Kings and Men - A Kingmaker Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Thron

Galendir shares the news with his wife of what happened but with no one else. They move forward preparing over the next few months preparing for the festival. The people are pleased with the thought of a festival and a political calm spreads improving the morale of the kingdom.

Was there any benefit to rolling a 20 for a check. I couldn't find anything but I thought I remembered there being a bonus of sorts. Anyone know? Just need my events and see if I need to retcon any turns.
Thanks.

Remember that during the winter months (Turns 8-10) there is no kingdom hex expansion or land development. Can only work on cities in that time. Weather and temperature making it problematic.

No bonus unfort!

Ah oops, I forgot about that. I will retcon it. It will save me some BP :)

Gov I didn't look at your other turns but you can only build one building a turn until we reach a size of 11. Turn 10 you have 2 buildings.

So Turn 8, Get back 4BP as not expansion or terrain improvements. End Turn 8 with 35BP

Turn 9: Consumption stays 8 instead of 7 and gain 4BP as no expansion or improvement so Net +3 End with 43BP

Turn 10: So Turn 10 would have 43+1BP at start from stability, Pay 8 consumption to go to 36, then 24 for theater going to 12 then gaining 21 so Treasury is 33BP at end of turn 10.

Looks as I had a simple math error looking back so retcon fixed all. :)

Ouch, I forgot that! Been building one for a long time as I haven't had the cash to do more, so this is a current error only. Thanks for the catch! DM Thron - just building the Park for now to counter the unrest and I'll end the turn with 28BP.

I actually am 1BP less so 32 as I didn't have 8roads in turn 9 so my economy was 1 less meaning 1 less BP that turn, didn't matter other turns. So if month 11 is the spring month and the month we are doing the festival should we do Month 11 as well and take out our BP donation. We were all doing 1BP right or more?

Here is my new kingdom sheetGM can you link it to the top. Thanks.

Galendir goes about the winter months enjoying time with his wife and people. He himself sees to there being ample supply of libations for the party enhancing water daily and barreling it. At the end of the four months he has 450 gallons ow meed, wine, and ale. It is not high quality but it is free and will get you drunk. He sends letters to Brevoy arranging food for the day and inviting any vendors that may wish to come.

Galendir will wright and work on a show/play that showcases the slaying of the Red Dragon under the Leadership of Her Majesty Flaith, she will be the hero of the day. The show will cap off the day and be held after feast for all to attend. The rest of the day he and the other bards will mingle and entertain the populace with story, song and dance.

For the masses:
An all you can eat and drink being served by our followers:
Menu consist: Dressed Spring Salad, A hearty beef, pork, root vegetable stew served with rice and bread, with mixed berry cobbler for desert.

For the Barons and visiting Nobility Feast
The Feast Menu will consist of:
First Remove: Breads and Cheese, with honey butter.
Second Remove: Spring Greens Salad dressed in a honey lemon dressing.
Third Remove: Roasted Boar, Duck, Rabbit, Chicken, Cow. With a medley of roasted root vegetables
Fourth Remove: Lemon curd and mixed berry tarts with a sweet honey whipped cream.

Dolgrin Loyalty: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Flaith Turn 10 25%: 1d100 ⇒ 26
Govannon Turn 10 25%: 1d100 ⇒ 85
Lucius Turn 10 75%: 1d100 ⇒ 12

In the week or so ahead of the festival, the festival grounds are starting to truly near completion. After a bit of worry, Dolgrin's fears are alleviated when word of a dwarven caravan approaches, barely arriving from the Five Kings Mountains in time to begin setting things up as they wish. The foodstuffs are being stored away and cataloged for proper and efficient distribution, and the buzz of excitement is palpable.

Dolgrin searches out Govannon early on and approaches him. Govannon can see that Dolgrin looks tired, and has clearly been busy for quite some time. Nevertheless, he approaches Govannon with a smile and signals to a beautiful elven girl to approach and hand him a long wooden box. "Mornin' lad! I got ye yer blade prepared! I 'ad ta guess on a couple o' tha finer details, but I 'ad a bit of stuff left o'er to be a bit creative in tha fancy bits!" he says as he hands it to you. "I dinnae believe ye've met me business partner?" he says as he gestures to her. She curtsies to you and says, "A pleasure to meet you, My Lord. My name is Lithandra Lilandria."

