Galahad's Kingmaker Expanded

Game Master Galahad0430

Daxiana grins as Gaxi nods and even uses her name (or nick name) in return, "Good to know I got it right, Gaxi. Thank ye. I really need to learn a few words in kobold."

Then as Meredith introduces Harter, Daxiana smiles, "Nice to meet you, Harter. Quite the crowd forming up and there are still folks I've not met."

While capable of making small talk, Sven was glad that he didn’t have to. Nobles, knights, bandits, a kobold, a ratfolk…elves. An eclectic group for a land renown for swallowing kingdoms. He had come to prove the contention that these lands could only be tamed by a combined effort, and by Grundinnar he was determined to prove the naysayers wrong.

And while he was happy enough to not have to join in, he still kept her ears open. While a healer by trade, his clan were a merchants at heart. If this expedition was true, then trade routes would have to be opened up, and any connections that could be exploited were worth noting.

He hops of the seat and scuttles along with him, and as the introductions start, he adds his own.

"Is named Ikit, making of machines and weapons. Can make alchemical concoctions too if needed. Man-beasts seem to like this plan, so Ikit follow, lots of opportunity to make my machines, yes yes"

He looks to the kobold

Gaxi blinks at the...rat thing...talking to him. But he moves away from behind Daxiana's legs to speak to Ikit.

The ratfolk nods and turns to the others, looking up at all the faces

"Lizard man kobold says that he uses fire, but won't use it against companions like Dax and myself. Which is good. I do not wish my travelling companions to hurt me, yes yes. It would be bad."

Daxiana still isn't sure what the little rat fellow is exactly, as she's never met one of his kind before, but her smile broadens as she realizes he is offering his translation services as well, "Well, first, nice to meet you, Izkit," She offers a hand to shake bending over just a bit to do so, "I'm Daxiana, or Dax as you like. Thank you for the translation. I am very gratified Gaxi doesn't want to burn me or his other companions. Looks like all sorts of folks are intrigued enough to be here." She nods again to Gaxi hoping her expression conveys gratitude.

Harter makes some effort to learn all the names he just heard, certain that he'll fail. Still, he says "Nice to meet you all here. Surely there will be space for all of us in this endeavor."

After Ikit introduces himself, he nods and says "Forgive me, I should have introduced you. As he said, he is Ikit, an inventor of great things. Whatever comes of this, he will surely make a name for himself and I would be honored to see it."

He looks at Meredith and gives her a hand signal to convey that they can catch up later.

Stanislaw greeted the other two, "It is nice to meet you, Harter Lebeda, and Ikit, inventor. Tell me, Harter, for how long have you served Erastil? Are you an archer, as Dax and I are?"

Making no movement to show his obvious preference to the greatsword at his hip, Harter scratches his head embarrassed and says "While I was trained to shoot all sorts of bows, my preference is in the melee. I was told that would be useful to let the priests shoot their bows. Say, Stanislaw, was it? I don't remember you from our training. Where did you study? What kind of community was that?"

The ratfolk nods and turns to the others, looking up at all the faces

"Lizard man kobold says that he uses fire, but won't use it against companions like Dax and myself. Which is good. I do not wish my travelling companions to hurt me, yes yes. It would be bad."

Gaxi looks offended, and responded quickly to that statement.

Piret is surprised by Pyros's comments. They also put her a bit more at ease. She's not used to Aldori adherents who don't sneer at academic pursuits. The university in Restov isn't a place like the University of Lepidstadt is, or the Torvin Academy was before, well never mind. PIret's own university tends to serve more as a mating pool for the wealthy and titled of the region to the dismay of many of the faculty and those students who go there to learn things.

Piret smiles faintly for a moment.

"You could be right I suppose, I guess I shall see. I think I could benefit the expedition in some other ways as well. I know a little about alchemy, and cartography. Also some medical basics."

"What about you Pyros? Why would you want to go tramping about in the wilderness?"

At that moment though, Piret hears an eruption of words in a language she did not expect to hear.

"Oh! I'm very sorry" she tells Pyros. "Could you hold that thought?"

Piret hurries over to see if there is some problem she might be able to help smooth out. It's quite easy to identify the kobold in the room as the Draconic speaker. When she gets to him she asks "Je niečo zlé? Môžem pomôcť?"

Notable people:

Tartuccio: A very animated Gnome. He can be described by one word; purple. His hair is purple, he wears purple rouge, and all of his clothes are purple. He circulates the crowd getting basic information of those present. He comes across as somewhat arrogant, and is very dismissive of anyone he deems unqualified.

