Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
I totally agree on your first 7 points.
Regarding the last two points....
Kingmaker is difficult to keep moving forward.
This is what I do in mine for every decision the party needs to make. (everything... which hex next, left or right, death or mercy, etc.)
One proposes, second confirms.
If no opposition, it stands. (opposition = in gameplay or a "hey wait!" in discussion)
If someone does oppose, they need +1 to "reverse the decision". (one more vote than the proposer has.)
(with this siderule)
For Kingdom decisions clearly a part of a PC's leadership role, said PC gets 2 bonus votes (opposition would need +3 to override or reverse the leader's decision.)
It might seem complex, but having a decision-making system seriously helps things move along AND keeps everyone involved because they know the efficacy of their opinion.
---
Also when deviating from the module in a major way, making clear "what the game is" is important.
I "learned" the following from my first screenwriting class....
When crafting a joke, you want the audience to have expectations, then deliver something else (just the twist).
When crafting a story, you want the audience to have expectations, then deliver something else PLUS deliver what they were expecting (twist plus satisfying expectations).
Running a Kingmaker where "nothing will be as you would expect" is a tough one to prepare for as a player.
That said, I am genuinely impressed how well you were able to keep things interesting (and compelling) - you've got some serious creative mojo, bud.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
"Be a good lad, Mulray and try to keep her steady."
Arv settles in for the ride to the next sure-to-be grisly locale, and returns to his sewing.
"So... Vordekai... how did you sleep?"
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
"Oh well... how thrilling." Arv rolls over and props himself comfortably into lounging position.
"I can see it now... Us interrupting each other as we re-tell the tale to our friends and families - of how we became inseparable allies."
"Me and my one eyed shadow...."
He gets up and dusts himself off... then shrugs while mending a loose stitch in his embroidered waistcoat.
"I'm up for thumping some more evil. Whether it gives this guy the jollies or not."
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv's gaze snaps to follow the arrow's flight. He tears up a gravedigger's shovel worth of dirt propelling his massive bulk forward. Once Vordakai comes within sight, Arv summons what remains of his untapped power and continues his charge.
He slams Vordakai in the side with the fat trunk of his tentacle, and whips the remainder coiling around the undead lich.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv quietly backs away and chugs another vial.
He then charges forward again as he is just beginning to grow in size and bulk.
He smacks the cycloptic lich... wielding his tentacle like a club as he lunges forward.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv steps up to Vordakai while reaching into his bandolier with his tentacle. He slaps opaque goop over the undead wizard's face.
"There... that looks better..."
He is too battered and worn for his usual enthusiasm.
dirty trick blind + surge vs CMD:1d20 + 1d6 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (18) + (2) + 13 + 1 = 34+2 if flanking This condition lasts for 1 round. For every 5 by which your attack exceeds your opponent’s CMD, the penalty lasts 1 additional round. This penalty can usually be removed if the target spends a move action. (No fort save so I assume Undead Traits are no help to him.)
blind:
The creature cannot see. It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character. Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
Greater grapple allows me to maintain grapple as move action.
Uncanny grapple allows me the option to throw my grappled foe 10' with the grapple check.
Drinking Enlarge Person as standard action.
Using Fleet charge again for a free move+attack
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv feels his thickening skull encroach on his brain. Claws burst through the hardening skin on his fingertips. He feels the itch to rend as he chugs another flask, and bolts from the carriage.
Arv dashes past the nearest cyclops, then turns and charges.
He ducks low to avoid his foe's guard, and ends his advance with a quick swipe.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Once the dirty details start flying from the disembodied voice, Arv scrambles for his journal to keep notes.
"Femophul, Lictor, Sarebella... I propose we begin with those three."
"Assuming we were to take this voice at face value. Femophul the cyclops wizard is the nearest, and where our damned soul in distress resides? That is the north hill."
"This Lictor... graveknight or whatnot... patrols... with "whatever is left of his order." Arv shrugs. "Doesn't sound too bad. That is theee... north west."
"From there, we hop over to the west hill, where we will find a halfling chanteuse past her prime. As you can see...I don't know military terms, but we would be doing a little hook thing on the map there... see ?"
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv comes to... with Venetia holding him. "Hmm? Venetia what?... He looks back to see how far from the carriage he had walked. "How peculiar..."
"Was I... bewitched? Thank you Venetia... saved by a hug. Ha! I owe you one." He is already on the way back to the safety of the carriage.
He dismisses with a gesture Mulray's look of concern... "Yes yes... I know... carry on."
