Bytor returns to Mayor Imeckus Stroon and tries to influence him in a positive light.
"Mayor Stroon, I just want to say that I am so impressed how you have come forth and forged your way into your position and then used the power of that position to make so many positive changes for your people! Restov is so fortunate to have you!"
Unrak will try to get another angle on Drelev, to see if he can maximize his chances to influence him.
Bytor does some damage control with the Mayor, working the Huntsmen into his good graces.
Unrak observes that Drelev's eye is often drawn to the finer points of the Residence's architecture, and must have an appreciation (or even a knack) for engineering.
The Ceremony: Round 3 of 3
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: TBD
Unrak: Discover Angle (success)
Taranis: Influence (failure)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori (unavailable)
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
John watches the interaction between Taranis and the princess carefully, trying to judge her reactions to the various goings-on.
John notices that Natala is staring daggers at Lebeda... and anyone who talks to him.
The Ceremony: Round 3 of 3
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Uncover Bias (success)
Unrak: Discover Angle (success)
Taranis: Influence (failure)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori (unavailable)
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak tries again to find an angle on Drelev.
Augrym, curiosity piqued, tries to get a feel for what other social armor the princess is wearing...
Augrym surmises that, in light of the charter and resources granted to the Marchlands by the Swordlords of Restov, including today's very ceremony, Surtova is likely to be extremely skeptical of any diplomatic overtures from a Marchlands representative.
As you confer one final time, the sound of trumpets rings out...
The Ceremony: Round 3 of 3
Augrym: Discern Strength (success)
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Uncover Bias (success)
Unrak: Discover Angle (success)
Taranis: Influence (failure)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori (unavailable)
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
...heralding the arrival, at last, of the First Sword, Jamandi Aldori, who wades through the quickly quieting crowd to a small raised dais in the center of the wide courtyard. Dressed in the finest of parade armor chased in gilt filigree, her steel gleams in the mid-morning sun. Behind her, bannermen hold aloft the twin emblems of Brevoy and of Restov.
At this, all gathered fall silent.
"Rostland has long been threatened on its southern borders. Bandits, trolls, and even petty kings have marched over the Stolen Lands to raid our farms, our homes, our villages. Three years ago, we the Swordlords of Restov called upon brave men and women to tame the Stolen Lands, and make safe the south. We are assembled here today to honor two such souls who answered, and through toil and perseverance have brought the light of civilization to those dangerous lands."
As Taranis approaches, another bannerman emerges and plants the flag of the Marchlands upon the dais. Jamandi takes a small circlet of silver from an attendant, and places it upon Taranis's brow.
"Taranis Redleaf, in honor of your achievements and by the power vested in me by the Swordlords of Restov, I confer upon you the title of Duke, to be recognized by all who here witness and all in Brevoy and its lands everafter."
The crowd erupts in whistles and thunderous applause. Jamandi leans in close. "If you would share words, now is the time."
Southmarch? Did I miss something? Also, "....Brevoy and it's lands...."[/b] Is this a power play to reduce the independence of The Marchlands?
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The druid spends some time thinking before speaking. He knews that there's a tangled web of personalities, alliances, struggles, and rivals assembled. With a hand he strokes his beard, and then Taranis opens with his thanks, to nobles and audience alike before he speaks to all, "Fellows of our lands! I bear this glorious burden with humility, and a prayer to the Winds of Gozreh for the wisdom to lead well. As I look into the eyes of all here, I remember that we are not descended from timid men and women. We each have our own vision, and our own goals for the future. Sometimes these visions align, sometimes they collide. In the end though, we are strengthened by the struggle. Look among you and see! In the nearly three years since taking the charter we have changed much, and changed it for the better. This is simply the start to an era of harmony and prosperity. As Gozreh's sun nourishes a well tended field, so too will our people and lands flourish! Thank you one and all, and I swear by the Sea and Sky to devote every sinew of my being to being worthy of the title!"
The Duke's speech meets well with all, and the applause is even louder this time. Taranis even manages to eke a smile out of Surtova.
Jamandi is the last to end her clapping, and gestures politely for Taranis to step behind her.
Another banner, this one showing a black castle on a field of rich yellow, is placed upon the dais as Drelev paces forward. Jamandi takes another circlet, this one of bright bronze, and places it upon his head.
"Hannis Drelev, in honor of your achievements and by the power vested in me by the Swordlords of Restov, I confer upon you the title of Baron, to be recognized by all who here witness, and all in Brevoy and its lands everafter."
The crowd erupts in applause once again, though somewhat less fervently.
