Lords of Themselves: A Kingmaker Adventure Path.

Game Master Red Ramage

GM Red Ramage officiates the wanderings and epic deeds of a party of cute badasses... and an elf.


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Male Elf Wizard (Shadowcaster) (Conjuration Specialist) (Teleportation) 6
Stats:
AC 14 18 MA | Touch AC 14 | FF 14 |15 temp HP 37/37 | Int +4 | Perception +7 | Fort +4; Ref +8; Will +6; (+2 vs. Enchantment Spells/Effects) | Sense Motive -1

"I think Pretty was trying to say that once we started killing them we shouldn't have stopped until they were all dead or we had to retreat. I think we should have killed them all and taken the egg to raise a new batch of tatzlwyrms that wouldn't attack people."


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

"Precisely what I think. But I would raise the baby Tatz, no way."

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

GM dice:
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Idris and Bara
"That is a foe I've never had to fight," comments Bara. "In my tribe, as in the Guild, your station was the result of demonstrated ability. Still, had you not ran into that wall, you would not be out here but in some comfortable tavern content with some minor station. Instead you are on the trail riding for much greater stakes, and the better fighter for it."

sense motive DC 18:
Bara seems... slightly emotional when she mentions you having possibly not come out to these wild lands.

The assassin brushes a wayward strand of jet-black hair out of her face and shoots a look at you. "The finest blades are put through the fire and under the hammer time and time again."

at the ford

Kesten coughs politely at the discussion of terms of surrender. "When one gives an opponent the chance to flee, and the opponent does, it is generally recognized as a surrender. It is customary to drop your weapon as you flee, but in this case such is not applicable. Offering an opponent quarter and then pressing combat against him is thoroughly dishonorable. I share your concerns, worthy goodfolk, of further danger from this beast, but we must trust in Lady Medvyed's judgement. I do, certainly. These lands seem to be bringing out a side of you, Sera, that one would not expect from so comely a noblewoman."

Sense Motive DC 15:
Kesten seems to be troubled by Seraphina's sudden displays of power, but does a decent job putting a game face on.

Jegred weighs in on the situation. "I do not expect this one to be a threat in these lands again. Raising the young of their kind takes several years in which the mother will be responsible for the provision and safety of both herself and the offspring. Alone, this is a formidable task - she will not hazard attacks on such dangerous game as we. Kivan, I must caution you against your attempts to raise such a beast in domesticity: The wild of the world runs deep in the bones and nature of such beasts. Attempts to break their nature would most likely end in tragedy."

Sifting through the nest and snagged debris, Pretty makes several finds. Most interesting is a suit of fine chain armor. Despite partial immersion in the river for who knows how long, it has no corrosion at all and gleams brightly in the sun. Mithral chain shirt. Pretty also finds a sizable stack of silver coins bearing the Stag Lord's mark. 1000gp. The nest also contains an exquisitely crafted leather backpack fashioned with unblemished leather and mithral clasps. Opening it reveals a treasure trove of fat gold nuggets and several flasks of gold flakes suspended in water. Opening one of the small side pouches reveals a surprise - a gold pan that looks too big to fit inside the small pouch's volume. Thrusting your arm in, you discover that the interior of the pouch is vastly greater than it appears. Heward's Handy Haversack with 600 gp worth of nuggets. The pan appears unremarkable save for an embossed butterfly on the bottom - an invocation to Desna, goddess of luck. The pan does not radiate magic, however.

Examining the scales of the fallen tatzlwyrms, Maja comes to the conclusion that they could indeed be crafted into a set of armor. Unfortunately not as strong or prestigious as dragonhide armor, they could be fashioned into quite a handsome couple of leather armor suits.


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used
Pretty wrote:
Seraphina Medvyed wrote:
Pretty wrote:
Lol, do you know the other meaning of Vitriol?
Well, it refers to both strong acid and strong criticism. I enjoy double meanings and sub-text. ^_~
I mean, another!

Nope, I suppose I don't know the one you mean then. Is it filthy? I have a weird talent for making unintended double entendres.

Seraphina listened and watched Kesten searchingly as he spoke, casting her eyes down at her feet when he brought up her changes.
Sense Motive(Kesten): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

She smiled briefly and nodded to Kesten and Jegred for their support and turned back to Pretty and Kivan. Seraphina shook her head sadly, shrugging slightly before her displeased friends.
"Then I suppose we will have to agree to disagree. I would prefer to not see the creatures made extinct, nor enslaved. These lands have stymied all attempts at pacification in the past. If we are to succeed here, we must be better than those who came before. I think you understand and agree with that much, but maybe we mean different things by better. I feel like you mean 'more efficient' while I mean 'more good', 'more worthy'."

Once the debate was concluded, she helped with looking over their find.
"Quite a rich hoard, really. Looks like further proof of gold nearby. Hmm, I wonder what these flasks are... Potions? Or just a manner of storing gold leaf?"
Cast detect magic on the haul, especially the flasks with gold flakes.


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Idris and Bara

"That's true, and I'd much rather be out here than in the dormitory with the petty jealousies, feuds, whirlwind faux romances -- it smells better too. Have you ever been in a room full of teenage girls after they've all been practicing all day? It's a good thing they insisted we bathe every day."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Idris feels comfortable and happy, and while she notices that Bara seems to be feeling strong emotions, she concludes it's the same sort of happiness at having won a battle and travelling through the beautiful wilderness.

At the Ford...

"Wyrm-hide armor might be quite a status symbol... but I'd like to see how that mithral shirt fits me. Pretty, you got the armor from the Stag Lord, do you mind if I try this one? And if it's not my size, maybe it'll fit Bara."

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

[ooc]flasks are non-magical. I don't care for the drudgery of detect magic ---> spellcraft ----> identify so I just tell you when gear's magical[ooc]


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

Sense Motive (Kesten): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Pretty waves a hand at Sera, like if she doesn't really care anymore. "As I said, if you say so... I don't mind."

"Go ahead Idris. I'll need one of those eventually, and by my math that would grant me basically the same protection of the Bravado's Garb, for now."

What armor does Bara use, by the way?


