I'd like the input of other GMs - my group is starting to go quite innovative on expanding their influence and building a presence in Sandpoint.
Case in point: Due to their dislike of the Scarnetti family, a couple of the players are planning on building "Averta's Home For Little B##tards" - an orphanage that would be across from the Scarnetti Manor. (There is even plans for the sign to be magical, with the Transmuter planning on creating a new spell that is only visible to those of the Scarnetti Family so that everyone else sees "Averta's Home for Orphans" instead of B##tards. ;) )
I'm not quite sure what sort of Diplomacy check would be needed to pull off something like this. I mean, while the Valdemar family dislikes the Scarnettis, would they be willing to accept an orphanage on what is nominally their land? (Funny thing is, the Sorceress has such a high Diplomacy score she'd probably succeed in rolling over a 30 for her roll, even without the use of magic.)
The second bit is that the group is thinking of creating a Bank - The Heroes of Sandpoint Savings Bank. This is actually a fantastic idea (and Ultimate Campaign even has some rules on building a Bank) - but do you think there'd be any obstacles to a bank opening in Sandpoint, especially as the Scarnettis have a hate-on for one of the members of the group (who is a bastard scion of the Scarnettis)?
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I love both ideas; I am very impressed with the creativity and engagement of your group.
I'm not quite sure what sort of Diplomacy check would be needed to pull off something like this. I mean, while the Valdemar family dislikes the Scarnettis, would they be willing to accept an orphanage on what is nominally their land? (Funny thing is, the Sorceress has such a high Diplomacy score she'd probably succeed in rolling over a 30 for her roll, even without the use of magic.)
I suspect that building on noble family land would be something of a hard sell, but the Valdemars might be interested in it depending on the scope of the orphanage. One that taught certain skills to the orphans (perhaps giving the Valdemars some potential skilled workers in the future) might be more attractive. An orphanage that was not so clearly defined in policy, etc. would probably be less attractive. Maybe a difference of as much as 10 in DC for the associated Diplomacy check, or a 4E-like challenge (representing a wooing process-- must get X successes before getting Y failures to get the Valdemar family to agree).
The second bit is that the group is thinking of creating a Bank - The Heroes of Sandpoint Savings Bank. This is actually a fantastic idea (and Ultimate Campaign even has some rules on building a Bank) - but do you think there'd be any obstacles to a bank opening in Sandpoint, especially as the Scarnettis have a hate-on for one of the members of the group (who is a bastard scion of the Scarnettis)?
I'd put it up to how you've portrayed the nobles as a group. Some nobles might believe that banks promote financial innovation and increase the wealth of the town. I suspect that any authorities in Magnimar would be delighted on that basis (more taxes collected). More closed-minded local nobles might dislike the idea that certain folks outside the upper gentry would be getting ahead and/or defining the growth of the town. They could support this (wealthier townsfolk means more money in their own coffers) or hate the idea, on an individual basis. My two cents.
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With the orphanage they would kind of relieve the Turandarok Academy of this service as it functions as orphanage and school in one.
Master Ganethus would imo be the first point of contact in this affair.
Also, if you own the Magnimar book you might wanna check with the plot hook given for the Valdemars there.
You're aware of the bank in the vaults of the townhall (building a proper bank has been delayed for various reasons so far)?
Thus, I think consulting with Kendra Deverin about the bank would be the way to go.
The rest depends imo on how you handle land ownership. If the PCs have to buy the land where they're going to construct their buildings the former owners might want to have a say in what's going to be built.
Ruyan.
Thank you. Truly, I mean it. This gives the group three days to consider plans rather than hitting with it just when the game starts. :)
Amusingly enough, they found ways around it. For the Bank, they're going to offer to build (pay for) a bank that the town has wanted for a while. One player even plans on driving sharpened metal spikes into the cliff facing near where the bank will be so thieves can't just climb the cliff to try and rob them from behind. So pretty much it'll be the Scarnettis vs. everyone else, and will be voted down.
With the orphanage, they're going to talk to the head of Turandarok Academy and suggest to him he's got better things to do than just watch over kids in-between classes. He'd be able to expand on his collection as well. They're also going to suggest that the clerics of Averta (a priesthood that one of the characters follows - I figure she's a minor NG goddess with the venue of Travel and Roads) would be able to offer a more structured upbringing... and are suggesting the location as better suited because by living near the nobles of Sandpoint, they'll be more exposed to the themes of hard work and ethics.
For the latter, I'm going to require multiple Diplomacy checks. First one to convince the head of Turandarok Academy of their idea. Then a couple for the Valdemar family to convince THEM to sell land for this. And finally a couple for the debate in town for having a dedicated orphanage built that is watched over by the priesthood of Averta. Three failures will result in their being unable to convince the town of the orphanage.
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I also suspect the brouhaha over the Sheriff will be easily handled. It's primarily the Scarnettis who are trying to oust Hemlock, and the party is going to help heal the majority of his wounds (only a full Regeneration will have him back fully, but I figure it'll deal with most of the ability damage he suffered from massive electrical burns when Nualia attacked the Catacombs) and also pay for new equipment for six new guards - with heavy armor and weapons, so they're better suited for some environments. Basically akin to a medieval SWAT team. ;)
You know, e-mails can truly speed up behind-the-scenes roleplay and situations. :D
Sounds cool!
Have Gandethus ask them (politely) for spoils/curiosities from their forays.
With the goddess' portfolio an exchange program is in order! *smirks*
I like the ideas with the spikes. Have they planned similar protection for the roof?
Ruyan.