
(cr 3; S tAndArd )
Creature: Boars are among the more aggressive wild
animals native to the Stolen Lands, but none are as
notorious as Old Tuskgutter, a grizzled monster who’s
vexed and avoided hunters for years. Identifiable by the
distinctive gray bristles on his face, few hunters in the
Greenbelt have not heard of this particular ill-tempered
denizen. Tuskgutter’s lair is a hollow under a large fallen
pine tree, the branches of which have created a natural
shelter. Bones litter the den, and there’s a 75% chance the
wild boar is present when the PCs discover the lair. If he’s
not present, a DC 15 Knowledge (nature) check reveals the
den as belonging to a particularly large boar. Tuskgutter
returns in 1d6 hours.
Tuskgutter  CR 3
XP 800
Advanced boar (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 36, 294)
hp 22
Narrator
player, 285 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 05:51
  • msg #893

Re: Kingmaker

The team is attacked by the big boar but they retaliate!  Shelly makes it stop moving, Tread crits it, and Grall finishes it off!

"I didn't forget you guys try to take things alive," Grall says, calming down from his rage, "I was aiming to take off a leg or something."

Joey shrugs.  "It was a violent and dangerous animal.  No worries."
Tread
player, 231 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 05:55
  • msg #894

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "What he said. You know... I'd be surprised we took out Tuskgutter if we hadn't already taken out bears."

Shelly grins. "Thanks for thinking of us, Grall!"
Scott
player, 215 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 05:57
  • msg #895

Re: Kingmaker

  "I don't think our intentions were quite so literal, but thanks for trying.  One of the various crazed animals we were asked to put down turned out to be a cursed person with a supposed habit of attempted necromancy."  Another shining example for why Akiros, and Scott, were less than thrilled with a lot of examples of religion.
Narrator
player, 286 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:07
  • msg #896

Re: Kingmaker

The ground just east of the Skunk River here slumps away
into a soggy mire, notable for the fact that a pair of ruined
stone buildings jut from the soggy ground.

As soon as he sees the PCs,
and assuming they don’t immediately attack him or
Ubagub, his slurk, a boggard holds up his hands (one a poorly
healed, mangled mess) and croaks out, “Truce! Truce!”

Joey puts his spear away.  "Greetings.  We are the Greenbelt Explorers.  Perhaps you've heard of us?"

The boggard will only relax if the entire team stands down, and Grall isn't.

"Me boggard.  You... go?"
Tread
player, 232 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:10
  • msg #897

Re: Kingmaker

Tread puts her sword away. "We are trying to save the Greenbelt. A lot of bad has happened here and we want to make it good."

Shelly says, "We mean you no harm."
Scott
player, 216 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #898

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott has gloves to help keep the bear/boar/elk/mite/etc blood out from under his fingernails.  Does this mean he is always stood down, or incapable of standing down?  "That you are not mindlessly attacking us already puts you ahead of most we've met in our travels.  How did you end up with such an injured hand?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:15, Tue 26 Nov 2013.
Joey
player, 306 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:22
  • msg #899

Re: Kingmaker

<Boggard>"Don't suppose any of you speak Boggard, do you,"</Boggard> the humanoid toad answers before attempting common again.

"You truce.  You go.  Boggard bug."

"Something tells me there's a lot lost in the translation," Joey says, stepping closer to the boggard, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible, "Grall if you would put the weapon away, please."

Grall shrugs and sheathes his double axe.  "My guess is the pet bit his hand."
Shelly
Player, 32 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:30
  • msg #900

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly mutters a prayer. Then says, <Boggard>"I don't normally speak Boggard, but by the power of the gods, I can."</Boggard>

She walks closer. <Boggard>"We come in peace. We are friends. We are here only because we are ridding all of the Green belt of the bad things and bringing good things in their place."</Boggard>

Tread gives a confounded look. "...how is Shelly even able to make those croaking sounds?"
Scott
player, 217 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:33
  • msg #901

Re: Kingmaker

  "Magic doesn't usually make any more sense than nature."

  In the gag reel, the Boggard talk is replaced with excited Kermit the Frog noises.
Garuum
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:42
  • msg #902

Re: Kingmaker

The boggard looks surprised and answers Shelly.

<bog>"Woah!  You...  Wow!  Well I don't want to cause you any trouble.  In return all I ask is that you don't cause me any Whattheheckishedoing?!"</bog>

Joey glows a bit and a wave of healing begins to heal the boggard.  Grall laughs at the frog man's alarm.

