Vicon and Friends -- KINGMAKER CAMPAIGN!

Game Master Vicon

Golwen keeps his crossbow loaded as they approach the camp, dropping back off from his horse and sticking to the Easterly side as originally suggested. He keeps the compliment of Kobolds just ahead of him for the moment, sticking back roughly 20 feet from them.
Great, seems we will get to rid the area of bandit scum all at once. Will be like shooting fish in a barrel with our little compatriots here.

Golwen cracks his knuckles and focuses on limbering his fingers up, confident thoughts used to hide the trickle of fear beneath.
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

I guess shoot?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Arrow if hit?: 1d8 ⇒ 6

As they get close, Azul once again casts a spell on his sword, making it to glow faintly blue and gold.

He watches the others, and when they give him the nod, he rushes in with the others.

I'm guessing we will get a surprise round. I will wait until just after all the archers shoot and the kobolds throw their spears, and then rush in. My move is 20'. If I can charge I will do that; otherwise just a single move.

Falcata +2 Charge (if allowed): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
Falcata Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Meh... kind of hoping I won't be in charge range to save myself the embarrassment. :)

Suppose I'll add my rolls in now then too!
Once both Ryker and Maximillian are within 30ft of the archers, he points to the furthest one and draws his bow. Just like I practiced...

*in, two, three*

*out, two, three*

TWANG!
________
Shortbow (Sneak Attack) vs Foe (Flat-Footed): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (6) = 11

As I was not here and it has come and gone I will not post my response that would have come to the lying to the kobolds...so moving forward.

Andreas waits as the others move into position. He stays close to the kobold leader and reacts to what happens...

if speed 30' will get him within color spray range (15'cone) of the big bad guy and her minions, Max will rush in and do that. I'm just a little confused about where we are on the map

I'll go ahead and post my theoretical first round as well
Golwen holds his ground until he sees the signal, keeping behind a group of the Kobolds Or, perhaps, wherever ^_^, or things start clearly going to the Abyss. A brilliant idea strikes him as he waits and he decides to add an additional dimension to the attack and summons forth a majestic Celestial Eagle high in the sky, to add an aerial component to the bandit's problems.

He tells whoever is close, probably a Kobold."See here my friend, a majestic beast from the highest peaks of the Calphiak Mountains! See how it flies and graces us with her beauty, watch as it uses those talons to tear those who oppose us to shreds. Listen as it fills the air with the sound of true death."
Winged Death *Loud Sound Warning*

Zzt! Zzt!

The parties arrows are loosed at the western tower bandit -- the first hitting him square in the chest and the second completely shattering his jaw and sending him sailing out of the tree to the forest below.

"Ambush!"

Shouts come from all over the camp, and with it the kobolds practically lose their minds with excitement.

The battle is joined!

Will roll initiatives soon and process initial orders accordingly.

This was my last post and response to the situation. I adjusted it to what the outcome was...

Andreas waits as the others move into position. He stays close to the kobold leader and reacts to what happens...

(IF everything falls apart as it usually does...:)

Andreas urges his allies to hold their attack for a few seconds and hopes that the other group will be able to handle themselves in the mean time. Kressle, this is just business. The Stag Lord does not like it when those he employs steal from him. You are of course able to refute these charges to him personally but if what I heard about you....well you see...Happs was very willing and spilled his guts...that was until I spilled his guts all over the ground. You and anyone that stands with you will be killed right here and now. I suggest if you wish to live...stand down...this is a one time offer that ends in about 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....

bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
He looks to the kobold translater and then at the kobold leader. He lets his voice ring out loud enough for all to hear and some of the bandits as well.
Anyone that is still armed is to be dealt with. That is as good as standing with that thief Kressle.

Ah, I was wondering how to get the foe to cluster. Apparently, all I had to do was wait for Andreas to make a target of himself.
Maximillian strode forward, longsword in hand, to strike the first thug heading his way.
sword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

I'll go ahead and post my theoretical first round as well

Golwen holds his ground until he sees the signal, keeping behind a group of the Kobolds Or, perhaps, wherever ^_^, or things start clearly going to the Abyss. A brilliant idea strikes him as he waits and he decides to add an additional dimension to the attack and summons forth a majestic Celestial Eagle high in the sky, to add an aerial component to the bandit's problems.

He tells whoever is close, probably a Kobold."See here my friend, a majestic beast from the highest peaks of the Calphiak Mountains! See how it flies and graces us with her beauty, watches as it uses those talons to tear those who oppose us to shreds. Listen as it fills the air with the sound of true death."
Winged Death *Loud Sound Warning*

I will keep my action of Summoning forth a "Dread Eagle" the same along with Golwen's chatter.

