DM Barcas - Kingmaker: New Beginnings (Inactive)

Game Master Isaac Duplechain

I'll hex #3 then dropping his AC, so Berrin should have no problem hitting him. AC 10 until he goes again.

Round 2, initiative 10
AC 19, hp 33/33
Power Attack

Smiling at the hapless bandit Berrin draws his sword with exagerated care, making a long, hard scraping sound of steel beeing drawn. Keeping eyecontact as best he can Berrin puts force behind his blow and catches him squarely on the shoulders in an over-hand chop, nearly sending him to his knees.

Bandit AOO vs. Berrin 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Berrin Power attack Bandit 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 1 = 12
Damage 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

I can't open the map, so I'm assuming that I can attack the leader, but I'm doing that only if I can determine that no one can attack Tandlara. Or if the leader is not a threat, can I attack someone else? Since the map is not working for me, I'm having trouble visualizing the battlefield.

I can't open the map, so I'm assuming that I can attack the leader, but I'm doing that only if I can determine that no one can attack Tandlara. Or if the leader is not a threat, can I attack someone else? Since the map is not working for me, I'm having trouble visualizing the battlefield.

You can 5ft step (W13) to attack bandit #3 (and finish him off, current AC 10, current HP 6). Or you can get to the bandit leader at Y17 with 25ft movement and attack him.

For my money, since the leader is already both blind AND prone, I'd worry about the other dudes first.

What they said! #3 is up in your grill, the leader is blind and ineffectual! We're kicking these guys asses!

Cue the scythe-wielding bunny that charges and crits one of us for 40 damage.

Limited time and it looks like the bastards who were suppose to connect my internet at home have failed to do so, so I will post ahead.

Round 3, Initiative 15

Hp 38/38, AC 17
SA: Attack
Rage: 3 rounds used

Corwin rains down a flurry of blows at his remaining opponent, nicking him on both arms before landing a deep cut to the hip.

1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 1 = 17 (power attack)
1d12 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 3 = 13

Their morale (and bodies) shattered, the surviving bandits break and surrender. They throw their weapons to the ground before raising their hands. The one who surrendered first, the one with Zandr's arrow still in his stomach, begs for the group. "We surrender! It was Dovan's idea! The Stag Lord just wanted us to scout your fort, but we heard that you got a bunch of coin, enough for us to live like kings!"

The blinded leader, presumably Dovan, finds his way to his feet and holds the rapier out in front of him. "You're next after the elf! I'm going to feed you to the Drag Lord's dogs while you're still alive!" Every few moments, he stabs at threats that he thinks he hears approaching.

Out of Initiative unless you attack again.

There's that referance to the Drag Lord again.. Who was that again Barcas? ;P

"Alright boys. Hands up and gather 'round!" Berrin hollars with a big grin. "You heard you friend there, you can get fed to your Lord's dogs or you'll come quietly with us." Gesturing for the bandits to gather up Berrin looms over them with his sword drawn, not really trusting them to stay put. "Jemini, your good with words. Think you can talk some sence into that one?" he says gesturing at Donovan. "He'll end up stabbing himself if we don't get him to settle down."

intimidate 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13

Utilizing a Touch of Law daily to apply to this Intimidate check, giving me an even 20.

"Oh it's okay, Berrin, I'll talk him down." Taisper begins to walk toward the leader, Dovan, in measured steps. His weapon is still at the ready.

"Dovan, hey. Hey man. I was gonna tell you my duck joke but I think maybe there's another story you need to hear. I'll tell it to you; have you ever had a dream where you lost everything, Dovan? A dream where you were broken and mad, where you were held down by your gang and your friends and you were beaten and violated, you were broken and spit on and then cast out naked and alone?" As he walks, Taisper's voice rises in intensity but retains its laconic rhythms and tone of cheerful menace.

"Where you thought they were done but they weren't? Where every thing you thought made you and made you strong and bad and mean and a leader was laid bare before your shattered eyes so you could see only your failure and weakness with every puny breath that entered your filthy lungs you walking scab? Have you ever had that dream? HAVE YOU?!!" Taisper's voice remains steady until his final scream, where it takes on a crazed and keening edge.

