Kingmaker. The shadows behind the throne.

Game Master DBH

Siofra glances up and without missing a beat replies, "Enjoying the view?" After a brief moment she contines, "I sure hope this town has a place for visitors to stay and you're just lounging in that tree for amusement value. I've slept in trees before but it's not my favorite."

Vibenia Scaeva wrote:

"Know where I could find someone in charge?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. Luck smiles on you, for you happen to be speaking to the baron-consul of Thornholme," Colwyn announces, proudly hooking his thumbs around his suspenders.

Perhaps quite surprisingly, Vibenia gets the sense that this rake is not just boasting, and that he is somehow actually the ruler of this land.

"So, how can I be of service?"

There is but the briefest flicker of surprise across Vibenia's face, before she honors the Baron with a respectful bow. "Please to meet you...your Grace is it? Haven't really had much opportunity to address nobility." she says with a wry chuckle.

"I've been hearing and seeing quite a bit of what your influence has been out here, definitely for the better. I'd like to help if I can. There are still a host of dangers out in the wilderness, and that kind of thing is what we're good at. Dealing with the things in the wild that pose a danger to the softer folk." she says gesturing to her companion who sits watching the Baron intently.

Zelera grinned as she continued to look at Siofra enjoying the perfect view given her rather risque outfit choice of her assets as she considered the question. Finally she said, "No, I don't live in this tree, this is one of my favorites though." Her words paused but then after a moment she added in a serious tone, "No, I live in another tree that I much prefer to this one, far more comfortable." Whether she was serious or not was hard to tell.

Zelera carefully maneuvered down to the lowest branches and let herself dangle off of it as she held on with just her hands to get her feet lower to the ground and then let go to drop the last several feet to the ground.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Unfortunately as she dropped Zelera had misjudged the ground below her and rather than landing adroitly as she intended her right foot came down in a spot that was slightly lower than she thought it was and she ended up landing on her ass instead, injuring her pride and leaving her ankle just a bit sore. Despite it all she began to laugh at what she imagined the sight of her was before she rose, a bit wobbly, to stand up, smoothing her skirt out after she did.

"As for an inn the only one I know of for sure is the Stag and Toad where the great Colwyn leads the mighty nation of Thornholme," there was no small amount of mockery in her voice as she described the city but it didn't seem malicious, more like she was making sure Siofra wouldn't take the term too seriously. "I am Zelera, Feysworn priestess of the Lantern King and who are you."

"I've been hearing and seeing quite a bit of what your influence has been out here, definitely for the better. I'd like to help if I can. There are still a host of dangers out in the wilderness, and that kind of thing is what we're good at. Dealing with the things in the wild that pose a danger to the softer folk." she says gesturing to her companion who sits watching the Baron intently.

"Well, there's certainly always work to be done," Colwyn rues, glancing over to the new notices on the bulletin board. "Besides having the loyalty of a handsome hound, what kind of talents do you possess?"

Zelera grinned as she continued to look at Siofra enjoying the perfect view given her rather risque outfit choice of her assets as she considered the question. Finally she said, "No, I don't live in this tree, this is one of my favorites though." Her words paused but then after a moment she added in a serious tone, "No, I live in another tree that I much prefer to this one, far more comfortable." Whether she was serious or not was hard to tell.

Zelera carefully maneuvered down to the lowest branches and let herself dangle off of it as she held on with just her hands to get her feet lower to the ground and then let go to drop the last several feet to the ground.

[dice=Acrobatics]1d20+2

Unfortunately as she dropped Zelera had misjudged the ground below her and rather than landing adroitly as she intended her right foot came down in a spot that was slightly lower than she thought it was and she ended up landing on her ass instead, injuring her pride and leaving her ankle just a bit sore. Despite it all she began to laugh at what she imagined the sight of her was before she rose, a bit wobbly, to stand up, smoothing her skirt out after she did.

"As for an inn the only one I know of for sure is the Stag and Toad where the great Colwyn leads the mighty nation of Thornholme," there was no small amount of mockery in her voice as she described the city but it didn't seem malicious, more like she was making sure Siofra wouldn't take the term too seriously. "I am Zelera, Feysworn priestess of the Lantern King and who are you."

Siofra seems a bit surprised at Zelera's unceremonious and precipitous descent, and leans forward to offer a hand up.

