Into the Stolen Lands (Kingmaker Book 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

last night
Listening as the others shared their opinion about Pitax; the half-orc Coin sister approaching the question like a ledger, the half-elf Coin sister more from the rightness and wrongness of it. Tacitus continuing to be his friendly agreeable self and the sorceress, wanting paid first. As Fiona spoke of money, Kunala remembered he'd volunteered his portion for the resurrection of the Catfolk, which appeared to be happening. As they got up from the table and made their way up the long spiral staircase, Kunala made a mental note to make sure he got the fellow's name this time.

in the morning
After a pleasant night's sleep in a real bed, Kunala wakes refreshed and ready for adventure. Heading back down the long spiral staircase seemed easier than going up the night before had. Chuckling as he hears Fiona's outburst about wasted resources, he calls out a greeting as he enters the room. "Good Morning Fiona."

Seeing the young halfling already seated, Kunala moves to a chair adjacent to the halfling where he can also study the maps. Extending a hand in greeting to the halfling. "Good morning, I'm Kunala."

The halflilng looks mightly embarrassed. "Good morning, Kunala. I recognized you, though I'm not really feeling like myself, so I'm not surprised you don't recognize me." He actually rubs a hand across his bare skin as he says that. The voice is completely unfamiliar, though the pacing of the speech is familiar.

"I'm very confused about my status at this point. Who am I beholden to? The person who paid for the magics that created the new form? Or am I still beholden to the Swan, and they are now beholden to whomever paid? There's a clear case that they owned a body which no longer exists, but there's also a case to be made that the contents of the container are what matters. This is not an area where I've done much research, you understand. Never really occurred to me, you know?"

It hardly seems possible, but he manages to look even more uncomfortable, suddenly changing the topic. "But how is everyone else from the team? Did we save the fortification? Where casualties kept low, or did they have to abandon the site because another attack would have eliminated everyone?"

Emerald, Jasper and Malin are preparing to sail the caravan back up river. They give you 1000gp for completing the caravan duty less 5000gp to bring Drektan back, albeit as a halfling. Unfortunately in the middle of the wilderness, there are not many places to spend it.

Raising an eyebrow as the young halfling greets him, Kunala wonders if this is their reincarnate Catfolk, as the fellows comments about not recognizing him. Nodding as the halfling continues about property rights and such, Kunala smiles, answering the questions, "Everyone survived, the fortifications defended and the enemy fled. We have been tasked with going after the Pitax." He looks towards the maps, pointing where the mines were. "Here."

Before he forgot, Kunala turned to the halfling, "Your name? Or what do you want your name to be now. A dead slave is not expected to be reincarnated. Choose carefully what you are called from here on, it may make a difference to what debts are expected of you."

Tacitus awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and set out to the table to see what Emerald had to say, when he saw another halfling at the table, 'Ello brother, what brings you this far north?" before hearing Kunala and his conversation. He listened quietly at first but furrowed his brow at the mention of slavery, "A disgusting practice. I think its clear that a catfolk slave has died and there are more than enough halflings enslaved in the world; it doesn't need one more.. that is all Swan needs to know. That we acquired another halfling to our merry band is irrelevant." He says with finality before offering his hand,"I'm Taddy. What shall we call you?"

Amelia wakes later than normal, finding sleep uneasy after the events of the past few weeks. She joins the others after completing her morning rituals and prayers to Abadar, and catches Tacitus' rather low opinion of slavery. It is another thing that casts doubts about her own faith and raises questions she pushes aside. Better to talk to Emre about it later.

"Morning," she says in greeting as she walks up to the table they are seated. "It sounds as if reintroductions are in order," she says looking at the newly come halfling.

"Name? The family tended to call me Fuzzbutt, after the young Elanna started calling me that. Doesn't seem that fits very well anymore. My parents call me Drektan, or Drek." His brows knit, and he looks away from the table, away from you. "I'm really not sure what I am, or what's happening at this point."

After a short pause, he snaps his head back to the group of you. "Who paid for the spell?"

Amelia sits next to Drektan and helps herself to some of the food.

"Does it matter," she asks the halfling that had once been a catfolk. "I can speak for Emre and myself. We do not have any interest in owning slaves."

Emerald is especially glad to see Drektan returned. "Halflings are much more common in this area than catfolk, so enemy spies will definitely be confused as they probably used that as a sign to recognize you from a distance. The group is complete again. Welcome back from beyond."

The group continues to the mine area. It is a four hour hike.

After a short pause, he snaps his head back to the group of you. "Who paid for the spell?"

"We all did a bit, but it was the lad, Kunala, who helped the most." Tacitus answers the newly minted halfling.

