Time passes quickly and before long it is time to take the road back to Restov and be recognized by Brevoy as the barons of the land. It is an interesting bit of power for Jamarka Aldori to play host to King-Regent Noleski Surtova as he uplifts four mercenaries and adventurers into the ranks of the aristocracy. One can only imagine the words said behind closed doors for such an event to occur.

Still despite the cut-throat politics the event is scheduled as quite the extravagant affair. Nobility far and wide pour into Restov to feast and celebrate in the grand dining hall of the Aldori estate. Just seeing it brings back memories of the excitement of taking on the expedition in the first place...and the horrors of the night when assassins ripped through the expedition rooms murdering dozens of adventurers, servants, guards, and very nearly killing Jamarka Aldori herself.

The blood had long since been scrubbed from the floors and while hosting the expedition was a spartan affair now the Aldori estate was decorated top to bottom. Long flowing tapestries had been hung, gilded banners hung from the ceilings. Extravagant works of art had been moved out of storage and placed to provide talking points as well as to break up the otherwise open square room. A large dais had been constructed, presumably this is where the King-Regent would sit and recognize everyone.

By the time the adventurers arrived the hall was already nearly bursting with people and the tall ceilings echoes with the noise of dozens of conversations.

One of the first people to great the party was none other than Sellemius, Mayor of Restov.

"Greetings! Greetings my friends. I hope your travels went well. I apologize for not giving you time to freshen up before making your rounds but the King-Regent just pushed forward the ceremony so there isn't enough time. We'll take you to the side closet and you can do your best to freshen up before presenting you to the room. I'll try to help guide you as best as I can but there are three other expeditions to consider. Maeger Varn and Hannis Drelev are both here already."

He gives a nod in Borric's direction.

"They are your counterparts east and west of you, respectively. The last one, Jacab Bardeg, hasn't arrived yet. He was the leader of the Iron Wraiths and they would also be to your west I believe past Drelev's territory. Anyway take a moment, center yourselves, and we can get your grand entrance out of the way."

As part of your response consider the travel back to the place where the expedition was first formed and almost lost, what steps you took to prepare physically and mentally for meeting with the most influential noble houses, foreign diplomats, merchants and religious leaders. Finally what steps you take to get the long road's dust and fatigue out to try and attempt to fit in at the party.

Kael reflects on everything that has happened as they travel back to Restov. It's certainly been quite an adventure - giant spiders, owlbears, boars, murderous fey and more bandits than you can shake a stick at. Their task has been accomplished and their reward awaits them. But personally, what Kael is most looking forward to right now is a real bed, good food and fine wine. Once in Restov he excuses himself from his companions and heads to his family home, planning on staying with his uncle and cousins while he is in the city. They likely have a thousand and one question for him. He just wishes he had all the answers.

Kael is not really sure he is even invited to the ceremony, but he would not wish to miss Borric's big moment. So, after resting a bit, procuring some more appropriate clothing and generally making himself look less like he has spent the last month living in the wilderness, he makes his way to Aldori estate once more. Surely this affair can't end worse than his last visit there, right? But just in case, he leaves his fine mithral shirt under his fancy new outfit, wraps his new magical shawl over it all and makes sure his sword scabbard if free of any entangling clothing.

I'm buying a set of Courtier's Outfit (30 gp) + minimum appropriate jewellery (50 gp). I'm hoping for an appearance of restraint rather than poverty here.

DM, ok if I assume Kael picked up the Shawl that was waiting for him at the outpost? He certainly has the cash for it by now, plus he can sell that expensive gift potion as well.

Elena made the trip back to Restov with the same care and disciple she had brought to all of her travels since joining the expedition.  Armoured and alert at the head of the party, she nevertheless allowed herself a little daydreaming.  Unlike Kael or the others, she wasn't fantasizing about good food or comfortable beds or even glory and reward.  Her dream was something much greater: the chance to wear a fancy dress!

She had spent months on end marching and riding in her battered armour, reeking of metal polish and grease (and occasionally blood.)  But finally she could look forward to picking an outfit where the main criteria wasn't "How well does this stop an arrow?"

Arriving in the city, Elena split off from the party and returned to the temple of Shelyn that had been her home for several years.  There she rested, cleaned herself up, and got her hands on a dress that managed to show off her impressive physique without being scandalous about it.  After some internal debate, Elena strapped a sword to her waist before she left to meet up with the group and make their fashionably late arrival.

OOC: Also buying a courtier's outfit (30gp), and upgrading to a golden symbol of Shelyn (100gp).

Caramip was excited to return to the city. She could catch up on the latest stories and tales and for a bard that was like milk and honey. She knew though that they could not appear in court as they were. Borric especially needed to look the part.

She would take him aside on the road there, "You'll need proper attire m'Lord. You'll need a set of noble's clothes, a signet ring and at least a hundred gold in jewelry. That's what the noble's will expect. Anything less and it will be considered an insult to them. We should be able to get the items once we arrive in town."

She would also approach each of the others and tell them the same. If they wanted to be accepted by the nobility they would have to act the part. First impressions were important they needed to look proper for the ceremony.

Once in town she would make a beeline for the clothier and jeweler shops. She needed such attire as well. She picked out a nice blue dress that had silver and gem flakes embedded in it for her noble attire. It showed more skin than she liked but the part had to be played. She then had the jeweler make her signet ring. She chose to have a hand rising out of the water holding a rolled up scroll to be her symbol. The water represented Lake Tuskwater and the Scroll Knowledge. To ensure that there would not be issues she also had CS incorporated into the arm where it rose from the water for her initials. She then picked out a set of gold earrings and a gold ring to finish the ensemble. She then went to a hairstylist and had her hair done up in the latest fashion.

She found her accommodations and left her adventuring gear in her room. She wondered if they would be attacked again, but it was important to keep up appearances. It was important to meet expectations and showing up in armor and decked out with arms when she was a bard would probably alarm the nobles. She kept her dagger on her belt as almost everyone carried a dagger and her belt pouch and spell component pouch. She had her quarterstaff in her hands as a walking stick, she wished she'd had enough to get something a bit nicer but she'd spent much of her gold on the required items, required by custom. She took the two ioun torches and put them in motion about her head. It would add a dramatic flair to her appearance.

She made her way to the hall and politely nodded her head at those she passed that were of station. She even gave a smile and a wink to the guards standing guard. She hoped that they would not be needed. The little haunts followed her though blowing her dress as though it were the wind and the dresses and tousers of anyone who got to close to her. She'd become accustomed the haunts, they'd been haunting her since the academy she thought but had certainly become more prominent in recent times.

"Proper attire?" Borric asked incredulously. "I figured that the armor could use a proper polishing and maybe some repair." After a short debate where Caramip made it clear that he needed to be "proper" and this would be the first of many future functions Borric would require his attention.

Borric tried several different styles and materials. Of course, his preference was to wear a chain shirt with several different shirts and overcoats. However, the tailors always tried to dissuade him from the direction Borric wanted. Caramip's voice whispered in his ear that the other nobles would frown on this choice. Finally, he settled on a simple noble outfit of black and silver. The style was from the previous season but it worked for Borric. A new signet ring rounded out his attire for the ceremony.

"If I can't wear armor, then I'm going to carry by sword." Borric smirked as he thought about how Caramip would probably disagree with his choice of wearing his sword.

OOC
Subtract 180 gold from the bank :)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

Dominique greets the company as they arrive, looking almost like a new man with a fresh shave, washed hair, and new clothes. Gone are his muddied leather armor and rough linen tunic and pants and in their stead are a finely woven, white cassock under a white, silk chasuble with gold embroidery of keys, vaults, and parapets placed thick along the edges and up his chest and finally a golden stole draped over his shoulders with plates of silver in the shape of keys weighing down each end. Also missing is the simple wooden key he had used as his holy symbol, now replaced by a golden one with silver filigree hanging around his neck. But as he moves, walking on his new brown leather shoes, the subtle sloshing of chainmail can be heard under his chasuble--as elegant as this affair may be, they are still in Restov. As the party enters the hall, the inquisitor smiles and offers, "Welcome back to Restov! I hope the road was kind and I didn't miss too much excitement!"

The party was properly attired and ready for the ceremony and attendance. Mayor Sellemius gave them a run down of the agenda on their way to the grand hall. They first half of the celebration was set aside for socializing. Getting this many nobles together was always a grand affair so there was plenty of time for people to connect and reconnect as well as allow time for late arrivals to make their grand entrances.

Around the mid afternoon would be the ceremony itself where the King-Regent would recognize the four new kingdoms along their southern borders. Representatives of the surrounding nations were also here to provide their endorsement (or potentially express their objections) and then would be the evening meal, wine, dancing and further socialization. It was expected this party would go late into the evening.

All in all the party would have a just a few hours before the ceremony to meet all the movers and shakers and influencers and ambassadors in attendance.

OOC: The breakdown is that each "round" lasts about an hour

2pm: Introductions. See [INFO] Movers & Shakers thread
3pm: Party Action
4pm: Ceremony
5pm: Party Action
6pm: Party Action
7pm: Party Action
8pm: Party Action & Dinner
9pm: Party Action
10pm: Party Action
11pm: Party Action
12pm: Party Action
1am: Party Action

And beyond that everyone is too tired or drunk or "busy" to be effective.

As you decide what you are going to do I will track the results here.

Diplomacy Tracker

Elena met Dominique's smile with one of her own.  "Dom!"  She exclaimed.  "I hardly recognize you without all the mud and blood and leather.  Though I guess I'm one to talk, since this is my first time in months going anywhere without thirty pounds of steel wrapped around me.  The road here was kind for once, though the trading post has a new resident that...well, I'm sure they'll interest you."  Her smile took on a slightly impish quality with that last detail, before she quickly changed the subject.

"But there'll be time for that later.  For now, we have work to do!  Have you met Artanix, the wandering priestess of Sarenrae?  I've heard some very interesting things about her..."

---

After the initial rounds of introduction had been made, Elena sought out Artanix at a quiet moment for a more meaningful talk.  "I've been meaning to ask your advice, as a priestess of the Dawnflower.  Back in the stolen lands, we've run into more than our share of thieves and killers and traitors.  And once we've knocked the swords out of their hands, most of them swear up and down that they'll change their ways if you give them a chance.  I imagine Sarenrae worshippers run into the same problem all the time.  How do you tell who's worth the risk of redeeming, and who's too far gone?"

Using Knowledge: religion to learn Artanix's motives.
15:47, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 24 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 18.  Knowledge: Religion at Artanix.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

Dominique squints at Elena's coy admission, not sure of what she might be hinting at or hiding, but lets her keep her secrets as he speaks on the change in attire, "It seems I'll be joining you, encased in steel, in the future. Apparently part of bringing the light of Abadar to the wilds and establishing a bastion of civilization is looking the part. My role is no longer that of a hunter, but of a beacon." He shakes his head at her question regarding the priestess of Sarenrae and admits, "Aside from time with Mister Vindarn and others of the clergy, I've been ... cloistered."

Dominique joins Elena in speaking with the priestess, chiming in after her question, "Abadar teaches that accepting punishment and making amends is how one changes. Anything less is an empty claim." He pauses, giving the woman the time to share her views, before touching on another topic, "I was also hoping to get your thoughts on the matter of kobolds. Our lands are rife with them, and we have brokered a tentative treaty with their chief, but I am concerned whether they could ever become productive members of a just society and accept our authority."

21:24, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 23 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 12.  Sense Motive for Artanix's Secret.

Caramip looked about the assemblage. Nobles, Commoners, Mercenaries, an Aasassin, she'd dreamed of being at events like this. Now she was here and she was part of one of those great historical events. Those that arose once a few generations. Here a great nation was about to be born, and she was going to be part of it.

She looked over the crowd and was informed about the representative of Pitax. Eager to speak to a fellow bard and minstrel she decided that while Elena and Dom were talking with the representative of religions she might make the first attempts to speak to the neighbors. Good relations were essential part of any nation and being good neighbors was part of good relations.

She approached Grandlord Ulfric Divretto of Pitax and bowed slightly to him as she presented herself and introduced herself with words of honey and milk, "Caramip Scheppen, graduate of the Whizzelben Academy, professional raconteuse, and Court Minstrel of Lord Borric d'Tor. It's a pleasure to meet you, what tales to you bring from that famed city from which you hail?"

She had heard the Pitax was on the outs with Numeria and Brevoy. Still it didn't hurt to reach out with an olive branch and talk between two bards telling tales might give more insight into. She'd share the adventures against Tartucchio. She thought it odd he laid nothing on the table though, that seemed off.

OOC:

23:28, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 11 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 1.  Bluff, Pitax Motivations.

:(
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sat 07 Aug 2021.

Still vividly remembering their last run in with Daggermark guild right here at the Aldori estate, Kael decides to keep his eyes on the Daggermak representative and spends some time stealthy shadowing the man. It's unlikely that an experienced agent would let himself get caught so easily, but there might be other guild agents among the guests and servants. It would be interesting to see who the "ambassador" talks to.

13:07, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 31 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 17.  Stealth (Daggermark, Secret).

Borric watched as several eyes stared back at him. He stood straighter and tried to relax, but he almost felt naked without his armor. He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword and bowed when he was introduced.

