Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Continuing his search as they talk, Kriger just manages to notice the hidden panel. "Well whaddaya know. Just need a key." He then looks around at all the slain bodies and sighs. "Okay, any chance I can get some help searching these bodies? I'm looking for a key." He then starts with Pavetta's dead husband before moving to her brother. After that, he simply moves from one to the next.

Searching for a key. And anything else of interest of course.

Before aiding Kriger in his search, Malaswyn positions himself to take in the bodies and casts a spell to detect magical auras.

As the others search, Raveneau is unable to remain still... moving lithely across the floor and spending equal time considering the recalcitrant ex-ruler and the uncowed forces without.

To Pavetta:

"You presume much. The children are not to be exiled, only you. And they may still come to rule a city, territory or more. If they show the the desire, aptitude and morality to do so. And we must survive the battle to come for them to be restored, so it is up to you if you wish to cooperate in that effort or not. This is not a negotiation; decide."

To Lord Numesti:

Kalsgrim has a warm smile for Terrion. "Indeed, your daughter is well. Her bravery and skill saved many lives, and she is still to the east of here. She is helping with the repair and defense of the town she helped save."

"The situation here, however, is still dire. It is true that the traitor Drelev is slain. But Tiger Lord warriors and giants remain outside, and the garrison still lives under threat of familial hostages."

Did Drelev have a crown, or chain of office or something? I'm thinking Kalsgrim is going to co-opt it as a sign to those they fight that Drelev is gone.

Drelev does have a crown, a thin circlet of gold and silver weaved together with emeralds and rubies insets.

Pavetta glares at Kalsgrim, but otherwise remains silent, her small dog however growls at the paladin. She is obviously not going to be of help.

Continuing his search as they talk, Kriger just manages to notice the hidden panel. "Well whaddaya know. Just need a key." He then looks around at all the slain bodies and sighs. "Okay, any chance I can get some help searching these bodies? I'm looking for a key." He then starts with Pavetta's dead husband before moving to her brother. After that, he simply moves from one to the next.

Searching for a key. And anything else of interest of course.

Kriger finds a set of three small keys on a chain around Drelev's neck. The first is made of gold and is shaped like a small horse with onyx eyes. The second small key is quite tiny and ornate, silver shaped like vines circling on themselves, The last key is made of iron and is simpler and heftier than the other two.

The last key seems to fit the lock on the throne.

Continuing his search as they talk, Kriger just manages to notice the hidden panel. "Well whaddaya know. Just need a key." He then looks around at all the slain bodies and sighs. "Okay, any chance I can get some help searching these bodies? I'm looking for a key." He then starts with Pavetta's dead husband before moving to her brother. After that, he simply moves from one to the next.

Searching for a key. And anything else of interest of course.

Searching the wizard, Kriger finds three big sets of large keys, each having close to twenty keys of different shapes. These are likely copies of all the keys to the Fort. Or almost all the keys, for Drelev's keys have no matches in the wizard's set.

Before aiding Kriger in his search, Malaswyn positions himself to take in the bodies and casts a spell to detect magical auras.

Malaswyn detects an aura on a few things. Of note, on Drelev's crown, on the wizard's staff.

Since I'm giving you WBL automatically, I'll just give descriptions of important magic items, or of those that you might make use of as part of the story. I hope that's ok.

Since I'm giving you WBL automatically, I'll just give descriptions of important magic items, or of those that you might make use of as part of the story. I hope that's ok.

Absolutely. I think it is fair to assume, given the WBL approach, that miscellaneous magic items are either put to the treasury or given to important NPCs.

In Pathfinder Society you can use items until the end of an adventure. If you want to keep them further you must 'buy' them (cutting your GP by the appropriate amount). Perhaps we could use things until we get back to our home, then we can 'buy' them or give them to NPCs or the treasury.

spellcraft crown: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28
spellcraft staff: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

In Pathfinder Society you can use items until the end of an adventure. If you want to keep them further you must 'buy' them (cutting your GP by the appropriate amount). Perhaps we could use things until we get back to our home, then we can 'buy' them or give them to NPCs or the treasury.

Ok, I'll do so, but only for the nicest stuff, unless you tell me specifically you're using what you find to gear up an NPC or something. I'm trying to keep the book keeping low :)

Crown is also a circlet of persuasion. Staff is a staff of fire.

"Well all right! Looks like I found what I'm looking for." He then heads back to the hidden panel and unlocks it to find what said panel hides.

Malaswyn hands the staff to Ravenau, "a staff of fire, can you use it?"
and I just dropped the fire domain to become a herald caller...

Then he takes the crown to Kalsgrim, This will be the sign they need, and will bolster your speech making."