Inactive

Sense Motive (Bara): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Sense Motive (Kesten): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Maja contents herself with carefully skinning the hide of the Tatzlywyrm as the rest of the party bickers. But in truth, she is troubled by the acrimony, both because she does not like the discord, and because she's a little unsure of her own motive in letting the creatures go. When an opportunity for a more private conversation arrives, Maja will have a chat with Sera.

"Sera, I know things got a little heated back there, and everyone started arguing. That's nothing new with our group," says Maja with a chuckle. "I just wanted to say that maybe you were too hard on them for disagreeing. While I agreed with you at first about letting them go, I wonder now if it was an act of weakness. Erastil would not have shied away from hunting these beasts - they were an opportunity to remove a dangerous threat and to get fine hides. But when I saw the egg, I just couldn't do it." Maja sighs. "It's like when we killed the mites. It was horrible, but the right thing to do."

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

GM dice:

1d100 ⇒ 29
1d100 ⇒ 21
1d100 ⇒ 30
1d100 ⇒ 34
1d100 ⇒ 53
1d100 ⇒ 53
1d100 ⇒ 95
1d100 ⇒ 9
1d100 ⇒ 21
1d100 ⇒ 89

advancing the timeline. No combats occur, so we're going to push through some hexes fairly rapidly (real time) to get the plot closer to your finished charter and return to Restov

Location: Hex Q7 (Forest, River)
Date: 8 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 80° F
Weather conditions: Clear Skies, no wind.
Food: 19 days' supply

Leaving the emptied tatzlwyrm lair behind, you continue with your explorations. The next day finds you following the course of the volcanic river. In a welcome change of pace, nothing noteworthy befalls you alongside the banks of this quite eventful river today. The trees hang limply in a total absence of breeze, and the sun beating down from a clear sky raises the temperature to an actual warm day. You make camp beside the river and sup on the last of your fresh provisions - it's trail rations and preserved boar meat from this point on.

Location: Hex R7 (Forest, River, Dead Unicorn)
Date: 9 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 82° F
Weather conditions: Partial clouds, light wind (2 mph) from the west.
Food: 18 days' supply

The river continues to flow in an easterly direction, guiding you back towards your hard-won keep and the broad lake upon which it looks. The heat continues to rise, but a merciful slight breeze lessens its impact. The sky is starting to fill with clouds, wispy at first but building into solid cover that stretches across the sky canvas-like for the setting sun to paint a spectacular splash of red and purple. It is under this picturesque lighting that you see a less than picturesque sight.

Well, you smell it first - the cloying scent of decay and corruption. Scouting around the area, you come across the bloated corpse of a pure white horse. The body buzzes with flies and is crawling with ants, hundreds of thousands of tiny workers laboring in earnest to repay the land its borrowed components.

A closer inspection reveals the stump of an ivory horn sprouting from the horse's forehead. What lies before you is no horse, but a mythical Unicorn - a noble equine guardian of wild places and widespread symbol of purity and goodness. Something killed it and hacked the horn off. From the advanced state of decay, you judge it's been dead for at least a week. The cause of death is not obvious. Aside from the missing horn, no visible sign of injury presents itself. The only odd thing about the corpse is the presence of many strange lumps on the legs and hocks of the unicorn.

if examined:
The lumps have been raised around something protruding from the bones of the unicorn. One of these lumps has split, revealing a razor sharp briar which has grown from the bone to stab painfully outward into flesh. Another briar is found, then another. It seems the unicorn perished from its bones turning traitor and assaulting the poor beast from within. Gruesome.

Maja:
It sure feels like a storm front is building. It's likely to rain significantly sometime in the next few days.

Location: Hex Q6 (Forest, Fangberry fields)
Date: 10 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 82° F
Weather conditions: Overcast, light wind (8mph) from the west.
Food: 17 days' supply

Seeing the lake on the horizon, you turn your explorations northwest to fill in the last blank spot on this corner of your map. The slow, odoriferous burble of the river fades behind you as you abandon the river and ride through the increasingly lush greenery of the forest waking from its winter slumber.

About noon, Kesten jerks in his saddle as something bounces off his armor with an audible *ting* and ricochets into the woods. A burst of mirthful, high-pitched laughter echoes through the area as Tyg-Titter-Tut streaks overhead in a mad scramble of buzzing wings and streaming hair. Hot on her heels is Perlivash, rainbow wings pumping to keep up. One of his arms cradles a pile of acorns against his scaled body. He uses the other to send a steady stream of projectiles in the grig's wake. An acorn plunks off of Kivan's pack, and another frightens the daylights out of an innocent squirrel who happened to be in the wrong tree at the wrong time. In a heartbeat the fey are gone, leaving collateral damage in their wake. You're not sure if they even saw you. Kesten swears under his breath, and shakes his head ruefully. "Would that we all had that kind of energy!"

Later in the day, you find a glade where no trees grow. The ground is covered with an intensely thick growth of bush that chokes out all other flora and monopolizes the clearing. Two-inch thorns festoon the wiry branches, nearly obscuring small clusters of bright red berries. "Fangberries," comments Jegred. "Good to eat, and useful for herbal remedies. Take care in their harvest - a good suit of armor should shield you from the worst of those thorns."

You recall that Bokken, the mad alchemist to the north, asked for you to bring him a sizable amount of these.

Maja:
Yep, it's going to rain hard. Probably tomorrow.

Location: Hex R6 (plains)
Date: 11 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 70° F
Weather conditions: Raining, Overcast, light wind (8mph) from the west.
Food: 16 days' supply

You break camp in the morning to the backdrop of a brilliant red sunrise. The light is quickly diminished as dark clouds blow in from the west, and the rain begins midmorning. Soon, everything not covered by waterproof clothing is soaked straight through. This is a wonderful way to spend a day on horseback, exacerbated by the complete lack of anything noteworthy in the area. You spend a boring, soggy day on the plains before crawling into damp blankets in damp tents to enjoy a repast of cold hardtack.

