DM Talomyr's Kingmaker

Game Master Talomyr

Celebeth frowns slightly and says, "Hmm... worth backtracking quietly, find out who he's working for. One doesn't simply rabble-rouse without having some kind of income. Can't waste his time standing around in the town square haranguing people unless he already has some income stream paying for his room and board."

"I suppose a spell of Scrying could prove useful once I can master it, though it is beyond me for now.

"Let's team up," says Celebeth. "I can magically disguise myself, listen in on his speech, then try to follow him back to wherever he's staying. If he's meeting with anyone, we should try to find out."

She thinks for a moment, then says, "I feel a little uncomfortable with unilaterally searching through someone's private residence and belongings, but I'm really suspicious of this guy."

After Azen's nap she feels a lot better. When she hears about Celebeth going after the troublemaker, she asks if the group needs some backup.

You want me to come with, or to stay here and entertain to keep things calm?

"This case warrants an exception." Rhiannon says in response to Celebeth's concerns. "Undermining the stability of the community forfeits the protections that come with being a part of it."

"Well he certainly hasn't put down any roots here and has been spending his evenings - and a fair amount of coin - at the Grey Griffin." (the local Inn) Kesten says.

"With the amount of coin he's been spreading around, it makes it difficult to run him off without causing too much of a ruckus with the townsfolk."

Celebeth rubs her chin and says, "I dunno... I feel like opening the door to such a precedent is a bit spooky. Anyone can have their belongings searched because we decide they are 'undermining the stability of the community'? I feel like we need to build a case before we start unilaterally intruding upon people's lives like that. Think how it will look to other people out here, many of whom believe wholeheartedly in the River Freedoms. 'Say what you will, I live free' is pretty popular out here, and we might cause more harm by dealing roughly with this guy."

"I feel like we gotta figure out what his game is. Is he doing this because he's really mad about some legitimate grievance? Or is someone just paying him to be a problem?"

Turning to Wulfric, she says, "Since you just arrived, maybe you can get a conversation with him, without arousing too much suspicion? He'll doubtless know that you've been meeting with us, but maybe he is willing to answer some questions or try to get you to see his point of view."

"If we can nail down some stronger suspicion or evidence, I'd feel better about ransacking his stuff. Meanwhile, let's keep an eye on him—magically, when possible—and see with whom he talks and where he gets all of this money. It's not like we don't have a bunch of cash that we got from the wilds, too, but if someone is paying him to cause chaos, that's actionable. Agent of a hostile foreign power."

"Aye, he does have the right to say whatever he wants, and criticizing rulers isn't anything new, but another of the River Freedoms is that Courts are for Kings, and it is expected to follow the laws of the land that you're in." Rhiannon replies.

"You make a good case for not acting overtly...yet. But the moment he incites one hand to raise in an action that harms one of our citizens or the interest of the community, well then he moves from being a person of interest to being a problem. An actionable problem."

Tove finally speaks again, her tone measured but firm. "You’re not wrong, Kesten. Your frustration is justified, and if he keeps stirring up trouble he’ll deserve whatever rope it takes to shut him up for good." She taps her fingers on the table, her tone sharp. "But we’ve got to be smart about this. Celebeth’s right, if we come down too hard without evidence, we risk turning him into a martyr and ourselves into the villains of his story."

"That said, we can’t ignore this troublemaker sowing division, especially now when our unity is more important than ever. I don’t want him near tomorrow’s meeting unless we can control the narrative. If he shows up, we need to have something we can counter him with. We all remember how quickly his vile tongue twisted things last time."

She looks toward Celebeth, Azen, and Wulfric. "Celebeth, if you can uncover who’s funding him, or what he’s really after, that will go a long way in earning the people’s trust while keeping us on the moral high ground."

"Azen, maybe you could keep an ear to the ground in the Grey Griffin? Talk to the staff and patrons. See if you can find out what it is he’s been spreading, who he’s been meeting with or how much coin he’s actually splashing around."

"Wulfric, if you think you can talk to him directly without riling him up, go ahead. Try and get a feel for what he’s after, be it money, a score settled, or something more ideological."

Her gaze shifts to Kesten and Rhiannon. "Kesten, I need you to hold back for now, but I want you ready to act quickly if this escalates. Rhiannon, I trust you to keep watch and make sure nothing gets out of hand. Stay vigilant, but don’t give him any excuses. If he becomes violent, we’ll deal with it decisively, but we can’t afford to let him paint us as the aggressors."

