Atapax's Kingmaker Campaign
Game Master Aluvian

Sia also hears the altercation outside and gets a very strangely exasperated expression. "...no, I think other than the entertainment that will be it for now."

Gorax smiles at Kyrie, "Your fancy talk does nothing but pander to those who would destroy lives through drink. Best you keep your opinions to yourself little lass."

Kyrie's return smile, while charming, does not reach her eyes. "I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that nobody except you was permitted to loudly voice their opinions," she replies in a dangerously sweet, voice.

"You're entitled to your delusions and nobody short of the Lucky Drunk is likely going to stop you from proclaiming them for all to hear, but you're forty years too young to be my father and he knows better than to try to tell me to hold my tongue simply because he doesn't like what I have to say."

He gets a slightly confused look then just shrugs. "Well then if'n ya don't have anythin' else... I have important work ta get back to." He motions pointedly towards the door.

Sia nods. "Right, right....please, excuse me." Moments later she's back outside, still with that odd half-exasperated expression, like she's really not sure who she wants to scream at first.

Cal sees Sia's expression and holds his hands up in front of himself as if to ward her off. "Hey, dun look't me! I jus' said th' water tasted good!"

Today has not quite been going as planned. First the hermit doesn't have many of the potions we desired and now another argument has broken out within the group!

Estruven hides her face in her hands for a moment until there is a break in the yelling. "Kyrie, Gorax! I think we need to all respect each others beliefs while we are together. For the sanity of us all."

Sia looks between everyone for a moment longer, and then snaps around in a full about-face, and marches back into the hut.

Gorax shrugs and goes into the hut, following Sia. "Hey old man, you upset Sia? Best be nice to her, I seen her do powerful stuff you know."

Sia suddenly spins around and punches Gorax in the stomach. As punches goes it's nothing compared to what he's probably been through, but it's a decent attempt for such a slight girl. Her voice, by contrast, is quite even. "Wait outside, Gorax, I just had a bit of last minute business I remembered."

If you want to punch me, please roll....otherwise keep your hands to yourself.

Kyrie rolls her eyes in disgust as Gorax retreats into the hut, then turns to look at Estruven and Cal. "Is he always this much of an oaf when people don't agree with him?" she asks.

If you want to punch me, please roll....otherwise keep your hands to yourself.

Not quite. There are two choices here - either Gorax is not taking this seriously, in which case the ruling from Ata that violent-appearing but non-damaging poses can stand without needing to be rolled, OR he is, in which case Sia just provoked an AoO and it's your turn.

Kyrie rolls her eyes in disgust as Gorax retreats into the hut, then turns to look at Estruven and Cal. "Is he always this much of an oaf when people don't agree with him?" she asks.

"Only 'bout booze. Think 'e's got some issues in 'is past with it. I try not t' stir th' pot too much with 'im on it, but we've 'ad a spot of trouble about it before. If you or Sia or someone can't talk some sense inta him, I guess I'll have t' try myself some time. Nothin' wrong with respectin' the drink, but nothin' wrong with drinkin' in moderation, neither." Cal responds quietly. "He's a good man 'bout everythin' else, just gets real upset real quick at smellin' a stiff drink."

Gorax wrote:

If you want to punch me, please roll....otherwise keep your hands to yourself.

Not quite. There are two choices here - either Gorax is not taking this seriously, in which case the ruling from Ata that violent-appearing but non-damaging poses can stand without needing to be rolled, OR he is, in which case Sia just provoked an AoO and it's your turn.

I would put Sia's post as an attempt to punch Gorax. I'd prefer to keep it more RPed. So Gorax could either post avoiding it, or it hitting him, but either way I think the message gets through. That said, I'm personally not sure what he did to get punched.

The hermit eyes Sia and Gorax, obviously thinking that these people might not be the sanest group to come down... But then... Who is he to talk?

