Thron's Altered Kingmaker

Game Master Litejedi

"If you are certain that is what you want." Vincent replies with a nod. "I trust you have considered what it will do to Analla? Splitting up your family like that? I cannot imagine that you would be happy if she chose to take your sons away from you. I only wish to help you and Orri both, so if it is necessary for me to step in then I will do so. It would certainly make things easier for you and Analla. That is not a small matter. Consider it, whether ruling this barony really more important to you than your wife and family. You know I can do it on Orri's behalf and save you the heartbreak in the process. Think about it, carefully."

"I do not wish to rule, I do so only because I must protect Orri's lands while he is sick. I do not want to make Annalla be away from the boys. I know you can do it on Orri's behalf. I should probably give it more thought."

She takes her leave and seeks out Annalla. "Anna. I have given it some more thought, and I am now leaning toward letting Vincent oversee things here. I don't want to take your sons away from you. Ruling a barony is not more important to me than our family is."

Two days later ravens wing their way from Orriville towards the various barony capitals.

"Orri has taken a turn for the worse." The message reads bluntly. "Long term decisions as to the fate of his barony must be taken. As his sister Isabella has made up her mind and in accordance with her wishes you are all requested to attend a meeting in Orriville at your earliest convenience."

Turn Fluff

Sophiel was seen slightly less than was usual around the capitol. It seemed she and her councilor, Alidar had begun a relationship. Such a thing took up more time than seemed to be proper, with whispers extending here and there.

She seemed to giggle and act quite girlish in his company, the romance stealing her time, and her attention. Furtive glances across the council table. Time when she would disappear with him for long periods of time. She was overseeing the work on the foundry that would process their natural resources. An ugly machine, but necessary to refine the materials into something saleable. She and some of the druids had set up a rotation to use magic to clean the lake, a time-consuming task. She was finalizing the schedule, when some of the councilors approached her.

Noticing that even with her magic ring Sophiel was looking haggard and tired, as if life had been wearing her down, Galgra, Beldame, and Kesten approached her. She looked up, smiling wanly, "yes?"

Kesten shiften uneasily, trying to summon some of his formal training, though he spoke as though he didn't know where to begin - "administrator. I - we -" he gestured to the others, and then towards the makeshift offices, "all of us - grow concerned. You are entitled to your dalliances - there is nothing - " he blushed as red as a beet, as Sophie's eyes narrowed. She folded her arms and straightened her back, handing the clipboard and paper to a nearby druid. Her nostrils flared, "have I been unfair to anyone for speaking their minds? Continue."

Kesten nodded, "of course. We are concerned. Your relationship is a conflict. Moreover, you both have neglected your duties. People are concerned - the students see you as a role model." He shook his head, "but... that's not really the problem. Your duties..."

Beldame cackled "yer droppin' the ball with that buck! Or grabbin' with them too much." She grinned, "your work's sufferin' and everyone else is too." Sophiel opened her mouth, then closed it, frowning slightly. Galgra chimed up, her cheery voice adding soothingly, "that's really what Kesten's driving at. We're actually thinking that if you and Alidar want to continue - he should step down, at least that would put up some boundaries. We can find another councilor - or a diplomat. Marcanth has ... better decision-making skills anyway." Sophiel's eyes flashed slightly, and she glared, but Galgra only blinked and smiled more.

Sophiel looked defiant for a moment, then raised her fingers to her brow and massaged it, closing her eyes, "yes. It takes a lot out of me. I was alone for quite some time - it is nice to have someone..." She straightened up and nodded, "I will speak to Alidar about this." She waved, and dismissed them. Kesten breathed a sigh of relief, Beldame cackled as she left, and her treasurer bowed politely, the Abadarian dwarf nodding, and adding "if you need council - Abadar and Magdh share similar outlooks - I may be able to help." Sophiel waved a little dismissively. "No, I put my own foot into this mess, it's my job to get it out. Please make a note that we'll build some extra apartments for everyone - a dorm for the druids to manage the cleanup of the city - it's getting a bit crowded and it should assuage the discontent." Galgra bowed again, "as you wish, administrator."

