During his time riding with Kundal, Malthir spends more time talking to the man than he probably ever has.
Away from the castle, Malthir is much more informal with him and tries to set him at ease.
We should look at training the Owlbear for armor. It's chief weapon is its size and power. If it has better defenses it could be a more useful weapon....speaking of that is the Owlbear happy, or as happy as it can be? Treated well, it will be a more useful ally. What about training it to drink potions and deal with the effects? Is it even possible?
Later on the ride, How are you doing Kundal? I know it must be a little bit of a shock waking up in a different body. Without men like you Kundal, Kardas would not have survived the day.
"I agree that caravan needs to be investigated. They clearly want to avoid detection - they may be carrying illicit cargo. If there is even the faintest possibility of it carrying slaves through Kardas I must track it down. I know that is but one possibility amongst countless others, but still"
On the journey through Kardas, a sense of peace has fallen upon Kalev, as if he truly feels at home for the first time. And while he remains quiet for most of the journey, he is more merry than usual, jesting with his traveling companions, suggesting that Kip's drinking, gambling and entertaining ladies could lead to a political disaster, and also enquiring if Kressel and Casimir are planning on supplying Kardas with a new generation of Statkari soon.
His mood, however, grows a little darker as they leave Kardas behind and head into Brevoy, his eyes always alert for signs of trouble.
Kip was also in a jovial mood as the group made its way north. He spent his time telling lewd jokes and playing practical jokes upon his fellow travellers. (using his laughing touch and other minor magics to great effect) Kip guffawed at Kalev's suggestion and replied If only! That would be most grand!
When Kip did lay eyes upon the enormous tree, something did stir within him. Perhaps this would be a more fitting place than some isolated island...
As they encountered those fleeing south, Kip was his usual charming and magnanimous self. Chatting up all those he could and welcoming them to Kardas. He made a point to learn the names of everyone he met and spent extra time entertaining any children he came across.
Kip was excited when they reached the outskirts of Restov, but secretly fretted about those on the Worg hunt. He silently prayed to Erastil for their safety. He quickly added another for himself and the others he travelled with.
Noticing Kalev's shift in demeanour, Kip did his best to lighten the mood, having saved his best jokes for the end of the journey.
"It is easy to tell you are a stranger to Restov, Kalev. Drinking, gambling and entertaining ladies is a required part of most political dealings."
Day 2 of the Hunt for Worgs-
Kundal seemed to find something Malthir said very amusing, perhaps the "shock of waking up in a different body" comment. The big half-orc chuckled and then caught himself, taking on a more respectful tone as he replied-
Armour on the cub when he grows up? That sounds mighty fine to me, Lord Malthir. I don't think Owlbear's really know what happy is. Not sure they can feel it. I am well though, all things considered. Still a bit weak but Jhod tells me that is normal after such an event. He told me- "You have a brand new body but the journey back from the Boneyard wearied your spirit". I like how Jhod tells things, you know? The man's got soul.
Kundal has little difficulty following the tracks- in truth, Fenna could easily have managed it herself. By early afternoon, you have caught up to the caravan. It seems to consist of half a dozen horse-drawn carts with canvas stretched over the tops to keep whatever is in there from falling out. Your small group catches the attention of the caravan and a dozen caravan guards start to form up on the south end, preparing a defence. Its likely they don't yet know if you are a threat.
__________________________________________________________________________
Day 3 of the Journey to Restov-
The four travellers approached the city gates- Restov had impressive city walls and gatehouses and was built so they were the only entrances and exits to the city. Several guards were on duty just outside the sealed gates with more on the walls above. As the group approached, a Sergeant called out-
Halt! That's close enough travellers. State your business entering the city at this late hour.
...Kip smiles broadly before adding, Well, my priorities at this moment are to find somewhere to drink and wash the dust of the road from my throat and to see if I can make these meagre coins multiply. Kip jingles his coin purse for effect. Could you be so kind as to direct me to one of your finer gambling establishments? I am quite weary of sitting atop this beast! Kip leans over and speaks to his pony directly, No offence intended I assure you Rum Cake! while stroking his neck.
As they ride up, Fenna/Kundal, what can you make of this Caravan and their cargo with your sharp eyes?
Malthir and team stop about 40' from them...
Hail travelers! May we speak with your Caravan Master? We wanted to speak with him about the trail ahead and a potential threat that has been troubling this area.
With several crossbows pointed at him, Malthir shouts to the guards. The caravan is still slowly moving north as the men stay in a loose skirmish formation. One of them is sent as a runner to the front of the moving caravan and eventually, an unassuming looking man strode over to meet you, alone but still covered by his men. He was dressed in simple travelling robes, was a River Kingdoms native in his early forties and looked very much at ease.
