Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

Celyne makes soothing noises to the cat in the bag as she cautiously opens it just a touch... she peers into the bag and talks in slow steady cadence to the cat as she does so... trying to calm the little beastie...

Luna is sitting nearby with instructions to sit on the little kitty until it calms down, if he or she gets out of hand...

Celyne gently touches the outside of the bag, petting the cat through it, trying to judge it's tenseness and state of agitation before letting the cat out of the bag... which she won't do quite yet... would rather do that in an enclosed space, like a bedroom or something, not in an open taproom

While speaking in low, calm tones, and petting the cat, she answers Posh as best she can...

"It is a beautiful place... with wonderful ancient trees and people, but it is not an open, friendly place to non-elves... most of the folk there do not like other races... I am half-elven and I was not ever made to feel welcome except in my own home... I had few friends growing up because most of the others of my age were told by their parents not to speak or play with me... it was not that all elves hated outsiders, but most who tolerated visitors were traders and travelers themselves... Some races were more welcome than others... halflings and gnomes were treated somewhat better than humans or half-orcs, but only just. These are of course generalizations, which in themselves are dangerous too. There were some who were not so antithetic to outsiders, and others who were much more strongly xenophobic to the point of wanting to kill any outsiders who came among them. And yet the forests were a strong draw to travelers, many of whom just wanted to meet the elves of Kyonin and see the serene beauty of the places there." She pauses, closes her eyes a moment, blinking back tears.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't get so emotional about this right now... or at all really. They are an inhumanly beautiful people with much to protect in their homeland, so some of their attitude can be understood when one considers the rapacious nature of some people... but folk of that sort can be found among most any race. So to exclude outsiders based on their parentage, rather than their individual intentions, well, it seems overly harsh to me, especially when applied as community policy."

She sighs, and chews on her lip a moment... "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go on so... "

Neither would Posh. Much like last time (and loved the roleplaying there from everyone, especially the discussion and argument of justice between Alia and Numalar) Posh would rather there be mercy, but knows that this is not how things will be treated and will even subconsciously touch his neck at the thought of what'd happen to him if his past came to light.

....

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go on so... "

"No, Celyne, not at all! Don't be sorry. You are so quiet most of the time it is a delight to have you open up."

Numalar looks around the table at the companions.

"I do not claim to know any of you deeply, but from what I have seen, I think we can say that we are all without a home, in one way or another. Perhaps that is sad, but on the other hand we would never have met were it not the case." Numalar smiles and raises his glass again.

Lots to comment on so more later.

Zokon raises his glass " Here here.. All have proven worthy and brave companions if a bit reckless"

"Some of us less worthy. I think I need to acquire some spells that make me more useful in a fight... which will take some time and experience to learn... I feel like I was less than helpful against Vernon and Belia... " she sighs and shrugs.. "I guess I've never really had to fight for my life before, and I am not terribly well equipped... Just in case, I'm going to buy some special bolts with my share of what we found... I know that's like trying to gather the eggs after the henhouse has been raided, but one does what one can."

"Some of us less worthy."

"Hah! At least you made it onto the boat! Don't be so hard on yourself. Scarlet was close to death... had you not healed her things might have gone very differently. Also Luna was able to tie Vernon up until others were able to get to him."

On the subject of spells though, burning disarm is neat but command is a lot more versatile; it can disarm people and also do a bunch of other things, like get them to move, drop prone, or do nothing at all. And there's no somatic component, so you could tell someone who is grappling you to let go.

BTW, see my Loot report about arrows for Zokon - the same thing applies to your crossbow. You could also get masterwork bolts.

One more thing... I'm guessing Vernon was evil. If you summoned a celestial eagle (or any animal for that matter), it gets smite evil once per day, which IIRC bypasses DR (and for the eagle also adds +1 to damage). Unless Vernon was neutral, of course, in which case you would have been out of luck with that strategy.

Numalar happens upon a small(-sized) serviceable folding pocket knife with an apparently petrified wood handle.

"Hey Numalar I know that wood, the knife handle I mean, it's quite distinctive, comes only from a variety of titanic mangrove found only in the area around the Mwangi Expanse in Garund far to the south. That's a sweet find."

"Hmmm, fascinating. That's a very long way... I wonder how it ended up here? I wonder if these things were thrown out of if Vernon was stealing curios on the side? Well... I suppose it will be useful. Would you like it?"