There is a very tall Elven woman who is darkly cloaked. She avoids conversation and makes it immediately apparent that she does not want to be bothered. Being around her for any length of time gives one a sense of unease.

Kesten Garress: A captain of Jamandi's guards. A serious man, but well mannered and actually pleasant to talk to. He freely answers questions, but does not give any information about Jamandi's upcoming speech.

A Kellid woman, obviously of one of the Numerian barbaria tribes, she made quite the scene when she was told she had to leave her sword at the entrance foyer. A sword so massive one wonders how she even weilds it.

As a side note all weapons were peace bonded upon entry. Any weapon that could not be so bonded such as large, two-handed weapons and bows, was required to be left in the foyer.

Valerie: A breathtakingly beautiful woman, despite her horrendous bowl cut hairstyle, in heavy armor. She is apprently the commander of Jamnadi's personal guard. She is more aloof than Kesten, and her mood is not improved by the train of hopeful admirers that pester her.

"Je niečo zlé? Môžem pomôcť?"

Gaxi whirls to see the half elf speaking in Draconic too. He is very clearly perplexed by everyone speaking his language.

Seeing some...possibly important figures walking into the room made Gaxi tense, and he hides behind Daxiana again.

Piret takes what the Kobold tells her with a concerned expression.

"Áno, naučil som sa ten jazyk v škole. Obávam sa, že vám neviem povedať, koľko ľudí a iných vysokých ľudí pozná dračiu reč, ale pochybujem, že ich je veľa. Ľudia, ktorí sa tu zhromaždili, pravdepodobne nie sú priemerní."

"Odovzdám ďalej vašu správu o vzťahu koboldov k drakom a nie k jašterom. Je dôležité, aby pochopili rozdiel."

Looking up from the kobold, Piret relays his protest.

"He is unhappy with being described as a lizard when he should instead be described as a dragon."

"He is correct. While not all of the best taxonomies agree on the precise relationship between kobolds and dragons, they do agree that dragons are not reptiles, and that kobolds are related to dragons, not reptiles."

As a side note all weapons were peace bonded upon entry. Any weapon that could not be so bonded such as large, two-handed weapons and bows, was required to be left in the foyer.

When she had to turn over her longbow, Daxiana wasn't pleased either and while not as outspoken as the Barbarian lass, she certainly didn't care for it, and offered to unstring her bow but when that was refused muttered something about how she never shot anyone serving drinks slow or boring speeches. So she piece tied her rapier and went on in. Sharing a disgruntled nod with the barbarian who had to leave her immense sword behind.

She does tend to look at the place her bow is kept every few minutes.
Then Gaxi gets agitated, fortunately a lovely half elf lady shows up to offer yet more translating.

"He is unhappy with being described as a lizard when he should instead be described as a dragon."

"He is correct. While not all of the best taxonomies agree on the precise relationship between kobolds and dragons, they do agree that dragons are not reptiles, and that kobolds are related to dragons, not reptiles."

At this, Daxiana grins, "I did not know that. Well, that's bloody amazing that is, thank you. I'm Daxiana by the by." She looks again to Gaxi . She was already impressed by him just coming into an area where he might not get a warm welcome, but now she's got another reason to be so. Some amazing things come in small packages they say ,guess Amazing folk do do. Ikrit and Gaxi have as much right to seek adventure as any. She thinks.

Meredith watches the proceedings with a bemused expression.

"I'm just surprised they let him in, but I'll not begrudge him his dragonhood status if it saves me from a fiery death," she says, watching the kobold scurry back behind Daxiana.

Meredith watches the proceedings with a bemused expression.

"I'm just surprised they let him in, but I'll not begrudge him his dragonhood status if it saves me from a fiery death," she says, watching the kobold scurry back behind Daxiana.

"I'll tell you, Meredith, I don't understand a word Gaxi says and I already like him more than at least a quarter of my relations," Daxiana opines with a smirk. Then glances over at Stanislaw, and chuckles "Stanislaw's a decent one though."