Emerald is especially glad to see Drektan returned. "Halflings are much more common in this area than catfolk, so enemy spies will definitely be confused as they probably used that as a sign to recognize you from a distance. The group is complete again. Welcome back from beyond."

The group continues to the mine area. It is a four hour hike.

"That's true brother, even if House Swan comes looking for their slave, they'll be seeking a furry cat, not a handsome halfling like yourself. You are free," he says beaming, " that being said, are you still interested in this kind of adventuring work, It seems it will only get more dangerous if we are going to take down Pitax."

Later, on the hike:

Tacitus will stay with Drektan, during the hike, trying to educate him on how to take care of his new halfling body, like cleaning between the toes and how to properly wash and condition the foot mane he now has. he also rattles off dozens of halfling names he could adopt as well. He seems very happy to have another halfling around, even one who isn't really a halfling.

"And of course these are just the traditional names, Where I come from in Corentyn, the call us whatever they like, usually some chelish name. That's how I ended up with 'Tacitus'."

Watching and listening as the others reintroduce themselves, Kunala nods, committing the name 'Drektan' to memory. Raising an eyebrow as Dretan or Drek asks 'who paid' Kunala gives a light smile as the half elf Coin sister asks if it matters. That was Kunala's sentiment as well, he still felt responcible for getting the catfolk Drek killed, but he was glad their employeers were so generous. He could not have afforded the reincarnaton on his own.

Chuckling at Emerald's comment about Halflings, he rolled his eyes when Tacitus said he'd 'helped the most.' But he added "Here, here" when the hunter and said Drektan was now free. Kunala hadn't known his father had kept slaves, and he felt more than a little bothered about the idea.

Later on the hike? Are we riding horses? If so, Kunala would have purcased one 'off-screen'

As they traveled, Kunala kept his bow at the ready, keeping near the two 'halflings.' He'd always enjoyed Tacitus' tales, and was enjoying learning apparently all there was to know about shrimp halflings

"So, how are we handling the mines," Amelia asks as they make their way towards said mines.

"Of COURSE it matters who paid! Whether I am a slave or not, I have a significant debt. More if not, honestly. Would Abadar want me to ignore that debt, or to find a way to honor it?"

---

Drek lets Tacitus ramble on, as he's obviously excited. At the end of the day, though, all his ramblings and teaching is more about accepting information that Drek might need later. There's nointerest in Drek's thoughts to working towards being a "proper halfling." He eventually shakes his head as Tactus is running through the listof names. "No, I'm still me, even if I'm in . . . THIS. I have no reason to insult my parents by throwing away the name they gave me. Yes, I know, in many societies, it is normal to take different names when something significant happens in your life. That's not how I was raised. I am Drektan."

---

As for the question about how to approach the mines . . .. "I suppose we'll have to work the details once we see the condition of the equipment. The better shape the mining gear is in, the easier it should be to look around."

Considering Drektan's question carefully, Kunala, though not religious himself, knew that invoking someone's god's viewpoint was sticky business. Offering "It was handled as part of the payment for the job well done. If you are in anyone's debit it is Abadar himself, for his servants seem to be the majority of our fellowship."
---------------
As Drektan and Tacitus talked about 'Halfling names' Kunala's mind wanders to the task at hand. They had a map of the office itself, and a good idea where the mine was at. But they didn't know the proximity of the office to the mine entrance. He stopped for a moment, trying to remember if the map had the office in the mine or outside of it or if you entered the mine through the office itself.

As the half elf Coin sister asked about how they were going to handle the mine, and Drektan mentioned equipment, Kunala shook his head. "Our maps are incomplete, we'll need to see the lay of the land before we figure it all out."

Looking around the group he asks, "Who has the Map? Once we get close we'll need to get real quiet. Ms Coin was right, our best chance is to go unnoticed as long as possible."

The mine produced coal for almost a hundred years, then it was almost depleted and suffered a cave in.

As you arrive on the hill you see the only multistory building is the mining office you have the plans for. The top of the hill has been cleared, but the surrounding area of the hill is a thick forest that was used to log timbers to build the mine, but has since grown back. There is an eery feeling of desolation as you approach.

Note the mine map in campaign tab and see building 3 is the mining office

"Of COURSE it matters who paid! Whether I am a slave or not, I have a significant debt. More if not, honestly. Would Abadar want me to ignore that debt, or to find a way to honor it?"

"Abadar be damned!" Tacitus bursts out before glancing sheepishly at the Coin sisters,"A Catfolk by the name of Drektan was a slave. now there is a Halfling. By any name the halfling is not a catfolk named Drektan. I believe this is what the Abadarans reluctantly call a loophole in the law my friend."

