Just because the fort appears to be close to the centre of the map shouldn't indicate much apart from its distance between neighbouring nations. The world doesn't suddenly end *smile*
Nivakta's crossing is actually the middle black dot, and the western black dot where the Shrike River separates from the road is Fort Serenko.
I've just updated my notes and I have you at 17080 XP after the bandits.
There's nothing to justify Archival outdoing Theaton in terms of XP, Archival and Mykael have just spent a lot of time during downtime catching up, while Theaton has been relaxing and trying to learn Sylvan.
In the end, I believe it's good that there's a system in place to allow an arbitrary length of time to pass so everyone can have equal footing. Coming from an older school of gaming what do you think about it, KNtoran?
Good point about Theaton and Jhod, ICon. Zork probably would want to be out in the woods. Thank you for the clarification about the locations, I appreciate it.
Anyone else a little… concerned by ICon's smile there? I was guessing the map was pretty much the extent of the module. Your game just got even more awesome, IMO.
I know I've retired and all but I rather Zork be left alone in the woods to fill his dream rather than be under anyone's wing. He has enough gold to not have to worry about work and the chicks love him so.... .
I'm just saying you can expand any way you want, though the adventure suggests certain areas are favourable…
I think it's best to say Zork moved close to Theaton's settlement and built himself a large estate separate to it. The influx of labourers and resources to Zork's place had a flow-on effect to Theaton, which results in gaining an extra 5 build points. However Zork isn't as interested in the politics, so I doubt he would take a leadership role.