Saga of a New Land

Game Master karlprosek

He looks at his friends, "I am a priest first, and a noble second, if even that. While my branch of House Lebeda is minor, the main family is ..well placed in politics of Brevoy. There are even rumors that Dame Sarrona's eldest child, Elanna, is to be betrothed to King Noleski. How far along betrothal maybe i do not know, but with Elanna representing Rostland, and noleski representing Issia, it might be a chance for more peaceful and more equal times. Shelyn bless the union if it is so."

What can you tell me of House RedShield?
Christian looks to the mayor.

What can you tell me of House RedShield?

Christian looks to the mayor.

"The Redshields are the envy and the ire of all the noble houses, including the ruling House Surtova," Sellemius replies. "They lack the prestige of being actual nobles, but they're richer than any of the noble houses, so they seldom can't get their way."

The lord mayor repeats what you already know, that the Redshield merchant coster - "It's rather scandalous to call them a merchant house, especially within earshot of proper nobles" - was founded by the servants and agents of House Rogarvia who were left masterless in the waker of the Vanishing.

Something new that he adds, though, is that there is thinly concealed hostility between the Redshields and House Surtova. This stems from the fact that House Surtova believes that the fealty of the Rogarvian agents - and, more importantly, their significant financial resources - was rightfully theirs. The fact that these remnants rebuffed House Surtova's expectations of loyalty, instead becoming the independent Redshields, has remained a very sore subject for even King Noleski himself.

Interesting...very interesting.
Christian tries in vain to hold back his smile and when he realizes that he has failed, his smile increases.
I am looking forward to meeting them.

Brandt observes the room, and being far more used to the sounds of nature and the ways of bounty hunters keeps his thoughts mostly to himself, Then the Redshields could be a useful ally to our endeavors? he asks Christian and Bydar, not addressing the mayor to keep him out of the conversation if he so chose.

...very plausible but any alliance must be built on a strong foundation. One of respect, loyalty and mutual trust, anything else and it will crumble. Especially if it is made for power or greed.

"THe Redshields are increasingly sounding a bit... shady. It's my hope my brother can give us further insights."

The lord mayor offers to provide directions to the dueling tutor that Brayton and Lord Lander have been patronizing.
He also asks if you have any further business to discuss.

As they make to leave, Brandt stops, and asks, Lord Mayor, any news of Lord Hiedmarr of late? Been a long while since I've been in his service, and am curious how he fares.

I can not think of anything else. If I did forget something, please speak up...thank you. Did we forget to pass along anything?

As they make to leave, Brandt stops, and asks, Lord Mayor, any news of Lord Hiedmarr of late? Been a long while since I've been in his service, and am curious how he fares.

"Best be careful about speaking that name openly. He's been imprisoned for treason, and his lands seized by the crown," Sellemius cautions.

"Now, of course, I don't know the nature of his supposed misdeeds. What I do know, however, is that my guards have already had to lock up one gaggle of young bravos loyal to House Surtova who, after having a bit too much to drink, decided to rough up people on the street, accusing them of being affiliated with that lord."

Is it Heimerr or Hiedmarr? I think we've used both spellings before.

Very well, thank you Lord Sellemius, I'll be careful. he turns from the Lord Mayor and shoots an eye toward Christian.

After they walk out..

I don't know if it is something we could even consider, but my former lord would be a staunch ally should we find a way to free him.

Heimerr is what's in my character history, I think I typed it wrong yesterday for whatever reason.

"Best be careful about speaking that name openly. He's been imprisoned for treason, and his lands seized by the crown," Sellemius cautions.

"Now, of course, I don't know the nature of his supposed misdeeds. What I do know, however, is that my guards have already had to lock up one gaggle of young bravos loyal to House Surtova who, after having a bit too much to drink, decided to rough up people on the street, accusing them of being affiliated with that lord."

Christian nods with understanding at the mayor's words.

I don't know if it is something we could even consider, but my former lord would be a staunch ally should we find a way to free him.

