Once and Future King

Game Master Freddy Honeycutt

Chief Sootscale produces a very old looking scrollcase and pulls a parchment our of it and sets it on a table for you to look at.

"This is treaty that Kobolds makes with humans, kobolds still honors this."

The Walk in Accord Treaty
The Kobold Nation
We, the Undersigned, agree to the following:

On Territory:
#1 – That the Tanglescale Tribe be recognized as a Sovereign kobold Nation under the Law.
#2 – That the aforementioned Kobold Nation’s territory (defined as the silver Mine, with the attending access to river, berry bushes and radish patch) be recognized as the Kobold Nation’s sovereign territory under the Law, and shall be inviolate unto the Walk of the Accord (and any later signatories of this treaty).
#2.1 – That, in accordance with the Law, the Kobold Nation has the right to demand toll from any who wishes to cross the borders of its sovereign territory, as well as the right to defend its borders against unlawful invasion.
#3 – That, at such a date when the Walk of the Accord has established a territory, this shall likewise be sovereign under the Law, and inviolate unto the Kobold Nation (and any additional signatories of this treaty).
#3.1 – That, in accordance with the Law, the Walk of the Accord has the right to demand toll from any who wishes to cross the borders of its sovereign territory, as well as the right to defend its borders against unlawful invasion.
#4 – That any future signatories of this Treaty shall be recognized as Sovereign Nations and receive the right to demand toll and defend the sovereign borders of their territory, which shall be defined upon the time of their signing the Treaty.
#5 – That, if necessary, all signatories of this Treaty may call upon any of the other signatories to assist them in the case that their sovereign borders are violated or under threat from any party, signatory or otherwise.

On Trade:
#1 – That we, the Undersigned (being the Kobold Nation and the group known as the Walk of the Accord are engaged in exclusive trade, at price rates to be agreed upon at a later date.
#1.1 – With the Kobold Nation providing silver.
#1.2 – With the Walk of the Accord providing access to various trade goods from foreign quarters.
#2 – That this trade-relationship be wholly exclusive, allowing no other parties to be included, unless one or both parties formally dissolves it.
#2.1 – Should any party offer various trade goods to the Kobold Nation at preferable rates, the Kobold Nation shall offer the right of first refusal to the Walk of the Accord.
#2.2 – Should any party offer silver to the Walk of the Accord at preferable rates, the Walk of the Accord shall offer the right of first refusal to the Kobold Nation.

Deliberation:
#1 - That all signatories of this Treaty shall be united in a Treaty Council, which will meet at least once a Year to discuss any matters pertaining to all parties united in this Treaty.
#1.1 – That every signatory may call for a meeting of the Treaty Council, should they feel that a matter has arisen which demands the attention of the full Council of signatories.
#2 – That all signatories of this Treaty shall appoint at least one individual with the rank of Councillor, with the rank, authority, intellect and wisdom to properly represent their Nation in Treaty Council, who shall be assigned to attend Treaty Council on the appointed date.
#3 – That each Nation be given full review of Treaty Council decisions, allowing each signatory’s government to ratify or protest its Ambassadors’ decisions.
#3.1 – That any decision made by an Ambassador which the Ambassador’s government objects to, be formally protested by the government in question before the Treaty Council before the passage of thirty days and nights after the making of said decision.
#4 – That all Ambassadors be given the right of safe and unmolested travel through the sovereign lands of all the signatories of this Treaty.
#4.1 – That all Ambassadors be excluded from toll in the execution of their passage to and from Treaty Council.
#4.2 – That any and all Staff attached to the Ambassador not be exempted from toll.
#5 – That Treaty Council be held in a location to be agreed upon at a later date, allowing for later decision to set up a rotating schedule.

Amendment:
That this Treaty may be amended at a later date, provided majority agreement is reached among the signatories.
The treaty date places it at nearly 37 years old-
Signatures:
Chief TangleScale
Rohab the green
Tempek the red
Sadley the black

Nugrah the Jackdaw Prince
Lady Ismort
Elga Verniex
Other signatures are smudged beyond recognition

Nedyr overlooks the treaty, and whistles, "Kobolds are very detailed. I assume that if the party had a silvermine of their own, for example, the 'exclusive' would still allow them to use it without kobold labor?"

"Kobolds has goods silver mine, why needs another one?"

"Fair enough," He looked to the others, "They're bargaining is firm, detailed, but if there's a particularly pricky catch, I'm missing it."

