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Bronwyn promptly responds Jameson: Yes, round up the best archers you can find, Jameson. They may have to shoot while we're dealing with the creature. I'd prefer we get fewer, more skilled archers than a lot of ones in training. Turning back to Carina, he tries to explain himself. Believe me when I say I do not intend to die, my love. I will procure means to protect myself from the beast's attacks. But someone must attract the creature's attention, and since Jameson's better off carrying mounted charges, that falls to me. I hope you understand that.
edit: Bronwyn asks Zorestar if the creature can speak or understand any language. He quickly follows up with And how can I offend its mother in that language?
The translation dosen't take that long Lorn, the more I have written as Mumbata the easier it has gotten. I like the idea though, and I'll take a look at it It takes me hours to proccess Mumbata's speech. For Siera my only worry is trying to fit in a "f%*!" at least once per paragraph.
Bronwyn tries to organize the following, questioning Zorestar and the witnesses of the attacks: Stablish a layout of the area being attacked by the creatures, and the targets they have chosen. Do they follow some sort of pattern? Do they attack mostly humans, cattle, or what? Do they swoop in, take their target and fly away or do they fight them near the ground? The whole idea is to gather information for an ambush. Ideally we could find some sort of animal the creatures value as food (such as cows or horses) and use those to attract the wyverns near a specific farm house or barn. We would have archers quartered inside the house/barn that would only attack when given a signal (lest they make the creatures run away too soon). As the creature takes the bait, we would bombard it with at least a couple tanglefoot bags, to make sure it wouldn't escape (a cheaper alternative would be to have some guys standing around with nets prepared). Then we bring it down. So the plan would follow: 1) Bait the wyverns near a farmhouse.
The archers would start to attack only once the target is secured (or it is feeling), waiting on Bronwyn's signal. Carina, Zorestar and perhaps Telias would stay within the farmhouse, to guarantee their safety, while Bronwyn and Jameson would meet it in the field. Bronwyn will probably "tank" the creature while Jameson keeps on charging astride his mount.
I'm going to classes - will be back later. Dust your jackets and prepare to fight folks!
The baron bangs on an office door loudly. Ganit, put your boots on, we're going hunting! He summons a meeting with the council and announces: Gentleman and madams, as you all know there have been reports of wyvern attacks on the river crossing. The beasts have our commerce in a chokehold and our armed forces are overmatched. If we send in our armored guards, they might overwhelm the monsters with their numbers, but we'll suffer heavy losses. I do not mean to visit the mothers of our soldiers to offer my condolences when I can deal with this issue without any of our people's blood being shed. Bronwyn looks around the council members, analyzing their reactions. Ganit, prepare your best arrows and talk with the locals to find the beasts' position. Jameson, ready our best horses and don your armor. Carina, my love, I know better than try to persuade you to stay at home and protect our child, but please promise me to stay out of harm's way as most as possible. Zorestar, I need three things from you: First, I ask you that you can devise some sort of protective spell to shield Carina from harm. I do not mean to put our child at risk. Second, I need to contact Telias and let him know about this problem. I feel he might help us on this matter. Third, I need your expertise about these wyverns. What are their weaknesses? Their strenghts? Let us know everything. Looking at the priest, the baron asks: Jhod I will need you to stand by near the battleground. You will not come to harm, but if one of us suffers a grievous wound you must remove them from the battlefield or heal them where they stand. We cannot lose any lives on this.
Guys, I uploaded the most recent excel file with for the kingdom. Aron, could you compare with yours, see if everything is okay? Also, could we roll only one extra month (totalling 13) so we can finally build the Market we've been saving for?
