Lords of Themselves: A Kingmaker Adventure Path.

Game Master Red Ramage

The gates are solid and would completely hide all of you if necessary.

I don't know, Oleg interjects, they are pretty stupid. Also, they've quickly grown accustomed to this being an easy job, so they may not be thinking tactically.

"I think coming out all at once from multiple directions would confuse and demoralize them. The colorful display our Magi have mentioned would seem to me to be a perfect signal to begin the assault. Oleg, Maja -- you two hide behind the doors. Cassius, Sera -- you two on the wall. Pretty and I in the Stable and Storage shed, respectively. Svetlana will be at the door of the main house with the chest, appearing to be ready to hand it over to the bandits. If you do not wish to fight, madam, which is the impression I am getting, you would duck into the house as soon as we begin. As soon as the spells hit them, we start shooting. If any remain standing after the magic and the arrows hit, the four of us on the ground charge. Between spear, axe, sword , and dagger, their days of banditry will end.

"That's my suggested plan. What do all of you think? Are there things that need to be changed?" She is conscious that she is not any sort of leader for this group, neither by right of birth, military rank, or consensus, so she wants to avoid couching her plan in the form of any sort of order.

Since i've said that a couple of times already. Sounds good to me

"Well, most of what I said was summarizing what people have already suggested."

"It's a good plan," agrees Maja. "Oleg, I'll take the East door, if you'll take the West door."

Very good indeed. I would like to suggest us to move that cart closer to the wall, so we can charge freely. She points to a huge cart at the entrance. I'll take one of that potions and get one or two horses ready for pursuit if we must, if you don't mind Oleg.

"If I may have one of those potions just in case it takes a bit for you all to get to me I would like to have some form of healing on me, and we might want to have the rope ready in case our spells work as planned."

Sera turns to Cassius, a concerned look on her face. "How will we conceal ourselves from their perspective as we keep watch for their approach? I don't know much about being stealthy, my brothers usually relied on me to flush prey while they hunted."

When you see their shapes in the open field at a distance, get down and wait until you hear them passing the gateway. Here, i'll show you.

Pretty gets up on the wall and starts showing Seraphina little tricks on hiding.
If i can I'll aid in her stealth check by the morning, and we all can take 20, right?

"When they are within 20 minutes of the gate could someone inform me?"

Cassius gives a sly wink, Well Oleg and I will reinforce our hiding spots with spare wood. If we cut a few small holes into the wood so that we can see their approach. As long as you lay low you should be fine Cassius does his best to assure her.

Sera do you know the spell message? Cause if you do, then you can message Kivan when they are within 20 mins

It seems we're ready for the sunrise.

I agree, it appears we are ready.

Just going to change a few of his spells "tomorrow" before bandits get there, but I'm ready.

Sweet. I'm ready.

The bandits arrive as scheduled, approaching from the south on horseback about an hour after sunrise.

Taking 20 on stealth is fine. Map is posted below. Let me know where you are positioned. I use map tools to keep everything straight, so if you can let me know where you are I'll put your avatar (or other image you prefer) on the map, too.

Map

Looking at the wooden gate, Cassius will be three squares to the left. So 2 squares north should be the corner to the stables. My stealth is 24 by taking 20. I also have my bow in my hand

Using message spell I have prepared to learn when they are within 20 minutes of the fort and casting mage armor. I am hiding in cart with rope, one potion, and readying color spray for bandits. Also, my stealth taking 20 is 24 and my AC is 18.

If the door to the storage shed and the stables are left ajar just a slit, similar to an arrow slit, they should grant Pretty and Idris Improved Cover when they are inside those buildings, therefore giving a +10 to stealth. Idris will be immediately inside the door to the shed, just below the A in A4. She will borrow the longbow from Oleg and have it ready to fire as soon as the spells go off.

Stealth taking 20: 20 + 1 + 10 = 31

Retcon -- during preparations:
"Pretty, do you want the remaining potion? If not, I'll hold it just in case, though I doubt we'll need it."

Questions:
- Will Oleg and someone else close the gate?
- Was the cart moved?

Pretty will position right behind the half-open door at the stables, as i can 5-foot-step outside, and as long as it don't spoil the hiding;
- Stealth 28 without modifiers
- No disguise, tail released and two daggers at hand, with two more stored in the belt at my back.

Thanks Idris, i got one already, keep it or handle it to someone else who has none.

"Cassius? Do you want the potion?" It would be rude to demand it, Idris thinks.

I think that Oleg and Maja are to spend a full-round action as soon as the spells go off to close the gate. This would take the full surprise round and a standard action in the first round, then they could take a move action. (Often-overlooked rule: there are standard actions called 'Begin a full-round action' and 'complete a full-round action'.)

