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

Game Master Brominate

Mori flies up to get a better vantage point but the moment she's higher than the 8-ft-high ledges, two rocks come whizzing towards her from the south. The first misses but the second hits her wing, dealing 2 points of damage. The bird caws out, drawing the attention of the rest of the party

Fly DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Fortunately, Mori is able to stay in the air.

Combat is beginning!

Blue and Green // Guruthos // ?? // Hanzo, Mori, Joriannika, Thomas // ??

Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Two more rocks come hurtling from atop the westernmost alcove, one heading again towards the bird, and another heading towards Guruthos. Both fall short, one landing in the 20ft-deep trench, and the other plunks down maybe 6 full feet away from the elf.

Blue and Green // Guruthos // ?? // Hanzo, Mori, Joriannika, Thomas // ??

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 14/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 17/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:

I don't see Green on the map

A growl escapes from beneath his mask, as Guruthos looses an arrow toward the nearest visible kobold (blue).

bow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 4

He calls, "Mori, come" and the raven flies back to the elf and plunks down behind him for safety.

You are correct, you don't see Green.

Guruthos only caught a glimpse of one of the assailants when he fired his arrow. He didn't see the creature, but the echos of wood hitting stone meant he'd missed, and the kobold was likely laying flat, where he wouldn't be seen.

A faint sound of falling rocks echos across the large room, and a small dust cloud can be seen behind the westernmost alcove.

Hanzo, Joriannika, and Thomas may act. (Mori too, if Guruthos wants).

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 14/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status:
Guruthos HP: 14/14 (1nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 17/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:

He nocks another arrow and backs slowly out of the room, expecting to back into his companions. As he does, he warns "Ambush."

"this time, I am getting in prepared!" He speaks some unknown and unheard words that sound much softer than his recent outbursts.
cast divine favor

Surprised that Thomas hadn't answered her, Joriannika was nevertheless not slow to respond to Guruthos' warning. She raised her hand, a flask in it fizzing dangerously, and prepared to throw it down the tunnel at the first sign of the kobolds.

Readied bomb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
fire dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Splash 4 fire dmg, too

"You'd better not try to rush us!" she warned them in Draconic.

Move, ready bomb attack for when they're bunched up, preferably within range.

Hanzo let everyone get ahead of him. He was in no rush to be a pincushion. Instead he watched their rear, ready to shoot at anything that came at them from behind.

Readied MW shortbow attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1 :P

Guruthos steps aside to let others through, then points to the western ledge, then to the southeastern ledge.

Sling red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Sling purple: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Sling yellow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Guruthos steps aside but is still really the only target within range, so the three kobolds on the southeastern ledge all sling stones at him. One fails miserably but the other two make contact, though not dealing much damage. Guruthos takes 1pt of damage and 1pt of nonlethal damage.

This might would trigger Joriannika's readied action, as she is now aware that three kobolds are grouped together on top of the ledge. They are roughly 50ft away, and 8ft up. If this triggers your readied action, it happens before they sling their stones.

Blue & Green

With a much better vantage point, Blue slings a stone right at Jori.

Sling blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

But the stone hits the outward curve in the wall.

Bold may act

Kobolds (Blue/Green) // Guruthos // ?? // Hanzo, Joriannika, Thomas, (Mori) // Kobolds (Red/Purple/Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 14/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +1 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 0/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 10/12 AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 17/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:
Kobold hp: AC:

The masked elf holds his attack until any kobold shows its face. They have to peek out to keep firing, don't they?

But even if they do, his attack is little more than supressive fire.

If Jori can get to within one range increment, she'll lob her bomb at the center kobold - otherwise she'll just move last round.

With the turn you described, your move action could put you in range if you were to cross the bridge. This would allow you to throw it without waiting. Confirm whether or not that's what you want to do. If not, your bomb becomes inert.

Couldn't she throw it onto the western ledge without crossing the bridge?

Couldn't she throw it onto the western ledge without crossing the bridge?

She could, but the trigger for her readied action was kobolds being bunched up together. There's only 1 kobold on the western ledge right now.

Yeah, she'll go ahead and cross the bridge then. I hope it isn't trapped. :P

I want to do something!

