DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Let's try to draw the bear out into the open with your magical sounds Fenna and then start your summoning while the rest of us try to hit it at a distance.

Use Ghost sound to make as much noise as possible, Fenna has it as a Osiron, draw it out, fire some arrows into it while she summons a celestial. Give Kressle 2 Bane Arrows for this fight. I will stand ready to intercept the bear throwing Javelins leaving an open path for Edric to charge in. Try to use a second celestial to draw AOO once it is close so we can move in without drawing an AOO. Hope that we can pull off the plan :) Those are my thoughts...EDIT: Looks like you already got the arrows covered.

Why don't I just blow my signal horn, if it's noise we're after?

Drawing it to your current position would mean you'd all be fighting in difficult terrain again, like you did versus Tuskgutter.

Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

Let's try to draw the bear out into the open with your magical sounds Fenna and then start your summoning while the rest of us try to hit it at a distance.

Use Ghost sound to make as much noise as possible, Fenna has it as a Osiron, draw it out, fire some arrows into it while she summons a celestial. Give Kressle 2 Bane Arrows for this fight. I will stand ready to intercept the bear throwing Javelins leaving an open path for Edric to charge in. Try to use a second celestial to draw AOO once it is close so we can move in without drawing an AOO. Hope that we can pull off the plan :) Those are my thoughts...EDIT: Looks like you already got the arrows covered.

Why don't I just blow my signal horn, if it's noise we're after?

My thought was to try and draw it to the source of the sound 30' from us, not directly to us so we could get at least one round off on it before it attacks us. I guess we need to get a better view of the temple and surrounding grounds first though before trying anything offensive. DM AK, we will start our approach and hopefully get a better view of the grounds, temple, before encountering the beast. We will try our best to be stealthy, cautious, perceptive as we go but we are on hourseback...

"Perhaps the ground will clear out a little more as we get closer to the temple," Fenna whispers, moving hesitantly forwards.

Yeah, moving stealthily up to the point we can see the temple itself sounds like the best plan. I don't think we have many buffs appropriate against a bear...

Ok sounds good. I'll get a map and a sitrep up tonight. A clearly defined marching order and some stealth rolls would be good too if possible all, i'll roll the stealth rolls on your behalf if I don't see a roll from you.

My suggestion for marching order: Edric and me up front, since we are both mounted. Next Kressle and Malthir. Then Vaysh and Fenna. Karina brings up the rear, handling the excess horses.

Stealth - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Edric has Happ's +2 Str Composite longbow figured it would do more more good in Kressel's hands than mine. As far as marching order I don't know if we want the warriors up front since it might negated and diversions we create.
Stealth:1d20 - 5 ⇒ (9) - 5 = 4

My suggestion for marching order: Edric and me up front, since we are both mounted. Next Kressle and Malthir. Then Vaysh and Fenna. Karina brings up the rear, handling the excess horses.

Stealth - 1d20+6

Works for me. Malthir will try to take a 10 on stealth which will also give me a 4 (10-6).

Edric has Happ's +2 Str Composite longbow figured it would do more more good in Kressel's hands than mine. As far as marching order I don't know if we want the warriors up front since it might negated and diversions we create.

Stealth:1d20-5

I think we may be over-planning a bit. The main thing is to hit it with at least one bane arrow and then press the attack from all sides.

I think we may be over-planning a bit. The main thing is to hit it with at least one bane arrow and then press the attack from all sides.

What's the worst that can happen?

Stealth 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

sorry all busy day today will update when I get in this evening.

Sorry, back now. Just been crazy busy. Not much sleep at all for most of the past week, and not a whole lot of time to come here. Things should settle down now.

Thats ok Vaysh RL happens :). I will get a response to you on both those fronts by the end of the day, just going to get the combat map and initiative order ready.

Moving cautiously, the group approach the Temple. As they break out into the open, a massive looking grizzly bear comes from the north into your field of vision around the pool, clearly attracted by the noise of Malthir in his armour among other things.

Something looks wrong about this bear... its fur is dark and matted with red patches and dark pus seems to pour out of its fur... As the group approaches it roars its challenge, and seems about to charge...

