DM Sully's Kingmaker
Game Master Max Hellspont

Jamison rises early, having slept in his bedroll outside. He begins mingling with the soldiers and tending to some of the animals in camp. As he sees Hiram emerge from the guesthouse, he approaches.

Mornin', Hiram - Good tuh see yer still up with th' sun - and a pleasure t' meet 'cha, Goodman...? his voice trails up at the end, as though asking a question. He extends his hand firmly to the woodsman seated near Hiram. Ah'm Jamison Walker, follower o' Ol' Deadeye. The mountainous man sits next to Euron, the bench creaking under his girth.

Euron squints at Hiram with his good eye while the paladin talks about his animals. A broad grin creeps across his face, hidden behind his bear, before he pats Hiram on the back. "Thanks fer the offer, but the elk can be a bit touchy still, plus she likes to smell o'the woods and a brush down might take some of the good scent off 'er"

As the two Dead-Eyes sit at the same table, Euron holds out a meaty hand in greeting as he works to stabilize the bench. "Name's Euron, and I've been known to ask or do a favor fer Erastil from time-to-time, or Gozreh. Heck, even Hanspur a few times."

"Not sure if it's my place to be askin' but when I saw these folks clearin' out the bandits and such, I figured I'd offer my services - try to make the Greenbelt a respectable place. A couple o'Deadeyes would be more'n welcome to come along in my mind."

The druid barely chews Svetlana's cooking, and wears more than half his meal in his beard. For a moment he looks thoughtful.

"Oh and there's this head bandit, the Stag-man or such, the right fool calls 'imself a lord - can ye believe that?"

An obviously hung-over barbarian comes stumbling out of the guesthouse, lured by the smell of breakfast. "Oh my aching head, why does Oleg have to brew such a fine ale?"

Completely oblivious to the conversation that is going on, Karthas sits down and begins filling a plate full of food.

Cinders emerges quietly and collects some breakfast. She sits down apart from anyone else as usual and begins to eat slowly. As she does so, she glances frequently at the other people there.

Eseldra comes out for breakfast already groomed and ready for the day. She picks up the scroll material from Oleg and sits by herself, eating her breakfast and scribing a scroll of mage armour.

The remaining members of the Chartered Six and their new associates enjoy the hearty breakfast prepared by Svetlana. As she brings a platter laden with second helpings of hotcakes to their table, she hands a folded parchment to Eseldra.

"Master Harther left this note for you. He headed out for Restov before sunrise," she explains.

Adding a post to get the Dot back and show I'm still kicking. Trying to get everything back together again in Real Life. *bows(

As the companions finish their breakfast, they see Oleg conclude his negotiations with the two traders. The traders load their mules with fresh goods and head out through the gate as Oleg approaches the companions, his expression grave.

"Well now, that was some disturbin' news," he says, slowly shaking his head, his face pale. "Messrs. Fellin and Burge there told me the rumors are true, that poor Davik Nettles' unquiet spirit haunts what's left of his bridge there on the Shrike. Said they saw his rottin' body, walkin' on the water, callin' for vengeance against the Stag Lord!"

"Messrs. Fellin and Burge there told me the rumors are true, that poor Davik Nettles' unquiet spirit haunts what's left of his bridge there on the Shrike. Said they saw his rottin' body, walkin' on the water, callin' for vengeance against the Stag Lord!"

Vengeance against that 'un he'll have, ah reckon. If'n I have a word t' say about it, anyway. We'll all have our vengeance.

Jamison's eyes narrow, his seething hatred for the "Lord of Bandits" chiseled on every line of his weathered face.

I'm keen t' see this temple to Deadeye ya'll are talkin' 'bout, but ah'll make no secret what of th' fact that I aim t' crush that one's throat with muh own two, with 'er without th' help o' others, though ah'm sincerely hopin' it'll be with, beg yer pardon. An' th' sooner it be done, th' better.

The big man continues eating as though he is talking about the weather, or perhaps the going rate for turnips.

After finishing tending to the mules, Hiram returns to the table just as Oleg mentions the Nettles' business.

The Shrike? Does anyone have access to a map of the area? I am from a little further east, and these lands are somewhat new to me.

Hiram grows quiet as JW speaks his peace. He opens his mouth to say something, and then pauses...after a moment he starts again.

Mister Walker, thanks for remindin' me about somethin', and once again, I am so sorry for your loss. Loosing a farm is bad enough, but Missus Melissa too...you have immense strength.

He turns to the others sitting enjoying their breakfast.

