Rolling for hp!
Mostly done with level 6. Highlights:
Shiny new Spirit Totem rage power (20% concealment vs ranged and non-adjacent melee).
The Heroism spell. Yey :p
Better saves and bab and skills and stuff, all of which I hopefully remembered.
Pardon, have been a bit down with a cold.
So! Suggestions.
1) Talk/fix/recruit the fallen paladin.
Bonus point if someone that played back then when the crew met him *cough Alia? cough* could provide a quick rundown of whatever deal was struck.
Also I should double check if I were among those, but I don't *think* so. Or if yes was very new?
2) Talk to the farmers.
Try to convince Renault that change is coming, either via us or some other clown, and his interests are better served if he joins up with us and gets the ability to help adjust the course?
3) The Kobolds.
Try to strike some sort of official trade deal, to ease in people in some sort of semi friendly thing. And hopefully provide something of value to both sides so there's incitement to play nice.
Then deal with whatever other kobolds or greedy merchants or dumb lapdogs that tries to derail this.
4) Hope the trolls delays a few months :p
And stockpile some fire/acid.
5) Build something nice in the kingdom :)
Thoughts?
Aye, Aye, I HAVE been meaning to catch up, but now I'm also busy digging through history, going back to the Trolls, to the Kobolds(I do remember there was trouble after, we just can't have anything work out in our favor, it seems)
I was also trying to check back on some past Renault stuff(like bringing home some kids from that settlement) that could mellow him out.
It's just like I'm trying to revisit 20 points in time for this and not getting anything done.
But I'm trying, promise :/
If I am not properly up to speed on thursday, I'll just throw out a post. Apologies again for the delay, but I AM on it.
Also, just to re-ask, because that level was mentioned and we may do some kingdom building...WILL there be time to retrain(re-build)? Or will be get home, run a nice hot bath and then have to jump back into action before even getting in?
I'd just like to not level up for leveling ups sake, then do it all over.
I'm working on getting leveled up, I've just been really busy and I'm fighting a bad cold. I hope to have it completed by tomorrow.
Also, just to re-ask, because that level was mentioned and we may do some kingdom building...WILL there be time to retrain(re-build)? Or will be get home, run a nice hot bath and then have to jump back into action before even getting in?
I'd just like to not level up for leveling ups sake, then do it all over.
Yes there is time. The party would have to remain in Brevoy (the city of Restov to be specific) for a couple of weeks before all of the workmen and supply trains were gathered, and all of the hullabaloo over the attack at Ser Richard's estate was sorted out. Restov is the largest city in the entire region and so should have the resources to allow for retraining.
PS 'Leveling up' instructions are under the 'Campaign Info' tab for those who need a refresher.
Would there be time to write a few scrolls as well? I know there's some I've been wanting to make :)
Sure thing! You could visit your friend, Gwendolyn the Bizarre's little shop again for magical supplies like inks and parchment.
if we can fully get Akiros on board, with his fellows if need be, could be helpful with the rest of the issues.
I think that going to talk with Renault is the best bet, but I do think we should make a point to speak with the people under him. Both to get a better understanding of their point of view, and to attempt to quell their anger first. If his people aren't up in arms, it will be easier to force him to call off this farce.
And, after a lot of debate, I think I will be pushing back the fighter level until 7.
class: Wizard
+1 to all saves
+1 BaB
+2 spells known
+7 skills +2 background
skills-
knowledge arcana
knowledge Planes
knowledge Nature
knowledge Engineering (BGS)
knowledge Dungeoneering
knowledge Geography (BGS)
Appraise
Spellcraft
Diplomacy
Spell book-
Heroism
Wind Wall
Also, did we acquire any further banked treasure, and/or allowed to use it? I'm still not entirely certain how that works.
Re Scrolls - that Illthir could do :)
Also tracked some writing supplies from the loot pile/earlier. Went for the following for a total of 562.5gp:
Delay Poison, Invisibility, Alter Self, Lesser Restoration, Versatile Weapon, Mount x5
(That'd take 10 days to actually get through since there's a cap of 1 per day. But that ought to be fine, hopefully :) )
Re Fergus - Aye. That sounds like an accurate reading of the situation.
