Time marches on and the duties piled upon the new rulers of Rivermarch are seemingly endless. Just announcing that you are in control of a kingdom does not cause one to sprout of overnight and the group is swarmed with work from sunup to well past sundown. Decisions like how to lay out the their capital, how to announce and attract new immigrants and settlers, scouts to map out the surrounding lands and establish the borders promised with Varnhold and Drelev are just some of the tasks set before them, a seemingly uphill climb with no peak in sight.

However the group has the support of so many powerful neighbors and organizations that resources are of little concern. Between the gold of Abadar, the lumber from the Gronzi, the iron from the Medyved any decision that the rulers make gets put into place. Where other new cities might just have wooden and grass shanties along dirt roads, the capital of Rivermarch is planned out with resources to spend and future visions quite clear. Grand stone throughways are made, solid stone buildings are constructed and the walls of a mighty castle begin to climb up from the rotten remains of the Stag Lord's keep.

The growth and construction becomes a symbol to the people of how the uncivilized wilderness will be left behind, making way for a new kingdom that will be on par with any River Kingdom, or perhaps even surpass its parent, Brevoy.

It will be years before the castle is completed but the point is that work has started and is proceeding at a very fast rate. The houses are quickly filled by immigrants excited to tap the wealth of the new nation and the new land. Business spring up to support those people and it is a grand day of celebration when Rivermarch's first tavern opens up.

From the religion side the Church of Abadar quickly puts down the ground work for a mighty stone bastion that will be the Bank of Rivermarch. It is squat, utilitarian, and built with walls prepared to withstand siege weaponry as is typical for an Abadar bank as losing the gold from the vault was one of the highest forms of sacrilege in the their church. The church of Pharsma builds a much more modest church but also spends its time preparing a large graveyard and crypt so that the dead can be properly buried and interred to help prevent undead outbreaks common in larger cities.

Trade is established to Varnhold which ends up being mainly foodstuffs like the silvery fish tht are common along the lake next to Varnhold. Varnhold also has copper but the Medyved contract is clear that the ores must go through them. It is a bit discouraging to discover that the Medyved are buying copper from Varnhold and selling it to Rivermarch at a markup but the cheap high quality iron and steel coming out of the Medyved forges are good enough to keep the deal being profitable.

Logging camps are set up all along the edge of the Narlmarch. Early on these prove to be the biggest source of income and new immigrants as the Gronzi send a small army of loggers and their families to begin getting everything set up and the lumber flowing back to Brevoy. As the year goes on a few camps shut down because of poor wood selection, too many issues with the fey, or it just turns out to be too impractical to harvest from that location but a few of the lumber camps take root and expand and it seems likely that in another year the camps would transform into a new town of their own.

Time passes swiftly and in a year's time Rivermarch is a growing town. It only has a few thousand people in it but it is growing like a weed and with the ample resources of a wealthy kingdom behind it, it is well planned and managed. Morale in the capital is electric as it seems like even the lowliest peasant can move to Rivermarch and make it rain gold coins.

Meanwhile scouts have begun mapping out the rest of the region. The original charter had kept the party north of the lake while now they were free to explore all the way down to the Mivon border. Scouts discover several ruins and potential sources of danger and decide wisely not to investigate, leaving it for the experienced adventurers to uncover the secrets and buried treasures of their new kingdom.

In addition the Dark Pipers, the last of the Stag Lord's bandit clans led by evil fey have grown into being a constant threat to Rivermarch over the past year. The Dark Pipers would raid logging camps leaving death and destruction in their wake and then fade away into the Narlmarch woods causing the party to search for weeks in vain without finding any traces of them.

Finally it seems that their headquarters has been discovered and the growing army of Rivermarch has been deployed to pen the bandits into their HQ. Right now it has been a sort of siege like situation where the Dark Piper's core group are trapped in their HQ, a ruined watchtower that has been almost completely overgrown by trees and vines from the Narlmarch. Everyone has settled into a holding pattern as the Dark Pipers refuse to negotiate or surrender while the new army is hesitant to engage the Dark Pipers in tight corridors in their home territory. While none of their generals or advisors express this out loud, it feels like everyone is expecting the rulers to take up their magic and weapons once more to finish off the last remnants of the Stag Lord's minions once and for all.

As the party made their preparations to assault the tower, Elena was giving some last minute instructions to Akiros and her unit captains.  About half of her officers and sergeants were former bandits, simply by virtue of experience: Survivors from the company of Roses and the Deadly Dealers, as well as a few of Kressle's people that had slunk back in.  The others came from the men Kesten had brought with him, along with some local hunters and the more promising of the new pioneers.  Fat Fingers had a squad of his own, as did Miranda.  Elena couldn't be too picky about her people given her task of raising four full companies from scratch: Anyone who knew how to hold a sword was put in charge of helping train those who didn't.

She still had no idea how they found the food or the money to maintain an army this size all year round.  Fortunately for her she was a commander, not an accountant.  Borric and Dom could worry about the money.

"Now, if you catch any of them trying to slip away while we're in there, give them one chance to surrender then fill them with arrows if they even think about fighting.  Fairies tend to have a lot of tricks up their sleeves, so keep your eyes open.  Watch overhead in case some of them can fly, and watch the ground for footprints in case they can go invisible.  If one of us comes out alone and acting suspicious, keep your guard up and ask a few questions to make sure it's not some sort of magic disguise.  If you don't hear back from us in half an hour, I want Akiros to take twenty of our best people and come in after us.  If that fails, block off the doorway and light the whole place on fire."

With her commanders briefed, Elena closed lowered the visor on her new helmet and steeled herself for the battle to come.  She slung her glaive over one shoulder, somewhat awkwardly, then readied the portable ram they had brought to batter the door down.

OOC: Right before the attack, Elena is going to cast Protection from Evil on herself.  using a portable ram for +2 on the check to break down the door, plus another +2 if someone else helps.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Sat 23 Oct 2021.

Rather than doing the actual work of breaking down the door, Kael plans on taking point as the approach the tower, counting on his own spells to keep his safe from any arrows fired by the defenders.

But before any attack is launched he intends on sneaking as close as he can to the tower to take a closer look at it and the gates, using whatever trees are nearby as cover.

11:51, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19,26 using 1d20+14,1d20+9 with rolls of 5,17.  Stealth, Perception.

That's a strength check, right? Kael isn't really the best person for that, so once we attack he'll instead cast Shield and Mirror Image and advance in front to maybe draw some of their fire.

"So as you tallfolk crack the door, I'll try to slip in and around, to muck up their plan and sow confusion.  Makes sense? The tower isn't that big, and they must know there's no functional way they can defend it, unless they're willing to die here."

Borric gave a few directions as the group set out to assault the final bandit stronghold. The others seemed to have all of their plans down to the final detail. It helped that the group fought together for so long. This year passed in a blur. Countless emissaries and meetings upon meetings.

