Here's the starter thread for you all to "dot".
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt.
Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered.
The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
The charter you each hold in your hands gives you the claimed privilege of exploring a chunk of the River Kingdoms near Brevoy, a possible cornucopia of wealth and fame - not to mention adventure.
You have arrived in the aforementioned trading post at the edge of the Narlmarches in company, and its wooden palisade rises 10 feet high, anchored on each corner with a 20 foot tall watchtower. A 30-foot wide wooden gate stands shut and what looks like catapults loom on the watchtowers pointing out into the wilderness.
Gentlemen and Lady, we begin.
Knock on the door
Knowledge (Local): Any chance that those in charge of Oleg's would react badly to mentions of the Swordlords and Regent?
Dom looks at the watchtowers while waiting for someone inside to answer Berrik's knock. Catapults? I would have expected artillery against a more organized opposing force. Have they always been here?
Rory remains silent as Berrik takes the front door. He seems to idly glance around, studying the structure of the pallisades and the catapult.
Heroes, I think it best to leave the local politics to Berrik, at least to start. Berrik, if news of our charter is met with hostility, feel free to scapegoat me privately as a Restov boy if it would help our cause.
Friends, this is a place of commerce. It does not do for the Innkeeper or Bartender to play politics. We have a charter from the Swordlords, and a legal right to explore and execute bandits. If bandits are a problem here, we should be welcome.
If you wonder at the size of the fort, remember that there is only untamed wild between here and the River Kingdoms.
Your point is taken Berrik, though if the Stag Lord is smart, it is a natural move from banditry to the less demanding enterprises of graft and intimidation. And in "politics" I include basic human interaction.
After a second of those words hanging in the air, Big Head glances furtively at the group.
No offense intended, of course!
Is there no one on the other side of this door?
A stern, craggy looking man with a massive black beard and a shaved hear appears on the rampart looking down at you all.
Who are ye, and what do ye want?
There have been a number of bandit raids in the Greenbelt, the lands that you are exploring and settlers from Brevoy have been desperate for help - petitioning the Dragonscale Throne with some frequency. You have every reason to believe the locals will welcome you unless they are bandits.
The fort is old but looks like several months have been spent rebuilding it. There doesn't seem to be that much traffic however for a "trading post" and it looks like a fairly standard border fort.
We have been given a charter by the Swordlords to explore the lands, and I quote " "thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post". We are also charged with taking care of any bandits in the area as well.
Berrik smiles,
I take you are Oleg?
Your point is taken Berrik, though if the Stag Lord is smart, it is a natural move from banditry to the less demanding enterprises of graft and intimidation. And in "politics" I include basic human interaction.
After a second of those words hanging in the air, Big Head glances furtively at the group.
No offense intended, of course!
Is there no one on the other side of this door?
One-Fang grins slightly as he assures Big Head, "Do not worry. I was only half offended."
The man scowls down at you.
I be Oleg, yeah. How do I know you aren't a bandit? Aside from the scent of perfume clinging to you I mean?
Berrik smiles,
Well, Sir, We do have in hand our charter, if you are interested in seeing it. But, my manners are amiss after the journey here, and we have not introduced ourselves. Allow me. I am Berrik Bellmorn, Keeper of Records and Teller of Tales.
Berrik Gestures to each party member in turn:
This is our Master of things Arcane, Professor Rory One-Fang. Beside him, is our witty and deadly Swordmaster, who insists on being called “Big Head” for obvious reasons. We are blessed to have with us a Priest of Earistil, Dom Riverby. Of course, any group of men needs a good woman to keep them on the straight path, so we end with the capable Laurel Bracey, who’s mastery of the wild will be key in our adventures.
With another smile Berrik says,
Now, in addition to the Charter (and perfume), the proof that we are not bandits is entirely evident in our knocking on the door of your establishment.
One-Fang lifts his hand to sniff at it. "Didn't think I used that much," he utters low enough his nearby companions might overhear.
Dom whispers up to One-Fang, "Worry not - I am certain your good scents will help us on our journey."
Oleg looks at Big Head.
Had a goblin through here last month - now he had a big head, and some tiny white wig on for some reason. Toss that charter up so I can inspect the seal.
He seems rather disinterested in your knocking.
And yer knocking don't prove nothing. Bandits what rule an area knock all the time - they think it's funny.
Once he's satisfied your charter is in order he opens the gate and lets you in.
