Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

"And I am Kozen, a member of far-reaching consortium of merchant interests, looking to invest in your claim." says a tall, dark and handsome man in simple but well-tailored attire with a blue head-wrap. He makes a formal bow.

Nobody really knows anything about this guy.

"Really turned up the charm today Zokon?" Illthir laughed. Now if only that'd rub off on the other guests. Speaking of; here were some she hadn't seen ...

Know:Nobility: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Know:Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

...Nor knew much about either. Still, they seemed courteous. "Illthir Winlowe, skald. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Previously, when the man almost start fighting and talk about Duels, Alia keeps silent. She had a limited understanding of the Culture, but knew enough to be aware that a wrong word or comment could lead to a Duel - or worse.

When Samuel stomped off and her attempted intervention was doomed before it began, she thankfully returns to Zokons side, cautiously eyeing the new
arrivals and trying to remember anything about them.
Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
She was pretty certain she never heard about Allisa, but she DID recall some info about Max: "A pleasure to meet you, Max the First and Allisa Patrician - I wonder, are you here hoping for adventure or for a business venture? Both, maybe?"

She also noted the introduction of Kozen, but upon hearing "consortium", "merchant", and "invest" she was pretty certain Durgan would be more interested in this guest.

Knowledge Max: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Knowledge Allisa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Durgan likewise has heard of Max.
Taldan, from a family at odds with the powerful in Oppara.
Who is currently in power in Taldor? Stavian?

"Greetings, Sir Max. I have heard tell of some of your successful exploits."
He'll throw in mention of one specific tale if he knows any.

He nods to Allisa. "Welcome. You have traveled far."

He looks over Kozan, trying to spot any religious icons or other signs of affiliation.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
The man's vagueness makes Durgan a bit uncertain.
"Does this consortium have a name? Where is it based?"

Serena greets the newcomers in an expected manner but seems particularly interested in Allisa. "Tell me, Allisa, tales of your homeland. I have heard many rumors, but few truths."

Knowledge (nobility) (Max): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Knowledge (nobility) (Allisa): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Still, they seemed courteous. "Illthir Winlowe, skald. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Naturally." says Max smugly. "All these lands from the Lake of Mists and Veils to the Inner Sea were all settled by the Empire in its glory, and so I have come now to set my mark upon them and make a space for myself and my kin."

She was pretty certain she never heard about Allisa, but she DID recall some info about Max: "A pleasure to meet you, Max the First and Allisa Patrician - I wonder, are you here hoping for adventure or for a business venture? Both, maybe?"

"Ruling a small domain within your barbaric lands sounds like a perilous and worthy enough adventure for anyone." says Allisa with a serious voice and mischievous look before breaking into a beaming smile, lighting the room like one of Sarenae's angels.

Durgan likewise has heard of Max.

Taldan, from a family at odds with the powerful in Oppara.
Who is currently in power in Taldor? Stavian?

By the official timeline, Crown Prince Stavian for another 8 or so years.

"Greetings, Sir Max. I have heard tell of some of your successful exploits."

He'll throw in mention of one specific tale if he knows any.

Max's adventures are all the sort of adventures that revolve around large sums of money--those adventures that in Star Wars or similar games would leave the PCs with a transport ship at first level. Nothing as adventurous as the other investment NPCs (like Daye, Dag, or even Dool). Most are more military in nature: cold war strikes against Qadira, putting down bandits, rebel uprisings and the like.

He nods to Allisa. "Welcome. You have traveled far."

"I have quit adventuring to find a new adventure." she replies with very little accent, looking Durgan straight in the eyes.

He looks over Kozan, trying to spot any religious icons or other signs of affiliation.

The man's vagueness makes Durgan a bit uncertain.
"Does this consortium have a name? Where is it based?"

"We have regional headquarters in all quarters of Avistan and Garund. Just now we are setting one up in Restov." he says and smiles. "We have contacts with in all manner of industry and craft. My particular specialty is fishing and hunting. For fur, meat or sport. It matters not to me. Only the bottom lines of my ledger book--and those are always black."

....

Serena greets the newcomers in an expected manner but seems particularly interested in Allisa. "Tell me, Allisa, tales of your homeland. I have heard many rumors, but few truths."

