I don't think anyone in the community has craft: Gemcutter or jewelery.
Alas, it looks like my dream of a magnificent, gem-encrusted sword is not to be.
C'est la vie.
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Bummer. No Jurassic Park vibe. ;) How big is the Amber? Is it big enough to be suitable for the hilt or pommel?
Found it. Alas, Tal has fine taste in gems. The only one remaining that struck me as sufficient for weapon ornamentation is the Amber. It doesn’t happen to have a bug or something similar trapped in it, does it?
I am fine with you converting those weapons into daggers, as long as everyone else is cool with it. Along those lines... Request for consideration by the whole party: In the hoard we found in the mushroom complex, there was a single pale aquamarine gemstone about the size of a baby's fist. Would anyone object to Alden claiming it to be set in the pommel of the adamantine longsword? I would be willing to forfeit its gp value from my next share of etherium, if you feel it should be 'purchased' from the group treasury.
GM GuardYourPrivates:
"The population will grow. That is inevitable," Alden replies. "But that was the same in every land and country before the world was broken. I cannot hope, nor would I aspire, to remake entire world to fit my desires. All I can do is try to preserve a small corner of it as my own, and do my best to see that as many people as possible have the opportunity to do the same. I do not begrudge the existence of cities or the people who thrive in teeming streets, I simply do not wish to live that way. I do not know why my companions have put so much trust in me to work with the Stones, and direct the mergings, but I try to make each choice with as much deliberate care as I can. If a shard seems to have plenty of natural resources, and a sparse population, then it is more desirable than a crowded one. I am certainly not going to merge our shard with one that appears to already have a population we could not sustain, one that is heavily militarized, or one with an ongoing conflict. We are surviving quite well with what we have, but we are not facing an exterior threat at the moment. What happens when that changes? There have already been mergings that initiated from other Stone-Wielders. Fortunately, they have not yet proved disastrous. I have no doubt that we will be faced with difficult decisions in the coming days. I do not know how I will react to a given situation until I am faced with it, but it is my hope that I will have the faith and resolve to do what is right and good in the Stagfather's eye." He pauses a moment, and takes a breath. "My apologies, if I my thoughts were rambling, or did not clearly answer your question, M'Lady. My duty to protect this community is a constant weight upon my conscience." "As I said before, the ant meat is surprisingly delicious," Alden says to the others. "I think you will not be disappointed." He waits for the others to take their skewers, then takes the one remaining.
At the Gathering in Passbog: "Lead on, M'Lady. It seems you have our interest on this matter," Alden says, following the assent of the others. Alden shoulders his pack and makes sure his armor and weapons are properly situated for a march.
Okay, cool. I realized I included the salvaged adamantine in my first figuring, and also calculated a third instead of a quarter (3,008 x .25 = 752) so it should really be an etherium cost of 4,263 in etherium: 2,263 for the additional materials (3,015 weapon price - 752 in adamantine salvage = 2,263) for the masterwork adamantine sword + 2,000 for the +1 enhancement. So, to revise my use of 6,000 etherium: 1.) +1 adamantine longsword (adamantine heavy mace salvage + 4,263 etherium) 2.) +1 Cloak of Resistance (500 etherium) 3.) Handy Haversack (1,000 etherium) That leaves 237 etherium that I will throw "in the pot" for party projects. Would that work?
Follow-up for DM GuardYourPrivates: Could etherium take the place of some of the required adamantine? The etherium rules seem to indicate that this could be done, but I want to make sure I'm not reading too much into them. 1,002 gp of salvaged adamantine from the mace + 2,013 gp of etherium for a masterwork adamantine longsword + 2,000 gp of etherium for the +1 enhancement. So, 5,013 of my 6,000 gp of etherium to make a +1 adamantine longsword. Would that work?
So, obtaining adamantine from the mace would be a DC 17 (DC 12 for a simple weapon +5 for salvaging). The price value of the salvaged material seems a bit unclear. The cost of adamantine is a fixed cost based on the item that doesn't seem to correlate to a per pound cost of raw metal. Is it to be interpreted that the most that can be salvaged is 2 lbs of adamantine from the 8 lbs mace? (1/4 of the original amount)
Crafting Question for the DM GuardYourPrivates: The adamantine mace that Alden got from Ostenso is 8 lbs. A longsword is only 4 lbs. Could a craft check be made to melt down the mace and make an adamantine longsword? Jaxom has a pretty high craft weapons skill, and his character might be up for the challenge! Also, he can have any leftover adamantine to make whatever weapons or tools he might desire. Also (assuming success), Alden will offer up his regular masterwork longsword for the Passbog armory, or for additional metal for tools.
Assuming a 6,000 gp budget: +1 enchantment to longsword (full price: 2,000 gp) +1 enchantment to breastplate (full price: 2,000 gp) Phylactery of Faithfulness (half price: 500 gp) +1 cloak of resistance (half price: 500 gp). Handy Haversack (half price: 1,000 gp) I will be willing to forego the haversack, and donate the 1,000 gp towards a group research project, if someone has one in mind that would benefit all of the party and the community of Passbog-Ostenso.
So, if we divide 30k by 5, that gives us each $6,000 in magic items. We could each choose what we want, and then write-in their manufacture into the Gameplay section. Assuming this would work, would we use purchase price or cost to make?
At Tal's, prior to her arrival in town:
"My life on my own had barely begun when the world broke, M'Lady," Alden says. "I had just settled in Passbog, leaving the hustle and bustle of Carpenden behind. Carpenden's barely a town when compared to places like Absalom, but it was still too crowded for my liking. What's the point of living in a town so large that you don't even know your neighbors' names? How can you walk down the street and be met with the cold, indifferent eyes of those who would not care to mourn or even acknowledge your passing? It's not the life I wanted. I wanted neighbors who were my friends, who appreciated my presence in their lives." At the Town Meeting: "I can attest that the giant ant meat, properly prepared, is delicious and satiating," Alden says to the group. "Thank you, M'Lady. As to your discovery, I am willing to go and see it. Would anyone else like to come, as well?"
At Tal's Tree: "It's magnificent, M'Lady. Your magical talent is impressive," Alden says, not hiding his admiration for the dragon's work. "This might explain something I saw during the last merging. One of the shards had a floating island with a castle upon it. This might explain how that was accomplished. As for us, I must admit I haven't been involved in the etherium research. I have no talent for magic or spell casting, and I have been spending much of my time making sure we have sufficient food and shelter for everyone." "Thank you for sharing this with me, M'Lady. Is there anything I can share about my life with you? I apologize in advance for any boredom it may cause you."
”Would that all merchants were of a like skill as your friend,” Alden replies, raising his cup in a small toast to the man he’d never met. ”I hadn’t traveled much before the Sundering, but I met my share of unscrupulous merchants, magistrates, and nobles to last the remainder of my lifetime, whatever it might be. It must be some small comfort to you that some small part of your lands came with you in the breaking.”
"Where was your home before the sundering, M'Lady? That is, if I may ask," Alden says.
"This is ant meat?" Alden asks, clearly surprised. "The smell is mouth-watering. You are clearly a master of the culinary arts, M'Lady."
”I would be honored, M’Lady,” Alden says in a respectful tone. He approaches the table, pulls out the empty chair and takes a seat. ”I have brought your share of the etherium. I can give it to you now, or after the meal, as you prefer.”
"Under Dead-Eye's gaze, you have my oath," Alden replies, extending his right hand to Lars. "My life is pledged in defense of the people of of these lands, and any we meet with each future merging, who seek to join us in living in a peaceful, kind, and just community. I will fight at your side, and in your defense, so long as your goal is a noble one in Erastil's sight."
"I will take the etherium to her, and let her know that you wish to bring her a gift of your own making, Milton. That way, she will expect you when you arrive to present it." Alden turns to Lars. "I understand your distate and concern regarding our pact with Talschornvox, Lars. I can only say that our short-term goal is to survive, and our long-term goal is to reunite the shards of the world. Thus far, our goals and hers have coincided, and she has not sought to undermine us. That being said, I'm sure you're as familiar with the parables of the Widow and the Snake, as well as the Frog and the Scorpion as I am. We are not lowering our guard with regard to her. She is a green dragon, and while none of us is an expert in dracology, it is common knowledge that the chromatic dragons are evil in nature. Could she be an exception to that rule? It is not impossible. But she could also be a measured, patient, master manipulator. I haven't ruled out this possibility, and neither has anyone else in our community, to my knowledge. I approach each meeting with the same caution as entering a cage with a dangerous predator."
A Bodywrap of Mighty Strikes would be of use to the unarmed strikers in the group. Bonebreaker Bracers are pretty nasty, too.
If we are going to make magic items during downtime, there are two I would be interested in: 1.) adding a magical +1 to Alden's masterwork longsword. 2.) a Phylactery of Faithfulness (this would probably require the assistance of some of the retired PCs and NPCs with divine casting ability). Alden would be willing to offer up his Shining +1 dagger in trade.
