Samuel Renault's page

Renault's farm, the grand hall.

"There's plenty of pioneers coming down from the north; we'll have to make sure they have a place to stay. And, as of our agreement, don't bother you too much." Illthir pauses and ponders if she ought to have brought a map. "We're building near the old fort - it was the Stag Lord's hideout so there's some infrastructure already. North shore of Tuskwater."

"Then there's talks of trolls. Hopefully it is merely rumors, but it would be foolish to assume so. We'll have to look into that. And there's some areas we still need to explore properly." Illthir shares the broad strokes. She'll give Samuel a chance to interject and tries to gauge if he wants details or not.

"You'll probably need food to take with you. The spring harvests are already in."

Renault's farm, the grand hall.

"...."

Renault's farm, the grand hall.

"Now, what are your immediate plans?"

Renault's farm, the grand hall.

Serena follows suit, spitting into her hand and taking his offered limb, shaking it heartily.

"Do not disappoint me." says Samuel in the middle of their handshake.

Renault's farm, the grand hall.

Renault face cracks into a smile.

"Well then, who needs men!" He stomps up to the pair and women and grabs them firmly by their outermost biceps hard enough that it feels like he is trying to mash them together.

He draws in close so they can smell his wine-tinged breath "You've convinced me--for now, at least. We'll play it your way."

He draws himself back and straightens his spine, and then spits mightily in his hand and extends it towards them to shake.

Renault's farm.

Renault face hardens.

"The idea that you two would come here to my house and then presume to gift me--ME a title!" He begins to pace angrily about the hall as if fury itself was animating him. "You certainly have balls enough to be men!"

Renault's farm.

"Mmmm. We have both the ears and trust of our menfolk, who are busy with affairs of state. True, you did not request our presence, but here we are. Will you let our gender intimidate you into silence?"

Samuel smiles horribly and says "I'll spare you the masculine vulgarity then tell you plainly: Leave. I came here to avoid the intrigues of New Stetven, and yet here you are. Will you force me to lodge with those cowards in Mivon? Or is that still not far enough away for some peace and quiet?"

Renault's farm.

Serena shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "We have come to hear your suggestions and thoughts on the matter, as well," she says.

Samuel looks frankly at Serena and say "I might share those thoughts more freely if your men folk where here, but... we didn't ask you to be here."

Renault's farm.

He gives Illthir a look that signals go on.

Renault's farm.

"You lot hadn't addressed my concerns before, why start in the middle of an attack by a deathless corpse wizard?" says Renault sardonically.

"They still haven't found hide nor hair of Shepherd Keegh from all that I have heard. So what brings you to my door today?" he adds before finally turns to face the pair.

Renault's farm.

Jon Gallows and a stable boy see to the women's horses. Meanwhile the maid returns and ushers Illthir and Serena into the house.

The place is rustic with a large gathering hall that looks more like a well-furnished barn or the common room of a hunting lodge. One wall sports a barn door which is currently thrown open giving the women a view of of a sea of rolling hills covered in tall grass leading off to the edge of the great forest miles to the south. Renault is standing there looking out over the landscape under the light of a noonday sun.

"Well?" he says curtly, not turning to greet them.

The maid quickly exits the room as if she were standing between a line of competing archers and their targets.

Are there any voiced reasons for the revolt? Lack of food? Safety? self governance? If we know the issue, its likely a simple fix. And likely it should be our first concern. Empty farms do no good for anyone after all. And until the Kobolds do something, it may be best to leave them be. Or even go speak with them, to prevent any unfortunate situations.

Fergus questions the two, before offering his thoughts on the kobold matter.

So in regards to the farmers--Samuel Renault is a noble from Brevoy who struck out on his own into the Stolen Lands because he didn't particularly like the political games going on back home. He built for himself a manor house and a farm and attracted some other independent-minded farmers who now form an enclave in the lands the party surveyed. He's been resistant to the party since they arrived in the area complaining that they would eventually bring the area back under Brevic rule/influence, something he is still staunchly against. He was at the recent ill-fated meeting in Brevoy because as he put it, 'if you don't have a seat at the table you'll end up the main course.'

