Quote from Stormbringer4729 >>

Tempe gives to the church 50pp to help the people. Following along with the group he continues to study the book

( How much money did we get each? Or how much should we have now? I feel Z should also do something, but how much can we afford)

(300 coins to a pouch, 30 pounds to a backpack and each pound = 50 coins but you have empty out all your gear, or keep your gear and 15 pounds of coins... now that you're back in Laurentiis you can get sacks or arrange wagons etc.? Whatever method you want for hauling around huge amounts of treasure? And/or where you store/invest it?)

(Hint: Take platinum coins.)

[Randall brought about 2000 lbs of treasure from the trove, up to 1600 lbs on the carpet and up to 450 lbs in his bag of holding.  He gave 90% by weight of that to the temple, or 1800 lbs worth of treasure.  If that averaged 50 gp per pound, that is 90,000 gp for the temple.  He took the 10% by weight that includes all the diamonds and diamond dust, various spell component items—powdered silver, platinum rings, powdered iron, herbs, oils, incense, gem encrusted bowls, etc.  The rest is in platinum.

Let’s assume 100 lbs of pricey spell components and 100 lbs of platinum coins = 5000 pp worth 50 k gold.]

Randall will also ask for a special room to be set aside in the temple for the use of he and his allies.  He will consecrate it with the spell Hallow and dedicate it as the target location for his Word of Recall.

Zenodor has an idea which he puts to the group: "The money we gave to the Church will certainly help the city greatly. But to resolve this issue once and for all, we must deal with the Goblin Horde and whoever or whatever is behind it. To this end, I would propose we invest some of the leftover money in travel. For a start, let us buy some horses to speed up our journeys across the countryside." 

He looks around at the faces, and hopes that they all agree with this course of action ... before taking the next step in his plan

"But of course horses cannot travel on the sea ... so I suggest that we also purchase a ship and hire some crew. This will be doubly useful. When needed, it can take us up and down the coast to avoid the Goblin siege, or even to visit our friends the villagers whom we settled on that island. Additionally, while we are busy inland the ship can be used to help supply the city with vital supplies and food." Z pauses and waits for the group to voice their opinion, but he sincerely thinks this is a good idea.

(Costs: Horses, Ships, Crew (Hirelings) So, I reckon:

Horses and feed would set us back 475gp to purchase including military saddles, plus 25cp per day for feed (negligible, given our budget).

A sailing ship would set us back 10,000gp and some running costs for crew (I'm thinking 5 officers, skilled at 2gp a day each, and maybe 10-20 crew at 2sp a day) should cost no more than 15gp per day.

All of this seems to be easily within the group's budget. Plus the sailing ship would probably cover some of its costs over time as it can make some trade trips while we are not using it. And it would certainly beat having to row ourselves each time [and risk getting lost each time]) 

Randall:

”Zenodor, your plan has great merit, though I think much of our travel may be expedited by this Carpet of Flying I found at the treasure hoard,” responds Randall.

(Randall got the biggest one—it goes the slowest, but will carry us all.)

(Whatever name you guys come up with for your group should have 'Flying' in front of it.)

Pepin is all for travelling over water, but understands that the carpet can be used aswell. 

(The carpet will be very very useful. But I'm thinking for a multi-day journey like to the Island, a ship would be much better. And we'd have a cabin with beds to rest in while the crew sail the ship - which will be hard to do on a carpet)

(Boats and ships are scarce as to most if not all be commandeered into service of Laurentiis to alleviate the pressures of the siege. Any new ships from afar would accept offers starting at 20% and above the going rate.)

Randall:

Randall will pitch in his share on the boat, if they can find one.  For now, he wants to work on getting Skrud ready to take leadership of the goblin army.

"Skrud not good at training! Not strong! Not like heavy lifting! Not like marching!"

The little goblin kicks at a loose pebble on the ground.

"How Skrud ever going to be King?"

(The costs for a ship will be incurred when Zenodor locates a suitable one.)

"Ah, but Skrud: Strength is not everything. Look at our group, some of us fight with strength, some with speed, and some with magic. We will be with you to support you and to act as your champions against King Moocus and his guards. A true leader does not always fight in the first rank, but often leads and inspires from the rear."

In the city, Z will try to work with Skrud (and the others) to try to teach him some basic skills useful for combat. Perhaps a little Rogue training. (I doubt we can get him much higher than his basic Goblin stat block, but a few skills and tricks may help)

"Skrud is quick."

He runs off a short distance, turns around, and runs back.

"And sneaky. Skrud could inspire from the rear."

Looking up from his book, Tempe joins "You seem very quick, but are you wise? Skrud? I am not strong like a fighter but lean and agile. Wisdom to know where to strike, and the speed to do so is just as powerful as raw power of strength, and can overcome strength." He goes into a Martial Arts training routine, to show Skrud how to fight with his hands and feet. Then bows to Skrud "Now you try." Tempe watches, calmly corrects, shows Skrud how to correctly make attacks and stances.

Randall:

”A leader must also be alert to his surroundings and to the attitudes of those around him,” says Randall, starting to share some of his tips and tricks for Perception and Insight.

Skrud listens to each of you in turn. When techniques and tactics are displayed he does his best to copy the moves physically. And when advice is offered he listens and nods trying his best to learn or at the very least remember what is said. Towards the end a smile forms on his little green face.

"Skrud will practice and try his best! Soon Skrud will be good enough to be King! Skrud happy to have good friends that want to help him!"

Pepin will help with Skurd aswell, and discusses with the others of what to do next. Do we think Skrud is ready or not?

"Skrud is ready! Skrud can do it with help from friends who slay black dragon! Skrud want to be king!"

And the little goblin begins hopping about, from one foot to the other, capering around like a child that's been promised a treat or toy.

Randall:

”So, what else can we teach Skrud while we wait for the armor to be ready,” asks Randall.