DM Talomyr's Kingmaker

Game Master Talomyr

The blind, for lack of a better term, lies in the direction you were heading. You could skirt the area if you so chose.

Tove draws her bow and notches an arrow, getting ready for a potential fight.
"Whatever it is that lairs here, we can't ignore it. We need to make these lands safe."

Jacobus looked at the people they were escorting back, "I don't think we need to go looking for trouble. Let's be wary but try to skirt the area."

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vote to go around the troubled area

"We didnt look for trouble, we were travelling through the land and happened upon it, as so many are likely to do in the future and we cannot just leave this creature to ambush some other travelers. We need to make the area safe, and prevent more deaths. Our companions will be safe if they stay back while we deal with this."

I nod with Jacobus, "I agree, we have more pressing concerns right now and if this thing is a lair, then it shall still be here when we return. We could dispatch the creature when we do not have to divide our attention between it and our companions, also who is to say it is alone, there may be more coming to attack our flanks whilst we are focused on your obvious foe."

With the conversation Strauch's hair reverts to its normal state. The goat remains in his larger form regardless.

Joining the conversation Torsten's two coppers are "We do not need to fight this beast now, and heading this way in a few days should be no problem. Still, keep an eye on our backtrail friends, for there may be something following us tonight.

Would anyone else want a medium size +1 quarterstaff? Tove might, I don't think anyone else's style would fit. There's also a +1 ring of protection one of those more frequently in melee should take, a +1 medium longsword destined for sale, and a scroll of lesser restoration that Tove or Jacobus should carry.

Okay, that's two for go around it (Jacobus and Theodore) and two for eliminate it (Razarak and Tove). Tosten and Ivo yet to weigh in to push the group one way or the other. Lanyssa is a blind non-combatant,
Solaina is just barely an adult, and Hadden is...well Hadden, so no opinions will be coming forth from them.

Torsten will lean to going around.

Tove would happily take the quarterstaff, and could take the scroll too unless Jacobus has a particular desire for it.

Would anyone else want a medium size +1 quarterstaff? Tove might, I don't think anyone else's style would fit. There's also a +1 ring of protection one of those more frequently in melee should take, a +1 medium longsword destined for sale, and a scroll of lesser restoration that Tove or Jacobus should carry.

I have been and will continue to 'tank' so I will gladly take the ring of protection +1 if no one else wants it.

With Torsten casting his vote, I'll move you on around this encounter when I get home tonight, baring any impassioned pleas that changes the groups direction.

Whilst the ring would be nice, I am more about trying to provide cover and AC to other people. So I am more than happy for Jacobus to have the ring.

Deciding that whatever lies hidden in their path is either too dangerous to deal with or perhaps not worth their time, the party skirts the area to the north and finishes their exploration of the region for the day.

You find no sign of Solaina's home.

The night is uneventful and between Jacobus and Tove any remaining wounds are healed. The odd note is just how much of Tove's healing energy Lanyssa is able to absorb and still be in need more.

Where to? NW back to Oleg's NE to Bokken's? W to a hex you traveled through but did not fully explore? The hex to the east could very well hold Solaina's home, assuming what she told you was correct.

Torsten sighs. "Perhaps Oleg knows where Solaina's home is to be found? We should buy more supplies too. And I am weary of travel for now."

Unless Raz or Ivo want to put in a strong claim - the staff and scroll to Tove & the ring to Jacobus then.

I am fine with where the items are going, don't need the weapons, and he can have the ring as I will keep gaining a.c. as I level.

I nod at Torstens comment, "I believe the safest route should be taken, however we will have to find a way to scout out the area while protecting our friends. Sooner or later a fight will occur, I just hope it is later, so we can be more prepared for it. As for supplies, I am out. So I would like to buy some more, just in case Rufus can't find any game." At my mention of Rufus not finding food, he gives a low growl which comes across as anger, until I start laughing.

I will probably try to stay adjacent to someone with low AC during combat so that my BodyGuard feat can come into play effectively.

Jacobus was content with the decision to go back to Oleg's. His wife's good cooking would be welcomed at this point.

"Let's head back to Oleg, rest, and resupply. The lands will still be here for us."

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I've added the ring to my stuff

"I thought Solaina's home would be out here somewhere, it must be back within the forest though. I agree it would be wise to resupply before we head back in to the trees."

"Yeah... I'm about to run out of food," chimes in Ivo.

Rather than continue to wander about the Greenbelt, with dwindling supplies, in search of Solaina's home the party packs up camp and heads back northwest toward the trading post.

Just after mid-day you arrive back at Oleg's. You see Kesten and his men have setup their a duty camp just outside the walls of the old fort. One odd thing you notice a bit further off from the duty camp is a fresh grave.