Sophiel got the clipboard back and watched as the animals moved the pieces of steel and wood into the postholes below and above the waterfront. She looked uncommonly tired.

--------------------------------------------------

At Orrville

Sophiel and Alidar arrive at Orrville, pulled by Dictum and Mayhem, the handsome diplomat with his arm through the crook of Sophiel's as she drove the Bison. She examines the rebuilding from her perch, nodding slightly as she passed as if satisfied. However, she is obviously exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes. Alidar strokes her hand as they drive the bison into the town, a loving gesture, and holds a slight smile on his face, as he imperiously studies Orrville. She approaches the garrison where Orri had been staying, and where she was asked to meet with the others. She parks the wagon at the stable and she and her companion ask around until they are directed to the correct location. When she finally lays eyes on the slight frame of the vampire, she bows in the same manner as before, "Lord Maridos. A pleasure, as always. You have summoned me, and I here I am. You have met my councilor Alidar, yes?"

Alidar bows with not insignificant grace, and says "I do not believe so, charmed, Lord Maridos." He inclines his head, a slight tilt to it, his eyes smiling.

Sophiel disentagles herself from Alidar for a moment and wipes off her hands, "so: Orri's still sick. I've prepared a few spells that could help - or, I assume his people - or you - have already tried those. He's still alive then?" She says this matter-of-factly, though she's obviously concerned, "may I see him? He's my friend, too."

Chrysa arrives on a black horse, dressed in leathers and swords, for stealth and battle. Both her and her mount look road weary. Last thing of note is she came not from the direction of the Fall, both instead from Varnhold. Her face is pinched with worry and anger, "Where is he?" she asks/demandd, skipping all niceties to get right to the point at hand. The fact her hand is on the hilt of her sword is almost an unconscious gesture.

"Resting." Vincent says sternly. "There is no call for such aggression, my dear cousin. Calm yourself, have some wine to wash the dust of the road from your throat. We can provide a bath if you wish. Then we can talk as civilized beings."

---------------
Sophiel

"My thanks, dearest Aunt." Vincent replies. "Your magic would be welcome but I must council you that we have taken... drastic action to preserve his life. Any intervention at this point must be made with great care."

Alidar receives an equally civil inclination of the head. "The pleasure is all mine. Perhaps I shall be calling you Uncle in a few months? The spring can be such a pleasant time for weddings."

With that Vincent shows his guests inside, insisting that they take the time to rest and recover before business begins, particularly since they are still waiting for Chief Sootscale.

She takes her leave and seeks out Annalla. "Anna. I have given it some more thought, and I am now leaning toward letting Vincent oversee things here. I don't want to take your sons away from you. Ruling a barony is not more important to me than our family is."

