Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Kyrademon’s Jade Regent PBP, Part II

Game Master Kyrademon

A pause, "At least you speak a language I know when you are sloshed. Mom only ever spoke orc, and sang lullabies when she'd been drinking."

Lio watches the very elaborate bow, looks up at Ameiko, then back to Hrithik, unable to look away, sort of like watching a train wreck, but way cuter. She even smiles.

"Ye did naught answ'r moy questshun." She says softly to Hrithik, happy that she was wrong about her concerns, but still curious about how the Goblin saw him in Gutwads underclothing.

Hrithik smiles happily ... his thought process apparently something on the order of all too easy: "Well, it was either that or end up completely naked, right there with her and Ms. Sorn."

And Preview says ... So, what's Shalelu's thought on all this: curiosity, disdain, jealousy, scientific desire to observe pair bonding in bipedal sophonts, giddy girlish desire to be asked next but keeping it all inside?

At the Celebration

Shalelu glances at Melinda, and then back to you. ”If you want to talk, I am here,” Shalelu says. ”If you do not want to talk ... I am also here.”

Elsewhen
At other times, Shalelu is clearly making a priority of spending time with you. In addition to scouting time together, she starts making a habit of reading with you by the fire (she seems to prefer nonfiction.) She comes to the cooking group to watch at times, although she has not yet participated herself.

Shalelu seems to find talking to you comfortable and easy, but she appears just as content to spend time with you in companionable silence. She has come to the alchemy wagon to quietly watch you work at some points , but never when Hrithik is there. You get the sense that she is trying not to crowd you, and to leave you time for him as well.

elsewhen Lio has totally playfully put a dab of gold dust (that she was using for scroll purposes) on the tip of Shalelu's nose one time when she was watching Lio scribe a scroll.

at celebration -speaking in Elven-
It takes Lio a few sips of wine before she speaks. Her glance leaves Mel, and rests on Shalelu. She looks into the tall elven woman's eyes. Her own are filled with barely repressed emotion.

"I, noticed something the other day... Melinda, she bit Alaric. He has a fresh bite scar right over his collar bone. It... shouldn't bother me, he could have healed it, clearly he wanted to be marked by her. But... the marking, it bothers me. And now she is injured. It seems, it seems like they do not understand the significance of such an act." She stops for a while, looks to her cup as she takes another sip, then looks back up at Shalelu.

She has a hard time meeting Shalelu's gaze, but does so, her eyes vulnerable. "I never told you... but... I ...have a son. He'd be nearly 60 now." She adds, quickly, "If he's still alive." She takes a breath. "He's half Orc, and they don't normally live that long, but... he's Melinda's... grandfather." She takes another breath. "She looks a lot like him, ...well, she's too human to really look like him, but, she resembles him... her hair, her eyes, the shape of her mouth, the way it curves just so. I... I didn't even know, when I first got to Sandpoint. When I found out there was a half Orc there... I asked some questions. And... before I knew it, there she was. You could never tell by looking at her that she's got elf blood. Well, maybe her height, but she didn't get that from me." She is rambling.

Hrithik smiles happily ... his thought process apparently something on the order of all too easy: "Well, it was either that or end up completely naked, right there with her and Ms. Sorn."

Lio, blinks. Her expression something along the line of, well, i had to ask.... Ye enjoy t'llen 'alf stories way ta much. T'll et all, ...ah doe naught t'll ye 'alf a storie so et kann be misint'rp'ted.

"Arright. Here’s what I think."

”I want you to have a talk with Shalelu. She can explain the existing structure here, an’ yer place in it, in clearer terms than I can. If you want, get Liothonae to make an introduction. Shalelu’d been meanin’ to talk to both a’ you about some a’ the stuff that went on at Brinewall anyhow, no perticular reason she cain’t talk ta ya together if ya want. That discussion should include talk a’ what kinda behavior is expected of you here, and the repercussions a’ failure ta comply with that.”

