DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 3

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

"The Maven of the Green came to me in a dream just over a week ago, and said that this place was ripe for settling..."

Agai Culchek, 4714 AR

Group Site | Kingdom Rules | SRD Reference | Chapter 2 | Chapter 1 | Interlude 2 | Interlude 1 | Cities and Armies |
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Your Humble Narrator

Surprised Ricter is power attacking as hes going for AC27... Malthir definitely has an equipment edge here. No enhancement on the poor Hellknight's shield and armour :P.


Your Humble Narrator

Ricter, you should correct your 'Offence' spoiler block... You've been rolling at +14 when your math shows you have +15 to hit. I went back through the combat and it basically meant you would have hit on a 16+ rather than 17+, fortunately you didn't roll any 16's so it doesn't change anything.

Semi-Finals

Kressle VS Malthir

Kalev VS Akiros


Your Humble Narrator

Hmm... That wasn't even many rounds of rage, unfortunately for Malthir.


Male (HP 26/71, AC- 23 T- 15 FF- 18 CMD- 28, F +11, R +10, W +6, P +15*, In +3*, AOO +17) Half-orc Ranger (Guide) 7/Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 1

I'm calling shenanigans...I believe I have one more hit thanks to Ferocity :P


Your Humble Narrator

Doesn't apply to non-lethal (weird system quirk, I know).


Your Humble Narrator

Placing bets on Malthir's mentioned change of tactics. I think he borrowed a tower shield from a friendly armourer and plans on using it as cover or total defence until Akiros appears to tire. Any other theories, before he posts?


Male Taldan Human Fighter (Weapon Master) 5/ Hellknight 3 HP:31/81 AC:28 F:+11, R:+6, W:+8, CMD:25*, P:+10, I:+2, AOO:+16

He hasn't used many lay on hands yet. Perhaps he'll go the other way and start using a two handed weapon, relying on healing to keep him in the fight rather than high AC?

Whatever happens, it's going to have to be spectacular to top Kalev's conclusive response to Casimir's disarm.

On the subject of cunningly switching to a tower shield, I've got a pitch for a homebrew magic item. I'm not sure if you guys are up for player-created rules like this, but I think it's kind of neat:

Segmented Shield
Aura: Faint Transmutation; CL: 6th
Slot: Shield; Price: 9,180GP Weight: 15lbs

Description: This +2 heavy shield is formed from straight-edged overlapping metal plates. Through windows cut into the back face of the shield interlocking cogs can be seen. As a swift action it's wielder can command it to transform into a +2 tower shield. This does not cause it's weight to change, but otherwise`gives it all the normal benefits and drawbacks of a tower shield. Once in this form it can be commanded to change back into a +2 heavy shield, again as a swift action. If left unattended it immediately reverts to it's heavy shield form.

Construction Requirements: Craft Magic Arms and Armour, Instant Armour, Cost 4590GP


Duke of Kardas, First Sword of Iomedae HP:51/76 AC:27 F:+14, R:+8, W:+12 CMD:23/24 P:-1 Init:+0 AOO:+16

Using my healing would be cheating as we said no magical powers in the fight. I wouldn't be that worried if I could use all of my magical powers.


Your Humble Narrator

Wow. Sorry to both Kalev and Malthir. The dice tell me that Akiros needs to win this tournament. I have no say in the matter. Double 20 on his last round of rage?!?!?!

Ricter, i'll discuss it on MSN and at some point i'll go over that item in detail but I think its quite a neat idea and the transformative weapon property certainly gives that kind of transmutation magic precedence.


Ooooo, the Prestige classes book coming out in two months actually has a Hellknight Signifer prc. Grachius needs an upgrade ;).


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Go, River Patriots! Throw off the yoke of oppression! Finally, someone I can root for in this game. ;D


Your Humble Narrator

I thought the Gyronna cultists who have hinted at some pretty sinister and chaotic plans would also be right up your street. Or perhaps some Fey :P.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Joana wrote:
Go, River Patriots! Throw off the yoke of oppression! Finally, someone I can root for in this game. ;D

What about Kip? Flying the chaotic banner high and proud? Working the system from the... inside... um... never mind... I've said too much! ;)


Your Humble Narrator

I'm actually wondering what Kip is going to do in his role as Magister. To me, the position implies that not only should he be formalising (or at least, deciding on and telling people) the education system in Kardas as well as apprenticeship programs to train the Wizards of tomorrow ;).


