Shae can be magister and his position taken over by Galen once he gains more experience and maturity.
Sylvath for warden and Henry for Marshall is fine with me.
Excellent - I'll redo the modifiers - then we can go from there.
Meanwhile - do you two have the two baronies set up? If not - I'll tack things in that direction a little later tonight - and we can see what's up with it.
Ras - if you get a chance to tap in, let me know what you think?
hey, sorry, Got my RL game tonight, but i'll post my barony plan on my board, and some basics about councelmen I want for sure.
I'll be back tomorrow playing again
I will post my plans for my barony (on my province page) this afternoon my time. I still have to read all the stuff you sent us via email.
The air was chill and damp – and the wind blew through the walls of Cloudwatch Keep in a low, dreary manner…
Dawn would have been so much better then this – this drudgery, for such an event, Ariarh Kane mused softly to herself, as she pulled the heavy cloak about her shoulders.
A sudden noise startled her, and she turned.
”Your pardon madam – but the meeting is about to convene,” said a young man behind her – and she nodded politely as he bowed. She would have thanked him – but there was so much going on that the very idea of names and words seemed to cloud her mind. Instead she turned and traveled to the council chambers.
Though it was less then four months ago – it seemed as if an Age of the World had passed since the meager stone chambers and rock halls had been transformed into the crowded township that the folk inhabited to eagerly. Further – the city of Sarahvale was now filled with citizens to the point of overflowing.
The modest houses – instead of being comfortable homes – felt like overcrowded tenements – and the citizens that would have enjoyed pleasant walks in wide lanes and comfortable alleys in the village below were stuck brushing into each other as they avoided the muck and filth that festooned the streets like sickly mushrooms.
There were too many people living here… No – to be fair; that wasn’t true. There was more then adequate space to hold the folk; but not comfortably – not properly. They were overcrowded, they were teeming in the streets. This place, this city which attempted to create such a noble and charitable place of genteel tranquility – it was reduced to a rabble who squabbled for breathable space to set up decent living quarters below. Crime was far more prevalent then other cities of this size – for it had attracted so many so quickly that the very infrastructure and civil authorities simply could not keep up.
There was not enough military aid to cover the vast borders that formally made up the kingdom – some of those borders stretching from the southern reaches of Brevoy all the way down past the gray rivers that flanked the edge of the River Kingdoms. Meanwhile inside the village and township in general there was a general sense of overpopulation juxtaposed with the growing lawlessness. Villains used the chaos of struggling government to protect their growing powers even as dark forces that could overwhelm the most well maintained military threatened the citizens from within and without.
The town’s growing government liquidated its last amount of wealth – and in a desperate scramble for more money to pay the soldiers, police force, and the staff of folk who could protect the people with any herbal or medicinal remedies – the treasury was empty. With no more money left, the deputy mayor informed the citizens that mining work would be offered to those who wished it in a gold mine about half a day’s journey north of the capital city.
The citizens were then pushed into a veritable frenzy – gold being the greatest leveler since magic – for it meant a sure path to success for whoever could discover great veins. Even so – this decision to mine the gold seemed to be almost more trouble then it was worth. Who would guard the mines? Who would pay for the construction of the mines? Who would assure that the citizens who worked in the mines would not abscond with the gold, or manipulate weaker individuals into a forced indentured servitude – if not outright slavery?
There were so many duties, so many responsibilities – and so many things to consider that drastic action must be taken. The founders of the city realized that something must done – and soon. Drastic steps must be taken to solve these troubles – and no time could be wasted. Even as twilight gave way to the darkness of night the company of civil leaders made their way around the large table in the seemingly crowded council chambers.
There a light supper was brought to them as they considered options for how to keep the town moving forward and the dream of free folk governed by themselves instead of a monarchy alive.
Firstly – the immediate problem of government must be solved – and in short order a listing of issues which beset the nation were quickly scrawled down on a large piece of slate with a chunk of chalk. Soon the more prevalent troubles were marked and noted – a need for each trouble categorized and defined – and in due time a list of notable citizens was sketched up on the slate – decided on – notified – and soon a group of folk was delegated to take much of the heavy pressures of government off of single individuals.
”A thousand pardons for the interruption,” ibn’Fayad said with a polite salaam ”But though I am new here – I believe that this decision to further split the duties and responsibilities of the township is a further step in the direction of moving from a single monarchy into a more idealistic Republic – in which citizens are granted powers, but no one citizen has absolute control.”
”Well – we still got a regional leader in the form of Ry – but I be agreeing – her voice is only to make sure we don’t bicker none and keep it straight and true – she be good at bringing folk to the point; even so – though we be doing a fair job of keeping things right and true by a new type o’ government – as it were – we still got a lot of work ahead of us. What be the best plan on keeping all this land secure – as that be the next big question I see… No matter how good our jobs be – if we lose everything cut from under us – then we be lost before we start!” Brett Rowan said, popping some diced apples into his mouth as he glanced around the table.
”With respect,” Shaezon the elven magi said – leaning back in his chair and pressing his long thin fingers together in a narrow steeple – ”There are historical precedents for this very thing.”
”What are those? I mean – is this an elven concept – or some other type of government style?” Malas’rae said with a cagey look in his eyes, as he sipped a long draught of spiced mead; ignoring the chill air in the cool stone hallways.
”No – not elven – we’ve always adhered to the principles of a divinely established monarchy – if the gods elect a leader in the form of a madman – that is their domain, and the citizens must do the best they can with what they receive. This system has always struck me as rather lackadaisical, and – at best – illogical and inconsistent with the nature of the gods. For did they not give us reason? And with the ability to reason comes the ability to examine all potentials in front of us, and pick the best option? Ah – pardon me – to my point,” Shaezon adds, sipping from mulled wine, taking a moment to collect his thoughts.