This... beast is unnatural... Kressle whispers...

For simplicity i've got Edric and Casimir as large models as they are mounted. Assume you can 'squeeze' through any gaps a 'long' large creature could, effectively your horse takes up two squares not 4 but the software I use doesn't cope well with 'long' creatures.

Battle of the Temple of Erastil

Round 1 Initiative

Kressle- 17
Casimir- 16
Edric- 16
Malthir- 12
Vaysh- 11
Fenna- 6
Bear- ???

Round 1 Map Link-LINK

I'll assume you drew weapons etc. on the approach...

Kressle puts one of the magical arrows to her bow and fires it at the bear, who has partial cover from the fountain. An almost perfect shot, the arrow pierces deeply into the bear's shoulder, narrowly missing the bear's head.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
1d8 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (1, 3) = 9

Ye gods crit threat...

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Confirmation?
2d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 6 = 15 Damage if confirmed

Failed to confirm. Over to the group.

And I thought Tuskgutter was a fearsome foe....best bring this brute down fast.

Casimir pulls his Darkwood bow taunt and takes careful aim on the monstrous bear before he lets a Bane arrow fly.

Attack roll - 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Damage roll - 1d8 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + (2, 5) + 4 = 12

As he releases the arrow, Casimir guides Shadow forward to a position at the eastern end of the pool, so Malthir has a clear shot at the bear. He keeps his bow in hand for now.

And I thought Tuskgutter was a fearsome foe....best bring this brute down fast.

Casimir pulls his Darkwood bow taunt and takes careful aim on the monstrous bear before he lets a Bane arrow fly.

Attack roll - 1d20+8
Damage roll - 1d8+2d6+4

As he releases the arrow, Casimir guides Shadow forward to a position at the eastern end of the pool, so Malthir has a clear shot at the bear. He keeps his bow in hand for now.

As Casimir starts to move forward, Malthir speaks up, Casimir, keep moving to the northeast tip of the pool and be ready to fire with that bow, I have an idea!

Casimir moves where Malthir directs him to.

Speak up on this great idea of your's, Malthir. That thing looks like it wants to give one of us a tender hug, and I'd really like it if it wasn't me.

Edit: Also, Edric is in a golden position to charge. If he hits and does decent dmg, the bear is in very bad shape.

Casimir moves where Malthir directs him to.

Speak up on this great idea of your's, Malthir. That thing looks like it wants to give one of us a tender hug, and I'd really like it if it wasn't me.

Edit: Also, Edric is in a golden position to charge. If he hits and does decent dmg, the bear is in very bad shape.

Wait for DM AK to rule on whether or not I have enough time in my turn to say anything else until next round. If I am able to say another short sentence read the spoiler otherwise please ignore until next round

Yeah that's all fine Malthir. Bear in mind this thing looks pretty nippy though...

Also, descriptive text for the area.

Yeah that's all fine Malthir. Bear in mind this thing looks pretty nippy though...

Also, descriptive text for the area.

** spoiler omitted **

So it sounds like we are currently in rough terrain?

You have a clear run to the bear. The rocks and pool are the only difficult terrain between you.

Casimir moves where Malthir directs him to.

Speak up on this great idea of your's, Malthir. That thing looks like it wants to give one of us a tender hug, and I'd really like it if it wasn't me.

Edit: Also, Edric is in a golden position to charge. If he hits and does decent dmg, the bear is in very bad shape.

I wouldn't expect this thing to be a normal grizzly, just from past experience with DM AK :D charging it and receiving its full round attack could spell Edrics doom with decent rolls...

Casimir wrote:

Casimir moves where Malthir directs him to.

Speak up on this great idea of your's, Malthir. That thing looks like it wants to give one of us a tender hug, and I'd really like it if it wasn't me.

Edit: Also, Edric is in a golden position to charge. If he hits and does decent dmg, the bear is in very bad shape.

I wouldn't expect this thing to be a normal grizzly, just from past experience with DM AK :D charging it and receiving its full round attack could spell Edrics doom with decent rolls...

