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July 4, 2010.
Session 1 of Kingmaker.
Cast:
Ganon “Villain” Malfoy: Lawful Neutral Male Human Sorcerer (Infernal)
Rilani Astin: Lawful Evil Female Human Cavalier (Cockatrice)
Artemis Gayle: Lawful Neutral Female Elf Druid (Plant Domain / Erastil)
Trixie Link Bootshiner Bushwacker Puffwuffle: Chaotic Neutral Female Gnome Barbarian
Captain HM “Flyin' Mad” Murdock, aka Wilfred von Humplestink III, Esq. nee Levela: Chaotic Evil Male Gnome Summoner, with “Foo-Foo” the Saber-tooth Moose Lion Eidolon
Altrum Vicis: Lawful Neutral Male Half-Orc Oracle of Bones
Crew: Myself as DM, with our normal, now-going-on-12-year-group, with a fairly new addition.
Quote of the session:
Trixie, in discussing a plan on how / when to ambush a group of bandits who plan to assault the party's location: “I really just like the killing part.” Said by a 3 foot tall, bright pink wearing, greatsword wielding Chibi Gnome Girl.
After one session, Trixie is barely ahead on the in-combat kills, just past Rilani's count.
Cartographer: Artemis' player. In charge of the actual hex map, as well as locating/looting any and all "treasure" maps.
Chronicler: Rilani's player. Keeping notes on the travels, including who they meet, who/what they kill, and tracks quests and quest/plot items.
Treasurer: Ganon's player. Buys and sells, keeps track of party loots and handles disbursements/logistics of such.
Assistant DM: Trixie's player. Takes initiative, looks up rules (duration of effects, exact IG stats, etc.) - MVP of last session, for reals!
Natural Philosopher: Murdock's player. Keeps track of various flora/fauna the party encounters, also humanoids and other things of interest that don't fall into Map/Treasure/Quest category.
City Planner: Altrum's player. Keeper of the city maps, and general architect of the "Civ" parts of the game, he's got final OOG word on things like building placement, defensive perimeters, and the like.
Gozren 30:
So's this buncha crazy adventurin' types came through this mornin', talkin' all 'bout some kinda charter and nobles and whatnot. I'da sent 'em packin' if'n it weren't for wifey's insistence we get some help.
I'm man enough ta admit we're outclassed by them bandits and all, so we may as well try to get along.
That fast-talking city boy looks an awful lot like a bandit, himself, and them little gnomes ain't nothing BUT scary. I s'pose that 'Lani girl's all right, same as Artemis.
Greenskin don't seem quite right, all wrapped up and covered like that, even in the warm mornin'.
We'll see if'n their steel matches their words in the mornin'. I'm hopin' that scary b$~@@ with them axes ain't around, tho...she's one frightenin' piece o' work.
Pharast 1:
Seem's these here folks ain't playin' around.
That nice little girl 'Lani rode that bow wieldin' bandit boss clean down, stuck him through and through with her spear. I watched him bleed out in no time, while the rest mopped up his underlings.
Smooth Ganon even waved his fingers at a bunch o' em...they fell down like ya whacked em with a club on the back of the head. When they woke up, seemed like they already knew the lad, and was disposed to listen to em.
They bought me outta stock, for which I ain't complainin', and left a whole passel o' gear to sell on consignment.
This new handaxe ain't leavin' my side now, though. I gotta make sure Svet grabs herself some steel, too. If'n these bandits are gonna work here, we can't be too careful.
Ganon says they're friends now, and they're gonna listen, but you never know...once a bandit, and all that.
Quite a wild bunch you have there. They will probably feel right at home in the River Kingdoms.
Ganon “Villain” Malfoy:
Really? I mean really? When your name is Ganon Malfoy, I think "Villain" goes without saying ;).
Thanks for the nod to my thread with the side-trek suggestions. I'd be interested in hearing how they affect your game-- they and a few others I gathered from the boards and added on the fly took my players off in some interesting directions as they decided to build and improve Oleg's before the kingdom building part of the game officially started. [Kennels, Well, Many Many more guest quarters and beds, Crenelations, Catapults, Extending Walls, ordering lumber, etc.]
(Involving a trip to a komodo-dragon-infested quarry that resulted in two characters getting drug into the cavernous nest, clay digging near crazy demented old Bokkens' (and Bokken's request for the blood of a poison resistant kobold who ate up his supply of poisonberries, an extended comedy of errors and significant hate for Thawn and their d***able habit of building traps and throwing acid [and horses] in characters' faces.)
I enjoy Oleg's journal style and I will watch your thread with interest.
From the journal of Rilani Astin
16th of Calistril, 4710:
It has been over a year since I managed to escape Galt. I still long for the days before the commoners rose up and killed my parents. However, in an attempt to reclaim at least part of my former status, I have joined a kind of homesteaders union. We have been tasked to tame an area of bandit activity and then build a nation. Though beneath my station, I find these goals a necessary evil for upon completion, I shall be ruler of the tamed lands and once more be on the seat of authority.
30th of Calistril, 4710:
For two weeks we have been traveling south. I find my companions to be a curious bunch. Two gnomes, neither of which look too trustworthy. A giant of a figure, who remains cloaked most of time, but has the smell of death to him. A fellow human who seems to be involved in the arcane arts. And finally an elf who looks at the surrounding lands and sees the resources that could be extremely useful to us. We have arrived at a trading post owned by a Mr. Oleg and Svetlana. They seem to be a stalwart couple, who have managed to eek out a living on the frontier of the uncivilized southern frontier. However, like most lawless lands, there is an overabundance of bandits. Oleg has been paying a monthly “protection fee” to the bandits to keep themselves safe from the bandits. These sums have had a tendency to increase making it more difficult for Oleg to sustain his way of life. There are apparently two noteworthy brigands that return to his outpost with regularity. A woman wielding two axes and a cruel, hooded man. They're next scheduled stop is tomorrow.
1st of Pharast, 4710:
As I suspected, the bandits were a spineless lot whose bark was worth than their bite. I dropped their leader, the cruel, hooded man, with one mighty charge. His subordinates attempted to avenge his death, but soon succumbed to our party's might. In the scuffle we managed to subdue three bandits without killing them. Once Ganon convinced them of the error of their ways, they seemed to turn quite cooperative. They provided us with information on the location of their bandit as well as a cursory description of Bandit Leader: a man they called the Stag Lord. He apparently wears a helm made from a stag's skull. After the place had calmed down. Oleg approached me an asked me retrieve Svetlana's wedding ring that the woman wielding two axes had stolen. Also, Svetlana approached Artemis and asked her to bring back some Moon Radishes because they're an ingredient for Oleg's favorite meal. After a hearty lunch we took a few of the horses that the bandits weren't going to be using anymore and packed up one of the wagons and set off in search of the bandit camp.
2nd of Pharast, 4710:
This lands is full of remarkable, dangerous creatures. On the path to camp we spotted a pile of bones. As I approached it to investigate, one of the gnomes summoned a critter that ran right up to it. Up from the pile spouts a giant centipede. It chomped down on the gnome's critter and it was gone in a puff of smoke. I'm sure glad I didn't initiate its wrath. We did manage to kill the bug, but it remains as a stark reminder of how the bandits aren't the only thing to tame in this region.
4th of Pharast, 4710:
Use the wagon to aid a disguise as a traveling merchant, we come across the bandit's camp. Although, we knew they were there, they still managed to remain hidden behind cover of felled trees and a wagon. We dispatched them with relative ease, Trixie even managed to decapitate the woman wielding two axes, whose name is, or rather was, Kessel. When the fight was over there was a suspicious looking pile of treasure on a cart. The gnome with the wild eyes just runs up and jumps into the pile. No sooner does he do that than we hear a loud CLANG and a yelp from the poor gnome. The bandits had put a bear trap inside the pile of treasure. I wonder if he'll learn not to go jumping into piles of treasure. Two bandits survived the skirmish, and once more Ganon convinced them of the error of their ways. This time, however, instead of leaving them with Oleg to look over them, we had to take them along with us. They did provide us with more useful information though. Apparently the ring that Oleg is looking for was stolen from the bandits. A group of little blue creatures came in and stole it away from the bandits. In addition, they told us of a Fort by the North East corner of Tuskwater Lake that the bandits are using as a sort of headquarters. There is a password to gain entry: “by the bloody bones of St. Gilmorg who wants to know?”. In addition, there is apparently an old man locked in the basement, and it is rumored that the old man is actually using the Stag Lord as a puppet. We decided to try to find the wedding ring first, and managed to track the blue beasts out of the bandit camp.
