Rivers Run Red

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Gona Build a kingdom
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23rd Gozran, 4707 A.R. - Wealday was the start of a new day. Not just any day. To day was the day that the settlement of Caerulus was founded. In the ruins of the former Stag Lords fortress. Under the charter given by Bervory. This band of hardy adventures would being their greatest challenge yet.


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8

Riva wastes no time directing hired workers into making repairs to the castle ruin and towards construction of the foundations of her library some distance further down the hill.

"No. No. No! This goes here and that goes there! What do you think you're doing with that? That's not what it's made for! Don't you know anything? What incompetence! This is going to take forever! Where's the foreman? Foreman! Oh there you are. What is with your men? They're collectively as intelligent as a lobotomized goblin! Did you train them? Yes it was you, wasn't it? This is all your fault you know. By the time they get it right I will have died of old age--to say nothing of your workers, or any hope for our efforts here!"


Male Human Bard 4

Rory walks through the the remains of the Stag Lord's fortress with a smile on his face. It's bizarre to him that just a few days ago he and his friends were fighting for their lives here against an army of bandits, and now it was to be their kingdom's castle. Where bandits once walked, workers now move.

As he walks through the fortress, he notices Kesten and Akiros watching the workers as well. He remembers the uncertainty they had when they were last approached about the new kingdom and Rory felt he should readdress that with them.

"Kesten! Akiros! It's good to see you. It's strange seeing all this work done around the fortress, isn't it. If this kingdom is to be great, it can only be as great as its people. Kesten, I am sorry you do not wish to be General, but I heard you instead wished to be Warden. Just speak it and it is yours. Akiros, I understand you wanting to be away from here. I can only imagine what horrors you committed under the guidance of the Stag Lord. If you truly wish to be general and lead our armies elsewhere, it is yours.

We want our fledgling kingdom to be strong, to survive and flourish. We need men like you to ensure that this happens. Do we have your swords?"

diplomacy for Kesten: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
diplomacy for Akiros: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12


Male Elf Paladin-3

Adular Garess is not far behind the others, "See if we can find any old catapults or ballista parts we can salvage and reclaim, I know a little something about such things. We may one day need them. Gorum strengthen your arms."
He tends to any workmen that end up wounded, having them pray with him to the Lord in Iron as he does so.

Should he see Rory talking to Kesten and Akiros, he'll chime in, "Your swords, the arms that wield them, and the hearts beating fierce that drives both. Rory speaks true, there's glory to be claimed here if you dare."

Aid Diplomacy with Kesten: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Aid Diplomacy with Akiros: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Wow. Not an auspicious start on the die roller. Hopefully I didn't kill things early. Sorry Rory


Kesten says to Rory "While you have my sword. Don't think much of that high priest over there he seems like a real wind bag."

Akiros agrees "I have my doubts about this new kingdom, but I guess I'll stick around. Don't see why we need him"

nodds his head over to Adular

"Which god does he worship anyway?"


Male Human

Eldric loads several logs into a small cart harnessed to Sirian. Grabbing the horse's reins in one hand, he picks up a large log in the other. The two walk back towards the "castle." Calling it a castle as it stood seemed a bit premature, but it was at least a start.

"A new start," Eldric muttered to himself.

As he walks past Rory, Adular, Kesten, and Akiros, he raises an eyebrow. With all the force he can muster, he attempts to shape his face into a question: "Why aren't you working?"


Male Elf Paladin-3

Not sure if Adular heard Kesten and Akiros or if that was after he moved on


Male Human Bard 4

Rory pats Adular on his shoulder and says "He's our High Priest. A follower of Gorum and he means well"

With all the work behind him, Eldric caught him by surprise. He turned to see the Cavalier and his noble stead bringing logs into the keep for the workers. He put on a smile and said "But I am working. I'm working hard and ensuring our new kingdom has strong leaders to guide it through its most turbulent years."

Would Rory make a bluff or diplomacy check to get out of the manual part of the labor. He's not lying, but he is using it as an excuse to try to avoid the work.


