Wrath, I'm very sorry to hear that we're not going to be able to continue with Kingmaker but I'm really pleased that we were at least able to complete book one. Lev has turned out to be one of my favorite pbp characters and I'll be sorry to put him to rest for a while, but perhaps he can be a backup should Feldspar get killed in RotR? :)
Anyway, I totally understand the time commitment issues and just how much work the Kingdom building is. I'll continue enjoying the other game. Thanks for taking us as far as you have.
Oops, you're right Batsukan -- I'm the Marshal. Marshal, Warden, I'm starting to get these things mixed up! :)
Veles' golden eyes close to slits and he hisses as the Warden reaches out to clumsily scratch the cat behind the ears. But Lev's gentle touch to the cat's shoulder combined with Batsukan's slower approach is considerable more successful and Veles is more receptive the second time around.
Lev considers the tower watch idea for a moment and nods. "It's an option, but if a ruckus starts up shooting arrows into the confusion could cause more problems than it solves. I can certainly have a man keep watch on the tower."
Lev makes a point of striding through the large camp near the lakeshore each morning and evening, his rapidly growing great cat, Veles, at his side. Striking an imposing figure with his greatsword on his back and the large helm of the Staglord upon his head, he does his best to impose order with a curt word and steely glare.
Intimidate Check:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Unfortunately, his presence seems to be taken as a challenge by many of the rougher men and women who are drawn by the tournament and he is forced to draw his sword more than he'd like. He decides he better meet with Alannah and Batsukan to discuss the growing problem.
"I'm half tempted to sign up for the melee just to get the opportunity to knock them all on their arse," Lev grumbles over a cup of ale. "As Warden I'm far better suited to justice out in the wilderness than this close to town. How may I assist you best in maintaining order here?"
Intimidate is really the only social skill Lev has to draw on that doesn't give him a penalty and my roll was plain unfortunate. Evidently I need to look at raising my charisma with a magic item in the near future. Anyway, Lev will either enter the archery contest or sponsor Nikolai for it. If he enters the melee, what happens if he lucks out and wins? Can he choose to bestow the armor on the second best fighter? Or would Anya talk him out of entering at all? :)
I think it'd be fun to roleplay some of the tournament out, particularly if some of us entered contests that we're not actually running. I think it'd be fairly obvious that none of us are true contestants in that we can't win the prizes but it'd be a nice way to build camaraderie with the subjects. I know Lev would be interested in joining the Archery contest, using an ordinary bow.
Lev finds himself enjoying the preparations for the contest, though he also is somewhat challenged by the concept of not making the events too challenging. He chooses the stag for tagging himself, and is successfully able to darken its coat using a well shot arrow tipped with a sponge dripping with red paint. Satisfied that the stag would be easily identifiable and that it'd be a little more challenging to catch unawares after the mock attack, he returns to the town and tries to decide whether it were appropriate for him to enter the archery contest.
Nikolai reported to Lev that the men had moved Northwards, apparently heading through lands that the group themselves had settled or explored. "They left the kingdom lands yesterday Marshall, heading out through the farmlands and into the region the caravans are travelling via. They were apparently very free with their furs and trade goods, looking to estabish some connections in the region, apparently. I can send Murtle along to follow em some more if you wnat, but their technicallyoutside our lands now and if she gets spotted, well River Kingdom law basically means if she goes missing there's not much we can do about it."
Lev shakes his head. "No need to follow the hunters any further. We'll just keep an eye out for them should the return. Good work, Nikolai."
He reports what he learned to Anya. "They're not a problem at the moment, especially since Elsbeth helped to ferret out their contact but we'll have to keep a wary eye on them and others like them. We'll have no small number of people wanting to take advantage of us while we're getting started. Makes me paranoid."
Lev shakes his head. "You misunderstand me, highness. Whatever my...feelings...regarding the Medyveds, I trust your instincts. You are right that we cannot accept one as a Spymaster and will, in truth, need to keep a careful eye on Alexej, but if we can use him effectively then better to do so than not."
A small smile touches his lips. "Trust me, I will not hesitate to voice any disagreements I might have."
He leans back in his chair, one hand idly scratching his cat under its chin. "As for the loggers...I don't trust anyone motivated by greed. Nor do I care for those whose interest lie in deforestation." He holds up a hand to forestall any protests. "I'm aware that the trees are a resource we must make use of and the coin would be handy. I only think it wise to approach our dealings with them carefully. Perhaps some discrete questions in town will provide us with encouragement."
