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[escaped lurker]

Well, here we go. I finished the "Realm Map". And yes - before you ask - Goblins don't put cities or borders on their maps. They are just like that... sometimes. So bear with it. Untill we "find" a better map, that is.

Spoiler: The Map in Question (click to show/hide)

[Ddynamo]

Why don't we just ask someone where the borders are and draw them on ourselves?

[Detoxicated]

Skin: Eye searing gold.
Eyes: Red.
5
6

+1

[escaped lurker]

We seem to have aquired a consens on how we will look, but still have somewhat of a tie with the background. Or rather, we do have a tie with the childhood-background. I'd rather have a clear majority there, to be honest.

Also would like to get to the next point in the next few hours thou... *nudges and winks frantically at the lurkers* 

Well, if we still have the tie in a few hours, I guess the dice will decide. (With malus to the 5-6 / 5-2 faction, mind my manners)

[zacen299]

I say the protagonist should have incredibly obnoxious and eye-searing gold skin. If not that, then red.
Diabolical
1
7

+1

+1

+1

[escaped lurker]

Alignment Choice: Goblins are diabolical creatures!
We were a bully in our childhood, and learned the fine art of trading with information!
Chapter 0.9 - Reasons

With another painful throbbing of your head you are finally jolted awake, and find yourself searching the shelves along the blackish stonewalls of your room for some a very specific mushroom to chew upon. While you previously used it to take the edge off from drinking or smoking too much stuff, having such pains is a first. Then again, the previous day was not normal either, and certainly a first for you.

At least you are quite sure that this is the first time you have become the leader of an expedition aimed at gaining a new foothold for your race. Leaving your mind to wander on its own until the remedy sets in – the pain is still quite excruciating - you ponder just how you came to be handed this illustrious office. Even being as talented an informant as you are, it took some turns to get this far...

I

How did you gain the needed recognition, that enabled you to be selected for such a task?

Cunning employ of bribes and contacts - Enabels Civil Operation (Background: Trader / Informant)

You got dirt on someone at court - Enabels Nobel Operation - Risk of Blackmail backfiring (Background: Courtier / Informant)

You got proof of an influential priest committing a sacrilege - Enabels Clerical Operation - Risk of Blackmail backfiring (Background: Priest / Informant)

( Take note that the subject of your blackmail is highly dangerous - we are talking about Goblins here afterall. It must be along the lines of a high felony or treason. As we would not report it, we may be partly blamed. It is a gamble, but one from which could profit greatly~ )
II

Operation Types:


Civil
You are to exploit the natural resources found there. On the plus side, you know that there are some. You are able to purchase military protection, and it will be somewhat easier for you to gain settlers.

Pro: You call the shots on your purchase. There will be better or more resources available, as the dice will get a small bonus.

Contra: Military Protection is sub-par and expensive. Matters of military and court may supersede your authority. Court Elitists look down on "bought" nobles.

Noble
You are to lay claim on your new possession. You have to pay everything, even the troops. You have to entice settlers to come to this place. As a new noble, you have no entourage or renown yet, leaving potential immigrants doubtfull.

Pro: You call the shots on your property. You got backing at court.

Contra: You are involved with the court, and need to play by its rules. As a noble, your renown is far more important. Court Elitists may look down on new nobles.

Clerical
You are to erect a place of worship there, and bring further blessings unto your race. You will be granted a small military force, and small income. Pilgrims may flock forth if you manage well, but until those come there won't be many people willing to settle here.

Pro: You get a token military force and income. The Court won't mess with you easily. Your taxes are reduced.

Contra: You need to govern in accordance to the god in question. You have no authority in military matters, unless you pay them yourself. You are only to use the gained godly favour on clerical decree.

