Beyond the World's Edge: A Frontier Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master vayelan

I had forgotten about the Mystery Door. That's the only interior that I am aware of, and I think we had agreed to leave it be for now. I think someone had made enough Knowledge Checks to know it was a symbol of Lamashtu and we had decided to not mess with it. (Though I admit I think we were thinking about what to do with it and then I think as we got distracted by the murder/Galt plot we all just forgot it was there).

You are correct about the layout of the area. Only particularly important Kaskkari buildings have cellars, and the only one of these within the currently claimed boundaries of Haven is the "Temple Hill" ruins that the orc-kin have claimed. Rather than a symbol of Lamashtu, though, the sealed door in the underground portion of the temple ruins has a Lammasu on it.

Here is a historical example of such a carving to give you an idea what it looks like, while this is an image of a fantasy setting Lamassu so you know what a living one looks like.

Sorry, my bad, I should have looked it up and reread that segment.

Thanks for confirming.

I did update our area map a little bit here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OBlkMoNbH63p3Ff6tRszx0CGqEyVDOzi/view?usp= sharing

Most additions are rough guesses as to where things are.

I thought about making a town map though I'm not sure I'd remember everything that was supposed to go on it.

I added a scale bar but it's wrong *sigh* the number at the end should be 5 miles--this is a guess, as the map is not perfectly to scale but should indicate the rough distances between things. I also forgot to add streams to the bottom half of the map. Suggestions or additions are welcome.

Sorry, my bad, I should have looked it up and reread that segment.

Thanks for confirming.

I did update our area map a little bit here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OBlkMoNbH63p3Ff6tRszx0CGqEyVDOzi/view?usp= sharing

Most additions are rough guesses as to where things are.

I thought about making a town map though I'm not sure I'd remember everything that was supposed to go on it.

I added a scale bar but it's wrong *sigh* the number at the end should be 5 miles--this is a guess, as the map is not perfectly to scale but should indicate the rough distances between things. I also forgot to add streams to the bottom half of the map. Suggestions or additions are welcome.

Thank you for creating and updating the map. I have tried my hand with mapping software, and so far I have not developed a talent for them.

Just a heads up, on Monday I will go on vacation for a couple weeks. While will have Internet access on and off, I'll be focused on other activities and am looking forward to a bit of a break, so I may not be on my games much. Starting Monday, please bot my character as needed.

Hi folks, I am back.

I wanted to note that having had a break, I've realized the burnout I've felt on this character has not gone away. I think the time is coming soon for me to step down--it is not fun for me to keep pushing along, and it's not fair to the rest of you if I'm just phoning it in. I'd like to stick to my word that I'd stay through the Borjan plot, though it looks like at the rate of progress that could still take some time (when I stated that, it was many months ago and I thought it was just around the corner), and I'd rather close out by the end of the month regardless of plot completion.

I'd like to chat with y'all and get some feedback about how to close loops properly rather than disappear... my original thought was I'd have Kalig leave town, but as most of the other former PCs it could also be quite plausible to have her stick around in the background; I'm wondering if she could go on some kind of scouting mission. She has not yet revealed her Thousand Faces trick which would be very useful for some covert ops (I had planned a funny interlude with that but I forgot about it/got lost amid the other ongoings in town).

I should add there is nothing wrong with this game and I am grateful to Vayelan for inviting me in lo these many moons ago. This is a very cool campaign and I'm glad to have the opportunity.

While it's a shame to lose you and a source of good RP like Kalig, if it's not fun for you it's not fun. Hope things go better for you. You know you character best, but I am a man of many opinions and little knowledge has never changed that ;)

I like the Scouting idea as it certainly gives both the community a source of information now and then and a reason for her being away and not as involved in day to day.

Another thought I had is that maybe Kalig feels a calling to take an apprentice or two to the point where she focuses on them. My reasoning there is it gives a fluff related reason to develop that Matriarchial Druidocracy culture in the long term?

Another idea: she might go off to fix some natural blight. Maybe there's source of pollution up a river or something that isn't a problem now, but will be in a decade if not tended to?

