|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 16:49:52 GMT -5
Post by Ginger on Sept 6, 2013 16:49:52 GMT -5
Let's assume that they're all crossbow specialists. At 2nd level, they'll have a THAC0 of 17. Give them an extra +1 or +2 if they're 3rd level or have DEX bonuses. They'll still need a 20 to hit Friedrich.
This shouldn't be taken as me suggesting anything, just throwing things out there.
I'll also note that a flying carpet couldn't be blocked by a barricade, so Friedrich can always just fly into the center of the complex.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 16:55:08 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 6, 2013 16:55:08 GMT -5
That's always worked out well. This shouldn't be taken as me suggesting anything, just throwing things out there. He said, laughing maniacally. I'll also note that a flying carpet couldn't be blocked by a barricade We can always count on you for these keen observations.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 17:47:23 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 6, 2013 17:47:23 GMT -5
Let's assume that they're all crossbow specialists. At 2nd level, they'll have a THAC0 of 17. Give them an extra +1 or +2 if they're 3rd level or have DEX bonuses. They'll still need a 20 to hit Friedrich. This shouldn't be taken as me suggesting anything, just throwing things out there. I'll also note that a flying carpet couldn't be blocked by a barricade, so Friedrich can always just fly into the center of the complex. Same things went through my head. Venger said some are "veterans" (1st level fighters) and a couple "swordsmen" (level 3). I'm guessing the rest are men-at-arms. He also has the Unicorn Ring. I'm inclined to fight here which means this would have to be done in session I would think. I would clearly need to see the layout, troop locations and the like. This is a good opportunity for Friedrich to hone his rep and dispel the notion that Fenhold is a soft target.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 18:19:51 GMT -5
Post by Bolo on Sept 6, 2013 18:19:51 GMT -5
While we're busy not suggesting anything, just throwing things out there ...
Suppose there are 100 of them, and they all have bows, and they stay spread out so they can all get two clear shots at Friedrich every round. Even if they need to roll a 20 to hit him, that's an average of 10 hits per round, with an average of 3.5hp damage per hit, which means he's dead in about 3 rounds.
100 guys with longbows are a fearsome thing, as the French nobility discovered at Agincourt.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 20:00:01 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 6, 2013 20:00:01 GMT -5
Venger said some are "veterans" (1st level fighters) and a couple "swordsmen" (level 3). I'm guessing the rest are men-at-arms. Three dice vs. Friedrich's 18 WIS for the DM to repeat: Friedrich's trained eye recognizes that these men are veterans, some of whom walk with the swagger of accomplished swordsmen. (PHB pg. 22, Fighters Table) I'm inclined to fight here which means this would have to be done in session I would think. I would clearly need to see the layout, troop locations and the like. What is Friedrich's plan?
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 20:42:48 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 6, 2013 20:42:48 GMT -5
Three dice vs. Friedrich's 18 WIS for the DM to repeat: I know. I realized that, after the fact! I'll inform the group of soon to be dead Halberdiers that I'll be back at this same spot tomorrow at noon to speak to the captain of this company about squaring up this debt. What I will actually do is leave for now and seek out Niall and find out what I can about these guys and their capabilities. If he indisposed, Friedrich will ask whomever he thinks is most reliable. By nightfall he will launch his attack. Presumably there are peasants there who clean the place up. Hopefully one of them can confirm to me where the head of this company sleeps. Ideally, I would fly in at night, kill his guards and then kill him. If there is no detailed info on the captains sleeping quarters I will wait until night fall and scout out the camp using the magic carpet. Does he have access to the keys to this place?
