Ka'etil and Konur's checks
Check 1
Ride:
Climb:
Check 2
Ride:
Climb:
Check 3
Ride:
Climb:
Check 4
Ride:
Climb:
Brownyn dismounts, handling the reins of Valiant through the rubble. His eyes are on the ground, searching for small rocks that could hurt his mare's hooves and larger ones that could dislodge and provoke a fall.
Alaric also dismounts, trailing Arvakur behind him.
Ry dismounts and surveying the path and the rubble before her, Ariarh begins carefully leading Tal through it.
Ry dismounts and surveying the path and the rubble before her, Ariarh begins carefully leading Tal through it.
Well, at least it isn't a broken leg...
However, Tal will take
damage, he can roll a Reflex save to get Half damage, the DC is 15.
Ariarh bends down by Tal's right front leg and she carefully/expertly feels down with her fingers and finds his knee is swollen but does not feel a break anywhere along the leg, thank the gods. Tal should be able to bear his and her weight until Khrovin can channel healing at a later date, but no hard and fast galloping. Opening her satchel, she removes her healing kit and extracts some bandages. She adeptly straps the knee, giving it added support, not wanting her horse to suffer anymore than he has to. Ry stands and gives Tal's neck a soothing pat and whispers in his ear, "I'm sorry, boy. The strapping should help and I promise to get some healing aid for you once this battle is done." Ry is concerned about her horse but knows Tal will manage well enough; he'd seen worse before.
Brett turns, his eyes narrowing.
"Keep an eye on the horse, then... doubt he'll be charging up hills hard and fast... But ye just keep back by me, and I'll keep my eye on the both of ye..." he adds, staring at borth Ariarh and Tal.
Reflectively, Ariarh responds,
"Aye. Tal and I will take the rear now. 'Tis best. I do not wish to injure him further or slow down or encumber any of the companions in front."
You have now all urged your horses over the fairly treacherous rocks and have pushed up and further into the canyon between the cliffs. As you look to your left and right, you see the inside walls of the canyon reach to about fifty feet above you. You are not sure how thick the walls are, but it is clear the path is roughly forty feet wide.
The path itself is hewn from the rock itself. There is no brick here; rather, whoever crafted it long ago made sure that the path was carved straight and true from the cliff walls itself. Looking ahead, you can see that with the length of this path (it is nearly three miles, as earlier stated), and it is carved the entire way through the cliffs.
This would have taken a massive amount of work, and seems to make no sense to anyone with a basic understand of design. Why even carve such a path? Was it a trail to the top of the mountains? Perhaps… but then, why not place the trail above the cliffs? Why carve a channel through them? Why so large an undertaking, to carve through solid rock and stone… what was the purpose?
’Oy, kobolds,” Brett grumbles testily ”why’d yer lot do it, eh? Why’d they carve the canyon here? They’d as easy to make houses below the cliffs safe, or better, find other places to build with log houses, or houses made out of quarry rock. Why all the work, what be the point, eh?”
Sylvath pauses a moment, considering.
”I know not the answer to this question… It occurred before me and my brethren here were sired. Adjt, do ye recall such tellings in thy study of lore?”
Ajdt considers this for some time, then answers slowly, as if thinking about the solution, and guessing besides.
”It is said that the folk who fashioned these gorges did it long ago, but it was not the construction of fortifications or habitats for shelter. Rather; there was rumor of something ancient buried here, long ago, before the hills were reared from the rock itself. Something was said to have smote the ground; and from that assault a thing of great value was lost in the earth. It is written that beneath the rocks there was a prize of great price that was searched for. It may be, therefore, that these carvings were fashioned to seek for that thing.”
’Really, eh? Gold in the hills, is that what ye be saying?” Brett asks, looking about.
”Nay, not gold,” Adjt responds absently ”if spoken on today – or rather, the days of our time – the sages and lore masters would silence the room, suggesting such things were best left unsaid. Whatever fell to the earth here was not gold, but something else… and I do not know if it was ever found.”
”But it can’t be evil, sure? Else, why’d yer people set up shop here, what with castles and the dam and farms and such? Ye folk seem to be goodly and all… evil thing in the ground… it be enough to keep ye all away, eh? So, what was it?”
”I can only tell thee what I know… not what I do not know,” Adjt throws back, with frustration.
”We are in, to my mind, an impossible situation,” Adjt responds with growing bitterness.
”We were chosen as guardians; six of us. Yet, of our brethren, we are not the most skilled in warfare, the arcane powers, knowledge, or a bond with the gods. There were others with greater skill, and more power then we – yet why were we chosen amongst all of our kin? Moreover, we were gifted with no gear of great price; no arms and armor to protect us in what time may come, or instructions to those who found us. Now, after awakening from a centuries old sleep we discover a group of journeymen adventurer's – namely thee and thy companions – who are at odds with a small group of petty bandits. Yet who are these bandits? Who is to say, but that they are allied with a man that for all intents and purposes seems to be descendent of a dark lord who founded a cult devoted to the destruction of our people and our nation, and whose cult has been dormant for centuries. Now, this cult seems to have risen again and why, and at this very time? These questions and others plague my thoughts, and I grieve for the loss of my brethren… they could have answered thee better; for Tiam was gifted more in matters of lore and the ways of the gods then I. Would that he was not slain, for then he could have given thee better answers. Yet it was not meant to be; and he was slain, and with him died much knowledge, and a true friend,” Adjt says with a sad sigh.
Brett clears his throat somewhat noisily after a moment, and you all grow quiet.
After some tramping up the road you see the looming height of two broad entranceways flanking the paths. Checking your horses, Brett calls out to the kobolds.
”What be up there… what is that?”