”It was said that long ago the lords of the Primary Elements were overwhelmed with the duties and responsibilities of their tasks – legend has it that they subdivided the universe into the four primary elements, and gave power of control to the chief lord of each Plane – fire, wind, water and earth. Even so – though there is a clear distinction of power and realm between these elements, none disagreed that each were required to make up the primary Planes of existence. Without air, fire is snuffed out – without a solid to hold it in a form - water expands into a near gaseous form…” Shaezon continues, leaving the other learned folk to puzzle his statements, wondering is his theories on metamagic concepts were accurate – or merely theories bandied about from folktales…
Shaezon continued –
”The essential goal was to divide the realm into smaller and more manageable pieces; giving these divisions into the hands of a competent ruler who had the ability to control them with ease and success. In other words – we may take our realm and divide it into smaller pieces for folk to control. From that control would come the opportunity for greater success – as their would be less pressure to maintain such a large expanse of land.”
”Aye – but ye can’t mean to say that we can just cut the land into little kingdoms – we don’t even have the folk fer it – and anyhow – how’s that different then making little kingdoms outright?” Brett asked.
”It is not a perfect system – to be sure… Firstly; they would not be “little kingdoms” – more like baronies or dukedoms of a noble faction – but the leader of this province is more of a governor – and his province – or hers – is required to pay nominal fees to the nation as a whole – again; much like a titular noble faction – however; the leaders of the faction are required to recognize the authority of the national government – and aid the nation as a whole.”
”So you are suggesting that the titles would be temporary – and could be rotated – in other words; if we assigned a citizen to control a province – that would be a temporary assignment – and if they failed to do a good job, they would be transferred out – and if they did well, they would remain there?” Ariarh asked slowly.
”Ideally – yes. That would make sure that a citizen would be encouraged to do well – and that the citizens would be aware of the fact if their governor does a poor job, they are not under the yolk of tyranny – and have the opportunity for new or better leadership in time…” Shaezon returned with a modest shrug.
”That may serve the citizens well,” Ariarh responded slowly ”Yet I cannot think of a leader investing so much time and effort to promote the success of a place – only to discover that their efforts were – in the end – in vain; for the better they made the province – at any time it may be taken from them? What is their personal motivation to improve this province, then?”
”I should think for the good of the nation is enough motivation,” Shaezon retorted somewhat stiffly ”However – I do see your point. Perhaps the best thing is to formally create a policy in which the lands are under the government of an individual for a period of a set time – 5 years – 10 years? Perhaps more – perhaps less – in this a vote should be made on. If we wish to change that policy in several years – we may. But for now – it will be enough to encourage our folk to work.”
Brett pulled his lip and frowned a bit.
”Well – that’s all well and good; to be fair, to be fair… but – well… here be the thing…” he said slowly, as if considering.
”I came here them months ago because I wanted to make a place fer myself – fer me folk and me mates to call “home” – I didn’t come here to be working the rest o’ my life as a government agent, as it were…” he begins.
”And your point?” Shaezon responds, somewhat confused.
”I wanted a piece o’ land that be mine – not one that the government – be they king or council – be taking from me… If they do that; then where it be leaving me? I be without nothing to hold my own – no land, no place…. No where’s to call me own…” he adds with a bit of frustration.
”I wanted a farm, maybe – and a fine house – and maybe a bit of a place to grow crops – or do some cooking or gardening – or a thousand other things… I wanted that place to be mine – not to be leased, as it were…”
”I think the idea o’ provinces be fine – but I been putting away a bit o’ loot on the side for building my own place, as it were… If ye all be willing; I say I’d like to claim a piece o’ land in the kingdom as my own. Not just a house, nor even a city block – but a raw piece o’ land to buy – and when I be buying it – I make it my land to do what I want.”
”How be that fer fair?”
The party considers this possibility. Brett’s idea of taking land from the kingdom was not some vague “political coup” – rather, he was suggesting that he could simply “buy land” from the nation – and that he does what he chooses to with the land – and if that means he builds a fine house – or a fine set of houses – that’s his business.
”I have no issue with Mister Rowan doing what he wishes on land he purchases…” Ariarh says slowly ”with only the caveat that his folk do their best to adhere to the laws of the nation – that they do not stray overly much from those laws, if at all – even while on Mister Rowan’s lands – and, also – that the citizens recognize that the Council has the right and expectation to ask for aid from his township – should we ever be attacked.”
”Couldn’t ask for fairer then that, Ry lass,” Brett responds with a grin.
”Excpeting to add – if we be getting attacked that it be only fair that the nation lend a hand fer us – we be like kin to the land, eh?”
And so it was decided – in time – that if a citizen, or private person – had enough money to invest on buying large amounts of land, that they could purchase that land and build on it – even as the folk in the town village did. The understanding was – of course – that even on private land, and in personal buildings – that the laws of the nation must be adhered to – and that the citizens must stick by them.
The owner of the land could not force people to stay – though he – or she – could certainly exclude folk, should they prove dangerous – or poor minstrels with too many bawdy lyrics about certain blonde lasses… But in no case would a citizen who chose to make their home on such a property feel compelled to be a servant or a slave – and if they ever felt unhappy with the government – they were always free to leave for greener pastures.
”Again – another problem neatly solved,” ibn’Fayad said, plucking a date from a stock of food purchased from some southern traders.
”As long as these… what were they – ah! Provinces – as long as these provinces fall under the legal control of certain individuals with wealth and power – it will instantly create two comfortable solutions… the first is that it will, hopefully – lower some stress from the overcrowding in this city here by funneling the folk to other places – making this capital a place of simpler and more relaxed population – and therefore easier to govern… But also, if I’m not mistaken – our national borders instantly shrink – and the… shall we say… the “difficulty” in governing such massive tract of land is lowered heavily and quite quickly.”
”How’s that?” Kae returns, taking another gulp of the mead.