Isn't that sort of what Edric does around here - charge in and get torn to shreds? :-D

Edric, Fenna, Vaysh, Malthir- your actions please :)

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **

Edric, Fenna, Vaysh, Malthir- your actions please :)

I am hoping to see what Edric does, could impact my actions. Hopefully he will respond a little later today.

Let us end this un-natural creatures life now!

Sorry Malthir but Casimir is right thats what I do ;)
Issue chalenge
Charge:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Damage:2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1) + 5 = 7
...or not :(

Let us end this un-natural creatures life now!

Sorry Malthir but Casimir is right thats what I do ;)
Issue chalenge
Charge:1d20+8
Damage:2d8+5
...or not :(

I love it when a plan comes together...

Malthir looks at Edric incredulously as he sees the knight charge the beast, playing into its strengths and our our weeknesses at distance.

Round 1 Action Malthir will take the run action to move 80' or 75' if Edric is blocking the 4 squares directly ahead of the bear straight ahead, hopefully not. It should put me 10' from the bear and not draw the AOO. I loose my Dex, but hey who cares in my case.

Sir Edric Orlavsky wrote:

Let us end this un-natural creatures life now!

Sorry Malthir but Casimir is right thats what I do ;)
Issue chalenge
Charge:1d20+8
Damage:2d8+5
...or not :(

I love it when a plan comes together...

Malthir looks at Edric incredulously as he sees the knight charge the beast, playing into its strengths and our our weeknesses at distance.

Round 1 Action Malthir will take the run action to move 80' or 75' if Edric is blocking the 4 squares directly ahead of the bear straight ahead, hopefully not. It should put me 10' from the bear and not draw the AOO. I loose my Dex, but hey who cares in my case.

As the bear still hasn't acted on your initiative count, you can charge right up to it. Would you prefer that? Unlucky Edric, I don't think I need to tell you 10 won't hit :P

Fenna watches her companions charge ahead, then manoeuvres Dandelion slightly closer to the ensuing melee as she begins a complex Azlanti invocation, "I beseech the aid of The Fisherman's loyal servant, he who quelled the raging storm of Illiex's uprising, he who dowsed the flames of Garvash's rage..."

5' step closer, then summon monster I

Fenna watches her companions charge ahead, then manoeuvres Dandelion slightly closer to the ensuing melee as she begins a complex Azlanti invocation, "I beseech the aid of The Fisherman's loyal servant, he who quelled the raging storm of Illiex's uprising, he who dowsed the flames of Garvash's rage..."

5' step closer, then summon monster I

Action noted. Once Vaysh' action's up i'll update. I'm back in Southampton now so I can post a lot easier.

Edit: Malthir your movement rate meant you ended up ten feet from the bear, ending your turn in a threatened square. That is where you intended to end up anyway i believe.

Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

Sir Edric Orlavsky wrote:

Let us end this un-natural creatures life now!

Sorry Malthir but Casimir is right thats what I do ;)
Issue chalenge
Charge:1d20+8
Damage:2d8+5
...or not :(

I love it when a plan comes together...

Malthir looks at Edric incredulously as he sees the knight charge the beast, playing into its strengths and our our weeknesses at distance.

Round 1 Action Malthir will take the run action to move 80' or 75' if Edric is blocking the 4 squares directly ahead of the bear straight ahead, hopefully not. It should put me 10' from the bear and not draw the AOO. I loose my Dex, but hey who cares in my case.

As the bear still hasn't acted on your initiative count, you can charge right up to it. Would you prefer that? Unlucky Edric, I don't think I need to tell you 10 won't hit :P

I wanted to run so I could get to 5' away from it. Sorry that is what I meant to say so I can 5' step next round and attack. Thanks for catching that.

Busy, busy. Drop my spam sleep, find out it doesn't work. Swift action you ask? Pray for another spell. =P

Actually... The Boar was Dire... this bear isn't...

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The bear rears up on two legs, about to assault Edric and Malthir with two vicious claws and its teeth, when Vaysh's sleep spell overcomes it. It collapses onto its back, fast asleep.

Fenna if you don't want to start summoning in light of this happening just before your initiative, let me know.

