[X] Accept the deal. Receive gear forged by Hephaestus himself to slay the woman in the mountains, and in return a forge will be erected for the God of Smiths.
-[X] That we with the meager comprehension of mortals might serve you best, we beg clarification.
--[X] How long a span of patience will you allow us to complete this task?
--[X] Are there any rules you would impose upon the mortal use of lands surrounding your forge, that your privacy should not be disturbed?
[X] Accept the deal. Receive gear forged by Hephaestus himself to slay the woman in the mountains, and in return a forge will be erected for the God of Smiths.
-[X] That we with the meager comprehension of mortals might serve you best, we beg clarification.
--[X] How long a span of patience will you allow us to complete this task?
--[X] Are there any rules you would impose upon the mortal use of lands surrounding your forge, that your privacy should not be disturbed?
So - reinvent the greek pantheon (or the parts we want to keep) as a roman one, incorporate the local god(esse)s, and perhaps have a happy marriage between !Demeter and Gradivus.
So - reinvent the greek pantheon (or the parts we want to keep) as a roman one, incorporate the local god(esse)s, and perhaps have a happy marriage between !Demeter and Gradivus.
Seeing as they are half a year old, they are currently rather busy sticking things into their mouths and filling up their diapers. You know, important child-of-prophecy stuff.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Dec 18, 2018 at 5:32 AM, finished with 1034 posts and 20 votes.
[X] Accept the deal. Receive gear forged by Hephaestus himself to slay the woman in the mountains, and in return a forge will be erected for the God of Smiths.
[X] Accept the deal. Receive gear forged by Hephaestus himself to slay the woman in the mountains, and in return a forge will be erected for the God of Smiths. -[X] That we with the meager comprehension of mortals might serve you best, we beg clarification. --[X] How long a span of patience will you allow us to complete this task? --[X] Are there any rules you would impose upon the mortal use of lands surrounding your forge, that your privacy should not be disturbed?
Argurios Alexis was far indeed from a coward, that he had proved many a time, but he was not such a fool as to deny a god who stood before him under the light of day, not even a god as even-tempered as the Smith. It would be a hard task whatever the path they chose, but hard tasks made hard men, and they would need that strength in the days to come no less than the blessings of Hephaestus
So spoke the young lord before the Lord of the Forge: "Hear then my pledge, oh Giver of Flame, and through me that of all my people—you will have your forge where you may toil in peace even as we of Hyphyria found shelter on this foreign shore."
The idol alight with the power of the god nodded, its fiery gaze seeming to weigh the man by some arcane measure known only to him.
So be it, then!said the god, his voice alike to the roaring of the forge fire. He placed the blacked bronze onto the anvil of stone and struck it with his hammer, so mighty a blow that it seemed to shake the earth, but lo, the spearhead did not break but grew like a young shoot springing forth from a seed, a shaft of bronze springing from the tip. Letters bright as forge embers spiraled around the haft telling the tale of Hyphyria, brief as it yet was, of desperate flight and budding hope.
These words the Forge Father spoke onto his children then:Take up this spear in the name of your city that with each great victory you may honor it as you do me.
"I will... Lord." It was not the fire that made Argurios short of breath then, but the knowledge that so much would ride upon his shoulders. For the first time since the king had given him the mantle of Strategos the young man knew doubt for the enormity of the task ahead of him.
The god nodded, then there was silence for a long moment but for the crackling of the flames. Then the idol spoke again with a sort of gruff amusement, as a parent addressing a young child. Place your armor upon the altar, Argurios. Your flesh would make a poor anvil.
The young lord would have blushed crimson had his cheeks not already been ruddy from the heat, but he did not feel the bite of bitter shame as he so often did when others pointed out a fault. Instead a startled laugh burst from his lips. The king laughed with him, and even Semni smiled without her usual edge of mockery. "At once, Wise One."
Thus went the armor upon the stone. Just as the haft of wood had done, the belts and straps burned away to ash until only the bronze remained, patterns of leaping flame beaten into it by the strength of the Smith's own hammer.
Gained Artifact Spear and Armor
Vestments of Hephaestus
Artifact Spear and Artifact Armor
Base Damage: Combat + 1
Armor Rating: 8
Qualities: Piercing 2 (Ignores 2 AR.)
Special: Wearer gains +1 to Combat while wearing the Vestments.
As the will of the god left the idol so did it sunder into naught but ash and a puddle of melted bronze, a sign for all present of how much the artisans of Hyphyria had to work for the glory of their patron.
***
Much rejoicing there was that Fall for knowing that the hand of the Smith has showed itself in some fortuitous a way, and many were those who looked upon the arms and armor of Argurios with awe and wonder, but there was other talk of bronze also, not worked by the divine but simple mortal hands.
