The Pathadi Uprising

Game Master Browman

Most Soldiers start as farms with pitchforks, they would just need to be trained in using weapons...which I believe that is what these weapons are will be used for. So we either need to convince this local sheriff that its in his best interest to side with the rebellion, or just leave...or we may have to dispose of him, and replace him with the heir perhaps or if Korthin wants his family to have their name thrown out as liberators I suppose that could work too, and let word spread that the heir has come back or maybe house Korthin is working to take back their country. And if we can get this message to the dwarves, Joroth speaks about maybe they will come out and support the cause.

Best to leave I know exactly how to sway dwarven support...I just hope none of you have any qualms about beating orcs to death. As the dwarves while they retreated into their mountain holds during the initial stages of the Turandy invasion encountered an old enemy. The orcs of the mountains have been for a long while fragmented warring among themselves for dominance. However this has changed recently a warlord has arisen in the orcs ranks who has united the orcs into an army of many thousands. However history provides an answer to this problem, as warlords like the one the dwarves are dealing with have arisen previously. When the said warlords were killed however the orcs would descend into chaos once again, kill the warlord and the dwarves will pledge their support. Remember that they provide us with two of the pillars, the pillar of steel and the pillar of gold.

"Oui lyh dnicd sa. Yc vun Rammvena ujan drana, E uhmo sad res y luibma uv tyoc yku, yht E'ja naknaddat ed ajan cehla. So ytjela, nacdnyeh res ihdem vindran hudela."

Listening to the conversation carefully, Dara piped in. "While I agree that we may need some sort of military support, summoning otherworldly entities may not be the best of methods. They can be effective certainly, but they can scare the common folk and make them less likely to support us in the future. The same could be said for assassinating the Sheriff and Sir Tuy. Getting rid of them is one thing, but murdering them might send the wrong message to the common people that we are blood thirsty barbarians. There are all sorts of non-lethal methods that can cause them to turn on each other though." Turning to Zuket, "How well do those two get along? Is there any way to drive a wedge between them?"

At Joroth suggestion of going to the Dwarves, the rogue couldn't help but say, "Uh hello, Dwarf here." Pointing to herself. "Don't you think I'd be a better emissary to the Clans than you, Hellfire?"

Looking at Zuket, If the Sheriff were to get some info on Sir Tuy, of an illicit nature, would he be willing to listen to reason?"

"Perhaps if one were to place certain documents that indicated that Sir Tuy was moving against the Sheriff in an inconvenient place..." Zuket looks at Joroth, "perhaps that he is working with a necromancer or diabolist, there is a certain family, the Kortins I believe who are from this kingdom that have had such rumours surface from time to time, the Turandians would certainly believe that the locals are capable of such acts."

An idea begins to form. "Hey Hellfire, one of those contracts just might come in handy after all." Addressing the rest of the group, "How about this, if one of us plants a contract in Sir Tuy's possession, then one of us starts a rumor that he's consorting with the Kortins. The Sheriff investigates, finds the contract, we rid the village of Sir Tuy and gain the Sheriff's trust. Sound reasonable?"

I like the idea of tipping the balance. It would cause one of them to get ambitious. The more they work against each other the less time they have to focus on what we can do to help the people.

Perhaps me and Dara should sneak in under cover of night. While I am not as good at stealth I can move between spans of space with relative ease. No more then a few yards but this does allow me to pass through anywhere I can see to within that few yards, like behind a gate or through a keyhole. Handy, wouldn't you say?

I have a better idea, assuming your up to the job of capturing either the Sherrif or Tuy. A man will do much to save himself from death, particularly if it was slow and painful. If Tuy or the Sherrif was put down in a chair and slowly tortured to death they might accept a hellwrought contract. And the contracts we Korthin's use cannot be escaped by anyone, the devils are always eager to collect souls. I also would like to look around the village, if their are any devil cults in the place I can sway them to our cause. Remember Isaac, beggers cant be choosers.

I have to say I'm leaning towards Issac and Dara plan a more, but have some questions about your plan Joroth. What Exactly were you planning to make him agree to? Support the rebellion? the Heir? house Korthin? And how sure are you that we can get him to sign any such deal, because a dead Sheriff would probably not help our cause. An ally to the cause would be better than just a supposed ally. Tho dealing with devils really goes against my convictions, if they can be used to help...I don't know it's just dealing with evil usually takes you down a dark path you cant escape from Shaking his head as if very conflicted...
And to zuket So are there any of these devil cults that Joroth speaks of about?

I would force him to abide by a set of terms which would render him unable to employ his current methods, slavery and taxes. I would not mention anything about us or the resistance. House korthin has no need of servants like him, the very methods he employs show his incompetance. As to getting him to sign my contract it's quite simple, he either does it or I begin to show him the true definition of pain. As the king's guards tortured us often, we returned the favor after the king was killed and Pathad overthrown. As for devil cults the paladin king that bound us also began a hunt to destroy them by founding his inquisitors. As such the devil cults hide their presence well, but I should be able to find them if they are in the village.

A division between the people and those in leadership, enough to overcome the fear, would be the best way to ensure persistent resistance, not the short lived kind. Using any assets at our disposal is best, but we mustn't do too much at once. It should grow like a seed, and over time bloom into full blown rebellion amongst all the citizenry.

Are there any village elders, those that would have influence among the people? As to moving at night my eyes see better with dim light; so long as their are torches I can aid, provide backup and security.

The current ideas are to find information about the two heads and extort them, use the contracts, create division between them and the citizens, seek out devil worshippers, plant a contract on leadership, and contact the dwarf clans.

