Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

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Cwreando
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#161 Post by Cwreando »

Durgo

Durgo bows to Decimus and the trainers involved. "I am grateful to you all for helping me. I would like to continue my training in the future here if possible." -1 gp, - 50 gp Sheet updated.

I wasn't sure if I got a roll as I thought it was written as if I did the second week with Decimus. Thanks for banking it.
Noted on future Blind fighting upgrades. Looks like I need to find a monk, a visor, trainers to practice echo training etc in Helix or elsewhere. If I can remember to do that later on. Grin.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#162 Post by OGRE MAGE »

At some point, Sven will approach the government buildings to make his report about the hobgoblin attack they witnessed, eager to explain what they found and more importantly, the information they learned from the interrogated hobgoblin raider.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#163 Post by Spearmint »

At some point, Sven will approach the government buildings
just a date when you decide to follow this up. You arrive back to Helix June 28th and use June 29th to debrief. So this will happen 30th June or onwards of July 1st +
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#164 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Spearmint wrote: Sun Jun 25, 2023 4:54 pm
At some point, Sven will approach the government buildings
just a date when you decide to follow this up. You arrive back to Helix June 28th and use June 29th to debrief. So this will happen 30th June or onwards of July 1st +
Well, he wouldn't want to wait too long as it might be time sensitive.......

If he cant make it there by the end of the day on June 29th, Sven will send a runner with a message about the incident instead.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#165 Post by Spearmint »

The Old Manse

June 29th

Sven and Martell call in to report the Woodcutter's Cottage incident.

There is some other kerfuffle apparently. Decimus, Captain of the Duchy Militia gets a junior to script your report, promising to despatch a patrol to check the ruins out. It might ordinarily be listed as a major incident but another issue seems to grip his attention.

See above posts, #143 through #154.

"The night before last, two cultists were brought in. Taken captive after a raid on a Barrow Mound. They manifest in demonic wats and the Vicar has issued there excommunication declared them heretic. They will be executed on the morrow, the gallows built for the lizardman will swing with two Nergalites instead."

Decimus shares a brief of the above. He reads through yours, shaking his head. "Ollis favours this rancher, having his back and oft promoting his 'greener life' policies. We should exercise prudence in how Lord Krothos receives your news just in case any of this filters where it ought not."

Away from the guardhouse, he escorts you over to the Manse building proper should you wish to speak with Krothos direct.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#166 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Along the way to see Lord Krothos, Sven speaks with Martell and Decimus.

"I am sorry Captain Decimus sir, but could you repeat that please? Did you say that Chamberlain Ollis is in cahoots with this rancher who befriends evil humanoid thugs who go around burning, looting, and killing goodly townsfolk?"

Sven checks around the area before looking both men straight in the eyes again. "I don't want to get in the middle of any Duchy politics, but doesnt that sound a little wrong to either of you? I can only assume Lord Krothos doesn't know about this situation? I cant imagine him agreeing that it is okay for his constituents to be robbed and murdered."

"What do you personally think of this Ollis, Captain, sir?"
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#167 Post by Spearmint »

The Old Manse
"What do you personally think of this Ollis, Captain, sir?"
"I am a man under authority. I serve the Duchy and Lord Krothos. Ollis, serves himself. At least that is my view. A diplomat, a crony. His words mightier than my sword. I haven't seen him slay as much as a church mouse yet behind his mild manners are a cunning, a guile.

Yet Krothos favours his counsel over Vicar Othar's. The Vicar was not pleased but the Duchy reforms have brought in taxes to swell coffers and public services are improving.

Far Alaway provinces on the edge of the Duchy swear vassal ship and their have been more treaties established. Maybe I am an old man of war, finding it difficult to lay aside my sword.

Indeed that rancher Bresnan fronts a Merchentmen's Fellowship, a trade guild that barters with tribes from far over the hills. Some reside in the commune he fronts and Ollis pushes their cause to swell the Militia ranks rather than draft conscripts.

The cottage raid may well turn out to be a renegade group. Hopefully so and they have moved on. I would hate to think instead a group plot against the Crown in private. I doubt they will take responsibility for ordering any attack. The Woodcutter's a small insignificant place no?

The inner core of the commune seems a secret society, Freemasons? We cannot infiltrate such a place.

It does not go down well with me."
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#168 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Sven shakes his head in disgust.

"Nor me, sir. Nor me."

"I suggest for both of our sakes that we keep our suspicions between us for now, so we don't ruffle the wrong feathers, if you get my meaning. But perhaps this Bresnan fellow should be investigated a little closer?"

