GM Ukyo's Rise of a Hero campaign arc

Game Master Ukyo

You arrive back at the castle, you smell like horse and sweat and road dust, you haven't slept all night. You stride into the main hall and Alliandra sees you, she's sitting at the head table with Derbin's wife, Xion's wife, and half a dozen children to include Essen and Anthony. Before you even realize it's happening she's leaping at you and kissing you!

When she finally pulls back she looks thoroughly embarrassed, her mouth opens to speak but nothing comes out... She seems to realize just what she's done, and in front of who, and her face turns such a bright shade of blue your sure she's actually glowing, she turns and bolts up the stairwell that leads to her rooms!

Anthony has this sort of odd smirk on his face that's half 'about time' and half 'ew adult stuff'.

You swear you can see every single one of Essen's teeth as he grins widely.

Well, he totally returned the kiss, and he may not have let her go that easily, but won't force it. "Best. Homecoming. Ever." He says with a sheepish grin before he does.

Derbin's wife doesn't look as please, "Yer cudda let some'un know yer ok."

Essen runs up to hug you as well, though he doesn't look relieved, his confidence in you was unshaken, "Antonio Verienus was taken also, we just didn't know it at the time. A guard is dead and a servant is missing. Derbin's got all the militia in the prison and he's questioning them himself."

Thought I already hung him?

"Not without leaving Dominus Marinos unprotected, M'Lady."

"Thanks Essen. I'll head down there now." If Agatha or Tertius' kids (if that's her name) are there i'll let them know Tertius is fine as well and will be back when I relieve him.

Titus heads down to the prisons.

I thought you hung the others but not him, I thought you were waiting until he woke up... I could be wrong, I didn't go back and check

You'll find Derbin has set up a table and chairs and is conducting an interrogation of all the militia, most of them are in cells, the prison warden is there as well, he's bandaged up but will survive. Derbin stands and calls the room to attention when he sees you, and he salutes. So does the soldier being interrogated.(he's uninjured, not even a bruise)

Titus was counciled against waiting till he woke up, so he decided x amount of time, like a few weeks, if he wasnt consious by then, then swing.

"Report, Sgt."

ok no problem then, the guard was found dead in the prison instead

"I be findin out wha's goin on Sir!" and he spits, "One guard dead an looks like he's in on it, so fer none o'da rest're guilty, m'dink."

"Sgt. I need men for duty at the Marinos estate. Give me a few hours shut eye, and I'll be taking them back with me. Who and how many I leave to you." He'll turn to go get some sleep...

Your manservant will wake you at the appointed time. A few hours will put it at just as the sun is setting, your very hungry.

Reports in brief.

One guard switched shifts with another, claimed it was so he could have more time with his girl. He let the assailants into the prison cell and then they stabbed him in the back, then they stabbed the warden and released all of the prisoners, one of them got into an argument and they killed him too. They made their way to the kitchens where they killed a slave boy (Demetrius) and escaped through the tunnel. The maid who was the guard's girl is also missing and believed to be an accomplice.

Derbin has six guards ready for you to take, three to leave behind and three for escort on the return trip. And he's mighty pissed you left with just Tertius (He'll only show that in private)

Was the warden unconscious the whole time, or did he overhear anything important? Titus will tell him he's glad he survived.

He'll accept Derbin's chastisment, but wont apologize for his actions.
He had x time to make a decision.

Ok he'll grab those 6 and head out after getting cleaned up and eating.

The Warden said he heard one thing while he was pondering the physical pain he was in and the prospect of not surviving, which didn't scare him at all, the assailant said, "Tydel paid me to get the woman out, the rest of you can die here if you like." After that he blacked out.

In typical Derbin-like character once he's said his bit it's done and forgotten.

You'll make it to the Marinos estate at noon the next day, having left as the sun set and traveled through the night you still shaved half a day off the trip.

Tertius reports they believe someone scouted the estate but no serious effort was made. A farmhand reported a stranger approaching him that morning, but the guy was gone by the time Tertius got there.