@ GGGM: I assume it won't matter for this but FYI you used my old value for perception. Since I leveled up I am now at +7 (2 ranks + 3 for class).

@ GGGM: I assume it won't matter for this but FYI you used my old value for perception. Since I leveled up I am now at +7 (2 ranks + 3 for class).

Correct, and corrected.

"Cheers." Naleksa smiles warmly.

"May I join you?" She says nodding toward the seat next to Numalar.

"Ah! The Lady Naleska! I wondered if I would see you again."

Assuming the party is finished discussing "business" Numalar will invite her to join them (I assume there are lots of people around who are talking to us) otherwise he will take her back to the bar or another table.

"I take it you have heard the rumors. I must say, they are all true... except the one about the Hippopotamus. She told me she was eighteen, I swear."
Perform (comedy) untrained: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"But how have you been? You are well, I trust? Tell me about yourself! I am perfectly prepared to listen to your life story."

I don't want to necessarily play out the whole exchange with Naleska as I think the rest of the party wants to move on soon, but I will say I will try to steer the conversation to be about her rather than me; hopefully she finds the interest flattering. But Numalar is old enough to know that having attractive human women come on to him is a little of an anomaly, and suspects she wants something.

Sense Motive untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't get so emotional about this right now... or at all really. They are an inhumanly beautiful people with much to protect in their homeland, so some of their attitude can be understood when one considers the rapacious nature of some people... but folk of that sort can be found among most any race. So to exclude outsiders based on their parentage, rather than their individual intentions, well, it seems overly harsh to me, especially when applied as community policy."

She sighs, and chews on her lip a moment... "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go on so... "

Posh puts up his hands defensively

Poshment Underhill wrote:

Neither would Posh. Much like last time (and loved the roleplaying there from everyone, especially the discussion and argument of justice between Alia and Numalar) Posh would rather there be mercy, but knows that this is not how things will be treated and will even subconsciously touch his neck at the thought of what'd happen to him if his past came to light.

....

Dun, Dun, DUUUUNNN! or is that a subtle hint from the GM or is it a subtle tease from the GM like how one time, he kept a dragon figure standing next to the board and picking it up once in a while.

Celyne wrote:

"Some of us less worthy."

"Hah! At least you made it onto the boat! Don't be so hard on yourself. Scarlet was close to death... had you not healed her things might have gone very differently. Also Luna was able to tie Vernon up until others were able to get to him."

"Exactly! My biggest contribution was getting wet to wash out one-kind of filth and gain another kind of filth." Posh laughs, pointing out his own misfortune. "Maybe I should bring a portable bridge next time or sit on your shoulders to avoid a spalash."

Zokon has been listening to the goings on and he leans forward to say

"Bah we are all finding our feet, we need to figure a bit more teamwork oriented stratagems where we are backing each others plays with our strengths. We seem fine otherwise, no plan survives having to do stuff"

"Hey Celyne, you saved me back there with that magic." Scarlet rubs her wounded arm. "I won't say you are useless." She grins.

"It's hard to find a place you can call home. Harder to find a family, too. My brother and my Company- that was where I felt safe. Felt like I was part of something bigger, that we can contribute to." She raises her glass to toast with Zokon. "We should stay together for as long as we can."

"Tomorrow, let's move. It's nice to be appreciated, but..." she shrugs. "This town's ugly side is getting to me. Let's get some fresh air."

Dun, Dun, DUUUUNNN! or is that a subtle hint from the GM or is it a subtle tease from the GM like how one time, he kept a dragon figure standing next to the board and picking it up once in a while.

It is only subtle in the fact that on the map she is sitting across the room watching you. Acknowledging her presence draws a smile, a nod and subtle toast. This dragon is on the board.

"Ah! The Lady Naleska! I wondered if I would see you again."

"I take it you have heard the rumors. I must say, they are all true... except the one about the Hippopotamus. She told me she was eighteen, I swear."

"But how have you been? You are well, I trust? Tell me about yourself! I am perfectly prepared to listen to your life story."

Naleksa (Nah-LEXA) laughs warmly at the joke and joins Numalar at the table.

Celyne makes soothing noises to the cat in the bag as she cautiously opens it just a touch... she peers into the bag and talks in slow steady cadence to the cat as she does so... trying to calm the little beastie...

