"Pathfinder Campaign - A Call to Arms - S40" Topic

SESSION 40: TRONE AXLAUFF

Trone Axlauff knows that he was fortunate to be born into a strong Chelaxian noble family, even if top-tier Barons are not as powerful as or as wealthy as the loftier peerages. Father (Fighter 3, Noble 3) is 2nd generation Baron and he worked hard to expand the diversity and income of the estate, while Mother (cleric 2, Noble 4, she was a Temple Alter Attendant in training) continually sought not just to look after the spiritual welfare of the family and the families stock, but to aid the political maneuverings to gain advantage against their neighbors.

At a very young age, on one of the innumerable days Trone was dragged to the estates large Temple to Asmodius, he witnessed a compact between the family and a lesser devil, brokered by mother. What price was paid he'd never know, but life seemed somewhat easier thereafter, more opportunities presented themselves for the family, there was prosperity in the Axlauff landhold. Experiencing the full on power and aura of a devil made a great impact upon the young Trone, forever imprinting upon him a deep respect of the infernal, as well as a deep lust for their aid and power.

Growing up was not easy despite being surrounded by relative luxury. The youngest of 4 brothers, Trone seemed to reap the frustrations of his older brothers as their anger flowed downhill one by one. Lessons drubbed into him were retained and utilized later, Trone absolving to never let pass his tutelage at his siblings fists, feet, and swords. Trone did find companionship in the young ruffians of the landhold workers young, and even the occasional salve stock. Roughhousing had it's uses and taught further lessons on how o deal with groups, how to coordinate with allies, and how to take advantage of the enemy when his back was turned. This stood him in good stead when he and his father visited Court. Being of noble birth did no good when you were lower on the social ladder than many of the other noble's kids, eager to vent their spleen or sadism on those they could target. Once again, operating with a group became essential, and Trone found he could lead as well as follow. His piety made him a target, his experiences made him a hard target.

The journey to and from court were eye opening to Trone. Along the way the he and his father stayed at several estates of friends and acquaintances and Trone was able to observe many different managerial styles. Father was a harsh and unforgiving Lord over his lands and stock, Trone witnessing several punishments and executions over the years. But during this travel he saw that the carrot could be used just as well as the stick, though the stick should never be very far away. Even outright reward had its uses in dealing with the slaves and stock. Father did not agree, and several heated conversations and outright arguments were had, especially if Trone attempted to stand up for any of the families' slaves or stock. Father only viewed one way to deal with his lessers, and it was always harshly.

When an ailment laid father low, leaving him too weak to continually run the estate he turned the families' affairs over to Srond, the oldest brother. Srond had never liked Trone, and soon tempers boiled over. When they were young Srond would always tease that he wished Trone had been sacrificed instead of their sister, a sister everyone else assured Trone never existed. And once in power, Srond made no bones about the role Trone would play in the families' affairs: none what so ever. Mother interceded and Trone was given a small endowment and sent on his way.

Now his future is wide open, and Trone heads east to meet a childhood friend, the son of his mother's best friend whom is now a Priest of Asmodius. Rumor of adventure, glory, riches and possible land grants for service in the borderlands drives Trone forward with dreams to build his own dynasty, one not dependent on the whims and capriciousness of his self righteous older brother. Perhaps he can commit deeds glorious enough to attract the attention of one of the nether powers, and maybe he can bind his own pact and the power it contains. It is a good dream, and an attainable one.

Reaching the Keep on the borderlands Trone soon Finds Lothar at The Salty Tusk.

They'll travel to the caves of chaos tomorrow.

DEW

Guys a valid query has been made about the evil party and player vs player confrontations.

Personally I'm of the view that there shouldn't be player vs player shenanigans (such as manipulating the locals against other players, actual combat, victimizing someone while they are vulnerable etc) as it can tend to lead to some bad outcomes. I feel bad enough as a DM when a character gets killed by a monster let alone by another character (although I realise that the potential of getting killed is what makes the game quite thrilling, and as we've seen I let the dice gods decide if someone gets zotted or not).

So the intent of bringing in the second party was to allow a few more people to play rather than to create a power struggle.

But none the less lets put it to the vote.

Do people believe that there should be player shenanigans. Please vote:
- Yes there should be shenanigans. I'd love to see the characters plot, scheme against and kill each other
- No there should not be shenanigans. I want everyone to have a little restraint, afterall there are plenty of monsters to kill without the need for characters to attack characters

Either post your vote directly to the forum or email me at:
dewpathfindercampaign@gmail.com

Even though, as I've stated above my move is for a NO, this is not a strong feeling and I'm pretty cool either way so what ever you guys reckon would make for a better game (for the players) and better reading (for the lurkers). If you're not a player please feel free to vote to.

DEW

Opt out, I have no experience to know if this is a good or bad idea.

I vote NO Player v. Player.

We are all adults and all, but there is too much potential for one or more players to be ultimately frustrated with the game instead of having fun, which is the goal for us all.

I don't necessarily see that the parties HAVE to have conflict with each other, and could even work together. In honesty, neither party is "good" or "evil" ( I mean, look at the genocide the "good" party is committing!), but I think it would make sense to see them deal differently with the locals and maybe come into conflict as far as ideology goes. There'd be nothing to gain from fighting each other, especially if both parties are doing good work for the community. Though this is the borderlands, it is still under Chelaxian Law (is that correct?) or at least the Castllan has laws set up for the community and all would have to abide by them. Besides, it just wouldn't be cool or even very "realistic".

So, I vote NO on player vs player fighting unless it becomes absolutely necessary, or becomes part of the plot of the game. I would have no problem being poleaxed by another player if it were justified or for the greater good of the story. I"m here for fortune and glory, not to hose other players.

I also vote no…. easy to coexist in the same space, and whi said this party was particularly good?

No direct PvP, but it'll be interesting to see how Sarenrae's wandering priestess/cleric interacts with all these Asmodeans!

I would imagine so long as everyone remained polite, and unless she personally witnesses cruelty, she'd be not liking, but tolerating.

It all depends on how the DM decides to "display" a Lawful Evil society.

I'm looking forward to how this party tackle the orcs with only 4 combatants.

So I think that's a pretty convincing No.

All good.

Let's proceed.

DEW