The Dark Pipers actually gave Borric an excuse to venture out on something familiar. He took up position next to Elena. "Ready when you are."

---

Borric will provide Aid Another to Elena.
rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20.  STR Check (Good start!)

Dominique had spent much of the year working with his small council of delegates from the state religions to lay the physical, spiritual, and legal groundwork for the new nation. From arranging national holidays to designing the sewer systems, the Inquisitor found little time for himself and quickly grew restless without danger and the open road ahead of him. The hunter was becoming a manager and although he was appreciative of the role, his soul was slow to be tamed. The reports of unexplored ruins and Dark Pipers were a welcome chance at adventure after so long sitting in councils and signing documents and High Priest was quick to commission a full set of plate armor and shield to replace his tattered leather armor--which had grown inexplicably snug around the waist.

Now decked in heavy plate armor preparing to storm the tower with his companions, Dominique quietly watches Elena directing her troops. He had had little chance to observe their training or her leadership, aside from the occasional parade he had coaxed her into, over the last year as he was buried in his own responsibilities, and now he begins to inwardly dwell on whether fieldwork and warfare are becoming unfamiliar to him. As preparations for their assault are nearly complete and the party makes ready to approach, and with Elena's permission, Dominique leads the party and a host of the soldiers in a prayer to the goodly gods for wisdom and insight in the coming encounter followed by a sharing of wine from a kilderkin blessed by the Inquisitor. Finally, as the party moves in to assault the tower, he follows along, offering brief prayers to Abadar and laying blessings on everyone.

Casting Tears to Wine and dolling out as much as possible to the party and soldiers. +2 enhancement bonus on all Intelligence– and Wisdom-based skill checks for 40 minutes.
Also casting Resistance on everyone(except Kael(?) who has a cloak.)

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
SPELLS PREPARED
Level |  #  |  DC  |  Spells
  0   |  4  |  15  |  Detect Magic, Guidance, Resistance, Light
  1   | 5+1 |  16  |  Longstrider, Barbed Chains, Bless, Weapons Against Evil,
                      Command, Protection From Evil
  2   | 3+1 |  17  |  Locate Object, Tears to Wine, Burst of Radiance,
                      Mortal Terror

---

As soon as the door bursts in out comes the waiting bandits from inside sallying forth hoping to catch the heroes by surprise. A fiendish looking redcap leading a pair of gnome swordsmen charge forward to attack the group while they are still trying to drop the battering ram.



The two gnomes stab at Elena and Borric but both seasoned fighters are able to get out of the way. The redcap, however, is a much deadlier foe. With a mighty swing it cleaves into Elena nearly cutting the paladin in half. Only the battering ram saves Borric from a similar fate as he hauls up the tree trunk and it intercepts the scythe.

Redcap moves up and cleaves. Hits Elena on AC 26 for 21 pts of damage. Misses the cleave on Borric only hitting a 12.

Elena gasped with pain as the redcap's blade found a weak point in her armor, but it was pain that she could take.  Dropping the battering ram, she drew her glaive and took a step back.  "Archers!"  She yelled to the massed troops behind her, without taking her eyes off of the murderous fairy to her front.  "If you have a clear shot at the gnomes, take it!  Leave the redcap to us." 

Elena raised her weapon towards the scraggly fae.  Her voice took on a deep, resonant quality as she intoned, "Redcap of the Dark Pipers!  For your wanton murder of innocents and your destruction of lives and beauty, you will die today!  In Shelyn's name, I smite you!"

With that, she brought her glaive down in a devastating swing, repaying the creature's brutality with violence of her own.

FREE: Drop ram, 5-ft step back.
SWIFT: Activate Smite evil against Redcap.  +3 attack, +4 damage, +3 deflection, ignores DR of evil creatures.
MOVE: Draw Glaive
STANDARD: Power attack vs redcap.  Hits AC 24 for 20 damage.

PASSIVE EFFECTS: Protection from evil, 9 rounds.  +2 deflection and +2 resistance vs evil, immune to mind-control effects.  Doesn't stack with smite deflection or cloak of resistance.
Tears to wine (40 mins) +2 to int and wis skills.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Fri 29 Oct 2021.

Kael swears and casts a spell he prepared for the attack before drawing his weapon and stepping in between Elena and the vicious looking fey.

I don't see the bad guys on the map, but I'm casting Glitterdust to cover the fey and the gnomes if possible. The fey is the priority though, as is avoiding friendly fire.

Them draw weapon and move to where Elana just was, I guess?

I'm assuming here that Kael already cast his Shield and Mirror Image spells before we got in this mess, like he planned to. If this is not the case, I'll have to change my action.

Dominique stumbles back as the enemies unexpectedly pour out through the shattered doorway. It seems this redcap would be a very formidable foe, but with Abadar's aid the scales will always be in their favor. Thrusting his masterfully crafted steel shield coated in white enamel and decorated with golden filigree and the golden key of Abadar into the air to be visible, the Inquisitor speaks out in a booming voice, "Prostrate yourself before the power of the God of Judges and Judge of Gods!"

Free: 5' step away
Swift: Intimidate Redcap w/ Omen Trait: 22
Standard: Cast Command(Fall) on Redcap DC: Will DC 16
20:11, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 22 using 1d20+19 with rolls of 3.  Demoralize Redcap.
(Included +4 for being bigger because redcaps are small, right?)
Also, Dom's AC is 22--forgot to update for the new equipment.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

Borric dropped the battering ram as he took a step to the right of the redcap. He drew his sword, "We have you surrounded. This will be your end." With a thrust of his sword, he knew that he found a weak stop in the redcap's armor. His sword was coated in blood as he prepared to strike again.

---

20:00, Today: Secret Roll: Borric d'Tor rolled 29,5 using 1d20+9,1d8+3 with rolls of 20,2.  ATK/DAM.
20:00, Today: Secret Roll: Borric d'Tor rolled 23 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 14.  Crit Confirmation.

Free: 5' step to try to block path of the other creature :)

This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

As enemies spill out, Cara tries to scoot left, with an eye to getting inside, behind folks...

Of course, that plan may be complicated by her loosing her crossbow at one of the swordsmen, and her "EEEP!" exclamation as the redcap nearly sawed poor Elena in twain...

Free: 5' step left toward the door
Standard: Fire Crossbow at nearest unobstructed gnome swordsman

14:42, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 19 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 14.  Fire lcxb @ gnome swordsman.
14:42, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  if hit damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

Elena deals a savage strike to the redcap. Borric likewise using his cold iron sword (wink) sinks its blade into the redcap.

Dominique finds the redcap is not intimidated by the imposing priest of Abadar but the creature is smacked by the force of his words and collapses to the ground.

