DM Jesse's Kingmaker PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Jesse Heinig

Where to next? Garuum doesn't speak more than ten words of Taldan, and none of you speak Boggard, nor do you have a way to translate right now... but he seems happy to let you go on your way.

Keep heading in the direction we were heading?

Really? That didn't seem obvious.

As Vallen waxes eloquent about their non-violent intentions, Cassandra looks at the toad-man curiously. His broken common didn't appear to be lack of intellect but lack of knowledge of the language itself. She leans over to Vallen saying, "I don't think he understands us." She looks between the toad-man and the giant toad. Their seemed to be connection or familiarity there. Maybe...

Cassandra focuses on the image of a toad and pushes strength towards her innate ability. Her next words come out sounding like one long, awful burp. Will Speak with Animals work?

Wow that's a really clever work-around to the langauge barrier Cass! Hope it works. Vallen has spells that could help but it's not like we have much to talk about. We're just exploring.

Fine with heading on in the direction we were going before.

Vallen turns in his saddle to look at Cass with a shrug. "Even so, I think we made our intentions clear, so we can-"

Cass' huge burp interupts the priest's words, and he stares at her, slack-jawwed. "Wow." He mutters, scratching the top of his head in confusion. "I've never seen a lady of any race burp like that. You could put the surliest beer-soaked dwarf to shame, Cass."

You can't use speak with animals on Garuum, but you can use it to communicate with his slurk companion (the giant warty toad-thing-mount). But, it is not very smart, being an animal and all.

Cass lets out a heck of a burp, and Garuum looks somewhat startled. The large monstrous toad-beast with him, though, responds eagerly with a deep-throated ribbit of its own.

Cassandra ignores Vallen's comment and focuses on the slurk. Garuum didn't seem to understand but the giant frog did. Maybe she could use it as a proxy. Progress. But speaking with animals was always difficult. They couldn't understand heavy concepts. THough her mouth moves as if speaking normally the sound that comes out is a deep, baritone ribbit like the slurk's.

The loathsome, slimy slurk lets out a low burping-growl sound and hops forward to press itself against Cassandra. This process leaves a long smear of green slime across her cloak.

Garuum smiles broadly (though given his frog-faced features, it's impossible for him to do otherwise). He says, "Slurk... go you. You no bug. Slurk..." He struggles to find a word and flails with his floppy hands, then helplessly shrugs.

Hah, I think Cassandra should be Grand Diplomat, not you Vallen. Jenya chortles. Now let's get a move on hey?

As the slurk moves in for an impromptu hug, Cassandra goes rigid in panic. But she had to be diplomatic here so she plasters the fakest smile she can muster on her face. "I think...he gets the idea," she says turning away and flicking slime on the ground. That was going to take a while to wash out. "Please can we go?" she says more quietly. She gives the two creatures another rictus grin and a wave before walking away. Gross, Gross, Gross, Gross."

Where to next?

Vallen lets out a boisterous guffaw at both the slurk's affection for Cassandra and her reaction to it. "I think you're right, Jenya! Or at least the amphibian ambassador!"

Same direction as before sounds good to me! Northwest I think?

Remember that "north" on this map is "up and left." Do you mean the hex up and left of your current hex, or directly to the left?

I don't think it matters? Let's go with Up and left.

Whatever way prevents us from backtracking.

Straight left to E3, then.

Leaving behind Garuum and his "mount," you finish exploring the forest around this part of the Skunk River, then head northwest into the deeper woods. You spend a day there, exploring further, and in one part of the trackless woods you find a vine-and-brush-covered statue. Clearing away some of the plants carefully, you discover that it's a statue of Erastil with his bow. You find no signs of any visitors or civilization; it seems it has been left here in the deep woods for many years. Searching the area yields neither clues nor hidden treasures.

Now listed on map as N.

Moving on, you head north (D2) and break out of the woods. Moving at speed now on horseback (with Cass doing her best to keep up), you cross the verdant, grassy plains and turn northeast, then jog north again after wandering the plain for half a day. You find small rocks here and there but mostly open grassland.

At the northwestern edge of the area under your charter you discover, hidden among a weedy bramble of blackberries, a cairn of piled stones. Perhaps it is a grave marker, or a warding stone of some sort? None of your magicians detect any magic from it.

What do you want to do about the stone?

Exploring 5 hexes and negotiating with Garuum nets the party 800 xp each.

Looks like something that might be important to someone. Jenya says looking around for signs of anyone other than them having been in the area recently.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Vallen puts down his holy symbol, the stylized silver hammer resting snuggly between the two braids of his blonde beard.

"There is no magic about the stones. But as you say Jenya, it could still hold importance for someone. Perhaps a marker for travel, as ancient as the statues we found in the forest? Or an ancient grave. We could be standing in the presence of a long dead hero!" A bit of wonder creeps into the dwarf's voice, and he reaches out to touch the stones as if attempting to communicate with them.

If only his connection with Torag was a bit stronger such a thing may be possible, but instead he must rely on the blessings available to him.

Reaching into his belt pouch, he retrieves a stone figurine of a Dwarf that the group had seen him carving during their downtime. The immaculately detailed figurine, a faithful recreation of his great-great-great grandmother Thargedna Silverclasp, is sat atop the carine. Vallen sits cross-legged among the brambles and opens his holy book.

"I will ask my ancestors if they can lend us aid. Perhaps they will know something about t his area or the peoples that left these stones that has been lost to time." He says, falling into a meditative trance that is only intterupted by mumblings under his breath.

