Kingmaker: Stolen Lands of the Shining

Game Master BloodWolven

I have re-read some of my posts and I have been posting from my phone. I dropped a lot of words. Sorry if my typing has been hard to follow.

Quince smiles trying to let the tension out. "I don't wish those who have given us information to die. I hope as you do that they turn things around. They may have given us valuable information. But if they can be cowed and extorted into crime perhaps they should know that worse awaits them if they return to crime. If you are opposed to a flogging or branding. I also suggested Alkron's mark which is not from what was implied a physical branding or painful."

sorry about that, meant to type "Here"
sick wife distracted me while typing. nice job rolling with it though....

Surprised at their luck of finding the group so quickly, Siph returns Saren's wink with a smile, and heads towards the stables, momentarily forgetting about her hunger. "Tristan, I think you might want to follow me"

Stepping into the stables, Siph hesitates, as Masota and Quince continue their argument.

S'ala opens his mouth to speak just as the door opens and the Sylph and Man walk in. Whatever he was going to say, he waits to see if these newcomers are friend or foe.

Kevros fidgets and resets his leaning posture against the stable wall as the debate unfolds. He is making mental notes of the comments being stated while waiting for Angeus to respond. However, his mind is redirected as the door opens and Kevros responds to the minor intrusion, "Yes, can we help you? We are having an important meeting and the stables are closed for now."

Siph locks eyes with the Kevros, a half smile on her face.

"My horse would like to argue that last part, but alas he's usually the silent type. Forgive me, but your friend, outside said we might find who we seek in here. My companion Tristan can explain in more detail, but we have an axe to grind with local bandits."

Saren yelling, "I did not tell her she could barge in, she kinda just did it." Now no longer distracted Saren goes back to watching the guards.

are we actualy in the stables? I know we talked about going inside. We had been talking out by.the shed. I figured when Angeus motioned us inside that it would have been the room inside with the table. Lol. Now I am picturing us very different and wondering how its possible for us to fit and Quince to be able to right.

Quince rises politely, "Hello. Your horse might have more to say than you think."

@Oleg: Tristan lowers his head as the man ask him yet again of his father. His shoulders drop and his body language altogether shifts.
He walks in with Siph waiting a moment for her to speak. As she walks over to speak to the armed gentleman Tristan looks up at Oleg and speaks.

"I'm sorry to tell you sir, but my father is dead. He was killed along with my mother. They were killed at our home. It seems by the same bandits you have here. How long have they been messing with you? I have tracked and killed a few, but have not been able to find out too much about them yet."

Following Siph to the stables

A bit taken back at the notion of the stable being closed. Tristan pauses and gathers himself.

"Forgive us gentleman, we were not aware of your meeting. I am Tristan and we mean no harm, we will wait outside until you have finished your business."

Tristan bow's and then places his hand on Siph's shoulder and motions his head as if they should move outside.

Sorry guys, Just bought a house. We are getting internet and everything set up probably by Monday. So posting at night will not really be possible for me until next week or so, but I am very active during the day from work.

I was reacting more tot he "Stables are closed" part of the comment, no real idea what part of the stables we are in.

Siph laughs, adding"Find me a druid and I bet my horse wont stop talking. Do not blame your companion, I doubt he expected me to be so bold as to charge in here."

As cute as council born in a stable idea is. And as funny it is that we would be all gathered in the stable which may only have railings not walls. Which puts our expectation of privacy to question. Angeus directed us into the inn two pages back. After some lingering conversations outside. Everyone came "in" for the meeting. I am happy to roll with it, but it had already been said that the stables are so crowded that the cant hold all the horses.

Kevros returns an uneasy smile to be kind but obviously bothered by the intrusion regardless if there is a "Do Not Disturb" sign or an "professional" guard at the door. Kevros responds, "We are discussing about the bandits now. In fact, why don't you both join us to give us your disposition. This way, we can better assess our next steps. First question, did any of the men outside assault you?"

Personally, I would have chosen a better place but I am guessing Bloodwolven mentioned it to us not only to give us a push because we are "progressing" too slowly but it is the most private place in the Outpost. Outside the outpost, privacy still can not be assured, probably less so, and we are not protected by walls.