"Ah yes, for you I have quite the tale, my tall red friend. Though it only starts in the steppes of Hongal. Tell me, are you familiar with Spelljamming™? Well--"

Suddenly, Alak Dool bounds to his feet! His chair falls backward as he does, causing Ser Iannuchi's hunchback servant to start. Dool, who had been sitting at the huge table with his usual impatient scowl, leapt up as if prodded with a brand, his eyes aglow with eldritch fire, his fingers pantomiming a complex weave in the air, his mouth forming the syllables to rewrite reality.

What do you do!?

Weapons suddenly materialize in the hands of several of the attendees, drawn so quickly that they seem to have teleported into their wielders' grasp. Allisa's shortbow is suddenly loaded, in her hands, and beside her cheek. Lord Maegar Varn's curved dueling sword is out, and in position to strike or defend. And...

Other people are doing things, but these are the two (or three if anyone notices) fastest weapon-wielders present. There is no map at present. The party and about 20 other people are seated or standing around a long table in a covered pavilion on the estate's well-manicured grounds.

{b}"I must admit that I have not, but I would be most... Saerenrae's Light!"[/b] In a flash, her blade is to hand.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

kn nob: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

kn loc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

kn Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"Hello Lord Max, your adventurousness is known and welcome Allisa of Amanandar."

he looks over the worthy Kozan "Well met Kozan, I think your greatest point of reference with us would be the worthy Durgan."

Sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Zokon glances at Balthur and takes note of his trepidation.

At Alak Dools motions he draws his bow and points away from the mage "Together, let us see what master Dool, is worried about."

Perception DC 28: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
"I see your knives, Longtooth.
But I worry about what I cannot see."

Durgan stands and casts Invisibility Purge, radius 25'.

Uh oh. Illthir could smell newtification from a mile away. Or possibly fireballs in a confined space. Though she suspected/hoped their party was not the target (right now?). It was unlikely that she'd be able to discern what sort of magics were in the works but...

Spellcraft?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

..worth a shot. Then slink down under the table for cover, clutching her stylish twirling stick.

There's a crack of thunder and flash of purple light. In its wake a dark fog like an angry and ominous thunderhead appears in the corner of the room that Dool poised to cast at. From out of the cloud there comes--

A small, but familiar, barking dog "YAP!YAP!YAP!YAP!YAP!YAP!YAP!YAP!"

The cloud parts as if drawn by suction down and behind the two figures standing at its heart. "Jewel! Come here this instant!"

.... {deadly serious, but supremely confident, stare.}

"GRRRR!" the little dog bears it's tiny, pointed teeth from behind its black lips and growls at Zokon and Alia, before returning to her mistress.

Alak Dool and Imeckus Stroon eye each other like two dangerous, feral tom cats in too small a box.

Illthir slowly pops back up from behind the table. It seemed unlikely that *they* would be the first target, so better get a good view! Also, say something nice to Dool after this.

Zokon considers shooting either of the new arrivals, but ultimately puts his bow away.

He helps Illthir up

"Ahem!" interjects the Lord Mayor of Restov garnering the attention of the assembly.

"And who may I ask are you?" he says to the new arrivals.

Imeckus makes a short bow and makes introductions. He then goes on to explain that he and his younger sister learned of the gathering from Zokon and his party on their recent visit to the north. His sister has an interest in helping to finance any expansion within the newly carved out realms and has come to offer her aid to the endeavor in exchange for a parcel of land.

And here we come to the more 'gamy' bits of the campaign. There are several people collected around the table who have money that they are willing to part with in exchange for a bit of land--2 12 mile (~19.3 km) diameter hexes worth, in exchange for an upfront investment, and future taxes to the charter holders of said land (Charter holders include: the party, Hannis Drelev and company, Lord Maegar Varn, and the as yet unmet explorers of the far western Stolen Land).

The current set of investors include: Sandralane of Rahadoum, the wizard Alak Dool, Longtooth of Varisia, the veteran Ser Earnest Day, the Ulfen Rutgar Dag, Max the First of his Name, the far-traveling Allisa Patrcian, and now The Stroons. Each of these people is looking to set up roots in a frontier region for reasons of their own. If the party wants "renters" in their land this would be them, note that your charter neighbors also might want them as well, and can offer incentives, as can you (first choice of hexes, access to resources, offers of matrimony, lowered tax burdens, etc...).

