DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 3

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Casimir will wait for Fenna to grab the scroll, since his action will cause the unseen servant to go poof.

Aware that his weapons are not of much use against Vordekai himself, Casimir moves to engage the water elemental, rushing forward with magically augmented speed and performing a low spin to duck under the elementals huge reach.

Acrobatics to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

2H Power Attack w/Aldori Sword (no arcane strike)+haste/prayer/IC: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 15

AC 27, hp 64/66, 6 rounds IC left

Ack, those rolls!!

Kalev, though exhausted from his burst of rage, rushes up and attacks the watery colossus.

Move to D25, Power Attack. 11/71 hp

Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Damage: 1d10 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

Are you sure you don't want to charge the elemental Cas? ;)

Fenna accepts the scroll proffered by Casimir's invisible assistant, and quickly proceeds to recite the mystical passage within.

As her intonations draw to a close, the enchanted paper crumbles to dust, and as it does, so too do the necromantic energies binding Malthir begin to fade.

Use the scroll to cast remove paralysis with Malthir as the single target, so no need for a check.

Are you sure you don't want to charge the elemental Cas? ;)

Certainly you're not implying that I would change my stated action after the dice were rolled? Because that would be, you know, cheating...

Oh no of course not. Just thought you might have forgotten to add the modifier, seeing as how it is practically a free +2 to hit. :D

Malthir streches his free hand and looks to his friends...Thank you Fenna...it's time to finish this.

Vordakai!

Your parlor tricks are done. I plan to finish you once and for all.

Do we need a round/map update? I don't have much I can do but wouldn't mind having the updated places for the group before I act.

Calling upon powerful magic inscribed upon parchment, Fenna restored function to Malthir's body. On the other side of the chamber, the water elemental was too fluid and canny for Casimir to easily anticipate its strikes- but thankfully it was the bard's images that were struck and shattered by the crushing blows and not his bones. His own sword swing was rebuffed by the sheer mass of the elemental.

1 image left.

Mirror Image (1 is Casimir): 1d4 ⇒ 2
Mirror Image (1 is Casimir): 1d3 ⇒ 2

Elemental AOO (Image Destroyed): 1d20 + 20 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 20 - 1 = 33
Elemental Readied Action (Image Destroyed): 1d20 + 20 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 20 - 1 = 27

Ricter you can move up to 60 feet in a single move action, as your full plate doesn't slow you at all. Let me know if you want to change your action in light of this (your more than 60 feet away from any square in melee but not by much so a double move can essentially take you to any available square).

Kalev rushed in and swept Cleft through the elemental, clearly harming its form as large droplets of water were scattered by the blow like blood flowing from a fresh cut.

Need an action from Kip and any confirmation of change to Ricter's from him.

Map Update (minus Ricter's action and pending Kip and Malthir's)

Alex, can you remind us, is the stream of water difficult terrain or can't be crossed?

*Kip should be in G,17 as per his Round 4 actions.

Round 5 Init 24

Unsure of what to do next, Kip waits to see what Malthir does. (Delay until after Malthir.)

Status and Effects:
AC: 21 HP: 43 of 62
magic circle against evil expires in 50 min.
gaseous form expires 10 min.

The water is not of sufficient mass to quantify as any kind of difficult terrain.

Malthir thirst for vengeance is tempered by his lick of knowledge on the current condition of his friends. Forzen as he was, and facing the wrong way, he was unwilling to take a chance that any of them are near death he moves up and releases some healing energy.
Fenna, can you remove the enemies defense?

Can't reach big V with a charge...so move to F/29 and channel, centered on my back upper right coordinate so it does't catch the elemental.
I have 4 LOH's left.

4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5, 1) = 13

I am going to wait for confirmation of Ricter's move before Kip acts.

Round 5 Init 18

Kip drifts further away from Vordakai, over the sulphuric pool to the far side. (Withdraw to G,9?)

Status and Effects:
AC: 21 HP: 43 of 62
magic circle against evil expires in 50 min.
gaseous form expires 10 min.

Have moved Ricter to D21 as per original action.