”They are the first set of guard towers,” Sylvath responds ”and they offer protection and safety to all in the mountain and the canyon inside.”
Sylvath elaborates on the nature of the towers quickly. The towers are each thirty feet square. They are also roughly three stories in height. The towers are identical on each side of the path. The first floor of the tower has a thin and narrow groove in the rocks that rests behind what looks like a doorway. Sylvath explains that once, long ago, this groove was carved and held inside it a heavy iron door, that could be slid open and closed tracks inside the rock. This door could be opened and closed from either side, but it could be locked from the inside.
Above, as you look up, you see slots in the rocks for similar mechanisms; only they are for shutters for windows that allow for defense of the tower itself.
Cursory exploration allows you to move up each floor of the tower. A narrow stone groove had been carved, allowing a sort of piping mechanism for a chimney, which is still evident in the stones. Clearly, they tower itself could function as a small outpost for soldiers. The first floor seems to be the entrance and storage room; the second floor would have held gear and other important items, and the third floor would have bunks for the men to sleep in.
So says Sylvath, though. You have seen no evidence in the towers of that now. The chambers are empty, with stone stairs that rise to the floors above. If you travel to the top, you reach a parapet and are free to examine the grounds about you. At this height, it is a fair view, though nothing spectacular.
You have taken all precautions at the first two towers, and seen nothing in them; nothing but empty rock rooms. The windows themselves are very narrow, but afford the chance to provide excellent vantage points for ranged weapons. An archer has the chance to shoot across and down into the path between them, and a wide angle down into the valley to either side of them. The only real way an enemy could assault you directly as you rode up is to stand in the path, or shoot at range from the parapets at the top.
”Huh! These rooms be right, fair, eh? Big enough to house a whole family in, fer winter and all… Why, if we get this place settle proper, we could house a whole range o’ families in the length o’ this canyon, and they’d be snug and safe and dry from rains and wind and snow. Safe to guard, safe to watch, ne’er mind the fortress at the top… These rooms alone – think o’ the lads and lasses in the caravan. If they done come this way, why, they got a place to live and set up safe, and well founded, too. So, that is… well, at least there’s that, eh?” Brett says, adding the last somewhat lamely, his efforts to rouse your hope feeling somewhat flimsy in light of the oncoming challenges.
”Well, that be it, I guess we need to advance up, then. Mind the upper ground, they may got archers on the top towers, and mind the next set o’ towers and all… We got real lucky on these, but I don’t be knowing about the next. Sooner or later we done come to a chokehold, and when we do… Then they might be riding out to smash us with horse from up the trail by that gate thing they mentioned. On the other hand, it could all be mist in the wind… mayhap nothing be up there,” he says somewhat hopefully.
Sylvath informs you that there are five more tower outposts, for a total of six. There is, therefore, roughly one set every quarter of a mile, until you reach the main gate.
Tower Set 2 A & B:
Tower Set 3 A & B:
Tower Set 4 A & B:
Tower Set 5 A & B:
Tower Set 6 A & B:
Ariarh (with Dior) is positioned at the rear/back with Brett. She is riding in between Brett (who is on her right) and Ryul (who is on her left).
Bronwyn will ride at the front of the column, eyes open.
We should make a careful search of the towers. Wouldn't want to face our enemies ahead to discover there were hidden enemies in our backs, cutting off our escape routes.
Not having the keenest eye in the distance, Bronwyn serves more as a helpful second pair of eyes for the main scout.
[ooc]Tower Set 2 A & B:
Perception check
Perception check
Ka'etil observes each tower, as they ride. He sits tall upon Konur, up front, with Bronwyn at his side, taking note where he points and watching for enemies.
Perception checks at the towers.
Towers 2
Towers 3
Towers 4
Towers 5
Towers 6
"It may be too time consuming to do right now, but it may be wise to examine the towers as we pass then, prevent being out-flanked by anyone hiding in them, waiting for us to pass by. There may be something valuable and useful in the towers hastily left as the bandits prepared for our attack..." Kae suggests.
Ariarh nods in the affirmative and speaks in a voice clear enough for her companions to hear but not loud enough to be overheard by any guards/lookouts. "I agree with Kae. If we invest some time in examining the towers as we approach and then pass, it could save us from being attacked from behind, unawares. There are many towers and it is imprudent to believe they are all unmanned. Mayhap Dior and Anuk-Su (with Alaric's approval, of course) could aid us from a different angle, if need be? I would not see either of them harmed but with their flying ability, it could prove advantageous if undertaken with due precaution. Dior could communicate with Khrovin or else we can instruct him to screech (or some warning sound or series of warning sounds) if he sees a bandit in a particular tower."
I will be placed on Sir Bronwyn's right for the moment, with bow out and arrow nocked just in case.
You have moved slowly up the path, stopping at each tower and exploring it fully, as requested. At each interval, you have set the four outriders up front (namely, Sir Bronwyn, Ka’etil, Khrovin, are at the front of the column, astride their horses. Sir Bronwyn is at the far left, Khrovin is next to Sir Bronwyn, Sylvath is next to Khrovin and Ka’etil is next to Sylvath, on the far right.
At each tower you have found nothing but empty caves and rooms, bare and cold. The metal doors that have once barred the entrances and the shutters for the windows have long since rusted away or been destroyed. Only the rock remains.
As the outriders are forward, Brett, Ryul and Glaidus move up slowly throw each tower; while the riders stand somewhat forward of the tower to prevent an rush of cavalry from the west, down the path to attack you. On the far east of the tower, holding the mounts of Glaidus, Brett and Ryul, is Adjt, Alaric, and Ariarh.
Dior and Anuk-su Seti are flying high above.
