You all have been busy while I've been sleeping and working.
Regarding tone, I just finished watching Game of Thrones and I'm starting in on the first book now, I'm totally down with it. I think my background already hinted at my interest in a little political intrigue. Speaking of which, I want to flesh out House Fetch a little more, I'll write up more about them in the next couple of days and we can see what will work with the campaign Patcher.
Regarding not meeting Rorgrym at the manor, no problem. I mean they all look the same anyway...even the women. Could have been any dwarf. :P
I just want to make sure so I don't misinterpret anything; Ingle and Gathien, you seem to have a bit of tension between one another - it might be that I have yet to wake up properly. But if there is, I hope it won't become a problem? I suppose it's intended to be a little playful, but I want to make sure so the campaign doesn't explode before we begin.
EDIT: Because I'm making quite a few mistakes lately, I wanted to point out that the "Sealing Wag" on the supplies list is actually Sealing Wax.
It won't become a problem. Ingle really doesn't mean anything by it and if Gathien (or anyone, really) finds it too annoying Ingle will definitely relent.
Dag-nab-it! I always wanted a sealing wag to call my own!
I have a favour to ask of you: in circumstances where you feel as though you cannot post (if you feel as though there is nothing to do, or no "room" for your actions, or if you're not sure what to say), I ask that you post anyway. Voice concerns in the OOC thread if necessary. I wish to keep the momentum we've got, and the only way I can fix any sensation of feeling a bit left out is if I'm made aware of it.
I'm asking this because my other campaigns seem to slow down for no reason - and some players express it is because they "don't know what to do." Please attempt to do something anyway.
For myself, after Ingle's initial pretentious entry at the Swordlord's dinner, Gathien figures he needs to take him down a peg -- though it's all in good fun.
I imagine that we'll end up being foils for each other to some extent, and based on the way we seem to agree about many things (even if we're both loathe to admit it), I suspect that it may lead to one of those "friendly insult" sort of friendships.
(Of course, Ingle's intentions may not match my own)
For myself, after Ingle's initial pretentious entry at the Swordlord's dinner, Gathien figures he needs to take him down a peg -- though it's all in good fun.
I imagine that we'll end up being foils for each other to some extent, and based on the way we seem to agree about many things (even if we're both loathe to admit it), I suspect that it may lead to one of those "friendly insult" sort of friendships.
Well put.
Glad to have the assurance.
Regarding not meeting Rorgrym at the manor, no problem. I mean they all look the same anyway...even the women. Could have been any dwarf. :P
Except the women lack our rugged good looks.
Gathien figures he needs to take him down a peg...
!!!Did the ½ling just make a short joke?
I have a favour to ask of you: in circumstances where you feel as though you cannot post (if you feel as though there is nothing to do, or no "room" for your actions, or if you're not sure what to say), I ask that you post anyway. Voice concerns in the OOC thread if necessary. I wish to keep the momentum we've got, and the only way I can fix any sensation of feeling a bit left out is if I'm made aware of it.
I'm asking this because my other campaigns seem to slow down for no reason - and some players express it is because they "don't know what to do." Please attempt to do something anyway.
Patcher, I don't think Kragath and Jonas will let the group get stuck during any exploration of the Greenbelt, simply by judging how Jonas is eager to begin. Kragath will perpetually feel that something could be explored more thoroughly or mapped a bit more accurately.
Which leads me to a question regarding the map page in the players guide: how are you going to handle showing us that map as we fill it in?
I will be using Photoshop to blacken all the tiles you haven't explored. The map will be easy to read, I pray.
Am off for a RL Pathfinder game now, so I'll post tonight. Roleplay away.
I apologise for not progressing tonight - I am really tired after today's Pathfinder session.
If you have no objections, we could just RP the start of the trip. Get on the road and whatnot.
That could work. I had no plans for encounters, and the path to Oleg's is mostly just road for half the day, and then plains and hills the rest. I will go to sleep shortly, and tomorrow I will ret-con any conversation you may have wanted with Krovax so it doesn't go to waste - there's a lot of good roleplaying potential with him, and I have great plans for him too.
What I hope is that we can have your characters establish noble houses - for those of you already in one, further it. Establishing families and such. Is this an element that would be welcomed? Obviously, if you had planned for your character to be chaste (as it were) that's fine too. (though I wasn't planning on emphasis on sex, for those of you concerned). This campaign will take years, though, in-character.
