Leinathan's Motteditor's Kingmaker PBP (Inactive)

Game Master leinathan

She watched with some surprise at how quickly those undead fell to her new allies, making a mental note to stay on their friendly side as things progress. Sheathing her rapiers, she walked up to the corpses of the fallen, taking a moment to look them over. She eventually spoke, the medallion shaped like a piece of currency glowing, and her voice taking on a distinct accent. "In mah exper'ence, it's usually th' work o' Necromancy. Rare occasions it's raw emotion that can bring bach th' dead. These buggers though? Necromancy, fer sure."

Kn: Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Agnar raises an eyebrow at Coterie's answer, but makes no comment.

"Might be more of them. Let's be careful."

Kereek peers closely at Coterie, his brows knitted with confusion. "Am it strange that Cot-eee-ree am talking with many voice but one mouth? Am Kereek hearing right?"

Prazil pats Spike approvingly as the one-eyed giant falls heavily to the ground. "Good job, Spike!" Turning back to the others, Prazil asks, "What am these things? Why am they only for having one eye?"

Raul, you believe they're dread zombies, which though they resemble the mindless undead in fact maintain a shred of their former Intelligence. Though these ones clearly weren't smart enough to know not to cross your new companions.

The area secured, you begin to follow the path up into the mountains, the climb quickly taxing strength as you seem to go ever up and up.

Eventually, the sun sets, leaving you to find camp or continue on at night.

"We should rest. This trail is hard enough in the light." Katerina looks to Prazil and Kereek, "And not all of us are lucky enough to see in darkest corners of burrows and caves." She looks for a suitable place to lay camp but, is at a bit of a loss. "Put me in city and I can find any save corner. Out here, I just don't know." She shrugs, hopeful that one of her friends can find a safe campsite.

Ah, the perks of no ranks in Survival ;)

Prazil looks around, forgetting his helmet and scratching the top of it rather than his head. "Orin was always for being good at this part. But Prazil can be for trying." He and Spike wander around a bit, the little kobold carrying on a quiet conversation with his steed as they go. "Ooo! Spike, what am you thinking about this? No? Yeah, you am right, that am too small. What about over here? Yeah, Prazil am thinking that am for smelling funny too. Over this way maybe?"

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Katerina chuckles about the Kobold and his relationship with the great beast he rides. "Agnar, how long have you known the little dragons?"

To Prazil:

"Some type of giants, it look like. Cyclops, I think they're called? Didn't realize they lived in this area, or unlived as the case may be."

As to camping for the night:
Survival check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11. Well, that's enough for an assist to Prazil, anyway.

"We should find somewhere sheltered, a cave at best, an overhang or sheltered cliffside at worst. Failing that, we can keep to the stairs. At least that only leaves three directions for any foes to come at us--upstairs, downstairs, or out of the air."

To Katerina:

"Since before the founding of Hartsland. Our group was still exploring the Stolen Lands when we came upon the Sootscale tribe. We helped them out with a little poltical problem. Prazil and Kereek were eager to join us when we needed reinforcement. They've proven themselves many times over, which is why Jon entrusted them to help run things."

With some party changes, let me know what your watch schedule is, if any.

Kereek casts alarm around the camp, choosing an audible alarm!

Coterie was similarly unhelpful when it came to finding shelter outside the city. Having largely worked in towns and cities, she'd gotten used to finding at least a decent in to spend nights in. Still, as her new acquaintances were setting up camp, she did was she could to help.

Since they had encounter enemies on their way up, she didn't want to risk a fire. She instead set up a small ring of stones and started pulling multiple tools and items from her haversack, soon having a small table set up with her various equipment. Coterie spent a few minutes mixing various liquids and powders together in the middle of the stone circle, soon having a large black cube sitting in the middle of it all.

She took a dagger and cut it in half, stowing the other half away and starting to rub over the surface of the black square all over, no doubt looking odd to her new allies. She quickly yanked her hands away when she was done, saying to the confused group, "Blackfire Clay. You rub it long enough and it creates heat. Combine enough of it together and it generates enough heat to be a lightless, smokeless, odorless campfire. It won't last all night, but better than having nothing at all."

Craft Alchemy (DC 20): 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (9) + 27 = 36

"Clever. Thank you." At least Coterie said it without making silly voices.

1d3 ⇒ 1

The evening, though chilly in the mountains, passes without incident as you set up in the camp, Prazil and Coterie taking the first watch. All seems to be quiet, when suddenly Kereek wakes with a cry, pain wracking the kobold. 7 hp, plus need a DC 17 Fort save or suffer 5 Wisdom damage!

Spinning around, Prazil and Coterie -- and Kereek as he wakes and looks up -- see an inky cloud of smoke from which two pale arms ending in murderous claws extend. One of the claws drips with reptilian blood.

No map again (sorry). All but Kereek are up, though Agnar and Katerina are prone.

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Ha!

Kereek screams again as the pain from the wound and the pain from his head mix!