”Simply this… ibn’Fayad responds – moving quickly to the slate ”If we presuppose the duties and responsibilities of this council are to include the protection, and the government of the lands from here – to here – to here,” he says, pausing to sketch out a wide area map ”we see our resources are stretched well beyond breaking. Now – if we immediately cut from this primary source a fundamental chunk of land – that is, if land was defined as a flat number – by portioning out smaller plots and giving others control over them – we instantly remove the challenge of government by eliminating such a large place to govern and control. In short – we remove these parcels of land from the responsibility of this government and military – and grant it to the citizens who wish to buy it outright from this government…”
”How much are we talking about – you know – buying this land?” Brett responds cagily; as if suddenly suspicious that that the amount of money to "buy the land" would suddenly become very high... Unreasonably high, even...
”I have no idea,” ibn’Fayad retorts a bit shortly to the Halfling…
”I should think that fee, if one is defined – is best left to the Council as a whole – but my personal opinions is that no fee be ascribed whatsoever – only this; that the citizens who claim the land must build on it quickly – and decisively – taking down the great amount of folk here with them – and – they must pay a tax from their own earnings into the national treasury… For example – ten percent, twenty percent… whatever the appropriate number is – that way – as it costs the government nothing to give that land away – it encourages citizens who have amassed the resources to start such a town into investing those resources – as well as gaining a large amount of citizens.”
”Ah – I see – well thought of,” Ariarh responds with a nod.
”You suggest then that a person who builds a town is either successful outright – in which case their success pays the nation every year with a determined portion of that success in the form of a tax? Further – if you assign a fee to build on that land – you may discourage new citizens who have the resources from attempting such a challenge. And just because a citizen doesn’t have ready coin doesn't mean that they may resources, imagination, spirit, or a creative heart to encourage such a plan."
"Yes - these decisions will – no doubt – make a better community – and the better the community each year – the more money the nation can receive as a whole… I see; a well thought out plan indeed. Yes – you instantly negate much of the difficulty in governing our nation – by instantly decreasing its size – though marginally – and you charge no fee for this land folk will build on – provided they have the requisite materials to begin work – and once their work starts – the only payment is that such folk pay the nation a flat tax… perhaps 20 percent – perhaps 10 – perhaps some other numbers…. So the nation benefits in many ways – as do the private and enterprising citizens who seek to do great things with this new land of opportunity.”
”Ah my lady – your words give breath to my thoughts – and with great passion do you illuminate my hearts needs by the gift of your tounge…” ibn’Fayad says with a soft smile.
Ahem! Yes – well – anyhow – that be a good enough plan… So – for now I reckon that I got a tidy bit put away – not much coin – but enough supplies to get things rolling, as it were – so too does Kae and Ry – this means we’ll be out and about, as it were – getting that bitty o’ land set up and taken care of – even as the folk here be doing their thing right and true…” Brett responds.
Right...
Okay - got your cities sheet pretty much nutted out - except for a few things to note.
1. What is the planned rate of taxed on the baronies?
2. How much will the baronies take? While a barony can eventually control 7 hexes - a lord may not decide to claim all 7 hexes right away (the size of a barony creates a higher DC for the lord of the barony to manage).
So - Ry and Kae - how much land will your barony control? Once I know that, I will deduct that number from the total land of your nation, which will shrink your nations DC value for rolls.
While I'm at it - does anyone want to turn over Oleg's land to Oleg - as in - allow him to be a baron? If you choose to do this - he will be able to claim his own land - but it will shrink your nations land.
Of course - his land will not technically benefit your land then, except for the value of taxes - which have not formally been set...
As soon as I know the answers to these questions; I'll be able to toss up the character sheet, and we can go from there.
I love the description of the meeting by the way. Very well done.
Two things...one can I get the stats for the new races?
two now that Shae is out I still want to do the Academy and order, eventually turning it into a barony. I need some guidance on what I need to do to get that moving.
I love the description of the meeting by the way. Very well done.
Two things...one can I get the stats for the new races?
two now that Shae is out I still want to do the Academy and order, eventually turning it into a barony. I need some guidance on what I need to do to get that moving.
Indeed - still tweaking stats - they should be finished soon. Likely by tonight... Though they may be modified - depending on how sick they eventually are...
The second thing is that the nature of Bonus BP is set for specific bonuses. That is to say - I gave out Shae less bonuses then the rest of people because he wanted a school, and they need less BP to build on then a Barony does.
To phrase this better - you have a set of BP. A barony costs a certain amount, and a business a certain amount. Once you build one - it would take the BP - if you wanted both, you could do it - but, well essentially - you'd be "multi-classing" your base of power. You can do that - but as I need to know now what your plan is in that case; because part of your BP would go to one seat of power, the other part the other seat.
I should add, also - that if you elect a barony, your BP is a bit too low to earn a Barony - yet. But you are relatively close to it.... and can earn it soon.
Knowing this - what is your preference: Go full academy, full barony, or multi-class (with that in mind - which would you choose first)? I have never known you to enjoy multi-classing before - but depending on how you work this - you may find it fun.
P.S. - thanks for the compliment on the description - did it do good for Ras's voice?
Ry -
You can grant a bonus to one of your nation's primary stats:
They currently are -
Economy: 14
Loyalty: 15
Stability: 19
You can apply your Charisma modifier to any stat. What is your preference?
I love the description of the meeting by the way. Very well done.
Two things...one can I get the stats for the new races?
two now that Shae is out I still want to do the Academy and order, eventually turning it into a barony. I need some guidance on what I need to do to get that moving.
Indeed - still tweaking stats - they should be finished soon. Likely by tonight... Though they may be modified - depending on how sick they eventually are...
The second thing is that the nature of Bonus BP is set for specific bonuses. That is to say - I gave out Shae less bonuses then the rest of people because he wanted a school, and they need less BP to build on then a Barony does.
In other words - if you pick a business, not a barony - the points you have will fall into that category or the other. You're free to choose one or the other - but if you pick business now it will wipe out the full extent of points you have and you'll have to start over from scratch.
Essentially - you'd be "multi-classing" your base of power. You can do that - but as I need to know now what your plan is in that case.