Andreas urges his allies to hold their attack for a few seconds and hopes that the other group will be able to handle themselves in the mean time.

Uh, okay.

Azul advances forward and readies his shield.

Move and standard action for Full Defense. AC is now 20, and if the thing I am next to is a tree and not just a stump I probably also have cover.

Kressle, this is just business. The Stag Lord does not like it when those he employs steal from him. You are of course...

Andreas: Each combat round is six seconds. How long are we supposed to wait for you to finish your speech?

@Azul: in pathfinder, as in many games, 'talking' is rarely an action, so it doesn't really take any time. I usually refer to it as the 'soliloquy shield.' Usually it's something a villain puts up to prevent you from attacking before he has time to explain his reasoning, but heroes use it from time to time as well :)

@Azul: in pathfinder, as in many games, 'talking' is rarely an action,...

This is not correct.

Talking is defined as a free action. And the CRB specifically mentions that you are limited (vaguely) in how much you can say in one round:

Speak

In general, speaking is a free action that you can perform even when it isn't your turn. Speaking more than a few sentences is generally beyond the limit of a free action.

I guess for now on we will just have to be a very quiet group with stops watches for everyone. I will try my best to make sure everyone will stop mid sentence if they go over their allotted 6 seconds. Granted my "speech" was longer (Much) than 6 seconds but come on guys we are here to have some fun not rules lawyer everything to death.

I'm allowing the speech because Sir Andreas is not trying anything else except trying to pull his bluff during the turn. If things get tilted with people using talking as a free action I may rule on that, but for now I think we're smooth.

As a character with high diplomacy Azul is as likely as any to benefit from the 'soliloquy shield.' :D

Okay, throwing some dice, you'll see some progress soon.

Sir Andreas' words sow uncertainty amid the bandits, enough for some of them to be caught flat-footed, but with the kobolds screeching and yelling they are quickly disabused of the notion that any of them come at the bidding of the stag lord.

On bandit is hit in the head with a sling and quickly falls under two kobolds hopping upon him, striking with their spears.

A second bandit is likewise skewered by three spears and pushed flailing into the campfire.

Another bandit, either lucky or more skillful dodges three spear-points and prepares to retaliate as sling-bullets fly into the ranks of the bandits...

The second tower archer is peppered with flying rocks but stands unscathed and prepares to return fire...

finally a bandit in line with Kressle is smacked by no fewer than four rocks whipped from the kobolds little slings... dazed, he quickly holds the line with his compatriots and brings his bow to bear...

The line of bandits that manage to organize fire upon the closest kobold, one arrow piercing it through the leg and Kressle herself throws a dagger striking it through the eye, killing it instantly.

The archer in the second tower fires down at the kobold slingers but is forced to take cover and misses...

A final bandit, holding the rearguard at the river, fires an arrow at Ryker -- but misses.

DECLARE YOUR NEXT ACTIONS!

Ilamin clears his throat and begins telling the tale of a barbarian tribe making their attack on a village. While it isn't a a great tale to listen to in the beginning, the tactics the barbarians use is inspiring and as the story goes on, the heroes arrive to wipe the tribe out and free the slaves.

Inspire courage

As the arrow whistles by his head, Ryker ducks behind some of the trees further up ahead. Nocking another arrow, he pokes his head out from his cover and fires at the bandit who shot at him.
________
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Shortbow (Sneak Attack) vs Foe (Flat-footed): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (6) = 8
x3 Confirm?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 192d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Ha! Forgot to actually post my prior rounds actions. Bummer. If the trees/bushes/whatever don't provide concealment/cover for me to stealth to, I'll still take the shot, just subtract out any sneak damage and pit my attack against regular AC. Moved 15ft (stealth at half speed) into cover, Standard action to fire shortbow.

Andreas moves forward. Seeing that there is some confusion in the mix of things from the rush of Kobolds.
Hope you enjoy my friends there...The Stag Lord wants his pound of flesh...a pound for each coin you stole.
Double move and draws his weapon.

With an almost calm air of certitude, despite the chaos erupting around him, Max heads deeper into the camp. He pauses to help the kobold allies with one of their mutual foes.
longsword: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 w/+1 bard, +2 flank
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
confirm?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say I got him
His sword bites deeply into the man's torso, practically severing his arm from his body.

