DM_Scholar's Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Asmodeus' Advocate

Abaos momentarily feels bad for the plight of Captain Garess as she tries to come to grips with things spiraling out of her control. Then he hardens; [i[it's all about stacking the deck[/i], a small, insistent voice cries. If you don't do something, people will get hurt.

He sighs. "Keep watching her, Ozzy," he tells the young shadowcaster. "Inform me if she does anything that could jepoardize our position here."

This has to work, he thinks, as he heads off in another direction. "This has to work out, for everyone."

I'm assuming we're going to Hooktongue Slough, then? If so, I'll get an organizational piece together tomorrow morning, and we'll head off.

Abaos slowly gathers those around him. He has Guthruc, Iorksan, Bright Awn, Ozzy, Captain Garess, Mustache and Blondy (her two lieutenants), Viceroy Dragonfly, Chief Sootscale, the four kobold explorers, Happs Bydon, Dharak, and Townsend. In the room, where once the Stag Lord's quarters were, he gathers them. Around a large map, with enough chairs to fit them all, though perhaps a bit cramped, he gathers them. He points to various spots on the map, telling them where they are to go, which areas to explore. "I do thank you all for staying. If we are to remain stable, if we are to remain cohesive, we will need to learn to work together. So I thank you for staying, and helping." He pauses for a minute, afraid that what he is about to say will be met with some resistance. "You've all been chosen as the leaders for the various expeditions, as you've no doubt figured. However, in the interest of cohesion; I'd like us to divide our forces." He pauses. "Scatter them throughout the various groups. For example," he pauses, and hands out a few sheets of paper. "Take a look at these."

"Do we have any questions?" He tenses slightly, waiting for the expected backlash.

"What," Garess begins, "does dividing our forces have to do with cohesion?"

The short blue creature (here's what a mite looks like, since Jen doesn't know) with bulging eyes, crooked teeth, and armor made out of the chitonous . . . chitin . . . of a giant dragonfly, cape made out of the wings of the same, sits straight backed with hands clasped in front of him (feet not touching the floor) and addresses Ozzy in his most formal undercommon.

Cheif Sootscale isn't happy.

Happs, not understanding a word of undercommon or draconic, responds to Captain Garess. "I don't put things so politely as Abaos does," he drawls, "way I see it it's simple. We mix the people we can trust in with the people we can't trust so what when some jackhole - a#*~*$&, sorry, I was gonna say 'a~$!&*&', but the word went an' mixed itself up with 'jackass' on it's way out my face, so what when some a+#&$%* goes an' turns traitor, we got eyes on 'em."

Why does Paizo censor "a*shole", but not jackass?

The four sootscale kobolds who aren't Chief Sootscale begin arguing.

"Speaking about Bokken," Townsend says, (for those who don't know, Townsend is a somewhat shrimpy bandit whose hat covers his ears and who cried when Guthruc threatened to eat him. He speaks somewhat quietly, and hero-worships Bright Awn, Happs Bydon, and Abaos. (all of whom he credits with saving his life, at some point or another) He has a magic sword, because he was proficient with it and in the area when the party found it.) looking at the roster, "does anyone know where he is? Something weird is up with Dovan's magic sword, and I wanted to talk to a magician about it."

Dragonfly came to me earlier. He wants to take his people to go get some more mites and bring them under our rule. I told him he could, but to leave a few mites--his best builders and inventors--to stay here. They are to help with our rebuilding and work on stuff to help us explore and conquer, and start learning Common. Ozzy looks around, pointedly observing the lack of communication in the room. Until the mites 'n' kobolds 'n' humans can all talk to one another, we can't put 'em in groups together and send them out into dangerous situations.

If we want to integrate the groups, we're probably better off having most of them stay here and build up the fortress (it's not currently nearly big enough for so many to stay here long-term, and having them build it up together will increase cohesion) and learn to communicate with one another and work together. We could go explore ourselves during some of this time, and we could also take some downtime to help these events along. My understanding is that, starting with book 2, Kingmaker assumes a significant amount of downtime for the party...

Why does Paizo censor "a*shole", but not jackass?

I use an RSS tracker to notify me of new posts in my PBP threads. The annoying thing is that every time somebody uses a censored word, Paizo's software generates a new random string of symbols to replace it every time it serves the post. This makes my RSS tracker think that the post is new every time it checks, and it pops up a notification every 5 minutes until there are enough posts in the thread that that one is no longer in the feed.

