"Well, you're not evil..and we're not keepers. Erastil frowns on that sort of thing. So, freedom it is."
Ibram sets the lad free.
If you would be so kind Quinray, check out that chest before we open it. Once we see what's within I think we can return to Oleg's and collect whatever reward is due for ending the menace of the Stag Lord.
The young man rubs where the manacles cut him as he eyes the group-Thank you for releasing me. What now?
If trapped take 20
Quinray: No traps found, chest is not locked, no taking 20 on disable device for traps.
Tirnel: You are done exploring.
Chest contains 2000gp in gems.
Unless there is anything else the party wants to do we should rest and then head back to Oleg's.
When possible Quinray introduces himself to the human.
[i]Wonder if he is good with opening doors safely?[i/dice]
My name is Quinray. Sorry for the pain it looks like you have endured. When we have time I would like to know why the evil man tortured you and kept you captive. Whenever you feel comfortable talking about it let me know.
Forgot to search for secret passages/rooms/under chest.
The young man, who introduces himself as Vret, looks at the party uncomfortably-If we are going to travel together there is something I need to show you. Don't freak out....
He frowns in concentration and what you previously thought were faint scars on his forehead begin to glow; the glowing runes are in the form of three iridescent claw marks.
A few moments later the young man is transformed, now covered in some type of energy that takes the form of a bear with a head looking like a wolf. Through the smokey outer shell you can make out the body of Vret, the runes on his forehead mirrored by similar runes on the body of the beast.
In a husky guttural voice-This is what I look like when things aren't safe. It's my spirit animal Kynn and together we are Vret-Kynn. Figured it was better to tell you now than surprise you later....
When possible Quinray introduces himself to the human.
[i]Wonder if he is good with opening doors safely?[i/dice]
My name is Quinray. Sorry for the pain it looks like you have endured. When we have time I would like to know why the evil man tortured you and kept you captive. Whenever you feel comfortable talking about it let me know.
[dice=perceptionwatch]1d20 + 14
Forgot to search for secret passages/rooms/under chest.
[dice=perception]1d20 + 14
~prior to his transformation to Vret-Kynn~
When I was younger my village fell victim to some plague or sickness, and I was one of the sick. I got better, but many others died, including my parents. Soon after I was orphaned my village was attacked by bandits who killed those that could not escape. I was badly wounded but was able to flee into the woods. I lived on my own in the woods for many years alone and recently encountered some patrolling men that turned out to be new bandits. I followed them back here to this place and tried to pick them off a few at a time. The Stag Lord was a cunning hunter though and trapped me, bringing me back here to give 'sport' to his men.
@Vret-KynnWhat...are you two seperate people? I do not understand, but I am a little frightened by this. In all honesty, do both of you honor this pledge? I am not the smartest in the world. Yet I saw you captive and that is not easy for me to deal with. Time for me to move forward and scout.
To be honest Quinray I'm not really sure. I call Kynn my spirit animal but I don't know what he is exactly. When I was hurt and alone in the forest after bandits attacked my village I was SO scared. I kept crying and crying, saying prayers to anyone that would listen until I felt this warm presence all about me. It was Kynn. He says he is a spirit sent by Jaidz to guide and protect me and has shown me how to use my powers. Both of us will honor my vow of service as we are one when we are together.
Hand wave:
Ibram knows that Milo would have wanted to be buried near his mentor Yegalash. The party can journey back to his cairn and bury Milo next to him. Then return to Oleg's place. The party advises Vret that he may not want to become Vret-Kynn near Oleg's until people get to know and trust him.
The party gets 2 weeks of R&R, except Tirnel who probably wants to create magic items during that time (make your item creation rolls as necessary). You can sell any loot at 100% of book value.
Quinray has practiced his scouting and stealth skills. He is wondering what comes next.
Tirnel, what do we do next?
Tirnel, weary from his crafting labors and still bitter at himself for his failure with the pearl-I'm not sure Quinray. I assume that Kesten will have instructions for us once his masters in Brevoy send word. I'm happy to have a few weeks of peace and time to practice my craft.
Quinray is becoming tougher and someone who will not accept others limitations. He was pushed to his limit and continued.
Who is Kesten?
Quinray continues his scouting and his skills. After two weeks why are we still here?
Shoot a rabbit
Vret spends his time in the kitchen with Svetlana doing chores and trying to be of use. He generally avoids any large group gatherings of people but it is clear that Svetlana and Oleg are quickly filling the long void of the lad's parents.
If you are ready Darkvision we can retcon Quinray's items once he decides.
To the adventure!
We man the walls anticipating the rabid hordes of rabbits.
Three weeks after your return...
As you wake in the morning you see a large amount of dust and haze are seen to the east of Oleg's along the roadway. After observing for a while it is definitely getting closer it is still miles off at this point.
