Kingmaker: Legacies of Dust (Inactive)

Game Master Wolfspirit

Vorsirion freezes in his tracks as the man's preternatural senses detect him before he even gets close.

"You hearing is keen," he says. "Almost like an animal," the elf says. "You should also be aware that there is blood at your door, which someone has made an effort to clean up, but not sufficiently well. So consider this a welfare check," the elf adds. "But tell me...something has you rattled...that word 'murder,' perhaps?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Seeing how rattled the man is, Thurl tries to come to Alamina's aid, further cementing the point she has made.

"You have no need to fear from us...I am the Marshal of these lands, charged with keeping the peace in the rural and outlying areas, and I am also a follower of Abadar, one who above all else believes in the rule of law. We were concerned about the evidence of blood we found here and were attempting to investigate."

"You seem clearly on edge about something deeper than our sudden appearance...might you have anything you need to report?"

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The Shoanti glances nervously around. He appears uncertain, and a look of attempting to make a run for it through the party and out one of the shuttered windows appears to be writ across his face, then quickly discarded as suicidal.

The combined efforts at diplomacy seem to get to him, as he slumps down a bit. "The last night... I awoke here. I do not know who was murdered, or how blood came here, but I woke up covered in it." He looks up earnestly. "This is the truth. These dreams of red... they cannot be real." He glances at his sword, which does not appear to have blood on it. "This blade is the sword of my forefathers, and it would break if it was bathed in the blood not shed in defense" he mutters resolutely.

Vorsirion looks at the man sadly.

"I hate to be the one to tell you, because I believe you are sincere. But you have been on a killing spree each full moon. You are a lycanthrope, and a dangerous one given your martial prowess," the elf says.

The man slumps back, still gripping his sword. "No... I cannot... this cannot be. The dreams, they cannot be real, can they?" He sighs, resolutely. "If this is true, what would you have me do?"

Listening to the conversation, Raven steps inside. "I can't say I'm familiar with anyone of your condition. But I don't see why there's any reason why you can't continue living your normal life. We'll devise some kind of containment method to keep your wolven form from killing again on nights of the full moon. But I can't in good conscience let you be tried for crimes that you did not, in truth, commit."

"Agreed. You have no need to feel guilt for your condition; afflicted werebeasts are no more in control of their own actions than someone under the influence of a mind controlling spell. We will do whatever we can to cure you, sir, or at the very least prevent your condition from causing further harm."

Wolfspirit, would that knowledge check I made for werewolves earlier be enough to have given me information about removing the affliction? Or would you prefer I make another check?

Vorsirion listens to his companions, hardly one to judge.

"He is also a danger...we will need to give his fate much thought."

Thurl and Vorsirion, you recall a form of herb Wolfsbane, that could possibly remove the affliction. Magical aids probably wouldn't help.

The Shoanti looks at the party, somewhat surprised at the fair treatment he is given. "I commend myself into your care, should you seek to cure me of this affliction. Should you turn on me, however..." He leaves the words dangling. "What would you suggest then? I can retire to the wilds for the next few days..."

Raven shakes her head. "From what I've seen so far, you lose all self control while you are in the form of a beast. Although living in the wilds for a few days reduces the chances of another casualty, it does not eliminate it. We will try to find suitable arrangements for you during the full moon while we work towards a cure." She extends her hand. "I believe that it is impolite to talk of such serious matters without knowing each other's names. In case you have just arrived in Hopefeld, I am Raven Sirkas, current commander of our limited military. Over there is Duchess Alamina, the leader of our little settlement. Thurl commands our scouts and is helping me train our militia, while Vorsirion is our advisor for all things arcane. Could I ask your name?"

"I concur that you should not go into the wild," Vorsirion says.

"I ask that you relinquish your weapons and we will take you into custody. I believe there may even be a remedy...Wolfbane, it is called, that could heal this affliction," Vorsirion adds.

"I suggest we also look into a way to allow you control over this affliction. If you can master it, assuming we cannot remove the curse, you might be able.to put your skills and abilities to a good and Noble purpose. I, for one, won't turn away potential allies for our newfound land."

Raven adds. "You'll only remain in our custody during the time of a full moon."

