Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

Zokon moves to the doorway and takes a defensive stance

Full defence, not sure of the mechanics of it

Zokon moves to the doorway and takes a defensive stance

Full defence, not sure of the mechanics of it

Total defense. Alternatively Zokon could Ready an attack and choose to Fight Defensively as a Standard Action (You can choose to fight defensively when attacking. If you do so, you take a –4 penalty on all attacks in a round to gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC until the start of your next turn.)

Back at camp.

Oh that's a turn for the better. That's nice. "Yes. Yesterday we met a bunch trying to relieve a shepherd of his sheep. And... A few weeks ago we ran into a bunch of them together with troll friends - but that was quite a while away." The skald hadn't thought about those two together, but it certainly didn't sound like a good thing. "You've heard or seen anything about them? Or, for that matter; trolls?"

"Yes. The winter wolves of Iobaria came across the mountains in force this last winter, and shifted the native worgs down further into the valleys. They and their troll friends have passed back into the lands of Ice and Bone."

"Hmm. I wonder what's driving the winter wolves in turn? Perhaps just the opportunity .." Illthir speculates out loud. But now that the hermit/badger friend wasn't so unfriendly she felt that she might as well attempt another question. "You didn't happen to see a little girl recently? She's been traveling with us a while, since we saw the trolls ... She's missing and we fear that seeing the Worgs have rattled her. The rest of our party is out looking."

With Alia entering the fray and Erevenywg leaving, Balzeros flanks the Worg. "Come at me, you monster!"

He punctuates his words with a crack over the rump with his staff.
________
Whack (Flank) vs Grey: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 = 241d8 ⇒ 3
Spiritual Weapon vs Grey: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 111d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Zokon will be fighting defensivaly then..with a readied action thankee

Touch: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18 Nonlethal Cold+Fatigue: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Alia, on the ground and all but defenseless from the Beast, at least finds it easier to deliver her touch spell as her hand is mauled. Aware that any movement on her part, including trying to stand up or getting away, would likely expose her to another attack, she remains still and defensive.

Zokon will be fighting defensivaly then..with a readied action thankee

Not to be that GM, but what is Zokon's official condition to trigger his readied action (i.e. attack the first worg to get with in striking distance with Zokon's [insert weapon here], go for the red one, or something else). Then just go ahead and roll it out--technically it goes first when the condition is met.

Erevenywg clutches at Zokon's arm for protection, and he notices a slight glow envelope the air him.

Zokon gains a +3 deflection bonus to AC. He can resist the effect with a Will save if he likes.

With Alia entering the fray and Erevenywg leaving, Balzeros flanks the Worg. "Come at me, you monster!"

The worg fights through Balzeros's attack and growls "Wait your turn, Two-Leg. First the elf!"

Alia's hand reaches out and touches the worg's flank. It recoils from the sudden cold.

"Elf cur! Your magic may inconvenience me, but I am not the most dangerous wolf here."

There comes a rustling from the pile of fur and bones behind Alia.

Zokon will attack the first one to come into range

+1 Rapier-defensive: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 4 = 25 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The forest.

The pile of bones and fur explodes into the room as another wolf barges into the ruin tower through a hole in the wall concealed by the ancient carcass.

Zokon slashes out at the worgs race toward the doorway. He catches one but the worgs snap at him and Erevenywg.

grey bite v Alia (Favored enemy, v prone): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 hit

red bite v Zokon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 trip?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 miss

grey bite v Erevenywg: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 trip?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 miss

Meanwhile, inside the new wolf rises to it's back feet and leans over Alia, saliva dribbling from its maw. The wolf is wearing the torn remains of Ilvah's dress. There's a pause and then it strikes.

yellow bite v Alia (flank, sneak attack, v prone): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (3, 2) = 11 hit

Round 6 (New Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Zokon
__ Alia -37 hp, dying
__ Erevenywg -24 hp
__ Balzeros
__ Worgs Grey -23 hp, 7 nonlethal, fatigued; Red -8 hp
__ Werewaif

Map updated

"The elf is dead." says the grey worg looking over at Balzeros "Now it is your turn."

Back at camp.

"Hmm. I wonder what's driving the winter wolves in turn? Perhaps just the opportunity .."

