GM Giuseppe's Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Giuseppe Capriati

Jacobus Varadin wrote:

He dusted off his armor, "If that's the case, then I see no reason to endanger Oleg or his wife. We'll leave the door ajar to let the 'bandits' come in and state their business. I'll wait by the tables and tell them their behavior will no longer be tolerated and see what they say."

"Now that... Are you sure you want to expose yourself like that? Before me and Roksana get a chance to jump in, you may be heading for some hurt" - he ponders - "And in all honesty, I think if they see you all alone without any backup I seriously doubt they will comply" - the man shrugs - "But it is up to you, just take no chances"

Jacobus nodded, "Yes, I realize that I will be vulnerable at first but you all will be close by and ready to jump in as you say."

He kissed his golden key, "Besides, one must dip one's toe in the water to see how cold it is, meaning we'll give them a chance to 'do good'. I trust the Lawgiver to protect me. Who knows, maybe I will cow them into compliance."

He looked about and quickly added, "But just be ready, OK?"

On Watch
Roksana shrugs at Reknar when he sits with her. Her stomach rumbles, remembering the taste of bigos and she smiles briefly before considering the next days situation.

"From the sounds of it, they're getting pretty comfortable, forgetting to give a real show of force every time they come to collect their goods. With any luck it should be an easy fight, unless of course they have anyone scouting the town. They'd have made note of a few armed travelers stopping here at the outpost, they may send a few more men this time. On the bright side, we'll have the benefit of a nights rest."

Roksana smiles broadly at her companion, showing the teeth that prove she's something other than a tall human.

"Either way, with a couple of old soldiers like us, they don't stand much of a chance."

Day of the Ambush

Once everyone is in position Roksana paces behind the cart in the trading post. Too anxious to sit still before the bandits arrive she starts practicing an old martial routine to ease her nerves. It was a technique to keep the muscle memory from all her training, but it also helped pass the time. Every few motions she stops to listen for any approaching parties. She keeps her motions concise and subtle, trying to stay as hidden behind the cart as she can.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12

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Date — Starday, Pharast the 4th, 4610 AR
Time — Dawn
Location — Oleg's Trading Post
Weather — Cloudy and temperate
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After enjoying some good sleep in some actual beds, you’re waked up by Oleg a couple of hours before sunrise. Svetlana has prepared an hearty breakfast based on beer, bread, smoked trout and cheese. You consume it and then take position as previously set out.
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Date — Starday, Pharast the 4th, 4610 AR
Time — An hour of sunrise
Location — Oleg's Trading Post
Weather — Cloudy and temperate
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You can hear the sound of several steeds slowing down their gallop from outside the wooden gate. Mixed among these noises, you can also hear some vulgar swearing. The bandits arrogantly ride in the trading post through the open gate and begin making crude comments at Svetlana, shouting at her although they can’t see her.

Once they’re in, they quickly dismount from their horses, but they’re surprised at the sight of Jacobus quietly standing before them, near one of the tables. Their leader, an hooded man who carries a sturdy longbow, his face covered with scruffy beard, grins cruelly, before addressing to Jacobus while his underlings scan the area around them, suddenly suspicious: «Who the f&@# are you? Where is Oleg?».

«Boss, there’s an armored and armed she-orc behind the cart», warns him one of his underlings.

«Take her out, Rolph. Oh, you’ll need to explain yourselves very quickly if you don’t want to end up with my arrows in your chest. What’s going on here?», asks blatantly the hooded man.

In the meantime, one of the bandits tries to take over Roksana and move her near the tables, as the other all nock their arrows and point their bows at Jacobus, ready to fire arrows as soon as something unexpected happens. Also the bandit leader nock an arrow in his longbow and points it at Jacobus.
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One of the bandits is trying to move Roksana away from the cart and place her near to Jacobus. I need to know is she resists or just let the bandit move her there. Jacobus can now try and speak with the bandits. Reknar, Serolt and Kryolani have not been detected, so when and if they decide to act, they will have a surprise round at their disposal.

Roll20 map updated!

I'll be posting again at 11:00 P.M. GMT+1 (10:00 P.M. for Reknar, 01:00 P.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 05:00 P.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Jacobus looked about trying to discern how many bandits might be outside the trading post.

