Megan's Kingmaker PbP

Game Master Megan Robertson

To the others in the party when the kobold cave comes into sight, "We've been fortunate in our hunting. Shall we offer some of Erastil's bounty to our new allies, or do you think we need to keep it for the camp?"

Mikmek is aware of what they are up to, so she will not actively avoid including him in the conversation, but she won't make a point of including him, either.

"The kobolds themselves may want tah aid in tha gatherin of information on tha fort. Or Mikmek may wish to stay home."

"Not certain it may insult tha pride o tha kobolds for a gift of food, perhaps a tribute of coins. Tha blood o dragons runs within them."

The elf shrugs. "Dragons have to eat, too."

I don't think we would offend anyone by bringing an extra supply of meat especially if we are to partake and eat a meal with them. It would only be honorable to share the burden. Would you agrre Mikmek?

"Yes," says Mikmek. "Do you not recall the delight with which we sampled your bacon. Some of the smoked buck would be an unusual delicacy. As for me, do you want me to come along to see the Staglord's fort? I have never been down that way before."

That will be your decision Mikemk. You have heard us talk and know what we are up against. Know that once the fighting starts that you may be on your own. I will keep an eye out and help you as I may, but each one of us knows the price that we may have to pay to rid this land of the Staglord. If you can accept that price yourself then you are welcome to come along. Any aid that you could provide would be most beneficial as I am afraid we will be outnumbered. I do not request this of you as you are free to choose as you will. The agreement that the Wardens and the Sootscales have does not force you into helping us. The choice is yours.

Rhasadilara nods, "Your knowledge and skills will no doubt have value, but you must offer them freely. I suspect you are a talented scout, if you wish to be."

Calinder nods in agreement with Gorguk and Rhasadilara's words to Mikmek. He echos their statements by saying, "Yes, yes, your help would be welcome, but as Gorguk has said, the task will be dangerous, and you must make the choice to come for yourself."

"This may also be something that you will want to discuss with your chief and other tribal leaders. They may have need of you here at this time, or may have other reasons for you to choose one path or the other. Come with us or stay home and help your tribe. It is a choice that should not be made lightly. Fortunately we have some time, and you can think about your choice."

"For now be of light heart for you are home now, and you can tell your people about your adventures so far with the 'big people'"

"All right then," said Mikmek, "I'll come along. In the meantime..." he began leading the way towards the Sootscale caverns.

Greeting Chief Sootscales. I apologize for arriving unannouncedm but the Wardens have had a recent change of plans. We are going to start going on the offensive witht he Staglord and wanted to share the news with you directly. We hope to limit their numbers with hit and run tactics before we assault them directly. We are hoping that if trouble befalls us, that we may retreat to you for safety for us to recover. It is our hope that we will not need to retire so but are planning in case unforseen circumstances dictate otherwise.

Sootscales is delighted to see you all, and is quick to offer hospitality.

"Deal with them bandit-scum? Excellent idea! How can we help?" he says.

"Information is very precious to us, but first how fare tha Sootscales one an all?"

Barnabus's assessment of the situation is correct. We would wish you to help gather information on movements of bandits, shift rotations, habits, supply deliveries etc. The more we know the better we can plan and take out the Staglord. If you wish to join directly in the assault, that is your perogative but I am not asking that of you. We knew when we came here that this was inevitable. We would not drag you into this further unless you came willingly.

"Since you liberated us of that fraudulent shaman, we have been doing fine, thank you," said Chief Sootscales. "We have started to plant some crops, and will try to get a few goats... and a bacon-animal, if we can find one. We like bacon."

He offers you hospitality for the night, which it seems will include feasting and drinking and an axe-throwing competition.

They do not know much about the bandits, although they can confirm that their fort is on the lakeside. They don't usually range that far, and not since the bandits have been there - the bandits apparently view kobolds as 'vermin' and shoot them on sight. Bandit patrols come this way every moon or so, but it isn't an area that they seem interested in and they do not stay around long. The next one should come by in about a week.

Rhasa's long ears perk up. "They patrol in this area? Do they follow a common route? How many do they generally bring in their patrol?"

She looks at the paladin. "Any that do not return to the Staglord's fortress, by their choice or our actions, are bandits that we do not need to fight through a stockade wall later."

Rhasa will participate in the axe-throwing competition, if the visitors are allowed to do so.

Barnabus watches the throwing contests, offering comments and critques of the events.

