Lords of Themselves: A Kingmaker Adventure Path.

Game Master Red Ramage

Didn't mean to keep you all waiting! Time to get preachy.

No worries, it was worth waiting for! ^_^

Seraphina grew taut and still as the tension of the moment escalated, only her eyes moving as she repressed her desire to intervene. She felt she had read Bara correctly, but she made sure to watch closely all the same. She had come to know all of her sisters at arms as formidable women in their own right and Maja was no exception, but she could not help feeling protective and nervous for her friend as the intimidating half-orc pressed her point. She was proud to see Maja maintain her nerve and assert her argument so well, but she knew that motivations were varied among their group. Bara's reasons for the life she chose might not be so different after all.

Bara buckles her sheath back on, and turns to Seraphina. "Yes, I will break bread with you. I don't despise humans - I am halfway one, myself."

Happy to see the tension broken, she smiled and replied, "Good! I am ravenous and we have much to think over and discuss."

The common room of the Trading Post is as cozy as you remember it. As you enter, Oleg stokes the fire in the hearth and adds a fresh wedge of hardwood. A sprig of spruce thrown on top freshens the air and scents the room pleasantly. Svetlana brings out a platter of breads and cheeses for refreshment, and puts a chilled mug of a stout, dark ale at everyone's place. After some brief light talk and unwinding, Kesten raises his glass. "A toast to the health of the company! May fortune continue to favor us. Now then - to business. What are your thoughts?"

Sera nearly balked at the thick, dark stout, but she did not want to trouble Svetlana more than need be. Her father and brothers favored such brews when they returned from long rides for replenishment, so she resolved to drink it slowly... and tried not to wrinkle her nose at the taste. She joined Kesten in his toast and listened as Kivan had his say, though her expression became more and more perplexed as he spoke. Idris' odd declaration caused her to swallow too much ale at once and she hiccuped, covering her mouth to hide her reflexive grimace against the bitter flavor and the flush that came to her cheeks.

"Master Corsan, do you really suppose a fine is restitution enough for attempting to seize us all and charge us with treason, which would have resulted in our very public execution? You do realize that if the king prefers her story to ours, she will likely return with five times the men and a genuine warrant for our arrest and kill us all, do you not? Idris, do you think she is even capable of taking her defeat with dignity and leaving us in peace? I fear we cannot afford to take this offense so lightly. Lord Garess, I think we need to speak with Cope of Silverhall. I expect he could give us a better idea of her character and recent activity."

Speaking with Cope
Diplomacy for Cope: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"I appreciate your speaking up, it is not many would risk assuming any measure of responsibility for such a debacle. Please, relax. Have some refreshment. I noticed you did not raise arms against us. I was hoping you could tell me why that is? Also I would hear your report on your journey here, if you would share it? Have you been on the road long?"

Note: I forgot to mention in the post I made that Idris had already had a couple drinks when she said that. She's a little saltier when she drinks!

When Seraphina reacts to her statement, Idris gets a little red in the face when she realized how blunt she had spoken, and hides it with another draught on her ale flagon.

(Not that she would talk about it, but Sera is a "proper lady" still, so mentioning anything salty will cause her to blush, especially when in the presence of men. Not to mention she finds it hard to imagine that Idris could be lousy at anything!) XD

Maja munches vigorously at the bread and cheese, finding herself very hungry after the stress and drama that just happened. Her companions speak first, and is surprised by the varied reactions. Kivan just wanted to let her go. Idris wanted to duel her! And Sera was trying to be diplomatic, as ever. As for Pretty... "Where is Pretty? Shouldn't she be here? Lady Yalven saw fit to arrest her simply for being a tiefling. It's how this mess got started!"

Maja takes a sip of stout to wash down her bread, then shrugs. "Well, I say that one thing we cannot do is let the Lady Yalven go. I went through trouble enough just to stop the other soldiers from fleeing without taking their lives. Had they reported what happened, I don't think it would have been so bad for us. But if Lady Yalven is allowed to spin her tales, I fear for our lives. She said she would give us all the noose for "attacking a Brevic deputy." An utter lie, but one that did not stop her. She is a nobleman, and she will be able to cow and intimidate her men into confirming her story. But if we let the men go first to tell their tale, perhaps with the protection of House Garess and House Medvyed over them, then there is hope that the truth will come out."

While you debate over the possibilities and consequences of our actions Pretty is having some fun moment to herself, to meditate and control the psychological trauma she just had. Since there's no man in her group.

"Um, yes, we can't just let her go. If I duel her and fail, someone else can kill her, but I think she can't be allowed to go back to Brevoy, not when she would undermine the great task we've all been given here."

"If you are all so afraid of Joanne then just send a letter to the king. He sent us out with this charter to try, and create allies for Brevory. If we say in the letter that we are highly disappointed with Joanne's work, and we would consider it a sign of friendship if they would take away her power I'm sure that the king would get our message. He wants allies badly enough to give us a charter, so why wouldn't he give us the job of a deputy?"

