DM Bloodgargler's Kingmaker - Stolen Lands

Game Master karlprosek

Vorik blushes himself and begins to stammer out an embarrassed explanation, but then just laughs along with Jaestra.

He nods as she talks of former and current companions, but then turns thoughtful as she asks of the future.

"Well, to be honest, I've not thought on it much. I suppose once we've finished our duty in these lands the nobles of Brevoy will want to claim it for their own. If not, perhaps I'll find a nice bit of land to call home, build a smithy, carve out a life with good folk and friends. That is, once I've found the necromancer responsible for my sister's death and brought him to justice."

I laugh at Voriks stammering, but listen to his reply, "I wouldn't know what to do with myself, I have only ever followed orders, maybe I will hire myself out as a scout? But the thought of settling down with a nice place and land sounds very appealing, maybe I could even start to make some money from my crafting? They are goals to aim for at least and I like to hit my goals, dead in the bulls-eye! Maybe after all of this, I could stay on with you for a bit Sir Vorik and help you avenge Astrid?"

I look to both Vlad and Hrafen, "What about yourselves, what are your plans after all of this?"

You guys still with us?

Still here. :)

"Afterwards? I haven't given it much thought really. Given my past, I figured that I would be on my way again to another part of the world, I am not even sure I would know how to settle down in one location, like you said, the thought of settling down has its own, completely foreign, appeal to me as well."

Good to know :)

"I must admit, even though I want to finish our objective here; and make the area as safe as possible for the people who live here, quickly ... I don't want it to go too fast. I am enjoying travelling with you all."

Kesten approaches. "Someone mention traveling? Well... I think we are about ready to go" He looks over at Hrafen still sleeping, and shrugs. "Sleep this late and you have decisions made for you, my friend."... and then back to the rest of the group. "Follow the same route in return? Or we could head east out of the woods before turning north... Ooor, if you don't mind escorting us that far, the three of us could head back to Oleg's and give you some time to get some exploration done while you are here."

Smiling at Jaestra's offer, Vorik says, "I'd be happy and honored to have your help and company in my search and...whatever might come afterwads." He watches Kesten approach and then adds, "But it seems that will have to wait. Sir Kesten reminds us of our current duty, which will surely involve plenty of travel to keep us all busy for the time being."

To Kesten he says, "I don't think an escort will be a problem. Once you and the lad are back on familiar ground, then you should be safe enough getting back to Oleg's. Then we'll focus on surveying some new territory and plan to return in a few more days."

With the map out he traces out a possible route to Kesten and the others. "This route should cover a good bit of ground before we'll need to resupply. That'll be the general area we will cover. If there's trouble you can send a man to find us."

He looks to Jaestra and Vlad, "What do you both think?"

I'm not exactly sure where we are on the exploration map. So whatever route works best would be the one Vorik suggests.

You are in the hex west of the bandit camp hex (Thorn River Camp on map in campaign info)

I smile and nod at Vorik, then look to the map as he starts to show what he thinks, "I am happy doing either. I would like to make sure that everyone can get back to Master Oleg's safely, but I also think that exploring some of the surrounding area is also vital. I will follow everyone else's decision."

"Vorik's plan seems logical for all involved. It allows us to return to the work we are chartered to do, and it gets Jhod, Nouri, and Kesten back Oleg's safely." Vladimir says, as he packs up his gear.

I nod as everyone seems to have made a decision and rise, starting to put out the fire and pack up everything as well as getting my mare ready for travel. If no-one else has gotten Hrafen up by the time I start to prepare my mare I will go and wake him.

Once the mare has been prepped and is ready to be ridden and leave I stroke her neck, "I really need to think of a name for you ... how about River? You are as swift and gentle as a river and I am sure that you could grow just as angry too."

A few posts popped-up in the last 24 hours!

Hrafen grins at Jaestra.

"Well, in my heart-of-hearts, I would not mind building a busy brewery out here - something on a river, and near a overland trade route, to ensure easy access to ingredients, and distribution chains... but also far enough away that it is feasible to conduct experiments without endangering the neighborhood..."

When the party settles down to discussing exploration prospects, Hrafen listens attentively, nodding at the various options.