6th of Pharast, 4710:
While tracking the beasts, we came to a bridge that crossed the Thorn River. The bridge did not look too sturdy and, luckily, the trail did not cross it. Shortly afterwards, we started hearing howling coming from the woods. Then we were ambushed by a pack of wolves. They provided an entertaining diversion on this tracking expedition and were wiped out quickly.
7th of Pharast, 4710:
We came across a Giant Sycamore tree. This tree towers over all the others in the area. When we approached it, we noticed there was a hidden door. Upon further investigation, the door lead us into an underground cave system. Inside we found many of those blue critters. They make a lot of noise, but are killed quite easily. While slaughtering these little fellows, we came across a kobold that was being tortured by them. We rescued the poor fellow who seemed eternally grateful. He told us his name was Micmac of the Sootscale tribe, and that the kobolds had raided these Mites and stolen the wedding ring. This ring sure does have a tendency to get stolen a lot. Micmac also said that it was in retaliation for the Mites stealing from them a cursed Ivory Statue. He stayed put while we exterminated the Mites from the caves. Among them we found one that was riding a giant tick. But he proved no match for us. He did however, have the Ivory Statue that Micmac was talking about. We also managed to slaughter another one of those giant centipedes we saw earlier. So, we gathered up Micmac and he said he'd lead us back to his tribe.
8th of Pharast, 4710:
Micmac led us to his tribe which just so happens to occupy the abandoned Oaktop Silver Mine. We met Chief Sootscale who seems hospitable for a kobold. We made a deal with him for peace, the necklace he was wearing, and a trade agrement for the silver from his mine if we returned the Ivory Statue. We then returned the statue at which point he smashed it to the ground and began cheering. Apparently the statue was cursed and the Shaman Tartook was using the curse to persuade the kobold to wage war agains the Mites. Well, that chief led us to this Tartook which we dispatched fairly easily. He had a couple neat illusions to show us before we killed him. Among his belongings we found his journal, as well as Svetlana's wedding ring. After some celebrating with the chief, we spent the rest of the day exploring the area around the Silver Mine.
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We're all of one session in, and the machinations have begun already.
Artemis' player and I had a discussion last night, revolving around the general attitude of Erastil, Elves, and the like.
We came to the determination that she'd more likely "worship" Abadar, with her goals of huge Human civilizations, cities (all Eco-Friendly and completely sustainable), and tailored breeding projects. We also came to the realization that NE more accurately describes her.
So, we now will have a NE Druid of Abadar (huh?!?) who seeks to control the breeding of the humans in this region, to select for the best of the best, creating a strong, independent Nation. She is also willing to make those hard, bordering on Evil, decisions that would normally wrack a Good aligned person with guilt.
She's setting up the Bene Gesserit, for lack of a better term, and intends on living forever (keep reincarnating herself, possibly on a contingent basis) to make sure her plan works.
Also, the "burn everything to the ground, then go pick flowers" CE Gnomish Summoner may be leaving (with, or without new 3' long wooden feathered decorations sticking out of his chest) to be replaced with an Inquisitor. We will see on that.
Stay tuned for more horrible grammar, perhaps some insight into what it's like as a "reformed bandit" with no girl, and the weather predictions, next time.
I don't know the date, and I don't care.
That lady Svetlana says I gotta learn my letters, and I gotta write what I do and how much we eat and s@**, so I made her get me this book thing to write in. Figured, she already had em sent from the city. Shows me to open my mouth.
This month has been real weird. First, K chops Billy in half for talkin to that girl like that, then H gets himself dead by that chick on the horse. I don't wanna get on her bad side, or G's neither. At least G don't whack ya or make ya run serpentine while shootin at ya. Seem's ok, and the foods a ton better, too.
Funny thing is, last week we all woulda just clubbed Oleg over the head and had our way with Svetlana, and now it's like I'd feel bad about doin that. I ain't never forced my way, not really, and neither did the others here. I guess that's why they didn't just slit our throats when they knocked us out. I dunno, seems I owe em, somehow. Weird.
They gave us new names, when we woke up, sayin we were “reborn” or somesuch. I'm Ace, and Joe got Deuce. Jacob they're callin Trey now. I kinda like it, like a new start or something. At least writing is becoming easier the more I do it. The letters all make sense, and writing them all close and perfect ain't that hard. Numbers and sums make a lot of sense, too.
I don't think O and S feel safe around me, or especially if Deuce or Trey are around. Any time the 3 of us are doing something...like when they had us dig up the middens...the two of em pull out quivers and make sure of their bows. Can't say as I blame em though, what with how we introduced ourselves and all. I just gotta make sure them blockheads don't mess this up, and we can get in on the ground level with this Ganon dude. At least the Stag Lord hasn't come this way, or K ambles her freaky way up here. May they both rot.
So here I am, traveling with a bunch of long shanks and a gnome crazier than me. Don't get me wrong I like jumping into leaves and treasure, but out here in the wilds I know to watch my step. You just don't go head long into something, unless it's a fight, and get snapped up into a f$*^%# bear trap. And those bandits almost kill my dog!?!?! Oh, the b*&^* had to go! no if and or buts! Hehe, and boy did she go squish. Granted it wasn't some of my prettier work, but I was in a rush. And those stupid little blue mites, those were so squishy! Now that was fun. But then we had to go and make friends with the kobolds?!?! I mean who does that! If they so much as lift a finger out of place and touch my dog, no more Miss Cute Gnome! I do not feel the least bit sorry about destroying their cage or anything like that. I just hope we leave here soon, or I won't be held for any of my actions. But on a personal note, that cavalier isn't to bad with the sword, whether she knows it or not, the battle is on for the most kills.
An excerpt from the notes of Artemis Gayle...
...the key to controlling the hive is to control the queen...
...the team they set me up with wasn't what I was hoping for but they'll do. Of all the specimens available I landed the team with 2 gnomes and a half-orc...ugh...those half-breeds make my skin crawl. Luckily he's not what the female specimen would call 'ideal' so I doubt he'll be any trouble. The gnomes on the other hand, a male and a female, are both excellent examples of the species – psychotic. Perhaps if they were 'fixed' like dogs, they'd calm down and make nice pets...we'll see. I did however luck out on the humans, a male and a female. Both well bred, nobly raised, and each prime examples of strength (female) and magnetism (male). Unfortunately, the female doesn't seem to have interest in the male at this time and is unlikely to develop one if she hasn't by now – guess I'm not that lucky. The female human, Rilani, seems particularly suited to leadership and would make an excellent hive queen, supported by the right mate. Ganon, the male, has already suggested putting out a call for 'the adventurous sort' when we get back to Oleg's. I'm concerned that with this attitude the Population demographics might get out of control fairly quickly. I'd rather be...particular at this juncture than have to cull later on...
Thoughts on a cool day though the woods….
Damnit…..if I lose any more teeth I’ll just knock out the rest for the sake of symmetry. What do you want? Do I need to completely fall apart before I realize what I’m supposed to do? I’ve drudged for days in this new land. The best I’ve done is fertilize the ground with skin that has gone into early retirement.
Mmmmm…good soup…………
I’m almost done with your sacred texts. Portents of the future are somewhat useless in a riddled format, whether we decipher them or not, what will be will be according to you. Your value on the “potential” of living beings is questionable at best though. It places no moral restrictions on the actions of such people. If their potential is to become a genocidal maniac…
Where did the gnomes go now?
then such a person would destroy the potential of so many more, where is the ideal function in that? What would I need to do to earn your ire if all could be claimed as reaching my destined state? Unless you have pre-ordained that some are to live completely mundane and functionless lives, to only serve as fodder for the powerful, and then give them a pat on the back for having accomplished the “nothing” that they were meant to.
Planting the seeds of order or chaos seems like a moot point. We were sent in to clear the way for nobler men with their own expectations. What they will find are people who have achieved greatness and are hungry for more. No one in my land will be without ambition. The nameless guard will be our fiercest captain. The hapless wench will be our savviest merchant. Maybe this crew will be good at something too.
Murdok: MY LEG!!! THE TREASURE’S EATING MY LEG!!!
Trixie: Hehehehe……
Hehehehehhe…
So my adoptive father told me I should get out, see the world, stop breaking his stuff so I did. I packed up my worldly possessions and left. I saw a poster for free food and something about exploring the world and taking back some sort of stolen lands.
Free food caught my eye and Foo Foo Cuddly Poofs, my saber-tooth moose-lion eidolon, said I should stop being lazy and start doing something useful if I wanted to make a flying machine as it cost money to fly without magic. I got there and got in line. I moved really quickly. People must have known I was good stuff because they kept letting me ahead of them. I had to sign some stuff and then they sent me to a group of people saying something about how we would work well together with the mix of skills. After some speech and swearing and stuff I raided the food a second time and then the group was brought through some hallways, talk about weapons and stuff and we were given free stuff. Free stuff rocks!