Alexander reviews the treaty and looks over the part pertaining to the tolls and brings it up for clarification to the chief. Chief Sootscale I am curious on the mention of toll. Does your tribe normally request a set amount for travelers that pass through your lands or is it in relation to use of the resources mentioned in the treaty or some other variation of rules for collection. I want to make sure to mention it to any others that might pass through your territory so they know to respect the rules you have laid out for your territory. Also I am curious if the accord is recognized by any other kobold tribes? If not could you point them out so we know.

Chief Sootscale shrugs....

"I know not this treaty and the ones named on it are all dead or aged into infirmity, the group known as the walk has vanished. I once heard the tolls were paid so trade roads might be maintained by the respective nation. My grandfather talked of it."

Alexander nods sagely That is certainly reasonable. I am certain that once people begin coming through again we could work something out. It does take money to keep roads repaired even if it is only to shovel in ruts as well as men payed to look after traveled areas. That is still a while away. I hope to keep a dialogue open with your tribe until that day comes.

Markov just nods as he listens to the conversation. Maybe once we clear the land, we can claim that mine as our own while any of those so called "Nobles" run the town they will make. At least we'll have money. He smirks at his thought before coming back to a calm demeanor. "So, with this treaty, we can basically see about making... Peace between the Kobolds and any settlers that will come. So that is good. So with us seeing that, we can head to Oleg's and maybe see about getting a few more people to help us." He turns to Mikmek. "I can see you being welcome at the outpost, also with Crackjaw." He turns to Alexander. "But I think we need a few more people from Brevoy or maybe a few mercenaries with access to healing magic or something."

So, are we just about ready to head back to Oleg's? It has been kinda stagnant, and I would like to see a couple new people to get this going again. What do you think guys?

"We'll definitely need to spread word of this alliance so the more gung ho out there won't get confused," Like say, shooting a kobold on sight as some folks will do because they don't know them. Of course, we don't know them, but at least we're willing to learn.

Chief Sootscale: "Then might we make a compact of negotation among ourselves, yourselves and the other residents of the area, not a full treaty but at least a compact of peace?"

Alexander smiles broadly. That is an excellent idea Chief Sootscale. When we find our way back to Oleg's we can let them know of our accord. Have a posting put up to let those coming through that your tribe is to be left unmolested and that your territory is to be respected. If you let us know of anyone who breaks the accord that you haven't dealt with yourself we can charge them as a bandit or what have you. At this point we have been dealing with a group or groups that have been raiding traders more north and east of here and that have been making traveling this area dangerous. Any information you find out about these cutthroats would be appreciated.

Chief Sootscale: "It is said that other kobold nations live and thrive in lands beyond ours, it is also said that some kobolds serve evil dragons and do as they are commanded. Indeed share this with others and know the Sootscales want only peace."

"Our own land had evil dragons for a time, or at least ones who helped a man conquer. So again, something else we might have in common...very interesting I think, and I'm glad to have met you," Nedyr says, "We'll tell others you want peace, Chief. Rest assured of that."

The journey back to Olegs is uneventful and Oleg suggests sending a copy of the old treaty to the swordlords as a demonstration that you have handled the kobold trouble in the hills, and that they might send the reward sooner.

Svetlana: "Glad everyone is well, big dinner tonight!"

Markov is bored on the way back, but is glad that they are back at the outpost. "Finally! I can't wait to sleep in a dry bed for a night. And I'll thank you now Svetlana, dinner sounds Great!" He dismounts Snow and begins to lead the horse to the stables before he stops. "Oh..! Wait, wait. We have a gift! Though then again you did ask for it." Markov reaches up to the saddlebags and removes the bushel of radishes from atop it. "I believe these are what you asked for. Right? I heard from the others while we were out there."

Oleg: "Svetlana is it too late to add moonradish mash to dinner, and moonradish casserole tomorrow?"

Alexander dismounts and greets the couple as they mention dinner he chimes in. I wouldn't mind finding out how these moon radishes taste. They seem to be very popular around here and it looks as if we have a great deal of the vegetables.

"Food period sounds wonderful, thank you, lady," He says to Svetlana, "Nothing like the road to make you appreciate a home cooked meal."

Oleg: "So lads pull up a chair to the table and give a coin to the boy, I forget his name, but he is fine with horses an will take fine care of them."

A small boy of about 11 summers has a brush in hand and came out of the stable as you rode up.....

