Aubrey's Kingmaker Campaign

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

I'll be away this weekend (Friday until late Monday) - we're escaping the heat by heading to the mountains.

I'll see what I can do about that map on Tuesday or so.

Cool. Have a good time.

Ohhh,... Mountains,.... ;)

HAve fun Vatt!

You released the bandits and they have gone.

LOL!

Looks like I ought to keep up with the PbP on the weekend too! SOrry that I haven't been.

Wow! Looks like I should keep an eye on the PbP thread during the weekend too! Sorry that I haven't been, though it looks like you all did just fine without my blathering. (Though I might have pointed out our "beat & release" program while discussing retrieving a guide.)

Well, that, or the rest of us could.. ya know... pay attention.

Either way works.

Aubrey the Demented/Malformed wrote:

You released the bandits and they have gone.

LOL!

Yeah, that's funny.

A question on skill challenges following on from Heimoth’s (Hey Moth?) comment in the game thread ... could the group invent some passing trappers, hermits or charcoal burners to ask for directions? Or is that stretching the friendship as far as player additions to the game world?

That would be taking the piss, somewhat. They would certainly have to catch me in a very good mood for that to work, or unless I made it clear such people were around. In the somewhat wild woods of the Greenbelt, they aren't really.

Understood.
(Can't blame a guy for asking though! Can you?)
;)

Lost in the woods. Still a first for me! :)

This:

Charge in fast, take them out faster? OR try to bluff our way in first? Since we can guess that they have passwords or something that we don't know, that might not be smart. I think if we stick in pairs, or better yet a whole group, that we can probably steam roll them. But if we get separated, (Like a certain Sorcerer last time!) ;P We just don't want THEM to gang up on US!

I vote go in fast/hard. Stay in pairs. Maybe use our skills to make them think there are more of us than there really are? Make their first reaction to run, not charge us back! :)

Reminded me of this from Kingmaker #1 broken thread:

Ah, the classic "I'm a hero/PC, I'm invincible" mindset; also known as "tactics, shmactics."

;D

I'm thinking on it; looking at my powers; wondering about forest fires and whatnot.

Aleph, only you can prevent forest fires.

....or not.

I said "can"... no imperative there.

kids.....don't be an Aleph.

Dragonchess Player wrote:

Ah, the classic "I'm a hero/PC, I'm invincible" mindset; also known as "tactics, shmactics."

;D

Ah, yes, well,... In my defense, Marc DOES think he's invulnerable!

(But, it worked so well in FIRST edition!) :)

Guys, am really sorry for the delay. Apparently someone spliced into the cable feed at the pole near my house. AT&T in their wisdom, cut the whole thing off. Somehow this is my fault, despite the fact that I have a signed agreement with them, and the other house does not. Hopefully this will be fixed very soon. I am going down to their office today to meet with them.

<Sigh>
Sorry to hear that Jeff.

Yes, Sadly, 'AT&T' and 'wisdom' do NOT go together. At all. Good luck with them. Hopefully you can talk to a person face-to-face that has a little common sense! ;)

Just to let you know, Baby Fell has arrived and is doing well.

Congrats, Man! you're in for it now.

We will kick the combat off tomorrow. However, I thought about the "online hex map" issue while in the shower and had an epiphany. We can simply use "4e geometry" and simple make the hexes square. I think hexes are liked for wilderness maps because the centre of each hex is equidistant from the centre of each of its neighbours, the same not being true for squares. But since 4e ignores this in combat, I think while we are in exploration mode we can ignore it too. So we could use something like a grid or even a spreadsheet map, have access to it online should some sharing service, and get on with it that way. Views?

Um, as the designated online map-maker who completely forgot about his map-making duties, I like it. It'll be a lot easier to map squares, as we could use Excel or something similar instead of AutoCAD (my initial plan).

that'll work fer me. I guess it's the same exact thing in essence; doesn't hurt my sensibilities in the least.

I'll have to redraw the map a bit, but I don't really see that as a big issue. A squares map will probably have a few more squares than hexes, so I might reduce the size of things a bit, or increase the size of the squares. Anyway, it should work OK.

I like it. Especially if it makes it easier for the map-maker! (Official or otherwise!)

And the shape shouldn't matter so much, as long as we can still fit in all of the essential elements of the explored area. (Just a side note/question, don't REAL cartographers/mapmakers use grids for laying out maps anyway? Just wondered.)

:D

I think grids are well-suited for finding stuff on the map. Hexes are good for RPG as you roll lots of d6's and the centre of each hex is equidistant from each of its neighbours.

True,
although,... my brain may be making up stuff on it's own now, but WAY back in 1st ed, wasn't there a 'grenade miss' chart for a square map? I think it used D8's instead of a D6. each square AND each point was a number on the D8,...

