I can't think of anything else for her. I think we are ready to mobilize defenses against the raiders (making sure troops have tools against regenerating trolls and flying wyverns) and scry on the 'ruins' so we can teleport in.
"While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Kriger, I think Oberlin is right." Kalsgrim's fists clench as he continues. "We've been blindsided too much as it is. If we can have a better idea of where we are going and perhaps what we are facing, we should give them time."
"Oberlin, do you know of this place?" I am guessing knowledge (geography), which Malaswyn and Kriger could both roll for too, but he's directing the question to the scholarly Oberlin because he suspects he's poured over maps in his travels and studies.
"I'm not sure what we have to offer in exchange for a second question. Do the people you represent have a preference of outcome in the region? Stable growth and expansion or volatile dictatorship?"
Kalsgrim shakes his head. Looking down, he says "It is hard to know what to ask when there is so much we do not know." He looks up and meets her eyes. "I guess my question would be this. Knowing what you know, what would you ask if you were on this side of the conversation?"
"I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I am Kalsgrim Lodovka, Duke of Frieland. These are my most trusted advisors. You know Marcel. Oberlin, Kriger and Malaswyn." he says, indicating each in turn.
We've discussed your terms, and I think we are close to being able to agree. My main concern is the choice of item. We can agree with that, as long as Oberlin and Malaswyn can confirm the item has no..."[/b] He hesitates, looking for the right wording. "Apocalyptic potential? We've already crossed paths with artifacts that have spurned on war. I suspect the belligerence we are facing is merely the man's ego, but if it is an evil artifact at the root of it, we cannot allow it to remain in circulation." He looks to the others to see if he is missing anything.
Kalsgrim nods mutely as Marcel lays out his thoughts.
"Well reasoned, and sound." He'll take back the signet ring long enough to stamp the numerous decrees and diplomatic letters that he'll have to prep that evening, and then he'll give it back to Marcel for his meeting in the morning.
I agree, 2 seems most inline with what we should do. We'll muster forces and call up our allies, but only to gather intelligence and prepare to defend.
We have a lot of NPC diplomats that we can send to our allies. We shouldn't need to send PCs to the boggards, kobolds, etc. The only exception is the Tiger Lords; that clearly needs to be Kriger.
And the boggards. They may be scattered, but they can still provide intelligence. And since Ivoretti would have to go through or around their territory, that could be valuable.
Assuming Oberlin doesn't come up with an opposing view that is persuasive...
"The devil we know or the one we don't?" Kalsgrim muses. "Regarding the items, I am inclined to agree with one caveat: no apocalyptic items will be surrendered to them."For example, if there is an artifact behind this like the sword Kriger is lugging around, it won't be an option for them to take.
"If we survive this, I plan to annex Pitax and ensure that this does not happen again. I am willing to work with the Szcarni to agree upon a new ruler, starting with their candidates. I cannot give them carte blanche to decide, however. I would hope they would be reassured that, for the welfare of all, I have been willing with a wide array of atypical allies. Boggards, Gorumites..." He pulls off his ring, and passes it to Marcel. "In case they doubt that you truly speak for us."It is the signet ring of Frieland, which is also enchanted as a ring of protection +2, a ring of sustenance, and a constant endure elements on its wearer.
"We should talk to the children, and see to their safety." For the first half of that sentence, he is looking at Malaswyn. For the second half, Marcel.
"We need to have advanced notice of any movement of enemy forces. We need scouts deployed near the border." He looks to Kriger when he says that.
Finally, he looks to Oberlin. "I do not know what powers you command, but anything you can do to forewarn us or help prepare for assaults, be they en masse, surgical or diplomatic, would be much appreciated."
To all, he says "We need to consider what forces we can muster, and what allies we can call upon. Also, we need to take note of who or what may try to take advantage of our involvement in a potential conflict. Whether they may ally with Ivoretti or lash out when we are seen to be weakened or distracted, we should prepare."
"Ivoretti seeks war. To give him the youth now would just be a matter of appeasement."
"He has no right to hold us for trial. The children are not now, nor have they ever been, subjects of his domain. Nor are we his citizens."
He meets Jamandi's gaze directly. "We will leave and prepare ourselves for his next inevitable plot, overture, or blatant assault. The question, Lord Jamandi, is what will the Swordlords do. As a duke, I am still subject to their command. Will they order me to relinquish the children? Or will they support the sovereignty of the Duchy of Frieland? There is no place for their neutrality as long as our fledgling nation is their vassal. As you said, the other states in the region have their eyes on us."
"So, what will it be? Give in to Ivoretti? Support your duke? Or grant us independence to wash your hands of obligation in the matter?"
"Before you decide, I must tell you that my path is clear. Whether I am a duke,a king, or an outlaw, I must oppose Ivoretti."
With his voice low, Kalsgrim speaks to Jamandi. "We will not relinquish the children. Lady Drelev has not pursued reclaiming them or even inquiring after them. In any case, she is clearly unfit. When the children are of age, they can decide if they wish to reach out to her."
"Ivoretti seeks war with us. For what purpose beyond greed, I cannot guess. If these children would not be his declared purpose, something else would be."
Kalsgrim whispers to his team Deception seems to be the strong suite of Ivoretti. I doubt that is Jamandi. If it is, he's either beguiled or deceived. Regardless, we should regroup elsewhere." He looks to the spellcasters to see if they have a way to make for a rapid exit.
Kalsgrim nods. "Very well then. We'll stay, and we will continue to participate. After the day's activities and the evening's festivities, we will regroup and see what we've learned. Remember: Ivoretti is no longer our audience. I'm sure he has malicious intent towards our fledgling nation. But among the other attendees, there may be prospective allies."
