Kingmaker, The Elves are Coming! (Inactive)

Game Master ElfChampion466

You are all assembled in a lavish room in a barracks building somewhere in Kyonin. As you are sitting, the doors behind you swing open and you stand at attention. A voice close by orders you to be seated, which you do so. The voice comes from High Lord Myrdivar Mendeliir, general of the secret Kyonin forces. A serious Highborn elf, he takes his responsibilities very seriously and demands the best from the Elonalryl (Green Far-Hunters).

General Mendeliir gets straight to the point. "I have summoned you here for a mission, one that will be a long-term task that has plenty of potentially lethal consequences. Far to our northeast is the River Kingdoms. Some of our sages have discovered that the lands were originally an ancient elven kingdom long lost and overrun by humans and lots of evil beings of every imaginable type hostile to any and all. There is a stretched out region called the Stolen Lands which had been unoccupied by any real sovereignty for centuries. This area sits between the human kingdom of Brevoy to the north, and the more settled River Kingdoms to the south. There have been many attempts to capture the Stolen Lands, none have succeeded.

"Just recently, the humans of Brevoy have offered adventuring parties to take back the land and become chapters in the governing body that is Brevoy with the successful parties as local rulers. We have discovered that two such new baronies if you will, have raised up in the area. One is situated to the far western part of the Stolen Lands, while a second one just recently emerged in the central part. As you may expect, the new baronies in the Stolen Lands have done no good to the environment and to most of the good aligned inhabitants. Though some bandits, criminals, and evil creatures have been slain or driven out; by no means has the entire area been conquered into passivity.

"We believe that there are several artifacts of elven origin there, but our main goal is to prevent these lands from being yet another aggressive human expansion. Our ultimate goal is to reclaim our lost lands for the good of the Elven people! As of now, we are not strong enough to wage a direct war against the overwhelming numbers of humans and those who support them. The people who reside in both the River Kingdoms and in Brevoy are not known for being friendly to elves.

"Your mission to do whatever you can to destabilize these new 'civilized' areas that are almost exclusively human. How you do this is up to your discretion. Once you are inserted into the area, you are on your own. You will be outnumbered, and perhaps outclassed. The new baronies will not be your only threat, as dozens of evil creatures roam the land and call the Stolen Lands home. You may eliminate them if they pose a threat to you. In addition, there are reports of fey courts located in the area. How you deal with them either as allies or otherwise is up to you. Do not expect much help from local elves, but they are there and may be of use to you.

"You are the latest warriors to have passed the grueling and demanding trials to become members of the Elonalryl. From this moment on, your unit designation is the Myazair Team (Emerald Lightning). We understand that you are new to each other and that tremendous expectations will be placed on your shoulders. However, this is what you were trained for and what you have volunteered for. We have faith in your efforts. Though you are currently undermanned, we will send more warriors out to you once they are fully indoctrinated into the ranks. Your area of responsibility is to counter the efforts of the newest barony of Kinneth, located on the eastern side of the Narlmarches. Team Malkyythel (Red Wardancers) have proceeded to the Narlmarches months ahead of you, they will meet you at your insertion zone, brief you up on current events, and hand over the area to you. We will send Team Malkyythel west to deal with the larger barony as they are the most experienced of all the teams in our group. You will be teleported out to the Stolen Lands in 24 hours. Make your preparations and begin to deploy. If you have any questions, meet Captain Gaellyn Cor'etwyn to see to your needs (he's standing next to general Mendeliir)."

Captain Cor'etwyn yells out, "On your feet!" As everyone stands at attention, General Mendeliir salutes and heads out of the room, leaving you alone with the captain.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Dot

The date: 2 Gozran, 4713, on the evening hour of 9.

With the general's departure, Fellorian smiles at Captain Cor'etwyn. Though she says nothing as she looks around at what are new team members, her body language betrays her excitement for the coming assignment. This is exactly the sort of thing for which she joined the Elonalryl.

