GM Newsie’s - The Dragon’s Demand (Inactive)

Game Master Brominate

AoO mithril dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
AoO dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 2

I slumbered the kobold on the rock to keep Hanzo from being flanked! Now I'm flanked! :P

The elf, cursing for allowing himself to be put in such a position, turns to the kobold behind him (blue), points, and hisses, "shh!" slumber, dc15

He then lets out an eerie, dry rattle that his companions have learned is his form of laughter cackle.

Seeing Guruthos' back turned on the kobold that had regained its feet, Hanzo stepped in with the rocks at his own back and slashed at the creature (5'step to lavender).

TWF mithril dagger + flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23
dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
SA: 1d8 ⇒ 8

That went so well that he spun and stabbed the kobold between himself and Thomas as well, using many years of back-alley fighting to his advantage in the close quarters.

TWF dagger + flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23
dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 4
SA: 1d8 ⇒ 8

"Damnit, stop this! We're not here to fight!" Joriannika yelled in Draconic, but it didn't stop her from shooting at the green kobold creeping up behind Guruthos.

crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 2

A warning shot, apparently.

to be fair, I believe blue hit. Nice rolls Hanzo!! I presume hnazo killed them both

Thomas only nods at Hanzo then rushes on towards the ranged attacker.
attack green: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
He only scares him, though.

Guruthos swipes at Lavender a little too early, barely missing. But the elf's attention has already turned to the blue-scaled kobold behind him.

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14 Ah! He nearly stayed awake!

The eyelids of the kobold begin to droop. It's almost as if he falls asleep standing up...until gravity does what it does best and it then falls over like an unstable tower.

The lavender one is just getting to its feet, when Hanzo's mithral dagger slashes through the nape of its neck. It too collapses, but not because its sleeping.

Hanzo then spins around and drives his other dagger through the temple of the orange one that's battle inept. With a raspy wail, it collapses dramatically.

Joriannika fires a shot at the greenish reptile, though it also came a little close to the back of Guruthos' head.

Thomas rushes toward the green one as well but misses his swing when the kobold stops dead in its tracks and starts running the other way.

Kobolds' turn

After seeing another ally get talked into sleeping, and Hanzo's doubly deadly display with daggers, the green-scaled turns tail and flees.(Prompting an AoO from Thomas)

The Yellow one stirs and awakens, confused as to why it is laying, perched between two boulders. Looking around, it sees there are three tribe brothers dead on the ground. Which was two more than he remembered there being. Luckily, he's not wedged inbetween the rocks and can easily stand up. Well, sort of. The ugly human just below him is spattered in kobold blood, wielding two bloodied blades. Maybe...just maybe...

The yellow kobold stands, prompting an AoO from Hanzo, who is only a few feet below and definitely in striking distance.

If Yellow is still breathing after Hanzo dagger-hands is done with it...
Hoping to get out with its life, the yellow kobold makes a desperate stab at Hanzo.
Spear Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
But when he thrust the spear he lost his balance and tumbled off the rock onto the human.
Reflex Hanzo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
But the rogue swiftly dodged the reptilian dodgeball.
Yellow will be prone at Hanzo's feet, unless his AoO kills it.

I'll move green back if Thomas' AoO takes it down.

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: None |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 17/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 18/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (Red) HP: AC: Status: Headless and very very dead
Kobold (Orange) HP-12 AC: 23 Status: dead
Kobold (Lavender)HP-13 AC: 23 Status: dead
Kobold (Yellow) HP: AC: Status:
Kobold (blue) HP: AC: Status: Unconscious (1 rd); helpless
Kobold (green) HP: AC:

I just thought, kobold probably have really low CMD

aoo, trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 provokes in return :)

Thomas sweeps the fleeing kobold's legs shouting.
"متوقف بشی"

Hanzo AOO mithril dagger: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
SA for it being prone?: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Feeling a bit cocky after his successful daggering, Hanzo twirled his dagger in his hand before slashing at the kobold, but the extra flourish took just long enough that he missed as the kobold jumped away.

"Just another day's- HEY!"

Thomas sweeps the kobold's legs, which fly out from under it. As it's falling toward the ground, it takes an opportunity to stab wildly with its spear.

Spear attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

It pokes his side, dealing 2 points of damage.

Technically, he wasn't prone yet, at the time of the AoO. Also, per the SRD, a prone enemy does not lose their Dexterity bonus to AC, so no SA damage unless flanking. But Hanzo missed anyway.

The reptile stands up and Hanzo, feeling bolstered by his performance, slashes and misses it. The kobold does the same, falling towards the ground, and Hanzo steps aside before being flattened.

Now that the AoO's have been resolved....

Everyone may act.

