For discussion.
* Get a feel for the area in the campaign. I've played in Andorran before (Niles' Hollow's Last Hope trillogy) but that's a fair distance away and I know little about the border with Cheliax.
Well, I am imaging we are pretty distant from any metropole. In my headcanon this fort is a small but strategic guard of a pass between Cheliax and Andoran. obviously relations between the two nations is tense but trade often passes through so it can be a lucrative spot.
Mostly wild nature around, and a few small free-hold style farms. I doubt the old Chelish manorial system really sank deep roots here and the new style Androan farms have probably not reached it yet.
* Nail down the circumstances of Morgan's capture by the Andorrans
Well, this is more for you. I imagine you ran across a military patrol while trying to desert?
* In the background I wrote, its possible some of his fellow slaves were captured too. Whether any of them are in this campaign is really up to you. If not perhaps they got sent elsewhere, or maybe the Chelaxians killed them? Etc...
I plan to include at least a few in the other cells with you, along with other interesting NPCs. I would be happy to have a few who are missing, to have the fun of introducing them later in unexpected circumstances!
* Check his build and gear, especially the tabard.
I'll look over the build in a little bit, I find such things are less important in PbP. My main job is not killing you.
A couple questions for you-
Any direct requests? These can be as specific or as broad as you want, but I'd love to tailor the game to your exact taste?
Anything topic/themes I should avoid? Stuff you don't like or are uncomfortable with?
Also, do you have a favorite few monsters in the bestiary?
I made a profile.
So I take it the area is hilly/mountainous? That could be useful! Any forests?
* Nail down the circumstances of Morgan's capture by the Andorrans
Yes he would have actively been looking for a patrol to surrender to. Perhaps a squad of Chelaxians gave chase once they realized what was going down and there was a battle which the Andorrans won when they strayed over the border. Naturally there were casualties.
* Any direct requests?
Magic is obviously a thing in Golorion, but I think this would be more interesting/gritty if we play it down a little. Its there but not stealing the limelight.
I think the loneliness of command should be a big theme. Morgan is going to feel responsible when anyone dies, and they will.
Iomadae often comes across as rather unsympathetic, if we could downplay that I think that would be great. I like her paladin code btw.
Much of my inspiration for his character is based on Paksenarrion with a touch of Kaladin. I think many of the themes in Elizabeth's Moon's books are very appropriate and would be cool to see.
* Anything topic/themes I should avoid? Stuff you don't like or are uncomfortable with?
Ultimately I think Morgan is a bit of a tragic figure. I can't imagine him getting into a romance or anything like that. I suspect he'll likely ultimately die trying to save someone and regard the sacrifice as an exchange well made if it works.
* Also, do you have a favorite few monsters in the bestiary?
Undead are always favorites, especially ones who where on your side until recently! Given we're fighting Chelaxians I think Devils are in order.
AH, you mean geographically. I would imagine the landscape is fairly rugged. In the rolling foothills, within sight of the imposing mountain peaks. Deep valleys, lots of springs and small streams. Mostly forests except the areas cleared out by patrols and the few farmers, as well as the road for the pass. I'll describe all of this in the opening post, of course.
A lower magic game isexactly what I had in mind!
I haven't read any Paksenarrion but I have read Sanderson's works. I could very much see the Bridge Teams in your submission.
Romance wasn't on the list, so I'll keep that in mind. And hey, maybe he'll live and surprise us all!
Undead and devils...interesting.
So, In bad news, I have a personal trip out of town early next week. That is rare for me, and probably my only trip all year. Do you wish to start and take a few days break or start after my return?
I think it would be good to get the game play thread up and running.
The Paksenarrion trilogy is well worth reading, one of the best paladins in fiction. Michael Carpenter is also pretty good too from Dresden but he doesn't get a whole lot of screen time.
Another thought re monsters, most of the real monsters, the ones that get under your skin are (demi-)human. Because there's always that niggling thought that I could could have done *that* (whatever that is).
Do you want to outline a few of the NPCs who deserted with you? Can be pretty light or detailed, whichever you prefer.
Otherwise, I'll start working on the opening post tomorrow, see how it flows.
I'll get something sorted.
How about this?
Working on the post now!
Not my best work, but it'll do, I think.
Seems like a solid start to me.
GM do we have a feeling for how long it will take for the vanguard to arrive? Felling trees in the kill zone would normally be my first priority but it feels like that might take too much time.
Probably a few hours, judging how slow they are going.
Right, maybe that is enough time to fell the closest trees.
An excellent post!
I think it'll rest there till I come back from vacation on Thursday! Sorry for what is basically just a game trailer! But I promise to be back.
Have a good trip!
Had car trouble and didn't get back home until 1 AM. (Big) Post tomorrow!
Glad to hear you got back safely, get some rest :)
BTW by nasty surprise, Morgan is thinking of filling one of the tranches with something flammable and shooting fire arrows at it when they approach. Of course this relies upon having something suitable in stock.
Nice post. One bit of meta info, keep your power dry. The Chelish outside might not be your only foes in this game....
Yeah that figures.
It's got late, will try to get a reply first thing tomorrow. Can't really do it justice now.
Probably buried in the second to last post but Morgan obliquely asked Salvor what happened to the previous commander. Did he tell Morgan anything?
Also re the ditches, Morgan wants to place them to cause maximum inconvenience. I'm a little unclear how far the wooden bridge is from the gate. If there's a good gap he'd want at least one there.
There is a very small, muddy rather useless patch of ground on 'your' side of the moat, mostly taken up by the immovable wooden bridge. So I'd imagine the ditches would be on the other side.
Ah, I missed that question. I'll add it in my next post.
Makes sense.
I got some crazy stuff going on at work. Sorry for the delays!
No worries!
I'm sorry but I have had some stuff come up in my life, involving work and this little COIVD-19 thing going around.
I know we just started, but I don't think I can give this game the attention it deserves. I apologize.
Hope you are OK. My father in law had covid and it really did a number on him, granted he's in his 70s but I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
It's too bad this didn't work out but real life comes first.