GM Tarondor's Kingmaker Campaign

Game Master Tarondor

Piotr casts Fly and Haste on someone before they venture out to battle the roc.

Whoever wants the spells

I'll gladly take Haste since I have reduced MAP, unless there are objections.

Let's do this.

Initiative
Alister: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Aristu: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Kernithar: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 +2 for Initiative
Mikhail: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
Piotr: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Black Roc of Talon Peak: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32

STATUS
Piotr
The Roc
Aristu
Kernithar
Mikhail
Alister

The immense bird comes gliding out of the air and behind it thunderclouds are forming!

Piotr, go!

Piotr stands in the open doorway of the summoned cabin, watching the fight develop and prepared to be the final line of defence against the roc. He gestures and invokes his arcane power to summon a swarm of ravens.

Once the ravens arrive, the birds fly upwards to engage the roc. The creatures go for the roc's face, hoping to blind the great bird.

Swarming Beaks - 1d8 piercing damage (DC 20 basic Reflex); failed save results in blindness for 1d4 rounds

Black Roc Reflex save: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

The Black Roc bats away the tiny birds that beset its eyes.

A lightning bolt leaps from the Black Roc's body to strike the swarm of ravens.

Reactive Shock (DC 30 basic Reflex save): 8d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 3, 3, 3) = 19

There is an aura of cyclonic wind and driving rain around the Black Roc, out to 100 feet. This area is greater difficult terrain for flying creatures, who must successfully Maneuver in Flight (DC 27) or be blown 30 feet away from the Black Roc. Creatures on the ground (within the aura) must succeed at a DC 27 Reflex save to perform any move action and are knocked prone on a critical failure. The driving rain in the storm aura imposes a –2 circumstance penalty on Perception checks and extinguishes smaller flames.

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2d5 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

1. Fly
2. Strike
3. Strike

The Black Roc launches two lightning bolts at Piotr, nearly killing him!

thunderbolt v. Piotr: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 353d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) + (3, 2, 1) = 17 Critical hit!
thunderbolt v. Piotr: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 243d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) + (4, 4, 3) = 19 Hit.

STATUS
Piotr - 27/80 hp
The Roc
Aristu
Kernithar
Mikhail
Alister

The Thunderbolt is half electricity and half sonic damage.
Piotr, I need two DC 28 Fortitude saves or Piotr will be knocked prone and deafened for 1 round.

Before taking flight, Kern studies the large roc, not unlike the roc studies a deer before swooping death from above.

Hunt Prey (free Recall Knowledge) before I decide what else to do with my remaining three actions (Haste).

"This is no mere roc. This is a Thunderbird! Throw everything at it except for lightning and sonic!"
Kern turns to Piotr before taking flight.
"Piotr, if you can think of a way to get us and that egg out of here, it may save our lives."

Kern uses his final two actions to fly into combat.
Acrobatics (T): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Acrobatics (T): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
So Kern can fly 55ft per action, so with the 30ft of knockback, he's able to travel 80ft this round?

Free Demoralize: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

When they see the Thunderbird, Alister gives a shout, pointing to the bird. "I am the Lord of the Sword Marches, and I claim this as my land!"

He tries to fly against the wind, but gets blown back away from the bird. As he flies back, he works a spell against the bird's mind, hoping it isn't used to defending against a psychic attack.

Acrobatics (DC27): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Aristu weaves arcane energy into a spell to hasten his reactions, then draws out a vial to hand Piotr.

(1&2)Cast Haste on himself;(3)Interact - grab Potion of Moderate Healing and hand it to Piotr

Piotr tries to recover from the blasts of sound and electricity.

Fortitude save 1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Fortitude save 2: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Drop the crossbow. Draw my greatsword and try flying.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

A critical failure, but your message indicated only creatures on the ground have a critical failure? So we will continue as if that is true for now.

Mikhail realizes that the storm makes his crossbow useless. So he drops it in the house and then flies into the heart of the storm and gets thrown violently back.

Acrobatics take 2: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Two actions down. If drawing the blade can not be done as part of the stride I am finished. If it can I will try one more time to right this flying ship. I need 14s though so seems like I am going to have a wild ride.

