Kingmaker

Game Master Jovich

Roke casts a spell, and the plant life all around the fleeing orc springs to life, wrapping tendrils around him.

My intention is to put the bulk of the 40 ft radius area of effect in the direction he was running, with him on the edge in our direction, so folks get close to him

:: Pharast 29 - Morning - Exploring the Forest ::

The leader scowls at Andreas words, "Either not Dovan, or not with Stag Lord anymore. You die!". Kazmuk's arrow strikes the fleeing orc.

The lead orc charges at Andreas and fights to the death, Gird, Zade, and Rillka aiding Andreas in the fight. The other orc continues to flee.

I am just wanting to wrap this combat up. Roke or Kazmuk can take another pot shot at the fleeing orc, its about 100 ft away now in case that gives a range increment penalty. Neither orc will stop fighting or fleeing until death.

Your group stands in the once again abandoned Bandit Camp, Jhod and Akiros come up to examine the situation.

"He talked about hiring orcs, but I never though he actually would..." Akiros mutters.

I am fine with that...We are on horses so we should still be able to run the fleeing orc down. BUT that is the DMs call...lol

Gird when he can will jump on his horse and then ride after the fleeing orc with sword drawn.

He talked about hiring orcs, but I never though he actually would...

What more do you know of this...are there more orc camps in the area?

He looks around at the others.
Well if this group of orcs are the only ones that he has hired then we still have thirty to forty five orcs to deal with...That is going off our only knowledge that we have. We already took out eleven of them. If we are going to take on the orcs and the Stag Lord...we will need allies. Unless we can dwindle those numbers down by taking out small groups like this. Maybe these guys have something of note on them. Let us search them and see what they have before we finish with the area. We can then move on to this lost temple...I hope it is around here somewhere.

Rillka takes Lucca and rides in a circle around the outer edges of the camp, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Any additional indicators as to the nature of the orc presence, slowly circling back into the center of this not-so abandoned camp. Once back to the group, she will untie Chetak from the wagon and resume leading the big pack horse herself.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

She was not part of the group that originally cleared this area. She takes copious notes and measurements for her maps. She would make a map of this area specifically... and maybe a copy.

She waits for the orc hunters to return and for the rest to be ready to move on. She continues to remain quiet.

The group rushes off after the fleeing orc. The entangle is placed spectacularly, slowing the orc and allowing the others to catch up to it and kill it with ease.

From what people were posting, it looks like killing the orc was the plan. If not let me know.

Examining the camp, Rillka doesn't find much of interest, other than that it looks like a large group headed out east at some point. Another groups looks to have headed south west. Need a survival check if anyone wants to know numbers and timing

To Andreas, "Of the orcs, I know nothing. I advocated against them, and it seems without my influence the others have allowed it to happen."

Rillka will point out the tracks to Gird and Roke, assuming that they will have a better time interpreting the comings and goings of the orcs. Perhaps it is a lack of skill or perhaps a lack of real interest, but Rillka can't tell anything more than the brutes were stomping all about.

Survival-Track: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

This went well Skyfather, thank you for your blessings upon this little halfling and her companions. May you grant us clear skies and gentle breezes for our journey.

"Good spot Rillka." Gird examines the tracks trying to find details Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Roke kneels down to examine the tracks.

Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

DM I just wanted to make sure I was reading your post correctly. You said that a large group headed out east at some point. We were heading west when we came on the orcs. Did I miss something or were we two ships passing in the night so to speak....or...are we seeing to different direction because the map does not put north at the top of the page like any sane person would...LOL

You would think the map obsessed halfling would have noted such things... I am slipping

You guys have been heading largely west from Oleg's, and the tracks do head mainly east. There's just a lot a of free space to pass a few miles north or south of each other without noticing, especially for small groups. I'll do a better update tomorrow.

Andreas stops his mount and waits. He does not want to destroy any tracks and make it harder on those that have the skill at reading such things.

:: Pharast 29 - Late Morning - Exploring the Forest ::

Roke and Gird examine the tracks. The two notice that they are fairly recent, no more than a day old. The group headed east is 15 to 20 in number. The group headed southwest 8 to 12.

The group headed east all seem to have been carrying more as well, their tracks all sink deeper into the mud than those headed to the south west. The group headed south west also has longer strides and is likely moving faster.

Sorry for the delay again.

Rillka listens to the tall folk talk about the direction and speeds of the groups, and starts measuring where they would likely be now based on an estimated speed for the day or so, arc of distance and a point for the place they would go to if they were in a straight line. Seems to point back in the direction of the prisoner camp we raided. Or Olegs if they veer North. We have not gone to the southwest, so that is unknown. Maybe the Stag Lords fort... maybe.Rillka is muttering to herself as she stares at the map.

Just a head up, but I am waiting on a decision on what you want to do next. If its just continue on to the temple then let me know.

"We could be chasing bandits over these lands for weeks. Let's locate the temple and then follow up."

Andreas listens quietly as they explain what the tracks mean.

