Billgar
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ProvinceK, so in order to give you some more GC here is another writing assignment.
As you all know to the west there is Lake Validus(home to the validian serpent). If the capital of Nocte were to decide that there should be a province of Validus (or Validus Province), what would you do with it?
*proposal may be in the RP form or a description of how you would set up the sub forum, or a combination of both*
All who submit will be awarded between 100 and 500 GC
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Archaic
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Friday the 18th of July in the year of the rat:
I am writing this for two reasons: I am bored and there is no one to fight, and I have recently stumbled upon a great plot of land to the west of the capital. This land by Lake Validus is actually rather large, but due to the serpent infestation (how I wish to slaughter some of them) it is not all together desirable to say the least. However, I have a great plan to put this province to use while stimulating the kingdom’s economy.
After walking around the land which I estimate to be about 50 square acres, there is many different options that I could do, and due to that I was actually able to put aside from psychotic nature in favor for a more stern and business like thinking. The first idea that I think should be utilized is the lake itself. At first the serpents will indeed prove to be a bit troublesome, but I do have a few ideas of how to be rid of them. The first of these ideas is to simply send Koku after them to decimate them, but doing that will only provide entertainment (to be elaborated on later) and thus ultimately prove ineffective. Therefore the other idea I had was to simply set up a barricade to separate the tourists from the water and thus protect them from the serpents, but lets face it, the lake is highly soothing and thus this would only run some of the charm of the place. Lastly is my idea to simply add poison to the water and kill them off this way. Sure it would require a lot of poison, but in doing this it gets rid of all the serpents and the poison eventually disappears. When the serpents do gradually return, either I or someone else can simply pick them off one at a time and thus the problem is solved.
After getting rid of the serpents I plan to divide the lake itself into a few sections itself as to provide entertainment. The first of these sections will be an aquarium that shows off the aquatic animals of Nocte. This will, for the most part, not be located on the actual lake itself, but rather right on the shore of the lake with a section of it jutting off into the lake. Inside the building could be the typical assortment of aquatic animals living in simulated environments. However, outside in the lake itself I shall allow a few serpents to swim, but only in encasements made of either metal of glass, assuming it’s strong enough. The second of these portions will go up and occupy about a third of the lake. This section will be used for people to swim in and thus Nocte will get a beach located closer to the capital than presently available. The third section shall be the deep middle of the lake and would be used to people to fish in on boats. Finally there would be the underwater cages where people would have a chance to fight captive (and angry) serpents.
Now then, there is the question of what to do with the land itself. I propose having of course an elaborate building to house the head of the province. Next to this building shall be the temple devoted to the aquatic god of Nocte. There shall also be a few hotels for tourists to stay, and in said hotels could be cuisine unique to the lake and the ingredients found freshly around the lake. This would thus include a lot of fresh fish dishes as well as drinks made up with the herbs found around the lake, and of course fish blood and other natural ingredients. (Man I could really go for a fresh glass of blood right now… wonder where Beanbaker is?) To occupy a lot of other room there will of course be houses for not only the heroes of Nocte, but also the citizens who are sure to want to move to the location. In the middle of the province, I propose a large park for everyone to enjoy, and in the direct center of this park occupying about an acre, I would ask for there to be a nature preserve.
For now that is all I can think of before my more violent side arises, but I wish to add on more later, but for now I need some fresh blood!
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Koku
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When searching for a place to set up a civilization, food, water, and shelter are all key. Lake Validus is a great place because it has all three. Going there myself I seen that it had trees to be made into housing, water that may be somewhat clean, and food- the serpents. This place has great potential and I think it a shame to put it to waste. With a little bit of work it has great potential.
If Lake Validus gets its own province, it shall surely become a hot spot for lots of things. Being so close to wildlife would allow for some hunting- with a guide to limit the amount of course. Along the same terms, fishing would become a possibility where people try to catch the biggest, or most serpents. These are just a couple things to do for those who are blood thirsty though.
