Megan's Kingmaker PbP

Game Master Megan Robertson

My mistake, you are correct. He has been bound and gagged.

Retcon: Rhasa will stand over the captive while the others sort out the diplomatic details.

"Under our ways, Tartuk would be banished from the tribe under penalty of death should he trespass on our lands again. How would your people deal with such as he?" inquired Sootscale.

Talking of Tartuk, he is still asleep. The raven doesn't seem too interested, it's gone back to its perch and is preening itself.

On matters of protocol, I'm not really sure! You have the charter that the Swordlords gave you, but even they would admit - if pressed! - that they don't really have authority here. You guys are it. If you want to make formal treaties, you may find it helpful down the line when (if?) you decide to establish your own kingdom, or commonwealth, or however you choose to set things up... because that is the overall intentention of the AP, that you end up in charge of these lands. But you may decide on a more informal approach...

"If by people yah mean mine mothers tha coven an hags they would stew him up and serve him for supper."

"Tartuk was a stranger mongst you could he have been banished afore now from another tribe?"

"Banishin him from tha kobold lands puts him into tha Wardens land if I am not mistaken; so let us assume so and do as we will once outside tha kobold lands."

Thanks Megan for the update. Since there is no legitamate authority in this area for now, maybe it would be in our best interest to have a quick peace treaty drawn up and both parties sign. Something along the lines of a right of passage and mutual peace until we can establish a better claim on the area and make a more formal and diplomatic union? What do you guys think?

While I disprove of Barnabus's notion of him being eaten, his idea that Tartuk was banished once before has merit. If that is the case, then banishment would only prevent him from causing damage in this area but not to whichever location he went. Perhaps if you would read his journal that would indicate what his true motives were and if he would pose a problem to others.

For myself, I gave him fair chance and he spurned it. His attack on me during a peaceful, if intense, negotiation warrants punishment. Likely death if this seems to be recurring theme or if he poses such a significant risk to society. I can not justify sparing a death sentence if I know that he will cause similar harm to others and I let that happen

"Gorguk, I think that you have a fine idea at this point in time. Let's just leave him trussed up for not with some guards to watch over him. Then while you work out the initial treaty with Chief Sootscale, I can go over Tartuk's journal and see if there is a motive behind his actions."

If this is agreeable to everyone then Calinder will take the journal, find a place to sit quietly, and cast Comprehend Language and go over the journal.

Barnabus passes the journal off to Calindar.

"Good reading mah friend, can you read it all in a single casting?"

Alright, here goes an attempt at trying to sound dignified and formal for a rite of passage and mutual peace treaty.

Returning from the meeting with Chief Sootscales:

Let it be known that upon this day, the kobolds of the Sootscale tribe under leadership of their chief, Chief Sootscales, have entered into an agreement with the entity known as the Guardians of the Greenbelt, hence-forth called the Guardians. This agreement includes but is not limited to a long standing peace accord in which travel through the Greenbelt remains free for said parties involved. Furthermore, the actions of one party will not result in direct harm to the other party. In situations where actions could have possible negative effects, a representative will inform the other party of said actions and reasons thereof. In addition, the representative will be granted diplomatic rights and privileges while carrying out these functions. It is therefore incumbent upon the host party to provide security and protection for said representative. This agreement lasts for a period of time consisting of one year and one day. Every year on this date representatives from both parties will convene to resign this document and continue the peace treaty at that time. If acceptable to both parties, Mikmek and Lothar Narda will be the representatives for each party respectively. Signed… Hoping to have Gorguk, Lothar, Sootscales and Mikmek sign. If someone wants my place to sign that is ok as well. I don't want to overstep bounds if someone wants to be the Grand Diplomat, just trying to fulfill more of the leader-type aspect.

Upon signature of this document, by two members of each party, the agreement will be formalized and sealed. Let this be the first step to creating a union that will be mutually beneficial for both parties concerned. There are three copies made: 1 for each party and 1 to send to the Swordlords proving the completion of their task for us.

Hope this works for everyone and isn’t too limited in what it encompasses. I was hoping that the year and a day timeline would give us the opportunity to revamp the agreement once we have our kingdom established, if we have gotten rid of the Staglord by then that is.

diplomacy if needed again: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"Oh no, I'll not be able to get too far into it by the time the power granted to me by Erastil fades and ends. My hope for now is to skim through this information looking for hints to Tartuk's intentions.

