DM Alexander Kilcoyne's Kingmaker PBP- Chapter 3

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

I have a scroll of haste on my person currently...

That's great, Kip - speed up everyone on the ground, I'll see what I can do about our trigger happy friends up here.

If possible, I drop down in front of the archer slits with a 5 ft step (or a move action if needed) and peer inside. I'll declare my remaining action based on what I see.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Kalev, Ricter, let's move up together so Kip can use his spell.

Fenna continues her prayer, shifting her attention to Ricter's wounded mount.

Stabilize again.

Prayer: 2 rounds expired.

Hello?

Waiting for Alex to describe if I see anything before completing my action.

Sorry its been a mad week. One of my best friends is failing his degree and i've been up all night for a couple of days helping him re-submit. I'll try and update tonight sorry.

From his position, Casimir dropped down to hover in front of the firing holes. Difficult to make out in the narrow field of vision, five more Spriggans stood in a tight group behind the firing holes; hefting crossbows that were clearly the source of the volleys.

Two questions: 1) Are the spriggans close enough to each other to target all of them with glitterdust? 2) Do I see any signs of the hatch to the archer post and a stair/ladder leading up to it.

No, your field of vision is extremely narrow you only see the Spriggans and what looks like a corridor they are standing in. They are grouped up in a line so XXXXX where each X is a Spriggan.

All right then - let's see if we can put a stop to some of the crossbow fire before trying any other tricks. I cast glitterdust into the corridor, attempting to target the four closest to me.

Spriggan #6 Will (Pass): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Spriggan #9 Will (Pass): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Spriggan #10 Will (Pass): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Agai (Spriggan Leader) Will (Pass): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Lady Desna was with the Spriggans inside the stockade corridor. The difficulty of targeting his conjuration through such a narrow opening gave the Spriggans precious time to react to his presence and each of the Spriggans resisted Casimir's glitterdust...

Below, the two unblinded Dire Wolves moved in to attack, one moving in to bite Kalev while the other raced over to threaten Malthir. With a swift slash and backswing of Cleft, Kalev cut both of the animals open, wounding both of them dearly. The wolf facing Kalev could barely stand, its paws drenched in blood. It made a feeble attempt to bite the Ranger before he warded it off, howling piteously.

Following the whistle of his Spriggan master, the fourth Wolf finally shook Casimir's glitter-dust from its eyes.

Kalev AOO #1 (Hit): 1d20 + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 32
Damage: 2d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8, 4) + 8 + 1 = 21

Kalev AOO #2 (Hit): 1d20 + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 22
Damage: 2d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 8 + 1 = 20

Dire Wolf Attack on Kalev (Miss): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Dire Wolf Will VS Glitterdust: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Kip, Kalev, Malthir and Ricter are up. Was up late for several nights helping a friend pass his degree but its in now :).

Map Update (R3, Init 14)

Kalev, move back to me! I cannot see you well enough! Kip removes the scroll from his magical pack (MA) and quickly reads the words upon the vellum roll. (SA caste haste ) All of the Guardians upon the ground feel their blood race for a moment before time seems to slow slightly...

5' step if required

Malthir delays until after Kip casts his spell.

Ricter intends to form a shield wall with Malthir, and waits to follow the Baron's lead.

Can we move things along? Please? :P

Looking at the map again (while not on my phone)... Kalev would be visible to Kip regardless of what he does. (with a 5' step by Kip to W 41)

Then...

Malthir delays.

Ricter moves to V 38 alongside Malthir and can attack the wolf adjacent to Malthir (if it still lives). Or just delay as well.

Kip 5' steps to W 41 and castes haste on everyone except for Cas.

Malthir acts. (And possibly Ricter as well)

Go with Kip's suggestion. I'm a little busy with work...new laptop needs broken in and such.

Does Kalev drop the wolf in front of me?

With two more long slashes of Cleft, Kalev cleared the stockade of two more wolves, their piteous howls heralding their demise.

Malthir is up.

Having issues pulling up the map at work for some reason.

Waiting for the haste to wash over Malthir, he moves forward to attack the nearest Spriggan.

Single move with 40' movement if possible and attack.

+2 longsword pwr atk vs. Fey inspired hasted prayer 1d20 + 11 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 28 dam 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 22+ bane 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

That makes a hasted Ricter next?

Ricter surges forward to form up a shield wall with Malthir. Kip's magic lets him make a strike before the spriggan can react.

