Chronicles of the River Kingdoms.

Game Master Waterhammer

Chapter One: Into the Stolen Lands.

Stag Keep

The Greenbelt- Exploration.

A Dark Glen

Thorn River Camp

Keep on the Tuskwater

Map of Oleg's.


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Male Ulfen Human Cleric 3 Hp:24/24 F +4, R+2, W +6 AC16 T-11 FF-13 Initiative +1, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7

Quietly he watched the scene still unsure of what his role should be. He understood both Autumn and Jhod's positioning and sighed. Both were in a way right in their point of view. It wasnt Jhod's mission to help with the bandits, it was his mission to find the temple.

He watched as Autumn moved into the forest clearly in some form of turmoil and he sighed.

"You have a point Jhod. Your path and ours do not go down the same path, though I hope the end path merges. Come back with us, perhaps we can find other folk to go with you on your travels there are the trading post while we do what we must. If there arent any folks who can aide you I will pray for you as you do what you must."

He rose and set his shoulders with a slight sigh.

"I stepped away from the faith for a long spell and only recently have come back to the path, I am no doubt making mistakes myself, but thats a good woman over there, one that is hurting and I dont know how to help."

More to follow words are bing difficult


Male Ulfen Human Cleric 3 Hp:24/24 F +4, R+2, W +6 AC16 T-11 FF-13 Initiative +1, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7

After a moment he moved, torwards the young woman he had thought he knew. He had been wrong of course. Some priest he was, one of his own flock had been in need and he hadnt recognized it, he had been so worried over his and his own.

"Miss... Autumn."

He began quietly. He began running his hands though his beard.

"If you need to talk to someone about anything please dont hesitate to ask me. I dont know exactly what you have been through, I thought i did, i just hadnt... hadnt realized the extent. Erastil must have a plan for you though, as he has a plan for me, and even for Jhod. We've been called to stop these bandits and build a nice place for folks to settle, He's been called to find this temple. One day, after all this we can laugh about it sitting on a nice porch in a big farmhouse overlooking fields."


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

Autumn looked up from the ground of the forest when Herger approached. The look in her eyes portrayed her fear, and sorrow, cheeks stained with tears. Quickly Autumn rubbed her eyes and tried to collect herself, coughing a bit as she did so. "I lost them all..." Autumn told him. "First it was my father, he didn't return from a hunt... It happens some times. You come across something you can't handle alone in the wild and that is it... I was the eldest child so I stepped up. I was fourteen, couldn't even call myself an adult but I did it. The other hunters took me under their wings, and I found Frostbite." Autumn smiled slightly as she remembered the memory of picking up the small pup. "The runt, I think she had been left behind. But I didn't leave her, I brought her home and she became my best friend." She told him as she hugged the she-wolf again, before sighing. "I knew so long as I had Frostbite, I would always return to my family. She'd always get me home."

"But it wasn't me I needed to worry about... Last year when the season autumn had taken hold we needed more meat to get through the winter. So Frostbite and I took the challenge, and it was wonderful." Autumn told him, breaking a bit, her voice cracking as tears pushed through. "I was so excited to get home!" She gave a laugh through her tears. "I wanted to tell Summer all about the sights I'd seen, help Winter with her wedding gown, and lend a hand to Spring and mother with the animals and house readying both for the winter season. But... Herger they were gone..." Autumn squeaked out as the tears began to fall heavily. "My family... my friends... my home was in ruins!... And everywhere... laid the bodies of the people I loved, the place I loved... Homes, barns, everything broken or burned! I stood there till my legs went numb, and I was forced to walk to the place I was born to clasp in the space I stood.... I found... I found..." Autumn shook her head, unable to finish the thought. "One hundred and eight seven people... That is how many I buried. That was how many people called my village home. Some of them I couldn't tell who they were, they had been burned so badly, but I tried, doing my best to give each of them a proper grave next to the ones they loved... I hope I put them to rest right. But then while I was gathering the bodies I found ones I didn't know, dressed in armor!" Anger flashed through Autumn's eyes as her hands, which had come to rest upon her knees turned into what had to be a very painful grip. "Bandits had come and go from time to time, nothing we couldn't handle because they where always so small. But those I found would have made a small group on their own..." Shaking her head swiftly, dropping some of the flower and twigs from her hair, Autumn said "They had been attacked and I wasn't there to defend them!! They needed me and where was I?! Miles away watching the most beautiful sunrise I'd ever seen!!" Autumn almost shouted as she violently lashed out, punching the hard ground under her, likely hurting her hand in the process. Autumn tried to slow her breathing as Frostbite whimpered and moved in trying to comfort her friend. After a long pause with shaky breath Autumn muttered "They needed me... They needed me to be there, to protect them... and I wasn't there... I failed them... The first gift I was ever given and it was stolen from me... without a fight." Slumping back against the tree's trunk Autumn rubbed the hand she had punched into the ground. "The season was going to change soon, I could already feel winter's chill in the air. But I wanted to hunt the rest of the bandit so badly... but I couldn't get the tracks after I spend days burying my people. I smoked and salted the meat from my hunt, and spent the worst winter I've ever had in the closest city... I spent almost every day in the room I rented with Frostbite, looking out the tiny window at a snow covered city. My dreams for months were filled with nightmares, flashes of the bandits and what likely happened at my home... from time to time I just wouldn't sleep." Autumn, whose tears had run dry at this point just looked defeated. "I never got justice for my people... for my family... I never got... nor found... closure... And... Torek is right... I've been taking that out on the bandit I find here..." A defeated sigh felt her lips. "Because, I don't know how to move on... I don't know where to go from here."