Vallen prepares and casts Ancestral Communion as well as Guidance for +1 to Knw: Religion and then +1 to Knw: History.

knowledge: religion, ancestral communion, guidance: 1d20 + 10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 4 + 1 = 32

knowledge: history, ancestral communion, guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 4 + 1 = 30

If there is nothing to be gleaned, we'll just leave the rocks alone and move on.

--Statue--

"Wow," Cassandra murmurs, as she reveals the last of the head of the statue. A statue to Erastil all the way out here in the middle of the wilderness? Whoever did it must have been a very devout follower. It was the most appropriate place to put a statue of the Great Hunter. Nature would reclaim it in time but for now she could cut it away to reveal it wholly.

"I should make an offering," she says to know one in particular. She searches through the her items, wondering what would make an appropriate gift. She would usually offer a part of her hunt but it might take hours to find something worthy. Eventually she settle on the well-crafted handax taken from the bandits in one of their first fights. It may have been used to harm people but that wasn't the weapon's fault. It was still an excellent tool. A staple for any good hunter. And who knows? Maybe someone in need will pass by, discover the ax, and be better able to survive until they reach civilization.

She carved a bit of canvas from her tent and wrapped it, and a whet stone, in it to protect them from the elements a little better. She then placed the bundle reverently at Erastil's feet, saying a little prayer of thanks.

--Stones--

The stones feel like a cairn but who really knew in an unknown land like this? Cassandra doesn't feel comfortable messing with it and is glad no one else does either.

Well we're none of us grave robbers apparently :). Ready to move on all?

You leave the cairn behind, and head east-south-east to explore the last of the spots that you haven't mapped. It proves to be an uninteresting spot of plains near the woodside, devoid of much beyond rabbits and elk.

And with that, your exploration of the parts of the Stolen Lands nearest the southern border of Restov is complete.

You set out to cross the forest as rapidly as you can to make your way back to your fledgling settlement - only a couple of days' trip.

While you are passing through the forest, you are visited by a familiar pair early one morning - Tyg and Perlivash, the grig and the faerie dragon, who are flitting about, flying in tight circles, and overjoyed to see you. As you're going about your breakfast preparations they arrive, popping in from invisibility before excitedly buzzing about. Perlivash samples some of your honey for your trail biscuits while Tyg says in her high-pitched voice, "Ooh! Ooh! It's so good to see you again! You came at the right time! Cassie! You person I don't know! Hey! You must come see! We have a new QUEEEEEEN!" She rubs her legs together excitedly, making chirping cricket noises with her grasshopper-like grig body.

Snout and tiny faerie dragon claws dripping with honey, Perlivash
says, "Yeah! And she's wonderful and beautiful and mighty! She will protect the forest from bad folks!"

Tyg-Titter-Tut says, "You'll LOVE her. I'm sure of it!"

Also, another 100 xp for knocking out that last hex.

"WAUH!" Vallen cries as the fey suddenly appear out of nowhere, throwing up his hands in surprise. Unfortunately this caused the contents of his hands, one Hammer and Tongs: The Forging of Metal and Other Good Works, to arc through the air directly into their campfire.

Staring unblinkingly at the fey for a few moments, he finally recognizes they are not a threat and relaxes with a disgruntled sigh. "Could you... not do that? Popping out of thin air?
Give us some warning first!" He complains, getting up and toing his holy book from the camp fire.

Fortunately Torag's leather-and-metal bound scripture, in an act of incredible foresight and necessity, is made from non-flammable materials. The tome only suffered a few scuffs, which Vallen immediately sets about magically repairing.

He glances up from his work to look at Cass. "Do you have any idea what they're talking about? A new Queen?"

Jenya looks up, startled, at the newcomers. She takes their appearance in stride though. Growing up with gnomes makes a person real used to going with the flow. I didn't know you guys had a bunch of faeries hangin' around in the first place! I'm Jenya by the way.

Cassandra takes a while to calm from the startling arrival of the fey pranksters. How long had it been since she last saw them? She hadn't been out of the kingdom in a while but she had scouts now and very few encounters. Was that because of this new queen?

Staring unblinkingly at the fey for a few moments, he finally recognizes they are not a threat and relaxes with a disgruntled sigh. "Could you... not do that? Popping out of thin air? Give us some warning first!" He complains, getting up and going his holy book from the camp fire.

"They're fey," she says as if that was explanation enough. For her it was. "It's good to see you guys again," she says turning to the little fey. "So you have a queen now? What's she like?"

"She's lovely and regal and she's the heart of the woods!" says Tyg. "She's wonderful and she's one with the plants. Sooo majestic."

You think the grig might be crushing a little bit.

Perlivash licks his chops and flits over to Jenya with his butterfly wings, and makes lazy circles in front of her. "You and you," - he says pointing to Vallen - "smell funny. Like dragonfire! The BIG kind. But that's all right! As long as you don't burn down the forest I'm sure the queen will like you just the same."

"Let's take them to see her!" exclaims Tyg-Titter-Tut.

like we're going to say no.

Vallen isn't sure whether or not "smelling like big dragonfire" was a compliment or not, but he was going to err on the side of "no". Grunndinnar stay my tongue... Fey are bothersome creatures, and I know I can't changge their ways any more than a miner can change the course of an ore vein.

The priest sighs and shakes his head with a jangle of rings adorning his beard. "While I am a priest of the Forge Father, I have no intention of burning your home. Wood does not burn hot enough for smithing or smelting metal, you see." He says in a half-assed attempt to assuage them.

Cassandra doubted the validity of this Queen considering the herald's. It could be another prank, albeit a very elaborate one for them, but a prank nonetheless. Cassandra pauses her deliberation as Perlivash says they smell like dragon fire. The guns? That's what dragon fire smelled like? She'd have to remember that. "You've met a fire dragon?"

