Viktor Medvyed's page

Sorry it's taken so long for a response, but I wanted to discuss this with Amalthea before responding. With apologies to the group we won't be continuing.

If this had been the first time we ran into this problem then I'd be happy to give it a shot (in fact, I don't think this issue would have even come up.) But unfortunately this is the same issue we ran into during the last game we played with Kalizar. Sadly, it seems like we just aren't on the same page for games and that's not going to be fun for either of us. (Perhaps we should play a game *with* each other sometime and we'll get each others perspectives better. As in, both players in the same game under another GM.)

I really enjoyed roleplaying with Adreccam and Flynn (and of course Raktin, but he already knows me) and again, we're really sorry to drop out on you all.

I'm a little unclear how any of that would have made the situation better. In the end, the main focus (the long term focus of the characters) has been changed to the overthrow of Noleski. The fact that we wouldn't have done it because it wasn't actually his fault doesn't change that.

As to GM fiat with changing the story, I disagree. I'm fine with changing certain parts of the story. But I agreed to play Kingmaker, not Kingmaker set in Cheliax. Noleski being evil is a big deal. Not just because of the change, but because it shows a lack of interest in the setting that we all shared. The players need to understand the setting along with the GM. If you change things in that setting without telling the players about the things that *at least* their characters would know, it leads to breakdowns like this. The fact is that the player's guide tells us what to expect and how to make characters based on that expectation. I made a character that would explore the stolen lands for the love of exploration and the hope to make a name for himself. I didn't make a character for another game (which this has become).

As to kingdom building not being an IC goal, no one said it was. But it *should* be a player goal. Because players should be playing characters that will be fun when kingdom building happens as that *is* the focus of this adventure path. There's a reason that the player's guide goes to great lengths to tell the players to discuss that part of the game. You may think that it destroy "immersion" but the fact is that conflicts *will* arise between players if you get to that section of the game and they're not all on the same page. Character conflicts are fine, player conflicts are not.

And finally, I get that you dislike Noleski. But this is actually a serious problem. The character is intended to be morally ambiguous (at least he is elsewhere and I'm told he also is in the adventure path), and as a GM you're job is to at least attempt to see both sides. If you can't then you shouldn't be running that story. Changing the story because you can't, and not understanding that it has much greater consequences, is the thing I'm having a hard time accepting.

I didn't need to know all the details of what you wanted to change. But given that they do actually change the game from the one I wanted to play to an alternate game, I'm glad I know.

You do face other nations, other factions, other threats, the majority of which, as I said, have no connection to Brevoy. The overall story is not about your kingdom facing Brevoy, whether as friends or enemies, but your characters facing the First World and its plans for the Stolen Lands. That your kingdom bears the brunt of this is the sandbox of the AP.

I did not feel it necessary to share this from the outset, nor how I chose to change the game set up to allow for other PC activities later on, to fix weak spots in the story. For me it spoils the whole feel of the game. But since I feel I am under a full disclosure order, there you have it.

How do you, the players, want to proceed?

I'm not sure anyone's asking for full disclosure. I'm just trying to point out that the consequences of this particular intro was to change the "big bad" of the adventure path (which I understand isn't apparent until much , much further into the path but I actually liked that) to King Noleski. As of right now, the point of the game seems to be to overthrow the obviously evil king of a land that our characters had only small ties to before being thrust directly into the politics of. This is a drastic change, and one that, at least for me, changes the tone of the game.

As to Raktin's background, it's directly from the trait he chose. The campaign traits give reasons for the characters to go into the stolen lands and to have connections, but not strong ties to Brevoy. The player's guide gave us instructions to make characters like that. But this intro not only makes us *more* tied to Brevoy, but makes overthrowing Noleski our end goal. Which isn't really what I signed on for (in or out of character).

I'm not sure how to proceed at this point, but I'd be happy to hear ideas from the other players.

Actually, Kingmaker is IMO popular because it is an insular sandbox and has little to do with the outside world, save for two particular antagonists that are themselves fairly insular to the storyline. It is this room to grow, impact, and react to the world that has made it somewhat fun for many.