So Sia comes out with a face that seems extremely angry, says nothing, turns around and goes back into the hut. So from those actions how does Gorax know that the old man did not upset Sia. I'm a bit like Ata, not really sure what Gorax did to deserve it? So I'm confused about what message he's supposed to learn? And I don't see how Gorax would not hit her back, it doesn't seem a friendly punch.

Estruven sighs then smiles. This group is like a family. Always there to protect one another and then sometimes from one another.

Gorax catches Sia's hand in his even larger hand before it lands in his stomach. "Impetuosity can sometimes be dangerous." he growls and throws her hand down to the ground, causing her to stagger.

"It would seem I owe you an apology old man, it seems she has something else on her mind. As a friend of Oleg, you have my utmost respect and I bid you farewell, but you can call on my services to aid you anytime. Your servant Gorax."

Gorax bows to the man and leaves.

Kyrie glances briefly at Estruven as though questioning whether the woman has taken leave of her senses, then nods at Cal. "He'd better get over himself," she replies. "I'm no drunk, but I'm not willing to swear off all liquor just because one of my traveling companions is insane either."

Kyrie glances briefly at Estruven as though questioning whether the woman has taken leave of her senses,

Just a note that Estruven's comment was thought not said aloud.

The old man looks at Gorax a little surprised, then just gives a little nod in response and turns back to Sia, obviously unsure exactly what to make of the offer of services from a stranger. "Just get me those fangberries... That should be service enough for now I suppose."

Just a note that Estruven's comment was thought not said aloud.

This was in response to what she did say aloud earlier

"I'm no drunk, but I'm not willing to swear off all liquor just because one of my traveling companions is insane either."

"Kyrie, you are right. You shouldn't have to do that, but please be considerate of Gorax's beliefs." Estruven says kindly. "Gorax, you will have to deal with the fact that not everyone has the same beliefs as you. Others in this party, including myself, may have some drinks from time to time, but I promise it will not compromise this mission or our feelings for you."

"Kyrie, you are right. You shouldn't have to do that, but please be considerate of Gorax's beliefs." Estruven says kindly. "Gorax, you will have to deal with the fact that not everyone has the same beliefs as you. Others in this party, including myself, may have some drinks from time to time, but I promise it will not compromise this mission or our feelings for you."

That earns her an incredulous stare from Kyrie. "Were you listening to what we were saying at all?" she asks after a moment. "I already told him that!"

Wow this is incredibly fun.

Wow this is incredibly fun.

I was waiting for Sia, now she's back, so we'll start up again hopefully.

Gorax comes out of the hut, he looks a little annoyed, but remains uncommunicative, although he looks to Cal and Estruven, smiles and sits down again keeping his own counsel.

After she manages to recover from being tossed, which she doesn't comment on because she really should have expected it, she just sighs and glances at the Hermit and mouths 'we'll talk another time' before silently leaving the hut and getting onto her horse without a word.

Gorax turns to Cal, "So do you think we got what we came for, I didn't see any potions come out?"

Gorax shouts to Estuven, "What's next, we gonna get them radishes, or we off somewhere else?" Gorax mounts his horse and starts whistling again. It would be a happy little ditty, if it weren't so badly out of tune and not really keeping to the beat. However Gorax seems happy in his own world, following the rest of the group as they move off.

Gorax shouts to Estuven, "What's next, we gonna get them radishes, or we off somewhere else?"

"That sounds good to me Gorax. Sia, is it time to go looking for those radishes or should we venture somewhere else? I suppose we could explore a few more chunks of land on the way to pick those up."

Without much else to go on at this point aside from the lead on the radishes provided by Tyg and her friend, the group makes their way back towards the west and the area they indicated. Travel is still a bit slow, even going back through the areas previously explored and before it even seems enough time has passed, the sky is darkening once more.

Camp is set, horses tended to and left together, food provided and everyone has a bit of time to talk before watches need to be set and the twinkling stars call the others to bed.

The night is peaceful, interrupted only by the sounds of chirping insects and other random night noises and even the chill wind blowing across the grass does little to help the job of staying alert.

