Brarim Broadhammer's page

Second week of Pharast

The birds are returning, and new sprouts grow as Spring has begun. Though it has been comparatively dry these past couple weeks, the large caravan of supplies and laborers leave muddy ruts in the grounds approaching your new settlement. A good many of the workers have brought their families, and they put up tents or set up in covered wagons as temporary shelter before the real work begins.

On the first morning of construction, Brarim Broadhammer climbs upon a stack of lumber to address those who have come. There are about 150 laborers and craftsmen in attendance before him, and roughly an equal number of family arcing behind and around the workforce. "Brother and sister builders, good morn. Ye have come here from far and wide.. varying skills and years spent in your trade. Those who are masters in their craft, I give thanks that ye have come. Those who have yet to earn that title, ye will... ye will here." As he spreads his arms to indicate the breadth of the site in preparation. "Each man and woman who gives their all is essential, and the pride when our work is done is to be shared as equals."

He then begins to call out the leaders of each team, and lays out what is to be done with each project.

A smirk appears on his normally dour face. "Maybe not a dozen, but one or two would be nice. To me.. a strong stone wall who's not seen invaders pit against it.. is like a candlewick that's never been lit."

In response to the matter of the outpost, Brarim nods repeatedly and briefly grips Vladimir below the shoulder.

“Aye... that’s the meat of it. The fort was of Iobarian design but built mostly be the Broadhammer and Shalebrow clans. Dulig’s real father was a Shalebrow.. wed me sister, and I took him in when they were lost to Nugrah’s rage. Nugrah had vowed to find an ancient lost Dwarven outpost in the Narlmarches.. which is why me kin had agreed to do the work for far less gold than the work was worth. The Broadhammers and Shalebrow would forever be in your debt should ye ever discover it in yer exploration of these lands. We’ve scattered since before even then.. it’s a dream of mine and other for it to bring us all together again.”
He sighs with the distant look of reverie before draining his mug.
“We’ll do this.. make yer buildings strong.. built to withstand a dozen battles. I give my word to ye.”

Brarim nods and turns to Dulig “Take some split wood and kindling... get fires going in the chambers.”
Dulig leaves, and Arliss tags along. After they’ve left. Brarim’s demeanor turns somber.
“How much do ye know about Nugrah and this fort?”

Brarim shows almost subtle signs of awkward discomfort fidgeting with his mug during Vladimir and Marisol's exchange about making alterations later.
"Aye Ser Ducheski.. digging is cheap. Shoun't be a problem to go another level down for the crypt."
"And we could make some changes after she's built, but... I've no wand in me toolbelt... Weight-bearing walls in a stone castle don't get moved about on a whim. It can be done, but... time and money... far more than building to suit from the start."

He pours himself another drink, and gestures for you all to help yourselves. He looks over the rest of the group. "All of ye.. be thinkin on what you'd be wanting to see. We work quick if we know what's goin up next."

Feel free to talk things over in the discussion thread. You have a few months of game time to recruit leaders... you'll have no vacancy penalties for the first month of building.

Brarim nods, and turns to Dulig "The castle plans...."

Dulig picks up and unfurls a large blueprint onto the center table. Brarim points out several features with a stubby finger.
"This is what I have... any changes may cost more gold. Here you see one subterranean level for both the cells and crypt. We can do more cells, another level below for a crypt, or whatever you wish. I assume an escape route hidden behind a secret door in the crypt would be preferred?"

"I have three bedchambers, and two guest rooms. We can another bedchamber or two... I'd estimate a cost of 300 gold for each added."

Brarim shrugs "Look it over. We can make changes if you have a reasonable request."

Castle includes by default: 2 Armories, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bunks, 1 Cell, 1 Courtyard, 1 Crypt, 4 Defensive Walls, 1 Drawbridge, 1 Escape Route, 1 Garden, 1 Gatehouse, 1 Gauntlet, 1 Kitchen, 1 Lavatory, 1 Office, 1 Sitting Room, 1 Stall, 2 Storage Rooms.

Brarim props a keg onto the center table as he answers "Not much til the thaw. Dulig and I patched some holes already.. to keep the snow, and some of the cold outta yer chambers. Apart from that... just need to know what yer thinkin on startin with. I'll have what we need here the first week of Pharast."

links and other stuff for Kingdom Building are on Campaign Info page. You have 50BP to start with, and upgrading the Stag Fort to a castle (if and when desired will be half cost = 27BP

The elder dwarf lets the head of his hammer clunk to the earthen floor. He points at Vladimir, and smirks for a split-second "Ahh... been waiting for you. I'm Brarim.. Brarim Broadhammer, and my boy Dulig. I'll be headin up your repairs and construction.. until you see fit to replace me."

He rummages through the papers on the table until he finds a letter which he hands to you.

The contents of which include...
"We ask that you coordinate repairs and construction for the new Lords and Ladies for as long as they require your services.", and is signed by a Master Chaudair of Restov .. in service of the Lord Mayor.

"I've been getting a lay of the land an' workin on drafts... gettin an idea of what you'll need to get the fort up to snuff for starters."