Brevoy is a fart in the wind after the second installment, unless groups wish to continue beyond the final chapter, and actually deal with the rest of Golarion.

If all you want is the candy, I can hand it out and never describe whether its a creepy old guy or loving grandmother giving it out. Book only is fine by me.

PS - IMO the story arc actually sucks. For that I lay the blame squarely with Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.

Apparently I've been misinformed. I was certainly attracted to the module because of the story and the sandbox nature of exploring that story. I was told that the tension between Brevoy and the fledgling kingdom sets the tone of just about the entire game. The gradual increase in tension between a kingdom that used to sponsor the characters and which is now somewhat threatened by the successful kingdom. The fact that they still need these kingdoms being one of, though not the only, reason that Brevoy tolerates the kingdom long enough for it not to matter. That certainly seems to make for a much different tone than the game we're currently playing. In which we're literally creating a kingdom not to make a name for ourselves (like the player's guide suggested we were going to do) but to specifically remove a person from a throne for the betterment of another kingdom.

I'm unclear what the candy issue is. Would I prefer that we get the story meant to be told and the tone of that story? Yes. But the game is still a sandbox, and there are things that need to be filled in that the book doesn't cover. The issue is that the book (so I'm told, and again, I could be misinformed) *does* specifically cover the relationship between Brevoy and the characters. And again, I could be getting the wrong impression about how important this is, but it seems to me that changing the reason why we're exploring and settling the stolen lands entirely does actually change the tone of the game. And, I assume, in a pretty important way.

Actually, I was referring more to how you want Brevoy, the family houses, etc., set up in the game, and how you want them to treat you and your group in the game.

Well, here's the bottom line. You've changed the story from a gradual tension building between Brevoy and the fledgling kingdom over the course of however many books the path is to the reason why we're starting the country being to overthrow a seemingly chaotic evil despot with access to powerful magic. Now, perhaps I'm being misinformed about the extent of the tension between Brevoy and the characters at the start of the path, or the importance of this to the story in the long run. (Admittedly, I've asked my friend not to spoil things so he's been very vague on the issue). But it seems to me that this is a very large change to the story and one that changes a very interesting aspect of the story to a very clear cut issue with an obvious correct answer.

So, in the end, my concern is that this adventure path is popular because the story is quite good. I've gotten the impression that we've taken a rather drastic turn from that story. This concerns me as I'd really liked to have experienced it. But, if in your opinion, this isn't a drastic change, then I'm fine with that.

The AP posted Noleski as absolutely neutral, but that to me does not fit any ruler, certainly not an effective one. I have made him more neutral evil, to explain why, should the party complete the AP, he would invade your kingdom, seeing it weakened by the events leading through the latter installments of the AP. Certainly his advisors are worse than him, but then most politicians surround themselves with others that do the dirty work.

The reasons for the later conflict story is it's one of the three main alternatives presented by Paizo to continue the AP beyond the published materials. It seemed the more plausible of the scenarios offered, and leaves this a kingdom game rather than a high level dungeon romp.

I change up the AP, and will likely continue to do so, as I have found many players, no matter how well meaning, cannot easily avoid being given "ooc" knowledge about the AP. Players gossip, players brag, players overhear things they don't intend to hear. The meat and potatoes will stay the same, but I will change out sugar for stevia, parsley for oregano, rosemary for pepper from time to time. Just to keep it fresh and to keep players on their toes.

"Mercenary" came about to sour the party towards Brevoy and the nobility to some extent. I want the players to become their own people, not simple scions of some other person's goals and desires.

I believe the reason he's neutral (at least from the setting books, and not from the AP perspective) is that he makes for a far more compelling and complicated opponent. As neutral evil, it's clear that he should be removed from power. There's no question about it and it's just a matter of when. But from the rest of the setting it's not clear that Noleski is a bad ruler, he's just not a particularly heroic ruler. He's manipulative, but that's not evil. I expect that any ruler of Brevoy would be cautious about another kingdom actually succeeding in the stolen lands, even if they were good. After all, this new kingdom might not be made up of good people, or might wish to expand.

