DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Its clear the Goblin didn't die of bite wounds- it had its throat cut open by a slashing weapon, most likely a longsword judging from the wound. You return to get the horses and Kalev continues tracking. It seems your prey were particularly cautious though. After a few hours tracking towards the north, the tracks eventually lead into the Little Sellen River. You have no idea which way they might have swam or where they could have exited the river.

They can't be too far ahead of us and unless they have fins they shouldn't be able to swim too far.
Kalev, if you don't mind, Kip should be able to make you fly and with your ability to see at night you might pick up the group of them or their tracks when they exit the river. If needed you can fly up and down the river to pick their trail back up. To extend your flying time you could just take Kip with you and carry him?...no insult meant Kip

Incidentally, are you leaving the ambassador and his men's bodies to rot?

I imagine the plan is to return to them after we've found the culprits, or we lose the trail.

Yes, that was Malthir's thinking as well...

I suggest we put the dead inside the wagon, if possible, so they don't get too eaten by animals.

Me, fly? That's gonna be some sight. But the logic is sound, so if Kip will, I have no objections.

How many Fly's does Kip have left? Bear in mind once you choose a direction you'll have to either curb your flight somewhat or commit to one direction fully, fly back, try the other direction and then walk back along the river.

He cast 1 earlier so he has up to 4 more he can cast. If he carries Kip with him, he can cast one more for the flight back if they don't see anything.

He used three spells of flight to find the carriage earlier. Sorry my fault for referring to the carriage as a wagon from time to time- its one of those single horse drawn, small carriages that would only fit two or three inside; i'll assume you put as many bodies as you could in there and shut what was left of the door. So Kip has two spells of flight left. He should be back to posting today so we'll wait for him to chime in.

Correct, Kip has two 3rd level castings left. (And just for future reference, my character profile is usually up to date. This is especially so when I know I will be absent from posting for a time.)

Kip smiles at Malthir, No insult taken. I myself have been thinking for some time now that a flying Kalev would make a fabulous mount... I just hadn't figured out how to broach the subject previously.

Kip winks at Kalev.

And don't worry Kalev, I can assist you with your flight by tugging on whichever ear I wish you to turn...

Kip's smile broadens even more.

So whats the plan? Which direction are you flying in? How much duration do you plan to use? Obvious and basic plan might be to use one Fly in each direction for example, returning to the party between flights.

Sounds fine to me... of course that will leave Kip without any 3rd level spells to cast... :/

As Kalev and Kip prepare to take off in search of the tracks, Kip gestures and intones the words necessary to cast message between himself and the rest of the Guardians... ;)

"A halfling flying a half-orc on a mission of nighttime reconnaissance to track down fleeing monsters. Yet another story that Uncle Stanislaw is going to be hard pressed to top - right up there with the time the Tendriculous ate the paladin AND the ranger..." Casimir mutters to no-one in particular.

Having impassively watched Kalev and Kip prepare for takeoff, Ricter overhears Casimir

"wait, what?

Casimir smiles broadly and turns to look at Ricter.

"Really?...You haven't heard that story? Oh, it's a good one. See, we were out searching for a missing boy, and came to this mudbowl, where Ol' Beldame, a witch that was later murdered by Hargulka, wanted us to find some mushrooms. Anyway, this place stinks worse than Malthir after a week in armor, and..." Casimir says, telling the whole story.

Ah the memories... Its been at least two levels now since i've had a monster swallow any of you whole!

Kip and Kalev spend the next 15 minutes flying over the river in both directions, but they are unsuccessful in their efforts to find where the creatures left the river once more. Either you have been fooled or haven't considered something, or whoever the wolves/worgs/canines where, their swimming power outstripped your magical flight range.

Malthir suggests that we head back to the original site and look over the site as well as look for tracks on where the original group came from.
After a thorough investigation in the daytime we should bury the bodies and rest for a while since we really didn't get a good nights sleep. We then continue our exploration, hoping to finish what we can before returning to SwordHaven.

Ricter listens to Casimir's story. Despite the tense circumstances, he greatly enjoys the bard's tale (Assuming Casimir is telling it with the lighthearted tone he started out with). One the story is complete:

"I daresay it didn't seem as funny at the time as it does now. Did you get your mushrooms?"

Once the recon is finished:

"Kalev, can you tell from just the tracks on this side of the river if they went to swim upstream or downstream? We could perhaps make our way up the other bank on foot and take a closer look for the trail. This attack must not go unpunished!"

