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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:

...Kalev takes 21 damage, but is not yet unconcious due to his half-orc heritage.

lol, welcome to the game, Kalev!

Thanks :) Looking forward to next level, when I will get Endurance and Diehard...assuming I survive that long...

Malthir sees that Kalev is in critical trouble, thinking of what just happened to Edric he takes a huge gamble to try and save his friend and maybe the entire group of Guardians. He drops his lance as a free action, dismounts as a move action drawing his sword at the same time and slaps the horse on the ass with the sharp edge of his sword making the horse run past the shambler down the trail, hoping, nay praying, that his horse will provide the creature with an alternate meal than Kalev! Sorry Sunshine, you were a fine mount he thinks to himself.

Guardians, back away from the beast if you can.

Let me know if I need to roll to hit my horse.

EDIT: I think I still have a 5' move as well which will be to move straight back to I-16.

The shambling mound appears to take the bait, and lashes out at the ill-fated horse- which miraculously runs up the trail with nary a wound upon its flesh.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 4) + 5 = 11

Round 2 Initiative-
Casimir-21
Fenna-18
Yelena-16
Kalev-9
Shambling Mound (AOO used, refreshes on Casimir's Round 3 Action)- 8
Malthir-1

Map Link

If you look really close, you can see Malthir's horse getting away on the north-east :D.

Yelena takes a 5-foot step to the southwest (G12), fires her crossbow, then moves southwest again (I11).

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 4

Yelena takes a 5-foot step to the southwest (G12), fires her crossbow, then moves southwest again (I11).

Attack 1d20+5
Damage 1d8

You can't five foot step then move, however as your mounted your horse can take a withdraw action while you shoot. As the Shambling Mound has no more AOO's it doesn't matter too much.

Casimir reaches over and touches the horribly injured ranger. Curative Touch 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 hp healed

RUN! Everybody back down the trail now - fast as you can!

Cast spell, then single move south to Q 10

Yelena takes a 5-foot step to the southwest (G12), fires her crossbow, then moves southwest again (I11).

Attack 1d20+5
Damage 1d8

Since you act after my initiative, are you 100% sure that is what you are going to do?

Fenna, change of plan, put that summoned creature between it and us if you can! Yes, retreat to a safe distance Guardians! supporting Casimir's suggestion...

Kalev summons his last grains of will and strenght when the monster hits him, refusing to go down. He is seeing stars and reeling from the blow, but gets slightly better when Casimir's healing magic runs through him.

Seeing the monster's attention briefly elsewhere, Kalev urges his mount backwards down the path as fast as is possible and grabs one of the healing draughts in his belt.

"Sound advice," Fenna agrees with Casimir, as a flash of white light erupts before the lumbering creature, revealing in it's wake a large hound growling menacingly to keep the beast from advancing any further towards the Guardians.

As the celestial canine snaps at the leafy assailant, Fenna manoeuvres her earthly mount away from the melee, though she waits for Kalev to catch up with her so that she can further treat his wounds.

Summon a celestial riding dog (stat's practically identical to Dandelion) in F14, which attacks defensively 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13, 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 (AC is now 15)
Fenna moves to O15 and readies to cast cure light wounds on Kalev if he get's within reach, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Edit: I was actually planning to have the summoned creature take the AoO, but Sunshine valiantly beat me to it.

Yelena's crossbow bolt does not manage to penetrate the tough vegetation surrounding the thing's form. Moments after Fenna's dog appears, the Mound attacks the fresh meat with a frenzy. One of the limbs slams into the hound, which whimpers in pain as it barely remains standing from the blow.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 6) + 9 = 16

I'm happy to take you out of initiative order now if your fleeing seeing as the dog's still standing to distract the Mound for another round. Finish exploring this area while giving the mound a wide berth?

To quote Gandalf, "Fly, you fools!"

Yelena's crossbow bolt does not manage to penetrate the tough vegetation surrounding the thing's form. Moments after Fenna's dog appears, the Mound attacks the fresh meat with a frenzy. One of the limbs slams into the hound, which whimpers in pain as it barely remains standing from the blow.

