Male Human Druid 3 / Wizard (Foresight School) 3 / Mystic Theurge 2
Realizing that the task is a bit more complex than he first thought...
Sanstree throws in,
"Maybe we bring Tully back first an then she can help us take tha stave in fer Jenya tah charge, then she err us ken return tah restore tha paladin."
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Edrukk shakes his head. "'er last request was t' do right by th' man she 'n 'er friends 'ad killed. Don' be thinkin' t' cheat 'er 'n 'at."
Yellis the arcane archer.
"My people will go and bring forth the fallen paladins from the lake, and we will bring him and his horse to Cauldron, so that you can return home."
"It is also my understanding that the village of Ossington will become once again a druidic enclave, in that case we ask admittance to ours who are of the druidic order such that we will be properly accounted for in the area."
"We wish to accompany you to Cauldron to speak to the leaders there, and to make certain an accord exists between us."
The archer indicates, himself, and the few others.....
"The body should arrive after us in a wagon from the village."
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
You leave Ossington far behind a score of elves stayed on to guard it until the druids arrive.
Another group gets a wagon and heads to retrieve the paladin and his horse...
With Yellis the arcane archer, Zarn the ranger, Thilvara the sorcerer and a Pixie named Vesley in tow, nothing dares impede your week long journey home.....
Along the way several stories are exchanged.... "Alls well that ends well."
Soon in the distance the cauldron skyline comes into view....
“Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector.”
What about the seasonal taxes? What are they? Indeed, they are probably the backbone of our taxation system. They yield the greatest revenue, and the most regular.
In the spring, every hearth is taxed, from the meanest cottager’s hovel to the greatest lord’s castle. Then in summer, the Land Tax is due. Every acre of the kingdom is assessed: a tribute to my staffs perspicacity and enterprise! We also collect the Nobility Tax at that time. Each family displaying tokens of nobility, such as crests, coats-of-arms, household uniforms, and the like, pays 5 golds for the privilege. It is a mere trifle, yet as I said before, it adds up.
In autumn the temples and shrines collect the Tithe: one silver in the gold on all produce, rents, and profits from the land. Sad that it is so steep, and none of it goes into His Majesty’s coffers. The churches collect the Tithe, and we collect the Income Tax at the same time. Isn’t that quite a lot at one time? No, I think not. The Tithe covers mostly profits from land, while the Royal Income Tax is mostly assessed against merchants and such. There is very little overlap. And the tax on incomes is a mere copper in the gold.
Winter is the very season of taxes. There is the Poll Tax assessed on every head in the Kingdom, the Magic Tax on all magical items, the Sword Tax on every edged weapon, and the Henchmen Tax on all who have retainers.
What we fail to get in the warmer seasons, we recoup in winter. Hiding and running away are far more difficult in the depth of this frigid season, and so taxes are far easier to collect. Pay or freeze, Master Scribe! Oh, yes, that is the choice! Pay or freeze! Oh, yes. Quite.
Poll Tax: Adult, 2 c; child or marketable beast, l c; riding horse, l s.
Magic Tax: Potion, l c; scroll, l s; book, 3 s; ring, 5 s; wand, 10 s; miscellaneous item, 12 s; weapon, 1 gold; artifact or relic, 20 golds.
Sword Tax (on all edged weapons 9 or more inches long): 1 c for every 2 inches of edge plus 1 c for each pound of weight.
Henchmen Tax: every henchmen, 2 s; every hireling, l s.
Hearth Tax: simple dwelling, 1 c; simple dwelling in town, 2 c; simple dwelling in walled town, 6 c; large dwelling, l s; large dwelling in walled town, 3 s; inn, 10 s; manor, 1 gold; castle, 10 gold.
Land Tax: per acre under cultivation, l c; per acre lying fallow, ½ c; per acre of woodland, ¾ c; per acre of barren land, 1 gold; per acre of pond or lake, ½ c; per acre of town-land, 6 c; per acre of fortified land, l silver.
A strong sword and a full moneybag – these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
"Taxes? So there want'n t' bleed our coinpurse's well's our veins? P'raps we shou' stop sav'n this town..." Broccan grumbles.
"All right, boy-o, tally me up. How much's m' kit gonn'eh cost me?" Broccan says, standing before the gate guard in his spiked armor and bristling array of weaponry.
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
"Dunno if'n we be c'nsidered residents, cap'n. Last time we be 'ere, we saved 't from a floodin' 'n defeated a demon what was controllin' th' may'r."
Sorry for not posting as frequently, been busy and needing render time for a short animation.
I hope you don't mind a little rewind to traveling between Ossington and Cauldron.
