Kingmaker [PbP] (Inactive)

Game Master Jeff Przybylo

14 - 15 Kuthona 4708

The forest continues, as does the cold of winter, but nothing of note occurs.

Hexes explored. d8 is a half hex, d9 starts the final row of the map for this book.

Oooooo, last row! that's exciting! Would you guys want to head back to Concord for a bit first or keep trucking east from here?

Sounds good to me! Onto to Concord!

So what are we doing back In Concord?

I say we head back to move forward a turn, maybe do a little building in Hart’s Rest or Concord. Everyone should have money from leveling up as well, so it gives them a chance to buy any upgrades they may want. It’ll also give us a chance to spend the required week in the capitol for the month as well.

Yup, sounds good. Will give everyone a chance to gear up for the last row.

Since Vosil is not back yet, anyone feel comfortable taking on that spreadsheet?

Also, that begs the question - should we recruit?

Also, that begs the question - should we recruit?

I was starting to think about that very thing. Is a good time for it.

Yeah, we should probably grab at least one person. Even if Vosil comes back soon, I doubt Dregan will be coming back at all. We can have someone take his spot and allow the old man his retirement with his wife.

If you give me a day or so I can probably look over the kingdom building spreadsheet and try to take over for Vosil. Though I may get a thing or two wrong at the start.

Switching to Discussion Tab.

No sense in waiting...

16 Kuthona 4708
The winter winds howl over the lake as you approach the walls of Concord. Driving snow stings your eyes, and no amount of cloaks or furs can keep out the bitter cold. Your hearts rose when the sight of the walls appeared on the horizon, but the seeming hours it has taken to cross the last few miles has dimmed all enthusiasm.

The streets themselves are empty save for a few stout souls braving the storm. They look up at as you pass, wondering who in their right minds would be travelling in this weather. The fact that is their very own rulers does little to dampen the incredulity of their stares.

Still not used to it, they aren't.

Heavily bundled stablehands take your horses in as you wearily climb the slick steps to the keep. The doors open wide, and the glow of a roaring fire beckons, yet one more trial appears on the stoop...

"My lords," Darrick begins with a bow towards Talia, "I bring news of a matter of utmost import..."

Truly, Fairhaven was a welcome sight, empty streets or no. Talia keeps her head raised as they ride through town, staring down her citizens, making sure that they avert their gaze before she does.

They will get used to - and appreciate - our sacrifices on their behalf.

Rubbing her red nose as Darrick bows, the Viscountess sighs. "Why do these matters of utmost import always spring up when we are away, I wonder? What has come up, Lord Lebeda?"

Gavriil rides sleepily along with the others through the wind and snow to Concord. His dreams recently had been causing him to get less and less sleep. Sometimes his dreams involve his time out here in the Stolen Lands, others when he was a child. No matter what, though, there were two things that were present in all of them: Long, bending tendrils of shadow that constantly wrap around him and that damnable comet flying through the sky.

Apparently, Desna has seen it fit to break the truce that he had with the Pantheon.

The sight of Concord with its warm beds and lack of having to really confront the weather almost brings tears to Gavriil's eyes. He is so excited to be back in civilization, he doesn't even realize the smattering of people staring out at them look on them like they're crazy. He smiles and nods to each person he sees, slipping in a wink to the maidens if he thinks no one is paying attention at the time.

Just as quick as his mood improves, though, it crashes back down again when he hears from Darrick on the steps of the castle. He gives the nobleman a faint smile and says, "The viscountess is right, Darrick. It seems strange that we always have problems when we leave things in your capable hands. But no matter, with our lady's permission I suggest we discuss this 'matter of utmost import' in the council chambers over some hot cider and next to a warm fire and not out here where we might freeze to death."

"I cannot say, Lords, why these things seem to happen this way." Darrick says, following you through the large double doors to the Privy Council chamber. "Some say we all live according to some pre-written script. That we have no control over events. Some philosophers even postulate that there are no gods, only an unseen all-powerful being who pulls the strings of our fates, under which we are merely characters in a play of sorts."

