Getting Blood for Blood to the desired endpoint

[orangefruitbat]

I've got a bit of a problem with my game. The party has never been aggressive about expanding their kingom, resulting in it being only 34 hexes in size (ranging from Tatzleford, to Oleg's to the Staglord's keep to Varnhold). Before starting WoRK, I'd like their kingdom to expand considerably (but without overt metagaming) so that they can build the larger military units needed. (Our group likes to play RAW, so I don't want to modify the mass combat rules signficantly).

I thought that the logical way to encourage my players to expand their kingdom was to arrange events so that when the PCs complete BfB, they would annex Fort Drelev (and all territories inbetween). This would ahve placed their kingom over 50 hexes, and a decent starting place for WoRK.

To my surpise, the PCs have decided that they want to keep Baron Drelev in power (I suppose they felt sorry for him?). I even had the wizard Stroon secretly approach the party and try to sell the baron out (and set them up for the sudden-yet-inevitable betrayal). Rather than confront the weaselly Collin Farrel-wannabe (look at that pic!) or his trecherous wizard and liberate the suffering people of Drelev, the PCs snuck out of the city and headed out to find Armag.

Our last session concluded with the PCs wiping out his campsite followers, and entering the cairn. Since the PCs will soon remove the barbarian threat, destroy the cultists and rescue the hostages, their plan will almost certainly work. What should I do? Should I arrange events forcing the PCs to annex Fort Drelev? (and if so, how?) Or should I just let things happen and let the events of WoRK happen?

[Neil Spicer]

My two cents:

Spoiler:

It sounds like your players have played right into the hands of Baron Drelev. While they're away dealing with Armag (which is something Drelev is more than happy to let them do!), he and his men should make another move against their kingdom. Basically, have the PCs come back and find that Drelev betrayed their goodwill, believing Armag and his barbarians would easily handle the PCs and that Drelev would be able to consolidate the two kingdoms himself during their absence. He'd then plan on using the kingdom's combined resources to fight off the barbarian overlord (who would hopefully have his forces weakened from the confrontation with the PCs). This development alone should teach your players about the dangers of trusting some NPCs too far in the Stolen Lands. After all, that's pretty much how they got their name. The lands have been "stolen" many times over.

[Azmyth]

[I love Neil's idea, but I don't think it will encourage a smooth annexation of the city!) ;)

Idea 1:

Have Baron Drelev share with your group his fear of retaliation from Pitax and wishes to bend a knee to them, strengthening borders on both sides.
You might even have him suggest some ideas he had put on hold, for expansion into the swamps and clearing the area for trade into the East...

Idea 2:

Have Drelev overwhelmed with his grief and lack of pride, step down from his place in the community.
The next best option for leadership would naturally be Terrion Numestri (assuming he's alive). Have him bend a knee & suggest the plans for expansion as above...

[Neil Spicer]

Azmyth wrote:

[I love Neil's idea, but I don't think it will encourage a smooth annexation of the city!) ;)

Who wants a "smooth" annexation? I want blood for blood! ;-)

[orangefruitbat]

Thanks for the ideas. I don't think that Drelev is in a position to launch a sneak attack since his army has pretty much been pummelled twice (and his city is heavily damaged)- first by Armag (pre-adventure) and then by the PCs (at Tatzlford).

This is what I'm thinking, inspired by your suggestions. Stroon keeps tabs on the PCs by scrying on them. Once he finds out that Armag is dead (and the hostages rescued), he will liberate Terrion (incidentally, Terrion is the father to one of the newer PCs), depose Drelev and install Terrion as ruler. Terrion will bend the knee (thanks Azmyth), and leave Stroon as Magister.

The PCs get to expand their kingdom, but are forced to keep Stroon (whom they know to be treacherous) as an ally (and wild card in the events to come).

Neil Spicer wrote:

Azmyth wrote:

[I love Neil's idea, but I don't think it will encourage a smooth annexation of the city!) ;)

Who wants a "smooth" annexation? I want blood for blood! ;-)