DM Sully's Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Max Hellspont

Before the group departs, Father Avery gives the group a weeks worth of simple iron rations per person, with the promise that they remember that Erastil is watching over them and to do no evil willingly during the expedition.

With no other preamble, the Mayor and other nobles bid the group farewell, and watch from the gate until they disappear from sight.

Unfortunately, the rainy weather holds steady, and after the first night spent at a small roadside shrine to Gorum about twenty miles south from Restov, the group awakens to much the same the following morning. During that time you each consume one days worth of rations. Also, for clarification purposes, the group travels at the speed of the slowest party member.

The relatively flat grassy plain begins to give way to rolling hills, and the scattered copses of fir, oak, and beech trees begin becoming more frequent and much thicker. The road becomes narrower and narrower, and twists and turns become more frequent to avoid rock outcroppings and especially dense areas of forest.

You come around the corner and see about forty to fifty yards away a wagon in the middle of a treelined section the road, with a woman crouched down next to it, apparently examining the axle. Several tools are strewn across the ground behind her, and she seems at a loss. A pair of beatdown horses whicker nervously. She glances in your direction and says,

"Oh, thank Desna above! I thought I was goin' ta be stuck here for days an days!"

Perception check DC 16

Perception check DC 21

Perception Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

If the Perception Check is vs. Humans, then Harther adds an additional +2 to the result.

""Ware the left!" Harther warns softly so that only his companions can hear. "Several figures moving in the undergrowth!"

The ranger then swiftly nocks an arrow and takes aim at the figures in the undergrowth.

Please note, Harther is walking (since he couldn't afford a horse) and will be carrying his bow in-hand since he knows that the group is traveling in a bandit-infested area.

You got both of them. Good eyes!

Hooray! Our first taxpayer! Er...sorry, wrong game. :)

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Go ahead and roll for initiative (our first one!). We'll try to post actions in order, but sometimes it can get wonky in a PbP. If you know you'll have a day or two of slow posting, let us know and someone can run your character for you. Here we go!

Nice friggin' rolling

"Where? I don't see anything."

Rani draws her bow and nocks an arrow, following Harther's lead.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

[edit]I've unfortunately got to go out for a bit...just as the action starts. Feel free to take actions for me if I'm not posting. Rani will stay out of combat and use her bow unless she's needed for healing in which case she'll cast cures or channel, whichever's best. She has selective channeling in that case. If somebody gets up in her grill she'll use wooden fist

For calculating movement, Rani has a horse as well.[/edit]

During that time you each consume one days worth of rations. Also, for clarification purposes, the group travels at the speed of the slowest party member.

Note: I have a horse so not my 20" speed.

Perception Roll- 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Initiative Roll- 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Sense Motive Roll (you'll see why...)- 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

My Lady! Quick, get down- there are bandits in the undergrowth! We shall protect you!

Reacting instantly to the threat of a hidden assailant, Berenkor drops a Sleep spell centered on the closest figure he can see, and draws his Crossbow.

Sully yes the DC is 16 due to it being an Enchantment spell. Being a Gnome, also bear in mind I effectively have Spell Focus (Illusion). And yes I know shes probably in league with the bandits but Berenkor sees a classic and dramatic Damsel in Distress with that Sense Motive roll :D

Perception check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

DM Sully wrote:

During that time you each consume one days worth of rations. Also, for clarification purposes, the group travels at the speed of the slowest party member.

Note: I have a horse so not my 20" speed.

Perception Roll- 1d20+1

Initiative Roll- 1d20+3

Sense Motive Roll (you'll see why...)- 1d20-1

My Lady! Quick, get down- there are bandits in the undergrowth! We shall protect you!

Reacting instantly to the threat of a hidden assailant, Berenkor drops a Sleep spell centered on the closest figure he can see, and draws his Crossbow.

Sully yes the DC is 16 due to it being an Enchantment spell. Being a Gnome, also bear in mind I effectively have Spell Focus (Illusion). And yes I know shes probably in league with the bandits but Berenkor sees a classic and dramatic Damsel in Distress with that Sense Motive roll :D

Thanks for the clarification. I had noted about the horse but I appreciate keeping me honest. My first PbP DMing and all I'm sure I'll miss something sooner or later. Nice touch with the damsel in distress.

Berenkor Trandoran wrote:

DM Sully wrote:

During that time you each consume one days worth of rations. Also, for clarification purposes, the group travels at the speed of the slowest party member.

Note: I have a horse so not my 20" speed.

Perception Roll- 1d20+1

Initiative Roll- 1d20+3

Sense Motive Roll (you'll see why...)- 1d20-1

My Lady! Quick, get down- there are bandits in the undergrowth! We shall protect you!