After, that has been determined, then a thorough read of the journal will be in order. It may be that as I study this text, I'll learn to understand it without aid."

Maybe next level I'll take a rank in Linguistics and select Undercommon as we've run into it a couple of times already.

"Many formal documents swordlords an such, documents make not a friend. I appreciate your efforts Gorguk in making an agreement tha bonds not only ourselves but tha sootscales as well."

"I think a jist o tha tome shall let us proceed more well informed!"

Sootscale is a bit puzzled by the language of the formal agreement Gorguk suggests.

"You mean, that we agree not to attack each other, and to allow free passage across each other's territory, yes? And that we will reaffirm this every year?"

Once Gorguk's confirmed that is the intention, Sootscale will sign - muttering something about, "Why not write what you mean...". Mikmek is a bit embarassed at being singled out, but will also put his name to it.

Calinder, do you want to have a go at the journal now? Mikmek (who, you may recall, reads Undercommon) offers his assistance, moreover says that he'll try to teach you how to read it yourself. If the intention is that he is to come along with you, there ought to be time. (If you agree, you may have a free rank in Linguistics: Undercommon at your next level-up :)

The role I'm looking for is Spymaster, actually, but at one time I was looking at the possibility of being Grand Diplomat. Calinder would make a much better diplomat than I.

Lothar looked the document over. It was a rather simple affair, given the importance of the situation. But that was merely due to the writer, nothing more. I could find loopholes a plenty in the wording of this treaty, and if I can find them, so too could any of the more unscrupulous Swordlords. If it comes to it, we may have to safeguard against that in the future. But for now, it serves the intended purpose. Bringing about would could very well be a lasting peace.

The magician signed the document proudly, then handed the pen to Gorguk.

Calinder, do you want to have a go at the journal now? Mikmek (who, you may recall, reads Undercommon) offers his assistance, moreover says that he'll try to teach you how to read it yourself. If the intention is that he is to come along with you, there ought to be time. (If you agree, you may have a free rank in Linguistics: Undercommon at your next level-up :)

Yes, my thought was to start studying the journal now. If Mikmek does come with us, Calinder would easily accept his assistance in studying the journal, and learning the Undercommon language.

A light of remembrance flashes momentarily in Calinder's eyes as he remembers that Mikmek understands the language that the journal is written in, and says, "Mikmek could you assist me in translating the journal, and learning the language that it is written in? Is there a place that we could go to and study this journal?"

All good so far with the peace treaty, just waiting to find out what the journal says so we know how to proceed with Tartuk. I hope that by the time the 3 copies are drawn up and signed, Cal will have the information we need.

"Of course," says Mikmek, "Let me scan it quickly and I'll give you the gist of it, then we can settle down to read it properly later."

He flips through the journal, clearly finding several bits enlightening.

"Basically, he's recorded a lot of his life story. The real shocker is, he's not a kobold. Or wasn't... um, what I mean is, he was born originally as a gnome but was killed in a skirmish when ogres attacked his village. Apparently he was trying to surrender to the ogres with the intent of selling his village out, but the rest of his.. tribe? Do gnomes have tribes? His people, anyway, thought he was defending them so had him reincarnated and he came back as a kobold... with purple scales. He fled, and since then has lived with several different kobold tribes, ruining each before moving on. Oh. There's a scroll of flying tucked in the back, with a note that he intended one day, when he got bored, to commit suicide by using it to get as high as he could before the spell ran out and then plummet to his death. There's a lot more detail, but that's a summary..."

"Seems Tartuk actually wishes to perish and has a method in mind, goin through the trouble tah select a method an scribe forth a scroll."

"I desire tha scroll tah learn tha spell....."

Well, that definitely proves motive and his ability to wreck havoc on multiple levels. I for one cannot justify his being simply expelled. Chief Sootscales, do you also believe that his punishment now should be more than just banishment and expulsion? If so let us end his existance as he was want to do anyways. Again I offer my sword to perform this deed so as you do not have the blood on your hands. If Sootescales agrees then gorguk will execute Tartuk.

I love the background that the writers give to the characters in these APs. It actually gives them a life and reasons for waht they do.

Though Lothar had suspected the purple-scaled kobold to be some sort of con-artist, even he was taken aback by the revelation from Tartuk's journal.

