Aristu Medvyed |
Well, before we attack, or sneak, or disguise ourselves, we have to find the trolls - all we know right now is that they are in the Southern Narlmarches. So it's back to exploring, with the more singular purpose of picking up their trail.
Ahran Draknir |
Although: let's make sure we have a lot of ways to do fire damage. Buying Alchemist's Fire is probably the easiest way, if we can find this somewhere. This is assuming we are aware that trolls regenerate unless burned with fire/acid.
GM Tarondor |
Yay! Preparation! I think some of you have heard me tell the story of the end of my longest-running D&D campaign (from the '90's). The Black Dragons had clawed their way from 1st-level nobodies to 10th-level lords of the land and had heard all along the way (and in previous campaigns) of the lost dwarven city of Azanârgud.
Finally, they had found it and planned a mighty expedition. They brought a huge covered wagon filled with supplies, a veritable adventuring shop on wheels. They brought porters and cooks and mule drivers. They brought scribes to write down their discoveries and torch-boys to carry their torches.
What they did -not- bring was any sort of healing beyond their all-too-frequently-unconscious cleric. No potions (there were no wands of healing back then) or anything else. Overrun by "black trolls" they fled into the eternal night of the dwarven city, past ancient wonders not seen in the present age (stuff I'd labored on for a decade)...and died together in the dark.
Just sayin'.
Piotr Denisov |
Do we have any sort of magic items for sale in the kingdom? Anything might be put to use.
Or, for that matter, acid to use like alchemist's fire?
Ahran Draknir |
If we can buy alchemical items, Alchemist's Fire is 20 gp each and Acid Flasks are 10 gp each. So, it is probably good to have a variety just in case, but the acid works out substantially cheaper to buy in bulk.
Can we assume that these are readily available to buy? They're not magical items.
Ahran has 0 gp on his sheet but presumably there is money somewhere (or loot from previous travels to sell).
Ahran Draknir |
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9, in case it is necessary, to know about the abilities that trolls might have. (Since I know that if we don't know, we will die, although in-character we'd be going in anyway.)
EDIT: Well, I guess Ahran doesn't know that trolls regenerate! Does anyone in the party? I forget whether we faced a troll before or not? There was one large creature when we fought and the mounted priest of Asmodeus was there but I forget whether it was troll, ogre, or something else.
Mikhail Templeson |
I wanted to do some crafting. Sadly, I lack the spell for Eyes of the Eagle. But I could start work on a Headband of Inspired Wisdom.
If we wanted to move from a +2 to a +4 item do we need to make a new one or can we enhance an existing item?
Alister Medvyed |
We have talked about putting out a call to the surrpunding area for alchemist's fire. I don't remember if we knew acid would do the same. Alister is prepared to pay 10% above the normal cost if it gets the city stocked with the stuff.
GM, can we issue edicts like this? It doesnt obviously fall into the normal edicts, but is it a kingdom building thing or a role playing thing?
-Posted with Wayfinder
Piotr Denisov |
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Slightly better, but Piotr could always take 10 or 20 to study his books and stories about trolls.
Plus, he produces acid with his spell-like ability.
Piotr Denisov |
RP- and mechanics-wise, would there be any benefit to one, or both, of the following:
- Declaring a bounty on trolls, publicizing it within the Kingdom and in Brevoy; then paying off any successful troll-hunters
- Challenging Hargulka to a trial by combat versus our champion. If he accepts, stage the combat in a location that we control and buff our champion as much as possible. If he doesn't, get the bards and storytellers to spread the news of Hargulka's cowardice. If we don't care about being good, poison his followers and have the whole group attack Hargulka.
- Recruiting some help, like the Old Beldame and the other NPC's. Perlivash and Tyg could scout invisibly. The gnomes, well, could establish a safe camp with the mercenaries where we could retreat for healing and recovery. The Old Beldame could be magical support. The nixie and dryad could aid with scouting. The kobolds could be
cannon-foddermissile support.
- Find the troll-king's lair. Burn them out with a forest-fire.
- Have some poisoned meat delivered to the trolls.
GM Tarondor |
Do we have any sort of magic items for sale in the kingdom? Anything might be put to use.
The "Base Value" in both locations (Stagfell and Leveton) is 1,000 gp. That means that there is a 75% chance that any item of this value or lower can be found for sale in the community with little effort. If an item is not available, a new check to determine if the item has become available can be made in 1 week.
