tyjenks
10-03-2008, 11:26 PM
I played a medium length/medium dificulty game recently and had such a good time, I was going to write up a brief summary of how a game goes and then post it. THis in the hopes of giving folks who have not tried it a feel for the game. After I was finished, I began the post and the memory of the game, which was challenging, but rewarding, influenced my summary and took on a life of its own. It is a bit long and not everyone will make it through. I never write these things or fan fiction or anything of this nature as games rarely grab me like this any more. Hinterland just brings the fantasy writing hack out in me. ;)
As a foreman of Dwarven decent, I began my time as leader of this tiny spec of land with reduced Gold production, so early on I bolstered any of my attributes, which would mitigate that drawback. I also selected an additional Shield to supplement the weak defense of two. I had 35 evil infested areas to cleanse and it was time to let the decimation begin.
With the reduced starting gold and gold production along with relatively low food, I had to focus on getting some funds. This meant some close by of which there were plenty. The majority of the first and second rings of wilderness were lowly goblins that were excellent for rolling through for some coin. No farmers were available once I returned to town so I had to settle for a trapper who I had picked up a snare for and this gave me a much needed food boost. Gold was coming slowly so after another trip out of town, I picked up a Goodman. She began my economic upswing.
With the availability of three villagers and two of them being farmers, I scrounged up enough gold to recruit them, upgraded by outpost to a manor house and expanded my farms. Food production was never a problem after that as I was able to pick up additional farmers here and there and upgrade them accordingly.
By now, I was level three and I recruited a level two herder and used my meager equipment, which consisted of a sad little spear and a helmet, so that I could have a companion in my killing. A Craftsman was now available. Early in the game with relatively no weapons and equipment showing up, anything he could produce would be beneficial. Once I had the requisite 20 gold, I put him to work. He must have had an extra helping of gruel because he churned out some reinforced leather armor, a helmet and a decent short sword. All of these could be immediately put to good use.
The middle stages of my village set in and I fleshed out my economy. I was a little distressed, as I had not uncovered an herb field. I had herbalists banging on the door of the manor, but alas as much as I required their potion-making services, their presence would do me no good and I was forced to watch them walk out of town. Herders and Trappers came to town and they nicely added to my food production. I equipped them with oats and traps and compasses and almanacs as necessary to boost their hunting and cattle breeding capabilities. One craftsman was promoted to fletcher to begin the creation of the all-important ranged weapons. I went ahead and put him to work researching more advanced bows, so once I equipped my next villager, he could do some damage. I also hired another Craftsman to continue the armor, shield and helm production. My villagers were a pathetic lot and with the ever-present danger of raiders, they needed some protection. Plus, I had plans for a promotion to smithing for this new Craftsman when I finally stumbled on a source of iron.
My first stroke of luck arrived. My fletcher created a magically imbued bow which could definitely do some damage. I recruited a decent Herder and geared him up to do some back-up. Still no iron or herbs though and morale around the town was a tad low as better equipment and healing potions were in short supply.
My two villagers had become quite the hardy adventurers and they accompanied me near and far all over the realm. We uncovered some magical portals, which provided the all-important instant travel back to town. Raiders from as yet undiscovered bases had sniffed us out and were visiting us regularly. The villagers were still under equipped so, once we received word Raiders were in the area, the quick trips back to the village were necessary.
An acolyte decided to grace our fair town with his presence. We immediately built him a temple and expanded it to a temple of light. His tenure as Acolyte was brief and he began service as a Priest of Light. Research began in earnest on prayers, which would aid both the villagers in their efforts to defend, and my party as it traveled in search of resources, treasure and wealth.
The King had been making small requests of me as leader of a town in his kingdom. They had been modest and I sent the gold and food he required of my people immediately in the hopes that he would appreciate the speed with which I satisfied his desires of us. With my gradual rise in stature along with the village, the King decided he could press me. His requests became larger and larger demands on the economy. Expansion took a back seat to satisfy our sovereign. With each successful fulfillment, our fame in the realm grew. Our inn had two more additions built to house the visitors, which were now flocking. A traveling musician settled in town and required a hefty start-up fee for his performances, but the music the bard created more than made up for it, as the citizenry was deliriously happy.
The steady increase in food stores was welcome. We had picked up plenty of items both magical and not to aid the citizens in their efforts. Equipment and weapons from the more menacing of enemies was making my party quite formidable, but it was nearing time for a fourth. We had discovered two rather intimidating strongholds on the outskirts of the wilderness. Our village could not reach its full potential until we had rid ourselves of their constant threat.
The town was relatively calm as of late and the hiring of guards had been shunned, as the price for their services was too high. However, it was time to add a trained soldier to my crew. After this was done, a great sum of over 300 gold was withdrawn from the coffers and given to a High Priest to entice him to set up shop. He said he saw potential in our little hamlet and would lower himself to settling here. His prayers in addition to that of the priest of light on the other side of town would give us the edge we needed in the showdowns, which were inevitable in their coming.
