[LPF] Lost Imperium

[GlassEye]

GM: 17 Sept 2014: Mirra: 12,936 xp

The wild man that Mirra saves from the brink of death stares at her wide-eyed with fear. He nods when she demands answer and flees from the clearing as soon as she allows him to go. With their enemies defeated, dead or driven off, the clearing is quiet.

Leaving the clearing by the trail they entered it from the group expects to come upon the vila campsite relatively soon. As they walk a while they realize that they should have reached it but they haven't yet. It would seem that they accidentally took a side trail and have wandered into a part of the forest they are unfamiliar with. Turning around and retracing their steps they find that the way back to the clearing is not certain but as they go a little further they pass through two overgrown statues flanking the trail and find that they are in the clearing of their overnight vigil just inside the forest.

Coming out of the forest the group finds a crowd waiting anxiously. When they see Polina walking between Pirvinia and Mirra a cheer goes up, loud and filled with relief and joy. Polina releases the hands she held to so firmly and rushes forward and throws herself into her father's arms. He scoops her up and holds her a long moment before setting her down again.

When the group comes up to the royal family King Danyll inclines his head in a gesture of respect. "You have saved my daughter and my kingdom. There is, now and forever, a place of honor for you in my home."

[sblock=Pics]

. . . . Jyman Trout . . . . . . . Brother Goswald . . . . . . . . . . Valeriya . . . . . .

. . . . . King Danyll . . . . . . . . . Queen Raisa . . . . . . . . Matta Sofya . . . . .
[/sblock]

 

[perrinmiller]

Pirvinia von Lichenstein, Human Female

Pirvinia was content to let the girl hold her hand for comfort. After nearly being eaten for good by the Wolf King she could only imagine the horrific nightmares Polina was going to be enduring for the weeks and possibly years to come.

Arriving back in the presence of the royal family she inclined her head modestly in return and replied, “Thank you for the generous invitation. We are glad to have brought her back in piece. Though, I caution that she has had a very tramatic ordeal and needs all the loving care and attention to get past it. that you can afford.”

[sblock=Mini-stats]Privinia von Lichenstein
Initiative: +8, Perception: +6 (8 with Mazi)
AC: 13 (17 w/ Mage Armor) (Touch 13, Flat-footed 11)-> 17 with Mage Armor
HP: 38 Current: 20
CMD: 14, Fort: +4, Ref: +4, Will: +6 (Add +1 to Saves with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Eschew Materials, PBS, Precise Shot, Ring of Sustenance, Mage Armor

Weapon in Hand: Acid Flask, Wand of Enlarge Person, & Wand of CLW
Spells Remaining: 1st Level: 5/9, 2nd Level: 3/5, 3rd Level (4/4)

Mazi
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision; Perception: +14
AC: 19 (Touch 16, flat-footed 17) -> 23 with Mage Armor
HP: 19 Current: 19
Fort: +0, Ref: +4, Will: +7
Conditions in effect: Improved Evasion, Empathic Link, Mage Armor
Weapon in Hand: Bite [Att: +9, dmg: 1d2-5(1 non-lethal)]

Combat Trained Light Horse
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision, Scent; Perception: +6
AC: 13 (Touch 9, flat-footed 13)
HP: 15 Current: 15
Fort: +6, Ref: +5, Will: +1
Conditions in effect: War-trained, 50ft movement
Weapon in Hand: 2 Hooves [Att: +3, dmg: 1d4+3][/sblock]

 

[Systole]

“No! I want no applause from you,” Mirra says with a glare at the onlookers. When the cheering comes to a surprised and stuttering halt, she continues. “That feeling of relief you have right now? That is because you are guilty, and each of you knows it. You were all complicit in risking the life of a young girl. Every single one of you. And for what? Prosperity? Safety? Freedom from a little bit of fear and uncertainty? And because she survived, you feel relief because you think yourselves forgiven.” She draws herself erect. “You are not forgiven. I do not forgive you.”

