Sounds good.

We should probably establish our selves first, so we have political leverage in further negotiations for what our relationship with the other groups will be. Bass isn't against the idea of a confederation, though.

As for my thoughts on a name, of those three, Tove, I'm with Terri. I like Elkmark the most.

Potentially providing the gnomes and other nonhumans (like the fey) with enclaves at Fort Redemption may be enough to integrate them into society.

On a second point, what do we want our new nation to be called?

My thoughts on some of the unallocated rolls are:

As the prosective leader of this settlement, Bassius also spends most of the next few days with the settlers. He looks for those among them with experience in building, and asks them to take a look at Fort Redemption and give advice on how to rebuild. He also lets the new arrivals know that he is there to arbitrate in case of disputes, and works to help plot out the streets of the new city, imagining in his mind a bustling capital to come.

Let me know, DM, if there are any individuals among the settlers who seem to Bass to have leadership potential, as that is something he would be looking for.

Sorry about the no posting, it's been a busy wedding planning weekend.

As the rest of the party rides into the fort, Bass rides back up to the gate.
"I've found good land just up the lakeside for the settlers to make temporary shelters. Before we turn in for the night, Gareth, would you mind staking it out with me?"

Bass is good to go here. We've accomplished our mission, and cricks in the neck are worst in the morning. His vote is for a polite and grateful declining of the offer, and moving on.

He's torn, because diplomacy falls to him as the de facto head of state, but he doesn't have a relationship with this chieftain, and Sootscale seems to be deferring to those he's already met and presumably worked with. He's planning on taking the lead if Tove doesn't, since she's the most outspoken of those who predate him as charter holders.

Fun fact: I was intending to post earlier, but I couldn't remember if I was in the party last time they met the kobolds or not.

Bracing himself against a wall, Bass bows as much as his already-hunched posture will let him.

"Thank you for your welcome, great chieftain. I am Bassius of House Vibulus, a paladin of Abadar and defender of peace and prosperity in these lands."

In an even tone, Bassius responds,
"Those below it, like yourselves, would be treated the same. Mineral wealth is very important to any kingdom. Once we're more established, we'll send a messenger with more specific terms for you to agree to."

Sounds great!

Bassius thinks for a moment before responding.
"Foremost, to be a protector. All creatures work for their own benefit, and my duty as a paladin of Abadar is to protect those who work to benefit the whole as well as themselves from those who would prey on others. I see no reason to change that as lord or king. I would encourage trade, protect the kingdom's integrity, and act as an arbiter in case of disputes."

As Bass speaks, his face is lit up by a growing smile. He pauses at the end of his recitation, then the near-grin fades as he quickly adds,
"Practically speaking though, I would want to encourage settlement at Fort Redemption, the Stag Lord's old fort. Allies are better than enemies, however, and those already living in the Greenbelt who work with us would receive guarantees of their land in the kingdom's charter."

I'm ready. Onward to our Kingdom! :D

Yeah. It's not that I'm not enjoying it, it's just a lot of extra work.

Thanks, I'm really excited.

I'm sorry I haven't been posting this week. I've been wedding planning, and it's been kicking into high gear, and I've been fried between work and that. I should be posting more regularly for the forseeable future.

Also happy birthday!

Bass, who has seemed to be deep in thought, finally looks up to Tove at her return. "Apology accepted."

He then turns to Kalaman. "I do have some thoughts on our kingdom. I agree with Ivo. It was my rashness in dealing with a Chelish diplomat that led to my exile to the River Kingdoms."

Continuing, Bass adds, "And while I think that the River Freedoms are sometimes too free, I have come to love the people of the north for their industry and initiative. If there is one thing that I would want for our kingdom, it is leadership that the people can depend on. Abadar's laws are stepping stones for men and women to make good lives for themselves, and I want that to be the cornerstone of my rule. Or our rule, rather," the paladin adds hastily, "Since we've not decided on how to take charge of the Stolen Lands just yet."

"To our new nation!" Bass joins the toast. "May Abadar bless our future labors!"

After reading the writ, Bassius can't help but grin, staring at the document for a moment while Tove answers Svetlana. Finally turning back from the parchment, he says, "I agree with you, Tove. With the stipend promised by Restov, we should be able to make the needed repairs to the fort itself, and provide subsidies to bring farmers, fishermen, and merchants from Brevoy and the River Kingdoms. Though perhaps I should call you Lady Hellstrom," Bass says, grinning once more.

Bassius nods appreciatively at the mention of the cask, though it seems a little distracted. Dismounting Emperor Stavian, he goes to help Kesten open the gate.

Bassius joins the chase, reloading his crossbow as he pushes Emperor Stavian onward.

With an uncomfortable sidelong glance at Garethane's poor mount, Bassius launches another bolt at the manticore.

Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9

You're totally right, I forgot xD. In that case, I would have Emperor Stavian move forward at half speed while I was reloading, shouting at the manticore to draw its attention.

Ride(guide with knees): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Sucking in a sharp breath at the pain in his shoulder, the paladin rips out the spine, staunching the bleeding with holy power. He then goes for another shot at the beast, hoping to distract from the small yet dangerous rider closing in.

Lay on Hands: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Pulling up his crossbow to deal with a flying foe, Bassius whispers "Greetings from Abadar, monster," as he lets fly.

Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

I second Tove's suggestion

At this point, there is a quiet knock at the door, followed by Bassius, coming in from brushing and exercising Emperor Stavian.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
After subtly following Lanyssa's eyes, the paladin quickly accepts her offer.
"Tea would be lovely. Yours is the best I've had since leaving Taldor.

