Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

We are doing our best to make this place safe for the likes of Vekkel and Oleg, good folk seeking to make their livelihood in the region. What path that aim may take us down, the gods only know. At this point, it is hard to think much further than past our inevitable confrontation with the Stag Lord and the rest of his men.

At the last statement Janku jumps to his feet, knocking over his chair behind him. His boredom finally turned to anger

"Exactly". "What are we waiting for"! "This Stag lord is out here doing what he pleases and we're playing nicey-nice with a petting zoo". "My armor stiffens and my sword rusts". "Let's go...tomorrow...right now I don't care, but enough of this inactivity".

And to emphasize his final point he bangs the table with a mailed fist almost upsetting his drink, before stomping off into the yard to contemplate and pray.

When the door closes behind Janku, Kalsgrim will ask Do others of you feel the same way? Shall we move in the direction that we have heard his stronghold lies?

We could combine it with exploring by going straight south, then straight east on the western and then southern borders of the territory. Perhaps the encounters between here and there would be enough to tip us into 3rd level and give us a better chance at survival...

Having said a kind word in defense of the fallen apprentice, only to have that rebuffed, Servayn abandons any further attempt at conversation.

He looks slightly startled by Janku's display of impatience, and stands to set his chair aright after he storm off and bows to the druid, Thank you for your hospitality, sir.

To Kalsgrim, he says, His point was made over-strong, but polite speech fails me in any event. We have a Stag Lord to kill and Sootscales to turn to productive allies.

He then steps outside, ostensibly to 'check on Janku,' but mostly to get clear of this increasingly unnatural-seeming place, where nature is bent to the will of an old hermit, and the lion lays down with the lamb, in defiance of their natures. When this old man's wits fail him, will this safe haven tear itself apart in bloodshed, as the beast's natures re-assert themselves? Will we have to come to deal with animals who have forgotten how to live in the wild, and regard the settlers as potential meals?

Yes, only Servayn could worry about a druid's farm being 'unnatural!'

At the mention of Gozreh's name, Lukasz jaw tenses just a little and deciding it would be best not to divulge the whole truth, chimes in with, "As Kal has mentioned, we are here to defend those honest people who make this land their home from the bandits and other intelligent threats. Whether that it done from improving relations or by the edge of a blade, that is entirely up to those we deal with."

Bluff:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

No editing after your terrible bluff check ;) I saw that.

"Yer friend seems a little high-strung, hunter," Adams says while quietly observing the outburst."Ya say yer here to protect the likes of common folk and kobolds no less. The animals tell me that foul men have gathered lookin' for brave warriors mapping the unknown. They can't tell bandits from soldiers, but yer folk seem to be shining and metal. I don't agree with cities, or their people, but the Stag Lord and his men are pillagers. Ya'll be safe on my lands if ya want to camp here. A simple man I be but Gozreh grants me powerful healing."

He picks up the apprentice's ring and looks at it deeply. "Keep the ring, a sign of trust, hunters. If he'd been found faster Gozreh might have grant him a second chance."

Ox tenses at Janku's out burst he readies himself to handle the cleric as needed. mostly for his sake. He isn't sure how great of a druid, you'd have to be to work at this level, but at the very least he doesn't want to extract Janku from a giant bears maw. His hand goes out to Garrick who his hand clenches on holding him in his seat. He knows all to well that his brother would like to have words with him. a stern look to his brother that is met with grinding teeth. nows not the time.Ox says to Garick with a hope that he will listen and amazingly he does so.

You know I don't Kal. Adams I am sorry about that, He is enthusiastic for battle and Gorum. I wouldn't mind getting the stag lord handled, the sooner we do, the sooner he isn't out there plotting who knows what. I appreciate your hospitality in spite of the lack of manners displayed here.

He shoots Kal a look that says he wants to put an end to the bad manner's, its one thing to be awkward in social circles and another to disrespect a man's home.

Hmm. So they are out looking for us as well, eh? Perhaps if we continue south, and then cut east we can approach the Stag Lord's keep from an unexpected direction.

Ox is absolutely right, sir. I know you appreciate straight speaking folk, but our friend was still out of line given the hospitality you've shown. We just wanted to make contact with you and make our intentions in this area known.

It sounds like you've lived in these woods for quite some time. Is there any advice or knowledge you can share that may help us in eliminating this threat for once and for all?

After finishing his own bowl of stew Adams replies, "I haven't dealt much with the Stag Lord himself. Though I did scout his fort as an owl. It's some kind of old ruin atop a hill. From the markings probably a monastery to Gyronna, the hag queen. At that time I could see ten men and few horses. Spoke with the horses, they seemed terrified of some beast deeper in that devoured their kin."

