DM Bloodgargler's Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master BinkyBo

Untrained knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"Looks interesting, if we can fix a new handle to fit here and run of the sludge and waste, this can serve as a way to get fresh water into the fort. I'm curious as to where the other end is, we might need to do some repairs there as well."

As Furiel is looking over the gear, he discovers the inside of the large pouch is an extra-dimensional space.
Within he finds more items.

"Furiel read my mind, I was thinking about turning this into a real fort too. I think is better if Oleg's remains as a trading post instead of becoming a military outpost."

Then, looking at all the loot, "Well, we have a lot of sorting out to do..."

"We'll, we ARE still only halfway done with our task, we need to map out the rest of the area too."

"And there is also the possibility that one of the other gangs we know of could become a problem."

"But for now, we've done well.
And since the goods here are unlikely to be claimed by anyone but us, we have the resources and men to start reconstructing."

"Hopefully it shall become a fine den, one to be proud of and to attract others to us."

At Green's mention of mapping the area, "Indeed, we still must complete that task to us. There is much yet to explore."

Furiel recounts the magical properties of the loot he can identify.

"This warhat will help my magical powers by enhancing my magnetism. This pouch will actually let me carry more than a few things by magically reducing the weight of the things in them."

Feel free to read spoiler as Furiel explains what he finds to the best of his ability. +2 CHA and the ability to care more weight are what he cares about.

"I don't know what you think, but try these out."

Verdant Vines bracelet, +1 living steel breastplate and unidentified cloak with feathers to Ta De Win
+1 Heartseeker sword to Norton
Quiver and bow to Rogar
Stag helmet and +1 natural armor amulet to Green

Can a druid wear living steel? RAW says no.

"Ta De Win, can you identify anything I missed?"

"Allow me to attempt it."

+1 Studded leather
Rod of Threatening Illusions

As you are searching, you find blueprints of the fort... actually several proposals with slight variations. They are signed Fievri Ashmoor. Below the signature is a crest which matches what was found at the abandoned carriage wreck where you battled the will-o-wisp.

"You do not recognize the dress. Navy blue and neutralized yellow, with silver grey piping and trim. The crest is a stylized owl holding a sword horizontally with it's talons... a small scale and gavel are placed in the top left and right corners.

You do notice a book near one of those inside the carriage written by a well-known Chelaxian tactician and author Ogdum Reinstetler. Although his books are said to provide some sound tactical advice, his writing is notorious for rationalizing brutality in the name of law."

"The plot thickens...
This information, when coupled with what what we already knew from before seems to indicate...what?"
The Green Man looks at his companions, hoping someone might illuminate the situation.

When Green's gaze reaches Rogar, he blorts "I have not a clue what you might be suggesting, Ser Rowain. If you care to make an accusation, just be out with it."

"I don't believe there was any accusations, Rogar. Merely speculation. Perhaps you have divined some meaning in the trail left before us?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

The Green Mans eyes narrows dangerously and he leans forward in an aggressive pose.
Somewhere deep down he realizes that what he is about to do is probably impetuous and that if it had been any of the other people he wouldn't have been so suspicious.
But his dislike for Rogars attitude probably does colour his feelings.

"Fine, I wasn't accusing anyone, but if you want it then so be it, I'm accusing you of holding back, you KNOW something, and you're holding it back."

The Green Man finally manages to wrest his emotions in control before speaking in a calmer voice.
"Look, we've all got things in our past we're not proud off, and normally I wouldn't push, but this is something that has to do with our situation here, don't you think it's better to just talk?"

Rogar masks his intimidation with a snide comment "I had a feeling someone had been snooping through my things... I may have been receiving messages marked with that crest, but I will have you know, their requests have not affected my choices in the least. So far our actions - in spite of my reservations, have been spot on with the requests. All I know is there was an implication these Ashmoors were the ones who fouled things up for Ogden Ellis... the first choice of expedition leader. Another message was an attempt to steer us toward here, rather than dealing with Sal'dor."

"I guess I can see why you didn't feel comfortable sharing that right away, but it is in the open now, so the question is what it can all mean?
Think someone is trying to eliminate the competition to take over?"

Shrugging a little, The Green Man, not an unreasonable fellow, calms down fully and relaxes his stance.

"I suppose all we can really do now is to tally our loot, finish our task of mapping, and remodel this fortress into something more useful."

Furiel points out: "Withholding information, regardless of how you acted on it, is deceitful."

He adds: "Ta De Win and I wished to convert some of our swords to plowshares and sell some of our weapons to start a thriving economy by building an inn. Rogar opposed this and we did nothing. No one else intervened one way or an other."