"Siofra, traveling raconteur, lampooner, and trickster," replies the sylph. "So the Baron runs his operations out of the local inn? I'm sure that provides a great sense of stability. Good for me, though, if I wind up playing in the commons and I can be right there next to the heart of government, watching the sausage-grinding going on."

Zelera accepted the hand up when it was offered and listened as Siofra said how that was a benefit to her. This caused Zelera to grin as she said, "Oh yes, that does make him quite easy to find and to play tricks on." She hesitated then as she came across some words she did not recognize. She thought about pretending but decided that she would just ask. It was more likely she would find use for them if she knew the meaning of them.

After deciding to ask Zelera put words to thought, "So what do racoon tears and lamp owners have to do with anything?"

Zelera accepted the hand up when it was offered and listened as Siofra said how that was a benefit to her. This caused Zelera to grin as she said, "Oh yes, that does make him quite easy to find and to play tricks on." She hesitated then as she came across some words she did not recognize. She thought about pretending but decided that she would just ask. It was more likely she would find use for them if she knew the meaning of them.

After deciding to ask Zelera put words to thought, "So what do racoon tears and lamp owners have to do with anything?"

Siofra says with a chuckle, "Oh, right, I use words for my living, so I sometimes go a little over-the-top. A raconteur is a storyteller. A lampooner is someone who lampoons—that is, uses jokes to critique. I like to think that I keep people in power honest by using songs and jokes to critique their failures—after all, if they have power, then other people are depending upon them, so they'd better fix things when they screw up! That, uh, does occasionally result in me making a quick exit from town."

"Well, I'm a pretty good shot with a crossbow, I'm good with animals, quite the capable hunter...and I can track a snake across rocks in a thunderstorm at midnight." she replies with a hint of a grin.

"But yeah, having Dusk's loyalty trumps the rest." she adds, actually smiling this time as she idly runs her fingers through the ruff around his neck.

@Colwyn. Your thoughts on the 'Road to Wyvernstone' notice please. What you do impacts the start of the next book.

"Crossbow, eh? I'm more of a longbow man myself. Used to use shorter bows, but..." Colwyn muses, but he trails off as he saunters over to the bulletin board.

His forehead scrunches as he squints to examine the notice posted by the mayor of Tatzlford.

Have we met this Ley Rezbin before or discussed Tatzlford? I searched through the post history, but the names didn't come up. I want to determine how much Colwyn knows about the subject.

Colwyn crooks his first two fingers and gestures for Vibenia to join him by the board.

"Tell me...what do you make of this?" he asks Vibenia. He has no doubt about her skill in the wilds, but he also wants to see how she would approach matters of politics, economics, and infrastructure.

"My fellow councilors and I recently struck dear friendships with both the village of Varnhold and the Nomen Centaurs to the east," he explains to Vibenia. "Now, I'm inclined to prioritize linking our lands with theirs first, but I'm not one to turn up my prominent nose at a good opportunity when it presents itself."

Where is the Wyvernstone Bridge located? If it's close, I can prioritize that. If it's pretty far, I'd rather prioritize connecting to the Varnhold territory.

Striding over to look at the notice, Vibenia reads it through, considering what she knows of the town and it's mayor, as well as the usefulness of building a connecting road with access to the bridge.

Knowledge Geography (Tatzleford)/ Urban: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23
Knowledge Geography (Wyvernstone Bridge strategic location?)/ Urban: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27
Knowledge Local (Ley Rezbin)/ Urban: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30

My response will be affected by what I know

Siofra says with a chuckle, "Oh, right, I use words for my living, so I sometimes go a little over-the-top. A raconteur is a storyteller. A lampooner is someone who lampoons—that is, uses jokes to critique. I like to think that I keep people in power honest by using songs and jokes to critique their failures—after all, if they have power, then other people are depending upon them, so they'd better fix things when they screw up! That, uh, does occasionally result in me making a quick exit from town."

Zelera considered and decided that the words used made sense with them explained so she said simply, "It helps to keep those hearing in mind. I'm still working on common, and I've been told it makes me hard to understand. Big words are the same, if I don't know them, I can't get what you are saying."

Zelera's words paused, and she continued how to make her point and instead said, "ਇਹ ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਜੇ ਮੈਂ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨ ਵੇਲੇ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜੋ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਹਨ."