"Nice, Shelly.  Glad you have that spell.  Please let him know there's more healing if he wants it."

<bog>"My hand!  It's completely healed!  Thank you so much!  You are now my friends.  I'll tell you my whole story and help you any way you like...  Within reason."</bog>

This boggard is Garuum,
once a member of the greater boggard tribes found to
the west in the Hooktongue Slough, but Garuum made a
terrible mistake the day he decided he should be the one
to rule his tribe. In order to prepare for his one-boggard
coup, he gathered and devoured several dozen of the tribe’s
sacred blue dragonflies, hoping to gain great power and
skill from the insects. Alas, while the feast bolstered his
self-confidence, it did nothing for his battle skills. He
rode his slurk into the center of his tribe to declare war,
whereupon the tribe’s priest-king immediately captured
him and sentenced him and his slurk to death after a day
of humiliating punishment.
Fortunately for Garuum, luck had not entirely
deserted him. He was placed in a pen, but his captors
soon lost track of him after growing insensibly drunk
on bog whiskey. Late in the evening, after the moon
sank to shadow, he escaped his bonds by using a rock
to pulverize his left hand in order to tear it free from
his manacle, then freed his slurk and fled eastward into
the Narlmarches. Following his escape, the priest-king
branded him an exile and demanded that he be slain on
sight should he ever return.
Creatures: Garuum knows his previous life is over, and
has made do for himself as best he can. He moved into
this small marsh and thinks of the two ruined buildings
within as his empire. The larger of the two structures he
leaves to his slurk pet to wallow in, while in the smaller
one he cultivates a small grove of strangely colored and
foul-tasting (but harmless) mushrooms to supplement
his diet of bugs and swamp tubers. Garuum sleeps in a
“nest” made of swamp reeds, soggy planks, and mud in
the ruins of the smaller building’s tower. His pet slurk
is a lumbering, pale purple frog-like creature with sickly
green eyes, a healthy covering of slime, and two huge,
walrus-like tusks. Neither reacts kindly to intruders,
croaking loudly to alert the other of trespassers.
Yet Garuum is unlike his kin in another way—he’s
not as prone to violence and cruelty. He even knows
a few words of Common. As soon as he sees the PCs,
and assuming they don’t immediately attack him or
Ubagub, his slurk, he holds up his hands (one a poorly
healed, mangled mess) and croaks out, “Truce! Truce!”
Garuum essentially just wants to be left alone, but
his limited knowledge of Common (the only words he
knows are “boggard, bug, slurk, snake, truce, hungry,
me, you, die, and go”) might make communication
difficult. Garuum is quick to interpret attempts to
simply walk through his “kingdom” or to search it as
offensive acts, and attacks.
If the PCs do manage to establish a line of
communication with the boggard, he tells them his story
and that he doesn’t want to cause problems; if the PCs
leave him be, he’ll reciprocate. In fact, he’s willing to tell
the PCs what he knows of the nearby woods in payment
for them leaving him alone. He can tell the PCs about the
statue of Erastil in area N, the location of the Temple of
the Elk at area J, where Tuskgutter lives at area P, and of
the tatzlwyrms living at area U. At your discretion, if the
PCs treat Garuum particularly well, he might even offer to
help them in other ways, such as letting them rest in his
kingdom (an uncomfortable but rather safe place to sleep)
or even accompanying them on their adventures. Garuum
could become a valuable ally or contact in the fourth
Kingmaker adventure, when the PCs turn their attention
westward to the Slough.

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:43, Tue 26 Nov 2013.
Shelly
Player, 33 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 06:56
  • msg #903

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly grins at Joey and says, "I asked for that one specifically because I didn't know how outdated the Common tongue was that I was taught. Even so, I knew there would be other races who didn't even know Common and I wanted to establish strong communications!"

Shelly says, <Bog>"And now we are friends. My friends and I are exploring the land. We are your neighbors and have a kingdom of our own. So if you like, we can visit from time to time and talk."</Bog>

After Shelly works out as much friendship out of Garuum as possible, she fills in the team of his story and what all was said.

Tread says, "...no matter how little sense magic may make, I'm sooo glad for it. Thanks, Shelly. Thanks, Joey."
Scott
player, 218 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 07:02
  • msg #904

Re: Kingmaker

  "At the very least, we know where a bunch of them are without having to find out spear tip first."   He wonders if this will eventually turn out as well as the Sootscale situation, but somehow doubts if.  A bunch of Kobolds willing to be reasonable in the face of one insane leader didn't the same situation as 'Less violent guy fails at violent takeover, everybody enjoys his suffering'.
Joey
player, 306 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 07:07
  • msg #905

Re: Kingmaker

Joey nods.  "You're welcome Tread.  Credit of course should also go to the gods who lend us these powers.  I'm hoping this example of the gods making it possible to have a peaceful resolution will help Eli forgive them."