1d20+9
2d6+9

1d20+9
2d6+9

I'm happy to take you out of initiative order now if your fleeing seeing as the dog's still standing to distract the Mound for another round. Finish exploring this area while giving the mound a wide berth?

I think that would be prudent :). Part of our exploration would be to try and find my horse...we should probably talk about a plan to take this thing out at some point it is a VERY dangerous predator.

The group flee like frightened rabbits, and escape with their lives. The rest of the evening is extremely tense as the Guardians finish the exploration at about 8PM. Malthir's horse manages to find him, returning totally unscathed (boon for the high survival check- 27 total.) They have time to either move into different territory or stay here for the night.

25XP each and unveil it on the map Maladin.

Hurray! Everyone lives...that counts as a win in my book. New XP total 4697 btw.

That was close. Disturbing with such a dangerous predator so close to Oleg's, but there is not much we can do about it right now. I say we strike camp here and tend to Kalev and his horse before we move further west.

Since we now have two team members with Darkvision, I think we might as well use that in the watch rotation. Spellcasters can still get the rest they need if they add the time spent on watch in the other end.

So a suggestion for a new watch schedule could be:
- Casimir
- Fenna
- Kalev
- Yelena
- Malthir

Kalev agrees to the plan to make camp to tend the wounded (himself and his horse - how very eqotistical of Kalev). Watch rotation looks fine to me.

I agree, we should attempt to kill or drive off this creature, before someone gets killed by it. Perhaps try to ambush it or contruct some traps, though I doubt we'll be able to do either. But at least now we know it is here. Hopefully it won't take us by surprise a second time.

Kalev remains quiet for some time afterwards, tending to Babiska and his own wounds.

Healing magic is more than welcome, but will drink a potion of healing (or use it on Babiska) if necessary to get to full health.

Remember that you can also be treated via treat deadly wounds application of heal to regain 1HP/HD. Let me know when your night preparations are underway.

The group flee like frightened rabbits, and escape with their lives. The rest of the evening is extremely tense as the Guardians finish the exploration at about 8PM. Malthir's horse manages to find him, returning totally unscathed (boon for the high survival check- 27 total.) They have time to either move into different territory or stay here for the night.

25XP each and unveil it on the map Maladin.

I recommend strongly that we move on to the next hex first before settling down completely. It fed on nothing today and it may try to follow us. Heal check from Malthir [ooc]heal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Oh well, here is a Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 1 hah, or two Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 2 Heal check for the horse, might as well try heal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 .

Malthir is a little shaken as well as a little ashamed for his part in the battle. He says little, has no heart into the healing he attempts after they stop to catch their breath and for the most part is unsuccessful in helping Kalev or Babiska. Several times in the evening you hear him say, We must find a way to kill that beast. to no one in particular but he seems at a loss for how.
Without Iomedae's guidance against such a beast he can't seem to figure out a way to destroy it.

Hurray! Everyone lives...that counts as a win in my book. New XP total 4697 btw.

That was close. Disturbing with such a dangerous predator so close to Oleg's, but there is not much we can do about it right now. I say we strike camp here and tend to Kalev and his horse before we move further west.

Since we now have two team members with Darkvision, I think we might as well use that in the watch rotation. Spellcasters can still get the rest they need if they add the time spent on watch in the other end.

So a suggestion for a new watch schedule could be:
- Casimir
- Fenna
- Kalev
- Yelena
- Malthir

There is one other thing we should do Cas, tomorrow morning we must go back to Oleg's and warn everyone there to avoid this area until we can do something about this creature. If we don't have the strength yet to face it, certainly no one else will be able to. I would never forgive myself if someone else dies by this creature.

EDIT: Map updated in library, is Kalev a member of the library yet?

"That plan is agreeable. Come, Cornflower, let us rest."

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 11

I doubt there is so much urgency, Malthir. A Shambler is a fearsome creature, as we have just seen, but they are slow and cumbersome. The people around here know to be on the lookout for dangers. We will certainly warn everyone once we get back, but I do not believe the thing will stray far from where we came upon it. Once we gain a bit more strength, we will return and eradicate it.

