GM Nel's Kingmaker Campaign

Game Master CRobledo

"Aye. These are bandits who have shown no compassion to anyone. My stance remains that they have chosen this path and they will have to suffer the consequences. Morn, I will not finish off any bandits who surrender, fall unconscious or succumb to your sleep spells, but I will be shooting regular arrows, not blunt ones."

"Of course, I am not that great at sneaking in, but if bingo wants to go and recon the place, that is good with me."

Kaeso has been chewing over various strategic options, somewhat slowly, in his head.

"So, what are we all good at? How can we use it? Well, I'm good at intimidating people and hitting things, and pretty good at arrows. Norn's a good fighter and can shoot and heal a bit. Drispeera and Mornaura can sleep. Drispeera's, um, really pretty. Bingo can hide, fight, and shoot. Lady Ionnia can bless and heal. And we've got the two animals to help reconnaissance."

"Perhaps if we start with a big enough boom, I could scare a bunch into giving up? Something flashy? Those who didn't give up could be filled with arrows and made sleepy?

He scratches his head, wishing he had a map.

Bingo grumbles under his breath, "Sure, send the short one to do all the risky stuff." But he's actually smiling, happy that the group trusts him to pull off the dangerous mission. He looks at Purrcy, "Ya sure he's not gonna want to eat me now, are ya, lass?" he asks Dris.

He looks up at Mornaura. "I'm proof that bandits kin be changin' their ways but if'n I see one sleepin' while I'm sneakin' about, he's not wakin' up an' that's all there is ta that."

Do we have a map of the fort's environs?

Do we have a map of the fort's environs?

No but if you'd like to go on a "scouting" trip, a 30 minute perimeter scouting should give you the basic layout.

Bingo Underbough wrote:

Do we have a map of the fort's environs?

No but if you'd like to go on a "scouting" trip, a 30 minute perimeter scouting should give you the basic layout.

As soon as it gets dark, Bingo and Purrcy will head out to scout around the fort.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17+1 for trap detection

After Kaeso, Ionnia and Norn have voiced their opinions, Mornaura looks at them one after another. In a more conciliatory voice, she answers: "I'm not asking for anything more than that, my friends. I didn't even really ask for that, actually, I just said that I'm not going to slaughter anyone, but I'm glad you see it that way.
Oh, one more thing: since my slumber hex still only lasts for a short instance, please DO take out foes I put to sleep. The subjects of Drispeera's sleep spell take a longer nap, though."

She checks her equipment once again while the others go on.

"Well, Bingo, as I already said, you got to settle that with your gods. Don't let them catch you on your scouting trip."

Meant to post the first half of this 5 hours ago but it got lost somewhere between my PC and the forum...

I wasn't asking you to butcher babes in their sleep. But if I had to choose between helping you or sparing an enemy, I would choose you. I want to know I can trust you to do the same for me. After combat has cooled and we are victorious, go ahead and attempt redemption on whomever you wish.

As for my...gods. Do you remember I told you my family trained me first to be a cleric. I was a terrible disappointment.

Dris gives a smile so cold it would shatter steel. I wonder if you've ever thought more deeply about the consequences of your "mercy"? Have you ever visited the places to which you've doomed those you've "spared?" Have you ever witnessed the starvation? the sleep deprivation? the gang rapes? the gangrene from lying in their own filth? I have seen all these things. My gods insisted that I watch, and learn.

Have you ever witnessed the interrogations for information the prisoners don't have? Have you ever watched the extraction of confessions for crimes they didn't commit? My gods had me learn, had me do. And when, those in my care screamed themselves raw, begging for death, I gave it to them. Yes, indeed, merciful death displeased my gods mightily. And that is when I realized that the gods displease me, mightily. And I left.

And before you promise me Restov is different, can you tell me for sure that the men you showed "mercy" weren't begging for the noose, long before it was finally given to them?

And before you sing me a sweet song about how the gods of this land are different, may I remind you of a certain bear of Erastil that begged for *his* death?

All I ask is that you think on it, and not be so certain of your definition of mercy. As for the gods... I'll stay out of their business if they stay out of mine.

For a moment Mornie sees Dris rub her eyes and then look up with a weary smile. Her eyes are solid white, with no irises or pupils. With another pass of her hand, her violet eyes twinkle once again with merriment, and the whimsy returns to her voice.

Well Bingo, are you boys getting going? Or are you expecting Purrcy to give you a ride? Remember the hand signals! No not that one! That means dinner's ready!

" Drispeera, the Eternal Rose wishes you only love and all the blessings that come with it. Please don't doubt the gods, even though you are not keen on them, Some of us hold our gods dear to us" Ionnia says as she checks her crossbow and then smiles.

