Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

Serena smiles, slightly embarrassed by her error. "Well, mutton and beer it is, then."

Durgan takes in the sounds and smells of the tavern. "Ah, it is good to be here."

He walks up to reception. "Greetings. I am Durgan Far-Walker. The blessings of Abadar upon you. My companions and I seek rooms for the night.
Do you happen to have any over-sized beds? As you can see, several of them are on the taller side. If not, they will manage. We would like two double rooms and one single room."
He counts out eight gold coins.

"And we will have our supper in the tavern."
Durgan isn't sure whether or not Zokon and Alia are sharing a room, but figures that can be determined later, after supper. Roast mutton and beer for him.

The old dwarf behind the counter inspects the group through his glasses. "Hmm. Maybe. If they lay diagonal." He makes some quick calculations on a slide rule.

"Though I don't know about that one." He says pointing to Erevenywg who stands outside the door, her head completely obscured by the lintel.

"...?"

Down in the taproom the party finds a raucous crowd of dwarves who all go unnervingly silent the moment the first non-dwarf sticks their head in under the door frame. Everyone inside seems to turn and look. The only thing moving is pipe smoke. The only sound, a cricket chirping in some forgotten corner.

"Perhaps she'll curl up, or lay some blankets on the floor. We'll make it work."

Forgot about Erevenywg, so I guess three double rooms.

Durgan leads the party to a table, sits down, waves the barmaid over, and orders a round of beers for the party. He nods to the other dwarves in the taproom and offers brief greetings to those he passes.

Otherwise, he acts like this is no big deal.

"Oh Erevenywg and I can share a room; we'll just put the beds in a line and put our head at one end, trying not to kick too much. That'll be fine right?" the Skald pops out to confirm with the fey. And realizes that there does not seem to be a simple english word for this type of sleeping arrangements (head to toe? Maybe? Or are english speakers blessed with such an abundance of beds that they never have to worry about this :P?)

---

"Ahh!" Illthir sighs as they sit down. While the chairs weren't exactly her height she didn't have to worry about bumping her head. Plus now she had an excuse to just lean back a bit and stretch her legs! "Cider for me please. I've heard it's supposed to be a delight."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35 To see *how* unnervingly silent things are :P

The skald looks around in the surprisingly quiet tavern, trying to gauge the crowd. Hmm. It was *only* dwarves so far. Having mostly visited human dominated tows even the ethnic establishments were usually more cosmopolitan. Maybe ... Maybe a joke to lighten the mood?

Durgan gets some gruff grunts, nods and darkly muttered replies that sound a bit like greetings if one were being greeted to the infernal wastes of Avernus, as he passes through to an open table.

As the party takes their seats and Illthir "half-elf spreads" over the benches, the dwarves already in attendance return to their conversations and eventually a few loud drunks begin singing again.

The server, a middle-aged dwarf woman with white streaks in her hair and a 5 O'clock shadow, named Silver, who calls everyone darling or honey comes to collect everyone's order. She is professionally friendly, and all smiles, but none of those smiles seem to reach her eyes.

So what's the plan? Does the party want to see if someone can borrow a forge for a day or two to make/upgrade some items? Wander about the town? Get moving the next morning? You make the call!

See if we take fatigue penalties from improperly sized beds :P

"Huh. Atmosphere seems crap and it's not *just* our fault." The skald notes and readies herself for some good food.

"I'd like the Stewed Pork and Cheese please. Thank you." she rubs her hands together as Silver passes by.

"Oooh cider, excellent, i'll have the pork and cider thanks." he hands over his money and sits at the table

He checks out the crowd as he sits with his back tot he least likely group to cause trouble behind him

Sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

In a low tone trying not to allow it to carry

"These people seem unusually on edge, more-so than having a bunch of strangers in their midst would elicit."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

He makes it if the observations from Illthir and Zokon count as Aid Another, or he can just take their word for it.