"I appreciate your zeal, Abaos. I am not sure our compatriots share it. Or a common cause. Without either they will do as they did. I agree with Ozara. Leave most of them here. We cannot make them get along but neither can we forestall inevitable ruptures."

Awn folds his arms.

"Make common cause. Those that want to go "home" - let them, we cannot force them to stay nor should we. Some adventurous individuals will always drift to us. The main force who wish work, payment - a cause. Give the that. Our core can come and go as we need to. Or [here eyes the odd person] as we can."

And, suddenly, the backlash comes, as he knew it would. He turns first to Chief Sootscale.

He smiles, and flashes a grateful smile to Nakpik for the lessons he's been receiving in Draconic, under her tutelage.

He looks to Ozzy to translate. "Tell the Viceroy that he can still do as he wishes- with some of the big apefolk around with him. He'll find that they are exceptionally good fighters against mites; I've handpicked them myself. Also, he need not worry about the mites and their apetites while they are away from him- I intend to see them follow the path of Guthuc and Iorskan, and I've no doubt that they will see to some reason to satisfy their hungers."

Also, there's at least one dwarven bandit who speaks mite- I'll go back and find the exact quote if you'd like, DM, but you did say it. That means it's likely that there might be more bandits who speak mite, and if not, dwarf bandit who speaks mite can teach them. Same with Daconic- technically, if Abaos learned, so can other bandits, so can the kobolds. In fact, it is likely Nakpik has picked up at least a little common, since she's been teaching Abaos draconic.

He then resumes speaking in common. "To an extent, Happs, you are correct. Though the remains of the Stag Lord's forces have remained here, I do not yet trust them. Interspersing them with various others we do trust will help my concerns of someone taking up the mantle of the Stag Lord again."

"But it is more than that. Not too long ago, we were seperate groups, all working towards a common goal. Some of us used to fight each other," he looks pointedly towards Chief Sootscale and Viceroy Dragonfly, "and if we went back to that fighting, then all we have achieved is for naught. It wasn't about taking out the Stag Lord for the sake of taking out the Stag Lord- it was about making this place a better place, where we could act freely without someone taking our stuff. That includes fighting. If we learn to like each other, we won't have a room to fight- and that, Happs, Captain, Chief, Viceory, is why I'm integrating our forces. I don't want to see us come all this way to fail in our original goal."

He eyes each of them personally, for a few seconds. "I cannot force you to do this; but I am asking you to consider it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Undercommon: You may take your people, as we discussed, but Abaos asks, and I agree, that you should allow one or two apefolk he has chosen who speak your language to come along and help. They will be useful in a fight, and they can help you and the others to begin to learn the common tongue. Ozzy looks to Dragonfly expectantly for a response, though she was careful not to actually phrase it as a question (whether he takes it as a command or as a request will be telling).

This should be an aid another roll on Abaos' check if possible.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

I'm just filling in what Jen's been doing during the meeting, since she isn't in it (presumably because she's new and therefore Abaos doesn't trust her?).

Jen watches as the brown-haired man gathers a group that steals away to a secluded corner of the fortress. She frowns slightly. "He seems so nondescript and warm-hearted, but there's... something... about him. He's a schemer... a..."

She trails of in her muttering as she notices a pair of kobolds coming near; it doesn't seem that most of them speak common, but one can never be sure, so she hails them in Draconic and strikes up a conversation, asking about their faction and lifestyle and goals.

The dwarven bandit needs a name, if he's going to be a liason between mite and humankind. His name is now . . . Lance Digger. The kleptomaniac dwarf. Yes, that will do nicely. Comes with a personality pre-built, too . . .

In the meeting room The Viceroy is somewhat annoyed, but acquiesces. undercommon "As long as my authority is made clear to them," he glowers.

I'm just filling in what Jen's been doing during the meeting, since she isn't in it (presumably because she's new and therefore Abaos doesn't trust her?).

Huh, I did not at first notice that that name was missing.

The kobolds recognize Jen from the other night. "Still weirds me out to hear apefolk talking," Gix admits. "I guess you guys have your own language? I always assumed it just . . . animal noises, or something."

"I, for one," quoth Qed, "am glad we didn't eat you."