«Take her out, Rolph. Oh, you’ll need to explain yourselves very quickly if you don’t want to end up with my arrows in your chest. What’s going on here?», asks blatantly the hooded man.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

At the man's speech, the inquisitor honed his senses to determine the man's resolve. Was he just bluffing or did he mean to use force?

intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
At the sight of arrows pointed at him, the man of Abadar almost faltered but something inside lit up, like a golden glow. He stared intently at the leader and spoke with a firm voice, with just a hint of danger, "Oleg is no longer in charge of security here. The Trading Post has hired us to oversee its protection."

At the rogue's baffled looks, "Yes, you heard right. The half-orc, Rok, is part of our team. A team with people quietly waiting and hoping that this event turns violent."

He shook his head, "But not me. I abhor violence so I will ask you once to leave the premises. Your prior behavior will no longer be tolerated!"

Round: surprise, Initiative: ??

Serolt holds his position, listening for the sign.

As soon as he hears it, he straightens, moves into position, and shoots the leader!
Damn bandits!

If this is a standard surprise round and not an initiative round, I only get to move. Rolling my attack just in case.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 (point blank)

"You really want to try and move me?" Roksana growls low in her throat after scowling at the bandit that pointed her out. She doesn't draw her weapons but she does place her hand on her warhammer and narrows her eyes. "Maybe you should focus on what my friend here is saying instead."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Jacobus nodded, "Yes, I realize that I will be vulnerable at first but you all will be close by and ready to jump in as you say."

He kissed his golden key, "Besides, one must dip one's toe in the water to see how cold it is, meaning we'll give them a chance to 'do good'. I trust the Lawgiver to protect me. Who knows, maybe I will cow them into compliance."

He looked about and quickly added, "But just be ready, OK?"

"We will be" - Reknar nods seriously at his companion.

"From the sounds of it, they're getting pretty comfortable, forgetting to give a real show of force every time they come to collect their goods. With any luck it should be an easy fight, unless of course they have anyone scouting the town. They'd have made note of a few armed travelers stopping here at the outpost, they may send a few more men this time. On the bright side, we'll have the benefit of a nights rest."

Roksana smiles broadly at her companion, showing the teeth that prove she's something other than a tall human.

"Either way, with a couple of old soldiers like us, they don't stand much of a chance."

"You should have piped in with that - we need to make sure none are waiting outside the palisade" - Reknar agrees - "I'm sure Serolt and Kryolani will take a look though" - he adds.

"Old soldiers"[b] - the word brings first a frown to his face, and then a laugh - [b]"I guess you are right, the emphasis most likely on 'old' - at least on my end" - the man follows up, shaking his head - "Yeah, I kinda miss those days, but I guess everything comes to an end, and not always a pretty one" - his eyes seem glazed as he stares at the ground beneath them, and then involuntarily move to a simple cord he wears around his neck, from which hangs a small dragon figurine made of some sort of metal.

"Anyways" - he shakes it off with a grin - "I'm with you - let's crush them decisively tomorrow. And then I'll want to know where you served"

---On the morrow---

GM Giuseppe, I like your posting methods, but a lot happened there at once :P

Also guys, we should have decided on striking them immediately if they ever went for their weapons :P

Third OOC to say: crap, I thought we would halt them between the cart and the sleeping area - as it stands, my positioning sucks :P

Reknar listened as the steps moved alongside his position, and after the initial part of the dialog, he decides to take action, and move out from his hiding place, instead of simply standing there - 'No decision is worst than a bad one' - he remembers something Lucian had told him long ago.

Longspear in hand, he circles around the table behind Jacobus to stop short on the other side, the weapon casually in front of him.

I guess this can be my surprise action? I have updated Reknar's position on Roll20.

"You really should listen to the man" - he chuckles, addressing the bandits - "You are looking at a single chance to come out of all this alive with ease, by simply dropping your weapons"

Intimidate Aid Jacobus?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Kryolani makes a gesture and a face to Serolt that expresses, ineffectually and inelegantly, the concept of "What the hell is going on over there?"

He's nervous. Scared really, if he's to be honest with himself. He's never killed a man, never had anyone try to kill him, and no matter all the talk of prisoners and second chances, he knows exactly where this is leading. They are badly out of position, and they need to get closer if he's going to be of any real use, but he doesn't see how to do that without making a lot of noise and getting everyone shot. Crossing his finger and praying fervently under his breath, he begins to creep towards the ledge on his belly, hoping that he can drop down and help the moment things go well and truly wrong...

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Date — Starday, Pharast the 4th, 4610 AR
Time — An hour of sunrise
Location — Oleg's Trading Post
Weather — Cloudy and temperate
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The bandit who was trying to move Rok betrays an hint of fear as the half-orc looks at him narrowing her eyes. The man does not reply, but he does not even dare to touch her. She keeps his eyes on Rok, but he waits enough for Jacobus to complete his speech before he makes up his mind about what to do with the resisting half-orc.