He gives grim smile to Talia and the rest. "Nonsense, of course. But I do admit that it feels that way at times. But to the matter at hand."

He strides over to the huge oaken table in the center of the room. Opening the scroll he carries, he places a heavy silver candelabra at each end. Then he begins to read. The scroll is from Restov, and it brings some alarming news. Word has reached the swordlords that a band of trolls has taken up residence in the southern reaches of Fairhaven's territory. They task you with eliminating this threat and promise support in the form of gold and supplies (BP) should you succeed.

"It would seem that our neighbors have not quite gotten over the fact that they do not control us any more."

"Aye. But we could use the money...and the supplies, lad."

"Not to mention the threat a band of trolls poses to the Viscounty."

Naralesh strokes his chin, the one-eyed elf looking thoughtfully at the scroll. "Paid to eradicate a threat to our own nation in our southern territory?" He chuckles. "At least our former patrons know it's wise to offer us a carrot rather than threaten us with a stick, but the fact remains this is a sign they still think of themselves as our masters."

He looks to the other councilors who run the affairs of the nation while he and the other more militant governors travel. "Was the Swordlords' missive the first we learned of this threat, or is our own information network robust enough to have spotted it first? I would feel troubled indeed if Restov was more familiar with the security concerns of our southern borders than we are."

Gavriil looks over the letter from the Swordlords and listens to the other council members before he puts forth a few questions, "Naralesh is right about security. How could the Swordlords in the north have caught wind of this before us? Does this mean that they themselves are probing south? If so that does pose a few more interesting questions about borders and such that may be a problem in the future. Even if the swordlords don't particularly like how things are in Brevory, they are still apart of it. It could cause problems if we both plant our flags in the same place."

He sighs and says, "In any case, Asha is right. We don't want these trolls meddling in our affairs and hurting our people. If the swordlords want to pay us to take care of this situation that we would probably have already taken on, then that's great! As for what we should do: I suggest we raise the militia and increase patrols while we try and send scouts to learn where they are. After that we can move in on them and remove the threat."

He sits down at the table and says, "I can write up a response thanking them and assuring them that we'll take care of it in the mean-time."

*EDIT* Ninja'd by the wizard

"Whether our scouts were aware or not, let our response to the Swordlords imply that we were well aware of the threat already. It can do no good to allow them to think us unable to watch our own borders."

Ninja Wizards... this isn't good!

Edric, seemingly impervious to the cold, narrows his eyes at Gav's proposal. "I don't object to sending out scouts by any means - the army is beginning to chafe at endless drill. I don't think they're ready for anything more though - especially not against trolls! I'd like their first combat to be against something they can kill - not something we have to douse in flames or chop into tiny pieces just to stop it killing us."

He pauses while the other council members speak and then chimes in again. "On that note, do we have anyone in Concord who can make Alchemist's Fire? If we're going troll hunting we're going to need it."

Gavriil looks up from the draft that he is writing to look at Edric and says, ”I’m not suggesting we send them after the trolls. I just want to increase the military presence within our borders to protect our people. We pay them good coin from our coffers to perform a dangerous job that I expect to be done when we call on them. I stand by my suggestion that we raise the militia to fortify our borders, especially to the south, and send scouts out to try and ferret the location of these trolls out.”

He takes a drink from his tankard without breaking eye-contact with Edric and continues, ”But, I’m no general, so I’ll leave those decisions up to you and the viscountess.”

He then turns his attention to Naralesh and says, ”Of course, we wouldn’t want to look weak in the eyes of the fatherland.”

"I believe I can answer the question of how the Swordlords found out about the trolls before we did." Darrick interjects. "A contingent of Swordlords went south to Mivon, who are our nearest neighbors. They're a River Kingdom that - if we continue to expand south - we will share a border with. They are a schism of sorts in the Swordlord hierarchy. There is a 'friendly' rivalry between the two, and twice a year they hold formal duels to see which school is best. That contingent discovered the trolls as they passed through. And before you ask, Jubal found this out from his sources in Restov."