And perhaps we ought to cooperate a bit on spell shenanigans later on, if we get a chunk of downtime. Illthir might be able to acquire some exotic scrolls - and if she ever gets that Arrowsong Lament masterwork she'd love to peek into vast spellbooks occasionally :p
Same goes for Alia (and Serena too of course! Though I don't think she does much with written magic?).
I think that going to talk with Renault is the best bet, but I do think we should make a point to speak with the people under him. Both to get a better understanding of their point of view, and to attempt to quell their anger first. If his people aren't up in arms, it will be easier to force him to call off this farce.
The party does know a few people native to the area claimed by Renault, Including: Anza, the Jay, Vekkel Benzen and family, Larimus Finch, Jon Gallows and his daughter, Betty and of course that maker of fine head cheese Fusti Isben.
Also, did we acquire any further banked treasure, and/or allowed to use it? I'm still not entirely certain how that works.
So a lot of times in games folks run into convenient 12-packs of full plate mail armor that could be worth something were they to strip it from the defeated dungeon guards and cart it a hundred miles across enemy-controlled swamp country to a town with enough of an economy that one could sell them all dozen suits of armor and not come away owning the town itself.
So, who actually does that? I don't think I've ever read a book or seen a movie where the hero comes back with six masterwork longbows and a +2 sword taken from his defeated enemy to sell just so that he can buy a +1 flaming light mace.So instead of all that looting and carrying when such treasures become available the party tells me if they are taking any of it. Maybe someone needs a new bow. If they take one its full price comes out of their share of the 'bank' which is where the rest of the treasure goes (it's standard sales value at any rate). Basically, the rest of the would-be treasure becomes valueless, and whatever it's sales worth would have been can be gained in out of the way places or treasure hoards found later in the adventure usually in the form of coins, jewels or an item that the PC really wanted like a magical +1 flaming light mace. Often times players will save up for something specific.
The room with the mirror at Ser Richard's estate was one such hoard chamber where a PC could have found one or more items they were saving for. In fact, all of the incidental treasure in that room was added to the party members' accounts. If for instance if Fergus wanted to find a wand worth 750 gp and a pouch full of 50 platinum coins he could have done so there assuming he had at least 1250 gp in his 'bank account,' which in the case of this room you would have because there was 5,500 gp/each worth of bank treasure in addition to whatever your character walked in with.
All that said, some treasures are not incidental, and they are what they are. Just remember that the next time you are in a riddle contest with crazed halfling who hasn't been out of his dank cave in more than a century. In the case of the 'mirror room' for instance there was an additional 455 gp in gold coins that the GM is forcing on you. ;)
Since we haven't really done anything significant since then everyone is can still explain what they found in the room if they like, and spend some of their bank. It was part of a lich's hoard some of it taken from his victims at the estate, so I would expect folks to be a bit descriptive. ;)
Serena adds a level as a cleric.
+1 to Diplomacy, Religion, Appraise, Know (History), and Ride
Added hold person and cure moderate wounds to spells, domain spell: produce flame
+1 favored class
Serena is going to hold onto her riches for the next horde.
(psst - just to check Serena, but you remembered the house rule about hp and rolling low :)?)
No, I did not. Thank you for the reminder.
I hope you all had a nice holiday if you got one. Or some nice free time off if not. And if that disclaimer fails - just some nice overtime pay :p
Blerp. A post! With our intent at least, if perhaps not the flowery language a high cha character should be able to muster :p
When Illthir was made I had this grand idea of eventually putting together a postal service or something, a little pet organization to run in the realm.
But I think it should probably be an escort service - no not that type - one that sends out trained rangers to help people get around without stepping on too many toes. And they'll be well supplied with people trained in Diplomacy and Sense Motive too :D
My New New Year's Resolution is to post every day going forward (sans those days I have COVID), so don't make me embarrass you all! ;)
Eh uh. Too late :p
By "men down at the fort" does he mean the workers/guards? Or did he have more friends that ended up locked up in the fort?
Huh humm. Wait I might be confused.
