"I think our we can easily spin this sad incident to our favor. Haul King Vestek back to Swordhaven and try him for kidnapping and murder, beheading-in-the-town-square and all that. Seeing the King's justice should galvanize the citizenry and increase our broad support."
Spin this into our favor, what type of king do you take me for? One that manipulates his citizens into believing things for political gains? I am not some weasle-faced noble from Mivon who would throw his own people to the dogs to gain more power! You can tell that Malthir is very upset and you know he has a particular soft spot for children in danger or that are hurt...
"Ilya is right," Fenna comments, "while this is truly a sad event, and we shall acknowledge it as such, I am sure that it would be of great comfort to the Tannersens to know that those responsible for their son's fate have been brought to justice."
Unless someone has a better plan I think our next steps are as follows:
Collect the kings and boys bodies to take back to SwordHaven.
Search the village/huts thoroughly for hidden stashes, as well as collect any magic/MW weapons, item, gear, or jewels.
Use several vials of alchemists fire to burn the bodies and the village.
DM AK when you get a chance can we get the XP and treasure list?
We can RP the return unless something happens on the way back to SwordHaven, assumes we are going back.
"Ilya is right," Fenna comments, "while this is truly a sad event, and we shall acknowledge it as such, I am sure that it would be of great comfort to the Tannersens to know that those responsible for their son's fate have been brought to justice."
Casimir's face is a mask of cold fury.
"Unfortunately, you are wrong, Fenna. Look at those burns on the boy's body. The wisp did this! Malthir found no evil in the Lizardfolk, they were just gullible puppets, dancing to the tune of their "Ancestor Spirit". No, before we hunt down and destroy Stisshak, there will be no justice."
He kicks the empty potion bottle he dropped after ingesting the potion of Invisibility Purge.
"We were fortunate that we had this. If we want to catch a being that can turn invisible at will, fly and is immune to most magic, we must prepare well. Let us search this place, take what there is of value, and burn it down. That should rout the remaining lizardfolk out of our territory. Once that is done, we can return to Swordhaven and pick up magic items that can help us bring down Stisshak once we find him. He could be anywhere, but I have an idea about where to begin the search - in the one place we know is haunted by the wisps. Candlemere Tower!"
Once he is done talking, Casimir pulls out his wand of healing and uses it on himself and any of his companions who are injured.
You stand in the village of the broken lizardfolk tribe, victorious and with your enemies lying dead before you. The fight was a true test of your abilities and your skills have been honed in near-death battle. You search the village thoroughly for any valuables, finding-
Loot-
Various animal skins worth 600GP (assumed take 10 survival from Kalev)
A pile of coins (119GP).
Three small blue citrines (Worth 50GP each, assumes take 10 appraise from Ilya).
A magical ring.
A magical small tree statuette.
A magical, fine craftsmanship heavy crossbow.
4,500GP's worth of exotic jewellery (found on the concubines, assumes take 10 appraise from Ilya).
Magical leather armour (Vesket).
Magical trident (Vesket).
Two gold armbands worth 100GP each (Vesket, assumes take 10 Ilya).
A ceremonial, ruby encrusted dagger worth 800GP (Vesket, assumes take 10 Ilya).
A coral crown embedded with lapis lazuli worth 500 gp.
A malachite statuette of a serpentine dragon worth 200 gp.
Various furs worth a total of 300 gp.
575 gp.
Six masterwork morningstars
XP-
3,300XP each.
2,400 XP leftover for SoS.
We should tell the people of Kardas the truth, that a malign spirit of the swamp had allied with the lizardmen and made them take the boy's life. Lying to them or hiding the facts are not gonna end well. And everybody who lives in Kardas knows, or should know by now, that life is not without danger.
As to what to do now, I suggest we heal our wounds and continue the search for the trolls. While we should visit Candlemere Tower, I don't feel confident in going there, until we have the means to fight the spirit.