Luna is sitting nearby with instructions to sit on the little kitty until it calms down, if he or she gets out of hand...

Celyne gently touches the outside of the bag, petting the cat through it, trying to judge it's tenseness and state of agitation before letting the cat out of the bag...

I see what you did there. 'Cat out of the bag.' HA!

At first the grey feline reacts the way most cats might, which is to say contrary to your wishes. It turns away from the opening and bats at the bottom of the sack. After a moment though it turns around and looks adorably up through the opening at you--and then suddenly attempts to spring out at you. You being human-sized keep it in the bag, it being a cat does not make things easy on you.

Poshment Underhill wrote:

Dun, Dun, DUUUUNNN! or is that a subtle hint from the GM or is it a subtle tease from the GM like how one time, he kept a dragon figure standing next to the board and picking it up once in a while.

It is only subtle in the fact that on the map she is sitting across the room watching you. Acknowledging her presence draws a smile, a nod and subtle toast. This dragon is on the board.

oops, sorry I'm generally used to only using the map for combat. Also I wouldn't call her a dragon, that's just mean.

Posh notices someone and then turns back to the group.
"I'll be back. I just need to grab something from the kitchen." he states as he gets up and heads there.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

I believe that is where we spoke last time, so just checking it's ok to go to the kitchen. If not he'll be going outside instead.

More my fault actually. Subtlety doesn't play as well on a phone that you have to read 15 new posts on. But yes, the Winding Wyrm is full of previously encountered NPCs to talk to if you want. Basically it is a reminder board.

More my fault actually. Subtlety doesn't play as well on a phone that you have to read 15 new posts on. But yes, the Winding Wyrm is full of previously encountered NPCs to talk to if you want. Basically it is a reminder board.

** spoiler omitted **

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Scarlet finally notices something about Posh, but she figures he's just looking for some private entertainment. She laughs.

"How's the cat, Alia? She getting along with Luna?"

Posh leaves the kitchen, quickly grabbing a chicken leg before returning to the table.

Think I'll give everyone else a chance to reply and do some missions of Swtor. With such a terrible Bluff roll I wonder if people will start backstory poking?

Think I'll give everyone else a chance to reply and do some missions of Swtor. With such a terrible Bluff roll I wonder if people will start backstory poking?

Maybe I'll meet you there. I've got a smuggler named Zeld and Bountyhunter named Callas Grinch that I play off and on.

Poshment Underhill wrote:

Think I'll give everyone else a chance to reply and do some missions of Swtor. With such a terrible Bluff roll I wonder if people will start backstory poking?

Maybe I'll meet you there. I've got a smuggler named Zeld and Bountyhunter named Callas Grinch that I play off and on.

been leveling my Trooper recently. So far at 65 i have my sith Inq, imperial agent and Jedi guardian.

When Celyne speaks of Kyonin...

---

To Posh, upon stating that all he did was splashing in the water:
"Wait, that was not planned? I had thought that was part of your comedic performance! It really helped lift my spirit, even if it seemed a bit over-the-top during battle"
Perform(Comedy) untrained to make it into a joke/play it down as a joke: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Yeah, let the natural 20's roll...

When Posh departs with Raven: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7, Alia is oblivious, but pokes fun at him upon returning:"Why, who was your lady friend there? Any reason you'd not introduce us?" I think my keen elven senses + Scarlets comment after inquiring about her laugh would let me find that he's not went to the kitchen alone, unless she used some trickery to sneak after him...

----

At cat training time, Alia will get inspired by Posh and bring food. Chicken. Animals with happily stuffed bellies usually were more calm about things. THAT much, she knew. Upon feeding the cat as much chicken as it wants to gulp down, Alia will try and sit next to it in the room, and very carefully attempt petting it(with her off-hand) or just placing the hand near it so it can get used to the smell.
Throw-in reply to Scarlet: "We haven't really brought them together yet. Celyne thinks the cat may be scared and try to fight it's way out regardless - no wait, BECAUSE of that...seems cats are more complicated than I thought"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Nope, Posh picks up nothing either. Clearly the two are destined to know nothing about eachother :p

When talking about the water:
Posh smiles at the initial joke from Alia.
"Clearly my skill for comedy is rubbing off on you." he laughs, enjoying a good-natured joke as his own shortcomings.

When put to the question about Raven...