Tristan looks up with a distasteful look on his face at the mention of the bandits.

”Disposition… These bandits are a plague on this land and for those that work hard to make it here. I’m sure there have been lawless men out here for ages, but these new men are focused and have a leader. I don’t know much beyond that. They killed my parents for our crops and the little money we have, so I owe them. I heard of an expedition that was coming to these lands. I assume you are they. I vowed to try and meet up with that group in the hopes of joining them. I know I can’t bring the bandits down by myself; well at least I wouldn’t live through trying. So if you are chartered to tame these lands or whatever the sword lords seek you to do. I would offer my assistance. I owe the land and my parents memory this much. I hide nothing. I carry vengeance in my heart, but I am not reckless and would not endanger the life of others for personal satisfaction. If your group will allow me to help with your goals and promise me justice I will accept this.”

He looks around the room looking a bit defeated, his eyes beginning to water. Looking for acceptance, seeming lost.

Kevros nods at Tristan's monologue and then replies, "We will get to your pledges, loyalties, and desires shortly. However, did the men outside this stable, personally assault you or your companion in any way?" ... Kevros looks to Siph ... Being from Brevoy Tristan, you know that the outfit Kevros is wearing is Brevoy Military and the campaign patches and badges have been removed.

Quince looks sad and whistful, "Tristan, well met, and welcome. We are those who you seek. What is more you are not alone in your loss. I too have lost a father to these bandits." He offers a hand in greeting to Tristan. "Please share with us what you know. Together we can work toward an end to these sad times."

"Ah, yes, sorry got caught up a bit there. No those men made no personal assault on me or Siph, well atleast as far as I know. I did just yesterday rescue Siph from another patroll of bandits dressed as these men. I caught their trail when making my way here.

At hearing of Tristan's parents death Oleg pales visibily and appears shaken. He looks like he might fall over. "Dead!" he whispers.

Either you catch him and support him or he falls to the ground. Then he says, "That could have been Svetlana and myself, I am sorry lad they were good people. The bandits (he spits on the ground in the direction of the closest bandit) have been bothering us for two months now. With much threat of loss of limbs, life and sanity."

Levering herself away from the stable wall, Angeus walks to Tristan and Siph extending her arm in friendship "Well met, Well met. Your motivations seem to at least match mine."

Looking around to the others she says "The matter at hand is the resulting punishment for those bandits who abandon their evil ways; most as some have said did not choose to be bandits, but circumstance let them astray. A mark of some kind to indicate that they have in the past preyed on others but have repented such acts; I see that as a civilized punishment. Especially if they agree to help here in recompense for their acts against Oleg."

Turning to Kevros, "I think a flogging may be counter-productive; I believe that may be your military tradition coming through" Angeus says with a smile "Gaining the trust of those who wish to change their lives is just as important as stopping their banditry"

Quince rushes to support Oleg and helps him to a seat. "There you go."

Quince is correct with your horses and the bandits' horses the stables are full. I thought the stables would have walls and a ceiling, and even a place for extra hay up in the attic (can't remember what it is called right now).

I think Kevros is asking if those are the men you are searching for. Though you might not even know Tristan. Siph I think the same is asked of you, if these bandits they have tied up have done you any harm in the past.

WIth an invitation secured, for the moment, SIph offers Tristan a quick wink then focuses her attention back on the other men.

"I did not recognize any of those men, though having enjoyed bandit 'hospitality' for an extended period, I could easily identify the ones I knew by sight if the opportunity presents itself. As to my disposition, punish them as befits their crime, but remember that many did not choose that life and if given a chance, would strike a new path." Siph pauses for a moment, then a mischievous grin appears on her face "I know a trick, a painless branding, I could permanently mark them with my own personal rune. We simply imply that the rune allows us to track them, scry on them, etc, for those not familiar in the ways of magic, it might help keep them on a better path."

Sorry Quince, you were in the stable when that happened, Tristan would be the only one able to support Oleg in his time of need. But it is good to know that you care.