Hello there, I had a chance to meet'cha'y'all last night, but I wanted to introduce myself again. M'names Hiram Salatin, though you can call me Bubba if'n you want to. I am a wanderin' farm-hand who has occasion to get into some trouble. I have heard much about you, the Chartered Six, and I was wonderin' if y'all would let me work with or for you. You are doin' some aweful good in this land, and I am of a mind to help you. Well, that is all, and...well...

Not knowing what else to say, Hiram stands there for a moment, nerviously looking at his boots. He sits down, and picks at his food, waiting for an answer to his request.

”The Shrike? Aye, lad, it runs a good bit to the south and east of here. Runs west from Restov, then turns southwest. Eventually flows into Tuskwater Lake, way to the south of here, they say,” Oleg explains. ”Here, let me look at that map you all’re makin’.”

Greenbelt Hex Map

"Davik Nettles. Now there was an odd one,” Oleg says as he studies the map. ”Retired engineer from Brevoy, he was. Came to the Greenbelt with a crazy scheme to build a toll bridge across a narrow reach of the Shrike, down to the southeast a-ways from here. 'Nettles' Folly,' we called it. Wouldn't you know, but he built the durn thing, and made it turn a profit too! The man made no judgments on them who wanted to use his bridge - just so long as they had coin. Yep, turned out to be a pretty smart idea, what with it bein' the only real crossing to be had over the Shrike in the whole of the Kamelands." Oleg pauses, scratching one of his fiery red muttonchops. "Of course, it wound up gettin' him killed in the end, didn't it? 'Nettles' Folly'..." he muses.

"Oh yes!" Mikmek pipes up. "Big-feet Nettles-man always good to Sootscales. Let us cross bridge if we gave coins. We liked. Bad bandits killed him and broke his bridge. Now no good place to cross."

Oleg studies the kobold for a moment. "Like I said, he let anyone use the bridge if'n they had coin," he says, his tone implying just how crazy he thinks Nettles was. Then he points to an unexplored region to the east of where the Sootscales' lair is marked on the map. "Nettles' bridge is in this area (Hex 5-G). Like I said, it's the only real crossing over the Shrike in the Kamelands. Why, I guess the next possible crossing would be either the Cascade or the Crooked Falls, way to the east in the Nomen Heights. And neither would be easy, I can tell you that!"

With the permission of the remaining members of the Chartered Six, Jhod Kavken takes on the responsibility of procuring the supplies for the restored temple. With Harther's donation and Rani's share of the reward from the Swordlords, he is able to purchase an ample supply of a variety of goods. The group's mounts will be loaded down indeed during the two-day journey to the temple. Fortunately they will be traveling a well-worn path at least as far as the former bandit camp at the ford on the Thorn River.

At around noon, a post-rider arrives from Restov. The dusty rider jumps down from his horse and hands the reins to Mik as Oleg approaches. The rider withdraws several pieces of correspondence and a sealed scroll tube from his saddlebag and hands the bundle to Oleg. The stout trader distractedly directs the rider to see Svetlana for some lunch while sorting through the various pieces. His eyes widen as he studies the writing on the outside of the scroll tube, which he then hastily brings over to the members of the Chartered Six. "You'll be wantin' to see this!" he exclaims. "It's from the Swordlords!"

Opening the scroll tube, the companions remove a thick parchment bearing ornate flowing script and the seal of the Swordlords of Restov. This official charter states that the bandit leader known as the 'Stag Lord' is wanted "Dead or Alive," and that if he can be removed from power, the chartered explorers of the Greenbelt will be greatly rewarded.

"Greatly rewarded eh? Sounds good to me, we were planning on taking care of this so-called 'Stag-Lord' anyway."

Cinders has been sitting by herself, but watching the proceedings. She gets up at this point and approaches the Chartered Six. "Excuse me," she says. "You don't know me--I've only met one of your number briefly last night--and so you don't have any real reason to agree to my request. However, I have heard about your group and your exploits in this region, and I've also heard that you are down a couple of members. I'd like to offer my own services in replacement to those who have moved on. I have some experience in these sort of things, but I've grown tired of working with mercenaries who are no better than common thugs. Your group sounds to me like it might actually have some heroic standards. If you'll have me, I'd like to help against this Stag Lord you mention. I am willing to answer whatever questions you have about me. And yes, I can be very direct at times." She stands there resolutely, waiting for a response.

Ah'd throw muh hat in with these two as well, as 'twere. Ah aim 't bring pain 't this Stag Lord feller muhself, and ah'd much rather do 't in the cump'ny o' heroes such as yerselfs. So what say yuh? Will'ee have us?

Karthasvlooks toward the other members of the group.