HP 40/47
Wisdom 5/10

Coterie leapt up from her sitting position, seeing the ethereal form of the creature jabbing its claws into Kereek's body. Darting forward and drawing her rapiers, she closed the gap and start jabbing with her enhanced weapons, eyes glowing with a golden fire as she commanded, "Back t' th' Eternal Abyss with ye! Ya shan't take this one's life, so long as I still walk this plane!"

Kn: Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Quick Runner's Shirt for the Move action so I can Full Attack. Quick Study as a Swift Action for an additional +3 to hit and damage.

Attacks: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Got a Riposte ready in case it tries attacks me.

Katerina snaps awake and before she really knows it, is on her feet with her sword in hand. What in the!? She slashes once, her blade moving too fast to see. "Is this what you want, ceature!?" Her normally soft voice has taken on an edge - a frightening cold tone.

Move-Stand from Prone; Standard-Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20. That should make the thing Shaken unless it is immune :)

Parry/Riposte if needed: Parry, PA: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35; Riposte, PA: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 for 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22. I am assuming no Precision based on the description (inky cloud...) but if I can do Precision damage... add 7 :)

Agnar starts awake and staggers to his feet, eyes fixing on the shadowy figure. His hand strays to his holy symbol and the uttered prayer brings forth the faintly glowing, ghostly bow of Erastil to float in the air beside him, an arrow forming as the string draws back to fire a bolt of force at the creature threatening Kereek.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Prazil spins around with a start and shouts, "Kereek! KEREEK, MOVE AWAY NOW! GET BEHIND AGNAR!" The kobold's tone is surprisingly authoritative as he dashes forward to support his clutchmate. "Hey! Smokey-monster-thing! You can be for dealing with Prazil now!"

Swift action: Challenge vs. smokey nasty face
Move action: close to melee range if possible, draw warhammer as part of move
Standard action: Strategy - allies can take one of three benefits (+2 dodge to AC, +2 attack, or move up to their speed as immediate action)

Prazil's intent is for Kereek to use the move option to get away instantly!

All allies receive a +3 circumstance bonus to hit while Prazil threatens the smokey thing in melee

Oh, does that to hit bonus affect the Swashbuckler's Parry & Riposte?

Kereek will take the five-foot step away from that thing!

It affects ALL to-hit rolls for 1 round

Katerina leaps to her feet, but the creature doesn't seem to take any notice of her as Coterie's sword slams into it, trailing dark smoke as it emerges.

Prazil leaps into the fray, Kereek listening to him for perhaps the first time and rolling away from the killer, as Agnar's magical bow hits home with deadly accuracy.

Undeterred, the extraplanar assassin continues after its target, claws slashing into Kereek once more, drawing blood from the kobold. 10 hp total; also need to make a a DC 17 Fort save or suffer 5 Wisdom damage; then a second DC 17 Fort save or suffer 1 Wisdom damage

Entire party is up

Kereek, the Move option is your full movement speed, not just a 5 foot step.

Yeah, but Kereek REALLY doesn't want to provoke an AoO from this thing. My wisdom is already in the single digits...

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21, Whew! Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

HP 30/47 and Wisdom 5

Kereek uses a Full Withdraw action to get the devil out of dodge!

Why do all the monsters want to make our pyromaniac sorcerer foolish?

Agnar strides forward toward his embattled friend, casting a spell and laying a hand upon Kereek as the bow takes two more shots at the creature.

Casting daylight as cure serious wounds: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 5, 7) + 7 = 27[/dice] hp healed on Kereek.

[ooc]Spiritual weapon attacks:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 131d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Behind me, Kereek!"

Undeterred, Katerina steps to the inky smoky thing. The Aldori sword in her hand blurring as it moves, she strikes and strikes again.

Attack, PA, Flank: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 16 + 2 = 28 for Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Attack, PA, Flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 21 for Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Two times, her blade pulls away more of the creature's substance.

If Prazil's strategy is still in effect, I will take the AC bonus ;) I think I made it mad, this time! AC is now 29.

Strategy is only good for one round, but unless I'm misreading it, each player can tap the benefit when they want during the combat. You're limited to just one of the benefits though.

Don't forget the +3 to hit Prazil's providing from his challenge!

Prazil keeps step with the smokey creature, swinging his hammer in broad arcs as he presses the attack alongside Kat. "HEY! You am staying away from Kereek!
Mwk Warhammer: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22for: 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Mwk Warhammer: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20for: 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

All allies receive a +3 circumstance bonus to hit while Prazil threatens the smokey thing in melee
That includes your spiritual weapon attack rolls, Agnar =)

Coterie unleashes another flurry of rapid jabs from her rapiers, a whirlwind of steel and fury in the face of this phantom killer.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 19 + (6) = 26
1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Confirm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Katerina and Coterie's blades slice through the creature, which evaporates in a burst of smoke almost as quickly as it arrived.

As the thing dissipates, Prazil looks at Kereek and worriedly asks, "Kereek! Am you ok?"

Katerina relaxes but does not lower her blade, Maybe that thing is going to come back? She says, "What was that, and is Kereek ok?" I didn't think dragons could run that fast...

