The Pathadi Uprising

Game Master Browman

you can ask joroth, but i do not that answer myself.

To Isaac: "If humans cannot be happy that would explain their continuous warring efforts and always changing attitudes. Such a life would not be desired. To seek to change ones life for the better is the mark of growth and evolving oneself. Do not be too hasty in seeking these things as true change requires time."

Brief pause, almost like posing the question to himself-
"What would occur if your familiar were to be slain, would the emotions return to you thus impairing your mental stability or would they dissipate into nothingness?"

"Joroth, I do share the idea that a governing body can be used to conceal motives, to give the illusion of choice. I would caution that projecting this idea onto every governing entity is dangerous and does not allow for thorough investigation and creates a strong bias. These deny you more avenues through which to pursue your goals, and understand the scenario."

Isaac thoughtfully looked towards Himonim

A soul is a tricky thing, it's complex and hard to understand. In order to get all of the hate and misery I had to take out other things with it.

Along with the worst of me I also had to let go of something else. I don't remember what but I know it was something powerful, the thing that drove so much passion within me. It's buried deep within the hate, surrounded by it. Something in me won't let me give up whatever it is, somehow it is intrinsically important to who I am. I need to work this out, prove the hate wrong, and unravel it. The arrangement as it stands now is a temporary fix

Isaac seemed to gain a better handle on his senses. He now realized that he had Gaven too much information away. Did he really tell them he had betrayed the Pathadi? Luckily the masked man seemed to be tied up arguing with Joroth, for once his rambling came in handy

You arrive at the location where Dara directed you, a small cave that has a hidden entrance but can safely hold several wagons and about 10 people. It is currently empty but shows signs of recent visitors. There are fresh logs stacked to one side and areas where bedrolls or blankets have been recently.

"Dara,Looks like who ever you are looking for is not here. Tho thy may have just left."

"A korolith empire? and what prophecies give you the foresight to judge that your heirs, would be just?. OR are you going to make one of those pacts that would kill your heirs too if the were BAD rulers? No one can predict what the future holds, Parents instill values in their children, rulers can be shaped by the people around them, and if that advice is sound, hopefully kingdoms will be happy an prosper"

Looking at Issac "you have done well controlling those inner demons, presavere, it can be a tough road.

Isaac crept out of the cart, cat right by his side. He strode confidently a bit past the wagon.

Hmmm, just as I thought.

He turned and faced the rest of the crew.

So let's just say we are all bandits or resistance members and we got a nice hideout just like this one. Do you think we would just leave it open to where anyone could ambush us if they found it? Would we not place scouts far ahead? If we did see someone coming would we just stand around waiting for them?... Or would we hide to ambush them?

Hearing Issac's words of warning Elrith starts looking around.
Your right we should be on the lookout.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Well, if who I'm looking for is around here, then I wouldn't take another step towards that cave if I were you." Dara said as she stepped down and moved carefully, keeping her eyes open.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 + 1 vs Traps

Droth, where are you? she thought.

A republic is the best option for House Korthin and for your own people, do you truly want to not have the ability to determine your people's future? Because if you place a king in charge eventually he will succumb to absolute power. Those who have studied the history of Pathad would do well to note that no checks exist against the kings power. Remember the ancient adage "absolute power corrupts absolutely". A republic is in essence a system of checks and balances, no one indivdual can hold all the power in his hands, remember what Pathad has done to your once proud people.

Joroth, I do agree a republic is a better option as it allows everyone the opoprtunity for representation. That was my thought on the governance It actually was should I have a voice. A moderator or individual with full trust would be needed when a consensus cannot be reached, so there is a chance for something there, but with the checks in place the moderator should not have opportunity to create a power base.

Stepping from the wagon lithely, I move to the side with the wagon as partial cover from the cave entrance.

Dara, you're the expert in this place, do aid us in meeting these people.

A gnome emerges from the cave. "Greetings friends, welcome to the glistening caves." Pointing at Dara. "You would be the one Droth was talking about. Said you might be back. He had to go to Kal'Garand for some business. Zuket Ninefinger is the name. Make yourselves at home. There is some roast gazelle cooling beside the fire and a nice spring at the back of the cave."

the masked man has not said a word since the bridge as either lost deep onto surveying the countryside or listening you everyone's conversations.

Elven

Mr. Ninefinger, what are we to expect of the people and their cause here? Who is Droth?

Turning to Himonim, "Droth is the one I'm looking for, Bowstring."