I have given Bruno access to the group site yes, please confirm you can see it all Bruno.

Encounter check-1d100 ⇒ 88 No encounter.

The night passes uneventfully, and the next morning you make a quick trip to Olegs to warn the hunters of the Smabling Mound.

1d100 ⇒ 70 No encounter.

Oleg and the hunters nod sagely as you tell of the skirmish. Apparently there are believed to be several "Shamblies" in the forest, some of the hunters have had close escapes from them, although no one claims to have defeated one.

Travelling back and continuing to explore to the west, the Guardians continue their exploration and mapping of the forest.

1d100 ⇒ 22 No encounter.

Three times during the day, one of the Guardians almost steps into a well-hidden bear trap, only to be saved by the keen eyesight of Fenna and Kalev. The traps lack the subtle indicators and signs for humans to avoid the traps, as though somebody doesn't care if anyone is hurt by these traps. Your sure there must be more of these vicious traps in the area. By the end of the day, the hex is explored and mapped.

25XP each.

"Someone is being sloppy or negligent in placing these traps. Most hunters would warn decent folk that they are walking into a trapped area. I haven't seen signs or tree blazes anywhere around here."

Let's just set them off and leave them in the open, hopefully the hunter that is doing this will get the hint? Kalev, what do you recommend?

When we go back to Oleg's to warn them, Malthir updates his order with a MW Longsword. The total supply order was MW Materials for Full Plate and Darkwood Shield. 2 potions of Shield of Faith and a MW Longsword.

I would imagine this is the work of Breeg Orlivanch. The trappers back at Oleg's mentioned his fondness for "forgetting" to mark his traps. If he is in the area, we can certainly try to persuade him to change hise ways if we happen upon him - we'll find ways to make sure he understands the message.

Casimir collects a couple of the traps and places them in his saddlebags, figuring they might come in handy at some point.

Fenna tends to the wounded once the Guardians are at a safe distance from the shambler, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3, and looks thoughtfully over to Malthir, "these creatures are like forces of nature, would you blame yourself for allowing a sinkhole to exist, into which the unwary might fall? No, for now a warning will suffice, until we are able to deal with the problem more finally."

"We should likely warn the wolves of this area, if they are not already aware of it," Fenna comments, after the third bear trap almost claims the leg of one of her companions, "perhaps we should also explain to them the signs to avoid other such devices, it might raise some tension should one of them be caught in any hunter's trap."

I do have access, thanks.

Kalev thanks Fenna and Malthir for the healing.

Later when they stumble upon the traps and Casimir mentions Breeg Orlivanch, Kalev spits and speaks a brief, muttered curse. Aye, he is a right bastard, that one. I hope he steps into one of his own traps at some point. I say we try to destroy the all or at least mark them, so they are more easy to spot.

Sorry guys, busy day. Would you like to spend tomorrow flagging all the traps or setting them off to ensure the safety of others? They seem to be localised to these few square miles but it will take a days work to deal with them.

If you do decide to do so, give me a perception roll representing your efforts throughout the day (i'll roll for anyone who hasn't posted by the time I update).

That would be fine with Malthir. He doesn't really understand the "nature thing" or traps, but if you guys say they can hurt people then he is all for removing them.
perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Malthir does a great job "assisting" the group setting off the traps by stepping directly into at least one of them, and having to heal himself... :)

I'm going to assume you agree to deal with the traps, i'm struggling to see an outcome where the group decide not to.

Kalev-1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Fenna- 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 (12 at night)
Yelena-1d20 ⇒ 8
Casimir-1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Encounter-1d100 ⇒ 20 No encounter.

VS Yelena-
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Hit.
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 = 10

VS Casimir-
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Crit?
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 = 14

VS Malthir-
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Crit?
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6

VS Casimir-
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Confirmed
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 = 10

VS Malthir-
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Confirmed
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6

Kalev finds most of the traps and disarms them with the aid of a stick. Fenna and the others assist in a supportive role, but Yelena, Casimir and Malthir all fall victim to a well-hidden bear trap each. Yelena takes a nasty leg wound from the trap before the group prise it open and assist her, but Casimir and Malthir stumble into two particularily vicious bear traps. The trap that Malthir falls into severely wounds the Paladin, but the trap Casimir falls victim to almost severs his leg, nearly killing him.

