(( A bit out of sequence: Randy's reply to the Dragon born's questions about gods)).
Randy nods gravely at the question and takes a moment to think out his answer. "The gods I serve, Obad-Hai and the All-Mother, are allies of Coljin's gods. Obad-Hai is a forest god like Coljin's. He is a protector and conservator. As such, he is revered by many Rangers as a patron deity. The All-Mother is... a bit different. She is a progenitor deity, a creator, and looks at the peoples of this world as Her children. She tries to protect them and guide them, like any mother would. That does include disciplining them if they go too far astray, although it pains Her almost as much as it does us when She has to do so, and She gives people a chance to do the right thing and be forgiven and avoid punishment. She is like any mother and willing to do much and sacrifice much for Her children and to see them grow into good people." "Not all gods are benign. Some embody concepts such as war, pain, and hatred. Their followers are usually those are seeking power over others or enjoy causing pain. We consider those gods evil. They are often at war with the good gods. Much of the world's suffering can be directly laid at their feet. They will try to tempt or bully people into being their followers." "Gifts, blessings, miracles, plagues, and curses can be some of the ways that this struggle for followers manifest. They often reflect the personality of the deity involved. They are used to reward and punish, tempt and coerce the faithful and their enemies. A war god may make his followers near invincible, a harvest god may bring good crops, and a plague god may curse the enemies of their followers with disease. A healer god may cure that disease. The struggle between good and evil usually plays out between the faithful and not the deities themselves as a war directly between them would likely destroy the world. Only the most evil of gods would want that. Either that...or they are Outsiders. Elder gods from before the beginning of the world. They are completely alien and look at this world with what amounts to contempt, if you can interpret such alien thought as such. These beings are not worshiped by any but the insane. They are the Enemies of the All-Mother."
It's clear that Randy has given the young dragonborn a lot to consider.
"The elders want to establish shrines to the gods here, or at least allow those who worship them to claim a space so visitors can feel at home. Should we not allow bad gods to have their followers make shrines here, or would that make them angry?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Randy gives his head a firm shake no. "The evil ones are insidious and greedy and ALWAYS destructive in one way or another. They are never satisfied with a little. They want it all and really don't care how they get it and they won't worry too much about what happens to their followers."
"And if there is too much evil present it may very well bring down the wrath of the good gods in an effort to stop the spread. Remember this is a war between good and evil. There is no neutral. Just peoples who haven't declared yet. Ultimately everyone chooses. The good gods make an effort to protect their own. If that mean smiting a city, a region, or even a continent, so be it. They won't be happy about it, but they will do what they have to. The evil ones half the time will kill some of their own followers just to make sure they stay afraid of them. Or just because it amuses them. If a country burns because of their actions, they will not shed any tears on behalf of their dead servants."
"Coljin, Dornikal, and I can let you know about some of the ones to watch out for and which ones are good. We can also request the churches we represent to send those who specialize in teaching to you so that you can get a better understanding. That's with your permission, of course. After a while, you'll be able to start to figure out which churches you wish present and which ones you don't. I can't speak for the others, but I could try to make it a point to come back periodically to check on how you are doing and offer advice. My duties frequently require me to travel, but I suspect the churches I represent will probably make it a point to send me back here to follow up with you and act as a liaison. It's possible they may attach me to the missions that they send (again, with your permission) and this would become my home base."
Randy hesitates, thinking a bit, then gives some advice: "Now that you've got a place to build a town and claim for your own, I strongly advise that you build yourself a strong point that you can defend and protect your people. Towns and cities can attract raiders, particularly if you become known for valuable trade. Individually you're a match for most, but I don't know that you want to mix it up with an orc raiding party 200-300 strong either. Also, if traders feel safe here, you get more of them coming to do business with you. I would suggest a keep to start with and then add a wall around the main town. Dornikal can probably give you some suggestions on that as well."
