In the Wilds: A Kingmaker Game

Game Master Seth Parsons

Ranzo is with Komana, his bow is strung, but at his feet, shield with it so he can choose as needed.

Dawn breaks, and the sun begins to rise for it's journey across the sky. Birds begin their chirps, and the winds blow in from the northeast.

The day remains quiet forjust about an hour. Off from the south, those on the walls can see about 5 men approaching on horseback. They seem to be going at a fairly relaxed pace, not too much of a hurry to be seen in their movement towards the trading post.

About ten minutes after being spotted, they are within shouting range of the former fort. A man astride a black horse and wearing stitched up leathers and hood rides slightly ahead of his compatriots, an easy swagger about him. "Oleg! Open up!" His voice is deep and carries well over the walls.

Oleg drops to a knee, kissing his thumb and tracing Desna's Wings before him, rising again to go towards the gate. "Coming, coming! Hold on!" With a small heave, he lifts the bar from the gate, and swings both doors open, blocking sight of the areas between the guesthouse (A2) and the walls, as well as partially obscuring the space between the stables (A3) and the walls as well.

The 5 men slowly meander on in, chatting amongst themselves. Each have a longbow slung across their back and (save the man with the stitched hood) a shortsword at their waist. The horses range in color from off-white and brown to the black horse carrying the man who is obviously leading them.

The hooded man stops his horse, which causes the other to dismount. "Where's ya wifey, man? Me and the men were thinking of taking her with us back to camp. You know, make some soups and such. Maybe some entertainment afterwards too." Oleg's face slowly turn red as the man speaks of Svetlana, but keeps himself from grabbing him and hauling him to the ground.

"Sick with a bug. Just got over it myself..."

The leader quickly dismounts, and stares at Oleg intently. After a few tense moments, he throws his hands in the air. [b]"Oh well, better luck next time boys! Don't want to get sick on 'tax day,' do we?"/b] The men laugh and mumble, slowly unhooking small bags from their horses. They continue to chat amongst themselves, but the conversations are now about Svetlana and what "fun" she'd be.

Orsino opened up a small, carefully prepared Lotus Flower and let it's fragrance fill his nostrils...and his arms.

using strength Mutagen, now Orsino should be able to smash holes in stone walls...

Tess is positioned on the lower left catapult (down and left of A3).

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Komana will wait for the exact moment when she realizes that all horses are entering in the post. So, she´ll leave her hiding place and pointing her sword to outlaws.
Going up on a bench on common area she warns.

"On behalf of the authority of the Swordlords of Restov you are stuck, surrender, or you will suffer the consequences. In other words, who is going to take a lady to dance with?"
She will use Intimidate to provoke them.
Intimidation: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

In case of she becomes the target of some of the arrows, or no one come close to her, Komana will shout.
Anyone of you has got balls to face me eye to eye?

After move action, she uses a standard action to readying an attack to nearest approaching foe, fighting defensively with combat expertise. Her AC goes to 21 and her attack bonus drops to 0.
Readied Attack: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2 #so close!
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Do Orsino and others who have hidden themselves receive the advantage of a surprise round?

Yes, everyone who is hiding is, well, hidden :P

As Komana reveals herself, the 4 men with the bags stop in their tracks to stare at her. The man in the hood before Oleg stops laughing at some stupid quip he just made to stare at the Swordlord. One of the men pipes out towards his boss. "Haps, a swordlord..."

Haps steps past Oleg looking at Komana. Though definitely taken aback by her appearance, he keeps eyeing the men around him.

"And what, ma'am swordlord, are you expecting to do against 5 armed men? Oleg, if you thought just one little girl was all you needed to defend yourself, it's no wonder you always pay up on your taxes!" He laughs, and with a motion, his men drop their sacks and reach for their short swords.

Initiative! Anyone else still hiding may make one action as well

Surprise Round
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Seeing that everyone is inside and distracted, Bexer casts Enlarge Person upon himself.

Yikes, lousy initiative...good thing I've got reach. Considering Bexer is almost certainly going last, I'll hold posting his actions until others have gone. Note that I will not take an AoO unless one of the bandits moves at me or tries to escape out the front gate.