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek quietly, almost stealthily follows Herger into the woods. He listens to Autumn's terrible tale knowing what it had to be but it is even more horrible than expected. She blames herself ... I know that feeling... Tears also flow from him for a moment, then he wipes his eyes and gains some composure.

A minute goes by and Torek quietly speaks to Autumn, "I do, I think ... but it's not easy." A deep breath and he says, "I don't think you have done much to these bandits beyond what was needful. I saw you struggle to give mercy to those you had every reason to hate. But you did, even in the heat of battle. That took courage and honor, but I also saw that it cost you and feared what might happen if the battle within tipped. You would never forgive yourself if you went too far, you're a very good person, and when that breaks it does so badly. I had to give you every support."

He turns to Herger, "Herger, priest and friend. I did you wrong in being so harsh when I opposed your plans for the earlier bandits. I understand it. But I cannot see that path through, for Autumn and even more for me. I fell from the path of Erastil even before I fully set on it."

"When my father settled near Autumn's village, well we were strangers, it was a tight-knit place. They were kind but most a bit stand-offish. Not unreasonable especially given the increasing dangers. Still some invited us to hearth and home, Autumn's family most of all. After a life of wandering, a troop of acrobats and performers does not make a home really, it seemed I might have found one. Then the bandits stole the traps, father had to take the family elsewhere, someplace more protected. It's not like the Lords of Brevoy cared about the deep country after all, obsessed with their power and position. So we were in Rostov, Dad could only get the work of a day laborer, with little pay. And soon the fever came that took him away. I was angry at all of that. So a made a choice."

Torek stops for a second sorting his thoughts. "It was choice you see, I had other options for work, could have joined a troop, the guards probably, become a scout, whatever. It was no accident that I became a bounty hunter, I wanted to hunt criminals, and I became good at it."

He turns again to Autumn, "Remember that day, when the hunter that most trained you ... sorry I don't remember his name, but how he talked about learning all about an animal, or a type of monster, you can't learn that about all in such detail but one or two, learn to hunt them, to know them, to kill them in a hundred ways so they can never escape you." Torek fall silent abruptly, sighs and continues, "Autumn, I took the skills you taught me and the lessons I learned there. I learned to hunt monsters that way, as I saw it, I learned to hunt men I saw as monsters. And I did."

"I took bounties on men, just ones, or so I told myself, and I brought them in beaten, bleeding or even dead. I threw them before the courts and took my pay for men and corpses. Some of them were executed for their crimes and I watched them die. Others were dragged off to hard labor in the mines, just a slower, crueler death."

Now speaking very slowly and painfully, "And their suffering made me happy! I was glad to see them die! But as time went on I was becoming a worse person. The harlotry of the Calistra priestesses repelled me but their message that vengeance was good, that vengeance was justice, that rang pleasantly in my ears."

Turns back the Herger, "And that is when Ol'Deadeye sent you into my life, I learned from you but at first I just used those skills to be a better hunter of men. But that life and the people you meet in it ... it's not good and cannot lead to good. As someone once said, so very cynically but with truth, 'Beware hunting monsters lest ye become a monster.'"

"So I was looking for what else to do when the charter all but fell into my lap. Then as I ride out bandits chase me, I figured this was my punishment for straying from Erastil's path but no, I miraculously get rescued by you, my old friends and guides. This is where I'm meant to be."

"Autumn you have nothing to be ashamed of. Given what you have suffered you are bending over backwards to be merciful to the merciless, regardless of how much it hurts. And I've tried to support that as best I can for all of us. As to going forward that's what we are doing here. The only salvation we can truly have is to gain a new or a first home. Family, friends, and faith will see us through the darkness; I certain of that. And I am certain of your strength, your hope, and your honor. Together we can carry the burdens of our past but not let it destroy our and others future." Torek falls silent.


Male Ulfen Human Cleric 3 Hp:24/24 F +4, R+2, W +6 AC16 T-11 FF-13 Initiative +1, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7

He nodded simply to Torek. Glad for the man's presence and at the same time a little bothered by it, though he wasnt sure why. He stood there a moment and realized what the issue was and it surprised him. It had been a long time since that particular feeling reared its head.

"I dont know how much either of you know about Irrisen, or the witches who run it, but its... its a terrible place. My father was a lowly priest of ol' Deadeye there in a small village that could barely afford the taxes most seasons, he was tolerated by the witches, because his skill farming in that harsh land was valued. A few years in a row of bad crops and the witches viewpoints changed.

I was 13 when they came to our little home, 13 when the witch in charge of our town decided that she should take myself and my younger sister to her keep as a 'reward' for his efforts in feeding the folk of the village. At the time i was a fool boy who thought it was indeed some sort of reward for his service.

My sister held some magical talent, and before long she was learning magics from the witch and herself. I was put to work first in the stables, then as a guard. We saw our parents only a few times a year, and for short periods of time but neither of us realized then the truth.

I was about 20 winters and working as a simple guard when i caught the eye of one of the witches daughters, herself a promising witch. By that point I had begun to notice the ...darker nature of the leaders of our land but what was a simple guard going to do about that?"

He paused for a moment and reached over to both of them gently grasping them on a shoulder and giving them a soft squeeze for support.

"Silv decided that I was in her long term plans and unlike her sisters and mothers treated me decent, like a person not a pawn. A couple of years later we were wed, and the year after that our daughter was born. For a time life seemed fine, and good, but when her mother died and her holding were split up was when things shifted. Silv became more and more concerned with station, prestiege and power. I worried for our children, worried for us. Dark bad luck began to follow me those last few years. I...we..."

He started his hands balling into fists for a moment his knuckles white with anger. Then the large Ulfen man took a deep breath.