Casimir is on -6HP!

heal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 on Casimir
heal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 on Malthir

Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 4 on Casimir
Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 4 on Casimir

I am now at 10hp and Casimir is at +2hp. Malthir is ready to punish this Breeg fellow in a most unpleasant way.

This Breeg fellow will pay for this! Who can you just go around setting traps all over the place and not expect an innocent to NOT get hurt.

I'll give you some time to RP out that nasty incident, but for taking the time (and risk) to flag all the traps for the day, i'm going to award 320XP. You now have enough XP to level (and it wasn't nearly as easy a ride for Kalev as I thought the quick hop to level 3 would be lol).

Finding and flagging (or setting off) all the traps takes most of the day, and its about 7PM when you finish.

heal 1d20+3 on Casimir

heal 1d20+3 on Malthir

Lay on Hands 1d6 on Casimir
Lay on Hands 1d6 on Casimir

I am now at 10hp and Casimir is at +2hp. Malthir is ready to punish this Breeg fellow in a most unpleasant way.

This Breeg fellow will pay for this! Who can you just go around setting traps all over the place and not expect an innocent to NOT get hurt.

Kalev shakes his head in disbelief as they work to fix Casimir's bloody limb, offering any assistance he can give.

I'll hold him while you teach him better values, how's that?

Anyway, it might be best to stay here a day. We can make sure we've got all the traps covered, and it will give the two of you a chance to recover. I have some bandages and can put a splint on that leg, so it heals faster.

Just found out we'll have to spend a week at Oleg's to level. What is the opinion? Should we go back now? Would help if we meet something like the Shambler again.

I want to but it seems a bit metagaming. Maybe we should just finish the exploration run out and in from Oleg's to get the NW sectionof the map done, should only take us another 6 days and then when we get back our ordered equipment will be back and it will make more sense that we stick around for a week working on stuff and training before attempting to take on the Shambler? Fenna basically makes the last call on what we do next typically, Fenna, your thoughts?

I want to but it seems a bit metagaming. Maybe we should just finish the exploration run out and in from Oleg's to get the NW sectionof the map done, should only take us another 6 days and then when we get back our ordered equipment will be back and it will make more sense that we stick around for a week working on stuff and training before attempting to take on the Shambler? Fenna basically makes the last call on what we do next typically, Fenna, your thoughts?

I do agree it seems a little meta-gamey, but we could explain it as Casimir's leg needing time to heal (not a perfect explanation, I know, seeing as we have restorative magic). Anyways, I'm for whatever the group settles on.

Casimir wakes with a gasp of intense pain, as the healing magic of his comrades bring him about. Staring down at his ruined leg, he gasps through clenched teeth.

By all the gods, I will make that bastard pay for this with his blood if I ever get my hands on him.

Reaching down, the warrior bard lets his own healing finish what his allies began.

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The healing magic does fine work, almost restoring the leg completely. A few gashes and bruises remain, but a night of rest should take care of that. Casimir is on 15 hp out of 18

You are right, Kalev - let us rest here. My leg should be fine in the morning, and then we can continue westward.

I'm also cool with doing a bit more exploring before returning and leveling - let's not metagame it all away.

There's no rush to get back, if there's anything too nasty, we can always run away again.

Fenna seems to pale further, if such a thing is possible, at the sight of Casimir's leg, and at first seems to pay no heed to the wounds of the others. Once it is clear that the duelist will recover though, she calls upon divine aid to close the wounds of Malthir and Yelena.

Malthir: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Yelena: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Fenna looks between her companions seriously for a moment, "Given this Breeg's unscrupulous nature, could he be responsible for the death of the unicorn?" she asks the group, before looking to Kalev, "Do you know if he uses any less mundane methods, in addition to his traps?"

