DM Bloodgargler's Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master BinkyBo

"I say we tend to their leader's wounds. She may have more information than the others."

If needed Norton can stabilize dying people, beginning with Kressle
Heal check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"Is everybody all right?" he shouts "Where is Rogar?"

Then he goes around checking the fallen ones.
"Green, Alice, tie up the standing ones, lets put some order in this mess."

Who other is dying of the bandits?

the one Green hit is bleeding out and last one you hit left side of campfire has about 18 seconds to live. Most of Kressle's damage was non-lethal. The two gnomes are both uninjured.

Norton tries to do his best.

Heal check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Heal check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

don't know if previous check still counts

Alice will rally up the remaining bandits. She uses her Hempen Rope to tie them up. Not sure what to use for skill check lol. Escape Artist as a sort of reverse engineering? Survival? CMB?

I guess even though the hit Green struck was nonlethal it was massive enough to still be life threatening eh?

The Green Man calls out in an unusually angry voice.
"Information is the key to your survival! Which ones are responsible for loading the share that goes to "him"?"
Here his voice lowers to a soft but dangerous level.
"Don't be shy, speak up now..."

The Green Man goes to retrieve the bandit in the tree.

@Norton the first wounded you attend is apparently stable, just injured and concussed .. the second you are able to stabilize.

@Alice the escape artist DC for bound person is 20 + CMB of binder .. no roll for you

@Green yes .. you went well over his total hp with non-lethal

The two gnomes look curiously at Green when he questions them ... "Well .. they aren't here now but Papa Grundy's boys Arliss and Budgie usually do the grunt work." the other gnome adds .. " Strange boys .. not cut from the same cloth as their brother Fenning. They stop at their dad's up the road there, and pick up the spirits on their way back from their run. Might be there now, in fact" the other gnome nods at this possibility.

Rogar leads the two bandits who surrendered to the rest of the group:"See? I told you it would have been easy. Now we've got rid of another group of bandits. Talkative bandits I hope... I would hate to have to make them join their fallen brethen, there... Let's start with two easy questions: who's "him" and where can we find... well, him?"

"Well .. he is known as the Stag Lord. " he waits for a few seconds to see if the name is known .. "He's a real monster heh.. Bunyon here says he once sawr him crush a man's neck with his bare hand - turned it to mush .. wears a creepy stag skull helmet .. all the time." the other gnome nods and adds .. "Punched Rillo's horse here once .. just for fun knocked it stone dead!" "You don't want to be going to the main fort .. don't care how big you make these two. 'Less you got 30 or 40 friends .. prob'ly best to leave it be. "

Rogar grins savagely at the mention of the Stag Lord might:"Main fort, eh? And where would that be located? And how many bandits there? Keep talking and I'm going to put a good word with Rostov for you..."

"And this Stag Lord gets a cut of your profits? Is he some sort of bandit overlord that controls all such activity around these parts?
How many groups does he control? Do you know?
Were you about to ship some good to him now?"

Once the bandits are secure, The Green Man will begin to look through the camp for supplies and loot.

"I think you will be required to draw a layout of the Stag Lord's fortress and let us know the numbers of the guards and where they are placed. This will help redeem yourselves."

"Kressle, my name is Furiel. You are an excellent leader under fire--why have you decided to use these talents for such a 'Lord'."

Furiel holds out a small hand.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

While the others secure the bandits, Ta'de-win will search the surrounding area for signs of additional patrols and others that may have gotten away that we did not notice.

Rillo answers Rogar .. "Haven't been there in months .. ever since Papa Grundy's boys became the ones to deliver the cut of the loot and their Dad's spirits and sot-weed to him."
..and Bunyon to Green "Used to be a mercenary captain out to the west, came out here with his henchies and just took charge .. Should you ever be in his presence, you will understand why no one questioned his authority. Maybe just two other groups like ours in the Narlmarches and Kamelands ... rumors say he has other influence .. secret-like. All part of the rule of fear?" "-helps keep people in line" Rillo adds. "Brilliant" "Delicious" they nod at each other in agreement of their admiration.

Rogar, still smiling, nods at the gnomes words:"Well, of course, he's some invincible shadow figure heading a vast conspiracy... I gess we shall visit him to bask in his glory, sooner or later... but you evaded my questions... WHERE is the main fort of the Stag Lord and HOW MANY bandits are there?"

I need to have a little talk with Budgie about "full disclosure" when we come back.

"Sot weed? Is he some kind of drug addict?"

Norton, is listening, Rogar and Green are already getting a great deal of intelligence, so he doesn't step in to interfere. He starts to look around searching the Bandits equipment.
He doesn't see any horses, and that seems strange to him.