Annalla lets the fear out of the box for a moment and tears begin to brim in her eyes. "I don't want you and the babies to leave," she says, her voice growing brittle. "But I don't want you to feel that you have to choose between Orri and me. I want you to choose what's right, but I don't know what that is."

~~~~~

The rest of the group finds Annalla and Isabella already inside. Annalla is sitting possessively close to her wife and clasps her hand tightly.

Sophiel looks strained a bit when Vincent says ‘uncle’. ”I suppose I understand - let’s go, then. Alidar, if you’d stay here, please.” The diplomat blinks and smiles, ”whatever is happening, I can be present - I am to be family soon, right?” Sophiel responds, ”I have not decided yet - and this is hardly the place.”

Alidar pouts and embraces her, lowering his hand and squeezing her rear, ”oh, I think I know your answer. You certainly were clear enough last night.” He moves to kiss her, and she extends a hand to block him. She then turns away from the others, bright red, and then wriggles free. She stammers, ”...n...no! Not ——- Alidar! You’re embarrassing me!” The man gives her a wicked smile and then turns to Chrysa, ”you know, you wouldn’t feel so shy if we invited your friends, too.” He makes a kissing face and winks at her.

Sophiel looks between them and opens her mouth , then closes it, clenching her jaw. She pushes Alidar away, ”sometimes ... unpleasant circumstances can upset both-of us. Stop!” Alidar looks a bit disappointed, ”it’s not like... just this is a bad time!” He raises his hands defensively, ”of course, Milady.” Sophiel manages a strained smile, and follows Maridos and Chrysa into the keep as Alidar returns to the wagon to wait.

Sense Motive vs DC 15/30: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"Sophiel, it seems that you should take a stronger hand with your lover. If he's doing things that you don't like, you need to speak up."

This was all outside - but if Annalla overheard somehow...

Sophiel doesn’t snap at Annalla. She doesn’t even respond, physically, as far as anyone can tell, but she does respond, ”so it would seem.” Her affect is flat, and she looks towards Orri’s form.

"I was not asking permission" Chrysa puts bluntly to Vincent.
Ignoring his offers of refreshment she leaves him and Sophie to visit Orri's room. And stays there until it is requested she attend the meeting.

Turn 8 Calistril 4711AR
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(Balance=33 BP)

Ending Balance 35 BP

The kobolds continue their expansion, this time focusing on heading south to the river. At home, the kobolds complete construction of a Town Hall for regular business to happen. King Sootscale appoints Mikmek to handle the day-to-day responsibilities from the hall.

Turn 9 Pharasat 4711AR
------------------------------------
(Balance=35 BP)

Ending Balance 47 BP

The kobolds focus on more river expansion, while back at home, the kobolds focus on the practical need for clean water by creating a cistern. The economy is doing well, and Sootscale starts drawing up some more ambitious plans for the future. Sootscale starts moving beneath Orri's lands. With their leader indisposed, this seemed like a good time to establish their rights to those subterranean lands.

The first thing the townsfolk notice as King Sootscale's entourage arrives is most certainly not Sootscale. Instead, Munguk, the massive hill giant, is seen lumbering loudly through the land! The already small kobolds seem like tiny ants beside the giant.

"Munguk is Royal Enforcer," declares King Sootscale. "Too much danger these days, must bring protection! Also, he help carry stuff.". Sootscale nods, and Munguk takes from his sack a box that appears to have a large number of rather pickly smelling poultices. "Healing fungus patch," he says. "Draws out toxins. Will help Orri get better."

He turns to his followers, dismissing them to go about their business in Draconic, before returning to the assembled allies. "Bella, Annalla, happy you here. Did you bring your little boys?"

Annalla nods at King Sootscale in a friendly greeting. "Yes, Your Highness, Tristan and Tremaine are here. We didn't feel it would be appropriate to bring them to the meeting itself. As adorable as they are, they can prove to be quite distracting when business needs attending to."

Sophiel looks over Orri, shaking her head, ”I was able to cure the lycanthropy- but this is beyond my power, like so many other things...” Sophiel looks pained when she checks him over. She straightens up, ”this is almost a curse - more of a curse than lycanthropy, more like mummy rot. But he’s stable, yes?” She checks him again, ”comatose. How will you feed him?” She looks down sadly at his prostrate form.

When Sootscale comes in, Sophiel looks relieved, and moves to embrace him. After she finishes her hug, she says, ”we’ve missed you, my friend. The university has a class in alchemy in our natural philosophy department - my professors studied your advancements.” She gestures widely, and adds ”many a tale has been told in Gliocas regarding what you’ve done.” She looks sad, ”you should come visit more often.”

