"Annoying her isn't likely the best policy my friend."
Unrak goes for a hunt and comes back with a brace of rabbits, which makes for a fine meal this evening.
Taranis finds ample mushrooms, ferns, berry-bushes, herbs and more in the surrounding area... but he also notices a meticulous pattern to the supposedly wild growth in this area. Almost as though someone has been methodically harvesting from one patch at a time, while letting the others grow...
The morning of [color=teal]23rd Gozran[/color] dawns cheerful and bright.
With a spell before speaking, "MA'AM! YOU ASKED FOR A RETURN IN THE MORNING.... IT IS MORNING. I NOTICED THAT YOU TAKE GREAT CARE IN YOUR HARVESTING AND PROMISE YOU THAT WE DID NOT INTERFERE WITH YOUR PATTERN. NOW, CAN WE MEET TO TALK? I'D LIKE TO ELIMINATE THE RUMORS, AND TO HELP BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MARCHLANDS."
Unrak goes for a hunt and comes back with a brace of rabbits, which makes for a fine meal this evening.
At least one rabbit is specifically for our (hopefully) new friend. Urnak will skin & clean it as thoroughly & carefully as possible, tying the feet to a stick so it can be presented to the woman as a gift.
After ringing the bell, Taranis waits for the green-tinged face to appear in the window before making his pitch. "YES, YES," the voice calls back irritably, "COME IN IF YOU MUST."
The gate is unlocked, and the walk up to the hut short. The scarecrow in the yard turns to glare at you as you pass, but does not interfere. The hut is a simple, one-roomed affair; it's only about 20 feet in diameter with a dirt floor and thatched roof. The rafters are hung with dried herbs and swamp-weeds, and a bubbling cauldron hangs over a firepit in the center of the room. The woman putters about, adding various herbs to the cauldron as you enter. "What is it you want?"
plus…
What does Zed know about whatever she is a-brewing?
and is she weaving any magicks?
"If stories about your reputation are unfounded, I'd hear the real version. I'm sure a straightened story would bring you peace and quiet."
Taranis looks to Zed to see if the wizard has anything to speak of
"Actually, if you're amenable to trade, I've use for a supplier of alchemical creations."
Unrak rumbles And here...for you. He hands her the stick with the prepared rabbit carcass.
"Story? What story? No story. Can't a woman just live in peace, alone in the woods? Eating mushrooms never bothered anybody. Ah, no," the woman adds, waving off Unrak. "I don't eat meat."
The woman glances sharply at the baron. "What kind of alchemical supplies? If I've the time and you pay well enough... I'll think about it. I won't do potions. They stink up the whole place."
"Fair. We'd be interested in a variety of things. We find the lands here dangerous, and items of power to be wielded or imbibed can make it a little less so. Pay? In coin, information, or trade - you'll find us fair and honest."
The woman chuckles, tossing in another bunch of dried herbs. "You pay me in information? Son, I know everything there worth knowing 'round here already."
She regards the baron with a piercing stare. "You been traveling much, then? Perhaps you've found some black rattlecaps then? Little mushrooms that rattle when you cut 'em. Make a frightfully good tea, and I'm running low. If you find any, I'll buy them from you."
"Actually... We do." Taranis carefully remove the 14 rattlecaps.
"Well then Ma'am, if we have need we shall come to you. I'm guessing that there's no way I could talk you into a formal relationship with the Marchlands, but perhaps we can call you an ally?"
-
|
Marc nonchalantly wonders around the hunt, looking at the herbs and peaking in pots. He keeps an ear on the conversation. When it turns to trade. He talks without raising his head from his inspection, "We intend to map the area around our lands. Your knowledge of the area would be very helpful and you can consider us you special herd and spice service." Marc turns his head and looks at the woman. "just give us a list and when we find them, we will make sure you get whatever you need. " He adds as to goes back to is looking around. "The stew smells wondering, Ma'am."
The first time Marc tries to peek into a pot, the woman grabs him by the ear and yanks him painfully away. "I invite you in to my home to talk, not to look through my things."
Turning back to Taranis, she shrugs. "You can call me whatever you like, honey badger I don't care." She points at the rattlecaps. "My lucky day, then. How much you want for 'em?"
"These required great risk to procure. Would you agree to... 1,500 for the lot of them?"
"Madam, we seek items of power to help us protect this land from others. We seek weapons, armor, and all things wondrous."
"Well, you won't find 'em here," the woman says flatly. She reaches for a small plain box standing on one of the rafters and retrieves two burlap sacks from within, which she tosses at your feet with the muffled clink of coin.
