The Once & Future KingMaker

Game Master Aest

K-Nature - Talking Wolves? Their territories?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

With her blade in her hands she grabs her Bastard sword two handed and moves to strike down the remaining attackers. "Stay Julius, ya done enough."

MA: Move 25ft to assist strawberry.
To hit wolf facing off with Strawberry Deathstrike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7

She hefts her blade high and brings it slamming down towards the wolf she was targeting.

I think not...

Justinian looks incredulously at Sunset (also a free action :) ) , with his holy symbol in one hand and sword in the other. He turns away from the offered object to step forward and attack the wolf on Asta.

att w. flank from SB: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11

Unused to the big cat's quick movements, he misses his blow.

Asta mentally directs the spider swarm to leap onto the green wolf again, mandibles biting down.

Swarm auto-hits for 1d6 ⇒ 6 damage, plus distraction and poison. Fort. save DC 12 or take 1d2 ⇒ 2 Str. damage.

The Witch tugs on the reins, directing her horse to back away from the other wolf.

Move action to withdraw.

Torod hits the red wolf with a mighty arrow severely wounding it.

Strawberry breaks free of the clingy grasses and closes with a remaining wolf.

Handing off the rains to Fluff, Sunset sends a ray of elemental fire into the green wolf burning it.

Seraph doesn't know much about talking wolves, but she does know how to put them down as she attacks the red one with one blow.

Doran miss his target wolf.

Asta withdraws her horse and herself as she sends the spider swarm in to finish off the last wolf as it is swallowed in thousands of biting arachnids dragging it down as it tries to break free only to succumb to the poison.

Combat over

Seraph - (3 dam)
.Julius (16 dam)

Ride:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Sunset quickly steps back and grabs the reigns dangling loose from Fluff's harness and pulls the large predatory bird away from Justinian before beginning to walk cautiously towards the large, prone black furred form.

Investigation the dead creatures you can tell three of them are normal wolfs, the fourth black one was a Worg which is a magical wolf like beast that is much smarter than animals and has the power of speech.

Sunset seems to recall seeing a wanted poster about a ferocious Worg called "howl of the North Wind". See quest on campaign info tab.

Torod dismisses his spell before investigating the worg and the wolves.
"The pelt is salvageable. I might be able to get a cloak out of it. We'll need to camp here though to give me time to skin and prep." He looks to Asta for her decision.

"Do it. It is as good a time to take a break as any. But would you consider using the more mundane wolves' furs? Skinning a being capable of speech feels... off."

Seraph checks for injuries among her friends before worrying about herself. When she was sure no one else was injured she moved back to her badly injured warhorse. "Easy now boy..." She laid a hand on his bloodied muzzle.

3x CLW on Julius: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4, 8) + 6 = 22
LoH -Self: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The warm pulse of healing energy passed through Julius, setting right what the creator had intended. Though Seraph remained only partially injured after trying to heal herself with her paladin inspired abilities. Julius being in perfect shape made her smile, patting the tough warhorse as she did so. "Not out of the fight yet. Stick with me ya old clopper."

With the others hard at work investigating the wolves, she decided to move over to Asta. Her face carrying apparent disappointment. "Invading their lands? I know not what it spoke of Milady Asta but it's a pity it chose death over negotiation... Wolves as scouts would have been a great boon."

Torod dismisses his spell before investigating the worg and the wolves.

"The pelt is salvageable. I might be able to get a cloak out of it. We'll need to camp here though to give me time to skin and prep." He looks to Asta for her decision.

"Do it. It is as good a time to take a break as any. But would you consider using the more mundane wolves' furs? Skinning a being capable of speech feels... off."

Sunset leads Fluff over to where the main skinning and dressing of the carcasses is to happen, using a stake driven into the ground as a means of hobbling the large bird. Helping Torod with the heavier lifting and dragging Sunset notes,

"Well.. there is that paper back at yon town about somat whut seems ta' match this critter." She points out.

"Seems we've saved ourselves a bounty by takin' tha' criter down. Paper said people needs ta' be seein' said critter be expired, like." Sunset moves to drag 'North Howl' into place to be readied for Torod's attentions. The scraps of Torod's work easily split between Cherry and Fluff.

"Fear not, my knight. I can speak their language, so with the worg dead we may yet open negotiations."

Justinian sets out his bedroll and begins working on his equipment maintenance. And he listens...