The scimitar itself is in a black leather scabard, with the wrapping around the hilt bound in red leather. Closer inspection reveals it to be the smaller scales left over from the red dragon the group had slain months prior. All the metal work is in Dolgrin's trademark dark grey steel. The pommel is fashioned like a dragon's claw, and clutches a red garnet the size of a child's toy ball. The blade itself, when removed from the sheath, gives off a faint red glow that goes along with the red accents Dolgrin worked into the piece.

"Nay tha' I wish any ill will ta anyone er anythin', but I 'ope it 'elps ye put an end ta any 'monthly problems' ye may be 'avin'. I 'ope my own gets ta 'ave a part in tha' as well," he mutters with a sly grin and wink as he pats the battleaxe at his hip. "It's nay enchanted yet, but I pulled me some funds ta spring fer somethin' a little special ta 'elp in tha' regard. Got me 'ands on some star metal! Adamantine ye may 'ave 'eard it called. Tempered and forged it down inta this beauty!" he says as he lifts it up to show it off. It is a hefty piece, the blade and shaft a deep black, and the edge honed down to a wicked sharpness.

As the days roll on, guests and messengers begin arriving. Firstly, word spreads that certain delegates will not be arriving. Most of the River Kingdoms appear to not be planning to attend, in anticipation for something known as "The Rushlight Tournament." The fey also send word back that they will not be attending. While they wish to continue to have good will, their messenger Perlivash claims "There be too many humies to be safe. Too risky."

No word is even returned from Numeria, Galt, Andoran, or Kyonin. Most of the Noble Houses of Brevoy do at the very least deign to send their apologies for being unable to attend, with each giving their own unique reasons for being unable to make an appearance. Your various diplomats inform each of you that this is likely due to the increasing political tensions between the houses, and their desire to focus on matters closer to home in the turbulent atmosphere there. However, there are plenty of commonfolk of various professions who have arrived in caravans to try and ply their wares and trades in this collection of city-states, and potential new River Kingdoms. Several people wearing wayfinders can also be seen from time to time milling through the crowd, but none attempt to approach any of you in any official capacity as Pathfinders.

Soon enough, however, caravans flying noble banners begin to arrive. Jamandi Aldori and Trine Fervourblade arrive in a shared caravan with Lord Ioseph Sellemius, Lord Mayor of Restov. A day later, a heavily guarded carriage flying the banner of House Surtova approaches. Rumors quickly spread that King Noleski himself has come for the festivities, but those are soon quenched when it is learned that it is, in fact, his sister Natala who has arrived. A group of riders arrive from the south flying banners of the Aldori Swordlords from Mivon as well, and this generates a small commotion when they set up purposely directly beside the camp of the Swordlords of Restov.

From the east, a small group of riders approach flying their own banners. Galendir is quick to recognize them as the flags of Dunsward, the land held by Baron Maegar Varn. In his company are a few associates, one of which is the same mage that brought his greetings months earlier, Cephal Lorentus.

The last group of carriages to arrive fly banners belonging to Baron Hannis Drelev of the Drelev Demesne. There are quite a few people riding along in his company as well, and they begin setting up their own camp a bit away from everyone else.

Eerily...there is no immediate sign of Karistran yet.

Let the RP-centric portion begin! Feel free to try and contact any of the delegates who have arrived, or one another to make discussions prior to engaging NPC's. Keep in mind, your cohorts are here as well.

No Medyved diplomats or people. Flaith would be sorely disappointed if no one shows up!
Festung will wait infront of the entrance to the fair grounds and greet every dignitary according to rank. Each one is offered a place in a huge tent, at a place on a long table set in square.

There are a few low ranking vassals to the Medvyeds present as part of Lady Surtova’s group. Perhaps asking them why none of the family higher ups are present could shed light as to the Brevish Nobility’s absence...

Flaith will do exactely that, but harbors that it is House Surtova, who will show little favor if one of the other noble houses dares to come to her kingdom!