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

"Oh, she was just one of the maid's sister's. She wanted to help me out in the kitchen for a moment. I had to get out of there quick or otherwise she was going to attempt to grab 'my' choice meats." he gives a wink with the dirty joke there to move the topic along.

As usual, it seems the dice find it funny when Posh fails to be a detective or acrobat, but when he lies they enjoy supporting him no matter how otherworldly the lie might be.

sm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Celyne leans over to Alia and whispers, but not softly enough to avoid being overheard, "I do think Posh has a girlfriend," she says, playing along with his jest, even while wondering what else was really going on.

At cat training time, Alia will get inspired by Posh and bring food. Chicken.

Talk to the cook. He seems to have a chicken on his shoulder. :)

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Zokon observes the goings on with Posh and the interesting looking woman..

He is then distracted by Alias funny commentary to Posh he almost stifles a laugh"Ha hahahahaha"

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 "Good to see nothing is going on with you an that woman Posh, just harmless fun"

At this Zokon stands and in the direction of the innkeep says
"Innkeep I'll be needing a bath, can you arrange for one please?"exit stage left from bad bluff

Sense Motive vs Alia: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
Scarlet takes a look at Alia, then bursts out laughing as Posh returns and jokes about his skill and the maid he helped.

"Posh, you ladykiller. Don't think about messing with Alia though, or you'll have to answer to me!" It's not clear if Scarlet is joking or being serious.

After a few moments Posh's lady friend says something to him at the kitchen exit and then leaves via the back door behind the cook and his chicken.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Dice, you have failed me

"Well, I'm gonna sleep well tonight." Scarlet stands up and heads to her room.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Celyne whispers to anyone closeby, "Posh's girl just slipped out the back and talked to a cloaked fellow.. it looked like Needles... I wonder what that's all about... doesn't seem quite kosher. Perhaps it's completely innocent, but I have my doubts... Posh, you wanna comment on this?"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"What, that shady fellow who gave us wrong directions in the sewers? Posh, she may have wanted to grab more than your choice bits if Celyne is right...this could have been a failed abduction - we certainly should keep our eyes open for those guys-", Alia states, before screening the room for any more familiar faces...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Zokon having also made the same observation keeps quiet for the moment, studies Pish for his response

Studied target on Posh.

Zokon observes the goings on with Posh and the interesting looking woman..

He is then distracted by Alias funny commentary to Posh he almost stifles a laugh"Ha hahahahaha"
"Good to see nothing is going on with you an that woman Posh, just harmless fun"

** spoiler omitted **

At this Zokon stands and in the direction of the innkeep says
"Innkeep I'll be needing a bath, can you arrange for one please?"exit stage left from bad bluff

Sense Motive vs Zokon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Posh just nods along.
"They have a good enough bath here." he states simply to Zokon.

I did have a Terrible quip there...but I thought it came off too mean so I edited out.

Scarlet takes a look at Alia, then bursts out laughing as Posh returns and jokes about his skill and the maid he helped.

"Posh, you ladykiller. Don't think about messing with Alia though, or you'll have to answer to me!" It's not clear if Scarlet is joking or being serious.

Posh laughs at the statement, seeing it as both a joke and a threat.

Celyne whispers to anyone closeby, "Posh's girl just slipped out the back and talked to a cloaked fellow.. it looked like Needles... I wonder what that's all about... doesn't seem quite kosher. Perhaps it's completely innocent, but I have my doubts... Posh, you wanna comment on this?"

Posh is a little stuck for the moment.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 Errrr...uh-oh

"What, that shady fellow who gave us wrong directions in the sewers? Posh, she may have wanted to grab more than your choice bits if Celyne is right...this could have been a failed abduction - we certainly should keep our eyes open for those guys-", Alia states, before screening the room for any more familiar faces...

Posh attempts to laugh this off nervously.

Attempted flirtation (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

sense motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 where are these dice rolls when i really need them? sheesh

"Posh, if you've got some secret deal going down, just tell us, whisper if you must, but don't keep us in the dark and feed us manure.. we're not mushrooms."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"Yes like Celyne said, your letting your guards down with us, you are obviously getting more relaxed around us and trusting. As is seen by our inability to deceive us, let us in, as much as you can so we can be there if you need us."

"Huh? Mushrooms?" Scarlet is barely hanging onto the conversation.