You have no trouble skinning he wolfs and preparing the Worg for display. With evening approaching you bed down setting watches for the night. It seems dawn comes early with no nighttime incendences to disturb your sleep. The late fall weather holds, with cool evening, crisp morning and clear skies.

Moving on to the next area of grassland to explore and survey at the edge of your kingdom's charter.

Sunset beds down with every one. She is none too fussed about doing a night/mid shift or morning shift.

Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 (For watching the camp in the evening)

Come the following day she rides along with every one, keeping her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

She shortens her reigns and slows seeing something of note. She points, indicating the place.

Torod boils water for tea after he pitches his tent. He pours himself a cup as well as Asta, Seraph, and bit for Strawberry, adding honey to each's taste. He starts to sit down after that, but seems to remember something and goes over to Justinian. He just stands there with his teapot waiting.
He repeats it with Sunset.

At camp:

Sunset tilts her head up, gently pushing her hat back, as she looks at Torod who's some to stand before herself. She takes the burning leaf wrap from the corner of her mouth,

"Um.. I'm more a scholarly type a caster. I dun't go about makin' puddles an' such..." She says, putting the burning thing back in her mouth and resumes puffing gently.

Night before

Seraph spends the remainder of the night cleaning her weapons, checking on Julius and trying to start a conversation with Justinian as she was naturally very curious on his demon fighting techniques. Which she of course voices to him with her usual smile and tail skipping with excitement behind her. She always liked good battle talks, the more brutal the better, part of her nature she had a hard time suppressing. "I assume you've had to learn some fancy manuevers out there, care to share? And I am sure it isn't just demons you've fought eh? What other creatures fight against the light in the 'Wound? I've heard stories but never saw a live Crusader to ask questions of." She pauses as she adds. "I understand, if you rather not talk about it though."

She watched sidelong as well as Torod and Sunset were skinning the wolves. "I think we should keep those hidden, lest we attract the rest of the pack seeking revenge. Very nice skins though, Torod will look very fine." She gives the elven ranger a broad smile, meaning every word as she tapped the side of her cheek lightly. She turned her attention back to Justinian though, her curiosity getting the better of her. Skinning however was a skill she had

She takes her scheduled watch at the darkest hours, per usual, her eyes glowing in the dark as she patrolled around camp. Leaving Julius on guard duty near the fire. Despite nothing happening, thankfully. she used her darkvision to the utmost. She woke Asta at the hour she preferred and anyone else who needed it as well. Giving each person a gentle shake or a few quiet words to wake them.

She doesn't play any tricks, despite really wanting too, so she could avoid being stabbed...

Next Morning

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Having learned her lesson, Seraph keeps her weapons stowed until something threatens the group. Not wishing to drop her bow again and look foolish. Such thoughts though distracted her from being vigilant, as did her conversations or ack thereof the night before. Per usual she keeps close to Asta, hoping to be the first target and ensure her Queen's safety.

She wasn't overly startled by Sunset's sudden stop and pointing to something she had just narrowly overlooked. But seeing it now she investigated. Dismounting off Julius and walking over with her sword drawn. "I'll investigate immediately, best to scout it out and seal it before some newcomer finds there death here."

As Seraph slips into the wide crack in the hillside, as her darkvision takes effect she sees it opens into an octagonal chamber decorated with crude mosaics of simple village life: hunting, fishing, and farming. A thick carpet of guano covers the floor—it’s crawling with insects, and the sharp tang of ammonia hangs in the air. A cobweb-filled tunnel to the east leads deeper underground.

Her presence disturbs the current residents of bats as they take to the air flying frantically about forming two swarms one cluster around Seraph and the other flows outside to engulf Sunset and Asta.
1: N, 2: sw, 3:S: 1d3 ⇒ 2

bat swarm damage to Seraph: 1d6 ⇒ 3 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.
bat swarm damage to Sunset: 1d6 ⇒ 6 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.
bat swarm damage to Asta: 1d6 ⇒ 6 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.

Party’s up!

Round 1 Initiative: (Bolded PCs may act)
Bats black
Bats blue
Torod
Sunset - 6 dam, 1 bleed, ?Nauseated
Seraph - 3 dam, 1 bleed, ?Nauseated
Asta - 6 dam, 1 bleed, ?Nauseated
Doran

Distraction (Ex) A creature with this ability can nauseate the creatures that it damages. Any living creature that takes damage from a creature with the distraction ability is nauseated for 1 round; a Fortitude DC11 negates the effect.
distraction Spellcasting or concentrating on spells within the area of a swarm requires a caster level check (DC 20 + spell level). Using skills that involve patience and concentration requires a DC 20 Will save.