A cursory report informs Flaith that there are a couple of bannermen in particular who normally serve House Medvyed with their forces that are here in the company of Surtova. Jasper of House Hoff, and Lucas of House Collinsworth. Both are small houses, and their soldiers usually number roughly a hundred men each if called into service.

Their influence is bolstered by a pair of key points. House Hoff has the most amicable relationship with the Fey in Gronzi Forest, which enables them a few boons, while House Hoff has the only logging company that is allowed to timber Gronzi Forest, by the grace of House Surtova.

Jasper is the third son of House Hoff, while Lucas is the eldest and heir to House Collinsworth.

Govannon spies Dolgrin and greets him warmly, even before he knows what he brings! ”You got my note! I wasn’t sure it made it before winter settled in.” he says almost dreamily, having waited months for this moment.

When the blade is presented, he thanks Lithandra Lilandria, almost absently - his eyes are fixed on a different beauty. He quickly apologizes however as he takes the scabbard, ”My lady, the blade’s beauty made me miss your own, but only for a moment. My apologies, but I’ve been without this proper tool a while now, and my backup,” he gestures to an old sword in an older scabbard at his side, ”…was once a practice blade of mine. Not quite fit for service you understand. Why it’s not even of any quality!”

He bows slightly to her, and returns his attention to the work of art that Dolgrin hath made. ”Truly your craftsmanship is impressive master dwarf. I shall cherish this blade, and do my best not to lose it as I did my last!” he adds with a wink and a bow to his fellow baron. He takes the blade and straps it to his side in the favored position, sliding his older blade to the other hip.

Feeling somewhat taller somehow, he makes his way to greet the visiting dignitaries. I suspect most of his time in the early days will be spent ensuring the tournament is ready to begin on Flaiths order (presumably at some opening ceremony), but he takes some time out to meet with some folks directly when he can.

He starts by stopping at the camp of the Swordlords of Restov. He honors them by visiting them first, and spends some time helping them setup and settle in from their long journey. He’ll chat idly with a few of them, so long as he is not in the way or causing a hassle.

Flaith will in earnest work her way through the visiting dignitarys, giving Natalya a place of honor on her right, and Jamandi Aldori, Trine Fervourblade and Ioseph Sellemius to her left.
She will work very hard to get on good terms with booth sides. She will also cast Heroism on herself to improve her abilities, excusing herself to do and feigning she has to use the powder room.

Dolgrin smiles at the attention paid to his craftsmanship, but smirks and runs a hand through his braided beard when Lithandra blushes at the attention Govannon gives her.”You are too kind, My Lord,” she says demurely.

Dolgrin claps Govannon on the back once before saying ”Now then, point me in tha right direction fer a good bed ta claim fer this shindig! Ain’t been gettin’ much sleep lately,” he grumbles.

Flaith’s mingles about with the guests and makes pleasantries, some better received than others. Lord Collinsworth in particular is a bit more chilly than you would have expected. He looks at you with an arched eyebrow, bowing politely before replying, ”I would wager they are fine, My Lady. Perhaps doing better than most.”

Lord Hoff, meanwhile, extends a somewhat warmer greeting. He bows and kisses your hand politely. ”Lady Aredhel! A pleasure to see you! It’s been a long time. You probably don’t recall, but we met once before when my family visited your castle when I was a child. You were just a toddler, though. I was maybe five or six...but I lose track. I’m glad to hear you have been interacting positively with the Fey-folk. They can be strange, a bit mischievous at times, but if you maintain a playful spirit they can maintain a friendship with you, mostly.”

The Mivon Swordlords surround themselves with an air of confidence and regality, despite being a smaller nation as well, compared to the guests from Brevoy at least. Mivon still dwarfs the baronies of the Stolen Lands. Nevertheless, they are eager to go on a grand diatribe of their nation and its glory with you. (You can basically read about it on the Wikipedia entry for it. They are proud of their progress and like to brag.)

Note: Baron Drelev is not a Swordlord. He is the founder of the city-state to your west. But I think this spoiler heading was a result of a formatting error and not confusion. But just wanted to post this to make sure it was clear to all.

