Kingmaker, The Elves are Coming! (Inactive)

Game Master ElfChampion466

After checking and recheching his equipment, taking care that all items on his body is fastened correctly Celebrindal makes a few notes and moves toward the helmsman.
Bowing to the helmsman he speaks up.

He then offers another list.

With so many people in the quartermaster's hall, the helmsman gets irked in a hurry.
"All of you, sit at those benches now," he orders in a very commanding voice. Not loud, but with plenty of authority which means this one is not to trifle with.
A moment later, he yells out a command, and out comes a few helpers who rushes out from seemingly nowhere. Four of them, standing behind the long counter, with eyes on him without waver. They are lads, perhaps no older than 80 years of age, all boys. If one were to observe, the youth appears more eager than afraid. They say only one word: "Uncle!"

Helmsman Nissyen barks out to his presumed nephews. "first thing, standard arrow loadouts. Go."

The four kids responds, "Yes sir" in unison with practiced ease. They scurry off into one of the vaults. The armorer then turns to the team who SHOULD be sitting onto the wall benches. "First things first: you all get 60 arrows. That is what you can hold in your special quivers. The arrows are all Shockers (+1 Shock, does 1d6 damage), as shock pretty much affects everything and doesn't cause fires. If you want more arrows, I suggest you pack them in whatever Bags of Holding you may have. All arrows are durable, and I mean ALL OF THEM." His voice raises a bit louder, "I get tired of having to tell newcomers that you are going in light and swift. Medium and heavy loads slows you down, which affects your stealth, magic casting, and more importantly, your skirmishing abilities. It's up to you to maximize your loads in both your quivers and your Handy Haversacks so you stay light. I realize that you have not been assigned an experienced leader, so I'll give you folks a break."

Having released his frustration out, he tones his voice down to a more congenial level. "Everyone should have a Bogda Mor greatbow, a luathalann swiftblade (longsword), and a Codagh Scian warknife as standard weaponry. If you need more, we'll get to that.

"For non-combat stuff, everyone should have Elvenboots, Elvencloaks, Cold weather gear as it's still roughly winter or early spring up there. Also, you should have your explorer's outfit, this should be worn on you right now, but I'm not one to inspect you runts."

The four kids emerge with armloads of arrows. [Each of you now have 60 ARROWS OF +1 SHOCK.]

He continues on, while the little ones stand behind him. "Now for individual requests. Esctancia Silvertree, we can't give you ten quivers stocked full of arrows in each, especially with what you are asking. We can however, give you about 50 bane arrows. I suggest get 10 of one specific type. You shouldn't need those trick arrows, but if you are hell bent on them, we can provide about 10 for each person. Javelins? Why the hell would you want those when you can just make some up in the field? You should already have three spellbooks. One should have all your spells and the other two can be filled out the way you see fit or left empty to acquire more later on. Bandoleers are easy. One scroll case and one masterwork kit of the five types should be good. Remember that you have to carry all that stuff, and they are not exactly light! We'll have to talk about the healing wands, but the potions should be taken up by the alchemy lab upstairs. That goes for all of you. But keep in mind, potions have to purchased, but the chief alchemist will give you a discount."

"Oh yeah, scrolls. Those are in the Enchantment's Hall down on the other end of this underground complex. Those should be easy to obtain."

"Celebrindal is it? With your list, most of it can be obtained in the forementioned locations. The mulecords aren't very good, but I can give you silk rope that is better quality. If you want, all six of you can have your own. A camonet isn't necessary, I think you will have to build your own out there. The tailor's tools, archery kit, books, and elf rations are here. Come and get them. Kids, get to it." As before, the four lads run off to procure the necessary items.

Once there is room to talk, Lidras tries to say as politely as possible:

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Inspiration pick highest: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7
Total 32

"And the wands and potions? I merely ask so we do not need to fill our spell books with nothing but healing spells. Also, as far as I know none of us are dedicated to the healing arts. A few potions to cure disease and poison could be the difference between success and failure in this mission."

While not dedicated to healing, I can offer decent medical services. Can the herbs be acquired or is that something I have to pay for? I didn't see anything about starting gold. How were we doing that?

I have a healing hex. It's pretty much a cure light wounds per person per day. Also have cure light and moderate wounds as spells. Lastly I have 8 or so herbal remedies per day that help heal disease and poison.