"From the looks of things it woulda turned out just fine if not quite as detailed had we not had fancy holy magics," Grall says, "But this outcome is better than otherwise, yeah."
This message was last updated by the player at 07:07, Tue 26 Nov 2013.
Shelly
Player, 34 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 07:11
  • msg #906

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly says, "Who can know how things could have been? What can be known is how things actually turned out."

Tread shrugs. "Just glad we have been meeting people who DON'T want to kill us lately. Used to be everything wanted nothing more in life than to see us dead. Like we killed their children or something."
Scott
player, 219 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 07:15
  • msg #907

Re: Kingmaker

  Thinks, no, just their step parents.  Wait, no, in that case it was someone currently NOT trying to kill them.

  "I'm just going to take it as the positive result it is without using it as a means to keep score for or against.  It's probably better that way in the long run, unless the help only keeps up if we keep score that is."
Joey
player, 307 posts
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 07:28
  • msg #908

Re: Kingmaker

"Not exactly our score keeping that'll make the difference," Joey answers, "If ever me or Shelly do something entirely against our gods' ethics, we'll likely lose our powers whether we think it justified or not."

"Glad my muscles don't have a conscious," Grall says with a chuckle.
Shelly
Player, 35 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 01:48
  • msg #909

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly looks over to Joey and puts a finger to the corner of her mouth in thought. "I don't really see that happening. According to my research, oracles have never been stripped of their power. And well, you represent your god so much that if you did go against their ethics, I'm sure the god would overlook it because you would obviously be under mind control."

Shelly glances at Grall. "How quickly people forget the gods put those muscles into existence at the dawn of life. Your body is just as likely to be taken from you by a god as my powers are to be taken from me. But beware... for your body is much more likely to be taken from you by other mortals then my powers are. Cheer up, though... nobody but the gods can take your soul..."

Tread says, "Grall has a point, though. I wonder how something like Akiros can happen. How come Erastil would give his power to someone only to take them away?"

Shelly says, "Everything changes."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Wed 27 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 220 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 01:58
  • msg #910

Re: Kingmaker

  "Life isn't simple, but that doesn't mean I can't try to keep things as simple as possible."  Even if succeeding at such isn't very likely.  "I'd much rather the Gods be not as knowledgeable as they like to be considered, than for them to know exactly what they are doing when the put people in that kind of position in the first place."

  Besides, the Big God is the GM.  And there are plenty of times where they will feel proud and impressed when one of their players if psychologically broken and say so repeatedly on a podcast.  So more often than not it IS the second one.
Joey
player, 308 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 02:20
  • msg #911

Re: Kingmaker

"'The illusion of omnipresence is important for leveraging influence,'" Joey says, "'This is known by kings and evil gods since the dawn of history, and known also to the gods of kindness and charity.  Don't be afraid to allow people to hold a higher opinion of Sarenrae than you have.'  Words of my mentor.  I've struggled with this idea, but now that I'm responsible for the safety of our citizens, I'd rather criminals think we're watching their every move than know the truth that we simply can't.  I just wish that good people could understand the truth that gods of good have only two eyes each, just like any king or guard, and not get any more upset with them than they would with a mortal who was unable to know they needed help."

Grall hrmfs.  "Ancient history matters little to me.  The Stag Lord did more to keep me breathing than any god, and you don't see me worshiping him.  Akiros gave me a warning to not trust the prayer-pact of any god, exchanging their favors for my soul.  I'm with Scott.  Much simpler just to rely on my own strength than get wrapped up in all the celestial politics.  Your choice to do so is yours to make.  Not for everyone."

Garuum has been patiently watching the group chat in Common, unable to make out what's being said.

"You hungry?" he asks, offering some nasty looking snack.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Wed 27 Nov 2013.
Shelly
Player, 36 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 03:04
  • msg #912

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly quickly replies to Grall with, "I wasn't given a choice in the matter and never will be given such a choice. No oracle is. Not that I'm complaining." She then smiles and shrugs. "And I doubt Akiros had to give you such a warning. It sounds to me like he was only telling you words you either wanted to hear, or had already made up your mind about before you ever met him."

