Kingmaker

Game Master Galahad0430

As you head to the riverbank, down the path, A figure emerges from the water. Tall, gaunt, and having ribbons of rotting flesh hanging from him, the stench hits you like a sledgehammer. It looks just like a corpse that has been submerged in water for weeks. In its right hand is a gleaming spear.
Knowledge (religion) checks by anyone that has the skill

Religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Ekun quickly unslings his bow as he notices the figure slowly approaching. "Stop where you are a moment! Drop the weapon, we don't wish to harm you." He tries to give himself a moment for his brain to catch up to his bodies reflexes.

The Irrisen moves with the group, but as soon as she sees a figure emerging from the waters, she steps back, as if trying to hide behind everybody. She's glad as she does it, since the stench was something she'd rather avoid. As Ekun speaks, she just whispers.

Is this... Thing... Even alive? I just see a moving corpse!

Ummm.. we were jut about to put the 2 SP's in the cup when you arrived. No need for the nasty looking spear.
We are just a bunch of law abiding Folksy- Folks.
Maybe you like Music. I think music is appropriate.

She starts playing her instrument. Inspire Courage

This is not merely a toll collector.

Ekun, you recognize it as a form of undead known as a Drowned. You are also quite certain that it is a very, very, dangerous thing.

Suddenly, you feel faint, as if a cold, wet hand is placed heavy on top of your heads. Wet hair sticks to skin, and icy-cold water trickles down your faces and into your shirts.

A hoarse whisper rises inside your heads: "There you are..."

Ekun's hands shake on his bow as he feebly raises it. "Is...is this you? What do you want?" DR and Special Attacks.

No DR

Special attacks:
Drowning Aura (Su): A drowned gives off a 30-foot radius emanation of suffocating drowning, imbuing its surroundings with a watery glint and deadly threat for creatures that breathe. All breathing creatures within 30 feet of a drowned are treated as if beneath water in terms of being able to breathe. The drowning aura accelerates the process of drowning. Normally, a creature can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to twice its Constitution score before it begins to drown. Within the drowning aura, a creature can only hold its breath if it makes a DC 10 Constitution check every round. Each round, the DC increases by 1. When the character finally fails its Constitution check, it begins to drown. In the first round, it falls unconscious (0 hit points). In the following round, it drops
to –1 hit points and is dying. In the third round, if still in the drowning aura, it drowns.

At Ekun's question the hoarse whisper says, "Davik Nettle..."
A storm of images flashes through your mind. A long time ago, this man, then living, came here from Brevoy and constructed a rope ferry, built a house, and charged people for the crossing.

For Ekun's second question...

The images continue. You see the vision of a lovely Spring day. Sunbeams shine warmly on your cheeks. Three men approach, one wearing a helm of antlers. "The Stag Lord..." Angry voices, shouts, the sound of a sword being unsheathed. Suddenly the Stag Lord's face gains a look of surprise. The ferryman has unleashed his hound! The Stag Lord and his men run away.

You awake to the smell of smoke and loud barking, which is suddenly cut short. Flames are crawling up the walls! You wait as long as possible, but you are now wreathed in flames. Suddenly you feel the cold night air. Something is wrong, you are outside. An arrow strikes deep into your shoulder. You hear the guffaws of ten throats as you run, burning, to the river. The Stag Lord laughs as he shoots you with another arrow. A shrill scream splits the night air...

Ekun lowers his bow slightly as he croaks out a response, nervously. "The Stag Lord killed him and the dog it seems. Not sure what it wats or even if it means us any harm." He takes a couple of steps back. "We are trying to find the Stag Lord so we can stop all of this." Ekun tries to explain to the undead, but is unsure if it even understands him.

Linzi tries to step in and help the situation. Strumming the guitar-ish instrument to accentuate her words. Trying to make certain the Drowned doesn't advance any further.

Who-a , Who-a there Twenty Leagues! We don't like the Stag Lord either. We want to bring him to justice! We even brought along a guy that I like to call The Executioner.
She gives a thumb over her shoulder to Pyros.
How about we make an "above water" arrangement? You let us live and move across the river, and we can go all "judge, jury and execute" on the Stag Lord?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Linzi switches to Inspire Competence. +2 for any allies that use a skill check (Like diplomacy or Aid other diplomacy.. hint, hint)

"If we stand here much longer, we're all going to die. Start moving back." Faerin says, stepping back from the edge. "I think we would need to slay the Stag Lord before coming back here. The rage of his death is too strong to let go of."

Everyone had the visions. Also, btw, you don't want to cross the river, you are just following the West bank until you get even with the Sycamore tree and then will head inland to it.

After you first ask what it wants, you get an image of your group walking back here with the Stag Lord's head in your hands.

