Gm Aest's Kingmaker: To Forge a Kingdom

Game Master Aest

Stolen Lands
Combat Map (Also in my Header)

Loot Spreadsheet


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M Half Elf
Stats:
Magus (Kensai) 3 Init +4, perception +8 4/5/4, +7vs ench., 19/17/12, 7/15

Daen's half closed eyes widen in shock as the huge lumbering beasts plow him like a team of oxen. Their enormous bodies slam him between them and he hears and feels the cracking of ribs while one of them also steps on his thigh, gouging out flesh and bruising him all the way down to his boot.

Even in the heat of the moment, Daen was able to retaliate, digging his sword into the beast on his left, creating his own furrow through the thick meat of the weird looking cow. After the animals had scattered, Daen opened his mouth to say something fairly witty, but it was lost in a cough of blood.

Not having the wherewithal to run, nor really thinking his knee could hold the strain, he plunged his sword into the beast nearest him up to the hilt as his opposite hand prepared to draw a rune in the air. As he whispered the component of the spell, his hand drew back into his ribs reflexively due to his pain, causing the spell to end in strange fizzle. "Hells." he managed to blurt out amidst a crimson fountain.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Spell Combat: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Concentration: Casting Defensively: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
ASF: 1d100 ⇒ 73Moot
No Spellstrike, spell fizzles

HP:4/22


Male Human Witch 4
Stats:
HP: 30, Initiative: +6, Perception: +11, Sense Motive: +3 AC: 12 (T: 12, FF: 10), CMD: 14, Fort: 4, Refl: 3, Will: 6

Having missed the deadly struggles of Kazimir at the fort, Luthor had just seen the most brutal and sickening display of violence he could remember. It was almost like he could feel Daens pain, and he wasnt sure that was empathy alone. He toyed momentarily with the idea of charging past the Auroch to heal Daen, but it was far too dangerous. For a moment he was paralyzed with indecision, then sprang into action as he realized what to do. Circling the bowine, he channeled forth a shower of sparking motes, blowing them into the creatures face. For a few seconds following the spell, a sort of calm settled around the area, before the frantic sound and movement resumed as suddenly as it had faded.

Move around Daens Auroch avoided attacks of opportunity, then casting Sleep on it. Will DC 15.


Male human Paladin (shining knight of Erastil) 2 / Bloodrager (Celestial) 1 | AC 19, T 10, FF 19 | hp 7/34 | Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +5 | CMD 18 | Initiative +1 | Perception +0 | Smite Evil 0/1 | Lay on Hands 1/3 | Bloodrage rounds 3/6

Mwk battleaxe (AoO): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Faced with a split-second decision to save his own hide or take down the rampaging beast before him, Kazimir takes the latter option. His axe flashes out even as the creature slams into him, knocking the breath from his lungs and cracking a rib; he hits the ground, coughing and wheezing.

Pain...

The pain surges through him; his nostrils flare, flooding his blood with oxygen; the hand on his axe tightens, knucklebones threatening to break the skin. Eyes flashing with a pale yellow light, he swings again at the beast, both hands on the haft, exhaling deeply as the axe bites deep.

Entering bloodrage as a free action. +4 STR, +4 CON, +2 Will, -2 AC.
Mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 two-handing, power attacking
damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Cyanne, aching all over and realizing that she will never have a career as a rider of aurochs, sings to inspire courage and gets up.

This will provoke an attack of opportunity.


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Laliytsa watches in horror as the cows smash into Dean and Kaz. She bellows ”KESTEN! WE NEED HELP NOW!”

The whole situation looks bad, but Cyanne seems the most vulnerable since she’s cut off from the rest of the party. The ranger targets the cow nearest to her.

Longbow Attack +Point-blank shot+Deadly Aim + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 1 + 1 = 11
Damage + Point-blank shot+ Deadly Aim + Inspire Courage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 8


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Lali's arrows thud into the auroch's flank, which bellows, only to have its bellow cut short by Daen's sword. For his part, Kazimir takes his auroch's charge, but gives as good as he gets, smashing his axe into the big cow's side, then delivering a two-handed blow that drives the beast to its knees.