”I am somewhat worried that loadin’ you down with tasks, above and beyond yer already extremely useful an’ necessary functions as Scout an’ Guard, may become a distraction that will slow down yer forward progress by lettin’ you bury yerself in work. Nonetheless, I will talk to Sandru about the possibility of finding you, now or at some future point, an additional task that suits yer skills and allows you to channel yer energies into contributin’, and if so we’ll see how it goes. If this does not happen, or if it takes some time to find somethin’ suitable, you might want to reflect on the fact that you are feedin’ these people. You are protectin’ these people. There are few tasks that show more love an’ concern than that.”

”I would like to see you at least once a week to discuss yer state of mind. Feel free to see me more often than that if there is any urgent issue in that regard. These discussion may include yer and my thoughts about yer successes and failures, yer feelins’, yer interactions with the rest o’ the group, religious and spiritual matters, and possibly whatever else seems relevant.”

Hrithik nods to Koya. "As you wish. Thank you for your guidance, Aunty Koya. Could we discuss religious matters on the morrow, perhaps?"

Lio blinks. Her expression something along the line of, well, i had to ask.... "Ye enjoy t'llen 'alf stories way ta much. T'll et all, ...ah doe naught t'll ye 'alf a storie so et kann be misint'rp'ted."

Hrithik grins. "How will I build a reputation as an Intercontinental Man of Mystery if I tell all of my tales to any devastatingly radiant woman who asks? You already had a chance to catch the entire thing during the Memory Surge, after all."

Hrithik looks happily and earnestly to Ameiko, his face a faux-serious mask of Woe Unto Me! How Can I Possibly Say No?

Hrithik grins. "How will I build a reputation as an Intercontinental Man of Mystery if I tell all of my tales to any devastatingly radiant woman who asks? You already had a chance to catch the entire thing during the Memory Surge, after all."

Hrithik looks happily and earnestly to Ameiko, his face a faux-serious mask of Woe Unto Me! How Can I Possibly Say No?

I clearly missed something in the Memory surge... hmmm.

I clearly missed something in the Memory surge... hmmm.

That's a reference to the fact that, on his part, he got absolutely everything all at once, and people like Ameiko may have retained a different mix than people in Brinewall. Every memory of his entire life went rushing past ... so it's not his fault that you don't remember the part about the Pretty Panties being worn in front of Reta. :-)

Zaiobe brings you over to a table and, when you are all seated, slips off her boots and hooks her feet around your ankles. Her feet are, incidentally, perfectly normal humanoid-shaped feet, save for the light dusting of small, pale, soft feathers on their tops.

The menu consists of local specialties such as hangikjöt, laufabrauð, and pickled fish, along with fare you may be more accustomed to, such as wheat bread and lamb stew. When a large ruddy Ulfen woman drops by to take your order, Zaiobe asks you to order the hangikjöt on her behalf (apparently it is some kind of lamb dish), and a bottle of the house wine for the table.

<So ...> Zaiboe asks when orders have been placed. <How did you two meet?>

Separate from the Weekly Discussions ... much closer to but not quite arrived in Kopparberget

Hrithik bows to the two Desnan clerics. "Wise Aunties, I had a query for you both. When we reach Kopparberget, and again when we reach Karlsgard, I will have the opportunity to make quick pilgrimage to the only temples to Torag I will have seen since departing Cheliax."

Hrithik smiles warmly at each of them. "If either or both of you would like to travel through the shrines with someone who can translate and play tour guide, I would be glad of your company and the opportunity."

Koya demurs, with the possible exception of visiting what is likely to be the small forge shrine in the trading town, saying that the larger shrines are certain to be up the mountain and her bones are too old to handle such a walk. Spivey, on the other hand, consents.

sounds veryinteresting Spivey says. alwayslike expandingknowledge

In town Kalimac will unsurprisingly be looking for a present for Ameiko. Since no one so far has given any concrete ideas, he'll be doing what I often do: window shop while waiting for inspiration to hit. The player may have some better direction later, but right now he'll be keeping an eye out.

Also on the agenda is some magic arrows of Halfling size. The fight with the ceiling squid drew his attention to the fact that he should have at least some ammo that can hit a "can only be hit by magic" enemy. So 10 or so +1 arrows is on his shopping list, if it's available.

Due to the nature of relationships in this game, I will not as GM make suggestions of possible presents. If you think of something that Kalimac might "spot", I will freely let you know if such a thing would actually have been available; almost certainly it will be.