Afterwards, he turned and looked for a cup of wine. He scanned the room and saw that his companions were already working the room. He gave a nod when he saw that Orin and Fenna Nesterov were headed in his direction. "Thank you for coming." They exchange pleasantries, "I wanted to let you know that we stumbled upon a temple of the Stag Lord. There was a foul beast inside that was stricken by some affliction. Have you heard of such a thing? Do you think that this was a sign that Erastil turned away from the people?"

---

rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18.  Survival for Erastil (Motivation)

Elena and Artanix talk over the next hour or so about the concept of redemption. Artanix reveals that because of her tiefling heritage she is used to people prematurely judging her and from her own past she knows that putting someone in a box like that puts a lot of pressure on them to act a certain way. Treat someone like a criminal or a monster and they are far more likely to fit into that role than fight against it.

She says the key is to see what happens when a new path is taken. Don't condemn them for the path they were forced down but instead give them a free choice towards a better life of goodly service and then see how they act. That is how you separate the victims of circumstance from the real monsters.

Elena gets the impression that Artanix is less concerned about her religion as she is finding a safe space for misfits like herself. If their deals with Artanix focused on that aspect and less on the trappings of faith they would find the tiefling more pliable for making new arrangements.

Motivation passed! Bonus to future interactions with her

Dominique and Artanix talk over the next hour, or more accurately Dominique listens in and studies Artanix while she mostly speaks with Elena. As Elena draws out Artanix's true motivations Dominique thinks he discovers something. Based on how she talks about being treated like a monster makes one act like a monster he suspects that she has a terrible dark past. Something beyond petty criminal activities or banditry. She did something dark based on the body language he saw. Perhaps she was a dark cultist or an assassin or something. It's impossible to know what but whatever it is, she is both deeply guilty and deeply afraid it will come out.

Secret success!

Cara and Divretto engage in some idle banter and Cara quickly discovers about a million reasons why she should hate Divretto's guts. He is absolutely charming, always quick with a witty joke and oozing charm so that in a crowd he has everyone wrapped around his finger. Then he proceeds to wield that crowd like a weapon whenever Cara tries to steer the conversation. Anything she says gets instantly twisted and interpreted like it is some kind of hidden slight or backhanded comment against him and Cara quickly notices the frowns and glares that start coming her way.

The crowd of party goers shifts and Cara finds herself unceremoniously shunted to the back of the crowd as the ambassador from Pitax launches into yet another witty and amusing anecdote.

Determine motivations: failed

Blithe and Kael don't actually interact at all, at least not knowingly. Kael silently stalks Blithe and after an hours observation comes to a chilling discovery. Blithe isn't just here to schmooze with other nobles in the area, he is here on the job. At first it is just a few odd occurrences. Blithe would be walking along and then suddenly he would seem to disappear. A few minutes later he would appear on the other side of the room like nothing was amiss. The first couple of times might have just been a coincidence but then Kael starts to put the pieces together. Shortly after one of Blithe's disappearances he hears one of the butlers be berated for losing a set of keys to the guest quarters. Then another disappearance and now Kael hears of a washerwoman being docked pay due to a missing uniform. A guard cannot find a map of patrol routes...and then he an find it again right there on the table.

Kael doesn't have any idea who the actual target is but just knowing that Blithe here is in the middle of a contract is a considerable amount of leverage...assuming the assassin doesn't decide to just silence him too!

Success!

The Nesterovs and Borric chat for quite some time about the temple and he discovers he hit the mark dead center for these two. It is quite clear that the Stag Lord temple was not just a passion for Jhod but for the whole church in the region. Finding out that it had been found and at least partially cleansed was a huge relief from both Orin and Fenna and they begin eagerly discussing potential plans for how to turn the temple into a major site of worship in the area. The brother and sister priests did not even realize the giant carrot they had given over to Borric and the others with their naked interest in the ruins.

Motivation discovered!

As the hour draws to a close it is time for the ceremony to begin. Everyone takes their appointed seats and what follows is an agonizingly long speech from the King-Regent. It almost all covers what is already known. The King-Regent Noleskiis taking full credit for the expedition to the Stolen Lands and giving almost no credit to the Swordlords proceeds on to the knighting ceremony.

As Baron Drelev already has a noble title he is just formally giving King-Regent Noleski's (and thus all of Brevoy's) blessings on turning his area of the stolen lands into a new holding under his family's name. Borric and Varn are then brought up to kneel before the King-Regent who places his sword tip on their shoulders to uplift them into the ranks of nobility. Varn doesn't seem to react but Borric notes that for a honorary ceremony the blade is quite sharp and the King-Regent lands it quite heavily on Borric's shoulders. If it wasn't for the thick cape and stuffy collar it was likely the King-Regent would have cut the side of Borric's neck!

Finally the King-Regent looks expectantly at Jamarka Aldori who shrugs in return.

"I'm sorry, King-Regent Noleski. Jacab Bardeg hasn't arrived yet."

Noleski begins to open his mouth to scold either Jamarka or perhaps just curse the missing expedition leader when from the back a butter smooth voice clears his throat and addresses the crowd.


The Pitax Ambassadord, Divretto, is standing up with a giant grin on his face. Next to him two of his bodyguards are carrying a large chest gilded with shining gold.

"Ah yes, perhaps I can help shed some light on the mystery. I believe you are looking for the Iron Wraiths, correct? Sent to the lands bordering Pitax to tame them and seize them as a puppet for Brevoy? I came here to discuss that matter with you directly, Noleski."

The King-Regent starts turning beat red at the impudence and audacitiy of interrupting the ceremony and addressing the king-regent in such a familiar way. Before Noleski can react though Divretto smiles and puts a hand in mock shame to his mouth.

"Oh I do apologize. I meant no offense. Perhaps I can shed some light on things King-Regent Noleski. But first what kind of guest would I be without a presenting a gift to my esteemed hosts."

He steps aside and the two guards step forward with the chest. Noleski's guards all tighten their grips and shift but the Pitax men-at-arms seem to pay no mind to the danger. They take a few steps forward and then swiftly spill the chest forward. The unlatched lid swings over and a dozen heads roll down the carpet to stop at the bottom of the raised platform where Noleski and the others are standing for the ceremony.

The heads are badly decayed and unless someone decides to step forward and examine them closely it is hard to make out the details but it does not take a genius to put the clues together to suggest that this is the fate of the missing Iron Wraith expedition. A shock of disgust ripples through the crowd.

King Castruccio Irovetti..."

Divretto puts extreme emphasis on the "king" part, noticably omitting any kind of qualifier on that like "-Regent".

... sends his regards and this warning that any attempt by Brevoy to advance upon the borders of Pitax will be seen as a sign of aggression and we will respond accordingly. Let your puppets create their false kingdoms somewhere else."

Noleski seems to have finally found his tongue.

"You  dare to..."

And once again Divretto stuns the crowd by interrupting.

"Yes yes, I have no manners, I am in no position to be making threats, I am pond scum unfit to darken your presence. I have heard it all before and don't worry I believe every word of the threat you were about to lay upon me but we both know that Brevoy is in no position to be making new enemies so how about I leave now and we can all go about our day?"

Noleski is stunned by the continued boldness of Divretto. It had probably been decades or more since someone hadn't shrunk down before the angry wrath of the King-Regent.

"My message has been sent. Now I am leaving so you don't have to worry about kicking me out. Please understand though that if I am detained or harmed in anyway the next message Pitax sends will not be contained in a small chest like this."

And with that the Pitax delegation swiftly exits. Despite his bravado he seemed to be heavily relying on the fact that the whole court was stunned to make his escape. Chances are if he had stuck around long enough for Noleski to gather his wits about him then Divretto would be spending his remaining time in jail and then a hangman's noose, war with Pitax be damned.

By making his escape swiftly he capitalized on the shock of it all to put some distance between himself and a quite irate King!




Diplomacy Tracker

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:19, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

Caramip feared what might be in the chest, oh she feared it for a moment. She was still reeling from her lack of learning anything about Pitax. Then when the contents were spilled out, and hopefully someone would clean that up soon, it was clear what path Pitax was on.

Pitax was claiming the Stolen Lands for itself. That was what this move was towards, a prelude to war. If they weren't already at war. She thought back to the assassin's attack the first time they were here. Then to the many troubles Tartucchio had caused in the past. She'd learned at the Whizzelben Academy that there were no such things as coincidences. Coincidences were merely the works of the gods or works of men. But suspicion was not proof. Lord Borric would have a bit of time, as there was one other land between them and Pitax, but it wouldn't gain them much time if Pitax was planning to attack.

Caramip looked over at the heads, stories that would not be told. She wished they could still speak, tell her what had happened. There was magic powerful enough for that but it was beyond her ability. Jhod might have that ability. It would be useful to know what happened, stories always showed the path, they always had.

Pitax would have other eyes here, they'd want to know how everyone was responding. They'd want to be prepared if the sword lords were gathering. They had already had a call to arms to sweep the green belt before this it might not take much more to call up the men if they were already preparing, but to start a kingdom under the boots of soldiers from another land would be a terrible start for Tuskwater. Caramip tried to use all her senses to figure out who might be a plant for Pitax remaining behind while their "Ambassador" retreated.

OOC 12:13, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  Perception.

The second the Pitaxian "delegate" stood up, Elena knew what he was going to say.  Even so, she couldn't help but be shocked into silence by the WAY he said it.  Not only was the sheer, ugly rudeness of it stunning, she couldn't understand why he would even want to be so insulting.  No matter what the official story was, everyone knew these expeditions were a slap in the face to the King-Regent's authority.  Divretto had walked into the summit with a box full of Noleski Surtova's dead enemies, and managed to turn it into an act of war.

By the time Divretto was half-finished, Elena was on her feet with her sword half-drawn.  Violence was inevitable after an insult like that.  As unpleasant as it was, Elena figured the best way to keep everyone safe in the ensuing battle would be to make sure the Pitaxians went down hard.  She tensed, and waited for someone to give the command to seize Divretto and his goons.

And waited.  And waited, while she watched the arrogant fop casually walk out the front door, leaving a dozen severed heads oozing rot all over the carpets.  Slowly, Elena returned her blade to it's scabbard, staring at the King-Regent with a mixture of bafflement and contempt.  What kind of king just stands there for something like that?  No wonder the Swordlords were making a move for independence, with that worm running the country!

---

Once the commotion had died down and the heads been cleaned up, Elena returned to the party.  Finding the Abadaran priest, Thalnoros Vindarn, she gestured somewhat grimly towards the servants still working to clean up the stain left where human remains were dumped on the floor. "What an uncivilized thing to do," She declared sadly.  "It goes to show how often fancy clothes and practiced manners can surround a truly ugly person.  I was glad to hear that you have much the same goals that we do; making sure people can live and work in the Stolen Lands without fearing the arbitrary brutality of someone like Irovetti."

As she talked, Elena did her best to get a feel for the man.  Abadarans often held secondary jobs as bankers or barristers or merchants.  She wondered if there was any way to figure out what Vindarn's actual duties involved, and how it might effect striking a deal with the portly priest.

11:38, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 27 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 18.  Craft to learn Vindarn's secret.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

Borric stood as the ambassador from Pitax stood up. He stepped forward as the grisly display of heads rolled on the chamber floor. Borric hissed as his hand reached for his sword. He had enough of this "delegate". He looked toward his companions, but they were separated and scattered throughout the room. There was little he could do as Divretto quickly made his escape.

-----------------------

Later, Borric approached Mayor Sellmeius. "Speaking of the Pitax ambassador. Did you get a chance to learn more about the assassins that attacked us? It was a surprise to learn that Tartucchio was working against us the entire time. Too bad he killed himself before we could question him." Borric studied the good mayor, "People are a bit anxious with all the posturing this evening. What of Restov... how have things been since we've left for Oleg's post? Has things worked out as you hoped?"

---

rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Bluff for Restov

Kael weighs his options carefully and decides that he can't risk the assassin completing his mission when he could prevent it. He just does not wish that on his conscience. And besides, the problem with using what he knows to blackmail a professional killer is that the assassin might start to wonder if it would be easier to just add another target to his list rather than rolling over.

So he goes in search of Jamandi or the Aldori representative to warn them of the problem, somewhere private and out of sight and hearing of others. He makes sure to list everything - the Amabassador's disappearing acts, the missing keys to the guest quarters, the missing uniform, the misplaced map of patrol routes. He proposes that additional guards are posted in the quest quarters, that the patrol routes are altered a bit and that the guards are on a lookout for new faces in the missing uniform, as well as illusion magics. And finally he asks that they keep quiet on how and from whom they learned all this. After that he can only hope the hosts will take the matter seriously.


OOC: Maybe we can get some brownie points from the Aldori for this, but if not that's also fine by me. Oh, and if that would take my current action I'll leave the following for my next action:


With that done Kael heads for the Mivoni ambassador. The attractive duelist would surely be a far more congenial company that the hired killer he was following around. He is not quite sure on how to approach her, but decides to play on her reputation as a duelist to break the ice.

"Lady Gisvet? Your reputation as a duelist precedes you. I was often curious of the Mivoni swordsmanship and how it evolved from traditional Aldori style. Perhaps I could interest you in a brief sparring duel at your convenience?"

