Wilkezag continues chatting with the nobles, pulling Harrim also into the conversation.  "I completely agree with you, Valerie, about a commander worth following, though I can't quite say that a sword and a shield are my forte.  I played at being a warrior when I was a lad, but I did not exactly grow into the role."  He gestures at his own slight frame.  "Fortunately, I do not have to give up on my dreams of adventure; I've learned to bring out the best in those who do have the muscle I lack, and I do know a spell or two to assist.  I hope one day to be a leader, a commander as you describe, but I need more experience.  I know I will need the sort of warriors willing to be led by someone with talent other than combat, but beyond that, ... I still have a lot to learn.  What do you think would be my best approach?"

After a response from Valerie (with, perhaps, a helpful comment from Maegar), he turns to Harrim.  "I am certain that you have a word or two on what makes someone a great leader.  I would welcome your perspective."

17:44, Today: Wilkezag rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15.  Keeping at the Diplomacy.
Applying this to Valerie and Harrim, hoping for a little Aid from Maegar. 
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Tue 01 Nov 2022.

Maegar just barely made his Aid roll here, only because I gave him a decent Charisma bonus as a noble. I would say you all have infected me with the terrible dice rolls, but more likely it's the other way around. With his help, this is barely a critical success for Valerie and a standard success with Harrim.

Valerie shakes her head, saying, "I have had commanders before who cared more for... things other than battle. It did not go well. Although I accept that there are considerations in battle beyond the clash of blades, we cannot entirely forget that in the end, the sword decides the victor."

Maegar stops her here. "Never forget there is more to life than fighting. Even for those of us who pursue the blade above all else, a single sword against an army can never prevail. As the boy says, a true leader wields his eyes and mind as much as the edge of his weapon. Though the blade must still be sharp, just in case!"

"Perhaps I have lost sight of that, in my study of swordplay. Thank you, Lord Maegar, and you also Wilkezag, for the reminder." Valerie nods thoughtfully as you turn to Harrim.

Harrim also agrees with Maegar. "Aye, behind every great warrior king in the tales is an entire legion of squires, smiths, grooms, cooks, and even beardless errand boys. When we dwarves Quested for the Sky, would we have made it to the surface just by smashing everything we ran into? No! The fighters' axes would have been notched, their armor shattered, their bellies empty, and they would have been ruined even sooner than we all must be, in the end. We need clear sight as well as strong arms, dark stone, and bright steel, to meet our ends with grace. All things must fall one day, but that is no reason not to act properly until that day comes."

With these reminders and revelations, Valerie looks upon you with a new friendship. You're not sure you've entirely convinced her, but you've definitely given her something to think about. Harrim is hard to read, even for a dwarf; he's kind of a downer all the time, so it's hard to tell how much he's warming to you. But he seems polite enough.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 01:42, Tue 01 Nov 2022.

Like her previous quarry, Lena fades into the background as they discuss what this new state would be like.

She settles by Linzi.

"This is how things start, good and bad. Ambitious fools are fussing over the design of a wedding dress for a babe newly born, but the act of this consideration will start to coalesce partnerships and teams and maybe, one day, political structures.

If we're not killed immediately, of course."

04:37, Today: Lena Sellenski rolled 24 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 17.  Society vs. Linzi.

You distract Linzi from the lyrics she's been trying to put together. "Something, ba-dum, ba-dum, two mighty maids / With ashen spear and iron blade...." Sounds like it's still a work in progress. But she has been listening to this discussion of religious freedom with the other half of her mind. "Oh, yes! I don't really feel the need to bother the gods all the time myself, but a land like that would surely protect artistic freedom as well! The chance to draw and sing whatever you feel needs to be said, even to make fun of the rulers! Any lord who can't take a little teasing doesn't deserve to be in charge, if you ask me. Keeps them honest!

"Oh, but it will take a real hero to build a place like that. Someone who isn't afraid to challenge the gods themselves! Someone who won't get killed by kobolds two weeks in! Killing off the protagonist in the first chapter never leads to a good story. Maybe you? or your friends?"

Linzi is now quite helpful, and like Amiri will back you up if you wish to draw her into another conversation. On the other hand, she's still looking for the central hero of the Great Avistan Epic she's planning to write...

Ulle make his way over to Sophia and Amira with a few thick cuts of pork practically hanging off his plate. In between eating them, and wiping the juice from his beard, he speaks

"I heard something about spectacular warrior women?" he interjects with interest and a wry grin. "If there's going to be any sparring, or wrestling for that matter I want in. Tonight or in the morning, I've been too long in the saddle and could use a good stretch."

As Tartuccio seems to be backpedaling, Ulle cocks an eye at the mention of a "main event". "So you're out for glory? Perhaps you've a story to share then? A conquest? Now would be the time for it." He suggests.