"No, no, did you not hear what Lady Yalven said? The crown doesn't know about these charters. I'm not even sure these charters are legal, since the king was not told. There is a game being played by noblemen, and we risk being the victims."

"As for Lady Yalven, I didn't say she had to die. If we kill her, the king might descend on us in rage. If she were to die in a proper duel, that's another matter. All I was suggesting was that we detain her while the soldiers and the nobles among us are allowed to tell their story. But the fact that the king may learn about the charters does make things trickier."

"Or Joanne didn't care enough to check up on the charters. In fact I find it far more reasonable to think either she didn't check, or someone misinformed her. We have already seen others with the same charter as we have, so if someone is forging the king's documents then they are pretty confident to make some many fake charters."

I present you the Swordlords of Restov.

Breaking this up into two parts, before and after Cope is brought in. Please indicate into which category your comments fall after this.

Kesten leans back in his chair, fishing out his cigar case and selecting one of his ever-present smokes. "Master Corsan, I mean no disrespect, but perhaps a little history is in order. Brevoy has no king, nor has it for the past eleven years. Noleski of House Surtova sits upon the Dragonscale throne, but even that pompous lout can only claim the title 'Regent'. Brevoy, as these things go, is a fairly young nation. It was forged in blood and fire from the nations of Issia and Rostland two hundred and eleven years ago when the warlord Choral the Conqueror established the town of New Stetven, on the shores of Lake Reykal, and proclaimed both nations to be under his domain. Rostland disputed the claim, but her armies were out maneuvered and decimated by Choral's troops. Legend speaks to a flight of massive red dragons appearing from the skies to savage the Swordlords. Seeing the plight of Rostland, Issia immediately surrendered. The victorious Choral established House Rogarvia, and ruled the new nation from his capital at New Stetven. Where Old Stetven might be, I do not know. Now, as they had bent their knee swiftly and bloodlessly, Choral favored the Issians over Rostlanders in this new country. The Aldori have never been known for their submission, after all. That's a fine tale too, but one for another day. It is already late, and I daren't tell the story of Baron Aldori when we have a genuine practitioner of the art here."

Kesten raises his glass to Idris, puffs on his cigar to keep the embers glowing, and continues. "The most obedient and subservient lickspittle lackeys to Choral were those of House Surtova. Formerly a mere mercantile clan huddled on the shores of the Lake of Mists and Veils, Surtova was raised in wealth and stature by the favor of Rogarvia. Now, two hundred years - to the day - that Choral proclaimed his ownership of Brevoy, the entirety of House Rogarvia vanished into thin air, as if snatched by the gods themselves. Every soul with a drop of Choral's blood turned up missing, with no witnesses nor explanation. It caused quite a stir, to say the least. There was a bit of a succession crisis, but before the knives came out and troops took to the field, House Surtova claimed the Dragonscale throne "as Regents until the rightful Lords return". It was legitimate enough to stave off outright war, but since that day, most every nobleman or noblewoman with a hint of ambition in them has seen themselves sitting on that throne in their dreams. Free from the yoke of Rogarvia, the Aldori have begun dreaming of an independent Rostland once again - hence the tension between New Stetven and Restov. Miss Weatherseed is correct - we are all pieces on a chess board played by the old families. I am not sure what Restov's play is, sending so many groups with charters of exploration, but I am certain that Surtova would not approve. I would council you to avoid letting word spread too far about your orders. Pawns have a way of being sacrificed when they get noisy. To be blunt: The Regent would almost certainly see your actions as treason and hang you by the neck, and no Swordlords riding to the rescue."

Kesten finishes his cigar and expertly flicks the butt into the fire. "I must say, it would have solved the problem had Yalvin's entire command found its end on the field of battle. Patrols fail to return, on occasion. Her men may be reasoned with - soldiers are not eager to die, after all. Yalvin, however, will likely ride straight for the Throne on a mission for your blood. I do not entirely understand your actions, Master Corsan."

After Cope is brought in.
Dhavik is sent to fetch Cope, the King's Man, from the stables.

Cope is nervous but hides it well as he is brought in. He pecks at the food but doesn't really eat, and lets a mug of ale sit, untouched.

"Well, miss," he says to Seraphina's inquiry, "I wouldn't say I'm accepting responsibility, just the lads need someone to speak for 'em and it may as well be me. We're all just troopers. We marched from New Stetven on the first of the month, twenny-six days ago. Got summoned up for duty to catch some scummy merchant that scammed someone important and skipped town. I figger the murder and treason and all that are just drummed-up charges to make the victim feel better. Still, orders is orders. Lady Yalvin was detailed to take command of us, and we followed this guy's trail southeast to Restov. Had a couple of dead ends and red herrings, then got word that a guy, tiefling matchin' his description, had rode out this way with some mercs. Marched to this liddle fort here, and Yalvin wanted to barge in. You know the rest."