Stopping just out of Dovan's reach, the Inquisitor then clears his throat and says as calmly as if discussing the grenness of grass; "Well you're having that dream right now, Dovan. That dream is us. Now you drop that sword and cooperate or I'll show you the real meaning of that dream. I will cave in your ribcage. None of my companions are near enough to stop me, and I'll do it. You know I'll do it, don't you Dovan? I bet you have a guy just like me back at camp. That guy. You know that guy. Well here I am. It's your call, friend."

True to his word, Taisper has his morningstar ready, and appears more than prepared to cave in the man's chest. His face is calm, his breathing is regular, and his jaw is clenched so tight it's amazing he hasn't bitten through his tongue.

Bluff to let any of his companions (especially Jemini) know he's just trying to intimidate the guy and isn't gonna kill him: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Taisper gives Jemini a significant look and a tight nod, letting her and any of his companions who can catch his movement know that he is just trying to intimidate Dovan into dropping his weapon and giving in, and isn't going to kill the helpless man.

Or at least, not yet anyway.

Releasing his rage, Corwin takes a number of deep breaths as the cessation of adrenalin works through his system. He corals his remaining foe back toward the others, raising an eye at Taisper's performance.

I do think the boy is serious. I've got a silver says this idiot doesn't last thirty seconds before screaming.

Intimidate assist 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Corwin can't make that sense motive check but doesn't seem to upset.

"F$~+! He'll piss his pants even before the boy starts on him if I know him right." Berrin scoffs at Corwin's bet.

Aid Intimidate ;P 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23

You don't have to. As long as I clear a 15, you get the message.

You can use Bluff to pass hidden messages along to another character without others understanding your true meaning by using innuendo to cloak your actual message. The DC of this check is 15 for simple messages and 20 for complex messages.

(I just learned that from LoreKeeper. :-))

OK good to know. Corwin's actions are unchanged :)

Oh c'mon he's a big tough bandit. I'll give you 3 to 2 he lasts until the first rib breaks.

Thanks! But they aiding you, not sense-motiving ;)

Jemini shakes her head, an enigmatic expression on her face. She picks up the sword the bandit before her tossed away, then points her own close the bandit's neck and the other at the other two the bandits. "Your good friend Dovan is going to get what's coming for him; there's a small chance for the rest of you to repent in earnest, or find your life ended by the sword or the rope in short time. I suggest you start by getting yourself properly bound up by Berrin and Corwin there." It's times like these where a nice sensible voice of law and order comes in handy. That... Bishop... messed things up good.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Berrin laughs heartily at Corwin's assessment of the bandit, wiping away a mock tear he sigh and shakes his head. "Ah.. no. I've seen what that boy can do with his morningstar. And it's magical too.. I'll give you 2 to 1 that he'll be out cold on the first blow."

LMAO you guys are killing me, this conversation is hilarious. :-D

'You know...' Tandlara says in a loud clear voice, her higher feminine tones an obvious counterpoint to Berrin and Corwin's gruff banter.

'I took his eyes. I could take other senses from him. He needs to listen, and to speak, but does he need anything else. I could curse him in ways he'll never forget, I can cost him his... well. I'm sure he can guess the rest. Can't you my dear?'

Aidimidate! Too much fun not too!
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Damn!

Berrin cringes a bit at Tandlara's overboard offer off punishment. 'She wouldn't.. Would she?' "Now hold on there... No need to go evil on the fellas privates here... Were just messing about Tandlara, let's not get hasty or anything, ok?"

Dovan snarls, his face a picture of rage and hate. "Once the Stag Lord finds out what you've done, you'll be the ones begging for mercy. You think you know anything about threats and torture? I've skinned a man alive and kept him alive! There's nothing you can say that will frighten ne!" He keeps the rapier up, its sharp point whipping through periodically.

The other bandits meekly submit to being tied up. They remain quiet, casting fearful glances at Dovan. They are obviously terrified of him, even in his diminished state.

Tandlara looks sheepish and stares down at her feet, clearly embarassed for having ruined the joke. Human humor is so... strange.