Then Kael's glitterdust bomb goes off catching all three Pipers full blast. While the redcap and one of the gnomes avoids being blinded, the second one is blinded by the light and begins swinging his sword wildly in front of him.

Cara's shot is ruined by the wild ebb and flow of melee. (-4 for shooting into melee).

Vyntis stands back and assesses the situation, waiting to deploy his magic at an opportune time.

---

The redcap stands up, cursing at the party in his sylvan tongue.
Borric and Elena get AoO on the redcap

It swings into Borric with its blade but Borric steps back and ducks down as the blade cuts right over his head.

Round 2

Kael quickly casts another spell, and lightning seems to dance on his blade as he steps closer to the fey to deliver his strike.

Shocking Grasp, 5' step to L14 (don't want to give him cover against Elena, until now I did not even know this is possible), then Spellcombat & Spellstrike.

12:36, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 22,9 using 1d20+8,1d8+1 with rolls of 14,8.  Spellcombat 1 (Attack, Damage).
12:36, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 12,8 using 1d20+8,1d8+1 with rolls of 4,7.  Spellcombat 2 (Attack, Damage).
12:37, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 18 using 4d6 with rolls of 4,5,3,6.  Shocking Grasp.

Looks like first strike hits and delivers Shocking Grasp damage. I did not count +3 to attack from the spell as I'm not sure it qualifies. From the image he has some metal armor on him, and that scythe does have a lot of metal on it as well.

The downed redcap was just able to scramble to it's feet while avoiding Elena's blade, but it didn't stay safe for long.  As Kael delivered his shocking strike, Elena followed it up with a vicious thrust from her glaive.  The blood flowing from Elena's wound was already slowing, and her skin began to stitch itself shut with a faint blue glow.

REACTION: AoO vs Redcap.  Misses with a 15.
STANDARD: Attack Redcap.  Hits AC 22 for 20 damage.
SWIFT: Lay on Hands towards self, heals 10 damage.

Cara doesn't like shooting into the mess of a melee, but likes being stabbed less.  She'll continue to crib towards the door and seek to get behind folks, while still staying out of the way...

Free: scoot 5'
Move: reload
Standard: shoot dem!
16:56, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 10 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 9.  Crossbow (+5 attack, -4 for melee fire).

Borric narrowed his eyes as the Redcap shifted its position to match his own. He brought down his blade. "I've got his focus. Go get them."

---

AoO
rolled 17,6 using 1d20+9,1d8+3 with rolls of 8,3.  ATK/DAM

-----------------------

Attack Redcap, whiffssss
rolled 10,5 using 1d20+9,1d8+3 with rolls of 1,2.  ATK/DAM

Kael, Borric and Elena hack and shock the redcap with ruthless efficiency and the evil fey is laid low. Seeing the red cap put down so quickly causes the two gnome bandits to throw down their weapons in surrender. Well the non-blind one does at least. The blind one keeps swinging his sword around ineffectually.

Round 3

The surrendering gnome could live for now.  After the crimes he committed and his attempts to resist arrest, the tiny bandit would almost certainly hang back in Rivermarch, but he would at least be entitled to a fair trail first.

The blind gnome would not be so lucky.  Ineffectually swinging a sword around was still fighting, and Elena wasn't in the mood to talk the gnome down.  She lunged forwards, bringing her glaive down in a sweeping overhead strike against the blinded bandit.

FULL: Charge to K15, power attack blind gnome.  Hits AC 21 for 15 damage.

EDIT: I'm not sure if this is allowed, since I didn't think of it until well after I posted, but can I add this action to my turn?
SWIFT: Lay on hands to self.  Heals 7 HP.

Passive Effects: tears to wine (40 mins), protection from evil (7 rds)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Tue 09 Nov 2021.

Borric shouted, "We got two of them. Keep watch. I'm sure that there are more inside." He was a step behind Elena as she charged the remaining Gnome. His sword slipped under his guard and slashed deeply.

---

Hits AC 29, Damage 16 CRIT
rolled 29,8 using 1d20+9,1d8+3 with rolls of 20,5.  ATK/DAM.
rolled 18 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 9.  Crit Confirmation.

With the murderous fey down, Kael circles around the blindly flailing gnome to stab at his back.

Swift actin - Spell Dance for extra speed. Circling around the gnome to avoid AoOs (or would blindness prevent that?) to K18 to set up flanking with Elena. Hit for 7 damage?

19:09, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19,7 using 1d20+12,1d8+1 with rolls of 7,6.  Flank (Attack, Damage).

edit: That's one very dead gnome.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Tue 09 Nov 2021.

Dominique continues to hold back, seeing that the others have the situation well in hand. Abadar's power is not to be used in vain and he would only get in the way in a melee.

The surrendering bandit is subdued and tied up and passed on back to their perimeter army.

The other gnome is quickly cut down by the party that easily maneuvers around the blinded gnome.

There is a circular staircase leading up to the next level. Judging by the overall nature of the tower it is likely just the two levels so what remains of the Dark Pipers is likely just above them.

As they start considering their next move one of the runners from the army comes rushing in.

"Trolls! Troll sighting! Along the southern perimeter. Three of them. What are you orders?"

He's a young lad just recently come over from a farm in Rostland. With the help of the Swordlords the bards sang far and wide about around the region about the rise of Rivermarch and hundreds of kids barely into their teens had poured in to seek fame and fortune. Sure their core army was comprised of adults and a few seasoned veterans but almost half were inexperienced farmers just like this lad and they had been put to work as couriers and diggers and cooks and any number of other jobs that kept an army marching but kept them off the front lines.

"Seriously?"  Elena exclaimed in frustration. "Trolls show up the second we take the door?  What are the odds?!"

Actually...what were the odds?  The army had the Dark Pipers surrounded all day, and eighteen seconds after the party begins it's assault, three trolls show up?  This felt like some kind of fey trickery.  It could be an illusion, a charmed messenger, any number of things.

It could also be a troll attack.

After a second's thought, Elena turned back to the messenger.  "Tell Akiros to hold fast.  Even trolls aren't stupid enough to pick a fight outnumbered 200 to 1.  I mean, I hope they aren't that dumb.  If they do engage, the front line is to stay on defense while the archers bring them down.  Understand?  Good."

She turned back to the stairs.  According to their info, there would be a satyr and two spriggans waiting for them up there, plus maybe a few more gnomes.  It had taken the party mere seconds to wipe out half the Dark Pipers, with any luck they could smash the leadership and still have time left on Elena's protection spell to handle the trolls, if indeed there were any trolls to handle.

Starting up the spiral staircase, she added. "We'll be there in just a minute."

OOC: Elena will stop if someone tells her to, otherwise she's heading up the stairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Thu 11 Nov 2021.

Borric did turn back. He was about to call on his companions to fight the trolls, but Elena's comments about the suspicious timing made him reconsider. "The general is right. Have the armies use fire. Torches and fire arrows with their attacks. We'll be done here as fast as possible."