The Other Investors... Other people also have an interest in property. You will note that the heads of four big northern churches are in attendance (Abadar, Earstil, Gorum, and Pharasma), in addition to Ser Daye (paladin of Iomedae) and Sandralane (cleric of Sarenrae) who each have their own ideas about religion. Each of these people would very much like the various charter holders to make their church the official state religion of the place they settle in with a big temple and so on. The four church heads in particular can offer you incentives (both monetary and otherwise). Note: Even though you haven't told anyone of it yet (even Shepherd Jhod Kavken), the party did discover an ancient Erastilian temple complex and purged it of evil.

Likewise the two trade representatives Mistbreather, and Kozen can offer economic opportunities in exchange for your charter's support.

Finally there are some political concerns. Samuel Renault has made it clear that he wants to stay independent from your rule. Since he has family among the great houses up north and the command of most or all of the farmers in your lands this could be a problem. The Mayor of Restov and Ser Richard Iannuchi are independent-minded Rostlanders (Rostland being the bountiful southern half of Brevoy before it was made Brevoy a century ago), while Lord Solvis Orlovsky seems to be in favor of a unified Brevoy under the King-Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.

So yeah, lots of stuff to consider. Feel free to discuss it in the Discussion thread.

"Bad news. Noah won't be joining us."

"Just as well. We can get more work done without all the animals running underfoot."

{Smiles}

Dag let's out a loud laugh from his seat next to Longtooth and Drelev over something the mercenary explorer said. "'Fort Drelev', you say!?"

Durgan will speak to the Archbanker briefly.

"Archbanker, you know how it is in these lands. They are an unruly bunch, and chafe at law and order. It had been my hope that I could make the faith of Abadar appealing through what we can provide for them.
Naturally, we must ask for coin or service in exchange for our services. But those that accept the faith are contributing additional service by spreading the word of Abadar.
Therefore, I would propose that in the realm to be developed, there would be three tiers of pricing for curative magic and other spells. And this payment would, for most, be in the form of service rather than coin.
First, the 'foreigner' price, applied to those who do not accept our group's government. Samuel Renault and his ilk.
Lower, the 'citizen' price, for those who accept our government but worship other gods or no gods at all.
Lowest, the 'faithful' price, for adherents of Abadar.

I know that the faith of Abadar is spread far and wide, and coexists along that of Sarenrae in many lands. Have you any insights as to what I should do?"

"I suppose establishing a bank to lend coin is a valuable service, as well as bridges and canals. People will definitely see the value of Abadar's precepts in the infrastructure we build."

Zokon with Alia will try to talk to each person, just to make small talk, and to very pointedly ask "If you are given an offer you are amenable to would you consider settling or dealing with the new land of Avalon? This is not an offer it is to establish whether you are an interested party."

He will then try to get Lord Hannis Drelev and Lord Maegar Varn together
"My lords, I would like to offer you both my hand in friendship, remember this I would rather talk over any difficulties and hopefully talk over a fine ale to our mutual success."

Once things have calmed down a bit Illthir maneuvers her way to the shepherd. "I couldn't help but overhear; Noah won't be coming? We met him on the road - hope he hasn't met trouble."

Durgan will speak to the Archbanker briefly.

".... However, a thought has occurred to me. If my comrades give a place to Sandralane, and she wishes to provide the healing of Sarenrae for free, which she very well might, I imagine that is a very easy way for her to win adherents.

I know that the faith of Abadar is spread far and wide, and coexists along that of Sarenrae in many lands. Have you any insights as to what I should do?"

"Not easily do the followers of the Dawnflower and the Master of the First Vault mix. The goddess is comparatively lax in her ledger-keeping and such indifference is not good for business. I will admit, I was against the inclusion of devotees of such foreign gods for this very reason, but politics is against us in this." the Archbanker says his eyes shifting to the Lord Mayor and Lord Orlovsky.

"We can but hope that the cold climate is not to their liking, and that they move on." he continues shifting his gaze back to Durgan.

Zokon with Alia will try to talk to each person, just to make small talk, and to very pointedly ask "If you are given an offer you are amenable to would you consider settling or dealing with the new land of Avalon? This is not an offer it is to establish whether you are an interested party."]