Acrobatics take 3?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

The ravens suffer through the lightning bolt but withstand the damage. However, the flock is blown away from the thunderbird.

Reflex save (+12): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Maneuvre in Flight (Acrobatics +10): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

So Kern can fly 55ft per action, so with the 30ft of knockback, he's able to travel 80ft this round?

Yes.

A critical failure, but your message indicated only creatures on the ground have a critical failure?

Right.

When they see the Thunderbird, Alister gives a shout, pointing to the bird. "I am the Lord of the Sword Marches, and I claim this as my land!"

So cool. I want to see this in movie!

Will save v. Phantasmal Killer: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39 Critical Success.

"And I, little lordling, am Death itself!" roars the Black Roc. "I will lay waste to your brief and tawdry fiefdom for your insolence!"

1. Fly
2. Strike
3. Strike

Thunderbolt v. Alister: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 253d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) + (3, 2, 1) = 19
Thunderbolt v. Alister: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 283d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6) + (5, 5, 4) = 25

The great bird hovers above the camp and hurls more thunderbolts, this time at Alister. One strikes him in the chest!

STATUS
Piotr - 27/80 hp (On the Ground) - Deafened (1 round), Prone
The Roc (Near the Mountain) (120' up)
Aristu (Near the Mountain) (5' up) - Fly, Haste
Kernithar (Near the Mountain) (80' up) - Fly, Haste
Mikhail (Near the Mountain) - Fly
Alister - 71/96 hp (Near the Mountain)(5' up) - Fly

Alister, give me a DC 28 Fortitude save to avoid being deafened and prone.

Then, everyone, go!

Mikhail tries to reach the bird.

Fly!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Close...no cigar. Fly again!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Maybe I should just go back to the bow...Fly someday!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Fort Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 Uh, we have Hero Points, right?

Hero Point: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Kern continues his flight at the creature from legend.
Acrobatics vs. DC27(T): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 25ft Stride
Acrobatics vs. DC27(T): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 25ft Stride

Kern takes several lashing from the buffeting wind but manages to slip up next to the giant creature.

"You'll beg for death once I'm done with you."
Elven Curved Blade vs Prey (1): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33Damage: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 = 7
(Haste) Elven Curved Blade vs Prey (2): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30Damage (Forceful): 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 7) + 4 = 17

Pretty happy with that outcome. If these don't hit, centaurs can go kick rocs. hehehe...

Aristu casts one more spell to enhance his speed. Then, leaving the healing potion behind for Piotr, he launches into the air.

(1&2)Cast Fleet Step on himself; (3)Stride; (haste)Stride. He flies 120' upwards, on a path that curves around the outside of the Roc's cyclonic winds.

Alister screams as the lightning and thunder wrack his body. He tries to follow Aristu and fly up and around the bird's winds. "Steady! Focus on it and drive it back!"

Fly up 60 feet, out and away from the bird. Cast Inspire Courage on the group, 60 foot radius, with a Lingering Performance attempt.
Lingering Performance (DC24): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Success! So that last for 3 rounds. Oddly, Inspire Courage does not have the Auditory trait, so it's not affected by Deafening.

Piotr scrambles to his feet before beginning to cast another spell. A ball of fire soars from his hands to explode against the thunderbird.

1 - Stand
2,3 - Cast Fireball

Fireball dmg (Reflex DC 25): 6d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 6, 2, 2, 4) = 21

Meanwhile, the raven swarm tries to reach the thunderbird.

Acrobatics +10 (1st attempt): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

And, I think that is sufficient for the raven swarm to get through the winds with 40 ft of movement.

Again, the ravens attack the thunderbird's eyes.

Swarming Beaks (piercing, DC 20 basic Reflex or blinded for 1d4 rounds): 1d8 ⇒ 3

Alister is knocked prone and is deafened by the thunder! Meanwhile, Mikhail struggles against the gale-force winds that surround the mighty spirit of Talon Peak.

Kernithar manages to close with the gargantuan beast, but barely manages to scratch it. 33 hits. 30 does not.