Borric stood up in the front to lead the charge into the Dark Piper's encampment. "Let's do this."

Feel free to add comments. I'm ok with several people advising another course of action :)

"You think someone in there is trying to be clever? Could just be, but let me go up first. You are wounded while my protection spells are still intact." Kael offers to Elena, ready to climb the stairs first if she agrees.

Elena is at half health, right? Though her remaining hit points are close to Kael's full health, he does still have an active Mirror Image with... bah, I never rolled to see how many images he has:
14:52, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 4 using 1d4+1 with rolls of 3.  Mirror Image.

Elena moved aside as Kael and Borric stepped up to lead the charge.  Her wounds were almost completely healed, but she didn't feel the need to be a glory hog.  Besides, Kael's magical defenses were impressive.

"I think...I think our men can hold the line for thirty seconds, whether the trolls are real or not.  And if there are trolls, then I don't want the Pipers at our back while we deal with them." 

OOC: Elena is back up to 37 HP, actually.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Thu 11 Nov 2021.

Dominique considers the merits of splitting up to handle both threats or leaving the Dark Pipers stuck in their tower for merely a few more minutes while they handle the other threat, but doesn't feel strongly enough to speak up when the others seem set on pushing into the tower. Instead he nods in agreement and lines up behind the others with a nod and agreement, "Let's press on. Quickly."

Dom still has a channel and Spontaneous Cures if we need them.

The party surges up the spiral stone staircase towards the second level and discover three problems.

The first is that the top of the stairs has been barricaded with barrels, chests, and tables. The second is that the rest of the Dark Pipers, including their leader, have set up holes in the barricade so they can presumably fire magic and bolts through. The third is that both the barricade and the top of the stairs appears to be covered in some kind of greasey substance that makes it hard to maintain footing on top of the stairs and a tumble there will result in a long and painful fall down the rest of the stairs.


The leader of the Dark Pipers is the Satyr holding a staff in one hand and a pan flute in the other. Next to him are two more gnomes, a man and a woman, both of which appear to have the appearance of spellcasters. Given their intelligence it is likely a druid and a sorcerer at his side.

Still as they party approaches the Satyr calls out to them with his deep voice, a baritone that even in conversation has a melodic tone to it. The satyr seems to have the natural ability to turn any conversation into a song.

"Hold intruders and let us parlay. If you are here I assume Goraidh and the others are dead. So be it. We can battle here to the bitter end and bath these old stones with our blood but I have a proposal for a less ruthless resolution, one in which we can both leave with something. Us with our lives can leave your land and you can get information about the one that is coming to overthrow your kingdom."

"You're the only threat to these lands. You're bluffing." Borric shouted over the barricade. He drew his sword and looked for a path to the Satyr.

Elena nodded in approval of Borric's direct approach.  "Too bad for you," she added, "We've already got a prisoner to ask about that."

Turning to Kael, she crouched down and cupped her hands together, forming a platform for the half-elf to step onto.  "Alright Kael, you wanted to go first.  Up and over!"

OOC: If it's possible and Kael agrees, Elena throws him over the edge of the stairs, onto G17.  If not, she uses her her alter self ability to become...herself, but slightly stronger.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Fri 19 Nov 2021.

The slippery substance is just in front of barricade so there is no hope of using it as a way through the barrier. The barrier is also stacked floor to ceiling so there is no gap over the top. Someone shrunk down to tiny size could fit through the "murder holes" that the bandits had built into it but otherwise pushing through or destroying it was the only option.

The barrier is almost entirely wood so lighting it on fire is an option. While the exterior of the tower is stone the interior structure is wood so there is the possibility of it catching and spreading.

So a few items to note:

1) You do have LOS through the barrier but otherwise passing through it is blocked.

2) It is a DC 18 strength check to push through it however....

3) To enter the space in front of the barrier is a DC 14 reflex save. Acrobatics can also be used as an alternative.

4) In order to actually take an action on the stairs (like pushing through the barricade) requires ANOTHER DC 14 reflex save.

5) Failing either reflex save sends you tumbling down the stairs to suffer a 20' fall (so 1d6 nonlethal for the first 10', 1d6 lethal for the second 10' modified by appropriate acrobatics checks). Yes it isn't straight down but smacking stone stairs sucks.

tl;dr: To push through the barricade is a DC 14 reflex/acrobatics check, a DC 14 reflex check, and then a DC 18 strength check. Failure on the reflex checks results in 1d6 nonlethal and 1d6 lethal damage.

While the others hesitate to puzzle a way through the clever obstacle, Dominique begins to attempt to keep the foes busy for a time and possibly cow them into surrender with all the charm of a seasoned Inquisitor, "We've come here for your benefit. It would be nothing for us to set this tower ablaze or collapse it and be rid of your nuisance--and now you've even seen to further cornering yourselves. There is only one way out of this for you: submit yourself to judgement. The judges of Abadar are fair and aiding the kingdom with your intrigue may earn you leniency. Perhaps others of your kind could even treaty for your release. But stay this course and you will soon join your victims on the River of Souls after your blood has boiled and your charred flesh has dripped from the bone."

Attempting to "Influence Opponent's Attitude." Should take 1 minute of conversation while the others plot.
21:13, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 21 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 6.  Influence Opponent's Attitude.
Frickin' die roller...

At least! Something I also excel in Cara thinks to herself, nearly clapping her hand with glee.  "He speaks the truth" comes her tinky-tiny gnome's voice, though it fills the tower, as she plays it to a stage.  "We come to this tower not because we want to, not because we are some bloodthirsty monsters, no - - we come because we have to.  I know - I do, I swear - of the history between us.  But please, I implore you - listen to me.  To us.  There is another way out of here.  You've seen what the Inquisitor here can do; terrible and swift is his arm.  So to my other companions.  Each as fearsome as the last.  What can anyone do against such fury raise-ed?  Blood boiled? Flesh charred?  Why such hatred?  Please - it does not have to be so.  The ways of the world - and this wood - are changing.  There could well be an opportunity here, - hear me out - an opportunity where we both get what we need.  Another respite might not come.  Call out, then worthy adversaries - call out and let us speak together, plainly, and settle this with decency, not boiled flesh and charred bones and all that.  Ick!  Come, Speak as you would."

OCC: I'm gonna feel dumb if the roll tanks.
17:07, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 21 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 10.  Using Diplomacy, though Oratory (+12) may help? pfft. Same result!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Mon 22 Nov 2021.

The gnomes on either side of the satyr seem to shift and glance back at him but he just smiles and responds in his melodic voice.