III

Spoiler: Possible Regions and Political Landscape (click to show/hide)

Purple belongs to the Goblin Realm
Yellow is in the proccess of becoming part of the Goblin Realm - The Outskirts
Red is some ways from becoming part of the Goblin Realm - The Far Outskirts
Blue is a region recently claimed, as work on the pass has made it easier to traverse - The Logistical Outskirts
Green is an unsettled region within the Goblin Realm - The Inner Valley

Political Landscape
Brown belongs to the Tulga - Semi-Nomadic Orcs living in this hilly area. The Relations went in the past from plunder-partners to enemies. You are not sure how they currently are, as they lack a stable leadership.

Teal belongs to "The Elves". You actually do know their true name, but as a matter of disrespect you won't speak it. I told you about teaming up with the Tulga to plunder? Yeah... that was against these lads. Still the same relationship.

Beige belongs to some city-states of a vaguely humanoid species. You actually don't know what the deal with them is, but as they openly trade with "The Elves" and "The Troggs", you are not thinking too well of them either.

Grey belongs to the Trogglodytes. They normally don't leave their caverns, and far less often the mountain-range. You know the goblins of the past sometimes "paid a visit". Fun times, you hear. Sadly they have entrenched themselves nowadays, not a soft target for plunder anymore.

Light-Green indicates where "The Kittens" are around. Or presumed to be. They sometimes raid, and have clashed even against us. They normally keep to themselves thou, and seem even more nomadic than the Tulga-Orcs.

Maroon indicates where some savages of the dry plains life. All you know about them, really.

Orange indicates where "The Desertwalkers" are sometimes to be found. You hear them to be one-eyed and quite strange, but as they reportedly sell slaves and are open for trade, they seem to be on top of things.

A Place on the Outskirts – Noble, Civil, Clerical
Untamed Area outside of the established borders. Except a small road or two, there is no infrastructure to speak of yet. Some patrols and traders travel through the area, but else there is not much traffic. The natural resources of the area are still untapped, but subsequently the wilds are also ripe with wild beasts – and the game they hunt. There are many of these regions, some covered in woods, plains, swamps and some in mountainous terrain. Since there is enough choice, you had your pick in terms of the landscape.

Far Outskirts – Civil, Clerical
No-one would dare to go here except for truly good reasons. Low chance of immigrants, but the wilderness may hold many untapped resources and even some riches. You also will have no problems to lay claim to a rather large patch of land. On the other hand, wild beasts and even enemy races may make their way here...

Logistic Outskirts – Noble, Civil, Clerical
Placed at a point of easy access, settling here without a military presence is a bad idea. Even then it still might be, as it may become the target of any invasion-force that tries to take the war to our doorstep. With this position being one of said doorsteps. On the other hand, there also could be trade in times of peace. A gamble, really.
Status:
Sadly, only one such place can be settled at this time – luckily, it would be to the north-east, where the Tulga Orcs reside. Too scattered to attack us most of the times, some of their tribes occasionaly engage in trade.

Inner Valley – Noble, Civil
Small, unsettled Area within the already established borders. A bit near the outskirts, and difficult to access, but certainly a rather safe area. Because of existing infrastructure near it, settlers and traders will find it easy to come here, and easily do so if you can entice them enough. There only seem to be natural resources to be had here, with previous investigations not showing any resources of note. This forms the greater reason as to why it is still unsettled.

I - How did we get our hands on the privilege to own a province?
II - With what rights or strings will it be associated?
III - And where do we even want to settle?

Discuss away~

So~ many choices. On the bright side, it allows us for a really "custom" game. Yeah, 5 different races was not custom enough for me from the get-go. Oh well. It also allows me to make good on drawing goblin-sized stuff, doing some rough building designs and similiar - stuff that will allow me to post more often later on.

The Outskirts leave pretty much nothing to be desired. We got mountainsides... and swamp. Hillside swamp. Swamp with river. He-hey, and swamp with woods! If you decide to brave the Far Outskirts, we even may get some truly forested areas, or truly dry land.

Else, open for any questions~

[Detoxicated]

Cunning employ of bribes

Logistic Outskirts

We are a well connected goblin trader afterall. I imagine a highly intelligent specimen, and bold.

