"Counselor Unrak, I've known your council as a friend, and seen your blood boil over in the face of your enemies. I am happy to be on the side in receipt of your wise council rather than your mighty blows!"
John's nudge gives Unrak's effort a little more oomph.
Festival: Round 8 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Aid
Taranis: TBD
Unrak: 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.
At this point, he realizes he’s been droning on about dragons for some time. He switches directions to other magical creatures.
Bytor pulls Taranis aside and gives him a pep talk.
"My Lord, perhaps you have had too much to drink. You just need to pull yourself together. You have made a social misstep just now, but I do not believe all is lost yet. Here, eat some of this tree bark. It tastes terrible, but may wake you up out of your haze. Now, when you approach Lady Surtova again, share with her your interest in poetry. She is particularly fond of historical stories. If you take that approach, we may still be able to win her over as an ally. Here, wash your face and tuck in your shirt. We can do this!"
At this point, he realizes he’s been droning on about dragons for some time. He switches directions to other magical creatures.
Augrym's recitations on the nature of dragons finally become interesting enough to elicit a "Hmm!" from Surtova. She seems to be warming.
As the afternoon winds down, the guests begin to take their leave in scattered twos and threes. Jamandi and her entourage depart, while the Mayor disappears into the house to oversee the beginnings of clean-up. And you notice that the sounds of a shrill barking lapdog no longer pierce the air, meaning that the Baroness has left as well.
Most of the game masters have begun to pack up their wares as well.
Festival: Round 9 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Baron Hannis Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Inner monologue:
Did she say "hmmmm?" I have finally gotten through. I must dig even deeper into my dragon knowledge and further impress her. She will really enjoy further discussion on the subject then. Perhaps she would be interested to hear about what they like to eat...
Augrym sticks too long on a singular point, and begins to lose Surtova's attention. She leans over to whisper in the ear of one of her attendants, who nods and ducks away.
Festival: Round 9 of ???
Augrym: Influence (failure)
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Baron Hannis Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Bytor is encouraged by the fact that Lady Surtova is at least indifferent to the company instead of showing great disdain. He continues to try to influence her.
"My dearest lady, are you familiar with the tale of the necromancer from the the ancient tome, Carress of Steel? Perhaps you would care to hear an excerpt?"
Bytor stands up straight and gives her a dramatic recitation of the old tale.
"As grey traces of dawn tinge the eastern sky
The three travelers, men of Willowdale
Emerge from the forest shadow
Fording the river Dawn, they turn south
Journeying into the dark and forbidding lands of the necromancer
Even now the intensity of his dread power can be felt
Weakening the body and saddening the heart
Ultimately they will become empty, mindless spectres
Stripped of will and soul
Only their thirst for freedom
Gives them hunger for vengeance
Silence shrouds the forest
As the birds announce the dawn
Three travellers ford the river
And southward journey on"
Top prize if you can do it:
Lady Natala Surtova
Figured out, go for it:
Baron Hannis Drelev
Still missing some information:
Baroness Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
IGNORE the following NPCs:
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
John strains to see what Stroon is up to, peering at him through the crowd, trying to better understand the man.
Bytor gets another smile out of Natala as she waits. John surmises that, as a practitioner of the arcane arts himself, Imeckus would likely enjoy discussing its finer points.
Festival: Round 9 of ???
Augrym: Influence (failure)
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Discover Angle (success)
Taranis: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Baron Hannis Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
"Baron Drelev! It appears the night is winding down. It's important to me that we part with a more formal good-bye if so, I'd be remiss to not with a Baron of the Realm, but most especially on a personal level given our similar paths. May Gozreh guide our rises as healthy competition, and not as true rivals."
Unrak is undeterred by Drelev's curtness--he knows he's getting through.
Your Lordship, I am not *teaching.* I am *counciling.* Only the greatest of fools would not take council that is worthwhile. You are no fool.
You must understand something. You demand respect--rightfully so, and I and mine willingly give it. But a true leader also GIVES respect. A true leader will not puff himself up with his own importance, he will LEAD, by example when possible, and will give his charges and his friends and allies the same respect he himself wishes to have. THAT is how leaders gain loyal followers.
Remember what a wise--and devious!--man once said: "It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles."
He holds the flagon of wine part-way out to the Baron, hoping the man will finally meet him halfway.
Baron Drelev looks from one Redleaf to the other, half-bemused and half-irritated. "Good evening, gentlemen," he allows, taking the arm of Lady Maray and taking his leave.
Lord Lebeda also makes his departure, leaving just Surtova, who awaits her carriage, and Stroon, who seems to be locked in an amiable discussion with another guest and has lost track of time.