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: None |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 18/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:

Kobold (Yellow) HP: AC: Status: Prone
Kobold (blue) HP: AC: Status: Unconscious (1 rd); helpless
Kobold (green) HP: AC: Status Prone

The masked elf lets loose the low, eerie rumbling of his Cackle, keeping any kobolds previously slumbering (within 30') asleep for another round, then pulls the silk rope from the cord affixing it to his backpack.

Is there a skill check for tying someone up? After 10+ years of playing this game, you'd think I'd know that by now.

Thomas seems having fun toying with the kobolds and ignores the slash from the little spear. He tries to behead the kobold.

"باقی ماندن"

attack vs prone: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

The masked elf lets loose the low, eerie rumbling of his Cackle, keeping any kobolds previously slumbering (within 30') asleep for another round, then pulls the silk rope from the cord affixing it to his backpack.

Is there a skill check for tying someone up? After 10+ years of playing this game, you'd think I'd know that by now.

Normally, it would be a Combat Maneuver; part of a Grapple as a Standard action. Since the opponent is unconscious, I don't know that it requires a roll.

This is what D20 says:

Once you are grappling an opponent, a successful check allows you to continue grappling the foe, and also allows you to perform one of the following actions (as part of the standard action spent to maintain the grapple).

...

Tie Up
If you have your target pinned, otherwise restrained, or unconscious, you can use rope to tie him up. This works like a pin effect, but the DC to escape the bonds is equal to 20 + your Combat Maneuver Bonus (instead of your CMD). The ropes do not need to make a check every round to maintain the pin. If you are grappling the target, you can attempt to tie him up in ropes, but doing so requires a combat maneuver check at a –10 penalty. If the DC to escape from these bindings is higher than 20 + the target’s CMB, the target cannot escape from the bonds, even with a natural 20 on the check.

I think it's silly to have to make a combat maneuver check to grapple and then tie up an unconscious opponent. You can make a DEX check to tie him up, just to make sure your fingers are nimble enough. (DC 10)

tie: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The elf fumbles with the rope and curses.

Edit: I just realized I had already done 2 move actions (cackle and retrieving the rope). So unless something big changes in the battle, next round I'll cackle and fail to tie.

Thomas, with a malicious grin on his face, slices down on the tripped kobold's scaly neck. He doesn't cut all the way through, but has hit a major artery. This cold-blooded reptile will bleed out quickly.

Bold may act:

Hanzo, Joriannika // Kobolds

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: None |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 18/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:

Kobold (Yellow) HP: AC:15 Status: Prone
Kobold (blue) HP: AC:15 Status: Unconscious (1 rd); helpless
Kobold (green) HP:-9 AC:15 Status: Mostly Dead

Hanzo leapt at the one lying on the ground, daggers leading - that was the best time to attack an opponent, in his opinion. Having the moral high ground wasn't as good as having the actual high ground.

mithril dagger vs prone AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

dagger vs prone AC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 2

That was one slippery little kobold, though!

Joriannika hurried over to the blue kobold, ready to help Guruthos bind it. "This wasn't necessary! We aren't your enemies!" she protested, despite all evidence.

Aid another to help Guru, DC10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

With her nimble aid, the rope untangled itself in Guru's hands.

Hanzo's first strike with the mithral dagger pierces the scaly hide of its target, dealing 3pts of damage.

His other hand had so much blood on it that he nearly lost his grip of the dagger.

Joriannika assists Guru in binding the blue kobold, vainly rebuking the creature.

Kobolds' turn

Green bleeds out, now a lifeless scaly corpse.

The Yellow, in a moment of panic, thrusts its spear at Hanzo!
Spear: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 1 - 4 = 17(Hit! Crit Threat!)
Spear: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 1 - 4 = 5(Not critical)
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

It slices very close to his hamstring, dealing 4pts of damage. Then it quickly tries to stand, giving the Rogue an opportunity to strike back!

Hanzo gets an AoO. After that, Everyone may act.

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: None |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 14/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:

Kobold (Yellow) HP:-3 AC:15 Status:
Kobold (blue) HP: AC: Status: Bound; Unconscious (1 rd); helpless

Well, if yellow is dying, and blue is (in the process of being) bound, are there any others?

Hanzo yelled reflexively in pain as the little reptile gouged his leg, and struck back with a snarl!

Mithril dagger vs Prone AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He stabbed it twice, then once more for good measure. "Twirly-kneed little goat-chewing son of a-" he cursed, limping.

"Well, I suppose our chances of convincing them to leave peacefully just went into the privy," Joriannika sighed, disarming the bound kobold. "I can talk to this one, though. Do any of you have questions for when it wakes up?"

"Ask it where it's going to find new kneecaps when I get done with it," Hanzo said sourly, trying to bind his leg with a scrap of cloth. He ignored Joriannika's frown.

