Kesten Garess AKA DM's page

Then next morning, Carina is up early getting her horse ready for a ride when Kessen returns.

Morning Kessen. I was amazed to hear that you were related to that conceited buffoon which the Swordlords send down here yesterday. For some reason, I am guessing that you and he do not see eye to eye on much.

So, what can you tell us about the Lord Meager Barn. He sounds like he is so overconfident in his land that he is willing to leave it to be tended by others but a month after founding the first town. While I expect to trust those who will help run the land, I doubt that barely a month in we will be making great voyages to foreign lands.

As far as the kingdom goes, we have been discussing this and while we have not made a final decision, I do believe that the location where the Stag Lord had set up camp is one of the best locations in the area. It has several waterways and appears to have a fairly large lake to the south. We need to investigate the area a little more before we make a final decision, but from out initial sorties, I believe that is where we will establish our first...

"He isn't my favourite family member. I once pushed him over into a pig pen, though I think he never truely got the pig s*$! out of his ears." he stated with a wide smile. "I'm just glad that I don't have to be involved with him anymore and I hope he didn't insult you too badly, he knows no better and acts more like his old man than he'd care to admit."

"Most I know about Maegar Varn is that he went to the Nomen Heights with a group of mercenaries and unlike what that poor excuse for a noble gave of a impression, he actually treats them as his equals and sees no reason to act high and mighty, especially since he is the third in line of the family so he'll never inherit his father's title." he states, attempting to remember what he knows. One of these men he travels with is a cleric of Erastil who has been a lifelong friend of his, but that's all I know about the man. I've never met him, but heard that in combat he swigs his blade so fast it looks like he's weilding the air itself, but those could just be stories."[/b] Kesten shrugs as this is all he knows about the man, which isn't much.

The next morning Kesten arrives both with the weapons you all requested:

A Masterwork Composite Bow (+3), Masterwork Dagger, Masterwork Sling, Masterwork Lance and two Masterwork light crossbows, one for Carian and one for Zorestar, but with him he also brings a large sack of gold coins for the group (containts 7,500 gp) and a new charter from the swordlords.

New Charter:

"Be it so known that the bearers of this charter, having delivered the northern reaches of the Greenbelt from the scourge of banditry, having provided detailed maps of 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, are hereby granted the right to rule. The nature and laws of rule are theirs to define, and the wellbeing of this new nation is theirs to protect. In accordance for providing a stable nation to the south of central Rostland, let there be a generous stipend of funds, support, and advice provided to this fledgling nation as a token of Restov and Brevoy’s goodwill, such that future relations between kingdoms might be mutually beneficial. So witnessed under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and by the authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne."

"I see Maegar Varn has not yet arrived. I last heard he would be making his way up through the lands and decided to avoid the road. Something about missing travelling through un-cultimated land." he shrugs and gives a smile to the group. "When will you be ready to start setting up this kingdom?"

This land has been called many things, but it is mostly known as the Green Belt. We will be dealing with many locals in our civilization effort, it could help if we didn't charge in their land and give it a strange name. We got rolling fertile grasslands, lush forests and plenty of rivers, and many will fear that we would just reap those away. How about the barony of Greenwood or Greenland?

The knight shrugs, his mind straining with the creative proccess.

Or Iceland, as that's the green one lol.

"If you settle and survive the harsh terrors that sweep across this land your city's name will go down in history." Kesten smiles to the group. "I'm sure many years from now, legends will be spoken of you all and this land, maybe bards in later years will add demons and evils across this land and make it seems like the worldwound, knowing how those bards spin these tales."

"Will you be safe on your travels Kesten? I'd hate for something to happen to you, you will not be travelling alone I trust? As for myself, a fine lance would go a long way for me."

Kesten gives a smile to Jameson's concern.

As we ride through the gates to Oleg's once more, I give Keston a warm, albeit slightly road wearied smile:

Although we may not have the body of the scourge of the green belt, let it be known that he and his men; I gesture at the bound men behind us. are no longer a threat to this land.

While we would have preferred presenting you with the body of this vermin, he had so enraged and offended the former ferryman Nettles, before murdering good Nettles, that the good Nettles had arisen as an undead monstrosity, bound to haunt the place of his murder until freed by the proof of the Stag Lord's death. This proof included giving Nettles the body of the Stag Lord. Thus, we gave the body of the Stag Lord to Nettles and he then departed with the body to be able to finally rest in peace where Erastil may watch over him.

