Xi didn't look at the Gnome, not just because of Seraphs instructions, but to avoid more... hectic situations. She raised an eyebrow critically as the High Preist and Queen Tatiana both spoke of taking down the Stag. She chuckled again, thinking of the how many soldiers fell the last time they had pushed forward. She nodded in agreement to Seraph's cautionary tone. "Lets take a shot at it mon. Leave dem Dragonmen to fight the Juju and we kill mister Staggy eh?" She nods to Seraph as the General's eyes pass over her.
Xi whispers to Daliedhur then.
Her smile fades as she realizes something.
She visibly shudders in disgust and this is the rare moment Xi shows a hint of fear.
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Just clarifiying:
- In this chapter the Barons go back to Sloboda. Just not yet. Sorry if my first post was misleading.
- The cohorts will decide a target to attack, and get ready to depart.
- On the departure they will get attacked, in Trivium. Good think they are dressed for business.
- And in the thick of the battle the Barons, at last, arrive to their new kingdom, in the moment of their direct need
Sounds OK?
So I need for you to deal with the rejection of the wedding proposal, and decide who are you going for next, and if you accept the proposal of a new Barony for the wizard...
Quietly contemplating the council's discussion, Tatiana clears her throat to demand attention, "Firstly, I wish to support our trusted friend and adviser, Zmeu Dunarea, as the first baron of the Crooked River and welcome them into the Kingdom of Sloboda.
"Second, I agree with Benjamin that our first priority of defense should be to secure the Stag Lord lands. The Kingdom of Sloboda cannot abide banditry. The kobolds should be dealt with a diplomatic emissary. The dragon forest must be explored. The undead lands are yet on our border but must be cleared in due time. How we deal with the Stag Lord remains the issue. However, we should collectively agree now that he is the first issue to be addressed.
"With respect to how to address the Stag Lord, I would suggest that our Marshal, General, and Warden have a closed discussion, in order to develop and present to us their recommendations. Perhaps, even launching some reconnaissance on their own initiative. I fully trust their experience and leadership." Tatiana nods to and smiles at Daliedhur, Seraph and Halcorg to give them a plausible reason to have their discussion in private trusting them far more than the plenary council.
"Lastly, to respond to the marriage proposal." She smiles at Daniel Leventon. "Daniel, you know that I am fond of you but not in the same way that you may love me. You know that my heart is still filled with another. So the only reason that I would contemplate marriage at this time would be for politics and for what is best for the kingdom. I honestly have not considered the idea, so I would need time to analyze the consequences of the marriage for the kingdom. Unless Maria or Neji would like to accept, I suggest that we table the Leventon's marriage proposals to discuss later in council after we have had sufficient time to think about them."
Xi keeps her own council, grumbling as she wasn't included in these strategy discussions. She sheathes her weapons and quietly pets Chi between her ears, smiling as the Cheetah purrs loudly in response.
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Daniel Leventon smiles and bows to Tatiana.
"He who has your heart is a very fortunate man. But he is not here, and is it possible he might never return. What would you do, then? So please consider that, and let our proposal open in case you reconsider."
Zmeu Dunarea bows towards Tatiana:
"My Queen, I swear my Fiefdom toward the Kingdom of Sloboda and her beautiful and gentle Queen!"
So a new Sloboda Barony is born!
So... The Stag Lord? Exploration, assassination or invasion?
The Kobolds? Attack or Diplomacy? Now or later?
The undead? Now or later? Who many?
Seraph nods to Queen Tatiana, acknowledging her royal decree and leaving the topic for discussion between her, Daliedhur and Halcorg. She nods to Zmeu, the hint of a smile on the edge of her lips as the wizard joins the rank of the nobility. "Congratulations Zmeu, may your rule be long and full of wisdom."
She nods to Xi, including her in the coming discussion. She was one of the quietest among their group and she would be needed.
So... The Stag Lord? Exploration, assassination or invasion?
Depending on Maria's help assassinate, if she is unable to help. Small team, explore, then assassinate
I suggest using all our high stealth characters for this mission. Which means Seraph is out possibly. :/
The Kobolds? Attack or Diplomacy? Now or later?