The group I was with was alright. The biggins were all high and mighty on their horses and being tall and stuff but Trixie was cool with her chop chop chop stuff. We road out for a week or two or a month, I forget, but we got to some trading post with Oleg and Svetlana. Svetlana is the best biggin I have every met. She gave me some stew that was delicious. I had 8 bowls and then fell off the table and took a nap. Foo Foo told me there was talk about stopping some bandits from robbing Oleg and Svetlana and that I had agreed to it though I don't remember doing it.
The bandits showed up while I was eating my 3rd breakfast. We got them good and went to find the rest. On the way we made friends with a giant whiplash centipede which really needs to consider changing its lifestyle. Living in garbage is not a way to go through life.
We eventually ran across the bandit camp and beat them up. Foo Foo got dismissed but I knew he's alright. After we won I decided to poke around in the treasure wagon. It bit me and it stung but it didn't stop me from walking around and seeing what there was to see. Actually it kinda did as the bear trap weighed almost as much as I did. We spent a whole day afterwards at the camp and the elf lady gave me the best job ever - mend the broken wagon by casting mend! 12 hours later I was done! Woo!
We ran across some mites in this underground tree fort a while later. The fort was pretty fun but the climbing part was not good for most of us. Our former bandit sorcerer even knocked himself out falling down hehe. He deserved it though after he made friends with a kobold.
The kobold disgrace was continued. I was told not to kill him which was kraptastical. We eventually made it to the krappy kobold's home and gave them some statue and they broke it but the elf lady told me to fix it so we can sell it. We followed the krazy kobolds to some wizard kobold dude. We killed him eventually. They gave us stuff and told us they'd mine the silver mine they lived in for fish and stuff. I figured I could come back later and drop the cave on them when they are done. One of them even tried to take my torture sticks back saying he "owned" them or made them or some such silliness.
I was sad later though when I read the kobold's journal. He was a gnome reincarnated into a kobold and spent many years ruining kobold tribes for fun. It was a great read. I left out most of the cool stuff when I told the tallies about it because they'd not appreciate the complexity and coolness of the gnome's plans.
Well, Foo Foo is telling me to stop cackling at myself as I'm scaring the biggins. Plus today I need to get up early and start working on my flying machine. I'm going to see if the elf lady will make a bird show up and let me measure it and stuff. I figure I should try that as the whole jumping off tall things and using the tiny catapult to fling frogs after telling them to fly hasn't gotten me anywhere. Well, that's not right as the tiny catapult is loads of fun when I shoot our bandit minions with frogs and stuff!
Murdok: MY LEG!!! THE TREASURE’S EATING MY LEG!!!
Trixie: Hehehehe……
Hehehehehhe…
Hehehehehe....
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Well, our intrepid heroes survived several harrowing encounters with tricksy (and hyper) Faerie Dragons, managed to avoid death by Wisp, and in general explored the heck out of the northern Greenbelt.
The newly burgeoning Oleg's now holds some dozen souls, with more trappers, traders, and homesteaders arriving regularly.
The Bandit Militia, led by Kesten Garess, now numbers 8 "soldiers," while the Spec-Ops Insertion team of the PC's continues to run amok amongst the poor, misunderstood monsters of the area.
Sootscale Kobolds are in place at both Gold and Silver Mines, ready to begin churning out resources, while the lucky bunch of radish-lovers attracted a handful of Dire Weasels to hang out with.
The (painkiller fogged) evening ended with our heroes setting up camp in the hex the Stag Lords' fort controls, just out of sight of the fort itself. With some useful intel gathered from a friendly local fisherman, they've learned of the location, know it's heavily fortified and armed, and know the Stag Lord himself doesn't frequently leave the place.
All that's left is to decide on an approach...
Quote of the night, from Altrum the Cleric.
"But my Eidolon is going to be in the middle of that blast, and so is the Barbarian..."
"I know, I just don't really care."
Perfectly delivered.
" I know, I just don't really care. "
Priceless. :)
I say you rattle their cages later on with deathbugs...
9th of Pharast, 4710:
Using the last bit of information Chief Sootscale gave us, we travelled northwest and explored the land. Along the way the gnome wandered off, like he had done so many time before, I thought nothing of it except Artemis reacted like she saw something too. Running after him, I could barely make out that he was talking to something. He claimed an invisible friend told him to follow him northwest. Against my better judgment, we followed his directions.
10th of Pharast, 4710:
Well, even though we haven't found the gnomes friend yet, we did find something better. A cave that contains gold deposits. It will be very useful if we decide to mint our own coins.
11th of Pharast, 4710:
We awoke to discover that we are apparently on the right path towards Murdock's friend. He had this atrocious hair style. So, we decided to continue traveling northwest. While exploring the forest we came upon a clearing. It was full of radishes. And right in the middle of the patch, were half a dozen engorged kobolds. Luckily they were part of the friendly Sootscale tribe. We informed them of that we had lifted the curse of their tribe. They seemed quite pleased. They then turned ecstatic when we asked them to head over to the gold vein and initiate mining operations. After the kobolds had left, Artemis started gathering some radishes, she also tore up a whole chunk of the land, enough that it should be an easy task to start cultivating them somewhere else. After the horticultural business was completed, we continued exploring the forest and found what appeared to be a crudely crafted set of figurines resembling the party. Near it was a carved finger pointing west. So we decided to travel west in the morning.
12th of Pharast, 4710:
Last night's watch was terrible. I don't think I've ever felt more useless in a fight. I was awakened to find that in the distance there were flashes of green light. The party managed to lure it closer, but I still had to spend so long running over to it, that by the time I was approaching it, it ran off behind me and then disappeared. Luckily, Murdock and Ganon were able to dispatch the critter before it hurt us too much. When we got our bearings in the morning, we realized we weren't too far from Oleg's Post. So, we decided to drop by and pick up the trail of Murdock's friend later. As we were approaching Oleg's Post I noticed there was significantly more activity than the last time I was here. In a possibly unrelated note, it was at this point that Altrum broke off from the group and wandered off into the lands around Oleg's. We met a Sergeant Garess who brought along a few troops. They appear to be tracking a deserter by the name of Sneeg. We returned the ring to Oleg and provided radishes to Svetlana, both were quite appreciative. Finally, we noticed a couple Wanted Posters for a Tatzylwyrm and Tuskgutter.
14th of Pharast, 4710:
On our way back to the radish patch we were ambushed by another group of bandits. Silly folk bandits, you run a few through and they keep coming back for more. Ganon gave the survivors a stern talking to and sent them off to Oleg's. While exploring the area, we found a large clearing. It appeared to have been created when a giant tree fell and killed everything it fell on, then the tree itself rotted away leaving large swath of forest flattened. At the end of that clearing were some game. Delicious elk. Once we slew the beasts, we heard Murdock's friend again. It told us that there were some “metal teeth” in a glade to the north and would like us to clear them. We decided we'd start tomorrow and then camped for the evening.
16th of Pharast, 4710:
Luckily, we found the “metal teeth”, also known as bear traps, unluckily, we found them by having my mount step in one. After that we proceeded slowly but steadily to explore the area and set off and clear all the traps. It took us the better part of two days. Near the end of the second day, we spotted a giant wolf stuck in one of the traps, with several smaller wolves around it. Artemis slowly, but steadily approached the wolves as calmly as possible. Trixie seemed to be extremely anxious, especially when a couple of the wolves went over and started circling her. Artemis made her way to the giant wolf and after a few minutes freed it from the trap. And then, to my surprise, instead of attacking us for thanks, they all just ran off.
17th of Pharast, 4710:
We returned to where Murdock's friend told us to clear the bear traps, and lo and behold, they appeared to us. Apparently there were two of then. A tiny dragon about the size of a cat along with a large, speaking insect that seemed very intent on Artemis when she played some music. They told us that they'd stop pulling pranks on us and then gave us some information about a some Hot Spring and an abandoned temple in the South. We decided to head back to Oleg's and do some exploration on the way. At Oleg's we met up with a Cleric of Erastil who received dreams of an overgrown temple guarded by a bear. I put in an order for a new set of armor. Cost me almost all I had including the credit I received for returning Svetlana's ring. But it'll totally be worth it. It's a shame it'll be a week until it comes in.
20th of Pharast, 4710:
Spent several days exploring the area around Oleg's Post. We found an alchemist named Bokken who is in need of some fangberries for potions. Then, earlier today we came to a giant wolf. As it turns out, it was the one we saved from the bear traps a few days ago. It told us about a corpse, that appeared to be stuffed inside a hole that was nearby, and then ran off. I'm fairly proud of myself that I made it through that odd encounter without saying, “Hey, a talking dog”. We found the corpse the wolf told us about and it had some neat stuff on it. Nothing useful for me though.
