In good spirit, Kevros places the flower slightly in his ear making sure not to hurt his ear and loads the crossbow with a fresh magazine, then racks a bolt. After the flower starts to irritate him a little, he places the flower in between his ear like a drafter places his\her pencil when taking a break from drafting or to look over his design.
At this point, it seems there is nothing else any of you want to do, thus moving you along.
You set up camp and dig in. With Kevros and Sala's watchful eyes one of the bandits merely gets out of his bindings before being shoved back down and tied up again. Nothing else happens through the night.
In the morning, the group packs up...
Four more hours of travel... You rest for 2 hours or so
Another four hours of travel... rest for 4 hours to allow the bandits to recover, unless you want to push them, then just 2 hours rest...
Another hour of travel, then Oleg's is in sight.
I may be off with travel time a bit, but it should be more accurate, now without the bandits, and just your group. Feel free to RP.
Diplomacy +22 (24 Fey), Handle Animal +15, Kn. Geography +12, Kn. History +11, Kn. Religion +11, Prof. Cartographer +10, Ride +19, Sense Motive +14, Spellcraft +16, Survival +12
During the last stretch toward home Quince pulls up near the others on the wagon hoping S'ala and Tristan can here as well. "We have a lot of prisoners. Assuming all of them are 'repentant' ummm . . . what do we do with them all. Do we run a prison colony now?"
When Kevros and Sala return the fleeing bandit back to his bonds, Kevros states, "Next time any of you run, we will be forced to pass the Swordlord's justice upon the runner. From here on out, if any of you shall run, you will be affirming your unwillingness to repent from banditry and therefore forfeit your life. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR GENTLEMAN?! In addition, since you have so much energy to make a dash and you are all a team, we are going to force march to drain some of that pent up energy and there is no "I" in team. And if you want to be mad, be mad at yourselves and at the run"
Last Stretch
Quince, I agree with the last statement that was made regarding not making Oleg's fortress into a prisoner colony. I do not think we currently have the personnel nor resources to do so. I believe we just need to document all of them, release the more senior prisoners, keep the new ones, and warn them all of Swordlord's justice if they return to banditry or cause us harm in any way."
"It seems most of these "bandits" were pressed into service, many against their will or judgement. Is it possible to "parole" them into our service instead? Do we need farmers or shepherds or builders or even men at arms? Could we release the prisoners provided they put a meaningful skill to our use? Give them a few acres of land and let them improve it. They should also be required to serve in the militia if we ever need one. This may allow us to civilize and pacify the large area without use of soldiers who may never come. If the prisoners fail to be gainfully employed, or return to violence, we can always let the sword of judgement fall on them."
S'ala's eyes look hopeful that the others will agree to his rehabilitation and settlement plan.
"This one will stay at Oleg's and help begin the process if the Wise Wardens agree with his plan."
Kevros nods his head as well, "I would love to implement your idea as well S'ala but we do not have the man power to repel a mole and his minions. In addition, how can we determine who truly has good intentions and ones that do not?"
"This one will attempt to judge the prisoners character and interaction. Again, those that remain productive and well-behaved will be rewarded, those that do not, face justice and retribution for their past crimes as well as any future ones."
S'ala looks at the rest, Angeus, Tristan, Siph for their opinions of his plan.
"It is written: 'When faced with few alternatives, even bad choices are better than inaction.'. This One's plan may not be foolproof, but what is? If an error in judgement is made, then it is no different than releasing the whole group, as you have stated is your intention."
A large man, one that might be a giant, is covered in robes and his head is covered in darkness under the robes, he shambles slowly towards your group. He does not come from Oleg's, he seems to come from the forest. He raises his hand and arm, a sign of attention and hailing.
He continues to walk slowly towards you, he sas, No, there is nothing wrong, though a need could be met. I am a travelor of many lands and yet I am still drawn back home, I have a small residence. If you let me travel on that cart for a bit and we will see if I can help you."
Since many people have already hailed the guest, Kevros keeps quiet and watches the man approach the caravan.
Sense Motive:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Although Kevros does not have a gut feeling of anything being out of place, he nods at the man as he approaches the cart and continues to keep a watchful eye on the stranger. One thing this new land has taught Kevros, "Is to trust no one until they earn his trust."
Wow we suck, (5) of us can not roll high enough for a 20+ check ... LOL
You think the traveler knows more than he is telling.
Sense Motive DC 10:
You are pretty sure that the traveler is speaking the truth, and does not appear to intend to hurt or stop the group.