The Helmsman's eyes goes wide and his jaw nearly drops to the floor as if he was being squeezed to death in the grip of an ancient dragon. Even the kids who were busy with errands gave pause to look at your group with raised brows.

"No healers? NO HEALERS?!?" he asked in total disbelief. "Well, the Elonalryn did assemble you guys on the fly, which means there really wasn't time to group you together in the best configuration. Very well. Kids, you know what to do."

The four stopped what they were doing. Two of them ran out from the counter's front gate and raced down the corridor. The other two darted into a different vault and emerged with slender cases in both armloads. The entire process took no more than ten seconds. Along with Nissyen's help, a heap of wand cases are dumped onto the counter that would pass for a royal dining table. They repeated the process four times.

"Here we go. Six wands of cure light wounds, fully charged. Three wands of cure moderate wounds. One wand of Entanglement, one of my favorites actually. And only one wand of Endure Elements. Take them all, it's all we have available that will be useful to you. When you go to the alchemy labs, they should provide you with as many potions as they can. Now with spells, all of you should be able to cast at least one Cure Light Wounds per day. Make the most of them."

Taking the wands, Lidras bowed formally. "Your sense of duty to our people does you and your family great honor. Your assistance here will not be forgotten." He then takes the wands and says to Adrienne "Would you please come with me to the alchemy labs? I believe that it is closest to your area of expertise."

With a slight bow, Adrienne thanks the Helmsman. Your assistance here will not be forgotten. I appreciate everything you have done for us.

Turning to Lidras I would be happy to. I wanted to poke around up there myself.

Master Helmsman while I am not a cleric, I am capable of casting any magic. If it be Divine or Arcane in nature and no matter what it source be. Druid, Clerical, or Occult...if I do not know the spell, I can still figure out the workings of the spell if I come across a written version of the spell.
Estancis stares at the helmsman for a few seconds.
I wonder if you still carry Earrings of the Wolf. If you have any of those they would be of use to us.

Finally requesting an masterwork backpack Celebrindal returns to his room and puts those items he requested into the backpack and prepares it for the evening.

Moving towards the alchemy lab he remarks about the potions he requested.

[Celebrindal, you already have a masterwork backpack in the Handy Haversack.]

Last but not least Goinin walks up to the quartermaster and presents his list

"I'll take the the usually plus this."

Backpack, masterwork. 4 lbs 50 gp
Grappling, Common. 4 lbs 1 gp
Periscope. 4 lbs. 20 gp
Book, Footprints 3 lbs 50 gp
Sash 3 lbs 20 gp
Alchemist, Kit 24 lbs 40gp
Alchemists, Portable Lab 40 lbs 75 gp
Infiltration, Kit 15 lbs 140 gp
Fishing, Kit 3 lbs 5 cp
Masterwork Thieves Tools 2 lbs 100 gp
Ring of Deflection +1 AC Deflection 2000 gp
Amulet of Natural armor +1 AC Natural Armor 2000 gp

When Lidras, Adrienne, Esctancia, and Celebrindal enter the alchemy hall, they are taken aback by the surroundings. Herbs, roots, moss, plants, jarred items, and just about anything you can image is here. Things are just about everywhere, making it a bit difficult to maneuver around the place. Items are labelled with a brief description in every direction.

Standing in what could pass for a main isle is a weathered old female elf. If the quartermaster is thought of as seasoned, this she-elf is elderly. Not wrinkled and crooked in the way humans and most other races wither with advanced age, but her years clearly show in the eyes of her kin.

Without waiting for your acknowledgment, she speaks in a soft, musical tone. "I am Master Alchemist, Naianna Sylthalwyn. Address me as Master Nianna. I was informed about your need for brews a moment ago. Everything you ask for is on the big display shelves to your left in the exact amounts. For specific items, ask and I shall give should I have it."

The shelves stock potions by what looks like hundreds in volume. Almost every low to mid level potion is stocked.

[At this point, you can pretty much take what you have listed prior to this current post.]

Goinin: The Quartermaster points to a stack of arrows for you to take with you. [60 Durable Shock Arrows +1]. He suggests not to take much more and that you must pack your items carefully or else you will be slowed down [Medium encumbrance]. Medium and heavy loads should be avoided, even traveling to your destination. But you do obtain the items requested and in short time. Except for the backpack, as you are already issued a Handy Haversack.

Adrienne climbs to the top of the staircase, and her pale blue eyes widen. Her jaw drops slightly, as she looks around at the marvelous displays. The tips of her fingers lightly graze some herbs on display on a wall, as she walks by. Master Nianna, this is a beautiful shop that you keep. If only I were here longer, I would love to browse this great selection. I appreciate the herbs you have prepared for me. They should aid us in the upcoming mission. She begins lightly placing many bundles of herbs into a small satchel at her hip. I believe that I am finally ready to leave.

Moving carefully through the stacks Celebrindal lovingly strokes the alchemical draughts. "Master Nianna, I think I will, with your permission take another few."

Master Nianna bows in return.
"Yes, yes. Now hurry with your preparations and show what you are made of, before they make any further changes. Oh, I was to inform you that all of you must meet an officer in the briefing room at 5-o'clock. That is about two hours from now. I think they will go over your equipment checks and last minute updates on what is happening. Don't be surprised if they send you out earlier. Be prepared."

Esctancia gives her proper greeting and asks for the items she wishes to acquire. She then leaves to prepare for this evening.

Adrienne bows to Master Nianna Thanks again. She takes her leave, goes back to her quarters to make final preparations, and meets the rest of the group at 5.

Fellorian bows to the Helmsman, gathers the shock arrows along with the allowed monstrous humanoid bane arrows, and departs.

Ten minutes before five, Lidras appears. He has his kit packed and ready to go. He is also wearing his uniform, including mightily armor, blade and bow.

Laying out each and every item he has requested What about the wands? And do we get 5 rolls of duct tape? Just kidding and carefully starts to examine it for false lines, faults and anything like that.
Unbraiding his long hair and rebraiding it in a warriors braid he dresses up for battle.
Then carefully packing each and every item. Baggy items to the main area in the back, small alchemical items to the left side pouch, potions and other magical items to the right pouch. At the end he carefully folds the canvas and the hammock and fastens it to the side and in an extra sack he stashes the waybread, seeting it on the desk. Gathering all books and maps in the mapcase he carefully dresses for battle, with the longbow in the arrows in the quiver, the longsword on his side and the dagger in a sheath upside down on his left breast. Placing his Mutagen (Dex) in his left wrist sheath and the Shield extract on his right, before strapping the buckler on his left arm.
Finally shouldering his backpack he joins the others.

"But what if I want both the sack and the backpack"

SRY Don't feel like my character would have anything else to say and I feel guilty about not postiong in so long. We really should move it along.

Fellorian spends almost 90 minutes carefully packing and inventorying her equipment. She shakes her head in frustration at the strange reluctance of the Helmsman to give her basic equipment as she takes note of the cavernous empty space inside the handy haversack once she is done packing. With a sigh, she hefts all five pounds of her pack, settles her weapons, and heads to the briefing room.

{Is everyone in the briefing room now?]

I believe so

I am unsure about Goinin. But the rest said so.

Regardless let's not those who aren't here

Let's go

At precisely 5 o'clock, Captain Cor'etwyn walks into the briefing hall. "Listen up everyone," he commands without waiting for salutes.

"There has been a turn of events in the Stolen Lands that has dictated a change in plans. We plan on sending out you now without delays. It is urgent that we send Team RedWardancers out to the western area of the Stolen Lands as quickly as possible. Normally we would either airdrop or teleport them, but their only option is overland travel which will take them almost ten days to cover. If you still require more equipment, we will resupply you later on, but for now, you must use what you currently have.

"In addition, we predict a storm will pass into the Narlmarches where you will be operating in. It is best to get you out there before this happens. It will be a cold night and a miserable storm, so have your cold weather outfits on.

"Our only question is if you have decided upon a team leader. If you have not, we shall select for you within this moment. Now gear up and follow me to the Enchanter's Tower."

Celebrindal has showed that he wants to lead, I say we allow it. Adrienne says once the captain is done. She shoots a sharp look at Estancia. I know there has been some debate into who should lead, but I have zero interest in arguing further. I am more concerned with the weather conditions at this point. We need to get going She finishes impatiently.

So much for local intel! Didn´t expect different.
"I will lead them, Sir! Till you find a better soldier!"
Hearing that the weather will be bad and that the more experienced team will be unable to connect puts a slight frown on the young elfs face, but then he remembers that he half expected something like that to happen and had prepared for it.

"No complaints here. The force has been more than generous with provisions, and we have a leader. Though I do ask for a second to be appointed. Not to bring bad luck, but casualties are a fact of life. Chain of command is important, and should ill fortune take us in the field we won't have time for civilized debate."