I should add, also - that if you elect a barony, your BP is a bit too low to earn a Barony - yet. But you are relatively close to it....
Knowing this - what is your preference: Go full academy, full barony, or multi-class (with that in mind - which would you choose first)?
P.S. - thanks for the compliment on the description - did it do good for Ras's voice?
How far away am I from Barony with the points I have?
How far away am I from Barony with the points I have?I love the description of the meeting by the way. Very well done.
Two things...one can I get the stats for the new races?
two now that Shae is out I still want to do the Academy and order, eventually turning it into a barony. I need some guidance on what I need to do to get that moving.
Indeed - still tweaking stats - they should be finished soon. Likely by tonight... Though they may be modified - depending on how sick they eventually are...
The second thing is that the nature of Bonus BP is set for specific bonuses. That is to say - I gave out Shae less bonuses then the rest of people because he wanted a school, and they need less BP to build on then a Barony does.
In other words - if you pick a business, not a barony - the points you have will fall into that category or the other. You're free to choose one or the other - but if you pick business now it will wipe out the full extent of points you have and you'll have to start over from scratch.
Essentially - you'd be "multi-classing" your base of power. You can do that - but as I need to know now what your plan is in that case.
I should add, also - that if you elect a barony, your BP is a bit too low to earn a Barony - yet. But you are relatively close to it....
Knowing this - what is your preference: Go full academy, full barony, or multi-class (with that in mind - which would you choose first)?
P.S. - thanks for the compliment on the description - did it do good for Ras's voice?
I made a quick edit above - also; real quick - as you are a member of the council in either way - what is your opinion for taxes for baronies? Also if you elect a business - what would be your preference for the income tax for the business?
20%
20%
You currently have 25 BP - and 10,000 GP - however that GP is only for "in town" improvements - payment to your officials/council members, city guard, and expending it on new BP, if you elect to.
To formally have a Barony - you'd need 30 BP - but BP is generally quest based, and some bonuses for extra posting. Chances are - you could get a barony up and running very soon but not "this year" - while your nation is getting stabilized.
Sorry for the delay - had to find the sheet where bonus BP was stored.
Right...
Okay - got your cities sheet pretty much nutted out - except for a few things to note.
1. What is the planned rate of taxed on the baronies?
2. How much will the baronies take? While a barony can eventually control 7 hexes - a lord may not decide to claim all 7 hexes right away (the size of a barony creates a higher DC for the lord of the barony to manage).
So - Ry and Kae - how much land will your barony control? Once I know that, I will deduct that number from the total land of your nation, which will shrink your nations DC value for rolls.
While I'm at it - does anyone want to turn over Oleg's land to Oleg - as in - allow him to be a baron? If you choose to do this - he will be able to claim his own land - but it will shrink your nations land.
Of course - his land will not technically benefit your land then, except for the value of taxes - which have not formally been set...
As soon as I know the answers to these questions; I'll be able to toss up the character sheet, and we can go from there.
1. 10% - level of tax the provinces pay to the National Treasury.
2. I will control 3 hexes at this point.3. I was under the impression Oleg already owned his land because he was there before we came into the lands, explored and mapped? We never claimed his land.
What about for the business?
Right...
Okay - got your cities sheet pretty much nutted out - except for a few things to note.
1. What is the planned rate of taxed on the baronies?
2. How much will the baronies take? While a barony can eventually control 7 hexes - a lord may not decide to claim all 7 hexes right away (the size of a barony creates a higher DC for the lord of the barony to manage).
So - Ry and Kae - how much land will your barony control? Once I know that, I will deduct that number from the total land of your nation, which will shrink your nations DC value for rolls.
While I'm at it - does anyone want to turn over Oleg's land to Oleg - as in - allow him to be a baron? If you choose to do this - he will be able to claim his own land - but it will shrink your nations land.
Of course - his land will not technically benefit your land then, except for the value of taxes - which have not formally been set...
As soon as I know the answers to these questions; I'll be able to toss up the character sheet, and we can go from there.
1. 10% - level of tax the provinces pay to the National Treasury.
2. I will control 3 hexes at this point.
3. I was under the impression Oleg already owned his land because he was there before we came into the lands, explored and mapped? We never claimed his land.
While it is true that Oleg owns his own land via his buildings and the surrounding territory for maybe a mile - as your mandate via Brevoy has formally granted you rights to take the River Kingdom on your own - Oleg would technically either default into a business - or a barony.
It should be noted that Oleg's expansion happened earlier - but the formal extent of his "holdings" don't formally go beyond his own initial hex, where he keeps his town.
However - for him to expand his "town" beyond one district - he'd need to annex the hexes around him in time.
He can do that, but only with your permission - as you have the land around him as your own. If you wish to allow him to expand his town beyond the initial hex - he'd need to "own" this land.
Ry - you can technically have dibs on the land around you - but you cannot build on it until you "claim it" via spending BP to clear the forests a bit.
If you claim it now - you'll get both the bonuses/penalties of that land to your own barony as it would formally have 3 hexes to govern - raising your governing your barony's DC by the land claimed.
On the other hand - that will lower the eventual DC of the kingdom...
For now, though - your DC will assume you have the 3 hexes.
Ry -
You can grant a bonus to one of your nation's primary stats:
They currently are -
Economy: 14
Loyalty: 15
Stability: 19You can apply your Charisma modifier to any stat. What is your preference?
Applying CHA mod (+2) to Economy.
What about for the business?
That depends on how you want to coordinate your business - however; the real issue is that you need to find a place that will grant you land to start your business.
Your business will take up standard "grid space" on a map or district. This means that one of the nobles will have to turn over their land to you so that you can build your property on it.
When you build business on it - the owner of the land cannot use the grids on the city map for their own - so if you have a place for your students to live "a house" for example - you need to persuade a person who owns land to turn that square over to you - and you need to be able to expand on the land by add-on's - such as a caster tower, a shop, and other things.