Reflex save v. Fireball: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
Reflex save v. Ravens: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40

Focusing on Kern and Mikhail, the Black Roc does not notice the fiery bead of the fireball until it blossoms into full power just below its wing, singeing many feathers.

STATUS
Piotr - 27/80 hp (On the Ground) - Deafened (1 round), Prone
The Roc (Near the Mountain) - 28 damage (120' up)
Aristu (Near the Mountain) (125' up) - Fly, Haste
Kernithar (Near the Mountain) (80' up) - Fly, Haste
Mikhail (Near the Mountain) - Fly
Alister - 71/96 hp (Near the Mountain)(5' up) - Fly

Alister, if you're close enough to the Black Roc to affect the melee combatants with that bonus, you're close enough to need Acrobatics checks to fly.

BRB

Pretty happy with that outcome. If these don't hit, centaurs can go kick rocs. hehehe...

This quest isn't mandatory. They also asked you to get some manticore quills.

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The black roc turns in midair and snaps at Kern, biting him hard. Lightning crashes across the elf as the giant beak tears loose a chunk of flesh.

1. Fly.
2. Beak Strike v. Kernithar.
2. Talon Strike v. Kernithar.

Beak v. Kern: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 292d6 + 12 + 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 12 + (6, 2, 6) = 34
Talon v. Kern: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 242d8 + 12 ⇒ (2, 7) + 12 = 21

STATUS
Piotr - 27/80 hp (On the Ground) - Deafened (1 round), Prone
The Roc (Near the Mountain) - 28 damage (120' up)
Aristu (Near the Mountain) (125' up) - Fly, Haste
Kernithar - 68/102 (Near the Mountain) (80' up) - Fly, Haste
Mikhail (Near the Mountain) - Fly
Alister - 71/96 hp (Near the Mountain)(5' up) - Fly

Everyone, go!

Uhhhhhh.... Poll for the crowd here... How bad do we want this egg? Unless someone has something major up their sleeve, I'm not sure fighting this thing toe to toe would be best. Kern may survive another round of this. Holding actions for now to see what others do.

I can't even get to it, but I am not sure how we really get away if we wanted to. With the DCs we may not even manage to get back into the house or cave. I do have some healing, but I can't get to you either. With that in mind can I fly.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Nope, I can't get above a 12. 9 rolls and 8 of them were 10 or less. Blarg.

The GM reminds you that the cave and its internal stair is right there. Handy for fleeing into...

But doesn't the storm effect our ability to get to it? Or is the path outside the storms area of effect? That could be a way if we want to just leave the egg for the bird and try again someday in the future.

I'm not sure what you mean, Mikhail. No, the path to the cave is still clear. The magical cabin is a little ways in front of it.

I thought the area of the storm around the thunderbird was much larger then it apparently is. I thought we were effected by it as soon as we left the house. So I am actually 80 ft up because that is where I would start having issues flying?

I think fleeing might be needed here. Those Fly checks aren't even allowing us to get close to it and I don't think we have the ranged capability/strategy right now. The 100 foot aura of wind is huge. If we flee into the cave, it might take the egg and then we can leave.

Got it. Smash the egg and flee... jkjk
But also, when we come back there might be a baby roc/thunderbird we can capture and tame!!!
How hard would it be to get the egg back to the stairs in the cave? We could bottle neck the bird? Or just run away like Sir Robin. I'm fine with either.

The egg is big and bulky. It would take time to get it there. It's probably keep the egg and fight or leave the egg and run.

Aristu shouts, "Stealing an egg from an oversized eagle is one thing, but we didn't sign up for kidnapping from an intelligent powerful lightning spirit! Get back to the cover of the cave and let it take the egg back!" He soars around the edges of the Black Roc's cyclone and back into the cave.

Stride x4 for 240' of flight.

Kern eagerly heeds the Aristu's advice and makes a hasty retreat.

Stride x4 for up to 220' of flight.

Piotr cannot hear what his companions are shouting.

However, he had stood up so he is able to see them running for the tunnel entrance. He looks from the door of the summoned cabin, trying to gauge his chances of making it to the cave.

In the end, he decides to wait to ensure that his companions get the best chance to escape.