Ulle rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Influence Amiri with Athletics.

Oh my. Good thing I'm not in the office! Amiri seems somewhat more wary about Ulle than she has been towards Sophia, but you're not sure why.

Amiri laughs, assuming you're just joking around. "Ha! Just like a man, to assume the Blood Mother put women into the world for 'conquest'! I've seen enough of those types of 'men.' At least you seem strong and brave enough to back up your talk, Ulle. No sneaking around behind the tent in the dark hours, right? If you don't like what a woman has to say, you challenge her! No sly fox moves, that's just not how things are done."

Everyone seems to be enjoying the wild boar. The head chef presents the succulent kidneys with great pomp and fanfare to Lady Aldori, who cracks up laughing: this seems to be some sort of inside joke among the house staff. But you can tell the party is starting to wind down, as the serious drinkers get too loopy to celebrate while the more moderate guests start to think about the upcoming early morning. Everyone knows dessert isn't to be missed at Lady Aldori's table, though, so no one has even considered actually leaving yet.

Here begins round 5.

Current Influence scores:
Amiri: 6 (helpful)
Linzi: 2 (helpful)
Maegar Varn: 2 (helpful)
Valerie: 4 (friendly)
Jaethal: 4 (friendly)
Harrim: 1 (indifferent)
Tartuccio: 1 (indifferent)

Will in encouraged by Valerie's thoughtful response, and Harrim's nearly optimistic (for him) viewpoint.  "Your words lift me up, Harrim!  So many of my fellows, accepting that the fate of everyone and everything is ultimately to perish, believe that all is futile and they lose themselves in their cups.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Even if what we make will fall apart tomorrow or in a thousand years, even if the songs sung about it will eventually be forgotten, there is still a deep value to the act, if we act purely.  It could be the perfect prayer, the perfect battle, the perfect song, but the moment of transcendence is worth everything.

"Tell me, Lord Maegar, Valerie, Harrim, what are your dreams for this new adventure?  How do you hope to achieve a moment of purity?"


17:32, Today: Wilkezag rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  More Diplomacy.
Again directed at Valerie and Harrim, and pulling Maegar into the conversation for support.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:49, Tue 01 Nov 2022.

I went ahead and rolled Maegar's Aid check, because with a critical success (not at all unlikely) he could have pushed you up to a new threshold. But here in real life, he rolled a 1 (after his 3 last round), which is still just barely a critical failure even for him. Maybe he's drunker than you thought! Fortunately, Maegar putting his foot directly in it doesn't meaningfully hurt you here.

I realize I added the feature of the helpful NPCs aiding your conversations, but I have yet to roll a number higher than 6 for them to actually do it!

Lord Maegar raises his mug and exclaims, "Family, lad! Family will never let you down. That's how a man makes his mark. I fight for the four axes of House Varn!" But Valerie seems to gaze inward and just shakes her head at this, while Harrim tears at his beard.

"Nay, my lord, I regret to disagree, but family can betray you just as anyone else can," Harrim responds. "Even your own hands cannot be trusted! But in the gods, we see truly, and my god has led me here. The dwarves have tried to claim this land before, but they failed and fell to ruin, as so many others have, as we will one day, be it near or far. But dwarven stone is strong, and even in ruin, it may still hold lessons for us. That is what I hope to find, mayhap before it is all swallowed up."

Valerie stirs again at this. "Not all gods can be trusted either, even those with the fairest faces. The past does have lessons for us, but the lesson I see in the Stolen Lands is that bandits and destroyers are always a threat, and we must always stand ready: with order, with discipline, and yes, with sword and shield if we must. Some monsters are defeated by the soldier's sword, some by the merchant's coin, some by the judge's gavel, but triumph is always possible. The moment when a town stands safe, because the walls are finished and the first crops are coming in, that is worth everything."

Harrim definitely seems to be opening up to you somewhat. Valerie is still slightly unsure but appreciates the thoughtful discussion.

"I don't think he quite gets it, ladies. Maybe he just doesn't understand how to be nice? Good thing for you, Tartuccio, that we do!"

Sophia kept at the intimidation, but felt like it might not have been hitting as well as the first time.

---

group coercion on Tartuccio and Jaethal again using intimidate (possibly with assist from Amiri). Not as effective this time though.

22:06, Today: Sophia Akhova rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  it worked last time... intimidate on jaethal and tartuccio with amiri assist.

Amiri actually helped this time, but it's still not enough, sorry.

Amiri folds her arms and flexes slightly, causing her armor to let out an audible creak. "I think the little man just doesn't believe you, Sophia."

But Tartuccio rallies and recovers his poise for now. "Ha! Empty words and brute strength will not a kingdom make! You just don't have what it takes to succeed in the Stolen Lands: the indomitable will! The blessing of history! You could build a bandit hideout, maybe, and it will be but a tiny pebble on my road to greatness! But more likely you'll just be killed in a couple of weeks, and no one will ever find your bones!"