Thomas who had slaughtered the cowardly kobold gathers himself and stares at the bleeding corpse and his bloody blade.
Then he turns his head to the others his face full of guilt "I'm sorry, Jori, I shouldn't have...I could have...he was fleeing and I..."

Ah shut up princess! You did good! Did you feel the power? MY power? If only you let me out, we could do so much together.

Joriannika looked up, surprised. "Oh, I'm not blaming you, Thomas! Those crazy kobolds didn't have to attack us like that!" She reached over and touched his arm, offering him a smile. "You did good! But let's be ready to deal if we get a chance. Actually, they may leave easier now, seeing what just four of us did when we got angry."

She sighed wistfully. "At least, I hope we can deal with them without killing them all - or vice versa. But knowing how tricky they are, and clever with their traps, we'd better be extra vigilant when we go in."

Hanzo grumbled to himself, but went about seeing if the dead had anything worth taking. They wouldn't need it where they were going, after all, he told himself.

Everyone met Pharasma unarmed.

Once the slumbering kobold is bound, the elf makes a thorough search for weapons or anything that could be used to escape.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Once it is relieved of it's possessions, the elf will look at Jori and Thomas, then points to it and grumbles, "Wake soon. You talk."

He then walks off to search the cave entrance for any traps, and is weary of any possible ambushes.

trapception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

With a flourish, and a bit of 'stabby-stabby,' Hanzo finishes off Yellow.

Combat over!

(You've officially caught up with Table 1. They finished combat awhile back, but still haven't entered the cave).

Those searching the kobolds find nothing but their ragged leather armor, spears, and slings... all of which are suited for small creatures. (There were 6 kobolds, each had the same gear).

Guruthos, you spot no traps nearby, nor do you sense an impending ambush.

The blue and bound kobold wakes from his forced slumber, finding himself disarmed and bound up tight. The creature looks at you all but says nothing.

What do you do?

Unless otherwise noted, the chambers within the Blood Vow lair are unlit and the caves are sized for kobolds, with ceilings averaging 5 feet high. Medium creatures are inconvenienced by the low ceilings, and take a -2 penalty on all attack rolls in the sections of the Blood Vow lair where you are forced to stoop. A few rooms have 12 foot high ceilings and do not incur the penalty. I will mark these on the map as we go.

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: -2 on Attack Rolls (Inside Lair) |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 14/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue) HP: AC: Status: Bound; helpless

I'd like to take this moment to offer the second (I think) bout of narrative-based rewards!

The new side of Guruthos that the party is seeing for the first time is wonderful (and hillarious)! The idea of this masked elf looking at his opponents, holding up a finger or pointing and saying "shh!" is quite a satisfying one. Guruthos is really behaving more like a witch than a rogue, and that's great!

Thomas, I love how your choices in combat fit in so well with your backstory, furthering the development of the PC. The very first thing Thomas did was slice off a sleeping kobold's head!

You both get a 1d6 that you may add to any roll, EXCEPT DAMAGE, but only while inside the kobold lair.

now we need to overtake them!

Thomas kneels down to the kobold. "Do you understand us? Do you need anything?"

Hurray for bonuses! Might that apply to another players' roll if the opportunity arises?

Guruthos looks at the diminutive cave, feeling the slightest pang of claustrophobia. A sigh rumbles from under his mask, and he turns to return to the group.

It's your bonus. Use it how you wish. Including on another player's roll.

The captive reptile meets Thomas' eyes as he speaks, but gives no indication that he has understood his words, nor does he speak anything in reply.

Joriannika knelt by the kobold, and addressed it in its own tongue. "Look, I know the Blood Vow tribe isn't friendly with humans, but there was no need to attack us like that! Sesserak sent us here to make a deal. We don't need to kill any more of you. There's no point in continuing this conflict. The only thing that will happen if it does is that the townfolk will get angry and send someone to kill you all. Won't you guide us to your leader? We can make a deal." The growls, snarls, and clicks of Draconic sounded strange coming from a human throat, but it was understandable enough.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Uh oh. Man, the dicebot is ornery today.

"She's right. You can help us... or we can kill you right here." Hanzo's face was dark, and he wiped his dagger off on one of the dead kobolds, slowly and deliberately.

Surprisingly, he had sputtered his threat in the same language Joriannika had used.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Anybody want to try an Aid another?

The creature's eyes widen ever so slightly when Joriannika speaks in its own tongue. It goes Wide-Eyed when she clicks out the name Sesserak. As Hanzo surprises everyone by speaking something other than street rat Common, the reptile watches the bloody dagger as it's wiped on a fallen comrade.

It looks up at the party and...was that a smile? It draws in a deep breath...

