Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

Darkwood five-foot tall racks and shelves filled with scented unguents, powders, and preserved animal parts occupy most of the room. A series of wall-mounted candles and several balls of lazily floating light provide soft, warm illumination. The east side of the room sports a three-and-a-half foot-tall L-shaped counter. Standing nearby is the statue of a man holding a jar. He is looking down at the floor with a perplexed expression on his face.

Something like a serpent's tail slides behind a shelf of straw dolls in the aisle opposite the statue, heading away from the front doors.

"THERE IT IS!" shouts Erevenywg jumping up and down, and pointing at the aisle.

The crowd, Javers, and Elgeen all tense-up and recoil a step.

Mung appears within the crowd selling his (in)famous meat pies. Contrary to all expectations, this seems to settle the audience somewhat. Perhaps proving that the familiar--no matter how horrible--is still comforting.

Illthir was more then happy to let Durgan take point. She herself cautiously approached the door and peered inside. "All right. Let's do this. Carefully. And be ready to slam the door if it tries to make a run for it..." While she didn't like the idea of being trapped inside with a murderous cockatrice - trying to catch it in the city at large would be such a pain.

"Oh. I was just going to close it after you." Elgeen says looking a bit embarrassed.

Zokon follows rope in hand with sap in his belt easy to get to

Illthir doesn't look completely happy with that revelation, but it was probably for the best. "Ah... Yeah let's go with that."

Is Serena present?

Yep. She's on the map.

Durgan moves up so he can see that down that aisle, and readies to use the sack to grapple the Cockatrice if it comes close enough.

Like a scene out of Jurassic Park, Durgan stalks his prey readying himself for the moment of contact with the big scaly hen when-

"COCKADOODLE-DOO!!!" the rooster races down the opposite aisle at him like a fighting cock, except this fighting cock is maybe six feet long from beak to tail tip, and weighs about fifty pounds. It come on squawking flapping its bat-like wings.

unimproved trip v Durgan (v flat-footed): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Durgan manages to keep upright despite the surprise.

Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green}
__ Illthir
__ Durgan
__ Cockatrice {red}
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia

Map updated

"Got you!"
Durgan tries to throw the sack over the giant murder-chicken. Bigger than I thought it would be.
Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
That does provokes an AOO, but Durgan's AC is 28. If the AOO hits, the damage dealt is subtracted from the Grapple check.

"BA-BUCK!!"

green peck v Durgan (AoO): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 Miss; grapple obtained. You'll have to pin it first before cinching bag shut.

Illthir swaps to her longer hammer and follows the dwarf into the store. Since he seemed to be doing quite well pacifying the first furious fowl she focused on keeping the other at bay for now!

Free to drop small hammer. Move to move and draw big hammer. Ready action to trip other chicken if it comes close!

New plan Zokon assists Durgan and will tie the rope around the sack

grapple assist: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 Not sure of rolls.. CMB?

CMB.

The cockatrice charges at Illthir only to be tripped up by her hammer and whacked about as it regains its footing.

Zokon there does not seem to be a good place to stand and help. You'd have to be able to reach the thing you are trying to grapple.

Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green} grappled
__ Illthir
__ Durgan grappled
__ Cockatrice {red} 8 nonlethal
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia

Map updated

Zokon moves to a position where he can engage next round

"They act on instinct and are not intelligent - that's hardly a life insurance - you should go see how a farm works.", Alia responds to Elgeens lecture before heading inside.

There, she stays close to Zokon, and casts a spell causing swirling clouds of ice to manifest around her off-hand.

Frostbite deals nonlethal damage and causes fatigue. Both seems good, but I suppose I'll deliver by touch, not Estoc.

Serenabot rushes up the stairs and into the shop.

The brawny cockatrice attempts to deliver a peck to the magically armored dwarf, but fails to connect.

peck v Durgan (grappled, v grappled): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Elgeen slams the doors shut.

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green} grappled
__ Illthir
__ Durgan grappled
__ Cockatrice {red} 8 nonlethal
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia

Map updated

Durgan tries to pin the cockatrice and cinch the sack shut.
Grapple, +5 to maintain: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 5 = 25

Illthir continues her glorious melee with the stoning chicken. At a safe distance of course! With an honorable strike towards its feet she tried to trip it again!

Trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Gallant Inspiration if the above is a failure for 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 extra!

Then she steps back out of stand up and 5' step range. Yep she sure liked honorable fights!

Standard to trip. Swift to buff atk roll if needed (it can be cast on failed atk rolls) with Gallant Inspiration. 5' step away

Durgan pins the thing's neck down with his knee and begins dragging the bag over it. It is now pinned and you can attempt to "tie it up" with the sack.

Illthir knocks the other cockatrice off its footing without magical accompaniment. It rises squawking. No AoO here Illthir because of cover the aisles give it. Angrily and awkwardly it takes to the air! The cockatrice flaps over Durgan, and lands on top of a nearby shelf. AoO here Illthir, because of it flying through your threatened area.

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green} pinned
__ Illthir (AoO v red available)
__ Durgan grappled
__ Cockatrice {red} 8 nonlethal
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia

Map updated

When there's room to swing Illthir lines up the side of her hammer with the main body of the cockatrice. And smack!! The skald dared to smile a little - she had to admit that this felt pretty cathartic.

To hit! (-4 for nonlethal): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22

Damage?: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The cockatrice gives an angry squawk as the Illthir's hammer connects with a sharp Pop!

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green} pinned
__ Illthir
__ Durgan grappled
__ Cockatrice {red} -12 hp, 8 nonlethal
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia

Map updated

The 12 damage should also be nonlethal, I just decided to inform you by mentioning it in the to-hit box instead to keep you on your toes. Or something :D

Very nice sound effect as well!

"Help me with this one! I've almost got it!"
Can either Zokon, Alia, or Serena do an Aid Another on my AC to boost my CMD against Green's expected attempt to escape the pin? Normally, untyped bonuses to AC also apply to CMD.

Zokon moves down the aisle to Durgan and helps him get the creature tied up

Aid another AC Durgan: 1d20 ⇒ 17 I'm not sure what bonuses to the dice roll apply for an AC aid

Serena assists Durgan as best she can.

Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Serena assists Durgan as best she can.

Serena would have to be in a position to threaten Durgan's foe in order to aid. Did you want to move there?

Alia moves into an intercept-position against the second cockatrice, ready to touch it if it approaches.
Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Nonlethal Cold(+Fatigue): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Help me with this one! I've almost got it!"

Can either Zokon, Alia, or Serena do an Aid Another on my AC to boost my CMD against Green's expected attempt to escape the pin? Normally, untyped bonuses to AC also apply to CMD.

Shield of Faith helps too. So Durgan gains a +4 on his CMD.

Zokon moves down the aisle to Durgan and helps him get the creature tied up

I'm not sure what bonuses to the dice roll apply for an AC aid

Aid another rules.

Serena Mistcastle wrote:

Serena assists Durgan as best she can.

Serena would have to be in a position to threaten Durgan's foe in order to aid. Did you want to move there?

I'm going with 'yes'. If you are having troubles with the map let me know.

green escape artist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

The burly, pinned cockatrice shakes, and bucks, and slips free of Durgan! It cries: "COCKADOODLE-DOO!!!" in triumph, before it turns and flutters up onto the front counter knocking over a couple of small display racks. It angrily struts about beside the startled looking statue.

I don't think any one has the feats or weapons available to get and AoO off. Lemme know if you do.

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green}
__ Illthir
__ Durgan
__ Cockatrice {red} 20 nonlethal
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia

Map updated

Durgan sighs and casts Bull's Strength on himself.

On a trip until next Sunday. Handling the map on phone is a bit of a pita but I'll try to do that in the evening. So won't be updated for this post

"Cockadoodle-my-ass these birds are a pain. " Illthir grunted as the one Durgan were struggling with somehow slipped out of his grasp. She levelled her weapon in the direction of the birds, trying to cover both at once, and approached cautiously. Made sure to stay more then 10' away though (wouldn't want a 5' step and bite!). "Just batter then around and hope for the best?"

Move a bit closer and ready attack vs approach. Will take non-lethal swing and use gallant inspiration (+2d4) on the first failed try!

The cockatrice upon the shelves nearest Alia rushes across the top, squawking, and crowing, and knocking scented candles to the floor in the course of its charge at the elven magus head.

