DM Bloodgargler's Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master BinkyBo

As the archers were engaged, Dolgrym made a point to go refill his tankard as well. "You boys are marvelous builders. Excellent dwarven craftsmanship, if I do say so myself. You should be proud."

The final round comes.
The four remaining archers face "armored" dummy targets... cloth humanoid stuffed with straw.. wearing piecemeal studded leather. The targets have further been adorned and made up to look like bandits.

The crier gestures to the targets...
"Enter those who seek to defile our good lands!"
The crowd boos and hisses.

"And those who will fire the first arrows to bring those villains down!"
The crowd cheers.

The armored targets advance via wheeled contraption built with the assistance of gnomes Rillo and Bunyon.
The archers each let loose four arrows each at their assigned foe.

"The judges confirm all evil attackers have been defeated! Yet hark.. one is deemed most dead!"

"We have a winner! Auvendek take a bow!"
The crowd cheer once again, and the archer soldiers gather with smiling salutes, fraternal thumps, and handshakes... congratulating the victor.

The Green Man does his best to appear slightly aloof and regal during the match, applauding sparingly and not playing favourites.
The last quip however breaks through his reserve and sends him into a fit of roaring laughter.
"MOST dead indeed! Now we will have to institute a commission to draw up rules for what constitutes dead or not! And a ranking system on just how dead you are! Hah!"

The Green Man raises his tankard in salute towards the crier.
"Someone get that man a drink!"

There are minor events here and there up until the main feast is served. The great number of cooking fires are enough to brighten the settlement as cloud cover and cool breeze rolls in early evening.

The first rounds of padded staff battles among the citizens begin shortly after... in conjunction with the ale brewing competition. In the spirit of competition, the Broadhammer brewers brought in equipment from their base camp to brew their submission locally. "So y'can spare us the teary whines of unfairity, boys..." .. one of the younger Broadhammers taunts after their announcement.

The teams advancing in padded staff battles are interesting.. Though it requires enough strength to wield the cumbersome staff, quickness in attack and defense is key. Among the teams are a group of young women dressed in matching outfits which look like what an old lady would wear gardening.. (apparently to somehow aid in frustrating the ale-muscled young men they beat) They handily defeated a crowd favorite of "drinking buddy" laborers.
There's also a team of human apprentices to the Broadhammers.. who the dwarves cheer on as "ladder lads". They've just defeated a group of fisherman.

Akiros makes his way around to the other council members.. introducing his houseguest Annastel Kimber (artist and playwright), as well as attempting to get a team of council members going for the padded staff battle.

Realizing that a golden opportunity has presented itself, The Green Man stands from his seat and jumps off the podium, before heading over to the competition with resolute (if somewhat limping) steps.

"Well lads and lasses, I think it is high time you had some REAL challenge to measure up against!
Hand me a staff, and hand me an opponent or three!"

Sonechka smiles at the fearsome young women, her expression more warm than her usual chilly smirk, but turns from the melee to meet Akiros's guest. "Welcome, Miss (mister?) Kimber. May we look forward to having a playhouse soon?"

We've not exactly a center for arts and culture, so Sonya wants to figure out if Kimber has an ulterior motive. Or if Akiros has one for bringing Kimber here. She'll also task Rojeune with trying to figure out the same.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

She responds.."Haha.. that would be lovely, I'm sure." smiling politely.. clasped to the arm of Akiros.

Akiros sweeps his free arm arm toward Sonechka "Annastel.. may I introduce Lady Sonechka Alkaeva... she who gathers and guards secrets of worth to our kingdom."

Annastel makes an "impressed face".. "Oh? No secrets here. I'm just here to get away from it all for a time. I hadn't seen Akiros in many years, and was so pleased to hear from him.. doing well. I am astounded.. all you've done in such little time... and for it to be here. Chilling." as she looks to the castle.

Akiros clarifies.. "Miss Kimber is referring to the wounds put upon family by this place. By the Stag Lord's father."