Well my curiosity's piqued. Jenya says. One with the plants and everything huh. She's certainly got you two charmed.

Perlivash giggles and says, "I hope I don't meet a biggsie dragon! They'd eat me!" He makes a circle in the air again and then says, "But I know how they smell. Dragons can always recognize other dragons. You smell like red dragon burps!"

Tyg-Titter-Tut excitedly rubs her legs and unfurls her cricket wings and says, "This way!"

The faeries lead you on a merry chase through the woods, a good two hours of dodging bushes, circling trees, and reminding them that you would like to get there before dark when they get distracted and start playing games of tag and hide-and-seek in the air.

You pass by an area of light woods where the sunlight dapples through the leaves and past a small number of mounds, each about a foot high. You're pretty sure you didn't see these when you first explored this area.

As the afternoon comes on and the light turns to a lovely golden-orange, you come to a fascinating sight: What looks like tiny bowers threaded with blooming flowers among the underbrush, and hanging from the trees are small gossamer hammocks. In the middle of this ring of faerie paraphernalia is a fine yew tree with small red berries on its fronds, and a small wooden throne is built into the roots of the tree. In the boughs, tiny lights flicker, like fireflies. But probably humanoid up close.

A beautiful faerie creature sits upon the throne, apparently listening to an ephemeral music that emanates from the air itself.

Tyg-Titter-Tut excitedly lands and bows (somehow). "Your majesty!" she says breathlessly. "We have brought these important friends to meet you! I hope that you approve. These are the humans - and their ilk - that Perlivash and I told you about before. The kindly ones who have good hearts."

Ilystria—who had, until moments ago, been joyfully bobbing her head to the song of courtly minstrels—freezes as though she's been caught in a compromising situation. The enchanting melody abruptly cuts out and a few moments pass wherein Ilystria merely studies the visitors with her overlarge, pupilless eyes. But her confusion and embarrassment fade instantly after listening to Tyg-Titter-Tut's explanation. "Oh!" Like magic, an almost visible change falls over the small fey as she adopts an air of regality. Perhaps that is what the tales are referring to when they speak of fey weaving glamours over themselves.

Rising gracefully from her throne, the fabric of her diaphanous green dress shifts to pool at her sandal-clad feet. A simple circlet of leafy vines and tiny blossoms braided together rests upon her brow. From twin slits in the back of her gown, two wings of ivy unfurl and bring her up to the mortals' eye level.

"Thank you, Lady Tyg-Titter-Tut and Lord Perlivash, for bringing these honored guests before the Court," the fey tells her courtiers, giving them both a smile of incomparable sweetness. Then she goes on to address their visitors, introducing herself in her lilting voice, "I am Ilystria Leafheart, Queen of the Narlmarches." Lifting her arms up wide, the scent of sweet flowers in the air intensifies and an ephemeral noise, this time of indistinct cheering, picks up.

"I bid you welcome, friends of the Court!"

Vallen finds himself in another forest, and though beautiful, it is not his office and the only stone to be seen is ALWAYS covered in some kind of fancy-looking moss. Always. Every rock. Where does it come from?

He distracts himself by pondering these questions as the fey lead them towards their Queen, where his inevitable duty awaits. If their Queen is anything like our two guides maybe she'll get distracted after we exchange pleasantries, and we can leave?

The priest's wishful thinking is interrupted as his horse smartly comes to a stop behind Jenya's, they dismount, and they meet up with Cass several yards away. "Sure are a lot of... fairies... here?" It was half question, half desperate plea of a mostly ignorant soul asking to be educated before engaging in state-level diplomacy with creatures he knows nothing about.

Still, as the Queen makes her introductions he finds himself struck by her. The otherwordly beauty and grace tickles the more creative regions of the dwarf's mind. The patterns on her wings in particular stood out, sending his mind racing towards desgins for lattice structures and laced supports.

"Oh!" He jumps a little when Jenya nudges the heel of his boot after several seconds of long silence. Clearing his throat, Vallen expounds; "Thank you for receiving us Ilysteria Leafheart. I am Vallen Silverclasp, Priest of Torag and Grand Diplomat of Ermia, our fledgling kingdom that has started up around the old Staglord's Fort." He hoped the more local location would give not only the information that the Staglord was gone, but some directions.

"We have been touring the land, announcing our good intentions, and making contact with local creatures to encourage harmony among all races." He had been working on that one for a while now.

Tyg claps excitedly - it seems she can't help herself - while Perlivash lazily flits over to Jenya and lands on her shoulder.

"My queen," says Perlivash, "These wonderful intrepid souls dealt with those nasty bandit-people we told you about! They traveled all through the woods without striking a faerie or chopping down a tree. Truly they are noble among the mortal kind."

The teeny balls of light assume a dancing spiral pattern over Ilystria, and the "mortals" suddenly realize that in the angled light going through the tree boughs, you can't tell what time of day it is anymore.

Vallen starts to feel a little bit nervous as the lights shift about the treetops. Real or perceived, he begins to feel disconnected from the predictability of the material plane.
How did those stories go again? Don't accept anything to eat or drink... uh.. don't give your real name... Aw by Droskar's matted beard, I already did that!

The anxiety increases, and he shifts from one foot to another. Am I trapped here now? I hope those fairy tales aren't real.

Well ah, to be accurate. Jenya says I wasn't part of that shindig, and I don't think Vallen here was either. Cassandra took part in that, and from the stories I've heard, I figure the Stolen Lands are better off for it. We just got done exploring around here and I think we're plannin' on seeing all parts of The Lands while we build up around where the Fort was.