The "Purchase Limit" in both locations is 5,000 gp. A settlement’s purchase limit is the most money a shop in the settlement can spend to purchase any single item from the PCs. If the PCs wish to sell an item worth more than a settlement’s purchase limit, they’ll either need to settle for a lower price or travel to a larger city. Or, as noted above, have Oleg send it to Restov and lose 10% of the value.
[The Base Value and Purchase Limit in Restov are 8,000 gp and 50,000 gp, respectively. For anything more than that, you'd have to find a metropolis like New Stetven or Daggermark (16,000 and 100,000), or a truly major Metropolis like Oppara, Absalom or even Katapesh (we'll see).]
Or, for that matter, acid to use like alchemist's fire?
If we can buy alchemical items, Alchemist's Fire is 20 gp each and Acid Flasks are 10 gp each. So, it is probably good to have a variety just in case, but the acid works out substantially cheaper to buy in bulk.
Can we assume that these are readily available to buy? They're not magical items.
You can't assume it, no. Without an alchemist in either town, stocks would be limited. But see below.
Ahran has 0 gp on his sheet but presumably there is money somewhere (or loot from previous travels to sell).
I don't track your treasure. Rule #1 since 1977: If it isn't on your sheet, you don't have it. Hopefully somebody else does.
There was one large creature when we fought and the mounted priest of Asmodeus was there but I forget whether it was troll, ogre, or something else.
He was a half-orc and not a priest at all. He simply called Hargulka "the Hammer of Asmodeus."
I wanted to do some crafting. Sadly, I lack the spell for Eyes of the Eagle. But I could start work on a Headband of Inspired Wisdom.If we wanted to move from a +2 to a +4 item do we need to make a new one or can we enhance an existing item?
As stated above, there will be no time for crafting before the end of this adventure, but much time before the next.
You can enhance an existing item and do not need to make a new one.
We have talked about putting out a call to the surrounding area for alchemist's fire. I don't remember if we knew acid would do the same. Alister is prepared to pay 10% above the normal cost if it gets the city stocked with the stuff.
GM, can we issue edicts like this? It doesnt obviously fall into the normal edicts, but is it a kingdom building thing or a role playing thing?
It's not an edict, but you certainly can do it as a role-playing thing. I don't think you did more than discuss it in the past, so it's not operative now and won't get you the supplies you need in time. You really are out of time.
At best, you might send a fast horse to Restov for whatever supplies a fast horse could carry back. You have a road, so a fast horse could get there and back in three days. Call it four for resting and shopping.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Slightly better, but Piotr could always take 10 or 20 to study his books and stories about trolls.
Does he -have- books and stories in Stagfell? Without access to a library, I'd say not. Maybe you should visit a sage? Like, say, the Old Beldame?
However, you do all know that fire is effective. You burned trolls in the field.
RP- and mechanics-wise, would there be any benefit to one, or both, of the following:
Declaring a bounty on trolls, publicizing it within the Kingdom and in Brevoy; then paying off any successful troll-hunters
There is no one in the kingdom with that kind of fighting power other than you.
Challenging Hargulka to a trial by combat versus our champion. If he accepts, stage the combat in a location that we control and buff our champion as much as possible. If he doesn't, get the bards and storytellers to spread the news of Hargulka's cowardice.
Do you have time for that? Up to you.
Remember, he can employ bards too. To talk about how you cheated.
If we don't care about being good, poison his followers and have the whole group attack Hargulka.
But you do care about being good. Each and every one of you has a good alignment.
Recruiting some help, like the Old Beldame and the other NPC's. Perlivash and Tyg could scout invisibly. The gnomes, well, could establish a safe camp with the mercenaries where we could retreat for healing and recovery. The Old Beldame could be magical support. The nixie and dryad could aid with scouting. The kobolds could be cannon-fodder missile support.
No comment except to say that Sir Perlivash is MIA, along with Kundal.
Find the troll-king's lair. Burn them out with a forest-fire.
No comment as you don't know where they live. Maybe...
Have some poisoned meat delivered to the trolls.
They'd just eat the delivery-men.
Ahran Draknir |
Hi all: crazy time at work and some issues here, may be intermittent for the next couple of days.
I endorse the idea of buying all 9 available Alchemist's Fire in Stagfell, assuming someone has money, sending to Restov for more (or rather acid as cheaper), and while that is happening go and see the Old Beldame (ask about e.g. troll weaknesses, typical allies, whether they have darkvision, possible locations) and any local fey we know who might have an idea where exactly the trolls are!
Also agreed we should be heroic!
Piotr Denisov |
Per the rules, we will lose a hex due to Unrest > 10.
There is a chance - not much of one, to be sure - that Unrest will not reach 20+ after this month.