Baron Drelev looks at you with a smug look, but smiles wryly. ”Yes, yes I do, My Lady,” his eye wanders to a beautiful woman who passes by that arrives in his caravan, but he continues talking, ”What is there to tell? Unlike the others, we were sent to deal with real threats. Not meager bandits in rolling hills. We folks of Glenebon have been dealing with marauding barbarians, swamp beasts, and the unforgiving Hooktongue. With little to no support, might I add, from Restov, who was busy playing babysitter to...other projects. Nevertheless, we have prospered where no one else could. But if you’ll excuse me, I need to find suitable lodgings for my House in this...village.”

Baron Varn greets you far more casually than your respective stations would dictate. ”Miss Flaith! Indeed a pleasure!” he says as he stands quietly and lets Baron Drelev go on his rant. When he excuses himself, Maegar rolls his eyes and says ”Ignore him. He’s just bitter over having had two keeps sink into the swamp due to his own shoddy engineers. Come, by all means, let us talk!”

Lady Aldori pulls you aside to speak privately. ”No, you do fine here! But I would warn you. Do not hold yourself in too high of regard in these dealings. Despite what internal politics you may have developed with your other barons, overall your holdings are among the smallest of those gathered here. It would be treacherously easy to offend someone, and given the political climate currently...that could prove fatal.”

“Queen” Natala smiles at you as you approach. ”Ah, the young Medvyed. All grown up and claiming her own name. My brother had more important matters in Brevoy to attend. Something about a stag in the Gronzi he had heard about. At any rate, I had grown bored with the petty politicking at home and decided it would be fun to see Jamandi’s little pet project here in the south. An interesting ploy, but not very clever. Which is typical for an Aldori plot. Regardless, having some sensible neighbors would be a blessing.”

She arches an eyebrow at your question in the harvest. ”House Surtova always insures adequate stores for the nation. We are quite capable.” (Having grown up a Brevish Noble, you can look at the Wikipedia entry for House Surtova and just know what they tend to deal in economically.)

Flaith will listen to all the lovely barter Flaith can she inwardly smile. After the last encounter with the dragon in the fall, all the bickering is just meaningless. That beast had shown her true power and the experience made her much more relaxed. So she just smiled and nodded.
I am but a queen for less a year, I have no army, no real bannermen and nothing but one city. Natalya is correct!
She replies to Natalyas words.
"I will just take care that my people are content, have enough to eat, and a safe place to sleep. I hope you will forgive us our provinciality."

When Govannon has finished aiding the Swordlords of Restov, he visits their neighbors, the Mivon Swordlords. He spends some time getting to know them better. (Presumably learning the above as well?)

He lingers longer however, if it's not rude, and tries to share a story or two. These are his neighbors, and so he tries to be neighborly and friendly. He wants his southern border to be secure and safe.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

That result for a Gather Information Check will get you that info, yes.

When Govannon goes to speak with the representatives from Mivon, Lithandra approaches him as well. ”Would you mind some company? The people of Mivon are somewhat close to Lord Dolgrin’s lands as well, and it might be wise for him to have some information on them as well.”

Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Govannon: Sense Motive against DC 20 please.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23Lucius first consults with his advisers. Between his own research, and the knowledge of the Kaba sisters (N'goyo, the sorceress councilor, and Noumoussa the spymaster) he hopes to figure out which guests would be ...most appropriate for his entourage to visit, and equally importantly, which groups he should most avoid if he doesn't want to cause a scene. If.

Galendir will find and great Lord Trine with delight.

"It has been some time. I hope you can introduce me to the other Swordlords. I hope maybe to get a chance to do some sparring but I am in charge of food and entertainment. Speaking of such come let us find some mead and have a drink. I would very much like to great Mayor Varn again as well and make sure he is being treated well."

If Trine agrees they go off to find a drink and then look for Mayor Varn to make sure he too is being taken care of.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

"Sure, I'd be pleased if you'd join me. Come, let us see what our southern neighbors consider hospitality!" he grins at having a beautiful woman on his arm, and strides briskly toward the Mivonians.