Now that the man is closer he appears to be covered in robes, or one robe with many folds. Nothing of much value though the bulkiness of his attire does not allow you to see the state of his body. He stands at roughly 8 feet tall and does not have any weapons out or at least visible. He has a backpack of sorts, though it seems to be small for him, it hangs on his belt on his right side. His face is still in shadows from his hood.
Perception DC 12:
The Pack seems to have several runes on it. He appears to be human or at least something close to human, considering his size.
Perception DC 17:
You can see noticeable scars and a strange symbol on his forehead. There also appears to be some markings on his face and neck. From his neck and face he is not a fat man, and likely in very good shape.
Feel free to make what checks you want to
I am pretty sure, there will be no objections and perhaps a few acceptaces. Post how you greet him, if at all, and other like interactions. I will be uploading his small story in the following spoiler.
"Greetings, I am Bearik, a known landowner in past years." He smiles as he greets you offering his hand to each of those who ride before getting to the wagon and jumping up a bit to sit on the back of the wagon. He will either face forward and project his voice to Sala, face Sala, or face any riders who are behind or soon to become behind the wagon. I can't remember if Sala is on a horse or not.
The story:
'I have been in many places of the world, the many beautiful locales and different markets. Though always I come back here. Typically when I have no more friends around me, my wandering gets the better of me and poof, I find my self once more in this region. Is there something more specific that you would like to know?"
S'ala is riding in the buckboard of the wagon. He listens to the wanderer's tale with interest, he notices the man's arcane marks but does not make a big deal of them in any way.
"This one too is a wanderer of the wide world. You are welcome with us so long as you are a friend of peace and a follower of the righteous. We are on a mission to pacify these lands and would hear of your experience here since we are all relative newcomers."
Handle Animal+10,Sense Motive+12,Perception+11,Stealth+11,Survival+11(+15track),Ride+11,K.Nature+5 ,Acrobatics+9,Heal+7,K.Geography+5,K.Dungeneering+5,Climb+12,Swim+12,Intimi date +8
Hello Bearik. I am Tristan. Please have a seat. It is for people such as you. The ones that make these lands their homes. That is why we are trying to make things safe. To help those like you.
Angeus looks the tall stranger over, noting the strange markings on his skin. Not knowing much about that sort of thing she listens to her instincts and nods a welcome.
"Peace is welcome but many individuals and races make it so hard to keep I know of many fey who are chaotic in nature in this area, there are kobolds, lizard folk, and other swamp dwellers that would rather fight than keep peace. I went into those swamps after a kobold force raided my residence, with the help of my friends we were able to retrieve those that were kidnapped, and severing the head of the snake off." Bearik says and then starts speaking of other adventures he has had...
Kevros divides his attention between Bearik and the surroundings looking for trouble from either or both. He does not speak to Bearik at this time and decides to listen like Angeus mainly because he does not know what to make of the very tall stranger.
It looks like no one else has much to add, ask, or to interact. We will move on to Olegs. If you do want to have more interactions, feel free to label it 'on the road' or something.
You can see that many improvements have happened. There is pennants flying from the two corners of the towers you can see. Also two pennants flanking the gate. There are armored individuals on the parapets as well.
Kevros looks at the improvements made and checks out the pennants to see who they belong to.
Kevros is just listening to Bearik because I rolled so low on the sense motive and since the land is mostly lawless, he doesn't trust him quite yet. As for the pennants, does he recognize them to be from Brevoy?
Not knowing the man sitting at the cart's edge, Kevros studies Bearik trying to discern him since his gut will not tell him much other than not to yet trust too many people in Greenwatch.
Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Being curious, cautious, and protective, Kevros begins a conversation with the man, Well met Bearik, my name is Kevros and I apologize for my less than warm and friendly demeanor. The Greenwatch has taught me to be cautious until I can discern who we or I am dealing with." Kevros pauses to scan the area before returning to him ... "How did you get so large for being human? Are you under some sort of enchantment, or just from a line of tall humans, or do you descend from giants? In addition, what are the strange symbols for? Lastly, how committed are those swamp dwellers ending our cohabitation of the Greenwatch? Is there any peace, alliance, or treaty in their motives?"
You know what, you guys ask questions that I am not sure about. It would make sense that the symbols on the pennents are to the nearest town, where you all met, I forgot its name, and at work right now. Some help would be nice if anyone remembers the name of the city you all met.
