20031105 Estus

<H1> Prelude: Estus Makes the Rounds </H1>
The following play session took place via online chat. It covers approximately one day of game time.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kyle:</B> Okay, so you get a "ride" to Kennetar (we'll assume by the normal means).
<B>Ray:</B> Before we get there, I'm assuming 1) Kalfnir gets his wing healed and 2) I've gotten a Sending to Father Pelio. The idea is that I can Gate to him for training if he's got the time (and it's doable in sufficient time before the Threat Council).
<B>Kyle:</B> Kalfnir takes some time, but it's doable. Essentially, you contact him, and he agrees to meet you in a couple hours at a spot relatively near where the meeting place was.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus waits at the appointed place. Eventually, the great bronze dragon laboriously climbs over the rim of the gorge. Estus successfully regenerates his crippled wing.
Kalfnir is grateful and tells Estus to be careful should he ever go across the southern seas. Ssethra is known to carry a grudge for many human generations. "Perhaps the one fortunate thing about this is that Ssethra has...other, larger problems right now."
Estus looks interested. "Oh? Like what?"
"He has been very closely involved with the followers of Set, and they in turn have certain alliances, and they in turn have powerful enemies."
"I see. Well, I certainly hope the forces of Good in the Southlands can keep the followers of Set and Ssethra busy for a while."
Kalfnir stretches his new wing. "His lust for power has led him to cross the pharaoh. As you may know, pharaohs are in fact the incarnation of divine beings."
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<B>Ray:</B> Whoa! Finally, a deity on our side.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Relaxing a bit, Kalfnir continues. "I was surprised he came to this council. We -- the good dragons -- had hoped his missteps in the south would have kept him away. It seems this was something he very much wanted to be involved in. Perhaps you and your compatriots have touched longer harp-strings than we imagined."
Estus nods. "In the time that I have spent with Prince Donner, I have no doubt about that. He constantly works for the greater good and any who serve Evil will certainly gain from his failures."
The great dragon smiles. "I thank you for your aid. Frankly, I have grown somewhat...insular in my old age. A renewal of the ancient Pact between our peoples is something I can welcome. It can be so tedious, defending one's lair against constant incursions. Be well."
"I am glad to help in bringing this alliance to a hopefully fruitful beginning. I certainly hope that it will lead to peace throughout the Westmarch."
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ray:</B> LOL, "constant incursions." Greedy, evil adventurers...
<B>Kyle:</B> Hey, one a year is "constant" to him.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kalfnir fairly leaps into the air, grateful to be able to fly again. He swoops, hovers, dives, and loops. You know, in a dignified way.
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<B>Ray:</B> Sweet. I'm just thinking it would be pretty cool to see a dragon fly--that's all. Estus feels Good.
<B>Kyle:</B> And it is. So, then you do a Contact Other Plane to reach Pelio?
<B>Ray:</B> No, a Sending. The only way I can "talk" to Pelio is either a Miracle "chat" or Gate to him. I need a campaign interpretation as to which is "better."
<B>Kyle:</B> It's all about duration. Therefore, Gate is going to be better. Unless you have an enduring way to bring him to you....
<B>Ray:</B> Only another Planar Ally (not another quest!) But it's a pretty powerful training trip (Sending, Gate, Plane Shift back, Word of Recall to Home for Council). Do I have any idea how long I might be in Kennetar talking to Domos and doing any errands that Donner wants?
Kyle: Unclear, but an afternoon should cover it. Perhaps 3-4 hours.
<B>Ray:</B> Oh yes, I guess I also need a spell interpretation. The description of Gate sounds like I can get to an exact point, but I want to make sure.
<B>Ray:</B> Okay, then I'll train in the evening before the Threat Council (night?)
<B>Kyle:</B> Looking at the spell, you could gate him to you, actually.
<B>Ray:</B> I was wondering about that. Okay, then I'll have to change my Sending. That actually works better if I find a few new buddies in between at Kennetar.
<B>Kyle:</B> Wait, I take that back. Hades doesn't allow outgoing Gates for his "citizens."
<B>Ray:</B> I'm assuming Gate-ing there and Plane Shifting back won't be an issue.
<B>Kyle:</B> Correct. Hades allows the living to leave under their own power; the dead have to earn it.