Around the table
Oleg "So how goes the exploration?"

"Well, the kobolds have surprised us. I don't know if what I've heard about them was unfair, or if Mikmek's people are just noblier than most, but they seem to be quite decent," Nedyr says, "The down side is that with the ladies in our party having to move on, well, we're a bit underhanded in certain areas such as healing."

Oleg: "Glad to hear the kobolds nest nearby is friendly. Good news that, they are tough hided and a few of them can destroy quite a lot."

Svetlana"There is a lady who would like nothing better than to follow a fine group of lads around and treat wounds and what not."

"Is she pretty?" Nedyr says at the mention of a lady, then actually has the decency to look sheepish, "Not that that aids with healing I suppose."

Oleg and Svetlana both look at each other.

"Well it is one thing she is known for, though she charges a fee for all services."

Listening to the conversation, Markov wonders who exactly who this woman is. Once his horse is taken to the stables he sits down at the table with the others. "So... Who exactly is this healer that is interested in helping us?" He looks towards Oleg and Svetlana as he states flatly. He clears his throat and speaks in a more normal tone. "I mean, looks are one thing, but we need someone that can pull their own weight. Kinda hard to pull a wagon with no horses." Markov looks down at the table and waves his hand a couple times. "If she is able to waive her fee while out exploring with us, she can look worse than any street waif and can, as I said, pull her own weight as well."

Oleg: "She is a business woman from a proud tradition of such women who follow men into battle, she is a capable healer, with magic to aid her and a great comfort in time of need, but like I said she charges for all of her services."

Oleg stresses the word all.....and services.

Sense motive DC 13

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Nedyr catches onto what they mean, "Well, who doesn't need a little comfort now and then?"

Her name is Naleksa

I will introduce her soon as she returns to Oleg's. Please do not bother the individual who has this alias right now, as he in not interested in playing her in this thread

"As long as she is willing to come with us. We honestly also need someone that knows stuff." As Markov states, he leans forwards onto the table and rest on his elbows. "Do you happen to know of anyone like that too?"

I wonder how Markov will react to Naleksa with how close his description on how her appearance to how close her profession to the description will be.

Also, is there any players interested in playing KM along side us? While a NPC healer is nice and all, having a one or two more players would be good. What do you guys think? Erm, I suggest answering this back in the discussion thread than here.

Dot

ditto-dot

Mahdrig presses a coin into the stable boy's hand, and hands him three carrots in the other.

"Now, once Char has her stall- or if there's not-a-one to be had- just tell her to sit about an' don't fuss. After that, please tell Oleg and Svetly that Mahdrig is callin', and has the marsh grasses and nightshades they was askin' for." Char follows the boy.

Mahdrig notices the other horses in the stalls, and busies herself with arranging her pack and applying a touch of red lacquer to her fingernails. After a bit she pulls some twigs and leaves from her raven-black, red-tipped hair, and reaches into her traveling coat and pulls out a small leather pouch, and snacks on its contents, finally sitting against the wall of the building, waiting for the boy to return.

Ah! Finally made it back. Hopefully all of those people that we accepted will come. Though some seem to be rather excited at the prospect. Markov shrugs as he finishes that thought as he rides back to Oleg's Trading Post. Looking ahead, he sees the outpost on the horizon. Should be there soon. Heh, and Alex and the others will like that I managed to scrounge together enough for a map. Or, maybe nothing! Heh! After a couple seconds, he sighs a bit. Guess old habits die hard... Gotta work on it. He grins as he pulls into Olegs while riding Snow.

Markov dismounts and greets Oleg when he shows himself from the various chores that man must be doing. But afterwards he looks around as he walks to the stables. "Alexander! Nedyr! I'm back! I also got a map too for you guys to check out! A really old one!"

Mahdrig crunches on her snack, listening to the heavy tread of a horse carrying a rider reaching the outpost. Rather than rise for a proper greeting, she sits, content in her faith of change that whatever is out there will find her.

Char, seemingly off-put by the stalls in the stable, has taken to munching on the grass and clover that carpets the grounds of the outpost, every so often snorting into the lush grass.

A dwarf rides up on a horse. As he dismounts, he says, "Orrik Greystone. Heard you were looking for folk to help explore the Stolen Lands. That's an interest of mine, so here I am."