"Like I said, the only thing that will satisfy his rage is the Stag Lord's death. Seems like that will resolve a lot of what has cursed these lands." Faerin comments.

Shayn held her silence. An agreement with an undead? This sounded so unlikely! Yet, she wasn't really a Pharasmian, and if that meant an easier way to deal with the monster without risking her neck, the witch was all for it.

Everyone make an INT roll

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Int: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Int: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

INT: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Pyros and Shayn think this thing is responsible for the nightmares of last night. You also suspect it needs an answer before they will stop.

By "they," I meant the nightmares (in case that wasn't clear).

"Of course we will take care of this Stag Lord." Ekun holds his pounding head, hoping his answer will cease the assault on his mind.

"We have every intention of taking him down." Faerin answers resolutely.

"come after, take spear..." The hoarse whisper echoes in your minds. With that the creature shambles back into the river.

This is our answer to you! - Shayn complements, as the creature shambles, then turning to the others.

He was the reason for our nightmares... And it seems that now that we have an... "Agreement"... We might have peace to do our part.

Faerin takes a deep refreshing breath as the undead creature retreats to the river, taking the drowning sensation with it. "As if we needed another reason to take the Stag Lord down. This area won't be safe for anyone until we present his head here to break the effect."

Pfft. That was an easy score. We were already going for Staglord Head on platter. Now, we get that cool looking spear too? Just for doing what we were going to anyway?
That's like getting invited to a nice spread buffet and the host opens up the bar too! Food and free drinks!
This is like the same thing, but with valuable possessions.
If this is torture, chain *me* to the wall.

You continue South along the river. In the early afternoon, you reach the path that leads West to the giant Sycamore tree, the top of which is even visible from here.

It takes about two hours to get to the tree, about half an hour before you arrive, you begin to see signs of activity. Ekun sees a smattering of tracks that he identifies as Kobolds.

When you get close, you see that the tree sits atop a small bluff. There is a small hill in front of the bluff and immediately before that is a large pond to the right and a winding trail to the left.

However, before you reach the trail, a familiar figure confronts you. A group of haggard looking soldiers, led by Kesten Garress (the guard captain you met at Jamandi Aldori's mansion), come walking towards you.

"Greetings." Kesten says, as though you had seen each other in Restov only yesterday. His armor is bloodstained and he walks with a noticeable limp. The men accompanying him look even worse. He looks as grim and focused as when you first met him, but this time there is also a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

"I have urgent news. My investigation ordered by Lady Jamandi is complete, and it proves your innocence. Tartuccio was, and still is, the Pitaxian spy. That dreadful night it was him that opened the doors to the assassins. It appears that he planned to gain the Barony and the Aldori's support, only to later deliver those lands to his true patron. King Irovetti is no stranger to intrigue, and likes to use others to do his dirty work." Kesten winces, "Anyway, Lady Jamandi sends her apologies."

"We almost had Tartuccio cornered when this damn mist fell. First, we entirely lost our way, then we got git with a bandit ambush. My men can barely stand. I would appreciate it if you help find Tartuccio. He must be somewhere nearby. Bring that scum to Oleg's Trading Post, dead or alive. The Swordlords will remember this favor."

Pyros nods solemnly. "Of course. Tartuccio has caused us no small amount of trouble, and aiding the Swordlords is always a pleasure."

"Who is this Tartuccio?" Ekun looks to some of the others or an explanation.

"It would be a pleasure to take him down!" Faerin says with a fierce smile. "If you're headed to Oleg's ask for Tristian, he'll be able to help you and your men with healing."

Turning to Ekun she responds to his question. "A traitor who was among those originally granted a charter. He tried to have most of us killed in the middle of the night, then tried to frame us as traitors. He was in the form of a gnome, but might be a kobold, or both of those could be false forms. Oh and he tried to have a group of kobolds kill us.”

Oh, Tartuccio is a total jerk. The jerkiest of the jerks. I'm going to think of a lot of synonyms for jerk and *THAT* is him. Though, I DO owe my meeting these fine people to him. Like The Executioner here. I woke up that cutie Tyrll during the assassin attack. Hmmm.. I wonder what happened to him? [
She pauses, thinks, and takes out an inkpot and parchment.
Hmmm... Idiot, Wretch, Twit, Nincompoop, blockhead, buffoon, punk..........

And she rattle off a few more "colorful" words to describe Tartucio.

She also relays the story of the Kolbold-Gnome
and assasin attack.

This Tartuccio sounds just like the kind of guy I want to see floating in the Eye of Abendego within a giant block of ice. - finally says the witch, shaking her head as she hears the stories from the others. She gestures with her hands, forming a small block of ice with her prestidigitation - It will definitely be a pleasure to help find him.

She blinks to Linzi.

... To help find Turd-tuccio, I mean. - and then smiles, crushing the small block of ice.

