I don't know if this is the right place to post this (and my apologies if I have put anyone out), but I find myself in an interesting situation. You see, my games tend to be "heroes saving the world" kind of campaigns, and, well, I wanted a change. So I had been planning on running a garden variety kingdom building campaign when I saw the Kingmaker AP. Being the extremely busy professional that I am, I thought to myself, "self, this is awesome...kingdom building campaign that requires little extra effort...just add dice!" So, I announced the new game and my players were extremely happy.
That was several months ago. We are now at the beginning of Book 4. And...Well, this campaign doesn't even resemble kingmaker anymore. You see, I like to give my players a lot of leeway to make their own story and they have taken liberties....oh, have they taken liberties. We have gone so far afield that we are now in a "heroes saving the world" game. I'm wondering how I'm going to get the game back on track. And, quite frankly, I'm wondering whether I want to get it back on track because the game has been so amazing and so different from anything I've run before that I don't know if I want it to end.
So, the story is primarily about a paladin of Iodomae who has taken on more than he can lance. As the title says, he is juggling many things, many things that at many times can be, and are, incompatible. The story has evolved around this paladin, who is the duke of the kingmaker kingdom. He named it Soliel.
Let me see if I can fill you in on the background of the players a little bit, so you can get an idea of the cast of characters:
Kelas, a male elf from Kyonin who is very old (he looks like a young man). In my game, elves don't age or die from old age. They disappear when their time is up and go to the elven home land. He is a ranger and plays the role of the kingdom's warden.
Marcus, a human male, rogue. He is the son of a tailor from New Stetven with a seedy past. Marcus's father was a rogue/assassin on the DL who was favored by the nobles of New Stetven and was later double-crossed by House Sartova and murdered. Marcus fled to the southern lands and met up with the group to become its spymaster.
Kira and Kyras. Fraternal half-elven twins. Bastard children of Lord Medvyed. After their elven mother died when they were four years old, the elves didn't want them in their community, prejudiced against them and their tainted blood. One day, they were "dropped off" at Lord Medvyed's estate and, much to the chagrin of Lady Medvyed (who had mothered two younger children for Lord Medvyed), they were raised by Lord Medvyed, who never acknowledged them as his "children". Instead, Lord Medvyed publicly referred to them as his cousins, though he always had a fondness for them. Kira is a druid with an affinity for the seasons. Spring is her favorite and she maintains the Spring Domain initially. She is lighthearted and carefree, much like a child. Kyras is a wizard. He was sent away from Lord Medvyed's estate when he was ten years old and apprenticed to a kindly old wizard who taught him the ways of wizardry. Kyras always had an affinity for power and grew to hate his father and stepmother for refusing to acknowledge he and his sister. Brother and sister have an empathic link. Kyras is the kingdom's magister and Kira is its Duchess.
Baerevan DuSoliel, son of Hulrun, Prophet of Iomedae of Mendev in Kenebres. Baerevan is a devoted paladin of Iomedae who fled his homeland shortly after he took vows upon learning that the Prophet Hulrun was not all that he seemed. Convinced that his father was evil he confronted Hulrun in the midst of committing torture on a poor druidess, just as he was about to add sodomy to his crimes. Hulrun threatened Baerevan and knowing that he could do nothing to stop his father, he fled, vowing to return to enact justice on his depraved father. He took up residence in Restov, which has a small temple to Iomedae.
Kira was convinced by her order in the Gronzi Forest to answer the call out of Restov for settlers in the Stolen Lands in order to establish another circle there. Just as she was about to leave, she felt a gut-wrenching pain and had a vision of Kyras in pain. Fearing for his life, she set out to find it and amazingly learned that she instintively knew where to go. She found him, body beaten and twisted into something hideous and unconscious just outside of an old ruined tower. His robes were torn and the skin underneath was burned and blasted. Several of his ribs were broken. His hair had turned from golden blonde to stark white, his skin was gray, he was gaunt and his pupils had constantly moving motes in them. His voice was barely above a whisper and he coughed when he tried to speak (I know, it sounds very similar to Raistlin). With a few melodic words, Kira did her best to heal his physical injuries, but the strange transformations to his hair, eyes, skin and voice did not change.
I will not tell the tale of what he had suffered at this point in the story. But I may be convinced to reveal it should you be interested. After nursing Kyras to health, Kira took Kyras to the Gronzi Forest. On the way, they met Baerevan, who had been out traveling the country of Brevoy. The story of their meeting is also quite facsinating, but it too is a story for another time.
The paladin was, however, immediately stricken with Kira's beauty and guileless charm. Together they traveled first to the Gronzi Forest and then to Restov, where they met Marcus and agreed to form a company to explore the Stolen Lands. With Baerevan reluctantly leadnig this group of adventurers, they eventually established a small Barony that has grown into a Duchy. Duke Baerevan and Duchess Kira DuSoliel rule the Duchy of Soliel from Baerevale City.
That's the cast of PCs. There are also some NPCs who have joined the group. Kesten has stayed on as the General and Akiros has stayed on is its Marshall. Oleg is the duchy's treasurer and Svetlana is its caregiver.
But that's how things essentially started. Things now are .... complicated.
For this post, I will leave you an email I received from Duke Baerevan DuSoliel's player that I received this week:
I'm bored here at work. Next to nothing to do at the moment, so I thought I'd shoot off some of my thoughts on where Baerevan is with quite a few things...
Elf Queen: He's anxious about the audience with her. He knows he messed up royally (pun intended) by giving Asmodeus the power to appear in Arborea and he's sure that's reached her attention. If it hasn't, he's pretty sure Kelas will let her know about it. Baerevan is preparing himself for that, whether it's brought up or not. He'll be honest. Say it was an unforgivable mistake and even a crime and he'll be spending the rest of his life trying to rectify it. His hope, of course, is that he'll win the Queen's trust enough to eventually form a full alliance with Kyonin. But that, I'm sure, will take some time and further diplomacy.
Pitax: He's got that city-state in his crosshairs. The Avatar of Gyronna? Abigail? The assassinations? The attack on Tazzelford. I mean, come on! A full invasion may be out of the question at the moment, but at some point, it may just come have to come to that. He's done with constantly being on the defensive and responding to aggression. He's beginning to feel it's time to go on the offensive when it comes to Pitax. Openly declare war with the city state and
demand their complete surrender to the authority of Soliel, or face a harsh retribution.
Kira: It's tricky. And it's painful. His first concern is that she's finally free and (given the circumstances) happy. She's been used as a plaything by so many cruel, callous and indifferent epic level, all powerful entities (both mortal and divine) that he wants to help her enact justice and even vengeance on those who have wronged her. And that may include some of that ass-hat Grand Druid who (quite wrongfully) accused me of caring nothing for the Green and called Kira arrogant, while at the same time arrogantly counseling that my Contract with Asmodeus was cool by him. Rather arrogant of himself, one might say. If all of Kira's memories remain, then he needs to get everything she knows about Asmodeus and even his father, if she was privy to any of that. He needs to know what Asmodeus wants, what his father is after by allying himself with the Prince of Hell and, if any exist, discern a weakness or flaw or shortcoming in his plans. Though I'm (as a player) beginning to think he doesn't have any real "plans" short of simply enjoying the sport of trying to corrupt a favored soul of Iomedae. But back to Kira. After all they've both been through, it's safe to say the relationship needs to... evolve. Obviously the half-fiend children need both a father and a mother. They need that kind of stability. The Duchy, too, needs both the Duke and the Duchess for its stability, but as for the actual marriage, that's hard to say whether it can or should survive all this. Their relationship should become, for lack of a better word, more business-like. There's work to be done. Romance and affection contributed to much of their woes. It proved to be too potent a distraction and bait for enemies. If they remain married, simply to keep things stable, then perhaps she and the children move to the castle of Tazzelford. It's still part of the Duchy. It's in the middle of the woods, which brings Kira closer to the natural world that she so loves and she can still serve as co-ruler from that post. Baerevan could visit her from time to time for counsel, guidance and other help with managing the Duchy. Plus he would want to visit the children (as much as possible) to raise them as paladins, or at least as LG followers of Iomedae as well as respecters of the Green. If Shawn is still following the Kingmaker class path, then this arrangement can fit nicely into that. Baerevan needs to make his frequent sojourns into the forest for his exclusive and mysterious meetings with this mystic of the Green. (Very Merlin/Arthur) But the relationship should most likely become, well, chaste. They still love each other, they just know that can't be lovers anymore. But all this should be sussed out in RP. Again, this is just where Baerevan's thoughts are at the moment. Thought thoughts and feelings can always change. If Kira's agreeable to this arrangement, then Baerevan will begin the process of turning himself over completely, body and soul, to Iomedae.
Kyras: He wants to double his efforts to rid Kyras of Geb and (more immediately) get him a new leg. (Even though Kyras seems quite content floating around everywhere now.) Baerevan knows he's been neglecting Kyras's plight and that needs to change. If anything, Geb needs to be extracted and dealt with before we even think about marching on Mendev to take out my father. I can't have a wizard prone to failing spells and possibly falling prey to Geb's influence in the middle of a battle royale with a ton of demon and demon-worshippers. So, there's that practical aspect to this as well. But he made Kyras a promise and he means to make good on it.
Kelas: Perhaps Baerevan's greatest failure. He doesn't know how he'll do it, but he needs to fix what's been broken in Kelas. Yes, much of this is fueled by guilt, but rightfully so. It was Baerevan's doing that brought all this about, so it's his duty to correct it. But he first needs to know the nature of Kelas's plight. It seems he's a bit soulless. He can't hear trees anymore? That's quite disconcerting. Or is that he can't bring himself to "hear trees" anymore because it's all too painful? Baerevan's determined to find out the whole truth about what's going on with Kelas and then fix it. It's really killing Baerevan to see Kelas this way and he knows no good will come from ignoring it.
Akiros: We have to bring him back. Simply put, we need him!
The Brothels: They are to be immediately shut down. Soliel will not subsidize, nor will it profit from carnality. They shall be re-opened at Taverns. The women can stay on as barmaids, but there is to be no prostitution. If it comes to light that they are still operating as brothels, they will all be arrested and the establishments shut down. These brothels were opened by edict from a Devil. If anyone wants to debate the Duke on that point, they're more than welcome to,
but it won't be pleasant for them... ;-)
The Duchy: A test of patience. He so wants it to be a kingdom NOW! He wants those 1,000 men. He wants to march of Mendev today and rid the world of his father, but he knows he needs to just keep going slow. Gradually build out. Going too fast will be suicide. So much going on and so much to juggle. What was the name of that small Barony that attacked Tazzelford? That seems to be ripe for absorption into Soliel. There was unfinished business there, right? Some other unsavories still in power we need to deal with? Forgive my horrible memory. I know it's a big (probably first) priority after we finish up with the Elven Queen.
The Kobolds and the Silver Mine: First off, cleanse the place out of the bubonic plague. Secondly, get citizens of Soliel to take over the mining operations. Sad to say, but we still need the silver. I also want to explore those caves. We need to find if even a single Kobold egg survived. They all need to be rescued and brought back to
Soliel to be raised by either Kelas or Natpick. Something good has to come out of this massacre.
