Kingmaker (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

"I must say how regretful it is that we had to meet this way. My friend, master Servayn, could help you in cleaning up this mess if you would allow him."

He lets a pause slip in for an answer. He'll then add:

"Truly we are humbled by your vast experience of these woods. The fey is ever the silent observer of history. We hope that our endeavor to improve this country's lot will not interfere with your lives. We are indeed trying to put an end to the mischiefs of this so-called Stag Lord and his band of rufians. But I heard you say that he in fact is no stag! Do you know this character? Any information would be of great value!"

More diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Janku it looks like the man was killed when the half built deadfall collapsed prematurely. One of the ropes has been cut as though by a pair of sheers or possibly the beak of some bird. A few feed from the dead man's out stretched arm is masterwork hand axe.

"Oh no! He meant Breeg here isn't a stag lords man," Tyg says crossing her arms and nodding furiously. The dragon sighs a bit. "I hope you don't mean to end our mischief. We had so much fun when you last came through. It was really more play though, we would never harm men! Not like those dirty, snively little creatures the kobolds are always fighting."

Let's keep them moving, see where it leads...

"Pardon me again my dear ones, but who is this Breeg you talk about? What happened that made such a man slip under a deadfall?"

"Oh Kal". "A moment please", Janku states making eye contact with the man and motioning him over. He also bends over to pick up the hand axe. When Kal arrives he shows him what he found.

You think Corso's new friends did this? This looks like our trapper.

It is good to know that you are not on friendly terms with the mites that the kobolds are fighting. They seem quite cruel, and are a blight on the good name of the fey. Servayn ventures.

Jumping on the opportunity, Corso adds: "Indeed they are! And we would like to address this situation in the near future. But we don't really know what to expect. Perhaps you have some wisdom that could help us in our endeavour?"

The fairy dragon replies to Corso, "Breeg isss the name of a creature barely dessscribed asss human. A dessspicable trapper-man, known to trap animalsss, peoplesss, and fey. I am not sssurprisssed his end came by hisss own end. Not at all...

"Mitesss are mean, ssstupid, and ugly. Thisss foressst hasss asss many evil fey asss good. If you want to kill the mitesss know that the cold iron of man ssstingsss them more than any other," he says while flitting from branch to branch lazily

Kalsgrim will search the fallen trapper. He's specifically looking for a stag amulet or any papers that would link him to the Stag Lord, but he won't pass over anything else that might help the mission out.

After Kalsgrim searches the trapper, he'll join Corso with the fairies.

We do plan to deal with the mites. First we are heading to where we believe the keep of the Stag Lord is. His men have attacked us repeatedly, and we mean to deal with that threat first. Is there anything you can tell us that may aid us? We do not wish to offend or war with the kindly fey of this region; are there particular places that are sacred to you that we would need to respect to make that possible?

Corso makes a short bow in front of Kal. "Mylord Kalsgrim is right, we truly wish to forge a lasting alliance with the kindly fey and do not wish to interfere with their most sacred activities."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"By your leave, we will now be on our way to the Stag Lord's. I wish a pleasant time and hope we will meet again, in joy and laughter."

As he moves to the trapper's body, he will complete Kal's search and check what they had found already. [b]"Janku, anything special on him?"(/b]

Perception for the search: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Appraise: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Corso makes a short bow in front of Kal. "Mylord Kalsgrim is right, we truly wish to forge a lasting alliance with the kindly fey and do not wish to interfere with their most sacred activities."

Diplomacy: 1d20+7

"By your leave, we will now be on our way to the Stag Lord's. I wish a pleasant time and hope we will meet again, in joy and laughter."

As he moves to the trapper's body, he will complete Kal's search and check what they had found already. [b]"Janku, anything special on him?"(/b]

Perception for the search: 1d20+5

Appraise: 1d20+6

Janku point out the cut rope, and the hand axe.

"They're both enchanted? Great! They will help us immensely in our fight against the Stag Lord."

"They're both enchanted? Great! They will help us immensely in our fight against the Stag Lord."

"No the rope is cut, and the hand-axe while nice is not enchanted". SF correct me if I'm wrong

"In other words, this was no accident, and I feel you're little "Friendly" fae know more than they are letting on".

Conversing with the others in the group, Lukasz says, "With how they described the trapper, I wouldn't be surprised if it was they who tripped the dead fall. The man was killing animals in the forest after all. One reason why I would never take up trapping for profit, especially in a fae occupied forest."

Trying to stay calm, Corso answers Janku: "OK, but did you check if anything was enchanted?" Why is it so complicated!?

Just waiting on Sdf to tell me if they're enchanted or not, implying that I have cast Detect magic

Janku is unable to detect any magical auras from the objects. The ax is simply masterfully crafted.