Drelev ascends the dais and turns to face the crowd. "Hear me, my subjects! At last the achievements of House Drelev have been duly recognized, no doubt with greater deeds and better rewards to come. I have driven the barbarians back to their empty hills. I have wrested order and fealty from the most dangerous regions of the Stolen Lands. I have built the most impressive fortifications the Stolen Lands have ever seen. House Drelev shall endure and prosper, and Restov is right to show its gratitude!"
The applause the follows Drelev's speech is more mixed; nevertheless, his own dozen-or-so followers make a great deal of noise, and Jewel's barking somehow manages to rise above all of it.
Jamandi is again the last to end her clapping, and gestures likewise for Drelev to stand behind her.
"In celebration of Duke Redleaf and Baron Drelev, Mayor Ioseph has prepared quite the festival. Come now, let us be merry!"
Jamandi steps down off the dais and the crowd surges forward, with seemingly every noble and citizen eager to offer their congratulations.
Post-Ceremony: Round 1 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak seeks to determine any (all!!) ways to influence the new Baron Drelev.
<--frak
Even with his girth, Unrak struggles to get close enough to Drelev to pick up any useful intel.
Post-Ceremony: Round 1 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: Discover Angle (failure)
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Taranis first seeks Jamandi, "I shall tell my bairns that it was your hand that placed the diadem. Thank you, not just for the ceremony, but for the support that made it possible."
Taranis only manages to catch Jamandi's attention for a single nod before other well-wishers sweep them apart again.
Post-Ceremony: Round 1 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: Discover Angle (failure)
Taranis: Influence (failure)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Bytor keeps working to improve his relationship with Mayor Ioseph Sellemius.
"Mayor, you have done such an exceptional job organizing this festival! You are not only a skilled diplomat but truly a worthy and generous host!"
Bytor finds that his continuous stream of compliments to the Mayor are beginning to taste stale.
Post-Ceremony: Round 1 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (failure)
John: TBD
Unrak: Discover Angle (failure)
Taranis: Influence (failure)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
John assumes this to be last time he will ever be in the presence of a princess, and spends a bit more time observing her. As much to discover an angle as to etch the memories into his mind in order to regale his boys with the tale.
John, too, struggles to observe his target in the crowding press.
Post-Ceremony: Round 1 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (failure)
John: Discover Angle (failure)
Unrak: Discover Angle (failure)
Taranis: Influence (failure)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Finally taking the moment to introduce himself, Augrym speaks with Jamandi.
He takes a careful approach, giving and taking openings that a skill duelist would note are invitations to candor:
Jamandi cuts to the chase. "Restov has been heartened by welcome news and neighbors to the south. Yet I hope that you keep your swords loose, your captains sharp, and your soldiers ready. The rumors of war grow daily... and even the wisest cannot say where our foes might strike first."
She presses a note into Augrym's hands. The paper details some quantities of wood, stone, ores, cloth, grains, and other such supplies. "Please convey to the Duke that Restov values friendship in difficult times."
The press has begun to thin, but not completely.
Post-Ceremony: Round 2 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Realizing that his approach is not working, Bytor changes gears as he tries to further influence Mayor Sellemius.
"Mayor, let me be frank. I think that Duke Redleaf will be a most excellent ally to you and you to him. I think if you take time to get to know him better, you will realize that both of your aims are very much aligned and with this mutual friendship, great things can happen."
John continues to study the Princess, hiping she is accustomed enough to stares of hoi pilloi like himself to be inured to them.
Before the Hunstmen split up again, Duke Redleaf pulls them aside, "Gents, we've made good progress thus far. Let us be mindful of our opportunities and risks here..."
"I think we should let Augrym lead the way with Lady Surtova, figure out where her social armor lays, then send in Bytor and myself to try and woo her. Bytor, you are likely the one most set up to work with her. Don't worry about the mayor for now, as he's already friendly to us and many of us can make progress on that relationship."
Bytor makes inroads with the Mayor. "Your words are encouraging, sir."
John again has difficulty getting near Surtova for long enough periods to meaningfully observe her interactions.
Post-Ceremony: Round 2 of 2
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Discover Angle (failure)
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Augrym surreptitiously joins in to Lady Surtova's current conversations. The man says little, preferring the other people in the circle to do the work, but he watches the lady's demeanor:
Unrak decides to try one more time to determine how else he and his friends might influence Baron Drelev.
Natala throws several hostile glances at Augrym and visibly shifts her conversation away from him. Augrym surmises that Natala is likely aware of Restov's strong support for the Marchlands, and regards its mere existence as a power play by the Swordlords. She is likely to be extremely skeptical of any diplomatic overtures from Marchlands representatives.
Unrak spots a spat occurring between the new Baron and Baroness. While he does not catch the words, he watches their faces, and thinks that perhaps Drelev can be cowed into respect.
