Aye. As honest a death as one could ever hope for.
"Ah. I suppose worms do eat us all, in the end," Edrist replies, still crestfallen at the news. "I suppose I better go see to his funereal rites in absentia. My thanks, Your Grace."
True to his word, a courier arrives with a guard escort an hour later, bearing gold ingots worth 3,000 crowns.
With Neth's petitioners due to arrive in mere days, there is little time to return to the field, so you elect to spend a bit more time in Solasgaard.
Taranis bids the noble farewell, and extends his condolences once more.
Taranis will relax and spend 3 days working. Post will have to wait a bit, though I'm ready for kinging.
Looking to relax, but will cast Ears of the City to see if anything is going on. If something pops, I will use consequent rounds to focus on that subject.
John and his sons take the time away from the path to volunteer their services to the community, focusing on the needy, the forgotten, or the marginalized. They do so without fanfare, and take no credit for their actions.
Looking to relax, but will cast Ears of the City to see if anything is going on.
Augrym hears rumors of a recent clash between Issian and Rostlandic patrols a few miles north of Restov, in which swords were bared and blood was drawn. There is much talk of the threat of a deeper conflict breaking out soon, as Restov shifts towards a war footing.
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare the Duke's modifiers (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check. If successful, reduce Unrest by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items: . Reykalaston: N/A.
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 4 new hexes of territory, if desired. All hexes must be fully explored to be claimed.
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Step 4 - Build Terrain: Pay for up to 7 terrain improvements in existing territory, if desired.
Step 5 - Settlements: Found up to 2 new settlements in existing territory. A site must first be prepared for settlement. Additionally, pay for construction of up to 10 new buildings in your existing settlements. The construction of a single house, tenement, noble villa, or mansion does not count against this limit, but must still be paid for.
Step 6 - Army: Raise up to 2 new military units (less any new settlements founded this month), or upgrade or repair existing ones, as desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Step 7 - Edicts: Issue any new edicts as desired.
Mayor Loy Rezbin of Tatzylford sends his regards and regrets that he cannot appear in person, but hopes that the Duke might see fit to provide the town with resources to construct some additional housing and a dance hall---line dancing has become quite popular and the town hall is too small for the growing crowds.
Edict Phase Summary
Income Phase
Step 1 - Withdraw from Treasury: Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Step 2 - Deposit to Treasury: Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Step 3 - Sell Items: Sell up to 2 personal magical items to benefit the treasury.
Step 4 - Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
EVENT
SETTLEMENT
Solasgaard
CULT ACTIVITY
A fringe cult dedicated to an aspect of Gorum begins kidnapping, and brainwashing, and training teenagers in Solasgaard, for the purpose of enlisting them in an elite mercenary company intent on selling its services to a Brevic noble. Akiros is gathering men to find, strike, and destroy the cult's operations center.
Income Phase Summary
After a frantic hunt, the cult is quickly destroyed, the captives rescued and (eventually) rehabilitated. Among the people, however, there are those who whisper that you were involved in the cults origins, perhaps even through a secret deal brokered with Restov to swell the ranks of its militias. The citizenry becomes a little more guarded, a little less carefree, though most people still treat those rumors as unfounded conspiracy theory.
The Huntsmen assemble at Castle Redleaf on a chill, blustery [color=teal]8th Neth[/color] to discuss their plans.
Looking to relax, but will cast Ears of the City to see if anything is going on.Augrym hears rumors of a recent clash between Issian and Rostlandic patrols a few miles north of Restov, in which swords were bared and blood was drawn. There is much talk of the threat of a deeper conflict breaking out soon, as Restov shifts towards a war footing.
Report this directly to Taranis.
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Downtime Day 1 of 3
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[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
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Downtime Day 2 of 3
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
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Downtime Day 3 of 3
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[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
"We are nearly done with our SE border. Let us go and explore."
When the month begins, Unrak starts recruiting warriors in earnest. He's got a few courtiers travelling, spreading the word that the Marchlands is looking for only the best warriors to be stationed at Castle Redleaf, ready to be called out to defend our home's borders against any threat!!
Seeking to recruit a medium (100) army of L3 warriors. Will equip with missile weapons.
Cost: 6 BP initial layout; consumption 2 BP/month if stationed at the castle. Depending on how this works out economically, may recruit a small army of clerics in the future, as well as stationing troops in our other settlements that can house them.
