Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

"I do not claim to outclass the 'rest of us.' Just you. You'd punish an artist for doing your bidding? What sort of misdirected cruelty is that? I have my doubts that you could understand your shortcomings no matter how articulately I could name them."

Malaswyn stands, he addresses the audience, not simply their host, "Normally, the traditions of guest-and-host, respected across Golarion, would restrain my words. In our time here, however, our host has sought to goad and incite the Duke and his allies."

"My fear is that he seeks the fig-leaf of offence to justify or excuse conflict. We are peaceable and have no desire for conflict, large or small. Our goal has always been to be a good neighbour, destroying monsters and bandits within our borders so that a wilderness becomes a peaceful realm. A place with which you can trade and from which you have no fear of banditry and monstrous intrusion."

"If this displeases Lord Irovetti, that saddens us all. Sarenrae's message of peace and redemption applies to us all. Does the Duke wish to goad us further or make merry this day?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

I assume Malaswyn meant to say the King, instead of the Duke, yes?

Malaswyn's diplomatic statement snaps Kalsgrim out of his growing anger. He too looks to the broader gathering as he says "I hope our host can overlook my outburst, born of the pride that any ruler has regarding their own realm. There are many good people here, and that is not something to be taken for granted."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 23 + 2 = 39

The crowd gathered for the feast explodes with drama. Most of them do not seem to make the connection regarding the statue and shout their indignation at your reactions. Others notice the resemblance with Oberlin and appear more restrained or show fake concern for the King.

Meanwhile, Irovetti's eyes shine with glee and a cruel smile passes on his lips.

But then he rises, and all that's left of his mien shows temperance and compassion. He raises his hands to appease the crowd in response to Kalsgrim's words: "Please! Please! Let us not seek offence on this blessed night, yes? For Duke Kalsgrim has already repented and removed is accusations. Me, chastising an artist? Am I not the greatest patron of the arts Pitax has ever seen? No, I merely asked whether the Duke wanted him punished... And as Duke Kalsgrim accurately said, we're all good people here!"

Everyone takes their seats and there is some applause at the King's last words.

"Let's now change the mood then, shall we? Time to meet my bride!"

He signals the servants and music starts, a majestic and solemn march, and some small-time wizards do their best to play with the lights to create an effect, but the effect is unclear.

The curtains part, and in walks a lady in her late thirties, dressed in an extravagant pink satin dress that might serve as a makeshift tent for a whole regiment given its size. Her blond hair is raised in a tower that threatens to get stuck in the pavilion's ceiling and the snappy little dog you saw with Irovetti rests in her bejewelled hands: It is Lady Pavetta, the widow of Baron Drelev, whom you killed.

She glides through the applauds and cheers and stops to sit beside Irovetti, her eyes fixed on Kalsgrim.

"Aah, there it is. He really, really cares about us, doesn't he." Malaswyn smiles and applauds the lady even as he quietly addresses his companions, "Of course, she comes from respectable, established nobility as well. That must be attractive to Irovetti."

Kalsgrim says nothing, though his face probably says plenty. His mind reels with the implications, including possible contested claims to the captured lands between Pitax and Frieland....

Kalsgrim touches his temple where a headache is rapidly blossoming. I just wanted to clear some of the bandits out for the good of the local people.

Kriger stands up instantly, his eyes going wide. "HOW IN THE NINE HELLS...?!?!" he yells, freezing as he realizes he said that out loud. His eyes cut left to right quickly as he works to think before, "Did you wind up with a looker like HER! Well done King of Pitax! Well done!" he congratulates as he claps awkwardly and sits down just as quickly as he stood. Scratching a non-existent itch upon his forehead, he waits until things calm down before turning his attention to the others. I SAW HER DIE! SHE'S SUPPOSE TO BE DEAD! he mouths to them as clearly as he can, to concerned to even whisper as he thinks back to it:

"Blah blah blah!
Blah blah blah,
Blah blah blah!
Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah!
Blah blah blah!
Blah blah blah!"

She makes with her hand the shape of antlers, an old symbol of Erastil, and jumps from the window!

Thanks for the link!

Malaswyn leans in to the others, "Numesti told us that Pavetta relishes revenge. That she would seek it. But, even more than that, do you remember the nymph?" He waits for a moment, letting everyone recover from the initial memory of the nymph and regain focus, "She said that Drelev was not working independently, that some bigger player might be guiding his hand..." The elf looks up at Irovetti. "Drelev's children are in Numesti's household still, or they were last time we checked in on the place. I do hope they are well, she never sent for them."

Oberlin rubbed his eyes as the ghastly pink concoction entered the tent. Some sort of spell induced nausea? he thought briefly before realizing that the person was a living noble, and had dressed that way purposely.

