DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Jhod speaks approvingly at the wisdom Malthir shows in realising the potential seeds of unrest that could be planted if the Statkari were to not have the boy brought back and were later to bring back a Guardian or Statkari.

What if... perhaps if it is made clear that such allowances will only be made in special circumstances, and put emphasis on the kidnapping of the boy by the lizardfolk... The problem is Baron, that this whole event surrounding the boy has gathered rather a lot of attention within the city. Its a topic frequently discussed in the taverns, and the people have faith in the Guardians to bring the boy back safely. Perhaps we could tell the people that the lad is meant for great things, and raise him here in the castle as a squire... Oleg muses.

"While it would put us in a difficult position should others approach us with similar requests, it is true that these are unusual circumstances..."

"If the Tannersens do indeed repay the cost of the ritual, however little at a time, it may be seen less as special treatment. Though it might seem quite harsh to expect repayment at all, it may be a way in which this benefit could be extended to others in the future."

"Perhaps we could make a deal with them? After all, simply being poor doesn't mean that you have nothing to give..." Ilya paces a few steps, rubbing his chin in thought. "What if we paid the thousand gold pieces, and rather than having the Tannersens pay us back, they agree to have Tig serve as Malthir's squire until he reaches the age of majority? We boost civilian morale by bringing back to life a high-profile victim, the Tannersens leave happy knowing that Tig will be well cared for and they don't have crippling debt for years, Tig gets practical employment skills, and the kingdom gets a constant reminder of our charity."

"He would be a stay-at-home squire, of course. We really don't need any more collateral damage hanging over our heads."

Oleg scratches his head uncomfortably. Sounds like a bad deal for us. I'd rather tithe their family a percentage of their income. They are mostly tradesmen but a few are merchants- they might even pay us back in the next ten years.

"Oleg, you're tight-fisted after my own heart. But I think the social credit to be gained for this one outweighs the value of the gold."

Kalev thinks long, then speaks, Hmmm, I don't know if I like the idea that precious life can be bought with gold, yet to avoid a long cue of petitioners who all want to have a loved one restored or saved, we must make it clear that this is not alms handed out by the Statkari at a whim. If the temple of Erastil will act as "guarants", we could lend them the money, but it should be clear that this is an arrangement between the temple and the Tannersens, not between us and the family.

Kalev thinks long, then speaks, Hmmm, I don't know if I like the idea that precious life can be bought with gold, yet to avoid a long cue of petitioners who all want to have a loved one restored or saved, we must make it clear that this is not alms handed out by the Statkari at a whim. If the temple of Erastil will act as "guarants", we could lend them the money, but it should be clear that this is an arrangement between the temple and the Tannersens, not between us and the family.

I agree with Kalev. This is not a matter I feel like we should be addressing. I would support this solution.

As would I- let's hope the lad comes back as something the family can still relate to though... How does the Kingdom of Kardas feel about Goblin citizens?

While we are all gathered here, i'd like to talk about something else. Kundal.

Ilya picks at his fingernails, perhaps seeming a bit petulant. "If we continue with our line of reasoning, perhaps we should exercise the full measure of justice and have him publicly executed. After all, we can't go around making excuses for every crime in the kingdom. Then we would have the family of every murderer lined up at our door begging for the same clemency. We must make it clear that this is not alms handed out by the Statkari at a whim."

"To the contrary, our actions to cure Kundal are more akin to our efforts to save Tig from the Lizardfolk... though hopefully with more success. Seeking to remove the effects of the curse holding a man in its grasp is far removed from pulling someone back from beyond death. If it can be demonstrated that someone convicted of a murder in the future have not been acting of their own volition, then clemency should indeed be our first response, followed soon after by bringing the one truly responsible to justice... much in the way we tried to save Tig, and are now intent upon slaying his murderer. It is not alms, but simply our responsibility as Guardians."

