GMTrex's Kingmaker Campaign

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Unrak wakes the next day and sees Augrym tending to his new friend. Knowing animals (and knowing a good one when he sees one), he approaches slowly and, while quiet, is open and not in any way stalking. Ho, Augrym! What is this fine beast? He reaches out a tentative hand from about ten feet away, silently asking for an introduction.

After a few beats, he rumbles You might want to introduce this fellow to Toth...slowly and carefully.

He looks about nonchalantly. Say...is our new friend Jamandi around? I'd love to get some news of the rest of the area over some breakfast!

Walks over, looks at Unrak curiously, and leans slowly looking like he’s going to lick his face. In reality, he leans in to see if his hat/helm is edible.

”I am only somewhat aware of animal behaviour but I think that means new antlered friend Grimstagg likes you.”

During downtime, Taranis will switch out a daily spell for Speak with animals, so that he can talk to the local fauna, but also get to know Grimstagg.

Taranis spends the time relaxed. It's not like the druid to be tense in social situations, an oddity for his kind. He spends most of his days outside, often barefoot. The druid's smile is large most of the time, but it's dwarfed by his ten inch beard.

He also spends time getting to know everyone a bit better. When he can, he'll spend some time with Akiros. Before going though, he'll confer with Gozreh by spending some time outside. Enhanced Diplomacy

In their short time with him, you have already taken a liking to Akiros, and decide to enlist him if you can.

To Taranis' query, Akiros returns a long, impenetrable stare. The silence drags on. And on. Taranis is about to speak further, when a thought comes unbidden into his mind: shut up.*

The silence continues on. Finally, Akiros speaks. "Got nothing better to do, I suppose." He pats the haft of his sword. "As for skills, you have already witnessed my strength at arms. I have the fortitude to lead soldiers and... and perhaps keep the peace." General or Warden would be good fits. You sense hardiness (Con), strength, and charisma in him.

* One of the biggest parts of successful fundraising is knowing when to shut up. Make your pitch, make your ask, and then shut up until the donor makes a decision. When I was running call time for campaigns, I would literally have a card next to me labeled "SHUT UP" to hold up to the caller at the right time.

As Zed's incredible mind starts churning through the possibilities, he runs a few dozen scenarios through to their logical conclusions. Although faced with a paucity of data, Zed has a plentiful dose of optimism and experience... He's seen this unfold once before in a past life in a land far from here.

He considers what travails King Odric might have avoided to the betterment of Korvosa and his kingdom if he had not had such an uneasy relationship with the man most connected to the pulsing flood of information that ebbed and flowed with the tidal effects on the Jeggare.

Zed resolves to use his particular genius to milk these lands of information in support of The Hunstmen's enterprise. He floats the idea of serving as the nascent kingdom's Spymaster with his companions over the evening repast.

Zed Leveling Stuff

Taranis calls a Counsel of the Huntsmen.

"Gentlemen, ruling a new land is going to be hard work for us." There's a heavy emphasis on the word "us." "We need more people we can trust to help us. I can travel quickly now, as the bird flies, so I'm thinking about asking Jhod for his help."

The druid chuckles a bit, "We're men of action. I have little desire to sit in an office and learning to do double-entry ledger tracking. I honestly don't know that any of us want that job. While I'm gone, how do you all feel about recruiting Oleg and Svetlana to be our treasurer?"

Ha! I think that's a capital idea! heh, see what I did there???
Unrak elbows Zed in the ribs, not hard, but with a solid couple of pushes

Taranis spends some time with the Levestons, "The two of you have been very good to us. You've provided succor and shelter as we've cleared these lands. You know the five of us as men of action. We do not possess the attention to financial detail that you do. Your skill set could be an integral piece of the new government in the Marchlands. What say you?"

ding! level 4
HP: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Oleg's eyes narrow suspiciously. "What're you asking? You asking me to leave the Trading Post? And... and do what? Run your books?" Oleg's volume increases with each question. "We just packed up last year to come out to the wilderness, and have some peace an' quiet! What'd we wanna give it all up for? City living again?"

"Oh hush," Svetlana cuts in. "It wouldn't be so bad. It'll just be a small town, a new town, not like Restov."

"Small town," Oleg repeats, having lost a bit of steam.

"Not like Restov," Svetlana repeats again. "Small! But with more commerce than we see up here, I think. And they've done so much for us! We can help them out."

"Hmph," Oleg replies, which you suppose is agreement.

