Corsario's Kingmaker: Kingless (Inactive)

Game Master Corsario

So we can at least travel to Nivakta's Crossing together, right? That's a few days to synchronize the plans with the monks.

Xi'Tir hearing Anando's explanation gets oddly animated, taking in the information and tracing invisible lines on his map as she planned routes in her head. "Dis will be hard mon, the Stag land may be our best place to begin... Corgie is right but we needs to talk to dis Oleg and his sons. Get them to help us fight da bandits. But we need ta go now to cover that much area."

She traces out the quickest path to the bridge and grimaces. "Over twenty four ta twenty five leagues. Dats if we can get past dis fort." She points at Fort Serenko. "I can scout dis place ahead of ye, see what is there and come back. But if we can get pas' there we can get h're..." She points north of the bridge Halcorg had indicated. "By next high sun... If'n we find no tr'uble." Seeing she had spoke far too much she quickly backs up about a pace to where Chi is standing and looks for a moment a mixture of embarrassed and antsy.

Seraph nods to Tatiana and blushes for a moment. "Milord always said I bite off more then I can chew, but I am in agreement with you. However we are a collective and each of your opinions matter, especially if we are going to survive this."

At the various input and Anando's grand revelation she nods and was about to speak when Xi's flurry of insight came out of left field. Leaving Seraph honestly shocked as Xi usualy didn't care for anythign more then fighting and hunting. Seraph double checked her rough assumption and nodded slowly. "If we're lucky we could get there by tomorrow, even with this large a group we should make decent time. I'll relay the decision to my men and we will move out. Delidhur is it? Can you and your Ravens lend Xi a hand checking out the fort. Or if your comfortable accompanying her alone we could use your ravens to scout around us and ensure no one is going to try and encircle us on the march. To hasten your ride I offer my mount Swift and my Lords Aru, they are by far the fastest we have and will easy move four times faster then our column on the march. The choice is yours of course." Seraph wanted to make it abundently clear that her words were suggestion's only.

So Seraph is getting her men to start marching west, using the main road as the Restovian guard and dragonscale troops may take some time to rally and sort themselves out before beginning their pursuit. On a good day at 20 speed, we could cover 72 miles in 8 hours +/- what a caravan speed does to us but Chimalma makes our ultimate speed no higher then 30 lol. For the first hour of march Seraph will have her men hustle to cover twice the ground then merely walking, to avoid tiring them out though she won't push them more then hour. If Delidhur takes her horse then she is on foot at the head of the formation.

By the map we have to pass through Nivakta's Crossing, then past Fort Serenko and we start turning south following the riverside, depending on terrain our speed will vary there.

Mulray looks at the map "On real important shipments, we do this little maneuver... might work here on a bigger scale until we get to our first place to settle down a bit."
"He points to the hex containing the "Crooked Falls" we all go southwest along the north side of the river. Each of these hexes is ten miles? We all go one hex at a time. Those not goin out to scout and explore sit in the middle of that hex as a base camp. The scouters and scrappers then go to the hex directly south... scout and explore, then they go move on to the hex southwest of the base camp... scout and explore, and then do the same with the hex to the northwest before returning to base camp."

"Then we move everyone down river another ten mile hex and do the same thing. Do this until we find a place to settle in for a while, and find out where we stand in the eyes of Restov, the Throne, and fat-pocketed nobles."

"Now I know what you're thinking... that is pretty slow goin. I know you wanna keep everyone together, but I think we should split into two scouting groups. Silver Dragonflight take two of the hexes of the scouting sweep, and the rest scout the third. If we run into any potential allies or foes, we have fewer options if we stumble onto their doorstep with both our homes and our army on our back."

Halcorg nods in agreement with Mulray:
Yes, big groups make big targets. Small and fast scouts is best. If we find dangerous enemy, we return to group and gather more forces. Treasury and monks stay behind guarded by all guards. We travel light, 4-6 per group. If we need flee, we flee fast. We no know what dangers await. We do not want treasury and monks walking into trap.

We should go from Brevoy, but mountains south are not for big group. We follow road fast past Fort Serenko. Then we follow river to bridge. At bridge, much land to search - Kobold and Stag lands.

My bad, I was on the same page as Xi'Tir. If the map is 10-12 Miles per hex we could march straight to the bridge that Halcorg had pointed out within two days at 20 speed and place our camp there. That was why Xi was planning on going and checking the fort so we could skirt the norht part of the river as you both suggested. Follow the river right to the bridge. hopefully that clarifies. :) But I like where you guys are going as I assumed we were going to be pursued and was focusing Seraph's thoughts on that. =/

Halcorg I think the monks have left us to create their own barony. So we won't have to worry about them. Origianlly I was going to see if they could make contact with Oleg but looks like thats our job now. Which is fine. :)

Seraph nods, Mulray's and Halcorg's ideas were sound and she really wanted to control that bridge before the bandits in the Stag Kingdom could rally against the coming of their small but mobile force. However with the Dragonflight they could easily scout several areas and make short work in finding a suitable place for their camp.

