Kingmaker [PbP] (Inactive)

Game Master Jeff Przybylo

I thought that the wedding wasn't even being announced until the beginning of the New Year? Which would mean at the Seventh Veil ball or after we come back from our foray into the wilderness. Then the wedding would be later than that. It's marked on the calendar that we're taking off after the ball.

24 Neth 4708

Normally quite deep along the majority of its length, the Gurdin River becomes rather shallow here, creating a navigable ford across its width.

Important landmark = ford across the river here. D7 explored

25 - 28 Neth 4708

A snow squall blows in from the north, dropping several inches of snow across the hills here. The storm and the deep snow hinders your efforts, and it takes several frigid days to complete your mapping. The Gudrin river continues through the area, but you find nothing else of note. E7 explored.

Now where?

I say we back track to D7, cross the river south and then hit the next row on the map. We can go east to hit the right side of that row and then back west again.

Agreed - let's do E8 all the way along to d8. That's 9 hexes - how long can we stay in the field before we're due back in Concord?

Agreed - let's do E8 all the way along to d8. That's 9 hexes - how long can we stay in the field before we're due back in Concord?

If necessary, until the third week of the next month. That's the week we've picked for kingdom maintenance.

So we can potentially spend almost a whole month exploring, so long as we don't hit any large snags that is. I like that plan.

Sounds great!

Agreed - set [cool-sounding weapon] to "Adventure!"

Remember I need all the pertinent rolls for each hex. Don't worry about the ones we just did. Start with the hexes: E8, D8, C8.

Gah, always forget those! Been too long. Can we get our NPC expert (whether Dregan or whoever) to assist?

Survival, E8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Perception, E8: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Knowledge (nature), E8: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Survival, D8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Perception, D8: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Knowledge (nature), D8: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Survival, C8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Perception, C8: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Knowledge (nature), C8: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

I see.... NOTHING

E8:
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

D8:
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

C8:
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

I'm only good for the perception!

E8:
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

D8:
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

C8:
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Vosil needs to get his nose out of those books and look around a bit!

Perception aid another E8: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perception aid another D8: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Perception aid another C8: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Talia is easily distracted the first day, her discomfort at being back in the saddle obvious. Cold and cranky, the Viscountess wraps her traveling cloak tightly around her and rides silently along.

The next days are better. Talia adapts quickly to the itinerant life, and takes in the countryside, judiciously taking notes and pointing out a hillock here, a crabapple bush there, and so on, happy to be out again with her friends.

Perception E8: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception D8: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception C8: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

28 Neth 4708

The hills of the Kamelands become more rocky and craggy here, with hidden ravines and caves all about.

29 Neth 4708

Rocky crags, hidden ravines. You've seen this before. It's late in the evening when you decide to make camp. Dregan has a fire going, with strips of meat from elk he killed yesterday already on the heated stone. The sound of sizzling meat mixes with the smell of a fresh roast.

Suddenly, a man's voice cries out from over the edge of the ravine you're sheltered in. "Help! Help! Someone help!

Without waiting for the others, both Naralesh and Edric stand up begin heading towards the voice.

29 Neth 4708

Gavriil settles in among the others, bundling himself in his cloak to fight off the biting cold in the craggy terrain. Getting away from the city was met with mixed feelings for him. He was glad to be away and to have something else to focus on, but the harsh realities of living off the land always put him in a sour mood. He moves closer to the fire to get warmer and says, "Just once it would be nice to discover an unmarked tavern on our travels. It doesn't even have to be a nice inn! Just a roof over our heads!"

No sooner does he finish his thought, though, but a voice calls out for help. Gavriil freezes in place at the sound, but Edric and Naralesh seem to take off towards the sound immediately. He calls after them in a harsh whisper, "Stop! You don't know what you're heading into yet! we may need to keep a low profile to help whoever it is!"

Talia smiles, and wrapping her cloak tighter, nods. The Viscountess starts to agree with Gavriil, when the cry for help floats across their camp. Cursing, Talia grabs her whip and follows after Edric and Naralesh. Their hearts were in the right place, and this time at least, she wouldn't be the first one rushing foolishly into the unknown.

and this time at least, she wouldn't be the first one rushing foolishly into the unknown.

