The Children of Stron – Table of Contents (spoilers)

Book One

part 1: Killing Rebels – The Pekot lads cut their teeth killing a squad of bandit scum.

part 2: Sir Gareth – The lads are praised by Sir Gareth and treated to a camp feast. Knuckle’s attempt to join in gang rape spurs a discussion of footwear.

part 3: Brother Simon – Returning to the Pekot orphanage, the lads are lectured on the dangers of the world by the venerable Brother Simon.

part 4: Brother Willem & Choke – Choke receives career counseling from the orphanage’s abbot.

part 5: Mannis – Baron’s half-brother in bastardom comes to the orphanage and shakes things up.

part 6: Bush Hoors – Mannis takes the lads into the bush and treats them to some of the cheapest prostitutes that money, or goblin ears, can buy.

part 7: Goblins – The lads heroically save the occupants of a coach being ambushed by goblins on the road to Strana.

part 8: Ride to Strana – The lads escort the rescued Maythorn sisters to their finishing school near Strana. Lovely picnicing ensues along the way.

part 9: Strana Stout & Wings – The lads take in the sights and get some career counseling from Mannis over lunch.

part 10: Brothel & the Mage Tower – Choke goes to check out the Mage Tower while Mannis treats Dungar, Pinch, and Knuckle to a brothel visit.

part 11: Mage Tower & Cathedral – Choke has a fun surprise in the Mage Tower library. Then he and the others go to the Cathedral and dinner before saying farewell to Dungar and Mannis at the barge.

part 12: Bridgetown at Night – Choke, Pinch, and Knuckle enjoy a night on the town and meet a couple of lovely local ladies who expose them to some of the nuances of Bridgetown culture.

part 13: Terrence’s Offer – In debt to the Bridgetown gangster, Terrence, the lads are recruited to help him retrieve a package from a rival gang.

part 14: Terrence’s Package – The lads hit Double Horseshoes Freight.

part 15: Getaway – The lads escape Strana and struggle to get back with Terrence’s package.

part 16: Delivering the Goods – Returning to Strana, the lads complete their mission.

part 17: Dinner With Terrence – The lads spend an enlightening and stupefying evening with the Bridgetown gang boss.

part 18: Farewell Strana – The lads hit the open road.

Book Two

part 19: Repentance in Spitzer – The squad rides to Spitzer in Spaggot Barony and repent of their Strana sin at the church.

part 20: Peep – The lads head out to see what kind of trouble they can get into in Spitzer at night and find more than they bargained for, thanks to someone from Choke’s past.

part 21: Detained – Taken to the Spitzer gaol, Choke explains himself to the sheriff and Father Morrenthall’s tracker, Thorn. The lads decide to try their hand at bounty hunting.

part 22: Bountyhunting – Under the leadership of Thorn, the lads team up with Peep and head into the bush to collect heads for money.

part 23: Gobos From the Ridge – The squad set up an ambush for the goblins following them.

part 24: Bandit Lookouts – The squad reach the bandit hideout’s lookout post and engage the enemy.

part 25: Ambush – The bandits sent to relieve the lookouts are dealt with.

part 26: Goldy – The squad storms the bandit hideout.

part 27: Womenfolk & Orphans – The lads discover that killing bandits is somewhat more complicated than they expected.

part 28: Amia & Dugger – The squad welcomes two new members.

part 29: The Littlefoot Trail – Bad weather complicates matters on the way back to Burnthistle.

part 30: Deal With Peep – Peep and Choke hash out a deal while Thorn is off getting help from the military outpost.

part 31: Burnthistle Garrison – Thorn and the squad negotiate a quagmire of the kingdom’s finest.

part 32: Peep’s Baptism – The Squad move on to Callic village where the parish priest heals up Knuckle and Pinch, and welcomes Peep into the fold of Stronianism.

part 33: Amia’s Wedding – The community of Callic celebrates Amia’s wedding to one of its farmers while Peep grapples with the consequences of her baptism.

part 34: Peep’s Possession – Peep and Choke come to a deeper understanding.

