Megan's Kingmaker PbP

Game Master Megan Robertson

perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Hey I might finally see something beside Durok below me. Actually I am pretty sure Durok could hide from me anyways.

500+posts

If it matters Durok's perception w/scent 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

As the party rides on towards Oleg's, Calinder continues to look about the grasslands that they are traveling through.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Lothar rode with the others in silence, hanging out between Gorguk and Calinder. He was lost deeply in his thoughts on the most recent events in his life, so much so that he was not paying any attention to his surroundings, save to make whatever corrections he needed to keep his mule with the others.

we are in trouble...whenever Gorguk has the highest wisdom based skill check it is going to go badly for us I'm afraid. In hind sight, I should not have made my wis an 8. Oh well, too late now.

Ahhh, the dice can be fickle at times. Looks as if this is one of those times when fate is not in our favor. But we can still persevere if we are strong and the dice are with us at a later time (like on our attack rolls). Get ready to jump though, for there may be a surprise in store.

And Gorguk even beat the wisdom based character in the party (not by much though), oh my.

"Mayhap if we put our heads together we can figure out tha way tah Oleg's..."

Rhasa looks over her shoulder with a mixture of surprise and irritation. "There's no question about how to arrive at Oleg's. We're taking the most direct route to it that doesn't involve dodging trees."

Seems Lothar forgot to make a Perception check

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

goes along with his mood

Apologies for neglecting you, the job-hunting went crazy this week just past: 3 interviews (all whole-day) in 3 days, and I only found out about the 3rd one when I got home at 6pm from the 2nd! (And then had to write a 15-minute presentation...)

Gorguk and Calinder both notice some activity in the trees the better part of half a mile away to your left.... looks like two or three smallish figures rooting around at something on the ground.

Pointing out the smallish figures to the rest of the group Well, do we stop now to explore what these creatures are up to or do we continue on? I am all for determining who/what they are and what they are doing here. The more we can know about this area the safer it we be for us to travel through. It maybe that these creatures are intelligent and can tell us more information on the bandits or the area.

I thought it might be something like that, and I was rooting for you just in case!

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 plus whatever Gorguk's aid would provide

"They may be intelligent. They may be hostile. And they may outnumber us greatly. A great bull can be brought down by the stinging of a million insects. Give me a moment to determine their nature and we can decide with that knowledge."

Rhasa swings down out of the saddle, handing the reins for Sunset to Dyfrig. "She won't want to follow you. Just wait here."

Stealth to approach the small figures 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 I assume you will roll additional checks as necessary for her to get close enough to determine what the figures are, what they might be doing, and how many of them are present.

Rhasa keeps low in the grass, sneaking toward the creatures. She has no intention of engaging them, but she has her bow ready and an arrow in hand in case they have other ideas.

With a silent prayer to Erastil for guidnce for Rhasa, Gorguk hopes that another member does not fall to the deathly reputation that the Stolen Lands presents. Good luck and with all haste return if anything is amiss.

When Rhasa departs, Gorguk will take off his shield and get his longbow ready in case we need to rescue Rhasa. This way there will at least be some ranged support if she comes riding back full tilt with enemies on her tail.

Durok, hold still now and be ready to ride like the wind toward Rhasa. Hopefully your training was enough and we both make it through this safely.

perception
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

"Hey what is going on ahead, we should move closer tah back them up."

As Rhasadilara sneaks closer, and the rest stare their eyeballs out of their heads, you see that the two small figures are reptilian, with toothy snouts and long tails. One sits down against a tree, whilst the other appears to be eating something. It then lies down.

Close enough to see the creatures, Rhasa will settle down into the grass, holding up a hand behind her to indicate to the others to not approach ... yet.

She will try to identify the creatures. I'm not sure which Knowledge is appropriate or if I have it, so I will roll for what I have:

Knowledge (Dungeoneer) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19: [+1 RGR ranks, +2 Ability, +3 Class]
Knowledge (Geography) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18: [+1 RGR ranks, +2 Ability, +3 Class, +1 Trait]
Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 +1 for forest-related checks

She speaks Goblin and Orc, but I suspect those are not appropriate here.