The big drawback is finding a place to build in a pre-owned city.
The alternative is convincing the council to let you claim a hex for a business. But even if you do that (like Oleg did with his shop) - you'll only be claiming that turf for your business. So if you expand the business to multiple "houses" and "shops" - they are just for your business. If you then turn it over to a "town" - all that stuff you have for your barony goes only to your school/OR your barony.
In other words - if you have 20 squares on a district dedicated to your business - then you can only use the other 16 squares for your barony.
Again - the first thing you need to do for the business is find a plot of land - either in Saravale - or in a barony - or on land that is not claimed by the government. This can be done in time - but; if you elect it - your academy won't need to be protected by the military of the nation - you'd be formally on your own; unless you can get the nation to let you build your school.
As soon as that occurs - you can start building the school right away. Just let the nation know who you want to build with - and see if they allow you.
Applying CHA mod (+2) to Economy.Ry -
You can grant a bonus to one of your nation's primary stats:
They currently are -
Economy: 14
Loyalty: 15
Stability: 19You can apply your Charisma modifier to any stat. What is your preference?
Very good! Making it so - as soon as Kae checks in via his barony size so I can modify your nation's DC - we'l start the rolling!
Sorry for delays - adding on more "Playable Races" to the sheet... More to come soon...
Kae takes 2 hexes
what does it cost to make a farm? 2bp, one to clear the hex, so 3bp total?
Shall we compromise at 15% tax to the baronies?
Kae takes 2 hexes
what does it cost to make a farm? 2bp, one to clear the hex, so 3bp total?Shall we compromise at 15% tax to the baronies?
It depends on the land itself - i.e. - are you building farms on mountains or the plains...
When you pick your barony position - let me know also what hex coordinate your farm will be at, as well as your "capital town".
It costs 2 for plains, 4 for hills. You only need to spend BP to "clear the land" if it costs any BP to clear the land (i.e. clear it of forest, then build the land).
You also have the options of building roads. But I just need to know the coordinates for the farm; which has to border your capital. Hate to ask - but where is your capital again - via the coordinates?
Between you and Ry - you have reduced the Nation by 5 hexes - Oleg has taken 1 hex at this time, and Brett is still working on it... which makes it reduced to at the most 70 hexes - possibly less - which lowers your DC and helps your nation a lot.
Since it's going to cost me 4 bp per hex to clear forest, I will only take 2 hexes at this time.
"Bah - this be bloody expensive to build! I shall be building only 1 hex - E1 - which puts me right next to Ry - but also - right on the bloody border - I can't expand outwards till we move our nation westward... So I guess that I get only 1 hex fer now - plus I got to get rid o' all the trees!" Brett mutters.
"Even so - them ruins may be useful... maybe - plus - it let's the other lads make good use out o' the land to the east - where the ruined piers and caves were, and the village by the ruined tower near the volcano was..." he adds.
"And as fer the bloody taxes? What - 10% be pretty damn high to me! Ye know - taxing the income by like... how do I bloody say it - ah! It be like taxing the industrious! You be penalizing me fer what, hard work? Pah! That be hardly fair... I'd rather 10% - at most - still; I be tolerating 15% if the whole bloody council fer it... though I rather not... I like me loot, my gods!" he adds with a grumble.
"I believe 10 percent is the better rate, especially if this tax is to be levied on our baronies once a month. I do not believe our lands would survive if the levy were as high as 15 or 20 per cent per month. What say you now, my friends?" looking to Brett and Kae.
"Huzzah! Well - it done seem that low taxing be a good thing - no doubt we be able to give out more jobs to the folk if we don't have to be using it on the government," Brett says with a grin.
"Still we got to be agreeing on one thing, as I see it - if we do be planning on keeping the loot local - then we better be using it to be making jobs for our folk - I don't want to see folk lording it about and so on - they need to be using it fer folk - right and true, eh?" he adds, a concern that some wealthy who claimed to need coin for jobs simply meant "slave labor jobs"... even as he suspected Grishnak or possibly DeVille - or those sorts may be doing even now.
In his lands Brett intended to make sure the folk that lived here got work for a fair wage - not send the gold to nations far away, nor keep it to lord over folk high and mighty-like... where only one percent had money, and the rest of them suffered. He envisioned a land where the citizens could have jobs, decent homes - not tenements, and maybe hospices for citizens with reasonable charges for herbs - not black-market, cutthroat terrors that certain scum were eager to see; exploiting poor homebodies to fill their pockets!
Well - that was the plan; but - he realized of course, it wasn't always easy to do.
I have some concern of the sustainability of the nation as a whole. Without a strong central government, and I do not mean strong in an authoritarian sense but strong in a sense of economic, political, and security strength, then we will descend into a series of independent city states. I do not believe 15 or even 20% will be an undue burden upon the various cities but conversely would go a long way towards the strength of the nation. The financial difficulties are significant, we expanded too far too fast and are paying the price for it now. I for one would be willing to pay a little extra in order to give the nation of Praxis a better chance to survive.
I have some concern of the sustainability of the nation as a whole. Without a strong central government, and I do not mean strong in an authoritarian sense but strong in a sense of economic, political, and security strength, then we will descend into a series of independent city states. I do not believe 15 or even 20% will be an undue burden upon the various cities but conversely would go a long way towards the strength of the nation. The financial difficulties are significant, we expanded too far too fast and are paying the price for it now. I for one would be willing to pay a little extra in order to give the nation of Praxis a better chance to survive.
”And there ye got it! We be like city states – sure as thunder!” Brett says, thumping the hard oak table.
”And what be wrong with that? As o’ now we all got our own ways o’ running things best or better, as is… and they don’t be agreeing with every folk in town,” he adds, lifting his pipe to his mouth and taking a puff.
”Fer example – Ry lass not be a fan overmuch of Grishnak and his mates, eh? But ol’ Kae got a good way to handle his lot better then others, right? Well then – what if Kae sets up shop not too far away – and rustle up Grishnak and his lads to live with him? Then Kae can handle them folk better, and Ry don’t be having to deal with them folk, eh?”