40' move to V33 (assuming this is Malthir's target)

Flail Power Attack (+1 prayer, +2 inspire, +1 haste): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 4 = 18

Flail damage (+1 prayer, +2 inspire): 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

Current AC = 27 + 2 (sheild wall) + 1 (haste) = 30

bump...where are we at?

Been waiting on me. The dissertation deadline is creeping closer and with a myriad of wedding, family and friend visits i've had hardly any time sorry.

Technically, the Spriggans are a type of Gnome rather than Fey; so do not apply the extra to hit, damage and bane damage your Fey-bane weapons thanks.

Malthir rushed the closest Spriggan with Ricter close behind- the enlarged Wolf handler. He brought his halberd in an overhead slash as Malthir closed, but the Paladin took the blow upon his shield and Liberator tore open the biceps of the enlarged Gnome-like creature. With surprising speed for a creature of its size, the Spriggan lashed out at Ricter as well with a quick lunge, but the blow was similarly deflected. Ricter followed the Duke closely and they began to cover each other with their shields, the head of Ricter's flail catching upon the end of the Spriggan's halberd rather than striking flesh.

AOO (Malthir): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
AOO (Ricter): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Meanwhile, the Spriggan leader glared at Casimir through the narrow slit of the firing holes; letting loose a bolt point-blank at the Duelist. So close to the firer, neither Casimir's agility or his armour were enough to prevent the bolt from punching into his abdomen, his blood dripping down onto the courtyard below. The Spriggan leader grinned cruelly at the blow and his success seemed to hearten his four companions.

Crossbow Attack (Hit): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Damage (Vital Strike): 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 4) + 5 = 17

Storm the Stockade of Spriggans

Round 4

Ordered Initiative-

Spriggans- 24
Casimir- 22
Fenna- 17
Dire Wolf- 16
Kip- 14
Kalev- 14
Malthir- 8
Ricter- 7
Agai- 5

Active Effects-

Inspire Courage on all Guardians (+2/+2).

Prayer (Fenna to track duration).

Lead Blades (Kalev to track duration).

Haste (all Guardians but Casimir, Kip to track effects/duration).

Map-

Link (Round 4, I22)

Notes-

Squares P/Q, 34/35 are the pit Kip conjured. Standing on the edge of that square at the end of your action will require you to make a reflex save at +2 or fall inside...

Action-

Spriggan Climb DC20: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Kalev AOO #1: 1d20 + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 2d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 8 + 1 = 13
Reflex Save (Pit): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
Falling Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 5) = 11

The Spriggan inside Kip's pit slowly climbed another 10 feet and hoisted himself over the edge with great effort. The reward for his efforts came in the form of a bardiche being slashed across his stomach by Kalev. Injured by the wound, the Spriggan snarled his defiance as he raised his halberd in preparation to strike back; and then promptly fell back into the pit having not noticed he was slowly sliding down the sloping edge.

Malthir AOO: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 18 - 2 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Flank Attack on Malthir #1: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
Flank Attack on Malthir #2: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23

The two smaller-sized Spriggans chose to remain their normal size and one of them moved to flank Malthir. The Gnome was cut for his trouble and his halberd could not get past the formidable, back-to-back defence that Malthir and Ricter presented. His ally struck from another angle but his efforts met a similar result; Malthir remained unharmed.

Volley on Casimir (Miss): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Volley on Casimir (Miss): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Volley on Casimir (Hit): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Volley on Casimir (Hit): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Shot at Kalev (Hit): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Following their leader's example, four more crossbow bolts were fired at Casimir from the firing holes- two of them grazing the spymaster while he tried to dodge them. Kalev was also shot by the Spriggan guarding the door to the stockade, adding to his wounds.

Casimir and Fenna to act.

Spotting the spriggans moving to surround Malthir and Ricter, Fenna spurred her trusty hound into motion as she called upon divine aid. "Talented Artist, please weave a captivating pattern that will ensnare the minds of these foes of humanity."

Reaching Kalev's side, the pale gnome spread her hand towards the closest pair of dark fey-blooded creatures and unleashed a wash of nebulous light.

Move to U37 and cast colour spray catching the two medium sized spriggans. DC 19 or effects based on HD:
8 or less: unconscious, blind and stunned for 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 rounds, then blind and stunned for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
9 or 10 HD: blind and stunned for 4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
11 or more HD: stunned for 1 round.

Prayer: 3/7 rounds expired.

Spriggan 1 Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Spriggan 2 Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Both Spriggans collapsed into unconsciousness as Fenna's powerful, signature illusion spell overcame them in a flash of light.

Technically, the Spriggans are a type of Gnome rather than Fey; so do not apply the extra to hit, damage and bane damage your Fey-bane weapons thanks.