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 21:08:34 GMT -5
Post by Wolfgar on Sept 6, 2013 21:08:34 GMT -5
Explain to me how a sneak attack that plans to kill a host of men can be considered good. Men who are just doing their job securing Fenhold because its lord defaulted on loans. Without even talking to anyone to see if a reasonable solution can be reached. The mortgage crisis would certainly be very different if every delinquent homeowner acted like Friedrich.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 22:32:31 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 6, 2013 22:32:31 GMT -5
I'll inform the group of soon to be dead Halberdiers that I'll be back at this same spot tomorrow at noon to speak to the captain of this company about squaring up this debt. All kidding aside, these men don't seem to have any idea what Friedrich is talking about and he is assured that the captain "always settles his debts." Further conversation reveals that they are unaware of Fenhold's financial obligations to the Merchant House. This is a mercenary group called the Iron Hellhounds. They hail out of a city called Komoré, in Petalumeir, and claim to have fought both for and against the Omnipotent Azure Legion; stressing the word "against," though the significance of this is unclear to Friedrich. They were hired out of Threshold: the job to secure and occupy a castle then extract revenues from the locals. What they didn't know when they accepted the contract was that the castle was in some backwater swamp on the edge of civilization and that much of their wages would come in the form of foodstuffs, pickled eel in particular... It doesn't take long for the sergeant to recognize Friedrich's obvious martial ability and he apologizes for his earlier rudeness. Morale is low and everybody is irritable because it's mid-July in the swamp. What I will actually do is leave for now and seek out Niall and find out what I can about these guys and their capabilities. If he indisposed, Friedrich will ask whomever he thinks is most reliable. Niall thinks there's maybe 60 or 65 men, not counting officers, the foreign sun-worshipping cleric or the strange robed man with the conical hat. To Niall's confusion, none of them actually took up residence in the manor, instead quickly assembling a camp out in the courtyard. They seemed outraged/disgusted that horses were kept on the first floor inside the house.... By nightfall he will launch his attack. I was kind of worried Friedrich was about to throw down right then and there... Presumably there are peasants there who clean the place up. Unfortunately no, they were dismissed from service. If there is no detailed info on the captains sleeping quarters I will wait until night fall and scout out the camp using the magic carpet. Friedrich cannot see in the dark and thus cannot fly the carpet at night without a light source. This will render him extremely visible. Does he have access to the keys to this place? Niall does have a couple keys, yes.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 22:37:00 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 6, 2013 22:37:00 GMT -5
Explain to me how a sneak attack that plans to kill a host of men can be considered good... Now I see Friedrich's conscience represented by a diabolic little Colby on one shoulder and an angelic Paavo on the other.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 22:39:45 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 6, 2013 22:39:45 GMT -5
Explain to me how a sneak attack that plans to kill a host of men can be considered good. Men who are just doing their job securing Fenhold because its lord defaulted on loans. Without even talking to anyone to see if a reasonable solution can be reached. The mortgage crisis would certainly be very different if every delinquent homeowner acted like Friedrich. LOL at the "men who are just doing their job" bit. They came in and took over Friedrich's stronghold and have been taxing the population. To top it off they added insult to injury. This is effectively an invasion and occupation of a sovereign territory. Not really something a lord should allow. Standing outside my own stronghold asking to be granted an audience is not a starting point from which a peaceful solution is likely to be found. That said I will ask Niall what it is they want.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 6, 2013 22:46:40 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 6, 2013 22:46:40 GMT -5
Just wanted to point out that the above post was made by me before having seen Eddie's most recent one.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 1:42:15 GMT -5
Post by Ginger on Sept 7, 2013 1:42:15 GMT -5
Explain to me how a sneak attack that plans to kill a host of men can be considered good... Now I see Friedrich's conscience represented by a diabolic little Colby on one shoulder and an angelic Paavo on the other. Colby would advocate having magically summoned creatures do the dirty work. He would never suggest taking up arms against a large troop of veterans who are probably very experienced when it comes to fighting against vastly over-leveled opponents. Friedrich is the lord here, but he's also the debtor here, so prudence is worthy in the initial discussions. He's carrying a ton of gold, which can do a lot to win the hearts and minds of soldiers who are being paid in pickled eels.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 6:16:22 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 7, 2013 6:16:22 GMT -5
@dave, I was wondering if this could be (or at least melded into) a body of followers. Things got off to a rocky start but maybe something can be worked out.