Cyanne, for her part, jumps to her feet, only to receive a massive, filthy horn in the stomach for her troubles. She gamely starts singing and manages to duck a second swipe of the big beast's head.

Gore AoO (Cyanne): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Gore (Cyanne): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage?: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Party is up!


Male human Paladin (shining knight of Erastil) 2 / Bloodrager (Celestial) 1 | AC 19, T 10, FF 19 | hp 7/34 | Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +5 | CMD 18 | Initiative +1 | Perception +0 | Smite Evil 0/1 | Lay on Hands 1/3 | Bloodrage rounds 3/6

With a wordless yell of rage ripping from his throat, Kazimir steps toward the last remaining auroch, trying to draw its attention from Cyanne. The axe-swing that smacks solidly into its side adds weight and edge to his intent.

Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 two hands, Power Atack, inspire courage
damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14


M Half Elf
Stats:
Magus (Kensai) 3 Init +4, perception +8 4/5/4, +7vs ench., 19/17/12, 7/15

Daen's feet move swiftly across the road, leaving a trail of blood behind him as he forces himself into proper posture. The threat still existed, and his fiancee was still in danger. There's no way he wouldn't be there for her. Adding his silent strike next to Kaz's bellow, he knew the animal had little time left.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Rapier: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Cyanne, reeling from the gut blow, tries to remember Daen's training. Centerline. Breath. Focus. Strike!

As she clutches at her gut, all she can think is that she can't let Daen down. Their story does not end this way.


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Male Human Witch 4
Stats:
HP: 30, Initiative: +6, Perception: +11, Sense Motive: +3 AC: 12 (T: 12, FF: 10), CMD: 14, Fort: 4, Refl: 3, Will: 6

Sheating his hand in light with a practiced flick of his wrist, Luthor ran to Cyanne, holding his hand towards her, offering it. "Here." He called out, unable to quite reach her with the beast there.

Healing Hex: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

With a shudder, the last great beast falls, only to poof out of existence a moment later. Kesten and the guards finish rousing themselves and grabbing for their weapons, only to find the fight is over almost before it began.

End Combat.

Perception (DC 25):
In the moment before Kesten and his guards arrive, you can almost hear laughter, a sickly, maniacal "heh heh. heh." from the direction the aurochs came. Unlike Tyg and Perli's laughter, there's nothing good-natured about this one.

As the camp settles back down, slowly, an owl flaps overhead, its wings parting the night so perfectly it barely makes so much as a *whoosh*.


M Half Elf
Stats:
Magus (Kensai) 3 Init +4, perception +8 4/5/4, +7vs ench., 19/17/12, 7/15

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Daen nodded at Luthor as he displayed the proper order of healing. He turned to the corpses to notice that the aurochs had disappeared. Either they were illusions from the start, he had read that some of them could be that dangerous. But in the moments as he waited for his own healing, he pondered what could be the issue. Looking at the owl, it seemed weird that it would hover so, but then again, what did he know of owls. It didn't hurt to ask.

After attempting to speak again, he felt the renewal of the pain, as he was pointing at the owl. Actually right now it hurt to ask. Perhaps he could wait a minute before exerting himself further.


Male Human Witch 4
Stats:
HP: 30, Initiative: +6, Perception: +11, Sense Motive: +3 AC: 12 (T: 12, FF: 10), CMD: 14, Fort: 4, Refl: 3, Will: 6

Guessing the illusion aspect is why there was no save for the Sleep spell.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

"Do you hear that?" Luthor muttered, letting his glowing hand hover over Daens shoulder as he focused on turning his head, trying to determine the direction. "Laugher?" He added, sounding decidedly surprised at the realization. "Must be more Fey afoot I wager." He finished, moving his hand to deliver the spell.

Healing Hex (Daen): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5


Male human Paladin (shining knight of Erastil) 2 / Bloodrager (Celestial) 1 | AC 19, T 10, FF 19 | hp 7/34 | Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +5 | CMD 18 | Initiative +1 | Perception +0 | Smite Evil 0/1 | Lay on Hands 1/3 | Bloodrage rounds 3/6

"They're... they're gone?" Kazimir asks in amazement, absent-mindedly wiping his axe-blade on his trousers to clean it. "They're not supposed to just... vanish like that, are they?"