Your extensive knowledge of the natural world tells you that they are kobolds.

Rhasa will retreat to the others' position to report.

"Kobolds. At least two of them, obviously expecting no trouble. They appear to be lounging in the grass." Looking at Gorguk, "I know you wish to speak to them, but kobolds are generally not friendly."

Seeing Rhasa ride back normally, Gorguk will stow his bow and ready his shield again. Once back on Durok, he waits patiently for the ranger to come closer.

Upon hearing Rhasa's dscription, Generally not friendly does not mean that these are likewise minded. If we continue on in general stereotypical fashion, then every creature that we meet is due to be slaughtered and destroyed if hostile or already our allies. How are we to influence and shape those that are against us if we kill them all first? If we would have followed that path, then Walter, Dyfrig, and Finlee would not have joined us and would be dead by now. I understand your trepidation about these 'kobolds', but if, like you say, there are only 2 of them then what would it hurt to inquire of them who they are and what they are doing? That being said, can anyone actually talk to them? What language do they speak?
If we all ride up, then the show of force will disuade them from doing anything drastic.

Seeing Rhasa ride back normally, Gorguk will stow his bow and ready his shield again. Once back on Durok, he waits patiently for the ranger to come closer.

Upon hearing Rhasa's dscription, Generally not friendly does not mean that these are likewise minded. If we continue on in general stereotypical fashion, then every creature that we meet is due to be slaughtered and destroyed if hostile or already our allies. How are we to influence and shape those that are against us if we kill them all first? If we would have followed that path, then Walter, Dyfrig, and Finlee would not have joined us and would be dead by now. I understand your trepidation about these 'kobolds', but if, like you say, there are only 2 of them then what would it hurt to inquire of them who they are and what they are doing? That being said, can anyone actually talk to them? What language do they speak?
If we all ride up, then the show of force will disuade them from doing anything drastic.

Rhasa was walking - she left Sunset with Dyfrig - see above.

Rhasa mounts Sunset and levels a look at Gorguk. "I have no fear of a pair of kobolds. You indicated you would want to speak to them and I told you what I expected their reaction to be. Know this, then - they fancy themselves descendants of dragons and often speak that tongue. They are also generally covetous and hateful of gnomish folk. I have no problem with approaching them in the open if you wish it."

She turns to start riding, then turns back to Gorguk, "Just because you wish to be optimistic about your reception does not mean it will turn out that way. Do we wish to just ride in assuming the best, or shall we prepare for the possibility of something less ideal?"

Barnabus hangs back a bit and waits to see how things come out..

If you want to take precautions by all means go right ahead. If you want to sneak up and hide so we don't reveal all of our numbers that is fine as well. For myself, I will not show any hostility towards them, but nneither will I leave my self unprotected. I will keep my shield ready but that is it. If it comes to hostilities, my sword is here and Durok will aid me as well. Erastil will guide me as it is his will that we even chanced upon noticing them.

If no one wants to take precautions or attempt to hide closer to the kobolds, then I will ride towards them with no weapon drawn. perception to notice any others as I get near 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 Again, i don't even see Durok under me. I am taking this whole encounter as divine intervention from Erastil since it is only Cal and myself who noticed them. Heck, any time I notice something it takes divine intervention.

When we (hoping others come along) are closer, Gorguk will call out in common since that is the only language he speaks, You there, who might you be and what is your purpose in this region. I am Gorguk Tsadok, and I am here to end the threat that the Staglord and his bandits pose to the people in the Shieldlands. If you are not with the Staglord or his people, then I ask leave to speak to you in peace. Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"Good luck in your discussions. You won't need any aid against such as them, but watch for tricks. They are rarely as defenseless or as few as they may seem. I will wait here unless I see sign from you that there is trouble."