"Bah some other time, what i was trying to get to miss Autumn, Brother Torek, is that all of us here, back at the trading post, even that fool over there sasha have a chance to start something fresh and new and right. We have a chance to put all of that behind us. Your family would be proud of the woman you have become Autumn. If... you slip and let vengence enter your heart, dont worry Torek and I will be here to guide you back to the right path. The same goes for your Brother Torek. To steal from your analogies Autumn, this stag lord leads a rabid pack im afraid, and until we eliminate him, the others wont disperse.

The bandits in this area remind me of home in a way. There were decent folk in Irrisen, but the whole system was flawed, was wicked. Good folk let themselves do wrong in order to protect themselves or their family... and who can blame them really? We can stop that here though. Lets get back to the trading post, lets see if we cant find and scout out this stag lords place and lets see if ourselves and the guards here can't manage to put an end to this bandit fool."


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

Autumn reached up from the ground and took Herger's hand, then Torek's hand. Her touch was gentle, but sure. Autumn stood, using their held since she couldn't use her hands, and offered them a smile. It was small, and sadness was still in her eyes, but a spark of hope was there as well. "Maybe this place calls broken things to it." She told them as she squeezed their hands before letting them go. "Thank you, both of you. It hasn't been easy, for none of us it seems, however side by side, maybe we can piece some parts back together. It won't be the pictures we had before, maybe not even the lives we wanted, yet it possibly could be something to smile at." With that, Autumn hugged them both for a moment before she backed away. "I haven't... spoken about this since it happened... At least not like this. I'm not over it, I doubt I'll ever be. But now I know I don't need to carry the burden alone, none of us do." Autumn said, before giving and glance back to were Titian was, and then to Jhod. Finally she returned to look to her two friends before her. "I'm going to go take over cooking before Titian tries to feed us something... strange." Autumn told them, her attempt at a joke. "And I shall leave Jhod to both of you. I know dealing with him is in good hands that way. And you're right Herger, we will take down this rabid bandit who dares take a name such as Stag Lord. Then we be safe. We can start again." She said before she finally turn and moved to head back to the main part of the camp, Frostbite following duitifully.

Autumn came walking up to Titian, leaning over slightly to look into the cauldron, "Might I dare to ask how dinner in coming along?" She asked. While she was trying to be more playful and funny, her eyes were still red from her crying.


Spoiler:
1d100 ⇒ 72

The sun goes down, its last rays illuminating the scattered clouds in silver, gold, red, pink, violet, and purple by turn. A spectacular end to what would have been a fine spring day; if not for the violence, and bloodshed.
The waxing sliver of the moon rises as the sun sets. It serves to illuminate the occasional puffy cloud but does little to brighten the forest. The stars twinkle brightly, in the cool night air.

The campfire casts it's glow, and the warmth feels good to those gathered round. Sasha huddles close, staring into the flames.

After the chores are done and meal eaten Jhod relaxes a bit, sitting on a log. "Spring is in the air. Soon it will be seeding time." He turns his limbered bow in his hands, gazing away to the west. "The farmers that have settled at Oleg's will need guidance." He sighs. "Perhaps that was my true calling after all..."

You can talk around the campfire as long as you like.

Moonday, Desnus 4, 4716 A. R.


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

Autumn, who had helped Titian finish dinner, held out a blow of stew to Sasha and Jhod. Her hair had turned from the dark black to pale lunar silver.

"Are you... thinking of staying there then?" Autumn asked, though her tone was low. It seemed that she was nervous to ask Jhod the question, or even talk to him after what happened between all of them. "Making this your home?"


”Perhaps.” Jhod accepts the bowl of stew. ”Thank you.” He looks over at Sasha. ”Someone will need to guard that one.” Jhod expression lightens a bit. ”And the community at the trading post is growing, it has potential to become a fine town someday. Jhod turns his attention to the stew.


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

Autumn, who had gone about filling everyone else's bowls and handing them out before getting her own and taking a seat. The stew wasn't anything amazing, but it would fill your stomach and was tasty enough. "I will." Autumn told Jhod. "I'm going to be up keeping watch over the camp so I might as well." She shrugged as she laid a bit of meat out for Frostbite, who gladly ate it up. The two would need to hunt soon in order to refill the party's stores of meat. Else it would be rations and little else.

Taking a bite of her stew, slowly crewing the bits of potatoes and thinking. Her steel grey eyes gleamed slightly from the fire as her thoughts danced through her mind. "I think it will, with guidance." Autumn said softly as she looked over to Herger and Torek, offering a slight smile then turning her attention to Jhod once more. "Burdens get lighter when many can shoulder the weight." She added before taking another bite.


Jhod smiles. ”Yes, of course he must be watched over tonight. I was talking about all the time that he is left at the trading post.” A hopeful expression crosses Jhod’s face. ”Unless you all were planning on staying to tend to him...”


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"As much as I would like to finally stay in one place, I owe it to those who will call this place home to ensure it is safe. While of course there are always risks to being out here like this, we must still take precautions. So till we have taken care of this Stag Lord and secured the land my place is here with this group." Autumn explained, giving a respectful nod "It is my station, for the time being." she added, expressing she had at least started accepting that she had a new place, and that she wasn't just drifting. "As for Sasha being watched, I plan to speak with Kesten. He is a good man, and I believe, or more over hope, I'll be able to convince him to take young Sasha here under his wing. Give him direction were he lacks such, and maybe even a sense of purpose. If that fails then I will ask Curley, he himself turned from this life to return to his farming roots. I believe he might be able to help Sasha adjust. However if he isn't up to the task, then I shall ask Sasha to accompany us. I will watch over him and off what small bits of wisdom I can. When we have finished with this lands I will try and get him settle into a place he likes. Maybe some nice apprenticeship. Something with a good future." Autumn paused, taking another bite of her stew, chewing as she thought more on the idea. "It was us who offered Sasha a better path so he is our responsibility, I won't deny that, but we must also think on safety for us, him, and those we'd leave him with. Thus I wouldn't leave him with people I don't trust." Autumn looked to Sasha.