Should Tydel ring a bell?
"Ok, get some rest Tertius. We're here, and I'll try to keep the militia in the house and out of sight." He'll look to Megalos' daughter and have a pleseant conversation about healing grievous wounds, and see if he can get her to show him a healing rune or two.

Tydel is the missing older Verienus brother

He nods, gives the men their assignments and then crashes.

Decalana(just decided to name her) tells you that Tertius only slept maybe an hour or two while you were gone and has been very diligent.

She'll gladly show you some runic magic, "I'm not yet good enough to do major healing, but I can knit a bone or repair flesh if it's not too grievous, which would you like?"

You'll have enough time to learn one, if you plan to leave in the morning

He'll talk with her and bring up the innkeep's daughter's injuries...and learn which ever would be most helpful...he doesn't plan on leaving in the morning.

She shakes her head, looking distraught, "Injuries that have already healed I wouldn't even know where to start to try and repair, I'm sorry."

Personally I think the flesh gets beat up more than bone... The spell works as such.

Name: Precise Healing
Lvl: 2
Type: Runic
Runes: Healing, power, Essence
Difficulty: 13
Duration: Instant
Range: Touch
Description: When applied to a specific wound, the spell repairs flesh completely, Instantly healing the target for 2K2+caster level, the spell will not repair bone and fails if the wound isn't fully healed by the spell, healing nothing.

Boosts: once, +3 DIF to increase the amount healed by 1k1

Well cleaning up all the scarred tissue and stuff would be better than nothing, would that spell do that? He'd probably still want to learn both.

You'd have to talk to a priest of Alowyn for that sort of healing, cosmetic repair isn't something she has experience with. However she'll gladly learn if you can find her a teacher.

The bone spell will have to wait, I haven't written it yet just have an idea of what it will do. Basically it repairs broken bones.

You'd have to talk to a priest of Alowyn for that sort of healing, cosmetic repair isn't something she has experience with. However she'll gladly learn if you can find her a teacher.

The bone spell will have to wait, I haven't written it yet just have an idea of what it will do. Basically it repairs broken bones.

Well im not going to break that poor girls bones again to fix her...

In person we covered:

You returned to the castle, learned that the two carpenters were approached to help in the prison break (they didn't) and decided to make a trip visiting each Dominus.

First place you went was to Grush, and you took Octavia with you, as well as an honor guard of 4 militia, Essen, and Tertius. With Grush you hammered out the taxes the orcs will pay, they will not provide food, they will continue to work the sawmill under the previous agreement and they will pay all their taxes in furs for the leathersmithy you plan to build. Octavia worked out the details of how much leather. Grush also agreed to give orc warriors to you for training, beginning with his son. His two daughters will also come with you to be educated by Alliandra.

Next you are visiting the two Dominus closest to Grush.

Anything I left out?

In person we covered:

You returned to the castle, learned that the two carpenters were approached to help in the prison break (they didn't) and decided to make a trip visiting each Dominus.

First place you went was to Grush, and you took Octavia with you, as well as an honor guard of 4 militia, Essen, and Tertius. With Grush you hammered out the taxes the orcs will pay, they will not provide food, they will continue to work the sawmill under the previous agreement and they will pay all their taxes in furs for the leathersmithy you plan to build. Octavia worked out the details of how much leather. Grush also agreed to give orc warriors to you for training, beginning with his son. His two daughters will also come with you to be educated by Alliandra.

Next you are visiting the two Dominus closest to Grush.

Anything I left out?

Nope that will work. He'll ask Octavia to take Grush's son and daughters and warriors back to the castle with them and inform Derbin and Alliandra of what has transpired here.

Grush nods as you explain that a war is likely coming, "You need train more warriors." he says, then he'll order five more warriors to report to the castle for training as well.

"I come with you but, need here. Not rested here yet, I leave orcs maybe go back into woods, maybe attack Dominus. No ok."

"I understand Grush, just be wary of outsiders claiming to be sent by me."

He'll go on to the next Dominus...

