Kingmaker

Game Master Jovich

Andreas against puts himself between the Kobold and the Mite. He decides to not wait and strikes at the mite.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 2 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Gird sees the damage to the mite and hopes that's enough to kill it.

Between Gage's whip-crack, and Andreas' sword-strike, the final mite falls.

End combat

On the far side of the room, the heroes see where the channel they took down to the room with the centipede-trainer branches back to the room they're in now, and are able to climb it successfully to the opening of the tree.

Blinking they step into the sun. There's more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done. It's the circle of life, and it moves us all.

Specifically, it moves Mikmek--hand over eyes--to remain in the darkness, "Mikmek no like sun, chief and other Sootscales asleep now, anyway; and all landmarks different in daylight. Maybe we wait until sun goes down to travel?"

"I could use a nap after fighting yet another centipede. What do you guys think?"
Remembering his scratches, Gage decides to use the last of his healing magic power on himself.
CLW on self: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Ha! Lion King fan..

"We cannot rest here.. in case more mites come home... where then,

Andreas looks out at the land and back to the Kobold.
We could rest to make it comfortable for you but it would not be wise for us to travel at night. Horses do not do well at night. They could break a leg and that would not be good for anyone. How about we do both....We have a wagon and you can curl up in the wagon under cover and sleep while we travel.
He looks at the others and...
Perhaps before we start our travels..whatever time that may be, Mikmek could you look at our map. Maybe you can determine where we are and where we need to go.?

"Maybe we could also show him the dead tick downstairs so he knows that he doesn't have anything to fear during the daytime?" Gage chimes in.

I think we have wasted enough time in this place. I suggest we get moving. The sooner we get to Mikmek's chief..the sooner we can get the relic business over and done with. Which will give us more time to deal with this bandit lord guy.

Mikmek agrees to sleep while they move. Perusing the heroes' map, he marks the general area with an x with his claw, and it doesn't seem to be far from here. can't adjust the map right now, but it's one hex southeast of the one with the mites' lair

In fact, it's only about four hours of mildly quick-paced travel before they arrive at what appears to be a cave in a hillside.

Mikmek rouses a bit and recommends waiting until nightfall to go inside, "Kobold's extra cranky when waked up by strangers."

"Excellent we are here, let's get this business over with, i'm about done with caves." Gird says with some trepidation or resignment as he approaches the cave

Gage rushes forward to block Gird's path to the cave entrance.
"Wait wait wait. He just said they'll be cranky. Let's wait a bit for the sun to go down. We can let Mikmek go back to napping and talk treaty terms we'd like to offer or something..."

I am as eager as you are to be done with this but for now let us rest and get our stories straight.

Andreas motions for the others to move away from Mikmek, making sure that the Kobold is under the tarp and back to sleeping. He then motions for Gage to open the bag and let the others see inside it.
Keep it in the bag until we need to present it.

So far I have not found a reason not to trust Mikmek. I gave him ample opportunities to kill me and he has not shown even the slightest interest in doing so. Their need must be great and that may work in our favor. We hear them out but be prepared for a fight. I think we should rest up and prepare ourselves for tonight.

The afternoon passes without event. And as the sun sets, the heroes light their torch(es) and follow Mikmek past an outcropping of large boulders emerging from the weathered face of a nearby hillock. A narrow opening in the rock leads into darkness below. A fallen sign reading "Oaktop Silver Mine" in Taldane leans against the side of the cave entrance, and a cage made of branches and sticks housing a mite sobbing bitterly to itself sits on the other side.

As they approach, they hear a surprised chirp from behind one of the boulders. It turns out it's the lone kobold guard, whose name, you gather, is Nakpik. He gets a very scared way about him before he sees Mikmek, and starts speaking to him in Draconic:

"Мікмек! Я не можу повірити, це ти!"
"Я знаю, Накпік! Я подумав, що я точно знаєш! Ці люди погодились допомогти нам отримати релікт назад, ми повинні побачити головного відразу!" Mikmek replies, and Nakpik looks up at you, nodding hopefully.
Nakpik waves his hand, gesturing into the cavern, and Mikmek leads them forward saying, "Watch out for pit-traps," and pointing to fairly well-hidden, but now obvious square areas in the floor which seem to have a different texture than the rest.

I'm using Ukranian for Draconic. If your character knows Draconic, feel free to put the script into Google translate to find out what they're saying.