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When Bron came in, Carina ran to him and threw her arms around his neck and gave him a long kiss. Bronwyn smiles, takes his wife at a hug and greets her warmly: Well, hello there you too. You know the best part of-, he manages to say before noticing her eyes have a different spark and lets her speak her mind. When she pulls away she has a glowing smile on her face: Something special happened. We are going to be parents. Erastil has blessed us. We uh... You- I- Erastil? The facade of the usually eloquent baron falls down hard as he struggles to proccess the words. Bron stands genuinely dumbfounded for a couple seconds. Then he breaks into an open, sincere smile, eyes wide with surprise. You're... with child?, the man finally manages to say, as he approaches his wife to involve her in an embrace. He caresses her face with his hand, asking: I'm going to be a father?
So guys my girlfriend is spending the weekend in my place and I'll have trouble posting. Will try getting a reply ready on sunday night.
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End of the Month Stats:
Just to let you guys know I won't have classes today and will spend most of the afternoon in the PC (when I manage to escape Assassin's Creed III). If anyone wants to have a conversation with Bronwyn (or if Aron is free and wants to get these kingdom turns done) just hit me up!
For some reason the sheet is counting the Graveyard is only a +1 Loyalty bonus. Is that a bug or has there been any errata on the matter?
The baron lays a gentle hand on the reverend's shoulder, assuring the old man. That is to change soon, father Kavken. As soon as the coins from our market begin to arrive at our coffers we'll send a team of workers to restore the old temple in the woods to its former glory. The gaze of Erastil is on that place, and I do mean to make him proud of us.
How does he propose we achieve that? I suggested the caves because I thought they'd rather live underground due to their light sensitivity.
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Vertaria (Size 10)
Bronwyn smiles, taking up the flower and letting its scent in. Well, I do not know much about religion, but I believe that's a really clear signal. Perhaps we can make a special cerimony to Erastil, thanking him for his bounty and assuring him we mean to keep up our good work. What do you think, father Jhod?
Did the Sootscale Chief accept our proposal to change his tribe's lair from the mines to the warrens below the Sycamore? It seems like a larger complex, easily expandable.
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Bronwyn looks worriedly at his wife, returning from the bathroom for the second time. Are you alright, love? I can summon Jhod in here and tell him to bring his herbs and remedies. Maybe even a spell to make your better.
What city should we build the market? Oleg seems good enough for encouraging trade with Brevoy and maybe keeping our capital cleaner. But then bringing the market down south would keep Evergreen as our main trading hub and heart of the kingdom. What you guys think?
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Bronwyn calls for a big harvest festival a few days after the killer is caught and executed. The celebration features a big feast for the settlers and their families, with bonfires running all night and watered ale offered free of charge. Hopefully, that makes people let go of this gruesome business with this murderer, the baron confides to his wife.
Responding to Carina: I can keep updating, it's not a problem. I waited a bit to let the whole Zorestar/Alicia/Varn situation unfold, but I guess I can keep posting the months OOC while the drama unfolds IC. I agree with both your suggestions. I was reticent because I thought you meant to stop all expansion (hex claiming, etc) and I really feel its important that we keep a steady pace (since the more hexes we get the more we get to do in a turn) of expansion.
Aron, the sheet I'm using shows +24 Stability. Here's the math: Stability Bonuses:
+7 Buildings (Brewery +1, Castle +2, Mill +1, Smith +1, Tannery +1, Town Hall +1)
+1 Edicts (Promotion Token) +12 Leadership (Jameson +4, Alicia +4, Jhod +4) +1 Resources (the Sycamore Cave bonus) +2 Alignment (Neutral) +1 Other (Favourable location of the capital) = +24 Total Is that correct? Did I add any unappropriate bonus?
Tonight I'll post another month - we'll finally get Oleg's :)
I was struggling with those ideas myself, Carina ;) I figure we could claim Oleg's hex and the Temple before getting a big building. IIRC we can use Oleg's as a Stable (which is really useful) and could rebuild the Temple at half-price (and it provides some minor items that can help boost our economy). Of the buildings you suggested I think the Market is the most appropriate (even if it doesn't provide the best reductions).