"To the contrary, our actions to cure Kundal are more akin to our efforts to save Tig from the Lizardfolk... though hopefully with more success. Seeking to remove the effects of the curse holding a man in its grasp is far removed from pulling someone back from beyond death. If it can be demonstrated that someone convicted of a murder in the future have not been acting of their own volition, then clemency should indeed be our first response, followed soon after by bringing the one truly responsible to justice... much in the way we tried to save Tig, and are now intent upon slaying his murderer. It is not alms, but simply our responsibility as Guardians."

I would like to add to this, that even if we are to find a cure for Kundal, he should not completely go free. As payment for his, involuntary as they may be, crimes, he should serve the kingdom of Kardas in some capacity for a determined number of years.

Fenna Thistleswade wrote:

"To the contrary, our actions to cure Kundal are more akin to our efforts to save Tig from the Lizardfolk... though hopefully with more success. Seeking to remove the effects of the curse holding a man in its grasp is far removed from pulling someone back from beyond death. If it can be demonstrated that someone convicted of a murder in the future have not been acting of their own volition, then clemency should indeed be our first response, followed soon after by bringing the one truly responsible to justice... much in the way we tried to save Tig, and are now intent upon slaying his murderer. It is not alms, but simply our responsibility as Guardians."

I would like to add to this, that even if we are to find a cure for Kundal, he should not completely go free. As payment for his, involuntary as they may be, crimes, he should serve the kingdom of Kardas in some capacity for a determined number of years.

Yes I believe that Fenna was going to use the library in SwordHaven, possibly with Ilya's help, to try and find a cure for the poor man. Beyond that, as Kalev says, there must be some type of punishment for his crimes...let's see what we can find out about a cure.

"As always, our dear Councilor displays her wisdom. As does the honorable Warden. I agree with both Kalev and Fenna."

Casimir muses for a bit, then speaks again, addressing the whole council.

"This affair with Tig and Kundal has given me an idea. As Spymaster, I have long felt the need for a group of trustworthy agents that can be used both within our own borders and abroad. Agents who could operate in secret, and whom we could trust to be absolutely loyal to Kardas. If the council agrees, I propose the creation of a secret organisation - "The Twice-born of Kardas".

Since the soul could return as a variety of races, this will supply us with agents whom we can give a whole new identity, and train to suit our needs. For instance, were the individual to return as an Orc or Goblin, it could b used to infiltrate any tribes of such creatures that might be found in the area. Civilized humanoids can be used both within Kardas itself or in other parts of the River Kingdom - and beyond."

Casimir pauses for a moment, then adds.

"There is another group of people whom might serve as recruits - condemned criminals. Anyone sentenced to die could also be given the chance to come back, and earn redemption in a whole new life."

Casimir does not say so directly, but the implications for Kundal are not lost on any of those present.

"What says the council to my suggestion?"

The idea has its merits Casimir, but Jhod, Fenna, what do you think the family would say to our idea? They would still be effectively loosing their son? He would live, but his life would be in service to the Kingdom. I have no issues with this fate for Kundal or others that are willing to repent for their crimes.

"Tig's family must never know, Malthir. If the Twice-born are to succeed, their very existence must be kept a state secret. The family would be given Tig's body to bury, with a small part - perhaps a finger or toe - missing."

Ilya turns to Malthir. "Remind me, how does Iomedae feel on the subject of indentured servitude? Just to be careful..."

The idea has both merit and problems, as I see it. Who would not sell his own mother to come back to life? Can we be guaranteed the subject will be loyal to us? Especially if it is a criminal? Yet, the promise of a second chance may be what sparks a change in the person. I have, luckily never had any experience with dying, so I can't say, but does the mind change along with the body, or is it the same person coming back?

"My understanding," Fenna replies to Kalev, "is that a soul remains largely the same as it was in life, up until the point it receives Pharasma's judgement, after which time no mortal magic would be able to restore it to life in any case."

