Kingmaker

Game Master Galahad0430

Where am I? How did I get here?"

Linzi claps her hands together -excited. A little giddy "T'He" to her voice.

She doesn't answer the questions he asks, because she really doesn't know those answers.
What she does know is that Mr. Troll Hunter is alive and she was a helper.

She gives a bit of a beat box -mouth music to establish a song beat.
Musical Boom. Boom

She stops her song to introduce herself.
I'm Linzi of the Velvet Voice by the way. What did you think of my song? And the guy I found that patched you up?

His dirty hand leaps up and grabs the little halfling's collar "No time for that." He groans as he moves to a sitting position on the side of the bed. "Those trolls have to be near. They weren't scared of my fire. It didn't even hurt them!" He keeps scanning out the window.

Being held by the collar doesn't even phase Linzi for a second.
OHHHH, Firm and to the point! My new friend will be so easy to write into this story!!!!
She goes glassy eyed- thinking towards the distance - then back.
Our hero, arrives just in time to warn the fragile outpost of an imminent attack! The foreshadowing is *EXCEPTIONAL*!
She seems to return to normal, then points over her shoulder
You gotta talk with these'ums. My bestie, and my other friends will help you with your..... their... his... troll problem. Linzi points to Ekun, then her 4 friends, then Oleg in that order. It's as if she's not included or in any danger at all.

So it appears that we have Harrim, Pyros, Faerin, Linzi and Ekun. we could probably use one more dedicated melee person.

"Fire-resistant trolls, you say? That's a troubling foe indeed." Pyros says, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Oleg is relieved to see you return. He wants to know your intentions for the bandit prisoners. Do you wish to dispense justice yourselves? Or do you want Oleg to hand them over to a patrol from Restov (Oleg currently pays taxes to Restov)? It is almost a certainty that Restov will execute them.

Harrim holds his mace and stares at the bandits.

"Smash 'em Smash 'em! the Harbinger of Last Days is coming!"

"The rulers in Restov are the proper authorities. Send them with a patrol."

Ekun looks confused as he hears a new commotion coming from below. Grabbing his shirt and pants he puts them on along with his bow. "What is happening? Is it the Trolls?" Seeing it is a group dragging in prisoners along a long length of rope he nocks ad arrow. "Someone care to explain what is happening here? I was nearly killed by Trolls that were resistant to flames and woke up here. That doesn't seem to concern many of you. And who are they. Who are you?" Ekun is looking for answers.

"The rulers in Restov are the proper authorities. Send them with a patrol."

Harrim stares off to the side.

"Authorities, Smaritties! My mace works just fine!"

That doesn't seem to concern many of you.

She raises her small little hand.

She's really not, but she's excited to participate.
That's why I was dancing and singing about bringing Bokken Not really the reason she was dancing and singing.
On top of helping to give you healing, I'm fairly certain if we paid him, he might be able to make some acid to use against your fire proof Trolls.
She folds her arms in satisfaction with herself. That stance only lasts a second as her constant energy bursts back onto the scene. Arms and gesticulations flailing again.

You know, a really good story is where the main leader of the party stands up and makes the difficult and hard decisions. He -or she - takes the reigns and shows the reader that they have a commanding bearing about them.
You know. I kinda side on doing that.
So, who's gonna make the executive decision and try these criminals. Because handing them off for someone else to deal with is kinda wussy.

Does Linzi know who the harbinger of last days is? I don't think she has know. religion. I'll do more roleplaying with Harrim based on the answer.
Turning back to Ekun
I just want to see how they handle the judge, jury, and...penalty thing for these bandits that have been caught hurting poor Ole' Oleg here. First. Then, I can give you a story to answer all your questions. I'll even accompany it with string music!

She smiles at Ekun.

Pyros looks first to their new friend. ”We have had these prisoners sitting in confinement for some days, and they are here now. Your trolls are not. I assure you, we are perturbed by the idea of trolls that do not fear fire.” he pauses. ”Or at least I am. But let us deal with the prisoners here now first, and the trolls who are not here now afterwards.”