Furiel points to the fort: "Now we have a solid fortification in the heart of these lands. We can turn a source of oppression into a source of hope. We can rebuild this and make it a forward base."

"It will take some time to consolidate this position and identify all that we have found. We can start our mapping around this position as we need to understand the local threats."

We were offered full price to sell loot to convert it to buildings. Once again we should take advantage of this to begin to build the infrastructure here at the fort.

That was a deal from Oleg... structures near his trading post which would benefit him and his business.
Rogar looks like he is about to respond, but settles and casts his eyes downward after Furiel's mention of his opposition to building.

Kesten returns to the room. "Rook is here with the remaining horses. What is to be done with the prisoners? We have two wagons, Alice, Rook, Errol, Kressle, and myself at your disposal."

"Oh... and the man Akiros - who quit battle before it began, wishes to see you when you find time."

"Let's spend a couple of days here, tend the wounded and get our bearings. We should start constructing at Oleg's as well as repairing here. Probably Oleg wishes an Inn, stables and crafters, we can keep the main military force out of his lawn."

Can we have a map of the fort, Norton would like to find a quit room, possibly not the Stag Lord quarters, to talk with Akiros and set up kind of a headquarter.

>stag fort map<

>stag fort.. no roof<

Kesten escorts Akiros to meet with Norton.

Just let me know where

"Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Ser Ambrosi. I am Akiros Ashmoor." He bows his head, and stands at attention... unarmed and wearing a loose mustard brown tunic over padded undermail pants.

As soon as Kesten is back, The Green Man will join him.
"First things first, let's gather the bodies together, I don't want them stinking up the place, and I need to send the spirits on.
We don't need this place to be infected with residues of malice."

Slapping the soldier on the back, The Green Man chuckles.
"You've done good, I shouldn’t wonder if we can't get you a few more men to command soon enough.
Hmmm, this early we may need every blade we can get, any problems with commanding women?"

"As a soldier, what do you think we should do first to improve our defences? If you can think it up, I bet those Gnomes can construct it."

Kesten nods "Very good, sir. No sir, I have no issues with women among my ranks."
"Other than a few more men with better eyes than these bandits, I'd say repairs to that tower would be first. Wouldn't take much to knock that over, and do more damage than a siege weapon."

I would say around Q19, is not a room by should suffice. Just a provvisonal office. Whoever from the party wants to tag along is wellcome, but the other folks must announce themselves

"Akiros, you chosed your side and that speaks well of you. But that was only the beginning of the job. Our mandate here is to get rid of any form of banditry, by any mean we deem appropriate. Where I come from, the custom is to hang tresspassers along the city streets untill they rot, but here we are taking less relentless approach. We understand that sometimes a man falls victim of circumstances. So we are giving a second chance to every willing being. The survivours of today fight will have the option of joining our ranks or face trial back in the city."

"What's your decision?"

"Of course we do not force people into service, that would be wrong. We would be no better than the Stag Lord. You have stood down at a crucial moment, Akiros. What I think Norton meant is you must recognize our authority. Whether you wish to join us and our organization or roam these lands as a free man is up to you. But you must renounce banditry and recognize our right to govern these lands."

I am much opposed to impressing people into service with the threat of hanging.

His voice is tired and soulless, but he remains at attention. "I appreciate your generosity. I welcome some time doing nothing but physical labor. My redemption... must come from a higher source. If I may, sir... I understand you have slain Nugrah? That is good. My family might find some peace in that news... once word reaches Avendale. That is.. I assume they have not moved on... "

"Right, good. Well, will you see to organizing the "corpse de' mortis" then? And while you are at it, could you send Kressle my way?
When the bodies are gathered, send for me so I can perform my rites."

"Corpse de mortis"? Where did THAT come from, and does it even mean what I wanted it to mean?

Kesten nods to Green and takes his leave. Kressle comes into the room. As she passes Ta'de-win she smiles. "You fought with great power and restraint north of the gates. You might not be one to tell folks what to do, but... I.. well heh I gotta lot ta learn." she grimaces awkwardly like a chronically-pouty teen trying to tell a parent they are grateful and proud, and hoping implied humility is enough.
Kressle then steps up to Green. "You asked for me sir?"

"Bah, enough with the "sir" bit, I can expect that from Kesten as I suspect the rod of his backside has a rod up IT'S backside, but not from you.
Unless Ser Ambrosi decides to knight me sometime in the future, I'm just "Green" ok?"