There is a shocked silence before one of the onlookers finally manages, “But Lesovik--”

“Told you to do it? And you are so powerless that you must blindly follow his every command? You have more power than you realize.” She leans forward and hisses, “What do you think happens to a god whose name is no longer spoken?”

As that begins to sink in, she turns to the king and bows. “Your majesty, at noon three days from now, a contingent of wildmen will arrive at the clearing where we found Polina. They will be there to negotiate changes to the Challenge – there are any number of ways to have a contest that doesn't involve risking the life of an innocent. I would be more than happy to suggest several, many of them altogether bloodless.” She bows again. “And if I may be so bold, might I suggest you appoint your daughter Valeriya as your proxy? Were I in your place, I would want the person who spoke for me to be exactly as concerned as I would be for the safety of my granddaughters yet unborn.”

[sblock=OOC]Mirra is in full-on aasimar fire-and-brimstone mode, at least for the first exchange. This whole contest is absolutely, morally wrong to her.[/sblock][sblock=Mini Stats]Mirra Weathersmith

AC: 18+2 (13+2 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 35/35
CMB: +4 CMD: 17
Fort: +4 Reflex: +7 Will: +2

Perception: +8
Initiative: +3

Bombs: 4/11
Cognatogen Prepared: None
1st Level: 2/5
2nd Level: 1/3
Extracts Prepared: Barkskin x2, Enlarge Person, Shield x2

Current Weapon in Hand: Bomb (+6, x2, 3d6+4+2), Longspear (+4, x2, 1d8, Silver/Reach)
Current Conditions in Effect: Cognatogen (+4 Int, -2 Str, +2 Natural AC)

Used Items:
Alchemist's ice
[/sblock]

 

[perrinmiller]

Pirvinia von Lichenstein, Human Female

Pirvinia could not argue that Mirra's idea had a chance of working. But if the Wolf King was continually coming back after being slain, she doubted the wild men really had much say in the matter.

Rather that throw water on the feisty woman's fire, she added, “It is certainly worth the effort to try changing things. Even if you do not expect to succeed, there is still a chance that you could.”

[sblock=Mini-stats]Privinia von Lichenstein
Initiative: +8, Perception: +6 (8 with Mazi)
AC: 13 (17 w/ Mage Armor) (Touch 13, Flat-footed 11)-> 17 with Mage Armor
HP: 38 Current: 20
CMD: 14, Fort: +4, Ref: +4, Will: +6 (Add +1 to Saves with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Eschew Materials, PBS, Precise Shot, Ring of Sustenance, Mage Armor

Weapon in Hand: Acid Flask, Wand of Enlarge Person, & Wand of CLW
Spells Remaining: 1st Level: 5/9, 2nd Level: 3/5, 3rd Level (4/4)

Mazi
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision; Perception: +14
AC: 19 (Touch 16, flat-footed 17) -> 23 with Mage Armor
HP: 19 Current: 19
Fort: +0, Ref: +4, Will: +7
Conditions in effect: Improved Evasion, Empathic Link, Mage Armor
Weapon in Hand: Bite [Att: +9, dmg: 1d2-5(1 non-lethal)]

Combat Trained Light Horse
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision, Scent; Perception: +6
AC: 13 (Touch 9, flat-footed 13)
HP: 15 Current: 15
Fort: +6, Ref: +5, Will: +1
Conditions in effect: War-trained, 50ft movement
Weapon in Hand: 2 Hooves [Att: +3, dmg: 1d4+3][/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

Queen Raisa's face takes on a look of righteous indignation. "How dare you?!" She looks like she is ready to launch into a tirade of her own when King Danyll rests his calloused hand on her shoulder and lightly squeezes. Her head whips around and she is about to unleash a torrent upon the king when his brow raises and he says simply, "You will not." Her mouth snaps closed but she is still furious and turns her glare upon Mirra.