"I have my suspicions." Medwyn says to himself looking back up toward the mountains.

Illthir speculates out loud. But now that the hermit/badger friend wasn't so unfriendly she felt that she might as well attempt another question. "You didn't happen to see a little girl recently? She's been traveling with us a while, since we saw the trolls ... She's missing and we fear that seeing the Worgs have rattled her. The rest of our party is out looking."

"I haven't seen the girl. I am only passing through on my way south. This is no place for stray small ones though, especially when there are evil, intelligent wolves about. Many children go missing in these parts every season--never to be seen again."

Zokon previous attack was a threat i missed it

Zokon stoicly stays in the fight unable to do anything to help other than try and win

+1 Rapier-defensive threat roll: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 4 = 14 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Zokon uses studied target on red and strikes

+1 Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

OH SNAPPLES! WHAT A REVEAL! :O

Balzeros visibly shakes as the bipedal wolf strikes Alia down. "How many block the way? We need to run, now!" he shouts while trying to ward off the first Worg. "If we put some space between us and them, I can slow them down, but we should be outside first!"
________
Whack vs Grey: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 131d8 ⇒ 2
Spiritual Weapon vs Grey: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 161d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
GM, can Balzeros try a Heal check to know that Alia is dying and not dead? He has an Obscuring Mist, but that doesn't do us much good if there's nowhere to run. He also has Entangle and Thorny Entangle, but, again, outside with an escape route is where we need to be. GM, are the walls in here climbable with Monkey Fish?

Erevenywg gasps at the sight of Alia's crumpled form.

"It is just as it was written. The wolf in sheep's skin."

GM, can Balzeros try a Heal check to know that Alia is dying and not dead? He has an Obscuring Mist, but that doesn't do us much good if there's nowhere to run. He also has Entangle and Thorny Entangle, but, again, outside with an escape route is where we need to be. GM, are the walls in here climbable with Monkey Fish?

Balzeros can tell she's not dead (YET!) by a perception check DC22--to see Alia is breathing. No roll needed, just take 10 for 34.

Aye? Well I don't know too much about the girl. Didn't talk much.. That said, as was said the others have gone out looking for her. Worgs are dangerous, but I believe our comrades are competent enough to handle a few..

I hope... Really should have set up a way to communicate... wonder if there is a spell or an item for that...

At this point, Ditzy has started to pester the poor badger. In a friendly manner. Running here and there, hoping onto its back. She quickly darts away when the badger responds before darting back in when safety is assumed.

"Yeah ... It would be a lot better for everyone if she hadn't wandered off but ... Children." The skald shrugs. Hopefully they got her back whole and they could have a talk about running away into worg-infested woods. Brr. Let's talk about something mildly less disturbing. "Would you share your suspicions? Over a warm meal perhaps. We don't have anything but rations but Durgan can make even those taste good."

The forest.

Erevenywg seems uncertain of what to do in the face of this sudden horrific turn of events. Delayed!

The big grey worg lunges at Balzeros even as his club swing goes astray. Still the spectral stave continues battering at the worg's back.
grey bite v Balzeros: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 trip?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 miss

Zokon brings down one worg, but the other just steps over its fallen packmate to attack.
red bite v Zokon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 trip?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 miss

The wolf waif springs across the stone chamber to get into a better flanking position.
yellow bite v Zokon: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 miss

Alia Con check (DC 10): 1d20 + 1 - 7 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 7 = 3

Round 7 (New Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Zokon
__ Alia -38 hp, dying
__ Erevenywg -24 hp
__ Balzeros
__ Worgs Grey -32 hp, 7 nonlethal, fatigued; Red down
__ Werewaif

Map updated

Back at camp.

At this point, Ditzy has started to pester the poor badger. In a friendly manner. Running here and there, hoping onto its back. She quickly darts away when the badger responds before darting back in when safety is assumed.

There is a sudden noise for scurrying feet from beneath Zokon's tent. Then the tent falls over.

Zokon uses studied target on Red and attacks red

+1 Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Ilvah, your treachery will not go unrewarded."