Past the traps, the hall narrows such that a small creature may pass single-file, but anyone larger must squeeze.

As you pass through the tight entrance, you notice a pair of alcoves on either side.

Mikmek leads you to take a sharp left where it comes to an opening which seems to be a highly trafficked area of some kind: there are two low stone tables in the center of the room, one steeped in blood, the other clean. On the walls are charcoal and blood cave drawings of the same looming sharp-toothed reptilian devil depicted by the statue. "This is where Sootscales listen to Tartuk's talks on Old Sharptooth," He points at the cave drawings, "That," he points at the clean table, "is where mites stole Old Sharptooth relic from Sootscales."

Finally, he leads you through another tight opening at the other end of the "temple" to a wide open space. The air in this large cave feels warm and close, thick with a reptilian stink mixed with smoke and burnt meat. Numerous beds of furs lie scattered throughout the room amid smoldering cookfires, while to the south, a ten-foot-wide alcove contains a large mound of furs framed by dozens of sticks on which are mounted the skulls of many birds and small animals all smeared with ash.

As the heroes enter, Mikmek makes a b-line for that alcove. As your eyes follow his path, you see a large black-scaled kobold wearing a red-feathered headress, with a murderous look in his eye staring straight at you. "Головний Соцкард! СТОП! Гаразд, вони зі мною. Вони кажуть, що вони допомагають знайти реліквії Старого Шарпуфа!"

Chief Sootscale, you guess, sits back on his couch of furs, his murderous look changing to an inquisitive one, he leans his staff--a small primate's femur by the look of it--toward you indicating that you may approach.

Now that you have time to look around, you see three other kobolds returning to their places of rest after the hubbub, and three others seem to have wandered in after you, curious as to why you are there.

Map Updated

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 darn, Gage notices nothing xD
Gage follows along carefully, still occasionally scraping the roof or the sides of the tunnels.

As the kobold that seems in charge looks at the heros inquisitively, Gage elbows Mamise in the ribs while he simultaneously clears his throat.

As they make their way into the cave, Andreas points to the sign as they walk past it. He keeps his hand close to his weapon but never touches it.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Noticing the guard in the alcove as the walk by he wonders how many more there will be. He tries to keep track of the Kobolds that walk. He looks back at the others and then at the guard. Hoping that the others will pick up on his intentions.

As what appears to be the chief looks at the group with eyes that want to kill them all, Andreas returns the stare with one of his own. His demeanor remains neutral but he is ready to act if needed to. When the chief motions for them to come forward, he does so without hesitation. He keeps his hand ready to grab his weapon. He remains silent until the Kobold speaks.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Gird points out the kobold guards on either side in hidden alcoves

When they are motioned forward Gird follows Andreas his eyes looking for any sign of attack.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Mamise places a hand on Andreas' shoulder, stepping to the front. With the strongest voice her lithe frame allows, she replies to the Chief in his own language. "Гордий шеф Саокалес! Ми - авангард могутнього селища, який прийде, ми - поселенці цієї землі. Ми вітаємо кобольдських людей, які жили тут перед нами, і ми прийшли шукати союзу та підтримки, щоб наші королівства могли процвітати разом! Не помиляйся наше приязнь до слабкості! Ми боролися з кліщами, які взяв Mikmek, і ми перемогли їх! І якщо вам потрібно більше доказів, пишіть своїми очима на нашу силу!"
As her speech ends, she grabs the enchanted gem that was gifted her and invokes its power.
Using my Christmas present to assume a mighty, powerful form, possibly something draconic.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

I wish I knew what she was saying, I hope this fits...

Gage likewise activates the ruby in the silver locket around his neck, using his gem to improve Mamise's stage. The furniture, walls, floor, and ceiling of the room turn soot-black. As the last of the color drains out of the room, red images of dragons appear; all of the dragons appear to be facing where Mamise is standing, all with obvious deference in their varied poses.

As Mamise walks past, Andreas looks at Gird.
A look of exhaustion washes of his face for a moment and then it is gone. He shakes his head slightly as if to say what now. When the show is put on, he has a look of confusion that turns to worry in short order. What is she doing, trying to get us killed with this dog and pony show. We need friends to join us not be intimidated by us. That is no way to start diplomacy.

