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Shadowlarke is running this game. He played Elam in my Curse of the Crimson Throne game.
Our first game was on Halloween. That day we spent most of the time tidying up the character sheets and prepping the game. We got started pretty late but we did get a little game in.
First, however, let’s introduce the characters. We’ll go by alphabetical order here.
Kenver: Human Bear Shaman Druid from the APG, I only know what he has told us about his background. His parents died in a gang war, though they seemed to be poor and uninvolved in the war. He grew up in the forest of Gronzi, learning the druidic ways. He heard of the Sword Lords charter and he ran into us a few days later.
Mingo: Gnome Barbarian with an Earthbreaker. I bet you all think this character is as cliché as it comes. Having been hit by the Earthbreaker this gnome wields…yea pretty much cliché but still quite effective. Mingo has shared very little of his background. In fact I have been moved by his Earthbreaker far more than his words.
Nathaniel Kaylor: Human Rogue. Future multiclass Cavalier. This character is one of three Kaylor’s that have come to the greenbelt. The older half brother, Nathaniel is a bit of a scamp. He grew up on the streets becoming something of a minor gang leader. His ties to family seem to be what has pulled him to the greenbelt.
Ophelia Kaylor: Human Oracle. Ophelia is the youngest of the Kaylor’s to venture into the greenbelt. She has only recently discovered her two older brothers still live after several years living with their uncle. Ophelia sadly suffers blindness that has never been able to be cured. She functions fairly well, but is constantly being looked after by her older brothers. She is a pure pacifist with a power of life.
William Kaylor: Human Paladin. William is something of the glue that holds the other two Kaylor’s together. He is a knight by training, a nobleman by birth and a gentleman by nature. This is my character, and the perspective from which I will write.
We used a rather novel background generator, an older product called Central Casting. It developed some quite radical characters, yet they tie together quite well.
I will begin the adventures of this group in future posts.
This has promise, Brutesquad07. I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
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The adventure began back on Halloween. I will be speaking from my own viewpoint; I will leave other character interpretations up to the players of those characters.
Our first day in the Stolen Lands,
I have lost track of the date, as it has been a hectic month of preparation and travel. It has been a long couple of years since our parents were hung. Nathaniel finding Ophelia has been the first sign the gods have given me since that brutal day. Here we are several weeks later entering the Stolen Lands and once more I find the world not what I was promised. Well I have come this far and I will carve out a place in this world in spite of it all.
We have seen so many camp fires I begin to wonder how many of the charters the Sword Lords have issued. We came here, thinking we were special, and yet we find a man with a pot on his head for a helmet, boots that have more holes than the man’s head has, and a sword that I would not give to a child in the rear guard. As he waved his charter babbling about exploring the land and finding a home all his own I felt my heart sink again. Still, pity struck me harder and I asked him to join us. Sven has been something of an enigma. He claims to be a cobbler. Yet he doesn’t look to have eaten in weeks. Every Meal he takes seems to put weight back upon his bones and energy back into his soul.
As my brother Nathaniel, sister Ophelia and Sven our lackey for lack of a better term, approached the trading post that the charters we all have mention a man and a large dog approach us. Stopping we speak with the man. Kenver is something of a woodsman, one of those elusive druids. Surprise of surprise’s the dog that accompanies him is in fact a small bear. While I can’t help feel there is more to him, he seems sturdy enough and he to has a charter. With every one of these charters I see I grow a bit more despondent.
How many people have flooded these lands in hopes of claiming some or all of it for their own? Are they like this Kenver here and capable of surviving harsh lands or are there more Sven’s out there, poor wretched souls in over their heads and in need of saving?
As we are speaking with Kenver, another charter appears. This time being held by a foul smelling Gnome with an Earthbreaker that I am not sure I could even lift. This gnome waives his charter around like some sort of magical trinket, as though it explains everything about him. He speaks very little, seeming to rely on monosyllable’s, grunts and waiving of his charter to get his point across. As the day grows longer we decide to take our conversation, or grunting in case of the gnome, inside the building.
Thus we arrive at Oleg’s, No longer three but now six. Perhaps it would be more apt to say 5 and Sven. A master Oleg appears from inside and we quickly come to an arrangement to have the horses stabled, lodging provided for and meals for all the weary travelers. It is not long before we are fed. During our meal we talk some of what brought us and some of what we hope to do. Oleg, at some prodding from his darling wife Svetlana, finally approaches us about something that has obviously been nagging him for some time.
It seems bandits have been plaguing the pair for several months, demanding tribute that far exceeds any reasonable demand for protection. These brigands have gone so far as to take the woman’s wedding ring off her finger in one of their regular raids. Discussing this further Oleg reveals that the bandits are due to arrive the very next morning. Well with that we quickly set upon building a plan to lure these men inside the walls and then close the doors, trapping them inside while we explain to them that banditry is now officially illegal and discuss with them plans to find them a more constructive hobby.
Day 2, as I have still not discovered the date…I shall be forced to inquire one of these days.
Our plan came off beautifully and with out a hitch. Our triumph was only exceeded by our arrogance and lack of forethought. My brother handled himself amazingly well. I must remember to congratulate him on his quick hands and quicker reactions. He helped me shut the gates behind our foe after they had entered the compound. Kenver and his pet were stationed between the buildings making sure these ruffians would not attempt to escape us by moving further in. Mingo, as we have since learned the gnomes name to be, was cleverly hidden within the wagon of goods that the bandits had come for.
As they approached the wagon, we shut the gates, and Kenver and his bear friend stepped out. As expected the fools drew weapons. After a moment of trying to explain that we merely wished to talk they made it quite clear that talking was not what they had come for.
Nathaniel beat down one of our opponents with a makeshift club that I had never seen him use before. Amazingly the man survived the brutal beating applied by my brother. I then engaged the man who was nearest to the wagon, smacking him with the broad side of my sword but not hard enough to remove him from the fight. The poor man was looking straight at me as the gnome rose up out of the wagon and brought the full weight of that beast of a hammer down upon him I was shocked by the brutality of that hit. The man literally shrank 2 feet before me. Blessedly he seems to have not felt a thing as his life left him.
A few moments later and all the bandits, including their leaders, were unconscious. Sadly there was a fatality but the other three were merely unconscious on their side, a scratch to the gnome on ours. Seems the gods were with us in this one.
We put the men in a cage of sorts that Oleg uses for keeping his goods in. Here my arrogance raised its ugly head. It never occurred to me to have the cage inspected. We then began to argue amongst ourselves as to what to do with them. I and my sister Ophelia arguing for leniency and allowing them to pay their debts back to society even if there was no society yet to pay back to. Oleg and Kenver were of the opinion that the charter says banditry is to result in death and we should just hang them. Nathaniel was more of the opinion that their leader should hang and the others should be made to understand that that option was still on the table for them.
During our discussions, we turned our back to long and the brigands escaped the cage due to a weak roof. They even made it over the walls before we could catch up to them. By the time we got out into the field they had made good their escape. I have apologized to Oleg and the others for their escape and I will make good each of their capture if ever I see them again.
William Kaylor: "What is your purpose out here in the wilds sir? I am here to bring civilization to these uncivilized lands, through Law, Order and a good old fashioned butt kicking. What brings you here?"
Nathaniel Kaylor: "Kenver, dear brother, let's not get ahead of ourselves and lose sight of the little things just yet... like people's names. Speaking of little things, the same could be requested of your... little thing."
William Kaylor: "Yes of Course Nathaniel. Thank you for that. As for the gnome, remember that he is a sentient being and please treat him with respect. I am sorry, sir, I have forgotten your name as well."
I am sure you know his name and will remind me...
"I assure you sir, that I do not consider your name or presence to be anything little or uninteresting as my Brother here has so studiously asserted. It did slip my mind I will admit, however, I do hope you will not hold that against me. Pray sir will you enlighten me with your motivations so that I may understand them, and thusly you, better?"