"Now, you've been here before right? The number of people here, would you say it's normal? Or could we expect a group of bandits to return here at some point for new orders, or to hand in loot?
The death of the Staglord can't be spread too fast, unless it has help of course..."

The Green Man stops and frowns for a bit.
"Someone HAS been steering us towards this goal; they might have eyes on us I suppose."

Here, The Green Man seems a little awkward, rubbing the back of his head and pausing for a bit.
"Look, how are you holding up? I don't know if bandits are very big on being all chummy and such, but I like to look out for people I care about see?"

"Some of those people didn't seem so bad, I mean, they could have been former friends and all...
Look, before I muck this up even further, I just wanted to check on you ok?"

"I am fine, thank you."

"There were considerably fewer men here today than when I was here. From what I've heard, that was the work of Akiros. When he replaced Dovan as second, he sent most of the forces here away."

"I don't know the men who were north of the gate, but I knew many of the greycloaks. The best of them would only sit and watch while atrocities were committed against the weak ...or temporarily vulnerable. Falgrim did save my life once... but he waited until well after it was in danger to utter the word to spare me. Still... he held it over my head any chance he had to bring it up. Noble Falgrim...I tell ya.. I'd spit, but this is your fort now."

"Falgrim...how did he look? Was he the old soldier by any chance?
He was talking all during my fight with him, I think he was trying to taunt me or get my off balance.
To be honest, I was in my batlte trance and wasn't really paying attention.
In the end he died harder than the rest of them combined."

"I guess we'll have to talk to Akiros about what happened to those men that were sent away.
Tell me of this Dovan, he wasn't here today was he?"

She nods but cuts her reminiscence short and answer simple. "Old soldier? That sounds like Falgrim." She looks to the table where Furiel is examining the enchanted items... she points to the sword the grizzled veteran had been wielding. "This was his sword... and this... " she points to the eagle cape "Is very much like what the woman who claimed to be Budgie's mother wore. The style, cut, and fabric is identical... except it was black."

"No Dovan was not here. He is a mad deluded fool... a lean Ustalavian with long black hair, and dresses like he shares a wardrobe with a witch's apprentice. One of his henchmen - Hruska, was with me. He had a big mouth. Hruska made it clear Dovan is known to be a master swordsman, a tactical genius, and a loyal toadie to any who will amass an army for him to play with. Wherever he is, he is pushing for war with someone."

"Huh, speaking of swords, I think I better get that greatsword of the Stag lord, I'm no use unarmed...not that I ever am truly unarmed anymore."

The Green Man slowly pulls back his lips in a feral grin, letting his sharp tusks speak for themself.

"This Dovan sounds like someone we need to deal with sooner rather than later.
In your opinion, where would he have gone? Is there anyone out there he may seek to join?"

"I don't know... It is possible he joined Sal'dor and the Bloodbands, but there are also these Magpies that I know very little about. He may have left the Stag Lord's fold completely. I would assume Akiros would have a better idea."

"Right, wel, I have taken up enough of your time. I should gather my will for the ceremony needed to send the spirits on.
You did good Kressle, not everyone deserves a second chance, and even fewer take it.
You did good."

" By the name Nugrah you mean that strange fellow that attacked us in the cellar? He kept talking about some legacy thing but I didn't understand much, can you shed a little light on that."

While he listen to Akiros, Norton sends some men to place the Owlbear in a secure place. "We don't want that beast to wake up unleashed while we sit around here"

"Many years ago, my father's aunt was to wed a man who had saved her life. At the time Nugrah was known as the Jackdaw Prince. He had forged an accord between the followers of Erastil, and the fractured factions of the Green Faith to unify against the malevolent fey menace. My family was quite wealthy, a house of considerable power in Touvette. My great-grandfather chartered this land for their wedding from the Outlaw Council of the River Kingdoms.
My father's aunt, Doreesa... died giving birth. I know now, that child became the Stag Lord. Nugrah went mad, called down lightning and killed everyone who came to grieve. There were several attempts by my family... directly and through mercenaries, to bring him to justice. All who have attempted either turned up nothing, or turned up dead. Since then, politics in Touvette have changed. My family backed the wrong horse, and their wealth has been seized by the Usurper General.
I came here to find Nugrah. I had heard someone was recruiting mercenaries at this fort, and volunteered incognito. My methods for ridding the fort of its defenses were deplorable. I have strayed from my faith for revenge, and failed even so."

