Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

No, she'd use a flute which she actually has :P

The first thing in the ability's description was percussion, though I suppose you could always beat box it like Bobby McFerrin.

But yeah that might be a silly idea if we are worried that we are too close to Mr Hydra or the bandit fort.

But given that we are on a humongous boat anyone within line of sight probably should have noticed :P

True. You'd probably have to keep the horses quiet and under wraps somehow, but otherwise with one of those 20s you could probably stick close enough to the shore to avoid a casual inspection--especially since your ride is a bit rough-looking.

From a quarter mile away Scarlet and Zokon hear the horses scream.

The rest of the party is setting up camp and tending to the horses when the hydra slithered up out of the lake. Already on edge the horses go nuts as the serpent approaches.

Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Posh
__ Illthir
__ 6-headed hydra!
__ Durgan
__ Alia
__ Serena

Map updated.

Zokon yells out "Scarlet something is happening at the camp.. alarm." and he sprints back for his horse and starts rising back when he can

"Huh? What?" Scarlet turns around.

"Hydra!" Illthir calls out as if someone could possibly not notice the giant lumbering beast (well now that it was on dry land at least!). She reached for her hammer and slipped into a war-song out of pure fear.

Actions: Inspire Rage

Poshbot says something about how he had mentioned that they needed to get all their heads in the game if they were going to break into the Stag Lords fort but now he is regretting the suggestion. He sings a quick song of blindness!

hydra fort save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Unhampered the hydra charges the halfling.

bite v Posh (charge, pounce): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
bite v Posh (charge, pounce): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
bite v Posh (charge, pounce): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
bite v Posh (charge, pounce): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
bite v Posh (charge, pounce): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
bite v Posh (charge, pounce): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The snapping snake heads strike Posh three times.

Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Posh -15 hp
__ Illthir
__ 6-headed hydra!
__ Durgan
__ Alia
__ Serena

Map updated.

"Hmpf, I guess we missed the action, huh?" Scarlet turns back and follows Zokon.

Serena draws her blade and dashes towards the melee, banging her scimitar against her shield, hoping to draw attention away from Posh.

Durgan casts Shield and moves up drawing his axe (using Agile Feet if necessary for difficult terrain).

"Another Hydra?", Alia is surprised by the appearance of the creature, followed by"Posh, get back", as she draws her Estoc while chanting and stepping closer to the 6-headed menace, ready to defend herself with a blade that seems to freeze the very air around itself.
Draw Blade, cast Frostbite, swift to enhance Blade(Frost), 5-foot-step

Round 1-and-a-bit! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ 6-headed hydra!
__ Durgan
__ Alia
__ Serena
__ Posh -15 hp
__ Illthir

Map updated.

Zokon reaches his horse and is about to mount up when he hears someone in emerging from the trees. A bullseye lantern's light sweeps over the two party members.

"Where did you get that horse!" says one of the two figures that come into view.

"Are you with the mercenaries?" asks the second man.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Are these two people hostile? Nervous?

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Any obvious affiliation to the Stag Lord? This plan went upside down in the blink of an eye.

"I stole the horse off a traveller and yes.... wait sorry who are you. I may have to kill you I'm not supposed to say who I work for to just anyone?" he says quickly and then as if to make a point on his last statement he puts a hand on an arrow..

Are these two people hostile? Nervous?

Any obvious affiliation to the Stag Lord? This plan went upside down in the blink of an eye.

There really isn't a standard uniform aside from the pendants that look like silver driftwood shaped in the rough three-dimensional outline of a stag's heads that are worn by his lieutenants.

"I stole the horse off a traveller and yes.... wait sorry who are you. I may have to kill you I'm not supposed to say who I work for to just anyone?" he says quickly and then as if to make a point on his last statement he puts a hand on an arrow..

"Oh, so you're just from one of the camps then." says one disappointing.

"Yeah, we were hoping you were with the outfit coming from Mivon." says the other.

"Oi? Which outfit from Mivon?" Scarlet roars.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Answer quick! We're busy here!"

"How should we know? We just got here last week." stammered the first man.

"So who are you anyhow?" asks the second suspiciously.

Illthir steps forward and swings her lucerne hammer at the beast!

To Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 2d4 ⇒ (5) + 8 + (3, 3) = 19

Damage?: 1d12 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

5-foot step. Standard to attack, intermediate to give +2d4 to attack roll with Gallant Inspiration

"Who am I?" Scarlet puffs her chest. "Who am I?"