Annastel leans in.. "I'm sure you've uncovered some secrets... we'll have to meet up for drinks or lunch sometime."

"So, who wants to be the first one to try and give the lord of Stagfall a black eye?
Come now, don't be shy, test your mettle against natures green giant!"

The Green Man makes a fist and smacks it into the palm of his other hand, then he grabs on of the padded staffs and walks into the middle of the ring.

The crier further encourages any contender to come forth...
"You've all heard the challenge! Who will face our ruler.. Lord Green!"

"-Crack-" Kressle splits a staff in two with an ax, and approaches center arena half staff in each hand.

"Stop smiling and defend yourself, M'lord." Kressle swings for Green's leg mid-curtsy.

The Green Man Grins even further at Kressle's quick but inaccurate attack, rather than trying to keep it tactical, The Green Man attempts to overwhelm Kressles defences by going for an all out attack.

"Heh, looks like we both failed at ending this quick..."

"Aye.. should've had you. Getting soft here."
She tsks as she misses again, and prepares for Green's next strike.

"You've been out of action too long, no worthwhile opponent to hone your skills on."
The Green Man gives Kressle a feral grin, That changes now, time for a challange!"

Kressle brings a padded stick up to deflect Green's first strike too slowly.. her arm is struck. Green taps the other arm before she recovers.

"No!" She drops her weapons. The crowd cheers.
"Fairly won, M'lord... now all that's left is..."
She turns to run.. "..to catch me!"

The crowd laughs, and lets out "in good fun" boos and hisses. Kressle slows after a few steps, and feigns a sulk back to receive her killing blow.

She responds.."Haha.. that would be lovely, I'm sure." smiling politely.. clasped to the arm of Akiros.

Akiros sweeps his free arm arm toward Sonechka "Annastel.. may I introduce Lady Sonechka Alkaeva... she who gathers and guards secrets of worth to our kingdom."

Annastel makes an "impressed face".. "Oh? No secrets here. I'm just here to get away from it all for a time. I hadn't seen Akiros in many years, and was so pleased to hear from him.. doing well. I am astounded.. all you've done in such little time... and for it to be here. Chilling." as she looks to the castle.

Akiros clarifies.. "Miss Kimber is referring to the wounds put upon family by this place. By the Stag Lord's father."

Annastel leans in.. "I'm sure you've uncovered some secrets... we'll have to meet up for drinks or lunch sometime."

Sonechka frowns at Akiros announcing her role to a stranger but turns and gives Annastel her chilly smile and a nod. "I would love to speak to you later, in a more conducive setting. I am sure there is a great deal both of us would be glad to learn. Will you be staying for a while?"

Seeing that Kressle is going to submit but at the same time not fully trusting her, after all feet can still kick, so while he approach to give her a "killing" tap on the head, he is on the lookout for "treachery" especially of the low blow kind.

Unless she dodges, Green will just tap her out.

Kressle takes the hit.

The crowd applauds. Green sees a glimpse (with the action over and eyes still on her) of a stifled shy smile from Kressle.
She tips her head toward him "They seem to have taken to you and your lot, M'Lord. Hope things stay as that when thick goes thin."

"Will you be staying for a while?"

Annastel answers after turning her attention back from the brief action..."Oh.. I'd hoped for a while...." She looks to Akiros... He starts to stammer, but she continues... "As long as Akiros can convince me I'm no imposition." Akiros beams, she smiles... "So nice to meet you."

The Green Man nods and gives Kressle a clap on the back.
"That is the true test of fire is it not? I would like to think that at the very least, we have been up front about what is to come."

The Green Mans face contorts a bit as he struggle with a thought, on the one hand, he feels that he could point out Kressles opening feint to the people watching, and explain that such a thing is a viable battle tactic and that the enemy is not likely to play fair.
On the other hand, he had already given out one warning today, and did not want to spoil it further.

In the end, he decided to address the troops in the morning instead.
A little patience might just settle the issue either way.