Cope shifts in his seat and looks uncomfortable when Seraphina asks him why he didn't fight. "Didn't feel right. We weren't sent out for you. I've been in the City Guard of New Stetven for twenty-five years, figure I can take a fella's measure pretty good, and you seemed straight. Lesson I learned a long time ago - can't call the bolt back when you pull the trigger, so be damned sure before you fire your bow."

"I think the best result would be to let her heal up, and then I'll challenge her to a duel. I'm confident in my abilities -- I'm sure I can kill her, and although I'm not thirsty for her blood, if it will protect our great duty to bring law, order, and glory to these lands, I'll do it."

"But the Stag Lord is our chief concern. Now that we have our supplies, we should head there immediately. Bara has given us directions and a password -- we should use it."

B.C.E. - Before Cope Enters.

"I can't say I blame the swordlords. Rostland has always been a different sort of place from Issia. A place that values hard work and honor. It wouldn't be so bad for the place to split off. Only, I'd hate to see war come to my home.

Lord Garess, is there anything you could do to help our situation? Does your family hold sway with King - or I guess Regent - Surtova? And what about you, Sera? You come from a powerful family after all."

C.E. - Cope Enters.
Maja wonders why Cope is so nervous. Is he fearful of facing punishment for insubordination? Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 +2 if he happens to be lawful good.

"It's good that you're careful about when to pull the trigger. It shows you're a wise and honorable man." Just the sort we'll need if we are to survive this situation, thinks Maja.

before cope

"I'm afraid not," apologizes Kesten. "Neither House Garess nor Medyved are fond of Surtova, and the feeling is mutual. My kin do not like to stick their neck out and prefer to see which way the wind blows before they make a stand. House Medyved - and I apologize, my lady, for speaking on your behalf - has never taken a strong role in politics. They prefer to remain within their forested holdings, a choice that I do not dispute. Medyved's land is fertile and beautiful, and I could not imagine leaving that behind for the cut and thrust of royal politics."

Cope

Cope is indeed Lawful Good

Maja doesn't get a great read on Cope's attitude. He's clearly apprehensive, but the source isn't clear.

"Well, thank you for that, miss," Cope says, tugging at a forelock.

Before Summoning Cope
Seraphina listened to her companions speak, growing more and more concerned. She read over their charter again, examining the seal.
"I don't think they mean that the papers are forged, Master Corsan. Only that they were created without the Regent's approval. If this is true, we must proceed very carefully. In truth, documents such as these afford about as much power and protection as it would grant you if you used it as a shield against your enemies arrows. It is the faith the people place in it that truly empowers any writ, treaty or proclamation."

Sera looked nearly panicked when Maja asked about contacting her family. Smiling sheepishly as Kesten explained. "I'm afraid he's right. My uncle might send men if I asked. But it would likely be a fast moving battalion on orders to snatch me up and cart me back to Stoneclimb." She sighed, "No, my friends, I am afraid we are on our own. If the goal is to keep the Regent in the dark, the solution becomes both more simple and terrible. We either need to prevent them from returning to New Steven, or we must be very sure of the story they will tell. And Lady Yalven must forfeit her life, one way or another." She nodded to Idris, sighing with grim resignation.

"Idris, are you sure this can wait? When we leave, Lord Garess will be holding twice the number of prisoners as he has men. All it would take is for a traveler to recognize some of these folk and we're doomed. Also, what is the nature of the Aldori duels? Are those duels legally sanctioned? If so, this might be the best explanation as to why the Lady Yalven didn't return."

Speaking with Cope

"Well, miss," he says to Seraphina's inquiry, "I wouldn't say I'm accepting responsibility, just the lads need someone to speak for 'em and it may as well be me. We're all just troopers. We marched from New Stetven on the first of the month, twenny-six days ago. Got summoned up for duty to catch some scummy merchant that scammed someone important and skipped town. I figger the murder and treason and all that are just drummed-up charges to make the victim feel better. Still, orders is orders. Lady Yalvin was detailed to take command of us, and we followed this guy's trail southeast to Restov. Had a couple of dead ends and red herrings, then got word that a guy, tiefling matchin' his description, had rode out this way with some mercs. Marched to this liddle fort here, and Yalvin wanted to barge in. You know the rest."

She smiled and worked to keep her tone friendly to soothe the man. "Ah, but unfortunately, when you speak for others you have indeed assumed a measure of responsibility for them as they will benefit or suffer accordingly. You seem a good man. An intelligent man who still thinks for himself despite his training. If there are any of the 'lads' that you would not be responsible for, as they do not have your trust, now is the time to name them."

She gives him a moment to consider and answer and then moves on to her next question. "And how much would you say you trust Joanne Yalven? Have you witnessed her abuse the power of her station like this before?"

After these stressful questions, she tries to lighten the subject a bit,
"How have you fared in New Steven during your career? Do you have a family growing worried for you at home?"