"Not sure who won tha round, tis close as half a hair."

"Wait is drinking involved?"

I concur. You should prepare for their eventual arrival and deal with them. Lothar cast a thoughtful gaze at the wooden holy symbol he'd been holding and for a brief moment, an uncharacteristic darkness touched his features. I will do what I can to assist you, Gorguk, but we must learn what we can from them as well. The more we learn, the more successful our assault will be. That means we must take one alive to interrogate.

The magician looked back at his fellow Wardens, his face softening a bit. But we can discuss this on the morrow. Now is a time for celebration. For we are amongst friends that welcome us wholeheartedly with the gladdest of tidings. We should enjoy this moment, for I fear that it will be some time before we are able to do so again.

Lothar walked away, his footsteps taking him out of the Sootscale warren to a place where he could meditate alone.

"Aye when few remain I shalt attempt tah cause a slumber upon each o them, tha one who falls shalt be made prisoner, careful we must be since tha magical slumber ken be ended by tha other one if he be near at hand."

Gorguk will also participate in the axe throwing competition. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Unfortunately his throws are far off their mark. Well friends, you have taught me alesson today. I may be able to ride better than some, but you far exceed me in the arts of axe throwing. Congratulations all of you. I will try to find some pigs and bring them back as a prize to teh victor.

Megan, how much would 2 pigs cost?

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When Gorguk has a chance to convene with the Wardens, Mikmek and Chief Sootscales, Perhaps this is the best news that we could have received. If the patrol is numbered 5 or more we can replace the men and infiltrate the keep that way. Not only would this bypass their defenses, but it would limit their numbers prior to us assaulting them as well.

That would give us 5 days to gather information and come back here. We wait until the patrol arrives, capture and interrogate who we can. Laern the passcode into the keep. Arrive back at night so they can't see us that well. Give the code, enter and take them by surprise.

We would need a good ambush site along their patrol path. Perhaps Mikmek, Rhasa and Lothar can find such a site tomorrow?

Drinking is indeed involved in the axe-throwing contest, Barnabus... perhaps Gorguk should have thrown before drinking, though!

A small kobold with an odd bluish tinge to his scales wins the contest, throwing with deadly accuracy and an odd action, a bit like a baseball pitcher's windup. He's called Sidewinder, and apparently is regarded as a bit of a joke except when he has an axe to hand and a target in sight.

Pigs cost about 20gp a head, Gorguk. You think that one of Oleg's sows may be near farrowing, maybe you could get a couple of piglets a bit cheaper but they won't be ready to leave their mother for a couple of months.

As for the patrols, they don't show much interest in the area but just ride through. They number about 3-6, mounted and often with a pack animal or two. The kobolds tend to hunker down and stay out of sight until they've gone.

Rhasa congratulates Sidewinder and compliments him on his accuracy. If he's willing, she'll ask him to show her his technique with the axe. Largely making nice, but she's genuinely curious about his odd delivery.

"Is there a likely place where they are spread out or get separated? Or perhaps a campsite they tend to use?"

"Seems these guys would make fer fine archers, shame tah limit them tah thorwin axes...."

Barnabus throws a sly wink Rhasa's way.

An excellent show of skill good Sidewinder. I shall bring you and the Sootscale clan a couple of piglets if I can acquire them once this matter of the Staglord is finished. I hope that we all survive this affair as I would like to deliver them to you myself and congratulate you once again.

Rhasa gives Barnabus an uncomprehending look.

Calinder greets Chief Sootscale along with the other Wardens. He enjoys the feast, joining in a conversation here and there when he has information to offer. He then watches the axe throwing contest and cheers loudly for the coompetitors.

Afterwards he congratulates the winner saying, "Excellent show of skill Sidewinder."

Sidewinder shuffles from foot to foot, seeming quite embarassed by all the attention. He's happy to demonstrate his throwing action, saying that it 'just works' and he has no idea how he came up with it in the first place.

Mikmek has a fit of the giggles, and takes Rhasa' aside... "You see, Sidewinder is fine with targets, but he hasn't brought down a single game animal and he... he actually fled from combat! Half a dozen mites ganged up on him and he ran away."

"Then he needs to learn an over tha shoulder running away throw to be truely effective, mayhap he should consult Lothar for advice on such a complexity o body mechanics."