Thus, we not only eliminated the Stag Lord, but managed to clear one of the few river crossings for future use. And this crossing shall always be remembered as Nettles' Crossing.

As far as proof that the Stag Lord is dead, Ganit here has his bow and; I reach behind myself and pull out the Stag Lord's help. this is the helm from which he apparently gained his name. He was nothing more than an evil man, a man who is now no longer a threat to this land or any other.

You are also free to question these ruffians, although I would trust them about as far as I can throw them other than good Akiros here who assisted us in out final assault on the Stag Lord's fort.

"I will let my men or yourselves question the other survivors whilst I head north, but thank you for your information, my lady." he smiles and gives a bow. "I had hoped he was nothing more than a man, but was still afraid of if he wasn't. The longer I've stayed here, the more terrible stories I've heard of what happened to the last few attempts to colonalise the land. I've heard of beasts that have never been seen before appearing here, humanoids that move with the speed of the very wind and not to mention, the dragons that have been known to roam or nest in these lands."

Bronwyn smiles to himself as he approaches Oleg's Trading Post.

Almost feels like returning home. Almost.

He approaches the warrior and offers a handshake as greeting.

Kesten, my good man, how has the guard duty been treatin' ya?

"Boring." he shrugs in response. "However I have heard more news from up north and testify to the proof you brought me of the Stag Lord's death will go quite a way. I'll take the traitor with me and return with your rewards. I'll head out tomorrow bright and early and return at sunset, will that be okey with you, Sir Bronwyn Raslov?" he gives a bow and a smile "I thank you for ridding this area of such villainly. What weapons do you and your group want me to return with? Remember I can get you six weapons of masterwork quality for bringing me to him alive so that he can be taken up north, tried and then hung for desertion and joining The Stag Lord's little gang."

Order up, what masterwork weapons do you want? Only 6 mind you, but if someone were to forgo a weapon someone can gain 2, depending on what the group decides or merely order the weapon to Sell to Oleg. For now Oleg's funds are as follows: 901 gp, 2 sp, 9 cp However, he will be getting repenished tomorrow from a trader coming in to buy or sell goods as well as other rangers selling skins of wild beasts. There are a few still hanging around as Oleg's has become more and more popular.

1d100 ⇒ 16

You leave Nettles Crossing and arrive at the same area where you found that hidden cache all those weeks ago and settle down to camp for the night ready for moving on in the morning.

1d100 ⇒ 39

The night passes without incident before you head on north and passing through the area where the trapdoor spider once lived and then move on arriving into the area where Oleg's is and you arrive without incident.

1d100 ⇒ 81

1d100 ⇒ 90

Kesten is on the walls and can't believe his eyes as he calls for the gates to be opens and then heads down to greet you all.

"Well met, heroes of the green belt! I assume you have defeated the Stag Lord, but I do not see him there." he then pauses as he recognises Falgrim Sneeg. "And you caught the traitor, alive. Praise Erastil I'll take him personally up north for his punishment and your reward." he seems pleased and beaming at you all with glee.

It's about 1pm, you can do whatever you wish for now. none of your old group buddies are here though. You didn't notice it last time, but their absense seems to strike you as more obvious now.

Kesten wrote:

""If you guys go down in history I can say, 'yes, I knew them from when they started."

"That's exactly what I was saying about Sir Bron. I think some day he is going to become a famous bard. Last night he told an amazing story and you should have heard the drama and excitement that he brought to that tale. We were gripped in suspense as he held us in the palm of his hand. Everybody laughs, but I'm telling them, this is a remarkable bard about to find his wings and his talent, and when he does, he is going to fly!"

Kesten grins and gives Zorestar a pat on the back.

Kesten wrote:

"Quite some time. I didn't come down until a day after the group here left Oleg's to explore. I believe they killed a giant trap door spider then, though I admit I didn't know who they were."

"So do you think you will ever return to Restov, or do you enjoy the freedom of being here in the wilds too much?"

"I do not think so. I have enjoyed the mercinary life. Sure is isn't all glamous, but it has it's rewards." for a moment he looks to the group in awe. "If you guys go down in history I can say, 'yes, I knew them from when they started."

Knowledge, Nobility 1d20+8

Hmm? that must have been that scandalous affair with the weaver's daughter. What was her name again? Tanis, no, Tania. Yes that's it. This must have been when Father Evan Garess, cousin of the Garess family patriarch, disowned Kesten causing him to flee Restov to become a mercenary.

"Tell me, Kesten, how long have you been out here in the Greenbelt?"