King Danyll also returns his attention to Mirra and Pirvinia and the warriors standing support behind them. Valeriya moves up to stand protectively with her arm draped around Polina as her father speaks.

"We live in the shadow of our god. His breath comes down from the mountain in Spring, his anger rumbles down and destroys whatever is in its path. The forest is his body and his earthly home and his whim cavorts within it. We live surrounded by terrible beauty and have been given priceless treasures." His gaze lingers on his daughters standing nearby.

"Lesovik gives generously and, yes, sometimes he takes. It is his right. Sometimes he demands what is most precious and, today, he claimed that from me but returned it back by your agency. So, yes, we cheer, we celebrate, we give you a seat of honor because of it. There is relief here but it is not because of guilt; it is because we still hold our treasured Polina and because she is a symbol of our god's favor."

His face loses a bit of the softness it held when speaking of his daughters and becomes harder, more stern. "What we will not do is turn our face away from our gods. That will not be spoken again." He seems to relent a little and continues. "But I would be a foolish king if I did not listen to wisdom, no matter how unorthodox a Voice Erwahai has chosen. I will listen to your counsel and if I deem it to have merit will act upon it appropriately"

The king seems to consider the conversation temporarily suspended and at his motion the crowd, still somewhat muted, turns and begins shambling back towards the town. The king and his retinue remain standing where they are briefly waiting to see if there is anything else before beginning their return to the keep where conversation can be held more privately.

[sblock=Pics]

. . . . Jyman Trout . . . . . . . Brother Goswald . . . . . . . . . . Valeriya . . . . . .

. . . . . King Danyll . . . . . . . . . Queen Raisa . . . . . . . . Matta Sofya . . . . .
[/sblock]

 

[BigB]

Tsaaruk watches the exchange as Mirra argues her mind and Privinia adds her piece. Uncharacteristically he feels the need to speak. "Change has already been set in motion. Has not this trial been different than those past? And different for both sides at that. We were able to save your innocent this time, although barely, but what next? This is your business but I believe we have helped push change and I pray it is for the better. Torglarok lends heat to those that build a strong foundation to repel opposition."

[sblock=mini stats]

Tsaaruck
Initiative +1
AC: 20 (with shield/ Flat:19, Touch: 12)
HP: 54 current: 54
CMB: +9 / CMD: 21 Fort: +7 / Ref: +2 / Will: +2
Resistence: 0
Current Weapon in Hand: Shield & Warhammer
Rage: 8/12
Renewed Vigor: 1/1

http://livingpf.wikia.com/wiki/Tsaaruk(BIGB)#Finances
[/sblock]

 

[Systole]

Mirra listens to the king with a grim expression that seems out of place, given her normally cheerful (if somewhat flighty) attitude. She chooses her next words carefully. "As you say, your majesty. I wished only to suggest that Lesovik would surely respect the needs of his worshipers, were they truly of a single mind." She bows again, stiffly. "I will draw up a list of suggestions, if you would have them. But I'm afraid I will not be able to attend the festival. I have already delayed certain business which I promised to undertake, and in any event, I'm afraid the day's events have rather put me off my appetite. With your leave, I will gather my things and depart within the hour."

She turns to the rest of the group. "I still have a flower to locate, so perhaps I'll see you on the road in a day or two, yes? And if one of you happens to see Mr. Trout, please give him my regards and tell him I hope to see him again someday."

[sblock=OOC]Mirra can no longer accept the king's hospitality here. If the king and the populace seem to be okay with a give-and-take from Lesovik, where they receive food but occasionally lose children, then she would literally rather starve than partake.