"Anyone else? Otherwise the grand melee is over for this time."

"I prefer drinking to fighting! I can't have you messing up my pretty face," the dwarf called out, happily in his cups for the time being.

After the council Norton took some time to ponder. He had entertained the idea to save both Nithscada and Kinsilvi, but their fate was slipping from his fingers. "You can't save everybody." He kept repeating to himself, but coundn't make himself truly believe it.

For this reason, the first part of the same festival he had promoted went by, before the man could really take notice of it.
When he reemerged from his thoughts the celebrations were in their full.

"After having challenged you in words so many times, seems only fair to step up the tradition and do it physically too." He saysentering the fighting ground.

"Hah! Very well then, but unlike our verbal sparring, this one will have a clear winner I think.
Prepare yourself Ser Ambrosi!"

Once more, The Green Man attacks in force, seeking to overwhelm his opponent directly.

"I'm ready"

Norton manages to avoid one of the blows, but the second strikes true.
His response in not on the same level.

Attack Leg:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack Leg:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"Haha! I am enjoying this! Come now, don't let me get too far ahead!"

"Just giving you a head start, so you can actually have a chance!"

Defence: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Attack Leg: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

The Green Man begins to hop on one leg, mimicking a grievous wound.
"Oh, going for my bad leg? Clever, but I've been unable to rely fully on that for all my life, you better try again!"

Attack Arm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Attack Arm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Better try to end this fast Ser Ambrosi, I feel my fighting spirit about to explode!"

"Just taking advantage of the enemy's weakness. Basic strategy."

"And, if you want to end this quickly I can help you with that."
Norton strikes his opponent second leg.

Attack Leg: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Attack Leg: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The Green Man goes down on his knees, then he quickly strikes out at Norton in return.

Attack Arm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Attack Arm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

"Hahaha, what now? I cannot move, and you cannot attack, all you need to do to force a draw is to move out of my range."

Norton drops the staff when he gets hit and rebukes, loudly to be heard from the crowd:
"Just having the mighty ruler of Stagfall on his knees it's worth the effort. he says smiling, then, with some drama in the tone of his voice:"I'll tell my granchildren the story of the day when the Great Green knelt to my fightmanship!"

He then walks a few step away, out of Green's reach, dragging the staff with his feet.
"Now I'll show you why I prefer mobility over sheer strength."
He takes aim, and then kicks the staff in Green's direction, missing wildly.
Attack Torso: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Looking disapointed he waves at the crowd to get its attention.
"Don't you worry, it was just a test shot, you will soon be freed from your mighty leader!"

He then finds a pebble of the right size and takes a few steps for a run-up. Waits a little to build up some tension in the spectators, and tries a new shot.
Attack Torso: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Hitting the target.
"And that" he cries loud, raising his arms asking for the crowd cheer. "is how you do it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Brarim

By most anyone else Norton's maneuvers against the Ruler would border on scandalous, but the Grand Diplomat (by position, and manner) is able to maintain the tone of "good fun".

"Hmm.. " The crier gestures toward the growing crowd by the ale tents as he approaches Green and Norton center arena. "We have no quorum of unsotted judges.. so I ask for the word of the crowd... disqualification, victory, or draw? Or perhaps the organizer of the event should weigh in?"

Akiros immediately responds "I defer to the will of the people, Crier."

The crier turns to the crowd.. "What say you disqualification?.. victory? .. draw?" The crowd responds to each with applause and varied shouts.
"Mmm... Victory barely edges out draw."
"Well done, m'Lords." He bows to both... "Congratulations to Councilman Ambrosi!"

Norton lends an hand to Green to stand up.

The Green Man lifts his hand, debating for a moment if he should give Norton a clap strong enough to make him stumble or not, but in the end he decide that it would be too much, and just punch his shoulder playfully.

"I hope you'll give fair credit master Ambrosi, so when you tell your story, don't forget to mention that before you got The Green Man to kneel, he had broken both your arms first. Hah!"