You tell them, Sir Andreas, fine words my sir!"
Golwen moves up behind the Kobold's and throws a pile of Grease at a bandit and Kressle's feet. "Here, let me show you what it is that you have wrought upon your foolish selves."
As Golwen mutters arcane words and starts performing gestures with one hand, he reaches in with the other and smears a bit of butter across the tips of his fingers. As he does so, the butter immediately starts to bubble out and expand before suddenly disappearing and reappearing in a pool of slick oil beneath the feet of his foes.
DC 16 Reflex Save to avoid going Prone. DC 10 Acrobatics to move through it, Fail <5 means they can't move that round and need a Reflex Save, >5 means they go Prone.

His summoned Eagle redirects its atention to the bandit in the tower it is now level with. It screeches out with the fury of a Raptor as it descends upon its new prey.
Fly (to move less than half speed): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

GM: I drew a red arrow along a line between myself and the nearest bandit. I would prefer to charge the bandit in question but I suspect the greenery will probably count as difficult terrain which will prevent a charge. If I can charge, I will; if not I will make a single move to where my icon currently is, and ready an attack agains the first bandit to engage me.

"All right then, forward! Follow the shiny one!" Azul calls out to the kobolds.

Use the below roll for my readied attack. If I am allowed to charge also use it but add +2 to the to-hit roll.

Falcata +1 bard +1 magic: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 15
Falcata damage +1 bard +1 magic: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 6

Max indeed cuts his bandit down in one fell swing, and golwen's eagle nearly claws the face off of the bandit in the tower, which quickly flails his arms to fend it off.

Azul Oros' blow is partially blocked but undettered, he strikes a near-mortal blow.

Then the grease appears. The bandit deftly maintains his balance, but Kressle falls prone on her back and struggles to regain her footing.

Ewart, hidden in the bushes somewhere -- fires an arrow and finishes off Ryker's bandit.

____________________________________________________________________

I will soon process a new round for the kobolds and bandits. Nice job team!

Rushing forward, one mass of kobolds breaks right to surround the bandits on the ground and the other half break left and draw their slings on the tower bandit.

A fracas immediately ensues, but the bandits, bows drawn, do not have time for attacks of opportunity, though they quickly go for their blades.

The northmost bandit is stabbed within an inch of his life by two successful kobold attacks.

The bottom most bandit in the line is also struck by two spears, but gets away with only 5 damage, still having some fight in him.

The summoned eagle and relentless slingfire pinned down the tower archer but the kobolds keep winging stones at him.

Under the rain of stones the bandit is knocked from the tower and lies unmoving on the ground twenty feet below him.

the southmost bandit, keeping his footing on the oil slick beneath him, slashes one of the kobolds and lays him out. other attacks were dodged by the deft little buggers.

Kressle, while laying prone in the grease, is actually safer from the missiles being flung at her head, and so she avoids the remaining slings aimed for her.

Her rising to her feet provokes a kobold attack of opportunity, but it misses.

"Follow the Shiny one!" The shabti cries, but the irrepressable goblins have all gone ahead already. Azul's planned charge instead requires him to sidestep his minions, flank the northmost bandit, and kill him.

The kobolds shout with glee at the attack of "The Shinest" -- "Kill for Blackclaws! Kill for the shiniest!" A hoot in draconian goes up.

Azul Oros has difficulty understanding them, but has no difficulty discerning the excitement is about him.

The bandits are losing, but the grin in Kressle's eyes tells everyone she's not going to be taken alive...

_________________________

CONTINUE THE BATTLE, DECLARE ACTIONS!

With Azul coming around the flank and with a horde of kobolds on either side, Max steps forward and points his blade at Kressle while mouthing arcane words.
color spray: DC15 will save for her and at least her minion to the south. If I can angle the cone to get the one to the north as well, great, but I'll be satisfied if I can only get Kressle +1

Ilamin continues telling his tale, his voice steadily becoming louder to the others as he walks towards the others. His pace is slow and seemingly without care as he makes his way across and eventually runs across one of the logs the bandits had used to sit upon and rest. He eyes the battlefield from his new location and seeing that he can no long contribute beyond his current means....sits and keeps his magic up.

Golwen does a celebratory air pump as his Greasy magic takes effect. He then moves to a more Southern position to try and get a better shot at his foes, his face somewhat frantic, still new to this whole experience. Double Moving

On the other hand, the Celestial Eagle cries proudly out in victory, tearing off an ear as her prey falls and gobbling it down. She then turns and swoops upon the next unlucky foe to stand before the Majestic Eagle.
Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 = 20
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5
The Eagle is flying 5 feet directly above the southern greasy bandit.

Ryker jogs passed Ilamin and heads for another clump of bushes. As he crouches low, a dagger slides into his hand and he prepares for another deft strike. Only a matter of time now, those kobolds turned this into a cakewalk! Allies to fight for you is something I could get used to...
________
Double Move, swift action to draw dagger, bow still in hand.