That will work getting out of manual labor is the prerogative of king's.


Male Elf Paladin-3

"Mmmph," Adular takes the pat good naturedly, and it keeps him from asking the two idiots to step outside if they have a problem with him, or ESPECIALLY his god. Damn fools, perhaps they don't recall my help against the Stag Lord along with the others "Memories are short, I see, and yes, Rory. I mean to aid. In fact, I hope to work on making this fortress serviceable for siege weapons. Some other men are scouring the area now while I check out the best points to position them. It may take some time even if we do find them however. More likely I'll be busy patching together any work men that get themselves injured. Dangerous work for them. I had to save a leg less than an hour ago."


Male Human Bard 4

Rory winces at the thought. "Defense is good. We'll need to be sure to be able to defend ourselves from anyone who might want to take the keep from us. But we also need to think about the city we're building as well. We need to find the others to discuss exactly what we're going to make once the repairs to the keep are completed. Homes, a smithy and other shops, perhaps even a bar and definitely an inn. And then there's long term goals like a proper cathedral for our gods, places of learning for those who dream to follow in our footsteps. We need to know exactly where to start." Rory was staring off into the sky now, caught up in his own words and ideology.


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Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8

Later, during edict negotiations...

Riva addresses the other leaders of the community. "I say we should have six holidays. All six shall be concurrent with one another and be called "Spring Break" where the kingdom's youth shall have time off from their schooling so as to pursue other intellectual endeavors. For the rest of the year, they shall further their education in the educational system six days out of each week, with the seventh being reserved as a time of rest."


Male Human

Unless otherwise informed, I assume that we are sitting at some form of a round table in the fort as construction continues on the castle.

Eldric coughs politely. "Six holidays in a row isn't really six holidays. It's more of a holiweek, and I'm not sure if that's the way to draw people here." Eldric cocks an eyebrow at Rory. "We do want people here, yeah? Expandin' and un-stealing the Stolen Lands and whatnot?"

"Might be we could set up some holidays for the gods. They tend to like that sorta thing, and people tend to too. First Brewing would be a good one for Cayden, and would make a nice post-harvest holiday. Break from all the tedium of pulling a plow."


Male Elf Paladin-3

"I agree with Edric... Holiday is pretty much 'Holy Day' and they don't all get clumped together," Adular declares, "I'm for Gorum being the chief deity worshiped if I can help it, but offending other gods by treating them like differing veggies in the same stew of a week isn't a way to get on ANY of their good sides. Gorum favors strength at arms, a holy day that encouraged tournaments and the like would not only please the Lord in Iron, but would also encourage the people to be better trained to defend themselves if they had to."


Male Human Bard 4

"I'm with the others, Riva. I also kind of agreee with Adular and showing our strength. Perhaps we shall celebrate Archer's Day for Erastil. It'll allow us to show of our strength with our archers as well as allow some of our men to show off to the women. Other than our gods, I feel today should be a holiday, the founding of our kingdom." Rory says as he looks at the others for their opinions on the thought. He knew he was meant for kingship but they were his friends, and to him, his equals. He was still unsure of his new found power and still looked for the support of others.


Jhod specks up "I think we should celebrate Archerfeast in honor of Erastil"

Sootscale "Celebrations are overrated we should skip them."

Akiros "..."

Kesten is not there.

roleplaying for 4 is hard


Male Elf Paladin-3
Quote:

Jhod specks up "I think we should celebrate Archerfeast in honor of Erastil"

Sootscale "Celebrations are overrated we should skip them."

Adular considers what those two say, "Well, making better archers can only serve the kingdom in case of war. So I certainly wouldn't object. Many in my own church frown on Holy days saying we should make our own, but I differ in that I see great opportunity in them. I would wish for a day not just honoring Gorum, but through him our fighting spirit and our fallen"

Then he turns to Rory.