"While I appreciate the benefits of having a cadre of loyal, yet unknown servants, Tig is just a boy... I do not believe he has the maturity to live up to such expectations. In addition to this, subjecting one who already has motivation to be loyal to our cause, such as Kundal, to death so that he might serve us seems quite redundant, and given the stance we have already presented to the people of Kardas on his effective innocence, any execution would cast us as rather fickle."

"And how many would volunteer for service simply to escape outstanding debts or warrants? We certainly don't want our 'secret service' to become a glorified penal colony. Perhaps there is another way that has yet to be considered..."

You contradict yourself Magister. If this was done in secret, there would be no volunteers, due to the secrecy. We would approach people on an individual basis I am sure.

The idea has its merits Casimir, but Jhod, Fenna, what do you think the family would say to our idea? They would still be effectively loosing their son?

They have already lost him... But the idea has merit. Allowing those who have fallen to continue to serve Kardas if they wish is good for the community. Now, Tig is too young to serve, his body too small. But reincarnate will create him a new body in the prime of life- given a year's intense training, we could have him ready to serve Kardas.

The thought of killing Kundal now, even to bring him back through magic, does not sit well with me. He is a good man and a skilled warrior; a good candidate despite my unease. We also have no idea if the werewolf's curse is tied to the body or the soul... That being said, I think he'd be willing to give it a try...

Hmm... the peanut gallery seems oddly unanimous... ;)

"I am simply assuming that all secrets are eventually spoiled. Likewise, we should be prepared for the worst for when it eventually becomes common knowledge. After all, 'Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."

After listening to the Statkari discuss the issue for some time Malthir speaks up with a look of determination in his face, To be honest I am not one for political intrigue or even thinking in these terms. I have lived my life in search of making peoples lives better, guided by Iomedae's teachings and now...the rest of you.
If I was another kind of king Casimir this would be a good plan, one none of our foes would probably expect. Maybe one day my failings will prove to be my downfall. But my soul urges me against this path. I must stay true to who I am and what I feel this kingdom represents. Taking Tig away from his family, trying to convince Kundal to die and come back to serve us...somehow it seems like something that the church of Asmodeous would entertain, not the free kingdom of Kardas.
This is what I feel we must do. Have the priests of Erastil make preparations to have Tig reincarnated. The understanding and arrangement will be with them. The family will be expected to pay the church back, whenever they can. The kingdom will support the funds this time due to the circumstances surrounding his death but we should try to keep this part as quiet as possible. Jhod, maybe we can even include it as part of the blessing of Erastil from the new Cathedral?
Let us try to find a cure for Kundal and then we can decide his fate.
If you have a strong objection to this plan, please speak up now, otherwise I wish to see our people.

If no other discussion comes up, Malthir will spend the rest of the day visiting throughout SwordHaven, talking to merchants, farmers, and other common folk.

"As you wish, my Baron. Your ideals serve to guide us all, and it is as it should be. After all, this is why we chose you to lead us. I respect your decision, and will seek other ways of recruiting trustworthy agents."

Ilya sighs. "I suppose that's a 'no' to my coterie of undead servitors." The eleven wizard removes a piece of paper from his robes and scratches a line through some writing with a quill. "Now if you would excuse me, I have some doo-dads to construct for our gallivanting in the wilderness."

Ilya spends the rest of his day, and several subsequent days, crafting magic items.

I'll see what I can do then Malthir. It shall be as you command, in the name of both Erastil and Iomedae. May this fledgeling nation bask in their glory and grace.

By the time this event kicks in, you haven't had time to craft anything- BUT, you have had time to level. Note for accounting purposes, reincarnating Tig will cost a single BP. Without further ado...

A week after the council meeting, rumours begin to grow to prominence in Swordhaven, to the point where the citizens bring their worries to Fenna, led by the flirtatious maiden Lily Teskerton. Apparently, a secretive cult to the hag-goddess Gyronna has taken root in the city. As a goddess of hatred, extortion and spite, it is rightfully seen as a threat to the primarily Erastil-worshipping community. Cults of Gyronna are feared by rulers throughout the River Kingdoms, as tales abound of communities tearing each other apart and at each others throats under their nefarious and sublte influence.