She turns to face Garuum. <Bog>"Your offer is appreciated. But no thank you. We eat very different things because our bodies are very different and can handle very different food. So will you have us for the night?"</Bog>

Tread says, "...I at least agree with Scott about keeping it simple. But I never blamed the good gods for my misfortunes."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Wed 27 Nov 2013.
Scott
player, 221 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 03:15
  • msg #913

Re: Kingmaker

  "Not being there isn't really the same as 'and then they burnt down my house', no.  The closest there would be the emerging pattern of 'Nature priest tries something crazy, Nature God gets angry, unrelated bystanders suffer' in the Greenbelt.  Granted that's only been twice, but yeah."
Joey
player, 309 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 03:33
  • msg #914

Re: Kingmaker

"Wasn't given a choice?!" Grall hollers in surprise, "Never will?!  So, no matter how evil or anti-god you get, your god will never remove your status?  That seems unlikely."

"Glad to hear, Tread," Joey says, "I'm no priest of Erastil, but I don't see that as the case, Scott.  It is quite likely that the god of nature is fully capable of removing the fangs and claws of all the animals.  But suppose he did?  Sure there would never again be a tragic death from a wild animal killing someone, but I doubt any kind of animal would last for very long without some means of hunting food or defending itself.  And without animals, people could no longer have the meat they need to survive.  Many people die of thirst in deserts, but that doesn't cause Sarenrae to snuff out the sun.

"The traitor priest getting turned into a bear was poetic justice in my opinion.  If he were turned into a mouse he would simply become some other animal's meal in short order.  And as a bear tethered to that temple, he could serve a purpose of at least preventing bandits or evil fey from using it as a base of operations.

"As for Akiros' story of being betrayed by Erastil, I think his view on what happened is likely rather bias in his own favor.  Without hearing Erastil's side of the story I can't accept it as a closed case of 'Erastil failed.'  Not that I expect good gods to be perfect in every way.  I just find it very unlikely Erastil would take Akiros' paladin powers away without just cause."


"Make yourselves at home," Garuum answers in Boggard, "Your friends sure seem to have a lot to talk about.  Did I offend or something?  The orc seems a bit upset."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Wed 27 Nov 2013.
Shelly
Player, 37 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 03:46
  • msg #915

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly giggles and shrugs. She answers Garuum first. <Bog>"He's just upset because I told him I wasn't given a choice when the gods chose me to be an oracle."</Bog>

She looks back at Grall. "Considering there is not a single good god of the oceans and waters? Five of the gods of the waters are morally ambivalent and two are evil. I don't think they would bat an eye if I went evil."

Shelly looks at the others. "Garuum says we can spend the night here if we like. He offered a snack, but I explained we have a different diet."

Tread says, "Thanks for taking care of that, Shelly."
Scott
player, 222 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 04:01
  • msg #916

Re: Kingmaker

  "That's just it though.  Two minutes later someone else gets divine orders to have that cursed bear slain.  That's not poetic justice, that's setting someone up as target practice.  Then there's 'Druid gets Exiled, Druid beats son's face half off', followed up with 'Apparent nature spirit convinces the Stag lord to violently take out his suffering on everyone except Grall'."  Grall being a pleasant surprise who may break that streak hopefully.

  "Aside from the Mites and Kobolds,"" Scott's not going to blame 'did not like reincarnation results' on Nature, if that was even a priest spell in the first place "Every major problem we've dealt with here in the greenbelt so far that was a threat to the innocent has had it's start with 'Nature angry at one guy'.  That's not comparable to the great cycle of life not always being sunshine and flowers meaning Elks try to repeatedly murder us.  It's not enough for me to just wildly proclaim 'all nature is dumbface', but it's enough to make me wonder what's attracting so many fallen religious figures to this place.  Before Shelly showed up, you were it for anything close to not being a cursed and/or exiled religious figure." Even the current holy staff of the ex bear temple was only here in the first place because of screwing up.

  "Just because most of the time Nature isn't going out of it's way to harm anyone, it's just how things are.  Just because the Gods aren't automatically terrible forever or whatever.  That doesn't mean something doesn't feel very wrong here in this place."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Wed 27 Nov 2013.
Joey
player, 310 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 04:49
  • msg #917

Re: Kingmaker

Joey hmms.  "I've been wondering about those things as well.  Though I don't think it was two minutes later that the priest got dreams about the bear.  The temple looked like it had been abandoned for centuries.  But the story behind the Stag Lord and his father along with all the especially dangerous wildlife does seem to point to an especially evil nature spirit of some kind trying to keep civilization out.  Perhaps that's why Erastil has taken an especial interest in civilizing this place."