Okay let's keep it together. Best to keep queit for now. Taispar seems to have it handled. That boy is too convincing, far too convincing by half. Tandlara looks up to see Jemini keeping the other bandits under control and moves over towards Zander to help him remove the sticky substance from the tanglefoot bag, still faintly blushing, a color and expression very strange on the normally unflappable elf.

Leaving the others to their fun for now, Corwin moves over to tie up the lesser bandits at Jemini's word. As he does he leans over to her, Seems we're going to have to seperate this lot from the big torturer there if we want them to talk.

Sence Motive 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19 Can't believe I made that roll with a negative modifyer.

Berrin's joviality disapears in a heartbeat at Dovan's threats, Berrin can clearly hear the mans fear resonating in his quivering voice and see it in his frantic movements. He knows Dovan's type. He's seen 'em before, he's seen 'em and he really doesn't like 'em.

"Oh, come off it already. You'r not foolin' anyone you little piss. So you'r a bad-ass, good for you. You've hurt some people, did it make you feel big and strong? F%+# you. Our intrepid leader here.." he gestures at Jemini, forgetting for the moment that Dovan's blind as a bat for the remeinder of his days, "..has been known to provide free food and lodging to those who she thinks have valuable information, whatever that means, to aid our cause. Take Kressel for example, she's now happily rotting away in what used to be Oleg's stables, doing her damndest to make hardened wariors blush at the end of her tounge. Now, you talking s$~# is making me wana ignore that tendancy of our noble leader and just smack you down somthing fierce. You think you can take a beating you wirey little sonofab$*@&? I'm getting sick of your nasaly little f@*$ing voice, so make up yer f$%%ing mind. Die by the sword, or maybee, just maybee, draw breath for another day."

intimitdate 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22 nice :P

Alexius follows Corwing, sheathing his unused sword. "Damnation", he murmurs, but loud enough for bandit to hear him. "I haven't killed anyone - and my blade hungers for a soul... Well, there's nothing to it - a prisoner will have to suffice." He turns to the axe-wielder. "You know, we are taught some... rituals in the Hellknights..." He makes sure that the captured bandit hears the word "Hellknights".

Sense Motive 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18 Hot Damn!

Jemini's face becomes a mask of rage as she hears the torturous undertones of Dovan. She moves up to the leader, heedless of his wild swings. Iomedae guide my steps! For the heart! She reaches out, grabbing the wrist of his sword arm and bending it sharply in. With a yelp Dovan let's go, letting the rapier clatter to the ground. She moves up completely close to him - her sword hand rests hard on his shoulder the blade of the weapon just putting pressure on the soft of his neck. Her anger unsteadies her voice.

"Your pathetic bravado means nothing to me, you're tyranny will end today."

Disarm (backed up by the smite that is still active on Dovan) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Intimidate 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

I'm assuming "15" is enough to hit the CMD of the blind guy, and she shouldn't provoke from him while he's blind, so I think this is legit.

Tandlara looks up from helping Zander to scrape off the gooey adhesive to watch as Jemini moves up close to threaten Dovan, she turns to face this action once more keeping a sleep spell at the ready and a keen elven eye on the surrendered bandits, she makes a point of snarling at them as she draws mica from her spell pouch, Riddleskin climbing out of his own pouch and up her tunic to stand on her shoulders, hair bristling, teeth bared.

With neither dignity or weapon at hand thanks to Berrin and Jemini, Dovan resigns himself to his fate. His rapier lies on the ground where Jemini knocked it. It is a truly fine weapon, well-crafted and dangerous-looking. His sneer is less menacing this time, but present nonetheless. "You're just going to hang me anyway. Considering I can't see nothing, what hope've I got in surviving? May as well kill me now, save me a little time on my way to someplace more interesting."

"Did you think your evil actions would grant you a long and peaceful life?" Jemini looks at the blind man seriously, "It are your actions that doom you, if you knew where you'll be going after today, you might not be so keen to get there in a hurry."

"See, the boy didn't even touch him and he's already whyning." Berrin mutters to Corwin.