Standing at attention until the captain has gone, the young elf looks at his comrades."This is it? What we have been trained for will come to frutation. GOOD!"
Celebrindal is a young elf with piercing eyes and long hair braided in a warriors knot. His grey leather clothes and boots are well worn from the training but in excellent condition and his movement shows a dancers grace.

The hair on the back of Adrienne's neck as she hears the word "Brevoy." She lightly touches the large scar in her side. As she listens to General Mendeliir speak, the fingers of her left hand lightly tap her thigh repeatedly in anticipation. Revenge will taste sweet. A light smile brushes across her face just a moment as she stood for Mendeliir's departure.

Yes, I am eager to depart as well. Celebrindal is it? Adrienne strokes a small lump barely poking out at her hip, as she addresses Celebrindal. I suppose we have standard intel: maps, intel on major cities, maybe even contacts... any extra information would definitely help us, Captain Cor'etwyn.

I begin my naked search for truth, and to prove the way forward for the elven nation.

Captain Cor'etwyn looks at Adrienne. He too, takes his position and status way too seriously. This is a common trend with the high ranking officers of the Elonalryn who, some believe, are as stoic and angry as any given Dwarf.

Cor'etwyn: "Equipment may be handled by Helmsman Cyathan Nissyen (equivalent to a sergeant. A Helmsman wears a distinct helmet in battle who normally leads a troop of 20-30 men). He can provide with you fairly anything you need that do not already possess, including magic and mundane items (the Elonalryn are WELL supplied by the White Council). Team Malkyythel has been in the area for eight months now and should have detailed information to what is happening in that portion of the Stolen Lands. I will personally conduct the teleportation insertion tomorrow night at the Moondrake Courtyard which is on the south side of this complex."

Esctancia remains at attention until her superior leaves the room. Looking at the others in her new unit, she takes note of the young group of elves that are assembled here. She is about three times as old as most of them and one looks like she is four times as old. She then approaches the captain.
Captian Cor'etwyn Sir. If I may, I have some about our mission.
What are the rules of engagement..specifically...prisoners and non Combatants?
Communications, are we set up with a way to contact our Commanding Officers if the need should arise?
Supply lines...The land can provide just about everything we should need but with out the proper resources in place we will need to acquire supplies from another source. Do we have a supply line set up?
Extraction point....Is there an emergency extraction point?
What is the chain of command in our unit. I apologize sir for these question but if we are to do out jobs behind the lines on our own....I want to know what resources I have at my disposal if any.

The seasoned veteran raises an eyebrow at Esctancia ever so slightly.

Cor'etwyn: "The rules are simple: if in doubt...hide and evade. Otherwise, kill. We are not interested in prisoners. In regards to non-combatants, avoid if possible, particularly with any non-evil aligned creatures in the area. You should consider most beings in the area as hostile, though Team Wlkyythel will inform you of such intricate details.

"We will provide you with a means to contact us. This should be used sparingly and to be guarded with utmost importance. Supply will be on-sight procurement, meaning almost everything must be obtained by your own efforts. Food, shelter, clothing, spell components and the like are up to you, which is also part of your specialized training. However, special needs can be resupplied out to you, but this must also be used sparingly." He lowers his voice to you. "Be mindful that you are the best that Kyonin has to offer. When a typical band of elves are on the march outside their realm, they must sometimes rely on the generosity of others. We, the Elonalryn, are expected to live off our own. Remember that always."

"If you are in critical danger, you are on your own. This is why we train you so vigorously, as these types of missions are very dangerous and has a high attrition rate. In most cases, a typical elven troop would lose dozens of warriors, while we would lose maybe one or two at worst."

"As for who is your leader? We leave that to your team to decide using diplomacy and mutual agreement. Your team, Myazair Team, was just formed this afternoon so we haven't worked out all of the details. But your training and skills will compensate for this. The life of an Elonalryn is of haste, adaptation, stealth, and overcoming dire and sudden perils. If you feel inadequate for the task, we shall find someone else." His last sentence did NOT come out in any jovial manner <no need to roll perception or WIS for that>.