It suddenly starts barking out as loud as it can

"Njerëz Njerëz Sulmuar fisin Urdhërrëfyes na tradhëtoi Pesë të vdekur Pesë vëllezër të vdekur"

Guruthos knows Draconic. He knows the call for help. Thinking quickly, he ducks into the shadow between some boulders.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Thomas didn't understand the words, but the reason was obvious. The kobold was alerting others. It seemed Guruthos thought alike. He decided to make him shut up by hitting him with the flat side of the sword.
attack nonlethal: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 4 = 17
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6

Hanzo was thinking along the same lines as Guruthos. With a muttered curse, he ducked behind the boulders as well, preparing to flank whoever came out with his daggers drawn.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Joriannika was left agape. A brave kobold?! Truly, these little creatures were more than they seemed.

She stepped back and to the side, preparing to lob a bomb at whatever came running out - hopefully she could tag them all, if it was a group.

"Be careful, Thomas - they might shoot you if you're in view. Everyone stay back until I throw this!" The vial in her hand was fizzing as she shook the contents.

The captive was able to speak for maybe a second before the flat face of Thomas' sword hit the flat side of the kobold's head, shutting it up, and knocking it unconscious.

Worried that its comrades might have heard, Guruthos and Hanzo vanish into the shadows while Jori stepped back and was about to throw a bomb!

The seconds pass, but no sounds erupt from the cave entrances, nor does anything else.

Perhaps the creature was shut up before his voice could carry far... or perhaps something lies in wait, just inside.

The only thing you hear now is the lapping of the water and the fizzing of Joriannika's bomb.

What do you do?

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: -2 on Attack Rolls (Inside Lair) |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 14/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue) HP: 6nl AC: 17 Status: Bound; helpless; unconscious

The masked elf listens, and hearing nothing, he looks up to a nearby rock. The raven perched upon the rock cocks her head to the side, then flaps down to the mouth of the cave (to the side, so she doesn't have to move far if danger is present) and peers inside.

Mori Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

She's looking to see if she spots any movement or danger. Guruthos is waiting for an empathetic response of fear or anxiety indicating danger from her.

Thomas waits another few seconds and whispers to Jori. "So, let's go in?"

Mori flies up and perches near Guruthos. She shakes her feathered head and he nods. He looks at the bird squarely, then they both check the surrounding area, including up the cliff. It wouldn't do if they entered the lair and were ambushed from behind.

Gu perc: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Mori perc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

If nothing is noticed, he will grumble a quick charm (resistance: +1 saves for 1 min) and make his way to the cave entrance, staying in the shadows.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

You notice lots of things, but nothing that arouses suspicion.

Joriannika slowly lowered her arm, giving the cave a half-suspicious, half-confused look. Then she nodded to Thomas. "Maybe the other kobolds are too far away to hear the ruckus?"

She edged forward, trying to get a look down the throat of the tunnel.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Hanzo waited to see if anything shot Joriannika or Guruthos... but when nothing happened, he slipped forward too, staying to the shadows and behind what cover there was as well.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Unfortunately, going from the sunlight outside to the darkness inside temporarily blinded him, and he scuffed some rocks with his foot.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

It seems to everyone that they weren't heard and if they were to wait for someone to emerge, they might be there all day. For the moment, everyone thinks Joriannika's guess might be right. Though they're obviously aware that they should proceed with caution. Regardless, their only choice is to press on.

From the discussion thread, I'm gonna say you're not aware of the other entrance.

"Let's go in then. But be careful..." Thomas motions to Hanzo and Guruthos assuming one of them will lead through the trap maze ahead.

Guruthos, not anxious to stoop his elven frame into what are likely to eventually lead to increasingly claustrophobia-inducing tunnels, and likely an ambush, looks over to the the human rogue.

Hanzo already went into the mouth of the tunnel. Anything there, DM? If not:

Hanzo sighed gustily, and gave the others a sharp nod. "Keep your eyes peeled for traps, folks." He led the party forward.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Still blinded from the light, I see.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

DM, remember his Trap Spotter rogue talent (automatic Perception check within 10' of a trap).

Joriannika shrugged at Thomas, then followed Hanzo. She did her best to be alert for traps, though she was behind the scout(s). Easing her bomb back into her pocket, she drew her crossbow and readied it with a bolt as they walked.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Uh... one of us had some magical light, right?

Hanzo reminds the group to keep their eyes peeled for traps...then leads the group inside the cave where the outside light barely penetrates.

The sudden decrease in visibility gives Hanzo a bit of a light head momentarily. He stubs his toe on a rock but manages not to yelp in pain.

Joriannika can barely see Hanzo's figure. She also notices the path curves to the left up ahead.

(Without a direct source of light, unless you have Darkvision, the DC's for Perception checks based on Sight are increased by 5. If there is light, you're fine. Using your other senses incurs no such penalty).

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: -2 on Attack Rolls (Inside Lair) |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 14/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue) HP: 6nl AC: 17 Status: