Strength and Fear: An Ustalavic Kingmaker Campaign

Game Master vayelan

Kingdom Building Rules
Rulership Tracker
Map: Canterwall and Neighbors

Map: The Town of Ravengro
Map: Harrowstone Grounds

Current Encounter: Camped Outside Freedom Town


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My understanding is that Faunlara is scouting the prison grounds while the other party members visit the Old Hephenus Place, which I've now marked on the town map, to talk to the people displaced from the southern moors.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

So, I'll be on vacation for the next week, please bot me as needed. I might or might not use my smartphone on vacation.


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Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

Happy Thanksgiving!


A heads up to all my games:

Tomorrow morning, my wife and I will be driving across a couple of states to spend the week with her family, and we will be returning on Friday.
I will be bringing my laptop with me, so I can still make posts during downtime, but my posting rate may be a bit more erratic than usual.

Thank you very much, and happy holidays.


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Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

Happy Holidays!

As long as your driving isn't any more erratic than usual!


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

I'm sorry guys. I'm taking some time off. Maybe next year..


Happy new year, everyone!

I thought it was about time to check in and see who wants to continue.


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

I'm happy to continue, if folks are into it... But, I also understand if they are not. I'm enjoying the game, the GM and the character interaction.

Spooky sense of mystery is very cool! Kudos!

I'm enjoying the game and sometimes wait so as not to hog the spotlight.

Happy New Year!


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

good to go


Elf Druid (Treesinger) 5| hp 44/44 | Init+2 | Perc+10 | AC 16 TAC 13 FF 14 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +6 Ref +4 Will +8

I'm ready whenever! I thoroughly enjoy this story already, and this great group!


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

sorry all, last semester of college and everything seems to be trying to screw me over. Been very hectic, and probably will be until the weekend (hopefully not longer) but that depends on whether or not the schools people get their asses in gear and do their actual jobs. heh.


Arden Kain Brandt wrote:
sorry all, last semester of college and everything seems to be trying to screw me over. Been very hectic, and probably will be until the weekend (hopefully not longer) but that depends on whether or not the schools people get their asses in gear and do their actual jobs. heh.

As someone who works on a college faculty, I can empathize.


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

It really sucks because, most of the people I needed to work with personally do fine, but the people I'm waiting on are taking forever.


Elf Druid (Treesinger) 5| hp 44/44 | Init+2 | Perc+10 | AC 16 TAC 13 FF 14 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +6 Ref +4 Will +8

Post for all games: I'm taking my youth group from church to an event in Gatlinburg this weekend, leaving late morning Friday and not getting back until late Monday night. I might be able to post some, but it'll be from my phone so posts will be short.

Feel free to bot me if necessary, GM


Faun Daedys wrote:

Post for all games: I'm taking my youth group from church to an event in Gatlinburg this weekend, leaving late morning Friday and not getting back until late Monday night. I might be able to post some, but it'll be from my phone so posts will be short.

Feel free to bot me if necessary, GM

Thank you for the update, Faun. I hope you guys have fun!


Elf Druid (Treesinger) 5| hp 44/44 | Init+2 | Perc+10 | AC 16 TAC 13 FF 14 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +6 Ref +4 Will +8
DM Vayelan wrote:
Faun Daedys wrote:

Post for all games: I'm taking my youth group from church to an event in Gatlinburg this weekend, leaving late morning Friday and not getting back until late Monday night. I might be able to post some, but it'll be from my phone so posts will be short.

Feel free to bot me if necessary, GM

Thank you for the update, Faun. I hope you guys have fun!

We definitely did! But we're glad to be home.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

I'm back. Thank you for not letting Shontar die :)


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

Off Topic:

Anyone in the United States do DevOps for a living, specifically with customer facing experience (for a tech vendor)?

Solutions Architect or Deployment Engineer.


Valeska Talanova wrote:

Off Topic:

Anyone in the United States do DevOps for a living, specifically with customer facing experience (for a tech vendor)?

Solutions Architect or Deployment Engineer.

Unfortunately, I do not.


Having not only defended Ravengro from an orc warband but also secured the old ruins of Harrowstone and settled a bitter mystery rising from a love triangle, you've distinguished yourselves as accomplished heroes to the locals.

Level up! Welcome to level 5!