Jaethal just rolls her eyes at Tartuccio's vainglorious pronouncements. You have to feel a little sympathy for her: she's been stuck next to him all evening.
This message was last updated by the GM at 06:51, Wed 02 Nov 2022.

Tartuccio spouting off again finally triggers his irritation. Light pours forth from behind the eye holes of his mask. Two globes of eerie green dart from the holes as he begins speaking the spin around each other in a convoluted dance toward the annoying gnome. "There is far more behind each of the beings here than you will ever see." The lights flit straight into Tartuccio's eyes and vanish while the glow continues to emit from behind Dubh's mask. "What in any divine name makes you think that you" He practically spits, "have any greater chance than any of the wise and powerful beings you have the privilege of eating with this night? You cowardly sack of [Language unknown: holi olst]."


OOC: 18:12, Today: Dubh Oiche rolled 18 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 15.  Intimidation.
[Private to GM: Dancing lights and Bright Fetchling are what I'm using for the theatrics] I don't know if I can get any bonus for the theatrics but I thought it looked cool in my 'theater of the mind'.

I'm going to give this to you for the fun description even though you're technically one point shy. Tartuccio's opinion of you is not going to matter a great deal anyway.

Tartuccio blinks furiously as your dancing lights fade away. "Ack! Er... simple parlor tricks have their place in impressing the masses, I suppose. Stick with me and you will be first and highest among my subjects! Still, I think it is clear that I am the most worthy to lead here. Jamandi was right to invite me!"

Tartuccio does seem to be warming to you slightly. [Private to Sophia Akhova: He's totally faking it, and not fooling you for an instant. You've seen it plenty in gang leaders who know their gangers don't actually have their backs. You can let your fellows know or not.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:42, Thu 03 Nov 2022.

Ulle attempted to highlight the fact that the Gnome was obviously a product of the city, and would be of limited use in an untracked wilderness, mostly to make himself look better in the eyes of Amiri, but his words failed him, unused to speaking as he was in a group.

"Lead at a feast perhaps. We will see how it is when we are days from any road with only each other to count on."

22:58, Today: Ulle rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  Influence Amiri with Nature.

You seem to be responding to Tartuccio more than Amiri here, unless you meant this as sort of a muttered aside. It doesn't matter much with that roll, of course.

Amiri shakes her head in discontent. "In the wild, all are equal, and you can only count on yourself. If you aren't ready, something will get you before you can even call out to your companions. Only your own wits can save you then."

Lena approaches Jaethal furtively.

"I'm not certain how you've managed to maintain composure. How he hasn't gotten the hint to keep his prattle to himself with that scythe - it's a very imposing weapon, isn't it? - at your side, I'm not certain."

02:41, Today: Lena Sellenski rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16.  Lore:Urgathoa vs. Jaethal.

Jaethal reaches out and strokes her scythe once more. "My Lady gave me a second chance, and I don't intend to waste it. Getting killed would be a waste of potential delights, which is hateful in Her eyes. I wield this in her honor. Although I admit it does sometimes lead to... misunderstandings. But my Lady is not one for direct, open threats, as you know. The implied, understated threat is much more powerful in the end."

The fabled desserts finally arrive, which tonight include pastries filled with cheese and fresh fruits, but sculpted into swans and geese to remind the guests of the feast now ending, with one wild boar the size of a cat presented to Lady Aldori to great applause before being portioned out among the high table. The storm outside still rages, but the warmth and welcome of House Aldori keeps it at bay for now.

Here begins round 6. This is the last round, as the guests start getting themselves together to decamp for the sleeping quarters Lady Aldori is providing, or to venture through the storm back to their own homes.

Current Influence scores:
Amiri: 6 (helpful)
Linzi: 2 (helpful)
Maegar Varn: 2 (helpful)
Valerie: 5 (friendly)
Jaethal: 5 (friendly)
Harrim: 2 (friendly)
Tartuccio: 2 (friendly) [Private to Sophia Akhova: totally faking it]

Sophia rolled her eyes at Tartuccio, knowing he was faking his friendliness. The gnome was not to be trusted. She pulled Amiri aside, and nodded to an open stretch of table.

"OK before we part, I need to know," she smirked and sat, putting an arm up, elbow on the table.

"Do they do this where you come from? A test of strength? You sit, put your elbow on the table and try to push my arm down, as I do the same to you. First one to pin the other's arm wins. No standing, or lifting your elbow or violence with your other hand or head or feet or whatever. And no rage! I'd like to keep my arm attached! Okay, ready?"

---

I suppose it's only fair that the 'iconic' barbarian likely wins this one!

