Kingmaker AP

Game Master dfsearles

24th day of Calistril

You find yourselves standing in a large hall, adorned with banners from Bravoy, and Aldori Swordlords. all together there are 25 people standing about in the hall, all called into action to map out the Stolen Lands and set up their own kingdoms. People from all walks of life are rifled throughout the hall, all engaged in various conversations. You immediately notice 5 of these people are all dressed in a similar fashion. You know these as guardsmen of the Swordlord, and they appear to be collecting the people into four different groups.

Layla, you are one of these people, directed to find five of the individuals. There are 3 humans, Cator Garess, Katarina and Atlas Jaxx; an Elf named Shen and a feline Catfolk, Drektan. Once you have gathered your party, introduce yourself and allow each of them to introduce themselves as well. You have been entrusted to guide this party through the Northern Greenbelt. Once introductions have been made, direct your party to stand together, and join Lord Noleski Surtova in the front of the hall.

Standing slightly behind Katarina Lebeda, and to her left, the grey-based speckled catfolk is wearing a cotton tunic in green, with a thin vertical stripe of green silk down the middle of either side. On the left breast is a circle of silk, the bottom half a pale blue, the top half a reddish-orange, and over that, a white silhouette of a swan, as though it was floating in the water. He bears an ornamental knife or dagger, and has a tapestry bag, matching the colors in the silk symbol, resting on his left hip, with the strap over his right shoulder.

He stands relatively still, more than you might expect, but his eyes are darting about the room, trying to take it all in.

A tall hulking human bearing an impressive greatsword on his back with long dark brown hair leans down to talk with a pretty tiefling girl.

A tall, beautiful young woman stands still, wearing armor and with a weapon and shield on her back. Her long chestnut hair is tied in a sensible braid to keep it out of her face.

A face that is currently composed as she scans the room wondering who is going with who on this venture. Every now and then her reaches up to her throat and touches the silver, holy symbol of Sarenrae that proudly hangs there.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

To the side, a man in bright pink wizarding robes towers over most of collected crowd save Cator and perhaps Katarina. His gaze slowly glides across the sea of people as he maintained full composure and confidence, an island of stoic calmth throughout the selection process.

He was bald and clean-shaven save for a carefully maintained mustache and goatee, and his eyes were hidden behing black-tinted glasses. But his most notable features were undoubtedly his well-defined muscles, the pectorals rising above the hems of his robe like staunch plates of meaty armor just barely contained within!

The man also wore not one, but TWO huge polearms on his back, and his intense shoulder definition made it absolutely certain that he could and WOULD absolutely bash in the skulls of the first unlucky fools to step and measure their bravery.

Suddenly, he makes eye contact with with Cator and gives him the barest of nods before coming to rest on Katarina. His lips purse the slightest bit as he frowns, but otherwise awaits the judgment of the Swordlord.

Did you know that four or so centuries ago, in the renaissance era, Pink was the colour for boys while blue was the one for girls?

A tall hulking human bearing an impressive greatsword on his back with long dark brown hair leans down to talk with a pretty tiefling girl.

** spoiler omitted **

Anyone wishing to hear what is said, this will be a DC 25 if greater than 5ft, and a DC 20 within. There is a lot of commotion about you right now, so its a bit more difficult to here.

Layla walks about the environment in somewhat slow steps, while looking at a piece of paper - clearly a letter with a broken seal, depicting names and brief details. She was short and somewhat bulky, her armor beautifully oiled, carrying a duelist sword on her colorful scabbard and a shield with the colors of the small Kheper family.

She wasn't pretty herself; fairly bland and normal, with something of a tomboy vibe. Yet, within her poise and behavior, there was something intimidatingly noble. She was smiling with her smart eyes, and yet was far from being the most friendly or charismatic person around.

As she walks, she starts pointing at people in the salon, flagging with her hand and calling people to group around her.

You... You... You... - she keeps repeating, trying to call their attention within the midst of the commotion, making sure she was being noticed, as well as the Aldori design of her exotic longsword.