Friedrich will actually wait to see the captain.
Sensing that they are unhappy with their current pay (and realizing that they have fought both for and against past employers) he will ask if they would consider switching employers.
Ideally, a deal would be reached where they act as a garrison while Friedrich is away. (of course the ROE (rules of engagement) with the population would have to be altered dramatically. (no taxing, harassing, tormenting or otherwise making themselves into a nuisance)
Ideally, I would have enough money to do three things:
1) Bring this company under my employment at least for a couple months
2) Pay the merchant house something (though I don't know how much the overall debt is)
3) Ask Niall to supervise the causeway project. Hopefully there would be money left over to at least get this started. Friedrich will probably ask Colby to borrow some $$$ until we link back up with the rest of the group.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 10:35:34 GMT -5
Post by Wolfgar on Sept 7, 2013 10:35:34 GMT -5
Fenhold owes 100,000SP to the Merchant House of Thar & Vulroose. Fenhold owes 12,000SP in backtaxes to the Barony. Last time you had Mary look at the books Fenhold owed 5000 gp to the Merchant House and 600 gp in taxes. Tax: 4,200 SP/month (3) Resource: 2800 SP/month (4) Taxes to Aldagmor: 3,000 SP/month (5) Tithes to the Church: 1,000 SP/month (6) If I understand this correctly Fenhold profits 3,000 silver pieces a month. 4,200sp(taxes)+2,800sp(resource)= 7,000sp/month revenueThe monthly expenses are 3,000sp(Taxes to Aldagmor) + 1,000sp(tithes)= 4,000sp/month expenses7,000(total revenue)- 4,000(taxes and tithes)= 3,000SP(profit or surplus)Household expenses/upkeep: 14 servants - 900SP/month 1 groom - 30SP/month 1 guard captain - 200SP/month 1 knight-steward - 400SP/month = 1530SP1470SP surplus. Not sure how many months it has been or where this surplus is. Probably enough here to cover back taxes. You should find out what happened to that. You should ask the DM if you get xp for the gold Fenhold collects.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 10:37:46 GMT -5
Post by Wolfgar on Sept 7, 2013 10:37:46 GMT -5
Also, you are within a day's carpet ride of Threshold. In case you wanted to talk to the Merchant House directly.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 15:40:03 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 7, 2013 15:40:03 GMT -5
These men seem a little too seasoned to be followers. Friedrich will actually wait to see the captain. Sensing that they are unhappy with their current pay (and realizing that they have fought both for and against past employers) he will ask if they would consider switching employers. Ideally, a deal would be reached where they act as a garrison while Friedrich is away... The captain, by the name of Somdul Grimvolk, meets Friedrich the next day sometime after noon. He seems to Friedrich like a seasoned fighter who has likely fought many campaigns. A pragmatic man, he carries about him an air of command as if long-accustomed to ordering soldiers into battle. Assuming the pay is right, he might be amenable to breaking contract with the Merchant House. They do after all have considerable influence and provide somewhat steady employment. Ideally, I would have enough money to do three things: 1) Bring this company under my employment at least for a couple months It would require 700GP a month, with a three month advance, for them to break contract and garrison Fenhold manor / patrol the surrounding area. So 2100GP up front. 2) Pay the merchant house something (though I don't know how much the overall debt is) 5000GP, plus accrued interest... 3) Ask Niall to supervise the causeway project. Niall says he will try his best and begin hiring laborers with whatever money Friedrich gives him, but admits to not really understanding the project.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 15:47:15 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 7, 2013 15:47:15 GMT -5
Not sure how many months it has been or where this surplus is. Probably enough here to cover back taxes. You should find out what happened to that. Any surplus has gone toward interest on loans and mercenary pay. Unfortunately, now, no revenues are being collected. Since the deceased Ser Ghereint was seen walking around as an undead apparation and the dominion's confidence level fell. You should ask the DM if you get xp for the gold Fenhold collects. Friedrich has to restore the manor and clear the required area before he can earn experience on the money.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 17:45:26 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 7, 2013 17:45:26 GMT -5
- 2,100 for three months. Done. They are instructed not to harass the population.
