Lass' Kingmaker

Game Master Lass

Involves a good mix of RP and Combat.

RP over voice
Combat over Maptools

GM style:

Less concerned about policing character sheets, I use an honor system that trusts players to create effective but not broketastic characters.

Less of a focus on constant skills checks. I believe that a PC can actually see things without having to roll perception checks.

Leveling takes place at intervals established in accordance with the suggested progression of the Kingmaker AP. As such I do not hand out xp at the end of game sessions.

I'll let the PCs determine treasure and magic item distribution.

Test post.

(Making a placeholder post per your request.)

Test test

test test

Bandit Fight Aftermath

After ambushing several teenage bandits and their leader the characters adcvance towards their captive.

She is bound and gagged with several bruisers about her face. She wears a torn uniform of a guard of Brevoy.

(a quick search of the bandits reveals a total of 12 gp, 40 arrows, 6 daggers, 1 short sword)

A quick question, then. Should responses to that specific event be posted here, or in the Discussion area (as was done for the aftermath of the tavern fight)? I had a few things in mind regarding the fallen bandits, but figured I'd make sure I'm putting things in the right category first.

A quick question, then. Should responses to that specific event be posted here, or in the Discussion area (as was done for the aftermath of the tavern fight)? I had a few things in mind regarding the fallen bandits, but figured I'd make sure I'm putting things in the right category first.

(( I reckon the things to do going forward is to put IC stuff in Gameplay and OOC stuff in Discussion))

Sounds good. To respond to things in your above post...

Regarding the defeated bandits: If any of them are still alive (e.g. in Dying status as opposed to Dead), Aurelie will try to use her Sacred Touch to stabilize them. This probably won't get them in fighting trim (it's purely a Stabilized effect), but she's at least trying to keep them alive.

On the loot: No special remarks here. When/if it comes time to sell and distribute this stuff, Aurelie would just want her share of money.

The Brevoy Soldier: Worth asking, what region of Brevoy? Rostland or Issia? I'll leave this alone beyond that, since Aurelie would be occupied with trying to deal with the dying and virtually everyone else in the party could get to the soldier before she does.

I will go free the woman asking her "Want to tell us what happen?"

The Captive at the bandit ambush

She breathes a deep sigh of relief upon being released.

"Thank the Gods that you arrived. I think those bastards were sure to kill me. You arrived just in the nick of time."

She wipes her hand across her face clearing blood from her scratches and bruises.

'A companion and I were venturing forward tracking a bandit ring before being ambushed. We were sent to investigate an orphanage who we heard was being used as a means for developing bandits. The trail led out to these lands but before we could find anything more, we were ambushed. I dont know what happened to my companion, he was drawn away from me after they took us.

Can I ask, what are you doing in these parts?"

Carlyle stared at the woman quietly at she explained to Ranthor what had happened, his eyes traveled from her to the Magus. The way he charged in and killed the bandits like that. It would be difficult for Carlyle to scrub the sound of squeals of pain out of his head. Reloading his musket with a few sharp metal clanking noises, the gunner would stride past the Magus and freed prisoner to look out to the path.

One problem he was beginning to understand, with the weapon in his fingers was that no matter where you were, even out here in the god-forsaken wilderness, someone always heard that echoing blast from a fired cartridge.

He didn't want to break the news to the woman that her companion was deceased, nor did he want to look at that bruised, cut face. His mood was sour enough as it was.

The gunner stayed quiet , lighting up a not-so reassuring tobacco pipe, letting it burn in his lungs as he leaned against the large rock north of the camp.

(Sorry for the delay in replying, had to sort out something I wasn't clear on regarding the bandits.)

After a minute or two of walking around to check the fallen bandits, Aurelie rejoins the group. She's calm even as she explains what they probably already guessed: "They are all dead... the only ones that aren't are those who fled from us. Do you suppose they'll make their way to their friends and alert them to our presence?"

Then she tries to step near the Brevoy soldier, gathering improvised healing materials from what's on hand and trying to tend to the various cuts (a use of the Heal skill, which she has at least a decent modifier in; Aurelie will back off if someone more skilled wants to try or the soldier protests, however) while answering the question. "An orphanage to train them as thieves?" The thought of it draws a 'cold anger' from Aurelie, one that tints her tone.

"Whatever I was doing in these parts, what you've just shared is the largest depravity in a whole list of such that these bandits are so openly proud of. I won't presume to speak for everyone, but now I'm here for the same reasons you are... to deal with them." A very firm response, one punctuated by gold fire emanating from one clenched fist for a few seconds before fading.

With the Captive at the bandit ambush site

At first she flinches from the touch of the Sorceress before she notes the application of first aid. Treating her reveals that she is suffering from a broken arm, nose and serious contusions.

"Thank you kindly Mam. To date I have only come up with one name as a lead for the bandit that handles these children of the orphanage. His name is Dovan and has a reputation for being a wicked, cruel bastard. Rumour has it that the orphanage is even run under the guise of being under the protection of the church of Iomedae."

Rumour has it that the orphanage is even run under the guise of being under the protection of the church of Iomedae."

Aero shudders as his blood suddenly runs cold. His eyes narrow as he resolves what he must do.

He speaks softly but intensely. "The orphanage. Where is that?"

Hearing Aero be similarly jarred by this news actually calms Aurelie down. Even as any answer to the question of the orphanage's location might be given, she offers some caution: "We may not have time to pursue it right now. We definitely should learn where it is and handle it soon, but..." She gestures a hand in the direction two bandits fled, "...That is in the general direction of where we're going, isn't it? To their stronghold? When they get there, they will alert their friends and I imagine they'll immediately set out to overtake us. Seeing as we're traveling with pack mules, they'll probably be able to find any camp we make or overtake us on the march."