As the group Travels to Cauldron, Alkaid talks with Tully, and a thought of how to best blend in, just as they pass a ruined building, and forgot a few things as she thought.
Rolled a nat 1 on wis check "I think a form for blending in with humans would be better before we get to Cauldron."
Transformation:
Transformation It's Divx, only way to get the file small.
recommended home viewing.
Her form shifts to a curvier human, then remembers the things she forgot, and gets a bit red in the face from embarrassment of forgetting.
inner thoughts:
"Crap, I forgot that these clothes aren't ones given to me when I left home, and thus don't adjust when I shape change.
As I got these from a Calistrian Priestess while I was in an Elven form.
So I'll need to change into some other clothes as the top is tight."
"Oh crap...
she puts her arms around her the lower part of her chest as she turns to face the Kythel.
and continues
"Kythel, keep this under your hat, as the rest already know that I'm not human, and more of a divine being.
You can even ask them what I looked like."
"To blend in a bit I'll do a quick change of clothes, behind the ruins, and don't peek, Broccan and Eddrik can tell you how dangerous that would be."
she quickly goes behind the ruins and changes while the group waited for a minute then comes out in a performer's outfit "What, I'll be singing and dancing for my supper and room, while in Cauldron."
upon reaching Cauldron and hearing of the taxes Alkaid replies "Wow, I'm glad I'm going to be performing for my room and board.
And being a humble performer, I should not need to pay to much, unless they start taxing one's way of life."
Alkaid goes to the guards and with a slightly flirty pose and smile,
"Would you gentlemen just let us through with no need of paying the taxes, and I'll take a song request from each of you tonight, at a tavern you all agree on." Diplomacy:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (11) + 25 = 36
Rogue 2/Cleric of Pharasma 14 | HP = 157/157 | AC = 27 | Initiative +8 | Perception +22 | CMD – 23 | CMB – +11 | F +12 (+14 Spider Poison) | R +13 | W +14 | Channels 12/12 | HP = 2/2 | Cold Resistance 20
Before
Kythel nods to Alkaid, "I have nothing to gain by betraying the trust of those I have just perhaps aligned myself with".
After
Kythel remains silent as the taxation takes place. However as the coins are paid over he does state, "Do we receive a note which shows that our taxes have been duly paid?"
Assuming all goes smoothly with his query He heads into Cauldron and takes in the sights and sounds. He turns to his new companions, "Is there a church or shrine to Pharasma here in this city?"
The guard glares in response to a question that make you suspect it is not just his math skills but also his reading skills that might be suspect....
As far as public knowledge goes there is no temple or shrine to Pharasma within the city of Cauldron.
Knowledge local (religion) DC 28
Spoiler:
You believe/suspect there is a shrine near the lakes edge dedicated to Pharasma, whose domains are Death, Healing, Knowledge, Repose, Water makes the shores of crater lake an ideal location for such a shrine......
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Knowledge (Religion):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
"If'n Ah were lookin', Ah would be takin' m' search t' edge o' th' lake. Ah dinnae know fer certain, but Ah'm thinkin' 'ere be one 'n th' area."
I thought the elves were traveling with us to the city.
Yellis stops at the gate and pays for another group of elves who will also have a wagon and a body they are bringing in later on.
"When they arrive please direct them to....where will we be?"
Yes the elves with you are Yellis the arcane archer, Zarn the ranger, Thilvara the sorcerer and a Pixie named Vesley
The elves are more in the background right now, the wagon is probably three days or more behind you.....
Jenya the headmistress of the Temple of Sarenrae, is a 5’4 human female wearing golden robes with a silver holy symbol around her neck…
Jenya.
”I wanted to extend my services to you and offer any powerful scroll I might scribe for a reasonable amount.”powerful cleric scroll of your choice.....(anyone, anyone)
Jenya is all to happy to examine the strange staff and see if she can help to charge it in any way for you.
"It may require some funds to get this done, as you know taxes have hit all the temples and the business fairly harshly."
"Things in town have been most out of sorts in the time you have been gone, the taxes mostly have really hit the businesses."
Somewhat delayed, important and from a chapter that was skipped over...
Not long after your arrival at the Tipped Tankard an older dwarf pays you a visit to inquire about one of your previous exploits.....
with him and helping him is a very beautiful blonde woman...
"I am Davked Splintershield, the blonde woman is Celeste. I had heard that you had found the home of our distant cousins and had hoped you had some sign of what had happened to the dwarves who lived there?"
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
"Well...there was'eh dragon'n a wierd look'n dwarf w' gray skin'n a black-skinn'd elf w' spider-legs, but no prop'r dwarf-folk," Broccan replies to Davked.
"I took this off th' gray dwarf'n had it re-fit," he says, gesturing to his spiked armor.