Chrysa is sitting still in a chair watching the diagnosises without comment. The clenched hands in her lap are the only indication of her stress.

King Sootscale returns the friendly greetings and hugs from Annalla and Sophiel. "Yes, Sootscale hear you build great school," he says, perhaps misunderstanding the scale of what she has created. "Kobolds build library, much knowledge to share!" he boasts.

After a few more pleasantries, he slips in beside Chrysa. The fact that she's sitting closer to his level makes it a little easier to offer a hug. He speaks in Draconic.

"Orri is strong. He's escaped imprisonment, death, and lycanthropy. He will escape this one too, and probably find his way to a nurse's bed while he's at it. Do not worry, friend. We have many powerful healers here. Trust them."

Chrysa looks at her friend. "This is different, and now Bella is taking over meaning he's not even strong enough to rule through his advisors... I am worried..."

While Sophiel is waiting for a response regarding his condition, she raises an eyebrow at Chrysa's statement, "the people who Orri recruited to live here deserve someone who's going to manage the government without too many distractions. They've been through a lot already."

She turns to Chrysa, "could you take over? Philosophical differences aside, you're keeping everyone safe and fed, and the outdated rules of succession seem to be less useful in this circumstance." She says softly, "you're one of the closest to him aside from his sister; it seems fitting."

Chrysa gives Sophie a sharp look at the notion of 'deserve' and the mention of 'too many distractions', her mouth forming a hard line like she is slamming down comments that are from pain instead of sense. After moments under her dark eyes, she answers "Yes. But..." she softens slightly "... Orri and I are complicated enough without me pushing my methods on his people. I could advise his own people in management and security, help fill in the gaps between his 'distractions' as you put it." the word distraction drips acid.

"But maybe we should hear what his sister is suggesting first, before we start offering alternatives." her gaze turns to Bella, drifting slightly to Anna, since the two are more one than two now.

Isabella had been preoccupied speaking to a few of Orri's advisors, but makes her entrance into the room. She offers a somber wave and speaks up"Good to see everyone, I wish the circumstances were better. If you haven't heard, I have decided that I am going to take over here for Orri while he is incapacitated. I'm asking Vincent for his guidance as my senior advisor."

"Now that these matters are decided, let us move on to more pressing matters. With me away from home and preoccupied here, I'd like to enlist your assistance with a problem we've been having. Recently we've dealt with some insurrectionist and while we believe we've dealt with the issue, I'm requesting your assistance in exploring the unknown area west of Gealladh Dòchas. I want to know while I am away that we've taken measures to protect Annalla, my people and my family."

Just looking for a way to push us back to exploring again.

When Chrysa gives her the stink eye, Sophiel says, plainly "I meant the kids - not Orri - come on. Isabella has a lot on her plate already to do this alone. She had a kingdom job for Gealladh Dòchas and now expects to manage a kingdom itself." She extends her hands to touch Chrysa's, "I'm not saying he's 'distracted' and I'm not blaming him for the owlbear attack."

Sophiel nods at Isabella, her response measured but tense, "I don't mind helping - though I have less time to give than I had before." She rubs the back of her neck, and the dark circles around her eyes become plain, again, "if we could investigate some of the sources of danger, I think it would be useful. Something is likely coming from there to harm you." She straightens up a bit, "plus - I need to fight more monsters to get more power." There's an odd edge to her tone of voice, it seems almost desperate.

She turns to Isaballa and Vincent, "though if Vincent helps her, I guess it's alright. If Vincent is here with you, what will the lizardfolk do? Do I need to make a treaty with them?"

Chrysa's eyes take in Vincent after Bella's announcement with a deep mistrust she does not bother hiding from him. Only for moment before she blanks it out. She turns back to Bella and gives her a smile, "Of course I'll help. I need to coordinate something back home first, then I can meet you in your kingdom."

Isabella nods, relief evident in her face. Obviously stressed over hte situation with Orri, she was worried there would be complications in enlisting help from her friends. "Thank you. Both of you. I appreciate this immensely."

Unsure how to handle the question about lizardfolk, she turns to Vincent and asks "This is a good point. How will they handle your absence?"

