Black Tom's Kingmaker

Game Master Black Tom

Worryn awakens with a gasp, and a curse. Looking down at his chest, he grimaces. "That will sting tomorrow." he says to nobody in particular.

Looking up he speaks to Mim, "Thanks, I... Thanks, I owe you one. "

After learning that one of the bandits escaped, Worryn looks at the other bandits. "Maybe one of them will tell us where he's running to - I'd guess he's heading to tell that woman what's happened here."

DM, two bandits are unconscious, one ran, what happened to the fourth? Is he still around?

HP: 1/10

Coming down from his position, Nerandeth turned to his bodyguard, "Marcus, find some rope and tie up these men."

"Yes, milord," he replied.

Turning the corner and seeing Worryn a little worse for wear, "Are you alright friend?"

Two of the bandits fled.

With Worryn conscious and breathing, Mim rushes over to Pip to eye the bear's wound. "Ya daft fuzz ball. What were ya thinking pressing tha attack like that after ya got hit with the arrow," Mim says as he tends to the wound.

Oleg kicks the unconscious bandit leader. "You might want to appropriate some of their gear. Not more than fair, if you asks me. He goes to take care of the frightened horses. These are yours too, if you want 'em.

Worryn grins at the elf, "I'm sure I'll feel terrible later, but I'm fine for now. Thanks for asking."

After looking at the bandits, Worryn glances at the horses. He idly begins stripping the gear off the bandits, and asks Oleg for some rope he uses to tie them up, hands and feet behind their backs, looped around their necks so they will strangle themselves if they struggle too much.

Once he can speak with Mim and Nerandeth privately, Worryn confides, "I'm concerned that our actions here will cause the rest of the bandits to return, and I am fearful of Oleg and Svetlana's fate if that happens. I'm thinking we should leave as soon as possible to try and follow the bandits that fled. Hopefully, they will lead us to their friends and we can ambush them before they mobilize to attack this Post."

Worryn would be interested in carrying the alchemist's fire, but doesn't need anything else.

"I agree that they will probably come back. But some o' us are in no shape ta be marchin' off inta tha woods." Mim motions to Pip's and Worryn's injuries as evidence. "And until I can talk with nature again, I ain't got anything outside o' good ol' care that'll heal these wounds."

I suppose you staunched the wounds of the bandits then, rather than leaving them to bleed out.

Oleg and Svetlana are happy to put you up for free, as well as letting you have your pick of the bandit's gear and horses.

"It is true that the bandits will come back eventually. But they are cowards in their hearts and I think you gave them a good scare, so I hope we'll be safe until those reinforcements arrive.[b] Oleg mutters. [b]"I have a few healing potions stashed that you are free to use if you should like, as well as 50 gold for your kindness. You have done us a great favor today.

Svetlana smiles. "You probably need a bit of rest and some stew. Let's see if some care can help you. I'd make you some of my moon radish soup but I'm all out, I'm afraid.

Oleg adds: "We can lock up those scum safely I think, until the Restov people can pick them up. There is a bounty on them, so two is a good start.

I suppose a bit of rest and healing is in order.

Yes, sorry we didn't specify - we want them alive.

Worryn smiles at Oleg, "Thank you for your generosity. I only hope you are right about the bandits waiting before mounting another assault."

Hearing Svetlana's comment, Worryn inquires, "Moon radish soup? I don't think I've ever had that before. Are you expecting more in the next shipment from Restov?"

Over the meal, Worryn asks Oleg about the surrounding area, "Can you tell us anything about the areas near your Post? After all, if we are to explore the region, anything you can tell us would be helpful."

Yes, rest and healing would be nice. :)

I'm going on a roadtrip so I will have to put the game on hiatus for a week. I except to be back sometime this weekend.

With some longtime care, Worryn will regain 2 hp and Pip 4 each day of rest. You have two potions of Cure Light Wounds and whatever healing Mim can provide. The question is how long you want to rest.

Have fun!

Figure we'll need to rest at least two full days, assuming Mim doesn't mind casting CLW a few times.

As they took the couple of days to heal, Nerandeth asked the Dwarf, "So dear friend, if I may ask, how did you come by that bear?"

Over the next day or two, Mim applies his knowledge of salves and healing remedies, coupled with a bit of healing magic to tend to the wounded allies. As he works he answers any questions asked of him though seems to grimace when asked by the half-elf sorcerer. "Ah, me and Pip met when I was still living in Rundin, a little hamlet in South Brevoy. Came wandering inta town one day draggin' a bear trap on its paw. Scared the bejebbers out o' tha other townsfolk. I took a gamble, tended ta the bear and got me a friend that helped out around tha town."