A Chaotic educational system :)


Your Humble Narrator

Reminder- Knowledge (Nobility), (History) and (Geography) all potentially represent what you know of the man and/or his duchy.

Not seen anyone but Malthir post since then but even he has a rank in Knowledge (Nobility).


Male Human Writer 2/Dreamer 7

Sorry, knowledge (local) and (nature) only.

Casimir is behaving himself and letting Malthir do the talking for now, but he is likely to have a few opinions about the whole situation later on.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

What Jace said... :)


Wheres someone with max ranks profession (lawyer) when you need one? Although you may not be able to afford the bp drain...

Silver Crusade

Here are some possible strategies and arguments. They're not all compatible.

(1) Feudalism is based on personal relationships, not any "social contract" nonsense. The charter was issued by the Lords of Restov, so your allegiance is to them. If the king has a problem with the charter, he really needs to deal with his vassal directly, not pester you.

(2) Contest Brevoy's claim on the ground that they were unable to protect the people in the area (i.e., hold up their end of the feudal bargain) over an extended period of time.

(3) Further, the area has not been within Brevoy's control since the establishment of "Brevoy" as a nation; regardless of what Brevoy says, this is historically part of the River Kingdoms.

(4) Demand a trial by combat to prove the rightness of your claim. Very risky, and it depends on how Brevoy's justice system works.

(5) Get a representative of someone with an older claim to the land to give you de jure authority--like, say, a dragon or a fey (or a representative of the elves). Then argue that Brevoy's claim is invalid because of an earlier claim. They'll probably want something for this, though.

(6) Embrace popular sovereignty as the basis for authority. The charter has been validated by the popular will of the Kardassian people, and Brevoy's attempt to control the new nation is an invalid exercise of thug-o-cracy.

(7) Get a church/organization to recognize your claim, and point out the political problems that it will create for Brevoy to cross them. They may want something for this, though.

By the way, I am only speculating about the nature of your funny human institutions, rather than establishing an attorney-client relationship. If the Stadtkari really wants my services, they need to send a pile of coins to my cave as a retainer. ;-)


Your Humble Narrator

Brilliant post Eric. Not all completely applicable but some great ideas there.

With regards to 1- Kardas was not established as a vassal of Restov, otherwise Brevoy would probably be talking to them rather than you (as a mere vassal to higher powers, they would probably negotiate transferring vassalage without actually consulting you!).

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

As the leaders of a small nation, we are woefully uninformed of the goings on outside of our borders. We cannot hope to make informed decisions when we cannot tell fact from fiction... and far too reactionary in all our dealings.:P

We must endeavour to be more proactive in the future...

Not meant as a slam against anyone... just an observation. :)


hp 66/66, AC 26/17/20, CMD 23/24, F: +8, R: +11, W: +7, init: +5, per: +10 Human Bard 6/Fighter 2

The Spymaster is on it...


Duke of Kardas, First Sword of Iomedae HP:51/76 AC:27 F:+14, R:+8, W:+12 CMD:23/24 P:-1 Init:+0 AOO:+16

Its a tough call. Malthir isn't really educated in a way to make one of those arguments that Eric listed. He doesn't really think that way.

His thinking is possibly a little more dangerous. He believes that Iomedae brought him here to start a Kingdom in her honor, under her guidance. Bowing down to Surtova would mean that he broke his contract with Iomedae, taking the easy way out...and he would be without honor...


Your Humble Narrator

Tis a fair observation Okoya.

Me and Jace have actually been trying to hash out an official Spymaster system which I will roll out sometime in the near future. It will likely involve spending BP to set up spy networks in other nations etc.- its all been very abstract thus far but I think there is definitely room for more mechanics for it.


I vote for civil war.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
DM Barcas wrote:
I vote for civil war.

Are you talking about civil war within Kardas?! ;)


Your Humble Narrator

That could probably be arranged. Wouldn't be the first time Gyronna Cultist's have managed that in a Barony.

Of course, they didn't have TEAM KIP & SOOTSCALES to ruin their rituals that time.