@ the Inn
Zelera wasn't sure what Colwyn and Vibenia were talking about but when they were at the board, she was quite curious and saw a chance for some harmless mischief. The priestess rose from where she sat and slipped up behind the pair, trying to look over their shoulders and not get noticed doing it.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

As Zelera approaches stealthily, the large black and grey wolf-dog laying beside Vibenia sniffs the air, raising his head to look directly at the approaching woman. His gaze intense, the animal cocks his head slightly, puzzling at the mix of both fey and human scents that seemed a natural part of the woman, before making a low, barely audible sound deep in his chest.

Perception(scent)/Human or Fey: 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 5 = 28

While the subtle sound Dusk makes would be barely noticeable to most, to Vibenia It is a clear warning of someone approaching. Turning your head to look over her shoulder, she takes note of the beautiful raven haired woman approaching, studying her intently for a moment.

While the woman is visually stunning, the thing that catches the huntress's attention most is her way of moving, a flowing, naturally effortless grace the likes of which she'd only observed among the fey.

Interesting

She makes eye contact, holding it just long enough to acknowledge her presence, and her awareness of it, before turning back to the Baron and the notice board, knowing Dusk had eyes on the newcomer.

@Colwyn. You haven't met Loy Rezbin personally, but you did give a group permission to settle at Tatzelford.

While his request is reasonable it is also a little too early for your kingdom plans. The Wyvern stone bridge is to the NW and you haven't claimed those hexes yet.

The East Sellen river flows from Brevoy south to the River kingdoms. Use the Brevoy map in the Kingmaker players guide. So it is too far West of your Kingdom at the moment.

Use the Map of The Slough up top for the bridge location.

Vibenia wracks her brain:

Tatzlford is a cozy village located in a large clearing deep in the Narlmarch woods, near a ford in the Skunk River. The beginnings of a road lead east and west from the village, but unless the PCs have taken the time to further develop these roads, they do not go far before petering out
at outlying homes and farms.

Tatzlford is governed by a mayor named Loy “Tanner” Rezbin, a retired ranger, although many suspect (correctly) that a lot of the important decisions are actually made by his longtime companion Latricia Evanore, a priestess of Erastil.
Together, they founded Tatzlford with the intent to help build up your new nation as it rises in the Stolen Lands. The village has attracted settlers from all around, primarily from Pitax, Mivon, and Rostland. A small wooden fort sits at the heart of the village, but the village has outgrown the defense this walled complex can provide. Construction of a larger stone wall around the village has been started but is not yet complete.

Vibenia has only met Loy Rezbin briefly but found him to be likable, down-to-earth, and loyal.

So the answer to his request is no at the moment. Tatzlford is on the western edge of your lands so you might wnat to check it out for news. :)

What now?

"Rezbin is a good man, decent fellow, cares about his people, though more than half of the big decision are like made by Latricia Evanore, a priestess of old Deadeye. I personally wouldn't see a need to bring much building to the area yet, though it's something to keep in mind for the future." Vibenia replies after giving it some thought.

"Old Deadeye, eh?" Colwyn muses, intrigued. He will definitely keep this possibility bookmarked in his mind for the future.

For the time being, he is tempted to challenge the newcomer to a marksmanship contest, but he suddenly remembers that he meant to go courting, calling on Miss Melianse.

When Colwyn does find the nixie woman, he constructs his proposal around a little fey-related wordplay: essentially offering his first-born child (at least) to her in exchange for helping him govern the land.

I thought about writing out an RP for the proposal, but couldn't come up with anything that wasn't very embarrassing and cringe worthy, so I'm just going to make a quick, summary post.

So something like this?

Zelera realized her sneakiness had been caught when the wolf began to growl at her and Vibenia looked at her. Rolling her eyes Zelera didn't let it bother her and instead decided this pair were going to be a challenge...she liked a challenge!

When Colwyn finally wanders off to go find Melianse Zelera continues to hover for a moment behind Vibenia before stepping backwards several steps lightly and smiles as she says, "You are new here." It was a statement of fact as far as she was concerned and Zelera had no seeming concern with that fact. "You can call me Zelera if you wish, or almost anything as long as it isn't late for dinner."

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Zelera slipped over to a nearby plate and snaked a sausage from it when it's owner wasn't looking before stepping away and adroitly tossing the sausage to Dusk. "I serve as they representative of the fey to this burgeoning country."

Ok. But Loy Rezbin does say he needs to speak with you urgently. Will you go see him at Tatzlford, or should he come to you?