Hey boys...we need a name for our army. How about 'The Marchland Shields?'
in a more serious tone...Brother, I'd be better suited as General, but I don't know that there's a suitable Councilor to take my place. But I can at least train with our new boys to command them in battle. If we find someone who we can trust to be Councilor, I think I should move over to Generalship.
With the hundred swords of the Marchland Shields stationed at Castle Redleaf, the fortress feels considerably less empty, which takes some getting used to---longer lines for the privies, and more crowding on the battlements. But on the whole, it is nice to see more life in the place.
After speeches, a toast, and the raising of the banners, the Huntsmen set off south again. The southern expanse of the Kamelands seems nigh endless: hills upon hills upon hills. Still, you take satisfaction in filling in a blank space on the map. On [color=teal]13th Neth[/color] you debate whether to turn northeast or continue directly east for the Tors.
The Huntsmen spend the next week and a half mapping out the Kamelands around the Whispering Grotto, all the way to the western edge of the Tors that rise steeply to the southeast. That accomplished, they strike north to reach Lake Silverstep, then follow the Gudrin Road back to Solasgaard, returning to Castle Redleaf on [color=teal]25th Neth[/color].
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare the Duke's modifiers (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check. If successful, reduce Unrest by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items: .
Solasgaard Luxury Store Wand Greater Minor L1, CL1 Common Wand of Ray of Enfeeblement
Tatzylford Exotic Artisan Wondrous Pearl of Power II
Solasgaard Temple Potion Lesser Minor L1, CL1 Common Potion of Protection from Law
Reykalaston N/A
Fochlucan Minor Wondrous Universal Solvent
Fochlucan Minor Wondrous Handy Haversack
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 4 new hexes of territory, if desired. All hexes must be fully explored to be claimed.
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Step 4 - Build Terrain: Pay for up to 7 terrain improvements in existing territory, if desired.
Step 5 - Settlements: Found up to 2 new settlements in existing territory. A site must first be prepared for settlement. Additionally, pay for construction of up to 10 new buildings in your existing settlements. The construction of a single house, tenement, noble villa, or mansion does not count against this limit, but must still be paid for.
Step 6 - Army: Raise up to 2 new military units (less any new settlements founded this month), or upgrade or repair existing ones, as desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Step 7 - Edicts: Issue any new edicts as desired.
Among the petitioners to appear before the Duke this month is Mayor Loy Rezbin himself, making the journey himself rather than sending a representative. "Your Grace," Rezbin bows, "with your support, our humble town of Tatzylford has grown into a thriving community. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity in getting us on our feet."
"I come to you today with a more significant request than usual... You see, with your help were able to build a small gathering space dedicated to Erastil. This serves well when we were few, but now our community has swelled."
Rezbin clears his throat. "Additionally... about the new "dance hall." The establishment, it is called Thrillseeker's. Dancing lessons are not the only service one might find there. The townsfolk are quite divided on the subject, y'see, some see no offense in it, others take issue. Priestess Evanore and I believe that expanding the Tatzylford Lodge will help us keep the community together, despite the disagreements."
Upkeep Phase Summary
Edict Phase Summary
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Downtime Day 1 of 5
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
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Downtime Day 2 of 5
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
Income Phase
Step 1 - Withdraw from Treasury: Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Step 2 - Deposit to Treasury: Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Step 3 - Sell Items: Sell up to 2 personal magical items to benefit the treasury.
Step 4 - Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
No event
Income Phase Summary
[spoiler=Downtime]
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Downtime Day 1 of 7
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
-----------------------------------------
Downtime Day 1 of 7
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
Kuthona's business concluded, the Huntsmen assemble on [color=teal]8th Kuthona[/color].
"Let's visit the growing Tatzylford. From there we can cut West then North."
You spend one night on the road near the Grove of Melianse, and reach Tatzylford on the [color=teal]9th[/color]. Tatzylford is a cozy village located in a large clearing deep in the Narlmarch woods, situated across what was once a ford in the Skunk River. Now a bridge spans the waterway, allowing passage east and west, though the road soon peters out to the north soon after the outlying homes on the far bank of the river.