As the five finally come around her, she speaks.

Nice to meet you all! I am Lady Layla Aldori. Would you mind introducing ourselves so I can check on my list? - she completes, feather pen in hands.

Visibly not enjoying being called like a dog, the hulking taldane and the pink-skinned tiefling walk over to the rude woman.
"Cator..Garess" The barbarian stumbled, remembering his family name. "And my wife, Vesnia." A little intimidated, the tiefling gave a small courtesy before catching herself.

The pink-robed, heavily-armed bodybuilder joins the group, his face carefully neutral. "Atlas. Atlas Jaxx. I'm a wizard." he simply says.

From a pouch on his hip, a small mouse-like figure rises and throws what appears to be an annoyed look at him.

Atlas sighs. "And this is Brandon the rat. Or 'Brat' for short. Çause that's what he is."

Seemingly happy, the rat goes back into his pouch.

The man mostly continues to watch Layla, expecting further requests, but he does seem to shift focus to the braided cleric in between.

Katarina stops covertly eyeing the looming figure of the oddly macho Wizard and responds politely to Layla, "Katarina Lebeda. Delighted to meet you Lady Aldori." If she's bothered by being called so brusquely she doesn't show it.

Katarina is 5.10. Uflen blood in the family. :)

Cator and Vesnia quickly exchange glances at the name 'Lebeda', both thinking of their most recent experience with someone from that family.

The cat bows to Layla.

"I am Drektan. Sent by House Lebeda to provide assistance and information, and to record the successes for proper celebration. I am more scribe and librarian than warrior; more diplomat than thief; and more storyteller than caster. I have been instructed to ensure I do not become a burden, regardless. I hope that you will find my skills useful."

The presentation follows the forms for proper etiquette when speaking to a superior, and seems to be delivered without sarcasm or cynicism.

As Layla finishes marking down her list she hands you each a small scroll, then joins Lord Noleski Surtova at the head of the hall. Slowly the bud surely you see there are four distinct groups, each about as well rounded in people as you are. The door Swordlords that were milling about and collecting people are back to the front. The Lord clears his throat and echoes to the chamber, Good morning Adventurers, and thank you for answering this call. Each of your groups have been selected to explore and contain any threats in your given areas, and establish new kingdoms loyal to Brevoy. Please, read over your charters, and ask any questions you will from you respective captains. While I expect them to take charge, these captains you see before you, are mere envoys, meant to ensure that This kingdoms hard earned gold is being well spent for your mission. Go now. Carts, horses, and a weeks worth of meals are waiting for you outside to take you to your respective home bases. you hear many people start to try and speak up to ask questions about your mission, but they fall on deaf ears as Lord Noleski quickly leaves the hall.

I think we're still missing one of the wizards? That's why I was holding to post

Layla greets each one as they introduce themselves. She waved as Drektan as he showed more formality - she had noble roots and the Aldori training, but was still a country girl in her heart and wanted to just be treated equally as everybody there.

Curiously, she seems to smile even more genuinely towards the two individuals not in her list - the mouse and the wife, as if missing these true ties herself. Besides the animal, she was close to be the shortest all around, but didn't seem to truly bother with it. As the Lord finishes speaking, she turns to the group.

Well, to be honest, we are all on the same boat! I might know one or two more things about our charter and mission, but it will be a pleasure to explore and discover everything else with you. Let's all see each other side by side rather than bother with titles for now. - her eyes circle around the room, and then she briefly giggles before speaking again - We're likely the most exotic group here, and I just love it! Now, let's try to set all details straight before we go for our supplies.

"Let's all see each other side by side rather than bother with titles for now."

This statement surprised Cator, happy to leave his family name and all it's trappings behind. The barbarian nodded approvingly at the small annoying woman.

Katarina smiles politely again, nodding at Layla's words. "From reputation the Stolen lands are home to bandits and monsters. Settling the problems first and then worrying about rank later sounds the wisest course to me also."

