The "before you cross" was because you noticed it before you even crossed the river to get to it. (really high roll)
We are good now though.
If you care to, we could have a survival check to find good places to cross rivers as a standard procedure. DC15 is the listed difficulty for swim checks over rivers... every failed check is an hour lost. I'm proposing: A successful DC15 survival check would reduce river crossing difficulty from DC15 to DC12, but you lose 30 minutes plus 30 minutes per failed check.
Question:
Are you familiar with, and do you have leadership roles in mind?
Familiar with, yes.
Have anything in mind? I have a few thoughts in mind, but will wait until those who have been in the game from the beginning (i.e. Jaestra and Vorik) to chime in first as I can easily see Vladimir fitting into a number of the roles.
Ruler: The ruler is the primary leader of the kingdom. Unlike the other leadership roles, a ruler uses one of three distinct titles, depending on the current size of the kingdom. For a kingdom of size 1–20, its ruler is known as a baron or baroness. For a kingdom of size 21–80, its ruler is known as a duke or duchess. A kingdom of size 81 or higher is ruled by a king or queen.
Benefit: A baron or baroness chooses one of a nation’s statistics (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability) and modifies that score by a value equal to the character’s Charisma modifier. A duke or duchess chooses two of these values to modify. A king or queen modifies all three values.
Vacancy Penalty: A kingdom without a ruler cannot claim new hexes, create farmlands, build roads, or purchase city districts. Increase Unrest by 4 during each Upkeep phase in which the kingdom has no ruler.
Special: Two characters can fill this role if they become married, in which case the two rulers can jointly command the kingdom. Both rulers apply their Charisma modifiers to the kingdom’s Stability, Economy, and Loyalty checks as appropriate for their rank, and as long as one of the two rulers is present for 1 week per month, they avoid the vacancy penalty.
Councilor:The councilor ensures that the will of the citizenry is represented.
Benefit: Increase Loyalty by a value equal to the Councilor’s Wisdom or Charisma modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Decrease Loyalty by 2; the kingdom cannot gain benefits from festivals. Increase Unrest by 1 during each Upkeep phase in which the kingdom has no Councilor.
General:The General commands the kingdom’s armies and is a public hero.
Benefit: Increase Stability by a value equal to the General’s Strength or Charisma modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Decrease Stability by 4.
Grand Diplomat:The Grand Diplomat oversees international relations.
Benefit: Increase Stability by a value equal to the Grand Diplomat’s Intelligence or Charisma modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Decrease Stability by 2; the kingdom cannot issue Promotion Edicts.
High Priest: The high priest guides the kingdom’s religious needs and growth.
Benefit: Increase Stability by a value equal to the High Priest’s Wisdom or Charisma modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Decrease Stability and Loyalty by 2. Increase Unrest by 1 during each Upkeep phase in which the kingdom has no High Priest.
Magister: The Magister guides a kingdom’s higher learning and magic.
Benefit: Increase Economy by a value equal to the Magister’s Intelligence or Charisma modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Decrease Economy by 4.
Marshal: The Marshal helps organize patrols and enforces justice in rural and wilderness regions.
Benefit: Increase Economy by a value equal to the Marshal’s Dexterity or Wisdom modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Decrease Economy by 4.
Royal Assassin: The Royal Assassin can serve as a public executioner, a headsman, or a shadowy assassin.
Benefit: Increase Loyalty by a value equal to the Royal Assassin’s
Strength or Dexterity modifier. Fear inspired by the Royal Assassin reduces Unrest by 1 during each Upkeep phase.
Vacancy Penalty: A kingdom without a Royal Assassin suffers no vacancy penalty.
Spymaster: The Spymaster observes the kingdom’s underworld and criminal elements and spies on other kingdoms.
Benefit: Increase Loyalty, Economy, or Stability (Spymaster’s choice) by a value equal to the Spymaster’s Dexterity or Intelligence modifier. The Spymaster can change which value he modifies during the kingdom’s Improvement phase (but only once per phase).