"Ikit understand, dragon also term for flying lizard, yes yes. But little dragon man kobold then. But Ikit know better. Yes yes. Much more than dragon man kobold. But Ikit be nice, yes yes?" he first looks at these around him then to the rest of those gathered. He couldn't say much about what he saw. Tribe man-beast. Fancy man-beast. Little man gnome. Elf lady. He shrugs then turns to newcomer

"Half man beast lady? Call me Ikit, inventor and maker of great machines, yes yes!" he introduces himself holding out his left paw, like many other he has seen do

Maeric begrudgingly hands his bow over with a sigh, before he joins into the background of the party, keeping an eye on prominent figures and trying to stay out of the spotlight

"I'll tell you, Meredith, I don't understand a word Gaxi says and I already like him more than at least a quarter of my relations," Daxiana opines with a smirk. Then glances over at Stanislaw, and chuckles "Stanislaw's a decent one though."

Gaxi looks up at Daxiana and gives a little smile and a little tail wag. He looked at Ikit and Piret and says, a little more calmly,

Pyros follows Piret to the commotion, more out of curiosity and a lack of any other pressing direction to go than anything else. After listening for a bit, he says "Whoever ends up selected, we, well, perhaps they, may want to make a point of learning draconic. It would be a bad idea to risk a miscommunication in the middle of a fight."

The clamor in the hall begins to subside as two figures appear from a side room near the head table and walk to the dais. The woman is immediately recognizable as Jamandi Aldori, a tall, slender woman in her mid-30s and the other is a portly middle aged man dressed in expensive finery. As they stop to face the crowd, all conversation ceases and everyone looks up in anticipation.

"Greetings all, I am Swordlord Jamandi Aldori and this is Lord Mayor Ioseph Sebellius, welcome to my mansion"

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for responding to our call. You may be few, but we need the best of the best for this task. And I see before me true heroes, strong and fearless, exactly what Restov needs!" The Mayor wears a beaming smile and his speech is smooth as befits a practiced politician.

"Thank you, Lord Mayor. Now, to the point, to the South of here, just beyond Brevoy's border, lies a region known as the Stolen Lands. This is disputed territory, claimed by several States. I won't bore you with the legal details, but suffice to say if someone had the courage to tame and seize these lands and name themselves ruler of them; well let's just say that the neighboring States would be in no position to oppose them. And Restov would be the first to recognize this new country as well as the noble title of its founder."

"Unfortunately, one serious obstacle is in the path of such conquest. A den of bandits holds sway in this area and their self styled leader, the Stag Lord, claims ownership of the region and no one has yet been able to challenge his power. Bring me his head and you will be able to return to that land as its legal ruler. Any questions?"

She pauses for a moment and then continues.
In addition, I will be sponsoring an expedition to the East of the Tors of Levine to deal with the new threat of the centaur tribes of the Dunsward. For over a century there has been peace between Rost... er, Brevoy and the Nomen tribe of centuars, but recently there have been raids against settlemnets in the Dunswrad and even some into Brevoy. We do not know the cause, but this must be dealt with. As with the Western Stolen Lands, we are looking to have a more secure state in that area and would also recognoze any such entity."

”Fair words and a just goal.” Sven said, speaking for the first time. ”I see many here who look like they can wield a blade. And I’ve heard several who will be right deadly if they fight half as well as they talk.” He finished by saying ”How will all of us who have heeded the call be divided for these tasks?”

Pyros nods along as lady Jamandi speaks, noticing how she speaks of Restov and Rostland, not Brevoy. Of course! A new homeland for the Swordpact, free of Brevic domination! Maybe even one that will eventually be able the support Rostland in freeing itself. This is the chance we've hoped for since the Valley of Fire! The opportunity of a lifetime! He can's help the determined smile that spreads across his features.

Daxiana was about to answer Pyros, but then she quiets as Jamandi Aldori and Mayor Sebellus start talking. And the revelation of their missions stuns her. By Cayden's frothing mug, not one but two attempts to cement allies for Restov by securing and building those allies up from next to nothing? Clever. Damned clever. I've never been one for politics but even I can see how in a decade this might change the balance of power. The lady is a long thinker. Trade alone would allow resources to flow in, undercut Brevoy's domination on the trade routs and some resources. I do hope they don't tame the wilds too much. There's a beauty in it.

"Unfortunately, one serious obstacle is in the path of such conquest. A den of bandits holds sway in this area and their self styled leader, the Stag Lord, claims ownership of the region and no one has yet been able to challenge his power. Bring me his head and you will be able to return to that land as its legal ruler. Any questions?"