Titus also makes a mental note to draw up documents for Dominus Grush Bearclaw...

When you arrive at the next farmstead you'll see it heavily patrolled by inexperienced field hands. They watch you curiously over the four foot wall as you and your men walk around to the main entrance, there four guards stand with a makeshift gate that looks like it's recently been put in place, one of the guards(fieldhands) says loudly but without any command presence at all, "Who approaches?"

"Lt. Titus Von Andronicus, Komis of Verienus."

He looks you up and down, then the men with you, obviously looking to see if your who you say you are... the man next to him says, "Well he doesn't have any orcs with him, and he's got militia..." the first man snaps back, "I can see that!" then he says to another man, "Go get the Dominus, tell him who's here."

As the third man runs off, the first turns back to you, "I would appreciate it if you waited there sir, until the Dominus gets here."

Titus studies the man for a second, then chuckles and says...
"Of course."

All three men visibly relax at that. It won't take long for the Dominus to get there, you'll recognize him as one of the ones that showed up himself when you put out the call.

He immediately turns his attention to the guards, though he is short he is not harsh, "He is the Komis, open the gates." then as they begin to do so he says to you, "Begging your pardon m'lord, these are becoming dangerous times as of late. Please take your rest in my home." and he gestures towards the large house with the same familiar design as all the other Dominus.

He'll nod and enter. "Dangerous times, Dominus?"

He looks startled, "Um yes m'lord, with orcs invading and the Verienus boy declaring a war..." he sounds flabbergasted by the question.

"If you are talking about the farmstead (direction) from here, those orcs aren't invading. They were given lands by myself, for assitance with getting the wood mill up and running. While they will not be farming, they will be furriers and trappers for the komis, and paying taxes. They are what's left of the Bearclaw clan, and will be sending warriors to my Sgt for training as militia, and children to learn from our educator. They will be incorporated, as is the way of Caratos, each lending thier strengths to the whole. So you have nothing to worry about. As to this other matter, are you speaking of Tydel?"

He looks a bit taken aback, his words are slow as what your saying sinks in, "Yes... well, not him personally..." He clears his head, "He sent someone, The Dominus you relieved awhile back for stealing plows. He said he'll come back here next week to collect half my farm hands as conscripts, promising that I'll be well rewarded." that last said with a sneer, "Useless garbage that he is. Regardless I got the farmhands together protecting the perimeter and had a gate built."

"He's probably upset I hanged his rapist brother. Tydel has apparently hired an assassin from the mainland to assist in his efforts to remove me from power. I'm travelling to speak with all of my Dominii, to reassure them I am the rightful and lawful Komis. I think appointing Hippotis Magelos will improve overall efficiency, and with some other ideas I have business wise, we'll all be rediculously wealthy men, just performing our duties to the Doukas, and the Emporer, with clean conscience. I can not think of anything more worthy a pursuit. I would know your thoughts, Dominus, please speak candidly."

As you speak he gives you his full attention, when you finish nods, "I need no reassurance, I am certain you are the Komis. That would be enough, but more so you are an honorable and good man. I am a loyal Caratosian, I will always serve you as long as you are Komis. Is that candid enough for you m'lord?" and he smiles to pull any sting out of his last words.

He laughs.
"I thank you for your candor. I was looking more for any complaints.
While the 'rebellion' is making things up to get people behind them, it has made me think that there might be legitimate reasons there is anger or resentment. The Komis only works if we all work together, and while I understand my duties as a Komis I do not plan to lord it over anyone. So, what I was looking for are any legitimate concerns you as a Dominus may have that I need to address."

At this point I sort of assumed you were sitting at the dining table talking with him

He looks up as his wife places a drink in front of you both, "Thank you dear." and he turns back to you as he takes a drink, "I am not the sort to whine and complain about every little thing, or to expect others to solve my problems for me. Your Hippotis, Megalos, is a fine man of good character and quality. He has seen to all my needs and my estates are profitable for it." He takes another drink before continuing, "The only concern I have is this rebellion, I have loyal farm hands, they are willing to die to defend my estates, but they are not soldiers."