Obviously, I'm thinking way ahead but I thought you could mull over the thought for a while.
The idea of establishing his own House (and this his own Name) would appeal to Gathien -- at the same time, depending on how things progress and how close the members of the party get, I could also see those of us who aren't already nobles maybe banding together to form a single "House" (one originally formed by self-interest or honor, rather than blood - there are many examples in fiction... and besides, intermarriage and what-not tends to make Houses pretty diverse in any case.
Having said that, however, he's certainly not against the idea of meeting cute little adoring fans and making a House the old fashioned way - he just isn't the type to pay for company (as per the offer at the Inn)
Likewise as for Kragath, both in regards to forming a house of his own and not paying for the comforts of a woman's company. If a woman came along he truly felt something for, that's a different story.
Ingle would certainly relish the idea of establishing a house. Finding a woman who would have him might prove tricky though. Not that I'm against the idea.
Also, just so people know, Ingle will learn to ride a horse. I put his complete lack of experience down to a) he has no ranks in Ride, and b) his family was by no means wealthy and his home town was small enough to make a horse more of a luxury. It's a fishing village anyway. I imagine he knows how to pilot a boat to some small degree... Anyway, his Dex is high enough that he should be able to pick up riding quick enough. At least the basics.
In most cases there is no way that at first level you can have all the skills you think your character should or would like to have. It comes with the first several levels. I didn't doubt that you would eventually learn that skill to an adequate level.
Jonas' whole concept is built on establishing his name and house to the betterment of his country and countrymen.
Yeah, I had assumed as such in regards to Ingle's riding skills. All of my commentary so far in character is purely a RP view of the characters as Kragath sees them.
What I hope is that we can have your characters establish noble houses - for those of you already in one, further it. Establishing families and such. Is this an element that would be welcomed? Obviously, if you had planned for your character to be chaste (as it were) that's fine too. (though I wasn't planning on emphasis on sex, for those of you concerned). This campaign will take years, though, in-character.
Sounds great.
Rorgrym, I'm thinking you can begin roleplaying soon - not to meet the others yet, but to get you started with getting to know Oleg's. Once I wake up proper I'll actually get something written.
I admit I hardly slept well, so it'll be an hour before my brain wakes up to write a proper response for the campaign. It's been an odd couple of days - but I am absolutely impressed and amazed at the roleplay you've all brought to the table, and for that, I am nothing but grateful.
In most cases there is no way that at first level you can have all the skills you think your character should or would like to have. It comes with the first several levels. I didn't doubt that you would eventually learn that skill to an adequate level.
Exactly that - I mean, I imagine that most of us (from our backgrounds) should (and do) know more than the x (4, in my case, +1 Favoured Class) skill points we get per level imply -- I personally figure that's why you can do many of these things untrained, and, of course, why we use skill points from the first few levels to fill in the gaps -- the practice you got "solidifies" one bit of training you took or another...
That's okay, I didn't sleep well either. We had lost power from 3:30 PM to 2:00 AM and as I'm used to having the AC on, I have trouble sleeping without it when it's hot and stuffy.
As for the noble houses, it's a neat idea though I think Rorgrym would fit best into Gathien's concept of a house not based on blood relations. Considering JJ's views on half-races/procreation and official canon, I'd need a dwarf wife to have children which seems rather unlikely; especially since Rorgrym wasn't raised among dwarves and would find the typical dwarven view to be somewhat stifling.
On another issue, apart from Kragath (who I'm sure I learned about from his father), do I know anything about the other characters yet?
Well, there is a Dwarf who is the successor of House Garess, which is a mountainous House. It isn't implausible that there are dwarves who follow Brevan conventions more than Dwarven ones. If the problem is having a Dwarven wife, of course, I can't hardly fault you. (hurr hurr)
I think it is possible that Rorgrym would vaguely know the names and descriptions of the other adventurers, but not where their talents lie - only so he can recognise them as they arrive at Oleg's.
Also; I was mistaken about the road only going halfway. The South Rostland road goes all the way to Oleg's from Restov, so it'll be road all the way.