Post-Ceremony: Round 2 of 2
Augrym: Identify Strength (success)
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Discover Angle (failure)
Unrak: Discover Angle (success)
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
The Duke finally makes his way to the Baron. It's a twin opportunity, it extricates the new baron from the spat, and gives the Duke an opportunity to offer congratulations. Taranis keeps the topic neutral so that the Baron can latch on to anything to get him from the spat:
"Ah, here you are," Baron Drelev responds, handing Duke Redleaf a half-empty glass of wine and simply walking away. Incredibly, he appears to have mistaken the Duke for a mere servant.
Mayor Ioseph soon swoops in and ushers you out into the fairgrounds. Many more of Restov's common folk have come to join for this portion of the festivities. Soft, jaunty music drifts through the air as people throng to watch juggling acts, dancing troupes, whip shows, and much more. The nobles wander through the crowd, closely attended by their companions---though Surtova remains rooted by one edge of the field, with at least a dozen well-armored knights close at hand.
Games
"Carnival Ladder" --- Ascend a rope ladder, attached by a single point at either end, without tipping over.
"Count the Money" --- Correctly identify the value of a bag of coins without opening it.
"Ring the Bell" --- Swing a giant hammer at a wooden block to try to send a shuttle high enough to ring a bell.
"Known Heraldry" --- Identify as many banners as possible within the time limit.
"The Stage" --- Take to the stage and offer a performance.
"The Bull" --- Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
"Analyze Dweomer" --- Correctly identify the properties of a strange magical item.
Festival: Round 1 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
These may affect others, but we KNOW that the following games affect:
Taranis moves towards the mayor. He hasn't spoken to him yet, and feels out how similar their views are. Taranis is deferential and appreciative, speaking of the "....unsurpassed hospitality, truly a template for how to to manage Solasgaard."
Weakness on Imeckus Stroon.
"Indeed, Duke Redleaf, 'tis an honor to have so fine a guest in my house. By the by, I have drawn up a favorable trade agreement that would improve overland commerce between our two capitals... it needs only your signature."
"Oh, and please do speak with Baron Drelev."
Augrym overhears Imeckus discussing planar binding with another erudite scholar. It is likely that knowledge of the Outer Planes will impress him.
Festival: Round 1 of ???
Augrym: Discover Weakness (success)
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (success)
"Carnival Ladder" --- Ascend a rope ladder, attached by a single point at either end, without tipping over.
"Count the Money" --- Correctly identify the value of a bag of coins without opening it.
"Ring the Bell" --- Swing a giant hammer at a wooden block to try to send a shuttle high enough to ring a bell.
"Known Heraldry" --- Identify as many banners as possible within the time limit.
"The Stage" --- Take to the stage and offer a performance.
"The Bull" --- Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
"Analyze Dweomer" --- Correctly identify the properties of a strange magical item.
"I shall make every effort sir!"
Unrak strolls about the grounds, and comes upon Baron Drelev.
Well, sir, may I contratulate you again! The big man glances down at the Baron's dagger, and the sheath Unrak gifted him. Looks good on you! I wonder... here Unrak gives a mostly straight face, but a miniscule smile ...do you have a larger weapon?
Knowing the task that Redleaf has asked him to do, Bytor makes his way over to influence Princess Natala Surtova.
"My Lady Surtova,", Bytor says with an elegant bow as he lays on his charm. "It is truly a pleasure to catch up with you. If I may express my enthusiasm for I heard that you too had an interest in the legend of Choral the Conquerer and his dragons. I've grown up in House Sniegsun from the Land of the Linnorm Kings and I can tell you that Linnorms are fascinating creatures not unlike the dragons of Choral. These are all such fascinating stories with such interesting connections. I am so excited to finally meet someone with whom I may mutually share my enthusiasm. "
Drelev raises an eyebrow and pats the longsword at his side. His reply is brusque. "Of course I do. Are you blind or merely unobservant?"
Surtova shows some interest in Bytor's words. "Tell me of these 'linnorms.' I have read little of their kind."
Festival: Round 1 of ???
Augrym: Discover Weakness (success)
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: TBD
Unrak: Influence (failure)
Taranis: Influence (success)
"Carnival Ladder" --- Ascend a rope ladder, attached by a single point at either end, without tipping over.
"Count the Money" --- Correctly identify the value of a bag of coins without opening it.
"Ring the Bell" --- Swing a giant hammer at a wooden block to try to send a shuttle high enough to ring a bell.
"Known Heraldry" --- Identify as many banners as possible within the time limit.
"The Stage" --- Take to the stage and offer a performance.
"The Bull" --- Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
"Analyze Dweomer" --- Correctly identify the properties of a strange magical item.
John struts up to the bull. There's something about getting ready to jump in the saddle that makes a man walk with a swagger. He takes his spot, and pays close attention to who pays attention to him...