Rhasa nods in understanding. "It is very different when the target is shooting back. Six to one is not good odds if you are the one. Fleeing to fight again later is sometimes the wiser choice." She looks off in the distance, "My ancestors often prefer to skirmish - to hit and run, then hit the enemy again when it pursued. That tactic fit our skills and numbers better than a rush against a massed foe for a head-to-head battle, which would have doomed our people."

Returning to speak to the contest winner, she says, "Sidewinder, I don't know if you aspire to being a great warrior, but if you can teach your technique to your brothers, your contribution to the tribe will be great."

What are your thoughts about ambushing the patrol and taking their place? I would like you all to try and find holes in the idea so we can improve and make it better. I think it would work, but I value all of your imput and will listen to what you have to say. Lothar and Rhasa I would need you to find an area that is suitable to our ambush. Barnabus would be in charge of capturing or incapacitating them to question later. Cal would keep us alive. Where I fit I don't now outside of bait as I would be leery of asking any of you to take that responsiblity since it is my idea.

Sootscale offers "In the morning, I shall send Nakpik with you to show you the routes the bandits normally take around here. But now, we drink, and feast!"

"Aye as long as we do not incapacitate ourselves this night!"

"An invitation accepted." She raises a glass to the chief. "To a long and profitable relationship with the Sootscales. And to the end of the bandit threat."

Gorguk will raise his glass to the toast however, he will only sip and nurse his drink during the festivities. He does not want to seem like an improper guest, but now that he has committed himself on this trek towards the Staglord, he does not want to dull himself such as the drink would. He will talk and share and be cordial, but outright gaiety is abscent in his demeanor.

diplomacy to not be a jerk1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Most of the kobolds drink themselves insensible, and by about midnight all you can hear is snores as they sleep it off. Sidewinder is still awake, he apparently does not like alcohol (!) - yet another reason for the derision he receives from the other kobolds.

Two rather grumpy kobolds are also awake, they drew the short straws for guard duty and are stationed at the entrance to the caves.

The night is clear and chilly, stars twinkling above. An owl hoots in the distance.

Anyone doing anything in particular before morning?

Rhasa will spend some time visiting with Sidewinder, just small talk. She'll also ask if he had any thoughts on how to take on the bandits. Other than that, she's going to think on what sort of terrain and tactics might be best for the attack. In the end, rest is more important and she finally lays down for the night.

Outside the Sootscale warren, Lothar found that his mind was too busy to allow for a proper mediation. Sighing heavily, the magician turned his attention from the spiritual to the physical and engaged in a rather intense shadowboxing workout session. As he finished

Sloppy work there, boy. That's not like you at all.

Lothar turned to find an old man lounging lazily on a nearby rock, eying him critically even as he absently stroked his long white beard. Do I know you, sir?

The elderly man sat up, then hopped down from where he'd resting. After smoothing out the wrinkles in the white embroidered robe that he was wearing, he approached Lothar, arms folded behind his back. The two men were of equal height and similar build. Again, the old man gave the magician an appraising look. Should you? The old man's features became very thoughtful for a moment.

This gave Lothar pause. Something about this scenario did not seem right to the magician. The whole thing seemed very surreal.

The elderly man's expression became very serious as he raised a finger to his lips before craning out his neck out slightly as though listening for something. Hey now, boy. Tell me you can at least feel that?

Before Lothar could respond, something dark darted out over the magician's shoulder down toward the old man, who pushed Lothar aside with one hand while blocking it with contemptible ease using a wooden staff adorned with metal rings held in the other.

Lothar looked at what had attacked the old man. Stuck in the staff was the barbed telson, or sting, of a segmented tail, which led back to a man clad in black plated armor that towered over his foe.

Old Man! The newcomer's voice was more akin to the roar of a beast, unnatural and terrifying to hear.

Nice to see you too. The Old Man seemed to be nonplussed by the beast's sudden appearance.

He's not yours, Old Man.

The Old Man released his staff (where had the weapon come from?) and absently stroked his long white beard before assuming his previous stance, with his arms once again folded behind his back.

Not as yet, no. This was admitted with great reluctance on the Old Man's part.

The bestial face of the scorpion-tailed man twisted to reveal the glee that his rival's admission gave him. He's not yours, Old Man. He will never be yours.

The choice is his to make, Beast.

The dark creature hissed, its anger further emphasized by the lashing of its tail. No choice, no options.

Lothar seemed unsure, but he got the impression that they were talking about him. What was going on? What choice?

And now, Old Man, begone. The barb of the scorpion tail came at the Old Man once more, only this time he made no move to avoid it.