She pauses for a moment and then continues.
In addition, I will be sponsoring an expedition to the East of the Tors of Levine to deal with the new threat of the centaur tribes of the Dunsward. For over a century there has been peace between Rost... er, Brevoy and the Nomen tribe of centaurs, but recently there have been raids against settlements in the Dunswrad and even some into Brevoy. We do not know the cause, but this must be dealt with. As with the Western Stolen Lands, we are looking to have a more secure state in that area and would also recognize any such entity."

"I've got a lot of questions," Daxiana declares, "But the good dwarf here asked the first one about how you plan to parcel out the volunteers? What's the terrain like for each major area? Will you be providing horses? And, do you realize House Surtova is gonna explode when they hear of this? You ready for the hornet's nest THAT will bring?" She grins at the last "Mind you, the image is funny but it is something folks should be warned about before for committing. Could be You kick the hive, WE get stung. And before anyone gives me a look about killing the fun... let me say I am completely in. Because it sounds like a grand adventure."

"So whichever one of us kills this Stag Lord and brings his head back to you becomes the ruler of the Stolen Lands? Cassia called from her position with some of the other not nobles. She wasn't going to say it in Jamandi's earshot, but she couldn't help but think how there wasn't much difference between her method of seizing power and the bandits'

Maeric listens intently, interested in the answer to the dwarf's question. Though his expression is hidden behind his mask, a glimmer of excitement passes through his eyes. This sounds exactly like what is necessary to create a legacy, untainted by my blood. He moves closer from the outskirts of the crowd to hear better.

”Fair words and a just goal.” Sven said, speaking for the first time. ”I see many here who look like they can wield a blade. And I’ve heard several who will be right deadly if they fight half as well as they talk.” He finished by saying ”How will all of us who have heeded the call be divided for these tasks?”

"Well, it's obvious that I shall lead the expedition against the Stag Lord, As to how the groups are sorted, I'm sure that Lady Jamandi will leave that to me and whichever other leader she selcts to choose from amongst you." The puprple gnome says with complete confidence.

"I've got a lot of questions,"[/B] Daxiana declares, "But the good dwarf here asked the first one about how you plan to parcel out the volunteers? What's the terrain like for each major area? Will you be providing horses? And, do you realize House Surtova is gonna explode when they hear of this? You ready for the hornet's nest THAT will bring?" She grins at the last "Mind you, the image is funny but it...

"Tartuccio is partially correct. I will select a few nominal leaders and then let the groups sort themselves out.

As to the young lady's questions, the stolen lands is mostly rolling hills, forest, and swamp. The Dunsward is almost exclusively plains. All groups will be out fitted from here, including hotses. And do not worry about House Surtova, they have been fully advised as to these expeditions.

And this leads to the second condition of this task. Time is a factor in this endeavor. You have three months to bring down the Stag Lord and solve the centaur . Any time after that makes the entire expedition moot."

Having given up her staff willingly, she was, after all, not unable to defend herself should danger arise without a weapon, Elanaril turns to listen as Swordlord and Mayor explain the purpose of them all being gathered.

The politics of it all meant little to her, though the opportunity to explore and impact the wilds of the region, and protect the natural order while doing so was more than a little exciting. Bandits were always a problem, predators that couldn't be allowed too much rein, or they would choke the life out of everything in the region, like weeds. Centaurs attacking towns after decades of coexisting was also unusual, possibly a sign of something bigger being wrong in the region.

"I doubt it would be that simple, but when a predator falls, something has to lay claim to its domain." she replies to Cassia quietly.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Daxiana does not quite make out what Elenaril's answer to Cassia was.

Daxiana listens to Tartuccio's insistence HE will lead a group and decides to save time and dislike the arrogant little fellow right off.
But fortunately Lady Jamandi has answers...

As to the young lady's questions, the stolen lands is mostly rolling hills, forest, and swamp. The Dunsward is almost exclusively plains. All groups will be out fitted from here, including hotses. And do not worry about House Surtova, they have been fully advised as to these expeditions.

Oh, I think I like the idea of rolling hills and forest mostly, nothing wrong with plains mind but I know the woods better. Still either could be beautiful and an adventure. She nods at this thoughtfully. The bit about House Surtova KNOWING of this startles her a tad, but then she's never been good at intrigues and just as soon would leave it to others.

As for the Stag Lord, we know little beyond what the few surviving victims tell us. His bandits roam freely throughout the area and prey on travelers as well as exacting 'taxes' from the few people settled in the region. We do not even know the location of his hideout.
And this leads to the second condition of this task. Time is a factor in this endeavor. You have three months to bring down the Stag Lord and solve the centaur . Any time after that makes the entire expedition moot."