Ilystria brings a hand up to her chin, looking thoughtful as she hovers there considering Perlivash's words. Her eerie white eyes look over each of the "mortals" in turn, quietly taking their measure, and even though it's nearly impossible to know for certain where she is looking, one can almost feel the weight of her ancient stare when it is focused upon them. And for a few moments that stare rests heavily on the guest that has yet to speak. This one must be their Queen, Ilystria thinks, suddenly and inexplicably feeling as if she shares a kindred nature with the woman—Cassandra. Yes, she must be. Even though she is mortal, she carries the soul of the wild within her.

"Well, deeds as heroic as these surely deserve a reward. Wouldn't you agree?" she asks brightly. Without waiting for an answer or listening to any objections from her guests, Ilystria turns and calls out in a series of clicks. A few bushes near the base of her tree throne rustle in response; moments later, a large elk steps out of the brush and makes his way to Ilystria's side, dragging behind him a sled bearing one medium-sized chest. "Come, come!" she beckons the group, flitting over and throwing open the lid of the chest.

"Please, take what you like. Then we can discuss how we might go about creating harmony between our courts."

Cassandra doesn't think much of the first mushroom she passes by until she sees another some distance away. Same type and in a not so natural placement. "Faerie ring?" she mutters to herself. She always thought faerie rings were just a myth. Maybe fey really did live in them. Her thoughts are confirmed when she sees the first faerie home for it is certainly not a nest. No animal could arrange leaves like that. They were so pretty and gave her some great ideas for hunting and scouting blinds. Then her eyes settle on who it is the two fey pranksters have brought them to. Okay. Maybe this isn't a prank this time.

She's pretty. Really pretty. She seems so much more vibrant to look at, like she's not real. Ethereal even. Especially with those...vine-wings? And so small. No bigger than a halfling. She makes Cassandra feel a little self-conscious about her wild mane of white hair, dirty, calloused hands and rough physique. And lets not forget the thick white fur covering much of her body, the partially elongated nose and mouth and the sharpened teeth. She completely forgot to transform back. Hopefully the faerie queen didn't take notice or didn't mind.

It takes her a while to find her voice and it's not the best start. She looks into the chest, see's the hodge podge of goods and says, "It's adventuring gear." She sounds more than a little surprised. This was a fey queen right? Shouldn't there be like...a magical bow or sword...or anything magical in here?

Jenya nods at Cassandra's note of surprise. The mundane items were not what she would have expected from a fey queen of the wilds. Still she didn't want to offend anyone so she just say We're more than happy to accept the gifts as tokens of peace I think, right Vallen?

As she says this she finds herself scratching Perlivash under the chin which the little faerie dragon seems to enjoy immensely.

Vallen flinches a little when the large elk bursts through the trees, and he can't help but momentarily gawk at it... pulling a sled with a chest?

"Erm." The dwarf mumbles, beginning to spin one of the rings on his left hand absentmindedly. Don't accept any gifts! If you accept any gifts from the fey queen you'll be trapped forever!

"That's uh... very kind of you..." He peeks inside the chest, and is completely underwhelmed by its contents. "Wow. That's some great stuff. That honey sure looks tasty. But.. Look uh.." The priest's voice cracks, causing him to clear his throat. Vallen suddenly looks very serious, folding his hands on his apron before taking a deep breath.

"I think you may have the wrong impression. We're not adventurers. We're dignitaries. The only reward we seek is cooperation and between our two kingdoms. So please, let's move straight to business. We have been issued a charter for all these lands by Brevoy. Technically that includes these lands here. The one we're standing on. BUT we're not conquerers. You were here first. So either we want you to give us established boundries for your kingdom and we mind our own peoples, or you join us for the greater benefit of both our realms. Make sense?" It all came out whirlwind fast, like he was rushing to get to the point so he could stop talking.

Mistaking the group's surprise over her treasures for excitement, Ilystria laughs, a high, musical sound that seems to fill the grove. "A most wonderful bounty, is it not?" she asks, oblivious to the commonplace nature of her goods. Noting the mortal folk's hesitation, she tries to entice them as only a cunning merchant could. Holding up a length of the silk rope, the fey queen says, "This strange vine is softer than a barrow hound pup's fur, but much, much stronger. Here, feel." Ilystria holds the rope up for their inspection for only a moment before dropping it and moving to the next item. "This box," she pulls out what looks like a standard healer's kit, "is filled with all sorts of plants. Some of them smell funny, but most of them are quite tasty." Lastly, she draws from the chest a glass flask filled with viscous amber liquid—alchemist's fire. "This smells terrible, but if you shake it really hard, the liquid inside gets hot enough to keep your hands warm."

When Vallen comments on the honey, Ilystria makes a sound of approval. She puts the alchemist's fire back in the chest—gently—before taking out the jar of honey. With two hands on the base of the jar, she holds it up to Vallen like an offering. "Ah yes, the honey! A powerful treasure, indeed! You can make many friends with this," she joyfully extols. But as Vallen powers through the rest of his speech, Ilystria's cheeriness fades like a wilting flower until all that remains is a cold, stony-faced fey holding a jar of honey.

"You are a bold mortal, to come into a Fey Court and make demands of a Queen," Ilystria says, trying to imitate the haughty way the Elder Fey would speak but sounding hurt instead. "I know not what role a Grand Dippermat fills, but if it is to confound with big words or hurt others' feelings, then I can think of few better suited than you. If we did not prize this delightful nectar so highly," she says, hoisting the honey an inch higher, "I would dunk your head in it in the hopes that it might make you a little sweeter," she sniffles. Then her gaze lowers as she considers that scenario—the gruff, hairy mortal stumbling around with a jar of honey stuck on his head—and makes an amused little sound, and just like that the hurt is gone. She would have to write that one down in her joke book later, but for now...

Ilystria softly shakes her head to dispel the humorous thought before once again adopting a regal demeanor. After placing the honey back in the chest, she clasps her hands neatly in front of her before addressing Vallen and the other mortals. "Although impolite, your words nevertheless ring true. There is much my kind can learn from your ways, especially those of us who wish to make a home here in this strange new world. I accept your offer."

Fluttering over to throne, Ilystria pronounces before her entire "court", "I leave you now to travel with these mortals back to their strange kingdom, but I will return! In my absence, I name you, Lady Tyg-Titter-Tut, Regent of the Narlmarch Court. Lord Perlivash, I ask you to fulfill the role of Royal Messenger. If a concern​ arises that requires my attention, please come find me so I can return to the Court at once." After issuing her royal decree, Ilystria moves to say her private goodbyes with her courtiers, then secures the chest and climbs stride her elk. "Ready!" the "queen" cheerfully announces before nudging her mount into motion.

Ilystria joined your party!

With the "faerie queen" now joining your ranks, your travel through the Narlmarches is... different, to say the least. Her point of view on the forest is unique. She sees from a literally different perspective; she is able to point out mounds, trods, strange flowers and herbs, things that Cassie might notice but wouldn't recognize as fey. If Ilstrya is to be believed, there truly is a strong faerie presence in the Narlmarches, but it is usually hidden away, sometimes appearing as nothing more than mundane patches of flowers or mushrooms, other times beyond a trod or a faerie door.

You return to Emeria, and the city is much the same as you left it; you were, after all, gone only for about a week. Construction on the keep is almost done. Simple sluices and improved roads are in place. There's a farmer's market in progress when you arrive, with locals trading small amounts of produce - mostly it's hunters with meat, as nobody has had enough time to grow anything locally, except for the few people who harvest berries and roots in the wild. Still, it's a sign of thing to come: People are flocking to Emeria to trade and to do business.

Somehow, Ralan is already waiting for you when you return, leading your horses up the smoothed and partially-cobbled road that leads to the keep. He's lounging against the outer tower, cleaning his nails with a kukri (a pretty absurd action, but apparently he's doing it for effect more than anything else). The black-and-red haired man twirls his kukri and sheathes it as the team approaches, and he falls into step near Cassie.

"Bit of news while you were out," he says. "Alexei got a letter delivered by Kiely Crowfarron. He didn't say what was in it, but he got really pale, and he packed his things to head out the next day. He had a chat with Akiros - the old boy can probably fill you in. Tamric Lees came by as well. He's extending his route to go south from Oleg's down here. Brought a lot of tools, which were snapped up immediately by local laborers and folks looking to carve out their own homesteads."

"Word's getting out," he says. "People are starting to trickle in from other places - Restov, Mivon, Numeria. There's even been a couple from Nirmathas. Younger siblings looking to start their own farms, mostly, and a few scruffy sorts who've seen that the days of banditry are coming to an end. Lots of wild tales from the travelers: Trolls to the south, lizardfolk to the west, strange lights seen in the swamps at night."

"Some of the hunters and homesteaders are heading further afield, now that the town's growing," he continues as you pass under the gates and into the keep proper. "But the frontiers are still rough. Mostly modest farms to the north, and that's relatively safe." You hear the sound of cracking stone and Olin's voice cursing from high above, and with a glance upward notice that he's working on restoring parts of the towers and rebuilding some of the roof-coverings over the walkways between them; someone accidentally smashed a chunk of masonry against another rock, damaging them both, and the dwarf is shouting up a storm.

"Anyway," continues Ralan as you approach the meeting room where Akiros is currently engaged in reviewing paperwork, "Like I said, lots of stories. One hunter says he ran into a hodag, a fearsome water critter, and he stabbed it with his spear but it escaped. A couple homesteaders looking for a place to settle said they caught sight of an owlbear. And Jubilost Narthropple stopped in long enough to say that he thinks the stories of trolls in the south are right, but he headed back out to do more exploring."

Akiros is busy with the management of the keep, now that Alexei is gone while you've been out. He seems pleased to see you, and he puts the paperwork down - from what you can see, mostly formal requests for building permissions about the town site. He stands and tucks his hands into his belt. He looks good - calm. Better than you remember him being.

"My lords and ladies," he says with a bow, "You return home at a fortuitous time. Alexei was forced to depart under onerous circumstances, and I have done my best to manage in his absence. We also have a new distinguished guest - two, by the looks of it," he says, catching sight of Lily, "- one Vladric Zharatov, a protege of one of the Swordlords. He is currently in one of the towers, taking in the view. I have done my best to be hospitable while avoiding making any irreversible decisions. He arrived two days ago with letters from the Swordlords instructing him to 'aid and assist as possible' with the business of Emeria, 'in the interests of continued friendship and mutual support.'"

So... now what? :D

Raising his head up in response to the sound of stone crashing up against the masonry walls, the Mivonese noble known as Vladric Zharatov, formerly of the Mivon River Patrol and "Failed Suitor" to his mentor, Grand Dame Eowyn Alderthane of House Aivragor, reacts with a sudden start to that unexpected sound emanating through the open window of his present accommodations within one of towers at this former bandit-keep.

Hearing the faint but unmistakable shouts of dwarvish-sounding cursings and haranguing follow not long afterwards- presumably from whomever was in charge of reconstructing the keep's exterior, Vladric relaxes just a little as he relinquishes his instinctively honed, reactionary grip upon the hilt of his green-tinted dueling blade of Living Steel (itself a parting gift from his mentor; a badge of honor granted to those who underwent her strict tutelage).