The party met Renault and his farmer allies while investigating reported wolf attacks which actually turned out to be a cover story created by some agents of some shadowy consortium interested in poaching rare wolf pelts in Narlmarches to cover up their kidnapping of a local half-elven woodland protector named Tamris, whose abduction had exactly one witness--Tamris's own wolf animal companion, Rain.
Oddly, one of the would-be poachers (Grogan, the Cruel) was found dead at the jaws of the leucrotta in the hedge maze on Ser Richard Iannuchi's estate.

....

Samuel Renault,

"Glad to be rid of him. He was always stepping on people." mutters the man taking the drink and hammering it home.

From the direction of the stables Illthir hears a woman scream, and then shout out a long string of what seem to be shouted curses.

Renault wipes his mouth with the back of his sleeve, and sets the glass down. He looks squarely at Illthir and says "Well?"

Across the way though Samuel just glowers at the interplay.

There's still time for one more sense motive-length (or similar) interaction, if you like, Illthir.

Durgan has a good deal of respect for Gorumites, having fought alongside many. Straightforward, as a rule.

He nods. "Chaplain Wagra."

"I do not think that a duel at this time would show proper respect to our host. The death of either one would deprive Ser Richard of the guests he specifically chose to invite.
And then he would be offended, with the right to challenge someone to a duel for this disrespect. I do not think any of us here would walk away from that duel.
So we should allow Ser Richard the opportunity to broker a peace and mediate disputes."

He turns to the two quarreling men, and says firmly but not angrily, "Lord Orlovsky, Mister Renault, you can show respect for our host, or you can leave. We are here for business."

"If you a think you are not here for a fight then you might be in the wrong house." Renault says with no ambiguity at all, and storms away. Orlovsky remains silent.

"...."

But before he can utter more than two words Renault is off his horse and in the shorter man's face. "Solvis! You dog! I might have know you would be involved in this." he says spreading his arms and indicating everything within sight in a tone of disgust.

The two men fall into a snarling match which quickly escalates into shouting. Recriminations of past deeds and spittle fly through the air. Both men's faces redden with obvious animosity.

Among their train are a few familiar farmers from the region along the northern Narlmarches, and at their head a sour-faced Samuel Renault.

"Samuel, if you have a squire handy, best send word to your farm and to your neighbours. The zombie was tied to a horse to make it look like an ordinary rider. Best have people challenge such riders a good way out, eh?"

Renault sniffs irritably.

....

Later that morning. The visiting nobles from Brevoy arrive with a larger entourage than the one they left with. Besides the Lord Magister, Solvis Orlovsky, Tybolt Langrave and their guard, the party sees that Samuel Renault has come with a few local men, as well a another nobleman with his own pair of guardsmen. All of them come astride horse or carriage.

"What the blazes happened here!" exclaims Renault in surprise. "We thought the whole outpost had burned to the ground."

Renault's Farm

Renault sighs heavily.

"I suppose you'll want a bit and bridle too?"

12 gp more for a bit, bridle and riding saddle.

Renault's Farm

The big horse seems nice enough.

"His name's Walker."

Renault's Farm

Samuel Renault wrote:

Renault's Farm

"You'll understand if I keep that information to myself. I do not hold any personal animosity toward you (though that other gnome who accompanied you would do well to stay away from me) but I have a vested interest in keeping these lands free of Brevic influence."

"I can certainly understand your position. Brevic politics leaves something to be desired, usually."

"But the Swordlords of Restov seem to be taking a greater interest in the area. If they choose to force the issue you may need to compromise. Better to have a plan for that contingency, don't you think? The way you are established here gives you a good bargaining position, so you might be able to direct things to your advantage."

Just trying to seem sympathetic.

Samuel snorts but leaves it at that.

Zokon gives the horse a look over to see if he can find anything wrong with the horse

"Ummm... it looks ok to me.."