Diplomacy, later unless we have an ambassador who can go into their lands safely.
The undead? Now or later? Who many?
Seraph would rather wait until later especially as we will need our heavy hitters for this one.
However if we send the sneaky types after the Stag then the strongest hitters, Halcorg and Seraph can make a foray against the dead lands. Test there defenses, explore and get out, she will not commit her soldiers to the foray just yet. And will rely on only high mobility horseback speed to ensure they aren't caught.
So... The Stag Lord? Exploration, assassination or invasion?
The Kobolds? Attack or Diplomacy? Now or later?
The undead? Now or later? Who many?
Totally up for exploring and assassinating the stag lord.
Total for Diplomacy with the Scalies as they are more sneaky then Xi and thats some bad bad juju.
Later, Stag lord needs dead and they make Xi's skin crawl!
Destroyerman approaches Vodyanov as the meeting winds down. The Eidolon has been attending the meeting in Neji's stead. However, he doesn't seem weakened at all, so his gnomish summoner is likely very close in proximity. Due to Neji's constant tinkering, the golem has changed slightly over the last six months. He looks bulkier and better armored, and his eyes have been outfitted with a pair of polished lenses.
"Mistress Neji wishes to speak to you in private about the prospect of marriage. From what this unit can tell, she is interested."
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Vodyanov follows Destroyerman.
"Big guy, tell me, Do I have a chance?"
When he meets Neji he talks to her, without letting her start.
"Forget all that nonsense about "cementing Sloboda" my brothers talk about. The fact is that you are the most wonderful gal a poor gnome like me is going to find in all his life, and I don't want to let you go. I don't have anything, being the seven son of my father (adopted). But what little as I have, and as much as I manage to get, will be yours. Come on, take the chance!"
He kneels in from of her and produces a small golden ring with a light blue stone from his belt pouch.
"Your favorite color, right?"
Stag Lord - Halcorg really hates bandits. He is actually quite stealthy and I imagine that we will need some hard hitters when we face the Stag Lord. He hates considering this an assassination as this would be placing upon the Stag Lord the position to qualify the killing as such. If stealth is used, he will join the group for a tactical strike to eliminate an evil foe. Not assassination, not murder.
Kobolds - diplomacy is always preferable. He likes his hammer and klar, but would prefer not having to use them to make Kobold jelly.
Undead - kill them as soon as possible. However, he knows that fighting on two fronts us a good way to lose on two fronts. Stag Lord is the first target of necessity.
Halcorg shakes his head at the gnome.
Scouting is good. For scouting we Marshall and Spy Master. I am not these, I am Warden. I protect towns and farms. I not send me men into danger outside border.
If Barons ask help to go to Stag lands or undead, I go. But now, I keep protect farms and towns. And with more and more new people in land, this get harder every day.
--------
At the meeting:
As the arguments and discussion mounts, Halcorg steps forward, his size towering over the majority at the meeting.
We asked to choose how fight Stag and undead. I meet with Marshall, General and other counsel Barons. We hear you thoughts. Each thought we will remember when talking. But now, no decision we make with many ears. We know many, but some maybe agents of Stag or undead. We must make choice private to surprise enemy.
With that, the usually little spoken giant of a man steps back and nods to Seraph and Daliedhur to indicate that he is prepared to depart the meeting and converse with them in private.
"If this unit had to guess, you have a chance," Destroyerman replies, missing that Vodyanov probably wanted something more than a literal answer.
Destroyerman takes them around the corner to a chair where Neji sits reading some papers.
"Yer certainly a noble gnome, Vodyanov. A swell guy as well," Neji replies with a gentle (and slightly exhausted) smile. "It means a lot that yer offering so much me. That's just... sweet. Believe me, I know the meaning in yer words. I had nothing growing up. My folks were murdered by some racist bigot when I was little. Everything I have now, I also built or procured with my own hands."
Destroyerman adds, "Myself included. As a child, Neji constructed me out of a desire for a friend and guardian."
Neji affectionately pats her Eidolon's metallic arm.
