DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Interlude (Between 2 & 3) (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Probably doesn't help their cause when Malthir shows up just after them promising free land and jobs to those in need.
Malthir would suggest that you keep Pelius in place, he wants to see what happens with them because they are NOT getting much traction...that is when they will be the most dangerous, when they are desparate.

I'm happy with my agent assignments for the time being, especially since Stanislaw seems to be making progress. I recommmend we give him all the support he needs, both in personnel and BP. As to the River Patriots, I suggest we refrain from actively provoking them, and rely on Lucius to alert us if they should engage in activities that are a serious threat to our security and stability. My main concern is to determine if they are controlled or supported by powers outside of Kardas anyway.

:) you can take one or the other. Good negotiating with you :D.

In my defence I never suggested the watchtower at any point. Although I did ask for a keep (which doesn't exist) and a half price barracks (still a 2 BP net loss). :P

So in the interest of salvaging some of my dignity (and having actually looked over the building values)... :)

Might I petition for a free wall or a free shrine? One that would be dedicated to Pharasma in honour of all the souls that crossed over due to the troll attack. :D

Eh? Eh? Is that better? Two 8 BP options to choose between? :) Besides, it is highly unlikely we will ever found a town there, 8 BP or not, seeing as how the the Hellknight fort, Candlemere Island and presumably the giant sycamore* have already been put forth as future building sites. Add to that the 3 already established cities and... other building sites we have not discovered yet and... ;)

*It occurs to me that the sycamore is the only site listed that does not come with a benefit. :/ Another strike against Kip's plans.

In serious business...

Kip listens to Lord Sirian's findings with great interest. (Which he shares with the Statkari immediately) He thanks him for his diligence, and decides that his success in this matter shows great promise in resolving the other pressing issue or the moment. Kip assigns Lord Sirian to assist Doritian in researching the Blodeuwedd.

Kip also checks in on Zordion. Mostly questioning Stanislaw as to whether Zordion is performing admirably or not.

After congratulating Lily on her good work, and asking that she continues, Fenna goes on to ask Joseph Bodevski for his expertise regarding how to best exploit the new trade road with Varnhold. Corax is asked to continue providing his advice to those travelling and doing business in the Narlmarches, and to keep his ears open for any unusual activity going on within the forest.

---

"We have been receiving requests from several parties," the pale councillor mentions during a meeting between the Statkari, "for permission to form a guild governing the activities of the many mercenaries making their way through Kardas."

"Such a guild would likely reduce the amount of trouble these sell-swords get themselves into, and by having them organised into a single group we would have an easier time forming them into a workable army if the need arose... allowing such a private army to operate within our borders would be a double edged sword, of course."

"I admit I am not fully aware how these organisations operate, perhaps you have some insight, Ricter?"

It's worth discussing Fenna but I would like to speak with the people who bring forth these proposals...

While on the island, Kalev tries to be of use.

Survival on the island: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Regarding the idea of a mercenary guild, Kalev is in favor of discussing it some more.

Sorry for the really low level of activity. I'm just a little burned out, work-wise as well as otherwise, right now.

"As you know a steady stream of sell-swords are gathering their strength in Kardas after long and frequently dangerous journeys, prior to joining the war in the north. This is both a blessing and a curse. They bring a steady flow of wealth to our smithies and inns, but at the same time are trying to enjoy what could be the last peaceful days of their lives. In less disciplined bands, this enjoyment can take the form of intimidation, sexual harassment, theft and property damage."