He shakes his head at Elsbeth's suggestion. "Once the hunters are out of town they are my responsibility. There is no reason, thus far, to arrest them at any rate. I only want to be aware of what they're doing. I'll ask Nikolai to keep an eye out for them."
Survival Check for tracking them, but not interfering with them for now:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Wrath: Great write-up for Lev's animal companion! Thanks!
Lev frowned slightly at Anya's announcement but shrugs and inclines his head. "You know them better than I. Whatever you think is best in dealing with your family I will support." He leans down to offer the cat at his feet a piece of dried meat.
"I'm more concerned with the loggers out of Restov. Another source of income will be welcome but we should be mindful of them. I think I'd also like to speak with these 'hunters' Elsbeth met. Just to be sure they are who they say they are."
Lev is definitely all for skinning the creatures and preserving them until we get back to town. They'd certainly make a fine gift for someone should the opportunity arise.
Lev explains to Batsukan his thought about skinning the worms and using their hides for armor. "This way, at least, their deaths will have greater meaning." he explains.
Once that is done he finds his horse and checks it for injuries. When Elsbeth finds the coins, he assists with gathering it together and packing it away before mounting up.
I'm guessing that Alandra or someone will want to bury the bodies of the people we'd found so he can help with that too if necessary.
With the heat of battle passed, Lev wipes his blade clean and returns it to his baldric before retrieving his bow and stowing it away as well.
He looks over the scene of slaughter with a twinge of regret. The beasts were only acting according to their nature. If he and his companions hadn't chosen to settle in the region and bring people into it, the three Tatzelworms would have been able to continue their lives without interference as according to all things of nature.
Shaking his head, he moves to examine the bodies. If he was going to destroy them, he might as well learn as much as he can from them before leaving.
Lev nods with satisfaction as the larger beast drops and turns his attention back to the smaller. By his estimates, the other large worm was already being dealt with; the young one was the better priority.
Feeling a slight degree of regret, he raises his sword again and leans forward as he swings it at the young Tatzelworm, hoping to end its life quickly.
Lev considers shoving his horse away in an effort to get it out of danger but realizes it might be better for the horse to continue to block the young Tatzylworm's bites. Instead he lifts his sword again and puts all his muscle behind it as he attacks the larger creature.
Lev decides to focus on the larger creature first, recognizing it as the greater threat. Lifting his sword over his head, he brings it around with all the weight he can give it, teeth clenched in a silent roar.
He then dismounts, dropping his bow in the process and drawing his greatsword as he reaches the ground.
Ride check for fast dismount:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Failure on the fast dismount, so it's a move action to get off the horse. Free action to drop the bow and a free action to draw the sword with quick draw. I'm not sure what your rules are for dismounting in combat in terms of where I'd wind up. Feel free to place me where you will, though Lev is going to try and help Batsukan next.
Lev slows his horse and draws his bow, fitting an arrow into place and waiting.
"They will try to ambush us," he reminded the others with a soft voice. "Most likely they'll try to draw us in before attacking."
Perception:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Wrath:
Ooh, two interesting choices. I really like the idea of a giant elk, especially to go with the Staglord's helm that Lev now wears but I think the Big Cat might work better overall, particularly should we have fights in dungeons or underground areas. So I'm leaning toward that but I'll accept either one.
By the way, since I brought up the Staglord's helm...I've never really announced it or roleplayed it much, but Erastil IS the God Lev is most likely to worship. It fits his personality pretty efficiently. Does that sound reasonable to you in terms of benefiting from the special qualities of the helm, or do you think I'm just making it a little too convenient?
Lev has remained throughout most of the council discussion, standing at Anya's side with his arms crossed over his chest. Finally, he speaks.
"I agree with what Alannah has said. Security will be of great importance, especially with so many coming into the lands. Unfortunately, they are too eager and as yet we are too few in comparison. There will be losses such as what happened with the child and we will be unable to stop it."
He puts his hand on the haft of his handaxe and frowns. "That doesn't mean, however, that such actions should go unpunished. We should find out what we can about 'Blue Worm' and then go forth and settle the issue."
For matters of expansion and land development, he nods in agreement with Anya.
Lev frowns at Elsbeth's words. "I am not fond of a creature such as the one you describe reaping the bounty for our work. It makes us all complicit in an arrangement that we have no part in. Have you made any effort to find a way out of this agreement? Perhaps you should work harder to do so."
