Kingmaker

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Session-0

Nov 01, 2025, 15 min read

Session 0

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A decade has passed since the mysterious disappearance of House Rogarvia and its heirs, plunging Brevoy into turmoil. With the once dominant rulers gone, the fragile peace of the region has crumbled, teetering on the brink of civil war. House Surtova of Issia has seized power, establishing themselves as the de facto rulers of Brevoy through cunning alliances and covert schemes.

The Swordlords of the Free City of Restov, situated along the Shrike River in southeastern Brevoy, have steadfastly refused King-Regent Noleski Surtova’s attempts to conscript them into his rule. In response, Surtova’s loyalists, disguised as Aldori apprentices, have sought to steal the Swordlords’ martial techniques, escalating tensions and fueling rumors of impending conflict.

Despite internal strife, King Surtova has been persuaded by Restov’s Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius to address external threats posed by the chaotic River Kingdoms to the south. Seeking to stabilize the region, a call for adventurers has been issued to settle the untamed Stolen Lands, an area notorious for its lawlessness and danger.

Our tale begins with the party responding to this call to adventure, responding to a call from Lady Aldori for brave adventurers.

19 Calistril 4710

Threats of a new civil war in Brevoy cause Lady Jamandi Aldori to call on brave adventurers for a new expedition to the Stolen Lands. She and Ioseph Sellemius invite several adventurers to a Grand Banquet at her manor.

Leonardo is pushed forward by Lander Lebeda to join Lady Jamandi Aldori’s call for an expedition to the Stolen Lands, mostly as a way to prove that could be a worthy successor to the Lebeda lands.

Kairos is asked to join, as she has the crafting skill to keep Leonardo running, but also possesses knowledge of the River Kingdoms. Djames, and Lizzy by proxy, also decide to join the expedition to the Stolen Lands.

24 Calistril 4710

Upon our arrival at Lady Jamandi’s magnificent hilltop manor, we were greeted by a beautiful sight. The spacious hall had been meticulously arranged for a splendid feast, guarded by vigilant heavily armed soldiers. A roaring fire emanated warmth from a colossal fireplace, its iron lever secured by a lock, adding to the hall’s decor. Ornate chandeliers adorned the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the exquisite artwork gracing the walls. Tables at the room’s center were laden with silverware, surrounded by the aroma of roasted meats and other delectable dishes.

Seated amongst us were two companions: Amiri, a formidable Kellid Barbarian, and Tartuccio, a witty gnome wizard. As conversation flowed, Amiri voiced her anticipation for Lady Jamandi’s presence, while Tartuccio couldn’t resist continued snide jabs at Amiri’s perceived lack of manners, eyeing us to see if we’d agree. Lizzy indulged in a drink from the pitcher, adding to the lively atmosphere of the gathering.

As Ioseph Sellemius and the graceful Lady Jamandi Aldori entered the hall, an air of importance accompanied them. Lady Jamandi, with her striking half-elven beauty, commanded attention as she joined the gathering. Ioseph took the opportunity to introduce her, elaborating on her significance and the pressing need for adventurers in their endeavors, in name of the Aldori Swordlords.

Lady Aldori spoke of the perilous nature of the Stolen Lands - a realm plagued by monsters and bandits, its rulership constantly in flux. Undeterred by the challenges, she extended an invitation for bold souls to claim these lands, promising recognition from Rostland for those who succeeded. With a determined gesture, she raised her gauntlet, symbolizing her resolve.

Amidst the preparations for the feast, conversations veered towards various topics. Kairos delved into the intricate politics of Brevoy, while Djames recounted legends surrounding the Aldori lineage, emphasizing the Aldori wealth and prowess. Djames also shared insights into Lady Aldori’s background specifically, detailing her history as a mercenary and how she has now retired to her mansion, focused on her status and estate.

Lizzy approached Linzi with curiosity, remarking on her petite stature in her typically candid manner. Engaging in what could be considered polite conversation by Lizzy’s standards, she inquired about Linzi’s musical talents and instruments. Linzi, eager to share, began weaving a captivating tale of heroism and adventure through her music.