Raveneau takes the staff from Malaswyn gently, before taking a swift two-step backwards and holding it up to the light. A few moments spent regarding the burnished wooden staff before the elf slowly exhales and closes his eyes. Rising up on the balls of his feet, Raveneau begins to twirl the staff within his hands... a look of intense concentration upon his face. The spinning staff is then joined by a shuffling turn of the man himself, communing with the item in his own way.

Then with a sudden burst he gives a half leap and brings the staff down upon the ground base first with a resounding crack. Upon impact a ring of crimson flame births from the staff's tip, rolling down it's length and over his hand before dissipating with a susurrant sigh upon the floor. Reopening his eyes Raveneau inclines his head towards the generous cleric and states "I believe we have an understanding...."

Nice Raveneau.

Kriger opens the hidden cabinet under the throne and finds a tray of seven potent potions of healing Cure Serious and three restorative potions Lesser Restoration.

In front of the trays is a small statuette of an owl made of serpentine. Figurine of woundrous power: serpentine owl.

Meanwhile, Numesti walks up to Kalsgrim and offers: "Lord Kalsgrim, I was the Fort's commander before being throw in jail for refusing to give my daughter as hostage. Most of the men are still loyal to me. If you wish, I may stand by your side. The sight of me should rally some of the men to your cause..."

To Numesti, he says "We'll make sure you are properly equipped later, but for now, you best take a choice of arms and armor from the fallen here."

To the group, he says "As much as I would like to throw open those windows and make the call to arms from there, there are giants out there with stones. I think we should go down to the courtyard level, fell the giants and then persuade the garrison?" He looks to his closest friends and advisors, including Numesti, for their opinions.

The circlet is nice, but it takes the same slot as Kalsgrim's headband. Going into a fight isn't the time for him to give up that +4 enhancement to Charisma. I'm thinking about giving it to Numesti.

It's an extra +1 to charisma skill checks but does not contribute in a fight. I agree, give it to Numesti. Wear the crown of Frieland :D

"Very well, let's face the foe. Give me a moment just before we strike so that I can enhance our powers."

Then he take the figurine and hand it to Numesti, "Should we fall, use this. It will transform into a giant owl which you may ride to the captial, to warn them of the Tiger Lords' intentions, and of our fate." Malaswyn turns to Kalsgrim, looking for confirmation.

Divide the potions between Kal, Ravenau and Kriger. Malaswyn has no need and if he goes down, one of you can feed him a potion.

"My Lord, if I may, my worry is that the soldiers on the battlements do not recognize you and fire on you as you fight the giants. Introducing you might stay their strings..."

Kriger strokes his beard at the suggestion. "You know, Kals, I'm thinking Numesti makes a good point. The last thing we need is to dodge arrows while we're taking down the big fellas. We know they won't fire on him and there's no way I'll let the giants get to him, so, maybe we ought to give that a go," he says, shrugging. "PLUS - think about this - if we can get them to our side, then it'll be the giants who'll be dodging arrows." He nods, grinning victoriously and with a look upon his face that clearly states how awesome he thinks that would be to turn the tables so dramatically.

Is there a balcony or big window where Numasti might stand, wearing the circlet?

You recall a balcony one floor above.

The plan makes sense, but I hate to put him in danger when we just got him back...

After a moment of consideration, Kalsgrim says "Very well. We can go up to the balcony, and we'll address the men. We will need to be ready to help put the giants down quickly, though. The rest of you need to be ready to defend the room, and then charge down for the melee."

"I can enchant you, so that your voice will carry far and your presence most commanding."

Eagles splendour, clarion call and enhanced diplomacy, unless any clash with enhancements you already have?

"Any blessings for Terrion or I would be welcome."

Eagles Splendor would be repetitive with my headband. Clarion Call and Enhanced Diplomacy would be good! My base diplomacy is +21, with +2 to influence hostile/unfriendlies. And the headband of social competence effect on my crown prevents me from putting my foot in my mouth. :P And my Erastil trait gives me a reroll if I need it.

Just before Kalsgrim goes to the balcony, Malaswyn prays for aid from Sunlord Thalacos, Sarenrae's herald.
+2 competence bonus on next diplomacy check, DC of checks to hear him due to distance or interfering noise are reduced by 15.
"Go with The Sunlord's blessing."

Also, Eagle's Splendor for Terrion Numasti.

It is clear to see that Terrion is the one who needs more help with regards to social skills. He is a true and true soldier who rose up the ranks through skills. Nevertheless, his status and reputation will give him bonuses.

Please let me know where you are and what you do or prepare to do when the speeches start and who in fact starts first.

Malaswyn will watch from the windows of the throne room, keeping an eye on the archers and giants below.

Are the giants walking on flagstones?

Flagstone? I'm sure I don't understand.

Flagstone floor

I'm thinking of using stone shape to trap them as we are archery-tastic.