A hint of excitement gleams from her eyes and in a respectful tone
Sir, No inadequacies felt sir. Ready to proceed with the mission as informed, just wanted to get a few things straight that seemed a little gray. She salutes her superior By your leave sir.

Esctancia steps away from the captain and turns her attention to the other members of the group.

Her voice is calm, polite and respectful. The unseen aura of strength emanates from her body as she talks, Her voice strong with conviction like a rock in the middle of a river, daring the water to move her from her spot.
Myazair.....Each of us has earned the right to be here at this moment. No one can take that away from us. We are Myazair. We are one, a unit.
She lets that sink in for a moment
I am Esctancia of Myazair. I am specialized in magic...Arcane or Divine, history, scribe, and diplomacy.

Fellorian salutes the Captain then turns to the others of her team, "Fellorian. I have small magics that are useful to a scout, but my skills lie in stealth and the bow."[/b]

Sir, if there is anything else you need from us let us know. I would like to get some rest before deploying. Do we have accomodations until then? After the captains answer, Adrienne turns to her new teammates. She looks over each one with a gleam in her eye and a slight deviant smile, as she assesses each member one by one. These will be my new companions... the humans of Brevos will tremble at the mere mention of us soon

Hello Estancia, my name is Adrienne. I look forward to having your skills with us in the River Lands. They will be needed.

I am quite adept at staying hidden no matter where I am, and I use the herbs and flowers of the forest to brew powerful concoctions to help us and harm our foes. At this, Adrienne's rather stoic face erupts into a large smile. She is seemingly restraining it, but it still breaks through. I am quite trained with healing as well and hope to put those skills to use for us if an open combat situation arises.

Making mental notes about his teammates Celebrindal speaks up.
"A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Celebrindal. I am trained in Bow and Blade, Stealth and Reconaissance, Demolutions and Alchemy. I learned to lead and follow."

Listening silently and waiting for a lul in the conversation Goinin Says

"I am Goinin Bearback, I need no protection. I wear no armor and no armor and wield no weapons other than myself. I am a master of unarmed combat, taught by by the avatars of Irori himself and this is my destiny."

Looking up Cerbrindal focusses on Goinin. "Is that all? Nothing more? Can you at least carry heavy loads?"

GM NOTES:
<You will all know that lodging is provided in the building that you are currently inside. Each room holds three people comfortably with a bed, storage units, table, and chair. Nothing lavish, but compared to human barracks or garrisons, this is typical elven fashion.>

The Captain looks at Adrienne, "Your accomodations are located to the west wing. The dining facility is in the Central Hall on the north wing." You may spend the next 23 hours planning, resting, preparing, and praying if needed. Nevertheless, report to the Moondrake Courtyard fully prepared by the evening hour of 8, tomorrow, for final preparations. Ready or not, we send you out on your mission tomorrow. That is all."

Without waiting for a proper salute, he leaves the briefing room.

<You will all know that this is a secret mission. Contacts with friends and family is obviously not permitted. Everything you need is located here. The place you are located is called Selnis Castle (High Dawn). Not a castle in terms of human standards, but it has a central hall, barracks, dining hall, training grounds, shrines for the gods, a medical building, supplies, weapons...you name it. The entire area is not fenced in, but it is about 180 square acres in size within a wooded area of Kyonin. EVERYONE in Kyonin knows better than to trespass here.>

Goinin turns to Celebrindal, gives him the peoples eye brow and says.

"Yes"

Adrienne nods in acknowledgement in the direction of the captain as he walks out of the room.

It is evening time currently correct? Around 8ish?

A light snort comes from Adrienne's direction as she side eyes Celebrindal and Goinin. "I am sure our new unarmed friend can come in handy. He looks spry enough."