Over the course of the conversation Jen learns that these kobolds are known as the Sootscale kobolds. Generations ago their Chief and the Dragon Priests ruled in tandem, the Chief claiming divine mandate to rule, the Priests interpreting the will of the dragons on a more day-to-day basis. The two ruling factions weren't fond of each other, but neither could claim absolute authority because the Priests' magic was too useful to do without, and the royal family was actually liked by the general populace. After a Chief Sootscale was born with sorcererous powers, the Priests were overthrown and either driven off or killed. To insure that there were no challenges to his descendants right to rule, the Chief Sootscale decreed that isolationism would be the name of the game, from that time on. The Sootscale's isolation lasted generations, long after Chief Sootscale was dead (and his son's son's son, also named Chief Sootscale, had ascended to the throne) and the Sootscales' lack of magic was being direly felt, especially with mite-ish aggressors launching raids and searching for the kobold's secret village, when a outsider kobold named Tartuk found the Sootscales, and became their new Shaman. The Sootscales' soon learned, however, that Tartuk's rule was crueler even than the Dragon Priests of old, and prayed desperately to the dragons for deliverence. When all hope seemed lost, Lord Iorskan and his apefolk minions arrived and ate Tartuk, a clear-cut case of divine interference.

Jen lets out an amused noise and replies, "Yes, well, I'm also glad you didn't eat me." Despite being scrawny, ugly reptile people with a reputation for eating babies, Jen finds the kobolds have a sort of friendly quality.

"If you don't mind," she says, "I'd like to meet this Chief Sootscale of yours."

Guthruc requests for the groups to be restated before coming to his decision as Warking. "Group no strong enough. Blue fey tough, but weak attack." He demonstrates this by smacking the viceroy sitting next to him on the back of the head, followed by ignoring the susequent unarmed attacks from the mite I'm assuming we didn't keep our weapons on hand while going into negotiations. "See?" He turns his focus to Happs and Sootscale, "Man and dragon man no tough, but no weak. No strong too." Guthruc refocuses to Abaos "Big group may live, but Guthruc and allies is most strong and almost die to Ogre. What if more ogre? What if bear? What if Worg? What if new group think Guthruc and ally new Deer King and try destroy fort? Need most big group at fort."
He looks at the list, uneasy as to how those magic runes can grant people knowledge. It's unnatural. It's wasteful. To use the power to break reality and spit in the face of our forefathers, not for strength, not for power, but for knowledge?!
He snaps out of it. "Guthruc group still strong. Go get more strong for warband, protect weak that ally think still useful." There is a pause as people register the last of his words through the heavy accent. Not even a second goes by before Guthruc stands up with an impatient glare, "Done? Guthruc and ally need prepare for war with Hooktongue Slough."

Jen lets out an amused noise and replies, "Yes, well, I'm also glad you didn't eat me." Despite being scrawny, ugly reptile people with a reputation for eating babies, Jen finds the kobolds have a sort of friendly quality.

"If you don't mind," she says, "I'd like to meet this Chief Sootscale of yours."

“He just left a moment ago,” Qed burbles, “to speak with Lord Iorskan and his apefolk minions.”

Figuring that if Iorskan’s apefolk minions (even the one’s too stupid to talk!) were permitted entry, the meeting couldn’t be a secret meeting, the two kobolds are happy to lead Jen to Chief Sootscale. The three walk in just as Guthruc is explaining,

“Big group may live, but Guthruc and allies is most strong and almost die to Ogre. What if more ogre? What if bear? What if Worg? What if new group think Guthruc and ally new Deer King and try destroy fort? Need most big group at fort."

After staring uncomprehendingly at the roster for a moment, the orc adds, “Guthruc group still strong. Go get more strong for warband, protect weak that ally think still useful." There is a pause as people register the last of his words through the heavy accent. Not even a second goes by before Guthruc stands up with an impatient glare, "Done? Guthruc and ally need prepare for war with Hooktongue Slough.”

Guthruc, roll intimidate to make the Viceroy act friendly. War-King counts, you get the size bonus, and you can use STR instead of CHA.

intimidate: 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 23

Viceroy Dragonfly will act friendly towards Guthruc for the next 1d6 ⇒ 5 fifty minutes.

Viceroy Dragonfly will act friendly towards Guthruc for the next 1d6 fifty minutes.

not my intention... but ok. Guthruc was just being a jerk.

Jen notes the tension in the room but tries her best to ignore it. "Um," she says, lamely, "Hi."

She leaves it at that and hangs slightly behind the two kobolds, as if to indicate that they're the ones responsible for this intrusion. As a magic-user, Jen is very used to standing behind people. This translates to the social aspects of her life. :P

Draconic “Pardon the intrusion,” says Gix to Chief Sootscale and Lord Iorskan. “This is Jenundrel, and she’s one of the apefolk who can talk. She said she wanted to meet you, Chief.”

Draconic “I just call her ‘Blue Person’,” Qed supplies. [b]“Easier to say than ‘Jenundrel.’”

Draconic “Well met, Jenundrel,” Chief Sootscale says distractedly. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Draconic “Nice hat,” Eadoo complements Jen on the demonic horns growing from her forehead.

Iorskan lazily opened and eye and uncurled, much like a cat would after a nap.

Draconic”Ah. The blue woman.” He still found it weird how easily it was to tell male and female human (like creatures) apart by their prominent child-feeding features. But it was a useful thing to note. He knew that he had caused offense more than once by confusing genders. Still, it was safest to not assume someone’s gender. People tended to get upset, even when he was nice enough not to eat them. Ungrateful, one and all. He left it at that brief comment. Chief Sootscale was doing the work, which made him a most excellent chieftain.

With Eadoo's words, Jen self-consciously pats the top of her greasy, mud-and-blood-stained cloak. She wonders briefly is she's being mocked.

Draconic "Sorry to barge in, I would have spoken to you at a later time, but..." The reasons already being explained, Jen doesn't bother to finish her sentence.

Draconic "I simply wanted to say that I'm interested in learning from your people. You're often painted in a rather... bad light by us human-folk."

Jen then notices the roster, and, with the practiced skimming of an ex-student with very poor study habits, sees her name within moments. Her gaze immediately falls upon Abaos, the apparent self-declared leader of the group. Certainly, he had said that everyone was free to go and to do as they pleased, but if he was lying, she could hardly take on a room full of his armed allies...

Keeping her tone perfectly pleasant, she asks the nondescript man, "So, is it a secret, or would you like to tell me why my name is on that list?".

Abaos sighs. "About as good a time as any," he says slowly. "Since you're here, you might as well come in. We'll explain in detail, though, to be fair, you'll notice that everyone who is still here has their name on the list."

"We're still bickering over it." He turns and glares back at the gathered group.

Guthruc notices the glare and gives one right back, giving it a snarl for added effect.
"Guthruc think man, blue fey, and dragon man too weak to explore. Should stay defend fort. Guthruc group go recruit boggard to warband so have strong protect and fight."

”Is this really worth waking me up for?” Iorskan said grumpily. ”You all have an army. Either tell humans that you will protect them for gold and build your own kingdom, or take someone else’s.”

He looked around with evident disappointment. ”If you can’t pay your followers then don’t make your kingdom until you can. Which means we take it from someone or somewhere else. So decide to explore or settle. There? Was that helpful? Or do you need me awake for something else?”

He gave Chief Sootscale a look that said Why aren’t you dealing with this?

Draconic "I simply wanted to say that I'm interested in learning from your people. You're often painted in a rather... bad light by us human-folk."

draconic "That isn't a hat," Nakpik tells Eadoo. "Which means (unless I'm mistaken (and I very well might be, I'm no anthropologist and I was (literally) raised under a rock)) that she's not a an apefolk or human at all - she's something else entirely." Nakpik scours her memory for anything she's heard about horned humanoids in the wider world. "I think she's either a satyr (which is a kind of fairy) or a devil like Sharptooth. Except an actual devil, not a rock." Nakpik narrows her eyes distrustfully. "Which is it?"

Draconic "Yes, that was an unpleasant surprise," the Chief notes. "We Sootscale's have (clearly) done nothing to deserve a reputation of any sort."

He gave Chief Sootscale a look that said Why aren’t you dealing with this?

Chief Sootscale glances at Guthruc and then gives Iorskan a look that says that's why I'm not dealing with this.

"Clearly," Jen says, blandly, "I am the rock."

I actually don't know how to quote so I'm just doing... this.

As Abaos responds to her, she nods slowly. "Alright, then, I'll go with you to... explore."

With Guthruc's words, though she has a sudden realization. He gives respect to strength, if I don't stand up to this scary orc he'll keep snarling at me and... punching walls... and one day I'll wind up beat to a pulp...

"There are many forms of strength," she says, firmly, "that different people and groups possess... the kobolds can create cunning traps, and the mites can craft alchemical weapons, and these soldiers can ride horses..."

Addressing everyone, then, she says, "We need to learn to use each other's strengths, or else we'll be even less than the sum of our parts."

Jen does not mention her own "strength" - the fact that she can break the laws of reality 10 times a day, that one day she'll be able to challenge the gods. Better not to draw attention to that, she thinks.

Guthruc turns to face Jen and her heretical challange.
"Dragon man trap and trick no stop guthruc from killing leader. Blue fey Alemchialchal weapon no stop Guthruc rip legs off leader. Horse no stop Guthruc. Guthruc crush horse, Haspps agree. Even Deer King no stop Guthruc.
He walks up to the tiefling and stares down at her, giving no regards to personal space. He eyes the woman up and down."Blue girl no strong. Blue girl not know strong. Guthruc break blue girl like stick if want. Understand this."
intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 aparently Jen has seen worse
Guthruc starts back toward where he was, as though there was no further dispute to be had.

Awn's arms remain folded. He shares a look with Abaos that fairly mixes mirth with pity.

"We are at many cross-purposes here. I advise to let those that want to...do what they want. You cannot force the shoot to grow the way you want without tying it down. Or a goad, such as making the light only come from a certain direction. Or with plant magic. Or other ways. But in this analogy, the shoot will need tying down and these several folk will revolt. The shoot will break and no fruit will be borne. A barren kingdom. Fertile only for more squabbles."

The woodborn looks out an available window or other suitable wall-based fenestration.

"Disunity breeds disunity. Fractures spread. And now I too am torn. I cannot find it within me to be interested in boggards being torn from their marsh to form a war-guard for our erstwhile general. Nor am I content to stay here and attempt to proselytise nature worship in our myriad force."

Awn smiles, a wan smile tinged with sadness.

"I miss my people. I miss meaning beyond bloodshed, and ease of sunlight and breezekissed days. I find I do not miss the butchering of horses or the death of wyverns."

"So. I will visit the elves, and tell them of this new...nation. For they border us, and we are therefore a threat to them. And the elves do not care for threats."

For the first time Iorskan looked interested in the conversation. ”What do elves taste like? We should go eat some elves.”

Awn's smile becomes wolfish.

"Why don't you accompany me and you might find out...how elves...taste."

”Alright! Let’s go.” Iorskan got up and stretched, much like a cat after a long nap. His mood was much brighter than before.

Jen considers pushing her point with Guthruc but backs down just as the tree-man launches into his impassioned soliloquy.

”Alright! Let’s go.” Iorskan got up and stretched, much like a cat after a long nap. His mood was much brighter than before.

"I'm also interested in... um... doing watchamadoodle with the elves, if you'll allow me," Jen says. "We should probably prepare before we leave, though..."

"Yes."

It takes a moment to understand the word. Boggard's have much lower voices than most humanoids, and the shape of their tongues give them a hard time pronouncing some consonants.

"We must need prepare before we leave though."

A hulking frogfolk, both taller and much wider than the average man, had entered the room. It's face is marked with red stripes . . . no, with facepaint. A demonic visage painted over it's own (which wasn't particularly pretty to begin with). On it's head it wears a crown made of reeds and other water plants.

"I told you Guthruc here were," the boggard explains it's presence in imperfect Common. "We must need to talk." As an afterthought, it adds, "hello other people I am Anura. Am speak apefolk now. Correct help me get better thank you. Need talk everyone, not just war-king."

"War-king have warband army now," Anura preambles, "and now is time to reclaim Anura boggards. Am M'botuu. Not boggard am, boggards am. M'botuu. Not know common word. Many boggards one am. Not all boggards, just Anura boggards." Anura reaches for the word, expanding and contracting his throat pouch like a human snapping their fingers. "Not kingdom. Not family. Tribe? Like Sootscales? Not kobolds though. Boggards."

Putting his tangent behind him, Anura presses on. "Will be hard. We must need prepare before we leave though. Fighting in swamp hard for apefolk. Also, M'botuu war-king . . ." Anura's lost for words again. "Sorry. Will work on Common. Priest. Priest-king. Powerful. Am Sepoko. Powerful priest-king am Sepoko. Priest-king worship boggard goddess, Gogunta. Sepoko bring dead boggards back to life. Am uses human shine-rocks for it. But Sepoko not am have much, maybe none left since I left, so just kill Gogunta worshipper M'botuu twice. Should work. Don't let him touch you, will die. From touch. Or tongue. Stay far. Arrows?"

"Ka-Kekt boggard tribe am dangerous too. No have war-king, no have priest-king, have dragon-king. Dragon-king am much bigger than dragon-ally. But," and this no doubt is a salient point, "dragon-ally am blessed with Moloch's unholy breath fire. So dragon-ally am better than dragon-king, even if smaller."