"Sasha," She spoke, her voice calmer and softer than it had been before. "What kind of job would you like? A smith? A farmer? Maybe even a guard? I offered you the chance at a new life, and I will do all I can to help you reach it. But that does mean you'll still have to do some of the work yourself."


Jhod finishes his stew, then helps with the clean up.

Sasha answers the question. ”l’m too old to become an apprentice smith.” He shrugs. ”If I’d wanted to be a dirt-grubber, I woulda stayed in Tallgrass. A guard?” Sasha stares at Autumn, in distrust, then decides that she is clowning. He grins. ”A guard? Naw. I’ll be the mayor. Or, maybe a duke. Ha, ha.”


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"You may be about my age but you can still be an apprentice." Autumn explained, ignoring his distrustful stare. "You are never too old to learn a new task, and you're getting a chance to start over. So long as you prove you want to leave this life behind and put everything you have into a new future you can even be a guard. It will be the hardest choice you could make Sasha as those around you will look at you with distrust and dislike you for a long time because of a choice you made. But once you earn their trust, I doubt you'll find a more fulfilling life. Not to mention what a story that would make for those you meet, or even if you choose to marry and have children. The story of turning it all around, through hard work and determination, can be an inspiring one." She said as she circled the spoon around the bowl. "I mean to be fair for a while you'd likely be just digging trenches and latrines, I won't lie. Which is why I also suggested a smith. No matter your choice Sasha, you've a long road ahead. You've taken the first few steps which is some of the hardest parts. But you're far from the end." With that Autumn finished her bowl of stew. "Maybe you should think on it over night. You've still got time."


Sasha listens with a smirk. The aasimar woman certainly had a knack for spinning tall tales. Then she mentions digging latrines, and trenches. His face takes on a sour expression, and he turns away. That bit, at least, had the ring of truth about it.


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek listens as Jhod expresses the need for Sasha to be closely guided. He says nothing then but sees Drazen alone and goes up to him. "Good evening, Drazen. This is a difficult to broach this idea but I've noticed that you don't seem ... comfortable isn't the right word ... - with your strongest will and desire to be the supportive adventurer in the woods, I not sure it's working out with you. Now no shame in not being the right person for this terrifying venture that is not going to get any easier. But I think you could be most helpful at Oleg's as an agent. You could help watch over any repentants that are there, and do other things. Arrange for supplies, recruit honorable settlers - those of our faith would be best, greet any further charter people that may show up, gather information from any the do business there and more; we need more knowledge about what is going on here. As I said we need to be everywhere at once, not being able to do that is hurting us. With you there we at least can start on covering more ground without undue risk. I hope you can take this well, I will help as much as I can if you decide to keep with us, but you can help us in other ways and I think that may be for the best." Torek tries to convey that he doesn't think less of Drazen but is concerned that he may not be wood-wise enough for this land and there are other good things he can do.

Later yet he quietly goes over to Herger, "Greetings Brother or Elder Herger, I have been thinking on Brother Jhod's talk on station, and I think it best if I not be called a Brother. I have no special favor or duty to Erastil. I know you are a humble man unwilling to set yourself above any other. I know you are a good man that feels the burden of a terrible past, you may feel unworthy of your post in some way. I understand that feeling but let Ol'Deadeye's judgement prevail here. You, he choose, to make miracles in his name. I sure he has good reasons for that and he has never required perfection in those he chooses. So for order and clarity, I'm just Torek, I need nor desire any title and you should bear the title that goes with the power and burden that Erastil has placed on you." Torek is firm and what he says but still a bit diffident to his miracle working mentor.


”I could learn to get along in the woods.” Drazen replies to Torek. ”With your help... He smiles. ”But I probably could do more good back at Oleg’s.

The GM considers Herger to be itinerant.


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek says to Drazen, "Of course, 'where there is a will there is a way.' But yes your skills as a diplomat could do wonders, including recruitment to ... a better way to settle and use this lands for good purpose. Too many people have given into despair over how things are here, with time you can change that."


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"Remember that you are alive Sasha." Autumn said when his face turned sour. "Which means you can still forge a future. Those over there," Autumn pointed to the others they had buried. "They cannot, and now must be judged in the boneyard. Just like all leave this life. The difference is you can still change the outcome of yours."


"Just fear, I think.' Drazen answers Torek. "Once the bandit threat is gone, people will begin to look forward. I sensed a strong feeling of optimism back at Oleg's. Those folk weren't working, and building like people in despair. They have high hopes."
Drazen pokes at the red, glowing coals of the campfire, with a stick. "But we don't know how many people the Stag Lord commands. He was rebuilding his outpost here..." Drazen withdraws his stick and twirls the end in the night air; admiring the glowing tracer it makes.
"One of the places where it's easy to cross the river. Perhaps it was a defensive move... But I wouldn't bet on it."

Sasha groans. "I'm not alive, I'm tired." He makes his way the the lean-to and flops down on one of the bedrolls within. His face to the wall.

Sovereign Court

Male Human (Taldorian)
Spoiler:
AC 23/T12/FF21 HP32/32 F+5 R+3 W+2 Init +2 Perception +8
Cavalier (Beastrider) 3 (Order of the Sword)

Titian leans back and shrugs. His mind had been wandering for quite some time.
"The past was yesterday. It what you do today, and tomorrow, that will decide how people treat you!"


