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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Guardians, do any of you know if Boggards speak any tongue other than their own just in case we can try to communicate to them?

Guardians, do any of you know if Boggards speak any tongue other than their own just in case we can try to communicate to them?

Malthir, all respect for your wishes to try diplomacy, but if these boggards turn out to be like the ones we ran into before, they are going to be communicating with the sharp side of my blade. They ambushed us in cold blood, remember?

Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

Guardians, do any of you know if Boggards speak any tongue other than their own just in case we can try to communicate to them?

Malthir, all respect for your wishes to try diplomacy, but if these boggards turn out to be like the ones we ran into before, they are going to be communicating with the sharp side of my blade. They ambushed us in cold blood, remember?

From all indications Kalev and Fenna tell us there are 2 sets of tracks, 1 boggard and 1 4 legged. I agree if it attacks us we should defend ourselves, but this may be its territory. As far as we know if hasn't done anything wrong. I won't be quick to judge it in this case.

By all means...but if it moves falsely, it dies.

"I don't believe that an entire species should be judged based on the actions of a single group, or even the vast majority... though caution would certainly be wise. If we can communicate, then we may at least learn more of the boggards inhabiting these forests."

Knowledge(nature) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

FYI it was three sets of tracks one Boggard, two similar unknowns.
Yelena is able to sneak close to the ruins and get a peek inside and around the place, with Kalev almost invisible in the trees nearby watching her progress. In the larger of the two buildings, Yelena spots a pair of strange, slimy, purple frog-like things with sickly green eyes. The two creatures appear to be playing together. In the other building, a Boggard sits quietly tending to a small grove of mushrooms. The Boggards nest lies nearby, a nasty-looking mess of reeds, soggy planks and leaves. Both buildings are almost threadbare.

Yelena returns to the group and reports all that she saw. She also shares her personal insight into the creatures (spoiler text).

Casimir listens intently to Yelena's rapport, then turns to Malthir.

All right. You want to try diplomacy, let's try diplomacy. It sounds like this boggard is just minding his own business, in the comfort of his home.

But if we do this, i have a few suggestions that might turn out handy if things turn to violence. Kalev and Yelena should be able to move into a hidden position easily enough, especially since the creature is not on the lookout. I say they do so, and stay there while the three of us approach, mounted, you and me in front, Fenna behind. Weapons sheathed, but within easy reach. You do the talking - if the frog-man understands us.

Almost as an afterthought, he adds or we could just mark this place and ride away now, leaving the thing and his slimy pets alone all together.

Kalev, having heard the discussion from his nearby hideout, nods in agreement with Casimir's plan and moves slightly closer to the buildings.

Stealth (if necessary): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

I would rather find out if this creature is friend or foe. As we settle this area I wouldn't want this Boggard harming anyone or anyone jumping to conclusions to harm it if it is just minding its own business. Also what if it is some type of advance scout in the area? Or maybe it is just a Boggard settler? We should find out.

Malthir will ride up with Casimir and Fenna to about 40-50 feet from its dwelling and try to call out to the creature. We will not have weapons out or do anything aggressive.

The plan works, with Yelena and Kalev hidden in case of trouble. You call out to the creature, attracting the attention of the two slurks, who move to investigate you, curious. The Boggard exits his small home, looking you up and down with a look of panic in his eyes. Gesturing to his Slurks and making strange noises with his tongue the slurks move in front of him in a defensive position.

Holding up a mangled hand, wrapped clumsily in leaves to serve as bandages, the Boggard croaks out Truce! Truce! in Taldane.

Probably last post from me tonight, but its obvious that the Boggards grasp of common is very limited.

You... Hungry? he asks, holding up a handful of mushrooms eagerly.

The plan works, with Yelena and Kalev hidden in case of trouble. You call out to the creature, attracting the attention of the two slurks, who move to investigate you, curious. The Boggard exits his small home, looking you up and down with a look of panic in his eyes. Gesturing to his Slurks and making strange noises with his tongue the slurks move in front of him in a defensive position.

Holding up a mangled hand, wrapped clumsily in leaves to serve as bandages, the Boggard croaks out Truce! Truce! in Taldane.

Probably last post from me tonight, but its obvious that the Boggards grasp of common is very limited.

