Corsario's Kingmaker: Kingless (Inactive)

Game Master Corsario

Rupert's cohort said an hour, and the character have been talking at a couple minutes at least.

Whoops my bad! Thank you Neji. :) Now if Corsario doesn't have an issue with it I'm all for changing my vote to steal as much as we can and whatever is left they can have it. :D It'd be nice if we could steal it all lol!

Unless Ni disappeared with her Handy Haversack then please ignore the following post.

Xi'Tir seeing as they had time find's Chimalma and, to the stego's dismay, retrieves her sisters magical backpack. She empties it out in their wagon and returns to the Half-man's cart. "We can put the papers in h're eh?" She starts taking anything that looked important that wasn't big building supplies or things that wouldn't fit and starts putting them into her sisters bag.

Daliedhur smiles, clearly content that they are definitely coming to a well structured plan. All of this is contrary to her nature, she was never given to speaking out, unless defending herself or her kin, so she slowly starts removing herself from the debate.

Approaching Anando, she comments to him as the arrangements are being done for their plan - "You can stake your claim since it is real - you have been appointed by your King as the treasurer, and even if we use a deceitful option, your right should still be defended - I will defend it if you so choose, but keep in mind that I shall not stand down as to what my brother and myself have come here to accomplish"

Halcorg looks at the strange muscled creature standing next to the tiny gnome.
Much can I carry. But not as much as you . . . friend. And another plane I cannot go to.

He pauses and again looks at the giant eidolon.

One more time I say: We not steal. We secure King's gold. If King's treasurer approve, we secure gold in other plane just like in Abadar vault.

With that Halcorg begins to assist in filling any sacks or other devices that are available to contain the wealth in the wagon. (I assume that the coinage would not have been completely loose. That would be difficult to move, even in a wagon.)

Absorbing the information as best she could, Okana shrugged. Kaldwell has been worried that the Surtova's might move against them, and that seemed as likely as explanation as any for now. Either way, the gold seemed to be the priority. Without it, they were doomed. Even if they could secure finances via banking or a mine, it would take years to replace what was lost here, and the kingdom would suffer.

Assuming it would still come to be, of course...

But she had no choice but to assume it would. She couldn't find Kaldwell on her own, after all - with these people and these resources they had a chance.

"Can we use magic to add confusion?" she asked even as she moved to help Halcorg. "If we send people out in three, maybe four directions with 'essential supplies' and make a big show of guarding this one, any fool would think this a decoy and one of the others the real loot, especially if we had magic to add illusions or muddle the mind. If nothing else they would be forced to split off enough forces to hunt down the extras...who would be doing nothing illegal, and could hand themselves over without fear." Hopefully, at least. "Regardless, some kind of decoy makes sense."

Halcorg shrugs:
Decoy works, but why. We stand and watch empty wagon. When Dragon spawn come. We look confused. We tell that some creature from other plane takes gold.

This is truth. Creature does take gold to other plane. True story is easy.

If run, then army follows. Army ask why we run. Not all here good at lying. If stay, those good with words talk. We tell truth, but not all truth.

I can desummon him in about three seconds, and he will return to a private plane of existence that only I can access. He can carry half a ton at least, so we should be able to get a lot of stuff safe. If we have any magic storage bags like my haversack, then so much the better.

Houseruling: You eidolon is not a Bag of holding. Any equipment you gave him falls to the floor when he is desummoned. He is not a planar packing mule. He has dignity :P

Continuing Tarina's chat with the Cenobitic Order "Prophet" in the party:
The girl answers you:
"But I am so small, so weak. How could you love me?"

----

Cutscene... At the same time the whirlwind takes the Barons away...

Tarina awakes with a scream, her Sacred Ring has gotten so cold it burns her finger, but she refuses to remove it. She quickly tries to use it to talk to her real mother, Venetia, as she is always able to do with it, but for the first time she can remember she is unable too. Somehow her mother is unable to hear her, or communicate with her. She feels her stomach turn at the thought of it. Her mother is dead.

But then she see it. She that is almost blind, can see it clearly. She can sense the love her Mother feels for her, reaching out across the universe and the planes. She smiles. Her mother loves her more than anything. She is thinking in her. She is alive.

----

About the actions after the Barons disapearance.

You all decide that the King, and the Barons, are not dead, but somehow "kidnapped". And you decide you will continue with their dream for a new land.

The Silver Dragonflight, now without its leader, turn to see Seraph. They all drop a knee before her, and bow their head. They have a new leader.

The Ravens have followed Daliedhur for ages, so in their eyes there is no doubt about following her.