Kevros smiles at Tristan, "That is what I was looking for, a calm demeanor! Welcome to Oleg's Trading Outpost, Home of the Greenwatch Wardens, and Emissaries from the Swordlords of Restov. And as Quince stated, we are here to put down the bandit plague and restore order. Since you are calm now, like Quince stated, we can learn from each other about our common enemy. As for joining us, that will depend. Can anyone vouch for you and Siph as being trustworthy? After all, this is the Stolen Lands and you appeared unannounced."

Siph and Tristan entred the stables now imagined as a bsrn with a loft where we are gathered. Kevros offered for them to stay and speak Quince rose to comfot \ greet Tristan. Tristan spoke further Oleg heard and fell. We may need to battle map the conversation lol.

Kevros nods his head and nods his head really quick in regards to Siph's rune, "I agree that flogging is not the best path to repentance, nor is imprisonment. Is anyone here an artist? Perhaps both Siph's cosmetic mark or rune and picture will be the best way to track our repenters and if they recidivate?"

Siph's face darkens at the unspoken accusation "No, I have no one, except perhaps Tristan's word regarding my escape from the bandits.". She cross her arms and stares at each of the them in turn.

Unphased by Siph's reaction, Kevros looks to Tristan, "How about you Tristan?"

Loft, that is what it is called, thanks Quince. No, Oleg fell earlier when Tristan came, I don't think he saw my post. Oleg has more interactions with Tristan in the past. LOL or we just skip it.

Oleg over hears the conversation since I don't think the door was closed. "I will voucher for Tristan I knew his parents well and him too, though infrequent. I know the boy and the vengeance of that family is well known through the greenbelt."

earlier with Oleg: Tristan would help support Oleg

Yes dead and for what some crops, probably a month or so of food depending on how many they are feeding and not enough coin to really do anything with. I am glad you and Svetlana are safe.

Now back to the meeting

Thank you Oleg your words are kind. I rescued Siph from such men, so speak for her. She is just another that almost was forced into joining or worse was going to be kept for the men. I will not speak on what punishment is befitting of these men but I will caution you on going light. Some may not have chosen to be part of this, but doing evil acts out of a need to survive is still an evil act. I didn't choose to have my family killed, and make no mistake I know what I will do with the men I meet will be murder. Its likely that most of the bandits I meet were not there and had no part on my parents death, but if I kill all of them surely I will get the ones that were responsible. So it is reassuring that you offer these men redemption. That gives me hope that I too can come back from what I must do.

Kevros nods and smiles at Oleg, "Thank you Oleg! And if Oleg vouches for Tristan, and Tristan vouches for Siph, that is good enough for me to consider them trustworthy." ... While waiting for Tristan, Kevros turns his attention to Quince ... "Quince, can Tristan and Siph be added to the Charter or do we have to hire them as retainers?"

Masota raises an eyebrow at Tristan's statements and decides to voice her concerns. "Murder and revenge are an extremely dark path to walk, Tristan. According to information our friend Angeus here has uncovered, there could be as many as fifty bandits, perhaps more, in the area. I worry for a man that seeks so much bloodshed."

Tristan looks to Masota. "Thank you for your concern. It will be dangerous and I hope not to lose myself to it. As said I will not endanger another to further my goals. If it was only bloodshed I was after I would slay these men you have and go wondering off looking for the others with no concern of myself. I want to be a good man, I dream of having my own farm one day. Living off the land as my father did. Having a wife and children. I would not throw these dreams away for my revenge, but I will fight to make them happen."

Kevros nods in agreement with Masota, "Tristan, keep in mind, our mission here is to quell the bandit plague and restore or provide order for the region. We can not go around violently avenging the deaths of loved ones because we are bound by a contract to not be or worse than the bandits. In addition, if we act like the Swordlords of Brevoy, order will never come to the region. If you are about violent vengeance, we can not have you in our ranks."

"Ok Tristan, just understand, you can not strike down a bandit if they surrender. This is a first step to repentance or to be judged. This is why we have more than one prisoner outside." ... Kevros shifts his focus to Siph ... "The same to you as well, Siph."

