Megan's Kingmaker PbP

Game Master Megan Robertson

Jirani coughs and then offers a raised hand, If it were the case that you need another man of faith, an ally to aid in the challenges of the wild I think I would work well. I'm of a little known order but we are healers and warriors and if that is what you seek... Jirani offers a friendly smile and a shrug as though to say "I am what I am..."

Eyebrow raised, Rhasadilara says, "Quite the coincidence that we arrive together. Your 'little known order' - what does it revere? What do you feel about the restless dead?"

Seeing a couple of people at the table make a sign she interprets as warding off some sort of evil eye, she quickly adds, "Please forgive me. We should leave such talk until after we enjoy food and company."

Changing the subject, she asks, "How has the weather been of late around the trading post?"

"I too am a member o a little known hut o hags in tha swamps."

@Jirani
"I truth we do ave need o one who weilds a divine force suitable fer dealin wit tha restless dead."

Eyes the kitchen area....

"Indeed we should ave desserts first."

@Rhasha
"Tha weather, wha would yah like a sleet storm perhaps?"

"Oleg will take non too kindly tah yer wantin a storm when he will just ave tah fix tha roof o'er again."

Barnabus tries his best to keep a straight face......

"The weather here has been good of late, a few showers but nothing to disturb the rooftiles," said Oleg. Taking a big knife, he carved the roast boar and served all those who wanted it. Saji declined.

Sinon, after ensuring everyone had a full mug of ale, passed around plates of vegetables - peas, purple beans, moon radish mash, potatoes and carrots. Saji took plenty of those!

"One priest of Erastil has arrived, who says he has heard that there is a shrine hereabouts. He is old and partially-sighted, though, so possibly not really Guardian material," said Svetlana. "He is at the transit camp at the moment, ministering to the people there and awaiting an escort to the shrine. He says he'd like to see out his days there, but also that he would recruit an acolyte, to 'be his eyes' as he puts it."

Rhasadilara makes a motion as to plug Barnabus' mouth with a tuber, but relents. Maybe she was joking.

"We will talk more of this later, traveler. Let us discuss more pleasant topics." She eyes Barnabus, but she doesn't expect him to get even such an unsubtle hint.

"It would be an honor to provide the shrine with a new caretaker, but I'm not sure how he will recruit an acolyte once he is there. Or does he wish to remain here until his acolyte has been identified?"

At the comments about restless dead Jirani can feel his jaw grind and his neck tense So the rumors were true. I am indeed needed here.

As the conversation turns to the traveler Jirani regains his more positive demeanor, Does a srhine to Ol' Deadeye exist out this way? Tucked amidst the wild? That would make any worshiper of Erastil ecstatic I would think.

"I am certain a prop'r one might be found an takin a preist to a temple strengthens all within tha land an offers a beacon o hope for tha ill and wounded."

Barnabus seems to remember something suddenly....
"I should check tha settlers an tend any wounded, tha hex o healin has no limitation o number, tha limit is once to ah person, who would come wit me after we sup?"

Lothar also declined Oleg's offer of roast boar, but readily consumed the vegetables.

When he was done eating, he looked to Jirani and said, A shrine does indeed exist in the Greenbelt. Two of our group follow the ways of Old Deadeye and yes, they were excited at both its discovery and recovery.

He looked down at the mug, as though he were considering its contents with great care. When Lothar looked back up, a faint smile could be seen on his usually stern face. He rose from where he sat and lifted his cup, as if in preparation of giving a toast. A feast is made for laughter, and good drink will make it merry. Old friends shall not be forsaken, and new friends are as new wine; when it is old, it shall be quaffed with pleasure. To old friends, and the acquaintance of new ones.

Surprised to see Lothar make a toast and touched at what he says, Rhasadilara raises her mug and murmurs, "To friends old and new."

Jirani joins in the toast though much of its depth is lost on him. All the same he has the sense that this group has seen much and bled together in that way that only some rare souls due in triumph and adversity. As the moment passes the paladin leans in towards Barnabus, If you are off to administer to the sick or injured I would join you. Though my talents may not touch every person in a day like yours my healing touch is robust and I might be able to help...

"Truly tis a task I enjoy an ave tha talent for, likewise should I ever mentor another I would prefer one tha wants to learn tha mysteries fer tha good rather tha fer power."

"Yer welcome tah join me in tha healin."

I will. The paladin nods in conviction at the sentiment...

Barnabus goes among the settlers looking for any who have been wounded or injured, including farm animals...