Round 2 Initiative

Kressle- 17
Casimir- 16
Edric- 16
Malthir- 12
Vaysh- 11
Fenna- 6
Sleeping Bear- 5

Technically we can be assumed out of initiative for now if you like, although if the first attack on it doesn't kill the bear we'llbe back into initiative.

Kressle puts away her bow and draws her new hand-axes, striding over towards the bear.

Who wants to try the coup-de-grace? ;)

Probably either Casimir with the x3 bow or me with power attack. Of course we should probably try and time our blows so that I strike just after him if possible.

The melee warriors can all gather around the bear, but only one of you's taking the coup de grace, the rest are subject to initiative count.

As the bear succumbs to Vaysh spell, Casimir lets out a whoop of triumph.

He rides up to join his fellow warriors, who keep careful watch over the sleeping animal.

I will end this. An arrow straight to the heart should slay it. But be ready to strike if it should survive.

Drawing a regular arrow, Casimir takes careful aim and then speaks a few words of bardic inspiration to focus himself on the task.

Erastil himself will smile, and let my arrow fly true, to end the unnatural life of this abbaration and restore peace to this holy place.

inspire courage to boost dmg

As he fells the magic of his words take hold, he releases the arrow.Coup de grace dmg 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 7, 4) + 6 = 24

Wow, looks like Erastil did indeed smile on that damage roll. That ought to do it, I should think.

Wow, looks like Erastil did indeed smile on that damage roll. That ought to do it, I should think.

Normal arrow then? Edit: Just saw you specified. Ok...

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

The arrow pierces the bear's heart, a true killing shot. The bear lets out a long sigh- almost sounding human for a moment- and then collapses in on itself, transforming into an incredibly old looking human man with a look of peace in his eyes, and then a mere moment later crumbling into a skeleton, and then crumbling to dust.

As this happens, the entire shrine looks more vibrant and colourful, and birds and small animals begin to flock to the temple. A majestic looking Elk strolls into the clearing, gazing at you all and nodding approvingly before suddenly fading into nothingness. The water in the pool becomes crystal clear, and sparkles with magic...

200XP each, and 100XP each for fulfilling Jhod's quest...

Yup, normal arrow as it says in the post. I figured the 9 dmg minimum with IC would raise the fort save DC enough to do the job even if the shot itself wasn' t fatal.

Wow, looks like Erastil did indeed smile on that damage roll. That ought to do it, I should think.

Nice rolling and way to use that inspire! I hope that does it.

We should probably spend the rest of the day mapping out this hex and then camping here tonight? We can move west looking for the Unicorn after that. Fenna you onboard with that plan?

I think you guys both missed my edit, scroll up to my last post.

I think you guys both missed my edit, scroll up to my last post.

There was a wierd delay where I couldn't see you post until I posted? Post monster general must have been hanging around.

Casimir wrote:

Wow, looks like Erastil did indeed smile on that damage roll. That ought to do it, I should think.

Normal arrow then? Edit: Just saw you specified. Ok...

1d20+8

The arrow pierces the bear's heart, a true killing shot. The bear lets out a long sigh- almost sounding human for a moment- and then collapses in on itself, transforming into an incredibly old looking human man with a look of peace in his eyes, and then a mere moment later crumbling into a skeleton, and then crumbling to dust.

As this happens, the entire shrine looks more vibrant and colourful, and birds and small animals begin to flock to the temple. A majestic looking Elk strolls into the clearing, gazing at you all and nodding approvingly before suddenly fading into nothingness. The water in the pool becomes crystal clear, and sparkles with magic...

200XP each, and 100XP each for fulfilling Jhod's quest...

Malthir looks into the pool, saying a few words thanking Erastil for his gifts before dinking from the pool. He then assists the rest of the group to search the temple and look around.

Malthir looks into the pool, saying a few words thanking Erastil for his gifts before dinking from the pool. He then assists the rest of the group to search the temple and look around.

You immediately feel refreshed, and your pretty sure the energies in this pool would heal your wounds if you had any.

The temple is a ruin, but the structure is mostly intact. It would take time and money to restore it, but it would certainly be cheaper than founding a new temple...