"It's fine by me, but we've always put things to a vote. What do the others say?"

Eseldra glances up from her scroll and shrugs. "Suits me. We need another woman in this group now that Rani has left us."

A bit of loot divide for the original Chartered Six (sorry new people, you have to wait your turn). Everybody gets 264 gp and 2 whole silver pieces. The new Temple of Erastil has 528.4gp for supplies (Harther and Rani's shares).

Eseldra orders a masterwork composite longbow (no strength rating) and a mastework recorder from Oleg. She'll also exchance some silver and coppers for equivalent gold coins if he's willing to help reduce her load a bit.

Prior to leaving Oleg's, Karthas will put in an order for a masterwork greatsword, paying in a combination of gold, silver, copper.

"My friends, it saddens me to say this, but I will not be accompanying you when you leave to take the supplies to Rani," Berenkor says, to the group's surprise. "My exploring days are at an end, at least for now. I feel that I can better serve our cause by remaining here at Oleg's, telling the tales of your exploits, and spreading the word to the residents of the Greenbelt that you are bringing an end to the fear and lawlessness that plague this land."

An obviously flustered Karthas responds to Berenkor's announcement.

"You can not be serious! So are we now to be the Chartered Three? First Rani, then Harther, and now you, Berenkor? No offense meant to our new companions, but..." as the barbarian shakes his head in disbelief.

After taking a few moments to gather his thoughts.

"I understand that this is your decision, my small friend, and I shall try no further to change your mind. I suppose the Chartered Six are no more, I don't know what you will call us in your future stories, but I'm sure you'll come up with something fitting."

The Kellid turns his attention to Hiram, Jamison, Cinders, and Euron.

"I guess it makes it that much more important that you join us now. Gather your things. As soon as we have the supplies to take to Rani, I imagine we'll be off. It's a two day journey to the shrine, though it shouldn't be too bad. Of course if you wanted to take the long way there we could explore a bit, but I think we would be better served to unburden ourselves of the extra supplies at the shrine first."

Eseldra makes all the appropriate noises about not wanting Berenkor to leave, but for the rest of the day, there's an extra spring in her step.

Ouch! LOL

Ah'm as ready as ah'll get, Karthas. Thank'ee kindly fer takin' us in an' all. Fer mah part, Ah'll do what ah can not tuh let'chee down. Jus' send a steady stream o' bandit skulls my way 't crack, an' ah'll be happier'n a pig in slops.

"Thank you for letting me join," Cinders says. She seems a bit flustered as she does so. "You don't want to ask me any questions about who I am or anything? Um... okay. I'll get my things." She moves away a bit, stops and looks back, then continues on to gather her supplies.

"The others have been kind enough to judge me on what I do, not what I have done in the past. We are simply extending you the same kindness."

"I understand that this is your decision, my small friend, and I shall try no further to change your mind. I suppose the Chartered Six are no more, I don't know what you will call us in your future stories, but I'm sure you'll come up with something fitting."

"I shall send a letter to the Swordlords of Restov informing them that we've recruited four new brave souls to our mission to explore the Greenbelt and to strive against those with lawless intent within its bounds. I imagine they will issue new charters to Masters Kelredis, Walker, and Salatin and Mistress...Cinders, was it?" Berenkor says.

"As for what to call you in my future tales: I have some ideas, but I would prefer for you as a group to decide on a name. Perhaps something from your upcoming exploits will lend itself to a fitting name by the time you return."

While making the preparations for your departure, you each notice several posts tacked to the bulletin board outside the Leveton's house:

An old piece of worn leather bears the following message in jagged script:

A curling piece of parchment bears a well-rendered drawing of the head of a draconic creature, and the following message in neat flowing script:

A weathered scrap of parchment, just barely hanging onto the board by one tack, bears the following faintly legible message in large blocky letters:

Grinning from ear to ear, Hiram jumps to his feet,

Well thank you! I am really honored. I won't let you down! I promise.

Hiram starts moving to the guesthouse to gather his meager belongings, he turns his head as he walks,

M'girls can carry a lot, so let me get my personal gear, and I'll be more'n'happy to load all the supplies I can for the trip to the Temple.

Hiram stowes his gear, and gets the mules ready. As a note they can carry 399 lbs. as a light load, up to 798 lbs as a medium load (reducing speed to 35 ft (6 sq. per turn), and 1200 lbs as a maximum load. I was planning on riding one if we have enough mounts for everyone, if not, we can load up both and I'll walk.

"Not sure I want to sign my name to anything just yet. You know that's how they rule down in Cheliax. 'Sign this document and the Devil owns ya'." The druid looks a bit displeased at the thought of signing a promise to anything - an organization, a god, or another person.