"It looks like she may be happily joining Pitax in opposition to the Duke. I can only hope that there are not machinations within machinations. But we can be happier that at least some of the pieces are exposed on the board now. As to where the dragon fits into all of this...is there an alignment of interests or are they simply coincidental?"

The rest of the evening unfolds without further incidents.

The feast ends with Nunzio reminding everyone of the archery contest to take place the next day, around noon. Most of the guests are quite inebriated as they amble out of the tent, some stopping by the King's table to give congratulations. Others give you long questioning looks.

Up to you. Any plans, efforts, discussions, night excursions, return to Providence, stay the night? Let me know. You can discuss amongst yourselves without fear of being overheard.

As Irovetti plays his hand, Malaswyn is becoming increasingly concerned that he is looking for excuses to harm us or our kingdom.

With great intensity, Kalsgrim says "I am sure that Erastil's ever-aware gaze shall keep watch over you both and all of your activities." Someone with a low sense motive roll might mistake that for a blessing rather than a warning!

As the feast ends, Malaswyn approaches the royal table as well, "Congratulations on your imminent nuptials, may Sarenrae's light shine on your blessed union."

After addressing them both, Malaswyn turns his attention to Pavetta, "I am glad to be able to meet you in happier times and, surely, in a happier, more virtuous union. I understand that it may be hard for you to ever look kindly upon my friends and me; I can only hope that a happy friendship between our two lands can serve as an alternative."

Unless she seems resistant, he leans in closer, "I want to assure you, we have done what we can to ensure that your children are raised well. If we had any news of you, we would have contacted you regarding them immediately: the sins of the father are not the sins of the mother, or her children. Sarenrae's light is one of redemption and shines kindly on the innocent." He pauses, "Perhaps you would like to visit them, or we might make other arrangements?" he glances over at Irovetti, "I know these things can be... delicate when starting a new family. I don't want to presume."

Pavetta visibly stiffens as you approach the table, but tries to look open and positive. When Kalsgrim comments, she arches and is about to snap back, but the priest's words have a calming effect on her.

She smiles genuinely: "My children... Arnetta... And Khory... Yes, I guess I am grateful for your taking care of them, and I miss them sorely, I do... Would you release them then? Allow them to come and live with their mother!?" and hope shines again in her eyes. Even her little dog Jewel seems ready to make peace.

Malaswyn smiles, "They are not prisoners, they are wards. Perhaps after the festival you could visit them? We would be happy to escort you, other business not withstanding, and in the meantime chambers and tutors and the like might be arranged here in Pitax. You could bring them home with you?" He holds up his hands in a gesture of apology, "Sorry, those are just ideas spun from the top of my head. There may be other arrangements you wish to make, and you will want to consult with your fiancee, perhaps." He shrugs, "Think on it and we will talk more tomorrow after the archery contest, if that suits?"

This is all based on my memory that Pavetta was stroppy and entitled but never actually did anything evil that we are aware of, besides standing by while Drelev did his thing. And the children never expressed any relief or happiness at being away from their mother. Someone correct me if I am wrong?

Pavetta smiles freezes on her lips, then her eyes grow icy cold as she says, very slowly: "That. Is. Not. What. I. Asked. Will you release them back to their rightful mother?"

Malaswyn looks genuinely baffled, ”Why, yes! That’s what I just said! Although ‘release’ is not the correct word. As they are not prisoners.” He shakes his head, ”They are not here though. We will have to fetch them. I assumed you would like to bring them to their new home yourself?”
He smiles brightly, ”It will be a delight to reunite the three of you. I always feel an extra responsibility for them, after bringing them back from death.”

"I would be so happy if you could bring them here! How about tomorrow morning? I hear you have a renowned wizard amongst you. I'm sure this is within his talent, yes?" she replies, now happier.

”Oh, we’ll, I... erm... I don’t really know how Oberlin’s magic works. I can ask him though, sure. Um, we might have to miss the archery though?” He grimaces apologetically, ”I’ll speak to Oberlin. We’ll see what we can do.” he scratches his head, “As soon as possible though. It is touching to see how keen you are to have them by your side. That’s so lovely.”
Malaswyn nods to Irovetti, ”You’re a lucky man. They’re good kids.” and then leaves to find the rest of his party.

Malaswyn, Bluff check please ;)

Where’s the bluff?

bluff, apparently: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Maybe I should have just gone straight for Summon Monster VII? “ If you can’t wait, this fire elemental will keep you company!”

Kalsgrim should probably roll Sense Motive ;)

Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Kriger rises - but keeps his distance - as he keeps an eye on the exchange just for precautionary measures. Careful Mal. I don't trust that one AT ALL. She is supposed to be dead you know.