21st of Pharast, 4710:
We found what we believed to be the culprit that stuffed the corpse into a hole. A pair of giant spiders. Fascinating creatures, but I wouldn't want to get bit by one. Murdock was bitten and fainted almost immediately. After the spiders were dispatched Artemis ran over and got him up and walking again. I had to stifle a chuckle at the sight of the gnome almost being crushed by his own plank. We returned to Oleg's for a bit of rest.
23rd of Pharast, 4710:
Having explored the area around Oleg's, we received instructions from Brevoy to deal with the Stag Lord. We gathered the Cleric of Erastil and headed towards the temple the faerie dragon told us about.
24th of Pharast, 4710:
Having arrived at the temple, we discovered a giant grizzly bear that had taken up residence in the temple. The barbarian and I dispatched it quickly. Once it was defeated, it turned into a human and the temple felt a bit more holy. The cleric must have felt it too since he decided to remain in the temple while we left and explored the area.
28th of Pharast, 4710:
We followed the Thorn River and explored the surrounding areas. Today we met Vekkel who had put up the Wanted Poster for Tuskgutter. However, not having killed Tuskgutter yet, we weren't able to help him.
30th of Pharast, 4710:
We finally arrived at the location of Stag Lord fort. The castle lay on the western bank of the river. After traveling south we found a man fishing in the river. He told us of a ford across the river slightly north of our location. We planned our strategy and prepared for our assault.
...I had plans for that temple... but I can't just bring it up out in the open – you never know how that gnome is going to react – I don't trust them...EITHER of them.
A temple dedicated to Erastil, lead by a prophetic cleric – in the middle of MY woods? 'Your woods'...I HAVE to watch my language, remember trust equals influence, and influence equals control.
So...if I bring it up casually, as a concern, perhaps I can get her to suggest the unthinkable. I did chose her because of her ruthlessness.
“The influence of Erastil in your forest, my lady, is troublesome. The woods are so vast and defensible. In fact, according to my maps it covers over half ou..your lands. How are you to maintain control over a religious state dedicated to Abadar when such a great threat lies within your borders? Perhaps we could ask him to leave?”
::falsetto:: “oh no, you are right my most trusted advisor, that will never do – the only way we can salvage this situation is go and eliminate this impurity. And then the only way to keep the infestation from resurfacing is to rededicate the temple to Abadar and fill it with Melis..I mean, the blessed of Abadar. Let us, you and I, go cut his heart out while he sleeps in his blashphemous bed! There is no need to involve anyone else in this dirty business.”
“You already rival the queens of heaven with your wisdom and righteousness. It will be my greatest pleasure to see you on the throne.” blah blah blah...
I had so many chances to handle this myself between Oleg's and all the travel – but when they found a hole where his face used to be they were going to look at the elf with the shotgun – perhaps with careful planning I could have framed the gnome with the...whatvever that is following him around.
Oh well, what's done is done....Rilani's alone by the fire, now's my chance...
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I'd like to take this moment to say "I love my players."
I don't know if that gets said very much on the interwebs (hey, i'm ok, you're ok, we're ok), but it bears stating.
Good job everyone, lets keep it up, and we'll see where Sunday takes us!
edit: PS, Turin, that's a FANTASTIC idea! mwahahahahahahaha
I'd like to take this moment to say "I love my players."
I don't know if that gets said very much on the interwebs (hey, i'm ok, you're ok, we're ok), but it bears stating.
Good job everyone, lets keep it up, and we'll see where Sunday takes us!
edit: PS, Turin, that's a FANTASTIC idea! mwahahahahahahaha
Your group seems very cool, psionichamster.
I look forward to the vicious infighting that seems to be about to ensue...
So Murdook and I are still fighting over who gets to claim the mini catapult, but I know that I'll win. I mean he gets the cool experience of becoming friends first with this little dragon with butterfly wings,(he tells me that it is a faerie dragon, like whatever the catapult is now mine). Then while we are traveling along on the trail of his new little friend he gets this awesome hairstyle, all spikey and everything. Maybe I'll be able to convince him to keep it that way and then we can use him as a battering ram. AWESOME! Then during the night along the way WE see this firefly skull that is cute, but they all say to kill it, I'm all for that! But do I get to kill it?! NOOOOOO! if i don't to kill something soon, someone will be hurt, and I won't be held accountable for my actions. We faced bandits, elk, and found more bear traps, but still no kills for me. WAHHHHHHHHH. Then we get to meet some wolves, but the hippy elf lady goes all cautious up to the one that is trapped in a bear trap, and knowing how they all feel about not killing when they don't need to I held back. First off, why is a wolf trapped in a bear trap? I mean, it's a "bear trap" not a "wolf trap". That big wolf should have known better. And then the other wolves get close to me and if they had taken another foot or paw closer I would have some nice wolf furs for my bed. Luckily for them they decided I was too cute to attack. As I thought they would have. Finally I got to kill something. It was a bear, and I took/stole my kill away from that female human...HAHAHAHA. Later in the week we met a fisherman and I showed him my catapult. I took one of his fish and SMACKED it on to it. I made such a great sound! and shot it back in to the river. I am itching to do it again. The good news is that Murdook is making his own catapult. I told you this one was mine. And so I win again, as if there was any doubt about it. I am so happy. It is mine, mine, mine. My little precious catapult. and to top it off we get to kill some more things tomorrow, like this Stag Lord dude. It is a race on between Rilani and myself to get that kill, but i know there is no race, and soon she will too. Especially as it is now confirmed to everyone that the precious catapult is now only mine, mine, mine!
Another romp through the stolen lands, another toe found...
Kobolds are such refreshing creatures. Their simplistic motives in life will be entirely beneficial to civilization in the stolen lands. I do feel pangs of guilt over the lack of compensation for the work they’ll be putting into that future. There are those that would build a kingdom on their backs and still keep a boot on their throats. While kobolds don’t have a sterling reputation for coexistence, if their presence keeps other less acceptable ones out of the land then it’s worth the effort. I’ll be damned if I’m going to deal with another extortionist mining guild asking for surplus royalties or treble damages…..hmm……when did spiders get that big?
8 legs each, I imagine Trixie’s in heaven now…
…anyway, what was I just inner monologue-ing?
looks like murdocks player will be switching PC's this weekend
We'll likely welcome an arcane caster soon, but whether Witch, Wizard, or something else, I don't know.
Bonus dm points for creating an insane, violent Gnome Summoner and then handing him over to me!
ooh! ooh!
Specifics on NPC creation please ?
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@ Turin most assuredly. If all goes as planned, the evil league of evil may have just gotten their crazy trebuchet/eidolon specialist.
They way they're going, with charms and smooth talking the various baddies, I feel completely within my rights to be as devious and mean as possible.
Mammy G, a certain snake-themed battledancer, and some deathbugs are forthcoming soon, probably within the "city events " scripted into parts 3&4.
<insert evil maniacal laughter here>
@ Turin most assuredly. If all goes as planned, the evil league of evil may have just gotten their crazy trebuchet/eidolon specialist.
They way they're going, with charms and smooth talking the various baddies, I feel completely within my rights to be as devious and mean as possible.
Mammy G, a certain snake-themed battledancer, and some deathbugs are forthcoming soon, probably within the "city events " scripted into parts 3&4.
<insert evil maniacal laughter here>
I am willing to put together an appropriate Gnome ... I was looking for something to go on to get my cookie for making him up.
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In that case...
Gnome Summoner 9
Chaotic Evil
20 pt buy, PC wealth
Core pfrpg + APG stuff OK
Leadership OK
Focusing on eidolon with multiple primary attacks, based on the "sabre-toothed moose lion" pounce routine
Obsessed with machinery, especially siege weapons, irrational hatred of mites, kobolds, and spiders.
I look forward to seeing the results
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This Sunday, we resume Kingmaker 1: Stolen Lands.
Our gallant heroes were left on a cliffhanger, despite the relative levelness of the current terrain, knowing a certain Lord of Stag's residence resides in their current hex.
dramatis personae:
Rilani: Egotistical, violent Queen-in-Training, astride her trusty steed, Horse.
Artemis Gayle: Scheming, plotting, Have-Gun-Will-Travel Druid, looking to set up the first house of the Bene Gesserit on Avistan
Ganon Malfoy: Misunderstood "nice guy," who collects bandits and other human flotsam like a Gnome collects broken watch gears
Trixie: Pink frosted Cake of Doom, with a greatsword. 3' of angry blade swinging Gnomish blender, looking to up her body count.
Altrum Vicis: Spiritual Leader of the Group, a la Jaga to the the Thundercats. Due to a small misunderstanding with Norgorber, he's losing body parts and skin at an alarming rate.