"You say you want peace but when it is offered on the table you do not acknowledge it. Your actions betray your intentions no matter your pretty words so I shall say once again clearly that we also do not want to fight. You are invaders upon our land, you have stolen from us our woods and our meadows and we have fought back as best as we can but it is clear the might of man has overpowered the will of the fey. If you truly want to resolve things peacefully clear us a path and we will be on our way. We will leave your lands and ne'er return and the woods of the Narlmarches can be yours. You have won, do you really need to parade our heads around on bloody pikes to prove it? Are you so ruthless that you begrudge us defending our homes?"

The satyr's voice is like silk to the ears and his speaking pattern has a rhythmic quality to it that is almost hypnotic just from his cadence as if he was reciting some ancient poem and not negotiating in a ruined tower with the fragmeneted remains of his bandit group.

The Dark Pipers were responsible for some truly heinous acts of bloodshed but the pain and fear and sadness in the satyr's voice is clear for everyone to see. He seems very sincere and shamed at the actions he felt forced to take in defense of his home.

"As an act of good faith I have information on a threat to your kingdom. Someone else has designs on your land and is already gathering allies to stop you. They reached out to us to join them."

He pauses letting the bait dangle out there before continuing.

"You and your men have cut through our guards and the three of us are all that remains. We pose no more threat to you. Let us go, there is nothing else spilling our blood will accomplish."

While it is true that the Dark Pipers have been reduced from around a dozen or so to a quarter of their size it is worth noting that satyrs are fey and the fey are not known for keeping their word or telling straightforward truths. The fey mentality is that "truth" and "reality" just exist in the moment so while a fey might swear up and down to never return, in a month or a year or a decades time they might come back because in their own mind the time limit has expired. They did stay away...for a time. That much was true at least. Then again given how the Dark Pipers had been plaguing this area for at least a year prior to Rivermarch's creation and then hounded and cut down the fey might also stay away because it is true there is nothing left for them here and fey are not particularly suicidal.

The fey are used to a realm where they are effectively immortal, when in the First World a fey dies it is reborn so death and survival instincts do not come naturally to the fey. However most fey are intelligent enough to realize they are no longer in the First World and death is now permanent so while they don't hold a high value of life in others, intelligent fey typically recognize their own mortality and act accordingly.

FYI it is a DC 29 for Diplomacy, DC 21 for Intimidation and IF I could roll diplomacy against you guys he would have gotten a 20 for his own influence attitude action. I do not enforce that as PCs inherently have more agency than NPCs but feel free to incorporate that into your reactions if you so desire.

Elena had long worried about whether Rivermarch could deal fairly with the fey while still allowing the lumber trade they needed to thrive, and she sympathized with the Piper's motivations.  Hearing his words, her grim countenance softened slightly.  But only slightly.

"You make a fair argument."  She replied.  "It's a shame we're only hearing it now.  When we first came to the Stolen Lands chasing down our human enemies, you could have greeted us as visitors to your land the way the kobolds did.  When we founded our town and put out an offer of forgiveness for the bandit clans, you could have come to us then, and worked out an understanding as neighbors and as friends.  But we didn't hear your pretty words then, did we?  All we saw was the bodies in your wake and the heads you stuck on bloody pikes."

"You didn't even try to talk when we showed up outside your home!  We tried to negotiate your surrender when we arrived, and instead you boarded yourselves up in here and made us come in after you.  So don't start getting all high and mighty about how we're a bunch of unreasonable brutes!"

A faint smile came over the paladin's face.  "You've already tried to match Fey will against human might."  With a glance at Cara and Kael, she added "Er, humanoid might.  How about a different contest: Fey charm against human justice?  Come with us to Rivermarch and stand trial.  Our trials are open to the public.  You'll get every chance to use that silky baritone to sway our people to your cause, the way you should have from the start.  We'll promise a voice and safe passage to any other fey who wants to come and support your case, too."

Elena didn't know much about fairies, but she was pretty sure they liked games, and this one seemed pretty confident in his speaking abilities.  And from a certain point of view, a fair trial was as much a competition of wit and charm as it was about the facts. "You must have heard how we dealt with the other gangs, plenty of ex-bandits are still breathing air in our territories.  Especially the ones that surrendered without a fight, and were willing to provide restitution like the info you're offering.  I can't promise you anything, though.  Maybe you'll live, maybe you'll die.  Maybe you'll turn our people against logging, or rile up your own people to rise against us.  Or maybe not.  I suppose it all comes down to whether you can talk better than you fight."

Elena finished with a shrug.  "Or, if you don't think you can out-talk a few brutish humans, you can always try to fight us like your friends did." 

OOC:
11:26, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 31 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 20.  diplomacy: Suggest action.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Tue 23 Nov 2021.

Borric held his position and his guard with his sword. Elena made a clear argument from his point of view. "My general makes a valid point. Why didn't you reach out? The offer of forgiveness was sent out publicly so that people could returned and walk away from the life of banditry." Borric sheathed his sword. "We extend the offer, again. Give up the life of banditry. Find peace and justice."

The satyr looks Elena and she sees a slight flicker of a smile cross his goat-like features.

"It will be the performance of a lifetime. So be it. If your honor and sense of justice is half of what you boast I expect safe passage will not be a problem. Fine then, I will stand trial to avoid any more bloodshed."

Given the heinous crimes they have committed it is hard to think of the Dark Pipers as being adverse to spilling crimson tides. Something is clearly up with the satyr though. The gnomes on either side give him worrying looks but a quick glance and subtle nod of his head has them lowering their crossbows and taking a step back.

>"I will face your magisters but you will let my friends go, right? I will need them free to prepare for my trial. To gather witnesses and evidence of course."

Yes...definitely some scheme was going on but it didn't seem to be anything as silly as invoking violence here and there. More like the actions and demeanor of someone who thinks they can beat you at your own game.

"Let my companions go and promise me a fair and just trial fully in the eyes of the public and I shall come willingly. Agreed?"

Elena turned to look at Borric and the rest of her companions, her expression unsure.  "Well, this is probably the best deal we're gonna get," she reasoned quietly.  "But I didn't want to let the gnomes just walk away.  They're murderers!"

She glanced back to the barricade, where it loomed behind lubed-up stairs.  "I'm pretty sure we can take them, one way or another.  Uh, probably. But could we fight off a troll attack right after?  Or...maybe it's worth letting the small fry go, just to nab their boss quickly so we can deal with our other problem?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Fri 03 Dec 2021.

"To the Hells with this." Dominique curses, unwilling to compromise justice just because the fey can stack a few boxes. "Let's back out and bring the tower down on them. Or cook them from below."

"For once I am in agreement with our inquisitor. I don't know what their leader is planning, but his henchmen are likely a part of it. He could be sending them for help. I say we tell them we'll think about it and let them stew in here surrounded by our men, at least until we see what's up with those trolls outside." Kael gives his input as well.

I would be sorry to waste such a good roll, but there is obviously something off with this deal. So let's see what's up with those trolls first, then deal with the bandits - take them on their offer, enter the tower from the top, burn them out, collapse the tower on them, whatever. But we need to find out what is happening outside first - the troll situation could be time sensitive.

