Kingmaker: Stolen Lands of the Shining

Game Master BloodWolven

Vale responds to Sala, "What kind of land, I just take back to my normal run, for the hunt. I guess I can help, it probably would be best so that I don't get pulled into another bandit group."

I am restating votes on one topic at a time...

Quince - hang Happs and two bandits not repentant
Angeus - hang Happs and two bandits not repentant
Sala - rehabilitate Happs and two bandits not repentant, long term prison
Kevros - ?
Tristan - ?

Hanging is fine by Tristan

Kevros remains quiet and listens to everyone's motive conclusions, suggestions, and votes, then addresses the Wardens and party, "A tough decision indeed. Although, the votes are in favored to hang Happs and the other two unrepentant bandits which I agree with, but I must ask S'ala first. With long term imprisonment, what do you expect to do with them? We really do not want a huge prison filled with prisoners to riot, and be a drain on the citizen's economy or ours. As for banishment, I am now worried that may not be such a good idea. I believe our only option besides making long term prisoners "indentured servants", is indeed corporal punishment. It is the only way to make sure, that thorn does not return to stick in our side. Lastly, do we want us to determine the fate of the prisoners or do we let the people determine?" ... Kevros pauses and then looks to Angeus ... "I agree with you, Angeus, in regards to the jeweler, we can not stop commerce. We only stop those who have wrong the buyer or in some cases, the merchant."

"A life, even an evil one, should not be forfeit because of expediency. After long deliberation and there being no other alternative or hope of redemption then perhaps. But not simply because the Wardens don't have space or time to deal with such men. That is a slippery slope."

"If the will of the Wardens is to execute these bandits and that will set an example for the others on the consequences of evil actions, then This One will not object."

Regarding the jeweler:"It is not this One's intent to stop commerce, but that man is shifty and knows more than he is saying. It is an unwise step to let him freely leave our lands, but again, this One will bow to the will of the majority."

Quince looks up from his notes of the meeting. "Those few by no means all who are to be executed because of the nature of their crimes and their mindset that by all accounts intend to repeat their crimes. I believe Kevros is suggesting beating or whipping before being turned loose as we do not have rescources to keep a prision. I like the farming idea. But to prevent that from being prison labor it sbould be voluntary and far enough from here that any treatury has limited scope of impact. I do think all our feelings are clear. It now is to vote.

We should vote if their is no further discussion on the acceptance of Stalker into the Wardens formal. I say aye.

Broke up my post so I did not lose it.

"The jeweler has his own issues he is holding back I would not say that is a crime. We have and will catch plenty of red handed folk I do not think we need to hold him up, in my view. What say you let him go about his business or seize his goods and send him on his way because it looks like he is smuggling or moving stolen goods. Release or seize and release. I vote release."

Kevros shifts and states his vote, "I vote we allow those prisoners who we have the best sense of motive for be allowed to own and maintain a farm. However, we need to control the flux of these former prisoners, now land owners. We should never have more unproven prisoners as land owners than those who are proven to be trustworthy which includes trusted former prisoners, the Guards, Oleg and company, and us. Does this make sense? ... We release those who are already farm owners and were forced into bandits to return to their homesteads. If they want to move their farms closer to us for protection, then we let them ... As for the Bandit/Undesireable leaders, I say this is who we permanently hold as indentured servants, basically slaves but better treated ... As for bandit farmers who were enticed into the banditry because they were poor, then this is who we give parcels of land to for farming but keeping to our guidelines that I already mentioned. There is another thing to think of, and that is do we section off some land for a seat of power for the Wardens, a castle or keep, and have them start building while we both conscript and ask for reinforcements from Restov or do we prefer to stay with Oleg until he kicks us out." ... Kevros laughs.

Kevros nods regarding Stalker's admittance to the Wardens, "I reiterate my vote to allow Stalker into the Wardens. Quince, please make sure to have Stalker sign the charter if he has not already done so."