Male Halfling 8th level Fey Bloodline Sorcerer
Stats:
Init +6 Perception +4 AC 21 Tch 15 FF 19 HP 62 Fort +6 Ref +6 Will +8 Spd 20' CMB +2 CMD 14 Acro+4 Bluff+11 Climb-1 Diplo+6 Disg+16 Esc+2 Fly+10 Know (Arca+6 Loc+7 Nat+7) Sense+0 Spellcraft+13 Stealth+14 Use Magic+12 Swim-1

I wonder if we should get T-shirts made up. :)


Your Humble Narrator

Its a fairly savvy move, politically. The Swordlords set you up to have a friendly nation to call upon to the south with little investment in a coming conflict, the Surtovans offer to legitimise your claim in exchange for your written word that you'll stay out of the fight.

Thrust, counter-thrust. On a macro level, of course.

Silver Crusade

Thanks, DM AK! As a law student, that brings a warm feeling to the hollow where my heart used to be. ;-)

I'd be inclined to take the deal. But do make sure that Brevoy agrees that "neutrality" includes a right to free trade with either party (that is, genuine trade, not "trade" that's effectively covert gifts). Continued trade would both benefit Kardas and ease the blow to Restov.

Also, I should re-read the charter to see just how much wiggle room that it provides. . . .

Silver Crusade

DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
. . . along with a second charter granting you custody of the Greenbelt- and promising to send resources, builders and pioneers, eager to escape the uncertainty in Brevoy and make a new life in this promising new land.

Hmmm, that seems like it's not going to be a breach of the charter as written, especially since the first charter explicitly invoked powers derived from the Dragonscale Throne.

But the Swordlords did give you 50 BP to get started. They'll probably be peeved (and understandably so).

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

Wiggle room? You could fly a dragon through the holes in the charters... ;)

If the legality of the situation was entirely dependant upon the wording of the charters, Kardas wouldn't have any troubles. What is more to the point is that this is really more of a relations issue. With the agreement proposed in place, everyone wins for the most part... a little less perhaps for Restov, but they didn't have much claim anyhow.


Your Humble Narrator

Narrative to move things along coming up.

I'm awarding 400 story XP for successfully coming to a peaceful conclusion with Duke Demid, as well as actually improving his attitude towards you (he was quite impressed by your resolve and dedication).

An FYI for everyone so that your not confused- i've offered Tanner the chance to play out Ilya's trip to Varnhold with the two Hellknights as something of a cameo role- i'm hoping to use this trip to give you as players a bit more of a view of your neighbour's lands (plus I hate RPing with myself :P).

To make his and my life easier, what exactly were the instructions given to Ilya? Remember Varn's been talking about a trade road between you for quite some time as well.


Duke of Kardas, First Sword of Iomedae HP:51/76 AC:27 F:+14, R:+8, W:+12 CMD:23/24 P:-1 Init:+0 AOO:+16

1. Discuss the death and ambush of Lord Sirian.
2. If it is more than just a simple ambush assist Varn in any way he can.
3. Discuss the trade route and determine what is needed to finish it.
4. Learn more about Varn and his kingdom. Religion, size, etc.
5. Improve relations as he can.

Anyone else chime in with ideas. Thx.


Male Halfling 8th level Fey Bloodline Sorcerer
Stats:
Init +6 Perception +4 AC 21 Tch 15 FF 19 HP 62 Fort +6 Ref +6 Will +8 Spd 20' CMB +2 CMD 14 Acro+4 Bluff+11 Climb-1 Diplo+6 Disg+16 Esc+2 Fly+10 Know (Arca+6 Loc+7 Nat+7) Sense+0 Spellcraft+13 Stealth+14 Use Magic+12 Swim-1

New XP total = 35732

Instructions list look good.

Silver Crusade

6. Propose marriage alliance to create a closer link between the two kingdoms. I suggest Kip as the obvious Kardassian choice, though with his charisma, you might want to save him to marry off to a Surtova. ;-)


hp 66/66, AC 26/17/20, CMD 23/24, F: +8, R: +11, W: +7, init: +5, per: +10 Human Bard 6/Fighter 2
Eric Zylstra wrote:
6. Propose marriage alliance to create a closer link between the two kingdoms. I suggest Kip as the obvious Kardassian choice, though with his charisma, you might want to save him to marry off to a Surtova. ;-)

Brilliant idea - didn't Varn have a big, half-orc Gorum-priest as a follower. I mean, Kip's open-minded, right?


hp 66/66, AC 26/17/20, CMD 23/24, F: +8, R: +11, W: +7, init: +5, per: +10 Human Bard 6/Fighter 2

Before I post any more regarding the trip to Restov, lets just get a quick ooc view on how to handle this.