A reincarnated gnome? Were it not for actions, he'd almost be deserving of our pity rather than our scorn. But his own self-loathing is not a reasonable nor justifiable excuse for the harm he has done. Or worse yet, the potential harm he could do were he allowed to roam free of his own accord.

Calinder is stunned by the information the Mikmek reveals in in the journal of Tartuk, and cannot wait to see what other information is contained within.

"I think, had we not rendered Tartuk unconscious, that he would have fought to the death. Perhaps hoping that his life would have been ended."

Lothar shook his head.

Tartuk would have fought to the death only as a last resort. Mikmek has born this out with his summary of the journal's contents. He was far from bored with what he was doing here. It goes to reason that if Tartuk could have escaped from this place, he would have. Thankfully, such was not the case.

"Lothar, you very well may be right. And if that is the case, and there is more mischief in him yet, then he needs to be stopped one way or another."

The magician nodded.

Agreed. His kind of shenanigans would be detrimental to our stated purpose. Bringing peace and stability to the region. Which begs the question: what is to be done with him?

"He died betraying his own and through mighty magoc was given a chance to atone himself, an yet what did he choose for himself and his actions. Likely he did harm or wished harm upon those of his village, an tha one who reincarnated him.

Barnabus bares a blade and moves towards Tartuk.....

Lothar placed a calm, but firm hand upon Barnabus' shoulder.

Though I would see Tartuk pay with his life for his misdeeds myself, I cannot do it and neither should you. We are here before Chief Sootscale and if he wishes that the deed be done, then let him decide who should do it. If, by his discretion, he allows us to handle the matter as we see fit, then Gorguk will decide what shall be done and how. There can be no other way to handle it. We must be united in this. For to do otherwise is to invalidate what it is we are trying to do here.

Once he was done speaking, Lothar removed his hand from his companion's shoulder, hoping that Barnabus would heed his words and stand down.

Addresses chief Sootscale in draconic
"Mighty chief this one has caused ireperable harm to your tribe, and yet I say Tartuk is not a kobold, he was not raised a kobold and no dragon blood flows within his veins, he is a pretender to the kobold and a blight upon your honor. Judge him not as one of your own! Give him unto my hand and I shall carry him out of this place, he does not deserve to die among you, in your home. I will dispatch him before your eyes, with no dignity no honor, and his blood shall not sully your home!"

Chief Sootscale asks that all the kobolds be assembled and waits until the entire tribe is gathered. Then he rises from his throne and bows towards your group.

"Be it known that, in light of our treaty just signed and of your great services to this tribe, I hereby give jurisdiction in the matter of Tartuk to the.. the Guardians. Do with him as you will, as he is banished forthwith from our lands."

He sits down again and a broad (and toothy!) grin crosses his face.

"It has been a good day. Take this vermin out and deal with him as you please, then we'll party. Do you Big Folks drink distilled grain juice?"

A just and wise ruling Chief Sootscales, you have followed your ancestral traditions while still eliminating the threat of Tartuk. Now if you will excuse us we will take Tartuk outside of your home to mete out the punishment that he is due. With your leave Chief Sootscales, we will return shortly; and I for one, although unaccustomed to such drink, will partake of 1 to further symbolize our peace agreement.

With that, Gorguk will excort the bound Tartuk outside. Once a safe distance from the kobolds, Gorguk will check the bindings on Tartuk’s legs, arms and hands before removing the gag and waking him. Tartuk, you have been handed over to the Guardians of the Greenbelt for punishment for crimes against the Sootscale kobolds and humanity. By your own hand you have convinced us of your guilt and treachery. Do you have any last words before we carry out your sentence? Once given the opportunity to speak, Gorguk will wait until Tartuk is finished or an appropriate amount of time before he realizes that Tartuk will remain silent. If Tartuk attempts to cast a spell, Gorguk will attack however. Either way, coup de grace with power attack on Tartuk.

Damage 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 4) + 8 = 18

After the execution, Gorguk will return to the kobolds and celebrate the new friendship that Erastil has blessed him with. Rising for a toast with the ‘distilled grain juice’, May Erastil bless this community and those in it. May food always be plentiful and in great variety. May all who come to know the kobolds come in peace. And may nothing stop the Guardians and the kobolds from bringing further peace to this land.
Diplomacy check for the toast 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Feeling as safe as he can in the wild area, Gorguk will suggest that we don't take watches tonight so we can get a good rest and be ready to explore in the morning. Have the second part of the training montage ready for tomorrow. No time to train today its time to celebrate.