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

There was no save for the Sleep spell because I forgot that you'd cast it. Also, Sleep is a full round cast.

"No, they aren't." Kesten shoves his sword back into its scabbard and examines the places the aurochs had fallen. The ground is beaten in, hoofmarks gouged out of the ground leading up to their former resting places, and dust filters through the air as if displaced by massive weights slamming to the ground. All that's missing are the aurochs.

After a few minutes of milling about, the assault force wanders back to bed, though Kesten orders a guard to stand watch with the remaining party members.

9-10 Gozran, 4710 AR

The rest of the night passes calmly, even serenely, and surprisingly, so too do the next few days of travel. The party and wagon bump and thud across the Kamelands, creaking past the Old Sycamore where the mites used to live, before the battle in the tunnels. Only a few leaves near the top of the tree seem to be greening with the coming summer, though the fields around it have burst into colorful patches of flowers. A few small, reptilian figures seem busy near the base of the tree, digging or moving earth. As the wagon reaches the closest point to the tree of its path (perhaps 200 yards), one of the figures stands up and waves. Kesten reaches for his sword, and Mirjam the guard pulls an arrow from her quiver.


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

"Hold!" Cyanne says to Kesten. "We know these kobolds, I think!" She grins and calls out a phrase in Draconic.

Draconic:
"Mizmek, is that you?!"


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Earlier

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Luthor's words cause Laliytsa to freeze up. This is clearly another fey trick. She looks around for anything out of the ordinary, but the only thing she sees is the owl. A perfectly normal sight in the middle of the night...so it would make a perfect disguise. She takes a quick shot at it; worst case scenario she's wrong and they have owl for breakfast.

Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Lali's arrow zips from its bow, striking the owl and punching through a wing. The bird wobbles, dips, and then resumes flying away, its flapping much more noisy than before. As it does, it turns its eyes toward the ranger and stares, an almost human malevolence looking at Lalitsa.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The Kobold continues to wave, sputtering and clicking off a string of Draconic at Cyanne. As it does, the other figures become more clear; perhaps as many as five or six kobolds are working around the mites' old lair, while another holds a filthy banner. Cyanne (presumably) translates the chitter chatter.

"Hello, hairy ones! Land here claimed by King Sootscale, Killer of Gods, Crusher of Blue Meanies. You have tribute, yes?"

The other kobolds stop what they're doing to shout at the tops of their little lungs, a cacophony that startles a few crows into flight. "HAIL SOOTSCALE!"


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Cyanne grins as she translates. "Hail, Sootscale dragonkin! Your glorious King and we agreed to an equal exchange of tribute called 'trade'." Cyanne pulls out the sign of that agreement, one of Sootscales very own scales. "We are allies by treaty. If your great King has tribute for us, we will of course try to have something in exchange. Otherwise, perhaps we can settle for an exchange of stories today?"


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Laliytsa watches the exchange with amusement. The kobolds are very enthusiastic but Cyanne seems to know how to handle them. "Me, I like stories best. Somethin' that everyone in the tribe can have, eh?


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Is the scenario not really engaging for people? All we have are Lali and Cyanne, and I wanna know what's up. I understand I'm not helping with the delays, but it goes both ways.

Mikmek looks at the scale, then shrugs and grins widely. "No, that Chief Sootscale's scale. You need King Sootscale's scale." He pauses, looking apprehensively at the rest of the party and shifting from foot to foot. After a few moments, one of the other kobolds nudges him forward and the rest slowly step back, leaving him very much alone up front. "Could exchange stories now, tell King tribute comes later, yeah? What hairy ones doing in Sootscale lands, anyways?"


M Half Elf
Stats:
Magus (Kensai) 3 Init +4, perception +8 4/5/4, +7vs ench., 19/17/12, 7/15

Daen looks suspiciously at the scale. Though it seems the little lizards were doing some posturing, Daen still didn't consider them to be a serious threat as of yet. It wouldn't take much for them to root out the infestation if they decided to become a nuisance, but perhasp there was still opportunity here.

"We're here to destroy all enemies to the people and civilization of Brevoy. The Stag Lord has set himself up as king, and it is an odious thing to us. So we are out to destroy him and his ilk." He was still unsure on how to bait them, but he looked over to Cyanne to hopefully see if she would pick up on where he was leading.