Should Lady Gisvet agree, Kael finds someplace quiet they can spar for a time. He plans on dazzling his opponent with his reflexes as he dances around her blade, all the while keeping a small talk about the current events going. And hopefully not embarrassing himself too much.

14:00, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13.  Acrobatics (Mivon, Motivation).
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

"You speak as if from experience, having been down a dark path yourself and choosing redemption. But the path to redemption is not so easy as turning down a crossroads or putting forward a new face--it takes repentance, accepting consequences, and making amends." Dominique observes and explains, a knowing look in his eyes as he looks past Artanix's noble facade. As the awareness of what he's seen in her sinks in, the inquisitor continues, "Now, I don't mean to force worship on anyone, especially not in a fledgling country bordering the River Kingdoms, so I would never seek to drive out worshipers of a goodly goddess such as Sarenrae, but in a land once ruled by bandits and overrun with Kobolds, gremlins, and other ... misfits ... I expect there will be troubles in assimilating, working together, and building community. If the Church of Sarenrae could take a more active role in reforming criminals, misfits, kobolds, and the like and reintegrating them into the community as productive members of society and citizens of the state, I believe it would be of great benefit to all."

Looking to milk this deal for all bonuses he can get for the nation. And, secondarily, either drop the co-religion limit or expand it to 3 others.
19:45, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 24 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 14.  Diplomacy, seal deal w/ Artanix.

Cara thought that all of Pitax had left, she was a bit surprised she thought they probably had left a spy, but they could have other allies though. It might be good to learn the motivations of others, still she had done so poorly with Pitax she wasn't sure what to do.

With the danger of Pitax it would be necessary to have ore and materials so she decided to concentrate on House Garess. They'd need iron and other materials to fight any war. A war so soon would not allow them time to develop their own.


"Ah it's a pleasure to meet you Anton Garess, I am Caramip, Court Minstrel of Lord d'Tor. I was wondering if we could discuss your plans to provide ore and in particular your interest in a missing dwarven clan," she asked.


OOC: 12:12, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 22 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 12.  Motivation, House Garess.

Elena and Vindarn have a few rough starts as he clearly recognizes her as an agent of Shelyn. While Abadarians aren't opposed to followers of Shelyn their most common reason for interaction: selling art is also a huge source of tension. Many within the church of Shelyn believe that art should be available to all to beautify the world while the banks of Abadar clearly want to put a price and control production.

That being said it seemed this particular priest was interested in having a sculpture commissioned and given Elena's specialty the two quickly find common ground and the hour passes swiftly. It seems he is trying to decide between two sculptors and is eager to have an expert like Elena weigh in on which he should choose. It turns out she is aware of both of their work but to make an informed decision she needs to know more about the subject to be sculpted to see which potential artist had skills the complimented the subjected better.

Vindarn begins to describe the subject and Elena believes she has discovered something interesting. A quick consultation with friendly agents reveals that the subject that Vindarn so lovingly (and in quite intimate detail) was definitely not his husband in the eyes of the Church of Abadar. It didn't seem a reach to consider that Vindarn was engaging on a little...side business. Ordinarily for a man as influential as him to have strayed beyond the bounds of his marriage wouldn't be something too scandalous however for a cleric of Abadar to violate the terms of his marraige contract could provide some useful leverage in bringing the Church of Abadar to the table on friendlier terms.


Vindarn secret discovered
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:05, Wed 25 Aug 2021.

Mayor Seellmeius eyes Borric and then shakes his head and it quickly becomes apparent that nobody believes more in Restov than its current Mayor. He ends up half conversing and half ranting at Borric that the matter was entirely under control and that Restove was an ancient city with hard inhabitants. Borric is treated to a history of the city overcoming adversity, one which he can barely get a word in edge wise and unfortunately Borric has to quickly beat a hasty retreat for fear of the hour long history lesson stretching out even longer.


Borric fails to learn a secret about the Mayor.

Kael reaches out to the head of Jamarka's security, one that he recognizes from their interactions after the assassins from before. The security guard wastes little time and soon it seems back up has been called for. Conversations stop as the guards begin searching the whole area for the Daggermark ambassador but he is nowhere to be found. It seems that Kael has successfully prevented the assassin from completing his mission but in the process has also likely removed the Daggermark deal from the table. The rest of his delegation are taken into custody by the guard and soon conversations and deal makings continue as they were.

Unfortunately given Jamarka's very recent assassination attempt the security at the Aldori mansion are not interested in playing elaborate games of cat and mouse and are more interested in driving him away rather than trying to apprehend him. Instead the security chief explains that they are just there to protect the Aldori. If the assassins have a target, they just don't want it to occur in the Aldori mansion.

The Daggermark ambassador and his delegation are no longer present.

---

<b>Kael and Lady Gisvet<b> find a corner to do a little demonstration and a small crowd forms. With their first lockup Kael realizes that he has both badly underestimated his opponent. He had hope to dance around her while having a fun and sociable time while Lady Gisvet took her dueling extremely serious and, more troubling, was extremely good at it. Kael was able to dodge two strikes before the third cut his cheek. With almost blinding speed Lady Gisvet had flicked the blood off her blade and sheathed her sword. With a dismissive glance she turned and the crowd swept over her. Minor nobility and ambassadors of other countries were all tripping over themselves congratulating her on her swift victory and Kael realizes that if he wants to get in another word with her he was now at the back of a sizable crowd and would have to wait some time to get her attention again.

Kael failed to learn the Mivonese motivations

As Dominque drops hints about her past she seems a bit unsettled and distracted. Even as they talk she seems to be studying and Dominique can only speculate why. Perhaps she is trying to figure out if she knows him from her previous life, or possibly try to read him and figure out what exactly he knows. Whatever it is, it must have been really bad as she starts making concessions left and right.

The deal is adjusted so that as long as the Church of Sarenrae can have an estate built (at their own expense of course) somewhere in the new kingdom that could provide asylum to outcasts and misfits she is willing to reduce the presence of the Church in major urban centers in order to avoid coming into conflict with the locals. In exchange for a fair degree of autonomy she would promise that the clergy would be in close contact with the spymaster in case any of the refugees can provide warnings about potential dangers to the kingdom.


New Deal:
Espionage: +3 (+1 to original deal)
Operations: +1
Diplomacy: -1
Resolve: -1

+ Is not a major religion at all. Will no longer conflict with other major religions. They will exist but their clergy will have no special ties to the government.

- Allowed to build small refugee and rehabilitation camps that would operate with autonomy so long as the inhabitants learn to control their monstrous nature and do not violate any of the laws of the land. We can discuss this in more detail in OOC.

Anton Garess and Cara talk at length about the missing dwarven clan and she quickly learns how deeply the loss of the Golka clan has impacted the noble house.

Cara learns more about the Vanishing, an event that happened two years ago when every member of the ruling noble family, House Rogarvia, mysteriously disappeared. The resulting vacuum threw the entire country of Brevoy into chaos until House Surtova was able to use its political connections to take on the mental of King-Regent, presumably until the rightful Rogarvia heirs could be found. This event has deeply fractured the country and is a major contributing factor to the likely upcoming civil war the country seems to be heading towards.

This much is well known to everyone in the area, especially a learned bard like Cara. What isn't as well known is that the Vanishing also claimed the Golka clan of dwarves. The same night the Rogarvia family vanished, the Golka forges went cold and their mines fell silent.

The only known survivor was Tolva Golka, son of the clan chief who had been visiting House Gareess at the time. Meanwhile the House Garess heir was visiting the Golka mines and also disappeared. Since then the patriarch of House Garess has named Tolva Golka his adoptive heir and the Garess family believes that finding the missing dwarves will not only lead them to the missing Garess heir but might also lead them to the missing Rogarvia house and that might be enough to stop the civil war from unfolding.

Ultimately as interesting as this news is Cara finds herselves noting that it seems the Garess family overall is fairly neutral in terms of the upcoming civil war. They are stuck in the past hoping that House Rogarvia will come riding back in and quash all talks of civil war and rebellion. Appealing to his sense of history, his nostalgia, as well as making vague promises about devoting assets and resources towards searching for the missing dwarves will go a long way towards winning over House Garess.

passed

Diplomacy Tracker

"Oh. Ohhh." Elena's eyes widened as she suddenly understood the intent behind Vindarn's taste in statuary.  "Aww, that's so sweet! Well, for an erotic figure like that, you'll definitely want to commission Aksena.  Balenius is an excellent sculptor if you want precise, true-life detail, but he just can't match the way Aksena expresses vitality and passion in her work.  I'm sure it will make the perfect gift for your lover."

Her face fell when she saw Vindarn's reaction to being caught out.  As he frantically shushed her and looked around to make sure nobody else had heard, Elena put a hand on his shoulder and leaned in close. "Listen, I'm a Shelynite.  I get it."  She confided, quietly.  "Falling in love just happens sometimes, and to refuse that love is...well, a betrayal of yourself.  Y'know, as long as it's with a consenting adult and all that.  But doing it in secret like that is going to get everyone hurt.  It'll hurt your spouse, it'll hurt your lover, and in the end it'll hurt you, too."

Stepping away from the (no doubt flustered) priest of Abadar, Elena raised her voice back to a normal, businesslike tone. "But then, it's not really any of my business.  Let's just...let's get this agreement signed and we can go our separate ways and enjoy the party."

Leaning over the written agreement Vindarn had brought, Elena raised a quill.  "First off, let's nix this exclusivity deal.  You can be an official religion of our kingdom, but you don't get to be THE official religion."  She scratched off the offending part of the deal with her pen, before even waiting for a response.  "Secondly, if the Church of Abadar is going to take up their usual role as bankers and justices of the peace, that makes them a part of the state.  Meaning they will have to ACT as part of the state.  That means NO public criticism towards any laws and decisions passed by Lord Boric or the rest of the council.  If they have a problem, they can take it to Dominique privately, and he can bring it to the rest of us.  Here, I'll let you write that part in, you're better at the technical wording than I am."  She held the quill out to Vindarn, expectantly.

OOC: Removing the exclusivity clause, and negating the penalty to Resolve by limiting the Church's independence.  23 On diplomacy, and using the secret as additional pressure.

---

Finding Kael alone and bleeding after his duel, Elena clapped an encouraging hand on his shoulder.  Healing energy flowed through her touch, closing the cut until it was just a thin scar over the half-elf's cheek.  "Good fight," she said, approvingly.  "Surviving even one strike from an Aldori dueling master is impressive, and it took her three tries to even land a touch.  Lady Gisvet is playing stoic for all the bystanders, but I'm sure she was impressed.  If she wasn't impressed she'd have taken an ear off, instead of gifting you that handsome dueling scar.  Maybe give her some time to calm down, then try to engage her in something a little less...overtly competitive."

Nodding to the slight commotion as most of the Daggermark group was herded into the backrooms by the guards, Elena raised an eyebrow.  "Does that mean what I think it means?  They didn't invite ANOTHER assassin to have dinner with us, did they?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Wed 25 Aug 2021.

"Thank you." Kael examines the scratch on his face with his hand and looks at the blood on his fingers. "I fear my pride will take a little longer to heal though. Shame the Ambassador interpreted my offer of friendly sparring as duel to first blood. Ah, Mivoni."

"And speaking of complete lack of subtlety, yes, it appears the Daggermark Ambassador was an actual assassin on a mission. Shocking, I know. Someone noticed what was happening and informed our hosts, who, instead of capturing him or at least finding out who he was after, simply chased him off. And now the assassin is free to strike somewhere else, with his target none the wiser. But as long as it does not happen here, the Aldori don't care. Bah!" Kael exclaims in disgust as he wipes the blood on a piece of cloth.

He courteously nods to Elena. "Thank you once again Lady Elena, both for healing and your kind words. I better go rejoin the party to save what can be saved of this evening."

I'll probably try another target next. I fear those were all of my really good skills, so things will only get harder from here.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Wed 25 Aug 2021.

Kael next approaches Vaylen Goldfield, the Galt ambassador. Kael may not pursue arcane knowledge to exclusion of all else, but he was reasonably diligent in his studies at the Academy and has always appreciated company of other scholars. "It is good that someone at least is interested in the knowledge buried under the Stolen Lands. One thing that place does not lack are burial mounds, tombs and ruins - human, elven, cyclopean, you name it, it's likely buried there. But tell me ser, is there anything in particular you are interested in? Where would you wish to focus your attention on first?"

Using Knowledge: Arcana to try to find the Galt Secret from the Ambassador by getting him to talk about his goals and interests regarding arcane stuff. I have no idea if this is the right approach or not. Would this be more of a Spellcraft roll for Optional Objective? The only other use of Knowledge: Arcana that comes to my mind here is to examine him for magics.

Eh, probably failed it anyway. DM, if you think this should be Spellcraft (Optional Objective) instead, you can use the same roll as far as I'm concerned.
13:31, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Know: Arcana (Galt, Secret).

Caramip was all ears at the possibility of avoiding a civil war. If there was a way to prevent one surely that was a worthy cause. A cause that would save lives. So she decided to stay and speak with House Garess a bit more. She knew that her time was limited but the possibility of finding a way to avoid the civil war seemed a worthy use of her time and a way to perhaps bring all the factions together. She continued to talk with House Garess.