Or a mix of any or none of these assuming you like any of them. Arguably some kid could see her do the thousand faces thing, become eager to learn, and Kalig eventually drags her along for the world's longest field trip to help clear up a mess and learn about the the ways of the urban druid :)

Okay, done rambling. Whatever you decide , it's been a pleasure

that saddens me, truly. Though I wish you the best.

I like the idea that maybe Kalig does take the idea of forming a circle of their own here to heart. She could "run things" when Mia is out with the others.

Thank you for playing with us, Kalig. It has been a sincere pleasure to have you as a player. While you will be missed, if you are not enjoying yourself, then it's wise to bow out.

I'm sorry the arc with Borjan has proven to be more drawn out than anticipated. Thank you for being patient.

In addition to the scouting mission, I like the idea of Kalig (and a potential circle) being a lingering presence around Haven, providing insight, magic, and even rebuke if the settlers make poor decisions.

You will be missed Kalig. I always loved your whats the word i want to use... crankyness? It fit perfectly. I loved it. You are a great player and will be missed a lot. But.. as the others said you will missed a lot.

Thanks all. Words can't express well enough my thanks for being able to play with you. I am going to post something I hope will work to get this started, and will stick around to be sure all is pat. Vayelan if there's anything further we should sort out OOC let me know.

@Kalig: I think the only remaining OOC business would be whether you want to bequeath any of your gear or wealth to the rest of the party before you retire.

Weirdly, apart from some potions, almost all of Kalig's gear is her starting gear from the beginning of the game, and most of that is probably not of use to the rest of you. Most of the treasure we found she didn't take for one reason for another, and come to think of it, I don't think we ever got around to formally divvying up what we found at the dragon's lair (I think we were planning to turn it over to Aristide and then take a portion and that never got resolved, so perhaps y'all ought to attend to that). IIRC this was intended to be a low-magic/low-treasure survivalish game so she doesn't have any of the typical 6th level character gear like a +1 weapon or a cloak of resistance or whatever.

You're welcome to her potions, though Mia can make infinity more of them. She had 108 gp which you are also welcome to. (If somehow I received more wealth than that I either spent it on building something or just forgot to write it down.) If there's something on her character sheet you really want you can probably have it, though it makes sense if she is used as an NPC later that she has her basic gear.

You cannot have Matilda. ;) Kalig will, when she cannot tend to Matilda herself, probably leave her in the care of the farmers--pragmatic as always, she would rather those who look after her donkey be able to use a donkey's skills, and a 6th level party really has no use for an ordinary animal anyway. (I know Vayelan characterized her as being unusual, though I was never sure if that was intended plans for a reveal later or just reflective of the long-term effects of a druid's Wild Empathy on a single creature, but until otherwise the narrative reveals, statistically Matilda is just a non-animal companion donkey and not very useful to a party getting to mid-levels.)

Thanks again for an excellent game. Take care all. :)

Hey, Matilda deserves a happy ending on a nice farm.

Safe journeys to you, Kalig P

I am quite embarrassed to admit, I haven't officially made a dwelling place for Dargys yet. Anything I need to roll or do, or someone to evict? (Checks alignment) Okay no eviction

Farewell, Kalig.

...

@Dargys: We experimented with the Downtime rules for constructing rooms and buildings, but that proved too clunky.

If Dargys is not living with the other orc-kin in the Temple Hill ruins, he likely would have constructed a wooden hovel upon some of the stone Kaskkari foundations, like most of the rest of the settlers.

I think we may have lost Ivan. Hope the player is well.

So... uh I may have forgot to upload my leveling into my charector sheet... derp.

so good news. its not covid killing me. Its a bronchial infection mixed with walking pneumonia.... good times

I will try to manage more energy for posting things im terrible sorry. Today was the first day in like the last five days ive been able to be upright for more than an hour.

Hope you continue to get better

so good news. its not covid killing me. Its a bronchial infection mixed with walking pneumonia.... good times

I will try to manage more energy for posting things im terrible sorry. Today was the first day in like the last five days ive been able to be upright for more than an hour.

Yikes! I'm very sorry to hear that you've been so sick.

If you need more time to recuperate, don't worry about posting. I can control Francoix for the time being, if need be.

Is it just 3 again?

Also, did we ever get the chance to rekindle those relics on the ziggurat?