Bluff, secret message to Cyanne: 1d20 ⇒ 15 Success!

Maybe we should invite them to come?


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

"We're here for a glorious battle, and to ask our Kobold allies if they wish to join us. You're sneaky and the best trap smiths around. Would you like to help and earn endless glory in King Sootscale's name?"


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Mikmek looks at Cyanne for a brief second, then puffs out his skinny chest. "General Mikmek happy to lend war expertise to helpless hairy ones. It would bring great glory to-"

He's interrupted as the other kobolds drop their various tools and digging implements to jump on him, punching and kicking pathetically. For almost a minute, the air is filled with squeals, chirrups, and sobbing, until eventually Mikmek squirms his way free from the scrum. "Give Captain Mikmek one moment, yes?"

Eventually, half a dozen kobolds, none with ranks lower than Lord-Major, fall in with the group, spouting half-baked ideas on how to besiege a fortress and earning dirty looks from the guards. Kesten, for his part, spends the next two hours of the ride in an argument with Supreme Commander Takrik about the intricacies of catapult volleys.

11 Gozran, 4710 AR

As I recall, this is correct. I couldn't find where we decided on it, but here goes...

The night passes quietly, and in the morning, the party packs camp up for an easy ride to the meeting place. The confluence of the Shrike and Thorn Rivers forms a large, deep pool, below which is a rapid and then a fording place. There, a single tent sits, as well as a fire and a man, though from the distance it's difficult to make out features. A large hill rises to the south, blocking the view.

Perception (DC 25):
From beyond the hill, in the distance, a trail of smoke rises up through the morning air. Survival DC 20

Survival (See Perception):
The blackness of the smoke, coupled with the volume of it, seems to suggest a fairly large fire, and one that's burning green, wet material.


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Cyanne tugs on Lali's jacket. "Hey Lali, what's with the smoke that's rising over there? Any idea what it's from?"


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"Hmm" Lali squints, trying to make out any details, but after a minute she shakes her head and admits defeat. "Dunno. I'ma keep an eye on it, see if'n I can figure it out. Tent there oughta be our spy."


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M Half Elf
Stats:
Magus (Kensai) 3 Init +4, perception +8 4/5/4, +7vs ench., 19/17/12, 7/15

Though it was a good idea to have more bodies when attacking the castle, he knew that the uneasy alliance would do well to be proven true. If it didn't work out, of course, they would know whether or not they could trust the kobolds to keep their word. He implicitly felt Kesten was of the same mind in this, so he left well enough alone.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

As they approached the meeting site, Daen shrugs at the idea of smoke rising nearby. He didn't want to be seen as imperceptive, "Perhaps he's trying to signal us, or perhaps he's trying to signal others, but we're going to have to go up and speak to him eventually. I, for one, and ready to get this business over with." The swordsman trots his horse through the water, announcing their presence without fanfare or ceremony. There was no need to impress, nor did he consider Akiros' opinion of them something to be overly concerned about.

"We have come with a few more troops than originally discussed." He began talking to the tent as if Akiros was already listening. "I trust that shouldn't hinder our original plan too much. Are you prepared for this?" The question was vague enough to not give too much away to any who may be listening, and their numbers alone should be enough to help with any ambush that he might have set up. There wasn't much left to the process but to execute it, hopefully with as little loss of life as may be necessary.


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

"Wait. That smoke was not from Akiros's fire... Where's it coming from?"


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

"No, I am not prepared for this, but it's a bit late now, isn't it?" Akiros looks up from his small campfire. "The Stag Lord seems to have at least one other military man; probably Brevic. At the very least, he's gotten some idea of how to conduct a defense. He's ordered...well, you'd better take a look yourself, actually."

Akiros reaches into a saddlebag, pulls out a leather-and-rosewood case, and heads up the nearby hill. As he goes, he continues to talk, his voice pitched low. "He sent me and a few others to scout the woods, and he let the Old Man, sent him to the north to do what he would. I took the river and set places for the other scouts to stand guard well away from where you were likely to come."