"Mad" Murdock: Soon to be exiting Gnomish Summoner and possessor of the only Saber-Toothed Moose Lion on Golarion. Even if that Moose Lion is an Eidolon.
Hunkered down just north of Tuskwater Lake, and less than a day's ride away from their human prey, the party smells victory in the air. Either that, or Murdock blew something up again.
Will they succeed at removing the vile Stag Lord?
Will they sprout new feathers, attached to long pointy wooden sticks again?
What will become of poor Oleg and Svetlana's bed, after all that Moon Radish Pie?
Stay tuned, gentle readers, for the exiting conclusion to The Stolen Lands, next time, right here!
I take it that "Mad Murdock" is the above-mentioned Gnome Summoner of which we have discussed ? ^_^
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After Action Report
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Murdock the crazy gnome slunk off during the night (good riddance), while the friendly fisherman, Fischer Jon, decided to throw in his lot with these strong folks. He brings a Witch's arcane power and Sir Pinchalot the Crab.
After calmly walking to the Stag Lord's fort, our intrepid heroes open up with:
"Your Sovereign Queen Rilani requests and audience with the Stag Lord, to discuss his fealty and mutual beneficence to the nation."
Akiros, not realizing he was working in a nation (because he hadn't been, honestly) was very very confused. A quick glimpse at these mounted, well-armed, rather attractive (for some of them) people leads him to believe they just may be able to topple this drunken madman.
Even better, as they approached, the elf Artemis gives him the once over, setting his mind aflame with some interspecies lovin' fantasies. In reality, she evaluated him for the Bene Gesserit breeding program value, not her own interest, but he didn't know that.
Once inside, the party was surrounded with well-armed bandits while old Staggy gets woken up, given a 5 gallon jug of rotgut, and informed there's a Queen here to give fealty (Akiros took a little creative license here), and stumbles down to the yard, bow in hand.
A brief verbal sparring occurs, before the drunken madman takes offense at Fischer eye'ing him. Initiative occurs, and old SL gets stuck to the floor with a Tanglefoot bag, before nailing Fischer with a 40 damage Insightful Shot Fueled Sneak Attack Full Attack (TM). He drops, sporting new feathers and bright arterial blood all over his clothes.
Auchs, Dovan, and the bandits (sans Topper and Silent, who were both Dazzingly Display Intimidated - courtesy of Rilani - and Diplomacy'd by Ganon) engage the party, while Stitcher goes to release Beaky.
Auchs, Dovan, and SL all manage to get in decent hits on the party, with a stealthy dagger Sneak Attack on Artemis, dropping her, plenty of Club-Swinging fun from Auchs, and a couple of lucky arrows landing on Artemis and Altrum.
Akiros really carried the day, though, rolling no less than 3 successful two-handed power attacks on his former boss, while Trixie managed to deliver the killing blow. Poor SL died surprised, as his glued-to-the-floor leg was separated at the hip, dropping him to -25 or -30 in one nasty confirmed crit.
After that, the party mopped up readily - Akiros dropped Auchs with a charge, Dovan fell to a Sleep from Ganon, and most of the rest of the bandits either surrendered or got negative-energy-channeled to death.
Beaky posed a bit of a threat, but a timely Web from Fischer, Bleeding Touch from Altrum, and nickle-and-dime damage put him down. He did manage to shred the one bandit who freed him but missed with a natural 3, 2, 1 die roll on his one full-attack on Trixie.
Searching the place, they turned up plenty of supplies and found it a fantastic place to set up their home-base. Sneaky Druid-Dad did manage to get away, earning a place on the Evil League of Evil starting up around Murdock and Nugrah. I'm thinking Tartuk will be reincarnated once again, putting them at 3 members thus far.
Jex got himself slowly hung by Akiros, Trixie beheaded Falgrim Sneeg in her first authorized execution for the state, and the party set off to complete the rest of their quests.
Grabbing fangberries (and spider bites) on their way West, the party slew Tatzlwyrms (3), Tuskgutter, Worgs, Brush Thylacines, and plenty of prey animals. At the Statue of Erastil, Artemis began having recurring dreams of a massive half-plant White Stag, simply looking at her from the forest's edge.
On their way back to Oleg's, they stumbled across the toughest encounter yet. 2d4 Trolls, at a tiny stone bridge in the forest, popped out and decided they wanted some horse and humanoid flesh.
Because they wanted to prevent their flight, and because dead horses leave more food, I concentrated on the mounts for the first couple of rounds. Rilani's Cavalier mount got himself Claw/Claw/Bite/Rend'd to death (3 Trolls vs Horse = Trolls win.), as did most of the rest of the party's mounts.
Rilani herself got her arms almost pulled off, dropping from full HP to negatives and bleeding in one full attack, while everyone else tried to gang up and drop one at a time.
The MVPs of this fight were Trixie, with her Gnomish Defensive Training and ridiculous damage output and Fischer's Web Spell, which locked down 2 of the Trolls and allowed concentrate fire to drop the others.
A tough fight, and close, but the party prevailed and was rewarded with a Ring of Water Walking under the bridge.
Back at Oleg's, the party got all their rewards and presents, saw lots of activity and new people, met up with Bokken and delivered his berries, and got their new Charter. They also got a package of "advice" from Brevoy, in the form of blank ledgers, pens & ink, books of laws, and the like. Basically, they got a "how to start a kingdom" kit.
From there, Rilani & Artemis sneaked off, murdered Jhod Kevken the Cleric, and reconsecrated the Temple of the Elk to be a Temple of Abadar. Again, the White Stag intruded the Elf's trance dreams, just watching, always watching.
The party also finally met their future Cohorts, all level 2 at this point and not available for adventuring, but impenitently suitable for administrative work in a new-found, fledgling nation.
Given a year with which to play, we began the city building stuff (I'll allow Paul - Altrum's player - to post all the #'s and whatnot, if he so chooses. He is the Civic Planner, after all) and right off the bat had a Orc Activity encounter.
A howling band of Orcs swarmed the work-camp as they prepped the hex for Tuskwater Keep - later Kamelot - and were successfully repelled with minimal loss of life.
We stopped soon thereafter, as they advanced through 3.5 months of City Building, creating a Castle, claiming hexes at the Tuskwater, the River Crossing, the Sootscale Caverns, and the Rickety Bridge. They control the intersection of the Shrike and Thorn rivers, the northern edge of Tuskwater Lake, and have plans to expand to the Gold Mine before heading west to link in Artemis's new Temple of Abadar.
Kamelot, centered on the old Stag Lord's Fort, now has a Castle, Caster's Tower, and Silver Mine, as well as farmlands on the other river hexes.
Currently, their greatest allies are the Kobolds, helping with fishing and river trade, as well as operating the two precious metal mines. Their strongest NPC ally is Akiros, followed by Bokken and then Sgt. Karess.
Svetlana has finally gotten pregnant, and the pacification of the Greenbelt is progressing in earnest.
Due to the hour, we merely set aside 3 weeks each month of those we time-elapsed, for whatever exploration, dungeon-delving, and anything else the PC's want to do.
I expect Book 2 to go as swimmingly as Book 1, and to take at least 3 separate sessions to complete fully. We will see just what kind of madness these generally Evil SOB's can pull off.
Much thanks to Light Dragon, Andrew Kilcoyne, and Jason Nelson for their fantastic additions to the encounters / rules. They were most helpful, and awesome enough to get me to use a Laptop at the table for the first time in 2.5 years!