Court Organization: Major Success
Twas this that troubled Isidoros as he balanced his tablets and the polite, but insistent words of the artisans. Stone for the masons they would find and wood there was aplenty, but bronze Hyphyria had only so much as it could trade for with the Earth Folk and the Shepherds. The locals had but a little even among themselves. Bronze was a thing for the fortunate and wealthy, for chiefs and for priests, but the budding city hungered for more of the bright metal.
It was that very lack, however, that impelled the smiths to be most accommodating to the king's desires and wish to have his ear as swiftly as possible.
What do you?
[] Pledge to build a quarry within 5 seasons (On completion gain an Oikonomos from among the masons)
[] Take on one of the bronze smiths as Oikonomos (Gain an administrative hero immediately with a strong agenda to obtain more bronze supplies)
***
As the people of Hyphyria looked towards the winter they were content in seeing that the stocks could see them through the cold months and that they had gathered enough tools and supplies by trade and the work of their hands to continue growing their city.
Winter is again upon you, though it is mild enough that the city can grow even under its dominion.
Choose one action each:
[] Isidoros
[] Argurios
[] Semni
Available Actions
-[] Organize Patrols
Now that some order has been reestablished in the military, it might be time to organize a better defense for Hyphyria. The lands around the city are full of hidden tracks and passages that could be used to move undetected, so patrolling them might make all the difference if foes approach. (Requires one action per area to set up.)
--[] The Northern Forests
--[] The Eastern Mountains
--[] Along the river to the sea.
--[] The Southern Forests (may cause issues with the Woodsfolk if done without their agreement).
--[] By ship, along the coastline. (Requires one Galley Squadron, can take along one land unit per squadron).
--[] Write-In units to station in the area. Check: Warfare - Strategy
-[] Start an Expedition
The immediate surroundings of Hyphyria are decently explored by now, but what lies beyond the mountains and the forests? It will require a decent force and quite some time to learn more about the lands, but it might yield interesting finds.
--[] Write-In Target
--[] Write-In Units to send Check: Warfare - Strategy
Hero Unit will not be available while the expedition is ongoing and might need to perform other checks, depending on the events.
-[] Start an Invasion
So far you have not seen any place in these lands that boasted a decent force of warriors. The people here might be quarrelsome, but they are no match for Greek soldiers. It might be time to exploit this.
--[] Write-In Target
--[] Write-In Units to send
--[] Write-In War-Goal (Salve Raid, Conquest, etc.) Starts War-Turns
-[] Organize a proper court.
It is past time that Hyphyria gains a proper court. With the military, the artisans and the priests having returned to some semblance of order, all the is left is to fill the palace with life as it deserves. Hyphyria will be a refugee camp no longer, but a proper Greek city. Time Needed: Unknown
Check: Rulership - Administration
Note: A construction project takes one action to start and will then continue without the need for further attention. Costs are consumed per turn, and if the costs can't be paid, construction stalls. Should the construction stall too long, progress might be lost.
-[] Small Palisade
While the amount of lumber left over from the ships doesn't suffice anymore to see this done, you could still build a small palisade around each hill. It would separate parts of the city in case of an attack and not protect the farmlands, but it is cheap and better then nothing.
Construction Cost: 4 Wealth / Turn
Time: 1 Turn
Upkeep: 1 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Administration
-[] Large Palisade
Some of proposed to use the fresh lumber for a grander defensive work. By encircling all the villages and some land around it too, you could protect Hyphyria much better and even the farms would be wholly enclosed by this defense.
Construction Cost: 4 Wealth / Turn
Time: 4 Turns
Upkeep: 2 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Administration
-[] Logging Camp
The forest to the north is ample and there is little reason to not expand your logging operations.
Construction Cost: 3 Wealth / Turn
Time: 1 Turn
Upkeep: 1 Wealth / Turn
Income: 1d6 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Trade
-[] Limestone Quarry
The masons who have fled Orchomenos would like to get back to work and a source of stone would certainly help other construction efforts.
Construction Cost: 5 Wealth / Turn
Time: 4 Turns
Upkeep: 3 Wealth / Turn
Income: 2d6 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Trade
-[] Pottery Kilns
With pottery being so appreciated by the locals the city might be well served increasing production.
Construction Cost: 2 Wealth / Turn
Time: 3 Turns
Upkeep: 1 Wealth / Turn
Income: 1d6 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Trade
-[] Olive Grove
Back in Greece, one of the most common trading goods is olive oil, highly sought after for its taste and the ability to preserve foods.
Converts one Farmstead to a Olive Grove. The building will not produce anything during conversion.
Construction Cost: 1 Wealth / Turn
Time: 20 Turns
Upkeep: 1 Wealth / Turn
Income: 1d6 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Trade
-[] Vineyard
What would a feast be without wine? And what drink should be sacrificed to the gods? Goat milk? It is time to produce wine in Hyphyria, lest it forget the taste altogether.