The young noble barely moves his head in agreement and Brand most likely would not have noticed it if not for the lord looking at him.

...but first we need to see the RedShields and then answers, lots of answers for way too many questions.

Let us get some sleep and head out first light.

Before you depart, the lord mayor provides you with directions to three landmarks.

The first is Bartolo's School of Swordplay, where Lord Lander and Bydar's brother have been seeking tutelage.

The second is Redhide Hall, the local headquarters for the Redshields. It encompasses their offices, counting house, and well-guarded treasury.

The last is the Gilded Hilt, an upscale inn located near the lord mayor's manor. Sellemius retrieves a stamped pewter token from his desk and offers it to you.

"Present that to the old hostler and you will be set up with a suite of rooms, free of charge. They will still charge you separately for food and drink, though. When dealing with unwanted guests, I often neglect to warn them about that," he adds with a wry smile.

We thank you kindly for such generosity.
Christian bows slightly to the mayor.
We are a new city and may not have such fine accommodations but you are welcome to visit us anytime you wish. We will do everything to accommodate your needs.

The mercenary bows one more time
Thank you again for the rooms.

When the group is all together...
Let us get to the Gilded Hilt and rest for the night.

"If you wish, I suppose I could visit my brother in the morrow. Should we split the group ? I can go alone when I do."

It is not that late. We can get the rooms and then head to see your brother or rooms later...does not mater.

Your family is important. Let us go and see your brother first. Sound good?

"Thank you, Christian, I... apologize to everyone. While I truly believe we could get valuable information, I didn't expect my personal life to present itself so abruptly. But my brother, Brayton is a good man," Then he adds "Lord Lander I know less well and despite being the head of Lebeda , well, politics can get sticky. It's why I advise seeking out my brother first." He is tempted to say more, but rather nods and prepares to go visit his brother.

Christian lays a hand on Bydar's shoulder. It is gentle grip yet firm.
Family is...important. Never feel that you need to apologize for that fact. I would be honored to meet your brother and the Lord Lander.

The young man stares past Bydar for a moment as if remembering his own past. A simple look of sadness on his face that is replaced soon enough with a smile.
Shall we. Your family awaits.

"It's a form of love" He returns the gesture, his own arm on Christian's shoulder in return, "Thank you again. And yes, let's." He turns to go with them.

You depart the lord mayor's manor and travel the bustling streets of Restov. You dodge the throngs of passersby and mule carts traveling every-which-way between the shops and tenements that line the cobbled streets. Navigating the undergrowth of the wilds might be easier than finding your way through the population of this large city.

"No apologies necessary," Syretia says cheerfully as they depart the Lord Mayor's residence. She turns and faces Bydar with a mischievous smile. "I've never had a brother, actually. Maybe I should get one. Is your brother handsome? Should I do my hair up?"

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

"We are being followed. A group of young man a bit further back. They don't look like they want to be friends. Should we try to lose them or confront them to see who sent them?"

"No apologies necessary," Syretia says cheerfully as they depart the Lord Mayor's residence. She turns and faces Bydar with a mischievous smile. "I've never had a brother, actually. Maybe I should get one. Is your brother handsome? Should I do my hair up?"

"He's handsome, and... he's married," A smile, but a wistful one "To a very wonderful woman."

THen Orlog tells them of they are being followed

He frowns, "I think I'd like to confront but I defer to others in this."

Syretia, oblivious to the smile's undertones, lets out a theatrical sigh, and starts to reply when Orlog's warning cuts her short. Trying very hard not to look over her shoulder back at their pursuers, she instead casts a spell to improve her senses and focus, should a fight break out after all.

Casting heightened awareness.

"We are being followed."

Christian nods his understanding of the words.

He turns to continue onward with the others.
Got them, several dozen strides back and dead set on us.

Knowing that they are too far away to hear him, christian continues to walk with the group.
This is their city thus their terrain. They are looking for a confrontation and I would like to avoid such a political mess this late in the evening.