Fort Save Sunset:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Fort Save Fluff:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"GORAM Fekken' lil' varmints!" Sunset swears loudly as the chittering, squeaking, fluttering swarm of envelops her as it emerges from the cave mouth.

Ride:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

She quickly gets Fluff to sit and settle, the large bird complying and tucking/curling its head protectively under itself/wing. Taking a step away from every one she swears out loudly again.

"DUCK you SUCKERS!" There follows a slight hissing, sizzling sound as she uses the burning rolls she habitually puffs on to light something drawn forth from a coat pocket.

"BOOM!"

Bomb:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 9Fire Damage)

(Five foot step AWAY from every one/Asta/Fluff)

(Drop alchemist bomb centered on herself)

The lil' varmints behavior shouldn't interfere with anything Sunset is doing. >:)

Tomaru takes a few steps back and begins casting a Summon Nature's Ally II spell.

Strawberry takes up a defensive position to protect his ally.

Night before, looks like I'm going to have 2 conversations to handle.

Torod
Justinian looks up at Torod and his teapot, and nods for him to sit down. "Forgive me, my lord. Old habits and all." he says referring to the weapon maintenance. He sets aside his sword and whetstone and accepts a cup of tea.

Seraph
If Justinian is fazed by Seraph's appearance, he doesn't show it. "Fancy, my lady? No, I wouldn't say that. You can't often use the word 'fancy' and 'Worldwound' in the same sentence." He smiles grimly. "No, the 'wound' is a horror. Even the weather is vile. You can't say you've experienced the Worldwound until you've huddled in shelter from a rain of frozen eyeballs."

Combat!
Ride: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11

When the bats swarm out of the cave, Galea rears in fright. War is one thing, a giant swirling mass of vermin quite another. Yet Justinian manages to keep himself upright, sliding off the horse with skill. Moving quickly, he holds aloft his holy symbol and focuses his faith...

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
I can select out both swarms and heal everyone wounded.

Seraph weather's the storm as best she can, her blade was in hand but would do little to these flying rats.

So instead she keeps them focused on her...

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
perform full defense

Seeing ASTA and the others being healed by Justinian's holy might makes Seraph stand at ease. "Not much I can do but let the beasts tear at me. Do what you have to. I can take it!" She hoped her fire resistance was enough to resist attacks but if she could keep the swarm steady then she would.

Them lil' varmint's 'Swarm attack' is simply gon'a rip right through yer tough, armored self, luv. Plus... if'n tha' swarmin' an' bitin' don't get cha... tha' bleedin' effect'll do ye in. Less'n we got more Area Of Effect attacks? We might just all get done in. :(

The bleed stops with the channeled healing.

(I didn’t place mounts on map assuming the group would proceed to investigate the opening on foot. If you want you mount with you just continue to post as if it's there.)

Bleeding but Holding onto her lunch, Sunset slips out of the swarm and bombs it.
(need a attack roll with the bomb. If you target Sunset’s square the then the bats only get 2pt splash, but if you target one of the bat’s squares Asta and Sunset may take 2pt splash pending on Reflex save while the bats get the full amount. For the first round Doran pretty much healed all the damage including the splash.

Torod shifts back and begins calling for an Ally from nature. Strawberry guards him.

Calling upon the power of Iomedae, Doran channels his deity's healing energy curing all of the bat’s bites and stopping the bleeding wounds for now.

Sacrificing herself to keep the bat swarm attention, Seraph stands her ground trying to defend herself in vain from hundreds of swarming bats.

Waiting a little longer for Asta to act and need an Attack roll from Sunset.

Round 1 Initiative: (Bolded PCs may act)
Bats black (6? Dam if Sunset hits with bomb.)
Bats blue
Torod
Sunset -
Seraph -
Asta -
Doran

Nope, sorry... NOT going to send the current ruling figure up in flames. Pity Sunset's idea didn't work. :(

Though a toss at the critters swarmin' Seraph seems like another viable option.

Att Roll:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 (Ranged Touch)

Just to put the thing into the square, like

Night Before
Torod had nothing to say. He was merely offering Justinian some tea.

Well then...

Justinian enjoys a cup of hot tea by the fire.