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Mulray sends Karou to warn his riders... Arv nods to acknowledge - already informed by Noelle's report. He sets down his sewing, and steps from the carriage.
Arv looks up at Mulray - who is staring ahead intently while readying his bow from the driver's bench.
"I suppose you have already told him we have no room in the carriage?" He then peers in the direction Mulray is looking.
"Anyone have an inkling as to what we may have here?"
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Dunno how much time has passed. It would only take me 5 days to make (each day of crafting while "adventuring" yields half the results... so it depends on how long we took before starting)
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Seraph is the only one with ride skill and/or mount, so I would assume Neji, Venetia, and Janus would ride in the carriage with Arv. Mulray and Arv would both prefer to ride astride or close behind Seraph.
Starting with the northern edge sounds good... and probably be sure find firewood which does not deplete any poor citizen's resources.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
"We thank you for your hospitality, good sirs. I think the time has come, yes?"
"Karou... fetch my carriage." Karou grins - he loves this game. The creepy little monkey darts outside with Mulray chasing after - shouting warnings of what he'll do if Karou tries to ride off with his carriage.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
"Well if no one has fought them, I suppose there is little to learn. Might as well just jump on in, eh? Don't you worry, my good men, I've yet to meet a single spooky undead I haven't been able to smack around... If anything, we're overqualified! Isn't that right?" He skips over Mulray when seeking affirmations from the group to his claim.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Yes I think we would take the carriage. Mulray and Karou in the driver's bench, and there is room for myself and three others inside.
There is also cargo room on top... if someone wants to "teen wolf" it.
... and Cosario... no updates from inactive threads... so some may be slow getting here. I just noticed the games disappeared so I checked your campaigns (and so on) to get here.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv almost falls over the other side of his horse, trying to mount after a few too many...
Undeterred, he unleashes his call to action "Ready spaghetti, LETTUCE TOMATO!!"
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Tepti:
Oh how Arv loved new people approaching him... He held his book in one hand, and unfurled the tentacle to turn the pages.
"I have never had my name being spoken with such a delicious accent! Sorry... M'Lady Tepti yes. I genuinely thank you for your offer. I trust - unlike less noble races - when you say such a thing, it is not just words."
Arv clears his throat.. "That said... I'm afraid I will just be sewing for the next few days."
crafty crafty crafty craft DC20:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22 5 + (CL of item) 10 + (don't have freedom of movement) 5 = 20 DC
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Danath... some banner options:
Arv offered/would like to pitch in 4,000 of the cost.
Champion's Banner
Cost:4000
A character with the challenge class feature carrying a champion's banner treats his class level as 4 levels higher when determining the effect of his challenge ability. This does not alter the number of times per day the wielder may use his challenge ability, only the value of the bonuses it grants when he does so.
Lord's Banner of SwiftnessFWIW This was Arv's suggestion
Cost:5000
Swiftness: A group or army that are traveling under a lord's banner of swiftness can make a forced march without needing Constitution checks or suffering any nonlethal damage from doing so, allowing them to cover great distances while still arriving ready to do battle. This ability affects all allied creatures within 1 mile as long as they are able to see the banner at least once a day.
Commander's Banner
Cost:5000
A character with the tactician class feature carrying a commander's banner can use her tactician ability one additional time per day, she can use it to grant the teamwork feat granted by the tactician ability to allies within 60 feet (rather than 30 feet), and allies can use the granted feat for 2 rounds longer than normal.
Knight's Banner
Cost:7,500
Allies of the owner of this banner gain a +6 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects so long as they can see the banner. If the mass combat rules are being used, so long as this banner is visible to the majority of an army, the DC of the Morale check to determine whether the enemy routs decreases by 5.
Banner of the Ancient Kings
Cost:9,000
When carried into battle, a banner of the ancient kings confers several benefits. As long as the longspear or pole to which the banner is attached is firmly wielded in two hands, its carrier gains a +4 circumstance bonus on Initiative checks. In addition, when so wielded, it grants the wielder and all allies within 30 feet a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws against mind-affecting effects. If the carrier of the banner fails a saving throw against a mind-affecting effect, he may attempt a new saving throw against that effect every round he continues to wield the banner of the ancient kings—once he releases his firm grip on the banner’s haft, though, he no longer gets this benefit, even if he wields the banner properly at a later point while still under the effects of the mind-affecting effect.
If the banner’s carrier possesses the Flagbearer feat, the banner of the ancient kings doubles the morale bonuses granted by that feat. A bard who carries a longspear or pole to which a banner of the ancient kings has been attached is treated as four levels higher than his actual bard level for the purposes of determining the bonuses granted by his inspire courage bardic performance ability.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Danath:
That's great. Good luck!