@Jirani
"I do this to build trust in the kingdom and to let those who see the witchery o my craft is not all fer ill.....tha truth is it costs me little to apply tha hex in this way."

"an if needs be one day when ill comes tha people will believe also in tha words we speak, based upon our acts o service."

Lothar could feel his partner's shock at his words and as he took his place back at the table, the Vudrani couldn't suppress the large smile that touched his lips.

His feeling of joy, his unusually exultant nature, continued throughout the rest of the meal. Even his normal reluctance to engage in storytelling, in the regaling of the Wardens past deeds and exploits, was set aside for this night.

That night, Lothar enjoyed himself in a way that until recently, he'd never been able to before. And though the next day would see the return of his serious mien once again, that would come with the dawn.

Until then, Lothar allowed himself to celebrate the moment he found himself in.

With friends old and new.

The next day dawns clear and bright, developing into a glorious day.

Barnabas and Jirani visit the settlers' camp, finding few in need of major healing - they seem a pretty healthy bunch. There's a boy who fell out of a tree and broke his arm and a couple of fevers to deal with, little else.

The people there include farmers, a tanner, and several young men who are eager to find opportunities wherever they might come. One asks if any army or militia exists in your lands, most are seeking work from farmers or crafters. There is also a middle-aged lady who says that she makes carpets, and will be buying wool from the sheep farmers. The crafters intend to move to the new township, the farmers to spread out and find suitable land for their needs.

Lothar and Rhasadilara, what do you want to do this fine morning?

Lothar still has business with Saji that needs to be handled, but it's not that urgent. Other than that, he's pretty much down for whatever.

Saji is around - she's an early riser and was out doing stretching exercises as the sun came up.

Rhasadilara observes. If asked by any of the new settlers, she will answer truthfully to the best of her ability - warning the farmers of known conflicts and predators to prepare them, directing the aspiring military man to the town and Gorguk, directing the crafters to the town to meet their new customers and potentially set up shop.

Mostly, she just enjoys people peacefully going about their day.

Once the potential settlers have been given directions, a caravan forms of those who want to go to the town and settle there. Just as they are leaving, a newcomer arrives. A gnome, he's dressed in purple broadcloth with a big feather in his cap, and announces that he is a tailor by trade.

Rhasadilara leaves it to others to interview new potential settlers and instead moves among the caravan, assisting with cinching belts, checking loads, and giving directions to those that will be leading.

Content to mill about with Barnabas and providing healing as the caravan prepares to leave Jirani will aid Rhasadilara with her efforts and chat, Do you ride escorts for these caravans or are the troubles you mentioned contained elsewhere? You mentioned restless dead and we never talked more about that...

"We ave done both once we accompanied tha settlers to ensure a pregnant lady reached her destination an other times tha settlers err on thar own, yet we try an let Oleg in on where we might be in tha case fer trouble."

"this time it is we who err goin a seperate ways."

"We have, but others can fill that role now. We found a barrow that has been broken into - the dead within do not lie quietly. We must ascertain that it is not a threat to the settlers."

Jirani nods at the description, Undead are a threat. Period. Abominations that my Mistress deems unfit for the world. I would go with you to this place and see it cleansed, the bodies destroyed and any remnants of souls sent on to be judged by Her. The normally jovial man speaks with an edged conviction.

She nods in response, "Good." She returns to her tasks.

Jirani hears a woman's cry of alarm, but as he turns to see what the issue is, Rhasadilara sweeps up a small child into her arms before he has an accident with a horse or a wagon. She gazes at the boy, eyebrows raised slightly, and he stares at her for a long moment. She murmurs something to the child, and he reaches up to touch a high cheek as though pointing at her eye with its enormous iris. She nods to his question, then turns her head slightly so he can investigate her ear with its inhuman length and point.

Satisfied, he squirms to be let down, so she releases him and walks him to the appropriate wagon, waving as she moves away to the next settler's transport.

Catching the holy man's eye, she shrugs, hands slightly outstretched. "His first elf."

Jirani offers a nod as the smile starts to return to his face, I forget that some places are not as diverse as where I come from. Home was full of all manner of folk from across the continent and beyond. It was my family's trade to shuttle people and goods about the Patchwork City and beyond. Though I confess the city had far more half-elves than full elves. Jirani offers a shrug and continues to check straps, saddles, packs and luggage, Though it seems perhaps a great many types of folks mean to flock here. Gnomish tailors. Elven protectors. Another city of patchwork on the edge of the wild perhaps.