As an Iroran (a follower of Irori), Lothar doesn't ingest substances that could alter his perceptions. He's very much the equivalent of a straight edge adherent.

Rhasa will politely abstain from the grain alcohol and will accompany Gorguk when he takes Tartuk out to meet whatever foul god wants him. After, she will visit with those kobolds that will talk with her, trying to understand their culture better as an ally rather than as a suspicious stranger (her former stance).

The assembled kobolds all cheer as the Guardians haul Tartuk off to meet his fate. Unstoppered, he spouts incoherent abuse at Gorguk until silenced... permanently.

You all return to enjoy the hospitality of the kobolds. Dyfrig comes along as well, and cooks up a feast, combining some of your stores with what the kobolds have. They are suitably amazed, they didn't know you could do that with rabbit...

The 'distilled grain juice' turns out to be rather rough (but very potent) whiskey. Kobolds seem to have a great capacity for it.

Calinder also politely declines to partake of the distilled liquor that is offered to him, but is more then happy to sit and partake of a meal with their new allies.

Barnabus drinks a share for each of the others who refused....

"Hopefully Gorguk ken carry me when it becomes necessary!"

Watching the rest of the Guardians celebrate, Gorguk notices the amount of alcohol that Barnabus is drinking, I hope he can handle his liquor. If not we will have a political incident before the ink is dried on the peace treaty. Once the celebration is over, gorguk will escort the stumbling Barnabus to a bed. Once that is done, gorguk will inquire about sleeping arrangement for himself and retire to get up early the next morning and be ready to explore more of the Greenbelt.

G5 then G3 I think everyone is ok with so far

The kobolds are happy to put you up for the night. They seem to admire Barnabus's capacity for their grain juice...

Minor correction, Gorguk would have made sure that Durok would be able to enter the kobold's cave system otherwise Gorguk will sleep out under the stars with Durok and try to find some shelter. Survival 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4 Hope I don't freeze to death after that check.

Just as the sun rises in the morning sky Gorguk wakes up and breathes deep of the cool crisp air. It is amazing what a good night's sleep will do to revive the body and strengthen the soul. Today is another day of destiny and promise for the future. The strides we made yesterday were long and profitable. It is surely true that help and aid unlooked for in the wild country are to be had if you keep to Erastil's ways. What new and exciting things are we to behold today. Perhaps, Mikmek will join us for a bit while we travel so we may teach him more of our ways and share with him the vision that we hold for the Greenlands. But first, I am in need of a brisk ride and some time with Durok. With that Gorguk will saddle and take Durok out for a morning romp...

Returning an hour later, Gorguk is surprised to see that Barnabus is up and functional. After the previous night's revelry, Gorguk thought for sure the arcanist would be passed out and need to be bound to his horse when they left this morning.

Feeling like he needs a little training, Gorguk attempts to persuade one of the kobolds on guard at the entrance to 'attack' him while he is mounted. Gorguk draws no weapon and in fact sets them all on the grass in a safe location. Porteesh, the kobold, contemplates the alternatives of his actions, but when gorguk insists that no harm will come, Porteesh finally consents but chooses to attack Durok instead thinking that if he would hit, it would be better to hit the horse than the leader of the new group of kobold allies (Alright I will make it official and be the leader as long as no one objects.) With a flash of insight, Gorguk reads Porteesh's intent and manages to veer Durok to the side ride 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 as the arrow that should have scored a clean hit harmlessly passes 2 inches to side of the steed. With a dawn of comprehension, Gorguk realized that along with the bond that he and Durok shared there was also the ability to think and react faster than an incoming attack. This did not mean that Durok would not need further protection inthe form of barding but that it would help keep the faithful Durok alive and thus Gorguk's ability to pursue and hunt down those that opposed him.

After this realization, Gorguk almost let the next arrow hit Durok. Fortunately the kobolds aim was off and he missed by himself, apparently too surprised by his first's shots miss to aim steadily this time. And so ends the second part of the montage...just need some proper tools to get the armor craft skill set up now.