"I'm Bloody the Red! You never heard of me before? I'm the meanest mercenary there is!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The two men look stunned for a moment. Then the second man cracks a smile. He begins to laugh. Other man nervously joins him.

"It's like she's the Stag Lord's wife."

"Well, that would certainly explain a lot, wouldn't it?"

"Aye! The Nag Lord! Hah!"

Poshbot goes totally defensive and slow backs away from the hydra.

Illthir's blow cuts deep about a third of wound closes before her very eyes.

The hydra looks at the horses defenders and dimly realizes that it out numbers them. It presses its attack! Its many heads striking like cobras. Posh collapses under the assault.

bite v Alia: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 miss
bite v Alia: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 hit

bite v Posh: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 hit
bite v Posh: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 hit

bite v Illthir: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 miss
bite v Illthir: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 miss

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ 6-headed hydra!
__ Durgan
__ Alia -5 hp
__ Serena
__ Posh -33 hp, dying
__ Illthir

Map updated.

Durgan casts Stabilize on Posh and takes a 5' step towards the hydra.

Alia steps up to the Hydra and starts attacking it's Torso, being aware that heads regrow and multiply.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Weapon damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10 + Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 + Nonlethal Cold+Fatigue from Frostbite: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Aye, I know about the head, but no idea about Fire being the tool of choice rather than Ice.

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ 6-headed hydra! -25 hp, 9 nonleth
__ Durgan
__ Alia -5 hp
__ Serena
__ Posh -33 hp
__ Illthir

Map updated.

@Alia - psst. There's no harm in accepting Illthir's song if you are just going to stab the beast. Join the angry side : )

Illthir swings at the hydra again with her hammer. Boink boink! Then she steps in close and lets the soaring spirits of war ravage the monster as well.

To Hit!: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Blunt Damage?: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Spirit Totem: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Negative Energy Damage?: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Illthir attacks as a standard action. 5-foot step and the Spirit Totem attacks.

"I have to go help my crew out if you want to get some favour with another crew come along and help, or we can tell your boss in camp how you chickened out when we get there." he mounts up and rides

Serena moves up to flank the creature with Alia and strikes with her scimitar!

Serena vs. Hydra: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Scarlet throws her hands up. "I don't have time to waste on small fry." She turns and follows Zokon.

Scarlet and Zokon leave the pair in the dust.

"I have to go help my crew out if you want to get some favour with another crew come along and help, or we can tell your boss in camp how you chickened out when we get there." he mounts up and rides

"'Our boss?' Wait. So you are mercenaries!?"

With attackers on all sides the hydra slithers back a pace allowing its rapid healing sure itself up, while launching a rapid, hissing counterattack.

bite v Alia: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 hit
bite v Alia: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 hit

bite v Illthir: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 miss
bite v Illthir: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 miss

bite v Serena: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 hit
bite v Serena: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 miss

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ 6-headed hydra! -19 hp, 3 nonleth
__ Durgan
__ Alia -24 hp
__ Serena -4 hp
__ Posh -33 hp
__ Illthir

Map updated.

Durgan moves up and strikes at the hydra, landing a solid blow.
I think that's just one AOO, but if it gets all six heads, then it gets all six heads.
MW Cold Iron Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Serena continues to press the attack.

Serena vs. Hydra: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Alia presses the attack - feeling her strenght leave her, she gives in to the Rage emanating from Illthir.

Stab!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22 Ouch!: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 = 12 Freeze: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Slightly cool: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Just out of curiosity, did the Hydra remember that it's fatigued? Or is it immune? That -1 damage may or may not be relevant...
Spirits: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Negative Energy!: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Anyway, +4 temporary HP from Rage, -1 AC from Rage

I think that's just one AOO, but if it gets all six heads, then it gets all six heads.

The old 3.5 rules regarding creatures with multiple heads is gone so the Pathfinder hydra only gets 2 AoOs per round (Dex 12, +1 additional for Combat Reflexes) however Durgan is only provoking once.

bite v Durgan (fatigued): 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 1 = 26 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Of course maybe that's all it takes--THREAT!
confirm?: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 = 18 additional damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 hit, no crit

Illthir and Serena worry the hydras flanks with the help of the skald's ghastly war dirge, when Durgan, battling though a swarm of sinewy snake heads reaches the hydra with his axe. While the creature is distracted Alia sweeps in for another telling blow.