Fort. save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Asta curses at the bats' attack, but shrugs off their nauseating bite - and runs a distance away from the others, where she unleashes a stream of chittering noises, attempting to draw the bats to her.

Provided the bats oblige her, the Witch casts a quick spell -- and a thick mist, shot through with eerie shapes, rises around her.

Moving 30 ft. away from the rest of the group and if the bats go for Asta, casting Haunting Mists. Will save DC 16 for the bats to avoid taken 1d2 ⇒ 2 Wis. damage and becoming shaken.

Not wanting to burn or even singe the witch queen, Sunset throws the bomb at Seraph’s swarm of bats hitting the area and splashing the bats and the fire resistant Seraph.

Asta moves away from the swarm trying to draw them after her as she cast a spell of haunting mists so as to cover them. The bats are less wise and shaken (Note Asta has total concealment from the cloud, despite the bats do having blindsense 20ft.)

Will DC16 save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The Bats around Seraph stay on Seraph. The other ones are spooked by the Haunting mists and fly to engulf Sunset again.
bat swarm damage to Seraph: 1d6 ⇒ 2 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.
bat swarm damage to Sunset: 1d6 ⇒ 2 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.

Party is up

Round 2 Initiative: (Bolded PCs may act)
Bats black - -2 wisdom, shaken
Bats blue - 3 dam
Torod
Sunset - 2 dam, 1 bleed
Seraph - 2 dam, 1 bleed
Asta -
Doran

Fort Save Sunset:1d20+2

"GORAM Fekken' lil' varmints!" Sunset swears loudly again as the chittering, squeaking, fluttering swarm of envelops her again.

"Din't I jus' leave this party?"

"DUCK you SUCKERS!" There follows a slight hissing, sizzling sound as she uses the burning rolls she habitually puffs on to light something drawn forth from a coat pocket.

"BOOM!"

Bomb:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7(Fire Damage)

Hey, first time were a charm, right?

Not to self, buy torches or something more useful for swarms... haha.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Swift LoH: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Full Defensive

The bats incessant biting was the least of her concerns. She had only to maintain and hold them in place. She slipped her hand against her breast and summoned forth Arshea's light. Healing her wounds and stopping the bleeding completely as Arshea restored her form once more. She continues to fight defensively, both trying to keep the bats attention and to avoid being pinned down by the swirling mass.

Technically speaking, torches don't do it against swarms either. We had to house-rule that at our table just avoid TPKs at low level. Now everyone carries them just in case.

Note to self.....Always bring MOAR flasks of alchemist fire to a swarm fight! :P

Sunset throws another fire bomb at the bats. (need an attack roll & Fort saving throw)

Continuing to try and defend against the bat swarm, Seraph heals herself as she stands her ground.

waiting on Torod, Asta, and Doran.

Round 2 Initiative: (Bolded PCs may act)
Bats black - -2 wisdom, shaken
Bats blue - 3 dam
Torod
Sunset - 2 dam, 1 bleed - need rolls.
Seraph -
Asta -
Doran

I literally have nothing I can do here save healing when needed. I hate swarms.

Justinian readies himself to channel his faith if needed, he is out of his element here.

Ah... didn't think I needed a roll to attack m'self, go figure. :P

Fort Save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Att Roll:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22(Against 'Touch AC')

Dam Roll:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Should'a known tha' dice were gon'a do somat like that... (¬_¬)

Tomaru finishes his spell and a stag of flame appears inside of the swarm (on Sunset). The elemental's flaming form damages the swarm.

Elemental Flaming attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Burn (DC13): 1d4 ⇒ 3

Burn (DC13): 1d4 ⇒ 3

He then tries to stay out of the damaging swarms.

(Sunset didn’t realize you were targeting yourself, in that case you don’t need to roll an attack, anything else like a square or creature you would.)

Sunset’s bomb explodes against whatever she targeted and the swarm of bats take splash damage.

Feeling helpless to damage the swarm, Doran stands by ready to channel healing.

Finishing his summoning spell, Torod brings in a small fire elemental stag in the middle of the black swarm. It’s attack is ineffectual, but as the bats attack it they start flaming up carrying the fire the other members of the swarm. As flaming bats fall from the air the swarm disperses flying in all directions.

bat reflex vs DC13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
damage to bats: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, plus burn: 1d4 ⇒ 2

swarm damage to fire elemental: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Asta delays her actions.

The remaining bat swarm continues to attack Seraph.
bat swarm damage to Seraph: 1d6 ⇒ 4 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.