Is it just 3 again?

Also, did we ever get the chance to rekindle those relics on the ziggurat?

Yes, it seems we are just down to three players.

...

To be honest, I was thinking about bringing this game to a close.

We've lost players and momentum, and to be honest, I've lost some of my motivation and enthusiasm. The added responsibilities of fatherhood have also made it trickier to keep up with my games.

Since we've achieved an important milestone by stopping Borjan's threat to Haven, I thought this might be a natural conclusion.

With that being said, if you guys really want to keep the game going, I won't rule out that possibility.

Francoix and Noemie live happily ever after with five point five kids?

Despite the slow down, I really liked this game, and Mia has a whole. I'm good with continuing if others are, I mean, we never even fought a dragon ;). Though I won't push the issue if anyone else wants to bring it to a close.

DM Vayelan, this has to be at least some fun for you too or what's the point? Of course it is still some fun, then it might be worth salvaging for you. I Like Darygys fine and enjoy his interactions with Mia and Francoix, but I have other games I enjoy as well so if this ends on a happy note I won't be upset.

I am worried we seem to have trouble keeping new players. I don't think we're overly cliquish or anything. Maybe 3 is our magic number?

If you're feeling burned out or overwhelmed, but aren't sure if it's time to close this or not- Maybe a deliberate break like until after Christmas to see if it recharges your batteries?

I know a few folk who maybe might be intrigued by the game. I definitely want to continue but like Dargys said. Burnout happens, want you to have fun too!

Like I said, I'm not opposed to the idea of continuing. Since everyone wants to continue, that alone gives me motivation to keep going. Maybe just airing out my concerns is enough to get over this hurdle.

I was also going to next ask if anyone had friend or other players who might like to join the game to help revitalize it. Once again, I'm not opposed to carrying on with three players, but one or more new players would better spread out the responsibility of keeping the story moving.

I can reach out to people, but I wouldn't say I had a particular person in mind. On that note, we have a decent coverage, Mia will be able to slowly take up the "front-line" role thanks to wildshape, won't be the most effective, as I didn't originally build her for melee or or the like. But should suffice well enough. So, really I don't see anything we particularly -need- which should hopefully make it easier both to find someone, and for them to enjoy the game since they won't feel compelled into a particular "role".

Though "true" divine magic is missing I suppose.

A notice to all my games:

I've spent the past two days incapacitated with a bad stomach bug. I'm finally able to get out of bed for an extended period, so I'm going to work on catching up with my games.

Thank you for being patient.

Glad you're feeling better

I do have one suggestion for if we recruit another member, since we have a friendly dragon, you could allow This 3rd party class, the Dragonrider

Just seems like a fun little thing. Perhaps some lad from Haven formed a bond with our dragonboi, perhaps it was a deal struck by Sargon.

I do have one suggestion for if we recruit another member, since we have a friendly dragon, you could allow This 3rd party class, the Dragonrider

Just seems like a fun little thing. Perhaps some lad from Haven formed a bond with our dragonboi, perhaps it was a deal struck by Sargon.

Certainly an interesting proposition. I will consider allowing it, if a prospective new player wanted to pursue that route.

A ritual at the ziggurat to restore one of the magic items may have unforeseen side effects, explaining why the dragon suddenly increases in size when the bond is made and further fueling the class' powers.

Checking back in regarding the potential for keeping the game going.

Has anyone had any leads or luck finding potential new recruits?

I haven't had much time, I'll start asking around again.

Hey everyone,

Nice to meet you all! I was invited by Rorek in a PM and have to say the premise of the campaign sounds interesting. If you'd have me i could definitely roll up a character.

For my reference, it is correct that it is a wilderness campaign and as such that survival skills are valuable? Also, who is still in the campaign? Only Mia and Dargys as the druid and wizard?

What sort of character does the group need? My first thought would be a sacred huntmaster of Erastil, a local nomadic warrior who hunts with his or her pets. Though, having two animal companions might be too much. Could make it a sanctified slayer with the animal domain and focus more on archer.

Flavorwise, may i ask which if any local tribes inhabit this region? Inspiration strikes me for a mongolian tribelike background should that be firting.