While her words and face are calm and composed you can see the mixture of excitement and nervousness just underneath, "As I told you my name is Katarina Lebeda. A very distant relation! While I can hold my own in combat my main abilities are those of healing."

Trying to have Katarina come across as educated and a little formal, without being snobbish.

snob lol

Well, to be honest, we are all on the same boat! I might know one or two more things about our charter and mission, but it will be a pleasure to explore and discover everything else with you. Let's all see each other side by side rather than bother with titles for now. - her eyes circle around the room, and then she briefly giggles before speaking again - We're likely the most exotic group here, and I just love it! Now, let's try to set all details straight before we go for our supplies.

"You're coming with us?" The mage's glass-hidden eyes look the swordswoman up and down. "You seem nice enough. Spirited too. Maybe even smart. But how good are you in a fight? Are you one of these 'swordlords' people keep yapping about?"

He then points at Cator. "'Cause If I were a betting man, between the two of you, I'd pick him. No offense. The tiefling girl has good taste. And speaking of tastes..."

The wry grin he gives the cleric seems at odds with his earlier standoff-ish behavior. "Hello Katie. Still with the church of Sarenrae, I see. Seems like it suits you."

Layla looks at the muscular wizard - and then smiles.

I am definitely going with you, yes... And I am a duelist, one of those... "Swordlords"! - she pronounces it with a smirk - Or maybe I should say, Swordlady! Our style is a lot more about defending and maneuvering. Regardless...

She looks at Cator, then back at Atlas.

I'd probably bet on him too, even on you, if brute force was all that is needed in a battlefield! - she shakes her head in admiration, but keeping it in a respectful fashion, considering the barbarian's wife - There's a reason why lions and elephants aren't running the circuses, right?

Her expression gets a little stoic, almost as if squaring Atlas. She was short and clearly more nimble than strong, but nevertheless there was something intimidating about her behavior. She finally turns back to Katarina.

I am very happy to hear about your curing abilities and bloodline, Lady Lebeda. This will likely be a dangerous journey, and I'm sure this will come at hand, just or maybe even more importantly than the martial prowess of our colleagues here.

To complete, she circles back to the wizard.

Oh, and I hope our little friend is coming with you as well! I take it that by your arcane-looking robes you might have other surprises for us in your sleeves?

"So we have the blessing of Sarenrae AND Desna on our journey", Cator says as he wraps one of his massive arms around his wife. "The Suns and the Stars. Quite a celestial concert. High hopes to be sure." Vesnia, who was likely fine not bringing attention to herself, blushed a stronger red to her pink skin.

Katarina rolls her eyes but smiles at Atlas, "Hello Las. Still showing off the cleavage I see?"

She indicates the silver holy symbol of Sarenrae she proudly wears. "And yes the Dawnflower has my devotion still." She nods in a friendly way to Vesnia. "Do you serve Desna Then?"

"I do." Vesnia pulls out her wooden holy symbol of the Goddess of Dreams. "Well, we do." The teifling looked up at her husband. "Sadly, I was not trained in martial affairs, but then I have my warrior for that." Vesnia returns the squeeze from her husband.

Layla looks at the muscular wizard - and then smiles.

I'd probably bet on him too, even on you, if brute force was all that is needed in a battlefield! - she shakes her head in admiration, but keeping it in a respectful fashion, considering the barbarian's wife - There's a reason why lions and elephants aren't running the circuses, right?

Her expression gets a little stoic, almost as if squaring Atlas. She was short and clearly more nimble than strong, but nevertheless there was something intimidating about her behavior.

Atlas laughs heartily, not cowed in the slightest. "You got spunk all right, miss swordlady. I like your style. Seems like you might have competition, Katie!"

The warrior fakes offense when said cleric then comments on his cleavage. "Come now, this is me being modest ! You know very well the moment I take off this robe is the moment half the room faints."

He briefly pauses, seemingly going over some of the other men in assembly. "Make that more than half."