When we returned - did we pick up the thread at the Stag Lord's fort or not-Oleg's outpost?
I assumed the fort but as I think on it the Outpost seems more and more likely...
So! Ahem. My train of thoughts is slightly derailed. Let's make sure this one is right at least.
Eh uh. Too late :p
By "men down at the fort" does he mean the workers/guards? Or did he have more friends that ended up locked up in the fort?
There was about two-dozen (former) brigands down at the Stag Lord's Fort when you left it last. Akiros was up to the outpost with three of them to secure more provisions and find out where the party was as it had been a few months with no word.
Huh humm. Wait I might be confused.
When we returned - did we pick up the thread at the Stag Lord's fort or not-Oleg's outpost?
You were at the outpost with its new halfling minder, Anando, and its old guard captain, Garess (and his surviving guards of course).
I assumed the fort but as I think on it the Outpost seems more and more likely...
Yep, the outpost is closer to Restov and more "civilized" than the ruined fort the keep of which was missing a few walls. That and it stank of owl bear and evil cult activity in the basement.
I just need a rough outline of the group's plan for Akiros, his men, and what you plan on doing with your work crews from Restov, and what if anything you might want to try with Sam Renault and the squatting farmers he leads. Though I think on that last one there was a plan to let them stew for the next few years.
Once that's all settled we can get back to hitting things with swords again. ;)
And then we have to fill the various kingdom jobs before the actual kingdom building can begin. I know you have some positions chosen for yourselves, but I would like to see a fully filled out list from each of you so you can actually decide.
If you haven't met all of the characters feel free to peruse the characters in the Character tab above.
So, who what where? :
Ruler Zokon(?)
Councilor Illthir
General Kesten Garess (Outpost guard captain)
Grand Diplomat Serena
High Priest Jhod Kavken (priest of Erastil)
Magister Fergus
Marshal
Spymaster
Treasurer
Warden
Fill out the whole thing or as much as you can. Reminder just because you put someone in a position doesn't mean they'll accept honor. You'll still have to ask them in-game.
Right right. One thing at a time then.
We were thinking of talking to Sam Renault. I don't think he'll budge, but showing that we do know of is issues is something. Perhaps enough to smooth over the official get-together.
I think we could offer him to join us somewhere on the council, with the augment that politics is about to weasel its way back into his home regardless of if he wants it or not and this way he can at least help steer it somewhere reasonable.
If this is disagreeable I don't think we have that much leverage to use at this very moment, so just showing our faces to the other farmers then and try to pacify them.
This is up north unless my geography is out of whack, so we'll probably want to do this soon to avoid further detours.
That leads to Akiros. I don't think he's a popular dude to bring with us to the farmers so let's not.
What we could do is drag him back to the outpost and smooth things over between him and the guards. Hopefully there's not that many ill feelings buried - but we better know that as soon as possible if there is.
We wanted to start building down by the Stag Lords fort iirc. (But we also haven't explored that area properly? That should probably get fixed ...) So perhaps the course of action would be to have him lead the building crews/supplies down there while we head to the farmers?
As for roles ... Hmm. The characters I remember fondly are mostly not suitable for roles in a government :p Though if we found Erevenywg again I'm sure she'd make an hilarious Spymaster...
Perhaps we could hmmhm poke Akiros up to Marshal or Warden? Those are more important roles to start with, if he's up for it.
We could offer the other one to Sam Renault. He *is* interested in safekeeping the people after all? Just not sure if he can be convinced to do so with us.
We have quite a bit of Erastil-ing going on, so perhaps we could send a letter to the church of Abadar and ask if they are willing to send someone to serve as a treasurer? I'm sure Durgan would/could put in a good word. And it'd be beneficial for both sides. As a wildcard...
Just some thoughts to stew in :)
This is up north unless my geography is out of whack, so we'll probably want to do this soon to avoid further detours.
Yes. Though the map is tilted a bit.
That leads to Akiros. I don't think he's a popular dude to bring with us to the farmers so let's not.
Akiros tells the party that he is better known among the regions brigands than the peasantry in the region if this topic is brought up to him.