Male Gnome CE Small Humanoid (gnome)
Speed 20’; Acrobatics +7 to reduce damage from falls
Gawd: Great Old Ones
Initiative: +3 (+2 Dex +1 trait)
Senses: low-light vision; Perception +1, Sense Motive -1; Feint DC: 15; Intimidate DC: 18
Hit Points: 62 (44 [9d8, averaged] +18 Con [2x9]); DR 5/piercing or slashing
AC: 17 (touch AC +3 armor); flat-footed AC: 15 - this is typically improved to Incorporeal Touch AC: 22 with mage armor and shield / flat-footed incorporeal touch AC: 20
Touch AC: 14 (10 +2 Dex +2 deflection); flat-footed touch AC: 12
Ability Scores: 5 Strength (-3), 14 Dexterity (+2), 14 Constitution (+2), 16 Intelligence (+3), 8 Wisdom (-1), 20 Charisma (+5)
Base Attack +6/+1
- Melee AB +4/-1 (base 6 +1 size -3 Str)
- Ranged AB +9/+4 (base 6 +1 size +2 Dex)
- CMB +2 (base 6 -1 size -3 Str)
- CMD 19 (10 +6 base attack -3 Strength +2 Dexterity -1 size +5 boneless leather)
Saving Throw Bonuses
- Fortitude +5 (base 3 +2 Con)
- Reflex +5 (base 3 +2 Dex)
- Will +5 (base 6 -1 Wis)
Gnome Traits: Keen Senses, Magical Linguist, Master Tinker, Obsessive, Weapon Familiarity (gnome)
Languages: Common, Gnome, Sylvan (native); Giant, Goblin, Orc (bonus); Abyssal, Aklo, Infernal (3 ranks Linguistics)
Traits:
- Focused Mind (+2 trait bonus on concentration checks)
- Rapscallion (+1 trait bonus on Escape Artist; Escape Artist is a class skill; +1 trait bonus to Initiative)
- Second Tongue (any divination or summoning spell that he casts to summon or contact a Great Old One or one of their minions is cast at +1 caster level)
Skills (2 +3 Int +1 favored class = 6):
- Craft (weapons) +15 (9 ranks +3 trained +3 Int)
- Disable Device +9 = +11 with masterwork thieves' tools (6 ranks +1 racial +2 Dex)
- Escape Artist +15 (9 ranks +3 trained +1 trait +2 Dex)
- Knowledge (engineering) +16 (9 ranks +3 trained +1 racial +3 Int)
- Linguistics +9 (3 ranks +3 trained +3 Int)
- Profession (siege engineer) +17 (9 ranks +3 trained +2 racial +3 Int)
- Use Magic Device +17 (9 ranks +3 trained +5 Cha)
Feats (5): Light Armor Proficiency (bonus), Simple Weapons Proficiency (bonus), Spell Focus/Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration), Augmented Summoning, Expanded Arcana x2 (2 additional 2nd level spells known & 1 additional 3rd level spell known)
Spell Casting (CL 9th or 10th, concentration +16 or +17, DC 15 (17 conjuration*) + spell level, d20+9 vs. SR):
Cantrips: (6 known, DC 15 or 17): acid splash*, detect magic, guidance, light, mage hand, open/close
1st Level (5 known, 5+2 bonus = 7/day, DC 15 or 17): grease*, mage armor*, rejuvenate eidolon – lesser*, shield, unfetter
2nd Level (4 +2 = 6 known, 4+1 bonus = 6/day, DC 15 or 17): create pit*, glitterdust, haste, invisibility, see invisibility, summon eidolon*
3rd Level (4 +1 = 5 known, 3+1 bonus = 4/day, DC 15 or 17): black tentacles*, dispel magic, greater invisibility, rejuvenate eidolon*, spiked pit*
Class Features:
- Summon Monster V (Sp, 8/day, standard action, duration: 9 minutes – creatures gain +4 enhancement bonuses to Str and Con) – he calls this “summon minions of Hastur”
- Eidolon: “Sabre-toothed Moose Lion”
- Life Link (Su)
- Bond Senses (Su, 9 minutes/day – standard action to initiate, free action to end)
- Shield Ally (ex) (eidolon provides him +2 shield bonus to AC & +2 circumstance bonus on saving throws when he is within reach of his Sabre-Toothed Moose Lion – does not apply if the eidolon is grappled, helpless, paralyzed, stunned or unconscious)
- Maker’s Call (Su, standard action, 1/day)
- Transposition (Su – uses Maker’s Call ability to swap locations)
Gear:necklace of adaptation, ring of sustenance, boneless leather [7 1/2 lbs], 2 small javelins of lightning [2 lbs], 2 ioun torches,ring of protection +2, cape of the mountebank, spell component pouch [2 lbs], traveler's outfit [1 1/4 lbs], masterwork thieves' tools [2 lbs] / Encumbrance: 14 1/4 lbs. (light load); 1,010 gp unspent.
CE Large Outsider (chaotic, extraplanar, evil)
Hit Points: 71 (7d10 [43, averaged] +28 Con)
Senses: darkvision 60’, Perception +10 (7 ranks +3 trained +0 Wis)
Speed: 40’, climb 40’ - pounce; Climb +25 (7 ranks +3 trained +8 racial +7 Str), Swim +17 (7 ranks +3 trained +7 Str), Stealth +16 (7 ranks +3 trained +2 Dex -4 size +8 racial)
Ability Scores: 25 Str (+7), 15 Dex (+2), 18 Con (+4), 7 Int, 10 Wis, 11 Cha
Base Attack +7
- Melee +14 (all are primary attacks): bite (2d6+7), 2 claws (1d6+7) [rend 1d6+10] and gore (1d8+7)
- CMB +15 (base 7 +1 size +7 Str)
- CMD 27 (10 +7 base attack +1 size +7 Str +2 Dex)
AC: 21 (touch +10 natural [2 +6 +2 size]) – flat footed AC 19; Touch AC: 11 (flat-footed touch 9)
SAVES:
- Fortitude +9 (base 5 +4 Con)
- Reflex +7, evasion (base 5 +2 Dex)
- Will +4; devotion = +8 vs. Enchantments (base 2 +0 Wis +2 Iron Will)
FEATS: Iron Will, Multiattack (B), Weapon Focus (bite, claws, gore)
SKILLS: Climb +25, Perception +10, Stealth +16, Swim +17
SQ: link, evasion, share spells, devotion, 13 evolution points
Evolutions: bite, claws, climb, pounce, improved damage (bite), gore, rend, Large size, skilled
Be sure to increase Murdock's spell DCs correctly - I did not do so in the write-up.
*noms on the cookies*
Calistril
I've signed on to an expedition from Brevoy South to the Stolen Lands
in the River Kingdoms. It is clear that we are essentially to be
given rulership of the Green Belt if we succeed at pacifying the
territory, and surely the rest of the Stolen Lands will follow.
Adventuring is much more interesting than banditry. While bandits are
easy enough to manipulate, they can be a bit of a wildcard; you never
know when you'll have to act with bluff and bluster to escape the
violence of a drunk or status-hungry ape.
My compatriots are an even more colorful group than the last band of
bandits I'd holed up with. Rolani seems to fancy herself nobility - I
doubt anyone else would find himself burdened by any such delusions
about her, as she doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. One of the
gnomes seems entirely unpredictable and volatile, while the other is a
bloodthirsty barbarian - I'll have to think hard on what I can do to
get in their good graces, if something doesn't come along and eat them
first. The elf is the strangest druid I've ever seen, but I like her
ideas. Ending scarcity would surely lead to stability and be better
for everyone. And the orc... well, it's not good to speak much of the
cursed, and I'll just hope he doesn't want anything from me.
Pharast, week 1
We've begun our conquest of the Green Belt by acquiring Oleg's Trading Post.
It was a simple enough matter to sell him his own fort, in exchange for
letting us send him free help in the form of reformed bandits. Venture altruism
seems to be working so far.
It looks like banditry in the Stolen Lands isn't very rewarding work.
I shall have to establish a reputation for accepting defectors; it
will probably be very profitable. It looks like Rolani has already
begun to fancy herself a monarch; it should be easy enough to play
into that conceit and direct the flow of the kingdom. The druid does
not seem very diplomatic, so I think she'll need some help if she's to
convert the Stolen Lands into some sort of paradise.
Pharast, week 2
We met some kobolds, defeated their dread nemesis the Smurfs, and freed them from
the terrible reign of some sort of invisible purple lizard. I managed to sell
them their own mine, in exchange for an amulet of natural armor and Svetlana's
wedding ring. Also, we gave them pelts, weapons, and treasure (The rest of the
party didn't even blink when I gave the kobolds treasure!) And we conjured up an
ancient relic they were looking for, ended an ancient curse on their people, and
promised to destroy any lingering Smurfs. The gnomes weren't very happy, but
luckily they were distracted by the toy catapult they found.
Some time later, we found a gold mine which we also gave to the kobolds, and from
reports, we're getting credit for delivering dire weasels to them. I hope they
still think we're the ones in charge.
Gozren, week 1
We arrived at the Stag Lord's fort. The horrible male gnome has left
us, along with his monstrous companion. I'm not sure if I'm relieved
to have him gone or worried that I didn't get to see his dead body. A
helpful fisherman joined the crew without even requiring me to cast any of
my spells, and we all decided a "frontal assault" was the best option. Which is to
say, "The Lady Rolani Astin requests an audience with His Eminence the Stag Lord".
And they actually let us in to talk! Which just goes to show, if bringing gifts
doesn't work, just confuse the hell out of everybody.
Luckily, we were able to take down the Stag Lord with few casualties - he was far too
drunk and ornery to deal with, and would not make a good vassal. I convinced some
bandits to stay out of the fight, and apparently even the Stag Lord's second-in-command
was moved by my words. We let him decide which bandits were worth keeping and left
him as the steward of the castle.
