Rise of Drekis: Chapter 2 Episode 12

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==Synopsis==
Lord Campbell, grappling with uncertainty about his future, confronts Elaine about his role in the unfolding events, prompting a discourse on leadership qualities. Several days later, the party contemplates relocating Santa Barbara due to environmental concerns, but opts to maintain its current position for strategic reasons. As the departure nears, Lord Campbell proposes a union with Elaine, emphasizing their shared commitment to the land. Despite her reservations, Elaine accepts.
== Recap ==
=== Deciding Santa Barbara's Future ===
On their walk back to Santa Barbara after talking to Skilee, the Nereid, Lord Campbell asks Elaine what is going to happen to him now. Expressing dissatisfaction with Elaine's ambiguous response, Campbell presses for a direct answer. In retort, Elaine admonishes him for his passivity amidst unfolding events, asserting his habitual deference in decision-making. She emphasizes the necessity for assertiveness and decisiveness in effective leadership. In response, Campbell declares his desire to persist as the Lord of Santa Barbara.
A few days later, the party is approached by villagers who report the slough's deterioration, rendering boat navigation impractical. A local goat herder suggests an alternative coastal site with ample agricultural potential and easy access by ship. This spot would be ideal if they wish to grow Santa Barbara into a larger town. The downside is that the new location is more in the open and therefore much more vulnerable to attacks. Elaine decides to keep the town in the same spot and expand to the new spot if needed later. 
=== Marriage Proposal ===
Several weeks thereafter, as the ship readies for the homeward voyage, Lord Campbell extends an invitation to the party for dinner at his manor. During the meal, Campbell advocates for his continued lordship over Santa Barbara. Culminating his speech, Campbell approaches Elaine, kneeling and presenting a ring.
“Elaine Pentalin, you and I have very long lives to live. You and I are very invested in maintaining this land. It is clear you have no interest in a great many of the traditional aspects of marriage, but I think the two of us together could do good for one another and could do good for this land. Will you, Elaine, join houses with me? Legitimize my rule here and give you an excuse so your family will never bother you again about marriage.”
Elaine explains that her duty toward her family and country will always come before marriage and romance, but Campbell is undeterred by this and claims he is perfectly ready to accept that fact. Ultimately, Elaine extends her hand, accepting the oversized ring Campbell offers. The evening concludes with cheers and dancing.
== Future of These Characters ==
=== Elaine Pentalin ===
Elaine, following the departure of the Voraci Army from Ethos, assumes a sense of responsibility towards establishing stability in Santa Barbara amidst the harsh treatment the citizens have endured at the hands of both Drekisians and Voraci soldiers in the past. Her plan is to marry Lord Campbell and jointly govern Santa Barbara alongside him. Under her rule she aims to foster positive relations with any potential elven arrivals to Ethos and to bolster the Drekisian military presence, thereby preparing for the impending conflict with the Voraci Empire.
In addition to her political endeavors, Elaine outlines personal aspirations, including the pursuit of mastery in long sword combat through apprenticeship under a skilled master. Despite her dedication to safeguarding Santa Barbara, Elaine remains steadfastly loyal to Drekis, acknowledging that her duties may necessitate her frequent departure from Ethos.
=== Crumpet ===
Over the two months on Ethos, Crumpet has grown to enjoyed the adventure the island brings and has developed a strong friendship with Elaine. For these reasons, Crumpet doesn't hesitate when deciding weather to stay on Ethos or return to Drekis. She stay along side Elaine as her trusty right hand, hopefully for the long term.
=== Vincent ===
Initially Vincent was planning on returning to Drekis at the first opportunity, when Elaine gives him an unexpected offer. Elaine offers Vincent a deal to stay with her and Crumpet on Ethos. That way he could continue his mapping of the island, investigations of the ley lines, and explore the island for any other magics that can be found. In return she will try and get Vincent a pay raise so he no longer has to worry about being in debt to Drekis. Vincent happily accepts this offer. 
== Q&A ==
Q: What level was Geraldine Silverworth?
A: 6th level black robed wizard with no specialization. 
Q: Are there any plans to bring these characters back?
A: No.
Q: In what ways has Elaine changed after this experience, if at all?
A: During this experience she learned that it is important to keep your feeling of hatred suppressed for the greater good. Elaine hated what Silverworth and the orcs represented but was willing to let them go free because she knew the consequences of fighting them would be too great to bear. 
Q: Can you tell us more about playing two characters at once, Vincent and Vordren?
A: Just meant to be a background character to prevent the squishy wizard from dying too quickly.
Q: To Peach. How was your first time playing in a Koibu campaign?
A: Like the idea that Crumb made a difference in the lore of the world.
Q: With the premise of RoD being that the short campaigns will inform and grant insights into the nature and inner works of the rising empire, what are the main points being taken from this chapter, and how might this impact the path forward?
'''
A: The events of RoD chp 2 will not spark a war between the 2 empires. What this campaign does show is that the eventual war between the Drekisian Empire and the Voraci Empire will occur far away from the Arcadian island. Instead of the war being fought to overthrow the other side, the war will focus more on controlling the territories in-between the 2 nations.
Q: If the party killed Silverworth at the end, what would have happened?
A: The Voraci Empire would have sent more troops to Ethos and a war might have started there. 
Q: If the gods didn't want humans to find and colonize the island, why put it so close to the Arcadian Isles?
A: Answer question with question.
Q: Is there a chance the elves will abandon the PMP and just chill in the feywild from now on?
A: Answer question with question.
Q: Does Drekis have an official policy for dealing with the Army of Voraci in the aftermath of this incident?
A: Since things ended more or less peacefully, Drekis policy towards the Voraci Empire will be to put it off until it becomes important. Too many issues at home to deal with.
Q: Peach. What do you think the party's choices in this campaign say about the broader empire?
'''
A: Drekis negotiates first but is okay with violence if diplomacy doesn’t work. 
Q: How has Lord Campbell's disposition towards his role as leader changed after meeting with Elaine? Will he make an effort to be a proper noble? Will he talk with the Nereids about the elven homeland?
'''
A: Campbell will try to preserve the forest for the elves and keep the coastline for the humans. 
Q: Is Vincent wanting to take over Silverworth’s position and start investigating the strange magics here?
A: He is interested and winds up staying on Ethos after Elaine offers him a job to stay on
Q: How do the soldiers feel about everything that has happened?
A: The normal conscripts are just happy to be alive. Willa, on the other hand, feels terrible about running in battle. Although she enjoys working under Elaine, she wants to prove herself on the front lines. Therefore, she requests to go back to Drekis and be redeployed. 
Q: How does Crumpet feel about this adventure?
A: Crumb is surprised everything was solved without violence, and she is happy to become Elaine's personal rogue. 
Q: What was it like playing a character as committed to diplomacy as Vincent? 
A: He enjoys playing a character that is a small piece in working towards a much larger goal. He also enjoys role-playing diplomacy over combat. 
Q: How will Elaine balance wanting the elves to have a sanctuary and remaining loyal to Drekis?
A: Convince Drekis that the elves could be a valuable ally if they allow them a safe place to live.
==Experience==
No experience given this episode.
Category:Rise of Drekis Episodes
Category:Rise of Drekis