"Quite some time. I didn't come down until a day after the group here left Oleg's to explore. I believe they killed a giant trap door spider then, though I admit I didn't know who they were." he says embaressingly thinking back to about a month or so when this happened.

Kesten looks a little downcast at what Ganit said to him about going for the low hanging fruit, but then sighs and throws his head back with a strech.
"That's what got me into this situation to begin with." he laughs off the embaressment.

We ran into this thing first, actually James and his lance ran into it, which caused the boar to become bored with life. Figured that we would prefer getting this back here before it started to attract flies.

I am guessing that you all may have a lot of pork chops, bacon and ham for the next few days. So where is this hunter. I am sure that he would like to see his nemesis when it is not charging him.

"These adventures down here make me glad I'm not up in Brevoy. The hunter in question is a aging elf with red hair. He's inside with his half-elf daughter. He mentioned coming across you back at the camp and when I tried to show off my skills with the bow to the young lady her father came out and managed to hit a target twice in what seems like a single shot!" he points to a nearby target with two arrows imbedded in it and another arrow that was possibly knocked off the target. It seems more like a threat than a mere display in bowmanship.

As the morning comes the group saddles up and heads up to Olegs.

Taking your time up her due to all the forestry you had to navigate through, not to mention that wagon you manage to make it to Oleg's where Kesten is waiting at the watch point, allowing you all inside.
"That's one hell of a boar! Tuskgutter I presume?" he asks looking over your kill in curiosity. "Good timing you arrived here actually, the hunter who posted the bill is waiting inside. I think he was confident you were going to kill this thing. You not delt with the Stag Lord yet?"

Don't mind me, I enjoy the roleplaying. You can talk to the NPCs if you wish.

Kesten watches as Sir Bronwyn appears to have difficulty with his horse and then the group conversing. If anyone notices he seems to change his view to somewhere across the land.

"Well, my friend, undoubtedly you are correct. There are certainly creatures that exist in this plane that are far more dangerous than trolls. However, the fact that trolls are used in so much literature and stories for children nowadays, makes me think that they have caused a greater amount of fear than many other dangerous creatures. For example, when a parent says to his child, 'eat you peas' or the trolls will come and get you at night', the youth cannot help but think and dwell upon those scary thoughts. Consequently, when they grow up, the fear of trolls permeates at a higher proportion than expected in our society."

"I heard stories from some nature types saying the land here is so hard to control and has so many fey here because the barrier between this world and the first world is thinner than anywhere else, but there is no evidence about that and most scholars laugh at the possibility." he says as he recalls these stories, but shrugs the idea off as a silly story.

Kesten wrote:

"We have even heard of sightings of trolls in this land."

"A troll you say!? From what I understand, the Viridi Troglodytarum is one of the most fearsome and deadly fiends known to exist! According to The Bestiary Maximus by Juraston van Meegol, they are often thought to be dead when in all truth, they are simply regenerating and healing at a fast rate. It does seem strange that such a vile creature be given so much strength and life! So, how far away did you say that the troll was sighted?"

"These are just stories and tales I've heard many years ago. Far to the south the trolls are often seen, though." he pauses for a moments, taken by surprise about the knowledge and not understanding most of it. "They are dangerous, but I do not think the kingdoms would've fallen to them. There are clearly more dangerous things out there that I dare not think about."

Kesten shrugs when asked what else might be out here.
"Many stories about this land. Some that creatures come out of the forest to steal babies and eat them or temptresses who drink the blood of men." he says recounting children's stories he was told at a young age. "There is a reason this land has not been settles. The elves have tried but failed, the Taldan tried but failed and the river kingdoms tried, but failed. There is something out there that doesn't like kingdoms and you are all mighty brave to take on whatever is out there. We have even heard of sightings of trolls in this land."

Kesten raises his eyebrow.
"Kobolds peaceful? I've always seem them as horrible little runts, but if they are then we won't cause them any problems, but if there is a attack on a caravan and they are behind it, then be it on your head." he says, clearly unsure what to make of the situation.

They gave us their promise. If there is an attack, and it can be attributed to the Sootscale Kobolds with whom we reached an agreement, I will be the first to their cave to determine what and why.

They truly appeared to realize that it was in their best interest to work with us. In addition, I remind you, never judge a book by its cover. I am sure that you have met, and dealt with many humans, elves, dwarves, and other supposedly good races which were in fact evil with souls blacker than a demon's heart. Well, in my opinion, these Sootscales are the exact opposite. They recognize that not all people will initially view them with trust. However, they appear to be organized and civilized. And going forward, having a race in this land which enjoys, and is quite capable, working in mines and beneath the ground is a huge bonus.

