Lords of Themselves: A Kingmaker Adventure Path.

Game Master Red Ramage

Slapping hands? That sounds like it would hurt. Why would people do that!?!

"Oh okay high five sounds..... fun."

Kivan quickly thinks of anything to say and remembers Maja's statement.

"Yes well you can't expect too much out of them. I would be surprised if even one of them had even heard of a wizard before.

The kobolds came from the direction they were running towards - the southeast.

Pretty pass through the desolate Cassius, giving him the high 5 he wanted. "Nice shot Cassius."

"Forgive me ruining your fun people, but we have a tight schedule here. Southwest is our goal, we can deal with the kobolds once the bandits no longer threaten Oleg and the watch post."

I agree with Pretty. We should keep our focus on the bandits

"It all happens so fast. I suppose we may be dealing with their kind a lot. That's a handy spell, Kivan. I don't know that one. So how are we planning to approach the camp? They will be expecting only four riders."

Well, if we are to approach from the north both West and East watch towers will be able to see us. Bill, how far is the camp from the river? Is there a way to get close to one of the watch towers without being seen?

"I believe now it's time to answer my question Bill..."

Indeed. Well, the river runs between the two towers, one on the east and one on the west. The eastern tower is right next to the camp proper, maybe a hundred feet from the river, and the western one is off on its own, about half as far from the river. The west watch tower is vulnerable, since it is far from the camp, but it is set up to watch the road. If one of you were to sneak around through the woods, you could probably kill the guard without the rest knowing. But, if you want my honest opinion, you should just march in. From a distance, they'll think you're the crew coming back. By the time you're close enough to tell the difference, you can just charge in.

Maja listens and looks for signs of deception from Bill. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21.

Sense motive doesn't turn anything up. Seems straight.

Hmmm, that really sounds like my kind of job. We'll be approaching at dusk, so the forest and the darkness will grant me a great cover. Tell you what, what about I move faster now, hustling a bit, directly west. I can get into the woods and kill the western guards as you approach, then I'll join you from behind the camp. We'll be five horses, with five people, only one extra than the ones who left. Otherwise there will be 6 horses. Maybe someone else wants to ride with me for the stealth?"

Is the river going to be a problem?

I don't think Bill planned on joining the assault? He wants to bugger off once he's shown us the way? Or maybe I misunderstood.

Bill says The river is 10 feet across and only a few feet deep at the most where we're camped. there are a few places where we've piled up rocks to make a way for a wagon to cross as well.

"So, it seems i can circle around when night falls. What do you think?"

"I'm going to say that my spell slinging has most likely ended for today. I only have one offensive spell left and 'that' one only works in shadows."

"So now you know why I asked you not to go after those kobolds, don't you? Still, will be dark in a few hours."

Maja looks toward Bill. "Bill, do you bandits have some sort of signal to let the others know that you're a friendly force?"

I think it's imperative we take care of the guard on the west watch tower. If they get a whiff of trouble while we charge in, they could run off and warn the buffalo man. I think Pretty should take out the guard in the west tower, while the rest of us position ourselves to take the east. If there are too many guards in the west tower, then one of us can accompany Pretty

Bill, how many guards are posted in the west tower?

the buffalo man refers to the Stag Lord. Cassius knows the proper name, but chooses to mock it

The bandits will answer to "By Gregory's Green Gonads, Hello!" There will be one per tower, at most. I've never seen any more than that posted.

Buffalo Man? Who's that? Probably better off not knowing. Heh, Gregory... funniest joke I've heard for a long time.

I'm assuming I correctly understood the camp as follows: The camp is on the east side of the river, close to it (50ft maybe). The eastern tower is 100 feet far from the river, maybe 50 feet from the camp. The western tower is about 50 feet from the river, so that's 100 feet from the camp. But it is beside the road, so if he sees us he could just run away to warn the stag boss.

"How tall are the towers Bill? Are they all human?"

"Well, the west tower is far from the camp, so they will probably have a hard time seeing each other. If they are human they will have to keep light sources, which makes them an easy target for me. I will make haste when we are about 2 miles from the camp, going west, cross the river with my horse, far from the camp, approach the tower from the woods, kill the man and leave the body in a disguised position, as if it were resting. Then I'll blend with the shadows and move closer to the camp as you approach north."

"Even if I fail it would still be good for us, cause I'll draw attention to the west while you approach." She strokes the horse's neck. "I can run pretty well and my horse seems fast enough, I doubt they will be able to catch me. Anyone against it?"