---

As Reknar comes out of the building where he was hiding, the bandits get nervous. One of them points his arrow against the newcomer. The bandit leader exhibits a grin halfway between cruel and amused.

---

While Serolt moves, one of the bandits seems to have noticed him. «Boss, there’s someone stationed atop the walls». The bandit leader grins again and nods. The bandit who has spotted Serolt instantly points his bow against the shoanti man.

---

As Jacobus speaks there’s a standoff: the bandit leader is now the only one aiming for Jacobus, while the other two keep their arrows knocked, ready to fire against Reknar and Serolt respectively. The last bandit has his hand dangerously close to his scabbard as he stands before Roksana. Seems like no one has noticed Kryolany yet.

---

When Jacobus is done speaking, an unnerving silence pervades the trading post. Everyone seems nervous, also the bandits, except for their leaders who has been listening to Jacobus with an arrogant grin of superiority. The silence is abruptly shattered by the raucous laughter of the bandit leader. The other bandits soon joins their boss, but their laughter is a bit more nervous if not hysterical. «Do you really think that you can scare us away with…words? » The bandit leader smiles gloomily. «Guys…kill them!», he hisses through his teeth. Arrows fly instantly.

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READIED ACTIONS
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Jacobus gets hit by the bandit leader’s arrow*. The arrow traverses straight across his golden armor as the bandit leader grins satisfacted.

Reknar also gets hit by another bandit’s arrow at his right thigh**. The bandit laugh out loud, almost as to inspire courage in himself.

«Damn!» shouts the bandit who has aimed for Serolt; his arrow misses widely.

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---- INITIATIVE ORDER ----
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• Roksana
  
• Serolt
  
• Bandit leader
  
• Jacobus
  
• Bandits
  
• Reknar
  
• Kryolani

** Reknar takes 4 points of damage.

How I handle initiative: You must post you intended action and roll the appropriate dice even if you come after your foes during a fight. If your intended action is impossible to resolve, I will try and make act your PC according to the situation.

Thanks to Jacobus’ Intimidate check (with Reknar’s successful aid), the bandit leader is shaken for 4 rounds. Rok also managed to scare his opponent: he's shaken for 2 rounds.

I’ve moved Serolt’s token according to his description. He gains partial concealment from the bandit’s attack due to the cart and his position. I’m assuming that Serolt just forgot to move his token. If he has not, please assume that the bandit tries to hit Jacobus instead, because from his original position Serolt would gain total cover from the bandit’s attack.

Roll20 map updated!

I'll be posting again at 08:00 A.M. GMT+1 (07:00 A.M. for Reknar, 11:00 P.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 02:00 A.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

Round: 1, Initiative: 20

GM Giuseppe, could you please link the map to the top of the page? I am in several campaigns and it's very helpful to have a direct link there. Also, I think you can drop the submission list. :) Also, thanks for moving Serolt, you put hm in the right spot.

Serolt focuses his ire on the leader*, 5' steps to a slightly better position, and shoots!
Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13 (focus, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 (focus, point blank)

”You shall not frighten these people into submission any longer!” he says as he targets the leader.

* Swift Action: Ranger Focus on target for +2 attack and damage rolls

on my initiative

Kryolani, still unable to see the foes, and pretty sure that he'll need to get way closer to be of any use against a bunch of archers, drops down from the ledge. He wipes the nervous sweat from his brow and moves up to the corner of the building so he can be ready to peak into the courtyard. He might have to light everything on fire. He really doesn't want to piss off Oleg if he lights everything on fire.

This is a move action to drop down (if the walkway is more than 10 feet off the ground, let me know so I can roll the acrobatics check and any damage), and a second move action to advance to the corner of the building closest to the fighting, just out of sight. I'll not update my token location on roll20 yet, since it's well before my turn in the initiative order, obviously.

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Round 1
=========

Roksana sneers at the whimpering bandit in front of her as she draws her hammer and shield. She swings at the man but because of the cart next to her the angle is off and it's less fluid than she'd like.

"You guys better get over here before I crush them all!" She shouts to the rest as she eyes the four combatants in front of her.

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Just remembered my intimidate check would have been +1 because of the Brigand Campaign trait. Not sure if that changes the number of rounds my target is shaken for.