He had been poring over the newly updated charter for the umpteenth time when the presumed accident happened. Deciding that this would be good a time as any to take break from his readings, Vladric stands up from where he was seated at and proceeds to stretch out any unduly tensed muscles.

Glancing out through the self-same open window view from which all that outside ruckus had filtered through earlier, the Rostlander Bravo turned River Patrol Sailor quietly mulls over the events of the past few days since his unannounced arrival to this newly-claimed territory known as Emeria.

It was a modestly sized kingdom to be sure but it was vibrant, burgeoning, and its' roadways, while not as polished or paved as compared to those of his home nation of Mivon, was far more safer and secure- despite their recent reclamation from the surrounding wilderness, than even the most downtrodden parts of the Mivonese Capitol itself.

Jenya puts her hands to her cheek and rubs it up and down nervously. How could there be so many people so quickly. And how were they going to be able to protect all of them?

What've I gotten myself into Ma? she thinks to herself as Akiros gives his report.

Anyway introductions were probably in order. She clears her thought and beings in a mock formal tone that's pretty foreign to the young gunslinger Allow me to present Ilystria Leafheart, Fey Queen of the Narlmarches. She's going to be joining us in Emeria for a spell to build relations. We should probably introduce her to to this Vladric person. What's he like?

The City's Name is River Run, the kingdom is Ermia, right?

Vallen can barely stand the rolling emotions of Ilystria; he isn't sure if she's about to attack them, try to give them some stag beetles tied to a stick and call it a spear, or accept their offer. Much to his relief the drama ends in their favor, though he is momentarily stunned how the fey queen just... tosses her title to the nearest advisor. These creatures are too capricious. They make my head spin... Having this one along will make communicating with them so much easier.

Recovering from the sudden flinging of titles, Vallen sucks in another breath and puts his hands on his hips. "Uh. Good. Good.. We deeply appreciate your cooperation. Having an insider such as yourself will greatly facilitate understanding between our peoples." He says, nodding repeatedly and looking surprised things went so well.

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The trip back to River Run through the Narlmarshes is highly informative. "I had no idea there were so many fey in the area." The dwarf comments, thinking aloud. "People are going to start moving into these woods at some point. How are we going to accomodate the expansion of the kingdom, the desire of the more industrious among us, and the locals? There is much magic in these woods... maybe we could get the fey to gather the special herbs and plants that only grow in these ancient forests, stimulate an alchemical industry based on such cooperation?" There's no pinpointing when it happened, but Vallen suddenly seems concerned with more than his brick-and-mortar ideas. It looks like his mind is already turning towards the economical future of the kingdom, and the conflicts it will cause.

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Vallen doesn't bother dismounting as they meet Ralan on the outskirts of River Run. Keeping up with the humans was difficult enough for his short legs without trying to listen, too. He carefully considers the man's report, at least until the cracking of stone nad stone is heard.

Jerking his head up, Vallen gasps. "By Drosker's foul navel! If that was a captstone for one of the walkway arches it'll set us back weeks! That stone is specially ordered!" He groans and presses his hands on his temples in despair.

Completely distracted for the rest of the trip, Vallen makes it obvious he has places to be, taking the news of Alexei's departure with a sigh. "Meet the new boss- same as the old boss, eh? Won't have much to rule over if we don't get this keep off the ground. We're on schedule at least."

He notices the building permit requests, pointing a large, callused finger in their direction. "I'll take those Akiros. I have plans for the city drafted and I need to see what fits into the current demand. This will not be a hodgepoge human city, but an orderly and well-thought out metropolis, one day. Torag teaches us: "Lay a strong foundation not only for your own home, but the homes of all those that will come after you."

Neatly stacking and gathering up papers, he tries to decide if he wants to meet the new ruler now or later. "I have to talk with Uncle Olin and sees if any magical repairs are neede, look over these plans, catch up on survey reports... So if this Vladric is coming around I can introduce myself, but otherwise I'll be in my office or on the parapets."

What now indeed? Shall we move on to our next kingdom phase?

Sure I think it's a good time to get Vladric in and then together we can delve back into Kingdom building for GM Jesse to process after their much deserved time off :)

Cassandra cocked her head at Ilystria like a confused puppy as she extols the wonders of the treasure before them. All she can think is that this really is a prank. A very, very elaborate one. She can't be that naive. She can't think we're that naive. Rope, healer's kit and alchemist's fire. I have most of those things and can get the others easily. At some point in her musings she completely missed that the fey "queen" had decided to join them. Wait. What? So now they were headed home with a faerie in tow. Okay then.

-----------------------------

When they get home, Cassandra sees Ralan cleaning his fingers with a kukri and smiles. Horribly ineffective but people were steering clear. She might have to use that trick. Would an ax work? No. But an arrow might, with the bow nearby and string up ready to use. Yeah. That might work. She's expecting the usual report about wild animals, suspicions individuals and what not but gets a lot more than that. She sighs. Seriously, why did they always come to her with this? And she is forced to remind herself she's the last one left. All the others she came here and fought the Staglord with had left. Called back home for some reason or another. It was all too much to handle herself. But she had people now. It was still hard to wrap her head around some days but there it was. She addresses each issue as they come.

"Bit of news while you were out," he says. "Alexei got a letter delivered by Kiely Crowfarron. He didn't say what was in it, but he got really pale, and he packed his things to head out the next day. He had a chat with Akiros - the old boy can probably fill you in."

"Wonderful. And now the rulers gone." Sarcasm probably wasn't the best start but she was not in the mood and neither her or Ralan bothered mincing words. Too pragmatic. "Guess we'll talk to Akiros."

