No actual play update yet. We are going to get together on Saturday finally! But we did all get together for the Renaissance fair which I blogged about here. This means I finally had a chance to talk to Ethan and Simone about Ældlin's desire to have control over the Sylvia negotiation (again, if it gets that far.)
The Story So Far
Part I here: Actual Play
Part II here: My Wheels Start Turning
Part III here: Negotiations Begin
That gets you all caught up!
Ældlin
Remember Ældlin's two goals: He is not interested in land for the sake of its wealth, nor politics for the sake of power over the Realm. Rather first. he wants to ensure that "his" lands remain wild and that he is able to make a strong legal claim over them. He will not accept a promise because he believes even Men with character are eroded by the sands of Time. Secondly, he wants to inhibit the growth of civilization and to that end he wants to prevent an alliance between Clifton and this other baron.
As a player, I'm really not trying to screw anybody here. I see an opportunity to increase our standing in the world (and yes, especially my own). But for all the players except for Simone, I am offering a tangible reward in exchange for the opportunity to advance. For all we know Sylvia turned into green goo, or she escapes on her own, or she's the leader of the bandits, or Clifton won't negotiate. There're a lot of unknowns for me to take on but those are fun challenges to role-play.
The Story So Far
Part I here: Actual Play
Part II here: My Wheels Start Turning
Part III here: Negotiations Begin
That gets you all caught up!
Ældlin
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| Circle of Elders by Jakub Kaspur |
Remember Ældlin's two goals: He is not interested in land for the sake of its wealth, nor politics for the sake of power over the Realm. Rather first. he wants to ensure that "his" lands remain wild and that he is able to make a strong legal claim over them. He will not accept a promise because he believes even Men with character are eroded by the sands of Time. Secondly, he wants to inhibit the growth of civilization and to that end he wants to prevent an alliance between Clifton and this other baron.
As a player, I'm really not trying to screw anybody here. I see an opportunity to increase our standing in the world (and yes, especially my own). But for all the players except for Simone, I am offering a tangible reward in exchange for the opportunity to advance. For all we know Sylvia turned into green goo, or she escapes on her own, or she's the leader of the bandits, or Clifton won't negotiate. There're a lot of unknowns for me to take on but those are fun challenges to role-play.
Ronin
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| Ronin on horseback |
Ethan plays Ronin, the fighting-man. I made a straight up offer to him: the next time I get a magic item that either of our characters are able to use, I will have Ældlin give it to Ronin. In exchange he bows Ronin out from consideration of Sylvia's fate.
Faelin
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| Faelin |
Faelin the Ranger played by the canny Simone is a harder nut to crack. She was rather inscrutable at the table so I don't have a handle on where to start with her. Simone said that one of Faelin's concerns is that she doesn't know Ældlin. Ældlin comes from a previous relationship with Clifton. Simone also said she's not sure what Faelin wants. It's not easy. My plan is for Ældlin to do what is possible to foster trust with Faelin.
Here is my proposal to Simone via email.
First: I promise not to kill any more of your characters.
Second: As a Ranger, Faelin will never be able to retain sufficient wealth to build her own stronghold on her own.
Per the 1e DMG page 25 top:
Ældlin trusts neither Men nor civilized folk but he needs a human to be his representative to the Realm; he wants her as his man on the ground. Therefore if/when Ældlin gains his land and title, he will ennoble her to the rank of Knight and place her in the office of Sheriff-Warden. This office will give her control over whatever administrative state is created in Ældlin's barony - including taxation.
Additionally, ibid., Should she need a band of Merry Men, they could find legitimacy by working at Ældlin's Court.
Additionally, at such time as the Treasury can support it and if she has served faithfully, Ældlin will build a second fortification, raise her to Baroness and gift her the new fort and lands to support it, including what peasantry if necessary. She will remain his vassal but now have jumped over the problem of not retaining wealth.
Per the 1e DMG page 25 top:
Ældlin trusts neither Men nor civilized folk but he needs a human to be his representative to the Realm; he wants her as his man on the ground. Therefore if/when Ældlin gains his land and title, he will ennoble her to the rank of Knight and place her in the office of Sheriff-Warden. This office will give her control over whatever administrative state is created in Ældlin's barony - including taxation.
Additionally, ibid., Should she need a band of Merry Men, they could find legitimacy by working at Ældlin's Court.
Additionally, at such time as the Treasury can support it and if she has served faithfully, Ældlin will build a second fortification, raise her to Baroness and gift her the new fort and lands to support it, including what peasantry if necessary. She will remain his vassal but now have jumped over the problem of not retaining wealth.
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