The Conquest of Ambervale

Game Master Nicos

@ Desmond, Vendrick

Assuming Desmond talk with Vendrick about casting remove disease on Lily then

Kiddu:I will work very hard and someday I will repay this favor I sear! - He say with tears in his eyes.

On her part, in gratitude, lily made a portrait of each of you and give it to you

Aw, I was wondering if he was just going to forget about the poor dying girl.

I like my apprentices, so that sounds fun.

so, I guess we fast forward a little.

@ Sven

You take a small detour to see your team.

Will:That was a hell of a first mission
Maya:It was ...I just hope the following missions are easier
Sin:...
W:So, what are the new orders!

Metagame info:
Maya is full BAB, d8 hp, 4 skill, with a level of druid spellcasting, archery feats.
Will is d12, full BAB, heavy armor prof, 4 skill inclined to be a standard powerattack/furious focus build.
Sin is d10, medium armor prof, 8 skill, inclined to go lorewarden style.

@ Desmond and vendrick

In the riverside inn you are welcomed by Zyp the goblin who is the newest employee of the inn. Zyp smiles at you seems happy with his new life.

Liro:Uhm, the bonecrhushers...I now the duergar is killing some spiders in the tanglewoods while I Think the halfling was going to fight a small ogre gang that was seen near four cascades. The other two I don't know. Those guys are not really talkative.

Sorry, I was gone a lot today.

Kiddu:I will work very hard and someday I will repay this favor I sear! - He say with tears in his eyes.

Desmond smiles at Kiddu.

"I don't need any payment, Kiddu. But there's something else you can do for me: Try to find a legitimate way to earn money. Maybe see if some of the businesses around here are offering apprenticeships. It doesn't have to happen soon, but you should start looking for ways to make an honest living with your skills. And maybe some day, you can pick up a sword or spellbook and become an adventurer yourself!"

"But the most important thing is, don't ever lose faith. No matter what happens, no matter what awful things people do or say to you. You're brave, compassionate, and resourceful. As long as you keep your head up and are willing to work at it, you have the power to make a better life for yourself..." he nods toward Lilly, "...and for the people you care about."

He graciously accepts Lilly's portrait.

"Thank you, it looks perfect. Maybe even better than the real thing!"

With that, he bids them farewell and heads to the Riverside with Vendrick in tow.

=========================================================================

At the inn, he enjoys his usual drink while listening to the news about the Bonecrushers.

"Heh, sounds like we're not the only ones with a bad habit of splitting the party. Still, if they're taking on those sorts of jobs alone, they must be pretty tough. Probably the exact sort of people we want when dealing with dangerous magic."

Liro: They are tough and unfriendly

"Well, maybe they'll play nice when they hear about how rich they can get. The quickest way to an adventurer's heart is through his wallet!"

"Though, they may also try to stab us in the back and take everything for themselves. Might not be worth the risk."

So you go after the halfling, the Duergar, or do something else?.

so, I guess we fast forward a little.

@ Sven

You take a small detour to see your team.

Will:That was a hell of a first mission
Maya:It was ...I just hope the following missions are easier
Sin:...
W:So, what are the new orders!

Metagame info:
Maya is full BAB, d8 hp, 4 skill, with a level of druid spellcasting, archery feats.
Will is d12, full BAB, heavy armor prof, 4 skill inclined to be a standard powerattack/furious focus build.
Sin is d10, medium armor prof, 8 skill, inclined to go lorewarden style.

"How much do you know about goblins? If you're going to be a ranger around here, you're going to need to know how to handle them. And no, I don't mean kill on sight."

"I want you three to go to Tuskkeep. Look around, get a feel for the place, talk to some of the goblins there. Try to get a handle on how they think."

And the Duergar. I dun like Halflings.

My preference is the Halfling. Sounds like a bad ass going off to fight ogres. Plus Duergar are evilllllll.

Vendrick keeps his silence with the children though he sighs when the children have no payment.

"Most mages wouldn't even give the time of day to someone that didn't benefit them...but even I have a soft spot for children. I'll just have Desmond work extra hard. Remember children. Nothing in life is free. Work hard to take the reins of your own destiny."

At the inn he drinks a bit of fine wine whilst mulling over everything Liro says.

"Now Desmond, we're not inviting them to go with us...just seeing what they know and can tell us."

