Kingmaker

Game Master Jovich

KN: Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
As the man introduces himself, Andreas tries to place the name but he just does not recognizance it. He looks at Annurian with a look of appreciation. No words needed to be spoken as he showed his trust in this man.

He turns to his other side and looks down at the little halfling woman who was less than half his height. Her words are wise.
We shall see which way the sword of justice falls...

Hearing Girds words was enough for him to nod at his companion and push forward.

He looks over at the rest of the party and wonders how they feel about the situation. He listens as Akiros makes his plea.
Happs and Kressle were willing to toss their men to the wolves if it meant they would live. Yet here you are captured and still you push for the safety of your men. That is something I can work with. Sometimes in order to find ones own true path they need to hit rock bottom. To be broken physically, mentally and spiritually. I can not make this choice for you...for any of you. If you are tired of living in the dirt and preying on the innocent. Finding it distasteful to make a living off of the suffering of others. If you wish for something better....a second chance....then maybe we can find a home for you. Just to be clear, it will not be an easy path. It is easy to give trust but once it is lost, it is hard to gain back. The first step is the hardest, step forward if you wish to have a second chance.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

The only magical items you detect were on Akiros possession. The sword at his feet is magical, as a few of the arrows in his quiver. And something in his backpack is somewhat magical too.
The bandits are evil, no question about it. But Akiros is not.
Akiros spits on the ground.
"The world is better without Happs and Kressle... Rock bottom? Yes, that's me. Second chance? Not sure if I deserve it."
Akiros magic items:
+1 longsword
3 +1 magical beast bane arrows
2 potions of cure light wounds
And, if you "loot" him, you will discover another of the Stag amulets like Happs and Kressle had, and a Silver Holy Symbol of Erastil hanging from his neck.

Rillka will help Dart gather the bandit weapons, and points out to Andreas, Annurian and Gird the items of a magical nature. And without consult, she takes the symbol of Erastil and holds it in both hands. Moving in front of Akiros, We cannot let you hold this now. I know enough to know that religious spellcasters use these to cast spells. But we are not thieves. It belongs to you. I will hold this and until such a time as I might return it to you. I promise. She looks to Andreas and nods resolutely before taking the symbol and wrapping it carefully, placing it in a saddlebag on Lucca.

Akiros looks sadly at Rillka taking his holy symbol away.
"For too long I haven't been worthy of welding Erastil's blessings. If you know someone worthy give it to him."

I told you, I will. She replies with a pointed look. You shall have it back when it is time.

He shrugs

Seeing none of the bandits steps forward, Andreas sighs and shakes his head.
Very well. Akiros, you wanted to spare your men but they seem to not want to be spared. I can not force them to repent. You are the only one to speak up and show any type of remorse. Perhaps we can talk more on the our way. I find your words hide a different story that has yet to be told.
He nods towards a tree and looks at the other bandits.
We will make sure you are buried and that your bodies are treated with respect for your audience with Pharasma. May she have mercy on your souls.

They all start to complain and ask for forgiveness, dropping to their knees and claiming to have a wife (in one case several wives), children, grandmothers than depend on them...

"They seem like a disreputable bunch but they do seem to follow Akiros' lead. How about we test his resolve for penance? Put him in charge of the men and have them help us as needed." Gird says hopefully looking in Akiros direction

Ninja GIRD

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
He looks at the bandits and excludes Akiros from his gaze.

Gentlemen, I am not sure which one you are better at...falsehoods or banditry. We gave you a chance to repent your ways and you did not feel the need to do so...that was until the rope come out. This shows me that you are truly not sorry for your ways and only wish to safe yourselves. The fact the your leader is willing to die to prolong your lives and you are all willing to let him do so, shows me that there is no repent in you at all.

He turns to Akrios.
I wish I could do so to end your pain but by your own words I can not do such. As one of Erastils faithful...I will return you to the them for punishment.

***EDIT***
Hearing Gird's words...
maybe...
He looks at the bandits and then back to Akrios...
What say you Akrios...Lead your men and they could live to better their lives. It will not be easy. What do you think...at least until we find a church of Erastil to turn you over to.

