DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

A feminine voice calls from the outer gate of Oleg's Trading Post. "Hello? Is anyone there? I am looking for Edric Orlavsky."

You see a thin woman near the entrance clothed in a traveling outfit of layered brown and red cloth. She pulls back her hood to reveal her face. Obviously part human and part something, she bears pointed ears, small horns on her brow, and milky-white eyes. Compared to these features, her middling height and dark brown hair are unremarkable.

After the recent events with Edric, the appearance of this creature sets Malthir on edge

A large knight looking fellow stands near the entrance talking amiably with what looks like a guard, as well as a white looking little gnome and another knight looking fellow in similar armor. When they look at you from your call, the 1st Knight appears to be quite startled and begins to motion his hand in what you think is some type of spell or ability. Malthir activates his detect evil ability. He seems to calm a bit after after a few seconds and approaches you cautiously while the guard moves off into the outpost.

While the little white one speaks, you notice that the knights hand is on his Longsword, but he makes no attempt to draw it.

sense motive 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 on your responses.

It's good DM AK is out, gives us some time to RP with our newest member! Lets make it painful for him to be out! LOL's

What do you say - DC 10 knowledge (the planes) to recognize a tiefling?

Knowledge (the planes) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

A handsome, dark-haired young man joins the group at the gate. He is wearing a very nice looking chain shirt and has an aldori dueling sword strapped to his hip.

The good sir Edric is certainly popular these days. What is your business with him, tiefling?

The woman at the gate crosses her arms, "I have no business with him, human. House Orlavsky has business with him. I am simply on retainer." She reaches into the folds of her clothing and pulls out a heavy-looking ring. "This is a signet of House Orlavsky, recognizable by any member or scion. I am here to deliver a message and assure the security of his person. Now is he here, or not?"

Stick, dot, stick!

Edric watches his friends closely as the women approaches. Seeing Malthir relax a little, after what Edric assumed was the Paladin using his divine magic to discern the moral leaning of this strange woman, he begins to cautiously approach the new arrival. He is about to speak when Casimir appears on the scene and the word teifling stops the Knight dead in his tracks. Reaching for his longsword Edric calls out to the "devil blooded" women. I am Sir Edric Orlavsky, of the noble House Orlavsky, Gaurdian of Greenbelt and Knight of Eagle Watch. Where did you come by that ring?

"This is a signet of House Orlavsky, recognizable by any member or scion. I am here to deliver a message and assure the security of his person. Now is he here, or not?"

"Security of his person" Malthir muses, now this should be interesting barely able to suppress a smile

Yelena's eyes narrow, "Be careful, Edric. Your parents would be upset if you attacked a second-cousin." Taking a few steps forward slowly, she holds the ring in front of her, "I am Yelena Shukhov, retainer of the House Orlavsky branch in Brevoy. I am also the bastard child of Rilmani Orlavsky, your father's cousin. This is my ring." She looks about the trading post and re-shoulders her backpack. "Now I realize that we are in the middle of nowhere, but I am certain that manners are manners regardless of you stand."

"Indeed, manners are manners," the gnome says, stepping forwards to get a better view of the ring, "but they must sometimes be placed on hold when surrounded by unknown dangers."

Walking back to Casimir, the pale skinned prophetess speaks quietly to him in gnomish, "We know full well that at least one signet ring of House Orlavsky has been stolen away by a treacherous servant... even if the ring does belong to her, who is to say she is not the one who betrayed the family and used it in the attempt to lure Edric to his doom, come now to spread further lies?"

Girlfriend is unpacking, so I can squeeze in an occasional post, but not much else.

Kesten moves to stand at the gate beside Yelena.

I was told to expect someone of this... nature... by the Swordlords last night, via secure channels of information- magical messages. I can vouch that she is who she says she is, Guardians; although I understand your concerns. I shall be Yelena's escort as she enters, if it would set minds at ease.

Assuming that my sense motive convinced me that she is telling the truth.
I believe her Fenna, Edric. You are right Yelena, we are a bit on edge unfortunately at the moment due to recent events. Welcome to the GreenBelt Yelena, I am Malthir and this is Oleg's outpost. We don't have much room, but make yourself at home. Can I take your pack? You are probably weary from your journey. He moves over to the women and offers his hand, although his eyes are drawn to her horns...