John leaps atop the bull and lets out a loud "WHOOOOP!" The bull immediately jumps and dives, trying to buck him out of the saddle. They dance around the pen, bull and rider moving in a disjointed, tense, somehow harmonious rivalry. 'Round and 'round they go; John tightens his knees and hangs on for dear life. At last a sudden whiplash from left to right gives the bull an opening, and a decisive mighty buck flings him into the gathered crowd.
The applause is swift and sustained, and at the end of it, Lander Lebeda offers his hand to help John to his feet.
Festival: Round 2 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
"Carnival Ladder" --- Ascend a rope ladder, attached by a single point at either end, without tipping over.
"Count the Money" --- Correctly identify the value of a bag of coins without opening it.
"Ring the Bell" --- Swing a giant hammer at a wooden block to try to send a shuttle high enough to ring a bell.
"Known Heraldry" --- Identify as many banners as possible within the time limit.
"The Stage" --- Take to the stage and offer a performance.
"The Bull" --- Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
"Analyze Dweomer" --- Correctly identify the properties of a strange magical item.
Unrak stays with Drelev.
I'm observant enough to have taken note of your speech this morning. You took an...interesting tack, sir. One might say it was bold--perhaps too bold. Antagonistic, even. How sure are you that you have the "most impressive fortifications the Southlands have ever seen?"
<--are you %$*%&&$ kidding me???
Taking the opportunity to about Linnorms to Lady Surtova, the bard attempts to influence her by using his charm intermingled with vast knowledge.
"My lady, Linnorms are a family of gigantic, wingless dragons with long serpentine bodies. However, despite their lack of wings, linnorms are still capable of magical fight. They also have a very powerful breath weapon. We northerners believe that they were the original draconic race on Golarion, having existed here for eons before the arrival of the "true dragons" millennia ago."
"Clearly, Linnorms are greatly feared and respected by the populace of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, but like my nation's name suggests, a potential ruler must carry a linnorm's head through the city gate in order to secure a mandate to rule. Imagine if they adopted that custom here."
[dice=Diplomacy to Influence] 1d20+19
"Potential new neighbor leader friend Hannis, you are clearly a force in the Stolen Lands. I would love to know more about your experience in the Stolen Lands and what you are working on."
Baron Drelev snorts loudly at Unrak's insinuation. "Come to Fort Drelev, and you will see for yourself."
Bytor gets no further with Surtova. "Perhaps your legends do not understand the meaning of "true" dragons. Progenitors or not, it seems audacious to consider linnorms equal with dragons."
"No doubt you would," Drelev replies coldly to Augrym. "Leave things to those who merit the title."
Festival: Round 2 of ???
Augrym: Uncover Bias (success)
Bytor: Influence (failure)
John: TBD
Unrak: Influence (failure)
Taranis: TBD
"Carnival Ladder" --- Ascend a rope ladder, attached by a single point at either end, without tipping over.
"Count the Money" --- Correctly identify the value of a bag of coins without opening it.
"Ring the Bell" --- Swing a giant hammer at a wooden block to try to send a shuttle high enough to ring a bell.
"Known Heraldry" --- Identify as many banners as possible within the time limit.
"The Stage" --- Take to the stage and offer a performance.
"The Bull" --- Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
"Analyze Dweomer" --- Correctly identify the properties of a strange magical item.
Taking the mayor's words to heart, The Duke heads over to Lord Hannis Drelev. The Druid of the Fifth Circle introduces himself, and offers sincere congratulations. Based on the feedback Augrym fed him, Taranis knows to keep it formal, and to not use his own title - as it risks coming off like a pissing contest.
"Greetings and congratulations Baron Drelev! The title suits you. The solid men and women of Fort Drelev and the rest of the Barony must be beaming."
John looks about the room. There are still a few who are inscrutable to him, but Lebeda speaks a language he understands. John moves to the man and begins to ask him about the various stock of horses in his lands, looking to get the man speaking of something Humble John knows.
"Congratulations are indeed due, so I thank you." Baron Drelev looks the Duke over. "I suppose I must congratulate you as well," he adds, as an afterthought.
Lebeda and John get into deep conversation, reminiscing on the joys of riding over the wide Rostlandic plains.
Festival: Round 3 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
"Carnival Ladder" --- Ascend a rope ladder, attached by a single point at either end, without tipping over.
"Count the Money" --- Correctly identify the value of a bag of coins without opening it.
"Ring the Bell" --- Swing a giant hammer at a wooden block to try to send a shuttle high enough to ring a bell.
"Known Heraldry" --- Identify as many banners as possible within the time limit.
"The Stage" --- Take to the stage and offer a performance.
"The Bull" --- Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
"Analyze Dweomer" --- Correctly identify the properties of a strange magical item.