"What more can you tell me about the missing dwarves?" she asked.


OOC: 16:50, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 26 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 17.  Know (Dungeoneering) - House Garess Secret.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Sat 28 Aug 2021.

Having spent the hour ironing out details with Miss Artanix, Dominique missed much of the demonstration between Lady Gisvet and Kael, but as the lady parted ways the inquisitor joined in among the crowd to congratulate her--his reputation allowing him to stare his way past a few of the other hangers-ons. Finally in a position to be heard, he first offers the deserved compliment, "A fine showing! Truly a swordlord if I've ever seen one! I hope Mister Kael's pride will recover before our return to Rivermarch." He pauses for a moment to allow the next turn of conversation to seem more natural before getting to work, "Speaking of the swordlords, and forgive me being new to the area, but weren't the Swordlords of Mivon once allied with the Swordlords of Restov in ruling all of Rostland? Don't get me wrong, for I have no interest in our fledgling settlement getting involved in potential disputes between the Lord Regent and the Swordlords, Issia and Rostland, or however the pieces play out, but why would Mivon's offer be contingent on not supporting the independence of your fellow Aldori?" Dominique listens carefully to Lady Gisvet's response, both legitimately interested in the answer and carefully appraising her response to talk of Mivon's offer, the Aldori history, and the subtle mentions of their new lands.

15:13, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 23 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 12.  Sense Motive Lady Gisvet Objective.

Borric peek at the exit from which Pitax made their quick escape. He wondered if he could escape as well. All of this diplomatic talk was hard work. His sword hand itched. He caught Dominique's eye. Dom seemed to give him some encouragement as if he knew what Borric was feeling.

"Ahh, Miss Hartstone." Borric approached the representative from the lumber faction. "How is your evening? I can't imagine why you'd be interested in traveling so far to chop a few trees. Surely there's an abundance of trees in Brevoy?"

---

rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16.  Survival Grulwa to learn Secret

Vindarn and Elena talk about artisans until Elena shifts things around on Vindarn. He grows visibly nervous with thick beads of sweat popping out on his face. He realizes he overplayed his hand in talking about this statue and tries unsuccessfully to backpedal. Elena keeps up the pressure and eventually Vindarn lowers his head defeated.

He explains that while he would be able discuss a situation where Abadar would not be the exclusive state religion he explains that the Church of Abadar is also not keen on sharing its vast resources without the freedom to operate as it so desires. Elena and Vindarn create a plan for a triumvirate serving under the high priest: three priests that had veto powers over one another's control and would serve as a check and balance to the high priest himself.

It wouldn't give the new kingdom complete freedom from religious authority but assuming the other religions chosen were reasonable rulers it would give the ruling class some measures with which to control the Church of Abadar.

The deal is that Abadar would be part of a 3-religion ruling body serving under the high priest (exclusive deal has been removed for a 3-party system). The rest would remain the same:
+2 Resources (bank loans)
+1 Operations (Church guards protecting trade)
-1 Resolve (the church still has the power to undermine the ruling class a bit if it threatens the economy)

You can either accept this deal as is or take another shot at a diplomacy roll to continue making adjustments.

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:03, Thu 02 Sept 2021.

Vaylen Goldfield and Kael discuss relics and ruins in the area but Valyen is careful to dance from subject to subject giving Kael the impression that he is interested in all of them and none of them at the same time.

He quickly turns the subject back on Kael, peppering him with questions about what had been found so far. He gives off the impression that he already knows what they had discovered in the area (somehow) but is testing Kael to see how open and honest he is willing to be. Or perhaps it is all a bluff and he is giving the impression of already knowing in hopes that Kael reveals more than he might otherwise have intended to.



Let me know if you want to actually tell him about the cyclops ruin already found. That might be enough of a situational bonus to turn the failure into a success...

Also don't be afraid of failing. You guys aren't meant to succeed at every single roll. That would be an extremely boring game :D

Anton Garess and Cara focus on the dwarves and with her considerable knowledge of underground designs Cara starts asking very targeted questions beyond "where could they be". She asks about the state of their defenses, if there were signs of breach from below or above, whether the armory was used and so on. The more she asks, the more uncomfortable Anton gets and when Cara gets the impression that despite stating this is the most important mission for the Garess family Anton doesn't seem to know very much about the details nor does he seem very interested in discussing them further.

On a hunch Cara starts hinting at making major pledges for recovering the dwarves, even theorizing she might know exactly where they are and Anton visibly flinches concerning her hunch. Anton Garess, at least, has no interest in actually finding the dwarves. In fact he seems quite upset that he, brother to the head of the family, was overlooked for a dwarf as the next head of the House Garess.

Cara figures that she can make him bend considerably if she starts making very real and tangible pledges of support in finding the dwarves versus making general platitudes of "we'll help how we can" or "we'll ask around for you...".

Secret discovered!

Andara Gisvet and Dominique talk about the history of swordsmanship between the Mivoni and the Aldori and Dominique quickly sense the incredible sense of pride that Lady Gisvet has about her swordsmanship. Being able to demonstrate it in the middle of the Aldori estate was a particular thrill for her, perhaps why she was so quick to turn a causal duel into a more serious one.

She never brings this up but Dominique speculates that she would be very eager in spreading the Mivoni style of dueling outside of just Mivon, especially as the Aldori are so well known in the area. He figures they would gladly front a lot of the finances and provide instructors so that the new kingdom could generate duelists of the Mivoni style.

As a side deal to the pledge of neutrality Dominique could propose building a training center for Mivoni duelists:

+1 Operations
+ Eventual access to special army types
-1 Diplomacy as it would be harder to convince people that you're independent of Mivoni influence when their dueling style spreads through your lands.

Grulwa Hartstone and Borric introduce one another and then Borric opens up about what is wrong about the trees in Brevoy. Such a frank and obvious question makes the dwarven woman straighten up and drop the false smile on her face. She gives a nod of respect to Borric, appreciating him getting right to business instead of wasting time circling around her question.

She point blank reveals her problem to Borric. There are plenty of trees but most of the forests in Brevoy are on noble house lands that charge a considerable amount for logging rights and with the threat of upcoming civil war many of the nobles are considering withdrawing those rights for fear of being without vital resources if the war breaks out.

She is worried that if Brevoy goes to war she will lose access to at least half the lands, if not more which would devastate the logging camps under her control. Mass layoffs, price gouging, collapses in supply chains and so on are on her lists of control. If she can gain access to the vast forest of the Narlmarches if Brevoy heats up she can just shift more camps to the new kingdom and maintain similar overall output limiting the economic impacts the war would have her on her business.

Success!


Diplomacy Tracker

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:09, Thu 02 Sept 2021.

Elena shook Vindarn's sweaty hand to seal the contract, if for no other reason than to get away from him.  Though she was doing a fairly good job of hiding it, she was quickly coming to despise the man.  This greedy, greasy boor was betraying his husband with someone half his age, and somehow he had the gall to demand moral authority over an entire country?

Politics, she thought with disgust.  No matter, he was Dom's problem, now.  And Elena had no doubt Silvermarch's new high priest could keep his fellow cleric of Abadar in line.  Dominique might have a law-book where his heart should be, but that was a far sight better than a coin-purse.

"You really should tell your husband," Elena added as she turned to leave.  "It'll be worse for everyone if he finds out from someone else."  She had said that the affair wasn't any of her business, and it wasn't.  But that was a far cry from saying she would keep silent about it.  Aksena the sculptor was a regular at Shelyn's temple, for one thing.  And didn't she deserve to know what kind of man her soon-to-be client was?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

Akilina Orlovsky caught Borric's eye. Well if Dominique would to question him, he would have admitted that he found himself watching her on more than one occasion. He straighten his coat as there was some soft music playing by a group of musicians. "Miss Orlovsky." Borric stepped up and introduced himself. "Would you care to dance?" He lead her to an open spot in the room. While he wasn't a dancer, he did take lessons as part of his upbringing. "I apologize. It's been a while and we haven't spent much time dancing in the South. I understand why the Swordlords and Restov have their political leanings, but House Orlovsky. It is seizing the opportunity to separate from Brevoy while the other two commands most of the Regent's attention?" It was a good question, but he was having a difficult time staying focused.

---

rolled 13 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 11.  Performance.
rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  Sense Motive Akilina.

DOH!
:)

That's the ruin that Tartucchio's party went to, right? Kael's never seen it himself, so there's not much he could tell him about it regardless of what his angle is.

Kael thinks backs on the last month. "Well, there was that barbarian cairn we've ro... thoroughly explored in the interest of science. Possibly a cairn of a Tiger Lord king. Oh, and some ancient ruins others ran into, but I have regretfully not seen those myself. Too busy dodging bandits, beast and murderous fey." He signs regretfully.

As he leaves the ambassador's company, Kael takes a moment to examine any astral signatures that may be on him, curious of what he may find. People often underestimate how obvious magic can be to anyone with even a modest talent.

I guess this could be one way to use this skill to find someone's secret? Maybe? I can't think of anything better at this moment. Anyway, failed again.
16:11, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  Know: Arcana (Galt, Secret).
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Tue 31 Aug 2021.

OOC: It sounded like I could accept the slightly changed deal with Vindarn as part of last turn's negotiations.  If it takes this turn's action to finalize that deal, I'll delete this post.

After finishing her deal with Vindarn, Elena spotted Kael standing alone in a corner, seemingly glaring at Vaylen Goldfield, the Ambassador from Galt.  Poor Kael, she thought with a mix of amusement and genuine sympathy.  While Elena might feel out of her depth as far as politics are concerned, at least she liked parties.  Kael, on the other hand, looked miserable enough to just walk out the door any second.

After a quick conversation with Kael, she clued in to the problem.  Goldfield was being suspiciously evasive about what he actually wanted in the stolen lands.  And that evasiveness made Elena worried.  It put her in mind of another treasure hunter who wouldn't quite admit to what he was after: Tartuccio.

She decided to help Kael get to the bottom of things.  She would tell Vaylen about what little archaeology they had done during their travels: The Elk Temple, the Tiger Lord tomb, the cyclops...observatory?  While she talked, Kael would watch the treasure hunter's reaction, to see if he gave anything away.

Smiling, Elena approached Vaylen and introduced herself.  "You know, you're not the only archaeologist I've run into with an interest in the Stolen Lands.  Have you ever met a gnome named Tartucchio?  Bald, rude, and somehow both really clever and a complete idiot at the same time?  He was certain that there was a fallen star somewhere in the Stolen Lands.  Had a map and everything, though he never said where he got it..."

Elena continued with the story, doing her best to pique Vaylen's interest in the Stolen lands.  While she was mostly forthcoming, she left out a few details, the first of which was that she never discussed where the ruins in question were.  The second was that she didn't mention Tartucchio's betrayal, merely that he had been a part of the expedition and was dead.  If Vaylen did have some sort of connection to the mad gnome, he'd be more likely to let it slip if he didn't know he was talking to Tartucchio's killers.

OOC: Using aid another to add +2 to Kael's check, and also talk about the Cyclops ruins.
17:46, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 12 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 11.  knowledge arcana to aid Kael.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:50, Thu 02 Sept 2021.

TIMEWARP post Grand Ceremony 3pm

Vyntis was immediately drawn to the Nesterovs. With long graceful elven strides he made his way across the room. His dark green robes were a simple but formal. He wore a sturdy snakeskin belt with rapier tucked into it. As he reached out his hand he could smell the holy herbs on them and was reminded of his time in temple. A few grains of wheat passed with each handshake. I common greeting showing respect where he grew up.

"Deals will be done by the end of this evening and I have no time to waste. You know we have common cause with to nature's beauty and bounty. If you have offer then plant the seed now with what you have in mind."

He looked around the room to ensure that no one was close enough to hear and failing to contain his since of urgency.

21:36, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 34 using 1d20+14 ((20)).

Excusing himself from the wholly uninteresting and unreasonably silent company of Lady Gisvet, Dominque begins to make the rounds only to soon come across the young Lebeda siblings. After simple introductions, he gestures to a nearby table and seats and offers, "I was interested in hearing about your offer, would you like to join me in going over some details of the arrangement?"

06:54, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Appraise Secret Lebeda.

Akilina and Borric dance although given his time spent adventuring instead of staying up with the latest trends and fashions Borric finds himself badly out of place. The dance everyone else was doing had the same opening as a traditional Choral Waltz but quickly shifted into something else. Borric did his best to stay in time but every time he turned left, she turned right and vice versa. In the end not only did Borric make a bit of a mess on the dance floor (but thankfully his mistakes weren't too disruptive it made it impossible to get a good read on young Akilina except bemusement at Borric's dancing.

When asked Akalina shakes her head at Borric and explains that House Orlovsky does not support Surtova's consolidation of the throne. Akilina hopes that by not gaining new allies Surtova will be forced to back down from their escalation and that will avert the civil war. Borric gets the impression that she is lying, however, and that House Orlovsky absolutely wants to breakaway from Brevoy. Whether to join Rostland or to form their own kingdom he cannot figure out at this time.