DM AK, in the areas that we found the traps, did we find any evidence of anything buried in the area such as animal or non-animal bodies? I think after we stumbled accross a couple of them Malthir would have asked Kalev to look around the area to make sure this bastard didn't kill anyone and then hide the evidence.
Okay so its westward then for 2 more hexes and back for 4 more hexes on the way back to Oleg's. Map should look pretty good after this expedition. Map is up to date so far if you guys get curious. that puts me at 18hp, I would have LOH one last time after that to try and get me fully healed. Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 1 Heh, figures after resting the night that would put me at 21hp.

depending on the time we triggered the traps, Fenna may have a couple more CLWs spare.

depending on the time we triggered the traps, Fenna may have a couple more CLWs spare.

People with heal can also do treat deadly wounds with a DC 15+4 if you don't have a healing kit. We need to pick up a couple or order a couple of healing kits when we get back to Oleg's, we keep forgetting.

Treat Deadly Wounds is a DC20 check, requiring two uses of a healing kit and a -2 penalty for each healing kit usage missing. Fenna, fyi the traps were triggered at about 5PM. Will update when I get back, I have a game tonight- I'll assume your spending the night here and then exploring the next hex tomorrow.

In that case, Fenna has another three cure light wounds, so one each for Malthir, Yelena and Casimir respectively:
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Fenna looks between her companions seriously for a moment, "Given this Breeg's unscrupulous nature, could he be responsible for the death of the unicorn?" she asks the group, before looking to Kalev, "Do you know if he uses any less mundane methods, in addition to his traps?"

I doubt it. He seems to be a simple sadist, who delight in the sight of blood and pain - it was an altogether different brand of foul magic that slew the unicorn. Remember, it did not have a scratch on it.

Fenna Thistleswade wrote:

Fenna looks between her companions seriously for a moment, "Given this Breeg's unscrupulous nature, could he be responsible for the death of the unicorn?" she asks the group, before looking to Kalev, "Do you know if he uses any less mundane methods, in addition to his traps?"

I doubt it. He seems to be a simple sadist, who delight in the sight of blood and pain - it was an altogether different brand of foul magic that slew the unicorn. Remember, it did not have a scratch on it.

Kalev looks puzzled at the mention of a unicorn and a dead one at that.

While I wouldn't put it beyond his cruel streak to want to do something like killing a unicorn, I simply can't believe he'd be capable of it. Yes he is a skilled hunter and I believe even a descent warrior, but a unicorn? Tell me more about the dead unicorn, so I have something to base it on.

"I believe this hunter owes us recompense for our time and troubles. I say we gather the traps and sell them to Oleg. That should go a little ways towards repaying his recklessness."

I'm all for recuperating at Oleg's.

Almanac is up to date. It is currently evening on the 6th of Arodus.

You are right, Yelena. Let us gather them all. If nothing else, so that the bastard Breeg won't be able to use them again.

Almanac is up to date. It is currently evening on the 6th of Arodus.

You are right, Yelena. Let us gather them all. If nothing else, so that the bastard Breeg won't be able to use them again.

Sounds good, the date should work out well for me to be back at Oleg's, the 16th of Aroden is a big holiday for Malthir and Iomedae, it is Armasse, this is traditionally a day to train commoners in the use of simple weapons, choose squires for knights, and ordain new priests, though in recent decades it has begun to include jousts and duels. When Aroden was alive it was also a day to discuss past human wars and study the lessons of history in regard to how they shape the modern day.

EDIT: I think Fenna made the final call that we are completing our exploration out and back, which should take us 6 more days so don't update your character just yet.

Sorry all, frantically busy last couple of days with uni looming and gf's parents visiting.

1d100 ⇒ 55No night encounter.

The next day, the Guardians emerge out from the forest and begin exploration a dozen or so miles away from the western border of the Greenbelt. Everyone is able to contribute to the mapping except Malthir, who tries valiantly to help but continually mistakes east for west. The exporation is mostly on fertile grassland, and does not take long.

25XP each.

The Guardians move into the north-west section of the Greenbelt the same evening, and spend the night there.

1d100 ⇒ 84 No night encounter.

The next day, the Guardians begin the mapping of the area. About half-way through the day, Casimir notices a burial cairn, hidden underneath some blackberries- a mound of stones built as a small tomb.

Happy 2,000 posts all :).