<B>Ray:</B> Then I probably won't need a ride back to Home unless whomever teleports me wants to come along anyway.
<B>Kyle:</B> Okay, so you do a Sending to Pelio in the Elysian Fields.
<B>Kyle:</B> [rolls...19, Sending goes through]
<B>Ray:</B> Yay! (Ends up crossing lines to Abyss: Come any time. Target red pond on layer 435.) Maybe I should've added: Need to train before I gain another level.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus casts Sending and sends his words across the planar barriers. "Ready to train. Can Gate to you--please suggest destination. Will be available in late afternoon. Is this acceptable? Otherwise, suggest alternative." He thinks for a moment, counting his words. "Love, Estus."
Pelio's words echo in Estus' mind: "Come to the docks where Charon's ship lands. We will travel. It will take several weeks. You will return in time for your evening meal."
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<B>Ray:</B> LOL, been there, done that. Not again! But at least I didn't have to die to do this trip again...Hey, don't I have to be careful about eating food in Hades? "Several weeks?" Or was it not sleeping?
<B>Kyle:</B> It's the eating. You can create food, though, I believe. Or you can go into Fingle's pantry and raid it for things that won't spoil -- cheese, jerky, etc.
<B>Ray:</B> Okay, that's good. Just wanted to do that *before* I head to Hades. Sending: "Uh, I won't be coming back."
<B>Kyle:</B> "I need a ride."
<B>Ray:</B>Okay, then off to Kennetar.
<B>Kyle:</B> You arrive at Kennetar and do whatever it is Donner wants you to do (as long as it takes less than 2 hours and isn't dangerous).
<B>Ray:</B> Nah, probably drop off a few messages to people to join the Threat Council. So, I help organize the Threat Council representation in Kennetar, possibly see if any Pelio-style volunteers from local Apollo church, maybe visit alchemist, then Domos. Skip the middle two if there's not enough time, though.
<B>Kyle:</B> Okay, you deliver invitations to whomever the party decides to invite. We'll cover that at the game. Some of them may have interesting reactions depending on how the invitation is phrased. "Signed, Donner, King of the West."
<B>Ray:</B> Yes, indeed. "Join us or die!"
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus enters the Consulate in Kennetar. He isn't looking forward to this meeting. He sees several of the elite centurions around, both outside and inside. He sees the former head of the consul guard detail talking to a large (probably half-ogre) centurion with the elite heraldry.
Estus believes the captain is now the "former" head of the guard detail because he is clearly subservient to the half-ogre.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ray:</B> Are there more of the elite than last time?
<B>Kyle:</B> Either there are more, or they are simply more visible.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Both men look up Estus enters. "You must be Estus," says the centurion.
"Yes, I am," says Estus.
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<B>Ray:</B> Ooh, good comeback.
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The captain murmurs to the centurion, "He's been negotiating with the local leaders, setting up treaties."
Estus looks the centurion over. "And you are?"
The large centurion nods. "I am Centurion Vandrol Dane. My men are here at the request of the consul to provide extra security. We have learned of several powerful destabilizing elements in this area."
He speaks with authority and good diction. Few half-ogres demonstrate his level of learning and natural leadership. "Tell me, how stable are the local principalities?"
Estus thinks for a moment. "The village with whom I've been negotiating has been preparing for an Abyssal threat. They have held off further negotiations until that threat has passed. As such, I volunteered to help them against such forces when then arrive."
Estus continues, "The city of Hensen appears to be quite stable. While they face the usual dangers on the Plateau, they appear to be well equipped to handle it." He looks at the centurion quizzically. "You mentioned destabilizing elements. Are there other situations that I'm currently unaware of?"
"Well, we know that a powerful assassin group from the Imperium recently made an attempt on a local noble," says Centurion Dane. "We also know that the dragons have been very active lately. Add to this that something has gathered the giants into an active, coherent force; the local tribes of gnolls have vanished; and armed columns have been seen marching from Hensen in this direction, and I would say that we have arrived just in time."
Estus nods. "I see. Well, it is indeed fortunate that we have your forces here. I have heard reports of your successful campaigns in the Occident and the results have been impressive. Oh, and I believe the forces of Hensen are on their way to aid the village of Home. However, I did not know their current status."
"It is good to know that the Lions of Justice are not on a conquest campaign," Dane says. "We had concerns in that area."