The council members are summoned in the late hours of the night to an emergency meeting. Bronwyn looks uncharacteristically tense, a cold fury simmering in his eyes. There's a monster lurking in our midst. It's been three days and three victims. There will not be a fourth. He gazes at the council members, imprinting on them the importance of the tasks at hand. Akiros, I need you to triple our nightly patrols; Jameson and his men will take some of the routes. Zorestar, try to find any similarities between his victims - any sort of clue where he might strike next will help catch this bastard. Ganit - we need to hunt this man down. I will throw in a ratty cloak and old armor to keep a low profile while we make a few questions around town and set a trap for this animal. Carina, you need to keep our morale during this crisis. People need to know they're safe and that this creature will get the justice he deserves.
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His old companions may notice a flicker of confusion in Bronwyn's eyes as he appears utterly confused for a second, but to any of the newcomers, the baron appears completely confident as he hears Maegar's pledge. I accept your pledge honorably, baron Maegar Varn. Our houses have been intertwined since the founding of our baronies, the baron says, while looking at Alicia, and that way it shall be forever. The knight kneels, slowly unsheating his newly-forged blade and offering it to lord Varn. Upon this day upon the sights of gods and men I swear this pledge of alliance to the House of Varn as represented by the baron Maegar Varn and to his nation of Varnhold. Our fates and prosperity shall be linked together in freely-given bonds. Your blood is my blood, and my shield is your shield. I shall fight for your cause as I know you shall fight for mine.
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"There is something for us to discuss. In front of the rest of the leaders back in the castle, if you will allow me." he gives a bow before raising again. The baron smiles and responds warmly: Of course, lord Varn. Let us convene in Evergreen Castle after we've cleaned the mud and dust of our travels. After the baron of Varnhold leaves, Bronwyn approaches Ganit in a quiet, secluded place. Ganit, keep an eye open for the members of his entourage. Make sure they don't wander around too much. Today we're friends with Varnhold, but there's no telling what the future might bring, and if we ever face them in a military situation, I'd prefer that they don't have ample knowledge of our land and fortifications.
"I have the perfect coach for that job and it would be my pleasure to do." The wizard replies. "But what do you mean by misunderstandings? I am very clear and precise in all of my communications." I do not doubt or deny it, lord Lebeda. But she knows her father's followers better than us and can anticipate their reactions. We need to come out of this meeting as fair but firm - not too agreeable but not too stingy. It goes almost without saying that this meeting will set the precedent for all our future dealings.
An extraorinary meeting of the Vertaria council is called, and Chief Sootscale is offered a place of importance at the table. Well, this month we finish the tannery by the river. We'll be able to finally cure and prepare the hides our hunters trade us and turn those into leather. That leather has a myriad different uses, including armor, tents, and furniture. All those will be in high supply in Brevoy when their war starts. The next month will see our basic trading needs all met with the opening of our own brewery. We'll be able to trade fully with Restov and the lands above, exporting our finished goods instead of buying theirs. When the armies march we'll not depend on their strained trade line - on the contrary - we'll be their reliable providers. The baron gives a moment for the idea to sink in. And then we're off to work on our infrastructure. That means education for our children and security for our folk. Zorestar and Alicia, I need you both to start making contacts with booksellers so we'll be able to open our very own library and school in two months' time. After that maybe an inn and tavern to encourage trade and then a watchtower or barracks to house our soldiers. Bronwyn looks around the room, hoping to find in his companion's eyes the confidence he needs. His gaze finally settles on the kobold chieftain. Chief Sootscale, as you probably already know, to the north of your caverns there lies an enormous underground complex formerly inhabited by your one-time enemies, the mites. As you recall, we eliminated that problem many months ago and bought your tribe a respite of the constant battles that ate away your numbers. Now they are no more, and their lair is empty, ready for your people to occupy it. It is our belief that the vast network will easily accomodate your numbers. Will you agree with conceding your caves to move into these vast galleries?