May I assist you? he asked with a courteous bow.
His style of clothing suggests he likely hails from Daggermark, from the western side of the River Kingdoms. There are quite a few kingdoms between Daggermark and Kardas but a caravan travelling east and then north to avoid attacks in Numeria or banditry in Pitax.
After sharing in the fine meal, politely sharing news from the capital and reassuring those in attendance that efforts to expand the town would gain momentum once Swordhaven had recovered from the recent troubles, Fenna presides over a short night-time ceremony to sanctify the cathedral bells; calling not only upon Aroden during the service, but also Iomedae and Erastil, the two patron deities of Kardas.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," the gnomish woman gives in reply to Malthir, casting a long gaze over the caravan and its people.
Sorry to trouble you, we mean you no harm. We actually came to check on your progress and to make sure you have traveled through these lands unharmed?
You see another group was attacked not so long ago in the area. It was by an organized group of Worgs and Goblins...I imagine they could cause quite a bit of trouble in this area if we don't locate them and destroy them.
Is everything okay with your Caravan, master??? hoping to get his name...
The man continued to smile, apparently touched by the thought.
Matthias. All has been well on the road, thus far. You have our deepest gratitude for the warning, fellow traveller. If this is indeed true, I had better warn my men and make preparations in case we are assaulted. Thank you.
The man flicked Malthir a gold piece and had already turned before it reached the Baron.
For your trouble! he called over his shoulder as he began to jog back towards his wagons.
Malthir chuckles to himself. It has been a while since anyone has treated him like a more common fellow. He wonders if he has been slighted though and decides to shake it off.
Kundal, from the wagon tracks can you gather anything about their cargo, it is heavy for example? Maybe I am making more of this than I should. Fenna/Ricter, should we continue to shadow them or continue with our search? Maybe it would be bad to go ahead and map out the area south of here since we are looking for them anyways.
We probaby need to get Kundal back to his training though in a couple of days. We don't want that cub going backwards on it's training.
Kundal nodded after examining the ground for some time. The caravan slowly trundled away.
Looks like they are heavily laden my lord.
My first guess is weapons or supplies going to Brevoy. Even so there is nothing we can do about it for now. When something does happen in the north it is going to be tricky for us.
We are prime travelling ground for goods and mercenaries travelling north from the River Kingdoms. Soon they will have to pass through Kardas to get there once we expand a little more.
This sounds cold but we may even be able to turn a profit from this. They will try to cross. The decision is around whether or not it is worth our while to try and fight this or if we make it worth their while to pass the goods through Kardas so we can potentially tax it. Fenna, Ricter, give it some thought.
Kundal reminded Malthir of the third River Freedom with the simple phrase- Walk any road, float any river. It referred to the third river freedom, implying no safety while travelling while simultaneously prohibiting lords from charging toll for travelling through their lands.
I see your point, not a tax then, more of a support duty so to say so I don't have to invoke another saying, You Have What You Hold. he grins back at Kundal.
The newly reincarnated half-orc chuckled at Malthir's counter-point with genuine mirth and awaited the small party's decision about their next move.
"Do we really care about the River Freedoms? Is Kardas even a River Kingdom, really? Walk any road, float any river, you have what you hold. Taken together that just means that taxation is fine as long as you fight about it. It's nonsense."
"At any rate, we have more pressing matters for now. I suggest we discuss what should be done about the taxation of imports when we are safely back in Swordhaven"
Casimir reigns in Shadow and trots a little closer, making sure his Aldori sword and expensive mithril armor is clearly displayed.
"I am Casimir Bodevski, graduate of the Vitroff Academy of Swordsmanship. I am here in search of magical enhancement for my arms and armor, and to treat my wife and companions to the hospitality and entertainment that Restov has to offer.
We have made a long journey from the south, and are eager to find comfortable lodgings. The Silver Shard on Merchant Street should suffice, I should think, assuming they haven't lowered their standards. Tell me, do they still hold Reefclaw fights down at the Drowned Maiden? Those are always a spectacle."
Ricter, enjoy the moment. Life isn't always about fighting and duty. It is times like this, hunting Worgs and talking with Caravans that gives us a simple respite from it all.
Anyways, we do have to try and find these beasts, I guess let's get back to it.
One of the guardsmen scribbled furiously on a piece of parchment as he made notes. The sergeant seemed to relax a little, reassured by either Casimir's mannerisms, local knowledge or appearance.
