Yay!!!! Game over. We won!!!!!!
The land is safe and will be ruled kindly.
Good job everyone!
Observing some of the events as they start to unfold Tirnel brings the named Lords together along with their King-There is much going on here that should be discussed before things are finalized.
Primarily, if Ibram is to be King we should decide what that means. The traditional definition of a King would mean that all power and authority within the Kingdom comes from the Crown and the Crown alone. The Crown may lend power and authority but it is the Crown's to lend, not others to take. There are some among us that are making decisions that I do not believe have the blessing or approval of King Ibram. Who will take what positions in the Kingdom-Commander, Treasurer, and the like. I do not dispute the wisdom of who takes what office but I do dispute their right to self-select said offices.
Next, decisions are being made as to where to settle and what to build. Again these are decisions for the King, or his group of Lords assembled; not for each to choose as they see fit. I do not directly dispute the wisdom of the choices made so far, although some I would question significantly, but I do dispute the authority of those making the choices. Who provides authority and sanction for such decisions if not the Crown; and if the Crown does not then what purpose does the Crown have?
I say all of this not to be troublesome but to establish the base foundations of what the future Kingdom will look like and how it will function. Will we be a country of law or one where each does what they want as they see best? With the twin powers of Erastil and Abadar there is a rare opportunity for a primarily human country to have both the beauty and love of nature coupled with the benefits of urban areas and commerce. Maybe the closest thing to traditional elven rule under human mantle that has yet been seen upon Golarion.
What say you my Lords?
Trying to stay out of all of the intrigue, but willing to dive in if necessary. Not really a strong ability for Quinray at this point.
I hear your words Tirnel. But in the end the King will make his own decisions based on "his" value system. We can help advise if that is what he wishes. I assumed the King appointed Lord Kesten as Commander and Lord Oleg as Treasurer himself.
Kesten: "Tirnel is right, these decisions belong to the King or to whomever he appoints. Frankly I have no desire to run an army in a fledgling kingdom I would prefer a simpler life with far fewer duties and problems. Tirnel might be a good general he has a keen mind for planning and strategy."
Oleg: "Well said Tirnel and Kesten, I have plenty to do running my own business without the added hassle of collecting taxes and paying bills. From the looks of it I think the King would prefer a simpler life as well. I suppose we could all just pack up and move on and let this horde of settlers govern themselves or let the Swordlords pick someone else..."
Svetlana frowns: "Begging your pardon Tirnel but you're creating problems where none is needed, even if it is unintended. It seems to me that Kesten and Oleg are more well suited to be Commander of the Army and Treasurer than any others. Ibram certainly knows and trusts them better than he does any of these new settlers. I agree you need to set up some basic laws with this many folk there will be misunderstandings. But overall, less governing will work better than more, let people settle and build where they like, they will be more satisfied with your rule the less you interfere. When problems or disputes arise that they can't solve then intervene as needed. I'm sure you will have plenty to solve without trying to micro manage everything. Now sit down Tirnel and finish your supper, you are too thin."
Cannot wait for the King to weigh in here. Tirnel just got smacked upside the head. I wonder who Svetlana is...Queen of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, Queen of Everyone, or just a domineering Mom/Woman who has beat down Oleg.
On Svetlana
Is Commander Kesten serious?
Quinray is unable to determine Svetlana's motives but generally knows her to be an extremely capable no-nonsense woman.
Quinray believes that Kesten is serious when stating his desire for a simpler life than running an army for a new kingdom but he also knows that Kesten has an overdeveloped sense of duty and will put his personal preferences aside for the greater good. Kesten is also poking fun at Tirnel.
Tirnel frowns at Svetlana's chiding and the wry words of Kesten and Oleg-None of us have asked for the duties now thrust upon us and all have desires that must now be buried under the weight of newfound responsibility; I not least among you!
Kesten as Commander of the army seems wise to me. Who else among us has had command of large forces and training as a soldier? Oleg as treasurer seems a good fit even if it is an uncomfortable one for him. Has he not spent most of his days bartering and trading, working with sums and coin, and making the most under the tough conditions of the frontier?
Maybe Kentaur to lead the faith, Quinray to lead the city watch or spy about the land, myself to lead in matters arcane or things learned? You yourself Svetlana, years of wisdom may be the best guide of all for the tasks to come. Again I do not question roles and titles, but rather the authority to take them up.
Ibram has been named King and, as a righteous sword of Erastil, King he shall be. I do not believe his faith and code will allow him to so readily 'pack up and move on' and leave these folk to the fates of the wilds. I will follow him as King if for no other reason than the fact he does not want the job and has proven a brave and prudent man during hard and dark times.
Less governing and more freedom could well be the creed of our nascent country, but we should have a care where people settle and build. First, they may despoil the natural beauty of this land. Second, they may range too far and strain our ability to protect and support them against already establish powers or wandering monsters.
Even simple things like where to build our first city and what name to give our nation bear thought. Building here, so close to the Swordlords power, would seem to lend itself to us becoming their future satrapy. However, if we were to build on the foundation of the Stag Lord's keep that would provide distance from our current 'benefactors' as well as give us a fortified site on a hill with a river nearby and plenty of room to grow. As for names, I would say Milo is a fitting one for a capital, but not for a country.
I would not overly busy myself with the day-to-day workings of our new principality, but properly laying the foundations now will have the most influence on the ultimate outcome of what arises from this uncertain start.
Ibram remains quiet and thoughtful during the dinner listening to all his Lords and Ladies. Shortly after the plates are cleared he heads off to sleep:
"Get some rest everyone, tomorrow our work begins."
That night Milo comes to Ibram in his dreams:
"Erastil's blessings upon you and your new kingdom my friend. Better you than me, you are well suited to be a King. As for me, I hunt by Erastil's side with Yegalash every day and feast at his banquet every night. I look forward to a time, far from now, when you will join us. Running your new kingdom will be difficult but not due to the day to day problems of governing, make Svetlana your Hand of the King and she will have your kingdom running as smoothly as her kitchen. Your difficulties will come from from your enemy, the one who slew Yegalash, she is a powerful fey and has many resources at her disposal. Be careful my friend."
Speaking outside of the dining hall. Food was great as always.
There is no chance King Ibram will pack up and move. I am sure he will put in policies and laws to deter banditry, lawlessness, unfair trading practices, land grabbing, and destruction of nature among many other complications. Tirnel, do you believe the King is unable to make these decisions? I believe he can.
Kesten will make a fine commander for the time being. He will fulfill his duty. Oleg as treasurer, I think we know who ran this business efficiently where there were no laws or support. Not him.
The King will make the ultimate decisions and sacrifices for his Kingdom. How we support him is up to us.
Speaking quietly with Quinray outside the dining hall-Your words are wise Quinray, and Kesten and Oleg are both worthy Lords. Also, I have no question that Ibram will do all that he sees as right and best. He is a righteous man and boon companion and I would rather be led by a holy warrior of Erastil then of almost any other Power.
You say that how we support him is up to us, and I agree. My support will start with wise counsel, as I see it, and to do my best to cement the trappings of power within the office of the Crown. HIS Crown, not the crown of Brevoy or any other influence.
Think for a moment-why does Brevoy declare Ibram King and this land his Kingdom? What motivates them to so freely give of men, money, and materiel? Kesten and Oleg both have shown true so far but they are from Brevoy and the political landscape there is uncertain at best. Of our loyalty to Ibram and to each other there is no question in my mind.
We must be both wary and wise, each in their own measure. The actions and decisions we do now may echo for years to come and we should not want to look back in our dotage and regret that we were not more judicious today. Fear of an ill legacy has long plagued the elves and many lands are haunted by the foolish paths of leadership.
Tirnel, it is obvious you know more about the world and politics than I do. I see what is around me. We must wait for King Ibram to speak.
Ibram wakes up with a start.
"Thanks Milo for reminding me were the true worry lies right now."
Coming down stairs, Ibram chats with folks he meets. Trying to get to know them, find out what worries they have and bolster their spirits about the great adventure/opportunity that lies before them. Together we can make great things happen.
When he comes across various lords, he relays his visitation from Milo and reminds everyone of who the real enemy is.
If you envision yourself doing something else, I await your response. Erastil knows we'd all rather be doing something else, but this is kind of exciting isn't it?
What say you Lord Tirnel, ready to sign up for a position of frustration and worry for little or no reward? Well, you will have my friendship whatever you choose. I await your response.
@Ibram-However I may serve you Ibram I will. I had come to these lands to discover elven ruins and find fame and prestige. Although I may not have found the former I have certainly gained the latter.
I know you feel know this already, but I must say it for my own piece of mind-tread carefully and give thought to your position. What you do now impacts more than just a small group of adventurers.
