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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Fenna, having not yet seen the prey of this hunt, begins the prayers for the protection of the Guardians and their ally. Touching her fingers to the ring on her right hand which matches the one worn by Kalev, she whispers in Azlanti, "Noble Soldier, I offer myself as your shield that you might prevent harm from befalling this staunch warrior of Kardas, who fights now to avenge a terrible wrong committed against our fledgeling outpost of humanities ever-spreading glory."

Her prayer complete, the small ex-priestess takes a few steps backwards.

Cast shield other on Kalev and move to (-B,-14).

As Malthir waits impatiently for the beast to burst from the cave...What is it doing? Where is it?

It seems to have moved further into the cave! Kalev yells.

The three fungi all attempt to break free of the roots and branches grabbing them, but not one of them manages to do so. Their movement severely impaired by the roots, they begin to slowly move back into the cave...

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

They all move 5 feet as a move action. For what its worth, even if they had moved full speed at Kalev he'd never have got those AOO off- they wouldn't have made it to him!

Swordhaven's Vengeance

Round 2-

Ordered Initiative-

Init Rolls:

Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Owlbear- 9
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Violet Fungi- 4

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Map Link

Please note that map does not accurately reflect what you can all see. Kalev and Kip can just make out Casimir at the edge of their vision, whereas everyone else can't even see into the darkness of the cave (or spot the fungi). Fenna can see the fungi but nothing beyond it.

Active Effects-

Entangle on ground.
Feather Step Casimir
Expeditious Retreat Casimir
Shield of Faith Casimir
Longstrider Kalev
Lead Blade Kalev
Enlarge Kalev
Shield other Kalev/Fenna
Bless all

"Courage, Guardians, for Swordhaven!" Activate Inspire Courage

It is my reading of the entangle spell that those that fail their save cannot move... and the entangled condition also states that you cannot move if whatever you are entangled by is anchored... which I would suspect the roots etc are...

I'm not sure if it is Kip's turn... but if it is...

Kip looks to the others while asking, Shall I dismiss the entanglement so we can follow it?

If that is the decision, Kip will use his standard action to dismiss the spell.

After doing so Kip would also add.

Stay within reach of me Malthir and I shall enlarge you...

We should wait just a moment longer before we release them. Fenna see if you can get our defenses a bit stronger with shield's of faith on Kalev and I.

For his turn Malthir will activate his divine bond in the form of a Keen blade.

Failed check to break free means the fungi were both still entangled and moving through difficult terrain, meaning quarter movement speed for them. The roots/cave weeds I am ruling aren't of sufficient size etc. to be considered anchored... Either way lets not quibble over a moot point please as it won't change anything as the fungi are slow as molasses even without the entangle. I open the spell description of every spell the Guardians cast and check myself so unless I appear to be going mad (villain casts Fly and flies through the floor) trust that i've interpreted the spell correctly.

Remember you'll need a light source for most of you to cope inside. The tunnel itself will be difficult terrain for Kalev (and enlarged Malthir) as hes now taller than the height of the tunnel. I'm ruling its not significantly low enough for him to incur further penalties other than being difficult terrain; essentially hes having to stoop.

Okoya do you remember how to remove templates again on Maptools? Not strictly necessary but will look neater. Can't undo it (closed and opened maptools). Thanks.

Awaiting Kip's action- does he still dismiss the entanglement?

If Kip keeps the entangle in place, Fenna will comply with Malthir's request, placing a shield of faith on him and Kalev, as well as Maegar Varn (it really wouldn't do to have an honoured guest butchered during his visit), along with a shield other for Malthir.

Sorry, quick post from my phone so I'm not holding things up.

Kip will not dismiss this round and shall instead use the wand to enlarge Malthir (assuming he wants it in light of the movement restriction).

More tomorrow...

PS Alex, use the eraser to remove the template. :)

Ok guys, please track your own spell durations. We will have a mininum of four rounds before the entangle is down and i'm assuming no one is venturing into the cave before that. Please highlight anything you wish to do in these four rounds or declare your actions and then we'll pick up from Round 7. Casimir I assume your dropping bardic performance for these four rounds of preparation? For what its worth Maegar Varn will wait patiently (no buffs to apply) and smile in thanks to Fenna for the protective spell.