"You found mines? I have heard of a old silver and gold mines around here, owned by the Taldan, but they have been lost for hundreds of years. You telling me those...lizards are living in one of those mines? Surrounded by such precious metals and gems?" he asks as he's surprised by this and clearly disgusted that they're hold up in a mine.

Looking at Zorestar he shrugs his shoulders.
"I only know what other people have told me and that like all uncivilised races they cause trouble, but as Carina says I have come across other races who have done evil things. Kobolds and Goblins are just more well known for the evil they cause."

Lukan nods to Ganit, understanding what he means.
"I will aid them in protecting Oleg's, however I doupt any more trouble will come from the stag lord, unless they want you to put them down with your bow work. I promise you I won't surrender to any one who attacks nor will I run. I owe it to you and the team." he says with a definitive look in his eyes and puts his hand out to shake on it.

The kobolds. Yes, they have been dealt with. In fact we met them and later shared supper with them. They are in fact quite peaceful. We discovered that their recent malfeasance was caused by two things. First, they were being attacked by vermin mites. We eliminated the mites. Second, apparently there was an evil, and I mean really evil, gnome who had been reincarnated as a kobold and decided to inflict as much pain as possible on the kobold tribe through a combination of deceit and murder. We also took care of that problem. Our combined actions were greatly appreciated by the kobolds. In fact I would not be surprised if you did not find some of them arriving here before long to trade with Oleg. If they do, I beseech you to not attack them or you will have my enmity and will have destroyed a strong ally.

Sorry about the poor structure, typing from my phone.

Kesten raises his eyebrow.

Kesten gets back from the lengthy discussion with Lukan.
"Lukan wishes to stay here with us, I'm sure Zorestar here would like to join the party in his place. Do any of you have a issue with that?"

weekend is often slow I find. Also Ganit usually does the trade in at Oleg's of all the loot the group has.

We finish mapping the area and searching for anything else. Then back to Oleg's. Eventually we will probably want a real bridge, and we can rename it in his honor at that time.

And the DM sneaks in and steals the 2000th post. No fireworks this time.

Oh I did? WIN!

After spending the night by the lake you head off north towards Oleg's and arrive at 4pm.

Kesten smiles as you as all return.
"Ah, welcome back! We have noticed there have been no attacks recently on the trade by those filthy kobolds. Have you 'delt' with them?" he asks as he's curious and allows you all to enter without any issues. "A man named Zorestar has arrived with a new order from the swordlords."

Will let him post and describe himself.

Edit: No one knows where the camp is besides the kobolds saying that the bandits come from the south and Davik Nettles has no idea, otherwise we probably wouldn't be there.

The thin wiry figure looks up from his well cared for horse seeming to wake up from a long nap. He wears an outfit that seems sewntogether from the hides of numerous small animals and seems to have almost his entire bodyweight in hair on his head and face. The scraggly ill tempered bird perching on his shoulder gives an angry screech and the man bats it off his shoulder as it takes wing and flaps jerkedly to a nearby tree and screeches again. "Damn bird I tol ya bout screaming in mah ear! Do it again and I'll cook ya! Not that there'd be anything ta eat!"

Upon hearing the question Telias furrows his eyebrows and seems to study the man a long time with the sort of glare an old man would give a young child after he unleashes a string of curse words. "I'm Oleg's neighbor up north. Who the hell're you? He can't afford proper guards and a bandit wouldn't bother ta ask 'fore he'd shoot ya."

Kesten is a little taken aback by the surly man, but calls for the gates to be opened.

For arguments sake we can say that as you discussed with what Cambyl had that he hands over the wand and armour as he doesn't need either. The hide armour. The wand makes sense for your use as one of you can flesh out that he decides to become the local healer here at Oleg's.

The night you arrive a new traveller arrives at the gate. Here, Kesten shouts out over the wall.
"Who goes there?!" keeping his hand on his sword as he sees this stranger approch.

Enter Telias

After you all have a small meal you leave with the time at 2 pm, heading through the forest and past the fairy nest, getting dark as it is 5pm, however one you are onl the plans it is much easier going and you arrive at oleg's at 9pm.

At the outpost you see Kressel in similar uniform to what the knights there appear to be wearing, however many of the bandits appear to be missing.