"Much as I enjoy Oleg's hospitality, I think a bit more exploring would be an excellent idea..."

Hrafen, just to let you know, we have leveled to level 3 now.

I smile back at Hrafen and then look around before mounting River. "Should I lead the way, or does someone else wish to?"

With everyone in agreement, Vorik helps breakdown camp and gets Valor saddled and ready to travel.

Answering Jaestra he says, "By all means, lead the way. You've the best eyes and ability to identify any strange or dangerous tracks, so it only seems fitting."

With that he mounts up and follows Jaestra onto the trail.

With that, I start to lead the way, following Voriks previous instructed route.

Perception : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Thanks for letting me know; I will update soon :-)

Hrafen rubs Archibald affectionately behind his left ear, as he prepares to mount up.

"I would not dream of traveling any other way; by all means, continue to take the lead."

Through wooded areas of varying terrain, you travel east until you come to the Thorn River. From your exploration, you know the best place to cross is where you found the bandit camp. It is just before noon when you reach the crossing.

Jhod looks downriver. "If I remember correctly from your map, there is a trail along the Thorn which would lead us out of the woods. I think we can make it from here."
Kesten nods. "Stop for a quick bite, and we will be on our way." He dismounts, and pulls his rations from his saddlebags.
"Do you plan to finish exploration of the area around the Temple of the Elk?"

"I think that would be a reasonable first step. From there? Who knows. I guess that depends if we find anything else around the Temple."

After finishing a bit of lunch, Vladimir says the Kesten, Jhod, and Nouri, "Travel safe. I imagine we will meet again in a few days."

I nod at both Kesten and Vlad, "That sounds reasonable and wise. Maybe head East once we have cleared the area circle up and round, pass Master Bokken's place and then onward to Master Oleg's?"

"Aye, that's what I was thinking." Vorik says in response to Jaestra's suggestion. As Jhod, Kesten and Nouri, depart, Vorik offers them a safe journey and assures the priest that the area should be safe soon so that he will be able to return in peace and safety.

You travel back west, and begin exploration. You find the amount of wildlife increases the further you are from the Elk Temple. To the west of the temple, Jaestra and Vladimir come across thylacine tracks quite often, though nothing recent.

You cover a little less than half of the area by nightfall. Barring unforeseen problems, you should be able to finish exploring this hex and make it back east to the Thorn Camp Crossing by this time tomorrow evening.

As soon as it starts to how any sign of growing dark I try to find a good place to set up camp and then dismount to begin setting up. I then begin to collect firewood, enough to last all the night. Once everyone is all set up for the night I take up my usual shift.

Perception : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32 (This is for during the night)

Once it is decided to make camp, Hrafen busies himself putting together the fire, taking a semi-professional interest in making sure that it is perfect.

(Incidentally keeping him near the warmth ;-)

Perception (During Watch): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Before nightfall, you find a hilltop clearing where the grass and wildflowers are lush around several charred stumps and a cluster of boulders. The largest stump is in the center.
This spot gives you a little cover with the boulders, and visibility to the treeline 150-200 feet away in all directions.

Morning comes without incident. You spend the day finishing exploration in the southeast portion of the area. You find a demolished shack covered with growth. There are several pens and hutches around which are also smashed... long ago from the looks of it.
Your exploration is on schedule, and you should be able to make it back to the Thorn Camp Crossing just before the sun sets.

Upon arriving at the clearing

I look around trying to find the exact spot that will grant the best wind protection and still give good visibility. "This area, it has been struck by lightning! Seems to caused a fire, maybe a year or two ago. Should be safe now though."

Upon finding the shack

I look at the building and the pens with a constructive eye and use a little imagination, "This would be a great place to restore and set up a small farm. If we ever find anyone that wants to get away from the city life, we should bring them here and assist them with setting up their own small holding."

Hrafen yawns, and stretches.

"Fair enough. We will definitely have to make a note of it. How long do you think it will take to get back to the Camp? I am looking forward to a decent rest..."

Hearing Jaestra's comments about the abandoned farmstead

"Oleg's place is starting to get pretty crowded. It would not surprise me in the least if we can find someone who fits that description back there when we return."