She pauses to let that sink in, then suggests: "I won't tell any of you what you must do or not do, but I think they'll pursue us the moment their friends tell them what we have done. If I may offer advice, this may be a matter of tending to the orphanage as in the near future, but dealing with their real home here and now before they can make ready and march against us. It would be a fight on our terms and not theirs, even if it happens on their ground." With all that laid out, Aurelie asks, "Would you be willing to handle these problems in that order? Their home first, then the 'training orphanage?'"

All of this is said in a calm, polite tone and she doesn't look 'heated' about it. Disagreement doesn't seem like it'd particularly upset Aurelie.

Aero considers what Aurelie has said. He has to agree. Eliminating the bandits would certainly seem to be the more pressing issue. No doubt Kressle now knows they are close and will seek reinforcements.

Then Aero wonders. The orphanage would be an incredible ruse to buy Kressle some time. He thinks over what just happend.

"Hmmm. And why do you suppose the bandits wanted you alive? I'm sorry to say, your companion is with Iomedae now."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

the rescued guard

"I dont know why they wanted to keep me alive... but I can imagine..."

At which point she shudders.

"Howt is dead? That is terrible news. He was a good man"

She lowers her head and gives a low, nearly silent prayer. Her voice pauses as she recalls something.

"Kressle? I have heard that name before! I believe she was once a young woman who ran away from that orphanage... that is if memory serves me well. It was before the scandalous rumors about it becoming a training center began. Perhaps if you catch her you'll find out more of this Dovan person."

She tries to take to her feet but is still clearly in pain.

Sense Motive Examining body language tells you she is cautious around you yet also extremely thankful. Your not able to detect any obvious signs that would hint at untruths.

Back at Oleg’s

The atmosphere is festive as the adventurers return with news of Kressele’s demise. People are happy to come by and slap you on the back and offer to purchase a beer. However in the corner there is a solitary figure collecting cups with a concerned look upon his face. Its young Miklo and he seems lost in thought - so much so that he accidently bumps into a large burley man that yells,

“Hey watch out you stupid kid!!!!”

The bard Kjersti takes the stage once again and begins singing a joyous and rambunctious song about Highway men getting caught and sent to the gallows but not before one last drink of whiskey. Her face shines with pleasure as her blond curls fall carelessly across her features. The corners of her mouth peek into a smile when she pauses for breath in between verses.

The older man of religion Jhod leans against the wall enjoying the scene but examining a piece of parchment intently.

Posted on the Walls
REWARD!!!!
Bring back the head of the diseased warthog Tuskgutter. Once the head is secured Brevoy will offer specialized weapons provided by Kesten.

REWARD!!!
The pacification of Kobolds. A tribe of kobolds have been spotted along the road ways of the Stolen Lands. While no attacks have been reported, their pacification is sought out.

REWARD!!!
Dragons spotted among the rivers!!!!
The kingdom of Brevoy offers a reward for each head of a dragonworm brought back to Olegs Trading Post!

(I have a mix of in-character and out-of-character things to bring up, if it's okay. The 'out' parts first.)

(On HP: Many of us either forgot, or didn't get a chance, to roll HP. How should we take care of this?)

(On wealth-by-level: It's worth noting the PCs have had almost no significant money/equipment awards since start of play, and are now level 3. Is this intended, or something we need to look into?)

(The radishes: This legitimately got overlooked since it came up near the end of the session; that's fine. I just wanted to point out that Aurelie did ask for Max or anyone else who knows more about plant-life to inspect these and ensure they're safe for consumption. If they are, she did/would try to get Svetlana's attention when Oleg is otherwise busy and then deliver them as requested.)

As for IC matters...

In general, Aurelie is quiet but warm enough. She doesn't partake in any of the drinking, but clearly has no problem with others doing so and seems to enjoy watching the celebrations.

As for the bumping incident, Aurelie is quick to play peacemaker as Miklo (Mikol? Seems his name was typo'ed in one iteration or another, I've seen it both ways in our sessions) and the man bump. She will approach the shouting man and try to justify/excuse the incident. Speaking in a polite and level tone, she tries to explain: "The bandits of the area had been tormenting him in their own ways until recently, and who could be perfectly composed with that weighing on their thoughts? He will be more mindful from here on and no harm was done, so won't you calm your shouting? There is nothing to gain in being angry with him."

The Large Burly Man

He looks at Aurelie and then back to Mikol, who looks like an anger is building deep within, and snorts,

"Whatever,just keep the whelp away from me"

Kesten the Brevoy Guard

He eyes the action of Auriele with interest. He grabs his drink and walks across the tavern to speak to her.

"You seem to have handled that situation well enough. Sotell me, why are you in these parts? To my reckoning you dont exactly fit the look of an adventurer."

Aurelie lets the argument go without further remark, since it seems to be settled.

As for Kesten, his approach and words are met with quiet attention; she's listening. Her response is calm, though somewhat vague. "You're right... I probably don't. I wear no armor and carry only the lightest of weapons, so I must look like either a fool or an easy target. Or perhaps both?"

That questioning self-assessment isn't an answer, but she gets to it immediately after those remarks. "As for why I'm here... I'm looking. Searching for somewhere, something. I'm not even certain what it is; maybe it's a home, or a goal, or any other manner of thing. Yet so long as I keep moving and doing things, I hope I'll eventually find my answer."