"Our agreement is to give her fifteen percent of the metal gleaned from the Living Gems with each shard merging, fifteen percent of any coins and jewels, and one piece of art or knowledge of her choice. Thus far, her she has been good to her word. If there is no coin or artwork, it would not be the first time. She has not obligated us to provide what we did not find. Do either of you possess any knowledge that she might be interested in? A spell, or perhaps a treatise on a particular field of study? If not, then I will present her with the metal, and hope that she is satisfied with the offering. She did just acquire a huge swath of land. I will make sure to bring that to her attention."
"Yes...of course. Sorry to waste your time." Alden gives them a respectful nod and takes his leave. He makes his way to the tavern, gathering Jaxom, Kevan, Milton, and Lars as he comes across them, inviting them to come to along. When they arrive, he claims a large table and invites the others to sit with him. "We need to give Tal her tithe. We have the etherium, but was there anything that could be construed as treasure, or an art object? Despite her appearance and lady-like manner, we should always keep in mind that she is a dragon, and could likely kill us all if she decides our agreement is no longer profitable."
Alden spends the first several days doing his best to integrate the newcomers into the community, primarily be finding lodgings, food and clothing for them. Once they are settled, he does what he can to give each of them purpose and a sense of belonging. Those who had salvaged seed he encourages and teaches (if necessary) how to plow and plant crops. Any who show and interest in a trade skill, he refers to Passbog's artisans. He encourages the children to play, but firmly admonishes them to stay out of the forest and swamp. After a few days, he approaches the Mayor and Council about delivering the tithe of etherium to the Dragon. "She has not pressed the issue, but I fear any further delay will draw her ire. I would not risk the community's safety on a misunderstanding as to why it has not been delivered sooner."
So, 5 again. +1 BAB This is Alden's divine bond level, and he will be taking the Bonded Mount option. For his feat, he took Fast Learner, in order to get him enough skill points to start taking the Ride skill without having to sacrifice points from other skills. Since he's a Paladin of the Holy Light, he doesn't get any spells....ever....so that pretty much summarizes this level for him.
Alden takes Tal's hand gently and respectfully, as a gentleman would a lady. He maintains it long enough for it to seem formal and official in its significance. "We are agreed," he says. Before letting go of her hand, Alden gives the dragon a warm smile. "My thanks for the compassion you have shown these people, M'Lady. If I am available and able, I will answer your summons and speak with you on any subject you desire." With that he slowly releases her hand, then turns to the others. "Let's get the survivors evacuated, and through the forest. Once we reach the other side, we can see about getting everyone fed and sheltered."
If Alden's statements are coming off as mean or disrespectful, that is the exact opposite of his intention. He always speaks respectfully to Tal, even making a point of referring to her as "M'Lady." However, the dragon is a constant source of worry for him. While she has been a good neighbor thus far, he cannot help but be on guard for when she decides that being a good neighbor is no longer of interest to her. Tal made it clear when we first met her that she enjoys haggling and negotiating, so Alden accommodates this whenever possible, mostly because he doesn't want to earn her ire by disrespecting her. When she makes an offer of any sort, Alden assumes (perhaps wrongly), that she is setting up pieces on the table for another game of haggling and bartering. He uses these games to secure whatever assurances he can for the safety of the community. Alden enters into each game with a mindset of I need to ask for enough to show I am playing the game (and therefore not dismissing or disrespecting her desire of entertainment), but not ask for so much that she will become angry and decide to massacre everyone in Passbog/Ostenso. As for Berik, we demanded his surrender because he was the titular lord of Ostenso, even if he was a psychopathic nutbag. Attacking him without any dort of diplomatic action would've gone badly. Tymos didn't even turn on him until Berik broke faith with him first. Anyway, I hope that helps clarify.
"I mean no disrespect, M'lady. I seek only to make certain there is no misunderstanding between us. If all parties present are amenable to these terms, as I have spelled them out, I will clasp hands with you to seal the agreement in the presence of these witnesses."
”I would like to ask some small concessions on behalf of the newcomers., M’Lady,” Alden says to the dragon, again giving her a respectful nod. ”Since the insects’ nest is on your territory, it should fall upon you, as a good neighbor, to cull and control their numbers. Just as you have required that we keep our people from encroaching on your territory, we ask that you prevent the insects from encroaching on ours. Will you give your word that no insects originating from the lineage of this hive will cross into our territory? Will you give your word that, should this happen, you will provide immediate restitution to our community for any death, damage, or loss of crops and livestock?”