Festival: Round 10 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Unrak: TBD
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"Lady Surtova, you impress me with your knowledge and grace. Perhaps you would permit me to recite another old tale from the book of Genesis."
Bytor recites another ancient poem to further influence the noble.
"Take a little trip back with father Tiresias
Listen to the old one speak of all he has lived through
I have crossed between the poles, for me there's no mystery
Once a man, like the sea I raged
Once a woman, like the earth I gave
But there is in fact more earth than sea
Take a little trip back with father Tiresias
Listen to the old one speak of all he has lived through
I have crossed between the poles, for me there's no mystery
Once a man, like the sea I raged
Once a woman, like the earth I gave
But there is in fact more earth than sea."
Havinig already set himself with Lebeda, The new Duke goes to Stroon.
"Sir, I'm sorry we have not connected. There is much I think I could learn from you. I seek to take on an apprentice and I'm eyeing one skilled in the Arcane arts. What do think of...."
Bytor continues to entertain Surtova as she waits for her carriage. Stroon smiles politely at Taranis, but shakes his head. "I am very flattered, but I think you will find that I am skilled well beyond my apprenticing years, and I have a duty to my sister besides."
Festival: Round 10 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: TBD
Taranis: Influence (success)
Unrak: TBD
Unrak approaches Stroon again, hoping to get a better reaction.
"Milord, with the Duke's permission? Duke Taranis plans to help my eldest boy hone his arcane talent into a useful skill and to train him in the art of surviving in the wilds. Whether faced with men of ill intent, beasts, or the elements I trust milord's skill to forge my eldest into a man."
John also hints at perhaps a tie between the two feifdoms by suggesting he has another boy rapidly approaching the age to serve an apprenticeship.
"Ah. Best of luck to you." Stroon is not quite sure what to make of the interjection.
Festival: Round 10 of ???
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Aid
Taranis: Influence (success)
Unrak: Influence (failure)
In an attempt to learn the strength of Imeckus, he strikes up a conversion about fashion, to see if he could get some tips.
Through his conversation, Augrym surmises that Imeckus actually cares little for political maneuvering, and knows that he holds little power on his own, so direct approaches to influencing him are unlikely to move him.
And with that, both Surtova and Stroon finally take their leave, the former in her carriage and the latter on foot.
Mayor Ioseph emerges once again to let you know that a fine table has been prepared for you inside, to tuck into at your leisure, and that you are welcome to stay as his guests as long as you like---"though I imagine you will be wanting to return to your own halls sooner rather than later."
As you settle in to supper, you reflect on how far the Marchlands' has come. Not three years ago, the Marchlands was but a dream reflected in your eyes. Now it has grown into three permanent settlements and a duchy that stretches across hundreds of square miles of territory. You have come so far.
How much further will you go?
Selection:
Augrym: ______
Bytor: ______
John: ______
Taranis: ______
Unrak: ______
Bytor chooses Aspiring Noble.
"Milord, gentlemen, I've been thinking about what the future might hold for the Fletcher family since..." John falters a bit for a moment thinking of his wife's gruesome fate, then continues.
"I think what is best for my sons and me would be to continue on this path I've started with you. I think the work we are doing is important. To Tame a Land is awesome. Let's continue together if you'll have me."
"My boys need the example of a father who is hard working and driven to complete a worthy goal. Discovering new horizons is one to my mind. But they also need an education, and on that I'm afraid I would fall short. So I'm asking for some time to set Gozrek and Crayden up with apprenticeships when we return. As for Erastil, he is young yet, so perhaps I can find a governess to prepare him for the world a bit. They are good boys, and I need to do right by them."
John seems winded by the exercise of expressing so much verbally all at once, and returns to his meal to recover.
"This excursion has also given me to contemplation John. I'm put to ease knowing you're still on The Path with us. Politics is a dirty game, and I'm glad to return to the Marchlands. I myself shall seek to continue to build the Marchlands, like a forest overtaking the plain. We'll need more though, more of everything. I'm thinking I might need an apprentice actually. Your boy has shown potential thus far. I should talk with him more."
Eyes to the horizon, Taranis takes a deep breath. "I long to see more of this creation."
Unrak is a Nation Builder. Brother, we've put the Redleaf name on the map...now let's blaze it into the history books!!
Selection:
Augrym: ______
Bytor: Aspiring Noble
John: Explorer
Taranis: Nation Builder
Unrak: Nation Builder
Duke Taranis looks at Augrym as the party prepares to depart he misquotes some poetry , "The time will come, for we have laid claim to a crown, for our foes to see that they will be cut down!" He then gives the man a hearty pat on the back.
