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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

I'll interpret those in the order posted, it seems the fairest way to do it.

Malthir's shout and impassioned speech fails to quell the brewing argument or sway either Corax or the Nixie into calming down. Handaxes are being brandished threateningly and the Nixies eyes narrow as she readies herself for bloodshed.

Fenna's voice however, cuts through the hubbub, dozens of years of authority and great weight being carried on her words. Corax at least, appears to listen carefully to her, shouting for his men to keep calm and listening to her words.

Corax's attitude has been shifted to Friendly by Fenna's words and diplomacy check, but you'll need to make checks for requests as per the diplomacy skill.

I can agree it might not be fair on the Fey, lady. But we're behind on our quota and it took us weeks to find this place... I'd want the lumber we already cut down and I want my men returned, unharmed. I'd also need somewhere else I can cut down trees of value, preferably without having to deal with the Fey again...

Kalev gets a +2 bonus on any one roll he makes for the check below as the kingdom's Marshall.

The Nixie however, ignores Fenna's words, focusing her attention on the potential fight brewing before her. When she finally pays attention to Fenna's words, she shows no signs of backing down or being amenable to any requests made of her.

Attitude unchanged- still unfriendly.

"You should pay heed to the words of my gnomish friend. She has settled more disputes than I can recall."

Inspire Competence +2 to Diplomacy

Knowledge (nature] 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Oooh, shiny. Amazingly, still no change on the Nixie's attitude. Corax however, is now Helpful and even easier to influence. Nixie has Charisma oodling out of her, not so easily swayed...

Kalev dismounts with a huff, his bardiche lying relaxed across one shoulder, but clearly showing that he'll tolerate no foolishness from either party.

Knowledge Geografy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Nixie, I wish you no harm, but if you attack these men, after they have agreed to negotiate, I will have no choice. Kalev lets the implication settle for a moment, before continuing. However, I seem to recall an untouched grove of coachwood trees 10 miles to the north. Would you have any objections to the lumberjacks felling these, if we show them the way to the grove and they promise not to enter your demesne again?

Hmmm. I seem to have lost my "spot" in the conversation.

Glaring up at Kip, the man responds-

Urgh, one of you weirdos mated with one of these things? Disgusting. I thought it was Gnomes that did funny things to stay alive, not 'alflings.

Kip stares back at the man, unfazed by his bigotry. What makes you so sure that it is I with the fey blood? Kip's eyes purposely drift over to the hulking form of Kalev, raising both eyebrows and nodding slightly in his direction. And I dare say it is preferable to your mother laying with the troll that produced you! Kip suppresses a grin as he muses a biting response to the man. As tempers are obviously on a knife's edge, Kip thinks better than to tease the man and remains quiet.

As the discussions become heated and the negotiations begin, Kip sits silently staring at the Nixie. After a moment, he dismounts from his pony, and ignoring the others, walks to the edge of the pool with his hands open and empty, indicating he means no threat. He crouches at the edge of the pool and dips a hand into the cool waters before touching it to his lips. His eyes never having left the fair creature, Kip responds over his shoulder to Kalev's threat, I'm sure that will not be necessary Kalev. Turning his full attentions back to the pond, and in a soothing voice Kip addresses the Nixie. Fair creature of the pond, you have not given us your name. It would please me greatly to know what you are called rather than calling you Nixie. If you do not wish to share, might I have the pleasure of guessing your name?

Ricter stays silent after his initial remark, wary of undoing the impressive diplomacy woven by Fenna and the baron. He appears to watch the ongoing conversation but move closer to the pool. Beneath his helment his eyes are fixed on Kip.

He's instantly swayed by the false beauty. It's going to attack any moment, whilst the others are distracted...did he just drink the water!? Seven hells..."

Ricter waits for Kip to fall under some sort of spell. When he apparently doesn't, Ricter resumes watching the Naxie out of the corner of his eye.

I will give it one more chance to agree to the requests of the Guardians, then I will see if threats can do the work of reason

Nixie, I wish you no harm, but if you attack these men, after they have agreed to negotiate, I will have no choice. Kalev lets the implication settle for a moment, before continuing. However, I seem to recall an untouched grove of coachwood trees 10 miles to the north. Would you have any objections to the lumberjacks felling these, if we show them the way to the grove and they promise not to enter your demesne again?