Among those people he believes that only the young Byron Benzon knows him. At the outpost though it becomes obvious that Chadwick "Chick" Tabbot and Wilbur Scotello (both former bandits and now part of region's indigent workforce) know him and fawn a bit over him.
TWhat we could do is drag him back to the outpost and smooth things over between him and the guards. Hopefully there's not that many ill feelings buried - but we better know that as soon as possible if there is.
For their part Kesten and the guards only know him from his visit a couple of days before and are mostly neutral toward the man. Anando Veresisi the new outpost keeper is the one who seems to like Akiros the least.
We wanted to start building down by the Stag Lords fort iirc. (But we also haven't explored that area properly? That should probably get fixed ...) So perhaps the course of action would be to have him lead the building crews/supplies down there while we head to the farmers?
That's one vote for forward! ;)
As for roles ... Hmm. The characters I remember fondly are mostly not suitable for roles in a government :p Though if we found Erevenywg again I'm sure she'd make an hilarious Spymaster...
You would have to find her first of course.... If only you had a spymaster.
Perhaps we could hmmhm poke Akiros up to Marshal or Warden? Those are more important roles to start with, if he's up for it.
Marshal
The Marshal ensures that the kingdom’s laws are being enforced in the remote parts of the kingdom as well as in the vicinity of the capital. The Marshal is also responsible for securing the kingdom’s borders. He organizes regular patrols and works with the General to respond to threats that militias and adventurers can’t deal with alone.Warden
The Warden is responsible for enforcing laws in larger settlements, as well as ensuring the safety of the kingdom leaders. The Warden also works with the General to deploy forces to protect settlements and react to internal threats.
We could offer the other one to Sam Renault. He *is* interested in safekeeping the people after all? Just not sure if he can be convinced to do so with us.
From previous encounters with him, Illthir could probably infer that he doesn't seem particularly interested in roaming the countryside, far from home looking for crime as a marshal would have to, if only because of his age and relative station.
We have quite a bit of Erastil-ing going on, so perhaps we could send a letter to the church of Abadar and ask if they are willing to send someone to serve as a treasurer? I'm sure Durgan would/could put in a good word. And it'd be beneficial for both sides. As a wildcard...
Quite possible.
Treasurer
The Treasurer monitors the state of the kingdom’s Treasury and citizens’ confidence in the value of their money and investigates whether any businesses are taking unfair advantage of the system. The Treasurer is in charge of the tax collectors and tracks debts and credits with guilds and other governments.
There is quite a bit of Erastil-ing going on. The ruined Temple of the Elk out in the Narlmarches, the outpost's resident priest, Shepherd Jhod Kavken, Akiros (though he has yet to unwrap the rags that shroud the hilt guard of his sword to show the emblem), etc....
I've sent out the call (PM) to our fellows, Illthir. I'll give it a day or two more.
I'm guessing we'd need more then just spying to find the lost fey.
Hmm ... Maybe some sort of calling spell could actually work ... Maybe a plane shift first just in case. Though it'd be really awkward when we hop over to hell to summon her and then the spell fizzles :p
---
So you're saying he could go for warden ... :p
---
Mm lots of Erastil stuff. Maybe we should look into that, see what big goat is up to :D
I'm guessing we'd need more then just spying to find the lost fey.
Correct.
RE plans - I'm guessing we should get the ball rolling on the kingdom/capital then?
If we are doing detailed stuff, I think a house and an inn is a solid opener. If not, then someplace for people to live and gather still sounds good :)
And once everything is looking like it won't implode at a stiff breeze I believe we still wanted to talk to Renault.
Pardon posting here instead of a solid gameplay post. To be honest making decisions IC is hard ...
I think, unless the inn doubles as such, we will also want a tavern to keep the populace happy (or drunk, whichever).
So having a residential center (a "house") is needed first for both an inn or a tavern, so we probably want to start there by building lodging for the work gangs.
However, you still have a lot of empty seats around the council chamber so actually constructing a kingdom might be difficult.