Spitting as if trying to get a foul tase out of his mouth he turns back to the prisoners. "Alright you lot. You just cost me a taste of Svetlana's Moon Radish Soup, and that makes me rather unhappy!" he says, emphasising the dishes name to push through just how badly he's goint to miss that soup. "If any of you feel like helping than you'll give me chance to vent my frustration on some of ya, if not; Do as your told and keep quiet, your glorious leader will take care of the whyning for ya. We'll be taking you back to Oleg's and there you'll be put under question, if we find your rotten to the core with no hope of correction; you'll hang. If we find out this is all a big misunderstanding and you guys are all decent chaps beneath all that filth; we might find use for you. We might even make men of ya. So file up! We're going for a walk!" Reminding himself uncomfortably much of his old drill sergent Berrin goes from bandit to bandit and secures their bindings and ties a line to connect them all, satisfied he tells them to sit down and wait while Jemini sorts out Dovan.

Going over to Zander he asks the archer if he could track their trail back to their camp, "No sence in leaving valuable equipment to the elements, and you might take Corwin along, that one can truly swing that axe and it's better two than one out in the woods."

Taisper stands stock still, remaining in ready position, as Jemini rushes past him to disarm Dovan and Berrin and Corwin tie everyone up. After Jemini and Dovan trade words, Taisper chuckles softly to himself, sounding for all the world like a bemused big brother. "Oh, Dovan. This is why I've always liked you so much! You're so funny!" The inquisitor then darts in very close, setting the head of his morningstar on the bandit leader's shoulder such that one of the spikes is pressing dangerously in on his carotid artery.

Taisper leans in close, whispering so only Dovan can hear. His voice is still calm. "Dovan...I don't have any skin, Dovan, man...I know where they'll be keeping you tonight, you know, and I don't...it's all gone! I'll come to you, and maybe you can tell me where my skin went, Dovan...maybe..." Taisper then jerks the morningstar away and steps back. He shudders once, violently and visibly, then relatches his weapon onto his belt and begins to tie and bind the bandit leader.

Jemini ensures that Dovan is separately bound from the others. As she works with Berrin to ensure the ropes are secure she mutters to him, "What a bother. Berrin, you're right let's get the camp of these bandits and return what we find to Oleg's place. I really hope we can find some moon radish while we're at it - I don't want to disappoint Svetlana." A soft grumbling escapes from Jemini's stomach and she blushes, "Guess my tummy is more honest, ey."

"Hah! It's a wonder how you can make men blush at one turn and then look embarased at the next." Berrin laughs at Jemini's manner. "But don't worry, I'm with ya on this one. The little thing are to enjoy right, the big ones you take a big hammer too, aye?"

The "helpful" bandit who surrendered first pipes up. "Won't be any use. We didn't make camp. We were just scouting out your fort, but then we saw you leaving. Dovan figured we could take your coin. The Stag Lord didn't give us any orders to try and attack. It was all Dovan's idea!"

Dovan, for his part, acts bored and inconvenienced. With an exaggerated sigh, he confirms the bandit's story. "This is true. I wanted your money. I sas going to kill this lot too once I had it. Can you just hurry up and kill me? Perhaps let your crazy fellow do it? I'm sure we can teach each other some enjoyable tricks when it comes to torture. A good skill set will help when I arrive in the Abyss."

Zander ignores them and speaks to Jemini. "I can hunt some more if you all take them back. Take the elk, too."

"You sure you want to be out here alone, Zander?" Taisper's concern is genuine.

"Ironically Zander is probably safer by himself than with us. He moves well in the woods, silent; with us along we stick out like a sore thumb." Jemini urges Zander: "Please have a lookout for the moon radishes, we already have one elk - so we don't need much more in the form of bulk meat."

Zander nods to Jemini but shakes his head towards Taisper. "Sure, moon radishes. Got it. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine on my own out here. You guys just get back to Oleg's. I'll worry about the food." He sets off deeper into the woods, pointing to Berrin to pick up the fallen elk.

"Well, I wasn't about to suggest we all go trooping along with him, just that someone accompany him so he isn't..." Taisper pulls himself up short, and shakes his head. "...eh, never mind. Sorry. Forget it." The inquisitor puts his shield back on his back and checks quickly to make sure he's not forgetting anything else, then assists with any last tasks required for securing the prisoners.