Tatiana enchants the Four Swords, how seem, all four of them, awestruck at her beauty.

Anton marvel himself with his ability of recover from Rhasadilara disapearance. He realizes that the hope she is still alive is what keeps him up.

Mulray and the Gasparo family quickly make a meeting and decides of staying. Maybe Arv is gone for good, but their fortunes seems to lay in the new lands.

Hrraggar keeps his cool. Even if Marius is dead that doesn't mean the things they fight for have dissapeared. He can keep honoring his memory, as well as the other followers, without him having to check on you all.

Neji start to thing in herself as the new Baron of "Sevenstarland", before she discover herself doing it. She makes a quick pray for Janus.

One Raven scout returns hastily:
"4 dozen mounted warriors approach! I think I saw infantry some 3 kilometers behind them, but the cavalry is pressing on, and leaving them behind. Armored riders, heavy. The armors seems too much "ornamental", but they seem like good cavalry anyway. Would be here in 15 minutes, tops, from that way!"
He points to the main road towards Restov.

Anando Veresisi, the halfling cohort of King Rupert Surtova, looks at you all.

"If I have to choose, we stand here. We are not stealing anything, we are not thieves. If they attack us, we defend ourselves. If they kill us, we die with honor!"

Final vote:
a) Last stand (or it is first stand)
b) Run for the (Stolen Lands) border
c) Mix and Match: Some stay to delay the army, others make a run for it

Anando votes for (a). The Four Swords will do what Halcorg do. The Cenobitic Order can't run fast enough, but the can delay the soldiers or scramble and find you later at the Stolen Lands.

I will share some insighs of the situation, just as this is prologue and not "Campaign" proper...
- The Barons will not return to Restov. In fact, they will return very far away, and will have to travel back towards you. Your cohorts will be alone for a while, here or at the Stolen Lands.
Forget Iobaria, The Stolen Lands is the way to go.
I planned this for Mulray to "test drive" his driver skills, but seems he didn't catch my meaning :S
There is no correct way. If you stay you can win this by diplomacy, by duel or by war (or lose)! If you go you you can get cought, or you can get away, depending on your planning and dice rolling. Maybe you create diversions, maybe you go for speed. Use the Cenobitic Order, and the Four Swords. Do what you fell like doing, and I will roll with it.

Tatiana enchants the Four Swords, how seem, all four of them, awestruck at her beauty.

The Four Swords will do what Halcorg do.

The conflict is because she is a chick, right?

Tatiana replies to Anando and repeats, "We all stay, or we all go. Anando, if you stay, we stay."

Looking to her friend Daliedhur, she asks, "Can the Ravens secure our flank and path of retreat, in case our confrontation goes badly?"

Looking to the Cenobitic Order and Seraph, she asks, "Can you fill the area between the approaching warriors and Anando?"

Looking to the Four Swords, she commands, "Please prevent any harm to Anando."

She tethers Girl to Anando's cart and stands to the right of him.

Seeing the rest trying to figure out what to do, Halcorg's years of experience in the Cinderlands kicks in.

Hide gold is my choice, if we make stand, we must stop horse charge. We make bad ground so horse no run fast.

Turning to the monks:
Get anything that is hard walking. Rocks, trees, broken tent, anything. Put on road and around us. One path in, one path out. Small. Crooked.

Looking at the Four Swords:
Help monks. If fighting, watch backs. Fight in pairs.

To the rest of the cohorts.
If hide some gold, that best. If bargain we must, is better we have less to lose. They not know how much gold in wagon. Remember, this is King gold. If they take, they thieves. We are guardian of King Land and King.

Now, who best with words. We must plan who talk and what we say.

Hope that makes some sense.

Diplomacy +11. Anyone better?

No Diplomacy here at all ;)

"If the ruse fails, we will have a fight in our hands - hope that is clear for everyone, so we are all acting in articulation if the time comes"

Then turning to Tatiana, she adds - "And yes, the Ravens can setup watch on a flank"

Just so it is clear, Daliedhur's option is a)

+8 diplomacy
+15 driving checks

Mulray pulls up in his rosewood carriage. It is artisan crafted and stained, and covered with wood-burned etchings of coiling vine-like patterns. "Feel free to hide some gold in Rosa." He slaps the side of the carriage. "She hasn't let me down yet. Gus and Sheba here..." The two horses turn their heads "They're reeeal competitive... they won't let some military brat born with a silver bit in his mouth beat em."
The entire time he speaks, Lil Karou is doing backflips inside the carriage... though you can only see him through the window at the zenith of his maneuver.
Mulray shrugs dismissively "As I said... the Gasparo family is here to help. Whatever you need... you need a fast ride? you need me."