Vacancy Penalty: Reduce Economy by 4 because of out-of-control crime. Increase Unrest by 1 during each Upkeep phase in which the kingdom has no Spymaster.
Treasurer: The Treasurer organizes tax collection, and manages the treasury.
Benefit: Increase Economy by a value equal to the Treasurer’s Intelligence or Wisdom modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Reduce Economy by 4; the kingdom cannot collect taxes.
Warden: The Warden leads the kingdom’s defense and city guards.
Benefit: Increase Loyalty by a value equal to the Warden’s Strength or Constitution modifier.
Vacancy Penalty: Reduce Loyalty by 4 and Stability by 2.
I had not given it any thought, but looking at those roles it would seem that Warden would work perfectly with Jaestra's back-story, being a guard and all that. Organising and keeping the city guards in order sounds very much like her.
I had not given it any thought, but looking at those roles it would seem that Warden would work perfectly with Jaestra's back-story, being a guard and all that. Organising and keeping the city guards in order sounds very much like her.
I could also see the Marshal being right up her alley too.
True, but the impression I got from the Marshal description is more out of town styled law enforcement. The words City Guards is what is drawing me to that, so if nobody else minds me covering that role, I will be happy.
I can see Vorik going with General as it fits him so well. Even though it is concerning Hrafen has the best stats for Ruler ... but that just makes me think the first thing he will do is build a brewery or tavern. Our entire population will be drunk!
Is there any role you are particularly drawn to Vlad? Perhaps Grand Diplomat?
I certainly do not have an issue with Jaestra being the Warden.
Grand Diplomat is one of the possibilities I have been considering.
I suspect that there will be three of us putting our 4th level attribute point into charisma (putting Vorik and Vlad at 16 and Hrafen at 20).
Hrafen's stats mechanically point to Ruler if that is something he would like to pursue, his background points toward the Magister.
I could easily see Vorik as the Ruler given his pronouncing judgements on wayward bandits (firm but merciful), but as Jaestra mentioned, General seems to be a good fit for the background.
Vladimir's background certainly would fit with the Grand Diplomat, given his world traveling past, but could also slot in as the Ruler, given his status as a "new money" noble and his ambitions to bring notoriety to the Ducheski name.
Long story short, one of us has to step to be the Ruler, just a matter of who actually wants it. Mechanically, Hrafen is the best fit. I'm just not sure if, Story-wise, one of the other two is a better fit.
I am planning to increase either my Strength or Dexterity at level 4, as they are the only things that need to be increased. Charisma doesn't do much for me.
Having me as Ruler would not be a good idea, in terms of stats. Storyline wise I COULD get Jaestra to fit, but she would be a lot better at Warden.
I had also thought of Vorik as Ruler and under his rule I think the people will flourish and be a good community, same as with Vlad. The only difference I can see is with Vorik it would appear to be a little more martial and strict (Lawful Good), while with Vlad maybe more educational and a little less strict (Neutral Good). Hrafen could go either way, but it all depends on what everyone else would like.
I notice that if there are role left vacant we get penalties, I take it that means we will be able to either hire in people to fill those roles, or have to suffer with the penalties and hope that our stats can balance things out?
Actually Vlad is Lawful Neutral, and so far has been a bit more of a "hard-ass" than Vorik in terms of punishments.
The roles that we do not fill ourselves, will have to be filled with NPCs (other than Royal Assassin, as there is no penalty for not having one).
I would imagine that we would try to recruit Jhod as High Priest and Kesten Garess, Oleg, Bokken, and others to fill the remaining roles.
Ah right, okay. Well Jhod definitely seems the best suited to the position of High Priest. Kesten could possible cover the Marshal role, Oleg the Treasurer? Not sure about Bokken though, I suppose he could fill in the Magister role if Hrafen decides to become ruler, but I can't see him gaining a lot of trust in that position (Bokken, not Hrafen)
I haven't really put much thought into it yet, but at first glance Vorik could go the Ruler route. I think he would be a more 'practical' and 'thoughtful' lawful good than a strict by the book, no exceptions LG. But he would also be quite happy, possibly happier filling the general or warden role. (To me those two roles almost seem a little redundant.) Although a martial role would be the obvious fit, Vorik could also step in as councilor representing the will of the people. Especially if the ruler becomes a real despot. ;)
Hrafen, what would be your ideal role?