Zokon uses studied target on Red and attacks red

Red's down. Z dropped him past 0 hp with the crit and follow up attack. Blue, Grey, and Yellow remain.

{Continues fretting even as the aura of potent healing magic glows forth from her fingertips.}

"But if I do...."

"Ilvah, your treachery will not go unrewarded."

"And you could have been such a good daddy and mommy too." barks the wolf girl in half-mocking disappointment. "Your pretty-sounding 'Avalon', new lands to hunt without hunters, new prey to play with in woods. Perhaps the others at camp will take me in. They'll feel sorry for me being orphaned again tonight. Serena for sure, Illthir maybe."

"Zokon, listen to me, we need an escape plan quickly!" Balzeros pleads, desperately swinging at the Worg. "There are too many of them!"
________
Whack vs Grey: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 251d8 ⇒ 7
Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d8 ⇒ 7
Spiritual Weapon vs Grey: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 251d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
GM, how far away are we? Empathic Link has a range of 1 mile and Ramita is back at camp! What sort of action would it take to emote an emergency to her, assuming we're in range? I suppose Balzeros would make the attempt regardless of range, to be fair!

GM, how far away are we? Empathic Link has a range of 1 mile and Ramita is back at camp! What sort of action would it take to emote an emergency to her, assuming we're in range? I suppose Balzeros would make the attempt regardless of range, to be fair!

The away team is still just in range. The terrain is rough and forested so you couldn't have gotten too far. As far as what that means for Ramita, it means she feels Balzeros' fear and concern over the party's predicament.

Let us know what Ramita does, and what sort of check it is on our part to pick up that something is wrong. Sense Motive, probably, which Durgan is pretty good at.

Likely any real distress would gain the attention of our Druid? visitor.

Grey then

"We cannot escape wolves, they are too fast, we fight here and now."

Ramita zips around the camp in circles, occasionally landing on someone and flapping her wings in their face. Her antennae practically vibrate with agitation.
________
I don't think she has any sense of direction for the link, but she could try aiding a survival check to follow our tracks?

"What is wrong with this creature?" Serena asks, an edge of annoyance in her voice as Ramita agitatedly flaps her wings in Serena's face.

Having been bitten, Alia felt herself topple forward on the floor.
Blood was gushing out of a wound in spurts. Someone was seriously hurt.
It took her a moment to realize it was her blood.
Why is there no pain?
Unable to lift her head, she saw Zokon holding the line against some other Worg.
I must help him...
Alia tries to reach for her blade, but her hand does not obey.
Suddenly, she recalls a field of flowers she played in when she was a mere child. The grass and flowers were high enough for her to hide in, and someone - her father? - was trying to catch her...and pretended not to see the grass moving, only turning when Alia's giggling gave her away.
Why am I remembering this now?

DC 10: 1d20 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 8 = 8

Back at camp.

Let us know what Ramita does, and what sort of check it is on our part to pick up that something is wrong. Sense Motive, probably, which Durgan is pretty good at.

Durgan can certainly tell Ramita is agitated. Medwyn seems capable of understanding animals, but Ramita is a plant (a "leaf on the wind"). He doesn't seem to be paying much attention and I'm not sure if Ramita would go out of the way to attract his attention--being he's a stranger and all. Ramita has no idea where Balzeros is (aside from being within a mile radius), but can make skill checks, and aid others like any other character.

The forest.

Grey then

Not possible without some (possibly hazardous) movement on Zokon's part, or using a ranged attack. Someone almost certainly takes some damage, but who? As for who was where last turn, I have only moved Ilvah this turn as indicated on the map.

As Alia's life flashes before her eyes and Erevenywg still seems torn over what to do, the battle rages on.

Balzeros continues bludgeoning the big grey worg, and it continues trying to bite him in return, but before it does Ilvah steps into the space behind him. Her jaws lock on to his knee and she drags him down. Looking up he sees the disheveled worg before him. It chuckles, and then lunges mouth agape, but the woodsman rolls out of the way.

yellow bite v Balzeros (flanking, sneak attack): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (6, 2) = 12 trip?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 hit

grey bite v Balzeros (flanking, prone): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 miss

The worg at the door tries to overbear Zokon, but Zokon again fends the worg off.
blue bite v Zokon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 trip?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 miss

Round 8 (New Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Zokon
__ Alia -39 hp, dying
__ Erevenywg -24 hp
__ Balzeros -12 hp, prone
__ Worgs Grey -41 hp, 7 nonlethal, fatigued; Red down
__ Werewaif

Map updated

Durgan looks at the strange plant creature.
"Something is wrong with Ramita. Trouble has befallen Balzeros, I think."