Kip says "HA!" ;)

Cursing through clenched teeth, Casimir yanks a bolt from his flesh and discards it before forming the words of magic to summon the unseen force servant inside the blockhouse.

Move through this floor and open all doors and hatches you can find, especially if they are leading up! he orders the magical servant before flying back up and out of the line of fire.

Cast unseen servant inside the blockhouse if possible, then fly up to perch just above the firing holes as before.

DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:

Technically, the Spriggans are a type of Gnome rather than Fey; so do not apply the extra to hit, damage and bane damage your Fey-bane weapons thanks.

Kip says "HA!" ;)

Fluff-wise, they're still filthy vermin for our Hellknight to crush under his foot, they're just somewhere between Fey and Gnomes.

Casimir's unseen servant moved to do his bidding as he took cover from the shooters, but he was unsure of its progress, being completely invisible. The final remaining Dire Wolf moved alongside its master, protectively engaging Malthir with its teeth. The animal never found an opening to exploit although it tried in vain to leap at Malthir once or twice, only to be warded off by sturdy swordsmanship.

Attack on Malthir: 1d20 ⇒ 3

R4, I14

Kip, Kalev, can you secure the door to the fort while Ricter and I remove these last enemies?
He nods at Ricter as they prepare to carve their enemies into tiny bits.

Round 4 Init 6

Kip quickly casts another spell (SA cast vanish) disappearing from sight...

Don't forget you can still fly Kalev! reminds the whispering and disembodied voice of Kip from somewhere close by.

Current status & effects:
AC: 22 HP: 55 of 55
Cast by Kip:
fly (on Cas & Kalev) expires 7- minutes
create pit (P/Q 34/35) expires round 9 (init 14)
haste expires round round 9 (init 6)
vanish expires round 10 (init 6)

Cast by others on Kip:
prayer (Fenna)

Kalev! Up here! There is a way in I'm trying to open. If my magic fails, perhaps we can force it up.

Ricter nods back

"Let's spare Varnhold the indignity of hosting these wretches"

Sorry, I've been at my mother's the past few days. She's off from work because of stress and a possible depression, so other things have been on my mind recently.

Anyways, Kip's suggestion is close enough to what I would have done, so rolling with it...and adding a confirmation roll.

Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 23
Crit Damage (if applicable): 2d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7, 2) + 8 + 1 = 18

Malthir starts with the dog and if he drops it starts on the wanna be Fey.

+2 longsword pwr atk hasted inspire prayer 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18 dam 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 20
+2 longsword pwr atk hasted full attack inspire prayer 1d20 + 11 - 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 16 dam 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 13

Hasted attack:
+2 longsword pwr atk hasted inspire prayer 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 22 dam 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 18

Sorry to hear about your mother Bruno.

Kalev glided across the battlefield, lacking grace but landing and planting his feet firmly in order to land a decisive slash upon the Spriggan guarding the door. Blood poured out and over the chain shirt that had done little to prevent the long slash upon the cross-bow wielding guard, but the tough Spriggan still fought on.

Malthir's heavy plate-mail boots groaned under the constant shifting of his weight as he duelled with the Dire Wolf. Early in his adventuring career, such an animal would have been a dire threat to the Duke. Now, Malthir's increased skill and the magical equipment enhancing it further meant the poor animal stood no chance against him. It took two long slashes across the back of the wolf and a final, impaling lunge as it clawed feebly at his armour to bring the tough animal down and the Spriggan wolf-master's eyes seethed in fury at the death of his pets.

Yes, take care as well Bruno.

Keeping in formation with Malthir, Ricter turns his attention to the enlarged Spriggan.

Flail Power Attack (+1 prayer, +2 inspire, +1 haste): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 4 = 28

Flail damage (+1 prayer, +2 inspire): 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

Haste Flail Power Attack (+1 prayer, +2 inspire, +1 haste): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 4 = 30

Flail damage (+1 prayer, +2 inspire): 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

Iterative Flail Power Attack (+1 prayer, +2 inspire, +1 haste): 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 4 = 31

Flail damage (+1 prayer, +2 inspire): 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

Current AC = 27 + 2 (sheild wall) + 1 (haste) = 30

The Spriggans appeared to endure more pain and were much hardier when they were increased in size. The extra fortitude and mettle the wolf-master had gained with his magic did not prevent Ricter from caving in his ribcage with two firm blows and sending teeth scattering across the courtyard as he broke the foe's neck with a massive, wound up swing to the head. Inside his full helmet, Ricter no doubt took satisfaction in the crunching sound the bone made when it snapped.