Kereek looks around madly for a moment before he lets out a long breath and sits down hard on the ground. "Kereek am not feeling so good. Kereek mind not want to calm down and Kereek head feel all woozy." He looks down at the bleeding scratches on his chest and shakes his head.

"Woozy? Uh oh." Prazil looks worriedly to Agnar now, his eyes widening. "Can you, ah, help Kereek, Agnar?" Prazil then turns to Kat and Coterie and whispers softly. "Kereek am for getting woozy once before. It was bad-bad. Kereek am trying run off on own and burn everything. It was old tower and him was for thinking furniture might be trapped." The little kobold shakes his head ruefully. "Oh boy."

"Well, whatever happened, there's no furniture here." She puts her sword away and steps towards Kereek. She gives a cursory inspection and tries to jest, "It's not so bad - I have had worse bumps in a training ring." Still, she is worried, about what that thing was and why it seemed to be so intent on Kereek... I should stay close to him, in case it was really after him for some reason. There may be more...

SHe nods at the kobold's comment, making sure to keep an eye on Kereek just to be safe. Addressing Kat next, she speaks in her normal voice, the gold from her eyes gone now. "That was a Soul Eater. They're summoned to devour the souls of the living. And for some reason, this one wanted Kereek's soul for his own. If this becomes a regular occurence, we may have to look into getting him an Amulet of Sanguine Protection. It sanctifies the blood and damages Undead if they happen to get some of your blood on them."

Kereek perks up. "Soul Eater want Kereek soul to eat? Kereek DO have tasty soul, Kereek sure." He sits a little straighter, then stands suddenly. "Kereek head feel better. Am good to go!"

Katerina nods, "So, it was sent after us. By someone or something." She looks at Kereek, knowing that he is mighty, but fragile, too. Working on keeping the pity out of her voice she says to the kobold, "Just stay close to one of us in case the summoner wants to send more of these things after us, ok?"

"Woozy? Uh-oh." Agnar kneels next to Kereek and casts a spell, hoping to undo any damage to the kobold's mind. Casting restoration, which will heal all the Wis damage.

"That should do the trick. Let's get what rest we can until the sun is up, then prepare ourselves and move on, before who or whatever is trying to stop us tries again."

Kereek brightens. "Oh! That AM better!"

Still wound up from the fight, Coterie decides to put some of her excess energy to use. Sitting down and taking out a few choice items from her Haversack, she starts mixing together some choice items into vials. Corking them and passing one to each party member. "Antiplague. Beat disease. We fight'n Undead. Would hurt not, case Holy Man go down." This time when she spoke, the medallion with the Goblin on it glowed for a moment before fading away.

Craft Alchemy check (Taking 10): 27+10=37

"Cot-ee-ree, why you am speaking in different voice from same mouth? What am for making that happen?"

She pauses for a moment when Kereek asked her point-blank why her voice changes some times. She reaches up to play with her hair some, pulling it all to one side as she considers her words. "Why indeed... To start, if no one knows, I'm a Samsaran. People who are regularly being re-born in new bodies, retaining our memories and experiences while attaining a new body every time. In my case, I can actually talk to a few specific past lives of mine." She holds up her necklace of medallions. "To make it easier on the people I work with professionally, I had these made. Each one corresponding to a past life I can interact with. Hence my voice and inflection changing any time one personality comes forward."

Kereek listens to this with his mouth agape. "Am it only Sam-sar-ans who am having past life? Am Kereek having life before this life?"

Prazil sighs in relief as Agnar tends to Kereek, both as the red-scaled kobold's wounds knit and the glazed look in his large eyes fades. He listens to Coterie's explanation of her different voices, and nods sagely as if he clearly understands. After a few moments though, his eyes widen in surprise and looks back at the newcomer to their group, "Wait- you can be for talking to ancestors? Like, they am inside you? Can Prazil be for doing that too?"

Katerina listens, interested but not wanting to seem nosy. Strange thought to live life over and over again...

She gives a shrug to the kobolds. "Possibly. It's much more difficult for the two of you, if only because you don't have any kind of direct link to a past life that you're aware of. Samsarans, because we're consistently re-born, become very aware of that link. For anyone else, I guess they'd have to visit like a Seer or a Shaman or something, someone that can speak with spirits, if you two want to see what your past lives were."

Prazil scratches his head in bewilderment. "Past lives? You am not talking of ancestors then? Prazil am confused."

"They're the same to me, Prazil. Our past lives ARE our ancestors, because they're ourselves. It can sound confusing. But I misspoke, I meant to say 'ancestors'."

Prazil shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders, content in his ignorance and accepting that this is just one of many things beyond his understanding. "You am not kidding! This am sounding very confusing. Prazil is Prazil though, and Prazil is ok with that." He stops then and looks around, "Am we for leaving now or am we wanting to rest more? Prazil am thinking it am still for being late, but this place am spooky and dark and Prazil am not sure how long we've been here now."