The town's Mayor, Loy Rezbin, comes hurrying across the bridge as word of your arrival spreads. He has put on weight since he first came to Solasgaard to ask for your support for his ideas, and he puffs mightily by the time he comes up. "M'lords! What an honor to have you here---apologies for the lack of pomp, we weren't expecting. Was just across the Skunk overseein' the new improvements to the Lodge with Latricia---Priestess Evanore, that is. Comin' along proper. Will you stay the night? Able's only got five rooms at his little inn, but they're clean and comfy, and I'll have him put all of 'em at your disposal. Have you eaten, your Grace? Come, come, you must be hungry from the road."
With the affable Loy as your host and guide, you spend a very pleasurable evening in town. Before sunset, he takes you on a tour of the village, pointing out the town hall at the center, which doubles as a small fort that the town has far outgrown as well as the Mayor's residence ("Can hardly remember when that was the only building in town!"), the library that serves as a schoolhouse, ("Lady Emfaun, runs the place, she's a gem"), the various shops about town ("ah, there's Ironhand Smithy, an' Gnori's Gems over there, 'course there's Roschinder's General Store too"), the partly-complete expansion of the Lodge across the river where Priestess Evanore leads the townsfolk in their worship of Erastil ("thankee again for makin' this possible"), even the gaudy facade of Thrillseeker's, which promises games of chance and soft companionship after hours ("if that's your fancy, o'course"). You then visit Tatzlwyrm Tavern, with its taxidermied tatzlwyrm coiling above the bar, to enjoy a fine feast of roasted venison, flash-fried fish, and the delicious huckleberry mead and sweet ale brewed locally at the River Run Alehouse. "Mighty fine, ain't it? Puts that Cheerful Delver Stout from off yonder to shame, I'd bet," Rezbin grins, nodding eastward in the direction of Varnhold.
The rooms at Able's Inn are indeed cozy and comfortable, and Able Morkentian proves a very gracious innkeeper. In the morning he lays out a hearty table of poached eggs, an earthy rye bread, crisp bacon, and several tasty jams for you to enjoy before returning to the road.
After breakfast, you cross the bridge and strike west, soon leaving the road behind and plunging into the depths of the Narlmarches. The sights, smells, and sounds of the forest call back (for Augrym, Taranis, and Unrak at least) memories of your earliest days exploring the Greenbelt, when all this land was still truly wild.
Indeed, the occasional sight of wild game and wilder fey remind you that not all is tamed here.
After some time slowly making your way west, you breach the western edge of the woods, and look for the first time upon the vast, trackless expanse of swampland to the west: the Hooktongue Slough.
On [color=teal]15th Kuthona[/color], you debate whether to proceed northeast or southeast to stay in the forest, or to plunge westward into the swamp.
The Duke spends time showing genuine appreciation for the hospitality and the quality of the meal. He eagerly shakes the hand of anyone who proffer it, and waves to all who meet his gaze.
"Lads, let's strike northeast."
The Duke finds his retail politics well received---many here live their lives in the woods among deer and oak, having never been to the capital, and most are pleasantly surprised to be paid the attention from one so lofty.
* * *
You turn northeast, tracing the edge of the forest as you go. Some miles north, the Narlmarches bend further east, while the Slough falls away west, leaving an open stretch of the Rostlandic plains (though not claimed as such) widening in between. You consider your next choice on [color=teal]17th Kuthona[/color].
"Let us cut north and map the frontier." Map the 3 hexes that are shaded grey.
DV60, Scent
and LLV Scent
On the fourth day of your exploration of the plains, while John and Unrak are locked in a debate over the best way to prepare a venison steak, the rest of the Huntsmen discover a small, arranged pile of stones hidden in an overgrown blackberry patch---a long undisturbed cairn, moss growing thick over the stones.
There are no markings or symbols on the stones to indicate who might lie below, who they were, or how or why they fell.
Taranis makes note of the cairn, cautious that it's the result of some fell beast nearby. "We're far from the roads, we should head back soon."
You make camp nearby, contemplating the stones through the night. The morning brings snow and a howling wind that whips across the open plain. The date is [color=teal]22nd Kuthona[/color].
"Let's go home lads."
You make for the Temple of the Elk in the northern reaches of the Narlmarches, then follow the Elk Road east and the Thorn Road south back to Solasgaard, arriving on [color=teal]26th Kuthona[/color]. You have a few days to prepare for the upcoming Night of the Pale and celebrations for New Year's Day.