Sorry, quick post from my phone so I'm not holding things up.

Kip will not dismiss this round and shall instead use the wand to enlarge Malthir (assuming he wants it in light of the movement restriction).

More tomorrow...

PS Alex, use the eraser to remove the template. :)

Yes, he still wants the enlarge. Its a wand and not your spell?

Speaking to Casimir, Can you Grease Kalev and I?
Kip, get ready to drop that Entangle we will move in rank until we engage them. I say we then fire an arrow with a light on it at the edge of your vision, my sword will light the way around us.

If the wand is CL1 (the default wand would be) please track the rounds closely as they are likely to run out first (10 rounds)- kalev has used 6/10 when you dismiss the entangle.

Actually, I'll maintain the bardic performance. We have a few fungi to clean up before we go birdbear hunting.

"Get out your bows, javelins and alchemist fire, and let us destroy those fungi at range before we move into the cave to engage the larger prey. They have a nasty sting, so no need to get close if we can avoid it. Malthir, I will cast grease on you and Kalev right before we move into the cave."

Only Kip and Kalev can see the fungi at this point (they moved out of Fenna's vision last round) and Malthir and Maegar have still not seen them at any point. Would you rather I continue tracking this round by round? I figured you were buffing and dismissing the entangle and attempting to preserve durations on the various spells already cast (particularily Malthir's and Kalevs that are only CL3's) but we can just carry on from Round 2 on Kalev's initiative if you want to cast light and attack the fungi. It sounded like the plan was to buff up and then dismiss the entanglement so I was going to post combat rounds again on Round 7.

I think the problem is that there are several different suggestions for what to do. I would certainly recommend that we get some light on the fungi and take them out at range, so we won't have to worry about them while fighting the owlbear.

Ok, keeping us in initiative for now to ease confusion. Kip moves up to Malthir and begins to cast Enlarge Person. Kalev is up.

The fungi are a distraction as far as Malthir is concerned. He plans to take his antitoxin in round 3 and have kip dismiss the entangle in the 4 rounds that Alex mentioned hoping that the Owlbear will charge back into action once it is gone. We can get rid of the fungi pretty quickly but I would rather keep what short term spells we can. I can lead the charge while you guys pepper them with missle weapons.
my +17 vs. poison save should be enough to protect me :)

My lord, do you have a spare anti-toxin? I should be able to deal with the fungi in short order, but just to be safe.

I've used the following spells:
Longstrider: Duration 3 hours (used less than 1 minute)
Lead Blades: Duration 3 minutes (used less than 1 minute)

"Kalev, I have a vial of antitoxin you can use. I'm more than happy to let the two of you chop down those things, while I support you with magic."

Maegar Varn pulls an everburning torch from his backpack, holding it in his right hand with his Aldori sword in his left. He also shifts to A, -10. The Owlbear does not appear in anyone's field of vision.

This provides clear vision 15 feet into the cave and the fungi are in dim light for everyone now (20% miss chance).

Thanks, Casimir! Much appreciated.

Kalev will drink the Anti-toxin when he gets it then move carefully forward, once the Entangle is gone.

Malthir's sword glows white hot with his wrath and the divine blessing of Iomedae. Fenna moves over to Malthir and places her shield of faith on his body. The three fungi all struggle against Kip's entangle, making extremely slow progress into the cave. Although still currently visible, they are slowly moving out of the dim light of Varn's torch.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Fail

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Fail

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Fail

Swordhaven's Vengeance

Round 8-

Explanation; to make tracking spells easier i've taken Jace's suggestion, so this is Round 8 with Round 1 being when Casimir entered the cave. We've just had rounds 7 and 6, previously known as 2 and 1.

Ordered Initiative-

Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Owlbear- 9
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Violet Fungi- 4

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Link

Please note that map does not accurately reflect what you can all see. Refer to my descriptions for accurate info.

The tunnel will be difficult terrain for enlarged characters; not quite enough of a stoop to qualify as squeezing. It goes without saying that if the Owlbear acts within this initial tunnel it will be at squeezing penalties.