The gods had not seen fit to ever provide us with herbs and so with a full party and the last of our healing potions, we set out for the Ogre base far to the Northwest. We were expecting a heated battle and were not disappointed. Fortunately, the prayers and the work of our recently promoted smith made us equal to the task. I will not say that it was easy, but there were no lives lost nor did anyone turn tail and run. Our rewards were pleasing, but the shouts of victory were hollow. Word of our worst fears reached us soon after the last Ogre met his end; the Dark Dwarves were to the northeast and none would be safe until their menace was obliterated.
After a trek back to town for a crucial recuperative interlude, my experienced party set off to the Dark Dwarf fortress. We were equal parts invigorated and afraid. The ratio tilted toward the latter once we spied the band of adversaries we had to face. Some were twice as seasoned as our assembly and no doubt equally as well equipped. The plan was, therefore, to lure them out one or two at a time. As soon as the battle was joined, that plan went to hell.
The melee was fast and furious and once the clatter began about half of their number, which totaled 8 or 9, pounced upon us. One member was lost before the onslaught drove us back. I rushed to his aid as he fell and I called a hasty retreat. The odds were evening, but I am not sure our town had the stomach for the losses our cozy citizenry would be required to take. A second attempt yielded similar results. As yet another party member went down, our lone ranged specialist furiously attempted to beat back the evil dwarves, but it only served to draw their attention a moment too long. He was rushed and fell as well.
As we scurried for cover, I looted the enemies’ still fresh corpses and while what I found was more valuable than anything these eyes had heretofore glimpsed, the price was high. A third attempt had to do it as our resources were bled dry and our manpower had weakened considerably. This attempt was the one that nearly saw my death.
As the blows rained down, I saw the enemy begin to thin and then all I saw was black. I awoke in town and was told only their leader remained intact. One more had fallen in our efforts, as I lay helpless on the battlefield. I rose immediately and grabbed a sturdy looking guard from the barracks, threw him a bow, which had returned with us from the last battle. It looked like nothing I had ever seen. The guard’s height may have eclipsed that of the bow by a foot if that. With my head lowered, the two of us strode out of the village. The thrill of our progress was entirely blunted by the tragedies we had suffered.
The leader saw us coming and stood waiting. He saw the blood in my eyes and new his time left on this earth could be measured in minutes, but most likely seconds. I had to respect the bold stand he took, as my fury could not be matched. The pummeling swamped him and he stood still for the last swing, nodded to me, and it was done.
My men and women gave their lives willingly for the good of our people and it would sully their sacrifice if I were to sulk. I took heart in that fact as we came back to the cheers of our people.
Anyone who reads this sentence without cheating and skipping to the end gets a nickel. Details of how to get your nickel are to be announced at a later date. :D
As a foreman of Dwarven decent, I began my time as leader of this tiny spec of land with reduced Gold production, so early on I bolstered any of my attributes, which would mitigate that drawback. I also selected an additional Shield to supplement the weak defense of two. I had 35 evil infested areas to cleanse and it was time to let the decimation begin.
With the reduced starting gold and gold production along with relatively low food, I had to focus on getting some funds. This meant some close by of which there were plenty. The majority of the first and second rings of wilderness were lowly goblins that were excellent for rolling through for some coin. No farmers were available once I returned to town so I had to settle for a trapper who I had picked up a snare for and this gave me a much needed food boost. Gold was coming slowly so after another trip out of town, I picked up a Goodman. She began my economic upswing.
With the availability of three villagers and two of them being farmers, I scrounged up enough gold to recruit them, upgraded by outpost to a manor house and expanded my farms. Food production was never a problem after that as I was able to pick up additional farmers here and there and upgrade them accordingly.
By now, I was level three and I recruited a level two herder and used my meager equipment, which consisted of a sad little spear and a helmet, so that I could have a companion in my killing. A Craftsman was now available. Early in the game with relatively no weapons and equipment showing up, anything he could produce would be beneficial. Once I had the requisite 20 gold, I put him to work. He must have had an extra helping of gruel because he churned out some reinforced leather armor, a helmet and a decent short sword. All of these could be immediately put to good use.
The middle stages of my village set in and I fleshed out my economy. I was a little distressed, as I had not uncovered an herb field. I had herbalists banging on the door of the manor, but alas as much as I required their potion-making services, their presence would do me no good and I was forced to watch them walk out of town. Herders and Trappers came to town and they nicely added to my food production. I equipped them with oats and traps and compasses and almanacs as necessary to boost their hunting and cattle breeding capabilities. One craftsman was promoted to fletcher to begin the creation of the all-important ranged weapons. I went ahead and put him to work researching more advanced bows, so once I equipped my next villager, he could do some damage. I also hired another Craftsman to continue the armor, shield and helm production. My villagers were a pathetic lot and with the ever-present danger of raiders, they needed some protection. Plus, I had plans for a promotion to smithing for this new Craftsman when I finally stumbled on a source of iron.
