”Agreed. At the least, we know what we are dealing with.”
"Brother. What say you of their puissance?"
Unrak chuffs out a throaty grumble. Our numbers are greater, but their defensive position AND magic equipment makes them a tough nut. I *think* we'd win, but it'd cost us if we pulled it off.
He mused. If we brought the Shields down to join the Terrors, that would be a different story. Would still be costly, but we'd win that one, unless Desna gave us the finger on the day of battle.
With a deep inhale & slow exhale, he eyes the watchtower. Maybe parley would be smart here--find out what the intentions are, what the force's goals are, that sort of thing? He gives a bit of an evil smile And maybe determine if a siege is the best bet? With two armies of double their size, we should be able to give them something to think about, savvy?
"I'm open to parlay, but at the same time, I have little hope for anything substantial. Let's return, move troops up, and spend some time fortifying our border. I know that you cannot win on defense, but we're still building up our forces and our eastern border is currently safe."
We can also think about increasing our effectiveness against fortified positions, improving equipment, that sort of thing. Whipping up some troops for quick defense was my main goal, but now...there's a more discrete threat to target.
He frowns. So, should we even bother trying to talk? Or just move on and prepare to hit them on our own terms, by surprise or something?
"Let's cut back east, head home, and fortify this position on the river."
The Huntsmen turn back from the bridge and ride east over the plains. The grasslands between Rostland and the Narlmarches are open and sparsely populated---few still consider the frontier safe enough to settle. You wrap up your exploration of the area by sundown on [color=teal]18th Calistril[/color] and decide your next course over breakfast the following morning.
"Let's look a bit more to the south east of our current position and then head back to prepare."
You ride in the direction of the Statue of Erastil, but take the time to explore and map your surroundings along the way. Just a few days later you return to Castle Redleaf.
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Downtime Day 1 of 6
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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 6
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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 3 of 6
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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 4 of 6
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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 5 of 6
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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 6 of 6
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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]
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: .
Tatzylford: Tatzylford Lodge Minor Wondrous Necklace of Fireballs, Type V
Varnhold: Temple of Erastil Minor Potion L0, CL1 Common Potion of Guidance
Reykalaston: Military Academy Minor Armor/Shield Specific Shield Mithral Heavy Shield
Reykalaston: Military Academy Medium Weapon +1 Weapon +1 Dwarven Waraxe
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 development of the Narlmarches continues, and a watchtower is raised at the headwaters of the Thorn River.
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
Tatzylford
Unexpected Find
Medium
Gnori, the only resident gnome of Tatzylford, discovers a small figurine of a dog on the eastern bank of the river---presumably dropped by one of Drelev's men during the battle. It turns out to be an onyx dog figurine of wondrous power, which he puts up for sale in his gem shop.
Income Phase Summary
Unrak spends time with the Shields, preparing them for future action.
He also addresses the rest of the Huntsmen. Boys, we need to talk about Drelev and what to do about him. There are considerations...
As Oleg wraps up his report for this month, you find that a few extra coins made their way into your coffers this month.
On [color=teal]8th Pharast[/color], Unrak gathers the Huntsmen for a council of war.
"I'd like to build up our forces on the western front. We know there was a force to the northwest. I want to find that force with one of our own. Perhaps it's time to do some serious recon this month."
Unrak sits comfortably with a tankard of ale in his huge hand. Once the group is together, he starts the conversation.
Let's talk about the Drelev question. I know we all would have been eager, if we'd had a sufficient army at our backs, to take out that watchtower. And I tend to think that I'm glad we didn't have that army.
None of us are fans of the man himself--hell, I'll be the president of the hate club if there is one made!! Would love nothing better than to get that scabbard I gave him back. But, he IS a leader, recognized by the same authority that legitimizes our own leadership. What would be the response--never mind Drelev's OWN response--if we were to invade his lands??
He pauses for effect, and takes a drink.
Maybe we should prepare ourselves for an inevitable first strike from him. Start claiming the area west of Tatzylford. I can also concentrate on building up our armies--just tell me how much money I can spend, brother, and I'll give you an ARMY!--but only lightly defend the actual border, sort of inviting an invasion. I'd much rather see "what would the reaction be to an invasion" if we're not on the business end of that reaction.
Thoughts?
"I'd like to build up our forces on the western front. We know there was a force to the northwest. I want to find that force with one of our own. Perhaps it's time to do some serious recon this month."
Unrak muses What would the diplomatic ramifications be if we ourselves were in Drelev's lands?