"If I release them then they will likely destroy much of what I have had them build within a few months. Veshket is a strong chieftain but he does not appreciate civilisation. So you could leave them to their own devices and they will be of little difficulty to you." Vincent says flatly, "I imagine they will be more receptive to diplomatic overtures than they were however. Additionally I am bringing Candlemere into Orriville as my personal territory, as I believe was your intention in the first place when you met my father."

He pauses and then adds. "I should inform you that the lizardmen will still be important to me. If anyone attacks them then I will be personally offended, but I trust that it should not be a problem. My personal efforts will of course," he turns to bow at Isabella. "Be at your disposal for exploration or anything else you require."

Sophiel nods at Vincent, "understood. Yes, we had thought Candlemere should be part of Orri's territory. That was the plan I made with him, at least, as part of some other territorial negotiations, before we met you." She notes, "Regarding the lizardfolk, we do not intend to attack any neutral territories - in fact, we will provide defense to Tiressia, should she come under attack. I will extend such a courtesy to Veshket, as well."

She rubs her hand through her hair, "I trust that the agreements made with Orri stand, for the foreseeable future? There should be a record of such things in his letters." She draws her hands away and opens them, in a gesture of supplication. "I would not expect any further courtesy beyond what was agreed to. For my part, I will keep aiding you with the explorations to the southeast, per our agreement."

Vincent looks to Isabella, who nods in response. "Our thanks Sophiel." The vampire responds. "We can divert to the west first if need be, I defer to the needs of Gealladh Dòchas."

"Bella make good leader, and now one kingdom for each son, oh?" He says this with a toothy grin, but perhaps it's only partly in jest. "King Sootscale no like cold winter, but misses adventures with warmbloods." He pauses for a moment. "And Lord Maridos too."

"Then we are decided." Chrysa stands, leans over Orri to give him a light kiss on his temple, closing her eyes briefly to simmer in her own pain. Then she rises nods to each of them, gathers the last bits of information she needs (time and place to meet up), and then leaves without taking time to get the suggested refreshment or rest.

Vincent's take-over of Orriville is accomplished with remarkably little fuss, or even comment. The combination of his de-facto rulership for the last few months and the legitimacy bestowed upon him by Isabella ensures a smooth and largely peaceful transition. The vampire doubles down on this by ordering the construction of a great new work, a hospital where Orri (among others) can receive the finest medical care. The people of Orriville set to work with a will, supporting the financial cost with personal donations to such a degree that the building is finished almost with out being a drain on the kingdoms finances.

As the month of Gozran approaches, the people of the Stolen Lands collectively begin to look forward to the warmer months and a sense of normalcy.

For the people of Orrville, they also look forward to the promised aid from Varnhold to help with the reconstruction efforts from the Owlbear attack.

But they never arrive.

Nor any word return to anyone in the Greenbelt in regards to Varnhold.

All news and travel from the East is gone.

Vincent and Orriville find this new development thoroughly disturbing. As the eastern-most barony Vincent had been making plans for a trade route to Varnhold and this sudden, complete cut-off of communications is strange. Too strange.

We need to investigate. His characteristically terse messages to the other baronies says. I will go alone if need be. But this is not normal, not in half a century has something this... drastic happened. If anyone wishes to join me I will set out from Orriville in twelve days.

Sophiel gets the message, and responds in a hastily written script, I will be there.

In other news, through the grapevine, it sounds like Sophiel and Alidar are on the splits. It isn't clear what happened, but Alidar leaves the country, without returning, seemingly upset with certain decisions Sophiel has made. It sounds like Sophiel, has a new paramour, a sharp young tiefling woman named "Namara."

Hearing that Lord Maridos wishes to explore East does not persuade King Sootscale that he must depart his kingdom. But it does convince him to reach out to Chrysa to see what she is doing. She receives a letter in Draconic that describes the progress in his kingdom and concludes with a question.

Did you receive Lord Maridos's request to see what has happened in Varnhold? If you are going, stop by on the way and I will join you.

Isabella and Annalla's response comes quickly.

'We will be happy to join you and will be there on the selected date.'

After correspondence back and forth with Sootscale, the rogue travels to the Kobold bustling capital on her mule with a packhorse burdened with supplies.

The kobolds welcome Lady Surtova with wide grins and escort her through the increasingly expansive tunnels. It seems the kobolds had created a passage to allow larger folks to enter the space with greater ease. King Sootscale meets her.