Initiative 1d20 ⇒ 3

Mikhaela shoots the large, talky man (the boss) with an arrow from her longbow.

1d20 ⇒ 10 for 1d8 ⇒ 3 miss damage.

She drops her bow and picks up her mace and shield.

I may not be able to post for the rest of the day. If needed, please bot. Mikhaela will eschew ranged combat and move in for melee. If she is next to someone, she may cast Guidance upon them, as needed.

Ranzo seeing that Komana is ready to rush in would have strapped on his shield earlier:

Seeing Komana attacking, Ranzo says to himself "Aaahh s#!t."

"MAKE THAT TWO HAPS, you are all bound by law to drop your weapons and submit to our authority."

Ranzo will run towards or Charge Haps and attack him with the long sword.

To Hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Ranzo seeing that Komana is ready to rush in would have strapped on his shield earlier:

Seeing Komana attacking, Ranzo says to himself "Aaahh s#!t."

"MAKE THAT TWO HAPS, you are all bound by law to drop your weapons and submit to our authority."

Ranzo will run towards or Charge Haps and attack him with the long sword.

To Hit: 1d20+5
Damage: 1d8+3

Init: 1d20+2

Which one do you use? Run or Charge? They are both separate actions with different results.

Depends on the physical range to Haps.

Just waiting for Tessandriel and Orsino's actions and initiatives, but I'll respond to what has been posted.

Bexer, you successfully enlarge yourself to large size.
Mikhaela, you miss with your bow attack.
Ranzo, you are far enough away to charge Haps, and land a hit on him for 5 damage.
Komana, I'm afraid your attack misses one of the men who had approached you

initiative1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

attack1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

damage1d3 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Orsino moves rapidly and from the left of the hooded man and strikes grabbing hold of the man's hood and aiming with his fist to smash the man in the face. if this is a surprise round that means Orsino has caught him flatfooted

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Tessandriel fires at the nearest bandit she can see that is closest to the gate.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Mikhaela drop her bow and picks up her sword 'n shield.

@Orsino: Your swing goes slightly wild, missing the hooded man by inches.
@Tessandriel: You arrow catches one of the bandits in the arm, and he lets forth a feral shout. No longer focusing on his partially pulled sword, he turns to make a dash for his horse.

Haps' Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Bandit's Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Alright, init order is as follows:
Tessandriel 18
Komana 15
Bandits 9
Orsino 7
Ranzo 5
Haps 3
Mikhaela 3
Bexer 2

You're so stupid, Haps, and looking at all bad guys, All of you, GIVE UP NOOW, or we will not have mercy.
Lesson 13, moving like dancing.
So, moving dangerously, Komana seeks to place Haps to her reach.

Komana will move through the safest way (with less chance of suffering AoO), to attack Haps using combat expertise (AC 19), and if possible flanking with Ranzo or Orsino.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 : 19 flanking.
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

"RAISE your hands and get on your knees and we wont hurt you"

Attack Haps, the running Bandit or a Bandit that is not giving up (in that order).

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Did not add flanking to attack.

Oh a critical !!!:

Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Extra Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Mikhaela charges Haps.

1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 2 = 16 for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage

Will be on later, nursing a hangover... Drank enough last night to pass the Starstone Test...

I so so so drunk now fellow...

Right, had to babysit my niece and nephew last night.
The bandit with the arrow stuck in them turns to try and flee, prompting an AoO from Orsino. The remaining bandits continue pulling out their swords as a move actions. Bandit one attempts to swing at Ranzo.
Bandit 1 attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 Bandit 1 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
The second bandit, thinking himself somewhat clever, attempts to move away to get into a flanking position on Ranzo, however, he fails to take notice of a certain Aasimar cleric, who gets a free attack on them. The third bandit decides to stand his ground and attempts to thrust his sword into Orsino, because he just popped in out of nowhere. Bandit 3 attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Bandit 3 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Once Orsino makes his attack or whatever, I'll do the info on Haps

AoO attack1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20, damage1d3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Attack against sword wielding bandit1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21, damage 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

do either of these count as having achieved critical "threat"? I am a little fuzzy on the critical hit rules...