Realizing that isn't very clear, she tries one more way of phrasing it: "Forgive me if that tells you nothing useful. All I can say is that I'm here to do something, anything. I can't speak too poorly of it, not when I look around..." She gestures about the trading post, with its crowds of celebrating people, "...And see so many people happier and safer for what I helped accomplish in this week. I'm sure that's worth something. There's just no answer for why I'm specifically here, as even I don't know."

Kesten

Kesten listens to the verbal feints and withdraws, trying to follow the pretty young girls logic and line of thinking before giving up, shrugging and simply saying,

"OK"

He then steps away and gets himself a refill on his mug of ale.

(Kesten stuff)

Aurelie tries to follow him, though will back off if Kesten protests. If allowed to speak, she presses the topic: "Here now... you approached me, surely you had some reason? If there is some purpose or you needed help, I am listening. Wandering as I am at the moment, perhaps that is the best thing I can do; listen and help. So if there was something on your mind beyond simple curiosity, would you tell me what it is?"

Kesten

He turns to face Aurlie again and attempts to make eyes contact but cannot hold it for long.

I apologize for my shortness 'Mam. Your words work in circles and I am not sure all of your meanings.

He takes another drink of his ale

You see I am a very direct person. Ive come here to protect these people or die trying. I live by direct means and so when someone speaks to me in circles, without a clear focus or purpose... well lets just say it runs contrary to everything I stand for.

His voice is gruff and his posture stern... yet still his eyes wander from point to point rather than remain focused upon the pretty blonde.

(More Kesten stuff. Replying on the assumption there would have been an opportunity to do so IC.)

Aurelie takes this critique rather patiently, showing no offense. Instead, she smiles about half-way into Kesten's reply. Once he's done speaking, she responds with a polite warmth: "Then we are not so different. Though I do not know why I am here, I know what I am doing. You're looking at the same people I am."

Her eyes follow his wandering gaze, then return to him a few seconds later. "I feel good about what has happened. Most of the 'bandits' were nothing more than coerced children, and have been convinced to change their ways. Their leader has fallen, and now everyone here is safer and happier."

A sharp nod follows, "I mean to keep doing it for as long as people need that help. You wish to help them too, so we have the same goal."

Aurelie offers a hand to him, speaking with a conciliatory tone. "I would rather we both succeed than see either of us 'die trying', as you said it. Can we work together?"

The Night Before the Party Set off to the Stag Lord's Fort

Kesten

He returns in the early evening after having supervised the burial of the soldier under him. He drinks his ale quietly and with purpose sitting in a position to keep the cell where Kjersti is held prisoner. His face is flat and without emotion though under the lamp light the shadows dance about his features highlighting his stone features and scars.

Kjersti

She sits in the cell shaking and upset. Her mind troubled with the thoughts of hanging from gallows in some distant place while her little brother in unprotected. She spots a shooting star, closes her eyes and makes a silent wish.

Oleg and Svetlana

The rosey cheeked Svetlana quietly reassures Oleg that the heroes will deal with this bandit menace. With a wrinkled forehead, he mutters to her

Yes dear... I hope so. But we thought so once before when Kressle had died...

Near the Stag Lord's Fort, during Planning

Once the group has arrived at a few possible plans, Aurelie speaks up about another topic. She's calm, but clearly upset and worried as she tries to address the group:

"Now we have a sound strategy and can defeat them. However, before we go in... our conduct of late troubles me; we seem too eager for blood and call it 'justice.', and barging in with no caution." Knowing she'll draw protests for that remark, she immediately holds up a hand to stall and clarify: "I have no doubt that we'll inevitably kill some people in our work. This is an imperfect world with imperfect people and imperfect solutions. I am not condemning incidental killing when we are attacked, as there is no helping it without risking our own safety too much. I speak of other things."

She looks generally northward, the way they traveled from to reach the fort. "Think back to Oleg's home. Our successes against the bandits were not met with retaliation on us, but rather on innocent bystanders. I cannot put this more plainly: The monsters of this region will prey on those who cheer for us, as it's the only form of revenge they can easily get. Our actions do not just affect ourselves."

Facing the group again, Aurelie continues. "Therefore we must mind our reputation, as people will react to what they know of us. Accepting a duel and then shooting the opponent as they approach is wise strategy, but teaches others that we will not keep our word. At the very least any who know of us will not accept any more duels, and at worst they may not believe other requests in battle."

Her attention then focuses squarely on Aero: "When we go into the fort, we will be facing at least some people who are working with them only due to this bandit lord having hostages. We may have to kill some of them, but I hope it can be avoided. Nonetheless, to hear you speak of truly wanting to kill them and calling it 'justice' is terrifying. Imagine how people will react when they know we hold no sympathy for them, treating them with as much contempt as those forcing them to act contrary to their hearts?

If people hear of this, it will only drive them into his waiting arms and they will never surrender to us; who would hand themselves over to an enemy who guarantees them death and says it is just and right? They will fight to the last, seeing no other option. Being so harsh only forces us to fight more enemies."

Then to Carlyle: "Likewise, you worry me. The kobold chief had come to speak with us and you tried to kill him with your blade. You're right; some of the things he spoke of are vile. Yet at best, you had the right decision but the wrong timing. There are many groups in these Stolen Lands we will have to deal with one way or another, but why provoke all of them at the same time? If they must all be fought, would it not be better to fight them in sequence rather than simultaneously?

Perhaps negotiation with them would have been futile. Maybe they are nothing but vile beasts who cannot be elevated to stand beside us as peaceful peers, maybe their culture is beyond hope. Yet we have given them no chance to change, and in striking at their leader as he was speaking with us... you have ensured they will not trust us in further negotiations. Once they sort out their internal battles over who is the new chief, they may resort to looting the region to replace what they have lost. At the very least they will treat us as enemies from here on and attack us without reservation, when we already have so many new enemies. All that, so you could sever an arm and make a witty remark."