I've made mention to the GM about the possibility of allowing a 3pp, should anyone wish to befriend our dragon friend. I personally think it would make a great story and fit well, but that possibility is entirely up to the GM and the players.

And I think we still have our rogue,Francoix, but posts have slowed for a bit. For what its worth, Mia is a somewhat decent frontliner when shape shifted and with some buffs up. She also has a Mkembe (or, Mokele-Mbembe if you want to be accurate and not combine them), the Mighty Eep. Who is an okayish melee combatant, though not the most optimal choice.

So far, the local area to my memory involves plains and jungle largely. with of course, the river. The most prominent "locals" were centaurs I believe.

Welcome!
At first I thought 'front line warrior' but then I realized Mia had a point about doing pretty well in the right forms when she needs to so you needn't feel pressured.

Huh...an Inquisitor type (Such as a Sacred Huntmaster like you're considering) might fit in very well as a combatant with a bit of healing to fall back on (Depending if you have at least one CLW spell etc :) ) might be a good idea to help Mia in the two areas we count on her most.

Heck with it, unless our DM suggests something I'd say go with what you know you'll have fun with

Good day everyone,

Like Trevor, Rorek sent me a PM to look into this game.
The setup sounds interesting, and i also read a 3PP class named Dragonrider was okay?

If you'd take a 5th, i'd like to work on that one.
A flying archer, was my initial thought, based slightly on a character from a Fire Emblem title.

An illegitimate child of a lesser noble, escaping ill fate (noble headhunting, i read Galt has a tradition of beheading people) that befell some of their family. Bringing some form of chivalry, or protection, to the newly established community.

Received an invite, so here I am! Still working on a backstory, but saw that the group made peace with local hobgoblins. So it felt like a good place to start with a character.

Also noticed that the group is light on front line, but has plenty of druidic power. So went with an Enlightened Steelblood Bloodrager as the base, and as the group seems to have a dragon problem, went with Dragon Disciple from that point thereafter.

Also is VMC allowed? If so, I might go with something.

Good to see you here, Grumbaki and Cryrone :)

Could we perhaps have a slightly more extensive summary of what has happened thusfar to help for potential background hooks? Can I think of a local orc or half-orc tribe native to the grasslands who've just made contact with Haven or such? Or would that mess up the established world?

@Chryrone I'm curious, which Fire emblem wyvern Rider are you going for? Jill? Haar? Gerome? I can't immediately recall one who was a bastard child.

@ Trevor,
Recall Renzo DeVega from the other game? ;)

Check his portrait.

Of course! Though, not sure where I can find his portrait? None of the links lead to it, and I can't find one around his part in the story?

Good to see you as well! And for both Trevor86 and Cyrone, I haven't made a backstory yet. Still need to figure out more about the local hobgoblins. But if either of you would like a shared backstory, I'm down for that.

well, I will admit, didn't expect all three of you to be interested. But, I am quite happy you all are!

Also @ Grumbaki, apologies, the hobgoblins have actually been with us from the start (before Haven had been "founded") just to clear that up.

@ Trevor, you could easily be from Dargys's tribe if you wanted. Both groups have been with us for awhile now.

SO, I don't have a lot of time to fact check, or do an extensive write up atm. But, in summary of what I can remember (I had to take a hiatus from the game for a time)

In order of recency-

Dealt with a demagogue who, due to recent turbulent events involving Taldor expansionist(?)seeking to reclaim galt, led a group of his "followers" in an attempt to take over haven and spread the revolution, most likely. The villagers are by and large likely to be absorbed into the town, save a few hard souls most likely. Could be from that group.

Recently raided a jungle temple(ziggurat) in search of food primarily, and trade goods, which we found in abundance with a Crate of flipping holding X or something! which, turned out to be the vacation home of a very old, very powerful blue dragon. Of course, thankfully, he wasn't there, and -likely- won't be back for another year or so, but we aren't sure. In it we found and liberated some interesting artifacts and valuables we have yet to "re-empower" or sell. Mia's next business to get done. We also found our friendly, sarcastic, and only slightly narcissistic dragonling. Which prompted the dragonrider question. I cannot give the go ahead on that, so you'll have to discuss it with our amazing GM.