Kevros nods at Quince's comments regarding the Jeweler, "We have nothing to hold the jeweler on but we should elect a herald to pass down our laws regarding commerce. This way, everyone knows what to expect and I vote we make it simple, "Absolutely no one will be taken advantage of a buyer or seller. In addition, any item that will cause death, bodily injury, or civil unrest will not be tolerated. Failure to abide by these rules may include all or one of the following - execution, imprisonment, banishment, forfeiture of goods/land, and/or indentured servitude."

Quince frowns a moment. "Its a hard sell the distinction between slave, prisoner or endentured servant. The River Kingdoms values freedom above most else. If we want the hearts and minds of men like Vale who wish a new start we need to understand the mindset. If they wish to take land they must do so freely, but know the cost. That they can be called on to defend the land."

Kevros shakes his head at Quince, "We are discussing and besides we need votes from the rest of you before it becomes the way we do things, remember? If the River Kingdoms values freedom and they will think ill will towards our decision to keep prisoners, indentured servants, or slaves, then lets let the people decide the fate of Happ and the two unrepentant, and those who follow in their foot steps? This way, the people decide and they only have themselves to blame for the decision. As for the Swordlords, I am quite sure they would just have us execute Happ and alike but is that a path we want to take?"

Quince chuckles, ”I think its pretty straight forward that everyone but S’ala has voted in favor of Haps and the two unrepentant ones getting the axe or whatever. I am just making a point that I think people here understand bandits getting killed even expect it. That is likely how they would protect their own if they could. It’s a wild place. What we do with those we don’t execute is the question. It is the suggestion that if we offer them land that they be indentured servants that I think would chaffe. Perhaps I am splitting hairs. I am just saying after a short work time we should be turning these guys loose. If they wish to farm there is an abundance of land which we are offering to help start them up on provided they provide for the common defense. I am not trying to rule the discussion just suggesting that the idea that these folks will see indentured servant hood, or serfdom, or slavery all that different. They do understand well consequence and responsibility.”

Kevros smirks, "Very well, you understand this land better than I and I will second the majority vote for the fate of Happ and the other two unrepentant. However if it backfires, then we need to reexamine our beliefs and policies."

"so it is decided that the unrepentant will fall to the executioner? Who shall have this unenviable task then?"

S'ala poses quietly in the corner, not arguing to spare the bandits since that is the will of the others.

"I've seen it done. My father had to deal with local matters. I recoomed the axe. Building a gallows is hardly a pretty thing to have on the lawn. An axe just needs a stump, but I have pushed for the execution I wont flinch from seeing it done."

Kevros nods, "A stump or log with an indentation and a great weapon such as a Great Axe or Great Sword should do. In addition, I say let's test the loyalty of those we feel or they say they are are repentant?"

Yep, "Winter is Coming!" ... ;-)

I was trying really hard not to make such a reference if.no other reason things dont go well for Starks.

Well, we don't have any dragons to go the Daenerys Targaryen route ... :-)

I am very strong and trained in how the human body functions. I will deliver the blow to make sure it is swift with no pain.

S'ala will leave the others to their grim work, and instead go to an inside chamber and meditate on the morality of capital punishment and if the means ever justify the ends.

Note, this is not a political statement on my part, just a feeling of how the character would react given his sanctity of life considerations.

No worries, it make sense S'ala would do this.

Kevros looks at Tristan, "Very well, Tristan is the executioner and we will need to make it official each time before the swing. Then wait and see if capital punishment is the path we want to take."

Kevros is taking the Pontius Pilate approach. Let the mob decide or observe the mob.

"What is your test Kevros?"

"No test Quince. More like results."

Quince spends most of his evening trying to enjoy himself. He chats with the others and finally turns in finding some room in the hay loft. In the morning he rises early and walks the walls in prayer.

After the heavy discussions have ceased, Angeus catches up with those that stayed behind, enjoying a few flagon's of Oleg's homemade brew.

Taking a break to clear her head, she climbs one of the towers and watches the moon rise, also taking the opportunity to talk to the guards there, getting their impressions on the service their rendering Oleg and Svetlana.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Retiring for the night, she awakes at dawn with a slight headache from the previous evening. Dragging herself from her bed, she descends to the courtyard to exercise. Limbering and weapons drills soon bring out a sheen of sweat upon her brow. Finished, she cleans up and then waits for any others to arise and get on with this mornings grisly business.