Bearik laughs at your questions, a jovial but deep laugh, then answers "No I am not a 'human', .... yes there are many enchantments on me including those runes, the swamp dwellers would prefer to eat you, though the lizardfolk would most likely be willing to work with you compared to the rest. They are mostly simple tribes that could be shown the better path, one path or another." With that being said he grins a very knowing grin. He takes a more welcoming posture of sitting back and stretching, and continues, "Then again that was a while back, many things could have changed."
He chuckles looking at Quince, "It is alright Quince he is a military man, and that is good for the settlement of the Stolen Lands. Some would say I have been committed in the past and I am committed depending on those that I serve and those who serve me." He looks around, sizing each of you up for a few seconds each, he seems to have come to a conclusion. "Yup, you all could work, though no priests, be that for weal or woe." Once again he grins waiting for the questions to come...
The left tower can be of Brevoy and the right can be of Restov. Restov was our starting point.
Kevros eyes lit up when Bearik stated there may be some way to ally with the lizardmen and then looks towards the towers, "I see the Brevoy reinforcements from Restov have finally arrived." As they make their approach, "So Mr Bearik, are you a priest?"
Diplomacy +22 (24 Fey), Handle Animal +15, Kn. Geography +12, Kn. History +11, Kn. Religion +11, Prof. Cartographer +10, Ride +19, Sense Motive +14, Spellcraft +16, Survival +12
Curse you interwebs for eating a post.
Quince looks to the situation, "My tutor was a cleric he taught me well enough. My parents elected to mot send me to cloister or foster elsewhere. I serve Erastil as best I can most clergy I have met of my own faith put more stock in action and character than position within a higherarchy." He pauses a moment. "You seem to welcome questions what are your people called.
"Just Bearik, and you could call me a holy man." He smiles and shruggs his shoulders replying to Kevros.
"Well I serve those that would serve me, in the past it has been warriors, peasants, farmers, rangers, woodsmen, and even a few druids, mostly of the common races, I don't care much for Fey, they are so fickle and gay." he says matter of factly, not appreciating the look from Angeus.
Sense Motive DC 15:
You believe he is saying the truth but not telling you everything, omitting a few words here or there or not expanding on a subject. As if he is waiting for you to ask more of a direct question, or word it correctly. Yes, you think he is slightly toying with you. I will make another spoiler if you get 20 or higher.
"Yes questions are welcome and answers are given freely, but be wary of the questions you ask for you may not want the answers, Quince. Erastil is a good teacher though can be harsh at times. Sadly my people have passed from this world, I am but one of the few left, I will not speak the name of my race for saying it would bring a curse down upon you that decimated my race." Bearik says with much mischief on his face, though his features show sorrow and a bit of deflated look once done.
Now into what was Oleg's Outpost. There are about a half dozen armored individuals, the prisoners are working on the fort making it more sturdy. The corral is finished. There are a few more bodies working the fields. It is all sorts of busy considering what it was like a day or two ago.
Saren is watching many of the prisoners work, greatsword still out. Alkron is doing the same but from a comfy looking chair. The great lizard mount is nowhere to be seen.
"Greetings, I am Kesten Garess, Captain of the guards from Restov. You must be the group with one of the charters. Oleg is never ever happy but he did smile as Svetlana spoke of you. Could I get you to say your names, so that I may put names to faces."
"Mr Bearik, is that what you meant by "you all could work" and "Well I serve those that would serve me?" Besides an obvious tough and very tall outer shell, what can you offer us if we decide you can be trusted? As for the Fey, it is true that they are illusive but their psychological warfare could be a benefit to us if they decide to ally with us or at least work with us against the bandits?"
Sense Motive:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Not detecting any of Bearik's motives, Kevros nods to the Captain, smiles at his remarks regarding Oleg and Svetlana, and replies to him, "I am Warden Kevros Droverson, former Brevoy military and this is Bearik whom we met on the road. We are the Wardens of the Greenbelt and I will let every warden introduce themselves to you."
"No just Bearik, if anything it would be my first name. It is simpler that way." Bearik eyes Kevros, trying to understand Kevros' thinking, then after a minute or so he responds with, "Not so sure about your logic Kevros, if you would choose to serve me, I will do my best to serve and accommodate you. The fey always have their own plans, only using you to their fancy or towards those plans, if you choose to deal with them have at it, but understand I care not to have interactions with them."