"Were you to make it, I would wish to settle here." Alak Dool says jabbing a finger onto one of the regional maps scattered across the table. "I realize that you haven't formally assessed the site yet, but it would be perfect for my needs." The look in the man's eyes when he says it is unsettling.

He will then try to get Lord Hannis Drelev and Lord Maegar Varn together

"My lords, I would like to offer you both my hand in friendship, remember this I would rather talk over any difficulties and hopefully talk over a fine ale to our mutual success."

This will require some work in Drelev's case. He is having quite a time with Longtooth, Rutgar, Allisa, Sandralane, Chaplain Gregorius, and Lady Pavetta Stroon (with her older brother lurking close-by observing). Varn is easier to get to as he is only speaking with Max, and the Lord Mayor.

"Have I told any of you the tale of how I rescued a beautiful fey damsel from a magical stone circle and then defeated the evil bandit chief the um--Elk Lord who had imprisoned her there with his cruel magics? I had to travel down to Mivon to hire some dwarven mercenaries to aid me in the fight." begins Drelev.

perform (orate): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 = 24

One of his men, a man named Terrion the party members think, remembered from a previous encounter, nods along with the story. Giving Drelev the +2 bonus figured above.

Once things have calmed down a bit Illthir maneuvers her way to the shepherd. "I couldn't help but overhear; Noah won't be coming? We met him on the road - hope he hasn't met trouble."

"Yes. Some damn trouble." begins the priest Erastil. Then he stops and starts again. "Sorry. I mean trouble with a dam. I am Shepherd Ezvanki Keegh. I see you travel with old Durgan Far-Walker."

"Thomething to drink?" offers the strangely scarred servant holding a tray. Like the others the party no doubt has thoughts about his his name. He seems to appear suddenly behind each guest at least once possibly by surprise* causing many to jump.

* stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

I hope Zokon did not hear the archbanker...

"Master Dool, that will most likely be the site of our capital, although a capable wizard would be welcome, I will not leed you astray, you have a somewhat sinister reputation. Our group is made up of goodly folk that will need more than just the impression that you are capable and scary, to be able to allow you to operate side by side with us in unity."

Listening in to Drelev's tale, he will snag Illthir at some stage and appraise her of the situation.

Zokon will re-focus on Maegar Varn, not being impressed with Drelevs tale.

Durgan will, on hearing Drelev, join Zokon in approaching Illthir.

"This blowhard thinks he can claim credit for our victories! That's going to win him support if people believe him.
Perhaps this calls for a bardic contest, where you tell the real story in song?"
We still have the Stag Lord's helmet, right? That would add to the tale.

Illthir Winlowe wrote:

Once things have calmed down a bit Illthir maneuvers her way to the shepherd. "I couldn't help but overhear; Noah won't be coming? We met him on the road - hope he hasn't met trouble."

"Yes. Some damn trouble." begins the priest Erastil. Then he stops and starts again. "Sorry. I mean trouble with a dam. I am Shepherd Ezvanki Keegh. I see you travel with old Durgan Far-Walker."

I assume Durgan and Ezvanki have crossed paths in the years of Durgan's Stolen Lands ministry? From what I understand, Abadar and Erastil both support orderly communities, although Erastil prefers small villages and Abadar prefers larger cities. Durgan obviously knows that most nations have a mix of both and that the small rural communities are essential for food production.

Durgan will, on hearing Drelev, join Zokon in approaching Illthir.

"This blowhard thinks he can claim credit for our victories! That's going to win him support if people believe him.
Perhaps this calls for a bardic contest, where you tell the real story in song?"
We still have the Stag Lord's helmet, right? That would add to the tale.

You do! It's probably out in the stable given how unwieldy and scary-looking the thing is. ;)

Note that the skull-face and bits that make look like a fantasy 'Darth Vader mask' could be removed by a professional tradesman and it still retain its magic.

I assume Durgan and Ezvanki have crossed paths in the years of Durgan's Stolen Lands ministry? From what I understand, Abadar and Erastil both support orderly communities, although Erastil prefers small villages and Abadar prefers larger cities. Durgan obviously knows that most nations have a mix of both and that the small rural communities are essential for food production.