Azul plows through the brush behind the bandits to get into position and strikes at the leader of the bandits.

I will provoke an AoO from the north bandit. But if he hits me I will use Healer's Way to heal myself as a swift action.

Healer's Way (if necessary): 1d6 ⇒ 6

"Your judgement is at hand!" he shouts.

Falcata +1 bard +1 magic: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25 ...Woot!
Falcata Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19 ...probably...

Falcata Damage +1 bard +1 magic: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5
Crit Bonus Damage +1 bard +1 magic x2: 2d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 + 4 = 19

24 damage if that confirms... :)

Azul bounded past one of the bandits, who swinging upon him, missed in a wide arc.

"Your judgement is at hand!" Azul Oros shouted, and Kressle, looking up at him from her prone position... Spat at him.

In the next second her head rolled with speed and tumult into the host of the kobolds, who literally lost their minds in the excitement.

"SHINIEST! SHINIEST!" the kobolds cheered.

The remaining battle was just for dust to settle.

Maximillian's spell was too late to hit kressle, but blasted her bandit compatriot straight into unconsciousness.

The remaining bandit was skewered to death by kobolds as the bandit foolishly attempted to flee. The battle was won.

One kobold lay dead, another mortally wounded but considering this was the second massed combat since the goblins, casualties and injuries were few in number.

The camp belonged to the party now.

Laying on the ground was the loot of the bandits:
(x8) leather armor, longbow with 20 arrows, short sword, 2 days
of trail rations, 10 gp
(80 gp total from bandits)

Kressle:

Potion of cure light wounds, studded leather armor, 2 masterwork handaxes, 4 daggers, and an additional 85 gp.

The Bandit Ewart is quick to uncover the stash of loot hidden within the camp:

currently it includes 321 sp, 90gp, a pair of silver earrings worth
150 gp, a wooden music box worth 90 gp, three crates of furs and
hides worth 50 gp per crate, and a polished wooden case of potent
greenish herbal liquor. There are still eight bottles with liquor left in them, each worth 20 gp.

"Nicely handled, Azul." Quick, clean, efficient. Just the way Max preferred his battles. "Ewert's information was quite accurate and helpful, Andreas. Any doubts I had at letting him live have been satisfied."

"SHINIEST! SHINIEST!" the kobolds cheered.

Azul holds his facata high before cleaning it and putting it away. "This victory is all of ours together, my little friends." He smiles, hoping that the kobolds understand his intent if not his exact meaning.

"Nicely handled, Azul." Quick, clean, efficient. Just the way Max preferred his battles. "Ewert's information was quite accurate and helpful, Andreas. Any doubts I had at letting him live have been satisfied."

"Thank you. I had thought that if the leader was defeated, the rest might surrender, but I see they didn't have the chance. This one yet lives, only because your spell knocked him out."

"And I agree about Ewert. He has fulfilled his part of the contract, and we are obligated to honour ours."

Ilamin claps from his seated position upon the log but looks over the battlefield. "Azul, the Shiniest, there is a poor kobold in need. While celebration is in order for our victory.....it's proper to decorum to honor the sacrifices first before we get to congratulating people." he says as he stands up and makes his way to the dying and offers what comfort he can.

Damn, Ilamin is right. The little guy did fall in service to us too. Ryker puts down the belongings he was rummaging through and collects the corpse of the fallen kobold. Approaching a living kobold, he asks in Draconic, "Your dead, what do you do with them? Shall we bury the body here? The Shiniest could possibly give a eulogy." This is definitely going into my next letter home.

The Kobolds scramble and make a muddy mess burying their fallen comrade in the river.

The leader of the kobolds tightens his britches and addresses the party in draconian:

"All enemies are defeated. Now we all go back to Chieftain and high shaman Tlax. Great battles and coming of the shiniest must be reported! Help rid lands of goblins!"

shortly afterward, Bandit Ewart comes forward with his hand out:

[b] "I've kept the faith on leading you to Kressle's camp, and now it's time for me to make a run for it -- I humbly ask for 20 gold for my help and advice, and a means to get ahead of any pursuers."

Max laughs at the bandit's forwardness. This fellow has guts, I'll give him that.
"Perhaps you would like to join us instead," he says to Ewart. "Pharasma looks kindly on those willing to make amends for their past wrongs."

Ilamin claps from his seated position upon the log but looks over the battlefield. "Azul, the Shiniest, there is a poor kobold in need..."