Location: Hex S7 (plains, lake, Fort)
Date: 12 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 67° F
Weather conditions: Raining, Overcast, moderate wind (14mph) from the west.
Food: 15 days' supply

The rain doesn't let up all night, and continues in the morning. You scout the area briefly to complete your survey of the surroundings before heading for the fort you conquered. The gate is closed, and everything seems to be as you left it. Clearing the interior confirms the absence of any looters or passer-by - no tracks or signs of disturbances give evidence to wanderers. The concealment heaped over your treasure trove is intact. The roof of the fort, in disrepair as it is, provides welcome shelter from the rain and you are able to get a fire going to warm yourselves and dry your belongings. This comfort is not extended to the sentries on duty, who must stand watch in the open-topped guard tower.

Location: Hexes T7, U7, U6 (plains)
Date: 13 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 70° F
Weather conditions: Raining, Overcast, light wind (8mph) from the west.
Food: 12 days' supply

The far extremities of your charter area prove to be utterly featureless - unless you count wet prairie grass and scrub brush to be a feature. Regardless, you push on to complete your duty with the welcome thoughts of civilization, reward, and your futures pushing you forward. You turn northwest after three damp days and find yourself near the Sootscales' lair as the rain finally clears up and a soggy durance ends. Bara seems restless as you point your horses towards the last few blank spots on your survey, and the Levetons' home.

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

visit the sootscales or push on? As always, feel free to do any RP/take any actions you want on any of the presented days.


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

Unicorn
"Damn! Not a nice omen." She comes closer to see what was happening to the creature, but nothing made sense. "This can't be natural, and the horn is missing, so probably someone did it, isn't that right?"

Fangberries
Pretty and her armor of the pit will test their resistance against the thorns. If she suffers no great harm from it she will help on picking up the berries.

Sootscales
"I don't know about you, but I'm anxious for some fresh food. I would suggest going around the Sootscales, but we could take some fresh fish to Boken and get some more potions if he have them, couldn't we?"

Were we robbed again or did three days passed on that last summary?


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Definitely pick fangberries, as much as we can reasonably carry.

"You'll never see me object to the idea of seeing our scaly little friends, Pretty," says Idris with a grin.

What armor is Bara using? Idris only has a -1 on ACP, and it's not hurting too much. I might hold off on the mithral shirt and wait to order a mithral breastplate with spikes onnit.


Inactive

Unicorn.

"I'd never thought I'd see one of these," says Maja, looking over the corpse. "I definitely never thought I'd see it in quite this way. Someone or something must have really wanted that horn. Did they just want it as a trophy?"

Maja tries to determine when the unicorn might have died. Heal: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30. She also looks for tracks, of the unicorn to see where it came from, or its assailant to see what might have killed it." Survival: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25.

Fangberries.

Maja sees if she might have a suggestion for a way to better pick the berries that avoids the thorns. Survival: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23.

Sootscales.

"Seriously, I could use a break from this rain. Let's see if the Sootscales might offer us some shelter. Maybe we could help them out some more."

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

Bara is wearing a masterwork chain shirt. Three days did pass - I summed up three empty hexes in one entry. The correct date should be 15th of Desnus


Male Elf Wizard (Shadowcaster) (Conjuration Specialist) (Teleportation) 6
Stats:
AC 14 18 MA | Touch AC 14 | FF 14 |15 temp HP 37/37 | Int +4 | Perception +7 | Fort +4; Ref +8; Will +6; (+2 vs. Enchantment Spells/Effects) | Sense Motive -1

unicorn

"Such horns could hold many magical properties, but killing a unicorn is no easy task."

Kivan bends down and begins examining the unicorn corpse. Kivan also tries to think of how a unicorn horn could be used, and of what could cause such damage to it's bones.

K arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
K nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Sootscales.

"I would prefer to get back to Oleg's as soon as possible but if we must visit the Sootscales I will go."


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Ok, Idris will take the mithral shirt.

If I'm reading the map right, the only hexes we haven't fully explored are northwest of the sootscales' land, along the way to Oleg's. Is that accurate?

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

that is correct


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Idris suggests going to the northwest on the way back to Oleg's from the Sootscales.


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used
Maja Weatherseed wrote:

Maja contents herself with carefully skinning the hide of the Tatzlywyrm as the rest of the party bickers. But in truth, she is troubled by the acrimony, both because she does not like the discord, and because she's a little unsure of her own motive in letting the creatures go. When an opportunity for a more private conversation arrives, Maja will have a chat with Sera.

"Sera, I know things got a little heated back there, and everyone started arguing. That's nothing new with our group," says Maja with a chuckle. "I just wanted to say that maybe you were too hard on them for disagreeing. While I agreed with you at first about letting them go, I wonder now if it was an act of weakness. Erastil would not have shied away from hunting these beasts - they were an opportunity to remove a dangerous threat and to get fine hides. But when I saw the egg, I just couldn't do it." Maja sighs. "It's like when we killed the mites. It was horrible, but the right thing to do."

Seraphina smiled at her dear friend as she approached. She entwined her arm with Maja's and clasped her hand with both of her own as they strolled, speaking quietly together.

"Do not fret, my father always said I had a mercurial temper... Quick to anger, but quick to cool as well. I promise my discussions with our friends will never turn violent, no matter how heated. Or at least, I can vouch for my part. But I must ask, in what way did you think I was too hard on them?"

"I am not a follower of Erastil, myself. I was raised to honor the Old Ways, but we were hunters too. We were mindful of the seasons and we did not take females when they nested or were heavy with young. The life cycle must be respected for the species to continue. You may remember, I was not happy about what was done to the mites either, but I accepted the Sootscales blood feud needed to end, after the fact. I'm afraid I don't see how destroying the mother Tatzlwyrm when we had no need to do so compares. In truth, I think I saved us from a potentially more serious disagreement; what to do with the egg."
___________________________________________________________________________

Unicorn

Sera joined Kivan in examining the strange bumps on the unicorn's legs. She drew her breath through her teeth as she found the terrible bone spurs, realizing the poor creature must have suffered terribly as it died. "Kivan, have you ever seen a spell that can do this before?" She also wracks her brain for information that might shed some light on who might have done this, or how, or why.

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

___________________________________________________________________________

Fangberries!

Sera smiles and laughs at the fey antics, raising a playful eyebrow at Kesten's remark. "Oh? And what would you do with so much energy? Besides get yourself into trouble, that is."
Her cool manner had warmed toward him again, as made apparent by the return of her good-humored teasing.