[darkpaladin109]

Cunning employ of bribes

Logistic Outskirts

We are a well connected goblin trader afterall. I imagine a highly intelligent specimen, and bold.

+1

[escaped lurker]

Well then, in the meantime - have a picture of us. Or at least how we currently look like.



I tried some different hues, but "really" eye-searing is a bit difficult - and too obnixious, really. So we have a fine, golden specimen instead.


And since we seem to be pining towards having the Tulga as neighbhours, here their basic sprite as well~



Yeah, I guess there won't be any contenders to that choice afterall. The decision is made then. Update in .. phew... a few? A few it is!  Read - few hours ;P

The next Chapter - 1.0 - Gearin' up - will see us getting all the stuff we may and certainly may not need for our trip and arrival, amongst employment choices. We will also get a better look at what nefarious incarnation of a culture the goblins have become - at your hands truly! We will get a clear look at what our protagonist is, and his abilities. And most importantly, me drawing the region map while you decide ;'3. Yup, sorry - exploring our Tula new possession will need to wait for another turn~

[escaped lurker]

Well then, about time we get to know these gobbos a bit better, no?

Spoiler: Goblin Society (click to show/hide)

From an outsiders perspective, the goblins of Nuj'umak and their culture are oppressive, cruel and sometimes even chaotic. The Goblins themselves tend to disagree – they would say that it is actually quite normally, and suits them just fine~

Goblins adhere to a class system, with quite differing rights – but also requirements.


Nobles
The Nobility is the leading force of the goblin realm. It is made up from those that were born and bred into this position, and those that have succeeded into ascending to it. A successful mix, if not for the fact that the nobles tend to cast out their “unfitting” children. They view the right to control the fates of others as some sort of divine right – most notable example of that is “The Guluk”, who is chosen by the Grand Prophets and has the final say in courtly matters.


Clerics
Serving a plethora of “Lords from Beyond”, the clergy freely spreads the curses, mayhem and blessings of their patrons – together with loads of propaganda. They most notably serve the purpose of channelling the negative emotions  of the lower classes towards the outside, resulting in a quite united populace. They keep the nobility in check by blessing one of them as the temporary ruler – a blessing that can be granted as quickly as it can be revoked. Else they mostly keep out of court matters, rather tending to their vile gods.


Soldiers
Another caste of mention are the soldiers, a quite common calling for goblins, Nuj'umak certainly having the highest populace to soldier quota in the greater region. While the common rank and file might not be the most learned of individuals, they are meticulously trained to listen to their superiors orders, and sport a fighting spirit that the common rag-tag militia which they go against can't hope to match.


Artisans
As a military nation, obviously most of the craftsmen are involved in such matters, leading to a good proficiency in smithing, masonry and associated strains of industry. With art only allowed to be possessed by clergymen and nobles, it would be a stretch to say that they would be any good at it. Driven by that, goblin wares tend to be more on the functional side of things, serving their purpose – and often enough doing so rather well.


Failures
The bottom end of goblin society are the failures. At a young age, goblins are taken to try their hand at different crafts, until they are found to be proficient or talented at one. While many take to becoming soldiers as their last resort, those that even fail the standards for combat are branded as failures. Bearing that mark on their heads, it is seldom that one of them gains the mark of acceptance – having secured proficiency in something greater than manual labour. Needless to say, the upper classes often enough vent their own frustrations and failings on these quint-essence slaves.

Chapter 1.0 - Gearing up

After your headache dies down to a bearable amount, you remove the mushroom from within your cheek – children and those of low constitution would risk death upon swallowing it after all.  While you are neither, you really do not feel the need to sleep again, seeing as the sun is already shining a good deal brighter than when you woke.