He turns to Grall.  "Did the Stag Lord give much detail about the mysterious woman who convinced him to fight back against his father?"

Grall was scratching his head, trying to figure out how a water oracle could wind up on the bad side of all the ocean gods, but the ocean can take pretty much anything you can throw at it.  Not the same as burning down a forest.  Maybe that's why there are no good gods of the ocean.  Doesn't need any.  He looks over to Joey.

"Huh?  Don't know anything about that.  Old man never talked about his past and never asked about mine."
Tread
player, 233 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 05:23
  • msg #918

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "It has been pretty evident that something vile has caused nature to run amok out here. You know... even if we tame the land, we may still have an evil spirit to deal with. But even if the Stag Lord was alive, I'm sure he wouldn't know where to find this mysterious woman."

Shelly says, "We'll see."

Shelly turns to Garuum. <Bog>"I will only be able to talk to you for a while. The power's effects will wear off around the time the sun sets."</Bog>
Scott
player, 223 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 05:35
  • msg #919

Re: Kingmaker

  "I am unsure if I am up to the task of punching ghosts back to death.  Hopefully by the time we have to find out, it won't be as much of an issue."

  The Ghost of Christmas future is so doomed.
Joey
player, 311 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 05:43
  • msg #920

Re: Kingmaker

"Handy power nonetheless," Garuum answers in Boggard, "Thanks for the warning."

Joey nods.  "Let's get some rest."

The night passes uneventfully and the following day Garuum bids the team a fond farewell.  Before long, the group is faced with either swimming across the skunk river or taking the long way around, adding a day to their travel.

"I'm such a poor swimmer I think I'll need help getting across," Joey admits.

"You could use the little otter as a floatation device!" Grall laughs.
Tread
player, 234 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 05:47
  • msg #921

Re: Kingmaker

Tread says, "I'm a good swimmer too. I can carry you across..."

Shelly says, "Come on, Joey! You can swim well enough! And even if you don't, Grall's right! Any of us can serve as a floaty device!"
Scott
player, 224 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 05:57
  • msg #922

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, at least with our help in general Joey's definitely getting across."  Unless they are attacked by sea stags.  (What? Seabears are already shown to be cool).

  "One of us could at least carry your armor for you so you have one less thing to worry about."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Wed 27 Nov 2013.
Joey
player, 312 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:12
  • msg #923

Re: Kingmaker

"Well since you're offering, the one who doesn't wear armor makes sense," Grall says.

Joey blushes, sighs, nods.  "Thanks.  I hate to be such a burden, but sense should prevail over my pride."

He takes off the armor.  Outside the rotten egg smell of the Skunk River, the swim across the warm water is rather pleasant in springtime.  The horses even seem to be having fun.  Drying off on the other side is more of an ordeal without Eli's magic, but doesn't significantly slow the team down.

A wild bandit appears!  He has rabies and attacks without reason or provocation.  The team defeats him.  He dies from his disease before Joey can heal him.

OOC: In other words, the GM has gotten tired of trying to make sense of lone bandits attacking the group, but doesn't want to rob the PCs of the XP because of nonsense breaking his brain.
Tread
player, 235 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:15
  • msg #924

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly just kind of stares down at the bandit. "......"

Tread says, "Welcome to our world, Shelly. Here's hoping nonsense like this is the only thing you'll run into out in the wilderness."
Scott
player, 225 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:19
  • msg #925

Re: Kingmaker

  "Well, I have to admit.  Of all the things and people trying to kill us so far I've yet to run into one screaming 'Duck tales, whoo ooo'. until now."
Joey
player, 313 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:33
  • msg #926

Re: Kingmaker

Joey says last rights over they guy and helps bury him.  When the team returns to exploring, they soon come upon something interesting...

n. S tAtue oF e rAStil (S tAndArd )
A 15-foot-tall statue of Erastil stands near the edge of
the Narlmarches, partially overgrown at the base but
towering above the surrounding shrubbery. Once the
stony sentinel standing before an old hunter’s lodge, the
lodge has long since vanished after a fire and centuries
of growth, but the statue remains. Yet despite years of
neglect, the site remains sacred to the god of the hunt,
for the priest who built it was particularly favored among
the Taldan explorers. A worshiper of Erastil feels safe
and at peace within 60 feet of this statue, and no wild
animals will approach within that range—any wandering
monster rolls resulting in a wild animal encounter in this
area should be treated as no encounter, making this an
excellent site for a camp.