Book Three

part 35: Sheriff Waters in Spitzer – The squad collect their bounty on Orcstabber from the sheriff and get some advice.

part 36: Father Morrenthall & Peep – In meeting Peep, Father Morrenthall has a religious epiphany, and Peep volunteers to scout the town of Spitzer.

part 37: Peep’s Breakfast Story – Peep tells the lads of her nighttime discoveries as a boy, before they grapple with news of a mysterious murder.

part 38: Main Street – Outfitting themselves at the church and avoiding engagement with Peep’s worshipers there, the squad then head to Main Street and get their first look at Alan “the Chisel” Mason and his men.

part 39: The Chisel & Thorn’s Advice – At the general store, the squad have a quick word with the Chisel before meeting with Thorn at the church.

part 40: The Tanglefoot Trail – Heading out Bristlehump-way to lose the Chisel.

part 41: Shane & Earl – A restful evening spent winning over the hearts and minds of some of Callic valley’s finest yokels.

part 42: The Desolate One – The squad learn of Shane and Earl’s neighbor, an undead dread knight. Earl gives Peep a magic ring and an invitation from it.

part 43: Father Nate & Peep’s Ring – Father Nate figures out Peep’s magic ring for her.

part 44: Arlen’s Tavern – Father Nate takes the squad to lunch to sound out the locals about their troubles.

part 45: The Ungers – Near the Old Mill, local yeoman archers and their families welcome the squad and teach them a thing or two.

part 46: The Old Mill – The first scout of the notoriously evil site ensnares the squad into the full meal.

part 47: Ettercap – Into the Old Mill tower lair to save Knuckle from the horror that took him.

part 48: Knuckle’s Rescue – The men from the Unger compound aid in retrieving Knuckle from the ettercap’s web.

part 49: Healing & Cleansing – Father Nate helps everyone reckon with the horrors of the Old Mill.

Book Four

part 50: Burning – Everyone parties hard at Otilla’s Burning of the Old Mill. Some more than others.

part 51: Under the Old Mill – Choke receives some mentoring from Munn, and the squad head down to clear the basement chambers of the Old Mill.

part 52: Chores & Leisure – Getting on with the business of the day, Peep still finds the chance to get Pinch some fun.

part 53: A Word With the Chisel – Peep heads into town to conversate with their adversary.

part 54: Peep’s Goose Chase – Peep gets the Chisel and his men following her to see what might be done about them.

part 55: First Blood – Out in the bush, Peep conversates with some of the Chisel’s men in a more hands-on way.

part 56: Intercession – Peep settles in for surveillance, which pays dividends when the Chisel and his men head out after Choke and the boys. Father Nate joins in the fun.

part 57: Captain Fairchild – Thorn takes Peep, Knuckle, Pinch, and Munn to link up with the commander of the goblin task force.

part 58: Justice – Captain Fairchild sees to it that everyone clearly understands the Baron’s will.

part 59: Corporal Donny & Tower Inspection – With justice dispensed, Captain Fairchild rides with the squad to inspect the Old Mill.

part 60: Dinner With Captain Fairchild – Good food, drink, and company are society’s lubricant.

part 61: Hashing it All Out – The squad strike out for Spitzer, and Peep and Choke clear the air.

part 62: Back Into Spitzer – At the local watering hole for the scum of the bush, the squad stop for a quick drink before returning to the church.

part 63: Sheriff & To the Fort – Following a lively exchange of perspectives with the Sheriff, the squad go to Spitzer fort to see about responding to the Baroness’ invitation.

part 64: Father Percy – The Baroness Hart’s priest and Peep lock horns before going to Pinewhispers, her ladyship’s residence.

part 65: Lady Hart – The Baroness receives her guests.

part 66: Rebecca Hart – Peep is exposed to the indulgence of the upper class.

part 67: Dinner With Lady Hart – The Lady gives her guests more to chew on than just a fine meal.

part 68: Breakfast – Peep receives some career counseling from the Baroness Hart.

part 69: Pinewhispers – The squad take some time for rest and recuperation.