The Fey looks upon Kalev with disdain.

Why should I oblige you, half-man... I do not bow to your kingdom or your Baron. None of you invaders have shown any true respect for my grove or a shred of remorse for the trees murdered here; I fail to see why I shouldn't simply keep these men as insurance so that this brute and his gang of axe-wielding thugs do not return.

As Kip approaches, the Nixie's expression does not change. She seems unable to resist the idea of a game though.

I will not share my name with you, though you may try to guess it if it amuses you.

Just a note, the Nixie is twenty feet from the edge of the pool, her heads the only thing thats exposed.

At the Nixie's reply, Kalev sighs. By all means, if that is your decision. But unless you stop all of the loggers from getting away, by killing or enthralling them all, they will return, in greater numbers and prepared for your magic. Not only would that most likely be the end of you, but it would bring other individuals, who would look with hostility on any fey of the Greenbelt. Soon, there'd be open war between fey and man, so it is a concern of mine and it should be a concern of yours.

Kalev sighs again, muttering I'm getting too old for this...

Malthir places his hand on the big mans shoulder, walks over to one of the fallen trees and kneels by it. He slowly places his hand on the tree and waits there in thought with his eyes closed.

He waits for about a minute for Kip to play out his game with the Nixie and then opens his eyes and addresses her,
What if on top of leading the loggers away we could do two other things. First, we warn away others such as these men in Kardas not to bother your grove and in fact make it illegal to sell any of your lumber in our lands, punishable by imprisonment.
Second, can new trees be re-planted?
If we can secure a guarantee from these men that they will re-plant or at least assist you to re-plant the fallen trees will you release the men and agree to no retribution?
This is the best we can offer. We are sincerely sorry for what has happened to you, I know we don't understand your connection to this grove, but we know it means much to you. Please understand this is not a threat...but we will not leave though until the mean are freed.

With a smile Kip responds to the Nixie. Excellent! I shall do my best to guess your name. Kip stands and bows deeply to the Nixie. My name is Kip Bendybrook and it would amuse me greatly! Kip straightens himself up before placing his hand upon his chin and scrunching up his face in thought. Switching to the sylvan language Kip mutters out loud, *Now... let's see... a sylvan name that befits "a fair maiden of the pond"... yes... let me try that. Fihnnualla?*

Fenna lets out a slight sigh at the Nixie's continued reluctance to entertain discourse, but watches Kip's interaction in hopeful silence.

Couldn't see KM in my focused threads; we had fallen into the archives! About to go out for sushi but will update ASAP when i'm back. Kip can you include a diplomacy roll to go along with your interaction if you see this before i'm back.

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Crum. That wasn't even good enough to aid another. :(

No, it wasn't. Ricter as you now have the better flail you may want to adjust your character sheet to include it (I also can't see your traits incidentally).

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

A slow smile and a look of disbelief spreads across the Nixie's face, followed by a dazzling smile.

I have indeed been called that name before by humans, how wonderful of you to guess it. I have a reward for you, Kip Bendybrook... How would you like to be my best friend...?

Corax sense motive- 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

To explain it OOC, Kip's last diplomacy check made the Nixie hostile- its bluffed most of you into believing he guessed correctly and that its attitude has improved- everyone except Ricter, who will act along with the Nixie in the surprise round... No map tonight as I simply don't have the time but i'll try and get one up tomorrow. The Nixie has three charmed loggers on her side, currently.

Surprise Round Initiative-
Ricter- 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Nixie- 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Finishing her friendly sentence, the Nixie suddenly begins to cast a spell from the centre of the pool, her hands flashing through the water perfectly to form the gestures needed to finish it.

The Nixie speaks in a commanding voice to Kip as she finishes the spell-

These miscreants are threatening me Kip, even your friends... Use your most potent powers to stop them!

Ricter is up. Kip you don't act this round so post all the responses I need in a spoiler. The three lumberjacks the Nixie has charmed are clearly about to attack next round. They are on the edge of the pool about fifteen feet from Kip. The Nixie herself is still in the centre of the pool, twenty feet from the edges. The party and Corax and his band are about twenty feet from the edges of the pool themselves.

spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

As soon as the surprise round is over...
That....is disappointing. We had hoped to work things out with you, hoped to come to some type of arrangement that would be good for both parties. You are now assaulting others with magic who have not done anything to you, now you will be punished.