I know that one! Banditry.
Akiros turns to see his men.
"A hard punishment you impose on me. But penance I deserve, and I will fulfill it to the best of my abilities."
He seems to stand taller, and his face to show a strength you haven't seen before.
"Men! Come here and kneel!"
After they do so he kneels too.
"We are your indentured servants from now on, and until you seem fit to release us, having paid for our crimes. We pledge our lives to your cause. And we forfeit them if we fail in our duty. What do you want us to do?"

Lets start with telling us, what you know of the Greenbelt. Rillka spreads her map out in front of the kneeling Akiros facing him and sits down opposite.
We are here, she points at a spot on the map with her hickory wand-walking stick. Tell us where you have been, what is there, where are the Stag Lord's bases, how many men he has, what supplies, known plans... leave out no details. And after a pause she adds, Please!

Then softly, adds to Akiros, I believe you will do better this chance.

Akiros smiles to Rillka.
"I'll try, miss."
He looks around again, somewhat worried.
"But I think this is not the place or time to linger."

"Aye mount up all and let's continue on, or do we want to drop in to Olegs and give him some new guards?" asks Gird seeking advice

Ninja Gird Strikes again..lol

Andreas stands tall and accepts the pledge.
We are close to the Stag Lord keep...that is true. Let us keep putting some distance between it and us.

***EDIT***
We can make our way towards Olegs. Keep exploring along the way and see what we find as we go.

I say it is a good time to go back to Oleg's, full speed, make a roll call, plan your next actions, give you all the information Akiros has (a lot) and let you get to level 3. Congratulations!

That sounds good to me. I sent a message to Dart to see if he is still playing. I am leaning towards no as he has been very active in other games. He has been posting all this week.

"Great, we should probably give Akiros back his sword, he's probably inventive enough to access a weapon if he wants to, anyway." Gird says and gets onto his horse

Annurian goes back to his horse and follow the others, keeping acute eyes on the "prisoners". He didn't trust easy, and wondered if any of those would still try something on the way (or even at Oleg's, after they left). Yet, perhaps, maybe they could train the lowlifes and give them a purpose. Was it the beginning of a small army?

Leveling up Annurian.

What are we waiting for at the moment?

Unsure myself...

You are waiting for me... Sorry

No worries Corsario - I thought I missed something!

Updated the exploration map.
You advance towards Oleg's trading post but are unable to reach it before nightfall. The morning surprise you with one of the bandits hanging from a nearby tree, and Akiros standing guard below him, with the other bandits, sit around him.
"He tried to escape. I enacted the punishment. The others won't try to escape now."

