Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
Arumil Amaim |
My first post on page one of the gameplay thread was a description. Here it is, let me know if its not good enough.
Slim and towering at six feet ten inches, not counting his large pointed nearly needle like ears. His sharp features, solid sapphire eyes, and complex black hair style completed his exotic appearance. His clothes in contrast were simple and well worn. Sturdy brown boots, leather breeches, a belt over a sash, a white shirt beneath a forest green vest, and crossed bandoliers. Upon his hands plain gloves, a deep green cloak on his back, and a sky blue scarf that often came up just under his nose gave a strange impression to say the least.
DM Haldhin |
If Raxus were to hit someone in the face with a Bear Trap, and hold onto the lead chain, could he then swing them around by it and slam them into things?
By RAW, I don't think so.
By my rules, I'd give you an opposed Strength check, maybe a grapple check, something like that. The trap would also have to make a save each time the victim impacted against something or break, setting the victim free. Something like that.
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Would it be possible to sunder the stockade without hurting the gnomes?
Definitely, it's made of wood, and the gnomes can squeeze into spaces on the far side if Raxus wants to try and break down part of the wall.
Arumil Amaim |
Well I guess your mad at me. He looks a little evil to me or smug like I want to trip him kind of smug you know. x3
He makes me smile but I would not claim him. xD
Thanks for the effort was just too tall an order on my part. My bad.
Arumil Amaim |
I don't like to bug people. But if you have free time, yeah I know its crazy this "free time". xP
Skin tone jumps out I would go lighter sense he is an elf. Looks strange to me maybe its lighting, is lighting involved?
Anyways I would also lower the belt sense it looks like his waist is unnaturally high. Give him a bit more muscle sense their is a line between lean and skeletal. Maybe also soften his facial structure as he kinda looks like an older guy mostly around the mouth and under eyes. Also maybe a change of clothes sense he looks like he is wearing a dress to me.
Again if its trouble its no big deal. Thanks for all your effort. :)
DM Haldhin |
Just wanted to post a short update for the group...
The end of the first adventure is looming on the horizon, so big congrats as we move into this final phase of Stolen Land. When we're finished, we'll move straight into the next adventure, Rivers Run Red.
But before we get there, I have a couple of issues I'd like people to think about, and if desired, discuss in the OOC thread. Once Stolen Land ends, each character receives a patent of nobility, becoming an official and legal member of Brevoy's court.
That has a whole mess of implications, but the most important part is that you will be tasked with the founding, guidance, and ruling of a new realm carved out of the wilderness you have just pacified and explored.
For now, I would like people to think about two topics:
1. How would you like this realm to be known? Awesomemccoolsville is right out, so don't ask. :)
2. How do you want to handle leadership of the realm? I'm fine with whatever the group wants to do, but the default is to pick the most eligible character and appoint them as ruler. I'll go ahead and tell everyone that if left to their own devices, the Swordlords would choose Bydar to lead the realm, while the rest of you would receive a similar title; the main difference would be in the form of address (he would be "Lord" while the rest of you would be "Sir" or "Madame").
That's about all, thoughts and comments appreciated, and as always, thanks for playing!
Arumil Amaim |
I know what Arumil would call his slice of the pie so to speak but for the whole realm. Kinda blank at the moment.
Arumil will not support a ruler or similar system, for a number of reasons. He favors a more council like system, equal votes and such.
Arumil has his own goals, anyone who has read his background stuff would know, until he finds a proper place to root down. He will just help everyone else with their stuff and the general mission. Aw background bites me in the butt yet again.
Got a new avatar, finally a few new elf faces. Still slim pickings. Enjoy. ;3
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
A few more names at random
Aura -> Means distinctive atmosphere or illumination.
Aurora -> Means "dawn" in Latin
Valeria -> Means "To be Strong"
Example My character's name
Bridgette -> means "exalted one". In Irish mythology this was the name of the goddess of fire, poetry and wisdom, the daughter of the god Dagda.
Etna -> Means "kernel"
Asta -> Going through a few levels of origin change to "Astridr" -> Derived from the Old Norse elements áss "god" and fríðr "beautiful".