"The policy at present is for Balthus to take a relatively discrete approach to law enforcement, meeting with the leaders of troublemakers and discussing complaints and using the threat of the Hellknights only as a last resort. This has reduced the number of incidents but hasn't stopped them"

"Pellius and his squads have exhausted any leads for the Troll renegade. Since the river patriots are not currently worthy of their attention, they could be useful in policing our settlements for disorderly behavior. Beatings and perhaps a handful of deaths will ensure the sell-swords keep tightly in line. I fear that they currently see Kardas as they see the serving girls in our inns - attractive, peaceful and ripe for exploitation. Hellknight boots on the streets will put an end to that illusion"

"As for a guild, I'm skeptical. I suspect the mercenaries 'stationed' here are just waiting for the right time to join the war. Mustering them into a formal fighting force so that they follow our orders will require us to pay them the wartime wage they could get in the north. That will get very expensive as we're flooded with applicants. Imagine marching towards the next bloody conflict, only to get there and find that you can earn the same pay to sit on the sidelines and watch it unfold?"

"If we're going to form a mercenary guild, we should get our moneys worth. Send them south with the Guardians in the lead and loggers in their wake. Bring order to the Stolen Lands with force of arms. Have any of the failed lords who've tried that in the past had access to such a large number of fighting men? An elite core of warriors uniquely able to battle Fey threats? Our own personal might?"

Taldor brought an impressive army to these lands, but pulled them back once they thought the area sufficiently subjugated. The colony fell so quickly afterwards, the army were never even given orders to return.

I am in agreement with Ricter, at least regarding his scepticism. However, the ability to quickly raise troops, even at a premium, could be useful. Put the guild in the heart of a border city and it would even act as an additional defence. With effective policies, they could be left to their own devices until we have need of them.

I would not trust such men in Swordhaven. Northgreen appears to be secure for now- at least until such a time that the conflict in Brevoy is finished. Men who work only for coin can be a rot from within.

A point well made Akiros; but that only leaves Vierkirche, which is well protected by Red Eye's pack. The mercenaries will want a headquarters either in Swordhaven or in Northgreen; the latter allows them easy access to one of the largest conflicts in Avistan (the northern Inner Sea region continent). I am sure Mayor Ilya can afford the time to keep them in line.

Kip responds under his breath to Ricter's use of the term "Fey threats"...

I am sure the some of the Fey are thinking the same thing about us... and I can't really blame them.

Kip shifts uncomfortably upon his stool.

For now let's do nothing except continue to keep them in line. Ricter, your men will use restraint unless forced to defend themselves. Unless there is a major benefit from officially recognizing them or a definitive way to control them then we should let them be for now. Think on it and if one of you can figure out how we can use them to our advantage then we can meet again and act on it.

Ready to finish the event for the month and move on I think...

So far this is a very uneventful event. ;)

Our boiler broke and I spend almost all of my time freezing in bed writing an essay at the moment. I'll get to it don't worry. The amount of problems i've had with the physical house I am in is ridiculous...

I totally understand... I just had to replace my hot water tank yesterday by myself. It was in such a confined space it was ridiculous. Good times. :P

Hope things get sorted out at your end soon! :)

PS Aedalis is up! ;)

Event- Pitax Border Skirmishes

The river kingdom of Pitax has begun to aggressively make raids into south-western Brevoy now that civil war has gripped the land. Unrest has increased by 2, as the citizens of Kardas fear that the lack of diplomatic contact with Pitax and the expedition to the direct west of Kardas could make them an easily justifiable target...

Pretty minor turn, we will be back at zero unrest after we build the house this turn.
Saving up for the academy...Need the stability check at +46, then the 5 Econ rolls at +65.
See in the spoiler, Alex can fill the slots and we can move through the event if there is one and onto Turn 37 pretty quickly unless something comes up.

Sitting in consultation with the other Statkari, Kalev expresses concern about the recent events. I and my men will patrol the western reaches of Kardas, if my fellow lords agree. We will make sure that no small bands of raiders target our people without our knowledge. Red-Eye and his tribe should be able to assist us as well. What say you?

Makes sense, things are quiet at the moment except for these events...good luck and good hunting!

I also want to find out what is going on with the couple that wanted to start the village in the forest? I can't remember their names...we should ride out in the next few weeks and find out how they are doing.