Wisely, you decide to rest and recuperate before venturing out into the wilderness. Later that day you have company. A mercenary soldier from Restov who introduces himself as Kesten Garess, and his three men-at-arms arrive and pitch their tents outside the stable. Although they arrive a little late, you won't have to worry about leaving the trading post unguarded.

Oleg: To be honest I don't know much about the lands beyond. There's a forest, some swampland and a river or two, but I certainly don't go there myself. As you've seen the Greenbelt likes to come to me.He gives a grim smile.[/b]

Svetlana:Oh, the moon radishes are a local specialty. There is supposed to be a patch some 16 miles south of here. Some trappers used to supply me, but now I'm all out and Oleg has been so stressed lately. He could use something to soothe his senses a little.

If you want to ask Kesten or the bandits something, let me know.

"Well, once we leave this place, it should be easy enough fer me ta plot a course through tha wilds. Before we do that though, I think we need ta be thinking about learning what we can from the prisoners. I am good at getting a read on people, but not so great at talking with them. I think it be best if someone else does tha talking while I pick out tha lies from tha truth."

To the bandits:

Gathering the bandits together by the main gate, Worryn begins fashioning a noose out of a rope.

"I'll make this easy. One of you talks and gets to live, the other gets to swing. I'm not very good a making a noose - this is my first time - so I'm not sure if it will kill you or not. Might just break your neck, or your back, or just choke you out. Then we'll have to try again. And again. And again, until your dead."

He pauses and thinks to himself, then continues, "But we might run out of rope. I guess... in that case... we'll just have to let the bear have you. At least we won't have to bury the body!" he says as he smiles at Mim.

Worryn kneels down and looks at the bandit leader, then he speaks to the other one. "Listen, I really want to kill him. Tell me what I want to know, and you get to live."

He stands up, swinging the noose in front of the bandits, and looks at the one he spoke to a moment ago, "Where are the rest of your comrades, how far away are they, and how many are there?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Leaning up against on side of the gate, Nerandeth snaps his fingers. Three small metal sphere's appear from nowhere and begin to spin in mid-air. "You know Worryn, there are more inventive ways to extract information. For instance, stake them down near an ant hill and pour sugar on them." Turning to the bandits, he continues, "Ever see ants in a sugar frenzy? Not a pretty sight."

Aid Other - Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

That gives Worryn a +2 to his intimidate.

Oleg and Svetlana are careful not to be around when you interrogate the bandits, but Kesten watches you with a slightly amused expression.

The bandit is quick enough to respond, but your offer elicits a stream of curses from the bandit leader, so you find that you have to gag him to be able to speak with the other bandit.

"Yeah, sod this. There's a dozen of us, or used to be. Our camp is by the Thorn river, near the edge of the forest, a couple of day's walk south from here. Our leader is a woman named Kressle, a right hornet of a woman, wielding twin axes and not afraid to use them on anyone that crosses her. I know several men who've lost fingers to her. Now can I go?" He looks at you incredulously.

Worryn smiles, "No, we're not going to release you just yet, but my word is good, you get to live. We'll talk more in a minute."

He moves to find Kesten and asks him to witness what's about to happen.

Worryn walks back to the leader, "The good people who live here identified you as a bandit, and through word and deed, you have confirmed their story. Do you have anything to say in your defense before punishment is pronounced and carried out?"

He reaches down and removes the gag.

"#¤%& you, you filthy worm. Kressle is going to make mincemeat out of you all, including you, you traitorous scum."

Standing nearby, Mim exclaims, "Oi! Ye watch yer tongue or I'll feed it ta Pip! Those words aren't gonna make yer situation any better." Then turning to Worryn, he continues, "Hey! What was it that charter said? Something about eliminating unrepentant banditry or some such, no?"

Worryn scowls, then responds to his friend, "Indeed it did, Mim."

Looking back at the cursing bandit, Worryn reaches down and replaces his gag. To the others, he says, "Let's get this over with."

If others want to do something, then that's fine, otherwise, Worryn is going to hang the bandit leader.

Finishing with the leader, Worryn moves back to the remaining bandit. "So now that we're finished with him, here's the thing - I'm not sure we can trust you yet. We're going to pay Kessle a visit, and if we get down there and find everything like you said, then when we get back, you're free to go. But, if we find out you're holding out on us, or forgetting important details like the layout of the camp, we're going to be very unhappy."

"So, now that we understand each other, is there anything else you can tell us about the camp?"

------

After that is finished, he approaches Kesten. "I'm glad we have some experienced guards around the Post. What brings you all the way out here?"