That said, he turns to Linzi. ”My understanding of our charter is that authority over this area would be handed to us by Restov once the Stag Lord is toppled. What do we gain by trying to assume that authority early, except the chance of angering the authorities in Restov? But I *am* familiar with Aldori justice. I could meet out the punishments myself. But should we not come to a consensus of the group? I doubt any of us joined this expedition to be dictated to by a tyrant.”

Faerin looks over at Pyros, considering the situation. "you do realize by handing them over to Restov, we're essentially saying that these lands, and we by extension are under Restov laws. Perhaps better to establish our own way of doing things."

I really like how we have the ideas and opinions flowing.
What about you Harrim and Tall,Dark, and Quiver-full? You guys Pro-Restov? Pro-being Tyrants? or Pro-The Faerin way?

Personally, I like what Faerin is saying. I think the thieves have been taking from Oleg for a long time, I think it's poetic justice that they do work detail and fix this place up. Those Ballista's are all old and broke. The palisade walls could use some patching. They can even work on building barracks to house their sorry "picking on a nice merchant couple" butts. But, that's just my thoughts. I think I overheard Terryl and my bestie say they wanted to hang out here for a spell. I could be wrong, but I do try to keep my ears open.
Back to my point, if they do stay here, they can help outfit the outpost!
Did you like my alliteration?

"However, should approve to be either incapable or unwilling to exist in harmony with their surroundings, then they should be permanently removed for the sake of all." Faerin adds in an even tone.

Oleg is definitely not comfortable with having these bandits "working" at his outpost. Who will guard them?

Also, remember, when you guys interrogated them separately, you got the impression that they were definitely untrustworthy. The only exceptions being the 15 year old who looked and sounded scared s*%@less, and the 14 year old who was just quiet and seemed withdrawn.

Well, I wanted to make a group decision, but if no one else wants to take charge, I suppose it's only right that an Aldori should. Turning to Oleg, Pyros says "Do you have a stump, an anvil, a bench, something to use as a block?" Once Oleg finds something, Pyros will execute the bandits, sparing the two teenagers. Once it's done, he turns to the two remaining. "Learn well the lesson taught today. If we catch you in banditry again, you will die by my blade as well." then he cuts their bonds. "Get lost. I don't want to see you in the Stolen Lands again."

Linzi lets out a long and slow whistle.
well done Pyros. I was thinking of taking a different track--- And you took the bull by the horns.

She pauses, and closes her eyes averting her gaze from the executions. That's a bit too much blood for her delicate stomach.

But, as soon as the mess is done and there's a lull of silence.
So where are we off too? I've been stuck at oleg's a bit too long. I want to explore the great wide open! Maybe Superbow here can tell us where he encountered those Trolls.
By the way, what is your real name exactly. Or, If you wish, I can keep trying for a manly nickname for you.

She blinks her big halfling eyes at Ekun.

Pyros finishes cleaning the blade turns to the new man. "Indeed. Tell us everything you can about these trolls. We should deal with them as soon as possible."

Faerin watches on in implacable silence, as Pyros pronounces and carries out judgement. All she agreed that the other men were irredeemable, setting the two adrift with nothing seems almost guaranteed outcome of them having no options but banditry to survive.

Before the two terrified boys were set loose outside the gates, she approaches them. "There is one other option for you both. Pryos has granted you your lives. If you wish to repay that debt, you have the opportunity to do so. When we travel out from here in return, their horses that need stabling, the same with travelers and caravans passing through. Are things about this Outpost that need repairs, get honest work for strong backs, and the chance to pick up a skill that will serve you in the future." she says making eye contact with each of the boys.

"Or you leave, as ordered and never return. You'll each be given a single waterskin and 1 day's worth of food. After that your survival is up to you remember if you're found stealing again, your life will be forfeit. The choice is yours."

Oleg looks on with approval as the deed is finished. The younger teen just vanishes after Faerin's warnings. The older teen volunteers to stay at Oleg's for a while and help with the repairs.

Afterwards, Jhod Kavken approaches your group.
"An unfortunate, but necessary business. Now perhaps some Law will take hold in these wild lands."

