Strength and Fear: An Ustalavic Kingmaker Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master vayelan

Noticed the NPC being called "an orc brave." Please don't use the word "brave" as a noun to describe an indigenous-type warrior. It's derogatory to Native Americans (and more so to liken them to a monstrous creature, even though I know that was not the intent).

And I once, in a professional capacity, had to tell James Jacobs the same thing, so it isn't always well known. :) But I'd appreciate it.

Noticed the NPC being called "an orc brave." Please don't use the word "brave" as a noun to describe an indigenous-type warrior. It's derogatory to Native Americans (and more so to liken them to a monstrous creature, even though I know that was not the intent).

And I once, in a professional capacity, had to tell James Jacobs the same thing, so it isn't always well known. :) But I'd appreciate it.

A very good observation. Thank you for the insight. I will be more mindful of my language in the future.

Reminds me of how I've come to really regret the first story I ever got published because of how ableist it was in hindsight.

I may be slow over the weekend. Nadiya will take in her surroundings carefully.

I am returned from the Land of the Rising Sun. Let's see what's in store for us in Urgir!

Folks, everything okay? It's been a week. I know we has a U.S. holiday weekend in there.

Are we stuck for what to do next? GM is there something you're waiting on for us to do/say?

It was also my anniversary over the last weekend so I wasn't checking in much until Tuesday, but I'm just lurking while waiting for our meeting with Adrax

Happy anniversary!

Happy anniversary!

As for me, I recently switched to the night shift at my work. As I adjust to a radical new life schedule, I haven't had as much time to update my games, so honestly I was waiting to see if any of you guys had anything you wanted to post.

I'm off for the next few days, so I've got plenty of time now, so I'll get things rolling again.

I made a HeroForge mini for Nadiya. For kicks and giggles, here it is.

Not trying to slow down the scene with Nadiya's point but get things moving and encourage engagement. If what she says becomes more of an obstacle than a precursor to plot movement I can try to navigate past that. Nor do I want to get the party killed. :) (But she is a bit leery of just handing over the city's coffers to keep on this unseen guy's good side.)

I like the model! I made a HeroForge for Bashuk back when I first put her together, might revisit it with the new HF features.

Bashuk kind of agrees that on its face this is a bad deal, but also Ardak (not to mention his boss) is much, much stronger than we are politically, militarily, and even personally. Even just a nonaggression pact and safe passage for trade would be a huge win in her book since we're currently the obvious junior partner in this relationship.

But exploring the depths of Urgir also sounds like fun adventure, so maybe we can perform a service for the orcs to prove our worth?

My first question... will he exhibit grace? Is he smart enough to realize that we took this mission across the lands to tell him something of import (pun intended).

If not, well... then, that's that.

I know they don't give is much but, we are Canterwall. Nothing to sneeze at or so of thought.

I made a HeroForge mini for Nadiya. For kicks and giggles, here it is.

Very nice.

I really like the hair, head scarf, tassels... The quiver is very nice!

Thanks all!

Yes, it's sort of like, if we're just bringing tribute, that isn't an acknowledgement of his strength, it's saying Canterwall is too weak to stand up to him. Which isn't in our best interests.

So we will see what happens?

I think the geo-political landscape is hosed.

This is meta, but Valeska feels the tremors are actually the Dwarves in their Quest for Sky (or some such). And the irony of his seeking their help... is poignant.

Maybe the DM intends for a unified Orc/Dwarf Nation?

Otherwise, Valeska would want to facilitate moving Urgir and maybe combining with Bashuk's kindred.

Perhaps with Urgir negotiating favor/services from the Dwarves for avoiding a massacre on both sides.

Maybe I'm going to deep. Pun intended. :)

Humans, Orcs and Dwarves vs the Whispering Tyrant.

The last alliance of men, half men, and green men! And women!

Kain is keeping silent, as he doesn't wish to cause... friction.

Also, offering a tribute would, quite potentially, be seen as us recognizing they are stronger. Not quite bowing to them, but possible similar to how China worked with their "tributaries". Which was, basically their trade partners would offer a small portion of the stuff they were trading to Ruling government of China. A form of submission by saying "thank you for allowing us to trade with your esteemed self" At least, by my understanding of it.

Belkzen would be far from the first warlike nation to extract tribute from its neighbors in exchange for peace; it doesn’t hurt my pride to say that Canterwall is the weaker party here but if we can avoid that arrangement we should.

I don’t think the temors are caused by dwarves—not living ones anyway, some sort of super-haunt is an interesting idea though! I think it’s probably centuries of neglect combined with new residents who are hard on the infrastructure.

I don’t think the temors are caused by dwarves—not living ones anyway...

The ominous part, why I think it. <<< Link

Also Urgir is Koldukar or at least is in the same place.

Would that not imply that the dwarves have been sabotaging the city for three orcish generations now? I didn't get the impression that the dwarves had actually mustered into a crusade and were still in discussion phases.

Could be Whispering Tyrant and/or duergar. He had been messing underground.