They continued to discuss while on the march. "That was the route we had in mind. The mountains and the Centaurs would be far too rough on our group, however if we do as you all suggested we should easily break into the Stag Lords Territory by sundown and begin our exploration. That is depending on how deep you want us to press in before setting up our camp. As Xi said we could reach the bridge in a day, depending on what we face. However Mulray's idea has merit and we could press into around here." She indicates Shrike Falls. "Setup camp and explore the Bridge and surrounding areas that we can and make the final push the next morning. If we can take control of that bridge we can control some of the movement in the territory but it'll be heavily contested I am sure."

She was hoping they would find some suitable ruins or highland terrain that tehy could use tactically but it would all depend on when they crossed the border and saw what awaited them.

"Great, so we agree that we should depart along the road." Tatiana summarizes. "Let's move out and take things as they come."
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Let's start traveling along the road. Tomorrow we can get divination spells. We can put the documentation behind us. Advance the game. We can continue to discuss are path from Fort Serenko. I honestly think our decision on how close we leave the noncombatants to the fort depends on how we are received there. I would appreciate a plot event at Nivakta's Crossing and Fort Serenko.

Remember, it is possible that those in Nivakta's Crossing and Fort Serenko will not even know about us. There two forces attempting to steel the assets we possess. Not the same as us truly being outlaws or having committed a true crime. I think we head west to Fort Serenko using the road which should expedite things.

I think that the best option, as Corsario has mentioned, is to split into two groups. The first will take a lead (the frequent posters). This group will scout through Fort Serenko and Niyakta's Crossing at a fast pace. One or two of the Dragonflight riders can join the lead team and then ride back to communicate whether the towns are friend or foe. Once past the Fort, the lead group will head down the river - SW, SW, SW to the bridge. When the follow/slow group gets to the Fort, this should be a day later than the lead group. The slow group will split with the main force and head W, SW, SW to search the three plains hexes. While they are doing this, the main force along with the Dragonflight and other followers will follow the first group's path to the SW arriving at the bridge a day or two after the first group.

The combination of these should result in the searching of six hexes and getting the main force including the treasury, to the bridge as quickly as possible. I am assuming that the main force will not be hit by random encounters in the first three hexes when we are not escorting them.

sounds good Halcorg :-)

So, how do we split the party?

Hrraggar, Anton and Okana are the really light posters.

Halcorg, Seraph and Xi'Tir are the heaviest posters.

Tatiana, Tarina, Daliedhur, Mulroy and Neji are in the middle with Mulroy and Neji being the lighter posters of this group.

As noted, not including the very light posters, we have:

2 Divine:
Tatiana - oracle
Tarina - cleric

1 Arcane:
Neji - summoner

1 Skill:
Mulroy - Rogue(carnivalist)

4 Melee:
Halcorg - ranger
Xi'Tir - ranger
Daliedhur - fighter/ranger
Seraph - Cavalier

We can adventure with a party of 8, but I think that we need to split. The question is whether we go 4 and 4, splitting the light posters which will be DMPCed to keep the pace with the rest of us. Or, go 6 and 2, which means that two will be essentially playing by themselves unless the light posters rejoin the campaign.

Any thoughts are appreciated so that we can get this organized and move forward.

I think tarina, halcorg, mulray and neji/tatiana/delidhur would make an excellent vanguard.

Heavy hitting with survivalbility and a trapfinder leaving the fourth slot for a wizard or another fight type. Best suggestion. Been talking it over with my amnesic redhead and hes good with Seraph being anywhere. She is however mount heavy with her feats of course.

If we have to the top 6 can form a team and leave seraph and i to lead the troops. Since were both on the same time zone it'll work out. But we are cool either way. Just enjoying the game. ;)

