DM-Tareth's Modified Kingmaker Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Tareth

** spoiler omitted **

Kams will ask Zavac to kindly hold on to the coins and personal items recovered. Salvaged gear will be set aside, as well as the trade goods. Perhaps these can be sold to Master Oleg, and the funds used to locate heirs, with the remaining issued to the men's families.

Kams looks up after surveying the trail just past the kill site. Master Kingeagle, I would say definately four beasts, most likely worgs, and a victim that may well have been wounded but alive at the time it was carried off. Of course, that was hours ago, so it's fate remains uncertain. Myself, I would not get hopes high for a heroic rescue. Bloody battle would be more likely.

Pray for the best, plan for the worst. Yet another lesson Galt offers to its people, ehh Ali.

Perhaps we should alter course to assure we meet with our companions sooner, for their sake as well as our own. Four to three, four to two, or four to five, the cards do not stack well any way we deal them. What say you, Masters Zavac and Warren?

Aliana nods at Tityanna's words. "We will be careful as we can."

She looks up as Warren's whistle splits the air. " Right then. Off we go! Would you see my horse safe, Thad? I do not trust myself to handle him in battle. Besides, stealth might be required for what we are about."

She leads the others back to the scene of the ambush. She puts string to bow as she listens to the plan...

"Kams, let's up our spacing to 30' apart. We need to keep Aliana back so she can use her bow to effect without being rushed. We'll let her group trail our skirmish line when they join. I have confidence in Montey and Tuney that we will not be surprised."

Warren is looking for places where the terrain can be used to his advantage for defense or with an entangle spell. He has the ingredients and words of the entangle spell ready to go.

Zavac places the ring, gold, and what's left of the note into his belt pouch, nodding at Kams' notion. "A good idea, I shall take charge of that."

--

"I'll stand in the middle of you two whilst we venture out. That way, I'm an equal distance to aid either of you."

Considering the time we've spent moving the bodies and talking about how to mount this search, would Aliana have arrived back by now?

Yes, by the time Zavac and Kams are finished searching the bodies and getting the pyre started, Alaina will be able to rejoin the group.

The rough trail makes it's way over a small hill. As you all spread out and reach the summit you can see the eagles circling over a small copse of pine and fir located about 250 feet to the south. The terrain between here and the trees is a mix of dirt and small rock covered with knee high prairie grass and the occasional thorny shrub similar to that found back by the road. A large formation of broken rock juts out of the ground about 50 feet this side of the trees. You can just make out the wagons through the rain about a half-mile behind you to the northeast.

Encounter map is loaded. Place yourselves along the bottom edge of the map anywhere along rows (48-50)

Stephanus hurries ahead to the scene of the massacre with Aliana, shield slung over his back and crossbow at the ready. The honest prospect of a fight so early into his journey catches him by surprise. As they approach the scene and he gets a look at the badges he suddenly recalls where he's seen them.

"These are Brevian militia I think. Trained men, not armed peasants. We need to take this enemy seriously. My instincts are telling me that we might serve our charges better by force marching them to Oleg's and keep our strength concentrated, but perhaps a living victim does change the calculus."

Tareth, I could not update the map. I would pick (O,50).

I couldn't update either w48 for me. I am wishing we brought the house.

L48 for Kams, if Zavac is in Q48, to keep with Warren's rough 30' spread.

That placement works for me.

After the arrangements with the two men, Zavac notes the arrival of Aliana and Stephanus. As much as I agree with you, Stephanus, it appears we're headed towards them now. Warren has suggested that we go in about 30 feet apart. Since you two appear to be more advantageous at range. Why not stick close behind myself, one to a side?"

As a final reminder before they leave, he adds, "Once there's trouble, call. I will protect us as best I can." Winking towards the half-elf and bard, "And don't mind the fire."

The rain starts to fall harder as you work your way over the hill. There isn't any immediate visible threat, but all of your instincts tingle with a sense of danger nearby. The two eagles continue to circle overhead, their pattern taking in both the rock formation and the dense stand of fir. Under these conditions and either location could make for excellent hiding or ambush spots.

Sorry for the map confusion, I forgot to check the 'allow edits' box. It's fixed now and I've added everyone. Alaina, I dropped you in based on Zavac's post, but feel free to start somewhere else if you like.

Assuming the group would be attempting to move quietly towards the first of the two stands, Kams chooses every step, every movement as best as he can. He motions to the others to keep slow and steady. Every snap of fallen twig or whip of brushed grass grates on his nerves, even though the rain muffles and mutes the natural soundings of the scene. Aside from the worgs, this place might be considered pleasant he barely whispers.