Finally recalling yesterday evening, you are alleviated of your biggest concern; The reason for your pains is surely that – allegedly – desert-walker herb you were urged to try by one of your benefactors. Thinking of those, the day before was also the one where your cunning ploy finally came to fruition. Come next cycle, you are to lay claim to your new possession. For that reason you were granted the title of a noble – Artan is what you can call yourself from now on. While it is the lowest rank a noble can hold, it is enough for your goals. Or at least for your current ones, that is.
Thinking about it, you really like the sound of your new noble honorific, paired with your name...

I
From yesterday onward, you are to be called Artan ? ? ?

Spoiler: Charactersheet (click to show/hide)

Attributes: Common Strength Unremarkable Agility Common Endurance Good Intelligence Remarkable Charisma Common Wisdom

Skills: Civil Skills Capable Trader Unremarkable Scholar Budding Taskmaster Trained Perceiver Military Skills Untrained Close Combatant Untrained Dodger

Abilities: Intimidating Presence: You are skilled at strong-arming people, and making others fear you Social Perceptive: Your abilities to judge the nature, mood and truths about people are exceptional Learned Middleman: You know whom to ask and how to read buyers and sellers alike Spells: No~ne

II
Not one to loose time, you set your mind on the task at hand – what supplies and which people will you take with you?

You already own 5 trustworthy failures, a tent for up to ten people, and enough dry foods to last all for one full season. Basic tools and transportation is also accounted for. This leaves your budget open for the following;

Current Funds: 300 Gold

Services:
Team of 5 Failures = 15 Gold each Season
Personal Guard of 2 = 20 Gold each Season
Team of 4 Footsoldiers = 30 Gold each Season
Team of 2 Prospectors = 40 Gold each Season
Team of 2 Masons = 25 Gold each Season
Team of 2 Carpenters = 25 Gold Gold each Season

Should you please so, you can always order specific services later on, albeit they might be of worse quality due to not being handpicked by you. They will arrive with the next season, as seasonal contracts are the custom. Tools of the trade will be brought by them, but you will have to feed and lodge them.
As a footnote, soldiers are used to eating mostly meat, and will complain should you serve them anything less.

Wares:
Dried Foods = 1 Gold – Enough food to feed 1 Person for one month
Dried Meat = 2 Gold – Enough food to feed 1 Person for one month
Basic Tools = 7 Gold – Enough to equip 5 additional Failures
Simple Tent = 5 Gold – Fits up to 10 People inside
Salamander = 60 Gold – Favoured Goblin-Mount. Needs 2 Meat each month.
Failure = 40 Gold – More serf than slave, some do sell their freedom to become the later

Personal Equipment:
1-H Weapon = 5 Gold
2-H Weapon = 9 Gold
Shield – Wooden = 2 Gold
Shield - Leathern = 3 Gold
Shield – Iron = 5 Gold
Set of Armour – Leathern = 20 Gold
Set of Armour – Plate = 70 Gold
Set of Armour – Scale = Ha-ha, yeah. Forget it.

Not that you are much of a soldier or such, but maybe you want more than your current dagger. Since you know the right people, all of these would be above-average military grade stuff.

You would be able to borrow up to 500 Gold, to be taken and paid in hundreds, and to be extended by 20 Gold each full year if unpaid. 20% Interest rate - what a silver tongue you have!


The Goblin Calendar
Each "Circle" of the Firmament is 10 Days long
Each Month is 3 Circles - Each month is 30 Days
Each Season is 3 Circles - Each Season is 90 Days
Each Year is 4 Seasons - Each Year is 360 Days

That is easy enough, or so I hope. If not for our foodstores, I would not mention it yet, but alas.
Else, we will work through the first one or two Months in Circles, but after that keep to a monthly schedule. Later on, a seasonal schedule is planned - but we will see to that when the time comes.
III

While pondering about your purchases, you also jot down another mental note – You are allowed a simple flag to represent your possession. Well, you could get yourself a real fancy one, but that would ensure you to be the next laugh at court. Artsy stuff is elvish after all.

