"Did he have any family outside the court? Anyone that should be notified of his passing?"
You knew him longer than I, did he ever mention anyone?
You go back though town to E47. You come across a valley pass. In frount of the valley is a sign saying
Danger Rock Trolls do not attempt pass at night. Average pass time 5 hours.
You have about 3 hours of daylight left.
"If we can pacify the pass, we might be able to use it to facilitate the restoration of this community."
There are rock trolls in this pass you don't know how many most people who go by here go during the day.
"We will camp away from here tonight, hidden in the woods where that adominable lich's minions won't be able to find us. In the morning, we will make for the pass."
Perception checks.
You get through the night and the pass without incident.
Are you going to D46 or E45?
F50 is explored and cleared.
E47 is not explored you went through quickly.
E45 did not have anything interesting in it. It is explored and cleared without trouble. You also go to F44 and find nothing of interest there. It is explored and cleared without trouble.
The surviving expedition members turn home and, after settling back in, Riva begins to scribe a new backup spellbook for herself.
When the group returns to their town, a full entourage is encamped nearby. A large pavilion tent is set up, as well as a small number of other tents; it's almost like a tiny thorpe has sprung up just outside of the town. Though some of the people there have military bearing, and pennons and banners fly from the pavilion with heraldry, there is no siege weaponry, and no sign that anyone is disturbing business or conducting an invasion. It's less than a dozen people in all, in any case.
Standing outside the pavilion and speaking with a robed middle-aged man with a scholarly appearance is an armored figure. He is tall and well-built, wearing a full suit of sculpted, ridged plate armor made from skymetal alloys - apparently adamantine. He seems to be engaged in a casual discussion, but when he spots the group returning to town he raises one gauntleted hand and gives a shout.
"Hail!" he shouts from some distance. He gestures with one arm to his associates, and the scholar and one of the other folk -- a squire, perhaps? -- accompany him as he strides toward the group. "I would speak with you, if you please!" he says, insistent but neither threatening nor demanding.
Toran walks towards the man, making no effort to reach towards his halberd, but watching him intently in case he moves towards his own blade.
I am Toran Silvercloak, ruler of Caerulus. May I ask your purpose in setting camp outside our city?
"It is great fortune that I have encountered you, my lord! I am Sir Marten Lebeda, of the house whose name I bear. My soldiers and I have served several years campaigning in the north, along the western border, battling monstrosities from Numeria and scoundrels from as far abroad as Daggermark. Word of your great undertaking continues to spread across Brevoy and we have come here in hopes of committing our blades to the cause of spreading a good and just society, and taming the frontiers," he says in a confident tone.
"As a younger son of House Lebeda, I have struck outward to make my own fortune. I am a sworn temple knight in the service of Iomedae and it is my hope to serve a noble cause," he continues.
He approaches, removes his gauntlet and offers his hand.
Toran nods, removing his own and accepting Lebeda's hand. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I've no doubt that we can make use of you and your men here in Caerulus. If you don't mind waiting while I and my companions recover from our recent travels, we would gladly meet with you.
"I am at your service, my lord," says Marten with a smile. "Shall we remain here, or shall I seek accommodations in town?"
Toran shakes his head, We couldn't leave you out here while we stayed in comfort. Please, take up a room in the inn and we will call for you tomorrow.
"Absolutely. I am certain that the entourage will also be glad to be housed rather than sleeping in tents, for a change!" says Marten. He gestures to the squire and tells the lad, "Let's pack up and move into town. We'll find out how many rooms are available and share accommodations as necessary. Tell the soldiers to be ready in half an hour." He takes the reins of his horse, which has a heavy shield hanging from the saddle horn; the shield is embossed with the symbol of Iomedae, engraved in metal in the darkwood facing. "I'll go make the arrangements and the rest of the group can arrive once they have all of the tents and baggage packed."
With his helm held under his other arm, Marten's visage is visible. He is a mature man with sandy blond hair and a pleasant countenance. Those familiar with the noble lineages of Brevoy can tell that he has the characteristics of the handsome Lebeda family line.
To Toran he says, "I wish you a good day, my lord, and I shall attend you at your leisure on the morrow."
With that, Marten guides his horse into town as his squire organizes the process of bringing down the temporary encampment. True to his word, the holy knight seeks out the local traveler's inn and pays for lodgings for all of his troops and followers.