"No, each local village or city on the Plateau appears to be sufficiently busy keeping their own area safe," Estus replies. "I wouldn't expect either Home or Hensen to have aspirations of conquest."
Dane glances at "We are working closely with the Protectorate now. They seem only too glad to have our aid, and have granted us leave to use Kennetar as a staging area for pacification efforts. We have taken them up on it."
"Well, this is a central location for such an effort. And the people here appear quite competent in maintaining order."
"If you have any information that could help us stabilize this region, please let me know. For now, I must meet with..." He looks at the captain for help. "Father Kultos." "Ah yes, Father Kultos."
"Kultos? Yes, he's the priest of Hades here..."
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ray:</B> He killed me! (Just kidding)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
"Indeed. And their templars currently outnumber the Protectorate." Centurion Dane pauses. "While they nominally report to the Protectorate, it is wise for us to have an...understanding."
Estus looks a bit uncomfortable. "Oh, certainly. It is important to have such an understanding with allies."
Dane claps Estus on the shoulder, almost bowling him over. "Glad to see you have returned alive and well! From what I had heard of this region, I had concerns for the safety of any field agent."
"Well, Donner and his companions have certainly kept me safe wherever I have traveled."
At this point, Domos steps out of his office, papers in his hand. "Dane, it won't do for you to keep Father Kultos waiting." Vandrol Dane nods, and bids you farewell.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ray:</B> Oh, the tension in the air...
</BLOCKQUOTE>
"Greetings, Consul Domos."
Domos smiles broadly. "Estus! Please, please, come in. We have much to discuss."
"Certainly." Estus and Domos retire to the consul's office and sit down. "So, what have I missed while I've been away?"
Domos leans back in his chair. "Things are going very well. We have permission from the Protectorate to pacify this region, using Kennetar as a base of operations. We have an enduring trade and non-aggression pact as well. And the Praetor seems willing to consider annexation should we provide protection for farmers to return to the lands around the city."
"I hear you and Donner are getting along quite famously," the consul continues. "I also hear that his star is rising here in frontier politics, and that his word is his bond. If true, you are doing your work excellently."
"I have found him to live up to his reputation and more," Estus replies guardedly.
Domos seems satisfied. "Do you have any news for me? Do we have an agreement with Home, or with Aquitaine?"
Estus appears to review a mental list. "From my best information, Home will have to deal with an attack within a week and once I help them against the invading forces, I expect they will be available for treaties. The King of Aquitaine had some harsh words for me and certainly seemed to have no love for my presence, but I believe Donner is much friendlier towards me. I believe that he would be willing to sign a treaty when he becomes King."
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<B>Ray:</B> BTW, should I consider Donner's promotion to King of the West "official"? Or is there more stuff that needs to be done before he's technically King? KoW, not King of Aquitaine.
<B>Kyle:</B> All the kingdoms of the Westmarch have to recognize him; that hasn't happened yet, though it seems imminent.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus continues, "so, I have no definite timetable for Aquitaine, but I expect Home to be successful in defending against the current threat and will then be open to our overtures."
Domos looks earnestly at Estus. "All right. Here's where things stand. The Governor of the Occident wants the entire Westmarch. We have three choices how that can happen. One, we gain everyone's acceptance of Imperial rule by treaty. That would likely make me the overseer of this new territory.
"Two, the Occident conquers this region by force. That is still months away, but the wheels are turning inexorably.
"Three, the schemer Adelphus Marvad delivers this region to Imperial control through nefarious means, becoming the overseer of this region. He also stands to inherit the Governorship of the Occident if he distinguishes himself in such a way to his uncle, the current Governor."
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<B>Ray:</B> (Contemplating suggesting the Kingdom of the West treaty as a fourth alternative)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Domos carries on, seemingly unaware of Estus' momentary distraction. "I say 'uncle' advisedly, since as you know the Marvads have a rather tangled family tree thanks to their propensity for magical possession and life extension."
Estus looks disgusted. "Well, I certainly have no desire to see the third situation occur. The people here are of good nature and are hard workers. Living under any Marvad rule would be detrimental to these people. I'm sure some sort of treaty could be signed before any need of conquest. I'm uncertain about the situation in the City of Brass, but Home and Hensen should be open to diplomatic overtures after Home is safe again."