Tove leans back, her arms crossed, her eyes still burning with barely-contained irritation. Her voice softens slightly as she feels their strategy coming together. "If there’s anything any of you can find out that we can use, I want to know about it before we’re standing in front of the town tomorrow evening. I want this meeting to remind people why they chose to settle here, why this settlement is worth defending. If he tries anything this time, we’ll make sure the people see him for what he is; a coward and a liar."

Tove herself will spend the day spreading the word about the upcoming meeting and feast, and try and get a feel for what the people need to hear from her once she has them all together.

"I don't really see a problem with using magic to keep an eye on potential troublemakers. If they're not guilty, then they have nothing to hide, right? There are some new-fangled ideas coming out of Andoran about 'do process' but as far as I'm concerned good people don't need to keep secrets from honorable leaders."
OOC I have a particularly high regard for due process... but Wulfric is from a less enlightened place and time.

"Still, I will adhere to whatever restrictions you wish."

"I don't agree with all of the River Freedoms. 'You Have What You Hold' seems to defend banditry as legitimate, and I've heard Abadarans say that 'Walk Any Road, Float Any River' makes bridges and highways impossible to finance. The code, I think, keeps the River Kingdoms weak and disorganized. But given our situation we would have to pick and choose our battles."

"I don't think I can talk to this rabble-rouser directly without arousing suspicion. Sorry. I am not skilled at deception or, really, talking to people. If he questions me directly and asks if you all sent me? He'll know."
No ranks in Bluff, Sense Motive, or Diplomacy.

"But he's not here now, is he? Kendren's men ran him off? I will go to the Grey Griffin and ask around. Simply tell the truth. I am new in town, looking to support Tove's efforts, but I want to know if there are any concerns about her leadership or that of her council.
And that is true. If any of the locals do have concerns, I know you aren't going to punish them for speaking their mind. I can honestly say that I'll bring their concerns to you. Giving people the opportunity to speak their mind also gives them the chance to relay gossip. You know. 'Well, I think they're doing fine, but this fellow who was here last week said that they're not doing enough to solve this problem or that one.' At least, that's my hope of how it will go."

Assuming that is agreeable, Wulfric goes to the Grey Griffin to ask around, exactly as he said he would.

Diplomacy to Gather Information: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Well now aren't we on a hot streak... I do not believe there are adverse consequences for rolling a nat 1 on skill checks, except to reinforce that Wulfric really is as bad at human interaction as he claims to be.

Wulfric returns in a couple of hours, disappointed. "No luck."

Azen goes into the Grey Griffin and asks the proprietor if she can perform there.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Presuming the answer will be yes, she is well prepared, and starts up a jovial set, talking to people in between sets, enjoying herself, and of course keeping a subtle eye on the troublemaker.

Perform: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Diplomacy to Gather Information: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

If we’re moving on to the investigations, I’ll go ahead and roll for Tove’s morning, trying to gage the feelings of the townsfolk and how she can best cater her upcoming speech to making them feel heard.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Rhiannon spends the morning patrolling, riding through the settlement, ensuring a visible presence, and taking the time to interact with any who might need her attention.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 ⇒ 7
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The councilors go about their individual tasks, attempting to sus out the reasons for the rabble rouser's rousings.

Tove goes through the settelment, talking with the townsfolk and seeing to their concerns. For the most part, it seems that is nothing more than the normal suspicions those not in power have of those in power. Unfortunately, it seems that the rouser is somewhat silver-tongued and has been slowly poisoning the morale of the town. Now that the councilors have returned from their latest expedition, those feelings have been tamped down - both from their presence and the reports that they had dealt with troll threat in a significant manner.

Neither Wulfric nor Rhiannon are able to pin down any meaningful information about the man beyond that he doesn't always stay in town, but when he does, it is at the Grey Griffin.

With that information in hand, Azen settles in for a set at the Grey Griffin in hopes of hearing more and finding the man. She's two and half hours into a performance and about to call it quits when a rotund, bearded man, dressed in dark blue with gold trim strolls in, a smirk upon his face. Glancing around the room and noticing at least one councilor present. The smirk leaves the man's face as he turns to leave.

Willing to say anyone who wants to be is in the Grey Griffin enjoying Azen's performance.

Celebeth, as spymistress, has been lurking about trying to gather information, which looks suspiciously similar to enjoying a drink while her sister plays music. Once the badmouther in blue and gold (or is it black and white?) strolls in, she sees her chance. She gives him a few seconds to get out the door before she sneaks out, makes herself invisible, and follows him.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Seeing the man leaving and her sister getting up to follow, Azen wraps up the performance, bows, and takes her leave, telling everyone that she will likely be back tomorrow. She takes time for anyone who wants to talk, and makes everyone feel noticed, making sure that the evening comes off as pleasant and authentic rather than a fishing expedition, both because she honestly wants to be authentic within the community, but also because she wants to cover for, and distract anyone who noticed, her sister.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

That stealth roll would be at an additonal +20 if you're invisible

Wulfric does not leave immediately. He remains in the inn for a few more minutes, finishing his ale.