+1 arrows, however, are not currently available for sale in Kopparberget. The dice are cruel.

Crafting adornments is possible, but the crafting rules are a confusing morass, be warned. It is probably not possible to Craft and act as Cook on the same day, so you might want to save it for more important stuff. However, you don't have to do it that way if you don't want to; Myriana takes days off to craft little presents all the time, for example.

Other than that, you get ... nothing. No read. No indication. It's bizarre. It feels almost as if your Sense Motive was trotting happily forward, then abruptly slammed into an unexpected wall, reeled back, and is currently clutching its nose and saying "Ow!"

It seems extremely likely that even the first part was only what she wanted you to see.

Lio has totally playfully put a dab of gold dust (that she was using for scroll purposes) on the tip of Shalelu's nose one time when she was watching Lio scribe a scroll.

Shalelu smiles.

at celebration -speaking in Elven-

It takes Lio a few sips of wine before she speaks. Her glance leaves Mel, and rests on Shalelu. She looks into the tall elven woman's eyes. Her own are filled with barely repressed emotion.

"I, noticed something the other day... Melinda, she bit Alaric. He has a fresh bite scar right over his collar bone ...
... I asked some questions. And... before I knew it, there she was. You could never tell by looking at her that she's got elf blood. Well, maybe her height, but she didn't get that from me." She is rambling.

Shalelu thinks for just a moment, then likewise replies in Elven.

"Thank you for sharing that with me. Your trust is ... something I treasure very much."

She thinks for a moment again.

"If I were to guess what she is doing ... Melinda may be trying to channel her impulses into passion instead of anger. Taking the rage in her blood and sharing it with someone she trusts implicitly, when both are feeling safe and loved. Trying to change the implications, at least for herself. That may ... help her, in the long run."

"But I am concerned about its effect on you.

Hrithik nods to Koya. "As you wish. Thank you for your guidance, Aunty Koya. Could we discuss religious matters on the morrow, perhaps?"

Koya nods. "Let's do that, then."

Hrithik grins. "How will I build a reputation as an Intercontinental Man of Mystery if I tell all of my tales to any devastatingly radiant woman who asks? You already had a chance to catch the entire thing during the Memory Surge, after all."

Hrithik looks happily and earnestly to Ameiko, his face a faux-serious mask of Woe Unto Me! How Can I Possibly Say No?

Ameiko performs the slight palm applause which is the sign of an audience member who appreciates a joke made by a jester, then turns to Liothonae.

"If he enjoys teasing you with his flapping tongue this much in other circumstances, you're probably a lucky woman. If you can accept my assurance -- or his -- that the incident in question was perfectly innocent, he'll probably get around to telling you about it sometime. If you can't ..." She pauses. "Let him know."

"Let's do that then."

On the second day traveling away from Brinewall, Koya recommends Hrithik talk to Shalelu soon about military and command structure, possibly with Lio's presence. (She also recommends meeting with Sandru as an important but secondary consideration). Hrithik would ask for a specific introduction, which has been generally consented to, but which Liothonae would have to actually write :-)

Koya demurs, with the possible exception of visiting what is likely to be the small forge shrine in the trading town, saying that the larger shrines are certain to be up the mountain and her bones are too old to handle such a walk. Spivey, on the other hand, consents ... sounds veryinteresting alwayslike expandingknowledge

(Hrithik will say to Koya: "We would start in town and make our way up from there. You are certainly welcome to join us on that first leg.")

On the day before reaching Kopparberget, Hrithik asks Liothonae, "When we reach town, I plan to visit the shrines to Torag. There will probably be a small shrine in town, then a real temple up the mountain. Aunties Koya and Spivey have agreed to interest in the shrine in town, but only Priestess Spivey has shown interest in the trek up the mountains. Would you have interest in the hike to see either, or both? You are certainly invited."

sounds veryinteresting alwayslike expandingknowledge

Hrithik has a question for Spivey. "It sounds, from what I have heard, that you have had experiences with people both subordinate to them and superior to them. Would you like to expand knowledge of interacting with them as partners?"