"And I would be happy to help how I can too!" Svetlana smiles sweetly. You note that she is certainly the kinder of the two, and seems good with all manner of folk.

"Fine, fine. It'll take me a bit to pack up the Trading Post, but we'll be down by the end of the month," Oleg adds finally, then goes inside.

Obviously elated, Taranis gives them a big hug, "I promise, you won't regret it friends!"

----------
I've been driving a lot. Someone else who wants to talk Kesten into should drive.

Marc spends the the first week back at the trading post making trips out to the countryside, communing with nature and enjoying the wilderness.

One night, while sharing an ale with the huntsmen he talks about his concerns with the new charge from the north. "If we are to do what is requested from our Lords to the North, we must be VERY careful not to upset the natural balance of the Land. Don't get me wrong, some improvements must be made to make this land suitable for settlement. Promise me that we will not destroy what Erastil has created."

Obviously elated, Taranis gives them a big hug, "I promise, you won't regret it friends!"

Unrak gives them both hearty handshakes. We're glad to have you both on board. Truly!

I've been driving a lot. Someone else who wants to talk Kesten into should drive.

During one of the off-days, while Kesten is still present, Unrak approaches him.

Hey the big man rumbles. You understand what we're doing here, right? How important it could be? My friends and I have talked, and we need more good people to help us. I'm going to be helping my brother run things, but we need someone who can take charge of our fighting men, when we get them. We want that to be YOU. What do you say...wanna get in on the start of something BIG? How does "General Kesten" sound to you?? This last is said with a big grin.

Marc spends the the first week back at the trading post making trips out to the countryside, communing with nature and enjoying the wilderness.

One night, while sharing an ale with the huntsmen he talks about his concerns with the new charge from the north. "If we are to do what is requested from our Lords to the North, we must be VERY careful not to upset the natural balance of the Land. Don't get me wrong, some improvements must be made to make this land suitable for settlement. Promise me that we will not destroy what Erastil has created."

I'm behind you on that, and I know I speak for Tar on this one as well.

Kesten looks hesitant. "Me? Is there not someone better? I lead this handful of men here at the Trading Post, but an army? Surely not. I would just bumble the thing, I am certain of it. And what of the Trading Post? Who will protect it?"

Kesten could use a Diplomatic nudge.

"Don't get me wrong, some improvements must be made to make this land suitable for settlement. Promise me that we will not destroy what Erastil has created."[/b]

Taranis, Druid of the Second Circle, Initiate of the Green Faith, raises a single eyebrow about "not destroying what Erastil has created."[/b]

"Well brother, Gozreh is a fickle master. Sometimes he destroys what he creates. And if she's feeling it, there's little we can do to stop her."

He then softens and smiles, "But I understand you brother, and promise to maintain the balance."

-----------------------------

To Kesten, "Trust in my brother's wisdom. We are all new at this. Do you see that oak over there? It is mighty and holds up many branches which have branches in their own right. Gozreh did not put that tree in place though. It was once a sapling, scraping and struggling to survive. You may be a sapling now, but a future as a mighty oak awaits you if you 're up to the task."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

To Kesten, "Trust in my brother's wisdom. We are all new at this. Do you see that oak over there? It is mighty and holds up many branches which have branches in their own right. Gozreh did not put that tree in place though. It was once a sapling, scraping and struggling to survive. You may be a sapling now, but a future as a mighty oak awaits you if you 're up to the task."

besides, it's not like we're throwing you to the wolves. We'll be helping each other, while all of us are pushing ourselves...it's how we grow. You're a strong man, you'll do fine.

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Kesten sighs. "Very well, but do not say you were not warned. I suppose Tom Cuttle can handle protecting the Trading Post for now until Restov can send a new commander. Albus and Bester mostly follow him anyway."

Oleg approaches Augrym. "Will you be taking your piglet down south, then? Hardly a piglet any more now, of course..."

Jamandi Aldori finds Taranis after Svetlana serves a delicious evening meal. "So you are the one in charge, then? Congratulations. I hope you are ready. We are investing precious resources in you." She hands Taranis the official charter for settlement in the Greenbelt, wishes him luck, and bows politely to take her leave.

* * *

The 1st of Sarenith dawns bright, clear, and warm. Barely two hours after sunrise, a long wagon train winds through the low sloping hills towards the Trading Post. Oleg watches apprehensively, Svetlana with more excitement. Jamandi joins you in one of the catapult towers. "There they are! A few hundred settlers from Rostland, and all the materials you will need to make a good start."