As Gage pops in with his show of force, Andreas has had enough. He lets the situation hang for a few more moments before he steps forward. Now what! So not only do we try and show force but we bring another force to the party. We surround out host with a show of force and what do they expect to happen. When you corner an animal it will be force to fight back.

He looks at Gird as he moves forward.
Let us see if we can keep this civilized and not break out into a fight.

As he walks to stand beside Mamise in front of the chief, he looks at Mikmek for help.
I sure hope that he can understand our words.
This is what will stand beside you in your time of need. This is what we can bring to the table.
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
close but no cigar...Oh well
Seeing that no one is impressed at all, he pushes onward.

Mighty Chief of the Sootscale Clan. We come before you in your time of need. We wish to understand what your need is and see if we can be of help to you and your clan. We hope that our to groups can also come to an understanding of each other. First let us deal with your current problem. What may we do to help you. I understand a relic was lost....
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Not moving forward dramatically but trying to make himself part of the show Gird says "Yes we are going to be a powerful force in this area and we will look favourably on those who aid us, see how we have already dealt with the mites."

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Chief Sootscale seems very impressed and excited by Mamise's show of power, and says in a barking common, "Very happy to see draconic power in tall ones. You can truly help us recover relic! Come, we speak with Tartuk so he can explain relic to tall ones." He waves for the kobolds in the room to follow.
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

If you want to show him the relic before he takes you to Tartuk, feel free, it will change the events that follow.

"Andreas" hisses Mamise, returning to her form "when I do something, it's because I know what I'm doing. If I don't, I'm vocal about it. You may be used at dealing with nobles and merchants, but I was raised in a forest, dealing with creatures like these, and being servile or showing weakness are perfect ways to get us attacked. So if you would trust me an inch, instead of assuming that you know everything and trying to undo what I'm doing, it would help us all."

Andreas stands up tall and looks down at Mamise. He has an amused look to his face. He looks at the others as they follow the Chief. When he is sure that it is an appropriate time and that it is not going to make a scene. He speaks to Mamise in a calm and neutral tone.
I do trust you to do what you want to do regardless of the dangers it could impose on others. I trust you with my life and the lives of those around you. I trust you can tell the difference between someone helping you and you being condescending to others. I do not trust these creatures until I know more about their actions. I am sorry if my words "This is what will stand beside you in your time of need. This is what we can bring to the table. " were offensive to a delicate sense of worth that you seem to think I have for you. I am sorry if my manner was one that was undermining your actions as that was not my intent nor was it what I did. I am sorry that you felt this was the perfect time and place to throw a little tantrum like a child. The next time you have a problem with me you are more than welcome to take it with me..WHEN the time is correct. Acting like a child in front of a potential ally was ignorant, irresponsible and down right immature. I expected better from you and I TRUST that you will do better in the future. Now that I understand you position do you understand mine? I look to those that are beside me to do their jobs as I am counting on them with my life. We need each others skills and abilities to accomplish our objective. I am just a man trying to make this area safer for a civilization. I am nothing special nor am I perfect. I have my flaws just like anyone else. Now that we are done with this unfortunate scene I suggest we catch up to the others.
He steps back from her and extend his hand towards the party.
After you....

Mamise maybe you should reread what the character said and what he was thinking to himself.They are two different things. The character never said anything that was against what you did. He felt what you were doing was rash and reckless but he never voice his opinion on that matter. Just in case you did not see it that way.

It was supposed to be a whisper, I forgot the tag. And yes, I read it, she is acting based on what you said, offering help without stating a position of power to have them respect us. Sadly, patronizing people who think they know what's best are her berserk button.

Mamise is definitely not amused, and there is poison in her eyes. Flashbacks of the village elders constraining her life, imposing limits, duties and limitations "And I trust that you will always be a patronizing fool who believes he's better than others and has a right to power just because he was born with a fancy name. And that when you say you count on anyone to do their job, you actually mean that they should do what you want even if it's something you are completely ignorant about, you neamh-uillithe, sotalach, greannmhar control freak. I don't answer to you, I am free and you are my peer, whatever your surname may be."

Gage dismisses his illusion.
They really just want the statue, huh? Oh well.

As the chief starts gathering the kobolds, Gage interrupts by clearing his throat loudly "Ehem. We actually did find something that looked important right before we defeated the mites and their bugs." Gage carefully removes the statue from his pouch and holds it aloft "Does your relic look like this?"