Anando quickly drafts a new document for you all to sign. In it you read:
"We, faithful subjects of the Kingdom of Sloboda and the King Rupert the First, declare:
- We are going to follow his commands and go settle our new land.
- We will wait for him to return, and until such time we will rule ourselves following his principles and ideals.
- We won't pursue war against Brevoy nor interfere with their internal affairs. We remain as friends of the country as a whole. We are thankful for their help and wish them the best."
He ask some of his helpers make several copies and distribute to you for signing. He will send them to New Stetven, Restov, Pitax and Mivon.
About Kora, Anando sniffs at her as much as she sniffs at him.
The four swords are very enthusiastic, and chat all the time about how they fought in the battle, as well as the others, specially Seraph and Halcorg. They seems to lament they didn't stay to "win the battle". They seems to have little interest in the politics or strategic discussion, and only waiting to hear when the discussion turns to battles, exploration or "interesting" stuff.
When Tatiana ask them if they will travel, they stand at attention and say, in one voice:
"We pledge out lives to the Kingdom of Sloboda!" - and then smiling - "And beautiful Tatiana Fortuna!" - You see they had prepared their oath in advance.
The Cenobitic monks made it out of the battle mostly unharmed, even of a couple of their number died and they have a half dozen hurt, being taken care by their fellows. They keep their distance and don't speak much, but seem ready to move with you.
A rider approach you, from Restov. At some distance he stops, and flies a white flag from a pole. After that he keeps approaching, and just at earshot range he stops again and screams:
"Save Sloboda! I came in peace, with information."
After seeing you won't kill him she approach. The rider is a woman wearing a colorful disguise with a helmet in the appearance of a bird.
"I am the Swan. I am one of the Oracle's Shadow. Word of the battle has reached us and we wanted for you to know what is happening in Restov. The city is in turmoil, as war is to be declared any minute now, even if no house of Brevoy seems to be supporting a secession at the moment. Mayor Sellemius is asking people to keep their wits and refrain them from war, but he will possibly unable to control them. He would have liked to grab control of Sloboda's resources but he has other things in his mind right now, so we are clear to go. If they send somebody after us I will get word of it and I will let you know. The Dragonscale throne troops that escaped took Rostland east road, and it will take them some time to reach New Stetven and warn Regent Noleski. If it is acceptable I will accompany you as the Oracle's Shadow representative, for the time being."
You start moving northwest, towards Nivakta's crossing. Your speed right now is limited by the Cenobitic monks, who are on foot.
On the way the Cenobitic girl Tarina spoke to in the party approaches again.
"Prophet, please forgive me. I need for somebody to help me get rid of my guilt, and I don't want the other members of my order to know what I did, as I am very ashamed. Yesterday I committed a sin, as I went with a man and knew him as a woman, which out order forbids. He was charming and I think I got confused as no one has treated me like that before. I also drank alcohol, with is another sin I did. I know it is too much to ask, but could you forgive my sin, and help me be pure again? I am so ashamed. Also I wanted for you to know we are going to go south, into Iobaria, to build our new town. I have a bad feeling about that, but we have decided and I am to follow them."
You arrive at Nivakta's crossing before sundown. It is a small palisaded town used by traders and travelers from and to Restov. It is also the "door" to the Nomen Heights, for merchants going to the Centaurs. News of the battle, and the disappearance or King Rupert and the barons have not reached here, and the town mayor congratulates you at your bravery and invites you to a simple dinner, even if it is somewhat disappointed King Rupert is not with you.
What do you tell him?
One of the cenobitic monks asks to talk with you after the dinner and you set up camp.
"My people will go south from here, and set up a new town for us in the Tors of Levenies. It is the closest we are going to be of Iobaria now, and we think the Nomen centaurs will leave us alone, as we are not a threat for them. We will be part of Sloboda, and would like some part of the resources so we can start our town."
After some discussion you all agree to let them go, with much promises of friendship between you.
The Four Swords volunteer to go as "explorers/protectors" of the monks, and promise to reach you later, after they see the Monks are safe at their new town.

Xi'Tir: About defensible positions, not many to choose from. On the Tors of Levenies maybe, but it would make a hard place to live. Or take over Fort Serenko, but that would be a war declaration to Brevoy. Of Fort Drelev, but it would be very hard to reach there. Or Candlemere island, but you will need to get there first, and see what about the "haunting".
Daliedhur: The best choice for trading would be Oleg's trading post. Outside Brevoy, easy to reach, and mostly safe, especially considering the alternatives.
Halcorg observations are spot on. Take them into account.
The Ravens won't be enough to forage for everybody. Most of the followers will need to stay in a good place with enough food, or travelling will be VERY slow.
What are the plans for the other day, then?

Perhaps now it would be a good moment to pause and think on the game structure as it proceeds forward - namely who has actually left and who is staying. Although these are OOC considerations, it may be important if we consider splitting the group.

Whenever the possibility presents itself, Daliedhur will share some more of her thoughts with the rest of the group - "I am flat against splitting out group - I find no issues in leaving the Ravens to assist in the protecton of the main group [Is there even a main group now that the monks are leaving? Only Anando, correct? :D], but I cannot discern the reason for us to split up further than that"

Looking momentarily at the map, she then lifts her eyes to the companions again - "The fact is, I don't think building a Kingdom is an objective we should even be considering at this moment. From my perspective, our main concern should be to find a suitable supply line, and the most evident one seems to be through Nivakta and Serenko, towards this Oleg's Trading Post. Regardless of my abilities, or the Ravens' to forage for our group, we cannot simply assume it so - with the Post in our sights, and after arriving there, we need to make sure that behind us lies a supply line - and I speak not only of food - without materials, armors cannot be repaired, arrows cannot be replaced, swords cannot be sharpened. All this we need to TRY and guarantee before we venture any further south"