Isn't that always Edric? :)

Even as he moves to investigate a tiny part of Edric's mind begins screaming - he knows that he should listen, but the need to help the person calling is just too strong...

Uncharacteristic for the analytical wizard, Naralesh says nothing as he moves towards the edge, foregoing even the usual magical protections he'd typically be casting at the sign of potential danger.

Nora, previously dozing by the fire, suddenly snaps awake, sensing something is wrong with her master. The snowy fox lets out a hideous yowl of fear and charges after Naralesh.

Seeing Talia take off after Naralesh and Edric, Gavriil sighs and takes off after them as well. Not being weighed down as much as Edric, he quickly catches up to the man and says, "I've got a bad feeling about this..."

Seeing Talia take off after Naralesh and Edric, Gavriil sighs and takes off after them as well. Not being weighed down as much as Edric, he quickly catches up to the man and says, "I've got a bad feeling about this..."

Edric looks back at Gavriil and Gav can see the fear in Edric's eyes, the trapped look that he's seen occasionally when the paladin has been unusually stressed or worried. Despite the look Edric carries on, as though the person behind his eyes is being held back somehow...

Back, sorry for delay

Vosil grimaces with annoyance at the prospect of supper being delayed. He's not surprised that Edric races in where angels might fear to tread, but he is taken aback by Naralesh.

He is about to joke that the engagement to Talia is causing him to act like her, but the absence of any spellcasting - together with the fox familiar's cry of alarm - is enough to put him on alert.

"I do not know what is going on here, but I do not like it."

Drawing his bow and nocking an arrow has not - yet - become as familiar or reassuring an action as uncoiling his whip, but he hopes it can become so with time.

He follows at a slight distance, ready for trouble.

Gavriil looks into Edric's eyes. What he sees there doesn't make a whole lot of sense to him. Gavriil slowly nods to the paladin and says, "Right, right..." He unsheathed his blade and continues on with Edric, keeping his eyes out for anything. "I hate it when I'm right..."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

From the top of the ravine, a large freakish beast with the head of a badger, the hooves of a stag, and a wide mouth with sharp ridges of bone instead of teeth jumps down and attacks Edric!

bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30crit?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30dmg: 4d6 + 14 ⇒ (2, 1, 6, 1) + 14 = 24

The creature's bite is devastating as it locks on to Edric's leg. He can the feel the bony jaws tearing through his thigh muscle and rasping along the femur.

ROUND ONE: Edric, Gav, Nara, and Vosil; beast; Talia. map is up!

Edric roars in pain and slaps one hand down onto his thigh, trying his best to heal the damage the creature did. His senses heightened he scans the creatures intent, even as he strikes - hard.

LoH: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) = 12 Then Detect Evil as a move action. Then hit it onces.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 3) + 8 = 13

What knowledge do we need to identify this thing?

Vosil sees with relief that Edric has survived what looked like a mortal wound. Drawing back his bow, he aims at the strange beast, hoping to put an arrow into it. Or even two.

Full-Round Action

Composite Longbow, Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 27 (Point Blank Shot gives +1 within 30 feet)
(BAB, Dex, Magic Weapon, Weapon Focus, Weapon Training, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot)
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 14 (Point Blank Shot gives +1 within 30 feet)
(Magic Weapon, Weapon Training, Deadly Aim, Weapon Specialisation)

Composite Longbow, Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 14 (Point Blank Shot gives +1 within 30 feet)
(BAB, Dex, Magic Weapon, Weapon Focus, Weapon Training, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot)
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 9 (Point Blank Shot gives +1 within 30 feet)
(Magic Weapon, Weapon Training, Deadly Aim, Weapon Specialisation)

@Edric, you are 10' from the beast. You can step up and attack or Detect Evil, but not both. @Vosil, Kn Arcana for magical beast.

Ahh - I assumed since it bit me that I could reach it... Go with detect evil, and burn another LoH for holy light! Vosil will get +1 to hit :)

Ahh - I assumed since it bit me that I could reach it... Go with detect evil, and burn another LoH for holy light! Vosil will get +1 to hit :)

Nope - check the map - it's got reach.