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"Sleep well Sasha." Autumn said, her voice calm and reassuring. "You've nothing to fear during the night. I make that promise." She added before she turned her attention back to the group. Torek and Drazen were in an important conversation, Jhod and Herger were busy cleaning up from dinner.

When Titian spoke up Autumn nodded. She remember the talk she had with Herger and Torek before. "That is very true." She agreed. "By the way, dinner wasn't too bad." Autumn teased. "Might make a cook of you yet Titian."


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek says, "I'm sure that bandit king intends to dominate this land. I just don't know how he does it. Look at Sasha, he doesn't strike me as a guy I send to build, well, anything, much less the back breaking work of a frontier outpost."

Torek walks around the camp and looking for any signs of trouble before going back to the group, catching Autumn's last remark.

He beams at Titian and Autumn, [/b]"Good another cook! Just don't burn the water and you'll be better than me."[/b] He jokes back.

I don't remember our watch order, Torek can split watch if need be and can now sleep in his armor. We should stand two to a watch if possible.


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek says, "I'm sure that bandit king intends to dominate this land. I just don't know how he does it. Look at Sasha, he doesn't strike me as a guy I send to build, well, anything, much less the back breaking work of a frontier outpost."

Torek walks around the camp and looking for any signs of trouble before going back to the group, catching Autumn's last remark.

He beams at Titian and Autumn, "Good another cook! Just don't burn the water and you'll be better than me." He jokes back.

I don't remember our watch order, Torek can split watch if need be and can now sleep in his armor. We should stand two to a watch if possible.


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"How you learned so much from me and still couldn't pick up cooking be beyond me." Autumn said as she smiled at Torek. "I always had you as a fast learning but I guess you can't learn everything." She added in, teasing him as much as she did Titian.

"Though Torek I'm going to be counting on you to lead them back to Oleg's." Autumn began as she pulled her braid over her shoulder. Slowly the aasimar began to undo the woven hair, taking out the twigs and flowers setting them in respectably piles. She also took out the grooming kit she had made and used the comb to brush out her silver hair. "We're pretty much out of meat, so on the way back Frostbite and I will break off for a moment to hunt us something I can continue to feed this with." She explained as she ran the comb slowly through her hair, guiding it carefully. "I know they'll be in good hands, after all I'm the one who taught you."

Ha! you think you get a watch any more. That's cute. Autumn is using a spell that allows her to remain up all night with no side effects. You boys get a full nights sleep! XD


Male Ulfen Human Cleric 3 Hp:24/24 F +4, R+2, W +6 AC16 T-11 FF-13 Initiative +1, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7
Torek Vakt wrote:


Later yet he quietly goes over to Herger, "Greetings Brother or Elder Herger, I have been thinking on Brother Jhod's talk on station, and I think it best if I not be called a Brother. I have no special favor or duty to Erastil. I know you are a humble man unwilling to set yourself above any other. I know you are a good man that feels the burden of a terrible past, you may feel unworthy of your post in some way. I understand that feeling but let Ol'Deadeye's judgement prevail here. You, he choose, to make miracles in his name. I sure he has good reasons for that and he has never required perfection in those he chooses. So for...

He was quiet as the camp wound down to cooking and the aftercare of weapons armor, horses and the like. It wasnt that he didnt have anything to say or add, it was that he was trying to find the best way to word everything. When Torek pulled him aside he listened to the man's words only glancing over to Jhod once. A slight frown appeared on his face but only for a moment.

"I understand where you are coming from Torek. I didnt mean to put you in an awkward position. When i named you brother I was going back to my youth, up north. A shield brother, a good friend. It didnt occur to me how it would look to other followers of the faith. I've still got a lot to remember and learn, but you my friend are a good man."

He reached over and placed his hands on Torek's shoulder giving it a good squeeze. He returned to the fire and ate quietly Grumbling his thanks to Titian for cooking the meal. It wasn't bad at all, on par with how he would manage no doubt. Some of the Sasha's words bugged him, If the followers of the Stag Lord considered him the real ruler of the region, who were they to say otherwise. He was a bandit through and through, there wasnt any doubt of that to Herger at all, but how many followed him out of fear, or followed because to them he seemed legitimate. History and lands were rife with Evil rulers, He recalled his homelands well. Evil or not, those damned witches were the rulers of Irrisen.

As Autumn let down her hair to brush it he couldnt help but notice how pretty her hair was especially in this firelight. As soon as he realized how that thought had crossed his mind he felt his skin heat up and he rose awkwardly from the fire grabbing a water skin.

"I'm empty be back in a moment."

He began moving torwards the stream for a moment to clear his head from the awkward revelation...(awkward to him at least)

Sovereign Court

Male Human (Taldorian)
Spoiler:
AC 23/T12/FF21 HP32/32 F+5 R+3 W+2 Init +2 Perception +8
Cavalier (Beastrider) 3 (Order of the Sword)

Titian leans forward and replies to Toreks question.
"Her tries to rule by a simple principle. Who says he is the boss and can convince others through charisma or brutality that he is the boss, will be seen as the ruler. Even if he is just a little man.
It just needs a bit of willpower and bravery to stand to this man... and all his rule crumbles!"


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

Autumn watched Herger walk away to get water. She was a little confused because... Couldn't clerics makes water? However she didn't openly question it. When she finished with her hair she put the comb away and returned the kit to its proper place in the bags. "Don't be too sure." Autumn warned. "We don't know much about this man, so we shouldn't underestimate him. But if he is the kind that the strongest rules then taking him down would send a message to all others. However, that only holds true if all of his group does." She said.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Autumn began with a snap of her fingers. "If any of you wish to use my tent for the night I don't mind. I won't be sleeping tonight so there isn't much a of reason for me to use it." She explained.