My head was more around either a supernatural force or a monster having moved in. Good that the GM has us guessing!

I'm glad you're having so much fun guessing and discussing what might be going on around - or beneath - Urgir.

I won't spoil that mystery, but I will state that, yes, a big part of the endgame I envisioned was brokering an alliance among the dwarves, orcs, Ustalav, et al. to stand as a bulwark against the returning Whispering Tyrant.

Also, sorry for being so tardy in replying. My work schedule has recently changed drastically, and as I work to find a new time balance for my responsibilities (as well as rest), it has become difficult to maintain a regular posting schedule for my games.

Take your time, Boss!

@GM, not that I disagree with the move but I assume that Canterwall formally recognizing Belkzen's statehood/legitimacy is something that will trigger backlash from other parties in Ustalav, possibly the dwarves we're trying to ally with, etc?

OOC (Bashuk doesn't have the background for this sort of thing) but I think it's worth reaching out to our other allies first to let them know ahead of time that we're going to try for normalizing relations with Belkzen. That way they aren't caught flat-footed and we can lay some groundwork & have everyone on the same page, even if they don't agree with us.

I feel bad for not bringing this up sooner, but we haven't seen Miruna in quite awhile, have we? We've had so many slow periods... all understandable... so I've not thought much of people posting very little. But I recall the player had been having a rough time of it. I hope they're okay....

I actually know Miruna's player through multiple other PBP campaigns, and I don't think they're coming back. They've formally dropped out of two other games including one that I'm the GM for, and haven't posted in any of the others (this one included) in months.

Depression's a demon, truly.

It is, indeed.

A heads up that starting Sunday I will be at a conference for a week and may be slow to post. Please bot me as needed.

I actually know Miruna's player through multiple other PBP campaigns, and I don't think they're coming back. They've formally dropped out of two other games including one that I'm the GM for, and haven't posted in any of the others (this one included) in months.

Depression's a demon, truly.

I have battled that demon many times, so I feel for them.

Since they haven't formally dropped out of our game, then I will leave them in our roster to keep their place open for them.

Do you think it would be appropriate to send a message of sympathy and encouragement to them? Let them know they don't have to push themselves to rejoin but that we're wishing the best for them?

So in order to get the drop-out confirmation from those other two games I had to reach out directly, I don't think you'll hear from them again if you don't reach out first.

I think a message of support to someone who's struggling is never a bad idea! But I am reasonably confident they've de facto dropped out of all their games even if they haven't said so. No judgement intended, just the impression I got.

I think it would be nice to send them a message, with zero pressure on them to join in. I wasn't sure if they were still online.

They had mentioned upthread they might have to drop out but were going to try to stick with this. But that was one of their last posts.

Open arms, as if this never left :) Also, as we cobble together our thoughts, there is a puzzle afoot.

I wish them all the best, of course.

Giving folks a chance to chime in (Gameplay) if, they do choose.

My connection is kind of crappy right now so: Nadiya is on board but can we get a chance to prepare an expedition? I.e, check/buy supplies etc?

I am back online more or less. Still wondering if we have time to prepare for an expedition. :)

Hope y'all had a good week.

GM: some guidance in the interests of momentum: is it reasonable to assume we might need stuff like climbing gear? Extra food? I've got 70 gp. I'm pretty well equipped on healing stuff.

(Note I've not been tracking mine or my cat's food consumption, but assuming we have "Canterwall supplies" that are feeding the troops so to speak, but don't know if that would be the case if we are going underground for more than a day or two.)

Otherwise, I just need to rest to re=prepare spells so can we get someplace to stay?

Sounds reasonable to rest after the journey.

I haven't been tracking much food... But, Valeska hadn't spent much money. She has approx 450 gp.

GM: some guidance in the interests of momentum: is it reasonable to assume we might need stuff like climbing gear? Extra food? I've got 70 gp. I'm pretty well equipped on healing stuff.

(Note I've not been tracking mine or my cat's food consumption, but assuming we have "Canterwall supplies" that are feeding the troops so to speak, but don't know if that would be the case if we are going underground for more than a day or two.)

Otherwise, I just need to rest to re=prepare spells so can we get someplace to stay?

For the sake of expediency, we can assume that you have a store of Canterwall petty cash that provides resupplies of food and water - plus, while we're in Urgir, we can assume that Gargan does some wheeling, dealing, and grifting that further bolsters your supply funds.

Climbing gear, specifically, will be useful in the ruins of Koldukar below Urgir. In the sourcebook description of the adventure site, it mentions that the Pathfinder who ventured down almost fell to his death trying to cross a chasm that allowed him to raise an old drawbridge behind him and access a reinforced gate. Spelunking and dungeoneering gear will come in handy, I think.

Also, in terms of lodgings, Ardax will convince Grask Uldeth to provide you with a couple guest rooms in the palace, spinning it as a way for him to showcase his magnanimity and power.