Nathaniel Kaylor: "Well... um. That's hardly fair, he never told us his name, but he did respond to "Gnome", "Little Fella" and even "Stinky" at one point... hardly appropriate now though. On that note, I highly recommend the 3rd rain barrel be emptied and cleaned by someone, of whatever that offensive odor was."
"I do enjoy being as tall as I am, perhaps it would be better if we asked you your name, rather than mocking an angry guy with an earthbreaker."
Mingo: "My name is Mingo!"
Nathaniel Kaylor: "Ah, see... Mingo, and to think all we had to do was ask."
Kenver: "Well guys this whole thing is pretty simple, my name is Kenver, my parents were poor and died after getting caught in the middle of some stupid gang war. I left the city and grew up learning the Druidic arts in the forests of Gronzi. That's where I met my buddy Ripclaw here. I was wandering there when I heard about the prospects of the Swordlords and that there might land available here I came looking. I had only been here a few weeks when I got the charter about the Greenbelt."
"I have good feeling about this group, we have worked well together after only knowing each other for a very short time. If we can work out these petty squabbles about how to deal with bandits and thieves I think we can be very effective."
William Kaylor: "Indeed the method we use with these bandits does seem to be our only point of contention. I propose something of a compromise. Let us not remove death from the table but instead place it at the highest of punishments for the highest of crimes. Follow me here, the writ explains that the punishment for Banditry is death. Well taken to the letter, we must now execute each other for we have killed a man, taken 3 hostage and relieved them all of their gear and their horses. To some, that is Banditry. I do not subscribe to that interpretation, I prefer to believe that we attempted to set before these men law and order and they chose not to accept.
I believe, therefore, that we must and should interpret the law, when it comes to banditry, on a case by case basis. For instance, if we find a man who steals a chicken then that man is obviously a bandit no? But...what if, say, in questioning he tells us he stole the bird to feed his wife and children? Must we then put him to the sword? Or would we be serving the law better by feeding him and his family, thus removing the necessity of stealing, and putting him and his to work feeding others? What is the just punishment here?"
"I have rambled once more haven't I dear brother?"
Nathaniel Kaylor:
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I will spoiler each day’s entry for space reasons. If you are in this board there are spoilers for Kingmaker (as though the name of the board isn’t enough) You have been warned.
Day 3
So this morning my brother, sister our new friends Kenver and Mingo set out to explore the lands around Olegs and see what there is in this land. First I apologized to our host for allowing the knaves from the previous day escape. We spent the rest of the morning hunting them down to no avail. We then decided to supply and set out to explore first thing this morning. Between supply and discussing with Oleg the day was just to advanced to set out.
We also devised some notices to hang on Oleg’s board. We offered to hire any bandits, any huntsmen or trappers and to hire any lost souls traveling through. The way I see it, any bandit that is willing to stop banditry for a little coin is an easy sell. Trappers and hunters will be invaluable in our efforts to explore. They already know the land and if some are willing to come with us they can speed us up. As for the others, I worry about those poor souls with charters who are in over their heads. I convinced the party that we should support any folk we find wandering aimlessly and send them to Olegs. Ophelia and I are covering Oleg’s cost from the time the people arrive until we return. We have left a small sum with the man. I just hope that I am wrong and there aren’t a flood of people out there.
We set off from Oleg’s and traveled east. Exploring this land is somewhat time consuming. We spent a whole day just trying to figure out how to map. Luckily my brother had had the forethought to purchase a book Oleg had on map making. He and I have been pouring over it, but it is slow going. Near the end of the day we found a hut, well, Kenver’s bear found a hut.
Inside was a hermit, what was his name again…I’ll ask Nathaniel later. The little man was all spit fire, but it turns out he is something of an herbalist and a brewer. He offered us potions, though I find myself a little short at the moment, also I am dubious of the mans talents. Kenver had a long talk with him. The druid is a bit blunt and seems to have an anger issue. He and the man nearly came to blows before I stepped in. He did offer us a discount on potions and remedies if we were able to find some clawberries. He explained slowly, I believe to irritate our druid friend, exactly what these ripperberries are and how to find these fang trees they grow on. We agreed to look for these berries for the man and then we made haste from there. I was in fear the druid and the hermit would come to blows.
We only got a little more mapping in before we had to break for the night and find a campsite. I realized I never procured food for my mount. The rough horses we captured from the bandits and the horse I brought for Ophelia don’t mind foraging but Darius will not keep his fighting form long without something a bit more substantive. We will have to return to Olegs. We shall finish exploring this region and work our way back to Oleg’s.
Day 4
This day was quite unremarkable in the field. We explored our way back to Oleg’s place. As we approached we made out the sound of a whistle that Nathaniel and I recognized instantly as that of a watchman alerting his compatriots. It turns out that the Sword Lords have sent a squad of men. Corporal Garris and several guards have not only made themselves a small camp outside, they have begun shoring up the defense of the compound and have set a watch, very impressive. Speaking with him I must say his name keeps ringing a bell, but I am unable to place where I know him from. I wonder if he served during the war between our uncles. He is not only doing his duty, here in the stolen lands, but he has something of a personally vendetta with one of the bandits out here and has asked us to keep an eye out for him. Kenver and Nathaniel have the details on the man. I was a little to busy planning our expedition into the uncharted territories. This time I wisely picked up ten days of feed for Darius. Tomorrow we return to the wilds of exploring.
Day 7
A few days out and we have been getting better at this. We have explored twice as much territory as we did the first two days. We had entered the forest early in the day, that took some adjustments to map, though Kenver claims he and Mingo’s foraging improved quite a bit. We did come across something of an oddity today, kobolds. We came upon something of a garden or perhaps just a large clearing. There, sitting in the middle was a small band of kobolds. Now Kenver needed a little persuading to not go in swinging his scimitar and ridding the forest of the pests as he called them. Nathaniel, Ophelia and I were able to convince him that we should talk to them before entering into any hostile acts.
The kobolds were sated and had their fill of radishes. At first they were a bit belligerent and were demanding that we leave. Ophelia, in her blind affection for anything that can pass for a pet or stuffed animal, wanted one. She kept trying to get closer and touch one, to which point one of the kobolds threw a turnip at her. Rather amusing as it was I did ask that no more vegetable be thrown. The kobolds were uninterested in telling us much about the forest or their home, other than to say there were hundreds, if not thousands of them there. Suffice it to say I doubt there are hundreds…The kobolds were harmless so we moved on.
Day 7 continued.
Tonight we did encounter something much less harmless. During my watch a pair of wolves or dogs or some such, Kenver swears they were some sort of marrsoupel that just looks like dogs. I still wish someone would explain to me what that means. Irrelevant, the creatures were trying to eat one of our pack horses.
I made sure the camp was roused then rushed to engage the beasts. That did not go so well. I slipped several times during the fighting, at one point the beast tore into my arm something fierce. Luckily for me my friends and brother rushed to my aid. By the time they swarmed the beasts I was dazzed and unsure of exactly what was happening. When I shook that off and stood back up, one of the beasts had fled and the other did before I could get to it.
Thankfully we lost none of the horses. Smokey, as I call the horse the dog things were after, was a bit worse for wear, but I think if I switch him with the extra riding horse and transfer his load over to the other he’ll be all right.
Day 11
Slower going. Trying to stretch out our food supply a bit means we have to slow down, not to mention these woods are a bit more treacherous. All day yesterday and today we keep coming upon these bear traps. Some seem to be marked and intended to trap animals, but some of them seem to be a bit to well hidden. Nathaniel, having some bear traps of his own, has some experience with these things. He has left the mapping to me and gone ahead of the party with Kenver to see if he can find these things before they eat a horse or worse one of us. So far he has pointed out some but those that seem to be targeting people he has disarmed and he and Mingo have pulled them.