Melianse is concerned at Colwyn's proposal, while she very much enjoys your time together and cares for you deeply, she isn't interested in being part of the govt. "What does being your wife mean? Will I be expected to be boring and respectable? Would I have to sit beside you while you hold court?"

As a symbol of her saying yes she gifts you with a Ring of warmth. "So you can visit me properly in my pool." Wink, wink.

Melianse is very agreeable to being married to you, she just doesn't want the official titles or duties of your rank. She is especially interested in this talk of children and wants to get down to some energetic baby making. :)

What are you doing now?

Finally found an image of Melianse. It's from the Kingmaker CRPG

Melianse

As the Baron (he never did give his name, did he?) takes note of her recommendation then heads off to some prior appointment, Vibenia is quite aware of the woman still lurking around behind her.

Clearly she or Dusk had garnered some local attention.

"Yes, I am new here." she replies, turning to address the other woman. Nice to meet you, Zelera. You can call me Vibenia, and he's Dusk."[/b] she says, with a smile.

'representative of the fey' that explains...everything the ranger thinks, the other woman's uniquely fey mannerisms...even the way she introduced herself...beginning to make sense.

Perception (Fey or Human/Urban): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

Watching in amusement as Zelera somewhat deftly snags a sausage from an unsuspecting diner's plate, tossing it to Dusk. She smirks as Dusk turns his head to look at her, giving him a slight nod, the powerful canine getting up and devouring the sausage in two swift bites.

"Do you represent a specific fey lord or lady then, or just the fey interests in general?"

Zelera giggled when she heard the man, she swiped the sausage from start complaining to his friend about how they stole his sausage and moved away from him lest she give herself away. "Both all Fey and one in a prticular," she reached up and fingered a pendant about her neck in the shape of a golden lantern with multicolored lights inside of it.

Zelera did not say what the pendant represented but she did stroke it as she said, "My lord bade me come here and help guide the nation in the correct direction in its dealings with the fey of the area." She grinned as she said, b"I like to think I have been successful so far, Lord Colwyn is seeing a certain fey woman and, I think, propsing to her very soon." She looked in the direction that Colwyn went and said, "If my guess is not far off I may have a wedding to perform soon."

Zelera's gaze focused once more on Vibenia and asked, "So what brings you and the Adorable Dusk here to our town?"

"Ah, that explains the swift exit." Vibenia says with a chuckle. Looking at the golden lantern pendant, the ranger nods, considering Zelera's allegiance carefully.

Knowledge Nature (Fey): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

"I've been active in the area for a while, and noticed the growth and general improvement this settlement has brought with it. Honestly, I'd like to help. I think this place is good for those that life here, or want to make a life here, and judging from your role it seems to be good for all parties involved."

Vibenia had had almost as much dealing with the Fey as she had bandits over the years, sometimes beneficial, and other times antagonistic. The Fey were....complicated to say the least, but from her time ranging the area, life would definitely be easier if those living here were on at least marginally good terms with those of the First Realm.

I think it would be reasonable to say you recognize the amulet as being a holy symbol of the Lantern King (assuming our GM has no issue with that) and that Zelera is a feysworn, one in the process of becoming a fey through her devotion to one of the eldest. It is likely she is in the mid stages of the process where her body is nearly fey and her mind has effectively changed to make little difference between her and natural fey.

Zelera smiled happily and said, "I am glad to hear your approval. My Patron felt this was an excellent opportunity to make sure the region stayed friendly to our kind and to pull one over on the other Eldest that might have had an interest in meddling in it."

The winter months pass peaceably for a pleasant change. While Northern winters are always hard the roads and farms you've built up mean that there are ample food stocks stored to feed the populace.

One thing of concern to you though is the absence of the stipend from Restov. It seems things are heating up to the north and Restov can't afford to send you any more BP.

As the thaw begins and the first bits of greenery begin to poke through the snow you shake of the rust and now must decide what you are going to deal with first.

You have the notices if any call out to you, and Loy Rezbin really wants a word with you Colwyn.

Does this mean we'll have several kingdom turns in a row? :)

While many of the knights and swordlords of Restov tend to focus purely on their martial skills and have a high degree of arrogance about their social role, Marten keeps busy in civic matters while winter falls: He is just as glad to aid in repairing a neighbor's roof or helping to get a stuck cart out of a mud pit. In his spare time he practices some of his esoteric disciplines or reads books and enjoys discussing the finer points of them with Tessara.

