Ruins of Empire (Inactive)

Game Master EltonJ

Indeed, if what was meant to be sailing by to break the enemy ship's oars and rudder becomes a ramming maneuver, the archers would target the pirates rather than the sails!

Are we dealing with this combat with Pathfinder rules, or using the Birthright unit combat rules?

In any case...
Marine Archers Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Aglondier Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

I could DM fiat it, but that would be hardly any fun for you. Pathfinder rules.

Barad

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Retinue
12d20 ⇒ (8, 17, 1, 10, 8, 5, 7, 13, 6, 16, 2, 10) = 103
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Front line awaits with swords drawn, back line ready with crossbows loaded.

Pirates initiative:
15d20 ⇒ (6, 3, 5, 4, 18, 17, 9, 18, 16, 20, 11, 5, 12, 15, 3) = 162

I do believe that the Lady Barad is first.

One of those times I wish the archetype hadn't traded out inspire courage.

Lady Barad casts clarion call upon herself so she can easily relay commands in the middle of the battle.

One of the pirates attacks Barad's men. Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

I'm not sure whose turn it is now... What's the initiative order?

I'm not sure whose turn it is now... What's the initiative order?

We are going to redo this per mass combat rules. There's too many people for the regular initiative order.

Pirates
size: Tiny; Type: Pirates (Warrior 1); hp 3, ACR: 1; DV 11; OM 1; tactics: Dirty Fighters, resources: ship, special N/A, morale 0, Consumption 8, Leader: Morkov the Merciless (Fighter 3)

Alright, average initiative is 13, and it's Rogr's turn.

Marine Archers
size: Small; Type: humans (Warrior 1); hp 1, ACR: 1/4; DV 10; OM 0 (ranged); tactics: Sniper Support, resources: ship, special: Merciless, morale 0, consumption 1, Leader: Aglondier (Wizard 1)

attack: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16 vs. Pirate's DV 11 --> 5 damage

You tear into the group with your archers. Now it's Lady Barad's turn.

I'm not sure what my bodyguards count as in mass combat.

A very tiny army, I suppose. The mass combat rules aren't perfect, but they are the only way to settle this combat.

Ok, so i think I have the stats figured out, though I'm not absolutely sure.

Body Guards
size: Tiny; Type: Soldiers (Warrior 1); hp 1, ACR: 1/8; DV 14; OM -4; tactics: Full Defense, resources: None, special N/A, morale 0, Consumption 1, Leader: Lady Barad (Bard 1) Cha +4

Defensive fighting strategy.
1d20 - 8 ⇒ (8) - 8 = 0 No damage dealt but DV counts as 18

Basicaly forming a small knot of soldiers keeping any melee from impacting on the archers under the command of Rogr

Alright, it's the pirates turn. Attacking the archers.

1d20 ⇒ 20
Rolling to confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 7
damage: 2 hit.

I am not sure how damage is being calculated... Isn't it it: attack - DV = damage? In any case, I believe that both the pirates and the archers have been annihilated?

The pirates have been annihilated. But the archers haven't.

"Row!" Aglondier commands, navigating his caravel to face the third pirate ship. Looking at his battered and bloodied archers, he can only hope to avoid ship-to-ship combat. Again, he attempts to smash the enemy oars and rudder to render them dead in the water...

Warcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Sailing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Ship Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

You actually did it. You smash the enemy's oars. However, your sailing check wasn't great and you didn't smash their rudder.

Seeing the rudder still functional, Aglondier incants a spell and summons a dolphin, which he then commands to slam into the said rudder...

slam attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

In the meantime, he steers his ship upwind of the last remaining ship.

sailing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

If the first attack doesn't suffice, the dolphin continues its assault!
slam attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 171d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
slam attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
(The Summoning spell is augmented and lasts 3 rounds)

Nasty. Since it's the Sabbath, I won't be posting until Sunday.

The rudder is destroyed!

The ship is now in the sea without a rudder. The dolphin returns to whence it came. The pirates are busy trying to make a new rudder.

With the few remaining on the first ship busy fighting the fire on deck, and with the second ship's sailors all dead, Aglondier positions his vessel a safe distance from the third ship and orders his archers to fire.

If they do not raise a white flag then they must all die, he decides, albeit reluctantly.

They suddenly take down their pirate flag and raise a white flag, offering surrender.

Oh, buy the way, you both gained a level.

Aglondier raises his hand and his archers cease to fire. Carefully, he maneuvers his ship near the remaining pirate ship.

"Place your weapons in your rowboat and come aboard," he orders the pirates, commanding his men to set a plank between the two ships. As the sailors cross to the count's ship, they are checked for weapons, bound, and led to the lower decks. They will be tried in Ilien.