Batsukan's Arrival
Lev nods his head to the stranger and sizes him up with cold eyes. "Welcome. I would like to discuss your coming here at greater length but for now there is no time. If you can deal with these," he gestures to the milling crowd, his voice taut with frustration, "I'll get back to work feeding them all."
With a sigh, he nods to Anya and the newcomer and strides off into the crowd, bow in hand.
Building Preferences:
1. Smith
2. Granary
3. Shop
At Work
Lev sees to managing the wilderness outside the ancient fortress with enthusiam, grateful to be leaving the work of dealing with the newcomers to others. He far preferred traveling alone through the woods or plains, bow in hand, eyes ever alert for his prey.
Dex Check:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 If a survival check might be suitable, the above roll would be increased by 5.
As the staglord's body is borne away by the current, Lev lifts a hand in greeting and farewell. "Our bargain is fulfilled." He says into the quiet.
A moment later the hand emerges from the water to claim its vengeance and he nods curtly before turning and walking back to the horses to check on them one last time before seeking his sleep.
The next morning, he regards the gift the man? spirit? left behind and shrugs. He makes sure the ranseur is securely strapped to one of the horses before his departure and regards the river silently one last time. Then he leaves and thinks no more of what has happened here.
Lev feels a little awkward at Oleg's when he gets there, not quite sure how to deal with the warm welcome everyone extends him at his news. He's used to Elsbeth and Anya handling most of the reception and keeping largely to himself but he does his best to voice the appropriate platitudes and accept the extended congratulations.
His wait for the response from Restov is a slow one and he spends much of his time training with Bergan and any of the other guards who were interested in the same. Finally, when the news from Restov arrives, he breathes a sigh of relief. It was time to return to the ruined fortress at last, and begin the work Anya has put aside for him, though he was not eager to lead the new settlers in the process.
He speaks to Bergan before leaving.
"There is a great deal of work to do now that this land has been, for the most part, tamed. Will you and your woman come with me? I am certain I can find work for you, not as a servant but at my side. I have some idea of what Anya might have planned for me and I will have use for the skills you've developed here. With the Staglord dead, we can get started with making that place for ourselves that I spoke of when we first met."
After lifting his hand to acknowledge Alannah's farewell, Lev turns his gaze back to the wild landscape stretched out before him. After all that they'd done to make the region safe for a lone rider such as himself to pass, he knew it wouldn't be long before the peace and tranquility was overwhelmed by those who came here to possess it.
That was one of his goals, of course, to find a home for himself and others like him but he would miss the quiet solitude that he was now enjoying. The ranger decided to savor this trip to the best of his ability. This world would be different place before long.
Wrath did want us to write our responses to one of the items in character. I'm inclined to have Lev take care of the Staglord's body and return it to the campsite as we promised. Lev initially agreed with Elsbeth regarding the fortress but Anya's decision to keep it for ourselves makes sense as well so now Lev is in agreement with her. Lev can also make the journey back to Oleg's, after dropping off the staglord's body along the way and have a message sent. Before doing so, however, he'll complete the execution if Anya likes.
Lev, who had been helping with the bodies, stops at the vision and nods. Turning to the others, he says, "I'll take the Staglord's body back to where we encountered the spirit in the river as we agreed. If you like, Anya, I can go to Oleg's from there with whatever message you want sent to the Swordlords."
With the beast dead, Lev wipes the blood from his handaxe and stows it away. Then he stoops and picks up his greatsword and bow, returning them both to their respective places on his back.
At last he turns and looks at his companions. "It seems that the battle is done. Now the hard work will begin."
With the beast that quickly in front of him, Lev drops his bow and swiftly draws his handaxe, already regretting the decision to drop his greatsword a moment earlier.
Nevertheless, he slashes out with the axe, putting all his strength behind the blow.
Freed from the ant's grip, Lev moves forward hoping to strike the creature before it can summon more creatures to delay them. The debris underfoot slowed his passage, however, so after struggling past it he decided to drop the sword in favor of his bow so he could attack.
Move to AS30. Free action, drop sword. Quick draw bow. Standard Action, fire arrow:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Lev nods agreement with Elsbeth. "I would have preferred to try and find a better solution to the problem this brute presents but it's clear that we're too late. He's too far gone to teach him a better way to live," he says softly.
The Cellar
Lev looks to Alannah. "I'll take the lead. You keep watch with that bow. If anything comes for me, shoot it."