Durgan replies to Illthir and Zokon, "Perhaps I can subtly ask Silver what seems to be the issue and if there is anything we can do to help. It would be appropriate for me to ask about the state of commerce in the town. Unless you all want to mind our own business and be on our way."

He makes it if the observations from Illthir and Zokon count as Aid Another, or he can just take their word for it.

That's fine. I'd probably given Durgan a circumstance bonus had I thought about it. And don't forget about Taking 10!

**KONK!** "OW! &^#%$#@ $#@& #$*&@%!" curses Erevenywg in fluent dwarven. The dwarves at the next table nod in approval, though one old-timer blushes beneath his beard.

"Careful with your head!" Illthir warns the fairy again - now that it is far too late to help. Ouch. "Here, sit down and it'll be safe for a while. Are you hungry? I can read the menu if you want." I'm not sure if she can read - or if the menu is even written. But eh felt nice :P

"Yes. It might be easiest for you Durgan to ask. A bit less like nosy outsiders and more divine grace ..." Illthir whispers back to the cleric. While she certainly was a nosy it sometimes paid to not show that too quickly.

Zokon replies with subtlety I don't know how to do tiny letters "Aye, we need the info what we are doing is important and involves Brunderton in the future, especially for you i'd think Durgan."

Quick Reminder: Brunderton is a place that you can catch a boat from to take down the River to Forest's Edge, and from there into the Gronzi Forest and North.

After supper, Durgan will approach Silver.
He will give a generous but honest appraisal of the meal, the drinks, and the hospitality.
"Silver, I would like to offer the blessings of Abadar to the merchants of the city. Any who wish to can have me bless their ventures, and take a look at their books if needed.
Abadar wishes that honest commerce should prosper. So I ask, in the name of the Master of the First Vault, how is business in Brunderton?"

Silver's smile fades for a moment when Durgan mentions looking at the books, and not complimenting her on her hair, but the moment passes quickly.

Upon careful reflection of the tip she was left by the party, Silver says "Business is good. We're getting ready for the thaw, when the real trade season begins. If you are looking to bless someone I would head down to the river."

The Stetven River has a tributary downhill from the town, where one can find a small hamlet's worth of warehouses, beside a dock rung round a river-adjacent pond. The river weaves its way northward around the mountains and through the hills up to the main river which flows past the capital, New Stetven.

"We should probably head tot he docks where we can book passage on a ship/boat to take us down rover to Forest's Edge."

"If you don't mind spending a few days here, we could try to rent space at a forge for Alia to work on weapons and armor. Not sure when we'd have the chance again, and those enchantments could be useful sooner rather than later.
As well, I could continue talking to the locals and trying to ascertain what, if anything, is the matter in Brunderton."

Really okay with staying here or moving on.

"I don't mind staying a day or two. We should go down and see whenever we can get passage first though." Illthir adds between the bits of cheese she was munching.

Serena takes a bite of her mutton. It is slightly overdone for her tastes, but she accepts it without complaint. "I agree that it might be nice to stay for a day or two and accept the hospitality of our hosts, but in Osirion they have a saying, 'Guests are like fresh fish. After three days, both begin to stink.' We should be careful not to overstay our welcome."

"Illthirs point is valid, lets see what is available and the timeframes involved and then see if we can afford to stay the few days."

Gird will goto the docks with whoever else wishes to go.. he'll wait for his companions to be ready first

Next Morning (I am assuming you don't want to go at night): The Docks

The docks lay about a half mile's walk down the hilltop town's switchback dirt cart path. The area resembles a stream-side logging camp (and indeed there is evidence to support that it is). Small boats, from simple rafts and rowboats up to small riverboats crowd around the tree-cleared edges of a large pond half rung around with simple wooden docks and moorings. A mill house sits beside one stream that pours into the inlet from the higher foothills beneath the shadows of the peaks. Dwarves and a few human dockhands wander the wharf, while fishermen are already out, and working the center of the pond.