"Tamric Lees came by as well. He's extending his route to go south from Oleg's down here. Brought a lot of tools, which were snapped up immediately by local laborers and folks looking to carve out their own homesteads."

"See if you can't spare a few scouts to send with Tamric next time he comes around. We kind of stole Oleg so making sure he gets here safe is the least we can do."

"Word's getting out," he says. "People are starting to trickle in from other places - Restov, Mivon, Numeria. There's even been a couple from Nirmathas. Younger siblings looking to start their own farms, mostly, and a few scruffy sorts who've seen that the days of banditry are coming to an end. Lots of wild tales from the travelers: Trolls to the south, lizardfolk to the west, strange lights seen in the swamps at night."

"That's good. We're growing," she says somewhat hesitantly. Was this a good pace? Could they handle such an influx? Questions for someone else maybe. Probably Bob. "Those scruffy sorts? Those are for Jenya and Auric. Did Alexi take Auric?" That wouldn't be good. The ruler and the head of police disappearing just like that?

"Anyway," continues Ralan as you approach the meeting room where Akiros is currently engaged in reviewing paperwork, "Like I said, lots of stories. One hunter says he ran into a hodag, a fearsome water critter, and he stabbed it with his spear but it escaped. A couple homesteaders looking for a place to settle said they caught sight of an owlbear. And Jubilost Narthropple stopped in long enough to say that he thinks the stories of trolls in the south are right, but he headed back out to do more exploring."

"Send some people to track down that Hodag and Owlbear. See where they are nesting and how close they are. Might have to drive them off. They could easily threaten livestock or an unwary farmer. As for the other things. All we can do is keep our eyes open. Thanks for the update."

--------------------

"My lords and ladies," he says with a bow, "You return home at a fortuitous time. Alexei was forced to depart under onerous circumstances, and I have done my best to manage in his absence. We also have a new distinguished guest - two, by the looks of it," he says, catching sight of Lily, "- one Vladric Zharatov, a protege of one of the Swordlords. He is currently in one of the towers, taking in the view. I have done my best to be hospitable while avoiding making any irreversible decisions. He arrived two days ago with letters from the Swordlords instructing him to 'aid and assist as possible' with the business of Emeria, 'in the interests of continued friendship and mutual support.'"

Cassandra smiled a bit at being called a Lady. She wasn't but it sounded nice. The end of his report confused her though. "So...what does that mean? Did they assign him here to watch over us?"

Vallen's thoughts about the future of her territory and her people has Ilystria wrinkling her nose in disapproval. It wasn't quite what she had in mind when she had agreed to join them. In fact, the reason she had been so eager to meet the heroes her courtiers had spoken so highly of was because she needed help protecting her demesne from the mortals who were already encroaching. It was as much to protect the forest's connection to the First World as it was to keep hapless mortals from accidentally stumbling into the realm of the Fey. Still, her scant knowledge of politics is enough that she understands the importance of negotiation. Instead of immediately nixing the idea, Ilystria simply replies, "We shall see," before continuing to point out the signs of her people's presence.

As the group leaves the Narlmarches behind, the change in Ilystria's demeanor is readily apparent. The small fey's almost non-stop chattiness gives way to wide-eyed wonder as she witnesses for the first time what a mortal kingdom looks like. Any shyness she feels in being out of her element quickly gives way to a curiosity that leaves her buzzing to explore all that the mortal settlement has to offer. Knowing she is likely to get lost if she leaves her companions' side, she stays with the procession but her attention remains divided between the conversation taking place and the sights she passes, only focusing on one as long as it proves more entertaining than the other.

"Will-o'-wisps!" Ilystria blurts as the colorful-haired man talks about lights seen in the swamps. "You should introduce yourselves to them soon. They enjoy playing little tricks on passersby, but I don't think your people will appreciate their humor," she advises before her attention is stolen away by the thunderous sound of stone crashing against stone overhead.

Once inside, her interest in the conversation is renewed upon hearing her name. While thrilled by the deference Jenya shows when introducing her, Ilystria can't help but feel a bit apprehensive at meeting this person whose arrival has her companions confused and... disappointed? "If Vladric is here to aid and assist, why would you not want his help?"

Anyway introductions were probably in order. She clears her thought and beings in a mock formal tone that's pretty foreign to the young gunslinger Allow me to present Ilystria Leafheart, Fey Queen of the Narlmarches. She's going to be joining us in Emeria for a spell to build relations. We should probably introduce her to to this Vladric person. What's he like?

Amusingly enough, one point of head-canon inspiration for Vladric was partially (possibly in theme and tone?) based upon Captain John Sheridan's entry into Babylon 5 during the start of the second season- not sure yet how much of that inspiration will stick as Vladric's time in Emeria progresses.

As for a quick and dirty impression that he might have given to Akiros, Vladric would make it no secret that he hails from a (minor?) noble house in Mivon that's somehow managed to keep close ties to their Brevoy relatives or vice versa (that's how he could spend time in Rostland too); Maybe one big general stereotype of a Mivoni Noble could be that of a person with a big chip on their shoulder, ready to duel at the slightest provocation. Vladric wouldn't be like that (he got it beaten out of him with his public loss!), of course. :)

Neatly stacking and gathering up papers, he tries to decide if he wants to meet the new ruler now or later. "I have to talk with Uncle Olin and sees if any magical repairs are neede, look over these plans, catch up on survey reports... So if this Vladric is coming around I can introduce myself, but otherwise I'll be in my office or on the parapets."

What now indeed? Shall we move on to our next kingdom phase?