Riva stands in the shadows of the background, quietly listening to every word, taking note of every member the Lebeda band, committing to memory their faces, equipment, and mannerisms.
Are we letting spies into our land? Or are they who they claim?
Of one thing she is certain of though, Marten Lebeda is of noble birth and, like her, is the youngest in his family line. She sees too much of her younger self in the man to be certain of anything else. His face and form aren't hard to look upon either, for they much resemble that of Allania's father.
Oh gods please don't let them be of an adversarial nature.
As Marten's band begins to move into the city, the break in the crowd reveals a dusky, green-skinned woman with large tusks sitting on the ground, previously hidden by their crowded bodies.
Looking up, apparently having been bored by the sanctimonious ceremonies of introduction, she now looks up and--upon spotting Vallisa's approach--leaps up to her feet in a sudden burst of excitement exclaiming "Runt!?"
"Allie?"
"RUNT!"
"ALLIE!"
Vallisa rushes forward and wraps as much of the green giantess in a hug as her arms would allow, her petite frame inadvertently emphasizing the half-orc's bulging muscles and great size.
Well I suppose that's a good sign.
Marten chuckles as the family reunion takes place. "I didn't expect that, but it is a good sign!" he says. "Allisar, I'll be at the inn. Come by whenever you finish your reunion."
"This is a good sign," he says over his shoulder as he leads his horse into town, "Meeting old friends and family just as we arrive!"
Some days later Marten receives an invitation from Riva Sarjenka to join her at her library.
Riva's retainers show Marten into a private meeting room hidden near the back of the Grand Library. Within is a small mahogany table flanked by two high-backed mahognay chairs with velvet cushions of deep purple. The table and chairs are exquisitely carved, depicting scenes of people endlessly toiling to make a better world for their children. From the vaulted ceiling and along the windowless walls hang several beautiful tapestries, which pictorially convey the history of Caerulus' founding. Riva sits in the far chair waiting patiently for her guest. The room has apparently been ensorcelled, for though there are no windows or apparent sources of light, every corner of the small room is yet filled with a soothing morning light.
Upon seeing Marten enter, Riva dismisses her servants, stands to introduce herself, and congratulates Marten on his recent citizenship.
"Thank you for joining me today. Though we met at the city gates, I don't believe we had the opportunity to be properly introduced. Tea?"
Without waiting for a response, Riva pours hot tea into a pair of fine china tea cups.
"I am a very busy woman and have much to do today, so I'm afraid I will have to keep this short and to the point: You have been here such a short time and yet I hear that your name is sung from the lips of every bard. By all indications, you've wasted no time garnering the support of the people of Caerulus."
"From one noble to another, I think that there is an opportunity here for the both of us."
"The people will be holding elections for the lesser offices next month. I suspect that you have been maneuvering already, but even if your popularity is incidental, it matters not. If you wish to hold public office, join the Ruling Council, and serve the people of our fine land, you will not find a better moment for it."
"If this is indeed your desire, and you are willing to support me in future elections, I can assure you of victory in obtaining whatever position you might desire short of 'mayor' or mine own. My influence is far reaching--a fact you will do well to remember...and to take advantage of. What say you young prince?"
The first few days, Marten and his entourage are busy about town. His soldiers are very disciplined and stay busy with drills and occasionally aiding with local labor. Marten is also involved in the drills, but when he's not overseeing his group, he is using his gifts to heal the sick and injured. His scholar, Johan, not only handles paperwork for the group's purchases, but also spends afternoons in a park space teaching local youngsters snippets of history and lore. It almost seems too good to be true: They are quite devoted to aiding the community. Even if Marten is some kind of spy, he is just so... earnest.
When Marten is summoned to meet with Riva, he arrives in courtier's garb, well-groomed, even with a gift - a simple basket with a bed of blooming flowers and a selection of the spring's fruits. He accepts tea with good grace and listens to Riva's speech intently.
When she finishes, he says, "My goal is to help this young settlement to thrive and to that end I will serve in a military or civic capacity, as needed. I am trained in military and religious matters, as well as some of the functions of the courts. If there is a role I might serve, I am pleased to be of assistance. But I always respect lawful authority and it is my pleasure to aid where directed."
"So we have an accord then?"
Once Toran has rested from their battle, he sends Vaelar out to find Marten, who has been working in the square. Once Marten takes a break, he is offered an opportunity to meet with Toran. Once Marten joins him, Toran rises to shake his hand.