Absent minded, fiddling with her gear, the elven woman continues - "I am not a commander as one would call it, though I have led many into combat before - my brother has an ideal for this place, and because not only him, but all those that have dissappeared, command respectable power, I believe them to be alive. For them, and for me I will look forward into these lands" - she motions for the map - "with an open mind. But I will not rush madly through the wilds, with kingdom building in my mind" - she smiles softly - "Call it Elven patience... But we need to do this step by step - we do not yet possess enough information about what we CAN accomplish in the long run. So again I stress - ONE step at a time - in my eyes our current goal should be moving to Oleg's Trading Post, making sure behind us a solid supply line is kept - the proprietor of that post will be able to inform us if it is so already or not. It it isn't, we need to make it so - it is the only way we will ever get a foothold in the region"

Shaking her head, and still smiling, she finishes - "I think I have never spoken so many words to so many people, so apologies if I digress. My last point is about splitting - I fully agree that we should keep a standard contingent of scouts around our travelling group, and I offer to be one of them - but this is normal procedure for group advancement, and a tactic I consider valid for now only. Far scouting is something entirely different - it is true that multiple groups cover more ground, but that is the only advantage - they also become more vulnerable, and that is something I think we should avoid at all costs for the time being, and even in the future"

So, Daliedhur is against splitting up - she really finds that the group is trying to do too many things all at once, and disagrees with the need to explore the maximum of terrain as fast as possible. She agrees with the standard scouting party for the convoy advancement. She agrees with exploring the surrounding hexes, but that is it. Apart from that, she is in favor of travelling to Oleg's, regroup, and then formulate the next steps.

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Delidhur is it? Can you and your Ravens lend Xi a hand checking out the fort. Or if your comfortable accompanying her alone we could use your ravens to scout around us and ensure no one is going to try and encircle us on the march. To hasten your ride I offer my mount Swift and my Lords Aru, they are by far the fastest we have and will easy move four times faster then our column on the march. The choice is yours of course."[/b][/smaller] Seraph wanted to make it abundently clear that her words were suggestion's only.

** spoiler omitted **...

The elf nods with a hint of a smile - "It is pronounced DAliEdhur milady Whitemoor, and I will gladly take on the role of scouting. Swift and Aru are definitely amazing, and I admit I had already noticed them before but" - she pats the magnificent elven horse at her side, and answers with a wink - "Leaf here would never pardon me such a slight" - which brings a snort from the beast.

Halcorg, you mixed up the classes of the two divine characters, Tarina is an Oracle, and Tatiana is the Cleric I can understand how you might get the names mixed up since they have similar letters and structure.

"Prophet, please forgive me. I need for somebody to help me get rid of my guilt, and I don't want the other members of my order to know what I did, as I am very ashamed. Yesterday I committed a sin, as I went with a man and knew him as a woman, which out order forbids. He was charming and I think I got confused as no one has treated me like that before. I also drank alcohol, with is another sin I did. I know it is too much to ask, but could you forgive my sin, and help me be pure again? I am so ashamed. Also I wanted for you to know we are going to go south, into Iobaria, to build our new town. I have a bad feeling about that, but we have decided and I am to follow them."

"You ask me to forgive you for something that I would consider prayer." Tarina addresses the young girl. "Perhaps you are misinformed, so I will inform you. I follow the Empyreal Lord Arshea's teachings, I embrace liberation of one's very soul, and I could never accept such constraining beliefs as you are describing that your order partakes in. Arshea encourages you to experience love and sexuality in whatever manner you desire, with whomever you desire, so long as the experience is harmless or mutually agreed upon by all involved parties." She pauses for a moment to let this sink in for the girl.

"I cannot forgive you, for you have done nothing wrong in my eyes, do not be ashamed of yourself child, for you have done nothing wrong. If you want me to help you become pure once more, perhaps you should join me in prayer, in private."

Anando quickly drafts a new document for you all to sign. In it you read:

"We, faithful subjects of the Kingdom of Sloboda and the King Rupert the First, declare:
- We are going to follow his commands and go settle our new land.
- We will wait for him to return, and until such time we will rule ourselves following his principles and ideals.
- We won't pursue war against Brevoy nor interfere with their internal affairs. We remain as friends of the country as a whole. We are thankful for their help and wish them the best."
He ask some of his helpers make several copies and distribute to you for signing. He will send them to New Stetven, Restov, Pitax and Mivon.

To Anando, "Anando, your document is a good start. However, I suggest that you include two important things with it. First, you need to explain what is the Kingdom of Sloboda and how it exists, basically what Rupert did last night and his will of continuation. Second, you need to provide our recollection of the events of today. We deny Rupert is a traitor to Brevoy; we defended ourselves against attacks by Restov soldiers; and maybe Kesten is a man of his word. Without these two things, people have no idea what Sloboda is and where we stand in the events of today."