"Do you like the foreign quarter?" he asks, gesturing to the area around him. "Good space for traveling merchants from your land," he suggests in Draconic.

Chrysa, though, notices without fail that the passage from the foreign quarter to the kobold haven was long and narrow. Easily defended and easily collapsed. There was no true trust of the foreigner.

They speak quietly of news from the East. The tidings are not good.

"Inviting and threatening all in one, I am impressed." Chrysa admits with a grin. She shares with her friend that she sent her diplomate to start trade negotiations with Varnhold and has not heard from her since. The blocked pass she witnessed first hand but got distracted before she could send the proper help and now...

"We should hurry, I think. We'll gather the others at Orri's and head out as soon as possible."

Also as a reminder, the Surtova part of Chrysa's name is not known to anyone, unless Sootscale has a truly epic spymaster :)

Nope! I'll have to remember to not know that!

The group travels East towards the mountain range separating the Dunsward and the Nomen Heights from the Greenbelt. The rugged Tors of Levenies dip low here, creating a natural pass from the east to the west. The Crooked River flows down to the west, cascading out of the mountains just under the pass’s highest elevation of 200 feet, leaving 150-foot-high sheer cliffs to the north and south. A single stone watchtower sits at the top of the pass.

Before they leave, Sophiel notes, "I can make a few different magical trinkets during our trip if you provide me with supplies." Other than this, Sophiel doesn't speak much on the ride, only answering direct questions, and rarely inquiring about others. She rides Dictum and her familiar flies above the party, scouting.

She is obviously mentally exhausted, but she seems somethow refreshed as they get further from Gliocas.

IC I'm reminding everyone I can make wondrous items. I continue to assume nobody wants anything.

Vincent chooses to walk mostly, eating up the miles with the tireless stride of the undead. He remains constantly shrouded in shadow, keeping the harmful sun from his delicate skin.

King Sootscale hands out some elixirs to folks so they are prepared for the rigors ahead.

This is the distribution for the day. You can "cast" the elixirs like a spell. If you want something else that Sootscale might now, feel free to propose it.
Chrysa: Monstrous Physique I, Barkskin, Shield
Bella: Fly, Barkskin, Reduce Person
Ipmeek: Invisibility, Reduce Person, See Invisibility
Sophiel: Shield
Annalla: Shield

"Another tall tower." Ipmeek recalls his most recent experience with the haunted tower and the elder Maridos and shudders. "Sootscale think exploring tall towers is bad idea."

"Exploring it, yes, but in theory, there should be guards up there that might be able to tell us what is happening." she sighs, looking for a path up. If there isn't one, she'll suggest the fliers check it out briefly.

there are... four of us that can fly right?

Before they go inside, Sophie does a level 1 feather step on Bella, a barkskin I’m herself, and a barkskin on Annalla.

Chrysa will drink her lovely Sootscale barkskin and shield potions. before they enter

Once the group is ready, Sootscale drinks his Mutagen, and he asks Chrysa for some Mage Armor.

Entering and looking through the watchtower, you find that it is abandoned, albeit with no signs of any struggle. From the top of the tower, you can just barely make out the dark, shadowy shapes of the buildings of the town of Varnhold in the distance, but visibility is quickly being lost due to the fading sunlight.

You are free to camp the night safely, and resume travels the next day. Feel free to post whatever RP you may wish for the overnight camp inside the tower via spoiler.

The Next Morning:

You resume your ride on towards Varnhold without issue. However, you see no one as you approach the edge of town. No signs of anyone being active at all. Crows, ravens, and even a few vultures can be seen scattered about on various roof tops and tree branches. But the most ominous sensation is the eerie quiet that comes from what you recall being quite a lively, boisterous, and welcoming town.

As you approach the hog keeper’ s farm, you notice things are awry. This structure, though fairly new, is poorly built. The clapboard walls have large gaps and its roof sags alarmingly. Behind the cottage sprawl a mud-filled enclosure and a covered shed. The smell of decay and filth emanating from this dwelling is horrendous.

I need Perception checks and how you plan to go about looking the place over, and what buildings you plan to check first. You are currently on the NE edge of the map/town. Also, please check your tokens and let me know if those are the most up to date health values you should have. I’m at work sneaking posts in otherwise I’d check myself.

"Vincent. What's happened here?" she asks, leading the way. Extremely perceptive, she pays close attention to their surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 ALL THE THINGS!

"I say we start here in the outermost building and work our way inward."