Hope you have a good ranged attack or can jump 8 feet.

I do have a sling. But it's not my turn yet. Sadly drawing and loading are one move action each, so I won't be able to attack this roubd

Sorry all! Today's been crazy. I'm actually not at work but we're doing a potty training weekend. (Literally, every fifteen minutes, we're sending our kid to the use the potty. So far so good. Also, yes I'm aware I used the word potty. It's just part of the parent vernacular, I suppose.

Also also, actually actually: I typed up a huge post that I technically started around lunchtime Thursday, and lost it all!!! Sad face. What follows is essentially describing a large portion of the battle thus far. There was a bit of retcon involved, so bear with me.

The new continuity:
Hanzo defends the party's backside with a readied short bow attack.

Joriannika moves carefully, preparing a bomb to throw at the three scaly fiends atop the raised, rocky ridge to the southeast. She crosses the narrow bridge, and is about to lob her bomb when three rocks come at her from the north. There's another ledge up there, too, with three more kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) on it. Fortunately, only one of the stones hits Joriannika, but it gets her right on the forehead, leaving a cut and a quickly-forming, rather nasty bruise, dealing 2pts of damage and 1pt of nonlethal damage.

Jori, however, doesn't lose focus. If anything, she knows her next target. She lobs her bomb at middle reptile (Purple) which hits it in the chest and explodes on impact dealing 4pts of fire damage to all three kobolds up there. They're hurt, but still standing.

But rather than retaliate, they throw their stones at Guruthos, on the other side of the cave. One fails miserably but the other two make contact, though not dealing much damage. Guruthos takes 1pt of damage and 1pt of nonlethal damage.

Thomas casts divine favor upon himself.

Green doesn't make an appearance, but Blue, now having a clearer vantage point, slings a rock at Joriannika, but it falls short, tumbling down into the pit.

Guruthos prepares and readies an attack from his bow for the next time a kobold makes its face visible.

Bold may act:

Kobolds (green, blue) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Hanzo's previous readied attack is wasted.

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 14/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +1 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 0/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 8/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 17/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue) hp: AC:
Kobold (green) hp: AC:
Kobold (red) hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (yellow) hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (purple) hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (black) hp: AC:
Kobold (light blue) hp: AC:
Kobold (orange) hp: AC:

Hearing Jori's yelp of pain, Hanzo sighed and moved forward. Seeing the blue kobold jump up to sling a rock, he took a quick shot.

MW shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5

"How's it feel, huh lizards?" he snarled gleefully.

@stat tracker:
1)According to my calculation, I am at 16 hp, because these attacks were illegal. The kobolds were flat-footed and therefore not allowed to make those AoOs.
2) My Fate's favored trait ups my divine favor bonus to 2/2

The arrow pierces the lizard in the chest; it collapses out of sight, but you doubt it's gonna get back up anytime soon.

(Guruthos, from your position, you can't see the kobolds on the northern plateau, so nothing they do is going to trigger your readied action)

The three reptiles in the northern part of the room, continue their onslaught against the humans they can see. The black kobold throws one at Hanzo while the other two sling 'em at Joriannika.

Sling, Black: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Sling, Light Blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Sling, Orange: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

The back of Hanzo's hand gets cut by a slung stone, dealing 1pt of damage.

The two slung at Jori both miss...one of them barely making it 10 feet forward.

Bold can act:

Kobolds (green, blue) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

"Guys, wait a second..." In contrast to his earlier foolhardy rushes, Thomas seemed nervous, but calm. He was concentrating hard to keep the daemon locked away.
move action sheathe sword, move action move forward and draw sling and bullets.
What's the black stuff, again? Rubble, or a ridge?

[occ]The black stuff is a deep trench, and only the little strip in the middle crosses that trench.[/ooc]

Joriannika, who wasn't normally one to go charging ahead, hesitated, keeping an eye on the kobolds. "What, Thomas?"

5'step and Delay until Thomas answers, but after that she'll probably lob another bomb at the northern kobolds (targeting the one in the middle), unless he has a good reason not to.

bomb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 + 4 splash dmg, Ref DC14 for half

...Wow. Dicebot's in fine form. :P

"Need to change weaponry!"