As the party crests the hill, the plume of smoke becomes more and more visible, as does its source. A blaze seems to surround the base of a hill only a dozen miles away, throwing smoke into the crisp spring air. Akiros shakes his head and opens the case, pulling out a spyglass and handing it to whoever wants it.

Spyglass, Perception DC 15:
Near the base of the hill, a dozen men work to carve lines of bare earth into the wet grass, preventing the fire from spreading. The top of the hill is equally bare, except where a circle of spiked logs surrounds a few battered and broken stone towers and some smaller wooden structures.


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"That's odd..." Cyanne peers through the spyglass, trying to figure out what they're doing.

Profession Soldier: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

She passes the spyglass off to the others. "So what is the point of that defense? I'm not a military person. What the heck are they trying to do here with those spiked logs and the broken towers and the fire?"


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Male Human Witch 4
Stats:
HP: 30, Initiative: +6, Perception: +11, Sense Motive: +3 AC: 12 (T: 12, FF: 10), CMD: 14, Fort: 4, Refl: 3, Will: 6

As per usual, Luthor had kept his mouth shut while Cyanne was talking to the kobolds. Most of what he would have to say wouldnt be of any actual consequence to the proceedings, and odds were just as good that whatever he said would not go over well. "Its her doing the talking for a reason." He thought to himself, nuzzling Rikka and catching Kazimirs gaze before shrugging and sighing softly.

The kobold brawl did manage to elicit a snigger which he failed to queel with his hands, though it hardly mattered considering what was going on. "You know, I can tell this is serious stuff to them, but its just so awfully endearing isnt it?" He whispered through his fingers, snorting again as the pathetic kobold fighting once more became too funny for him to handle.

Meeting Akiros again managed to sour his mood however. Without giving it much thought, he stepped between him and Kazimir, scowling at him with the closest approximation to hatred he had ever been able to muster. He wanted to say something, make a show of telling this man that he was watching him, what would happen if he betrayed them in any way. But he had neither the brawn nor bravado for such claims, so settled for the angry stare. Rikka for her part tried to assist, though her lack of facial expression just caused her to look more beady eyed than usual.

Distracted by Cyannes question, he took the spyglass and looked down upon the scene. "Could they be clearing out the surroundings for ease of guarding it?" He asked, looking and sounding about as unsure as he was. "No terrain to hide in or behind."


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Cyanne watched Luthor step protectively in front of Kaz and raised an eyebrow. Was he protecting Kaz from his killer, or from a potential rival? Akiros was never neutral when it came to Kaz. Like Kaz, he hid his true feelings deep.

If only Kaz and Luthor would just talk to each other. But maybe it was best not to have this conversation right before a major battle.

Aloud she said, "That is an interesting theory. Kaz, Lali, Daen, what do you think?"

She glanced at Akiros. "Or, you could tell us what's going on. I know that you know." Her tone was light, almost joking, but also a challenge.

What is going through your mind now, Akiros?


Male human Paladin (shining knight of Erastil) 2 / Bloodrager (Celestial) 1 | AC 19, T 10, FF 19 | hp 7/34 | Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +5 | CMD 18 | Initiative +1 | Perception +0 | Smite Evil 0/1 | Lay on Hands 1/3 | Bloodrage rounds 3/6

"They get so enthusiastic about their little titles," Kaz mutters, shaking his head slightly, even as an unconscious smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "What is a 'Rear Admiral', anyway?" Though he's surprised that so many of them choose to come along, he makes no objection to the kobolds, gently pointing out that catapulting one of the smaller guards over the fortress walls won't be much use, and entertaining the half-baked ideas suggesting badgers.

--------------------

As the group dismounts and follows Akiros, Kazimir is surprised to find himself nearly stepping on Luthor's heels as the other man stands in front of him. He places a hand gently on Luthor's shoulder as the group follows up the hill, but doesn't attempt to move around him. After a moment's lingering, he turns the hand to Rikka, scratching around her ears and chin, ticking the wiry fur.

Perpception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Taking the spyglass from Luthor and peering through it, unused to the contraption, he frowns, brows knitting together, mouth turning down at the corners. "What are they doing down there?" he mutters, shaking his head. "Why the fire?"