"Yes yes .. fine fine.. foolish " "yes foolish .. " "Tell em how to get there, Bunyon .." Bunyon speaks whild Rillo squats and draws in the mud with his finger .. "Just follow thorn river here, back the way you came. Keep following south .. you will see the fort well before you hit Tuskwater Lake."
He looks down .. "Yeah .. that's about right .. you can expect anywhere from twenty to thirty bandits .. and many of them are "his" best."

Stag Fort drawn in mud.

"Hrmm? Yes sot-weed .. Papa Grundy makes his special blend of moon radish tobacco in addition to his still .. he is the Stag Lord's main source for smoke and drink."

As Norton and Green question the bandits. Furiel tries once more to get some reaction from Kressle.

"We are the new rulers of this land, but before we came people had to make tough choices. I was told my destructive fire magic would get me in trouble, but luckily I had some help keeping me out of trouble. Being small I was always picked on, and was one step away from lighting people on fire."

"That's my story, we all have a story, what is yours?"

Diplomacy if last one had no effect 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Kressle seems unresponsive. It is not clear if she is even listening until she finally speaks..

".. another gnome .. I'll make you a deal gnome. Tell me the names of those who betrayed us. Tell me this and I will answer your questions. My story is my own.. that I will not share."

Rogar nods at the gnomes:"I see, twenty to thirty bandits, many of them seasoned warriors, lead by an hulking brute with the strength of two men, all hidden in a well defended fortress. It seems like a challange. I like it!".
The young fighter seems oddly happy with the news. After a while he adresses the gnomes again:"Just another question, who's this Papa Grundy fellow you keep mentioning? I take he's some sort of farmer working for this Stag Lord of yours, but what about him? Is he another member of your merry band or just an unfortunate you prayed upon?"

"He likes it does he?"
".. better hope there aren't any crocodiles!"
"Ha! err .. I don't get it"
"Well see .. uh nevermind .."

"Right over there .. where the path leaves the river.. go that way and you'll come to Papa Grundy's little estate. Unless the others arrive first, it should just be him and Bitters - his bird. He's not really one of ours - just his boys - but he is in our turf. He doesn't see so well, so make sure you let him know you aren't goblins or mites stealing from him."

Oh and you gain a level (takes effect after you rest)

"If there are so many of you, does everyone know everyone? Or do you have to identify yourself somehow when you reach the fort to hand over his cut?"

We will have to fight, but maybe we can at least get inside first?

The Green Man ponders the options.
Either an assult against a heavily guarded fort, or if we can fake our way in, possibly being surrounded like we surrounded them at Oleg's...
I do not like this.
But...the second plan seems more likely than the first.
The best way might be to sneak over the walls at night...

"Come on, speak up."

Rogar visage darkens at the mention of crocodilles and for a second he stares daggers at the gnome, then he just shrugs and rises:"Green, my friend, could you please make sure these two louts are secured with the others? I'm sure they'll be thrilled to walk all the way back to Oleg's... as for this Stag Lord, I'm sure dealing with him and what's left of his goons will be our first order of priority...", so saying Rogar gives his back to the gnomes and moves towards the horses, wearing a a little, satisfied smile on his face while he walks away.

Having already had his own doubts about charging off to confront the Stag "Lord", The Green Man watches Rogar with a frown.
As he begins to bundle up the "louts indicated he leans in to whiper to Furiel and Norton.
"I think we might have trouble convincing Goodman Valertis not to go after the bandit fort right away.
I do not relish the thought of those odds, I would much rather bleed them a little first. Take out the other bandit bands, secure allies if any are to be had, and lure out some of those thirty men into an ambush."

I may not be wise, but I know how to read people, and that was a keen look in Goodman Valerits eyes, a little TOO keen for my liking.

Bunyon answers Green "Pass phrase to get past patrols and gate .. changes all the time. Budgie and Arliss are the ones to ask .. Kressle might know how they get the new passwords but I don't." Rillo shrugs ..
When Rogar mentions Oleg's the gnomes both look like they are starting to get the picture. "Thought the sword lord thing was a bluff .. that you? From Brevoy, eh?" looks to Rogar "My my a sword lord!" "Mmm mmm!" both shaking their heads in wonder as Green herds them away.

Oh, you got some explaining to do Budgie. If this was a test then I can let it slide, but if you wanted a little time to plan your escape or something like that...you will find I am a relentless tracker when wronged.

The Green Man, despite hiw words of caution, is still showing ovbious signs of having enjoyed the fight, and there is a hint of bloodlust awoken in his eyes.
The gentle giant might not be so gentle anymore.

I updated Rogar profile: took Quick Draw as bonus feat (it's a prerequisite for Aldori Duelling Mastery), put a point on handle animal, climb and ride

HP roll:1d5 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

POWER UP Up up....(Guess the game): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Since Norton was addressed by green on the matter of going after the next enemy.
"We are not going anywhere but Oleg's, we traveled all day long, and we are well into the night. Getting anywhere will just exhaust us. The place we head for better be comfortable. Besides, our edges might still keen, but I guess Furiel and Tar don't have much mojo left.
I suggest we part as soon as possible, I'm not waiting here for other scum to find us. We used our surprise shot, and we used it well. Let's plan next move."