Failed to learn her secret
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:23, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

Vaylen Goldfield and Kael continue their discussion about the ruins and history of the land but Kael continues to find Vaylen's motivations unscruitable. Every time Kael tries to ask a probing question Vaylen expertly deflects it with commentary about how the preservation of history is important for all peoples of Golarion.

Thinking back to Tartucchio's obsession with the Stolen Lands Kael begins to wonder what else there is to know about the region that others know but he does not. As spymaster it is a bit unsettling for seemingly all their enemies and opponetns to know more about the land's history.

To be fair the documentation and history of the Stolen Lands is notoriously poorly kept. So many kingdoms have risen and fallen without leaving much of a trace and the only witnesses seemed to be highly superstitious peasants passing down stories of dragons and fey.

Perhaps it is one of these tall tales that Vaylen is following. Perhaps like Tartucchio he has more specific information on a set of ruins or a prized artifact in the region. Whatever the case may be Kael finds he is one again unable to get Vaylen to let anything useful slip.

TIMEWARP 5pm

Vyntis was not from noble bloodline, he was was from simple stock, but he seemed to have common cause with house Medvyaed, or a least Naritha. He spoke a simple sylvan greeting to her. "We welcome your family as we welcome the morning dew and the rising sun." He reached out and shook the hand of Lord Gurev which seemed a more appropriate for him.

"Please tell me of the natural wonders of Stoneclimb and what efforts you make in your own homeland to protect them."

16:02, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 16 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 8.  Geography, Motivation Medvyed.

TIMEWARP 6pm

Vynits approached Meager Varn as the sun started to set. "Your deal seems both logical and practical in its current form. Not need to have a border dispute or an unfriendly neighbor. I appears that you are trying to add to the stability of the area just as we are. We will accept your offer."  Vynis was pleased with the progress he was making. Where was still so much to do and so little time.

OOC: You stated that if the deal is accepted as is, no diplomacy roll is needed.

The Nesterovs and Vyntis exchange traditional Erastil greetings to one another. Vyntis gets to know the pair and after a brief introduction they outline the church's offering but with a bit of prying and pointed questions Vyntis discovers that the pair are also looking at working towards an irrigation project to help bolster farmlands in the area.

Along the southern and eastern borders of the Stolen lands is the breadbasket for Brevoy. While deals have been struck establishing the borders the Nestrovs are personally concerned about some preliminary signs of drought on the Brevoy side. It isn't bad now but in a few years time could cause the food harvests to diminish. They are hoping that an irrigation project would help divert some of the Shrike river to better feed the farmlands along the border.

This would ultimately result in +1 Diplomacy as it is a sign of good will for the people of Brevoy but would also cost -1 Operations in terms of building and maintaining the irrigation canals.

The Lebedas and Dominique adjourn to a private sitting area away from the main hall. The Aldoris had known this would be a party full of deals so several side room side rooms had been cleared for just such discussions.

Talking to the twins proves...problematic. They both seem to insist on jumping in front as the leader of the discussion causing a bit of tension to arise from their side but at least they are both on the same page as to the deal being offered.

Theirs is a mercantile family whose rise to power was on the backs of trade. With a new kingdom opening up right next door they are eager to capitalize on a fresh market by carving out the lion's share for their own merchants and trading companies however they also fully understand what assets they have coming to bear so they propose a shrewd but ultimately beneficial deal for the new kingdom.

From what Dominique can tell Lander is a bit more conservative and data oriented of the pair. He seems to have a much better grasp on specific details of their arrangement while Elanna is the more driven and passionate of the two offering up charisma in spades and threatening to sweep Dominique along with her grand vision while conveniently glossing over the finer details.

Ultimately with the pair of them together Dominique realizes it is going to be impossible to get any real information out of them because any hesitation or loss of focus on one is jumped on by the other before it can be exploited. To get the real dirt on the twins, one would have to talk to them seperetly.

No secret learned
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:02, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

Naritha Medyved and Vyntis quickly adjourn because it is clear that Lord Gurev has little interest beyond the feasting table, especially not about matters of nature. Lord Gurev just gives a simple deflection that Naritha would handle things before turning his attention to a large roasted turkey leg.

Naritha meanwhile goes into grand detail about the sights to be seen from their fortress high into the mountains. Her description of it focuses less on the fortress itself and more about the beauty in the wild nature all around it. Stoneclimb is quite isolated, it seems, and once you leave the worn trail down the mountain all manner of wild and dangerous beasts can be found. Vyntis finds himself deep into a discussion about the giant eagles that are known to roost in the mountains (although Naritha is quick to point out she only saw them once from a distance) and while the conversation is quite pleasant Vyntis ends up realizing that there isn't much strategic value to be gleaned from talking about mountain goats or soaring eagles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:11, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

Vaylen and Elena talk about the ruins and hearing the details about ancient tablets and coins the size of dinner plates causes Vaylen's eyes to go wide. Finally his persona cracks and Elena and Kael are able to discern real emotions from the man. As Elena continues to feed him juicy details and even offer to lead him there Kael can study him intently and begin to piece together the truth.

Kael comes to the conclusion that Vaylen is not here as a representative of Galt at all. When the conversation turns towards visiting the ruins Vaylen makes no mention of Galt at all and instead talks about his own personal mercantile company exclusively. Meanwhile some of Kael's advisors do a little digging into the nature of Galt and come to a similar conclusion. Galt is under continuous revolution with one revolutionary committee quickly replacing the last and executing all the former heads of government in a seemingly endless cycle of revolution. The very idea of making a treaty with such a country is ludicrous because at any given moment the people you made deals with could all be headless.

Not only is it more probable that Vaylen is making a deal on his own and lying about it being on behalf of Galt, but it is also likely that the current heads of Galt have no idea he is even here. As for what they would say if he was reported, that was another matter but given the violence that occurs in Galt under the guise of crushing counter-revolutionaries, it would likely not be good for Vaylen's business (or his neck) to be reported to Galt.

Pass!
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:30, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

The sun has set and the hour grows long. Dinner is served but compared to the massive lunch it is a smaller and disorganized affair. Many in attendance are already drunk or have adjourned to other rooms and instead of a large formal dinner instead plates are set out and people grab food as they wish.

Halfway through...

Diplomacy Tracker

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:33, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

Timewarp: 7 pm hour

In the 7pm hour Caramip continued to talk with House Garess in order to hammer out a better deal for them. She wanted to add the words "so long as quotas are met" to the language of the exclusion and also wanted to get bulk prices to the deal to add extra resources to the barony. She was not as concerned about the resources because though House Garess didn't really seem to want to find the dwarves she did.

OOC: 08:08, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 23 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 12.  Diplomacy to modify deal with House Garess.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

Grabbing a plate of food, Elena found a seat near Captain Fillinolds, the representative of Hanspur's religion.  She wasn't sure what to make of the man, or his god.  It would probably be worth it to get a feel for the situation before jumping right into the whole "ritual murder" issue.

"If you don't mind me asking, Captain," She asked casually.  "How did you even get in here?  I mean, the Brevan nobility doesn't exactly think highly of the Water Rat.  And unless that tatty coat is some kind of affectation, you don't look rich enough to get in close with any of the merchants here.  Did you sneak in?  Honestly, after seeing the Swordlords security in action, I wouldn't be too surprised..."

OOC: Trying to learn Malchan Fillinold's motivation.  6 on swimming.
10:56, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 6 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 2.  Swimming to Hanspur.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

Timewarp Post 7:00pm

Vyntis revisits with Naritha Medvyed and begins speaking of druids. "While I know that Durids may fall under the estimated High Priest, I have a personal belief that nothing would benefit our kingdom more then having a some druids take up residence in the green belt. While we plan to civilize these lands, I hope to keep our forest healthy and expanding."


19:59, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 18 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 10.  Geography, Motivation Medvyed.

Neshka of Iron Star was a most interesting woman. Her pitch on slavery was a drag, but her intrest in the arcane was mesmerizing. Vyntis wanted to know more. "Where did you receive your schooling in the arcane? I mylsef was trained in the elven high-forest Kyonin. I started my magical training later then most but had already cultivated my connection to the element of wood."

20:20, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 24 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 13.  Arcana Side Deal, Neshka.

Sensing that he is not getting anywhere with Goldfield, Kael excuses himself to talk to the Mayor of Restov. As their nearest city, establishing good relations with Restov would be of out most importance. "Ah, Mayor Sellemius. Did you hear of this unfortunate business with the Daggermark "ambassador"? What with this and the attack on us last month, ser d'Tor is most displeased with assassins operating so freely in the city. He is concerned that opening the borders between our new state and Restov will only invite such scum in our lands as well. I am trying to convince him otherwise, but he is being very stubborn. I guess people trying to murder you in your sleep does that to you."

I guess this is bluff, though I'm not sure it's the correct approach. Damn. 19.

09:59, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Bluff (Restov, Secret).

"That's all very interesting, but I think I'll need some time to pray, and maybe drink, on the arrangement." Dominique grins to the siblings as he politely excuses himself, planning to try to get one of them separately later on for a less distracting appraisal. After fetching himself a drink the inquisitor begins to make the rounds again, watching the guests with a keen eye until he comes across Kael and overhears his ploy with Sellemius. The Inquisitor can immediately see through it, but makes an attempt to lend some credence to his ally. Butting in he asks curiously and urgently, "What's this about an assassin? Maybe we should end the ceremony early and hasten away. All these politics mean nothing if our leader is cut down."

17:36, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Aid Bluff v Sellemius.

8 pm hour.

Caramip had been going to talk to the druid next but time was limited and she saw that the court magician was talking to them. She decided to lay down their borders a bit more secure. They'd already signed with Varnhold so now it was time to secure the borders to the west.

She approached Hannis Drelev from Fort Drelev to learn more about what his motivations were. "Greetings Lord Drelev, I am Caramip Scheppen, court musician of Lord d'Tor I do hope we can come to a formal agreement. Let me know of your concerns?"

12:13, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Knowledge (Nobility) - Drelev motivation.

Anton Garess and Cara hammer out the final arrangements for their trade agreement. As promised the new kingdom would set aside agents to help in penetrating the dwarven mines to find clues for the dwarven disappearance and in exchange House Garess would provide high quality metal ores for a good bulk price.

Anton balks a little bit as Cara starts adding conditionals to the agreement. While the pricing is good and the commitments of scouts to Garess are minimal, there is the concern about what would happen if, say, a civil war were to disrupt the flow of supplies. At first Anton acts indignant about even the hint that Garess would be unable to fulfill shipment demands but when pressed he finally admits that if Garess does not fulfill its obligations it is reasonable to allow the new kingdom to import its ores from elsewhere. Anton negotiates with Cara to agree for a two week contingency window for Garess to fulfill its shipments before the deal is null and void, although he asssures Cara that such an event has never happened nor will it ever happen.


Pass! Deal has been taken!

Malchan and Elena sit down and have a chat and it ends up being quite the unexpected delight for Elena. Malchan gives off this pleasantly humble aura which is quite refreshing compared to the arrogant and self-righteousness attitude given off by most of the other nobles and ambassadors in attendance. Malchan completely agrees with Elena that he has no real business here and fully expects his humble offer to be rejected. He doesn't shy away from his church's reputation and instead turns it back around on Elena. He explains that re-enacting the birth of their god is a way to strengthen their faith and draw a personal connection to him. Is it any different than Iomedae sending teenagers to their death fighting in the Worldwound or Pharsma's followers dying in droves fighting the undead. In every case it is a sacrifice in the name of their god to make the world a better place. In their case one lone person's death means the riverways that the entire River Kingdoms rely on become safer and more secure as the sacrifice strengthens Hanspur's control over them and helps defend against the real evils in the area. Hanspur's death and rebirth and practice helps keep Charon, the Horsemen of Death and Archdaemon of Drownings, at bay.

At the end of his story he laughs and smiles, explaining that he fully understands an outsider not understanding the deeper meaning behind the sacrifice. Hanspur isn't for everyone and neither is the river life but, he adds, just because you don't understand or even approve doesn't mean you can't take advantage of it.

In quiet voice he leans in closer and explains that Hanspur is banned in kingdoms up and down Golarion and yet it is still practiced. Especially this close to the River Kingdoms the Church is going to be active whether the new rulers want it or not. It has existed for hundreds of years before them and will exist hundreds of years after them. He is here to offer a formal connection so that the leaders will be able to use the church that is active in their borders, perhaps even set some guidelines about suggested ways to practice their ritual drownings instead of just grabbing random travelers as they normally do.

But, he says with a shrug, he's not here to tell them what to do. He's here to enjoy the good food and the good company and with that statement he raises a glass for himself and offers Elena a glass of wine as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

Naritha Medvyed and Vyntis continue their talk and while he brings up the subjects of druids their conversation ends up leading them to the natural rivers of the Greenbelt. Naritha obviously wants to limit logging and deforestation in the area but she brings up another interesting point which is her concern that any new kingdom in the area will also move to build locks and dams along the river to make it easier for river traders. While the natives to the River Kingdoms could easily traverse even the wild rapids of the Shrike, merchants from Brevoy and other surrounding countries are not so inclined to take valuable merchandise across rough waters.

For Naritha it isn't just about preserving the trees themselves but maintaining the natural boundaries of the wild lands themselves. She can be made comfortable that a new nation can co-exist with nature so long as promises and assurance are made that it will involve no large scale manipulation of the terrain. The rivers will be allowed to flow and the trees will be allowed to grow, basically.