Turning her attention back to the Gnome, "So Master, Ninefinger is it, when will he be back?"

Then asked,"Fryd amca tet ra cyo?"

"Greetings, Zuket, Elrith here."

"Greetings all and once again welcome"

Dara's face darkened slightly at the news the Gnome brought, but only for a moment. At least he's alive. she thought. I hope he returns soon. Turning to the others, she said, "Well, we'd better get this stuff inside. We're all going to need it."

Hum i wonder what that exchange was all about

I wait on the dwarf to move in first, and carry my items, additional ranged projectiles inside.

We should camoflouge the wagon, or use it to block the entrance if needed. No telling the dangers we could face, but if we're close to the initial goal we must be wary. We know not of what they truly seek.

Elven Tulim amen lay firos alen

Don't worry if we meet enemies they will perish or bow.

Elrith Follows the others in the cave. "What do mean We're all going to need it?" pondered Elrith.
Looking at Joroth Perish or Bow? are there no thoughts of cooperating and working peacefully with others? what did I get my self into?

To Joroth:One need not supplicate themselves to be amenable, or non-threatening. If you are able to look at the long-term effects of choices it would aid in decision making, and lead to the best outcome for your goals. Violence begets violence, an endless cycle. Even the hell contracts are a form of violence, but upon the soul.

All life is conflict, indeed the very world you stand on was born of conflict. For the world was a creation of the elemental princes, when they refused to allow the gods to do with it what they wished the war of creation ensued. Our world was founded in conflict, good and evil clash and so do order and chaos. Conflict is natural whether it is the conflict of the body or the conflict of politics.

You bore me with your veiled and toothless threats Joroth. I am going to go out for a very long walk. Repositioning his back pack the Masked men walk out from the cave.

"To help gain entrance into the Rebellion of course. Why do you think we were bringing this stuff?" Dara replied to Elrith.

Isaac kindly smiles at the gnome.

Feeling out to his cat he sends a feeling of curiosity. The cat could not resist and it began to explore, silently.

I didn't realize you needed to BUY you way into the rebellion. I just assumed they took all able bodies, as is typical in most wars.

If we are aiding this "rebellion", we come fully armed, and able to assist. The additional supplies will aid the greater cause. We don't know the greater cause of the rebellion, specifically, but we will surely be made aware.

Keep your weapons drawn, traitors strike at you when you least expect it.

"Always the cheerful one, eh Hellfire?"

Joroth you are becoming more and more tiresome as time goes. Says the masked men almost at the end of his way out.

Walking to the gnomeSo Zuket, what can you tell me about Droth and this rebellion?

"Our biggest problem right now is the newly appointed sheriff and his assistant Sir Tuy Mistborn."

Why? is cracking down on locals? killing them? Tell me about Tuy..

I need a tactical overview of our forces and the enemies resources. I also need to know about the sherrif and his assistant, any family members or loved ones?

"Family, I have no idea, they have no family here. But yes, the new sheriff and Sir Tuy have been taking harsh measures against villagers. Taxes have gone up, some who cannot pay have been taken away by slavers. People have lost hands or worse. and Sir Tuy is extremely effective at getting the truth from people."

Enslavement, the lack of freedom or choice, is fundamentally wrong. Is there any law or code to accompany forcing the citizens into servitude? If there is it must be changed.

Rule through fear, tyranny in action. Only those in great fear of losing control use such methods. They often fight the hardest to protect what they see as theirs, and are difficult to negotiate with. How many supporters does the current retinue have?

A plan already is taking form in my mind, all we need is a good baker and plenty of glass...

I already know where this is going but I warn all of you, killing him will only make things worse. What we have is a pressure cooker. We attack them; they get suspicious of everyone and have to raise taxes in order to pay for more security. All that is happening is reactionary. They are people who really don’t want to be here, they are being attacked, and their friends are dying.

What kind of man is this Tuy? A pragmatist? Is he self-interested?

Once again you demonstrate your complete lack of tactical knowledge or intellect. Tell me wizard, do you know what crushed glass does to a man's stomach?

Isaac stared at Joroth as if he were the dumbest of the dumbest town’s fool he had ever seen. It was a looked filled with pity to the point of disgust.

Can you hear yourself? Because sometimes I don’t feel like you can't. Did you suffer head trauma as a child or did you choose such a fate for yourself?

What you describe is not only stupid but something that a juvenile troll would dream up. What do you hope to accomplish? Debilitate him? Oh yes, that would make it much easier to come to an understanding with him. In fact-

Isaac stopped. Coming to a sudden realization.