Back in Town (for those looking for a forge)

The sounds of industry awaken the lodgers at the Mother Lode early with the first rooster crow. Illthir hears a loud thump in the bed next to her and even louder dwarven curses.

Blacksmiths, farriers, glassblowers, miners, tinkers, and toolmakers all commence their toil making a kind of music out of the percussion. It all blends together into an orchestra of tools.

Lemme know where you are going.

"Good morning!" Illthir suppresses a chuckle as she herself carefully untangles herself from the bed, glad to have been warned. "Today I think we are going to buy a pair of helmets you and I."

Some small plan at least :P

"Alia, would you be willing and able to work at a dwarven forge? I imagine your back might ache at the end of the day from stooping low, but they do have quality tools.

If I could rent a forge for a couple of days, then I have all the necessary components for you to enchant my Cold Iron Battleaxe. It served me well in the Mendevian Crusades, but at times I had to call upon the power of Abadar to temporarily enchant it to strike certain kinds of foes. It would be more difficult to enchant than a regular steel weapon, but it can be done."

If Alia is willing, and nobody else has a request for enchantments, then he will seek 2 days' use of a forge so she can upgrade his battleaxe to +1. Largely to deal with DR/magic, should it arise. But first waiting for Alia to chime in before he goes to rent forge space.

I'm going to say Alia does, unless Alia herself chimes in and says she doesn't. In which case, Durgan is renting a smith and smithy that owes him a favor. Yielding him the same work for the same price.

Durgan heads to a smithy. "Greetings, sir. How is business? I would like to inquire about renting the use of your forge for two days. Naturally, I would pay a fair price. I am Durgan Far-Walker, and my elven companion is Alia of the Blade. She will do the smithing. No harm will come to your forge or your tools through this process."
Rather thankful the dwarf/elf rivalry is not really a thing in Golarion for the most part.

So Durgan spends 2,000 of his "crafting components" to upgrade his Cold Iron Battleaxe to +1.

What temples are there in town? Torag, I expect. Any others? Durgan would like a place to set up for the two days, offering to review ledgers and listen to any concerns about commerce. If there is no Temple of Abadar, then a bank, or the Temple of Torag, or some other suitable space.

There is one large multi-tiered (Bavarian-style) temple in town, the Shrine of Family (mostly just called "the Shrine"). The Shrine venerates the entire dwarven pantheon though Droskar considered an example of "what not to do" (a bit like Lucifer in Roman Catholic belief). Torag sits in place as All-Father, though each of the other gods (aside from Droskar) has their own private shrine, though some are easier to find than others. The central structure includes a grand stone and stained glass cathedral, and tall bell tower. Connected to it are a feast hall, a hall of records, rooms for the live-in clerics, and catacombs built from old played out mine tunnels. Every visible wall and doorframe is carved with beautifully detailed wooden reliefs of various dwarven religious parables.

A man, plain in appearance, but warm in smile, is at the smithy Durgan finds. Having just shook hands with him, years of working stubborn metal and years of nurturing wild plants clasped together for a moment, he turns to walk away when he sees the Dwarf. Stopping mid-step, he moves aside and waits for the smith to finish his latest business before interjecting. To anyone looking his way, it is clear that the weight of years is beginning to change his appearance. Gentle furrows, faint predecessors of crows-feet, accordion lines, and forehead wrinkles, decorate his skin. At his temples, an invasion of silver in the thick field of straight black stalks has begin. Yet despite this, his posture remains straight and his limbs ready for use.

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear your name. Durgan, you said? And Alia?" He asks, pausing briefly to extend his hand. "I'm Balzeros, a friend of Mr. Renault. Heard you solved the wolf problem we were having. I'd have normally handled that sort of business, but I was out performing another task." No need to be too much of an open book there...