”Titian’s probably right. Bring down the chief; his followers will scatter.”


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"But do we want them to?" Autumn asked, though her tone sounded more curious than anything. "When and alpha wolf dies, whether that be from natural death or a fight with another pack, a new alpha is chosen through a large fight among the remaining pack. However if the alpha dies from a fight with another wolf pack, the pack scatters only to reform or to become lone wolves who try to find other packs to accept them. If we aren't careful and we bring down the alpha without closing the rest of the pack in we could have another uprising to deal with... Not to mention smaller bands that would roam the land and cause trouble for the people that are planning to settle here." She explained as she looked at the fire, putting a few more logs on it. "We need to pull this infection out root and stem. Else we cannot ensure these people's safety."

Sovereign Court

Male Human (Taldorian)
Spoiler:
AC 23/T12/FF21 HP32/32 F+5 R+3 W+2 Init +2 Perception +8
Cavalier (Beastrider) 3 (Order of the Sword)

Titian nods at Autumns words and replies.
"A dog once was a wolf. Sometimes a wild stallion will make the whole herd while. Replace the the stallion with a tame one and you have a herd you can use for labor! We can try?"


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"Depend on how they react. A pack on pack fight normally ends with one pack death or scattered, and the other with new territory. It is very very rare for the pack that wins to take in members of the other pack. We need to find out if we are dealing with bandits like Curley, Sasha, or Redash. If they are more like Curley then turning them about around wouldn't be that difficult. Ones like Sasha will likely need a stern talking to, and maybe a reminder that this life pays off more than death. But if they are like Redash... Clearing then out completely will be the only course of action." Autumn gave a long sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. "It is hard to tell till we get there, but we know one thing for sure. This Stag Lord cannot live... No matter what."


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek's reply to Herger, "So are you Herger very good indeed, We will need that in the days ahead to keep us all on track. And thank you for understanding."

Torek takes in all the others have been saying while he mulls over the puzzle of the Stag Lord. "The big problem is that we just don't know. He seems to have an unusually strong hold over fractious men. He has at least some organization, trying to build a fort here shows that. Does he have some alliance or more than one aiding him? That dark amulet is it just that one man or does it mean many fanatic cultists are serving him or working with him? A thousand questions and few answers. We need ... we need an inside source, one of his trusted leaders and somehow persuade them to talk truthfully. No easy task that. Otherwise we are deaf and blind. We may not have a choice in that and still need to act." Torek shakes his head. "I've tracked one or two criminals, but I've never taken down a group, much less a one that seems so strong, at least in a troubled land. I don't see a clear path forward. Still we drop off our new friend, and find our patron's temple. Maybe something will turn up that shows that way forward."

At Autumn's comment, "Aye true enough, hard to see any road that doesn't lead there..." Torek trails off, "... unless he is somehow ensorcelled. Even then we may have to remove him anyway." Torek echos Autumn soberly, softly, "No matter what."


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

A long pregnant pause filled the air after Torek had echoed Autumn's thoughts. Biting her lower lip, thoughts slowly moved through her mind. To had been a very heavy day... The battle, tending to the dead, dealing with Sasha, the fight with Jhod and finally the talk with Torek and Herger. Emotionally charged day also fit for the name, and Autumn was just ready for the day to be over.

Finally she spoke. "You all should get some sleep." Autumn said as she stood up, Frostbite doing the same as she had been laying at Autumn's side. "We'll be heading back tomorrow after all..." She added before she stepped off to go and get Herger.

Her steps could be heard before she spoke. "I hope I'm not interrupting." Autumn said with Herger. "Just wanted to check in on you... it was... a difficult day." She muttered the last part only to clear her throat and add "Figured it might be a good idea to turn in now, as we'll be heading back tomorrow."


Wealday, Desnus 6, 4716 A. R.

Sasha has been turned over to Kesten Garess. Drazen and Jhod have promised to watch over the two bandits, thus freeing Kesten and his guards for their actual duties.

The noon sun shines down, it is time for the midday meal. Fluffy clouds drift across the sky, bringing occasional rain sprinkles. The temperature is mild, cool when it sprinkles.
Most folks are inside having lunch.

Larin and Augustina's paths converge as both approach from the north. The other characters can be anywhere around the trading post, doing whatever.

A soldier above the gate watches with mild interest as the two newcomers approach. A man leaning on a hoe raises his face from the doleful contemplation of a wilted, dying plant. The smell of fresh cooked food fills the air, and the murmur of conversation and the clank of cutlery wafts out of the compound.


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

To GM:
I wanted to have Autumn break off for a moment to get them some more meat as they're pretty much out. I'll include the survival rolls in this spoiler and you can choose what she gets
Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

I'm assuming that the dying plants are the Curley and the moonrasishes. If I'm wrong let me know and I'll have her doing something else.

When they returned and saw to Sasha being placed, and was very thankful for Drazen and Jhod taking them both under thing wing. She did check in with Curley about the moonradishes. "Not doing well are they." Autumn said, believing the worse. "I'm sorry, I wanted to get information but we needed to get fangberries to trade for it, and I was overruled in going to try and find those." Autumn explained. "How much longer do you think they have?"


Autumn foraged enough food for 16 days(for one person) So probably a good sized deer.

Curley leans down and crumbles a leaf. It falls to the ground in flakes. "They're dead." He looks at Autumn fearfully. "Transplantin's hard. I gave 'em fish emulsion. Watered 'em good. They just didn't take off."


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

Autumn knelt next to Curley sighing defeated. "It was a long shot. I knew it." She said with a slight shrug. "Thank you for trying Curley... You did more than most I'm sure." Autumn gave him a small smile before she stood. "At least they'll make good fertilizer right?" She asked as she slowly stood back up.