Before Cope

"If you are all dead set on murdering Joanne then just say it. Don't call it an execution, her crime doesn't deserve that harsh of a punishment. Don't call it a duel, she doesn't have a chance of living even if she wins. Look me in the eye, and tell me that you are going to murder Joanne. Maybe not physically, but you are going to murder her through word, or deed."

Kivan will then stare at each person sitting around the table until each one acknowledges his statement in some way.

Before Cope
Seraphina sighed, "Kivan, I told her she would suffer for it if she carried out that order. She may feel empowered to do as she pleases in Brevoy, but she will not wield a sheet of stamped parchment like an excuse to pillage our lands and harm people under our protection. She illegally ordered her men to take us into custody and kill us if we resisted. They would have slain us and taken our possessions and maybe even burned Oleg's for spite if they had won the field! Can you explain to me how that is any different than the crimes we hunt the bandits of these lands for? We have always held the corrupt and ruthless leaders of the lawless accountable for their actions. How is this any different? Because we must also do this to protect ourselves from repercussions from the crown? Having a second reason to do a thing does not negate the first one."

She held the elf's gaze solemnly, unwavering and unashamed.

"She's no better than a bandit, save for a noble title she has done nothing to be worthy of."

I believe Kivan is in love.

before cope

Bara rolls her eyes. "Just kill the b+$$%, already. It's her or you."

Kesten nods. "Your new friend is correct, if blunt. Lady Yalvin will have an audience powerful enough to take vengeance upon you. A patrol returning bearing the body of their slain commander can weave a suitable story that lets everybody get home with the same length of neck with which they began the day."

Cope

"The lads are a good lot. Tarl was bad, but there's always one rotten apple in the barrel, right? We're just trying to get home in one piece, at this point. Yeah, got a wife and two liddle ones. I don't much care for Lady Yalvin, she's like the rest of the nobles. Doesn't really care what happens to us lowborn types, doesn't mind stepping on a few necks just to show she can. Far as I'm concerned, you gave her fair notice and she's earned her situation."

Before Cope.

"Please, everyone, let's calm down a bit! I think we are all very set in our beliefs, but I want to take us back a little. Do you remember our group's very first battle? I remember it like it was yesterday. We laid an ambush for the bandits and knocked them all out. Then we chose who to execute and who to spare. Somehow, we decided to spare just one, because he might be useful to us. I didn't really agree with that decision - only Happs, the leader, seemed unrepentantly deserving of death. But we were not equipped to deal with keeping prisoners. And what the bandits had done was unquestionably evil, even if not necessarily deserving of death."

Maja sighs. "I fear we have a similar dilemma here. I don't know if Lady Yalven should face death for what she did. I sense great evil from her, but she didn't outright try to kill us - from one point of view, she may have just been an extremely zealous deputy. We have more men now, and if that's all it took to keep her prisoner until we can assure ourselves of safety, I would favor that. But just as we didn't have the manpower before to keep prisoner bandits, I fear we don't have the political power now to keep prisoner nobles."

Maja turns her focus on her elven friend. "Kivan, I asked Erastil for healing for Lady Yalven because I was moved by your compassion. If you saw her worthy of redemption, then I too wanted to give her a chance. I had hoped that with a good word from other nobles, we could have her punished by the Regent, as she should be, and still spare ourselves. But it seems like we don't have that choice. What the Lady did was evil. And if we let her go now, she will just do more evil, and we and our good friends here will pay the price. I don't want to have to kill her, but in our circumstances, I think it may be the right choice, even if it's hard to swallow."

Before Cope

"Fine she must die then. I still protest making it into some sort of spectacle of a duel. I say we kill her quietly right now. Let it be quick and painless at least."

"A duel is not a spectacle. It's something between me and her. It can be private if need be, although we'll need at least a couple witnesses."

Before Cope

"Fine she must die then. I still protest making it into some sort of spectacle of a duel. I say we kill her quietly right now. Let it be quick and painless at least."

"I'm glad we can agree on that much at least. I know it may seem extreme, but we can't be so frivolous with our mercy that we destroy ourselves in the process. As to the matter of the duel, I don't have a preference myself and am happy to see the Aldori traditions met if it is important to Idris. Again, if the duel serves as a more acceptable reason for her death, all the better. But I do feel we should attend to this matter before we leave again. I think we can let these soldiers go home, provided we reach an understanding on what has happened here."

Cope

"The lads are a good lot. Tarl was bad, but there's always one rotten apple in the barrel, right? We're just trying to get home in one piece, at this point. Yeah, got a wife and two liddle ones. I don't much care for Lady Yalvin, she's like the rest of the nobles. Doesn't really care what happens to us lowborn types, doesn't mind stepping on a few necks just to show she can. Far as I'm concerned, you gave her fair notice and she's earned her situation."

