Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Bold and just adventurers exploring and settling the Stolen Lands.
Now at the start of vol. 5 - War of the River Kings
Map of Frieland.


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Atago, still very angry, almost spits the words out: "This man carries Skybolt, the sacred bow Mother-Moon gave the tribe to defend from the sky while we live from the plains. It was stolen a moon ago and now we find it in your care..."

The other centaurs converge on you, nervous and aggressive.

Please roll relevant skills to support your actions.


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

Servayn atempts to soothe the centaurs anger, telling them of the spriggans, "We recently discovered this item in the hands of cruel fey called spriggans, small like human children and sneaky, but able to grow to the size of trolls when they wish to cause harm. Could they perhaps have stolen Skybolt to cause your people grief? Perhaps our meeting was fated, that we could return this weapon to its true owners, after slaying those who stole it?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26


Atago slowly relaxes as Servayn offers an explanation and the possibility that they could recover the sacred bow.

"You have fought with great courage and have shown honour. Let us hold words and action until we make it to the camp."

The band of centaur warriors then proceed steadily south, making good speed. After a few hours of silent riding, you make the camp in the distance.

It sits in a low hillock surrounded by a sea of grass. A large bonfire dominates the center of the camp, around which a dozen of horsewomen dance in a primal rhythm long lost to the civilized soul. A scattering of open sided hide huts numbering no more than five score are ranged around the hollow, inside which other members of this tribe congregate, eat, or sleep. Everywhere, the
heavily armed and armored centaurs sharpen weapons, tend to gear, or walk patrols, all with a feral economy of movement and sound. In all, there must be more than a hundred centaurs in this camp, with probably a few dozens on patrols.

These are the true inheritors of an age long gone when the steppes rang to the thunder of their herds and the fury of their war cries, while the first inklings of civilization clung to shorelines and riverbanks like children to their mothers’ skirts—afraid of the dark wilderness and its wild masters.

As you cross through the camp and approach the bonfire, one horsewoman stands out. She is taller than others and her long limbs move with a swiftness that reminds you of the wind dashing across the plains. Her face is a soft white, framed by wild red hair. She is clad in green and dark leather, a shield and a spear strapped on her back.

Atago waits for her to notice you, then motions for you to wait while she approaches.

Sense Motive.


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 9


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12


Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

To the others, Kalsgrim will find an opportunity to quietly say "We should be prepared to return the bow to them in exchange for good will. We should be relatively immune to accusations of theft. After all, we did not try to attack or evade them on the plains, nor did we try to conceal the bow from they as a guilty party might. As always, the truth is a valuable ally for us."


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

"Fine by me. I would've give it to 'em back there if it weren't for that one." He nods toward Atago. "She's lucky I didn't take her head off."


Malaswyn?

She looks at Atago with scorn, until Atago explains the reason of your presence. She walks up to you, towering above, glaring above Kriger's shoulder at the bow: "I am Aecora, and I lead the tribe. You have showed courage and honor, Atago says.That's all fine, but you carry with you the stolen bow, and Nomens have learned the hard way the worth of men's word, even though Atago is quick to forget..."


Diplomacy 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

"Greetings Aecora. I am Kalsgrim Lodovka. I am the baron of Friedland, west and north of here. We had heard that settlers in these parts had disappeared and came to investigate. If you suspect we were involved in the theft of the bow, be at ease. We found this bow in the possession of spriggans just days ago. If were involved in the theft, it would make no sense for us to return to these lands with it, and with it prominently carried, would it?"

"We are willing to return it to you in a gesture of good will between our people. But can you respond in good well as well? We are looking for information on the missing settlers. Can you help us."

Ugh. A 4? I think we dropped the whole hero points things a little too early...


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

"మీ నుండి దొంగిలించబడిన ఇది ఆయుధం తిరిగి, మీరు కలవడానికి మరియు మీరు సేవ చేయాలని, నోమెన్ నాయకుడు సత్కరించేవారు. Kalsgrim నిజంగా మాట్లాడతాడు: మేము ఏమీ మరింత, సెటిలర్లు కోరుకుంటారు."

sylvan:
We are honoured, Nomen leader, to meet with you and do you service, returning the weapon which was stolen from you. Kalsgrim speaks truly: we seek the settlers, nothing more.

I bet you're glad I'm here! Definitely earning my diplomatic stripes.


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

Are we missing something?


Malaswin:
She feels very strong resentment towards humans.

Aecora lets a shy smile grow: "I am in your debt for the return of our Mistress' bow. I know very little of their disappearance, but I'll answer your questions truthfully."


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

I nudge my horse forward, positioning myself as the interlocutor for our group.