" As for these bandits, some can repent and seek a better path, others will no doubt not get a chance. I just say we offer them a chance to do better and Heck Jhod or I might get a convert to our cause or even train the next mayor. Just asking we spare those who surrender or are incapacitated is all"

"Allright, Bingo. I think it is your show? Are you going to get us some intel?"

Mornaura just stands there, waiting out the monologue, and raises one eyebrow.

"Are you done yet? Can we take care of the task at hand, now?"

I believe Bingo has already left on his scouting trip.

Dris will cast Mage Armor on Purrcy before he heads off with Bingo.

Purrcy's Stealth Check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 (+4 more in tall grass?)

Purrcy's Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 (+low light vision, +scent)

I believe Bingo has already left on his scouting trip.

Bingo and Purrcy go do a perimeter check of the fort. They go pretty far off the palisade, to attract the least attention possible. The trees and shrubbery provide excellent cover to get around the area.

The air is tense while waiting for the gang. 30 minutes pass and no sight of Bingo yet. 35 minutes. Nothing.

The party, getting a bit restless, starts prepping a new plan, when out of the bushes Bingo pops out with a hop. Holding a piece of parchment with some scribbles on it, he starts detailing his sketch on the map to everyone.

From a tree, he was able to look inside. Originally, there seemed to be one central stone structure, a ruin of some sort. To the central building, the bandits added two separate wooden watchtowers and gangplanks. There is only one gate, at the front, but as suspected the back is built against a hill and the palisade is only 4' tall in the back.

Bandits patrol the watchtowers regularly. The two at the front seem to have 2 humans each at almost all times. Surprisingly, the rear watchtower seems to only have one guard patrolling it, but he comes and goes pretty irregularly.

From a rough count, Bingo estimates there are around a dozen people in there. One particular bandit wore heavier armor than everyone else, while a second one was easily 2 feet taller than the rest of the bandits.

A pair of bandits came to the gate while Bingo was scouting. It was hard to tell what they were bringing, but it looked like mostly kegs of wine or ale. All the barrels had been recently stamped with the stag lord's skull insignia. There also was a decent supply of what looked like raw meat in the cart.

Map updated in the stream.

Purrcy jumps out of the bushes, with a squirrel in its mouth.

Well Bingo, did you see any sign of where they might be keeping Svetlana?

If not, it sounds like its best if we try to sneak in over the back wall, where its shortest. Probably after dark when the archers won't be able to see us clearly. You did say most of them are human, so they won't have good elven vision, right?

And we can conceal ourselves further either with my Darkness Spell, or Mornie's Obscurring Mist. Although you guys will need to figure out a way to know where you're going.

And do any of you have a good way to take out that one patrolling guard there, quickly and silently? Norn, you been practicing with your bow?

Those are my ideas. You guys like them? Got some ideas of your own?

"Sneaking in over the back wall sounds good would be my plan, too. Maybe we can find a window or a backdoor to get into the building."

Bingo adds "Aye, I only saw humans. No pointy ears or half-men among them. There was one large one, but just looked like a big oaf of a human."

"Aye, much better with the bow there days, praise Erastil. I could call the wrath of my lord upon the lookout to assure his swift elimination, but I am only able to do so once per sunrise. If I do it now, we will not have it against the Stag Lord himself."

Sounds like the plan is to approach from the back. If there is any dissent let me know, I'll be setting up the next encounter area(s) today and post them asap.

"Fire? Oh, right. Svetlana. . .

ok, map is setup.

Let's go into initiatives, just in case something happens that needs to be in. On the map, the wall on the south is the palisade. The little structure on the other side is the gangplank/watchtower. The river on the left is decorative, just the flipmat I snagged.

Round 1
Kaeso <--
Ionnia
Drispeera
Norn
Mornaura
Bingo

So is this the plan? We wait until dark. I can cast Darkness on the area close to that back wall, between us and the guard so he can't see us. Mornie, can you Slumber him when we get close enough? Then we go over the wall and start looking for Svetlana.

Once we're over the wall, can you boys give me a little room to cast sleep or entangle, before closing in? Maybe use ranged weapons to start? Bingo, I can give you a Vanish- but it only lasts a few seconds (3 rounds) so make it count.

Ionnia, you got any buffs to add? Anything else we should know? Anybody else?

Hopefully the Mage Armor on Purrcy is still up. She'll also cast it on herself.

"Sure, but he'll likely just fall over behind the battlements.