Nice. My level didn't provide a lot of fodder for a montage this time - I did what I could. I'll have to work on it next level.

Calinder arises in the morning and performs his usual prayers and meditation. He then packs his belongings and prepares to say farewell to their new allies, as the group will be heading off to further explore this area.

Once Calinder is prepared to go, he searches out Dyfrig certain that a delicious and satisfying breakfast will have be prepared.

The kobolds are willing to find Durok space under cover, but they are not really set up for stabling mounts, so Gorguk stays camping outside with him. They do enjoy 'playing' with you in the morning, though.

Dyfrig and the kobolds have made pancakes this morning. The kobold's cook, Liklek, produces some honey and nuts to go with them. They'd not heard of bacon - pigs are not on their regular menu - and are fascinated when he starts to fry some. Sootscale tries some and declares it a real treat; he wants to know what he can trade with you to get a supply!

Ready to set out as discussed after breakfast?

Lothar gathered with the others in the morning to eat breakfast. Amused by the kobolds 'discovery' of bacon, he gave over his own strips to whichever of the small reptilian humanoids wanted some.

It took no time for the magician to ready himself and his mule for travel. In a way, he was sorry to be leaving, but Lothar knew that as the groups liaison to the Sootscales, he would be spending plenty of time amongst them. Which meant that he would have to learn their language at some point.

So what's next? Before we go, let's make sure that we have Svetlana's ring, assuming that it's even here in the first place.

Couldn't remember if we checked to see if it was here or not. We should do that before we head out.

"My senses are overly keen this morning, sharp as Gorguk's sword."

Is certain to bid fair thee well in draconic to the kobolds before we set off to locations unknown......

"Good thinking Lothar, the ring had slipped from my thoughts again."

With that Calinder takes his gear out to his horse and prepares to leave. Once his gear is packed he goes back in to see if Lothar finds any information on the ring.

Rhasa follows the magician's lead and shares her bacon with their new allies. After helping Dyfrig clean up after breakfast, she soon has Sunset saddled and ready to go.

She stands holding his reins while the others complete their business, already going over possible routes for the day in her mind.

I'm fine with Gorguk's suggestion for where we go next.

Ready to go get my butt kicked... I mean go kick some butt

Bacon is certainly a hit with the entire kobold tribe!

Sootscale has appropriated all the loot that Tartuk had accumulated. When Lothar makes enquiries he roots out a plain brass ring set with a pearl, saying that it's the only ring in the hoard, but you are welcome to it if you think you know from whom it was stolen.

Outside it's crisp and clear with just a few wisps of mist. A bit chilly but warming quickly. Did you want Mikmek to come along (he's willing if you wish him to do so)?

Map - on to G5 then.

You head south east, crossing lush grassland that gets thicker as you approach Shrike River. You reach it about midday, finding that it is deep and fast and not easy to cross. However, you find one point where it narrows sufficienty for someone to have once attempted to bridge it. Now, though, only a soggy, abandoned remnant of the bridge remains. A thick, sagging rope still hangs across the river, all that remains of the bridge that once spanned it. A signpost at either end of the ruined bridge reads "Nettles' Crossing — 5 coppers — ring bell for service." A rusty bell hangs by each sign. On the south bank of the river, the crumbled remains of a burnt-down wooden building are slowly being overgrown by encroaching vegetation.

Takes in the sights
"Abandoned civilizaton, many try to tame tha lands an fail, had we been later such may have we found Oleg's."

Fine with Mikmek coming, he does need to bring his own whiskey!

"Seems tha civilized thing tah do is ring tha bell, if tha person be about ken at least tell us where else tah cross."

Calinder needs his undercommon instructor! I'm good with Mikmek coming along. I'm sure he didn't learn very much undercommon in one evening.

"Or perhaps we should ring the bell in memory of those who have tried to tame this land before."

"Mikmek do you know anything of those who once built and maintained this bridge?"

The bridge remnant.

The burnt-down building.

Lothar took the sight of those things in and a sense of foreboding filled him.

Who or what could have done this? But even as he made the query, the magician already had an idea concerning the perpetrator's identity.

The Stag Lord's men. Based on the evidence they all had seen first hand, that, to Lothar, seemed very likely.

A memory flashed in his mind, taking him to another time. Another place. A tremendous crash as the burning watchtower collapsed to the ground amidst screams, then all went silent. Lothar shook his head as though trying to shake himself free of the image, but to no avail.