All three horses are a little past their prime. They have the 'middle-aged' template--like Numalar! As animals they don't get any added benefit to Intelligence (so +1 Wis and Cha, and -1 Str, Dex, and Con).

Renault's Farm

"You'll understand if I keep that information to myself. I do not hold any personal animosity toward you (though that other gnome who accompanied you would do well to stay away from me) but I have a vested interest in keeping these lands free of Brevic influence."

Renault's Farm

"Well, I do have a couple horses I could sell you."

Renault has two light horses (85 gp each) and one heavy horse (215 gp) that he is willing to sell.

As the party arrives Renault waves them over. The man looks a bit deflated by the lack of Alia in the party.

"You didn't bring your lovely elven friend, but who is this beautiful vision?" he says looking at Illthir. "You wouldn't happen to be an understudy for the play would you? I was a bit disappointed by the stoutish redhead in the troupe. The woman looked like she was just making it up as she went along."

"So tell us about your trip. Did you get very far? Giving up by any chance?" he says slyly.

Posh merely nods at the suggestion of heading to Renault's home.

"That would be most helpful. We could use all the help possible when making these lands safe again." Posh states with a smile "I'm sure we can get along very well and help with anything you need."

"And who said I need any help." Samuel says a bit testily.

Sudden a loud commotion rises from the crowd.

Checking to see if they are not watched, then figuring that she just had a topless scene on stage, mentally shrugging, and changing into her regular top regardless of onlookers....

"What? WHAT!? Did I miss something? What? ...You... pesky... little... *Grrrr*."

He turns to Mr Renault "Nettles crossing burnt? Where is that please, sounds like bandits to investiate?"

"Come by the house when this is over. I could show you on a map." Renault says keeping his eyes focused on the state. Then after a moment in a more conspiratorial tone he adds: "Maybe bring your elf friend with you--it could be a sort of afterglow party." *Nudge, nudge*

I've gone ahead and put it on your area map.

"That is very kind of you, Mister Renault. But where I go, my bodyguard would go, and if we were to bed in the house, our travel companions would possibly feel insulted if the same courtesy is not extended to them. We can gladly share a night cap, but I think it may be best if me, Scarlet and Esme have a little time tonight to re-hearse for tomorrow evenings "Three Sister's Story", then rest with the others of our entourage."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Bluff (play it all off): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Er, yes. We have a servants' wing. Well. 'Waste your time'? 'Debt'? *Ahem* Well then, I look forward to your performance tomorrow then. If you'll excuse me." Renault quickly extricates himself and leaves. So that's the way they are in that party.

"Quite a long day for you I suppose, Alia was it?" Says Renualt through a haze of mild drunkenness. "You should come back to the house. We could clear a room for you. Maybe a night cap? I would love to hear more of your tale."

RPGGGM wrote:

Are we going to see Mr. Renault first? I believe I have at least one vote for that from Scarlet.

Yes, that's the plan, though it is close to the fair so those who aren't interested may not be necessary. Numalar will definitely go. Will doing so occupy the first "time slot?"

Yes, and Valorin, his retainers, and a number of local men are there--or summoned for--as well. This includes: Vekkel and young Hal Benzen, Henson Noshbin, Rolf Deers, Jon and Beatrice Gallows, Larimus Finch and Fusti Isben. Aside from servants who bustle about (and other PCs who want to be here as well) Scarlet and Beatrice are the only women in attendance. As Valorin is here, Zokon and Scarlet are as well.

"Well, Mister Renault, I'm not known for it but I'll try to be brief."

"...We spoke to Farmer Gallows and his daughter. Beatrice said the wolf was 'tugging at her dress' and seemed 'playful' - not hostile at all, which tells me that Rain was probably trying to get her to come and help Tamris, just as he did with Mister Auric at the fair."