He puts his bow away and moves over to the ladder, takes a deep breath and begins to climb down.
Lev barks a sharp laugh at Elsbeth's words. "She said we not you, Elsbeth. Hard as it may be to believe, you are not the only one with noble blood present." Not, he thought, that it would matter if she were.
He turns back to Anya. "We should try to move fast. Between those we allowed to escape and those who might still be roving the wilderness somewhere, there's no telling when another force will arrive to try and take the fortress back. I'd as soon burn what we can and return to the fort quickly. After leaving a message, of course, that banditry will not be tolerated. I'd like to see to whatever is waiting in the chambers below before we do anything else, in case there are prisoners who need to have their wounds addressed."
He glances at the simpleton. "I'm not sure what a trial might accomplish; he's not the wit to defend himself. But if it will put you at ease regarding his execution, so be it."
Sometime later, when there's been time to see to the important things...
Lev seeks out Alannah and speaks softly to her. "Are you well? I missed out on some of the battle but from what I saw it seemed that you were particularly invested in a part of its outcome."
Lev lowers his blade, breathing hard, feeling the pain from every wound the great bear beast had given him. Lowering his sword, he steps forward, almost stumbles and forces himself upright. With a shake of his head he musters himself and moves over to Anya.
"Are you all right, sister?"
He glances around and lays his eyes on the big simpleton. "Are we going to put him out of his misery or claim him for the Swordlords?"
Lev smiles grimly, stepping back as he raises his sword over his head. With a grunt of effort, he brings the sword hard down on the man in front of him.
5-foot step back. Move action to pick up his greatsword if he doesn't already have it to hand. Power attack, flanking at AD14:1d20 + 9 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 1 + 2 = 22 Damage: 3d6 + 11 ⇒ (2, 1, 3) + 11 = 17
With the healing energies of Pharasma's blessing surging through him, Lev opens his eyes again and carefully climbs to his feet, his weapon before him defensively.
He glowers at the man standing before him and says one word. "Run."
Intimidate Check:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3
End Delay. Stand as a move action, Total Defense as a Standard Action. I don't know the state of Lev's sword as he fell. If he doesn't have it to hand, he'll draw his handaxe as a free action (Quick Draw) as he stands. The nearest foe will get an Attack of Opportunity but Lev's AC is now 20. (-1 for Dex, -1 for Size, +4 for Total Defense.)
Lev's eyes open and he takes in a painful breath, wondering how he'd ended up on his back. His side burns something fierce, though, and the world above is spinning lazily. He could hear some chaotic sounds that reminded him vaguely of battle but it seems very far away; he isn't sure that he'd be able to stand even if he wants to.
Sadly, Lev has no potions to draw on, so I suppose he'll just have to delay for now. He's safer on the ground than standing.
Already weakened by the arrows the archers had shot, Lev was in no condition for the bear's claws as they tore into him. With his blood flying in a spray through the air, Lev falls to the ground.
Stabilize:1d20 ⇒ 14
Wrath:
I'll go ahead and activate that pendant you mentioned to stabilize.
Lev turns to glower down at the bandit that had dared to attack him. "I don't have time to bother with you," he says, his voice tight. "I suggest you run while you still can. And don't stop running because if I find you in the days ahead, I will tear your limbs off before killing you."
He then moves forward toward the opening where he'd heard the ferocious growling and seen blood splatter Anya.
Move to AE13-12/AD13-12. He might have enough reach to attack the owlbear from there, though I suspect it'll have cover. Assuming that he can at least make an attempt...
Catching a glimpse of the monstrous creature just beyond Anya, Lev tries to strike at it from his awkward angle, reaching over his sister to do so.
The coup de grace plan sounds like an excellent one. If Lev can do that, he will. Poor Staglord.
Suddenly towering over the horses and bandits alike, Lev doesn't waste any time with fancy footwork or worrying the others around him or any appearance of heroism. He simply lifts his greatsword over his head and brings it down on the large man with all his strength.
Since there's so many dice on a critical hit with an enlarged great sword I decided to break it out. I'm also assuming I can't Power Attack. Total damage should be: 55.
I'm assuming, of course, that you're allowing the Coup de grace in the first place. If not, here's a regular old Power Attack Roll:1d20 + 9 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 1 - 4 = 20I included the squeeze penalty. Damage would actually be only 17.
Well done, Alandra! I knew those horses would cause me trouble but I also figured Lev had no way of knowing about the Enlarge Person Spell until it actually happened.