"I have to go get some meat salted for our travels. Thank you again for trying Curley." Autumn said once again as she place her hand on his shoulder reassuringly, as she wanted him to understand she didn't blame him for it, before she left to buy salt from Oleg and a barrel to put the cut up pieces of meat in after she finished dressing the large dear she had brought back with them.

"Oleg, I need a medium barrel, and salt. A lot of salt... I've got dear meat I need to preserve." She explained as she walked into the shop. "Oh, and we have a lot of items we got from bandits."


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Seeing Autumn prep Torek says, "Going hunting? Best if I come with then, we can carry twice as much back then."

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 Hunt

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Keep eyes out while hunting.


Male CG Halfling Sorcerer 3 | HP: 24/24 | AC: 15 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMB: +1, CMD: 14 | F: +6, R: +6, W: +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init: +3 | Perc: +3, SM: +1 | Speed 20ft | Thunderstaff: 1rd 6/6 | Spells: 1st 6/6 | Active Conditions: None

The walk south from Fort Serenko was less arduous than Larin had expected, no more so than many of the treks he'd taken before - before he'd set out on his own, before the trust of his family had disappeared, before the day the storm came.

Still, the sun had risen early and warmed him as he followed the map he'd been given directing him to Oleg's Trading Post. A few intermittent showers had done nothing to dampen his spirits, he merely put up the hood of his waxed canvas duster and carried on towards the next chapter of his tale.

Arriving at the same time as Larin is a pair of humans, an older woman and a young lad. Larin waves cheerfully to the pair as he approaches the gate, a guard looking down on him as he fiddles in the satchel on his hip. "Hello there!" Larin calls up to the watcher above him. "I've got this letter, there are some people I'm supposed to meet," he says, waving a scroll up at the man.

"Are you here for the expedition too?" he asks the woman.

Sovereign Court

Male Human (Taldorian)
Spoiler:
AC 23/T12/FF21 HP32/32 F+5 R+3 W+2 Init +2 Perception +8
Cavalier (Beastrider) 3 (Order of the Sword)

Titian looks at the little halfling and leans down in the saddle.
"Well met. Well, I do not know what people you are supposed to meet. What kind of expedition?"


NG Human Cleric 3 | Status: Ok
Stats:
AC 15 (T 11, FF 14) | CMB +4, CMD 15 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | F +5, R +2, W +6 | Perc +5, SM +7
HP 27/27 | Performance 7/10 | Channel 5/5 | ToG 6/6

Augustina slows the pace of her horse Rover. It seems there's a hint of a building ahead. Using a hand to protect her eyes from the sun, she watches ahead and confirmes her first impression. "That must be Oleg's Tradepost, Sergei" she comments on the young teen riding the same horse before her.

As they slowly get to the place, another figure appears. Carefully she spots, and it seems the figure waves a hand. "Well" she thinks, "there must be many travellers around here, Oleg's is quite a renown place." She doesn't want to risk an ill-fated encounter anyway, so she hastes Rover's pace, calculating for them and the stranger to arrive at Oleg's at the same time more or less.

When everyone is close enough, she recognises the rider as a halfling, and there's also a blonde human welcoming the newcomers. Both of them are in front of a blue-eyed, hay-coloured mane young woman, in traveller's clothes decorated with feathers and other animal mementos. She and a dark-haired kid in his early teens ride a nice light brown horse, which also carries a longspear with a white flag on top showing a stag flanked by two trees and an eagle flying above them.

With Sergei told in advance to let the talking to her, she waves her hand in a quite general direction as a greeting. "Well met. I am Augustina and this is my cousin Sergei. We're looking for a bed to sleep, a table to eat and some questions to be answered, all of it in exchange for the proper coin." Her voice is firm but melodious, and her accent very difficult to tell. She and the kid get off the horse, and Sergei drinks some water from the canteen while Augustina bends her knees repeatedly as a sign of having ridden too much.


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"No, this is for the one I shot on the way back when I had you lead the group back to Oleg's." Autumn explained. "Got a pretty good buck, now I need to strip the meat down and get it salted. Else by tomorrow I'll be picking bugs off of it." She shrugged. "However, that meat is only going to last us a few days. Well if we eat nothing but deer meat I mean. I was thinking with the coin we got from those bandits, and the gear we can sell back, I was going to grab some more stuff. We've been lacking in green foods lately, I'm thinking about getting a smaller amount of those to take with us. I'm sure I can find some wild ones but that does take longer and they're often smaller." Autumn told Torek, spilling her ideas for the group. "I've also thought about getting flour and yeast so that I could make bread for the group as well. If I make it while we're out and about we're less likely to have to worry about it molding over before we can finish it." However then she stopped and looked at Torek, a slight look of embarrassment coming over her face. "I'm talking too much again aren't I?"


Male Ulfen Human Cleric 3 Hp:24/24 F +4, R+2, W +6 AC16 T-11 FF-13 Initiative +1, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7

Following along to Curley the large ulfen man scowls.

"Bah. It was a bit of a long shot I suppose, guess we might need to try again. Looks like we will need two score or so of chickens."

He muttered patting Curley on the shoulder.

"Curley there is a fellow we captured who doesnt quite believe us when we said there is redemption for folks who truly seek it. Young fellow by the name of Sasha. I would take it as a kindness if you speak with him a spell. I'm gonna have a chat with Oleg as well, see if maybe he wouldnt mind a small field of carrots or beats or even kale planted around here would bother him. Something to help feed the soldiers about here some and a way to keep folk here waiting on us busy."