If all goes well, he will do the same to capture the remaining pirates on the first ship, if they agree to surrender.

The first ship has suffered some fire damage and has lost a good number of its crew. The second ship is intact, but the crew has been annihilated. The third ship is damaged and has suffered heavy losses... Do we have enough men to sail all the ships back to Ilien?

You can try. Are you going to add them to your fleet? Or give them to Lady Barad?

To be discussed with Lady Barad when we're back in Ilien?

Adding ships to a land locked country seems like a waste.

Roesone isn't landlocked, it just lacks a harbor. It's most southern province touches the sea.

Oh yeah, you leveled. Both of you should have enough experience to reach level 2 at the end of this adventure.

The level is happily taken. I forgot Abbatuor technically touches the sea, but there is no port and I don't it would be a good idea to build one at this time.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
If the pirates don't make a fuss, perhaps we can move along and make our way back to Ilien, and figure out what to do with the ships and their content as we sail? Basically, I'm waiting to see if the pirates will cooperate after all...

The pirates do cooperate with you. Although, their back was broken when you wiped out their archers. They willingly go back to Ilien with you to stand trial.

While the ships sail back to Ilien, Aglondier leads the leader among the pirates into the captain's cabin and proceeds to interrogate him.

"You and your men fought bravely," he begins, "and Ilien may have need of good sailors who wish to redeem themselves and work for the crown. To be clear: I wish to be lenient in my judgement of your crimes. But you will need to prove yourself to me – to demonstrate your goodwill."

He gives the prisoner a moment to consider his words.

"Tell me about your dealings with Ilien..."

Aglondier wants to know who they have been dealing with, and more specifically, who they have been buying weapons from.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
If the above roll does not suffice, as I suspect will be the case, the count will use the Staff of the Aglondiers to charm his prisoner into a confession.

The above roll doesn't work. The accosted pirate refuses to talk.

The count shrugs, "Suit yourself." With that, he leaves the room and the prisoner in Lady Barad's able hands...

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29 For the whole interaction we are about to have to move the pirate feelings about the good lady Barad. Silver tongue lets her move three steps instead of two. I figure we can role play out the outcome if you don't mind.

"I am sorry, but my fellow there does not know how to properly motivate people... I on the other hand... well, I am sure I can find some motivation that might move you. I am the Lady Barad, might I know your name as well." Lady Adriana smiles and moves with a sure grace, making sure the sailor is well aware that she does not fear him nor worries for her own safety.

"I am Captain Harlan, of Suirene," he says matter of factly. "My Lady."

"My dear Captain Harlan, how does one find oneself in a life of piracy? It must be an interesting tale to be told." The Lady Barad nearly purrs as she begins to stroke the man's ego looking for any edge to get the man to talk. "I have always found men of the sea to be very interesting. Such rough lives and unencumbered freedoms are not for the feint of heart."

"You have to be brave to be a pirate, milady," said Captain Harlan. "We draw no quarter, wear canvas pants, and sail the sea drake infested waters. For booty, treasure, and gain."

"Yes, treasure and gain. Right up until your ship is taken and your people face the noose or worse." Lady Adriana looks away towards the porthole. "Now you face a sad choice... give up your dealings with El-Hadid and join Illien as a privateer within their navy, or come work in my mines to face the black cough and never see the sun... honestly I would choose the former, the continued life on the sea would suit you. But, I do need workers, they have a nasty habit of living short lives." Lady Adriana punctuates this last with a smile.

"How did you know that I was dealing with El-Hadid?" It was a simple question. Perhaps the captain revealed more than he let on.

FYI: Aglondier and Lady Barad would have spoken about El-Hadid, about his current illicit arms trade, and about how pirates were found to be involved in said trade...

Yes, but the pirate captain doesn't know that.

Fair enough, but I simply wanted to make sure that Lady Barad understood the chain of evidence! :)

"It is my business to know. El-Hadid has many active concerns within my realm, I can not abide the way he keeps his stranglehold upon my markets and now it is time to rectify this impropriety. I would be a poor schemer if I could not keep track of such relationships as the one carried on between the two of you."

"El-Hadid arranged that we attack his shipping, so we could get rid of the Wizard," the Captain explained.

"I see. Well, now it seems you should have reason to end such alliances and forge ahead anew. It would be too much to hope you would have meetings directly with the man, but any of his lackeys that you can steer us to would go a long way to securing the free taste of the seas once more."

"Well, there is Clovis. He's the man that arranged it all for us. He's in Ilien. He's an Anuirean, but he only goes by Clovis."

"That is useful information. And where would you meet with this clovis?"