At each pass, they have found nothing, though, and with each push forward up the trail, the tension mounts; for as you have found riders already… why has the enemy not made their grand move, unless they are holding for such an action?
As you push slowly forward, everyone with their eyes open, looking forward to the last set of towers, you begin the almost tedious determination to check your horses, array your company; have those who dismount – dismount; and begin the search.
Even as you begin this procedure, though, suddenly you are attacked!
None of you have seen the enemy. Your best attempts to see enemies have failed! Archers the second floor, hidden in dim shadows, are now firing at you all from the windows!
Luckily, they can only get an angle on some of you; as some of you are too far forward and too far back from the angle of their attack.
There are two archers on the second floor of each tower, at least, that is all you think for now. The first one takes a shot at Brett, the second at Ryul, the third one at Sir Bronwyn, and the last one at Khrovin.
Bandit 1 Against Brett
If he hits
Bandit 2 Against Ryul
If he hits
Bandit 3 Against Sir Bronwyn
If he hits
IF he hits
Bandit 4 Against Khrovin
If he hits
IF he hits
In this case: Color Grid Condition
Alaric: Pink AI-31 Full HP
Ariarh: Blue AI-25 Full HP
Brett: Yellow V-32 Full HP
Ka’etil: Green R-32 Full HP
Khrovin: White R-26 32 of 37
Sir Bronwyn: Silver R-24 41 of 43
Sylvath: Light Blue R-30 Full HP
Adjt: Light Pink AI-28 Full HP
Ryul: Light Green X-32 10 of 13
Glaidus: Orange Y-31 Full HP
Bandit 1 Red W-24 Full HP
Bandit 2 Red X-24 Full HP
Bandit 3 Red W-33 Full HP
Bandit 4 Red X-33 Full HP
These bastards can't shoot any better than the last lot that we faced. Let us bring sword and shield to them, and let them taste our wrath!
Figuring that he is only lightly wounded despite the depth that the arrow has pierced his shoulder, Khrovin will draw his bow and shoot at bandit 1.
Sir Bronwyn, get inside and deal with the pests. I will follow you soon
Initiative
Attack roll
Damage roll
These bastards can't shoot any better than the last lot that we faced. Let us bring sword and shield to them, and let them taste our wrath!
Figuring that he is only lightly wounded despite the depth that the arrow has pierced his shoulder, Khrovin will draw his bow and shoot at bandit 1.
Sir Bronwyn, get inside and deal with the pests. I will follow you soon
Initiative
1d20+2Attack roll
1d20+5Damage roll
1d8+1
Actually, Khrovin, you cannot hit the bandits on the left. If you look where you are in the map, you are not currently in their line of attack. This is why bandits 1 and 2 aimed for Ryul and Brett, and Bandits 3 and 4 aimed for you. Bandits 1 and 2 are on the left side.
In either case, your shot will miss, as you have not rolled high enough to strike your target. You can move to shoot, though, if you want, but this will involve pushing you and your horse into an angle of attack.
Bandits 1 and 2 have the Purple angle, 3 and 4 have the blue angle. You are currently in 3 and 4's angle, but if you move back, you will be in all four angle. If you move forward, you will not be able to be hit; though your friends will.
I should add, this information is for everyone. That said; what do you do everyone else. Khrovin, your shot still misses, just keep it in mind for future shots, though.
Addendum: If and when you get inside the towers, I will make the stairways more clear for you all to see.
These bastards can't shoot any better than the last lot that we faced. Let us bring sword and shield to them, and let them taste our wrath!
Figuring that he is only lightly wounded despite the depth that the arrow has pierced his shoulder, Khrovin will draw his bow and shoot at bandit 1.
Sir Bronwyn, get inside and deal with the pests. I will follow you soon
Initiative
1d20+2Attack roll
1d20+5Damage roll
1d8+1Actually, Khrovin, you cannot hit the bandits on the left. If you look where you are in the map, you are not currently in their line of attack. This is why bandits 1 and 2 aimed for Ryul and Brett, and Bandits 3 and 4 aimed for you. Bandits 1 and 2 are on the left side.
In either case, your shot will miss, as you have not rolled high enough to strike your target. You can move to shoot, though, if you want, but this will involve pushing you and your horse into an angle of attack.
Bandits 1 and 2 have the Purple angle, 3 and 4 have the blue angle. You are currently in 3 and 4's angle, but if you move back, you will be in all four angle. If you move forward, you will not be able to be hit; though your friends will.
I should add, this information is for everyone. That said; what do you do everyone else. Khrovin, your shot still misses, just keep it in mind for future shots, though.
Addendum: If and when you get inside the towers, I will make the stairways more clear for you all to see.
Ok my mistake. Will be shooting at 4 then. It makes little to no difference because I miss anyway, but hey ho
Anuk-Su SetiAlaric will move Arvakur over to the nearest entrance then dismount then he will cast a spell and disappear
1d20+2 Anuk-Su Seti1d20+3Alaric will move Arvakur over to the nearest entrance then dismount then he will cast a spell and disappear
You are on the far right side. Brett is right in front of the entrence on the far right side (he's in yellow; kobolds in orange); ready to enter with the silver kobolds standing by him.
The enemy is all near the entrence, they are simply one floor above you. You will need to enter, move the stairway; which is only wide enough for one person to travel up, then the enemy is right across the way from the stairs. On the map you can see where they would be, but they are 1 floor up.
If and when it is Anuk-su's turn, what would you have her do? Currently she is far above scouting, but can come down if called. However, this puts her in view of any potential archers, and bystanders - just something to consider.