Ah! English is my second language, so there are words I've just never encountered. Thanks for the new one!

The courtyard is just packed dirt with a few struggling patches of sickly green grass.

Seriously?!!? I've been doing PbP with you for over seven years and this is the first hint of that I've seen. You're better with English than a lot of the native speakers I've grown up with. Wow.

When Malaswyn has preserved the children, we will place them respectfully in a clean and elevated area (on a table, or even on the throne). Kalsgrim will tell the mother "You are welcome to maintain a vigil here."

After Numesti is equipped (with salvaged armor and weapons from the fallen in the throne room) and has the circlet that Drelev, we will move up to the balcony.

As Malaswyn begins his spells, Kalsgrim just tells Numesti "Don't feel like you have to sway them to our side. Just try to have them give me a chance to appeal to them. If combat breaks out, duck inside. We will need you to watch our backs, and warn us when someone comes into the room behind us."

He turns to the other heroes. "Kriger, step out with Numesti to help watch for ambush or treachery, but let him speak. When he's ready, I'll step out and speak to them. Malaswyn and Raveneux, you can come out with me then. We'll leave all of the doors open between the balcony and the ground floor so that if fighting breaks out, Raveneax and Kriger can get down there quickly."

Malaswyn makes an affirmative nod, "Very well."

Nodding, "You got it, Chief." Turning to Numesti, "I'll be right behind you. You do the talking and I'll do the watching."

Kriger will be a step behind Numesti and to his right.

Ok, now I'm blushing :)

Numesti walks up to the edge of the balcony. One by one, the warriors on the battlements notice him and waive at him, perhaps with perplexity. He doesn't smile nor waive, but stands erect amd proud. His drill sergeant voice cuts through the air: "Men of Drelev! We have served under the baron and seen our share of glory! We have built this place despite the impossible odds. This we have done and this will remain our legacy! However, as you know, recent events have threatened this legacy. Barbarians have bested us and thrown things for a spin... I now command you, my comrades, to hear out the one who would deliver us and give us back our purpose! Give us back our land! And give us back our glory! Stay your bows! Or better yet, train them on the filthy scum that roams our yard and eats our horses!"

The men seem intent.

Your turn, Lord Kalsgrim.

Raveneau inclines his head in approval of the plan and readies himself to follow Kalsgrim. Keeping his sword in sheath at present, he tucks the staff of fire under his arm... holding it as though a baton in a regimental parade. Casting the arts arcane that he knows through his mind, he tempers enthusiasm with restraint when planning how he might join the fray below.

At Numesti's words he remains still and dispassionate, weight delicately balanced to provide him with the leverage to either advance or retreat with impetus and speed.

Other Mastermind - is there a path that Raveneau might take from the balcony to a secondary position (another balcony or relatively flat roof) if combat breaks out?
Just to split up the targets the giants might need to aim at.

Kalsgrim steps forward. "Good men, I am Kalsgrim Lodovka from Frieland. You have been betrayed by Drelev to the Tiger Lords, just as we to the east of you were attacked by his monstrous allies. He is gone now, slain in battle with us after we confronted him. The treason he carried out and the threat he posed are no more."

"But there are still the Tiger Lords. We," he says, gesturing to the heroes on the balcony "will move on them, defeat the Tiger Lords and free their prisoners. But you must reject these terrible minions amongst us, and defend this outpost of civilization under Numesti's command until we can return. Will you do that? Will you side with the forces of good, and share in the prosperity and freedom that you have worked towards, and deserve?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 21 + 2 = 33

Meh. Let's try that reroll.

1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 21 + 2 = 42

Raveneau inclines his head in approval of the plan and readies himself to follow Kalsgrim. Keeping his sword in sheath at present, he tucks the staff of fire under his arm... holding it as though a baton in a regimental parade. Casting the arts arcane that he knows through his mind, he tempers enthusiasm with restraint when planning how he might join the fray below.

At Numesti's words he remains still and dispassionate, weight delicately balanced to provide him with the leverage to either advance or retreat with impetus and speed.

Other Mastermind - is there a path that Raveneau might take from the balcony to a secondary position (another balcony or relatively flat roof) if combat breaks out?
Just to split up the targets the giants might need to aim at.

Given your acrobatics score, you can probably make your way to the yard using features of the facade. Otherwise, you'd have to take the stairs.

Kalsgrim's words echo through the courtyard and seem to dig in the heart of the warriors on the battlements. You see them nod their approval and mutter to themselves.

Meanwhile, the four giants in the courtyard seem confused. They are shouting to one another in Giant and they seem to have a hard time figuring out what was the message conveyed by the guys with crown. Too many fancy words for them to process quickly.