She was excited at finding the fangberries, but scoffed at Jegred's statement. "Armor? Pah! We don't need no stinking armor!" She winked at the tiefling Druid and pointed her finger at a nearby berry, which wiggled under her concentrated gaze and then gently popped free of it's vine and floated toward her, plopping into her outstretched hand. (Sera's using Mage Hand to safely pick the berries. ^_^)

___________________________________________________________________________

Ruined Keep

Seraphina was grateful to get out of the rain and sat next to Kesten so they could speak. "So what do you think of the keep, Kesten? Do you think it will be suitable to rebuild? We may drop by and visit our kobold friends, the Sootscales. Are you ready to meet them and accept their hospitality? You did say you wanted to confirm our stories for yourself."

___________________________________________________________________________

Restless Bara

Sera noticed Bara had been quiet of late, and thought the muddy terrain might prove an excellent opportunity for an interesting sparring match.
"You know, my studies tell me that a spellcaster is rather at a disadvantage should they find themselves in a grappling match. Idris, Bara, could one or the both of you give me some tips on how to escape such a hold? You know, should the need arise."

MUD WRESTLING! W00T!

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

Dead Unicorn

The dreadful injuries inflicted upon this noble creature do not result from any spell of which you are aware. Such black magic would surely be suppressed information in any decent society, used only by those with the blackest of souls. Such an effect would not be easy to conjure, either; this is the work of a powerful spellcaster.

Maja does not find any tracks that point to an assailant. The unicorn's tracks meander through the forest for as far back as you care to trace, showing slow, unconcerned progress that visits berry bushes and patches of tender grass growing in clearings. The tracks end abruptly at the unicorn's body, where the dying animal fell over and kicked its life out in agony. Whatever did this took the unicorn by complete surprise and snuffed its life out effortlessly. The beast has been dead for between one and two weeks.

Kivan recalls several mentions of using a unicorn's horn as a component for powerful spells. The innate goodness of the unicorn, preserved in its horn, allow an evil spellcaster to perform rituals which only function for those of good alignment. There are also a multitude of folk remedies based around the unicorn horn, but given how rare and elusive these beasts are, it is unlikely that these remedies are ever used or even work.

Fangberry Fields Forever

Kesten pulls an acorn from his short-cropped hair. "Build a house...paint a self-portrait... I'd think of something." With a sly look, the mercenary pinches the acorn between index finger and thumb and flicks it at Seraphina.

The fangberries prove to be both ripe and plentiful. Seraphina's method of gathering proves safest, if not the most efficient. Pretty finds that her skin is too tough for the thorns to disturb, moving among the bushes with no more discomfort than pushing through a thick hedge.

Ruined Keep

Kesten leans back, evaluating the walls and remains of the keep. His damp clothes steam from the heat of the fire you've built in the pig-roasting pit. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he purses his lips and nods. "A bit of a fixer-upper, this. Wouldn't want to ride out a siege in this condition, certainly. The curtain wall should be stone, wood is begging to get burned out. Still, a wall's a wall and a damn sight better than standing in an open field. The location couldn't be better. That hill's a formidable hike itself, add in armor and boiling pitch and you'll not get troops atop it. Commanding view of the area, access to fresh water - whoever sighted this knew what they were doing."

The nobleman looks from face to face. "You're really serious about living out here, aren't you?"

When Seraphina mentions the Sootscales, Kesten winces. "Aye, as much as it sours my mouth I'll go peacefully to see your kobolds. You know, Sera, but your friends may not. House Garess controls the lands around the Golushkin mountains in western Brevoy. We had a good relationship with the Golka clan of dwarves who lived among and under the mountains. Our smiths mingled with theirs, our merchants shipped their wares, our people lent sword and hammer arms to each other in times of need. Kobolds grow there too, thick as deer ticks. We've a long history of trimming their numbers back."

Kesten sighs. "Around the time of the Vanishing, the gates to the Golka's fortresses shut, with no message. All communication went unanswered, and our magi's attempts at scrying were blocked. We tried our picks and rams at their gates, but dwarf-craft is too stout to be bested by man. Some ill befell them, and I fear they may all have perished. This was all before my time, of course. In the absence of the dwarfs, the kobolds multiplied, as did goblins, orcs, all the other scum and filth you'd expect from the terrain. The kobolds proved most hateful towards us, and we were sore pressed without our dwarven allies. My grandfather, Ellbard Garess, led a bitter campaign against the kobolds and burned them from their filthy lairs one cramped tunnel at a time. Since then, they've not tested our strength in a major way, but remain a nuisance. Lone warriors ambushed, traders slain, babies stolen. They've taken a particular liking to trapping our fields to maim our cattle. My early days as a squire were oft spent battling the little bastards, and my sword was oft quenched in their blood."

Kesten holds his hands up, frustrated. "You see, then, my reluctance to walk among them without sword in hand. I trust your word, Sera, else I'd say slaughter the bastards and nip future trouble in the bud. As I told you, the common folk say 'a dragon can't change its scales'"

Restless Bara
"You got that right, Lady," says Bara with a grin. "If I got my hands on you there'd be no more spell-craft. Shall I demonstrate?"


Inactive

@Sera

"Yes, I suppose it is often right to spare the young, or else the beasts would be lost entirely. As for being too hard on them, I think Pretty was trying to say something, but your anger shut her down. At the end of the day, Pretty and Kivan both listened to you. There's much to be said for that."


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

I think you have mishaped that Sense Motive roll, Maja... ^_^

Ruined keep and a man needing a lesson
Lords.... Pretty is silent and contemplative while Kesten tells his story, but her inside anger is raising and the common quote made her shrug once more in her life. Thus she replied, and not in a kind way. "You know, Kesten, when a baby is conceived, no one asks his opinion if it wants to join the world of the living or not. The baby comes pure, to start his life without having any debts to pay. But when I came into the world I paid a price, and a high one, I tell you. I wasn't considered an innocent baby, but rather the opposite, the incarnation of devil itself! A monster, they would call me! A head twice the size of his body, a tail between my legs, claws, one red eye, the privates of both a girl and a boy, the people would spread. The thing is, my father and mother were just like you, humans, with your beige skin and your quick growth. These humans, my family, tried to kill me several times during my life. Basically every time they had a chance!"