"You need to show your own strength, Rory," Adular advises, "On the day you are formerly coronated, make that a holiday and use it to celebrate the kingdom. Thus will you and the land be united in the eyes of the people. They will celebrate you while celebrating it and you may find that message useful in insuring their loyalty," Adular knew that as a bastard, some of his fellow nobles would expect him to shun Rory, but the man had bleed enough and fought hard enough to earn respect.


Male Human

"Show off to the women? Gettin' started on that heir so quickly, eh, Ward?" Eldric asks with mock seriousness.


Male Elf Paladin-3
Eldric Lorren wrote:
"Show off to the women? Gettin' started on that heir so quickly, eh, Ward?" Eldric asks with mock seriousness.

"We do need to get him to breeding soon," Adular considers aloud trying to keep a straight face, "Heir and a spare... perhaps we could hold a raffle to raise some capital for the kingdom's treasury? Women could pay coin to have a chance at queenship"


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8
Adular wrote:

Then he turns to Rory.

"You need to show your own strength, Rory," Adular advises, "On the day you are formerly coronated, make that a holiday and use it to celebrate the kingdom. Thus will you and the land be united in the eyes of the people. They will celebrate you while celebrating it and you may find that message useful in insuring their loyalty,"

At hearing this, Riva seems to brighten up for the first time since everyone arrived in this accursed wilderness.

"There is great wisdom in these words, my lord. Yes, I quite like the idea of making the coronation a holiday--and the new year and the founding of our nation too."


Male Human Bard 4

Rory forced a laugh and scratched the back of his head. "My coronation... I hadn't even thought about that. It's better than forcing the people to celebrate my birthday. I read that some kings do that."


Male Human

"I...agree with Riva," Eldric says hesitantly. He quickly closes his eyes and raises his hands as if to ward off an invisible blow. Slowly, he opens his eyes, and pats himself in an exaggerated fashion to confirm that he is intact. "Hum. And the world has not ended. A surprise."


Male Elf Paladin-3

Adular is pleased his suggestion about the coronation is well received by others, "They can celebrate your birthday after you're dead, ironically enough, if you end up great enough for them to love you. Monarchies are almost more about the throne that who sits on it, meaning no disrespect, so a coronation and its anniversary might be easier for them to take as a holiday."

Quote:

"I...agree with Riva," Eldric says hesitantly. He quickly closes his eyes and raises his hands as if to ward off an invisible blow. Slowly, he opens his eyes, and pats himself in an exaggerated fashion to confirm that he is intact. "Hum. And the world has not ended. A surprise."

"HA!" Adular's head tilts back, "If so many of us are in agreement on one subject, we truly have witnessed a miracle I think. That one, the coronation being a holiday, at least, seems settled unless anyone objects?" he looks at the other council members such as Sootscale


Sootscale grumbles about holidays he won't be able to enjoy and how he would have work harder during them.


Male Human Bard 4

Rory looks over at his friend and tries to remedy his foul mood. "Perhaps once we get the kingdom running, we can get an official holiday just for your tribe. Perhaps celebrating an end to your war with the Mites. There'll be lots of drinking and eating and showing of strength. Yes there may be work to get ready, but not just for you because we'll be there to help. Doesn't that sound like a good idea? And these holidays are for your tribe as well. You are an important part of the kingdom."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"As for the rest, have we finalized our holidays? First Brewing, a tournament held in Gorum's name, Archer's Day, a day off of studies, first of the year, and..." Rory pauses for a moment and coughs into a closed fist. "My coronation."

holy crap, I just noticed the two posts about Rory getting an heir. I wish I had noticed them sooner.


"Yes a day when everyone sneaks around and doesn't let any see each other."


Male Human

I thought Rory was just expertly changing the subject.

"No objections. If we're agreed on the holidays, we also need discuss how to promote our fair, er, hovel, and," Eldric says with a grimace, "taxes."


Male Human Bard 4

"The one thing I learned while in my father's halls is that taxes are a necessary evil. The secret is finding that perfect balance to sustain our nation without leaving our people unable to support themselves." Rory explains, trying to sound more authoritative. Bringing up his father brought up a past he wanted to forget, but he did learn some things about running a small fiefdom. A kingdom shouldn't be much different.