Eyes alight with religious fervor, Anura says, "we fight hundreds of boggards. Outnumbered. But disciplined. Moloch teaches discipline. Moloch am better than Gogunta, so we am better than M'botuu and Ka-Kekt. Just need prepare, need discipline. Discipline am strength. We need only have faith in am lord of the sixth, Moloch will meet halfway." Anura holds up a hand, displaying his newfound Oracle powers by wreathing it in hellfire. "Anura meditated on discipline and strength, all night, all today. Molach bless. Anura will be am new M'botuu priest-king. Need only have faith."

Anura clenches his fist, extinguishing the fire. His gaze takes in the entire room, and he stretches out their arms, as if to include everyone in what he says next. "We will devour their young."

Awn removes an arm from its fold to rub his chin thoughtfully.

"So, let me get this straight - you follow...Moloch? And the tribe you left are the M'botuu. Who follow Sepoko, a servant of Gogunta - a boggard goddess. Of undeath. And Sepoko raises your dead warriors from the...dead. Using gold. And we should avoid up close fighting with these risen Gogunta worshippers."

"Then, there are the Ka-kekt, who are lead by a dragon who does not breathe fire, but is somehow, unimaginably, bigger than Iorskan. Hmm. I wonder how he tastes. [here raises eyebrows imaginatively]." And between the M'botuu and Ka-kekt there are hundreds of adversaries.[/b]"

Awn smiles.

"When do we leave?"

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Awn smiles.

"When do we leave?"

With a glance towards Abaos, Jen purses her lips slightly. After a moment, she addresses the group's leader and says, "You've placed me on your roster and I can understand why, as I provide a good amount of utility to your band of... explorers. I will accompany you, but only so far as the elven-lands. I have no desire to fight in the marshes."

She tenses slightly, and, remembering Guthruc's threat of snapping her like a toothpick, prepares a Web to be cast as soon as anyone makes a hostile move for her.

Obviously she'll change her mind later, but I definitely don't see her wanting to conquer frogmen and fight dragons at the moment...

The readied spell's just for RP, but if anyone feels like being webbed, now's your chance :P

"The plan as I understand it;" Happs Bydon asks for clarification. "The six of you, Auchs, Akiros, and Bokken if ya can find 'im, are goin' west, to talk with the elves, and then further west, to aggressorize frogmen, 'cepting some of you'll be splitting off from the group and not others. Meanwhile, mites are doin' their own thing, with Digger to keep an eye on them. (Don't tell Dragonfly I put it like that.) I gotta warn you about Digger - he'll steal anything that isn't bolted on, and some stuff that is. Like horseshoes. I'll send Redfield with 'im, she's good with languages; knows, like Aquan and sh*t. Maybe teach the mites how to talk proper Taldane so we don't have to take Digger's word for things."

"Meanwhile me an' Garess hold down the fort, literally and figuratively. Keep the people busy, making right pretty maps and sh*t, repair the wall, wall off the g*ddamned graveyard, play like politicians and keep everyone happy or keep dissidents separate."

Sarcastically, the former bandit adds, "f*ck but don't I love my job."

My understanding was that Abaos wanted to keep Garess somewhere between close (as appropriate for a friend) and closer (in case she turns out to be an enemy).

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Abaos nods at Happs' words. "Why, yes, that seems about right," he adds after a moment. "Though, if we don't mind me saying, with the added wrinkle," he looks around, perhaps we could use some more help.[/b]"

He looks at Chief Sootscale. [spoiler=Dranconic]"If you can spare them, Chief Sootscale, I would like to take your official finders with us, as well. After all, there is likely something worth finding for the Sootscales."

He smiles.

"Maybe Townsend and Dharak, too, if that's alright by everyone."

To Jen, he looks. "I would have thought that you would rather be out than here with your.... friends," he says suggestively, looking at Captain Garess.

"But, if you don't wish to go any further, that is alright. I myself have doubts about the feasibility of this operation."

“I’d be an honor, Abaos sir.” Abaos wonders when it was Townsend started calling him ‘sir’. “I’ll go tell Dharak - anything else you need me to grab, any preparations we’re making?”

Jen reconsiders Abaos. Maybe it is a cunning ploy, but he doesn't seem upset by her suggestion of withdrawing arcane support against the boggards and... well, not everyone is out to get her.