The dragon responds to Kalsgrim. "There isss a ssspirit to the eassst, very evil. You mussst avoid it. Another along the river isss tormented by the Ssstag Lord but only ssseeks aid. Do not offend him."

"I will tell the grigs of what you do, biggins. The stags men are the worst of the humans. Though some like Breeg are no better. The forest will keep an eye on you while you are under it's boughs. Though our favor can turn as quickly as it comes," says Tyg

Corso bows deeply, following Kal's lead. "May we always be in favor then, wise fey."

Aid another (Kal's diplomacy): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Corso will then resume his leading of the group through the forest, careful to remain silent and mindful of possible traps or ambushes. He will ask Lukasz to care for his horse while he scouts.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 with the ring of Animal Invisibility

Thank you, noble fey. If you happen to spot more traps that this man has set, please just mark them so we can see them. Our skilled craftman here will dismantle them so they won't harm any of your ilk or ours who aren't as perceptive as you are.

We leave the fey to their business and move on.

Janku, I too guessed that the fey likely killed that man by springing his own trap on him, but I wasn't prepared to act on that. The truth of it was that I probably would have killed the man for trapping a trail that is well travelled by the men of the region. To my sensibilities, that is every bit an act of banditry. I hope you can understand that.

We continue on with Corso leading the way. Our destination is still where we believe the Stag Lord's keep is.

As Corso walks slowly down the path that might lead to his death, or his making, he lets his mind wonder a little and thinks of Janku, of the gods. Do they truly exist, as Janku certainly heals, finding resources within his faith, or are they just figments; some form of anthropocentric mass effect?

If someone is up there, are they having the same kind of issues, problems, as us mortals?

As if suspended in time, his mind floats, unable to resolve this issue, as his own pragmatism requires some sign of the divine. Where are you?

Suddenly, a branch cracks loudly under Corso's foot. Cursing under his breath for his absent-mindedness, lifts his foot, only to discover a broken branch...

...that is shaped like the dragon symbol of Restov.

Looking at the sky, he watches with delight as the sun comes out of the clouds and bathes him in soothing, but revealing, radiance.

He smiles. For a moment, his presence is revealed. Yet, he is happy to be noticed by the world. Something is out there after all he thinks.

With renewed faith, he moves back in the shadow of the trees and sets forth, looking for trouble, looking for a new kingdom...

Suddenly, a branch cracks loudly under Corso's foot. Cursing under his breath for his absent-mindedness, lifts his foot, only to discover a broken branch...

...that is shaped like the dragon symbol of Restov.

Looking at the sky, he watches with delight as the sun comes out of the clouds and bathes him in soothing, but revealing, radiance.

He smiles. For a moment, his presence is revealed. Yet, he is happy to be noticed by the world. Something is out there after all he thinks.

With renewed faith, he moves back in the shadow of the trees and sets forth, looking for trouble, looking for a new kingdom...

Janku walking behind Corso sees him lean over to inspect something. Did you step in some deer doo-doo or something"?

Corso smiles and says: "In a sense, yes."

The group follows the familiar banks of the Thorn River until it emerges from the forest. With the sun falling now is a good place to rest. A small dinner of fresh fish that seem all to eager to be caught fills the travelers stomaches with hot food. That night the forest is serene, the usual sounds of predators are distant, only the gurgling whisper of the river and a chorus of crickets are heard clearly.

28th of Pharast, 4710

It is a cool and pleasant morning when the sun rises. Each person has a large leaf beside their head filled with a variety of fruits and berries common in the forest and river.

Looking at Janku, Corso smiles again: "Surely Janku, this is a good omen, no?" He then proceeds to savor the good fruits.

Kalsgrim will put out a hand to stop Corso. It does seem to be quite a boon. However, why don't I partake of mine first, and in a few minutes or so if there is no adverse effect, everyone else can enjoy theirs.

Looking at Janku, Corso smiles again: "Surely Janku, this is a good omen, no?" He then proceeds to savor the good fruits.

"Yes indeed". "Finally the tree hugger gods have done something worthwhile".

Kalsgrim will put out a hand to stop Corso. It does seem to be quite a boon. However, why don't I partake of mine first, and in a few minutes or so if there is no adverse effect, everyone else can enjoy theirs.

"I have an even better plan". "Let's let Gorum determine if the food is safe".

Janku casts detect poison

The food is clear of poison. There is no sign of the usual divine warnings Janku would have received had they been dangerous.

Janku casts his spell upon the food, and seeing that it does not seem to wither and die in front of him, (Visual effect of the spell is the illusion of the food spoiling if poisoned) declares if fit for consumption. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth he eagerly feeds his face.

When everybody is ready to move on, Corso takes the lead, on foot, scouting for the group.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Stealth with ring: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Talk about omen!