"I recall the tales of that herb as well, Vorsirion. Whether it is actually true or not I haven't any idea, but it is at least somewhere to start. In the meantime, my companions are correct. There is no need to confine you when the full moon is not looming. I would also suggest we keep this discovery between us for the foreseeable future. No need to cause a panic among the citizenry."

The Shoanti relents and sighs, laying the sword on the bed. "Kundal. Kundal is my name. And I will do as you say, if you think it will allow others to avoid being harmed by my actions. I wish for no more blood."

In the Discussion tab, give me an idea on how you want to secure him; we don't need an entirely IC solution, and reasonable suggestions will work. On the plus side, I have a reasonably free few days that I'm going to dedicate to gaming and moving things along :)

Vorsirion takes the man's blade.

"This is a sickness," the elf says to the man. "I understand this more than you will know. Doing things you don't intend, causing harm you did not know you caused. We will work with you to make this better," he adds.

"Vorsirion speaks truth. We will do all we can to ensure that no one, yourself included, will come to any harm. Have no fear."

The party mulls over various ideas for how to secure the (presumably) afflicted Kundal, for the short term at least. Vorsirion and Thurl debate the merits of chains, particularly of the silver variety, though their intellect calls out two apparent issues with bindings (particularly argent bindings.) First, they lack sufficient precious metals readily available to make such chains / manacles. Second, if Kundal is a lycanthrope as surmised, any sort of bindings that would fit the physical specimen that is the Shoanti would likely do little good if he were to shift into an animal's form.

There isn't a "cell" readily available for Kundal to stay in, however two potential locations are immediately available: the Owlbear pen in the keep, or the crypts. The later is likely to be more easily reinforced; there are two entrances, but one has a sturdy door in the basement of the keep, and the other is a trap door that could be hastily reinforced.

While locking up the hapless Shoanti is a short term solution, Vorsirion investigates a potential cure using Wolfsbane. The herb isn't locally grown, but through conversations with a few merchants the party has ascertained that they can gather an adequate supply for the Occultist and Inquisitor to work on a potential remedy with sufficient time before the next full moon.

If this works for everyone, I'll move things forward. I mostly need to know if you go with the owlbear pen, the crypts, or some other place to store him for the next few nights for his own good.

Let's try the crypts. It might be less disconcerting for the populous if he is howling.

Vorsirion considers where they might find the Wolfbane. "We cannot find this herb here, but we might put together an expedition before the next full moon," the elf says.

"I believe we should reinforce the crypt...for now, anyway."

As there are no objections, in order to move things on, we'll go with the crypts.

Reinforcing the door to the crypts seemed the most expedient route, and some hasty effort is put into the effort by a few craftsmen selected by Jhod Kavken. Kundal goes into the place of the dead with a measure of stoicism, leaving his sword behind and only taking a waterskin and some rations to tide him over. The extra layer of iron and shoring up with stone to trap the Shoanti in the crypts may have seemed a bit of overkill.. until the moon set and a tremendous howling reverberated, even through the stone and limited entryways. Throughout the night, loud, resounding snarls, bangs, and thuds could be heard, though the reinforced doorways held. In the morning, an apologetic and disheveled Kundal yelled to be freed for the day, though willing to return through the full moon.

Although the Wolfsbane wasn't immediately available, your efforts have given the Occultist and Inquisitor a month's time to obtain and administer a potential antidote made from the herb, just in time for the return of the full moon. Kundal retreated to his "cage" once more, setting himself in for the evening, but the morning after the cure was given, there is no indication that he transformed! Allowing a few more days of observation to be sure, it certainly seems that the Shoanti was cleared of his murderous affliction.

Once the threat of the full moon left once more, Kundal seeks out the party, proffering his Greatsword. In heavily accented common, the large man states, "You have freed me of my nightmare and prevented me from harming others; you did not have to do this. In gratitude, I offer you my sword." The way he makes his offer, it is clear that he refers to either his physical weapon, or his loyalty, though likely not both.

"We are grateful our asistance has removed this curse from you, and lessened the dangers facing our new land. Allow us to converse briefly, and we will speak on your offer of that sword in a short time."

To the group: "I think we should offer him a place in our community. He complied with our requests, and seems honestly grateful for the cure. What do you all say?"

