Kingmaker Part 1

Game Master GM Trav

oh, I see the row and column numbers/letters now. Ok then m10 works for me.

I had no family. *sniff* *sniff* Painful memories indeed

Would it be possible to hide in the wagon under a oilskin or straw, or something? Was thinking Q13 or something?

Would it be possible to hide in the wagon under a oilskin or straw, or something? Was thinking Q13 or something?

Yup, you try to hide under some straw. It's going to be harder than behind a door and they may see you.

Yup, you try to hide under some straw. It's going to be harder than behind a door and they may see you.

Gone off that idea, then. Melismar was hoping to stay hidden until they were all asleep. However, if I read it correctly, he can cast a Sleep spell from 110ft away. This means he might even hide up on the tower under one of the catapults, well out of the line of sight of anyone at ground level?

Q18 probably, as long as there are windows in the building. I'll stay out of sight until the commotion starts.

Looks like tomorrow's gonna be bringin' some fun.

GM Trav wrote:

Yup, you try to hide under some straw. It's going to be harder than behind a door and they may see you.

Gone off that idea, then. Melismar was hoping to stay hidden until they were all asleep. However, if I read it correctly, he can cast a Sleep spell from 110ft away. This means he might even hide up on the tower under one of the catapults, well out of the line of sight of anyone at ground level?

You need line of effect for the spell, so you must be able to see them. P10 would be a good place as there would be a shuttered window there.

You need line of effect for the spell, so you must be able to see them. P10 would be a good place as there would be a shuttered window there.

Stupidly, I didn't think of windows. Doh! P10 it is, then.

The next morning comes. You all make your way to your hiding spots during the twilight hours of dawn. Oleg finishes piling up furs, alcohol, and other trade goods just outside the storage pen. He stands there, waiting for the arrival of the bandits with the gates wide open. Just as he had predicted, the bandits arrive one hour after sunrise. There are four total with one clearly in charge. They are all mounted and have two horses in tow behind them to load the goods on. They bring the horses up to Oleg and he begins to load the goods on to them.

"Oi! Get yer fat arse moving old man. I aint got all day. Kressel be aching for my luving and I aint one to keep 'er waiting... an' if you keep me waitin' much longer muh luvin will hav'ta go to that wench of yers." He chuckles and glares at his men, who follow suit with fake laughs.

Oleg finishes loading the horses with the goods when he looks up the bandit and says, "Hold on Mr. Happs, I have a special whiskey that I have stored inside. I believe Kressel will enjoy it." Oleg retreats into the house. This was the agreed upon sign.

You all have one standard or move action during this surprise round.

Initiative
Deanarth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Krallek: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Melismar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Oropher: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Bandits: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (19) - 3 = 16
Happs: 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (12) - 6 = 6

Order
1. Oropher
2. Bandits
3. Deanarth
4. Krallek
5. Melismar
6. Happs

Round 1 Battle Map

Just to clarify, all the PCs have the element of surprise. So you can all act before the bandits. This allows you either 1 standard action or 1 move action. After this surprise round is completed then it will move into regular initiative.

Melismar's task is to get a sleep spell off, but as he imagine Deanarth's going to get his off first, he'll hold his until he can see whether it's necessary.

Is there a way to pass or put my turn on hold, and wait for others to take their turn? If so, then I want to let others go first. If not... I guess I still want to let the magic users go first, lol. Assuming I dont go, the bandits have second turn, but they dont know the jig is up, right?

I delay my action until after Mel then I jump back in. And yes its called a delay. You will jump back into initiative once you say so but thereafter you will lose your position in the initiative order and you will remain at the point you jumped back in ... unless you delay again of course.

DM what squares are the enemies on?

I'll cast Sleep (DC 15) to get as many bandits as I can, I think N14 target square

Unfortunately sleep is a full round action. It will be cast on the start of your regular initiative-based turn. You will only be able to have a standard action on the non-surprise round, but that would enable you to cast another spell. Since it has verbal component it will initiate combat. Yes, Oropher, you can pass your turn in the surprise round and delay it in the regular round. The enemies are on horses (large creatures) so they take up four squares each.

Correct me if I'm wrong. Dean tries sleep. This takes up all of our surprise round. Then we begin the combat round? Cool beans.

i believe both Dean and Mel are casting sleep. The poor bandits don't stand a chance. I think by full round action, he means if we delay till after the sleep spell(s) we will lose the surprise round action and then jump back in during the first full round? Is this correct?

Deanarth begins chanting in an arcane language from the window of the guest quarters. The bandits look shocked as they turn their heads towards the building. Fortunately none of them seems to understand what is going on. They gather themselves and begin to get antsy. The bandits delay until after the spell goes off.

Will Save:
Bandit 1 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Bandit 2 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Bandit 3 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Happs 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

They all slide off their horses and fall on to the ground. I assume that Melismar cast as well to get the other two. EDIT: Actually he wouldn't have to. The radius is big enough.

missed that, but fine by me.

that was easy.

I run in and tie them up with my rope. I start with Happs

"Well, that went swimmingly."