It's about time Brevoy sent someone to deal with the bandits - just in time for "tax collection" day too.
He'll spit on the ground.
Inside several buildings are set up - you enter into a yard area obviously meant for traders that has two long tables in the yard with a fire pit between them and long benches on either side to sit. A small building sits near the gate and a larger one looms in back that's more solid. You'd guess that's the main house for Oleg.
You can see a woman, Oleg's age sweeping out a stable and a fenced in roofing area that could be used to store trade goods stands empty.
The woman brightens when she sees you all enter.
My goodness! We received word Restov would send someone but not so soon!
She comes over to greet you warmly, and although her sun-darkened skinned is creased with lines from a frontier life there's still some mischief in her warm brown eyes.
My name is Svetlana Leveton and I see you've met my husband Oleg. I've got stew and bread just about ready if you'd like and there's some wine if you'd like.
See?! He regains composure. I mean, we'd love some, and tell us more about the bandits, ma'am. -Looking in Berrik's direction- I mean...
He sits down and let's out a big sigh.
Bread sounds delightful! "Agreed. Information - and refreshments," Dom adds, sniffing for the bread, "are both welcome..."
Dom sits near Big Head and watches Svetlana.
Berrik bows and takes Svetlana's hand and kisses it.
Wine, stew and bread served by a lovely lady. A warm welcome indeed!
He turns to Oleg.
My friend hear fears he is being unbecoming, but I wager you are as eager to deal with the bandits as we. Please, tell us about this so called "tax collection day" when you have a moment. In the meantime, we will rest and enjoy your hospitality.
Berrik turns to his new friends and takes them to secure the horses.
While we are not charged with helping these folk, I feel a personal duty to help any who are under threat. I do not know you all well, but my take is we would all be more than happy to help rid Oleg and his wife of these predators?
I am looking for everyone to chime in here
Big Head smiles broadly. Too right! I didn't want to speak for us, especially when I just said I'd defer to you, but who knows when or even if a patrol would be coming--we could be the only help they could expect. Not to mention this seems entirely within our purview, and it would be to our advantage going forward to have a trading post free of malign influences.
"I say we help, too. If the so-called 'Stag Lord' is to blame for the banditry, all the better that we seek his end. His very name mocks Erastil."
"Bandits are always plentiful in these areas. It is the job of the good and lawful to oppose them as they are able. Besides it only makes sense if we are to claim this area and make it safe the bandits need to go.
Svetlana that stew and bread smell wonderful, I'm as hungry as a bear.
Laurel looks around the compound appraising it.
"Well built and solid, but a bit on the empty side, how is the traveler situation? and the accommodations? If we mean to have settlers coming in this is where they would be stopping first."
"Warm food after a long journey is a welcome sight. I wonder, Goodwoman Leveton, have you anything here for our beasts? Poor Shoeblack here has had to haul this cart for some distance, to say nothing of the travails of Big Head's steed." He grins again, clearly in jest.
To his companions he replies, "It may not be entirely in our charter, but this is intended as a place of commerce and a permanent settlement. It would be to everyone's profit if we lent aid."
Good to all be in alignment. Let us hear their story, and we can then decide how to act.
Svetlana waits for you to sit and puts a hearty stew, with plenty of root vegetables thrown in with the beef, in front of you and a serviceable Brevoy red wine with a wheel of sourdough in the middle of the table after you stable your horses.
The guesthouse here has four beds in it for folk who want to sleep in it. It's 5 silver pieces a night for a bed, but that includes breakfast and dinner. The stables are 2 silver pieces a stall. Sounds steep I know, but keeping this outpost going isn't easy and it's the only piece of civilization for two hundred miles south!
She wrings her hands and sighs at something she sees in her mind.
The bandits...they're awful. For the last three months they've demanding tribute every month on the first day of the month and they show up in an hour from dawn.
The first month they came with twelve, led by two people - a man and a woman. They man was big, with a longbow he waved around in threat but the woman...she carried two hatchets and liked to swing them around. She even tried to cut off Oleg's hand! I had to give her my wedding ring to get them to go away. Last month just the man came, with six and just last month he only brought four. They demanded all the furs and trade goods that first month and the same for the rest but the word's gotten and out and now...
She gestures at the empty, fenced in storage area.
Now there's no goods. I can't imagine what they'll do.