Orrik Greystone is thin for a dwarf, but not excessively so, and has the stocky appearance of his people. He dresses in robes, and often has a scroll tube and a book pouch hanging off of his belt, next to the seemingy-incongruous warhammer. His brow is heavy as if he were always in concentration. His beard is combed straight and not braided, and comes to a point. His hair is black; he has two prominent widows peaks on his head, and the hair hangs down close to his shoulders in shaggy waves on either side of his head.

Character image

"I hear there are ancient even ruins hidden here in the Stolen Lands. I've got a particular interest in those. Ancient ruins of any sort, for that matter. I'm a diviner myself, at your service."

"Welcome to Oleg's! One and all, and new acquaintance s."

Markov dismounts and greets Oleg when he shows himself from the various chores that man must be doing. But afterwards he looks around as he walks to the stables. "Alexander! Nedyr! I'm back! I also got a map too for you guys to check out! A really old one!"

"A map? Oh thank the gods, the last time I got lost was so embarrassing I..." He sees others approaching "Well, new faces make new stories, they say."

When the dwarf introduces himself, Nedyr doffs his hat in greeting in return , "I know little about ruins, but we're quite grateful for the help, Master Greystone. I'm Nedyr Shadowhawk Orlovsky, pleased to make your acquaintance."

Assuming he sees Mahdrig near the stable, he turns, "And who might you be, good lady?"

"Aye! Got a good deal on it too. Though it is a bit old, it can help smooth out locations on our map a bit." Markov grins wide then notices the new arrivals to the trading post. "Right! These are the people that wanted to come explore with us." He looks around a bit, expecting another person arriving. "I guess that Minstrel girl isn't here yet. Might be here in due time." He shrugs and walks over to the dwarf and offers his hand to shake. "Nice that you can make it Orrik! I know most of us are here at the request of those "Swordlords" back north. But I hope we will get along and finish what we started here."

I hope you don't mind me introducing you Mahdrig, I got a feeling that is what Markov might do, due to requesting help earlier.

Markov walks beside Nedyr after greeting the dwarf. "She is one of the other people that decided to help." He will walk over next to her. "It is good to see that you made it Mahdrig. Hopefully your skills will help out alot as well. Whom you just met is Nedyr, he gets lost easily. And I got a feeling you already met the nice couple that owns this trading post, Oleg and Svetlana Leveton." He holds out his hand as well to the woman. "May we get along in this adventure." He grins to her.

"Well I bet that the other girl can get plenty of business here at my place. Having a healer on duty will let the men at arms rest a bit easier....plus I almost fell off the roof the other day trying to fix it up."

I have found that spontaneous backstories are great in PbP, so please read this as such.

Mahdrig gets off her duff, and strokes Char's nose. "I'll be right back, don't fuss. We're here to meet some new friends and get out of that boring birch copse, like you wanted. I guess the boy forgot about me. Typical."

Mahdrig gathers her things and heads into the outpost, following the dwarf that just arrived.

Mahdrig is a slender woman wearing practical clothing you would associate with a River Kingdoms hermit- a sturdy coat, tall leather boots and a sword strapped to her side. She walks with liquid grace and her smile is warm. Her black hair is drawn back in a ponytail, and her eyes are striking- her left is a bright, cold blue and the right is a pure, warm brown flecked with autumnal reds, yellows, and golds.

"Oleg! Svetly! I've the herbs and nightshades you asked for, and what do you pay that stable boy? I gave him tenpence from Pitax, and he let me dream outside the barn for a year!"

Mahdrig moves to shake Oleg's hand and greet Svetlana with a warm hug.

Mahdrig then turns to the men clad in armor.

She first shakes Markov's outstretched hand, then pulls him in for a hug. "Markov, it is nice to see you again. I could never forget those eyes. They were- wild."

Mahdrig turns to Nedyr- "And you must be the thief. Oh, no, sorry! That's a compliment. It takes skill to guile or spirit things away unbeknownst. Markov spoke highly of you. Nice to have another of our lot on the team, right?"

She then greets Orrick, hand extended for a fist bump. "You must be the dwarf I've heard so much about. I feel safe knowing there is another attuned to the tremor of the soil and the scent on the winds, and you say you are a diviner? Your skills should help us on our journey."

Mahdrig turns to Oleg. "Good friend, may the sun greet you tomorrow. Ten Brevoy Crowns will settle us up. And please, teach your stable boy some manners. And Oleg, you mind yourself around Naleska, what with your arthritis."

...Whom you just met is Nedyr, he gets lost easily....

