Vicon and Friends -- KINGMAKER CAMPAIGN!

Game Master Vicon

"Agreed Oleg, before they awaken would be best. No need for them to suffer," Ryker answers after the holes are dug. Wiping the dirt from his hands, he pulls out a small, black, well-bound book from his cloak and begins reciting a short prayer.

"May your journey to the Boneyard be swift, may the Lady of Graves judge you fairly, and may your afterlife be what your soul deserves. All who live must face her judgement," he says solemnly, pressing his holy symbol to each of their foreheads.

Ryker then turns to his companions. "Let's press on to this camp. This is likely our best opportunity to catch them unaware and vulnerable. Not to mention with half of their fighting men." He pauses to look at Tassel's mockup. "Archer platforms should be taken out first. Perhaps me and another could focus on the furthest one (K1) while the rest of you take another part of the camp?"
________
K5 is directly south of K1, we could approach from the west and try to lockdown that part of camp right off the bat? Do we have any idea if the stream is difficult to cross? Difficult terrain, shallow bog/marsh, etc? I will be attempting to approach stealthily, ideally opening the fight within 30ft of an archer. What do y'all think? Once everyone gets a look at the map, we could have our "tactical" conversation on the ride there!

Preemptive Dot
Wall of text incoming tomorrow.

Talking with Ryker about the camp...
I agree with that idea. Taking out the archers is a priority. What do you think about coming in from the west as you said and we remove the threat of that platform. We see if Ilamin would join you to help take out the other platform when the time comes. If we do it stealthy we can have a platform of our own to attack from while the bandits think they have a man up there. He might even get the the jump on the other platform. I was thinking you would join him as you are rather quiet. The two of you can use the logs for cover if need be. The rest could approach to a different direction. Maybe the north?

Without much production or ado about it, the remaining bandits (except for Tassel Ewart) are hung from the walls until dead and then buried in a mass grave behind the outpost. Svetlana leaves offerings of garlic and river-flowers for Erastil to watch over the grave.

The party continued to scheme...

"Interesting idea, Andreas. That would give us quite a tactical advantage."

Thank you but it was not my idea...I went off what Ryker came up with. Any plan is only as good as those that execute it..and then after initial contact with the enemy, it all goes to hell anyways.

Golwen road sullenly alongside Bertram, the mule he had purchased. Bertram had been his owlu source of companionship for the past few days and while he was better than nothing, he could hardly talk.
He examined his own spectral steed, the silent ghostly horse was nearly see through and somewhat eerie. But Golwen was glad for it. He had not thought to purchase a riding horse, a mule for his items, sure, but not something to ride on. I'm glad Magister Archie insisted on learning the 'Mount' spell. Golwen silently reflected. Not that he would ever admit that out loud. Wonder how the sour puss is doing. Probably better than me.

Golwen's temper began to flare slightly, the journey so far had been pretty horrid by his consideration. He had started off behind, the other Charter holders had apparently left before he had managed to meet up with the rest of the group. That wasn't soo bad, he had travelled as part of Caravan's prior along paved roads, but this had been completely different. He was alone, traveling into the land that was barely charted and... my arse can't stand this horse much longer! he ended his thoughts. Spectral or real it didn't seem to make much of a difference, horse riding was hard on the bum! Especially when you had virtually little experience in doing so. But he had tried walking yesterday, and that had been decidedly worse. His boots were too new for that kind of thing and now his feet were covered in blisters.

Worst of all had been the rain the previous evening though. He had purchased a new tent prior to leaving and had thought himself quite brilliant for doing so. But then he had realized he had no idea how to set the confounded thing up! So he had made due to the first couple of nights just propping it up between some trees and using the time to appreciate the stars They are always so beautiful. But that rain last night, in the name of Desna was that terrible. Of course, his half jury-rigged tent had done nothing to protect him from the water. Bertram hadn't seemed too thrilled either, but the mule wasn't currently traveling in still wet clothing either.

Golwen stared down at his clothes, deciding whether or not to try 'Prestidigitation' again to warm them up. He decided against it, it had helped a little in the beginning but there was a real limit to what the spell could do and he had quite decidedly hit it.

He looked again at Bertram and let his anger go, it wasn't anyone's fault, not anyone here at least, certainly not Bertram's. He had been the one to sign up for this.
"Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov..." Golwen repeated out loud, mockingly, to his Mule companion. "Yeah. I guess I did this to myself. Well, it should be worth it in the long run..." If we can do something with the Greenbelt maybe those high hatted buffoons will respect my claim of kinship. If nothing else, helping to clear this area of banditry should give me some sort of respect. Plus it will hopefully make it safer for others. It's a win regardless. Just gotta get there.

Having a brilliant idea, Golwen shivers as he moves to pull out his pipe and stuff it full, his still damp clothes rubbing up against his body from his motion. A quick hand gesture over the pipe and a spark magically appeared igniting the substance inside. That's a little better at least. I should be nearing Ogled's I would think. But really, what do I know, I'm guessing at this point.
"So what do you think Bertram? Does the wisdom of your ancestor's have anything to say about how far we are?" Golwen stared at Bertram for a moment, half expecting the Mule to respond for some reason. He shook his head after a moment. He really needed to get there!

----------Sometime Later---------
Golwen was traveling along and, almost missing it, found the rough road that supposedly leads to Oleg's. "Well, alright then Bertram. We should be nearly there." Thankfully. Even adding some extra oomph to the magic, the 'Mount' only lasts maybe 4 hours at a time and I would hate to waste another spell.

Golwen stepped off of the mount and started casting 'Prestidigitation' over everything, attempting to make it look as clean as possible. He remembered his mother once instructing him on how first impressions were always important, and appearances were certainly part of that. A twang of ache ran through his chest as the memory surfaced. What he couldn't clean he focused on using the magic to blend it in. If it didn't look so bad later that was okay, it just needed to look good at first.

Golwen then saddles back up and heads down the final Stretch of Oleg's. As he approaches the various squatting structures he stows his pipe while deciding a little pomp is in order and again uses 'Prestidigitation' to make minor lighting effects appear about him and to cause his cloak to blow ever so slightly.
Once closer he notes the various squatting structures and.the closed gates. Dismounting from his Spectral Steed Golwen gives Bertram one final pat for being a good boy, and then approaches the gate.

Calling out loudly:
HAIL IN THERE! Here I have come to join in on the glorious reclamation of the Greenbelt! Please let me in and be well met, won't you?

Golwen does his best to stand with as much Pomp as possible, using his various magical effects to augment his show.
I'm assuming I used one casting of the Mount Spell and 1 point from the Reservoir to boost it's CL for a longer duration so far today.

Taking some assumptions here
As the group approaches the gate and nods to the surveyors to open them up so that they may leave. They hear a voice call out to the outpost. The gates opened up at the moment he finished his words. There before the newcomer are several mounted, armed and armored people. A human in scale mail armor, a large sword is strapped across his back. The horse he rides is old but still holds an image of respect about it. There is a pack across the horse. A lance and a large steel shield rests along the side of the horse. He looks down at the person standing directly in the path of several horses.
He does not seem to show any sign of being impressed by the human before him.
Hail to you as well traveler...What may we do for you....

"Haha thank you for the credit Andreas, your improvements work for me. Unless we have any objections, I believe we have an attack plan," he concludes and begins preparing his horse.

Astride his mount, Ryker is situated near the right flank of the group. Assuming the bandits are merely human, we could even attempt to have the evening light in our favor and-... His strategic scheming is cut short by the unexpected visitor.

Suspicious timing... he thinks as he adjusts his grip on the shortbow. What are the chances of this fellow being a truly coincidental occurrence? Hrmmm... His knuckles whiten and he mentally prepares himself for another quick combat. Good thing we have Andreas, he seems to have a decent head on his shoulders. Gives the rest of us the opportunity to respond while he stalls and sorts things out.

Andreas will talk him to death if given the chance...lol

Hmm, wonder what this fellow will think of all the dead bandits?

Ilamin astride perhaps the most unusual of mounts, a musk ox, sits there upon his "steed" seemingly nonplussed. However, the sight of the reinforcements that Oleg had mentioned surprised him. He expected them to show up perhaps the next day but this at least offered him some small comfort that the trading post will be guarded while they are away.