The Green Man decided to seek out Norton and Akiros, he steps into the "office" just in time to hear the last of the conversation.
"Seems I arrived just in time to ask the question I wanted.
I was interested in if we could expect any bands of bandits from this fort to return anytime soon.
Uh...you spoke of revenge? Against whom? The Stag lord? The old madman in the cellar?
They are both dead now, does that satisfy your need for revenge?"

"Satisfy? ... maybe not, but it is over nonetheless. Yes... the old madman, Nugrah. No I do not expect any to return soon... assuming you have dealt with those who were sent to the bluecloaks. Some were sent to the Bloodbands, some were sent to find the hidden ironwood grove in the Narlmarches... The Stag Lord was impressed with the living steel items he had taken from his father's spoils, and was driven to discover a plentiful source. They... are most likely dead from the protectors of the wood."

"Well, you cannot have revenge on a dead man, and you do not strike me as man full of spite, so the knowledge that I am sending his spirit on to a place very...uncomfortable...isn't likely to give you any pleasure.
But, it is done with, so what will you do now?
My guess is that Ser Ambrosi has already offered you a chance to be a part of the grand thing we are setting in motion here.
Who knows, you may even rediscover your faith, or a new faith suiting you better."

"If a man turns from a faith, it is usually not the weakness of the man, but the weakness of the faith.
Just because someone tells you a faith is right, doesn't mean it is right for you.
Look around, find a faith that is right for you and you alone."

"Do you know WHERE that ironwood grove is? I would like to see such a wonder of nature one day."

With the talk of his faith, Akiros gets the look as if someone had walked in on an unclothed examination by a doctor. "I would prefer no further discussion of my faith. The ironwood grove surrounds a statue of Erastil... it is said to be hidden by its woodland protectors. The Stag Lord mentioned there was an orc settlement near there which his father had razed looking for it."
"Regarding what is to be done with myself, Ser Ambrosi here has accepted my offer to do manual labor toward rebuilding this fort." He faces Norton again at full attention. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

The Green Man can't help but laugh, and being the size he is, his laugh is a deep rumbling sound that can shake windows and rattle doors.
"Everyone is so private! I can respect that, but I am getting tired of people walking around like martyrs!
Look at me, I'm unusual even for a half orc, huge, green and covered with tattoos and birthmarks.
*I* know something of being an outsider and being scored, *I* know pain and loneliness, yet for some reason everyone else seem to think they have monopoly on brooding and suffering.
Don't get me wrong, I’ll respect your wishes, faith is personal after all, I should know.
But lighten up, I'm trying to be your friend here."

Akiros jumps when Green laughs, and risks a glance into his eyes when Green tells him to look at him.
His wall remains, but softens slightly. "Thank you. Give me some time. I will do my best."

"All a man can do is try, that's good enough for me.
Tell me, I'm curious, amongst this band of hardened bandits, we’ve found several now that has accepted our condition of working for redemption. And strange as it may seem, everyone so far have been genuine.
Did you send away anyone you thought didn't belong amongst bandits in an effort to spare them?
If so, we should see about collecting them and putting them to better use."

"Yes Akiros, that would be it for now."

To the other members of the party.
"It seems we have a lot to do around here. Let's figure out what we have to do and in which order. Has anyone gone through the loot to figure out what kind of goods do we have, and what's it worth?"

"Thank you, sir. For now, I will assist in clearing debris."

Before taking his leave, Akiros responds to Green. "I have seen some good hearts lost on dark roads... Apart from Dovan, I sent the best of the lot to Sal'dor... The men I sent on the fool's errand to the ironwood grove were, in my opinion, incorrigible scum."

"That name again, but is it the REAL Sal'dor that many people seem to have a decent opinion of, or the new probably FALSE Sal'dor that may have a hidden agenda?"

Green finally gets something close to a smile out of Akiros. "Aye. What little I have heard of the man comes with differing accounts of his character." He then stops. "There is something specific about the way you say this... you are speaking of more than his rather extreme "duality of man" nature... What can you tell me of this false Sal'dor and hidden agenda?"

"Well, it is nothing concrete as of yet, but I have noticed that the signature he uses has been remarkably different depending on how fresh the writing he has done is.
He has also been associated in recent times with a band of rather disreputable nature, torture and such.
I can't help but wonder if perhaps this Dovan may have taken over the band and is now masquerading as Sal'dor to trade on his good name."

Sorry for lacking posting on my part, work's been kicking my butt. If okay, please assume Ta's been overseeing the owlbear up until now.

Ta'de-win quietly enters the room, having helped to oversee the care of the defeated creature. Desiring a chance to find out how extensive the damage to it was, she finally shows up at the mention of Sal'dor. She simply listens at this point to the conversation, little to add of value.