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Lali hangs back and lets Daen talk to Akiros; she still has the overwhelming urge to punch him in the face. Doing it might be satisfying but they need the man to be cooperative. For now.

She waits for her turn with the spyglass, plucking it from Kaz’s fingers once he’s done looking.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
She scowls as she looks through the spyglass. ”Makin’ that hill defensive like. I reckon the buildin’s’ve been there fer a while an’ they camp there regular like. Might wanna sneak up closer fer a look.”

I’d like to try and pick out a spot closer to them that would be good for staying hidden while looking the camp over. What skill would that be? Perception?


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Go for Survival. I'll post once it's rolled.


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Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

:D


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Akiros nods slowly at Luthor's statement before squatting on the ground. "That before you is the Stag Lord's keep. It's bigger than it seems. There's an underground cellar, an animal pen, and enough housing for good many bandits. I'd guess at least ten men, last I was there, which was two days ago.

The fire's there to get rid of cover near the fortress, like your wizardly friend here said. I'd say a direct assault would be pretty stupid, but then, you did charge four archers and me by yourself. And speaking of stupid, the Stag Lord's not. Frequently drunk, but not stupid. He told me to report back tonight, and he'll change his security if I'm not back by then.

Laliytsa takes a look through the spyglass and finds a few different options. A copse of trees perhaps a mile away from the fortress offers the closest vantage, while a different hill only a couple miles from the one the party occupies provides an overlook but leaves out the details. Additionally, she spots the shimmering surface of the Tuskwater, a sprawling lake with steep banks to the north and west bordering the Kamelands. No doubt there are hard-to-see nooks and crevices there, though whether they're big enough to hide an army in remains to be seen.


Male Human Witch 4
Stats:
HP: 30, Initiative: +6, Perception: +11, Sense Motive: +3 AC: 12 (T: 12, FF: 10), CMD: 14, Fort: 4, Refl: 3, Will: 6

"Please spare us your insults." Luthor snapped at Akiros, taking a single step forward, then immediately another backwards as he subconsciously noted the bigger mans body respond to the threatening tone of his voice. Mustering up some courage he quickly added, his tone more level. "I doubt any of us really like this arrangement, but I can think of a few ways you can be spared our company, though I doubt youd like any of them."

Holding Akiros' gaze, Luthor naturally faltered first, looking at his companions, either for assistance of just hoping one of them would steer the conversation somewhere else. Either stunned by his outburst or having nothing to add, noone said anything. Turning back to Akiros, he took it upon himself then. "Anyway, how about you get to the part where you tell us how best to do this?"


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Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

”I see a couple’a spots what look good fer scoutin’.” Laliytsa’s voice is stoic but she can’t help but smile; it’s nice to see Luthor show his fangs. ”Wanna hear what ya have to say, obviously, but we oughta get a good look at the place fer ourselves. Don’t mind if’n we keep this, eh?” She holds up the spyglass and then pockets it before Akiros can say anything.


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Amused at Luthor's fierceness and Lali's pocketing of the spyglass, Cyanne quietly takes Daen's hand. She glances at Kaz. When will the warrior see the love already at hand?

"Akiros, not only do we want your advice on the approach... But I'd love ideas on getting them out of their stronghold. We have a number of kobold warriors who would love a chance to set some traps to welcome the Staglord's Men. What would entice them out? You know how the Staglord's mind works. Most battles are won not by mere prowess of arms, but by out-thinking the enemy, and for that we'll need data."


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Akiros nods at Laliytsa. "I'm only out here to be deploying our scouts, so it's not even mine. I took it from the man who was supposed to be watching this stretch."

"I can't tell you the best way to do this. He's burning out the hill, as you can see, but there's orders to leave the back side alone. That's always been the least guarded, and we had orders to only approach the fortress from the path to the gate, but I have no idea why." He shrugs, then dismisses Luthor and turns to Cyanne, raising an eyebrow. "Out of the stronghold? Why would you want to do that? If you fight them in the fortress, you'll be able to pin them, but out here, they'll run and you'll be dealing with the survivors for weeks or months."