"And of course, I didn't do anything to deserve that. I, as far as hell and heaven are concerned, was just born the way I am. If someone had an extra-conjugal relationship with the devil, it certainly wasn't me. And I don't believe my mother did it either, as she was a weak, but very kind person. If someone consorted with the devil, I certainly didn't sign my name on that contract." She gets rhetorical for a bit, raising a finger to scratch her forehead and looking at the skies. "That was probably my father, mind you, who by the way hated me the most. Go figure."

Raising her shoulders, she looks back at the man. "They could have raised me, wealth as they were, in any dark corner of their multiple properties, yet they preferred to execute the being who could destroy their family's reputation. Me? Why's that?" Her voice starts to get a little over the normal tone and she's almost screaming at the end. "There's no freaking way to have a tiefling baby if YOU HAD DONE NOTHING WRONG!" Once again the woman lifts her shoulders, and her tone is back to the storytelling mode. "Still, the blame is on me, instead of them, and so I suffered, growing up on the road, always running and hiding, learning to survive before even learning to walk, depending on good people for protection, leftovers, or perhaps a night's shelter. Do you know what it is to grow up among a society that looks down on you? That fears you and prefers you were dead, just in case? That despises you because your skin has a different color? Perhaps do you think I am guilty for my parent's sins? That I should pay for them? Do you, Lord Garess?" She finally gets where she wanted to. "Thinking that the Sootscales should pay for their kin's sins, hundreds of miles away, is the same that thinking you should pay for my family's crimes, isn't it?"

"After all, my parents were humans, as much as you are, but I do not judge you for simply being similar, in the exterior, to them. Perhaps you disagree with that? You showed me a good heart the first time we met, but now you begin to sound like a real Lord, Garess. You tell me that the dragon can't change its scales, but I ask you, do the scales matter? Perhaps their color? Or their shape? Is it the exterior the counts, instead of the heart? While the common folk may use that quote of yours, the wise folk will say don't judge a book by its cover."


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

That'll preach. :)

-Posted with Wayfinder


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used
Maja Weatherseed wrote:

@Sera

"Yes, I suppose it is often right to spare the young, or else the beasts would be lost entirely. As for being too hard on them, I think Pretty was trying to say something, but your anger shut her down. At the end of the day, Pretty and Kivan both listened to you. There's much to be said for that."

@Maja

Seraphina considered what Maja said seriously. She wouldn't have expected Pretty to hold her tongue if she had something on her mind, but as she thought back, she had to admit it seemed like she might have given up the discussion prematurely. "You're right, of course. I don't regret the action or my defense of it, but I should not exploit the goodwill of our friends. It is naive to expect we will always agree. I hope you will always feel free to speak your mind during those times as well. I appreciate your perspective." She squeezed Maja's hand affectionately and turned them back toward the camp, eager to find her blankets after the long and trying day.

___________________________________________________________________________

The Ruined Keep or Lord Garess gets Schooled!

Seraphina begrudgingly gave her attention to Kesten's story, noting exactly how disparaging his speech was every time he referred to the kobolds. But Pretty's sudden fit of righteous anger took her by surprise and she sat blinking stupidly at the bold tiefling as she passionately spoke her point. Worried that Kesten would take offense as prideful noblemen often did, she voiced her support once Pretty had quieted.
"She has a point, Lord Garess. The Sootscales could have judged us by the humans and other "big ones" they had met, namely the Stag Lord and his bandits. Instead, they judged us according to our own actions and welcomed us as friends. Generalizations can be helpful for predicting your enemies actions in battle, but I need you to set them aside now. Somewhere in the tribe's history, they were influenced by a priest of Erastil and now follow his teachings, after a manner. It really is quite remarkable. You may believe that old chestnut that a dragon can't change it's scales, but I would answer it with this; 'Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative.' Heed it well, for we are the harbingers of great change to these lands, my friend. So in answer to your question, yes, we're serious about staying."

She reached and put her hand over Pretty's in silent support and appreciation for finally sharing her story. She realized something she had not anticipated and wanted to talk further about it, but decided to wait until she could speak with Pretty more privately.

___________________________________________________________________________

Restless Bara

Red Ramage wrote:
"You got that right, Lady," says Bara with a grin. "If I got my hands on you there'd be no more spell-craft. Shall I demonstrate?"

Seraphina raised one eyebrow as she considered, "Hmm, you won't be slapping me about with your sword like Idris, will you? A Lady is generally expected to avoid having her face rearranged, makes it harder to sell her off to a nobleman, you see." She winked at Bara, cutting her eyes toward Kesten to see if he heard her. "So don't damage my merchandise and I won't melt yours. Agreed?" She grinned and waggled her eyebrows playfully at the half-orc as she sank into a ready stance, hopefully seizing the initiative and casting bull's strength on herself.

Time to put that Combat Casting to use! Sera should get her buff up regardless of what Bara does first. Puts Sera at CMB +6; CMD 17.

Wrasslin'!:

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Cast Defensively: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 4 = 28
NL AOO?: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21 Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

I can't predict what Sera will do turn by turn as easily as Idris, but I made a block of rolls all the same. ^_^
1d20 ⇒ 9
1d20 ⇒ 19
1d20 ⇒ 12
1d20 ⇒ 13
1d20 ⇒ 14
1d20 ⇒ 7
1d20 ⇒ 20
1d20 ⇒ 1
1d20 ⇒ 12
1d20 ⇒ 9
1d20 ⇒ 2
1d20 ⇒ 15
1d20 ⇒ 5
1d20 ⇒ 2
1d20 ⇒ 9
1d20 ⇒ 20
1d20 ⇒ 10
1d20 ⇒ 7
1d20 ⇒ 15


Male Elf Wizard (Shadowcaster) (Conjuration Specialist) (Teleportation) 6
Stats:
AC 14 18 MA | Touch AC 14 | FF 14 |15 temp HP 37/37 | Int +4 | Perception +7 | Fort +4; Ref +8; Will +6; (+2 vs. Enchantment Spells/Effects) | Sense Motive -1

"Maybe you shouldn't be too hard on Kesten. He is simply saying that he has reason to distrust kobolds, and that is fine. Sera, you once called the kobolds selfish and petty creatures before you met them. Pretty you slit a kobold's throat because you were tired of talking. I am not saying that Kesten is right, but even some of us had prejudices before we met them. We changed our opinions after meeting them, so I suggest that you wait before making such a big deal out of someone else's prejudices. If after meeting them Kesten still thinks they are pests then we can talk, but for now he hasn't met them yet and you can't blame him for not meeting them."