Converts one Farmstead to a Vineyard. The building will not produce anything during conversion.
Construction Cost: 2 Wealth / Turn
Time: 4 Turns
Upkeep: 1 Wealth / Turn
Income: 1d6 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Trade
-[] Drain the Valleys
The valleys between the hills of Hyphyria are fertile, but too wet to grow anything there. With the preliminary plans drawn up, it is time to start the long project of claiming this rich soil.
Construction Cost: 2 Wealth / Turn
Time: 12 Turns
Upkeep: 2 Wealth / Turn Check: Rulership - Administration & Learning - Sciences
-[] Send someone to negotiate with the local people to deepen ties or heal past insults.
--[] The Woodsfolk
--[] The Northern Villages
--[] The Mountain Shepherds
---[] (Optional) Bring gifts: Write-In amount of Supplies or Wealth to gift
-[] Attract Workers
Hyphyria is yet small and able hands sometimes in short supply. It might be possible to convince some people from the other settlements to settle under Greek rule.
--[] Write-In Target
--[] (Optional) Offer incentives: Write-In how much Wealth to spend. Check: Diplomacy - Charm
-[] Start Trading
While the locals have no great desire for lumber or wool, the talks with the shepherds have revealed that many would be keen to buy Hyphyrian pottery. With some effort, regular trade could be established, profiting all involved and forging closer ties between them.
--[] Write-In Target Check: Diplomacy - Multiple
-[] Sacrifice to the Gods
The gods are fickle beings and demand obedience and sacrifices from mortal men. Those who do not make offerings to them tend to draw their ire while those willing to render unto them great riches might earn their love.
--[] Write-In which God
--[] Write-In amount of Supplies or Wealth to offer Check: Learning - Mysticism
-[] Study Local Legends
Strange tales are told by those daring to venture close to the Woodsfolk's forests, and even Argurios seemed spooked by something uncanny on his latest journey. Maybe it would help to learn from the local people what manner of things stalk the nights in these lands.
Check: Learning - Mysticism
-[] Study Local Faiths
Little do the Hyphyrians know about the gods of the land, even though they seem to somewhat resemble those of Greece. It would be wise to learn more about these beings, lest the people draw their ire unknowingly. Check: Learning - Mysticism
[] Trade Wealth for Supplies at a 1:1 rate with your trading partners.
-[] Write-In how much.
Note: Can trade a maximum of 1d6 + 1d3 units per turn.
[] Trade Supplies for Wealth at a 1:1 rate with your trading partners.
-[] Write-In how much.
OOC: You guys had some pretty good rolls all around especially for resources.
So, we made a promise to Haephaestus and got a gift. And in medium range there are two more or less dormant vulcanoes. Seems like a good idea to demonstrate somehow we are working on keeping our promise - perhaps a patrol to check out the mentioned sites? Or first asking our neighbours what they know?
Initial thoughts:
Put Semni on researching the monster infested location
Send Argurios to secure the limestone quarry location
Have Isidoros set up the quarry.
I'm assuming the monster will come for Argurios if we expose him even a little. That might make having him at the quarry site a bad idea.
Initial thought and a reservation I have about that thought. The quarry needs to be secured. We need stone as prep for a whole bunch of things. Argurios is our best bet for securing the stone. Argurios needs to kill the monster. Sending him out will result in him fighting the monster. If he succeeds early then that would allow the quarry to start sooner rather than later, if he fails it would probably tank both actions.
Probably want to delay setting up the quarry, not sure what to do with Isidoros.
Initial thought and a reservation I have about that thought. The quarry needs to be secured. We need stone as prep for a whole bunch of things. Argurios is our best bet for securing the stone. Argurios needs to kill the monster. Sending him out will result in him fighting the monster. If he succeeds early then that would allow the quarry to start sooner rather than later, if he fails it would probably tank both actions.
Probably want to delay setting up the quarry, not sure what to do with Isidoros.
But we want to fight the monster, don't we? Or you want to delay until the local legends about it can be researched? Either way, Argurios got the Forge God-made artifact gear, which means he is approaching OP levels. He fought the creature to a draw beforehand, and he certainly can do it now, barring poor RNG.
Delaying the quarry until next turn is viable only if we pick the 'Oikonomos now' option, as otherwise we will have 4 turns to build a Quarry to acquire an Oikonomos, and the Quarry itself takes 4 turns. Anything delays the quarry, and we are down a hero unit.
To clarify: yes, we want him to fight the monster. What I'm not sure about is having him fight the monster right next door to our initial quarrying efforts.
We could send him elsewhere, but that would mean that the quarry site would be exposed to any other threats.
The more I think, the more it seems like it might be worth the risk.
