Once Upon a Time in Golarion (Inactive)

Game Master vayelan

Funny you should mention that, I called the doctor's office and they managed to straighten things out on their own! I thought for sure I would be spending several hours on the phone with the insurance. Apparently someone at the doctor's office forgot to check a box or something when they originally submitted the paperwork.

Hey guys, I appreciate y'all having me but I'm struggling with my online ttrpg motivation so I'm going to pull out. I wish everyone the best and thank you for having me <3

Shame to see you go Tegan. I hope things work out with that motivation

I am letting people know that as of today, I'm going to be on vacation and where I'm going, my internet may be spotty. I don't mind posting from my phone though when available. I should have internet but if you don't hear from me for some time, that is why. I should still be able to commit to my normal posting speed.

Hey guys, I appreciate y'all having me but I'm struggling with my online ttrpg motivation so I'm going to pull out. I wish everyone the best and thank you for having me <3

Thank you for joining us, even if briefly, Tegan. I wish you the best. We'll keep a spot open for you if you want to rejoin.

Important message to all my games:

My wife tested positive for Covid yesterday. I'm taking some time off work to look after her and our two-year-old daughter. All three of us are vaccinated, so hopefully we will get through this soon.

In the meantime, my ability to post will be severely compromised. I will try to update when I have time (such as when my wife and daughter are both sleeping), but I can't make any promises.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Hope she gets better soon!

Oh no! I hope your wife recovers soon and that nobody else gets it. I'm done with the semester from hell at long last, so Katrine will be ready to go when you are.

COVID sucks. I hope she gets to feeling better soon!

Are you guys waiting on me to make another post? If need be, I can move things along.

Hey, I've been super sick the past... I don't even know how long it's been. Time gets funny when you feel like this. :P I'll do my best to catch up quickly, but I'm still not feeling great. Just coherent enough to form sentences and type them.

Over the years, one of the consistent criticisms I've read about the Kingmaker AP (at least the original 1E version) was the lack of foreshadowing for Nyrissa as the BBEG. This extended encounter with the visiting fey revelers and then Nyrissa's own arrival was my attempt to address that issue.

As I developed these scenes, I also fell in love with the idea of Nyrissa imposing a time limit (a year and a day) to build up your kingdom before she starts making things difficult by introducing the challenges presented by the later books in the AP.

I hope you guys approve of this customization I've added to the AP.

I have no idea what the AP does, so I guess I'm okay with anything and wouldn't know the difference.

Totally approved! Feels very in character for a BBEG as imperious as Nyrissa is.

The lack of an well defined and characterized antagonist until the last few book or two is something that a lot of APs suffer from, it seems.

An important notice to all my games:

First off, I would like to apologize for putting off this announcement until the last minute.

My wife and I will soon be welcoming our second child into the world. We will be going to the hospital on Monday, July 31, to begin the induction process. This will be, obviously, a very hectic time for me, so my ability to post will be quite compromised.

I will bring a laptop with me to the hospital, so it will be possible for me to update games during rare moments of quiet.
However, I cannot guarantee that this will be consistent.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Congratulations to you and the
Missus on the nugget! Completely understandable that your priorities are elsewhere at the moment.

Congrats!

What should we look into building?

We could start building a City Wall.

We could upgrade the Barracks to a Garrison.

Stables might be useful as well.

I'm also not opposed to the idea of building things that will increase commerce first, then militarize second. It might even be easier that way.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

Congratulations, GM! Take your time, RL always comes first.

I've never played Kingmaker before this, either the AP or the computer game. I definitely approve of establishing the main antagonist early, though, as well as the year and a day time limit. I'm a folklore and mythology junkie (as you can probably tell by now) and this adds to the whole dark fairy tale vibe.

I would go with commerce for now, that way we'll have more resources for fortifications and such. It looks like Horace is located on the Tuskwater, so how about Piers? The River Kingdoms got their name for a reason, the rivers are the main routes of travel and trade.