"What did you all think about taking a round-about way to Deadeye's Temple? Fill in some of the blanks on this map here..."

Euron's calloused finger taps on the hexes marked E2, F2, F3 and D4 as the intended route.

"Given that we are transporting several hundred gold pieces' worth of other people's equipment, including much needed supplies for Rani, I think it would be more prudent if we were to take a more direct route this time, rather than risk disaster in one of these blank hexes."

The new companions spend the rest of the day making preparations for their foray into the wilds of the Greenbelt. Heavy clouds roll in as the day wanes, bringing with them a damp chill that reminds everyone that early Spring in the northern latitudes is still not much better than Winter.

That evening Svetlana serves a meal of hearty stew to drive away the chill, and Oleg opens a keg of his "special stout" that he brews on occasion. The evening meal is shared by Kesten Garess and his men. It is a much calmer meal than the night before.

As the talk during the meal turns to the companions' exploration plans, Kesten makes a request of the group. "A few months back my men and I worked with a mercenary, a Varisian named Falgrim Sneeg." He pauses and glances at Cinders to see if the name sparks any recognition. "One night while he was on watch, Sneeg killed his watch companion and robbed our group. We're lucky he didn't kill all of us in our sleep. We've heard word that he fled into the Greenbelt and became a bandit. I'd like to capture him alive so that I can return him to Restov for punishment."

Kesten takes a drink from his flagon and continues. "If you come across Sneeg while you're out in the wilds and can capture and deliver him to me alive, I can arrange to have you rewarded with four masterwork weapons. If he's delivered dead, I can only promise two weapons. You'll recognize him by a scar he's got on his right cheek - it's shaped like a crescent moon. That, and his right hand has been replaced by a steel hook."

The meal and conversations eventually wind down, and Oleg and Svetlana turn in for the evening, promising to have a warm breakfast prepared for the group at dawn. Kesten and his men retreat with a farewell to their camp outside the walls, promising to keep the trading post secure through the night.

At some point during the day, Hiram turns his eyes to the horizon, and the chill in the air. He sniffs and tastes the wind, closing his eyes and experiencing the weather.

He also goes about the trading post, tending to what spare chores Oleg has that he hasn't been able to get to. Mucking the stables, cutting and storing firewood, and other miscellaneous chores of frontier life.

Closer to lunch, Hiram approaches Svetlana in the kitchen,

"Pardon ma'am. I was noticin' that stew last night was great! I tasted some spiciness there, and was a wonderin' what you put in there to make it so?"

At dinner time.

Pausing between large spoonfuls of stew, Hiram sips from his cup and looks to the group,

"How many have horses and such? If we have enough for everyone, is the plan to ride there, or are we walkin'? And...if there ain't enough horses and such, may'haps we should get a wagon? Keep as much gear and as many people mobile as possible..."

Also, I am a slacker apparently. Let me figure out how Hiram's gear is situated between the two mules, and get back to you on exactly how much I can carry.

"I'm afraid I don't have a horse," Cinders says, "nor any form of riding animal. I would be willing to contribute to the cost of a wagon, though. Or, if you would prefer, I think I have enough money to purchase a horse for myself if there is a place nearby where I can do so."

I'm afraid that the only trails through the forests of the Greenbelt are well-worn game trails, which are impassable by wagon. All traveling will have to be by mount or by foot.

I believe that the Chartered Six captured enough extra horses from the various bandits they defeated to provide Cinders and Jamison (and even Jhod) with mounts. Svetlana will convince Oleg to donate a pony that he received from a traveling merchant to Mikmek, in thanks for the Sootscales' help in finding her wedding ring.

Okay, I'm going to start you all heading out. If there are any other preparations you wanted to make at Oleg's, feel free to recton. I'm assuming that you all will take the supplies to Rani first before resuming exploration.

Toilday, Pharast 26

The day dawns overcast and chill, the damp air threatening rain or snow. Svetlana serves a warm breakfast of biscuits with gravy and bacon as the eastern horizon grows steadily brighter behind the clouds. Soon enough the companions load up their mounts and, bidding farewell to the Levetons, head out through the trading post's gates. The diverse group makes for an interesting sight, with Euron mounted on the elk, Tunica; young Hiram mounted on his mule, Gerti, with his other mule, Matti, bearing the majority of the supplies for the temple; Karthas, Eseldra, and Tyr mounted on their customary horses; and Jamison, Cinders, and Jhod mounted on the extra horses the Chartered Six captured from the bandits. Even Mikmek is mounted, plodding along at the rear of the group on a placid pony donated by Oleg at Svetlana's urging.