_________________________________

To the others, "Daliedhur's brother and my fiancee have traveled for many years together. I feel that I have known her for many more. It is my turn to be brief. She and I are in complete alignment with respect to our current priorities."

"I cannot forgive you, for you have done nothing wrong in my eyes, do not be ashamed of yourself child, for you have done nothing wrong. If you want me to help you become pure once more, perhaps you should join me in prayer, in private."

The girl looks at you in awe...

To Anando, "Anando, your document is a good start. However, I suggest that you include two important things with it. First, you need to explain what is the Kingdom of Sloboda and how it exists, basically what Rupert did last night and his will of continuation. Second, you need to provide our recollection of the events of today. We deny Rupert is a traitor to Brevoy; we defended ourselves against attacks by Restov soldiers; and maybe Kesten is a man of his word. Without these two things, people have no idea what Sloboda is and where we stand in the events of today."

Anando quickly makes the corrections and gets the documents done ans shipped away...

P-Soldier: Determining tactics, sound judgment and any insights that Seraph may know that I may not know. ;): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Seraph gives Daliedhur a small smile. "Apologies, I have had few dealings with the elves and I hope we will remain on good terms. I appreciate your help but despite the belief that not separating our forces is in our best interests, it sadly is not. Brevoy is in turmoil for now but they will turn their eyes south eventually. We are now marching on a land that hasn't fallen to a single force in time beyond remembrance and many want to see us fail. What we need to do now is to separate, without question and cover as much ground as quickly as possible while we still have the element of surprise." She gestures to the map, a reminder of where they had already discussed going to.

"While avoiding breaking the river kingdom laws, my forces will secure that bridge as a strong point, no matter the resistance we encounter it will be so. You are right however in that we need a supply line and I believe that the majority of you should continue on to Oleg's and secure an alliance with our soon to be neighbor." She raises a hand, forestalling the coming disagreement she could already tell was brewing. "If we don't separate we allow the forces of this land to rally. These bandits will notice us far sooner if we march straight to Olegs, however if I wheel south and stir up trouble they won't be focused on you in the north. Hopefully with an alliance we can overwhelm them from two directions like a pincer, cut off their reinforcements, supply lines and capture the northern portion of the Stags territory within the next few months."

I can't wait for your return milord, your ideals, your belief and your memory lives on. We will not fail you.

"No apologies are necessary at all" - Daliedhur replies with a smile also - "Your help is also appreciated, and I thank you for the assistance you have provided thus far - I find that several of your points actually agree with my argumentation, but I will not press this one any further, for the sake of decisive action"

Done, how are we splitting the groups then? As far as Daliedhur goes, her strongest assets at the moment are fast travel speed (Leaf is a fast horse), survivability, tracking and ranged capability. I am guessing she will be good on a fast moving team, probably exploration and combat. Not much use in diplomatic situations though - had I known she would be the one building the kingdom, I would have perhaps built her differently ;)

- had I known she would be the one building the kingdom, I would have perhaps built her differently ;)[/ooc]

Don't worry. We have a ton of players. While those currently with us may not be the best suited for all the leadership roles, once the Barons return, we will have far more than enough high stats to fill all the roles.

Halcorg nods in agreement.

Then we split. Dragonflight with its leader follow the river to bridge. Neji, Daliedhur, Tarina and I go west. Neji and Tarina are good with words. Dali and I can protect. After we talk with Oleg, we go southeast and meet at bridge.

Dragonflight find safe camp place by bridge and river. Then search area around camp for danger.

Team visiting Oleg's will return to camp in short time. When return, we choose to make real town at camp, or go south into Stag bandit land.

I think that this is the plan. This gives us a 4 person mobile team with all the main areas covered. Rangers have decent skills and Tarina and Neji should have the arcane and divine covered as best we can.

There is a much larger group with the caravan, but since 1 person has never posted in this thread and 3 others have only posted a few times, it seems like the best balance we can get. Also, this leaves all the former Dragonflight cohorts in a single team which makes sense this early when we all do not really know one another that well.

Tatiana cannot decide how she feels about Halcorg's suggestion. She wanted to travel with her two closest friends in this mess: Neji and Daliedhur. However, she would implicitly trust them to do the right thing. On the other hand, Anando seems pretty lost and to need her help. And Seraph seems fairly level-headed.

She would not be here if it were not for Szymon who she misses terribly. She only carries on in his memory. If only Desna would answer her prayers and guide her more clearly.

Does she casts divination spells?

Mulray nods at Halcorg. "Sounds fine to me... You're set on transportation to Oleg's then?"
"On your way from there, keep an eye out for potential shipping routes. Gasparo and Balfori families will keep the supplies comin to wherever you folk see fit to lay some lumber."