Seraphina smiled warmly, genuinely relieved, "Good! I'm pleased to hear it. I hope you will have a safe journey home to your wife and children. When you arrive without the Lady Yalven, however, there will be questions. Will you speak for your men then? And if so, what will you say?"

Before cope.

"Idris, I'm not entirely sure how you feel about a duel, but please know that you shouldn't duel Lady Yalven for our sake. If we're going to execute her, then we can just do so, as Kivan says. We shouldn't pretend like we're doing anything else. And I feel it would dishonor your tradition to use a duel in this fashion."

"But I sense the two of you have a long history. If you truly wish to duel her for the sake of your honor, then I will pray that Erastil favors you."

Cope

"The truth, I suppose. Lady Yalvin picked a fight with some mercenaries and got killed. Trick's to be telling the truth, in case they're using magics on you, but telling the truth in the best way you can."

Said in closing to Cope
Sera nodded in agreement, "Yes, I find that to be true myself. I'm glad we had this talk and I hope you are feeling more at ease. We still have some small matters to discuss, but I believe you and your men will be on your way home soon. Get some rest and tell your men not to fret. We'll speak again in the morning and there will be bacon for breakfast!" She nodded to Kesten to let him know she had finished speaking to their guest.

After Cope has gone
"Well, the less they know, the better. I can't unsay what I spoke trying to stop this battle before it started, but I think they will care little for who we are and what we do here if they are allowed to go home. However this may mean someone will come again looking for this tiefling criminal. Did they give a description of the man?"

Sera will look for an opening with fewer non-party members present and say quietly to Bara. "Not to change the subject, but I hoped you would tell us a bit more about yourself. Why was it you came to the Stolen Lands to begin with?"

Cope

"Thankee, miss," says Cope, as he rises to go. "I knew I had you figgered right."

Bara

Bara shrugs. "Not much of a story. Half breed in an orc tribe, got fed up with that life. Wasn't much suited for polite company. Did what I had to do to get bread. Got a reputation as a killer, got contacted by the Daggermark guilds. Got some training, fell out with them, had to go somewhere. So here I am."

After cope.

"Glad to see that Cope is a good man. Still, I'm worried about the consequences of what we found out today. It seems we're pawns of the Swordlords against the Regent."

Maja pulls out the warrant bearing the Surtova seal for inspection. "Lady Yalven had this on her. It names Amnon Del'Brae, alias Swift, alias Bahaar Bahadur, accused of murder, larceny, striking a nobleman, and treason to the crown. Though Cope seemed to think some of those charges were trumped up."

Maja sighs. "Well, it was either her or the noose for us. Let me tend to the soldiers. I'm sure Svetlana is overwhelmed, and a little care and attention to them couldn't hurt in making sure they tell a good story about us." With that, Maja goes and sees what Svetlana is up to. She'll help feed the soldiers and use her last bit of magical healing on the most wounded soldier.

Heal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

When all that is done, she'll crash, feeling both physically and mentally spent.

After cope.

"Glad to see that Cope is a good man. Still, I'm worried about the consequences of what we found out today. It seems we're pawns of the Swordlords against the Regent."

Maja pulls out the warrant bearing the Surtova seal for inspection. "Lady Yalven had this on her. It names Amnon Del'Brae, alias Swift, alias Bahaar Bahadur, accused of murder, larceny, striking a nobleman, and treason to the crown. Though Cope seemed to think some of those charges were trumped up."

"True, still we don't want to deal with the same problem all over again. If we could point them in another direction it would stop them focusing here. This all troubles me as well, Maja. But pawns are not meant to understand their purpose, it's better that we do if we are to avoid being used as such."

Speaking to Bara
"Then you are adrift on the wind, still looking for your niche in the world. And here you are, a trained and skillful killer with nothing to fight for beyond survival. And here we are, united in purpose even though we are very different people. We have a long path before us and probably more necessary killing on it than we can fathom while we drink ale by the warm fire. I think there is a place for you among us if you would have it. As Maja has said, building trust takes time though you have made much progress this evening. I feel that you respect yourself enough to honor your word. If you would give it that you have abandoned your contract with our enemy and will fight beside us, not against us, then I believe we would be willing to give you a second chance." Sera sat back watching Bara and taking the last few sips of her ale that she could stand now that it had warmed up considerably. Still she had managed most of it.

Sense Motive on how she receives this proposal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

"Yalven must be put where she cannot give orders to the king's men. But, we will allow her to recover, and it will take her several days. We can't allow any delays before we take on the Stag Lord."

Idris asks Kesten to keep Joanne restrained, but to give her what nursing and care they can spare, to allow her to recover.

She then goes to bed, keeping her sword with her in bed.

Bara

Bara doesn't answer for awhile, making time by taking several pulls at her tankard. Eventually, she meets Seraphina's eyes. "It's that or scratching out a living in the wilds, I guess. You... have my blade. I won't be much use in trickery against your foe, though. He knows my face."

Sense motive: Bara is more unsure of the situation than anything else. You get the impression that not that many people have wanted anything to do with her before.