Siofra settles in as a local entertainer, mostly making up bawdy songs and pointed barbs about various local problems—though sometimes her poems include actually semi-decent ideas for ways to address them, and her position as an entertainer means that she tends to hear more complaints, which in turn makes her a useful information resource—as long as one doesn't mind dealing with her barbed wit.

I had been waiting on a response from Siofra from earlier if you want to continue that. Otherwise we can let that go Marten.

Oh, I thought Zelera had left to go torment Colwyn at the inn!

Siofra snorts and says, "क्या अब हम टंग ट्विस्टर्स कर रहे हैं?"

One morning crisp, Colwyn wakes and, right after dressing, strolls into the office of the baronial mansion. All the while he is grateful that such a headquarters for him and his companions was completed before the worst of winter's wrath fell upon them.

The baron sits down at his desk and begins drafting a letter to Loy Rezbin.

"Now that the roads and forests are growing safer, with spring's thaw upon our proverbial doorstep," Colwyn explains to whatever councilors or staff are nearby, "I wants to invite the mayor of Tatzlford to visit us here in Thornholme. Hopefully we can arrange, at the very least, a partnership or trade deals between our towns.

"I'm not terribly worried that Restov has cut us off," he says, actually sounding confident in the words. "We've just about become self-sufficient. All the same, as I've learned from our dealings with Varnhold and the centaurs, it's good to always be looking for new friends."

Would have loved to get a post up about NK's doings, but I didn't make the time to do so. Let's just say that he was doing his best to integrate Varnhold's public education (if it exists) into the Kamelands. Presumably, he's improved on it since it was started.

Marten and Tessara arrive for Colwyn's staff meeting as winter is coming to an end.

The paladin nods in agreement with Colwyn. "Between the many farms, the sawmills, and the productive facilities in the town, we have all the means to develop a thriving community."

"From a warrior's perspective... I would like to recommend constructing some barracks and perhaps city walls. Right now the various towns are not readily defensible, and we saw what happened to Varnhold. Some neighboring areas, such as Galt and Pitax, may not be friendly as the territory of this fledgling nation expands. Also, as we encounter larger, more dangerous monsters, we need the towns ready to have organized defenses, since we can't be everywhere at once: If we are visiting Leveton when a band of trolls attacks Thornholme, there will be little to stop the carnage," says Marten.

Tessara says, "It might also be prudent to establish diplomatic ties with the friendlier nearby nations. For instance, the elves of Kyonin will probably be amenable to trade and diplomatic relations, if a bit standoffish at first, if we are firm and clear that this nation isn't another petty bandit kingdom but rather a thriving community!"

"Hmm, our defense is a little uneven," Colwyn concedes. "We've already built a garrison and watchtower here in Thornholme, but we've only got the 200 irregulars available here. Meanwhile, we have 100 regulars stationed at Levetown, but only a watchtower there. Then there's Varnhold. They have a garrison, but scarcely even a militia to fill it."

The baron contemplates dispatching the irregulars to guard Varnhold, then raising a new company of regulars to station in Thornholme. However, for the time being, he turns his attention to the notices posted at the Stag and Toad.

"Going back to the matter of dangerous monsters close to home, which of those posted notices caught your attention? Personally, I think we should look into the business of this 'Speartooth' or sightings of 'bog mummies.' Bog mummies? There was a time I might've considered it rubbish, but after putting down Vordakai, I don't know."

Vibenia spends the next couple months delving into the community, getting to know the names, faces and preferred routes of the local hunters and trappers, as well as patrolling the outlying borders of the burgeoning nation, identifying potential threats, and supplementing winter stores with her hunting. To the butchers, herbalists and others who depend on nature's bounty, as well as those dwelling on the outer fringes, she and Dusk become somewhat familiar faces.

As the Baron speaks of his plans for working with Tatzlford, she nods. "What's the likelyhood of him running into trouble on the way here? Should we send someone to accompany them?"

Knowledge Local (relative safety from Tatzlford to Thornholme) : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

When the mention of the notices arrives she considers for a bit before speaking up. "Either of those is a major concern. The swampers don't have much in the way of protection, and count on the occasional patrol for help. If there are actually undead in the bog, the longer it's left unchecked, the worse it's likely to get."

She frowns considering both options. "Though a hunting sabertooth is likely to end in a few deaths a week if we don't take care of that first."