Rhasa will remain on Sunset and lead those that are not approaching the kobolds a few yards down the trail hoping to find a position where she can still see Gorguk and the kobolds. Once she finds a spot that suits her, she will dismount again, ground-hitching Sunset, and suggest that the others -- unless they are more comfortable in the saddle, of course, do the same. She'll stand on the far side of her horse watching the proceedings, bow in hand.

Lothar, noting that his mule had stopped moving, looked up just in time to see Rhasadilara and Gorguk discussing their current situation. At the mention of kobolds, his interest was piqued. Though he had never encountered any personally, the magician had heard many a tale concerning the creatures. From what he knew of them, great care had to be taken when dealing with kobolds. Individually, they weren't much, but when gathered in numbers, they were a force to be reckoned with. Add in the fact that all of the stories he heard indicated that they were schemers with no concept of trust or loyalty and that they never ever seemed to fight with any sense of fairplay meant that two kobolds lounging about in the wild were up to no good.

This humble one will accompany you, Gorguk. Kobolds are not known to operate by any standards of honor that we may adhere to. To allow you to go forth alone to meet them would be most unwise, something this humble one would not mark you for.

So said, Lothar guided his mount so as to be just behind the paladin and to the right as he left.

Lothar will also make a Perception check to see if others are indeed lurking about. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

"Gorguk and Lothar, I will accompany you as well, and we'll see what these Kobolds are up to."

Calinder doesn't ready any of his weapons as Gorguk, but they are easily accessible.

As you get closer, you see that there is an arrow-shaped clearing at the edge of the forest in which a lot of ground-hugging vegetation is growing. The ground has been dug up at several places and a few baskets are scattered around, containing the remains of large, pale globular root vegetables. Three moaning kobolds are lying on their backs in the center of the vegetable patch, and one lies half-propped against a tree.

As you get closer, you see that there is an arrow-shaped clearing at the edge of the forest in which a lot of ground-hugging vegetation is growing. The ground has been dug up at several places and a few baskets are scattered around, containing the remains of large, pale globular root vegetables. Three moaning kobolds are lying on their backs in the center of the vegetable patch, and one lies half-propped against a tree.

Any response when I called out to them or is the only response moaning? If there is no other response, It appears that they are gathering food. Cal, do you think that they have been poisoned by whatever is growing in this clearing? If so, is it safe to enter? Gorguk will dismount either way.

"Yes, that is a possibility. Else they have eaten so much they have incapacitated themselves."

"Rhasadilara or perhaps someone else in the party that has spent a great deal of time in the outdoors may know more about the vegetation in this area and if it could cause this effect."

Calinder will dismount and cautiously approach the kobold leaning against the tree. If the kobold make no move to attack him he will perform a heal check and try to determine the kobolds condition. I'll make the check once I know that the kobolds won't attack.

Calinder dismounts and move carefully towards the kobold leaning against the tree.

"Yes, that is a possibility. Else they have eaten so much they have incapacitated themselves."

If that is the case, then I must try some of what they are eating myself. First, I will wait and see what type of greeting we get from them. Somehow I can't imagine that they are as viscious as Rhasa has described if they are willing to gorge themselves on vegetables like this. For the heck of it, detect evil even though I doubt they will register at all. More like spoiled kids than an evil menace I am sure.

As you get closer, you see that there is an arrow-shaped clearing at the edge of the forest in which a lot of ground-hugging vegetation is growing. The ground has been dug up at several places and a few baskets are scattered around, containing the remains of large, pale globular root vegetables. Three moaning kobolds are lying on their backs in the center of the vegetable patch, and one lies half-propped against a tree.

The situation seemed rather surreal to the Vudrani as the three men approached the area where the kobolds lay. He listened to the conversation held by Gorguk and Calinder while surveying the scene. Not long after the paladin had done so, he too dismounted but rather than checking on the creatures, Lothar made his way over to the baskets and the upturned earth. Kneeling down, Lothar reached over and picked up one of the root vegetables, sniffed at it, and then finally took a nibble.