She then turns to the rest of the group. Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I am starving. I also wouldn't mind getting some good rest tonight. Who knows the next time we will see a bed?"

GM said it´s 9 o´clock in the evening. BTW whats your familiar Adrienne?
Shuckling Celebrindal looks at Adrienne."Well, I hate to admit I do not mind as much decent food before it´s the quadruple lie in 4 words. Let´s get something tasty. Maybe we can scrounge some spices before we head out. Afterwards just have to take care of my dog before the reverie."

No familiar. Since the GM mentioned in recruitment he didn't want familiars/companions, we just houseruled a piece of the cartomancer archetype that lets me use a harrow deck instead with my trait.

"I am no great cook, but that sounds good to me."

Goinin looks up no says in an overtly masculine manner

"Indeed."

Estancia follows along

The dining hall is located in the Central Hall which is unattached from the other structures in this area.

Grabbing the usual, but quickly replacing it to select some more delicacies Celebrindal takes a seat and speaks up. "Worst case I can do is also cook. Cooking and Alchemy is almost the same. The art of combining ingredience to get a clear defined result. About crosstraining, who is also trained as a healer, and who can heal magically? Who has managed to sneak up on master Torumin, and who, apart from Fellorian of course, has returned from the forest trial within two hours?"
He is asking who has a decent heal skill/stealth/survival

Adrienne sits with her plate of leafy greens, fruits, and berries. She pulls out some herbs from a pouch on her belt, places them in a small cup of water, and extends her hands over the cup. Steam begins rising from the cup, and she takes a sip.

"I can brew a nice tea, but my meals tend to be fairly simple as it is. I am trained in healing. My herbs can help alleviate any pain or plague that my magic cannot.

Is anyone from the area we are going? Or even been there?"

Fellorian gets a tray of all her favorite foods knowing it will be long before she can enjoy these comforts once more. As she settles at the table, she responds to Celebrindal's question, "I am not skilled in the healing arts, though I do have some healing magics. Master Torumin put me on three days of meditation, to consider the wisdom of startling a Master of the Academy. And my time was only barely under two hours; not really a spectacular run."

She turns her attention to Adrienne, "You must be the other one Master Torumin mentioned. No, I am not from anywhere near the River Kingdoms or Brevoy. I have lived my life on the fringes of Kyonin."

The dining hall is open to all. There are plenty of light breads, berries, fruits, nuts, fresh vegetables and the like neatly organized in trays to eat any time. The ovens and grills are shut down for the night. Beverages such as water, fey wine, fruit juices, are also plentiful. None are available for packing on your journeys, but nothing prevents you from walking out with an extra apple, etc.

Chuckling as he thinks of the trial of Master Torumin Celebrindal and touching a bead sewn into his shawl he replies. "I have some minor training as a healer, but I need to focus on it sometimes. I did not manage the two hours but it was close."
Taking another swig of feywine he smiles and continues. "I have not travelled far and wide, but now thinking of it, we should request some maps of the area we are supposed to liberate."

Adrienne gazes intently at nothing in front of her, seemingly thinking intently. I lived in the area nearby not long ago, though I never left my forest much..."She trails off. As she takes another sip of her tea, her focus snaps back to attention. "Maps are an excellent idea. We should look into procuring some tomorrow. I also have a few other supplies to pick up."

Esctancia continues to eat her soup and without looking up..
I have maps of the area but they are old and out dated. I can make arrangements to have maps brought to me before we leave tomorrow....It has been along time since I set foot in the river Kingdoms and I would imagine that much has changed since the War of 4475. she stops eating for a moment and just stares at her food.
I will see what I can do about maps come morning.
She stands up to leave but stops...
as for healing...I can heal and in time I will be skilled enough to do away with most injuries, disease, poison and debilitating effects. I am an skilled at understanding all magics. This allows me to use all magics that are out there. Please excuse me I wish to retire for the evening. I will see everyone at first light.