HOUSE 3 BP, 1 LOT
Kingdom Unrest –1
Upgrade From Tenement
Special The first House you build during the Improvement phase does not count against the total number of buildings you can build during the phase
A number of mid-sized houses for citizens.
INN 10 BP, 1 LOT
Kingdom Economy +1, Loyalty +1
Limit Adjacent to 1 House
Special Base value +500 gp
Settlement Society +1
A place for visitors to rest.
TAVERN 12 BP, 1 LOT
Kingdom Economy +1, Loyalty +1
Limit Adjacent to 1 House or Mansion
Special Base value +500 gp
Settlement Corruption +1
An eating or drinking establishment.
Referencing Ultimate Campaign pages 201-204
We still need to decide on a Marshal, Spymaster, Treasurer and Warden, at least... and probably an actual Ruler.
Illthir has suggested getting a Treasurer from the Church of Abadar/Archbanker Siguard Barasav in Brevoy.
She has also suggested mending your relationship with Sam Renault by offering him spot on the ruling council
As for NPCs you might want to ask to join you I offer the following list. You can find most of them in Characters tab above. This list is not exhaustive, just sort of top-of-mind (and easy to find post-wise). Most of these folks are local the furthest being found in southern Brevoy. Remember you can send letters if it's too much a hassle to travel (maybe via Squire Droo and her big wolf Vinegar).
Akate, Thrice-Damned
Akiros Ismort, the Fallen
Amdohr Undercurrent
Anando Veresisi, the Exacting
Anza, the Jay
Argentov Lind
Byron Benzen
Caraduck Thorpe, chandler
Chadwick "Chick" Tabbot
Chief Sootscale,
'Cut Me Own Throat' Dibbler
Eldiocesan of Dweomervale
Elgeen
Esme, Traveling Player
Faeria, the Illusionist
Fan Auric
Gwendolyn, the Bizarre
Javers Ibbelbbek
Kephac of Katheer
Larimus Finch
Leishan Redcrow
Lugo
Mad Wee Bee-King Bumtumbler
Mikmek, Sootscale Hero
Mr. Weston, entrepreneur
Mung
Nakpik
Naleksa Vijic
Needles, the knife artist
Old Bokken
Perlivash
Samuel Renault
Shepherd Jhod Kavken
Squire Droo Neznee
Stäbbi Domovoi
Svetlana Leveton,
Talasia
Tamris, the Warder
Tyg-Titter-Tut,
Urmak Grindstone
Valorin Medvyed
Vega, Unchained
Vekkel Benzen
Wilbur Scotello
And then we have to fill the various kingdom jobs before the actual kingdom building can begin. I know you have some positions chosen for yourselves, but I would like to see a fully filled out list from each of you so you can actually decide.
If you haven't met all of the characters feel free to peruse the characters in the Character tab above.
So, who what where? :
Ruler Zokon(?)
Councilor Illthir
General Kesten Garess (Outpost guard captain)
Grand Diplomat Serena
High Priest Jhod Kavken (priest of Erastil)
Magister Fergus
Marshal
Spymaster
Treasurer
WardenFill out the whole thing or as much as you can. Reminder just because you put someone in a position doesn't mean they'll accept honor. You'll still have to ask them in-game.
I'll give folks until this Saturday to figure out who might go where. ;)
RE offer - My thought was to give one of the roles to Renault and the other to Akiros. One as a peace offering and the other a purpose. (Hopefully the job for Akiros would involve a bit of helping, since that is known to give purpose!)
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As I glanced at the NPC list last time I pondered this I feel that the people I/Illthir would like to grab generally belong to one of two groups. Those whom might be qualified but busy and those that's more "this npc was fun and nice and I'd love to help them".
Like Argentow Lind might be helpful for their suspected high stat boosts and ice breathing abilities, but probably have important stuff to do. While Akate or Mikmek could use a helping hand but I'm not sure how well they'd do on the council.
(If we have non critical non council roles to fill then I'm up for poking a few friendly npcs and see if they'd like to live on the frontier a while.)
More thoughts later :)
Cast your votes here for the Mad Wee Bee-King!
