Malthir is standing in his studded leather with his hand on his sword but makes no move to draw it.
Casimir, Fenna, it seems you have been discussing terms of surrender with Kressle, but you have forgot one important detail, remove her weapons before I am forced too, this is not an optional request Kressle...If she refuses, Malthir will draw his sword and roll for initiative, if she follows Mathir's "request", he relaxes and removes his hand from his sword.
Assuming the later, "Sit Kressle, come and speak with your sister. You can tell us your story after you have had a chance to get re-aquainted with Karina."
As long as the events went as expected, Malthir sits and watches the sisters interact, looking for details into Kressle's interactions and motives. He seems to have little emotion to Kressle other than cold observation, like a judge at a murder trial.
Kressle obligingly hands her weapons over, her two hatchets, a longbow, a few daggers and a warhammer...
With Karina, Kressle seems mostly to simply be in awe and relieved that her sister is alive. She is continually apologising and breaking into tears as the dams burst...
Well Casimir, looks like you were able to negotiate yourself out of quite a pickle, well done brining her in without a fight. When the shock of seeing her sister wears off, do you still think she will be as obliging? But right now we have more important details than dealing with a criminal. Tomorrow we seek Tuskgetter and possibly the unicorn after that. It maybe that Kressle knows something about the two of them since her camp was in the woods not far from here? Her information about this Stag Lord could also prove invaluable against him. We will see what she says when we get back to Oelg's. For now she is your responsibility, maybe once she calms down you can ask her about the boar and the unicorn.
Malthir does a detect evil on her just in case. Assuming no evil aura is present:
You are surprised a little by his calm reaction now that she is unarmed. He sits down around the low burning fire and awaits the other party members reactions after hearing Cas' recollection of the events.
Casimir gathers Kressle's collection of weapons in a pile, pausing for a moment to heft one of the deadly handaxes.
This was the second time I had one of these at my throat. I would like it very much if there was never a third, he mutters to no-one in particular.
Turning to Malthir, he addresses the Paladin and the rest of the group softly, not to disturb the two sisters.
Well, now that she is here, alone, injured and unarmed, I doubt she will put up any fight. But I have no idea how she will react once she regains her composure. I suspect it will depend a lot on how we treat her and Karina. Make no mistake, she is a very capable woman - she has earned my respect, but I do not trust her any further than I can see her. She snuck right into the camp and laid that axe on my throat, and I have little doubt that she could escape us again unless kept under strict guard.
As Malthir points out, she is a criminal, and I have already made it clear to her that there will be a price to pay for her actions, regardless of any duress she may have been under while committing them. She has accepted this. On the other hand, if she can be persuaded to aid us and repay her crimes by serving the people who inhabit these lands and help us bring down the Stag Lord, much speaks for leniency. After all, our Charter speaks of death only to those who do not repent. And it would be wasteful to leave her to rot in chains, or have her maimed, if she is willing to use her formidable skills in the service of our cause.
But even though we faced her in battle, we were not the ones wronged by the group of bandits she lead. Oleg and the other victims of their crimes should have a say in this.
As for what to do here and now, I suggest that once the two are done talking, we all sit down and listen to what Kressle has to say. We can then ask her questions of our own and decide on a course of action. I am not opposed to bringing her along while we hunt for Tuskgutter, unarmed and under watch. After that, I say we take her back to Oleg's.
Agreed, the people of the Greenbelt are her accuser's, not us. She should be judged for her crimes and sentenced as such. I am willing to hear her out.
Assuming we get to her story in a little while here is my sense motive check since now I actually have one!
You feel Kressle is both ashamed of her actions towards the group, and overjoyed to find her sister alive. She also seems sincere as she speaks to you all- and willing to seek redemption.
Kressle stands in the centre of the camp, still a somewhat commanding presence despite her circumstances. She stands and looks at you all in turn, and then begins to make her case.
My father, Karina and I were attacked on the way into Brevoy many months ago by bandits. I got seperated from my sister after watching our father die, and I assumed Karina suffered the same fate. I was brutally beaten, and about to be raped by these highwayman- when the Stag Lord marched onto the roadside.
