Kingmaker AP - Into the Stolen Lands! (Inactive)

Game Master Haldhin

Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
"Shelyn's blessing on all of us, may her grace guide our aim"

Casting bless spell, +1 morale bonus to hit and for fear saves to self and all allies

Bless now used up, remaining 1st level spells are Protection from evil and CLW.
6 channel attempts left

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Arumil could only note the haste that cost them surprise. He quickly converts the spell energy of a close range spell into a more favorable long distance spell. Targeting the giant tick as it was the most dangerous enemy.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Shocking Grasp converted to Magic Missile. 4/1 spells left.

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Round One
DMPC Bridgette
Bridgette Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

22 Arianna
14 Teremith
10 Bridgette
10 Raxus
09 Arumil
05 Bydar

Arianna (skipped pending discussion).

Teremith casts a spell on himself.

Bridgette lets loose with a primal scream of rage and charges forward, bravely leaping over the underground stream to kick a mite in the face as she lands. The report of the mite's neck breaking echoes in the chamber over the noise of the water, and the limp form of the creature drops to the stone floor. one mite dead

Raxus (waiting on action)

Arumil casts a spell at the giant tick, and a missile flies from his outstretched hand and slams into the head of the monster.

Bydar casts a spell, and everyone instantly feels bolstered for the coming battle!

The mites all turn around to stare at their attackers. They begin drawing weapons and moving into combat. The mite on the throne leaps onto the back of the giant tick. The mounted insect moves forward toward the party!

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Map uploaded in the shared folder. I have updated it for these actions

I was waiting on the map, and can't view it for some reason
(could be the pptx extension)

Temerith brandishes his weapon, charging across the river while gritting his teeth.

Acrobatic: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
Attempting to get to one of the mites below Bridgette. I don't think I can move fast enough to get an attack in, too.

Sorry for the difficulties, I've uploaded a *.png version in the folder so you should be able to see it now. Let me know if you still have problems.

I had not seen a post since Sunday so I figured you might be sick or traveling - let me know if you would like to do something different.

Due to the site being down, I'm going to give people a bit more time to get their actions in. Then we'll continue to Round Two.

Edit for Round 1

Bridgette charges forward, bravely leaping over the underground stream to kick a mite in the face as she lands. The report of the mite's neck breaking echoes in the chamber over the noise of the water, and the limp form of the creature drops to the stone floor.

I'll use the GM's rolls, just subtrack 2 from the attack and damage rolls

I save rage for when it's really needed.

Not a problem, but Bridgette misses the mite in that case.

Round One:

Hoping that the mites still haven't noticed her, Arianna remains in her hiding spot. Keeping an eye on the mite chieftain in particular, the young woman reaches one hand into her pack to retrieve a foot-long wooden tube and the other hand into a hidden pocket in her scarf to withdraw a small, wooden stick with a red substance on one end.

Two move actions - one to retrieve Desnan candle from pack, the other to retrieve tindertwig from pocketed scarf.

Question: Did the tick-mounted mite chieftain move within 25 ft of Arianna's position on his Round One action?

Arianna, no, he's about 70 feet away at the moment.

Round One, cont'd

Arianna removes two items from about her person.

Raxus double moves forward, drawing his ogre hook on the way.

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Okay, now to Round Two.

Teremith has posted his action (feel free to change it if you want to).

New map posted [here]. Mites are color-coded, and I have added letters and numbers to cells.

Bydar steps forward and once more fires his not always trusty crossbow. This time across the water at one of the mites.

Moving forward one square, then firing to hit mite at F14
bless bonus counted in. Hope others don't forget.
to hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
dmg if that hits: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Arumil moves towards the stream and recast his spell aiming at the tick once more.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Move to E9, target I20 (tick) with magic missile.

Raxus whistles sharply for Dawn and swings his hook at the mites.

5' adjust to H14. Attack Red Mite.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Dawn rushes forward at her master's command and attacks the closest Mite she can reach.

Charge, leap over water. Stop at G13. Attack Blue Mite

Acro (jump): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Trip (if attack hits): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17

Bridgette and Arianna, what do you want to do in Round Two?

Bridgette attacks any mite that is injured

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Round Two:

Arianna studies the tick-mounted mite chieftain through slitted eyes. "Alright, you little $#!#. Why are you holding back? Let's get your attention, then," she mutters to herself.

Springing from her hiding place, the young woman dashes toward the stream and leaps...
DC 10 Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 - just barely!
... landing on the opposite side with a small splash. Move action to leap across stream to land in square E,12.

"That's it! Cut 'em down to size!" Arianna encourages Bridgette and Raxus. "Or... even more down to size, I guess... You know what I mean!"