He doesn't comment on the obvious affection between the barbarian and his presumed bride, but does frown when the catfolk servant remains silent. "What's with the butler anyway, Katie? I thought you liked to handle things yourself."

Katarina shrugs, "No idea. He showed up saying the Lebeda family had sent him to aid me? Which probably means they think this is an opportunity to get their hooks in early."

She gets a slightly wicked look to her face, "Besides, there are plenty of places to hide bodies in the Stolen lands. If that is ever needed?" Her grins shows everyone she's isn't serious.

Or is she?

"I have been taught to fade into the background unless actively assisting, or entertaining. Please do not mistake my quiet as malicious or mean-spirited. Experience has taught me that even well-intentioned calls for everyone to interact as equals must exclude me. If the Lady Aldori's words hold true, there will be time enough to adjust. But for now, I remain the servant. And, yes, it is likely that someone in the family thinks my presence will gain them leverage, but no one bothered to share such designs with me."

"Drektan, was it?" Cator looked down at the cowed catfolk. "Did the Lebedas every allow you to hunt or prowl on your own?"

"Hunt? My goodness, no. We are fed from the kitchens, and kept out of places where someone else might choose to hunt US. We are considered too valuable to lose in such an accident. I spent most of my time prowling the library. Nothing quite like reading a good description of a mountain range, or forest, using the sunlight as it just begins to peek into the room, crawling down the ceiling and wall to just lick the top of the bookcases . . .. Such a comfortable perch, where people tended not to notice me." He looks wistful for a moment, before shaking his head. "Yes, Drektan, that's right. Or, as the young children liked to call me, Fuzzbutt."

"We journey into the wilderness, emphasis on WILD. It may be some time before you will 'prowl' a library", sniffs Cator. "You may find long dormant feelings and urges awakening out there. The wilds are dangerous, but they can also free you in ways you didn't think possible. When that happens, I shall do my best to help you."

You all move outside where you find the covered wagons, weighed down by various empty barrels, food, and other general supplies, It is explained that these carts are meant to reach Oleg’s Trading Post. One of the guards standing there waves you over and passes the reins to whomever wishes to drive. Drektan at once recognizes his steed has already been hooked up to one of the carts. Oy, Furbutt! a man’s calls out. He was one a servant of your lord, though his services were purchased and then set free. [b]I thought I recognized this horse! Taken up the campaign to the Rice Kingdoms huh? Good luck. I heard a rumor that there is a creature in those woods who had a taste for Catfolk. Bwa ha ha![b] he claps the feline on the shoulder after handing you the reins to your horse and describes the various items inside this wagon. You learn it is for your parties use, and may use the wagon however they see if. Inside you find enough food for each of you to last two weeks, though this journey should only last about 5 days.

[ooc] pay attention to the day. If you have any religious practices or holidays your character would celebrate, include that. (It’s Monday)

Atlas frowns at the behavior shows by this couchman to the catfolk. "What's that all about?" he asks Drektan. "Don't tell me you're just going to take it and let him s+*~ all over you?"

"It doesn't matter. His words make him feel better, but mean nothing to me. The words will not make me cold tonight, take food from my plate, or take knowledge out of my mind. If I choose to care about his words, then I give him power over me I choose not to give him." The cat's shoulders roll in a shrug. "I think the relevant quote is something like 'bars do not a prison make.'"

Cator helps Vesnia up into the new wagon. "Ladies and gentlemen, my wife is with child. For the journey into The Stolen Lands, I would have her be at rest in the wagon. She can share in the driving duties as well. I hope that is fine with everyone."

Sorry, that was supposed to be fuzzbutt from your backstory

Cator helps Vesnia up into the new wagon. "Ladies and gentlemen, my wife is with child. For the journey into The Stolen Lands, I would have her be at rest in the wagon. She can share in the driving duties as well. I hope that is fine with everyone."

There’s three wagons and six people. Each wagon is loaded with supplies and enough room for 2 people plus a driver. I wouldn’t make any of you walk... yet.