"He seems an honorable man. We could use more people like him in Hopefeld," Raven says. Returning to Kundal, she claps him on his shoulder. "You honor us with your offer, Kundal, but your blade is also the blade of your forefathers, and is not ours to take." Raven gives the Shoanti a craggy smile. "But, if you would have it, we would have you put that blade to use in defending Hopefeld. And help train the sorry mess of new recruits we have to do the same."

Vorsirion seems glad the cure worked.

If only there were a cure for what afflicts me.

He seems to agree with Alamina and Raven. "He does seem remorseful. He is capable, I am sure. We could surely use a seasoned warrior on our side. What post might we offer him?"

"I agree; you did not have to submit yourself so willingly to our efforts, and your willingness to abide by our decisions as caretakers of this community speak well of your ability to contribute to Hopefeld. I, too, would welcome another experienced sword in the training of the recruits to the military establishment. Not to mention I would be loathe to ask of you a weapon so storied and important to you."

Blarg. That was me yesterday guys; forgot to change the alias. Sorry!

"Perhaps a leadership role in the guards? I am not sure how they are organizing now, but surely he can lead some men, whether in direct battle or as out riders and scouts? That seems only fair, for a man of his skills and abilities."

Kundal sheathes his sword and nods respectfully. "I will work to ensure that my sins are atoned for, in service to the peoples here..." His capable services are added to the militia Kesten Garress is forming.

In the aftermath and excitement of solving the murders, one final piece of the puzzles falls into place. Investigating Osgrove's effects, you find a note detailing how the ex-bandit knew Saki, and noticed her absence, then the disappearance of the shepherd. Trying to prove himself by investigating matters, over the month he had pieced together that "the barbarian" might have had some involvement, and went to the tavern to follow him, which lead to his untimely demise. However, his sacrifice likely saved the lives of other innocents; who knows how long the killings might have gone on otherwise?

After the full situation comes to light, Thurl suggests that something be done to honor the memory of Osgrove in some official capacity; something befitting the sacrifice of someone whose efforts saved the lives of who-knows-how-many others.

"I am simply glad we have discovered how to heal this affliction," Vorsirion says.

"Though I must admit that your blade will prove useful in this dangerous country."

Moving forward a bit, and adding 3 months to the backlog of Kingdom Months

With the threat of Kundal resolved, there is relative peace for the next few months as the party continues to supervise the development of their fledgling settlement before the colder weather of winter descends. Overall, large leaps and bounds have occured over the previous months: paths that were barely dirt roads have been covered in cobblestone, outlying farms have added self sufficiency, and the militia efforts have kept the populace safe from the various threats of the Stolen Lands. One threat to the stability of the Kingdom comes from within, however...

Svetlana, heavy with child, sends Oleg with a request for you to meet her in Oleg's Post, the mercantile store that she and Oleg have built that also doubles as hub of communciation between merchants, settlers, and Brevoy. She currently is able to fulfil her duties (largely with the aid of Oleg for more physically demanding tasks), but there has been discussion of her needing to abdicate her role as she gets closer to her due date. Regardless, it's immediately clear from her unusually guarded expression that this isn't merely a social call. Sitting up in her padded chair, she skips pleasantries after making sure the door to her offices were closed.

"I have received some quite unsettling information about one of our associates, Akiros... Obviously we have all known that he has had a fall from grace that led to his falling in with the Stag Lord, and has worked admirably these past months organizing some of the more.. unsavory elements of our settlement, including the ex-bandits. However, if this information is true, if not dealt with... Well, I'll let you all decide."

She glances down to some letters. "The information I was sent from Lloyd Rezbin while he's visiting his family is that Akiros is a wanted for murder and rape in Taldor. The information he has found is that charges of raping a noblewoman were levied against him by her husband and that in response, Akiros murdered the man in cold blood. That doesn't seem like the man we know... but who knows what demons haunt him?" She sighs. "Rezbin is trying to find more details, but if he found this out, others will as well. Rumors of harboring a murderer will spread if we don't take care of this."

Raven nods, apparently calm when Svetlana delivers the news. "I see. I'm sure we can all handle this like reasonable, responsible adults."