We don't know, yet, if some success against Hargulka and the trolls will pause or re-set the effects on Unrest. Or if we have to destroy / drive off Hargulka before it stops.
If we do reach 20+ Unrest, the kingdom goes into anarchy and we have to somehow bring it back together, probably through a combination of RP and completing tasks.
Still, let's do the heroic thing and ride off to fight the trolls.
After buying all the alchemist fire, acid, healing magic and useful items that we can, of course.
Ahran Draknir |
Can one of the other players confirm party wealth and how much fire/acid we want?
Ahran can go to that while the rest of the group talk to the Beldame, since he won't have much/anything to contribute in that discussion.
Piotr Denisov |
The last two loot posts in the OOC thread on Yuku (September 10 and October 15, 2016) indicates that party loot should be 3801 gp.
I was attempting to keep track of loot, but it has been difficult with the changes in players and pace.
Ahran Draknir |
Thanks! I forgot about those Yuku threads.
I checked back and Ahran has 114 pp, 11 gp, 1 sp, 7 cp. I'll update his sheet.
It seems we have plenty of wealth. Ahran will therefore spend 160 gp of party loot to buy all 8 Alchemist's Fire available.
He will then ride to Restov and buy 25 acid flasks (5 each), at a cost of 250 gp. Let me know if he can't find that many.
To the GM: this is my "We do X" unless another party member countermands this evening.
Alister Medvyed |
Traveling back to the states tomorrow. I'll have a post for Alister up tomorrow night.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Aristu Medvyed |
How long does it take to ride to Restov and back? Don't forget we are on a rather short timeline - 21 days to find the trolls and deal with them. If it's a day or 2 it should be ok, but I don't know if it's worth losing 3-4 days or more for some vials of acid.
GM Tarondor |
It is sixty miles from Stagfell to Leveton, of which nearly forty miles is through the hills. At Leveton, you can pick up the South Rostland road and ride it the 100 miles to Restov.
On horseback, According to the Movement and Exploration rules it will take a rider five days each way to reach Restov. So, call it an eleven day round-trip.
I know that contradicts what I said earlier. That was a best guess, this is actual measurement.
Mikhail Templeson |
So scrolls are not insanely expensive. We could try and find a scroll of Divination to see if we can get a better idea of where to go or what we need to do. Sadly, I am a good four levels from being able to do that myself.
A scroll of Divination would run 725 for what its worth.
GM Tarondor |
Tim and Nick:
I need to know, out of character, whether Alister or Aristu is interested in pursuing a relationship with Lily. Kingmaker is about dynasties and families as well as kingdoms. It is conceivable (not probable, but conceivable) that the PC's who finish this adventure will be the children of the current PC's.
So, giving Lily the statuette can be a turning point for her, depending on how it's done. As you know, the adventure as written treats Lily as a tart, implying that she'll lift her skirts in exchange for the statue. Our Lily is very smart and made of more formidable stuff. But she still has a crush on the two Medvyed men.
If this isn't a path or story line that interests you, make sure I know it now. If it is, tell me. You can always put your thoughts in a spoiler or a PM to me, if you prefer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John:
Similar question to you:
Daria/The Dancing Lady is -way- different than in the published adventure. I've tried to make her interesting, dangerous and exciting. Does Piotr have any positive associations with her? She did, in fact, abuse him terribly.
On the other hand, how do you, John, feel about that story line? Interesting? Icky? Worth exploring?
Aristu Medvyed |
I'm not sure if a spoiler is really necessary here, but since you suggest it:
Anyone who wants to read the spoiler is welcome to, but I could understand not wanting to know Aristu's thoughts since your character wouldn't know them.
Alister Medvyed |
Aristu can definitely read this spoiler. Others too if they would feel close to Alister.
Alister definitely has feelings for Lily. He loves her looks, her intellect, and her spirit. He feels that she is everything he came to seek out in the Stolen Lands. He sees her as the heart of their fledgling kingdom. In fact, if Faisul was still around, he might already be married. Taking the mantle of ruler (not to mention the constant troll threat currently), however, has seriously thrown him for a loop.
By taking over as ruler, Alister is considering all of the political obligations he may have (which he learned through his upbringing). Ultimately, he's trying to place himself in Faisul's shoes, asking what Faisul would do. And the LG Faisul might betray his heart for the stability and alliance of a political marriage to better his kingdom and his people.
In the end, however, Alister's no Faisul. He's CG and values his own choices over what might be best for the kingdom. He's going to marry Lily (if she'll have him), if we all survive the trolls. In the meantime, I think the statue might cement a relationship between the two of them.