Male Elf Paladin-3

"And we have to make sure the people see their coin is not going to waste. I like pomp as much as the next fellow, but we shouldn't be sitting on silk pillows while the roads consist of nothing but muddy paths...that sort of thing," Adular says upon thinking of it, "As for what to tax, heh, we have to be careful... the Six Laws of the River Kingdoms frown on taxing travel if I recall. No tolls on rivers and the like."


Sootscale say "I don't see why we need taxes. We never had any and we got on fine."


Male Elf Paladin-3
Powergaming DM wrote:
Sootscale say "I don't see why we need taxes. We never had any and we got on fine."

"How did your tribe raise wealth then? And what did you do with that wealth?" Adular asks.


"If I needed something done I just ordered some layabouts to do it. If we needed something we went and got* it. No need for taxes."

*stole


Male Elf Paladin-3

"Heh", the cleric is amused, "Alas, the only people we can currently 'get' things from are each other. Defeats the purpose of taking down the Stag Lord if we become him, or so I suspect some will say. Tax and Trade are considered the steadiest ways to make coin among the governments of men. Still, we should put 'layabouts' to work." He looks to the others, "How about a tax on pacifists? I know, I know, that's Gorum prejudice...but hear me out. What if we tax every family that doesn't have at least one man willing to fight in it should we be attacked? This pacifist tax might encourage martial training among the people, and give the militia and armies more trained me to eventually draw from if need be. "


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8

"I do not believe allowing people to buy their way out of military service to be a wise idea. It would only serve to diminish our military might as well as to create a divide between those who can afford it and those who can't. It may well cause a war in our own streets so to speak."


Male Elf Paladin-3

"mmm, you have a point. Very well, while I like the ideas of cowardice being fined, I can see how it might backfire. I withdraw that idea, but what taxes should we propose then? Something light on all sales?"


Jhod "Maybe tax something we disapprove of? Tax on alcohol"


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8
Adular wrote:
"... Something light on all sales?"

"Or...perhaps not so light," says Riva with a chuckle as she steeples her fingers across the table.


Male Elf Paladin-3

"Let's not cause a riot by taxing hard and heavy right out of the gae... and if we're going to tax alcohol, you should make exceptions for religious services. Or do you really want to tell the Cayden Cailean worshipers they're about to pay a lot more per ceremony?"


Male Human Bard 4

"What would you suggest we tax then, Adular? I would think the churches should aide in the funding of our kingdom, especially if they're going to want a say in it later. Or perhaps I'm being a little too idealistic with my beliefs." Rory says, then paused slightly. Was he really saying these things or what he simply repeating beliefs his father had drilled into him as a child.

"Then again, perhaps exemption from taxes is fine, so long as if the individuals from churches speak as individuals and not on behalf of their organization. He lets out a long sigh. "Or am I thinking to far ahead here, guys?"


Male Elf Paladin-3

"Taxes are power, mi'lord. In some lands, temples are indeed entirely tax exempt and would likely crush the government that tried to remove that exemption...and, speaking as a man of faith, for good reason. Taxes are power and yoke. Men must serve a king, but churches are for the gods. The clerics will pay their own taxes, just like any citizen would, but to tax a temple itself is dangerous business mark me. Churches collect tithes, voluntarily I would hope. You tax the church, you 'double dip' and make the good folk pay you twice and they will resent it." Then he laughs, "Of course, I am High Priest, so I admit I maybe biased, but in truth, if I were promoting ONLY Gorum's faith he would be the state religion and folks like good Jhod over there would be furious,and rightly so. I'm just saying tread very carefully."

Quote:
"Then again, perhaps exemption from taxes is fine, so long as if the individuals from churches speak as individuals and not on behalf of their organization. He lets out a long sigh. "Or am I thinking to far ahead here, guys?"