The captain says, "We'd meet with him in Ilien. At the Dancing Pony."

"Interesting, I see we will have to make the time to visit this man and find out more... now what do we do about you and your crew? I am open to a suggestion. If it is good enough I may even follow it." Adriana gazes upon her captive with a wry smile and a hint of danger in her clear blue eyes.

Discuss the game here.

Hello,
I am finishing up my character today, but today is more busy then I was expecting. Hoping to have some time this evening.

Hello,

I am finishing up my character today, but today is more busy then I was expecting. Hoping to have some time this evening.

Cool. What sort of domain are you looking at to rule?

A Merchant Guild is what I was thinking.

A Merchant Guild is what I was thinking.

Okay. So you don't want to rule a realm along with that merchant guild?

The realm I was looking at was Endier

I think I missing the scope of the game, I thought I might be over reaching with a realm. Endier is a Guilder run City Which fits. I might go First Level Rogue.

I will leave Endier to Kurt, I would not mind trying to run an island realm of now united former pirates (What few remain after some unfortunate infighting and the deaths of quite a few captains under mysterious circumstances.) on Caelcorwynn and Albiele Island that has newly pledged its allegiance to the imperial crown and now polices that area... and takes a cut of trade profits for the trouble.

I will leave Endier to Kurt, I would not mind trying to run an island realm of now united former pirates (What few remain after some unfortunate infighting and the deaths of quite a few captains under mysterious circumstances.) on Caelcorwynn and Albiele Island that has newly pledged its allegiance to the imperial crown and now polices that area... and takes a cut of trade profits for the trouble.

Good ideas, but may I suggest Brosengae as an alternative? Sure you have to contest law holdings, but you get a nice guild network.

Okay, anyone ready to go? I'm itching to get started.

Me too!

I'll take a look at a few realms. Should finalize a character soon. Sorry for the delay.

Sorry, my mother-in-law s in the hospital this weekend, I had no time to post, but I have been thinking about the game. I'll finish my character today.

Kurt is Updated

Pretty much done except items. Kinda settled on having taken over Roseone.

Pretty much done except items. Kinda settled on having taken over Roseone.

Bards aren't associated with a holding, but we'll work with it. We'll start tomorrow with the domain turn.

Pretty much done except items.

I also need to spend some money, Is there any birthright specific rules for this?

Birthright Equipment shows all the equipment you can purchase. That's much easier than me typing up the equipment table myself, right here. (The Conversion document will address these concerns). As for starting money: there is no change to starting money. However, you are all regents, so you start with 200 gp to spend money with, in addition to what you roll up.

Quick Question.

As regents of your own realms, you get to start with a magic item. This item cannot be more powerful than a +1 sword. You can have a quality (such as a +1 icingdeath).

I have 2 thoughts on an item.

1) Called Handcrossbow +1
2) Goggles of Night

Quick Question.

EltonJ wrote:

As regents of your own realms, you get to start with a magic item. This item cannot be more powerful than a +1 sword. You can have a quality (such as a +1 icingdeath).

I have 2 thoughts on an item.

1) Called Handcrossbow +1
2) Goggles of Night

Hand crossbows don't exist on Aebyrnis. No culture makes them. Goggles of Night are made by the gnomes of one of the Western Anuirean colonies on Aduria.

starting wealth: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 = 40 +200 = 240

Hmm... Rich Parents replaces starting wealth, I thought it was in addition. If I go for Mithril Shirt I don't have money for clothes.

Are the Goggles acceptable?

Hmm... Rich Parents replaces starting wealth, I thought it was in addition. If I go for Mithril Shirt I don't have money for clothes.

Are the Goggles acceptable?

Yes, they are. But you have to explain how you got them in your background. Every regent has rich parents, btw.

There is something I forgot to mention. Your bodyguards. Since each of you rules at least one province, each of you receives 5+2d6 bodyguards.

Bodyguards: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 6) + 5 = 12

Should I create a NPC sheet for Rogr's lieutenant/daughter?

Bodyguards: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 = 11

I'll work on finding a way to work on a connection to the gnomes of Western Anuirean into my background. I feel they will come in handy in my future.

Aduria actually.

[dice=Bodyguards]2d6+5

Should I create a NPC sheet for Rogr's lieutenant/daughter?

You can. Just remember, she may be designated as your heir, but once you get the leadership feat you will get a cohort (true wizard, sorcerer, summoner, etc.) that can also be your heir.

I would just treat her as a rogue and keep going on the holdings.

3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5) = 13 330 gold
2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 5) + 5 = 14 bodyguards

Also, Roseone would be an interesting region I think.

I would just treat her as a rogue and keep going on the holdings.