I'd also like to second the request for a link to the map in your header.
Warhammer: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Jacobus sucked in air as the arrow hit. He then shouted at the bandit leader, "GIVE UP NOW!".

Right after, he drew his mace and moved in close to the archers to be able to foil their aim.

Cast Command DC=13

--Round 1--

"Very well then!" - Reknar roared as the arrow hit him squarely, his voice clearly audible above the din of battle - "If that's how you boys want to do it, get ready to eat some steel. I hear it doesn't go down very well though!" - his contempt is obvious - "Jacobus, nail that sniveling dog down. Me and Roksana will be taking out the trash - box them in!"

Starting Inspire Courage.
Moved on Roll20 - Longspear threatens #1.

Roll20 is experiencing some hosting problems, but I think we can do without it for this round.

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ROUND 1
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Serolt's arrow misses its target.

The bandit leader fires another arrow at Jacobus, but this time the arrow flies over Jacobus without hitting him.

The bandit leader suddenly appears to be losing all of his confidence, thanks to Jacobus' spell perhaps. The bandit leader stands in place and does not appear to be able to fire his bow. «Boss! Boss! What do we do?», ask him the other bandits. «Attack!», shouts another bandit.

The bandit before Roksana draws his shortsword and tries to pierce through the half-orc flesh. Roksana though parries the attack with her warhammer. The bandit grunts.

The two remaining bandits fire an arrow each, with one of them taking a careful step backward to avoid being impaled by Reknar's longspear. Serolt doesn't get hit again, while an arrow hits Reknar to his belly*.

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---- INITIATIVE ORDER ----
--------------------------------

• Roksana
  
• Serolt
  
• Bandit leader
  
• Jacobus
  
• Bandits
  
• Reknar
  
• Kryolani

I'll be posting again at 11:00 P.M. GMT+1 (10:00 P.M. for Reknar, 01:00 P.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 05:00 P.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

Seeing the bandit hesitate, Jacobus smiled and continued to try and defuse the situation, "The Lawgiver is on my side. You all should just drop your weapons and beg for mercy!"

He grabbed his mace in two hands and swung at the helpless leader, "This is for the arrow."

2H mace to hit, 'helpless/shaken leader', inspire courage: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Round: 2, Initiative: 20

Serolt sighs at the parties apparent inability to hit the broadside of any barn - let alone a bandit. He continues to shoot the leader.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 3 = 14 (focus, inspired, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 (focus, inspired, point blank)

Aaaarrrggghhh!

He remains frustrated, and begins to worry that the tide may not turn... What will the bandits demand then?

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ROUND 2
----------------------

Taking a deep breath, Kryolani jogs north, scooting between the the cart and horses the bandits all rode in on, and then rounds on the chaotic combat, only to find himself face to face with the bandit leader. He shouts in panic, throwing up his hand, and a wave of arcane flames roll out across the courtyard...

On my turn I'm going to move right up next to the leader and hit as many of the enemy as I can with a Burning Hands spell. Reflex DC to resist for half damage is 16. burning hands damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 If nobody actually moves, I should catch all of the bad guys in the spell. If there's no way to cast the spell without hitting an ally, I'll fire it off into the air instead.

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Round 2
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Roksana corrects her stance for her next swing as she taunts the bandit that missed her.
"Too late to run now!"
When she feels her hammer connect she shouts excitedly and reposition's herself as her opponent reels from the blow.

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Warhammer (Inspired): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
5' Step
I moved but I don't believe I interrupted your spell Kryolani, let me know if I did.

GM Giuseppe, not to pry into your rolls, but being Reknar around a corner, and his AC being 17, wouldn't the bow shot miss him due to cover?

Also, where did he 5' step to? Because if he didn't he would hit at least one AoO, or is that because Roll20 was down? :P

--Round 2--

Reknar does not have much more to say after the second arrow hits him, but he does growl moving forward - "You should have taken the offer. Show them we mean business boys and girl!"

If Reknar can attack from where he is, he will do so, if not (because Roll20 is not yet up to date) he steps 5' to the side.

Longspear: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21< -4 if I am attacking from cover.
Damage if it hits: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

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ROUND 2
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Roksana hits her foe with her warhammer, smashing some ribs as she lashes out.

Against all odds, Serolt's arrow hits the target. The bandit leader shouts in pain, but he cannot still react physically react to the pain due to Jacobus' spell.

The outcome of the battle is slowly turning in your favor, or so it seems.

---

The bandit leader just stands still, unable to move or act otherwise.

---

Jacobus manages to somehow miss his motionless target: maybe he's just afraid of hitting someone, or he still believe that he can work out some sort of arrangement. Whether the truth, his blow does not deal any significant damage to bandit leader.

---

The bandits move: the one next to Jacobus quickly moves to his left and fires another arrow against the golden armored man, but Jacobus' armor does its work in protecting him from the arrow.

Another bandit, the one engaged in melee with Roksana, tries to hit the half-orc again with his short sword, but he fails to connect again. Roaring in frustration, he steps back to allow another bandit to fire an arrow at the half-orc, but Roksana ducks nimbly and the arrow hits the cart and gets stuck there.

---

Reknar successfully hits the bandit before him, piercing though his flesh with his longspear. The bandits yells furiously, as he holds his bleeding leg.

Kryolani swiftly climbs down the ladder from the elevated walkway and gets behind the bandits*.

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---- INITIATIVE ORDER ----
--------------------------------

• Roksana
  
• Serolt
  
• Bandit leader
  
• Jacobus
  
• Bandits
  
• Reknar
  
• Kryolani

Jacobus: As a side note, the command spell clearly states that the target is not helpless, so that's the reason why you failed to hit him :)

I'll be posting again at 08:00 A.M. GMT+1 (07:00 A.M. for Reknar, 11:00 P.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 02:00 A.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

Ah, I thought I hopped down from the wall and got to the corner of the building during the actions of the first turn. If not, I might be confused, what did I do on the first turn?

Round: 2

Joyous at his success last round, he tries again, still targeting the leader.
Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 3 = 23 (focus, inspired, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 (focus, inspired, point blank)

"Do you yield?!"

Yeah, I'm always learning. I think next time I'll ask them to fall prone. But I guess he could still decide to attack from prone so I'm sort of torn of what the best command might be. Thoughts from other players?

Still on his feet, the inquisitor yelled out once more before bringing down his mace on the bandit leader. "When will you yield?!"

He then swung the mace in an overhand strike meant to break the collarbone and cripple the bandit's arm.

2H mace to hit, inspire courage: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

If he's not available, ten he will move and strike another one standing. Do we have to tell you this or will you 'auto-correct' for us?

since the baddies are still arranged pretty well for it, I'll just run in and try the burning hands trick again, so consider my previous post to be what I'm doing on this round. Chaaaaaarge!

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Round 3
=========

Roksana, still grinning, slams her mace down against the bandit in front of her once more, feeling a most satisfying crunch even as she pulls the weapon back and steps further into the fray.

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Warhammer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

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Round 3
=========
"Step to the side Jacobus - let me take your spot!" - Reknar spits the instruction, shifting his position and again moving to pierce the bandit in front of him - "You're not dead yet?" - he growls at him.

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Keeping up Inspire Courage.
Position updated on Roll 20 - now also threatening Leader.

Longspear: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14
Damage if it hits: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

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ROUND 3
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Roksana delivers the final blow to her foe, knocking him unconcious.

Serolt's arrow hits the bandit leader again, causing him to abruptly collapse to the ground, unconscious.

---

Jacobus steps to his right* and brings down his mace, knocking yet another bandit to the ground.

---

The last standing bandit (#2), seeing his companions lying unconscious to the ground, tries to flee, running away without worrying too much for his integrity**.

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---- INITIATIVE ORDER ----
--------------------------------

• Roksana
  
• Serolt
  
• Bandit leader
  
• Jacobus
  
• Bandits
  
• Reknar
  
• Kryolani

** Roksana, Reknar and (possibly) Kryolani all get an Attack of Opportunity against the fleeing bandit. The poor man is not withdrawing, using the run action instead in fear, so he provokes an AoO even with his first square of movement. I've marked with a yellow line his intended escape route.

Kryolani, I've assumed you won't be unleashing your flames against helpless targets already lying to the ground.

I'll be posting again at 7:00 P.M. GMT+1 (06:00 P.M. for Reknar, 10:00 A.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 02:00 P.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

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Round 3 - AoO
=========

"Where do you think you're going?" Roksana remarks as she casually swings her hammer at the fleeing bandit. The resounding *crack* is loud, much louder than she expected.

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Warhammer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Confirm Crit (x3): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 252d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 7) + 10 = 22

Well, at least we have three captives :/

Roksana effectively stops the last bandit, smashing his bones with her warhammer. The bandits collapses to the ground, dead.

---

Combat is over!

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You gain 200 XP.