He is about to explain his thoughts but stop and looks to Brand.
Your thoughts? How would you get us out of this situation without a confrontation all the while getting to our destination without those youths bringing political pressure on our would be host...House Lebeda.

Under the guise of letting the ladies pass, Christian is able to get a quick tally on your pursuers. He counts six young men, dressed like the sons of nobles or merchants out for a good time whilst up to no good. They openly carry dueling weapons at their hips, a privilege afforded by their station. Orlog also notes that the hilts of their weapons are not peace-bonded to their sheathes or belts.

Aided by her magically heightened awareness, Syretia identifies another two men following along from the rooftops. Although they have not drawn weapons, these men seem to carry small crossbows or throwing knives.

"At least two more up top with crossbows and the like," Syretia adds, trying to keep the tension out of her voice. "Seems like it might be more than some rowdy young men looking for a brawl."

They'll find more violence then they are dressed for. They should know that vikings don't duel. Possible assassins? Paid for hijinks by someone we've offended? Brandt smiles grimly at the thought of a severely violent outburst about to happen on these streets.

"I do not trust coincidences. This stinks of yet more political intrigue."

That said, he glances at both the bravos and the crowsbowman to try to see if he can get a read on them.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Glancing back and up...
Good eyes Syretia.

Political favors are a from of status to some. These younglings could be trying to prove their worth to the power brokers of the region.

He looks around and back to Bydar.
If we cut across the street and move a block or two over, will we be able to make our goal still. This way we can at least cut off two of their numbers...for a bit at least.

He turns to Brand.
It could be any number of reasons why.

The lord looks back in the general area, being careful not to make eye contact with there would be assailants.
Brand, Bydar...figure a way to get us to Bartolos without an incident, please. These kids could very well be nobles of a any number of houses. That in of itself could be a problem for our future. I personally would like to avoid hurting anyone's kid, regardless of blood.

He takes in the group as a whole.
...but if it comes down to it. I have nothing wrong with giving them a good spanking.

Syretia, do you have any spell that could..remove this childish threat. Bruise their pride so to speak with out bloodshed?

"Oh, don't you worry on that front, Lord D'Elagante. I've got something just perfect for the occasion."

I am now picturing Darth Vader talking to Boba Fett. No disintegrations....lol

With even a quick examination of the young men's expressions, Bydar is able to confirm Lord Christian's initial assessment. The men following you, fueled by drink, are looking to prove themselves. They have clearly pegged you as enemies of whatever noble house they are affiliated with, and the fact that they could be mistaken is inconceivable to them in their soused state.

Meanwhile, the men on rooftops creep along on opposite sides of the street, one to your left and one to your right.

Bydar observes that the one on your left is dressed similarly to the rest of the bravos following you. Beneath his unbuttoned jacket, you can see a couple throwing knives in a calfskin holster against his chest. He periodically looks down to the street, looking for signals from the leader of the gang on the street. He is not confident in his rooftop skulking; his movements betray that he is an amateur at this.

The one on the right, however, is dressed quite differently. He moves with more confidence and experience, and the hand crossbow secured at his side further suggests a greater amount of professionalism. He watches both you and the men following you with equal amounts of wariness. Bydar concludes that this man is independent of the others and may represent a third party.

I meant to include this with the above post.

Additional information can be gleaned depending on how much your knowledge check exceeds the DC

Catching sight of the house colors floods Christian's mind with thoughts of his past with other noble children.
KN:Nobility: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Knowledge Noblity: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Bydar nods to Lord Christian "I'll try but I don't know the layout of these streets as well as I should. mmm House Medvyed bravos. And, a third party, the skulker high and to the right. He's a professional i think" He quietly fills the others in what he observed by their actions.

hmm. Maybe we turn the tables on our would be assailants. Does anyone know where there Medvyed compound is located? I am not familiar with the city that much.

Christian smiles broudly.
We will just lead these men home and invited them to join us as we pay a visit to the head of the house. A slight detour.
If we do not then I will ask some that is along the way...a merchant or a vendor of some sort.

