[Quest Design] - The Gentleman Bandit

[sasquatch2o]

The Gentleman Bandit:

Its a shame the player isnt able to interact with most bandits along the road or in caves. Most are instantly hostile so we dont get to learn much about them. I'd like a questline that involves several groups of more discerning bandits. This quest will help remedy that. Gentlemen bandits. They dont pick on the weak, usually, because they most often dont have much of value. The group of bandits in this quest only rob wealthy outlander merchants and occasional imperial supply wagons. They have been left alone mostly because their take has always been fairly small, they are difficult to track and they rarely harrass locals. Recent escalation in raids against imperial supply on roads near Old Ebonheart has raised the ire of the the head of the Imperial legion. A recent shipment was carrying a imperial arms and some personal affects was seized. Everyone suspects the the gentlemen bandits. (shipment might be better as food for legion and valuables purchased by legion commander himself since arms are likely shipped in not taken by road)

Bandits will be in three camps along the road. A forth will appear only later, deeper in woods. Bandits will be nonhostile to player and you are well known they may even invite you to drink in their camp.

1. Hear talk of the bandits in Old Ebonheart Castle and among guards.
Speak to Old Ebonheart Commander

2. Tasked with stopping the raids and retrieving personal items
-Player is given intelligence that three are three camps on road leading into OE. Several attempt have been made at apprehending or killing the bandits, but they are always gone or relocate before our attacks. Commander believes someone is reporting to them from within the Legion. An outsider, someone relatively unknown among the Imperial Legion in OE is needed (the player).

If you know information broker you may consult with him, but he will refuse you information. (Gentleman Bandit is using Information Broker's informants in the Imperial Legion regularly and is under his protection.) If player has spoken with Information broker about bandits the will greet you saying. "We were told to expect you."

3a. First camp (one of three). Speak to men in one of the camps.
-they will refuse to take you to leader, if player bribes they will attack.

3b. Second camp (one of three). Speak to one of the men in camp.
-they will agree to take you to leader with sufficient disposition, if player bribes they will attack.

3c. Third camp (one of three). They take you to leader. <screen fade and spawn at main camp at night>

3d. Main camp - There are many OP bandits here, enough to end most players.

Leader attempts to cut a deal. They will stop harassing imperial supplies if player leaves w.o fight and prevents continued attacks by Imperial Legion.

Agree: Player receives commander's personal items and future protection payments (weekly)
Decline: Fight. Collect commander's items.

4. Return to Old Ebonheart. Give commander his personal items and confirm there will be no further bandit attacks on imperial supplies. The bandits are defeated.

Result:
Camps reoccupied by Imperial Legion guard if agreement was not made.
If agreement was made Gentleman bandit will pay player protection weekly. (this can be collected through one of their contacts in OE).
Gold reward from Legion Commander

An agreement with the gentleman also creates a new contact. Player may return to main camp for odd job.

FOR DISCUSSION