Akiros tells you about the Stag Lord and his fort.
Although the bandits involved in the attack on Oleg’s, the bandits stationed at the Thorn River Camp, and the bandits you might encounter on the Stolen Lands all serve the Stag Lord, only a select few are allowed to live in the fort with him. In all, seven bandits and three "officers" live in the fort.
Ayles Megesen: Ayles is a soft-spoken man whose calm demeanor should not be taken for passivity — Ayles enjoys the act of torture the most among the bandits, and often spends hours after a fight “exploring” surviving victims.
Cragger Kench: A former cutpurse, Cragger was beaten senseless by the Stag Lord for drinking a bottle of his liquor, and his injuries have left him a little dim-witted— although not so dim-witted as Auchs.
Dirty Jeb Megesen: Ayles’s younger brother, Dirty Jeb likes to think he got his nickname for his penchant for fighting dirty, when in fact the moniker stems from his aversion to hygiene.
Falgrim Sneeg: Falgrim Sneeg is an older Varisian with graying hair and an unruly beard. A former mercenary, he possesses an unnerving calm in the face of violence.
Fat Norry: Behind only Auchs in size, Fat Norry somehow never seems to lose weight despite the hard lives the bandits live. This rotund bandit is rarely seen without some sort of food clutched in a greasy hand.
Jex the Snitch: The least popular with the men but perhaps the Stag Lord’s favorite minion is this aptly nicknamed man. His penchant for reporting the other bandits’ mistakes to the Stag Lord is likely to earn him a shallow grave before much longer.
Topper Red: Topper Red was a struggling street poet from the city of Pitax. He fled that city when an affair turned sour, and eventually joined the Stag Lord's ranks while romanticizing the thrilling life of a lawless brigand.
In addition to the seven rank-and-file bandits, the Stag Lord keeps three more powerful lieutenants on hand, each for a different reason. Among the lower - ranking bandits, orders from any of these three men are generally followed without hesitation - only when an order directly contradicts the Stag Lord’s commands (implied or otherwise) will they question the lieutenant.
Akiros Ismort, himself, was one of the three.
Auchs: Auchs is simple. A lumbering lummox of a man, Auchs is simpleminded in everything but cruelty. He loves the sound of sobbing and screaming when the sounds aren’t coming from him, and gleefully crushes and pummels bandits and prisoners alike according to the commands of his fellow lieutenants or the Stag Lord. Illiterate, the only word Auchs can spell is his name - and not even then, since Dovan took perverse glee in telling him that “ox” was spelled “Auchs.” He’s traveled with Dovan for the past 6 months, after the smaller man saved him from being killed for starting a deadly brawl in a marketplace in Daggermark, and is rarely found far from Dovan’s side.
Dovan from Nisroch: Until Akiros usurped the role, Dovan was comfortably the second-in-command of the fort. Secretly pleased with the Stag Lord’s alcoholism, Dovan has been actively encouraging the man to drink, for as long as the Stag Lord is in his cups, more power over the bandits rests in Dovan’s hands. Dovan himself is a mystery to the bandits - a dark, tattooed figure with an obvious taste for pain and cruelty. All they know of him is that he claims to hail from Nisroch.
The Stag Lord’s bandits often speak in slang and catchphrases to prevent outsiders from understanding their plans. Two key phrases are noted.
Master Phrase: The bandits use this phrase to identify themselves to whomever is working the main gate. When spoken, the gate opens. The Stag Lord changes the phrase weekly as a safety precaution, or in the event he believes the phrase has been compromised. The current master phrase is: “By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?”, as the bandits at the fort don’t know all of the bandits who work for the Stag Lord in the Stolen Lands.
Infiltrated Phrase: Bandits speak this phrase if they believe an outsider has infiltrated their ranks or they suspect a traitor. The current infiltrated phrase is: “And so the stink marks the jackal in a den of wolves.”
The Fort
A narrow path of hard-packed earth winds up the hillside approaching the Stag Lord’s fort - this path is 30 feet wide, 300 feet long, and provides no cover. The remaining hillside surrounding the fort is a swath of hill devoid of shrubbery save for isolated thorny vines, but periodic large boulders provide better cover for a stealthy approach. The guards who stand at watch don’t seem to keep much of an attentive eye on the hillsides.
There’s a reason for this, and one that helped the Stag Lord settle on this location as his fort, for the ruins he has chosen to live in were once a small monastery dedicated to Gyronna, a lesser known goddess whose faith has always been strongest in the River Kingdoms. Yet when the monks lapsed from proper worship and began to leave their cruel ways behind in favor of a more minimalist monastic lifestyle, Gyronna grew insulted. One night, she caused the dead of the monastery’s extensive graveyard (which surrounded the monastery on the south, east, and west hillsides) to rise up and attack the monks, dragging their still-living bodies back into the graves and leaving the building abandoned.
The unquiet dead still lurk in the soil of the surrounding hillside, even though their unmarked graves are forgotten. The bandits learned the hard way that the dead do not take kindly to intrusions upon their soil - the approach via the main path is safe, but anyone who attempts to approach the fort from any other landward route angers the undead guardians.
The palisade of the fort is 15 feet high, consisting of logs which are set no further apart than 6 inches. A 30-foot-wide safe zone around the outer perimeter of the palisade is beyond the reach of the haunted hillside, although already active zombies will pursue into this area. It’s possible but not easy to scale the palisade.
To the southeast of the fort, a slightly sunken section of ground covers a forgotten trap door, which can be cleared of earth with 5 minutes of work. Opening the stone trap door is difficult to do quietly, as the ancient stone hinge grinds. Once the door is opened, a 10 foot deep shaft is revealed, leading down to a 5 foot wide tunnel supported by ancient timbers. This tunnel leads to a second door that opens inside the palisade, directly under some wooden steps.
The Stag Lord: Unless the fort is under attack or on alert for intruders, the Stag Lord can be found in his room, dissolute in his drink and plotting dark and terrible cruelties. A predator and terrorist of ruthless reputation, lately he’s isolated himself, partaking in fewer raids and letting his men do the work for him. In the interim, he’s been languishing in his spoils, particularly the drink, and increasingly relies upon his reputation to maintain his authority. A bitter and violent drunk, he despises everything, including himself, whom he perceives as a hideous monster. The flesh of his entire body and face ripples with thick scars left by acid burns he suffered as a child as the result of his father’s torture.
His "mask" or "helm" is magical, and he almost never takes it out, as he doesn't like others to see his disfigured face.

