Corsario's Kingmaker: Birth of a Kingdom (Inactive)

Game Master Corsario

Halcorg continues to lead the others into the fort. As he proceeds, he reaches up and scratches his neck, but at the same time checks to make sure his big hammer is secured, but correctly fastened to be easily drawn when needed.

Reality Check:
What do you expect to accomplish by having your horses up there?
I mean, it is a hill, not the best place to ride about. The fort is quite small and cramped, a horse won't fit in there (believe me, I check).
Have you seen the map I did? The path has some choke points where a horse fit with difficulty.
Yes, you can "push" them up where but the horses will be very nervous and skittish (with good reason) .
Call Swift (Seraph's horse) to go to you? Supposing you can, and the horse decides to go, and the bandits let it pass... I am not sure it will know to avoid stepping outside of the path.
Just checking, because if later things don't go the way you envision I don't want it to be because I fail to convey that I THINK IS A BAD IDEA.
PS. As a clue: The bandits don't use horses here.
Vodyanoy tells you, in a low voice.
"That woman!" - he points towards Maria - "She betrayed us!"
He starts to cast a spell and touches Neji, making her invisible,.
"Be safe my love! Call Destroyerman! "
He keeps walking with you anyway.
Neji vanishing, with her size and at the distance, will probably pass unnoticed. Probably.

Corsario, my logic for bringing Leaf along has a couple of reasons:
- mechanically he is my animal companion, and plays an important part on Daliedhur's role as a Ranger
- he affords her extreme mobility since she can move and full attack,
- he affords higher ground to mitigate cover penaltes and offer melee advantage to her in case it is needed,
- he is a competent combatant on his own in case Daliedhur is engaged in melee (mainly if engaging one of my favoured enemies - the bonus is at +4 at the moment vs. humans for example - a full attack from Leaf is +7Bite(1d4+9), 2x +7hooves for 1d6+9 damage each)
- He does not have a ton of hp, nor a dramatically high AC, but that looks pretty decent to me. Even if I just stand there, riding Leaf without moving, I am at an advantage
- Additionally he is currently sporting Improved Overrun with a +11 CMB against humans, so he can push hard if needed
- He's got half decent saves, and Daliedhur has a nice +14 in riding and an average +8 (+12 with Wild Empathy) in Animal Handling, so she should be able to handle him in most situations.

Those are my reasons for wanting to bring Leaf along. The other side of things is that whereas Edeldhur is her blood brother, Leaf is as much as an adopted brother - she sees him as family, and not as simply a mount - for that reason she hesitates a lot in parting with him. BUT if you think it a bad idea, I'll leave him behind :D

As for the situation at hand:

Daliedhur manages to not throttle the gnome, but barely, starting to wonder if he isn't a traitor himself in revealing their intent so openly.

Her attention is quickly diverted as she spots 3 or 4 people hiding behind the front watch tower palisade, immediately warning her companions - "There" - she nods towards the hiding place - "There are at least three hiding there"

Are we on Initiative? ;)

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

At the gnome's actions, Tatiana surveys the situation, especially for hidden bandits and Maria's reactions. She does NOT draw a weapon to maintain the ruse for as long as possible.

Several Days Ago...

For another moment, Neji stared longily at the ring in Vodyanoy's hand. Several thoughts raced through the blue-haired gnome's mind. What she would say next could have a profound impact.

The Summoner really could not blame Vodyanoy that much for retreating after what Destroyerman had told him. The Eidolon had broken the news with all the grace of a zombie. Besides, he had turned are mere seconds later and reaffirmed his position to help her. That alone meant a lot to Neji; many gnomes want nothing to do with others of their kind suffering from her condition.

Vodyanoy had accepted Neji for all her faults, even after she presented them on a silver platter. He did not treat Destroyerman like a dumb object, of which even the Summoner herself was sometimes guilty on occasion. He is not pressing her for marriage right that very second. He is also well versed in magic like herself. That alone would be a nice benefit to her Office. Most importantly, Vodyanoy really cares for her.

In short, for every reason she came up with against the propsal, Neji could think of at least five to marry Vodyanoy.