In response to Sala's question, Bearik tries to explain, "My faith is in men, though it is a very ancient faith. One of mortals and their direct connection with their gods, even walking with their god or gods at times. No true name would be tied to it nor of any of the standard gods you would know of, it is truly a personal connection between your god and you. If you would be interested I could tell you more about it, any or all of you are welcome to come and hear about this connection and faith."
Kesten greets and extends his hand to shake with Kevros, "Good to meet you Kevros, would I be so bold to ask if you are the leader of your wardens? Or just the forward military man?"
K Nobility or Local DC 5:
You can tell that Keston knows his way around a noble and the military. Considering some of the terms he uses and has organized the Fort rather well with limited men.
Keston then greets and attempts to share handshakes with Quince. "Greetings Quince Medvyed, are you planning on having family business grow in the area?"
Angeus raises a hand at Keston's greeting "I'm Angeus, nice to see you're here. It'll be nice knowing that Oleg and Svetlana have someone else here while were off in the wilds."
With another glance at Bearik, Angeus dismounts, ties off her horse and walks into the inn to greet Oleg and Svetlana.
Handle Animal+10,Sense Motive+12,Perception+11,Stealth+11,Survival+11(+15track),Ride+11,K.Nature+5 ,Acrobatics+9,Heal+7,K.Geography+5,K.Dungeneering+5,Climb+12,Swim+12,Intimi date +8
Tristan raises his hand to greet Keston while riding in.
Hello Keston, I am Tristan. I joined the group after the came out here with their charter. I trust you are the reenforcments they spoke of. It seems you have done much in the few days we have been gone. Thank you. Now pardon me as both me and my horse could use some water.
Diplomacy +22 (24 Fey), Handle Animal +15, Kn. Geography +12, Kn. History +11, Kn. Religion +11, Prof. Cartographer +10, Ride +19, Sense Motive +14, Spellcraft +16, Survival +12
Quince smiles, "Duty and my pledge tie me to the security of these lands. Lasting security will involve open, and safe livlihood for those in the belt. Opportunity for business will come. We have prisoners here and more to arrive."
Kevros shakes his head to Kesten, "No Captain, we operate differently than that of Brevoy or the rest of Galorion. With a few exceptions, all those voted in and given the title of Warden, are equal part leaders. The exception is that this outpost belongs to Oleg and Svetlana, and they are included in our decision making. They are our host and we treat them as such. You will notice that maybe I bark orders more than the others because that is my nature and old habits die hard, but any of the Wardens can vote for a different course of action. However, all of us are tired and in different stages of healing. Can we please put everything away and clean up? Then we can discuss our standard operating procedure and your mandate over dinner or perhaps a more formal setting that you are accustom to? In addition, would you be so kind to have your men secure the prisoners in the storage shed or holding facility if we have one now? They are not to be harmed in anyway and if your men have any questions, please have them consult us? Remember, the Wardens are acting directly under the Swordlords of Restov and you know what happens when their mandates are not followed. Thank you for your service!"
So first off, I was wondering if you would still like to do Kingmaker or another Adventure Path? I was looking through things and doing two at the same time may be a bit much! Looking for your input, questions and suggestions.
I was wondering if I could have one of you help me bookkeep, not for sure what it will entail just yet, but as I look through the material I may need some help, looking for interest. If I can get a helper I should be able to run both.
Next question:
Are you all in a group at present? Are you all going to collect the Charter individually or as a group? How do your backgrounds connect?
Are you all in a group at present? Are you all going to collect the Charter individually or as a group? How do your backgrounds connect?
I am still working with a tie-in with Masota since her background is closer to Keveros'. I am a little behind since I switched to the slow paced group. Who else has tie-ins?
Due to our backgrounds, I am guessing Masota and Kevros will already be together. If it is too hard for tying-in each other, perhaps Masota and Kevros can form up the group? Regardless, I am up for any thing.
You may if you want, but I have to turn in early tonight, catch ya all tomorrow. Feel free to introduce yourselves, nothing too special about the tavern.
I just put down some gibberish, their is an actual translator?
LOL, there a couple, this is the one I am using. The cut and paste of translation seems quirky, just keep clicking it until you are able to cut and paste the translation.
@ Kevros: Yup I remember them. Just checking, I have not seen weapon cords in equipment before, but it makes sense.
Here is a good example of one and this would work in PF too (make sure to copy and paste since Goto from Paizo website doesn't seem to work properly)...
This kit includes a backpack, bedroll, a belt pouch, a winter blanket, flint and steel, 1/8 lb. soap, torches (3), sacks (3), small steel Mirror, trail rations (5 days), spade, signal whistle, and a waterskin.