"If we're talking I may be able to help you with that, who's are representative?"

Who ever comes forward as our rep gets a +2 to diplomacy and intimidate as Hrraggar etches a series of runes in their armor. Then if he has time and you're not wearing a Headband of Alluring Charisma, he'll cast Eagle's Splendor.

Quote:

Tatiana enchants the Four Swords, how seem, all four of them, awestruck at her beauty.

The Four Swords will do what Halcorg do.

The conflict is because she is a chick, right?

Looking to the Cenobitic Order and Seraph, she asks, "Can you fill the area between the approaching warriors and Anando?"
Looking to the Four Swords, she commands, "Please prevent any harm to Anando."

Not quite, it is because she is a beautiful girl. And Halcorg, well, he isn't... :P

Seraph nods to the request and gives the order to aid in cluttering the roadway, however before the riders arrive she will order her men back into their small formation and prepare to repel the oncoming force if needed. She also joins her men in attempting to slow the calvary advance, as she wouldn't have others do work she herself wouldn't do.

Question? Did my one rider head to the Mayor's office or is she still here?

Note: Only half of the Silver Dragonflight forces are here, the other half are breaking down their camp and preparing to march south. Just making sure everyone knows. ;)

Question? Did my one rider head to the Mayor's office or is she still here?

As you prefer...

I'll send her to the Mayor with word of whats happening still. Thanks. :)

Let's retcon Neji's suggestion a little bit; she is now proposing giving Destroyman anything absolutely critical and having him fly off to hide while invisible. That entire thing with Xi'Tir's cord can still have happened.

"Is there anything absolutely critical we can gave D-Man? Even a few bars of gold and some important papers in my haversack could save our butts at a later date. He can fly into the forest and hide for a while. He's a surprisingly stealth golem when he wants to be. As for me, I'll stay here and help with the negotiations; Jay's told me that I have quite a silver tongue at times," says the azure haired gnome as she pauses and then looks at her eidolon. She waves a tiny hand, and the construct lumbers over to his summoner's side. Neji quickly casts a basic protection spell on her eidolon.

"...Alternatively, if we really want to fight 'em, D-Man and I might be best here. I can zap him with enough magic to make him a one eidolon army for a bit. I built him in such a way that he has abnormally long reach with his falchion; if we neutralize any archers, then I think he might be a nightmare for the standard horseman. My only reservation with that idea is killing a bunch of my country's soldiers for doing their job."

A blind man could see that Neji would rather not fight what basically amounts to normal men just doing their job.

Neji casts Mage Armor on Destroyerman.
+12 Diplomacy. +13 with Guidance.

Anando looks at Neji... And decides he trust her (nice Diplomacy)
He grabs some specific papers, Neji as courier recognise them as letters of credit, guild compromises and deposit vouchers, put them in a bag, and give them to her.
"Tell your... Whatever it is... Not to lose sight of them, not to give them to anyone but you or me. And you stay here, with Tatiana, you seem to know how to handle negotiations... "

When the soldiers begin to be seen, Halcorg moves over and stands behind, and towering over, the short halfling and gnome, arms crossed in front of him. Klar strapped on one hand and his gigantic earthbreaker loosely slung across his back.

Seeing the four swords aimlessly milling about, he waves them over.

You four. You protect treasurer. If they attack, take Anando and go south. I protect gnome and others here.

His tone shows that he does not expect any questions from the four swords.

And he gets none, the Four Swords normal joking ways change to an experienced professional ones were they quietly take proper defense position.

Xi'Tir smiles as the oncoming ornamental calvary approaches, once they were really close she casts lead blades on herself and waits for the coming confrontation. She doesn't hide her eagerness to bloody the evil dragonmen if she gets the chance and appears only to be held in check by Seraph presence.

The Cenobitic Monks retreat back when the Dragonscale cavalry approaches, as well as the other cohorts (those who hasn't post) as a reserve. Seraph and the Dragonflight take the other flank, across the Ravens.
The battle field is set.
Battle Map, as well as I can do it, hope you like it.