Tirnel peers out into the distance from a position on the walkway behind the palisade ; his elven eyes straining to make sense of what could be causing such a large cloud of dust and haze.
What say you Quinray? You usually have the keenest eyes of all of us. Could it be a horde of Dothraki leporidae? It would be strange to see them move in such numbers, and only a fool would face them in the open field. Let's hold our position here until we see what the disturbance is.
Vret does his best to get a look at what's going on past the wall, jumping up and down to look over the top of the wooden stakes.
Guys, it takes me a few moments to summon Kynn. Should I do it now or should I wait? Will the folks here understand I'm not going to hurt them? I'd hate to do anything that would make Svetlana not like me...
Vret sees a large column of men, several hundred. The first section appears to be armed and armored, mostly men. But the second larger section is a mix of men and women and even a few children. They do not seem to be wearing armor and there are definitely large wagons at the back of the column.
Nervously-It's a large group of humans some armed and wearing armor, but the rest just regular old folks. I even see some kids! He says the last a little excitedly, clearly hoping to have more folks close to his own age around.
Tirnel thinks for a few moments-Maybe Brevoy is sending a group of settlers now that we have cleared a large patch of country? Where's Kesten? He should know something.
Tirnel looks for Kesten to see if he has any information and otherwise waits for the large group of people to arrive.
Kentaur, Ibram, Quinray bump.
"Well, not to many armies travel with children and old folks. Probably settlers is right."
Kentaur gets ready to tend to any travel ailments.
Ibram will stand at the ready. Alert for any last minute troubles with the caravan.
Looks prey dusty out there. I hope Vret see it right.
Ready my bow
A small group of four riders (two of which are armed) moves forward from the column, they head directly to the compound and appear to be looking for someone or something in particular until they spot Tirnel, Kentaur, Ibram and Quinray.
They approach, one man steps forward bows and presents a charter to Ibram.
King Ibram,
Congratulations on your success in clearing the Greenbelt from the scourge of banditry, in mapping the lay of the land, and having done no small amount of work in the exploration of said land and the culling of hostile monsters and indigenous hazards. You are hereby granted the right to rule these lands with the help and advice of your Council: Lord Kentaur, Lord Tirnel, Lord Quinray, Lord Kesten, and Lord Oleg. The nature and laws of rule are yours to decide, and the wellbeing of this new nation is yours to protect. In accordance for providing a stable nation to the south of central Rostland, we have sent generous support in the form of building materials and settlers, with additional supplies and settlers to come. We hope that future relations between our kingdoms will continue to be mutually beneficial.
-The Swordlords
What does the missive tell us Ibram, further instruction from Brevoy on how we are to proceed?
Tirnel eyes the four riders and attempts to determine what their status might be.
Vret eyes the newcomers warily clearly uncomfortable being around this many adults he does not know.
He moves from foot to foot waiting for Ibram to reply to Tirnel.
Ibram's jaw drops, he slowly raises his hand and passes the missive off to Tirnel...He shakes his head and turns around to ponder the news...
-inside he thinks, holy crap! uh, sorry Erastil. What have I gotten myself into...I just want to enjoy the wilderness and serve Erastil...Whoa boy!-
The man who delivered the charter speaks to Ibram when he passes the charte to Tirnel.
"My name is William. We will set up camp nearby and start construction tomorrow. Any additional orders my grace?"
Tirnel is certain none of the four are nobles. They are two soldiers and two journeymen builders.
Look at the four in front and scan behind
Look at kneeling warriors.especially William
Quinray sees 2 soldiers and 2 journeymen builders, none of whom are kneeling. Scanning behind them reveals the rest of Oleg's compound, nothing within the compound seems out of the ordinary. He believes that William will do just as he said.
bowing/kneeling is the same. Thought all four did. Do not understand why I am looking into Olegs compound. Thought for sure I was looking outward towards the horde coming at us.
Quinray is backwards and turns ready for battle.
Tirnel quickly scans the charter document.
Makes sense. He is a natural leader and any doubts I may have had about him were erased the moment I saw his response to this sudden elevation in position. Although I'm not exactly sure what authority the Swordlords have in this matter, but as in most things those with the most blades are wont to make the rules.
Finished reading the paper Tirnel absentmindedly corrects the armed man that delivered the charter to Ibram-Actually William it's 'your grace' or 'your majesty', not 'my grace'. You'll have to be better if you want to make it in the courts to come.
Tirnel then turns towards Ibram-Though you may not see it with your back to us your majesty, let me be the first to do you the proper honor. After saying the last in a startlingly booming voice, Tirnel then proceeds to perform an amazingly florid bow, so deep he nearly scrapes his face on the ground.
Finally Tirnel turns towards Kentaur and Quinray-My Lords, our friend Ibram, first of his name, has been appointed King of this new land. We three along with Oleg and Kesten have been appointed Lords of the land to give him assistance and good counsel as well as any other duties that he may require.