"He also found out that they did not deal with the trolls because they felt that such an 'aside' would detract from the tournament in Mivon." He says with some distaste.

From a metagame standpoint, the trolls are in the last row you have to explore. That row marks the border with Mivon to the south. Once you claim along there, the nations will sit next to each other.

"It makes sense," Edric nods, "But given what Derrick has just told us, perhaps we should look east and west first - better that we explore southwards rather than introduce ourselves to Mivon at swordpoint..."

He turns to Talia, formality in his posture and voice. "My Lady, your army awaits."

Gavriil laughs when Darrick points out that the swordlords couldn’t take care of the problem. ”Now that sounds like the swordlords I know. A whole lot of bluster and posturing and not a whole lot of action. I swear when two of them fight there’s more feinting than fighting going on. But! I’ll be more than willing to take their gold.”

He looks around to the others and says, ”Then it’s agreed. I’ll finish writing this missive tonight and send it along north in the morning. Edric will raise the troops and Dregan can send scouts discreetly to the south to try and root out where they are. We will also send out a call for alchemist fire. Possibly Bokken can help us with that.”

He stifles a yawn and says, ”If there’s no other pressing matters tonight then I think I’ll head to my rooms to finish the letter and get some sleep.”

You can buy alchemists fire in Concord. So what is everyone going to do?

I think it depends on what everyone thinks would be best going forward. We can take a day in Concord to shop and possibly pick Mowque’s character up then immediately head out to deal with the threat (which I’m in favor of due to the boost in bp we get for dealing with the trolls) Or we can take the week, allow the scouts to do their thing and spend that time building the kingdom up a little more. We’re one claimed hex away from gaining Talia’s bonus to another stat.

I've done a suggested turn 19 in the kingdom building thread - but that can wait until whenever we're ready. I agree with Gav, buying alchemists fire, sending out patrols etc comes first so a take a day or two - then ride out immediately. Unless we've been away too long already?

I have no problem picking up Mowque if he's ready. Talia should be back as well. I can write him in and we can roll!

Back but negotiating the work pile-up! Plan sounds good to me.

I've seen two options: build the kingdom, or go out in a couple days. Which one are we taking?

I say take a kingdom turn - that way Mowque gets a bit more time and we can try and integrate him in a more natural fashion than 'we all know this guy is a PC, let's take him along!'

I think the consensus is that we are going to spend a day in Concord to pick up Mowque and shop then head out again. Roving band of trolls is a little more important than kingdom building in my book.

Also, I’d like to pick up 5 flasks of Alchemist Fire before we leave if that’s available in Concord

Party dissension! Fight! Alchemist's fire is available.

OOC, I want to do a kingdom building round. IC, Talia would be pretty perturbed by the trolls on their southern border.

I vote kingdom turn.

It sounds like I’ve been over-ruled! Kingdom turn it is!

21 Kuthona 4708 The Ritual of Stardust (Desna)
The Ritual of Stardust is one of the few formal religious holidays in honor of the goddess Desna. It is held on both the summer and winter solstices. Followers of the Song of Spheres gather at dusk and light enormous bonfires and hold feasts, watching the sparks and embers float out into the darkening sky. After it is fully dark, the celebrants chant and sing songs as they watch the fires burn low. When only embers remain, sand mixed with ground star gems (either star rubies, star sapphires or rose quartz) is thrown on them or into the air downwind. At this point it is common to make proclamations of love and friendship and of promised journeys to come. The twinkling of the sand is thought to mirror the night sky and demonstrate Desna's witnessing these pronouncements.

Crystalhue (Shelyn)
During the day, in towns where the holiday of Crystalhue is celebrated, locals hang crystal prisms and glass baubles throughout town in order to spread light and scatter rainbows in the streets. As townsfolk prepare for the evening festivities, artisans and musicians ply their trades, hoping for a coin or two while they sell their crafts and play tunes for the people while they browse. Throughout the day, the locals exchange small gifts—typically handmade—as tokens of appreciation or as peace offerings to those they feel they wronged during the year.