Vague Polyamory Seductions Until Checking with My Partner for 1000, Alex

Hrithik has a question for Liothonae, after she answers the first one about pilgrimages. "I have considered expanding the circle of our love to include others. Possibly Aunty Spivey, possibly Sir Kalimac or Mr. Mab-i-Gof. There is no rush, but I would seek your consent before doing so, and wished to offer the consideration now. If there was anyone you wished to add, I would likely be amenable and consenting, though I would need time to consider and reflect."

No +1 arrows? That's an outrage.

New shopping, based on tips. If there is a bookseller in town, I'm off to there. I don't have anything yet in mind, but I'll be wanting to query the proprietor. Also, supplies related to bookbinding, plus paper and ink. If I take Hrithik up on his idea, I'd like to have the stuff to give him and just make use of his skills.

Hrithik bows to Koya when permitted into her wagon. Calmly, and warmly, in Varisian he says, "Auntie Koya, prior to cleansing the Desnan Chapel in Brinewall, we came across a secret cache of Desnan items secreted away by the previous priests. Aunty Spivey has accepted one, and the others were divvied among the squad for their combat utility. There is still one remaining, however."

Hrithik holds up the small Desnan strongbox discovered in Brinewall, cleaned and oiled and scented. When opened, it has a small vial of earth collected from the Desnan shrine in Brinewall graveyard, as well as many other empty glass vials of similar make. Etched onto the side of the Brinewall vial is the Varisian word/spelling for Brinewall. The other vials are thusfar unmarked.

"Your reading for Sir Kalimac stated Brinewall was only the beginning of our journey. I hoped this would serve as a keepsake of samples taken from each waystation along the Long Road Ahead. I am happy to etch vials of earth gathered from shrines, and to collect such vials if they are far afield."

Hrithik smiles warmly, "There is, of course, also room for other mementoes you might wish to keep of the journey."

Winter, blanket x2 (normally 5 sp) would like [super] nice ones for 5 gp

Scroll of Reduce Person: 25 gp

Potion of Greater Invisibilty (summoner 3rd level spell, minimum 7th caster level): 1050 gp.

With alchemical allocation as a 2nd level formula, Hrithik will be able to use this once or more per day at the cost of two actions. If the item is not present, the money will be saved toward the town it is.

If you ever want to customize treasure in the next few levels: really nice 3rd level formulae in potions will always catch Hrithik's interest.

Hrithik minces no words. "Stories. Travel tales. Loves them. I'd recommend your own, personal tale, if you can get it scribed and bound in time. If you cannot find a decent scribe and bookbinder in a mining town in the time you have, our Druid is a scribe, and I am a bookbinder. Each of us, her first then me, on consecutive days, should be able to serve you well."

"Hmmm. I've never thought of my own tale as something worthy of preserving in a book--at least not yet. My career is still starting out. Well, thank you for the tip. I should be going, then. We're not long in this town, and if I'm going to get anything specially made I'll want to get an order in quickly."

Kalimac seems to be not horribly concerned about secrecy at this point. He'd like to suprise Ameiko, but isn't concerned with keeping things from the rest of his friends.

She listens to Alaric's explanation, "And then he almost got his face eaten off my an leathery eyeless thing and Reta feel in love with him."

On the second day traveling away from Brinewall, Koya recommends Hrithik talk to Shalelu soon about military and command structure, possibly with Lio's presence. (She also recommends meeting with Sandru as an important but secondary consideration). Hrithik would ask for a specific introduction, which has been generally consented to, but which Liothonae would have to actually write :-)

awaiting Kyrademon to describe where the actual meeting takes place, since Shalelu gets to decide where they talk.

After arriving at the meeting place, wherever it happens to be, Liothonae, with Hrithik close by, looks around Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 and upon hopefully with that roll seeing Shalelu alone? ,quite seriously says her idea of a formal introduction, "Shalelu Andosana, miletarie lead'r of thes karavan an' exp'dishun, aye ahm 'ere on b'half of Hrittik Ranb'r, lat'ley of Sandpointe, a keap'r uf knouleg's, who weshes ta be entrodushed ta ye, an' ask ye 'ou 'e kann fett entu thes karavan b'tt'r. Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

After downing the foul stuff and cleaning the pots he befouled, he returns to Melinda and gives her a proper good morning. "There aren't a lot of women who would let their drunk man use her lap as a pillow all night. Just shows how truly lucky I am."