Edric's eyes narrow at the strange woman clamming to be his "cousin". I apologize for my rudeness Yelena but as my companions have stated these are dangerous times and your arrival with that ring has put us all on the defensive. If Kresten vouches for you though, for the most part, my concerns are abated. Please enter Yelena, what news do you bring from my... our family?

Yelena smiles and accepts the help from Malthir. To Edric, "Oh, they are definitely your family, not mine. I have been an inconvenience since the day I was born. I don't begrudge them. Frankly, I'm simply happy not to have been smothered or dropped in a well as an infant. My talents have proven useful, though, so I have been in lucrative employment."

Stepping into Oleg's, Yelena removes her cloak to reveal an overweight black-and-grey tabby cat curled around her shoulders. She sets him on the ground near the fire where he stretches languidly. "This is Cornflower, my familiar." She scratches Cornflower's tummy and speaks in a sing-song voice, "Aren't you? Aren't you Mommy's familiar? Aww, you're just a big sweetie. A big lovely sweetie." Cornflower is obviously pleased.

She stands and turns to the group, her voice taking on a cold, formal tone. "Now, to business. Someone, whether an individual or group is unknown, has been forging the seal of House Orlavsky. As of now it has been limited to lines of credit and trade seals; an inconvenience, but embarrassing nonetheless. These are very accurate forgeries and senior members of the House are worried that they may be used in ways that are significantly more damaging, such as official communiques and House correspondence. With your isolated position in the Greenbelt, Edric, you were deemed to be an attractive target to persons who may wish to misinform you. I am here until further notice to assure that any communications you receive are legitimate and assure your protection."

My protection? Edric give the slight figured woman a quizzical eye, I see... Well this news you bring me is a little late. Two days ago my companions and I were attacked by a men under the command of House Vilsinsky, and among them was a Knight of Surtova so you can guess who has been behind this deception.

Yelena purses her lips, "By what manner did you confirm their allegiance? Were they wearing House colors, or did you interrogate them?"

I could understand why this could get ugly for your house Edric, if someone was to forge official looking papers that you were fermenting rebellion against the throne, things could go badly for your family. Our plans are to send the information we just discovered to your family and the swordlords from the Vilsinsky squires we captured.
We can relate the information we found out from the squire to Yelena.

Yelena purses her lips, "By what manner did you confirm their allegiance? Were they wearing House colors, or did you interrogate them?"

They were under a charm so I believe their story to be true or at least as they know it.

"Then allow me to add my own signet to the letter to increase the veracity of the document. Politics in Brevoy being what they are, I doubt that this is the sort of thing that will blow over easily in the months to come. In the meantime, I find myself with little to do besides try to keep Edric alive. I was briefed on the details of the charter before I left to come. What has your party busied themselves with these past few weeks?"

Besides, they hoisted house Surtova's banner right before they attacked us - so there is little doubt about how is behind this.

Casimir stands besides his companions and regards Yelena for a moment.

Your story of the stolen seal confirms what we have already learned from our prisoners. Edric, do you still have the false letter you received? Perhaps your...cousin...can make something of it.

As for ensuring Edric's protection - well, as you can see, we Guardians have already taken it upon ourselves to see that no harm comes to him. Although, I must admit, he frequently insists on making that a very hard job, putting himself in all sorts of dangerous situations. So your skills will be welcome - whatever they are. I assume that since you have a familiar, you are a magic-user of sorts? This is fortunate, especially since the sorceress in our group has chosen to withdraw from our adventures into the wilds.

At the mention of Vaysh, Casimir looks around to the other Guardians.

Ah, yes - perhaps this was not the best time to say this, but I had a talk with Vaysh last night at the Temple. The harsh encounters we have had so far have worn on her sensitive spirit - you have all seen how she has become more quiet and withdrawn - and the slain unicorn was more than she could bear. She has spoken to Svetlana and will be helping her in the kitchen and around the trading post. She asked me to tell you all this, and to ask us to keep up the search for her father. She will still be around, but she will keep to herself when not working in the kitchen - I think she needs time to come to grips with the lives she has helped take, and the brutality that we still face.