So we have a group heading East of about 15-20 that appear to be laden, that will most likely be slowing them down. What it is that is weighing them down we do not know. We also have a group heading Southwest that is about 8 to 12 in number and moving more swiftly.

He looks to the others as he lets his eyes move from the east to the southwest. He looks back to the East with a sigh.
Oleg has been informed of the presence of the Orcs in the area. The Outpost is well defended and I trust in her defenders. I hope that we can pick up the tracks again and try to find where that group has gone to. I also do not think the Orcs will attack the outpost.

He looks to the southwest.
That group is most likely heading for the Stag Lord and do not look to be sight seeing. They are running fast. We will not be able to catch up to them... not on horseback at least. Open plains would be easier but this forest will make it hard to catch up to them in time.

He looks to the group as a whole.
I think we should finish up with the area, maybe we can find out what it is the orcs were up to. After that we continue on to the Northwest, that is where our information leads us to...The lost temple. We hope at least.

Rillka adds notes to her journal regardin the times dates and directions of the different orc groups. She also notes their number and estimated speed. She then rollsup her maps carefully storing it in the map case and mounts up, ready to follow the tall folk, whatever direction they choose.

"I agree lets leave and goto the temple, even if we found the orcs there is no guarantee we could take them anyway." he says with a bit of disappointment in his voice

"I am really not used to agreeing with Zade this much, but I concur."

Then let us get moving.

:: Pharast 29 - Late Morning - Exploring the Forest ::

Decision made, the group continues onward. exploring the area around the bandit camp thoroughly before making camp for the night.

.

:: Pharast 30 - Early Morning - Exploring the Forest ::

Heading out bright and early, the group combs the forest northwest of the bandit camp, looking for the temple.

1d8 ⇒ 6

In the early afternoon, around 2-3 pm, you find yourselves stumbling upon an opening in the trees. The thick tangle of brambles gives way into a large clearing in the woods, its border partially defined by ruined stone pillars. The western face of the clearing is dominated by a looming, upthrust ridge of rock, nearly 300 feet across and rising to a moss-topped height of 100 feet at the center. The side of this towering boulder facing the clearing has been carved in the likeness of an immense elk, its antlers drooping down from its weathered face to frame a 50-footwide cave entrance. A flight of stone steps leads up to this cave entrance from the forest clearing—both the steps and elk face feel quite old and are thickly encrusted with layers of moss. A 50-foot-long oval pool sits in the middle
of the clearing, its waters thick with algae.

Napping at the top of the steps, you can see a large bear of some sort. It starts to stir as you look about the clearing.

"Ummm... Bear!" he says with a little alarm as he draws his bow and knocks an arrow

Gird looks over the bear as it stirs using studied target on it.

Rillka squints and looks at the bear to see if it might be Dagai or Nareth. She then looks up at Roke, Friend of yours by any chance? she whispers.

"Wowsa. Not what I was expecting," Zade whispers.

Whispering back to Rilka: "Sadly no, and I would guess this one is not looking to make new friends."

Pity... never a fan of killing animals for doing what comes naturally to them; guarding a den or looking for a meal. Unless I am the meal- then it is personal. Rillka whispers back to Roke, Any chance you talk with bears or can do something to avoid having to fight?

"Well, I can try, but I am usually better when I can talk."

Roke moves within 30 ft of the bear, making direct eye contact, making himself 'big', while making calming sounds.

Wild Empathy check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Seeing the bear stir, Andreas pulls forth his weapon. The young knight waits as the others try to reassure the bear of our intentions. Having no many good encounters with bears keeps Andreas' guard up and ready for a fight.

Kazmuk readies his shield and draws his hammer and soon moves forward, stopping in front of Rillka to protect her.

I've updated the map. Please place yourselves on it. Given the potential consequences when facing a bear I'd rather not position you. Sorry for not doing this sooner.

No problems...other than I can not place my character on top of the map. It goes underneath the map. Is it possible for the exploration map to be updated as well? Thanks

Rillka cast Order-Move to Back on the map, you can all positions yourselves on it now.

Maps- Its what I do.

Rillka rests an hand on Kazmuk's back, and says something softly in Dwarven to her guardian.

Pysyt aina, stoutin puolustajani, olkaa hyvä, tiedän aina, että minulla on aina selkä ystäväni!

Unfortunately I have to be within 30 ft to try that wild empathy. Hoping others didn't hang back TOO far. :)

Kazmuk smiles, replying in dwarven. "Isä opettaa meitä suojelemaan kaikkia niitä, jotka tarvitsevat ... ja vaikka uskon, että olet rohkea ja kykenevä suojelemaan itseäni, sydämeni on levoton ajattelemalla sinua vahingoittamalla. Niin kauan kuin henkeä, suojelen sinua elämäni, Rouva Rillka."

"Don't worry Roke, I've got your back!" Zade calls, helpfully.

"Your waaaaaay back."

Everyone ready...If we can get him to leave without a fight...that would be best. If not we defend ourselves and take it down.

He looks back at the two newest additions to their ranks.
Master Kavken, stay in the back and prepare your spells. We may be in need of healing very soon. Akiros, I want you to protect our second rank. Keep them from harm so that they may do what is needed.