With all this said, she finally gets to her point: "If we mean to barge in whenever someone says we are upon their land, to deceive when honest trade would suffice, to rush at them when they tremble in fear and believe us to be enemies, to attack those who come to negotiate with us, and slay those who are acting under duress and call it justice... you must tell me now. I cannot continue speaking to our enemies and hoping to win them over to us if I know you will only strike at them the moment you see an opening." A single nod, and her concluding questions. "Can I ask you to show more restraint, consideration, and mercy from here on? I will not condemn necessary deaths in fight we cannot avoid... but will you accept that there are gentler ways for us to handle many situations?"

Aero stands with his arms crossed. "Are you finished?"

He walks closer to Aurelie, not threatening her, but determined to be heard. He speaks with quiet intensity. His eyes burn as hot as Torag's forge. Aurelie has crossed a line.

"Let me explain something to you. Something you clearly haven't yet had the experience to understand, yet something that's been made painfully clear to me in my short life. The world is not a place where one's best intentions are respected, agreements are kept and the meek receive their due. It will not abide by your code. No. But you wish to think we can.

In our world the innocent starve, good men are tortured for sport, women are raped in front of their children and yes, even young boys are used as living shields. And you curse my interpretation of justice, my morals, my callousness, my ignorance. Yet you talk of negotiations!

Fact is, I have a responsibility to saving those people, to preserving goodness, that you cannot possibly begin to fathom.

You weep for Mikol, for the damned kobold chief and you curse me. Ha. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of ignoring what I know. That Mikol's death, while tragic, probably would have saved lives. And the kobold's inevitable death, while regrettable, will save lives. And that my ancient code, while grotesque to you, allows all of us the privilege of breathing this morning air.

What you can't face, what you can't accept is that deep down, you know you want people like me. You NEED people like me to do our job. For I am the glue that makes your negotiating counterparts stick to their agreements. I am the wall that halts a scoundrel's treachery. I am the pit in the ruler's stomach that makes them question tyranny. I am the person who makes your vision of 'good' possible.

I don't have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to someone who rises and sleeps under the blanket of righteousness that my services provide and then questions the manner in which I choose to provide it. I would rather you just said, 'thank you,' and went on your way.

If you think you are worthy of being our ruler, something which I have yet to endorse, I suggest you arm yourself against the tides of evil that will shroud itself under the guise of compromised innocence. For evil does not play by the rules. Evil will take your goodwill and turn it back upon you, multiplying its death and destruction. Death and destruction that will be on your head, and for which I will hold you responsible.

If your code does not allow you to comprehend the consequences of these tough choices, if you must avert your eyes from what is necessary for the better good, I suggest you step aside, not for my sake, but for the sake those over which you wish to rule, for those whose life is much too cruel and for those who won't give a damn about your sense of justice when their children are kidnapped, their wives are raped and a spear is stuck in their bellies."

Aero pauses.

"I will do my job."

Carlyle Val'zedohayne didn't interrupt the sorceress once during her explanation and following questions to the gunslinger, busying his hands with cleaning his weapon while he listened. Once she finished, Carl would take several long moments to finish what he was doing before parting his lips, speaking but not facing Aurelie, "You're a really smart woman, Aur. A smart woman with a long of things going for her, I'd imagine, a lot of stake in this place. But I'm no elven seer or anything."

He lit a pipe but didn't smoke it yet, slipping it into the barrel of his weapon to let it burn, "You're frequently displeased with me because, I feel, we're very different. I think we come from similar backgrounds, you and I, but one of us is still very much royalty while the other wants nothing more to be a commoner." Carl grinned a bit, "Listen to me. Pretending I know anything about you, maybe it's just the way you talk that reminds me of home. Or how you look at me."

"I ran at those fisherpeople because I wanted nothing more than to bloody talk to someone that isn't our little gang. I wanted to tell them it was okay, that we're here to help. I walked out of cover at the bandit camp because I thought they had...an old friend of mine and I had to save her. I attacked that kobold chief because for once in my life I wanted to do the right thing on my terms. I'm no judge, or executioner, but when it sputtered out that it wanted to eat children, Aurelie, I remembered cowering in my bed as a lad, crying. Not because I was scared, or unsafe, but because my parents told me that most people weren't like us, most people couldn't hide in a castle away from monsters like it. I wanted it to end there and for good."

Carl pulled his pipe up and sucked in the smoke, letting it roll out of his nose, still not making eye contact, "I f*!! things up, Aurelie, it's my lot in life. My role in the big play. I'm that man. But you don't need to worry, friend, after we deal with this man I'll be heading on. I came to the Stolen Lands looking for something and it isn't here."

(On the out-of-character level, Aero's remarks regarding rulership and other Kingmaker-outlined government posts confuse me. I was under the impression that aspect of the story hadn't actually been brought up to the characters yet? I'm going to 'continuity ignore' that part, e.g. pretend he didn't say that, until we get this clarified. It was my last understanding that the party is currently on a 'exploration and pacification' mission, with no orders/plans of nation-building. I'll gladly roll with the rest of it though, since there's no continuity-confusion there. Lass, when you get a chance could you clarify what's up regarding the nation-building part of their mission and whether they even know about it or not yet?)

Aurelie responds to Carlyle first, with a quick clarification before anything else she brings up. "You should know I am not royalty, even if I do take a refined appearance. Everything I've just said is from a position of anxiety and worry, not of rank and authority. I would rather you be convinced of my concerns and desires, instead of bowing to a title I don't even have."

With that explained, Carlyle may have noticed that his recounting childhood memories has actually struck a nerve with her. Not anger, but intrigue and sympathy. It takes her a moment to gather her words: "I... can at least see why you reacted so suddenly, severely, and with such a sharp remark. Yes, what their chief spoke of was vile. And there will be monsters that not be swayed by any words, who will have to be put down as swiftly as possible. However... at worst I would see us fight them in sequence, so we have chances to rest and gather our resources. At best, I would see them understand how horrible their past deeds were, renounce them, and make what amends they can. No doubt most of our enemies here will earn their death, but to succeed even once in elevating them to our ways... I think that would be worthwhile."

Finally, when he announces his plans to depart after the upcoming battle, she offers some polite protest. "Are you sure you mean to do that? You told me yourself at Oleg's;" Aurelie recalls what he had to say just outside the building a few days ago, "One person's opinions and actions often don't matter. Whatever you mean to accomplish, wouldn't you rather tell others what it is and have help achieving it?"

Then Aerodus is speaking, and Aurelie and listens to him. She tries to show serenity throughout, but he may see the occasional crack in it; sometimes it's a flicker of sympathy, but more often she's visibly containing anger and holding back from sharp retorts. When she responds, it's with a conscious choice to be calm and patient with Aero. "You wish to protect others and have the strength to hold your ideals up high. That is wonderful, selfless, and I admire that. If I were to have any doubt of the sincerity of what you just spoke, I only have to recall that my flames refuse to burn you; that tells me a great deal about your intentions."

Making this point actually seems to settle her down somewhat; Aurelie's level tone is more natural instead of practiced. "It also tells me that you have not paid attention to my actions. I've struck down our enemies just as you have. You have repeatedly spoken down at me, and I get the impression you see me as little more than a soft target... a liability in a fight. I cannot see why; even in our first battle I shielded you from arrows while bearing no armor, then tended to your wounds and shot at those who harmed you." She lets that sink in with a moment's pause before adding, "There will be no more talk of me having no understanding of pain, loss, or battle."

Then she brings up some of Aero's own points. "You spoke of the pain of seeing families torn apart either by misfortune or by the cruel designs of those who enjoy making others suffer. You've seen it, you know it for what it is, and it is real. You have all that knowledge and experience, yet you mean to go forth and strike Mikol down in the name of justice. That will leave his younger brother vulnerable, hurt from the loss of a loved one, and effectively abandoned. Surely you can see how senseless that is, since that very brother is the leverage this bandit leader is using to force him to wrong others? I will disarm Mikol and see him made no threat to you, if that is your concern in the upcoming battle."

Aurelie moves to a conclusion. "In this case, justice is putting the 'Stag Lord' to the sword if he does not surrender. Justice is then showing mercy and understanding to his coerced victims. In that way we will keep as many families intact as possible, so that those forced to work for bandits may make amends and restitution rather than apologizing with their lives. You fight for a greater good, so won't you show moderation where it is due in order to bring that about?" Expecting a practical protest, she tries to address it ahead of time. "I know, there may be incidental deaths. The battlefield may force you to kill them if they will not back down, but I am asking only that you show mercy where it is practical and only gladly slay the leaders and not their victims. Will you please do that?"

Ranthor sets to work while the others talk, cutting his horse blanket and bedroll into strips. Hearing them argue, over the events of this week, frustrates him, they talk of mercy, and justice, of how the other does not see from the other's prospective. Fools. He clears his throat "I don't mean to seem harsh, But would you mind helping me, maybe offering the blanket from your horse?" pausing just long enough to get there attention "We have preparations to make be for nightfall, and if I am to risk my life to set Our diversion for the attack I would like to know that we have done everything we could to succeed" He stands and gathers up the strips he has so far and places them in the cask of oil, then returns to his work.

"And Carlyle, I don't know what it is you're looking for, but I can tell you what I have found. Purpose. They call this the Stolen Lands, and that is exactly what it is. Stolen, stolen from the people that live here." Ranthor begins to cut up his last extra shirt, using the main torso for the cask and the sleeves for the three flasks in front of him. "These bandits have taken it from them, and even if we stop them tonight, someone else will just come along and take their place. That is why when we are done with this mission for Brevoy, I plan to do everything in my power to give it back to them. That they might stop calling this place Stolen, and call it Cadou."
Ranthor stops and looks at them all "So what is it you're looking for?"

Aurelie looks over to Ranthor, calm as usual. "You do sound a tad harsh, though perhaps not unjustified. Even so... you wish for a blanket?" She goes to retrieve her own, rather than her horse's. "I have found I no longer need this, so you're welcome to use it and provide a very different kind of warmth to the bandits." It might be an odd bit of humor; it's hard to tell with her voice so level and patient. Regardless, Ranthor is given some spare cloth to work with.

As she delivers it, she gives him a slightly more specific answer to the same question Kesten asked a week or more ago. "What I'm looking for? I still don't know, but I can at least tell you whatever it is will be the opposite of my former home. I am from Cheliax, and most of the rumors you've heard of it are true. It is a land where you do as you are told or you will disappear. Do not ask questions, or you will disappear. And be mindful where you walk at the later hours; monsters wander the streets at night, completely unchecked. And they will gladly feast on whomever they come upon. You must even maintain a shrine to Asmodeus in your home, or you will be fined."

She lets all that sink in before concluding: "I couldn't bear it any longer, so I gathered what I could and fled. Now... all I know is I was told to keep moving, and do things that will see others safe and happy. I was told that if I do, eventually I will find my answer." Aurelie then backs off a few steps after having handed her blanket over to Ranthor. "That is the best I can say for why I'm here and what I seek. However, what do you mean by having this area called 'Cadou'? I must be missing something."