As he finishes, Casimir walks forward and extends a hand to Yelena.

We welcome you among the Guardians, Yelena. If you ride with us, you will be no mere retainer, but an equal. Stand with us in battle, and each of us will risk our lives for you - as we expect you to risk yours for us. It is no small task we have before us - but I think you will find that we are more than capable to meet it.

"I apologise for my suspicion," the pale skinned gnome says to the fiend-blooded woman, with a slight bow of her head, "in light of the attack by house Vilsinsky I had though you yet another false ally ready to betray Sir Edric. But if Kesten has indeed received forewarning of your arrival, it is apparent now that you are who you claim... and I would welcome your aid in trying to keep the man safe, it is quite a trying exercise at times."

Fenna's face grows concerned at Casimir's words about Vaysh, and she speaks in a somber tone, "I will miss her company during our expeditions, her enthusiasm has been a great comfort to me since our meeting... though you are right, it has seemed that very quality has been worn down by the terrible things we have witnessed in these lands. Perhaps it would be better in the long run for the poor girl to take some time for herself."

Yelena gives a nod of her head, "I would be happy to join you. It can be distinctly boring in Brevoy sometimes. There are so many secrets that no one is genuine, expecting a knife in the back at every shadow." She turns to Casimir, "As for my skills, yes, I am a spellslinger of sorts. I am a witch. And before you ask, yes," she quirks a small smile, "this only adds to my facial features in increasing my social ostracism. I cast spells, brew potions and alchemical items, and can lay certain curses on those who oppose me. My familiar is named Cornflower, but in his native language he is Rhiaowiok, Servitor of Bolothamogg. I have gained my knowledge and ability through his tutelage. There are also certain boons from my heritage that can be useful."

Walking over to the fireplace, she reaches into the flames and withdraws a large flaming ember, glowing with heat. She rolls it in her palm as though inspecting a piece of fruit. "Very useful, indeed." Yelena tosses the burning wood back into the fireplace. "So what is next for the Guardians of the Greenbelt?"

Malthir's fairly jovial mood changes at the mention of Vaysh. He immediately gets quiet and withdrawn. He says little else for the night.
The next morning he is very anxious to leave for the south.

Is Kesten going to take any other men with him and take horses back to Brevoy? We sold some to Oleg.

I believe im still waiting on a diplomacy roll at a +4 bonus from Edric, but assuming he passes Kesten will ensure the messages arrive personally.

"Not to be insensitive, but may I inquire if unicorn's horn had been removed? A natural predator will leave it be, but a sentient creature would recognize it for its arcane value."

I believe im still waiting on a diplomacy roll at a +4 bonus from Edric, but assuming he passes Kesten will ensure the messages arrive personally.

I will assist as well diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

The horn appeared to have been broken off at the base, so I would assume it was removed. It appeared to have been blinded and there was an aura of necromancy about it, so a powerful evil may have been used against it. We could detect nothing else though and no traces of the thing that did this. Hopefully its death can still do some good though Malthis says half-heartily...

As for our plans for the next excursion into the wild, I suggest we leave at dawn tomorrow, go to Bokken and deliver the unicorn hair, and then proceed to explore the area where the map from the dead bandit indicates a hidden cache of some sort. After that, we can seek out the Old Sycamore and see if we can find traces of the Mites.

Yelena, can you make some silver weapon blanch - the mites have a moderate resistance to ordinary weapons, but I believe they may be vulnerable to silver, since it affects most fey creatures.

...or is it cold iron for fey - I can never quite remember.

Yep Fenna was okay with exploring A27 then maybe the hex SW of there.

Forgot the diplomacy:1d20 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 6 = 22

Cold Iron.

Kesten agrees to get the messages sent personally, and as such he will be unavailable at Oleg's for a few weeks. He has left Eustach in charge with his second-in-command helping Eustach adjust, the move causing his men to grumble somewhat but they trust Kestens judgement and accept his decision.