Chief Sootscale's eyes light up with excitement, and before anyone can stop him, the spry old kobold snatches the relic from Gage's hands and shatters it on the stone floor.

The kobolds in his employ, including Mikmek, all stand agape at the actions of their leader; Sootscale himself is beaming with joy, "Thank you tall ones for freeing Sootscales from awful curse;" he turns to include his tribe in the next part, "We free from Old Sharptooth's reach, kin! Now we cut down his usurper, Tartuk!" he looks back to you, "You join us?" This seems more like an invitation than a plea for help, Chief Sootscale is overflowing with confidence.

Gird draws his sword.. "I am with you." he waits expectantly to be lead somewhere.

He slowly shakes his head at Mamise as she vents her frustration at him. A sad look comes across his face. A look of sorrow.
I am sorry that you feel that way but it seems you have a few things wrong. First, we are not peers and probably will never be peers. You have abilities that I will never be able to do and vise versa. Therefore we will never be peers. Companions yes but we will never be equal in all things. Second, I am not sure what your problem is with my name. Everyone is born with a name and because mine is different from yours is not my fault. To hold someone accountable for being born is irrational, irresponsible and it belittles everyone around you to act like that.....I am at loss to understand your contempt for me base solely on my birth and it amazes me that you feel I have the power to pick and choose who my parents were. Third, my actions are based off of what I feel is the correct course and this is due to my own training, personal experience in combat and in life not because I was born with a fancy name. I am not better than anyone because of a name. Your reasons do not hold water for these spiteful words. I do not see you throwing animosity towards Gird MEVYED for his words nor do I see you attacking the fancy surname of of Gage GARESS or for his magic that also aided you in your little speech. So having a problem with me based on my name or title is not the real reason you are upset with me. It is the fact that you do not like being told what to do. That is something I will apologize for as my words are never meant to make you feel inferior or less than a companion. I know what my strengths are and my weaknesses are even if you do not see it. I do know what I am capable of and what I can not do. You have the skills and abilities that I do not have just like Gird and Gage. I simple tried to help you with your show. You will have to learn to deal with my way of things just like I am trying to understand your methods. If you can not accept me for who I am, then you are never going to get over whatever demons you have running around in your head. The same demons, what ever they are, that you use to justify your assault on me, my name, my birth and my actions. As you have said...you do not answer to me but you do answer to your own actions. I feel that we can continue this conversation later...after we have dealt with the Kobolds. Now if you would be so kind as to join all of us in presenting the Relic, that would be most helpful.

Andreas looks to the Chief and then at the others. He knows that that must present a united front if things are going to move forward in a favorable manner.
Chief Sootscale, I agree with my companion here. What can you tell us about Tartuk and does he have any Kobolds that are loyal to him?

Gage frowns briefly at the smashing of the statue, but brightens after hearing that a curse has been lifted.
"Defeating a tyrant? Sounds good! Maybe I can sneak in first and knock him over. After that we can all move in? It'll be just the one guy, right?"

The chief is delighted to hear of the support from the "tall ones" and Gage's sneakiness, he pats his chest, "Sootscale sneaky too, all the sneakies, follow Sootscale," he points at the heavily armed and armored Andreas, "Everyone else follow Mikmek to big entrance to 'Tartuk's Chambers'," he spits at the words, "we catch nasty Tartuk by surprise," he calmly thrusts his fist in the air, "Death to Tartuk!"
His followers answer him in kind, "Death to Tartuk!"

At that Mikmek finishes arming himself and waves a hand for Andreas and the six kobold warriors to follow him southwest, and Sootscale leads Gage northeast. After a quick jaunt around a few curves, Mikmek's group arrives at a hall with a small pool and odd smells emanating from the end of it; Sootscale's group squeezes through a tiny walkway and come to a rickety wooden fence-like structure and can see into Tartuk's quarters.

Gird and Mamise: pick a side; map updated, if you beat the DC, you can act!

--- Sidebar to Andreas ---
Mamise's look has moved from anger to mere contempt. "I just hope that you don't miss the point of enemies' swords as well as you miss mine. My point, not my sword. You'll never understand. Just don't help unless I ask you to, alright?"

