GM Bold Strider's Dragon's Demand - Flaxseed Lodge (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

"Sounds a little dangerous, sneaking into a dragon's lair by yourself," Lukas replies to Sarasha, "though it would make a heck of a story, one that would make a baker's dozen of dwarves jealous."

He considers the tower a moment, then continues, "I could try to sneak in with you, though I'm not quite as quiet as you, I'd guess. Or we could all go together, and hope it works out better than it did against that wraith."

Trust me, Lukas, I wasn't planning on taking on the dragon by myself. Just opening an entrance if the need arises.

Let's get a little closer where we can see better what it is that's moving there, while still remaining hidden.

Tessa agrees as she follows closely behind. Do you really think that there is an actual dragon in there?

She prepares what spells she is able to in short time.

Cast Mage Armor on self.

You are at the edge of the woods and the monastery is a few hundred feet from you across open ground.

Tessa attempts to use the woods to her advantage and sneak across the outskirts towards the entrance.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

For some reason I'm always the one to ask this: any chance of a map? Or is the map of the inside of the tower?

Lukas moves along quietly with Tessa, though he's aware the open ground makes him fairly easy to spot.

Activate barkskin (1/4 ki used), take 10 on Stealth for an 18

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 5

As you try to approach stealthily, the large bronze bell in the belfry rings out into the clear day, likely signalling your approach.

*Booooooong!* *Boooooooooong!*

Eight weather-worn statues in various martial poses flank a tiled patio leading up to the monastery's gate. The weathered, iron gate is ajar. A guardhouse lies to the north, and three narrow arrow slits face ominously southward from its facade.

A voice calls out from behind the arrow slits. "You there! You here with the money? Where is it? Show us! Lord Aeteperaxx is impatient!" shrieks the reptilian voice as you approach.

Cobb finds his longbow in his hand, his new shiny dragonslaying one, like an old friend. He looks to his companions, his expression hidden those in the gatehouse beyond by the wide brim of his hat.

Not knowing if his new companions have other insight into who might dwell in the monastery, he keeps quiet in case they are actually unaware and plan a ruse.

Tessa folds back into the woods. What the hell do I say?

We are not hiding that we have these books, not again, Lukas tells himself, though it may mean we have to talk to a dragon.

He steps forward and calls out, "We have the books the dragon wants! But who are you? We don't want to give them to you and then have the dragon come back to town and say he never got any books!"

He listens for the answer, trying to discern if he can trust whoever is shouting at them.

Take 10 on Sense Motive for a 16

"Dragon want books AND money!" yells the voice. "Where is the money!"

Maybe we should try a bluff... to lure them out... Jeb whispers under his breath.

Sarasha steps out into view.

You think we're going to just dump the money here? Let us in or we'll take it elsewhere and you can tell your master how you let it slip from your fingers.

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 Gah! Really, dicebot?

Cobb gives a nod and can't hide his smile as he watches events unfold.

There's a large part of him that beams with pride that his fellow companions are taking the angle that they are.

He sees no benefit in being yet another voice adding to the shouts, but does add a small shrug and begins to act as if he's about to turn around and head back to town for the theatrical effect that it's worth.

For future reference, if you whisper about a future con in front of the potential marks, I will need a Stealth against their Perception. Just saying...

2d20 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

You hear several voices chitter behind the arrow slits after Sarasha's statement as they appear oblivious to the ruse and Jeb's statement.

Finally, the gate creaks open further and four kobolds appear in front of you. "Now show us money, softskins!" the lead kobold yells as the others point their spears at you.

They are about 20' from you and bedecked in metal, plated armor.

Jebediah steps forward a merry smile on his face and the heavy tome in hands.

You heard em boys go get the gold...I can't carry it all but I'll bring along the books...

The halfling steps forward slowly...clearly the feeble little creature could never do any harm to a full grown Kobold.

Approaching...

Cobb's fingers itched for the feel of the soft feathers of his arrows.

This is going south any second... but at least the gate's open. We got that far.

This is madness! We keep lying about everything related to these books, and now we're going to kill the dragon's guards? And then what?

Though he thinks their approach is insane, Lukas approaches casually as well, patting his pockets as if checking them for money.

Tessa steps back to 'grab the gold' and ducks back behind the group.

This isn't good. We don't have the gold..... She prepares a spell on the tip of her tongue as she waits to see what the armored kobolds do.

Sarasha follows Tessa, trying to look inconspicuous.

The kobolds advance in unison and one of the middle ones yells again. "I say to go get gold, pink one!" he says as he jabs Lukas with his spear roughly, but not enough to harm him.

"Hey, don't poke me!" Lukas cries out, sidestepping the spear and taking a quick stride towards the kobold, then trying to sweep its feet out from under it.

