>>792423
>main road

>>792423
>Take the main road. It's the quickest way, but there are rumours of bandits on them. [Takes 5 days]

>>792436
Alright.I'll start writing.

Safety is a nice thing, but if there is anything you don't really have, it's time. Like it or not, you will have to take the main road.
You step out to the courtyard, your deceased lord's sword at your side. Castellan Duncan is already waiting for you with a small company of good men.
>Mylord, we're ready to leave at your order. Have you decided on the way already?
You nod and tell him of your plan. He looks at you with approval, but a bit nervous, too.
>You're right on that, Mylord. We don't have a lot of time. If we keep our guard up at all time, we should be good.
He then helps you on your horse and hands you your weapon,
>a shortsword and a shield. You always liked it simple.
>a lance. You're not fully grown yet, so you need every inch of reach you can get.
>A broadsword. You always liked it strong.
>Something else? Write in.

>>792547
>a lance. You're not fully grown yet, so you need every inch of reach you can get.

>>792547
>>a shortsword and a shield. You always liked it simple.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>792555 (1)
>>792559 (2)
Rolling for a tiebreaker. Also the next post might need a few minutes, I gotta grab something to eat.

>>792547
>a shortsword and a shield. You always liked it simple.

>>792613
damn auto update bugged..

>>792547
>shortsword and a shield

>>792613
>>792673
I'm back. And I guess my tiebreaker wasn't even necessary. Writing.

Duncan hands you your shortsword, which you fix on the opposing side of your lord's sword. Then he takes your shield, a basic heater shield with the crest of House Labendai,
>an eagle. Flying high like our ambitions.
>a bear. Strong like our will to succeed.
>a serpent. Mysterious and cunning.
>two sickles over a field of corn. The Labendai rose from a simple start hundreds of years ago.
>Other. Write in.

>Tuttle? You keep this place in shape until we return.
you order your physician and only other council member, since you'll take Duncan with you. You're going to need every bit of proof you can bring. Tuttle is a good physician and knows many things, but you don't know how well he handles a lord's work. Especially on his own.
You're really going to need replacements for the council members who left.

You wave goodbye to the few people on the courtyard and ride through the gate. Duncan and eight of his men follow. The rest of them is to stay behind. You don't want your hold unprotected.

You've been riding at a pretty high tempo for quite some time, when Duncan closes the distance between the two of you.
>Mylord? Do you think this is the right way to travel? Our riding horses can handle it, sure. But what about the carrying horses. They are not used to it.

>Keep up this speed. Maybe we can even arrive a day early this way.
>Slow down a bit. Losing a horse is an unpleasant experience I do not wish to make.
>Send the carriage horse to the front. Let the slowest set the speed. Even if it costs us a day or two.
>Other (write in)

>>792719
A wolf, hungry, enduring ambitious.

>Slow down a bit. Losing a horse is an unpleasant experience I do not wish to make.

>>792719
>Slow down a bit. Losing a horse is an unpleasant experience I do not wish to make.

>>792719
>Slow down a bit. Losing a horse is an unpleasant experience I do not wish to make.
Elk skull adorned with evergreen branches. Survive, battle, live.

>>792742
>>792719
+1

Alright. Writing.

You look down on your shield, which shows an elk skull adorned with evergreen branches. Below, the words 'Survive, battle, live.' are engraved. How fitting. Looking at this shield gives you hope. You can do this. Farmer boy or not, you will learn what being a good ruler is about. And you will make house Labendai rise again.

Losing a horse is something you would not like to experience. Even though it is only a packing horse, it's still worth ten cows. And it's a brave and loyal horse. When it was younger, the convoi it was traveling with got into an ambush. This horse alone killed two of the attackers by kicks to the head. Never turn your back to a horse.
>I think we should slow down. You're right, Duncan. But not by much. We set five days as a goal. And I want to meet it.
He nods.
>Well said, Mylord. By the way, if we're lucky, we might make it to an inn tonight. Sleeping under a roof is nicer than sleeping outside, after all. But still, it will cost us a few coins.

Do you want to rest at the inn tonight?
>Yes. It will be good for the morale. Also we took some money so this will not be much of an issue.
>No. If we set up camp outside, we might cover a few extra miles. Also, we might need the coin later.

>>792815
>>No. If we set up camp outside, we might cover a few extra miles. Also, we might need the coin later.

>>792815
>No. If we set up camp outside, we might cover a few extra miles. Also, we might need the coin later.

>>792815
>No. If we set up camp outside, we might cover a few extra miles. Also, we might need the coin later.

>>792846
>>792863
>>792872
Alright. Writing.

Rolled 3 (1d10)

Staying outside seems like the cheaper way. And since coin might become scarce in the future, you should keep your money together.
>I think we'll be fine, Duncan. We can handle a night or two outside.
The Castellan nods.
>Yeah. Back, when Master-at-Arms Guillaume de Pierre was still with us, he would let the troops sleep outside at any weather while on an campaign. Always said it was good for endurance.

When the sun begins to set, you stop and start setting up camp. The tents are arranged in a circle around yours. Also Duncan got a campfire going and now a pot of soup is steaming above it.
A soldier of your company, you know him as Guy, approaches you.
>Mylord? We still got some time. Should we build some basic fortifications? A little earth wall or something? I heard about bandits and such...


>Yes, build a wall. It's tiring, but this way your safety is a bit higher. Just in case.
>No, conserve the energy. We will need it tomorrow. Also, which criminal would come this close to our holding?
>No, use the energy for something more useful. (What? Write in.)
>Other (Write in.)

>>793020
>>No, conserve the energy. We will need it tomorrow. Also, which criminal would come this close to our holding?

>>793020
>No, conserve the energy. We will need it tomorrow. Also, which criminal would come this close to our holding?
more energy saved = more energy to use in case of emergency.

>>792719
>>Slow down a bit. Losing a horse is an unpleasant experience I do not wish to make.

>>793024
>>793031
Alright. Writing.

>I doubt any criminal would come this close to our holding. A regular watch will be sufficient. Save your energy. You might still need it.
Guy salutes and returns to the rest of his company.
>Alright. I'll tell the others.

The next hour is spent with soup and idle chatter. It's a mushroom and cheese soup. And a pretty good one. You didn't know Duncan could cook this well.

It has become dark, the first watch is on their post and you are still sitting at the fireplace. So is pretty much everyone else.

What do you want to do?
>Talk to someone (Who? About what topic?)
>Sing. Might be good for the morale.
>Go to bed early. You'll need energy as well. Especially you.
>Other (Write in)

>>793020
>Build some fortifications and keep men on watch. We can't afford to lose anything, men or property.

>>793115
>>Go to bed early. You'll need energy as well. Especially you.

>>793115
>>Sing. Might be good for the morale.

>>793115
>Go to bed early. You'll need energy as well. Especially you.
Do we have guard shift rotations set?

>>793115
>Go to bed early. You'll need energy as well. Especially you.

>>793115
>>>Go to bed early. You'll need energy as well. Especially you.

You decide to go to bed early. Afterall, there are still five days of travel left. And five days of travel back home. And some days inbetween.
You bid everyone good night and retire into your tent.
It's a basic military travel tent, so the biggest luxury it offers is not getting wet during rain. Well, if you're lucky and got one of the better ones. You lie down on your furs and wrap your blanket around you. You're feeling tired, but still... you can't really sleep right now. There is so much going through your head.

What are you thinking about?
>Your overall situation
>Your late Lord
>The future
>Lord Sang-Valois, his daughter, marriage
>Other (Write in)

>>793281
>>Your overall situation

>>793281
>Your overall situation
Engage tactical thoughts.

>>793281
>Your late Lord

>>793285
>>793314
>>793322
I'll see if I can combine those two.

Rolled 8 (1d10)

Your thoughts wander to your late lord. Lord Labendai, when he was younger and took you into his service. Lord Labendai when he took you to the field the first and only time. How his armor was shining in the sun. How his gentle face turned completely serious once he saw the first of the bandits you fought back then. How he chased their fleeing leader down.
How he held judgement over the captured ones. How he ruled over his subjects. How he trained you in the things a knight should know.
Then, your thoughts shift. To the day his wife died giving birth. How this mighty man who seemed immune to everything in this world broke down crying. Just like he did when his only son died. Like he did when he realized the fever was going to be his end.

You shed a few tears in honor of this great man. Then you are filled by a mighty resolve. You will continue where he couldn't. You will bring this house to glory. You will restore what is lost. You will make him proud.
But how? You start to make up plans in your head. Some simple, some more complicated. You want to bring the people back. All that left. And a few more. You want to renovate the castle. Maybe even expand it. You want to train your own troops. You want to become an advisor to the king himself. You want to...

The morning comes quickly. Going to bed early seems like it was a good decision.

Your company continues to march uneventfully.
The evening comes and you make a stop in the middle of a forest, as this part of the road doesn't have an inn or anything besides trees.