Drek lets Tacitus ramble on, as he's obviously excited. At the end of the day, though, all his ramblings and teaching is more about accepting information that Drek might need later. There's nointerest in Drek's thoughts to working towards being a "proper halfling." He eventually shakes his head as Tactus is running through the listof names. "No, I'm still me, even if I'm in . . . THIS. I have no reason to insult my parents by throwing away the name they gave me. Yes, I know, in many societies, it is normal to take different names when something significant happens in your life. That's not how I was raised. I am Drektan."

Tacitus was taken aback by Drek's spurn of the halfling ways, I suppose you can put a cat in a halfling but you cant put the halfling in the cat?, he thought to himself while smiling at Drek, "Then Drektan, I will call you Friend."

As for the question about how to approach the mines . . .. "I suppose we'll have to work the details once we see the condition of the equipment. The better shape the mining gear is in, the easier it should be to look around."

As the half elf Coin sister asked about how they were going to handle the mine, and Drektan mentioned equipment, Kunala shook his head. "Our maps are incomplete, we'll need to see the lay of the land before we figure it all out."

Looking around the group he asks, "Who has the Map? Once we get close we'll need to get real quiet. Ms Coin was right, our best chance is to go unnoticed as long as possible."

"If anyone notices a good tall spot that has a birds eye view, I can cast spells that will help me climb up, and stay hidden, even appear as a statue or weathervane as long as I don't move around too much, but It would only last for about 20 minutes, I don't know if that will be long enough to be useful." Taddy responds in a hushed wisper as they look on at the mine.

I just realized I never got Amelia to Level 2.

Discussing debt
Amelia looks hurt at Drektan's reaction, but the young half-elf quickly schools her face into a mask.

"It seems to me that those that you would be indebted to have decided that the debt's been paid already," she says.

The Mines
Amelia listens and finds herself wondering if she'll be of any use in this fight. Sneaking and fighting were two things she is manifestly not good at.

I've not leveled either. Not normally the thing when you die during the experience which levelled everyone else.

Perceptiont: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"I don't see any of the trees that stand out as better than the rest to get a look, but maybe we could try this one?" He taps the trunk of one of the older trees in the immediate area.

"I have some paper and ink. I'll draw a map," Fiona volunteers. The half-elf shuffles some items around in her pack as if checking to make sure items are still there. She's going to take Profession Cartographer.

The dark-skinned woman waits for the others to go in first, following behind with her weapon poised.

Ditto on the levelling. Will get that sorted when I'm back from work

Érme nods in agreement at her sister's words as she checks her equipment and loads her crossbow;

"Indeed Master Drektan. Regardless of the form you now wear, your financial debt is not withholding. If there still exists a moral one, you feel obliged to honour, that is for you to decide."

Earlier
Sighing as Tacitus curses at what appears to be everyone else's choice in gods, Kunala shakes his head. The halfling had always spoken his mind and never really worried about it since he had a pet skunk to keep people on pins and needles. No on liked waking up smelling of skunk, especially over an opinionated halfling. It's not that Tacitus wasn't right most of the time, it's just you get more friends with honey than skunk spray. Watching the rest of the group Kunala could tell that the comment hurt the half elf Coin sister, just reaffirming that she was the sensitive one, but it didn't seem to bother Drektan or the half orc Coin sister. As Fiona changes the conversation to mapping, Kunala's Pleased that they dodged a quarrel and lets the topic of slavery drop.

Note the mine map in campaign tab and see building 3 is the mining office

What direction are we approaching from?

Looking down on what seemed to be an abandoned mine from the hills crest, Kunala nods in agreement with Drektan. "Drek is right Taddy, climb that one. But unless you see something out of place, I think it's abandoned enough that we can safely approach."

As the halfling climbs up the tree, Kunala stays low near the crest of the hill, keeping his bow at the ready in case they are spotted.

A short investigation yields complete quiet and Taddy declares little in the way of tracks. As the forest allows you to approach from any direction, to be cautious, although you came from the north, you circle to the west to get to the mining office directly.

Entering the mining office after a quick search at threshold, you find the door still functional, and the there is many old, dusty bare tables in this office.

ticked off one use of monkey fish to climb the tree and survey the mine

Taddy returned to the group to approach the mine together,

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

and he checks the tables for any useful documents or clues.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Pleased with the halflings report, Kunala follows the hunter from the northern face of the woods to the west where they were nearer to the office. Following the hunter and his mount to the office door Kunala keeps his bow at the ready until the cross the threshold. Returning the bow to its scabbard, he draws the pike decorated blade, its flame shining brightly as they enter the office.