Active Effects-

Entangle on ground.
Feather Step Casimir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Enlarge Kalev.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.

Casimir and Kip are up. I apologise for my part in the confusion, go avenge Swordhaven!

Casimir moves up to Kalev, removes a vial of antitoxin from his bandoleer and holds it out for Kalev to grab.

"The beast may retreat into it's foul den, but it will not escape the vengence of Swordhaven!" Maintain IC

Active spells:
Feather step - Duration 10 minutes - used 10 rounds
Expeditious retreat - duration 10 rounds - used 9 rounds
Shield of Faith - duration 6 minutes - used 9 rounds

Round 8 Action
Malthir switches his sword to his shield hand as a free action, making his shield and sword useless for the round and draws an anti-toxin and consumes it.
Okay a few more seconds and we move up. Kip as soon as Fenna has finished her other Shields of Faith. Assumes this round and next, which should make up the 4 rounds I believe. Should be safe to post your next round action as well I think?
Active spells:
Bless 30 rounds - 3rd round in use
Divine Bond: Keen - 60 rounds 2nd round in use
Shield of Faith +3 - 60 rounds 2nd round in use
Antitoxin 1 hour - less than a minute in use.

Round 9 Action
Malthir switches his sword back and readies in case anything were to come out and try to attack him.

Ok... Kip's round 7 action was to begin casting enlarge on Malthir, which he completes just prior to his next turn. He is casting enlarge from a wand (CL1) so that is 10 rounds duration. As such, Kalev's enlarge is at 8 of 10 rounds used. Kip will reapply Kalev's when his current one ends. Kip's entangle spell has a 6 minute duration, but will dismiss when everyone is done buffing. Round 11ish?

Round 8
Realizing the others are having a hard time seeing the retreating fungi, Kip removes his own everburning torch from his backpack move action and throws it into the tunnel as far as he can standard action. I shall remove the entangle at your word Malthir! I am also capable of casting grease my lord. Kalev, I shall recast enlarge upon you as your current enchantment is almost at an end.

Active spells:
Darkvision - 2 minutes of 3 hours
Enlarge (on Kalev) - round 8 of 10
Enlarge (on Malthir) - round 1 of 10

I will take a grease then next as I will have to face the owlbear's wrath in order to strike at it, unlike our large, long armed friend Kalev!

Actually I was thinking round 10 to dismiss it since the creatures are moving away anyways.

Ok. I can cast grease on one of you in round 9, dismiss on round 10 and recast enlarge on Kalev on round 11. Assuming I can keep up with him! :)

Kip throws his everburning torch into the cave, landing a little past the entrance. Kalev drinks the offered anti toxin and waits at the edge of the entanglement. Malthir drinks an anti toxin while Fenna places a shield of faith on Kalev. The central fungi manages to break free of the entanglement but makes no further progress than the others. The fungi are visible to everyone now but are in dim light (20% miss chance for everyone but Kip and Kalev and Fenna)

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Pass

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Swordhaven's Vengeance

Round 9-

Ordered Initiative-

Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Owlbear- 9
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Violet Fungi- 4

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Link

Please note that map does not accurately reflect what you can all see. Refer to my descriptions for accurate info.

The tunnel will be difficult terrain for enlarged characters; not quite enough of a stoop to qualify as squeezing. It goes without saying that if the Owlbear acts within this initial tunnel it will be at squeezing penalties.

Active Effects-

Entangle on ground.
Feather Step Casimir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Enlarge Kalev.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.

I have uploaded a .rar file to the group site. If you download and extract the file and open the Swordhaven- Castle District, Vierkirche- Cathedral District and Northgreen- Central District files in a web browser you will be able to view the cities and with labels :). I'll update the file with each kingdom building turn that passes.

Not that this is easy to keep track of or anything but Malthir is also now enlarged :)

Round 9
Kip watches as his pathetic throw of the torch barely makes the cave entrance. A little embarrassed he turns to others momentarily and shrugs. I guess I should have given it to Kalev to throw!