"This would be a big decision for the two of us. Massive. It's also a big commitment. If you ask me, I'm bad with those. I mean, Janus trusted me to take things over in case he croaked in an untimely fashion. When that happened, I failed.
"Everything went to pieces. In case you haven't noticed, Sevenstarland is the only faction without any staff. It's just me and D-Man. Janus' friends, if they're even still alive, are all back in Restov. He had a bunch of things in his house that he planned to bring with him. Most of them were his mothers. I was supposed to go get them before we left. Never did. They're probably all stolen by now. All because I'm too scared to fly my rump home and try to fix this mess. And how that mess start? ...All because I couldn't stop those idiots from killing each other over some money. No one would listen to me. They were just so intent on killing us and each other. I mean, D-Man had to cut down a soldier for doing his job. He didn't deserve that. All because no one would listen to me..."
Eyes now filled with tears, Neji seems to space out.
Destroyerman perks up as if hearing something and takes over. "As much as this unit disagrees, Mistress Neji says that she doesn't see herself as worthy of your affection, Master Vodyanov. She's definitely not against your proposal, but she's fearful of failing you like she thinks she did with Janus and her parents."
The Eidolon looks over at Neji, almost as if trying to make sure her focus is elsewhere. Once he's certain, he "accidentally" knocks over some of Neji's papers near Vodyanov. As he bends over to pick them up, Destroyerman whispers four words in the other gnome's ear.
Wondering what to do next, Destroyerman turns his head toward Neji. She doesn't seem ready to do anything quite some time, so the normally stoic Eidolon sighs and follows Vodyanov, knowing that he can trail the other gnome for a little ways before he starts to weaken. Even with his limited sense of mind, he knows that leaving things like this isn't exactly ideal.
Once out of earshot of Neji:
"Forgive me. That is the first time in six months that she has said anything about her feelings, so I felt compelled to point out their consequences," the Golem says, "I am unsure of what to do next. None of the others know Mistress Neji that well, and Lord Janus is... gone. As an aspect of her, I can only do so much. I know little of this Bleaching. She just muttered it to herself one day. Was I wrong to say anything?"
Halcorg's words were to the point despite the broken speech and he performed his duties proudly. Seraph had no doubt they would succeed.
"By your leave my Queen."
Already standing, she bows politely to their queen as she excuses herself before departing with the others. She turns to Maria and indicates she should follow them. "Our mission may have a diplomatic falling out so your expertise will be required."
On their way out the door she nods to Xi, indicating she needed to follow as well..
Xi didn't look at the Gnome, not just because of Seraphs instructions, but to avoid more... hectic situations. She raised an eyebrow critically as the High Preist and Queen Tatiana both spoke of taking down the Stag. She chuckled again, thinking of the how many soldiers fell the last time they had pushed forward. She nodded in agreement to Seraph's cautionary tone. "Lets take a shot at it mon. Leave dem Dragonmen to fight the Juju and we kill mister Staggy eh?" She nods to Seraph as the General's eyes pass over her.
Xi whispers to Daliedhur then.
** spoiler omitted **
Her smile fades as she realizes something.
** spoiler omitted **
She visibly shudders in disgust and this is the rare moment Xi shows a hint of fear.
"I am with you on this friend Xi'Tir - we will take our steps one at a time, regardless of what we find in out path - whether roadside thugs, or damned undead" - Daliedhur offers a serious nod at her ranger companion.
"With respect to how to address the Stag Lord, I would suggest that our Marshal, General, and Warden have a closed discussion, in order to develop and present to us their recommendations. Perhaps, even launching some reconnaissance on their own initiative. I fully trust their experience and leadership." Tatiana nods to and smiles at Daliedhur, Seraph and Halcorg to give them a plausible reason to have their discussion in private trusting them far more than the plenary council.
The elven woman acknoledges Tatiana's reference with a small bow.
At Seraph's nod Xi rises to her feet, an eager smile on her face. Now that the Gnome was gone she was in a much better mood, she hoped the useless little liar stayed out of the way. She smirks when her name isn't mentioned, thinking perhaps she did so well that she was easily forgotten as Spymaster.
Looking at Daliedhur. "Ya, lets show dem what us foreigners can do."