He gestures to Dulig.. who immediately gets to work moving things around to make room for all of you to enter.

"C'mon in and warm up for a bit. Got some venison, broth, and ale if you've bowls and mugs."

oops yeah

"Aye m'lord. Old family friend. Gone all crotchety on me... mind's gone to gears, but still sentimental I'm afraid."
"We can handle that, M'lord. Building a couple shacks can be done on break from real work."

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
("Gone to gears" is a dwarven phrase for someone who can't relax... constantly calculating actions, and/or an obsessive schemer. In other words, how most dwarves see gnomes.)

"Sharpaxe..." He repeats nodding "Of Highhelm I suspect, eh? My favorite niece has just moved there... married a Marblebrow..." He shrugs. "What can you do..."
"Sadly... have found no ale worthy of washing down Fowler's food here. Cabbaged onto the best of whats on tap though. Be honored to share a few rounds." He makes a mug-tilting gesture to the cook.

kn(local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

You return to the fort, and see a fair amount of progress. There also are a few new arrivals who are chatting with Brarim Broadhammer as you dismount by the gate.
Norton immediately goes to greet Brarim. They step aside from the newcomers. Brarim looks over toward Green and Furiel... nodding as he listens to Norton. He strokes his beard and nods, then walks over to the rest of the group.
"Master Senis." He bows "Norton has told me about your interest in assisting our venture here. Good to have you on board. Care to join us on a stroll around the grounds? I believe we have a few things to hammer out."

He looks to Green and Furiel, and then starts walking... clearly expecting to be followed. Once he has the two of them on either side...
"You are parents to the new kingdom. Remember what is important in that relationship... both to each other, and to the new realm you are birthing here. Conviction in rule comes with communication, and speaking to your subjects with one voice."
He turns back to gaze upon the build site. "Your future is there. If that is the future you both seek, do not build grudges over the path you choose."

"We will also hafta get a bit of your time to talk about some other improvements... We'll put the incomin un-specialized labor onto thing like roads, bridges, fisheries... We could probly swing taking on two projects.. terrain improvements a month."

ideas of cost in this hex (plains w/water)
Road 2BP
Fishery 4BP
Farm 3BP

He looks at Nogmil, then nods "Aye. We've enough for a foundry... if that's what you all want. It needn't affect the castle construction either. I believe we'd need that built near water... we'll work on that during lunch."

Foundry then? 16BP
In addition to one building for the kingdom this month
you may build a House 3BP, Mansion 10BP, Noble Villa 24BP, or Tenement 1BP

Morning comes - and as Brarim warned, construction begins at first light.
The number of dwarves appears to have multiplied over night. Two new large wagons have arrived with blocks of stone.

One dwarf is finishing a small pen for a decent sized young boar.

Brarim is near the front gates with Nogmil, and a lightly armored dwarf when those first to rise come by.

"Morning." Brarim nods serious-faced.

Brarim approaches as well "We start construction in the morning. Best get to sleep when you can... Gon'be mighty loud here right at dawn."

if inspecting water, I will take an alchemy check if anyone has it trained. +2 to the roll with a DC10 aid another... and another +2 for a DC12 kn(nature) roll from anyone assisting

Nogmil points at Green, smiles, and winks when he mentions preparedness for a siege. Nogmil then turns to Furiel and asks him what is on his mind regarding his suggested construction. He adds to the others, "And I have heard of your plans for a menagerie of rare animals... most fascinating! Please paint me a picture of your dreams... and we will build it!" When Nogmil says this, he yanks Rillo and Bunyon over to include them in the promise to deliver.

-- -- --

Brarim steps aside with Green rolling his eyes at Nogmil. "I was just about to leave things to our bardchitect Nogmil, but I can certainly spare a moment. My time is your dime now. What is on your mind?"

yes... a throne room would take up at least half of the customizable space of your castle anyway.

"I would suggest saving your grand throne room, and other such things for when we construct your palace. It is certainly up to you, but we strongly suggest you keep the primary purpose of your castle to be one of defense."

Brarim walks with you up to your common room, where Nogmil the Elder builder has blueprints laid out.
"Not sure what all yer lookin for, but you have some room to play around with here... If you wanna keep your costs low, here is what I suggest. We start with three teams working on one... the outer wall. Team two... reinforce foundation, flooring base, and sewer system if yer lookin for it. Want it done right.. right now, if yer gonna do it.
Third team sets out workin on individual rooms in priorities as you see fit."

"This will all take one month if we can get the rest of the clan, and some middlin skill workers."
"Month two... we make sure we already have these rooms where we want em, and build around em. With all three teams repurposed, by the end of month two, we are down to a few finer details to see to ."

