Strength and Fear: An Ustalavic Kingmaker Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master vayelan

I actually like the image of Magister turned Spymaster. It's a good setup.

I'm not being mean spirited at all... trying to balance the RP of newcomers (why V said report to Kain) with the fact that it's a Kingmaker campaign and players (characters) are en-titled... LOL! Pun intended! Sorry, had to.

Please accept the title of Magister, and we will get you to where you want to be.

I actually like the image of Magister turned Spymaster. It's a good setup.

I'm not being mean spirited at all... trying to balance the RP of newcomers (why V said report to Kain) with the fact that it's a Kingmaker campaign and players (characters) are en-titled... LOL! Pun intended! Sorry, had to.

Please accept the title of Magister, and we will get you to where you want to be.

Cool, as long as everyone's good.

Kingdom Turn 2 - Desnus 4720

Event Phase
25% base chance of event; 75% base chance if no event last turn.
Last turn, we had the Visiting Celebrity event, which brought Miss Ailson Kindler to your land.

Event on 1-25: 1d100 ⇒ 44

So no event this turn, but next turn there will be a 75% chance of an event.

A quick question for everyone; did we decide that we wanted to take the banner? I know we had found it on the dead knight within Valorforge but no one said they took it with them or we did the rites to settle their spirits. I only mention it because I don't want fun magic items to be forgotten and I know play by post can have a lot of time happen between encounters and things get lost in the wayside.

I'm assuming it's evening/night and Ravengro is maybe 4-8 hours away.

As to the banner question, we should have probably taken the artifact weapons too! But Valeska did not insist at the time.

A quick question for everyone; did we decide that we wanted to take the banner? I know we had found it on the dead knight within Valorforge but no one said they took it with them or we did the rites to settle their spirits. I only mention it because I don't want fun magic items to be forgotten and I know play by post can have a lot of time happen between encounters and things get lost in the wayside.

You posted here

"Shall we reclaim the banner and return the poor people back to the tribe now? There is still much to explore here in the fortress and I wish to investigate it and diffuse any potential traps that could be awaiting us."

So I assumed that we did claim the banner since you said you intended to. But I guess it's up to the GM.

Valeska is correct about the timing.

Regarding the banner, I thought you had claimed it.

As to the banner question, we should have probably taken the artifact weapons too! But Valeska did not insist at the time.

I remember the group that had the banner were looking for the long-lost artifacts Raven's Head and Corpselight, I didn't think we found them, or were there other artifact weapons before we three joined.

Valda is correct. Those artifacts were not found in Valorforge.

The fact that the dead group found in the Valorforge crypt was looking for those artifacts is meant to be a bit of foreshadowing...

Ooooooooooooo..... Foreshadowing......

:)

Four shadows seems like too many, could we dial it back to threeshadowing?

Four shadows seems like too many, could we dial it back to threeshadowing?

*ba dum tss*

I'll get up a post soon folks; heat and connectivity issues have been killer here.

I'm sorry. Forgot to say. I'm on vacation to celebrate mine and my grandpa's birthdays (18 and 16th respectively)from yesterday to Sunday. My labtop is broken so I wont have much access time to make posts. I'll see if I can make a post or two from my phone. But feel free to bot.

I'm assuming there is some adventure downtime, meaning time for banter... whomever is available can continue in that vain.

So long as we don't turn it into decision making, we should be fine. Ask questions, get settled, etc... no pressure either way for anyone.

Also, I find is someone is trying to sneak a moment and catch up and post... if they encounter a wall of several lengthy posts (although enjoyable to read - no doubt)... they could be dissuaded.

They may not have the time to digest what's happening and be left feeling their own post should be just as lengthy... and since there is no time to execute on that... skip it all together. It's happened to me in a few games.

You realize the last time we bantered about before the adventure started, you literally told us it wasn't worth your time to read it?

Valeska Talanova wrote:

Also, I find is someone is trying to sneak a moment and catch up and post... if they encounter a wall of several lengthy posts (although enjoyable to read - no doubt)... they could be dissuaded.

They may not have the time to digest what's happening and be left feeling their own post should be just as lengthy... and since there is no time to execute on that... skip it all together. It's happened to me in a few games.

You realize the last time we bantered about before the adventure started, you literally told us it wasn't worth your time to read it?