Realizing wading out to engage the Nixie in melee would be foolhardy, Ricter reaches for his trusty composite longbow...

...Curses! I swear to pharasma I will get round to buying a composite longbow when I return to Swordhaven!

Ricter prepares to wade out to engage the Nixie in melee.

Single move action to move to the water's edge, drawing my flail as I go.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Ordered Initiative-

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Casimir
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Kalev
1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13 Fenna
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Kip
1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10 Malthir
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Corax
1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8 Three Charmed Loggers
1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2 Nine Corax's Loggers

Nixie- 26
Kip- 24
Corax- 22
Kalev- 16
Fenna- 13
Casimir- 12
Malthir- 10
Charmed Loggers- 8
Corax's Loggers- 2

Looking upon the approaching Hellknight with disdain in her eyes, the Nixie casts another spell, her form shimmering in a strange and magical way.

Kip is up.

Apparently I forgot to make my spellcraft check for the surprise round spell... here are two rolls then.
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Surprise round RP
Kip smiles as the Nixie congratulates him on guessing her name. Wow. I didn't think that would work so easily! As she gestures and speaks Kip recognizes the casting of a charm but he is too surprised to react. A moment later he feels a warm tingle in the back of his skull as he looks upon his "good friend" Fihnnualla. She is so beautiful... I would do anything for her.... Wait! Oh no you don't my dear! Kip shakes off the spell and clucks his tongue at the Nixie, Didn't your mother ever teach you that it isn't polite to charm your friends? Kip places obvious emphasis on the last word.

Round 1
Before he even realizes it, the Nixie casts another spell, which Kip recognizes, but he decides to make a final plea for peace instead of informing his companions. Wait! It doesn't have to come to this! Everyone calm down! Kip holds his ground upon the edge of the shore and shoots a glance at Ricter, and his heavy armor, as he prepares to enter the pond. I'm not sure that would be wise...

Worried things will quickly spiral out of control, Kip gestures and speaks a word causing the vegetation around the charmed loggers to come to life, grasping and clawing at the enthralled men. standard action cast Entangle targeting the charmed loggers. ASF check: 1d100 ⇒ 98 Kip will attempt to catch the Nixie in the spell's area just in case there is enough vegetation in the pond to ensnare her as well. He will also place as much entangled area between the loggers (both charmed and un-charmed) as he can to keep everyone apart as best as he can. He will not include any Guardians in the area no matter what. :)

Kip is forced to avoid catching Corax's loggers in the entangled area as he would have to get Ricter too. The Nixie seems to be unaffected by the entanglement, as Kip can see no water weeds seem to have grabbed her or grown to ensnare her. All three of the charmed loggers are held thugh.

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Excellent work, Kip Bendy! Corax says encouragingly, before signalling his men to attack. Corax has the decency to glance apologetically at Kip but is unswayed by his plea.

Help the Guardians! Kill the Nixie but only knock our fellows unconcious if you can!

Corax unshoulders his longbow, striding forward a little to get a clear shot on the Nixie and to move in between the Loggers and the Guardians.

Beware of her tricks! Best chance is to aim for the head, and watch for spells of ice and water, particularily evocation! Corax advises, sharing his apparently considerable knowledge with all of his allies, both old and new.

You are all treated as having Favoured Enemy (Fey) +2 for this round and next round through Corax's hunters bond.

Seeing Corax unshoulder his bow and order his men to attack, Kip's eyes go wide. No, do not harm the nixie! I forgive her and release her from all indemnity for her assault on me!

Retcon from Kip's actions, speak out of turn,
Corax, stop what you are doing right now, you have agreed to our terms and you will live by them. No one takes another action against this person without my express consent motioning to the fey
Kalev, you have my permission to remove anyone's head who dis-obey's my order's. Corax you will have your men back shortly, one way or another.

Malthir's action for the entire round will be to covey this message and to walk between him and the Fey.