Not sure if I have a mount. I never remember to include horses and their stats on my sheet. I assume that we can purchase one or borrow one from the Dragonflight if I need one. Neji should be able to ride on her Eidolon, who can fly I believe. Pretty sure the rest have mounts.

If Tatiana wants to join us, that is fine. Just remember that will put the caravan without a regular posting cleric - at least I have not seen a post from Hrraggar in a while - unless Tarina stays with the caravan instead.

Tarina is welcome to go with whichever group... Hrraggar will be around once we get going I'm sure.

Edit: Err Tatiana...

Does she casts divination spells?

I double-checked this the other day. Tatiana only has access to Augury at this level, which only handles immediate decisions and is fairly vague. The next big one is Divination, which she doesn't have access yet because it's 4th-level. Unless you see something different, I don't think that there is any game mechanic to allow Desna to 'speak' to her. Thanks for following up.

The girl looks at you in awe...

"But... then... you and me... you are a male?"
After some explanations she seems even more confused. She begs your leave, and go her way...
... but in the night, camping, Tarina hears someone enter her tent in the night.
"Prophet, it is me... I have come to pray and for you teach me what I need to learn."
It is the Cenobitic monks prophet girl...
What does Tarina "teaches" her?

"Not quite, but then I suppose I'm not entirely female either." Tarina answers before the girl has a chance to leave.

Later that night, Tarina greets the girl with a smile. "Before we begin, it would be rude of me to not know your name, as you already know, I am Tarina Medvyed, please tell me with whom I have the pleasure of spending this night." She has not risen from her bed, but she beckons the girl to her side.

The boards are of course PG-13, so I won't go into details, but this girl seems to have issues with self worth, so the main thing that Tarina would try to teach her is that she is beautiful, important, and not a nobody. She will also attempt to persuade the girl to go with her rather then the order, as she seems out of place with the rest of the monks, she doesn't want to see the girl get punished by the monks.

Tarina, if you get a new follower, do you want to travel with the dragonflight caravan, instead of the fast group to Oleg's? Tatiana would be happy to replace you going to Oleg's

Tarina, if you get a new follower, do you want to travel with the dragonflight caravan, instead of the fast group to Oleg's? Tatiana would be happy to replace you going to Oleg's

Six on one, half dozen the other for me. We just need a divine caster and you two are the only active ones. Figured we would get 2 from each prior group, but 3-1 works for Halcorg, he is really just interested in getting enough power to find his wife.

Tarina, if you get a new follower, do you want to travel with the dragonflight caravan, instead of the fast group to Oleg's? Tatiana would be happy to replace you going to Oleg's

It doesn't really matter to me whichever group Tarina ends up with, so long as she is able to perform her obedience daily, which mainly just means she needs an hour where she can do her thing. Tarina does have her horse drawn carriage and her mother's carriage as well though.

That should settle it, then. Tatiana moves 50 on her heavy warhorse. No carriage for this lady.

Later that night, Tarina greets the girl with a smile. "Before we begin, it would be rude of me to not know your name, as you already know, I am Tarina Medvyed, please tell me with whom I have the pleasure of spending this night." She has not risen from her bed, but she beckons the girl to her side.

The boards are of course PG-13, so I won't go into details, but this girl seems to have issues with self worth, so the main thing that Tarina would try to teach her is that she is beautiful, important, and not a nobody. She will also attempt to persuade the girl to go with her rather then the order, as she seems out of place with the rest of the monks, she doesn't want to see the girl get punished by the monks.

She blushes while answering to you:

I apologize for my light posting as Hrraggar. I've got a newborn at home and it's limiting my activity. Hrraggar is more support than a leader, so I don't want to push him in that direction.

"Scouting and map-making are not my forte, mind you. I'm best where I can dig in, build up and help direct resources. I think we'd be remiss if we all went about exploring and didn't have a base-camp that was well designed to keep us working like a well-oiled machine. This Oleg's sounds like the sort of place where I could do my best work for the Kingdom, sides a Dwarf smith headquartered in a small trading outpost isn't likely to rouse too much suspicion if anyone comes looking for us."

Neji hitches a ride with somebody until Destroyerman has successfully fends off their attackers. Once the eidolon returns, he takes his summoner in his arms and follows the group via the air. Most of her Courier work in Brevoy has been in Restov, so she does not have much to contribute in terms of knowledge of the local area.

The usually upbeat and chipper Neji does not say much of anything throughout the group discussion. She just grunts whenever acknowledge but otherwise stares blankly at the ground. After a while, Destroyerman decides to bring his allies up to speed about the gnome's status.

"Unless it will harm Mistress Neji further, we will defer to your judgment. We do not know the area too well, so our input is limited. We also have the utility of flight at our disposal, so that is something to keep in mind."

The silver golem pauses as if being told something before continuing.

"Master Janus was given a small staff by the Church of Erastil back in Restov, but we have no idea what will become of them. He planned to contact them this morning and plan out the fine details of their expedition, but of course, he never got the chance. It remains to be seen if they can sneak past two armies and locate us."

Seraph nods at Halcrog suggestion, believing the two team's having decent enough strength to accomplish their goals. Speaking to Daliedhur."I'm glad we agree, your help is very important as my forces aren't the best trackers." She gives the elven woman a smile before looking to Halcorg and those who were going to depart, not breaking their forward momentum as they discussed splitting up. "If anyone needs horses we can provided them, just let me know. Also if my we encounter heavy resistance or are unable to hold the bridge area we will send word to the Levington's. We will make sure to protect whatever you leave behind as best we can so that you can move with all the swiftness you can muster."

Seraph has 5 horses she can lend to those traveling separate from the group. They are all light warhorses horses. So they will be suitable in combat and won't panic, hopefully. ;) Just let me know what you need and I will see it done.

She finally looks at Xi, she speaks hesitantly as if she were unsure how Xi'Tir would react. "Your skills will be need for us to succeed, you'll be the vanguard and our scout. This time we won't hold you back..."

So, for clarification:

Fast group heading to Oleg's:
Halcorg - borrowed light warhorse
Daliedhur - light warhorse
Neji+Destroyerman - flying edilon
Tatiana - heavy warhorse --> does she want to switch to a light warhorse? it would increase our speed to 50' I believe, not that 40' is bad

Remainder with the caravan. If the slow posters return, then the caravan group can split into 1 or 2 scouting groups.
_____________
I posted that the advance group can remain on the road to Oleg's, but if we are looking for efficiency of action and speed, then searching the 3 hexes on the way to Oleg's would be better. If we are injured, we can always go north and then west to Oleg's to heal.

The advance group will leave with 1 or 2 of the Dragonflight horsemen so that when we arrive at the Fort, they can return to the caravan to report whether the reception was friendly or hostile. The advance guard will then proceed west into the first unexplored hex before continuing west into the other two hexes before arriving at Oleg's.

The caravan group will go through the Fort and then proceed SW along the river before arriving at the bridge. A camp will be established there, if the place appears at all usable, we can found our nation and our first town there.

We do not have to follow this plan, but it seems to work to get a fair amount of area searched quickly while getting the resources to the first town as quickly as possible.

Ok, I will say that the group going to Oleg's (Daliedhur, Halcorg, Hrraggar, Neji and Tatiana) have a base travel speed of 40'. The Swan, of the Oracle's Shadow, asks to go with you.
The group following the Shrike river (Seraph, Xi'Tir, Mulray, and Tarina), including Anando, has a base travel speed of 20', but the advance group for scouting / exploring is 40' too.
The cenobitic monks and the four swords go south to found Varnhold. Elpída going with them depends on Tarina actions.
About Anton Vitruvian, Okana and Sofia Marakov there are two options... if they show up soon they go with the Shrike river group, if not they will go back to Restov to look for the Barons (and disappear from the campaign, at least for the time being).
Oleg's Trading Post group
(Daliedhur, Halcorg, Hrraggar, Neji and Tatiana)
After 6 hours of riding, without stopping, you get a glimpse of fort Serenko. Road hill terrain, 3 hours per hex.
This lonely wooden fortification has stood for years on the southwestern border of Brevoy. It is one of that kingdom’s most isolated posts and stands as an outpost manned by soldiers and scouts defending against the lawless brigands, centaurs, boggards, trolls, and other threats from the wilds of the Stolen Lands.
AS you approach you are seen, and the dozen of present soldiers open the doors of the fort and invite you to eat. They seem friendly and happy to see you. You quickly know why. They have not heard of the battle in Restov. Do you accept the invitation? Do you tell them about the battle? Do you ask them something?
Shrike River group
(Mulray, Seraph, Tarina and Xi'Tir)
Road hill terrain, 6 hours per hex.
At meal time (you advance 1 hex, and are one hex away from Fort Serenko) you all stop to eat something, with sentries provided by the Dragonscale throne troops and Xi'Tir. Xi'Tir, looking back at a probably pursuit, detects a fast rider caching up with your wagon train, and trying to pass you by diverting of the road so he can continue towards Fort Serenko without crossing your way.
He has a speed of 50'. Do you try to call him? Do you try to cut him off before he overpass you? Who of you can chase him at 50' or more?

Tatiana's heavy horse moves at 50-ft as per SRD. So the Oleg group travels at 50-ft. Cheers

But Hrraggar's pony does 40 ft. (But great Miles Per Gallon! :P)

But Hrraggar's pony does 40 ft. (But great Miles Per Gallon! :P)

And Hrraggar is not with the group going to Oleg's, right?