I am afraid I have exhausted my most powerful magical energies... even rest will not replenish them until the morrow...

Perhaps back tracking the carriage's path may provide us with some insight as well...

With the sun beginning to come up, you backtrack to the ruined carriage and the scene of carnage. It only takes Kalev a few minutes to note that the carriage and its entourage were coming from the east/south-east. The canines that launched the attack apparently came from behind the carriage, arriving from the east. They encircled the carriage at a distance of one hundred feet or so and then attacked from multiple directions.

Your very aware that with the sun now up, its unlikely you'll be able to just leave the men's bodies alone again- not without scavengers feasting on them.

So... Do we chalk this up to some random occurrence? Wrong place at the wrong time? Or do we proceed under the assumption that this was premeditated? And if so, do we presume their "mission" is accomplished, or that this is only the beginning? Kip scrunches up his face as he ponders the implications. I am... uncomfortable with the direction the creatures are moving in. And the fact they they knew to move to the river to disguise their tracks speaks to the fact that they expected to be followed... Kip's voice trails off as he continues to contemplate the mystery.

Frustrated by his inability to come up with an explanation, he shakes his head. Perhaps it is my lack of sleep, but I am at a loss. What I do know is that we should bury these poor men before the sun makes the job even more undesirable. As Kip scans the bodies he remarks, I also suggest that we return Lord Sirian's remains with us to Swordhaven, and consider having him returned to life. This may provide us with the answers we seek... as well as allow us to repay Maegar and this poor man's generosity. The man was some sort of ambassador or emissary from one of our only true allies and should be afforded some measure of respect...

Early Morning, 11th of Pharast, 4713

Don't mind me, just trying to ensure I don't have to scroll back several pages to figure out the date next time I forget.

"Indeed, restoring this Lord Sirian to life seems like the proper thing to do. Not only might he be able to answer our questions about what happened here, I am sure that Lord Varn would find news of his passing quite distressing."

"Still, there remains the issue of tracking down those responsible... no doubt they have been just as careful on their approach as their retreat, but it won't hurt to take a look before heading back to Swordhaven."

"Kalev, can you tell from just the tracks on this side of the river if they went to swim upstream or downstream? We could perhaps make our way up the other bank on foot and take a closer look for the trail. This attack must not go unpunished!"

Can I?

Musing over Ricter's question and Kip's worries about them being sentient, Kalev says, I agree...they seem to be more than ordinary animals, or driven by someone who is intelligent. But I think, if we want to catch and punish them, we should consider following their tracks back to the source...most creatures have lairs, and it is likely that these, if they be intelligent, have tried to hide their tracks by returning by another route.

Not even Kalev's tracking skills have thus far granted him a means to tell which way a canine swam through water. If it was a stream rather than a river you'd have more luck- but its wide enough for a creature to disturb little to nothing on the banks. He also notes the creatures entered the river dead on, with no indication of leaning left or right. Whoever led these canines clearly wanted to be sure their trail could be lost.

Following the canine's tracks leading to the carriage will mean abandoning Lord Sirian's body to scavengers. The carriage is too ruined to provide any real shelter.

Could we bring his body along tracking the tracks to the carriage? That was kinda what I was thinking.

How? Buddy up on a horse and stick him over Kip's pony? Would be pretty gruesome.

Where's a bag of holding when you need one?

Casimir looks at the mangled body and the ruined wagon.

"Well, if we are to have any hope of bringing him back, we had better take him straight back to Swordhaven. We can bury the others here, and perhaps rig some short of litter to one of the horses. As for the attackers, we will just have to hope he can reveal more if he is brought back. I doubt we will have much luck tracking them down now."

Another raise dead? You realize we haven't even paid for the first ones yet?
Why don't we start with speak with dead first and make a decision from there? Maybe Varn will want to raise his own man instead of us? The council already put some guidlines aroudn using this magic and we are already talking about going outside of that with a few days of the discussion.
Alex, it is even certain that they were just killed or now that we have some time to spend with them can we determine the relative time of death like it is starting to become obvious that they have been dead for days vs. hours?

It was clear when Kip arrived that they were freshly killed.

Edit: Also, keep discussion IC please, as these are IC issues.

"Indeed, restoring this Lord Sirian to life seems like the proper thing to do. Not only might he be able to answer our questions about what happened here, I am sure that Lord Varn would find news of his passing quite distressing."

"Still, there remains the issue of tracking down those responsible... no doubt they have been just as careful on their approach as their retreat, but it won't hurt to take a look before heading back to Swordhaven."