- Assuming Josh is correct in that Friedrich is a day away from Threshold, he will travel there (after inquiring with Somdul Grimvolk as to where they can be found) to deal with the merchant house.
2,500 GP towards paying off the debt minus whatever they have collected from Fenhold in taxes. The other 2,500 will come within 6 months. Interest is negotiable. Friedrich will remind his debtors that he was not the one who initially borrowed money from them but in the interest of acting in good faith he is seeking to pay this off.
- I'm not sure how large the population of Threshold is but while Friedrich is there he will look for an engineer/architect (DMG p 29). I think this is the expert hireling that would be needed for the causeway project. I would have 400 GP left over from the 5,000 GP. According to DMG 29 engineer/architect costs 100GP/month. I could hire him on for 3 months (300GP) plus 100 GP for moving costs. I'd be willing to give him a carpet ride that day if he is ready.
- Friedrich actually has 359 GP on his sheet. This will be given to Niall to pay laborers as the engineer/architect (assuming one can be found) sees fit.
Upon returning to Fenhold, Friedrich will organize the men to prepare to go lizard hunting.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 17:46:16 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 7, 2013 17:46:16 GMT -5
Colby, OOC, you up for fighting a dragon?
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 18:15:37 GMT -5
Post by Ginger on Sept 7, 2013 18:15:37 GMT -5
No, we have to stop the Demonspore first. Fenhold will be fine with just an infusion of money.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 18:16:03 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 7, 2013 18:16:03 GMT -5
2,100 for three months. Done. They are instructed not to harass the population. [/list][/quote] Done deal. The Iron Hellhounds will in fact protect the local population and patrol the causeway construction site. [/li][li]Assuming Josh is correct in that Friedrich is a day away from Threshold, he will travel there (after inquiring with Somdul Grimvolk as to where they can be found) to deal with the merchant house. [/quote] The next morning, Friedrich flies south over the Blackmire Fens, the magic carpet making great time. Threshold is a wretched hive of scum and villainy, but Friedrich has no trouble finding the caravanserai and Azul Thar, the merchant-mage who runs it. 2,500 GP towards paying off the debt minus whatever they have collected from Fenhold in taxes. The other 2,500 will come within 6 months. Interest is negotiable. Fenhold now owes 55350SP to the Merchant Houses of Thar & Vulroose. Azul Thar disagrees on the negotiability of interest. Friedrich will remind his debtors that he was not the one who initially borrowed money from them but in the interest of acting in good faith he is seeking to pay this off. [/list][/quote] His debtor will remind Friedrich that it is Fenhold itself which holds this financial obligation, regardless of the current management. I'm not sure how large the population of Threshold is but while Friedrich is there he will look for an engineer/architect (DMG p 29). I think this is the expert hireling that would be needed for the causeway project. I would have 400 GP left over from the 5,000 GP. According to DMG 29 engineer/architect costs 100GP/month. I could hire him on for 3 months (300GP) plus 100 GP for moving costs. I'd be willing to give him a carpet ride that day if he is ready. Friedrich actually has 359 GP on his sheet. This will be given to Niall to pay laborers as the engineer/architect (assuming one can be found) sees fit. That should be sufficient for 3 months. The engineer will need to pack for a long trip and bring supplies... he will take the riverboat up to Misha's Ferry in the next week. Upon returning to Fenhold, Friedrich will organize the men to prepare to go lizard hunting. Which men is he intending to organize? Nobody is volunteering for a dragon-hunt.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 19:16:54 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 7, 2013 19:16:54 GMT -5
OK, we shall save the clearing out of Fenhold for another day.