The remaining members of the Chartered Six easily find the now-familiar game trail that leads to the Thorn River ford and the former bandit camp. With most of the supplies carried by Hiram's sturdy mules, you should be able to reach the campsite at the ford just before nightfall.

Before we get too far down the trail, I need you all to decide on a marching order while traveling through the wilderness. The game trail you are following to the Thorn River camp site is approximately 10 ft wide - wide enough for your mounts to maneuver freely if moving single-file, or to move two abreast without the ability to turn around easily. South of the camp site, the trails to the temple are typically less than 10 ft wide, so you will need to travel single-file from that point on.

During combats, I'd like to keep things moving relatively quickly. I'd prefer for everyone to post their actions for a combat round within 24 hours of my post for that round. We all play together in other quickly-moving PbPs here, so I don't think that will be an issue. However, if you haven't had a chance to post within 24 hours, I'll go ahead and post an action for you for that round if that's okay with you. Alternatively, I'll request for one of the other players to run your character for you for that round. If I have to post for your character, I'll typically have you take whatever action seems most appropriate based on your previous play style. I promise that you character will not die while I'm running it as an NPC.

Finally, would someone care to run Tyr's character until he can get back online? Otherwise I'll run him as an NPC.

Thanks!

Ah'm... oh wait, this is ooc... I'm a big fan of staying single-file even on the 10' wide portions of trail. I'd not like to be in a situation where I needed to turn my horse, but couldn't.

As for order, I'll defer to the original party, but just put me a little more toward the front. I'm a "physical" sort of cleric moreso than a holynose.

Jamison keeps his eyes on the trail, occasionally spitting a generous stream of tobacco juice into the undergrowth.

Cinders will likewise defer to the others regarding where in the order she goes. She's willing to take any spot.

Cinders isn't used to riding a horse, so she's a bit awkward at first, but she soon gets used to it. She spends a lot of time at first trying to talk soothingly to the horse, hoping that will help make it do what she wants.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 3 - 4 = 11

Karthas can take point. I have half decent perception and survial skill bonuses, and enough HP to take a hit if need be. Max, I can run Tyr if you would like. If Karthas is up front, I would suggest Tyr as a rear guard.

OK, I'll take a stab at arranging us based on everyone's comments so far.

Assuming everyone is mounted, so we're each 10ft wide. I have Euron's companion, and Hiram's mules listed, too

I joined Karthas as a scouting duo, figuring I can take 10 on Survival checks, and get aid actions from 2 folks (Karthas, Hiram) to hit DC20 Survival without taking too much time.

After our scouting duo, Jamison is first to encounter trouble of the bulk of the group, and Tyr is rear guard. Is Mikmek coming along? If so the kobold can be between Cinders and Tyr.

Karthas: Percept5, Surv4
Euron: Percept8, Surv7
Niko(wolf): Percept5

.. some distance for scouting ahead, say 30-100ft depending on terrain.

Jamison: Percept3
Hiram - on Gerti (mule): Percept1, Surv5
Matti (mule)
Eseldra: Percept3
Cinders: Percept-1
(Mikmek?)
Tyr: Percept2

As Euron and Karthas clear a low rise and observe the rolling plains ahead of them, the druid takes in a deep breath.

"Gozreh's beard, the air smells crisp today," the druid mutters while shooting the barbarian a grin.

"So ye found a mite lair eh? Nasty buggers, those."

A smile crosses the barbarian's face. "Crisp, cool, and perfect."

"Yes we found a mite lair, certainly less than plesant, that's for sure. It also happens to be where we found Mikmek. The mites themselves weren't too bad to deal with, but that damned centipede that was down there was no fun."

Eseldra is fine with that placement. She spends the journey chatting with Cinders and avoiding Mikmek.

Jhod Kavken is with you as well. He rides behind Cinders, holding onto the reins of Mikmek's pony.

As the day heads into the late afternoon the lowering clouds open up, releasing a miserably cold sleet. The forest is very thick through this area, and the sleet quickly coats the early spring leaves in an icy sheath. The trail through the forest soon becomes treacherous, forcing the companions to slow their march.

Scouting ahead of the others, Karthas, Euron, and Niko approach the crest of the rise above the Thorn River ford.

With a tug of the reins on Euron's elk, he comes to a halt. As Karthas looks to Euron to understand why the sudden stop, he gestures ahead, mimicking the word voices to the barbarian.

Euron will stay put while Karthas sneaks ahead to ensure the laughter isn't coming from a dangerous source.