ధన్యవాదాలు, Aecora, మేము వారు కనిపించింది ఎలా వెళ్లి అక్కడ ఈ జానపద, మీ భూములు క్రాస్ చేశాడు నేర్చుకోవడానికి ఆసక్తి చూపుతారని ఉన్నాయి. అలాగే, అక్కడ వాటిని ఎలా యొక్క అనేకమంది? ఈ ప్రజలు ఏమి జరిగిందో యొక్క చాలా తక్కువ తెలుసు.

Sylvan:
Thank You, Aecora, we are eager to learn when these folk crossed your lands, where they went and how they appeared. Also, how many of them were there? We know so little of what befell these people.


"Malaswyn?" Kalsgrim murmurs quietly, not sure what is happening.

Kalsgrim considers stepping in and exerting his authority, but bites his lip to keep from speaking. The elf is new to us, but has not wronged us in anyway. Trust, the paladin chides himself there is nothing to be lost by trusting him, and much bloodshed to be avoided if he succeeds. If anyone else tries to intervene, Kalsgrim gives them a discrete shake of the head.


As Aecora receives with great reverence the lost bow of the Nomen tribe, her features soften. The words of Malaswyn, uttered in her native tongue, seem to also have a positive impact on her.

"మా రైడర్స్ గురించి ఒక మూన్ క్రితం, అతను నగర ప్రజలు చూసినపుడు, కొన్ని గంటల సూర్యాస్తమయం తరువాత, వారి ఇళ్ళు వదిలి, Varnhold దగ్గరగా ఉంది. పురుషులు, మహిళలు మరియు పిల్లలు, జాంబీస్ వంటి వాకింగ్, అయితే వాటిలో అన్ని ఫైల్ లో నమోదు, చర్చి వైపు మార్పిడికి. ఆయన ఉదయం వరకు కొనసాగాడు, కాని ఏదీ చర్చి నుంచి వచ్చాయి. అతను కూడా వెళ్లాల్సి ధైర్యం పిలిచారు, కానీ చర్చి ఖాళీగా ఉంది ..."

Sylvan:
"One of our riders was near Varnhold, about a moon ago, when he saw the townsfolk, a few hours after sunset, leave their houses. Men, women and children, walking like zombies, but all of them converging towards the church, entering in file. He stayed until morning, but nothing ever came out of the church. He even summoned the courage to go in, but the church was empty..."


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

ఆ నిజంగా ఒక రహస్య ఉంది. అక్కడ ప్రాంతంలో ఇతర ఊహించని వ్యక్తులు లేదా సంఘటనలు ఉన్నాయి?

Sylvan:
That is truly a mystery. Have there been any other unexpected people or events in the region?

I turn to relay the news to my new allies, "It seems we have wandered far. The townsfolk never left Varnhold: they were in a stupor and seemed to sleepwalk into the main temple. A centaur scout observed them from a distance and they never left the temple. In the morning the temple was empty."

"What shall we do now?"


Aecora thinks for a moment, then: "ఈ మేము యొక్క వినడానికి మొదటి, కానీ ఈ ఫౌల్ చెడు ఖచ్చితంగా వ్యాప్తి మరియు మా జాతి, లేదా మీ దేశం దాడి చేస్తున్న."

Sylvan:
"This is the first we hear of, but this foul evil could certainly spread and attack our tribe, or even your country."

Atago looks at the priestess. The warrior says a single word, that floats heavily through the gathered warriors: "Vordakai..."

Sense Motive, Knowledge (history) and Knowledge (geography) please.


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 1

Servayn doesn't have either of those Knowledges, so couldn't get above DC 10 anyway.

Lacking anything useful to contribute, 'grand diplomat' Servayn rides in silence, thinking uncharitable thoughts about the linguistically challenged locals.


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Knowledge: (Geography) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26


Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

What do we do now, indeed? Kalsgrim ponders. We have already investigated the temple and found no clues. Did we miss something? What sort of power could have affected so many people at one time?

Thinking back to the lost temples and statues of power that they have come across while settling their lands, Kalsgrim asks "Malaswyn, maybe these folks of the plains know some legends, a sleeping menace the settlers may have unintentionally disturbed?"

When the word "Vordakai" goes through the gathered, Kalsgrim raises an eyebrow of query to the others, not knowing what it may mean.


Kalsgrim and Malaswyn:
The way Aecora looks at Atago, she is furious at him for mentioning that word. She is also genuinely frightened.

Switching to a clumsy and thick Common, Aecora raises a hand, marking a pause. Her red hair is like cascade of fire as she looks at each one of you: "The Nomen will ask Mother-Moon for advice this night. You will spend the night an hour from our camp and meet us here at dawn!"