I can't recall doing that (does that make it worse?). Doesn't seem the sort of thing I'd say.

Let's try!

DM Vayelan did Valda's roll reveal anything about Lenora's nature?

DM Vayelan did Valda's roll reveal anything about Lenora's nature?

I just made a post with information about that. Sorry for the delay.

Thanks!

Hi all, things are kinda slow and I don't mind so much... I figured Valeska answering regarding the stables would rob others of a chance to interact, especially the GM if he wanted to use it an an opportunity to direct Valda or us one way or another.

I'm not absent, just being patient! :)

Hope all is well with you all and yours!

Hi all, things are kinda slow and I don't mind so much... I figured Valeska answering regarding the stables would rob others of a chance to interact, especially the GM if he wanted to use it an an opportunity to direct Valda or us one way or another.

Cool, I didn't mean to break the internet having Valda put up her horse. Just figured it was something she had focus on before so she would take care of it. Then work her way into any conversations.

I had intended for this to be an opportunity for the party to handle business around town, so that's why I hadn't posted right away. Of course, after a couple days, I should have taken the initiative and made a push. My apologies for the delay.

Life has been a bit crazy and I think that I, too, fell into the patient category and let time pass a bit too long. I'll get a post up soonish!

Sorry folks, catching up tomorrow morning.

I would like to apologize to you all for my absence. I don't like talking about it, as usually I can deal with it, however I have, slightly random swings of burnout and apathy over the course of the year where I lose all interest in almost everything. Where even things I normally greatly enjoy feel like a chore to do at best. Normally, I can push through, continue on and eventually the "burnout" as I've called it leaves. However I've hit a particularly rough patch this time around. That coupled with doubling my work time due to the holidays has left me with the desire to do nothing. However, that doesn't excuse my radio silence in this, and my other games. So again, I would like to apologize for that.

I think I'm on the upswing, and, if you would still have me I will happily rejoin the game properly in hopefully a few days time.

No worries, I think we all get that from time to time. Welcome back!

I would like to apologize to you all for my absence. I don't like talking about it, as usually I can deal with it, however I have, slightly random swings of burnout and apathy over the course of the year where I lose all interest in almost everything. Where even things I normally greatly enjoy feel like a chore to do at best. Normally, I can push through, continue on and eventually the "burnout" as I've called it leaves. However I've hit a particularly rough patch this time around. That coupled with doubling my work time due to the holidays has left me with the desire to do nothing. However, that doesn't excuse my radio silence in this, and my other games. So again, I would like to apologize for that.

I think I'm on the upswing, and, if you would still have me I will happily rejoin the game properly in hopefully a few days time.

I can empathize with what you're feeling. Thank you for the update.

We're happy to still have you with us. You're more than welcome to continue to be a part of this game.

Arden Kain Brandt wrote:

I would like to apologize to you all for my absence. I don't like talking about it, as usually I can deal with it, however I have, slightly random swings of burnout and apathy over the course of the year where I lose all interest in almost everything. Where even things I normally greatly enjoy feel like a chore to do at best. Normally, I can push through, continue on and eventually the "burnout" as I've called it leaves. However I've hit a particularly rough patch this time around. That coupled with doubling my work time due to the holidays has left me with the desire to do nothing. However, that doesn't excuse my radio silence in this, and my other games. So again, I would like to apologize for that.

I think I'm on the upswing, and, if you would still have me I will happily rejoin the game properly in hopefully a few days time.

I can empathize with what you're feeling. Thank you for the update.

We're happy to still have you with us. You're more than welcome to continue to be a part of this game.

I second or third... not that the GM needs additiona validation!

My absences come in shorter stints... as life gets overwhelming. I apologize, too!

Is there someone Valeska could task with research/investigation of these suitors? The Magister seems most suited (no pun!) but that might put him on side quests.

Maybe... Councilwoman Faravan, as an ex-accuser?

Is there someone Valeska could task with research/investigation of these suitors? The Magister seems most suited (no pun!) but that might put him on side quests.

Maybe... Councilwoman Faravan, as an ex-accuser?

Faravan is a good possibility.

Another option is your Grand Diplomat, Councilman Muricar, who keeps the most up-to-date on events outside of Ravengro and serves as a local historian.