Vordakai- Villain of the Varnhold Vanishing

Round 5-

Ordered Initiative-

Kip- 24
Malthir- 19
Vordakai- 15
Fenna- 14
Water Elemental- 13
Casimir- 12
Ricter- 8
Kalev- 7

Active Effects-

Mirror Image (Casimir)- 1 images remain
Magic Circle against Evil (Kip, 10 feet)
Displacement (Vordakai)- 50% miss chance
Prayer- +1 to most rolls
Longstrider on Kalev
Smite Evil (Malthir)

Map-

Round 5 Map (I14)

Narrative-

With the water elemental holding the Guardians at bay for the moment and with a wary eye to Ricter skirting the edge of the fight with his flail, Vordakai also withdrew further into the west chamber.

Clear of the others for now, Vordakai swept his arm out and pointed at Kip; but nothing appeared to happen; at least not immediately.

Kip has a reaction to make, but Fenna is now up.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 = 20

spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Kip recognised the terrifying illusions that only he could see for what they truly were; and his heartbeat began to slow once more as the spectre of terror left him.

Fenna to post.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

"I shall attempt to do so, once I have addressed Kalev's wounds." Fenna replies to the Duke, striding with magical haste across the room before laying a hand on Kalev's back and uttering a prayer.

"Under the Shepherd's merciful gaze, let the pain of this fierce warrior fall away."

move to C26 and cast cure critical wounds: 4d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 6, 5, 2) + 8 = 27 on Kalev

The massive water elemental focused its full attention on Kalev, buffeting him with massive, crushing blows that hit like tidal waves. The force of the elemental's onslaught was such that it undid the magical healing as quickly as it was applied. The elemental slowly fell back towards the doorway, evidently planning to interpose itself to prevent access to Vordakai.

Attack 1 (Hit): 1d20 + 20 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 20 - 4 - 1 = 29
Damage: 2d8 + 9 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 + 8 - 1 = 20

Attack 2 (Hit): 1d20 + 20 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 20 - 4 - 1 = 24
Damage: 2d8 + 9 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (6, 8) + 9 + 8 - 1 = 30

By my count this puts Kalev to 1HP.

Map Update

Casimir, Ricter, Kalev, Kip and Malthir to act.

Note- Haste expires on I12

Knowing his blade is much more effective against the water elemental than it is against Vordekai, Casimir follows the hulking mass of water and unleashes a flurry of slashes.

5-ft step to F23 + full attack

Attack 1: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 20

Attack - haste: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 20

Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 21

AC 27, hp 66/66, 5 rounds IC left

Realizing his cuts were not sufficient to bring the elemental down, Casimir calls out some tactical advice for his friends.

Ricter, hold your position for a moment longer, while Kalev tries to flush this walking tidal wave back where it came from.

Note - haste expires on my init in round 6, so it is good for one more round.

Not taking his eyes off the elemental before him, Ricter nonetheless nods in acknowledgement to Casimir. Within his helm, he mutters unheard:

"Lets hope he strikes the right target this time"

Delay until after Kalev's action

Kalev, staggering from the mighty blows of the elemental and the fatigue of his rage, swings Cleft at the huge watery frame.

Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 29
Damage: 1d10 + 7 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 + 9 = 21

Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 3 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 7 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 9 = 22

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 3 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 7 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 + 9 = 23

HP: 1/71, Fatigued

If the elemental survives the first attack, Cas uses gallant inspiration on the last attack.

Actually, it doesn't look like Kalev added the +2/+2 from Casimirs Inspire Courage

It wasn't listed under ongoing effects. If it is still active, add 2 to each attack and damage roll.

It wasn't listed under ongoing effects. If it is still active, add 2 to each attack and damage roll.

Still active. Casimir started it on the turn after he was blinded, and haven't ended it yet. Five rounds remaining.

Just waiting to see what happens to the Elemental before acting.

That's fine, sorry I had international travel and a major project eating my time, apologies for the delay. I will add inspire courage to the list of effects on next round update.

The elemental shrugged off most of the impact of the blows; even if they were dealt by magical weapons the fluid nature of the water-like being's form gave it immense protection against physical blows. Casimir and Kalev definitely harmed it, but it did not seem close to falling as it continued to fight.

Ricter is up. Then Malthir, then Kip. Could you zoom out the map a bit so Kip can see where he can retreat to?

Poke poke guys. Swing those weapons and roll those dice.