After a lot more bantering Flaith will approach the Hoffs.
"My good friend, please join me and raise a glass in honor of the glades and forests of my ancestral home. If you return home, I have a special favor to ask. Please bring this letter to my parents. I just ask for a sapling from my favorite tree!"

Lucius:

Your advisors inform you that the most...receptive...delegates to your special interests are mostly the wealthier traveling merchants who have arrived, as well as some Pathfinders. However, it would be noted that the beautiful woman that arrived in Baron Drelev's caravan spends a fair amount of time "window shopping" your various contributions. Also from Drelev's entourage, a priestess of Calistria casually takes part as well.

Galendir:

Lord Trine is polite with you and greets you warmly. "Yes, it has Lord d'Arden. There will be time, certainly, for socializing with the true Swordlords. And Baron Varn has been curious as to your well being as well. Perhaps we can share a drink shortly, once everyone is settled in?"

Flaith:

Lord Hoff smiles and procures a chalice of wine to join you in your private toast. He takes the letter and nods, handing it to one of his footmen, "It shall be done, Your Grace."

Govannon:

Lithandra casually takes your arm with a smile, walking with you and joining in on the discussions with the Mivoni Swordlords. She is polite and charming, though it becomes clear that her biggest asset to diplomatic endeavors is her elven beauty, which she casually employs with ease and tact.

Between conversations with the delegates from the south, she turns her amber eyes to you and asks "So, Lord Gittins, Dolgrin has said you are a...how did he put it, 'entertaining fellow,' I believe. And I do have to say I've enjoyed your company as well. But I know so little about you..." she asks with a blush.

Lucius makes a mental note to spend time with the merchants and Pathfinders later for some actual networking. As for now, he aims his delegation at Baron Drelev and company. "That woman ...you know the one, of course, Baron Lucius. She's drawn to some of our projects here. She seems a good start," Noumoussa tells the baron. Along with her sister and High Priestess Hernande, and with the stoic Itto Daigoro silently keeping them all safe, they head towards Drelev. It's an odd sight to newcomers or those who haven't spent time in Carnivalia: a purple-and-lace clad Baron flanked by two tall Mwangi women with piercing eyes; a sexily-glamorous Priestess of Arshea, and a Tian man in simple robes and attire.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28"Ah, Baron Drelev! We meet at last! I am Baron Lucius Pence of Carnivalia. I bring with me the beautiful and wise Kaba sisters, Noumoussa and N'yongo; High Priestess Ivelisse Hernande; and the Tian-Min hunk behind us is Itto Daigoro. We bid thee all welcome!"

"Very good, Well I do have to make sure food and entertainment are being provided. I will catch up with you later my friend."

Galendir does his best along with his followers to be the constant host making sure all are having a good time keeping the drinks, food and entertainment a flowing.

He smiles a the woman takes an interest in him. At first it doesn’t register - as Baron, many people seemed to take an interest in him lately. Everyone always wanted something and this young lass, though in truth she’s likely older than he by generations, was just another who wanted. This time it was stories of his past.

But, in part as she is a very beautiful woman, and in part as Govannon is extremely polite, he shared. In the telling though, he found himself talking more than he means to, and exposing secrets of a sort. Or at least things he generally didn’t talk about publicly. In between meetings with various nobles and his other responsibilities, he speaks of his families past, brushes with war profiteering on the part of his grandparents, being raised by the same, and his relationship with an old magus named Morris - his tutor.

He finds, by the end of the first day, he’s crossing over some of the same ground, but delving deeper. He doesn’t just talk about Morris as an ally and mentor for example, but as a deeply personal friend, and someone who really set him on the path he’s on now. After all, it was Morris who suggested that he try for a Barony in the first place, and introduced him to his right hand man, Rusty.

He doesn’t speak of his noble blood however, such as it is. Some things are yet too personal.

As the day ends, he realizes he knows little of his companion, having done much of the talking. He’s surprised, and chastises himself, as well as offers an apology, ”My dear Lithandra, I’m afraid I’ve very nearly talked your ear quite off today. I thank you for the company, it has been most pleasurable and a helpful break between meetings. Perhaps, if Dolgrin doesn’t require your services, you can join me again tomorrow, and regale me with stories of your history. I’m sure they’re more interesting, and more lengthy, than my own.” he chuckles deferentially.