Scorched and blackened remains that lay in a tangle, one body of a bandit - clearly dead, necks don't go at that angle naturally - sprawled having been catapaulted out of it as it fell. Though it was taking place in his head, Lothar reflexively averted his gaze. But he could not escape the memory that he carried within him. A hand and a pair of legs, probably not attached to the same body unless it was really badly mangled, protruded from under some of the heavier beams.

He quickly began to intone under his breath Iroran sutras in his native Vudran tongue. But his mind was not yet done with its torment as one final image manifested.

A woman dressed in tight fitting leather tunic and pants, a thick wool cloak about her shoulders. An old battered wide brimmed hat covered her head, and her deep red curls flowed down over her shoulders. From beneath her hat and curls, deep green eyes judged all that crossed her gaze.

And the victim of that scrutiny was Lothar.

You made a vow to me. Is this how you keep it? Find him, Lothar. Remember your vow. Find the Stag Lord and make him pay for my death. Make him pay....

Lothar snapped out of his reverie with a start.

At Barnabus' suggestion: To what purpose? If there was anyone here, they're not anymore if that building over there is any indication. Lothar pointed out the overgrown remains. We should just cross, one at a time and be done with it.

It's really obvious that the normally calm magician is deeply and profoundly troubled by something.

We are on the north side of the river, correct? Opposite the shack? Are we much higher than the river where we stand - that is, are we on a bank that slopes in or at the edge of a canyon that it runs within?

Rhasadilara will scout the area for tracks, mostly to see if someone coming to the bridge has found a different way across. She'll range to the left for a quarter mile, then return and do the same to the right.

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 including +2 Plains bonus

Survival (tracking) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19 including +2 Plains bonus

Caught up in her self-assigned task, she pays no attention to the others' conversation at the old bridge.

At first glance, the destroyed bridge and burned out house leave a sadness on Gorguk's heart. Not for the same reason as Lothar but for the reason that Cal mentions. The loss of life in this region has been too numerous to count, and not just by tthe bandits. This is an untamed wilderness that time itself has seem to taken hold of and refuses to relinguish. this is just another example of such a time.

As both Barnabus and Cal mention the bell, Gorguk will nod his head and place one hand on top of the bell to try to lower the pitch as he rings the bell 3 times. This is not a quick ringing but more the type you would expect at a funeral service. 3 long slow peals of the bell in respect of that lost time when someone lived here and tried to perform a service to others.

After the sound of the bell has faded into silence, Gorguk will try to have Durok swim across the river to get to the other side (assuming we are on the southern shore) and try to get to the North shore. If we are on the North shore, then he will slowly turn and continue heading north to search G3. In either case Peace be to those that have come before us and may Erastil bless their descendants if they still live, Gorguk whispers.

You are currently on the north side of the river, the burnt-out house is on the far side of it. Both banks are at about the same height, some 10-15 feet above the fast-flowing water (which is going in a generally westward direction, by the way).

Mikmek says that he thinks that the bridge was built by someone called Nettles, who charged a toll to cross it, but who did not care who came across as long as they paid. The kobolds are not certain what happened - they tended not to come this far south - but the leading theory is that the Stag Lord wanted free passage for his men and a cut of the tolls paid by others, and did not take kindly to being refused.

Gorguk rings the bell, a doleful sound even in the bright sunlight. To the west, the water begins to roil as something rises up. It appears to be the rotting corpse of an obviously long-dead man, flesh putrescent and a dripping ranseur clutched in his hand. It strides across the water towards you. As he rises from the waters, he calls out in an eerie, soggy voice "You are not my tormentors. Throw the Stag Lord's body into the river that I may look upon his death, or join me instead."

Alright next time think twice before following Cal's instructions. Although he hasn't led me astray yet. Okay so I will forgive him this time. To be honest with myself I will probably continue to forgive him. At least it didn't attack and give me strength or level drain again. I just got over that.

As Gorguk slowly moves away from the bank of the river and is not attempting to cross. You are correct kind sir, we are not your tormentors nor are we on their side. In fact we aim to rid this area of the Staglord already. What you ask for we shall endeavor to do. To lay your spirit at ease do we need to bring the body here or can we dump the body at any point in the river?