He looks to Noah Medwyn.
If we leave the horses, this druidic zealot will no doubt try to 'liberate' them. Or, the worgs might come and kill them.
There really is no good solution here and I am pretty sure we lose the horses no matter what we do. We will need to count on Illthir's Song of Marching and/or a bunch of Mount spells from Fergus to have any chance of getting to Restov in time.

"Medwyn, we need to go find our friends. If you wish to stay here and talk to the horses, you can. If you decide to take them, then I do realize that there is nothing I can do to stop you, since I won't be here and I can't bring these horses into the trouble that I fear I am walking towards. But I will remember your actions if I ever see you again."

Durgan casts Longstrider, and sets out to find the other half of the group. This makes Durgan's movement 40', so tracking at 20', which is Serena's speed anyway.

Survival to follow tracks: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"Illthir, I can cast Fly on you if you want to take to the air to see what you can see."
Fergus can cast Fly on himself, and Serena's going to be away for a week.

we could say Serena stays back to tend the camp?

Fergus runs his fingers over two small pearls adorning his beard, their luster fades slightly and he gives a nod. using one of his pearl of powers (both level 1) to regain shield spell

I've plenty of spells left. I'll take to the air, though I do fear if they are in danger we may not arrive until it is too late. Unless our druid friend here can point us in a direction. Ah!

He pulls out a small gemstone and with a single word it shatters and the magic held within flows around Durgan. using a scroll of expeditious retreat to give Durgan a +30 base move increase. 1 min duration. He will wait to actually cast it until Durgan goes to leave the camp.

With that, you should be much faster for a small time. Hopefully it will help

@Fergus - yes, having Serena tending the camp makes sense.
Expeditious Retreat is Personal, so Fergus cannot cast it on Durgan.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 1 - 9 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 9 = 5
Guess I'll need to level up soon to buy more bleeding time -_-

As the memory of the flower field drifted away to the back of her mind, Alia finds herself standing on a training field - at an age that would be 11 or 12 for human standards. Others stand around in a large circle, watching, with masks covering their faces. A bit to the side, her instructor, and in front, a snarling beast straight from Treerazers horde.
The instructor takes a step back and claps his hand, and the creature launches itself forward. Alia rolls away in time, and turns to face the demon again. With a Barrage of blows, it drives her back, but she manages to parry and dodge the blows. Letting go of her weapon with one hand, she evades another charge and fires a ray of cold that misses its mark.
The monster turned towards her again, pawed the ground, then lowered it's head trying to Gore the young Elf with a charge. Instead of trying to dodge, Alia moves forward herself, jumping over the beast and stabbing downward as they pass each other. In pain, the demon scratches blindly at her, leaving deep cuts in her shoulder and causing her to fall rather inelegantly. She struggles to her Feet, ignoring the pain and blood, and facing her enemy again - but the crumpled form shivers slightly and then vanishes.
Her Instructor steps up behind her, placing a hand on her uninjured shoulder, causing her to whirl around - and getting disarmed almost instantly. "Always on edge, Alia. You did well today. Your first victory in this test. Just remember that the real things are significantly more deadly than illusions." With that, he shifted his hand to the other shoulder, where the girl was still bleeding, slightly squeezing it, sending another wave of pain through the willowy girl. "Class, welcome our new student in advanced combat training." And with that, his grim face turned to a smile, and the other students in the circle are suddenly filled with life, taking off their masks and coming forward, chatting and welcoming their youngest member to the exclusive course.

Zokon uses studied target on blue and strikes at the worg hoping to take down the minions

+1 Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Not like this! Not like THIS! Fear fills Balzeros' eyes as he wildly flails his staff at the Worg. "BACK! GET AWAY FROM ME!" he shouts, his voice cracking with desperation.
________
Whack (Prone) vs Grey: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 4 = 81d8 ⇒ 1
Spiritual Weapon vs Grey: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 251d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
I believe I've got one more round of Spiritual Weapon left!

