DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Explore!

I assume you translate all of the words so we can read the spoliers? Does Casimir say anything about why he wanted to disappear?
Exploring this hex makes sense, I guess the Lizardfolk are not a threat and are willing to entertain a treaty?

Once they are outside the wooden walls, Ilya shares with the Guardians the contents of his conversation with King Vestek.

Spoilers are cleared for opening!

Once outside and out of earshot, Casimir tells the other Guardians, Kalev heard someone screaming in one of the huts. Possibly the lost boy Tig. We should investigate, but we also don't want to spoil the relationship with the tribe, especially in light of the progress Ilya made. A little night-time reconnaissance under the cover of invisibility might be a good idea. We need to find out what is in that hut. I'm also very curious about who or what this ancestor spirit might be.

1d100 ⇒ 92
1d100 ⇒ 6

You map out the region, although your aware you'd be unable to claim this territory as its a good twelve miles from your current borders. The harsh winter of this year has frozen most of the river, and the forest is beautiful in the morning frost. Riding around the hex, you finish your exploration and return to the area near the village by early evening- only to hear a high pitched scream of terror coming from inside the village...

25XP each. The hex is SW, then W of the swamp witch's hut.

5PM, 9th Abadius.

** spoiler omitted **

Once outside and out of earshot, Casimir tells the other Guardians, Kalev heard someone screaming in one of the huts. Possibly the lost boy Tig. We should investigate, but we also don't want to spoil the relationship with the tribe, especially in light of the progress Ilya made. A little night-time reconnaissance under the cover of invisibility might be a good idea. We need to find out what is in that hut. I'm also very curious about who or what this ancestor spirit might be.

So we are to ally with creatures that torture our citizens? We need to make sure this is the case and if so we take the boy back. If this means war with these creatures then so be it. With actions such as this they can not be allies of ours! Kalev, you are the stealthiest, should we make you invisible and you sneak into their camp and make sure what is in their village?

We definitely have to investigate. I'll volunteer to sneak in. If I sound my horn, rush to my aid.

"If they are holding Tig, surely negotiating his freedom as part of the treaty would be a better option... any actions they have taken thus far will have been before any agreement about peaceful interactions has been made; we shouldn't judge them too harshly until they have had a chance to demonstrate their good will once peace has been established."

"If they are holding Tig, surely negotiating his freedom as part of the treaty would be a better option... any actions they have taken thus far will have been before any agreement about peaceful interactions has been made; we shouldn't judge them too harshly until they have had a chance to demonstrate their good will once peace has been established."

And play our hand that we know the boy might be there? They could just deny they have him. Or what if they decide they keep the boy to ensure their safety or our compliance? At the very least we have Kalev go in invisible and see if the boy is there and if he can grab the boy and get out. We can then negotiate from equal ground. Their actions though so far have led me to believe that their leader at least is evil. Here, take my fly potion and use if it you need to. And keep away from the lizards, they may be able to smell even invisible opponents. He smiles at Kalev knowing that he probably knows much more about them than he does. He hands Kalev the potion of fly.

We can hardly negotiate for his release, unless we are sure they are holding him. If Kalev can slip in, confirm that he is there and slip back out, we will be better prepared when we go back in there. And if he could manage to catch a glimpse of this "Ancestor Spirit", that will be a bonus.

"I would prefer to avoid a diplomatic boondoggle, if at all possible. I have spells that can grant swiftness and invisibility to Kalev, as well as a pair of slippers that will allow him to overcome the wall without difficulty."

When nighttime falls, Ilya can cast invisibility on Kalev and loan him his slippers of spiderclimbing.

Over the top then Kalev? Are you planning on heading into the northern hut you heard the screaming from?

Kalev gets ready, sends a prayer to Erastil and sneaks into the lizardfolk village. He'll stop just inside the wall and try to get an overview of where sentries might be placed.

Stealth: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Using Ilya's slippers of spider climbing to easily scale the palisade, you enter the lizardfolk village invisible- rattling the palisade as you do so. The noise is enough to attract the eyes of the sentries near the gate, but they clearly assume it was just the wind. The village is currently lit dimly by torches placed around the village. There is occasional movement around the village and a few lizardfolk walk here and there, but mostly the village is still. The only sentries you spot are posted at the gate; two lizardfolk. You can still occasionally hear a high pitched scream of terror- you identify that they are coming from the western-most hut, behind the largest hut when facing it from the eastern gate.

2/5 minutes of invisibility used.

Kalev quickly, but silently moves closer to the western-most hut.

Stealth: (Invisible, moving full speed) 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31

Moving swiftly across the village, you can see into the hut. The exterior of the hut is decorated with colorful geometric patterns painted in muds and clays of different shapes. The bleached skulls of various swamp creatures hang from the walls by ropes made of twisting vines.