I also have never played Kingmaker so I am okay with whatever grows our community and wealth, as that would be the focus of an Abadarian. I think Pelipe is going to take over the task of fey research and trying to piece together some magical defense against this increased threat. Still, mainly she will be focusing on how to restore Nyrissa's heart (if that's even something they can learn), as it will avoid conflict...hopefully.

First off, we may want to consider conferring council positions to Warren and Stayven from some of our now-retired PCs.

Stayven, with his very high Dexterity, may be a good replacement for Paval as Spymaster. He could also step in for the Vixen as Enforcer, with the Vixen/Addy stepping down to focus on more civil matters, such as continuing her self-defense classes for local women.

Stayven's high Intelligence means he could also serve as Treasurer, allowing Oleg to retire back to his trading post.

Warren's very high Strength means he could replace Kesten Garess as General, or replace Hexa as Marshal.

Warren's high Wisdom means he could also replace Oleg as Treasurer.

.....

If you need any hints, here are some suggestions from your councilors and other close allies...

*Oleg recommends claiming the hex to the northeast of the rickety bridge over the Thorn River since that hex contains a vein of gold ore. If developed, this would be a good source of revenue for Tamlyn. Svetlana would second this, if only because claiming that hex would be progress towards claiming the hex containing their trading post. Although Oleg might be gruff about it, Svetlana thinks their trading post could be a good foundation for a new village.

*Jhod recommends claiming the hex with the Fangberry Thicket to the northwest of Horace, since those rare berries might be cultivated to produce valuable wine.

*Althea also recommends claiming the gold ore vein, as well as building an Exotic Artisan to attract more valuable artisans to Horace.

*Asham recommends building a Trade Shop to better facilitate some of your local trades people, like Tanith the baker.

*Hexa suggests building a Stable to facilitate the numerous steeds of visitors and citizens, including his own.

*Garess suggests upgrading the Barracks into a Garrison, although you would not be able to afford this right away.

*Melianse suggests building an Herbalist to make use of the rare plants that the First Citizens can bring to market.

*The Orlovsky family pesters Harmond to have a Mansion built for them.

*Barris strongly suggests building a Shrine to Abadar

I also just realized that if Ahto and Pelipe wed, then they could both serve as Ruler, with each of them adding their Charisma bonus to a Kingdom Statistic of their choosing (e.g. Ahto could give +2 to Stability, and Pelipe could give +2 to Economy).

Stayven could then replace Pelipe as Magister, or your could promote an allied NPC with high Charisma or Intelligence.

Stayven's probably most interested in treasurer. I can't really see him working as a spymaster, being much more concerned with the public good and the smooth functioning of the kingdom's infrastructure.

Claiming that hex with gold would be Stayven's first vote, along with maybe building roads somewhere.

Hoot and Warren vote for claiming gold and mining it ASAP and connecting to Olegs.

Economy first!!

Hoot wants to be general (20 strength). He mentioned aerial defenses of Horace need work. Warren can take over as marshal (18 str), probably a lesser role than general to make Hoot happy.

Stayven would be an awesome treasurer.

Pelipe would favor the fey with Melianse's suggestion. Since it promotes economical growth that benefits the people. Fey also have a healthy respect for nature and would cultivate the region properly. The trade would be probably more valuable than gold in the long-run since other nations probably can't offer such supplies in quantity.

She would also support Asham's suggestion of trade as more trade brings in more goods and raises economy.

She would be likely quite educated in the methodology of making a mine profitable, the man hours required, the guards provided for their safety, as well as protecting shipment costs. This was her father's job for the Garesses, but for their whole mining exploits. It would be better if he is staying in Horace to go for the mine then and focus on other things now.

Then, with all profit made from trade and no strong expenses going out, she'd support increasing the military might of the nation.