I'm happy to sit out for a bit while everyone else RPs the festival, however, so please don't let Mirra's holy-rolling slow you down. She actually wants to continue to travel with the group, so she'll walk slowly while everyone catches up.[/sblock][sblock=Mini Stats]Mirra Weathersmith

AC: 18+2 (13+2 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 35/35
CMB: +4 CMD: 17
Fort: +4 Reflex: +7 Will: +2

Perception: +8
Initiative: +3

Bombs: 4/11
Cognatogen Prepared: None
1st Level: 2/5
2nd Level: 1/3
Extracts Prepared: Barkskin x2, Enlarge Person, Shield x2

Current Weapon in Hand: Bomb (+6, x2, 3d6+4+2), Longspear (+4, x2, 1d8, Silver/Reach)
Current Conditions in Effect: Cognatogen (+4 Int, -2 Str, +2 Natural AC)

Used Items:
Alchemist's ice
[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

[sblock=OOC]What comes next is up to you all. I hadn't planned to roleplay out any celebration or festival beyond King Danyll giving out gifts to cover treasure & TGP earned during this section. There are several options for the next section but I want your input on where to go next.

Systole, refusing the king's hospitality will mean either finding a townsperson willing to put Mirra up or camping out. The area is too remote & travelers too few to support an inn.[/sblock]

 

[Commander_Fallout]

Samad stood, arms folded, and watched the crowd vanish through the undergrowth. He turned to Mirra, "I am not sure what you had hoped to accomplish, asking these people to suddenly turn their backs on their dearly held traditions, and most importantly, their Lord Divine. As a man of deep faith, I could never ask another to do so, as I myself could never imagine abandoning Fair Bashu. After all, for good or ill, our traditions make us who we are. Still, your intentions are pure, and that I can respect above most else."

He paused to think a moment, "I do not think we are planning on staying here much longer. After all, we only came to this city for rest. If your quest is none-too-urgent, I think I would speak for the rest of us when I ask if you would like to accompany us on our own crusade, to plumb an ancient tomb of a forgotten god."

He held out his hand in solidarity, "I'm sure that such a place would contain much knowledge long forgotten as well, and it would be an honor to continue to work with a noble heart such as yours."

 

[perrinmiller]

Pirvinia von Lichenstein, Human Female

Pirvinia was not about to press the issue. Arguing with the king about his religion and politics was probably not the smartest idea. He was the authority in the land and they were not even citizens of his realm.

“Thank you, your Majesty. If our service is helpful then you are welcome to it. If not, that is your prerogative and we shall trouble you no more about it.” She inclined her head in a bow.

Turning to her companions, she said, "By all means let us rest up after this ordeal and resupply for the return to the temple... Unless Mirra needs help with her flower. We could all go with her and then continue our quest with Brother Griswald.

[sblock=Mini-stats]Privinia von Lichenstein
Initiative: +8, Perception: +6 (8 with Mazi)
AC: 13 (17 w/ Mage Armor) (Touch 13, Flat-footed 11)-> 17 with Mage Armor
HP: 38 Current: 20
CMD: 14, Fort: +4, Ref: +4, Will: +6 (Add +1 to Saves with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Eschew Materials, PBS, Precise Shot, Ring of Sustenance, Mage Armor

Weapon in Hand: Acid Flask, Wand of Enlarge Person, & Wand of CLW
Spells Remaining: 1st Level: 5/9, 2nd Level: 3/5, 3rd Level (4/4)

Mazi
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision; Perception: +14
AC: 19 (Touch 16, flat-footed 17) -> 23 with Mage Armor
HP: 19 Current: 19
Fort: +0, Ref: +4, Will: +7
Conditions in effect: Improved Evasion, Empathic Link, Mage Armor
Weapon in Hand: Bite [Att: +9, dmg: 1d2-5(1 non-lethal)]

Combat Trained Light Horse
Initiative: +2 Senses: low-light vision, Scent; Perception: +6
AC: 13 (Touch 9, flat-footed 13)
HP: 15 Current: 15
Fort: +6, Ref: +5, Will: +1
Conditions in effect: War-trained, 50ft movement
Weapon in Hand: 2 Hooves [Att: +3, dmg: 1d4+3][/sblock]