Do you want to
>Build fortifications today?
>Save the energy again?
>Other (write in)

>>793505
>>Build fortifications today?

>>793505
>Build fortifications and station men to watch from the trees.

>>793522
>>793605

Writing.

>Guy? This forest seems... strange to me. To say the very least. Can you build some walls and such today? Also... is there a way to use the trees around to our advantage?
you ask the soldier. He nods.
>Sure. We'll get started right away.
Dinner, which today consists of fried pork in a sauce of honey and herbs, is ready at the time the walls around the camp are done. Your men don't seem like they did this for the first time. Before the walls, there is a little trench to put the enemy into an even worse position. Both the trench and the wall are topped with sharpened wood stakes. You can't resist but eagerly congratulate them on this masterful building.
>We had a good Master-at-Arms, you know? And a great Lord. We did this pretty often. You were only considered a full-fledged soldier if you could do this in two hours. With two others to help.
You nod approvingly. Your men seem to be trained better than you imagined. This is a good start to say the least.

Dinner is done and now you are sitting around the campfire. Except for the watchmen. These positioned themselves on two trees you decided to include in the fortification.
What do you want to do?
>Talk to someone (Who? About what?)
>Sing. Might be good for the morale.
>Go to sleep. You're protected as good as possible.
>Have everyone lie low. If anyone is there, they will come for us, if they think we are sleeping.
>Other (write in)

>>793708
>>Have everyone lie low. If anyone is there, they will come for us, if they think we are sleeping.

>>793708
>Have everyone lie low. If anyone is there, they will come for us, if they think we are sleeping.

>>793708
>>Go to sleep. You're protected as good as possible.

>>793769
Okay. Writing.

>>793769
>>793837
>>793840
Wait a second... I need a few rolls first. Give me a roll of 1d12, 1d8 and 1d4.

Rolled 11 (1d12)

>>793884

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>793884

Rolled 4 (1d4)

>>793884

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>793884

Alright. Going at it.

You leave Duncan and another soldier sitting at the fire, to keep anyone out there away from suspecting anything. The rest go to their tents, ready to strike on a signal.
It only takes a few minutes before you hear a horn signal some curses and then then first screams of pain.
Quickly, you jump out of your tent, sword drawn.
There seems to be nearly a dozen of bandits who tried to attack your camp. Still, they didn't expect this much opposition. Setting up fortifications when it's starting to get dark seems to have some advantages.
Three bandits didn't make it to the wall. Two lie in the depths of the trench, impaled by a bigger stake. One is trying to climb out of it. Without a positive result. Some smaller stakes through an arm and a leg hinder him quite a bit.
Four others lie on top of the wall, feathered by arrows from the trees.
As far as you can tell, there are four of them left who barely made it into the camp. Three are in a pretty bad condition and are each cornered by two soldiers. But the last one seems dangerous. He's wearing more than cloth and furs. Some kind of plate armor that looks like he stole each part from a different person. In his hands is a huge woodcutter's axe. Duncan is locked in combat with him. Even though he is a pretty decent fighter, it looks like he's struggling.

Do you want to
>come to Duncan's aid?
>let a professional do this? (Change place with a soldier)
>Keep out of this? You're the sole left heir, you should keep your head on your shoulders?
>Other (write in)

>>794048
>come to Duncan's aid?
flank stabs while duncan keeps him busy, no need to play nice with a bandit.

>>794048
>come to Duncan's aid?

>>794048
>>come to Duncan's aid?

>>794048
>come to Duncan's aid?

You decide to come to Duncan's aid. Everything else might take too much time.

How do you want to attack?
>Stab him in the back. He won't expect that.
>Shield bash him. This ill-fitted armor might shaky, stunning him.
>Taunt him to gain his attention, giving Duncan an opportunity to attack.
>Other (write in)

>>794128
>>Shield bash him. This ill-fitted armor might shaky, stunning him.

>>794128
>Other (write in)
Go in low, slash at legs, retreat. Make him lose his bearings, Armor is a bitch to work on and i don't know how good Jean is.

>>794128
>>Shield bash him. This ill-fitted armor might shaky, stunning him.

>>794128
Assuming that the combatant doesn't have his back to a wall...
>Flank him. Nobody does well splitting their attention between a sword at their breast and a sword at their heel.
>Tell Duncan to take this one alive.

Okay, I'll try to combine these. Roll me 1d20. Best of three.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>794290

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>794290

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>794290

>>794301
>>794308
>>794327
Wow. You've shown him. You've shown him good.

There's not much time to lose. You'll have to take him out quickly.
You storm at the bandit, who doesn't seem to notice you. Your sword slashes through the air and hits right at the connection of the armor's leg parts. You see blood splattering, feel muscles and tendons ripping and you think you can even hear a slight cracking of a bone.
Yelling in pain, the bandit tries to turn to your side, only to be stopped in his tracks by the bash of your heater shield to his back. The armor vibrates,stunning him.
Just as you want to call out to Duncan that you want him alive, his massive broadsword flies through the air and hits the bandit's helmet with the flat of his weapon, making him collapse completely.
>Thought you might want him talking, right?
Duncan says. You nod approvingly.
Looking around the rest of the battlefield, you see that your soldiers finished up the rest. The bandits inside the base as well as the wounded one outside are bound and are brought to you.
The plate-wearing bandit, which you assume to be the leader is stripped of his armor and brought to you first.
You wake him unceremoniously with a few slaps to the face.
>What... Where... Ouch... my foot... Argh...
After he got over the pain in his badly injured foot, he's looking at you evaluatingly.
>And who are you?
he asks. You add another slap.
>My name is Jean Labendai, Lord of these Lands. And you and your company just attacked me.
His eyes become wide.
>You? A Lord? Ahahahahaha...
His laughing stops due to another slap to the face.
>Oi... Stop this. This ain't very good for my fair skin. Also...
he turns around to the rest of the bandits.
>Clive! You idiot! You said 'an important-looking caravan with weapons'. Not 'the Lord with his armed forces'.
Clive shakes his head apologetically.
>Excuse... me... this... language... hard.
The bandits' leader spits blood on the ground.
>Damn foreigners! Never gonna hire any again.
You turn his head towards you again.
>That's right. Because attacking a lord is high treason. It's pretty likely you'll never recruit anyone again.
Slowly realizing his situation, his eyes go wide with shock.
>No... you can't... don't kill me... no...

What do you want to do?
>Their offence is clear. Kill them on the spot.
>They might have some reason for this. Give them a fair trial. (Right here? Somewhere else?)
>Other (write in)

>>794491
>>Their offence is clear. Kill them on the spot.

>>794491
qm of the old thread
thanks for doing this, i had no time to keep it up as is.

>Their offence is clear. Kill them on the spot.

>>794522
>>794529
Alright. Writing.
>>794529
Sure thing. I loved the whole setting and would have regretted if it just went away. Nice to see you're still alive.

>>794491
Unless we have plans to continue traveling today...
>They might have some reason for this. Give them a fair trial, right here and right now.

>>794491
>Their offence is clear. Kill them on the spot.
sweet, loot!

>>794491
>>Their offence is clear. Kill them on the spot.

>>794522
>>794529
>>794578
>>794590
If we just kill them, what are we gonna fill the rest of the day with?

>You attacked a lord. The punishment for this is death. May your souls find peace.
Not listening to their pleas of mercy, you take your sword and execute every single one of them on your own.
>This was impressive, Mylord. Not everyone can show this much strength right from the spot.
Guy says.
>I could say the same about your fortifications. If you hadn't built them, this could have ended a lot worse.
Now there are the corpses of eleven bandits laying in front of you. Except for the weapons of subpar quality they didn't have much on them. They must have had a base around here.

What do you want to do with the corpses?
>Give them a proper burial. Bandit or not, human dignity commands it.
>Cut off their heads and put them on a stake as a warning to future robbers.
>Just burn them. It's low effort and we don't have to deal with their stench.
>Other (write in)

What do you want to do after taking care of this?
>Rest and heal our wounds. This night was eventful enough.
>Try to find their base. There might still be some left. We want them gone for good.
>We're awake anyway. We could make a few miles. Might be tiring but could save us up to a whole day.
>Other (write in)

>>794619
>Give them a proper burial. Bandit or not, human dignity commands it.
>Ask the men for their preference between patching themselves up or going out and earning more scars to show off around the campfire.

>>794619
>heads on stakes
>Labendai clan ain't nuthin to fuck with
>rest and heal wounds

>>794619
>>Give them a proper burial. Bandit or not, human dignity commands it.
>Rest and heal our wounds. This night was eventful enough.