Valerius-> means "to be strong"
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Arianna -> Means "most holy", composed of the Cretan Greek elements αρι (ari) "most" and αδνος (adnos) "holy". In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos. She fell in love with Theseus and helped him to escape the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, but was later abandoned by him. Eventually she married the god Dionysus.
Temerith |
I actually quite like "Corbenik."
Temerith has no problem with Bydar being the "ruler" of our little country, but I agree that a form of ruling council should be in place. Bydar's been pretty damn good about worrying about the greater good and all that, though, so Temerith will support him with all his strength.
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
The system is laid out as a having a monarchy, and would require work on the GM's part to modify it.
That and I think a monarchy might not be a completely bad system as is a Council.
So let's go for a hybrid of the two.
If there is a Ruler(King/Queen) with a ruling council it should be balanced.
The Ruler has say on the council, but the council can over rule the Ruler.
As there are 10 Manditory Positions (including Ruler) and only one optional position, I figure with the Ruler having between 3 and 6 *votes to a council vote, and the council in 66% to 75% agreement to overrule should be fair to the positions and powers of each.
And If we go with that system the Ruler will also act as the figure head of the Kingdom.
And if the Ruler or most of the Council gets bumped off the government can still function as it starts with two heads, not one.
* Example: 9 regular councilmen with 1 vote each, the Ruler has 3 to 6 votes, this raises the vote total between 12 to 15.
Note that is the ruler is married the vote power between the two rulers is split.
Funnier part is Corbenik is the name of the 8th phase in the dot hack game series, it has the nickname "Rebirth."
DM Haldhin |
Just FYI, I'm going to be making changes to the way the Kingdom rules function so don't spend too much time getting familiar with the default set. I'll post the relevant information well before it's actually needed.
As for the ruler + council idea, I've read about that particular option having generally positive results.
Raxus Half-blood |
I'm definitely up for an Arthurian-inspired power arrangement, which is basically a monarchy-parliament.
I do have a sort of "King Conan" character arc in mind for Raxus once he starts getting over some of his emotional issues (which will begin pretty soon, by the feel of things). At that point I'm hoping he'll develop into a respectable leader type.
As for a name, I'm not sure about the idea of taking something straight from earth mythology (even if it is cool).
Thinking from Raxus' point of view, he'd be in favor of a simple, powerful word that would be easily understood and identified with by the people. Something like "Home" or "Haven".
Arumil Amaim |
Arumil may have a problem with the ruler getting more votes. Sense really with six people in the party, their one vote counts as double or triple. So they would only need one or two people to approve to get anything they want passed. The head of council should just be the face, not someone with more rights then another. If it comes to a draw, have an outside neutral party. Like say Oleg, cast the split vote without knowing who voted for what. That way everything is fair and no one can push their own agenda regardless of intent. Also makes it pointless to target said head for assassination or cohesion. Someone would have to control or kill more then half the council which considering our party, does not look like a good possibility. After all our enemy is good with enchantments, not unthinkable that to charm or dominate one or more of us. >.<
I always liked the masked lords of waterdeep's system of government too. Talk about blending in with the common people and staying incognito. ;)
As far as names for the realm. Valeria is the only one that sounded right to me. Or maybe I am saying it wrong. x3
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
Looking over possible good rulers (looking at mental stats) there are only 3 that could do it;
Bydar (Human),
Bridgette (Asimar), and
Arianna (Kitsune).
as all three have positive CHA, and good positive INT and WIS as well.
And given that Bydar is a cleric of a goddess of love he could set the constition so a king has two wives. I'm joking, or am I, dun dun dun
Arumil Amaim |
How many rulers are going to be married to someone who will go against them or not share their ideals?
Also OOC who will be in charge of these NPCs, unless their PCs in which case do they also hold the position of council member with their own vote. Or do they give up that position solely to be the ruler's spouse. In which case the number of votes will not change and it is equal. Unless the ruler does not marry in which case they keep their extra votes. Their is a reason rulers often had mistresses but not wives. Seems to me like it is little different then what I said before from both ends.
Whats the draw back of having an equal council?
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
Do husbands and wives agree on everything, No.
NPCs are always under GM control hence NPC, but that does not mean they have their own concerns and agendas. And the council will likely be comprised of half being PCs and the other half NPCs
Rulers always have/had one Official Legal Partner and the rest were mistresses.