So far it looks to be lip service and simple chatting with any of the NPCs. I am going to assume that the rest of you might do that as well but for the most part just settle in and get some sleep.

There are only 5 small rooms with a cot in each room, Alkron and the gnome alchemist each hold one of those rooms, leaving 3 open. Quince chose the Hay Loft but there is perhaps enough room for two others there as well.

S'ala continues his meditations, eats a simple supper, and unrolls his bedroll in the barn area or hayloft. His years of training and wandering have taught him to sleep where ever he can , regardless of comfort.

Tristan goes off to sleep as well. He will join Quince in the hay loft. He sits in reflection for a while befor sleep thinking of what has to be done tomorrow. He has taken lives before but never of one in a helpless position. Though he hates all the bandits for the ones that did his family wrong, he knows he is still about to murder these men, even if considered just.

He goes to sleep, I'm sure plagued by bad dreams.

Upon waking in the morning, he gives Quince a nod, but remains quiet. He takes time this morning in dressing and donning his armor, he looks over his blade inspecting the edge. He runs the whetstone along the sides keening up the edge. He skips breakfest, and instead inspects the wood pile for a proper log. Once the right log is selected he will prepare the slip knot and rope arouind the log, ready to secure the first man to it. He then stands in quiet again reflecting waiting on the ohters to join.

The morning for those not of the Wardens, is a lazy one at that, the guards are up, they rotate posisitons to let the night guard rest. The prisoners are awake and just waiting for the guards to come...

Svetlana comes out with a large pot of gruel that she sits down on the fireplace, then returns into her house. Oleg stands at the doorway menacingly. Two of the prisoners come up and get their breakfast as the guards watch over them. Saren is close by as well with greatsword resting on his shoulder.

If Oleg sees any of you out and not doing anything he invites you in to eat breakfast with Svetlana and himself. Which after the breakfast is served inside, Oleg closes the door and joins the table.

Tristan is out.

I respectfully decline master Oleg. I have knots in my stomach this morning. It is beds for me to focus on what needs doing. Thank you.

"Beds? Why do you need to focus on beds? Did you not sleep well last night?" Oleg asks quietly.

Quince leaves the wall and hearitly thanks Oleg for the opportunity of breakfast. "Thank you I will gladly break fast with you."

Over the course of breakfast Quince starts with small talk, "Oleg I never asked have you ever laid eyes on our merchant friend, he seems to be something of a traveller?" Reffering to the jewler not Berik could not remember his name.

"We are meeting all sorts strange ones. What do you make of the giant, Bearik, met him on the road. Strange fellow. Says he has spent some time in the swamps even brought up lizardfolk."

Finally Quince brings up the results of the meeting. "I thought you should know. We did another interveiw with the prisoners. Some of the new ones will be staying on under guard with your permission of course. Of the first bunch there are three who have shown that there is little hope of turning things around. As such they are to be executed. Those who have shown willingness to change will be freed and offered a turn at farming if the like. I expect that the unplesant matters will br dealt with today. Outside the walls."

To Quince's questions Oleg responds with, "Yes, I know that weasel well, typically he pays well to stay the night and tips well, I think he has had an eye for Svetlanna, but could never prove it. His work may not be reputable but he has never caused us problems."

Then in responds to Bearik, "I don't know of a Bearick nor even much about lizardfolk, I know there are koblolds in the region, though down in the swamp area there is all sorts of different creatures. At least that is what the hunters and furers say."

"Yes, outside would be best. I leave the matter of the bandits in your capable hands, Wardens." Oleg simpley states.

Angeus joins Oleg and Svetlana for breakfast, nodding at Quince's comments. "It were a difficult decision to make, I doubt it will be the last such that we will face." she says solemnly, thoughtful for a moment until Svetlana appears with a platter of food. Her face lights up, and she says "We are blessed indeed with such a cook as yourself, Svetlana!"