I've been thinking about this off and on for a while, which I'm contending Alister has too. I seriously thought about the need for political marriage for him, but that's just not him. Lily is really perfect for him.
Now, I'm also considering taking the Beldame as a cohort for the role of sage (and irreverent) adviser. Also, this might mean political marriage for Aristu. Maybe Roslin?
GM Tarondor |
The Old Beldame is called the Old Beldame because she's old. In fact, she's been called the Old Beldame for a long time and now she is in fact venerable. She's not cohort material.
Also, I think Alister and Aristu need to have a talk about Lily. In character. Either now or after the statue is given. That should be fun!
Piotr Denisov |
John:
Similar question to you:
Daria/The Dancing Lady is -way- different than in the published adventure. I've tried to make her interesting, dangerous and exciting. Does Piotr have any positive associations with her? She did, in fact, abuse him terribly.
On the other hand, how do you, John, feel about that story line? Interesting? Icky? Worth exploring?
Originally, Piotr was going to remain celibate. He feels deeply guilty about what he did, however unwilling, with Daria. Some of that guilt may be self-doubt about whether he somehow presented a weakness that could be exploited by Daria - and he remembers the pleasurable parts of what happened.
I did have an idea that he would get an Improved Familiar (probably a Cassisian Angel) and come to believe that it was his wife's spirit returned to aid him. How far that belief progressed remained to be seen.
I think that Piotr will avoid Daria, if possible, while learning as much about her as he can. If he learns that her magic could overwhelm anyone, he might decide that a threat like Daria needs to be removed for the safety of all residents of the Sword Marches (and, to get vengeance). If he finds that she could only twist or pervert pre-existing (hidden) desires, he may seek some means of atonement.
So, let it run. Maybe there will be a showdown, maybe there won't.
Ahran Draknir |
I think we should track the trolls back to (presumably) their lair while they go and rampage onwards. Fifty trolls marching in the winter must leave some trail we can track (Ahran is at +11 to that). Presumably Hargulka is there, or at least a clue to where he is, and even if not we can dispatch the guards.
Even if Corb is overestimating by a factor of two, it is still a death sentence to attack them here. And this second troll with swords in his skin sounds like some other nasty critter.
Mikhail Templeson |
Its possible that if we have fly and a bunch of fireballs handy we could do a raid and hit a bunch of them before taking off. Such a hit and run wouldn't probably kill many but it would slow them down and if the leadership has to crush a few to keep them in order that would work to our advantage. That and just slowing them gives people and lizardfolk time to get ahead.
Alister Medvyed |
But we don't have a bunch of fireballs. Aristu and Piotr have scorching ray, but that's mostly a single target spell. Otherwise, we're going toe-to-toe, maybe getting one into a pit or something. I think we can take 2 at a time, but much more than that and it's a real gamble.
Ahran Draknir |
If they're going to Stagfell then there's nothing we can do anyway. ;) Other than get the marching lizardfolk to tell everyone to evacuate right now. So I think we may as well follow their tracks back to their base.
Mikhail Templeson |
I think you are really overselling them. I have seen trolls appear in level 1 mods. Admittedly, they do something silly and reduce the normal hit points but we should be able to take on more then two without too much danger or the campaign appears like it will end badly. I doubt Hargulka will be found totally alone and he is likely to be one of the few trolls who are not just base trolls.
I have not fought trolls in Pathfinder, but we should be able to do well against an equivalent number of trolls. Especially if we can set it up so they are mostly attacking me with my higher AC.
Ahran Draknir |
If this is a group of 50 trolls (or even 20) marching as one body, though, I doubt there is much opportunity to split them up. That's why I think we should ignore this group and track where they came from.
Mikhail Templeson |
Agreed.
I was just thinking if we could toss fly on one caster with a few fire balls that trolls generally lack ranged they could fly up toss a few fire balls and then go in the opposite direction of Stagfell and go invisible before cutting back to the rest of us to head on. I didn't check out any spell lists, and apparently that isn't an option So moving on would be good.
If we start hitting 10+ trolls then I think pure numbers will just flatten us so avoiding the main body would be wise.
Alister Medvyed |
I might be overestimating them. When we took on 2, it was 1 level ago? So maybe we can handle 4 now, maybe 5. If we wanted to try and whittle them down, it could work, but it might take a while. The problem is that any troll we let escape would be back to full strength in a matter of minutes.
Sounds like we're up for tracking their trail back to their base, and hoping that they aren't going to destroy too much in the meantime.