Day 13
Nathaniel, my dear brother, has been the butt of some cruel, yet rather amusing joke. We came upon a river today, somewhat west of the turnip patch and somewhat south of the trapped area. The river teams with fish and Nathaniel so loves fishing. He, once more, left me to work on the map as he took a long break to get a net out. He pulled in many fish. He was quite proud of this, and rightfully so. He caught enough for all of us to eat well.
Then his net suddenly was pulled from him by the river itself. At first I didn’t realize what was happening. I was on the other side of a hill where I had the maps laid out and was trying to reconcile them. I heard him shout. Quickly surmising something was amiss I grabbed my sword and crested the hill to see him shaking storming out of the river with no net, soaked to his chest and his prize all gone.
Well, I have never seen him so angry. Yet, there was something quite funny about the whole thing. I didn’t know if I should charge in to assist or finish laughing. Finally he gave up on his net and we moved on. Some hours later we found a ford in the river and there, in a wonderful camping spot was a fire with Nathaniel’s net folded carefully and the fish he had caught cooking over the fire. Nathaniel shook his head and took his net back.
Tomorrow back to Olegs. We need to resupply.
Day 13 continued
I don’t know exactly what just happened. My head still throbs. I was resting, finally having dozed off, the druid was on the last watch. I awoke to him and Mingo arguing. I rose up to see Mingo chasing the druid with his Earthbreaker, threatening to smash the man into a pulp. I asked what was going on and suggested Mingo come tell me when the gnome turned and swung the hammer at me. That is all I really remember. I still am in something of a fog.
Day 14
We arrived at Olegs rather late again. This time the guards have built a little camp outside and we discovered a Cleric of Erastil has set up residence as well.
Nathaniel Kaylor: "William, honestly, how did you ever pass your academics? I'd expect a book full of generic descriptions from our blind sister, who somehow associates everything with a sketch of a cat. Though when you let her map for the first hour or so, it was rather amusing." "Here, I'll help."
"BOKEN, the Hermit Herbalist is looking for FANG-berries... Sergeant GARESS is looking for FALGRIM SNEED a VARISIAN mercenary, preferably ALIVE... JODE is the traveling priest and hunter faithful to Erastil."
"...No, I know what you're thinking, I do not remember what the name of the hound creatures was despite Jode telling us, but that's not important right now."
"Oh, BY THE WAY, that massive beating Mingo gave you the other night. You can thank Kenver for that, he threw you straight under the wagon. Someone should explain Fey and the like to our belligerent little friend, BEFORE he ends up killing one of us. He's obviously not big on practical jokes."
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We returned to the Green Belt this past Sunday. We picked our story up, where we had left it, in Oleg’s Trading Post.
Day 15
Another good day. Geoffrey has arrived unexpectedly. Our brother who was lost somewhere in the war between our uncles turns up randomly here at Oleg’s. Sadly, while the gods smile upon us and provide a safe reunion with our brother, they then strike Ophelia down with a fever. Svetlana has promised to keep her safe for us as we continue our exploration of the lands about us. We set out at dawn and resumed our exploring.
Day 18
We journeyed through the Radish Patch the day before yesterday. We stopped long enough for Kenver to collect some radishes for Svetlana. I am confident they will hold till we return. We then explored further south and west. We found a bridge crossing the river from our previous explorations.
We came upon a makeshift camp. Nathaniel found it, while exploring and fishing the river. Seems the bandits have set up a nice little place here in this hallow. The river runs through, there are a couple of makeshift towers to give them lookout points. Lean-to’s to provide some shelter.
Kenver approached through the woods, before we realized they were bandits. He hailed them as the rest of us approached along the river. They got a little belligerent, to which Kenver retorted to them, “Stop…” “We have you outnumbered…and surrounded!” they did not believe him. By the time Darius and I were able to swing through a makeshift barrier of logs, Kenver and his Bear were beaten to the ground. Before I could get much closer Mingo, who had rushed into the woods to help Kenver, was also beaten down. Nathaniel was dealing with one of the lookouts, I was able to skewer the other from Darius’ back. Geoffrey moved about trying to get a good angle on another bowman.
Free of the man on the tower I was able to rush to our downed compatriots aid. I ran one man down quite quickly and then beat another off. Soon I had run two of the bandits off and we had beaten down the rest. I quickly rushed to the aid of our friends. I attempted to bandage the druid first. That was going poorly so I grabbed our last cure light wounds potion and poured it down his throat. Next I examined the gnome, luckily he seemed to not be bleeding, merely having been beaten badly. The Bear Ripclaw I was unable to assist, bears don’t seem to take to the usual bandaging methods well. He passed away from his injuries.
We did capture one of the bandits alive. He even gave us some answers to our questions. I hope we can convince him to give up this banditry and take up something more productive.
Day 19
Kenver and Mingo are still resting. Hopefully they recover, we have done what we can for them. Nathaniel, Geoffrey and I have spoken for a long time today with Evan, the bandit we captured yesterday. Geoffrey continues to make threatening comments, but I was able to convince Evan to tell us all that we need to know about the other bandits in the area. Apparently there is a “Lord” called the “Staglord” who all the bandits answer to. He has some sort of fort to the south on the North East shore of the Tuskwater. I believe this is a lake to our south. We have not yet laid eyes on it, but we have heard of this lakes presence down there.
Evan also gave us a password that the place uses, “By the Bloody bones of St Gilmorg who wants to know?” Not likely that helpful as I am convinced the two bandits that escaped were Kressel who did the worst of the damage to my friends, and Hopps the leader of the bandits that we beat off at Olegs a couple of weeks ago. These two are apparently lieutenants of this Staglord and no doubt they have returned to him and warned of our presence in the green belt.
Since we don’t know how long Kenver and Mingo will be out, or indeed if they will make it, I can not justify us trying to catch the two escaped bandits or even head to the bandit fort and get there before them, as I believe they will get there first. Since we have lost the element of surprise, and we were just plain unable to handle the 8 or so bandits here very well, I worry that we will be unable to tackle the fort full of them.
Evan also told us this Staglord is waiting for his drink, we captured 8 vials of the stuff when we took the camp. He suggested we just send that on down to the Staglords fort or the man will tear the world apart looking for it. He also seems to keep some old guy chained up in the basement. Evan indicated that this man may actually be the force behind the bandits rather than the Staglord. We shall see all to soon I am sure.
Day 21
Kenver awoke today finally. He had been drifting in and out of consciousness for the last 12 hours or so. Finally early today he shook the cobwebs and rose enough for us to help him sit up. We told him how the fight finished, and that Mingo was still unconscious. He summoned up enough magic to heal Mingo enough to waken. I also had the unfortunate duty to inform him of Ripclaws passing. I vowed to rename this Tuskwater lake to Lake Ripclaw in honor of his friend.
We then spent the rest of the day sleeping and resting. Kenver was able to convince another bear to come to his aid. Ripnugget I believe is what he named it.
Day 23
We were finally able to set off again this morning. 4 days we wound up spending at that camp, all of them driving me to distraction. So much to explore still, not to mention how will this group ever be able to defeat the Staglord and his bandits. They outnumber us dreadfully and after our encounter 4 days ago my confidence in our abilities is low. We must devise some manner of victory or our bodies will likely never be found. Perhaps I am lagging in confidence due to Ophelia’s absence. The world seems so chipper when she is near. It is good to have Geoffrey about, however.
We left the river behind, I expect we will find it again. We set off to the east. Kenver, while exploring, stumbled upon a cave and came back to tell us we had to see it. Seems the cave glitters in the fading light. We all approached and marveled at the cave. Not much need to explore the cave, even if the glittering is nice.
Day 24
We have found a tree that Kemver claims is extremely important. He began digging in his pack furiously. He pulled from his pack some map that we found back on one of our first days exploring. It showed a tree that looks more like a claw. This tree kind of bears a resemblance I suppose. Kenver and Mingo began digging at the roots of the tree where they found some sort of stash. A cloak wrapped around a book and a wand. All rather uninteresting to me, but to each their own.