Male Human Druid 3 / Wizard (Foresight School) 3 / Mystic Theurge 2
Sanstree appraises the young woman...
and gives her a wink..
"Did I not see yah at tha demonskar ball?"
---she smiles back and answers "Indeed you did." "I knew it, I never forgets a looker."
---"Flatterer."
"I think we did get a great many MW quality weapons and armor from tha place as well...."
Sanstree retrieves the emergency war chest and shows off the goods...
Celeste:
"Sadly yes and no the taxes have been raised over and over in Cauldron, sometimes as soon as one tax is paid we are asked to fork over the difference for an increased tax."
Celeste: "Some say so, others point to the ever increasing costs of averting dangers and keeping the populace safe. You didn't hear it from me but the merchants are holding a protest in the town square tomorrow morning."
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
"When'vr folk gath'r'n th' streets ' Cauldron, there's truouble. We bes' be there t'morrow'n see if we can't stop'eh bloody uprisin'" Broccan says in a tone of resignation.
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Kythel of Nisroch wrote:
I think the veterans should pick the scrolls as they did the dirty work to reap the rewards.
Meh. As one of the veterans, I value your opinion. What do you suggest? Of course, we don't know what level of spell Jenya can cast and we lack a cleric of our own, so it should be something that one of us can use UMD on, something on Sanstree's druid list (what level can Sanstree cast?), or something on the warpriest's spell list. I'm not sure what limitations, if any, Alkaid has for what she can cast.
Rogue 2/Cleric of Pharasma 14 | HP = 157/157 | AC = 27 | Initiative +8 | Perception +22 | CMD – 23 | CMB – +11 | F +12 (+14 Spider Poison) | R +13 | W +14 | Channels 12/12 | HP = 2/2 | Cold Resistance 20
"If the people are justified in wanting new leaders would we be on the right side of putting common townsfolk down with sword and spell even if it was a full insurrection?"
Alright Edrukk I can add my 2 cp. :-). I would agree that it should be a spell I do not have access to. I can cast up to 3rd level spells at the moment as I am a 6th level Cleric and 2nd Level Rogue. If she can recharge a staff with a Reincarnation spell I would assume she has access to at least 4th level spells. My Cleric list at 4th level would be: Planar Ally, Lesser and Dismissal. My Druid spells at 4th level would be: Flame Strike and Scrying. If we could get up to 5th level Cleric spells I would choose: Break Enchantment and Raise Dead. If the option is 5th level Druid I would pick: Call Lightning Storm and Death Ward.
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
"I'm no' look'n t' fight townfolk," Broccan replies. "The high'n mighty folk'n Cauldron've been known t' truck wi' powerful demons'n th' like. My reas'nin is t' keep ordinary folk from gett'n killed. If someone's gonn'eh die fight'n, it shou' be me."
Rogue 2/Cleric of Pharasma 14 | HP = 157/157 | AC = 27 | Initiative +8 | Perception +22 | CMD – 23 | CMB – +11 | F +12 (+14 Spider Poison) | R +13 | W +14 | Channels 12/12 | HP = 2/2 | Cold Resistance 20
"Let us hope that the Lady of Graves does not have her sights set on you anytime soon my new friend. Perhaps we should attend this rally if only to keep an eye on what is taking place. I should like to discuss more of your exploits over a fine dinner this evening after our business is concluded".
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Kythel of Nisroch wrote:
Alright Edrukk I can add my 2 cp. :-). I would agree that it should be a spell I do not have access to.
Oh, I'm an idiot. I went through the roster in my head and totally didn't consider your character. I was literally thinking we had no cleric - no offense intended.
"Ah'll n' be fightin' th' folk if'n th' gov'ment 'as lost their fool 'eads ag'n."
Rogue 2/Cleric of Pharasma 14 | HP = 157/157 | AC = 27 | Initiative +8 | Perception +22 | CMD – 23 | CMB – +11 | F +12 (+14 Spider Poison) | R +13 | W +14 | Channels 12/12 | HP = 2/2 | Cold Resistance 20
Edrukk Thorvirgun wrote:
Oh, I'm an idiot. I went through the roster in my head and totally didn't consider your character. I was literally thinking we had no cleric - no offense intended.
None taken, I realized I did not have all of vitals for ease of reference when posting which is why I figured you overlooked it. So actually it was a good reminder to get that done already! I am always bad at that little detail. Though playing in 20 or so PbP's and running 2, not to mention raising a kid, taking care of two large dogs and having a full time job as an Attorney, you tend to overlook a thing or two...
As you are relaxing at the Tipped Tankard enjoying your fine dining experience…and reading the cauldron newspaper…(or at least skimming the headlines)
Headlines
Crimes
Spoiler:
From the office of the Lord-Mayor and Captain of the Guard.