I don't feel like subjecting anyone to NK's accent, today. Apologies!

Niadroub Kliip suggest that they should make meeting Loy Rezbin a priority. What was his intent in starting a town in an area so close to Kamelands and in an area that the party first made safe? Is he expecting protection? Now that Restov is withdrawing, will other settlers come to areas that the Kamelands may want to expand into?

Seems a good time to let the side stuff end since we are moving ahead.

Most of what was discussed was beyond Zelera's understanding. Standing armies, watch towers and walls, she was too used to how her family did things, set up trip lines and alarms and Eldest have mercy on the fool that crossed them if they meant any harm. The talk of dealing with closer threats was something she had more understanding of as well as opening communication with Kyonin.

"I think opening communication with Kyonin and trying to establish relations with them would be a very wise idea. I might even be able to help with that," Zelera said thoughtfully, "they may not be fey but they have a strong respect for nature and have better relations with fey than most do. The fact that your own nation is treating the fey with respect and has good relations with us may go a long way towards convincing them to open talks with us."

Shifting to focus on the more immediate threats Zelera said, "I think the undead are the most urgent to look into. Making sure they don't get a foothold in the area is very important."

"I agree with concerns about the bog mummies. Likely to be more than a rural farmer can handle if they are becoming active due to encroachment upon the boglands where they were interred," says Marten with a nod to Zelera. "Probably worth an expedition to investigate and settle that problem."

So I was looking at the town sheets for Barracks and didn't notice that you already had upgraded those to Garrisons. I do still think that city walls might be a somewhat inexpensive improvement, though!

Your concerns about what Loy Rezbin desires are quickly answered. Message from Loy Rezbin

I've been looking for a better overview map. It's hard to find but I shall keep trying. For now use the Stolen lands overview map up top. I've marked where your town, Tatzlford and a neighbors city are on it. If you want to add markers to it please do.

It is a good map. I'm searching for one by the maker that also shows Varnhold and surroundings so you have an overview of the whole area.

What now?

"Well I suppose that settles the question of requesting the Mayor come here. Leaving his town while there's the threat of an attack, definitely isn't happening." Vibenia says upon reading over the missive as it is passed around the table.

"My Lord," says Marten to Colwyn, "does this seem like it merits our personal attention? We could certainly use more information about this situation, as we don't know if it's as dire as reported, but if so, it might require a... military solution."

Ok. You've received a message that there is trouble massing to the west. The woman who bought the warning is in Tazlford. What are you doing? Besides Melianse that is. :)

You can send for this woman, or head there to see for yourself how truthful she is.

"If what this woman says has any merit to it, the time it would take to send for her, leaves Tazlford exposed longer. If we go there to investigate, I can run a scouting expedition to look for any signs of an invading army ammassing, while she's being questioned." Vibenia recommends.

Colwyn inhales and exhales deeply as he sits at his desk in the baronial mansion. His eyes carry heavy bags, and he looks quite sleep deprived. Clearly he is internally debating whether or not a trek westward would be less exhausting than staying home.

"Have the horses saddled and our bags packed," he finally says, his voice dry and cracking. "We ride westward. We'll meet this woman and see what merit her warning carries."

Question. Have you expanded your kingdom to have Tazlford within it? I can't find the map that shows the hexes you've claimed.

You ride through the awakening lands, Winter is almost gone and while the air is chill the lands are bursting with new growth. Even more encouraging are the numerous farms and other buildings you can see dotting the landscape. Your land is changing from a wilderness into a civilized country.

As soon as you arrive at Tazlford, you immediately gain the attention of everyone in town. Captain Coren Lawry, commander of the Tatzlford guard, meets you on the outskirts of town and quickly offers to escort you to the Tatzlford Lodge so you can meet Mayor Rezbin and speak with the young woman who’s brought them news of war.

Use the Tazlford map up top.

What are you doing now?

Tessara remains home for this trip; instead, this time Marten's joined by Yala Balemoon, a Kellid tribeswoman. This fierce, olive-complected and brown-haired outrider wears a fur-trimmed hide shirt and carries an odd selection of elixirs and powders from Numeria—products of the Starfall, which she mixes to create unusual effects.

Despite her fierce appearance, Yala is brusque but friendly, and she and Marten consult from time to time about the travel route of the journey. She seems more skilled than Marten in wilderness surivival and travel through rough terrain.