He then makes his way outside, hoping that no great drama has transpired in the meantime.

Azen stays behind to cover for her sister's pursuit of the man in blue and gold, keeping those present in the Grey Griffin in relatively good spirits. All present seem genuinely happy that the councilors have returned home, at least for the time being.

Meanwhile, the blue clad man hastily makes his way back into the streets, heading deeper into the residential area with an invisible Celebeth tailing him.

Some moments later, having finished his drink, Wulfric steps out of the Griffin and in the night air, seeing or hearing neither any sign of the rotund man nor Elkmark's Spymaster.

Staying a safe bit back, Celebeth follows the man to one of the older homes in town where he is welcomed by the residents of the home.

Celebeth, please give me a Sense Motive roll

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Celebeth crouches to one side, staying quiet but unable to get a read on the situation.

The rotund man goes into the home and the door closes. Celebeth is unable to discern anything else from her current location.

Celebeth circles the house invisibly and tries to find a place from which she can eavesdrop.

Celebeth settles into a location to try and eavesdrop on any conversation within the house.

Please give me a Perception check followed by a Sense Motive.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Shoulda brought Wulfric so he could use scrying magic, Celebeth thinks to herself.

There really isn't much of substance said, as far as Celebeth can hear, but the general tone seems cordial even if the rotund man is certainly leading the conversation an politely giving direction to the family within.

Celebeth makes a mental note to check in on this family and find out what their neighbors know about them, then returns to the council to report what she's learned.

"Our troublemaker seems to have some connection to a local family. At least, he went into a home, interacted with the people there. Not sure what the relationship is, yet. Going to try to feel out the neighbors for more information."

Diplomacy: Gather Information: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Celebeth proves incapable of doing anything right and effectively wastes the day.

At this point, it's up to the rest of the party to decide what to do. Either arrest the guy, quietly murder him, or let him cause Unrest because we can't prove anything. I obviously cannot do anything.

Let's wait for him to leave the house again and then go talk to the family he's staying with. I'm worried that he is influencing or controlling them. Wasn't he the bard, when we first came to town, that was complaining about the leadership?

"Yep. I don't want to set a precedent of just arresting or murdering anyone for speaking their mind, but I also don't trust that he's not working for someone else. So far no evidence though."

"I talked to a few neighbors but found out nothing."

"I can make a point of checking in with them before the meeting, I’ll see if I can get a feel for what kind of dissidence he’s been sewing here, or at least what his connection with the family he’s visited is."

Tove will make her way to the house Celebeth pointed out at some point during the day once the Spymaster confirms with her that the man is gone. Anyone else is welcome to join her.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Given the potential (albeit low) for some kind of unpleasantness to arise should the dissident be some sort of spellcaster that ensorcelled the residents,Rhiannon makes a point of accompanying Tove, as Royal Enforcer and unofficial Bodyguard of the Staglord, keeping an eye out for any sign of trouble, or anything unusual.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"If you wish me to listen to what transpires within a home, I can do so. Even from across a street and a few houses down. However, it takes about ten minutes to cast the spell and I can only maintain it for about five or six after that point.
It is also possible that a very perceptive person might notice a distortion in the air indicative of an invisible scrying sensor.
So there are limitations and risks. But it is a thing I can do if requested."

That could be useful.

While Garethane isn't terribly useful in social situations, he can at least make sure that there isn't some support for the rabble-rousers hidden nearby. He will patrol the area around Elkmark looking for encampments or evidence that force which could cause trouble is lurking nearby. And with a longstrider cast before assuming the form of a friendly looking dog, he won't be terribly noticeable, will be able to cover a lot of ground, and can pick up on any strange scents, starting with the house that Celebeth staked out.

Since it seems like other people have the situation well in hand, Azen will continue monitoring the inn, singing there and keeping an eye and an ear out for rumors and trouble.

I could throw in more generic rolls, but not sure for how long or what will be relevant yet, so waiting to see how the situation unfolds.

Tove does her best to gather intelligence about the rabble rouser and his connections to the family he stays with, with mixed success as some are seemingly intimidated by the Royal Enforcer, Rhiannon's presence given the nature of the questions asked.