Also; I was mistaken about the road only going halfway. The South Rostland road goes all the way to Oleg's from Restov, so it'll be road all the way.
Ah, good. Maybe Ingle can get in a nap... ;)
Rorgrym, you are now welcome to post - I have introduced you to the storyline (but not yet to the others, as they are not at Oleg's yet).
but I am absolutely impressed and amazed at the roleplay you've all brought to the table, and for that, I am nothing but grateful.
I agree. This is a great group. I already have a clear image in my mind of all the characters, something a bit rare in my (admittedly limited) experience, and look forward to every new post.
And now...with a good knowledge religion roll, Kragath begins wondering why his father wants to have him drowned in a river somewhere ;-P
Oleg's Trading Post - Since I'm already there waiting for the rest of the party, how big is the place and how long have I been waiting there? If more than a day, then do I know anyone or anything of relevance? Do I know when to expect them and thus will waiting for them or will someone come and get me when the group arrives? I assume I have a room at an inn or tavern or somesuch.
Another thing I was curious about was the nature of how I was hired. Did Swordlord Lightbringer hire me after the selection or before? If it was before, was I able to tell if the Swordlord was confident his son would be selected or nervous/fearful? If it was after, did he seem fearful for his son, proud for him or just indifferent? Either way, was it clear to me (or did I get the impression) that my hiring was done with the full knowledge of the council or was this something Korvax did on his own (perhaps stretching his authority a bit)? Does he care if his son knows that I was hired, in part at least, to sort of look after him?
Not that, at the current time anyways, Rorgrym particularly cares why the Swordlord does/doesn't do anything, but Rorgrym would have noted it and it may affect how he first perceives/reacts to Kragath; it may even affect how he thinks about him before they've even met.
Sorry to throw all these questions at you at once but it suddenly occured to me that even though I'm waiting at Oleg's, I know nothing about the place and it isn't unreasonable to assume that someone in the group may ask me questions about it. Also, and it was just a stray thought really, I wondered if my hiring had been done "on the sly" as it were which, in turn, spawned a whole bunch of other questions.
Now, now Kragath; the symbol of Hanspur is a rat walking on water, not drowning in it...though it could mean that your father thinks you're a rat. I'm sure I wouldn't know about that though. ;)
** spoiler omitted **
There are only two people at Oleg's - you've been there for maybe a day or two, arriving early - and you know the two people by first-name basis (but little better than that). Their names are in the first post mentioning you. They have a room with 4 beds in the trading post (I will post a map of it eventually when the others arrive) - you are likely sleeping there.
Krovax knew his son would be hired - because of his status as a Swordlord, he could put forth the recommendation, and it would be done. He's fiercely proud of his son, you know that much - but also worried. I also think he shouldn't know you were hired to watch over him - the nature of your inclusion is a little mysterious for them. They have orders to include you, though, and you can use this as "leverage" to make sure that they do.
It did happen before the feast - the Swordlord approached you (likely in Restov, if you were there) after a recommendation or something of the kind (any suggestions?), and he explained to you what was going to happen, and if you were interested in taking part of this history-changing expedition - with the catch being you protecting his son.
That's what I have in mind, at least. Any suggestions or objections?
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Or perhaps, a touch more exotic here and it just occured to me, Rorgrym was very close to a half-elven priestess of Shelyn; hoping to be closer (or perhaps already romantic, or very close to it). A cleric (or whatever) of Shelyn wouldn't ber put off by the looks of a dwarf (not that Rorgrym is ugly) and, as a member of a large church, could have close acquaintances with the Swordlords. Looking down the road, if Rorgrym needed to marry and establish a house, she would be the first person he would think of (even though they would have to adopt to have children). Of course, she could also be a young widow and already have a child.
The more I type the more ideas come to me; I could type all night at this rate (especially at the speed I type at). Feel free to modify and run with any of this if it strikes your fancy.
I'll be more absent than not today and tomorrow. Struggling with sleeplessness and grief. One of my rats died last night. Will try to get a post in, but no promises.
I apologise.
I had a pet rat when I was a kid, it's amazing how attached you can get to the little guys.
My condolences. I know how bad it sucks to lose a beloved pet. I've lost several.
...Not saying I killed them. Just happens.
...Not trying to cover up killing them by saying I didn't kill them either.