So you are back at Oleg's.
You got more questions for Akiros?
What do you want to do with Akiros and his bandits?
What are your plans now?

Rillka will spread out her map upon one of the tables in the courtyard at Oleg's and ask Akiros about the places he has been, where there are other bandit camps, and anything he knows of the lands. She will carefully make notes in her journal, including the name of the hung bandit and his final resting place.

When she is finished, she rolls up the map and returns it to its case. She then hands Akiros' holy symbol back to him. You will need this to help guide your path forward. You seem to have found the right road, I hope you stay on it. Now, you must try the rolls here, they are simply to die for! She scampers towards the main building without waiting for Akiros or the other tall folk, it had been a long journey, a bear had gotten their rations and she was hungry!

Akiros tells you, but they are far away to the south or has been so long ago they are not relevant anymore. About other bandit camps, they are not fixed, except for the Stag Lord's fort.
The hung bandit (if you buried him, if not he is still hanging up from the tree) name was Dick Turpin.
He takes the holy symbol, with a shaking hand. He smiles at your joke, and you think you see a tear forming in his eye.
"Thank you, my lady. I will try them."

Gird will wait til all are sitting and eating a tthe dinner table after a good wash

"We still need to explore this area and gather allies before we take on the Stag Lord..yes? If so were should we go explore next next?"

Seeing the outpost seemed to always bring a smile to his face and this time was no different. Andreas was please that the mission to clear out the area had progress so well.
He quietly remarks about the site off in the distance.
That is a sight...will be glad to take some time to relax.

He makes small talk with Oleg and the others within the outpost and sees that his mount is taken care of as well. The knight watched as Rillka talked with Akiros. There is more to that man than he is letting on...how far should I push him. He is holding on to something that pains him.

Seeing Rillka run off to eat gave Andreas a moment to reflect on the situation. He felt he needed to make an offer to help Akiros in any way he could. Walking slowly over to the ex-bandit he hails him.
Akiros, might I have a word with you. The steps you have taken so far are the hardest ones that you will take. In time you will find who you are again. In time... If you should have need of a person to talk to or yell at...I am more than willing to listen. If you should need to vent some anger...I can have a pell set up for you to practice on. If you are in the need to really vent, let me know and we can spare if you like.
He pauses for a moment and extends his hand toward the man.
Second chances are not given to make things right. But are given to prove that we could be better even after we fall. Whenever you are ready to talk...I would like very much to hear more of your story.

Seeing that the other men are taking care off and introduced to everyone, Andreas make sure someone will be available to keep an eye on them as they transition from bandit to a civilized person.

Pushing the door open to the main building, he sees Gird and gives him a pat on the shoulder. I can not thank you enough for all that you have done since we have started out on this little mission. I wanted to let you know that all that you do is very much appreciated. Relax and enjoy this night for tomorrow we shall start exploring Southeast towards the Shrike River and explore the area from there southward. IF anything you should need...let me know and I will see what I can do. Excuse me please, I need to make some adjustments to Rillka's Maps.

Heading toward the kitchen, Andreas hopes to catch up with Rillka before she gets into to much trouble as she raids the kitchen.
Lady Rillka, if you have a moment....I would like to update your maps. I wanted to make sure what you have is the same as what we have.
He goes about pointing out the locations that they have traveled to.
That area is the location of the Thorn River Bandit camp...We did not explore it in great detail. There was a spider's nest over here that we cleared out. There is a vein of what we think is gold but I am not certain. At this point in the river we found an old rickety bridge. The mites that we clear out are here and the Kobolds that we helped are here. I think that will get us all on the same map from here on in. IF you should be in need of something, let me know and I will see what I can do to help you out. Thank you for what you have done for us.

Andreas looks for Annurian to make sure that he is ok.
Annurain, I must say it is nice to have you back with us. I have come to count on you and look forward to the next time we travel. Keep me in mind if you should need something.