Turning to the audience, The Green Man raises his voice.
"Are you not entertained? You should be, I know I am!
Now, feast, drink and be merry, but once the sun begins to set, I will have another announcement, one of a more serious nature."

As the sun begins to set, The Green Man once again takes the stage, holding up hands for silence.

"I trust everyone has been enjoying themselves? It has been a very successful festival I feel.
I may not have been able to claim victory in the grand Melee, but that only means I shall fight harder next time around."

"As Stagfall grows, and we claim more and more land, our little realm will need laws to be able to function.
Now I know what you are going to say, and it is true, most laws do not really need to be mentioned.
Do not murder, do not steal, do not rape.
Simple yes? You do not need that written down on a piece of paper to know not to do these things.
But there are other laws, laws that needs to be established and written down, and in time handed to representatives of each town and perhaps written out to read in public places."

"For example, we have an army, and we know we will have to fight in the future, but I have no wish to throw lives away in a conflict we do not need to have, our soldiers are not pawns to throw away.
If we meet other communities that are amendable, I would prefer to ally and trade with them if possible, invite them to join us if reasonable, and simply leave them be if not."

"One such alliance is already in force, they trade what they mine with us in return for foodstuff, it is a very mutually beneficial arrangement.
Our forges are well supplied, and we can certainly spare the food from our highly successful farms."

The Green Man clears his throat, now they were coming to the nub of the announcement as it were.
"Banditry has been a problem in these parts, and while the fall of the Staglord robed them of a leader that had previously unified them by force, there are still bandits to deal with.
When we came here, we had a task from Restov, to deal with the bandit threat, and any unrepentant bandit was under sentence of death."

"That sentence has been carried out numerous times, but on occasion we had opportunity to take some of the bandits alive.
Some of them turned out to not be bad people, willing to earn their redemption, and as ruler of these lands, it is within my power to grant absolution when earned.
And it gladdens me to tell you that some HAVE earned absolution."

The Green Man lowers his head and pauses for a moment, then a sigh makes his massive shoulder sag a little.
"Some however have not, in fact refused even the chance to earn it.
Today, we will see both those who has earned their absolution receive if officially, and those that has not receive their delayed sentence."

Grabbing his Earthbreaker, he holds it up and then lets the pommel thump against the stage.
"Those that has earned absolution, step forward!"

A little sad that there are only eight of them, and one of them, Arlis, is not even here.
But yet, Rook, Errol, Kressle, Budgie and the three Gnomes have certainly earned it."

The crowd applauds dutifully.. with a few enthusiastic cheers from those who know some of the ex-bandits.

Errol starts to approach, then motions to the others who were unsure, before stepping up.
Norton's hunter team had arrived earlier that day... Rook and Arliss make their way up.
Budgie excuses himself from his chat with Barndoor - who whistles and cheers loudly.
Rillo and Bunyon dash to catch up with Kressle. She rolls her eyes as Bunyon boosts Rillo up onto her for a piggyback ride. The crowd appreciates this.. laughs and applauds with more sincerity.

The Green Man grins a little, and then he leans in and whispers Soto voce to the people at the stage.
"Sorry about the theatrics, but as a ruler it is expected I think."

Straightening, The Green Man puts on his best regal look.
"Kneel."

"As the lord of Stagfall and representative of the council and the people, I hear-by offer you a full pardon for your past actions.
Please signify your acceptance by touching the head of my hammer."

He then walks along the kneeling former bandits, stopping before each one and holding the Earthbreaker out.
As he does he winks and whispers, I don't really have a royal scepter, but this suits me just fine, before moving on to the next.

"Rise now no longer outlaws but free men and women, your crimes are pardoned, and nobody may gainsay this pronouncement I make as the lord of Stagfall."

The Green Man then crosses his arms over his chest, giving everyone a few moment before moving on with the more distasteful part of his pronouncement.
One who hates beyond reason, one who throws away everything for a lost love....