My first stroke of luck arrived. My fletcher created a magically imbued bow which could definitely do some damage. I recruited a decent Herder and geared him up to do some back-up. Still no iron or herbs though and morale around the town was a tad low as better equipment and healing potions were in short supply.
My two villagers had become quite the hardy adventurers and they accompanied me near and far all over the realm. We uncovered some magical portals, which provided the all-important instant travel back to town. Raiders from as yet undiscovered bases had sniffed us out and were visiting us regularly. The villagers were still under equipped so, once we received word Raiders were in the area, the quick trips back to the village were necessary.
An acolyte decided to grace our fair town with his presence. We immediately built him a temple and expanded it to a temple of light. His tenure as Acolyte was brief and he began service as a Priest of Light. Research began in earnest on prayers, which would aid both the villagers in their efforts to defend, and my party as it traveled in search of resources, treasure and wealth.
The King had been making small requests of me as leader of a town in his kingdom. They had been modest and I sent the gold and food he required of my people immediately in the hopes that he would appreciate the speed with which I satisfied his desires of us. With my gradual rise in stature along with the village, the King decided he could press me. His requests became larger and larger demands on the economy. Expansion took a back seat to satisfy our sovereign. With each successful fulfillment, our fame in the realm grew. Our inn had two more additions built to house the visitors, which were now flocking. A traveling musician settled in town and required a hefty start-up fee for his performances, but the music the bard created more than made up for it, as the citizenry was deliriously happy.
The steady increase in food stores was welcome. We had picked up plenty of items both magical and not to aid the citizens in their efforts. Equipment and weapons from the more menacing of enemies was making my party quite formidable, but it was nearing time for a fourth. We had discovered two rather intimidating strongholds on the outskirts of the wilderness. Our village could not reach its full potential until we had rid ourselves of their constant threat.
The town was relatively calm as of late and the hiring of guards had been shunned, as the price for their services was too high. However, it was time to add a trained soldier to my crew. After this was done, a great sum of over 300 gold was withdrawn from the coffers and given to a High Priest to entice him to set up shop. He said he saw potential in our little hamlet and would lower himself to settling here. His prayers in addition to that of the priest of light on the other side of town would give us the edge we needed in the showdowns, which were inevitable in their coming.
The gods had not seen fit to ever provide us with herbs and so with a full party and the last of our healing potions, we set out for the Ogre base far to the Northwest. We were expecting a heated battle and were not disappointed. Fortunately, the prayers and the work of our recently promoted smith made us equal to the task. I will not say that it was easy, but there were no lives lost nor did anyone turn tail and run. Our rewards were pleasing, but the shouts of victory were hollow. Word of our worst fears reached us soon after the last Ogre met his end; the Dark Dwarves were to the northeast and none would be safe until their menace was obliterated.
After a trek back to town for a crucial recuperative interlude, my experienced party set off to the Dark Dwarf fortress. We were equal parts invigorated and afraid. The ratio tilted toward the latter once we spied the band of adversaries we had to face. Some were twice as seasoned as our assembly and no doubt equally as well equipped. The plan was, therefore, to lure them out one or two at a time. As soon as the battle was joined, that plan went to hell.
The melee was fast and furious and once the clatter began about half of their number, which totaled 8 or 9, pounced upon us. One member was lost before the onslaught drove us back. I rushed to his aid as he fell and I called a hasty retreat. The odds were evening, but I am not sure our town had the stomach for the losses our cozy citizenry would be required to take. A second attempt yielded similar results. As yet another party member went down, our lone ranged specialist furiously attempted to beat back the evil dwarves, but it only served to draw their attention a moment too long. He was rushed and fell as well.
As we scurried for cover, I looted the enemies’ still fresh corpses and while what I found was more valuable than anything these eyes had heretofore glimpsed, the price was high. A third attempt had to do it as our resources were bled dry and our manpower had weakened considerably. This attempt was the one that nearly saw my death.
As the blows rained down, I saw the enemy begin to thin and then all I saw was black. I awoke in town and was told only their leader remained intact. One more had fallen in our efforts, as I lay helpless on the battlefield. I rose immediately and grabbed a sturdy looking guard from the barracks, threw him a bow, which had returned with us from the last battle. It looked like nothing I had ever seen. The guard’s height may have eclipsed that of the bow by a foot if that. With my head lowered, the two of us strode out of the village. The thrill of our progress was entirely blunted by the tragedies we had suffered.
The leader saw us coming and stood waiting. He saw the blood in my eyes and new his time left on this earth could be measured in minutes, but most likely seconds. I had to respect the bold stand he took, as my fury could not be matched. The pummeling swamped him and he stood still for the last swing, nodded to me, and it was done.
My men and women gave their lives willingly for the good of our people and it would sully their sacrifice if I were to sulk. I took heart in that fact as we came back to the cheers of our people.
Anyone who reads this sentence without cheating and skipping to the end gets a nickel. Details of how to get your nickel are to be announced at a later date. :D