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

Kriger raises an eyebrow as he turns to the others, confused. Having no idea what the heck that was all about, Kriger shrugs and says under his breath to the others, "I'd rather spend the night a week from here to be honest."


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

I bow respectfully and look back over the plains and then to Kalsgrim, showing that the decision is his.

After a moment more ,I look between Aecora and Atago, raising an eyebrow inquisitively and speak to them in hushed tones, not wishing to embarass them or spook the other centaurs, I choose to speak common: That was not a sylvan word, what is Vordakai?


Kalsgrim nods in agreement with their demand. "We'll trust that the Mother-Moon will decide for what is right for all of us, and all of our peoples." When the time comes to depart, we'll make sure we travel an hour in a direction they indicate is good for us.

Before we leave, we certainly want to see what they say when Malaswyn asks about Vordakai.


No one says a word. They probably didn't hear Malaswyn, or chose not to show they had.

You make your way west for an hour before setting camp. As the sun sets, so does the temperature. It's getting quite cold.

I'll leave some time if you wish to discuss among yourself.


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

Servayn racks his brain for knowledge about this 'Vordakai.'

Knowledge - local or knowledge - religion/ 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12


"I wish I knew who or what this Vordakai is. It may be the key to this entire disappearance. From what I recall, the centaurs have lived in this region for quite a long time; they may have lore that would help us unravel this mystery!"

"Aecora was clearly upset when the name was mentioned. Upset and frightened. Perhaps that is that bit of lore we need to understand. I was hoping returning their artifact weapon might have bridged some of the discord between us, and perhaps it did; just not enough. I'm uncertain what our next step would be if their 'Moon-Mother' decides not to aid us. "

"Does anyone have any thoughts on what we can do to help sway them if their rituals do not go in our favor tonight? Anything we can do to tonight that would make a difference?"


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

"Perhaps we will have a chance to conduct research or ask questions tomorrow. I can think of little I can add."


The next morning, after a deep sleep in the coldness of the Dunswad, you make your way back. Atago looks happy, while Aecora is more sullen. Her red unkept hair falling in thick braids on her shoulders, she raises the recovered tribe's bow and greets you.

"తిరిగి స్వాగతం! మా మూన్ దేవత నాకు గొప్ప భవిష్యత్ దృష్టి మంజూరు చేసింది. పవిత్రమైన Vordakai సూచిస్తుంది పేరు మీరు చూపిస్తుంది కానీ మొదటి, మీరు మాకు మా పూర్వీకుల స్మశాన వాటిక తిరిగి ద్వారా దేవత మీ నిజమైన గుండె చూపాలి. ఇది పురాణం, పార్ట్ డ్రాగన్ కొంత సింహం యొక్క భయంకరమైన జీవులు దావా పేర్కొన్నాడు. ఇప్పుడు సంవత్సరాలు, వారు మా యోధులు చాలా వధించబడిన చేశారు."

Sylvan:
"Welcome back! Our Moon-Goddess has granted me a vision of a great future. We will show you where sacred Vordakai lays, but first, you must show your true heart to the Goddess by reclaiming for us our ancestral burial ground. It's been claimed by fierce creatures of legend, part dragon, part lion. For years now, they have slain many of our warriors."


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

In the morning light, Servayn can't help but notice that fire-maned Aecora is quite attractive, from the waist up. After that, it gets terribly confusing...


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

13I splutter a little, What? then gather myself, Telugu isn't cut and pasting from google translate now... annoying.

sylvan:
We will speak on this but we must know more before we act. What can you tell us of Vordakai, and this other beast?

I talk quietly to the group while they formulate their response.

"They still don't fully trust us, we are to be tested further before they share their secrets with us. It sounds like the Vordakai has some religious significance. I have asked for more information." I shrug, then return my attention to Atago and Aecora.

diplomacy again, if needed: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

"I hope the test involves killing something, because I'm no good at dates and figures and stuff... Servayn mutters.

Ember adds, "Not much good at killing stuff either. That's my job."

Servayn glares at his companion, but choose not to get into an argument with the smug creature in front of the potential allies.


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3
Servayn Krolz wrote:

"I hope the test involves killing something, because I'm no good at dates and figures and stuff... Servayn mutters.

Ember adds, "Not much good at killing stuff either. That's my job."

Servayn glares at his companion, but choose not to get into an argument with the smug creature in front of the potential allies.

Kriger grins slightly at Ember's snarkiness but finds himself in complete agreement with the summoner. "Yeah. Me too, Servayn. Me too." He crosses his arms, waiting to see the end result of this discussion.