Jacobus winced at the sound of the half-orc's warhammer but a pain in his side quickly reminded him that these people used deadly force first.

Nonetheless, he called out orders, "Let's close the gates. Make sure no one is on the other side, and tie these people up."

assuming no more bandits
"Oleg, get over here and bring some rope. Get those horses in your stable and check for any markings."

He then took a moment to check on his companions, "Everyone still standing? Anyone really hurt? The Lawgiver heals through me so I can help some."

Jacobus intends to tie bandits up and question them but I'll wait for others to respond.

Ok guys. First off I want to know if you want to stabilize the bandits. One of them is died already, while two of them are dying as the bandit leader himself. They will die soon if you don't stabilize them. Seems like no one knows the stabilize spell, so you will need to make the old, good DC 15 Heal checks to provide first aid. This is a standard action, so you will need to choose which bandit you want to heal first. Remember you can take 10 at your checks and you can use the aid another action to maximize your chances of success.

When the bandits will be stable, you'll need to heal them using your magic. Jacobus seems like the only one who has got access to healing spells, so I'm assuming he will be taking care of the matters. Doing this would cause his spell availability to burn though, so I need to know who Jacobus wants to heal first. Of course, keep in mind that if you use a cure light wounds spell on a dying target, the spell also stabilizes him.

Ok guys. First off I want to know if you want to stabilize the bandits. One of them is died already, while two of them are dying as the bandit leader himself. They will die soon if you don't stabilize them. Seems like no one knows the stabilize spell, so you will need to make the old, good DC 15 Heal checks to provide first aid. This is a standard action, so you will need to choose which bandit you want to heal first. Remember you can take 10 at your checks and you can use the aid another action to maximize your chances of success.

When the bandits will be stable, you'll need to heal them using your magic. Jacobus seems like the only one who has got access to healing spells, so I'm assuming he will be taking care of the matters. Doing this would cause his spell availability to burn though, so I need to know who Jacobus wants to heal first. Of course, keep in mind that if you use a cure light wounds spell on a dying target, the spell also stabilizes him.

Unless people feel differently... Jacobus will NOT heal any of the bandits if there are companions to be healed (Reknar, himself). Jacobus will try to stabilize the bandits and we can tie them up and let them recover some overnight. Can we stabilize with an 'untrained' heal check? Can Oleg or his wife stabilize them? The bandits can also make their CON checks, right?

If you let them make their Con checks you risk they would die. Oleg and Svetlana cannot help you. For more information, see the Heal skill on the Pathfinder Core Rulebook.

Round 3 - Serolt double moves to the bandits and starts with the leader.

Round 4 - Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 vs DC 15 to stabilize.
Round 5 - Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 vs DC 15 to stabilize.
Round 6 - Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 vs DC 15 to stabilize.
Round 8 - Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 vs DC 15 to stabilize.
Round 9 - Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 vs DC 15 to stabilize.
Round 10 - Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 vs DC 15 to stabilize.

He figures by then, if he's not already dead, I probably killed him. Wow what luck!

Seeing Serolt fumble around with the dying prisoners makes Jacobus move. The decision to let them live, at least for now, was made right then and there.

"And so it is judged..."

He then starts administering first aid to the wounded bandits avoiding the one with the cracked skull. "If we are going to keep them alive, then let me try."

heal to stabilize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
heal to stabilize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
heal to stabilize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

OK, I'll stop posting for now and let others pipe in.

Serolt holds up a whole healer's kit worth of bandages, all wrapped around each other and his own arms. None on his intended victims...

He watches Jacobus work. "Nicely done sir! You'll have to teach me some of that. If we're going to be out here without any solid healing, we'll need that skill I fear."

He looks at their prisoners. "OK then. Anybody have any smelling salts?"

He looks around at the so-called 'prepared' team. Eventually, he laughs, "Well I suppose we'll just have to wait. Let's see to their horses and check their gear. Rok - can you guard them a moment?"

Assuming the party agrees to his little plan, Serolt stables the horses seeing to their care and measuring their value. Are they warhorses? How many are there? I see six on the map, but there weren't that many bandits. :)

He rejoins the party when he's done. "I can't heal, but I say we heal ourselves back to full in case there's more of them out there. We can question these three tomorrow if we need to - they won't wake before then I expect. I can also try to track them back to their camp if we want to try that right away."

Kryolani bursts around the edge of the cart, hands glowing with arcane power ready to be unleashed, only to see the final bandit crumple to the dirt.

"Huh."