In fact, as it currently stands, once these characters get enough power they're guaranteed to try to remove Noleski. And it's the right thing to do, without question. The setting as written has well-intentioned people opposing him, but doing so for rather selfish reasons (they're okay with instability in the country because they simply dislike Noleski or his house). If they went along, the country would be better off. But they'd prefer honor, or tradition, or simply can't get along with Surtovas, which weakens the country as a whole and opens them up to attack from other countries. If the Surtovas actually are just evil, then these people are simply right. If he's neutral then the question becomes whether the characters think that removing him will be better for Brevoy in the long run, and whether it's the right thing to do. They might even get forced into it by Noleski himself, who may (with good reason) be suspicious of the character's kingdom and attack first. But in this case, he'd be at least partially justified. The character's kingdom *is* a threat even if their intentions are good.

In my opinion, neutral rulers are easily the most effective rulers. They aren't selfish or blind to the necessities of politics. They do things for the good of the country, without regard to what people would consider honorable (unless openly being dishonorable would be bad for the country). They don't just try to expand their power for no reason, but attempt to solidify their power. Sometimes this hurts good people, but so be it. The good of the many and all that. I'm sure many good characters would view their actions as evil, which could lead to conflicts, but the actions aren't actually evil. They're practical. Which is a fundamental difference in a D&D game.

And on the last note, I don't think you have anything to worry about. There is no hope of any of these characters (again, please correct me if I'm wrong) thinking highly of Brevoy or the nobles therein. There really didn't seem to be much hope of that before the game started, but that intro pretty much made anything like that impossible.

All done so far is tweaks and flavor, nothing really more than that. As I'm sure you have read in the AP, neither Kahn nor Dunkrint existed in the AP. They were created as story devices, then dispossed of when necessary. Your group took an overly negative turn immediately, so I removed them. I sense this will continue no matter how I run the AP, but I don't mind at all. Keeps me on my toes in running each group differently.

Seth (my friend) mentioned that Dunkrint wasn't in the AP, though I wasn't aware that Kahn wasn't either. In either case, adding NPCs is fine by me. My impression is that this will be even more necessary as the game goes on, so seeding some now makes sense. I'll note that we only got "negative" because of how we were treated. And I'll also note that every character in this group seems intent on helping the old guy at the fort despite how they were treated. I realize that the NPCs feel that we're "mercenaries", but that seems (and to the other players, please correct me if I'm wrong) to be an inaccurate assessment of this party.

Once out of Restov, the Brevic influence, other than political interactions which take place later in the AP, are minimal. I will use them as part of the kingdom event rolls, which again are mostly flavor and tweaks. Only your own desires to maintain connections with Brevoy will keep the Regency involved.

And yes, I am maintaining the Regency as currently structured, as it makes it easier to lessen Noleksi's claim on your holdings, being vassals of allied houses and/or family members, if he himself does not have clear title to his own kingdom.

Beyond that, let me know how you want to see this run. The story is you are hired to explore the Greenbelt and put down the Stag Lord. Everything else is sandbox, for players and DM alike.

This seems fine by me. I'm aware that most of how we explore the game is sandbox, but I had the impression that there's an overall story involved with the Kingmaker books. My concern was only that open and early conflict with Brevoy seems to be at odds with the adventure path (though I admit that this is second hand information along with what I read in the player's guide, so I might be misinformed) and could lead to issues with the story later on.

And I'm fine with the political structure of Brevoy as written by you. I'm hoping that Noleski isn't actually as evil as this current event makes him (or his rule) appear to be as that makes the political situation far less complicated than it could be, but even if that's true, I'm happy with however you end up running it.

When the other groups are attacked, Viktor has his sword halfway out of its sheath before he realizes they guards aren't near him. He finishes drawing his sword and throws it upon the ground, holding his hands up in surrender in direct conflict with the words of the Castellan Dupreux. He looks visibly angry when ushered forward.

If it's not clear, Viktor is attempting to give the impression that he didn't see this coming and openly conflicting with what the Castellan is saying. His hope is to get the public to at least talk about it rather than just assume that we're involved. (Who they believe is another matter.)

Despite that, I find it doubtful that peoples at frequent conflict with one another, forced to live 'peaceably' under threat of violence, suddenly facing the chance of self-rule again, would bend knee to old enemies, especially enemies who have been politically manipulative, conniving schemers.