If needed a intimidate check,
intimidate 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

To be clear, i'm not really too comfortable with Malthir speaking until his init has actually come up. I'm fine with out of turn speaking once you've originally acted, but you haven't reacted to the situation quickly enough to draw a weapon, let alone make a small speech out of turn. I'll post up Corax's reactions to your speech on Init count 10- Kalev, Fenna and Casimir will act before Malthir says anything.

As much as I admire the attempts to continue to try and talk it out, its very clear the Nixie is about to switch to offence and is fully hostile (rather than just unfriendly) in attitude. You will need more than just diplomacy rolls to have another chance with her at this point; something like a Calm Emotions spell springs to mind; or possibly subduing her and trying again with her restrained.

On Init Count 10-

Corax looks like he is going to protest, but is cowed by the Baron.

Alright, alright, no one kill the Fey for now! But lets get our men back safely eh lads... he says, gesturing for his loggers to knock out their fellows instead.

Makes sense. Sorry will hold off in the future...part of my posting "ADD" problem...

How far out in the pond is the Nixie? How far into the Entangle are the three charmed loggers?

The Nixie is twenty feet into the pond, in its centre, about fifty feet from you. The entangled area was targeted very far away so as to not hit Ricter; it really only extends over a small area around the three charmed loggers, and may be functioning underwater in the pond. I'd really have liked to make a map for this encounter but i'm still settling into life in Ukraine and I don't yet have the time.

If Kalev can strike the charmed loggers without entering the entangle:

Kalev moves closer to the loggers and swings his bardiche, flat of the blade first, hoping to knock out one of the charmed men.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 nonlethal

Fenna fixes a stern gaze on the Nixie, and strides to Ricter's side while speaking levelly in an authoritative tone, "No more games, I will not allow you to bring harm on the people of Kardas."

"By Aroden's word, I demand that you approach."

Move to within 35' of the Nixie and cast command (DC 17)

Casimir moves with Fenna, points to the three charmed loggers and says "Don't worry, lads...this may sting the eyes a bit, but it won't hurt you - SPARKLE!" glitterdust on the charmed loggers - DC 15 will save vs blindness

With his long hafted weapon Kalev is able to swing at the charmed loggers without fear of being entangled, but almost loses his footing on the treacherous banks of the pond, botching his swing.

Fenna moves up to Ricter at the edge of the pond and demands the Nixie's approach...

Casimir conjures a cloud of golden particles around the charmed loggers, blinding one of them; who promptly screams in horror, clutching his face.

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Malthir demoralises Corax and the cowed man changes his orders at the last moment. The two charmed loggers who are not blinded each draw and attempt to hurl a handaxe at Kalev provoking an AOO each.. The blinded logger frantically tries to release himself from the magically grown roots gripping his legs but Kip's magic proves far stronger than his desperate efforts.

If not knocked out or killed by Kalev-

1d20 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3 Entangle penalty + dex penalty

1d20 - 4 ⇒ (15) - 4 = 11 Entangle penalty + dex penalty

VS entangle-

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

After Ricter's action-

Corax's loggers move up to the edge of the entangled area, effectively surrounding the charmed loggers and readying themselves to beat their fellows into unconciousness if they get any closer.

Readied actions.

Need to fully resolve Fenna's action before we do any more, a check is needed from her.

The Nixie seems to succumb to Fenna's spell, her limbs not obeying her will as she looks ready to swim ashore...

Drop shield and flail as a free action, draw a set of manicles as a move action and ready a standard action to grapple the creature should it get into threat range.

Seeing the Nixie approach Ricter drops his weapons and draws his manicles, moving quickly to restrain it before it gets the chance to slip back out of reach.

He also mutters to Fenna

"Spoken like a true ruler. Even this lawless beast obeys."

Both AoOs are with the flat of the blade:

AoO 1 - attack roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
AoO 1 - damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 non-lethal

AoO 2 - attack roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
AoO 2 - damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 non-lethal

I don't think it is possible to crit with the flat of a blade, but if it is:

AoO 1 - Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
AoO 1 - Crit damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 non-lethal

AoO 2 - Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
AoO 2 - Crit damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 non-lethal

You can do non-lethal crits I believe.

Kalev knocks both loggers senseless before either of them can get their axes thrown.