Mostly able to post again now- Any other business at Oleg's or shall we move on to your next day's exploration?

Cold Iron.

Kesten agrees to get the messages sent personally, and as such he will be unavailable at Oleg's for a few weeks. He has left Eustach in charge with his second-in-command helping Eustach adjust, the move causing his men to grumble somewhat but they trust Kestens judgement and accept his decision.

Mostly able to post again now- Any other business at Oleg's or shall we move on to your next day's exploration?

Lets proceed.

EDIT: Mathir will talk to the men as well and speak for Eustach saying that he trusts Kesten's judgement and that if they need my help while Kesten is out to be sure and come to me.

"Very prudent thinking. I will get started right away." Yelena opens her backpack and removes a small cauldron and various bottles and stoppers.

Cold iron blanch costs 5gp for Yelena to make. It is good for one attack and can coat one melee weapon or ten pieces of ammunition. I would suggest we coat our arrows and bolts rather than swords. How much do we need?

Seeing Kresten head north towards Restov Edric feels a great burden lift from his shoulders. While the rest of party is making preperations to leave Edric takes his time tending to Talia. Once saddled up he joins the rest of the Guardians at the front gate. Giving his newest traveling companion another quizzical look. Shall we be off?

The night passes uneventfully, with Vaysh avoiding the group and taking a room elsewhere in the trading post. The group do their regular mingling, and although some eyebrows are raised at Yelena's looks, no one is rude enough to say anything. Yelena, it is obvious that the reputation of Edric and his group is an extremely good one, people are friendly and seem to speak highly of them.

1d100 ⇒ 35
1d100 ⇒ 60

The next day the Guardians set off, and have further opportunities to mingle on the road. Riding south-by-south-east, the group arrive into unexplored lands after about 8 hours of travel.

The nice farmland of the previous hex descends into rolling hills and steep slopes. The group are clearly shaken by Vaysh's absence and perform poorly, as Edric stoicly makes a solid effort to co-ordinate exploration and mapping efforts, aided by his cousin- but the progress is slow and communication frequently breaks down. As nightfall descends, the Guardians have not yet mapped the whole region, nor have they stumbled across the stash the treasure map seems to be indicating.

Whats the revised watch pattern now Vaysh is gone?

"How much will you be able to make tonight?" Fenna asks when Yelena sets up her brewing equipment, "I don't know exactly how much we will need, but at least a vial each for Edric, Malthir and Casimir would be wise."

......

During the first journey into the wilds of the Greenbelt without the company of Vaysh, Fenna mostly keeps her thoughts to herself. Seemingly lost in her thoughts, the gnome often does not respond until several attempts are made to attract her attention.

Since Yelena is also an arcane caster, she can probably take over Vaysh's spot. While her Darkvision would be handy at night, it would interrupt her rest.

"Very prudent thinking. I will get started right away." Yelena opens her backpack and removes a small cauldron and various bottles and stoppers.

Cold iron blanch costs 5gp for Yelena to make. It is good for one attack and can coat one melee weapon or ten pieces of ammunition. I would suggest we coat our arrows and bolts rather than swords. How much do we need?

Malthir give you 5gp towards the materials.

Still a little suspicious of Yelena, Edric is hesitant to accepts her help in navigating the hills and valleys of the land they are exploring, but s as the day passes he is glad to have her help as his other companions seem lost in thought and he begins to warm up to his new found cousin.

Yelena taking Vaysh's spot on the watch works for me. Also I will be updating Edric's sheet with his new armor and gold this weekend since I do not think I'll have time until then.

"How much will you be able to make tonight?"

Craft (alchemy) check 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 woot!

With that check I can do daily crafting, so...

34*30= 1020
1020/200 = 5.1

Yelena can make 5 cold iron blanches before leaving the next day. Whoever would like one can just claim them and note the 5gp per blanch.

I'll take two - one for 10 arrows and one for one of my daggers.

As Yelena completes her alchemical crafts, Casimir pays her 10 gold pieces, gathers up two vials and carefully marks off ten arrows, which he then prepares with the substance. Once done, he also coats the blade of one of his twin daggers.