Basically, House Surtova is House Soprano, taking the chance to rule.

I'm fine with this being true in your game, but I'll note that this isn't true in the setting. Brevoy is unstable, but the only people speaking out against the King are the Orlovsky's and they aren't exactly open about it. Calling someone a regent is more of a political snub than anything else. I also get that you personally disapprove of Noleski's methods, but the setting material has him as not being evil. He may be manipulative and more politician than hero, and he may not be loved, but he's not hated.

With that said, if it's not true in your game, that's fine. But we'll need to know about the changes from the setting that our characters would know about.

And yeah, I've been made aware that this is vastly different from the actual adventure path. I have a friend running the adventure path that looked in on the thread and mentioned it. Otherwise he's been pretty careful about not spoiling anything for me.

As for the storyline, I'm not sure starting with open conflict with Brevoy was the best way to go for a political game. My impression was that we start as having loose ties to the country that evolves into tension but not outright conflict. I would have preferred that, but it's a little too late for that to be possible. I actually would have liked a game where we explore the stolen lands, then settle it, then grow into a country, with the usual problems of tension with neighbors and growing into a political game. Which was my impression of how the adventure path works. If we're to go into a full blown political game from the start perhaps it's best that we *not* run the adventure path itself and leave it unspoiled for a future run through? It's easily the most popular adventure path for a reason and I'd not want to only use it as background for another game.

I'm aware of the background, but according to the setting, *only* the Orlovsky's claim he's a regent and no one else anywhere makes a distinction. In the end, he's the King, whether rightful or not. This is apparently different in Kingmaker?

When the other groups are attacked, Viktor has his sword halfway out of its sheath before he realizes they guards aren't near him. He finishes drawing his sword and throws it upon the ground, holding his hands up in surrender in direct conflict with the words of the Castellan Dupreux. He looks visibly angry when ushered forward.

I get why rostlanders call the King a Regent, but why is the Castellan to the King calling him a Regent? Noleski is the King of Brevoy. He's not holding the throne for anyone. Am I missing something?

Shaking his head as he walks up to Raktin, That was a complete waste of time. It seems the only place open in this entire town is this warehouse. So if we want anything we'll be forced to deal with these fools yet again.

Viktor listens to Raktin, It seems that Dunkrint's second is here to run things, and some representative of the King. Let's get our commissions and get out of this literally god-forsaken city.

Viktor moves off towards the warehouse unless anyone objects or has another idea.

I share your sentiment, though I doubt she'll spend any more time in jail then it takes for these Crimson guards to leave town, maybe less. The local guard don't seem interested in locking anyone up. And better that some people with short tempers spend a little time locked up than we let them fight on the street. I doubt these Crimson Claws would think twice about striking people down, and then the whole situation would get out of control.

Viktor sighs, I don't like it any better than you do, but keeping violence from breaking out is probably the best thing they can do.

Flynn attempts to get Viktor's attention and ask if there is something we can do to help the child.
Bluff (secret message): 1d20

Viktor gives Flynn a questioning look and doesn't seem to understand what he's saying. I'm not sure what message Flynn managed to send by failing by 5, but I assume it's not about helping the child and probably not good. ;) He frowns and shakes his head slightly while turning back to the guard.

Sedition is a pretty serious crime for a child losing their temper for a moment. I know you're just doing your job here, and I'm happy to see these people, despite their crimes, are being treated with dignity. Good luck to you son, and may Erastil guide you.

Viktor nods at the guard as he leaves, and then nods again, respectfully, to the Claw trooper in charge as the group makes their way to the warehouse to meet Raktin.

If they get out of sight of the guards (unless Flynn does something else) he looks at Flynn and asks, So, what was that all about?

Arriving at the market, you find the shops closed. Guardsmen stop you, , again led by a Crimson Claw trooper, asking your identities. Assuming no one attempts to lie, he checks your names against a long ledger sheet, making no note regarding you, then allows you to be about your business. Others, however, seem less lucky. A nearby prison coach holds a half dozen individuals, including a young girl of about 10 years of age.