"Not good ..." Illthir grimaces and quickly gathers her wargear. Before they leave she makes a request of the druid. "Could you stay a while and help keep the horses safe while we are gone? Please?"

And, after hopefully securing something that vaguely sounds like a promise, she'll reply to Durgan's offer. "Would I like to fly? YES!" If only it had been under better circumstances ... Perhaps she could bother the cleric about another flight at a later date?

The forest.

Ignoring everything--the wolves at his back, the conflicted magical fey woman at his side, the widening pool of blood around his motionless betrothed Zokon's field of consciousness narrows on the worg at the door. He drives his sword deep into its back. The ferocious and maddened beast though does not fall! I'm gonna go with "blue" as the answer to whom Zokon attacked last round. It snaps madly at his face, but Erevenywg's magic protects him.

blue bite v Zokon (flanking): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 trip?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 miss

As Alia's life flashes before her eyes and Erevenywg still seems torn over what to do, the battle rages on. Balzeros rolls aside.

The big grey lunges at Balzeros again even as the spectral stave continues to bash it. From his position on the floor, the woodsman can see deep into the worgs fang-rimmed mouth.

grey bite v Balzeros (flanking, prone): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 miss

Ilvah spins, snarls and finally gains Zokon's attention by locking her jaws painfully onto his upper arm. Her hateful wolf eyes stare deep into his.

yellow bite v Balzeros (flanking, sneak attack): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4, 6) = 16 trip?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 hit

Round 9 (New Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Zokon -16 hp
__ Alia -40 hp, Really still dying
__ Erevenywg -24 hp, looks about ready to delay again
__ Balzeros -12 hp, prone
__ Worgs Grey -46 hp, 7 nonlethal, fatigued; Blue -23 hp, Red down
__ Werewaif

Map updated

"I never knew it was going to end like this, Zoh-Khan." says Erevenywg to no one in particular while coming to grips with her and the party's apparent destiny. "Well, that is not really true, but I had hoped to not actually be present for it."

Looks ready to delay again unless someone has any suggestions.

Back at camp.

"Medwyn, we need to go find our friends. If you wish to stay here and talk to the horses, you can. If you decide to take them, then I do realize that there is nothing I can do to stop you, since I won't be here and I can't bring these horses into the trouble that I fear I am walking towards. But I will remember your actions if I ever see you again."

The man's cheeks redden, and he seems to grow even taller and more imposing than he had just seemed. "Again Sir Dwarf, you insult me. If anyone is guilty of malfeasance here it is not I!"

Ignoring Fergus he and his shadow come to loom over Durgan.

"Could you stay a while and help keep the horses safe while we are gone? Please?"

And then, just like a summer storm that blows up in the afternoon to fade just as quick, the man's cholor passes. "Of course. Given the depths of this last winter I shall like to sit down and speak with someone about something other than their nuts. You have no idea how tedious that can be. Every turning of the year it is the same thing."

He begins to make himself at home as Wigglin and Fergus' familiar chase each other around the camp still underneath Zokon's tent, and party make ready to leave.

Serena staying behind is fine, assuming we don't hear back from WhtKnt.

Balzeros' staff flailing continues to prove ineffectual. With one more mighty swing, his spectral staff strikes at the Worg before dissipating. Shit. Shiiiiit.

"Erevenywg, can you flee? Warn the others if you can!" They won't find us in time, but at least they can learn of our fate.
________
Whack (Prone) vs Grey: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 4 = 31d8 ⇒ 1
Spiritual Weapon vs Grey: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 201d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"I suppose...." says the fey forlornly.

Back at camp.

So the camp team is heading out. How do want to handle this? Are you tracking on the ground, or flying overhead and hoping to spot where to go or some combination of the two. Be specific please.

Durgan is tracking along the ground.

Illthir and Fergus are flying overhead hoping to spot where to go.

If Illthir and Fergus do spot anything, Durgan will stop tracking and move as they indicate. His tracking is really just a fallback option in case they cannot spot anything.