Kressle's eyes take on a dream-like quality for a moment as she continues.
He walked fearlessly onto the roadside, a tall, noble warrior- wearing a helm that covered his face, with Stag Antlers protruding from the top. As I saw him I imagined he was a mighty champion of Erastil, coming to save me. He challenged the brigands, slaying three with his bow and another three with his longsword- they were no match for him, and his prowess was... magnificent. He carried me over his shoulder to his campfire- and at my sobbing request, he left to check on my father and sister. He came back, and told me they had both died.
Kressle glances at Karina for a moment-
This was many months ago. I know now that he had lied. I am not sure why. Perhaps he saw potential in me, or perhaps he had always wanetd a daughter of his own- but I swallowed the lie.
I had nothing. I had no family remaining. No home. Few possessions. Nothing but burning hate in my heart.
The Stag Lord nurtured that hate, finding opportunities to fan the fires of my rage. He took me to his new stronghold in the Greenbelt. Trained me in the ways of battle, stealth and the wilds- gave me weapons, armour, a warm fire... And comrades. They may have been rough, but when they first tried to touch me the Stag Lord cut off the hand of the man who tried. He was like a father to me, and the only one I had left. When he asked me to manage the Thorn River Camp, I was proud to repay him in any way I could for all he did for me. Now that I know he lied to me about my sister... That has tainted him in my eyes. And I have failed him. He will not forgive my failure.
So... That is my tale. I offer no battle, but if you try and take my life I will fight for it; weapons or no. My axes are yours to command if you wish me to fight for your cause. If you can forgive me, Karina and I would like to help with the settling of these lands, in whatever role you deem suitable.
I have surrendered willingly, and all that I did was to survive and thrive in the Stag Lord's harsh world. I had no other choice.
Kressle, it is good you have come to us in peace, we hope that it will lead to your salvation. Under the eyes of Iomedae and Erastil, you will be judged for your crimes, whatever they may be. It may be that you have a role to play in these lands, but for now you are our prisoner until we get back to Oleg's. Once there you will admit any and all crimes you have committed, and with input from the folks of the Greenbelt, you will be judged for your crimes. You will be treated well and no one is going to try and kill you unless your crimes merit that severe a punishment. We appreciate the offer of your blades, but you will not be allowed to hold onto your weapons until after we get back to Oleg's and your innocence or guilt established.
Can we have your word that you will not try to escape us? Trying to bind and watch you will be too difficult as we will be off tomorrow morning to face the forest lord.
Kressle, it is good you have come to us in peace, we hope that it will lead to your salvation. Under the eyes of Iomedae and Erastil, you will be judged for your crimes, whatever they may be. It may be that you have a role to play in these lands, but for now you are our prisoner until we get back to Oleg's. Once there you will admit any and all crimes you have committed, and with input from the folks of the Greenbelt, you will be judged for your crimes. You will be treated well and no one is going to try and kill you unless your crimes merit that severe a punishment. We appreciate the offer of your blades, but you will not be allowed to hold onto your weapons until after we get back to Oleg's and your innocence or guilt established.
Can we have your word that you will not try to escape us? Trying to bind and watch you will be too difficult as we will be off tomorrow morning to face the forest lord.
You have my word. My sister is alive, and this changes everything.
Kressle pauses, indicating her wounds.
It may interest you to know the surviving bandits from the River Camp turned on me. Those particular men will no longer be a problem for you.
With the arrival of Kressel into the camp Edric reacts in much the same way as Malthir, listening silently to the women's story. Once she finishes He turns to the paladin May we speak for a moment?
Have you or any of your men met this forest lord? It is a large boar they have also named Tuskgutter. I believe his hunting grounds are west of here. You mentioned that the Stag Lord taught you of the wilds, would you be willing to help us track the beast? It may help you at your trial if you had helped their community in some way.
We are also searching for a Unicorn that inhabits the western part of the Narlmarches, have you heard anything of this creature or maybe seen it?