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2
Kivan Corsan wrote:
"Pretty you slit a kobold's throat because you were tired of talking."

"What is wrong with you Kivan? I slit his throat because he had no respect for us, for his fellows and his kin. I gave him the opportunity to lay down his arms and SPEAK! If I wanted to kill him, he would be dead before he knew it, but instead of using that chance he tried to kill us instead. If he had thought about that he would still be alive by now, but instead he wanted to fight, over radishes! And as I remember you were the first to gallop after a trio of kobolds, burning them to ashes for a mere trick, while I was freaking calling you to NOT do it! Don't lecture me, o'Stag Elf Lord, mother of Tatzlwyrms!"


Male Elf Wizard (Shadowcaster) (Conjuration Specialist) (Teleportation) 6
Stats:
AC 14 18 MA | Touch AC 14 | FF 14 |15 temp HP 37/37 | Int +4 | Perception +7 | Fort +4; Ref +8; Will +6; (+2 vs. Enchantment Spells/Effects) | Sense Motive -1

"I may have slain a few kobolds but that was completely by accident. You made the choice to slit the kobold's throat. I didn't make the choice to have a kobold pull out some alchemist fire and try to throw it while the ground was flamable."


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

Pretty opens up a sacastic smile. "Certainly, you sprinted your horse to give a gentle pat in their heads..." She waves a hand at the wizard, clearly asking him to stop with such trivial discussion.


Inactive

"I think we've all thought bad things about the kobolds when we first met them. I thought they were dumb, but later learned that some of them are quite smart."


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used

"Yes, Kivan. We are only speaking candidly, let's try and do so with cool heads. There is no where to go except back into the rain, so let's try and make it a friendly discussion. I have not forgotten when I was also mistrustful of the kobolds, and we trusted in your judgement to side with them against the mites. We just want to prepare Lord Garess, he comes from a more negative perspective than even we had. He has a long way to go to even reach a neutral outlook on the Sootscales. We only hope to help him along." She smiled and leaned back, trying to find a more comfortable position.

Say where is Bara in our close quarters?

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

Ruined Keep
Kesten takes his tongue-lashing with a scowl on his face. "You miss my meaning, Pretty. I'm not proposing to hold your lizards accountable for the actions of the kobolds against my kin and lands - I mention them for you to understand my opinion of the little bastards. Lady Medvyed has assured me their good conduct; I would not dare to question her honor on the matter. 'Trust, but verify'. If I did not believe your account of the Sootscales, I'd not walk among them peacefully with you but fetch my men and make a battle of it."

Kesten's face softens, and he places a conciliatory hand on Pretty's shoulder. "You should know neither I nor my House have any love for the Surtovas. Those usurpers would have us believe they are the rightful rulers of all they survey, and forget their origins as a bunch of pirates and brigands. If there's a devil in your family, look no further than Noleski and his b$%@# wife. There will surely be a reckoning among the noble Houses of Brevoy, and sooner rather than later. I would welcome your blades in that fight, and help you seek vengeance for all the wrongs you've received."

Bara is with you around the fire, except for her turn to stand watch.

Bara

Kesten grins with appreciation at Seraphina's jibe about noble marriages. Bara likewise grins: "I promise not to rearrange your face, but I might muss your hair somewhat!"

Bara Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Bara grapple vs Seraphina: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 22

When the signal is given, Bara is instantly in action. You have barely begun to weave your spellcraft when the assassin drops into a crouch and prepares to tackle you. She pauses and lets you perform your magic unopposed. When she sees you finished, she rushes in past your guard and grabs hold of you, too nimbly for you to get a swing in on her. Bara's right hand grabs your shoulder, while her left controls your right elbow. "First lesson - control the arms. Power comes from the legs and core but if you control your opponent's arms that power can't be used."

you are grappled. Bara's CMD vs grapple is 22


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Idris watches, not being as familiar with grapples as she is with duels. "I call winner!" she says with a playful grin.


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used

Uh oh, Bara has improved grapple! Sera is screwed! Btw, did Pretty actually reveal she was born to the Surtovas yet?

Sera's eyebrows climbed her forehead rapidly in alarm as Bara closed and caught her far more quickly than she'd anticipated. "Gods, but you're fast!" She wiggled and squirmed, testing the strength of Bara's hold.

"So now my options are to attempt to break free, reverse the grapple or try to attack or cast like this, correct? And since I can't perform the somatic gestures, most of my spells won't work. So..." She dropped her shoulder, twisting away from the assassin and thrusting back hard with her elbow to shove Bara back and break the hold.

Break Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Ok, now this part always confuses me... "If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check. If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally." But if I used the standard to break the grapple, all I can do beyond that is move, right?

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

looks like I conflated my knowledge and Kesten's! I done goofed. Pretty, would you prefer to retcon out kesten's last lines there or have mentioned your lineage in the past?

You have the grapple rules right, Seraphina.

bara grapple: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 30

"Just so. But don't turn your back to me!"

Bara has you in her grasp again instantly.


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Maybe Kesten has background check information about the charter grantees?

-Posted with Wayfinder


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

Not that I remember of. I believe Kesten peeked on my background spoiler.... That's mean! Seriously, let's keep that way. Somehow he knew, but it's not up to me to figure how ^_^ I didn't mention it tough...

Pretty has a tiny smile on her face. "So you knew it all along, hun? I figured... I'm pretty sure the time to take that offer will come, rather sooner than later. It's raining Surtova's around us. Anyway, it is you who doesn't completely understand it. You are letting your previous experiences form a preconception of one race that, in essence, is as varied and clever as we are. As long as you keep thinking that way you will lose many opportunities in life. Bias make it difficult to take easy decisions."


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used
Red Ramage wrote:

"Just so. But don't turn your back to me!"

Bara has you in her grasp again instantly.