Brett puffs mightily on the pipe, then jumps from the chair and begins to pace about the table.
”Nay – ol’ Ras got it right and true – making city states may be the best thing to do! Why – we all run things the way like, within reason – keep the rules o’ our own lands closest to the laws of nation, with a few little tweaks, as were – and we all support each other.”
”Aye – less a united nation, but rather a confederacy of city states…” Brett adds, hooking his thumbs under his suspenders, puffing on his pipe.
He cocks an eyebrow and glances toward Arasmes.
”That be a fine notion there, lad – fine indeed! Only thing be – I never figured ye be such a supporter o’ the Confederseye! And if we go that way, then we need not be overly troubled about spending all our loot on making the entire bloody nation function. If folks don’t like how a city state be running, let ‘em move to another!”
”Ras me lad – that be a gem o’ an idea, damn sure!” he adds, patting Arasmes on his back with a sage nod.
Arasmes gives Brett a wry look, That is, in point of fact, the opposite of what I was saying Brett...and you know it. I am not suggesting taking away your autonomy but I am suggesting that we pool our resources together rather than splitting them apart. The River Kingdoms currently is a series of city states and look where it has gotten them. Feuds, war, and bloodshed. There is an old battle saying that is quite apt here I think...divide and conquer. Without a strong effective central government this nation will fail. Carving out little kingdoms for ourselves and acting as independent city states seems to me to not be in the best interests of the nation as a whole. This idea of a confederacy is not one I hold in high regard. I implore you all to not only think about yourselves and your own interests but the nation as a whole. I fear us fracturing ourselves apart is the main thrust of the issue. Ariarh? What will happen if something happens in your barony that is at odds with the nation you rule? Will you be able to rule while your time is spent building another city for yourself and your chosen people? I say chosen people because there is the implication from Brett that certain people would not be welcome in these cities if the rulers did not wish them to be there. My concern is that if we do not make Saravale strong, as it is the capital, the what is the purpose of the nation?
"Well, Ry - I'll leave it to ye, as ye got ideas on how ye want to run things, to be sure..." Brett says with a friendly nod to his old companion.
He continues to puff on his pipe, and waits for the response...
Arasmes gives Brett a wry look, That is, in point of fact, the opposite of what I was saying Brett...and you know it. I am not suggesting taking away your autonomy but I am suggesting that we pool our resources together rather than splitting them apart. The River Kingdoms currently is a series of city states and look where it has gotten them. Feuds, war, and bloodshed. There is an old battle saying that is quite apt here I think...divide and conquer. Without a strong effective central government this nation will fail. Carving out little kingdoms for ourselves and acting as independent city states seems to me to not be in the best interests of the nation as a whole. This idea of a confederacy is not one I hold in high regard. I implore you all to not only think about yourselves and your own interests but the nation as a whole. I fear us fracturing ourselves apart is the main thrust of the issue. Ariarh? What will happen if something happens in your barony that is at odds with the nation you rule? Will you be able to rule while your time is spent building another city for yourself and your chosen people? I say chosen people because there is the implication from Brett that certain people would not be welcome in these cities if the rulers did not wish them to be there. My concern is that if we do not make Saravale strong, as it is the capital, the what is the purpose of the nation?
Having listened first to Arasmes and then Brett, Ariarh sighs inwardly before speaking calmly and openly with both males, "I have not forgotten my duty and responsibility to the capital or to the nation of Praxis, Arasmes. I am not selfish, lax or demonstrating a wanton disregard of what is here. The notion of smaller baronies to support the capital and nation is not in opposition to the growth and viability of Saravale. In fact, I believe that the baronies may possibly be the saving grace of the capital from collapsing under the weight of its various issues, keenly those of wealth generation and an ever-growing population. We do not want the city to fall into lawless chaos or have disease spread like wildfire because we have too many people and no physical room or space for them. We have land that is just sitting there, unused and wasted in my opinion. The possibility of our unused lands being claimed by bandits, raiders and alike seems quite real and probable. Would you see us lose lands we have worked hard to claim and a future we wish to build upon? Any work I would do in my barony would be undertaken with great consideration for my duties to the capital. Yet once my position as Baroness of Saravale is complete and another Councilman has taken the reins, I will have more time to dedicate to my lands and I shall move there to live and aid Saravale and the Republic of Praxis as best as I am able."
The delicacy of who may enter the baronies was not lost on her. "Alaric Winter's desire for a land where all would be accepted was a good dream, an honourable one and I hope we may continue with that vision. Yet, you cannot dispute that unsavory and malign forces have entered the gates of Saravale with little to no opposition and we have suffered for it, time and again. Alaric had wanted good people to come together and not all who currently reside in Saravale can be deemed good or having good intentions. We need vigilance and our people require assurances that evil will not stake a foothold in the communities we seek to protect and nurture. See how the southern cultist al-Kazeem and his brethren simply walked into Saravale and plotted silently against the ideals and values of the capital? Their path was not barred and mayhap should have been, at the very least they should have been more thoroughly interviewed before gaining access. It is not wrong to say, we cannot allow you through these gates for your vision and values are in direct conflict with our land, people and Council. So, if I choose to say to a person, "Nay, I cannot grant you a home in my barony for your purpose lays in detrimental conflict with my own" I do not believe that is unfair or discriminatory. My duty would be to protect my people and our sworn oaths, promises and commitments. I would not accept every creature because it looks like the right and decent thing. It needs to be the right and decent thing for all."
Kind of depends - you will return to Saravale - roughly - on the 7th of Desna.
However - on the trail, it depends on the day that you're talking to each other.
You'd be making your barony as soon as the 8th if you want - possibly a bit later - maybe the 10th to do some "in game" rounding up of the crew and staff you want.