Lucius:

Baron Drelev looks at you as you approach and call out. He turns to the large man beside him and mutters something quietly, then turns back and says ”Greetings. It would seem you lords of the Kamelands have no concept of tact. Descending on guests the moment they arrive,” he says with a sigh. ”Nevertheless, thank you for the hospitality,” he adds in an emotionless response.

Galendir:

Things are going well on the food front. The various stands are well stocked, and once fully up and running for the weekend’s festivities should provide plenty of food at reasonable coin for all who attend.

Moreover, the meal preparations for the noble’s welcome feast this evening are going well also. (Feel drew to detail the menu for the affair!)

Govannon:

She blushes and takes a sip of wine from her chalice. ”What would you like to know, My Lord?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30"Aye, you'll not find many that would pledge for my tact, for my tongue is skilled but infested with the Imp of the Perverse. When I saw you and your delegation arrive, I felt, finally, to have found a kindred spirit. Too many would-be-lords think with only one head, the martial one. But kingdoms need culture to survive! Developing culture in such ...rural and remote areas is perhaps as hard as besting invading monsters. All of this is to say, yes, we have descended upon you without hesitation; know, however, that in doing so I saved my lord of being so accosted by my fellow barons, who know as much about beauty as I know of tact."
sense motive how are the women reacting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

So this is a welcome feast, so I assume there is a feast each night then for the nobles?

The First night feast:
First Remove: Breads and Cheese with honey butter. (This is will be served with all the feast and always be supplied to the tables)

Second Remove: Steamed Pork Dumplings with a beef & barley stew.

Third Remove: Roast Duck

Fourth Remove: baked thin dough layered with honey and nuts (Baklava)

I'm off tomorrow going out of town for the weekend. Won't post again until monday after today.

Lucius:

”Huh, perhaps would be lords are so limited. I, however, am a Lord by right, not by some decree of an upstart ambitious Swordlord. One who makes promises and fails to meet their end of an arrangement. So I am not limited to the baser mentality of the...common masses,” Baron Drelev says condescendingly, ”And your definition of culture leaves much to be desired.”

’Lord Drelev,” a song like voice with a Galtan accent calls out behind you, and the lovely lady dressed in purple approaches, ”I must thank you again for inviting me to accompany you to this festival. It looks like it shall be an entertaining distraction!”

Drelev bows to her and smiles, ”My pleasure, Lady Maray. Let me know if there is anything you need to make our visit here more comfortable. I know this backwater isn’t as comfortable as Fort Drelev.”

She giggles before turning to appraise you and your entourage, before asking ”My pardons, but I believe we have not been introduced...”

Knowing a boor when he meets one, Lucius turns to the voice behind him and takes the woman in. diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
"And though I have suffered, as all men must, I only now know how much I have suffered without said introduction, my Lady. I am Lucius Pence, Baron of Carnivalia, a ...backwater similar to this place but with better clothes and haircuts, at the very least. These are my advisors, N'goyo and Noumoussa Kaba; Carnivalia's High Priestess Ivelisse Hernande; and of course my Kogi Kaishakunin Itto Daigoro, the Implacable Demon Blade of Tian-Min. I speak for all of us when I say our lives are greatly benefited by your attendance. I notice some of our ...attractions have caught your attention."

”Well, Lithandra, my ignorance is profound, so anything really.” Govannon grins. ”Perhaps we could start with where you are from? How did you meet Dolgrin and how did you come to be in his service?”

He walks the pair toward the tournament fields, wanting to check on the preparations there one more time, though he’s done so a few times a day since arriving here out of a sort of panic that something will go horribly wrong. When they arrive he looks for Rusty, his faithful companion and counselor.