"A time limit? Well, that does rush things a wee bit don't it?" The noble woman realizes she's stating the obvious and chuckles at that, "Well, someone, think it was that goodwoman over there..." She points to Cassia " asked about if someone took the head back they became ruler of the stolen lands? You may have missed it but it's a good thing to confirm. I don't think this crowd is a bad one, but 'whosoever pulleth out the head from the neck of the stag lord, if he or she be worthy, shall rightwise be Ruler of the Stolen lands' sounds a bit like an invite to a scrum after victory. Maybe let the group handling him decide which of them will do best wearing the big hat? Can I kill a man? Aye. Am I Baroness material? Not likely. That kind of thing."

Sven chuckled at Daxiana's statement. "The lass speaks true." He said, a smile visible behind his thick beard. "I think, though, that should either group succeed in their mission, that it will require us to work together. And that the right lad or lass for the job will become clear. Anyone who would turn on their fellows in a mad dash to decapitate a bandit would just prove themselves to be unworthy of the title."

"Ikit no be dashing. Short legs. Ikit make engine that does that. Also no need to dash. Just bomb from far. No need to hit with sword or other object, yes yes." he responds to Svens statement

Responding to Both Daxiana and Sven, Jamandi says:
"I was speaking of groups when I mentioned the bringing of the Stag Lord's head, not a specific individual. The good Dwarf is correct, I expect each group to decide who would be the elevated noble."

The tall elven woman speaks up, she has a dark look to her and something seems off about her appearance, "Why do you not just recognize this Stag Lord as a baron? He already holds power over the region with confidence. Many noble houses were started by bandits who just got lucky, weren't they?"

The Swordlord's gaze is chilling as she responds, "Perhaps as we do have standards to maintain. This hall has seen many celebrations for adventurers, and even those who 'just got lucky.' But giving a noble title to a bandit leader? That's one thing that has never happened here. And it never will as long as I still draw breath!"

A dour dwarf in black heavy armor with what appears to be some sort of holy symbol in silver on it responds, "We haven't yet begun and you speak of divvying rewards. What makes you think we will even succeed? There's little point arguing over who gains the title when we will most likely lose our lives there..."

That prompts another question from the audience.
"Then what rewards can the rest of us expect?"

At this question, Mayor Sebellius almost drops his monocle as his eyes widen in shock.
"What reward would you seek beyond noble titles and land? Surely the riches you can garner from the conquest of the Stolen Lands should sate the most avaricious appetite?"

"We will absorb the costs of preparing and equipping your expedition. When you return victorious, we will allocate a significant sum to provide financial support to help establish your country. Essentially we will build your first settlement, your capitol. I hope such a reward is satisfactory."

"As for the rest, we have provided lodgings for all of you here at the mansion for tonight. Tomorrow morning you shall set out on your expedition. Thank you once again for answering our call."

If anyone wants further information on the NPCs that were speaking, make the appropriate skill checks (know local, religion, etc., appraise (for the quality of their clothing and accesories), or any other skill you think appropriate. Be specific about who and what you are trying to get info on.

Bandit leader? No. Former bandit? Yes, assuming that the others approve. Though given that I'm surrounded by a bunch of nobles, fat chance that they won't choose from among their number.

Cassia turns her attention towards the barbarian woman and the pompous gnome, attempting to figure out whether the former is some kind of famous warrior or chief and what makes the latter think he's such a big shot.

Local for Amiri: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Local for Tartuccio: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Gaxi will make little “Psst” noises to get the attention of either Daxiana, Ikit and/or Piret and asks, in a whispering short broken Common, “What happening? What centaur? What Stag Lord?”

Maeric squints at the tall elf woman, Jaethal trying to recall if what he knows of her and peer into why her appearance seems off. You don't survive by ignoring things that seem weird. he thinks to himself

know local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Acknowledging the politics of it all, Harter listens silently to the offer. That is a big project, and he is more than willing to bring law into the land of bandits. He pats Ikit on the back and says "Well now, we'll just see how far your creations take us, eh?"

After taking it all in, Meredith nods.

"If I'm honest, I care little for the politics behind the drive for it, but liberating the lands from bandits and the like is a worthy pursuit in itself. I've never been part of any such expeditions, though. Is tomorrow morning enough time to outfit ourselves," she asks the small group she's with.