If we raise him do we kill 10 others because we can't afford to defend the kingdom?

Kip's demeanor hardens slightly at the Baron's rebuke. Forgive me Malthir, but I do not believe that we are speaking as rashly as you contend. Lord Sirian has been sent by one of our only true allies as an official emissary, bearing gifts of no small amount I should point out. In this capacity he and his retinue has been slaughtered to the last man. I should think it extremely poor form to accept the promissory notes and leave the bearer of such gifts dead upon the field. "Thanks for the coin! Sorry about your luck!" The notes have not even been properly delivered and offered... although we suspect they are meant for Kardas, we cannot be sure without Lord Sirian's word. Until then, this wealth does not rightfully belong to Kardas.

The man bears enough wealth to pay for his own return to life. I think that is the least we could do given the circumstances.

Kip looks at the other dead men, sadness tinging his voice. And please do not lecture us about the value of life. We are all acutely aware that we do not possess the means to raise every poor soul that falls in Kardas' name. I wish it were otherwise... The sadness leaves Kip's voice as he continues, ...but this is not a debate about the value of one life over another. The only reason that this would become an issue is if you wish to make it one. Only the six of us here know what has transpired. If you wish to keep your conscience clean, then I shall undertake the raising this Lord Sirian of my own accord and bear full responsibility for any repercussions. Kip snaps his wrist and his wand of lightning bolt appears in his hand. I offered this before to pay for Kesten. I offer it again for the life of this man... that we should remain in the graces of Lord Varn... and to do what is good and right.

"As Kip says, the promissory notes easily cover the cost of the spells necessary to restore Lord Sirian to life. While they are apparently intended as gifts to Kardas, and the use of Kardas' treasury to fund magical intervention outside of our so recently constructed guidelines may raise eyebrows, surely no-one could question returning one act of good will with another."

"The death of a diplomatic envoy could easily put a strain upon the relationship between our two fledgling nations, but surely if we take action to repair the damage done here it would instead serve to strengthen the bonds between us. Kardas is in dire need of staunch allies, not yet more potential enemies."

Maybe Malthir is wrong in his thinking but he see letters of credit as just that. We can buy trade goods for the kingdom worth 6BP. Is this easily transferred into a Raise Dead spell and 5000gp in diamond dust?
I guess as a player I just see casting the spell and getting the material components of Raise dead as a pretty big deal, otherwise every country or person with wealth would be raising anyone around them anytime they died of unnatural causes.
If it is a little easier in the campaign to get the materials and have the spell cast I will remove my pre-conceived notion of Raise Dead and treat it as such. Sorry for making this an on-going issue and him maybe coming across as not so LG...it is my past experiences as a player coloring his responses.

No need to apologize... your concerns are legitimate... and besides it makes for good rp. :)

Lets take the OOC discussion to the discussion thread :).

Retcon...

Let's bury the bodies of his fallen guards. We should get back to SwordHaven and get one of the Statkari working on getting the spells and materials needed to Raise the Lord.
You are right, it wouldn't seem right to let him die at our border when he was on a mission to help us.
I think we should probably try to speak with dead while we are waiting on these preparations. I will send Vaysh a message to have the spells ready to preserve his body as well as speak with him by tomorrow assuming we rest today?
Otherwise we can bury them and head home and I can counter any fatigue from lack of sleep?

"Right...let's get him back and see if Jhod can communicate with his spirit to figure out what happened. If he wants to come back, we take it from there. Besides, I agree that this does not feel like an unfortunate coincidence. These people were ambushed, and if envoys of our allies are being assassinated, we need to be back in the capital making sure everything is secure and trying to figure out who is trying to harm us this time."

Kip's smile returns at Malthir's change of heart. He returns the wand to his wrist sheathe, winding the mechanism. He then helps the others with the solemn duty of burying the dead...

"The sooner we return to Swordhaven the better. Lord Sirian may be able to give clues regarding the location of his killers"

Remember to update the last hex you explored on the map Malthir.

1d100 ⇒ 87

1d100 ⇒ 80

1d100 ⇒ 21

1d100 ⇒ 92

Early Afternoon, 11th of Pharast, 4713

You spend a few hours burying the bodies of Lord Sirian's entourage before setting off back towards Swordhaven, his body in tow. You do your best to keep the corpse covered and prevent it from rotting as you travel towards your capital. Malthir has to lay his hands on all of the horses to keep them going after so little sleep and the Guardians are all fatigued as you settle in for the night. A thunderstorm and heavy rain make your camp-site decidedly unpleasant, but you are still able to get enough sleep to feel rested by the time you get up the next morning. Before you rested for the night, Malthir asked Vaysh to make preparations for your arrival and she replied that it is within Jhod's powers to ask Erastil for both of the required spells.