"Cadou? It's a Varisian word, meaning gift"

At the fort, and during travel back to Oleg's

Aurelie was very 'sober' and quiet on the way back from the fort; she came close to death, and was unable to witness the final moments of the various ex-bandits who tried to help put down the owlbear, alongside Akiros' change of heart leading to his own demise... and closer to 'home', Ranthor. Among other comments, "I was seconds away from reaching him when that fourth arrow struck me down. Had I avoided it, I could have him standing beside us even now..." She's clearly very upset with herself, if keeping calm about it.

At Oleg's, as the discussion of establishing a new nation comes up

While still pretty quiet and distant in demeanor, Aurelie does stir some at this topic. She has something to say, trying to address the whole group: "I would not be against it. I've harbored a fantasy about this for some time... of a land that would be the direct opposite of what I fled in Cheliax. A place where you can live in peace, yet knowing you can trust your neighbors enough to stand by them if anyone threatens your livelihoods. Kindness joined by the strength to keep it safe."

As she continues to speak, the ideas just keep flowing; Aurelie is very swept up in sharing her dream. "I see a nation where you do not disappear for asking compelling questions of those in sharp uniform and lofty title, and instead receive sincere answers backed by remedy if you have indeed been wronged. Banditry and other cruelty would not be tolerated; those who conduct it would be shown their wrongdoing and repent or be driven out by fire and sword."

Her arms spread out wide as Aurelie reaches a conclusion. "I want it to be a home to every person who will leave others in peace, live honestly, make restitution for wrongs rather than pursue grudges... to be truly safe and happy. That is the home I want to build for others, and live in. We have a unique opportunity here to make that place a reality, and I must ask you: Would you support it? Will you help me with that goal?"

At the Stag Lord's fort in the immediate aftermath

Three of the young bandit's stand overlooking the bloodshed. Two stand with mouths agape at the carnage while the third seems to have a wicked smile on his face and says in an excited tone:

cool...

Upon hearing this the other two look at him blank faced.

Searching through the wreckage you find the body of Miklo with a dagger in his back from Dovan.

Outside the fort the zombies smell the blood in the air and begin to moan loud and aggressively. Their hungered calls fill the air!!

Regarding the zombies at the fort...

Aurelie is, of course, the first to advocate a peaceful solution where she approaches the zombies with white-flag in hand and hopes to talk, in order to understand their feelings and find a reasonable agreement that respects their unique situajust kidding!

Let's try that again.

Aurelie is visibly angry once she gets a good look at the still-mobile corpses, and an experimental blast with her holy flames removes any doubt she had; they need to be purged. For her part, Aurelie will help thin their numbers by shooting them with crossbow bolts, magic missiles, summoned celestial animals and elementals, heavenly fire, and so on. As this work proceeds, she has a comment to share: "Mere bandits can't make a mockery of life and spirit like this, let alone in such great numbers to serve as leashed guard dogs for their stronghold. Does anyone have any ideas how this could have happened, who is to blame for doing this to the dead?"

Zombies

They mindlessly approach Aurelie to the maximum extent of their leashes growling unintelligibly through dried throats. She unleashes a firestorm of magic against the beasts who burn yet still persist. One by one their animated bodies fail them and they collapse in cinders to the dirt.

The clouds part briefly and several rays of morning light descend upon the fort.

The sickening sound of splintering skull and rending gray matter hadn't stopped echoing in the chapel as uncontrollable tears welled up in the mighty Inquisitor's eyes.

He turned away, knowing his arrows were right and true.

Three silent expectant seconds passed.

THUMP.

The excellent acoustics of the chapel announced the evil priestess's death with resounding affirmation. His mark's body finally found its resting place on the floor.

"Aerodus Grachus, bastard son of Octavio"

While the chapel was now utterly still, Aero swore he could hear that phrase echoing. Not a soul stirred, the priestess's own long since dispatched on its journey down the River Styx. The children dare not flinch. Yet the imperceptible echoes persisted and boomed like thunder to the archer.

No owlbear claw could possibly match the pain of those six words.

He would not let his companions see his weakness. He headed instinctually for where he knew the front door once was, his vision much too blurred make out much of anything.

Once outside, he wiped the moisture from his cheeks. He stifled his breathing so no one could hear a sniffle. Those words were lies, he thought. There could be no other explanation. His parents were crusading in Mendev. Yes, he couldn't remember them clearly, but he had twenty-one year old memories that proved he wasn't the son of such a vile creature. Imagine, a man so wicked that he would profit from orphaning children and selling them into slavery to be used as canon fodder. He was the fruit of no such man's seed.

Or was he?

The cruel hand of Octavio was obvious in the orphanage. Aero knew he'd find that here. But Aero could not look for Octavio's hand in himself.

He fell to one knee, grasping for his hidden holy symbol beneath his chain shirt. Finding it, he held it tight, his knuckles turning white.

"Iomedae, my divine inspiration, please show me some sign that this is not true."

Tig Tanerson

On the trip back to Ranthor City Tig tells of his ordeal.

"I was captured by the lizardfolk while hunting for frogs along the shore. I dont know how long I was on their raft but they told me if I cried out they would eat me. When we passed by that spooky island I saw something glowing and it followed us back to their hutts. Sometimes it looked like it was going to go away and then the lizardfolk would yell that they were going to toss me overboard or eat me and when I cried it came back. When we first got back to the lizardfolk home their was four big mean green monsters there!!! The lizardfolk held me up and shook me badly!!! The green monsters saw us and starting coming over talking about how they were going to eat everyone but liked the taste of little boys best!!! I started to cry again and thats when the glowing monster scared off the green monsters. It made them yell but I dont know how! After that I was dropped in that muddy hutt and the glowy monster began to eat me... but not like bite eat me but like something else eat me!"

