DM_Keddah - Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Keddah

The woman seems disappointed when Geoffrey tells here they're not the guards she was expecting but nonetheless keeps an smile in her face as she answers Oh, there's a group of bandits who come here once a month and force us to give them almost all we have made in that time... they're due to come today or tomorrow... she waves at the man signaling for him to come down to talk to you My husband will explain it better

** spoiler omitted **

I'll just take 10 on that one, if I can.

Tudan nods at Brennor. "Of course."

Geoffrey nods in agreement.

"Whilst we may not be the ones you were hoping for, I dare say that we could still give those bandits a nasty surprise when they come to 'visit'."

The woman smile broadens when you offer your help and she motions to his husband cto come faster. Once he arrives he asks What's the matter Svetlana? and as she explains the situations he turns to the party and says Well, the first time they were a couple dozen of bandits led by a bit... by a woman who almost cut my leg in half when I tried to defend myself he shows a huge wound on the back of his leg She said they would come to get their tribute once a month, the second time it was only a dozen of bandits and the woman wasn't among them. he looks around at the palisade and continues The palisade is alright, although it wouldn't stop them raining arrows on us, the catapults at the towers are half rot and half rust, no use at all in them. he looks at the group again We can't pay you for your efforts, they've taken too much from us in these two months

Oleg's Map

Tudan nods. "Quite alright, it falls under our mission anyway. In fact, once we've dealt with these bandits, I'd like to look at your stores, and see what *I* might want to pay for." He grins and winks to show that he's aware of the optimism of that statement, not a fool.

"Now, I'm mostly a healer -- all I have is basic village militia training -- so I will leave the tactics to my partners here."

Is there anything Tudan can do for his leg, or is an injury like that permanent once it heals that way?

I think these predators will find that prey is most dangerous when backed into a corner, though the prospect of facing a dozen blades is a bit foreboding. We will need to plan this out well. Brennor scans the trading post with the eyes of a hunter searching for a roost, pausing to look at each of the towers deep in thought.

I know little of engineering, but would it be possible to make these catapults appear functional? And if we were, would we be able to prop up dummies in armor of a sort to make it seem we are of a greater number? If i were a rogue intent on claiming this post, I would target the siege engines and if they focus their fire on those we could strike from the sides, hopefully encircling them and forcing an early surrender. Erastil willing we could avoid bloodshed, but I could be overly optimistic.

Tudan looks dubious. "They've been in here and seen those catapults at least a couple of times, and it's hard to picture encircling a larger force. I'm neither a tactician nor a pessimist, but I'd like to hear other options."

Geoffrey shrugs.

"I think that a sounder approach would be to lure them into the trading post courtyard, and then ambush them, preferably starting at range. If we give the impression of strength, they are more likely to go back to their base, and collect a larger force..."

"Geoffrey's plan has merit. If we are able to draw them in, then we can ensure none escape. If they observe that the catapult have been repaired they will likely be quite wary afore they approach..."

"Oh!" Tudan's eyes widen. "If we're going to do anything like that, then I'd better stable my Horse as soon as possible, in case they come today. I can hide on a moment's notice, but he's not so agile." He rubs Horse's nose affectionately and turns to Svetlana and Oleg. "May I?"

If given assent and an obvious barn... Tudan turns to go. "When you all figure it out, just tell me where to stand and I'll do my part."

Having never had a horse of my own, I assume that grooming and feeding take longer than a few minutes, so I'll probably miss the rest of this debate.

"So we really don't need to do anything except hide ourselves and our tracks then since they will come in here on their own to collect their tribute. We shouldn't do anything to make them think that the circumstances here have changed."

Lysa looks around at the building and the surrounding trees. "Maybe we can have those of us that are decent with a bow find a position up high somewhere to try to pick some of them off before they suspect anything?"

"Or sling!" As he leads his Horse away, Tudan tosses an aside over his shoulder, in a moment of racial pride... even though he's actually the worse of the two slingers in the group.

With a short bow to Svetlana and Oleg, Hathin will accompany Tudan to the stables to tend to Chwal and Tudan's steed.

Hathin will definately take a ranged slot - preferably out in the open where he could potentially bring entangle to bear

I just realized, Tudan has carefully gathered three good stones from the yard -- one every now and then -- ever since bandits were mentioned.

Tudan and Lysa are equally not-as-good at ranged attacks, and we have other (magical) skills. Not sure where to put us, but don't forget my several (Selective) Channel Energies per day. I would've explained it on the trip down, and maybe even given a demonstration... just so you'd "feel" it.

Aye it would be more tactically sound to lure them into the courtyard, what if there some who stay behind? Depending on how many bandits come it could be a problem.