He stands up and clears the table, "I need to split some wood and tend to the animals before nightfalls. Make yourself at home in the cabin or outside. Steal any of my stuff and I'll have the bees drive you off my land."

Ox finished his food and rose with Adams, patting his brother on the shoulder. " Garick and I would be happy to help you with the chores. Chopping wood is my forte, and you will find that Garick here is a steady hand with any animal he crosses. I'm fond of horses my self, but I suppose having a bear for a companion could come in quite handy "

If Adams tries to refuse Ox will continue. I'm sure you wouldn't offer such hospitality with out letting us help lighten your load. speaking of which , can I help you restock the stables, I fear our horses were as hungry and thirsty as we were.

Lukasz couldn't help but smile at the thought of Janku running from a horde of bees, That would certainly test his battle resolve. The noble thought to himself as he finished up the food that was given to him and thanked Adams gratefully for the meal.

"Don't mind at all, be glad for the help. Come on." With that Capen Adams shows where the wood pile is with a fine axe. If anyone helps he quietly shows them how to do the different chores. He is taciturn, but appreciated the assistance.

Almost ready to let his Orlovsky manners win out after the events of today, Lukasz never the less scoops up the last bit of food from his plate, and puts it in his mouth, chewing as he rises to help Capen Adams with his work.

Servayn helps however he can, being better suited to physical labor than anything requiring significant animal handling ability.

He'll mention to Kalsgrim, If Adam has any advice regarding the Wisp-creature, the Boggard or the purple skinned shaman the Sootscales seemed so afraid of, it might be better for you to ask him, than me...

Kalsgrim nods to Servayn, smiling at the suggestion.

Kal will go outside and help with the chores, reveling in the physical labor and the brief escape from heavy responsibilities and life and death confrontations and decisions. When there is a convenient lull in the activity, Kal will take Servayn's suggestion and ask if he or any of his associates know anything about the Will-O-Wisp, the Boggards or the purple skinned shaman.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Janku finds a shady spot under a tree and watches his companions work. "Hmmm they don't act much like nobility", he thinks to himself as he nods in and out of sleep.

"Some of the forest folk mentioned the wisp is on the prowl again. It's an old spirit, killed many a hunter. Things the devil to fight, hard to hit and hits hard back, HA!" Adams pulls up one sleeve to show a long gnarled electricity burn. "Haven't seen it in years though, good luck if ye find it again."

In the middle of splitting wood with Ox he explains, "Ah, Garuum. My friend to the south. Not a bad fellow for a boggard. Just wants to be left to his kingdom, which happens to be one of the only crossings for the Skunk River. I take it the words of Common I taught him helped?"

After having gathered some honey from the sleepy bees he looks at Kalsgrim puzzled, "A purple kobold? That's the damnedest thing I've heard. Maybe it was a gnome in a past life! Lil' buggers seem purple more often than not. The Sootscales are rascals, but generally harmless. Get down right bloodthirsty when they're fighting the mites though. You'd do the forest good wiping those evil fey out of their tree. Creepy basterds."

We will find a way to rid the land of that wisp. I swear it.

Eyeing the bees nervously, Kal replies That's what they told us: purple. I got the impression from them he was as evil as they come, but I haven't had confirmation from my own gifts yet. We are hoping the kobolds might be an asset to later settlers that come to this area. You know, helping warn us early of anything that comes into this region. Then we can do the fighting against it. It works well for both them and us, really.

I'm wondering if the boggards are a threat that needs to be eliminated, or are they standing on worthless (to settlers) swamplands and could perhaps be dealt with, maybe just by charging a toll or something.

Listening in while he helped with the chores, Lukasz says, "Yeah, he didn't seem too bad, despite wanting to feet one of our horses to his own pet. But you mentioned it as one of the crossings of the Skunk River. Where would the others be? If he wants to be left alone, that is fine enough, but we are gonna have to cross that river is we are to confront the Staglord."

"Actually if ya head straight through the forest ye'll get to his fort without crossing the river. There's another crossing about eight miles downstream from Garuum though." He answers. Taking a piece of fresh honeycomb out to chew on.

If you explore straight down you'll be able to cross where he indicates and keep heading east to the fort.

Current Exploration Map

Servayn approves of this heading S/SW from Adam's, and proceedng down along the border of the chartered lands, to clear up those six unexplored hexes between us and the Stag Lord. Our meandering has seemed a bit purposeless, and having a fixed destination might sharpen our focus.

Adams, is there anything you can tell us about the lands to the south and east of here other than the boggards? We do intend to deal with the mites soon, but the Stag Lord's thugs have been the more aggressive menace so far.

"That part of the forest is generally pretty calm. Can't say I know of any giant monsters or crazy threats. That lands popular among the trappers. Seen a tatzylwyrm on the Skunk once...hrmm.. Oh! There's a huge thicket of fangberries. Careful in those parts, they're infested with spiders," Adams nods as he remembers suddenly, "They're in the hills to east of the forest."

Ox listens as they set the plans into place. Mostly however, he is putting his back into chopping wood. I don't mind taking the long route.

Ox takes a breathe and gets back to chopping." Those all sound like things that could use a sword in em. Maybe even the berries. I suppose that we could do the sweep you speak of and move. I'm not sure we are ready to take on the stag lord just yet. and I wouldn't mind getting the old man to the temple, now that that mad bear is gone. It seems a waste to have him sit their blind if he could have his vision back. he shrugs as if it is just a suggestion.

Perception check for the next exploration phase.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Servayn makes sure to remind Ember not to sniff around in any of those suspicious 'fangberry' bushes, to avoid spider attacks.

Both keep their eyes out for anything interesting to supplement their food supplies.

Survival checks
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Ox more than happy to have had the day to a bit of a hard work takes what time he can to offer his teaching services to any of the others that want to know about horse care and riding, as they already have the basics down he teaches them while they are on back as well, covering every trick and tip he can think of. He also does his best to start training the mounts as well. no sense in having trained riders with out trained mounts. Animals always seem to learn better when shown by example and Noir being the show boater he is, is more than happy to have the audience.

When he isn't teaching, he is looking about to observe where they are and what else is with them.

22nd of Pharast
Random Encounter Check
1d100 ⇒ 72
No random encounter

After the chores are finished the party camp is made. Before it grows too late Adams brings out a keg of crisp cool apple cider and shares it among the group. The gentle buzz of bees lures everyone to sleep even those who should be on watch.

In the morning Adams has the opened the door to his cabin and the smell of fresh pancakes drifts out. The table is loaded with ham, bacon, flapjacks, and maple syrup for everyone. Clay pitchers of the cider from last night sit beside cups. Perhaps most peculiar is that Ben sits at the table and devours several platters of pancakes itself.

With stomaches full, horses groomed, and a strange new associate the party sets out to the southwest. After a short ride the orchards are behind them and the land returns to barren plains. The forest curves away leaving even more plains to be explored. Without much to see or chart Servayn has an easy job for the day leading the group. Ember even has quite a bit of luck catching a dozen fat grouse throughout the day.

Cower before my mighty perception...1d20 ⇒ 17

Ox closes his fingers around the long word he has learned to keep in hand on watch. "Janku, at arms man, something odd is afoot."

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Perception

"What"? "Where"? Janku says looking everywhere but where Ox is pointing.

The logs of the fire crack and pop behind as the two of you peer into the darkness. It's no longer the roaring bonfire used to cook up the meal of roast grouse but the flames still illuminate a fair amount of the night. Unfortunately peering into the dark doesn't reveal anything but the edge of that light. When the two of get ready to settle back down a soft chorus of twangs sounds, barely louder than the fire itself. Six arrows whistle through the air.

Against Ox;
Longbow sneak attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Hit!
Damage: 1d6 + 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + (7) + 4 = 12 (Ox HP 9)
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Hit!
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (Ox HP 6)

A single shot of the attack strikes Ox in the chest through a lucky gap in his armor. Fire burns through his body as muscles and organs are pierced. Another stabs through his arm.

Against Janku;
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Hit!
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 (Janku HP 9)
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Only one of the arrows fired at Janku finds it's mark though a gap in his armor near the waist.

Actions for Round 1, please. Lukasz and Ember will be able to act during Round 2... Again

Night Ambush (map)

Top of Round 1

(22) A fraction behind the last arrows comes another at Ox.
Longbow sneak attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Hit!
Damage: 1d6 + 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (4) + 4 = 13 (Ox HP -7)

This one tears through the artery in his neck, sending him crashing to the ground.

lol, Ox is going to start building himself a barricade or something for watches. Rook to G2

Noir reacts quickly making a mad dash toward the first bandit in sight. He leans down and takes a vicious bite out of the first one in sight.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 211d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Servayn rolls to his feet, groggily, drawing his dagger, but has no idea where the attackers are located. He mutters the word Luxe and the dagger glows with white light equal to a torch and he steps forward a single pace. Silently, through their link, he urges Ember to wake up and prepare for battle.

move action to stand, draw weapon as part of move action, light cantrip as standard action, 'handle animal' as free action.