Have you or any of your men met this forest lord? It is a large boar they have also named Tuskgutter. I believe his hunting grounds are west of here. You mentioned that the Stag Lord taught you of the wilds, would you be willing to help us track the beast? It may help you at your trial if you had helped their community in some way.
We are also searching for a Unicorn that inhabits the western part of the Narlmarches, have you heard anything of this creature or maybe seen
it?
I will help in any capacity I can. I have a lot of information that could be useful to you concerning the Stag Lord and his bandits. I am particularily skilled in the forests, and I am a competent tracker. The Unicorn I have never seen, but this Boar I know. We steer clear of his territory. He is a formidable creature.
With the arrival of Kressel into the camp Edric reacts in much the same way as Malthir, listening silently to the women's story. Once she finishes He turns to the paladin May we speak for a moment?
** spoiler omitted **
Fenna listens to Kressle's story quietly, and nods in agreement at Malthir's suggestion that she might earn lenience by assisting the Guardians in their tasks, "it might also go a long way if you where to return what you can of those things you have stolen from the people of the Greenbelt... the wedding ring of Oleg and his wife Svetlanna for example, though they do not show it, I am sure that they are pained by the loss of such an important symbol of their love."
I will help in any capacity I can. I have a lot of information that could be useful to you concerning the Stag Lord and his bandits. I am particularily skilled in the forests, and I am a competent tracker. The Unicorn I have never seen, but this Boar I know. We steer clear of his territory. He is a formidable creature.
Is this boar an unusual animal, I mean could it be a magical beast, or just a crafty, large animal? I wonder if it has some rudimentary intelligence for other creatures in the forest to refer to it as the "Forest Lord"? We do want to know more about this bandit lord. Maybe that you can tell us what you know about the region as well as this Stag Lord. We have heard rumors that he is some type of fiend or fey?
While I understand your concerns I cannot help but feel that it is this region's independent nature that has let such ruthless individuals, like this Stag Lord, thrive. If we establish ourselves as a strong authority one that dispenses consistent evenhanded justice the law abiding people of the Greenbelt will flock to our standard. How are we to show the people of this land that we are here to bring change to if we lower ourselves to the "frontier" justice that already exists here? Kressell is our prisoner and as such it is our duty to decide on the proper trial and judgment for her. Oleg, Svetlanna and all of the others who have been victimized by Kressel and her men can not possible look at this situation un-biasly and render a fair decision. We must show ourselves as bastions of Law and Order in order to stand a chance of prevailing in this chaotic land.
** spoiler omitted **
Casimir raises an eyebrow as Kressle mentions the bandits turning on her.
Can't say I'm surprised. Honor and loyalty don't seem to be something those scum had any notion of...or brains for that matter. Didn't they realize that you saved them all by taking me captive?
Gorum knows they weren't much use in a fight...but still...all five and you injured. Whatever else the Stag Lord did to you, he certainly taught you well in the ways of battle.
He walks over to Kressle and puts his hand on the gash in her abdomen.
Since you spared me of new injuries tonight, allow me to help you with some of yours - Curative Touch
Healing magic streams into the wound, sealing up the skin into a fine scar.
Casimir raises an eyebrow as Kressle mentions the bandits turning on her.
Can't say I'm surprised. Honor and loyalty don't seem to be something those scum had any notion of...or brains for that matter. Didn't they realize that you saved them all by taking me captive?
Gorum knows they weren't much use in a fight...but still...all five and you injured. Whatever else the Stag Lord did to you, he certainly taught you well in the ways of battle.
He walks over to Kressle and puts his hand on the gash in her abdomen.
Since you spared me of new injuries tonight, allow me to help you with some of yours - Curative Touch
Healing magic streams into the wound, sealing up the skin into a fine scar. 1d8+2
I hope you have more of those, we face Tuskgutter in a few hours and it wouldn't be good to be out of your newfound powers when your friends may need them. he says with a little iritation in his voice.