They do have some facility with working stone, as shown by a unicorn statue showing up overnight, but most of their experience with protective structures is protection against the weather and the hazards of the desert, more than the hazards of 'civilized' folks. They'd send engineers to get input from Randy, Dornikal, and any others who have thoughts on layout/considerations for the city. Walling in the oasis would take quite an effort, but seems advisable.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dornikal is happy to show them the fundamentals of stone working and would add that it is advisable to also to map out and develop an underground networks of tunnels for defense as well as drainage and waste disposal. Having lived in a mountain most his life he can fill them in on the finer points of making sure they avoid the issues that commonly cause a 'waste' tunnel clog. He would confer with Kreldoran on if the old wizard has some plans for a larger dwarven clanhold's sewer system they could use for inspiration.
The stones quarried to make the tunnels can be converted to walls as a bonus!
For the shrine he will have them get him a head height (for him) boulder that he will roughly cut into the shape of a mountain and will carve the triangular symbol of a gemstone inside a Celtic knot into it four times in the cardinal points of the compass. He with then in dwarven, common and (with Randy's help) draconic write out the basic tenets of the religion:
That which is hidden is precious, and that which is precious shall stay hidden.
Seek to enhance the natural beauty of Dumathoin's gifts and go with, not against, the contours of the deeps.
Beauty is the exploration, discovery and the crafting, not the holding.
Keep the places of our dead inviolate and well tended; the noble ancestors of all peoples will neither be robbed nor moved through the actions of thieves and defilers.
Abide not undead creatures
He would also advise them to add the symbol at the mouth of the mine and write out the dogma, in Draconic is fine. Once the one in town was completed he'd go about the work of consecrating it, mostly prayers and having dragonborn come with raw gemstones and metals which he would place against the stone and intone a prayer to Dumathoin to grant its owner inspiration in its creation.
He'd also like to give a short sermon, that if Kreldoran is feeling nice and properly pious, he'll cast tongues on Dornikal so he can do it properly and extol the tenets and explain the Dumathoin welcomes all, but especially those that work and craft stones and the earth, those that explore and those that honor and protect the dead and their memories.
Persuasion/performance to see if he can get someone interested: 8
They get thrown off by the practice of storing dead, a few them pointing out that if your were to burn your dead, you wouldn't have to worry about them standing up and roaming about. A few were confused, thinking that you're advocating stocking dead like a pantry for when times are lean.
The gem stuff they understand more, but aren't sure this religion is for them. They do still permit a shrine to be built to your specifications though.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Dornikal is bewildered by their jumping to eating the dead so quickly.
"Uh, no. Ye don't actually have to keep them. Aye actually should have clarified that better... Ye are to honor them, not store them or eat them. Aye...uh."
He turns back to the stone he wrote everything in as people wander off and considers maybe updating that line but sighs and shakes his head.
"Aye'm going to need to find someone that can explain this better. In draconian."
Randy smiles with some amusement at Dornikal's predicament. "I think what Dornikal is trying to say is that we don't store the dead in a location, but we honor their memory their, a memorial so to speak. And that those memorials should not be disturbed or plundered by thieves or those of evil intent."
Randy takes the time to show them the holy symbols of both Obad-hai and the All-Mother, drawing them out on parchment. He explains their tenets as best he can. "Bear in mind, I'm just an acolyte, not a proper cleric. I would be considered a junior priest at best. My main job is to help defend the peoples, not convert them to my faith."
They nod when Randy declines to expand on the simple drawings, but the following day show him simple stone plinths with the holy symbols of his gods worked into them, in an area that is quickly becoming home to shrines to the various gods your party follows.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Randy thanks them for kindness and consideration. He then conducts a ceremony of blessing for each shrine, in the manner appropriate to the faith, mentally asking the All Mother forgiveness for his presumption and lack of appropriate garb.
Afterwards, he writes letters to both the order of Obad-Hai and the church at Circle Vale explaining the situation, and that missionaries of excellent character and who speak draconic are needed to further the work here. He plans to give the letters to caravan heading the right direction. He then realizes that "here" doesn't have a name yet that he's aware of. He brings this up with the elders and asks what they plan to name their city?