Kalsgrim pushes himself up with one hand, gripping his longsword in the other. He takes a step to the south as he peers into the darkness, looking for any sign of the attackers.

"To arms"! "To arms"! Janku hollers quickly glancing about, and crouching so as to make himself a smaller target. He then calls upon the power of Gorum for his healing touch, and runs towards Ox to try to drag him to cover next round.

1d6 ⇒ 4 Channel energy

Janku will make sure he can include Ox in the channeling

Bottom of Round 1

(18) Servayn rolls to his feet, groggily, drawing his dagger, but has no idea where the attackers are located. He mutters the word Luxe and the dagger glows with white light equal to a torch and he steps forward a single pace. Silently, through their link, he urges Ember to wake up and prepare for battle.

(15) Garick stands up drawing his bow, but with no target in site merely knocks an arrow awaiting an enemy to present itself. "Servayn, can you throw that dagger. Maybe light up a target for me?"

(14) Lukasz stirs fitfully in his sleep. He opens his eyes groggily, "Gah...not again..."

(13) Ox lays on the ground bleeding. Stability check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Ox stabilizes.

Noir reacts quickly making a mad dash toward the first bandit in sight. He leans down and takes a vicious bite out of the first one in sight. His mouth comes away with a bloody chuck of elf flesh.

(12) While still laying on the ground Corso reaches into his pack and finds his sunrod. With a sharp smack against the ground the tip of the one foot rod glows brightly illuminating the area. Several bandits can be seeing in the now dim light beyond.

Finally seeing a target Garick looses an arrow the the nearest bandit.
Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage; 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
The strange earless elf cries out started at being shot.

(12) Kalsgrim pushes himself up with one hand, gripping his longsword in the other. He takes a step to the south as he peers into the darkness, looking for any sign of the attackers.

(11) A bandit shoots at the approaching paladin.
Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Hit!
Damage; 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (Kal HP 15)

Two more shoot at the cleric who still stands after the last arrow.
Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Miss
Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Hit!
Damage; 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 (Janku HP 0)

The pair next to Noir back peddle and draw their arrows loosing them at the horse.
Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Hit!
Damage; 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 (Noir HP 17)
Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Miss

(4) "To arms"! "To arms"! Janku hollers quickly glancing about, and crouching so as to make himself a smaller target. He then calls upon the power of Gorum for his healing touch, and runs towards Ox to try to drag him to cover next round. [ooc](Janku HP 7) (Ox HP -3)

Top of Round 2
Night Ambush (map)

(22) The wounded bandit calls out in elven, "We've been revealed, fall back! He than turns and moves out of the dim light and into the deeper night.

Servayn strides forward, passing Garick and his fallen brother, to stand several paces in front of the cavalier fifth row down, column between E and F, so as to not get between Garick's bow and E1. As he moves forward, holding his glowing dagger high to light the way for Garicks arrows, he points to the south and mutters, Kill in Draconic, effortlessly directing Ember through their shared link.

Louder, his voice hisses as he cries out, Lubricatio!, causing a reeking slick of black grease to form beneath the feet of the elf before him and in the squares to his immediate north, northeast and east. Bandit E1 and the squares behind, above and to the 2 o'clock of him. Ref DC 15.

Ember surges to the south, at a full charge, attempting to overwhelm the southwestern-most bandit.

Ember Full Attack on Pounce, w/charge on bandit E4
Bite attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Claw attack 1 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Claw attack 2 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

bite damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw damage 1 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
claw damage 2 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The large black horses mouth lathers with a bit of rage, dropping the chunk of foul elf meat and He steps forward following the wicked little elves hopping to take another. after taking a bite of the elf again he attempts to stomp on the pointy eared foe.

bite1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 201d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
hoof1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 171d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
hoof21d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Kalsgrim will charge the bandit E3. This reduces his AC to 10 temporarily. He's doing a two-handed swing power attack.

To hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Tired of being woken up int he middle of the night, Lukasz rolls to his feet, grabbing his crossbow as he does. Scanning his surrounding, he barely makes out the outline of one of the bandits in the shadow. Lining up a shot, he levels his crossbow and carefully takes aim at the offending bandit.

When it finally gets around to Janku's time he will run to Ox, and try to heal him.

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 CLW Converted from Cause Fear

If I get an action this turn due to the CLW then I will do this if not I will adjust as necessary.