>>794619
>>Other (Mass grave, dump them in the trench defenses we built and cover them up)

It's quite a bit of work, but you manage do dig graves for everyone of the bandits. The moon is up high as you are finished. Still, neither you nor anyone else really thinks about sleeping. Too much has happened tonight.
You sit next to your soldiers who are bandaging themselves, applying healing salves and cleaning their weapons and armor.
>Tell me guys, how do you feel about this?
Duncan is the first to answer
>I have leaving business unfinished. And if you look at these guys possesions, there must be more. At least a camp. Maybe empty, maybe with someone still in it.
Quite a few of your men agree.
>We need to make sure they are gone. We can't have them harassing travellers anymore.
Guy says.
>Duncan, what would we have to expect there?
He shrugs.
>Who knows? Maybe an empty camp, maybe more men. But considering the environment... I would say there might be five of them at best. Most likely less. More can't be fed from poaching and an occasional caravan.

What do you want to do?
>Make sure these guys are dealt with. Makes your lands safer, but might cost a good portion of the night.
>Stay at camp. There isn't much of them left. And it shouldn't be much of a real threat.
>Other (write in)

---------------------
Well guys, that's it for today. I'll be back in ~12-14 hours. Stay tuned. Thanks for playing.

>>794802
>>Make sure these guys are dealt with. Makes your lands safer, but might cost a good portion of the night.

>>794802
>Make sure these guys are dealt with. Makes your lands safer, but might cost a good portion of the night.

>>794802
>>Make sure these guys are dealt with. Makes your lands safer, but might cost a good portion of the night.

>>794802
>Other (write in)

Send like one or two volunteers to scout for a camp, and if they find it, deal with it in the morning or later when you return

>>794818
>>794831
>>794832
Guys, I'm back. I hope your are, too. I'll get started with writing.

All of this fight has taken quite some effort. But all of this effort will have been for naught if you don't finish the job properly. You must take out every last one. You tell this to the rest of your company exactly this way.
>Right. This is what old Lord Labendai would have said.He taught you well, mylord.

You order your watchmen to stay behind and guard the camp, while you take Duncan and the remaining six soldiers towards the forest.

How do you want to search for the hideout?
>Split up. This way we can cover more ground.
>Search for footprints and such. They must have left some, right?
>Ask someone if they know a better way. (Who?)
>Other (write in)

>>797592
>Search for footprints and such. They must have left some, right?
Unless ever single one of the guys we just put down was a professional tracker that knew all the stuff to look for when following a person through the forest and how to not leave those signs themselves, they probably left a rather clear trail that we can figure out well enough for our purposes without tracking experience.

>>797608
Alright. Roll me 1d20. Best of three.

>>797620
Want I should roll all three since it seems it's just us for now, or should I roll one and leave the other two rolls to be handled by other posters like they should be?

>>797621
Just roll as many as you deem fitting. Three are good, but two are too. Same as one.

Rolled 15, 18, 16 = 49 (3d20)

>>797592
>>797622
Oops I rolled them all

>>797623
Oops and you even did great on every single one. What a great tragedy.

>Duncan? Can we somehow follow their tracks?
you ask your castellan. He points at one of the soldiers.
>Philipp here is a pretty good tracker. I think this should be fair game for him.
Philipp nods.
>That's right. We know that they came from this side of the road. Otherwise we would have noticed them crossing it and circling around our camp. Also, they didn't make much effort to hide their footsteps. I guess they intended to do so on the way home. Just follow me.
It only takes half an hour of walking until Philipp stops you in your tracks.
>We're there. Over there is their hideout.
You look in the direction he pointed out and see a cave. You would normally have simply overlooked this half-hidden opening, but upon closer inspection, you find that it is closed by a makeshift wooden door.

How do you want to approach this camp?
>There might be fighters left. Make noise to draw them out and ambush them.
>There can't be many of them left. Maybe we can sneak in.
>How about smoking them out? Might not be beneficial to eventual loot, though.
>Maybe we can negotiate with them.
>Other (write in)

>>797639
>There can't be many of them left. Maybe we can sneak in
breach and clear: medieval

>>797639
Breach and hecking clear, my dude
>There can't be many of them left. Maybe we can sneak in

>>797639
>There can't be many of them left. Maybe we can sneak in.
If we get inside with them, we can probably corner them easily.

I'm not much for the mentality of "kill them because they're there", but anyone left in here is likely to just remain a career bandit and throw in with a new raiding party if we let them live.

>>797645
>>797663
>>797681
Okay guys, roll me 1d20. Best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>797683

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>797683
Breach!

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>797683
And the third roll so we can continue.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>797683

>There can't be many of them left. Do you think we can sneak in?
you ask Duncan and Philipp.
>I would think so, Mylord. Let me take the lead. Then follow me in a few seconds.
the latter one agrees. He closes the distance quickly but silently. Then you send two more soldiers, and after that Duncan, then yourself.

Philipp opened the door only a few inches, barely enough for the nearly seven feet tall Duncan to pass through. Your eyes need a few seconds to adjust to the new lighting, but once you are able to see something, you immediately recognize Philipp and what seems to be one of the bandits. The bandit is knocked out cold and already bound and gagged.
>Well done Philipp. What's ahead?
you whisper.
>Thanks. Ahead there is a group of people. Two of them seem to be bandits, as the are the only ones who are not chained.
Your eyes open wide in surprise.
>Chained people? Could you tell anything more?
He shrugs.
>Not much. Only that they don't seem to be here voluntarily.
This is bad. If you don't somehow take out the bandits quickly, they might hurt the civilians.

How do you want to deal with this?
>Let's see if we can take them with some surprise arrows. It's difficult due to the somewhat cramped space, though.
>Maybe we can negotiate. They aren't in the best position, being outnumbered and their main force slain.
>Simply rush in there. This might be dangerous, but maybe you can take them by surprise.
>Try to trick them. Duncan is comparable in size and armor to their leader. Maybe the bad lighting might hide the differences long enough to take out at least one of them.
>Other (write in)

>>797746
>Let's see if we can take them with some surprise arrows. It's difficult due to the somewhat cramped space, though.
Our men certainly seem to be trained competently. I trust them with this.

>>797755
supporting

>>797755
>>797757
Okay, give me a roll of 1d20. Best of three.

By the way, do you want to know DCs on future rolls?

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>797770
Sure

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>797770
If you would like to reveal DCs for the players, you certainly can. Personally, I prefer the mystery of a number unknown, but other players may feel differently.

If you wanna be proper about it, you're actually not supposed to reveal your numbers before or after they've been rolled against, because the players are never supposed to know how likely a thing is to succeed or not beyond their own conclusions.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>797770

>>797779
>>797782
>>797784
Those are some pretty nice rolls. This is going to be good.

Using arrows in a space like this is a difficult thing. And a risky one. But you trust your soldiers. Two of them take up their bows and prepare an arrow each. Once they are completely sure to hit, they jump out of hiding and fire at the bandits. One is hit right in the throat and falls to the ground immediately, while the other one has an arrow piercing his shoulder, nailing him to the wall. The axe he was polishing falls out of his hand and lands on the ground with a rattle.
Your archer, Edouard, turns to you.
>Thought you might have some questions about the people around here.
You nod and walk toward the disabled bandit. Behind you, you hear two soldiers bringing in the other still unconcious bandit.

The bandit stares at you with fear.
>Who... the hell are you guys?

How do you want to answer?
>Formally. Introduce ourselves with name and title. Might show him how much he messed up.
>Rude. Shout a little, maybe punch him a few times. Might make him a bit more talkative.
>Diplomatic. There is a little bit of hope for him to get out of this alive. But only if he decides to cooperate.
>Other (write in)

>>797819
>Diplomatic.
maybe there's an entire network of bandits we could bring down, serious loot might be at hand

>>797819
>Formally. Introduce ourselves with name and title. Might show him how much he messed up.

>>797828
>>797848
I vote to combine these

>>797828
>>797848
>>797851
I'll see if I can combine these.

>My name is Jean de Labendai, Lord of these lands. I'm sad to tell you but I fear the rest of your company has been met with a terrible fate. Not a single one of them will be returning here anymore.
He seems shocked.
>You... killed them.
Angrily, he grabs the arrow in his shoulder and yanks it out. He tries to get up and storm at you, but just falls to the ground. Duncan immediately grabs him and binds his hands.
>Now, now, my dear friend. I fear it wasn't our fault. We simply defended our lives. Also, attacking a lord is punishable by death. What should we have done?
The bandit spits out some blood and stays quiet.
>And I fear I could possibly interpret your last action as exactly this. So I think you should better tell me everything you know about your syndicate and the crimes you commited. Otherwise, I'll cut your trial a bit short. And your head even more so. Same with your friend over there.
You point at the other bandit, who is only starting to regain his senses.
>Okay, okay. Please, Lord de La...Laban... ah, forget it, your name, y'know, keep me alive. I'll tell you what I know.
he seems badly intimidated as you can't even see the slightest thought of lying.
>You know, we were simple people some time ago. I was a farmer myself. Just as most of the others. We were simple people living a simple life. Then the old lord grew ill and people started to leave. I had taken a loan from an unscrupulous moneylender named Bulgar to pay for my own farm. You might have met him on the battlefield. Seven feet tall and wearing an old plate armor.
You nod and tell the man of his death. He seems somewhat... relieved?
>He's... dead? Praise the Lord above. When people started to leave, nobody would buy my wheat anymore and soon I defaulted on payments. He took my farm, my animals and even my wife and children. Then he forced me to fight for him, if I wanted to see my family again. Sorry for the attack earlier. I was afraid Bulgar would come back with an ill temper. Always does when something gets messed up.
This man seems to speak the truth. But how could you know for sure?