Standard action to begin Bardic Performance (Inspire Courage), granting all allies within 30 ft a +1 competence bonus to attack and weapon damage rolls and +1 morale bonus to saves against charm and fear effects (this bonus to saves vs fear does not stack with Bydar's Bless spell).

Rounds of Bardic Performance used today: 1/6

Round Two
22 Arianna
14 Teremith
10 Bridgette
10 Raxus
09 Arumil
05 Bydar
04 Mites

Arianna dashes out and acrobatically leaps across the water while encouraging her allies. Her efforts seem to have a positive effect and everyone feels bolstered by her actions!

Teremith follows her lead and leaps across the stream to enter melee combat.

Bridgette punches one of the mites, knocking it to the ground! one mite unconscious

Raxus brings his ogre hook around and eviscerates one of the mites. He blows a shrill whistle and Dawn bursts into action. The large mastiff bounds across the stream and tears into another mite. two more mites down

Arumil looses another missile at the giant tick, drawing a hiss from the large monster.

Bydar fires his crossbow, but the bolt flies high and bounces off the stone wall behind the mites.

The mites scream in hatred as they lash out with their daggers, but they both miss their targets.

The giant tick rushes forward toward Bridgette, but she deftly dodges out of the creature's way as it tries to latch on to her.

-----

Updated map posted in the shared folder.

Next round actions, please!

Arumil cast a spell that creates blue lights above each of the mites and tick. Then picking up his robe moves across the water.

Cast Dancing Lights, 4 lights. Move to F12

Empowered by Arianna's encouragement, Temerith steps into the fray, striking out at the nearest Mite with furious strength.

Five-foot step to J15, using his Bastard Sword to attack the Pink Mite.

Bastard Sword @ Pink Mite: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
Bastard Sword damage @ Pink Mite: 1d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12

Should I go after "Pinky" or "The Tick"?

Bydar fires once more at a mite.

Bonuses applied in, to hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
dmg (Bonus from bard counted) 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Shaking the dead mite vigorously in her jaws, Dawn tossed it aside and surged forward to the next on near her.

Posting from phone. Can't see map. Dawn will attack the next closest mite. Given a choice between 2, she'll go for the one she can flank/gang up on with other people.

Acro to dodge AoOs: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Bite attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9 +2 if flanking
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Possible Trip: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12 +2 if flanking

Raxus ignores the other Mites, charging past them toward the giant vermin.

Charge attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 18 Reach weapon.
damage: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11

"Why you little bugger"

Bridgette attacks the tick

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Round Three:

Arianna nimbly skirts the edge of the stream to move closer to the battle. "Keep it up! Squash that bug! Knock that little blighter right out off of that tick!" she encourages her newfound companions. At the same time, she casts a spell to make the mite chieftain's seat more precarious.

Free action to continue Bardic Performance (Inspire Courage). Move action to move 20 ft to square I,13. Standard action to cast Grease on the giant tick's back to hopefully make the mite chieftain slide off (Reflex DC 13).

Rounds of Bardic Performance used today: 2/6

First Level Spells cast today: Grease

Round Three
22 Arianna
14 Teremith
10 Bridgette
10 Raxus
09 Arumil
05 Bydar
04 Mites

Arianna casts a spell that causes the chieftan to fall off his mount! The creature slides down and hits his head on the stone floor, knocking him unconscious! mite chieftan down

Teremith swings at a mite, but the small creature nimbly leaps out of the way at the last second.

Bridgette spins and lands a solid kick to the side of a mite's head, knocking it to the ground. another mite down

Raxus charges toward the giant tick and decapitates it with a massive blow. Dawn charges in but fails to hit the last mite.

Arumil casts a spell that creates floating orbs of light over the battle!

Bydar fires his crossbow again, but his bolt sails through the air.

-----

As there is only one mite remaining and the giant tick is good and dead, I'm going to call combat as a win for the home team! I'm going to document what you found in this cave, then you guys can tell me what you want to do.

In several crates behind the mushroom throne, you find the following:

A gold ring holding two small sapphires and a diamond. (120 gp)
A statue carved from a black gemstone that depicts a regal dragon climbing a stone column. (300 gp)
Assorted small-size equipment (leather armor, spears, etc) (26 gp)
A round topaz (130 gp)
An uncut sapphire (270 gp)

Coins:
193 cp
448 sp
281 gp
7 pp

The estimated value of the items is in ( ), nothing here detects as magic.

Raxus' massive hand envelopes the mite chief and lifts him up.

"Still alive." he rumbles. "We can take him to Sootscale."