To reflect artistic depictions of their patron goddess, women dye colored streaks in their hair. Young girls commonly have half a dozen different colored locks, while older married women usually only have one or two. Men wear colorful patchwork coats they call melaros that they keep their whole lives, adding new patches or scraps of scavenged cloth every year.

As night falls, the community gathers every available lantern and candle, bringing them out onto porches or lining the streets with their communal light. The town square hosts a large feast around a bonfire complete with roasted meats, stewed vegetables, roasted root vegetables, and winter squashes—all seasoned with plenty of fragrant spices. Around these bonfires, the clergy of Shelyn perform marriage ceremonies, where the whole community gathers to witness and affirm the bonds of love. During the ceremonies, teenagers pursue their budding romances, giving trinkets and other symbols of their affection to the ones who caught their eye throughout the year.

One of the stranger traditions among the faithful of Shelyn is the Zonzon doll. A child chosen to be the "sibling" passes this strange little doll, made from scraps of leather and cloth and sewn with red thread, among neighbors. The townsfolk give it symbolic gifts and whisper apologies to those they’ve wronged during the year or share with the doll happy memories in order to represent Shelyn's kindness and mercy to her now-lost brother Zon-Kuthon. The "sibling" child brings the doll to everyone in town during the festival, making sure everyone has had the chance to pay their dues and make peace. As the celebration winds down, the doll is cast into the wilderness or set afloat to drift down a river in the hope that it will find its way to the Midnight Lord and relate his sister's kindness, mercy, and goodwill in the face of the dark place he now resides.

All of Concord is lit by fires, candles and lanterns as the combined festivals reach into the night. Last year was the first celebration of the Stardust Ritual, and this year sees the addition of Crystalhue, brought south with settlers from Restov. As the night sky fills with 'stardust', and the zonzon doll begins its slow trip out into Tidewater Lake, the voices of the people of Fairhaven join in songs of hope and love. For a moment, all thoughts of worry and toil are forgotten, and all is right with the world.

I just want to say that I love how you add the holidays, OGGM. It adds a nice touch that really breathes life into the world, even if they usually are just asides. Also, thanks again for picking up this campaign in the first place, you've made this one a hell of a ride.

21 Kuthona, 4708

Gavriil wakes earlier in the day than usual. Over the past few days the capitol city of Concord had been buzzing with the approaching festival. Though not a religious man, Gavriil understood the significance of the two holidays and how they probably had a little more meaning to him this year. Especially if his recent dreams were divine intervention on Desna's part.

Before the sun breaches the horizon, and still under Desna's twinkling blanket called the night sky, Gavriil pulls the shadows around him and sets out to deliver a few things.

First, he stops by Talia's chambers. He gives a quick look up and down the hallway to make sure he is alone before pulling a letter out from his coat and sliding it under the door. She'll probably find it when she wakes. It reads:

After that, he slips through the halls of the castle to the magister's office. He places a small, snow-white collar and a new eye-patch on the desk along with another letter. It reads:

Next, he tip-toes down the halls to the General's office. He pins the letter down to the table using a new starknife for the general. It reads:

He makes several more stops to places that the other council members will find them. Vosil's letter apologizes for constantly going against what the man suggests and thanks him for looking out for all of them, along with a bottle of Varasian wine. Asha receives a letter apologizing for Gavriil's constant heathen tendencies with a pendant of a bow and arrow. Darrick gets a letter apologizing for putting ink in the man's tea-cup, though it was hilarious it was wrong, along wiht a new tea-cup. Barrod's letter thanks him for his counsel and comes with a new tankard.

After all the gifts and letters are delivered, Gavriil goes out in the town with his lute. He spends most of the day playing his lute and looking for wares among the artisans.