He said gruffly. If his memory was right, it would be a bit early for those plants, but by the time they got the seed in, it might be close to the time to plant something of that nature.
perception to see if he does spot Ulfgar about with the soldiers: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

He didnt see his boy on the wall, nor out with Curley. Not that it mattered exactly. Just well his thoughts had been roaming on a lot of unpleasant thoughts since the battles yesterday with bandits. He was about to head into find the owner of the place when he noticed the folk on horseback riding up. Running a hand through his beard he watched quietly as Titian spoke with the halfling fellow. He gave a nod at the other pair of folks who neared.

"Augustina... Sergei"

He began inclining his head. He moved slowly, force of habit when he came across new folk. Herger was a large man. The large mane of his blonde hair and beard seemed gruff, the large oaken Symbol of Erastil prominent on his breastplate. He paused carefully studying
kn. religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
"You folk will want to speak with Oleg, The owner of this trading post, Name's Herger, I'll introduce you to Oleg and take your horse to the stable if you would like."

He began running his hands back up and over his head pulling his hair back from his face a bit.


Oleg, Svetlana, and most of the other residents of the outpost are gathered around the outside tables, eating the noon meal. Ulfgar is there sitting next to an attractive teenaged girl in peasant clothing. The two seem oblivious to everyone else.
Probably a DC 15 knowledge check to know of Cernunnos, he’s pretty obscure.

Curly grunts in a noncommittal way, at the suggestion he speak with Sasha. ”Probably be spendin’ plenty of time with him. I guess we’ll talk some.”

Oleg seems a little annoyed at having his lunch disrupted. He gets past it quickly though. Especially since the discussion between Autumn, and Torek give him time to finish up.
”I’ve got got some salt. Demand is always high for that stuff. Everyone needs it for everything. My suppliers know this, and mark it up. You should keep an eye out for natural salt deposits. People trade gold for salt, you know.” The burly trader grins.

”Post is open for trade.” The guard tells Larin. ”Go on in.”


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"Yes I know." Autumn sighed. "Five gold a pound if my memory is right. I'll need at least three pounds to use both now and later at the moment..." She told him. "Normally I could make it in a brine boil but I've not the time for that. Plus it can't be transported, which makes it even more difficult." Autumn scratched the back of her head as she spoke. "And I've got some other things I'll need to pick up. Not that I believe you'd turn us down. We're your favorites after all!" Autumn teased with a small chuckle. After all she'd bought everything they've needed from the man since they got here.

However, her slight smile was gone in a moment as she looked to Svetlana. "Oh and Svetlana, when you have a minute... May I speak with you? Alone?" The young woman seemed nervous about asking, yet had pushed herself to ask.


Male CG Halfling Sorcerer 3 | HP: 24/24 | AC: 15 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMB: +1, CMD: 14 | F: +6, R: +6, W: +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init: +3 | Perc: +3, SM: +1 | Speed 20ft | Thunderstaff: 1rd 6/6 | Spells: 1st 6/6 | Active Conditions: None

Larin looks up at the very tall, very well-built man in the saddle, craning his neck to make eye contact. "Sorry friend, I wasn't given any names. All I've got is this charter," - lifting the scroll again to illustrate - "and I was told to come here to meet up with the others who had already started the survey."

He steps back slightly to ease his straining neck. "I'm Larin by the way," he adds, waving up at all the new people above him. He nods gratefully at the guard, and at Herger. "Thanks, that'd be great," Larin says, following the bearded chap into the trading post. He sniffs the air, the smell of stew and warm bread causing a smile to spread across his face. "Smells like lunchtime," he mutters, to no-one in particular.


Male Human(Kellid) Ranger/3

Torek replies to Autumn, "It's never too much to plan for preparation into the frontier and beyond. Unless we spend all our time foraging, supplies are always a problem, we'd been short or close to it more than once if that so called Stag Lord hadn't generously donated supplies."Torek finishes sarcastically. He continues, "All those are good ideas, I just wish we had more coin to spend to get what we need here quickly so we could concentrate on our mission, but wishes are fishes uncaught. I'll help, of course, any way I can."

Torek sees the group gathering around lunch, and introduces himself, "Torek Vakt, of the Equinox Riders, exploring these lands, sorry no banners yet. Pleased to meet newcomers, most welcome. If you need any assistance, please tell me, I may be able to help."

Torek puzzles a bit of the banner born by the lady, wondering what it means but too polite to ask.


Female Aasimar( Agathion-Blooded) Hunter 3 HP:25/28 F +6, R+5, W +3 | AC19 T12 FF17 | Initiative +2, Perception +7, Senses: Darkvision

"To be fair, I'm some what using the coin we got from the bandits and the equipment we need to sell. Which I hope no one minds... I mean it is for the group as a whole and we need to eat." Autumn pointed out. "And if you and I are going to keep hunting we have to have a way to keep the meat for rotting and bringing on bugs. Not to mention I think only Frostbite could eat just deer and other animals everyday." She told him before she looked down at the she-wolf who was eyeing the lunch on the table greedily. "And you can help me carry it all out when I buy it."

When Torek addressed the fact others were gathering Autumn turned and offered a welcoming smile. "I'm Autumn Moon, also of the Equinox Riders. If you need any help just ask, we'll be glad to help." She said, then gasp. "I forgot to order the cloth for the banner!!" Autumn said as she quickly turned back to Oleg. "Do you have cloth in stock? Green, blue, some yellow and maybe a white? Maybe if I just get the cloth I can stitch it while we camp. I'm up all night anyways..."


Svetlana agrees to talk to Autumn later. "There's something I'd like to talk to you about too." She adds in a serious tone.

"Um, yes I have cloth in those colors." Oleg answers. "You'd be wanting something finer for a flag though. I have a good supplier for silks. Something to make a flag to be proud of." The merchant's eyes twinkle.

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