Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Servayn steps back a pace, to be further out of the way, although he knows that he'll have to fetch his horse if he intends to ride out.

It is warning us off, rather than attacking, it may be a nice boggard, or something...

It looks at Garick with no comprehension on its face. With one hand he points the morningstar at Servayn and then to his horse, "Huunggry sluuurk," and back to Servayn, "Youu, gggo!"

Servayn crosses to his horse, in front of Garrick, and begins trying to get the beast turned around for a quick exit, if that is indeed the plan.

"NOO!" Garuum bellows. "Huunggry sluurk! T’vogghnel dzin da hargggank’i tuuurk’ hamar im t’agavoruut’yuuuny yev sluurks." He stomps one foot and the slurks take a step forward salivating their greasy slime. "Youu, gggo." Once again his gesture sweeps the group, but leaves out the horse.

Hungry slurk is dead slurk if he makes a move at a horse! Garick says aiming at the nasty big fanged frog. We need to decide what we are doing folks, and I think quick at that. Readying an action to rapid fire at hungry slurk if they come at horse or man.

Let's back off for now. We have enough enemies in this region at the moment. If we can't come to peaceful terms with them later, we'll deal with them then.

Garick will cover the companions as they back away Ox call Shade I will mount up a little down the trail when we have a bit more distance between us.Garick watches to make sure no attacks are forthcoming backing away at the end of the line.

Editing 'cause of horse confusion!

Servayn grabs his horse by the reins and starts moving it out of the area, as soon as the path is clear enough for him to do so.

To Ember he says, We are leaving. The Eidolon continues glaring at the monsters, ready to charge at the first sign of betrayal (although he's still targetting the humanoid, as he has no intention of biting one of those slimy things!).

I did miss the horse thing.

We leave with the horse. If they try to stop us, we defend ourselves. Hard.

"Huuunggry sluurk, dead sluuurk?" He seems a bit forlorn at the idea of his pet being killed for the horse. "Gggo, no dead Uuuggguuubaggguuu." He hops carefuly over to the one in the larger ruins and pats it on the head to calm it and turns to the group, "Gggo."

Garick nods to the boggard lowering his bow.Hopefully our next meeting we can talk truce. He backs away to join the group. He was pleased to see the boggard worry over his companion as he would for the horses, maybe there would be hope; however Garick didn't know if so many different peoples could live side by side without conflict.

Analyzing the situation, Lukasz will follow the others as they make a slow retreat. Hmmm, strange that there would be two of them, must be an important guy indeed. Lukasz thinks to himself as the group increases the distance between the boggard and themselves. Once they are out of earshot of the creature, Lukasz says, "Well, that was certainly odd. Don't know much about that frog man, but those pets of his act like a guard and mount for the froggies. So the fact that he had two of them means he was either really important or there are more of the frogmen about. I'd keep eyes open for awhile."

The boggard's lair seems to be the only convenient river crossing in this area. The party is faced with the decision of a swimming crossing or leaving this area partially charted. The river has a strange smell of ammonia to the water. Very slight, but noticeable and crossing could take well into the night depending on luck. Only about three hours of light remain.

If you want to just enter another hex instead of cross the river. You can "scope it out" with the help of Swiftbreeze. For that basically pick an adjacent hex, you'll make camp for the night and Lukasz will get a lay for the land with his hawk. (ie. I will give you the grayed out version of one of those nearby hexes.)

I suggest we move on for now. Why don't we head to the northwest? I also have been thinking perhaps we should have two of us per watch. Garick looks to see if any objectThe spellcasters should be able to take either first or last watch with the rest of us taking the bulk of the watch in the middle of the night. If Ember watches with Sevrayn, and Janku and Lukasz take a couple hour watch. then me, Kal, Corso, and OX take the three hour watches that leaves enough sleep for all, and I think we will be better protected at night than the way we have been. Garick awaits feedback hoping this is satisfactory.

Sounds like a plan, Servayn says agreeably.

Ember, as usual, is only thinking about his stomach. Frog thing thought more about feeding plorks than you think about feeding me.