Ta'de-win, having returned from scouting the edges of the bandit camp. "I still have a good deal of 'mo-joe' left, as you put it, though I do need to attend to this memento the bandit woman left me."

Did anyone read the note yet?

"Heading back to Oleg's is our wisest course of action. We need to figure out what to do with these bandits. Until they prove they can be reformed, they shouldn't be allowed to wander free."

The Green Man edges a little closer to Norton for a few whispered words of private conversation.

Answering to the half orc concerns

Then to all the others.
"Are we ready to go? I don't like the idea to dwell here any longer, let's load each horse with one of us and a scum-bag, let's put the loot in the backpack, better do the count with comfort at Oleg's "

lost count of the number of bandits alive, maybe we have to put 2 for each horse.

5 bandits. Kressle, the two gnomes, the third bandit at the campfire (one that threw dagger and Murak mangled), and a young farmhand looking boy - late teens(the one that was assisting the gnome on middle platform that Green nearly killed with a non-lethal strike of twice the bandit's health from his enlarged great axe. There might be a little too much for saddlebags.. like the crates in the wagon. A lot of weapons and armor.

"Perhaps we can use the wagon to transport loot and bandits?"

Norton agrees with Green, then about the wagon

"That will slow us down, but if we leave right now it still could be feasible, taking turns we should also be able to avoid pauses along the way and keep going while some of us rest."

Unfortunately for Kressle--being unrepentant, vindictive, and the custom of punishing leaders much more severely--faces the brunt of justice.

Hearing the discussion between Green and Norton, Rogar chimes in:"I think we have better to send them to Restov and let the Swordlords figure out what to do with them. We should probably hang the lot of them but a few might repent. As for transportation I say they walk. It will be a first form of punishment, and remember: exausted bandits can't run..."

Sorry for going away: I had problems with my PC and had to bring it to a friend for technical support

The Green Man frowns a little at hearing Rogar's suggestion.
For a few moments he is silent, his brow furrowed as he struggles with the concept.
Eventually he speaks, silently so only Rogar and Norton can hear.
"I do not think we should send them back, I am no lord so I do not know how nobility thinks, but we were chartered with the rights and power of justice, if we send them back it would undermine the purpose of our charter, and could make them doubt our capabilities in Restov.
I would continue this work with or without the sword lords backing, but I think some of us would prefer it was official, and that another group is not sent to relieve us...
Just food for thought."

"Also...when we return to Olegs, I would suggest someone rides ahead to make sure our previous captives are out of sight for the rest of the bandits.
If word got out that they helped us, it could spell the end of them. That would go against the spirit of mercy, if not the letter."

The bandits sit bound .. Kressle and one of the others seething .. the farmboy looking one looks to be in shock .. the two gnomes act as though this is just something new to do. It is not long before Rillo and Bunyon start arguing with each other. "This rope is scratchy!" "Well quit wriggling!""I'm wriggling .. because it is scratchy!" "Hey! Watch it .. " They start trying to tackle and bite each other with their hands bound behind them. Their viciousness a bit of a contrast to their earlier behavior.

Furiel is staying single-classed sorceror for now - got to get to mage armor and Summon I at level 3. I think we should administer justice ourselves--the charter is just for that. No recanting, no mercy.

"Green, can you lead my pony while I doze off in the saddle with you. I am tired after two rushed rides to get here. When I'm rested I'll lead both horses and you can rest in the cart some. By the way, you definitely fight well big--let's consider that a standard move." Imagine you big and enraged. That will be cool.

The Green Man chuckles a little at that.
"Me? Enraged? They call me the "gentle giant" you know; I doubt I have any rage in me."

Reaching out and taking the reins to Furiels pony in one big hand, The Green Man grins, hobbling along over to his own horse and getting into the saddle.
As he passes by the wagon, he reaches out with both hands and gives both Rillo and Bunyon a slap on the back of the head.

"Good boys gets supper, bad boys BECOMES supper."

Since the new levels does not actually kick in before we have rested, The Green Man is not yet aware of his new "raging" potential. And he probably will not notice his longer gait either.

You move out .. it is a quiet ride out of the woods. A few hours later you come to where you saw the crow and entered the woods. Several of the bandits shoot a glance in that direction as you pass. Kressle speaks up "Mind if we rest a bit? .. I think my wound may have re-opened."

Does Norton recognize the place, or sees the glances of the bandits?
Perception Check1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
If so

"We are not resting in this creepy place. Walk, or be thrown in the back of the cart, I don't mind, we go on."

Alice will listen and look for any signs of the Crow and the Man he was with.

Perception
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"Know the man with the crow do you then Kressle? Nice try." Alice says with a grin.