"We'll see," she replies, diplomatically. "Perhaps I will change my mind, but, as it stands I see no cause to wage war against multiple tribes I have no personal connection to or vendetta against."

Abaos nods to Jen. "Good. Grab your stuff. Go with Townsend and help make preparations. I will speak with you later tonight."

He grabs the man with the hat's attention before he quickly exits the flap. "Oh, and Townsend, stop calling me, sir! You've lost too much copper to me playing cards to ever call me sir!"

After Jen, Townsend, and the finders have left, Abaos resumes talking to the assembled group. "Happs, Captain Garess, I'd actually like you to talk to Oleg abut possibly housing some of the men. They can work as a police force/protection from anything that might needs protecting, as well as free manual labor. Keep any expeditions written down, and if any are gone to long, send someone out to investigate just in case. I trust you two."

He turns and speaks to Chief Sootscale. [spoiler=Draconic]"I don't know what you intend, friend, but it might be a good idea to keep a presence near the apefolk. Just so they can contact you, should they have a need. Thank you for your help; you have a friend here."

And with those words, and a final flourish, he finishes the meeting. However, before they can walk out, he calls his closest ally remaining and his biggest concern.

"Happs, Captain Garess, please, a minute."

He turns to look at them. "Happs, I don't want you to think I'm sidelining you for no good reason. I trust you. I need you here to keep things running smoothly; this establishment, of the fort and of the one at Oleg's, will be of vital importance to our future endeavors. I made a promise," he looks at the Captain as he says this, "to do something important, but I also made a promise not to let them fall back into banditry. I need you to help me keep that promise. Can you do that for me?[b]"

He looks back at the Captain. "[b]Trust her, Happs. I have. She's as tied into this," and he gestures around, "as we are, perhaps more so. Utilize her experiences in dealing with her men to help shape our own, and in setting up expeditions."

"Captain Garess." He adopts a slightly more formal tone with her. "I want you two to work as joint commanders in these ventures. He doesn't have your experience, but he's capable, and the men will be much more willing to trust one of their own. I've purposefully removed each of the Stag Lord's lieutenants in order to stop anyone from putting them in power, so that should be to your advantage."

"If either of you feels you cannot work together, now is the time to speak."

He pauses for a minute, to let either continue. "Oh, and Happs," he says a second later, "Best let her talk to Oleg about that plan."

-------

Later, with Jun Undrell, presumably Townsend, and Dharak, and Bokken (since wasn't Townsend looking for him? Should be fun."

Abaos catches up to the group as they hustle, and prepare for the tip. It's harder to do now, more than ever; he seems to have gained some popularity amongst the former bandits, and even some of the Sootscales come and talk to him, as one of the few 'learned' apefolk. Still, with the right amount of stealth, and disguise, he's able to blend in enough to go find them without too much trouble.

"I wanted to talk, if that's ok. May I join you? How goes the preparations?" He speaks eagerly, clipped, much less formal than normal.

Jen has managed to find a cheap but far less stained and dirty cloak. The change is surprising; despite the fact that she is no cleaner, without the holes and splotches that look suspiciously like blood, she could almost pass as a city-dweller. She wonders how long it will last.

"Elminster," she gestures towards the donkey, currently eyeing the finders with distrust and apprehension, "is all loaded up, although I don't know how helpful they've been with it." Her gaze turns towards the four kobolds for a moment before she turns back towards Abaos.

"Actually, I wanted to thank you; I may not be playing my hand against the boggards, but I've always wanted to see the lands of the Elves." Jen is markedly more at ease without the presence of Garess or the spooky scary orc. "You'll have my reasonable support on this journey, Mr..."

She finds the concept of calling her superior on a mission by first name to be strange and slightly uncomfortable.

If Abaos notes/cares that there is no food loaded on Elminster

Jen's new cloak slips up and down as she gestures about, and periodically a thin ring is visible on her left index finger. She doesn't seem to be paying much mind to it as she speaks with Abaos.

Some check mumble mumble DC something mumble mumble, probably DM's decision - Jen's wearing a Ring of Sustenance

Abaos has the perception of a tree stump, so not even going to bother rolling haha

Abaos quickly shoots down Jen's response to him. "Don't be learning bad manners from him, he says, pointing to Townsend. "Abaos is my name, don't you start calling me anything different!"

He smiles a warm smile, to show he's not truly upset. "Truth be told, I'm not certain about this either. But Anura seems pretty certain it's possible, and Guthruc doesn't take no well. Either way, I'll be happy to have ya as long as ya like."