"Hope Zander finds some of those Moon Radishes, hey? I'd never heard of the things before I got here but now, man; I love that soup Jemini told Svetlana about. So good!" Taisper isn't really talking to anyone in particular as he says this, but ambles his horse over by Alexius. "So, Alexius. What's a Hellknight, exactly? And what was it you were saying about 'souls' earlier, or about needing souls, or something?"

Berrin just nods as Zander makes off and sets to working the elk. Digging a hole he guts it so the innards leak into it, covering it up he places a big stone over the loose dirt. "Feeds the earth, keeps the scavangers out. Same concept for burials." he mutters to himself before knocking together a stetcher wich he attempts to fasten to Valnir. Valnir though, won't have it, and after a series of bites, half-kicks and bumps Berrin subseeds with a string of curses and finds another horse to drag the dear. Taking up the rains for the bandits line he holds it up and looks questioningly at his horse wich to all apearances seems to shrug at the gesture and takes a step toward Berrin, presenting his saddle to him. Berrin just sighs and mounts up, not saying a word.

Towing the line Berrin rides in relevant silence back to Oleg's.

Going over to Zander he asks the archer if he could track their trail back to their camp, "No sence in leaving valuable equipment to the elements, and you might take Corwin along, that one can truly swing that axe and it's better two than one out in the woods."

"Ironically Zander is probably safer by himself than with us. He moves well in the woods, silent; with us along we stick out like a sore thumb." Jemini urges Zander: "Please have a lookout for the moon radishes, we already have one elk - so we don't need much more in the form of bulk meat."

Sorry can we do a slight retcon.

If I was this lot I'd keep a keep a man or two back at the camp especially if they had horses. The bandits clothing might give this away ie pants, riding boots etc

I doubt I can move as quietly through the woods as Zander here but he might need someone to watch his back.

Corwin would prefer to go along but won't push it.

Jemini takes an appraising look at Corwin then chuckles, "You're a solid addition to any battle, Corwin, but I think you're out of your depth here. We're not far out from Oleg's - Zander knows this region by heart and won't have much trouble hunting down some more game and blending in with the woords. And, sometimes, Zander just wants and needs a bit of alone time. He's had it harder than most, and still is a good guy underneath it all. So if he wants you along, sure - but I'll trust him to manage very well on his own, even if there are one or two bandits foolish enough to try to sneak up on him."

Corwin shrugs, but doesn't seem upset. As you say.

Turning to the archer, Good hunting then and may Old Deadeye be with you.

Guys, I've lost my internet access. That condition should last for a week or two - I don't know how long really. I may be able to post sporadically, but it would be best for my character to become NPC temporarily.

Ugh. Bummer. Hope you get it back soon, man.

Taisper assists wherever he can with keeping the prisoners in line, though usually just with quiet prods. Every now and then he steals a glance at Doval, but he says nothing.

The expedition, minus Zander, returns to Oleg's with their new prisoners. It takes a bit more time with the bandits on foot, but they arrive in the late afternoon. Kesten rides out to meet them, having seen their approach from the battlements. "What happened? Where's Zander?" He looks very worried for their missing ally.

Svetlana rushes out as she hears the guards having a bit of a commotion. She worriedly greets them "I... Where is Zander? He's not...?"

"He's fine, Svetlana, he's fine. He's going to continue hunting for a bit and bring back more meat. Dealing with these fools delayed us, so he's hoping to make up for that." Taisper's words are meant to be reassuring, but he himself looks strangely worried.

Svetlana let's out a worried sigh. "Oh, good. You had me really scared. I just worry about all of you when you're gone!" She smiles, her cheery countenance returning. "I guess you made some new friends? They're probably just like Kressle. Do I need to prepare some gags?"

I have a feeling they'll be good. Corwin prods one of the bandits along. Besides we still need to have a nice long talk with them.

Kesten acknowledges Corwin's statement, calling over a few of his troops. "Take custody of the prisoners. Looks like the stables are going to get pretty tight. Do not leave them alone with Kressle!" As his men take the prisoners, he turns to Jemini. "Do you want them to go with Walthon, or are you planning on giving them their justice here?"

Svetlana herds them back into the walls of the fort. "Let's get back inside. Who knows what else is lurking out there!"