You have gained one point of unrest from the rumours thus far...

After a quick stop at the local library...

Intelligence check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"Those attracted to Gyronna's cults are often adulterous wives, embittered prostitutes and spurned lovers. There are about two dozen women in the city who comfortably fit this profile... It's best not to ask how I know these things..."

We won't have enough to pay for it with Kingdom funds since we had such a bad month last month, so it has to come out of the party treasury. Hopefully when we get to a certain point we will be able to get the kingdom to pay us back.

Takes a 10 on knowledge religion....gives me a 16.

[b]We must find out what this rumor is about. Sootscales, can you find out if this threat is real by watching these women? We would need to determine what their offense is...[/ooc]

I could try, Barrrron... But I think we should interrogate these women...

"And this is where the kingdom's diplomat would suggest we say 'have a chat with' instead of 'interrogate,' my dear Chief Sootscales. Despite there being two dozen or so women that fit the description, not all of them have done anything illegal."

"If any," Fenna adds to Ilya's words. "So long as they do so peacefully, our people should be free to worship however they choose; tough we should of course watch these women carefully, as soon as they overstep that line and move to take harmful action against our community, we should be ready to step in and put a stop to it."

"Perhaps though, in order to allay the fears of those in Kardas who have expressed concerns over the presence of this cult, we should find out exactly who is involved and make a show of speaking with them, while making our position on the matter clear."

Although we won't persecute someone for their belief's, this Kingdom will not turn into another Cheliax. The faiths of Kardas are Iomedae and Erastil, there will be no churches or temples to evil gods within our borders. Malthir proclaims boldly.

What about "inviting" these women to the castle so that we can talk with them and then we can find out what they are about?

My Baron, I must advise against such soft measures. Gyronna is an accursed deity of the River Kingdoms, and an evil influence upon our community. Cults of Gyronna must be stamped out as quickly as possible, for they are an ancient poison of these lands... Jhod says, clearly worried at Fenna and Malthir's words.

"If we have some of Chief Sootscale's informants unobtrusively observe these women, we will likely find which ones are meeting in clandestine locations in the dark of night for fell rituals and all that."

We will do ourrr best... Sootscales promises.

Not actually doing anything yourselves?

Ilya visits his usual haunts, asking a few questions here and there to learn if any of the women have done anything unusual lately.

Gather information 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Kip has a bit of a reputation as a philanderer...

I might know some of those women, Kip responds with a twinkle in his eye! Why do you ask?

(More obvious than my OOC post) Hint, hint. ;)

Ilya doesn't find anything unusual about their activities, as far as his informants know. He does bump into Kip in Talamon's Taps though...

Cmon guys throw Kip a bone ;), he needs to start getting to play or he might explode...

"Because we're looking for a man-hating cult of spurned and embittered women. Have you disappointed any ladies lately?"

YES!! ;)

Kip is overjoyed when he sees Ilya enter the tavern. He hops down from his stool at the bar and motions for Ilya to join him. Statkari Shuhkov, what an honor! Please join me for a drink! Without waiting for a reply, Kip orders Ilya a glass of fine elven wine, tipping the pretty barmaid handsomely.

In a hopeful tone, Kip inquires, What brings you to this wonderful establishment this fine day? Expectation is written all over his face.

Upon hearing Ilya's question Kip remarks, Only by my extended absence, finishing with a wink!

Realizing Ilya is offering no other information, and in a more serious tone he continues, I have also heard the rumors that have surely brought you here. And if you are mucking about for answers, then I suspect that there must be some concern that the rumors might be more than idle gossip and paranoia. Yes?