Noting that the only store that might have what they needed was now closed, Viktor sighs. What a waste of time. He wonders if there might be a shop keeper that could be convinced to open up for a moment to make a little extra gold on an otherwise lost day of sales.

Knowledge(local) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

As they pass the prison coach, Viktor stops and asks the guards what's going on and why so many people are being picked up...particularly children. He'll attempt to be polite and genial while doing so and try to get a sense of how interested the guards are in picking people up.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

In a hushed voice, Wow, this has gotten serious. Someone definitely needs to scout the warehouse out before we head over there. Their may be guards already there waiting for us. Flynn looks at Viktor, I don't have a dislike for horses, on the contrary, they don't bicker and backstab like the sentient races, they are much easier to get along with. What I dislike is how they make me smell after riding one all day. It hampers my true talents. With that, Flynn looks for a horse or wagon that may be heading to Oleg's in the market. Don't have much gold, wonder if I could BORROW one via five-finger-discount for a week.

Viktor chuckles again, Fair enough. In that case, I wouldn't worry too much about the smell after we spend a week in the woods. I guarantee you'll smell worse than the horse. But let's see if we can't find a wagon heading out anyway. Trying to buy a good horse on short notice is asking for trouble.

Viktor frowns at the locked door. I suppose I'll have to pray on the road. Probably fitting.

He turns to the others, and says Perhaps we'll find a wagon heading there in the marketplace. Though you'll eventually have to get over your dislike of horses. Viktor chuckles, If we're to be hunting bandits, you won't want to be walking the whole way. Better a sore behind than bloody feet.

Viktor continues on with the others to the shop and keeps an eye out for wagons that might be headed south out of town. He'll also keep an eye out for a place to pick some traveling food for himself and feed for the horses as well.

Viktor nods at Raktin's speech. How long is the ride to this man's fort, do you think? Thea and I have horses, but I'm not sure if we all do, or if we can get mounts for us all. We're planning on picking up a couple of scrolls at a store that should still be open. And I'd like to stop at the church for a moment. Other than that, we'll need some food for the road and perhaps a stop to see if they're still planning on giving us those commissions. But I agree, we should be out of this town before a few hours have passed.

As he rises he speaks quietly, And be careful, the guard I spoke to said the bodies weren't found until this morning, and the officials from the capital arrived overnight by magical means. Unless they're also diviners, it seems we may be involved in something quite a bit more dangerous than just fighting bandits.

The amount of armed guards patrolling make Almathea nervous to continue her venture alone, so she goes back to the inn to ask Viktor to accompany her.

Of course, let's hurry and pick up what we need. This Oleg is going to need all the help we can get him, and it looks like no one else will be able to clear up this bandit problem either. I'll need to stop by the church to give my respects to the recently deceased.

Dunkrint was a fool, but I'm not sure he deserved to die like this. I wonder what these people have gotten us involved in.

Viktor sighs and shakes his head as he gathers his things. And the priest? What did he do? This'll have to wait for another time. We have people to help and staying here and dealing with politcs won't get it done.

He nods over to Flynn and walks up to his table on the way out. Thea and I are about to pick up some things before we head out to that store that Adreccam mentioned we should meet at. If you're coming, you're welcome to join us. The guard are up and about because of the murder of Lord Dunkrint and the priest, Tamus Kahn. I'm going to give my respects at the church, but I'm afraid we don't have time to do more than that. With all the guards here, those people on the frontier won't have any protection from bandits.

He looks around to see if either of the others have come down for breakfast yet and if so, will invite them as well. Otherwise he'll assume they'll meet at the shop later.

"The Lord Mayor informs Adreccam, the last to leave the meeting..."

Actually, Raktin is the only one that stayed in the room.

Viktor will attempt to find out why the staff and visitors are withdrawn. Either by just observation, and if that doesn't work, by actually talking to them.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Looking to Lord Orlovsky, Lord Mayor Sellemius comments Perhaps Tamus was correct, Erastil frowns upon these mercenaries.

Viktor scowls at this but remains silent until they are done.

Rising to face the group, Lord Orlovsky speaks. On the matter of just and fair compensation,...