Night Ambush (map)
Round 2
(18) Servayn strides forward, passing Garick and his fallen brother, to stand several paces in front of the cavalier.As he moves forward, holding his glowing dagger high to light the way for Garicks arrows, he points to the south and mutters, Kill in Draconic, effortlessly directing Ember through their shared link.

Louder, his voice hisses as he cries out, "Lubricatio!" causing a reeking slick of black grease to form beneath the feet of the elf before him. Bandit Ref Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Safe!

Ember surges to the south, at a full charge, and overwhelms the elf in a flurry of attacks. She falls to the ground bleeding from a huge rake and bite.

(15) Garick steps beside his fallen brother and sends a pair of arrows at the slipping elf bandit. Barely keeping his footing he takes two arrows to the chest. These knock him out.

(14) Tired of being woken up in the middle of the night, Lukasz rolls to his feet, grabbing his crossbow as he does. Scanning his surrounding, he barely makes out the outline of one of the bandits in the shadow. Lining up a shot, he levels his crossbow and carefully takes aim at the offending bandit.

(13) The large black horse's mouth lathers with a bit of rage, dropping the chunk of foul elf meat. He steps forward following the wicked little elves hoping to take another. After taking a bite of the elf again he attempts to stomp on the pointy eared foe. The bandit is crushed beneath Noir's hooves and is unmoving.

(12) Testing out his newly acquired skill Corso performs the gestures to send a small spray of acid at the bandit closes to him.
Acid Splash: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage; 1d4 ⇒ 2
The attack scalds the ground near his target.

(12) Kalsgrim charges across the rough dirt swinging his sword in a powerful arc. The blow cuts a deep gash through the bandit's armor and he's sent to the ground.

(11) The last elf turns and runs into the darkness following his leader.

(4) Janku moves over to Ox and fills him with a sudden burst of Gorum's divine energy. (Ox HP 3, prone)

None of the enemies have actually been killed. They are all barely unconscious and bleeding.

Servayn sees the bandit in front of him fall to a pair of arrows, and turns to see that Ember has similarly felled his target. He calls out to Ember, in Draconic, Don't kill him, bring him closer to the fire. Draconic, what a surprise, lacks a word for 'gently...'

He steps forward and demonstrates his lack of medical skill in attempting to staunch the wounds of the bandit before him, whom he drags out of the grease slick.

Heal check DC 15 at default 1d20 ⇒ 8

Garick looks after the elves.Seeing Ox is going to be ok he looks at Kal Shall I set out to track those runners Kal? No time to waste if we are going to.

Noir apparently focusing on the sound of words in Servayn's sentence and decides it is more than likely an order to finish the job he started, and proceeds to do so with another pair of stomps. The horse then turns around and trots in toward the camp looking at Ox with a big glassy chocolate eye.

'Thank you Janku, Praise be to Gorum!"Ox stands with a groan,closing his hand on his sword. "What did those bastards do to you?" A wicked glare comes into Ox's eye. He places a hand on the horses flank and whispers into the horses ear. The horse turns its head away and whinnies as the man removes the arrow. Luckily for horse and man the arrow hit the barding partially and while it still struck it didn't dig in, burying itself in the leather of the barding instead of the horse.

"Oh you big baby! It didn't even draw blood! unlike you, we are going to have to clean those hooves." He says as he Starts to wash Noir's Muzzle.

Ox listens for Kalsgrim to say the word go.

Seeing their assailants either bleeding or on the run, Lukasz lowers his crossbow as he gathers with the others. "So what do you think, more bandits sent by the Stag Lord?" he asks as he looks down at one of the bandits being tended to.

I don't think we could get everyone moving quick enough to track them to good effect in the night, plus we risk getting separated in the dark. They have the advantage on us in the night. They can just pick at us with arrows from the dark if they choose in a long running battle. Perhaps in the morning we can track them back to their lair. This will not go unanswered.

How long is it until morning?

I don't think it was necessarily the Stag Lord, unless he's also hiring assassins against us. This group seemed more organized, and all elven.

It is about three in the morning. Tuck had actually warned you guys about this group of bandits. Except he had the numbers wrong.

"There where two others who seemed to lead their own groups of men in the woods. One was a crafty fellow, a halfling with the name of Bennin Barrowsnatch. He's a story teller with a sharp tongue.It surprised me to see one of the small folk take to banditry but there was a cruel streak to his stories."

"The other was an elf. I only caught his first name when we dealt with him and his. Lyndalan. He showed up in the middle of the night with four other elves like wraiths. They traded compliments and left before morning."

Searching the bodies of the four fallen elves reveals;