Orsino grabbed the fleeing bandit by the collar with one hand and then he smashed his palm into the man's nose his goal was to kill him instantly by causing the man's nose bones to break and shoot upward into his brain... Quickly Orsino dodged the bandit's attempt to skewer with a sword and Orsino like the other bandit grabbed him by the collar and Orsino repeated the same, brutal move to attempt to end the man's life...Orsino's ac is 14 thanks to Mutagen which in addition to giving his 4 strength also gives him a 2+ natural armor bonus.

No, critical hits are only on rolls of natural 20, unless they have expanded threat ranges like the longsword (19-20). You then roll again, and if you confirm a hit by hitting the targets AC (whether regular, flat-footed or touch) you roll an extra amount of damage dice that your weapon would deal (like 1d4, 1d8, 2d6, etc.)
Orsino Hulks out and smashes the fleeing man's face in. He then successfully lands a hit on Bandit 3. The man's eyes bug out and he hollers in fear as the Lotusmaster nearly ends him.

Even with Komana suddenly making his life that much harder, Haps laughs loudly, one might even say boldly, as he finally pulls out his beautiful longbow (using his move action). "You fools will get what's coming to ya!" Raising his bow up, he fires an arrow at Ranzo. Haps attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Haps damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

However, his attack also prompts an AoO from Komana. However, just to speed it up just a hair, I'm going to skip that. Reason why is because with Komana's, Ranzo's and Mikhaela's attacks (Mikhaela is up next) he's dropped. So, Mikhaela, you get to describe his death!

If I've counted correctly, there are 3 bandits left, 1 of which is near death from Orsino's strike.

Bexer shoulders the left gate closed (move action) and then strikes at any bandit within his (extended) reach.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17, Dmg: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 6 = 11

"Surrender now, and you may survive the day."

Mikhaela runs forward and jabs her sword deep into the bandit chieftain.

Looking at his ruined carcase she murmurs "Oh dear." followed by a much louder "Surrender now or face the same fate." to the assembled brigands.

Mikhaela looks both resolute and green at the same time.

Since Haps went down Ranzo will attack the one who struck at him instead.

Still saying the same thing.

2º round - if need
Seeing the fall of the bandit leader, Komana tries again avoid a slaughter.

"Do you want to share the same fate of their leader?"

If any one of the outlaws will try to flee, she´ll attack him (the most near to her). If she can´t reach with her sword, Komana will pick up the bow next to the body of Haps, and will use it.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Seeing that their only way out has been effectively blocked, their leader dead on the ground, and their fors now worfully outnumbering them (plus one of their own dead and two quite injured), the remaining bandits throw down their arms. The only one not injured speaks up. "Please, Swordlords, don't kill us. We surrender, so please spare us!" They all fall to their knees in submission.

Bexer takes the opportunity to close the other gate, then looks over at the bandits.

"You've made the best choice you could, but don't presume you are out of danger yet. You have a number of crimes to answer for."

"What are your names?"

Your names matter not to me, the information that you have however does... The man who gives me the most accurate information will be allowed to go free, the men who do not give me good information will have their kneecaps broken and large B's branded on their foreheads to tell of their crime. Now tell me which one of you wants to find out what life like a marked cripple is like?

Intimidate check1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Komana don´t believe that Orsino´s words is serious and considers who he is doing is a trick to make the brigands speak. Understanding the artifice from Orsino she leaves her sword near to the neck of one of the survivors.
"You have heard my friend, tell us what you know, details please!"

She´ll use a Aid Another to give to Orsino a +2 on his test
AA Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Mikhaela listens to the half elf.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

"I am afraid I can not allow you to kill these men peremptorily. They must face trial, then they will die or not as justice demands. Of course their cooperation will be considered in determining their fate."

She smiles grimly.

"I know little of the law. Is execution typically beheading, hanging or impalement in this locale?"

A trial eh? That would be over in say ten minutes...as I recall from the mandate from Brevoy nothing is explicitly stated concerning how bandits are to be executed... As such we are perfectly free to use whatever means we feel will not only bring justice but deter others who might decide to become bandits. Since you insist on giving them a trial despite that fact that it would be a farce we might as well do it now. I will take the role of prosecutor, since you seem so eager to defend them Mikhaela you might as well be their lawyer and I believe Ranzo would make a fine judge...