I think the cart was moved. Since the cart is in the original image, though, I'm not sure how well the GM can reflect that.

After a fitful sleep, Maja awakes before dawn and makes her prayers to Erastil.

Spells memorized:
1st: Bless (domain), Burning Disarm, Murderous Command
0th: Guidance, Light, Mending

Maja stands by the East door, currently open (which should conceal her). Although she wasn't sure before seeing Pretty with her tail flicking confirms her worst fears. She tries to keep it to herself, although her face undoubtedly gives away her discomfort.

Yep, Maja and Oleg are closing the gate as soon as combat begins.

Considering I will be on the Wall, I think you should have the potion Idris. But thank you for the offer

When you see their shapes in the open field at a distance, get down and wait until you hear them passing the gateway. Here, i'll show you.

Sera watches the veiled woman closely, for the first time noticing something odd about her. But she does her best to note the way she carefully presses herself against the floor, seeming to meld into it like the shadow of the wall. "You're quite good at that. I'll try and remember what you've shown me tomorrow." She smiles in thanks.

Cassius gives a sly wink, Well Oleg and I will reinforce our hiding spots with spare wood. If we cut a few small holes into the wood so that we can see their approach. As long as you lay low you should be fine Cassius does his best to assure her.

Seraphina nods and takes a deep breath, as if she is trying to calm her nerves. "Something tells me sleep will not come easy, but I suppose we must try. Morning will be here all too soon." She tries to effect a brave and confident face for the sake of their patrons. But that night she has dreams about showing up late for the ambush and being caught unaware herself by unseen lurkers, hiding just out of sight.

In the morning, when she sees Pretty revealed in all her tiefling glory, she stares for a moment in open-mouthed surprise. "My, you look different this morning. You have a talent for disguise as well." She seems awestruck and openly curious as she rather brazenly looks her over. Sera seems to realize she is being rude, or at least forward, and smiles again to deflect any tension and then goes to get in position for the ambush.

GM, I've decided to go with Vanish instead of Enlarge Person. Message is not one of my spells, but Kivan is handling that. Sera needs to be as close to the door on the wall as she can get.

Stealth: 20 + 2 = 22 +(bonus from lesson?)
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

First things first, here's the map with tokens.

Combat Map

Four bandits on horseback approach the Outpost from the south, about an hour past sunrise. They dismount a few yard from the front gate, tying their horses to some posts. The first one through the door announces We're here for our stuff! Glad to see us?

The wagon has been rotated 90 degrees from where it is shown. Kivan is still in the same place, but the front of the wagon now extends south from him, leaving a charge lane open. Sera and Cassius are on the wall.

If you are ready to attack now, the surprise round is open for business.

I'm at A3 Jacob. If it's up to me I'll wait until they get closer to Svetlana (just a little bit more)

Can Sera be moved next to Oleg? I think he's in the square I expected to be in, and I can at least reach one of the bandits from that side, she won't reach any of them where she is now.

As per the plan, Cassius won't fire an arrow until Kivan and Sera use their spells, Also can i tell if the bandits are human?

Question could Kivan be one square south and to the east from where he is?

EDIT: If Kivan can move to the new area he will color spray to hit Happs, Bandit 2, and Bandit 3. If he cannot then he will color spray to hit Happs and Bandit 2.

Color Spray DC:15 (Will)

Rolls for first effect in rounds on creatures with 2HD or less: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
unconscious, blinded, and stunned duration

Roll for second effect in rounds on creatures with 2HD or less: 1d4 ⇒ 4
blinded and stunned duration.

Then stunned for one round.
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Roll for first effect in rounds for creatures with 3 or 4 HD: 1d4 ⇒ 1
blinded and stunned duration.

Then stunned for one round.
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If 5 HD then stunned for one round.

Stealing Kivan's format. ^_~
Assuming Sera can be placed on the wall so she can hit at least one of the Bandits Here's the roll if Sera can get in position to hit at least one of them.

Color Spray DC:15 (Will)

Rolls for first effect in rounds on creatures with 2HD or less: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
unconscious, blinded, and stunned duration

Roll for second effect in rounds on creatures with 2HD or less: 1d4 ⇒ 4
blinded and stunned duration.

Then stunned for one round.
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Roll for first effect in rounds for creatures with 3 or 4 HD: 1d4 ⇒ 1
blinded and stunned duration.

Then stunned for one round.
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If 5 HD then stunned for one round.

Anyone still standing?

Cassius is going to fire an arrow at Bandit 1
Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 + 3 = 11

This is assuming the bandit is human.

Pretty 5-foot steps and throws a dagger at the closest standing target
throw dagger: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 211d4 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + (4) + 1 = 7
confirm: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 31d4 ⇒ 2

Maja begins closing the door.