"I accept," Neji finally said sweetly, placing her hand over that of the other gnome. "You've been but great to me since we've met, and Janus wouldn't want me to waste away like I've been."

Present...

"On it," Neji whispers after her fiance casts the spell on her.

Seraph will not call Swift then.

She doesn't hear what is spoken behind her, only focusing on the objective and shaking her head when the Leventon boy starts casting. I hate to admit but Xi was right. He's a liability...

Mulray I assumed would be more comfortable, after his last combat didn't go so well he would aim for greater mobility. If it makes things easier he can leave his horse behind. Doesn't matter.

Neji, in the past.
Vodyenoy smiles and kiss you.
"Neither do I want you to waste away, my love. That's is why I'll make sure we find a cure! Let's go give my brothers the good news!"
============================================
Daliedhur: Sounds good. It is your horse, but keep in mind what I told. I don't say there is no way it will be useful, but it won't be easy.
Tatiana: Maria doesn't react at all at Vodyenoy accusation.
Seraph, and horses in general: I got your point... I concede I have zero experience in real life horses. Much less fantasy realms war horses. If Seraph has faith in Swift, well, why not? But he will need to make some rolls, will have to face several problems, and will be taking risks. But if you are good with that, I am good with that too. And remember, is not the best place for cavalry charges, it is a hill, after all. Your call. So Mulray is mounted?
Wow! It is a strong horse!

Corsario. Its fine. We can move on without more of my drama. However if you get a chance to ride trained horses its fun.

Any who on with the show Goodman!

So swift is called? Mulray is mounted?

Mulray is Mounted, Swift remains in place not called apologies for the retcon.

Map Round 1* (No combat yet) - Neji summon round 1
Neji makes to the edge of the path, and as quiet as possible starts summoning Destroyerman.
The rest of you keep advancing, as if nothing had happen (I think you do a double move of 40' because of Vodyanoy 20' speed).
Don Khavortorov, the younger of the Four Swords, tells you in low voice.
"The bandits behind us stopped, they seems to be taking positions to block the way."
In the fort the bandits keep moving inside of it. The door is open, and no one seems to be next to the door. But your view angle is not too good.
By the way, the tokens for Leaf and Swift can be changed, if you want to use other, just send the new one to me. Any other companion, familiar, etc you want to participate in the battle, please send me the token, and where is it (I am thinking a Shoanti medium-size cat here ;) ).
Confirming: Mulray. He is a coach driver. He doesn't have ranks in ride. His priced horses (Gus and Sheba) are Heavy DRAFT horses.
I added your horses were I think they are. Please tell me if I am mistaken.

Eraitar will remain hidden a way back from the fort. He can charge for 1 round at a speed of 500, so he can be quite a way back crouched down at the edge of the forest or in tall grass. Let me know if you want a stealth check, but considering this is a cat in the woods/tall grass, I cannot imagine that anyone would ever see him.

As with the horse animal companions, my thought is that if I need him to attack, a simple whistle should be all it takes to have a a raging ball of fur and claws covering a lot of ground very quickly.

Now that the bad guys are out of listening range, Tatiana whispers to the group, "If anything starts rising out of the desolated fields next to us, make for the fort as soon as possible. We can not afford to be surrounded."

Then to Vodyenoy, "Vodyenoy, what proof do you have that Maria has betrayed us?"

Eraitar is on a near hill creek, stalking the fort. Good thing the bandit doesn't have horses, as without them noone warns them of the prowling cat.
Vodyanoy looks at Maria.
"Isn't it obvious? She sold us, we are walking into a trap. But they weren't counting with me being here."
Maria keeps advancing silently.
Please Roll a sense motive check

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

As they near closer to the fort Though still out of Tarina's vision Tarina still has not dismounted, but she takes out the small statuette of Azurefang and holds it close. At situations such as this, Tarina had learned long ago to rely on her hearing, but it was quiet, too quiet.

Vodyanov sincerely believes what he says, and he doesn't seem angry at Maria, he says it matter-of-factly.
Maria seems unfazed by the accusation, and ignores Vodyanov.