I think that placing Mikmek on the council will be a mistake, simply because of (at risk of sounding humanist) his race. How would the other council members take to a kobold? Would they be willing to take his suggestions seriously or more inclined to dismiss them out of hand?
RE Mikmek - aye. And I'm not sure if ruling over humans is something he would be qualified for :p
But if there's something non-ruley we want to recruit folks for I think it could be a decent idea. Test the waters and ease people into it.
Akate and Svetlana are also friendly npcs that could use a hand and decent job. Maybe not one of ruling the realm, but we'll need other staff too.
---
To recap this is my current suggested list (with non-essential roles removed).
Ruler Zokon(?)
Consort Alia(?)
Councilor Illthir
General Kesten Garess (Outpost guard captain)
Grand Diplomat Serena
High Priest Jhod Kavken (priest of Erastil)
Magister Fergus
Marshal Akiros Ismort (fallen paladin of Erastil)
Spymaster
Treasurer - some moneychurch mook
Warden Sam Renault
Consort also isn't necessary. Perhaps it would be wisest to put Alia on another more essential role to start out with? For example ... Spymaster :p
Illthir could also be moved there and Alia slotted into Councilor, to make things work out neatly. Mostly to fill out all the critical slots.
Assuming 1) that people agree and 2) that Alia is still interested/able to play with us. It's been a while :/
I think that placing Mikmek on the council will be a mistake, simply because of (at risk of sounding humanist) his race. How would the other council members take to a kobold? Would they be willing to take his suggestions seriously or more inclined to dismiss them out of hand?
RE Mikmek - aye. And I'm not sure if ruling over humans is something he would be qualified for :p
Aye, aye, but what about Chief Sootscale? Now there's kobold that has experience in leadership. Like remember that one time he got a band of adventurers to take out his political enemy, Tartuk, and all of his followers? Pretty cagey, huh? ;)
So as it stands you are on your way to talk to Renault and can stop by the outpost on your way to talk to Jhod about the High Priest thing. You could also have Anando (the halfling currently running the outpost) send a message to Brevoy to seek out a Treasurer or at least get word to the Church of Abadar that you are looking for one.
Than we need to talk about spymasters and rulers (assuming other folks are cool with the purposed list).
I'll check in with Alia and see if she's still game (and her player still playing).
I agree with Illthir's suggestions. Chief Sootscale is indeed a cagey individual, perhaps too much so. We can use him, but will need to keep an eye on him, I think. Hmmm, maybe spymaster (or do we want a PC in that role)?
I think GM is implying above that Chief Sootscale may not have our best interests at heart :p
I think GM is implying above that Chief Sootscale may not have our best interests at heart :p
Well, he's not your chief yet, is he? ;p
Hmmm, maybe spymaster (or do we want a PC in that role)?
Your call. Everyone can be an NPC if you like.
I suggest that we might want to bump Alia down to the role and call it foreign relations officer or something for the time being. Unless we can conjure a reliable npc for the job.
I suggest that we might want to bump Alia down to the role and call it foreign relations officer or something for the time being. Unless we can conjure a reliable npc for the job.
So of the mandatory leadership roles we have:
Ruler Zokon(?)
Councilor Illthir
General Maybe Kesten Garess (Outpost guard captain)
Grand Diplomat Serena
High Priest Maybe Jhod Kavken (priest of Erastil)
Magister Fergus
Marshal Maybe Akiros
Spymaster/"Secretary of PR" Alia
Treasurer Maybe Representative of the Abadarian Clergy
Warden Maybe Samuel Renault
* Maybes have yet to be officially asked.
Agreed?
Currently the party is on it's way to Renault's enclave. You could pass by the Outpost and talk to Jhod, and Kesten, and send a message to Brevoy to the Church of Abadar and knock a few council members off of your list.
Is that what folks wanna do? It's your would-be kingdom after all.
That seems reasonable. Though I'm feeling more and more like an autocrat ... Please chirp up team, doubly so if you disagree :)
That is, both the distribution and the stopping and asking. We could float the idea to those that are the outpost on our way up and ask for replies on our way down again?
I think that we have a council! There are quite a few maybes in there, but I think that we will be able to fill them in soon enough, one way or another.