Moving quickly into the office, he keeps a keen eye out as Taddy searches the room. Stepping over a little debris he notices a misaligned set of tiles that seem to have a little more wear than the others. Bending over he notices the tiles can be removed. Telling the others, "It looks like these tiles can be removed." Holding the dueling sword high so he can see, he reaches down and begins to remove the tiles.

A strongbox, unlocked is found in an alcove. Seemingly untrapped, and when open it is untrapped.
It contains:
uncut gems from mining

A door leads to another room and stairs go up.

Érme moves in Kunala's wake, leaving the hunter to rifle through paperwork.

When the duellist uncovers the strongbox, she arcs an eyebrow appreciatively;

"Good eye Swordsman."

Casting her own seasoned gaze over its contents, she examines first the gemstones;

DC15 Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Uncut, but good. Should yield us 750 gold in total."

The Abadarian then turns her attention to the ring;

DC15 Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Wrought platinum... A pretty piece worth 150 gold."

DC20 Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The final ring eludes her appraisal, eliciting a frown;

"This one has stymied me. Sister, perhaps you could discern its value or purpose?"

She offers up the ring to Amelia for her keen eye...

Amelia brings up the rear of the band, not being particularly skilled in the art of stealth. When Emre shows her the ring, she takes it and looks it over.

GM, I don't have ranks in Spellcraft, nor do I have Detect Magic. I do have a rank in Knowledge(Arcana). Could I use that at a penalty?

Botted Fiona

spellcarft: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Fiona examines the ring and finds it to be a magical ring of protection +1

Having set the strongbox on the floor and opening it, Kunala casually observes the gems and jewelery. As he moves away from the box to let the Coin sisters determine the value of the items, Kunala hears the half orc Coin sister compliment him. Nodding he responded "Thanks. Smiling as he moves to the door in the northern door, Fairly pleased with himself, it didn't seem like Érme gave out compliments easily. Maybe she wasn't as stoggy as he first thought.

As she identified the items, he approaches the only door on the first floor. Looking for any obvious threats he inspects it for a moment, then attempts to open it.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The bard moves through the room, poking and prodding, looking for any documentation, or other indication of things that might have happened.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

I haven't leveled yet, either, but the plan was to handle it this weekend. The +1 is for the 2nd level skill rank.

Amelia moves up beside Drektan and starts helping him look for any clues about what may have happened here.

Perception Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Érme delays her appraisal as her sister moves to assist the newly minted halfling in

"Look for missives. Bills. Inventory. Legal records. Letters naming individuals... all could prove documents of value to us going forward. Some may provide proof. Others bargaining credit..."

A quick search turns up a kitchen that is infested with rats, shutting the door you leave them alone for now.

The sitting room has two adventure kits and a climbing kits packed up in excellent shape once the dust and grime are scraped off.

A secret door is found that leads to the attic, and the two hobbits hear a large amount of bats in the attic. Cracking the door the bats are sleeping in upside down purchases all around the extremely large attic.

All combat in this area is 'optional'

You consider investigating one of the two infested areas, or moving to another building on the premises.

Frowning at the rats, Kunala shuts the door to the kitchen, gesturing towards the room. "Kitchen, lots of rats, doesn't look like it's been used for a while."

Moving to the stairs as Érme Coin comments about searching the dust for documents, he points towards the stairs, "I'll check for Pitaxians."

Heading upstairs. finding the dust covered kits, he frowns, "It doesn't look like this place has been used in a while. If there are Pitaxians here at the mine, they've not been using this building."

Hearing that there were vermin in the attic, similar to the kitchen, he shakes his head, "Seems if the Pitaxians are using this as a base, there not using this building. I think we should focus on the task at hand and find them." He smiles a wolfish smile, "If we're going to kill vermin I'd rather it be them."

"Agreed, No sense waking up a swarm of rats or bats when we can keep whatever stealth advantage we have, shall we move on to another building?" Tacitus says after he is convinced there are not valuable documents, "those kits could come in handy though, lets get them set up by the door so we might grab them on our way out? he suggests.

Not having much luck finding any documents, Amelia helps with the kits, though by the time she gets the first one to the door, it's clear she's not cut out for physical labor.

"Do we search the other buildings or go straight for the mines," she asks the others once they've completed their search.

Helping Tacius move the 'kits' to the door, Kunala, looks around the corner towards the nearest building. Shaking his head at Amelia Coin's question, "I don't know, I don't want to leave potential enemies behind us. But there are a lot of buildings to check."

Pausing he looks towards Tacitus, hoping the skunk might be able to tell something by smell. "Taddy could you or Maff tell if there are tracks heading to any of the buildings or just to the mines?"