Nodding to himself and content in his work Jirani turns to Rhasadilara, It seems these folks are set or as close as they can be. I confess I become as restless as the dead you described when I know they are near. When might we leave to deal with that issue?

DM has a good giggle at the description of a youngling meeting his first elf!

Reminds me of a LARP event where we were sharing the site with some Boy Scouts. They were fascinated by the ears too :)

"Let us find the others. Perhaps we can ride with the settlers until our paths must part."

Is there other business for the party at Oleg's? I'm fine with proceeding back to the barrow.

Megan: I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I certainly don't have anything but I'm along for the ride at this point. A heat-seeking missile of anti-death... an undeath seeking missile? Probably not a lot of heat to track...Anyway, I'm good ;p

Lothar sat quietly within Oleg's, deliberating the barrow situation. The undead he had encountered there were dangerous enough on their own. But there was another factor that heightened the lethality they presented even more: the trap.

Having experienced it directly firsthand, he knew that should something like that occur on their return trip, it could prove to be the end of them all.

He visualized what occurred, replaying it over and over in his mind, hoping to gain even the slightest advantage to aid them in any way.

As he continued to mull things over, Lothar partitioned his thoughts to focus on another thing that concerned him: the one called Jirani.

The newcomer would be accompanying them back to the hillside barrow, where the Wardens would learn how skilled he truly is. Though they knew next to nothing about him, Lothar knew one thing for certain - the man had a indelible dislike of the soulless creatures. At last night's supper, he could almost hear the man's teeth grind at the mere mention of what they had encountered. The moment quickly passed, but had not gone unnoticed. Perhaps this mysterious order he belonged to specialized in eliminating the presence of the restless dead from this world. He, after all, did refer to himself as a man of faith. A priest, perhaps?

Lothar shook that thought away as quickly as he had formed it. This Jirani seemed to carry himself in a manner dramatically different from that of fellow Warden, Calinder, who, though a shepherd of Erastil, seemed more at home surrounded by books than out in the wild.

No, this Jirani carried himself in a manner similar to that of another Warden, their leader Gorguk. The half-orc, also a servant of Erastil, was a knight, a shining example of goodness in the world. Lothar didn't know for certain if the newcomer was a champion of faith like Gorguk, but one thing was clear: his claim of being a warrior and healer would be put to the test soon enough. And then they would see what this man was truly all about.

Sorry it took so long to post something. Hope this makes up for it. As for Lothar... well, he's just going over some things in his head in preparation of things to come. Looking forward to the impending battle at the hillside barrow.

Barnabus thought long and hard of his companions of them all Rhasha was the most mysterious, she held depths of quiet and still strength like the lake itself, how large a stone would it take to disrupt her calm and even so how quickly would the water return to rest.

Maybe it was no mystery at all, she was after all a she and....

"This barrow has been a trap luring men to death long enough, now we deal with it."

After rising from the table where he'd been sitting (mostly to get out from being underfoot of Svetlana as she went about her daily routine), Lothar made his way to where his mule was stabled and began a check on his gear. When he was done, the Vudran strode out to search for his companions.

The sooner they were off to deal with the barrow, the sooner they could get to dealing with other matters.

Alright, peoples... Wardens vs. The Barrow, round 2. Ding, ding! Let's get it on!

Are you heading straight to the Barrow?

As long as our path matches that of the new settlers, Rhasadilara is inclined to accompany them so she knows them better and gets an idea of their capabilities - and possibly how they handle adversity - but once the paths diverge, we wish them a safe journey and move toward the barrow without further delay. No need to rush, but nothing else more important at this time. That's just her opinion, though.

That's a fair compromise.

That all sounds good to me

Fourthed!

OK. The folk from the transit camp are busy making preparations while back at Oleg's Svetlana has made you a big breakfast to send you all off. There's porridge and pancakes, bacon, eggs, berries, cheese, fresh bread...

... and there's a knock at the gates, which Oleg hasn't opened yet.

Svetlana you have out-done yourself!...no offense to Dyfrig a cook unlike the wilder lands has ever known, but this is fit feed fer both man an beast alike."

He smiles and dips his spoon into the porridge....