Augrym holds back emotion like only an orc can, but this hearty pat on the back almost squeezed a tear through.
”You are a truly great leader. Your guidance is our prosperity.”
Bonus Feat Selections:
Augrym: Nation Builder
Bytor: Aspiring Noble
John: Explorer
Taranis: Nation Builder
Unrak: Nation Builder
On the morn of [color=teal]25th Calistril[/color] a fine breakfast of bread, eggs, fried fish, jams, butters, honeys, and dried venison are laid out for you, along with a note from Mayor Ioseph expressing regret that he cannot join you and must attend to some business about town, but reiterating your continued welcome or well-wishes for the journey home, as per your trusted discretion.
"I think I am going to miss all of this civilized hobnobbing. I have been rather enjoying myself. I suppose now we need to get back to work."
"Indeed, our own lands are going to need us soon, there's much work to do. Especially after the annexation of Varnhold."
The return to Solasgaard is mostly uneventful, including a short delay to map out some more of the foothills of the Tors . The news of your elevation has already reached the capital by the time you arrive on [color=teal]3rd Pharast[/color], and many of the local citizens leave their doors to see if the new Duke looks any different from the Baron they knew a few weeks prior.
Soon enough, the routine of managing the territory calls your attentions. Among this month's petitions is Mayor Loy Rezbin of Tatzylford, who is requesting treasury funds to assist in the erection of a community watering hole and some new housing there.
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare the Duke's modifiers (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check. If successful, reduce Unrest by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items: unchanged.
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 3 new hexes of territory, if desired. All hexes must be fully explored to be claimed.
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Step 4 - Build Terrain: Pay for up to 5 terrain improvements in existing territory, if desired.
Step 5 - Settlements: Found up to 1 new settlement in existing territory. The site must first be prepared for settlement. Additionally, pay for construction of up to 5 new buildings in your existing settlements. The construction of a single house, tenement, noble villa, or mansion does not count against this limit, but must still be paid for.
Step 6 - Army: Raise new military units, or upgrade or repair existing ones, as desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Step 7 - Edicts: Issue any new edicts as desired.
Upkeep Phase Summary
Edict Phase Summary
Income Phase
Step 1 - Withdraw from Treasury: Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Step 2 - Deposit to Treasury: Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Step 3 - Sell Items: Sell up to 2 personal magical items to benefit the treasury.
Step 4 - Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
NO EVENT
Income Phase Summary
A great many Marchlanders make the journey to Solasgaard to pay homage to the new Duke. Between the many ceremonies and the business of transitioning to a duchy (new appointments, amending signage, adjusting customs etc.), the month of Pharast flies by.
Among the correspondence of state is a very nicely written note from Jemanda Orlashen in Oppara, thanking you for your assistance in returning Ervil Pendrod to his duties at the Kitharodian Academy. Enclosed with the note is a fully-charged wand of find traps (50 charges).
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare the Duke's modifiers (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check. If successful, reduce Unrest by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items: unchanged.
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 3 new hexes of territory, if desired. All hexes must be fully explored to be claimed.
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Step 4 - Build Terrain: Pay for up to 5 terrain improvements in existing territory, if desired.
Step 5 - Settlements: Found up to 1 new settlement in existing territory. The site must first be prepared for settlement. Additionally, pay for construction of up to 5 new buildings in your existing settlements. The construction of a single house, tenement, noble villa, or mansion does not count against this limit, but must still be paid for.
Step 6 - Army: Raise new military units, or upgrade or repair existing ones, as desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Step 7 - Edicts: Issue any new edicts as desired.
Upkeep Phase Summary
Edict Phase Summary
Income Phase
Step 1 - Withdraw from Treasury: Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Step 2 - Deposit to Treasury: Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Step 3 - Sell Items: Sell up to 2 personal magical items to benefit the treasury.
Step 4 - Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
EVENT
Income Phase Summary
"Your grace, I have grave news," a haggard-looking Akiros bursts in one morning. "My officers have just been down by the docks this morning, to investigate a double murder, both single mothers. Apparently each had accused the other of swapping their child with a changeling, and knifed each other in an alley."
"The thing is... this is the second time we've heard this same story. The first investigation turned up nothing but the two bodies, not even the babes in question. And there are rumors going around, about a cult starting to gather followers in town... We don't know much yet, but I thought it best you be made aware."
The news spreads like wildfire through the town, sending the populace into something of a panic, though there is nothing approaching out-and-out flight just yet. "My officers are staying on the case, but you may want to take a personal hand in things, your grace," Akiros offers.
Today is [color=teal]9th Gozran[/color].
The Duke most definitely advocates for solving these crimes!