At least this rain will make our steps harder to hear, eh Ali

Move Silently 15' per move, double move per round if possible...

First move

Initiative, if needed 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Additional Perception, if needed 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

edit: Frak, the weather is making it hard to hear myself, let alone 4 worgs.

Warren is moving cautiously with Tuney casually perched on his shoulder and leaning forward to keep his balance. He has shifted a large wooden shield to his left hand. Warren is trying to see what area of the ground Montey is scouting.

init 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Per 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Per Tuney 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Warren is moving at half speed so he can have an Entangle spell readied. I put numbers to track my movement.

Aliana nervously puts arrow to string, her fingers brushing the soft goose feathers as she grips the notch lightly. She crouches low as she can, moving silently behind Warren and keeping Stephanus to her left. She watches Warren's progress, but her eyes also rove to and fro looking for any sign of movement among the brush and rocks.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

woo... all that adrenaline must be helping. :)

Zavac heads south in a swift gait, opting to follow the trail as he is less sneaky than the others, and would rather play the decoy. Eyes trained more often than not on the looming pile of rocks that the path appears to move past, a soft glow emanates from his hand, quickly covers his body, rapidly dissipating. Sarenrae, grant me eyes of hawks.

Stephanus follows Zavac's lead, staying apace of Aliana. The haft of his crossbow goes damp in his hands - cold sweat. Happens in a flash before every fight. Not nerves so much as excitement.

His crossbow is trained at the rock formation coming up. Anxious to make the first shot in this grim hunt.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
(init) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Back in the camp, the settlers are filled with nervous tension as they scan the surrounding landscape for any sign of trouble.

Walking over to Thad and Tityanna, Fulton and Donal are quietly talking. In his soft voice the farmer says, "I expected trouble once we got further south, but it's disturbing to encounter danger so early. We are still inside the borders of Brevoy, I hadn't realized the situation down here had become so unstable."

Nodding in agreement Donal adds, "It is worse than I imagined for sure, but then from what I've seen of those around the Dragonthrone they are more concerned with their own preening and greed than the actual welfare of the land. The smith shakes his head in disgust and continues, "Our good King Noleski and his sister used the Vanishing to seize the throne. But rather than securing the country, now the court and the lords bicker with each other while the countryside falls into lawlessness. It's a shameful state of affairs."

Fulton sighs quietly "Aye, it's true things have certainly changed since the Vanishing. It's why I've set out on this venture. A chance to leave the nobility behind and be part of something new and free from such trouble." The farmer then turns to the two charter bearers and asks, "What are your thoughts over these developments? Frankly, I'm concerned about how this will affect our ability to get supplies through to a new settlement."

"Zavek, ware!!" Aliana calls out in warning, pointing ahead to the rocks, and likely giving away her own position. "Warg among those boulders!"

So saying, she moves forward quickly and lets fly an arrow, the hum of the bow muffled in the damp air.

[ooc] move to u43; fire once, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Tityanna pursed and rubbed her lips together while the farmer and the smith slurred against the Brevoyan court. Having lived in poverty, she did not simply empathize with their arguments, she had experienced the bitter cruelty of their apathy.

"There are certainly few enough exceptions to the image of the common courtier to to disprove the rule," Tityanna says finally, and sighs.

"Our charter gives us no more authority than to act in the interests of the Dragonscale Throne to eliminate the gangs of bandits that have been plaguing their borders," she continues, lifting her emerald eyes to establish eye contact with each man, "and even in that task they have been exceedingly careful not to establish a firm rule. We are, for all intents and purposes, an unit completely outside regular legal channels."

A sad smile graces Tityanna's face for a moment, then fades just as quickly. "My understanding of the charter is thus: if we succeed in our task, the Dragonscale Throne claims rights to our victories without having to extend themselves, and if we fail, it appears as though they have tried.

"We have no authority to act on Brevoyan soil, for or against its citizens," she announces shortly, her expression placid, "but as men, we could scarcely continue to consider ourselves thus if we ignored the plight of those in obvious need.

"I do not know what the future will bring in terms of trade and our requirements for finished goods, but I would urge you to begin considering alternatives to Brevoy's support."

Warren lets fly some mistletoe and chants rapidly as the very plants in the area work to entrap anyone advancing a step farther than Zavac. "Plants aid us!"

Warren casts entangle centered on R32 (40'radious) with his readied action. That should leave Zavac just outside the area of effect. Ref save DC 13. I am curious how 'empty' the white squares are (can we move through them no problem)

Warren, white squares on the map are generally knee high grass or open ground. There's no movement penalty.