The magician moved to protect the elderly man, but it was as though he were moving through water trying to reach him. By the time he'd made it to the Old Man, the blow had been struck, the damage had been done.

Not much time left, I'm afraid. The venom does quick work. So I leave this with you: it is not enough to pray, boy; you've got to work for it as well. The work is the prayer. The Old Man's body jerked spasmodically as the vile toxin of the Beast did its work.

The work is the prayer

Lothar awoke from where he'd been sitting, the faces of two kobolds staring back at him with concern. From what he could tell, the celebration was over and he had dozed off in the middle of his meditation.

The magician rose stiffly from where he'd been, not sure what to make of the strange dream he'd just experienced. He dusted himself off, then rubbed his head thoughtfully.

The work is the prayer.

Why did that phrase seem so familiar to Lothar? Was it something that he had heard his master say before? What did it even mean? Perhaps the stress of the Wardens' endeavor was starting to get to the magician. Lothar shrugged. He could not afford to lose it now, not when they were about to take on the singlemost dire threat in the region. Gorguk, Rhasa and the others needed him now more than ever.

The work is the prayer.

Lothar would ponder the meaning at a later time.

My original post involved the use of Lothar's wooden holy symbol, which isn't the standard open blue hand that is commonly associated with the religion. Maybe I'll go into that with another post once we're done with this Staglord business.

Nice

Barnabus communes with his familiar "tortise" the green scorpion, considering the myriad of mysteries of the universe....

Once or twice Barnabus pauses and looks around even certain once he spied a bead of sweat upon Lothar's brow.

The scorpion swatted Barnabus with his tail to get him back upon business.....

To no one in particular Barnabus asks...."I wonder what they each dream?"

Later Barnabus dreamt of calm depths of waters and tempestous storms raging above. That was the duality of nature, either raging at the surface and calm in the depths or appearing beautiful but being deadly.

Gorguk will not do much as he will retire early so as to get enough sleep for the days ahead. He is with allies and sleeps secure in the knowledge that the Staglord's reign is coming to an end.

It is a clear, crisp morning as you awaken to the smell of bacon frying. Dyfrig brought extra when he heard you wanted to visit the Sootscales tribe, remembering the glee with which they fell on it before.

Who is going with a rather hung-over Nakpik to see where the bandit patrols pass through this area?

Rhasa will.

Lothar will as well.

also I

Gorguk with his amazing survival and wilderness scores will stay back and converse with Chief Sootscales to pass the time. He trusts those he is with to make the right decisions. Before they leave though, Gorguk will pull Lothar aside and ask him and Durok if it ok if Lothar takes him out riding for the day. As long as Lothar consents and Durok is requested then Gorguk will wish them speed and safety. Gorguk makes it a point to never command Durok unless absolutely needed by time constraints. It is this mutual respect that is part of the bond between the Paladin and his mount.

Don't know if Lothar has a horse already. Here is an option for you if you don't. If you do have a horse than don't worry about the offer. Gorguk will take Durok out riding during the day if Lothar does have his own horse.

Nakpik looks rather fragile this morning, but is willing to do his Chief's bidding and takes Rhasa', Barnabus and Lothar south to the river. Here he points out a track on the far side, saying that is used by the bandits.

He then excuses himself to be very sick in the bushes.

When he comes back, he says that if you are on a horse you can get across here but it's really too deep if you are kobold-sized. He points out the fording point to you.

Did we bring our horses? If so, Rhasa will help Nakpik into Sunset's saddle in front of her. If not, she will advocate returning to the warren to collect the horses.

"We need to see where they pass. I can hide our tracks, so they should be none the wiser from our investigations."

"I thought we meant to observe them in their passing, If we err over there we might be tempted tah attack."

Grins at Rhasa....

How wide is the creek?

They aren't supposed to be here for several days. We are scouting the area so we can choose where we want to be when they come through.

Rhasa doesn't seem to notice Barnabus' remarks.

With a critical eye, Lothar began to examine the area.

We can use this river to our advantage. If the bandit patrol has to cross it, then we should hit them here at the fording point as they do so. With Gorguk and myself coming from the front and and the rest hitting the back of the patrol while the bandits are in mid-stream, we should be able to sow enough confusion in their ranks to deal with them. But to execute this will require the utmost precision and timing.

"Very true, if they cross here. Nakpik, did you say they cross? Or do they just ride alongside the river as they go past?"