With the councilors itching to depart for war planning, Tatiana addresses their treasurer, "Your excellency, Anando Veresisi, as treasurer and sole regent of the daughter of King Rupert I of Sloboda, Alexandria, does the council have any more business to discuss?" She continues her story that Anando and not herself is the true ruler of the Kingdom of Sloboda.
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Anando is clear about it.
"My Queen, when King Rupert returns, and if he returns, we can talk about it. But right now you are my queen, and the queen of all of us. If you go outside, into your lands, they will tell you Tatiana Fortuna is the queen of Sloboda. And to say other think will only muddle the situation, and right now we must not do that. No I have no other matters to discuss with your excellency, my queen."
Tatiana frowns with each mention of the word queen. "Then, it appears our council meeting can adjourn."
As the meeting breaks up, Tatiana holds Anando in the room with a look and a smile, "Anando, would you please look into finding me an appropriate place in our capital to reach the people with the message of Desna. Perhaps, a place where poor travelers can room and board sharing some music. I do not want to compete with any inns, only to shelter those who can not afford the inns. Also, can we design a simple way station that can be built for travelers along the paths of our kingdom. Then, we can try to afford them in time. I would greatly appreciate it."
"Thank you. Yes, I understand. I will work on the funding when we have a budget and a plan."
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The more you are, the more attention you will attract. The Leventons are not happy to get behind, but Maria convinces them.
"You are the most hated people for the bandits!"
Zmeu says he won't attack another human being again, so he asks for your leave, not before helping you dye your hair a different color. He is good. He can make a profession of it.
The Four Swords jump at the opportunity.
"Of course we will go. "
They start betting on who of them will be the one to kill the Stag Lord. They decide Halcorg will be the one, after the" soft the Stag off".
Maria also recommends leave the Ravens to guard the border, as you won't be available. Anando concurs.
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Very early in the morning, an hour before dawn, several people leave, very discreetly, Trivium.
The few people that see them go don't realize they are seeing the Queen, as well as her 7 companions, the 4 swords, and Maria Borgnok leaving the town to face to Stag Lord.
But in a shady inn, "The Keyhole", unknown to them, in one of the rooms, a mysterious man speaks to a pigeon.
"It worked. They will attend the tea party. Even the Queen. Make it as good as they won´t want to leave, ever."
A cruel smile forms in his lips when the bird flies away, west.
==========================
You all meet some distance away from Trivium, and start the trip towards the Stag Lord lands.
"Remember, we are bandits now..."
Maria also dyed her hair and changed her customary clothes, for something more "bandit-like".
==========================
On the way to the Stag Fort you get glad of the few bandit patrols you find. And the few you manage to cross seem to give little attention to you, thanks to Maria's password and knowledge of their ways. And a few "gifts" of alcohol help a lot, too.
==========================
Two days before reaching the Stag Lord Fort you have your meeting with Akiros Ismort (Info here - Image).
He arrives alone, and greets you all.
"So you are the new "lords" of the land, right? Welcome to the Bandits lands. I guess Maria has told you everything she knows about me, even if she will deny it. But she didn't told you this. I have nothing. I have nothing else to lose, nothing else to fight for. That's why I came, because I am sick of everything, and one way or the other, I sense I am done."
Before Setting out
She regards Maria's outfit with a bit of surprise, remarking on how well it suited her before saying. "What other tricks and disguises do you have?" She says it in a teasing way before setting out.
Days later - a fateful meeting with Akiros Ismort
It's obvious that he was right on about who told Seraph her information
Seraph turns Swift, placing herself between Maria and this sudden newcomer as she reins in closer to Akiros. She doesn't hide the quick scan she gives their initial surroundings before looking back at the Stag Lord Lieutenant. She could not create a new bond with deception however and didn't give word to his accusation that the information came from Maria.