Passed!

Neshka and Vyntis discuss arcane education and while Neshka is polite itself hearing Vyntis talk about trees and wood magic seems to quickly make her bored. She points at the iron orb which circles over her head, hovering at odd angles and the shape of it makes it appear as if it has an eye in the middle of it. She explains that there is much more ancient and powerful magic then from the elves and in Numeria they have full access to not just the knowledge of the ancients but secret knowledge from the gods themselves. The Iron Gods, as she calls them, have showered their land with magic beyond comprehension.

To demonstrate she pulls out a glowing rod with various studs on it and as she presses the studs in complex patterns the iron orb around her head responds accordingly. With a few stud presses the orb reconfigures itself around a long central metal tube. Another setting causes it to extend two small crab-like pincers. Another setting causes it to fly high into the air, circling around the room before settling back into hovering close above her head.

She explains that the iron star, as she calls it, is alive. Not just an extension of will like a golem or summoned servant but actually alive. It knows things that she does not and can solve tasks in ways even she does not understand. Her iron star actually came from the stolen lands as the borders of Numeria did not stop artifacts from the Iron Gods from landing all over the area.

Using the iron star she can find similar caches of hidden items and proposes a deal with Vyntis that if she was allowed into their borders to conduct a survey they could split anything that she recovers. All she would need is some guards and supplies and potentially any magic from the Iron Gods could be shared between them.

Side Deal discovered: For -1 Operations she will potentially unlock Numeria magical items for the kingdom.

Mayor Sellemius, Kael and Dominique chat about the assassin that had been thwarted and arrested in his town. He is beside himself at the implication, seemingly more upset about it than even the Aldoris even though technically they were the hosts. Mayor Sellemius took his role as mayor very seriously, thinking of himself as the father figure for the nearly 20,000 people that lived there.

The conversation wandered towards his job and possibly due to the alcohol or just stress Sellemius began talking about his upcoming re-election. Kael and Dominque acted like they knew all about it even though they didn't and Sellemius ended up confiding in them that he was in a very precarious situation as mayor. The city had invested a lot in the expeditions and the success or failure of the expeditions would definitely be the reason he won or lost. Kael and Dominique quickly got the impression that he didn't just want to make a deal for the benefit of the city but he needed to make a deal with the new kingdoms in order to keep his position as mayor.

Pass! Secret discovered!

Diplomacy Tracker

"Horseshit."  Elena replied quietly, making no move to take the wine.  She leaned over the table, repeating her judgement a bit more firmly.  "Horse.  Shit."

"People don't fight demons or the undead just to curry favor with their gods.  They do that stuff because they believe it has to be done, and they follow Iomedae or Pharasma or whoever because those gods share that belief.  What does Hanspur believe in?  Protecting the Six River Freedoms, keeping the Sellen river un-dammed, safe travel over water?  Great!  I like those things, too!"

She paused.  "Uh, aside from the thing about dams.  I don't really know enough to have an opinion on that.  But that's not important right now."

"My point is, what does any of that have to do with murdering random travelers?  How does Hanspur or his followers benefit from making traveling more dangerous?  Does the Water Rat even want people to imitate the Charon-worshipper who killed him?  He's not an evil god, he's like Gorum or Abadar, with both good and evil clerics.  And murdering innocents for power is Capital-E Evil, no matter how you justify it to yourself."

Elena realized she was ranting, and made a visible effort to calm down.  After a moment, she took the offered wine-glass with a smile. "What I'm saying is, if there are good priests of Hanspur, then there has to be some other way of worshiping him that doesn't involve cold-blooded murder.  Things like drowning livestock, or...or even criminals.  I'm sure if we gave convicted murderers a choice between the noose and the river, some of them would be willing to die your way."

OOC: Knowledge (religion) to find out Malchan's secret. 16 for Knowledge (religion)

I don't know if there's any benefit to guessing at motivations, but I'm hoping expressing support for the Six River Freedoms and/or the possibility of us letting them sacrifice criminals can swing me some kind of bonus.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

The Inquisitor seems more than lost at the mayor's segue from concern over the possible assassination of his allies to concern over his re-election. Politics is the one aspect of civilization for which Dominique has no love, and as he quietly excuses himself from the topic he offers Kael an empathetic and apologetic pat on the shoulder. He quietly makes his way through the hall, beginning to dwell on his discomfort--he had always been a man of action enforcing laws and contracts and digging out scoundrels and deal-breakers. But now that he's the one making deals he sees that it is no wonder he had no shortage of work throughout his life--half of the people here seemed to already be scoundrels and every deal was an exercise in placating and manipulating grand egos. It would be a wonder if any of these contracts were kept--especially with a civil war looming on the horizon. And how could their young nation survive it? His displeasure is already showing even before he crosses paths with Elena, who seems to be spending her time cavorting with a murderous cultist and scoundrel, and soon it contorts to a scowl wholly unbefitting of a diplomat.

After crossing paths with a servant making the rounds to refill guests' goblets of wine, the sour Inquisitor takes the pitcher from the poor man and begins to wash the taste of this evening from his mouth. Finally with enough, or perhaps too much, wine in his belly, Dominique seeks out and unceremoniously plops down into a seat near Lady Gisvet and begins to speak his mind, "Lady Gisvet, pardon my frankness, but I have a problem I may need your help with. I have no mind for politics or back-room dealing, but what I do know is war. And make no mistake, war is brewing right here in this hall. Already we have nobles and politicians drawing lines in the dirt and refusing to deal with their newest neighbor if that neighbor deals with their cousin. Our nation, our venture, bringing civilization and hope to the wilds, could never survive being caught in the middle of someone else's war. I've tried reasoning with my allies, pleading with them, cautioning them against choosing sides in this ... but I'm afraid their loyalty to the Restov Aldori is too great. And for what? Nearly getting us assassinated in our sleep? Twice!" He shakes his head in disbelief and takes another swig from his pitcher before continuing, "The only hopes I can come up with, conflicting as they may be, is that a strong, reasonable ally, like you and your fellows, could help sway them towards staying out of the conflict, or, if it can be managed, join with us in suing for a peaceful end to this conflict." He sets the pitcher down and sighs, looking off into nothing, as the wine and confession grant him some degree of catharsis.

22:19, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 10.  Influence Attitude, Lady Gisvet.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

8pm hour
Borric was glad that the dance was over. He didn't crush any toes and he didn't fall on his arse. He cast a glance at the other dancers before he retreated to the buffet table. He selected several meats and bread. He found himself hungrier than he thought. He was chewing a mouthful of delicious meats when he was standing next to Priestess Artanix.

"Priestess. My companions said that we've reached an agreement on the details of our arrangement. If there isn't anything else... shall we drink to welcoming you to join us?"

---

Don't know if I need diplomacy to seal the deal. But here goes :)
rolled 11 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 3.  Diplomacy
Wow ;)

Vyntis approached Nhal Banbrook and began to ask some probing questions. "Where is the church located that you oversee? Is necromancy really such a problem in the area that you need to seek allies against it?  I have not run into any undead in the area and and it seems that bandits were the major concern here." Vyntis did his best to engage the priest, but he had never heard of an undead tree, so his interest in the field seemed half-hearted.

05:19, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 9 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 1.  Knowledge Local Secret,  Nhal Banbrook.

Searching for someone new to talk to, Kael find himself in the company of the lovely lady Orlovsky. Since his companions prefer the side of the separatists, he decides he may as well talk to the Lady and see just what support Orlovsky can offer to the new state. "Lady Orlovsky? What's your personal take on this whole situation? Myself, I was sure we would have seen a more... active opposition from the Regent to creation of new independent states."

Again freaking 19.
11:46, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 14.  Sense Motive (Orlovsky, Secret).

In reply to Kael Valleni (msg # 74):

Borric spied Kael making a move on Lady Orlovsky. He smiled and made his way to the two. "Ahh, Lady Orlovsky. I'm certainly glad that I didn't embarrass myself too much on the dance floor. I can assure you that my friend Kael is an excellent dancer than I. But not only that he is one of my chief strategist, please lend him your ear."

---

rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19.  Sense Motive Aid Kael
Well a good dice roll is good. Maybe my mojo is coming back!

In reply to Borric d'Tor (msg # 72):

8pm hour
After he drank a toast with the priestess of Sarenrae, he turned and saw Mayor Sellemius immediately off his left shoulder. "Are you eavesdropping my good mayor?" Borric smiled in jest hoping to ease the situation. "No matter. I feel that since our last time in Restov still has me uneased... with the assassins and all. Did one of my companions inform you that he thwarted another assassination attempt this very evening? The ambassador, if that's what they call folks from Daggermark. But since I haven't seen him here recently, I certainly hope that he's been apprehended or chased off." Borric watched Sellemius carefully as he revealed the identity of the assassin. He needed to learn something of what he thought was one of his closest allies. But he didn't want to get swept into the internal turmoil of Brevoy politics. He kept a tight smile with the irony of his situation. "Let me show you my hand. It is obvious that we need allies... and that you need allies as well. Maybe you need them more than I." He made a gesture and showed that he was looking over many courtiers in the room. "But I'm having the most difficult time reading you. I've been entrusted... not by the Regent, but by those that live in the Greenbelt that I will protect them. I can lend you some protection given time, but can I really trust you?"

---

rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  Appraise Sellemius

Elena and Fillinolds continue to discuss matters of religion. To his credit Malchon takes her ranting with an amused smile on his face. When she is done he seems to agree with her, that if a religion was all about murdering random passerbys to protect a single river it wouldn't be a very good religion, especially if its priests did so against the will of their god. That would be a terrible religion indeed. With a bit of bemusement he points out that her description isn't Hanspur. Its priests are in communion with their god the same as everyone else...well except for the crazies that still try and worship Aroden. He points out that while Hanspur's powers are focused in the River Kingdoms is that any different than Desna being prevelant in Varisia or Besmara in the Shackles or Iomedea in Mendev. Hanspur looks over all river travelers and the sacrifice is necessary to keep Charon and the apocalypse at bay. He concludes that as a mortal he isn't in a very good place to question his god. If his god demands a sacrifice then it is his role to deliver it as his faithful servant.

It is clear Malchon wasn't planning on doing this much talking, especially about his religion, but unfortunately Elena's ignorance (willful or accidental) seems to work against her making any real progress.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:49, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Drelev and Cara speak, or more accurately Cara attempts to approach Drelev from a diplomatic standpoint while Drelev does everything he can to insult her without actually being so forward. He rolls his eyes, he speaks with a condescending manner, and offers plenty of backhanded comments.

Whatever his real motivation it is clear that he has no desire to be here and no real desire to create diplomatic ties with any of the other expedition leaders-turned-nobility.

Cara guesses that because Baron Drelev is already part of the aristocracy he is a bit upset by being lumped into a bunch of upjumped peasants. She guesses that as long as someone goes into a conversation with him ready to accept numerous verbal barbs and lays on plenty of flattery they should be able to actually make some progress.

Pass!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Lady Gisvet and Dominique speak about the upcoming civil war and Lady Gisvet points out that this is why the Mivon is putting the restrictions on their agreements. They do not want to get suckered into the civil war and they are concerned that these new nations will just become proxies. She takes a bit of delight pointing out how Varn is speaking closely with the Aldori while Drelev seems to be hanging out on the Surtova side of the room.

Of the next hour Dominique praises and flatters Lady Gisvet's astute observations and it seems she is warming up to the man, or at least the seemingly endless wine she is partaking of is starting to take its toll and dulling her inhibitions.

Lady Gisvet has been influenced

Banbrook and Vyntis discuss the presence of Pharasma in the area. He explains, rather grimly, the history of Pharasma as the goddess of the common folk. He points out their (relative) close proximity to Ustalav and the endless undead problems that arise from there. It is because of this constant threat of undead that the locals all across the region from Mendev to Numeria to the River Kingdoms are quick to turn to the Lady of Graves.

All of this he explains without a hint of emotion above grim. He looks like he is about to march to his death at every moment of the party and his voice and speaking pattern would make for an excellent sleep aide on restless nights but it is clear that despite his slow and monotonous tone there is a keen mind and a burning passion to protect the land from the dangers of the undead.

Unfortunately Vyntis is unable to penetrate the man's somber attitude and Nhal is quick to keep the conversation focused on the deal presented.

</b>Akilina, Borric, and Kael</b> spend some time together and it is clear that Orlovsky is relaxing around their presence. As they continue to talk about the civil war Akilina's fascade slips a little as she talks about the actions of the Surtova since taking the throne.

Officially the Orlovsky position is very clear, they are loyal subjects of Brevoy and while they will do everything they can to keep the peace and check the King-Regent's power grabs they have always said that if the time came for it that of course the Orlovsky's would support Surtova.

Hearing Akilina talk about the way that Surtovas have abused their position: using the state military as their own police force, cracking down the Swordlords and moving properties of the missing Rogarvia under their control "for safe keeping", it is clear that Akilina and likely the Orlovsky house would do very little to support the Surtova's to keep power. Why would they? Orlovsky have positioned themselves as the main opposition to Surtova so why should they want the Surtova's to gain any more power.