”Unrak, as I see this land becoming more dangerous all of the time, I am starting to see the need for a stronger army. Let me know if you feel differently, but at the moment, I would not see the need for conscription, but if you could muster a volunteer force that would help keep morale high and accomplish our security goals.”
Bytor pauses a moment.
”With regards to diplomatic ramifications of the Drelev connection, there is no easy answer. It was difficult to make any great connection with him and even his wife with that snappy dog was a challenge for even my skills. I am also not convinced he has the moral code of our own Duke Redleaf. He is a shrewd power hungry leader and I agree that he is someone we need to keep an eye on. Unrak, do you think Drelev would invade our lands?”
”Unrak, as I see this land becoming more dangerous all of the time, I am starting to see the need for a stronger army. Let me know if you feel differently, but at the moment, I would not see the need for conscription, but if you could muster a volunteer force that would help keep morale high and accomplish our security goals.”
Bytor pauses a moment.
”With regards to diplomatic ramifications of the Drelev connection, there is no easy answer. It was difficult to make any great connection with him and even his wife with that snappy dog was a challenge for even my skills. I am also not convinced he has the moral code of our own Duke Redleaf. He is a shrewd power hungry leader and I agree that he is someone we need to keep an eye on. Unrak, do you think Drelev would invade our lands?”
Unrak gives a one-breath chuckle. I think you answered your own question with your previous sentence, my friend! I've learned that when someone shows you who they are, believe them. And Drelev showed his jealousy and ego at that little shin-dig. We'd be fools to think he won't eventually move on us. So yeah, I think he will invade our lands, while coming up with some reason why it's only proper and right that he should. And when he does, I'm going to disabuse him of that idea, with extreme prejudice.
He pauses. I've got no use for conscripts; if we ever get to the point where we think we need to force folks to defend their homes, we've already lost. But yeah, being ready to defend our home is the right course of action. I'll start putting together what I think we need for an actual army--we've made a good start, but I agree, we need more military strength, and versatility.
But I'd like you all to pipe in on my strategic thoughts--claim the land to the northwest, press against Drelev's border, but DON'T make overt moves. We let him come to us, then respond to his force with our own--but ONLY respond. For now.
After a pause, Unrak rubs his eyes with one hand. Being Councilor has dulled my usual instincts. I'm thinking like a phlucking politician instead of a warrior. Drelev's forces attacked Tatzylford, so yeah, we're going to protect what's ours--with extreme prejudice.
Here's what I propose: we head west to rescue Kisandra's kin. This will do three things: Save her kin, get us some support--or at least sympathy--in Drelev's lands, AND allow us to do some scouting. Before we go, though, I think we should cover ourselves diplomatically and write up a letter. Let the Swordlords know what is going on: that Drelev is a puppet for Pitax and the Tiger Lords, and we are planning on keeping "his" lands under the Restov banner--and it looks likely it'll have to be by the sword. And that we're justified in relieving this joker of his barony by right of blood of OUR folk.
Anyone think I don't have the right of things? Speak out.
"I like your proposal, Unrak. The fact that we are keeping the Swordlords in the loop will only add to our political support of any retaliation. How long until you think we will have an army that can make a significant impact on Drelev?"
"I believe your path is the path of honor and will bring glory to the house of Redleaf, rage fillled friend Unrak. Let us begin this plan. I look forward to spilling the blood of Drelev soldiers in your name, good leader friend Taranis."
"Let's adventure forth then my friends."
Before you leave town, you note two new wanted posters pasted near the city gate.
Well then! Let's be off, and get as much done as we can! I say we head northwest toward that tower, and scout out how to enter Drelev's lands. Bytor, we won't know how big a force we'll need until we have a better idea of Drelev's forces.
Green slugs of this nature are likely found...
Giant Dragonflies of this nature are likely found...
Green slugs of this nature are likely found...
Giant Dragonflies of this nature are likely found...
The Huntsmen take the road to Tatzylford once again, then pass on west of the Narlmarches and over the plains. On [color=teal]12th Pharast[/color] you descend once again in the marshy, sodden terrain of the Hooktongue Slough. To your west the wide East Sellen River winds slowly through the muck-choked fen, broadening and slowing as it approaches Lake Hooktongue.
In the distance, you see several run-down structures built along the river's edge.
Taranis looks over the ground to make sure we don't have a repeat of sinking If it's safe, he leads the party to the structures.
The way forward is wet---very wet---but passable. Towards sundown you reach the structures, which prove to be ramshackle huts built on stilts at the edge of the East Sellen, which stretches over a mile wide as it flows into Lake Hooktongue.
The huts look to be in a sad state, and the air is quiet.