He relaxed as the warriors of the group turned their hands to keeping a few of the bandits from bleeding out into the soil. He was partially glad that he'd gotten his first combat over and done with, but more than a little sheepish that his first combat hadn't involved his participation in any actual combat. The horses looked a little nervous from the noise of the fighting, so rather than trying his hand at the dubious process of gathering them up directly, he quietly circled around them to where he could pull the gates shut with the horses inside.

Instead of rejoining the group, Kryolani begins to rifle through the saddlebags of the bandit horses, looking for clues as to where they have been. It looks like it would be some time yet before any of them are in a state to be questioned anyhow.

Perception to search the horses: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Your examination of the horses eventually turns out that their saddlebags are empty. The bandits had brought six horses with them, a number that initially leaves Serolt perplexed. But after a few minutes spent thinking about it, everyone is able to assume that the two additional horses were brought in to drag the cart or otherwise carry the goods claimed from Oleg.

Unfortunately, the trading post's stable is not big enough to contain all of the horses, and Serolt is forced to tie four of them outside the walls: actually, the stalls are currently occupied by Oleg's horse, Serolt's one and your mule. There's thus room for two horses only inside the stable.

---

Once the bandits have been tended to, you tie them with several ropes handled by Oleg. The crusty man appears to be very relieved at the sight of the bandits tied and helpless, but you easily glimpse a sign of bad-concealed anger in him when he finds out that you intend to let the bandits heal their wounds with time.

---

Svetlana thanks you warmly for what you've just done, and puts a sunny smile upon her face. Oleg is clearly relieved too, but he seems perplexed about your choice to let them live.

---

Oleg lets you take whatever you want from the bandits' body and claim it as your own. To show his gratitude he's even willing to purchase the gear from you at full price (as long as he’s got the money and stock to carry out the transaction). He even offers you a reward consisting of 50 gp and all three potions in his stockroom*. Further, he tells you that you're welcome to stay free of charge in his guest house as long as you want. He and his wife will even provide meals for them for free.

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See the Discussion Thread.

Okay guys, well done with those bandits! Now, I need to know what you want to do next. As a GM, I'm always pushing the story forward, so please try and tell me what your intentions are. Do you stay at the trading post until the bandits wake up? Do you want to try and track them back to their camp while they're unconscious? Do you want to just leave them here, go out exploring a bit since the day has just begun and come back when they're able to speak again? Anything would be fine, just let me know what your plans are so I can move things along accordingly. And remember: if a proposal is seconded, I'll assume the party has agreed on that choice.

I'll be posting again at 08:00 A.M. GMT+1 (07:00 A.M. for Reknar, 11:00 P.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 02:00 A.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

Serolt thanks Oleg for his generosity. "We'll try to continually earn your largess - thank you."

- - -

Serolt looks over the gear, and gravitates toward the bow. "If nobody minds?" he holds it up, very nearly drooling with the power of the thing. He collects the arrows too, bundling them up and putting them on his horse as spares.

"Of course, you should all have ranged weapons, so take a bow if you can wield it - along with a quiver of arrows." (20 arrows per quiver)

"I'll take one of these too," he holds up a potion of curing. "I won't be in direct combat most of the time, so I can rush up to heal someone if they go down." he explains.

I've updated the treasure sheet. Nothing is set in stone. I edit as I go, so if two people request the same thing, I'll leave it blank until it's resolved. Otherwise I put the persons name next to things they've claimed as it happens more or less.

"I say we track these guys back to their lair today. Right now. Er, once we're healed that is. Can we do that now? If they're too tough, we withdraw back here to plan. These guys," he gestures to the tied up bandits, "Aren't going anywhere for a while."

Jacobus looked a the alchemist fire, "I'd like to keep this if you all don't mind. You can all split up the cure potions."

He turned to Serolt and raised his 'golden' light crossbow, "And I do have a ranged weapon. I just like to get up close and personal."

bandit talk
Jacobus was cautious, "I think we did OK but I don't know about going out there and trying to take down a bandit camp. Not without some more information."

He saw the poor sods tied up, "How about we wait some? At least until we can talk to these fellows and find out about their camp, number of allies, strengths, weaknesses, etc."

I think it's clear but Jacobus wants to talk to the prisoners before going anywhere.

Kryolani plucks up the silver stag head amulet, and dangles it in front of his, staring it in the eyes. "This is decent work. I'd like to claim it, if no one minds." he says to no one in particular. "I've not got a clue how to fire a bow. My magic should be enough to keep me out of arm's reach, but maybe I should buy a sling of some kind, just to be prepared. What are we going to do with the horses? I could take one, we could take a few for our own use, sell the rest, if Oleg wants them."