If he hasn't reported in by the time you are ready with the spell, we'll reach out to him. Kriger, if you want to prowl around some, I trust your skills to be discreet."
Did you just say you trusted Kriger's ability to be discreet? Either I missed something while I was away, or my definition of discreet is very different from yours.
I should have been more clear. I trust his stealth, not his diplomacy!!! But I guess we'll see how Kriger interprets that! :D
Kalsgrim frowns. "And that is why I need trusted advisors so much. I'm ignoring the tiger pouncing over concern for the viper at my feet." He considers, and then says "We'll stay for now. Malaswyn, can you ask your Lord for the ability to send a message across the distances? I'm sure Marcel has been where ever he can do the most good for our cause, but we need to check in with him. If he hasn't reported in by the time you are ready with the spell, we'll reach out to him. Kriger, if you want to prowl around some, I trust your skills to be discreet."
With that, Kalsgrim settles in to here from their elusive spymaster.
No rush, Marcel! We're glad to have you back, and we understand it takes some time to get ramped back up. :)
"That wasn't as diplomatic as I had hoped, but I don't know that it matters. In some way, they are going to be moving against us. The question is, do we stay here and try to learn what we can to prepare ourselves, or do we go home and prepare there?"
Or should I go take care of 'the tiny problem'? I can you know. Just say the word, Chief,"[/b][/smaller] he says, internally hoping he can go bash some heads.
For just a moment, I thought you were referring to Pavetta's little dog. I was like "Dude, that's cold! 'You can't see your children, and we're going to murder your little dog while you watch.'"
To Kriger, he murmurs "Go see who it is. Brush them back if you can, but avoid an incident."
As soon as he tells Kriger to avoid an incident outside, Kalsgrim turns back to where he and Malaswyn are creating an incident inside.
"Oh? By sunrise? You should have said so earlier. Then the answer is simply 'no'. My concern for the children's welfare far outweighs all other considerations."
Kalsgrim holds a hand out to Malaswyn and Oberlin, indicating they should wait. "We will talk to them about it. We will let them know you are alive. And we'll let them know what your" he looks over at Ivoretti as he says "circumstances are."
With great intensity, Kalsgrim says "I am sure that Erastil's ever-aware gaze shall keep watch over you both and all of your activities."Someone with a low sense motive roll might mistake that for a blessing rather than a warning!
Kalsgrim says nothing, though his face probably says plenty. His mind reels with the implications, including possible contested claims to the captured lands between Pitax and Frieland....
Kalsgrim touches his temple where a headache is rapidly blossoming. I just wanted to clear some of the bandits out for the good of the local people.
Malaswyn's diplomatic statement snaps Kalsgrim out of his growing anger. He too looks to the broader gathering as he says "I hope our host can overlook my outburst, born of the pride that any ruler has regarding their own realm. There are many good people here, and that is not something to be taken for granted."
"I do not claim to outclass the 'rest of us.' Just you. You'd punish an artist for doing your bidding? What sort of misdirected cruelty is that? I have my doubts that you could understand your shortcomings no matter how articulately I could name them."
[smaller]"Indeed. It is time to see if we can't push this along."/smaller]
"Congratulations, Ivoretti. Alas, your Oberlin is just a pale reflection of my Oberlin. Just like everything else between our nations. Perhaps that is the gods' reward for achievement through hard work and honesty. I can see why you are so hard pressed to try and best us in frivolous contests when it seems you are outclassed in the ways that are truly important." Kalsgrim lifts his glass and drinks, without waiting to see if anyone else joins him in the 'toast'.
Kalsgrim hesitates for a moment, clearly confused. Then he leans over and tells Oberlin "Just because I am a follower of Erastil doesn't mean I disapprove of your lifestyle. Why didn't you tell us?"
Kalsgrim considers. "I think we should remain here tonight. We'll do what we can to see what's going on. Kriger and I don't need much sleep. Perhaps I can keep watch here while he scouts out the camp after hours."
How long to town via flying broomstick? I was thinking maybe Kriger could scout it, since he only needs two hours of sleep. Unless it was a task we could assign to Marcel.
When the team has done their best to ensure some privacy, Kalsgrim will draw them close. "I was told that there are secret meetings happening. Special envoys arriving after dusk and leaving before dawn for them. Strange lights coming from the castle, too. I think we need to investigate. Marcel may already be doing so, but until he reports back, I think we need to look as well."
Kalsgrim will be memorizing different spells in the morning.
spells:
1st: Divine Favor, Longshot, Steady Saddle, Wartrain Mount.
2nd: Litany of Warding, Litany of Warding, Weapon of Awe, Weapon of Awe.
3rd: Burst of Speed, Litany of Sight, Magic Weapon, Greater.
4th: Mighty Strength.
Kalsgrim will wander the grounds, looking for dignitaries from other nations/territories. He'll try to figure out if they might know anything about why Ivoretti is singling out him and his council, or even basic background information on Ivoretti (where he came from, how he rose to power, etc.).
Rolls:
Assuming six hours before the feast and an hour per attempt to win over a dignitary.[/ooc]
Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25
Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24
Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35
Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (16) + 23 = 39
Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42
Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43
If an individual he approaches is hostile or unfriendly, he gets +2 to the roll.
If they don't want to cooperate and help Kals out, he'll see if he can figure out why (i.e. are they afraid, are they allied with Ivoretti, etc.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Sense Motive 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Kalsgrim smiles. "He is outnumbered because he has such a hard time keeping friends. But that's okay. I'm sure we'll find these challenges tailored to their particular strengths, so it should balance out. Though how you'd engineer a challenge to demonstrate one's ability to betray is a mystery to me."