Reacting instantly to the threat of a hidden assailant, Berenkor drops a Sleep spell centered on the closest figure he can see, and draws his Crossbow.

Sully yes the DC is 16 due to it being an Enchantment spell. Being a Gnome, also bear in mind I effectively have Spell Focus (Illusion). And yes I know shes probably in league with the bandits but Berenkor sees a classic and dramatic Damsel in Distress with that Sense Motive roll :D

Thanks for the clarification. I had noted about the horse but I appreciate keeping me honest. My first PbP DMing and all I'm sure I'll miss something sooner or later. Nice touch with the damsel in distress.

Cheers and no worries. I will warn you now that I spend 98% of my RP time DMing and 2% playing so I may get a bit rules lawyery and I apologise in advance for it. The amusing part is that my Sense Motive will go through the roof next level up to a +9 from a -1 lol.

Initiative Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Sense Motive on the Lady in Distress (if allowed): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Eseldra will begin casting a Summon Monster 1 to summon a celestial fire beetle and direct it to attack bandits on the wing. Then she will use Acid Darts to start picking off bandits. I have to go out, but please carry on without me.

Initiative Check: 1d20 + 5

Sense Motive on the Lady in Distress (if allowed): 1d20 + 5

Heh I was only making myself roll for that due to Berenkor's background, not sure you actually need to.

Heh I was only making myself roll for that due to Berenkor's background, not sure you actually need to.

Well, humans are Harther's Favored Enemy (the whole bandits kidnapped his father thing, so he is intent on hunting them down), and we are traveling in an area of known bandit activity, so Harther is going to be a bit suspicious of the people the party meets. With that said, I have a feeling that with that Sense Motive check, Harther will also believe that the lady with the wagon is an innocent about to be attacked by bandits!

Berenkor Trandoran wrote:

Heh I was only making myself roll for that due to Berenkor's background, not sure you actually need to.

Well, humans are Harther's Favored Enemy, and we are traveling in an area of known bandit activity, so Harther is going to be a bit suspicious of the people the party meets. With that said, I have a feeling that with that Sense Motive check, Harther will also believe that the lady with the wagon is an innocent about to be attacked by bandits!

Well I set myself a DC of 10 but who knows ;).

Also Sully, I re-worked my skills and traits slightly as I wasnt happy with them before but didn't quite get time to tweak them in Thailand. Knowledge (Nature) not ride is now my pioneer trait bonus, took Knowledge (Nature) instead of history, and changed reactionary to resilient; felt more justifiable from ex-slave background

Tyr trudges along, generally at the rear of the party, his armored form being the slowest. Come the new day he broaches the subject of his 'hustling' for as long as his stamina allows, the better for the rest of the party to gain ground , travel time.

I'm assuming saner heads prevail and Tyr doesn't hustle to keep his movement speed up at 30'/Round. (^_~)

At Harther's quiet call Tyr stops, lowers his pack and unlimbers his sword.

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Initiative:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

If we're going into combat rounds, that's Tyr for the first one. Removing pack and drawing sword.

I'll be out and about for the next several hours, but I'll work on gridding the combat field and let you know positions for everything as well as initiative counts later on this evening.

Those who attempted a sense motive:

I'm assuming saner heads prevail and Tyr doesn't hustle to keep his movement speed up at 30'/Round. (^_~)

Berenkor has a horse too big for him anyway and offered you a seat a while ago on the road. However, he hasnt stopped talking since you got on the horse.

Berenkor rides his horse up to Karthas as he says this.

Not really had much of a chance to chat yet, you and I Karthas. I imagine the nobility had guards put around you for dangerous ideals, yes?

"Not as much dangerous thoughts as deeds I'm afraid, my small friend." Karthas admits somewhat ashamed. "I noticed that the Swordlords were nearly as ready for you be on your way as they were for me. I take it in your case it was for your words?"

Berenkor Trandoran wrote:

Berenkor rides his horse up to Karthas as he says this.

Not really had much of a chance to chat yet, you and I Karthas. I imagine the nobility had guards put around you for dangerous ideals, yes?

"Not as much dangerous thoughts as deeds I'm afraid, my small friend." Karthas admits somewhat ashamed. "I noticed that the Swordlords were nearly as ready for you be on your way as they were for me. I take it in your case it was for your words?"

We're retconning this conversation

Oh no, I volunteered. They assured me they will begin the implementation of the Common Rule without me and look after the followers I had gathered in Restov while I am gone. However, the hundreds of slaves they told me about that are trapped in the Stolen Lands require a greater portion of my attention, so I eagerly volunteered.