Brennor will go ranged as well, preferably up in one of the towers so he can use rapid shot

"Would a lone traveler stopping by here for the night help tempt them to enter the courtyard? Just to see what they could take from her?"

"Would a lone traveler stopping by here for the night help tempt them to enter the courtyard? Just to see what they could take from her?"

"It might be, that would be very risky for whomever took that upon themselves. But it could help lure the rogues into an area where we could subdue them more quickly."

Lysa shrugs. "If I wanted to stay safe I wouldn't have volunteered for this. I'll play the role of the lone traveler since I'm one of the least threatening looking members of this group. We don't want them to come in expecting to fight someone."

Oleg listens to your plans but keeps quiet unless directly asked.
Well, when they come to get their tribute they enter the fort as if it belonged to them, take our money, our food and... and threaten to take my wife... It shouldn't be difficult to lure them in before springing a trap

"Well then, it sounds as if we have the makings of a good plan."

Tudan brushes out a stale stall before removing Horse's tack and saddle and settling him in with feed, then currying him. Horse looks nervous at the application of yellow spice, thinking that he'd rather Tudan seek his favor than improve his flavor. "So, how's Malfini? Any improvement?"

"Malfini does what is asked of him, he endures and grows strong"

Excellent. I will set myself in the left tower if we were to face the gate, from there I'll provide support with my bow. Oleg, do you have any manacles in your trading post? For prisoners we may end up taking.

Brennor looks nervous, but not fearful. He stares off into the sun in thought after he finishes speaking.

These predators are unnatural. They do not hunt like the wolf, nor do they strike cleanly like an eagle. They prey upon the weak and make them suffer. Rather than cleanly finish their prey they draw out the agony and distress. Their behavior is aberrant and with Erastil's will and by my hand the natural order will be restored.

My plan is to shoot from a far, taking on any on the other side of the wall as primary targets. I'm going to set up a rope line so that I can hop off the wall quickly if need be. Also being the beefy-paladin I'll try and draw fire :D

"Malfini does what is asked of him, he endures and grows strong"

Tudan smiles briefly. "I can only hope to follow that example, given this challenge, my first of the like. You?"

Face devoid of specific emotion "I have endured challenge before, and no doubt shall do again."

I would like to start by throwing a sling-stone from someone at range, and then closing to provide a flank...

Tudan bows gracefully and respectfully to his elder of who-knows-how-many years while finishing up taking care of Horse, then returns to the courtyard. "Have we decided on a strategy? I'd like to keep our foes at range. However, Hathin has encouraged me, and what I'd really like is to stay within ten yards of you all so that I can heal as many as possible as quickly as possible, in case of injuries. Out of the fray would be ideal, but I can take care of myself if need be." If Malfini and Hathin can endure such challenges, then so can I!

For positioning, I'm assuming the catapults are shielded by a reasonable amount of wall at the top.
Hathin would be concealed by lying down atop the bottom left tower - completely out of sight of the approaching bandits.

As the morning sun rises you take your positions, several hours pass as Oleg and Svetlana go around the post taking care of their duties. Before dawn a group of six bandits, led by a bearded man, arrive at the post on their horses and with an arrogant voice demand their tribute
Hey Oleg dear friend have you got my money ready or should I give your leg a little prodding to teach you the virtue of preparation? says the man from atop his horse.

Lysa stands up from her seat at the table and calls across the compound. "Mister Oleg, who are these people?"

Oleg stays silent as the man says So you brought us some fun on top of our money? Ain't you a peachy my dear Oleg? If you don't mind my manners lady, could you come over here so my men can enjoy your sight before I enjoy you?

I hope they dismount soon so we can attack because I really want to take a swing at this pig. "I am just traveling through on my way to visit family, I didn't come here to provide enjoyment to anyone. So if you don't mind, I'd rather stay over here."

Oh, a rebel you are... ha. I will bring you here myself says the man as he dismounts and approaches Lysa.

Waiting until they have dismounted...

Surprise Round:

Geoffrey carefully lines-up a shot, and hurls a sling-stone at the bearded gentleman!

Sling: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18, for 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5 Bludgeoning damage.

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9.

Surprise Round:

Hathin stands from prone and brings his bow to bear, scanning for an appropriate target.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

As it happens, no one had a better idea, so Tudan was at M11. I would need to know the bandits' positions to describe this better...

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

If he hears the bandit leader's threat, Tudan bursts through the door of the small building in the middle, loaded sling in hand.

Move action to open the door, 5' step through to M12. Then he does something. Assume slinging the nearest bandit who isn't dead yet...

Sling: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 blunt damage

Unnerved by the bandit leaders threat, Lysa reacts by putting a sleep hex upon him. DC 15

If he falls asleep, Lysa will feign concern and suggest his men see to him.