"What brings you out to Brunderton? Aren't y'all supposed to be busy with your political lives or something?" he asks with genuine curiosity, before leaning in conspiratorially. "This isn't usually the place to make a splash, you know?"
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Just FYI, I'm staying away from a firm/detailed physical description until I can get a profile picture. It bothers me a lot when I can't get it to match. EDIT: Added physical description.

Zokon will make his way to the docks and goto a port service if there is one, or just start walking up and down looking for a boat that can take the party and their gear.

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear your name. Durgan, you said? And Alia?" He asks, pausing briefly to extend his hand. "I'm Balzeros, a friend of Mr. Renault. Heard you solved the wolf problem we were having. I'd have normally handled that sort of business, but I was out performing another task."

The dwarf is powerfully built, and fairly tall for a dwarf. He is measured in his movements and speech, and seems mildly curious about the newcomer.

"What brings you out to Brunderton? Aren't y'all supposed to be busy with your political lives or something?"

"My holy task of bringing civilization to the Stolen Lands is a long-term project. One I have already devoted years to, and expect to continue for the rest of my life, unless I am called to do otherwise. Currently, I am traveling to meet the family of my friend Zokon.

FYI, nobody in the party currently has any political authority or status - we are hoping to get that established soon, but (I think) we have not yet been officially named in the charter for the Stolen Lands. Getting that status depends on placating some Brevoyan nobility who would be our patrons. Durgan and Zokon have a fair chance in their own right; Alia is engaged to Zokon and will get Brevoyan status through him; Illthir is at least Brevoyan, and of a mercenary nature that the nobles might be okay with; and Serena is a bit trickier due to the geopolitics surrounding Sarenrae worship in Avistan.

"Well then, you chose one hell of a group to fall in with! I apologize for any mistakes in my information, the farmers like to take... liberties with the news they share," Balzeros explains, the slightest tinge of red swelling in his cheeks. "Mighty aspirations there, many have tried over the aeons. I wish you the best of luck in that endeavor."

"I'm here to arrange for a shipment of tools on behalf of said farmers! Moving through the wilderness is second nature to me, safer for me than most anyone else," he says factually. Quicker too. "Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but where is this family of your friend Zokon? Could you use a guide? I'd be more than happy to ease the burdens of your travel there, and back to the Stolen Lands too if you like!"
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Thank you for the primer!

Sharper Smithy

Durgan heads to a smithy. "Greetings, sir. How is business? I would like to inquire about renting the use of your forge for two days. Naturally, I would pay a fair price. I am Durgan Far-Walker, and my elven companion is Alia of the Blade. She will do the smithing. No harm will come to your forge or your tools through this process."

The broad-chested dwarf in overhauls, and a thick leather apron, looks Durgan and company up and down and then shouts: "MA!"

From around the corner comes a similarly attired white-haired dwarf woman of about 170 smoking a pipe. The woman looks as wiry as oak roots. She gives the assembled party the once over as well. She pulls the pipe from the side of her mouth and spits with practiced ease into a brass pot on the floor.

"Sharper." she says, meaning that you should call her that. "You know how to handle a forge?"

Sharper quizzes Alia about the smithy, before agreeing to allow her to use it. Then if all is in order she bargains for a rental fee that Durgan thinks she could have more for, but didn't press. Then (gold in hand) she and her son close up, and leave Alia to her work.

"I am Durgan Far-Walker, priest of Abadar. I was not with my current company at the time of the wolf problem. I am glad it was resolved satisfactorily."

Alia can come to Durgan's rescue on this topic, though she probably won't go into too fine a detail considering Balzeros' mention of Renault, and the eventual end of that particular adventure.

At the Docks

Zokon will make his way to the docks and goto a port service if there is one, or just start walking up and down looking for a boat that can take the party and their gear.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Port service amounts to a dockside tax collector walking a beat around the wharf, with a couple of beefer dwarf longshore-types with cudgels in tow. There are a number of vessels in dock--most of the larger ones seem to river trading vessels and a few big logging rafts. The traders seems to be in the process of either loading or unloading. Out on the water there are a number of fish boats, a few of them are large enough to carry your company.