Day 26
We turned north and east from the tree. Most of the time has been uninteresting. We did come upon a pond here towards the end of our day. There, coming out of the water, was the largest Elk I have ever seen. It was larger than Darius, my trusty steed. Impressive. It caught our scent, but by that time we were already retreating far enough away that it let us leave it in peace. An inspiring sight.
Day 28
We have fared better than we did against the bandits. As we were breaking camp this morning we were set upon by a band of Kobolds. Before we could engage them in dialog they engaged us with weapons. Mingo let loose the most awful blood curtailing scream I have ever heard. He then charged through the mob of kobolds to wind up near the back of their numbers. We all came running to his defense. Geoffrey was taken down this time. The rest of us were beaten pretty badly, but were whole.
We had to figure out a new plan. We are just unable to fight out here with the limited healing the druid has to offer. We have decided to travel to Boken’s house, it is just a couple of days to the west from here. Hopefully he has some potions that will help. If not, we may have to return to Oleg’s and see if anyone there has another idea.
Day 32
A month we have spent down here now. We purchased every last potion Bokken had to offer. We now carry 7 potions that he promises will heal us. The way the fights go in this land, that might last us to the end of the week.
We have covered a lot of territory though. We have now come upon another river. We came at it from a very tight turn in the river, I call it the Knot. This is obviously a different river than the one we found to the west. This one is deeper, faster and the bank here on the north and west side is very steep, almost cliff like in places. We followed it for a distance and came upon what I thought was a bridge at first, but on second glance may have been a ferry. Now there is just a pair of docks on either side of the river and some sort of detritus in the water that is most likely the remains of the ferry.
We were just beginning our exploration when some sort of walking dead strode out of the carnage of the ferry and walked towards us across the water calling for the body of the Stag Lord. We all agreed to leave the river behind. I have made an oath to the gods to return here soon and right this place. However, at this time I think we may need to know more about what happened.
We did not manage to find a way across the river so everything over there remains unexplored at this time.
We meet again in two weeks to continue our story.
Brothers I need your opinion. How do we assault a fort full of bandits and survive?
I have an idea, but... *gives you a look, then shakes his head* nah, nevermind.
We had previously heard mention of the sycamore tree and it's inhabitants from a repentant bandit named Evan. He explained to us that the mites had recently ransacked their supplies and also made away with some of their ill-gotten gains and that if the ring was found in their camp, it was likely the mites had grabbed it.
As we formulate something of a plan and discuss options, a messanger from Oleg's approached and told us our sister Ophelia's condition is worsening and Oleg thinks she should be relocated. Obviously a polite way of saying she's too much trouble, untrained Oracle powers causing the havok in her general vacinity, coupled with the typical trouble a young child gets into. Honorably, William volunteered to ride back to Oleg's and then escort her home to Stone Climb, easily a two week journey round trip.
Mingo came out complaining about spiders, covered in both green ichor and red juice. Kenver came out looking like he had fought with a large house cat and lost, also a healing potion short. Kenver's bear, Rip-Paw came out looking well fed and unscathed, other than berry mustache/beard. Prax suffered little to no injury, but spent much less time fighting the thicket. The horses remained safe and sound under my watchful eye.
Kenver determined that the berries would likely need to be fresh for potion brewing, a glance at the map told us that we had to head back to Bokken's the next morning to make our newly imposed deadline.
About midday we heard loud snorting and russling in the nearby foliage, when out nowhere a large boar skewered Mingo's horse, which bucked Mingo off and ran panicked into the fang berry bush ending it's life. It was likely for the best as we would've had to put it down after it's initial injury anyway. The rest of the horses spooked as well, though I managed to ride mine to safety before it to decided to run. Our pack horses were later discovered dead , but all of our gear still accounted for.
Mingo pounded the boar's flank with his earthbreaker resounding with a definite *CRACK* of broken ribs. Tuskgutter, the name the locals gave this beast and in fact one of our quests from the bulletin board, in turn gored Mingo launching him back a short distance and leaving him unconcious. Prax announced he was going to attempt to subdue the beast to train as a mount as it took a chunk out of Kenver. I positioned myself as best as I saw fit providing opportunities for my allies to strike, though was unsuccessful at landing an attack of my own. If memory serves, Rip-Paw landed the killing blow.
Resting, healing and recovering horses took the remainder of the day and most of the next, but we survived. I never thought I'd admit it, but I miss being in the city, living in the wilderness is difficult. I'd rather be ordering from a menu than being the one on the menu.
While inspecting the area we heard a loud, echoing growl and then the source made itself known as a large bear with antlers appeared at the mouth of the cave. I immediately had a thought, the bear greatly resembled the Kaylor family heraldry, but refused to respond to two attempts at a greeting, once in comon and once in sylvan. The bear approached growing increasing more menacing, but not attacking, it seems the more we spoke, the angrier it got. I moved into a more strategic position and suggested that maybe it needed healing as it had obvious signs of something resembling the mange. Kenver attempted soothing the animal, but did not succeed. He then attempted to heal it with a spell, the sound of his casting seemed to provoke the bear into combat almost immediately.
We defeated the bear with with only a few of us getting moderately injured, it's shape shrank down to that of an old man who looked to be at peace with how events had turned out. His body then withered and turned to ash right before our eyes. The area around us began to instantly flourish and spring to life, the pool became crystal clear and Kenver instructed those who were injured to drink of it, there wounds miraculously healed shortly thereafter. Kenver believes Erastil has divine influence over this grove.
She is very ill, I was forced to find an old family friend to put her with. One who would understand and be able to care for her but equally understand the necessity of remaining quiet.
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I have returned to Oleg’s to find my friends and brothers resting after a harrowing week of exploration. After they recounted their exploits, I went on to tell them about how I delivered Ophelia up to our Aunt, who I am confident will provide expert care. I am also well disposed to believe that she will remain silent upon the presence of Ophelia within her household. I have promised the woman a stipend delivered monthly to care for my dear sister.
While trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible and not draw any attention to myself or Ophelia, I did manage to procure a wand that I believe will assist us in our exploits. The wand will heal us in our times of need.
We collected our supplies and set out exploring once more at first light. I find it quite remarkable how much land we have cleared and explored. For it now took us 2 days to reach the frontier. We quickly settled in to our duties, Nathaniel and I mapping while Geoffrey, Kenver and Mingo explored and scoured the lands for anything of interest. They had quite a supply of pork still and were quite skilled at supplying tasty bits to add to keep it from growing dull.
Day 49
We started our exploration from the Temple of Erastil. Kenver spent some time examining it before we set off north. We came upon the headwaters of a river. As the sun was warming up the day I was the recipient of a prank. Someone thought it would be amusing to fill my boots with fang berries. As Kenver is the carrier of the berries I assumed it to be him and threw the bag of them at him. I must admit here, humor has always been a weakness of my make up. I do not understand why it is funny when I put my foot in a boot full of fang berries, but not funny when I throw a bag of fang berries at Kenver who perpetrated the prank in the first place.
Day 50
As we continued our exploring near the headwater, Ripclaw began following some sort of trail of fang berries. I began to realize that the perpetrator of my fang berry boot was probably not Kenver. I really do need to apologize to him soon. The trail led Ripclaw, and us by association, to the body of some sort of trapper. It seems he had been playing with a nasty trap that Nathaniel and Kenver believe to be of his own making. Someone seems to have cut a rope at an inopportune time for the man resulting in him being smashed between two logs that he had intended to harm someone else, probably a hunter or trapper. Other than a handaxe, which Mingo took a liking to, there was not much else of interest. We left the man resting comfortably in his self made tomb.
Day 51
Exploring continues. North of the headwaters we exited the woods and into the plains.