Eventually he finds himself near Lily's house and asks her if she would like to go to the ceremonies that evening. Not even in a romantic sense, just to have someone to spend the evening and festivities with.

That evening he and Lily go to the ceremonies and sing and dance along with the others celebrating the two goddesses. He laughs, drinks, dances, and plays his lute along with just about anyone that wants to join in on the festivities. As Desna's dust fills the air, Gavriil feels something he hasn't in a long time:

Peace.

I just want to say that I love how you add the holidays, OGGM. It adds a nice touch that really breathes life into the world, even if they usually are just asides. Also, thanks again for picking up this campaign in the first place, you've made this one a hell of a ride.

You are most welcome, although to be fair it's been just as much fun for me, especially when the game inspires posts like that last one.

I agree with the Scoundrel. The holidays posts are a really, really nice touch! And nice post, Gav!

Talia reads and re-reads the note from Gavriil, smiling the whole time. The Scoundrel was truly growing into a fine man, and had a way with words that Talia found lovely, even bringing about a twinge of jealousy.

The Viscountess looks to Halda, her Lady-In-Waiting, and gives her specific instructions regarding the brandy that Gavriil has left in the kitchen. Then, it is time to get prepared.

There will be one colored lock added to Talia's hair, a brilliant green to match both her husband's and her eyes. Her gown would be green as well, with a white overcoat frilled with white fox's fur, to stave off the winter chill.

It was important to make an appearance at these functions, though Talia makes sure to be seen and not heard; this was a time for Shelyn's faithful, of which Talia not, and those getting married to have the stage.

Off to the side of the town square, the Viscountess vacantly chews on a plate of the feast's fine bounty, looking out at her subjects. More marriages meant more babies, just as another winter meant another spring. Smiling, Talia looks to her Lady-In-Waiting and nods, and the brandy is produced, with a flourish, along with chilled glasses for each of the Privvy Council and their guests. Raising a glass, Talia looks to Gavriil and smiles.

"To you all, as fine a brandy as can be found in the world. And to its procurer, the Scoundrel of the Greenbelt, who in the end always does the right thing."

Clinking glasses, Talia swirls the brandy and savors it, watching the stardust flit on the wind.

There was nothing finer.

Gavriil stops playing his lute lazily on the edge of the platform the council was given looking out into the town square as Halda brings out the glasses of brandy for each of them. He accepts the two glasses for himself and Lily from the lady-in-waiting with a nod of his head and awaited Talia's toast.

A faint smile crosses his lips at the end of the toast and he takes a drink from the glass. He gives a nod to the viscountess and says, "Don't go spreading that around. I have a level of infamy I need to uphold. It's part of the charm. I'll take it as a personal attack on my character if I start hearing 'Dandy of the Greenbelt' whispered in town." He gives a mischevious grin to Lily and continues, "Especially if it's muttered by the women."

Edric reads his letter with a grin, which overcomes the initial worry of someone with dangerous intent. The line about 'his goddess' has the tall man quirking his eyebrows. What on earth can that be about?

Crystalhue has always been Edric's favourite night of the year, and he spends the entire night out in Concord, getting regularly covered in all sorts of sparkling substances, but enjoying himself immensely none the less.

--------
From the council's platform Edric accepts a glass of brandy with pleasure, sipping as the liquid pools liquid into his stomach.

"I'm sure your reputation will not suffer Gav - you'd have to actually reform for that!"

Sentir tugs at his collar, made of the finest silk. While his wardrobe was a sad shadow of what it once had been, he still had this one outfit left for important occasions. And this was an important occasion.

The young man looks in the mirror, appraising himself. Young, or reasonable good looks. Brown hair braided back in what he hopes looks stylish (the real reason is to prevent it from dipping into reagents). His eyes linger on the many burns and scars on his arms and hands, relcis of his rather dangerous hobbies.

It'll have to do He thinks to himself then leaves the half-unpacked workshop into the streets of Concord.

Today was the day he introduced himself to the Council. His goals were three fold.