You... Hungry? he asks, holding up a handful of mushrooms eagerly.

Does anyone have any way of magically talking with the Boggard? If not, Casimir, please stay here, Fenna can you follow just behind me? I will see if I can talk with the creature. Fenna be prepared to talk with the Slurks, if we can tell them we mean no harm maybe he will get the gist of what we are trying to say.

Casimir shakes his head. I'm afraid not, magical communication is beyond my skills at the moment.

He looks about at the sorry-looking state of the ruins and the wretched figure of the boggard himself.

Hmm...a wounded boggard living all alone in these sorry surroundings, with only a couple of pets. I'd guess he was some kind of outcast, perhaps chased away because of his injury.

The Boggard watches Malthir's approach carefully, but seems to understand the connotations of what the Paladin is implying, and waits patiently. Overhearing Casimir, the Boggard nods sagely.

Boggards, me, die... he rasps.

The Boggard watches Malthir's approach carefully, but seems to understand the connotations of what the Paladin is implying, and waits patiently. Overhearing Casimir, the Boggard nods sagely. Boggards, me, die... he rasps.

Malthir will slowly approach the slurks and Boggard but then motions it to come to me as well so I don't have to walk through the slurks. If he allows it I motion for him to give me his wounded hand saying, Inheritor, grant thy boon to heal this soul! Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 4 . If it is still hurt I will do it again. Inheritor, grant thy boon to heal this soul! Lay on Hands 1d6 ⇒ 2

You end up using two uses.

The Boggard's eyes widen as his old wounds heals over, and he falls down before Malthir, apparently worshipping him...

Casimir dismounts, retrives some rations from his saddle pack and approaches Malthir and the boggard.

Hungry? he says, mimicing the boggards gestures from before.

Yelena, Kalev, I think you can come out now. Move slow and keep your weapons holstered. This poor fellow seems a bit jumpy. Casimir calls into the bushes. If the boggard is alarmed by the sight of the two, he says friends, truce. in a calming voice.

Kalev calmly steps out of the bushes, holding his spear in one hand (difficult to holster a longspear) but trying to appear non-threatening.

Greetings. Friend. Kalev presses his hand to his chest as he says this.

You end up using two uses.

The Boggard's eyes widen as his old wounds heals over, and he falls down before Malthir, apparently worshipping him...

No, please up, up! not trying to sounds cross with the creature, he helps the Boggard to his feet not sure what to do next.

He points to himself, Malthir, points to Casimir, Casimir, and continues to do the same for the other Guardians saying their names.
He then points to the Boggard questioningly, Name?

Well Guardians, do you have any thoughts on how we can communicate with him/her? he seems harmless enough but he might be able to tell us more about this area or what he is doing here, or maybe more importantly, what the Boggards in the area are doing.

It takes you a few minutes to get across to the Boggard exactly what you are asking him. Eventually he beats his newly healed fist on his chest, and says- Garuum!

Although he is no longer outright worshipping Malthir, he keeps his eyes down at the ground, not meeting any of your gazes.

Casimir ponders the fragmented attempts at communication between Garuum and the Guardians.

I know there are several spells that allow for communication through magical means. If we were to get hold of a scroll or two with such a spell, I should be able to use it. Perhaps we can try and order some when we get back to Oleg's

I say we let the party funds finance two bard CL3 tongues scrolls (200 gp a piece). That way, we have backup communication if we run into anyone else we can't talk to.

Casimir ponders the fragmented attempts at communication between Garuum and the Guardians.

I know there are several spells that allow for communication through magical means. If we were to get hold of a scroll or two with such a spell, I should be able to use it. Perhaps we can try and order some when we get back to Oleg's

I say we let the party funds finance two bard CL3 tongues scrolls (200 gp a piece). That way, we have backup communication if we run into anyone else we can't talk to.

Sounds like a fine idea Casimir. He turns to Garumm, Garumm, Malthir Truce! I then get him to shake my hand. Well Guardians, unless someone else has a better idea I guess we move on and maybe come back another time when we have a way of talking with Garumm?

Bards don't have level 2 spells at level 3.

A little unsure about their new friend, the Guardians finish their exploration of the area and make a mental note to return once they have means of communication or have learnt the Boggard tongue.

25XP each.