You ride back into Swordhaven a couple of hours before dawn, both you and your horses utterly exhausted from the rigours of the day; razing the village was hard work, as was the fight with the lizardfolk, and the horses have been driven hard. Few citizens are on the street at this late hour, and many look at you with suspicion in their eyes until they recognise who you are. Well armed, horse-riding strangers to the city are often looked upon unfavourably since the werewolf incident, and the "accursed Griggori". As Councilor, Fenna is informed that no major incidents have cropped up since the Guardians rode out a few days ago- however, a keen and harming halfling who arrived in Kardas a couple of months ago has managed to convince some of the other Statkari, particularily Jhod, that he should be given an audience with all of you tomorrow.
Saddened by the loss of the boy, Malthir requests that Fenna and Jhod assist in him cleaning up the boy, Tig, that night to prepare him within the rights of Erastil. He is put in a place of honor. He then asks Fenna to go to the family herself and bring them to the castle tomorrow after our morning audience.
Malthir wants to talk with the family personally and let them know what happened.
Entering the audience hall, with a comfortable dememour and confident stride, is a handsome and well dressed halfing, standing just over 3 feet tall. He has brown eyes and dark brown shaggy hair. He carries a fancy walking stick in his hand as he approaches those gathered. Tucked into his waistband is an ornate dagger, and the observant amoung you notice a fine mithril chain shirt peeking out from beneath his stylish clothes.
A broad smile is obvious upon his face as he makes his way across the room. Reaching those assembled, he sweeps back his cloak in a grand gesture and bows deeply. Standing tall once again, he takes a moment to make eye contact with each of the Statkari before clearing his throat and addressing those present.
Honorable Statkari! Ladies and gentlemen of Kardas! I thank you for granting me this audience this fine morning. I know how valuable your time is and the many demands that are made upon it. I will endevour to take as little of it as is necessary this morning. Straight to the point then...
My name is Kip Bendybrook, and as some of you may know, I arrived here in Kardas some months ago after some limited travel abroad. Orginally hailing from the northern reaches of Brevoy, I have been drawn to this land, and to this fledgling nation because I am extremely interested and excited by what you are attempting to accomplish here in the Stolen Lands. A new nation is being forged and I am here to humbly offer my services to you, the wise and just rulers, to assist in the continued nurturing of Kardas. I have some skill in the manipulation of arcane magic and willingly offer my services in whatever capacity you deem worthy of my talents.
I am aware of the pending nuptuals between Baron Malthir and Lady Vaysh, my heartfelt congratulations upon you both, and speculate that Lady Vaysh will take her rightful spot, next to you Malthir, as co-ruler of Kardas. This will leave Lady Vaysh with less time to devote to her position as Magister of the realm. I humbly, and formally request, that if these events come to pass as I expect, that I be considered a candidate for Magister. I would be honored if you would consider my request in the manner in which it is made. I mean to serve you and the fine people of Kardas to the best of my abilites, willingly putting my life and liberty at risk if need be, to ensure the continued flourishing ,and tremendous future, of Kardas and its people!
Kip ends his speech with another deep bow, before standing tall once again. A hopeful look flashes in his eyes, as his ever present smile spreads even wider across his face. He awaits the response and expected questions that surely will follow such an offer and request...
Once the halfling has finished his speech, Fenna tilts her head to regard him silently with her typical passiveness.
"There is yet some time before the position of Magister becomes vacant," She eventually replies to Ilya, "I believe that should provide time enough to decide whether Mister Bendybrook is of the right mind, and heart, to take up the mantle of Statkari... and perhaps, even, if his words of what he is willing to risk are true, Guardian."
Well met Mr. Bendybrook. Bold words, bold words indeed. Do you really know what it means to serve this realm? Do you know what it is like to put the people before your own wishes? I am not sure if you realize yet what it is you ask for.
As Fenna and Ilya have said, becoming a Statkari is not a thing we hand out. It is a position that is earned. Your deeds will prove to us if you are worthy and they will earn you a place by our side. We must determine two things though. First is your heart of good and is what you are telling us the truth. Let me look into your soul and Iomedae will tell me if your heart is just. Will you submit?
If so the second part is we must do a little digging into who you are, even now spies from other realms work against us. Then we can decide if you can prove your mettle to the people of Kardas as well as the other Statkari.
Kip listens intently to what is said, nodding his head in agreement and understanding. He waits for the others to have a chance to respond before replying...