Wrapping up the night

"Joanne is being held in the stables," comments Kesten as he rises to take his watch. "The King's Men are under guard by my troops. I don't expect any problems. In the morning, then."

Oleg and Svetlana clear off the table as you take your leave. The straw mattresses of the Levetons' guest house feel heavenly after your extended ride, battle, and subsequent decision making. The night passes uneventfully, and all watches report nothing of interest.

Location: Hex S2 (Plains, Oleg's Trading Post)
Date: 28 Gozran, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 43° F
Weather conditions: Overcast, Light Wind (8 MPH from the west)
Food: 29 days' supply (does not decrease in Trading Post)

The morning comes all too swiftly. Oleg and Svetlana manage to precede you in rising, and by the time you've stirred from your lodgings they are already hard at work. Svetlana sets the kitchen into motion while Oleg retrieves your order of goods from his lockup.

"Goods are all here," Oleg says, sweating slightly from the exertion of schlepping the parcels of goods to your quarters. "Miss Maja, did you want this spear or not? If not, I'll refund your gold and keep it in my inventory of goods for sale."

As he thinks of weaponry, Oleg's eyes widen and he puts his hand to his forehead. "Miss Idris, curse me for a fool and a simpleton! In all the excitement of yesterday, I plain forgot to tell you some strange happenings. Three days before your goods came in, a single rider in black armor stopped by my Post. He wanted to know if this was where to find you. I didn't say much, just in case, but he seemed to know anyway. He gave me this box to give to you, and told me he'd altered your order. Then he plumb rode off and hasn't been back. Anyway, here you go."

Oleg hands you a heavy iron box, of good but exceedingly plain craftsmanship, unremarkable in every way. It's secured by a simple latch. Undoing this and raising the lid reveals an interior of crushed red velvet that nestles a very familiar shape - an Aldori dueling sword. It is made to the traditional pattern, three feet long and slightly curved, with a single edge that tapers to a sharp point. The blade bears the distinctive pattern of acid-etched, pattern-welded steel that you know signifies a hard, razor-sharp edge and tempered, flexible fuller. The cross-guard is straight across the knuckles with flared quillons. The grip is sharkskin encircled with fine black steel chain link. The pommel bears a single faceted ruby, and is engraved with two lines of verse:

Bend Iron to Will, and Will to Iron,
Master of War, in Iron bind my Mind

You recognize this as the opening stanza to the third passage of the Gorumskagat, the collection of seven holy poems that explain the creed of Gorum's faith.

Wrapped around the hilt is a parchment note. "Glory in Battle, brave Idris. By happenstance I was in Restov paying a visit to Master Smith Heimthaane when a messenger arrived as your agent to purchase a sword. With some convincing, I heard of your circumstance and charter. Bravo! I have taken the liberty of commissioning a blade for you. Carry righteous battle to all those who lurk in the wild like wolves, and hone your edge as you would your blade. Great events are in motion in this fractured nation, and ere their conclusion the land will be split in twain at least, in five-piece more likely. The flame of war shall temper the Crown. Be ready!

Thirst only for Battle!
-Kilkynn"

Idris receives a +1 Aldori Dueling Sword

Seraphina

Svetlana finds you after breakfast, a twinkle in her eye. "Well, sweetie, I ordered you an outfit like you'd requested. Come see! I think you'll love it."

Svetlana leads you to her and Oleg's room, where she retrieves an ankle-long dress from her wardrobe. Painstakingly stitched from black silk, this impressive garment oozes nobility and sophistication. It's slit up one leg just far enough to be tantalizing without being improper. The dress is tight across the hips and shoulders, with a flowing, v-necked lace collar. A necklace of turquoise and matching turquoise sash complete the outfit.

Svetlana holds the dress up to you and giggles. "Do you like it? I think you'll look simply ravishing in this!"

this dress is a Noble's Outfit that counts as a Masterwork Tool for Diplomacy and Sense motive (+2 to each skill)

Joanne

As you are finishing your breakfasts, Kesten's man Harris pushes his way into the common room.

"Sir, you are needed in the stables. The noblewoman died during the night."

The scene in the stables is pitiful. Joanne lies pale and still on the pallet of straw. Kesten kneels by her side and begins examining the body.

"Plenty of fresh blood on her bandages," he comments, poking around. "It looks like she moved about during the night and broke her wounds open again, then bled out." Kesten closes her eyes.

"It seems, friends, that Pharisma has decided our dilemma for us."

Sera and Svetlana
Sera was taken aback by the dress, "Oh Svetlana, it's gorgeous. Whomever selected this has incredible taste, truly. I could almost wish for a reason to wear it today..." She ran her hand along the supple fabric wistfully at first, and then smiled mischievously at Svetlana.
"But then, it would be a mistake not to test the fit, would it not?"

Just then, she overheard Harris and handed the dress back to Svetlana, sighing. "But later, I should see to this."