When we encounter the beast, he can probably deal a lot of damage. I should be the one to lead in on it if we can. I can fight it and heal myself at the same time. If I fight defensively and have the shield wall, hopefully I can minimize the hits and allow you guys to flank and attack while its attention is on me. Fenna can heal me with Cas as back up, while Vaysh, Cas and Edric do everything they can to slay the beast. I might score the occasional hit myself. Unless someone else has a better plan? I just don't believe we can get the jump on the creature on horseback fully armored wondering through its territory.
Question Kressle, map the next hex, and then move on to Tuskie's hex to map that one. I figure that thorough of movement through that hex should get his attention. Fenna, your thoughts?
When we encounter the beast, he can probably deal a lot of damage. I should be the one to lead in on it if we can. I can fight it and heal myself at the same time. If I fight defensively and have the shield wall, hopefully I can minimize the hits and allow you guys to flank and attack while its attention is on me. Fenna can heal me with Cas as back up, while Vaysh, Cas and Edric do everything they can to slay the beast. I might score the occasional hit myself. Unless someone else has a better plan? I just don't believe we can get the jump on the creature on horseback fully armored wondering through its territory.
When Malthir makes his remark about the healing, Casimir turns and gives him a sharp stare. His voice has an edge of cold steel when he addresses the paladin.
My powers of healing are mine to wield when and where I see fit, Malthir. I would not presume to instruct you in how best to use the healing gift recently granted to you by you goddess. But then, perhaps the tenants of the Inheritor object to giving aid to injured captives?
He pauses for an instant, to let the words sink in. When he continues, some of the sharpness has left his voice, but he still looks Malthir square in the eye.
In any event, you need not concern yourself. Provided that the rest of the night passes without further disturbance, I will regain the full use of my magic in the morning. And even if I did not, I fell confident that with all the spells and potions of healing we now possess, surely we can spare a single spell to treat wounds already received - received, I might add, disposing of bandits that we now no longer have to worry about.
When Malthir makes his remark about the healing, Casimir turns and gives him a sharp stare. His voice has an edge of cold steel when he addresses the paladin.
My powers of healing are mine to wield when and where I see fit, Malthir. I would not presume to instruct you in how best to use the healing gift recently granted to you by you goddess. But then, perhaps the tenants of the Inheritor object to giving aid to injured captives?
He pauses for an instant, to let the words sink in. When he continues, some of the sharpness has left his voice, but he still looks Malthir square in the eye.
In any event, you need not concern yourself. Provided that the rest of the night passes without further disturbance, I will regain the full use of my magic in the morning. And even if I did not, I fell confident that with all the spells and potions of healing we now possess, surely we can spare a single spell to treat wounds already received - received, I might add, disposing of bandits that we now no longer have to worry about.
Malthir appears to want to say something in response for a moment, but thinks better of it and lets it go at that...
Malthir appears to want to say something in response for a moment, but thinks better of it and lets it go at that...
Malthir appears to want to say something in response for a moment, but thinks better of it and lets it go at that...
The night goes by somewhat awkwardly, with some party members clearly uncomfortable with the newest addition to the group. For her part, Kressle is very quiet, mostly speaking to Karina before sleeping near her.
The next day, the atmosphere is somewhat tense. Riding with Karina, Kressle leads the group south-west for about six miles, quietly catching up with her sister as she leads the way. The weather is awful today- rain pouring down at the group in torrents. Visibility is reduced dramatically by the weather, and bows would be almost useless in the gale force winds.
Malthir asks many questions of Kressle as they make the journey, and Kressle does her best to answer them all.
Is this boar an unusual animal, I mean could it be a magical beast, or just a crafty, large animal?
It's simply a very vicious, old and strong animal. Such strength is worthy of respect; or at least a wide berth. Clearly the animals feel the same way.
We do want to know more about this bandit lord. Maybe that you can tell us what you know about the region as well as this Stag Lord. We have heard rumors that he is some type of fiend or fey?
Kressle smiles a little at this line of questioning, and her voice takes on a soft, wistful quality as she responds.
No one knows for sure. He fights like a Demon though; and he never removes the Stag Helm which covers his face... I believe he is simply a man. A powerful, flawed man; noble in his own twisted way. What in particular did you want to know?