Ah, good point. The giant tick is dead, and three of the mites are dead. The chieftan and another mite are unconscious but alive.

Arumil keeps the lights up as needed.

"Well I am sure Sootscale would appreciate the gesture."

He goes over to the treasure to spilt up what the party would take and what belonged to Sootscale.

"Anyone have any favored spoils?"

Where is the wedding ring? Does Sootscale have it, I thought the mites would sense they stole it from the bandits.

Ah, my mistake, it's the "gold ring" I mentioned in the treasure. Thanks for the catch. Should be silver.

"Good idea, Raxus, Bydar says,and considers Arumil's question, "The statue is lovely, but I'm thinking the dragon may want it as his 'share' of the treasure."

Arumil nods.

"I agree, along with the small size gear which should aid the kobolds. It would be a good faith token. I am partial to gems myself. Less to carry then coins and their value is just as stable, not to mention they are so much more pleasing to the eye."

"Is the statue in perfect condition or good condition?"

Temerith relaxes a bit, sheathing his weapon now that all the mites are incapacitated. When asked if he has any particular interest in all of the things found in the cave, him simply shakes his head, "Don't need it. Will help carry, if necessary."

"The gems do have a fine luster," He admires their shine, "And thank you, Temerith. I'll help carry too, of course. I'm just about to give up on this crossbow," He says a trifle embarrassed at his bad aim, "Is anyone in need of more healing?"

Raxus' massive hand envelopes the mite chief and lifts him up.

"Still alive." he rumbles. "We can take him to Sootscale."

"The mite chief is still alive? That's great! I like your idea of handing him over to your dragon. I even know of a box that we can keep him in until we get there," Arianna suggests with a fox-like grin.

"You didn't happen to find a human-sized rapier or crossbow with all that gear, did you?" the silver-haired woman asks as the companions search through various crates.

@ Bridgette: I don't understand your question about the condition of the statue. Are you trying to figure out something specific about it?

@ Arianna: Your equipment is found in another room. I am assuming the group takes a few minutes to search the rest of the cave complex. The only other items of interest are your gear, strewn about one of the caves.

If the group leaves now, you can arrive at the Sycamore tree first thing in the morning. I am going to assume that is your intent:

The trip back to Sootscale passes quickly, and having Mikmek along proves to be reasonably painless. His injuries slow him down somewhat, but he manages to keep up with the group without too much trouble. He has stayed close to Dusk during the journey, and much to everyone's surprise, the large dog seems to favor the kobold.

Upon arrival, you are led back before the shadow dragon. Sootscale greets Arianna and welcomes her to his lair. The dragon is pleased with your success and especially the capture of the mite leader. Though his subjects begin clamoring for all manner of punishment and torture, Sootscale simply orders the creature taken above ground to await his fate. The mite remains unconscious in the box the entire time.

Sootscale requests the dragon statue, the small equipment (which was previously stolen from the kobolds), and the gold pieces. He suggests you keep the rest.

Additionally, he gives each of you a black dragon scale with red edges - one of his own. Sootscale explains that these scales provide the bearer safe passage within his lands. Any kobolds encountered are able to recognize the scale, and they cannot be imitated; forgeries are impossible.

He also adds that these are not indicative of any friendship or alliance, simply that you have proven to be reasonable and capable beings. Being cordial is the "polite" response. He indicates a preference for continuing to be cordial, but asks that you remember the scales are a privilege, and to please act accordingly.

After a moment, Sootscale continues by mentioning reasonable beings are few and far between in these lands, and he asks if you can find a market for silver ore. The kobolds control a large silver mine, but they have no outlet for the raw ore they remove. While he would prefer to deal directly with purchasers, he is willing to allow the group a small amount of profit if they can negotiate a trade route for his tribe.

Unless the characters have anything else they want to discuss, Sootscale bids them farewell.

Sootscale indicates the lands currently under his control include the hexes containing the Sycamore Tree and the one immediately to its east. He provides enough information for you to count both of those hexes as "explored".

The scales he provided you allow you to travel through the hexes, and rest as necessary, but that is about the extent of your rights. While you would not be accosted without reason, and you are actually protected by the tribe while in their lands, if you do something to injure kobolds, try to steal something, or otherwise offend Sootscale, your lives would be forfeit.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I am also going to assume you want to travel back to Oleg's after meeting with Sootscale - I plan to make that post tomorrow.

I think I'm good. Can't think of anything pressing offhand, and we can always come back to talk to him again. I imagine we can try and ask about the possible ore trade back at Oleg's?

Temerith accepts his scale quietly, bowing slightly in deference to the dragon. He gives the scale a thorough look, before stowing it in his pack.