***

The general barges into Akiros' office, barely constrained fury apparent on her face. "Now, I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for the charges of rape and murder," she growls. "But I would like to hear it quickly, and if it isn't satisfactory I'll take the liberty of dragging you outside and executing you myself." Perhaps "constrained" isn't the right word for Raven's wrath.

"I know that Akiros faced troubles in his past, and of his violent skills we all have no doubt. But I spoke with him at length, and while he commanded under the Stag Lord, he constrained the men against rape. I know this."

Alamina frowns at the news, thinking over the possibilities.

"We must confront him, yes, but be prepared to listen to his story in its entirety before we rush to judgement."

She heads off with Raven, cringing at the straightforward woman's approach and accusatory words.

Vorsirion agrees. "It seems many have a dark past," he says. "Raven, we should hear his side of the story before we convict him. That said, if it is true, he should face the consequences of the crime."

Thurl gives a single, curt nod. "Rape and murder are very serious accusations and I will be among the first to see such heinous crimes punished to the fullest extent our law allows, but we must not rush to judgement."

"His story must be heard, yes, but it would also be good if further examination into the events in question could be done. To paraphrase an old proverb, there are three sides to this story: Akiros's, his accuser's, and the truth. We must see that the latter is the victor, now and always."

Akiros stands as Raven marches into his somewhat humble office. The large man seemed to have grown into his position and his clean tabard, well trimmed beard, and general ease with which he has provided the fledgling community. In general, he seemed at odds with the rough life that he had led in the service of the Stag Lord, and particularly the accusations that were hurled at him.

An array of emotions flash across his face: suprise at the party's sudden appearance, shock at Raven's charge, confusion, alarm, shame, and... resignation? One of his hands draws up to his neck, gently touching at some small object that you've known to be hidden there, then he places his hands to the table in an obvious motion to show he isn't reaching for his weapon. Looking at you like a man condemned, he clears his throat.

"I suppose it was a matter of time before this came out, now that attention is being drawn to our small settlement. I.. had wished this would have come up in better terms, though I thank you for giving me a chance to respond. I know many that would have given me no chance to explain."

He sighs. "I know I've alluded to my past, to before I joined the Stag Lord, but it isn't easy to discuss matters of great shame, especially when you're a man drowning in despair grasping for something to steady yourself. It all began a lifetime ago, when I was a paladin of Erastil. I was young, vain, proud, sure of my righteousness. I was assigned to a small town in Taldor, a growing community that had occasional threats of goblins. When there wasn't a threat, however, the town's Baron charged me with guarding with wife, the baroness."

He pauses. "She was also young, far younger than the baron, lovely, and just as bored and lonely as I was. You can imagine where that led to, though I swear on my life that what we did was consensual. I knew at the time it was wrong, but I'd convinced myself that I must have remained in the graces of Erastil, as he didn't desert me.

There's little else to tell from that. I ran, with only what I had on myself at the time, hiding out, hiring out as a mercenary, barely doing anything but living until I fell in with the Stag Lord. And you know how things went from there."

He falls silent a moment. "So that... that's it, I think. Even with my side of the story, I know by Taldor law I'm guilty of a host of crimes, and that even defending myself against the Baron would be punishable by death. I thought that... maybe here, I could find some atonement for my crimes, but I suppose that's not possible now."

You can sense that he's telling the truth, all of it.

"I knew your past carried sadness and pain, but I did not expect such a great burden, Akiros. I wish we could have met without that scar in your history, but wishes will not change what is. As for Taldan law, and the pique of a far away lordling, I hold very little water. This is the River Kingdoms, and our own land. And here, you Have What You Hold!"

Alamina doesn't raise her voice or change the timbre as she speaks, but her demeanor certainly alters. She stands straight, head head high, and looks the knight straight in his eyes.

"You have served us well, and loyally. We must meet as a council, and decide how to proceed. Please remain here until we return."

Once the group leaves his office (Alamina walks out without looking back, so may end up appearing silly), she turns and addresses everyone in a low voice.

"I believe him, and do not wish to see him jailed, exiled, or executed for such a transgression. His deity stripped his grace from the man, and he soldiered on still trying to do Good. He may be tarnished, and bears sins, but don't we all? What do the rest of you think?"