Gavriil watches as the beast lunges out of the ravine and latches on to Edric's leg. He rushes forward and flicks his rapier towards the creature's neck, trying to harry it enough to get it off of Edric.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 I'm going to burn a panache to double up the precise strike damage +5 bringing the total to 21 damage

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Crit Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Probably not getting that crit

Gavriil scores an accurate piercing strike deep into the beast's neck, gouting blood as he removes his blade.

Remember you get Bless within 30ft of Edric!

I can't edit now but with bless it would change those numbers to:

Attack: 32
Damage: 22
Crit Roll: 14
Crit Damage: 16

I also don't know if I can use bless to re-roll a Crit confirm roll but here's the re-roll anyway...

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

I'll take this one if I can!

Finally got to look at the map (can't see it from my phone). Since I'm within 30 feet of the beast and Edric, I get the advantages of the Bless effect and my Point-Blank Shot feat, so my final rolls look like this:

Attack 1: 29 to hit, 15 damage
Attack 2: 16 to hit, 10 damage

EDIT If the thing has reach, I think it will get an AoO against you as you approach, Gav.

You're right, Vosil. I'm going to use an immediate action, an AoO, and grit to opportune party and riposte if he does lash at me coming in.

Parry: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Riposte: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Riposte Damage: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Well, that's a horrifying amount of damage from a single bite. Let's see if we can do something about that.

I have to investigate that voice, Naralesh thought. It drowned out all other thoughts, including the tiny voice in the back of his mind urging caution, analysis. That abruptly ended when the beast surged forward and grabbed Edric's leg like a hound fetching a stick. Adrenaline surged through his body and the wizard simply disappeared with a sharp *POP*, materializing ten feet farther from the terrifying creature. He took half a moment, stepping back yet another step, to analyze the beast's appearance, hoping to recognize it by an illustration he'd seen in his copy of Zoology of Northern Avistan.

Knowledge (Local, Nature, Religion, Engineering, Dungeoneering, The Planes, Nobility, Geography, or History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 (+4 if it's Arcana).

He did not let this lapse of memory delay the implementation of his magic, however. Rapidly swirling his hands about as he chanted, he unleashed a ripple in time that accelerated each of his allies to superhuman speeds.

Casting haste on everyone. +1 to hit, AC, and reflex saves, one extra attack per full attack action.

Nara goes before Vosil, so he gets the benefits of the Haste spell - for this relief, much thanks :)

Also, OGGM stated that it's knowledge (arcana) to identify

Vosil squints at the beast, trying to identify it, before Naralesh's magic surges through him, improving his aim and increasing his speed. His hands blur as he launches a trio of arrows into the air.

Know arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Hasted attack: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 26
(BAB, Dex, Magic Weapon, Weapon Focus, Weapon Training, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, Bless, Haste)
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 15
Magic Weapon, Weapon Training, Deadly Aim, Weapon Specialisation,
Point Blank Shot

Final Revised results:

Attack 1: 30 to hit, 15 damage
Attack 2: 18 to hit, 10 damage
Hasted Attack: 26 to hit, 15 damage

NOTE: As a reminder, I do Init in post order. I have to list the names somehow, but that does not define the order, just the group that goes. In this case, Vosil posted before Nara, so the Haste would not apply. Edric, Gav, Nara and Vosil are in one group. Talia is alone in another.

NOTE 2: Everyone should be able to move yourself around on the map. Do so if you wish, or let me know if you need me to move you.

Edric casts his holy light as Vosil hits the beast solidly. Gav dances in, and the creature snaps at him!

aoo: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Gav dodges the bite deftly and strikes the large animal another solid hit!

Naralesh casts Haste.

Talia is up! beast AC 18/10/17

Doesn't the creature go before Talia?

Drawing her sword, Talia charges the beast, bring the full weight of Worgslayer down on the creature, the Viscountess' nostrils flaring as she does so. Talia's sword skips along the hide of the monster, the weapon twisting in Talia's hand but just piercing the creature's hide...

attack, charge, haste, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Talia's AC is 15 (-2 charge, +1 haste) for the round.