All one needs to make a successful ruse or rumor is to whisper it among the common folk, the beggars and through them the idea will be introduced to everyone else. It will seem to be organic which is the only way such ideas are believed. For a quicker approach move the town leaders to action in some, guile is best, and have them actively seek to find the validity of the rumor immediately.

Are there any elven strongholds in this area, or rumors of such?

I'm for having Joroth draw up some docs, and planting them, trying to grab him and not be noticed could be tricky, and then they be hunting for us, if they knew he was taken. While Joroth is drawing up good contracts, and having them look like they are signed and having someone sneakier than me plant them, a few of us could start the rumors. And Yes are there elves by here?

I will draw u some documents however they will have the name of House Syndonis not Korthin. Reports from our accuser devils suggested that House Syndonis aided Turady in its invasion in exchange for eventually becomng the viceroys of conquered pathad. Turady betrayed them when the deed was done, however House Syndonis still exists in a much reduced and underground state. It would not be that much of a stretch to convince Turandy that they want revenge.

Fantastic, welcome to the productive side of the group. Though I have to warn you that your normal brand of deviation will not be tolerated.

Having had his final word with Joroth he turned his back and walked away, sure that Joroth was probably continuing on to talk to him but ignoring the words as they had become noise to him long ago.

Zuket, I know we must all seem pushy and risky. As for myself I cannot say that I will be exactly giving myself to your cause but what I will say is that while I reside within your home or your organization I will abide by your rule and if they come in to an impasse with my morality I will let you know and leave.

I am not here to hijack your resistance, I simply wanted to see it for myself and offer my advice in order to make sure your group doesn't go down the very road that led us all here

What do you advise? Must we meet with someone higher ranking to get approval?

Joroth sighed My fellows its time to take a bet, how long till Isaac's idealism and naive mind get him killed? I'll add five gold to the pot and place my bet as one month from now.

"The elf Kingdom is about a 2 month journey each way, though there is a much smaller group a month or less away. Otherwise it is just the occasional traveling one or small groups that have settled in the human kingdoms."

Sounds like no elven help is close by, what a shame. I'll take yer bet and pick not while I'm around Says Elrith smiling...

Dara, not one to back down from a wager, pulled out a couple of gold and said, "I bet five years after you, Hellfire."

Don't count me in the nine just yet, I have my own tricks and plenty of surprises for my enemies.

"Then Issac will live longer then won't he?" Dara retorted as she tossed the coins Joroth's way.

Betting on one's life is not productive. One does not live long by creating division. Since there likely no elven aid the best course of action are the documents and the dwarven allies.

Zuket, we need a detailed schedule for these two men, and normal activities around the area so any actions taken by us will be innocuous, and we don't encounter these men or their flunkies unnecessarily.

I will need papers and ink for the documents, Gnome I also need to get into the village itself time to see if any of my family's old allies wish tojoin the cause.

Sounds like our plan is coming together. How long will it take you to make these documents?

At least an hour, furthermore I need to speak with Himonim in private.

I eye Joroth for a moment.

Due to your past actions you have shown a willingness to do anything you felt was necessary for your goals. If you give me your word it will be a peaceful transaction and no spells cast influencing decisions, I will agree.

If Joroth agrees I will accompany him to a more private location.

Held action to draw my longsword (bow if there is at least 40 feet between us) and attack should hostilities occur. It is my intent to talk, but I will not be surprised 1-on-1.

I am not an enchanter, my spells were designed to bring outsiders under control and weaken others. Spells that allow me to alter the minds of others are not my purview just yet.

To Joroth: Will we speak peacefully? I need your word.

You have my word, for the duration of our talk i will abstain from magical or physical violence, unless you attack me. However I do reserve the right to cut off the ears of any evesdroppers.

Let us talk.

I look for a secluderd spot not too far from the group.

We find a good place? Given that, we can discuss whatever it is. Joroth, do you intend to do this in spoilers?

Isaac listen to the two exchange. Then he turned away from them and faced Elrith and Dara.

Spoilers it is

If desired we can pm the talk Joroth. I wasn't sure what you intended.

Use the spoilers in this forum, gms don't like to be blind sided.

I would duly inform DM's everywhere of any dealings, and they would be inlcuded in said pm's.

Joroth and I move to a separate area.

I use my senses as asked.
Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

A great roll on nothing, yes. I need these during combat.

Given the gm has not given me notice of anything sensed I will move ahead with that idea.
I am prepared, and sense nothing out of sorts.

Hopes the fake document is ready soon, and we can move forward with the plan.
Is there anything I can do to help, maybe be a distraction when you want to enter, traveling preacher maybe

GM and Joroth:

Getting through the door is easy. I could do that. All I would have to say is that I have leads on the resistance, and I do, and they would let me and my companions in.

This is what I did, I have a reputation with these people, in fact they may be aware that I am in town. That guard probably passed on the information to his higher up.

GM and Joroth

Nice history stories Joroth. You are creating canon as we go, or discussing with DM? Sub-plots to the main plot, rather interesting, my type of game. If you wish to keep the mood of the conversation we can communicate via pm.

In the future I would prefer to be consulted ahead of time on major things like fallen kingdoms. Not that I will necessarily veto it, but I would at least like some amount of control over my own setting.

References to "Aquitain" could become whatever kingdom was prior to Pathad within my entries to fit the story. The character interaction and internal plots/issues are rather entertaining.

I don't have issues with what has been said so far, but wanted to make it clear that major things should be cleared by me first. Though the fact that it was ruled by elves is a disputed subject among scholars. Joroth is hardly a unbiased party on that subject.