Ivo finishes off the last of his trail mix and says, "I hope we can afford some new supplies! So far this expedition has been interesting but not very profitable." He glances over at the fresh grave, then figures that someone else will ask about it.

I walk over to the grave and look to see if there is name stone, if not I shall ask Kesteb who died. I will then pay my respects to the dead before heading back inside to see how the prisoners are doing.

His good cheer at arriving back at Oleg stolen, the inquisitor quickly introduced the newly arrived to the Oleg's.

He then approached Kesten, "What happened here? Were you attacked?"

Kesten shakes his head at Jacobus's question. "No. No attack but it is the reason we've moved at least a lookout camp outside the gates. Woke up a few mornings ago to find the poor soul buried there hanging from Oleg's gate."

Shaking his head again, partially in sadness, partially in disbelief of the whole situation. "I'd never seen him before, but Oleg knew him. Said you all would too. Called him Bran."

Hearing the conversation outside his gates, Oleg comes out to greet you just as Kesten is delivering his news."[/b]

"Sorry about the loss of your friend." the proprietor says. "Can't help but feel responsible for it."

Torsten's face draws long. "I have no doubt it was not your responsibility Oleg, but were there signs of - did he hang himself? Bran was half fey, all the stories say their fey relatives can hold terrible grudges against their killers... or worse."

Oleg responds, "I highly doubt that Bran hanged himself...not unless he bothered to carve the word "Fealltóir" into his own forehead. Any of you have any idea what that means?"

"Damned shame." Oleg continues. "A bit quiet, but seemed like a good lad the short time he was here."

"Traitor. It means traitor, who could have done this? Was there any clues?"

sorry to bother you all but was this Bran before me joining the campaign or am I just having a brain fart because I don't remember any Bran. :)

Bran was the character you replaced.

"Traitor. It means traitor, who could have done this? Was there any clues?"

Jacobus was puzzled, "Traitor? and written in Sylvan? I guess it's safe he did not do this to himself."

He looked about, "Where was he while we were gone? What was he doing?"

thanks for info

Oleg shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine. One morning we all woke up and he was gone. The other morning we woke and he was hanging from my wall."

I look around and fail to see what I am looking for, "Where is his wolf?"

There is no sign of Greypelt. Perhaps a best case scenario for the wolf would be reverting to a normal, wild wolf after his master's passing.

Jacobus frowned, "If anything I guess this episode helps to reinforce the fact that it's not safe out here."

He smiles at Oleg, "But I guess you already knew that. Hopefully, the presence of the soldiers and our work in the coming weeks/months will assuage some of that."

Without further clues, he changed the subject, "Did you get another shipment of supplies while we were gone? Any other news?"

"Aye, that we did and we're certainly open for business if there's something you need. Come on in and have a look. Lana's sure to have something good in mind for dinner this evening."

Taking a second look at the group, Oleg remarks, "Seems you've pick up a few folks in your travels...they're certainly welcome too." Looking back to the group he asks, "More prisoners seeking to mend their ways I take it?" He adds with a smile, "It seems that your reputations in the region are building. Just yesterday a traveler stopped by looking for you all, offering to help...an Erastilian priest. I'm sure he'll introduce himself at dinner."

I shake my head slightly, "A shame, let us hope that he is able to live freely without his friends death turning him savage." I look back to our three new companions, "No prisoners, luckily we were able to save them from a horrible death and we are now trying to return them to their homes and families."

Before heading for the dinner table I do enquire about the behaviour of the captives and greet Gavin and Velsin enthusiastically.

"Welcome." Oleg says to the newcomers. He visibly shudders as he gets a look at Hadden's condition and Lanyssa's lack of eyes.

"Velsin's been a model prisoner, and honestly quite helpful around here. Gavin's been a bit mouthy and tries to pull a few fast ones here and there, but otherwise he's been alright." Oleg says.

Kesten interjects, "If we can get to the point where we think we can trust him, Gavin might very well be a fine addition to my little group."

I turn and smile at Kesten, "That is brilliant news! This proves that everyone can be given a second chance, if given the correct circumstances. Perhaps you and I can speak to Gavin after dinner?" I turn back to both of the bandits and clasp their hands with my own, "What do you fellows like to drink, I will have to see if we can get some for the night and celebrate the good news."

Kesten nods in agreement with Theodore's request.

The two now, assumed, former bandits react to Theodore's excitement in differing ways. Velsin happily grins, "Ale of any sort would do just fine by me." Gavin, while accepting of Theodore's gesture still seems a bit more resentful of the situation as a whole. "Yeah, I guess ale will do for me as well."

I smile and nod, "I shall ask Oleg straight away." I walk over to Oleg and speak to him quietly, "Any chance we can get some ale for us, Gavin and Velsin? Also you mentioned that Velsin has been of help here, would you be willing to keep him on? I could pay for the first couple of months wages too if you are interested, although it may be in supplies that we recover from the exploration of the lands."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Oleg smiles, or at least as close to a smile as you've seen on the barrel chested man's face, "Ale's not a problem. As for Velsin...I think we can work something out."