This probably won't come up for a while, so we will have some time to think about it all properly. But I think deciding the Ruler is by far the most important part as that could sway everyone else's positions and what would be build first.
Tomorrow is my last day of school. My posting should be far less erratic for the next few months.
Ah, congratulations are in order ... I hope.
thank you... and yeah... though just barely.
So I take it in a few more months you shall be doing another year or higher course?
I'm taking a year off to work on a couple scripts, and working with another student on his project. The classes I'm taking are for learning new editing technology, and some screenwriting classes. (I'm not too great of a writer, but do well with re-writes.)
Sorry had family medical problems then wedding... now I am going on my yearly cabin trip til sunday. I'm hoping to have internet... will let you know ASAP if I do.
@DM Bloodgargler - Quick question for you about the Kingdom building aspect of the game. Do you intend to use the Kingdom building rules from book 2 of the AP or are you planning to use the revised Kingdom building rules as presented in Ultimate Campaign?
I use the book 2 rules and the book from Jon Brazer Enterprise for my face to face game. I have not looked at Ultimate Campaign yet, but definitely open to improved or elaborated game mechanics once I get my hands on it, and if it works with what we have going on.
But now that I have that bee in my bonnet, I think I might have to pick it up sooner than I had intended.
Having a few internet difficulties and it should be repaired soon, I will come on as often as possible though. Just thought I should let you know, I haven't left the campaign, just difficult to get on.
Ding. You will be level 3 next time you wake.
Advancement will slow down at this level.
So ... do the leveling up now? I am guessing it is still early morning, so we have a little bit of exploring left to do. Or will we be securing the shrine?
It is just before noon. If you plan to remain in the hex (even out exploring) you may go ahead and level your character sheet.
FWIW Jhod would like to stay for a while.
Leveled up and ready to go.
Leveled up and ready to go too.
Finished leveling up.
Hey all, I'm leaving town tomorrow for my grandfather's funeral. Not sure about internet access and time, so I may or may not be able to post until Monday. DM feel free to run Vorik as needed.
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. You have my deepest sympathies.
You have my sympathies as well.
Sorry to hear. Take whatever time you need. We'll be here.
Ready to mount up? Leaving and heading east now will get you to the Thorn River Camp an hour and a half after sunset.
Ready whenever everyone else is.
Ready
Ready.
I'm not clear on where you intend to go next.
We are either going to continue East to clear out some more land and then head up through Bokken's hex, clearing that out and then finally return to Olegs ... or follow this new map to wherever it may take us.
I would like to follow the map, but we have already discussed our plans to continue through towards Bokkens with John and Kesten, so if they should come looking for us, they will head in that direction.
So I think we have to follow the original plan and head towards Bokken's and clear out some more of the map. Is that okay with everyone else?
Works for me.
Yep, sounds good.
Finish the hex then head for Oleg's?
Indeed
Right ... I thought I had posted this a few days ago, but must have previewed and then closed the page instead of submitting, WHOOPS!
I am away from today until Wednesday, I will have no internet access either. Feel free to GMPC me.
Okie doke no sweat.
Anyone else sneaking up as well? I just re-read and realized that it looks like Jaestra going solo might have been the intention.
I think Vlad will follow along, but at a bit of distance so that his less sneaky self doesn't give Jaestra away.
Posting will be a bit sparse for the next 48 hours or so. DMPC me as needed. Thanks.
Okie doke.
BTW Vorik has proposed a plan. Do your characters have thoughts regarding his idea of smoking out the mites. (That is what we are waiting on)
So smoke near (and in?) the entrance/hole and see if they come out?
then if they don't, use the smoke as cover for your infiltration?
I believe that is the game plan.
Sounds right.