However, as Linzi’s story grew lengthy, Kairos interjected, shifting the conversation towards the bard’s attire, a clear indicator of her profession. This redirection led to a discussion about Pitax, its political landscape, and the challenges faced by artists under its rule.

Lizzy’s playful antics with her gold bead and Gomi, her trusty companion, left a lasting impression on Linzi. The bard was charmed by Lizzy’s demeanor and delighted in the attention given to her beloved pet. Before long, Gomi was receiving affectionate pets from Linzi, further cementing the bond between the two groups.

Leonardo’s attempt at flirtation with Valerie fell flat, met with polite but distant responses from her. Despite this, Valerie eagerly engaged in political discourse, displaying a keen interest in such matters. She recognized Leonardo from their shared circles in Brevoy’s noble society, leading to a discussion about their backgrounds and connections.

Turning his attention to Harrim, Leonardo adopted a more imposing demeanor. Harrim, a dwarf with a weathered appearance, spoke openly about his pursuit of death during their conversation. As a cleric of Groetus, he viewed death as an inevitable part of existence, discussing its significance and implications for prophecy. Despite Leonardo’s jest about hastening Harrim’s demise, the dwarf remained steadfast in his beliefs, emphasizing the acceptance of mortality.

Djames conversed with Maegar Varn, focusing on local politics. Djames observed the crest adorning Varn’s attire, recognizing it as the emblem of House Varn. Inquiring about its significance, Maegar revealed his familial ties to the house, although his interest in the conversation waned over time, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for further discussion.

After encountering a lukewarm reception from Maegar Varn, Djames redirected his attention to Linzi, who greeted him warmly, citing Lizzy’s praise of him. Djames shared a tale of nature’s resilience and the bonds the party has already forged, offering insights into his philosophy on settling the Stolen Lands. Intrigued, Linzi inquired about his favorite performers, revealing her admiration for a performer group called “The Walking Tears”. Djames reciprocated with his preference for the performer group “Securius”, captivating Linzi with their shared love for storytelling. As a gesture of appreciation, Linzi presented Djames with a Jade Cat and an Onyx Panther as parting gifts.

Kairos attempted to engage Jaethal in conversation, noting her aloof demeanor. Despite Kairos’s efforts, Jaethal remained focused on her food, signalling a lack of interest. Similarly, Kairos’s interaction with Harrim centered on polite conversation, with Kairos unable to decipher the religious symbolism adorning Harrim’s attire.

Elsewhere, Lizzy struck up a conversation with Amiri, admiring her appearance and learning about the origins of her sword and the losses suffered by her clan. As their discussion turned to drinking and revelry, Lizzy, Amiri, and Djames bonded over shared experiences, quickly forming a camaraderie as drinking buddies. However, Lizzy’s tolerance for alcohol appeared limited, evident in her slightly impaired state.

Kairos engaged Valerie in conversation, probing into her motivations for joining the expedition. However, Valerie remained guarded, offering only vague sentiments about seeking a fresh start, opting to keep the discussion at a superficial level.

Djames recognized the Iron Wraiths, an adventuring party clad in full plate armor even during festivities. Notably, he also identified Hannis Drelev among the attendees, adding an air of familiarity to the gathering.

As the evening progressed, Lizzy’s inebriation became more apparent, leading her to ramble to Amiri as tiny liquor bubbles seemingly emanated from her. Sensing Lizzy’s increasing intoxication, Djames intervened while Kairos questioned Amiri about her knowledge of the Broken Tusk tribes, to which Amiri admitted unfamiliarity. Leonardo, curious about Amiri’s sword, conversed with her in Hallit, while Lizzy continued to distribute alcohol to the party. Grateful for the lively stories shared, Amiri expressed her appreciation by offering Lizzy a +1 Dagger.