Oberlin, missing the subtilties entirely, added his two coppers. "As Lord Tyddewi indicated, he is not fully aware of the workings of the arcane arts. Movement through 4th dimensional translocation of those not fully vested in the essence of the arcane workings is a delicate act. You need to be certain of the entirety of mass, spiritual density, rotational elements of the planet based on latitude, gravitational influences of the sundry planets and the phase alignment of the negative and positive planes. That's not even counting in the fine adjustment for distance, elevation and any lingering mystical energies in the structure that you are both leaving and targeting. The slightest permutation that is wrong and ZWOP off to the elemental plane of Fire," he made a popping motion with his hand "or SQUORT a thousand leagues away to the deepest jungles." he motioned his hand zipping suddenly off to the side, narrowly missing Kriger's nose. "Using such methods for seasoned adventurers who can deal with the risk and emerge victorious is reasonable. I am not interested in the slightest in subjecting children to such mortal peril. Overland is stodgy and slow, but less likely to dump you in the Worldwound." Oberlin's lecture ground to a halt.

"Oh and congratulations." he finished, realizing his decorum.

How old are the kids now? Are they of the age of consent in these parts?

No, well, they're teenagers, so it could be argued both ways.

Gentle little push :)

Kalsgrim holds a hand out to Malaswyn and Oberlin, indicating they should wait. "We will talk to them about it. We will let them know you are alive. And we'll let them know what your" he looks over at Ivoretti as he says "circumstances are."

Pavetta stands up, her small dog glaring at you: "I am their mother. Stop trying to confuse me with technicalities you do not even believe, priest. And you, Duke Kalsgrim, you ought to chastise your men for abusing a grieving mother! I will not relent. They are my children and I miss them dearly. They are my blood and I want them returned at sunrise..."

"Oh? By sunrise? You should have said so earlier. Then the answer is simply 'no'. My concern for the children's welfare far outweighs all other considerations."

Kriger cuts his eyes toward the entrance before looking back to the conversation at hand. Holding up a hand, "Excuse me! Excuse me a moment, Ma'am, I've got to speak to The Duke real quick. Just one second if you would. Thanks." He motions Kalsgrim over and leans in while their backs are turned, "Just so you know, I'm fairly certain we got eavesdroppers just outside the tent. So whatever you say it might be best to make sure it's nothing of importance. Or should I go take care of 'the tiny problem'? I can you know. Just say the word, Chief," he says, internally hoping he can go bash some heads.

Malaswyn shakes his head, "We have heard nothing from you concerning your children since your late husband tried to murder us. Now you have a sudden sense of desperate urgency? Now?" He shakes his head, "I offer the hand of friendship and support. I offer to reunite you with your children. And you slap that hand away. Why?"

Malaswyn may be addressing her but he is tailoring his words to a wider audience.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

Oberlin stands quietly, not wanting to botch whatever the Duke and Malaswyn are working on.

Of course the clever wizard thinks we have a plan. The NG cleric and the paladin always have the same plan: be righteous!

I'll give time for the Kriger-Kalsgrim tête-à-tête.

Or should I go take care of 'the tiny problem'? I can you know. Just say the word, Chief,"[/b][/smaller] he says, internally hoping he can go bash some heads.

For just a moment, I thought you were referring to Pavetta's little dog. I was like "Dude, that's cold! 'You can't see your children, and we're going to murder your little dog while you watch.'"

To Kriger, he murmurs "Go see who it is. Brush them back if you can, but avoid an incident."

As soon as he tells Kriger to avoid an incident outside, Kalsgrim turns back to where he and Malaswyn are creating an incident inside.

Malaswyn turns to the duke, "Either she is the most incredibly arrogant and demanding noble that I have ever met or this is more of the game that Irovetti plays. More excuses to strike against us. More reasons for neighbours to turn a blind eye and not get involved, perhaps even feel comfortable providing some kind of support to Pitax."

He shakes his head, "We should never have come. We have more than enough worries in Freiland."

I am entirely sincere. I, as a player, want to see what other cool stuff the tournament has to offer but Malaswyn does not see anything to be gained from this situation. He thinks that they are just walking into trap after trap. He just wants to go home and use everything at his disposal to find Irovetti's spies.

No pressure about the tournament; it's not because they're trying to get you that you're paranoid.

Kriger brushes off his hands together and makes sure they are long gone before reentering the tent. Kriger gives a nod to Kalsgrim if he manages to look the ranger's way.

As Kriger enters, Irovetti and Pavetta pass him on their way out.

"Yes. After you and your husband engineered an alliance with dark forces and invaded Frieland. You conveniently omit that instigation."

I am assuming he has time to say that since they are walking away and not running.

He does.

Pavetta and Irovetti do not skip a beat and keep walking away, her hand resting on his arm, their little dog following and giving you a fierce look.

Once they are long gone, Kriger makes his way back to the others. "Well that was fun," he says sarcastically. "They sure didn't look to pleased. Truth hurts I guess," he remarks, giving a slight grin.