In terms of money, there are tabs on the Kingdom Tracker for both items and currency that you guys have recovered, but I can't remember the last time we updated it. It does include loot from the catacombs beneath Clover's Crossing.

I believe the loot tracker is relatively updated. We haven't don't much fighting or treasure hunting since the catacombs that I recall (so I am excited for a little dungeoneering).

I suggest we get a spelunking kit for 174 gp and maybe 300 feet more of rope (6 gp, to round it out to an even 180 gp).

If we pool resources maybe we can get a few potions of levitate (300 gp) or fly (750 gp). Nadiya has these spells to cast additionally and has the flight hex, but extras would be a good idea. She could also make these for half price but it takes 1 day per potion. (Nadiya also can cast dimension door for very rapid transit, but sometimes making sure we have other means of movement is a good idea).

One of my favorite items is a Rope of Climbing, I don't think the party has one already but we should absolutely get one if not. That 3k price tag might be an issue however.

Bashuk's Flame Jet power will likely also come in handy, she can rocket-boost around or arrest her falls, but she can't take anyone with or bestow the ability.

If we can afford a rope of climbing, absolutely. It is only 60 feet long though... but we can tie normal rope to make the climbing length longer while making use of its ability to hold itself in place.

If we're throwing real money at this, immovable rods and utilitarian rods[/i] may also come in handy.

A much cheaper option are some stubborn nails. Handy for holding a rope... or person in place. They only work magically once, but then remain as ordinary iron pitons which are still handy for climbing and other things.

Of course the other issue with buying magic items is I don't presume the "magic mart" is open and thus I don't know what is available for actual sale in the settlement. For the terrain, a spelunker's kit and rope is reasonable to assume.

BTW Nadiya has a traveler's any tool which is also a resource for things requiring tools.

If we pool resources maybe we can get a few potions of levitate (300 gp) or fly (750 gp). Nadiya has these spells to cast additionally and has the flight hex, but extras would be a good idea.

Leta cannot do those, but (in keeping with her vampiric heritage) does have Gaseous Form, which will allow slow flight in an emergency. I can also get a fly and climb speed out of Vermin Shape I (as a Druid spell accessed through my Voice of The Wild archetype).

Kineticists are awesome.

Depending on how big the caves are, Valere/silverwing can potentially fly people across any chasms as well. Though I don't doubt there will be areas that keep him from being able to fly. Hopefully though, he will be able to squeeze in with us, as he's half my class lol.

Also, apologies, I had made a post in gameplay, but it seems to have been eaten, I was wondering why no one had responded to it lol. I'm also in the process of remaking all my old character sheets due to mythweavers constant changing, which has ended up with me not having access to edit my old sheets. Speaking of, Kain has a couple items to sell off, but other than that, I don't recall getting much spending money recently. IIRC Kain has less than 1k gold to his name atm.

I also cannot remember what happened to the named Mace we found. I think we used it as a gift?

If Kain sold his +1 full plate, he would have around 2.5k spending money I think atm.

...I don't recall getting much spending money recently. IIRC Kain has less than 1k gold to his name atm.

Also not rolling in the dough; just over 400. Not sure if I've forgotten to add something or we just haven't gotten actual money from encounters. Not complaining; I've definitely got a reasonable amount of gear. Just pointing out I'm not able to bankroll much of anything.

our only encounter in a while was the vultures and they didnt have their coin pouches on them :(

Yeah, hopefully we'll find some loot on this trip. I truly don't think we've had any treasure since the catacombs and I think all of that is accounted for. (And yes, I feel like the mace was either a gift or were were going to put it in a shrine or something---unless someone was going to use it.)

So I can contribute my 70 gp to the 180 gp for the spelunking kit and rope. (Which will guarantee we will never use it and manage with flight or whatever, but anyway).

Yeah, hopefully we'll find some loot on this trip. I truly don't think we've had any treasure since the catacombs and I think all of that is accounted for. (And yes, I feel like the mace was either a gift or were were going to put it in a shrine or something---unless someone was going to use it.)

So I can contribute my 70 gp to the 180 gp for the spelunking kit and rope. (Which will guarantee we will never use it and manage with flight or whatever, but anyway).

I promise plenty of loot on this adventure!

I expect that was the opportunity presented us. :)

GOing to poke the other players: are you willing to contribute some funds toward the dungeoneering stuff? I know this kind of housekeeping is boring, but once we take care of that we can move forward.

I'm going to assume we're resting and reprepare my spells, which I will change on my character later today or first thing tomorrow.

Oh! PS: If I can contribute 45 gp instead of 70, I can use my cauldron hex to make a potion of air bubble (or any other 1st level spell I have on my list, like CLW) which may be handy to have. It takes 2 hours to create at 1st level (or 0 level) potion.

Alas, Bashuk is currently broke as a joke, I went back to look at the discussion tab around the Clover's Crossing delve and it looks like most of the loot was items that we kept or distributed.

Sounds like Kain will have the bulk of the cash after the plate mail gets sold