Addressing the group as a whole.
Everyone else...stay alive and be prepared to fight. I pray that it will not come to that.

Andreas walks his horse right alongside Roke as he makes his way towards the bear. Giving him room to do what he needs to do but ready to act if the need arises.
is this wise? If it does not work fall back behind us...

I made my character fit a 5x10 area for the horse.

Rillka smiles Ja minä suojelen sinua samassa hengessä she pats Kazmuk on the back. Siirrymme eteenpäin, jotta voimme auttaa Roke, kun karhu päättää, että hänen hevosensa on uhka ...

Gird is still waiting with his bow up but the string is not taught

"So do we run, attack or back away?"

:: Pharast 30 - Early Morning - Exploring the Forest ::

"I'll stay ready to help where its needed." Akiros says to Andreas.

Roke and Andreas approach, the bear growing more restless as they do so. When the two reach the landing in the entry way it lifts itself up onto all fours. Even on all fours it is a large beast. Its breath is coming in fast deep *whuffs* as it stares at the Roke and Andreas.

Roke tries to calm the bear. As he tries to make himself big, the bear lets out a low growl. The growl increases in volume as the bear slowly raises itself up on its hind legs. The noise crescendos to a roar as the bear stands fully on its legs, towering over Roke and Andreas. It's fur standing on end, the bear seems less than impressed.

The bear throws its weight forward, rushing forward around Andreas where it can fully squeeze through the pillars.

Bear Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Gird Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Rillka Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Andreas Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Zade Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Kazmuk Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Roke Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Akiros Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Initiative

Round 1 - Kazmuk, Andreas, Roke, Gird, Zade, Bear, Akiros
Round 2 - Kazmuk, Andreas, Roke, Gird, Zade, Bear, Akiros

Andreas, is your hp updated? Cause 11 hp is... going to be interesting.

Gird fires his arrow at the bear

bow+st: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 bow+st: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

he then moves to the side to get a better shot at the bear

Seeing the bear trying to get past.
I can not let you do that.
Using my challenge ability on the bear

Using his knees to moves his mount sideways, Andreas positions himself in between the bear and Roke. This also left a clear lane for the others to fire at the big bear. Bringing his shield across his body and swing his sword down and up across the bear, Andreas connects with the creature.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage: 1d10 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 3 = 12
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Crit Damage: 1d10 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 3 = 12

That is within my crit range. I am not sure how you do double crits.
Crit Confirm? Part 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Crit Damage Part 2: 1d10 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 3 = 11

GM, I've moved Rillka and Kazmuk closer to the bear. Rillka voiced her desire to be closer in the spoiler, but we both forgot to move our tokens forward. I put ourselves close to Akiros.

Kazmuk rushes forward while grabbing his hammer holy symbol. "Kärsivällinen, kysyn teiltä jälleen kerran avunne. Autamme palauttamaan yhden suurimmista liittolaisistasi, Erastil!"

Roke, Andreas and his horse, Rillka and Akiros are all under effect of bless for 4 minutes. They get +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves against fear.

Zade will take a shot at the bear as well.

shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 for piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Roke can't do much to hurt this bear, but he can maybe make it easier for everyone else to hit. He casts a spell and the plants and vines nearby spring to life, seeking to grasp the bear.

I'll center entangle well to the north so that only the southern edge of the circle gets the bear. DC 14 Reflex save or be entangled

:: Pharast 30 - Early Morning - Exploring the Forest ::

Seeing the fight begin, Kazmuk provides his allies with a blessing from the Forgefather.

Andreas slides his mount sideways and delivers a grevous wound to the bear. The crit confirm roll is just there to see if you crit, so it doesn't continue any further if you roll in your threat range again.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Roke tries to entrap the bear, but it seems to ignore the plants twining around it entirely.

Gird and Zade fire a volley of arrows at the bear. Both arrows strike home, bloodying the bear.

Enraged by the pain and the plants trying to wrap about it, the bear tries to take its rage out on Andreas. Andreas keeps the bear at bay and away from Roke.

Akiros rushes forward, intent on keeping himself between the bear and any of the other.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Claw 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Initiative

Round 2 - Kazmuk, Andreas, Roke, Gird, Zade, Bear (39), Akiros
Round 3 - Kazmuk, Andreas, Roke, Gird, Zade, Bear (39), Akiros

You're all up again. RIP bear.

I won't take it personally that you forgot Rillka in the intiative. You tall folk always forget about tht halflings.

Bears... why is always bears... bears stealing our food, bears cursed with lycanthropy, bears guarding temples... why is it always bears??!!

Rillka will move up behind/beside Kazmuk, and seeing that the tall folk have the battle well in hand, she will scan the area for other opponents or anything of note that could help, or hurt the tall folk, including any traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

I think its worse that I even rolled the initiative roll, then forgot to place her... Sorry.

No offense was taken! I saw the initiative and knew I was after the bear. All good! If you have to miss the roll or the naming, I am glad you rolled and forgot the naming - I can still work with that.