Joanne
She followed to see what had occurred and shook her head at the woman's folly. "Too stubborn to even lay still and heal. Well, I suppose it might be easier for the kingsmen to take her body home themselves now."

Oleg

"Oh my God... this is beautiful!"

Idris gives the sword a practice swing, marvelling at its balance and how it almost pulls her arm into a proper position.

"The rider! Was he..." Idris describes a number of characteristics that would tell her whether the rider in black armor had been her mentor, or someone else connected with the Bulwark.

Joanne

Idris looks upon Joanne's dead body with a blank face, but later breaks down in tears when she can find a spot with only other party members present.

"Gorum's spikes, you had to go and make me your murderer, you horrid c*%$, I hope you go to hell," she mutters repeatedly.

Joanne
Pretty approaches the commotion with some reference, but she seemed relaxed and distant. She was patiently watching Kesten's explanation and nodding, but then Idris' reaction drew her attention. She put a comforting hand upon the woman's shoulder. "The ground is not guilty for ending those who jump from a high cliff. It is solely their fault for doing something they should not. There's absolutely no blood in your hands for this, Idris. She made a mistake and paid for it. Let Pharasma have her."

Joanne
"Oh Idris, I'm sorry. I so wanted to see your true moment of triumph." Sera squeezed her hand and wiped away her tears. "At least she will never abuse her station again, and we can focus on what we must do."

Seraphina was eager to get the kingsmen on their way, but she was hoping to find a scrap of information to feed them to hopefully keep them from returning to this place. She sought out Oleg and Svetlana and asked them,
"Do you have any inkling if this criminal they were seeking came here at all? Or if he did, which way was he travelling when he left."

Next she seeks out Pretty, and asks to speak with her privately.

That done, she sought out Kesten Garess. "Let's get the kingsmen prepared to go on their way, shall we? I think we should return their possessions to their horses which we will tether outside the walls, save their crossbows. Or perhaps we should just strip them of their ammunition? Then we free them of their bonds and send them out, closing the gates behind them. I don't expect trouble, but we should take reasonable precautions all the same. I want to speak with Cope again away from the other men before they leave though."

Speaking with Cope again.
"Well, Master Cope, I wish we could have met under happier circumstances but I am glad of it all the same. Yalven did indeed succumb to her wounds during the night, would you prefer to carry your dead home or should we attend to them ourselves?"

I thought we'd keep Joanne's horse at least, maybe swap some of them out if they have higher quality mounts.

Let the guards return with all their equipment, I say, but taking Joanne's body back to town without her equipment would be weird, wouldn't it?

Or just bury her here.

"Well she was dead anyways, so this was probably for the best."

Kivan does pat Idris on the back.

"If it makes you feel any better I can probably learn a spell to make sure she is sent down to one of the layers of hell. It will take a while, but you could take comfort in that. Who knows she might be there already."

Expect the guards will tell that we held them for a period and stripped her of her equipment. Seems reasonable to me, but they might have a practice of burying folks where they fall, so we might end up burying them ourselves. I just thought if they return without a noblewoman, claiming she died, someone might come checking that she isn't still our hostage.

Idris laughs at Kivan's joke (at least she hopes it's a joke) and shakes her head. "Whatever awaits her, she's already there, I'm sure. "

Kesten
Pretty seeks master Garess to have a private conversation with the noble man, although she would prefer not to. "Hey Kesten, how are you? Do you have a minute? I was wondering, why didn't you simply let the woman take a look on the watchpost and be on her way, since whoever they are looking for is not here?"

Cope
She also seeks Cope later, in private. "Master Cope, I can't help but to wonder about the people Joanne was seeking. I know I'm not perfect, but I would not like to be confused with a criminal. We've been hearing about someone called the Stag Lord in the Stolen Lands. He has a flock of criminals, assassins and every kind of mischief under his protection, so I would not be surprised if this person was in his fortress. Anyway, if you want to check that possibility, our small band of benevolent adventurers will be facing the man in a couple days. You can help us, if you want, or maybe trust we will execute him if he's there."
Leading armies!! The possibility came to my mind when I was writing this...

Idris's new sword

Oleg screws up his eyes and thinks. "He was a little taller than me, well-built but his armor hid most of that. Brown goatee, ice-blue eyes, shaved head. Black spiked plate armor, greatsword across his back."

up to you if that fits kilkynn's description.

Kesten and Seraphina

"Frankly, I'm not concerned about these troopers. If they wanted to cause us trouble, they have plenty of heads to try something during the night. They're just doing their job and drawing their pay. I intend to send them on their way with all their possessions - no resentment to make them spin a different tale than we want."

Cope
"We'll bear them back," says Cope, not looking too distraught about Joanne's death. "I don't know that Tarl had anybody back home, but Lady Yalvin's family will want to bury her. I didn't get your name, miss, and I don't want to either - what I don't know I can't tell - but thanks for what you've done."

anything else you'd like to accomplish or buy before you ride out to punk the Stag Lord? Don't worry, he and his crew are right bastards and you won't have the prisoner dilemma with them.