The Lizard Men: I also want to try and rebuild what's left of their community. Whether we let them loose to seek out or build a new tribe on their own or we seek out other tribes to come to Soliel and help the survivors reclaim what they've lost. Again, something good needs to come out of Devil Kira's fun-with-hellfire-and-blighting.
I don't even know if anyone finds this interesting or has any interest in learning about what lead us to where we are. But if you do, let me know and I'll post more. Until then, Peace.
You're right on track to the "saving the world" part of Chapter 6 - in this case, saving their world.
There are a fair number of Kingmaker campaigns in the Campaign Journals section of the board, and all of them are different from each other. Some of those differences are subtle - and some are writ large. Everyone starts out with the charters - it's Chapter 2 where the divergences really take off.
Have fun with the campaign, above all else! :)
Actually that was a fun read :) Love to hear more, don't think you did anything wrong as this is your game and you are having fun :) This is a sandbox adventure as well and is ment to be done as you like it anywhay ;)
Thanks for the positive feedback and interest! Does anyone know how to move a thread to the right forum? Or does it matter that this thread continues here? I don't want to anger the Paizo gods :)
I'm not sure where to start the tale of what went on before. Everything seemed to go to hell in a handbasket (and I mean that literally) just before the group set off to see about the disappearances at Varnhold. But .... No. Hmmm ...before that....
* * * *
Kyras has a passion for knowledge and ancient lore. Before the academy was built, during breaks in his duties as magister, he often went abroad to obtain books for his library, which he later lent to Soliel's academy. On one such foray, he went to Skywatch in Brevoy. There he found several interesting tomes on astonomy and flora and fauna of Brevoy. While there something unusual caught his attnetion. An unusual tome laid open on a table. It was thick and bound in bark of some sort. It's pages were made of leaves and the runes on the leaves were some sort of alchemical substance. It was entirely written in Ogham, the language of druids. Calling upon the abilities of his staff, he began translating the ancient runic language and quickly realized that the tome contained powerful rituals to summon conceptual beings, beings that some call cthonics. These beings are beyond the heirarchy of mortality and gods. All were representations of the natural world; seasons such as Spring, Summer or Winter, or natural events such as Eclipse, Storm or Blizzard.
Seeing nobody around, he purloined the book and brought it back to Soliel, intent on consulting Kira about the book.
Watching Kyras leave the Skywatch library from her hidden perch on top of one of the stacks, Loviel smiled and migrated to Nessus to report to her master.
"My Lord," the succubus began as she abased herself before the Master of Hell. "The Heirophants have been deceived and silenced, the Eldritch Tome has been placed and the bait taken, just as you commanded."
"Phase one is complete, my dear Loviel." The Lord of Deception purred.
"Now what?" the succubus asked, raising her head a bit, but still not making eye contact.
Asmodeus cocked an eyebrow, both mildly annoyed and amused at the audacity and curiosity of the Succubus, and decided to let it pass. "Now we wait, my dear. We wait."
* * * *
They havnt said anything so they probably dont mind :) But if they do they probably will help you as they are the kindest Gods you'll ever meet :) And they will pop in from time to time to put in their two coppers worth as well :)
You get Kobold eggs, you could have a lot of fun raising them ;)
The Kings Royal Guard... A bunch of Kobold Experts specializing in Mining, or whatever, or perhaps training a bunch of Rangers... or even City Watch... Or Hey Little Diplomats to surounding Nations ;) Little Bards.
@Shizvestus, Thanks!
* * *
The Lord of Hell strode purposefully through his garden. Ordinarily, he liked to stop and smell the Stench Vine. It gave off a particularly sweet carrion-like smell this time of year. He had spent millennia procuring the right species of plants and pruning and manicuring them until his garden was a masterful representation of Hell itself. To the initiated, it was a hedge maze that could navigate one anywhere in Hell should he take the correct path. To the unwary, it was torture, anguish and death.
But today, he was too distracted. Schemes within schemes within schemes swirled in his dark mind until he extracted from the maelstrom the perfect sequence of events necessary to bring his plans to fruition. It was what would be to a mortal, an exhaustingly tedius burden, if not unhinging in its own right.
Asmodeus passed an unfortunate Dretch chewing contentedly on a bloated Blood Vine, completely unaware of the giant fly trap slowly and silently moving into position behind it to catch a morning snack. Asmodeus smiled. The Dretch's screams of agony would be heard for hours before its tortured body finally succombed to the digestive juices of the fly trap.
Ahead, Ur'Jahriel, one of the most accomplished generals in his own personal force here on Nessus, waited near Asmodeus's favorite Witch Tree.
"My Lord." Ur'Jahriel bowed deeply as the Lord of Hell approached.
Asmodeus waived a hand dismissively. "Be at ease, General."
Ur'Jahriel straightened and stood at ease as commanded.
"I have a very delicate mission for you. You will serve as my representative. I need you to migrate to The House At The Edge of Time in The First World. Seek out Narissa and inform her that her services concerning the Heirophants have fulfilled her end of our bargain and that the barrier between worlds will be weakened within the year, as promised." Asmodeus directed.
"As you wish, My Lord." Ur'Jahriel bowed.
"That is all." Asmodeus turned and began to walk away. Then he stopped.
"Oh, one more thing." Asmodeus said over his shoulder. "You are to warn Narissa that should anything happen to Baerevan Du'Soliel, her soul will be forfeit."
* * *
"Come back, Kira!" The Baron yelled after the fleeting fey-like beauty. Kira was playfully running through the field just outside of Baerevale after sneaking a kiss on the Baron's cheek and pushing him away, unbalancing the strapping lad.
The Baron caught up to Kira and grabbed her arm. She squealed.
"Gotchya." He said smiling, as he pulled her in. "Now it is my turn to steal a kiss." He breathed heavily and kissed her deeply.
She laughed and pulled away. "Isn't it a beautiful day, Baerevan?" she said as she looked around and gestured to the scene around her. It was near the beginning of Spring, Kira's favorite time of year. The collective tension of the birds and animals preparing for the mating season was palpable. It invigorated the young druidess.
"Yes, Kira. And more beautiful for your sharing it with me." The Baron smiled. He was smitten. The sword of her beauty sliced through him and the contents of his heart bled on his sleeve. He was undeniably hers. And she knew this.
"Oh Baerevan, you are so sweet." She smiled and took his hand. They walked together through the field.
"Kira, you know my feelings for you. You mean more to me than any woman I have ever known. I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?" The Baron stopped walking and got down on one knee. "Kira. Will you be my bride?" He looked deeply into her eyes as he proposed.
She disengaged her hand. "I-- I don't know what to say." Kira paused.
"Say yes!" Baerevan breathed.
"Baerevan, this is serious. Can you even do this?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" He asked, confused.
"Your vows. Don't you have to be chaste or something?" She asked.
"No. For the love of Iomedae, no. My vows do not prevent this union. If anything, family is encouraged." Baerevan explained.
Kira still had reservations. "Baerevan, I love you. And I cannot say that I do not want this. It's just that, I'm concerned."
"What is there to be concerned about? All of our friends know about our feelings toward one another. It's the natural evolution of our relationship." Baerevan didn't know what was causing Kira's concern. She had made her affections known to him. Even her brooding brother seemed to approve of their relationship.
"Oh Baerevan. There is so much you do not know about me." Kira was conflicted.
"And you, about me." Baerevan returned. "That's what marriage is about, getting to know eachother."
"Do you even know who my father is?" Kira asked
"Your father is dead, just like your mother, right?" Baerevan responded.
"No, Baerevan. My father is Lord Medvyed of Brevoy." Kira revealed. "He never publically acknowledged Kyras and me. Kyras thinks that it was to salvage his relationship with his wife that he ultimately sent us away. Kyras believes that she felt that the right of her offspring to succeed Lord Medvyed as lord of the House on his passing would be threatened if we were acknowledged."
Baerevan was stunned. He had no idea that Kira and Kyras were the rightful heirs to House Medvyed. It complicated things. House Medvyed is in Issia, the northern province of Brevoy. The Baron's charter was issued from Rostland, the southern province of Brevoy. And with House Surtova on the throne, the stability of the nation is weak. If it was revealed that Kira is a Medvyed, would the Swordlords of Rostland view his marriage to Kira as a play by Issia for power, gathering forces on its southern border to wage a two front war on Rostland? He shook his head. Such things have no relevance where matters of the heart were concerned.
"This changes nothing." Baerevan said.
"There is also the matter of my Order and your faith." Kira added.
"What do those have to do with our decision to get married?" Baerevan was exasperated. Kira was known to be indecisive and flighty, but this is something he knew they both desperatedly wanted. He would be patient and hear her out.
"Well, I have made it known to my Order that I intend to establish you as a ..... a favored friend of this region. You have shown a great deal of restraint in your building of this kingdom, minimizing its impact on the natural world. You even have a temple to Erastil in Baerevale and will be establishing some standing stones in the center of the city in homage to The Green. If my Order learns of our true feelings for each other, it might lessen my credibility, and thereby my support among my Order, when the time comes to establish you as such." Kira explained, choosing not to reveal her true intentions to make him king of the region.
She continued. "Moreover, as one of your advisors, it is my task to advise you on how to grow this barony into a kingdom. My interests lay with The Green, which interests may be incompatible with the tenets of Iomedae. Yet, as your wife, my advice may hold greater sway than that of your other advisors. Would this not affect your standing with Iomedae?" Kira asked.
"My dear." Baerevan began, taking Kira's hand in his. "Is this the best you can come up with?" He smiled lovingly. "First, I don't know what all of this business is of establishing me as a favored friend of this region in your Order. But if it requires some deeds to prove my worthiness, will not such deeds speak for themselves? What possible impact could your feelings for me have that would not be overwhelmed by my deeds?
Kira had not thought of it in that manner before. Of course his deeds would speak volumes about his worthiness to be king.
"Second, nothing in my studies suggests that the tenets of The Green are incompatible with the teachings of Iomedae. In fact, The Eleven Miraculous Acts are entirely consistent with preserving the natural world. Besides, Iomedae and The Green have a common interest in protecting the world from the horrors of The Worldwound." Baerevan continued. "So that should mean something."
Kira smiled. Baerevan was so cute when he was using logic. "She pulled him close. "Ok, Baron. I don't see any demons running amok in Soliel." She jested. "But if you fall from grace by taking my advice, don't blame me." She kissed him.
"Yes." She whispered.
* * *
@Tashanthara, yes Kobolds are great. You and our magister have an interest in common :)
* * * *
"Alright everyone! I am calling this meeting to order. It is Toilday, the 1st of Pharastus. Let's begin. Treasury report." The Baron pointed at Oleg and waited for him to shuffle through his papers.
"But my lord, not everyone is here." Kelas offered. Eyes glanced around the table. Kelas, Kesten, Akiros, Oleg and Svetlana, Jhod, Marcus, the Baron, Kira and ...Nakpick.
"Kyras is missing." The Baron observed. "Where is Kyras? And what is the Kobold doing here?" The Baron asked.
"Baron, Kyras is on a procurement errand and Nakpick is serving as magister in his absence." Kira announced, unphased by the absurdity of her statement.
Akiros's mouth was agape.