I mostly just posted the idea because it is in character for Casimir. And being confident as he is, he is convinced he can handle it alone.

Now, I don't want to neither cheat people out of coming along or start off a complicated sidequest where we spilt the party.

I (and Casimir) still think going to Restov is a good idea, and has the potential for some very interesting RP. And I think anyone who wants to should go along - you just have to convince Cas - but it does potentially mean a party spilt and a delay before we move to book three. In any event, we wont have time to leave before after we handle the Kingdom stuff this month. And we can probably be back again before the next Kingdom turn, lest we suffer massive penalties.

I was thinking it would be an obvious thing to fill the time while Tanner An AK play out the mission to Varnhold (I agree on those points, btw).

So...thoughts?


Your Humble Narrator

As I said to Cas, Jhod's words aren't a DM block. More than happy to deal with a trip to Restov and don't think it will slow us down too much.

And as for political marriages- Kalev's getting a bit old to get married off, think it needs to happen sooner rather than later. Didn't I mention in the past Varn had an attractive daughter? :P.


Were they going to relay those instructions to Northgreen, or was this meeting important enough to assume that Ilya would be present?

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Eric Zylstra wrote:
6. Propose marriage alliance to create a closer link between the two kingdoms. I suggest Kip as the obvious Kardassian choice, though with his charisma, you might want to save him to marry off to a Surtova. ;-)

Hmmmm... Kip is not entirely opposed to the idea... but he is still quite happy sowing his wild oats at the moment... :)

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Casimir wrote:


Brilliant idea - didn't Varn have a big, half-orc Gorum-priest as a follower. I mean, Kip's open-minded, right?

Was Captain Kirk open-minded? ;)

Wait... wasn't the priest a man? :$

;)


Male Halfling 8th level Fey Bloodline Sorcerer
Stats:
Init +6 Perception +4 AC 21 Tch 15 FF 19 HP 62 Fort +6 Ref +6 Will +8 Spd 20' CMB +2 CMD 14 Acro+4 Bluff+11 Climb-1 Diplo+6 Disg+16 Esc+2 Fly+10 Know (Arca+6 Loc+7 Nat+7) Sense+0 Spellcraft+13 Stealth+14 Use Magic+12 Swim-1
DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
...Didn't I mention in the past Varn had an attractive daughter? :P.

You don't say... ;)

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Ilya Shukhov wrote:
Were they going to relay those instructions to Northgreen, or was this meeting important enough to assume that Ilya would be present?

I am under the assumption that Ilya is always present for Statkari meetings... especially those held during the "kingdom week", unless told otherwise. (ie Ilya is in Northgreen, or whereever his business takes him, 3 weeks a month, but travels to the capital for 1 week a month.)

Is that wrong?

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Casimir wrote:

Before I post any more regarding the trip to Restov, lets just get a quick ooc view on how to handle this.

I mostly just posted the idea because it is in character for Casimir. And being confident as he is, he is convinced he can handle it alone.

Now, I don't want to neither cheat people out of coming along or start off a complicated sidequest where we spilt the party.

I (and Casimir) still think going to Restov is a good idea, and has the potential for some very interesting RP. And I think anyone who wants to should go along - you just have to convince Cas - but it does potentially mean a party spilt and a delay before we move to book three. In any event, we wont have time to leave before after we handle the Kingdom stuff this month. And we can probably be back again before the next Kingdom turn, lest we suffer massive penalties.

I was thinking it would be an obvious thing to fill the time while Tanner An AK play out the mission to Varnhold (I agree on those points, btw).

So...thoughts?

The boards seem to be flaky right now... my IC post keeps messing up... so I'll be brief here. Kip does not think that the trip to Restov is important, or even necessary* (as has been pointed out). He was never personally bound by either charter as he was not a Guardian at the time in question... but he does understand his association now. His offer to go is one of mutual concern. He does not want anything bad to happen to his good friend, and goes to support him/them.

The second charter's language, as far as Kip is concerned, does not indicate any sort of reciprocity required on the part of the Guardians, other than friendship. That which was offered was a "gift" as far as Kip can tell. Nothing more. By agreeing to not interfere in any civil war, Kardas has not violated any agreement, specified or implied, in his opinion. The charter was also not issued in the name of Restov or the Swordlords...

...anyway, you get my/Kip's drift.