Garick smiles at Embers comment looking to Servayn he kidsOh how quickly they forget feasting on giant boar.

"that sounds like a good plan. Though, before we lose what light we have left, I will have Swiftbreeze scout the area to the northwest for her eyes are much more suited to the day than the night.

Ember watches Swiftbreeze rise into the air and mutters, Someday...

The vestigial wings on his back twitch and flap uselessly, for a moment as he imagines joining her in the sky.

As the hawk flies high into the sky Lukasz gets a feeling of vast freedom. The bird follows the river and after it travels a mile the empathetic link fades. When she returns an hour later she closes her eyes and leans against Lukasz. An endless forest stretched to the north and south. The cool blue line of the river threads through the trees to the northwest ending at a large steamy pond area. A few miles beyond this the forest opens up into sprawling plains. The next area to chart could let the group circle around the source of the river without having to cross it.

Glad to be off his horse, Corso still pauses a moment to look at it. May be I should name him? He steps back, looking at the mane, the hooves, looking for a flash, an intuition. Its hair is a peculiar dark brown color and a single white spot on its front left hoof seems out of place. He whispers in the horse's ear: "How do you like Paradox? Sounds good for the name of an impostor, don't you think?"

He watches Lukasz caring for his horse and, moving alongside, mimics his movement, smiling when the horse obviously enjoys the change in management philosophy. "Hey Lukasz, we should train them for combat. Any idea where to start?"

As they settle for the night, and discuss the events of the day, he adds: Weird creatures... If Servayn is right, that boggard's behavior certainly was weird today. There was no mischief in his action. Yet, his customs pose a threat to our dreams of a kingdom. Maybe we should head back there tomorrow and try to figure him out?"

Stretching his legs to get some blood and some warmth in them, he suggests: "Kobolds, Mites, Boggards, Stag lord bandits... This place is crawling! How are we supposed to give them all a common purpose, a common banner? Are we to be inclusive, or exclusive? It is time we forge alliances. We would have satraps, little kings paying dues and allegiance to our kingdom. And what about FAITH? Janku, I don't know much about the Iron Lord. How do you see his place in the rise of a new nation?"

Looking at the stars, Corso starts to see a board in their alignements, and he wonders where he stands on that board...

Glad to be off his horse, Corso still pauses a moment to look at it. May be I should name him? He steps back, looking at the mane, the hooves, looking for a flash, an intuition. Its hair is a peculiar dark brown color and a single white spot on its front left hoof seems out of place. He whispers in the horse's ear: "How do you like Paradox? Sounds good for the name of an impostor, don't you think?"

He watches Lukasz caring for his horse and, moving alongside, mimics his movement, smiling when the horse obviously enjoys the change in management philosophy. "Hey Lukasz, we should train them for combat. Any idea where to start?"

As they settle for the night, and discuss the events of the day, he adds: Weird creatures... If Servayn is right, that boggard's behavior certainly was weird today. There was no mischief in his action. Yet, his customs pose a threat to our dreams of a kingdom. Maybe we should head back there tomorrow and try to figure him out?"

Stretching his legs to get some blood and some warmth in them, he suggests: "Kobolds, Mites, Boggards, Stag lord bandits... This place is crawling! How are we supposed to give them all a common purpose, a common banner? Are we to be inclusive, or exclusive? It is time we forge alliances. We would have satraps, little kings paying dues and allegiance to our kingdom. And what about FAITH? Janku, I don't know much about the Iron Lord. How do you see his place in the rise of a new nation?"

Looking at the stars, Corso starts to see a board in their alignements, and he wonders where he stands on that board...

"That is indeed a good question Corso". "And I believe I have a good answer". "Right now the reason this land is so scattered and chaotic, it there is nothing to keep them in line...nothing that they fear". "Under the control of the Iron Lord they will have something to fear".

"This land is rich in resources, yet surrounded by those who would take them for their own benefit". "The Lord of Iron will make sure that whatever we build, and those we choose to be our subjects...I mean allies will be able to live secure in the knowledge that should any challenge our laws, ways and freedom, that we will strike them down with extreme vengeance".