Domos smiles. "That's why I asked for you specifically. If anyone can deliver the lowlands, it's you. They are too noble, too independent, and too suspicious to be duped. We have to deal fairly with them in order to get them to sign."
"That certainly sums up the situation with the Lower Kingdoms," sighs Estus. "Although the governor may have to be satisfied with a nonaggression treaty with the Lower Kingdoms. That is my current belief based on the interactions I've had with the people there."
"I can get the plateau community to sign easily enough," says Domos dismissively. "Especially with the added strength of Vandrol Dane and his men, I can offer them a level of peace and security only dreamed of. What I need from you is treaties from the lower kingdoms. Treaties that accept Imperial jurisdiction. We can give them great leeway, let them make their own laws, and levy very light taxes, but they must accept Imperial rule. And Imperial garrisons."
Estus looks slightly ill. "Well, that would certainly be tougher. I will attempt to do my best."
Domos' voice grows very serious. "Perhaps the truth will help. They must understand their options."
"That certainly works for the Plateau," Estus muses. "The Lower Kingdoms are relatively peaceful and won't be persuaded along those lines."
"The plateau cities will join us easily," Domos states flatly. "With their aid, Imperial forces now massing at Regis Vale will pass unchallenged to the rim of the plateau.
"The lower kingdoms are weakened by fighting with the orcs," Domos continues. "I have great confidence that we can even make peace with the giants and the undead -- we have diplomats for such. The lower kingdoms have no hope of standing against the Imperium. You know that, I know that. Now, given their independent spirit, I don't expect them to accept that."
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<B>Ray:</B> Argh.
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Domos' voice softens. "However, this Donner seems to have great influence. If you can use your leverage with him, he in turn could probably convince the others."
"I will certainly talk to Donner about the future of the Westmarch," Estus says. "He has great interests in maintaining peace throughout these lands."
Domos shakes his head slowly. "I know this is difficult. Believe me, I don't want this to come down to war. You know what happens when the Imperium has to conquer. The costs of war are always paid by the conquered. A treaty is really the best way."
"I do have to tell you one other thing..." Estus ventures.
"What is that?"
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kyle:</B>"I...am really Donner! Die Imperial lackey!"
<B>Ray:</B>We totally should have had Donner come in my place.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
"I am under divine oath to start an order of friars. This goal is still early in development, but I will have to dedicate more time towards its development in the future."
Domos nods. "If this oath requires you to resign, I understand. If it does not, you still have a duty to me and the Imperium. Are we clear?"
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<B>Ray:</B> Okay, conscience check time. Starting up the order can begin slowly, but how soon would I need to really dedicate full-time? Or am I misunderstanding the Planar Ally promise?
<B>Kyle:</B> As long as you do it, there's no particular time window. I don't recommend you die permanently without fulfilling it. You won't likely end up in Elysium, if you get my meaning. And the longer you delay, the more grief you will get from planar beings of your alignment: "Save me!" "Yeah sure, oath-slacker, save yourself."
<B>Ray:</B> Got it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus stands. "I will certainly do my best to get any treaties signed in order to prevent war, but I expect that I will have to resign once those treaties have been finalized."
Domos stands as well, shaking Estus' hand. "As I said, I understand."
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<B>Ray:</B> Hmmm...how long do I think it will take to sign treaties with everyone? Or how long until Donner becomes King of the West and I only have to get one treaty signed? (Walking along the fence) Is there a Fence-Walker Prestige Class? If not, I'm starting it!
<B>Kyle:</B> Wheels are turning, the other kingdoms will likely accept his lineage within a couple weeks. Coronating him could take longer. Medieval politics don't move quickly.
<B>Ray:</B> So, probably have to wait at least those few weeks before I can really resign unless I do it right now. On the oath-slacking scale, how bad is that? I think Estus would really want to prevent war as best he could before starting the order.
<B>Kyle:</B> It's not bad. You're training in the order, that's a good step forward.
<B>Ray:</B> Okay, that's cool. I'd probably keep periodically training with Pelio and bringing others if possible and once I find them. Then, I think I'm more or less done reporting in.
<B>Kyle:</B> That's fine. It's an order of the road, after all, so starting it as you go is appropriate.
<B>Ray:</B> Cool. I think I still have two or three days before those books are ready anyhow. But that should do it.
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