"The kobold is ...our magister?" The Baron asked incredulously.
"Well, yes, Baron." Kelas spoke up. "He's a perfectly logical substitute. Kobolds are descendents of dragons, dragons are highly magical beings. And Nakpick has shown an affinity for the arcane arts. I believe Kyras is even apprenticing him."
All of this was just too much for Akiros, who broke into hearty peals of laughter.
"What so funny?" Nakpick squealed, jumping up on the table. The kobold looked ridiculous, wearing a formal tunic and cloak, shiny black boots and an impossibly large wizarding hat. "You no like Kobolds?" He stabbed an accusatory finger at the hulking barbarian.
The gesture made the kobold's hat fall down in his face, covering his eyes. "I'm blind! I'm blind! What you do to Nakpick!" The kobold was now screaming and jumping up and down on the table.
This only made Akiros laugh harder.
The door to the council chamber slammed shut. Akiros stopped laughing. All eyes turned toward the entrance. Even the kobold calmed down, having managed to lift the hat out of his eyes.
"What's all this fuss about?" Kyras whispered as he walked toward the council table. His mere presence managed to suck all of the levity out of the room. Nakpick jumped off of the table and ran to Kyras, grabbing onto his robes and hiding behind his leg, whimpering.
Akiros turned red in the face, embarrassed.
"We are glad you could join us, Kyras. Welcome home." The Baron stood and gestured to the empty seat next to Kira, previously occupied by Nakpick. "We were just about to start this month's meeting and were getting worried about you." The Baron sat.
Kyras glowered at Akiros, who lowered his gaze, taking sudden interest in the grain of the table.
Kyras sat. "Thank you, Baron." He put a large tome, bound in bark, on the table.
"It's good to see you, brother." Kira smiled warmly and rubbed Kyras's arm. "What's this?" She asked, gesturing at the book.
"I was hoping you could tell me. I am looking forward to unraveling its mysteries with you." The dour wizard responded in a tone that passed for elation to those who knew Kyras. But to the uninitiated, it sounded more like contempt.
Kiras smiled at her brother and nodded. She turned to the Baron. "I believe we are all here now." She said.
Nakpick curled up in a ball under Kyras's chair and slept.
"Oleg, if you please. Treasury report." The Baron began, again.
Oleg's fat greasy fingers were looking for the ledger that contained the status of the debits and credits for the barony. A few oily strands of hair fell down his face in front of his glasses. He smoothed them back across his head in a futile attempt to cover his baldness and looked up from his papers, having found his ledger. "Well, as usual, we're broke." He reported. "And I understand that there's talk of building an academy?? Are you people mad?? You people keep spending money like we have it!"
Kyras glowered at Oleg.
"Now, now, Oleg. Please don't get so upset. You know it isn't good for your health." Svetlana tried to calm down her husband. It seemed to do the trick. Then she went too far.
"It's only money, dear."
You could hear a pin drop in the council chamber, like the calm before a tornado. Kelas's eyes bulged. Akiros held his breath. The Baron put his head in his hands. Kesten tensed.
"It's only MONEY?? It's only money that puts food in our mouths! It's only money that puts shelter over our heads! It's only money that keeps our guards paid and the bandits from our farms! It's only money that keeps up our roads!" Oleg was red-faced and fuming, pounding the table in front of him.
Nakpick woke with a start, banged his head on the underside of Kyras's chair and ran screaming from the chamber, arms flailing wildly above his head.
"Enough of this, Oleg. We cannot have you falling into a tirade every time the subject of money is discussed." The Baron chastened the treasurer. "I understand we have money problems. We will deal with them. That is the purpose of these meetings. Now calm yourself."
"If I may, My Lord." Kesten interrupted. "It seems we have security issues as well."
"Speak." The Baron commanded.
"Akiros's men have reported troll sightings to the south and west." The General reported.
"Is this true?" The Baron asked Akiros.
"Yes, Baron. And Kelas's scouts have confirmed it. I've even personally visited the Lizard Folk to confirm the existence of trolls in the area. Apparently, one of their hunting parties was devastated by a lone troll." Akiros reported.
The Baron looked at Kelas, who nodded in agreement.
"Well, then. I suppose dealing with the trolls should be the first thing on our agenda." The Baron declared.
"And I recommend building nothing this month, unless its a farm and road to get to it." Oleg added.
"Done." The Baron responded. "Oleg, consult with Jhod and determine the best location for such a farm."
"I know the perfect spot." Jhod added. "Svetlana and I have been traveling the countryside, meeting with our citizenry, and have determined a suitable location for our next expansion." The high priest reported.
"It doesn't interfere with the kobolds, does it?" Kyras whispered and coughed.
"No, no. You made your wishes quite clear on that subject at the least meeting, Kyras. The kobold caves will not be annexed unless and until you can find a way to allow them to continue their way of life." Jhod responded respectfully.
Satisfied, Kyras nodded.
"My Lord, on the diplomatic front, we have successfully established an embassy in Restov. Derek, the sole survivor of the peace offering massacre, has successfully made the transition and will be our liaison there." Marcus reported.
"Excellent. Thank you, Marcus. I think it best if we personally deal with the troll problem. I don't want to see any of our scouts or soldiers get injured or killed. Enough blood has been spilled on my account over the misunderstanding with the lizard folk." The Baron suggested.
"I will go with you, My Lord." Akiros offered.
"As will I." Kelas added.
Kira looked at her brother. Kyras nodded. "We will go, too." She said.
"Great. Kesten, you will be in charge in my absence. Jhod, you and Oleg focus on getting that farm and road built." The Baron rose to conclude the meeting.
"This meeting is adjourned."
* * * *
I want to drop in and give two thumbs up for this story. I am enjoying it very much.
I would attempt to do the same for our campaign, but people didn't seem to like the idea of an evil wizard who, in order to save the party from embarrassment of mismanaging the original city (thanks to a misunderstanding by the GM about the rules, not helped in the least by three very anxious players wanting to build a city), orchestrated a plan to loot the treasury and flee to the kobold mines, whereupon the city established there seemed to incur miracle after miracle. The players then decided to run with trying to establish a Kobold-dominated empire.
Anyway, that likely won't happen. But even if I did, it would pale in comparison to your write-ups here. Very good and entertaining work.
Yup Yup
@Shizvestus, Pansy and Bran. Thanks you guys! I'm glad you are enjoying it. I'm trying just to hit the highlights to keep it interesting. :)
* * *
It was decided between Kyras and Kira that Kira would retain possession of the strange book that Kyras found in Skywatch. As Kyras reasoned, his capabilities for translating Ogham were very limited, making Kira the obvious choice.
By then, the others had filed out of the chamber, leaving only the Baron, Kira and Kyras.
"Kira, would you excuse your brother and I for a moment?" The Baron asked. "We have something to discuss."
Kira looked at the Baron questioningly.
"It is concerning the matter of which we spoke before." The Baron added, answering Kira's questioning gaze.
Kira should her head and smiled. "Of course."
"Kyras would you walk with me?" The Baron asked the magister.
"As you wish, My Lord." Kyras responding, looking at Kira as he and the Baron left the chamber. Kira smiled at her brother encouragingly.
Once they were outside of the city, the Baron began. "I understand that relations between the two of you and your father are .... strained."
Kyras winced, but kept walking. Baerevan wasn't sure whether it was his words that caused him to wince or the sheer agony of his daily existence. "You can say that." He whispered.
"In that case, I will ask you." Baerevan stated. "I wish your blessing to marry your sister." Baerevan revealed.
Kyras stopped walking and stared at Baerevan a little longer than was comfortable for the Baron. His thoughts were inscrutible and it was disconcerting that the mage's pupils seemed to move with a life of their own.
After a few interminable seconds, Kyras responded. "I have not since my accident met any other man to whom I would give such a blessing."
"Good." Baerevan smiled and clapped Kyras on the shoulder. Kyras nearly collapsed from the pressure, but maanaged to hold his composure.
* * * *
Narissa ran her fingers along the curves of the red beads on the necklace she held in her hands, while she was lost in thought.
One of her servants approached, pulling her out of her reverie.
"You called, Mistress." The ogre said, as he abased himself before the beautiful Nymph Queen.
"Yes, D'tan. I have a delivery for you to make." Narissa smiled, handing over the necklace to D'tan.
D'tan took the necklace.
"As I am stuck here for the moment, you will migrate to The Narlmarches in Golorian and seek out the troll named, Hargulka. Give him the necklace. Tell him it is a reward for conducting the raids as discussed. Remind him, however, that his band is to avoid the other areas that we discussed. If any harm shall come to the creatures residing in those areas, retribution shall be swift."
"As you command, Mistress."
The Ogre bowed and disappeared into the surrounding forest.
* * * *
Baerevan and Kira watched the sun set over The Narlmarches from a nearby hillock. The air was still a little crisp, but they kept each other warm in eachother's company.
"I've given some thought to the guest list for the wedding." The Baron began.
"Yes?" Kira asked, almost absentmindedly as she stared at the beauty of the sunset, her head resting on Baerevan's shoulder.
"I would like to invite the Issian Lords and the Aldori Swordlords of Rostland." I think it only proper, since you are technically a noble of Issian descent and I have obtained our charter from the Swordlords of Rostland." Baerevan explained.
Kira lifted her head and looked at the Baron. "Do you think that's wise?" She asked.
"I think it might be a way of relieving tensions in Brevoy. If we acknowledge both provinces as allies, neither will see us as a threat, at least for the time being." Baerevan began. "I've actually been giving this a lot of thought, lately. I think our marriage may actually have a unifying affect on Brevoy."
Kira smiled. Baerevan was at times a contradiction. He was a humble man, reluctant at times to lead and often erring on the side of giving the citizenry more of a say in government policy than it should have. On the other hand, he was full of hubris, such as now, thinking that a marriage in this backwater barony would have any impact on provincial relations in the great nation of Brevoy. Still, what did she know about the ways of men and politics.
She grinned as she thought to herself, more than little, I was after all raised in the House of one of the great lords of Issia. But Kira was content to let the Baron have his beliefs. It seemed to make him feel like a man that his actions would be influential in the lives of so many.
"I agree, Baerevan. Besides, it would be great to see my father." After a pause, she added, "Just have some discretion when you tell Kyras. He will not take it well." Kyras never forgave their father for conceding to the whims of his vain, petulant and status-hungry wife. He would not be pleased to hear that their father might attend the wedding.
"I will also invite the Queen of Mendev." Baerevan added.
"Seriously?" Kira blurted out, without thinking.
Baerevan looked her, a surprised expression on his face.
"I mean, it's just that she is so busy running a kingdom and with the Crusade and the Worldwound... Don't you think she would feel that our wedding hundreds of miles away from her immediate concern is more of a burden?" Kira quickly recovered.
"I don't actually expect her to come, Kira. I don't expect any of them to come, except the Swordlords, and possibly your father." Baerevan explained. "This is more about keeping up appearances."
"How do you mean?" Kira asked, intrigued.
"Well, we owe political allegiance to Rostland as it is financially supporting our Barony. The Issian nobles may think it a power play by Rostland to expand its territory to prepare for an invasion into Issia to the north. But if we announce you as a noble of House Medvyed, the Issian nobles may not view Rostland's actions as aggression. It may somewhat diffuse that inevitable tension. After all, at some point, I suspect, our Barony will grow to be large enough to gain the attention of the Issian nobles. When that time comes, I don't want our little fledging nation to be the catalyst for a war in Brevoy." Baerevan explained.
"Inviting the Queen is more of a personal message I wish to convey to her. If I am correct about my father, I'm sure the Queen's spies have informed her of his methods. Given Hulrun's popularity and power, however, the Queen cannot likely risk a civil war. There is too much at stake with the Worldwound. But I would like to send her a message that this fledging Iomedean barony is sympathetic to the ruler of Mendev. Her spies will inevitably learn that I have not invited Hulrun, my own father, and have chosen instead to invite the Queen. This will show the Queen where my sympathies lay, should she have need of assistance when the time comes." Baerevan explained.
Kira had no idea the baron was so politically savvy. "I'm very impressed." She said.
"Well, Marcus did have some input in all of this." Baerevan grinned.
Kira nodded. "Ah." She said.
"So when will we have the wedding?" Kira asked.
"Well, to give everyone time to prepare things for the trip, I was thinking it would be in Erastus. Autumn is a good time of year, just before the harvest." The Baron explained.
"It sounds lovely." Kira said, placing her head back on his shoulder. The sun had finished setting. Kira was disappointed that she missed it.
* * * *
"Breva, what amazing news!" The Oracle exclaimed breathlessly as he exited his trance.
"What is it, Seer?" Breva asked excitedly.
"It is the Prophet's next born. It is foretold that she will be Iomedae's Champion. I must inform the Prophet. He will be very excited. We are so blessed!" The Oracle responded.
Breva's brow furrowed in disapproval. "Shouldn't you inform the Queen first, my Seer?" She asked apprehensively. Breva had heard the rumors circling the Prophet Hulrun, rumors of the strange disappearances and dark figures coming to and from his manse at odd hours.
The Oracle waved off her question. "There will be time for that after the celebration. Do not fear, Breva. Have faith!" The Oracle excitedly left the temple to seek out Hulrun and deliver the news personally.
* * *
"Yes, I am certain of the portent, Master Hulrun." the Oracle explained. "Your next born will be the Chosen of Iomedae. Only she will have the power to turn the demonic tide of the Worldwound and restore balance."
"I see." I flash of anger appeared on his face momentarily. Then, the Prophet pursed his lips and raised a finger up to them in thought. "Has word yet been sent to the Queen?" Hulrun asked.
The Oracle detected the Prophet's fleeting look and the sinister tone in his voice. It caused him to hesitate in responding. A cold shiver ran down his spine. Could it be that the rumors were true? Surely not. "No, Master Hulrun. I thought you would want to be the first to know." The Oracle responded. "Surely this is good news, yes?"
The Prophet smiled. "Yes. This is indeed joyous news." Hulrun said. "My, it's getting late isn't it?" He motioned to one of his guards, stationed nearby. "Please see The Oracle to his final destination this day."
"As you command, My Lord." The guard bowed and approached the Oracle to lead him out of the chamber.
"Rest easy, Seer. For tomorrow, will be a new beginning for us all." Hulrun said as the guard accompanied the Oracle out into one of the deserted hallways.
The Oracle's last thought in this world was about the oddity of the Prophet's parting words.
* * *
"My agent was very clear, Lord Asmodeus." The hulking Pit Fiend reported. Among other duties, Ur'Jahriel was the general in charge of the Inner Sea region of Golarion for Nessus. Asmodeus bestowed that duty upon him when he elevated him in rank. "It has been confirmed that the Prophet Hulrun's next born will be the Chosen of Iomedae."
"You have confirmed the accuracy of this intelligence?" The Lord of Deception asked.
"Yes, Liege. My agent confirmed that the girl from Kenabres was present when Iomedae's agent spoke the words to the Oracle. She risked a great deal sneaking away alone and traveling to the capital of Mendev to seek audience with the Queen" Ur'Jahriel reported.
It was nothing new to Asmodeus that the Chosen of Iomedae would appear now. Asmodeus had been sensing with caution and disdain the growing strength of the demonic hordes within the Worldwound for several decades. He knew it was a matter of time before Iomedae took a more active role in things. But his calculations had been imprecise. He had expected Baerevan Du'Soliel, first son of Hulrun, to be the Chosen of Iomedae. In his estimation, it would be Baerevan's contempt for Hulrun that would serve as the catalyst for the schism and great war that would unify the lands under his banner and push the demons back behind the barrier. Moreover, he had not expected Nataeia Du'Soliel to bear any more children for the depraved Prophet. Still, the situation was salvageable.
"This is what you must do...." Asmodeus began instructing his general.
* * *
Nataeia sang a hymm to Iomedae as her ladies-in-waiting finished dressing her and brushing her hair. Her voice was melodic, like a songbird in Spring, singing to catch the attention of a lover. And she was. The only true love in her life was Iomedae. She had long since detached herself emotionally from her husband Hulrun, seeing her marriage to the cold, insensitive Prophet as her burden to bear.
Sometimes she reminisced about her past with regret, regret that she allowed herself to be lured into the warm embrace of a man, forsaking her vow of chastity as a priestess of Iomedae in the Order of the Ecstatic. But when her mind went to such dark places, she needed only remember that Baerevan was the result of that lustful union, and the light of her love for her only son banished her dark thoughts.
She never forgave Hulrun for forcing Baerevan to leave. She never believed Hulrun's story that Baerevan committed heresy by attempting to rescue a heretic in the act of confessing the evils of her sins against Iomedae.
If it weren't for the dream in which the angel of Iomedae told her that she would bear Hulrun one last child, a daughter, and that her daughter would be the Chosen of Iomedae, she never would have touched Hulrun, again. But here she was, days away from giving birth. It was as if life had meaning again. She was once again, happy.
Awesome :) Cant waite for more :)
Thanks, Shiz. The one thing that annoys me is that I cannot go back and edit my typos. I don't always catch them the first time around and I find them very distracting when I re-read what I have written :(
Your posts make me wish we had real RP in our game. There's so much stuff that could be so worthy of drawing out, like Akiros's conversion from Barbarian to Paladin of Sarenrae, First Knight of the Cathedral at Selenelion, and taking on the mantle of Grand Diplomat of our kingdom, only... we don't RP at our table, and the only RP I have with my cohort I had to beg in solo sessions with my GM so they have very little bearing on the game itself.
*le sigh*
really enjoying your stuff, though. I check back a few times a day to see what comes of a nicely played game.
Your posts make me wish we had real RP in our game. There's so much stuff that could be so worthy of drawing out, like Akiros's conversion from Barbarian to Paladin of Sarenrae, First Knight of the Cathedral at Selenelion, and taking on the mantle of Grand Diplomat of our kingdom, only... we don't RP at our table, and the only RP I have with my cohort I had to beg in solo sessions with my GM so they have very little bearing on the game itself.
*le sigh*
really enjoying your stuff, though. I check back a few times a day to see what comes of a nicely played game.
You and me both, Hu5tru. I keep notes of all the happenings in game. I then try to write stories for RP for all the random events and the like. It's unfortunate that we have one guy who says "My character will just get bored!" all the time, and then tries to force us to just go out on one of these missions. Amazing how many of his characters possess that same "He's only going to get bored!" trait. Dammit, I really should do a write-up of all my notes... Curse you, Hulrun.
|
My group enjoy role-playing, but the majority role-play characters who don't believe in things like "redemption". The Stag Lord and all of his lieutenants died in combat except Akiros. Who was executed by the Inquisitor of Erastil (even though a- he turned against the bandits, and b- he explained his side of the story).
I think I'm going to have to make an effort to introduce more outright good NPCs. Moral ambiguity makes my NPCs susceptible to lead poisoning.
Well, I truly am thankful that I have awesome players who love story as much as kicking a@@! We've been playing together for years, some of us for 14 years now.
As a result, we end up collaborating on character design, which gives them a lot of leeway. For example, Baerevan is a gestalt Paladin/Fighter, as a result of his time with the Aldori Swordlords. And Kira is an alternate druid. She starts out with the Spring domain, but every 5 levels she gets another season's domain. And some of her spells are enhanced. And she gets some other perks later in the story. But she can't wildshape. Kyras has an epic staff which is tied to his curse. But he's weak and is prone to failing spells. Kelas has extra knowledge skill points and has lived for over a thousand years. He knows a lot.
Look for another update this evening. :)
Dont wory about Typos you arnt writing for pathfinder fiction yet :) But you could with this stuff :)
My people just arnt rollplayers like this, they are too much into hack and slash... and done too much video games to get it yet... so I am running Rise of the Runelords and working them towards a more rollplaying angle :) They are comming along, but they arent there yet :)
Amazing character background these characters have. You guys should colaborate on a module or a book or something. Even a game suppliment of characters. Unique Parties of Golarion or something ;)
I would love to write some fiction for Paizo. But I wouldn't know how to let them know and since I'm not a professional writer, I doubt they would have any interest. But this is a passion of mine.
Thanks for the support. It's nice to know that people are enjoying what I am writing :)
Here is a particularly lengthy update.
* * *
The next morning, the five friends, leaders of the Barony of Soliel, left the comfort of Baerevale City to trek southwest into The Narlmarches to see the extent of the troll threat in the area and, if possible, neutralize it.
Kyras insisted that, other than the Baron’s steed, they not bring horses. Given the peculiar development of the Barony, all of the horses were stabled two days away in Leveton, the wrong direction. Word would have to be sent to Leveton that the Baron needed horses and then the horses would be prepped and sent to Baerevale, a four day proposition, unless someone happened to be on their way to Baerevale with horses when the request went out. It was a horribly inefficient means of handling transport, but until the barony could afford another stable in Baerevale, it would have to suffice.
On the way out of town, a messenger approached them on horseback. “Baron, I have a missive from Brevoy for you.” The young page announced. “It apparently arrived in New Stetven several months back and took its time get to you here.”
“Thank you, lad.” The baron said, taking the missive. He gave the boy a silver coin. “Take this for your trouble.”
“Thank you, Baron.” The boy beamed and galloped away on his horse.
The baron read the parchment. A surprised and worried look came over his face.
“What is it?” Kira asked.
“It’s from my mother. It appears she’s pregnant.” The baron said, looking up from the parchment.
“That’s wonderful news!” Kira said, smiling.
“Yes.” The baron responded worriedly.
“What’s wrong?” Kira asked.
“Nothing.” The baron responded, his worried expression disappearing, replaced with an encouraging smile. “You’re right. It’s good news.”
Kira could sense something was wrong, but she let it pass. “When is she due?” She asked.
“Well, the letter was written nearly nine months ago, so I guess she is due any day now.” He said. They continued walking.
“I wonder what took it so long to get to you.” Kira mused after a few minutes.
“Yes. The baron responded without paying attention. By that time, he was lost in his own thoughts.
The sun was high in the sky, warming the cold ground. The sky was clear and a slight, warm breeze came up from the south. It was good weather in which to travel.