Lothar is tasting the root to see if he can identify what it is. Will he need to make a roll to do so and if so, what?

(turns to one of the former bandits...)

"Do I see tha my friends see these beasts appearing sick from eatin from tha field an they themselves feel compelled to taste the same roots?"

(turns to one of the former bandits...)

"Do I see tha my friends see these beasts appearing sick from eatin from tha field an they themselves feel compelled to taste the same roots?"

The former bandits remained on the trail. From that distance, I seriously doubt you see anything. Just sayin'.

It looks like the kobolds have either overeaten or otherwise become ill. The only response you get are moans. One at least is clutching his belly.

Lothar, the roots have a slightly tart, peppery taste and are very refreshing.

Your Knowledge (local) is possibly appropriate, but you might be better off asking if anyone has any Knowledge (nature)... or cookery!

"My guess is that these kobolds have overstuffed themselves with something that does not agree with their insides, but I'll check them out as it seem that they are in no condition to fight back."

Still a bit wary of the kobold he has approached, Calinder reaches out to examine the one leaning against the tree.

Heal check to determine source of their illness: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Trying not to laugh at the self-inflicted misery these poor little blighters are in, Gorguk will wait patiently until Lothar and Cal give their report as to what may be done for them.

Calinder, it appears to be a case of severe indigestion caused by over-indulgence. Your patient stirs as you examine him, and moans something that you cannot understand.

"Anyone speak these kobolds language, this one is trying to tell me something, but I can't understand what it is saying.

To himself Calinder mutters, "If only I had prepared my spells for the day differently, I could understand this kobold, but I still couldn't speak with it."

Calinder makes a mental note to himself that it may be a good idea to prepare a means to understand other languages while they are out exploring. Perhaps given some time he could craft some scrolls with the particular spell he is thinking of.

Unfortunately i have not been blessed with the gift of different tongues. If he/she/it can not understand our converstaion now, then there is no way that i can verbally communicate to him. Nonverbal communication could work, but I will let others smarter than myself figure out how that works. If you want I will go rie and get the others in case they may shed some light on the situation or be able to speak with the kobolds. Gorguk will ride back to Dyfrig and Finlee and lead them towards the clearing.

Seeing Gorguk return to the trail calmly, Rhasa guesses he's coming to gather the rest of the party, so she will stow her bow and mount up.

When he gets close enough to speak to without shouting, "So what is their story? They obviously did not go crazy and attack you..."

Rhasa is familiar with what language they speak, but she does not speak it herself.

Gorguk will fill Rhasa in on what the turn of events has been so far. While on the way back with the ex-bandits, Do you have any ideas how to communicate with them? I mean is it even possible that they have a language that someone could learn given time and resources?
I don't know enough about them to know what direction to go from here. Do you think it would be possible they have a translation book that Oleg could send for in a week and talk to them using that? They do not seem to be evil just piggish. We could touch base with Oleg and Svetlana, scout the surrounding area and explore it till the book comes in and try to find and communicate with them after that? After some thought, If that doesn't work, we could wait till tomorrow and have Cal prepare a spell to cast so he could at least understand them?

Gorguk will fill Rhasa in on what the turn of events has been so far. While on the way back with the ex-bandits, Do you have any ideas how to communicate with them? I mean is it even possible that they have a language that someone could learn given time and resources?

"They claim to be descended from dragons. That's the tongue that most kobolds speak -- that of the true dragons. I've heard tell that sages and mages learn it to study the ancient knowledge of the great wyrms."

I don't know enough about them to know what direction to go from here. Do you think it would be possible they have a translation book that Oleg could send for in a week and talk to them using that? They do not seem to be evil just piggish. We could touch base with Oleg and Svetlana, scout the surrounding area and explore it till the book comes in and try to find and communicate with them after that? After some thought, If that doesn't work, we could wait till tomorrow and have Cal prepare a spell to cast so he could at least understand them?