>Intimidate him. Punch the hell out of him while telling him he's lying. If he is, he will change his story fast.
>Ask the chained people. Maybe someone knows about this.
>Other (write in)

>>797924
>Ask the chained people. Maybe someone knows about this.

what a stand up guy, hopefully we can get him his farm back. speaking of which, would it be too much trouble to go check on it?

>>797924
>Ask the chained people. Maybe someone knows about this.

>>797924
>Ask the chained people. Maybe someone knows about this.
Also ask him where is his family.

>>797930
>>797961
>>797962
Alright. Writing.

>This is a very tragic story. May I ask your name?
you tell him.
>Yes, of course, Mylord. It is Stephanos.
You walk towards the chained people.
>Does any of you know this man over there?
A woman sewing a pair of pants looks up.
>Yes, this is Stephanos. One of the 'conscripts', as Bulgar called them. Poor souls in debt.
She seems to know something.
>He took his family and forced him to participate in the robberies. When he messed up an ambush a few days ago, Bulgar lost his temper. Badly. He beat him up and sent his family to the next city to be sold on the black market. The city is called... Durnholm, if I recall right.
This is highly interesting. Maybe you can still do something about this.

>Mylord? I've done much wrong in the short time. And I know you will pass the right sentence over me. I will gladly accept it, even if it was death. But please, save my family. They did nothing to deserve living as slaves.

Durnholm would be on your way to Lord Sang-Valois. It might take a few hours at least, a day or more if you're unlucky. Do you want to look for them once you come there?
>Yes, first we are responsible for our subjects.
>No, we can't waste time.
>Other (write in)

How will you punish Stephanos?
>He tried to attack you. The sentence is death.
>Forced labour (How long? What?)
>Let him go. He had no other choice.
>Other (write in)

Sorry for taking so long. Something came up.

>>798100
>Yes, first we are responsible for our subjects.

>Forced labour (How long? What?)
We need more people to help in the castle. Put him to work in the fields for a year or two.

>>798134
seconding, more farmhands always good.

>Stephanos, as your lord and judge in this case of treason and robbery, I find you guilty of said crimes.
You see the man tense.
>But I acknowledge the circumstances of your doings and therefore lower your sentence to two years of forced labour on my fields. After that, you are a free man. If it is your wish after these years, you may work for me to save up some money for a farm of your own.
The man smiles as broadly as you have never seen anyone before.
>Thank you, Mylord. Thank you. May the Lord above bless you!
You order Guy to do something against his still bleeding wound and then turn to the chained people.
>And now to you. I will free you in a moment, once somebody is able to find the keys to your chains. But for now I would like to propose something to you. As you heard, I am currently in the process of rebuilding which was once the most noble province of the kingdom. I hereby offer each of you to travel to my main castle and work for me. The work will be reasonable and the pay will be, too. But you are also free to return to your homes if that is what you wish for.
After a few moments, an old woman gets up from her place, where she was cutting carrots.
>Mylord, I would like to thank you for your kind offer. And I think I'm speaking for every last of us, if I say we are truly indebted to you. Therefore, I want everyone who wishes to live on the lands on this just lord, to raise their hands.
All hands rise into the air as far as the chains will allow them. The woman nods approvingly.
>That's good. Just like I thought. Also, the other guy you got over there will most likely have the keys. He is Bulgar's brother, Brogar.
Upon searching the man, you find a set of keys. They unlock the people's chains as well as a small room in the back, which is separated by another makeshift door.
Upon entering it, you are greeted by a few chests, each containing coin and a few jewels.
>Jackpot, Mylord.
Duncan says.
>With this, we can buy a nice few things. A new marketplace or a new church or something.
You nod.
>Or we might give it to these people. They are going to need a few coins to make a new start.

This is a difficult decision. What do you want to do?
>Give it to the people. They need it the most.
>Keep it. Who knows when we might need coin.
>Keep it. We can invest in something useful.
>Split it. They need some coin, but we could use it, too.
>Other (write in)

Also, what do you want to do with the smaller bandit brother?
>Give him a fair trial?
>Give him a quick trial? (Down with his head, he will most likely be guilty anyways.
>Other (write in)

>>798205
>Split it. They need some coin

>Give him a fair trial?

>>798244
Seconding.

>>798244
>>798310
Writing.

You send out a guard to look for a possibility to take these people to your lands. Upon returning, he informs you that there is a cart and two horses comparable to your packing horse that might pull it.
>We should be able to fit everyone on it. But there is one thing I would like to ask you. Do you want it done now?
You're confused. Why not?
>Just saying Mylord... We would need two of us to return this cart home. This would be two of us who wouldn't be able to accompany you for the rest of the way. Are you sure you'll be able to arrive safely without us?
Duncan joins the two of you, having overheard your conversation.
>Well, that's true. Even if the rest of the way goes smoothly, we want to show at least a bit of strength. Eight of us aren't much. Six are even less impressive. But if you took the people with you, you might seem more impressive actually.
You ask for some clarification. How can some simple farmers be impressive? Lord Sang-Valois will have lots of them, too.
>It's pretty simple actually. They might not be very impressive themselves, but their presence is. Taking out a gang of bandits is no small feat for someone with your age and experience. And doing it with eight soldiers only, even more so.

You give both sides some thought and decide to
>Send them home. This way we will be able to get them to work more quickly. Also, we don't know if a cart this full might not slow us down.
>Take them with you. You need every bit of glamour you can get.
>Other (write in)

You interrogate the last bandit. He confesses to every charge from thievery to murder. But he pleads for his life energically, saying he only did it out of fear of his big brother, who had always been bossing him around since the first day he could think of.
What do you do?
>Ask the people what kind of person he was. You might get new insights on this case.
>He confessed. And his penalty is death.
>He confessed. And he didn't seem to like it. He should get a lower sentence. (Prison? Forced labour? Losing a limb? Fine?)
>Other (write in)

>>798442
>Send them home. This way we will be able to get them to work more quickly. Also, we don't know if a cart this full might not slow us down.

>Ask the people what kind of person he was. You might get new insights on this case.

>>798442
>Take them with you. You need every bit of glamour you can get.

>Ask the people what kind of person he was. You might get new insights on this case.

>>798442
>Ask the people what kind of person he was. If he is trustworthy, we might be able to use him.

>Send them home. We are unsure as to what may happen or if it will slow us down.

>>798469
>>798475
>>798533
Okay. Writing.

>Tell me, people. What kind of was he?
you ask the crowd. Nobody seems quite sure what to say, until the old woman raises her voice once again.
>A little bitch! Nothing less, nothing more. Never a single word that he thought might upset his brother. Rarely on a raid, since his frame is too weak for this. Some of us, tired and underfed or not could still take him on. This is why we were in chains. This little baby is too afraid of women and children. A good-for-nothing waste of space. A wastrel bad at pretty much everything.
Everybody seems to agree on this.
Is this enough information to decide on his punishment?
>Yes, he should (write in his punishment. I gave some examples in my last post. But everything else is fine as well.)
>No, we need more information on his wrongdoings.
>Other (write in)

You order two of your soldiers to get the cart ready and stocked with supplies. Luckily, this hideout had still some left. Enough to get them home at least. Also, you put the looted weapons and everyday items you got from the bandits on the cart. Basic stuff, but maybe someone might still have a use for it at home. If not, you might still sell it or harvest the materials..
You hand everyone of them a few coins. Nothing big, but enough to start anew. The people cheer and thank you a lot. They seem eager to start their new life.

>>798633
>Yes, send him to his brother, figuratively and literally. We don't want people with a grudge running about, and he doesn't seem to be important in any sense of the word.

>>798655
Yes.

>>798655
>>798655
Writing.

>>798633
>Yes, he should be given time working the de Lebendai fields as a chance to prove that he can be abetter person, since he can no longer drop his brother's name as an excuse for poor behavior.

The case seems clear to you. He's an outlaw without any redeeming qualities, who confessed to enough crimes to kill him right on the spot.
>I, Jean de Labendai, lord of these lands, find you guilty. The punishment is death. May the Lord have mercy with your soul.
You draw your sword, ready to send him to his brother. But he struggles against his bounds, and hastily screams
>NOOOOOO! PLEASE! NO! I can help you. I swear I can. You are searching for some of our slaves, right. I know the black market. I swear I do. I'll bring you there. Just don't kill me! PLEASE! MERCY, MYLORD!