Flaith looks Sir Hoff deep in the eyes.
"Please I haven´t heard much from home. Why is no one from my family here?!
GI: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

Lucius:

She blushes, offering a hand to Lucius in greeting. "Not that they caught my attention, My Lord. I was just curious at some of the various vendors getting set up. Some are quite, unique. I am Lady Quintessa Maray of Galt. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Flaith:

Lord Hoff looks around for anyone who may be listening in, then steps aside with Lady Aredhel. "I cannot say for certain, Your Grace. Our House is a small one with little lands or influence in the Great Game. However, tensions are growing in Brevoy between the Issians and Rostlanders. There are mutterings of civil war, and Houses are being traded and bartered like common trade goods as the battle lines are being drawn. That is why we are here with Queen Surtova. Your former patriarch, Lord Gurev, after decades of loyalty...he had us swear allegiance to House Surtova. We are their bannermen now..."

Govannon:

Lithandra takes a sip from her chalice. "I am originally from Kyonin. We left there for reasons my parents never told, bound for Absalom. A few days out of port, we were attacked by pirates, and I was the only survivor. A merchant lord found me floating on a barrel and saved me, and I spent the next few decades working for him in thanks. He eventually encouraged me to train as a wizard under a customer of his who practiced in the art of transmutation. That was about a hundred years ago," she says as her eyes sort of glaze over as she discusses things long passed.

"I got by selling various scrolls and reagents to wizards looking for a deal, which was plenty in Absalom. Eventually, a young dwarf came to my small shop and made some peculiar requests and asked if there was anyone who could help him learn the fate of his deceased brother. It...it pulled at my heart, and I agreed to try and help him. Since then, we have sort of became business partners. Both of us are skilled in enchanting items with magic, though I far less so than he. He's...he's something like a father to me, as strange as it sounds, an elf looking at a dwarf as a father figure. But I was so young when my parents were murdered on that ship, and I have spent more time with him than I can even remember of my parents."

She sighs and looks down at her cup, spinning the red wine around in her glass. "It's wish I could help him more now."

"I'm sorry to hear about your parents. I lost mine as well when I was young, and they were tough years I admit. My father fell ill with some disease or other which was common at the time. I'm afraid I was too young to really understand it. Well, mom cared for him, as she would you see, and she caught it too."

"When she first became ill, she sent me away to live with my grandparents straight away. Never saw either of them die, just a pair of graves among many in that town that year. My grandparents though took me in without a moments hesitation. They're quite impressive people in their own rights. Or were, they're a bit old in human terms you see, and not quite as spry as they once were."

He walks on a bit in thought, "It must be tough living so long. I mean, I get bored when winter lasts overlong. I can't imagine the patience it must take to live hundreds of years. I'm impressed!"

"Yes, Dolgrin is an excellent fellow. Though I'm having a hard time thinking of him as a father!" he laughs. "In all seriousness, I'm sure you help him more than you realize. I shouldn't worry too much. I'm sure you do all you can already." he smiles.

"So what sorts of things do you like to craft? I work with wood myself - no where near as refined or difficult as magic. I enjoy seeing a new building go up. All that work, raising something into the sky. It's beautiful. But I do like little carvings as well, with whatever scraps of wood happened to be lying around. Just grab something and see what's inside, you know?"

"But what's your favorite thing to work on?"

”To be honest, I enjoy working alongside Dolgrin in the forge quite a bit. It’s an interesting process, and I get to add a bit of artistic flair to his special orders,” she replies, honest excitement in her eyes.

"That's very cool. If it's not betraying any confidences, what's the last thing you worked on together?"

She blushes and gestures with her head towards your sword.

Flaith looks down in sorrow."Men and Loyalities can not just be bartered. I am deeply troubled to hear this. It is worse, much worse than I thought. I would offer to give you a home here, but you are a man of honor and I will not stain it."
She shrugs and smiles a sad smile and a nod. And this gesture says it all.
If you need to go, if you need to flee, here is a new place for you to live!

Flaith then will move on to Lord Varn and starts a discussion with him, questioning him on his challenges and experiences to overcome them, knowing just too well that a wise women tries to learn from the problems of others.
Diplo: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

Govannon laughs, "Of course! And now you want to complete the process, by meeting the man who wields the blade?"

He chuckles and continues getting to know the fairly quiet elf, chatting on. "I'm quite looking forward to the festivities this week. Lady Flaith is really getting us all to put on a show for this celebration. I really hope it becomes an annual affair - these are fun. We get to meet such interesting people!" he looks earnestly at Lithandra.