For those who rather not kill, the regular sights would be good to. The lake can be quite tranquil, take my word on that. It would be a nice place to swim when a guard is on duty to protect against serpents (until they get more calm). Also, the wildlife by the lake are also interesting to look at. Also, being so close to water, a garden could be put in place in this new province to allow for even more greenery to be grown. .
After traveling for a little bit, one may approach a forest. Being able to walk a trail to see the lump birds, snorflin, tonsor, and more will be able to be made for those who just want to see them. No hunting would be allowed here, and if anyone does, someone such as myself will put an end to it to protect the creatures. This would also be a great place to just relax or explore in order to expand the territory even more.
Sure you could still have a tavern, but I think the big thing is trying to keep it a little more in touch with nature then that. The main point is to be able to experience Nocte more than at the capital, but still being having a few luxuries. This place would be a fun break from the work and noise of the capital.
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Schmall
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~copy of Schmall's travel log~
I have visted Lake Validus and it is a beauty behold. The deep blue lake radiates calmness when you gaze upon it. A calmness that has turmoil churning below the surface, waiting for a chance to show its power. A power that will rip your flesh from your bones in under 3 seconds. A power that seeks to dominate and is unyielding. A power that deserves respect.
It is this calmness, power, and demand of respect that attract me to this lake. It is good to see that the natives of this land have found a balance with the area. They have set up a nice, thriving village on the east side of the Lake where the mountain to the north protects them from the nasty winter storms blasting from the north. To the west they hunt the forest, to the south they farm the grasslands, and they fish the serpents from the lake.
Thats right, fishing the serpents. They do this once a week and the trip provides enough food for the week for the entire village. The village as a whole built a boat that is specifically designed to fishe the serpents. Long ago an unknown smith developed a net from many wires. The natives call it a cable net. Apparently a holy man blessed it in some fashion so that the wires never rust and provides even more strength than the steel wires normally can withstand.
The boat the villages used is fashioned from several whole tree trunks so that the serpents can not chew through the boat. They have told me they have to replace a couple of logs a month to keep the thing afloat.
The place is fascinating to me. I love the place. Balance, respect, mutual understanding, and harmony are all present. I would hate to see the money grubbers of the capitol finding this place and ruining it all. The net must be kept secret before it is stolen (thankfully they have to fish at night anyways, so its tough to discover the secret) and used for means of greed and destruction.
~End of entry to Travel Log~
All of the above is in character. Now for out of character. I'd steal that net, harvest the serpents like mad for they breed like rabbits, sell the meat and any other byproducts of the serpents (oil, bones, etc), plant cash crops on the fertile grasslands, set up hunting trips into the game rich forests, cut lumber from the forest, and tourism to the mountain so that people can enjoy the beauty of the land.
the village is already self sufficant. So lots of things would be exported for money. This place is a gold mine waiting to be exploited. Set up some contracts that would suck the rights away from the natives or just show up with lots of men-at-arms and force your ways on them. As trade flourishes, the village will grow into a town, or perhaps a town nearby, and the natives will become the minority and wont matter what they say anyways. trade always attracts more population.
Now, I am going to speak as a judge/GM. The mountain can be used as a source of quests. Perhaps some cave that kids play in for the past 5 generations is actually an enterance to a forgetten tomb. one of the kids accidently trigger something and the real doorway opens up and the kid gets lost as some rotten arm reaches out and grabs him. The quest would be to find the kid and determine if the land is in trouble. Of course the land will be for a awaken spirit is bent on a murderous intent for his land is being exploited (see ooc thoughts above) and seeks revenge.
The woods can hold a nasty creature or two for a quest. The grasslands can hold land sharks that move in due to the increase of prey (the new population). thats another quest. of course there can be fun with the serpents and perhaps hidden treasure down there in the lake.