Early Afternoon, 12th of Pharast, 4713

You rode back into Swordhaven after several more hours of travel- you were met just outside the city by Sootscales, Mikmek and several of their kobolds, with instructions from Baroness Vaysh to bring in Lord Sirian's body discretely; her reasoning is that the sight might disturb the people of the city who will be watching their Guardian's return with interest as usual.

The streets do seem to have been particularly well patrolled by the Hellknights and Swordhaven looks more orderly than ever, to Ricter's immense pride. Somehow, however, you can still feel the lingering discontent and the hint of the riots that took place in your absence due to the decision to have an alliance with the Hellknights.

Gain 1 Stability permanently, lose 1 Loyalty permanently.

You reach the courtyard of your castle, Kardasholme, to see the Statkari with Vaysh smiling warmly as you return home, standing at the open doors to the keep itself. The smell of a freshly prepared roast reaches your nostrils, a welcome smell after several days of Kalev providing you food from what he could hunt while exploring the Stolen Lands.

In front of the Statkari and between them and yourselves however, are about fifty men and women- over a dozen are garbed in the same dark and ornate full plate that Ricter himself wears, but the rest are wearing half-plate; Ricter recognises them as Armigers; brave and skilled warriors in their own right but having not yet undergone their test to become a full Hellknight. From the sweat that glistens on the Armigers brows, its clear they were performing drills and training in the facilities of the courtyard- but now they stand in a solid square formation with the higher ranked Hellknights, in full, horned plate helmets, presenting the first and second rank. Although the majority of the Armigers are clearly Chelish stock, you can spot some Taldans and even a Keleshite and Mwangi among them. The distinct characteristics of the Order of the Chain Hellknight armour are clearly visible- a lock and chain design, manacle-like gauntlets and helms reminiscent of iron prisoners’ masks.

As one, the fifty warriors bow to one knee before you, unsheathing their blades and holding them out before themselves across both palms; a clear sign of fealty. The Hellknights themselves do not remove their helmets, save for one man who rises from his bowed position without helmet or longsword and moves to address you.

The Hellknight who stands before you is not familiar to Ricter, but despite being a several years older than the newly initiated Guardian he gives him a deep nod of respect. A holy symbol you all easily recognise has been engraved into his very armour- the bright, long blade of Iomedae herself. Ricter recognises the subtle signs that mark the Hellknight as a Signifer- an Arcane or Divine spellcaster that has sworn fealty to the order. Wizards and their ilk rarely have the mettle or desire to become a Hellknight, but the relatively martially skilled Clergy often overcome the test to become one. The Chelish man is in his mid thirties and looks fit and strong; but his face is brutally scarred by a pair of vicious claw wounds that seem to have ruined his left eye.

Baron Malthir, First Sword of Kardas, Sword-Brother. I am Signifer Grachius and I stand here today in formal acceptance of the alliance between the Barony of Kardas and the Order of the Chain. We swear ourselves in service to your Law- but know that the Chain Binds Both Ways.

Faramain was my teacher as well as yours, many years ago Baron. He sends his well wishes as well as a formal acceptance of your request to be named First Sword of Kardas; he shall travel here himself when his schedule permits to bless and congratulate you.

Hellknight Ricter Vorsk- we shall speak further in time I am sure, but for now know two things. Firstly, you will henceforth be known as Field Maralictor. Secondly, although that makes you the ranking Hellknight in this Barony, I am still willing and able to deliver your reckoning. If you so wish, the chains wait to be tightened.

Signifer Grachius bows deeply to all of the Guardians, falling down on one knee once more, his piece said.

As the Guardians ride into Swordhaven, Kip is accutely aware of the palatable change in the atmosphere of the capital and its citizenry. He is decidedly uncomfortable with the change. Gone is the free wheeling frontier feeling that Kardas possessed previously. Replaced with... what? Kip is not sure what the answer to that is...

As they eventually arrive at the castle, Kip looks on as the Hellknights present themselves. He cannot help but be somewhat impressed with their devotion to their order and cause. Not the life I would choose to live... but credit where credit is due I guess. he muses to himself. He looks over and gives Ricter a nod and a smile, knowing the man must be extremely proud at this moment, even if he would never show it.