Before they leave, Kalsgrim will hold up his empty leaf and call out Thank you! to the surrounding woods in general. Then he'll follow Corso's lead on the trail again.

From the forest a light wind rises rustling the leaves with a soft and clear sound, like children laughing in blissful ignorance.

We'll get SdF's character when possible. I'll start looking to see whether I can produce maps like Sdf.

Current Map for the 28th of Pharast

After a delicious breakfast, the group sets forth. The dense forest give way to rolling low hills and the occasional thicket of birch trees adorned with golden leaves. The sky is covered with dense grey clouds that seem to hang just above your heads. Spring is slowly settling and the grass is taking a light green color in patches amid the dull brown of last year's grass.

Please select how you want to proceed. Will you be following the river? If so, on which bank? Who is your scout (Corso is replaced with Tuck and now at the temple of Erastil)? Also roll Perception for the day.

Perception rolls will likely have changed a bit, with so many changes to the group. SdF was assuming a +2 for each other party member with ranks in the skill, IIRC, for their 'Aid,' but I've lost track of who'se still here. Kalsgrim, Janku, Lukascz, Servayn and Turk, now?

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Janku is still here. No ranks in Perception however, just a +3 for his sparkling wisdom

Kalsgrim is still here. But, uh, no ranks and no Wisdom modifier. Just a straight 1d20 for him.

It's not a class skill, but I'll do a bit of research, and might take a level of Barbarian at 3, or Skill Focus Perception, so I can help out. The Barbarian Level kind of make's sense for a Cleric of Gorum. Especially since Clerics are limited to Medium armor as well now.

Tuck will join when he can (soon). No news from Dathom at the moment, so Lukasz is not necessarily with you. That makes you a team of four. As mentioned, if you want to invite an additional player, I'm ok with it. Please see my questions so we can progress South.

Almost done, just working on equipment and stuff.

Saving time, the group follows the river south. The air is fresh and pleasant.

The monotony of the plains is regularly broken by the odd thicket of birch.

An arrow flies through the air, no doubt coming from the thicket, catches you off guard. Servayn cries as the arrow plunges deep into his left lung (-12 hp).

Initiative Servayn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Initiative Janku: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Initiative Kalsgrim: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Initiative Tuck: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Initiative BG1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Initiative BG2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

The group quickly scrambles.

Initiative order:
Kalsgrim
Tuck
BG2
BG1
Servayn
Janku

Map round 1

Staggered by the arrow, which feels like it's a tree branch, splitting him in half, Servayn attempts to dismount swiftly and put his horse between himself and the archer(s).

Ride DC 20 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

He fails to gain any attempt, getting tangled up in his stirrup, and growls an order to Ember to "Find. Kill." as he scans the area for a target.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Janku will dismount and rush to Servayn's side, looking about for the source of the arrow as he runs, hunched over to reduce his target size.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Perception.

Kalsgrim will try a quick dismount.
Ride 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Landing in (C+1)4, Kalsgrim will double move. As part of the first move, he'll ready his shield. As part of his second move, he'll draw his sword. He'll end his move at G3.5.

As he rushes forward, he lets out an indistinct shout. Hopefully that will draw some of the heat off of the others...

The ex-bandit swings a leg over the saddle dismounting. Now on the ground he runs over to the nearby boulder, drawing his rapier as he does. "I just bought this thing from Oleg. Didn't think I would be bloodying it so soon."

Move to dismount, move behind the boulder.

Good to see you Tuck! Crazy day today. I'll probably post in 14 h. Just to let you know

17: As he rushes forward, Kalsgrim lets out an indistinct shout. Hopefully that will draw some of the heat off of the others. He's readied his shield and weapon while running.

14: The ex-bandit swings a leg over the saddle dismounting. Now on the ground he runs over to the nearby boulder, drawing his rapier as he does. "I just bought this thing from Oleg. Didn't think I would be bloodying it so soon."

13: As Kalsgrim gets closer, he hears a muffled incantation and seems to see a small form in the thicket. He feels a strong feeling of sleepiness wash over him, but he manages to shake it off.

11: From another position of the thicket, two arrows fly off at a rapid rhythm. The first one hits Servayn square in the chest (-7 hp, Servayn at -2). He collapses on his saddle.

The second arrow lodges itself between the plates of Janku's armor, causing excruciating pain (-6 hp, Janku at 8 hp).

11: Seeing his master lump on his saddle, Ember dashes towards the thicket.

4: Janku dismounts and rushes to Servayn's side, looking about for the source of the arrow as he runs, hunched over to reduce his target size.

Updated Map

Kal will move to I4 and swing on the blue L. Can he tell anything about the archers now?

To hit 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5