Seeing the animal succumb to Vaysh's magic, Fenna decides that summoning celestial aid would be unnecessary at that point and instead rides out into the clearing to offer a short prayer for the 'bear' as it passes, "May Pharasma guide this troubled soul to his long awaited rest."

Looking around at the sudden transformation, Fenna allows herself a smile, pleased by how quickly the divine presence of Erastil returns to a place from where he had been so long absent.

Exploring this hex and then working our way west sounds like the plan... The reconsecrated temple seems like a pretty good place to camp too.

Very well, lets see how the mapping goes.

Total=33!

Inspired by the revitalising feel of the temple and the feel of a deed well done, the group are in high spirits as they set out to explore and map the surrounding hex. To their surprise, the day seems to fly past and before they know it the mapping is complete just before nightfall, although Kressle, Edric and Fenna are sure it normally takes longer than this this to fully explore a large area in the forest...

As the night begins to come out, the group settle in for the evening. Kressle seems very at home at the temple, and animals are still flocking here, drinking at the magical pool and generally hovering around the area. Kressle laughs in sheer delight as she plays with a baby deer...

25XP for successful exploration, go ahead and add it to the map Maladin.

Casimir looks in wonder at the display that unfolds after he kills the bear.

Truly amazing. What a tale this will make. I wonder who he was - a druid, perhaps, too lost in the shape of the bear to find his way back to humanity, or corrupted by some dark magic.

We should search this place to see if we can find any clues to his identity and fate. After that, I'm all for exploring and returning to this place again.

Search the area, dispose of any remains that might be left of the bear/man, then head out. Edit: ninjaed. We check the area while camping.

Next morning:

Awaking refreshed after a rest in the peaceful temple, Casimir goes through his morning spell preparation, then goes to see if Karina and Kressle are awake.

Well, what do you say? It seems you are already feeling at home here. This temple can be rebuilt in time, and Jhod will definitely want to come visit. It would seem suitable if you two camped out here and kept guard over the site until then. You will find plenty of food in the surrounding woods and the fountain provides blessed water. Seems like a fine way to start earning your redemption, keeping watch over a sacred site like this. And don't worry, we'll come and look in on you soon enough.

Well, what do you say? It seems you are already feeling at home here. This temple can be rebuilt in time, and Jhod will definitely want to come visit. It would seem suitable if you two camped out here and kept guard over the site until then. You will find plenty of food in the surrounding woods and the fountain provides blessed water. Seems like a fine way to start earning your redemption, keeping watch over a sacred site like this. And don't worry, we'll come and look in on you soon enough.

Worry? Kressle says, arching an eyebrow at you. You of all people should know I am a capable hunter Casimir... And I always catch my prey... she says with a wink.

But your idea has merit, someone will need to guard over Jhod's converts, however capable Jhod himself implies he is... Karina and I will be honoured to watch over this area.

Realising that the group could again be going into danger, Karina runs at an unsuspecting Malthir, throwing her arms around him in a bear hug that Malthir suspects must surely be as ferocious as the cursed Bear would have delivered...

Come back to me safely Malthir... Karina whispers to him, tears running down her cheeks, showing no sign of extricating herself anytime soon...

Kressle chuckles at her sister's antics, rolling her eyes at Casimir...

Stunned by how quickly the battle ended and a little embarrassed for his lack of effectiveness Edric gives his companions a sheepish smile. Forgive my brash nature I found myself caught up in the thrill of the fight. Once again Vaysh you have outshined us all with your majestic power. If it wasn't for you I may have very well paid for my reckless action with my life this day.
Edric's disappointment at the anticlimactic battle with the bear, is soon forgotten as he loses himself in the beauty and tranquility of the newly cleansed shrine.

Come back to me safely Malthir... Karina whispers to him, tears running down her cheeks, showing no sign of extricating herself anytime soon...

Kressle chuckles at her sister's antics, rolling her eyes at Casimir...

Uhhhh..yes thank you Karina for your well wishes, I would hope that you would not leave the others out of your well wishes also. Now we must be off! as he extracates himself from her grasp. He seems in quite a rush to go. As you ride away he angrily mumbles to himself

Later that next night,