5-foot step, trip him - assuming I'm able to attack, though we haven't rolled initiative. Call it a surprise round action?

Trip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

New map?

"They attack! They attack! We get to kill!" cheers the kobold 'leader' as Lukas' leg misses entirely.

Initiative:
Celes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Lukas: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Jebidiah: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Cobb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Sarasha: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Tessa: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Kobolds: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Initiative:
1st: Lukas
2nd: Kobolds (Red; Green; Yellow; Blue)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Jebidiah; Celes

Map updated! I tried to place everyone according to their posts.

Jeb has a + on initiative not a +4 so he will be actiong before the kobolds and ashis plan was to color spray them all along...Move and cast color spray DC 16. All opponents are treated as 4 HD smaller. And all 4 Kobolds get in on the fun...

As violence breaks out Jebediah steps forward and coats the Kobolds in a blast of colour.

Did my trip work? If not, I'll trip red again. If it worked, I'll trip yellow.

Trip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

@Jeb: Fixed the Init problem. However, you cannot hit the four kobolds from your current position. You would need to be in melee with the kobolds to hit all four. Did you want to be closer?

@Lukas: As stated above, your attack missed.

Lukas tries to trip once more and finds himself successful this time as the red kobold falls as his leg lashes out.

Initiative:
1st: Lukas; Jebidiah
2nd: Kobolds (Red-Prone; Green; Yellow; Blue)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Celes

Hmm guess you are right no then I'll just shoot for 3 Kobolds. Btw the DC is actually 17

The only kobolds that are within 15' are Yellow and Green.

Will Save - DC 17: 2d20 ⇒ (11, 5) = 16

All three of the kobolds in the front row drop to the ground, though only one remains coherent as the remaining kobolds.

The rear kobold shrieks in Draconic as he rushes up to stab Jebidiah's face as the other stabs at Lukas.

Spear @ Jeb-17 AC: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 + 6 = 14

The fallen kobold stands up, drawing an attack from Lukas, as he also stabs out at the man.

Spear @ Lukas-25 AC: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 4 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 4 + 6 = 12

Both of the Bold Striders are skewered by the kobolds as they chitter in happiness at exacting revenge.

Initiative:
1st: Lukas; Jebidiah
2nd: Kobolds (Red; Blue)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Celes

Status
Jeb @ 17/31 HP
Lukas @ 22/34 HP

Pending
AoO - Lukas @ Red

DMBS - I activated Barkskin as we approached the tower. AC is 27, so the spear missed. Which is good, because those kobolds hit hard!

Lukas strikes out at the kobold as he stands up, then kicks and punches at it again. !

AoO, then flurry.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 AoO
Unarmed Strike damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Unarmed Strike damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Unarmed Strike damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sarasha moves up and strikes at Blue.

Wyrmsmite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Tessa steps around to get a clear shot and fires a ray of frost at the blue kobold.

Ray of Frost; PBS; Precise Shot: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25
Damage; Intense Spells: 1d3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Separate DC 13 Fort Save or slowed as per the slow spell for 1 round for rime blooded.

Lukas flails about as his fists and kicks uselessly clang against the kobold's armor as Sarasha only lands a scratch against the offending creature in front of her.

Sarasha follows up with a blistering cold attack on the blue kobold, but the weak spell does even less that Sarasha.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Initiative:
1st: Lukas; Jebidiah
2nd: Kobolds (Red; Blue @ 10)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Celes

Status
Jeb @ 17/31 HP

Cobb takes a moment to study the kobold to his left (red), gauging its moves and patterns before loosing a single arrow.

Move to study; standard to fire @ red.

longbow (studied target): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Celes, smiles as she steps up to the one nearest her.

Hmph, I prefer to fight...now let's see who is stronger!

She takes a mighty swing at the kobold sneering in front of her.

Flaming Axe, AC 19, Blue: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (5) + 4 = 14

Sarasha only lands a scratch

Did that crit not confirm? Do I sense any damage resistance at play?

Hmm I used a 15 foot cone diagramm to make sure that I hit 3 kobolds from where I'm standing but guess it's too late now... Jeb goes on total defense.

Jebediah jowls in pain and takes a defensive posture in the hopes that his comrades will quickly kill this pesky kobold.

@Sarasha: You just think that you scored a good hit, but it turns out to do less damage than you expected. Not sure if you can differentiate between a missed crit and DR, but you notice that no one else seems to have your problem.

Jeb holds himself back from the fight, choosing to stand his ground without action as Celes takes a wild swing and finds that it glances off the stout armor of the kobolds as Cobb places a well-aimed arrow into the shoulder-joint of one of the reptilians, causing him to shriek in pain.