“The journey should take anywhere from ten to fourteen days roundtrip,” Kelas advised, “depending on the actual whereabouts of the trolls. But given the natural hunting and breeding grounds of the average troll band, and best as I can tell from the intelligence we have on the location of the raids, the troll den shouldn’t be any farther than seven days from Soliel. And once I am able to locate their trail, I should be able to track them back to their den without a problem, potentially expediting our journey.”
“How confident are you that you will be able to track them, Kelas?” The Baron asked.
Kelas had no love for trolls. “Trolls are not particularly dainty creatures, Baron. I would see their filth and other signs of their passing without even trying.” Kelas responded with disdain.
“I suggest we stop and visit the Lizard Folk on our way. See if any more of their hunting parties have been massacred.” Akiros offered.
“Yes. I agree.” The Baron said. “It will give us an opportunity to further smooth over relations. Kira can heal their injured, should the trolls have attacked again, recently.”
Once they were on the outskirts of Baerevale City, Kyras called the group to a halt.
“Let me speed our journey along.” He whispered.
Turak Szimmov Durak. He spoke in a loud voice.
It was only when casting spells that he spoke in anything over a whisper, as though the rest of the time he was merely saving his voice. Given his affliction, however, it made sense. He often fell into terrible coughing fits that lasted several seconds. when it happened during his spellcastig, the spell fizzled and Kyras became very angry.
But on this occasion, his spell worked. Out of the forest galloped several sleek black horses, one for each of them, except the Baron. He had his own steed. The horses arrived complete with bit and bridle, as though they were merely waiting in the forest for them to arrive and ride them.
“Well done, Kyras.” The Baron praised the wizard. Kyras smiled. Or maybe it was a scowl. Everyone mounted their steeds. Only Akiros hesitated, inspecting the steed warily, as though it might bite him. He wasn’t particularly superstitious, but magic made him a little uneasy. He always felt that a hefty sword could solve any problem and magic, well, it was too unpredictable.
After a three day journey, they arrived at the Lizard Folk village, passing the Hut of Old Beldame on the way there, giving it a wide berth. The old witch unsettled most of the leaders of Soliel. Only Kyras seemed to take an interest in her. Unfortunately, she, too, took an interest in him. Thinking about her advances on Kyras the first time they met her sent shivers down the Baron’s spine. At least Kyras has never returned those affections. His interest in her was merely academic. Her ability in the arcane arts then exceeded Kyras’s abilities and he wished to learn as much as he could from her. According to Kyras, she could also be useful to the Barony in that she could craft magical arms and armor, a feat that Kyras had not yet perfected. Even so, the Baron merely tolerated her presence in Soliel. She was, after all, a citizen of Soliel and entitled to his protection.
The Lizard Folk village was on a little island in the middle of the river. As they approached, they could see the boat that was left there on the near shore from the expedition that brought the peace offering to the Lizard Folk after the unpleasantness with the boy. Derek, one of Akiros’s men, was the only survivor of that expedition. It was one of the Baron’s early mistakes.
Only two people in his barony could speak draconic, the language of Lizard Folk, Akiros and Kyras. While Kyras was away, the baron asked Akiros to draft a note in draconic to the Lizard Folk to be sent with baskets of fruits and vegetables and eight men serving the marshal. The note merely read:
Please except these as our offering of peace and unity between the Barony of Soliel and your people.
Unfortunately, none of the men who traveled to the Lizard Folk village knew draconic. The Lizard Folk, being meat eaters, and even cannibals when meat was scarce, misunderstood the baron’s intentions.
It was a bloody massacre.
While the men that were sent had some fighting ability, they did not expect an armed conflict with the Lizard Folk, and cut off as they were and surrounded by Lizard Folk, they didn’t stand a chance. Still, Derek was able to get away. When he returned to Soliel, he had the thousand yard stare of someone who had been traumatized beyond imagining.
When he was finally able to speak, he recounted how he was able to get away by pretending to be dead. He had been piled with the bodies of his friends while the cook took one friend at a time, starting with his childhood buddy, Mathis, and carefully skinned and deboned them and chopped them up with the vegetables in a boiling stew. Because they were all presumed dead, Derek was unguarded and was able to slink the few feet to the river and swim around the island, grabbing the boat for buoyancy to avoid drowning and float the rest of the way to shore.
In a fit of righteous fury, the Baron nearly sent all of his forces to rid Golarian of this tribe of murderers. But reminded of his duties and of his vows, he prayed to Iomedae for guidance. He ultimately decided that it was his fault that his men had been killed and that if he had asked his advisors before acting to make the peace offering in the first place, maybe the flaw in his message would have been revealed and caught and the tragedy avoided. He prayed for forgiveness and offered the widows and children of the fallen soldiers jobs in the castle. All but one childless widow agreed. That widow was so distraught, that she hung herself the next day. Her body was found several days later by a neighbor who went to investigate a strange smell coming from her house.
It was Marcus and Kyras who decided that the citizenry and the widows would not be told the truth. The baron agreed to allow them to handle the matter as they saw fit. Seeing the delicate state of the baron, they opted not to reveal that they would be making up a false story about how the men had died. To this day, the baron is unaware that the citizenry does not know the grisly circumstances in which the men died, instead believing that a pack of wild boars killed them all. To assure that the truth was not revealed, Marcus sent Derek to Restov to serve as an ambassador to Rostland for the Barony of Soliel. He, of course, first sought the baron’s approval to do so, making up some reason why it would be beneficial to Soliel to do so. The baron thought it to be an excellent idea, given that Derek most assuredly needed a change of scenery after his ordeal.
“Baron, we’re here.” Kira sauntered her horse up to his and placed her hand on his arm, breaking him out of his reverie.
“Oh yes.” He said, smiling weakly. “Thank you.” He dismounted.
He addressed those assembled. “Make camp. I will go speak to the Chief with Akiros. If they have any wounded, I will send for Kira.” The Baron and Akiros strode off to the embankment, boarded the boat and rowed to the center island. There they disembarked and disappeared beyond the wooden wall of the village.
Kira was reading the bark-bound tome when they returned about two hours later. “It’s all clear. There have been no more attacks, but the Lizard Folk believe the troll den to be south and west of here.” The baron reported.
Everyone started packing up, getting ready to continue the journey. But Kira remained sitting against an old Oak tree reading the strange tome.
“Interesting reading, darling?” Baerevan asked.
Kira looked up then. “Wha?”
“I said, interesting reading?” The baron repeated.
“Oh, yes. Yes, it is. These rituals are really amazing and the detail about the First World in the book is very illuminating. It’s almost as though these rituals can be performed by any druid, but the results of the rituals may be unpredictable. I am still not sure of the purpose of these summoning rituals though.” Kira admitted. “Oh, and happy Equinox.” Kira smiled.
That evening when they stopped for a night’s rest, Kira performed a small ritual in honor of Spring. She left the encampment and stated that she would return in the morning. The baron was more than a little nervous about leaving her out in the forest alone all night with trolls roaming about. But Kira was very insistent. She stated that she needed to give respect to The Green, and to Spring in particular, and that since she was not with her Circle, she had to perform the ritual alone.
After she left, the baron sent Kelas to keep an eye on her from a distance.
Do you have specific 'stats' on Kira's Druid changes? Would you be
prepared to share?
One of my players (we haven't started yet) wants to play a Druid PC,
but he's not into the whole shapechange thing. I've said that if we
can come up with an alternative way of doing the class, that would
be fine with me...
Sure :)
Kira is a combination druid/ranger, but not gestalt. She does not get armor skills, wildshaping, animal companion or thousand faces. She instead gets seasonal and storm domain and favored enemy/terrains like a ranger. She starts with storm, then 5th spring, 10th summer, 15th fall, 20th winter. She gets storm at all times, but the seasonal domains she can access only during the like named season. But her seasonal granted abilities are always with her once she can access the domain. Her call lightning is only usable outdoors, but does 3d8 per bolt if no storm is brewing and 3d12 per bolt if a storm is brewing. We took the storm domain out of Spell Compendium, I think. I also gave her access to new feats: Storm Focus, and Greater Storm Focus, each of which increase her DCs by +2. She is all about the seasons and weather. The natural cycles of The Green.
Awhh... you killed Mathis! Mathis is a 4th level warrior knight of the Cathedral in our game, one of my cleric's first converts to the cult of the Dawnflower. Boris and Matis built the very first shrine to Her in Oleg's trading post, which was practically made by their painted yellow sun with a smiley face above the crude altar.
Since, Boris and Matis have attained masterwork full plate and accompanied their high priestess and King Irovetti to Pitax. They've moved up quite a bit in the world. And my cleric is easily the poorest member of the party at all times.
I'm interested in what your party will do/has done with Baron Hannis Drelev and his party if your Baron thinks that Pitax is the ultimate evil.
Actually Paizo loves non professional writers, they just had an open call on the message board for someone to work for them as an editor. Also look at their web fiction section on pathfinder here at the side and you can read submissions that they have selected from some writers.
But, go to Lillith and submit some things for Wayfinder. They are looking for submissions for Wayfinder # 4 Lillith gives guidelines. Check her out... Just put Wayfinder 4 under search message boards. She is verry aproachable :) James Jacobs and the boys (and girls) are always looking for new and good tallent )
Keep up the good work...
Awhh... you killed Mathis!
Sorry Hu! I guess it was his time to die ;)
We are currently at the point in the campaign where the Baron Drelev shoe drops. I can't wait, either!@Philip--No problems. I think I also swapped out her summon nature's ally spontaneous castings for the appropriate level of "vigor" spells. We were trying to get Kira away from the animal side of druid.
Actually Paizo loves non professional writers, they just had an open call on the message board for someone to work for them as an editor. Also look at their web fiction section on pathfinder here at the side and you can read submissions that they have selected from some writers.
But, go to Lillith and submit some things for Wayfinder. They are looking for submissions for Wayfinder # 4 Lillith gives guidelines. Check her out... Just put Wayfinder 4 under search message boards. She is verry aproachable :) James Jacobs and the boys (and girls) are always looking for new and good tallent )
Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out. :)
And now.....an update:
* * *
The Angel Ariel was disturbed. Grigori Seraphis misinterpreted the intended recipient of the message. It was to go to the Oracle at Nerosyan, not Kenabres. The error had been noted.
“Her Holiness is aware of the issue.” The Archangel’s melodious voice echoed in the vaulted chamber of the Choir.
A tiny fracture formed in Ariel’s normally impassive alabaster visage.
“Be at ease, Ariel. This matter has been taken out of our hands. It is now a matter of free will.” The Archangel sang.
“Free will? I don’t understand.” Ariel was confused.
“This matter has also come to the attention of The Deceiver.” The Archangel responded. “Have faith. And pray that the mother’s faith is strong enough.” The Archangel added. “Though, we predict that Asmodeus will attempt to influence her decision.” The Archangel paused. “Still, I’m not sure that will be a bad thing…” The Archangel’s voice faded.
“Hulrun will try to kill the child.” Ariel argued.
“Yes. It is something that neither Iomedae, nor The Horned one desire.” He paused then added, “But their solutions to the conflict are at odds.”
* * *
Nataeia was breathing heavily. Her water had just broken and the midwife was preparing a warm water bath. One of her servants went to fetch Hulrun.