This is what Zavac will do once his initiative come up, if init is needed or applied as of yet.

Upon hearing Aliana's shout, feeling an arrow buzz past his ear, and watching plants suddenly spring to life, Zavac finally notices the Worg just before him. He takes a few steps back, transferring his flail to his left hand. With his right hand extended upward, he sends a quick plea to his Goddess.

"Sarenrae, full us with your fury!"

Upon those words, a faint red glow of fire appears a few inches above his head. A mere second later, a matching one was above each of his companions', as well. As the fires appeared, they were each filled with a burning courage, despite the rains and the cruel foe they now faced.

Warren, white squares on the map are generally knee high grass or open ground. There's no movement penalty.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant white squares in the area of the entangle spell. I think they are difficult terrain, but I don't know how much grabbing/entangling knee high grass can do.

Warren: Got it. The grass in the white squares can still entangle, but no damage is taken and there is a +1 to save since the grass is less dense and easier to break free from.

Not sure if I'm jumping the gun with my action. I followed Zavac's lead and marked S3.

Stephanus decides to try to use the animal's rumored intelligence against it. Perhaps baiting the beasts will pay dividends. Bardic Performance inspire courage. turn 1 of 13/day.

+1 to all morale saves vs charm or fear. +1 to attacks and damage.

"Master Kams," Stephanus calls out in a voice calculated to echo off the rocks, "I know you say these things make beautiful rugs, but think of the other uses an intelligent cur could be put to once house-broken."

"Everyone, be careful about advancing past Zavac, the plants are hostile to all."
Warren plans to try out the new crossbow when he can act again.
Wow, Aliana knows that bow. Entangle and let Aliana bow them down seems a good team tactic for us outdoors.

With the wagons circled and everyone prepared for trouble, Thad considers a moment and decides to lash Aliana's mount to Donal's wagon (with his permission). It is the heaviest and could probably restrain the animal if it panicked. He uses a knot that will come undone and allow the horse to flee if the animal becomes truly overcome with terror and earnestly pulls at it; a horse in that state would be as dangerous to be around as the wolves.

Thad answerses Fulton's question with a sigh, "As bad as thinks have become in Brevoy, they're even worse down South. Between the brigands and river pirates there's little room left for honest folk. Our hearts are in the same place, Fulton. I signed on for a chance to make a home away from such tyranny, a sanctuary for anyone who wants a fresh start... he drifts off for a few seconds before gathering his thoughts and answering Fulton's question, "I think we will be able to lay in supplies but they won't come cheap. We may have to pay more than we would like to hire sufficient guards, but a large enough caravan should be safe if we can find a merchant willing to take the risk. Tityanna is right though, we should be as self-sufficient as possible. I'd rather not speculate until we have know more about the road ahead and have a chance to survey the land around our new home... we may be on our own for some time, or the beleaguered locals may flock to our banner in such numbers that we have to turn them away."

Surprise Round
Worg: Reflex DC13 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Worg Move: Move to U40

Alaina's arrow strikes the creature full in the side causing it to let loose with an angry howl that fills the air with a feeling of evil hatred. It's red eyes focus on the source of it's pain charging forward to reach the woman. As the thorny shrubs animate and attempt to grapple the over-sized wolf, the creature easily shrugs off the attack in it's focused attempt to reach the one who had ruined it's own attempt at surprise.

Kams still has a surprise round action.

Worg Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Round 1 Order
Kams: 21
Stephanus: 18
Warren: 14
Zavac: 16
Worg: 5
Alaina: 4

As the discussion back at camp continues, Ursula and Duella join the group.

Turning to the paladin, the young woman nods in agreement with his statement, "It's true, trade will always get through as long as there is enough value to pay for the men to protect it. It's my experience that many merchants are more than willing to pay for the costs of protecting their goods as long as they see profit at the end of the road."

She places her hands on her hips thinking for a few moments. "It seems our challenge will be figuring out or developing goods of high enough value to make it worth the trip or follow Mistress Tityanna's suggestion and simply be as self sufficient as possible." With a glance over towards the two dwarfs she adds, "Of course, if the rumors of vast undiscovered mineral wealth prove to be true, we won't be able to...."

Just then a howl, similar to those heard in the night, breaks into the conversation. It sounds like it came from the same direction the others went a short while ago.

At the sound of the nearby howl, Thad sets to stringing his bow and draws an arrow. He stands on one of the wagons to get a good look in either direction and hopes for the best...