"Er... Posh can tell us when he's ready." She winks at the gnome. "Which I hope is soon. But I'm not gonna shake you down for secrets, 'cause I trust ya."

Posh pauses for a moment with Celyne's words, followed up by Zokon.
"Well...you see..." he stammers for a moment, looking for a way out and then looking back to Celyne and Zokon. "She was someone I used to be close to many years ago. I ran into her last time we were here when we brought the bandits back which surprised me because the last time I saw her I thought she was dead."

He looks between Alia, Celyne and hangs his head for a moment.
"I honestly don't know how she know's Needles. I only just found out myself when talking to her and she thanked me for sparing him." he looks back towards the door before returning his gaze to the group "I thought that was the last time I'd see her, but she was here again. I'm sorry, but I don't know anything else."

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Liar!

[dice=sense motive]1d20+10 where are these dice rolls when i really need them? sheesh

"Posh, if you've got some secret deal going down, just tell us, whisper if you must, but don't keep us in the dark and feed us manure.. we're not mushrooms."

I'm not entirely unconvinced that either the Dice Roller has become a sentient being and is doing what I'd like to see for dramatic reasons in this instance or if it's the will of the universe, coincidental luck, Cthulhu or even the giant spaghetti monster, but I'm loving how even with a +9 I'm failing bluff checks. It's almost as if, like with The movie "The Gamers: Hands of Fate" both this world and the fantasy world are linked and we are re-telling events that have already happened....or it could just all be chance and coincidence in this boring universe :p

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Well, Scarlet is par for the course.

Scarlet puts a hand around Posh's shoulder and gives him a side hug.
"See? That wasn't so bad to tell everyone. Besides, isn't it great to reunite with someone lost? I'm still keeping an eye out for my brother and my old mercenary company. I lost track of them a year ago."

"Why did you think she was dead, anyway? My boss used to say, 'If you can't find the body they're still alive!' "

Celyne gives Posh a little half-smile but with narrowed eyes, followed by a little grimace, showing she doesn't quite believe him with +10 on sense motive, she obviously sees past his bluff roll... "Well, I suppose you will tell us when you feel you can trust us... at least I hope so.. "

Zokon accepts Poshs words and wouldn't even pay it more notice taking his study off Posh.. studied target removed from Posh

"Now for that bath.."

Zokon gets up and wandrrs off to wherever he thinks he needs to go innkeep or bath house

[dice=Sense Motive]1d20-1

Well, Scarlet is par for the course.

Scarlet puts a hand around Posh's shoulder and gives him a side hug.
"See? That wasn't so bad to tell everyone. Besides, isn't it great to reunite with someone lost? I'm still keeping an eye out for my brother and my old mercenary company. I lost track of them a year ago."

"Why did you think she was dead, anyway? My boss used to say, 'If you can't find the body they're still alive!' "

I think he mentioned that when he last saw her she was dead so...there was a body. Only she survived...somehow. Even I don't know how she survived, which is why I love this GM :D

Posh pauses for a moment and just nods his head.
"I hope you do find your brother. From what I heard you say, he sounds like quite the dwarf." Posh states and decides, after a suddenly long day that it would be time to retire. "I should go to bed. We've got some travelling to do."

"Yeah, I hope I do find my brother. Still, I'm glad your friend is alive. Time for bed, though."

Zokon will have a soak for a while and then go up to bed himself..

His more suspicious nature will then get the better of him and he will have a look around the inn to check for suspicious types.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Stalking the corridors just past the tavern's closing time, Zokon sees and hears all sorts of interesting goings on, not the least of which is a drunkard relieving himself in the hallway leading to the stairs.

There's still a lantern lit below in the main room and a man can be heard speaking with the cook down there.

"....I haven't seen my bed since." Complains the visitor--there's something about his voice, something very familiar.

"Yeah, we 'eard it all da way up 'ere." Says the cook.

"Buk buk." Agrees the chicken.

Zokon tries to see who it is real quiet like

stealth: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 - 1 = 14

He doesn't seem to notice you.
I'll need a perception check to see if you recognize the man by partial body type (you are at a bad angle to see much at the top of the stairs) and voice alone. One check, two levels of difficulty. If you don't make the check you'll have to position yourself closer (probably another stealth check) or do something else to change the situation. See the tactical map.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Whispered "Oh s%+$!

Net down atm phone no good for detailed post this deserves