Bloodwolf can we add there names, would I know?

Quince frowns again looks to Masota, "Are you to judge us all now? You will learn far more by listening than leaping to correct. You say that a name is meaningless but actions define character. We have heard of his loss. But we have also heard of his rescue of others, we have heard that his character is true. Perhaps just maybe the desire for vengence can turn to a commitment to justice. Or do you claim there is no difference."

You may add names as you choose, though I think the group should probably agree first, which is sounds like you may have already.

"I will not strike down a man that lays down his weapon. My father did teach me to be a good man. I will be content if we can end their hold on this land. As long as the land becomes safe again for those that choose to make it a home. I feel this would be the true honor to their memories."

You may add names as you choose, though I think the group should probably agree first, which is sounds like you may have already.

Oh yeah, don't worry that is coming. I had to get them trustworthy first. And flush out the vengeance a little.

Kevros nods at Tristan, then looks to Siph, "Ok Tristan, sounds good and what about you Siph?"

Good man, I really hate how most PCs are trusting everyone, don't do sense motive checks and just lets PCs in because they are ran by players.

While Tristan speaks, Siph sizes up the group. I wonder what I've gotten myself into here? she wonders for the first time, though a feeling in her stomach makes her think it will not be the last.

"I have no grand notions of vengeance, though if I meet those who have wronged me, they will pay. I leave them free to choose their own demise, fight and they may die, surrender and they may live."

Kevros nods at Siph, Ok council, what do you think about Tristan and/or Siph joining the council or hired as retainers if they can not be added to the contract? If you do not trust Oleg's voucher and/or Tristan's, what do you think of them? Some of you are a better judge of character than I. Once we are done with this, we can go back to the bandits here and beyond."

Masota watches Quince as he speaks, generally looking fairly uninterested. When he finishes, she shakes her head and focuses her attention on the newcomers instead. "That's a very noble sentiment, Tristan."

Masota waits until after Kevros addresses the group to speak again. "I have no issues allowing Tristan to accompany us. He appears to be a capable warrior." Her eyes then turn to Siph. "I don't suppose you're much of a warrior, however. I don't mean to offend but we need people that can deal with what awaits. So unless you have some kind of skill or..." Masota trails off, anticipating a response from Siph.

"I am not aware of any reason legally speaking, that would hinder us from adding them. Retainers are paid, and are subject to oders, though I think us fair. Saren would know better. those who sign the charter are taking on risk, responsibility and the reward must be won." Chuckles, " So we can pay the retainers and settle our bills. If they would sign I would welcome it."

Siph offers Masota a grin, "I am Siph, Sorceress of the wilds, mistress of the sky! Out of respect for our host, all demonstrations should be conducted outside if you require a show." "Oh, and this bow is not entirely for decoration..."

Nodding at quinces words "It would be safer to get he pay upfront but I prefer the freedom and chance of greater reward of signing."

Kevros responds to Siph, "Regular pay only comes from being a retainer and it is an arranged payment usually in coins. While you recieve a percentage or first selection of the treasure when you are part of the council."

Sheesh, you guys had quite a morning...sorry to be the last one to the pary.

S'ala says in his quiet way,"It is written 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'. These people have reasons to seek redress against the bandits that plague this uncivilized land. As such, they should be welcomed as friends."

He moves to greet the newcomers with handshakes, looking squarely (and a bit uncomfortably) into their eyes as he does so.

"Further, this One suggestions their formal initiation into the Council as partners come only after they have proved worthy on the field of battle or other arena. Until that time, it is suggested they participate in the Council, but not have a voice on the decisions made here."

Tristan watches and studies each person. He hears S'ala's words.

I will sign your contract whenever you see it fit for me to do so, but as long as you remain in the lands I grew up in striving to better them for its people you will have my aid.

He extends his hand to shake with S'ala

Kevros takes his weight off the stable wall and stands up straight, "I agree with S'ala's suggestion. All in favor, say "Aye!" ... "Aye!"

"Aye"

Smiling at the new additions to the enterprise, Angeus says "Aye!"