"Well, to be honest, Dominus, one of the reasons I'm doing this little tour is to present them with a target other than my Dominii. I hope they continue to underestimate me and act, then I can be done with this business of rebellion, and your farmhands won't need to do anything rash."
If he has nothing else to add...
"Thank you for your hospitality, Dominus. I must move on to the next estate. I hope I can bring a little normalcy back soon."

He nods, "Ending this rebellion certainly, but even after that there are the occassional goblin and orc raids, wolves, or even human bandits. Having some of my men know how to handle themselves would be a huge benefit. What I'm asking for m'lord is that you take some of my men to train."

He nods. "Choose whom you would have learn, and I'll bring them with me."

He nods and has eight men ready by the time your back at the front gate. One you'll recognize as the level headed guy that was at the gate when you first got there.

You move on to the next estate and find business as usual, though as soon as your spotted a young farmhand barely more than 15 will run towards the main house. By the time you get to the entrance the Dominus is coming out to meet you. He's wearing a ragged old long shirt and shorts, belted at the waist, and sandals with a broken strap. He bows, "M'lord Komis how may I assist you today?"

"Sorry for showing up unannounced, Dominus. I'm visiting all of my Dominii." He looks down at his sandals "Am I keeping you from work?"

His eyes follow your gaze, he smiles ruefully, "My apologies m'lord, these are my best pair." then he tactfully changes the subject, "Please come in." and he gestures towards his home.

As you enter his house you see old furniture with damaged cushions in the living room and a rickety table in the dining area. There's a musty oder in the air despite open windows. A young girl enters from the sleeping areas out of breath and wearing an old threadbare dress, "Mother says she'll be right out." then she sees you and curtsies, "M'lord!"

He returns her curtsey with a nod. "M'lady."
He surveys his surroundings, then asks...
"Is there something amiss, Dominus? Can I help you with anything?"

The Dominus shakes his head, looking down, "No m'lord, we are happy here."

A moment later a woman roughly the same age as the dominus emerges from the back, she looks as if she's put on her best dress and it's still threadbare, with a tear in the sleeve. She smiles and curtsies, "M'lord Komis it is a pleasure to meet you."

the dominus gestures towards the table, "If you would like to sit m'lord, I'm sure your time is valuable, are you hungry? Thirsty?" and he gestures towards his daughter who immediately heads into the kitchen.

"No, I am fine, Dominus, thank you for offering."
He'll give him the same words he gave the previous Dominus, about the orcs, future plans and probable wealth, but he doesn't mention a rebellion or Tydel unless this guy does.

The man's eyes light up at 'ridiculously wealthy'. Despite your denial a drink is brought for you in a old ceramic cup with a chip on the handle.

He dips his head as you finish, "I have always been willing to contribute as much as I can m'lord."

Just then Tertius enters from the front door, having seen to the men. As he takes a seat he gives you a glance as if to say he needs to speak with you privately.

"I see that Dominus. May I introduce my brother, Tertius Von Andronicus."
He'll introduce him, then say "I beg your pardon, Dominus, if you'll excuse me for a second." He'll take Tertius out on the porch.

"Well met m'lord," then to you, "Of course m'lord."

As you walk out you see Tertius glancing around the room at furniture as you did.

He turns and pulls the door shut tight behind you, "He's gutter s@$@e, the scuff marks on the floor don't match the furniture and the curtains are silk."

"Interesting."
They'll go back in.
"While I'm here Dominus, I always like to see the homes of my Dominii. It gives me some insight into who I'm dealing with. May I have a tour?"

Now that you know what your looking for you'll immediately see the scuff marks and indentions from where other furniture normally sits.

The Dominus' face pales a bit, "Er ah, yes m'lord. Though I regret to say most of my lands are not worthy of seeing... This is my living room as you no doubt have figured out, and my meager dining room."

You'll see the Dominus' wife slip into the kitchen and you hear the sounds of pots and pans being moved.