My lady, It sounds like a nightmare, but I am confused. Even with just Oleg on the ramparts you have a well-fortified position. I can see how a party once admitted could overwhelm you, but how did this man gain entry on subsequent visits?
And if I might interject, is there anyone here to defend this post?
It would seem to me, they could burn anyone out, if you do not have defenders.
What is the date? How far from the first of the month?
"When it is only you and your family to resist banditry, it is easier to give what they want and live for another month. If this is the only civilization for 200 miles south one wonders how these bandits find enough travelers to make their thieving work for them. One also wonders what use they have for fur and trade goods out here in the middle of nowhere. Though I suppose bandits are not always noted for their smarts.
If they are predictable enough to come on the first of the month and with 2 to 4 others, I think we should be able to make a start on making this area safer and clearing out the Stag-Lord."
Bandits and barbarians attack civilization over and over, and then wonder what happened to all the gold. Berrik says with a wry smile
Between bites, Dom asks, "Are you hurt?"
Svetlana shakes her head at your questions.
No, no one besides Oleg and me is here to defend the place but we're not warriors, just traders - and wood is notoriously flammable Sir Big Head as Sir Berrik pointed out.
She smiles at Dom.
We're recovered from the first visit, although I thank you for your concern. That strange goblin Oleg mentioned came through and put a salve on Oleg's hand that seemed to work nicely.
As an aside to Dom: remind me to ask more about this goblin before we leave.
To Svetlana: Forgive me, I assure you that all my questions come from sincere ignorance.
If no one else minds, I will cover charges for the party tonight, with a gratuity for your exceedingly warm hospitality. Big Head gives Svetlana 7gp.
I do not know what we will do tomorrow; we will need to discuss this before we speak with you again at breakfast. I do have one question which might help us in our deliberations: assuming he does not know our party is here, a possible plan might involve you and Oleg letting him in as you have before, perhaps leading him to a specific place within the walls before we step in and you remove yourselves to safety. If you cannot do this or feel you ought not, we will only consider other plans. But would you consider playing the part of the victim one last time to deliver him into our hands?
Berrik muses. I would be more than happy to disguise someone, but does it have to be one of them? Couldn't it be me? I have some talents in performing on stage. You should have seen me in Krytos Rising!
+8 on Disguise, +9 Bluff, +4 Acting
I was casting the parts of Oleg and Svetlana for this potential ruse; I agree that if we're going so far as to fashion disguises that we should leave them out of it.
I would suggest not casting myself for such a ruse. I inherited my father's looks, and I suspect the bandits might think something up and would note, 'My Oleg, what big teeth you have.'
After wiping the crumbs off of his mouth, Dom returns a smile to Svetlana saying, "I am glad to hear you remain in good health, even if the situation is dire. Indeed, we shall have to devise a plan such that you can stay that way."
Nodding to Big Head, "Regardless, once we have succeeded, I too would like to hear about this white-wigged traveller."
Berrik muses. I would be more than happy to disguise someone, but does it have to be one of them? Couldn't it be me? I have some talents in performing on stage. You should have seen me in Krytos Rising!
+8 on Disguise, +9 Bluff, +4 Acting
Svetlana nodded.
He was a weird one alright but it takes all kinds. We're certainly grateful for your help! At least the Dragonscale Throne sent the right people out here, it'll be good to have some civilizing force on the frontier.
AFK all day. Back tonight
I will go ahead and load in some rolls!
Well, I'd rather lead him inside than greet him from the ramparts, since it gives this swordsman more options, and it sounds like Berrik has some ideas on that score. So can we agree on trying to confront him inside rather than outside, and figure out positions in the morning? Or does someone else have an idea?
I'll get up early and prepare. I can attempt to lure them inside, and we can pounce. Just be ready to back me up out there if that does not work.
Dom gets off of the bench and with brisk wipes dusts his shirt off. "This ruse seems like a sound plan to me. Perhaps it is best that I retire and pray for Erastil's aid as we attempt to purge this region of its infection."
"On the matter of where I should do that...would anyone be willing to allow me to set my bedroll in their room?" he adds, lowering his hand over his head, "I promise I will be only a small imposition."
"I believe there is a bunkhouse we may all use, as the Goodwoman noted. I will need to retire there to rest and prepare for tomorrow. Let's see how your ruse proceeds, Belmorn" He rises up, "Thank you for the meal. Tomorrow we shall see how we can begin to make an end to these bandits."
How do we do that?