Outside, the storm intensified, its relentless downpour punctuated by the tolling of a bell. Lady Jamandi seized the moment to address the gathering, encouraging everyone to enjoy the food and drink before retiring early. With cheers from the revelers echoing through the hall, Lady Jamandi hinted at forthcoming discussions regarding each adventuring party’s specific missions and directives in the Stolen Lands.

Summary

25 Calistril 4710

We retired to our quarters around 9 in the evening, seeking sleep, though Lizzy, true to her nature, remained in more of a plant-like hibernation. However, our slumber was abruptly interrupted at 3 in the morning by a hounding cry echoing through the halls. Despite the disturbance, Djames remained sound asleep until Lizzy roused him from his slumber. Quickly realizing the urgency of the situation, we sprang into action, hastily donning our armor while Lizzy directed Gomi to cautiously scout the corridors.

Gomi’s reconnaissance revealed the presence of dark figures lurking nearby. Acting swiftly, Kairos pressed herself against the wall, blending into the shadows as she cautiously opened the door. Sensing imminent danger, the party prepared to ambush the attackers, bracing for the impending confrontation.

As the assailants breached the threshold, Lizzy unleashed a volley from her sling, narrowly missing her target. Simultaneously, a second attacker targeted Leonardo with a ranged assault before retreating to reload. Seizing the opportunity, Kairos emerged from the doorway, wielding her Elven Glaive with deadly precision in a spellstrike. Meanwhile, Djames employed his magic, casting Daze to incapacitate the second assailant.

With the situation escalating, Lizzy commanded Gomi to unleash a powerful Electric Arc attack, incapacitating both the second guard and a third attacker. In the chaos that ensued, Leonardo delivered a decisive blow, dispatching the final assailant and neutralizing the immediate threat.

As the sounds of conflict echoed through the castle corridors, a heavy thud reverberated, signaling the closure of the gates and the implementation of a lockdown. Lizzy approached the fallen guard in an attempt to assess his condition, but it was clear he had succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, Leonardo wasted no time in preparing himself, donning his cumbersome armor in anticipation of further confrontations.

With a cautious approach, we divided into smaller groups to investigate different rooms, searching for any surviving occupants. Kairos’s initial inspection revealed a room devoid of life but marked by blood-soaked bedding and a grim discovery of a severed hand. In another room, Lizzy, accompanied by Gomi and Djames, stumbled upon several corpses alongside a gleaming object, while a separate chamber yielded a minor healing potion, promptly claimed by Kairos.

Despite the absence of inhabitants in the final room Kairos inspected, the disheveled bedding hinted at recent occupation. Conversely, the chamber examined by Lizzy, Gomi, and Djames revealed a similarly desolate scene, with bloodstained beds serving as the only remnants of previous occupants. With Leonardo now fully armored, we proceeded to the indoor gardens, where we were met by four hostile assailants lying in wait.

Kairos wasted no time in engaging the attackers, swiftly dispatching the first with a decisive blow. However, her subsequent attempt was met with less success as the second attacker narrowly evaded her strike, opting instead to target Lizzy with a ranged assault, fortunately missing its mark.

After the skirmish intensified, Lizzy swiftly conjured a protective barrier using her Interposing Earth ability, seeking cover from the assailants’ onslaught. In a display of formidable prowess, Leonardo, fueled by bloodlust, advanced towards a third attacker, delivering a devastating blow with his greatsword that sent the assailant reeling.

Undeterred, the remaining adversaries pressed their assault. One assailant hurled a mysterious bottle of white liquid at Lizzy’s barricade, striking both her and Djames, while another fired a crossbow at Gomi. In response, Lizzy unleashed her Wilding Word, directed at the assailant who targeted Gomi, while Djames rallied the party with a resounding Courageous Anthem before incapacitating the second assailant with his Daze spell.