It was time. In her hand, she gripped tightly the only keepsake she had of Baerevan, the platinum medallion given to him by The Crusader Queen Galfrey, Sword of Iomedae, Queen of Mendev, on his taking vows. It was divine ceremony that every new paladin of Iomedae travel to Nerosyan, obtain her blessing and be initiated in the crusade. On that initiation, each new knight is given his first holy symbol, a platinum medallion bearing the downward pointing longsword in front of a sunburst, the symbol of Iomedae. Hulrun ripped it off of Baerevan’s neck when he excommunicated him. But Nataeia was able to retrieve it and secretly kept it all of these years, intent on giving it back to him when she next saw him. A day she hoped would come soon. Intent on informing him of the impending arrival of his sister, several months ago, she had been able to track Baerevan to Brevoy. She wrote him a letter and whispered a prayer to speed it along to Baerevan.
She was sweating now. The contractions were coming more regularly. Her beautiful flowing hair, of which she was so proud, was a matted mess and her face contorted in pain. Hulrun arrived.
“I can see the head. It’s crowning.” The midwife reported.
“Just push a little more my dear.” Hulrun cooed, looking eagerly at the location of the baby’s head. Even when he cooed, he sounded lecherous, Nataeia thought. She was suddenly reminded of the circumstances of her conception of this child. It was not an act of love. They had long since ceased to share a bed. As soon as she showed marital affection to Hulrun, he was on her, like a dog in heat. It was painful. She cried and begged him to be gentle, but her cries merely fed his lust. He thrust into her harder and harder until he got his satisfaction. Then he rolled over and told her to get out. Ashamed and embarrassed that she was made to feel dirty, she gathered her nightclothes, and still crying, fled his bedchamber.
She pushed and breathed, giving one last forceful push, as if to banish the memories of that night.
Shadows fell across the breadth of the room.
The sounds of a baby crying filled the air. “It’s a gi—“ The midwife never finished her sentence. An athame appeared in Hulrun’s hand and, in an instant, the midwife’s life was extinguished.
Nataeia screamed. “Noooo!”
Hulrun laughed victoriously.
A female form coalesced out of the shadows and took its place behind Hulrun, a darkly beautiful woman with small horns, red eyes and a barbed tail. Naked, beautiful and dark, she purred to Hulrun. “Do it now, my dear. Let us bathe in the blood of the Chosen. Our masters demand the sacrifice.”
Nataeia’s thoughts raced. This can’t be happening! Her mind screamed. “Hulrun, please, Noo! That’s our daughter!” She cried, pleading to whatever sense of humanity he had in him. He ignored her.
A deep voice penetrated her mind. Nataeia, Servant of Iomedae, be brave. Your child must be the Chosen of Iomedae. If you cannot save her, then…Baerevan. The voice whispered.
Just then, Nataeia’s attention was drawn to a light glinting from—wait, it was emanating from—the holy symbol in her hand.
Hulrun lifted the athame to strike the killing blow to the child.
Nataeia was confused and desperate. She knew she had to act quickly. Iomedae, I beseech thee! What grace was to fall unto this child, let it pass to Baerevan. She whispered a prayer, pouring her heart and soul into it.
Just then, Hulrun plunged the athame into the child. Blood poured everywhere. Suddenly a white light pulsed from the child into the holy symbol in Nataeia’s hand, banishing the shadows and the she beast from the room. Hulrun, temporarily blinded, ran out of the room, nearly tripping over himself. Nataeia, covered in blood and completely exhausted, managed to ring her bell for her servants.
Seeing their mistress covered in blood and the bodies of both the midwife and the newborn, the servants panicked. But Nataeia was clearly in need of help.
“Take… me to… Brevoy.” She said, just before collapsing unconscious.
* * * *
Baerevan woke with a start. He was sweating heavily. Even awake he was shaken by the vividness of the nightmare. It was as though he was there. He could still smell the blood of the child. Was that his sister? Did that really happen? It all seemed so real.
Fully awake and shaken to his core, he couldn’t go back to sleep. He relieved Akiros and took watch for the rest of the night.
Thats....awesome....
Thanks for the comments Philip and Bran :) I remember thinking when I was introducing Nataeia whether anyone, other than my players, would be able to sense the imminent nuclear bomb about to fall on the poor woman.
* * *
Kira was concerned. She had already, months ago, determined that Hulrun was a depraved egomaniac. But if Baerevan’s nightmare was some sort of portent…
It made Kira’s decision to walk the uncertain and near mythical path of the Kingmaker even stronger. The pieces were falling into place: There was Baerevan’s respect for the Green and his incorporation of the Old Faith into his towns. Then there was his devotion to bringing to justice his father, a paranoid man who has without provocation murdered numerous followers and priests of the Old Faith in Mendev. These traits could surely unite the natural world. He was the right candidate for king.
Kira remembered a conversation she had months ago with Hazel, the head of her Circle in the Gronzi Forest in Brevoy. The Druidess told her myths of the Archdruids of old working with Iomedean priests to create and power the Wardstones. Hazel explained that according to secret druidic lore the Archdruids continue to work with Iomedean priests to preserve the Wardstones. If this myth is true, Hulrun could be even more dangerous than Baerevan knows.
That led her to visit the only living person who walked the path of the Kingmaker. He was a former druid who had failed in his task of making his “chosen one” king within the allotted period. From him she learned that a Kingmaker must crown his or her “chosen one” king or queen within a year and a day of the last anointing in the Green and that results of failure were personally disastrous for the druid who walked the path. He lost his connection to the Green and was cursed to live forever, never aging or dying of natural causes.
“Why do you seek to make this Baron king?” He had asked her.
“He is a guardian of the natural world here in the Greenbelt.” Kira responded.
“You love him.” It was an accusation, more than a question.
“Is love for one’s chosen one inconsistent with this path?” Kira asked, perturbed.
“Only if you let your love blind you.” He responded.
Kira could not imagine the isolation of an existence cut off from the Green. “My love for the Baron grew out of my belief that he is the chosen one. It does not blind me.” Kira responded. She was determined not to fail.
“For your sake, I hope so.” The former druid responded.
Satisfied with her answer, he explained the rituals and showed her how to perform them. Now it was only a matter of time before she was ready to conduct the first anointing, which would set her, and Baerevan, on the path.
Inspiring
Hulrun, that´s been great reading so far. Astounding just what story you weave from the bare bones given in the Kingmaker AP. It should at least find its way into the next Wayfinder.
Stefan
+1
Thanks for the support, Stebehil. Bran, is that a +1 Word of Encouragement? New Wondrous Item perhaps?
One challenge I've found is that I have to cut out a lot to keep the story from getting overwhelming, yet keep in the details that are important for things to come. Speaking of which....today's update.
Enjoy!
* * * *
The next day, the forested terrain became hilly. They had been heading in a west, southwest direction, when something about the terrain seemed familiar to Kelas. The ranger climbed a nearby tree and looked into the distance to get his bearings. His gaze found the ruins of the old elven outpost several miles away. He shuddered at the memory of their last visit there.
It was a little more than a year ago, shortly after he met the baron. Baerevan had saved his life. In Elven culture, that act spiritually bound Kelas to protect Baerevan until he could return the favor. And so, Kelas traveled with the baron. He had explained to the Elf that he and his companions were chartering the surrounding land and had not yet explored this part of the Greenbelt. Having traveled for many years, Kelas was somewhat familiar with certain areas, but he was himself new to this particular area.
After a few days, they came upon the old elven outpost. Kelas did not recognize it, so long ago it was that the elves had abandoned it to nature. But its unique elven architecture was immediately recognizable to the Elf. He marveled at the condition of the ancient keep, its spires unmarred by the ravages of time. Its four guard posts stood like stalwart guardians ringing the central spire that grew out of the earth beneath it, reaching up to the heavens. The entire courtyard was protected by a high wall connecting the four outer watch towers. An archway, normally obstructed by a portcullis provided the only entrance into the keep. The portcullis was up and so the group cautiously entered the archway.
Kira was immediately enraptured by the artistic beauty of the stonework seemingly growing out of the earth. She entered first, followed closely by the Baron.
Without warning, the portcullis slammed shut, trapping both Kira and Baerevan inside.
The baron quickly dropped his spear and shield and tried to raise the portcullis.
“Akiros, give me a hand from your side.” He ordered in a strained voice as he tried to raise the iron contraption.
Akiros lent his strength to the effort.
Kira screamed in agony.
The baron whirled around to see three dark blood stains forming on Kira’s dress.
“What happened?” The baron asked quickly looking around for a threat as he grabbed his shield and spear.
There was nothing there.
Kira screamed again as more dark stains formed on her dress. She was losing a lot of blood.
“Help me, Baerevan!” Kira pleaded in agony.
“There!” Kelas yelled as he pointed and fired an arrow from his bow, missing his target.
“Where?” Baerevan asked. “ I don’t see anything!”
“A small creature, no larger than a pixie, moving very fast. It’s coming back!” Kelas said.
“I see it.” Kira said, fatigue and pain in her voice.
Spirit of forest now appear
Squeezing, tearing, striking near!
Kira managed to utter her spell. The roots of the weeds and grass that filled the courtyard began writhing, entangling everything in their path. The creature had to move more slowly to avoid entanglement, giving the companions the opportunity to see and target it.
Kira attempted to move away from the writhing mass of greenery and toward the baron but merely slumped down against the wall of the courtyard and passed out. She had lost a lot of blood. If the tiny fey hit her again, she would surely die.
The baron threw his spear at the diminutive creature, but the fey was too small and didn’t make a very good target, particularly with the cover provided by the entangling roots and weeds. The spear went wide. Seeing there was nothing he could do from this distance, the baron knelt down next to Kira and laid his hands on her breast, whispering a prayer to Iomedae.
Akiros renewed his effort to lift the portcullis to allow himself and the others in.
Desperate to save his sister and blocked by the accursed portcullis Kyras drew deeply on his reservoir. At the time, he was learning a spell that could incapacitate the creature, but he had not yet mastered it. He had no choice. If he was to save his sister, he had to try it.
Visius Nullificus! He cried out.
Something snapped within Kyras. It had happened once before in Castle Baerevale, Kelas was later told. At that time, however, it was known as the Stag Lord’s fort. Before the founding of Baerevale, on the group’s first foray into the Stolen Lands, they came upon the Stag Lord’s fort and fought an enraged, drunken ranger and his band of cutthroats. Kyras could see that the battle was going against them and knew he had to do something or they would all die. Kira was unconscious and bleeding and the baron had just been run through with a pike. Kyras called upon his power and blasted the villains as he went unconscious. When he awoke, the Stag Lord and all of his men were dead. Kyras struggled, but was never able, to recall what had occurred while he was unconscious. There was no sign of foreign assistance. But Akiros was there. And he told everyone that Kyras’s eyes went all black, he stood straight and his voice was strong, as he called down spell upon spell and utterly destroyed the portions of the fort that contained the Stag Lord and his men. Nobody really believed Akiros, especially Kyras.
But Kelas witnessed it firsthand now.
Kyras shuddered as he cast his spell. His eyes turned black and his voice became deep and hollow, with an ethereal quality.