You'll need the benefits of the lessons you've learned, for in the morning a messenger will arrive from the prince's court with momentous news.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

great! do we roll for hp, or take average?


Shontar Hadove wrote:
great! do we roll for hp, or take average?

Take the average.


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

Level up:
HP: +8
Saves: N/A
Skills: +5
BaB: +1

Perception: +1
Diplomacy: +1
Handle Animal +1
Ride +1
Climb +1

Feats: Monstrous Mount (griffon)

Symbol of Inspiration (Ex)

Spoiler:
At 5th level, the gallant’s personal crest becomes an inspirational symbol of his chivalrous ideals. As long as he displays his crest on his tabard, banner, or similar item, allies within 60 feet who can see him gain a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm, compulsion, and fear effects, and a +2 bonus on damage rolls to deal nonlethal damage. At 10th level and every 5 cavalier levels thereafter, these bonuses increase by 1.

This ability replaces banner.


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Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

Dwarf-ish blacksmithing demon... and you pointed out the Jofra's hammer. I made a possible connection.


Valeska Talanova wrote:
Dwarf-ish blacksmithing demon... and you pointed out the Jofra's hammer. I made a possible connection.

Fair enough. I just wanted to avoid sending you off on a false lead because I made a mistake with my descriptions.


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

That's fine...

Taking some time to convert to HeroLab... But, will be all cleaned up, when done.


Elf Druid (Treesinger) 5| hp 44/44 | Init+2 | Perc+10 | AC 16 TAC 13 FF 14 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +6 Ref +4 Will +8

Glad I finally looked at the discussion page. I'll have Faun's advances posted soon.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

Shontar and Chao have leveled up.


Elf Druid (Treesinger) 5| hp 44/44 | Init+2 | Perc+10 | AC 16 TAC 13 FF 14 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +6 Ref +4 Will +8

Level Up:
Druid (Treesinger) 5

HP: +6 (5+1) I actually had my previous total off by 1, so my max hp is now 44, not 43.

Saves: N/A
Skills:
Heal +1
Knowledge (Geography) +1
Perception +1
Sense Motive +1
Spellcraft +1

Feat: Point-blank Shot

Gained Level 3 spells (2/day)

-----

Ornmeil'lon

Feat: Intimidating Prowess (Add STR to Intimidate in addition to CHA)


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

I believe the council specifically sent word and was awaiting a response.


Valeska Talanova wrote:
I believe the council specifically sent word and was awaiting a response.

Correct. Specifically, when Councilwoman Straelock asked you to stay in town for a bit after the orc raid, Councilwoman Faravan stated she would send a message to the prince's court to ask for help.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

Is this like the PC-Game, where some leadership roles are not available or relevant at the beginning?

Shontar had good dex and Int, Chao has dex and wis, but is a little bit limited due to his not speaking.


Shontar Hadove wrote:

Is this like the PC-Game, where some leadership roles are not available or relevant at the beginning?

Shontar had good dex and Int, Chao has dex and wis, but is a little bit limited due to his not speaking.

To my shame, I still have not played the PC game; I have not even watched any playthroughs on YouTube, so I cannot make comparisons between the two.

However, I do know that the roles of Consort, Heir, and Viceroy carry no vacancy penalties, so they are essentially optional. For the other positions, not having them filled imposes different penalties upon the country, such as increasing Unrest or decreasing Loyalty.

Using Dex, Shontar could fill the role of Marshal, Royal Enforcer, or Spymaster; using Int, he could fill the role of Grand Diplomat, Magister, or Treasurer. As for Chao, using Dex, he could also be Marshal, Royal Enforcer, or Spymater; using Wis, he could be Councilor or Treasurer (I don't think High Priest would be a good fit, though).


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

What's the PC game? Is we not PCs?


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3
Valeska Talanova wrote:
What's the PC game? Is we not PCs?

Computer game on Steam :)

Calling dibs on Spymaster and Treasurer;)


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

Pathfinder kingmaker the crpg. Its pretty great. well worth the money if you enjoy crpgs/rpgs (such as baldurs gate/dragon age). In it, some kingdom roles only unlock/become fillable at certian points.


Now that Valeska has officially been chosen as Ruler, you need to decide if her Charisma bonus will be added to your Economy, Loyalty, or Stability score.