Also, and this is just so I understand, because mounted combat is still new to me - you are going to have your horse move on his move action; then dismount on your move action. You are then casting a spell as Standard Action, then going to take another move action to get inside? I think you could theoretically do this, except that your horse will not simply ride over there undirected. And if you direct him, you need to use your Handle Animal check; which is normally a Move Action. But in this case you are basically telling your horse "go ride there" so that you can then dismount and cast a spell afterwards. But as "go there" is not under Handle Animal tricks, I think that would be a "Push", which I believe is a Full Round action. I don't know if it can be done, not saying it can't just looking for help on the matter. Is how I am reading the rules correct, or did I miss something?
I am not saying you can't I am just trying to learn; if anyone else knows the rules for this, please let me know. Like I said, I am not sure about Mounted Combat. If you can do it Alaric, I am all for it, and like the plan. But I don't know at this time what the rules are is all and am just asking if anyone else knows.
I think you misunderstood what I was doing as I never said I was going inside on this turn (I Don't have enough actions) As far as the horse moving, you don't need to do a handle animal check just to move. Also just FYI that would be a ride check. Because Arvakur is a combat trained mount I do not need to use an action to control him over to the entrance.
Ka'etil grins as the arrows start flying, and quickly hops off his horse.
Ride check to quick-dismount as a free action.
He draws out his longsword as he rushes to the door on the left
He yells back at those behind him, "Stay safe, out of range of the archers! They may come charging from the fort!"
and casts Shield.
(He makes it just to the threshold of the door, just inside. What do i see?
perception )
Ka'etil spurs Konur into action. The horse trots around to the left, out of range of the archers, and then hops off, leaving his mount relatively safe.
Here's a ride check if I need it.
I think you misunderstood what I was doing as I never said I was going inside on this turn (I Don't have enough actions) As far as the horse moving, you don't need to do a handle animal check just to move. Also just FYI that would be a ride check. Because Arvakur is a combat trained mount I do not need to use an action to control him over to the entrance.
Aravukur is doing a double move. You are dismounting, which is a Move Action, and casting the spell as a Standard Action. But you aren't entering the room, which is cool, as you are standing right next to your horse, in whatever position is best for you to dismount (I presume).
But to confirm then on Combat Trained mounts - you can order them to do a double move, then you can dismount and cast a spell as a standard action in 1 round? Again, I am just trying to learn - mounted combat is still tricky for me.
This is important, because now Waiph wants to have his horse run over to the door on the left, so he can dismount as a free action, then cast a spell as a standard action, then draw his weapon and then run up the stairs as his move action. If his horse moves him an extra forty feet betfor he does this, suddenly his movement nearly doubles at no penalty to him. So this is kind of important for me to understand a bit better is all.
I think a horse cannot move to a spot without the rider using some sort of action; if the rider also plans on getting off his horse and doing something. I could be wrong, but I don't know, which is why I am asking.
Yes he can do that. Had he failed the dc 20 ride check he would have to use a move action to get off the horse, as I did. The horse moved its move, Waiph Fast Dismounted by making a DC 20 ride check, he then has a move and a standard action with which to draw his sword while moving, and then using a standard action to cast. If the horse was not combat trained you would need a ride check to control the horse in combat which would be a move action. You do use an action to move your horse with reins and knees, it is a free action.
I believe you can make your mount at least take a single move, and sill take a full-attack. It's on of the benefits of being a mounted archer.
It looks like moving a mount doesn't take an action...
Yes he can do that. Had he failed the dc 20 ride check he would have to use a move action to get off the horse, as I did. The horse moved its move, Waiph Fast Dismounted by making a DC 20 ride check, he then has a move and a standard action with which to draw his sword while moving, and then using a standard action to cast. If the horse was not combat trained you would need a ride check to control the horse in combat which would be a move action. You do use an action to move your horse with reins and knees, it is a free action.
To Alaric
Cool! Thank you for clearing that up! As I said, this is all very new to me with mounted combat, and the more help the better.Also, where and what will Anuk-su Seti do?
To all:
By the way, does anyone know (just out of curiosity) how long it would take four riders to charge a quarter of a mile -
1 mile is 5,280
1/4 mile is 1,320 feet.
A horse moves at 50 feet a round, or 5 times that at a charge... Which means in one round they could run (theoretically, I believe) 250 feet a round. Which means that it would take five rounds for a horse to charge a quarter of a mile.
But the game may have different rules for moving a quarter of a mile on a charge on a horse. Does anyone know?
Oh, no particular reason, I am just randomly curious...
To All:
Please give me the coordinates of you and your mount when you are done moving, please. I need them on the map to know what is going on.
Thank you!
Oh, by the way, this is now post 5,000 - not bad for less then 16 weeks of gaming.
Technically it would take 6 rounds, 5 rounds would get them 1250 feet and then another double move to get the last 70 feet. But yes you are correct at the movement rate. Also it's not a charge, it's full movement. Not trying to nitpick but a charge is an actual action in combat so you don't want to mix them because it might get confusing.
Technically it would take 6 rounds, 5 rounds would get them 1250 feet and then another double move to get the last 70 feet. But yes you are correct at the movement rate. Also it's not a charge, it's full movement. Not trying to nitpick but a charge is an actual action in combat so you don't want to mix them because it might get confusing.
Cool, thanks again.
Just to refresh; can you show me where you would have your horse on the map via coordinates? As well as where you would be when you cast the spell, also via coordinates?
Finally, what does Anuk-su Seti do on her Initiative?
Remember, the doorway you will probably be tring to enter is at V-35.
sorry, I forgot my init
Kae is at the V25 doorway, just inside, and Konur is at P26.
For now, Ariarh is holding at AI25 as it is just her and Adjt who are keeping Brett, Glaidus and Ryul's horses in check.