Ilamin raised a brow at the greeting that the man offered and upon opening the doors and seeing the ostentatious display the man offered as best he could he sighed.

He stared at the man trying to figure out his past or anything else he might gather. However, given the state of spotlessness and need for a showy display told him all he was gonna be able to assume.

Ilamin paused for a moment "The last batch of 'travelers' were also well met, they are buried out back. Tell us you come in peace and perhaps we'll believe you." he said after Andreas. He wanted these men to know in no small favor that they were capable.

I think he is alone...I think?

It's him and a mule! (Besides his magical steed)

"I'm not sure about what 'reclamation' he is talking about, but if it as 'glorious' as he says I look forward to it!" Azul jibes.

He turns to the others. "Come now, the bandits we faced acted openly and without guile. What are the odds that only mere moments later they would send a spy?"

Azul turns to the newcomer, and bows.

"Greetings, stranger. I am Azul Aros. If you mean peace here then you are welcome."

Andreas gives a very slight nod towards Ilamin and states in a simple tone.
Easy now, we can not go around accosting all the travelers we run into. Justified or not. There are more innocent people in these lands than the bandits and such.

He sits up on his horse a bit and looks over at Azul
You are correct the bandits acted poorly and paid the price for such criminal acts...but what are the odds that mere moments after defeating these bandits that a traveler comes calling....One that travels alone and does not show the price of the road. Not many people are willing to brave the unknowns alone...He looks back at the traveler and lacking in the ability to survive in such environments.

He steps his horse forward.
I am Sir Andreas der Eisfalke and I ask you good traveler what brings you out here alone and away from civilization. Please tell us your story truthfully and without malice.
He has full control over his horse and it appears that he has left his defenses open to many forms of attack. He sits in his saddle with no weapon and no shield to protect himself with. His face shows no hint of anger or aggression. He just looks patiently down at the traveler.

Golwen pauses, somewhat surprised by the large contingent of people who have come to meet him. He begins to speak and then stops, letting his new hosts continue to talk.
He steps forward and raises his hands in an open display as if to present himself as unarmed, and to perhaps let the light flapping of his cloak be put on maximum display.
"Well met as well!"
Golwen claps his hands together:
"Introductions! First of all, I am certainly no bandit. I would never stoop to such wanton acts of mischief to achieve my goals. In fact, I am to stop banditry if I come upon it.

My name is Golwen Unduval. I am an exceptionally gifted Conjurer who has studied at the Academae in Korvosa." Golwen motions towards his spectral mount as he says this. "I have come here with a charge to help explore the Greenbelt, as mentioned. This here mule beside me is the noble Bertram, loyal pack mule of mine that has faced the perils of the journey here with me. " Golwen backsteps and pats Bertram on the head. Before stepping forward again, his hand reaching into his pack.

"Here, give me one moment. I promise I'm just retrieving parchment."
Golwen then digs amongst his bags for his letter of Marque. Pulling out the slightly damp letter, he holds it up. "See here. I've come to join another group who left before I, perhaps yourselves?"

Golwen pauses for a second, replaying Ilamin's words in his head."Bodies out back? I assume there is a good reason for those bodies?"

Ilamin nods "Bandits, perhaps a bit slow or too trusting...though I'll admit magic helps sway a mind well, that and a good lie." he said as a good enough explanation for his earlier comment.

Max is intrigued. We could always use another spellcaster. Even if he isn't an elf. "Well, it turns out, we have some banditry you can help stop. You may want to borrow a horse for a bit."

Andreas keeps his horse steady as the newcomer reaches into his bag and reaches out his hand for the document.
May I see that please?
Giving the document a read through.
It appears everything is in order Master Unduval.

He looks back at the others.
Any objections to him joining us?
Assuming no one objects, he continues on.

I suggest you talk to Oleg about storing your pack mule here and get yourself a bandit horse. Do not worry, the previous owner will not be needing it anymore. Grab your gear and when you catch up you can tell us all about yourself. Just to be on the up and up...you are about to go into combat and we will need to know what a gifted conjurer will be able to do this day. Welcome to your new companions.