Leaning in conspiratorially, Kip glances about and lowers his voice before asking, What, if any, leads do you have? I assume that spymaster Casimir is likewise en-devouring to uncover information about this cult and its possible membership? Secret hideout and all that? That is, when he isn't focused on checking into my background. Kip smiles at Ilya and leans back. A flash of recognition crosses Kip features. Perhaps this meeting wasn't by chance? Do you think that I may actually know one of these cultists? Kip furrows his brow as he tries to remember anything of significance about some of his past trysts. Anything at all that might help the investigation.

I'll leave that answer to Alex.

He takes a sip from his mug before offering, I meant what I said to council. My offer stands. Anything I can do to help, just ask, and I will do whatever I can to assist.

I would promise that all my posts won't be this verbose, but I'm not sure it would be truthful. Hey Malthir? ;)

Ilya shrugs, rubbing a finger along the lip of his wine goblet in lazy circles. "We have nothing thus far. While some two dozen women fit the description, none of them have displayed any erratic or bizarre behavior. I'm afraid we won't be able to advance our investigation before a victim is claimed in some lurid ritual." The elf shifts uncomfortably. "I don't think I want to imagine what a demonic cult of man-haters would do to their victims, if you know what I mean."

Kip squirms sympathetically on his stool. I am quite certain I don't want to imagine either.

As they sit silently enjoying their respective drinks, Kip ponders the dilemma at hand. After a moment he asks, Are you sure that that is the best course of action? What if these cultists are especially efficient in picking their victims and no one reports them missing? Are you even sure that they make sacrifices? Of men? I think that if you merely sit idly by, waiting for a victim to meet an unfortunate fate, the people of Swordhaven may lose confidence in your ability to keep them safe. And such a short time after the incident with Grigori...

Kip finishes his mug of ale, and uncharacteristically pushes it away, indicating he is no longer in the mood to drink. What about magical means of detection? Have you made use of any magic that allows one to listen in on the thoughts of others? I have heard of a an incantation that allows one to listen to the surface thoughts of quite a number of people at the same time. While I myself do not command such magic, perhaps we can find someone who does. Or procure a scroll or wand if we can't.

I would rather be doing anything other than waiting. It seems like I have been waiting for a good while now...

Explosion averted. :)

Meanwhile...

Puffing out his somewhat overweight chest, Sootscales has some progress to report to the other Statkari while Ilya has been out gathering information and talking to Kip.

Honourrrred Statkaarriii... Sootscales begins, a glint of cunning in his eye. Sootscales wassss a ghost, looking into the hovelsss of the women the Grand Diplomat said were susspect. Sootscalesss wasss quick and remained hidden, not slowed by his girth even a little... he says pointedly, clearly a little sensitive to the teasing of the Statkari.

A little nudge from Mikmek puts Sootscales back on track.

Sootscales found little in these womens homes; but in the house of the Varisian woman Bordona... Sootscales found these, hidden under the floorboards! he gestures grandly, producing a handful of items that clatter on top of the grand table in the dining hall of Castle Swordhaven- a shabble, a dagger and most crucially of all, a small bracelet with a bloodshot eye emblazoned upon it.

The unholy symbol of the hag goddess... Jhod says grimly. Strong evidence though it is, I must hasten to add that it IS only circumstantial. Still, well done Sootscales...

We still don't know that the women has done anything illegal...but I think she should be watched, unknown to her. We need to discover what she is up to, if anythng, and stop her and this cult, if it exists. Good work Sootscales. Between yourself, Mikmek, and Casimir we should be able to watch her activities don't you think? We should also put the items back in her home...she hasn't done anything yet that we know of.

When Malthir sees kip in the room and Ilya nods in the affirmative, Kip, maybe you can also help us look into this, from what Sootscales has told me, you appear to be able to sit in rooms and go quite un-noticed your self? What do you say, are you interested in helping us?

@kip, oh I know you can post, but can you match the mighty posting abilities of Malthir!!!!!! lol's

Lord Dagon, I know you don't like the idea of an evil cult in our kingdom, and neither do I, but I hope we will not persecute these women merely for what they think, but for what they do. One of the ideals of freedom, at least to me, is that a man's thoughts are between him and his god alone.