"This is a rough, wild country, and it needs a firm hand to keep it under control". "Your grandchildren, and the other honest devout, taxpaying members of the community should be able to live their lives in peace and prosperity, due to the actions, and threats of action of the followers of the Lord in Iron".

"That is Gorum's goal...Take what we want and defend it forever".

Current Exploration Map
Updated with Swiftbreeze's scouting (and correct date)

Garick sits in the shadow working on arrows listening to Janku's plans. OF course the Lord in Iron is, but one of many gods represented in our lands. We already have an ancient shrine of Erastil in our lands. Not to mention the other non evil deities that folk will want to pay homage to. I think pressing one's patron on others who have chosen another patron is a bit zealous don't you? Each of the gods oversee different aspects of life, and I think that a balance of representation is a good way to see the land flourish with the best aspects of the gods. Garick continues working on his arrows as he lets out his philosophy when he finishes he listens to see what others have to say since this may have big effects on this land and it's people.

Men will choose their own gods, as always, and I'd imagine the freedom and challenge of a new frontier would appeal most strongly to followers of the Drunken Blade and the Starry Dreamer, but I do recommend that we work to convert the kobolds to the way of Erastil. Servayn says. I am certainly no follower of the Horned Hunter, but I believe his ways would be best suited to their natures, and lead them away from whatever selfish and treacherous lessons they learn at the feet of their cruel shaman.

Do you know, Janku, what manner of gods or primitive faith the Boggards and Kobolds might typically follow?

Loving it when Swiftbreeze takes to the air, Lukasz pauses for a moment as he enjoys the exhilaration of something he could not yet experience on his own. Describing what he was able to feel to Garick, they slowly chart out the section to the northwest which they would later be able to use when they explore the area.

When the group camps for the night, Lukasz makes sure to give maribel some extra care as way of apology for leaving her with her saddle on at the shrine.

At Corso's suggestion, Lukasz ponders it for a bit before saying, "Honestly, I wouldn't have any idea where to start, but if we could train the horses to defend themselves, it would make Noir's job much easier if we ever have to leave their sides like we did before. Maybe we can ask Ox to take charge in training one while we help out whenever we can. Then, once we have learned the secrets of horse training, we can train horses on our own, effectively shortening the time needed to train all the horses."

Corso cannot but frown upon hearing Janku's rigid words. Maybe time will bring nuance to my brother. Maybe I will.

"Wise words Master Garick. For tomorrow, where should we head out? Again, the boggard question is still unresolved. I repeat that we should perhaps clear the question by going back tomorrow and try to learn more. On the other hand, we now know where they are and do not have a mandate for the eradication of every suspicious race. Let's sleep on it. May Sarenrae bless us with her wisdom, along with the warm rays of the morning sun."

Perception for my watch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Wow. That's sounds like an awfully lawful interpretation of a chaotic god! :)

I do believe Gorum has a role in the settling of this land, and helping maintain the peace. As I said before, I think a cathedral to Gorum would be more appropriate than just a temple considering the military challenges we do and may face. But I also don't think that Gorum's devote need be bothered with the mundane administration of the land. My own lord Erastil seems more suited to that sort of task, and we may need to bring in some followers of Adabar to help with matters of banking and such.

20th of Pharast
Random Encounter check for the Day
1d100 ⇒ 95
No Encounter

As night falls religious and moral discussions are set aside for sleep. The forest near the banks of the Skunk river have a multitude of creatures and the night is filled with hooting and ribbits of bull frogs. Life has returned to normal in the forest after the recent snowfall.

Since nothing happened at night I'm stealing that Perception check for exploring.
The next day Corso leads the group exploring the forest farther up the river. The land has become elevated and the trees spread out a bit further. In fact they seem to melt away growing smaller and less frequent revealing a wide sprawling plain even sparser than the area near Oleg's. The source of the Skunk River proves surprisingly tricky to find as the water slips under ground several times. As the group gets closer the smell of ammonia form the water grows stronger.