Marten, good to see you. I've heard you've been quite busy, and I appreciate you taking the time. I was hoping to talk to you about what you see yourself doing in Caerulus in the future.
"Absolutely. I look forward to contributing to the welfare of Caerulus."
"I had the opportunity to speak briefly with your associate, the Lady Sarjenka. My troops and I have recently returned from the Numerian border, and I am eager to put my sword at the service of your young country. I believe that there are ample opportunities on this frontier for service to good causes and to aid the defense and welfare of your fine citizens," Marten says smoothly.
"Of course, as we have only just met, I understand that you will likely need some time to see my skills and judge whether I can meaningfully contribute to your lands. I look forward to meeting that challenge."
Good, I'm glad Riva spoke already with you. She has been a powerful force for this kingdom. With regards to your military skills, you have come at a perfect time for Caerulus, in that elections are approaching and we need a qualified general. I am currently overseeing the creation of a military academy to draw the best and brightest from Brevoy to our forces here, but having a proven soldier at its head would serve us well.
Of course, I would wait to see your abilities in action, but I expect that opportunity will arise before elections come around.
"Wonderful! In the meantime I should like to keep my soldiers occupied. Perhaps we could establish a training yard and a shrine to carry out our operations and training? I would need your permission to make use of your lands, of course."
There will be a training ground at the academy, hopefully with barracks soon to follow, but by all means establish a shrine. I'm of course aware of the importance of faith.
"Why haven't the others arrived yet? You'd think the increased bandit activity wasn't a problem with the way they behave."
I suppose it's up to us to figure out a course of action.
"How large is their operation? Do we know yet whether this is a job for an army or a small task force?" says Marten.
Toran looks to Riva, This has been a problem before I became mayor, could you shed more light on the issue?
"Have you found out anything more about them that could be useful to us, Rory?" asks Riva of the Spymaster.
"Well they don't seem to be working with Greengrass. She just doesn't care so long as they don't go in her borders I think a few have and not been seen again. The ones that Greengrass ate were those trolls and even then she didn't eat most of them seeing at they got turned into undead. I am beginning to think most of the bandits are not doing it full time and are actually based in our kingdom. Then whenever they hear about a caravan they raid it. Also they seem to have quite a bit of respect for the combat power of the kingdom leadership because I have see any raids going on or at least not many when they can't account for where the leaders are."
"So we just stay put and send others after them, but who could we send that is capable of such a task?"
"The obvious tactic," says Marten, rubbing his chin, "Is to set up a caravan and publicize it, but include some hidden guards. I have a small force of soldiers, but if the bandits are in large numbers they'd be quickly overwhelmed. I might not be well-known enough around here yet to be noticed, but I expect if the bandits are cautious they would note that there's been a knight coming and going locally and would keep an eye out for me, so we need to enlist someone who isn't as high-profile -- or use a disguise or some kind of magic."
"We have already attempted something similar to no small success. Of the six outlaws that attacked our false wagon, only one yet lives, and he was taken prisoner and even now rots in our dungeon. Such tricks rarely work twice, though it might in this case, since no witnesses escaped our wrath on that bloody day insofar as I'm aware. We did, however, leave them a pile of burnt bodies and a warning sign before we were pulled away to investigate the disappearance of the Varnhold citizenry."
Riva turns towards Rory: "As our spymaster, your position on this council is known to but a few. I want you to infiltrate the Marcus Brothers Mercenary Company and investigate any connection they might have with these recent bandit activities. Our prisoner claimed that they might have ties somehow."
"The small band of bandits we fought before possessed magical resources, able to blind us in fog. If the reports I'm seeing before us are any indication, they may be even more powerful than before. Was all our effort really in vain?"
"Fret not big sister; I'm certain that Marten's soldiers are up to the task. All we need are more feet on the ground and a good head to lead them."
The burly green half-orc turns and looks at Marten expectantly.
"I can handle this if needed, and with my troops we are fairly assured of success unless there is a powerful leader among the bandits. It sounds like it might also be useful to have an experienced woodsman to track them back to their lair. I do have a scout among my company who has some skill in that regard. I am willing to put my soldiers at your disposal if this seems to be the best course of action," Marten says easily.
"This also points to a sense of disenfranchisement or an issue - why do people become bandits? Often because they cannot make a living any other way - and we should take steps to address the needs of the people who may be bandits by circumstance rather than by choice," he continues.