While she is an Abadarian, and doesn't mind having a shrine to him, an official shrine might be a matter for Ahto to decide. She would likely have built her own shrine in the meantime. It may have to be that they all will have to rely on the strength of Abadar to help them, because she doesn't see a way to overcome Nyrissa without the power of the divine.

Melianse's proposal also seems good, and as a practitioner of herbal alchemy Stayven would be very interested in those rare plants.

There seems to be large overall consensus for the Herbalist and for claiming the gold vein hex and mining it.

I am fine with approving those actions, and unless there is any objection, I'd say we should put those in motion.

Ahto feels that a permanent shrine to Abadar would be beneficial, since Tamlyn has had an Erastilian temple for some time, and the Abadarians might get resentful if it is put off much longer. If it isn't handled in this build cycle, he would suggest it be done in the next.

Do we want to resolve the assignments of the newer PCs in-game, or just decide it here, and move forward?

First off, I made a mistake in one of my previous posts. Katrine is currently Marshal. If Warren replaces Hexa, he will be serving as Warden rather than Marshal. The role still relies on Strength, though.

Second, regarding the suggestion of Hoot as General, the kingdom building rules do state that "Cohorts, followers, and even intelligent familiars or similar companions can fill leadership roles." I would allow it, assuming the rest of the ruling council are okay with it.

Lastly, I've already added Stayven as Treasurer. Oleg will (gladly) return home to run the trading post. I don't think we need to RP the assignment of roles to the new party members. Given the circumstances, I think the council and citizens are keen to get to business to prepare for the coming challenges.

Wait, I thought I was the Warden? The "patrol rural areas" role?

Wait, I thought I was the Warden? The "patrol rural areas" role?

On the kingdom tracker spreadsheet, I have you down as the Marshal.

Here are the roles as described in the kingdom building rules:

"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."

"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."

Warden uses Constitution or Strength, while Marshal uses Dexterity or Wisdom, so Marshal uses Katrine's better ability score.

Whoops, I had those two mixed up. Sorry about that! Yes, Marshal fits Katrine better.

Turn 9 - Calistril 4720

Upkeep Phase

Stability Check DC 26: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (8) + 24 = 32
Result = +1 BP (treasury at 18 BP)

Pay Consumption: -5 BP (treasury at 13 BP)

Edict Phase

Assign Leadership: Stayven becomes Treasurer, Warren becomes Warden, Hoot becomes General (ceremonial position?)

Claim/Abandon Hexes: claim Gold Ore hex (1 BP) (treasury at 12 BP)

Build Terrain Improvements: Mine in gold ore hex (6 BP) (treasury at 6 BP)

Income Phase

Collect Taxes: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42 / 3 = 14
14+4 = +18 BP

.....

During the Edict Phase, when you would construct buildings in Horace, the treasury only holds 6 BP, while a Shrine would cost 8 BP. Do you just want to save up until the next kingdom turn when you can afford it?

Also, during the Income Phase, did you guys want to deposit any money or sell any items to add BP to the treasury?

I am fine with saving until the next build phase to build the shrine, if the rest of the party is amenable.

The Herbalist Shop is 10 BP, so that would have to wait as well. If we're lucky, we'll have enough to build both next phase.

I'm fine with saving our BP too. Not sure if we have any loot to sell?

I just overhauled the loot tracking spreadsheet. I sold off some of the non-magical items and gear that have been sitting there for years, and I added in some previous loot that never got inventoried.

There are a couple magic items you guys may want to have a look at.

The party fund sits at 7617 gp and 921 sp.

Actually, that reminds me of something else I need to resolve...

I am not demanding it, now or later, but since Ahto does a lot of front line fighting, magical armor for him might be a useful expenditure.

I was thinking of something like +1 Agile Breastplate, or perhaps even +1 Mind Buttressing Agile Breastplate.

Just thinking in terms of bolstering him on the front line. Mind Buttressing armor trait makes wearer immune to possession and mental control (including command and charm person).