He pauses again, hunkering down to scratch idly with a stick in the dirt. Just before the silence grows too heavy, he clears his throat. "The Stag Lord's a stongman. He's getting ready to send another crushing attack on your trading post, but he won't do it until he can win. He has to win to keep his men happy, so give him what he wants. If you pretend to lose an assault and start retreating, he might follow you out of the fortress. It's a long shot, and it'll take some doing, but it could work."

At the fortress, the wind shifts, blowing the smoke out over the Tuskwater in a long, black column. The fires seem to be dying down, and with the smoke out of the way, the party can more easily see (through the spyglass) a trio of wooden watchtowers jutting above the rest of the fortress.


Male human Paladin (shining knight of Erastil) 2 / Bloodrager (Celestial) 1 | AC 19, T 10, FF 19 | hp 7/34 | Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +5 | CMD 18 | Initiative +1 | Perception +0 | Smite Evil 0/1 | Lay on Hands 1/3 | Bloodrage rounds 3/6

At Luthor's outburst, Kaz's fingers tighten and he unconsciously moves as if to pull him back towards himself and away from the older man. "Careful," he mutters, lips barely moving as tensions quickly seem to settle again.

"If he wants the back side clear, it sounds like a trap," he says, his voice louder and clearer. "Guarded or not, it's suspicious. You don't leave the back door unlatched unless the hounds are already there."

He glances across at Cyanne. "You propose using trickery against them? Traps and ambushes?"


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Cyanne nods. "Traps, ambushes, everything we can. These are not honorable enemies. I have no intent to fight fair."


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Laliytsa scratches her cheek while she thinks. ”Mmm. Reckon he’s got somethin’ nasty behind the keep. I wanna try an’ getta closer look. Think we oughta pin ‘em in their nest so we gotta have our eye on any exits.”

She looks at the rest of the group and shrugs. ”I could go getta look tonight. Oughta be able to make that ridge there-” she points to an overlook a couple of miles from the camp ”- an’ get back ‘fore it gets too light.”


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

Oh man, lost track of this one for a bit. So sorry. That being said, there's not much for me to do.


Male human Paladin (shining knight of Erastil) 2 / Bloodrager (Celestial) 1 | AC 19, T 10, FF 19 | hp 7/34 | Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +5 | CMD 18 | Initiative +1 | Perception +0 | Smite Evil 0/1 | Lay on Hands 1/3 | Bloodrage rounds 3/6

"Good idea, Lali," Kaz nods. "Someone else should go with you. Can't have anything happening while you're out there."


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

"I can go out with her. I'm light on my feet, and can keep us in contact with you."


The Once and Future Kingmaker Battle Maps, Kingmaker: Svetlana's Tale Battle Maps

The scouting mission somewhat established, Akiros says his goodbyes and packs up his camp, riding back over the hill and down toward the Stag Lord's fortress. Cyanne and Laliytsa head off into the gathering dusk toward a nearby hill partway between the fortress and Akiros's former camp. A few of the kobolds find their ways into Kesten's siege supplies, prompting the noble's son to post guards over the supplies in case of "any attempts at foul play, by enemies...or...friends." This last bit is said grudgingly.

Lali and Cyanne's journey to the overlook is accompanied by a pinprick light in the distance, which seems to bob and pulse as it travels across the Kamelands. After an hour, it winks away and isn't seen again. More ominous are the dozens of torches along the walls and in the guard towers that Lali and Cyanne can see every time they peek through the spyglass.

Can I get Perception rolls from the ladies?


Female bard (duettist) 3 HP 15/23 | Init +3 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +6 W +3 | Per +8
Resources:
Bardic Performance Rounds 11/11 | 14/20 arrows | 15/20 cold iron arrows | 13/28 waiting for Daen's answer

Cyanne casts message on Daen, Lali and Luthor and then slips along, light on her feet as usual. If only she could figure out how to hook more than three people in a link. The darkness does not bother her, but the blinking light from the torches does. Is it a code, or some fae bit of trickery?

Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Whispering under her breath, she asks the boys, "Can you check if Tyg or Perli are around? We see blinking lights, and I want to know what they are."


Ini +3; HP 35/35; AC 16 T 13 FF 13; Fort+6 Ref +7 Will+3; Perc +10

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Lali scratches her head "I think it's Akrios ain't it?"

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