Day 52
We have found the Cairn of a barbarian of some sort. Mingo recognized it immediately and pointed it out to us. As his tribe is far to the north and east of here he thought it wise to examine the Cairn and discover if there was anything of any value or use here. Nathaniel and Kenver assisted and dug up a ring that Kenver assures us is magical but he was unable to explain what it does. I proposed we rebury the man and move on, which all agreed. After a few words to the gods we were once more off and exploring.
Day 54
Back into the woods we went. Near the end of the morning we came upon a hot spring that seems to feed yet another river. These lands have many waterways, I surmise that with some little effort they could be invaluable as transit ways. This spring, however, had the stench of sulphur, much like the warming springs of Stone Climb. Geoffrey decided that it was Bath time, disrobed and entered the warm water as the rest of us watched with disbelief. But moments later he was assaulted by 3 very large frogs. With some effort we beat them back and gave Geoffrey time to escape the water. Other than an unfortunate attachment to our gnome friend the frogs seemed to be more interested in other, less difficult prey.
Day 55
We have followed the river, and it’s stench, south. We have come across some sort of homestead or perhaps the remains of a town, it is hard to say. The land here has begun to get boggy. I am unsure if the two buildings we found were the sole survivors of a larger settlement or if they were always so alone. The dweller of the house now is a Boggard of unknown name. Kenver entered negotiations, later Geoffrey and I joined in, but all we were able to agree upon was a truce and that we would leave the Boggard and his friendly giant toad alone. At this time I am quite agreeable to this as I see little to no value here and see no reason to engage this creature.
Day 56
A long day of exploring and I find myself missing Ophelia’s company. It is good to have my brother’s along however. I have decided that we shall return to Olegs on the morrow. There is little of the boar meat left and Darius’ grain stock runs low once more. Now that we have 3 pack horses as well as one for everyone to ride, I think I shall have to increase the amount of grain we carry to extend our range further. Today’s exploration was of more woods.
Day 58
Two days of travel after 8 days of exploring have left me longing for a nice warm fire and a nice warm bed. We have just arrived at Olegs to find something of a welcome home party. The sun had begun thinking of it’s own bed when we rode upon the trading post. We were greeted by the warning whistles of the huntsmen and guards. Sven popped up and helpfully took the horses. The man looks so much better than when we found him. And this Emily woman who has attached herself to him has done even greater things for him. I despaired of finding a useful task for him, now he finds them faster than anyone. He has repaired the catapults and ballistae around the place, assisted in improving the quarters and made himself quite the handy man.
Oleg also seems healthier and more rested. The place is lively and quite busy now. I assure you, it looks like the same place that my friends and family rode into two months ago, but it is a far different place now. The place was a bit soulless before, now it has a vibrancy and life to it that is quite appealing.
Bokken brought a couple of kegs of Fang Berry Ale. They were tapped and an impromptu celebration erupted in the place. This place is nothing like Stone Climb, and yet, in many ways that is a good thing. These people are hard working just like back home. They just are a bit different in their attitudes and demeanors.
The Cleric of Erastil, I shall have to ask Nathaniel what his name is again, and Kenver settled into a long discussion about the Temple and pool. I am not sure where Mingo ran off to, but I am sure it has something to do with the laughter over in that group of soldiers and hunters. Geoffrey is proclaiming something upon a table, and here I thought he didn’t drink. Nathaniel is probably in the corner observing the fun in his way. I shall now go and find him, and drag him into the fun…
Day 60
We have arrived back in the woods, yesterday was not the most pleasant day I have had. The woods were a wonderful sight, if just to get the sun out of my bloodshot eyes. Excess is always better when there is nothing to do the next day…
It was agreed that we would take the candy that Nathaniel had Svetlana make and take it over to where the Fey were. We approached the campsight that the fey set up for us back, can it be that that was 47 days ago? After some debate Nathaniel left the candy on one of the logs. It wasn’t long before we were approached by a cricket looking fey. I was never clear on which fey was which, the cricket introduced another fey, a dragon butterfly kind of thing. One was Perralash and the other Tigtittertut. I belive that Perralash was the dragony thing. It turns out they were the ones playing pranks on us. Which reminds me I really must remember to apologize to Kenver about the fang berries…
After a long conversation with them involving all manner of our explorations and their deeds including; the dead trapper, the fang berries, the fish and net, and the trappers of the area, we moved along.
Day 62
We have arrived at the glittering cave again. While at Oleg’s Kenver and I went over what we had heard about the region and we got into a discussion about a missive from the sword lords that the Sootscale kobolds must be dealt with, either through negotiating a truce or putting them down. We have agreed that we must attempt a truce first. We have returned to the cave that Kenver found in our first week of travels. The sparkling cave as we call it. As the post from the sword lord states they live in a cave in this area we thought we would have another look at it. Sadly, there are no kobolds here, just some sparkling rock. None of us know what it is, so we had Mingo break some off and throw it in a bag. Hopefully someone at Oleg’s will know something about it.
Day 63
Our return to the Sycamore Tree.
The boys decided to leave the mites and the tree when I was summoned to Olegs to help Ophelia. Probably a wise decision now that we look back upon it all. This time, however, we decided it was time to enter and solve the Mite problem. We entered with Mingo in the lead followed by Nathaniel with his longspear. Behind that was Geoffrey and Kenver, followed by me then finally by Ripclaw. We proceeded a good ways then came to a fork in the very small tight tunnels. Quickly I set Ripclaw, then Nathaniel with Kenver backing them up to go down one tunnel and Mingo followed by me with my lance and Geoffrey to back us up down the other.
Mingo led us into something of a small cavern where a pair of Mites attacked. Mingo bludgeoned one to pulp as the other fled. A moment later and I could hear the other group having similar encounters. We pushed forward and found another room with many more of the critters. They were tormenting a Kobold they had chained to the wall. Geoffrey, Mingo and I beat the buggers down. As we were freeing the Kobold I could hear Nathaniel, Kenver and Ripclaw entering another chamber on the other side of a large chasm choked with roots. I could even make out some of the fight when their light allowed. They were fighting fewer of them, but they had some large beast that nearly killed Ripclaw and Nathaniel before he and Kenver were able to finish it.
Just when we thought it was all safe Geoffrey rushed over to them disturbing the largest Centipede in the world! It was Huge! Mingo and I braced at the doorway to the chasm thinking if it came close we would strike, but it struck from further back than we could reach and delt me such a blow as I have never felt before. I retreated and used the powers of the gods and the want I purchased to heal myself. Mingo swung that mighty hammer and dealt a blow that nearly felled the creature [/ooc] Perfectly timed crit [/ooc] Then Thiasoline the kobold we freed charged the creature and finished it off.
That is where we left off…
Day 63 (continued)
We made camp after our invasion of the Sycamore tree. We invited Mickmeck to join us, which he did after slipping away for a few minutes. He returned and brought that statue thing that he claimed from the Mites with him. I pressed him on the location of his tribe. He thought about it long and hard but agreed finally to bring us to his people. Nathaniel, who is just starting to pick up Draconic, and I pressed him for information, and made it as clear as we were able, that we wished to speak with their chief and come to an understanding between the kobolds and the rest of the people of the region.
Geoffrey has begun to speak up more. I believe he is coming out of his shell. His praise of my decision making while appreciated, does seem to be a bit sycophant-like. I can not tell if he is speaking from the heart or if he is being facetious.
Day 64
The kobold lair was not what I expected. Oh the warrens were tight and cramped and rudimentary and quite dirty, but the goings on here were a bit more complex than I believed they would be. Mickmeck led us straight to his home, where he had to convince a pair of guards to open some very complex gate that Nathaniel has assured me involves numerous traps as well. We proceeded, with our armaments stowed, but readily available. Kenver, at my suggestion, lit up my shield again, and this time he also lit up the Bear giving him something of an ethereal quality. It was disturbing to me, so I can only imagine the fear the poor kobolds suffered from it.