Book Five

part 70: Bristlehump – The search for Brother Cornelius begins.

part 71: Dixon & Shasta – Lieutenant Dixon, the local military commander, takes the squad to Shasta, Brother Cornelius’ apparent handler.

part 72: Barrelmender – Choke and his fellows finally meet the man they have been looking for.

part 73: Dinner & Church – The squad come to an agreement with Shasta and head up to stay at the church with her blessing.

part 74: Night Raid – A skirmish with bandits in the night at the Bristlehump church.

part 75: Community Outreach – Having decided what to do about the night’s skirmish, Peep and Pinch have a word with the town’s merchants.

part 76: Teamster Bob – The squad have a sitdown with the local teamster boss and his men.

part 77: Shasta Lunch & Thad Swallowtail – Yet more of Bristlehump’s luminaries visit the church.

part 78: Tanglefoot Trail – The Pekot Bunch hash out a plan and head out to scout the Tanglefoot Trail’s trailhead.

part 79: Trail Tail – A bestial discovery at the trailhead.

part 80: Sunday Mass & Dinner – Choke delivers his first ever Mass at the Bristlehump church, before Sunday dinner with the community’s Stronian core.

part 81: Hangover Day – Young Gabe, a church tenant, delivers some ale and offers the squad his services.

part 82: Everybody Knows – Peep scouts the village, and the squad’s snitch, Theon, illuminates them on common knowledge.

part 83: Thunder Run – The Pekot Bunch stir up a ruckus riding up the Cowslip Holler.

part 84: Cowslip Ambush – The tables are turned on the pursuing bandits.

part 85: Into the Bush – The squad hole up in the bush for the night.

part 86: The South Hill – The hunt is on for bandits to gather evidence from.

part 87: Evidence Getting – An education on law and order for some ornery peasants.

part 88: Back to Church – The peasant witness is taken back to home base for dinner and intimidation.

part 89: Awakening Barrelmender – Peep motivates Brother Barrelmender.

part 90: Paperwork – Brother Barrelmender does his duty.

Book Six

part 91: Subtle Messages – The squad think to relax after a job well done, but their opponents have other ideas.

part 92: Getting Loose – Peep responds to Sneed’s message.

part 93: Cleaning Up – Peep and Knuckle dispose of some evidence, and the squad set off for lunch with locals.

part 94: Bob’s Story – The teamster boss of Sptizer, Bob, has a sitdown with the squad.

part 95: Bristlenook – A drink in the Bristlenook tavern with some local characters is interrupted by Sneed and his boys.

part 96: Debate at Lucky’s – Sneed and his sit down for a drink. An intercourse concerning the ins and outs of sexual healing ensues.

part 97: Convergence at Tully’s – Peep skulks up on Tully’s whorehouse to listen in on the enemy.

part 98: Conflagration – The squad head out to take care of business at Tully’s.

part 99: Dixon’s Fall – The plan to take Lieutenant Dixon to Spitzer for court martial suffers a hitch.

part 100: Father Morrenthall – The squad make it back to Spitzer to report to Father Morrenthall at the church.

part 101: Morrenthall’s Plans – The Knight of the Holy Sword coordinates his intentions with Peep and Choke.

part 102: Sunday Mass – With Otilla of the Holy Fire at his side, Father Morrenthall takes the reins of the community.

part 103: Baron Hart – Father Morrenthall and Baron Hart coordinate to set Spitzer to rights.

part 104: Choke’s Commission – The Baron Hart invites Choke to join the Royal Bitana Army.