"Yes," Fenna nods, "it would be a good idea to check on the progress being made by the Rezbin's. Perhaps it is time to begin expanding our borders towards including their village within Kardas."

Stability: 1d20 + 46 ⇒ (4) + 46 = 50
Bracers of Armour +4: 1d20 + 65 ⇒ (12) + 65 = 77
Swordhave Medium Item: 1d20 + 65 ⇒ (5) + 65 = 70
Wand of Hold Portal: 1d20 + 65 ⇒ (8) + 65 = 73
Vierkirche Medium Item 1: 1d20 + 65 ⇒ (11) + 65 = 76
Vierkirche Medium Item 2: 1d20 + 65 ⇒ (17) + 65 = 82

Edit: I wasn't sure if there was any reason to wait for this,

Income: 1d20 + 65 ⇒ (12) + 65 = 77

Go ahead and roll the BP generation as well... +65 still :]
Nice rolls, hopefully we will get some good items...Alex!?!?!?!!

How far are our current borders from Pitax territory? What, if anything, of significance lays within this area? Be it natural terrain features, or something else...

A section approximately the size of the Greenbelt lies between you and Pitax's territory. One of the expeditions sent south at the same time as the Guardians were chartered is rumoured to have built a mighty fort at the north end of this area, but you have had little diplomatic contact with them.

Perhaps when Ilya returns from Varnland, we should attempt to make contact with those to the west?

Does Pitax share border with Brevoy? Or are they crossing the western reaches of the Stolen Lands to do their raiding?

An expedition into the lands west of the Greenbelt might be a good idea, even if we have no plans of expanding there yet, says Kalev, and several of you get the felling that he is as much lusting to travel again as he is concerned about what lies on yonder side of the forest.

Pitax is essentially situated in the western-most Stolen Lands and shares a border with Brevoy.

Go Kalev, enjoy yourself with your men. We have kingdom business to attend to anyways. as Malthir looks down in dismay at the stack of papers he has been asked to look over and sign...

Item rolls? :]

First time i've had time to post at my laptop rather than a university computer... Big essay due on Thursday.

Item 1: arcane scroll of nondetection - 425 gp
Item 2: belt of physical might +2 - 10000 gp
Item 3: +1 punching dagger - 2302 gp

EventChance (No Event): 1d100 ⇒ 47

Ilya returns this month, fyi.

Kip muses out loud, While our agreement prevents us from helping either side in the Brevic civil war against each other, it does not prevent us from helping Brevoy itself from outside aggression...

If we are to be targeted because of our allegiances...

"The agreement does not preclude our intervention against outside aggressors targeting Brevoy, no," Fenna comments, "but it does not obligate us to do so, either."

"Nor does it prevent us from providing aid to outside forces working against Brevoy, of course, so long as those forces act indiscriminately with regard to the internal loyalties held by their targets... doing so would alienate a close and powerful neighbour, however, while bringing little benefit to Kardas."

K, I will wrap up the turn and see where we are later today....

"I agree with Kip with regards to contacting Pitax"

Ricter sounds somewhat surprised by this. He then continues:

"If nothing else, we can make it clear to them that we are not an easy target. Perhaps talks will even become more cordial than that. The South is becoming more and more secure against possible Warg raids, but that would change if we had to redeploy to protect the western settlements. My troops - by Hellknight and militia - are too few to guard every approach to our heartlands."

"I have no doubt that any raids Pitax sends against us will be mauled in short order by Kalev's patrols. If things escalate towards pitched battles, though, I can't offer re-enforcements without leaving us open to the wilds."

"Casimir, do we have any intelligence on Pitax's military forces? If fast raiding is all they are capable of, I expect Kalev will keep them outclassed. If they could in theory send larger forces, however, we must secure our western boarder with diplomacy as a matter of urgency. When is Ilya due to return?"

Completed turn, we have 54 BP in the treasury. Putting turn 37 up soon.

Moving along as per plan at this moment...here is month 37. First major building other than the Cathedral...Academy!