What happened?

and ninja'd by Pretty by four seconds!

Kesten and Pretty

"I feared they were looking for you," explains Kesten. "Tieflings aren't exactly common in Brevoy, and I've been on the receiving end of enough hopelessly garbled orders that I'd not be surprised to see a party sent to look for a man when they should be seeking a woman. Goodman Leveton thought that you'd be returning shortly, and he was proven right. I did not want that band of soldiers to be waiting here to attempt an arrest, and tried to shoo them off. Lot of good that did."

Cope

"Sorry, miss, not interested. These hinterlands are way outside of our concern, and you seem capable enough. We need to get Lady Yalvin's body home promptly, or we risk getting on the bad side of the Throne."

Kesten
"Thank you, Kesten. You're too kind. If I'm not like Bara, that's because there are good people like you in this world." Her eyes gaze the west, at the unseen distance. "Indeed they could be looking for me. In the pursuit of ghosts those who cannot see them clearly often mistake one for another, and you saw how I turned into the man they were looking for very swiftly, didn't you? Anyway, you've risked your life for me, so you deserve to know the truth." She looks around to make sure there is no one close to them. "The tiefling who they were looking after is called Swift, a friend of mine. I've known him for quite a while now, and I do not believe he took part on all those crimes. Against a noble, a verbal offense charge turns into an physical aggression, or maybe into a murder attempt, so you would have to answer for something you did not do. I'm sure you have seen this before, wise as you are to see this twists in law. Either way, Swift has passed through the watchpost on the 13th, heading west along with Kazimir Surtova and his flock. They do not know who he is, but probably would not know any crimes he made either. He's the dark-skinned guy with the turban. So now you know, and may warn him if they ever return here. If you want to, of course, but I trust you see the injustice of the rulers of Brevoy. I'm telling Cope that the tiefling might be among the Stag Lord's band, so we will execute him when he's found. I don't suppose that will solve the matter, but at least will give them something. So don't worry about me next time. I'll guarantee they do not see me, if there's anyone here."

Cope
"Well, then you can trust on us to fulfill that execution, since a criminal like him would probably be there. Is there a reward for the task?"
Otherwise she just says her farewells and wish them a good trip, trying to look friendly enough (so they would not mention this polite person to their bosses).

Oleg.
"Thank you, Master Oleg. Please keep the spear. But I would be interested in some other items instead, if you have them available. Maja will see if Oleg has a buckler, greataxe, armor spikes, as mentioned in discussion tab.

Joanne
"What a waste," says Maja, observing the scene. Unfortunate for Idris's revenge, but probably good for party unity, she concludes.

Later that day, Maja remembers that she needs to make a proper offering to the fairies! She heads to the kitchen and asks Svetlana if she might bother her with some supplies to make some treats. If permitted, she'll make some for everyone, while saving the choicest treats for their mysterious friend.

Otherwise, I'm ready to go.

Kesten and Seraphina

"Frankly, I'm not concerned about these troopers. If they wanted to cause us trouble, they have plenty of heads to try something during the night. They're just doing their job and drawing their pay. I intend to send them on their way with all their possessions - no resentment to make them spin a different tale than we want."

Cope
"We'll bear them back," says Cope, not looking too distraught about Joanne's death. "I don't know that Tarl had anybody back home, but Lady Yalvin's family will want to bury her. I didn't get your name, miss, and I don't want to either - what I don't know I can't tell - but thanks for what you've done."

Kesten

Farewell to Cope
"We shall have them prepared for your journey and get you and your men on your way directly." She smiled at his mention of her name and nods.
"I will remember yours, however. Should New Steven ever prove inhospitable, do remember that there are those who do not treat warriors with less regard than trained attack dogs. Fair travels, Cope of Silverhall."

Sera helps with whatever needs doing to get the kingsmen ready and on their way. Once they are gone she seeks out Oleg and asks about his stock of powerful liquors.

GM, could we get a look at the map Bara drew us for the Stag Lord's Keep? We need to decide on our approach before we leave Oleg's so we can get any specialized equipment we need.
Bara's info on the Stag Lord

Kivan looks over at Oleg.

"I remember that you had one very good bottle of wine when we were last here. Do you happen to have any others? Also, do you have any poisons?"

Almost as an afterthought Kivan looks at Bara.

"How suspicious would you judge the Stag Lord to be if someone showed up with four women of ill repute?"

In the morning, Idris seeks out Bara with the finely made bow they took from her.

"Bara, I would return this bow as well, but I suspect it may be needed in the coming fight. When we return, by Gorum's Grace victorious, it will be returned to you."

Oleg

"I'll be damned, that is him! If he comes here again, dump a sack of flour on him if you must but make sure he stays until I return! Or at least ask him to."

I think Idris is ready to go.