Book Seven

part 105: Magistrate Morrenthall – The Father gets to work.

part 106: Billy’s Truthtelling – Father Morrenthall goes to work on Billy the jailer.

part 107: Teamster Prod – Billy’s evidence proves actionable, taking the magistrate and his goons to the teamsters.

part 108: Captain Edison – At the fort, Father Morrenthall serves notice, and the captain takes his measure of Choke.

part 109: New Threads – Lieutenant Bartholomew Pekot gets fitted for his uniforms by Mrs Dunn before taking command of the jail tower for Father Morrenthall.

part 110: Magistrating – Magistrate Morrenthall delivers justice to the prisoners in the jail.

part 111: Billy’s Repentance – The community of Spitzer gather’s to witness the ex-jailer Billy’s repentance and cleansing in Stron’s Cleansing Fire.

part 112: Collecting Sheriff Waters – Father Morrenthall brings the Sheriff to the church for his formal interview.

part 113: Pressing Sheriff Waters – Father Morrenthall and the Sheriff come to a clear understanding of each other.

part 114: A Special Mission – Peep is tasked with a delicate matter.

part 115: The Holy Fire Wailers – Peep wrangles her followers to get some help with her special mission.

part 116: Trapper Junior – Peep and Mariola head out into town to scout.

part 117: Surveillance – The scouting of Peep and Mariola bears fruit.

part 118: Oopsie Daisey – The fruit is plucked.

part 119: Narrative Control – Peep spins a story to spread a yarn.

part 120: Tidying Up – Peep cleans up from the night’s work, and puts in some more work with the squad’s new recruits.

part 121: Mariola – Mariola tells Peep her story, and the two come to an understanding of each other.

Book Eight

part 122: To the Fort – With his men having arrived, Father Morrenthall takes the squad up to Spitzer fort to cut them loose.

part 123: Handover – Father Morrenthall and Captain Edison come to an understanding before the Father collects two more subjects of his investigation.

part 124: Getting Set – Choke gets things set to take command of his platoon.

part 125: Pekot’s Bushrats – Choke takes command of his platoon.

part 126: Taking Command – Choke begins to set things right for his men.

part 127: Getting to Work – Pekot’s Bushrats return to their duties under their new commander.

part 128: Extemporary Officering – Choke does his best to do his duty as the Captain unravels.

part 129: Night Watch – Choke and Pinch go on watch with one of Lieutenant Hamon’s men.

part 130: Midnight Ruckus – Trouble is dealt with on the night watch of Spitzer Fort.

part 131: Midnight Conference – Lieutenants Cooper and Pekot put their heads together about the night’s ruckus.

part 132: Captain Edison’s Spleen – Choke reports to his superior about the night’s occurrences.

part 133: Father Returns – Father Morrenthall continues his investigation.

part 134: The Baron Returns – The squad discuss matters before the Baron comes to take them in hand.

part 135: The Baron’s Interview – The Baron Hart and Choke come to an understanding of each other.

part 136: Coaching – Choke is educated on the ways of the military.

part 137: Father’s Farewell – Choke delivers the Baron’s message to Father Morrenthall and receives his guidance.

Book Nine

part 138: March From Spitzer – Pekot’s Bushrats head out on the road to Bristlehump.

part 139: Meeting in the Middle – The squad meet an old friend on the road.

part 140: Return to Bristlehump – Back in Bristlehump, Choke conversates with Bob and has a meeting with Brother Barrelmender.

part 141: Getting Situated – Pekot’s Bushrats settle down for the night while their betters figure things out a little.

part 142: Gabe & Babs – Choke and Peep sit down with Gabe and his mother.

part 143: Babs & Bob – Choke and Peep have a private word with Babs concerning Bob, before going to have a not-so-private chat with Bob himself.

part 144: Inspection & Training – Pekot’s Bushrats keep on with the military business of the day.

part 145: Gabe & Bob – Peep and Choke begin the negotiation of Bristlehump’s law enforcement.

part 146: Bob Helps – Peep and Choke coordinate with Bob on the elimination of a problem.

part 147: Pressing Barrelmender – Choke sits down with Brother Barrelmender to figure out where things stand.

part 148: Choke & Mariola – Choke gets into it with, and about, Peep’s protege.