At the Docks

Assuming Illthir went there rather then with Alia + Durgan for now :)

Illthir raises her hand to shield her eyes from the sun and gazes out over the water. "Let's ask the river traders if they're going where we're going. Maybe the logging raft could take us - if they'd go back empty anyhow?"

"I'm here to arrange for a shipment of tools on behalf of said farmers! Moving through the wilderness is second nature to me, safer for me than most anyone else," he says factually. Quicker too. "Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but where is this family of your friend Zokon? Could you use a guide? I'd be more than happy to ease the burdens of your travel there, and back to the Stolen Lands too if you like!"

"Ah... so you are also helping those in the Stolen Lands. Farmers are a cornerstone of society, one cannot do without them in most places. A most important task."

"Your pardon, sir. I do not think it my place to invite you to another's home. You will have to seek out Zokon. I believe he is down by the docks."

I think that Serena would have accompanied Illthir to the docks.

Balzeros raises his hands to about shoulder height with palms facing Durgan. "Of course, of course! I'll head on over there and see what he has to say," he concedes. I'll leave him be then, looks like he's probably staying here for a while if he just bought out the smithy for a few days.
________
How far apart are the two locations?

Alia, who had been busy with Sharper until then, takes a deep breath.
Having her art called into question by Dwarfs...she knew they were a skilled folk - but the way they did things were so...different.
'Dwarves are Art Deco, Elves are Art Nouveau', someone explained it to her once.
Either way, she had managed to impress the Dwarf Lady sufficiently to allow her forge to be used by an Elf - not an accomplishment by itself, but she was proud all the same - it was only weeks, but seemed years since she last stood at a forge.
Her Business concluded and the Forge secured, she took note of Durgan speaking with another Dwarf - one who claimed to be from the Riverlands, and about to head to Zokon.
"Hold up a moment, Sire. You hail from the farmland near the Trading Post? How long have you been gone, if I may inquire? You may not have heared of the most recent trouble they had - just as we tried to return the ill-guided Benzen Boy home, some of his siblings got taken hostage by some Kobolds. The younger ones...I forgot their names, help me out here...", she prompts Balzeros to recall some of the Benzen Kids names, before continuing:

"Well, there certainly are a lot of them! Merriam, Bonwyn, Ilse, Rose, Byron, Hansel, and Leta? Probably more hidden away somewhere, am I right?" Balzeros jests, nudging Alia with his elbow. "The twins and another were taken by the Leafcutters. Oh, and I'm not from the farmlands, but I do help out quite a bit. Safe, easy work. Or it usually is for someone like me. But I've been gone for [appropriate time]. Only recently got back before I was sent off again!"

He frowns as Alia explains the current relations with the Kobolds. "They've always been a nuisance, but they seemed... essential to the ecosystem of the area, which is part of the reason why we haven't tried to really push them out yet. Between warring with Mites, the occasional Fey, and bothering bandits, they could even be useful! Now it seems they've overstepped..."

Pausing for a moment, he calls out to Sharper as she and her son leave. "Longspears, a dozen crossbows, and some of those cheap maces too, ok? Nothing fancy, we just need the basics!" Turning back to Durgan and Alia, he waves before starting to walk away. "I'll be down at the docks then, hopefully I'll see y'all later!
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Don't know if I got all of the kids, but gave it my best!

How far apart are the two locations?

About a half-mile down the hill.

At the Docks

Illthir raises her hand to shield her eyes from the sun and gazes out over the water. "Let's ask the river traders if they're going where we're going. Maybe the logging raft could take us - if they'd go back empty anyhow?"

"Are those boats? Why don't they look more like swans?"

At the Docks

Once asked, the loggers explain that they take the logs from here down river to the communities that need lumber. "Space is limited, only lumbermen who can pull their weight can come with us." says one tough dwarf missing a few fingers.