Camping overnight in the same hex, the next day the group are approaching the territory where they fought Tuskgutter when Kalev and Fenna both notice a corpse hidden in the undergrowth nearby. Investigation reveals signs of a struggle, bloodstains, and tracks. The corpse appears to be one of the local hunters, stripped to his underclothes and left here.

Skill checks may reveal more information. FYI its early morning currently...

True, it would need to be CL4 (but the price works out as 200gp anyway.)

"I am sure that the scrolls will prove useful in the future, I do not know what else we can accomplish for now though."

Note that I edited just after Fenna posted, please see my post above.

Heal attempt to try and glean more information on how this man was killed [ooc] heal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
my attempt to assist in tracking the people or person that did this survival 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Fenna cautiously dismounts and approaches the carnage to better discern what may have transpired. "Does anyone recognise this man?" she asks solemnly of the other Guardians.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

I think we are collecting henchmen...

"I'm afraid I have no skill when it comes to the dead. What do the rest of you see?"

Fenna and Malthir, it seems clear the man had his throat cut by a bladed weapon and dumped here, more than that you can't tell. From the lack of scavengers around its likely a fairly fresh kill.

Everyone but Kalev and Yelena recognise the man as a devout Erastil worshipper known as Kern. He frequently spoke to Fenna and enjoyed religious debate but had little contact with the rest of you.

Fenna and Malthir, it seems clear the man had his throat cut by a bladed weapon and dumped here, more than that you can't tell. From the lack of scavengers around its likely a fairly fresh kill.

Everyone but Kalev and Yelena recognise the man as a devout Erastil worshipper known as Kern. He frequently spoke to Fenna and enjoyed religious debate but had little contact with the rest of you.

When Fenna tells the group of this mans identity, Malthir slams his fist into a nearby tree, Bastards, whoever did this must pay for this. Kalev, can you track the people that did this?

FYI Kalev your still in dense forest so you get your +2.

Fenna falls silent when she draws close enough to recognise Kern, and after a few moments of thought she quietly places a hand on his forehead to offer the same simple prayer she spoke over Edric.

"Once we have brought whoever did this to justice, I would like to make sure Kern's body gets back to Jhod that he can perform the proper rites." She says, looking up at Malthir with a determined look in her eyes, before turning to watch Kalev expectantly.

Casimir remains silent, but the grim expression on his face as he helps Fenna clean up the body and make a makeshift protection against scavengers speaks volumes.

Once he is done, he stands and looks expectantly at Kalev.

Well, what are we waiting for...let's hunt.

Survival - assist 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3 Edit: Bah - roll well, we are obviously not much help.

Survival - assist 1d20-1 Edit: Bah - roll well, we are obviously not much help.

We're helping by using up all of the terrible rolls!

Will make a roll on behalf of Bruno as I don't have much longer tonight.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Kalev struggles but does eventually find tracks leading north-east. From what he can tell, Kern was with another hunter when they were attacked. He can't determine how big the attacker was or what the attacker was, but he can tell the other hunters body (or corpse) was dragged north-east. He is able to follow the trail, which leads to a natural cave set into the side of a small hill, a stones throw away from where you fought Tuskgutter. The journey to the cave took about an hour, and the cave seems utterly devoid of light. You can see a small tunnel from where you are at the cave entrance, but thats about it...

Edit for player/character mix up (thnx Jace)

If your following the tracks into the cave, please give me a marching order and inform me of what light source/sources you are using.

Casimir eyes the cave entrance with a skeptical look.

Yelena, you feel up for some more scouting? And did you get a chance to prepare message so you can get word back to us without having to go back yourself?

For a marching order, I'd suggest Malthir in front, with a light spell cast on his belt/shield/whatever, then Kalev with his reach long-spear, Yelena (unless she is scouting ahead) and Casimir as rear guard. Fenna can carry a sunrod if we need more light.

I always seem to be away, when something happens :)

Perhaps I should scout ahead, after all I can see somewhat in the darkness due to my father's blood. If we barge in with light first, we may be able to see what is happening, but so will anyone inside the cave. What do you say?

Casimir eyes the cave entrance with a skeptical look.

Yelena, you feel up for some more scouting? And did you get a chance to prepare message so you can get word back to us without having to go back yourself?