Unless someone is against it that's what Pretty is going to do.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Idris wonders whether Bill might be giving them a fake passphrase, maybe one for people who get captured. She tries to detect any hint of deception in his voice.

BTW, If on Normal Light or Dim light when she gets to the tower, Pretty will use darkness to help her kill the guard, on one of her daggers.

Maja chuckles. "Gregory's Green Gonads - how'd you all come up with that one?" She simply nods her agreement as Pretty and Cassius discuss attacking the West Tower. They probably knew best.

Maja's concerns are more toward Bill. Maja is starting to like this fellow, which seems to be a problem since he's a bandit. "What do you plan on doing if we let you go? There's a man I know who runs a militia of sorts in Rostland. It's not a bad place for a fighter to make an honest living."

The boys at camp are all human. All of the Stag Lord's men are, for that matter - at least as far as I know. The towers, hmmm, probably 15 feet. I'm not sure. Can't quite picture it. They have ladders to get up, though.

To Maja, Well, miss, that's very kind, but I'm actually not a fighter at all. I'm a blacksmith. But that's neither here nor there. I appreciate the offer, and I suppose a militia could use a blacksmith, but I don't really know what I want to do with myself. I guess that's how I ended up here. It was the path of least resistance. I don't really have any plans or dreams anymore.

Pretty is satisfied and will keep to the posted move. I'll wait until you plan the arrival and everything else. Please tell me when rolls are needed Jacob.

"You don't have a purpose? Maybe, we can help with that."

I'm not sure I see how. You cannot change what has been done. But I have no need for sympathies just as you have no need for my life story. Shall we? Bill indicates towards the path ahead.

Pretty lowers her head at Bill's words.
Everyone should have someone to listen to their life story. A little bit of attention is the minimum a person deserves. Pretty lifts her head, figuring a way to lessen the burden Bill has been carrying.
"Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. We have no need to hear your story, but maybe you want to tell it to us? Feel free if you want to, I'll listen."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Of course we don't need to hear his story, I just want to lift his spirit a little bit, giving some hope maybe, or making him friendly.You may ignore me if that was way off.

A blacksmith? We could probably use a blacksmith, Idris thinks.

Bill, what if you worked for Oleg to atone for your crimes?

That way if we ever need him he's at Olegs anyway. Also sorry for not posting, university just started back up and ive been racing to get everything organized

"Oleg might not want him around, even if he's remorseful, but if we're going to pacify this region it won't be by executing everyone. Hopefully we can get people to leave the lifestyle of banditry before we have to force them at the point of a sword."

We can convince Oleg to keep him around. If Bill is a blacksmith, he may even be able to repair Oleg's catapults. All we have to do is show Bill is worth more alive then dead

Honestly, says Bill, with little gumption or vigor, I'll do what you tell me. Like I said, I've not much will to do anything, although I'd rather live a bit longer. Like most mortals, I fear death, but I fear life as well. If you care to know, I quit my job to care for my wife who was with child and gravely ill. She passed, and I was left with no family, no job, no money, and no purpose. I came out to the wilderness to live alone with my thoughts until I died, which wouldn't be long since I had no idea how to survive out here. The Stag Lord's men found me, and I joined up instead of being killed for sport. I found a small sliver of purpose, so I stayed. Suddenly, 5 years pass, my life is spared by strangers, and I'm being asked about my life. This is the first time I've had to talk about my life, and the first time I've wished I had a reason to go on with it. You know, my name's not even Bill. I just told that to the boys so I could forget myself. My real name is Litfin. Not that it matters. I answer to Bill just the same.

I'll work for Oleg, or for you, or whatever you like. I'll go to the block or the noose. Either way, from here on out, for your mercy, I owe you the rest of my life - however long that may be - and for your kindness I owe my soul. Do with them what you will. I know they are worth little.

Sense motive cause the safe one dies of age: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
"Well, that was worth hearing. Cheer up Bill, I guess life has a purpose for you.

I guess that works out.

His soul? Wonder if he actually means that.... Could get my book back after all. No, he must have been doing what some call pulling my arm.

"We thank you Litfin for this story."
With these words Kivan begins examining the postion of the sun.

About what time is it now?

Seraphina had been quiet, but she listened to the man's story. As he spoke of his wife, she nodded absently, as if he'd confirmed some suspicion with his words. "Do you mean to say the Stag Lord presses men into serving him by threat of death? There would be no loyalty in a bond like that. Do you think others that serve him would turn from him as you have? As Idris says, we need options beyond execution to bring peace to these lands. Maybe his armies would be more easily persuaded to give up their life of banditry if the hope of an honest life still exists for them?"