Choose a name and gender~

Complete your shopping list~

Desing our flag~

I tried my best to not bore you with uninteresting options and unneeded complexity.
Quite more illustrated next turn, I promise

[Playergamer]

(I read the note at the bottom and say, "Oh, thank you! That's very nice of you!" Then I go back to the top and read the spoiler and say, "Oh god, my eyes are- BANG")

First things first, I have some tips, like hot bunking is amazing. We can probably fit 14 people into 10 beds with watches. we don't actually need to have tent capacity for everyone, because we can just hot bunk. So, I suggest...

Gragnard, Male

Spoiler: Shopping List (click to show/hide)

4 Footsoldiers (30 Per Season)
2 Masons (25 Per Season)
2 Carpenters (25 Per Season)
20 Dried Foods (20)
4 Dried Meat (8.)
1-H Weapon (5)
Iron Shield (5)
Left: 262 (80 Per Season)

That's what I feel is necessary. The 1 month of meat should be mixed into the soldiers normal rations in small pieces, to keep them from complaining too much. Edits are welcome.

As for the flag, I'd say so

[Detoxicated]

Gragnard, Male

Spoiler: Shopping List (click to show/hide)

4 Footsoldiers (30 Per Season)
2 Masons (25 Per Season)
2 Carpenters (25 Per Season)
20 Dried Foods (20)
4 Dried Meat (8.)
1-H Weapon (5)
Iron Shield (5)
Left: 262 (80 Per Season)

That's what I feel is necessary. The 1 month of meat should be mixed into the soldiers normal rations in small pieces, to keep them from complaining too much. Edits are welcome.

As for the flag, I'd say so
[/quote]+1 Also add:
a Personal Guard -20 Gold
10 Dried Foods -10
10 Dried Meats -20
216 Gold left -100 Gold a season

[escaped lurker]

(I read the note at the bottom and say, "Oh, thank you! That's very nice of you!" Then I go back to the top and read the spoiler and say, "Oh god, my eyes are- BANG")

As for the flag, I'd say so

Yea~h... these "lore dumps" are something of a bad habit of mine... 
But really, I've already curbed it down, and this should be about the only dump I do. Or so I hope. ;3


Either way, just so we are on the same page here - the Soldiers bring their own weapons with them - Do I presume your intention with the 5 pair of 1-H Weapon / Shields is to be backup for our stores in generall then?

In other news, finished the map layout, together with resource dispersion. As in - "only the hard parts are left" ;o

[The Froggy Ninja]

Gragnard, Male

Spoiler: Shopping List (click to show/hide)

4 Footsoldiers (30 Per Season)
2 Masons (25 Per Season)
2 Carpenters (25 Per Season)
20 Dried Foods (20)
4 Dried Meat (8.)
1-H Weapon (5)
Iron Shield (5)
Left: 262 (80 Per Season)

That's what I feel is necessary. The 1 month of meat should be mixed into the soldiers normal rations in small pieces, to keep them from complaining too much. Edits are welcome.

As for the flag, I'd say so

+1 Also add:
a Personal Guard -20 Gold
10 Dried Foods -10
10 Dried Meats -20
216 Gold left -100 Gold a season
[/quote]+1

[Playergamer]

(I read the note at the bottom and say, "Oh, thank you! That's very nice of you!" Then I go back to the top and read the spoiler and say, "Oh god, my eyes are- BANG")

As for the flag, I'd say so

Yea~h... these "lore dumps" are something of a bad habit of mine... 
But really, I've already curbed it down, and this should be about the only dump I do. Or so I hope. ;3


Either way, just so we are on the same page here - the Soldiers bring their own weapons with them - Do I presume your intention with the 5 pair of 1-H Weapon / Shields is to be backup for our stores in generall then?

In other news, finished the map layout, together with resource dispersion. As in - "only the hard parts are left" ;o

Oh, I was putting prices. I didn't want to get anything but the bare essentials so... someone... else... could edit in a way that actually uses our gold?