Peering inside, you find the source of the screams- a young boy is tied from the ceiling of the hut by chains, dangling upside down and well secured. A blood caiman (Narlmarch crocodile) strains at chains holding it it just out of reach of the boy, its jaws snapping mere inches from the boys face. The experience must be terrifying. Six lizardfolk in leather armour are inside the hut, four of them talking amongst themselves and two of them keeping watch over the boy while eating a dinner of roots and some kind of meat. The ones watching grimace a little at the spectacle, as though perhaps finding it unsettling.

2.5/5 minutes invisibility used.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Though he wants to save to boy, Kalev doesn't dare risk a direct confrontation right now, and it doesn't seem like they are going to hurt him, so Kalev circles back and climbs the wall.

Safely back with the others, Kalev recounts what he has seen.

Stealth: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (17) + 27 = 44

Kalev returns to the group with no difficulties.

When Malthir hears of the boys condition, he is seething with anger. Ilya, Fenna, you will have your chance to arrange for the boys immediate release. I don't like the idea of having to try and fight our way to the boy. From what you described not all of these Lizardfolk may approve of his treatment. If they will not release him I have a back up plan.
These Lizardfolk seem to rely upon strength to rule. If the King refuses to release him then I want you to tell him that your king challenges King Vestek to single combat for the boy. If he refuses he will seem weak in front of his people. I would be surprised if he will refuse. If he wins he can claim my magic items for himself. We will see how he fares against a knight of Iomedae, not torturing some poor boy for reasons we can't fathom.

I understand and share your anger, but why should you have all the "fun", my liege? Kalev says with a strained smile. I'm not sure I like hinging the boy's survival on one person's shoulders, even one as able as you. The boy's release is paramount. We should be willing to risk hostility with these lizard folk if they won't deliver him.

I understand and share your anger, but why should you have all the "fun", my liege? Kalev says with a strained smile. I'm not sure I like hinging the boy's survival on one person's shoulders, even one as able as you. The boy's release is paramount. We should be willing to risk hostility with these lizard folk if they won't deliver him.

Can we or should fight all of them? And then can we rescue the boy without endangering his life while we try to fight through them? My plan could solve two issues, remove this king that apparently supports this and possibly getting his freedom without having to kill many of them that may not support this issue but are willing to protect their tribe. But we should vote on this plan.

Bumpity bump! Anyone out there?

"While my initial thought would be to offer a suitable 'gift' in exchange for the boy, that would only set a precedent of kidnapping-for-profit. As much as we desire to have peaceful relations with these lizardfolk, we expect them to be citizens of Kardas. How would we treat villagers in Swordhaven if they did what these lizardfolk have done? I believe it is time that we had a suitable show of force to set firm boundaries for this relationship. Single combat sounds like a perfect way to accomplish that."

Ilya takes back the slippers of spiderclimbing from Kalev.

"I am not sure how wise it is for you to fight their leader alone, considering how close to death you have come over recent months even with us by your side. But so long as you try not to let him eat you, it may be the surest way to gain the boys freedom should they be unwilling to release him as a gesture of good faith towards our future trade."

It is decided then, Ilya tries to talk the King into releasing the boy, otherwise the king meets Iomedae's justice....maybe the fact that we know what it is up to will convince the king that we are more powerful than it thinks, but for some reason I doubt this king will see the light of reason.

It is a risky ploy, but it may be worth the risk. We can do much to aid you. You will probably need it. That king is one big mean-looking lizard. Fenna can cast shield other, and we can heal her as you get beaten, and I'm sure Ilya has some spells in his book that will do you good. I'll contribute with my bardic inspiration, naturally.

Okay, so it sounds like we are set, we will go back to the lizardfolk village and try to talk the king into releasing the boy. Just before we enter the village, Malthir will ask Fenna to cast the shield other and Malthir will activate his detect evil ability. He will keep concentrating on it until he can focus it on the Lizardfolk King to determine if he may be evil as Malthir believes he could be.

Its currently late evening, did you intend to wait until your audience tomorrow or demand one now?

Its currently late evening, did you intend to wait until your audience tomorrow or demand one now?

We should wait until tomorrow, Malthir hopes that a diplomatic solution can be reached, but he is not confident and demanding now would just make it more difficult.

Wait until tomorrow. It will be easier to request the release of the boy after their ancestor spirit approves the trade agreement. Hopefully.

1d100 ⇒ 26

A full scale snowstorm hits the area overnight, and by morning the ground is utterly blanketed in thick, lush white snow. Much like yesterday, you are allowed into the village and the king has assembled his warriors once more. Pointing his trident prongs at Ilya, the king bellows in Draconic-

Morning, 10th Abadius

1d100

A full scale snowstorm hits the area overnight, and by morning the ground is utterly blanketed in thick, lush white snow. Much like yesterday, you are allowed into the village and the king has assembled his warriors once more. Pointing his trident prongs at Ilya, the king bellows in Draconic-

** spoiler omitted **

Morning, 10th Abadius

I grow weary of this torturing king Ilya, let him know our "request" for the boy. If he doesn't want to comply then let him know my challenge.