Gozren, week 3
Brevoy has blessed us with resources to start a kingdom, and we've all assumed roles
of leadership. I've managed to put myself in a position to be the first contact in
court, so we should be able to avoid any diplomatic screw-ups. I've recruited a
treasurer who's as paranoid as a kobold. Artemis seems to be setting up a state
religion to help with her gardening, and has started to train rangers. We've finally
found a job that the gnome will enjoy, and she's already done her first official state
execution. The fisherman seems to be an adequate arcanist, so we've already devised
plans to give him his own mage tower so he'll stick around. The orc seems to be the
intermediary between the common folk and their government, so I imagine we won't be
hearing from them except in the direst of circumstances. And wedding bells are in the
air for Rolani, though we're waiting for the treasury to improve before we hold a
festival in honor of our new monarch.
So far, our city planners seem put off by my insistence that we follow the elf's plans
to build a forest kingdom. But my plans are falling into place...
Diminutive blue humanoids eh ? *chuckles*
Memories & Memorandum from the Office of Altrum Vicis
To still have many of the settlers here after that horrendous attack by the orcs is a testament to their mettle. Clearly we have the right people with us for this mission. I still wonder though if we can somehow stabilize relations with the orcs as we have the kobolds. Though not off to a good start, their brawn and savagery should have a better use than rusting our swords in their blood.
Address to the Citizens,
Your work in restoring Castle Kamelot to functional condition in a months time has been commendable. It will stand as a bastion of power and a symbol of your commitment in making a safe haven for those without home or hope in these wild lands. I also encourage everyone to visit our new local Magewright by the Casters Tower. He is already hard at work developing new wonders to help us flourish with his mastery of the arcane arts.
Requests for engineers, tradesman, and other able men will go out according to projected BP income estimates. As always, projects are subject to revision pending unforeseen circumstances (floods, orcs, nobles, etc.). Updates will be made available on a monthly basis. Please send inquiries/suggestions to your local foreman and not directly to my office.
Monthly Cycles = 5
Kingdom Assets
Territories = 5
Farms = 2
River/Road = 4
Mines = Silver, Gold
BP = 17
Completed Projects
Castle
Casters Tower
Pending Projects (order not definite)
Town Hall
Noble Villa
City walls
Arena
Cathedral
Waterfront
While we pray for the departed souls in the recent attack let us remember that the current denizens of the Stolen lands have lived for millennia with a "kill or be killed" lifestyle. As members of a growing modern society, it is our duty to offer them a chance to join in the harvest of civilized bounty. Those that bring the tools and ethics necessary will live to enjoy the benefits of hard work and hardy family. Those that reject our olive branch will be left to their own devices. Those that choose to make us their enemy will be met by sword and negative energy.
As a matter of practicality I've delegated the duties of local militia formation to Commander Halstein. I've also distributed emergency routes of travel for those dwelling in the farmlands and outside the general defenses. Please send inquiries to your local guard captain and not directly to my office.
Sincerely,
Councilor Vicis
I swear by all that’s neutral, I'll kill the man that installed that mailbox...
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...excerpted from the journals of Seneschal Akiros Ismort....
With these new people, I feel once again to be walking the path of righteousness. I know my soul has been sullied, and my anger still grips me with his red-tinged fingers, but I feel more at peace with myself than I have in years.
Rilani is a very strange woman. Almost as strong as I, and capable of enduring incredible punishment, her conviction never wavers. She bears herself regally, whether attired in silks and velvet or encased in hardened steel. Her lance work is most impressive, also. I just wish she were around more frequently, to provide morale and instruction to some of these former scum.
Ganon talks smoothly, and never seems to become angry. I don't really trust that, for some reason. It's almost like he's planning each and every word, all the time. That's unsettling. I do appreciate the two of them leaving me in charge here, as well as sparing the lives of the youngsters at the fort. They didn't deserve the hangman's noose, not like Dovan or that damned Snitch.
I'm glad Stitches got himself torn to pieces, too. It saved me a tough decision on whether to bother with his retraining. Auchs could have been a good asset, but his needless cruelty would have come back to the fore, sooner or later. It's better he's dead, I'd say.
The rest of this group seems ok, for now. That elf woman, Artemis, had been giving me the eye all day long, but ignores my advances. What the hell is up with elves, anyways. That weapon she wields is something else, though. Loud, devastatingly effective, and no bow-strings to be seen. Bizarre, but I don't really want to get too close to her to check it out.
Fischer Jon makes me laugh, with his silly crab fellow hanging around. Who ever heard of a Wizard with a meal for his familiar, anyways? He's a good sort, earthy and level-headed, from what I can tell. I hope he doesn't turn out crazy or devil-possessed or some such.
The last two of that group, the leper they call Altrum and that psychotic little pink menace Trixie worry me. I hear those wracking coughs and creaks that come out of Altrum's rags. Plague would devastate this castle, in it's current condition. I hope he keeps himself well segregated from the workers.
Lastly, that gnome just plain worries me. I've seen bloodthirst before, and she's ready to sip deep. She almost lit up from the inside when they told her she could have Sneeg's head, and didn't hesitate in the slightest. That kind of impulse control can be very dangerous, as I well know. I wonder if she'd be amenable to some training; perhaps I can learn some of her tricks while she learns a little more self-control.
I should ask Ganon about that soon.
The men are performing as well as can be expected. Snorry's always griping about the food, as I knew he would, but Topper and Silent have really stepped up. I may make Topper a squad leader soon, if he keeps this up. Silent would make a perfect sergeant right now, if only he could speak. Another matter to bring up with Ganon, when I can, I suppose.
Morale is rising, and we are getting a good core of militia together. That squad Sergeant Kesten brought down was great, supplementing what few men I had quickly, and will serve as good examples for some of the slackers.
At this rate, we'll have that Kingdom Rilani was talking about before I know it.
Some time ago I found a handsome young human girl wandering in the temple apiary claiming to have been looking for me, I almost shot her. Apparently, word spread that there was a "cleric of abadar with a stringless bow" somewhere in the stolen lands and she thought I might be someone she knew...? She's extremely inquisitive and very slick, maybe too so. I found myself trusting her with my most secret plans almost immediately. At this point I'd either have to marry her or kill her to protect my interests, ha ha ha. I do have plans for her though. She calls herself Melissa, and Adadar has blessed her with the capacity for divine magic as well as great ambition and wisdom. I intend to install her as the head of the church, freeing me to command the Marshalls and stay close to Rilani's side. This way I will be able to monitor our nation's borders as well as guide the moral and physical growth of our population and our beloved queen.
Melissa shares my fascination with the life cycle of bees and humans, or so she says. I believe I can trust her with my colonies, but then how much am I playing into her hands...?
hey does anyone know if the Kingmaker map folio has the Iobaria region map in it? or where can i get it?
Wrong thread. But to answer your question, Iobaria is not a directly relevant map to Kingmaker. You can find the map in Pathfinder #33, for the adventure The Varnhold Vanishing. source.
1st of Gozran, 4710:
Awoke to find that the crazier gnome had wandered off during the night. While I'm relieved to not have to deal with him anymore, I can't help but be worried at the fact that he is still out there, alive. His skills in battle might have been missed save for the fact that we were immediately joined by the fisher who helped us previously. We gained entry to the castle with good tidings and spirits, but once I saw the Stag Lord appear, wild-eyed and completely inebriated, I knew that conflict was inevitable. He, along with some of his subordinates, was put down during the conflict along with his pet owlbear. During the fight, the man named Akiros betrayed the Stag Lord and assisted us in taking him down. He was even helpful after the conflict, separating the useful survivors from the trash. Among the survivors was a Falgrim Sneeg. Sgt Kesten was looking for Sneeg dead or alive. After discussing the situation with Ganon and Artemis, we decided it was much easier to just bring his head so we commissioned Trixie's first act as headsman. We renamed the castle Tuskwater Keep and rested for the evening.
2nd of Gozran, 4710:
We left Tuskwater Keep and continued our exploration of the lands to the north west. We found a thicket of Fangberries covered in spidersilk. Artemis crept in to gather some for Bokken, but disturbing the webs summoned several swarms of spiders. Since stabbing swarms apparently didn't work, I had to rely on Fischer and Altrum to dispose of them. This left Artemis free to gather some berries undisturbed.
4th of Gozran, 4710:
We came to a beaver dam in the river today. It was mostly ordinary except there were a few tatzlwyrms in it. Oleg had wanted some, so we gathered up their remains and packed them away.
7th of Gozran, 4710:
We continued our exploration of the Green Belt. We came across a couple buildings that looked like ruins, but out of one came a giant talking frog. It asked for a toll to continue down the road; luckily it accepted fish. I would not have enjoyed cleaning frog guts from my gear.