There are unclaimed bracers of armor +2, and an amulet of natural armor +1 that our squishier party members might make use.

There is also the Stag Helm and a +1 Composite Longbow (+2 str). Anyone who wants those should definitely take them.

Given that Ahto is up front taking all the hits, I'm all in favor of buying him better armor!

Katrine got the +1 huntsman composite longbow (+2 Str) from the Embeth Travelers, so if nobody else wants the other longbow we can sell it.

By Stag Helm, do you mean this one? If so, Katrine can probably use it. Not to its full potential, since she isn't a follower of Erastil, but anything that enhances ranged attacks is a good thing for her.

Maneuvering through the underbrush with a giant set of antlers on her helmet is definitely going to take some practice though. XD

I wouldn’t call myself squishy by any metric other than HP but if that amulet of natural armor doesn’t have any other takers I’d gladly pick it up to help support in the front lines.

By Stag Helm, do you mean this one? If so, Katrine can probably use it. Not to its full potential, since she isn't a follower of Erastil, but anything that enhances ranged attacks is a good thing for her.

Maneuvering through the underbrush with a giant set of antlers on her helmet is definitely going to take some practice though. XD

Yes, that is the correct item. I believe it was reclaimed after defeating the bandit army's siege upon Oleg's Trading Post.

I vote for selling it all and getting Ahto even nicer armor, or or shoes! Pelipe isn't much of a combatant anyway.

Also, to finish up Kingdom Turn 9...

Event Phase

Event on 1-75: 1d100 ⇒ 44
Event Type: 1d100 ⇒ 97 = Bandit Activity and roll again

Bandit Activity: Bandits are preying upon those who travel through your kingdom. Attempt a Stability check. If you succeed, your kingdom’s defenses stop the bandits before they cause any harm. If you fail, the bandits reduce your kingdom’s Treasury by 1d6 BP (each time you roll a 6, add the result to the total and roll again).

Stability DC 26: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 45
Bandits eliminated!

Event type reroll: 1d100 ⇒ 11 = Beneficial Kingdom Event
Event: 1d100 ⇒ 20 = Discovery

Discovery: Scholars unearth a bit of ancient lore or devise important new research of their own. Fame increases by 1 and Lore increases by 1d4.

Horace Lore increase: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Did we capture any bandits alive? Did any prove redeemable, and swear to Indenture?

If Stayven is going into melee too, he can grab the amulet. Warren will grab the bracers.

Converting to BP now a good idea to get economy going. In the future I say we go for gold to get better equipped.

Did we capture any bandits alive? Did any prove redeemable, and swear to Indenture?

You captured 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 bandits who agree to work off their debt rather than execution or imprisonment.

A +1 Mind-buttressing Agile Breastplate would be 9,550 gp, if I did the math correctly.

Is there any objection to making this purchase for Ahto?

No objections here. Could Stayven take charge of the bandits and have them work as a road crew? Have them work off their sentence by improving infrastructure.

No. No objections. I'm pretty neutral when it comes to magical items too. I pretty much have to be handed something and have someone say, "this is yours", to use it. Or, be given a lump sum of money to spend as I wish. I'm always down for more spells known though if Ahto wants to get Pelipe a gift? Eh? eh?

I'm not sure how to give spells as a gift, unless you want to claim the scrolls on the loot sheet, and/or the wands. I have no objection, if the rest of the party is amenable.

Yes, I meant buying her scrolls and or wands :)

I'm all in favor of buying Ahto spiffy magic armor!

On second thought, let's sell the stag helm. Katrine wouldn't be comfortable wearing such an obvious symbol of a deity.

I've removed the amulet claimed by Stayven and the bracers claimed by Warren from the loot spreadsheet.

After selling the Stag Helm, the party's personal treasury holds 9367 gp.
After also selling the 3 Screaming Bolts, the treasury would have 9767 gp, so you would have enough for the armor for Ahto