You watch the wagons approach for a few minutes before Jamandi speaks again, this time to Taranis. "When they arrive, I shall introduce you as their new leader. You may say a few words as well, if you like. After all, they are in your charge as of today."

* * *

A short while later, the wagons reach the Trading Post, and the people gather round. Jamandi's voice carries well over the light breeze. "Greetings, people of Rostland, brave settlers! Men have come before you to make the Greenbelt safe for settlement, and under their charge I firmly believe that this land will flourish with prosperity! I, with the power vested in me by the Swordlords of Restov, have issued legal charter for settlement in these lands to Taranis Redleaf, who is henceforth to be known as Baron Redleaf of the Marchlands. You are now in his capable hands. You are to follow his commands and heed his judgement, within due reason, and together you will carve out a new life among the great bounty these unclaimed lands have to offer. Today is a joyous day! Please join me in lauding these men for their tremendous endeavors, and lauding yourselves for still greater triumphs to come!"

The crowd applauds in moderate fashion and quickly quiets again, eagerly and expectantly awaiting the words of their new leader.

”Thank you for reminding me good store running friend Oleg. Of course piglet will have to come with us. Once we have established our residence, I will be able to care more closely for him. Thank you for the reminder. It is much appreciated. Plus I hear that you and Sveltlana will be joining us!! I am overjoyed by this news as we will need all of the help we could get and none of us seem to have a head for numbers. You are most welcome!”

Earlier that day, Taranis met with the Spymaster, planning a spell for the occasion....

--------------------------

At the introduction, Taranis gives a smile that all can see, even from his perch atop the catapult tower. He clears his voice to speak....

And then stops.

He spreads his arms and leaps from the tower!

The druid turns into a golden eagle, and dives down to stand among the people. There he returns to his normal form.

"Welcome to the Marchlands citizens! Indeed I am Baron Taranis Redleaf, though I stand as an equal among you. Look to your left and to your right. Here you will not find the cold and timid souls of a person content with Desna's dice. You are here today to help us plant roots in Gozreh's soil for a strong future. Such an endeavor takes courage, guile, grit, and trust in one another."

Taranis begins to pace among the people. Putting his hand on the shoulder of each settler as he walks. "Strong roots make a strong tree. They tie it to the land, and they feed it's mighty branches. Its branches bear acorns. It's acorns beget a forest. I ask you, brave citizens of the Marchlands, to build a bright and prosperous forest! Work with us one another to build our barony! Together we shall tame the Stolen Lands! What say you!?"

At the last, Spymaster Zed casts his spell. Along each wall of the towers, for all to see, the illusion of banners unfurling catches everyone by surprise.

"I swear to each and every one of you, that I, Baron Taranis Redleaf, Druid of the Second Circle, and Initiate of the Green Faith will cultivate this future. Go forth! Plant roots. Show all of Avistan what kind of people we can be!"

...Taranis gives the other leaders a chance to mingle and introduce themselves. Once done he wraps up with one final, brief speech. "Fellow Marchlanders! The way forward will not be easy, but that's not why we're here. We shall struggle, and thrive. In the Old Tongue of Taldor, CONATIS VIREMVS!"

At the last, Unrak draws his great sword in salute. In a huge voice he calls out HO BARON REDLEAF!! HO MARCHLANDERS!!!!

At least I didn't yell out ME BRUDDER!!

The crowd gives a mighty cheer, a gasp, and then breaks into applause!

Then everyone stands around rather awkwardly for a moments to be certain that Taranis has finished, and gradually the hum of excited chatter runs through the gathering as people get ready to begin the journey south...

* * *

Moving this many people makes for slow going, but once you arrive at the edge of the Tuskwater, the Rostlandic settlers prove themselves to be hard workers. It takes nearly two weeks to make the journey south. Zed does some accounting along the way, and estimates that Restov has provided ample resources (50 build points) for starting a settlement. During this time, Taranis makes a speedy flight to the Temple of the Elk to visit Jhod, who, after some hand-wringing and humble platitudes of self-doubt, agrees to join your attempt as a High Priest.

In just over two weeks -- half the time you would expect -- the settlers under your direction have laid the ground for the new capital of Solasgaard. Your next major decision is to put resources towards the capital's first permanent building!

I highly recommend starting with an Inn (plus House or Tenement) or a Shrine. The erstwhile Stag Lord's Fort allows you to build a Castle at half-price, for a total of 27 BP.