We'll need all of your names, professions and where your travelling from. We'll need a estimated date of departure and we'll also require any practised in magic to declare themselves now. Apologies Sir Bodevski, but its Swordlord orders. Can't be too careful right now.
The Sergeant eyed Casimir's Aldori sword and added-
You probably haven't heard, but the war's begun. An army, on Orlovsky soil, raiding and pillaging.
Casimir maintains his relaxed demeanor, but his brow furrows a bit at the mention of war.
"No need to apologize, sergeant. Devotion to duty is a virtue, especially if what you say of an invasion is true.
The lovely lady here is my wife, Kressle Bodevski. The big fellow is Kalev Lehola and the esteemed esquire on the pony is Kip Bendybrook. Both of the latter are spellcasters, as am I.
We are all four members of the ruling council of Kardas, but we are not here on official business. I would not expect us to stay for more than a week."
I wouldn't say that I am "practised" in magic... it comes quite naturally to me actually. Kip adds with a wink and a bow as Casimir names him to the guardsmen.
At the mention of hostilities breaking out, Kip's smile is replaced by a grim expression. He can't help but think about the timing of the events of the past week. Duke Demid had barely had time to report in and the war was under way... Kip feels a little guilty about his part in the loss of life taking place at this very moment. Especially for those innocents caught in between. Had we withheld agreeing so easily to the terms offered, perhaps the Surtovas would have not been so quick to act! We may have been preventing this bloodshed from starting...
The news is not entirely unexpected, but is terrible nonetheless...
The coincidental timing, and perhaps it is no coincidence at all, of the attack and our arrival may not bode well for our intended purpose here.
Do you intend to carry on with your meeting Cas?
Having lost his mood for drink and gambling in the face of the dire news, Kip announces his desire to procure a sending spell to inform Malthir and the others of the recent developments.
Regardless of the Statkari's representation, many of the citizens respect the River Freedoms. But you have a point, Sir Hellknight Kundal admitted. Kardas has so far been made up mostly of Brevic frontiersmen and immigrants. A case could be made as to whether it even counts as a River Kingdom at all, as Brevoy has historically laid claim to these lands.
Kundal is no substitute for Kalev's skill outdoors- although he is still competent, Malthir and Fenna in particular find themselves already missing the other half-orc's wilderness savvy. With a bit of help from Fenna while Ricter and Malthir assist where they can and keep an eye out for trouble, the small group headed away from explored territory and ventured south-west, deeper into the Kameland hills.
The rolling hills and deep valleys of the area being mapped out made for several confusing moments, but Kundal and Fenna managed to not quite get lost as they mapped the area. This hex included part of the Gudrin River Ford and Malthir, Fenna and Kundal were particularly wary of crossing as Kalev, Kip and Casimir had described being attacked by none other than a hydra in this isolated place. Nevertheless, after Ricter and Malthir carefully scanned the deep, fast flowing water for evil and chaos side-by-side with Fenna's keen eyes spotting nothing but the occasional fish, the group crossed and finished the exploration by late evening. Perhaps the Hydra had moved on.
They camped relatively near the river and Kundal caught some fish to cook on the fire that evening. The half-orc seemed pleased to have been given so much responsibility suddenly, having had little interaction with the Statkari of late, even before his demise. The night air was pleasant and with very little wind and the fire was warm. Even the horses, normally fidgety and jumpy in the dark, seemed at ease.
__________________________________________________________________________
The sergeant nodded.
Thanks for making this easy on all of us he said sincerely to Casimir and a nod to the other three. You wouldn't believe how many puffed up little bastards i've had to deal with today.
Papers with much of what Casimir had said written down upon them were passed by the Restov guardsmen to the four travellers. Essentially, it appeared the document was a declaration of how long the group planned to be in the city, who among them were spell-casters, professions and which political Kingdom, Duchy, Barony or House they were sworn to, if any.
While the group perused the documents and signed them, the sergeant carried on the conversation with Kip, responding to his words about the war. The men at the gate seemed eager to gossip.
Aye, terrible my good man... But there's a real, nice feeling in the city at the moment, for the most part. Rostlandic pride shining through and men who know little of war full of optimism. Doesn't stop some people leaving the gates each day with their families in tow, though. Plenty of them who come out this one say good things about this "Kardas" of yours down south.
One of the other gate guards spoke up, a young man compared to the grizzled veteran, in his early twenties.
Sarge, you didn't tell 'em everything. It were the Lodovka. They'd been sailing through the lake for a few days to launch a surprise attack. Landed north-west of Skywatch but this only happened two days ago my lords. People don't know what their next move is, or House Orlovsky's response. What we do know, is that the wars started now... Abadar help us all.