On the phone, so no fancy translation...

Aecora stiffens as Malaswyn replies to her.

Sylvan:
"we shall not speak of the place until you have proven yourself. Do not think that I have forgotten what lies in the heart of man! The Nomen tribe will assist you and share their greatest secret, but you must dirst show us that you are worthy of our trust."


"Malaswyn, thank you again for going us. Your timing was quite serendipitous. I doubt we could have engaged their aid at all without your intervention."

"As for the challenge, I cannot decline it. I would welcome the aid of any or all of you, but I won't order you to do so. If any of you do not accept the challenge, I would ask you take word back to civilization with you; if I fail, the Swordlords may be able to use the information we have learned so far to continue the search."


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

I give a wide shrug, seeking to show that I meant no offense and that confusion is all that is occuring. I speak now in the common tongue, aware that she understands and wanting my fellows to follow the conversation.
"I meant no offense: to my regret, I do not know your people and their ways well enough to know what is a secret and what might be common knowledge. We are of good heart and true to our word. We are also of strong arm," I gesture to my companions. "We will face your dragon-lion foe. What more might you tell us of it: does it breathe flame like a dragon? Does it run on lions paws or fly on dragons wings? Is it shrewd and enchanted like a dragon, or fierce and proud like a lion?"

I give her a bow and slip back into Sylvan,

Spoiler:
"Do not doubt these men, they are worthy, just and proud. I hope you can understand that and when we return with the beast you will give them their due."


"చాలా కొద్ది కథ చెప్పడం తిరిగి వచ్చాయి. వారు ఎగురుతూ, కానీ అగ్ని సంఖ్య కథ వాటిని పేర్కొన్నారు."

Sylvan:
"Very few have returned to tell the tale. They mentioned they were flying, but no tale of fire. I will be true to my word. Do not doubt it, men!"

Her cheeks flush as she almost spits the last sentence.


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

I nod my head in recognition but choose to ignore her final word. I wonder what has caused such animosity.

sylvan:
"Will one of the Nomen guide us to your ancestral grounds? Or teach us the way?"


"Atago."


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

I look to mt companions and the Nomen, a little bewildered; "Atago, is that a place?"


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

"I think she's talking to that dude, now. He's Atago." Servayn mutters, nodding towards the centaur they'd met earlier.


Ready to go?


When no one dissents to going with Kalsgrim on this mission, he smiles. It is warm and sad at the same time.

Then he nods to Atago. "Please guide us. We are ready."

Since we camped an hour away, I'm assuming all of our gear was loaded on our horses when we broke camp to rejoin the centaur tribe at dawn. That means we should all be ready to go. I certainly don't think we will learn anything more here until we do manage this task for them.

As we start off behind Atago, Kalsgrim looks over to Kriger (but says loud enough for anyone to hear)... "We get to rid the world of the evil dominating their burial ground and make more progress figuring out what happened to the missing settlers. This will be a good day, right?"

Yes, we are ready to go.


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

Kriger looks curiously at Kalsgrim for a moment then shrugs. "Oh yeah. A good day. If there's evil I can bury my axe in to help make this place a little bit better, that usually makes it a good day." He grins wryly.


You head out and slowly veer north-east. The ride takes most of the day. As you approach a set of low hills, Atago motions for you to stop. In crude Common, he points to the hills and says: "Nomen Burial Ground. Now nest..."

About two miles away, three low hills form a triangle. At the top of each is a stone outcrop. The sun should set in an hour or so...


"Since this thing can fly, have something ready to attack it at a distance in case it can breathe fire or something like that." He tests his own bowstring and nocks an arrow, even though he'll likely have to put it away while they approach closer.

"Should we leave the horses with Atago? It will be dark soon; do we want to try and deal with this now or take a chance of it discovering us while we camp?"


Male Elf Cleric 13: AC 25, Hit Points 99/99, Perception +21, Initiative +8 Channels left 5/5 Current buffs: magic circle of PfE, comprehend languages

"This dragon-lion is a hunter, I would rather not make myself prey."

I dismount and check over my gear.


Male Human Ranger 13(Wild Hunter)
stats:
AC 28/15touch/24ff; Hp's 171; Perc. +31; Fort: +16, Ref: +15, Will: +18; Int: +3

"We deal with it now. The sooner the better. Grab your gear, fellas; we're goin' huntin'." Kriger follows his own advice as he prepares to leave.


(AC 18, hp 15 of 77) Summoner 9

"Ready to go." Servayn says simply, not liking the looks of the setting sun. "With your elven eyes, you may have to point the creatures out to us as they approach, Malaswyn..."

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