Dior is still flying high overhead, out of the range of the arrows (or sight of bandits in towers).
To all
This combat is VERY, VERY LONG! And confusing...
Anyone up for a day this week for a Skype/MapTools battle to pick things up? We can use chat on my end, and you can do your nomral text. But if we do Skype/Maptools, I foresee this battle being done by the end of the week.
Please let me know, and PLEASE SAY YES!
What day works for you all? I am open to any day this week, Except for (perhaps) Friday night, though I will make it work, if needed.
Just let me know...
also, it isn't showing how many posts are up, only pages now, which is rather inconvenient. I liked knowing how many new pasts there were by looking at the top of the page...
The thing with posts/pages is rather inconvient. When we get done with book 1, we may move onto a new "chapter" to allow us do this again with no distractions. That is, a new "campaign", just part 2 of the same one, so we can keep things easy - but we'll see.
Also, Wed/Thursday sounds like the day best for everyone so far.
Alaric informs me he can host MapTools, though prefers Wed to Thursday.
We shall just need to wait to hear back from Khrovin and Sir Bronwyn on what is good for them.
As it is Tuesday now, I shall post day/time by the end of the evening.
Sound good?
Cool.
Bronwyn dismounts quickly, searching the battlefield for the positions of his comrades. Sighing in relief at seeing Alaric disappear using his magic, he looks for a way to the archers.
He enters the building, his instincts flaring. Seeing the staircase, he halts for a second.
This feels like walking into a trap... Nevertheless, the others are suffering heavy attack and I must step into it if need be; those archers need to be dealt with before we lose someone.
I need to know soon as possible what works, so i can arrange my plans...
also, it isn't showing how many posts are up, only pages now, which is rather inconvenient. I liked knowing how many new pasts there were by looking at the top of the page...
Waiph, I am hearing a lot for Wed. What time is that for you via Eastern Standard time? You said 10. Is that your time, or East Coast Time? Please let me know...
For the NPC’s…
Brett rushes inside and jumps inside the doorway, ducking to the side for partial cover.
He takes a shot across the way at one of the enemies in the second window (Bandit 1).
Attack Roll
If he hits
Sylvath rides forward down the path out of cover, trying to watch the roads ahead for enemies, taking the suggestions of the group. Glaidus will enter the room and rush for the stairs to the second floor, and Ryul will also enter, moving to the other side of the door for cover.
The bandits fire back.
Bandit 1 Against Brett
If he hits
Bandit 2 Against Brett
If he hits
Bandit 3 Against Kae
If he hits
Bandit 4 Against Kae
If he hits
So far, the bandits do not seem to be moving from their position. They have partial cover here, as does Brett in the doorway, so be advised on that if you are taking a shot on them.
Round 2 Movement and conclusions:
Alaric: Pink Y-32 Full HP
Alaric Horse: Pink W-31 Full HP
Ariarh: Blue AI-25 Full HP
Brett: Yellow U-33 Full HP
Ka’etil: Green V-25 34 of 38
Kae’s Horse Green P-26 Full HP
Khrovin: White R-26 32 of 37
Sir Bronwyn: Silver W-24 41 of 43
Sylvath: Light Blue P-30 Full HP
Adjt: Light Pink AI-28 Full HP
Ryul: Light Green W-34 10 of 13
Glaidus: Orange X-34 Full HP
Second Floor
Bandit 1 Red W-24 Missing 7 HP
Bandit 2 Red X-24 Full HP
Bandit 3 Red W-33 Full HP
Bandit 4 Red X-33 Full HP
Hi guys,
Finally got my university timetable more or less sorted out. The only real day I would be able to do is thursday, simply because of not having university the next day. I will have to call myself out from this combat therefore, because I have a pretty full day tomorrow, and its an early start. Sorry
TO ALL
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Stag Lord is dead! The bandits vanquished, and much has been accomplished!
Look for full book 1 recap in your email soon; including full accounts of everything that went on in the game up to now, sumarized.
Should include important places, events, names and issues in the game to help you sort out the few and subtle varriations between this version and that of the Kingmake "core book".
By the way, a two week PbP post for combat, coupled with an eight our Skype/MapTools battle was perhaps one of the most intense combat situations I'e ever been privy to!
Thank you all for making the game and the conclusion as exciting as it was. I look forward to the Social RP between books 1 and 2, and am planning on continuing Book 2 in about a week and a half at most. Between now and then you'll have time to begin consolodating your connections between here and other nations, as well as send letters to your loved ones, discuss mysteries over the fire with other campaigneres, and begin the slow process of recruiting citizens to what dreams of the future you have.
That said; good luck, and good night!
See you all soon... Your empire awaits!
The last of the bandits fell swiftly enough and whilst the bearded devil was a much harder proposition, Khrovin's skill, and much help from his new friends eventually dispatched the nightmare beast. One final exaltation to Erastil provided much of the healing that the group needed, although Sir Bronwyn was still a sickly white colour. When more closely inspected, the savage wounds that he had taken were deep and bleeding freely with some kind of taint from the beast that had finally been slain. Quick action for several minutes was needed before the healing potions and spells that both he and Ariarh possessed were enough to stabilise his condition.
With the immediate panic over his mind went back to the one who had captivated his soul and heart so swiftly. Ariarh was only very lightly hurt, and indeed the channelling of holy energy direct from Old Deadeye had seen to her most critical wounds. Khrovin was glad that the worst of the combat had been raging around Brett, Kae and himself. He looked at Ariarh for just a moment, but that moment dragged itself out till it felt like a year. A good year, with bountiful harvest. The light gained a lighter, softer quality, and Khrovin moved swiftly to Ry’s side. Sheathing his weapons, he wrapped an arm around her slim beautiful waist, holding her gently and gazing into her eyes. The fire that she had mentioned in an earlier conversation was back, and he longed to claim her as his own. To propose that they throw convention and tradition away and become man and wife in the near future, or at least become betrothed.