Sneak: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Mamise's paws are soft enough not to make any noise while her fur turns dark brown, blending into the surrounding stone. Crawling behind the fence, she prepares for combat.
Surprise round move action: Move.

stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Gird sticks with mamise but he notices hecis loud r than her, he moves a little away from her to not give her away.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Just before they arrive at the fence, Gage's picks a poor place for his foot, wedging his boot in the darkness. As Mamise moves in, he recovers hit boot, and foot, as quietly as he can.
Ugh, this is what happens when you forget to say 'break a leg'

Mamise
There it is, the threat. I can not trust her and that will bring harm to the group. She will not give aid when I need it nor will she listen to reason. I must remove myself from this for the benefit of the group. I am just making it worse for them.

His voice seems almost sad as she continues with her contemptuous manner. Still in a calm voice.
So just so I am clear on this, it is only me that can not help you, correct? Everyone else is fine to lend their unsolicited aid to you anytime but not me. I see how you feel. I do see your point and after we are done with this situation, I will take my leave and you and the rest of the group can go about as you see fit. I wish not to be part of something that will bring you discomfort. Your reactions to my presence will bring harm to the group as a whole....because of my participation. It is a shame...

Andreas unsheathes his weapon and follows the chief.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Moving quickly and quietly, Sootscale hurdles the fence, slinks up to Tartuk and swings his club hard twice, just as the purple kobold leans his head down to smell the concoction in his pot.

Mikmek runs forward, "Death to Tartuk!" his spear finds the would-be cleric's outer thigh, bringing a smile to Sootscale's face.

Party up!

--- Sidebar with Andreas ---
"Starsong, but are you melodramatic. Don't patronize me, don't assume you are better or know better than me, and we'll work together just fine."

--- Scene with Tartuk ---
"Well, this seems unbalanced, eh? Я наказую вам впасти"

Command: Fall on Tartuk, DC 14 or fall prone for a round.

If it's more than +5' of movement to hop the fence, just move Gage up 1 square and give Tartuk +4 ac from soft cover xD

Gage hops the fence and aims his whip at Tartuk's hands.
Disarm (Tartuk): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Andreas slowly walks forward drawing his blade as goes. Stepping in front of the kobold, he points his sword at him.
Surrender now and maybe your chief will spare your life. Any other action will end in your death.
Double move

Gird moves in to the fight if he can and attacks as well

Shortsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Shortsword: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Gird, please pay attention to the map. You cannot move in to attack (assuming you followed Mamise in). You could double-move to get in position for next time, but that would provoke. What do you want to do? I've placed you on the map assuming you've already moved 5' diagonally this round.

Gird Bot 2018
Gird moves next to Gage to get within reach of the traitor.
Double move

The sorcerer takes a step back, makes a gesture with both hands fig 1, and says, "щит."

The kobold soldiers outside file in as best they can, but don't make it past Mikmek so the one in front slings a stone toward the traitor, but misses; the rest take a defensive stance.

Sootscale barks an order at Mikmek getting him to flank Tartuk with him, but both of their subsequent attacks fail.

Party up!

"No funny voodoo hands, please." Gage tries to trip up Tartuk with a crack of his whip.
Trip (Tartuk): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Keeping the Kobold within reach of his weapon, Andreas steps forward.
attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Since it looks like the situation is well handled, Mamise just waits until her help is required.

Spellcraft (identify Tartuk's spell): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Gird BOT
Short Sword Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9
Short Sword Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Gird moves forward to place himself in position to attack the shaman.

Sorry for the delay, had to make good use of the weather the past couple days.

Gage successfully trips the sorcerer as Andreas and Gird fail to connect with him on his way down. Mamise has trouble determining what spell he used, but being as she understands what he said in Draconic, she could probably deduce it. In all the commotion, you may have noticed the sorcerer’s sickle floating over to him. He grasps the hilt and takes a swing at Mikmek for attacking him, but misses from his awkward position. Two of the kobold soldiers make their way into the melee, provoking an unsuccessful, opportunistic attack from Tartuk. The first spear thrust finds only the ground, but the second hurts the sorcerer. The other soldiers file in and attempt to pelt the fallen kobold with their slings, but none can seem to overcome his position on the ground and the friendlies surrounding him.

Mikmek and Sootscale team up on the sorcerer dealing a great deal of damage, but it seems the purple kobold still has some fight left in him.

Party up!

attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10
damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11