Tarina, with her specially honed hearing, worries about the complete lack of sound from outside the path. No insects, no birds. Not even the wind on the grass. Nothing.
She is mounted? She has +1 untrained in ride, right?

Corsario, I'll decide on Leaf when we are at the gates - are we there now? If so, does our whole convoy fit in there? :D

Correct, she can control the beast, but may not stay in the saddle herself, lol.

Axurefang is hera? I thought we didn't bring him lol. Oh well~

Filler post, Xi is ready to GO! D:<

Xi liked the sudden threat in the air. The gloves were off and the four swords warning only made her smile more broadly. The tightness in her stomach was gone and her adrenaline was already pumping. She continued to save her spells until they were inside the fort...

She was far from caring who betrayed who, it was killing time soon and she planned to win.

MAP
There is the map link.
Daliedhur, seeing the fort size up close, wonders if the 13 of you (without Neji) will fit inside. How many bandits are there?
Tarina: Hope you know what you are doing... :P

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Seraph had nearly enough, she spoke quickly over her shoulder. "Quit talking and focus. We've already tipped our hand thanks to you Mr. V." She says this dryly, still attempting a veneer of diplomacy. His casting had put her on edge despite the fact the enemy had been ready for them. She kept Swift in the back of her mind as a last resort, the warhorse could possibly aid her yet...

She looked at Maria then, searching her eyes as they trudged the last few yards. "Can you fight Maria?" Her voice was confident, she didn't share the same opinion as Vod or any of the others. She still believed that Maria hadn't betrayed them.

AS for Mulray he wouldn't have brought a draft horse, totally my fault there so please assume it is with Swift or at your discretion Corsario. Again my apologies.

No problem, it will be a "normal" riding horse, same as Tarina's.
Vodyanov puffs.
"Tipped our hand? Which one? They knew who we are and that we were coming!
Maria turns to look at you. She nods. Her eyes look sad.

It's gonna be tightly packed in there, that's for sure :D

She nods to Maria confident in their ability and upon seeing the sad look in her eyes Seraph tries to bolster Maria's spirits. "I dare say you may have to fight soon but we will make it through this I know it."

Seraph was calm once more as she responded to the childish gnome. "You pointed out where our casters were the moment you casted you fool. Where do you think the archers will aim? So quit acting like a child and stop endangering your wife with empty g$%#*~n bravado. If this goes against us you are to retreat with Tatiana and Neji. Thats all I need from you Mr. V so focus because I plan to win today." She speaks in a way above rebuke, if those three could escape then Sloboda could survive. Without Tatiana the kingdom would be lost, a general could be replaced.

Tatiana growls a whisper at Seraph, "Focus! I said get to the fort, first. And I'll take care of most of the archers."

Since Halcorg pointed out the archers, can you put them on the map. Also can you put the map in the Campaign Info tab with the main map. Thanks.

With all the commotion going on, Tarina will dismount though she cannot see anyone aside from their group. "Somehow even the wildlife doesn't seem to approach this place, We should be on our guard." Of course that being said, she still had not yet been able to see any bandits. "Well, if they know who we are, perhaps we should use that to our advantage."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 4 = 23

Tarina takes a step towards the fort, holding her hands out. "As you can see, I am unarmed, as I am sure you have already figured out, I am Tarina Lebeda, daughter of Lalia Lebeda, and High Priestess of Sloboda. I implore you to let us see your Lord, I hear he's quite the Stag."

Oh my...

Having never stopped heading to the fort S9aph nods at the Queens command. "Yes Mlady please stay...." she paused as Tarina dismounted HALTING their progress.

Tarina's diplomatic approach made Seraph grimace. Everything was officially fubared.

Unless we stopped then we haven't stopped making our way in heading to the fort. I apologize for not putting a move action in my post to make it more clear. So I am a little confusing.