I'ts a tie so far, Desmond to decide unless he chooses a third option and we reach a dead end :P

@ Sven

Maya:That sound easy enough!
Will:That sound boring enough!
Sin:...uhm...the rules are that in situations like this when the captain is away he have to choose a leader for the rest of the team,captain...
W:oh oh, that's true, choose me captain, I'm the strongest of us!

"Sin, you're in charge. Maybe it'll learn you to talk more."

I say halfling.

"Yeah, but we have a funny way of picking up unexpected followers lately."

Random encounter?, 1 yes: 1d4 ⇒ 3

You have a quite peaceful journey where the most remarkable thing was that an emaciated fox regarded you from a narrow opening between a pairs of threes before bolting away.

After tracking and all, that you can follow the smoke of woodfire to a clear in the forest.

In the clear there is the halfling you are looking next to the smashed and half-burned piled remaining of nine ogres. Desmon remember that he has seem him before once.

THe halfling is wearing a bruised dark full plate full plate and have a morning star around his neck. He have pale skin, dark eyes, short wild brown hair and a serious face that display heavy scars. He is cooking something and notices that you are approaching.

Desmond smiles and waves at the halfling, but keeps his distance.

"Hello! I see you've been keeping yourself busy here, but we're looking for some information. Do you have a moment to chat?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Vendrick does a slight bow.

Diplomancy Assist: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

"A moment of your time would be most beneficial."

The halfling look straight at you, wait half a minute and still serious says -Fine, you have until I finish to eat my griffon steak

"We're planning to travel through the Mistpines. Do you have any advice about how to avoid getting lost or, eh, horribly killed?"

I could have some, I don't see why I would give them to you or, well, to anyone

THe halfling pours pepper to the steak he is cooking.

Desmond glances at Vendrick.

"Because...if our mission is successful, we expect to return with a mountain of magical treasures. In exchange for your advice, we'd be willing to sell some of them to your group at a discount!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

You guys and your rolls

Very optimistic on your part. - He laughs - You are fun boy, but are you just bravado or are you actually ready to the mistpines? Will you be able to make a pile like this one by yourself? - he points at the dead ogres.

Eh, whatever, I respect bravery, I'll tell you some things. First, the kind of pines around have influences over magic used for example the strobus pines intensify electricity based spell. Second, there are areas of purple mold, to breath near them have hallucinogenic effects. Third, if you see some droplets of water going upside that means an arcane storm will follow...

The halfling spin the steak so the fire hits the other side of it.

tell you this, what I respect more than bravery is the strength to back up the bravery. The ogres were disappointing if you beat me I'll give you the second set of advices.

"Might want to collect some of those hallucinogenic molds. I know some people who'd pay a pretty penny for those."

At the challenge: "Sounds fun. What do you consider "beating" you?"

You three attacks me and If I reach the point of unconsciousness or I surrender that is it.

Vendrick hastily jots down notes in a booklet before glancing up at the challenge.

"Er, Sir Desmond is an expert duelist. Single combat may be a bit unfair. Sven has a rather...brutal method of battle and I'm...well I'm a mage of extreme caliber." Vendrick looks a bit worried for the halfling.

"Not to besmirch your skills or anything." He adds hoping to not offend him.

"He wouldn't challenge us if he weren't confident he could at least hold his own. If he dies, we can find somebody to bring him back. Maybe he'll be taller then."

Well, if you will not provide entertainment then go away and let me eat my steak

"We accept your challenge!" Desmond bows dramatically to the halfling. "Let's agree not to draw too much blood. I'd hate to see you dead before you could finish your steak."

Basically asking that everyone uses nonlethal attacks when possible.

The halfling grins confidently and evilly.

Two minutes until the steak is done - He then moves, unleashes his morning star that start crackling with electricity, burning with fire and yet freezing with cold air.

In case everyone else wants to continue the fight starts with you guys at 20 ft away from him

Ready?

Svens: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
DEsmond: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
VEndrick: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Unnamed so far halfling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

The halfling eyes show frenzy and madness-Let's see how tough you are big guy! - He goes for Sven legs

attack Vs Sven: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 341d8 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (1) + (4) + (5) + (2) + 20 = 32 - I have the feeling Sven have some elemental resistance not listed in his mini stats
trip: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31 - trip

Turn Order would be
Vendrick
Desmond
Sven

Though I really don't care, you can act in whatever order if you wish so.