* * *

Summer is in full swing on the first day of Erastus. Taranis calls a full meeting of his council for the first time.

Month of Erastus, 4718 AR
Upkeep Phase

Declare Baron's Modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Declare Spymaster's Modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Roll Stability Check.
Consumption has been deducted from the treasury.
Unrest modification to be determined.

Hoping to get The Marchlands off to a prosperous start, the Baron opts for Economy this month.

Stability: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 An auspicious start, thank Gozreh. Unrest at zero, so The Marchlands gain 1 BP.

The people of the Marchlands are just as eager to start on the right foot, and your first days as leaders are surprisingly stress-free!

Month of Erastus, 4718 AR

Upkeep Phase

Roll Loyalty check to reduce Unrest, if desired. Failure reduces Loyalty.

Edict Phase

Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Claim up to one new hex of territory, if desired. Hexes must be fully explored to be claimed. Claiming new territory will increase the Barony's Control DC.
Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired. Doing this will incur Unrest.
Pay for up to two terrain improvements to existing territory, if desired.
Pay for construction of up to one new building 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.
Raise new military units, or upgrade existing ones, if desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Declare a Festival edict.
Declare a Promotion edict.
Declare a Taxation edict.

Zed opts for economy.

Through a series of modest whisper campaigns, Zed bolsters the Barony's confidence in their own prosperity. He understands that much of am economy is based on the relative confidence of its participants.

While the whisper campaign is a net positive, Zed's interminable discussion of economic principles quickly becomes tiresome. In short order he finds himself sitting by the fire, lecturing only a sleeping Toth in an empty common room of the fort.

Boring as it may seem, the net effect of Zed's economic acumen is a confidence that inspires a measure of loyalty among the populace.

Economy: 1d20 ⇒ 18 (unsure of modifier)

Loyalty: 1d20 ⇒ 18 (unsure of modifier)

The modifier is listed in cell B6 on the Marchland tab of the Kingdom Tracker. In this case the economy modifier is +13 because you opted for Economy as your focus for the month.

Taranis recommends we begin with a solid infrastructure, and that we should immediately get some farmlands and roads underway.

@ Zed: You do not have to roll anything during the Edict Phase, just declare how the Spymaster is contributing (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability). The Economy check comes later during the Income Phase, regardless of what aspect the Spymaster chooses to focus on.

Please wait to roll until the Phase is announced. I want to keep everything as neat and orderly as possible. : )

Month of Erastus, 4718 AR

Income Phase

Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired. Per Taranis, you have chosen not to.
Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury. Per Taranis, you have chosen not to.
Roll an Economy check for tax collection. We can use Zed's roll for this, earning you 10 BP this month.

The Marchlanders take to their task like hand in glove, and even contribute a healthy sum of taxes to the treasury! Meanwhile, the first buildings of the capital go up in a hurry, providing an inn at which travelers and trappers can stay as they pass through. Svetlana takes up the task of running the inn, and she and Oleg (who shows Taranis an official treasury document and comments, "You keep spelling my name wrong,") take up residence there.

Month of Erastus, 4718 AR

Event Phase

1d100 ⇒ 97 Bandit activity! And roll again.
1d100 ⇒ 23 Beneficial event! Roll to determine.
1d100 ⇒ 79 Natural blessing!

Bandit Activity: the lands around the former Stag Lord's Fort remain rife with bandits, each one poised to become the new boss in these parts. They threat the stability of your fledgling barony! Roll a Stability check.

Natural blessing: A bounty of summer bloom has manifested in the area, providing food for your people and fragrant scents on the wind that ease your hard work. A temporary +4 bonus has been added to your Stability modifier.

stability: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Looks like a decent roll.

Your newly appointed warden, Akiros Ismort, proves his loyalty and earns his keep by driving off the bandits before anything valuable is stolen!

All in all, the new barony of the Marchlands is off to an auspicious start. For founding the barony of the Marchlands and establishing its capital of Solasgaard, each Huntsman earns 900 XP!

Getting this enterprise off the ground is hard work. You hope that things will soon settle into a routine and occupy less of your attention, but for the moment all of your energies are consumed by managing the new barony, supervising construction and public works, getting acquainted with your people, and sorting out the inevitable frictions. The month of Arodus arrives in no time, and memories of Archerfest are now long past as Iomedae's faithful recognize the anniversary of her ascendance.