Stag Lord Fort Ground Level Map
Three rounds later, after advancing just in front of the Stag Lord's Fort - Neji summon round 4/10
From the fort 5 bandits advance towards the door, and stops 15' away from the portcullis.
From left to right...
- The first one seems like an ordinary bandit, armed with longsword and steel shield.
- The second one is armored, and has a red flask in his hand, and a Halberd ready... for what you know he must be Falgrim Sneeg, an older Varisian with graying hair and an unruly beard. A former mercenary, he possesses an unnerving calm in the face of violence.
- The enormous third one almost don't fit in the fort. His idiotic face and big size make you recognize Auchs, one of the Stag Lord Lieutenants. He carries a great club.
- The fourth one has a madman's face, filled with hate and rage, lacking reason or pity. He is Cragger Kench, a bandit beaten by the Stag Lord so hard he lost his mind, and became a killing machine.
- The last one seems like an ordinary bandit, armed with longsword and steel shield.
From the 2 frontal watch towers you see 3 bandits emerge in each one. One is armed with a longbow, the other has a red flask, and in the left one a big fat man, obviously Fat Norry, armed with a longbow. On the rigth one the flaming red hair of a young man let you identify Topper Red, the struggling street poet from the city of Pitax, seemingly unarmed.
This last one answers Tarina:
"Welcome, ladies, sirs, and Queen, to the domains of my liege, the Stag Lord."
He starts reciting a verse:
"On one beautiful day,
A beautiful Queen came to hunt a Stag,
But someone the Queen betray,
And by that night down came her flag!"
All the bandits cheer and laugh at his verse!
Then, from the back of the fort, in a raised catwalk, the Stag Lord appears. And he is dragging the very hurt and bloody Akiros Ismort, who seems completely staggered.
The deep powerful voice of the Stag Lord calls to you.
"This is my domain, given to me by my Goddess Nyrissa. You have came here to die. But if you surrender now, maybe I'll let some of you leve, to join me in uniting the Stolen Lands. If you refuse me, you will die, as this traitor!"
He pushes Akiros to the ground.
Sorry I haven't done the "upper floor map", but I marked where the towers and Stag Lord are in the Ground Level one.
If you continue "chatting" we won't roll initiative (yet), but if you want to do something other than talk, roll initiative, and describe what do you try to do. You can use the map coordinates to tell where do you want to move.
Maria quickly draws a shortbow from her backpack (which should be magical, as you won't think a bow would fit there, and also an arrow. The arrow is completely black, from the tip to the feather.

Also please roll an spellcraft check, if you have it trained.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Tatiana maintains her composure after Tarina's actions and remembers how effective Destroyerman is, so she plays for time. "Fine. I accept your surrender." She starts with a smile and whispering through her teeth, "keep moving toward the fort. Destroyerman is our signal to attack."

"Let's discuss how we can work together." She continues.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

The rumbling voice of the Stag Lord answers.
"Everybody drop your weapons, and you, Maria, the Tall woman and Tarina, enter the fort. The rest wait outside. "

Not aware of what is happening in the fort, Neji maps out her plan for getting her Eidolon ready for combat.

Round 1:

Neji draws D-Man's falchion from her Handy Haversack as a move action and casts Mage Armor on Destroyerman as a standard. Her Eidolon assumes total defense as a standard.

Round 2:

Neji hands Destroyerman his weapon as a move action and casts Shield on him as a standard via Share Spells. D-Man takes his weapon as a move and maintains total defense as a standard.

Round 3:

Neji casts Haste on Destroyerman and herself as a standard action and advances fifty feet toward the fort as a move action. D-Man advances sixty feet forward as a move and maintains total defense as a standard.

Round 4:

Neji cast Enlarge Person on Destroyerman via Share Spells and moves fifty feet foward. Destroyerman maintains total defense, takes to the air, and flies for the archers, getting as close as possible while staying within 100 feet.

Round 5:

Destroyerman drops total defense and starts chopping up archers. Nej tries to stay within 100 feet, maintaining Invisibility as necessary.

Movement speeds subject to change so Neji and D-Man stay within 100 ft of each other.

Halcorg is more than a little surprised when Tatiana steps forward. Unsure what to do next, he reaches back and grasps his earthbreaker lightly while speaking a prayer to Desna to grant his weapons greater power in the face of combat.