The attack went about as well as could be hoped. The young wizard, and the slick-tongued gent with the magical skills sure came up big. A shame, since I wanted to get a little action. Now to see what they would cough up.

"Well done! Fantastically done. It seems that Krallek has begun to tie them up. How long do we have before they wake?"

that was easy.

I run in and tie them up with my rope. I start with Happs

"Excellent. I do like it when a plan comes together." Melismar assists with the binding of the prisoners. "A most effective spell, young Deanarth," he says, but not loudly enough to wake the sleeping men, and besides we don't want the young fellow getting too cocky.

The bandits have:
Alchemist's Fire (2)
Leather Armor (4)
Dagger
Longbow (3)
Short Sword (3)
Composite Longbow (+2 Str)
Arrows (80)
Rations (8)
Silver Stag Lord Amulet (Worth 20GP)
Horses (6)
65GP

Yeah, a bit anti-climatic as I was hoping to stick something myself. But thats how it goes. Do we need to role play out the torture? I can describe what I'd do if you think it helps.

Intimidate roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Wow! Nice die roll. Ok, they pretty much tell me anything with that roll! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Oleg is extremely grateful for you defeating the bandits. He offers you full price for any of the bandit's gear, (Its normally 50%) . He also says that you can stay at the outpost free of charge and anytime you stay Svetlana will graciously provide you a free meal. He also offers you 50gp, 2 potions of cure light wounds, and a potion of shield of faith +2.

Role play the questioning. If you want to get graphic then by all means, but not necessary.

Diplomacy, Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 281d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

I think Kral and Mel might have a good cop, bad cop thing going here. ;-) However, the good cop's off to bed for a bit, but should be on again in a little bit.

Melismar talks to Kral. "May I suggest we tie the prisoners to the long benches over there beside the tables? People feel significantly less confrontational if they're being forced to lie down. They have a tendency to behave like rather panicky upset beetles. Particularly whilst more threatening characters stalk around them. And you, my dear sir, do seem very intimidating, I freely confess. Positively menacing, I'll warrant.

I watched as Krallek ties all of the bandits up. Its time to get down to business.

I walked around, inspecting their sleeping bodies, and notice some of the goods they've brought. In particular, a composite longbow, and some arrows, sticks out.

"Lets get them talking one at a time before they all come around. We've got, what, an hour? Deanarth, I know I sound the stereotypic elf, but if you're young enough and wish not to see anything unsettling, perhaps you can watch the other prisoners. Then again, this wont be the only time on this trip that something unsettling might happen. Its up to you, and none of us will think anything of it. Anyway, who's first? I think we leave the leader for last.

Oh, and anyone mind if I take this? Its a bit nicer than my current one."

Oh, and anyone mind if I take this? Its a bit nicer than my current one."

"We certainly have no intention of returning it to its owner," smiles Mel.

Aye, take the bow and arrows if you like. I ain't never seen this amulet before. Bard, what you make of it? It look like anything you seen before?

Knowledge Local Roll: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

We aughta keep that alchemist fire, them horses, and just sell the rest o this stuff unless any of you got eyes for anything

Waits for a response from the rest stating their claims

Ok, as for making them lie down I only want one of em lying down at first. I wants the rest of em to see what happens to that one while I ... work. Oleg, take your woman away while I get set up

I take one of the prisoners (not Happs) and tie him to the picnic table and make sure we are in eyesight of the rest.

Last chance to go is now

Looks up questioningly at the others?

Ok den. This won't hurt a bit I say to the guy on the table with a malicious glint in my eye. I don't even bother to ask him any questions. I just start doing all sorts of heineous things to him that are both disgusting and horrifying; like chopping bits off and such. I do whatever it takes to make him scream in pain and make the others scared as all heck. I keep it up until that one dies; deliberately not asking him anything. Just appearing to enjoy the process.

Right then, who is next? I ask the prisoners with a gentle smile.

As I strap one of the others to the table as I did with the first one, I look up at the bard with a suggestive look and say ...

Now I'm warmed up I think I might get creative with this one.

I give the bard (if he stays otherwise one of the others) a knowing glance suggesting that the prisoners are ready for a question or two.

In response to Mel below... Oro wouldnt have either, to be honest. I was going to let it slide, but since Mel stopped it, I'm with him.

Can we reverse the clock a tiny bit? Melismar would not have allowed the torture to take place to the extent of Krallek's post, but there's not really been an opportunity to jump in and prevent it.

Ye Gods, they've signed up an evil, psychotic bastard with their charters... this is so not good!

The moment the screaming starts in earnest, Melismar steps in. "Now, now, Kral. Easy does it, my friend. It's clear you enjoy your work, but let's try giving the fellow a chance to speak first."

The bard turns his attention to the writhing prisoner on the board. "My good man... well, that's not quite appropriate is it? You're a bad man. As you can tell, my... um... colleague is a little put out with you and your friends. I shall have a hard time holding him back. So it might behoove you to answer some questions truthfully, and quickly. What say you?"