When Tove eventually rejoins the group she smiles weakly. The dried tears on her face and fresh mud caked onto her knees suggesting she had spent more than a little time kneeling by Bran's graveside.
She stoops to brush the dirt from her clothes before heading inside and catching up on the state of things at the Tradepost, then silently takes a seat at the dinner table.

Dinner time at the trading post arrives and you are setting around the large tables outside. Svetlana is genuinely happy to see all of you and expresses he sincerest sympathies for the loss of your former companion, Bran.

Shortly before Svetlana brings out the meal of roasted boar, root vegetables and freshly baked bread, a balding, middle-aged man approaches the table. The man is dressed in simple clothes and wears the symbol of Erastil around his neck. "Are you the explorers Svetlana has told me about?" the man asks. "I am Jhod Kavken. I've wandered this region for quite sometime and thought I might be of some assistance helping you fill in a few details on your map. You are mapping the region, right?"

"Are you the explorers Svetlana has told me about?" the man asks. "I am Jhod Kavken. I've wandered this region for quite sometime and thought I might be of some assistance helping you fill in a few details on your map. You are mapping the region, right?"

Jacobus immediately gets up from the table and extended his hand, "Pleased to meet you, sir. A follower of Erastil and those of Abadar share the same goals in a region such as this."

He added, "Forming strong communities is a tenet to both our faiths."

Jacobus answered, "Yes sir we are mapping the area as we explore it. Was there an area in particular that you are interested in?"

"I've heard rumor of an old forgotten temple to Erastil somewhere in the Narlmarches, but have yet to run across it. I am hoping you have." Jhod says.

Taking a look at the map you have constructed thus far he provides you with information on the terrain and a few geographical features of area that he has traveled through that you have not as of yet.

Areas marked with a "U" on the Greenbelt map have been described by Jhod. Mechanically, this will provide a +2 bonus on the appropriate checks to find whatever else may be in the given hex.

I bow to Jhod and tap my shield, "As you can see, I also follow Erastil's teaching although I wasn't drawn to the path of the clergy. A lost Erastillian temple is something that needs to be found, it would be an honour to find it in Erastil's name."

I pick up 3 large tankards of ale and head over to Gavin and Velsin. I place theirs in front of them and raise mine in a cheer. It takes both hands for me to drink from the tankard, as it was designed for someone larger than I. I take a gasp and have a laugh with the 2.

I bow to Jhod and tap my shield, "As you can see, I also follow Erastil's teaching although I wasn't drawn to the path of the clergy. A lost Erastillian temple is something that needs to be found, it would be an honour to find it in Erastil's name."

Jacobus nodded in agreement, "Yes, this sounds like a good task to take up. Not everyday we find a lost temple. We'll see what we can do about cleaning it up some if it needs any and for sure map it so you can attend to it."

The appearance of another priest of Erastil brightens Tove's mood a little, and news of a lost temple raises her spirits considerably.
She gets up from the table and walks over to Jhod, embracing him in a close handshake.
"Greetings brother, good to meet you."
She nods along as Jhod discusses what he has seen in the wilderness.
"I agree, if there is a temple dedicated to Old Deadye out there somewhere, it's our duty to find it and restore it to glory."

"I could aid with restoring a temple. We have other matters we must see to first though; would you know Solaina or her father, Jhod? Returning her to her home is one of those." puts in Torsten.

"On a darker matter, would you have met Bran, called the Wolf Arrow, before his passing here?" he shakes his head, "or would you know of any who might dare speak with the dead? I would know who named him traitor and why, if I could."

Jhod smiles, obviously pleased with the group's willingness to help find the temple. "Pleased to meet you both." Jhod says to his fellow Erastil worshipers.

Oleg speaks up before Jhod can respond, at first to Solaina, "Your Morgan's girl aren't you?" Solaina nods a smile crossing her face as she believes truly that she will soon be home. Oleg continues, "If Morgan's on his usual schedule, he'll be by in a day or three. She's welcome to stay with us until then."

Jhod says, "It seems fortuitous that Oleg knows the girl's father, for I do not. As to your friend, Bran, yes I had met him before but only in passing as we shared a campfire and a meal one night." Pointing to a spot on your map, Jhod says, "I believe it was about there...probably four-five days ago. Said he was heading south...kept saying something was calling to him, but wouldn't or couldn't say what."

The spot is marked with a "B" on the Greenbelt map.

To Torsten's last question, Jhod simply shakes his head, "Can't say that I do."

Just after Jhod answers, Lanyssa speaks up. "If we can find Naavi, I can do such things."