If the statue is cleaned and a worshiper of Erastil prays
before it, the god of the hunt takes note. All slashing and
piercing weapons within 60 feet of the statue gain the
benefit of a keen edge spell (CL 20th) for 1 week if this small
respect is paid to the statue—further cleanings and prayer
do not cause a repeat of this one-time blessing.


Joey and Grall don't think to clean the statue, but Joey at least pays a little homage.

He then ends his prayer with, "If there's an angel nearby listening, or if somehow this shrine grants one the ear of Erastil, we've been looking for a way to help our friend Akiros, former paladin of Erastil.  Any aid toward that and taming this wilderness will of course be appreciated.  Thank you."
Tread
player, 236 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:40
  • msg #927

Re: Kingmaker

Tread also takes a knee to pray to Erastil. Though silently.

Shelly does similar. But both Shelly and Tread see the shrubbery as something Erastil would want on his statue anyway and don't think to "clean" it.
Scott
player, 226 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:48
  • msg #928

Re: Kingmaker

  If Scott had managed the Religion check, he would be commenting on the Statue representing a nature god repelling nature itself.  Missed opportunity there.

  "I think the moss beard really brings out the statues eyes."
Joey
player, 314 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:58
  • msg #929

Re: Kingmaker

The night passes uneventfully and the following day's exploration goes smoothly.  That night the night watch notices a lone critter raiding a backpack for food.  When alarmed, it runs away with the backpack but eventually gets defeated by the determined adventurers.

http://media-3.web.britannica....753-050-A37F136C.jpg
Tread
player, 237 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 07:06
  • msg #930

Re: Kingmaker

Tread considers putting a loud noisemaker of some kind in her backpack, activated when someone rifles through it. But for now, she is just happy to have a group of friends with her and lets them know it with smiles and compliments.
Scott
player, 227 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 07:09
  • msg #931

Re: Kingmaker

  "That was probably the most reasonable animal that's approached us so far.  So hard to stay mad about the situation."  Tries to murder you, tries to murder you, tries to find your cookies.  A bit of a gap there in standards.
Joey
player, 315 posts
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 07:30
  • msg #932

Re: Kingmaker

Joey and Grall don't have much to say on the topic.  The following day's exploring yields something of interest...

t. d eAd u nicorn (S tAndArd )
The stink of moldering plants and a strange quiet in the
sound of birdlife surrounds a somewhat sunken clearing
in the woods here. At the center of the clearing, the soggy
ground becomes an insect-infested, stagnant, swamp-like
pond, and sprawled at the pond’s southern edge is what
appears to be a dead horse. Further investigation reveals
the creature to be a dead unicorn, its horn broken off at
the brow and its body strangely untouched by insects or
other necrophages. The stink of mold comes not from the
body, which is weirdly odorless, but from the fouled water
of the pond.

An examination of the unicorn reveals no obvious
cause of death, although the creature’s eyes are milky
and sightless, indicating the creature was blind at the
time of its death. A DC 20 Heal check confirms that the
creature’s horn was removed after its death, and that the
lack of obvious wounds would indicate the unicorn was
likely slain by some form of death effect.
The fact that the bugs and scavengers don’t seem
interested in the body is a mystery, although a DC 30
Knowledge (the planes) check recalls Spoiler

Speaking to
animals about the dead unicorn reveals only that Spoiler

Detect magic reveals
a faintly lingering necromancy aura, identifiable as
being caused by Spoiler with a DC 33 Knowledge
(arcana) check.

The unicorn itself had the unfortunate fate of Spoiler
If the PCs can arrange to
have the unicorn resurrected it can certainly tell them
more about its killer. Speak with dead is
a more affordable line of inquiry, although results should
be evasive.

Mittens
GM, 1001 posts
Shifter
change job kupopopo!
Sun 1 Dec 2013
at 21:44
  • msg #933

Re: Kingmaker

OOC: This is a song for a holiday created in another game...

10 days of Reclaimation.

On the first day of Reclaimation my true love gave to me
A Stag Lord kneeling to me.
On the second day of Reclaimation my true love gave to me
Two captured thieves.
On the third day of Reclaimation my true love gave to me
Three packs of wolves.
On the fourth day of Reclaimation my true love gave to me
Four spider swarms
On the fifth day of Reclaimation my true love gave to me
Five bags of gold
On the sixth day of Reclaimation my true love gave to me
Six Greenbelt bandits

7-12 not yet written.
Shelly
Player, 38 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 02:34
  • msg #934

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly and Tread are upset by this sight. Tread says, "A unicorn... they're real. And I find out only be finding a dead one."