Also, is there an assumption of "castle staff, message couriers?"

Is it weird that the '?' goes inside the quotes?

When I sit down to write/post sometimes I get caught up in how does Valeska "fetch ___" or "get a message to ___," not a primadonna... just caught up in the logistics vs. writing flow.

I don't know if we officially need to hire "teams" for administration, couriers, etc... an INFRASTRUCTURE BILL!

Also, is there an assumption of "castle staff, message couriers?"

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: I believe this is borne out both thematically and mechanically. According to kingdom building rules, each developed lot in the settlement increases its overall population by 250. The castle occupies 4 lots, thus adding 1000 people to the local population. Therefore, it stands to reason that at least some of them are employed as castle staff and attendants at the Countess' command.

I'm still here, just trying not to interrupt the other two scenes going on. Bashuk is wandering the castle, and then the town, with her maps in hand trying to familiarize herself with the place--and start getting people used to seeing her. She has her symbol of Sarenrae clearly visible, hanging around her neck.

s question, did we procure any monetary rewards on our excursion? I ask largely because I've forgotten if we had (sorry!)

There were two significant material treasures that you recovered during the expedition.

First, you recovered a Circlet of Persuasion that was incorporated into a stained glass window in the basilica of Valorforge.

Second, you recovered a Knight's Banner (Type A) that was used as a burial shroud in the catacombs beneath Valorforge.

The other rewards you've earned were of a more immaterial nature: an alliance with the Burning Sun tribe, the service of Gargan's band and Igaz, a truce with the Caligni, and a budding friendship with the dwarves of Gerduhm.

Valda, feel free to finish the scene. Nikolai doesn't sense any malice from the lady and will investigate who seeks to besmirch her and why in detail later.

I am heading on vacation tomorrow to next Wednesday and I'll be back then. Have fun folks!

alright, just trying to keep on my accounts. I can't -actually- afford the armor for Silverwing yet. But, might as well get it ordered.

Winter version of this? Loreena McKennitt - Mummers' Dance <<< Link

Winter version of this? Loreena McKennitt - Mummers' Dance <<< Link

Wow! I never knew the name or artist for that song. I remember hearing it in the trailers from the movie Ever After and having it stuck in my head.

...

Also, I like the idea of transposing my own brainfart regarding the words fare/fair onto Lenora, having her misinterpret her countess' words and accidentally leading to a good idea.

I didn't know if Nikolai had anything to add to the lecture, so I was waiting a bit...

I will have a post tomorrow, things have been hectic since I've returned :\

So either the Circlet of Persuasion can go to our Countess and she can just be the very best Diplomacy that ever Diplomacy'd or hand it down to whoever needs some cushioning to their skill. We could also contribute it to the treasury or find someplace to sell it since 4,500gp is pretty decent.

While the Knight's Banner is more expensive but I think storyline wise, we need to keep it for sure. Our general plans on doing mounted combat and can have it displayed on the lance. A +4 versus fear is pretty damn nifty and with him flying, people will see it everywhere

Also, did you want to complete another kingdom turn, or did you want to make another expedition first?

Bashuk would feel more comfortable having a bit more time to get folks used to seeing her, I can get a longer post up here in a day or two to RP that a bit. Then we can go see about this mysterious pit.

I'm fine with us having another expedition, we have a few things we can check in on that deserve our attention. Depending on how long that takes, we can then have another Kingdom turn.

EDIT: We still need to figure out what we're doing with the magic items; selling them or putting them to use.

@ DM Vayelan - When you have a chance, can you update the district map with by replacing one of the tenement squares with a house and putting another shop beside one of the houses/tenements? Preferably the one that doesn't already have a shop beside it, since their upgrades lead to them taking up more lots in the future.

@ DM Vayelan - When you have a chance, can you update the district map with by replacing one of the tenement squares with a house and putting another shop beside one of the houses/tenements? Preferably the one that doesn't already have a shop beside it, since their upgrades lead to them taking up more lots in the future.

I've taken care of it.

sorry I've not been posting much, Just not quite sure what to go about doing.

I think the best way to get us all back together is to decide what venture we want to take next. I am very interested in the disappearing villages to the east and the howling beasts as well.

Also interested in the disappearing villages to the east and the howling beasts.