Idris also 5-ft steps out of the shed, nocks an arrow in a fluid motion and fires at the same target as Pretty.
Arrow attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

The thugs hardly have time to blink before Kivan and Sera blast them all with a blinding display of light and color. All four go down in heaps almost instantly.

Well, thugs don't generally have great will saves...but this is pitiful. You have 24 seconds before the first one wakes up.

Also, Pretty and Idris you are welcome to keep or revoke your attacks based on the lack of standing targets.

Sorry I haven't posted all day. One of those crazy ones.

Idris bursts out of the door, bow at the ready, just to see all the thugs collapse. She laughs and puts the bow down, grabbing a rope borrowed from the trading post, and runs to the closest thug to tie him up. Rope escape difficulty would be 23.

She beckons the others to join her in doing the same. "Ha! Well done, spellslingers!"

Skipping past the tying up part. It's a pretty routine task.

Just as you put the finishing touches on the bindings, the first bandit groggily moans Oh, god. I can't see a thing. We're in it deep, aren't we?

Oleg and Svetlana both let out heartfelt cheers, Svetlana's seeming much more natural, and run over to thank you all. Thank you, thank you, Oleg gushes, I'm in your debt forever!

Sense Motive on Oleg: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 The way you described Svetlana's cheer as being more natural than Oleg made me curious.

Oleg looks much more world-weary than Svetlana. He obviously doesn't spend much time having fun or enjoying life, and it's probably been some years sine he's let out such an unfiltered level of joy.

Just as you put the finishing touches on the bindings, the first bandit groggily moans Oh, god. I can't see a thing. We're in it deep, aren't we?

"Right in the down under mate."

Pretty gets close, playing with her daggers and swinging her tail. She stops right before the bundle of raiders and speaks:
So, there are four of you, but we need only one. The first one who tell us everything we need to know will live to see another day. Who will be the lucky one?
Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Along with Pretty's bluff, Cassius decides to show more of his gruff side. He draws an arrow and aims it point blank to a bandit.
I don't know how long i'll be able to hold this position, Theres no telling when my fingers just might decide to...slip.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

The frontman blurts out, loudly and with great haste ME! I'll talk. I'm in charge here. I'll tell you whatever you need to know. Whatever you like. I'm Happs. Don't know his name, that's Kern, that's Roy. Kressle runs the camp. It's south of here. What else do you need to know? Please don't hurt me! He cringes pitifully. It's almost sad.

Noticing Oleg's world-weary demeanor, Irdis puts a friendly hand on his shoulder and gives him a smile before turning to the captives.

"How many are you? What are your defenses? What capabilities does Kressle have?"

Kivan goes outside the gate and begins bringing in the horses. He hands the reins to Oleg.

"You probably know how to handle these better than I can."

He then takes each and every saddlebag off of them and begins pawing through the saddlebags.

"Answer them first, but after your done. Have you seen a half-orc named Xen anywhere? Also, what is the name of the third bandit. The one who wasn't named?"

These words are said at the bandits without looking away from his job.

Kivan, your trying to track someone? I'll make you a deal, if you find a clue as to where this "Xen" has gone, I will help you track him and in return one day I will ask you for a favour that is within reason and fair. That is of course if you want my help

Keep talking Big Boy, unless you want him to loose his arrow. Tell us also what's the region around here like, your bosses hideout layout, and who else does he blackmail. Common, keep it up... Pretty says this while taking 20 to search the bandits.

"Fair enough deal. You help me track this man down and you will have that favor. First I have to find the information though."

Kivan doesn't look away and takes 20 on his search through the bandit's saddlebags.

"Though if you don't mind me inquiring. What is this favor? Do you know now or will it be one you just save until needed?"

Kivan actually looks up for a moment at Seraphina.

"Before I forget thank you for the help with the bandits.... Sera was it?"

In truth, I always find it better to have favours to call on when the time arises. Sometimes it can be more useful then any amount of gold. But to answer your question, it will just be saved until needed. Who knows, maybe it will never happen. Cassius tells Kivan genuinely.

Cassius then turns to Oleg, You wouldn't happen to have a map of the region we can use would you? Maybe we can get this "Happs" to mark the location of the camp

Seraphina beams as she clasps Svetlana's and Oleg's hands, swept up in their moment of happiness (and hoping to pull their focus from her comrades getting down to business with their captives). "I'm so pleased we could help you this day. You both showed such courage. 'Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid', my father used to say. I'm so grateful to see there are people like you still in the world in these dark and tremulous times."

As Kivan addresses her, she turns to him and answers "Of course, I was happy to be of service. I suspect we may have many opportunities to work together again in the future. And yes, my name is Sera. Seraphina Medvyed in full." She extends her hand and bows her head slightly in a respectful greeting, realizing she must have failed to introduce herself properly. 'Mother would be appalled!' she thinks to herself.