“She is the source of his strength, his will to fight me. And so she must die.” Kyras stated.
nero nullificarum saggitus He chanted as he pointed his staff at Kira. A potent blast of raw black energy discharged from the mage’s staff, blasting through the portcullis.
Hearing the voice that did not belong to Kyras, the baron whirled around just in time to see the blast coming at Kira. He stood and blocked its path, taking the full force of the impact. The baron fell down, dead, his body still smoking.
Kyras passed out.
Kelas kicked the mage’s staff out of his hands.
Akiros stepped through the hole in the portcullis and ran to Kira, unstoppering a vial as he ran. Crouching down next to her, he fed her the contents of the healing potion. Her eyes fluttered open.
“What happened?” She asked.
Seeing the pained expression on Akiros’s face, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Baerevan.” He said, looking a few feet away at the burned and broken body of the baron.
Kira got up and looked over, wincing from the pain of her considerable injuries. “No!” She cried as she crawled to Baerevan’s side.
She took his hand in his and rocked back and forth, crying. This can’t be happening! She thought. “What did this!” She demanded.
“It was Kyras, M’Lady.” Kelas responded.
She looked at the unconscious body of her brother, incredulously. “This isn’t right. This is not natural.” She said, anguish and confusion in her voice. Then a thought occurred to her.
It was Spring.
Could she do it? She had learned the ritual and the time was right. But she had never attempted it before. She had to try. Placing her hands on Baerevan’s breast she chanted:
I am a servant of fertile Spring
Of birth and rebirth, hear me sing
Spirit of Spring, I beseech thee
Your fecund power I take into me!
Kira’s hands glowed with green energy. The air became crisp and the colors of the grass, the earth, the stones and the sky became sharper, more vibrant. Power flowed from the earth, the stones, the sky and all around into Baerevan. Then a faint hum could be heard, as a chorus of voices singing a hymm. Silver veins of power weaved through the green energy and Baerevan’s eyes opened, his wounds healed.
Looking up at the sky past Kira’s tear-streaked and smiling face, he thought he saw white feathered wings and a golden halo silhouetted against the sun. He blinked at the brightness of the sun. But when he opened his eyes again, the vision was gone. Perhaps he imagined it.
“Oh thank the Green, you are alive!” Kira breathed as she kissed him lovingly.
“Your brother.” Baerevan said.
“I will kill him, if it is your wish, Baron.” Akiros said as he came into view.
“No!” The baron quickly said. “It wasn’t his fault.”
“Wasn’t his fault?” Kelas said incredulously. “But My Lord--” The baron didn’t let him finish.
“Kelas, do as I say. It is my wish that the mage not be harmed.” The baron ordered as he got up.
Kira went over to her brother and roughly woke him.
“What happened?” He whispered.
Kira screamed in anguish, picked up Kyras’s staff and tried to break it over her knee. Seeing the futility of her effort, she threw it down and grabbed him by his robes.
“You nearly killed Baerevan!” She cried, distraught.
He grabbed for his staff.
Kelas stepped on it. “I don’t think you should have that staff.” He said.
“Believe me when I say that it will be much worse if I do not carry the staff.” Kyras whispered as he met the Elf’s gaze. The wizard usually stared at Kelas with disdain. But there was something different, softer in his gaze and in the way he spoke to him. Sensing an unusual note of sincerity in the mage’s voice, Kelas took his foot off of the staff.
Kyras picked up the staff hurriedly and sighed in relief.
Baerevan walked over to Kyras and reached out his hand to help the mage up. “I vow to do everything I can to rid you of this curse, even if it is the last thing I do.”
Kyras took Baerevan’s hand.
“What happened to the creature that was attacking?” Akiros asked.
“I blinded him.” Kyras responded. “He fled.”
“How do you know?” Kelas asked.
“Because you are still alive.” The mage responded.
Kelas shook his head, clearing it off the memories of that day. He jumped down from the tree and directed his companions south.
Here on the message boards +1 means what he said or I concure with what was said, and in this instance I am in agreeance with what Stebahil said :)
Wow, this is an epic read...
Epic read... cool, amazing game!
Thanks Philip. :) I left a little out of that last scene, but one of my players may post the missing bit. It was, after all, told only from Kelas's perspective as a flashback. Naturally, he missed something ;)
Wow, this is an epic read...
Thanks Shiz!
And thanks, Bran.
So, as part of the Spring Domain, Kira gets the power to bring a recently slain friend back to life (provided it is on the next round). That was the power she used to bring the Baron back. But something else intervened and gave her a boost ;)
Ok, back to the present...
* * * *
Kelas picked up the scent of the trolls. “Found them.” He reported.
It was a day’s travel to a ruined keep on a hilltop from which the trail revealed the trolls had been coming and going.
“What is this place?” The baron asked.
Kelas studied the architecture and looked out into the expanse of The Narlmarshes to get his bearings. “If I’m not mistaken, this is an ancient guard post that was erected here between the Narlmarshes and the Kamelands, built by dwarves to guard an old trade route.” Kelas explained.
“But for the trolls, it should be abandoned.” Kelas added.
“See that partially concealed trail.” Kelas pointed. “It leads to a watchtower up there.” Kelas pointed high up the hill side at what appeared to be a natural rock outcropping.
“That’s amazing architecture.” Kira noted. “It totally blends in with the surrounding countryside.”
“Yes. And the entrance should be at the base of the watchtower. Be careful going up the path. One false step and you will plummet down the sheer cliff face.” Kelas warned.
With a little caution, the group made it up the narrow path without incident. Once at the top, they could see the stone walls of the fort.
Kelas suddenly gestured for everyone to stay back. He pointed to the door of the fort. It was half open. Visually searching the exterior of the fort, Kelas’s eyes stopped at the top of the watchtower. Drawing his bow and fitting it with a beautifully carved Elven broad arrow, he whispered “Two trolls, posted at the top of the watchtower.
He let his arrow fly.
Chaos ensued. Kelas’s arrow hit its mark, wounding one of the trolls. It bellowed in pain, getting the other troll’s attention. That troll, in turn, gave a warning shout to get the attention of some associates down below.
Kira scooped up three pebbles from the ground in front of her and let them fly at the trolls at the top of the watchtower, singing an incantation as she did.
“Pebbles of earth to boulders of stone, I let thee fly to break sinew and bone.” The three pebbles turned into giant boulders in midair as they plummeted toward the anguished trolls. The wounded troll fell as the first two boulders smashed into him. The other troll took the last boulder in the shoulder and howled in pain.
Ast Tasarak! Kyras chanted as he pointed his staff at the remaining troll on the watchtower. Three darts of glowing power pulsed from the end of the staff, punching the troll in the chest.
Enraged and in pain, the troll picked up the boulder that had just hit him and threw it at the companions gathered outside the fort. It narrowly missed the baron just as he threw his long spear at the troll.
The baron’s aim was flawless. The troll was skewered in the chest.
The foul creature grabbed the spear jutting out from his chest for a moment, a look of shock on his face, then fell forward and down the outside of the watchtower wall, dead.
“Be ready!” the Baron warned.
Just then, three more trolls poured out of the door of the fort.
Kelas let two arrows fly at the first troll. The first one hit, barely slowing the hulking brute. The second flew wide.
Akiros charged. “This is a fight, I can fight” He growled as his sword punched through the abdomen of the first oncoming troll. Blood spurted everywhere. The troll was immediately on him, raking him with its massive claws. The second troll joined the fray. Akiros was a bloody mess as the third troll rent his exposed back.
Kira hesitated, not sure what she could do to help Akiros that wouldn’t catch him in the area of affect and knowing that she would be pulverized if she tried to run up and heal him. “Kyras, do something!” She screamed.
Ast Tas—Kyras doubled over in a coughing fit, unable to complete his spell.
The baron was a flurry of action. “In the name of Iomedae, Goddess of Justice, I smite thee!” The baron’s sword glowed with holy power as he entered the fray, downing the first troll in one hit. Turning to the second, he sliced through its arm as it was coming around to land a second blow on Akiros. The troll howled in agony as his arm hung useless, still attached, but only by a mere tendon.
Kelas let two more arrows fly. They found their mark on the second troll. The troll was weakening. And Akiros landed the killing blow. Wielding his longsword in both hands, Akiros slammed the enchanted blade into the hide of the wounded troll. “Die!” He yelled. It obliged.
The final troll, unwounded, viciously rent Akiros’s chest with his claws. Akiros faltered. He had taken several hits from the trolls and lost a lot of blood.
Seeing the barbarian falter, Kira determined that she could not wait until the battle was over to try to heal him. She ran up behind Akiros and knelt down to heal him. She had just begun the healing incantation when she felt a sharp pain in her head and a ringing in her ears. Blood poured down into her eyes. The remaining troll clawed open her head. She reeled.
Ast Tasarak! Kyras chanted. Three more darts of pulsing power, empowered by his staff, pelted the remaining troll.
The baron’s sword punched a hole into its side. It turned its attention on the baron then. Roaring, it came at Baerevan with both of its claws. But the baron’s shield deflected the troll’s enraged onslaught.
Kira managed to wipe the blood out of her eyes and, with the troll distracted by the baron, was able to whisper her incantation to heal Akiros.
Invigorated, Akiros again charged the troll, who had left his rear open as he engaged the baron. That left just the opening Akiros needed to land the killing blow. Akiros’s sword pierced the troll’s back, severing its spine. It fell, bleeding out on the ground.
The baron sighed in relief. Kira quickly assessed Akiros and spoke another enchantment to heal his wounds. Akiros unstoppered a vial he pulled out from his belt pouch and drank it down. His wounds began to close immediately. But for the blood covering his armor, it was though he had never been injured.
“Quickly, gather oil and fire. We must burn the bodies, before they regenerate.” Kelas ordered.
“Regenerate?” the baron asked.
“Yes. Trolls cannot be killed unless they are burned.” Kelas explained.
“I’ll get the one on the watchtower.” Akiros offered as he ran into the fort to climb the stairs to the watchtower.
“There will be no need to waste our oil.” Kyras whispered. “Gather the bodies. My magic will burn the life out of them.”
After the bodies were gathered, Kyras spoke an incantation.
Incendus! A flaming sphere appeared out of nothing and rolled over the collected bodies of the trolls. The air smelled like burnt hair and flesh. It made Kira sick.
When the bodies had been sufficiently burned, the group investigated the ruined fort. They made short work of the remaining trolls and their trollhounds in the main structure. In a storeroom, they found several wagonloads full of food and supplies that would be helpful to the barony. But decided it was impractical to take the supplies now and determined that they would send for the supplies at a later time.
Eventually, they discovered a hole in one of the walls that led to a series of worked caves. “The troll tracks continue in there.” Kelas pointed.
“Then that is where we shall go.” The baron said. “I’m feeling good about this. These trolls don’t seem to be too difficult to deal with.”
Awesome :)
* * * *
Hargulka was no fool. He knew that the two-headed brute, Nagrundi, had intentions of taking over his band. So when Gundrak reported intruders in the outer keep, he saw his chance to humiliate Nagrundi and reinforce his ability to lead the band.
“Keep dem busy.” Hargulka told Gundrak. “And no tell Nagrundi or Kargadd or da rest.”