Meanwhile, Kairos tapped into her arcane abilities, unleashing a Dimensional Assault attack that swiftly dispatched the final enemy. As a precaution, she fortified herself with a Shield cantrip. Despite the enemy’s futile attempts to retaliate with crossbow fire, Kairos remained unscathed, save for a minor splash damage, while Leonardo swiftly dispatched the last foe in a decisive counterattack.

While exploring the area, Djames’s keen eye catches sight of an intriguing statue. Crafted from marble, it depicts a life-sized half-elf woman wielding a rose and a shield. Despite Djames and Kairos being unable to identify its significance, Lizzy notices a small door concealed beneath the statue’s base. Wasting no time, Djames unlocks the door with a bronze key, revealing a cache of valuable items:

  • 4 Minor healing potions
  • Barkskin potion
  • Lesser potion of fire resistance

Kairos goes back to loot the corpses of the enemies, and to find the silver ring left out earlier. She also finds a longsword, which she gives to Leonardo.

When the party continues, a deep and dull roar sounds through the rooms. Gomi checks the room where the sound came from, and flies back when Gomi knows it has seen a monster. There’s a small person in the room, someone who Gomi knows has recently pet Gomi. We carefully check inside and see a giant.

Leonardo and Kairos ready Runic Weapon, and Kairos enters Arcane Cascade. Djames is up first, and uses Courageous Anthem to inspire all party members. He then casts Forbidden Ward om Djames and the giant inside. Kairos ran inside, and used a Spellstrike attack with her Runic Weapon spell and Gouging Claw. The ogre is clearly blinded and starts scratching himself furiously, and Gomi finishes the giant with an attack.

We take an Ogre-hook and his lice invested furs. Linzi is glad about being rescued and hands a Scroll of Inkshot to Gomi and Lizzy. Lizzy also guides us into a secret room with a trunk, where Djames hands us bronze key and the party opens it. The trunk contains 8 bags with 100 gold each, a +1 mace, a+1 longsword, 2 lesser healing potions, and a small leatherbound journal.

We also explore some of the servents quarters, and what is clearly a storeroom, but move on as soon as we can. We soon enter a mesh hall with a battered and beaten giant, which Lizzy immediately recognizes as a Frost Giant, after Amiri’s description. We contemplate his wounds, and Lizzy slowly approaches him to cast an AoE Heal spell on him and heals his wounds.

We hear some soft moans as the Heal spell takes effect, and immediately Lizzy notices Harrim, Valerie, and Amiri. Lizzy talks with the Frost Giant and convinces it to let us pass in a friendly manner. They ask about the Frost Giant, and Lizzy argues it’s a big friend now. Kairos remembers everything about Frost Giants, including how hostile and evil they can be. Even though the giant isn’t attacking, there’s a lot of hostile air, and Amiri and Valerie in particular consider attacking the giant.

Kairos argues that we can’t break a certain deal, as it would violate the second River Freedom. Lizzy tries a last attempt at letting us pass, and convinces the giant to let us pass and leave the castle. Valerie isn’t happy, but accepts our answer, while Amiri is extremely mad about our choice.

Pressing forward, we thoroughly search the remaining rooms, uncovering a trove of gold, weapons, armor, and a Tanglefoot Bag. After calming Amiri’s anger, we proceed to the great hall, prepared to continue our journey.

Summary

  • Fought a group of assassins
  • Fought another group of assassins
  • Fought a Frost Giant and saved Linzi
  • Negotiated with another Frost Giant to leave Aldori Manor
  • Linzi gave Gomi and Lizzy a Scroll of Inkshot.
  • Djames discovered multiple potions and a bronze key under a statue, including:
    • 4 Minor healing potions
    • Barkskin potion
    • Lesser potion of fire resistance
  • Kairos found a longsword and a silver ring.
  • Lizzy received a +1 mace and a +1 longsword from a trunk discovered by Djames, as well as 2 lesser healing potions and a small leather-bound journal found in the same trunk.
  • Found various armors and weapons in different chambers
  • Kairos found a Tanglefoot Bag
  • Found 800 gold intended as wages for the Aldori Manor guards

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