Desmond moves to flank with Sven as he swings at the halfling's back.

Katana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
1d8 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

He attempts a parry if attacked, but is put off balance by the halfling's impressive display.
Parry: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Does Vendrick have anything that will make me stand up fast?

I'm sure Sven received less damage than 32, at least 1 less from his DR and I think another 5 less from fire resistance from the armor If I'm recalling correctly

No I do not.

Vendrick is surprised by the sudden outbreak of violence but steps back and snaps his fingers causing a burst of glittering dust to appear where the halfling is.

DC 18 Will or be blinded

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 - ...dude...

sven's turn

Sven Rages and stays Prone, lashing out at the Halfling.

Bite: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 4 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Gore: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Claw: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Claw: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Hoof: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 4 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Hoof: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 4 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Grab: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 18 - 4 = 34

YES! YES!

Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

"GET DOWN HERE!" Sven roars and grips the halfling with his teeth, initiating a grapple and dragging him down to his level, rolling around.

So he is now Grappled, and also Prone.

Edit: Almost forgot, crit.

Confirm?: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 4 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Why he goes prone?

Raging Grappler lets me knock someone (and myself, if I choose, though that's moot here) Prone when I succeed on a Grapple check. It's also why I deal damage on a check.

Gotcha, that's quite useful for not involving a CMB check. There's a thing with your DR and fire resistance, read the post above Vendrick's.

Sven's bite the Halflings leg and drag him down to the ground though the halfling's armor deflect the others attacks.

The guy concentrates arcane energy to fuel his muscle to try to escape Sven's attack

CMB: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26 -Succeed?, in that case he stand up provoking AoO - If not he let the morning start go and draw a knife.

Do they all still miss even with the -4 AC he's taking from being prone?

And yes, apparently the armor DOES give me 5 Fire and Acid Resistance. Thought it was just Acid.

That attempt to break free BARELY misses my 27 CMD.

I see you already took the -4 for being prone, one claw hit. You guys turn again. And put the elemental resistance in your mini stats

"Nice work, Sven!"

Desmond whacks away at the prone halfling.

Kat: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Kat 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

If that is including flanking then it's a miss.

It's Sven's or Vendrick's, since the guy is in full plate and with a -4 AC from prone vendrick might want to try a no-save ray attack or something like that.

He'd have a +4 AC vs Ranged attacks and I would have a -4 for firing into melee without precise shot. And I hit that DC15 even on a 1.

Vendrick makes another hand gesture and a slippery grease coats the halfling's weapon.

"Careful! He's some kind of mage knight!"

Reflex DC17 or disarm.

ref: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 -Not disarmed

Release grapple, initiate throwdown.

Now that he's down, Sven keeps savaging him like a wild animal.

Gore: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Bite: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Claw: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Claw: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Hoof: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Hoof: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Also realized my CMB/CMD should be slightly higher due to extra benefits from Hive Totem I keep forgetting, but none of it would have changed matters.

are you including the -4 from being prone and the +2 from flanking?

nevermind, your attack penalty cancels with his AC penalty. I'm counting 86 damage

1: 1d20 + 20 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 20 - 4 = 181d4 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + (6) + (6) + (2) + 7 = 24
2: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 15 - 4 = 301d4 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + (5) + (5) + (2) + 7 = 23
3: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 4 = 181d4 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + (6) + (1) + (2) + 7 = 19

crit?: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 15 - 4 = 261d4 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + (3) + (2) + (6) + 7 = 20

With the DR and energy resistance that is 35 of damage

Sven makes the The halfling bleed but the little bastard surprise Sven's with surpsiging resiliency and manages to counter attack sven. The halfling makes his dagger to be covered in electricity, flames and frost and Pierce with it in between Sven's Ribs. For the big guy the things start to fade until blackness comes.

I surrender - say the halfling And assuming Desmond and Vendrick don't want to continue (You are welcome if you want to) he stands up, draw a potion and give it to Desmond - It's a healing potion, give it to him before he bleeds out

He moves to check his steak -So, what else do you want to know about Mistpines?

Wait... are those elemental damages multiplied on criticals?, I think to remember they don't but I can't find it in the wording of the PRD

They're not, unless this is some weird ability that is.

Sven sits up with a grunt and nods to the halfling.

"See? Told you he'd be fine."