The leader is hit by a bullet thrown by Geoffrey and then feels sleepy as he approaches Lysa and suddenly falls to the ground.

Will Save 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Inmediately Tudan and Hathin appear threatening the bandits as Edmond and Brennor close the door to avoid the bandits escaping.

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The door is closed, the bandits can open it but it will take them a move action. Normal initiative takes place.

Geoffrey is up!

Round 1:

Geoffrey loads another sling bullet, and tosses it at one of the still-standing, un-engaged thugs!

Sling: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17, for 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6 Bludgeoning damage.

Like a good halfling, Tudan moves to a fine slinging position against the bandits (20 move to P14). Then, he slings at bandit #3 using the rolls above: 21 attack, 5 blunt damage. "Ha, take that, fiend!"

Geoffrey's bullet hits bandit 5 barely scratching him.

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Bandit 4 readies his shortbow and turns to shoot at Brennor hitting his arm.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 4

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Bandit 5 dismounts and readies his short sword.

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Bandit 1 launchs an arrow against Edmond drawing blood from his leg.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 4

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Bandit 2 dismounts and readies a handaxe.

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Brennor takes out his bow and shoots back at bandit 4 barely hitting him.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

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Tudan sling hits bandit 3's head but he stands on his horse.

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Brennor & Edmond take 4 damage.
Bandit 3 takes 5 damage from Tudan.
Bandit 4 takes 3 damage from Brennor.
Bandit 5 takes 1 damage from Geoffrey.
Bandits 5 & 2 are dismounted and armed for melee.

Lysa is up!
Then Edmond is up
Then Hathin is up

Lysa will attempt to put Bandit 4 to sleep. Sleep Hex: DC 15

Round 1:

Hathin calmly nocks an arrow to his shortbow, taking aim at the nearest bandit. Squinting just before the arrow flies from his bow....

Shortbow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22 for 1d6 ⇒ 2

Swift action to use Hawkeye ability, then shoot at Bandit #5

Bandit 4 falls asleep atop of his horse.

Will Save 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

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Hathin's arrow flies and hits bandit 4 in the shoulder.

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Edmond moves next to bandit 5 and swings his sword at him but the bandit manages to dodge his attack.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

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Bandit 3 send an arrow flying towards Hathin but it goes wide.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Bandit 6 dismounts and takes out his short sword as he approaches Edmond's back

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Bandit 4 is asleep.
Bandit 5 took 2 damage from Hathin.
Edmond is flanked by bandits 5 & 6.
Geoffrey is up!

Sighing in annoyance, Geoffrey descends the ladder, drawing a club as he does so, and moves to flank one of the bandits...

Oh no, I better do something about that bandit trying to get the drop on Edmond. Lysa stares at bandit 6, attempting to put him to sleep. sleep hex dc 15

Bandit 4 is still asleep

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Bandit 5 takes a swing at Edmond and leaves him heavily damaged

Attack 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

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Bandit 1 shoots an arrow at the incoming Geoffrey but the arrow hits his armour and falls to the ground.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

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Bandit 2 moves towards Lysa and throws a handaxe at her but the axe crashes against the wall.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

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IGNORE
Brennor shoots another arrow, this time at bandit 2 and once more he hits his target.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

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Tudan moves next to the bandit leader but nerves get the best of him and he fail to coup de grace him.

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Lysa's eyes look intensely at bandit 6 who feels sleepy, but shaking his head he manages to stay upright.

Will Save 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

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Edmond readies his sword to defend himself as enemies surround him.

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Edmond is down to 2hp and takes total defense
Bandit 2 is unarmed.
Tudan is next to the leader who is still asleep.
Hathin is up!

Round 2:

Nocking another arrow to his shortbow, Hathin fires again....

Shortbow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 12 for 1d6 ⇒ 5

Swift action to use Hawkeye ability, then shoot again at Bandit #5 - have included the -4 for firing into melee above.

Brennor face is a mask of grim determination as he grits his teeth and sites his next target. He rapidly fires off two arrows at the bandit's archer.

Will Erastil judge me wanting for my actions? I feel that I'll be found more wanting if my hesitation causes more harm than it already has.

Rapid shot at Bandit 2
First Arrow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Second Arrow:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Hathin's arrows flies, barely avoiding both Edmond and the bandits.
Brennor shoots two arrows, the first one striking true on the unarmed bandit, the second one straying wide.

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Bandit 3 drops his bow and dismounts readying his short sword.

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Bandit 6 attacks Edmond but the fighter's defensive stance allows him to deflect the attack.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

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Bandit 2 takes 5 damage.
Geoffrey is up