"Thank you for your compliments, they make me feel so loved." She says truely thankful, and squints her eyes at Oleg before going back to prepare another plate.

beds should have been better, not sure how that got in there :)

After breakfast Tristan finds the rest of the wardens, "Lets get this done. No use in prolonging it I guess. We have other matters pressing. I promised Oleg we would have the execution outside the wall and not on his lawn."

Tristan nods, He grabs up his stump and rope moving around to the rear of the fort and a bit away from it. He waits for the others to join with the prisoners.

DM if you just want to make a story post for this I don't see much reason in going into detail on the hole execution thing. We can get it done and then decide which task we are going to ride out to tackle.

Saren gives you a strange look, "Wouldn't the outside of the outpost be his lawn technically? I know what you mean though, execution? Mind filling me in on what is going on?"

Once all have collected in the back of the outpost, I will make a summary of the happening, assuming we get to that...

Quince looks to Saren, "Well we have interviewed the prisoners and identified three who are to be excited. Haps and two others who have been with us longer. You will want to gather some of the guards, as many as you will need, and all the prisoners. Once you are set we will get it done."

Saren looks like he is deep in thought, "Well, okay... though if you follow this route, I will be leaving."

Quince frowns a moment, "Have you seen some evidence that these men are repentant and will not return to a life of banditry? Or are you opposed on principal?"

"Just opposed on principal, Happs is a dog and a problem, I can understand executing him, though give the others a week to labor some more and if they don't shape up, I can understand. Though at that point, I will be leaving if you execute more, Happs is a bad example and others still follow him, he just has not stepped out of line too much for me to duel him or take him out into the wilds. Honestly instead of execution I would give them a small chance to survive in the wilderness. Enough of my muttering, it seems you have already made your decision, and I will not want to be associated with dogs of Restov." Saren ends with a sneer.

Angeus' eyes narrow, "Well, I'd say you're already well associated with us 'dogs', Saren. You knew only too well what our mandate out here was to be, and yet you helped us. You have my, and if I may, the thanks of us all for that help. Indeed, we've made our decision and will have to make the same decision in the future, hard though that may be, it is our responsibility. I'd rather you didn't leave, but we all must follow our conscience. "

Quince fumes but his tirade is caught abruptly by Angeus words. "You said enough Saren. Thank you for your service consider yourself relieved. I will see you are paid." He pauses a moment. "So you would leave them to their death in the wild. That's a lot of self-righteous bull just to quibble over method of execution." Quince turns and goes to find the leader of Oleg's guards. I believe that was Keston

I am not trying to speak for the group. If Quince is out of line here please say so. His dad was murdered by bandits and his family is one of the noble families of Brevoy I would say he is taking be called a dog pretty peaceably.

Quince finds Keston, "First you will no longer take orders from Saren he has elected to part ways with us. We have interviewed the prisoners and identified three who are to be excited. Haps and two others Do they have names? who have been with us longer. You will want to gather some of the guards, as many as you will need, enough that they won't think it wise to resist, and all the prisoners don't worry about the merchant and his guards. Once you are set we will get it done. We are going to take them out. Pronounce sentence and have those who will be in our employ dig the graves. So we will want shovels."

S'ala nods sagely as Saren chooses to leave the group. "Each man must follow his own path, but Quince speaks wisely. While I do not condone the execution of these prisoners, the greater good is served if a message is sent to other villains in the wild places. You should reconsider your departure, friend Saren, but if you will go, may you walk the righteous path. Perhaps we will meet again."

He claps Quince on the back, but will not attend the actual executions, chosing instead to ride out to the lands around the fort, looking for good parcels to lay out as farmland for the repentant parolees.

"Quince, we are letting the jeweler and his thugs go free, if so they should be sent on their way first, or do you want them to see the execution?" Kesten asks.

Saren shrugs at Quince's statement, he starts muttering something under his breath...

Sense Motive DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Perception DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Before leaving, S'ala will try to pull Saren aside as he's packing his gear.