"Farmer Gallows chased Rain off with his hayfork, and apparently Rain bit him on the... posterior. But considering Rain helped us face down Tuskgutter, I doubt that Rain was afraid of him. If Rain really wanted to kill Farmer Gallows, Gallows would probably be dead...."

Gallows rubs his posterior in sympathetic reaction.

"So that was it then, eh?" Renault says leaning up against a big fireplace topped with a huge stuffed fish. "Impressive. Never did cotton to Grogan or his friends."

Later:
Back at Samuel Renault's spacious home, in his big open "lodge room" it is the middle of the night but the whole of the downstairs is alive with servants rushing about and attending to the party and a few grizzled locals still awake, near and nosy enough to be attracted to all the lights and shadows.

"So that was it then, eh?" Renault says leaning up against a big fireplace topped with a huge stuffed fish. "Impressive."

What exactly do you tell them?

;)

"Agreed. Our most pressing concern is finding this wolf--alive if possible. Like you lot Grogan and his two cronies are outsiders who have never struck me as particularly savory."
There's a general murmur of agreement from the locals.

With that the meeting breaks, Renault confers with some of the hunters. Valorin and his men mount up and prepare to ride. Fan looks to the party.

"Of course, Introductions."

Numalar doffs his hat and makes a deep bow.

"I am Numalar Auritonius of Valdralee, once a retainer of House Garess, recently chartered along with my companions here, as an explorer here in the Stolen Lands by the Swordlords of Restov."

There's a little gasp from the crowd at the mention of the Swordlords.

"Master Renault, we know full well you put up the bounty; we were at your meeting, though we did not get the chance to talk then. But you did so at the behest of another man, and you were not a witness to the incident that brought the complaint."

"I did so because there was a seemingly dangerous beast stalking about our farms. Regardless, what does any of this have to do with your charter? And what I wonder has this charter to do with us? Everyone living in this valley came here to get away from Brevoy. We've toiled and bled for this land, and now you come with a piece of paper to what? Take it away?"

"Now everyone simmer down!"

Renault looks at each of the assembled group in "Perhaps some introductions are in order first?" The way he says it is more like a command than a question.

"Stupid animal but it didn't attack anyone, either way, one of my companions has helped it get away at the moment and the others are attempting to explain it"

"Oh, and I suppose Grogan just tripped and fell into the thing's jaws then?" He says noting the blood in the center of the northern circle of carts.

"But if this wolf is a harmless tame...dog, then it would be very interesting who pushed for the bounty on it's head?"

"Allow me to allay your curiosity; I was the one who put up the bounty. This fair is important to the people who live in the valley here and we can't afford for vicious wolves--tame or not--to attack locals or scare off folks who journey from afar to take part."

"Now I know Gallows, and while he's been known to to be quite liberal in his descriptions of things anytime a wolf gets this close to civilization it usually means the thing is either mad with rabies or a worg of some type. Neither of which means much good, so you'll forgive me if I err on the side of dangerous. This isn't Oppara or even New Stetven. We ain't so sophisticated that we can have speckled wolf or striped cougar pets. And I swear-" And he puts a bit of steel in his voice. "If that dappled devil returns to cause harm to anyone here I'm holding you people personally responsible for lettin' it go."

"What in Erastil's name is going on here?" Renault bellows.

"We've got one of the wolves sir." One of the spearmen says hovering over the patchy corpse.

"One of them?!" Renault says in surprise.

"What in the Nine Hells is going on here?!" Renault shouts over the tumult. He walks on to the fairgrounds with sword in hand.

"Good. Now everyone simmer down."

The chatter trails off.

"Now as you know there's been reports of a big charcoal and grey dappled wolf on the prowl. Just yesterday the beast attacked Jon Gallow's girl. Luckily it was driven off before it could do much harm, but who knows when it might strike again. Good people I want this animal found and caught or killed to prevent further harm to our community or the visitors who are here for the festival. To this end I'm putting up 250 gold crowns of my coin as bounty. May Erastil guide us."

He answers a few questions and with that he concludes. At once the conversations commence again as the hunters file slowly toward the door.