This peaceful midnight is shattered during Kyrie's watch by a sudden burst of growling snarls from the horses, punctuated by the high pitched sound of a terrified and pained mule, closely followed by the stamp and frenzied sounds of the other horses as they spoke and make to run off.

Mule has taken 4 pts damage by the end of the surprise round. First round init is... Beasts, Horses, Kyrie, Cal, Sia, Gorax, Estruven

Whatever it is must have laid in wait for some time, sneaking up close to make it's attack and now that it has the surprise, it doesn't seem intent to let the opportunity get away. More snarls and the snapping of jaws can be heard as the camp bursts awake.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4 more damage to the mule. 8 total damage.

The sound makes it obvious that the mule is continuing to be savaged, though it's cries also indicate that it hasn't yet fallen completely. From the scuffle it sounds as though it may be trying to fight back, while the other faster horses break into the night away from the threat.

Mule deals 2 damage to an attacker.
This was going to be happening anyway but it proves a useful way to maybe get everyone back into the swing of things. Kyrie's turn.

"TO ARMS!" Kyrie shouts the moment the shock wears off, nocking an arrow and peering through the gloom, seeking out the threat near the mule even as she moves toward her horse and snarls out an attack command.

couple things: Kyrie's horse is trained; it's more likely to defend itself when attacked than attempt to flee.

Also, as an Elf, Kyrie has low-light vision; does that help her spot whatever the beasts are? If she can see and target them from where she is, she'll fire an arrow; if not, she'll draw her sword and sprint toward the mule, intending to engage the beasts in melee and hopefully getting a flanking bonus.

couple things: Kyrie's horse is trained; it's more likely to defend itself when attacked than attempt to flee.

I understand this but I had them all flee for two reasons. First, that your horse, or any others combat trained, aren't the ones being attacked. The smallest and weakest of the group is, the mule. Second, I had them act together, like a mini herd. So one spooked, and they all did. I'm not an animal behaviorist but that was my best estimate of what they would do. I'm not trying to lessen anyone's investment in a combat trained animal, it's just what I saw for this instance.

Also, as an Elf, Kyrie has low-light vision; does that help her spot whatever the beasts are? If she can see and target them from where she is, she'll fire an arrow; if not, she'll draw her sword and sprint toward the mule, intending to engage the beasts in melee and hopefully getting a flanking bonus.

You are correct. With low-light vision and the horses out of the way, you can spot this.

Firing, then -- +3 BaB, -4 darkness:

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 171d8 ⇒ 1

Edit: I suspect that's a hit? Not sure if it counts as a sneak attack, given how I shouted alarm already...

Technically it's -4 firing into melee, not -4 darkness. Just sayin'.

Cal starts awake at the cries of alarm, stumbling to his feet and calling light to his fingertips almost instinctively.

Move action to stand, standard action to cast light.

Yes, -4 for melee, sorry if that wasn't clear.

No map for this combat hopefully we all have effective imaginations and I can describe the situation adequately. :) I'd say that the horses were no more than 30' away so while you're in range for a SA, you're correct that you don't have surprise.

The sudden light of Cal's spell shines around the camp and out into the shadows. As he takes a few unsteady steps in that direction the rays illuminate the scene of the attack. The mule still fighting against being brought low by a pair of hungry wolves.

I added a 5 ft. step for you Cal. The wolves are within charge distance of anyone. I'd say about 20 ft from camp.

Once Sia is awake and aware of the danger, she fumbles for her spell component pouch, moving in with the words of a spell on her lips.

Sia will be moving in to cast Color Spray - in the logic that, hey, no one gets hurt and they can deal with the whatever-they-are at leisure

Gorax's actions are in the spoiler for Atapax earlier, didn't want to put kyrie off her stride.....So open up the spoiler. If you're allowing a bit more flow with the rules, then Gorax is up, shield on and sword ready, for the next round.

Sorry for the delay. Out of town this weekend and today is a nutso day at work.

Estruven stumbles up in a dream-induced haze, trying to focus on the scuffle coming from the direction of where her mount was resting. She stands up and moves closer to the fight, holding her greatsword but wearing no armor.