A thieves guild can move in and start taking advantage of the people. This is of course assuming the land is well developed enough for a guild to thrive. Even if there is only a dozen thieves, its enough really. Anyways, the quest could be about getting rid of them. of course this will be tough for any thieves guild base is well hidden, trapped, and many escape tunnels. So this can be a series of quests as the players track down each major ring leader. Just a thought.
And my favorite, the natives are all actually werewolves. They hide this fact and would actually explain the strength used to pull in the blessed cable net used for fishing the serpents. When the town starts to grow, the werewolves rebel and start off with unwanted hunters and farmers who live outside and alone. later on they actually move into the town. terror is every where. The only hints for the quest would be the animalistic nature of the victim's deaths. As in limbs literally torn from the torso, chunks of flesh missing with evidence of animal teeth marks, and come savagery of the attack. Of course no one hears a thing and nothing can be found out. The natives will be closed mouth and just say its a curse for exploiting the land and conintue on there way with no fear. Perhaps they will act in fear in order to realllllyyy disguise thier hidden truths. Keep in mind, not all werewolves are evil, its the wolf that needs to feed at times, thats all.
I have posted what I would do from three different points of veiw. My character's POV, my personal POV, and as a GM/judge. That should be enough for all to stew over.
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Beanbaker
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At the edge of a swampy cliff, a red haze settles over the serene Lake Validus. A few small huts outline the coast, as some lacrimabilis are brought in for the night. Some small islands dot throughout the lake, covered in sparse vegetation and roosts of nests for the water fowl, also preparing for another slumber under the ominous moonlit sky. Some fishing families are seen, preparing the rigging of their crafts to fetch their supper before the darkness comes. The glare of a halberd is recognized in one of the vessels, a young boy paddles as his father watches the calm waters. Upon this cliff rests a man clad in armor, helmet hanging off a limb. Leaning back on a rock, this time of day makes this setting more desirable than the Capital gardens.
"Such grace, if it weren't for the serpents. Great place for a prison on the islands. Nowhere to go. Although it might make a better trading town than anything. Perhaps even some irrigation ditches could be put in, increase farming. Or use the waters feeding and exiting the lake for water wheel mills. Or maybe everything, except the prison."
As I imagine prisoners being eaten alive by hungry serpents, I fall asleep, to wake at night to the sound of lump birds snoring nearby. I pick up my things and head to town.
"This place has the opportunity. I can see it - a central bazaar, full of shops and goods from ships arriving. Although it might rob the capital of economic power, and the rivers might need to be widened. Nothing prisoners can't do." I think of makeshift escape boats being marauded by serpents jumping on board.
Walking to the edge of the town buildings and huts, I see two homeless men roasting some tonsor over a fire, beaming at their luck of the night. Ahead, unattended wild grasses sway in the nightly breeze. A howl is heard, echoing from the mountains at the lake's source. Walking through the grass, the terrain flattens out to a small plateau, wide and long. Bending down, the land is no longer swampy, but moist, apparent from my hand pulling up some topsoil. Thick and dark, it would make a great area for farming. Standing up, a few wandering perching lizards wander around, scavenging for some scraps. One is seen pushing a Suru beetle around, unmistakably playing with its food before eating it. A larger Suru beetle charges through from an unknown location, and scares the lizards away, and all life seems to vanish. The tan grass still sways, brushing against my armor.
Looking at the half-eaten Suru beetle, I remember the size they can grow to. "This place could make a good summon arena. Two parts - one up here, the other in the water. Heck, this place could even be a vacation spot for people. Maybe there are some hot springs around or something At least a section of the lake could be netted off for swimming or something."
The town militia ahead in the distance is mobilizing. They are boarding some ships and disembarking. It seems the father-and-son fishing boat has capsized, and others are being terrorized by the serpents. Perhaps a fishing community for commerce would be rather.... deadly.
I open a guard log book. Some appointments and dates are left unattended. They will have to wait. I start writing.