"And dare I say, perhaps Ollis should be monitored more closely as well?"


The mage continues to look around nervously in case anyone is watching from the shadows as they discuss such unpleasant realities.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#169 Post by Spearmint »

The mage continues to look around nervously in case anyone is watching from the shadows as they discuss such unpleasant realities.


Would could be listening? The black cat stalking the pigeons on the gables, the maid hanging out the washing, the motionless statue that doubles as Sundial needle?

Of course you have that nagging suspicion Martell who Lord Krothos own infiltration of the BRAG. Of concern from Decimus is the confession from the Nergal cultists who spoke while under induced hypnosis, 'some tavern wench'.

"Perhaps Pernicious needs a visit to get her house in order."

You can follow through to an audience with Krothos if you wish.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#170 Post by OGRE MAGE »

"Perhaps", is all the mage can offer as a reply, suddenly noticing several potential eavesdroppers.

"Will you accompany me to speak with Lord Krothos, sir? Do you know anything of his current mood, by any chance? I can assume it isn't great, with all this unappetizing commotion lately."
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#171 Post by Spearmint »

The Old Manse

Decimus will accompany you to an audience with Lord Krothos. As to how he feels, many administrative tasks take his precedent, things which he can delegate usually via Ollis to other vassals.

Two recent noteworthy actions boost his own sense of burgeoning authority. One, the establishing of a new Chapel to St Ygg among the Herne community at Crooked Yew. Secondly, the raid into Sauron tribal lands by Foxrell seems to have had some measure of success.

The demands of the Duchy weigh heavy. He has to collect taxes for example which are spent in public services or sent in tribute to his Father, Duke Kell. Militias are raised to provide local security and buff out far away wars. The village prosperity borders a fine line with adventurers bringing in much of the income but also causing many of the problems.

He also has his personal quests. Investing time and research into the ways of the ancient Mercian barbarians and the Staff of Silas, the carved short staff he carries as a sign of office. The bear headed stave is carved with sigils of the Covenant of the Mercians, the treaty between Dwarven, Elven and the Barbarian tribes in their war against the humanoids savages.

"He has been looking for ways to bring these insolent Dwarves to heel and to reach out to those Xenophobes in the dark woods. Perhaps recent opportunities have arisen that he can take advantage of."

You arrive in the reception hall, noticing a new trophy being mounted for display. A large Pterandon. "These ancient brutes swoop down from the Moon Peaks. Are they starving? Are the dwarves too fat to fit into their jaws?" It is not unrealistic to think these dinosaurs cover such a wide territory when they hunt.

"Master Jolly, Martell. Have you come seeking more land already?" Lord Krothos asks.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#172 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Sven smiles, actually happy to see LK again for a change.

"Of course not, my lord. The generosity of your initial decree keeps our hands filled with work and our minds bent on planning for the future at our budding Guild, my lord."

"I came with news, and with another bag of shiny, golden, disk shaped taxes, my lord."
He pulls out a bag of 200 gold coins to add to his coffers.

"We have had some interest from a few folks willing to join the Guild, my lord. We total 10 in number already sir, and hope to add more with each new successful endeavor." He hands over the coin for inspection and documentation.

"I need to mention a group we met out in the moors as well. A group of Half-orcs, who we have brought back here to work for the Guild as laborers and construction workers. I wanted to get your approval before we proceed further. I have already spoken with Brother Gamder about them, who didn't have anything negative to say about them living here with us, though he is also a half-orc himself, so no real surprise there."

"Do you see any reason we shouldn't have them working for us here, my lord? With your blessing, I can make it so, sir."


I have no problem with the other PC's joining us on this if there are details about the dwarf mission that need to be ironed out.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#173 Post by Spearmint »

I will keep any request to LK for aid over the dwarf rumour for a separate in-character visit.

Lord Krothos, mulls things over.
"Do you see any reason we shouldn't have them working for us here, my lord? With your blessing, I can make it so, sir."
Lord Krothos: Wisdom check vs 16 [4d6]=13

He would ordinarily not bother to enquire so much into transient labourers but the way you ask suggests there is something different about them. A little digging might bring up their history and the last generated encounter as you trekked home, 'Guard Patrol' showed some warrant for Nameless at least.

"Much made over a molehill." Lord Krothos says, perhaps alluding to the initial transgressions which triggered the Half-orcs rebellion.