In mere seconds the entire camp is at least semi-alert and focused on the hunters that have staked out the poor mule as their prey. Kyrie's arrow skims one of them but it seems to take no notice as they look to bring a quick end to the fight and claim their meal.

Unfortunately this mule is not to be so easily taken. It seems to have overcome its fear or at least its fear seems more directed as it manages to side step snapping jaws and still land a kick on the same wolf it clipped before, knocking the canine to the ground.

No hits on the mule. 3 more damage to the wolf. Wolf 1 is injured, Wolf 2 is barely hurt from Kyrie's arrow. Kyrie's turn again.

Disregard my question in the OOC thread; just scrolled up to read your earlier comment about how we're in range for a charge and checked the flanking rules.

Kyrie snarls a very unladylike curse as the arrow grazes off, but a more directly aimed shot would be almost as likely to hit the mule instead -- so instead she sprints forward, drawing her blade and slashing at the more injured wolf from behind, pinning it between her and the mule while shouting a challenge.

BAB +3 for light weapons, +2 from the charge (and I'll accept the -2 to AC until my next round). Total attack bonus +5, and Sneak Attack damage bonus if I hit. Unless I'm completely wrong about this, of course.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d6 ⇒ 31d6 ⇒ 4

... Well, that probably misses.

You forgot a +2 to hit from flanking, but yeah... still misses.

The wolf ducks low under Kyrie's blade, snarling back at her in frustration as it sees this easy meal turning far more dangerous than it likely wanted.

Kyrie has flanking on one wolf between her and the mule, the other is flanking the mule on the other side. Anyone can charge either of them, but cannot also gain flanking at the same time. Kyrie took that spot. Sia is clear to cast her spell, but will need to move again first to get a good angle that doesn't also hit Kyrie.

Cal is up

With the wolves both engaged closely with the mule, Cal's arrows would have as much chance of hitting a friendly target as an enemy. So, he instead scoops up his longspear and charges right up behind Kyrie, stabbing at the same wolf. He misses badly, however.

Cal actually does get flanking, thanks to having a reach weapon.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Unfortunately, a 7 is gonna miss anything but an ooze.

Gorax, with the success he had against the bandits fresh in his mind, raises a sword in one hand. Runs towards the second wolf, shouting "Arrgh!!! Dieeee!!! Argghhh!!"

Intimidate 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Sis steps around her old friend and murmurs a few arcane words, sending out a few shards of colored sand that suddenly reflect the moonlight and spawn a bright rainbow of color. Being inside the spiral would likely be a mistake.

Color Spray, as stated before. It has a save DC of 14, and a whole array of potential effects.

Cal actually does get flanking, thanks to having a reach weapon.

Touche. :) An interesting thought though, whether you can attack through someone's space on a charge with a reach weapon. I'd think the precision required would not be available during a charge, but I don't think there's a rule against it. No matter... I'll post spell results after I get back from class, just on lunch now. Luckily Sia gets it off before Gorax's charge. :)

Wolf 1 save 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Wolf 2 save 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Mule save 1d20 ⇒ 1

The colors grab the attention of both the mule and the barely injured wolf on the other side and after a split second of unfocused attention, they both drop to the ground with rather loud thuds. This leaves only a single wolf, between Kyrie, Cal, and the now unconscious mule, who seems to have not been caught looking the proper direction.

Gorax runs up, shouting and yelling. The lone standing wolf does not seem impressed, but he does see a lot of threats.

Estruven's up

Estruven isn't sure what kind of magic Sia cast on the wolves, but she sees that one was not affected. She runs up to it and swings her sword.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10

On Gorax's turn.

Seeing Estruven having trouble dispatching the bloodthirsty animal, Gorax moves up beside her and with his longsword thrusts at the shaggy pelt.

Attack Longsword 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

On Gorax's turn.

I appreciate your desire to keep things moving, but you might want to wait a bit to post an action at least until after the wolf goes. :) A lot can happen in one round.