Shelly says, "I find it a bit odd the insects have no interest in the body."
Scott
player, 229 posts
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 04:03
  • msg #935

Re: Kingmaker

  It is a little known fact that Unicorn hair is a powerful pesticide.

  "So, shall we give the magic horse a proper burial then?"
Grall
player, 65 posts
Orc Warlord
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 03:21
  • msg #936

Re: Kingmaker

Grall grunts.  "If it's important enough to ya, I can help with the diggin.  But I ain't touchin nothin so cursed that even flies won't touch it."

Joey hmms.  "Probably best we not touch it.  I'm a little worried it might become a zombie.  Burial is a preventative but not as certain as cremation.  But this is a fey creature and may not have wanted to be buried or cremated in life."

He says a quick prayer for guidance.  "I get the impression that it won't make any difference if we bury, cremate, or leave the body as it is."
Shelly
Player, 39 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Thu 23 Jan 2014
at 15:44
  • msg #937

Re: Kingmaker

A brief gust of wind blows and on the wind are whispers.

Shelly says, "This place is bad. Let's go."

Tread hugs herself and nodnods.


Sorry I took forever to post. I couldn't think of anything more profound than that for my characters to say or do.
Scott
player, 230 posts
Thu 23 Jan 2014
at 23:23
  • msg #938

Re: Kingmaker

  "A zombie unicorn.  A few weeks ago that would have sounded crazy, but now it just seems kind of average."

  He looks to Joey, "If it makes no difference either way, then at the very least cremation means nothing more curious than bugs will eat it. I somehow doubt the circle of life gets as forgiving an outlook from local vengeful nature gods when it comes to a fancy magical horse."
Joey
player, 321 posts
Sun 2 Feb 2014
at 03:18
  • msg #939

Re: Kingmaker

"Yes, lets," Joey agrees with Shelly, heading away from the corpse, "Leave well enough alone is the only option that can't be misinterpreted as defiling the body.  Especially now that the oracle of nature says we should go."

"Good," Grall says, "I wasn't looking forward to having to dig a grave or build a pyre."
Tread
player, 238 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sun 2 Feb 2014
at 23:52
  • msg #940

Re: Kingmaker

Tread and Shelly help finish exploring the area. Tread is quieter than normal because of the dead unicorn. Shelly tries to liven things up with comments on what wonderful friends she has.
Scott
player, 231 posts
Mon 3 Feb 2014
at 00:25
  • msg #941

Re: Kingmaker

  While it is an obvious change of subject, at least it is a nice change of subject.  "Thank you Shelly, hopefully I end up more helpful to you than just someone who punches things and deals with angry people."
Joey
player, 321 posts
Mon 3 Feb 2014
at 04:34
  • msg #942

Re: Kingmaker

The night and morning are uneventful.  After breakfast, only a few hours into the next day's exploring, the group notice another foul smell that draws them to the next bit of note:

Several sandy islets create a ford across this remote section
of the Skunk River. The sandy islands make for a natural
choke point in the river, but the thick piles of rubble,
branches, leaves, and dead bodies that partially block the
river’s flow are anything but natural.

A DC 12
Perception check spots the skeleton wedged in the debris.
The skeleton still wears a suit of +1 scale mail, while clutched
in one bony hand is a masterwork cold iron longsword. A
DC 18 Perception check reveals additional treasure in the
rubble and mud below the skeleton within a rotting leather
backpack.

"I don't see any rust on that armor,"
Joey notes, "Likely magical.  And very valuable.  We should recover it."

"That's the kind of practical thinking I like to hear!" Grall answers, approaching with caution.
This message was last updated by the player at 04:34, Mon 03 Feb 2014.
Tread
player, 239 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Tue 4 Feb 2014
at 21:39
  • msg #943

Re: Kingmaker

Tread goes to put a hand on Grall's shoulder. "Hold on, Grall. That skeleton used to be a person... a person who died here for a reason. There could be danger nearby."

She draws her sword. "I'm coming with you and we approach with caution."

Shelly squeaks, "The river stinks, but... I could have a peak under it." she looks around at the others for a yes or no.
Scott
player, 232 posts
Tue 4 Feb 2014
at 23:15
  • msg #944

Re: Kingmaker

  "Only if you think it's reasonably safe to take a look under the corpse dam.  Tread does have a point, that guy's body is fairly recent.  On top of the fact there are enough recent bodies for there to be a <i>pile</i of them."  Vindictive dire beavers, perhaps?
Joey
player, 322 posts
Sat 8 Feb 2014
at 04:13
  • msg #945

Re: Kingmaker

Grall grunts and nods, allowing Tread to take point.  Joey follows close behind.