In addition to
2 Armories, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bunks, 1 Cell, 1 Courtyard, 1
Crypt, 4 Defensive Walls, 1 Drawbridge, 1 Escape Route,
1 Garden, 1 Gatehouse, 1 Gauntlet, 1 Kitchen, 1 Lavatory,
1 Office, 1 Sitting Room, 1 Stall, 2 Storages

...you have 120 squares (room unit of size) to add to your castle)
You may have any number of squares around your castle... (ie.. If you want your Owlbear assisted living surrounding the castle it doesn't eat up castle space)

Brarim steps over to inspect the lance. "Yes... Firebiter. He was an ally of the Jackdaw Prince Nugrah before he turned evil... The story is that Firebiter and his fellow warriors of the wood charged into a trap. The terrain looked steady, but Nugrah had magicked it into a pool of mud into which the forces charged. They were decimated by lightning and arrow while vulnerable in the muck."
"The one down below - holed up with my brother, was Firebiter's avenging squire... I fear I do not recall his name. We will be sure to divine his identity before he is laid to rest."

Brarim returns to report the findings of his team later that evening...

"Remarkable and chilling... The chamber at the end was where my brother, and the Ashmoor's mercenary holed up. Apparently the Nugrah trapped his own man down there with the builders... a madman sorcerer with korred blood... turned nercomancer Maschlosh. When my brother's forces arrived, they were frozen in fear by a skeletal linnorm with a head dripping with maggots. My brother and the sellsword saw through the illusion, but too late to shake his men from their absolute limb-locking terror. The laborers came as zombies with no hands, and tore off theirs with their teeth."

"My brother made the wall to protect them... and covered each stone with a ward from Magrim. He then carved in the wall all which had come to pass, and his visions and words of Magrim during his last days... all this with two stumps of protruding bone. Each stone is a blessed artifact for us, and the words of Magrim... Incredible. We would like to relocate these stones. We will discuss what is to be done with them, but they should not remain where they would be kept from those who would value their worth."

"If you would be willing to provide us land to erect a temple to Magrim, and gift us four of the armors for an honor guard to the temple, we are prepared to offer you a stipend of resources from our clans several holdings."

"Consider the rest of the valuable trappings discovered yours, but we will match what you would get from a merchant."

Brarim meets you at the door to the escape route with "fresh water, and stronger..."
He looks serene... breathing in the dust from your foray into the tunnel turned tomb.
"I'd like to take a team in immediately... we will take care of this for you. We will finish the job." He takes a look inside. "If I should find anything particularly dear to me, I hope you will consider a generous offer... a more than generous offer. For the rest... will we will certainly offer you more than some shady dealer, but you have earned the rights to whatever is found. I find I would rather revel in the moment than hear myself speak."

"The man hired by the Ashmoors came to us... looking for an idea how to get past the defenses here at the time. My brother's decision came at quite a price. In aiding the infiltration of our construction through a the hidden passage... after oathsworn secrecy, the rest of the clan denounced our family for breaking their code of builders."

After a glance at Nogmil's tired eyes over an endurind smile. "Although we lost our home, were severed from our ancestors, and had more dead to mourn, the burden of shame I carry closest to my heart... was having denied assistance to Firebiter and the rest of the YulGrug'Dhakhur."

"The passage is in the northwest corner of the cellar. It is several miles long... and it is apparently where those who built it were laid to rest."

He then takes a moment with Furiel "Be happy to take a look at your plans to make notes for your builders up north, but from my understanding, we Broadhammers will be here for some time."

"Yes. Thank you. I'll take a look around with Nogmil, and prepare a rough proposal... give you an idea what can be done." He then helps the old dwarf down from the armored escort's horse. Nogmil looks pretty ancient. He has an old man perma-smile set in a massive white fraying braided beard. The escort hands him his cane... topped with a small ornate warhammer head. The two of them stroll around the grounds.

Brarim tells his escort "Fetch Nogmil..."
He then dismounts, and bows to Furiel "...and your mug ever full. Happy to work with gnomes who know their craft. As long as y'make sure they aren't last to leave the job site... wake up swearin yer in the belly of a clockwork." He winks to show his last comment was meant in good fun.

He responds to Green "Happy to take a look. Our craft has been passed down many generations. Never done a throne room myself, but we most certainly have crafted our share. Nogmil will take a look, and we'll see what he thinks. The land around has already been leveled... as long as the foundation is solid, should be able to knock a couple weeks off preparation time." He looks back to the wagons to see an old dwarf being propped onto the armored escort's lap in the saddle.
Brarim then leans in "Have ya... ahem cleared the escape passage? We did try to sneak in through there with a fella hired by the Ashmoors years ago. Whole thing was full of walking dead. I saw my brother... and many of his crew there...turned into monsters.. cold eyes... only life to em was the hunger and hate. We did not get far before we had ta fall back."

"Is that so?" He nods and starts to tear up gazing at the fort. "That is good... good news indeed. Has been quite a rough patch for our clan since that dreadful event. I hope my slaughtered kin will able to rest now. I tell you, I did not believe this Ser Valertis fellow... but made the trip because he uh... mentioned you might have work."

As they come near the gate, the older one calls out "Who might be in charge here? I was told by some braggart with whom we supped last night that he was involved in bringing down the son of the Jackdaw Prince Nugrah the Decripit. We've come to see if this is in fact true. I am Brarim Broadhammer. My brother was head of construction until that blackguard went mad."