Finally at the end of the chilly day with an hour of travel time left the party finds a pair of hot springs. These fill the area with steam and the smell of rotten eggs. The air is thick, but visibility is not overly reduced. Aside from the smell the water looks clean and clear. Through the water the ground can be seen, probably four-feet deep. About eight-feet out it drops away into a deep green. Both springs are twenty or thirty feet around and feed together forming the beginnings of the stream.

"The last one in is the stinkiest?"

If it weren't for the smell, Corso would probably find this place peaceful. But in truth, the smell reminds him of the rotten eggs his kyonin master was fond of, and the beating he gave him whenever he heard him approach. The training was ruthless, but worth it in the end...

He dismounts and walks carefully closer to the water's edge, peering into its depth. His gesture is more solemn, and he intones in Sylvan, remebering Daoiia :
"We are but travelers who stumbled upon this sacred place.
The spring reminds us whence we came.
May its warmth bring solace and wisdom."

I have heard tell that hot springs can be a tonic for aching muscles and digestive complaints. Servayn says. Although, given the chill of the day, I think the warmth is of more interest to me at this point...

Using the outdoorsman training he has picked up from Garick, he begins peering around the area for signs of animal trails or other warning signs of possibly dangerous creatures in the area.

Survival 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The majority of the ground around the springs is made of firm forest dirt with plenty of rocks and pebbles. It does get softer at the edge of the springs. Here there are a multitude of tracks. Cloven prints, hooves, paw prints of varying sizes and even some bulbous lizard tracks. These springs seem to be a common place for animals and some of the tracks are as fresh as this very day.

Lot's of animals use these pools, including some large lizards, it looks like, Servayn says to Corso, before he's gotten out the inflatable ducky and snorkel, It might be unwise to strip down and take a bath at this point...

Garick looks longingly at the water knowing how refreshing mineral springs can be maybe if only a couple of us at a time were to go it would be alright.hoping others will agree. To Corso he responds in Sylvan: That was lovely Corso. I did not know you spoke the woodland tongue.

Current Exploration Map
Hot Springs

As Garick replies a pair of bright red cardinals land nearby. Perhaps the Sylvan tongue is not entirely uncommon in these woods.

Amazed by the beauty of the place, Lukasz if just glad that they have been able to find places that held as much beauty as it does danger. Still keeping his guard up slightly, he approaches the spring and crouches down to put his hand in quickly to test the water.

The water is rather warm to the touch. At the edge it's a little cooler than farther in where it could reach a hundred degrees. Would certainly loosen up some muscles after the weeks of exploring and bathing in fridged rivers and streams.

Perception Checks for those nearby
Servayn 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Lukasz 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Garick 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Corso 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

"Well that's it. I'm going first then!" as he starts to take his gear off and remove his armor.

"Anyone else?"

Garick sits in the shadow working on arrows listening to Janku's plans. OF course the Lord in Iron is, but one of many gods represented in our lands. We already have an ancient shrine of Erastil in our lands. Not to mention the other non evil deities that folk will want to pay homage to. I think pressing one's patron on others who have chosen another patron is a bit zealous don't you? Each of the gods oversee different aspects of life, and I think that a balance of representation is a good way to see the land flourish with the best aspects of the gods. Garick continues working on his arrows as he lets out his philosophy when he finishes he listens to see what others have to say since this may have big effects on this land and it's people.

"I agree each man should have the right to choose his own god". "And were that not to be the case, there would be no Gorum, since the battles between serving this god and that god are the harbingers of war". "Thus each man should have the right to serve his own god..."but if each man sits in his house and serves his own god we will have a kingdom of houses, not a united kingdom".

"Imagine a kingdom where you can do as you choose without worrying about someone enforcing their rules upon you". "The fear of retaliation from a church with their hands resting ready on siege weaponry..."It will be glorious"...think of it". "Some splinter group wants to take over an area...go right ahead, but be prepared if the scions of Gorum come through they just might decide to take it back...or not". "It's amazing what the threat of retaliation can accomplish without lifting a finger".