Hehe, Battle Map looks good ;)

The leader of the Dragon Throne cavalry, a warrior of some 30 years, gets in front of this troops, and calls out to you.
Portrait: Kesten Garess, leader of the Dragonscale Throne cavalry
"Who are you that defy Brevoy troops? My name is Kesten Garess, and I am here on authority of his Royal Highness Noleski Surtova, Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, to arrest the traitor Anando Veresisi, who has stolen the property of the Kingdom of Brevoy."
He stops for a second and looks defiantly at you all.
"And we will also arrest all of those who aid or protect him, as traitors of the Kingdom. And I sure those who make the robbery are also responsible of the murder of his Highness cousin, Lord Rupert Surtova. So lay down your weapons and deliver to us the Halfling, as well as all the things he stole."
Anando Veresisi looks very pale, and looks around to all of you, with worry in his eyes. Are you going to leave him alone?
Portrait: Anando Veresisi, cohort to Rupert Surtova

Leaf snorts as the riders approach, sensing Daliedhur's tension. Around her the Ravens are also on edge - bow, blade and spells ready if needed.

The elven woman nods at all of them reassuring them - "We will be fine"

They look at Daliedhur expectantly... they have never fought an army before, but they will follow her.

Ask them for proof of this supposed murder. Inform him that King Rupert is currently with our companions discussing tactics and plans for the future of the nation. Unless Garess has evidence of the actual death of the King, we will politely request that he leave the sovereign nation of Sloboda. (EDITED name.)

Rupert said Sloboda, but you don't have to go with that name, nor will mean anything to Garess

Seraph and the Silver Dragonflight stand tall, unbothered by the amassed riders before them. They had seen combat before and it mattered not whether they were from Brevoy or any other nation as they too lost their leader this day and many would repay the slight being pinned on them by Garess. Even in blood if they had too...

The soldiers kept their hands on javelin and bow, if they advanced they'd be peppered with long range attacks to soften them up. However deep down Seraph hoped they'd see reason.

I had asked and hoped the Ravens had secured the rear and point of retreat. Not that it will be needed...

" Who are we? We possess authorized documents naming Anando Veresisi as treasurer and sole regent of the daughter of King Rupert I of Sloboda, Alexandria. Furthermore, we also possess authorized documents inventorying material within our control as the capital and resources of the Kingdom of Sloboda, which was created last night by authorized and witnessed decree, by the Dragonscale Throne. Therefore, before you and standing with Anando Veresisi are the loyal subjects of the Kingdom of Sloboda." Tatiana dramatically pauses then continues.

"Now, what allegations and evidence of treason do you lay against Anando Veresisi, royal treasurer and sole regent of the Kingdom of Sloboda?"
____________________________________
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 plus aids and Eagle's Splendor?

Kesten Garess Diplomacy Roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damn... Did you said 29?
Kesten didn't expected that kind of answer, and seems quite a bit taken aback by Tatiana...
"Sloboda? Treasurer? But he took the gold and documents by fooling us! He stole them! You sure understand I can't let him do that! Can we... Do I .... But... Can I see your documents?"
He somewhat regains his composure and demands...
"Come here, with Anando Veresisi, and the documents you say you have..."

"Considering the situation, we can meet you half way on foot; please leave your mounts. Feel free to bring up to two escorts." Tatiana nods to Halcorg, the biggest bruiser that they have, to come with her and Anando.

"Ready Anando? Bring the right documents. Unless you have authorized copies, only show him the documents. Halcorg can may be hold them for us?" She says with smile and a wink.

That's it for my posting tonight. I'll check back in 12 hours. Cheers

Seraph nods to one of her men who rustles with a white cloth. "Should we raise a flag of truce, thus both parties would come weaponless for parley Taiana? An act of good faith no less."

Diplomacy, flag of truce? aid another to Tatiana? 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Aww twelve hours :( damn

At the displaying of a white flag by the Dragoonflight, the Dragonthrone cavalry seems more at ease...
Garess advances alone, on foot, to the middle of the field.

Just a note I am going off the historical reference of the white flag of truce, meaning a weaponless meeting for parley. Their not surrendering. :) Just so ya know, but at least its making this a less lets stab each other situation. Good luck to the diplomats.

Seeing them at ease, Seraph gives the signal for all the Silver dragonflight to stand at ease, a display which is easily seen. Longspears are set, point's upward, bowstrings go lax as everyone stands relaxed as teh negotiations continue. Another act of good faith on their part, especially as she had nothing to hide. They would retain their honor this day in the name of their missing Lord. However they never lower teheir banner, allowing the dragon to fly openly and unobscured alongside the flag of truce.

Xi'Tir looks bored, her hopes of conflict dashed and her spell duration burning off with every moment the talk continues. She kicks a stone in impatient boredom as Chi lays down for a nap on a nearby boulder.

OK still here for a little while longer

After Anando collects his documents, Tatiana leads the delegation, Anando and Halcorg, toward the center.

Seeing the white parlay flag raised, Halcorg hesitantly hand his earthbreaker and klar to Mulray.
I might need soon.