The family in question is the Borsa family - a day laborer called Davor, his wife, Mira, and their son, Niko. Best you can tell Davor is a hard worker whose primary work in town has been part of building homes and facilities in town, not necessarily actually building but being physical labor transporting logs, boards, and stone where they need to be for those more talented in such things to do the actual building.

Asking around a bit more, you find out the rotund man's name is Grigori. The general gist of his commentary is around the Council using the taxes collected from the townsfolk, traipsing around the Greenbelt seeking their own personal glory rather than putting real work - and money - into building Elkmark into something to be proud of.

"I thought we could start with a town meeting," Tove replies. "Let everyone hear firsthand of our successes against the trolls and give them a chance to voice any new grievances or concerns. Afterward, we could hold a small feast. Nothing extravagant but a shared meal and some drinks to celebrate our progress, both in our defence against the threat of the trolls and in building something here worth defending."

"Tove, I think this Grigori needs a personal invitation to the town meeting. He can air his grievances publicly. If you are comfortable sharing the construction and budget plans, he can look at them and present a reasonable counter-proposal in public.

I like the openness of that plan, although not sure that's the best approach here. We should share our plans and neutralize those particular complaints, but giving him a public forum might not be the greatest idea.

Last time we dealt with him, he seemed to be using magic to influence others. I believe he is a bard that specializes in such magic. Calling on him in public will give him a chance to influence more, and if the tide swings his way, we're forced to deal with him in public, with no solid evidence of any wrongdoing. We could end up seeming like the bad guys. What I am worried about is whether he is unduly influencing that family and controlling them or something... although I could be exaggerating the problem, I suppose.

Tove takes a moment to consider Wulfric’s suggestion, "Wulfric, there is merit in transparency. Letting Grigori air his grievances openly could demonstrate our willingness to listen and prove that we have nothing to hide. But you were not there last time he took the chance to do so. Azen is right, he will almost certainly use his magic against us given another opportunity, and that could turn into a spectacle we can’t easily control. We can’t let him undermine us like that in front of the town."

She glances at Azen, nodding slightly in agreement. "We can still address his accusations without giving him the stage directly. That way we can undercut his influence without giving him a chance to twist things further. The good thing is there’s no truth to what he’s saying. We’ll present the town with a detailed report on the progress we’ve made, the taxes we’ve collected, and where those funds have gone. Let the people see for themselves that we’re investing in Elkmark’s future, not chasing glory. We’ll make it clear that the council is here to build Elkmark, to protect it, and to serve its people. The facts will speak louder than any of Grigori’s lies."

"If we do decide to let him address a crowd, we can always do a little preparation," suggests Celebeth. "It's trivial to sense the use of magic. A few spells to disrupt it might cause his plans to fall flat."

"I can prepare both Arcane Sight and Dispel Magic if that would help."

"Sounds perfect!" says Celebeth with a grin.

"That makes sense. Also if he does attempt to influence people openly, we have something concrete to charge him with. I doubt anyone would take kindly to the idea of him overriding their free will." Rhiannon adds.

Sounds like you have a path forward. Is there to be a town hall meeting so to speak? If so, when and what are your opening statements?

Yes, we’ll hold a town meeting on the evening after we arrive back in Elkmark. If Wulfric can prepare those spells in advance that would be great. Tove for her part will prepare Touch of Truthtelling and Zone of Truth in her two open slots.

Tove stands with the rest of the council on the makeshift platform in Fort Redemption’s informal town square, her arms crossed loosely as the townsfolk of Fort Redemption gather before them. When the last stragglers find their place, Tove steps forward to the center of the platform and removes the Stag Helm, holding it before her in her hands. She takes a deep breath while she lets the murmurs of the crowd settle into silence, standing tall and resolute before them. Then she begins…

"Citizens of Elkmark,"

Her eyes scan the crowd as she ensures she has everyone’s attention.

"Six months ago, we stood together and turned the ruined Stag Fort into the blessed Fort Redemption. Beam by beam, stone by stone, we have built this town. Together, we have carved Elkmark from the wilderness, from Oleg’s Trading Post on the South Rostland Road to our Fort on the shores of the Tuskwater, this land has become a real haven for free and peace loving people. We stand here united in the face of immense challenges. Bandits have sought to steal our livelihoods, our families from us, cruel fey have tried to drive us away, in our earliest days, a wicked cult even sought to destroy this fledgling nation. Now, we face our greatest threat yet. You all know by now of the trolls from the south. But let me tell you this—we do not falter, and we do not fail. Just days ago, we struck a decisive blow against the trolls, driving them back to their camp on the southern banks of the Murque River. Seven of their number fell to our blades, and we will not rest until Elkmark is safe."