With a thick chuckle at Ibram's misfortune-Command me my liege! and hands the charter to Ibram and Quinray for review.
Only in Inbrams ear...
Well Ibram, I guess you are in charge now. Have fun.
Quinray steps 10 feet back and bows his head to the new king of..?
Who knew? What the F? At least he is a nice man who will rule honorably and justly.
I am here whenever you need me my liege.
Vret looks from Tirnel to Ibram in confusion, clearly uncomfortable with the change in attitudes amongst the adults brought on by the newly arrived folk.
What just happened?
@Vret Stand a little behind me right now. Tirnel will explain later. You are safe and fine. Stay with Tirnel.
William turns to Tirnel:
"Pardon me, my lord, umm or is it your lord? I never spoke with a lord or a king before."
Svetlana intervenes:
"Its my lord and your grace, but never you mind, carry on with your business and establish your camp."
"Now Ibram, I still expect you and your lordly friends to wash up before dinner, don't get any foolish ideas just cause you're a king. That goes for you to Lord Oleg. Why don't you come help me peel the potatoes Vret?"
Vret immediately complies with Svetlana's request, happy to have something to do; her voice quickly soothing his once agitated state.
Quinray steps back and makes sure that Vret makes it back to Svetlana's house. He seems happy and should be safe there.
Milo is not around so Quinray goes outside the fort by himself to listen to how everyone feels. Are the settlers happy? Not trying to stealth but just pay attention.
To be more specific. I want to know the actual numbers of soldiers, builders, settlers etc. I want true numbers. Also who are the behind the scenes people. Who is in charge? They are always there.
Tirnel beams a huge smile at Svetlana-You are quite correct my lady and had I know I was in the company of one as courtly learned as yourself I would have relished my meals with you even more! Verily I shall cleanse these foul hands to such a state that they be worthy to touch the sanctity of the divine creations you produce in the heaven that is your kitchen.
Tirnel laughs and with a light elfen skip to his step sets about washing his hands and preparing for a fine meal. Looking back at Ibram-Come along your Grace, we can open some wine to celebrate your majesty's majesty and discuss what comes next.
Kentaur grabs the charter, "Let me see that...Lord Kentaur, heh heh! King Ibram...new kingdom, that's some new business and chapels and taxing. I can't wait. Crazy way to start a kingdom though. What's the name of our new kingdom? Humans are insane. Insandia, got a certain ring to it."
Kentaur chuckles, rolls up the charter and makes his way to the potato peeling.
Ibram is in a daze. It lasts through most of dinner, even the spectacular flavor of Svetlana's offerings are not enough to bring focus to his countenance.
"Well, let's get to it I guess. Defense, building, trade/business, religion, food and taxes. These are some of the most important things I think. Dealings with other kingdoms will have to wait, I hope. I'm sure I forgot some things and would like to hear your thoughts on these matters.
Also, can I get a tally of what, who and how much was sent by the Swordlords?"
"I would also be interested, my Lords, as to your thoughts on a name for our new land. I don't think Stolen Lands Kingdom has a very nice ring to it."
Ibram takes a drink. "An interesting start to a kingdom. Lady Svetlana, your thoughts are welcome also. I have found you to have a keen mind and enough common sense to go around."
Quinray wanders about tallying the arriving soldiers and settlers and is able to report their numbers to Ibram: 200 soldiers, 500 settlers that includes skilled builders, farmers, and artisans of various types. Most of the builders and artisans are journeymen seeking to establish their own shops rather than continue to labor at the direction of others.
The soldiers report to Kesten who will act as their Commander, he has them set up their main encampment to the south of Oleg's but the also establish watch stations in order to view threats coming from any direction. The soldiers will help build a much larger log palisade that will include Oleg's and an area large enough for a town of several hundred. They have been paid for the month but taxes will be needed to pay them in the future.
Oleg speaks with William at length and a small group of key builder, farmers, and artisans. Oleg will act as a treasurer and collect taxes to pay the army and continue building efforts. Based on your descriptions he plans to send some of the group further on to expand and renew the Stag Lord's fort into a second fortified town. They will also build a road down to the second town.
Oleg also learns that some of the settlers will venture further off into the more remote areas to set up smaller settlements and homesteads in order to farm and harvest natural resources such as lumber, fish, game, and furs. Additional settlers will continue to stream in seeking a chance at a better life.
Jhod is going to lead some of the faithful out to the old temple of Erastil to restore it and create a small settlement there.
There is also a distinct group of 30 dwarves miners and smiths led by a dwarf named Dorval. They plan to head out into the lands to find some good places to mine. They approach Kentaur to ask if he remembers seeing any old mines in the area? Kentaur recalls that the kobolds the party fought had occupied an old mine shaft and provides direction to the dwarves.
Svetlana: "I think it would be fitting to name our new kingdom after Lord Milo, he did as much as anyone to explore and make this area safe for settlement."