Borric and Kael guess that it is likely that Orlovsky has set up a deal with the Aldori Swordlords to break away from Brevoy and suppor Rostland instead.

Technically Kael would have still failed but I flipped it around so Borric was the primary and Kael was the helper.

Diplomacy Tracker

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:20, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Borric and Sellemius try to connect but a servant keeps running up and interrupting their conversation bringing this problem or that to the Mayor's ears. It seems he has a lot going on and even as the day turns to night it is hard for Borric to command the Mayor's attention long enough to have any meaningful conversations with him.

Dominique makes sure to keep the wine flowing as he continues to try to work his rugged and insightful charm on Lady Gisvet. He tries to reason with her that, with their lands being sandwiched between Drelev--who is cozying up with Surtova--and Varn--who is so loyal to the Aldori--neutrality would come at a great cost to them and anyone who offered their protections. In fact, any military deals between them would likely force Mivon to become involved in the event of a civil war--so why not ensure that their might is used to prevent bloodshed by tipping the scales? Dominique proposes that the deal be adjusted to allow Rivermarch to deal with the separatists in exchange for a reduction in their peacetime commitments. (-1 or -2 to .. Resources?)

09:49, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 16 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 6.  Diplomacy Gisvet.

Elena shook her head, sadly.  She had really gone out one a limb by suggesting the sacrifice of criminals.  That kind of compromise, of sending even guilty men to the kind of death that waited at Hanspur's followers, was the kind that would have cost her dearly.  But she had been sincere about making it, if it meant keeping the land safe.

And Malchan hadn't even acknowledged it.  He'd just babbled some bullshit about how the squabble between his tiny, regional god and a non-god archdaemon was somehow the only thing holding the apocalypse at bay.  How murdering people through drowning somehow weakened the archfiend of murdering people through drowning.  Well, she had wasted enough of her precious time with him.  The paladin stood up to leave, putting her wine glass down undrank.

"Thank you for the conversation, Malchan.  If you ever come into our territory, I'll kill you myself."

---

Hoping for a more stable religious conversation, Elena made her way over to the Nestorov's table.

"Orin, Fenna?  I've been meaning to ask about the Erastilite ruins throughout our lands.  Do you know anything about how they were originally built, or how they fell?   I feel like if we knew more about Erastil's history in the region, we'd be able to uncover and restore even more places of power for your religion."

She leaned in, pressing the point: "Specifically, do you have any ideas what might have befallen the Temple of the Elk?  When we first reclaimed it, there was a terrible curse over it that Jhod and ourselves were barely able to drive out.   There was this, uh, shadow-bear-man-thing that had the holy symbol of the Stag God burned into his palm.  Do you think Erastil did that to him?  What could drive Old Deadeye to that kind of vengeance?"

09:03, Yesterday: Elena Sazikova rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Knowledge religion to learn Erastil secret.  Hopefully the motivation helps me out, here.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sun 19 Sept 2021.

Kael next chats with Lady Muralt of Ustalav. What with needing to build a whole new country from nothing, and its distance from Ustalav, there's little chance of getting involved in Ustalav's peasant rebellions. But perhaps something else could be worked out. "Ustalav is well known for their mastery of arcane arts. Do your personal interests extend to this area as well? Sadly, I am but a neophyte in this regard."

And for once I roll well.
11:11, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20.  Know: Arcana (Ustalav, Optional Objective).

Vyntis continued his conversation with Nhal Banbrook about Pharasma. "I can see your points about how the common folk would benefit from your churches presence and influence in Rivermarch. At the very least the and sermons would discourage them from the dark arts. I also agree that having some of your clergy to watch our boarder will help us all sleep better at night. However, a deal has already been stuck with the church of Abadar. That means we are unable to agree your deal as is because it would cause us to break our word. I am prepared to insist that your church is one of three official sanctioned religions. It would seem that we both win in that deal." 

18:36, Sat 18 Sept: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 24 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 16.  Knowledge Local Secret,  Nhal Banbrook.

Gisvet and Dominique sit down and talk business about border security. It is clear that Lady Gisvet is very interested in coming to some kind of arrangement now to avoid border tensions later on and her recent victory over Kael in the dueling arena has put her in a very good mood. Dominique just has to put up with occasional comments about how Kael's cheek is doing and things proceed surprisingly smoothly.

Lady Gisvet agrees to do him a "favor" and pledge that so long as they agree to stay neutral their armies will be allowed limited passage through Mivon lands. This would allow them to enter either Drelev or Varn from the South and allow their forces an unusual amount of mobility. While the restrictions on building up forces still puts some pressure on their military, the additional mobility allows the commanders to come up with some unusual strategies that should offset some of the restrictions being imposed.

Success!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:40, Tue 28 Sept 2021.

When Elena threatens Malchan he just laughs. He seems completely unfazed by her threat, if anything he seemed to be expecting it. He raises his glass to her and wishes her well before turning his attention back to the food.

Restricting the Hanspur to only criminals would be a good adjustment to their deal remember that isn't what you were rolling for, you were rolling to try and find leverage to force him to cut a deal favorable to you and that is what failed.

Also keep in mind that most nations outside of the River Kingdoms have the same reaction to Hanspur so it's not that Elena isn't threatening, its more likely Malchan has heard it before.

This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 22:34, Tue 28 Sept 2021.

Elena and the Nestrovs sit down and discuss their views on the Temple of the Elk. Elena is correct in that anything involving the temple is an easy way to draw them into conversation but the Nestrovs remain focused on their topic and Elena doesn't learn anything about them that she doesn't already know. They do talk about their theory and suggest that it wasn't Erastil's vengeance but instead grief that cursed the land. From what they knew about the ritual it was a tear into the very fabric of the land itself and the shadow bear was likely the result of some kind of blood sacrifice to bind it to the land.

When she mentions Jhod though they give each other looks. Finna starts to speak but Orin shakes his head and the two go back to speaking about the Temple.

Just barely missed it, sorry.

Lady Muralt and Kael discuss matters arcane and while Esme herself is not a practitioner herself, her young daughter is. Just recently past her 17th birthday and displaying powerful innate magical abilities she is a bit of a confoundment for the Muralt family. It seesm Esme's daughter, Clericia, is quite accomplished in Necromancy. Of course Necromancy and Ustalav have a long and troubled history and Esme has become concerned that the local peasantry are already spreading outrageous rumors like Clericia is a secret bride of the Whispering Tyrant or some such. Esme would be most appreciative if Kael could make room in Rivermarch's court for her daughter to study until she is needed by the Muralt family.

Pass!

The deal provides no resource/stat changes to the kingdom but would bring in Clericia Muralt as an NPC for your court.

Vyntis and Banbrook discuss the Abadar deal and what it means and while Banbrook is officially opposed to the deal as the church is unwilling to invest resources in supporting the noble court without reciprocal investment, as the conversation goes on Vyntis begins to get a read on the man. Using his own knowledge of the area Vyntis understands that while Pharasma is popular in the region, it is popular with the peasantry mainly as a holdover from the Whispering Tyrant reign of terror across the whole region but those times are long gone. With flashier churches like Abadar, Erastil, and Gorum in the area the nobility have all but abandoned Pharasma and while the church is surely happy with the support of the common man that likely limits their ability to influence politics. Case in point, Necromancy is not really banned in the River Kingdoms as they are more concerned about their River freedoms than the will of Pharasma.

Vyntis wagers that while Banbrook is presenting a hardline front, with the right lure of finally getting formal recognition in a nation it would be possible for the church to bend a bit, like allowing them to co-exist with Abadar and another non-evil church.

Success! I imagine you're going to use this to waive the exclusive religion demand but you don't have to. The secret is yours to use as you wish.

Night has truly fallen and most of the party has shifted to drinking wine and liqours as empty plates of food are bring brought away. While a few nobles are starting to depart it seems for most the party is still going strong although there is a sense that it will be drawing to a close somewhat soon...

Diplomacy Tracker



This message was last edited by the GM at 23:07, Tue 28 Sept 2021.

11PM:

Seeing the Nesterov's hesitance at the mention of Father Jhod Kravkin, Elena turned the subject towards his position in Rivermarch's new nation.  She wasn't sure where Jhod stood in the hierarchy of Erastil's faithful, but as far as Elena was concerned, he was the rightful steward of the Temple of the Elk.  He had been the one chesen to find it by the stag god, after all, and he had helped the party cleanse the temple at great personal risk.  Not only that, but he had put the his position to good use already by keeping watch over the former bandits as they fulfilled their sentence by restoring the temple's ruin.

If they had some sort of problem with Jhod being given a position of authority, Elena made if very clear that they were better off bringing it up now.

13:17, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 25 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 19.  Religion to learn Nesterov's secret.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Tue 05 Oct 2021.

Dominique nods silently along as Lady Gisvet seems to completely miss the aim of his bargaining, but politely reiterates that there could be no deal which would preclude them from fulfilling their obligations to their benefactors. After excusing himself from his talk with the lady and looking about to see both Banbrook and the Nesterovs already engaged, Dominique heads to meet with Vaylen Goldfield of Galt, who's offering interested him. He wastes no time on pleasantries and comes quickly to the point, "Well met, Master Goldfield, I am Dominique Telvari. My associates have told me very interesting things regarding your offer and the danger you are under. If they can tell so quickly that you are not here representing Galt imagine what the council and the Grey Gardeners might already know--we've already had to drive away one assassin tonight!" He pauses for a moment, letting the dangerous possibilities stew for a moment before continuing, "But, of course, we would be glad to welcome a man of your standing, abilities, and connections to Rivermarch. Someone of your experience could be of great use in exploring and cataloging the ruins within our lands. The site and relics would remain under the state's control, of course, but there could be a great deal of profit, and safety, left for yourself."

Use Secret to change "In exchange for exclusive access they promise to share their findings." to "In exchange for exclusive access they promise to hand over their findings." Logically this would remove the resource penalty, but here's a Diplomacy Check to remove that penalty as well?
20:37, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 10.  Diplomacy Galt.

12 PM:

After some further negotiation with the Nesterovs, Elena moved to seal the deal.  "Either way, we want to give the church of Erastil a place in our new country, but we've also made other commitments.  If you want a place in our government, your representative will have to sit on a council with the high priests of Abadar and Pharasma."

Elena tried to push a bit more, to maybe squeeze out some funding from the main church of Erastil to restore the Temple and any other Erastilite holy sites, but her heart wasn't in it.  After some haggling, she was willing to settle for simply getting Erastil's priesthood to share their position with the others.

OOC: Using the secret to eliminate the exclusivity clause.  I tried to use Diplomacy to increase resources, but I doubt I have enough. If possible, I sign the side deal with Erastil.  Unless that's impossible due to me rolling diplo on the other deal.

12:36, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 13 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 2.  Diplo Nesterov.

---

1 AM:

Elena felt exhausted and frazzled when she finally approached Caleb Aldori, the representative for the Aldori Swordlords.  "Don't worry, we didn't forget about you!" She exclaimed, moving to shake his hand.  "We just wanted to make sure everything else was in order before we signed the most important deal.  Now, the deal is fine as it is, but I have a bit of a proposition for you.  You see, Lady Gisvet of Mivon has made us an offer to set up an Aldori-style dueling school in Rivermarch.  And obviously this is tempting, everyone knows how deadly an Aldori swordfighter can be.  But we don't want to disrespect your people by bringing in your rivals as a combat instructor.  And so, as a gesture of our respect, I would like to formally extend an offer to the Brevoy Aldori to spread the Aldori dueling style to our nation.  We would handle all of the expenses involved, naturally.  Lady Gisvet is offering to set up her school for free, but...well, we both know the real Aldori are worth more."

OOC: I'm trying to alter the deal to effectively duplicate the side deal with Lady Gisvet and unlock the special Aldori units.  I'd be willing to give up 1 resources in exchange.  Maybe 2, since we're going to be rolling in cash anyways.  I only rolled a 13, but I'm hoping to squeeze out a few points by appealing to Caleb's pride and the rivalry between the Aldori styles.  If the roll fails, I'll take the deal as-is.

17:57, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 13 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 2.  Diplomacy w/ Swordlords.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

11 PM

Vyntis circled back around to speak with House Medvyed which he found more similarities then any of the other guests. "I understand that your push to keep the wild beauty of this forests and lands untouched. If it were truly just up to me I am sure we could make that deal. We wood elementalists are no so different then druids and I will be the voice of reason when major changes are presented. However, I am just one one member of the high council. Please do not leave this evening without putting another offer on the table. Let us search for more common ground."

Using Motivation 22:10, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 22 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 8.  Knowledge Nature - Medvyed Side Deal.

11 PM

Kael approaches the representative of the church of Pharasma to finalize the deal that was negotiated before. He's not a great fan of Pharasma, but others have apparently negotiated a deal beneficial to the new state.

Just wrapping this up and taking the deal that was negotiated by Vyntis. I assume that's to use the secret to remove the exclusive religion demand?

12 PM

Kael next approaches Grulwa Hartstone to discuss the lumber deal with Gronzi Lumber. Securing such a deal would a great boost to the economy of the new state. "A most lucrative opportunity indeed. But looking over the provisions offered, I can't help but be worried of what effect chopping down trees all over the Narlmarches would have on the local fey. And let me tell you, there's a lot of them there, and many of them are already dangerous as they are. If we start pocking that hornet's nest, there's no telling what we might unleash on us."