Mikhail heads towards the cave and waves at Piotr to follow.

Alister flies after his brother, fleeing the field towards the cave.

As everyone but Piotr hastens toward the cave, the Black Roc fires another bolt

Thunderbolt v. Mikhail: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 403d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 2) + (1, 5, 3) = 16 Critical Hit

Mikhail, you've taken 32 points of damage. Give me a DC 28 Fortitude save, please.

Then the bird swoops down towards Piotr's cabin.

It is a mere 80' above the cabin. The distance from the cabin to the cave is 100'. Alister, Aristu, Kernithar and Mikhail are roughly two moves from entering the cave.

STATUS
Piotr - 27/80 hp (On the Ground) - Deafened (1 round), Prone
The Roc (Near the Mountain) - 28 damage (120' up)
Aristu (Near the Mountain) (125' up) - Fly, Haste
Kernithar - 68/102 hp (Near the Mountain) (80' up) - Fly, Haste
Mikhail 80/112 hp (Near the Mountain) - Fly
Alister - 71/96 hp (Near the Mountain)(5' up) - Fly

Everyone, go!

Kernithar extends a hand and a beam of ice shoots forth at the legendary creature.

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Not my strong suit...

The ray is dispersed by the gales surrounding the bird.
Kern shouts to the others as he retreats, "Piotr is still in that cabin? How can we help him?"

Ray of Frost, Stride, Stride

Fortitude: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

Mikhail goes crashing to the ground.

"Corb ... go the other way. It's been good, my friend."

Trusting ... strike that ... hoping ... that the thunderbird is more interested in its egg rather than himself, Piotr sprints out of the door towards the tunnel.

Triple Move - 75 ft towards the tunnel

Kern flies to the cave entrance and takes cover after his failed shot at the Black Roc. He is soon joined by a fleeing Piotr.

I'm going to assume that Mikhail, Aristu and Alister make it to the mouth of the cave, too.

The Black Roc moves to seize Piotr in its talons, but just then the cozy cabin dissolves on the wind, exposing the egg. The great bird stops and gently lifts the egg in its gigantic talons. "You and I are not done, human lordling!" it roars, and launches into the air with its precious cargo, soon flapping out of sight.

Piotr continues to sprint towards the tunnel ... not looking back ... not looking back ... even though the winds buffet him and nearly knock him to the ground.

He barrels into the tunnel entrance, nearly knocking over his companions.

"Give me a sec ...," he pants.

Mikhail staggers back to his feet and shakes his head to clear out the ringing in his ears before muttering, "By Abadar, that was unexpected...We may need to seek out an actual roc instead of a force of nature..."

"Or we simply tell the centaurs to go kick rocs..."
Kern states as he settles into the back of the cave to tend to his wounds.

Medicine (T): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
!!!
Still disoriented from the buffeting winds, he does more harm than good.
Treat Wounds Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
C'mon! 60/102HP now...

Mikhail tends to the wounds of everyone he can.

DC 20 for everyone. I do the full hour so double the healing results.

Piotr's Medicine Roll: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Healing Piotr for: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 8) + 10 = 25

Mikhail's Medicine Roll: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37 Critical Success

Healing Mikhail for: 4d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 6, 3, 4) + 10 = 30

Alister's Medicine Roll: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Healing Alister for: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 7) + 10 = 22

Winds howl outside and lightning crackles. It is not comforting, but the stone all around them seems as indifferent to the rage of the Black Roc as it is to the fears of the small mammals hiding in its bosom.

After the hour has passed Mikhail turns to briefly aid Kern and Piotr and himself before stretching and asking, "Should we leave now while the mother is dealing with her egg? Or hope that the morning will be a better time to get off this blasted mountain?"

DC 20, not going for the full hour unless we plan to spend the night. At which point I do not think it matters. I can tend all of us at the same time.

Piotr's Medicine Check: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Piotr Heals: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 7) + 10 = 22

Kern's Medicine Check: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33 Critical Success!

Kern Heals: 4d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 6) + 10 = 22

Mikhail's Medicine Check: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32 Critical Success!

Mikhail Heals: 4d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 3) + 10 = 18