Could Colby teleport Friedrich back to the party so that he could withdraw some more gold. We may be gone for more than 3 months and I would like to leave some money with Niall to pay the mercenary company/laborers/project manager in addition to having money set aside for materials or whatever else may be needed.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 19:25:45 GMT -5
Post by Ginger on Sept 7, 2013 19:25:45 GMT -5
Mary has been to Fenhold, correct? She could teleport there directly with the rest of Friedrich's money. And she can put her share in too, I guess.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 20:04:26 GMT -5
Post by Friedrich on Sept 7, 2013 20:04:26 GMT -5
She has been to Fenhold but I would still need to get the message to her to teleport there to begin with.
I'm not sure how keen she would be to putting in her share of the money to Fenhold. This is something that Venger would have to weigh in on.
As a Lawful Good character maybe she would find that helping peasants out by giving them jobs, security and a better way of life would be a worthy cause and one that merits financial backing.
Nevertheless, if at all possible Friedrich will link up with Paavo, withdraw the other 2,500 (more if Mary is willing to chip in) and bring it back to Niall to use as needed.
Friedrich will make sure there is a secure, hidden and secret location for the money to be stored.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 20:09:14 GMT -5
Post by Ginger on Sept 7, 2013 20:09:14 GMT -5
She has been to Fenhold but I would still need to get the message to her to teleport there to begin with. I'm not sure how keen she would be to putting in her share of the money to Fenhold. This is something that Venger would have to weigh in on. As a Lawful Good character maybe she would find that helping peasants out by giving them jobs, security and a better way of life would be a worthy cause and one that merits financial backing. Nevertheless, if at all possible Friedrich will link up with Paavo, withdraw the other 2,500 (more if Mary is willing to chip in) and bring it back to Niall to use as needed. Friedrich will make sure there is a secure, hidden and secret location for the money to be stored. Mary can cast a sending to Friedrich, or use the Lesser Spell of Dream Invasion to have a discussion.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 20:22:26 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 7, 2013 20:22:26 GMT -5
Mary isn't psychic so she doesn't realize Friedrich has run out of money and she is training Youssef until Day 28.
Also, while she would consider loaning Friedrich some of her share of the treasure she wouldn't just donate it.
I don't see how Friedrich plans on linking up with Paavo or accessing the party accounts at this time, unless Colby is teleporting him back to Fenhold or Mary is doing so after Day 28. Mary isn't familiar with Fenhold, having only been there once and then immediately after was turned into a cat and died... she didn't study the place for Teleport purposes. She would probably be loathe to risk her life on a shaky Teleport.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 20:23:17 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 7, 2013 20:23:17 GMT -5
Mary can cast a sending to Friedrich, or use the Lesser Spell of Dream Invasion to have a discussion. Also both of these spells are one-way communications. Just because Mary and Friedrich have the same player does not mean their characters share a brain.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 20:38:18 GMT -5
Post by Ginger on Sept 7, 2013 20:38:18 GMT -5
In any case, Colby can use Clairvoyance and Sending to engage in simple communication with Friedrich writing on a tablet "Send More $$$" Colby is happy to advance Friedrich the 2000 GP Colby has on him, since he didn't spend anything at the Conclave.
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 21:13:05 GMT -5
Post by Bolo on Sept 7, 2013 21:13:05 GMT -5
Last time you had Mary look at the books Fenhold owed 5000 gp to the Merchant House and 600 gp in taxes. I may be imagining this, but didn't Friedrich make a payment on his account while we were in Barb el Shay? At the bank of Thar and Vulroose, where we have the rented vault? Or was that just something he intended to do if he won the fight against the knifethrower?
|
|
|
Fenhold
Sept 7, 2013 21:51:00 GMT -5
Post by venger on Sept 7, 2013 21:51:00 GMT -5
That is your imagination.
|
|