He looks much better after a little bit of care and clean food and water.

Ugh. This is going to be kind of a big post because I meant to cover a few topics last week but was just too sick to manage it. Actually, I'm going to split it into two posts just to keep things distinct.

Aftermath of Pitax Orphanage Incident (This is a week late on my part, sorry. This also means it relates to things that happened one in-story year ago.)

Aurelie is devastated at first; only the ensuing discussion with the Iomedaean clergy revealing that infiltrators were mixed in among those who were being essentially controlled, and it was the former that were slain, settles her down. Despite not having the full details of what has been going on here, she does openly praise Graylok, Carlyle, and Aero (though he has stepped outside before this can happen) in effectively investigating the problem and dealing with it.

Kjersti is checked on to make sure the bard is okay and that her brother is as well. Regardless of specifics on this end, Aurelie makes clear that Kjersti has most certainly done her part to set things right. "There will be no more talk of you paying for crimes or apologizing with your life. You are welcome to live in the land we plan to build if you wish, or move on; you have no burdens or debts that I can see."

This leaves her to follow after Aero some time later. She is guarded and quiet in trying to approach him, so her remarks amount mostly to well-wishing. Nonetheless, she does try to speak with him some time after his monologue. "I do not understand everything that has happened here, so forgive me if I speak too generally. Still, this is the sort of cruelty we face. People who value profit and power above all will always make others shoulder most of the risk for them while sharing little of the wealth taken in this way."

"They will use travelers, as we've seen before. Now we see they use children and organizations that we ought to trust, including your own. In this way, they have even smeared Iomedae's reputation for justice and made people falsely think of you as a monster."

She pauses to let all that sink in, then holds up a hand to stall what she expects may be an outburst. "Though, I didn't come here to debate you. Instead... what needs to really be said now is simple: Thank you." Aurelie gestures back at the orphanage, "Your efforts mean there will be no more child mercenaries trained and sold from there. People will not be gripped in terror by the sight of your symbol and your faith. Those responsible for this cruelty and deception have either been driven away or killed. We may not be able to undo the past, but you have at least helped change the future and restored the good names of yourself and your peers."

A single nod. "That is justice for those around you, it is justice you helped create. I do not truly understand what troubles you, but I hope that you will receive your own justice and peace in time. If we can help with that, whether it is merely listening to your concerns or taking action... we will be there for you."

After that, she is glad to listen to any response he has or at least leave him be.

And now the things related to last week's session. But first, a few cheap shots in the name of an equally cheap laugh!

Tig Tanerson

OOC Quip: I think we should swap Tig with Tyg (the fae-like prankster in the forest), see if anybody notices.

Also, on the use of 'hutt' vs. 'hut' in the above text: Sure, let's toss some Hutts in the mix. Some intergalatic crime-lords would be a fine addition to the gathering of villains around the nation so far!

(Tig) looks much better after a little bit of care and clean food and water.

Aurelie is all too glad to provide that, and is very soft toward Tig; bits of magical cleaning are joined by more mundane concern for him. Food, water, calming reassurances that he'll be with his mother soon... Aurelie is sympathetic, confident, calming, and nurturing, taking his frantic explanations and worry in very good stride.

On the trip back to Ranthor City Tig tells of his ordeal.

Much of what he has to say surprises Aurelie, especially the talk of the glowing light that followed and tormented him. "How horrible... to be taken away by brutes, then attacked by that light. You say it came from that house on the island?" She's openly impressed he remembered this and is quick to praise him: "Thank you for telling us that. I know it must hurt to share those memories so soon, but now we know what is in there and that it means nothing good for any of us. We will see it driven out, and your information may have saved lives. Tig, you have done very well!"

The rest of his tale seems to be of things the party has already slain, so she mostly offers reassurances that things will be fine now and they won't bother him any more. Aurelie then addresses the party with what little she can glean from that tale: "Now we see the 'haunted house' actually is just that. At the very least it is home to a light that is delighted when others suffer, and tries to inflict pain on the innocent. We have also seen it is extremely hard to hit... when we go there, we will have to be ready for that. Tell me, do any of you recognize it? I have only the tiniest of ideas what it may be, and can't put them in any meaningful words."

Later on, once Tig is asleep, Aurelie has something to say to Carlyle. She starts out warm and pleased. "Before I say anything else, I think it is entirely possible your actions inside the lizardfolk camp saved Tig's life. I cannot be certain of that, but I am more inclined to believe you distracted that light long enough to protect him and found him when none of the rest of us had. ...Thank you. When we return, I plan to let the whole citizenry know that while all of you had vital roles in rescuing Tig, your actions in particular directly saved his life. You will be acknowledged as a hero to the public."

Then she abruptly turns coldly angry. She isn't shouting, but she's obviously upset. "Now we will have a conversation about your actions a few days ago, at our camp-fire near that hut. You fired your gun at something you could only identify as a little laughter and glowing amidst the trees? Why would you try to kill something whose nature you were not certain of? Remember, 'glowing lights and laughter' would also describe our prankster friends in the forest near our border; surely you can see why firing on them would be wrong."

Aurelie carries on, still very irate. "Our home is surrounded by enemies or those who are inclined to become such; kobolds who hold us in no good esteem, trolls sailing nearby who we even passed in our travels here, monsters in the farmlands to the north, and until recently this camp of lizardfolk. That is plenty of enemies for us to fret about, and for the sake of everyone who lives under us I do not mean to needlessly make more. Imagine if the kobolds ally with the trolls to 'teach the biggins a lesson'? Or perhaps the woman you shot, who has some magic of her own, will work with them; surely you heard her shouts that we are the wicked ones in this land."