Sera gives the man a tight smile, "I'm sorry for your loss, Litfin."

Will we get a more detailed map as we approach the camp? Also, does the hex containing Oleg's place count as our territory now, or do we still need to explore it further?

"Indeed, Litfin, it is a terrible thing to lose one's spouse," says Maja with sincerity. I've been there myself, she thinks, but leaves the thought unsaid. "But wherever she may have passed to, your wife would want you to keep living, and not lose yourself. Will you permit me to offer a blessing, in Erastil's name?" Maja gently reaches out a hand, if Litfin wants to take it.

Indeed, although most of these men are as evil as the Stag Lord, I am sure that several would readily accept a second chance. I know for fact that some I've spoken with are much the same as me - having lost their first life, they did not know what to do with a second, and simply allowed themselves to be swept up into something they never expected.

I would be honored if you were to offer a blessing.

We'll be arriving at camp shortly. Oleg's hex may be counted as explored.

Maja takes Litfin's hand into her own. "Oh Erastil, grant Litfin your favor this day. He sacrificed all to care for his family, as every man should. Just as you guide your arrows straight and true, guide Litfin to his rightful place as a friend to the people." Maja lightly touches Litfin's forehead. Cast guidance on Litfin.

Maja smiles. "We'll find a good place for you, Litfin. I'll make sure it happens."

Looking forwrd to some action!

"Pretty, you said you would scout ahead and try to take out the guards on the towers, when it gets more towards evening, is that right?"

"I will not scout, I plan to hurry to the west, crossing the river away from the camp and approach the west tower which is vulnerable. If everything goes right I'll take care of the guard there and meet you at the when you arrive. If not I'll be a diversion and charging in will be easier for you. Maybe they even send one or two men after me." She smiles. "But why do you ask Idris?"

"Just wanting to make sure I was clear on the plan -- this talk about Bill -- Litfin rather -- got me distracted. So we need to wait until dusk?"

What time is it now?

I'm just waiting for the action to start ^_^ Pretty has talked too much already

Dusk is most appropriate I think, Litfin can wait for us here while we take care of the camp

Alright, seems like it's time to get started.

Encounter Map

Pretty, you're off to the left, give me a stealth roll. You can take 10, or not. The rest of you are to the north. On the round that you choose to engage, you will enter on the top row as your action. If I could get any preparatory spells and such from the rest of you, plus a stealth roll (or take 10) from everyone, that would be appreciated. Basically, if the lowest stealth roll beats the lookout's perception (DC 10), entering the field will be free, to simulate the surprise round. If you don't beat it, then entering the field will be a full round action. This rule will be applied to the main force as one unit, not individual players.

You reach the bandit's camp just as the sun first touches the horizon, although it's hard to tell, since you've been traveling through light woods for a couple of hours. You get all set up well out of range of the bandit's camp, waiting for the opportunity to strike. Pretty has been waiting for a while, and now it's time for action.

I thought the concept was we'd ride in on horseback and hope they're fooled enough for us to get very close for an attack. Is that possible?

Otherwise, I'm guessing Maja has the crappiest stealth roll of the bunch. Assuming she's able to cast Guidance while still a bit far away, she can take 10 on stealth and get an 11. Can we say she casts Bless while 2 rounds away from entering the battle?

As they draw near, Sera covers herself fully with her hooded travelling cloak and casts Prestidigitation on the garment to make it appear like rough burlap cloth and leans low against her horse arranging it so she looks like the pack horse carrying Oleg's "offering" to the bandits rather than a fifth rider.

Can we make that disguise check instead of Stealth? She will follow behind Cassius or even be led by him, and look for an opportunity to Color Spray the biggest bunch she can. She can cast that 3 more times today.
Disguise self as sacks of booty?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Ok, got it. I didn't realize the trickery was decided on. In that case, switch the stealth for bluff or disguise, your choice. If your lowest beats DC 9, then you can get into the battlefield before they recognize you, giving you a surprise round. If not, you will have to take a full round to enter the battlefield. However, if Pretty gets noticed, the trickery auto-fails.

Can you imagine how my virtual camp's image had no similarity to the actual camp at all?!
It's a planned move, so I'll take 10 on stealth for 18 total, to avoid spoiling it. Emotions are for kids. Plus the darkness may grant me some benefit, working for 1 minute, at GM discretion.