Ma'am...do you know anything about the lizard folk nearby? We had an unfortunate, um, "meeting" with them, and were attacked by the king, his guard, and a will-o-wisp. It looks like the colony has been abandoned now, but if it's not--maybe they're just in hiding?--we'd like to sort of start again, if you follow me. Their king was a wee bit crazy, and I'm thinking we did them a favor, even if they don't realize it yet.
"Thank you ma'am."
"My brother speaks true. Additionally we're on the hunt for a pair of creatures. Mayhap you know where we could find them. The first is a shambling mound and the second are trolls. If you could help us locate them, we'd be obliged."
Taranis then thinks a bit before adding more, "Do you know what dangers may befall us on the Little Selen River?"
The woman considers Unrak for a moment. "Lizardfolk breed only exceptionally slowly. If you battled their king and his guard and yet stand 'ere in my hut, I can only assume that they are dead. A blow like that would destroy a whole tribe, like as not. The rest probably scattered to other tribes in the swamps to the west."
She stirs her cauldron gently while answering Taranis. "Shambling mounds are rare in these parts. As for the trolls... they've been more active of late. Threatened my hut once or twice, but I saw them off of course. They have a leader. Hargulka is his name. I don't know what possessed him to become so aggressive lately... he is likely responsible for the wrecked ships and slain travelers along the Little Selen."
"You would do well to look for him in the Southern Narlmarches."
"Thank you. If all goes well, you'll not have to spend your time driving them off much longer. Before we go, might you have items for sale or trade right now? We won't overstay our welcome. The affairs of the Barony call."
The woman shrugs. "I only make what gets put to use. No sense having things lying around."
"Well ma'am, I thank you for your hospitality. We've taken up much of your time. May we return in the future to tell the tale of finishing the trolls or to commission items of power?"
Let's prioritize this troll problem. Have a polite chat with Harkulga, Unrak says with an evil grin.
The woman shrugs. "If you must."
The journey back to Solasgaard is short and uneventful; you arrive mid-morning on [color=Teal]25th Gozran[/color]. As you pass through town, you notice a new wanted poster on the board outside the town hall, signed by Akiros Ismort and Oleg Leveton.
Additionally, two letters await the Baron at Castle Redleaf. The first, from Restov, calls upon the Baron to take action against the trolls to the south.
The second is sent by one Baron Maegar Varn, of Varnhold to the east.
To the Honorable Lord Baron Taranis Redleaf of the Marchlands,
I trust that this missive finds you and your barony in good health. I have the honor of leading a band of soldiers known as the Varnling Host, and like you have established a colony south of Restov with the blessing of the Swordlords. Our lands are to your east, across the Tors of Levenies. While we encountered some difficulty in establishing ourselves, our small town of Varnhold is growing and thriving, and we have at last made the roads relatively safe for travel.
I would take it as a great personal honor if you would grace us with a visit. Perhaps in time you might be so generous as to allow me to visit your seat at Solasgaard. I dearly hope that a strong bond between our two baronies might be established, as we each seek to establish civilization in these wild lands.
There are two roads by which you might come, if you are able. The first, and the safer route, is to travel east along the road to Restov and turn south at Nivakta's Crossing. You will find a stout bridge of new construction, built by our own hands, over the Kiravoy River, and some miles beyond will reach Varnhold. The second and more dangerous route is across the Tors themselves, traveling through Varnhold Pass near the Crooked River. We have established a watchtower on the heights and made the pass as safe as we can.
I eagerly await your reply and your arrival. Wishing you the finest of health and success, I remain,
Lord Maegar Varn
Baron of Varnhold
A simple map is enclosed to identify the landmarks so noted.
The Baron responds to the letter:
To the Honorable Lord Baron Maegar Varn,
Indeed it does find us both in good health. We've recently come from afield, surveying and taming. It is good to head of neighbors such as you, and I am honored to accept the request.
Unfortunately, affairs of state keep us tied up for some time. Please know that we shall come on at our earliest convenience, striking out on the second week of Sarenith.
I look forward to meeting with you, and I look forward to the prosperity which will no doubt ensue.
Lord Taranis Greenleaf, Initiate of the Fourth Circle, Baron of The Marchlands
It's time to unload the sales. Gozran only has 30 days, so that's 5 days before we have to see to the Barony.
"Zed, find out what you can about that dagger. I suspect we may want to destroy it. I'm also fine selling it to the Pathfinder Society if an agent can be found."
Upkeep Phase
Declare Baron's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Roll Stability Check.
Consumption has been deducted from the treasury.
Unrest modification to be determined.
Edict Phase
Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Claim up to one new hex of territory, if desired. This hex must be fully explored to be claimed.
Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Pay for up to two terrain improvements to existing territory, if desired.
Pay for construction of up to one new building 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.
Raise new military units, or upgrade existing ones, if desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Issue any new edicts as desired.
"The swordlords have sent us a question with a mighty bounty. I feel like this will be highly important for us to complete quickly. But not before we heal up and reequip."
Augrym is intrigued by the map and investigates it for quality and anything that might be learned from it.
"Between possible guests, a dragon quest and a band of trolls, The Huntsmen will be very busy for the foreseeable future."
When arriving back to town, Aurgym will quickly assess the goings on around town by casting Ears of the City and using Perception to gather information. It's 6 rounds, so 6 Perception checks will be below, each representing like I had spent 1d4 hours gathering information.
He will share all the information he gathered.
Unrak seeks out local merchants, looking for a minor Ring of Protection
<--Looks like a yes
+1 armor
+1 shield
+1 sword
Augrym keeps the map for his own enjoyment, but it is of little actual use beyond identifying the landmarks on the roads to Varnhold.
Augrym learns two rumors. The first concerns a green dragon taking up residence in the southern Narlmarches. One woman claims her cousin was eaten. The second concerns a cult infiltrating Solasgaard, though little information about it is known.
Income Phase
Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
EVENT
Hurrying to respond to a report of a troll sighting just miles from Solasgaard, your General Kesten Garess sends a company of his soldiers to deal with the threat. All twelve are slain mercilessly in an ambush. Several families pack their belongings and leave town.
"The trolls are now our number 1 concern!"
Unrak takes some time to go about town, assuring the citizens that The Baron & the rest of the Huntsmen are going to deal directly with the trolls--NOW. Mark my words...the next news you hear will be good!
During the time functioning as head of state, Taranis will use an animal messenger to seek correspondence with Beldame:
Ma'am, I shall be personally leading an expedition to end the terror of Harkulga. I have enclosed with this missive a small map. Any help or directions you can give us to his lair is much appreciated. Kind regards, Baron Redleaf.
The Old Beldame sends the map back to Taranis with the trolls' location circled in red.
The Huntsmen saddle their horses at daybreak on [color=teal]8th Desnus[/color]. The air is already warm and promises to be hot, too hot for comfortable traveling. Yet duty calls.
Zed tries to discern the hidden nature of the necromantic dagger. He uses the Solasgaard Library and spends some time discussing with other magic users in town.
Small retcon: Unrak speaks to the best smith in Soasgaard. I'll soon have coin to spend. I want a mithral breast plate--get your hands on enough materials! When you've got it, I'll commission the work.
After spending some time with the dagger, Zed identifies it as a +1 dagger intended for use in human sacrifices. The weapon gains the human bane quality for one day after being used to kill a human with a coup de grace. The blade imparts a negative level when carried by anyone who does not have a spirit of chaos. Though the blade, its markings, and its history are decidedly sinister, the weapon is not inherently evil.
The smith shakes his head sadly at Unrak. "Not a chance I'd be able t'get the necessary material. My durned brother, he's got a lock on th'only supplier I've ever had any luck wit'. Pesky bastard. Heard he's up in Varnhold now with that band o' thieves."
The Huntsmen head south, crossing the Murque River on [color=teal]10th Desnus[/color] and entering new territory the following day. Shortly after setting out from camp on [color=teal]11th Desnus[/color], a faint rustle in the leaves portends a sudden danger.
DV60
and LLV Scent
LLV, +3 well-lit visual if Aurora nearby
Only Zed is alert and quick enough to respond as a large, winged shadow moves towards the party through the trees!
Round Surprise
1. Zed
2. DC 15 Know Arcana to Identify
Round I
1. Zed
2. DC 15 Know Arcana to Identify
3. Unrak, Taranis, Augrym, Marc
T10 Know Arcana: +15 = 25
Special attacks?
Weaknesses?
Strengths?
Surprise
Zed immediately summons forth an augmented celestial dire bat!
Zed is fatigued. He shouts
Round 1 he shouts at the bat in its tongue to smite the drake!
for
He then moves to cover under the tree as he casts fly on Unrak!
Surprise
The drake spits a ball of acidic mucus that bursts into a stinging cloud!
Round I
The drake snaps at the bat as it comes in.
HIT
Ignoring the bat, the drake wings to the air and zooms with a burst of speed after the elf!
HIT
Round I
1. Zed (25/33 hp, Reflex save)
2. Drake (17 damage)
3. Unrak (68/76 hp, Reflex save), Taranis, Augrym, Marc (30/38 hp, Reflex save)
The bat snaps as the drake passes by:
for