"Of course the gear could prove useful, given we don't know the state of the mine's infrastructure. For an office, there's not really any useful information at hand. Might have to chase the infestations away to see anything useful. But there is an awful lot of ground we could cover before needing to do that. If we can stay unobserved, checking out the other buildings could prove far more beneficial than charging into the unknown."

Tacitus takes a look outside for any tracks or drag marks or anything indicating there was any traffic from this building to another,"Let me take a look here Kunala, if there is a fresh track, Maff should be able to follow it's scent."

Survival to track: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Amelia nods at Drektan's words. She regrets not having gotten to know him sooner given the wisdom and knowledge he possesses.

"Shall we let Tacitus and Maff look about for a trail then? He can probably more more quietly and unseen without all of us on his heels," she says to the others.

Before Tacitus and Maff take off.
Amelia offers them both a blessing, wishing them safety and swiftness.

Maff and Taddy move to the only stone building 6 on map to the east and find many ogre tracks around it. They move further east sticking to the outer buildings and finds a stable 8 on map and peering through the single open window to allow horses to peek out, there are three wagons and six draft horses to pull them inside. These wagons are smaller than the ones in the caravan, but are still capable of carrying a hefty amount of goods. There are humanoid tracks leading to the middle of the compound from these stables.

As Drektan explains about the lack of useful information in the office, Kunala nods, as dusty as it had been it seemed like whoever they were after hadn't used that building anyway. Nodding in agreement, Kunala chimed in with the Character formally known as a Catfolk Bard, "Yes staying unobserved is a very good idea."

Pleased that Maff's nose worked as well as he remembered, he turns to Amelia Coin, "That was the idea Ms Coin, the skunk will be much more likely to proceed unseen." He grins, remembering being sprayed by Maff, "And if he is noticed, I don't think anyone will mess with him." is smile widening, "And if they do, they'll not be happy."

Watching as the pair move to the stone building, then to what appears to be a stable, Kunala wonders if there was some way to communicate with his friend while he was scouting. Turning to the others, he asks, "Is there some sort of magic we could use to talk with him?"

Amelia shakes her head.

"I fear I have not been blessed with such magic. Emre might have been blessed with such abilities."

Taddy and Maff snuck their way around the edge of the compound to the stone building, Deadeyes empty quiver! More damned ogres... Moving on towards the stable he thought I wonder if there is anything in the wagons... we can either take them, or at the least disable these wagons he mused as him and Maff Snuck their way in for a closer look at the wagons.
Taddy Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Maff Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

If I'm not caught by baddies in the stables I'd like to check out the wagons to see if there is anything useful on them before heading back to the party to report.

A newcomer shows up having been trained under the swordmaster from Mivoy that defended the fort from attack. He seems to be a disciple the dueling ways. He arrives to find the group he was sent to join up exploring the mining camp.

The wagons are fully equipped to leave, with no baddies anywhere near and sheltered in the stable, it seems unnecessary to move them.

Érme too shakes her head at the possibility of the magic's her sister intimated;

"Abadar blesses me with spells that augment my own abilities and the execution of my service. Communication at distance... with either halfling or skunk is beyond my ken."

At another dashing swordsman arrives the tall half-orc eyes him warily, then subtly interposes herself between them and Amelia...

Taddy decides to report back to the group, slinking his way out of the stables quietly when he sees someone enter the office the group is in from afar,And who might this be.... someone looking to sneak up on us huh. Lets take a closer look... he thinks to himself as he hurries back to the office, taking extra care to be quiet and go unnoticed by this newcomer with his sling loaded and ready to fire....

stealth vs New guy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
stealth vs New guy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Taddy is taking a precaution and is trying to quietly listen in on what happens as the newcomer arrives before announcing his own return.

Not knowing who the newly arrived swordsman is aligned with, Amelia takes a step towards Emre, keeping her better armed and more physically imposing sister between her and the man that has just come.

"Who are you," she asks, figuring the longer she can keep him talking, the better.

Nodding to Coin sisters as they explained that they did not have any sort of spell, Kunala returned his attention to watching the halfling and skunk.

Seeing the newcomer Kunala recognized the squire of the swordmaster who'd exchanged swords with him. Smiling at the memory of the officer from Mivoy, He waited for the man to introduce himself.

A good looking yet scruffy young man strode out of the dusk light, a light crossbow balanced jauntily over one shoulder and a fancy looking swept hilt rapier and dagger slung dangerously from the other hip.
Picture 1
He grinned and doffed his cocked hat in a brief bow.
"Antonio Nedraid, at your service!" He said cheerily. "I understand you have an infestation?"