INIT Tuney+Montey 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Warren whistles and gives the eagles the attack command, the eagles wait to act with Warren. Tuney leaps from Warren's back and instinctively flies straight to the Worg (to U41). Montey from his more advantageous position is able to come in from behind (to T39). Warren then charges the Worg flanking with Montey drawing his scimitar (from V41).

Montey/Tuney/Warren ATT 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 41d4 ⇒ 21d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Zavac's turn for round one is as follows. I may be a bit absent over the next couple days...some RL drama happening. Shall do my best to keep up with posting. Just a heads up.

Zavac, following Warren's lead, feels the need to hit the Worg. Hard. Moving up and to the left, he clutches the heavy flail with both hands. Upon reaching the area, he lets out a sharp cry, bringing the massive metal ball in a full-swing, aiming down upon the creature's head.

"Ensure that each of the children are accounted for," Tityanna says after she hears the howl. "Report loudly enough so that we hear, please."

Kams' suprise round action will be to single move action to S41.

Ali, here begins the end, or our new beginning

Stephanus takes the shot when he finally fixes the target in his eye.

Crossbow 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 - 4 = 18

He then drops the crossbow and unslings his shield.

Kams, Warren and Zevac all quickly close with the beast pummeling it with a series of furious blows. Just as the creature makes a last desperate leap to reach it's hated enemy, Stephanus sends a bolt into it's side and it lands unconscious and dying a few inches from Alaina's feet.

Before you have a chance to catch your breath, two more of the creatures burst from the trees further south and charge full speed towards your group, their angry howls filling the air at the death of their pack mate.

Stephanus: You are successful with your naturalist check. Also since that is an Insight bonus, it can stack with the Bless Morale bonus. So that would be a +2 on attack rolls.

Round 2

Updated Encounter Map

In the camp a second series of howls echoes across the country side, and while you don't see anything, there's a definite feeling of danger in the air.

The children and settlers are all quickly accounted for at Tityanna's request. This is until Mikhail Meyerson suddenly takes off to the southwest. Fulton and Andrea both shout at their son, "Mikhail! What are you doing?! Get back here!"

With a quick look back over his shoulder he waves his sword in the air and shouts back, "I heard one of the others call for help. I'm going to see what they need!"

Just then Thad and Tityanna hear a voice calling in the rain and wind. It sounds a bit distant, but is clear. "Help us. There are too many. Come quickly..." The voice is coming from the southwest. Oddly it doesn't really sound like any of your companions...

Thad and Tityanna please place yourselves on the Encounter Map anywhere within 5' of the wagons.

Aliana let's out her breath in a sigh of relief as the thing thuds to the ground before her, dead or dying. She smiles weakly up at her companions. "Thank you, gentlemen." Light! That thing is huge!!

As more howls split the air, she look up that direction, pulls two arrows from her quiver, and places one tip down in the dirt before her. The second is placed on the string. She pulls back, feathered shaft against her cheek as she aims at the oncoming enemy.

Kams will move to Y40 as a move action, then ready a standard action to swing at the first worg to come within range.

I see three, not four. Kingeagle, anything from high eyes?

Warren send Tuney and Montey aloft again toward the Worgs. They quickly ascend to a safe altitude about 40'up about 40' out and turn a tight circle to prepare to dive again.

"High eyes have only these two so far."

After the first brute is taken care of, Zavac will take a few steps forward, standing afore the two archers. "You're welcome, Aliana," he says back to her. "I shall protect you all. No wargs will get past me."

Stephanus starts a naturalist performance. +1 to attacks and AC vs Worgs.

Stephanus regrets his crossbow as he takes in the two new enemies. No help for it now. He draws his rapier and steps over the vanguished wolf trying to help shield Aliana and her bow.

"Ware the voice of the worg most vile,"
"whose only love is to defile,"
"While brother wolf hunts to survive,"
"Worg lives to kill and joy deprive."

Put TM at J31.

Howls fill the air and the two worgs charge towards you. Their red eyes glow with menace and evil while their huge strides quickly devour the distance between them and you.

The closest beast suddenly flinches as a arrow lands in it's shoulder causing it to cry out in pain. A second arrow barely misses, sticking in the dirt a few inches from the beast.

As they approach their muscles bunch and jaws open in anticipation of tasting flesh in the next few seconds.

Worgs: Full Move to AC40 and Z41. Wo3 was damaged by Alaina's arrow.

Round 3

Continuing naturalist performance as a free action.

Stephanus repeats the lines, this time singing them the way they should be sung on the stage. His hand steadies with his voice as the monsters bear down on the group.

He takes another step in front of the archer and readies an attack against the first worg that comes into a square he threatens.