A subtle voice within him plead for caution however, reminding him that Ry was only young, and their acquaintance had been for such a short time that his chances of winning this suit were minimal. He listened to it, and so simply kissed Ry. A long, slow kiss, light and tender, and a deep sense of longing and of how right the situation was came over him. She was truly his strength, with her he felt right. The world around him made more sense, and he felt more at peace with himself and his quests than perhaps ever before.
His other arm wrapped itself around Ry’s waist, so she was encircled in his strong arms. He wished that she was closer, that his breastplate was not stopping him from pulling her closer still. He wanted to have her close enough that their hearts would be beating in synchrony. He pulled back ever so slightly from the kiss, and then slowly kissed a little lower, making his way round to the beautiful crease between neck and ear that she had. He whispered in her ear that he was glad she was still alive, for he would have been devastated if he was no longer able to speak with her about the ways of the world around them, and of their plans for the future of the lands around them, and the people contained within it.
It is good to know you are safe Ry, the world around you and I both seems to somehow be a better place now that we have dealt with this small part of what ails it.
He kisses her once more, and then motions towards the carnage around them. We should search this place for what we can, and then get the hell out of here. I fear that this is not a good place to be right now, for in our weakened state, and with so much of the keep unexplored we would be easy prey for whatever would befall us. Let us finish our business here and then get out and back to Oleg's. I sense that this is a time to rejoice, and my heart knows it without a doubt that a corner has been turned in these lands, but so much could yet go wrong. He went to the body of the cleric and Stag Lord, searching them both thoroughly.
Perception check to find anything of interest on the bodies, and taking 20 if I am able to. Gives me a result of 24. Anything I find will be stored in saddlebags for sorting out later. Similar process with the other bodies. After that, grab the bodies and put them together in a single area, then say some minor last rites asking Erastil to take mercy upon these men and take them into his service.
Small talk with each of the party members, double checking whether everyone is ok and double checking for any hidden wounds or anything of the sort that wasn't obvious earlier.
[b]We are all in fairly decent shape at the moment, if a little depleted in terms of spells and the like. The towers from earlier, we went through them, but never really properly searched them. If there is a little time on the way back, I would suggest we perhaps take a look into it, for who knows what might be hidden in them. Also, this garrison is too large for just the 10 men that we found here, it's almost as though there are more of these men that we might have to fight. I am no leader, but I suggest we search them for anything that might help us otherwise we might never recover those lost treasures.
Khrovin looks around to the others for their opinion of his plan, and spends many long moments looking once more at Ry, his eyes yearning.
It had been a taxing battle and Ry stood surveying the dead bodies and the vastness of the fortress. She had been off her game this time around and it did not sit well with her. The incident with her horse being injured when she should have been more cautious in guiding him over the rock and debris had left her feeling responsible and in a way hampered, hobbled herself. She had been much relieved when Khrovin channelled healing energy and Tal was restored to full capability. Still, she was less forward in her combat due to inexperience, worry and general confusion, especially with the appearance of the bearded devil. Her companions on the front line fought hard and furiously and she did her best as a secondary weapon. She rejoiced when Khrovin dealt the killing blow to the devil. Ry could have wept in that moment, especially when realising the Stag Lord had been felled during battle and at the hand of the Ustalavian priest who turned on him to save himself.
She had been mildly wounded during battle, which only precipitated her anger. Thank the spirits and gods that the bandits and the bearded devil had failed in their attempts to end her life. Again, Khrovin channelled healing and she, her griffon and the others were restored to full health, well almost since Sir Bronwyn was still recovering. She and Khrovin would monitor his progress to ensure he was improving as they travelled. Ry looked at each and every one of her companions and silently applauded not only their courage but determination. As she lifted Dior, checking him for any unseen, untended wounds, and then inspected her horse, Ry stood and looked over at Khrovin, who was quickly approaching her and in a fluid action had her against him in embrace. He held her eyes, blue on blue, and the outside noise ceased, except for the sound of her heartbeat, breathing and the pulsing of her blood which had suddenly quickened at his look and touch. His mouth descended upon hers and the kiss albeit tender commanded her to respond and unconsciously she did. Her first kiss had been with Davin, back home, but she had only been 16 and had not known what to do or even known of her neighbour's love for her. It had ended dismally and she never saw him again. This kiss, the second in her young life, was different. Although catching her unexpectedly, she relished in the feel of Khro's arms around her and his mouth compelling her own. Her eyes closed and she opened herself, something inside awakening brightly, fiercely and she pressed as closely as she could to Khrovin, knowing their respective armor got in the way. Ry was innocent in the ways of intimacy yet it felt natural the way her being responded to Khrovin. She should have been self conscious knowing her companions were close by and witnessing this affection. But she was not. When he had pulled back a little, she almost cried out from the disengage, but he moved to her neck and ear and whispered sweet, tender words to her. Ry's breath caught and a shiver ran down the length of her, not out of fear but something far deeper, natural and primal. She found her own lips forming words against his ear, "You were courageous, this day, and your courage was rewarded with having the honour of killing the evil creature. I am proud of you. I am happy that you are alive, beside me, with me. You are safe and I can breathe again. Though your kisses took some of the breath away, again." Ry blushes at the disclosure, never having spoken such words to a man before, never having kissed one in this unrestrained manner.
