DM Talomyr's Kingmaker

Game Master Talomyr

"Tables, I thought of that already Ivo. Easy to move and to tip over when we need them." Torsten grins, "if we leave the gates part way open - ten feet? - then I can make it difficult for them to get out should they flee."

Finalize your plans for your ambush and place yourselves where you'd like to be on the map. My posting will likely be spotty for the next 48 hours or so, but once I am back we will get started with the encounter.

Tove will wake early the next morning to meditate in the courtyard before the bandits arrive.
Prepared spells: Orisons - Enhanced Diplomacy, Guidance, Stabilize. 1st Level - Bless, Burning Disarm, Touch of Truthtelling.

What?? There's going to be an encounter?? spoiler alert...

Once everyone has finished eating and preparing, I remove Rufus' and my armour, then head to find somewhere comfortable to sleep, while Rufus goes to sleep in the stables. Sleep comes slowly and I am constantly thinking of what to say during the situation tomorrow that would make the bandits surrender.

I wake early and get a little sword practice in, as usual. Then I get my grooming kit out and try to make sure that I look my best, before polishing my armour and putting it on. I also don Rufus' armour and wait for everyone else to be ready to settle todays difficulties.

Ivo scrambles up onto the palisade wall near the southwest tower, then slumps down atop it so that he's not visible from below.

Bran shifts around the hay some and stays in the stables for the night with Greypelt and Borne, finding it much more comfortable than being stuck within the fort.

Will prepare Entangle and Tracker's Mark. Same 0-levels.

I quickly go to Oleg and buy a couple flasks of oil and spread them on the hinges on the gates, hoping that it will make enough difference to the fight. I then stand by the gate and ask Oleg to clap his hands once when all the bandits are in the trading post.

I am unsure whether I will have internet access for the next couple of days, so posting my first action now. I hope that's alright?

Perfectly fine.

After the meal is finished and all the plans are set, Tove excuses herself from the table and takes the opportunity for a quick wash. Removing the grime of two and a half days on the road is a relief and she goes over the plan for tomorrow in her head over and over as she freshens up.
She heads to bed early that night, wanting to get enough sleep in before getting up to prepare her spells before sunrise. She sits out in the courtyard to meditate before going to check on Ros in the stables. Finally, she moves to take a position behind Theodore at the gate.

Seated at the top of the stairs of the southwest tower, Torsten looks up from his spellbook: "Good to see you're here Ivo. Should I be ducking down the way you are?"

Ivo, I saw you hadn't moved your icon on the roll20.net map. I've done so based on your description - if it's in the wrong place you might want to move it again. Do you have an ID set up there?

I am on Roll20 but I don't see any links to the game map here.

Did you see the previous map of the campsite? If not I'm guessing you haven't been invited to the game as far as Roll20 is concerned.

This link takes me to the fort map as it did to the campsite map previously.

Razarak will be opposite the gate of Theodore, and will also push the gate closed when it is time

Link says my session has expired, even though I'm logged into Roll20, and I don't see the game in my list of game invites/access.

About an hour after sunrise, true to form, a mounted group approaches the open gates of Oleg's Trading post.

Essentially Round "-1"

"Tax time, old man!" the rider on the lead horse calls out.

"You damn well better have somethin' better for us this month than you did last, or else maybe we'll take that pretty little wife of yers and give her what you can't."

The riders following along laugh at their leader's cruel, dark humor.

"I bet she'd love to have a real man, or seven. Be a nice change of pace for her I bet. one of the riders behind the leader adds in.

Oleg is doing his best to remain calm and not do anything "stupid", but he is a proud man and it is obvious he won't be able to take much more.

You have one round's worth of actions prior to the bandits entering the trading post if you would like to do something.

I remain behind the door, silent and waiting for the bandits to enter. I put my hand up slowly and carefully perform a calming gesture to Oleg, trying to getting him to calm down a little. I look around to my companions I then wave two fingers to the group and point behind behind the gates.

Silently activating Tactician, to give Pack Attack to those who can see me. As long as you can see OR hear me you get the feat. I am thinking this is only the Wolves, goat, Tove and Bran. But please correct me if I am mistaken.

Pack Attack : 1 / 4

Ivo, crouching, peers just up over the wall to scope out the potential targets.

Razarak waits for the last rider to go through the gate to start pushing.

Tove crouches behind Theodore, ready to grant Erastil's guidance in the upcoming diplomacy once the doors are closed.

Torsten repeats the gesture and words ("Ternesj eligne wux") which give Strauch the granite-like coat, but more quietly this time. Putting his spellbook down he cradles his staff in one arm, ready to push himself to his feet rapidly.

Technically there aren't any components to activate spirit's gift, it's not a spell

The bandits ride into the outpost and as soon as they are all in Oleg makes a break for the main house.

The bandit leader yells, "What in the Nine Hells is going on here old man!"

No sooner he gets the words out his mouth, Theodore slams his half of the gate shut, Razarak manages to close his half slightly but there is still room for the mounted bandits to escape single file, should they get their mounts turned around.

Razarak Strength Check: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 2 = 12

As the trap is sprung, Tove casts her spell on Theodore in hopes of resolving the issue with minimal bloodshed, while Torsten readies Strauch should the situation require a firmer hand.

Initiative Order:
Theodore 20+
Razarak 20
Torsten 19
Oleg 17
BB 11
BR 9+
Tove 9
Leader 8
BG 6
Ivo 4
Bran 3
BO 2
BY 2
BP 0

Those bolded may post for Round 1. Theodore, you stated an action above but I thought the plan was to try diplomacy. Please verify the route you are choosing.

I am doing Diplomacy, as you said it was the round before the Surprise round, I assumed that I was able to activate it before they all moved in. Meaning it is now Round 3 of my Tactician ability used. If that isn't how it should be I will just make it so that I didn't activate Tactician.

Ride (Fast mount DC 20): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

As soon as the gate closed I quickly jump onto Rufus, draw my shield and strap it to my arm and then get Rufus to move so that he is blocking part of the open gate. I then speak up and offer my terms to the bandits. "I think you've done enough damage to these good peoples lives, you may think what you're doing makes you strong. But true strength comes from overcoming hardships and living with those choices. Some of you have chosen the life of banditry, some of you were born into it and others had this life thrust upon them. I offer you the chance to surrender to me, to give up the life of lawlessness and live as valued members of society once you've served your time. If you surrender to me, throw your weapons to the ground and I'll make sure that you aren't harmed as long as you remain docile. What say you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33

Free Action = Fast Mount, Move Action = Equip Shield, Standard Action = Offer Terms.

Torsten waits for events to unfold, small as the chance of the bandits surrendering seems it deserves to not be destroyed by offensive action just yet. "Wait, Strauch" he says, ordering the goat to do the same.

Delaying until initiative 10 to see how the first bandit reacts at least. If that one doesn't try anything he'll delay until 7, after the leader acts.

Razarak delays to the first offensive action, and will cast shield upon himself if that trigger is reached, then move to threaten the gap in the gate, if he isn't already

In light of Theodore's eloquent offer, the the bandits dressed in red and blue somewhat nervously look to their leader before doing anything. Meanwhile, Oleg closes and bars the door to the main house.

Blue and red delay. Tove may post her action as well.

Tove calls out in support of Theodore.
"The days of hardship in these lands are coming to an end, gods and men now seek the restoration of community and peace here! Prosper with us, or face damnation!"
Turning her gaze to the sky, she throws her arms wide and calls down the blessing of Old Deadeye.
"Erastil, guide our hands, that we may strike true into the hearts of those who seek to disrupt the lives of your hardworking followers!"
The rousing words of her speech fills her allies with courage.
Cast Bless: Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

"Surrender to you lot, I don't think so." the bandit leader responds as he pulls his bow.

"Oleg! You know who we work for, if we don't come back, more will show and burn this place to the f@~+ing ground!" the leader yells taking aim at the priestess, but his arrow fortunately misses the mark.

Following the example of their leader the blue and red clad bandits take aim at Theodore and Tove respectively. The shot glances off of Theodore's shield but the red clad bandit's arrow finds its mark.

Tove takes 2 damage.

Razarak casts his shield spell and moves into position to block the exit from the outpost.

New Initiative Order:
Theodore 20+ -done
Oleg 17 -done
Tove 9 -done
Leader 8++ -done
BB 8+ -done
BR 8 -done
Razarak 7+ -done
Torsten 7
BG 6
Ivo 4
Bran 3
BO 2
BY 2
BP 0

Torsten comes out of delay as per his instruction above.

Torsten thinks better of standing up, If they're all firing arrows being up makes me a better target, and drops prone for better cover at the tower's edge. With slow, peaceful magic words and gestures he starts casting a spell.

Strauch jumps forward and tries to gore the nearest bandit in the leg, but catches nothing as the bandit turns his horse.

Torsten drops prone & starts casting sleep. Strauch takes a 5' step right and attacks.

Strauch attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Strauch awkwardly lunges at one of the bandits but comes nowhere close to making contact. Meanwhile the bandit dressed in green turns his horse around and makes for the gate, swinging at Theodore with his morningstar once he is in range, but fails to make contact with the halfling.

Ivo is up.

Ivo rises up from behind the palisade quietly and attempts to take a shot at the rider in green, hopefully by surprise.

Dunno if I was considered hidden enough to make a sneak attack.

Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

His small arrow misses, though.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

He attempts to duck back down behind the palisade to snipe, but as would be expected of a toymaker, is an abject failure at anything involving real danger.

Ivo pops up from behind cover and fires, but the shot is not particularly close to its target.

Bran pulls his bow and takes a shot at the green clad bandit while Greypelt attacks the same bandit's mount. Unfortunately for the party, both are ineffective.

Longbow: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8 (bless)
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9 (bless)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Trip?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

The orange and yellow clad bandits pull their bows and fire at Razarak, with the orange clad bandit's arrow sinking deep into the sorcerer's side.

Razarak takes 5 damage.

The last of the bandits to take action, one with a curious pink feather in his cap, takes aim at Tove. The bandit's arrow finds the priestess's shoulder, badly wounding her.

Tove takes 5 damage.

Initiative Order:
Theodore 20+
Tove 9
Leader 8++
BB 8+
BR 8
Razarak 7+
Torsten 7
BG 6
Ivo 4
Bran 3
BO 2
BY 2
BP 0

Theodore and Tove are up.

Tove winces in pain as the first bandit's arrow strikes her, then cries out as before she can act, another arrow plunges deep into her shoulder.
She groans as she extracts the arrows, letting divine power flow through her hands as she works.
"Please.. Erastil, hear me now and heal these wounds."
Spontaneous Casting, replace Burning Disarm (looks like they are all using bows anyway) with Cure Light Wounds.
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
The healing energy mends some of the damage and Tove draws her longbow and prepares to retaliate, a fire in her eyes.

Disappointed that I wasn't able to make the enemy surrender without a fight, I turn my blade on it's side and try to hit the bandit with the flat of it. "I can't spill any blood, if we take down the leader the others might surrender to us."

Dueling Sword Attack (Non-Lethal): 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 4 = 3

But the man pulls his leg out of the way as I swing my blade. I look down to Rufus, "Rufus, Guard!"

If anyone tries to get passed Rufus he will attack and focus on trying to trip them. Also, my AC is 22 for this fight as there is no one smaller than Medium.

The bandit leader turns his mount around and takes aim at Bran. The red and blue clad bandits follow suit, taking a cue from their leader as two arrows, one from the leader and one from the blue clad bandit, tear through Bran's flesh and drop the druid to the ground.

Razarak and Torsten are up.

Torsten finishes his spellcasting and aims above the bandit leader's head so as to catch him rather than one of his men, or worse his horse. That done he eyes the bandits to see who might attack next, juggling the dab of butter nervously.

Strauch ducks around the horses and tries for the green-clothed bandit.

Will save DC 15 for the leader or he goes to sleep. Torsten readies an action to cast Grease (Reflex DC 15) on the weapon of the next bandit to attack, or does so directly on the leader if he doesn't fall asleep. Strauch moves down and to the right, then up and to the right to avoid AoOs, then attacks green, flanking with Theodore.

Strauch attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 25
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Confirm crit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The bandit leader seems to shake off the effects of both of Torsten's spells. The leader's face contorts into a sneer as he regards his now greasy bow.

Strauch on the other hand is far more successful, goring the green clad bandit's leg.

Razarak is up.

"Oww!! I dont like getting shot! Razarak shouts as he finishes casting shocking grasp. He then takes a five foot step, and sprouting claws from seemingly nowhere, swings at the green bandit.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Ooo critical threat with your claws! Nice!

confirm critical: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage if confirmed: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Razarak channels nearly all of his draconic rage into the claw stike on the green clad bandit, ripping through the unfortunate soul's body all the way into his mount, ending the lives of both.

Initiative Order:
Theodore 20+ - done
Tove 9 - done
Leader 8++ - done
BB 8+ - done
BR 8 - done
Razarak 7+ - done
Torsten 7 - done
BG 6
Ivo 4
Bran 3
BO 2
BY 2
BP 0

Ivo is up.

Ivo pops up and fires again at the next-nearest bandit (purple dot).

Included +1 attack & damage for point-blank shot, +1 to attack from bless.

Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Shortbow damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Plink!

Don't forget everyone still has +1 attack from Tove's Bless spell. Duration is 1 minute. Although to be honest with these amazing rolls it doesn't look like you need it.

Ivo pops up from behind the cover of the catwalk wall and fires an arrow into the bandit sporting the pink feather.

Greypelt hurls himself at the same bandit, but fails to land the bite.

Seeing Razarak as a major threat, given what he had just done, the orange and yellow clad bandits take aim at the sorcerer, but are both apparently too shaken by the sorcerers display to aim properly.

The bandit with the pink feather drops his bow, pulls his morningstar and takes an errant swing at Greypelt.

Theodore and Tove are up for the top of the round.

I'd rather have and not need, than need and not have, I always say, Tove

Is the stable roof steeply pitched, and is it solid or thatched? I'm thinking about jumping over there but either steep or thatched would be a problem.

Tove notches an arrow and looses it toward the first bandit to shoot her, the one in red. She avoids retaliating against the bandit with the pink feather, past Greypelt and Strauch lest she accidentally hit one of the animals.
Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 = 13
Longbow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

I wince as Razarak rips through man and horse in a bizaare clawed magic. Before trying again to hit with the flat of my blade I speak to the Bandits once again, "I didn't want anyone to die, why must blood always be spilled?"

Dueling Sword Attack (Non-Lethal): 1d20 + 5 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 12
Dueling Sword Damage (Non-Lethal): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

@Torsten - the stable roof is thatched.

The red and blue clad bandits adjust their mounts, clearing a path for the bandit leader before taking aim at Razarak, with the red clad bandit's arrow finding a hole through the various obstructions and into the sorcerer's chest.

The bandit leader rides forward to get a better shot at Torsten in retribution for the greasy bow, but just as he is ready to fire at the wizard, he loses his grip on the bow as it falls to the ground.

Razarak takes 5 Damage!

Razarak, Torsten, and Ivo are up.