"Ah! Yes, it seems that we have the same charter. I suppose you missed the stagecoach that brought us."

Golwen pauses for a second, replaying Ilamin's words in his head."Bodies out back? I assume there is a good reason for those bodies?"

"Of course! You see, a body is left behind when the spirit of a person departs, since a new body is created for them in the afterlife. Each plane does this in a different way. For example, in Axis-"

Azul blinks for a moment.

"Oh! I see what you mean. The bodies were men who were executed for being bandits."

A conjurer would be useful to have along, even without a piece of paper. Disposable combatants always have a use. Seeing as hostilities aren't about to erupt, Ryker's bow grip relaxes. "My name is Ryker. In our next little skirmish, if you could conjure me a friend or two, it would work out in our favor," he notes.

One hand on the reins, he waits patiently for his companions to regroup. We have quite the fighting force. May our fates bring us beyond this next fight. Ryker can't help but chuckle at Azul. "You really come from that Axis place, eh? It is quite different than the straight roads or whatever they have up there. Down here with us mortals, things can get a little... nonlinear..."

Golwens listens intently, happily passing the letter along. Nodding to Azul as he mentions missing the stage coach. "It is a honor to make all of your acquaintances.

My, not even here long enough for lunch and banditry already. Seems you have been busy." Golwen sighs internally, wistfully imagining tasty morsels in his mouth and turns his attention to the Half-Elf that had addressed him."A pleasure Ryker, and a pleasure it would be to assist you on the field of combat."

Golwen pauses as his stomach growls. "Right, I shall go in and see this Oleg and properly introduce Bertram and me. Perhaps we can all be off than to see to these bandits. I would like to know more then, as we ride if it is possible."

Golwen then leads Bertram and himself into the enclosed trading post to meet its master and mistress, to deposit Bertram, and to hopefully find himself a horse.

He bows upon running into Oleg.
"Greetings, Oleg is it?" Golwen pauses for confirmation. " Well Met! My name is Golwen, Golwen Unduval. I have come to join the others." Golwen will flash his writ as proof as he continues right into his spiel. "I hear you have had bandit problems and that those fine fellows out there are off to deal with them, it seems I shall be joining in as well. While I would much prefer a hot meal, dry clothes, and a more proper heartfelt introduction, I gather there is a sense of urgency to this endeavor.

I was also instructed to acquire myself a 'bandit horse', which I take to mean the horse of a former bandit. If one is available? I traveled here by way of a conjured mount and apparently will need to preserve my remaining strength. "

Golwen pauses and then adds a simple. "Please, if you might assist me."

Svetlana comes out from behind oleg and closes Golwen's hand on the offered coin.

"We wouldn't dream of charging you to stable and tend your animals while your group risks so much to help us."

Oleg chimes in:

"We'll take your mule in and bring out one of the bandit's light horses. Ride well and come back safe!"

AS the party rides toward their next goal.
Anyone have any concerns about the plan for the next bandit camp. What about spells for combat and healing...does anyone have any suggestions?

He looks to the old bandit.
Mister Ewart...any useful advice to add...anyone in there we should spare...?

Max nods. "I'm hoping my spell will be able to take out a number at once. I have to be close though. It has a short range. If we can take out the rabble quickly, we can focus on their leader."

Ilamin shakes his head "I have a bit of an aura of inspiration as it were in battle and my own ability with a bow but beyond that, I'm afraid I'm mundane for this fight. I have a bit of magic in reserve but it's uses in this fight to be will be quite limited." he said as he road his ox alongside the others horses.

What about spells for combat and healing...does anyone have any suggestions?

"I am a healer. I prefer to save most of my spells for that. I can also do some minor healing through herbology."

I have the Healer's Way ability which acts like a paladin's lay on hands, though I can't hurt undead with it. Since I can self-heal as a swift action I would mostly heal myself with that and save my spells for others.

Andreas listens to the others speak their own thoughts.
I have known each of you for a very short period of time. We have not really seen what the each of us is capable of. I am not meaning any disrespect or to belittle your abilities at all, just giving some advice. These are bandits and not worth our lives. We have others that depend on us. Work together, talk to each other. Help one another out and stay alive.