Goinin follows the others listening and observing intently.

In a strong graceful motion Goinin slowly raised his hand and in a quizzical manner asks.

"Am I going to have to do all the fighting?"

Awkward pause

Because it seems like I'm the only fighter. And why do we need two cook? Hey are any of you archers we need an archer.

"Well, I can handle a bow well enough. In combat I can befuddle and enchant my enemies as well. I was under the impression this mission would require more guile than brute force. When the fighting happens, it needs to happen on our terms. But as I said before, I need to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day I have a feeling." Adrienne stands to follow Estancia out of the room.

Holding up the crowned bow and sword Celebrindal just shuckles, pointing to the golden bow pinned on Fellorians cloak and Adrianne. "Well they booth managed to shoot out a candle and I also managed to pass the test of the sticks."
Adrienne and Fellorian have booth +9 at archery, as has Celebrindal and Celebrindal also has +9 at melee.

I am here. Just waiting for the GM to give me the go ahead to be introduced.

lets do that ourselves.
"He Lidras, come over. Is your ankle well? Healing magic aside, old strongfist insisted that the healers give you ok for tomorrows departure. Ladies, and living weapons, this is Lidras. We were in the same training squad. He might not be the smartest ass around, but he can charm his way through many problems, and he is also not a bad caster. He will join us tomorrow and I am glad about it. He always brought us a bit of luck. And in a mission like this, skill is not all. Oh and one important thing. He is a bit slower than we are usually. This is bad, but not that bad. Just to keep it in mind."

Fellorian simply stares at Goinin when he asks his ridiculous question, then after Celebrindal mentions the golden bow, she slowly shakes her head, her voice positively dripping with sarcasm, "Nope. No archers and no other fighters. In fact, you might be the only one that even knows which end of a fist to hit the bad guys with. You are certainly not in the company of proven and tested warriors of the Elonalryl."

Turning to the newcomer, Fellorian's voice is once again friendly and pleasant, "Welcome Lidras, it is good you could join us."

Lidras enters and bows formally. He is wearing a fine suit of clothing and has a single slender blade hanging from his waist. As they are not currently going to war, he has dressed for the occasion. The mark of Calistra, the goddess of vengeance can clearly be seen. It looks like it has been branded by fire onto his arm. Furthermore, his skin is pale, even for an elf, and his hair even whiter. It looks like someone, or something, had drained all of the color from him. His eyes are a different matter though. They are as blue, and as deep, as the ocean.

"It is an honor to make the acquaintance of you all. Though I will soon he a few crowns poorer, for I must pay Celem every time he introduces me like that. Indeed, I have the ability to tug at the strings of fate. It is a welcome ability, I assure you. As for my speed, I can outrun nearly any human, but my speed is not what it used to be. Some wounds, as they say, never heal. But enough of that, for tonight, it is merely a pleasure to meet such an illustrious group of warriors."

Adrienne snorts and holds back at stifled laugh at Fellorian's response. As she stands to leave, she pauses respectfully to listen to what Celebrindal was announcing. She moves to shake hands with Lidras. Pleased to meet you, I am Adrienne. As I was telling our new companions, I must be off to bed. I will see you all in the morning. And with that she takes her leave.

Standing up and offering his open palm in a goodnight gesture, Celebrindal nods to the others. "I think it is a good advice. I thought for a moment and offer another. Before leaving, make sure you pack extra equipment for those that are spellweavers. I have a feeling we will be out of provisions for quite a while, and it would be stupid to stand there and missing essential ingredients." Moving towards Fellorian he whispers in her ear.

Fellorian simply stares at Goinin when he asks his ridiculous question, then after Celebrindal mentions the golden bow, she slowly shakes her head, her voice positively dripping with sarcasm, "Nope. No archers and no other fighters. In fact, you might be the only one that even knows which end of a fist to hit the bad guys with. You are certainly not in the company of proven and tested warriors of the Elonalryl."