As you all ride along south, you get a chance to learn more of each other. You travel quickly but take little time for rest. Each character (minus NPC’s) give me a Perception check, and roll a d100

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
d100: 1d100 ⇒ 65

25th day af Calastrial
You traveled for a while and stopped to rest, that night, Cator came to realize that not all was what it seemed while he was on watch. An uneasiness crept over him, as if someone was watching the caravan.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
1d100 ⇒ 21

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

%: 1d100 ⇒ 81

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
whatever: 1d100 ⇒ 67

Katarina is polite but spends most of the day looking about with the eyes of someone who has never travelled this far from home before.

"It doesn't matter. His words make him feel better, but mean nothing to me. The words will not make me cold tonight, take food from my plate, or take knowledge out of my mind. If I choose to care about his words, then I give him power over me I choose not to give him." The cat's shoulders roll in a shrug. "I think the relevant quote is something like 'bars do not a prison make.'"

Atlas sighs. "Not doing anything about it is exatly why they keep doing it. You make yourself an easy target, and people have little to nothing to lose by abusing you. Next time someone gives you crap, punch them in the face and enjoy their shocked reactions. I recommend the nose. Fragile bone but bleeds a lot."

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
percentage: 1d100 ⇒ 86

The buff wizard spends most the time in front, steering the wagon and taking note of potential ambush sites at the same time.

When Vesnia's turn comes up, he shakes his head. "If you're pregnant, you can rest. I'm sure most of us can do a longer shift. Don't want you stressing yourself or being in front to get shot by an arrow if bandits try their luck. This is a pretty big wagon, and looks like a good haul from the outside."

At some point, he looks back to Katarina and catches her staring outside. "Why'd you come along, Katie? This'll take us pretty far from the city. And who knows what we'd run into down south. Could be dangerous. Actually, it WILL be dangerous. Probably a good reason no attempt to settkle the Stolen Lands ever succeeds."

28th day of Calistrial
Atlas, while standing guard at night, you notice something peculiar. A set of eyes was watching you from the treeline. When you went to investigate, you found two pairs of boot prints, though there was no one in sight. High and low you searched, but found no other evidence you were being followed.

29th day of Calistrial
After 5 days of journeying, it has come to an end. Ahead of you, you see a small fort, its walls only about 15 feet high, the wooden gate stands open, awaiting visitors. As you draw your carts inside, a youthful woman comes and greets you, she wears a smile like a knight carries his shield, out front for all to see. You're here! you're here! she cries out. As she reaches your cart see looks about, I don't understand, none of you look like guards?she say quizzically, then she spies Layla and blushes slightly, Besides you My Lady, I'd recognize an Aldori anywhere. Are you folks not the protection we have requested?

The cat nods his head to the woman as she comes up. As she makes it clear that she was expecting military assistance of some kind for some reason, he looks to the Aldori for a second before moving forward.

"Ma'am, Our Lady Aldori gathered us together because of the breadth of our capabilities. The goal is to bring some peace to the area, to tame the area and bring civilization here. It sounds like you have a problem you expected to have solved martially? Can we enquire as to the specifics of the problem? It seems we may need to at least consider starting with your issue."

He attempts to calm her, reassure her, and draw information from her . . ..

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Meh. Almost an average roll. At least I know she's going to want to tell us, regardless.

Atlas jumps from the wagon's driver's seat, walks back and holds an arm out to assist any of the women descending. He then moves up behind the Catfolk and adresses the newcomer. "Name's Atlas. Atlas Jaxx. I'm a g&!&~&ned wizard 'cause I make your problems go away."

He eyes the trading post, then the woman. "Drektan here has the right idea. We were sent to this exact place, but without clear instructions on what to do. Other than presumably kill a lot of bandits and make this a nicer place to live, that is. Who are you, and what can you tell us?"

The woman greets Drektan warmly while eyeing Atlas suspiciously, We’ve sent word back to Restov repeatedly, telling them we have been the unfortunate target of a group of bandits. We have been hoping for a contingent of guards to come help protect us, but so far, no one has come. Please, it’s just my husband and I here, you must help us.