Corsario wrote:

But Hrraggar's pony does 40 ft. (But great Miles Per Gallon! :P)

And Hrraggar is not with the group going to Oleg's, right?

I am confused on that as well. I thought he was going with the caravan. He is welcome to join us going to Oleg's, although if he wants to set up shop there, it can also be accomplished in the near future. Really, our visit to Oleg's is to determine what supplies Oleg's will have, and to rest after exploring three hexes. Then we will explore 3-4 more as we head back to the caravan at the bridge.

The caravan group will explore the three river hexes, and then start searching south of the river and into the kobold lands. I expect that we will all meet back at the bridge camp in a week or a little more to compare notes.

All in all, both groups should be doing the same exploring. Also, unless we incorporate Oleg's land into the new kingdom, I doubt we will be setting up any shops there. However, if/when we do annex Oleg's land, we will probably get a free or discounted building, probably a stable, inn, shop or something of that sort.

I was also under the impression that Hrraggar hadn't offered to go to Oleg's, but he is of course welcome to join.

Depending on what we find, I really would not mind trying to add Oleg's Post to our allies - I mean, he is right there on the border, and may be an excellent source of information flow. But first we need to deal with Fort Serenko, and this one is even better placed as a forward outpost, though it still belongs to Brevoy.

Daliedhur keeps to herself as much as possible while accepting the invitation to enter the outpost and eat - she returns the greetings of everyone, but makes an effort to stay mostly silent regarding recent events, waiting for Tatiana or Neji to step up and do the talking.

She blushes while answering to you:

"We don't usually use names. But my mother used to call me Elpída when no one was around."
You are right, PG, but let's say it was sweet...
Elpída gets her mind blown out, and she learns much on life and love.
"We in the order believe in being all equals, by removing our names and gender. Being pure. White by removing the colors. But now I see Arshea teaches that we can be equal by embracing everybody, by becoming everyone. White by mixing all the colors, White as the rainbow. I am starting to understand the dream I had with you. I need to teach this to the others."
At the idea of her leaving the order, she embraces Tarina.
"I would love to go with you, I am sure I could learn so much! But I need to be with my people and teach them what I have learn!"
Tarina has her mind blown out too, as she learns much of the Cenobitic Order. They indoctrinate their members since children, and they reject sexuality and individuality. In fact, at least in Elpída's case they "mutilated" her (not very much, but they did) when she was a toddler, as she doesn't have a recollection of it.
But, Tarina, having her sight blessed - or cursed, depending on how you see it - sees another thing that makes her feel happy, sad and worried at the same time. Elpída is pregnant.

I assume she's pregnant with the man's child, or do you mean somehow Tarina got her pregnant?

At the fort, if anyone else accepts the invitation, Tatiana will also.

After dazzling them for awhile, she will explain who they are first, i.e. subjects of King Rupert of Sloboda, getting them excited about a Brevoy client state settling the Stolen Lands. Then, she will get them sad about Rupert and her companions mysteriously disappearing. Then, she will get them laughing with the misunderstanding with the Dragonscale cavalry, making sure Kesten sounds good and honorable. Then, she will get them baffled why Restov troopers would attack them. Basically, get them believing in their version of reality.

The ONLY version really :D

Hrraggar said he was going to Oleg's, so I count him there.

I assume she's pregnant with the man's child, or do you mean somehow Tarina got her pregnant?

"But what if they are not willing to learn what you have, what will come of you then, Elpida? And more importantly," She adds while placing her hand on the girl's stomach, "What will happen to your child."

She can't be sure where or when she got pregnant, but she said she got "friendly" with a man one day before.

Hrraggar wants to go to Oleg's to start preparations for the party's arrival. It isn't to set up shop, but rather provide us with a base of operations. He will arrive with the scout party and stay at Oleg's while the party scouts out, doing his best to ingratiate himself to the owners. If the scout party doesn't want to be slowed, I understand and will follow behind with the rest of the group, but even as part of the vanguard, Hrraggar has his rune forging power which can give members of the party pretty significant boosts in power as we move. Also, Corsario, I still haven't gotten any feedback on what you'd like me to do to increase the effectiveness of my runes.

Hrraggar - the caravan is not going to Oleg's. It is heading SW to the bridge. The faster party is going to the bridge as well, but will do it via a long route along the north three hexes of the Stolen Lands to Oleg's, and then returning SE along the northern side of the Kobold Lands to meet with the main caravan and the rest at the bridge where a camp will hopefully have been established, at least a temporary camp.

If your intention is to wait at Oleg's to prepare for the arrival of the caravan, it might be a very long wait.

It is all the same to me which group you go with, I just want to make sure you realize that we are not planning on setting up camp right outside of Oleg's.

--> Corsario - can you repost the link to the map in the campaign description, that way it will show at the top of the IC/Gameplay thread and make for easy access.