"I was brought to these lands by a vision from Erastil. But those bandits caught me before I could follow the vision. I need you to complete this. Please, find the Temple of the Elk! I've pieced together its location from what I can remember of my visions. It is somewhere in the North Narlmarches. However, I am not strong enough to walk this path myself. Do not reject my plea, good travelers, and I will repay as best as I can. I realize in these dark times, people rarely help each other without some compensation, may Erastil forgive us all. But I am sure my healing abilities will be useful to you."

You garner the following loot:
+1 Estoc
+1 Longsword
+1 Chain shirt
+1 Ring of Protection
+2 Headband of Vast intellect

In addition you get about 2000 gp worth of coins and various goods. You also found several ancient coins (at the tomb where you found Tartuccio) that Oleg says you should hold until you find a collector that would give you far more for them than Oleg can.

Ekun is a bit shocked by the execution. Well, more impressed than he is shocked. "You are expecting to add a bit of law to these wilds?" He smiles. This I will have to see. He scratches his head. "Not a lot I remember. They came out of nowhere. I fought them off as much as I could but some trees toppled on me. By the time I awoke here they were gone. No clue which way or where at. Maybe we will come across their trail on the way to this Temple."

He offers out a gloved hand. "My name is Ekundayo Vursi."

"We shouldn't have let those two go. They'll cause problems later."

"We shouldn't have let those two go. They'll cause problems later."

Oh Harrim, you don't know how prophetic you truly are about that one

So, you have several pending "quests." First, the abandoned hut that the Stag Lord so desperately wanted burned down. Second, Jhod's request about the Temple of the Elk. And finally, the tasks Bokken wanted done.

The hut and temple are both in the same general direction, NW, with the hut being closer. You know the exact location of the hut, and a general area for the temple. The Fangberry cave is to the SE.

Yippeee!! An adventure!
I say we go towards the Fangberries. That will get us what we need - and the acid potions from Bokken. If the trolls are our biggest threat, and the things we are hunting-- let us get the berries for love potion making Bokken.
Don't worry - LOVE DOCTOR - we will get you those berries!

She doesn't even know if Bokken can make love potions. She doesn't even know if he should really be called Love Doctor, but she has long learned that nicknames need to be cool. Everyone needs a nickname, and she will damned well FORCE nicknames on people. Whether they like it or not.

She goes to the washbasin. washes her hands and feet and face. Taking the towel she used and tossing it to the floor.

Last one to the stables is a cockatrice egg!

Pyros offers Ekundayo his own hand. "Well met, Ekundayo. I am Pyros Aldori."

Pyros smiles at Linzi's enthusaism. "Very well. Let us head that way as soon as possible. Will you be joining us, Ekundayo?"

"Sure thing if it leads to those Trolls." He frowns as a memory of his family quickly flashes through his head. Their battered and bloodied forms lying among the rubble of what was once their home. He shakes the thought clear from his head. "Ready when you are, just need to grab my gear."

Harrim swings his flail. "Good to knock some troll heads around!"

Now only if that halfling will spot prattling. Worse than a gnome

So, off to Fangbaerry caves? It's about half a day's travel to the SE. Also, FYI, I'm going to skip random encounters to avoid meaningless combats (which take so long on PBP). For story purposes, realize you average about one a day, mostly bandits in small groups or some creatures (mostly Thylacines, which breed like rabbits here). Are you all OK with that? It won't affect level advancement.

Totally good with that! Random's don't make sense in PBP.

At the stables,
Linzi prattles on about her amazing pony that she calls - Rusted Root.
She tells everyone how terrific Rusted Root is and how she can even change her gallop and trots to be in rythmn with the music Linzi plays. Changing cadence when Linzi changes tempo.
she finally ends with.
Who knew a pony can have rhythm?! Hey Harrim, what's your pony's name? What special thing can he do?
As she checks underneath the horse's "carriage" to see if it's male or female.

All good without any random encounters. Even in face to face I generally would just work them into story rather than run them.

"Pony! Is his name!" damm prattling...

He gently kicks it's side. "Come on animal! By the Harbinger of Last Days move!"

Harrim waves his hand in front of his face as to swat a fly. But no one in the party sees a fly.