Taranis advances to the fountain, keeping an eye for danger.
"I will enchant us for movement in the bog, but only once we're ready." Will cast Mass Feather Step.
Taranis is wise to stay alert. As he reaches the fountain, a number of toad-like heads with bulbous eyes and a multitude of warts burst out of the bog, while others pop out of shattered windows or holes in the thatching of various buildings. It's an ambush!
+2 if Surprise
+2 if Surprise
Surprise
1. Taranis
2.
Round I
1. John, Augrym, Gozrek, Bytor, Unrak, Taranis
2.
Taranis quickly fills the bog with stone! [ooc]All in the spell take It's now also.... difficult terrain?
Toth closes
Taranis knows a boggard when he sees one.
The stones crash down on the northern part of the village, smacking a half-dozen boggards along the way.
The nearest boggards all lift their heads and issue an unsettling croak that causes your stomach to drop.
As if in answer to the cry, the remaining boggards unleash a hail of poisoned darts.
MISS
MISS
MISS
MISS
MISS
MISS
MISS
But they all miss.
Round I
1. John (2 Will saves), Augrym (2 Will saves), Gozrek (2 Will saves), Bytor (2 Will saves), Unrak (4 Will saves), Taranis (4 Will saves, Toth 4 Will saves)
2. Boggards (Green @ 6 dmg each)
Undaunted, Taranis begins a spell to summon some allies
Toth also has no problem with the boggard attacks, opting to simply eat one:
for
THREAT
for
for
for
Toth nearly bites the head off a boggard at the first go, and finishes the job easily with the second bite. Taranis begins a chant of summoning.
Round I
1. John (2 Will saves), Augrym (2 Will saves), Gozrek (2 Will saves), Bytor (2 Will saves), Unrak (4 Will saves), Taranis (Toth shaken)
2. Boggards (Green @ 6 dmg each)
AHHHHH!!!!!!!"
The swamp, village, and river fade from Gozrek's view. A figure lies curled at his feet. Slowly, it stirs, unfolding tentatively like a book left out on a damp winter's night, pages stuck together from the wet. That is when he notices the blood. The figure, now a woman, is dressed in ragged black, but blood seeps from beneath her clothes and drips onto the pale ground at her feet. She lifts her head, dank hair slowly falling back. He knows he should not look, but he cannot look away.
Mother.
Reykala has no eyes. Her jaw hangs loose, broken and bleeding. Her red finger rises, inch by inch, an accusing rod aimed unerringly at her eldest son. He knows this is a dream, a vision, an apparition, but that does not make it any less real. He opens his mouth to scream but no sound follows. Instead, it is Reykala that issues the wail of a thousand banshees, a fury of vengeance promised on its wind. His legs are ice and stone. He shuts his eyes tight, tighter than he thought possible, but that only makes the vision clearer.
At last the dam bursts. He shrieks and flees, struggling through the bog to escape that unholy terror behind his eyes.
The boggard simply licks its lips.
Round I
1. John (2 Will saves), Augrym (2 Will saves), Gozrek (frightened), Bytor (shaken), Unrak (4 Will saves), Taranis (Toth shaken)
2. Boggards (Green @ 6 dmg each)
Unrak is also familiar with boggards, so he flies into his rage
He roars his defiance at the boggards, and charges in, sword whooshing menacingly
Unrak cuts down a boggard with alacrity!
Round I
1. John (2 Will saves), Augrym (2 Will saves), Gozrek (frightened), Bytor (shaken), Unrak, Taranis (Toth shaken)
2. Boggards (Green @ 6 dmg each)
Unrak cuts down a boggard with alacrity!
Double move across the board.
"We seem to find ourselves surrounded. Does any Huntsman have any suggestions?"
Saving Throw! plus...
- Fortitude: +8
- Reflex: +10
- Will: +6
Saving Throw! plus...
- Fortitude: +8
- Reflex: +10
- Will: +6
- Round the First
- Current HPs: 76/76
- Shaken
"Steady lad!"
John aims at the boggard directly north of him with a muttured curse and a worried glance towards Gozrek... and waits for Bytor's inspiring words to help steady his bow.
Round I
1. John (shaken), Augrym, Gozrek (frightened), Bytor (shaken), Unrak, Taranis (Toth shaken)
2. Boggards (Green @ 6 dmg each)
Bytor delivers the inspiring courage that his companions need!
"Brothers, rise to arms! Let us take down these slimy boggards and put an end to their menacing ways!"
His Bardic Performance begins!
Bytor then moves back into a defensive position with his longsword drawn.