He looks at his wife and nods slightly, then turns back to the assembled lords with a frown. That is the last insult I'll take from this assembly today. This man, Oleg Leveton, seems worthy of aid. My wife and I will gladly go and assist him with his bandit problem.

He stands and smooths his shirt. If you wish to hire us to explore and fight, then do so. I give my word that this task will get done. I've no interest in haggling over the matter. I work for coin or good cause and so far you've offered neither. Claiming that your goal and that of Brevoy are the same is all well and good, but I've heard pretty talk before and have only once been fooled. What I have heard is insult upon insult. Questioning my faith and my loyalty to a country that I fought and bled for. I'll have no more of it.

He turns to leave. I'll be waiting outside for a coach back to the city. I believe you know where we are staying. Deliver your commission outside, or at the Inn if you wish. He pauses to listen to anything his wife says, and then leaves.

Viktor attempts to keep himself from rolling his eyes at the continued requests for discretion. Finally, the point.

I have the will and desire for adventure and to be paid. If that's enough loyalty, then I'll be happy to explore these Stolen Lands for you.

Viktor smiles slightly after speaking, but otherwise looks very serious.

I think you meant to include the following line in the other thread and not ours: "Keiran returns as the men ask you to sit. Lord Mayor Sellemius takes the podium while Lord Orlovsky and Jacob Pero take seats at the table."

Kieran returning to the study would be...odd. ;)

Perception checks please

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Tell me, what do any of you know about the Stolen Lands, banditry in and amongst the River Kingdoms, or more specifically about the Greenbelt?

Knowledge [geography] 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Viktor attempts to keep a smile on his face as he rises from the table and moves to the next room, but he's obviously grown tired of the games being played. His lack of success in learning anything about why he and his wife were summoned does not make his mood any better. He sits with a sigh and waits for Dunkrint's return.

For the dramatics of the scene, I allowed the shield to be lost in the scramble from the attack.

In a true life or death conflict, no, the shield would not have been disarmed, Adreccam would have only lost hold of the handle for that round, so basically shieldless until his next action. Fair? Opinions welcome.

I don't mind either way. I'm happy with people having a reason not to sunder shields.

Viktor readily hands the weapons to the servants and sits after Dunkrint finishes speaking. He has a bemused smile upon his face as he thinks...

Ah, nobility. That which can be given or taken...but *never* earned. But, I suppose if you have money and title, you're allowed to lie to yourself. Respect on the other hand...well, that I believe this young man has just earned.

Viktor doesn't speak much while the food arrives and is eaten unless more than smalltalk comes up. Otherwise he simply listens and encourages those on the other side of the table to speak as much as they'd like while steering the conversation towards something useful.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Viktor retrieves the sword and shield (if they fell outside of the circle) and waits to present them to Adreccam. Once done with that formality, he returns to the table, but doesn't sit.

Question relevant to the duel:
Can shields be disarmed or must they be sundered? In Pathfinder you can't disarm something worn, but it's not clear whether shields are "worn" or "carried".

Arguments that it can be disarmed: It can be equipped with the same actions it takes to equip weapons. And it can be used like a weapon. Weapons are "carried".

Arguments that it can't: It's strapped to the forearm and listed under armor. Armor is "worn".

---
Alrighty, looks like they can be. ;)

Ah, yeah, it's in the right place now. For a moment it wasn't showing your response as the last on the previous page.

Hrm, that last post of mine is supposed to have come after Adreccam's response. But it seems to have disappeared. I suppose it works where it is, so I'll leave it for now. But I wanted to note that I didn't mean to talk so much before Adreccam got to respond. ;)

I don't mean to interrupt a properly issued duel, but shouldn't the young man be given all of his weapons...including his shield? I'm sure, above all others, that Swordlords are unafraid of alternate fighting styles. Unless, of course, Sir Adreccam prefers to fight with sword alone.

Viktor remains standing where he is, near the table and gives bow towards Lord Dunkrint in an effort to show that his words are not meant as an insult, but a reminder.
Diplomacy [+8] 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Viktor frowns slightly as Lord Dunkrint leaves, though shrugs it off and lifts his glass for the toast with a smile.