"One is only beaten when he allows himself to be Akiros and I don't see a beaten man. Lost perhaps but we all our lost at some point in our lives, are we not? To answer you. Yes, we have heard of your story and it gladdens me to meet you here because we hope to convince you the worthiness of our cause. It is our hope that we could sway you to our side and give you a reason to fight on for a brighter tomorrow." She allows this to set in before adding. "Your a good man Akiro's far better then you know and far greater then the Stag Lord deserves. Do not let your past weigh you down in your decision, leave it behind you and think clearly on what you have seen and believe. Because your aid may be just what we need to unite this broken land and end this conflict for the betterment of the Stolen Lands, not just Slobada. What say you Akiros Ismort?"
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Maria smiles at Seraph.
"Glad you like it, but I hope I don't need to dress like this anymore."
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Akiros eyes show a fire in them, a fire that has not been there for many years.
"I have heard about what you are doing. I saw how you treated the ones that have surrendered. You are just. You really are trying to do the best for the people. I am a criminal. A murderer. A traitor and a fugitive. Is there a place in your new Sloboda. Is there a way I can be forgiven, remade, reborn? "
Maria interjects.
" You are not like them. You never... Abused me. You never were cruel or sadistic. "
Akiros falls to his knees, crying.
" I am sorry. I am empty. I am lost. Who among you can forgive me? "
Xi watches everything warily, she thought she understood Seraph but every day the General surprised her. How she could sway such cretins to turn to the right, how she redeemed the unredeemable. In fact Xi was amazed by each of the barons in turn. They all had qualities that astounded the foreign Mwangian as her country was not so just...
She watched quietly though silently hoping the outcome would be for the betterment of Slobada...
She had a hard time reading Akiro's, she could tell he had a fire in his eyes. Although at Mari's interjection she felt more at ease, there was a honorable man in there and he had fallen off the path but he wasn't lost completely. Not yet.
She dismounts, a sign of trust on her behalf, leaving Maria in the saddle with Swift as she approaches Akiros. She proffered her shield arm to shake hands with Akiros, an act of trust as she literally lowered her defenses to help him back to his feet. "Since Maria trusts you then I trust you. However, each has a different road to redemption we must travel, I am willing to help you if needed but there will be times you walk it alone. So it's up to you now Akiros, all you need to do is take my hand, shed your past and help us forge a new destiny for all of the Stolen Lands. Or will you take your own path Akiros?" She wouldn't force him, this was his decision and it would possibly be the greatest one of his life.
As the conversation follows its course, Daliedhur urges Leaf to move along, patrolling the permeter, to make sure there are no surprises or foul play.
Satisfied that there is no ambush laying in wait, she nods at the others - "The area seems safe - I'll stand on watch though" - she comments to her closest companions.
Xi nods in agreement to Daliedhur, uncomfortable with the touchy feel good moment occuring before her eyes all of a sudden.
Tatiana approaches Akiros with Maria and Seraph. She senses that he is sincere in his desire to be forgiven, remade, reborn. After Seraph, Tatiana offers, "We have heard your story, Akiros. We have pardoned those who repent. If you help us with the Stag Lord, you may earn a place in the Kingdom of Sloboda."
Perception:
Sense Motive:
Halcorg to dismounts and moves toward the Taldan bandit.
I hear you once a paladin were. I do not know you god. But, if redeem you wish. This is first step. Stag Lord is evil. More than evil, he is demon man. In Slobada many chapels and shrines are new. Many who worship good gods come to Slobada.
Halcorg pauses thinking about his next words. He rarely makes such long statements:
We ask you help to defeat Stag Lord. After you help, you come to Trivium. You ask forgiveness of good gods. You maybe must do task or quest, but if redeemed you want, we can help show path. But, you must be one to tread path yourself.
Halcorg then considers for a few moments before continuing.
Shoanti follow power of elders. Gods like Desna revered, but elders hold much spirit power.
Halcorg reaches into a small pouch tied to his side and from it withdraws a large nut, perhaps an acorn, which has had a marking, like a natural crack or scar, on it which appears to be a butterfly.
This is sign of Lady Luck. Maybe today she look on you with favor. Maybe give help to defeat evil Stag Lord. You take sign of Great Dreamer. Perhaps she not your deity as she have no Paladins, but she good and give you luck on your redemption path. Together Desna give luck and Shoanti elders give wisdom to lead you back to light.
With that, Halcorg hands Akiros the nut with the butterfly marking upon it.