They tell Randy that it will be called "Ahim Adura", which when the modernize and translate it for him, it means something along the lines of 'here, this far, the destination'.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Randy nods and thanks them. He closes his letters with "From the new dragon born city of Ahim Adura, on the caravan trail to Eastmont. Your servant, Randerwaith Buckthorn, ranger acolyte of the Church of Obad-Hai, Liaison to the Church of the All-Mother."
Randy looks at the closing line, grimaces. "Feels pretentious every time I write that, but if I don't, they'll ignore me. They still might..." Randy made it a point NOT to discuss in his letters the fact that there are gem mines here, just alluding to possible valuable trade and a safe point on the caravan route now exists. He doesn't want to alert bandits to the existence of the mines. This includes those that work for supposedly "friendly" nations. He cautions the city elders not to go out of their way to advertise their wealth in resources until they have their defenses up to speed, including a well trained militia. "Once your wealth becomes known, I wouldn't be surprised if another country tries to annex you for your own "protection." You may choose to allow it, if you can get a good deal in return for the tribute they are sure to lay on you. You can also choose to remain independent...but you may have to fight for it at a later date. Your mines are both a blessing and a curse. They are going to bring you attention both good and bad. Once trade gets going, you will need to patrol the region to keep bandits away and prevent raiding parties or military adventurers from sneaking up on you. You may want to see if you can recruit a master of arms and an armorer to fully equip and train your people. " He smiles. "You should be able to afford good ones. You might talk to Dornikal about the armorer. The dwarves are famous for the quality of their work, and provided that you treat with the generously, they make steadfast allies. You might be able to recruit dwarven miners to help with mines as well. They should be able to help increase your production. If you want jewelers, the dwarves and the elves come highly recommended. I don't recommend using mercenaries as a general rule as they can be untrustworthy. Hiring them to guard a caravan is one thing, hiring them to guard your walls is something completely else. They can be bribed. For your own defense, you should use your own people."
(( A bit out of sequence: Randy's reply to the Dragon born's questions about gods)).
Randy nods gravely at the question and takes a moment to think out his answer.
"The gods I serve, Obad-Hai and the All-Mother, are allies of Coljin's gods. Obad-Hai is a forest god like Coljin's. He is a protector and conservator. As such, he is revered by many Rangers as a patron deity. The All-Mother is... a bit different. She is a progenitor deity, a creator, and looks at the peoples of this world as Her children. She tries to protect them and guide them, like any mother would. That does include disciplining them if they go too far astray, although it pains Her almost as much as it does us when She has to do so, and She gives people a chance to do the right thing and be forgiven and avoid punishment. She is like any mother and willing to do much and sacrifice much for Her children and to see them grow into good people."
"Not all gods are benign. Some embody concepts such as war, pain, and hatred. Their followers are usually those are seeking power over others or enjoy causing pain. We consider those gods evil. They are often at war with the good gods. Much of the world's suffering can be directly laid at their feet. They will try to tempt or bully people into being their followers."
"Gifts, blessings, miracles, plagues, and curses can be some of the ways that this struggle for followers manifest. They often reflect the personality of the deity involved. They are used to reward and punish, tempt and coerce the faithful and their enemies. A war god may make his followers near invincible, a harvest god may bring good crops, and a plague god may curse the enemies of their followers with disease. A healer god may cure that disease. The struggle between good and evil usually plays out between the faithful and not the deities themselves as a war directly between them would likely destroy the world. Only the most evil of gods would want that. Either that...or they are Outsiders. Elder gods from before the beginning of the world. They are completely alien and look at this world with what amounts to contempt, if you can interpret such alien thought as such. These beings are not worshiped by any but the insane. They are the Enemies of the All-Mother."
It's clear that Randy has given the young dragonborn a lot to consider.
"The elders want to establish shrines to the gods here, or at least allow those who worship them to claim a space so visitors can feel at home. Should we not allow bad gods to have their followers make shrines here, or would that make them angry?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Randy gives his head a firm shake no. "The evil ones are insidious and greedy and ALWAYS destructive in one way or another. They are never satisfied with a little. They want it all and really don't care how they get it and they won't worry too much about what happens to their followers."