"I'll cut this flood off at the source!"

Shield up to try and ward off the blows of both his massive foes, Ricter closes in on Vordakai.

Move to F18 (and damn the AoOs) and attack Vordakai

Attack +2 (inspire) +1 (Prayer): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

Were you aware that haste is still active? For this round only.

I thought it finished on Casimir's initiative step?

At any rate, I think that miss will stay a miss regardless of what bonuses we can scrape together

It expires next round according to Cas. The real difference is a 5' step and full attack (2 additional attacks) not the plus to hit.

What Kip said. I understand that Vordekai is the main enemy here, but eating two AoO's to make a single attack when you could make three attacks without provoking is a rather poor tactical decision, to put it mildly. And if we don't finish off the water elemental, Ricter has just placed himself in a position to eat two full attacks with flanking.

If Ricter keeps his attacks on the BBEG I plan to move against the Elemental, though I will only get the one attack.

Debating it once the action is declared and the dice rolled is pretty moot. For what its worth the positioning ruins what was Vordakai's intended next move lol.

As Ricter moved to assault the Lich, his helm was jarred by a titanic blow from the elemental that even his magnificent armour was not proof against. His many layers of defence did prevent the blow from snapping his neck though and the Hellknight was thankful for that at least.

Staggering, he rounded the corner and approached Vordakai to make his attack, only to be touched with a negative-energy infused hand that threatened to lock his limbs into place before ever reaching the ancient skeleton...

Water Elemental AOO (Hit, Crit Threat): 1d20 + 20 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 20 - 4 - 1 = 35
Water Elemental Critical Confirmation (Unconfirmed): 1d20 + 20 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 4 - 1 = 27
Damage: 2d8 + 9 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 9 + 8 - 1 = 26
Vordakai AOO (VS Touch AC, Hit): 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 17 - 1 = 24
Negative Energy Damage: 1d8 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 1 = 13

39 damage. Ricter please make a fortitude save...

Malthir, your up.

Kip, the entire room is drawn on the map, there is a corridor leading west and sharply round the corner or the same to the south.

Yeah, I screwed this up. Sorry guys.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

...and now that's happened

Yeah, I screwed this up. Sorry guys.

Don't beat yourself up about it. It was a heroic move, and another crit or some better rolls might have turned the tide. Playing it safe isn't alway the best option. And we're not done yet. Who knows, our valiant leader might finaly start to do something besides running from one end of the hall to the other.

Ricter's flail slowly stopped spinning as the warrior was locked into place, one arm outstretched and flail raised high in preparation for a strike with a shield raised to just below shoulder height. The very touch of such a tainted undead monstrosity had rendered Ricter paralysed, like Malthir before him.

Malthir is up, followed by Kip.

Knowing his enemies were distracted by the Hellknight, Malthir was still unwilling to test their abilities. He whispered a quick prayer to Iomedae, Cast Grace as a swift action. and he moved to a place were Vordakai' escape would be more difficult.

Double move to G,18.

I feel like I need to move to a place I can finally make some attacks...and try to block big V from finishing off Ricter.

Round 6 Init 18

Kip's smoky form drifts a little further away before coalescing into the halfling sorcerer once again. (5' step to F,8 & SA dismiss gaseous form)

Knowing his comrades are in dire straights, Kip tries his best to goad Vordakai into focusing on him rather than his vulnerable friends. Reaching into his trusty pack, Kip produces a wand while exclaiming, Is that the best you can do? I haven't nary a scratch! You are going to have to do better than that if you wish to defeat ME! Now that you aren't hiding behind that overgrown puddle I can finally use this wand I have been saving for someone like yourself!
(MA draw wand of expeditious retreat) ;)

bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Status and Effects:
AC: 21 HP: 43 of 62
magic circle against evil expires in 50 min.
gaseous form

After checking the spell text, it seems my Unseen servant is still active. I thought it dissolved if I moved beyond 30 ft, but it is if I move out of close spell range, which is a bit more (45 ft. to be exact). Since it was ordered to stay close to Fenna, it would have doublemoved to keep up with her.

Merry christmas, fellow adventurers!

Merry Christmas to you too! Let's hope we live to see the new year!

Merry Christmas to you too!!!!!!

Happy holidays, everyone!