Well, he raises a good point. You do not know how to find Stephanos family. Will you accept his offer?
>No. I said Death and I meant it.
>Yes, but make his punishment life in prison, so he can never do anything like this again.
>Yes, but sentence him to a lifetime of forced labour. Let him finally be useful in some way.
>Yes, and sentence him to work for you for the rest of his life. He said he knows 'people' and you are looking for a new Spymaster anyway.
>Other (write in)

>>798785
>>Yes, but make his punishment life in prison, so he can never do anything like this again.

>>798785
>Yes, but let him help locate Stephanos' family in exchange for a sentence of forced labor.
If he continues to act poorly, he stays working the fields and risks being sent to prison for life instead. However, if he proves to be more civil without having to fear his brother, it may be worthwhile to afford him more opportunities.

>>798893
seconding

>>798785
>Yes, but sentence him to a lifetime of forced labour. Let him finally be useful in some way.

>>798893
I support this, and if he proves useful enough to use later? Always good to have a scapegoat for execution on hand.

>>798893
>>798900
>>798902
>>798915
Alright. Writing.

>Okay, maggot. This is the last straw. Your execution is postphoned.
The man sighs with relief, then he realizes, that you never meant to stop it completely.
>We need you to find this man's family. And if you know of any other slaves that you captured from my civilians, I would be damn pleased to know about them too. We're bringing back everyone. One face missing is one head missing for you.
The man gets pale. So pale you feel like you could almost see through him.
>In addition, you will then return to my lands and work for your life. Your brother is dead and therefore you have no one to blame bad behaviour on. You mess up one time and my sword will make a mess out of you. You prove useful and I won't forget it. Understood?
The man nods heavily.
>Yes, Mylord. Thank you, Mylord. Blessed be you mercy.
You pack up the last few things and return to your camp. The rest of the night goes by quickly.

In the morning, you wave goodbye to the cart with your new subjects on the way into a new life. Then you get on your horse and help Stephanos on it, too. You're the lightest of your company and therefore the one whose horse can likely handle another person best.
You need him to identify his family without a doubt. Who knows if the bandit, who you now know as Brogar is telling you the truth or only lying as good as he can to save his head?
Brogar is bound to Duncans horse with a leash which ties his hands. He should better be fast if he wants to avoid falling too often.

Even though you're tired from the long night, you hurry a bit more than you did before. This night, you will be spending in a city. A city with a real in and stables for the horses. Both your men and your horses really earned it.
You leave your men at the inn after paying the innkeeper a handful of coins for your stay. You gave him a few more than he asked, since you want this stay to be as comfortable as possible. This is the last night on your lands. Tomorrow evening you will be on Lord Sang-Valois territory. That is, if you're lucky tonight.
>So, Brogar. You better don't disappoint me tonight. My sword is sitting loosely.
He nods frantically.
>Yes, Mylord. I will do my best. I'll just have to find the right people tonight. If we're lucky, I'll find them quick.

How lucky are you tonight? Roll 1d20 for it. best of three.
Know what? Add +1 to it. Not for Brogar's knowledge, but for your karma, which is positive in total.

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>799172

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>799172
Big money, no whammies!

>>799201
>>799207
..........Come on third person!

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>799172
Daddy needs a nat 20

Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>799172
i know it doesn't count, but i'd to see what i'd roll

>>799222
...It's better?

File: wellfug.jpg (10 KB, 480x360)

10 KB JPG

>>799224

>>799201
>>799207
>>799222
Well guys... Could have been worse.
>>799224
Timing, man. Timing.

Brogar takes two hours strolling through quite a few streets, some more some less good looking, talking to various people. A grizzly old warrior here, a beautiful young woman there, a jester over here...
After some time he turns to face you and says apologetically
>I'm sorry, Mylord. I know where the next auction will be. I know where the slaves are kept. But... It will be two days until the auction. I'm sorry I couldn't arrange something private. Sometimes they do... pre-shows and sometimes even take pre-orders. Please don't behead me, I did the best I could.

Well, damn. What do you want to do now?
>Too bad, boy. This is the end of the line. (Execute him)
>We'll have to wait I fear. I hope Lord Sang-Valois won't start with anything before we arrive. (Easy, but takes time you might not have)
>You know where the auction is. You know where the slaves are. Can you somehow get us in? (medium hard)
>This is my realm. I'll round up whatever men I can find and crack down on all of this. (very hard)
>Other (write in)

I added a little hint towards difficulty. This is a pretty decisive moment and I wouldn't want you to run into open knives.

>>799349
>You know where the auction is. You know where the slaves are. Can you somehow get us in?

>>799360
I feel this is a good middle ground between revealing DCs and making the players squirm.

>>799349
>You know where the auction is. You know where the slaves are. Can you somehow get us in? (medium hard)

>>799349
>>You know where the auction is. You know where the slaves are. Can you somehow get us in?

>>799378
>>799384
>>799387
Alright. Roll me 1d20. Best of three.
>>799378
I guess I might keep it like this, if you people like it.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>799424
Rolling in the Deep

I like it. It gives some insight without necessarily laying bare the gears of the machine.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>799424

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>799424

File: 1351828838551.jpg (15 KB, 420x300)

15 KB JPG

>>799459
>>799455
>>799460
>low rollers hanging onto the high roller for dear life be like

>>799455
>>799460
You two... better be thankful people like >>799459
exist. Otherwise, you would be knees deep in shit right now.

File: 1351829060775.png (7 KB, 493x402)

7 KB PNG

>>799496
Oh you know I'm thankful

>>799496
>>799495
WOOOHOOOOOO

>You know where the auction is. You know where the slaves are kept. Can you somehow get us in? And more importantly, out again with a number of slaves I can't name yet?
Brogar shrugs.
>I guess. But my plan involves you-
he points at Duncan
>-not taking off your helmet and not talking in any way. I'll cash in a few favours and see what I can do.
You give him some coin he uses in the next hour, talking to even more people and sneakily handing over a few coins every now and then.
After talking to a jolly, fat man in a colourful suit, he turns to you.
>Damn, this was hard. But I managed. This guy is pretty well connected and managed to get us a pre-show. Pre-orders are possible, but they will be higher than the usual price.
You nod.
>You must be pretty well-known here, if they let you pick first.
The bandit shakes his head.
>Not me. Bulgar.
He points at Duncan, who hasn't said a word in the last hour. Or taken off his helmet.
>He is pretty similiar to him. If he stays quiet and masked. I'm sometimes the only one to do the talking. Always depending on his mood.
He seems to look back at these days. But without much grief over his brother. It really must have been a difficult life so far.

The moon is already high in the sky when you enter a warehouse in a surprisingly neat part of the city.
You are greeted by two bouncers, both pretty big but still wider than big. Impressive guys. Whoever is guarded by people like this is likely to be a force to be reckonned with.
>Who's there?
one of them asks.
>Brogar and Bulgar, Ulf. How're you?
Brogar replies.
>Good so far. But who's the new face?
Ulf asks again.
>Our new boss. At least for now. Bulgar got into some pretty bad debt while gambling with this one.
Brogar replies again. The guards start laughing uncontrollably.
>Indebted! Our Bulgar! You heard that, Miroslav?
They open the door and let you pass, still shaking from laughter.
>Good guys. Albeit a bit simple.
Brogar tells you.
>Everybody who would be a bit brighter would ask for details. But not these two. Well, one less problem.
You enter a little office, where you meet a middle-aged woman in a well-tailored dress.
>Nice to see you again, guys. How can I help you today?
Brogar points to you.
>Got ourselves a new contract thingy. Thing is, he's the boss right now and does the business.
The woman smiles.
>Fresh meat, huh? Welcome to the part of the world, where morality is a bit more... grey.
she greets you.
>How can I help you, sweetie?
You fight back the blush on your cheeks and speak up.
>I would like to see what you got from the Labendai provinces.
Her smile is impossible to interpret. Who is this woman and what does she think?
>The Labendai provinces, you said? More, than I would like to have. Lord Labendai was a good man. It's a shame he ended like this.
Now you're surprised.
>You knew him?
She nods.
>Old friends, I'd like to call it.
I this moment, Duncan takes off his helmet.
>Long time no see, Missa.
Now her smile froze.
[cont.]

>Duncan? What? Why? GUA-
He cuts her off quickly.
>Missa! Wait. Hear me out.
She nods.
>You got three minutes to clear up this situation.
Duncan turns to you.
>Let's start with a bit of introduction, so you know what is happening here, Mylord. This is Missa de Puce, our old spymaster. And... special friend of your old master. If you wonder why you don't know her, nobody except me and the lord did. Security reasons.
He turns back to Missa.
>When Jandant was in his last few breaths, he rose this boy from his squire to a knight. And his heir.
Missa's face is in complete disarray now.
>What? This boy? Why? How about raising someone competent? Like Master-at-Arms Guillaume?
Duncan shakes his head.
>He always was good at reading people. Which is why he knew Guillaume wasn't fit to lead. He fled the same day you did and entered another lord's service.
Missa's fist hits the table now. A goblet of red wine tips over and messes up a few letters and scrolls.
>Damn you, Guillaume. The men looked up to you. If you had stayed, more people would have done so.
Then she turns to you.
>Tell me boy, what makes you think you can ever replace Jandant?