"Damm bugs they're everywhere!"

"Pony! Is his name!"

Linzi scrunches up her face.

When Harrim talks about bugs, she looks around. Noting no bugs near her. She doesn't see bugs near Harrim either, but gnats can be small. She makes a note of it. Something that may be a concern again later. But, Harrim commented about bugs, so she just *HAS* to reply and fill the vacuum of noise.
T'He! I must have a luck blade, because not a single bug is bothering me. Either that mean's I'm lucky and awesome, or maybe it means they leave me alone because i don't taste very good.

Pyros shakes his head at Harrim and Linzi’s banter. Practically made for each other, those two.

Faerin rides along atop Azalea in bemused silence, taking in the banter and the new dynamic of their little scouting party. Pyros had definitely aquitted himself well in dealing with both the Technic League fight, and the bandits, making the hard decision in the best interest of all, though she was glad that at least one of the boys took the offer of a better way of life.
As far as the newcomers went, it was good to see that Linzi had survived after the initial mayhem that got everything started, she practically saved them from being murdered in thier beds.

Nature Provides she finds herself thinking.

Ekundayo seemed the type that could handle himself in the wild, after all the man had survived a fight alone against trolls, which was no small feat.

She was almost completely sure Harrim was mad, but it seemed like the harmless type of madness so far, so she wasn't too concerned.

You make your way to the area Bokken indicated. The cave itself is in a depression near a small copse of woods. You immediately notice two things. First, there are no sounds of birds or small animals in the near vicinity of the cave. And second, the entrance of the cave, as well as the nearby trees, are covered with webs. There is a preponderance of regular spiders in the trees.

Grabbing a torch Ekun kneels down to the ground. After a few sparks it ignites brightly. Holding it close to the webs the embers leap and trail along the surface, scorching them from his path. He reaches high and low. "This should keep any of them away from us for a little while."

Her eyes roving the trees and cave entrance, and noting the unnatural silence, Faerin considers the significance.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Her eyes roving the trees and cave entrance, and noting the unnatural silence, Faerin considers the significance.

[dice=Knowledge Nature]1d20+8

Probably some sort of apex predator. Even an infestation of regular spiders would not account for this. You probably can expect something significantly bigger.

When you are ready to enter the cave, let me know what light sources you have and a marching order.

"they're probably looking at the lair of an apex predator, some sort of giant spider. Even a swarm of regular spiders wouldn't come close to this kind of web coverage. Be ready for danger." She says warily.

Chanting softly in druidic, she lightly taps her finger against the gem in her staff, a soft pulsing Green Glow beginning to radiate outward from it.

cast Light

”Don’t we have some alchemist’s fire? We should have it ready.”

Seems like we got some, cant recall if we used it or not.

Bokken gave you six of them

As above Ekun will lead into the cave, using the torch to burn away as much of the spider webs as he can.

When you go through the small opening, it broadens out into a fairly large cave. The first thing you notice is a plethora of bones littering the sandy floor. Most appear to be of small animals, but you do see the occasional humanoid skull. The caves seem to be well ventilated, suggesting multiple openings within, but there is still a strong stench of decay. You see an opening about 40' away on the far side of the cave.

Linzi stands behind both Ekun and Pyros. She sure doesn't like the looks of this cave and all these spiders.
Mind if I add a bit of music to this scary scene. Make it a bit less scary? There's a story that all halflings know, it involves a
H-U-G-E spider named Shelob.

Bum, bum, bump.
Oh, I'm walking in a spider's web.
I've got fear of the Shelob.

And now I'm stuck in the web
You're spinning
You've got me for your prey
................

Start Inspire courage for all. Song by No Doubt-Spiderwebs.1/10 +1 Vs. Fear/charm, +1 to attack and damage rolls!

Linzi, inspire courage is a combat action, measured in rounds, it may be minutes before combat starts.

"Gimme some of that web. I need it to cover my ears from that damn singing!"

Harrim kicks the dirt underneath him.

Harrim worships a mad god. Just using the bug thing for role playing, since he probably should be mad. I've never read the adventure path so I don't know if he is