Marten waits for the Baron to announce his plans once the team meets with the local leadership of Tatzlford.

The link for our kingdom map is in my stat line, just click on Republic of the Kamelands.
We haven't claimed the Tazlford hex yet; we are two hexes away from them right now. We could roll one more kingdom turn, representing business we set into motion before departing, in order to extend our reach that far.

"Please show us the way to your lodge so we can hear this warning," Colwyn says to Mayor Rezbin. "It would be a delight if we could go one season without some crisis raising its ugly head, yet here we are. If there should truly be some army with designs on these lands, would you be willing to join our nation for a common defense?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Ok, got it thanks Colwyn. Tazlford is Hex 27 on that map. While not part of your Kingdom they did ask you if they could settle there. The intention clearly that they would become part of your Kingdom when you reached them.

As you travel through the small settlement Lawry points out the various features of Tazlford as you pass them with a touch of pride.

1. Able’s Inn:
Able Morkentian runs this cozy two-story inn. The building only features five rooms, but they’re clean and comfortable.

2. Gnori’s Gems: Gnori Berwekertan is Tatzlford’s only gnome resident. A gifted gemcutter.

3. Ironhand Smithy:
Kole Jhargee, a mountain of a man, provides for all of Tatzlford’s smithing needs. He and his family are from Brevoy, but he has little in the way of
kindness to say about his previous home.

4. River Run Alehouse:
Owned by Killough Margrom, proprietor of Tatzlford’s only tavern, this small brewery has already established a reputation for producing fine huckleberry mead and sweet ale.

5. Skunk River Bridge:
Built over the ford in the Skunk River where once a pair of tatzlwyrms laired, this wooden bridge is sturdy and safe.

6. Tatzlford General Store:
Karl Roschinder owns and runs Tatzlford’s general store. He keeps several chairs on his front porch for locals to gather at, and he often supplies
them with free lunches when the mood strikes him.

7. Tatzlford Library:
This building houses a sizable collection of important works focusing on history, literature, and mathematics. The library also functions as a school for Tatzlford’s 16 children—the teacher and librarian is a forlorn (but still generally quite pleasant and kindly) elven woman named Emraeli Emfaun.

Mayor Rezbin does his best to greet you in a manner befitting your status as the highest dignitaries to ever visit Tatzlford.
Short and unassuming, he's put on weight since retiring and seems ill-suited for the stress and rigors of governing a settlement.

Despite this, Rezbin comes across as likable, down-to-earth, and loyal. He has no hidden agenda, only a desire to do what’s right for those who put
their trust in him. He is accompanied by his wife Latricia Evanore, a woman who wears the same outfit every day: a practical gray tunic over a white blouse and green trousers, and a fur-lined cloak with a pair of knee-length boots for tracking about the forest and her farm.

After greeting you and welcoming you to Tazlford Mayor Rezbin gets down to business quickly. He's clearly concerned about the situation.

The woman who bought the warning is bought out, escorted by a pair of guards. Kisandra Numesti is dressed as a soldier, filthy from travel, and wide-eyed in nervous fear, she presents herself to you and is willing to answer any questions you have.

What do you want to know?

Vibenia is pleased to discover that another of Marten's companions, Yala, chooses to accompany them to Tatzleford, finding the company of the Kellid woman refreshing, her keen survivalist instincts, and her rugged nature a hint of a kindred spirit.

She takes in the humble, but clearly solid community of the town, listening quietly as introductions are made, and the studies the woman as she is brought out by the pair of guards.

Knowledge Local (do I recognize the uniform): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Niadroub Kliip is very impressed that Tatzlford has grown to the size it has in such a short amount of time. He still remembers clearly when he, Colwyn, and a few others ambushed the dragonkin in the river nearby.

He makes a point before he leaves the town to talk to Emraeli Emfaun, the librarian and teacher, discussing what he's tried to do for the kingdom's public education and to see if she has any suggestions.

When the soldier is brought out, he lets the others ask her questions, but he listens very carefully to her answers.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

@Vibenia. It looks familiar but you can't pinpoint it.

Once she deciphers what Niadroub is saying Emaraeli has a number of ideas regarding Public education. In fact she's very impressed that you plan to have some. :)

Once she deciphers what Niadroub is saying Emaraeli has a number of ideas regarding Public education. In fact she's very impressed that you plan to have some. :)

"The cheeldren oor our furture!"