Kip then returns to the business at hand and intones a word of power as he gestures deliberately. Casting grease on Malthir - standard action - ASF check: 1d100 ⇒ 5 Good lord! Whether it is nerves or his chain shirt, Kip fails to conjure forth his arcane powers and nothing happens. Kip looks even more sheepish while mumbling to himself under his breath, Not making a good impression Kip...

I beg your pardon my lord, but I can cast grease upon you from a distance... and I will do so before we encounter the Owlbear I promise you! Trying to save face he adds, It has such a short duration it would be best to cast it once we have moved in closer...

Active spells:
Darkvision - 2 minutes of 3 hours
Enlarge (on Kalev) - round 9 of 10
Enlarge (on Malthir) - round 2 of 10

In case in becomes relevant before my next chance to post, Kip intends to dismiss the entangle on round 10 as per Malthir's request. If plans change, then I will adjust accordingly.

Not that this is easy to keep track of or anything but Malthir is also now enlarged :)

May have forgotten it in active effects but you have a large model on the map :).

Casimir moved up between Kalev and Varn last round - you missed that on the map.

Round 9 action
Casimir casts Grease on Kalev's armor.

I believe Kalev isn't doing anything this round, so over to Malthir. Fenna casts Shield of Faith on Maegar Varn.

Re-post Round 9 Action:
Round 9 Action
Malthir switches his sword back and readies in case anything were to come out and try to attack him.
Ready an action to attack any enemies that come within range.

Looking at Kip a little confused until he believes he figures out what happened,
Kip, I really don't understand why you wear that armor...I wear full plate armor and everything we fight eats me anyways, you might as well walk around in your loincloth as dangerous as the beasts are in the GreenBelt... :)

Kip, go ahead and dimiss the entangle, you can get the grease on me as soon as you can after that or Casimir can...we need to move in before these spells all wear out!

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The two entangled fungi continue at a crawling pace, while the fungi that broke free is promptly grabbed again by groping vines and weeds sprouting from the cave floor. They all make very little progress as they continue down the tunnel, still in dim light.

Swordhaven's Vengeance

Round 10-

Ordered Initiative-

Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Owlbear- 9
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Violet Fungi- 4

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Link

Please note that map does not accurately reflect what you can all see. Refer to my descriptions for accurate info.

The tunnel will be difficult terrain for enlarged characters; not quite enough of a stoop to qualify as squeezing. It goes without saying that if the Owlbear acts within this initial tunnel it will be at squeezing penalties.

Active Effects-

Entangle on ground.
Feather Step Casimir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Grease Kalev.
Enlarge Kalev.
Enlarge Malthir.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Shield of Faith Varn.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.

Casimir's up. After his action, Kip will dismiss the entanglement.

Round 10

Kip, let me grease Malthir's armor. You dismiss the entangle so Malthir and Kalev can move in and take out the fungi.

Casimir moves up to Malthir (-d,-9) and intones the magic that covers his armor in greasy sludge.

Active spells
Feather Step (from wand) - expires in round 100
Expeditious Retreat (from scroll) - expires in round 10
Shield of Faith (from Fenna) - expires in round 60
Grease (on Kalev) - expires in round 69
Grease (on Kalev) - expires in round 70

Inspire courage: +1/+1 - 3 of 13 rounds

AC: 27, hp:41

Can I just say thanks to everyone for listing their own active effects etc. and helping me out with the tracking; as we reach higher levels and more and more effects will be in play its important to have this happening. Thanks again!

Kip dismisses the entangle effect, leaving the way clear for Kalev to advance.

Difficult terrain begins at column -7 for the enlarged characters.

Kip glances playfully at Malthir. My loincloth my lord? I guess you aren't aware that we halflings don't wear loincloths. We prefer our twig and berries to swing free! Kip flashes a mischievous grin and winks at Malthir before turning his attentions to dismissing the entangle spell...

Kalev is up in case theres any confusion. Didn't want to take your movement for you.

Kalev moves into the now clear tunnel, stooping to avoid hitting his head, stopping within striking distance of the mushrooms.