Captain Garess." He adopts a slightly more formal tone with her. "I want you two to work as joint commanders in these ventures. He doesn't have your experience, but he's capable, and the men will be much more willing to trust one of their own. I've purposefully removed each of the Stag Lord's lieutenants in order to stop anyone from putting them in power, so that should be to your advantage."

"If either of you feels you cannot work together, now is the time to speak."

Captain Garess considers this. "It's probably for the best. There will be resentment, and it won't get better when I giving orders and enforcing discipline. Bydon could serve as a gentle touch with which to contrast my firm hand."

"Huh," the ex-career criminal raises an eyebrow at the captain's words. "That's kind of the opposite of what Kressel used t'ave me do, I were always the one breaking the bad news. Can't claim t'be unhappy bein' the guy giving out carrots 'stead a' sticks. Thankee kindly for volunteering."

"Oh, and Happs," he says a second later, "Best let her talk to Oleg about that plan."

"I'mma changed man," Bydon promises, placing a hand over his heart. "Got m'self new togs," he clarifies. "I'll let Garess talk to the trader."

Abaos has the perception of a tree stump, so not even going to bother rolling haha

Wait, I just realized our "leader" has negative wisdom... lol

"Thank you," despite his own sanction Jen still hesitates a split second before saying, "Abaos."

She gives a considering look as she seems to weigh something in her mind before telling him, abruptly, "I have a... sense for these things, and I think there's something magical about your friend's sword." She looks at Townsend to make it clear she isn't talking about him as if he isn't there, then asks him, "Do you mind if I examine it?"

Let's get a thing with Nakpik going, so that Jen can start teaching her stuff on the road! Her training will start when she least expects it. ;)

Wait, I just realized our "leader" has negative wisdom... lol

As someone with a non-negative wisdom modifier, Jen's in a very special club - one she only shares with Bright Awn and Ozzy's summoned pets.

"Sure," Townsend acquiesces, "take a look at it. Ozzy already told me it was magic, but . . . there's someone downright weird happening, and I wanted a professional to, well, you know."

Townsend raises his hand, and motes of light begin swirling about it. His expression is somewhere between pleased and panicked. "And now these things keep happening," he tells the tiefling. "Nobody ever taught me wizardry, I don't know how I'm doing it." He squints suspiciously at the weapon Jen's holding. "I think it's the sword."

Tangentially related, instead of turning Townsend into a level one Magus I decided to give him a level in magus - warriors have bigger hitdice, and it didn't make sense to me for him to lose hitpoints and proficiency with heavy armor that he already had.

Draconic "Excuse me," Nakpik tugs on Jen's pant leg. "I don't speak common particularly well, but I understand it well enough most of the time. Except not just now, because I must be mistaken. I thought I just heard that human say 'no one taught me how to do magic', but I must have heard wrong." Eyes wide, she stares up at Jenundrell. "Is magic a thing you can learn?"

Abaos watches in awe as Townsend begins sparkling little lights above his hand. He stares at it, a little terrified, a little fascinated.

So, does that make Townsend a lvl 2 character now? Magus 1/Warrior 1?

Awn's eyes close as a small smile replaces his former intense glare.

As we began, so shall we begin again, at the middle.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Knowledge (Nobility... why do I actually have ranks in this): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Jen blinks. She had known House Orlovsky, in passing, back in her Brevoy days, and there was something about them, something she'd learned in History at the Academy that she was forgetting... I should have paid more attention in that class, damn it

More importantly, though, "It's magical," she confirms, "and you're going to have learn to use those powers because they will only grow with time." Pausing momentarily, she then asks the man, "Has it... spoken to you?"

Jen looks down at Nakpik in surprise; she'd always taken it as a fact of the world that, unless you were born with it, you would have to fight, tooth and nail, for that untapped power of the universe and that true understanding of its mechanisms. Even the Gods, after all, were bound by the laws of Magic.

Draconic "Well, yes... in fact, there's a whole Academy in..." She's not sure Nakpik knows what human countries are. "ah, the human kingdoms, that offers to teach the talented or the wealthy the art of magic. Unfortunately, though, I don't think they take your folk." Jen quite clearly remembers that the dummies in the dueling room had been made in the likeness of kobolds...

EDIT: What's going on with Awn (where is he, who is he with)? Just for context on his (typical :P) cryptic statement.

Awn is merely watching the Black Blade inception. Don't mind him.