"Only in the wilderness...admittedly which is all around us here..." he says sheepishly

Mahdrig turns to Nedyr- "And you must be the thief. Oh, no, sorry! That's a compliment. It takes skill to guile or spirit things away unbeknownst. Markov spoke highly of you. Nice to have another of our lot on the team, right?"

"Thief?" Nedyr's jaw drops a bit, and he looks at Markov, "Good lord man, what have you been saying about me to folks? I'm a dilettante with acquisitional interests at best," He turns back to Mahdrig, "In truth, dear lady, I was raised in relative comfort so any spiriting away I performed was born of boredom or mischief more than need or greed. I'm here, in part, to help satisfy my family's interest in the region. Oh, I also know a bit of fencing. And am skilled in the art of raskishness."

Oleg "This one talks much, must be a gregarious bard!"
.....aside to his wife Svetlana "Do you know what she is talking about?"..... Svetlana shrugs and smiles...

Markov can help to chuckle at Mahdrig's greeting. "Nah, not once did I call you a thief Nedyr. I did say you were cunning, and quick with that rapier." As he gestures to Nedyr's belt. "But I can't help to find it amusing. She kinda got us mixed up! Haha!" Markov begins to laugh loudly about the situation.

Orrik nods. "I am a diviner, although I suppose that does not mean as much as it did before the dawn of the Age of Lost Omens. But, still, there is far more to divination magic than prophecy. Primarily, I consider myself a scholar, but I will strive to be of some use if we come across dangerous entanglements during our explorations."

Oleg: "First time the crew went out exploring they gave us the heads up here at the fort, is that still your intention so that we know when to expect you back?"

Svetlana adds "It is easier to bake the right number of loaves and pies when I know."

Mahdrig nods. "Wouldn't be home without a curfew, Oleg! Now don't fret, we don't know what's out there- you can guess by our rations how long we'll be out and about, give or take a day or two. Worry when the horses arrive without us."

Mahdrig hands Svetlana a basket of fresh herbs, tomatoes, eggplants and mushrooms. "Forget the silver, If Char can have fresh carrots and hay when we check in, I'd say we're even. And it's always best to bake an extra loaf, company never calls ahead, Svelty!"

The druid inspects her red-lacquered nails.

"I am excited to meet this bardess, nothing passes time better than tales and songs- though I wonder how much more time we can take warming our hands at Oleg's fire as our claim lies unexplored, and worse- unprotected."

"And why wouldn't she?" He says to Markov, "Why we could be twins."

At Orrik's comments, he says, "Never was a big fan of prophecy anyway, but knowledge of the right thing at the right time? Sounds like a skin saver to me."

"Hah! Us?" Markov gestures to Nedyr and back again. "Twins? Haha!" He heartily laughs at what he considers a joke. He looks around and nods in thought. "We should prepare to head on out to do the work Alexander and the others started. Regardless if that bardic girl arrives." He looks around for Alexander. Not seeing him. he raises a eyebrow. "Hey, Nedyr. Oleg. Have you guys seen Alex? I thought he was still asleep or something when I got back, why isn't he coordinating this?"

Oleg: "I am uncertain it seems that perchance him or you lot have opened my cask of elder-berry wine, all seem in good spirits!"

Mahdrig laughs.

"Master Oleg, sometimes the winds change, inviting new scents and a freshness that can only be described as levity. Such breath greets the rivers and breathes life into the dormant winter."

Still smiling, she adds, "And if your wine's been compensated, I ask the host or the thief to fill my glass! I would believe a toast is in order!"

Oleg: "Indeed a glass of elderberry wine for our guests."

Oleg appraises the antique map Markov brought back...."The scale is off but it should help a lot in your exploration. You guys did good clearing the land near here....so where to next?"

Please use the antique map for in game, but you should designate hexes to explore in the discussion thread using the hex map for exploration......

"Hey, Nedyr. Oleg. Have you guys seen Alex? I thought he was still asleep or something when I got back, why isn't he coordinating this?"

"I can't say I have, I hope he's alright. Maybe family called him back?" Or he chased after a certain lady priest. I couldn't blame him for that.

At the mention of wine, he smiles, "Oh, one for the road. I suppose."

At mention of where to go next, he admits, "I've no head for maps. Our new companion, Master Greystone mentioned old ruins. Any hints of a good place for a ruin here? Deeper into the woodlands maybe? Things overgrow after time."