After a checking in on the ex bandits and making sure all are in good shape, Andreas retires for the night.

As some time at night he wakes up...
Sneeg....I know that name...
Shortly after he tries to go back to sleep....
Lord Kesten told us about him...Falgrim Sneeg....So he is with the Stag Lord.

Akiros thanks Sir Andreas.
"And I have fallen down indeed. I thank you all for the opportunity to stand again, even if I don't deserve it. And yes, maybe one day I'll tell you my sad story if I make myself worthy to be considered as your friend."

Upon Sir Andres approach nd words

"Thankyou but I merely follow the wishes of the Lady Kelinahat and our charter, to explore and find information in these lands and to root out evil in all it's forms by finding the information we need."

Then please send a prayer of thank to Lady Kelinahat for sending you our way. It is the least we can do.

Rillka updates her journal with all the information about the Stag Lord's fort and its denizens, and then adds all Andreas' information to the journal and map. She leans over the map for a time, and then returns to Akiros with a fresh piece of paper.

Akiros, you provided a lot of details about the area around the Stag Lord's fort, what can you tell me about the layout of the interior? Rooms, secret doors, guard locations? Rillka will draw out the fort as with any details Akiros is able to provide, including all the details regarding the slopes and pathway leading to the fort.

She will also riffle through the party supplies to see if there is anything useful.

I was afraid you were going to ask about the inside of the fort... it is even more information... Let's say that when you are ready, you will have the information handy, so I have time to prepare it.
Akiros sketches a map of the interior of the fort and gives you details about it.

I am perfectly fine with that plan - I will add a "Stag Lord Fort" map to Rillka's list, for when we need it.

Rillka draws out the fortress and notes all of Akiros's details for later use, all the while nibbling one of Svetlana's delicious rolls.

When everyone is ready and we restock on rations...I say we head south east 3 hexes till we hit the Shrike River... We follow it southward clearing out all the hexes as we travel south towards the ford. That should free up that section of the map.

Rillka is ready to head wherever the tall folks want to go, the direction matters little to her.

Annurian was silent most of the time, limiting himself to some humble smiles to his companions from time to time. The shapeshifter was feeling more comfortable in walking around in his natural form, and felt as if it was starting to upset less the people.

He was, however, particularly interested in checking on the group they brought with them. He was sure they couldn't trust in anyone, maybe with the exception of the awkward leader of them. Yet, he tried to take small groups on hunting parties with him, with the hopes of creating some loyalty.

After some time, when the main group was finally ready to depart, Annurian woke up early to prepare. He packed the saddles on the mare carefully, and for times he let his eyes wander around. They were going on new explorations, finally - and, hopefully, they'd come back to an even more prosper outpost.

I'm good to travel as Andreas suggested. I'm trying to build up the "General" side of Annurian as I said before. I never played this AP before, so I don't know exactly how such roles are "built with time" - I'm basically winging it with the hope that I'm doing fine! I also don't know if it's a matter of planning downtime or making rolls. The way I see it, maybe we could actually starting making some "actual" soldiers :)

It is a good idea, but... will you trust the bandits with weapons for a hunt? Take them outside and lose them from sight? Maybe is better to leave them under Akiros watch, doing "indentured servant" work, that normally doesn't involve weapons or running around in the wild.
So... do you take them for a hunt?

Whenever the group wants to leave Gird will take point keeping an eye out for dangers following the path Sir Andreas set.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Maybe not until we can live more time with them?

That sounds wise... ;)

Let us get the supplies we need and move out right away.

does anyone need anything special before we continue with the exploration?

I'm ready. - says Annurian, mounting his horse. He blinks thoughtfully, and his animal features seem to become even more prominent.

I'm ready as well". says Gird from horseback

Andrea's give Gird and Annurain a nod.

were we going to recruit a new player?

Rillka sits upon her riding dog, with Chetak the pack horse saddled up behind. She looks towards the rising sun as they gather outside Oleg's Trading Post. She offers a wave to Urlok as he heads off on his own.

Ready to go!

I am going to miss Svetlana's cooking, but it will be nice to get out exploring again. I wonder what interesting things we will encounter, maybe dragons or giants, or strange creatures from other planes...

excellent, just waiting for the gates to open