"Its Hanging, but we have some leeway."

IF one is unconscious, i.e. negative hit points. "I don't have a care kit, can someone stop their bleeding?"

"You bandits strip all your clothing off, everything. We search everything and you put your underbreaches. Then we each interview you separately, then we compare your information and see if anyone is lying.

Than we decide on punishment. So it behooves you all to tell the truth when we ask you questions.

At best you work for Oleg for a number of months. At worst your hanging from the wall in the morning watching the sunrise with dead eyes."

"Calm down Mikhaela" and turning to her side, and Ranzo, winking her eye, "We are on the Stolen Lands. We are the law here. Orsino is right!".
Komana tries to send a Secret Message to her mates about what she believes about actions of Orsino (DC 15 - simple message)
Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
But, after the words of Ranzo ...
"Alright Ranzo, the sentence can be given later, we should not rush. As long as they know that their lives depend on their cooperation."
Komana believes that the "staging" was effective to boot truths, now or later.

As the others talk, Bexer returns to normal size, and after a moment the armor that encased him fades away.

"I agree with Ranzo's thoughts on this, with one caveat. While our charter gives us certain responsibilities, and implies the rights to enforce them, I think in this case that Oleg and Svetlana should be party to any decision we make. They are the primary wronged parties here."

He then moves to gather up the horses and get them stabled and cared for, ignoring the bandits for the moment.

"Excellent suggestion Bexter."

Turns to the bandits. "WHY ARE YOU NOT STRIPPING?"

He looks at his blades for chips and breaks, cleans it and sheaths it.

The men squeak and strip down to their skivvies in around two minutes, the injured two takeing a tad longer. As soon as they are finished, they all begin to speak up. The loudest one (yet shortest of the three) is called Jarek Ninefingers (He's the one not injured). The tallest one has blonde hair and states his momma called himTibor. The last one is bald but has a soul patch, and between some terrified stutters states his name is Nikon.

Oleg meanwhile has ran into the home to inform Svetlana of the events. While you all talk you can faintly gear her sobs of relief in the air.

What do you all do? Interrogate whom? Ask what?

Mikhaela cleans then sharpens her sword. She then sheathes it.

Komana follows the Ranzo´s plan. She bring ropes and tying the men, then, leads them to different places in the outpost to interview each one separately.

Speaking particularly with Ranzo. "I believe that Orsino can be a key to get the truth from these men, so let he put the terror on them, I don´t believe that he´ll act foolishly." after, Komana will talk to all fellows "We need to find out where the bossy lady is hiding, we need directions or a map, and how many man more we can meet there, and don´t forget the traps and surveillance tactics that they use."

Bexer is willing to let Orsino conduct the interrogations, but does not trust him to do so unchaperoned, and so will lounge nearby each time to assure that things do not get out of hand.

"Mikhaela, can you give these two men minor healing?"

While one is being questioned, Ranzo will get the other two together to begin to dig graves for the two dead.

Pointing at bows and clothing. "We need to inventory their things they brought to us, and we need to ask Oleg where to bury the dead and if he would accept free workers. Hopefully he will or there will be less wiggle room for you three."

I think I will start the interrogations with the one who I nearly killed...

While Orsino interrogate the bandits with Bexer watching, Komana is concerned with the exploitation of the Greenbelt and the exact location of the bandits' hideout, so she going to speak with Oleg.

"Oleg, have you got a map of nearby regions or some information relevant about Greenbelt´s geography? Anyway, it would be very helpful if you had to sell a mapmaker's kit, do you have it?"

Tessandriel climbs down from the catapult after the rest make short work of the bandits.

"Easier than expected. If anyone is going to interrogate the bandits don't kill them."

Moving over to the items the bandits have dropped she begins looking through to find anything of use and arranging them by type. Once done, she will look at any items that are useful to her.

With a menacing "grin" Orsino spoke, don't you worry, I won't kill them...and I won't break anything really important. You broken nose start speaking about the bandit gang you are a part of, the location of said bandit gang and any other question that strikes my fancy...THIS INSTANT!

intimidate to terrify broken nosed bandit1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18