Estacina turns and stares directly at Adrienne as she attempts to place blame on her for the young ones disrespect of everyone in the group. The young one continues to do so even here in front of his superiors.

With age comes wisdom and with maturity comes respect for your fellow elf... and this youngling has neither. He openly claims that he his better than everyone here. How can anyone respect an elf like that as a leader. Anyone else would be better, even a Kobold. The Kobold at least has some knowledge that there are others taller than itself.

As the upstart speaks up that he is the leader, Esctancia smiles at Adrienne and slowly turn her head to her superior. She give the captain the proper respect due to his rank.
Sir the unit has made a decision on a leader.
There it is again...a better soldier. Like no one here has gone through the same training with some of us having completed it twice and with better scores than him. This one needs to be humbled, he continues to degrade every last one of us. He is no better than any of us. NONE and the sooner this youngling figures that out the better for all of us. I only hope he can figure how to be a leader, before his ego gets someone killed. He probably has "Ours is not to reason why. Ours is but to do and die" tattooed across his back as a tramp stamp.

Fellorian simply stands there waiting for the Captain to lead the way, expressing neither approval nor disapproval of Adrienne's words.

"Feel free to take my silence as an endorsement"

Rolls eyes and says

"Plan first choose the leader later"

We are choosing the leader now by Captain Cor'etwyn's request, Goinin. This is the time to make that decision. If you have plans to share with us, please let us know before we leave.

Lidras I agree. I would nominate Estancia for that position. She is wise and seemingly knows how to lead. She's been around much longer than any of us. I'd follow both of you into battle. She states, casually holding the piercing stare of Estancia. Now about that weather... Her gaze falls upon the captain. I say we get going before it gets worse. That is a much more pressing issue in my book.

Goin in mockingly onterupts

"I nominate myself for the position of official backseat driver of this endevor."

Then gives a dramatic Bow with a flourish.

Esctancia ignores the Magus completely....

Without looking backwards, the Captain replies to the debate.
"So be it. Celebrindal shall be team leader, with Esctancia Silvertree as the second. There will be no more of this. We expect full cooperation out of all of you. Dissent will not be tolerated."

In moments, all of you have emerged into the Enchanters Tower. After climbing up one set of stairs, The group is led into a round, well lit circular room that is roughly 100 feet in diameter. Directly in the center is a pentagram with magical lights at each of the five points. A wizard stands at each of the points wearing robes of red, while one wears an elaborate red and green robe, marking him as the strongest of the arcane casters. Ringing the walls are runes of magical power, with bookcases full of texts, scrolls, a few items, enchanted crystals of unknown purposes. There are two doors facing opposite sides of the chamber to the north and south. Above you is a balcony of similar layout to the main floor. Standing along the railing on the balcony is general Medeliir with a few other elves unknown to you. You notice that crouched into a tight circle in magical bonds is a fierce looking beast, something you have never seen before [KN: planes]. Connecting the small circle to the pentagram is a painted line that is fenced off by tight ropes. Three heavily armed elves watch the creature with curveblades and spears drawn within striking distance.

The veteran general speaks up. "Congratulations on becoming part of the most elite combat force in all of Kyonin. Unfortunately, tonight's mission is your celebration. We understand that this is quite an unexpected surprise of being placed on a long ranged operation in almost zero notice, but such is the our way. Only one other team faced a similar scenario. Thanks to you, that team is waiting for you in the Narlmarches. They are the best of our unit, almost legendary despite being in existence for only fourteen years. Leftenant Adarion Lyrondreth is in command there, he will brief you on the details of the area far better than we can."

Captain Cor'etwyn hands Celebrindal a small case. "Inside this is a compact crystal ball. Use this for communication to us. Be sparing in use, roughly once per month on your findings and dealings in the region. You MUST prevent it's capture to anything not beloning to the Elonalryn." Once in Celebrindal's hands, he steps away and motions everyone to step into the center of the room.

"Be prepared, this mass teleportation is fairly accurate, but not foolproof. Even though you may be teleported safely, you may become under sudden attack. Prepare your weapons and spells now. Master Theravel, you may begin."

The fancy looking spell-caster begins enchanting words of power you have not heard before [Kn arcane + spellcraft]. As he does so, the evil looking monster begins to cry out in pain while pulsating at the same time. The connected line radiates and fills up the pentagram.