Hargulka’s cave was the farthest away from the outer ruins. The intruders would have to get through six of his troll guards, Nagrundi and Kargadd, a big and mean rock troll, before getting to him. He would sit back and wait for the intruders to beat down the others before incinerating them with his new gift from Narissa. He fingered the red beads, smiling. Wat dat magic word make bead go boom? The troll scratched his head trying to remember.
It hadn’t occurred to the shifty troll that his guards, Nagrundi or Kargadd could kill the intruders, before he had the chance to take them on himself and thereby gain the prestige that he had hoped to gain. But Hargulka wasn’t that smart.
lol :)
Waiting for more :)
Sorry for the delay. I hosted a formal dinner party for 28 last night and it took all of my free time to get ready for it over the last couple of days.
I've got to say, the troll battle was the second most game-changing battle the party has had, to date. That's why I chose to start where I did. Enjoy the first part of this epic battle...
* * * *
Baerevan adjusted his armor and shield strap to more evenly distribute the weight of his shield. While the platemail he wore had been made for him, it had seen several combats and was in need of some repair.
The crystal at the top of Kyras’s staff glowed brightly, illuminating the otherwise dark passageway. The troll caves reeked of filth. The companions came to a branch in the passageway and decided to take the right passage, which led to a large chamber, perhaps one hundred feet across. At the edges of the shadowy illumination provided by Kyras’s light, Baerevan vaguely made out another entrance at the far end of the chamber. He could see some large forms moving into the room from that direction.
“Trolls!” Kelas called out, firing two arrows from his bow and began slinking to the left along the wall of the cavern and away from the group.
Six trolls lumbered into the cavern and attacked. The first troll barely noticed as both arrows penetrated its hide.
From the cavern’s entrance, Kira called forth the power of the storm.
air thicken and with water, churn,
from turbulent mass my enemies burn!
A small thundercloud, charged with electricity formed out of the ambient moisture in the air. A spark of lightning arced across the chamber’s expanse and shocked that same troll.
Akiros growled and charged into the fray, his sword cutting across the troll’s chest, causing it to hesitate for a moment.
Baerevan put his visor down and moved to assist Akiros, whispering a prayer to Iomedae on the way. His sword flashed with holy power. “Stay here.” He ordered Kyras and Kira.
Then the trolls attacked.
They surrounded Akiros and Baerevan. Akiros left his flank open as he swung with his sword, allowing one of the trolls to rip open his side. Blood gushed out of his wound as Akiros yelled in pain and rage. Another troll clawed at Akiros’s shoulder. His chainmail armor took the brunt of the force of the attack. The other four trolls attacked Baerevan. Most of their attacks scraped the heavy metal of Baerevan’s armor as the heavily armored paladin positioned himself to attack. But one troll managed to pierce his already damaged breastplate with its massive claws and dig into the flesh beneath. Baerevan grunted in pain.
Kyras pelted the first troll with raw magical energy, to maximized affect, empowered by his staff.
Kelas stealthily skirted the edge of the room to get a better shot at the trolls and let two arrows fly. They found their mark, killing the first troll, as it was readying to give Akiros another beating.
Kira coaxed forth another arc of lightning from her thunderhead that penetrated the shoulder of the second troll, and chanted an incantation calling forth a small ball of fire in her hand.
Spirit of fire, now appear,
Hissing ember, burning sphere!
She flung the flaming ball at the same troll. It hit. The smell of burning hair and flesh filled the air.
Akiros plowed his sword deep into the gut of that troll. Troll blood covered his hands and forearms. He pulled the blade out and brought the sword around again to strike a second blow at the troll. While Baerevan drove his longsword into the side of a third troll, getting its attention.
Akiros was unable to land the second blow, as the troll was quicker. Rending Akiros with its massive claws, the brutish creature threw the raging barbarian a little off balance, causing his swing to go wide.
The troll that Baerevan had been attacking counterattacked with such ferocity that it rended Baerevan’s gorget, nearly causing it to come loose. But the armor held, protecting the paladin from what surely would have been a fatal neck wound. Despite his considerable pain, Baerevan managed to raise his shield arm to ward of the creature’s second blow. The massive claws scraped harmlessly off of the paladin’s steel shield. While another troll found an opening between the plates of his armor, seriously wounding the baron.
Covered in blood and realizing he could not withstand much more, Baerevan took a moment to whisper a silent prayer to Iomedae, infusing his shield with holy power. In another instant, his sword glowed anew with holy might. Then Kyras provided him with a moment of respite.
Nen tanta mor danta! The wizard spoke loudly as he stared at the fourth troll. The troll’s eyes widened as he met the arcanist’s gaze. Abandoning his quarry, the panicked troll turned and ran back through the far entrance, nearly tripping to put distance between it and the wizard.
As the troll fled the chamber, Kyras’s own eyes widened as he saw, standing in the entrance, the largest creature he had ever seen. A rock troll! He thought with alarm.
With lightning fast reflexes, the rock troll grabbed the head of the disobedient fleeing troll in both hands and broke its neck. It grinned hungrily as it focused its gaze on the raging barbarian.
Awesome :)
Indeed...
Thanks for the support :)
Here is today's update...
* * * *
Kelas’s Elven eyesight was vastly superior to that of a human. He saw the rock troll just as Kyras did. From his position against the wall and away from the melee, he carefully aimed and loosed two arrows from his bow. Each found its mark and the giant monster, catching its attention.
Kira had not yet seen the rock troll. She summoned another dancing flame in her hand and threw it at one of the pack of trolls attacking Baerevan, while another electrical bolt discharged from Kira’s thunderhead, hitting that same troll. While her attacks were having effect, the troll, like its kin, was powerfully built and able to shrug off considerable injury.
But consumed by rage, Akiros was stronger. With all of his might, Akiros struck the wounded troll attacking him an awesome blow, nearly severing its leg at the knee cap. His muscles rippled with the effort of reversing the course of his blade. Putting all of his strength into the powerful upswing, the barbarian drove it up into the troll’s gut, slicing through its groin in the process. The barbarian grunted as he twisted the blade to assure that the mortally wounded troll would not get up anytime soon.
Akiros smiled in triumph, sweat pouring down his brow.
But his victory was short-lived. The other troll attacking the barbarian hit him with a powerful blow, raking its claws across his face, ripping open his check. The skin of his face flapped and blood spewed from the vicious wound as Akiros howled in pain.
Baerevan had just finished his prayer when the three trolls attacked him again. This time he was ready. Lifting his energized shield to ward off their blows, the power of his prayer took effect and fire erupted from the metal, engulfing the entire shield in flames. One of the trolls wasn’t quick enough to see the danger in time to change tactics, burning its fists as it pounded the burning metal. It howled in pain and recoiled from the heat. But the other two managed to avoid the same fate. Moving to flank the wounded paladin, the two trolls attacked simultaneously, hungrily tearing at Baerevan’s armor to get at the soft fleshy bits beneath. The first troll was foiled in its efforts as Baerevan’s armor held. But the second troll latched on with both claws and tore at the metal plating, rending it from the paladin’s waist and thigh and biting the meat of Baerevan’s leg, tearing it from bone. Baerevan screamed in agony and fell to one knee, his lifeblood gushing from the horrible wound.
“Baerevan, No!” Kira yelled as she saw her beloved’s state.
Just then, a shadow fell over Kyras and Kira. Kyras turned around in time to see a massive two-headed troll bearing down on them. Before he could react, however, the monster grabbed Kira, digging its sharp claws into her flesh as it lifted her up in both arms and bit into her shoulders with both of its massive heads. Kira screamed in pain. The troll began to bring the struggling Kira to one of its mouths for a second bite as Kyras acted.
Visius Nullificus! He chanted as he pointed at the two-headed troll.
The troll dropped Kira and felt for his eyes, blinded. Kyras grabbed Kira and pulled her out of its reach as the two-headed monster began flailing its arms to catch its fleeing snack.
Kelas was re-loading his bow as the rock troll attacked. Its powerful fists pummeled the Elf, forcing him roughly into the wall. Clinging onto consciousness, the bruised Elf tumbled between the giant monster’s legs and managed to let two arrows fly into its back.
Sparing a quick glance at the others, he determined that no help was coming any time soon. He knew he had to do something as he saw the rock troll turn around and come at him again. The first arrows he had hit him with fell to the ground, having been pushed out by the troll’s rapid healing process.
Just then, Kira called upon the power of the Green to restore the life that was ebbing from her and her companions.
Fire, air, earth and water,
cleanse, leech, cool and solder.
In this cavern underground,
healing Mother, let our wounds be bound!
The earth and stone of the cavern became vibrant as the wounds of the companions began to slowly heal.
Invigorated by Kira’s healing energy and confident from his recent kill, Akiros engaged the last remaining troll, unwounded though it was. Perhaps too confident, he put all of his strength into the power of his thrust. The troll deftly stepped aside as the barbarian blew past him and taking the open opportunity to teach the overconfident barbarian a lesson, the troll punched him squarely in the kidney, causing Akiros to gasp for breath.
Following up on that attack, the troll bore down on the gasping barbarian. With his first claw, the beast nearly tore Akiros’s arm off, dislocating his sword arm. With his second claw, the monster dug into the flesh of Akiros’s side and lifted him bodily into the air before flinging him across the room into a wall. The barbarian fell to the ground in a heap, unconscious.
Baerevan had to get up. People were dying. And he was not prepared to let his friends die. Iomedae, grant me the grace I need to prevail against this foe! White healing energy poured from his hand into his leg, causing the wound to heal completely. He got up as the troll that bit into his thigh swung at him again, banging its fist painfully against Baerevan’s flaming shield. The other troll that had been flanking him also attacked him as he rose. But that troll was unable to score a hit on the heavily armored paladin.
Glancing at Akiros, he knew the barbarian was dying. He had to get to him before it was too late, but he had to get through the trolls attacking him first. And then he saw the rock troll bearing down on Kelas.
Renewing his assault on the trolls, Baerevan struck the troll that had been attacking him, opening a gash in that troll’s arm. “Kira!” He called out as he followed that attack with a bash from his burning shield. “Akiros needs you!” He yelled. “Kyras, help Kelas!” He ordered as he unsuccessfully tried to dodge the blows of the trolls. Two of the trolls attacking the baron scored hits; one sliced off his arm guard and dug its nails into the flesh underneath, while the other bit through his shoulder, puncturing his shoulder guard. Blood spurted from Baerevan’s shoulder as he yelled in pain once more.
Kira was already moving, having seen the devastating critical wound Akiros suffered. The blood had stopped flowing from her shoulders after she infused the group with healing vigor, but she was still in a lot of pain.
Pulling a vial from her satchel as she ran to Akiros, Kira unstoppered it and poured it down his throat. The barbarian’s eyes opened and color returned to his face. His cheek stopped bleeding and began to heal.
“Thanks, Lass.” He said. “I thought that was going to be the end of me.” He mussed her hair as he sat up and grabbed his sword to rejoin the combat.
“That was our last potion, so try not to get hit.” She said.
“Not a very good chance of that.” He smiled smugly as he turned to rejoin the fray, knowing it was very likely that he might not return.
A vivid and compelling retelling of that fight. Thank you for this.