...and don't forget to avoid estimates from the utilities!
I re-insulated a coffee shop I had, replaced windows and ancient AC... (locked the thermostat from employees)
First bill was fantastic. Second bill was an estimate from the previous year for four times as much as first month.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv bows to Ti, and attempts to help usher out bad blood without a loss of face. "The alignment of your passion and your actions is admirable, and in fact shames me for not catching the slight among the drudgery of legal proposals and such. It warms my heart to have someone with such fierce devotion to honor at my side."
"I propose a fresh start... and with luck... dessert?"
To Kiritta he bows deeply - his right hand fidgets awkwardly for a moment debating whether or not to take her hand to kiss...
"Your magnificence heralds the truth... that the Creator is an artist to whom no mortal compares. Until we meet again." He bows again, then smiles, nods, and bows to Halcorg.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
If no one is going to Fort Drelev, Arv will go where needed - though his sights are set to the northwest. His preference is to be with the Silver Dragonflight - either Danath and Seraph, or Seraph if the two are separated.
Mulray will also go where needed (either for rogue-y things or hauling/transportation), and does not need to be with Arv.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv approaches Danath with his sketchbook - with his bulk, unavoidably shouldering Elpida aside. "Elpida is it? Means Hope if I am not mistaken... well I hope you don't mind if I speak with Baron Orlovsky privately a moment."
Danath... no peeking Seraph:
"Since it would appear I am to be tasked with the protection of your second in command in your stead, I thought it would be rather good of you to take advantage of my talents... Send her off with something special, my boy."
Arv shows his initial ideas for crested banners - variations on the dragonflight theme... "If you care to contribute... their effects... well, can be quite remarkable."
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv takes a seat and retrieves his sketchbook. He begins doodling banners, tabards, and insignias. After a moment a thought occurs to him... he leans over to Mulray "My four thousand gold?..."
to which Mulray responds. "still got it."
Arv smiles and shakes his head - amazed and proud of his friend's loyalty. He slaps him on the back again before returning to his sketches.
"Then I can afford a few of the finer details..."
He murmurs to himself as he fills several pages with his doodled brainstorming...
"Silver Dragonflight... soo something talon, wing, or fiery... fire theme would be good with the red hair... and all this material from the red caps... Ha!"
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv stands, beams... and bows to Seraph. "If you see the benefit in our assistance, we would be honored to join you." He gazes over the map - it now has greater interest. "Ha! This is all terribly exciting!" Arv slaps Mulray on the back - who shrugs and pours himself a drink.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
The two points... yes from me.
I also agree with Kiritta's points.
It is difficult for me to get a handle on things without any crunch.
I can only comment on how I perceive how others are perceiving things to be... and it may or may not be how Cosario sees things.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv shakes off his withdrawn pensiveness. "I am Arvander Akul'mar. Far more common than noble. What little noble blood I carry was not the result of a consensual union. It has little to do with who I am today. What drives me are my experiences as a youth. I was born in what is referred to as the Bandit Kingdom... Pitax... a place which breeds few good citizens."
"My liberation from what should have been a life either under the thumb of corruption, thuggery, and violence or holding the whip myself... not to mention my legitimately earned successes... is all due to my education. Without those piles and piles of books - cast aside as worthless by all else around me, I would have been a different man. I would have been a pawn of those with the most muscle and silver."
He pauses... shakes his head, and tries to come back to topic.
"If one sees at first mention an avenue for corruption in your plan for the workings of determining the ruling class, then I think there is cause for discussion at least. We know each other enough to discuss... without simply trading unyielding speeches, do we not?"
"While I strongly suggest listening to Kiritta closing words, I too will accept what is decided. I know in my heart what lies in each of yours is nowhere near my line in the sand." He bows genuinely and deeply, then sits.
Halforc Vivi 4/Fighter 4/MyChamp 1 Hp 82/82 DR 6/magic, AC (25), tch 14, ff (22) Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +2; +2 vs. pois and dis, CMD 25~29
Arv bows his head in deference to Seraph... "I believe what you propose is admirable. However. I could not see the master sculptor Balscenziorne asking the general public their thoughts on The Agony before he was finished.. or handing over his hammer and chisel to someone the masses thought should have a crack at it."
"If this kingdom is to be extraordinary, it should be shaped by those with the vision - the kingdom itself should find its voice before the reins are handed over according to the whim of the uninformed masses."
"I also fear voting by the general populace could quite easily lead to vilification of candidates by other supporters... you all saw what happened today."