...Not trying to cover up killing them by saying I'm not trying to cover up killing them...
Ok...humor aside, good luck with it and give the other one(s) extra rations, sent web-order from Kragath, today.
Losing a pet is never easy -- condolences.
Take time to grieve, take comfort from the other(s), and I'll try not to light Ingle on fire while you're gone. :)
Offers condolences to Patcher, shakes fist at Gathien.
A bit more cheerful news. I got a job just now. Woot money money!
Congrats, Kragath! Money's useful.
Thanks! Been running all day getting stuff worked out for it. Seeing as it's almost 1 AM now though, I'll check back in the mornin for updates.
Terrible rolls FTL!
Here is Oleg's. I will post a description of each number. But I have another map that will most likely be of more interest.
Here's the map of the Stolen Lands. As you can see, only the road is explored. The hex grid should be "visible", as it is - you can't go beyond a tile at a time.
When we start the exploration, I want one of you to take the lead (in-character). That person declares which tile you'll enter, and whether or not you're passing through or fully exploring. It would also be wise that one of you, in-character, map the land.
When you venture into the Stolen Lands, you tell me which hex tile you're entering - the one to the east, or south-east, or south-west or north-west, ect. If you wish, I can number them.
I kinda assumed one of the more bookworm-ish characters, like Peregrine or Ingle, would handle the mapping, but Gathien already took a mapping book, so he is welcome to if he'd like. Kragath has terrible artistic capabilities ;-P.
Ingle would be happy to. Also fine if Gathien wants to. My power is out at the moment, btw. I'm going to give it a chance to come back on before I attempt posting from my phone.
Here is the description of Oleg's Trading Post, and what you can find.
A1. Market Yard: This open area is where trade takes place. The two tables near the fire pit are used to display wares and serve food to visitors, while bulky trade goods are offloaded into the storage pen.
A2. Guesthouse: Oleg rents out the beds in this guesthouse to anyone who wishes to stay the night at a rate of 5 sp a bed per night. A rustic breakfast and filling dinner is included in that price.
A3. Stable: Oleg keeps his jittery horse Claptrap here. He rents out the other stalls to visitors’ steeds at a rate of 2 sp per stall per night—that price includes a day’s worth of water and feed and a complimentary rub down for the horse.
A4. Storage Pen: This fenced area has a wooden roof to keep off most of the rain and snow—trade goods like furs and other goods are stored here until enough build up to warrant a trip to the city to sell them off. The pen is currently empty.
A5. Middens: Three 3-foot-deep composting pits and middens.
A6. Main Hall: This squat but solid wooden building is Oleg and Svetlana’s home and the storeroom for the trading post. The double doors leading out into the market yard can be barred but not locked.
A7. Dining Room: This is a comfortable room with a few chairs and a table—the Levetons use this room primarily as a dining room.
A8. Office: This room is where Oleg keeps his ledgers and meets with important visitors—in theory. As of yet, no one of importance has bothered visiting the trading post.
A9. Stockroom: This room is used to store the trading post’s stock.
A10. Storeroom: This room contains supplies.
A11. Bedroom: This modest bedroom is where the Levetons sleep.
Hmmm, just had an argument with Sean Reynolds on Facebook about politics, of all things. I really need to learn to just keep my mouth shut. :P
How random. :O What did you argue about?
Does exploring the Stolen Lands make sense to you, mechanics-wise? Or do you have any questions?
Also, there will be people wanting you to do quests for them around the area.
Well, to make a long story short, he was going on about the republican party. Some of the other commenters were starting to turn it into a us vs them kind of thing, so I mentioned that I thought that was a poor attitude to take. It kind of mushroomed from there. I'm waiting to see if he unfriends me now. :P
Anyway, I think the mechanics of it make sense. The only question I have is how big is an actual hex, mile-wise? Just so I can have a sense of the scale.
One hex is 12 miles - this is actually revealed in the upper left corner of the map, but because it could prove spoilerific I hid that info, heh. I posted the amount of time you would need to travel through a hex (and the amount of time needed to fully explore a tile) earlier in this thread.
I don't see the time it will take to explore a hex above. Can you repost it? I just realized that my post from last night reapeated some of what others had said. Sorry, I created it on my phone off and on over some time, so I didn't see some of the prior posts.