From their knowledge of the Brevic nobility, Christian and Bydar know that most of the Medvyed manors, including the house's headquarters, are located in and around the Gronzi Forest, north of New Stetven. Restov lies outside the territory of the other noble houses, having formerly belonged to the now-vanished House Rogarvia. In the intervening years, the other houses have vied for control of the city.

You can also attempt Knowledge (Local) checks to identify other useful landmarks in the city.

"There's a coaching house where the merchants that are in service to my family gather. It might offer sanctuary of sorts"

Brandt listens to what Bydar has to offer, walls and a potential for safety are better options than brawling in the street. should we make for there?

Smiling at Bydar and Brandt's suggestion.
Lead the way.

Christian turns as the party begins to move onward and looks up at their shadow to the right. When he catches the eyes of the man, he nods slightly and turns to follow the others.

Bydar moves, leading the way trusting the others to have his and each other's backs. Winding through the path guided by memories and faith.

Following Bydar as he leads the way, you make an abrupt turn down a side street to change course towards the Lebeda-owned coaching house. This buys you a few more seconds, as the Medvyed boys hesitate a moment before following, and when they do, they must force their way through other passersby. You can hear some indignant voices and local vulgarities behind you as they shove their way onward.

At least one of your pursuers is cognizant of the fact that you are now approaching neighborhoods that are counted as Lebeda territory. Surreptitiously looking over your shoulder, you can see that they are arguing in loud whispers about whether to attack or give up the scheme. If not for the drinks they had before tailing you, they might have found their senses and opted to break off their pursuit.

However, inebriated as they are, hastening their steps seems like a good enough idea. They begin to close the distance between your two groups. If you want to make it to sanctuary and avoid a street brawl, you will need to act quickly.

Time to get creative! Using skills, spells, or other abilities, can you come up with a way to elude the noble gang long enough to reach safe haven?

Bydar keeps walking, gives A soft prayer, and behind his friends and himself ... begins to rain?

Create Water, which will make 12 gallons of water " Water can be created in an area as small as will actually contain the liquid, or in an area three times as large — possibly creating a downpour or filling many small receptacles."...we're going for downpour :)

Inspired by the 1998 movie, The man in the iron mask.

Christian looks back at the other group as they push forward.
Persistent little f%#+ers...
His view shortens to encompass those around them.
...I doubt they will care who they take down if a fight breaks out between us and them. If it is too crowded for them to fight then they can not fight or follow.

The mercenary looks to the ground and then back at the drunk noblemen.
Everyone stick together and move as one. Got it. Bydar take point and keep us moving towards our goal. Syertia be prepared with your spells if this trick does not work. Brand keep eyes on Bydar. Orlog Cover my ass if this goes sour.

Christian reaches down and picks up loose gravel. All small pebbles, sand and pits of tiny sticks. All way too small to do any damage at all...even to a mouse. He then reaches into his own pouch and pulls forth a large hand full of coins, mostly silver but with a mix of gold and copper as well.
I am going to throw all this up in the air to draw in the crowd, to aid in distancing us from our drunk shadows. If you have magic that can adjust this trick, please do so.

With those words spoken, christian takes out a gold piece from the pile and hold it up in front of him.
[larger]Ladies and gentlemen, I hope all of you are having a grand night tonight. Because I am feeling very generous this fine evening.[/larger]
He hold the coin higher for all to see and then drops it in his pile of coin, sticks, and pebbles.
Drinks are on me.
His hands come up and the coins fly into the air to be scattered between him and their drunken shadows.

He turns and urges the other forward with hopes that the crowd rushes in from behind to create the blockage they need to get away.
I hope no one gets hurt.

Opps..Bydar beat my to the punch...

Could I cast grease on the coins, to add to the chaos as people struggle to actually pick them up? Failing that, I could cast it just behind us. Hopefully the slipping and sliding will slow the drunks down long enough for us to get away.

That would be cool..