For a marching order, I'd suggest Malthir in front, with a light spell cast on his belt/shield/whatever, then Kalev with his reach long-spear, Yelena (unless she is scouting ahead) and Casimir as rear guard. Fenna can carry a sunrod if we need more light.

Agreed, why doesn't Yelena cast shield of faith +2 on me just outside the cave now that we have it and it lasts 3 minutes for additional defense now that I am the official party tank now that Edric is no longer with us? I will probably be opening up many combats with the shared defense action to catch as many of us as we can.

I always seem to be away, when something happens :)

Perhaps I should scout ahead, after all I can see somewhat in the darkness due to my father's blood. If we barge in with light first, we may be able to see what is happening, but so will anyone inside the cave. What do you say?

If something has darkvision you will have no concealment and no ability to hide. I would almost rather go in together and face the consequences of it knowing we are coming for a round or two and stay together. If this was the woods I would definitely agree with you though. Let's just hope it isn't trolls...or do we try to draw whatever it is out by just yelling in there? I know, 8 Wisdom...

"Luckily, gentlemen, I can both see in darkness and move about unobtrusively." Yelena scouts forward as before.

Stealth 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Kalev shrugs and leans against a tree, ready if Yelena should call out to them, but content to let her do as she wants.

"Luckily, gentlemen, I can both see in darkness and move about unobtrusively." Yelena scouts forward as before. Stealth 1d20+12

I was thinking that you needed concealment to use stealth in open areas but I just re-read stealth and I was wrong, maybe I was thinking 3.5. Let's see what Yelena finds out from her sneaking, sorry for the confusion Kalev. Yelena, maybe you shoudl mage armor yourself before going in?

We will wait just outside the entrance, to the side so we can't be viewed from inside the cave, for Yelena to return. Does she have message memorized?

Sorry for the slow update, uni stuff and I have my RL game on wednesday evenings at the moment.

Tanner you with us?

My apologies. Work and school conspired against me ;)

Yelena slowly backs up the way she came, then relates what she observed to the other party members. "I traveled approximately ninety feet into the tunnel. It eventually leads into a smaller room, with a bedroll in the corner of the room and signs that something has been living there clearly visible. There are two makeshift wooden cages in the room, both crudely covered by a tent sheet that obscures whatever the cages are holding. I could see a single humanoid foot poking out from under the canvas in one of the tents. I spotted no other exits from the room. There seems to be no obvious threat, so I believe the entire party can enter freely."

Let us check the cave. Afterwards, I suggest we retreat from the cave and watch it, until the inhabitant or inhabitants return.

Group perception rolls-

Kalev-1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Fenna- 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Malthir-1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Yelena-1d20 ⇒ 3
Casimir-1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

???
1d20 + 29 ⇒ (15) + 29 = 44
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Following the tunnel down using a light spell cast upon Malthir's shield, the group advance into the empty room. Kalev and Fenna hear a quiet malevolent chuckle, a twisted, mocking laughter coming from somewhere in the room- at the same moment the light on Malthir's shield vanishes as a ray of magic hits it from thin air, plunging the room into sheer, utter darkness... Just as the lights fade, an audible click is heard from across the room...

Please confirm whether Shield of Faith was cast on Malthir or not- it was suggested by Malthir but never confirmed by Yelena. Also, give me initiative rolls (i'll roll for you if theres no roll by the time I setup the first round map...)

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Watch out! Kalev yells from his front position, longspear in hand.

Round 1 Ordered Initiative-

???- 23
Malthir- 19
Yelena- 12
11- Kalev
???- 9
Casimir- 8
Fenna- 5

To those without darkvision, the room is in utter darkness. You can hear movement within it, and a cry from Kalev to look out. Moments later you hear the sound of Kalev roaring in triumph as the sound of metal piercing flesh becomes audible.

Retcon to reflect Malthir's actions

What is going on....are everyone all right? Be careful, it seems we are dealing with an invisible foe - and a magic-user at that.

Casimir stands with his drawn blade as Malthir's sunrod lights up the room. In order to prevent an invisible enemy from escaping, he moves to block the entrance to the tunnel.

Unable to do anything else useful, he calls out his magic words of encouragement, in case there is more fighting coming.

Courage, Guardians. Darkness and trickery shall not defeat us. Move to the first square in the tunnel and begin Inspire Courage.