Fenna we need five rolls for items and one for BP generation...
SH Medium:
SH Medium:
NG Minor:
Vier Medium:
Vier Medium:
Income:
Thanks!

Kalev, you should report what you find and we can determine if a threat actualy exists.

Should we take a small RP break to visit the forest town after month 37? Or maybe deal with anything that Kalev finds....

We also need a stability roll, right?
Stability: 1d20 + 48 ⇒ (13) + 48 = 61

Swordhaven Medium 1: 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (10) + 68 = 78
Swordhaven Medium 2: 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (15) + 68 = 83
Northgreen Minor: 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (13) + 68 = 81
Vierkirche Medium 1: 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (14) + 68 = 82
Vierkirche Medium 2: 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (17) + 68 = 85

Income: 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (18) + 68 = 86

I was not suggesting any course of action... just thinking out loud, Kip responds to Fenna.

Turning to address Ricter's last question Kip remarks, I believe he should be returning shortly... the next week or so I would guess.

That's correct on the stability Fenna...
Just need the item rolls from Alex and possibly the event roll.
.
Kip, any thoughts on going for a trek in the woods to visit some neighbors?

Kip is always up for a walk in the woods... to visit neighbours. ;)

I don't envy you your administrative duties, my friend, Kalev says with a smile at Malthir's sigh.

Turning to the whole group, Kalev says We should be careful in taking sides in a conflict between Brevoy and Pitax. We could easily become embroiled in matters we don't want or can't handle. But if any refugees come to Kardas, we should take them in. Kardas was, after all, founded as a place for all who sought a better place. I'll head west and keep an eye on the borders. Expect reports every couple of weeks.

Kalev remain seated in case there is any further matters to attend to.

When the meeting is done, he will prepare his equipment and men, bringing supplies and the gear necessary to make a few semi-permanent camps. The group will start by visiting Red-Eyes and ask for assistance.

"I agree that we should tread carefully here - we need to put our own security first. With Kalev and his men monitoring the development, we will be able to react, should the situation change. I can also direct my agents to pay more attention to Pitax. Given these developments, that might be a prudent use of their time"

Despite our self proclamations of independence and neutrality, I would guess that many of the other River Kingdoms see us as a colony of Brevoy. Our "side" may already be determined in their eyes. That is what I was driving at...

If you are making any changes to how your lieutenants are deployed, please make it explicitly clear. I'll update items on Sunday and we can wrap up this turn on Monday, going to London ATM.

Lord Sirian and Doritian are researching the Blodeuwedd.

Zordion continues to assist Stanislaw investigating the Owlbear.

SH Medium: Potion of Displacement (750GP)
SH Medium: Rod of Ice (8,500GP)
NG Minor: Arcane Scroll of True Strike (25GP)
Vier Medium: Grappler's Mask (5,000GP)
Vier Medium: Hand of Glory (8,000GP)

EventChance: 1d100 ⇒ 37

Event-

Economic Boom

Trade is booming in your kingdom! Increase your Treasury by 1d6 BP (each time you roll a 6, reroll that die and add the result to the total).

1d6 ⇒ 4 Additional BP

I haven't updated the cities for the past two turns yet, but I don't think your going to fill another district too soon anyway. P.S- Kip, the sycamore tree DOES have unique benefits if you founded a city there. Without spelling it out, a city that is essentially a treehouse is quite defendable from conventional attack, among other benefits!

Nice turn guys, we are ahead of plan at the moment. I will update the spreadsheet and kingdom map for the end of turn 37.
Before I post turn 38 do we want to visit the other town?

Sure

When Kalev returns the groups sets out to the town they had heard of in the forest that was started by the Rezbin's.

Have we heard any rumors of the town, like the name and approximate location? Is it within our current map?

poke....poke...is this thing working???? Ricter...Cas...you out there? Been very quiet.

Kip threatens to bring out an even bigger poking stick! :)