With Bara's hold on her even tighter now, she nodded, accepting lesson two of this little impromptu class.

"Alright, I'll remember that. Now under a dire threat, I would want to make use of my corrosive touch in such close quarters, but I would have to learn how to cast it without the somatic gestures. I'm sure that is possible, but the question remains whether I can cast anything... let me think... Oh!" She closed her eyes and wiggled her fingers, brushing the tips against Bara's chainmail as she intoned the incantation for her Light spell, the only spell she can currently cast without the full use of her hands.

Concentration: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 4 = 19
It'a a 0 level spell, so I think the DC is 16, so it should succeed, lighting Bara up like a Christmas tree.

"Aha! My knight in shining armor!" Still under Bara's control, she nonetheless grinned triumphantly.


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Idris snorts at the pun, and then has a thought: "Say, if you touched someone's eye when you did that, would it blind them?"

I know it doesn't, but I remember back in 1st/2nd edition days when you could cast Light as a offensive spell.

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

Ruined Keep debate
"The eyes don't lie, lass. You've the same eyes as the rest of them. See how I haven't judged you on that front? Mayhaps there's hope for me yet."

Orc Wrestling Federation
bara maintain grapple: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 24

Bara blinks at the light. "A nice trick, but it won't stop me from doing -"

Bara hooks one leg around yours and pulls, dragging your feet out from under you. You fall on your back with Bara on top, making a wet plop! on the sodden earth. In a heartbeat, she's on top of you. She mounts your chest, knees pinning your arms helplessly to the ground.

"-This!"

The assassin cracks her knuckles. "This is the part where the face re-arranging happens." You feel the tight muscles of her thighs clamping you still as she reaches out a strong arm that gently musses your hair. With a grin she rolls off you and to her feet, offering you a hand up from the ground. "You can see the problems a wrestler will cause a spellcaster," she comments. "I have heard of mages who will use Contingency magic as a guard. When grappled, it triggers a Dimension Door spell straight up into the sky - taking the assailant along. The mage can cast a spell to slow falling - his attacker perhaps not."

When Idris moves in to wrestle the winner, Bara deflates. Her good cheer is replaced by uncertainty, and she stammers out "T-The day is late, and we've miles to ride yet before dark. There will be time for another lesson later."

sense motive DC -5:
That's completely out of character for Bara

sense motive DC 15:
Bara isn't afraid or intimidated, she's embarrassed. This is not an emotion you're used to seeing from her. The closest thing to it was her chagrin at being captured on your first meeting.


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

Kesten
Pretty does not believe Kesten would be so perceptive. After all, her eyes are way different than her family's, so he assumes the man has some good connections. "Is that so? Well, then, maybe there's hope for us in that quest."

Mud wrestling!! Aye!!
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Pretty shuts her mouth and is foreseeing trouble with Bara's behavior, but she says nothing.


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Sometimes the random number generators just play along with your narrative...

Idris raises an eyebrow, but decides to let it go and talk to Bara about it later.

"If we can get you in up close to do that with enemy spellcasters, that'd give them a really bad day. We could get you some sort of magical device that does that slow falling thing -- a ring or something -- in case they do that door thing you said."

Idris feels impressed, and it shows on her face; Bara has obviously taken serious study of tactics to use against spellcasters.


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used

Ruined Keep Debate

Seraphina was surprised by this revelation, and impressed by Kesten's astute observation. She patted his knee supportively. "Of course, 'hope springs eternal'. I'm not prepared to give up on you yet." She smiled, somewhat sleepily as the heat from the fire finally warmed through the long day of chill and damp.

___________________________________________________________________________

Lessons from Bara

"Ooph! Indeed, I can see I need to do some thinking on how to survive such an encounter. Of course, having you around to prevent enemies from getting that close goes a long way!" She chuckled appreciatively and gave the larger woman a muddied, playful shove against her shoulder. She pulled her pebble from her pocket and cast Light upon it, thus ending the glaring spectacle of Bara's chainmail.

Sera runs her hands over her face and hair and down her travelling dress, causing all the mud to fall and dissolve away leaving her again pristine. She then did the same to Bara for the worst of the mud as she looked her over with that strangely appraising and appreciative look in her eye.

"We should see about upgrading your armor when next we can. Would you rather go lighter or heavier? You'd look fabulously intimidating wearing armor spikes, don't you think, Idris?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 ROFL! Is one of those spoilers actually a negative 5?

She stretches and inhales deeply, enjoying her breathing room. "Thank you, my friend. That was an illuminating lesson. But as you say, we've miles to go, yet." As she walks back to her horse, she takes another deep breath, exclaiming "Whew! Like being hugged by a giant python."


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

"The answer to Armor Spikes is always yes!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

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Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

Bara
Bara shrugs. "I have never given much thought to protection. An assassin is always alone, always outnumbered. If I find myself in a stand up fight, I have lost already. Armor spikes aren't very subtle."

yes, that's a -5 dc sense motive :D

Grand Lodge

Kingmaker World Map Encounter Map Lords of Themselves Kingdom Tracker

Location: Hex T6 (plains, River, Sootscale Caverns)
Date: 16 Desnus, 4710 Absalom Reckoning
Temperature: 70° F
Weather conditions: Overcast, light wind (4 mph) from the west.
Food: 11 days' supply

After charting the extremities of your assigned area of exploration, you turn back northward towards the last empty spaces on the map and the promise of a warm bed, home, and (presumably) rich reward for your labors. Along the way, you drop in on the Sootscales.

Approaching from the southeast, nothing is visually different about the terrain until you crest a slight hill and come into sight of the riverfront along the Sootscales' domain. The beginnings of Mikmek's waterwheel are under construction. Between the engineer's self-imposed work schedule and the natural industry of the kobold race, impressive progress has been made in the few weeks since you departed. Massive timber pilings have been erected in the ground as structural supports, and worked stone walls ring the building to twice the height of a kobold. Sootscale work parties throng around the waterwheel, pushing carts full of stone, stripping logs into beams, and generally busying themselves with the business of construction. You see both Mikmek and the Chief overseeing the works. Curiously. the building is set back fifty feet or so from the river, which seems like a problem for a water-powered device. As usual, kobold fishing parties work the river, hauling out thrashing salmon and bluegill that sparkle under the sun in their rough-woven nets. Unusually, a picket line of armed and armored warriors encircles the entire lair. The guards are spread thin to watch the complete perimeter, with about forty feet between each warrior. Your presence has obviously been noted, as many of the guards watch your approach intently. It seems that the vast majority of the Sootscales is out in the open at once.