We had minor dealings with locathah, I don't recall if we ever had the chance to set up trade agreements with them or not actually..

we caused a bullette to suffocate on land due to potions. (we also beat it senseless but... it would have suffocated!)

Had some dealings with Kellish traders, to little real consequence for the time being. Though, perhaps a small delegation would return for trade should one of you be so inclined? I can't say.

We cleared a tomb of undead due to a deal with a local centaur tribe that, IIRC, has been "absorbing" most of the others. Turns out, one of the few remaining non-warlike tribes, that we were on decent terms with and whom were resisting being assimilated IIRC, was using that as an extra layer of defense. Oops.

We dealt with a type of... leshy lich? Mia wasn't there for that, but we have leshys helping with the crops now. Its been sort of a matriarchal druidocracy for awhile, as someone so aptly said.

Also, Our initial endeavors were greatly aided by dwarves, who, due to recent events have had to rush things and more or less cut assistance to us. Perhaps one of the dwarves felt a little guilt and made their way to help the village? Either on their own, or with the second wave of colonists (which would mean you've been in town for the most recent two or so events... I think?)

Thanks for the writeup!

One question, when you say in order of recency, is the top event (the villagers?) the most recent one?

I think my character will be based loosely on Lyn from Fire Emblem (if going for a human or half-elf route) or Sadu from final fantasy 14 (half-orc or drow then), if anyone is familiar with either. I think I'll stick with the huntmaster as the archetype and play the Erastil worship as the variant a local nomadic tribe would have for him.

Welcome to our new settlers, and thank you to Mia both for inviting them and providing such a thorough (and accurate) summary.

I'll do my best to answer the questions that have been raised. Forgive me if I miss any.

...

Since it might help you guys develop ideas for backstories or how to introduce your characters, I want to highlight the three waves of settlers that Haven has already had in its first couple seasons.

The first wave was the caravan of wagons that traveled eastward from Stoneriver, a hidden dwarf hold in the Fog Peaks that is allied with Viscount Aristide, the sponsor and organizer of the expedition. This included the original party members and a small tribe/large family of hobgoblins who were led by one of the original party members. Along the way, the caravan made peaceful contact with a small group of orc-kin who were living in an abandoned dwarven outpost downriver after being exiled from their tribe in the Fog Peaks. They joined the caravan after being saved from a coming tornado, thanks to Mia's nature knowledge, which ended up destroying their old home.

The second wave of colonists comprised family members of the settlers who set out with the caravan. The original plan was that the caravan would set up the initial town, weather the first winter, then send for their families in spring, with the dwarven allies bringing them downriver by barge. Unfortunately, back in Avistan, Taldor launched an invasion to conquer Galt, and the dwarves were worried that their hidden home would soon be discovered because of the many Galtan families they were harboring. Thus, the second wave arrived by barge ahead of schedule.

The third wave of colonists has just been introduced. They are made up of the Galtans who were following the demagogue Borjan "the Bloody Baron." Having suffered greatly during their poorly planned, poorly outfitted trek across the Whistling Plains, and having been forced to confront the lies that Borjan had been feeding them, they have tentatively joined Haven.

...

As I mentioned in my Q&A spoiler above, we had previously discussed transitioning into the kingdom building rules to represent developing this new land (especially after using the Downtime rules proved to be too frustrating). I wanted to gauge everyone's thoughts on that matter, too.

Hello GM.

Thank you for the information.

I have a few questions.

1) Would the 3PP Dragonrider class still be an option?
2) What budget of belongings are we looking at?
3) Would you allow rolling variant abilities of Aasimar?

Right now, I'm stuck between two characters.

Kurat Redtooth
Bloodrager->Dragon Disciple. A representative from the allied hobgoblin tribe.

Or...

Varr Stormforge
Dwarven Occultist. Character build I made awhile ago and didn't get to use.

For him, he would be from Stoneriver. He would have been sent to keep an eye on the Galtan refugees, to ensure that nobody knew of the Hold's location, and if so, to make sure that they didn't let the information get out.

Still trying to figure out which one excites me more. Leaning towards the latter. The former is stronger in close combat. The latter gets more spells and implement powers.