In response to Hrafen's comment

Vladimir smirks, hearing the halfling's comment. "A decent rest? That seems to be all we have really done the past couple of days...not that I am truly complaining about that."

Hrafen glances at Vladimir in mock horror.

"Rest involves staying in one place, putting up your feet, and enjoying yourself. The simple absence of things trying to kill one does not qualify."

I turn to Vlad, "That makes me think of just the people, the goat farmers. I am sure that they would find this place to be quite suitable and still not too far from Master Oleg's, so they can still send word if they need aid." I smile upon Vlad's idea, " Imagine thinking of giving the people a new home and freeing up some more space for Master Oelg, why didn't I think of that?!"

My train of thought is disrupted by the conversation between Vlad and Hrafen, "I would say the day at the lost temple would count as a day of rest, once the poor bear/man was put to sleep and ease. The journey since then has been peaceful and very beautiful, but Master Vormenghast we should reach the Thorn Camp crossing by nightfall."

Vorik nods agreement with Vlad and Jaestra as they pass by the old homestead. "Those two would be fine candidates for taking up residence here."

With a smile for Hrafen he adds, "Oh, I don't know Hrafen. Going for two days without having to draw a weapon has been rather relaxing. On the other hand, it would be nice to taste some of Svetlana's sweet rolls and wash in a warm tub of water rather than an icy cold stream."

Hrafen shivers.

"Oh, I am certainly not complaining about the lack of things trying to kill us... I just would not mind having a few more 'creature comforts', again..."

Could I get perception checks at the shack and farm, please?

Perception (Shack): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perception (Farm): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Wow, that was craptastic...

Perception (Shack) : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Perception (Farm) : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Perception(Shack): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25.
Perception(Farm): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20.

Jaestra notices what looks like a walking stick with a tiny birdhouse on top driven into the ground. The immediate area around it is full of several types of vegetables. On closer inspection, it looks like the walking stick and tiny birdhouse are carved from one piece of wood. Many different types of seeds and grains are spilling from the hole.

Inside the shack - among the cobwebs, there is a simple table and a bed. The bed coverings have rotted to rags... under which Hrafen happens to find a small book. Mildew and plastered filth make the cover and spine completely illegible.

I point out the map to my companions, "I think we should try to follow his path at some point soon. As for the rest of the book, if I am given time or maybe a couple of nights, I might be able to read the original text of this time, if this sounds agreeable?"

Hrafen nods.

"It certainly sounds intriguing."

He then smiles, with a twinkle in his eye.

"I think that this would be a perfect pretext for resting-up at Oleg's for a few days, so you can devote your full attention to deciphering it... I might even be able to get to work on that brewing equipment!"

Noticing the odd birdhouse with its abundance of seeds, Vorik steps up to give it a closer look. Puzzled he says, "A fine display of craftsmanship in the carving. But that's odd. I wonder how those seeds came to be here? Surely, this place has been abandoned for months, if not years, and yet there is still fresh feed for the birds?"

He turns to Hrafen and says, "Could it be enchanted in some way?"

"Well, all I can promise is to take a look..."

Detect Magic.

"Right. Well, it is *indeed* magical, and has a moderately powerful aura. I would recommend against interfering with it until we are able identify exactly what it is."

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23.

Vorik nods at Hrafen'sI discovery and advice. Taking a few more moments to scan the surrounding vegetables he says, "Well, it seems like this would be an excellent source of seed to start a farm or just a simple vegetable garden."

"Hmmm... I am detecting a mixture of Conjuration, Enchantment, and Divination magic on his device. Make of that what you will."

"Conjuration, enchantment, and divination? Sounds like that it may be fairly potent." Vladimir remarks. "Hrafen, perhaps if we put our heads together on this one, we may be able to figure out what it does."

Spellcraft to ID: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"I am afraid that whilst I have picked up a bit of magical theory, dweomercraft is sadly not something that I know much about..."

No ranks in Spellcraft...

You mount up, and travel to the Thorn River Camp... arriving just after night fall. You are able to set up camp quickly in the cozy spot.

(Jaestra please roll perception for your watch)

Perception : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 (23 VS Fey)