After Khrovin disengages from her and moves amongst the others and the fallen enemy, Ariarh follows suit in effort to aid any member of her party. She hears Khro's suggestion to search the towers they had ridden past earlier. Aye, her spells were almost depleted but she had a few still in reserve in case they were necessary. Ry looks up at Khrovin and speaks a little more confidently, "I will help you search the towers on our way back out of this place. There are things we have yet to learn and any clues will be beneficial. I also look forward to returning to Oleg's Trading Post. Aye, we must relay the information we have learned to date and find out what has happened there since our departure. And then we can rest and relax, for a little while at least, before new preparations and plans are made. It would be a very nice change of pace." Ariarh notices Khrovin staring at her with his intense blue eyes and the yearning found there floods her and sets off her own. Silent promises seemed to be exchanged between them and she smiles partly from shyness and partly from the heat coursing like wild horses through her veins.
After the power of the ring Kills the bandit, as they are riding, Ka'etil quietly speaks to Alaric.
"I understand how you must feel, I too have had blood on my hands like this. You know I went more than a little mad once my sorcerous powers awakened, and when my mind finally cleared, my 'Awakening', my hands and face were covered in blood, and bodies were strewn about, torn to pieces..." Ka'etil casts his gaze about, uncomfortably. He clearly feels guilty about the whole thing, but is not really sure how to approach it.
"There were weapons strewn about, but i do not know who attacked who. Perhaps, in my madness I imagined an attack from them, and sought to defend myself, while they did nothing to provoke me, they may have attacked me, seeing my weakened mental state, I would have attacked them for no reason at all..."
"I simply do not know. All I know is that it was not until then that the fog before my eyes cleared, and my sanity returned. I do not know if it was the trauma that snapped me back to reality, or if it was the violence and death."
"I saw the reflection of a horned demon before me, in the shield of one of the dead men, it was polished to a bright sheen. As it faded away so did my madness." He pets Konur at this point, looking at the horse affectionately, recalling how the animal had not bolted from him after the transformation faded. That is when he took the animal for himself, A wise decision, on my part. The creature reassuring him slightly, implying that he was not entirely in the wrong.
"It is difficult to accept, but sometimes we hurt people when we do not intend to. We cannot deny our power and run from it, for the same thing will happen again and again. We must face it, learn to control it, or at least to direct it if it cannot be controlled."
Ka'etil looks hard at Alaric, sizing him up, gauging his reactions. "I have learned to use my power, to control it. While the demonic taint of of my bastard father lingers still upon me, since that day I have directed it judiciously, and using it to protect those I care for, and I am satisfied. Until you conquer your power, you must learn to use it as it is, to direct it, lest you once again tap into it without intending to."
When the demon is felled, Ka'etil allows his blood to calm from it's boiling state, yet he is left with an uncomfortable burning within. He is irked by his inability to harm the devil, furious at the harm that Konur received, and his inability to exact any measure of vengance upon those who harmed his pet. He busies himself with the unplesant task of searching the bodies, bloody, broken, and charred, removing weapons, armor and other such valuables, considering items to be taken as a trophy of sorts, to remind him of his percieved feelings this day.
He takes a moment to check on Konur, who is even still more injured than he was in the fight. But seeing the great beast trotting about, he is slightly reassured. He pets the animal and whispers to it an appology, promising to be more careful with him in the future, smilinf as he sees the horse's hooves, still bloody from the last fight, having slain more riders than he did. He the mess off the horse, and leaves walks him to Ryul, who seems to have a way with animals. "Would you tend to Konur while I search this place?" he asks the Kobold.
Upon hearing Khrovin's concern that there may be more foes here, Kae returns his focus to the world around him. "I'll look over the rest of the keep, if any wish to join me," he calls out. He feels the power in his blood is not yet expended and his body is not too tired to summon forth his fiendish powers, so he is itching for more combat. Sparks crackle at his fingertips and his voice has a strange resonance to it as he speaks.
He's further distraught that the beautiful and foreigh tongue with witch Ariarh speaks bothers him at a deep level, and seaks to control his agitation, and get away from the party and be about some productive business. Perhaps finding the armory, supply room, someone to kill, or perhaps some interesting treasures.
@Kae before fighting the stag lord: Thank you Kae. I'm glad you understand the frustration. I have bested this entity twice in a battle of wills and yet it lingers. Unfortunately I have not been able to drive the horrid shade out yet completely. This ring was once a noble item worn by a noble man. It pains me greatly to see it sullied so. Once again you have my thanks but we should probably concentrate on finishing this Stag Lord. From horseback next to him he grips Kae's arm in thanks before turning his eyes back towards the gate with a burning intensity.
After the Battle:
One part ends, another begins Alaric muses.
Watching his friends and compatriots enjoying the moment, Alaric feels a momentary sadness that his love is not with him. Shaeria would have enjoyed seeing the tyrant fall. Looking at the tender moment being shared between Ry and Khrovin, Alaric smiles and thinks That is what we are fighting for. To allow the people of the land to love and laugh again. Alaric turns his gaze upon his adopted brother and gives him a small nod, appreciating the vigor with which he fought. Kae, who understands the curse of having a darkness thrust upon oneself, tending his beloved horse, adds an air of normalcy to an otherwise extraordinary moment.
While Khrovin is searching the bodies of the cleric and Stag Lord, Alaric will say to the group We have fought long and hard to get to this point my friends. Our immediate goal is at an end but we have a long and dangerous road ahead of us. I am heartened though because this is a small example of what we can accomplish together. New friends and old, I can honestly say that it is a privilege to fight alongside you. Smiling and winking at Khrovin for a moment Even if my fighting is a bit unconventional. He looks back at everyone and continues We are standing upon the precipice of greatness. Not for ourselves, but for the greatness of the future we seek to build for those people who wish for a better life for themselves and their children. I came here because I wanted to create a realm where the worth of a person was defined not by an accident of their birth, but by the deeds and actions that person chose to pursue.