Linzi smiles at Shayn's play on words.
You groovin' Shayn. You Groovin'.
No doubt you will crush that little s*&#.

Linzi moves to Kesten, looking up at his dreamy eyes.
Don't worry BeefCake, IcyRose and the rest of us will take care of things.

Linzi is ready to move on, interested in checking out the small hill beneath the bluff. A good place to see the rest of the landscape.

Ready to roll, but want to give a pause for the others to roleplay more with Kesten.

As you head towards the tree, you come to an open area as you pass through the twisting trail. To your left you see the large pond and what appears to be the opening to an old mine. Straight ahead is the small, flat topped hill that blocks your direct view of the base of the tree, but the tree itself is easily visible as the crown is at least 100 feet in the air.

However, immediately before you is a loud ruckus as two small armies face each other, a group of Kobolds facing off against a group of Mites. YOu can see the two leaders of the groups shouting at each other as you turn the corner.

"The kobolds are probably being driven by Tartuccio to this as before. While mites tend to be hateful, spiteful little creatures, they are of the fey. I'd be hesitant to make an enemy of the fey, especially given our dealings with the nymph so far." Faerin whispers as they come to a halt overlooking the battle.

Did we actually see Tartuccio in kobold form earlier, or were we just inferring? I can't recall. If we did, do we see him with the Kobolds?

Based on this I think we figured it out. He'd be the only purple one.

None of the Kobolds look like Tartuccio (you saw him once and he was a purple kobold of slightly larger than normal size.

"Should we watch or intervene?" Ekun looks back at the others as the smaller armies are slapping each other with insults and near violence.

I say we intervene. No sense in making enemies - when we can make friends. Especially since Turd-Tuccio isn't kicking up trouble.

She makes her way down a bit and speaks up in her bossy-boss voice.
Hey! Why all the small folk on small folk violence?! There's got to be a better way. Let's talk it over with some music and some pickles and wine.
Having heard that goblins like pickles.. oh wait, these are kobolds and not goblins. Drat! She hopes kobolds or at least mites like pickles.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 I get another +1 if you consider this a gather information roll.

The crowd of Kobolds and Mites turn at your appearance. Both sides seem ready to fight each other and you. The two leaders also take notice and interrupt their screaming at each other to see what you are going to do.

The Mite leader, a very large female, points at the Kobold chief and says,
"After years of peace, this thief stole our sacred artifact!"

This immediately results in screams of indignation from the Kobolds. Unless you do something quick, it looks like bloodshed is unavoidable.

Ekun raises his eyebrows as he unshoulders his bow. "You may wanna step in there Linzi."

Linzi smiles. Talks directly to the two leaders.
Now, you could have said the word "Art" or you could have said the word "facts" - and I'd have been *VERY* disinterested. But,the word ARTIFACT GETS MY ATTENTION! Sacred artifacts are what makes a good story-- a GREAT STORY!
So, Linzi of the Velvet Voice is stepping in on these hostile negotiations, so make some room!
She cranes her neck to talk with the others. Hey guys,can you get some snacks for the leaders to gnaw on so they don't gnaw on each other? Does anyone have some good beer so they don't chug each other's blood?

She then whisperes, Does anyone know anything about Kobolds or Mites? Like what they like to eat or drink?

knowledge local? Also @ GM-- I already rolled a diplomacy - so do I need to roll an intimidate check to get them to play nice with me? If so, can others aid? Or can Ekun intimidate and I aid? .
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 Kobolds
knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Mites - fey.

The second they see you appear to be interested in their dispute, both leaders immediately begin jabbering at you. Nothing can be made sense of this way.

@Linzi, you know the basics about both. Kobolds are related to dragons (a point they are fanatical about) and are just pests, but very structured. They are considered bad, but are much more palatable than Mites.

Mites are vicious fey that enjoy torturing their victims, whether people or animals. They are ingenious trap makers, and even their traps tend to be cruel. You also know they are immune to Enchantments.

Shayn's voice sounds irritated, and as the winter witch speaks, an almost transparent breeze-looking freezing smoke seems to come out of her mouth.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

One at a time! - says Shayn, immediately pointing to the kobold - You, first. Go. What is this artifact they say you stole?

"When exactly did your artifact go missing?" Faerin asks, watching both groups warily. The kobolds might still be under the manipulation of Tartuccio, but the sheer malice of the mites was a danger to anyone living close by.

The Kobold immediately responds.
"I be Chief! I am Sssootsscale. Kobold and Mite live here long time, live peaccce! But now Mite thief!!! Sssteal our Relic!!"

In response to Faerins question.
"Relic key! Kobold take relic to enter Sssacred hall! Nite trickssy, but Chief Sssootsscale more trickssy! I call. New sshaman come. Sshaman Tartuk know who took Relic! Tartuk good!"