I would note that being a lumberjack is okay, but one of the most dangerous jobs a person can have.

I'm kinda curious which way downriver is - should probably check the map? Hmm. Looks like we would be traveling downriver? Usually flow away from mountains

"I see. We're just in need of passage - but we have gold to pull our weight. Do you know if any of the merchant ships would like to earn some extra?" Illthir politely asks the dwarf while trying hard to not look at his hands. This was why she didn't like honest work!

---

"I don't know; I think it would be lots of work to make a boat look like a swan. Do boats where you come from look like swans?" the skald asks while also pondering it Erevenywg had taken one of her more flowery poems to heart.

---

"Oh look! A human." Illthir nods towards the weathered man approaching the docks. Whispering discreetly she grins at her companions. "I bet it's a merchant! Surely he'll know where to book passage."

Armed with that conclusion the pale half elf moved to intercept Balzeros. Quickly she adjusted her tunic and brushed back her hair before closing the distance and stepping into his path. With a friendly smile she introduced herself. "Hello there good sir! I'm Illthir Winlowe - and you don't happen to be a merchant do you? Me and my companions would like to book passage down the river to Forest's Edge - perhaps you know of a captain willing to take passengers?"

I'm kinda curious which way downriver is - should probably check the map? Hmm. Looks like we would be traveling downriver? Usually flow away from mountains

Correct.

"I see. We're just in need of passage - but we have gold to pull our weight. Do you know if any of the merchant ships would like to earn some extra?" Illthir politely asks the dwarf while trying hard to not look at his hands. This was why she didn't like honest work!

"Well.... Sixteen silver dragons* a head, and you'll have to make doe with the open deck."

Campaign Note: oins in Brevoy are called "sovereigns" or more rarely "dragons" commemorating Choral the Conqueror's victory over the Rostlandic Swordlords at the Valley of Fire in 4,499 AR, by using red dragons. The term "dragons" is rarer--especially in the south, because the Rostlanders don't like remembering their ancestor's defeat. Brevic coins are often minted with crowns designs, and House Rogarvia's two-headed dragon heraldic emblem.

"I don't know; I think it would be lots of work to make a boat look like a swan. Do boats where you come from look like swans?" the skald asks while also pondering it Erevenywg had taken one of her more flowery poems to heart.

"Oh yes, Ill-The-Ear. They glide upon the water, have long delicate necks, their sides are carved with wing designs, and they are usually over 30-feet long, just like real swans!" explains Erevenywg practically hopping with excitement.

Balzeros returns the smile. "Hello! I am not a merchant, er, no. I'm Balzeros," he says before narrowing his eyes curiously at her. "While I might not be who you are looking for, you just might be who I am looking for. I've heard your name from Samuel Renault and his farmers before. Are you traveling with a Durgan and Alia? I've just met them at the smith's and they've asked me to find someone named Zokon," he explains, trying to do his best to balance being informative and expedient. River travel isn't what I'm best suited for, but I still might be able to prove myself useful if they're traveling beyond Forest's Edge!

After listening to the boatmans offer "Hmmm.. maybe I'll go and check with some other captains, I'm not that good a sailor and i'll need more information, before making a decision, i'll be back.. maybe. Thanks." and he walks off down the docks looking for other captains

Zokon catches up to Illthir, ready to step in a help should trouble arise, or just to give a helpful word

When it doesn't go south he speaks

"Well hello there Balzeros, yes we are travelling with Alia and Durgan, I am indeed Zokon himself and we are trying to find a ship to take our company to Forests Edge."

At the Dock PCs can Appraise the logger's offer of a ride.

"But they don't breathe black fire like a true swan does, though maybe a gizmologist could rig a system to spread alchemical fire!" continues Erevenywg. When she notices the new arrival she introduces herself the way that Bloody Angus Makdoon taught her.

"I be Erevenywg. Ask me again, and I'll tell you the same." Then the tall, delicate fey woman spits in her palm and offers it for shaking.