So we have two front liners, a range, a sneaker, a medic and an untested conjurer. well we are all basically untested.

If no one has any objections then....Ryker who do you want with you and where do you think the others should go?

"My goal is to get within about thirty feet of whoever is on the platform. Either someone who can sneak up their with me, or someone who can contribute to my bow fire would be ideal. I can go it alone too if none of you wish to join me," Ryker responds.

"For the rest of you, I'd suggest coming in at a perpendicular route so we can link up and fight the rest of them together."
________
I figure at this level, if two arrows hit a target and one of those arrows also has a sneak attack die, we can probably drop the lookout/archer. Skimming character sheets, Ilamin and Maximillian are mechanically the best additions for this little maneuver. If there are bandits there, K4 or K5 would be my preference for y'all so we could quickly regroup and dive into the rest of the camp.

Ewart speaks gravely and briefly about the rest of the bandits.

"All are teeth rotten at the root - but one. The stag lord's lieutenant, Akiros "The Dead" they call him -- if there were any others to spare, he would be one. I'm prepared to earn your trust, but even I am a dark card if my Harrow be read."

As for the camp, I can add you this -- an approach from the east, by the campsite, would be least suspect. It would be assumed the other bandits were returning from that direction, at least until we got close. If Ryker and another intend to knock out the far west archer platform before then, we'd have only one archer to deal with, and Kressle and a couple of bruisers. We'll have to hurry though -- it would be an unpleasant surprise if the rest of the camp were to arrive during our attack."

Andreas looks around at the others as he wonders if anyone has anything to add.
Unless we have added advice or suggestions...then we go in with rykers plan.

He turns towards Ryker.
Pick who you would like to join you...I think a second archer would be great. When you clear the first archer platform, use it or the logs for cover. I am not sure which will give a better lane of fire. I would suggest taking the other archer out first or Kressle if you got a clear shot but will leave it up to you to pick which target is most important.

He looks at the bandit as for a confirmation of his words.
Max might have it right....if we concentrate our efforts on the leader. The rest may well capitulate without a fight.

He turns to the group as a whole
Keep an eye out for each other and watch for Max's spell. I think the best action would be for Azul and Master Unduval to be in the second rank as support. Whomever is not with Ryker will be on my right. I am not certain of your personal abilities or desires...so if you have a better idea, please speak up. Mister Ewart you are with me and you will anchor my left flank. Keep my side protected and you will do fine. What melee weapon are you most comfortable with?...

Best to keep my shield in between him and myself...just in case he turns again.

"Shortsword would be handy, thank you for the vote of confidence."

Ewart replies, visibily relieved he's not going into battle empty-handed.

"I suppose would do fine as second rank support... That does make the most sense." Golwen internally quashes fancies he had briefly considered of using magic to settle this quickly.
After all, my spells are barely suitable for that as it is.
"I have three primary ways I could contribute, I can conjure up acid to attack another at a short distance, not even 30 feet. I can also conjure up very slick Grease that would likely trip any whose feet I laid it at. And most impressively I can bring forth several very mighty creatures of the natural world, each hand-picked for their exceptional qualities.

And..." Golwen pauses as he winces from his horse's movement, his rear end being very displeased at this point. He does his best to conjure up the image of the camp in his mind. "As I was saying, I will likely try and disable as many as I can with a patch of grease. Then, depending on distances, if Ryker and company engage in a fight from the Western side of the camp then I could bring forth a creature to help flank whatever assailant they are dealing with. If it's too far then I might switch to focusing on the Eastern side.

All theoretical of course. "

Ilamin nodded at everything that'd be said so far. "I am comfortable moving quietly and unseen in the woods. I can be Ryker's back up. As you said, a Bowmen would likely be best to try and take care of him quietly. I will provide the second arrow, hopefully Ryker is a good shot as well." he offered.

He thought about Andreas's second idea "I worry the leader might be ....hardier than her crew."