He juggles the pouch of coins, "Taxes and bribes, both swell the Duchy coffers and the ego.

The law of the land should have a long reach and certain consequences. Though I am not above giving second chances save for those wretches brought in to the dungeon earlier. I have to extend judgement without mercy upon them, let them appeal to St Ygg for his grace. To balance then, as they stand condemned, let me pardon others.

Any future rebellion is on your head. They are free but I counsel them not to bear arms against the Duchy again. 'Sedition and rebellion is the sin of witchcraft'."


He calls a scribe, handing him the coins, instructing him to send a letter to justices in the nobleman's jurisdiction regarding his pronouncement and compensating the pouch of coins on behalf of the victim.

"Should they stray, my mercy might not cover them from other's wrath."

So Nameless and crew can live and work at your Guild while it is being constructed and outside of the village hex, may become subject to rendition at their own risk. To be fair, this probably only affects Nameless to any great degree.

To Sven and Martell it seems an amicable resolution.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#174 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Sven bows so low his nose almost touches the floor.

"I could listen to your wisdom all day, my lord. I appreciate your understanding in this matter, and will take full responsibility for anything that might happen with them in the future. Though I assure you their leash will be short until trust form both sides is firmly established, my lord."

"Captain Decimus has already informed me of these unruly cultists. Nasty folks indeed. If there is anything in my power that I can do to aid you with any of that unfortunate situation, all you need do is ask, my lord."


He looks to the good Captain, wondering if anything needs to be mentioned about the raiding hobgoblin situation.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#175 Post by Spearmint »

The Old Manse

"The cultists will come under the weight of the Law. Given fair trial and judged accordingly. I believe the good Captain and Vicar have attested the pair themselves. Those who brought them in have left the village. Seeking more criminals as bounty hunters perhaps. Good men, they shall be rewarded for their work as these men will find just reward for their cult endeavours."

Near the market place is a public gallows / gibbet used for the most heinous crimes or treason that warrant any capital punishment. You hear the men will have 'three moons' to reconcile themselves to St Ygg and the Almighty before sentence is likely to be carried out.

If there are no more concerns, the audience can be concluded.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#176 Post by OGRE MAGE »

If there is nothing to be gained from relaying the information about the hobgoblins attack on the home outside of Helix, Sven will take his leave.

If there IS anything to gain, Sven would stay and detail the attack for LK, if he wishes.

(really just trying to get a reaction from him about the Hobgobs attack to see if Ollis gets brought up)
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#177 Post by Spearmint »

If there IS anything to gain, Sven would stay and detail the attack for LK, if he wishes.
I think practically, having delivered the report to Decimus, the Captain of the guard might oversee a patrol checking stuff out. As far as the Hobgoblin confession,
The one surviving Hobgoblin does not survive much longer. He speaks but only in pragmatic defiance. He gives a personal name, speaks of his tribe as 'from over the hills'. He speaks also of some treaty and that the Hobgoblins are in good standing with a local rancher, inferring perhaps this raid was not an isolated incident but a premeditated action. He points to a charred body as 'the Gaffer'. Just following orders is no justification and his execution is swift. A tight noose and a kick away of the bucket he stands upon.
the local rancher infers the Bresnan Ranch commune which though backed by Ollis, doesn't yet incriminate him in any duplicitous actions.

Connections might be raised, Decimus is of St Ygg's and loyal to Vicar Othar who contends often with Ollis over policies and influences upon Krothos. So he might add an implication rather than yourself. At this point Krothos has no reason not to trust his Chamberlain.

Of the four figureheads in the Old Manse (Krothos, Vicar, Ollis & Decimus) you might find the latter the most trustworthy to take into your confidence.
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#178 Post by OGRE MAGE »

As they make their way out of the buildings, Sven speaks with the captain.

"I appreciate being able to speak freely with you, Captain Decimus. I believe you are seriously concerned for the safety and well being of the people of Helix. And I don't sense that you have any ulterior motives for thinking thusly. I don't know if I could say the same for any others around these parts, so I am glad to have you as a friend, sir."

"If you should ever have need of me, for whatever reasons, please don't hesitate to ask."
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#179 Post by Spearmint »

"If you should ever have need of me, for whatever reasons, please don't hesitate to ask."
Discreetly he says that he will relate to you directly should any need arise (as Martell is a Knight-in-training and may be loyal firstly to LK).
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Re: Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

#180 Post by Cwreando »

Durgo

June 30th AM

Durgo approaches the old Manse to ask for an audience with Lord Krothos.
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