8th of Gozran, 4710:
Travelled east and explored the area. We came across a giant boar that matched the description of TuskGutter. It fell easily enough and we spent the rest of the day trying to figure out how to make good use of as much of the corpse as possible. Looks like we have enough bacon for months.
12th of Gozran, 4710:
The exploration and taming of the Green Belt has been a fairly easy task. I have yet to come across anything that worried me... until today. We were traveling along the road and came to a creek with a small bridge across it. Upon approaching the bridge, we were ambushed by a pack of trolls. There were four of them and they looked hungry. Luckily, it appeared they were most interested in horse meat. Their initial assaults took out most of the horses, and soon afterwards I found myself unconscious. Some time later I awoke to find one of them standing on me, while trying to escape from some webbing. I will admit, just this once, that had it not been for my companions, I would most likely have found myself in the bottom of a troll's stomach that day. A most harrowing experience.
14th of Gozran, 4710:
We arrived back at Oleg's today. Message of our victory over the Stag Lord had arrived before us, for we returned to find enough supplies from Brevoy to start our own nation.
30th of Gozran, 4710:
We have claimed the area containing Tuskwater Keep. The new city's name is Kamelot. Soon after we staked claim on the land, we were required to defend that claim against a horde of orcs. Their leaders were quite squishy and were felled by my lance and Trixie's greatsword with much ease. The remaining forces was quickly routed.
So I awake in the morning of when we are going to storm the Stag Lord's house, only to find that Murdook is gone. I guess I slept walked and catapulted him out of camp. I don't know if I actually did it or not, but it sounds like something I would do. To replace his aid in battle (as if it was needed with me here), we conscripted the fisherman and then stormed the place. What a big disappointment that was. The stupid dude was drunk, but I did my job and sliced him to pieces, and met a fellow barbarian, Akiros. Maybe we can train together. After we claimed the keep, I was given the job of executioner, and executed Sneed. Now don't get me wrong i don't mind being given the job, but I hope it is not all daisies. After making sure that Akiros was settled and well on his way to updating and cleaning the keep, we set off on more adventures as we explore and search for the bridge to the First World in the Green Belt. The days were all hum hum, until the 12th, then the party got started. We faced some TROLLS!!!!:P Boy that was fun. The trolls were swinging horse parts and I played back throwing troll parts. During the middle of it, Rilani got knocked unconscious. I was happy that I had got some reprieve with competing against her, but that doesn't mean I want to see her dead, what would be the fun in that? None. So I killed 2 of the trolls and figured to let my party members claim the rest. I hope we get to see more fun times like that in our new realm.
Its Fischer John, not John Fischer nor Fischer Jon or even Jon Fischer. I hope people start getting it right as it gets annoying quickly. And it is Sir Pinch-a-lot. He was knighted by the Queen Cra of the River Kingdoms.
I had a nice little racket going, just sitting on the shore with Sir Pinch-a-lot fishing and enjoying myself. Unfortunately our nice vacation from the world of man was swiftly smashed by the introduction of some bandits in the nearby castle.
I know I couldn't do much about them but complain. I was about ready to get up and move when this band of adventurers showed up looking to put the hurt on the "Stag Lord". I figured it couldn't hurt, much, to join up with them to get back at him for dumping all those empty bottles and refuse into the lake. No one likes fish who eat nothing but glass and crap.
The party is interesting to say the least. Trixie the gnome has a fascination with cutting legs off anything in her way. She really seems to me to be chaotic chop. She likes Sir Pinch-a-lot and he likes her so she cool in my book.
Artermis the druid elf seems to have some issues with long bows. Why blast your ear drums out when you can use elven weapon skills with a nice silent long bow. She is our party's healer but enjoys my help when things are going down. I can't seem to shake the feeling that she doesn't like me because I make my weekly sacrifice for good hunting to the White Stag.
Ganon is a charming bugger. He can talk a nun into stealing or a priest into converting faiths. He seems like a decent sort and doesn't go out of his way to get into trouble. I like hanging out with him and talking arcane skills. Keeps me pondering new ideas.
Riliani is a attractive lady if you can crack open the full plate she keeps around her 75% of the day. She is a noble and a queen. Nobles can be a bit of a pain but she isn't. She lets me do my thing without being overbearing and is a good friend to have. I just wish her horse didn't die so horribly like the rest.
Altrum is a person who can make a hell of an impact. The body falling apart thing definitely won't have anyone forgetting him anytime soon. He is a great city planner so far and knows how to get a good enemy dead. He even will heal if needed.
I should have known to stay in the back but I couldn't resist. Me and Stag had been annoying each other for a bit and I kept it going with a nice tanglefoot bag. He decided to shoot me, twice. If it wasn't for false life I'd be another corpse at the Stag Lord's feet. The party pulled me up and we proceeded to win some over, kill some and not be eaten.
The party asked me to tag along as some arcane power and my ability to curse creatures. I figured I had nothing better to do. A wandering warlock whose whole goal at life is to enjoy himself and see some interesting things couldn't go wrong with an adventuring party.
We explored a large part of the area which I had not been nor even considered going. The land dragons were pretty cool. We fought them at a river ford. The battle was pretty easy unless you were Trixie who did not get to kill enough things for her liking. Sir Pinch-a-lot even got into the situation by finding some treasure on the bottom of the river. We also fought this big old boar who was exploded by Trixie and Rilani.
The party seemed to think fighting trolls would be a good idea. Over half the horses died and a few friends almost bit it too. They don't seem to have the self preservation that I do. It isn't being cowardly to run away if you are over matched or everyone else is dead.
We also were attacked by a band of orcs a few months later. As seeming to be a pattern when I do something to the head honcho I got my ass handed to me in that round I granted the Chieftain a round of misfortune. No death but I was out for a while unfortunately.
The party had a contract to start a new nation and they added me to their contract. We got to work. I was mostly meh when it came to the building aspect. They had it way under control.
They built me a Mage's tower which I quickly inhabited and started creating a number of labs, libraries and work areas. With all the crafting I am doing I will need some really nice areas to work. Plus they let me design the building. I need to get a nice description set for anyone who will be reading my building's information board.
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Ahh...my lovable psychopaths keep it up. Yay.
This Sunday, we resume our Kingmaker game, smack dab in the middle of "buildin' season"
Having decided to fast forward through the first few months of building, we set aside a week each month the group would NOT be adventuring/crafting/fishing, or what have you. The remainder is open for individual activities, exploration, kobold sleepovers, or anything else that strikes their murderous fancies.
Having a fairly stable home base in place, and having driven the nearby orc tribe from the area, peace and quiet settled onto the fledgling Kamelot. Building supplies, food, and personnel keep pouring in, with the promise of amnesty for truly repentant bandits, land to settle, and opportunities for education proving too great to resist.
Peasants become citizens, civilians evolve into soldiers, and lowly outpost owners grow into successful factors and traders. All is going well for our newly crowned monarch and her court. Perhaps a little too well, even.
What will the future bring?
Will the red-scale-rot plague return?
What will the kobold tribes do with the sudden influx of humans?
Who is that creepy giant White Stag staring down the Elf?
When will the other shoe drop?
Where will they travel next?
All this, and more, to be discovered this Sunday. Stay tuned, gentle readers, for more exciting, blood-drenched, neon-pink colored adventure soon!
So many to kill ... so little time ... *puff* *puff*
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Well, the hearty band of horrible monarchists has struck again.
This time, their prey included:
The Old Beldame, and her Scarecrow
Mad Crackjaw
Lots of random animals
One 8-headed hydra
A trio of Green Hags
Artemis, however, received a small measure of comeuppance, delivered at the Critical-Prone claws of one Baby Grizzly Bear 1
Would you like to know more? -->The Official Obituary
More to follow...
Nightly Watch Contemplation
This land will not be my end. I am not merely kept alive to be the evening snack of a wild animal or the boon of insane hermits. Aside from the mundane pest removal, I do find it odd to see such a concentration of exotic fiends in these lands. Were it not for natures tendancy to isloate such powerful predators and the enduring anchors that keep the undead in place, Kamelot would be a magnet to the strange and vicious.
Sigh......Bless or Deathwatch today?
The hags were a reprieve. It was comforting to be around things far more ugly than I, Bwahahaha.
Maybe some more curatives...
I might need to consult clerics wiser than myself on this new matter. Recently I witnessed the "elf" given new life. Apparently druids have discovered how to circumvent your judgement. Is that part of the plan? For some without a chance at life to be pushed to the front of the line while others avoid it indefinitely? Abominations of life hold that corner, what then is she?
I've got a fever...and the only prescription....is more Deathknell...
Artemis: What'd you say?
I said eat your face.