"For Lake Validus, it would be best for it to be.... a trading community. There are enough trees around, and clay-like mud from the swamp for buildings. Fishing not advised. Also recommended for establishment of small prisons on the islands." With that I make my leave, stepping on a perching lizard, which lets out a yelp and runs away.
Along the way back to the capital, the road is rather wide. Many paths offshoot out into the woods nearby. Perhaps these roads can be paved. Maybe the capital economy would be reduced. Enough roads here to connect to half the entire nation. We just need some....
More prisoners are imagined jumping into the fray of the waters and washing on shore as lifeless, half-eaten corpses.
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Tigereyz85
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Out exploring one day, I stumble upon a little viliage on the edge of a lake. After some talk with the native's I've learned that they are a gypsy viliage living next to the lake, Validus. They hunt serpents at night by the barrels. They store some in salt, and others are smoked. The way they harvest them is simple and ingenius. They bait large, three pronged fishing hooks that are attached to specialy made rope, hooked to a winch system. When the Serpent swallows the three prong hook, they wind in the rope. Someone waits at water's edge with a spear, and they spear the serpent when they come in to shore. Once these gypsys have harvested the serpents till they start to become scarce, they harvest clay from the waters for making pottery. They keep unused clay in water resistant bags made out of a blatter from a large animal. Then they move out to the fields. Here they plant vegetables, herbs, berrys, and eggs. They keep lacrimabilis for pulling their wagons, hunting large prey, and riding long distances, as well as food and clothing. They also keep lump birds for eggs. The forest provides them with the wood for carving toys, whistles, furniture. For making rope, boats, winches, spears, carts, tools. The women turn the bark fibers from some of the trees into string, or something similar to yarn. They use the dye from the berries to make the clothing and rugs different colors. Almost everything needed to survive, they make with their own two hands. Every couple of months, one or two families will pack up and take the food and wares to the capital for sale and trade.
If I could dictate what would happen to this magnificent land, I would say to change nothing at all. I would declare it protected land. The only thing I would suggest is to develope more efficiant trade with the gypsy families. They have food, fuel, furniture, toys, tools, dye from the berries, clothing, pottery, and maybe some inventions we may not be aware of yet. I would protect these people, and their way of life in order to enhance our lives and theirs.
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Billgar
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K, so here are my comments and the GC awarded
Archaicmessiah -320 GC
I love the idea of keeping nature in with it. Alot of others seemed to have touched on this, but you were the first. By starting with the Province as it is now, i was able to mentally see its buildup. Also the idea of an Aquarium is great, you could even attach a Zoo to it.
Koku- 180 GC
The fishing idea was your greatest suggestion. The idea of it as a contest is splendid! Perhaps have rods with a certain percent catch rate?
Schmall - 320 GC
Your travel log was great. I liked the idea about the net from the holy man, well thought out. Also i have toyed with the guild idea in my own mind for a while. You wont see any that are instituted by me, but if you guys want t start them then that is fine! But you need a place(IE a sticky thread or an announcement) to set it up in somewhere, im osrry but the capital doesnt have room.
Anyways, you have some great RP ideas like the tomb and whatnot(that could be alot of fun), however things like the werewolves wouldnt be approved, nor the landsharks...nor any other animals not found in the beastiary. Anyways, well done.
Beanbaker - 460 GC
WOW! this is the calliber that you should GM with when you RP(like the starter quests). You represented Nocte so beautifully and vividly i could swear that i was there! I like how you used your guard self as the means of exploration and the log book was priceless. I loved seeing the Suru come out of the brush and chase off the lizards. Trading posts are a good idea, but i particularly am fond of the idea of the Bizarre. It would be great to walk around in a world so well articulated(if you could keep it up, lol).
Maybe in another thousand or two posts we will have you retire as a guard and become a Provincial Governor.
Tigereyz85 - 180 GC
I loved the whole gypsy spin. I for some reason didnt see it coming but at the same time wouldn't have accepted anything else. Helping the people of Nocte is important, It was great that you described the different way of preserving the Validian Serpents as well.
*all updated*
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