Papers signed, the guardsmen respectfully made way and opened the gate to Restov for you to ride into the city. It was late evening but the streets seemed to be well-lit with ever-burning torches at roughly even intervals, the magical illumination usually sealed to various buildings by solid steel bolts hammered deep through the wood. Before this security measure was taken and approved by the Mayor some five years ago, opportunistic thieves would often make off with the newly created, valuable items- in its own way this was seen as amusingly ironic as the main purpose of the lighting was to discourage skulduggery and those in favor of the city-funded lighting had used the argument that it would deter muggers, thieves and pickpockets from the main streets of the city.
"It is easy to tell you are a stranger to Restov, Kalev. Drinking, gambling and entertaining ladies is a required part of most political dealings."
Perhaps city life isn't all bad, Kalev muttered. Still, the smell...how can they stand it...and the noise...
As Cas introduced them to the guards, stating who was a spellcaster, Kalev produced his simple holy symbol of Erastil, letting it rest visibly on his chest.
I wonder if announcing publicly who we are is a good idea, but too late for worries now... Kalev thought.
The coincidental timing, and perhaps it is no coincidence at all, of the attack and our arrival may not bode well for our intended purpose here.
Do you intend to carry on with your meeting Cas?
Having lost his mood for drink and gambling in the face of the dire news, Kip announces his desire to procure a sending spell to inform Malthir and the others of the recent developments.
"I would agree that there is probably a connection between this news and the ultimatium from Surtova. But remember that what is happening now has been years in the coming. Indeed, I have good reason to suspect that our original expedition into the Stolen lands, and the subsequent charter to colonize the area, was all due to mounting tensions in Brevoy. We are essentially pawns in a larger game - what we have to find out is who it is that are making the moves, and what we can do to become masters of our own destiny."
"I do intend to carry out the meeting, Kip - in fact, I would be surprised if we have much choice now. My original plan of trying to arrange a discrete meeting are probably a wash. I would not be surprised if we are summoned to appear before the Swordlords within a few hours."
"Let us get settled in comfort suitable of our station - we might as well enjoy the benefits of civilization while we have the chance, eh Kalev? The inn I mentioned, the Silver Shard, should be just fine. Once settled there, the Swordlords will certainly be able to find us if they wish - and we can use the wait to see if we can find out more of the recent developments, and see if we can find a spellcaster willing to help us contact Malthir and the others."
Kressle chimed in to the discussion as the group rode through the streets of Restov.
I think your seeing coincidences that aren't there, Kip. A assault from the lake on Orlovsky lands would take weeks if not months of planning and a significant amount of time loading the troops and traversing the lake itself. It sounds like the attack came as a surprise which likely meant they were concealing their boats where possible in coves, sailing by night, probably sinking a few poor sod's fishing boats who got too close. I would expect making sure Kardas remained neutral in the conflict was just one small part of the Surtovan strategy.
Despite the well-lit streets, there were few people out on them. Casimir led the others to a fine inn he knew well- the Silver Shard. The inn had changed management since his last visit but plenty of the staff there were familiar with him and he had a chance to catch up on local gossip and exchange some fond memories from his youth. The horses were stabled, large rooms made available and fine food brought to the group for their supper.
The war had certainly not hurt the inn's common room patronage. The place was full with local townsfolk and here and there a fellow traveller. In one corner of the inn, a young firebrand was leading his other beardless fellows in a victory song about Rostlandic independence which also took an additional verse to imply that "Noleski Surtova the sister-f*&&er" was soon to father his own nephew.
__________________________________________________________________________
As Ricter, Kundal, Fenna and Malthir worked their way south-east and continued to map out what little of the Greenbelt they had not already mapped, they saw a magnificent sight soaring far overhead as they rode through the hills. Fenna saw it first, and pointed it out to her companions.
Flying east to west high over the small party from Kardas, a silver dragon was passing by, easily visible by virtue of the contrast between it and the clear blue sky overhead. Its size was difficult to estimate at such a distance but it looked at least the size of a large horse. It seemed to pay no attention to the group below it as it flew- either it had not noticed the Guardians or it simply had no interest in them.
I have little understanding of the politics of kingdoms, Kalev said in reply to the suggestion of a connection between the timing of the attack and Kardas' recent visit, but I agree that moving a large group of soldiers would be difficult to do precisely. Maybe there is a connection, but I think it is very loose.
At the inn, Kalev finds a chair large enough to hold his impressive stature, orders a round of ale for him and his companions and asks, Is the kitchen still open for business?
A veritable feast was brought out to the group, eventually. The order took some time due to the busyness but having paid good coin, they were given high priority.