"Organized chaos...yes...that is the way to establish this colony". "I...I...abruptly Janku quiets himself, realizing he is talking too much about his ultimate plans.

"But of course Gorum cannot oversee everything". "Who has time to wonder if the animals in the forest are comfortable when there are glorious battles to be had".

Back at the camp Ox grins at Janku, "Well, no one can say you aren't deidcated. I just hope that we can point our aggressions outward, Surely Gorum would be better served by a larger unified front fighting out ward instead of a kingdom pointing its seige weapons upon its self. Don't get me wrong, it sounds like a good way to handle the stag lord and others, I just fear for the kind that would attract to settle here, It seems to me that descent folk are attracted to more secure living. I certainly wouldn't raise a family where the autorities might act on their lesiure. Opposed to the rules established."

---------------------------------------------
As they ride up to the hotspring Ox pullls his tunic up over his nose and mouth. "My goodness that is terrible," Having never been in a hotspring Ox is terribly skeptical. "Nothing that smells that bad can be any good, sureky you aren't getting in there, what if that smell doesn't go away?" He does however dismount and get a little bit closer.

Gorum also dismounts, and unlimbers his sling, looking about for suitable rocks to replace the ones in his pouch if needed. He gets nowhere near the foul smelling water. The reek of his armor's underpadding has reached a fine balance, and there is no need to upset it. Nothing beats the smell of blood, sweat, and polishing oil...except for maybe the fine scents worn by certain ladies of his familiarity...But I degress...maybe Janku needs a quick visit to a real city... ;-).

Taking his hand back out of the water, Lukasz warns, "Hold up guys! I think I saw something flashing and moving in the water, deep down. Could just be a fish, but I'm not to familiar with anything that likes to live in hot waters. I mean, it's gotta be pretty hot the further down you go."

Heeding Lukasz' warning, Servayn steps back at least 10 ft. from the water's edge, and motions for Ember to do likewise, as Ember's reaction was the opposite, immediately crouching low to the water and peering for what it assumed was a tasty fish.

Ember shoots Servayn a look, but complies, turning away and moving away a moment later...

At least it should be a warmer site to camp, Servayn says. Unless it would be safer to move a bit away from it, to avoid whatever creatures come here to drink.

Stopped in his movement, Corso quickly steps back a little and takes out his rapier in a flash.

"Flashing and moving? Is it supper or are we its supper? We should bait it perhaps? Garick, what do you think?"

"Well, not flashing so much as something glinting in the deeper part as well as movement. Whether those things are related or not, I couldn't say." At the mention of fishing, Lukasz says, "that doesn't sound like a bad idea. At the very least, ye can see what that glinting might be."

"Well, if someone's interested, I believe I have a potion to endure extremes in weather, bought from Bokken though, not sure how reliable it is..."

With that, he approaches the pond, trying to get a glimpse of the shiny Lukasz saw.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"I think the sulfuric fumes got to you Master Lukasz!"

As they arrive Garick says you won't notice the smell in a bit give it a half hour or so , and you will have forgotten about the stench almost entirely.Garick lays down next to ember peering into the water trying to see what Lukasz saw. perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10know nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The both of you spend a minute looking into the water trying to spot this gleaming that Lukasz speaks of. The water keeps it's secrets and the bottom is not visible

Garick you have heard about some fish that do live in hot springs, so the idea is not completely out there. Some hot springs are incredibly volatile, with pockets of hazardous gas, searing water, and dangerous molds. This one seems pretty mild the sulfuric smell is not overpowering or sickening and the flora and fauna in the area is healthy.

Well I don't see what you were referring to Lukasz. I will Check it out though. Garick disrobes and eases into the pool. AHHHH! Nice.Probably just a fish. Garick grabs his dagger just in case. He dives down to see if he can figure out the mystery glint. Swim1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Do I stay with my previous perception, or take 10, or roll again? I leave it to you Mastermind.