Write in your response.

>>799788
Because that old git literally gave me all authority and nobility he possessed so I inherited it all.

Sorry but that's the way inheritance works.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>799788
because fuck you that's why
rolling for fucking intimidation

>>799788
"Simple answer, I can't. Not now at least. I need more experience and time to learn how to do so. Right now, I need to be a different type of lord if I want to make sure that the province is restored. I need to make sure that not only these lands are restored, but also strengthened. The people have to return and truly believe in the unity and foundation of it. I need your help, your knowledge if I am to succeed.

That is why I can replace Jandant. Because I have to, and I know that I can't do it alone. Neither could he."

>>799788
"I don't. The late lord's decision puzzles me just as much as the next man. Nevertheless, he made his decision and I trust his judgement; he must have seen something in me that led him to believe I can do him proud, so there must be something here. The best that I hope to do for the foreseeable future is to find what he saw by going through the motions, and I will need all the help I can get to do that."

>>799856
This

Good enough

Writing.

>>799862
Okay then....

>>799872
I was actually tempted to rewrite my post and incorporate your words into mine, but I figured I should just hurry and get my post in and leave combining them to the QM.

>>799883
Okay, that's fair. I forgot to mention that I was confused at the decision as well, but I wanted to come off as confident but realistic.

Alternatively: "I'm being asked how I expect to replace our late lord by a slave-trading operation hostess. This is real fucking cute."

You try to stand as straight as possible and look directly into her eyes.
>Nothing. I can't be him, But still, he decided to give all he ever held dear to me. He must have seen something in me that made him decide like this. I might not be able to be him, but I will give it my all to protect what he held dear.
You see tears rolling down Missa's face.
>Damn... Why Jandant? Why did it have to end like this.
Then, she regains her composure.
>Well said, my boy. I hope you are ready to let actions follow.
You nod.
She offers you and Duncan a seat next to her.
>Now, tell me what I missed in the last few days.
Duncan and you take turns telling you of the reason of your travel, the battle, the bandits' hideout and your reason to be here.
>...and for short, you came here to free your subjects. By force or by coin wasn't really important, huh?
You nod.
>Whatever works. We can't be picky these days.
She gives you another one of her hard to decipher smiles.
>And because Jandant and I were... friends, you expect me to simply let them go for free?
You shrug.
>That would be the best possible outcome. But in case you see yourself unable to do so, I also have some coin.
You seem to have impressed her.
>A realistic view of business. That's a good thing to have, my boy. Know what? Each of them would normally bring around... 10 royal guinees. And I've got... 50 of them? What do you say about 200 guinees for all of them?
You look into her eyes, seeking for a flash of something that might set her off.
>This is a good offer. What's the downside?
Now she is laughing.
>Just like this, my boy. Just like this. The downside is that it's still quite a bit of money. And you get close to no taxes at the moment. If would give them to you for free, you know. But I have a reputation to keep.
You shake her hand.
>No matter the cost, my subjects come first. I'll take this offer, since I fear I won't get a better one.
Missa pats your head.
>You're a good boy. Jandant would be proud of you. So damn proud...
She wipes away a tear.
>Anyway, the come with free delivery, since I heard you can't lose any time.
Free delivery? This sounds good. But somewhat... vague. Missa seems to see your thought and quickly clarifies.
>I can't just let you do all of this on your own. You need some responsible adult to keep you out of trouble. I'll need a few days to settle my business here. Then, I'll close down this branch for the most part and go back home. I'll bring a few men, too. If Guillaume took so many, every single one counts. With this much of a company, we'll get your new aquisition delivered to your home safely.
This sounds good. You got all the people back. And on top, even a spymaster. One who seems to know her stuff.

By the way, my boy... The spymaster part only works, if my identity is really secret. You and Duncan, right? Oh... and this bad excuse of a bandit over there. But I think he knows when he should be quiet, right?
Brogar quickly nods. [cont.]

He seems to have made aquaintances with her already. And not those of the pleasant kind.
>To keep my spying secret, we always pretended I was Jandant's concubine, who really was into court gossip. But I doubt this will work with someone as young as you.
This sounds reasonable.

>So, my boy. What shall my new identity be?

>My weird aunt from the city.
>My dancing teacher. (Dancing is considered a high art at the royal courts)
>Something else (write in)

You enter the slaves' quarters. Inside there, you find a lot of men, women and children who immediately recognize you, your crest and your accompanying castellan. When you tell them the news and open their chains, you are swept with gratefulness again. No matter how often you seem to feel this, it's great every time.

>>800101
>>My weird aunt from the city.
Unless she actually teaches us dancing then its a bad option

>>800047
>>800101
>My dancing teacher. By the way, giving me some lessons would certainly help the claim's credibility.
>By the way, we're trying to rehabilitate Brogar to be productive for us now that his brother is dead. If you give us a hand and help groom him for life without a violent thug for a brother, he may make for a satisfactory spymaster's assistant.

>>800101
>Something else
an old babushka woman that cooks and cleans everywhere but is just very good at eavesdropping

>>800147
i thought i fucking turned off my name

>>800101
If she actually can teach us, >dancing teacher.

>Something else
>My weird uncle from the city

>I thought about something like my aunt or something, but I doubt this will work. Everybody knows I'm quite low-born. You're way too well-mannered and knowledgeable for this.
She looks amused.
>Sure? You're telling me, you were born low and continue to be as charming as a king.
You continue thinking.
>Is there something important you could teach me? Then you could be my trainer is whatever.
She nods.
>The courts love to dance. And I happen to be proficient in all of them.
This sounds good.
>Then it's decided. You're going to be my dance teacher, Missa. Thank you, for what you are doing for the realm.
She waves it down.
>No reason to thank me. The one who is going to do the most for the realm is right in front of me. At least I hope so.
So do you.
>Say Missa, one last thing... We're trying to make something productive out of Brogar here. Can you think of anything?
She glances at the bandit.
>Maybe he'll make an okay spy. I'd be willing to try it, if you're okay with that. You can't really use him for anything with physical work or something military. In these terms, he's as useful as nipples on a breastplate.
It's gotten late, so you return to the inn. Stephanos is waiting for you in the saloon.
>Did... did you find them?
You tell him what you found and tell him every name you were able to memorize.
>Was there a Maurice? A boy of four years with dark brown hair? And a Jeanette? A girl of seven years? Blonde like her mother? And my wife? Justine?
The Lord above seemed to smile down on him. All of the three were in the warehouse. And you were even able to memorize their names.
>Thank you, Mylord! Thank you for everything!
Stephanos breaks into tears of joy.
>They will return home soon. Do you want to go with them?
The tears are still overwhelming him, hindering his speech, but he manages to get out a few words.
>Yes. Home. Start over. Make. Things good. Do my best for you. Thank you. Mylord.

The next day is begun with another goodbye. But it's not that bad, as you know it is only a goodbye for now. You leave Stephanos and Brogar with Missa and continue in your usual company of eight.
The day promises to be mostly uneventful, as you now reached the well-organized lands of lord Sang-Valois. Only two more days and you will have reached the court.
How do you want to spend the traveling time?
>Sing.
>Talk to someone (Who? About what?)
>Think about something (what?)
>Other (write in)

-----------------------------
And that's it for today, guys. I'll be back tomorrow around the same time as today. Good night and thanks for playing.

>>800101
>Something else
>My head maid
Good cover and plenty of chance to be around high profile people without arousing suspicion.

>>800408
Damn it I was late

>>800406
Sing raunchy songs

>>800406
>Talk to Duncan about what Missa's previous accomplishments, as well as her real relationship with the previous lord. The part about being a concubine couldn't have been entirely false.

>>800545
this

>>800406
I support...

>>800545
>>800586
These.

>>800487
And also this. A little Good Ship Venus ought to go over well with the troops.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHEX9EpIL7o

>>800545
works

This seems very weird she left when the old lord dies now she immedietly returns to us. Something is strange here.

Guys? I'm back. Sorry for being late, but my best friend just became a dad and I thought that was important.