Lev forces his face blank, confronted with Elsbeth's words of rebuke and the sudden appearance of the man they'd been set to kill.
"Er, it wasn't me, mistress! I was handing the cask to this man here and the fool dropped it. He's to blame, not I. But there are several other casks, all well sealed and not a drop spilt!"
He lifts his hand to point at the man he'd shoved the cask at, keeping his head down but eyes always on the staglord to the best of his ability wondering if the beast of a man was better fought in the throes of a thirst or after a long night of drinking.
That works really well, Wrath. You did a really good job of summing up my intention in a way that I couldn't quite figure out how to explain. Thanks!
Lev stands erect, glaring at the man who'd dropped the cask, his hand at his waist near wear his handaxe hangs. "You best be cleaning that up right quick or I suspect his lordship will be using your guts for her bowstring." He jerks his head in the direction that the arrow had come from.
For what it's worth, my goal with the cask of ale was to accomplish a few things; A: Get rid of the cask; B: distract/ slow the bandit and C: should the cask get damaged by shoving it to the bandit, blame the bandit for both the damage and the confrontation (i.e., Hey! That cask is for the Staglord, you fool!).
The bluff is fine but it doesn't really apply to any of Lev's goals. Granted, that roll was so bad that any of the desired outcomes could come across as an automatic failure.
Lev catches the look between the two men and tenses. "That's the way of it, eh? Here, take this."
He twists at the hip and shoves the cask at him. (Bandit at AF5.)
I really can't think of any way within the rules to actually handle this. He's not really throwing the cask, as much as shoving it into the man's square. He doesn't care if the man catches it or not, so long as the cask falls in that square. So here's a roll for you in case you want one:
1d20 ⇒ 5 Ha! That's not good. After shoving the cask at the man, Lev takes a five foot step back to AD6.
"You're doing a fine job with the unloading. Where do they go from here?" Lev walks over to one of the unloaded casks and prepares to bring it along after the others. He watches them both with no expression, giving no sign that he cares whether they are suspicious or not.
Seeing that there would be no immediate conflict, Lev turns to make his way down from the wall, keeping low to the ground and walking lightly to avoid making any noise.
Lev makes careful note of the extraordinarily large man and his club and looks up to double check that there's only one other man at a level with him.
Careful to remain still, he scans the area within sight for any other side of the so-called Staglord.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
At this point, Lev is really remaining on hold to react when danger threatens. Is he able to get a clear shot over the fortress to the man at E19, or is the fortress wall higher than the walkway he's on?
Lev returns to the group and explains what he saw and heard.
"The three of you are well equipped for continuing our ploy. But I think I should try to get on top of the wall and keep a look out. I'll be able to help most if I can get up there should something go awry."
Assuming it's agreed, Stealth and Climb rolls: Stealth:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Perception to see if anyone is there to see him climb:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 Climb:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Lev nods and whispers back. "Men and fools alike are always glad enough to see ale. So far I've seen few of them, however, so perhaps we will be in luck."
He looks around silently as he reaches into a pouch and fastens the pendant he carries around his neck, tucking it out of sight beneath his clothes and armor.
"I'm going to take a quick look around," he whispers to Anya before moving off, keeping low to the ground and moving along in the shadows.
Lev isn't going to take any risks but he wants to get a quick look at the fortress, find any particularly useful and safe hiding points and take note of all the people he can find.
Lev stiffens at Elsbeth's words but he does not react in any other way, focusing more on taking in the surroundings.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Lev looks to Anya with a minute jerk of the head toward the palisade and displays three fingers with his hand pressed against his horse's neck where he hoped the guards would not be able to see them.
Stealth to hide the gesture:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Lev frowns as his first inclination is to hand things over to Anya, and he's never been particularly impressed with Elsbeth's tendency toward playing the victim, but he shrugs as he realizes that Alandra's suggestion may well be a good one.
Nodding, he says, "I'll play the role of the thug well enough but don't expect me to fawn over you all. I don't think I have the requisite skill in acting to go along with that."
Couple of quick questions: Is the silver staghead amulet the first one we recovered? If so, Lev's got that and he'll offer it to Alandra to wear in exchange for one of the simpler ones. Also, the DM's suggestions are good ones, and even if Lev doesn't necessarily approve, as a player I definitely do. I'm glad we're going to try a little less of the kick-in-the-door method. Good luck to us all!