Would Vladric be able to roll for that next kingdom phase or does he have to be formally inducted in-game in order to do that? ;)

Cassandra smiled a bit at being called a Lady. She wasn't but it sounded nice. The end of his report confused her though. "So...what does that mean? Did they assign him here to watch over us?"

Guess somebody's gotta watch the watchfolks. Otherwise, as far as Vladric knows (unless corrected otherwise), most everyone's whose part of the council is a noble. ;)

Snapping out of his reminiscent reverie, Vladric of the Mivoni House of Zharatov gets a serendipitous bit of inspiration about checking to see if Akiros (who seemed like a decent sort despite all of the overwhelming task of his newer responsibilities) had any copies of the older charters transcribed somewhere in his office. Plus he could check to see if the other city officiates have returned from their exploratory sojourn. At least it would put a break in the monotony of poring over that charter that he arrived with, if nothing else.

Once inside, her interest in the conversation is renewed upon hearing her name. While thrilled by the deference Jenya shows when introducing her, Ilystria can't help but feel a bit apprehensive at meeting this person whose arrival has her companions confused and... disappointed? "If Vladric is here to aid and assist, why would you not want his help?"

Lily will be in for a surprise (maybe some disappointment too?) when she finds out that Cassandra's not really the Queen; thus far everyone else made mention of boss/ruler, nothing about a fellow Queen. ;)

Pouring some chilled fresh water from the tengu-jug (in part due to its' enchanted nature) into a nearby mug, Vladric takes a deep sip or two before getting ready to leave his assigned tower room. After closing the door and locking it, Vladric heads down the winding stone staircases over towards the direction of Akiros' office.

In theory, this should give a way for everyone finally getting to meet at Akiros' office (if nothing else comes up) but gives those who wish to do so an opportunity to depart for other business. :)

Vladric heads down from the tower as Akiros is explaining matters to Cassie, Jenya, and Vallen, and being introduced to Lily. Akiros is quick to turn and introduce him.

"Vladric Zharatov," says Akiros, "Late of Brevoy, now here to aid us in the reclamation of these lands." He bows slightly.

At this point you have two things to do:
1. Next kingdom turn
2. Decide which lead you want to follow up on, if any!

Whether Vladric starts making decisions is up to whether the rest of the group trusts him to do so. :)

"Thank you, Akiros", Vladric replies as he steps inside of the now crowded office and bows in return to the general turned temporary seneschal before turning to face the now returned and present appointed officiates of Emeria (and whose very names graced the very charter held in Vladric's hand) plus one apparent visiting royal dignitary that had accompanied them.

The slightly weathered but freshly sandy-brown coiffured figure appeared to be in his late twenties/early thirties and held himself with a regal (but affable) sort of bearing. Dressed in the usual noble finery of Mivoni/Brevic style with sensible decorative trim and quite the fanciful jeweled belt buckle, Vladric's signet-ring-bearing right hand never strayed quite very far from the protruding hilt of his sheathed Aldori Dueling Blade in spite of his holding onto the rolled up amended charter bearing his official appointment to this newly established kingdom.

Briefly regarding each and every one of the ruling council party members present plus the child-sized, elaborately winged fey-blooded queen, Vladric gives another regally formal standing bow to the diverse group before him saying, "My Fellow Lord and Ladies,", after which, the Mivoni noble proffers a formal kneeling bow before the Keep's unearthly royal visitor and says, "Your Majesty of the Fey realms,".

The Mivoni nobleman had pondered upon how he should introduce himself to the rest of his fellow noble peers (not to mention the unexpected guest from Fey) as soon as he heard their queries and commentaries coming from Akiros' office. It was clear from the mention of his name plus the fact that their former associate had left them so unexpectedly that the group had no small amount of ambivalence towards his arrival. It would be best if I leveled with them; considering their present state, they've must have only just arrived not that long ago.

Deciding that he should attempt to defuse all doubts about his intentions, Vladric, still kneeling before Ilystria, answers her question posed to the others, "As to the question about any possible reluctance in regards towards accepting my help and assistance, milady, it would be quite natural since we've all only met just now."

At that, Vladric gives a smile and nod to the diminutive dignitary from the Narlmarches before standing back up to his full height. "As you are all undoubtedly aware, I've arrived here three day prior after the less than auspicious departure of your former peer; I am unable to speak to the circumstances of his leave of absence but I suspect that it was not without good reason else he wouldn't have left so hastily."

Holding out the newly amended charter in the direction of Vallen, Cassandra, and Jenya, Vladric continues with, "This charter stating my inclusion to your numbers should explain more but I am open to any questions that you may have. As to my qualifications, I've completed my tour of duty with the now-dissolved Mivon River Patrol down in Mivon where I served to the best of my abilities as both crewman and sub-officer for the better part of seven years. I also count myself as a humble member of the sword-pact to my superior and better, the Grand Dame Eowyn Alderthane of House Aivragor in Mivon. Even before that, I had spent many of my formative years in training at Rostland."

Giving a brief nod over to Vallen, Vladric mentions, "Milord, I had overheard of your intention to attend to your workings as quickly as possible, so I have endeavored to keep things as brief as I could manage."

Then giving another polite nod over to Cassandra, Vladric adds, "As to the need for any... supervision upon my part with regards to all of your past accomplishments and current duties, Milady, I would say that such a thing would only be warranted by dint of all of your expressed consent and respective permission."

Giving a third, friendly nod towards Jenya, Vladric finishes up his prior remarks with, "Hopefully, that should answer some of your questions about myself without necessarily inconveniencing Akiros, Milady."

Keeping with current in-game Golarion canon, I decided to have the Mivon River Patrol now be defunct in the present.