Also, just to confirm, Shontar for Spymaster and Chao for Treasurer?

Kain's highest ability is Strength, so he would be best as General, Royal Enforcer, or Warden.


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8
DM Vayelan wrote:

Now that Valeska has officially been chosen as Ruler, you need to decide if her Charisma bonus will be added to your Economy, Loyalty, or Stability score.

Also, just to confirm, Shontar for Spymaster and Chao for Treasurer?

Kain's highest ability is Strength, so he would be best as General, Royal Enforcer, or Warden.

Not up on the mechanic, what's the hardest to affect through actions taken?


I would say that Economy is hardest to affect through actions. It is mostly impacted by buildings constructed, the taxation rate, and random events. It is also important since it determines whether you generate income each turn.

Also, while the Ruler's bonus cannot be changed once set, the Spymaster's bonus can be changed from turn to turn, so they can boost Economy, Loyalty, or Stability as needed.

.....

On a similar note, we will also need to set the edicts for Holidays, Promotions, and Taxation.

Holding more holidays increases Loyalty but also increases Consumption (how much of your treasury gets spent on upkeep at the start of each turn).

Promotion edicts are events and actions the kingdom uses to attract new citizens and increase the well-being of the kingdom, such as recruitment campaigns, advertisements about services and goods, and propaganda to improve the perception of your kingdom at home and abroad. Promotions increase Consumption, but also increase Stability.

Setting the tax level determines how much revenue you collect from taxes in the Income Phase. Higher taxes increase your kingdom’s Economy (making it easier for you to succeed at Economy checks to generate revenue) but make your citizens unhappy (reducing Loyalty).

Here's my best attempt at copying over the tables:

Holiday Edicts:

Per Year...............Loyalty..............Consumption
None.....................–1.....................+0
1........................+1.....................+1
6........................+2.....................+2
12.......................+3.....................+4
24.......................+4.....................+8

Promotion Edicts:

Promotion Level.......Stability..............Consumption
None........................–1.....................+0
Token.......................+1.....................+1
Standard....................+2.....................+2
Aggressive..................+3.....................+4
Expansion...................+4.....................+8

Taxation Edicts:

Tax Level...............Loyalty..............Consumption
None........................–1.....................+0
Light.......................+1.....................+1
Normal......................+2.....................+2
Heavy.......................+3.....................+4
Overwhelming................+4.....................+8


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

I vote we set ruler to economy, I think it also makes sense based on Valeska's backstory.

does the town have any buildings left that effect its levels of economy, loyalty, stability etc? What of the existing council? Can we place some or all of them into positions? Are some positions not needed for the time and so defunct? (I doubt a general would really need a warden or marshal to help with a small state, though it may make it easier, at least until it grew)

what are the buildings we can potentially "build"? Are we using BP or another method? Sorry for the questions, just wanted to to be sure.


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No worries, Kain. Questions are welcome.

The second tab of the Rulership Tracker spreadsheet details Ravengro as your starting settlement. The following buildings still stand and function at full effect after the raid: Smithy (Ravengro Forge), Tavern (The Laughing Demon), Inn (The Outward Inn), Herbalist (Jominda's Apothecary, Shop (Ravengro General Store), Monument (Harrowstone Monument), and 4 Tenements.

However, there are some other establishments in town that, although they do not function at full effect (owing to the raid, neglect, or small size), will halve the cost of constructing the full building. This represents repairs or renovations.
For instance, the Temple of Pharasma can be rebuilt, Harrowstone Prison can be the foundations of a castle, the Silk Purse can be turned into a full Bank, and both the jail and town hall can be renovated.

Also, we will still be using BP for constructing buildings and other expenses.

Here's some info on the town council members.

Councilman Hearthmount is a retired military commander; he can serve as General or Warden.
Councilwoman Faravan served in Caliphas as a royal accuser; she can serve as Grand Diplomat or Magister.
Councilwoman Straelock is the former owner of the tavern and the public face of the council; she can serve as Councilor, Treasurer, or possibly Marshal.
Councilman Muricar is the most up-to-date on matters abroad and serves as the town's unofficial historian; he can serve as Grand Diplomat, Councilor, or Magister.