For people so quick to anger, they are incapable of going a minute without giving insult to their guests. Like barbarians pretending to be civilized. Nonetheless, we are here for work. Best to humor them and not take it personally. Besides, it's far more fun than a Taldoran opera.

After the toast, Viktor gives a wide smile and prepares to enjoy the meal before being interrupted by Dunkrint's return. He stands upright as the challenge is given and takes a steps back from the table, looking over at Adreccam.

I am prepared to stand as your second and witness, if needed, Sir Adreccam.

Now, let's see if we can at least handle this duel properly.

Viktor packs away his weapons as requested and awaits Denorian's return and enters when his name is called. He gives a bemused smile when Adreccam's surname is given, though it withers quickly when he realizes that the large man is actually upset over the matter.

Viktor winks at Flynn. Excellent recovery there. We'll make a gentleman out of you yet. Oh, and watch out for Nightwing. He gives a nod towards the Raven on Almathea's shoulder. He's actually the jealous one.

Pshaw, no one took it personally oocly. Don't worry about it. Your character is the youngest in the party and also CN. I think we're all expecting him to be at least a little impetuous. ;)

Viktor chuckles at the boy.

If it were a matter of courage, I'd expect that we'd all have walked in without hesitation. It's an issue of respect. Both for our host and each other. Only a fool judges another based on their appearance alone. And if you touch my wife there again, you'll lose the hand.

He mimics Flynn's sly smile for a moment.

Viktor gives the halfling a warm smile and responds as he follows,

I'm afraid you know far more about us than we know about each other. The trip was quite short and we had little time to become acquainted. I'm sure with your knowledge of the local social rules, you're more aware of the proper order than we are.

With that he drops back to stand within the group, careful not to be standing out front.

Viktor tries to recall if he knows anything about this particular Swordlord, or the Lords in general.

Knowledge (nobility) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
If a different knowledge would be appropriate, let me know.

I had forgotten that bards get the ability to use knowledge skills untrained at first level (for some reason I thought it was later), so I've updated my character sheet with all of the knowledge skills.

I assume we're headed to the estate of our employer, but I've no more knowledge of what we're doing than that. My guess is that it's not too far out of town, otherwise we'd have been asked to ride there on our own.

I've added a description for Viktor to his character sheet.

Viktor opens his eyes and gives a warm smile to each new arrival. He attempts to rise from his seat as much as the coach will allow and shake the hand of any that enter, introducing himself.

Hello there. My name is Viktor Medvyed, and this is my wife, Amalthea. Good to meet you.

After greeting them he sits and waits patiently, making as much room for the others as he can.

Viktor frowns only slightly before shrugging off the insult with a chuckle. He takes a seat without another word and leans back, closing his eyes until others arrive.

Viktor nods at the man from a distance and briefly stops and turns to Alamthea.

Well, that looks like our ride. I suppose we shouldn't keep him long. These swordlords get a bit prickly. Let's watch our words here. These people are easy to offend and don't appreciate sarcasm or even a quick wit.

After another brief moment of making sure his clothes are as clean as traveling clothes ever get, he turns back towards the coach. Viktor approaches and holds out his hand.

Hello again, friend. I hope we're not too early?

I suppose we shouldn't make too much noise about having a meeting with this Lord Dunkrint before our luncheon. If we're asked for discretion it's best that we relax until then and go directly.

Viktor patiently awaits the meeting time and arrives at the Plaza, barring Thea wanting to do anything differently and causing us to be late.

This is Eryndur posting as Adreccam Surtova from here on out, reporting for duty. I'm rooting for you, Kalizar. If you actually manage to pull off 3 Kingmaker threads, you should be officially recognized by Paizo as the most durable DM ever.

This is my first PbP on these boards, by the way. What's the code for that fancy blue OOC text you guys were using in the recruitment thread? And how can I subscribe to a thread so I get instant email notification?

Eryndur, I think you're missing a language on your character. You have just common listed and you should have an extra language based on your intelligence bonus. Though I suppose you might have decided that Adreccam only speaks common. :)

Viktor reads the note and smiles.

Well Thea, it looks like we've already found what we came here for. We have a day to relax in this grand city, and then off to a luncheon...and hopefully a grand adventure awaits.