Cheers


Duke of Kardas, First Sword of Iomedae HP:51/76 AC:27 F:+14, R:+8, W:+12 CMD:23/24 P:-1 Init:+0 AOO:+16

Month of GOZREN, 4712. Kardas Founding Month 30
.
Strategy: Re-build SwordHaven & Expand the Kingdom!
.
.
Upkeep Phase:
*Step 1—Determine Kingdom Stability:
Start with 2 Unrest (+0BP)
Stability roll needed at +37 to beat Control DC 37
*Step 2—Pay Consumption:
Treasury begins with 19BP
Upkeep of Hellknights (-2BP)
Letters of Credit from Varn (+6BP)
Goods from Dwarven Keep (+6BP)
Treasury ends with 29BP
*Step 3—Fill Magic Item Slots:
SwordHaven:
1 Minor
0 Medium
Northgreen:
1 Minor
Vierkirche:
0 Minor
1 Medium
*Step 4—Unrest:
2 Unrest to start, -1 for Sootscales
1 Unrest remaining

Improvement:
*Step 1—Select Leadership:
No changes
*Step 2—Claim Hexes:
Claim Hex A16, Road & Farm *-4BP*, Claim Hex A22, *-1BP*, Road Hex A10 *-1BP*
*Step 3—Establish and Improve Cities:
Re-Build Jail in SwordHaven *-7BP* +2 Loy, +2 Stab, -2 Unrest
Re-Build Herbalist in SwordHaven *-5BP* +1 Loy, +1 Stab -0 Unrest
*Step 4—Build Roads:
See above
*Step 5: Establish Farmlands:
See above
*Step 6: Edicts:
Change Taxation to Heavy!

Income:
Starting Income: 11 BP
+0 BP for Kingdom Unrest starting at 2
*Step 1—Deposits: No deposits
*Step 2—Withdrawals:
Raise Kesten Garess -3BP
Reincarnate Kundal -1BP
Raise Lord Sirian -3BP
*Step 3—Sell Valuable Items:
3 Economy rolls needed at +54 to sell items
*Step 4—Generate Income:
Economy roll needed at +54 to generate income
Events:
Event that occurred this month:
Ending Income: XX BP for the month

Stability vs. DC 37 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (6) + 37 = 43


Your Humble Narrator

If you haven't already, this is the best time to phase Kesten out of the General role.

I've been strongly considering limiting your kingdom stat's to +X, where X is your control DC-1. This means for instance, that if your control DC is 37, your maximum bonus to any kingdom stat is +36.

This actually gives some mechanical incentive to grow, which has always been a little lacking in the KM rules- and also represents both diminishing returns and the power of larger nations.

Some of the most optimal kingdoms that have been built in this AP have been absolutely tiny, with economies stronger than whole kingdoms. This doesn't sit particularly well with me.

Your thoughts on this change please, truthfully I haven't considered all implications of it yet. It won't be something I implement immediately, either way.


Duke of Kardas, First Sword of Iomedae HP:51/76 AC:27 F:+14, R:+8, W:+12 CMD:23/24 P:-1 Init:+0 AOO:+16

Kesten was out last month with Ricter replacing him.

On the above ruling I would prefer not to go to this for the following reasons. The main reason being is we already have more rules around selling items, which has slowed down our growth somewhat, and then resticting our Econ rolls to our kingdom DC would just slow it down even more.
I don't think we will be tiny or even small, we just need to gain enough BP's coming in to start to actually grow faster. I think we will be there at the end of the next two year period as Malthir wants to grow the kingdom to the size where we own all of the hexes we have now explored if possible.
Second, having that restriction really put's a block on building strategies and shifts the focus to just growing the kingdom size.


Your Humble Narrator

Malthir- looks like you didn't include the 2BP tribute to Brevoy this turn, please amend. Also, you chose not to give Red Eyes a leutenant this month hmm?

I will make a large post narrating somewhat the final week of the month. However, one of us has our dates severely wrong and I believe it to be you Maladin (although i'm not certain). The month and year should be

Pharast, 4713

Final unrest should be 0, as a result of the stability check succeeding and reducing unrest by 1.

Items genned-

Swordhaven Minor-
Wand of Arcane Mark (375GP)

Northgreen Minor-
Sling (2,300GP)

Vierkirche Medium-
small +2 Flaming Burst Greatsword (Must be sold for BP as a major item but only gleans medium item BP, worth 32,350GP)

Malthir, feedback is appreciated.

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