I saw that, but figured the phrase "mortally wounded" meant "too late for you to save" in story terms since there is no such thing as an actual "mortal wound" in Pathfinder rules. But, GM: if it is possible to save the Kobold I will go over and hit him with lay on hands. More than one if necessary.

"...it's proper to decorum to honor the sacrifices first before we get to congratulating people."

"Of course. But these people have their own way of honouring their dead, and I would not presume. As long as they don't eat them..."

Azul shrugs.

"Besides, they seem to be in a fine mood all on their own. As our momentary allies, I would not want to bring their mood down. We can't afford to be seen as associated with misfortune."

Azul Oros heals one of the fallen Kobolds and another round of cheers goes up --

"Hail Shiniest! Ally of blackclaws! Ally of sootscales!"

Ilamin helped the little guy up once Azul heals him and smiles at him "They are hailing you in thanks, proclaiming you their ally." he offered.

Regrouping with is companions, Ryker addresses them softly in Sylvan. "What now? Do we parlay with their leader? I fear anything less than cooperation at this point will turn into a blood bath. Likely at our expense considering their numbers and our resources. I do not wish to die today, but running away is another option that would likely succeed on horseback."

Regrouping with is companions, Ryker addresses them softly in Sylvan. "What now? Do we parlay with their leader? I fear anything less than cooperation at this point will turn into a blood bath. Likely at our expense considering their numbers and our resources. I do not wish to die today, but running away is another option that would likely succeed on horseback."

"The leader of the Kobolds? Why not? Do you fear treachery on their part?"

"More a healthy skepticism. Their real leaders may not accept us and by knowing who they are and where they live, might deem us a threat. Forgive me Azul, I'm not trying to cause alarm, just making sure we are going into this situation after considering our options," Ryker explains.

Ilamin raised a brow, it was always a pleasant surprise to find someone with a solid grasp of some of the more obscure languages in the world. "Given their admiration for Azul, I don't think this would be a worrisome situation. However, I would be surprised if we don't find ourselves in need of a rest before we make it to their leader. I'm sure they would understand." he said politely in Sylvan.

He turned from the group and approached the Kobolds "The Shiniest has seen many battles today. He requests that we might rest before going to see your leader, is it far to your home? We have traveled many miles today is why I ask." in Draconic.

The kobolds look obviously disappointed, and explain they are actively fighting the goblins in the region and cannot stop to rest -- even at the behest of "The Shiniest."

They explain that their home is give or take, 25 miles away, "East of the fork in the river." and draw a crude sketch in the dirt indicating where the kobold camp is relative to this fork in the river.

They point to the river that runs through the camp, and gesture for the party to follow it South until the fork is reached, the to look in a particular place east along the river, for a cavern amid some rocky terrain.

They urge one last time to come with them, but vow to tell their leaders of what has transpired if the party decides to rest...

Andreas rushes through the crowd of Kobolds and bandits with weapon in hand ready to strike down the woman if she did not surrender. His thoughts are interrupted by a simple phrase. "Your judgement is at hand." Watching as the head rolls by....
Not the way I would have done it by the end result is the same. I t seems we had the same idea.

Andreas turns as the other go about talking to one another and the kolbolds. His eye roam that woods for other bandits that may come rushing in to lend aid. Seeing no second wave, he turns back to the others.
It would appear that these are all the bandits in the area. For now at least.

When Ewart ask for money, Andreas looks down at his hand and then back up at the man.
I do not know how the others may feel but...Your welcome to walk off in any direction you like, we will not pursue you. You fulfilled your side of the deal and know we are fulfilling ours by letting you go free. You should keep the sword for your own protection as you leave the River Kingdoms, never to return...or...you could take up the offer and better yourself.

Andreas listens as the other speak back and forth in different languages.

if Ewert decides not to join us, I will give him some money out of my share.

He turned back to the group. "They wish for us not to stop but understand if we must. They've drawn us a map if we must rest, but they must continue home to continue their war with the Goblins. They will let their leaders know of us and our help and alliance. I can understand both sides, my abilities I fear are exhausted for the day and I know others are bound to be tired and low on power as well. But, we do have our physical might still left to us. I'll leave it up to you should we choose to continue...but if my vote were to be the deciding one, I'd chose to rest." he said looking at his comrades in arms and speaking in Common.

"Rest or continue, either works for me. Though I won't have any more spells available til the morn."

"We already marched through the day to get here. I don't see how we could cover another 25 miles through forest without some rest. I expect these kobolds may be nocturnal, and the time we typically rest is the time they are awake. By their lights it may be early morning and time to get a move on."

"We need to explain to them that we cannot reach their tribe within the day and should rest at some point. Though we may be able to go a bit further today, if necessary"