You my not have met him, but your reputations proceed you both.

Erastil's priests tend to think of followers of Abadar as generally good folk who went to the big city and got lost in all the amorality and fancy living, what with their street signs, sewers, city lights, and all. While Abadar's worshipers see the rural hamlets and villages that Erastil likes as the first step on the road to big modern cities. A big efficient farming co-op is more Abadar's speed, while in Erastil's world view everyone one of the characters should be thinking about getting married and settling down soon with the women folk cooking what the men bring home. ;)

I hope Zokon did not hear the archbanker...

Probably not, it's a big place.

"Master Dool, that will most likely be the site of our capital, although a capable wizard would be welcome, I will not leed you astray, you have a somewhat sinister reputation-"

"Why thank you. I do try with the robes, the mustache wax, and all the curses and such."

"Oh." Right, the man had said something about that before departing. "Mr. Buckleys dam was it? Let's hope it's not too much trouble." Given that she can't recall any major infrastructure projects anywhere close - Mr. Buckley was probably small, furry and quite cute. The skald started to smile. Then stopped briefly as she had to wiggle her manners back on track. "I'm Illthir Winlowe. And yes - Durgan is part of our party. Have you met him? Looks like he's coming over ..."

"...Well, before I am spirited away; may I ask for a favour? During our last meeting with Noah - unrelated I'm fairly sure - our fey companion disappeared back into the forest. While they are fickle - and she is a creature of her own will - I can't help but be a little worried. Would you tell Noah and his woodland friends to keep an eye out for one 'Erevenywg'? Tall, quite pleasant and may swear like a dwarf."

---

"Mm, he's claiming victories that are suspiciously similar to ours. But trashing his palace of smoke could sour his mood. Perhaps, completely unrelated of course, I could sing a song with the giant helm and let others draw conclusions of their own."

"Master Dool, that will most likely be the site of our capital, although a capable wizard would be welcome, I will not leed you astray, you have a somewhat sinister reputation. Our group is made up of goodly folk that will need more than just the impression that you are capable and scary, to be able to allow you to operate side by side with us in unity."

"Of course." Dool says smartly. He produces a small sack, reaches in pulls out several fist-sized gold ingots which he places on the map.

"Now see here wizard!" interjects Max. "Formal negotiations begin tomorrow and I too would like the chance to bid on that parcel!"

Dool snaps back at the man telling him that negotiations have been happening since the day before last and that he cannot help it that Max arrived late to the proceedings.

Things grow tense.

"Oh." Right, the man had said something about that before departing. "Mr. Buckleys dam was it? Let's hope it's not too much trouble." Given that she can't recall any major infrastructure projects anywhere close - Mr. Buckley was probably small, furry and quite cute. The skald started to smile. Then stopped briefly as she had to wiggle her manners back on track. "I'm Illthir Winlowe. And yes - Durgan is part of our party. Have you met him? Looks like he's coming over ..."

"No. I am familiar with his work though."

"...Well, before I am spirited away; may I ask for a favour? During our last meeting with Noah - unrelated I'm fairly sure - our fey companion disappeared back into the forest. While they are fickle - and she is a creature of her own will - I can't help but be a little worried. Would you tell Noah and his woodland friends to keep an eye out for one 'Erevenywg'? Tall, quite pleasant and may swear like a dwarf."

"Of course. I was just about to flip him the bird. I mean send his courier back to him. Anything else?"

"Warm and best wishes." Illthir smiles, first at the shepherd then the bird. She had to learn how to speak 'bird'. Damn it would be useful ...

Zokon puts up a hand "Well that will be the site of our capital, so no one will buy that parcel of land, Master Dool, is using a tactic to influence proceedings, you are also welcome Max to use your own, to get what you want. There really aren't any rules to this."

I'm sure we had decided Avalon would have it's capital at the fort?

Durgan chokes on his ale a bit.
No rules?! Zokon, Zokon...

He bring his ale over to Rutgar Dag.
"So tell me sir, what kind of a place are you looking for? What do you hope to find in the Stolen Lands?"

He'll look for any religious iconography on Rutgar Dag, or any phrases that he uses that might indicate what god the man worships. He rather guesses Gorum, but isn't certain.