DM, you might have missed my lost from last Saturday responding to Brarim.

oops yeah

The ex-bandits go to Lord Green in turn, and signify their acceptance of absolution. The crowd applauds.. again, dutifully plus a few enthused stand-outs. They quiet quickly reading Lord Green's intent to continue.

"There, that takes care of the pleasant part.
Now for the rest of it..."

"There has been one that has refused every chance to earn absolution, that has declared her intention to continue if let free.
And we have a former nobleman who has trafficked with the undead, conspired to spread disease and engaged in dark arts."

"The former falls under the "unrepentant bandit act" and is subject to summary execution, the later will be given a trail just as soon as the newly appointed high judge have had a chance to get established and review the case."

I had intended to execute her today, but I do not want to spill blood and spoil a fine day as this.
Besides, giving fair warning means that nobody that doesn't want to see will be here.

"The execution will be a public one, and as we have no executioner, it will fall on my shoulders to do the deed.
When the time comes, a statement will be issued a week in advance.
Likewise, the trial will also be announced, as will the verdict."

"Let it be known that Stagfall is a place where you can earn a new life, as long as you are willing to leave your old one behind.
Absolution is possible, but only if you truly want it, and are prepared to work for it.
We are not fools here, nor are we soft, when threatened we WILL respond."

"Let the news spread, if you come in peace, you are welcome, but if you come seeking blood, you will only find your own!
As lord of Stagfall, I myself will protect my people!"

The crowd applauds.. there are some rallied cheers as well.

Some of the side stalls stay open for a while, but most of the attendants make their way out of the grounds not long after Lord Green's speech.
A few dozen remain by the ale tents.. determined not to rest until they've drunk the kegs dry.

"Phew..."
The Green Man exhaled slowly at the end of the speech.
It had been an enjoyable day, but a long one as well.
Though he was not wearing a crown, the metaphorical one was pressing down on his brow at the moment.
With a slightly throbbing head, The Green Man descended the stage and Began to make his way towards the castle, tomorrow, they would be making travel plans again, and he wanted a relatively fresh head for that.

At the same time, he decided to take his time on his walk, just in case someone else wanted to have a word with him.
It was his intention to remain an approachable ruler as long as possible.

Brarim

Sonechka watched the crowd and had Glaza do the same as Green spoke of executions and noble trials, looking for signs of discontent and the seeds of future trouble.

The crowd has dispersed.. sellers, and game runners begin tearing down their stalls. Chef Spitch Fowler invites council and other notables over to the main tent for a nightcap and toast.

Jhod Kavken is eager to discuss the travel plans.

Furiel brings his fey apprentice to the gala.

"Barndoor, do you have any impressions of this event? How will this play with our new fey friends??"

Barndoor sighs and smiles wearily...
"Pleasant to see our people amidst celebration,
and all classes mingling with every station.
To your query of what a fey friend might think,
Won at the start with this wealth of food and drink."

"One critique you might hear from a singular fey,
This one admits it's been too long of a day."
He stretches yawns.

"To you the hours may have flown by and gone fast,
Most fey are keen on catnaps after every repast.
Countless courses, desserts of a ridiculous number,
I'm off.. and can't say how long I might slumber."
He bows and heads off to sleep.

Let's plot the course for travel. Exploration map

Next morning at the table

"Good morning all, it seems like nobody overindulged enough to be absent this morning."

"As you know, we have a lot left to explore in our nascent kingdom.
Originally I was going to suggest we began by expanding to the east, but it seems like master Kavken might have something to say?"

"I plan to seek out the shrine. You may go where you wish. The team put together by Councilman Ambrosi has mentioned going that direction... If you are going elsewhere, I will accompany them. I'm certain we can handle whatever we find."
"Do what you feel is best for your kingdom."

"Hmmm..."
The Green Man strokes his chin thoughtfully for a moment.
"The end result is of course to map the entire area, and I see no reason why we cannot begin somewhere else.
What area were you planing ons searching?"

Sonechka listens closely but waits for Kavken to respond before she says anything.