OR,... my brain is on a trip because I FINALLY got all of my game books unpacked and on a bookshelf for the first time since,... well, since EVER. But also It's the first time I've seen my collection since I packed it up to get married 14 years ago. Of course, my bookshelves are full, and I DON'T have room for the 4 boxes of Dragon Mags,... And don't get me started on my comics,...

Aw man,... aren't I supposed to be too old for this stuff?

I hope NOT! :D

So, Wagyu, how do you create your maps? I tried to screenprint an Excel spreadsheet and save it as a jpg in Paint for my Eberron game, but the quality was terrible (admittedly, it was a much larger map than the one we are using now) and it was too small and the writing illegible. We are using Google docs instead for that map at the moment but Excel has much better functionality than the Google spreadsheet programme when it comes to graphics.

I wondered if you had any tips for when it comes to mapping the growing kingdowm, which will probably be a map of about 32 squares by 10 or so?

*STFU's and listens*

*Also paying attention*

On a side note,...

Just wanted to let everyone know that things are,... hectic,... over here. So if I drop off of radar for a day or so, it's NOT due to lack of interest, just trying to deal with RL. (Which is always about as much fun as it sounds!) ;P

So, Wagyu, how do you create your maps? I tried to screenprint an Excel spreadsheet and save it as a jpg in Paint for my Eberron game, but the quality was terrible (admittedly, it was a much larger map than the one we are using now) and it was too small and the writing illegible. We are using Google docs instead for that map at the moment but Excel has much better functionality than the Google spreadsheet programme when it comes to graphics.

I wondered if you had any tips for when it comes to mapping the growing kingdowm, which will probably be a map of about 32 squares by 10 or so?

I came to the same conclusion about the Google docs spreadsheet. I had thought it might be better to do the map that way both so I could upload while at work (at least until work blocks that access) and becuase people might then be able to interact with the document & be better able to figure out/keep track of squares better. However, I just found it didn't have what I wanted when making a map.

As for the map-making in Excel, all I'm doing is making the map in Excel, selecting the relevent section of the spreadsheet, copying & pasting it into Paint & then saving as a jpeg file. I haven't seen if it's possible to scale the map up.

Edit: I had been using the default row height(12.75) & a column width of 2, but I just tried row height 25 & column width 4 with nice results. Should allow a larger font size for legibility. (This last go around bad guys font size was 6, heroes 8.

Having read that - perhaps you should be the global map-maker instead of me? You seem to know this stuff far better than I do.

Yeah, that might not work for us as the map will be big. I think the smaller encounter maps are fine using that method but for anything big (like a realm map) it doesn't seem to as the transfer of the jpg causes loss of detail (like you can't read it). I had something of a brainwave as to how to use google docs for our realm map, so watch this space.

Sample of map with larger cells (Height 25, Width 4, font 12pt Arial)
When I click on the linked image, it does enlarge to the actual image size beyond the edges of my browser screen, so that might help viewing details as needed.

Paint also gives other options for file type, so maybe a larger bmp file might retain the desired clarity.

Map template with larger cells jpeg format (432kb)

Same template saved as a bitmap. (10Mb & it's blank! yowza!)

These new ones don't get to the original size. Photobucket limitation?

I can try replicating the encounter map & add text of various sizes to further test legibility.

Thought I'd see what people could see on this map. Height 45, Width 4 Border fonts & "Campsite" text are Arial 10pt, NPC's are Arial 6pt, PC's are arial 8pt. What is actually legible for folks?

Map Experiment - Chasing down the Mud-Man

I can read just about all of it, though the cross-outs on the dead guys do obscure the text. My screen resolution is set to 1920x1080

Obviously, with the larger cells I can use larger fonts for legibility, but I thought I'd see what the effect was if I just enlarged the cell size.

OK, I've got this as a start. Blank areas remain to be explored, which is most of it.

You are all currently at point 3. Each big square roughly equates to a hex on the map. As you spend time exploring the big squares get filled in. I made each big square equal to nine little squares so I could add granular detail.

Nice Aub. I can see it and read it.
What else do you need in a map? ;P

Seriously, that works for me! :)

Wag, I'm going to have to spend some time at home playing with those settings that you have listed above. Thanks for the tips!

That looks great!

And this is why I shouldn't post when I'm tired. The Mud-man map row height was 25 not 45. Everything else should be correct.

Also, now that I see what you mean Aubrey, I see just how badly that the jpegs uploaded to Photobucket wouldn't have worked. I didn't know about the display size limit.

I like what you've done with the Google docs spreadsheet!