At the gate of Oleg, Noriel; a young lady with sharp bone features and pure snow white hair at shoulder length with red ribbons weaved throughout her hair dressed in a black studded leather outfit which is very tight to her body, with an overcoat that drapes down from her shoulders to her knees matching her black leather appearance. Gently resting on her head and leaning to the left side revealing Noriel right side is a soft black hat with white stripes that would give you a sense of something you would find a lady on a showroom floor to wear. Noriel studded leather reveals her belly where a tiny red ruby is imbedded in a silver belly ring that is attached to her pale white skin, with her skin just shy of matching her hair, giving her a fair complexion, while upon close inspection you would notice that she has no pupils, and her eyes are midnight black. A very gothic since of feeling as four thin steel chains hang down from each of her slightly above average breast, attached to the studded leather and connect to spots in the back giving a rib like view. Noriel is holding a dark black umbrella to shield her from the sun rays; the umbrella has shinny silver tassels that hang from each of the eight points of the umbrella ridges. Noriel appearance seams a little unnerving though she holds the umbrella with a warm smile and a since of balance over her appearance and soft gestures. While standing 5’2, a bit shorter than majority of elves, her body seems extremely physical fit as if she could run for days and not break a sweat, weighing in at 107 lbs. Attached on her back is a large backpack that appears to be that of a traveler and almost blends in to Noriel’s outfit.

”This place, abandon?” She thinks for a moment to gather some idea of Oleg surroundings, considering the sound coming from such a well traveled trading post. ”Ahh it’s not abandon I here morning commotion.”

With a warm smile on her face, she approaches the gate house and without touching the gates of entry a few small pebbles from the ground lift up and pelt the door to simulate a knock. She stands patiently at the other side of the gate awaiting a response, announcing her presence.

”Hello, does anyone man these gates… or am I to open the doors and come in for business on my own?” Noriel says with a rather simple commanding tone, but even with her tone it seems gentle as if teasing the guards or gate keepers, her voice soft and seductive, almost echoing from her lips as if words were spoken from an angel.

Name is pronounced: (Nor-ri-el) but with one R. A bit short but I do hope you enjoy my intro

Having heard both the knock at the gates and the imperious tone of the newcomer, curiosity compelled Lothar to see what was going on.

What he saw when he got there and manned the wall was not quite what the Vudran had expected. His first impression was that this person was a Kuthite, a follower of Zon-Kuthon, the Prince of Pain. His followers tended to be comprised of sadists, masochists, and others with an appreciation of pain and loss.

A sigh escaped his lips.

State your business, Kuthite! What brings you here to this place?

Noriel noticed the voice from above and tilts the umbrella enough to catch gaze of Lothar, and a genuine smile crosses her lips as she sees but another man and in quite a position as to tower over her in such a power position.

”hmmf” A breath of air escapes Noriel lips as she hears the reference to the Kuthite.

”Evening, Handsome! I assure you I am no Kuthite, I merely wish for a place to find rest, food and adventuring. You my dear wouldn’t happen to allow a lonely lady to stand unprotected?”

Noriel quickly changes the subject back to Lothar, who apparently is a guard at the trading post. Noriel neglects to give her name to a random stranger she has just met; however her tone is gentle in nonetheless seductive as if she is trying to win him over.

”I do hope that these humans will let a lady in to relax” Noriel breaks view from Lothar just a moment as her thought clouds her mind for a moment, her Drow heritage breaking her thought that all races are beneath her.

”These people” Noriel reminds herself, trying to remember her human side is as much to play as the Drow blood within, a conflict that continues to haunt her every step, being raised by Drow has given Noriel a dark complex to overcome.

Upon hearing to commotion outside....

"How now is this tha Lothar is now tha welcome wagon?....a Kuthite?..this promises entertainment!"

Barnabus goes outside and takes in the newcomer .....

"Lothar yer supposed tah welcome a lady in fer tha day an learn bout whether err not she's up tah no good deeds."

Barnabus bows deeply...
"I am Barnabus, tha challengin one tough as the mountain stones is Lothar, I assure yah yer charms will werk more easily upon mah person!."

Bows again....

Looks at the sky and the ladies umbrella and back and forth a couple of times, but he adds no commentary....

Looks at the sky and the ladies umbrella and back and forth a couple of times, but he adds no commentary....

ROFLMAO

Lothar's serious expression hardened even as the top of his bald head and the tips of his ears grew heated.

In one breath, this woman both complimented his appearance and questioned his honor.

He was genuinely, momentarily, at a loss.

But the moment was a fleeting one. Lothar centered his thoughts and emotions before speaking once again. Which was good, given that the next Warden to arrive was Barnabus.