Remaining calm in the face of an angry death chicken, Alia reaches out and touches the beastly bird-thing delivering her magically chill touch to the foul fowl. Stunned the cockatrice still lands a blow on the woman.

Red peck v Alia (higher ground, CHARGE!): 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 23 damage: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 = 1 nonlethal point of damage.

Alia, Fort save DC 12 or take 1d4 ⇒ 4 points of Dexterity damage.

Move a bit closer and ready attack vs approach. Will take non-lethal swing and use gallant inspiration (+2d4) on the first failed try!

readied attack v red: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 = 7 + gallant inspiration: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 nonlethal damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 miss

The long hammer comes crashing down upon the shelf. **CRACK!!**

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green}
__ Illthir
__ Durgan
__ Cockatrice {red} 26 nonlethal, fatigued
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia 1 nonlethal (Fort save DC 12)

Map updated

"You got to be kidding," Serena growls to herself. Tiring of the chase, she draws her scimitar and attempts to land a blow on the green one, not to kill, but with the flat of the blade. Sadly, Serena's luck with dice holds and she manages only to take a chunk of wood out of the shelves upon which the thing is standing.

Serena vs. Green: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 4 = 5 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 non-lethal

The swing brings Serena's pauldron into contact with the statue beside the counter. It wobbles a bit making a noise one would expect from stone on hardwood.

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green}
__ Illthir
__ Durgan
__ Cockatrice {red} 26 nonlethal, fatigued
__ Zokon
__ Serena
__ Alia 1 nonlethal (Fort save DC 12)

Map updated

Zokon moves around some shelving and attempts to throw the lasso over the death chicken

Lasso throw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Assuming that's a hit the birdie is not entangled by the lasso

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Alia feels her limbs stiffen for a moment, but manages to shake it off. Less calm than she would wish, she attempts to deliver another charge of her cold magic at the Cockatrice.
Melee Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Nonlethal Cold: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

IS entangled... IS

The death hen crumples atop the shelves upon Alia's chill touch.

The brawnier death rooster does not look happy about the lasso. It hisses like an agitated goose. Then spins knocking the statue into the shelves of perfumed soaps across from the counter, and leaps at Zokon! "B-BWAULK!"

green peck v Zokon (entangled): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Zokon, Fort save DC 14 or take 1d4 ⇒ 4 points of Dexterity damage.

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green}
__ Illthir
__ Durgan
__ Zokon -4 hp (Fort save DC 14)
__ Serena
__ Alia 1 nonlethal

Map updated

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Zokon takes out his sap and attempts to whack it over the head of green

Sap: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Sap: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Durgan moves and grapples again!
30' move, using Agile Feet if needed for difficult terrain.
Grapple, Bull's Strength: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"Aa-hah that dent was there already right?" the skald laughs nervously as she bends her hammer lose. Good thing she hadn't hit anything volatile. Yet. She swallowed hard but moved to cut off the last bids escape routes. Should it escape the grappling dwarf again. But hopefully not! "I'll watch the south flank. Don't let the dumb thing escape again!"

Move to move. Standard to ready non-lethal attack vs approach. Will use Gallant inspiration (+2d4) to try and turn the first failed grapple unto a success!

Durgan puts the poisonous poultry in a headlock even as Zokon fans it with his sap.

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green}
__ Illthir
__ Durgan
__ Zokon -4 hp (Fort save DC 14)
__ Serena
__ Alia 1 nonlethal

Map updated

Aliabot and Serenabot help steady the tottering statue in the aisle.

The cockatrice frantically struggles in vain to break free of Durgan's grip. "BA-BUCK!!"

Green escape artist: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Round 4! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Other Cockatrice {green} grappled
__ Illthir
__ Durgan grappled
__ Zokon -4 hp
__ Serena
__ Alia 1 nonlethal

Map updated

"Got you now!"
Grapple, Bull's Strength, maintain: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 5 = 27

Durgan pins the cockatrice and prepares to stuff it in the burlap sack.

He has a vast breadth of skills and experiences, but this is a new one for him.

"Stuff it quickly!" Illthir helpfully suggests and watches the shelves carefully, if the bird makes a break for it!

Exactly the same as last time!

Zokon attempts to aid Durgan by ither grabbing the sack and attempting the stuffing or just by aiding

grapple aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23