Lenora is another candidate for a leadership role, too.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

I sum up and suggest:

Ruler: Valeska
Consort: -
Councilor: Lenora???
General: Kain
Grand Diplomat: Faravan / Muricar
Heir: -
High Priest: Faun
Magister: Faravan / Muricar
Marshal: Chao
Royal Enforcer: -
Spymaster: Shontar
Treasurer: Straelock
Viceroy: -
Warden: Hearthmount


Thank you, Shontar. I've updated the leadership slots on the tracker. All of the positions that would entail a vacancy penalty are now filled.

The prince's court provides an initial "gift" of funding, materials, and laborers worth 20 BP (Build Points). This will be your starting treasury.

The county's Unrest level will begin at 4, representing the Palatinate supporters who are displeased at the return of noble rule.

I have set the Promotion level at None (the superstitious, somewhat insular Ravengro folk weren't interested in attracting outsiders), the Taxation level at Normal (where the Palatine Council in Tamrivena had previously set it), and Festivals at 1/ year (the Burning Festival). Raising the Promotion or Festival edicts level or lowering the Tax rate would help your Stability and Loyalty scores, which might be useful as you transition into rule.

You also need to determine an alignment for your county.
This will modify your scores: Lawful gives +2 Economy, Chaotic gives +2 Loyalty, Good gives +2 Loyalty, Evil gives +2 Economy, and Neutral gives +2 Stability (with True Neutral giving +4). Ravengro's default alignment is Neutral Good, giving +2 Stability and +2 Loyalty, but you can change this.

I also want to clarify that while your "nation" is currently just a county within Ustalav, your actions can and will change this.
As we progress, you could expand into Belkzen, strike alliances with neighboring counties (or conquer them), or even declare independence. As a bit of foreshadowing, I even have at least one route planned where you can end up ruling all of Ustalav.


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

as a player, and more importantly, as Kain, I would vote for a Lawful based society, with either neutral or good leanings. Kain would want Good.

lawful from being a soldier that more or less was raised with discipline the majority of his life, along with lessons he has learned through life. And good because he strives for it.

I also propose a new festival, to celebrate what exactly, I'm unsure at this time.

Seeking to attract more people can be both good and bad as well, as those we attract will likely be more supportive of us as rulers due to having chosen to come here, while at the same time likely making locals more wary against us.


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

I'd think leave the alignment where it is, any more towards law will upset those fearful of subjugation.

NG with lawful tendencies?

Economy, sure!


Are there any other changes you would like to make to your kingdom's settings?

I am working on putting together a hex map to keep track of improvements and details in your domain beyond Ravengro.
In the meantime, decide what building (if any) you would like to construct (or renovate) within Ravengro.


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

I've never plaed by these rules, but happy to contribute once acclimated.


M Cavalier Cavalier 7 HP: 37/65| AC:22(25)| T: 12| FF:21(24)| Fort:+9 | Ref: +5 | Will: +10| Init: +4| Perception: +13

seems the vote has gone against me on the lawful account, still my vote since lawful is, imo, more interesting than neutral as neutral doesn't really do anything but "wat I want" nothing to really work with haha. Also, just remember having a good economy= easier to do almost everything else.

I think renovating the silk purse and harrow-stone would be good starting points. Also launching a recruitment campaign for a better standing militia-army. Perhaps Kain won't give up on the dragoons yet. We would need a source of horses though. I'll have to look through the rules again to make sure of things.


Elven Bolt Ace | HP: 26| AC: 17 FF 14 T 13 | Fort: +5 Ref: +6 Will: +2 (+2 vs enchant) | Perception: +9| Init: +3

I understand you. I usually like playing lawful.
But what you said is not true. You're describing CN. A CN government would be fun though, it'd be like having no government at all. Except for that one stupid guy, who was formally put in charge, because nobody else wanted any responsibility.
A NG ruler would be all about kindness and seeking happyness for everyone.

Shontar would probably be CG, if it wasn't for his LG companion, who always pushes him to obey at least some rules.

As I suggested, I vote for renovating the town hall. What's a town without a proper town hall?


Female Human Sw/Ro/Su 1/2/3 HP 47/47 AC 18 | T 12 | FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +1 | R +8 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8

NG is just, ends justify the means. I think of it as Life, Freedom and Beauty (in that order).

Fairness (use or close the loopsholes as needed), spirit of the law not letter.

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