Fear not, my large friend. You are still young, and you will have many chances to redeem yourself for any past misdeeds. Fear not, for Berenkor Estalia Trandoran will keep you in check

Upon seeing the rest of his party prepare for battle, Karthas draws his greatsword and does likewise.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

nice...SLOOWWW...barbarian

Okay, don't mind doubling up. Tyr isn't a great one for conversations however, I fear.

Seeing Karthas also drawing a great sword, Tyr actually grins as he steps closer to the other man.

"I see I will have my work cut out for me trying to keep up with you." Try comments upon their different styles of armor and stances. There is a light in Tyr's amber eyes however, possibly a joy at the prospect of the coming combat. He nod,

"Shall we take the battle to the enemy? Together we charge?" Tyr asks quietly shifting his grip upon his great sword.

I hope I'm, not over stepping what can be done in a round? Unlimbering? weapon preparing? Short conversation?

Fear not, my large friend. You are still young, and you will have many chances to redeem yourself for any past misdeeds. Fear not, for Berenkor Estalia Trandoran will keep you in check [/b]

"I hope you are right, but it will take a great deal to make a mends for my greatest mistake."

Okay, don't mind doubling up. Tyr isn't a great one for conversations however, I fear.

Seeing Karthas also drawing a great sword, Tyr actually grins as he steps closer to the other man.

"I see I will have my work cut out for me trying to keep up with you." Try comments upon their different styles of armor and stances. There is a light in Tyr's amber eyes however, possibly a joy at the prospect of the coming combat. He nod,

"Shall we take the battle to the enemy? Together we charge?" Tyr asks quietly shifting his grip upon his great sword.

I hope I'm, not over stepping what can be done in a round? Unlimbering? weapon preparing? Short conversation?

"I have no love of killing, but if that is the path these bandits choose, the next sight they see shall be Pharasma's face."

"I have no love of killing, but if that is the path these bandits choose, the next sight they see shall be Pharasma's face."

Again, not wanting to over step a round...

"We can always shout for them to surrender now, then?" Tyr asks, though it is hard to tell if the man is joking or being serious. "Though I dare say waiting for them to shoot first would put us in a bad spot to asks questions later."

Karthas wrote:

"I have no love of killing, but if that is the path these bandits choose, the next sight they see shall be Pharasma's face."

Again, not wanting to over step a round...

"We can always shout for them to surrender now, then?" Tyr asks, though it is hard to tell if the man is joking or being serious. "Though I dare say waiting for them to shoot first would put us in a bad spot to asks questions later."

They may all be asleep by the time your initiative count comes up lol :D

Puts official GM hat on A small sentence or two is usually ok as a free action in combat, more usually means the GM makes it take longer, say a move action. Depends on DM/GM Removes GM hat

Right you are then, next post will be an action ...um...hopefully...;)

Eseldra can't see any bandits yet, but she's planning on summoning her beetle over where Tyr and Karthas are looking, maybe setting up a flank for one of them.

Eseldra can't see any bandits yet, but she's planning on summoning her beetle over where Tyr and Karthas are looking, maybe setting up a flank for one of them.

You could always delay your action until after Tyr's :), summoning is a full-round action anyway isn't it so it won't appear till Round 2.

Eseldra wrote:

Eseldra can't see any bandits yet, but she's planning on summoning her beetle over where Tyr and Karthas are looking, maybe setting up a flank for one of them.

You could always delay your action until after Tyr's :), summoning is a full-round action anyway isn't it so it won't appear till Round 2.

Just make sure that you don't wait until after my turn...you may never get to cast the spell.

Ready to charge the enemy upon my Initiative turn. *salutes*

Sully:

I don't know if I'll be on much later tonight, so with that in mind...In round one I will attempt to intimidate the bandits into surrendering (1d20+8 or 1d20+9 if they really are bandit/brigands/etc..). If that fails, round 2 will be Rage and Power Attack (to hit +5, damage 2d6+9)until the foe is no more. Since we don't know for sure what is going on in the encounter, I will leave all die rolls your hands. Thanks

Sorry guys, just got home. I was planning on getting the encounter mapped out tonight, but darn it the NCAA Final Four tourney is in my town and I just HAD to go downtown...

I have Easter stuff in the morning, but I'll try to get reactions to actions done before I have to leave. Then I'll be around all afternoon/evening.

Initiative order:
Eseldra - 22
Berenkor - 21
Rani - 20
Evildoers - 17
Harther - 14
Tyr - 9
Karthas - 4

Since Rani can't see anyone she'll ready an action to shoot as soon as one of the "evildoers" becomes visible. She doesn't suspect anything of the damsel. We're still quite a way from them, right (last post said 40-50 yards I think)?