Party’s up! Bat flambe anyone?

Round 4 Initiative: (Bolded PCs may act)
Bats black - -2 wisdom, 3+10+3=16 dam
Bats blue - 3 dam
Torod
. fire Elemental - 1 dam.
Sunset - 2+1=3 dam, 1 bleed
Seraph - 4 dam, 1 bleed
Asta -
Doran

(Note: Swarms can be deadly. The fire elemental’s slam attacks suffer the same problem of melee attacks against swarms being that they only can hit one of a hundred + creatures, but any creature attacking a fire elemental takes damage as if hit by the slam and can catch fire, so I’m treating that as an area effect vs the swarm's area attack. I looked for rule discussions to that effect, but couldn’t find anything.)

I had thought (hoped) along those same lines about the fire elemental.
Torod directs the fire elemental to aid Seraph.

That's actually a great way to do that. Hadn't thought of that!

Singed, scratched, ruffled and other-wise worse for wear Sunset never the less staggers towards the cave and struggling Seraph.

"I gots some potions what'll sooth yer ills, should yer hide be needin' any!" Sunset calls offering healing potions should others magic run thin.

Should be easy movin' on up behind Justinian there... an' keepin' out'a tha' way of tha' lil' burnination thingy.

Asta tries to hit the remaining swarm with a spell that sets up a hideous din only in the constituent bats' minds.

Ear-piercing shriek. I am low on area spells until next level.... If successful, 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 sonic damage. Fort. save DC 15 to halve damage. Fail save and be dazed for one round.

Fort Save (nat 1 is a failure): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Seeing Torod's elemental coming her way she smiles, despite the bats tearing at her she still held her ground firmly. "The hotter the better! I can take the heat!" She shouts as she lays her hand against her skin once more...

LoH: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Full Defense - Pointless but it makes me imagine her trying to block, swat and bogey the bats off her. XD

... Again Arshea blessed her with denying the bats any lasting wounds on her skin. To which Seraph was thankful, better for her to be harmed then the others.

Torod points the elemental towards Seraph’s swarm.

The fire elemental moves into Seraph’s swarm to attack. The bats attack it and start flaming, then attack it again and fall from the air as charred corpses.

bat reflex vs DC13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
damage to bats: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5, plus burn: 1d4 ⇒ 3
swarm damage to fire elemental: 1d6 ⇒ 5
bat swarm damage to Seraph: 1d6 ⇒ 2 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.

damage to bats: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4, plus burn: 1d4 ⇒ 3
swarm damage to fire elemental: 1d6 ⇒ 6
bat swarm damage to Seraph: 1d6 ⇒ 3 plus 1pt bleed, Fort DC11 vs Nauseated 1 round.

Combat over

Round 6 Initiative & status
Torod
. fire Elemental - 12 dam.
Sunset - 2+1=3 dam
Seraph - 4-5=0+2+3=5-5=0 dam
Asta -
Doran

(edited to include Seraph's LoH & CLW)

Clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

She laid a hand on herself, calling on Arshea's greaterhealing after a final battering from the bat swarm. Though she wasn't completely healed she was close enough. The bleeding had stopped at least, she kept her sword free just incase something else emerged from the cave. "Well, that was less then pleasant. Anyone else needing healing?"

Sunset knocks back one of her own potions.

Cure Light wounds:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Aye. I'm still a bit singed..." She replies to Seraph's call even as she begins to straighten her clothes and sort herself out.

"That were a mite unpleasant experience..." Sunset mutters.

ClW on Sunset: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"Save your potion. You dont need to waste such an expensive item." She approaches Sunset with her holy symbol and hand still out. "May I?" She asks politely before applying any healing.

She wont do it if Sunset has an issue.

"Put right that which the creator made." She intones as her hand glows and releases healing energy in a warm wave through Sunset's injured body.

Sunset takes off her hat, lowering her head respectfully, at Seraph's offer. Though she also takes time to inspect the battered aperlle.

"Thank'e." Then she glances at her empty vial.

"P-shaw! T'weren't nuthin'. Jus' a l' soothin' I brewed up. Comes with tha' trade of makin' blastin' powder." Sunset explains.

Asta comes walking out of the eerie fogbank she summoned, shaking her head.

"Sorry," she says. "I was less useful in that battle than I would have liked to be. If anyone needs healing after Seraph is done, I can offer some."