As my companion says, you speak to Lothar Mahasi Narda, traveler. And while I have every intention of allowing you to rest, such accomodation can easily be had outside this establishment rather than within. So I ask once more: why have you come to this place? Are you a straggler left behind by the settlers? Or perhaps you are an adventurer that comes seeking their fortune?

While I'm enjoying giving Noriel the "business," Lothar is legitimately concerned about allowing this stranger in. The safety of its inhabitants comes first, and until she can convince him she poses no threat, then she'll stay right there.

Noriel gaze now changes from Lothar to the new arrival dressed in what appears to be dark clothing similar to hers; although, not quite as extravagant. Noriel gaze sweet and innocent as she looks up and avoids the rising sun with umbrella shading her face. Noriel solid black eyes and overwhelming outfit catching the attention of yet another male, apparently one with less mental fatigue. Noriel ears perk up a bit as she catches word of the loud man’s voice “Barnabus” fussing the other man out who goes by “Lothar”.

”I am called Noriel." While all this is going on Noriel voice doesn’t change, her soft yet elegant tone, addressing Barnabus.

Noriel grows tired of this chauvinistic male “Lothar” who claims so much power standing above her on a gate keep.

“Typical of a male to think they have power over women." Noriel smirks at the thought.

”I believe I have already answered your first question, and as for your second question: No I am not a straggler!” Lastly though I don’t think your questions will stop at this, your third question! Who doesn’t seek fortune and opportunity?" Noriel tone changes just a bit, though it appears that with all her rage within she doesn’t let it slip, her voice faster more direct but still taunting, and teasingly.

Noriel position on the ground appears to grow more impatience as a good meal would fill her belly about now and the travel from one town to another is a bit of a walk without a stead to ride.

”Barnabus, Wouldn’t it be sweeter if this conversation took place over a table and a plate of hot food?” Noriel was more inclined to talk with Barnabus then Lothar as he adored her sweet seductive voice and was more willing to be of service.

Noriel lifted her other hand and covered her belly for a moment as though she was quenching the pain of starvation, her stomach rumbling a bit due to her last meal was mid day of yesterday. Noriel knew that if she was going to get into this gate she had to play to her strength or to their weakness.

Please don’t take anything she says offensive as a player; she was raised by Drow and its her childhood that bleeds through in character.

Oh, I don't mind.

His eyes narrowed to slits, Lothar merely stared at this Noriel.

If Barnabus gives you entry, then he will be the one to see to your needs. Otherwise, your presence here matters not save for how much trouble you cause. For your sake, you had better not cause any.

The Vudran looked to his companion, but otherwise made no move to leave.

Lothar is not exactly trusting. Ask Jirani...

"Ahh Lothar assumes yer here seekin victims tah sacrifice to tha dark gods..."

Looks deadly serious....

"What trouble err you? Where do yah hail from an whater yah about?"

” I can only assume that you have much trouble with travelers here to strain with such questions on a simple trading post!” Noriel battered down with so much intensity of questions that she is finding little leeway in the ability to enter.

”Perhaps, just a little information for them, enough to earn entrance” Noriel thinks to herself with questionable doubts.

”I have little trouble to offer, I seek balance when all is said and done. I hail from nowhere but from village to village in quest of something greater, that of which I have yet to find. Then there the matter of souls or victims to sacrifice, I have little interest in such endeavors. Though I have seen those who would do such horrors and would find that it suits me not, nor do I find the benefit of justice and law to be suited. It is best that balance be kept but to which side is a matter of what is right.”

Noriel words seem tainted and could be viewed in many different lights, though what she says is pure and truthful. Noriel tongue almost seems to whisper the words as if by an enchantress but no ill will was meant behind her words. Noriel stands there awaiting the response and of course the door to open, as time is now escaping her, and her stomach begins to rumble loud enough that even the guys among the tower could her stomach ache.

”As far as skill, I am lacking much an training but my arts on perception and healing are fair, and to discuss more should be under roof and not publicly expressed in open fields.” Noriel words seem faint as if she is growing tired of yelling or speaking loudly for the whole wide village to hear.

”Not much of privacy these two, they are very public with their affairs. Drow business is always behind closed door and yet these humans parade it so the world can see. ” Noriel thoughts are speaking loud in her head but her stomach roars on.

“Hungry, empty soul cannot harvest energy if weak” Noriel chuckles quietly to herself as though she is in her own thought, with her stamina she could probably go a few days without truly eating but to keep it up a good meal is always worth the time.

"Balance respected does naught to over reach, be welcome then and know tha greebelt is protected, we err tha guardians, we watch and ward this land."