Her tone sharpens as she addresses Grigori’s rumors.

"And yet, there are those who whisper among us, spreading doubts and lies. They claim that your leaders seek glory for themselves, that we spend your taxes for our own gain while you toil for nothing. I ask you, do you see glory-seekers before you? Have you seen anything to suggest any of this is true? My council and I have never sought fame nor reward from you. Every step we have taken, every enemy we have fought, every risk we have borne has been for one sole purpose; the safety of our people."

"As Erastil’s Stag Lord, I am driven to build community. Old Deadeye demands no monuments to my name, nor to anyone on this council. Instead, he calls for homes to be raised, fields to be sown, and bonds to be strengthened. That is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. None of us, not one, are inclined toward glory or riches. Every step we take, every decision we make, is to protect and grow the community we have built together."

She gestures toward the town.

"Look around you. The taxes you have paid, lighter here than in any surrounding realm, do not line our pockets. They have built Ulster’s smithy, the mill, the Grey Griffon Inn, and a brewery. They have raised your homes and paid for a special quarter for refugees from the Candlemere lizardfolk village, who have suffered more at the hands of these trolls than any of us. They paid for the boats we use to trade with the Sootscale kobolds, trade that has filled our coffers and brought new opportunities to Elkmark. Our sawmills hum with life, our fisheries thrive, and our farms grow more bountiful every day."

Tove leans forward, her voice firm but earnest.

"When we ride out to face the dangers that threaten our home, we do so with equipment paid for out of our own funds, not yours. The arms and armor we carry are traded from the spoils of bandit lairs and monsters’ nests, not bought with your gold. We spend nothing from your taxes on ourselves. Our only reward is seeing our people safe, seeing Elkmark grow, and seeing a future where none of you need fear the return of that lawless cruelty that once ruled this land."

Her tone softening, she concludes her opening speech.

"It is easy to spread doubt. It is easy to listen to the voice that whispers of division and selfishness. But we are stronger together. Divisive rhetoric will not build homes. It will not keep your families safe. It will not drive back the trolls or plant the fields. Do not let these whispers of selfish greed or glory take root in your hearts. Together, we have turned a wild and dangerous land into a home worth defending. Together, we will build something greater still. For Erastil. For Elkmark."

The Cleric of Erastil holds the Stag Helm aloft as she leads the crowd in a unifying cheer.

While the crowd is gathering and before Tove speaks, Wulfric has a question for her.

"Tove, the spell of Arcane Sight only lasts a few minutes, and its effect cannot be concealed - my eyes will glow blue. It would be my wish to cast it openly before this crowd, explaining it as a necessary precaution against things such as fey trickery. I will explain what I am doing and swear a holy oath before Erastil to speak the truth of what I learn. Shall I do so when the meeting starts, or wait until we have the suspicion of a magical effect?"[/ooc]

"Hold off until we spot Grigori, likely whatever he’s doing will have some tell itself we can look for. If he wishes to speak we can impose the condition that he do so under your watch, I can even create a Zone of Truth so that we are all bound by Erastil’s honesty together."

Rhiannon studies the crowd silently, looking for any sign of Grigori, or anything else out of the ordinary.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Garathane joins Rhiannon in studying the crowd.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Rhiannon and Garethane study the crowd during Tove's speech, searching for the rotund rabble-rouser, Grigori, but see no sign of him.

For the most part, the Baroness's speech is well received as you see a lot of nodding heads. Nothing is ever perfect though and there are always those who would complain that it's not hot enough in Hell, so there is the occasional grumble from the crowd from a few differing locations, but seemingly never the same location.

Well, hell.

The elf does his best to not make it obvious that he noticed something.

Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

But his best ain't that great in social scenarios.

Focusing on what he is good at, he will use his feral focus to gain the Scent ability and "casually" go around and see if that particular townsfolk stands out to his newly enhanced sense.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Azen is worried that the evil bard is up to something, so she sings a countersong in the background, not smothering anything that Tove is trying to say, but attempting to quiet any magically-induced sound-based dissension.

Bardic Performance: Countersong [Any creature within 30 feet of the bard (including the bard himself) that is affected by a sonic or language-dependent magical attack may use the bard’s Perform check result in place of its saving throw if, after the saving throw is rolled, the Perform check result proves to be higher. If a creature within range of the countersong is already under the effect of a non-instantaneous sonic or language-dependent magical attack, it gains another saving throw against the effect each round it hears the countersong, but it must use the bard’s Perform skill check result for the save.]

Perform Check (for Countersong): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21