He wanders over to the bound men, and inspects their bandaged wounds. "I'm more worried about these gentlemen. We can't just leave them here and expect Oleg and Svetlana to watch them, they run a trading post, not a prison. I'm ok with the idea of second chances, but if we don't let them decorate a tree somewhere, they're likely to run straight back to their old masters and tell them of what happened here. The repercussions would likely be fatal to our hosts. Perhaps we should drive them away in the cart and dump them with a warning?"

Woah busy day!

Roksana stays mostly quiet as the unconscious bandits are tied up and seen to. She looks over the weapons and armor with a critical eye, but finds she's not particularly interested in anything, though she does grab the rations and place them in the saddle bags of the mule Reknar purchased.

"I agree with Jacobus, we wait for them to wake up, if only to figure out how many bandits are left back at their base." She look over the horses with a scowl. "I suppose keeping some of these horses isn't a bad idea, I suppose I could learn to ride better over time. Even better, if we let loose the ones we aren't keeping, they're likely to return home, so if the bandits don't give up the location, we have a backup plan."

Serolt will give in to the will of the group and does not begin tracking the bandits this day.

"I agree with Jacobus, we wait for them to wake up, if only to figure out how many bandits are left back at their base." She look over the horses with a scowl. "I suppose keeping some of these horses isn't a bad idea, I suppose I could learn to ride better over time. Even better, if we let loose the ones we aren't keeping, they're likely to return home, so if the bandits don't give up the location, we have a backup plan."

Jacobus looks at the horses and picks out a tan and white steed. "Well, I guess it's not too early to start taking riding lessons. I'm counting on you, Reknar."

He then asks both Rok and Serolt, "You really believe that? That the horse will take you back to where it's from?"

Roksana shrugs, "I don't see why not. Most animals return to where they're fed and groomed. I've heard stories of horses being almost as loyal a dogs."

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Date — Starday, Pharast the 4th, 4610 AR
Time — Evening
Location — Oleg's Trading Post
Weather — Cloudy
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The party has decided to stay at Oleg’s while the bandits recover from their wounds. You’ve spent the whole day hanging around the trading post, trading some goods with Oleg and enjoying a bit of comfort after the five days of travel from Restov to the trading post.

When the sun goes down, it is clear enough that the bandit won’t wake up on their own. They still have serious wounds on them, and they will probably need two o three days of rest before recovering enough to speak with you. Unfortunately, the day was already wasted waiting for them to recover. Now the group has two choices: healing one or more of the bandits to question them now, or just keep waiting for them to recover naturally.

Oleg is getting quite nervous at the sight of the bandits tied up in his trading post, and more than once he has suggested to hang them outside the trading post.
______________________________________
I'll be posting again at 11:00 P.M. GMT+1 (10:00 P.M. for Reknar, 01:00 P.M. for Kryolani and Serolt, 05:00 P.M. for Jacobus and Roksana), botting everyone who has not acted yet.

Jacobus addressed Oleg, "I know you're scared but we must wait a little longer. In the end, we may end up hanging these men but not before we talk to at least one of them."

Seeing that it would take longer than expected for the bandits to recover, he gathered his companions around and approached the least injured bandit.

He then prayed for wisdom and justice to Abadar and with his hand glowing a golden color, placed it on the forehead of the bandit.

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

assuming he wakes up
Jacobus pointed to the other two dying bandits. "Those two are dying. Your other friend is already dead, cracked skull. I pray that you are a smart man and realize what your predicament is. Most, if not all my friends, think I'm crazy for not just letting you die but I told them that you looked like a smart man. And that you were going to answer all our questions. Please don't make me look bad."

I'll leave for others to ask questions.

Kryolani sits down next to the injured prisoner, leaning in close. "Listen, there's only two ways this is going to go. Exile from these lands forever, or a hanging, which will also be forever. I'm in favor of exile, so help me plead my case and give us something useful. We'd like to know two things. Where is the bandit base, and what other dangers are there in these lands?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The sorcerer gives a hopeful glance over his shoulder at his compatriots as he waits for the bandit to speak...

Serolt watches the interrogation. He leans on his new bow as he waits for a response.

”You know, maybe one of the others will be more talkative. They are convicted bandits, so we’re within our rights to hang this one now, and ask the next our questions. Still, I'd rather let him go if he's helpful.”

Diplomacy, aid another to Kryolani: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10