Mickmeck led us into the warren bringing us before their great chieftain. Chief Sootscale was not at all comfortable with our presence before him, but I give him a great deal of credit for holding off long enough for Mickmeck and me to explain our presence and the great goings on under the Sycamore tree. Mickmeck showed the statue to the chief then gave the statue to him. Chief Sootscale seemed taken aback at first then he grew a little courage. I am still unclear as to exactly what happened next, while I know what physically occurred, I am unclear on motivations and the psychology of the actions.
Chief Sootscale took the idol and after strengthening his resolve he smashed the idol upon the ground destroying it. Now, I am convinced that one does not treat such an object in this manner lightly. To send your best, albeit kobold, warriors out to retrieve an item means it has great value, either monetary or symbolic. Apparently, as I could fathom no quality in the item to anyone for a monetary value, the item must have been symbolically important to these poor creatures. To then, the moment you are handed it, destroy it must mean that its value has waned or its value is nefarious and must be destroyed. I find the later to be the most logical explanation.
The chief then turned to his cohorts and lit a fire of righteousness under them, extolling them to find Tartook and throw him out, if not kill him. My compatriots and I followed them on their little warpath through their own tunnels. We caught up to them in another cave where they had surrounded a purple kobold. The chief and this purple kobold who I took to be Tartook were spitting insults at each other.
Imagine my surprise when this Tartook fellow turned to us and demanded answers in common. We entered into a dialogue suggesting he leave these kobolds to their own devices. I read the aura of Tartooks soul, finding it to be Evil. This led me to strengthen my belief that we must support the Chief in this struggle for his people and assist him in his claims. Tartook then began casting. My friends and I rushed to the aid of the Chief. Sadly Tartook disappeared, though he did not leave the room. I moved to seal off one of the exits, and Nathaniel sealed off the other. Geoffrey then came to hold my exit so I was able to assist Kenver, Mingo and Ripclaw in finding the invisible Tartook. This took a long time, but finally the rogue revealed himself by attacking me. A pair of Kobolds apparently thought to ingratiate themselves with Tartook and attacked the Chief. They were dealt with easily.
A few moments later and Tartook was dead.
This left us all in an awkward spot. I had killed a pair of kobolds, though done so to defend the Chief. The Chief was obviously concerned that we wished to undermine his new authority. I regrouped my people, in case of treachery. We then started a dialogue. I wishing to press for a truce and treaty between the Chief and his kobolds and the rest of the peaceful people of the surrounding lands. The Chief seemed to need time to establish a more secure footing with his own people. We came to the conclusion that my people and I would leave and come back in some small amount of time to reopen negotiations. A cooling off period if you will.
Day 68
We returned to exploring the next morning. We followed the river back north and east, but this time on the southern bank. Once we reached what we surmised to be the border of the area we were to explore we turned and headed back south and continued our pattern.
Day 70
We found something a bit odd. Some sort of man made cave I believe. All these caverns and tombs and things we find. Perhaps it would be best to find an expert in mining or masonry to advise us on these things.
Deciding to leave no stone unturned, and our curiosity getting the best of us we entered. Many bats assailed us. Many of us were made ill by the things and we feebly tried to escape them, allowing them a free pass to the outside. We then proceeded inward to find the place was definitely worked stone. A circular chamber had an exit in each of the compass points. We entered from the west I believe.
Nathaniel scouted ahead to examine the chamber. Some sort of black wind assailed him, however, and seemed to suck the energy right out of him. . We began to retreat out of there, when numerous footsteps began to approach from the right and left.
We quickly formed a rank to block off our tunnel and give Nathaniel a chance to escape behind us. Long dead warriors approached us; their skeletal remains the only thing holding up their weapons and armor. Geoffrey and Kenver held the front, I, taking Nathaniel’s Long spear supported them. Mingo rushed out amongst them and lay waste with his hammer.
After that we needed to rest, the bats and undead had drained us of our abilities to fight that day.
Day 71
We reentered the tomb. Careful to avoid the trap this time we pressed forward and found a crypt with a single corpse. The dead man arose and began attacking us with his broken sword. I called upon the powers of the Good gods and all that is holy to smite the creatures. My newfound strength and some clever tactics by my compatriots led to a great victory, not to mention a vicious swing or two of the Earthbreaker by the gnome.
Several of my friends were hit by the creature, however, and suffered more than just cuts and bruises. Their very souls were injured. Some rest and most shook it off, but Geoffrey has been left a little weakened by this encounter
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Sent to the Sword Lords of Restov
Milords,
Pursuant to your charter, I have entered the Greenbelt intent on subduing same in your names and to your glory. There is much to be done here but I have made excellent progress thus far. I must confess though that I have been less than impressed with most of the men I have found here bearing similar charters. I have had to gather most of them at "Oleg's" (the Greenbelt's closest approximation of civilization) for their own safety. Thank you for the soldiers you've sent as they have proven most helpful in this regard.
Luckily, I have found my siblings here as well. I am sure Milord's will appreciate, given my tenuous authority here, how important it is to surround oneself with good men who do not question every decision. I have also picked up a man who claims to be a "Druid". I used to think I knew what that meant but now I am unsure. In any case, he is accompanied by a bear who has proven most useful in combat. There is also a smelly Gnome who, while completely undisciplined, is still a great fighter when first pointed in the right direction. While I fear these two will prove more a liability once civilization is brought to these lands they are, for the time being, a help to our cause. This is, of course, my problem and I will handle it with my usual efficiency when the time comes.
Per my directives, we are currently doing more exploring than anything else. I am taking care of the obvious and unredeemable threats where necessary but winning most to us. My theory being that taxable allies are better than dead enemies.
Your loyal servant,
Geoffrey Kaylor
Let the four letter words commence! <g>
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Picking up the log from this past weekends game
Day 72
We made our way westward and explored some of the plains between us and the river crossing as it was on our way. As we approached the river in the evening a pack of wolves set upon us, apparently with the intent of a meal of horse flesh. We were able to drive them off, though we nearly lost a couple of horses. Most of the wolves escaped and rather than pursue one or two and lose a horse or two we instead gathered up the horses that had scattered. Geoffrey had some difficulty controlling the pack horses and chose to ride with them instead of letting them escape and to fend for themselves. A particularly large wolf made a gutsy move to try to snag my pack horse, but I was able to beat him off.
Day 75
Back at Oleg’s. We have arrived to find even more people here. The place is starting to become something of a town. There is now a stable outside, the one inside having been converted into sleeping quarters. Oleg is away, he is off doing some business to the north. We are going to head over to Bokken’s, where Jode is, and see if one of them can help Geoffrey with this undead rot or sickness or whatever it is he is suffering from.
Day 77
Oh my head…and my stomach…and the rest of me. Apparently Bokken makes more than just potions and an occasional Ale…what vile substance he offered that left me in such a sad state I can not say though. I would just warn others that it kicks and punches all the way down and all the way back up, leaves you dry as fall leaves, sore as though you tried to break a dozen horses all at the same time and achy like the worst feverish illness you can imagine.
Day 79
So Geoffrey is driving me batty. Whenever we speak to someone about his illness, he brushes it off as no big thing, then when there is no one around to help he mopes and whines. I finally had had it and drug him off to find Jode again, who apparently while I was sleeping off Bokkens vile drink had headed off to the pool of Erastil to see if that could help Geoffrey. We caught up to him in the middle of the night, Geoffrey and I alone. The rest of the group stayed behind as I wish I had as once more we spoke to Jode and he once more said there wasn’t anything he had the ability to do, but that he was going to check out the pool. We asked if there was something we could get from up north, a scroll or a potion or something but Jode was unsure and Geoffrey seemed to give in at that point. We stayed the rest of the night with Jode then headed back to Oleg’s.
We are setting out in the morning. I think it is time we find this Stag Lord’s fort and see if we can put an end to his reign.