Kip shifts in his saddle casually, remaining mounted until after Malthir's address of the assembly in front of him. Knowing the others may have more pressing issues to attend to, Kip takes the first opportunity to excuse himself, if only for a brief moment, to remove Lord Sirian's remains to a more private part of the castle for a rendezvous with Jhod.

At the mention of First knight, the foul mood that has lingered over Malthir for the last several weeks seems to fade away...you are not sure the significance of the title, but it seems to mean much to him. He speaks from the back of this horse adressing the group of Hellknights.

Hellknights! You are welcome in Kardas. We have seen better times and chaos surrounds us. Kardas is the shining light that leads the way out of the chaos. With your help, the chaos and the evil will be beat back, and our kingdom will thrive.
Signifer Grachius, Sword-brother, on behalf of the Statkari and the citizens of Kardas, I accept your service to our laws and the defense of Kardas against its enemies, without and within.
Arise and count yourself among friends.

Malthir then introduces the Statkari by their formal titles then dismounts and goes to shake the mans hand.

It will be good to have a fellow knight of the Sword Goddess here. We are glad you were able to make it so quickly, have you been well tended to?

Kalev greets Signifier Grachius extending his hand as is common among warriors.

Welcome, he says, looking at the fifty or so men in the courtyard. I am impressed. I had heard that the Hellknights were a disciplined and skilled fighting force, but it often takes seeing to believing. With your company, I'm sure Kardas will be safer...though it is sad that such military might is necessary. Yet, I'm looking forward to seeing what your men are capable of.

Ricter carefully looks at the changes to Swordhaven and the subtle hints of stronger order. When the Guardians pass one of the sites where rioting looks to have occured he comments:

"When iron is smelted it's strength grows, but slag will always rise to the surface and must be skimmed off. We see here the aftermath of that process"

When the guardians enter the courtyard, Ricter dismounts to kneel and alongside his fellow Hellknights. He then returns to his feet and removes his helm as Grachius approaches, and smiles slightly when he sees the symbol of Iomadae struck onto Hellknight plate.

Truely is the Lictor wise. Here stands living proof that the ideals of our order and those of Kardas are wholly compatible

After the Signifier has spoken:

"I gladly accept the title of Field Maralictor, and will unwaveringly carry the burden of command."

It is a heavy burden to wear Ricter but you will fill the boots well!

Signifer Grachius, Ricter has proven his worth to us in many ways. He is also familiar with our expectation for the conduct of the men under your command. For specifics you should get with my Councilor to understand our laws.
There will be some changes to the Statkari leadership to incorporate the Hellknights and specifically Ricter. We can discuss this in our next formal meeting of the Statkari.
I would like to meet your men when you have some time before we next go out.

Fenna smiles politely as the assembled Hellknights take knee, and gives a nod when introduced.

"I would be glad to discuss our legal system with you, Signifier, and what role you and your men might play in them; perhaps Maralictor Vorsk would also like to join us. Of course, it may serve us best to delay such a discussion for now... until they are officially ratified by the Statkari, our laws are still provisional."
"Speaking of which," Fenna turns to Malthir, "perhaps our next meeting would be a good time to discuss the particulars of what Jhod and myself have put together."

After accepting his new title, Ricter addresses the assembled Hellknights and Armigers.

"Soldiers of the Order of the Chain! I do not need to remind you of your duty or of your might. I do, though, need to order caution. You have come far from our heartland and find yourselves in a realm quite unlike it. Order is not yet dominant here. Chaos surrounds us and not even we can crush it through force of arms. The laws of Kardas stand against it as a sapling faces a storm: sometimes choosing to bend instead of break, so that one day their strength may grow to openly defy it!"

"Under the rule of Swordhaven you may be asked to allow what you would otherwise punish. For us to succeed in our mission here, you must do so without pause. The law demands it, and though the law of Kardas differs from that of Cheliax it is still the purest expression of that which we are sworn to defend!"

Speech finished, Ricter turns to Fenna

"Agreed. Now is the perfect time to have such a discussion of your laws"

Later that evening with Sootscales and Casimir...
We should try to find out if any groups of men came in on foot in the last day. Maybe whoever attacked Lord Sirian's group may have come here.
Can you both ask around and see if any small groups of strangers came to SwordHaven? We may be able to have them watched and see if they do anything suspicious.
I am also thinking that if we can find out more information about the weapon that was taken from him, we might be able to use magic to track it and possibly find whoever did this?
We should also keep an eye out for the next few days or weeks for the same, they may wait before coming here if they do at all.
Any thoughts my friends?