But maybe we could do it with a simultaneous approach.
I stay behind with one of our keen-eyed archers, just in case, while everyone who's confident of his sneaking skills tries to get to the palisade - you aid with a spell if necessary, but then you might have to lead them.
We keep eyes on the guard, and when you're ready to climb and he's in a good spot, we signal you and I slumber him - that way, you have a bit more time until he wakes up again.
You take care of him, whatever you think you need to do, while we follow over the wall.

If we're quick and quiet enough, we could be able to take out the outer guards and get into the building without anyone noticing."

Mornaura tells Faron to hide with the horses, and activates her Mage Armor fetish upon approaching the hill.

"OK," says Bingo, "I'll get as close ta the wall az I can, Dris makes me Vanish and I go up and over the palisade. Once there I dispose of the guard. How do I signal you thet the way is clear?"

"If only you could do that magical message thing!"

Kaeso is nervous. "Lady Ionnia, I hope your Eternal Rose is on our side!" He checks his gear for the third or fourth time.

Ninja'd!

Bingo, I can start a message spell on you, and then you'll be able to reply with a whisper. It only works if we're within 130' of each other, tho. So I hope I'm close enough from behind those trees over there. I think you should take Purrcy with you again as backup.

The rest of us can be ready to help you with arrows or ranged spells if you need it.

She gives Purrcy a look. No, you can't eat him this time either. No, not even a nibble. Your job is to help him if he gets into trouble. If anyone hurts him, you can eat *them*.

Purrcy gives a discontented yowl and turns his back on Dris. He stares unblinkingly at Bingo as if to say, Well, let's get on with it then.

stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
climb back wall: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

If it's alright GM Nel, I'd like Purrcy's 3 tricks to date to be...1. Attack, 2. Attack Anything, 3. Flank

ok, some stuff happens!

Bingo, under the cover of darkness, begins his approach towards the palisade. With an easy perception check (even in low-light), he is able to time it correctly so that he approaches when the lone guard moves along. Purrcy, who can still smell Bingo (there was debate of a Vanish spell?) follows closely behind.

After they get a few yards in, the ground under Bingo begins to tremble! With a quick jump, Bingo gets out of the way, ending close to the palisade. Purrcy looks very unhappy to be where he is right now, Drispeera feeling a sense of dread from her animal companion. Whatever is coming, it's not natural.

A few seconds later, hands erupt from the ground! Humans, but made of rotting flesh and exposed bone begin to dig themselves out of the ground. One. Two. Three. FOUR creatures emerge from the earth, and all turn their gaze to the only living thing they can lay their eyes on.

"KITTY BRAAAAAAAAAINS"

Their surprise action is to get out of the ground

Round 1
Kaeso <--
Ionnia
Drispeera
Norn
Mornaura
Bingo
Zombies

Dris, roll me a separate initiative for Purrcy. It will have to act with it's current command, which is attack closest and guard, pretty much.

map update coming soon

Map SHOULD be updated. stupid internet abroad...

Purrcy's Initiative:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

He still has Mage Armor up, I hope. (24 AC with Mage Armor)

GM call: he may try to flank with Bingo, using scent, since that's what he's been trained to do. Not realizing the icky smellwrong creatures don't see bingo.

A few seconds later, hands erupt from the ground! Humans, but made of rotting flesh and exposed bone begin to dig themselves out of the ground. One. Two. Three. FOUR creatures emerge from the earth, and all turn their gaze to the only living thing they can lay their eyes on.

map update coming soon

Knew that was going to happen. Hoped it wouldn't. :(

Bingo will wait to see what Purrcy does.

(If Purrcy moves first, which I think he does) Purrcy will move to 9K in an attempt to flank the critter with Bingo.

He'll swipe once at the nastygross thing, and attempt to trip it if he can.
Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 1 = 28
Claw 1 Damage: 1d2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5
Trip: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Attempt to confirm critical:
Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 1 = 15
Claw 1 Damage: 1d2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5

Acrobatics to avoid attack of opportunity:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

15 will confirm and forget tripping, that zombie is deadzors! Stupid claws being slashing! :P

Kaeso up!

Since he's already got his bow ready, he takes a shot at the nearest zombie, and hopes he won't miss at this close range.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

If he drops the zombie, he'll keep the bow up and ready to fire at the rest. Otherwise he will pick up the warhammer for the next round, and stay between the undead beasties and the lovely ladies with the spells.

Holy cow! Critical hit?

Confirm critical:

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Extra damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (1) + 2 = 9

Praise to Erastil!

"Kaeso the Eternal Rose is always with us" I say as we move forward.

At the forest i shake my head.'I am waiting for us to be more involved in combat to call upon my goddess for aid. I hope it won't be soon but if it does I'll be ready..." I stop as I see the dead arise.