The hydra has seemingly seen enough. It slithers (withdraws) back into the lake. This provokes and AoO from Serena and will probably end combat unless you want to chase after it somehow.

Rejiggered the damage below to reflect the hydra's fatigued condition.

Round 4! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ 6-headed hydra! -52 hp, 2 nonleth, fatigued
__ Durgan
__ Alia -22 hp
__ Serena
__ Posh -33 hp
__ Illthir

Map updated.

Alia gets a parting shot too!

Zokon rides back and looks relieved at the efficiency of his companions.. .

"Can I assume that was the hydra we were trying to lure? and well done in fighting it off."

He stays on his horse

"We run into a couple of bandits, who may join us soon, they seem to be of one of the bands and they were awaiting a party from Mivon, and Scarlet has introduced herself to them as bloody the Red. We may want to play along as our Hydra plan has gone sideways."

"No you don't!", Alia screams at the Hydra, still full of Rage, fueled both by Illthirs song and the unconscious Gnome behind her, stabbing forward in Anger as it attempts to retreat into the lake.

Parting Stab: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24 Damage: 2d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 + 1 = 12 Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Nonlethal Cold+Fatigue: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Once the hydra is slain (as in actually dead, CdG if it is negative), Durgan will focus his efforts on healing Alia and Posh. He calls upon the power of Abadar.

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9
Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Wand of CLW on Posh: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Wand of CLW on Posh: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Wand at 44

Just waiting on Serena.

Serena also throws a swipe towards the lake monster as it retreats (if for no other reason than to prevent it from biting us in the rear).

Serena vs. Hydra: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Reach weapon for AoO?

Seeing as it looks like I missed a turn yesterday I'll take a swing anyhow : )

Illthir feels that she agrees with Alia on this. No snacking and leaving!

Swing!: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Hit?: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Reach weapon for AoO?

It's a new rule at only applies to half-elves with a Snowcaster background.

Everyone connects!

The party brings the beast down before it can get away. It's last head slumps to the earth and it's tail rattles spasmodically.

END COMBAT!

So now what? The creature is obviously not dead dead yet as it's wounds continue healing. It's just mostly dead. Durgan suggests rendering a coup de grace upon (no rolls needed, just a little bit of time, and maybe someone to assist) or did you still want to use it somehow (that is as more than a giant gruesome puppet, or worrisome set of jerky strips that you have to keep chewing on regularly). Either way the local conservation authorities are probably going to be pissed.

Durgan can move to channel to catch just Posh and Alia, while the hydra is out of the area of effect. Illthir and/or Serena can keep it unconscious until we decide what to do.

Handle Animal! Where's the ranger? A hydra pet would be a really good argument whenever we run into those pesky nobles again!

"Pew!" Illthir halts her song with a relieved sigh. As her mind clears and the battle fades away, she realizes that some of her friends looks pretty chewed up. "Posh; Alia! Are you okay *uh* okay-ish?"

Panting, Alia stabs at the creature once more before answering Illthir:"Just a flesh wound..."
Turning around, she looks at Posh:"Is he...will he survive?"

I second the call for the Ranger! Pet Hydra! It's not evil - just neutral hungry! And we can upgrade it with 6 more heads!
I am the Ranger! Handle Hydra!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

So what are you attempting to train it to do (besides lay there unconscious)? I would suggest starting with the Down trick (even before Heel, because you don't want a wild Hangry Hangry Hydra™ just following you around all day). Remember the difficulty to the Handle Animal check is +2 for being wounded (I am going to assume you keep it that way) and +5 for being a magical beast.

Well that was certainly exciting. Now what? ;)

Improv exercise: I need a scenic location, a dubious individual, and a plan of attack. GO! Bare-top hill-fort overlooking a lake, a vicious bandit chieftain, and a full-frontal assault!

"Maybe sneak in and attack, likely that the outlying camps won't be alerted in time to help the forts occupants. Other than that pose as bandits and gain entry to the camps and then sneak or deceive our way in..?" he looks around expectantly

Can we temporarily downgrade it into a one-headed Hydra(aka Nessie) - until it is better trained and able to go potty on command, at which point we can slowly increase number of heads to 12?
That said, down seems desirable, yes. Or improve it's disposition to neutral or something.
Handle Hydra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20