Baron Redleaf again calls together his council of advisors on the first of the month.

Month of Arodus, 4718 AR

Upkeep Phase

Declare Baron's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Roll Stability Check.
Consumption has been deducted from the treasury.
Decide whether the Justicar will attempt a Loyalty check to suppress Unrest, and roll if so.

I went nuts last month. Someone else can take the reins for some of these checks. :-)

stability: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

The barony continues to develop amiably.

Month of Arodus, 4718 AR

Edict Phase

Declare Spymaster's modifier (Economy, Loyalty, or Stability).
Assign new leadership or fill vacancies, if desired.
Claim up to one new hex of territory, if desired. This hex must be fully explored to be claimed.
Abandon any number of hexes of existing territory, if desired.
Pay for up to two terrain improvements to existing territory, if desired.
Pay for construction of up to one new building 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.
Raise new military units, or upgrade existing ones, if desired. Pay any recruitment costs.
Issue any new edicts, if desired.

Marc spends the first weeks of the new barony visiting the homesteads on the frontier. He spends one day with the Leaf Family creating a one room sod house north and west of the new town. He spends the next day helping the Durlac family patch nets west of Town on the shores of the Tuskwater. Young Rudol Durlac asked a question that Marc could not answer,"How big is the 'Water and what is on the other side?"
Marc thinks for a moment, " I don't know Little One, but when I find out, I will come straight here and tell you myself."

"The gods have smiled on our undertaking, and our skill and effort have done us proud. High Priest Jhod, How do you feel about increasing the number of holidays to six. Charter Day has been established, and this gives each of the original Huntsmen a day to add to the calendar. What say you?"

"Augrym, Unrak, Marc. We've yet to discuss a military. Maybe you three should plan this?"

"I'd like to build our economy quickly, so that we can expand. Marc has said, and I agree, that we should become masters of all the lands around Solasgaard. What say you?"

"Aye! How can we secure the boarders if we don't know what's on the other side of them?" Marc looks around the table."It is not just our lives that we control but everyone soul that inhabits the Marchlands."

Your people are indeed eager to develop a fishery on the Tuskwater, and do so with alacrity. Folks are more skeptical about a library all the way out here, but they bend to the task nonetheless.

Month of Arodus, 4718 AR

Income Phase

Withdraw resources from the treasury for personal use, if desired.
Deposit personal resources into the barony's treasury.
Roll an Economy check for tax collection.

Event Phase
1d100 ⇒ 18 Event!
1d100 ⇒ 47 Dangerous event!

Marc ponders the important days for Erastil. "We should honor the planting of the new crops when the sun crosses the equator. Archer's Day and the Harvesting Festival are something our denizens should look forward to."

Income Check: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Trappers and traders in the area steadily learn about the new settlement at the edge of the Tuskwater, and many come to town to sell their goods. The Marchlands continues to prosper!

Late in the day on the 28th of Arodus, Marc finds himself visiting the newly built library and scanning its scant shelves. Curiosity brought him here, he supposes, more than anything else. Perhaps there are some texts on Erastil that the settlers have managed to scrounge together.

He turns a corner and stops suddenly. A leering woman grins at him, not two paces away, and holds a lance level at his gut. "Caught without your patrol, eh? Too bad. I never like easy prizes... but a prize is a prize!" She lunges with the lance, but Marc is quicker!

Round I
1. Marc
2. Assassin
3. Unrak, Zed, Taranis, Augrym

Marc nearly looses his grip on his pole arm at the shock of being attacked in his new home.

"ALARM!! HUNTSMEN TO THE LIBRARY! HELP!!!

swift action to cast divine favor

and attack:
attack on foolish assassin: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 3 = 15
damage: 2d4 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + 3 = 12

The woman grins wider and ducks almost lazily out of the way. "They won't come fast enough, my sweet," she coos. Her lance-stroke is precise and heavy, and Marc cannot help but groan as the blood rushes from the puncture in his shoulder.

Lance @ Marc: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Outside, Taranis and the others are surveying Solasgaard for future structures, and hear the shout from the library. It will take 2 rounds to reach the steps (where you are on the map).

Round II
1. Marc (16/28 hp)
2. Assassin
3. [1 round from map] Unrak, Zed, Taranis, Augrym

Marc winces at the pain in his shoulder. A grim smile comes across his face, "IF Erastil wills it, it will be." He knows a few more hits like that will finish him. He decided a tactical retreat is in order. withdraws to around the corner.