And in the case that a single ruler had 4 votes then got hitched, he and she will both have 2 votes a piece.
Whats the draw back of having an equal council?
No clear figure head for the people, and if over half the council gets wiped it'll collapse under "human" nature given most will go for a power grab to organise things even if it is the best of intentions. With one preselected as the head, the power grab will not happen.
Again this way the government starts with two heads. Bump one, the other can take over until replacement(s) are found.
Arumil Amaim |
Awww lost my post. Not going to try and redo it.
Anyways I just don't see Arumil supporting that system. Will likely just remain out of the whole thing if it goes that way. He did not leave one monarch to join another. Guess he will remain a free agent and all that without being beholden to the throne.
Calling it a night, check back in the morning.
P.S. Bydar may want to talk to those poor scared gnomes some more. hint hint nudge nudge ;)
Arianna Silvermane |
I'm in favor of a council system as well, with decisions made by majority vote. If the ruling council consists of 10 members, then I'm good with the Ruler getting two votes and the other Councilmembers each getting one vote - that way, the Ruler can be the one to break tie votes. I'm not in favor of the Ruler having more than two votes. If the Ruler ever marries (and the Council grows to 11 members), then the Ruler's second vote becomes the spouse's.
Since we have six PC's, I'm assuming that NPC's will be used to fill the other mandatory council seats. I trust DM Haldhin to cast the votes for those NPC's, remaining true to their personalities.
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
@Arumil
Look at it this way it's not a complete Monarchy, but it's also not a complete Council.
I would personally have gone with the monarchy system, but since every player here has a vote on the system being picked we have to go with a majority.
and since you voiced you did not like the council, I looked for a compromise of the two and suggest it.
@Arianna
yes there are 9 normal Manditory Positions and one (default) ruler postion, But an Optional one exists which brings the number of positions to 11.
If the ruler has 2 votes the vote total becomes 12 which is even.
but with 3 it becomes 13.
In the case of a married ruler the vote is either 1.5 each, or one has 2 the other has 1.
And if the optional position is not filled and the vote of ruler is 3, 3/12 is 1/4 of the vote power, which means that a minimum of 6 votes from councilmen is required to over rule a Ruler.
Obviously we need tie breaker rules in the council votes.
Thinking opposing Charisma checks, but could use INT or WIS as a substitute check
Arianna Silvermane |
If the Council consists of 9 Mandatory Positions plus the Optional Position plus the Ruler (total of 11 members), then the Ruler wouldn't need 2 votes - his/her single vote could serve as the tie-breaker.
If the Ruler marries and his/her spouse then gets a vote (total of 12 members/votes), then the Ruler could get 2 votes so he/she could still serve as the tie-breaker.
I like the idea of the Ruler being the tie-breaker in votes regardless of the number of members comprising the Council.
BTW: Love the picture of Bridgette and Arianna together! Would love to see one of all of the party members together!
Raxus Half-blood |
According to the Kingmaker rules, no particular stat is needed to be an effective ruler or leader.
In the stories, Arthur wasn't in charge at the Round Table. That's why it was round. They were all equals and got an equal vote (Odd numbers make it work. There were 25 table knights, though not all of them were there all the time. They'd name others to carry their vote when they were away.)
When the table wasn't in council, Arthur handled the day to day rulership responsibilities, but he didn't make any big decisions without calling the table to session.
I've always liked that system.
As for Arumil, well, Merlin wasn't a member of the Table, but he definitely had a voice in it, and no one ever told him what to do. I'm sure we could work out something similar.
Arumil Amaim |
Arumil will not support any system that places one person above the others concerning the governing of the realm. It is the main reason he left his home land. At best he would tolerate it if the details left each council member the same powers as the ruler. As well as the rulers vote not counting so much more then a council members, like what Arianna proposed being only 2 votes at most. Hope that simplifies things where he stands. :)
Any more news on the name?
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
BTW: Love the picture of Bridgette and Arianna together! Would love to see one of all of the party members together!
I'm actually getting around to doing that, though I'll need to make Bydar first.
Arumil Amaim : 6' 10"
Bridgette: 6' 6" (Ulfen Blood)
Bydar: 5'10"
Temerith: 5'6"
Arianna: 5'3"
----------------------------------------
Votes on Name
Corbenik: 2 (Bydar + Temerith)
Valeria: 1 (Arumil)
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
So Temerith went through a growth spurt
Temerith's six foot even. Though that's counting his horns.