As the night grows darker, he sits by the fire, his whetstone gliding across his dueling blade in familiar motions.

It is good to be out of the forest and have open air above us. Hopefully, we will have a restful night and a more productive day tomorrow.

Fenna Thistleswade wrote:

"How much will you be able to make tonight?"

Craft (alchemy) check 1d20+15 woot!

With that check I can do daily crafting, so...

34*30= 1020
1020/200 = 5.1

Yelena can make 5 cold iron blanches before leaving the next day. Whoever would like one can just claim them and note the 5gp per blanch.

I believe i'll be enforcing the same rules as magic item creation for the purpose of crafting as part of the camp ritual, with a variation- you can craft 50gp per evening's worth of stuff with craft (alchemy) (magical items is 250GP IIRC). Also, because I haven't yet found a house-rule im happy with craft-wise, you can do it ten times faster (just skip the working in silver pieces bit...) although obviously you are limited by your gold, as always. This boon is granted to you all with the knowledge that if the Guardians become a craft and sell scheme you will be punished. Maximised, empowered, heightened disintegrate punished.

You catch Malthir several times in the evening staring northward...He is quiet but at least his somber mood seems to have left him. He spends some time bringing Yelena up to speed with some of the various happening of the Guardians including the Boar hunt, and their alliance with Red-Eyes and Fang. He tells her a little of himself and asks a little about her story.

DM AK wanted to Retcon something. I give Kesten a letter for him to deliver to my family in Restov. It basically tells them that I am well and that our mission in the GreenBelt also goes well and that I will send for them as soon as it is safe. Let me know if yo want more details.

*promptly takes down the "Potions 4 less" sign*

You catch Malthir several times in the evening staring northward...He is quiet but at least his somber mood seems to have left him. He spends some time bringing Yelena up to speed with some of the various happening of the Guardians including the Boar hunt, and their alliance with Red-Eyes and Fang. He tells her a little of himself and asks a little about her story.

DM AK wanted to Retcon something. I give Kesten a letter for him to deliver to my family in Restov. It basically tells them that I am well and that our mission in the GreenBelt also goes well and that I will send for them as soon as it is safe. Let me know if yo want more details.

Noted. Don't need details at this time. Will try and get another update in tonight.

1d100 ⇒ 65 No encounter throughout the night.

Yeah, by the way Tanner, the random dice roller loves this party. It wants the Greenbelt to be a safe happy place full of bunnies...

You know what is going to happen, nothing for 3 months and then we will run into a dragon or some shambling mounds and just get slaughtered...LOL's

You know what is going to happen, nothing for 3 months and then we will run into a dragon or some shambling mounds and just get slaughtered...LOL's

Nah, at the rate we are raking in XP, we will be able to beat a couple of shamblers easily by then.

I believe i'll be enforcing the same rules as magic item creation for the purpose of crafting as part of the camp ritual, with a variation- you can craft 50gp per evening's worth of stuff with craft (alchemy) (magical items is 250GP IIRC). Also, because I haven't yet found a house-rule im happy with craft-wise, you can do it ten times faster (just skip the working in silver pieces bit...) although obviously you are limited by your gold, as always. This boon is granted to you all with the knowledge that if the Guardians become a craft and sell scheme you will be punished. Maximised, empowered, heightened disintegrate punished.

Just to clarify, does this mean that while traveling Yelena can automatically create 50gp worth of items per night, but uses her Craft skill as normal while not traveling?

Up to 50GP, assuming your check allows you to make that much. When not travelling, normal rules apply. The x10 boost to crafting applies either way- i'm a big fan of crafting and would rather the group were limited by gold than time- for example the full plate that takes about a year to make RAW...

The night passes uneventfully.

The exploration goes a lot better on the next day, and Vaysh's abscence is felt less keenly. In the early evening at about 3PM, the group finish their explorations- and spot the tree that the map seemed to be indicating, a half-mile away.

It is the only tree in a 2 mile radius, situated atop a small hill. The tree has been almost split in half by lightning that must have struck a few months ago.