He then goes forward behind Tatiana and Anando followed closely by Eraitar.

Anando takes a couple of steps, stops, and calls Neji...
"Please accompany me... Us... Too..."
You reach the middle of the field and show your documents to Kesten.
"Do you know what happened to Rupert Surtova? I am not sure how to let you go, even if I believe your papers... Some of my troops are really loyal to the throne and they won't accept for you to leave..."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Halcorg stands behind the ladies and shorter individuals, arms crossed and watching their opponent trying to pick up anything he can.

Given that we had fifteen minutes before arrival, I would like to chop this post into two sections given recent developments.

BEFORE THE CALVARY'S ARRIVAL:

"Well, if he's only gonna be carrying papers, might as well give Ms. Xi'Tir her band back. I could use my cloak too," says Neji as she retrieves said items from her magical haversack. Aftering handing Xi'Tir her mulecords, the gnome then proceeds to hand her back over to Destroyerman.

"You know what to do, buddy. I would recommend hiding in the woods. Fly up into a tree or something. Worse comes to worse, you can always stay in the air."

Destroyerman nods and slips away as quickly as he can.

If possible, Destroyerman will take 20 to hide in a big tree. He's surprisingly stealthy; he has a +9 to that skill.

AFTER THE CALVARY'S ARRIVAL:

Neji constantly casts Guidance on herself and Tatianna as she anticipates all hell to break loose. Truth be told, the little gnome is a bit nervous about talking without her eidolon as back up. Luckily, Tatianna smooths the situation over immensely and gives them a great start. Once beckoned to follow the delegation, she does so and begins thinking over what to say.

"My name is Neji Lazula; thank you for meeting with us! As for your question, we're all a bit... confused on what exactly happened last night. There have certainly been a lot of rumors flying around, no? You see, King Rupert wasn't the only one who vanished last night; all of the individuals leading the groups to retake the Stolen Lands disappeared too. My best friend Janus Sevenstar, the Church of Erastil's representative, is among them," says Neji, her voice a bit depressed on the last bit, to answer Kesten's question. She points a tiny thumb to Halcorg behind her, "Halcorg here was one of two individuals to witness what happened, but they only had a limited perspective on things. Evidently, King Rupert and the other leaders were meeting at a nearby pavilion, perhaps getting some early planning in. Something really powerful then whisked the pavilion and its inhabitants to Erastil knows where. We can show you Ground Zero, and you will see that there is no debris. No bodies. Classic sign of teleportation. If you have any mages among your ranks, they might be able to verify this."

Neji pauses for a long second before adding, "Truth be told, I think we're dealing with an unknown third party, one that would want to sabotage our efforts to tame the Stolen Lands. One that has access to extremely powerful magic. As such, now is not the time to splinter and fight amongst ourselves. We would only be helping those who sabotaged King Rupert and his family. Everyone of us now has a dog in this fight; we should work together to investigate what happened. I don't know what you have heard about all of this before, but it has only been a few hours, no? Rumors tend to be very... crazy so soon after tragedy. We should at least look at the site of the incident."

Neji's Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Kesten hears what Neji says:
"So it is true... the new King and his barons are missing... We need to secure the treasure until that time they reappear, or a determination can be made by the authorities....I hope you will agree and cooperate..."
Just to be clear... Rupert's "will" named Venetia Medvyed as tutor of his daughter, and Anando Veresisi only as Treasurer of the Kingdom.

Halcorg simply shakes his head at this comment and then whispers to Neji:
What right he have to king gold?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

EDIT

"Kesten, why should you 'secure the treasure'? As the rightful treasurer and sole baron of the kingdom of Sloboda, Anando has clear authority to control the treasury of Sloboda, right?" Tatiana pauses for that to digest.

"Our primary concern is the disappearance of King Rupert and his barons. Why don't we join together to investigate?"

Kester tries to explain his orders...
"I was ordered not to investigate the disappearance, but to secure all of King Rupert's possessions, and arrest the Halfling that stole them, while the Dragonscale Throne is informed and decides what to do, or until Rupert Surtova reappears."
Anando then interjects:
"I didn't stole anything! If the Dragonscale throne gets hold of Svoboda's resources they will never gave them back to us! The Regent wanted us to fail and will grab this opportunity to get his money back! And you know it!"
Kesten Garess don't rebuke Anando.

"Kesten, let's try again. Who specifically ordered you 'not to investigate the disappearance, but to secure all of King Rupert's possessions, and arrest the Halfling that stole them?' Do you have an arrest warrant?"