Some citizens and visitors are still unaware of existing crimes. Laws are continued from the previous editions.
Tax evasion
Spoiler:
Refusal to pay the tax collectors of the city. There is only one degree to this crime. If the tax and fine are not paid, the fine automatically advances one step every year for which the tax remains unpaid, in addition to accruing further tax bills.
Theft and vandalism
Spoiler:
The act of taking or dealing in goods that rightfully belongs to another. The degree of this crime is directly related to the status of the victim. Defacing or otherwise damaging a building without threat of destruction. The degree of this crime is related to the status of the victim; vandalizing a public building is a third degree crime. Ignorance is no excuse!
New Tax Plan Unveiled ‘Extensive, but fair’ says Chancellor Stanheort
Spoiler:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Terri Stanheort was presented by the Lord Mayor a mere six months ago. ‘Chancellor Stanheort next task will be to update our fair city’s tax plan’ mayor Navalant said.
And update it she did. The new plan covers a diverse range of subjects, from a raised gate tax for all out of town visitors, to a higher market tax on all goods sold during our weekly fairs. The tax plan also covers a chimney tax, a temple tax, a flood tax, a birth tax and a tax on most skills and professions. In addition, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s office is looking into a charter tax for adventurer groups and a tax on magic items. ‘Our citizens are part of a community. Our tax plan should reflect that. We therefore strive to tax all aspects of living in this community. A citizen can pay his taxes with pride’ explains Chancellor Stanheort. ‘The height of the taxes is very fair in my opinion. For a well respected member of our community they should hardly be a burden.’ When questioned about the many complaints offered against the taxes Stanheort replies ‘Unfortunately, there are a few parasites that leech off the hard work of our honest brothers and sisters. Our new tax system ensures that they pay for everything they so callously took for granted.’
The taxes collected by Chancellor Stanheort’s office will go towards the many extra expenses the city has run into. From purchasing extra wands to prevent dire situations such as last year’s flood season to the repair of the damage to Obsidian Avenue caused by last month’s Umber Hulk attacks. The rest will cover the cost of additional mercenaries to patrol all important trade routes and to reinforce our city guard.
Orphan Disappears …again
Spoiler:
Rumor has it the old Lantern Street Orphanage is not the safe haven for displaced children it claims to be. ‘Sure, we have our fair share of runaways, we do’ says Gretchyn Tashykk, matron of the Lantern Street Orphanage. ‘In fact Terrem has run away three times before, he has. Nothing to worry about dear. Usually back before supper, he is.’
However, not everyone is as undisturbed as Gretchyn. Terrem was one of the four children taken during last year’s kidnapping spree. ‘He’s gone! And no one cares!’ exclaims Patch, the orphanage groundskeeper. ‘And Matron Gretchyn aint doin nothing!’
Heroes rescue Zenith Splintershield
Spoiler:
A band of local heroes rescued Zenith and returned him to his family. The Stormblades were more than happy to help.
As you are relaxing at the Tipped Tankard enjoying your breakfast, a large and angry mob passes by.
You hear them shouting ”Taxes!” and ”Thugs!””We have rights!”…”Taxed Enough Already!” One of the mob seems to recognize you and comes into the tavern…”Are you going to the demonstration?” The Arcane archer Yellis and company are at a meeting with Alustan and the druid council about Ossington, this morning
You recall that the merchants of Cauldron have organized a demonstration at city hall this morning in protest of the ever increasing taxes in Cauldron…Roleplaying, going or staying put?
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
To the citizen, "We 'ave some business t' tend t', lad. We'll be joinin' ye later if'n time 'llows."
After the man leaves, he shares with the others, "Wit' th' way things 'ave been 'n Cauldron, Ah 'spect 'ose folks 'r gonna get attacked 'r thrown 'n jail fer speakin' out." Responding to the cleric, he adds, "D'ye think th' elves o' Ossin't'n 'r 'n danger from th' crowd?"
I wasn't sure if those were related events other than similar timing.
Rogue 2/Cleric of Pharasma 14 | HP = 157/157 | AC = 27 | Initiative +8 | Perception +22 | CMD – 23 | CMB – +11 | F +12 (+14 Spider Poison) | R +13 | W +14 | Channels 12/12 | HP = 2/2 | Cold Resistance 20
Ah ok outside of town then. Probably a good thing!
"I suppose if they are outside of town they would be in no danger but if things are volatile, it is strangers that often become the recipients of ire when the masses boil over whence they return. I would like to seek out my own comrades in the church at some point but if we will be going to watch this demonstration, I am happy to wait until later to run my own errand".