"Very well. You're companions may leave. BUT they must throw down their arms. We will escort them out of the area to ensure that they are not accosted by our soldiers." Borric sheathed his sword

For a moment Kael is unsure if Borric really means it or is just playing a trick on the fey. But that would just not be his style. He sheaths his own sword and waits for the bandits to come out. Maybe they can later mess up the bandit leader's plans, whatever they are, by creatively interpreting terms of surrender.

I think that whatever the bandit leader is up to, those gnomes will be a part of it. Why else would he insist on letting them go? And Borric did say that we would escort them away. So maybe we could "escort" them by chaining them to a ship or a cart heading far, far away from our lands? And only set them free once they are too far away to return in time to help their boss?

I suppose Kael could arrange for that to happen without others even knowing, if the more lawful alighted party members would prefer it that way.

Following Borric and Kael, Elena brought her glaive into a less aggressive posture.  She wasn't any more happy with it than Dominique, but she told herself it was for the best.  They weren't just here as adventurers, they were representing their fledgling barony.  If they got a reputation for dealing fairly even with their enemies, then with luck they might find more enemies willing to negotiate.

"You can leave with your lives, the clothes on your back, and some basic supplies."  She added.  "Leave your weapons, your armor, and whatever stolen wealth you have on you.  You may return to Rivermarch for the trial, but other than that, you're banished from our lands."

"Also,"  She added, pointing a finger at the Satyr.  "They're being freed on your authority, meaning as far as I'm concerned, anything they do during the trial is also under your authority.  If they start hurting people or committing more crimes, especially if they do it to effect the trial, we'll treat you as an oathbreaker."

OOC: If you're gonna do the gnomes dirty, Elena would prefer to be left out of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Tue 07 Dec 2021.

The gnomes look at the satyr who nods at them and they cast their weapons down in a pile. It is possible, even likely, they have knives hidden on their persons but they have dropped their obvious weaponry and don't seem to be in any position to be enacting some kind of reckless last ditch attack. Instead they begin to cautiously start dismantling their barricade, watchful for any signs of betrayal...

Let me know if anyone is going to stop them, otherwise the gnomes will unbarricade the chamber and be escorted out into the woods where they will disappear

Once the way was clear, Elena pushed past the two gnomes and approached their leader.  Quickly and firmly, she disarmed the satyr; taking his pipes and staff, and removing any armor or magical items he had on him.  She tied his hands behind his back, then shoved a burlap sack over his head (after adding two holes in the sack for the Satyr's horns.)  Taking away the satyr's vision would make his inherent magical powers less dangerous, if not completely unusable.  He would probably have to be blindfolded for most of his time imprisoned, lest he mind-control his guards.

While she was seeing to the Piper's leader, Elena almost-intentionally paid no attention to his two gnome underlings.  There were a number of ways their release could go wrong, she realized: A miscommunication with the guards outside could leave them shot full of holes, or they might find themselves escorted further out than they expected, and left unarmed in a particularly dangerous stretch of the woods.

Or in a grave.

Elena didn't think the rest of her party would do anything like that, and she wouldn't approve of it if they did.  But frankly, she had bigger things to worry about than the fate of a few murderers.  If this was the last time she ever saw those particular gnomes, she wouldn't feel inclined to figure out why.

Once she had the Satyr secured, Elena almost casually threw him over her shoulder, picked him up, and carried him down the stairs and out of the tower.  There would be time to loot the Piper's lair before they left, but for now she was still a little worried about the potential troll situation.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

Kael is not really happy about just letting those two gnomes leave and has a feeling they have not seen the last of them. But that's a problem for tomorrow, right now they need to wrap this up and see what is happening with those trolls. Maybe the two problems could solve themselves and  the gnomes will be eaten by the trolls or something else in the forest? It's a long shot, but if he has gets a chance, he plans to take the guard sergeant aside and instruct him to escort the gnomes further out than they expect and leave them unarmed in a particularly dangerous stretch of the woods.

He offers no objection on seeing how Elena deals with the bandit leader. In fact, he offers her his help with securing the bastard. He does not trust him any further than he could throw him.

I've shamelessly stolen your idea, Elena.

Up until the hood covers his head the satyr has a smug smile born of some secret plan but whatever it is the party sees no sign of treachery or disruption. The gnomes don't appear to be stupid and while they stay ahead of the party they don't charge straight out right into the waiting swords and crossbows of the guards. Instead they wait carefully so the leaders of the realm are in full view at all times so that the clear sign that nobody seems concerned they are running free is their exit pass.

Not that they really would have had any trouble leaving, the siege had completely broken down by that point. Instead ground was being cleared for the wounded...and the dead.

Two dozen dead or dying soldiers are being looked after by the unit's medic although a quick glance shows most of them are beyond care. Heads and chests caved in by some kind of massive blunt force trauma. Their army didn't suffer casualties lightly though and in the distance a group of soldiers are dragging the large corpse of an ogre to the tower.

The officer in charge, Jorum Kanton sees the party come out of the tower and runs up to deliver his report.

"They suddenly charged our formation. It was clear they were trying to head to the tower. We clashed but thank the gods they retreated once we downed one of them. There were five in total. The four fled back to the south but we didn't pursue..."

Jorum's gaze shifts to the line of the dead letting the sight of all the dead and wounded explain his actions better than words ever could.

From under his hood there is a slight chuckle from the satyr leader over Elena's shoulder.

"It seems you're in more need of my tales then I had thought."

Dominique holds his tongue after Boric makes his agreement with the enemy. This was not justice, letting killers go to plot further harm simply because they stacked a few boxes! But as Elena and Kael saw to securing their prisoners--Dominique lends them two pairs of his personal manacles to help--the Inquisitor is first to lead the gnomes out, with the goal of assigning a contingent of men to escort them into Drelev's lands under heavy guard.

The sight of the carnage shocks him and for a time he can't believe it--how could the attack have been so well-timed to their assault? How could they not have heard the attack? But soon, as the satyr callously and spitefully dishonors the sacrifices of their men, the Inquisitor's grief turns to anger and he spins about to grab the sack over the knave's head and pull it tight around his neck. "You had something to do with this, you cretin! My word to Asmodeus, if any more die by your schemes I will take an appendage for each before I let the headsman claim his bounty."

17:33, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 25 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 10.  Intimidate, just 'cuz.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

Kael raises an eyebrow when Dominique swears on Asmodeus. "Should have gagged him as well."

He digs out a couple of vials from his pocket and hands them over to the medics, to perhaps help at least some of the casualties. Then he heads over to examine the corpse of the monster the army slew. Strange that even giants would blindly charge into an army like that.

Giving away my 2 potions of CLW, mostly to give the impression of caring for the troops. And CLW potions are quickly becoming useless to us as we level up anyway. But, ogre? Were the attackers a mixed group or ogres and trolls then?