....
Bydar |
Ok. Major frustration here. Charter lost our connection completely last night. Now they tell us it is 'back up'. Back up apparently means it times out 3 out of every four tries. Suffice to say I'm not sure I'll be able to do much posting today.
And, of course, for this campaign in particular, Charter's incompetence hits at a less than ideal time.
Hopefully this post will get through. If it does, I'll try another after it with a few thoughts on the rulership thing.
Bydar |
I came into this campaign expecting a monarchy to arise from it. Both due to the name (Kingmaker as a title is a good clue ;) ),the Players Guide pretty much reaffirmed it, and both the River Kingdoms and Brevoy are most familiar with it. I figured Bydar would go into the High Priest Slot. Frankly, due to Charisma, my money was on Arianna for ruling Queen. By RP, I'd be tempted to declare it Raxus. So I was ready to bow scrape and advise to whoever :)
I figured a monarchy made the most sense not only for the above reasons, but because it's something the NPC population would understand it and thus it would lead to greater unity. I also like the flavor of such. Feudal systems in the real world often sucked, in fantasy, well, Galorian could use a happy Camelot type kingdom.
Then the Dm drops the bombshell that Bydar would be considered the most qualified by those handing out the titles. I was flattered. I was even a bit intrigued even though it wasn't my original goal. I also had some doubts everyone would be okay with it.
Looks like I was right.
One problem with a "one vote each council" though it is going to take a lot longer to get things done. Lands that rule by committee don't often last long, particularly when they end up fighting wars by committee. The other problem is, is everyone going to agree to be bound by the council anymore than they would agree to follow a singular leader, or will they just defy the majority? It might or might not be good RP, but it can also lead to a lot of frustration and really force the DM into slowing the game down or shutting off someone to the side.
Still, I can see how for egalitarianism, a council still might have its allure. If we do go with a council, I think you need at least one person on the council who has at least one vote AND can break ties. Which would be as close to a rulership position as we're going to get under that. I assume we're talking oligarchy, not democratic republic where we can get voted out of office.
Currently the Nation to be is very small. We've already yielded up terrain to Howling, Sootscale, and to a lesser degree, the fey. However, there is every reason to expect (if we don't screw up) it to grow. We might eventually end up each having our own dominions under a greater confederation though that could get very complex for the DM to arrange. If one area is run by a council of elders, and another is a dictatorship, what's the over all morale of the greater nation? Still, it's something to consider and might let each PC feel like the king of their own fief while still working with and for the greater nation as a whole. There would have to be limits on this autonomy in some areas (Everyone must agree to mutual defense, for example) or really it will be too conflicted at the start and would break apart.
So if we're going to insist on a council, I suggest some sort of theme for our own little "House of Lords" oligarchy. We're going to be public, so I don't think ripping off the lords of water deep is a good idea (Though with the disguise abilities we may have access to thanks to magic and the like, sneaking among them wont be too hard if we want that). However we could certainly pick a theme for flavor.
For example, we could name each seat or lordship after a type of flower. Each would pick their own.
Bydar might then be, "Lord Bydar Lebeda, Seat of the Rose"
(I know Rose is in high demand, but it came to me because he does, after all, serve the Eternal Rose, Shelyn)
Someone else might be (Personal Title) "Seat of the Lotus"
And so on.
If flowers are too, well, flowery, then we could go trees instead. I think this land has me in the mind of 'growing a nation'.
But whatever theme we went with, it would come across better to me than a generic 'council'.
Lastly, and on a personal note: as we'd all be at least dames or sirs in the eyes of others, there will likely be pressure for each one of us to have a marriage for as much political as personal reasons. Bydar faces a problem in this not just because of his backstory angst, but because I'm not sure Shelyn goes for marrage for any reason but love. I'd hate to have him get hitched to some lady who could barely stand him (or vice versa) and find out his spells were no longer forthcoming
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |
Bydar
your idea of a plant themed council is nice, but what type of plant would the theme be
Example Moon Tree Guild from the .hack GU games
Bridgette Etna Asta Valerius |