Vorsirion is not sure what to think. They certainly had a motley group of citizens. But he himself would be included in that group.

"If what he says is true, he acted in self defense. Though he is not without fault. This reminds me of our werewolf problem in some ways. This may not be the last we hear of this," he says.

Akiros nods at Alamina gravely. "I will remain here until instructed otherwise."

Were you wanting to include the rest of the Leaders in the decision, or among the party? And did anyone else have anything to include?

Raven crosses her arms. "Hmph. He made a mistake. We've already forgiven him for being one of the Stag Lord's men, I think we can forgive him for being foolish and in love."

"There is no law he has broken in our land, to our knowledge; there is no deception in his words and if he acted in self-defense, I find no reason to drag criminal proceedings into the matter. Erastil has exacted his penance. I seek none of my own from the man."

"Do we need to inform any of the other leaders, or should we keep this among us?" Vorsirion asks. "Perhaps it is bound to reach them at some point. Maybe we should inform them."

"They should at least know, so they aren't surprised when this inevitably gets out and starts a scandal. By that point, we should have plenty of pretty speeches to calm down the people with. Hm, speaking of that, we should also prepare contingencies in case somebody finds out about Kundal's previous affliction and blows the story wildly out of proportion. These issues could all cause unrest, we need responses to them before they pop up."

"I concur. This should be brought to the other leaders' attention sooner rather than later. This is a scandal we would do well to get ahead of even the potential of."

"I am happy we came to an agreement. Akiros stays put, and we control the rumors and wagging tongues by telling the others the truth. I hope we don't have more dark surprises crop up in our leaders' history."

The decision to retain Akiros, or at the very least not force him to face Taldan punishment, is unanimous among the party. There is some unease around the rest of the Leaders, however, in this situation there is no obvious good answer, and Akiros has proven to be a force of Good these past few months, something to aspire to among those with a seedier past. There is sure to be some long term enmity from at least a few Taldan nobles, but they are far away, and whatever threat they might hold is just as distant.

Returning to Akiros, you find him still sitting rigidly as if he is expecting an executioner's axe any minute. Hearing that he was to be spared, a rare display of emotion flickers across the ex-paladin's face. He begins to speak, then his voice cracks, tears beginning to run down his cheek. "Thank... Thank you. I know I will spend the rest of my life attempting to return this trust you have shown me. As painful as this is... I am almost glad. Glad to not be running or hiding from my past." He bows to you all. "Is... is there anything else that you would have for me at this time?"

Vorsirion inclines his head. "We do not require anything else at this time," he says. "You may continue your duties."

"The past is never an easy thing to flee from. I, for one, am also glad that you are no longer required to live in fear of it. Whatever consequences may come of this decision we will deal with in time. For now, I agree with Vorsirion; I cannot think of any other issues that would require your attention."

"I agree with the rest of the council here. Carry on."

Hopefeld continues to grow, with new groups of settlers arriving almost daily. The dangers of the Stolen Lands are everpresent, however, even near the heart of your flourishing settlement. This is as evident as ever when Kesten Garress rushes to you early one morning, with a bloodied man in tow.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I have urgent news. Bernard, here, is part of a group of settlers coming in from Restov and, well, tell them." The wounded man chews his mustache some, but finally speaks up. "It started with a howling. Ever'thing was going smooth; we was maybe 3 hours out from here, when out from nowhere these wolves burst from the brush, going for the horses first! Our wagons were stuck, and more of 'em wolves started going after us too! Biggest, blackest wolves I've ever seen though. A few of us made it to start climbing up onto this rock outcropping, a few started running. I'm the only one I know that made it safety though. Please, your lordships, you have to help them!"

Kesten adds in, "Wolves have been a sporadic threat, but never in the numbers he's described, or acting with such purpose. I know the outcrop he mentioned though; you can make it there before dusk if you leave quick."

You have the option of dealing with the threat personally, or attempting a Stability Check to have Kesten and some of the militia go rescue. You can ask further questions before setting out as well.

"Wolves? Attacking a large group of humans and horses? That sounds out of character for them. Picking off one or two, or bringing down a wounded horse, sure. But an assault on a whole crew, that seems....odd."

"Did you see any people with these wolves? Orks, goblins, anything like that? Human raiders?"