"Kobolds have a reputation for being selfish - not necessarily evil, I suppose, but generally greedy and combative. If they are not evil, perhaps they get in trouble trying to take what is not theirs from someone more powerful. You know, it's possible that one of them speaks Taldane and your concerns about translation are unnecessary."

When he reaches the clearing, Dyfrig's eyes light up.

"Moon radishes... they're delicious. And a massive patch, too. Worth remembering where it is. Can we take some root stock, maybe establish a garden once you have decided on a base of operations?"

The poorly kobold glares at him and says something, sounding rather cross.

Well they seem to understand Dyfrig well enough about the moon radishes. Maybe they are just so incapacitated that they are unable to speak.Heal check to remove indigestion 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3 So much for being able to help, maybe Cal you can try again

Dyfrig, I would not want to take these radishes unless we obtain permission from the kobolds. It seems that they have found this area first and have claimed it. Maybe we can work out a deal with them once we can communicate with them.

assuming everyone ventured to the patch to see the radishes and sick kobolds

"Surely we can buy some radishes for eating right away and enough for root stock for Oleg's as well."

takes out silver peices and trades them one for one for radishes with the kobolds

I have 10 silver and an empty sack..

"Gorguk, I'm happy to do what ever I can if we feel that it will aid in the task we have been given."

With that said Calinder make another check to see if he can help the kobold leaning against the tree.

Heal check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8. Looks like Calinder just can't figure out what to do for these poor kobolds.

"Sorry Gorguk, I just can't find a remedy for what ails these kobolds. Perhaps we could load them up in the wagon and take them with us, I could tend to them as we travel."

"Dyfrig, since you are familiar with these moon radishes, is there something about them that would cause their condition?"

wow what heal checks: a 1,4,4. Must not be meant to heal them mundanely.

Cal if you wish to try your divine energy that is a possible recourse. You know more your abilities granted from Erastil better than anyone here. I do hope it will help them.

"Calindar save your magic...you forgot about my healing hex I will use it on one and wait to see if he is friendly afore I heal tha other."

Moves to use healing hex upon one of the kobolds....

Lothar rose from where he knelt and faced the male witch. This humble one doesn't think that you should provide any healing for these creatures. If they truly believe themselves descended from dragons as Rhasadliara suggests, then we must view this as they would. Dragons fiercely protect that which they value or hoard and judging from the reaction of the one from Dyfrig's suggestion, we can infer two things: the most obvious is that though we can't understand them, they can understand us. The other thing is that it does not want us messing with these radishes. So, in this humble one's opinion, we should just leave them be. Indigestion never killed anyone, and the moon radishes are not poisonous so no real harm has been done. Lothar looked at the others gathered around him. That is what this one would advise. As always, if you decide to do otherwise, then that is your choice. As for myself, the choice couldn't be any clearer.

And with those words, the Vudrani took hold of his mule's reins and made his way from the others moving back to where Rhasa and the others had been waiting.

Rhasa stands near the others where she'd stopped when Gorguk led them over to the radish patch. Eyebrow raised, she watches Lothar lead his mule back to the trail. With a smile and a shrug of her slim shoulders, she says, "I will wait with Lothar."

With that, she leads Sunset (and the cart) back to the trail where the Vudrani patiently waits with his mule.

Lothar:

Dyfrig picks up a moon radish and sniffs at it.

"While you can use them raw in a salad, it's best done sparingly. If you wish to dine on them, they are far better cooked - roasted or boiled and mashed with cream and black pepper. I reckon the kobolds have merely overindulged in raw radishes, to their discomfort."

Meanwhile, one of the supine kobolds has roused a bit at the sight of Barnabus's coins, eagerly grabbing at them and letting him take some radishes in return.

Seeing that the trade between barnabus and the kobold was successful and that the little buggers weren't in too bad a shape, Gorguk is ready to let them be and return when they are possibly doing better. Well, shall we return to Oleg's then if nothing can be done for them. Mayhap we can return on our way to the mites and see if they fair better and are able to communicate with them then.