Round 2-
Ricter- 26a
Nixie- 26b
Kip- 24
Corax- 22
Kalev- 16
Fenna- 13
Casimir- 12
Malthir- 10
Charmed Loggers- 8
Corax's Loggers- 2

The Nixie swims to the very edge of the water, magical compulsion forcing her to swim into Ricter's waiting grasp.

Next time you ready an action feel free to roll the action with the intention to ready, saves time.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Ricter Grapple (Includes Corax's FE bonus and penalty for not having two hands free)

1d100 ⇒ 4 (81-100 miss due to blur)

Ricter grabs the Fey roughly, manacles draped across his arms. Despite her blurring form he holds her firmly.

Kip's up.

We do not wish you harm. Only a peaceful solution. Please cease your struggles against us! Kip implores of the Nixie. Ready action to cast Blindness upon Nixie if she attempts to cast a spell, use spell like ability or escape Ricter's grasp. (DC 17 Fort save)

Edit: Caster check vs SR if needed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Corax marches over to the Nixie and attempts to pin her down, assisting Ricter.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

1d100 ⇒ 62 (81-100 miss)

Grunting in exertion, he pins the small Fey, holding her arms behind her back while Ricter maintains his grasp on her.

Get her tied up and maybe the damn Fairy will be more willing to be reasonable! he grunts.

Everyone is up! *bump* :)

Yes, just waiting to see what the others do and if we can drop out of rounds. 1 charmed lumberjack left as well as the fey...

The Fey is pinned but far from helpless- not dropping out of rounds yet.

Shes also within pretty much everyone's move action.

Casts *Summon Bump*

(as for the first time in weeks I have more Internet time available than games to update :) )

Fenna reaches to her side to retrieve a pair of manacles of her own, but after a few moments of fumbling around she looks down to discover that they are not on her belt as she expected. She does find them eventually however, and holds them open and ready to fasten onto the struggling fey.

Kalev swings the butt of his weapon at the last remaining charmed logger, hoping to knock him out, not crack his skull like he almost did on the other two loggers.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 non-lethal

Ricter attempts to clump the masterwork manacles onto the indistinct blurs that are the Nixie's wrists.

CM check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Miss on an 81+: 1d100 ⇒ 5

Malthir delays, watching the ensuing struggle play out slowly shaking his head, he will immediately come off delay if the Fey is bound by Ricter.

Casimir delays, seeing that his companions seem to have the situation well in hand.

The situation is resolved with firm efficiency. Kalev knocks out the final charmed logger, while Ricter forces the Fey to the ground, manacling her with the words-

"Bound by law. Bound by steel. Bound to the Baron's will"

The Nixie has gone very quiet by this point, apparently having no ability to escape the manacles.

You will manacle and enslave the true inhabitants of this realm then? she whispers despondently.

Corax walks over to Kalev and shakes his hand firmly.

You have my thanks, Marshall Kalev. I had heard of your prowess and i'm glad you were able to take my men without causing them permanent harm. We'll keep them secured just in case the Nixie's magic lingers on them.

Addressing the Guardians as one, Corax offers his thanks, and then says-

Told you, damn Nixie's can't be trusted. Capricious, treacherous things they are. Are we free to go about our business as honest men now?

Ricter keeps the Nixie pinned and says with typical menace

"The only boundary that law knows is juristiction. You cannot hide beyond it's edges. As far as I'm concerned all of the stolen lands are under the rule of Kardas. And you do not deserve to call yourself a slave. YOU are a CONVICT, guilty of three counts of assault with magical compulsion."

Corax, we expect you to continue to live by your agreement with us. We will take care of the situation of this Fey. We will show you the new grove and we expect you to leave this one alone unless you get our express permission to log it please.
If you break our terms your names will be spread throughout Kardas and you will not be allowed to trade again in the realm, do you understand? Soon these lands will belong to Kardas, keep that in mind.

Thank you Ricter, please not so rough with the "prisoner", Malthir walks over and squeezes Ricter arm signaling him to let go of the Nixie, he gently lifts her face so she can meet his eyes...now what are we to do with you? As Ricter has said, we tried to work out an agreement with you, one we thought would be good for both parties. You forced us to use violence on you, you who I believe was just defending your land.

Do you wish us to exile you, to never see this grove again? We could escort you to the border of the known land and allow the loggers to clear this grove leaving you no reason to return, is that the solution you seek?