12:21, Today: Sophia Akhova rolled 14 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 7.  athletics to arm wrestle Amiri but also charm her a little more !

"Ha! A proper contest, strength against strength! Among the Mammoth Lords we do this standing up, and try to shove each other to the ground. But we would need more room for that! This is good for a party." She wraps her hand around yours. You may be able to compete in the strength of your arms, but it's clear that wielding Keska has given Amiri the grip of giants.

14:29, Today: GM, for the NPC Amiri, rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  Athletics vs Sophia. Lousy rolls on both sides!

Amiri seems surprised by your resistance, but eventually your strength fades and she manages to push your fist to the table. "A good match. We will both have to practice harder!" She claps you on the back (not quite sending you staggering across the room) and drinks down the last of her ale. "To Sophia, a worthy friend!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:18, Fri 04 Nov 2022.

Wilkezag thanks the nobles for their time.  "I promised Linzi that we would build a melody around her lyrics, but it has been so enjoyable chatting with you.  Please, if you enjoy music, come join us."

The bard returns to the excitable halfling, "Linzi, I have so been looking forward to this.  Let's work together to put your lyrics to music.  I have thought of just the basics of a melody; let me know what you think!"  He brings out his instrument and plucks out a simple tune.

17:22, Today: Wilkezag rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5.  Performance

Fortunately, Linzi has been listening to your conversation with Valerie about your heroic aspirations and suspects you might play a starring role in her grand epic.

Linzi listens to your melody. "Yes! I can work with this. You'll need a good ballad if you want to lead a whole nation! And this place could really use a new nation. I was in Pitax for most of the winter and let me tell you, not a good place for an author! Unless you want to write propaganda for the new 'king,' of course. I like where you're going with the Pharasmin mode to start: for new beginnings and destiny! But somehow I suspect this is going to have to shift into the Calistrian before too long... 'With heavy heart he left the court of law / From scales and scrolls he walked away / Until he found a cause to stay / Among the Stolen Lands, a crown he saw!' Still needs work but I think it's going somewhere!"

Lena nods.

"I understand completely. You can't be too careful when some are close-minded. A toast to future delights, and learning."

02:15, Today: Lena Sellenski rolled 16 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 12.  Lore:Urgathoa vs. Jaethal.

Jaethal pulls a flask out of her pack. "If it's a toast to future delights, we can't do it with this terrible northern wine. I picked up this cordial in.... a while ago, and I've been saving it for a rainy day. This certainly qualifies!" she smiles slightly as another shocking boom of thunder rattles the windows. She flags down a servant and gets a couple of empty brandy glasses, into which she pours just a finger each of pale green liquid. "To new friends and new pleasures. Thank you, Lena." The cordial tastes of the coming spring, of flowers and busy bees, of the joy of a new lover and the satisfaction of an enemy lying beaten and begging at your feet. A very elven experience.

Not that it matters much at this point, but Jaethal is now much more helpful (especially to Lena). You may have further opportunities in the future to learn about her past and what happened to make her undead.

A bell rings somewhere above to announce the end of the feast. Lady Aldori rises once more to address the gathering. "My friends, I hope you have enjoyed the food and drink this evening!" At this point she's interrupted by a room-wide cheer, with plenty of enthusiastic tapping of mugs and goblets. "You honor me, truly, but this night is for you! As heroes, you have responded to my call, and I can't wait to hear tales of your exploits in the weeks and months to come.

"Tomorrow, I shall speak with you all about your individual charters. I suspect it will be a busy day, so I suggest we make an early evening of it tonight. After all, you have kingdoms to plan!" Even more cheers greet this announcement, along with a few shattered goblets as some of the guests get a little too enthusiastic.

Lady Aldori gestures to the large double-doors leading east and west. "Of course, I've arranged bedchambers for those who are visitors to our fine city. My guards and servants will escort you to them now. I hope you find them restful. We shall speak further tomorrow when we meet back here at sunrise."

Lady Aldori and Lord Mayor Sellemius leave by the northwest door, along with Baron Drelev. Lord Maegar is also invited upstairs but demurs, saying he has further business to attend to in town. The guards begin escorting groups of guests off to their assigned sleeping quarters. You also see several of the groups of guests head out into the storm, presumably heading for their own homes or hired quarters elsewhere, including most of Baron Drelev's guards and the Iron Wraiths, but most of the guests choose to take advantage of Aldori hospitality. You are all brought into the east wing and shown to a modest but comfortable room.

Final Influence scores, for my own benefit:
Amiri: 7 (helpful)
Linzi: 3 (helpful)
Maegar Varn: 2 (helpful)
Valerie: 5 (friendly)
Jaethal: 6 (helpful)
Harrim: 2 (friendly)
Tartuccio: 2 (friendly, but totally faking it)

Here ends the scene.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:30, Sat 05 Nov 2022.