One- To ingratiate himself with the local power players. The son of a noble Brevoy family, he knew the importance of knowing the right sort of people.

Two- To gain commercial concessions. This new Vicounty was a ripe market for everything from alchemical creations to constructs. Getting in on the ground floor could be a mint.

Three- Sound them out on the state of worship. A devoted follower of Svarzic, it would be good to know the lay of the land here, before he went too far.

Nervously he spots the Viscountess herself sitting on the edge of the town square, idly talking with the other Council members. Gulping, Sentir strides up.

As a respectful distance he waits for an opening in the conversation, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

As Edric looks across the crowd, basking in the positive atmosphere, he notices someone who doesn't seem to quite fit in. A young man, fair skinned, probably Brevic. He probably wants a favour from Talia, or to read her poetry! Snickering slightly at the memory of the last time someone other than Gav tried to do that Edric turns away, catching the man's face from a different angle as he does.

That jogs his memory...

The face is familiar and the name floats just beyond the edge of his consciousness. S... Sen...

Cursing the holes in his memory, still so prevalent, even since he escape from Eraxis Edric takes the initiative and strides forwards towards the man, waving off the small guard he positioned in the nearby crowds.

"It is good to meet you sir. Forgive me, I feel sure we have met before, but I cannot seem to remember your name." Edric offers one of his hands frankly. "Do you wish to speak with the Viscountess?"

Sentir bows slightly and is unsure which question to answer first.

"Are you familiar with the Damutu family perhaps?" He says politely, "I am of that house. Sentir is my name, if that helps. And yes, I'd like to speak to your Viscountess, if she is not otherwise engaged."

Gavriil smirks as the well-dressed man approaches the platform and Edric addresses him. Definitely a noble's son, probably ran away from home for something new. The crazies south of the border must have seemed like a good place to start, he thinks as he sips his brandy.

He speaks up to the nervous-looking young man, "Unfortunately you're a few months late. The viscountess has been engaged for some time and has now her illness has developed further into becoming marriage! Though, I'm sure if the brandy wasn't too much for her she will be more than willing to talk to you."

Nora lay curled in Naralesh's lap, sporting her new collar, one ear raised as if to indicate she was on guard for trouble. Through their empathic link, however, Naralesh could tell she really was just happily napping. He had been surprised that the familiar had wanted the collar at all, being accustomed to running around unfettered, but she understood that it had been a gift from Gavriil, her master's friend. The snow-white fox had eagerly slipped into the accessory, after making sure it was loose enough she could wriggle out again if she felt the need.

The magister's elven hearing easily picked up the conversation occurring to the side of the banquet table. These sorts of encounters concerned him little, preferring to leave them entirely to his wife's discretion. At Gavriil's joke, however, he snorted right in the middle of a glass of the fine brandy, making a small mess uncharacteristic of the stoic wizard. Setting the glass down carefully with a frown, he causes the small stain growing on the tablecloth to vanish with a wave of his hand and a single muttered word. With a wry smirk he turns to regard the Scoundrel, who was likely unaware of the disturbance he'd caused over at the table.

The newcomer elicits a raised eyebrow. Brevic. Well-spoken. Dressed finely. Of course, Grigori From Nowhere Special was dressed finely and was well-spoken.

Was being the operative word. Talia drifts closer, purposely putting Edric between herself and the new arrival, and just catching the end of the man's and Gavriil's exchange.

"Damutu? I'm familiar. Forgive the ribbing of our Scoundrel, he is quite the wit. What can we do for you, Lord Damutu?"

Actually, I don't know anything about House Damutu. A little backstory, Sentir: Talia is afraid the Surtovas wish to assassinate her, as many years ago she wrote a scathing theatrical work regarding the royal family. In addition to being scathing, the play was also mildly well-received. We also uncovered a spy in our kingdom sent by someone to sow dissent (Talia naturally suspects the Surtovas). How your house stands with the Surtovas will likely influence Talia's first impression.