My father rules his city with an iron fist. Crushing the peasants and miners under his thumb so that they obey without question. Dissent is answered with steel, progress is halted by fear. The lords under him curry favor and scheme and squabble and stab each other in the back to gain advantage. I was glad then to be bastard born, for I did not have to participate in such depravity. I am thankful though, because it taught me that there were better ways of doing things for your people. It began my dream of a society where the people were listened to and respected.
Ariarh, it has been my absolute honor to travel with you these last months and it gives me enormous pleasure to call you friend. Your compassion for those around you is boundless and the fierceness with which you commit yourself to your friends is remarkable. I admire you greatly for it and can only hope that I can one day match your wisdom. Kae, you and I are kin in the burdens that we carry. You bear yours with remarkable strength of character. I hope in the future I can bear mine with the grace you bear yours. Khrovin, we have not traveled long together but I already thank the gods that you were brought to us. Your courage and honor are exemplary and will serve you well. Sir Bronwyn Winter, my brother. It still thrills me every time I say that as I have wanted a brother I could respect and admire my entire life. I did not expect to find one in the middle of the greenbelt, but I am overjoyed that I did. Your fearlessness and bravery are amazing to behold. Above even that though, you honor me beyond measure by allowing me to call you brother. Brett, you are a bit crass and coarse, but you also have a way of seeing right to the heart of a problem that I admire. Your willingness to back up your friends, not to mention your incredible cooking skill, do you honor and I am very thankful for them. Anuk-su, we have only been together for mere days, and yet I feel like I have known you my entire life. Your connection, along with your noble guardians, to the past allows us to learn from mistakes of the past and shape a better future. I hope that I can be worthy of that great heritage.
Alaric pauses for a moment, looking at each of you he seems quite emotional and the passion for this vision is almost pouring off of him. I have used the word hope a lot. That is my vision for this land and society boiled down to a single word. Hope of overcoming the demons of the past and hope of building a brighter future.
Alaric looks around at all of you again and says Are you all with me in building this future?
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Totally not liking that.
Bearing this point in mind, I have given a lot of thought to the diversions I have made from their boxed set. As you all know by now, my version of Kingmaker has deviations from the core "source book". I am not only proud of those deviations as a writer, but as a gamer. I feel that I have written a lot of new ideas, and made great effort to see them used for the fun of the group.
Therefore...
With the advent of book 2 arriving for our campgain, I sense there will be a lot of future changes continuing. As long as they keep being put on the board, Paizo reserves the rigth to use those ideas and documents and redistribute them, or sell them at their liesure.
While I am not specifically looking for money from anyone, it irks me that all of our hard work could be (theoretically) capatalized on and used by a company to make money. The excellent back and forth in game material I saw from all of you posted above... I loved it! But it angers me on your behalf that a gaming company has now given itself the ablity to not only use our materials, but sell them for profit.
I don't like the idea of a company telling me outright and directly that by posting my writing material on their site, that gives them the right to sell it as if they wrote it. As such, I'm looking for options here, on what can be done to make sure that not only my work, and your work, is protected. Your characters have become very important to me, and if someone would say... for example... take Sir Bronwyn's story, or the budding story between Khrovin and Ariarh, or Alaric and Kae's comments recently... and take this and sell it for money; I would be very unhappy.
Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this subject? Please feel free to post them above under the "discussion" thread.
Sorry for the length of this post... Check your emails soon, I shall be forwarding on details on the fortress, and towers, by Friday at the latest.
Hope was a mighty thing. Alaric was a fine orator and listening to him Ry found herself caught up in the essence of what a true quest entails and the noble pursuit of something greater than one self, wealth or absolute power. In comparison to large armies, their humble group seemed inconsequential, yet they had risen to all the occasions set before them and conquered the odds. And, here they were, closer, yet still at some distance from their primary goal. Here we stand at the precipice of prodigious change.
Thinking back on the first night she had met Alaric and Brett and then the subsequent arrivals of Kae, Bronwyn, Khrovin and Anuk-su Seti and her guard, Ariarh was pleased that she could find a new family, one not of blood, but of heart, soul and spirit. The passion in Alaric's clear, strong voice caught at her heart and she found her tears welling with unspent emotion. Aye, he was my first friend in this wild land. Still now, true friend and comrade. Khrovin's words scratched at her memory about how their individual lives were not as important as those of a future nation. But glancing at each companion in her party, Ariarh held onto the belief that even one life was important and its nurture or demise would mark the land forever. She was grateful that most of the group survived and saddened that the silver kobold Tiam was no longer with them on this plane. These metallic kobolds had their own faith and practices, however Ry held onto the belief that Tiam would one day return in another form and the cycle would begin anew. Ariarh silently pondered the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
Hope of a brighter future? For all manner of creature and for the land, waters, skies themselves ... Were the gods pleased with their pursuit for a different, accepting future? Erastil had proven a steadfast divine ally thus far...
Ry walks over to where Alaric stands, honourable, emotional and still the great friend she has always known him to be. "I am with you in building this future. From the first you have shown me nothing but respect and trust and I am grateful and humbled by your faith in me." Ry reaches across the short distance between them and cups his cheek with her hand. "May the blessing of light be on you, always." Ry eliminates the distance between them and puts her arms around Alaric and holds him. The gesture is not inappropriate but a comforting intimacy, friend to friend. Ariarh was not sure how many more times she would be able to take such liberties with Alaric, seeing that his vision for the future involved sovereignty. But here and now, Ry was able to hold her friend for a moment and know it mattered just as much.