Sensing the rejecting tone of the lizardman's voice, Kalev drops a hand on his potion of enlarge, ready for battle.

Ilya puts his hands behind his back and shakes his head in disappointment.

The Guardians can see Ilya holding out his fingers behind him. He crosses his first and middle finger, makes a tight fist, then slowly counts from five down to zero.

The lizard king hisses in anger, raising his weapon and howling in Draconic to his warriors while Ilya is still in mid-sentence. Everyone begins to scramble for their weapons...

I'm afraid you didn't get time to get the spell off Ilya. Everyone else, I assumed you weren't carrying your weapons in the chief's presence. At least Kalevwill get to use his quick draw! I'll try and get a combat map up by the end of this evening... Feel free to roll for initiative!

Ilya, what is the meaning of this?
initiative 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

The Battle of the Lizardfolk Village

Round 1-

Ordered Initiative-
???- 29
Malthir- 17
Lizardfolk Warriors- 15
Kalev- 13
Tribe Braves- 13
Fenna- 12
King Vesket- 11
Casimir- 10
Baby Blood Caiman- 10
Ilya- 8
Vesket's Harem- 8
Narlmarch Muggers- 6
Blood Caimans- 6

Map Features-
None worth mentioning in your current position.

Maps-

Default Map- Link

Tokened Map- Link

Active Effects-

Malthir is up!

Round 1 Action
Malthir will move 10 feet west, in front of Ilya, draw his blade and then make his blade Keen as a standard action. Current AC is 25 due to the shield other in place.

AOO +2 longsword atk 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 32 dam 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13

Possible crit +2 longsword atk 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 31 dam 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

The lizardfolk warriors strap shields to their arms and move into position to surround you, flexing and twirling their morningstars. One overconfident lizardfolk takes his eye off Malthir for a moment to get closer to the Elf, only to find three feet of glowing steel embedded in his torse. He falls instantly from the brutal thrust.

Map Update

Kalev is up.

Since King Vestek decided to attack before Ilya could finish his speech, I would like to amend my actions.

"The lizards spit on the peace treaty and refused to release the boy! It appears violence is the only diplomacy they understand!"

Ilya casts haste on himself and his companions.

Okay, so it sounds like we are set, we will go back to the lizardfolk village and try to talk the king into releasing the boy. Just before we enter the village, Malthir will ask Fenna to cast the shield other and Malthir will activate his detect evil ability. He will keep concentrating on it until he can focus it on the Lizardfolk King to determine if he may be evil as Malthir believes he could be.

Fenna, just confirming that you cast shield other on me before we entered the village from my previous post?

Since King Vestek decided to attack before Ilya could finish his speech, I would like to amend my actions.

"The lizards spit on the peace treaty and refused to release the boy! It appears violence is the only diplomacy they understand!"

Ilya casts haste on himself and his companions.

My point is, theres no way they would allow you to get a spell off. Essentially, you'd need some kind of surprise round to cast before we went into initiative. You may want to cast it in round one still.

Fenna, just confirming that you cast shield other on me before we entered the village from my previous post?

Yep, it's got a long enough duration for that to make sense.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I wasn't trying to amend my actions during the speech to gain a surprise round action. I was trying to say that rather than finishing the speech and making hand signals to the group, Ilya will shout out as soon as King Vestek commands his guards to attack.

That makes sense, just no haste casting until your init (maybe thats what you meant, sorry). Everything went into initiative when Vesket ordered the attack. Also, check the SS game need a fort save from you.

Just did.

Kalev quickly unslings his ranseur, steps south and drinks his potion of Enlarge , growing to double size, before starting to poke at approaching lizardmen.

In case they are needed and to speed up play (remember, being large and using a reach weapon, I threaten a minor soccer field):
1st Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14

2nd Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 5) + 10 = 16

Malthir will speak out of turn since he hasn't spoken yet for this round, Ilya, web the king and his minions if you can to keep the main group off of us while we set up a defensive posture, the haste can wait for a round!
Hopefully you can use the mounds as anchors?

I was planning on casting stinking cloud next round.

Fenna is somewhat shunted aside as Kalev grows to be the size of a giant in a matter of seconds. The lizardfolk braves move into position, their superior weapons and armour obvious as they move to engage in the swirling melee. Two of them receive ranseur blows for their trouble, although the first blow is shrugged off by the lizardfolk's natural armour. The second is disemboweled by the weapon and falls to the ground bleeding out.

Remember you get a +1 to AOO from your trait, so the 22 is a 23 and thus hits...

Map Update

Fenna's up.