"And if there is too much evil present it may very well bring down the wrath of the good gods in an effort to stop the spread. Remember this is a war between good and evil. There is no neutral. Just peoples who haven't declared yet. Ultimately everyone chooses. The good gods make an effort to protect their own. If that mean smiting a city, a region, or even a continent, so be it. They won't be happy about it, but they will do what they have to. The evil ones half the time will kill some of their own followers just to make sure they stay afraid of them. Or just because it amuses them. If a country burns because of their actions, they will not shed any tears on behalf of their dead servants."
"How do we know? If someone says that there's no shrine to... to... Lumpy Nose, and ask if they can make one, how do we know whether to let them?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"Coljin, Dornikal, and I can let you know about some of the ones to watch out for and which ones are good. We can also request the churches we represent to send those who specialize in teaching to you so that you can get a better understanding. That's with your permission, of course. After a while, you'll be able to start to figure out which churches you wish present and which ones you don't. I can't speak for the others, but I could try to make it a point to come back periodically to check on how you are doing and offer advice. My duties frequently require me to travel, but I suspect the churches I represent will probably make it a point to send me back here to follow up with you and act as a liaison. It's possible they may attach me to the missions that they send (again, with your permission) and this would become my home base."
They seem greatly relieved by those assurances, thanking you again.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Dornikal would be thrilled to build them a shrine and show them the basics of worship!
Randy hesitates, thinking a bit, then gives some advice: "Now that you've got a place to build a town and claim for your own, I strongly advise that you build yourself a strong point that you can defend and protect your people. Towns and cities can attract raiders, particularly if you become known for valuable trade. Individually you're a match for most, but I don't know that you want to mix it up with an orc raiding party 200-300 strong either. Also, if traders feel safe here, you get more of them coming to do business with you. I would suggest a keep to start with and then add a wall around the main town. Dornikal can probably give you some suggestions on that as well."
They do have some facility with working stone, as shown by a unicorn statue showing up overnight, but most of their experience with protective structures is protection against the weather and the hazards of the desert, more than the hazards of 'civilized' folks. They'd send engineers to get input from Randy, Dornikal, and any others who have thoughts on layout/considerations for the city. Walling in the oasis would take quite an effort, but seems advisable.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((Looking at the Kasbah model for now: a fortified town or section of town, open to trade but can be buttoned up quickly if trouble shows up.))
Dornikal is happy to show them the fundamentals of stone working and would add that it is advisable to also to map out and develop an underground networks of tunnels for defense as well as drainage and waste disposal. Having lived in a mountain most his life he can fill them in on the finer points of making sure they avoid the issues that commonly cause a 'waste' tunnel clog. He would confer with Kreldoran on if the old wizard has some plans for a larger dwarven clanhold's sewer system they could use for inspiration.
The stones quarried to make the tunnels can be converted to walls as a bonus!
For the shrine he will have them get him a head height (for him) boulder that he will roughly cut into the shape of a mountain and will carve the triangular symbol of a gemstone inside a Celtic knot into it four times in the cardinal points of the compass. He with then in dwarven, common and (with Randy's help) draconic write out the basic tenets of the religion:
He would also advise them to add the symbol at the mouth of the mine and write out the dogma, in Draconic is fine. Once the one in town was completed he'd go about the work of consecrating it, mostly prayers and having dragonborn come with raw gemstones and metals which he would place against the stone and intone a prayer to Dumathoin to grant its owner inspiration in its creation.
He'd also like to give a short sermon, that if Kreldoran is feeling nice and properly pious, he'll cast tongues on Dornikal so he can do it properly and extol the tenets and explain the Dumathoin welcomes all, but especially those that work and craft stones and the earth, those that explore and those that honor and protect the dead and their memories.
Persuasion/performance to see if he can get someone interested: 8
((Roll with advantage.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((Dumathoin bless you Spider!