The bandit looks on stoically as he sees his leader swing. "Well, I knew it. You're not letting me go after all." He shrugs. "Nothing much I can tell you about the camp. We don't stay long in one place, so they may well have left. Also they'll notice that we're missing, so they'll probably change any arrangements. But good luck taking on the entire camp.

Kesten gives a wry smile as you approach him. "Why, we are here because of the bandit problem. You seem to have made a good start, though. There is a bounty out, you know, for reducing bandit activity, so if you can capture or kill a few more, you can probably claim it."

"Also I've heard that there's a kobold problem, with the Sootscale tribe that dwells somewhere in the Greenbelt. Sounds a bit unbelievable. Not that they aren't a nuisance, but they usually have the good sense to avoid bothering people that are more powerful. Something or other must have gotten them riled up.

"But actually my main errand here concerns a Varisian called Falgrim Sneeg. He used to work with us, but then he robbed us all and fled here to become a bandit. I want him brought to justice, so if you should find him, I'd appreciate if you could bring him in alive. I will pay you a handsome bounty for him."

When Worryn is finished talking to Kesten, Nerandeth asks him, "What do you know about the Elves in this area?"

A sad expression is on Mim's face as he watched one of the bandits hang. He had really hoped that the man would have considered repenting instead of facing the noose. It seemed the life of banditry was more appealing that Mim first thought. After the hanging, Mim approaches the remaining bandit and say, "That is what ye have waiting fer ye if ye don't seriously reconsider tha path that ye life be taking. Just thought that I would warn ye."

Approaching Oleg, Mim asks, "Ye have a place that we can hold any prisoners that we capture. I am hoping to avoid any unnecessary killing and work towards getting some of these men to change their ways."

Kesten looks a little surprised. "Elves? Not many around here, I'm afraid, and I'm not familiar with them. For sure no elves south of here, unless they've taken to banditry."

Oleg scratches his head. "Well, I could always lock them up in the storehouse and ask these gentlemen to keep watch. It's not going to be a comfortable stay for them, but I guess it beats the alternative.

He looks around a little furtively. "There is another thing I wanted to ask you. If you're going after the bandits, could you have a look for Svetlana's wedding ring? She won't say anything, but I know she took it hard when that woman ripped it off her. I would be ever so grateful. just don't mention it to Svetlana until you've found it. I don't want to upset her."

Hearing the bandit complain, Worryn glares at him, "I said I'd let you live, bandit. You want to be free? Then do what you're told, answer our questions, and behave yourself."

-----

Glancing sidelong at Nerandeth, Worryn considers the question and answer.

After Oleg speaks, Worryn nods, "Of course, we'll do everything we can to recover her ring, Oleg. And thank you for the use of your storeroom, we'll try to make sure you don't hold more prisoners than Kesten and his men can handle."

Looking back to Kesten, "And we'll keep in mind the troubles with the kobolds, as well as this Sneeg fellow. As for the bounty. If we kill a few, do we need to return their entire bodies, or just a specific part?"

-----

Later on, Worryn goes to find Mim and Nerandeth.

"I'm thinking we should try to hit the bandit camp as soon as possible. I'm very worried about their leader and her reaction. I'm glad Garess and his men are here, they should be able to protect the Post while we're gone. What do you think?"

Kesten smiles. "You don't have to bring back anything. As soon as they notice that the bandit attacks are getting more scarce they are going to bring you the bounty. But are you sure you want to tackle their camp? Even with the bear, they are twice your number."

Worryn grimaces, "No, I'm not sure. I don't like the odds. My first reaction is to go at them before they come here, but since we've had to recover a few days, I guess they could be headed here right now. I'm unaccustomed to heading into the wilds while worrying about those I leave behind."

If you are ready you can set out the next day, with full spells and hp. Oleg leaves you his potions (two CLW and one Shield of Faith (+2)) and 50 gp (as said above).

I will try to make a crude map as you explore. Note that exploring (which is what you get xp for, takes a lot longer than just passing through a hex. I'm going to add a black frame to hexes explored.

Basically there is forest to the east and hills to the west. It's up to you which way you prefer.

I say head for the hills.

When the group is ready to set out, Mim sits uncomfortably on the back of his horse with Mim standing far enough away to not frighten the horses. I think we should head south as soon as possible. By the sound o' this woman, she ain't gonna be happy none that there is trouble from the outpost and will come a calling sooner rather than later. If we keep a good pace, we might be able to find a good spot to level an ambush and I might be able to pick up tha trail o' the one that got away."

Mounted on the bandit's horses you ride south, keeping the edge of the forest in sight and looking for the river. You can try to follow the tracks of the fleeing bandits if you like. That would be a Survival check)

However, after a full day of riding you are still not there. You can either press on (but it will hurt your horses) or make camp. What are your sleeping arrangements?