Arasmes gives Brett a wry look, That is, in point of fact, the opposite of what I was saying Brett...and you know it. I am not suggesting taking away your autonomy but I am suggesting that we pool our resources together rather than splitting them apart. The River Kingdoms currently is a series of city states and look where it has gotten them. Feuds, war, and bloodshed. There is an old battle saying that is quite apt here I think...divide and conquer. Without a strong effective central government this nation will fail. Carving out little kingdoms for ourselves and acting as independent city states seems to me to not be in the best interests of the nation as a whole. This idea of a confederacy is not one I hold in high regard. I implore you all to not only think about yourselves and your own interests but the nation as a whole. I fear us fracturing ourselves apart is the main thrust of the issue. Ariarh? What will happen if something happens in your barony that is at odds with the nation you rule? Will you be able to rule while your time is spent building another city for yourself and your chosen people? I say chosen people because there is the implication from Brett that certain people would not be welcome in these cities if the rulers did not wish them to be there. My concern is that if we do not make Saravale strong, as it is the capital, the what is the purpose of the nation?Having listened first to Arasmes and then Brett, Ariarh sighs inwardly before speaking calmly and openly with both males, "I have not forgotten my duty and responsibility to the capital or to the nation of Praxis, Arasmes. I am not selfish, lax or demonstrating a wanton disregard of what is here. The notion of smaller baronies to support the capital and nation is not in opposition to the growth and viability of Saravale. In fact, I believe that the baronies may possibly be the saving grace of the capital from collapsing under the weight of its various issues, keenly those of wealth...
"Well..." Brett begins, continuing to puff his pipe, sliding his thumbs up and down suspenders...
"That's fair and true; I'd say - but, begging yer pardon - I think at least we needing to be setting that price on taxes, as were. Fer now - we go ye lass voting on 10% - Ras be looking at 20% - Kae sort o' be in between at 15% - and I personally be liking no percent - and everyone makes it on their own sweat - but I'll be agreeable to a majority vote - as were - if ye don't mind... But so far we got three separate votes - and not a majority... So - ye all give thinking on what ye see best in terms of finance - so that when we stab outwards and get things cooking - we get a sense on what be ours to spend next month, or nay - that'll effect a lot o' how I plan my constructing over the months - if I know what's to be kept, or sent back here... Never mind the fact that Saravale also got it's own tax system in place... just saying."
"Even still - need to know the numbers - I reckon - before we set out sure. What do ye say, heh? How about a square vote all around - then, when we know best - we go from there?" Brett adds, glancing at the others.
Ras is willing to switch his vote to 15%
Ras is willing to switch his vote to 15%
Sounds good - just waiting for Ry and Kae to formally check in - and then the vote is good.
Kind of depends - you will return to Saravale - roughly - on the 7th of Desna.
However - on the trail, it depends on the day that you're talking to each other.
You'd be making your barony as soon as the 8th if you want - possibly a bit later - maybe the 10th to do some "in game" rounding up of the crew and staff you want.
So Ariarh has missed her birthday and the letter to Delain doesn't make much sense in terms of what she says re her birthday. Sigh.
does ry have anything else do talk to Kae about the night before the hunt?
Kae still votes 15% at least for the time being. The kingdom is in much greater danger of collapse than our baronies, I'd wager. So after the year is up, we can re-negotiate the terms of the taxation.
"Well..." Brett begins, continuing to puff his pipe, sliding his thumbs up and down suspenders..."That's fair and true; I'd say - but, begging yer pardon - I think at least we needing to be setting that price on taxes, as were. Fer now - we go ye lass voting on 10% - Ras be looking at 20% - Kae sort o' be in between at 15% - and I personally be liking no percent - and everyone makes it on their own sweat - but I'll be agreeable to a majority vote - as were - if ye don't mind... But so far we got three separate votes - and not a majority... So - ye all give thinking on what ye see best in terms of finance - so that when we stab outwards and get things cooking - we get a sense on what be ours to spend next month, or nay - that'll effect a lot o' how I plan my constructing over the months - if I know what's to be kept, or sent back here... Never mind the fact that Saravale also got it's own tax system in place... just saying."
"Even still - need to know the numbers - I reckon - before we set out sure. What do ye say, heh? How about a square vote all around - then, when we know best - we go from there?" Brett adds, glancing at the others.
Having noted that Arasmes and Kae now agreed to a 15 percent tax on the baronies and Brett's hesitancy to pay any, she mulls over her own thoughts before speaking again, "I still believe 15% is too high for unestablished provinces--for right now they are simply parcels of natural land. I am hesitant to commit to such a term and then see most if not all of the provinces fall under the weight of a heavy levy within their first year of establishment. I agree with Brett, if more income needs be generated within the capital then we can look at raising the existing internal taxes, especially with the new job prospects opening up in the gold mine. I would say we give the baronies a true chance to grow and then we can renegotiate the levy after a year and raise it to 15 or 20%. I still hold my vote for 10 per cent. With four baronies in total that is 40 percent collected per month for the capital. It seems we have more discussion ahead of us."
At some recent point after their return to Saravale,
"Lady Ariarh, if I may have a moment of your time? The Anumi. I do not know what to do with them and where we shall house them. None have spoken to the creatures and to date they have been silent except to accept and do our bidding. Will you join me as I speak with them? Perhaps they have information we have yet to discover or we will hear their wishes on their future."
Assembled in the courtyard of the fortress, the Anumi standing silent and in formation, Ariarh and Isani standing side by side before them. Dior beside his mistress, watchful.
Isani begins in Osiriani, "Salam alekum, Anumi. We seek words with you. Is there a leader among you who speaks for the group? I offer you opportunity to share information and find a place to live within these Praxian lands, on behalf of the Baroness of Saravale, the Lady Ariarh Kane standing here, and her great Council. Will the leader step forward and speak their name."