Malthir is worried about her not making it back to Oleg's and thinks it may be a good idea to find out as much as we can about him and his other sergeants as quickly as possible.
The Stag Lord only lets a dozen or so bandits live with him in his fort. Every bandit there is a capable fighter, but three other than the Stag Lord stand out.
Firstly, there is Dovan from Nisroch. He cuts a lean figure and is a dirty fighter- you can recognise him from the black leather he wears, he has something of a leather fetish. He is excessively cruel and enjoys torture above all else.
Secondly, there is Auchs. Auchs is as simple as they come, with the mentality of a child. He is devoted to Dovan- apparently the man saved his life once. He is also massive, bigger and stronger than any of you. He lacks any skill in battle, but his sheer toughness and brutality make up for it...
Finally, there is Akiros. He was a Paladin in Brevoy once, but never speaks of the events that brought him low. He's the newest leutenant, and seems truly unsure of his loyalties sometimes, although he never shows it in front of the Stag Lord. He is the Stag Lord's personal bodyguard, and may be the most skillful warrior in the Fort with the exception of the Stag Lord himself. Akiros might be persuaded to join our side if we could contact him...
Kressle's voice softens a lot when she speaks about Akiros, it's clear she cares for him on some level.
Malthir would want to know the location of his stronghold, his strengths, his weaknesses, his men at the stronghold, any spellcasters, when will he think that Kressle has gone missing? What will he do? Will he try to find out why none of his men in the northern Greenbelt have survived? Defenses at this stronghold?
The stronghold is an old fort on the northern shore of the Tuskwater lake. The Stag Lord's only true weakness is his alcohol habit. He is... an alcoholic, and Dovan uses this to gain some semblance of control over him. There is a single spellcaster in the fort who handles the men's healing... But he is kept below the fort in the dark, the Stag Lord's prisoner. He already knows I am 'missing'. One of the bandits survived their misguided attack on me and fled south. He is difficult to predict in his cups... But I suspect any armed response will be slow to muster.
Kressle leads the group to the Thorn river, and a rickety bridge with a small path leading to it between two hills. Holding up her hand to signal a halt, she explains the danger of the bridge to the group.
The bridge will only support one or two of us at a time, and only one horse at a time. It will be too risky to lead the horses alongside someone- perhaps one of you will be able to call the animals across the bridge once you have crossed?
When asked about Svetlana's ring, Kressle winces.
Our camp had a run-in with some thieves, small ugly humanoids, blue and with oversized heads... I have no idea who or what they were but they stole several bags of loot before we saw them- Svetlana's ring was amongst these possessions.
Kressle is describing Mites, a small and ugly type of Fey. Vicious and usually evil, the Mite's are somewhat frail but have an innate resistance to ordinary weapons and an uncanny ability to communicate and work with vermin, usually centipedes.
Like Gnomes, they originally came from the First World, and have a distant connection to Gnomes.
Those blue creatures that Kressle describes, sound like Mites, evil Fey who consort with vermin. Distant cousins of your kind, Fenna.
It sounds like the same type of creatures that have been fighting with the kobold tribes. Do you know anything about this, Kressle?
Casimir regards the unstable structure with a skeptic frown on his face.
I can cross first, and secure a rope along the bridge to serve as a handhold. Fenna, do you think you can persuade our four-legged friends to cross on their own?
I say that Edric goes across and then maybe Fenna can talk them over to assist?
Charisma checks:
Good plan, Malthir. We will assist as best we can in keeping the horses calm. Best we take our time and do this carefully.
Before crossing begins, Casimir examines the bridge and the surroundings carefully for signs of anything unusual and to gain some insights into the construction.
Bridge investigation:
Charisma check - Handle Animal assist:
The bridge is a single piece style, attached to both sides of the river by support beams attached to the river banks. These are weak and rotting, but still functional. Casimir finds himself agreeing with Kressle that the group should cross one at a time. While the bridge is rotting, it would be only a few days work to fix the bridge with the right tools, and much faster and cheaper than building a new one.
Those blue creatures that Kressle describes, sound like Mites, evil Fey who consort with vermin. Distant cousins of your kind, Fenna.