I have met Kip on several occasions, and can attest to his good nature. By all means however, have Sootscales look into his background. Our kobold friend here has began to put on weight again and would appreciate the hard work... Jhod says, finishing on a stern note and fixing the overweight Sootscales with a glare that encompasses the large second helping of breakfast the kobold is putting away. Sootscales responds with a grin.
Casimir leans against the wall of the council hall, munching on a cold piece of meat. He looks over the halfling with a curious eye, but otherwise does not appear terribly interested.
"An extra magic user would certainly not go to waste in our adventures in the wilds. Our little expeditions will show soon enough if you have the mettle to call yourself a Guardian of Kardas."
Kalev sits in silence, a hand stroking his short beard, which at 27 is already beginning to show a few streaks of grey, while regarding the small man. His initial reaction to the halfling is a mixture of mild amusement, due to the fellow's courage and charming manner, and a hint of distrust,for exactly the same reasons.
Once everyone has had their say, Kip faces and addresses each in turn.
Statkari Shukhov, Lord Mayor of Northgreen, I thank you for your comments and expect nothing less following recent events involving that forked tongued, snake in the grass rabble rouser Grigori! I have nothing to hide and I look forward to proving my worth to all that may inquire. Rulers and people of Kardas alike.
Statkari Thistleswade, Worthy Prophetess, I thank you for considering my request. I assure you that I am more than content to await the call, if it indeed comes. I do not wish to rush Vaysh from her position, nor presume that I should win the favor of the council, by words alone. She is a most capable Magister, and one that I should find difficult to follow in her footsteps, should that prove to be the will of the council and of the people of Kardas.
Baron Malthir Al Dagon, Paladin of Iomedae, Rightful Ruler of Kardas, I likewise thank you for hearing my application this day. Let me assure you that I do not make light offer of my life and liberty this day. Much of my thoughts these past months has been in contemplation and reflection on just how I may best serve this wonderful nation of Kardas! That I am proud to call my home! It is not without serious thought that I make my offer of my life for Kardas. As for my soul? You are welcome to make any inquiries you desire! I have nothing to fear from such an examination. You will find me of good heart I can assure you! Likewise with your examination of my background. Anything I can do to help, please ask, I will co-operate fully. You have my word.
Statkari Kavken, wise priest of Erastil, I thank you! You honor me with your words! Glancing over at Mikmek, Kip adds, Don't be so hard on him Jhod, that I might live long enough to develop such an impressive midsection! Kip finishes with a laugh and a wink as he rubs his own tummy affectionately.
Spying Casimir lounging against the wall, Kip continues, Statkari Bodevski, practitioner of the Aldori dueling sword, I thank you for listening and for allowing me to interupt what seems a hearty breakfast! with a chuckle, And yes, I too find the more the merrier when it comes to spell casting! I will endevour to prove my mettle, and one day, if I am found worthy, I would be proud to call myself a Guardian of Kardas!
Having noticed Statkari Lehola's lack of participation in the conversation, Kip locks eyes with the half-orc ranger and gives a subtle and respective nod.
In response to Ilya's question, Kip responds, I manipulate magic by the force of will alone. It is my understanding that the blood of Fey creatures runs within my veins, and that is the catalyst for my powers. While my repertoire is somewhat limited, I am capable of performing those abilities that I do command a significant number of times a day.
Kip adds with a grin, And I'm sure formality is what it is, but everyone, please, call me Kip. Mister Bendybrook is my father! And a good number of my brothers too!
Kip does not bat an eyelash at the perceived slight... his smile does not waiver for even a moment. Averting his gaze from Ilya for a moment he ponders aloud, A demonstration of my abilities... is what you seek? Is this a typical response to an offer of assistance? To prove one's heart, resolve, dedication and abilities through a display of showmanship? Like some common performer? Entertainer?
Kip strolls a bit as he continues, If I may ask with all due respect, Statkari Shukhov, were you required to perform tricks of magic and other displays of worth before you were welcomed by your fellow Statkari? If my memory serves, you were not an original charter member, and I am genuinely interested to know the practices of this council and its members. I only ask because your request seems to smack a bit of elitism. Something I must admit that I wasn't expecting to encounter within these hallowed halls.