Upkeep Phase
Step 0 - Ruler: Declare the Duke's modifiers (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Stability: Roll Stability Check. If successful, reduce Unrest by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
Step 2 - Consumption: Consumption has been deducted from the treasury. See "Ledger" tab.
Step 3 - Magic Items: .
Varnhold: Temple Potion Greater Minor L1, CL1 Uncommon Oil of Hold Portal
Reykalaston: N/A
Step 4 - Modify Unrest: Roll Loyalty Check to reduce Unrest, if desired (cannot be reduced below 0). Failure incurs permanent -1 penalty to Loyalty.
Edict Phase
Step 0 - Spymaster: Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Step 1 - Assign Leadership: Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Step 2 - Claim Hex: Claim up to 4 new hexes of territory, if desired. All hexes must be fully explored to be claimed.
Step 3 - Abandon Hex: Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Step 4 - Build Terrain: Pay for up to 7 terrain improvements in existing territory, if desired.
Step 5 - Settlements: Found up to 2 new settlements in existing territory. A site must first be prepared for settlement. Additionally, pay for construction of up to 10 new buildings in your existing settlements. The construction of a single house, tenement, noble villa, or mansion does not count against this limit, but must still be paid for.
Step 6 - Army: Raise up to 2 new military units (less any new settlements founded this month), or upgrade or repair existing ones, as desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Step 7 - Edicts: Issue any new edicts as desired.
Upkeep Phase Summary
Edict Phase Summary
The building of roads in the east and a new military academy in the south get underway.
Income Phase
Step 1 - Withdraw from Treasury: Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Step 2 - Deposit to Treasury: Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Step 3 - Sell Items: Sell up to 2 personal magical items to benefit the treasury.
Step 4 - Roll an Economy check for tax collection.
Event Phase
EVENT
KINGDOM
Archaeological Find
A group of young archaeologists travel to the so-called "Redwood Keep," eager study the ruin now that you have (hopefully) cleared the place of dangers. They return with several ancient elven artifacts found buried beneath layers of sediment in the outlying grounds, spurring some local interest in the long-gone elven settlement.
Unrak makes sure to spend some time with the Sheilds, keeping his own leadership skills sharp (his voice bellows across the field, so there's no problem there!) and making sure the troops will respond to his commands.
For downtime, Bytor entertains for the biggest crowds that he can at the largest venues he can find.
Income Phase Summary
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Downtime Day 1 of 3
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
-----------------------------------------
Downtime Day 2 of 3
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
-----------------------------------------
Downtime Day 2 of 7
--------------------------------
[blue]Phase 1 (Upkeep):[/blue] Pay costs associated with maintaining completed buildings and organizations.
[blue]Phase 2 (Activity):[/blue]Perform downtime activities, such as constructing a building, recruiting an organization, or retraining.
[blue]Phase 3 (Income):[/blue]
[blue]Phase 4 (Event):[/blue]
With snow on the battlements, the Huntsmen decide to assemble by a roaring fire in the Great Hall to consider the month's endeavors. The date is [color=teal]8th Abadius[/color].
"Let us make a visit to Tiressia, then strike West."
You follow the Skunk Road to the west, making for the Grove of Tiressia. Shortly after breakfast on [color=teal]9th Abadius[/color], as you finish packing your belongings for the day's journey, a loud raven circles above your encampment beside the road. The bird eventually lands by the smoldering remains of the morning's cookfire.
A small furl of parchment is attached to its leg.
The script is small and quickly written, but legible all the same.
Greetings, my liege lords---I write in haste. A woman has come to Tatzylford bearing warnings that, if they are to be believed, portend a terrible threat to our town. She speaks of armies of bandits, hordes of barbarians, and worse organizing to the west beyond the Hooktongue Slough. To date, we have had no trouble with these elements, but this woman is quite convincing. She tells us an army is marching on Tatzylford and will be here by sundown. If this be true, we have desperate need of your aid in defending our homes. May Erastil give you speed. - Loy Rezbin
"Salt and sand! Gentlemen, our expedition needs to take a turn. Let's head to Tatzylford with all haste."
Once within nine miles, Taranis pulls up to whisper on the wind, "We are en route. Arrival imminent. Continue question, conduct census of able-bodied citizens."