We've been sitting in our castle for too long. We've forgotten how to fight.

"Beware its bite - it is by far its greatest threat," Naralesh warns. "Reinforcements are coming soon," he says, clearly about to begin a familiar summoning spell.

Doesn't the creature go before Talia?

Yes, I was off my game last week, sorry. I'll get it back together!

Sorely wounded, the beast takes a last bite at Talia before attempting to flee.

bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 dmg: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 = 16

The creature gathers itself, and leaps to the edge of the ravine! Edric and Talia get an AoO. Then ROUND TWO: everyone (except Talia may go. The beast is 15' up on the edge of the small ravine you are in.

aoo, haste, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The creature was too quick. Talia sees the attack coming, but the Viscountess can't maneuver into willow stance, and Worgslayer skips off the creature's hide, harmlessly, even as the beast's teeth sink and cut through Talia's armor like a sword through silk.

I was right up on him and I have combat reflexes so I believe I get an AoO as well. Ignore this if I'm wrong.

As the beast lashes out on more time before rushing off, Gavriil sees an opportunity to strike, flicking his rapier in for another strike.

AoO Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

AoO Damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 = 21 Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 8 + 1 = 20

Turns out Holy Light is much better than I thought - it's +1 AC, to hit, damage and saves vs fear!

"Oh no you don't!" Edric grunts, not keen on letting his assailant get away.

Not quick enough to escape, the leucrotta is slain by Gav and Edric's lightning-like reflexes.

Combat over. You guys hit considerably harder than I remember.
;)

It's Gav's damage output that scares me... his rapier does more damage than my double handed hammer...

"Is everyone ok?" Edric asks, a slightly ridiculous question given that he is covered in blood - much of it his own - and limping. None-the-less he stomps his way towards Talia, his aura flickering as the light builds around his hands instead.

LoH: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 3) = 9

That's all I have though! I had to pump everything into that! Like Vosil, I don't got none of that there fancy magic! :)

Gavriil pulls out a handkerchief and wipes the blood from his blade before placing it back in his scabbard. Apparently, his training sessions with Edric over the past couple of months had paid off. He shakes his head to the paladin, letting him know that he was unscathed in the fight.

He crouches over the beast and asks, "What in the nine hells was that thing?"

Yeah, a powered-up swash can do a ridiculous amount of damage!

Vosil looks around, shouldering his bow cautiously as it appears that the thing is indeed dead and not just faking it.

"That could have been deeply unpleasant, given that it snared both Naralesh and Edric." He doesn't point out that had it pounced on the wizard, rather than the paladin, the would could well have proved mortal.

Seeking to change the subject, he thinks for a moment. "It has been a while since we encountered a foe worthy of a name - I think the last was at Wyrmsbane Crossing and we have rather fallen out of the habit of naming places since."

"Can I suggest that we name this place Deception Valley? And maybe the hills where we encountered that wolf pack should be called Worgslayer Crag, in honour of the sword Talia named that day?"

Can't remember any other significant foes, but feel free to make your own suggestions :)

Naralesh makes sure Talia is alright before going over to examine the beast they've slain. He gives Gavriil a nod of approval. "Impressive swordsmanship, Gavriil. Your style might not be as refined, but you're the equal of any Swordlord I've laid eyes on." Naralesh looks over the beast's body. "I believe that was a Leucrotta. Famously healthy beasts, susceptible to neither plague nor poison. And as you saw, their voice carries magical power as well." He scans the area around them. "No sign of a mate, so this one was likely a solitary hunter. I hope there's not a pack of them nearby. They're as clever as men, and as vicious as gnolls."

"I should hope this valley deserves a better name than Deception," Naralesh replies to Vosil. "Though I admit to no better ideas myself."

"Deception's Downfall?" Edric asks, looking up from working on Talia's leg. "It might be a little more positive that way."

Examining his patient he stands back up. "That should do for now. Give it some time and I can heal the rest later if need be - natural healing is best though, when possible."