FR - Returning Order to Scardale

[Ion]

My PCs are in a position to move a large army of mercenaries from the Vast across the Dragon Reach, into Scardale. They plan to restore order to Scardale Town, and dissuade any Sembian or Zentarim forces from carving the dale up for themselves. All in the name of a fairly good natured but mostly unknown Demigod who is looking for more followers.

Once they launch, I don't think getting into Scardale Town will be too hard, anarchies don't usually have real big standing armies. However, I suspect it will take a reasonably large force to put the town under martial law, and restore some sort of order.

From that point on, what do you think happens next? How does the fairly ineffectual provisional governor Kelvor and his council react? What about the neighboring dales?

I expect that the PCs will want put someone back on the throne (but certainly not the "rightful" heir Scyllia Darkhope). If one of them doesn't claim the throne I expect they will give it to one or two NPCs they are friendly with.

I don't want to get too bogged down in a blow-by-blow of each battle, how would you run a war like this?

 

[Ryltar]

You might want to read "Shadowdale: The Scouring of the Land" if you haven't already, as the (political and military) situation in the surrounding region has undergone certain changes .

 

[Ion]

I have to admit that I have yet to read a Forgotten Realms novel, however I've been reading lots of stuff by Raymond E. Feist lately and have found it quite inspirational.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I read this as "Returning Order to Scarsdale." I would argue that Connecticut is already deeply Lawful Neutral, myself.

 

[Sol.Dragonheart]

The other Dales are not likely to look kindly on any military force occupying one of the Dales, regardless of the source. Ineffectual or not, Kelvor and the Council are the Lawful government of Scardale, such as it is, and without the approval of either Kelvor or any other politically powerful figure or government that has sway in Scardale, this action could lead to very negative consequences for the PCs.

The politics of this action will be very complicated, as the PCs must do more than simply restore order, and temporary order at that, considering mercenaries only continue their service while paid. They must secure the political allegiance of powerful or influential members of the Scardale community, and at least the tacit approval of the other Dales to take control of the area.

They must also secure the loyalty, trust, and acceptance of the Scardale townsfolk and commoners, who, from what I've read, would react in an extremely negative way to any form of occupation occuring once more in their town. The PCs will have to work very hard to alleviate this problem, as the mere action they're taking will be viewed in a wholly negative light by most in the community.

PS

And Shadowdale: Scouring Of The Land is actually part of an adventure path series. It's interesting, but not necessary to bring as an addition into your campaign.