Cast Lead Blades - not sure what the DC is for the spell, but since we are still quite some distance away, I assume there will be a decent modifier.

Duration - 3 minutes

DC for what?
The only issue I see is that not dropping your weapon, and instead starting to cast will put you all in combat (at least the bandits who will react to him).

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 To see what Tarina knows about Nyrissa, also, has Venetia managed to contact her yet?

"We'll be fine, don't worry." Tarina reassures those who were told to wait outside as she steps forward, waiting for the others that the Stag Lord pointed out.

No, she doesn't know anything about Nyrissa yet, and haven't been contacted by Venetia either.
Will she go in even if Halcorg casts?

Unsure if Halcorg initiated combat by casting Lead Blades... Assuming he didn't, Tatiana plays for time.

Tatiana stays where she is and pauses for as long as she can get away with by slowly looking at her companions. Then she replies, "Who is the Goddess Nyrissa?"

I will assume he will not cast, for now... Until he confirms.
"She is the goddess of the Stolen Lands! If you don't drop your weapons NOW we will kill you all! "

Corsario, can you please monitor the round clock for us. How much time has Tatiana delayed?

"Alright, alright, we're coming." Tatiana replies with as much of pause as the scene can stand. She nods to everyone to stay with her plan, meaning for Daliedhur to stay put and for Seraph, Tarina and Maria to join her.

She walks forward ten feet, then stops, "If you know who we are, can I change out of this bandit disguise. I hate it. It won't take a moment, because it's magical. Don't shoot."

All that is true. Stalling yes, bluffing no. She wants to use her Sleeves of Many Garments.

Let's say the idea of the beautiful queen Tatiana changing her clothes there in the open got their attention (too bad they will be disappointed ;P )
You have stalled them 2 more rounds. (Neji summon round 6/10)
Do any of you DON'T drop his weapons?
If nobody says otherwise I'll rule you all drop them, and Halcorg do no cast Lead Blades.

Halcorg will ready an action to cast Lead Blades. He will drop his earthbreaker, but keep his klar at his side ready to be used if necessary.

Thinking back on his missing wife, Halcorg shuffles nervously not wanting anyone, especially the women, to separate.

I don't like this. Stay together.

Tatiana never dropped her weapons. They are still sheathed and stowed.

Spell Craft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"What a s**% poet! Ha!" She laughs at Topper Red insultingly, even in the face of overwhelming odds Xi was calm and smiling, Death's Shadow feared no bandit, not even in the face of certain death. She draws her greatsword and spins it around expertly before slamming it tip down into the dirt. "My fang is buried now Doe boy." Her smile never leaves her face as she watches the bandits intently.

She will ready action to cast lead blades if the bandits show aggresive actions or attempt to bar them from the fort.

Did we get a potion of Bull's Strength that I should have? If so, I will also make sure that it is readily available.

The Bull's Strength might be better for someone else though. I forgot, I have a Belt of Giant Strength +2, so the Bull's Strength will not stack, and, thus, only give me a +2 addition. Might be better for Xi or Seraph to take the Bull's Strength.

8x Cure Light Wounds, Blur (Xi has) Invisibility (No One spoke up so I will assume it is with Xi or Neji... Bulls Strength (Assumed Halcorg would take it. But if it doesn't work for him then I guess it's on Xi as well... :/ The remaining 200 gp was to be used for potions of Alchemist fire... Up to Corsario if it was available or not.)

Seraph never drops her weapons, they remain sheathed and stowed as she completely ignores the Stag Lords command. At Tatiana's command she nods and moves to the fore ahead of Maria and Tatiana. She speaks to Tatiana over her shoulder, never losing eye contact with those bandits just yards away from them.

"Shall I disarm Queen Tatiana."

If any bandits make a move forward, say a word or anything that gains Seraph's attention she turns to glare at them. A glare so full of righteous wrath it would turn most men's guts to water. There was a reason why she was called the Red General and the bandits know all to well what she has done and why most chose to surrender over death when facing her on the field.

1d1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27