Looking as Xi'Tir moves around, much like herself, Daliedhur just nods towards all the convesation going on, and rolls her eyes.
"If you truly seek redemption, then prove to us your worth, we seek the Stag Lord, and he will fall before our might."
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Akiros bows before Tatiana.
"You must be the Queen! The White Queen! My lady, I would follow you to end of the Earth! But I am not worthy!"
Halcorg then speaks to him, and he grabs the acorn with the butterfly symbol.
"You are right! I will make whatever is necessary so be forgiven, and regain my path. Maybe as a defender of Desna! Maybe that is my future!"
At Tarina, he kisses her hand.
"The Blind prophet! Yes, I will help you. I will get back to the fort, and try to talk some of the men to abandon the life of crime they lead now. And when you are in the fort, I will lead them to defeat the Stag Lord and his followers!"
Maria interjects.
"I would prefer you don't! The risk is too high. I have a better idea. In a couple of days make sure the Stag Lord is very drunk. We will give you some spirits so you can gave them to him, so that day he is unable to fight! You know him! He gets very drunk sometimes. If you manage to do it we will be able to take him down without a fight! Or at least we will only need to fight the other bandits, and not him."
Akiros thinks it for a moment.
"You are right! I will do as you say, if the rest think is the correct way. Order me, as I pledge my life for the new Kingdom."
=============================
Daliedhur and Xi'Tir are "patrolling" the surrounding area (but everybody knows they are really avoiding the social proceedings) when the keen elf sight sees a hat poking out from some tall grass.
Something like THIS.
She points at it to Xi'Tir, and they both know who it belongs to.
Vodyanov Leventon is following his betrothed.
"Yes, you would make an excellent defender of Desna, Akiros," Tatiana replies with a smile still not comfortable being called the queen. "Maria's plan is good using the Stag Lord's weakness against him to minimize the risk. Please use the watchword "butterfly" in a conversation with one of us to signal that the Stag Lord is effectively impaired."
Xi'Tir was incensed, this damnable gnome was going to get them all killed. "I'm gonna kill 'im mon." Her voice was filled with anger.
She draws her bow and nocks an arrow, aiming it for the bush where the hat was. "Run and I shot ya Vodyanov." She watches the hats movements, letting it sink in before demanding. "Put ya Hands up and step out where we can see ya."
Seeing so many willing to accept Akiros made Seraph smile ever so slightly, amid all the talking she returns to Maria's side. She'd promised to protect her and she would fulfill that vow. She quietly spoke to her as Akiros made ready to leave. "When we have a moment you will need to tell me which of these bandits were the worst of the bunch. Those you believe could not be redeemed." She was looking for those that had harmed Maria. "Because, Unlike Akiros, not all of them will escape justice..."
Mulray sat astride one of his trusted horses, lounging in back with his shortbow out and his horsepick hooked to his belt. He felt oddly exposed without his cart but he was making do so far.
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The hat shakes...
Wait! Damn it! Don't Shoot! You are mad, human! Help! Don't shoot! What the hell is wrong with you!
He raises.... very slowly... his hands up!
"You can't go shooting people like that, you devil woman!"
Vodyanov Leventon is in the house.
He explains that he wants to protect Neji, and wants to go with you.
Maria tries to explain that he is a very big liability, as many bandits knows him.
"And his silly hat!"
Mulray confirms no one else is following you.
=================================
Maria tells Seraph, privately, she doesn't think any bandits in the fort deserve the opportunity as Akiros. If they surrender, maybe, with supervision and time, except the Stag Lord, Dovan and Auchs.
"I'll see none of those three get out alive..."
Her face shows pain, fury, and no mercy.
Tarina isn't too thrilled at the plan that Maria voices of getting the Stag Lord drunk and then killing him, but she keeps quiet, knowing the great evils the man has performed outweigh the cowardice of such a plan. Having grown up in the River Kingdoms, Tarina knew banditry well, but she also knew another thing well, the traditions of the River Kingdom, and she worried what may come should other Kingdoms learn of their plan.
"Burn the hat." Tarina speaks as Vodyanov is discovered. "If his hat will give us away, burn it."