part 149: Bristlenook – The platoon patrols the road to Bristlenook and checks it out.

part 150: The Road Back – Strange occurrences menace.

part 151: Ruminations – Back at the barracks, the platoon discuss the strange occurrences of their patrol.

part 152: Barrelmender’s Counsel – Choke and Peep discuss matters with the Brother.

part 153: Settling the Parish – Peep and Choke get the Holy Fire Wailers out of Barrelmender’s hair and deal with Shasta.

part 154: Retracing Steps – Peep takes a hand-picked squad out on patrol.

part 155: Alert – Bob summons Choke to the freight yard to inform him of a crime.

part 156: Investigation Prep – The squad organizes to reconnoiter the murders on the South Hill.

part 157: Barrelmender Trains & South Hill – Leaving Barrelmender in charge of the men, the squad head to the South Hill to investigate.

Part 158: Scouting Hideout – Peep and Pinch close in on the murderer from the South Hill.

part 159: Justice – Served with a cherry on top for Pinch.

Book Ten

part 160: Collecting Butters – The squad go to retrieve Pinch and Butters from the clutches of the captives.

part 161: Heroes Welcomed – Bristlehump welcomes the squad and the women back home.

part 162: Annica & Mya – Butters’ captives give their evidence.

part 163: Evidence & Reward – Annica and Mya testify to Barrelmender before Peep and Choke process Butters’ remains.

part 164: Settling the Squad – The Pekot Bunch sit down with an ale to has things out.

part 165: Settling Mariola – Peep takes the time to make sure the Wailers are in order.

part 166: Unsettling Choke – Mariola takes a run at Choke, and Peep and Pinch seek out Annica and Mya.

part 167: Annica & Mya’s Situation – Peep and Pinch have a conference with Bristlehump’s newest entrepreneurs.

part 168: Balan’s Report – Balan and the teamsters return from Spitzer with tidings.

part 169: Dinner Invitation – Choke, Peep, and Knuckle sit down with the mysterious travelers from the south.

part 170: Beef Served – The travelers lay it on them.

part 171: Breakfast Ruminations: Choke and Peep discuss the travelers with Brother Barrelmender.

part 172: Aoelric & Barrelmender: The Brother interviews the potential Alquinian agent.

part 173: Barrelmender Explains: Peep and Choke discuss the significance of the travelers with the Brother.

part 174: Lumberjacks: Choke and Peep meet with luminaries of the lumberjack faction at Babs and Balan’s firepit.

part 175: Bristlenook’s Agents: Peep and Choke get into it more deeply with Sif and Will, the lumberjack couple from Bristlenook.

part 176: Corporal Lenny: A desertion disrupts.

part 177: Waiting on Lenny: Barrelmender departs for Spitzer, leaving Choke to take over his duties. Peep and Pinch return with Lenny.

part 178: Lenny Punished: The deserter pays the price for his clever move.

Book Eleven

part 179: Tenting: Choke and Mariola steal some time together.

part 180: Reece’s Puncture: A troubling incident disrupts the platoon.

part 181: Decisions: Choke decides to delegate the handing of the Reece and Rabbit situation to Peep.

part 182: Resolving Reece – Peep deals with the Reece and Rabbit situation.

part 183: Tidying Up – Peep tasks a couple of men with cleaning up the rest of Reece while she has a private word with Rabbit.

part 184: Discussing Matters – Choke and Peep discuss the meeting with the lumberjacks, and meet with Barrelmender upon his return from Spitzer.

part 185: Pressing Gotthilf – The Pekot Bunch ride into Bristlenook to get their arrows.

part 186: Pressed Back – The defenders of Bristlenook intervene.

part 187: Diya & Thad – Peep and Choke parley with Diya.

part 188: Tea With Diya – Diya and Peep come to an understanding.

part 189: Settling the Lads – Back at the base, the squad discuss matters.

part 190: Drilling & Reporting In – The platoon trains and Peep involves Barrelmender.

part 191: Shasta Presses – Shasta takes a run at Choke.