Showing an incredible capacity to keep talking, Aurelie continues: "Remember, it will not just be us who are placed in danger if any of that happens. It also will be the people we guide and protect, many of whom are your customers. It also will be Kjersti, who has continued to say she has so much to redeem herself for even though she already has; I imagine she will take significant risks with her life to make good on the 'debt' her conscience demands she pay. Your actions affect so many lives around you, and not just your own." Her voice briefly raises: "You will, from here on, be reasonably certain of who you are firing at. If anyone asks 'why did you use your gun?' you must provide a meaningful and sensible answer."

Then she (somewhat) calms down, concluding: "Once Tig is safely home and everyone else tended to, I plan to visit the woman you shot. I will offer what restitution I can, as I bear some of the responsibility for her injuries; you acted under my banner. I hope you will come with me and make your own amends, both in the name of justice and forgiveness... and for the sake of those you may have endangered with your careless shot. Will you do that, and show restraint in your future actions? I like you much more when you are the thoughtful man who saves childrens' lives," a nod down to the nearby Tig, before her eyes settle on Carlyle again. "And that hero is the man I will present to the public when we reach home in a few days time. I'm hoping you'll embrace that."

Feel free to read this in chunks, it is long and goes over multiple weeks' worth of stuff. I meant to do it as separate reactions after each week's session, but my schedule just didn't allow it.

At the troll fort, after the battle: After the wounded are freed and aided, the dead buried, and other general clean-up is tended to, Aurelie sees the same thing everyone else does; the inscribed map of the region, with invasion plans clearly marked.

The party gets to see rare footage of Aurelie actually angry. She glares at the map, then flings gold-white holy fire at it to no effect; it has no conscience and morals to judge, and the flame dissipates uselessly. "What, that is it? They came here with no grievance, merely seeking 'food!' and pillage and conquest, wishing to devour my dream and your hard work one citizen at a time?!"

She doesn't expect much of an answer, and the troll corpses don't provide one. While still clearly incensed, she tries to settle down and turns to face the party. "Thank you. All of you... these brutes could have ended all of us, and certainly came close. We know precisely what they would have gone on to do if they succeeded, but you've prevented that. I'll make sure everyone knows what you've accomplished today, as soon as we get home."

Aurelie wouldn't get that chance, but nobody knew it at the time. There wouldn't be much time for congratulatory speeches when they came home to a town in near-ruins, with an agitator trying to convince the citizenry to defect to neighboring nations.

Owlbear cave, after the battle: After her short reprimand to Maximilian for his very 'hands on' demonstration as to why donning random magic items is a terrible idea, Aurelie takes stock of the situation... and has a mix of factual summary and future plans to share.

"So this is the beast that attacked people and homes over and over again. I had thought to immediately track down its source and cut off our enemy's head instead of its limbs, but... you were right to pursue this first."

She looks at some lingering pixie dust, then the ring. "It's fascinating, really." Aurelie looks annoyed, not intrigued. "We have mostly lived in peace this last year or so, making no move to conquer others or take their resources. Yet now we have a 'shadow queen' of the forest charming man and beast alike to attack us. We have Brevoy soldiers conspiring with trolls. Pitax sends a wretch who thinks only of money to stir up rebellion amongst the victims. Can anyone think of what grave crime we have committed to deserve this?"

Aurelie's tone is rhetorical; she clearly doesn't expect there to be any such wrongdoing to attribute to the group or to Cadou as a whole. "I mean to ask our attackers what their reason is, to give them one chance to settle this with some explanations and compensating us for their aggression. Hopefully they will accept that offer of peace, but I rather doubt there is any room for it in their ambitions of conquest."

A sweeping glance is given to everyone present. "If they do not leave us be... I doubt Cadou can withstand a full scale war on three fronts. Rather, would you be interested in showing your skill and power directly to the leaders behind all this?"

Back at Ranthor, Cadou, a public address after the owlbear cave has been cleared:

Aurelie has requested the citizenry gather to hear her about recent events. With most of the rebuilding done over the last few weeks, aside from a few lingering projects, she gathers them in the center of town during the afternoon. She's very calm and serene about this, even as evidence of the recent owlbear battle has been brought along.

She's very 'sober' and calmly dismayed at first. "In the last few months, there has been no shortage of trouble. It's fair to say we have been surrounded by enemies, driven by those who wish to conquer and exploit you. It pains me that you were struck by one such enemy while we were away repelling another... none of you deserved that."

Then Aurelie smiles brightly, looking over the crowd. "While I despise those opportunists, I have only admiration for you! Our home was nearly leveled, and in half a month you have restored it. Despair gave way to solutions. You shared food, prepared blankets, and allowed neighbors under your roof while houses and businesses were rebuilt. Your kindness and hard work ensured everyone has recovered as best they can, and in such a short time!" She is deeply impressed; it may be small, but this caring, cooperative society is most definitely the one she envisioned in founding Cadou.

Finally, confidence and resolve take hold. "You have done so well in withstanding these attacks... but they will stop! We have already driven out lizardfolk who were abducting our children, and crushed the trolls pressing our borders. Even the massive beast that rampaged through our city has fallen, in no small part due to the heroes beside me." Aurelie indicates the party and their close aides (Kjersti, Jhod, Kesten, etc.) with an open palm. "I would prefer to solve this through treaties, peace, and understanding... but if pushed to battle once more then we will emerge the victors. One way or another, you will have safety and prosperity."

She then quietly backs off, ending the speech.