Assuming they make an appearance and further assuming I won't be around when my roll is needed, I'll make it now: Longbow 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22, dmg 1d8 ⇒ 6

I'm going to be out from 11 am - 6 pm Pacific at my regular weekly game so won't be able to post. Sully, please feel free to take actions for Rani if I'm not posting.

Dayum. Possible crit. Confirm 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19.

Dayum. Possible crit. Confirm 1d20+2.

Woot! Unless they've got hella AC I'm thinking that's going to do it. Ol' Deadeye strikes again. So, 18 damage if you're multiplying or here it is rolled 2d8 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 [edit]6+3+3=9 total...hmmm, thinks we like multiplied better :)[/edit]

Rani wrote:

Dayum. Possible crit. Confirm 1d20+2.

Woot! Unless they've got hella AC I'm thinking that's going to do it. Ol' Deadeye strikes again. So, 18 damage if you're multiplying or here it is rolled 2d8 [edit]6+3+3=9 total...hmmm, thinks we like multiplied better :)[/edit]

6+3+3 is 12.

6+3+3 is 12.

LOL. I are gud at maff. Yah, like the man said, 12. :)

Ok, for reference, I'm putting positions on a grid where numbers (1-7) designate columns across and letters (A-L) correspond with rows running up and down. The road runs north to south and basically takes up columns 1, 2, and 3. The wagon is in 2F-2H and 3F-3H. The horses are in 2I-2J and 3I-3J. The woman is in 1H, and the shadowy figures are in 5G, 5I, 6H, and 6D. You all can be in any position in a square consisting of 1A-1C, 2A-2C, or 3A-3C. Columns 5 (from G-L), 6, and 7 are relatively thick undergrowth and count as difficult terrain. I had a typo in a previous post. You are 30-40 FEET, not yards. My mistake, but it makes getting into the thick of things easier! If you choose not to move on your turn, list your current position, please. If you move, please indicate where you end up after you end the turn.

Eseldra begins to cast her summoning spell unless you decide to delay. Either way, it's an easy retcon if you want to jump in later instead of casting.

Berenkor mutters a few arcane syllables and two of the shadowy figures (5G and 5I) slump to the ground. I made the assumption you'd target where you could hit more than one rather than the one who was nearest. Sorry if it was too presumptuous!

Rani's arrow zips between the trees, clipping off several leaves and takes one of the figures (6H) in the throat. With a muffled shout and a gurgle, he falls back against another tree and slides to the ground. What a shot!

The remaining standing figure knocks and releases an arrow at Berenkor and it whistles past his ear, narrowly missing its intended target.

“Gorum's balls,” curses the “damsel in distress,” “must I do everything myself?” She pulls a loaded crossbow from under a canvas tarp in the wagon and looses a shot at Rani. Fortunately, she pulls her shot and the bolt goes wide sailing over the party.

Harther's turn. I've got listed actions for everyone else as soon as I get his attack roll. Tyr, you can reach the bandit at 7E and get an attack (not a charge, and as long as Harther doesn't take him out for you!) Also, Eseldra, let me know if you're casting summon monster I or delaying to act. If you delay, go ahead and post your action.

Assuming there are any viable targets left when my turn finally makes it around, I will move base to base with whatever target remains and attempt to intimidate them into surrender 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18. If there are no targets up, I will search the wagon.

for what it's worth the DC on the intimidate check is equal to 10 + target's HD + Wisdom modifier

Eseldra started casting summon monster 1 so she can't stop now. She is in 1C (or takes a 5-foot step to there) when she does so.

Round 2 actions:
She summons her fire beetle to appear in 2B (in the air)and has it charge the damsel on the wing, smiting evil. The beetle ends up in 2G.
Celestial fire beetle attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19; damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Eseldra then unleashes an acid dart at the damsel
Acid dart touch attack 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 (-4 firing into melee); damage1d6 ⇒ 3

Bandit Ambush Map

Harther lets fly his arrow to the last bandit standing in the undergrowth (6D).

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Note: Attack and Damage include +2 for Favored Enemy

"Try to take one alive!" the ranger calls out to his companions.

Harther remains where he is standing (3C), nocking another arrow to his bow.

Harther's arrow thunks harmlessly into a tree just as the alleged bandit ducks behind it.

Tyr...your move! And Harther...that map rocks! Thanks, mate!

No problem! I just figured out how to do maps on Google Docs yesterday, and now I'm all excited to put my new talent to work!

...the alleged bandit...

Yeah, we do seem a little trigger-happy, don't we?