"Welcome warriors of the greenbelt. We have been awaiting your return for sometime. Oleg managed to just get the masterworked full plate one of you ordered last time you were here." he smiles and then turns to Kressel and back to the group. "I see you've noticed my new leutenant. We have a breakout not long after you left. The bandits were going to over-run Oleg's from the inside, however Kressel here defended Oleg and Svetlana and even came out with her axes to finish off the men that wouldn't back down. Unfortunatly my leitenant had died but I believe she has earned the right." he smiles and then clicks his fingers as something just comes to mind. "Oh, we recieved this note and pouch of gold for you yesterday."

The letter is addressed to the group, written by the swordlords:

"For your recent culling of the bandits in the area we have recieved less and less reports of bandits activity where we now almost here nothing of them. To show our gratitude we have delivered this large pouch containing 600 gold coins. Inform us when you have perminantly delt with the bandit problem and another reward shall soon follow."

just as the note says, the large pouch does indeed contain 600 gold coins.

Could argue for the sake of roleplaying, Cambyl get's his share.

"Leave it here. We'll be sure to look after it. You are the heroes of the greenbelt to us for now and I shall send a letter back to Restlov for the Swordlords to be informed of you putting down the bandits. In fact we've noticed less bandit activity so they will be very pleased. You'll get your 600 gold." he smiled as he looks over at Kressel and the bandits. "They've been saving nooses up there for you lot. Though if you've co-operated with the charter holders here, then we might go a litter lighter on your punishment."

The night goes by uneventfully and you travel with your loot and the bandits in tow, heading back to oleg's in as straight as a line you can get whilst in this forest with all the trees in the way, but you make good time.

You have seen animals reclaiming the area where the bandits were, nature taking back what people had cut down and made their own. It takes a while and the bandits are cursing on the way, calling everyone all names under the sun and other names that those who have had better lives would never have heard.

The guard at the gate appears to stare with mouth wide open as you approch and Kesten himself comes out to have a look and greet everyone personally.
"I have never seen anyone be so successful..." he trails off staring at the bandits, all bound and the large amount of trade goods too, not to mention Kressel herself. "The swordlords will be informed of this! Oh, Oleg told me when you arrived the items some of you requested have arrived. The leather Barding and the Surgeons tools. The latter was harder to get and he's hoping to stock up more on barding now that he has a seller."

Jameson shakes his head at Kesten's derision.

"You should have studied harder Kesten. Choral was no red dragon but the coat of arms of Brevoy has two red dragons on it to represent the fiends Choral summoned to aid him in his defeat of Rostland. Were it not for them there would be no Brevoy and Choral would lie in a shallow grave on the coast."

No Knowledge History but most of that is probably a DC 10 and I'm counting on my Knowledge Nobility to have covered a brief history of Choral and Brevoy as well as the current structure of the nobility. Will retcon of that's out if line.

Yeah, makes sense. The spoiler is for other info that would be above a DC 10

"I remember hearing about that. He was a fearsome ruler and now nobles continue to fight over each other. The Swordlords have been keeping peace though." he shakes his head as he doesn't appear to be interested in discussing politics. "Eitherway, I hope that establishing this kingdom to the south will bring peace between here and the River Kingdoms."

"This is the first I've heard of a red dragon! Was it one of the same that conquered Rostland?"

"Choral the Conqueror, a Red Dragon? Ha, boy you have been listening to too many fables from the staff." Kesten Laughs, shaking his head and patting Jameson on the back. "I might not know what happened with his entire family when they all dissappeared besides the servants, but I don't believe he could've been a dragon and hit for so long."

Ganit waves a single hand to the all too familiar guards allowing the troop of adventurers inside the protective walls of the outpost. He greets Kestin with an affirming handshake and looks to the new faces seated in the dining hall with Oleg and Svetlanna. Assessing the towering half orc from a distance he turns to ask the Guard Captain bemusedly, "These wouldn't happen to be those reinforcements you ordered, would they? Seem a little... unorthodox. Even by Brevoy standards."

Havn't yet tried to decided on how to write out Tholamin and Zayne. Will get to it when I can think of what to say.

"No, they brought with them charters from Brevoy. Apparently these two were canidates whom the swordlords had taken a interest in before sending them south, in hopes of helping to tame these wild lands." he smiles over to Ganit. "They are both good enough people and I'm sure they'll come in handy against whatever you guys face."

"Mites? Mites? We've already handled some Kobolds, and I hardly think they will present us with much trouble, but what are these Mites, and how should we prepare to fight them?"

Added the 71.02 gold from equip, and 62.5 from reward.