Stopping in -C/-B -4/-5

AoO 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Damage: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (7, 6, 7) + 16 = 36

AoO 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Damage: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (3, 6, 5) + 16 = 30

AoO 3: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Damage: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (7, 6, 5) + 16 = 34

AoO 3 Crit confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Damage: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (6, 1, 3) + 16 = 26

Active Spells:
Longstrider: 10 rounds of 1800
Lead Blades: 9 rounds of 180

Maegar Varn follows Kalev into the tunnel at -A/-4 with his everburning torch tucked into his belt and a bow strung. The tunnel now well illuminated with all the fungi in normal light, he takes a shot at the southernmost plant, wounding it with a well placed shot.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Malthir and Fenna are up. I don't believe Fenna has an action declared this round, possibly Shield Other on Malthir?

Malthir, being blocked by Kalev and Varn just moves up behind Kalev.
@ Fenna Hold off on the Shield other, I have plenty of healing magic and I have a feeling you will need to focus on just one of us.
Maybe you should summon in an ally you can use to rush the Owlbear once we see it to distract it?
@ Varn Varn, please stay behind Kalev and myself until we have engaged the Owlbear.
I figured since all I am doing this round is walking up 20 feet I could spend my action talking...
BTW the light from my sword should illuminate 40 feet ahead of us.

20 feet normal light, 20 feet dim light same as Varn's torch. I have you both listed as light sources on maptools. Fenna's up.

Fenna nods an acknowledgement to Malthir, before stepping closer to the cave-mouth and beginning her prayer, "I humbly call for the aid of the Hunters faithful hound, to stand by us in this hunt and bring low our prey."

Start to cast Summon Monster I and 5' step to (-c,-11)

Two 5 foot steps and 1 move action= 1 AOO. They have ten feet reach with their tentacles

Two of the fungi shuffle towards Kalev and Varn, while the third fungi was further down the tunnel. Turning to move towards Kalev, the ranger takes the opportunity to send his bardiche slashing through the violet fungus, sending pieces of it flying all over the tunnel. Although significantly diminished, the fungi keeps on coming.

The middle fungus is horribly wounded, the bottom one wounded and the top one fresh.

Tentacles lash out at Kalev from the fungi, the two who shuffled to get to him attacking with four each while the fungus he almost destroed in a single blow only has time to attack once. Most of them are on target but Kalev's armour and Fenna's shield ward off several tentacles, which rake against the barriers stopping them. Two tentacles do make it through his defences

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Hit (AC23)
1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 3 damage to Fenna/Kalev

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Hit (AC23)
1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 3 damage to Fenna/Kalev

Swordhaven's Vengeance

Round 11-

Ordered Initiative-

Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Owlbear- 9
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Violet Fungi- 4

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Link

Please note that map does not accurately reflect what you can all see. Refer to my descriptions for accurate info.

The tunnel will be difficult terrain for enlarged characters; not quite enough of a stoop to qualify as squeezing. It goes without saying that if the Owlbear acts within this initial tunnel it will be at squeezing penalties.

Active Effects-

Feather Step Casimir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Grease Kalev.
Enlarge Kalev.
Enlarge Malthir.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Shield of Faith Varn.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.

Posting ahead of Casimir...

Just prior to Kip's turn:
After Kalev's exchange with the fungi, the enchantment that increased his size ends, returning him to his normal stature. enlarge ends

Round 11
As the others rush the tunnel to confront the fungi and search for the Owlbear, Kip holds his wand in the air as he moves to follow those into the tunnel move action to -B -9 calling out as he does, Kalev, stay close, I am coming to renew the enchantment right after I slow these fungi! Kip gestures and intones the words required to conjure forth his magical talents to slow the 3 fungi. standard action - cast slow (DC 18 Will save) ASF check: 1d100 ⇒ 90

Active spells:
Darkvision - round 22 of 1800
Enlarge (on Malthir) - round 4 of 10
Slow - round 1 of 6

Just out of curiosity, where exactly did my everburning torch land? In case I have time to pick it up...

From top to bottom-

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Fail, slowed.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Fail, slowed.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Fail, slowed.

Round 11

Casimir moves up behind Varn.

Kalev is up.