Turning to address the rest of the assembled Statkari, Is this the wish of the council? That I play parlor games to prove my "mettle"?
Malthir does detect evil on Kip and while he is at it he sweeps all of the other Statkari, just for good measure since he believes we might have a traitor in our midst.
Malthir looks over to Ilya, Maybe you should just ask him what spells he can cast. I am sure when he is facing the troll army we are preparing to move against, knowing what he can do will be helpful. And yes, we plan to find these trolls that have been attacking the kingdom and destroy them once and for all. I don't think a arcane faceoff is what we are realy looking for here, now.
Actually right now Fenna, Jhod, and myself have important matters to attend to. Come back in a few days Kip and we can discuss our next move with you more. By then we will have checked out your story.
Having studied the halfling longer, Kalev finally rises, I have heard what you have said, Mr. Bendybrook, and I have thought. I didn't speak up before, as I don't like rushing into things...except for combat perhaps, he adds as a half-joke, and I believe you should be allowed to show your worth. As for the "traditions" of the Guardians, I too am a new addition to the original band of Guardians, and I was tested, both in my abilities with a weapon and my abilities as a tracker, going up against Casimir and Kressel, respectively. But as Malthir has said, we have pressing matters and need time to debate your application.
With that, the warrior sits down again.
Kip listens to Malthir, and the others, before addressing Malthir directly, As you wish... I shall take my leave immediately. You have more pressing matters to attend to, this much is certain. I shall humbly await the council's word. Ladies and gentlemen, good day! Kip bows deeply and remains eyes cast downward for a long pause, in a show of respect.
Straightening up, he spins lightly on his feet and makes for the door. Once at the door he spins back around to address Ilya, Statkari Shukov, might I ask if that trick is what you would call "bringing the thunder"? I do wonder about your range however. Or rather, your limitations thereof. Perhaps you could pop on over here, clear across the hall and show me out? No hard feelings? Without waiting for a response, Kip makes a gesture and speaks a word of power, salutes with his walking stick, winks at Ilya, and vanishes.
A moment later his voice drifts upon the breeze, I wasn't worried about you hitting back Ilya... And I look forward to proving myself at a time and place more conducive to such things Statkari Lehola. Good day to you sir!
The meeting with Tig's parents...
He introduces himself to the family, I must be the bearer of ill news. We were too late to save Tig I am afraid. I feel like we have failed you.
You see Tig was captured by the Lizard folk to the south. We tried to convince the Lizard folk to release him to us through diplomacy and bribes. This failed so we tried to rescue the boy. In the attempt a Wisp, allied with the Lizard Folk, ended the boys life.
The Lizard folk who did this paid for their treachery with their lives and their village is no more, their scourge driven from our lands.
Unfortunately the evil Wisp escaped. We are making plans to try and find this Wisp and bring it to justice in your boys name but ultimately, we still failed you.
I am sorry for your loss...if it is within my power to bring this monster to justice and make the kingdom safer for other boys such as Tig, I will do so...
The family are a large family of immigrants from Brevoy, about two dozen in all. They are utterly crestfallen at Tig's fate, and although most try not to show it, you sense some of them blame the Guardians for not being able to rescue the boy. Some of the family thank you for avenging the boy's death while others merely stare at you coldly. The leader of the family quietly takes you aside and explains they will be travelling west into more stable kingdoms; frontier life is not for them, they now believe. The father begs you to pay for magic to bring Tig back; he says he has been talking with the clergy of Erastil and that they told him a Reincarnation could be done for a little over a thousand gold pieces. He swears his family will honor the debt and pay the kingdom of Kardas back, no matter how long it takes.
Malthir lets the father know that he will take his request to the Statkari and will let them know a decision within the next couple of days.
Malthir is opposed to this in principle. Morally he wants to help the boy but he is concerned about the precedent it would set for anyone else that dies in the Kingdom. Of course he understands that there could be reprecusions if one of the Guardians were to ever be brought back from the dead....
What do the other Guardians/Statkari believe we should do.