Removed 1 gold for 2 trail rations, and 2 silver to refill wineskin with wine

Removed 4 gold for saddlebags and moved consumables to them to help encumbrance.

Purchased Heavy Steel Shield for 20 gold, if it is available, increasing my AC by 2

"They are seen as pests like any Kobold and Goblin, however they are fey creatures that are so ugly even Goblins have been known to mock them for their appearance. Goblins! They're considered evil just like Kobolds so no one has any problems killing mites in Fey territory. Hell, I'm sure even fey dn't like them. They have more of an affiliation with vermin anyway." he seems disgusted when talking about them. "Horrible blue little critters. My advice is shoot first and ask questions later."

"We also found these nearby." Ganit opens his rucksack revealing to Oleg the Moon Radishes they had gathered for Svetlana. "There are enough here for your wife to cultivate a garden should she desire. It would be a preferable option to hiring us to gather them for her. If she needs any assistance with such a chore I am willing to share my expertise." Ganit finishes the sentence with a slight hesitation, it had been years since he had taught another person any of his farming techniques but he remained confident Svetlana knew enough not to need his help.

He heads inside the outpost and into the dining hall to check if there had been any updates to the bulletin board since he had last seen it.

As you read the board Kesten appears besides you.
"Well met, adventuer. Returned in one peice I see." he pats your back enthusiastically and then looks to the board and points to a new notice. "While you were away the swordlords sent a reply to my report on the current situation. They want the bandits to be eliminated. You've killed one of the bandit leaders so far, but if you kill enough of the bandits you will be rewarded with six hundred gold peices." he whistles as he says that. "That can buy you a lot of women." he gives a wink to Ganit, who can smell the ale on him. "Personally I wouldn't mind sticking a sword in the gut of them all, but they will settle for capture too."

He remains silent for a moment and looks to the group.
"I've heard that there is some trouble between Kobolds and Mites in the area, living on the kills somewhere, possibly the grassland as that's where they've mostly been spotted." he shakes his head when he says this "Really they aren't as much trouble as the bandits, but innocent people have been caught in the crossfire and the war between the two is like stirring up a hornet's nest. Sooner or later more and more people will eventually get stung. Not to mention, who would want to settle on a land where Kobolds and Mites are actively fighting and end up assulting travellers?" Kesten ask's the Rhitorical question as he makes this point.

Cambyl approaches Kesten again. "Good sir, I've just checked with Oleg and he does have some ale available in enough quantity if you and your men would be interested in joining me and my friends for a couple of rounds, I'm sure I can cover the cost."

Kesten finally gives a smile since you met him.

A mug of Ale is worth 4 cp so as there are 5 of them (including Kesten) that's 20 cp or 2 sp if you want to buy simply one for each of them.

"Ah, I am more at ease knowing there are some soldiers here full time. My name is Cambyl. I don't suppose your soldiers brought a good brew with them? I would be glad to swap some stories if there is some drink to wash them down! Also, I would be happy to provide my services to you and your men if they become necessary. I have a minor talent at healing." He smiles warmly and offers his hand to the soldier.

Keston shows a bit of a smile but shakes his head.

Lukan meets Keston's hand with his and grips it firmly. It is too bad you missed all the fun. It is good to see that this outpost is in good hands.Well met, friend. Waiting for the party to introduce themselves he begins to unload his gear from his house next to the stable.

"We would've gotten here sooner, but many of the other mercinaries up in Restov were too afraid of these lands from the many stories they've heard. Afterall, no one has been able to claim these lands and all that have, failed, but that's cowardice for you." he shrugs as he doesn't want to achnowledge cowards.

You notice the difference immediately as one of the guards appears to be helping Oleg with repairing the building work and there are now tents to the south of the stabes, hiding in the shadows of the pallisade.

Before you the well armed man now greets you as you enter. He appears to be an attractive man that seems to have an aura of command around him.

"Welcome back to the trading post, Oleg has told me much about how you have all tackled the bandits. I noticed the graves outside and so I have to ask him what had happened her, seems like a particularly fearsome fight." he smiles as he makes sure to put out a hand, hoping to shake everyone's in greeting.

"My name is Keston Garess and I volunteered to lead these men down here to help guard Oleg's Trading Post. I also had some trouble too. If you aren't interested, I put up a poster in Oleg's and have informed the swordlords of your deeds to put the bandits to the sword so far." he smirks as he looks back to the graves. "Be assured, my men will make sure no more bandits will trouble Oleg's ever again."