”How do you feel about her offer?” Alden asks the newcomers. ”All of this land for safe passage through the forest. Is there anything here that would give you pause before accepting? Do you wish to make M’Lady a counteroffer?” Alden keeps his tone level and polite, as if her were merely brokering a deal between two parties.
"They are requesting safe passage through your forest, M'Lady. What say you?" Alden asks.
"Friends," Alden says, turning to Lars and Milton. "Do you have the right or authority to negotiate on behalf of your community? If so, then, you and we both need to come to an agreement with M'Lady. I can attest that, thus far, she has been good to her word, and has neither initiated or threatened violence against our community. She has been, as I said, a good neighbor." Alden pauses long enough to nod respectfully to Tal. "That being said, she is very protective of her territory and her privacy. If an agreement is reached to allow travel through the forest, it will most certainly come with conditions. Knowing this, do you wish to enter into negotiations?"
Are you suggesting we domesticate the insects as a food source, M'Lady?" Alden asks. He pauses to consider the matter. "I suppose it could be done, but we need to cull and contain the herd. The nest is already too populous for new neighbors to manage, and we have now provided the bugs with more land and food sources. As to the issue of granting passage through your forest, do you wish to grant passage, refuse passage or are you putting passage on the table for negotiation?" Alden is fairly certain he knows the answer to the question before he asks it, but the dragon enjoys the game, and the pieces must be set on the board in order for it to be played.
"It would be easier if you allowed them passage, but if you do not want them to pass through your forest, we will respect your wishes, and lead them around, M'Lady," Alden replies. "Just as we did with the people of Ostenso, we will explain the terms of our treaty and the expectation that the terms of that treaty be honored. However, it should be noted that this nest of insects will most certainly not comply. They will strip your forest clean, they will strip the land of all the crops we have grown, and if that doesn't bring about starvation for every living being in our shard, the insects will kill every one of us who survives the famine in order to feed their colony." Alden pauses a moment to let the urgency of the situation sink in. "We could, with your cooperation, destroy the nest now, and assure that our prosperous relationship continues. What say you, M'Lady?"
Alden nods. "A large nest of giant insects is a threat to everyone: your forest, our crops. They need to be exterminated as quickly as possible, M'Lady. It is in our mutual interest to work together to accomplish this."
He IS kind of oblivious. LOL
Alden was too concerned with the condition of the fallen villagers to notice anything.
He likewise notices nothing in the Drafon’s tone or expression.
Alden moves to each of the fallen, checking to see if any of them are still alive.
”One of the items I found in the last Shard empowers me against swarms, M’Lady,” Alden replies, tapping the clasp of his cloak, as he continues to render aid. Once he has done what he can to save the others, he rises to his feet, and says. ”Gather around friends, and let the power of Erastil wash away your pain.”
”Perhaps, introductions are in order,” Alden says. ”May I introduce Lady Talschornvox, a good neighbor we met through the merging of our respective Shards.” He gestures towards the Dragon, giving her a respectful nod. ”I am Alden Cooperson, and I live to serve Erastil and all people who would live in peaceful community with one another.” He turns to the others, giving them the opportunity to introduce themselves.
RETCON ACTION: Alden calls on Erastil to flood the area with healing energy.
Meanwhile, the ants continue to chew on him.
Okay, so it looks like Jaxom is still down and nearly dead, so I will RETCON my action to see if I can forestall his demise.
If Jaxom is still up and clear of the swarm at the moment, I'll leave my action as it is for this turn. On my next turn, I will see if I can position myself somewhere I can catch everyone in a channel burst. Plus, I made a good throw with the alchemist fire. Hopefully, the swarm will catch fire and burn up.
I figured I'd ask: (no obligation to agree), can I RETCON my action for this turn and channel energy instead of move and throw the alchemist fire? I understand that would leave me in the swarm, but maybe I will roll well enough to keep Jaxom from being DEAD dead?
Alden moves out of the swarm, pulls his flask of alchemist fire from his bandolier with his free hand, and flings it at the carpet of insects.
Alden runs to the aid of the Old Man, swinging his blade at the mass of insects.
Alden draws his sword and closes with the nearest insect. He swings his blade, hoping to cut through its carapace.
Alden rushes forward to the fallen young man, reaches down and calls upon Erastil to stabilize him.
”Let’s go, then, and hope our new neighbors don’t assume we are werewolves, as well.”
”I have this,” Alden says, holding up his shining bow, ”as well as the dagger. We should be okay for light. If we approach their gates well lit, it should assuage their concerns enough to speak with us. I hope.” |