Day 82
Ambushed! As we explored in search of the Fort of this Stag Lord and continued to fill in our map we were set upon by some of the Stag Lord’s men. We were in something of a box, trees to one side, brush to the other and outcroppings ahead. At the first shots, Nathaniel tried to thread the needle charging ahead leading his pack horse as well. Sadly, they seem to have prepared for this with pits to break the horses legs.
Seeing Nathaniel’s predicament we turned and set upon our assailants. Geoffrey and I went right, Nathaniel joining us once freed from his dead horse, Mingo and Ripclaw went left, sadly Kenver was shot several times and was laying in a heap. The bandits set their dogs upon us, but they posed very little problem.
I can only guess from the screams and the sad state of the corpses on the right what those poor men went through. A bear ripping them apart or a Gnome crushing them, either way it was ugly.
In the end a couple ran, though I stopped one and we hauled him back into the new campsite as we were in no condition to move. I left our captive with my brothers and did what I could for my horse and Kenver. Getting them up and moving was a relief. During my ministrations our Captive tried to escape, to which Nathaniel beat him soundly, I find it hard to summon sympathy for him. I shall have to pray to Abadar and Erastil for some more compassion for those who assault us I fear.
Day 83
We interrogated our prisoner today. Geoffrey and Kenver were very aggressive, to which I had to rein them in a bit. While these men have no honor and are something of thugs they must still be treated with dignity. He told us very little we did not already know. Finally I grew tired and we just released him in to the wild with no weapons or armor. Good luck to him and may the gods have mercy upon him.
Day 84
We searched along the north bank of the lake and then traveled along the north side of another river trying to find a safe way across. We came upon some gnomes trying to get a wagon and its pony’s back out of the river. It is far too deep to try to cross here. I gathered the horses as everyone else jumped into the river to try and assist the gnomes with their wagon that was in danger of tipping into the river further. Finally they got the thing out of there. Speaking to these gnomes we discovered that they to had a charter, I have a bit of a bone to pick with the sword lords.
The entire clan of gnomes was trying to settle the area. They told us that some Kobolds had assaulted them, scaring the ponies which is why the wagon was in the river. Fearing the Sootscale Kobolds may have something to do with this; we pressed them about the kobolds. Sadly, the gnomes were less than interested in what clan of kobolds they were. We left the gnomes and tracked the kobolds, until we came upon one of their bodies; apparently he died of his wounds. Happily the dead kobold was not a sootscale, but another of the red scaled kobolds. That clan will have to be dealt with soon as well.
Nathaniel's Thoughts...
It's been almost 3 months and while some things are getting easier, others remain difficult, I'm definitely more well suited for an urban lifestyle.
Family:
Other than William, who can be a bit naive at times, I'm finding it difficult to associate with any of the others on our expedition. That in itself speaks leaps and bounds when a street thug such as myself can find comradery with a Paladin. As I was self-removed from the family estate during Geoffrey's upbringing I don't know him very well, but the more he speaks, the less inclined I am to try. I find myself frequently wondering how Ophelia is doing back North.
Friends:
Jode seems to be a good source of knowledge, though I seemed to shock him a bit when I blurted out the use of poison in reference to the Stag Lord, I shall have to choose my words more carefully around him.
Bokken on the other hand had little difficulty with the thought and almost appeared to accept it as something of a challenge when I asked if he could "poison" some of the Stag Lord's absenth we acquired. Having drank of that vile mixture he was distilling and then the combination of the two, I have doubts it could get any worse.
Oleg and Svetlana are the step-parents I never wanted, friendly folks, but a bit patronizing at times. I wonder at what point will we find ourselves no longer welcome as this foster home, just a matter of time.
Sven and Emily are of little interest to me. I've had thoughts of seeing how far Emily could be swayed, but it appears Geoffrey has similar plans, so I've decided to seek entertainment elsewhere. Likely for the best anyhow as Sven is something of a pet project for William, he would definitely not approve.
Soldiers:
I made an effort to befriend some of the soldiers encamped at Oleg's, minding to not bother the ones on duty or actively resting. Sgt. Garess was a bit irritable with my presence at first, but calmed some as the day went on. I requisitioned cards and dice from Oleg's private collection and seemed to do decent, not trying any thing underhanded. The moment I mentioned they could ask Oleg's for the gaming supplies they made it abundantly known they had their own decks and dice, this was also when I started losing a bit more frequently, no surprises there.
Faeries:
In my attempts to appease them and even learn their tongue, it appears they favor Kenver, our Druid a bit more than myself. Perhaps they see the hard candy as a bribe. I can't even fathom what they might think I would want from them, other than to be excluded from their pranks, most of which aren't even aimed at me.It did shock me that they knew Svetlana had made it.
Kobolds & Gnomes:
Now we have contacts with both, though the gnomes seem less than understanding that we might have befriended a certain tribe of kobolds due to long embedded hatred between their races. This is likely going to end poorly for one of them, despite our efforts to help each group in turn with their unrelated struggles.
Bandits:
We haven't seen or heard from them in quite some time until a few days ago when they set an ambush for us. I was rather amused as Geoffrey and Kenver attempted to interrogate one of them in front of William. I'm glad I got to beat the hell out of him while my brother was distracted healing, sometimes I wonder if he places prisoners under my care intentionally, I really don't appreciate being thrown from my now dead horse and shot with an arrow. I doubt the "he tried to escape" excuse is going to work too many more times. Where's a good set of stairs when you need some.
I'm unsure why these men blindly follow this Stag Lord when it's obvious that we pose a greater threat and have posted promise of payment for the use of their less unscrupulous skills, if any.
Nathaniel’s Perspective on Events from 3/20/11:
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Sent to The Sword Lords of Restov
Milords,
The primary task is completed as the threat of organized banditry has been eliminated. Despite my well conceived plan's being prematurely abandoned due to a definite lack of tactical sense (not on the part of the bear as you might expect. He actually performed brilliantly!), the main bastion of the outlaws in the area was infiltrated. With the death of the scoundrel known as "The Stag Lord" I believe that I have little else to do regarding these ruffians than to mop up a handful of isolated pockets of resistance.
Most of the area known as the Greenbelt has been explored and roughly mapped.
Your loyal servant,
Geoffrey Kaylor
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27 Pharast
We approached the Stag Lord’s fortress with some stealth. Rather, I should say Kenver and Nathaniel did as stealth has never been one of my fortes. They gave us an excellent report on the layout of the place. We devised an ingenious plan that was sure to fail for it relied on us bluffing our way in. My wildest hopes were that this plan would get the gates open before these miscreants pierced our disguises. Our failure was assured. Unfortunately the best laid plans can be destroyed by idiocy.
You see we approached the fortress disguised as bandits. But we feared that they would instantly recognize us from our formation. So with some coaxing and a little bribery we convinced Mingo and Rippaw to ride comfortably inside barrels and await the signal. This plan was ripe with holes. We procured a wagon and some barrels as well as some of the ill gotten gains the bandits had accumulated.
The moment the gates opened I was overcome with joy, perhaps this plan would get us far enough inside that we might pull this off after all. Then to my horror the bandits not only welcomed us in, they treated us as hero’s for bringing with us some of that vile drink that we had captured at the bandit outpost to the north. Then they further confused me by bringing us into their confidences. What moron’s these men be.
The seconds turned into minutes and then into tens of minutes. Kenver and Geoffrey grew more and more restless and nervous. There was a cage with evidence of a large predator within. Geoffrey grew curious and with an act of bravado he bluffed his way to the cage and thrust a lantern in to see what was inside. That was pretty much when the plan began to come apart.
An Owlbear charged the cage and grabbed Geoffrey’s arm. An Owlbear. I had only heard legends and tales of such creatures and here is one, far more ferocious and deadly than any story I had ever heard, literally trying to rip my brothers arm off. Well with some effort and assistance from the bandits we were able to retrieve my brother, mostly intact. But this pretty much ended the ruse.