Ryker's Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 18 +12 = 30

The party rides through low grasses in the direction of the bandit camp, flowing hills giving way to lowland areas where the grass is almost as high as the horses flanks.

Breaking out of this grassy terrain the ground becomes wetter and scattered trees give way to a thin forested area with many clearings often giving way to grasslands again with stands of trees dispersed throughout. It is in one such area, cresting a hill into a clearing below, that Ryker spots activity that would be easily missed by his compatriots.

The clearing ahead is the site of a band of kobolds -- more than a dozen or so, seemingly beating the dirt with sticks. Not so difficult to spot -- and despite the sound of the approaching horses quite oblivious to the party's presence.

What was picked out of the foliage that was difficult to spot was an equally large group of goblins crawling through the high grasses to ambush the kobolds.

Ryker manages to stop the party before they crest the hill and reveal themselves to the kobolds, and presumably goblins, below.

The area could easily be detoured and the party could continue on to the bandit camp...

or did they have any ideas for these rivals or a stake in who won?

kn:local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17to see what I can recall about each
"Hmph," Maximillian says, keeping his voice low. "I'd almost suggest letting them wipe each other out, but I have a slight preference for kobolds." He turns so the others can hear him. "Kobolds are more likely to follow rules. Goblins you just have to wipe out."

are we close enough that I could alert the kobolds to the goblins (I speak draconic)?

"I don't really want to go out of my way for them, but I don't mind giving them a fighting chance."

"Excellent, Ilamin and I shall take the platform," Ryker agrees with a nod. "Let's hope all goes well for us..."

Ryker raises an inquisitive eyebrow at Maximillian. "You wish to save them? Looks like natural selection in action to me. If anything, I say we run down the victor as a nice warm up for our real engagement," he suggests. "What could we possibly gain through aiding either side?" Diving in to provide more martial assistance would only last a minute or two, can't say I'd be upset if we helped though.

Ilamin smiles as he sees what Ryker saw. "Fascinating little guys to be honest."

He simply nods along with Max's description. "While they are intelligent, they are a bit wild but can be brought to heel if you're careful. Small, stealthy, they could make good guards for Oleg's encampment. I agree that we should warn them." he said having something like childlike wonder on his face.

Looking down into the clearing....
We do not know if there is an ongoing conflict between these two groups and if we interfere...might just be picking a side in a much larger war.

he scratches his chin a bit..
but we can not let them run around unchecked. The group seems to want to lend aid to the Kobolds. The lesser of two evils as it were.

continues to scan the area...
Does anyone have magic they could use to alert the Kobolds to the presence of the Goblins? We could run the Goblins down...we have the distance, high ground and the enemy is unaware of our presence. A horse charge could at the very least scatter the Goblins. Seven horses is no small force...lots of muscle but add in the distance and high ground... Well it could be devastating.

pauses for a few seconds...
There are some problems as well...Most of our mounts are not battle trained. We do not know the exact nature of the terrain we would be charging into. One small hole and a horse could break a leg. This could also just be a trap...doubt it but it is possible.

Andreas turns and looks back at his companions.
I say we ride down the goblins....The risks are minimal at best.

and waits for the others to make their opinions known...

depends on the distance we're at. like if we're at 110', i can put a dancing lights spell above the goblins heads

Golwen surveys the scene, having been completely unaware of the situation. He does his best to play it off and to act unsurprised. Speaking as quietly as he can and still be heard.
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
"Well, I suppose if I were to favor one or the other I would also be in favor of the Kobolds. They at least seem like they might be reasoned with. Allies of any sort would be nice."

Golwen listens in response to the charging plan, looking down upon his horse. "I will certainly do my best. How difficult could it be to ride a horse into combat? If we ride them down, what happens then, are we planning to engage in melee or just scare them off?"

Though Golwen had never really engaged in any sort of real combat. He loads his somewhat newly purchased crossbow, doing his best to seem confident.

"I don't have any magic that would be of too much use in this situation. Unfortunately. What I have ready is all appropriate for close range.

I can speak Draconic if need be."