I was asking if the statue is damaged in some way, like a chipped wing, a missing claw, etc..

Raxus accepts his scale with a barely restrained excitement, full of childlike wonder and pride.

The statue is made of gemstone, not easy to damage I think. Anyways Arumil would ask about the news of kobolds tribes fighting amongst themselves as well as any information about these purple scaled kobolds, in case they are linked to that information.

I was asking if the statue is damaged in some way, like a chipped wing, a missing claw, etc..

No, it does not appear to be damaged.

The statue is made of gemstone, not easy to damage I think. Anyways Arumil would ask about the news of kobolds tribes fighting amongst themselves as well as any information about these purple scaled kobolds, in case they are linked to that information.

Sootscale replies that some of these purple kobolds have been seen to the north, but none have tried to come through his lands yet. As such, he has been ignoring them, and plans to continue to do so as long as they don't bother him.

Obviously, if you come across any information that would involve these purple kobolds as they related to the safety of his tribe, the dragon would be extremely interested to learn about it.

On the trip back, the cleric continues to tend to the wounds of mikmek, and even tries his to learn a bit of Draconic , albeit it Kobold style from the little fellow, and is happy to try to give a few words in common to him. I wonder if one could bring a tribe of Kobolds to the worship of Shelyn? An odd thought...but it certainly worth considering and would be a kinder afterlife than what I suspect awaits them otherwise.

-------------
Then they greet the dragon, Bydar is glad they managed to capture the mite leader, though if he is told of suggestions of torture, he looks sad. He's not surprised, but hopes the dragon is more merciful in his justice.

The Sheer amount of gold the dragon requests DOES surprise him, but he mentally notes if there's one stereotype about dragons, it is they do love their wealth, "If it as well as mikmek's return makes final amends between us for the earlier misunderstanding, then it is well. Maybe one day we can have a true alliance."

Then the offer of the scale delights him, not just for the safety it provides, but it's sheer beauty, "I can honestly I find it lovely, would you be offended if I one day had it made part of some jewelery? And would the kobolds still honor it as such?"

Then the subject of silver comes up, he considers things "I fear the kobolds might face some biases against them from many customers. However, I think we can facilitate a trade route or even to handle certain transactions on your behalf. Perhaps it could be the foundation for a true alliance one day if fortune smiles.
We might even have a jewelcrafter among our ranks, though I doubt it at this time but if so, it would make exchanges even quicker."

" Also, I do not know the strength of the tribe's healers, but should Shelyn continue to bless me, my own healing gifts may grow. Should anyone in your tribe need them, send word to me. I make no promises I'll always be able to come and help, but there is always a chance."

......
Lastly mention of the purple bellied kobold tribe is made, "They are wanted for certain crimes... we'll spread word so that people do not confuse that tribe with the Sootscale and maybe able to learn more for you. Please keep us posted in return should you or your tribe learn more about them later."

Arumil very much wanted to stop the priest at a number of points but he did not want to damage the situation anymore then he believed the man to be doing so already. Sootscale as a dragon needed to be handled in certain ways, his actions and manner supported that. For a being that saw the rise and fall of ages, more so in the river kingdoms. Any form of commitment other then in the looses sense was borderline insulting at this point. None the less he remains silent for the moment.

@Bydar: Sootscale does not care what you do with the scale, though he recommends trying to have it placed in a gold setting is possible.

He thanks you for your words, but does not agree with or explore the possibilities expressed in your comments.

-----

The group begins the return journey to Oleg's Trading Post, stopping only to rest. The trip is uneventful and passes quickly.

At you arrive at the Trading Post, it is obvious something is amiss. Captain Garess meets you as you enter, giving a sidelong glance toward Arianna, but addressing the group, "I'm very glad you've returned. After a week passed without hearing from you, we feared the worst."

He continues, "Three days ago, two of the prisoners tried to escape. They assaulted one of my men, gravely injuring him. We recaptured them a few hours later, but it's been tense around here since then. Oleg is ready to turn us all out, and he's not to pleased with you either for putting him and Svetlana in such danger for so long."

"Anyway, we've kept the other prisoners restrained for safety purposes. The two who tried to escape are chained up inside the stables, while the others are in the bunkhouse. The two who tried to escape are named Kesset and Saughis, two of the ones you brought back from the camp down south. My man is being seen to by the priest inside Oleg's house. I think he's alive... but not by much."

-----

It's around 4pm when you return, and it's been 9 days since you left.

This is an "open" encounter, so let me know what you want to do and I'll respond asap.

I'll have an updated exploration map up tonight.