The pair of kobolds renew their attack as the reddish kobold looks to continue stabbing the easy target in front of it while the other follows Lukas and stabs at him again.

Spear @ Jeb-17 AC: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 4 + 6 = 16

Spear @ Lukas-27 AC: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 4 = 32
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 4 + 6 = 13

Spear Confirmation @ Lukas-27 AC: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 4 = 19 Miss.

Jeb takes another harrowing attack and nearly topples over from the wounds as Lukas tries to twist out of the way and gets pierced in the kidneys by the offensive kobolds. It seems that they've had a lot of training against humans and halflings as they seem to predict your moves.

Initiative:
1st: Lukas; Jebidiah
2nd: Kobolds (Red @ 13; Blue @ 10)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Celes

Status
Jeb @ 1/31 HP
Lukas @ 21/34 HP

"Ouch! Cut that out!" Lukas exclaims, sweeping a leg towards the feet of the kobold with the rusty red armor. "Sarasha, let's take this guy out!"

Trip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 vs red

Sarasha twists and turns as she moves up into better position.

Acrobatics to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

She tries to take down Red with Lukas' help.

Form of...a mace! Her rapier transforms at her command into a light mace.

Let's see if crushing his head works any better.

Assuming that nice takedown by Lukas was successful.

Wyrmsmite, light mace form, flanking, vs. prone: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 + 4 = 17 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 + Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6 + Bleed: 2 = 2 + Disoriented

Bleeding damage bypasses any damage reduction the creature might possess.

Cobb gives the kobold he shot a disconcerted look, expressing some surprise that a single well-placed arrow didn't do the trick.

"Huh, what do you know? Didn't drop..."

At red.

longbow (studied target, rapid): 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 24 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
longbow (studied target, rapid): 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 26 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

In the case of the first one doing the trick, apply the second to the other kobold, but at -2 hit/damage as it hasn't been studied.

Ahhh...Kill it!,,,kill it!

Jebediah shouts.

Waiting to see if my friends can fell the mighty Kobold before taking my action...

Celes upset that her attack missed, takes another violent swing at the kobold.

PA, blue, AC 19: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (7) + (4) + 10 = 21

@Cobb: I believe that you forgot something... ;)

Confirmation of Critical: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 17

The kobold with red eyes falls to the ground as Lukas trips the beast and Cobb fires off two more arrows at it, though the man feels a bit surprised as his second arrow looked like it might pierce the creature's eyes, killing it, but instead the reptilian passes out from his wounds.

Celes takes another swing at the remaining kobold, but it sends more of the stone-worked floor flying as Sarasha attempt to bash the creature is met with a resounding clang on the armor of the snarling kobold.

Initiative:
1st: Lukas; Jebidiah
2nd: Kobolds (Blue @ 10)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Celes

Status
Jeb @ 1/31 HP
Lukas @ 21/34 HP

Blasted keen bows throwing me off my game!

Not complaining in the least...

Jebediah bleeding heavily from two vicious wounds and as close to meeting his lady as he ever has been takes a step back and treats his wounds with his wand.

5 ft. step. Draw wand heal wounds CLW1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Jeb steps back to heal himself, but the kobold is out for blood and quickly follows the halfling as he tries to end the man's life with one last spear jab before the rest of the Bold Striders overwhelm him.

Spear @ Jeb-17 AC: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 + 6 = 12

The kobold cries out a battlecry as the halfling plummets to the ground as his wand is nearly crushed by his falling body. Jeb's blood begins to pool on the cobblestones.

Initiative:
1st: Lukas; Jebidiah
2nd: Kobolds (Blue @ 10)
3rd: Sarasha; Cobb; Tessa; Celes

Status
Jeb-Bleeding Out @ -6/31 HP
Lukas @ 21/34 HP

Having learned how dangerous this particular batch of kobolds can be with their spears, Lukas runs wide around one of the pillars, then attempts to land a punch on the remaining guard. As he moves, he calls out, "Tessa, Cobb! Can you do anything for Jeb? He's hurt bad!"

Move action to get in position, going wide to avoid AoO, then attack blue.

Unarmed Strike, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 2 = 22
Unarmed Strike damage: 1d8 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 4 = 12

Sarasha moves around to flank the remaining kobold.

Wyrmsmite, light mace form, flanking: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 = 26 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 + Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 + Bleed: 2 = 2 + Disoriented

Bleeding damage bypasses any damage reduction the creature might possess.

Celes, seeing Jeb fall angers her. She lets out a war cry of her own as her muscles bulge and ripple as anger and adrenaline mix into a volatile cocktail in her veins. She takes another powerful swing, wanting to send the Kobolds head flying.

rage 1, AC 16, PA: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + (2) + 13 = 17