"Thanks for the offer, Shelly, but I'd rather the team stick together.  I'd hate for you to be snatched down where we can't see or help you.  Whatever did this likely is perfectly comfortable fighting under water."
Tread
player, 240 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 8 Feb 2014
at 23:59
  • msg #946

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly follows the two tanky types, but isn't far behind.

Tread walks over to the body cautiously, ready with an attack for anything that attacks her.

(Move to body, Standard: Readied an attack for anything attacking her or her allies)
Scott
player, 233 posts
Sun 9 Feb 2014
at 00:31
  • msg #947

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott follows along, because undead inhabiting bodies of water is already something they had to deal with (if not fight, but that's just because it was a picky eater).

  "Because this many people and animals being accident prone is a bit much to hope for as the answer."
Narrator
player, 298 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Tue 18 Feb 2014
at 16:09
  • msg #948

Re: Kingmaker

Sploosh!  Roar!  Out of the water come two snake-like creatures that attack!  One bites at Tread, latching on to her face!  The other claws Shelly with it's two small, but very sharply clawed arms!
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Sat 22 Feb 2014.
Shelly
Player, 40 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:02
  • msg #949

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly jabs at the overgrown snake with her trident, missing it as she winces from the wound. Then steps back to be out of reach. She hopes.


Melee attack. Miss(9)
5' step backward

Grall
player, 66 posts
Orc Warlord
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:09
  • msg #950

Re: Kingmaker

Grall vanishes!  Splat, splat, splat sounds accompany footsteps appearing in the mud, moving in the direction of the monsters.  Then suddenly, CRACK!  Grall reappears with his double-axe buried in the skull of the tatzlwyrm that clawed Shelly!  It shrieks and begins to thrash about, screaming curses in Draconic!

"Still alive after that?!" Grall bellows, "Guess your tiny brain is deeper down."
Scott
player, 234 posts
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:13
  • msg #951

Re: Kingmaker

  Scott lands what would have been an impressive blow, if not for the fact PC hit mods are quite literally, as good or worse than a fish snake on land.  Still, thanks to Grall's ninja antics, even the casual strike is enough to reduce the Crit snake's's Crit Face to mush.

  He steps up beside Tread and Grall afterwards, saying "Wildlife, once again our leading cause of danger."   Hey, he doesn't speak Draconic, and these things are int 5 things without even opposable thumbs anyway.
CRIT?... No, no crit.  Still, 1 DMG is enough to do the job to kill snake fish.
Safe move up after.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Sat 22 Feb 2014.
Tread
player, 241 posts
Prissy, girly girl
...who's a TANK
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:15
  • msg #952

Re: Kingmaker

Tread thrusts her sword upward into the center of the snake that is grabbing her. "Chew on THIS!"


Attack. Hit(23)!
 dmg: 11


Snake HP: 22 - 11 = 11

Narrator
player, 299 posts
The Voice
Helping plots along
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:19
  • msg #953

Re: Kingmaker

Joey steps over and heals Shelly.

"I get the feeling these are intelligent creatures," Joey says, "Speaking a language of some kind.  Maybe we can reason with it?"

The surviving Tatzlwyrm roars in rage upon seeing its mate slain!  It lets go of Tread's face then snaps at Scott, but the monk evades the attack!  It then curses something in draconic.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Sat 22 Feb 2014.
Shelly
Player, 41 posts
Princess of Urser
Fun loving seabear
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:22
  • msg #954

Re: Kingmaker

Shelly squeaks and says, "Thanks, Joey!" then suddenly runs around on the water as if it was just a puddle, then stabs the snake with her trident! "Let's reason with it once we're no longer in danger!"


Melee! Hit(21)!
 dmg: 4


Snake HP: 11 - 4 = 7

This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Sat 22 Feb 2014.
Grall
player, 67 posts
Orc Warlord
Sat 22 Feb 2014
at 05:26
  • msg #955

Re: Kingmaker

"You can't be serious..." Grall groans, "Ugh.  FINE!"

He whacks the giant snake into la-la land with the blunt end of his double axe.

"There ya go.  A live giant snake to talk to."

Joey bursts with holy light, healing the two girls back to full health.
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