To your right you see what looks like could be a small bunkhouse, from the roof, you can hear the rhythmic banging of a hammer. As the woman finishes speaking, the banging stops and a gruff voice can be heard shouting down, Lana? What’s going on down there?

It’s the Aldori! the woman calls back, So you can quit pretending to work and come down!

The woman greets Drektan warmly while eyeing Atlas suspiciously, We’ve sent word back to Restov repeatedly, telling them we have been the unfortunate target of a group of bandits. We have been hoping for a contingent of guards to come help protect us, but so far, no one has come. Please, it’s just my husband and I here, you must help us.

"We, too, have been followed. Most likely by bandits." The large barbarian interjected. "If it's within our ability to help you, we will."

I appreciate that, the woman says, But I'm afraid you might not be enough. You see, it all started some time ago... the woman is abruptly cut off by a gruff looking gentilman coming around from the side of the bunkhouse.
Lana, my dear, why don't you go finish the stew for our, the man glances at your party through the corner of his eye briefly, guests.

As the woman carries herself off with a huff, the man indroduces himself, The name is Oleg, and welcome to my trading post adventurers. You've met my overly trusting wife, Svetlana, already. The man pauses briefly and sizes up your party, gives a huff, and contimues.Yes it's true bandits have been a thorn in our side for some time now. The took off with the last of our wares a couple weeks ago and we haven't had a trade caravan come by since. Tis going go be hell to pay on the morrow once they return.

Oleg sizes up the party one last time, and looks at your carts. I suppose I can just give them those supplies that you brought us... saves us from them wrecking anything else. Still working on the Bunkhouse from the last time. Come have a seat at the tables, we will make sure you're fed, and we can discuss if you truely want to help us with the bandits. I'm sure I'm not wrong when I assume you're not the protection detail from Restov. So it might be wiser just to let them come and take the goods. He waits for you to ask any questions, but you can tell he is as hungry as the rest of you.

Layla finally steps out to speak.

As my companions well put, I am Lady Layla Aldori, and the bandits thing is now our business as well. - she briefly pauses - It's typical that such cowards would come in numbers to try to press you, and their overconfidence will be their doom.

The duelist approaches, tapping on the carts.

Let's pull all the goods inside, and prepare this place. I'm hoping most of us might stay concealed as the bandits approach... And we can then try to speak with them. Offer them some basic reasoning.

Her words didn't sound as if she was convinced they could be reasoned; it sounded more like what an authority would offer someone just as a formality before a slaugther.

My idea would be that only you, Oleg, and me are outside to receive the outlaws. We keep Svetlana and my group out of their sight, and maybe set some traps around, or try to surround them. If diplomacy fails, we'd still be in an advantage point to deal with them.

Finally she takes her time to look at her companions - hoping to hear their thoughts and suggestions.

If it comes to that, it would be helpful for us to at least keep someone alive... To talk. As for the others, hanging is the most common punishment for banditry. And I really have very low tolerance for it.

Atlas looks at Layla and waits for her to finish. At the end, he nods once. "A good plan, mostly. Should definitely make this place more defensible any way we can. However, when it comes to bandits, I wouldn't give up our element of surprise just to talk. I say we attack first and ask the questions after they surrendered. Safer for everyone on our side," he reasons.

The wizard then redirects his gaze to Lana and frowns, scratching his goatee as he thinks things through. "You say they took all your goods but left the two of you here, unharmed? Strange. It seems incredibly risky on their part to leave witnesses to their attacks, who can then call for help and potentially have them hunted down. And why not simply seize this place for themselves, while they're at it? It feels like I'm missing something."

"The scum most likely think more goods will come and they can take them again. Parasites expecting things will always be that way." Katarina looks extremely angry.

As the daughter of a merchant family she is familiar with those that prey on them and hates them bitterly. "We will not be giving them our supplies. We have weapons and spells we can give them. Painfully!"