We can’t afford to have you come along with us. At every turn you have tried to derail us into utter chaos. Right from the beginning you antagonized everyone here. Then you threatened the priest into attacking us, then you yelled at the guard and almost got us captured or killed.

I can’t see how we can trust you to handle this task Joroth…. Isaac smiled wickedly. That is, unless we could be assured that you would obey our wishes. I say that you must sign one of your own contracts, but the rest of us get to dictate its terms. You have been so quick to force them on others, perhaps we would all like to see it. Can you not as they say ‘take your own medicine’?

The reason I bring up crushed glass up is because it is more lethal then any poison, it has no antidote and once they have eaten it they will dead men. Furthermore they are the perfect targets, what soldier who has eaten hardtack for years will pass up the chance for that juicy apple pie? With the method I propose we take no risk, by the nine we don't even have to enter the village itself. If you doubt my method is effective I can prove it by the simple capture of one guardsmen, we feed him crushed glass in meal and then you watch him die a few hours later. Think do you want to do this the dumb way of a paladin idiot bound to code that renders him an idiot who believes in honorable combat, or do you want to do it without casting a spell?

The tactical quality of Joroth's suggestion is faultless, and would stop the major aggresors with little to no effort or bloodshed. The act itself is evil and thoughtless of life. I could not willingly participate in this action; violence begets violence, and while it will be necessary, using such tactics will encourage the enemy to do so themselves creating much more hardship in a long-term campaign for peace.

The likely actions will be bloody and may have collateral damage, civilians or homes, but we can keep our souls cleaner. Killing is either evil or neutral, depending on circumstances. We must ensure we are morally correct to resist any stains on our character or our souls.

Wizard by your own moral code the guardsmen and their leaders have committed slavery and tyranny. They are guilty and must be punished it matters not what method is used to kill them so long as justice is done. So tell me Isaac are you so weak willed that you cannot carry the sword of justice and do what must be done?

If I was willing to allow any killing you would be first Joroth, I see your evil as the worst. The kind that corrupts those around you.

The reason I learned spells was to be able to cast them. They are to be used as a tool for progress. Not what you would have in mind

Say we kill this man and his guards, then what? Do you honestly think the resistance then takes over this town? I can tell you what will happen, first the Turandian army rolls in, killing anyone slightly suspicious. After they feel like they are secure then the inquisition comes and uses their spells to discern what happened, then everyone involved gets tracked down and possibly the entire resistance if they feel through. A new, and possibly worse regent is installed and things go back to the way they were or worse before we showed up.

I refuse to work with a short sighted fool who would get us killed unless I have some assurances that you will follow orders. A man for whom would bring tyranny in the name of justice. Justice for you isn't a reason, it's an excuse for your own evil.

Isaac, it seems you're letting your aggression influence your statements. You have stated you wish to be peaceful, but open hostility is counter to your goals.

As a group we must reach a consensus on our actions, and we have conflicting personalities. A majority must be reached, and all of us have skills that will aid the resistance. We may have the opportunity to see how our gifts benefit everyone.

Hostilities will destroy us before we are joined. Accept each individuals gift, and assign them responsibilities where they will excel. War cannot be won without sacrifice, but limiting it is best.

If what you say Isaac is true then doing anything to help this town is pointless. Furthermore I would never except a contract with you, if you ever possessed the ability to use strategy and tactics that ability is long gone. We need to rally support for our cause which is actully useful, which means we need to start sealing pacts and alliances with either the nine or what is left of the elemental princes.Farmers with pitchforks will be slaughtered if they engage Turandy, devils that are immune to mortal steel and elementals that hurl fire and lightning will butcher them.

I don't think anyone here is willing to make a pact with devils.

My stratigy is simple we get him to work with us. we will appeal to something he wants, bring him stability and peace, while we buy time and resources for a greater push. of course, he wont work directly with resistance, but who says we even are? I have the credentials and background to gain their trust and ultimately undermine their efforts in exchange for short term peace for everyone.

Nothing is hopeless, just use your brain.

Note I also said elementals were available Isaac, besides the point one village does not matter in the greater scope of things. We need the four pillars that a nation stands upon, money, magic, steel and allies. helping this village won't get us one step closer to those pillars. And by allies I mean those who can actully put up a fight, we should sway the suport of the dwarf clans. They are one of the few factions left that could field an army, assuming we can draw them out of their remaining fortresses in the mountains.