Fenna tilts her head curiously at Malthir's suggestion regarding taxation and it's interaction with the River Freedoms, silently contrasting his statement with the view he expressed before the troll invasion; clearly the suffering of his people had hardened the Baron at least a little, evidenced not only in this conversation, but also in his darkening attitude towards the native fey. The extent of this change of heart, though, was still not entirely clear.
"Do you think, perhaps, this is the same dragon claiming territory to the west?" Fenna asks, pointing out the soaring creature, "as I mentioned briefly in Swordhaven, I have learnt little of her from my prophecies besides the fact she and Calenwen are apparently one and the same, and her claims of followers were rather exaggerated."
I can't imagine that as rare as Dragons are that we would encounter more than one in this area. My guess is that the Dragon from the woods and this one could be one in the same.
I know we talked about your reading but are you sure this was the indication you received that the Elf and the Dragon are possibly one in the same?
I guess we are men and not to be trusted in their eyes, shame though I would so like to meet one in it's natural as long as it isn't try to eat us. Maybe we can meet it again under better circumstances.
Ricter, I want your men to be clear of our rules around the dragons territory. For now our agreement with it stands.
Let's see what else we can find around here. as they continue the map the area.
Hard to tell both relative to distance and your limited knowledge of them, but your best guess is Juvenile or Young Adult.
Its best to think of those in terms purely relative to age- especially as a Silver, its mental faculties would already be comparable to paragons of mental human ability and it would be considered matured.
You do of course know enough about dragons to know its alignment and some other details. A silver dragon is always Lawful Good, and they are graceful flyers as well as some of the most powerful of dragonkind- proud too; and with the ability to polymorph themselves into humanoid form.
After their meal is finished, Casimir leans back and porus himself another glass of wine.
"Anyone feel like going out? I know we have been on the road, but I know a couple of places nearby where we might be able to get some more information on what's happening in the city?"
Having shaken his melancholy reaction to the outbreak of hostilities, Kip appetite for the night life returns with a vengeance. I'm up for it!
Kressle shook her head.
I think i'll just retire early for the evening... Want to keep a low profile for now, at least until I get settled in.
Malthir-
Fenna- (GM reminder- + 19 at night)
Ricter-
Kundal-
Malthir-
Fenna- (GM reminder- + 19 at night)
Ricter-
Kundal-
Malthir-
Fenna- (GM reminder- + 19 at night)
Ricter-
Kundal-
This section of the Kamelands was particularly rocky. The northern end of the hex was mostly flatland and gently rolling hills, but the southern half was full of deep valleys and natural gorges that more often than not led the four explorers to be wary of an ambush with high rock cliffs to either side of them- but they ran into no trouble as they explored the maze-like passages. Kundal kept an accurate map and noted various rocky landmarks, pointing out how certain formations looked like animals in the Narlmarches and using them as a geographical point of reference.
The four mounted riders were nearing the end of their explorations when they came to a four way junction in a deep ravine. As they reached the centre, they found the ground littered with bones- many of them humanoid skeletons.
Malthir whispers to them, Ricter, let's dismount and form up on me. Kundal and Fenna stay behind us and see if you can make anything out about the tracks or where they lead or maybe what is around us.
We move the horses towards the back of us while they look for tracks behind us and look up the walls of this place to make sure nothing may come down on top of us.
"That was certainly the impression I was left with," the pale gnome offers in response to Malthir's question, "and it certainly hold up now that we have reason to believe that Ehaism-Caesin is a silver dragon, whom are know for their natural aptitude for shape-shifting..."
"Was it Casimir I recall speculating that Calenwen seemed familiar? Perhaps she has visited our nation before, under another guise."
...
Later, as the group came upon the intersecting ravines and their grisly contents, Fenna climbs down from Dandelion to take a closer look at the bones nearest them, staying behind her larger companions as instructed.
Malthir also looks at the bones to see if he notices anything.
Casimir says goodnight to Kressle and leads the others on a tour of a couple of nearby taverns and salons he knows to be frequented by senior instructors from several of the dueling schools.
"We are highly likely to find people with direct connections to the Swordlord council here - perhaps even a couple I know personally."
After we see the Dragon:
"Whether it's our neighbor or passing over from somewhere else entirely, it remains a spectacular sight. My order will not trespass onto what is alleged to be the dragon's territory. In a land full of Fey brainwashing and trapping those who walk past random fields and pools I can respect a creature that clearly marks the territory it claims"
When we see the humanoid skeletons:
Ricter dismounts next to the Baron and forms up as instructed. The heavy shields of the two knights are held perfectly in line, each guarding the other as much as himself.
"Perhaps we've found that hydra"