2))
((Clearly not Dornikal's crowd. It was a crit fail.))
They get thrown off by the practice of storing dead, a few them pointing out that if your were to burn your dead, you wouldn't have to worry about them standing up and roaming about. A few were confused, thinking that you're advocating stocking dead like a pantry for when times are lean.
The gem stuff they understand more, but aren't sure this religion is for them. They do still permit a shrine to be built to your specifications though.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((Haha!))
Dornikal is bewildered by their jumping to eating the dead so quickly.
"Uh, no. Ye don't actually have to keep them. Aye actually should have clarified that better... Ye are to honor them, not store them or eat them. Aye...uh."
He turns back to the stone he wrote everything in as people wander off and considers maybe updating that line but sighs and shakes his head.
"Aye'm going to need to find someone that can explain this better. In draconian."
Randy smiles with some amusement at Dornikal's predicament. "I think what Dornikal is trying to say is that we don't store the dead in a location, but we honor their memory their, a memorial so to speak. And that those memorials should not be disturbed or plundered by thieves or those of evil intent."
Randy takes the time to show them the holy symbols of both Obad-hai and the All-Mother, drawing them out on parchment. He explains their tenets as best he can. "Bear in mind, I'm just an acolyte, not a proper cleric. I would be considered a junior priest at best. My main job is to help defend the peoples, not convert them to my faith."
They nod when Randy declines to expand on the simple drawings, but the following day show him simple stone plinths with the holy symbols of his gods worked into them, in an area that is quickly becoming home to shrines to the various gods your party follows.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Randy thanks them for kindness and consideration. He then conducts a ceremony of blessing for each shrine, in the manner appropriate to the faith, mentally asking the All Mother forgiveness for his presumption and lack of appropriate garb.
Afterwards, he writes letters to both the order of Obad-Hai and the church at Circle Vale explaining the situation, and that missionaries of excellent character and who speak draconic are needed to further the work here. He plans to give the letters to caravan heading the right direction. He then realizes that "here" doesn't have a name yet that he's aware of. He brings this up with the elders and asks what they plan to name their city?
They tell Randy that it will be called "Ahim Adura", which when the modernize and translate it for him, it means something along the lines of 'here, this far, the destination'.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Randy nods and thanks them. He closes his letters with "From the new dragon born city of Ahim Adura, on the caravan trail to Eastmont. Your servant, Randerwaith Buckthorn, ranger acolyte of the Church of Obad-Hai, Liaison to the Church of the All-Mother."
Randy looks at the closing line, grimaces. "Feels pretentious every time I write that, but if I don't, they'll ignore me. They still might..." Randy made it a point NOT to discuss in his letters the fact that there are gem mines here, just alluding to possible valuable trade and a safe point on the caravan route now exists. He doesn't want to alert bandits to the existence of the mines. This includes those that work for supposedly "friendly" nations. He cautions the city elders not to go out of their way to advertise their wealth in resources until they have their defenses up to speed, including a well trained militia. "Once your wealth becomes known, I wouldn't be surprised if another country tries to annex you for your own "protection." You may choose to allow it, if you can get a good deal in return for the tribute they are sure to lay on you. You can also choose to remain independent...but you may have to fight for it at a later date. Your mines are both a blessing and a curse. They are going to bring you attention both good and bad. Once trade gets going, you will need to patrol the region to keep bandits away and prevent raiding parties or military adventurers from sneaking up on you. You may want to see if you can recruit a master of arms and an armorer to fully equip and train your people. " He smiles. "You should be able to afford good ones. You might talk to Dornikal about the armorer. The dwarves are famous for the quality of their work, and provided that you treat with the generously, they make steadfast allies. You might be able to recruit dwarven miners to help with mines as well. They should be able to help increase your production. If you want jewelers, the dwarves and the elves come highly recommended. I don't recommend using mercenaries as a general rule as they can be untrustworthy. Hiring them to guard a caravan is one thing, hiring them to guard your walls is something completely else. They can be bribed. For your own defense, you should use your own people."