"Like I said, tax all secular sales lightly, spread it around, and yes, maybe a tax on the spirits but light. Otherwise folks will just turn to smuggling it. Remember, many of them practiced Banditry. Smuggling would hardly make them blink. Better to only get a trickle than find nothing because the path of the river has changed."


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8

Riva turns towards her old friend Rory and smiles, though she speaks with a tone of mild annoyance. "How about we tax the kobolds whenever they procreate? I hear they are becoming quite prodigious as of late."


Scootscale says "You do that and we are withdrawing from this kingdom. My people are having hope for the first time in a long time. I will not be part of taking that away from them."


Male Elf Paladin-3

"And I wouldn't blame Sootscale a bit for that. It's like taxing elves for every year they live beyond their first century," Adular snorts.


Male Human Bard 4

"Ok, so church exemptions and no singling out any people, kobold or otherwise. But Sootscale, you're people will still be expected to pay taxes, just not in the way Riva put it. But don't worry, it won't just be spent here, you and your people will enjoy its boons of supporting the kingdom as well. Rory says, trying to calm his scaly friend.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"Riva does bring up a good point though. Sootscale, you're people are growing in number far quicker than I think any of us could have imagined. Not many of the people coming to our kingdom are used to living side by side with kobolds and we need to make sure that your kobolds understand that as well. We need to show both sides that no harm should come to other for trusting each other. This needs to be our goal right now; maintaining peace between the people of our kingdom. Any thoughts on how we can go about this?"


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8

"Oh my dear Sootscale, surely you knew I meant that only in jest?" says Riva as she backpeddles a little too late and with a little less than full sincerity.

Curse my foolish tongue! The lizard is so short I completely forgot he was in the room! I cannot slip up like that again. There is too much opportunity to be lost.


"We kobolds always grow like this when not dieing in droves. My grandfather's grandfather told him that the Sootscale tribe used to cover the area all the way to the radish patch. Of course then alot of troll and owlbears moved in and started eating us. The mites moved into the area. And the bandits started hunting us for sport."

Sootscale seems to cheer up then

"But things are a lot better now. All because of the wise rule of Chief Sootscale! And I guess you guys might have something to do with it as well"
he says generously.


Male Elf Paladin-3
Sootscale wrote:

"We kobolds always grow like this when not dieing in droves. My grandfather's grandfather told him that the Sootscale tribe used to cover the area all the way to the radish patch. Of course then alot of troll and owlbears moved in and started eating us. The mites moved into the area. And the bandits started hunting us for sport."

Sootscale seems to cheer up then

"But things are a lot better now. All because of the wise rule of Chief Sootscale! And I guess you guys might have something to do with it as well"
he says generously.

"Heh. I think I'm starting to like our kobold citizens. Sure, they're small, but unless the General objects, I can see them becoming excellent archers and slingers in the protection of our new kingdom." Or the expansion of it if need be.


Male Human Bard 4

"Sootscale, if this is normal for your people, we need to be able to take care of them. Perhaps we should see to building them homes in the future. I'd hate to see any of your people homeless because of your population boom." Rory proposes. I can't afford any of these kobolds going rogue. I need to be sure they're happy so the rest of my people can be happy.


Male Human

"Perhaps we hire an alchemist to make kobold bachelor snuff?" Eldric mused, then shook his head. "No, would get expensive quick. Too quick for our treasury.

"Speakin' of, perhaps a property tax? Harder to corrupt than sales tax. Can cook books on sales, not so much on property." Eldric pitches his voice low and says, "'Oh, this tavern, sir tax collector? Not mine, not mine! I'm just having a look.' Not believable, but a lamentation on how poor the month's sales have been? Not so easy to prove false."


Female Tower Elf Arcanist 8

Stability Check to clear the squatters: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

After their meeting adjourns, Riva grabs some local guards and Sootscale to help deal with the kobold situation brewing at the edge of Castle District.

"We can't build new homes for you if you're in the way of the construction crews. Move along for now and you will all have warm beds before you know it."

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