But one question I have for you my liege...Why do you listen so closely to Tirnel? Iwill give you any advice if you ask me to. And maybe unsolicited
One thing I will say. When someone gives you a gift for no reason you should be wary and concerned. Because they may ask for a lot more in return. Also be careful with how the settlers acquire and use new territory. Will you have Land Barons or settlers in your land? Settlers of Kataan?.
As to the commander of the watch, I don't envision you stuck in a city unless that is what you wish. I think you can do both.
Svetlana moves off towards the encampment with a determined look: "Not always right, but I shall do my best Ibram."
Later that day, a good portion of a log palisade has been erected and several new buildings have started to be put up.
Two months later:
Where Oleg's compound once stood there is a thriving town surrounded by outlying farms.
There is a smaller but well fortified town where the Stag Lords fort once stood.
Jhod has reopened the Erastil's Temple of the Elk with a small outpost nearby.
But all is not well. A death has been reported near town, something attacked and killed a shepherd boy and two of his sheep sometime the previous day.
Looks like the first serious challenge of your reign Ibram. You were wise in your selection of Svetlana; I would never have guessed her as competent running the day-to-day activities of a newfound kingdom. Maybe I will have to study the art of the kitchen to learn some of her tricks!
By your leave I will take Vret and any others who wish to accompany me to investigate the murder of the lad. I'm sure now will be one of the many times that we miss Milo.
Kentaur, Quinray are you up for a bout of investigation?
Head out to the scene of the crime and strenuously perceive.
At the scene of the murder
"Heck, Tirnel, I need to get out of town for a bit. I'm going too."
To Vret:"Of course Vret."
Ibram weaves in to the tale of how Vret survived and was tortured, how he was saved by combining with Kynn. And how the boy is selfconscious of being different. And how Ibram would take it as a personal favor if people didn't treat Vret different because of it.
You head out of town guided by one another shepherd who leads you to the body and then continues on to manage his flock. Before he departs he says that he saw the other boy 3 days ago as they each led their flocks out it to the hilly pastureland and he was fine. Last night he heard wolves howling and he found the boy dead yesterday morning.
Vret looks over the area, there are tracks indicating some sort of beast as well as human tracks in the area. The shepherd's body is partially gone, it looks like part of him was eaten. There are two dead sheep nearby with significant wounds but they don't look as if they were eaten.
Heal and Survival checks might reveal additional information.
-worst rollers ever-
Forgot to add your nobility bonuses. But yeah, you guys suck at rolling.
I guess that this attack was not a wild animal if for no other reason than the sheep were not eaten. Most wild animals would tend to eat their natural food chain first.
Wasn't I just saying that we would miss Milo?
Vret looks a little pale at seeing the mutilated body of a boy not much younger than he is.
I though things were supposed to be safer in cities...
Quinray looks around.
Kentaur believes the injuries are consistent with bite marks from a large predator.
We will need to keep watch tonight, and the nights to come, as best we can about the town to make sure this predator does not strike again. Though none of us asked for the responsibility, we must protect those that have rallied to Ibram's name.
If we are going to be on watch for something dangerous I will need to summon Kynn.-The young man begins to meditate....
Let's end this menace...
Just curious. How long does it take Vret to transform into Kynn.
The rule book says 1 minute but have not asked Darkvision
Quinray attempts another unskilled survival check. Anything new.
Significant drawback? Why would you ever be Vret? Vret SHOULD take 10 days to change. Only +18 perception at 4th level? A mere 80+ hit points at 4th? This build is so broken.
The death took place a few miles outside of Milo town. So are you setting up watch on town or out in the farmlands.
I say out in the farmlands.
Significant drawback? Why would you ever be Vret? Vret SHOULD take 10 days to change. Only +18 perception at 4th level? A mere 80+ hit points at 4th? This build is so broken.
The death took place a few miles outside of Milo town. So are you setting up watch on town or out in the farmlands.
Milo would know...
As you say Ibram, the farmlands it is.
Looking around at nothing again. But trying to find the creature who killed.
and, by the way, my input is just that, input. Not some kingly edict. If someone has a better idea, let's hear it.
Need perception rolls from Ibram and Kentaur (for all the good they will do us!). ;-)
Tirnel and Kynn hear something sneaking up on Ibram through the bushes.
Behind you Ibram!
Cast mage armor
Cast mage armor and move towards the noise
A werewolf springs from the bushes and attacks the King!