Several minutes of fighting broke out. We put down, with care and caution, Akiros and Auchs as well as several bandits. Auchs was more of an accident, he was not specifically given mercy, but the other bandits and Akiros we dealt with as mercifully as possible. A rather vicious bandit with a weapon in each hand would have been dealt with likewise, regardless of his evil intent, but their leader chose that moment to enter the fray and one of his arrows struck the man and killed him dead on the spot. The other arrow from that volley nearly did the same to Geoffrey. From that point on it was all about the Stag Lord.
A fight that nearly cost each of us our lives, but happily we all survived.
After the fight was done we tied up those that we had left alive and then began taking stock of the place.
Beneath the fort we discovered a huge stockpile of treasure and goods. A rogue druid, however, seems to have claimed the stuff as his own. This druid would not accept parlay nor would he stand down. After nearly dooming Kenver to a long life trapped within a cavern the boys and I were able to put him down. Kenver was dug out of his new found cave.
15th Gozran
The most remarkable thing has happened. The sword lords have sent a courier with so many amazing things. It seems that they wish to fund our expedition even further. They wish us to civilize these lands. My compatriots, Oleg, Svetlana, Akiros, Jode, Garres, and Bokken all spent most of the day discussing these amazing documents, the maps of the lands around us.
Humbly I must report here that this group of people have appointed me as their leader in this endeavor. We sent word back to the Sword Lords that we would indeed begin to form a government and start construction on the newest land in Golarian. I have taken the title, Baron.
Our first order of business was filling the roles of government with those people we had at the table. Some were obvious. The Financier Oleg was given command of the economy, with his knowledge of bookkeeping he was an obvious choice. Bokken refused to take part in the government, but did offer numerous drinks to keep us happy and busy. Jode we commanded to take over the religious community and to make sure it thrives within the new Barony. Svetlana was given the title Councilor and she has taken it upon herself to tell us what the people think and want. She seems quite in touch with the folks of this region.
Kenver was placed in charge of the Rangers and the lands outside of our cities. Akiros was placed in charge of the army, though Garres was a close second, but he was just to suited to running the defense within the cities and palace. Nathaniel chose for himself the security of the nation through gathering of information. Geoffrey was given the task of chief diplomat. Mingo we had given the role of Chief Headsman, but we convinced him that we really needed someone to oversee magics and we could think of no one we knew better than him to do so.
We then began plotting out our new city. We built our castle upon the ruins of the Stag Lord’s fortress. And from there the city of Stag’s Reach was born and upon it’s back the Barony of Drakensford rises.
1st of Abadius 4712
A gold smith has approached the council and presented a most wonderful coronet for me to wear. The thing is such a piece of art that people have petitioned him from far and wide. He has requested the honor of building a smithy for his work. We have agreed.
1st of Desnus 4712 [spoiler]
A year has past and my reign has been a bit quiet as we try to build this land into something remarkable. We have built up Stag’s Reach, though a few sputters and fits here and there have taken their toll. It took us some time to get the place going.
We have made an agreement with the Sootscales, something of a vassal arrangement. They will provide us miners for our gold mine as well as theirs and we will protect them, though we have outfitted some of their warriors with better weapons and armor. We now have a road that runs from Oleg’s through the farm lands all the way down to Stag’s Reach. We have also built the road over to the Kobolds city so we have access to their gold.
We have begun to explore again as well. I outfitted our band as well as Auch’s who follows Geoffrey around like a lap dog. Perhaps I can convince Nathaniel to find some uses for Auch’s as well. The man reminds me of some of the boys my older brother ran with when we were kids and he always found them such useful things to do.
We have encountered the gnomes again, these people seem to get under all of our skin. They are not pleasant and are demanding. They also have such a hatred of the kobolds that I fear we may not be able to include them within our borders with out bloodshed. I have devised a plan, though it is a bit longer term than what I would like. I will speak with the council about it, but I feel that the the gnome’s must be either incorporated with us or they must be moved on.
Awesome campaign journal (again) Brutesquad07! I had great time reading this and using your paladin's point of view is good way to tell the story.
I'll be following this closely, long live the Drakenford!
Great Stuff on the maps!
OOC: Thanks Turin! I've seen one or two other examples in my search for a "clean" greenbelt map and snatched a few ideas here and there. I like the traditional symbol map method, but figured I would go detail-crazy since it was in photoshop anyway.
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OoC: I love the maps! Nice job.
Dear Diary:
It seems that I am to be blamed for my brilliant plan's nearly falling apart. It should come as no surprise I suppose. Apparently, I am responsible for the early demise of our little ruse. Ha! That would be laughable were it not so tragic! If these oafs were more accomplished at "the game" they too would have been able to keep their wits about them as I, yes I, was getting mauled. But alas no. Instead one of them called for the attack to begin and for this, I am to be blamed? It just goes to show what additional trials I, and I alone, must face here. I fear that should any enemy infiltrate our court with anyone even slightly capable, intrigue not "monsters" will be the downfall of our little Kingdom.
Fortunately, (for me anyway) that is Nathaniel's department.
We have encountered the gnomes again, these people seem to get under all of our skin. They are not pleasant and are demanding. They also have such a hatred of the kobolds that I fear we may not be able to include them within our borders with out bloodshed. I have devised a plan, though it is a bit longer term than what I would like. I will speak with the council about it, but I feel that the the gnome’s must be either incorporated with us or they must be moved on.
"Brother, what were you thinking? About the gnomes that is. My own solution involves gagging Marshal Kenver and Grand Diplomat Geoffrey whenever we meet anyone, but I doubt you openly approve of that. You do realize that between the two of them, they've effectively gave the gnomes almost every piece of information required to siege the kobolds?
I could've just given them our map as well."
My solution for the gnomes is something of an ultimatum. We merely claim the chunk of land they are sitting upon and incorporate it within our boundaries. Then, we approach them all peaceful like with every available man with skill of arms and we explain to them very diplomatically that while we value them as potential allies and subjects within our lands, they must understand that fighting within our peoples is not an option. The law will be laid down before them, that murder, for that is what it is when you kill a citizen of Drakenford, will be punishable by death within our boundaries.
They will also be made to understand that the Kobolds have had this same treatment. Also that we would value them greatly within our borders and that land and opportunity aplenty could be theirs. I see much potential in them, skilled labor is difficult to find. But so are skilled miners sitting on a wealth of gold and we will not run the kobolds off, indeed we have begun assimilating them into our citizenry as we would do with them as well.
As for the information that you speak of. I expect they could have gotten much of that information if they spent time within our borders or along our road. Would I have prefered to keep that bit out of their hands for a while yet, absolutely. But the worst it has done is move forward the date to which this problem will have to be dealt with.
Now, brother, I understand that you feel they stepped onto your duties a bit and mucked up your job. For that I would suggest you ask them nicely not to do it again and, if I were you, I would remind them that speaking softly and carrying a loaded sap is your job, not theirs.
Now...I believe there are some men tied to a wagon around here that need sapping...oh I am sorry got you confused with someone else...
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"Brother, what were you thinking? About the gnomes that is. My own solution involves gagging Marshal Kenver and Grand Diplomat Geoffrey whenever we meet anyone, but I doubt you openly approve of that. You do realize that between the two of them, they've effectively gave the gnomes almost every piece of information required to siege the kobolds?I could've just given them our map as well."
"As 'Grand Diplomat' (if that is what you choose to call me) it is certainly within my pervue to fill in the blanks of foreign policy. You are the 'eyes and ears' of the Kingdom. I am, for better or for worse, its mouth."
"....and yes, dear Brother, if that's what's required to get this little party started, the Gnomes will have their map."
You are the 'eyes and ears' of the Kingdom. I am, for better or for worse, its mouth."
"The Mouth, indeed.
I have no idea what you're talking about. I see and hear for no one, but myself. My presence is by William's and Ophelia's request, that I assist on their expedition in the Greenbelt.
Should he, since our sister has left, grow tired of my presence than I will make my way back to Stoneclimb with the next available caravan. I promise you this."