Map coming up soon, I promise.

Could we take 10 on the Survival check? If so, that gives Worryn a 15

As the sun sets, Worryn pats his horse's neck. Looking at the others, "So, what say we camp for the night?"

Mounted on horseback, with Pip following along, Mim does his best to pick up the two day old trail that the bandit had left behind.

Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

You are not able to determine where the bandits went - that would take an experienced tracker.

But on the bright side, nothing disturbs your sleep and on the second day you come upon the river and the trail presumably leading up to the bandit camp.

Time to devise an approach, I guess.

"Any thoughts on how we approach this? I don't have much of a head for tactics."

"Stealth would be my suggestion, but perhaps we could try to flush them out of their camp and turn the tables? Maybe set up an ambush for them?"

"Either way, we should be cautious as we get closer, they may have scouts watching the trails."

Both are viable options, as is backing off and leaving the bandits for now, but you need to reach a decision and take action.

Nothing else to say until others provide other alternatives, just posting to show I'm around.

Thank you. What do you say, guys?

Rubbing his beard as he takes in the scenes before him, Mim says, "I think it would be smart ta set up an ambush. If we rush in with only three of us, they are sure ta get the jump on us. I got a spell that should trip them up, making it easier for you ranged folk to pick 'em off."

"Sounds good to me. Let's do it." Nerandeth responded.

"Sounds like we're in agreement. Let's try to find a place to set up the ambush."

Survival checks or something else?

Survival checks will help, as will any kind of description of your plan.

As you search for a suitable place to mount an ambush a tall, well built warrior in banded mail rides up on a horse that is covered in scale mail barding. This is no bandit, but if there was any doubt the Holy symbol of Erastil emblazoned on his tunic dispels all doubts. His clothes are mostly furs and he holds a lance and shield. Upon spying you, he rides over holding his lance up as a sign that he comes in peace. Coming to a stop in front of you, he lifts his helmet off to reveal shocking red hair, complete with braids in the Ulfen style. Clearly he is Ulfen in origin and he addresses you in a deep, booming voice,

"Am I correct in thinking that I address Messrs. Worryn, Nerandeth and Mim. And of course Pip the bear." He adds nodding at the bear. He unconsciously reaches out an affirming hand to his horse who is getting a little skittish at the smell of a large predator and murmers comforting words to him.
"I hear you have had some trouble with bandits and are looking for more. I hear you plan to take on four times your own number. If you plan suicide there are easier ways you know!" he guffaws loudly at his own joke, a big grin splitting his face from ear to ear. Then he frowns.
"Seriously though, if you insist on this course, I feel honour bound to assist. Whatever I set my lance upon is bound for Pharasma's halls, though even I can kill only one man at a time. My advice would be to try and split them up. wait until a patrol leaves the camp, ambush them and kill them all. Do that a few times and eventually they will be few enough to take them out." With that, he sits back on his horse, a smug smile settling on his face.

Worryn regards the stranger warily, until he begins speaking about honor.

"Coincidental timing, Sir. I am indeed Worryn Ocera and you have correctly identified the others. We would be pleased to have the company of one who also seeks to rid this land of the bandits that prey upon it. How are you called, if you please?"

"As for your suggestion, I would be happy to wait for such an opportunity. Although, they also know that somebody attacked their friends at the Trading Post up north, so I'm worried they may seek their revenge. Either way, your counsel to wait for them to leave is sound. Perhaps you could help lead them into our trap, then turn on them when they are too far in to retreat?"

I'm fine with the plan to wait on some to leave, then try to lure them into our prepared site.

"Where are my manners! My father would have my hide for failing to identify myself! Ha, well I am Magnus Leifson, son of Leif Erikson. Well met Sirs! I'm glad to be of service and I would gladly act as a lure for our bandits. First we have to find them, though, and i'm afraid I have no skill there."

Mim too eyes the tall, mounted human warily. However, noting the well-tended nature of the man's furs and the holy symbol he displays, Mim smiles as he says, "Well met to ye stranger. It is good ta see a fellow follower o' the Stag God here and willing to help. Ye got the right o' it, though they be greater in number, we got cunning and strategy with us, as we can set the grounds o' the ambush, once we identify the right place to lead our prey to, that is."

"True enough, friend Mim. It is always good to meet a fellow worshipper of Old Deadeye. What kind of place are you looking for? a clearing or a meadow, I would suggest. One with someting you can shelter behind at the edge of it and a nice clump of thorns where your spell is supposed to be, if such a place exists. Failing that, any large open space would do!"