Seraphina:
Before you see the Sootscale lair come into view, you hear the distinctive sound of their flutes signalling your presence. Several call-and-response tunes are played as information is passed.

Perception DC 20:
Not all the kobold guards are in plain view. About half the warriors of the tribe have dug concealed positions from which they watch under camouflage of grass and bushes. They're very well hidden.

Kivan:
The waterwheel has been placed near a bend in the river. If the Sootscales cut a mill run channel, the water wheel will work as designed with the additional benefit of being on solid ground. The river drops several feet across this length, providing plenty of hydropower potential.

The preponderance of kobolds outside their lair makes navigating the heavily trapped cliffside path unnecessary. You are able to ride freely down to the river where the construction is taking place. The workers pause to watch you pass. They shy away from Bara slightly, and eye the unknown Kesten warily. The nobleman's feelings are evidently mutual, as he eyes them right back. His hand doesn't stray far from his sword hilt, resting casually on his belt.

"Self-Lords," Mikmek greets you in Common, "Welcome again to our home. As you can see, our Chief has convinced the Council as to the wisdom of making these plans real." The engineer pauses to drink deeply from a gourd of water, wiping away spilled rivulets with the sleeve of his rough jerkin. "I must thank you again, noble Elf, for your help in the matter. I believe I have worked through your figures to understanding - I would be scratching at parchment yet were it not for you."

Chief Sootscale waits for Mikmek to finish and addresses you in Draconic. "Fortunate are the days where you come among us, friends. What brings you here today?"


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Soooo close!

Weirdly enough, although Pretty is happy about the kobold's development, a dark thought crossed her mind, due to her previous debate with Kesten. "If things chance they've got a force big enough to make some real damage..."


F Human Fighter 4/Monk 1/Aldori Swordlord 1 | AC:22 T:15 FF:17 | HP: 24/54 | Init: +4 (+6 when holding aldori sword) | Perception: +5 | Fort:+8; Ref: +9; Will:+6 (+1 vs fear)

Idris is thinking something similar, but more positive: All these kobold warriors could be a major force for order and peace in this area.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

When the chief addresses them in Draconic, she whispers a translation to Kesten, and Bara if she doesn't understand it.


Inactive

Oh dear, I wonder how Kesten is going to feel about this.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21

Maja nudges Pretty. "See those bushes over there?" They've got half their army camoflagued under there. Such a large armed force won't be very welcoming to Lord Garess."

"Chief Sootscale! Friends! It's great to see you all again. We're exploring again, and we also have collected many fangberries to trade. How have you fared with all this heavy rain?"

I'm assuming we have more than enough fangberries to trade with kobolds, the fort, and Ol' Bokken.


Loot Table || Knife Master 6 || Perc +8 | AC 23++ / T 16++ / FF XX | HP 49/49 | Saves F +3/R +10/W +2

I think they are not much interested in the Fangberries since it's very close to their lair, but remember we need the fish (which should be delivered in 4 days or so, if I'm not mistaken) both for Bokken and for the Trade post, who haven't seen much food variety. We should have brought the anvils and other stuff, but we haven't detailed on the things we're bringing.

When they catch up Pretty will make sure to tell about the unicorn and ask if they know who could have done it, but as she's pretty sure it was this Xen she limits herself on asking if they have seen any scouting parties close to their area.


Female Human Sorceress (Draconic) 2 |HP 16/16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|AC 16 T 12 FF 14 (Mage Armor) |Speed 30'|Resist Acid 5||CMB +3/CMD 15| HP 16|F +2 R +2 W +3 (+1 vs Fey)|Base AC 12 T 12 FF 10|Initiative +2|Concentration +6 (+10 to CD)|Perc +5 , Bluff +4, Diplo +4, Hnd An +4, Intimidate +8, Know(Arcana) +6, Ride +2, Spellcraft +6, UMD +8, |
Spells Used:
First level: 0 of 5 | Second level: 0 of 8 | Third level: 0 of 5 | BW: Used
Red Ramage wrote:

Bara

Bara shrugs. "I have never given much thought to protection. An assassin is always alone, always outnumbered. If I find myself in a stand up fight, I have lost already. Armor spikes aren't very subtle."

Sera gave Bara her best penetrating gaze as she said, "And if you failed and were killed instead of your mark, Pharasma would still be served... is that it? Well, your circumstances have changed somewhat and you'll have to forgive me if I'd prefer to see you live through that stand-up fight. Give it some thought."

___________________________________________________________________________

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Seraphina was surprised by the great progress the Sootscales had made, but tried to mitigate that reaction so as not to give Kesten further concerns. Still it was wonderfully exciting and she obviously bubbled with enthusiasm as she greeted Mikmek and the Chief. "What brilliant work, Mikmek! Kivan, how splendid that your first student in these lands excels!"

Seraphina spoke Draconic in reply to the Chief. "We hope that fortune again favors us all today, Chief Sootscale. You remember when last we visited, I spoke of my friend Lord Kesten Garess? He accompanied us as we've completed our survey of these lands and he joins us on this visit to meet our honorable Sootscale neighbors." She extended her hand to Kesten, signaling that she was introducing him. "Chief Sootscale, this is Lord Kesten Garess. He and his men keep guard over the trading post we have used as a base of operations and we have come to value his counsel."

Switching back to common, she introduced the Chief, "Lord Garess, this is our gracious host as well as our friend and ally, Chief of the Sootscales. If you would like to say anything or ask questions, I will translate for you." She held onto his hand, both in support and to dissuade that hand from drifting too close to his sword hilt.

After the introductions, Seraphina looked about, smiling pleasantly again at those kobolds who would meet her eye, but truly she was searching for the wily form of Yatpank.

Also second sharing/trading some of the fangberries if we have enough. Pretty, we don't have the ordered goods yet. They will arrive at Oleg's and the Sootscales intend to come there to make their purchase.

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