One warrior, a sergeant by the sword stamped on his sleeve, shouts back to Kalsgrim: "You saying Drelev's dead!? Well, I'm no friend of Tigers, and I'd follow Numesti to Rovagug's cot if he asked me! Never was right that he was jailed so and our daughters taken. Will you save them then? Save our daughters?"

The giants seem to be about to tackle what 'terrible minion' may mean. They are giving each other knowing looks. You don't have much time before rocks start flying.

Said sotto voce to Kalsgrim "Fine words... but I sense the dance draws near... and I must answer it's call." Taking his leave with an elaborate bow, Raveneau puts his back to the balcony and backflips over it into the air. Lazily spinning around to right himself towards the courtyard he puts the staff of fire betwixt himself and giant, wide grin on his face and eyes aflame with intent...

Spending 1 point from arcane pool to begin a 1 minute spell dance, followed by swift action for fly from his Spell Dance ability.
He hasn't let fly yet... but are the giants grouped close enough that he could use the staff of fire to conjure a fireball to air burst and sear their heads, while leaving the warriors on the battlements / ground unscathed?

They're not really grouped. they're more spread because the source of danger is unclear to them, and the courtyard is big. What's the radius of your spell? For you sure you can take two with a 20-ft radius.

”Behold!”

Malaswyn transforms into a seeming angel angelic aspect and begins to call forth a creature of the heavens. summoning a celestial, augmented dire lion.

Malaswyn, is your summoning a standard or a full round action? Also, if it is a standard, where do you place it?

Kalsgrim confirms "Drelev is dead. We will find your daughters, and deal justice to the Tiger Lords."

"Hear that men! Let's be rid of those filthy Tigers! Starting with their giants!!!" barks the sergeant and starts shouting in the courtyard. The other warriors shout their approval and start shouting as well!

Please give me your actions for the round. Malaswyn and Ravenau have taken action in the round prior and should post their action for this one.

The summons is full round (I have one standard action summons which I am keeping in reserve). The lion will appear close behind the most isolated giant.

Kalsgrim pulls forth his bow from the quiver at his side. The feathers dangling from the end and the fine etchings upon it mark it as the Stag Lord's bow, a trophy from another victory while taming these savage lands. Kalsgrim presents it to the giants and summons the righteous power of Erastil into it, causing it to flair with silver-white light. As he draws an arrow and nocks it, he says "Slay the giants!"

Move action to ready bow, standard to activate divine bond, giving it an extra +3 enchantment (now total of +5).

Catching a pair of them is good with me - it's a standard fireball from the staff of fire, so 20ft radius.

Upon the words filtering down to his ears from the balcony above, Raveneau is already stirring to visceral action. He sways left before lurching right to thrust the newly acquired staff of fire forward with his right hand. The motion is accompanied by words of coaxing "Nunc volare ignis" and the burnished wood responds in kind.

A roiling ball of constrained flame is birthed from it's tip, screaming forth and upwards to a spot in the air above and between two of the brutish giant's heads. It reaches the end of its tether and with a dull thump and roar a sphere of scarlet inferno swells to encompass the giants while leaving men unscathed.

Fireball: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 5, 3, 5, 5, 5, 2, 1, 3) = 35 Reflex save DC 17 for half
2/10 rounds of Spell Dance used. 2 charges used from staff

At the release of the globe the lithe elf continues his spin, backing up towards a nearby wall and settling into a crouch with left hand grazing the flagstones... waiting and watching cat-like before springing into action again.

Said sotto voce to Kalsgrim "Fine words... but I sense the dance draws near... and I must answer it's call." Taking his leave with an elaborate bow, Raveneau puts his back to the balcony and backflips over it into the air. Lazily spinning around to right himself towards the courtyard he puts the staff of fire betwixt himself and giant, wide grin on his face and eyes aflame with intent...

Kriger cuts a glance toward Raveneau before leaning in toward Kalsgrim. "If he's talking about 'fighting' then I'm with him," he states as a matter of fact, nodding.

Kalsgrim pulls forth his bow from the quiver at his side. The feathers dangling from the end and the fine etchings upon it mark it as the Stag Lord's bow, a trophy from another victory while taming these savage lands. Kalsgrim presents it to the giants and summons the righteous power of Erastil into it, causing it to flair with silver-white light. As he draws an arrow and nocks it, he says "Slay the giants!"

Eyes going wide with psychotic glee, "Now you're talkin'! Alright, fellas, get ready for a bit of some Ol' Deadeye magic. Oh yeah!" Calling forth said magic, he targets each of his allies.

Casting Zephyr’s Fleetness on everybody. I can target 5 people but since there are only 4 of us, well, there you go. Four it is. 11 minutes duration.

Actually takes a whole round to cast. Did not know that. Anyway, how far is the balcony above the courtyard? And would it possible to climb down?

I can cast air walk if people want it.