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A special reunion is invoked in the meeting hall of the castle. The councilors are all summoned to court. Bronwyn welcomes everyone and begins the session. Hope everyone slept well last night, for we may have to extend this meeting somewhat. According to Zorestar's projections, this month our settling efforts may reach the trading spot Alicia's negotiated with Lord Varn. We will need all hands on this. Varnhold is our neighbor to the east and the most vital ally we'll have. We cannot afford any part of this deal going sour. He inhales sharply, and turns to the knight. Sir Addercop. You and Ganit have the most vital task: ensuring our trading convoys going upriver reach Varnhold safely. Jameson will pick his finest men and escort the barges; Ganit will take the hunters and a few kobolds to scout the land ahead. Make sure no bandit sees this as an opportunity. Zorestar and Alicia will head that convoy. Zorestar, you will negotiate fair prices but push to meet our demands, while Alicia smoothes any misunderstandings. Carina and I may also join in just to make sure everything goes smoothly. In fact we can make a quick travel to Varnhold and formally meet the baron and his council. Turning over a leaf of paper, the baron continues: The minute we return to our meeting we dive in and coordinate the building process for the Evergreen Town Hall. We want the building to be civil, but also to turn into an impromptu shelter in case of an emergency. For that it has to be sturdy; we'll use whatever stones we acquire from Varnhold in its construction.
On another OOC note, is Carina taking any *ahem* protections? If not it makes some sense that she would be carrying their child. I know Bronwyn would be extremely happy in being a father.
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I meant all that mostly in an OOC way. Telias will be Telias, I fully expect that. Bronwyn fully realizes he's surrounded by a lot of people that are smarter than he is. He doesn't simply take a decision by himself - he consults everyone for their opinion and works a way to keep everyone satisfied and the barony growing.
At the beginning of the month, baron Bronwyn Greenwood gathers up the council members in reunion. After a long deliberation weighing in the opinion of his fellow councilors, he declares: We have a solid grasp on the immediate area and are taking our first steps to develop into a town. I feel confident that we can expand our borders and send settlers to the area around the Sootscale lair. Chief Sootscale has been proving a trustworthy ally, but I'd still like for Jameson and his men to overseer the settling process and make sure everyone is taught about our truce. Ganit, you will be accompanying Jameson in this inspection, keeping a closer look on the issue. We don't want any quarrels among the kobold natives and the human settlers. He sips a cold cup of water and continues: Zorestar, we need your geometrical expertise in the mill construction by the lake. You will have to find the optimal spot to install the waterwheel, seeing as the water pressure is somewhat slow in the lake. I hope that when we finalize its construction we'll be able to produce our own flour and cut our wood without needing to resort to Brevoy. Further we'll be able to tax the mill's use and put that coin into good use. Turning to Maegar Varn's daughter, the baron asks: Lady Varn, I would like to send a cart of good quality wood and herbs to open trade with your father to the east. As we have not yet finished the road, the convoy will need to go north until Oleg's and take the road east. Your skills would be most appreciated in securing a safe passage for them through the southern Rostlands and securing a fair trade with your father. Of special interest to us are stones. We need rocks to lay our walls and build our shelters. Zorestar will happily fill you in on the specifics. The baron goes on, instructing the High Priest Jhod Kavken to bless the newly-planted crops and suggesting a few routes for Akiros to implement in the city watch. Carina and I will be overseeing the barony and the building efforts. We will also try contacting the faerie folk in the woods so we can work on a solution that will not alienate or antagonize them.
Why? edit: I mean, do you think it's a bad idea or have anything to do against it?
So fellas, I've been reading up Alex's Kingmaker game and decided to try and take a firmer approach to things. As I do not have much experience on boards, I've been really really hesitant to assume a leader position OC. I have trouble gauging other player's reactions, so I fear to come out as bossy and forceful. But I feel we've been getting a little out of focus lately; Carina has been trying hard to keep things going forward in the game and I mean to help her and take the reins on this. If you guys ever think I'm getting too drunk with power (or if I've hurt your feelings in any way), please let me know.
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