Elena looked in horror at the results of the skirmish.  It had clearly been a mistake to ignore the trolls.  Her mistake, that the rest of the party had simply been caught up in.  She had been so confident that her organized, 500-strong professional army could hold it's own, and arguably it had: The trolls didn't get what they wanted, which was to reach the tower.  But a small handful of giants shouldn't have been able to smash right into their lines, kill over a score of her people and then casually walk away like that.  The archers alone should have brought down a troll or two before they even reached the front lines.

Worse than the casualties was the breakdown in order:  The encirclement of the tower had been completely abandoned, half the army was out of formation, and there was a senior commander abandoning his post and running out of position to deliver a message that could have easily been sent by a messenger.  Hell, it was a message that should have been sent by a messenger 5 minutes earlier, when the attack started.  How the hell had all of this happened so close the the tower without the party hearing anything?

Elena hated being the bad guy, but she would need to whip her officers into shape once the army returned from the field.  A 5% casualty rate was pretty high for a minor skirmish like this, but it was no excuse for the level of disarray she was seeing now.

Still, that could all wait.  They were still in danger, and Elena's first priority was making sure no more of her men died unnecessarily.  So instead of laying into Jorum immediately, Elena simply placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.  "Good work." She replied.  "If nothing else, we've shown the troops that common folk like themselves can stand up against worst monsters this land holds and come out on top.  But right now, you need to get the men back into formation, guard the wounded and keep them ready.  We're not out of these woods yet, and the trolls don't usually run away for much longer than it takes their wounds to close up."

Sitting the Satyr down, Elena gently removed Dominique's hands from their prisoner's neck.  "Easy there.  Our friend here has important information he's promised to share, and now he's going to share it."  She prodded the Satyr lightly, to make sure he knew she was talking to him.  "Alright now: tell us a tale.  Those giants were organized, and they were trying to get to you.  Where did they come from?"

"And..." Elena's grip tightened on the glaive in her hand.  "Where are they headed right now?"

Borric watched as his companions had everything well in hand. He was concerned about whatever the Satyr was about to share. "Perhaps we should move to a better secured area to have this conversation." Borric wanted to make sure that whatever information that the
Satyr would not spread through the ranks like wildfire.

The soldiers are very grateful that their leaders are dispensing aid, and for a few in critical condition it makes the difference between life and death.

Kanton explains that it was a mixed group. Two trolls with three ogres. It isn't common for trolls to work alongside other giantkin but it isn't completely unknown either. Trolls tend to be willing to work with anyone that keeps them properly fed which due to their insane magical metabolism is a sizable feat.

When they were satisfied they were alone Zackot began to tell his tale.

"You creatures of clay are not the only ones with dreams for this land. While you were attacking from the North, another was seizing the South. We had, of course, heard the rumors of a mighty army securing the southern Nalrmarches and declaring their own kingdom.

They posted a notice at the edge of our lands, a notice they would be sending a delegation to talk to us and seek an alliance in...heh...pushing you out of the region. If we had known they were ogres and trolls...well that would have been an interesting meeting.

The letter was signed but we could not make out the name. Giant's aren't known for their penmanship after all, but it did start with an "H", that much we could figure out."

The group scrutinizes his tale for lies or half-truths but it seems like Zackot has no desire to protect giants from the party.

Elena glared at the satyr in stony silence for a second.  Her earlier willingness to show mercy towards the satyr for his co-operation was clearly fading fast.

"...Is this a joke?" She asked  "That's the information you wanted to trade for your freedom?  That we have an enemy to the south?  That's it?  We already know we have an enemy to the south, ZACK.  They just attacked us!  And now you're sitting there, telling us info you just heard our own people say, and acting like it's some big revelation?"

"No.  Do better.  Give us something useful: A name, a location, someone else you know who might be working with this 'H'."

Borric was glad that Elena pushed Zackot for more information. He would hate to be forced into a position not of his choosing. "Let's get the men moving. We've a ways to go and the men are tired." He got the attention of one of the officers and passed along the orders.

Dominique leaves Elena to the questioning--he has no patience for the satyr's games and disregard for life and Borric's agreement would keep his hands tied ... at least until the fey causes bloodshed. Instead he sees to the wounded troops, gathering the worst of them tightly around himself so that he can channel the healing energies bestowed on him by Abadar. He is not the glorious conduit of light that some pretty priests are, his connection is more careful consideration and dogged conviction, but he should be able to stave off death for those close to its door.
Channel Energy for 2d6 healing; will borrow Elena from her interrogation if she still needs some HP.

After failing to learn anything useful from the ogre's body, Kael listens in on the interrogation. He shares Elena's feelings on the information their prisoner provided so far, but she seems to have things well in hand. So when Borric gives out orders, he joins him to ask what are his plans. "Are we going back with the army then? The group that attacked us is likely running back to their lair to report what happened and lick their wounds. And following tracks of giants should not be very hard, if we decide to do that."

"You bring up a good point Kael." Borric waved over an officer from the army to join the conversation. "How are the men? They fit for travel? How about handling a prisoner? We may want to see the trail that the giants left us."

"With only a few minutes' lead and with us mounted we should be able to close the distance quickly. A group of giants should be easy enough to track at pace." Dominique figures aloud and begins to make quick preparations for such a chase--summoning their mounts and conferring with a few of the men to get an accurate accounting of the enemy's and gear(for Locate Object when they get near.)

Zackot gives out a deep throaty chuckle as he listens to the others either deride him or make their plans to follow.

"You arrogant fools. Can you not understand what I am telling you? The ones you just faced weren't the threat, they were the envoys. By the gods how did you defeat me? You do not face a couple of trolls, you face an army of of them. An army that is recruiting amongst all your enemies in the area. If you do not see the value...bah I am done with you. I will not sit here and help you avoid your own destruction. Please, do go on and charge straight into the lands of your enemies without any scouting or backup. Just make sure you tell your next of kin the deal you have penned with me so that the rest of us can carry on after your heroic demise."

To Zackots point the Dark Piper base here represented the edge of the Greenbelt and Narlmarches that Rivermarch had explored and tamed. Following the giants would be easy enough but would also quickly take them into uncharted territory.

"Forgive my more boisterous companions, we only saw a problem and took to remedy the problem," Cara said, "So you are saying there is an army of trolls and giants to the south, that bodes ill for all. You say they sent you a letter, may I see it?"

OOC: 19:44, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 25 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 14.  Diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

"The prisoner will address us with respect unless he wants a gag and thumbscrews added to his bindings." Dominique commands both the satyr and the men restraining him as calmly yet sternly as possible before addressing the others, "We shouldn't delve into their supposed lands without a large contingent, but we've little to lose in at least trying to catch up with this small band."