*chuckles*
Did I not suggest we try to trick the information out of them before hand so we didn't resort to any kind of intimidation or torture? That was vetoed. Yu should make up yer minds. Oh, and I aint enjoying any of this ... just doing what needs to be done is all.

*chuckles*

Oh, and I aint enjoying any of this ... just doing what needs to be done is all.

"You're a better actor than I, then, and if you'll forgive the hubris, that's saying something."

I was glad that Melismar had spoken up, a few seconds before I would have. Torture rarely yields useful information, or so I'd read, and the prospect of causing someone pain for the purpose of scaring others was not something I could allow. This was not in our charter.

Quietly to Krallek,"If memory serves, we agreed to not try tricking them before we attacked. Now that they are prisoner, this seems better than torturing one to death just to put on a show. Lets let our eloquent friend over there try. All that business just does not sit right with me. I think they're scared witless, so feel free to act intimidating."

I watched with fascination as Melismar questioned the first prisoner. Hopefully they'd give us something to work with.

Deanarth had become a little nervous at the prospect of Krallek's questioning, but was determined to see it through.

If this guy can handle doin' it, I can handle watchin' it.

Regardless when Melismar stopped it, a feeling of relief flooded through Deanarth.

If I plan on getting strong, I'm gonna have ta be more comfortable around this kinda of thing. Still don't mind it waitin' abit.

I look uncomfortably at the rest of the party and enter into a brooding silence for most of the rest of the day. Eventually, when the group is alone and out of earshot of Oleg ...

I see the way y'all look at me; like I is some kind o monster and I caint say I blame ya. That was a near thing there this morning and I took no joy in its doing. I gotta come clean about a few things. First off, I led me a pretty rough life compared to the comforts y'all were raised in. I seen and done some things in the process of just getting bye that I'd just as soon forget. Truth is, y'all came here to the Stolen Lands for glory, power, riches or what have you. I came here for redemption. A chance to erase my past and start over as a new man. I gots two me's inside here *thumps chest* and they is fighting with each other for control. One wants to do the right thing and the other was just raised in a hell hole and don't know no better.

Long awkward pause I direct the conversation in a different and less painful route ...

I guess what I needs to say is there are a lot of ways to kill a man and none of them are good. I can say for sure that most of em are just plain bad. Torture is one of the worst but I can tell ya looking a man in the eye while you slip a hangmans noose round his neck ain't much better. We is here to fight bandits. Thems not nice people and we gonna have to do some things we don't like much.

More pause

I will do things your way cuz I want to do the right thing but there's gonna be a lotta grey area in what we are doing. There won't be always be a clear right or wrong. Its not always a simple choice. We gonna have to do things that will make y'all uncomfortable from time to time and I gotta say this ... if something bad needs doing and I gotta do it it ain't because I enjoy it. Sometimes I just do a thing for no other reason than it needs doing ... simple as that.

Ok guys, I am out for tonight. Enjoy your evening!

I watched Krallek walk off after being stopped. While I do not agree with the method, I understand the enthusiasm. I also know he's an ally I dont want to lose. I walked over to where he was standing.

I cant agree with the continued torture of these men. I agree they deserve to die, as is fitting with their crimes. But I fear the way you go about it does little to separate us, from them. I see you're a good man, and until I learn otherwise, one I trust to guard my back. Dont let this mission make less of you. I'll be around if you wish to talk more.

I walked away, leaving him with his thoughts. It was clear he had some thinking to do. The other member of our party who seemed to be battling with the events was the young mage. Maybe a little talk might help him as well. I walked to where it seemed Deanarth was trying to watch and avoid watching at the same time.

You did fantastic there. I fear I am as inexperienced as you, but even I know what an outstanding job that was. As to the rest? It galls me, and I find my stomach churning. I hope I never get comfortable with this. Justice is one thing, this is unpleasant. I also have no experience with magic. How is your energy after the spell?

I can only do that a few times before needing to rest. And even I'm surprised how good it worked. Guess I don't know my own strength.

Deanarth purposely avoids the discussion of what was about to take place.

I waited for Melismar to continue the questioning. He appeared to have some reticence to keep the interrogation going. While not happy, I decided to put an end to this. I walked over to the bound prisoner.

"Look. I dont know how long we can keep him away from you. We need to know who is behind all of this. Tell us what you know, and I will both save you from Krallek, and vouch for you to the Swordslords."

Hahaha, fail.

I give the party members the "ok, my turn to play the bluff card" look and I pull out my knives and sharpen them up.

Sorry boys, looks like the milder faction has lost out on this debate. Now its my turn. See this brace of knives? I call them my girls. Each one has own ... talents.

Dramatic pause for the big effect

See the little barbs on the back side of this ones blade? I use that for cracking out teeth. I'm gonna start cracking out yer teeth real quick here unless one of you tells me what I want to know.

I make eye contact with each one among them in turn...

Which one o' you is gonna tell me what I needs to know? Who'se yer boss? Where's yer base? How many swords are there?

Intimidate Roll:

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Wow, thats two high intimidate rolls in a row. Seriously, they gotta think I am crazy by now. Even my own party doubts my sanity.