Ilamin pursed his lips for a moment as he thought "I will be useless on the back of my ox. However, I am happy to pull up to about fifty to eighty feet away and provide support in the form of arrows and magical encouragement." he said before adding in afterthought "Of course I could pull up behind our possible allies and alert them of the danger and provide all of the aforementioned support. I too speak Draconic."

He seemed to finish his thought in due course of the other "Alerting them to the danger and then helping dispatch it would make us in quite the diplomatic position. I'm not sure how good the opposite approach would be." he offered in the end.

Those are some great ideas...maybe we can split our forces in a way that will maximize our chance of having them scatter right away.

He turns to Ilamin and Golwen.
I think you two could get to the kobolds and inform them of what is going on. If you can get them to attack the center of the goblin's line. That would help immensely.

Looking around at the others...
Anyone that wants to join me in charging down hill meet me on the west side...nice and quiet. We will hit the front left flank. Those that have the ability to lay down some arrows...do so on the front right flank. Keep your spells available for the bandits but if you do have other spells that could be of use in confusing the goblins on the front right flank...anything that will help.

The idea is to drive the two flanks towards the center where the Kobolds will hit them.

Ilamin nods and jerks his head at Golwen before pulling up his ox short and letting the others ride out.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Ilamin scratched his head before pointing his finger at the Kobold who looked in charge. "You seemed fine with words earlier, since this isn't a matter of lying...I'll leave this up to you to negotiate. But I'd lead with, we're not your enemy, we're here to help save you from the goblins that are about to attack." he offered as advice.

I wasn't sure if That would be a gather information check or a Sense Motive, if the latter minus 5 from the result.

"Front right it is," Max says moving into position.
as soon as he's in position, he'll spend a point from his arcane pool to charge his bow before shooting

"People find me easy to deal with, but I don't think I can speak their language."

My diplomacy is +8, but I don't speak Draconic.

"I am no good with a bow, so I shall join you on the left."

"Maximillian, I'll join you on the right. I'll likely get closer than you and will stay under the brush there," Ryker says, following the Elf into position. First bandits, now saving kobolds from goblins, and likely another run in with bandits. What a first day, hopefully day two will be just as exciting and even bring in some gold!
________
I'll stealth as close as I can while the cavalry wheels around to the side. GM, will we be getting our own tokens on roll 20?

Golwen, now finding himself in yet another different situation than he had been expecting nods, unloading his crossbow. Only ever fired one of these things a couple of times anyway.

Golwen chatters on to Ilamin, hiding his nerves beneath what he knows.
"I am quite knowledgeable about words. Did you know I took coursework studying Contact Linguistics along with Semantics? I thought the former would be useful for interacting with Outsiders and the latter for understanding the power of language beneath spells. It's really quite... well never mind. This plan seems reasonable to me.

Shall we make haste then?"

Assuming we make it to the Small Reptillians in time."
May Desna smile upon this endeavor.
Finishing a quick prayer, Golwen calls out to the small creatures, leaving his unloaded crossbow rest on his saddle and bringing his hands up. He directs his attention primarily on the Kobold that Ilamin pointed towards.

Bīngbáo péngyǒu. Wǒmen lái dài lái hépíng de xiāoxī hé yùjǐng, yánzhòng de wéixiǎn jíjiāng líndào nǐ shēnshang. Dāng wǒ shuōhuà shí, yī duì xiǎo yāojing zhèngzài xiàng wǒmen de wèizhì yídòng, wǒmen bìxū wèi zìjǐ de gōngjí zuò hǎo zhǔnbèi. Wǒmen yǒu fùjìn de péngyǒu dìngwèi dǎjí tāmen de cèyì."

Mister Ewart, stick with me. Azul glad to have you beside me.
Your mounts are not battle trained so try to use the their bulk to keep the goblins away from you. I will take point. Keep an eye out just incase they try to surround us on the corner. Swing down and away from your mount. You do not want to hit them or take your leg off.

He turns to the others as he prepares to leave
Once we are in position we will attack. So you have about that amount of time to convince the kobolds....See you in the middle...

Andreas prepares himself mentally and keeps his mount and the others away from the opening to the clearing. The hope is that this far back will help them to remain undetected until it was time. They would just have to adjust there position once they come out into the opening and started their charge.