OK, we'll run with this version of the map as it allows a bit greater detail and is suitably huge for a kingdom in the making.

Awesome Aub! NOW we have a kingdom to explore! ;)

Yeah, I'm pleased with this version. I think much bigger and it would get unweildy, but I quite like it being fairly big as it makes the kingdom look and feel big. In my more imaginative moments, I could imagine it as a scroll which you peruse bit by bit, unrolling it as you scroll across the page. Of course, most of it just says "Here be dragons" at the moment.

However, the question arises: if the men are not to die, what should be their punishment to ensure they never threaten the good folk of Oleg's Tradepost again?

Here's my thought in general. We need to set a precedent where there is a level of grace and redemption available, but that still holds people accountable for their actions, regardless of who they are. We want a set of laws that can be applied to bandits and villagers alike - as well as ourselves if the situation ever arises.

It would be great if we could get the word out that banditry is now illegal, and that unrepentant banditry will result in severe punishment. Make this some kind of official statement. it makes us targets as the new kids on the block, but at the same time it makes it officially okay when we act on the authority granted by the writ to establish a new kingdom. IF we don't broadcast that we are acting on authority early, then we're just another clan of upstart merc's killing at our whim... which is not exactly a step in the right direction.

in general, I think we should make examples of high level "bandit" leadership - unless they are singularly repentant (and convincingly so) and are willing to work off their crimes and re-enter the citizenry of our new nation. This ensures we are taken seriously. I'd suggest we give most of those we take prisoner the chance at redemption. They should have to agree to leave our "kingdom" entirely, take the first steps necessary to become reformed citizens (which will include working off their past crimes before re-entering society on equal footing), or pay the ultimate price immediately.

The villagers - they are now also under our domain. They might not like it initially, but when they sent for us and got people with a writ to start a kingdom, they became our responsibility. That means we won't always make the decisions they want us to, but they have to respect our choices or be treated as bandits themselves.

As for leadership... im not sure, honestly. Maybe we set ourselves up as a council? Or maybe we decide which of us is going to act as the newly chosen leader of our fledgeling kingdom. I'm fine with either one, but either way, I do think Aleph had a good idea in giving the citizenry a voice in the decisions... if not the ultimate voice.

Thoughts?

I wasn't sure if this was Discussion thread material or Main thread material. If it should be main threadd, I'll repost it.

Then again, maybe i'm over-thinking the whole thing. :D

I'm not sure, but I think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. My memory's not the greatest, so maybe I'm forgetting something, or maybe it was there & I just missed it from the beginning, but as far as I can recall, thus far, our charter grants us the right to explore this region on behalf of the Kingdom of Brevoy & charges us with putting down banditry as we encounter it. I don't think there's anything about giving us the right to set up a kingdom down here (yet!)

I think we might be acting on player knowledge about what the adventure path is about and that's making things more complicated than they should be at this point of the adventure.

Given this, our "system" of justice, should be limited to what we can manage. Currently, we can charge someone with the crime of unrepentent banditry & put them to death, or we can beat & release. We don't have the manpower to do anything else. If we hire Garess to protect the Trading post, we MIGHT be able to get him to look after a bandit who chooses the rehabilitation option, but he's only got 3 men with him & I think that puts a limit on how many "former" bandits we can give that option without putting the community at risk.

I think for now, we should try to keep it simple & manageable, beat & release for special cases, death for the others to show banditry will not be tolerated.

Ya know, you're right... all this big map for exploration and king-makin' has apparently got me worked up.

Sorry all.

Nothin to see here.. carry on... carry on.

I'll get around to readin it eventually; can't look at interwebz @ workz no more....yadda yadda...
It's a good thing to be trying to like handle though; I'm worried about the mob mentality vs......foes in the future who, KNOWING they're looking at the death penalty anyhow's, will decide not to surrender, and fight to the bitter end.
Those kinda punks get dieing attack crit's that kills guys.....

I'm worried about the mob mentality vs......foes in the future who, KNOWING they're looking at the death penalty anyhow's, will decide not to surrender, and fight to the bitter end.

+1000!!! I've been making this argument for years...

Um, anyway, I'd like to forge a reputation for our party (and fledgling realm) that we are firm, but fair, and we will give truly repentant outlaws a second chance at a law-abiding life - and, as importantly, that while we are quite comfortable with killing enemies, those that surrender will be treated fairly.

Speaking of comfort levels, I'm extremely uncomfortable with executing a clearly mentally ill person, but what are we supposed to do with him? If he's mostly non-violent, perhaps he can be trusted to just futz around and help with yeardwork and such? The other guy, on the other hand, just gets 20 lashes and is then exiled northwards with a very clear order to never to come back.