Turning to the newcomer, Fellorian's voice is once again friendly and pleasant, "Welcome Lidras, it is good you could join us."

Goinin turns to look at at Fellorian and with a sarcastically serious face says

Thats exactly what I'm afraid of.

Hearing the disrespectful comment coming from the magus as she is almost out of the room.How very human of him...Estancia turns slowly around and sees Fellorian respond to the magus question.
She looks on with a passive expression. Fellorian does notice a small smile appear for the briefest of moments and then it is gone. maybe now he will learn some humility

She starts to turn to leave again when the magus speaks again
Not a chance of being humble is there...this one is a lone wolf and should be sent on his way before his attitude gets anyone killed. Maybe it is better to have him reassigned?

GM: How are you handling Spell Components? I have been games where it does not matter and then I have been games where you keep track of the components and must restock them from time to time?

Well Celebrindal has packed three alchemist component kits, because it sounds like we are out of provisions and towns for a long time.
Nodding to the others and holding his hand up in a goodnight gesture Celebrindal bids a farewell till tomorrow and retreats to his room to sit down at his cot and starts to make notes in his minds thoughttree.

Adrienne walks to her cot and starts unpacking her gear piece by piece, laying everything out gently on her outstretched blanket. My my, herb stores are looking low. I need to look into restocking before we leave tomorrow. If the rooms are a shared quarters, the rest of her companions may walk into her polishing her bow or carefully repacking her bedding, herb satchel, or other various tools

Going into tomorrow, the only business I have here is some light shopping (restocking my herbs and teas, picking up some stuff like chalk and candles, grabbing a few more arrows, etc.). I don't really have any other personal business before we leave at 8 but am willing to tag along on whatever anyone else needs to do, if there is anything.

In the morning Celebrindal requests 3 of the old reliable maps from the quartermaster and the 3 latest. He then asks the others for lunch after pouring over them and getting a bit intel about the area they are requested to patrol. Speaking up he looks at the gathered.

As the other head upstairs Goinin mumbles to himself

It figures

He the goes over to a corner by the fire and meditates before heading off to bed.

Estancia listens as the young elf makes his speech. She takes out her pack and starts to reorganize it to make it more efficient. Without looking up and in a calm voice that hold no anger. She shakes her head a little.
No...for now...I disagree with your....statement. You should not be in command. Our superiors have not assigned anyone to that rank and I am not sure if you got your command experience during KP duty or maybe it was HQ staff duty, but here in this group, the elite, the best of the best, we earn our rank. Each of us has earned what we are, through blood, sacrifice, sweat and tears. We earned our place. We are the ones that laugh at the forty percent mark. You do not just decide that you are in command because you have done your time in grade. Not here, not with us and you should know that. If you want to take command...earn it. Breaking the group into several smaller units is not always a great idea. It can work but for now I think we should not make our unit weaker by dividing us into three separate units. Stay as a unit move quick strike quick and efficiently and move on. The gods can judge us tomorrow for today we have a mission to complete. Our mission is to meet the Malkyythel at our insertion point once there we will get more intelligence and can then effectively make a decision as to where and how to proceed.
At this point Esctancia looks up as she finishes the reorganizing of her pack.
You will learn, do not worry. We learn from the past and therefore can make ourselves better for the future.
You are too young, too reckless and too impulsive to lead. In time maybe you will learn what it means to lead but not today.

This is just my view, everyone has a say in this. Everyone...

Fellorian simply retreats to her quarters, turning in early.

***

The next morning, she dispassionately watches the exchange between Celebrindal and Estancia as she calmly eats her breakfast. With one exception, I do not particularly care who leads at the beginning. None of us have experience leading others in a combat situation...

Lidras nodded. "Every operation needs a clear chain of command. In the heat of battle we cannot discuss and decide. I have no issue with Celem's leadership. But let us decide now as we can have no squabbling in the field."