Mess Kit
This kit includes a plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, and spoon, made of wood, horn, or tin. Each item has a handle or small hole, and can be tied together using the included leather cord.
Round table kits:
Cooking Kit
This kit contains an iron pot, an iron skillet, a ladle, a skewer, a wooden cutting board, a cutting knife, an iron tripod for the pot, a packet of tinder, and a small selection of local or otherwise easy to find seasonings. You can attach the skewer to the tripod for roasting small game animals. All the component pieces (except the skillet) fit within the pot for easy storage and transport.
Dungeoneering Kit
This bundle of essential supplies for exploring ruins and abandoned cities includes two candles, chalk, a hammer and four pitons, 50 feet of hemp rope, a hooded lantern with 5 flasks of oil, two sacks, two torches, and four tindertwigs. A deluxe dungeoneering kit contains two candles, chalk, a hammer and four pitons, 50 feet of silk rope, two sacks, three sunrods, four tindertwigs, and an everburning torch.
Mapmaker's Kit
This small kit contains a simple slate with a grid carved into its surface and a number of differently colored pieces of chalk. If you use this kit to draw a map as you travel, you receive a +2 circumstance bonus on Survival skill checks to avoid becoming lost.
Four lengths of 50 ft. of silk rope. Two collapsible grappling hooks. Three grappling arrows. Climber's Kit. Three healer's Kits. Two tents.
Diplomacy +22 (24 Fey), Handle Animal +15, Kn. Geography +12, Kn. History +11, Kn. Religion +11, Prof. Cartographer +10, Ride +19, Sense Motive +14, Spellcraft +16, Survival +12
I took the map makers kit and 1/8 lb. soap (your welcome), torches (3), sacks (3), small steel Mirror, trail rations (5 days), spade, signal whistle, and a waterskin.
S'ala will grab the following gear to offse his existing:blanket, soap, torches (3), sacks (3), mirror, 5 trail rations, waterskin, spade, whistle. He'll take one mess kit. Additionally, he'll grab the deluxe dungeoneering kit, a healer kit, a climber kit, 2 coils of rope and the grappling hooks.
Someone should probably get the cooking gear and the tents (or pavilions).
Most of that stuff goes on the horse, very little to encumber. Since I have no armor, I'm guessing the beast can carry it.
Let's see...I'll take a mess kit, and a dungeoneering kit. Not sure if there's multiples of the kits or not but that's what I'd like. Also take a grappling hook and one of the tents. What size are they?
S'ala make sure you make notes in your crunch about your mount, what your mount is carrying, and what you are carrying. I don't see the kits in your crunch. Everyone else needs to make sure you do the same with your crunches. How many grappling hooks do you have?
Only two tents that fit two people? Guess S'ala will have to sleep in the rain. Oh well.
I'll just take a basic kit. Don't want to be too indebted to Stalker and I feel like a torch that you can't turn off would be more of a headache than anything.
Oh and just remember this but...what happened to the wizard?
i added the items individually to my crunch rather than as a kit. i can re-do if you like. will add notes about the mount and load later today. i took 2 grappling hooks. If there's no other tent, S'ala will make due. If there is, I will load one also.
S'ala will grab another tent. Either way so that I can see the equipment and where it is stored: on person, on mount, in backpack, etc. Thank you S'ala.
Now we should be moving on, if nothing else be needed done in town you move on to the passing post, where the wizard waits for you.
Sorry for the delay today. I worked a double shift Thursday, slept pretty much all day, and I have an important event to attend to tonight so it may not be until tomorrow (Sat) I can post.
Masota should not have any problems with keeping her horse at 40 feet, speaking in real life terms, that should only be a trot and a horse can basically trot all day if the environment is good. Stopping for water will definitely increase the likelihood. The horse's ability to trot all day was one of the reasons why it was the preferred method of travel until vehicular travel became popular.
Pretty sure it should be 35. At least going by what I saw on the SRD. Heavy horse has a speed of 50 and it says medium barding would drop that to 35. Don't know if I want to push the horse though. It seems unnecessary and mean. And the last thing I need is my own horse gossiping behind my back with Quince the horse whisperer about how heavy I am.
Masota, pushing the horse only 5 feet is not unnecessary and mean in real life. Again, that would be compared to a slow trot and horses can trot all day. Your arse will give up the ghost long before the horse ... LOL. When you start to canter and gallop, that is a different story. The horse whisperer should be able to tell you that as well ... ;-)