"For that reason, I would like to suggest that lumber rights be granted for the outskirts of the Narlmarches, and perhaps the areas along some of the larger riverways. Those areas would be by far the most accessible anyway, and we can leave the deep forest to the fey. Surely even this reduced area holds more than enough lumber for Gronzi Lumber, even if our glorious leaders start a civil war, as it looks more and more likely, and something happens to your logging operation in Brevoy."

Trying to use the secret to limit the damage to the forest. Narlmarches are big after all, so this looks somewhat reasonable to me, I'd like to use this to remove the penalty to diplomacy, or lore, or both if possible.

In any case, I'm signing this deal. If the secret can get us something - anything - great, but even if not, I'm signing it as it is.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Elena and the Nesterovs continue to discuss the Elk Temple. Elena brings up Jhod and the pair exchange dark looks and with a bit of maneuvering she finds that the Nesterovs consider him to be excommunicated from the Church of Erastil. That isn't really a thing within the Erastil church however the Nesterovs are clearly operating under the assumption that a new high priest of the region would be oppointed, likely one of the Nesterovs themselves. Thanks to some wine and a few leading questions she gets them to explain their real feelings about Jhod and they share their opinions of the priest in quite harsh terms.

At that moment the trap is set and Elena weaves the conversation back towards the matter of prophecy. As she discusses Jhod's vision (without specifying who actually had the vision) she had the Nesterovs agreeing whole heartedly that anyone given the vision of the Elk Temple would be a chosen of the Stag God and should be considered strongly for the title of high priest of the Temple.

And at that moment Elena springs the trap. She reveals that it was Jhod's vision that revealed the temple ruins, Jhod's magic that broke the curse and purified the temple, and Jhod's leadership that has turned bandits into disciples.

Now faced with having just bad mouthed someone who is on track to be their superior, Elena feels she has considerable leverage over the twins in their upcoming negotiations.

Secret passed!

Goldfield and Dominique discuss their deal and the mirth and merriment quickly drains from Goldfield's eyes as he realizes the danger he is in. He quickly explains while he isn't here on any official capacity he still does represent a strong ruling faction within the Galt revolution. It is lies to backpedal and save face but everyone in the conversation knows where they stand.

In the end Goldfield has to be able to make money on the deal, he is not about to invest his time and resources digging up artifacts juts to hand them over. Instead he proposes an arrangement so while Goldfield will still put forward the funding for these expeditions, anything recovered will be brought before the court of Rivermarch who will have the first opportunity to purchase anything at a fair price before he shunts the rest back to Galt.

This will allow Rivermarch to have some control over what stays and goes while allowing Goldfield his money making opportunities. In addition any information (books, tomes etc.) that can be easily transcribed will be provided free to Rivermarch.

Secret can be used to give Rivermarch first look and buy on anything looted. The end  result is extra rolls will be available for magic items available at any point in time.

Because he is still getting gold for his work ultimately this will still be a -1 in Resources but it will remove some unpleasant events from the RNG tables.

So final tally: +2 Lore, +1 Diplomacy, -1 Resoureces, Rivermarch gets first bid on items recovered and free access to knowledge and writings recovered.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Kaleb Aldori and Elena discuss dueling styles and Kaleb finds it abhorrent that Rivermarch might be infested with Mivonese duelists. After listening to him rage into the night about the inferiority of Mivoenese style Kale agrees that if Rivermarch can provide the facilities, Kaleb will send experts to teach proper dueling in Rivermarch.

Side Deal: -1 Resources to unlock a new tier II unit. Details are still being worked on but something like this:

Naritha Medvyed and Vyntis talk about the similarities between Vyntis' elementalism and her Green Faith and the two come to form a special report. While her father is away, overindulging himself on food and wine, Naritha leans closely and in a hushed voice offers up a proposal most definitely not sanctioned by the Medvyed family. She wishes to come join the Rivermarch court to be both closer to nature and to help the budding kingdom develop in a way that would respect the natural beauty and ecosystem of the area.

By all accounts Naritha was a strong druid in her own right but having her in court would provide powerful ties to the Medvyed family. The downside could be that if such a move was not handled carefully her father might not take kindly to the new kingdom hiding his daughter away from him. Still she was an adult and she seemed very eager to get out of Brevoy and as far away from the social functions and noble intrigues therein.

Side Deal: Naritha Medyved joins the court as a usable NPC.

Nhal Banbrook and Kael finalize their agreement. Knowing that Erastil and Abadar are the two other religions that they will be leading seems to put the priest at ease. He explains that he appreciates being allowed into the inner circle and that Pharasma will "make do" with their partners to ensure peace and prosperity for the new land.

Deal is signed. Pharsma, Erastil, and Abadar are the three state "religions" with enclaves of Sarenrae and (illegal) Hanspur circles.

Gorum was another major religion in the area but was mainly a focus for Brevoy nobles and surrounding barbarians so while they will feel the snub overall the religions chosen are very much in alignment with the area so no unexpected penalties or difficulties here.

Hartstone and Kael discuss allowing Gronzi into select areas within the Narlmarch. The thing about compromises is that nobody is truly happy with giving up ground but it is probably better to have a large number of slightly annoyed people than a few powerful figures that are greatly annoyed.

Limiting the Gronzi to designated areas is going to be disruptive for their business and will still result in clashes with the fey however overall risk on both sides has been minimized as much as possible. The Gronzi will still leave the vast majority of the forest untouched so once the fey are moved things can settle back to normal and while it isn't the most ideal, it isn't like the Gronzi were expecting to do deep forest cutting on day one either.

In the end Kael is left with the impression that so long as everyone upholds their end of the bargain that Rivermarch can prosper with hopefully minimal conflicts between loggers and fey.

Ultimately using the secret as you specified would mean no change to any of the raw numbers however this will favor Rivermarch heavily during the almost inevitable fey vs. settler conflicts that will arise during the first few years of growth and expansion.

Diplomacy Tracker



|!4 Net Modifiers: |2 Diplomacy: +0 |2 Espionage: +0 |2 Lore: +1 |2 Operations: +2 |3 Communication: +0 |2 Resolve: +3 |2 Resources: +8 |
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:20, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

12 PM

Vyntis approaches Sellemius making sure the intrusive servant is nowhere in site. "It is clear that you are a man of power at least for the moment. I am sure like most nobles you have a side enterprise that you also dabble in. The night grows late and the evening is almost over. Let us speak of what the future could have to offer both of us."   

20:16, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 22 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 14.  Knowledge Nobility -Sellemius Side Deal.

1 AM

Vyntis overhears Kaleb and Elena speaking about the possibility of fielding some swordsman harriers and it reminds him of some elven tactics that are very effective in the forest. "You seem to be a man of action. The deals you offer seem fair. We would be proud to call you a friend and ally. Shall we shake to make things official?"

20:35, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 5 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 4.  Diplomacy w/ Swordlords.
No luck with the roll, so I will sign the main deal and side deal with the Swordlords as is with my final action.

1 AM

Getting really tired of all the politics, Kael decides to end the evening talking to the lovely Lady Orlovsky. "May I speak openly? We both know who House Orlovsky will favor if - hell, when - the two sides in Brevoy go from words to actions. And I assume you know our new state will be on the same side. And while I do not like the idea of being dragged along in a civil war, should that happen I do plan on being on the winning side of it. As does your House, I am sure. And as such it would be prudent for both of us to share whatever information could help us with that. I think there's a saying about that, something about hanging together or separately." He finishes a glass of wine in his hand as he waits for Lady Orlovsky to respond.

Signing the deal, and using the secret to get whatever I can before that. Ideally I'd like to upgrade those "information and powerful connections" to also include espionage benefits, through some kind of intelligence sharing treaty or something. With Restov deal our espionage would go negative, and I'm hoping to at least keep it at zero.

9 PM

Cara attempts to strike a deal with Sellemius, in exchange for adding our support to his reelection he will ensure that we receive up-to-date notices of the going-ons in Brevoy. (Use secret to reduce Espionage penalty to 0, Diplomacy to increase Resolve from +1 to +2)
10:41, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 31 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 20.  Cara Diplomacy Sellemius.

10 PM

Cara works with the Nesterovs to put a plan in place to mobilize the farmers and Erastil's faithful to assist in building and maintaining the irrigation project. (Reduce Operations penalty from -1 to 0)
10:45, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 25 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 14.  Cara Diplomacy Nesterov Side Deal.

Borric showers praise on Drelev as they attempt to draw out favorable borders--surely the noble has no need for the swamps and fey-infested woods of the Narlmarches. (Lore +1 for swamp Ruins?)
10:50, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 13 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 5.  Borric Diplomacy Drelev.

11 PM

Cara attempts to strike up a bargain with Lady Gisvet ... surely the Mivonese can staff their academy with the best Aldori swordsmanship has to offer. (Remove -1 Diplomacy Penalty
10:52, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 3331 using 1d20+1311 with rolls of 20.  Cara Diplomacy Mivon Side Deal.

Borric continues to work with Drelev, showering praise and imploring him to share wisdom with his lessers. (Maybe +1 Diplomacy?)
10:54, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 10 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 2.  Borric Diplomacy Drelev.

12 AM

Cara attempts to plan with Naritha Medvyed regarding her position in Rivermarch's government. Perhaps her connections among the druids and fey could serve to protect the nation by watching the more difficult to patrol borders? (+1 Espionage?)
10:57, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 3331 using 1d20+1311 with rolls of 20.  Cara Diplomacy Medvyed Side Deal.

Dominique accepts Goldfield's proposal and returns to Lady Gisvet in an attempt to showcase the strong coalition they are building with their neighbors and in hopes that Mivon will put aside their demands of neutrality. (Remove Neutrality condition.)
10:59, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 24 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 14.  Dominique Diplomacy Mivon.

Still buttering up Drelev, Borric appeals to the threat of Pitax--if Drelev can share reports on his western border, perhaps even lowly Rivermarch could aid in their defense. (+1 Espionage?)
11:01, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 16 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 8.  Borric Diplomacy Drelev.

1 AM
Borric continues nearly prostrating himself to win over Drelev. At the very least the approval of the noble could lend legitimacy to Borric's claim. (+1 Resolve?)
11:05, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12.  Borric Diplomacy Drelev.

If we like Restov's Side Deal, Cara negotiates to improve it.
11:06, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 14 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 3.  Cara Diplomacy Sellemius Side Deal?

If Dominique failed with Mivon previously, he continues his negotiation.
11:07, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 26 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 16.  Dominique Diplomacy Mivon.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Fri 08 Oct 2021.

There is never any official announcement that the ceremony is over but as the guests either stagger out or pass out and are relocated to their rooms it is clear that the end has come.

The party leave to their guest rooms in the Aldori estate with an armload of contracts signed. In one day they set up a triumvirate of religions: Pharasma, Abadar and Erastil. They have secured considerable finances through securing support by the Bank of Abadar, the Gronzi lumber merchants and by associating themselves closely with the Swordlords. They had successfully negotiated agreements with their two neighbors: Drelev and Varnhold, to establish clear borders and at least with Varnhold, the prospect of trade and mutual support. Rivermarch had even drawn some support from Issian noble houses which put them in very solid support for their region.

The only real concerns the new nation would have would be:

The Brevoy Civil War - looking at how tense things were between the Aldori and the Surtova's it was clear that this whole exercise of taming the Stolen Lands did nothing toward cooling off the rising tensions between Rostland and Issia.

Mivon - Mivon was very adamant that they wanted a buffer between Brevoy and the River Kingdoms and with Rivermarch aligning itself to the Aldori's it was clear that a perfectly neutral buffer state was not in the cards. Both Drelev and Varnhold also aligned with the Aldori so from the Mivonese perspective they viewed the whole area as just another extension of Brevoy, puppet states that the Brevoy elite could fight proxy wars through. Whether that was the case or not had yet to be seen but soon after the ceremony the Miovnese delegations adopted a cool and distant tone which was quite different than the warm friendliness their ambassador had expressed towards the group at the end of the party.

Pitax - another River Kingdom that had thrown down a daring insult at the feet of Brevoy. Somehow managing to insult both the Aldori and the Surtovas, Pitax's challenge briefly looked like it might unite the two parts of Brevoy against a common enemy but almost immediately division in how to respond caused yet another rift in Brevoy politics. Pitax continued to send out challenges and thinly veiled insults, growing bold knowing that Brevoy was too paralyzed by internal division to actually mount an effective response. At Rivermarch the new kingdom was able to sit on the sidelines while the major powers challenged one another but it seemed that Pitax was growing bolder month over month and it might eventually turn its attention to the fledgling territory on its border, namely Drelev.

Numeria - the Technic League were most disappointed that they would not be allowed to continue slaving from the lawless region of the Stolen Lands. Nobody was surprised by that considering that their slaving practices were expressly forbidden by the River Freedoms and by Brevoy. Whether or not this would have long term consequences would remain to be seen but Numeria completely withdrew their diplomat to Rivermarch effectively severing communication with the fledling nation.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:35, Fri 15 Oct 2021.