You decide that singing might be good for the morale of your troops. Some still seem lightly shaken from the events on the road.
>Soldiers! A song, two-three-four!
you command. And your soldiers gladly oblige.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfHnnVTxacg
Your soldiers are occupied with something now and pay less attention to your doings. You decide to use this to your benefit.
>Duncan?
you adress your castellan.
>Yes, Mylord?
he answers your calling.
>What's up with Missa? She fled the day Lord de Labendai died, just to re-enter my services not even a week later. Something about this seems... odd. Also, what were her previous accomplishments? Is there anything of highly impressive quality she did?
Duncan shrugs.
>Yes, it's not like you see something like this everyday. But I guess that's her way of grieving. You know, the concubine thing wasn't completely off. It started as a disguise, but when Lady de Labendai died, she was the only female he could still bear to be around. After some times, their relationship was kind of like that people have after being married for decades. It was a harsh shock for her to hear about Lord Jandant being ill, but his death was the final straw. I can't say for sure, but I guess it's just her way of grieving. Still, your speech seems to have reminded her of what was really important. The future Jandant saw. An impressive speech, by the way.
This sounds reasonable enough. Still, you will keep an eye on here for now. You thank Duncan for his open words and ask for her accomplishments again.
>She was great. Able to find anyone we needed to find, exposed spies before they even set foot on our courtyard, and brought in some little extra gold with the... network she ran.
Network? This seems a bit unspecific. So you ask for clarification.
>Oh, you know... Brothels, alehouses, one time even a small mercenary agency.
This sounds pretty impressive. Especially now, where coin might become scarce in the future.

The sun is close to sinking now. What do you want to do?
>Let's get to the nearest city and get us a nice inn there (costs coin)
>Let's stay on the road a little longer and make camp outside. (gets you a few extra miles)
>Let's stay on the road and make camp outside. Also add fortifications. They saved us once already. (gets you a few extra miles, less than the previous option, but still a few.) (The fortifications add defensive capabilities, but you don't know if Lord Sang-Valois likes having his lands dug up and his trees cut down)
>Other (write in)

>>802631
>Let's get to the nearest city and get us a nice inn there (costs coin)
This way we can ask the locals info about the Lord as well.

Alright. Writing.

You decide that you need to know what you'll be dealing with from tomorrow on. Therefore, enter the city called Murat-sur-les-saules. It's a medium sized city without much that would make it stand out from any other city. You enter the inn located directly at the market.
>Take the rest of the day off. You did quite some work the last days.
Your men thank you and go off to find a good drink, a nice girl or other stuff they find entertaining.
You decide that you can't enter another lord's court without knowing what you'll be dealing with. You look around the inn, hoping to find someone who might tell you something of interest.

Who do you want to talk to?
>The grizzly old knight sitting at a table, drinking beer?
>The beautiful dancer who is taking a break just now?
>The landlord behind the bar?
>The offical looking guy with the monocle and the glass of red wine?
>Duncan. Who knows if he has some information? He was the one who knew about the lord's daughter in the first place, after all.
>Other (write in)

>>802652
Duncan first, ask if he recognizes anyone here so that we can approach that person.

>>802661
Sounds good.

>>802661
>>802663
Smart action, guys. Writing.

>Duncan? I need information about Lord Sang-Valois and everything else that might be beneficial to our mission. Can you tell me a thing or two?
Duncan nods.
>Sure. I'll tell you what I know. Lord Sang-Valois is a man of middle age and has three daughters. No sons yet. But his time of possibly having children is far from over. His eldest daughter Isabella is married already. To crown prince Dorian, if I might add.
This is impressive. He must be an influential lord if he managed to marry into the royal family.
>Then, he has two other daughters. Adriadne and Annabelle. I only got word that he wanted to marry one of them. Which one, I don't know.
You thank him and ask if he knows anyone around who might tell you more.
>Well, there are actually a few ones around. That dancer is pretty well known around these parts. Sometimes, she is even invited to the palace. The knight back there is Enrico di Fermi, of italian descent. Lord Sang-Valois once hired him as a mercenary, but after proving useful, he got command of Murat's city guard. They meet somewhat regularly. And last, the guy with the monocle. He is a famous scribe from Germany, going by the name of Klaus Schultze. Lord Sang-Valois gives much on his opinion.

Who do you want to ask?
>The commander?
>The dancer?
>The scribe?
>The landlord?
>Look for someone else (What kind of person?)
>Other (write in)

>>802680
Dancer would be easy to approach if we had learned something from Missa already. Which we havent.
The commander would probably recognize our feat in catching those bandits, might even have heard of their evildoings before. Of course we leave some of the details out, like we sparing the brother.
I doubt we know much about literature and such, looking at our upbringing, so I dont favour approaching the scribe.

Commander is my vote.

>>802680
>The commander

>>802689
>>802705
Alright. Coming up. But first, roll me 1d20+2 for your military feat. Best of three.

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>802723

Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>802723

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>802723
And a last one so we can go on.

You sit down at the table in the corner. The knight looks up from his beer.
>Good evening, my boy. How can I help you?
he asks.
>Have you ever heard of a bandit named Bulgar?
you set a counter-question. The old knight nods.
>Yeah. More of a beast than a man. Wanted to get rid of him for quite some time yet. But he always managed to elude me. Heard rumors that he had set up a secret base on Lord de Labendai's lands. Why are you asking?
You smile at the old man.
>Because I'm here to tell you that you don't have to worry about him anymore. He decided to attack me and my company in the night. we killed him and, well... disbanded his bandit organisation, if you get what I'm saying.
He gets it and looks at you impressed.
>Well done, my boy. May I ask your name?

Do you want to tell him your name? If so, how do you want to do it?
>Formally. He should know who he's dealing with.
>Informally. We're mostly equal in rank.
>Other (write in)

>>802756
His first instinct was to ask us how he could help us, so he should be a friendly fellow. At the same time, we want him to influence the lord, so we should present ourselves formally, but shoot down any atempt of his to be formal towards us. A former mercenary isn't a military man with a stick up his ass, friendly and familiar talk is the way to go.

>>802756
>Informally. We're mostly equal in rank.

>>802762
Okay, writing.

>Well, to keep it simple, my name is Jean de Labendai. I was born Jean Capet, but on his deathbed, Lord de Labendai raised me to the rank of a knight. And his heir. Especially his heir.
The old night stares into the distance.
>Oh, yes. I heard rumors about Jandant being dead, but now hearing it as a fact truly saddens me. He was a good man.
You nod.
>He truly was. Taking a poor farmboy like me as his squire was a great deal already, but this... By the way, you knew him?
The commander smiles.
>Yes. I came to this land as a banished knight. He took me on my first campaign. He got me this position. A great man. Also, making you his heir sounds really like him. Sometimes he only had to look at a person and knew them immediately. He must have seen something special in you, Lord de Labendai.
You wave down the title.
>Jean will be sufficient. We're both knights, so I think we can be informal with each other.
He laughs.
>Just what Jandant said to me back in the day. You could really be his son. I'm Enrico di Fermi. So, just Enrico to you.
You and Enrico talk a bit more about your late lord and his accomplishments. Finally, the topic returns to you again.
>So now you're in charge, my boy. In charge of a nearly empty province which lost over half of its holdings and without much else.
You nod.
>That's sad, but it's true. I already returned around 80 people to the main hold, but there will have to be more to follow. These people need stability, which is why I need strong and lasting alliances.
Enrico understands immediately.
>And therefore you came here. Because you want to marry a daughter of lord Sang-Valois. Do you already know details about it?

What will you answer?
>Yes, I actually know some things.
>Yes, but I will need as much information as I can get.
>No, I will need way more knowledge.
>Other (write in)

>>802798
I know the gist of it. He plans to marry one of his single daughters. And only one.

>>802798
>No, I will need way more knowledge.

>>802812
>>802832
Writing.

>I know a few thing. He is the lord of these lands, only got daughters and the eldest one is married to the crown prince. Now he wants to get another daughter married. But this is where it ends. If you could tell me more about him, his daughters and maybe some habits of the court, that would be great.
Enrico smiles.
>Eager to learn, huh? That's a good thing. A very good one. So, I'll start with the lord himself. Lord Sang-Valois is a knight with the soul of an artist. He was a cavalier of some renown in his youth and is still taking part in tourneys. But his true passion is music, dance and especially theatre. His lands are rich in artists and artisans, but the finest horses in all of France are bred here, too.
This makes sense if you remember the parts of his lands you've seen so far. Green pastures everywhere. Some with cows, some with sheep, but mostly horses. Horses everywhere.
>His daughters are... well, unique. I don't know any other sisters who are this different. Isabella is a mirror of her father. She sings, dances and acts in theatre. Ariadne on the other hand is what the old vikings would have called a shield-maiden. She has a strong dislike for politics and the antics of the court and prefers to spend her days armored and on horseback. Then, there's little Annabelle. Only fourteen, she is well read and knowledgeable in financial and political affairs though.
This sounds interesting so far. But which one is relevant to your interest?
>I don't know, which one of his daughters he intends to find a suitor for. Annabelle is just barely old enough for marriage, but Ariadne has... proven difficult. The last suitor her father picked broke his lower jaw and lost a few teeth to a morning star. She didn't really like him.
This is interesting news. Two might be available? This might be quite beneficial to your cause.
Enrico smiles and pats your shoulder.
>Good luck with this, my friend. By the way, I'll do you a favour and send a courier to the court. It's considered considerate, to announce your arrival early, so they can prepare your accomodation. I'm sad that I have to end this good conversation so soon, but I have an evening patrol waiting to report back to me.
He throws the landlord a few coins for his beer and begins to leave.