"Easy there, Dom."  Elena cautioned, unnerved by the Abadaran's bloodthirst.  She told himself Dominique wasn't actually going to torture a prisoner for speaking out of turn.  Besides, it wasn't the time or place for that sort of discussion, so she turned her attention to the matter at hand.  Leaving to address her captains, Elena quickly filled them in on what was going on.

"Jorum, have our men search the tower thoroughly.  Leave no stone unturned, and take anything of value, anything with writing on it, anything with a picture that might be a clue about what the Pipers were about and who their allies might be.  Once you're done, pack up the camp and start everyone marching back to Rivermarch.  We'll catch up with you on the way back.  Vyntis, could you stay behind and lend them your magical expertise?"

"Akiros, I want you to take our cavalry and come with us.  We're leaving immediately in pursuit of the Giants.  If we're lucky, we might be able to capture a prisoner and find some answers.  If not...well we can at least keep our mysterious Mister H in the dark about what happened here." 

Akiros gives a nod at Elena.

"I've got some skill at hunting and tracking but I don't normally try and track from horseback at pursuit speeds. Granted they are trolls and ogres so the trail should be pretty easy to follow but can I do it?"

He gives a half-hearted shrug.

"Eh? Maybe? First time for everything, right?"

"We shouldn't be so hasty to attack them, an army of giants could be useful. Obviously we wouldn't want to give them sway over Rivermarch, but the other powers would think twice about invading us if we had a powerful army of giants allied to us," Caramip suggested.

"Cara..." Elena shook her head, as she mounted her horse and prepared to ride off.  "Cara, these giants are a hostile power.  And before we can think about any of that other stuff, we have to make them think twice about invading us."

"I do need to learn giant before I can really broker a deal with them, just you know my motto, better to charm than fight," Cara said with a sheepish smile. "I'll support you with my stories wherever you go."

"Seems that we have enough of a force to track down these giants." Borric moved through the battlefield. There were several foot prints, too many to distinguish one from another. But the giants were easier to spot. He followed the prints away from the battlefield, but eventually lost them. "I think the giants doubled-back the way they came. But then one set moves away, and then another joins them. There's too much. I can't really distinguish where they are headed."

---

rolled 10 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 3.  Survival

Gag. Don't think that 10 is going to impress anyone :)

The party rushes off on horseback along the trail of the the trolls but when they reach a clearing and stream Borric pauses and the party starts circling around trying to find where the trail picks up again but to little avail. It seems the trolls (or ogres) were just cunning enough to use the stream for travel to hide their tracks. They could re-emerge anyway upstream or downstream. Eventually an hour later the scouts they brought along find the trail again but by this point the chances of cutting off their escape seem to have vanished. A five minute head start was one thing but an hour, especially when they have shown basic ability of hiding their trail, seems to have shifted the expectations of their expedition.

Cara, make your Knowledge: Geography roll please.

"I think we are going in circles, let's think about areas nearby that they might hide at or would be appropriate for such giants," Cara said staying cheerful.

OOC: 08:12, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 18 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 9.  Knowledge: Geography.

Based on her knowledge of the area Cara thinks she can somewhat pin the probable troll lair to a few square miles. It was still a lot of terrain to cover but it gave them a rough idea of where to go when they were ready to march.

Unfortunately it was deep in the Narlmarches. Given the density of the forest cavalry wasn't going to be much help. Archers as well would be hampered in this kind of terrain. They would need to either lead foot soldiers in or lure the trolls out to more open and favorable terrain if they wanted to engage them with the full might of their army.

Map has been updated. Red circle indicates the three hexes where the trolls probably are.

"M'Lord a military solution might not be possible. Not if my hunches are correct, I believe the trolls are holed up based on the geography of the area in one of these areas," Caramip says.

"The Narlmarches are far to dense to take your cavalry in and the foliage so thick that archers would be reduced to near point blank range negating their advantage. If only I could speak giant I'd suggest a diplomatic mission first and would gladly volunteer but given the language barrier such a mission would not succeed. I'll have to brush up on giant in the near future if we are to deal with the giants. Who would have thought so many races in such a small area," she continued not being known for being pithy.

"That leaves us alone to go forward, either to deal with them ourselves or to lure them back to the army," Cara stated the options, "I wish there was a diplomatic way but barring someone speaking giant here I don't see a way."

Akiros clears his throat to speak up.

"Perhaps this is a matter best settled another day? We can post sentries to keep an eye out if the trolls march on our lands and the men are getting tired. We've been sieging the pipers for several days already. We came out here to deal with bandits, not troll armies. Uh...my lord."

Elena sighed.  "He's right.  I don't know how we could fight in this kind of terrain.  Our cavalry can't charge, our archers can't shoot at any kind of range, and even our infantry would have trouble holding any kind of formation.  But trolls don't care about any of that.  A disorganized brawl is exactly the kind of fight they excel at.  If we fight them on their terms, I'm worried it would go the same as it did back at the tower: 25 of our dead for 1 of theirs."

"Plus, our troops..."  Elena looked around, making sure none of the common soldiers they brought with them were around.  "To be totally honest, they suck.  I did my best to train them, to get them ready, but...these people are barely soldiers.  A few days in the field, and they're already showing signs of exhaustion.  They're just not ready."

Kael shrugs. "Doesn't look like we will manage to stop them from reporting back to whoever or whatever send them aynway. And I don't relish the prospect of taking on who knows how many giants in their lair right now. We need to learn more about our foes, prepare ourselves better, and, if possible, fight them at our terms and on our ground."

Ok with heading back. We will likely need to scout out this place at some point, but maybe we should not be dragging cannon fodder with us then?

Borric was itching to go hunting, even troll hunting. But his advisers were right. "Alright. Give the signal to return home. We did get what we came for."

"An excellent choice m'lord," Caramip said, "We will have to return in time but it is best to prepare. We'll need fire and acid among other things to kill the trolls if we cannot broker a deal."

Caramip moves to the tired levies and smiles warmly she then performs and ode to give strength to their legs for the journey home.

"Sometimes men need the winds most,
      at other times
            waters from the sky,
                  rain descendants of the cloud.
                  And when a man has triumphed
            and put his toil behind,
      it is time for melodious song
to arise, laying
            the foundation of future glory,
a sworn pledge securing proud success.

For the Rivermarch victors, such acclaim
      is laid in store
            without limit, and I
            am eager to tend it with my song."

OOC:

23:15, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 18 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 6.  Perform: Oratory.

Guess Cara is a little pooped today :)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Sat 12 Feb 2022.

Elena tapped her foot along to the music as they returned to the rest of their army, and then to their home.

"We'll have to do some more exploring, I think."  She mused to the others as they rode.  "Quietly, just us.  Maybe we can find something to help us in the unexplored south.  More allies, a path through the forest we can march an army though, something like that.  Or at least someone who knows what's going on."