Adrienne looks around at the room they entered. If only I had more time to poke around in here! No time for that though, she had business to attend to.

Before the teleportation spell gets underway, she grabs a small piece of copper from her spell pouch. She starts whispering unintelligible words and pointing at each member of the group. She starts with Fellorian then moves to Celebrindal, Estancia, Goinin, and finally points at Lidras. After finishing she whispers Can you guys hear me? The whisper comes through loud and clear, and if you whisper back Adrienne lets you know she can hear you as well. Put a Message spell on the party. I can whisper to you and you can reply to me up to 150 feet with no major obstacles. It lasts for 50 minutes.

Ready when you are. She says to the mage doing the teleportation.

Knowledge (Arcana) on caster's incantations: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

[Adrienne: The High Mage is using a very powerful form of necromancy on the bounded creature. Beyond that, you are not sure of details.]

If High Mage Theravel heard Adrienne, he did not reply. His chanting continues while the creature cries out in both rage and pain. Within moments, the other four mages begin chanting. The room brightens up with the amount of high level magic occuring here, the floor runes are now radiating a bright bluish white.

"If all goes well, you should be standing in a small grove of trees a few hundred yards west of the Narlmarches. Enter the woods in stealth mode, the Red Wardancers will find you soon. They will give you a code in a riddle or a story. Key in on two words: fire and water. Your response should be in a sentence, using two words as well: spirit and brightness. If you do not receive the proper coded words, assume to be under attack. Good luck to you all," says the general.

Seconds later, you see the foul beasts glow a hot white and vanishes in a loud piercing shriek, a pile of ashes where it stood. A moment later, all of you are embraced in total darkness. You feel a sensation of floating emptiness as if you are falling. The complete black that surrounds you is so dark, you cannot see anything. It is incredibly cold to all of you.

As quickly as the nothingness engulfed you, it disappears. Your feel feel grounded and light comes back to your eyes. You feel coldness but now in the form of wind coming from the northwest. You are now surrounded by a small cluster of scattered trees in grass up to your knees. It is evening, very cloudy, winds are about 8 mph and constant. The temperature is roughly 45-degrees and declining. There is still light out for now.

IT IS CHAPTER TWO. THE TIME IS ON THE EVENING HOUR OF 5, ON THE THIRD DAY OF GOZRAN, 4713.

KN:Planes: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
KN:Arcana: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Fellorian readies her bow, laying an arrow on its string before stepping into the center of the room.

***

As soon as they appear Fellorian looks around swiftly, assessing their situation.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27.

If there is no danger, she moves to the eastern edge of the stand of trees, blending in with the surroundings instinctively. There she pauses again to examine the wilderness carefully, as well as trying to gauge how close the storm is.

Stealth: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 37.
Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28.
Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26.

It is as my father told me. Even here, the favortism of the court does his "magic". A arrogant talent, who failed half of the courses, TWICE! is promoted second. I hope she can keep up with us. A well, I was told to keep her alive, because one day she might be useful. Maybe but till that day she is a liability!"
Stashing the box in his haversack he quickly drinks an extract of ant haul and an extract of Keen senses and prepares for the port.
Perc: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (9) + (6) + 18 = 33

Adrienne looks around still somewhat shaken by the teleportation. What a weird sensation!

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

She draws her bow and follows Fellorian to the trees, staying low to the grass the entire time. Upon getting to the trees she breaks off Fellorian's path and moves about 20-30 feet from her, ready to fire upon any enemy in the clearing.

Stealth: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33

Perc: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

'Well...here we go again.' The thought went through his mind as the teleportation began. 'I wonder who here is going to die and how many friendly arrows hit the wrong target.' He was glad to not be in charge.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Goinin ooofisly says with a lisp

"alright everybody be very very quiet, I'm hunting wabbit."

As the spell casters cast their spell. Esctancia whispers back Adrienne
Confirmed

She looks over at the youngling waiting for him to do the one thing he should be doing and just shakes her head.
Well as it is known, the way a military unit works together is a direct representation of its CO...and this one just does not get it. To stuck on his test scores to worry about actually being a leader.
with a sigh she simple states...her voice filled with respect for those that are beside her.
You know your training. I have faith in you to do your jobs...treat this as a hot zone everyone...face north so we can be coordinated when we arrive. May the gods watch over you all and keep you safe.
Gods know it will not be our pompous glory hunting leader.