"As for our purpose in coming, our two new companions and charter-holders are on a tour of the Greenbelt, the land they have taken up the charge to defend and cultivate. We've just met Kalaman, but I can vouch for Terri's bravery in the face of the Stag Lord himself."

Bass chuckles at the spectacle of a small woman petting a wolf three times her size, then dismounts. As his horse whinnies softly, Bass replies, "Play nice, Emperor Stavian, he's just here to guard the cottage. No need to be sharp with him." The paladin then walks up to the front door and knocks.

I've got nothing here. Just stoically taking the pink hair xD

xD

In the case of Falgrim Sneeg, you guys offed him at the Stag Fort. The plan you had and the resultant fight really didn't leave much for you to do in terms of capturing bandits. Add two masterwork weapons of your choice to the loot list.

In light of that update, GM, I'll retcon my comment to something along the lines of "The forest could have other generic random bandits!"

Assuming that we head out soon in game time:
Bass takes Tove aside as the party heads out to explore the Greenbelt once more, unburdened finally from the weight of the Stag Lord's shadow. "I've seen the way you look at the tiefling. Honestly, I don't care to find it in me to chide you for that. I fully intend to watch him carefully myself, as fiends leave marks in more ways than one. However, I would ask that you keep an open mind, and let him rise or fall on his own merits, not those of his heritage. If he betrays us, I won't hesitate to stand with you in bringing him to justice."

That's entirely fair, the idea is just hilarious, though the amulet of mighty fists is a serious consideration.

As for the two masterwork weapons from the bounty for Falgrim Sneeg (a name that reminds me of the Edge Chronicles every time I see it), does anyone have any preferences? I'd like a masterwork heavy crossbow, both since it's Abadar's holy weapon and since it would up my range game slightly, but that's not a real need.

He could be the Warden with a Belt of Giant Strength. Sorry, I mean saddle of Giant Strength. xD

"Forest might be best for hunting down another bandit" Bassius says in reply to Ivo's question. "There's a bounty here for a former mercenary, and I don't think we saw him at the Stag Lord's hold."

That's specifically the bounty for Falgrim Sneeg. Also, I see that Tuskgutter's bounty is still up, and that was my first encounter. I think we just forgot to report it.

And since my horse now is an animal companion, it has the Int score to know how to do that (paladin's bonded mounts have a min Int score of 5 :D)

So, as for buying things... its just 1045 gp for a heavy mithral shield with a holy symbol of Abadar...

Also, does anyone mind if I take the amulet of natural armor?

Also, what may we want to liquidate in terms of weapons and magic items?

Bassius chuckles at the bard's puppy eyes and childish manner.

lol Ivo xD Spymaster indeed.

That was my guess. Thanks for keeping on top of things, I'm really enjoying this campaign, and I'm also really looking to seeing these kingdom rules in action.

Question for you, DM. I see you've updated the charter in the header. Is that addendum to the charter something we've been given in character, or is that just because we're now in book 2?

As the tiefling tells his story, Bassius nods appreciatively. "An intimidating blade, to be sure. If protecting merchants is your profession, then I commend you for being of such service to a society that has otherwise rejected you. " After Garethane introduces himself, Bass gestures to his companions (including Ivo if he's also there), "My companions and I have been tasked by the Swordlords of Restov with taming this land for further settlement. If you are as skilled with that blade as it is fearful, and my companions are amenable, then we may have use for your services as a comrade in arms." Bass ends his short speech with a slightly quizzical look aimed at Tove.

But if we could carry the camp on a pack horse, time wouldn't be a factor.

That sort of thing has actually been the most enjoyable part of Bassius. That fact updating the loot list is helping me be in character as an Abadarian is both amusing to me and really interesting.

Re:Base Camps
I like that idea. We could put together a list of the supplies we use for a base camp, and I could add a sheet to the loot list with all that stuff on it.

"What brings you to a humble wilderness trading post?" Bassius is also cautious in his attitude, but open and not unfriendly.

I'd thought about the same conflict between Tove and Bassius, and I'm actually pretty excited to see how it plays out.

Yes, Terri, the loot list is updated. If you take something off, remember to update the quantity, so I can remove the line if that item is all gone.

The other suggestion for a buy is perhaps a cart instead of saddlebags, if we want to carry supplies to set up a base camp, though Bass wants to set up base camp at the Stag Lord's fort.

To Old Duncan - Reaching into his belt purse, Bass replies, "Would 5 crowns serve that purpose?"

Bassius approaches the new stranger with a neutral look on his face, armor on, with his sword sheathed and his helm in the crook of his sword arm. Best to make a good, strong, yet non-threatening impression. If he's as skilled a fighter as he looks, we could use his blade in taming these wilds.

Switching his helmet to his left hand as he reaches the ifrit? Fetchling? Tiefling? At any rate, switching his helm to his left hand, the paladin reaches out to shake with his right. "Hello. I'm Bassius Vibulus, paladin of Abadar and a warden of these wild regions. May I have the pleasure of your name?"

I've gotten to the spreadsheet.

Based on the first part of the discussion thread, I had planned on Bass being the ruler of the kingdom.

While the rest of the party is talking with Oleg's guards, Bass will walk up to Old Duncan's caravan. Hello there, good merchant! I have a message for you to take to the Lord Mayor on your return journey to Restov. The Stag Lord is dead!" The paladin then hands a letter, bound in a cylinder with a length of twine.

Bass then goes to greet Oleg and Lana, and see who the strange new arrival is.

After examining it quickly, Bass says "It would, except for the hole Ivo left in it's skull. A shame. we'll have to cut it into a few pieces to take it out of the fort to bury it."

I'm okay with doing that off-screen, and heading of to Oleg's. I'm excited to get to the next part of the adventure.