Visible in the courtyard from the blockhouse, Fenna found that her new position had attracted attention from above. Fortunately, her expensive, enchanted mithril breastplate proved too sturdy for the crossbow bolt fired at her to penetrate.

Vital Strike on Fenna (Miss): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Damage: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 3) + 5 = 10

Storm the Stockade of Spriggans

Round 5

Ordered Initiative-

Spriggans- 24
Casimir- 22
Fenna- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 14
Malthir- 8
Ricter- 7
Agai- 5

Active Effects-

Inspire Courage on all Guardians (+2/+2).

Prayer (Fenna to track duration).

Lead Blades (Kalev to track duration).

Haste (all Guardians but Casimir, Kip to track effects/duration).

Map-

Link (Round 5, I22)

Notes-

Squares P/Q, 34/35 are the pit Kip conjured. Standing on the edge of that square at the end of your action will require you to make a reflex save at +2 or fall inside...

Action-

Once again following the cue of their leader, the Spriggan crossbowmen inside the blockhouse rained down fire upon Fenna. Two of the crossbow bolts punctured her armour and flesh, wounding the Bleachling.

Attack #1 (Hit, Crit Threat): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Attack #1 (Crit Confirmed): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8
Attack #2 (Miss): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Attack #3 (Hit): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Attack #4: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Desperate to escape Kalev, the Spriggan who was guarding the door to the blockhouse reached for the door and tried to open it; only to find it stuck, or perhaps barred from the inside!

All of the Guardians are up.

With most of the enemies in the courtyard neutralized, Casimir ends his magical inspiration and flies back to the archers nest to check on the door.

Finding the door open, he lands besides it, ready to strike at anyone brave enough to try and close it.

"KALEV! UP HERE! NOW! KIP - GIVE THE OTHERS WINGS!" he bellows, then intones the words and gestures of another spell. Suddenly, there are several identical versions of Casimir standing on the top of the blockhouse.

End inspire, fly up, cast mirror image

Free action speech I only have enough energy to cast one more and that will leave me without any more of my most powerful spells! Ricter can you batter the door down?

We can probably take it down, but it may take a little time. I imagine it has been strengthened against just such an attack.

Malthir eyes the door to determine if it is metal or wood.

The door was made of sturdy looking wood.

"Perhaps I can provide you with the time you need," Fenna comments, before riding foward and beginning another prayer. "Skilled Craftsman, I ask that you lend your talents to build us shelter against the arrows of our foes."

Once her words draw to a close, a loud mechanical groan sounds out in the courtyard as a huge wood and steel mantlet appears to fly together from loose materials that were quite possibly not present a moment ago; the great shield forming atop the construction bearing a winged eye at it's centre.

Move to Q31 and cast minor image
Prayer: 4/7 rounds expired
Colour Spray: 1/2 rounds, 0/4 rounds, and 0/1 round expired.

I'll be without internet from tomorrow until Tuesday; feel free to NPC me if necessary.

As the 'siege equipment' comes together, Ricter mutters to himself:

"An orderly creation springs from random junk. Such elegant power..."

As his shield is clearly redundant he sheaths it as he strides with unnatural speed towards the door (40' move to N32, keeping 10' from the pit), taking up his flail in both hands. He steps over the bloodied remains of the spriggan and swings the flail hard against the door.

Kalev acts before me, and with a full round attack lined up I'm going to go ahead and assume the spriggan will be dealt with. If Kalev has another plan, this next attack is going at the spriggan instead of the door.

Two-handed flail power attack (+1 prayer, +1 haste):1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

damage (+1 prayer): 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Kip goes on init 6 after Kalev, Malthir and Ricter...

Kalev, having felled his opponent looks to the top of the tower from where Cas' voice had called.

Be right with you! he yelled back, crouching and then jumping into the air, the flight spell lifting him and allowing him to reach the top in what looked like one mighty jump.

KALEV SMASH!

Just to keep things straight... the current situation is:

- 2 regular size spriggans wounded and color sprayed (unconscious) in the courtyard
- 1 regular size spriggan wounded but standing by the door (Ricter's attack possibly being diverted to)
- 1 large size spriggan wounded and fallen in the pit (condition unknown)
- ? unknown number of spriggans barricaded within the fort

Malthir to act, then Kip, then the Spriggans.

Sound right? Anything missed?

Malthir moves towards the last Spriggan next to the door and next to Ricter.

+2 longsword pwr atk hasted prayer1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 22 dam 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 + 4 + 1 = 19