3d6 330 gold
2d6+5 bodyguards

Also, Roseone would be an interesting region I think.

Alright. Are you going to make up your own guild?

Bodyguard Type: 1d100 ⇒ 77

Archers (Breastplate, Crossbow, Short sword)

Starting Funds: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 4, 3) = 19 390gp

If we all have Rich Parents I'll replace that with Mercenary

As I am working out my back Story should I assume that I need to oust Guilder Kalien as part of the story or that he did not exist and I am replacing him?

I could be wrong, but you could also be Guilder Kalien?

Other then the race and alignment I would find that an acceptable option.

Would my holdings include the Heartlands Outfitters holdings? per the player's Secrets "The DM can choose to disallow these if they see to provide too much power to the Endieran regent.

As I am working out my back Story should I assume that I need to oust Guilder Kalien as part of the story or that he did not exist and I am replacing him?

Up to you. You could have him poisoned (not likely), or you could have been his lieutenant and he died suddenly and mysteriously (he could have walked into the Spiderfell one day). And all likely hood the land choose you with his birthright.

But it's largely up to you. He could be ousted by a rebellion and the people chose you to be their leader, and have been invested by a cleric regent.

This is all up to you.

Yes, I wouldn't mind building my own guild that slowly bought up concern after concern, maybe even usurped power through increasing economic pressure as she owned the Kingdom's debts but managed to secure prosperity for the populace as a by product. I'm going for a political/mercantile monster who takes care of her home province because it is her property.

Other then the race and alignment I would find that an acceptable option.

Would my holdings include the Heartlands Outfitters holdings? per the player's Secrets "The DM can choose to disallow these if they see to provide too much power to the Endieran regent.

Let me check on that. I don't have the Player's Secret to Endier, so I can't say. It should only be fair as Algondier has his sources, you have your guild.

So let me check on that in my Ruins of Empire book.

EDIT: According to Ruins of Empire, Heartlands Outfitters is actually a recommended Guild. Although you have to be as crafty as Guilder Kalien in order to keep it for long.

We'll start tomorrow with the domain turn.

While waiting for other players, should we attempt a first non-adventuring domain turn?

Yes, we should. Adventure is a character domain action which you will gain a level, but the adventure must needs be short.
:)

So, we all rolled 1d10 for initiative, but the page Ilien link says 1d20+bloodline... also, if I am reading this correctly, the previous regent had a law holding of 9. Am I considered to have replaced that with a guild of 9, or am I going to have to battle it out turn by turn to eke out a guild holding?

Also, reason I haven't posted any regency gains is I don't think I can even gain any regency whatsoever with the way this is currently set up.

So, we all rolled 1d10 for initiative, but the page Ilien link says 1d20+bloodline... also, if I am reading this correctly, the previous regent had a law holding of 9. Am I considered to have replaced that with a guild of 9, or am I going to have to battle it out turn by turn to eke out a guild holding?

You have to battle it out. Contest the holdings here so that you can build your own monopoly. Competition will be fierce.

Also, reason I haven't posted any regency gains is I don't think I can even gain any regency whatsoever with the way this is currently set up.

Bards have it tough as regents. Bards get 1/2 regency from guild holdings, and you still get full regency from your province holdings.

Except I can't get a regency score above a 5 because warcraft is cross class.

Except I can't get a regency score above a 5 because warcraft is cross class.

I better change the rules then. Okay, they made it so province collection is dependent on Diplomacy + Warcraft. Lets change that to Diplomacy + Lead from now on.

Okay everyone, province regency collection is either Diplomacy + Warcraft, or Diplomacy + Lead. Which ever is better. Does this make it satisfactory for everyone?

Actually, I forgot crossclass could get 2 ranks at 1st in 3.5... so if we consider that crossclass counts as two I could get a 6 and gain 20%. I think maybe that was to handicap non-warrior classes.

Actually, I forgot crossclass could get 2 ranks at 1st in 3.5... so if we consider that crossclass counts as two I could get a 6 and gain 20%. I think maybe that was to handicap non-warrior classes.

Well, the 3.5 rules were balanced. The 2e rules were nicely balanced actually. Everyone could collect regency in 2e from their provinces they ruled. The BR 3.5 team changed it so that skills are taken into account.

Being a bard regent is tough, and frustrating on the player if we go by the 3.5 rules as written. Fortunately this is Pathfinder, so I can make a house rule.

Wait, are we starting with the treasury and reserve of our given kingdoms?

Same question... I hope so. If not, Ilien's financial future is far from certain!

Are things moving along in PM?

I keep getting sidetracked from writing a party invite. The couple starts I made I did not like. My wife just had a baby. So I am working when I get moments