It sounds like the same type of creatures that have been fighting with the kobold tribes. Do you know anything about this, Kressle?
Nothing. My responsibilites lay on the north edge of the forest where heavier traffic passed through. The beasts fled south-east.
"Mites, you say?" Fenna asks absently to Casimir, looking a little distracted and then quietly recites a short phrase in Azlanti to herself.
Upon being faced with the problem of the bridge, she peers across its rickety structure in concern, then looks over to Malthir and Casimir, "Yes, it would likely be best if some of us remained on this side to guide the animals to the edge of the bridge, while Sir Edric crosses to call our mounts across one by one and I reassure them from here."
She then dismounts and speaks to the assembled animals softly in their own tongue, but is apparently still distracted from earlier and explains the plan to them poorly, "don't worry, we are going to cross the river, but the bridge will only hold one of you at a time, so soon you will be taken to it, and you can go across."
During the ride south-west Edric is quiet as if deep in thought. He pays close attention though to Kressel's answers but does not add to the conversation.
At the bridge the Knight assists Cas with the investigation.
Very well Casimir and I shall cross first, trailing a coil of rope. On the far shore we shall secure the rope to a stout tree. The rest of you can secure the rope to one of the horses before Fenna and I coax them across. Tie the horses the middle of the rope so that there is enough for you to pull back to this shore once the horse is safely across. If need be we can tie two coils of rope end to end. If one of the horses does fall Casimir and myself will attempt to pull it towards our side of the river.
Once Cas and Edric are across, Talia is sent over, since she is less likely to spook and this should help calm the rest of the horses as well as Edric's apparently jittery companions.
1d20+2
I thought for sure that you had jinxed me!
Crossing back at the ford camp sound like a good idea. It should be possible.
Onward?
Onward!
Additional followup questions for Kressle:
Does the Stag Lord wield any magic other than possible weapons or armor?
Are there any secret entrances or escape avenues in or out of the Stag Lords keep?
If no entrances, any thoughts on how we could draw him out or infiltrate the keep since a frontal assault would probably be suicide.
What about the bridge at Nettles crossing, did you and your crew use it much? Do you know of a large tree shaped like a claw pointing up into the sky?
He thanks her for being so forthcoming with information.
Edric expertly co-ordinates the group's horses across the dangerous bridge. Talia crosses last, her head held high as though she is on parade. With the natural barrier overcome, Kressle continues to lead the group west across the foothills. She confirms you could use the Thorn river camp ford to cross the river too, but this way led directly into the forest at Tuskgutter's territory. After a few more hours, you reach the edge of the forest, and the site of the attack on the boy. A crude sign has been hammered into the ground that reads-
Warning- Angry Boar
The sign appears to have been gnawed on. There are no tracks easily found here from the attack- time and the recent rain washed them away.
Does the Stag Lord wield any magic other than possible weapons or armor?
No. He has a single magical arrow that he is 'saving' for a special occasion though...
Are there any secret entrances or escape avenues in or out of the Stag Lords keep?
None that I am aware of. There is a single trail leading up to the main gate- i've never seen anyone approach from any other direction.
If no entrances, any thoughts on how we could draw him out or infiltrate the keep since a frontal assault would probably be suicide.
I suppose you could lay siege to it she says flatly. You realise that she is making a joke.Infiltration-wise, your best bet is probably to approach the fort under cover of darkness and scale the walls, or trick the bandits into letting you in. You could claim you are a group of local bandits coming to pay tribute. Bandit's aren't all known by face. Bring alcohol and they are even more likely to let you inside.
What about the bridge at Nettles crossing, did you and your crew use it much? Do you know of a large tree shaped like a claw pointing up into the sky?
We had little reason to use it, but one of the lad's mentioned that the Stag Lord had visited it a couple of weeks ago. I have never seen this tree you speak of.
He thanks her for being so forthcoming with information.
Kressle smiles at your thanks, and you catch Karina scowling at both of you, her eyes smouldering. Kressle quickly makes a hasty excuse about having to keep her eyes on the trail and rides a short distance from you.