"I would know if Clari is well and safe for she is under the Council's protection and simply assuming she is abed is not acceptable, brother. By the look on your face, your understanding with your childhood friend is a rather hard one and I do not presume to understand it yet I am willing to allow it to play out and hope for the best outcome. Clari may find her feet with us and mayhap stop her derision and surly isolation. I have seen some improvement in her interaction since her time with Selendria Grear and that is good. Anuk-su proves to be an ongoing sore point with her and that certainly does not bode well. Brett's new friend Anaitis seems to have some issue with Isani and I am trying to get down to the true matter. I cannot have Anaitis singling out the Priestess or any of our folk. I would not have the Yuan-ti believe we seek to disrespect them. I do not know their customs nor do we know Kemat. If romance is what you seek with this female then I cannot fault you in the objective yet would caution you in the endeavour, Kae. Just be careful. Now, please go find Clari and see if she is alright. I believe Shaezon wanted a word with me earlier and I cannot put him off any longer. Thank you, brother. And ... Kae, I am sorry I had to interrupt your...private endeavours."
Arasmes gives Brett a wry look, That is, in point of fact, the opposite of what I was saying Brett...and you know it. I am not suggesting taking away your autonomy but I am suggesting that we pool our resources together rather than splitting them apart. The River Kingdoms currently is a series of city states and look where it has gotten them. Feuds, war, and bloodshed. There is an old battle saying that is quite apt here I think...divide and conquer. Without a strong effective central government this nation will fail. Carving out little kingdoms for ourselves and acting as independent city states seems to me to not be in the best interests of the nation as a whole. This idea of a confederacy is not one I hold in high regard. I implore you all to not only think about yourselves and your own interests but the nation as a whole. I fear us fracturing ourselves apart is the main thrust of the issue. Ariarh? What will happen if something happens in your barony that is at odds with the nation you rule? Will you be able to rule while your time is spent building another city for yourself and your chosen people? I say chosen people because there is the implication from Brett that certain people would not be welcome in these cities if the rulers did not wish them to be there. My concern is that if we do not make Saravale strong, as it is the capital, the what is the purpose of the nation?Having listened first to Arasmes and then Brett, Ariarh sighs inwardly before speaking calmly and openly with both males, "I have not forgotten my duty and responsibility to the capital or to the nation of Praxis, Arasmes. I am not selfish, lax or demonstrating a wanton disregard of what is here. The notion of smaller baronies to support the capital and nation is not in opposition to the growth and viability of Saravale. In fact, I believe that the baronies may possibly be the saving grace of the capital from collapsing under the weight of its various issues, keenly those of wealth...
Arasmes puts up his hands and says My apologies. I did not mean to imply that you yourself were selfish. I was merely trying to state that I did not see it in the best interests of the realm to have multiple city states with their own laws. I was hoping that instead we would be a part of a larger whole but all under the auspices of the nation of Praxis and not like those in the River Kingdoms. I myself seek to establish a colony and as such am willing to pay a 15% tax out of the earnings of the place and I have less money with which to start an endeavor than any of you three. I actually believe these fledgling cities to be starting at a better position than the capital and as such it is there that needs help. It is not my opinion that 15% will unduly impact the colonies but will be extremely helpful for getting Saravale back on track. Should Saravale fall I do not believe the various states would be very far behind. I make plans to build a town upon the isle we just fought upon. It will, I think, make a lucrative location for a new town. I hope to work with all of your towns for our mutual benefit.
Currently - technically - none. That will be decided on once the start of next turns pick up on the following month.
At which point you will be able to set both the baronial levels - as well as the national levels.
Remember, too - the tax rate on the baronial levels is taxing the profits your baronies make. So once you set your own baronial tax - the "national tax" merely takes a portion of that for itself.
But in either case - that occurs at the top of the next month.
Drake and his crew are defintely in town until they're allowed to leave; but Drake prefers it sooner then later; as he's already worried about Oleg's property.
Oleg can weigh in the tax thing as well - my preference is that for a matter regarding charging PC's that it could decided by PC's only - unless there was an issue that I needed to work on.
As 15% seems to be the majority of the PC - it would go from there - however; the next question is - how long would this period of taxation last? As in - how many months? 4, 6, a year - what?
Either way - it is clear that currently the party seems to have a majority vote on 15% for at least next month.
However - as for how long things will go formaly - just let me know.
** spoiler omitted **
”I am Har-Te-Ma – I lead my folk now that our lords are dead. We will die soon, I think – for you have slain our masters, and therefore with them, we shall follow – for that is the way of those who would end the lives of a people. First the leaders are killed, and assuredly the slaves shall follow – else we be spoils of war to you? In either case – I speak for my people – what would you have of us?” said a tallish one, with a dark face, and white flecks of hair around his mouth and eyes; making him look somewhat distinguished even as he looks both weary and careworn.
Clearly much is weighing upon Ariarh, and if finding Clari will ease her mind, Kae shall find her. "I apologize, Ariarh, I shall locate Clari and ensure all is well with her. She did agree to join me on the hunt, and you can speak to her about your concerns regarding Kemat, if that would make you more comfortable with the situation."
"These first months are likely to be very important to our Baronies, so I would suggest that we tax the Baronies at a 10% rate for the next three months, and then we raise the rate to 15% and hold it there for the rest of the year."
** spoiler omitted **
"These first months are likely to be very important to our Baronies, so I would suggest that we tax the Baronies at a 10% rate for the next three months, and then we raise the rate to 15% and hold it there for the rest of the year."
I would be agreeable to that.
"Personally - I think the whole thing be bosh! And if me ol' mate Alaric be here, no doubt he'd back me and Ry too - still; they done say that the blessing - and the curse - o' a democracy, be its leadership. As such - I guess if that be the way of it, then that be the way of it... Unless ye got another notion on it, Ry lass?" Brett adds hastily to Arairh - hoping against hope that a forestalling of any taxes at all on his land be the straight word from the Imperatrix.... as it were....
"Hell - if he were - he would have made taxes in the capital - and he never did at all... just saying," Brett adds.