You might still have time for one question. Do you want to ask a last one?
>Write in your question.

>>802881
Ask him where you might "accidentaly" meet one of the daughters

>>802881
Nothing I can think of.

>>802909
>>802911
Okay. Writing.

>Just one more question, Enrico. There might be lords more wealthy than me, with bigger armies than me, better trained in the ways of the court than me. The only thing I can do to succeed, is to win the girls' favour. Is there a way to... meet them outside the official audiences. Where could I do this?
Enrico wraps his coat around his shoulders.
>I guess you'll meet Ariadne on the training grounds just outside the castle. Close to the soldiers' quarters. Annabelle spends most time in her quarters. But she's still in the library a sizeable amount of time. You might get lucky there.
While stepping out of the door, he turns back one last time.
>Also, bring the lord a gift or something. It's considered rude to not bring anything.

He has a point there. What will you do about this?
>We've got a good amount of gold and gems still with us. Considering the shrinked size of our province, it might gain a bit more meaning. (costs a lot of coin, might possibly gain you some favour)
>We've got the bandits' weapons. Safe roads are one of the best presents you can give to a province focused on trade. (Costs pretty much nothing, but you can't say how much favour this might gain you, if any.)
>It's not that late. Maybe we can find something nice on the market. (costs less coin than the first option, favour gain depends on the lord's taste)
>Other (write in)

>>802965
Def search the market for something the Lord might enjoy, we got some good hints on his tastes.

>>802965
>It's not that late. Maybe we can find something nice on the market. (costs less coin than the first option, favour gain depends on the lord's taste)

>>802965
>>It's not that late. Maybe we can find something nice on the market. (costs less coin than the first option, favour gain depends on the lord's taste)

>Duncan, would you mind coming with me? I need some assistance on this.
Your castellan finishes his pint, hands the landlord some coins and joins you.
The market is just outside your inn. Most of the basic stands are closing already, but they mostly sold things like fruit and vegetables. The regular stores are still going strong.
After a quick inspection, you find that there's a jeweler's shop, an armory, a bookstore and a store selling soaps, lotions and clerical items.

Where do you want to go?
>The jeweler's shop. Basically can't go wrong with jewels.
>The armory. A fine piece of armor or a well-crafted weapon tend to make a nice, classic gift.
>The bookstore. Books cover so many topics, there must be one Lord Sang-Valois will like.
>The lotion and clerical items store. Odd combination, but maybe you need to think outside the box on this one.
>Other (write in)

>>803031
Bookstore and armory. A gift for the father and a gift for the middle daughter. Time to start work.

>>803050
Basically seconding this

>>803031
>>The jeweler's shop. Basically can't go wrong with jewels.
Get him something unique and artsy.

>>803050
If you're going to get stuff for the daughters to then get some for all of them.

>>803063
You can also get a book for the younger daughter

>>802619
Tell him 4chan says conglaturations
>>802680
>I only got word that he wanted to marry one of them
inb4 Duncan misunderstood and he wants to get married to one of his daughters

>>803031
>The armory. A fine piece of armor or a well-crafted weapon tend to make a nice, classic gift.
>The bookstore. Books cover so many topics, there must be one Annabelle will like.
>Ask around to find an artist in town. Paintings aren't always terribly expensive, and Lord Sang-Valois is allegedly an art lover.

>>803050
>>803058
Writing.

>>803071
But wait. Roll me 1d20+2 for your taste in gifts, first. Best of three.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>803079

Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>803079
I assumed we were handpicking them, but ok

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>803079
And then I ruined everything

>>803085
You are. But sometimes, simple things can be a better gift than something extravagant.

>going for the middle daughter

Lads no

You know that the lord is a lover of the fine arts, the middle daughter is a valorous fighter and the youngest is a well-read future politician.
This makes it pretty much easier to find what you want.
First, you enter the armory. Who knows if they got something ready? This shop might need the longest preparation, if you're unlucky.
But you're not. Duncan quickly finds something neat to show you.
>Look at this mylord. It's a shortsword not much unlike yours. Looks luxurious, but cuts well. Also, I got this set of riding armor. We don't know if it fits, but if it does, it might be the best present we could get Ariadne. And then, there's this rider's lance. Works great from horseback and doesn't have a downside that would make it a worse present somehow.

What will you take?
>The sword. We don't know if she likes swords, but if she does, we already have something in common.
>The armor. It's the most expensive, but it might be the best we can get for her. (Also, the smith might add some small modifications until tomorrow. Make it wider, smaller, engrave something, your call)
>The lance. Can't go wrong with this.

After that, you enter the bookstore. There are hundreds of books here, way to many to find one on your own, so you ask a clerk for suggestions. They hand you three books that might meet Annabelle's taste. Which one will you take?
>'Accounting made simple'. Not a very fun read, but lots of lessons applicable in everyday work.
>'Long way home'. A romance novel. If she enjoys a recreational read sometimes, this might be her book.
>'Historia Regum Britania'. A history book on the various rulers of Britain. Told in adventurous stories, a few everyday lessons of pretty much every topic are taught.

Now you are left with one question. What about the king? Will you look for a book he might enjoy? Or will you get him something more artistic?
>A book sounds good. Every good ruler should be well-read.
>Some well-made jewelery might be just the right thing.
>Something different? (write in)

>>803136
>Sword
>Romance novel
>Bookstore

Rather than content, we should hunt down a book with a beautiful cover considering his taste for art.

>>803136
>The lance. Can't go wrong with this.
>'Long way home'. A romance novel. If she enjoys a recreational read sometimes, this might be her book.
>Some well-made jewelery might be just the right thing.

>>803136
Sword, we can say how useful it has proven itself to us and that she will find it useful aswell
Romance, other books are boring and she prob has tons of those
I as thinking about a musicbox, if there is such a jewelry thing. Or a play written in a book.

>>803122
>not chasing the shieldmaiden that can give as good as she gets
>going for the loli that will use politics to make our lands her daddy's lands
I shiggy

>>803136
>The sword. We don't know if she likes swords, but if she does, we already have something in common.
Swords are as much a part of the batlefield as blood. Unless she's more norse than French and is somehow an adherent of Tyr, she can appreciate a sword for its artistic value even if she doesn't prefer to use it.

>'Long way home'. A romance novel. If she enjoys a recreational read sometimes, this might be her book.
The accounting book seems a little too dry to open a relationship with, and she probably already has that history book as a reference document.

>Ask around to try and find the best artist in town. Any patron of the arts would appreciate a good painting.
Whatever money we have left over should be able to cover a quick painting, and just your run-of-the-mill landscape painting should be doable before the sun sets.
Seriously, if Bob Ross can nail his shit in a half an hour, a medieval paint slinger can manage it in a few hours.

>>803136
>The lance. Can't go wrong with this.
>A romance novel.
>Other:
A painting that includes horses and some battle to appeal to everyone.

Rolled 1, 1 = 2 (2d2)

Alright. Writing.

>>803202
>shieldmaiden
>Le strong hard headed tomboy

One of the worst archetypes ever.

Dont much care for a fourteen year old either, but she would appear a better choice for a lord.

>This sword will be fine. One of its kind has proven its worth to us many times. I think she will understand the gesture.
You hand the smith a few coins and continue your search for the right presents.

>'Long way home' sounds good. Nothing like a bit of recreational reading every now and then.
you tell the clerk. He nods.
>An excellent choice, Sir.
You hand him a few coins before you continue your way to the jeweller.

>Good evening, Sir. How can I help the two of you?
an old man with a monocle-like magnifying glass in front of his right eye welcomes you.
>We are looking for a gift for Lord Sang-Valois. We thought of something like a painting or a comparable thing. Can you help us with that in any way?
The man nods.
>Not myself, but my son might. RENAULT! BUSINESS!
a few moments after the call, a younger man appears from a room in the back.
>Welcome to Renault&Renault, The city's best choice for art of any kind. How may I help you.
You explain your wishes to him.
>So... a painting that might appeal to Lord Sang-Valois, right? Usually, I take a few days, if not weeks for this. But I have a few in the back which I finished earlier. Do you want to take a look?
You nod and follow him into the room in the back. There, he shows you four paintings.
>A general on horseback, looking down a hill at sunset.
>A young couple sleeping in the shadow of a tree.
>A battle scene from this region's history. A group of horsemen striking down a batallion of footmen.
>A noble hunting party.

>>803283
>A battle scene from this region's history. A group of horsemen striking down a batallion of footmen.

He was cavalry after all, so that should appeal to him.

>>803283
>>A battle scene from this region's history. A group of horsemen striking down a batallion of footmen.

Should appeal to him

>>803291
This.

File: 6f9.png (144 KB, 502x794)

144 KB PNG

>>803277
Back to your offsite quarantine, little memester. This board is not a place where you will find fun.

>>803283
>A battle scene from this region's history. A group of horsemen striking down a batallion of footmen.
I suppose this will do.