Knowledge:religion1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

I than grab my holy symbol and walk from the brush and head to the field of Undead as i begin to sing a soft aria calling my goddess to me, as well as enticing the undead

Perform:Sing1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Okay so I'm moving out about 10feet and trying to get the attention of the undead, I also am holding an action, waiting for the Zombies to take the bait so to speak

Way to go Purrcy!

Hopefully Ionnia shared her spot-on knowledge re: the zombies.

Dris will aim at the creature in H6 with a Disrupt Undead

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
1d6 ⇒ 1

Norn, hearing about the creature's weakness to flesh-tearing weapons, moves up to the closest zombie and takes out his longsword in the process!

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

In a quick few seconds, the battlefield changes to what seems to be the best!

Purrcy, not flinching from the undead abominations rising up from their graves, tears into the flesh and bone of the one closest to him! The Zombie falls, eviscerated by a flurr of claws and bites!

Immediately after, Kaeso takes a bow shot at the closest zombie to him, and lands an arrow straight onto the zombie's forehead. The zombie falls to it's knees and faceplants unto the floor. Even so, Kaeso thinks such a well placed shot, should have done more damage than it did...

Ionnia, easily recognizing these monsters, says to her companions "Guys, these look like human zombies. Not much of a threat is such small numbers, but I suggest slashing weapons when possible. Their fleshy exterior is not affected as much by bludgeoning and piercing weapons!." Right afterwards she also realizes that her attempt to get the attention of the undead is futile! These mindless creatures want one thing only. Revenge on the living and feasting on the closest living creature it can perceive.

Drispera manages to barely land her shot into the flesh of the zombie, followed shortly after a slice from Norn. Norn feels the flesh of the zombie being cut easily by his sword, and nods in relief. However, the abomination still stirs and gets ready to attack!

Round 1
Kaeso
Ionnia
Drispeera
Norn
Mornaura <--
Bingo
Zombies

"Shush! Don't you think the zombies make enough noise already?", Mornaura hisses while moving around Norn and his zombie opponent, as fast and quiet as possible. "Bingo, the palisade. We have to prevent an alarm. I'll cover you."

Move action: moving to F7 (that's as far as I can without getting in reach of the zombie). Standard action: Readying the Slumber hex (DC 16, 3 rounds), in case one of the bandits looks over the palisade.

Under cover of the ruckus with the zombies, Bingo goes up the palisade wall.

climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

(Bingo should still be vanished for this round +2 more)

Bingo, valiantly jumping over the palisade, stands now on top of the wall. He can see the walkway, currently noone to be seen. He hears footsteps though, coming closer and looks like whoever it is, is bringing a torch with him. The flicker of the light and the light smoke can be seen coming near from the first floor.

The zombie next to Norn attempts to strike him!

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

But it's not enough to land a blow on him. The other zombie slowly approaches Purrcy.

The voices of the evil creatures are joined by others. Once again hands and limbs bust through the surface of the earth! Another 4 bodies of poor adventurers, bandits or trappers join the land of the living in undeath. They slowly climb out, and pull themselves up!

Round 2
Purrcy <--
Kaeso
Ionnia
Drispeera
Norn
Mornaura
Bingo (2 rounds vanish)
Zombies

With a snarl Purrcy turns his full strength on the nearest smellbadwrong creature:

Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 1 = 24
Claw 1 Damage: 1d2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5
Claw Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 1 = 23
Claw 2 Damage: 1d2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 - 1 = 25
Bite Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6
Trip1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Trip2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Trip3: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Attaboy Purrcy! We are so getting you some catnip at the next town!

Whap, whap, whap. The zombie is on the ground and no more!

Round 2
Purrcy
Kaeso <--
Ionnia
Drispeera
Norn
Mornaura (r: slumber hex)
Bingo (2 rounds vanish)
Zombies

"Maybe I should get a sword!"

Kaeso takes a shot at the zombie to the west.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Then, presuming this is within the rules, he will drop the longbow and draw the master handaxe he got from Kressie.

I pull out my Morning star, and head to (J6) and than unleash my first burst of hell.

"By the Everburning Love of the Eternal Rose, BEGONE!!!" she commands as she Lifts her Weapon high and from her a wave of energy stirs the debris and hits the Vile Zombies!

Channel Energy:2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
heals me, Norn and Purcy, and hurts the one at -7 and the one directly across from it.

Dris will cut through the trees (Woodland Stride) to get to N7. There she will cast Darkness (20' radius) on a pebble.

That should provide cover for thems that wants it.

Bingo will hide, hoping to sneak attack the guard when he shows up.

Ionnia, whats the save DC for your channel?

Norn will continue on the adjacent zombie.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Crap let me check