1d8 ⇒ 6
When she does throw it, it hits the wall above and slightly right of the orange kobold, but essentially its same square, because it can't go any further. Splash damage will apply to Orange and Light Blue.

Joriannika lobs a bomb at her attackers from the north, but overestimates the distance a lets go a little late.

Ref DC14 for half to Orange: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 Success! Takes 2 damage
Ref DC14 for half to Light Blue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 Takes 4 damage!

Red, Purple, Yellow

Red loads another stone into his sling and whips it at Thomas, while Purple does the same at Joriannika.

Sling Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Fortunately, Red's aim is off, probably due to its sizzling scales. The pain. Oh, the pain!

Sling Purple: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Purple actually hits, but probably more from luck than anything else. Joriannika's shin is scraped up by the sharp stone, taking 1pt of damage.

Climb: 1d20 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 - 1 = 15
A rope ladder, probably anchored to the ground atop the ledge, suddenly unrolls over the ledge and the Yellow kobold descends it as quickly as it can.

Kobolds (green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 14/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +1 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 1/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 7/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 17/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue)hp: -5 AC: Status: Unconscious
Kobold (green)hp: AC: Status: ?
Kobold (red)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (black)hp: AC:
Kobold (lght blu)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (orange)hp:-2 AC:

Guruthos takes aim at the descending kobold (yellow) and fires.

bow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Woohoo! Good luck in bad! :D GM, where did her nl dmg come from?

Joriannika, her bomb thrown, glanced at Thomas incredulously. "Who needs to change weapons? You? Never mind that, just come on!" She beckoned for him to come out, pointing at the yellow kobold climbing down.

Hanzo was way ahead of her. He targeted the yellow kobold and let fly.

MW shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Woohoo! Good luck in bad! :D GM, where did her nl dmg come from?

Guruthos' shot slams into the wall next to the descending kobold, who flinches, but then starts running toward the trench, across from which is the only other exit out of here. While he's running, Hanzo fires an arrow from his short bow, but is unable to connect.

Kobold (green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Black loads another stone and slings it at Hanzo!
Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
damag: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 Hanzo takes 1pt of damage!
Light Blue, like the first, loads another stone but slings it at Thomas!
Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
damag: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Orange, like the second, loads another stone but slings it at Joriannika!
Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
damag: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Kobold (green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 14/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +1 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 1/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 7/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 16/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue)hp: -5 AC: Status: Unconscious
Kobold (green)hp: AC: Status: ?
Kobold (red)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (black)hp: AC:
Kobold (lght blu)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (orange)hp:-2 AC:

I realized I made a mistake. Blue is not unconscious, but Disabled! This will probably soon change!

"It's been a while, but two can play that game!"
Thomas steps forward, turns around, loads a stone from his pocket into his readied sling and hurls it at a kobold (black).

attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

With much more force and muscle than they've so far mustered, Thomas' slung stone embeds right between the eyes of the black kobold, who falls backward, unconscious.

Botting Jori
Seeing the Yellow one running, attempting to jump the small gap, she runs to head him off, whipping out her rapier.
Rapier: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
But instead falls flat on her face.

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

The yellow kobold can barely believe its luck! It doesn't slow down as it jumps the gorge.
Acrobatics DC 5: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Its little legs are much stronger than one might have thought. The creature jumped nearly 20ft. Without missing a beat, the reptile continues running down and out the tunnel on the south western corner of this cave.

Purple looks at Red, nods, and then begins descending the rope ladder.
Climb DC 5: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
While it climbs down, Red offers cover, slinging a stone towards Thomas!
At the base of the ledge, Purple turns towards Joriannika, and pulls out its spear, and makes a careful approach.

Sling attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Red whips a stone right in the knuckles on the back of Thomas' hand, dealing 1pt of damage.

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Blue, looking woozy, musters its concentration long enough to load one more stone into its sling.
Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

But its strength is wasted. It slings the stone pathetically at the ground in front of it; its legs get shaky, then the poor creature simple collapses. (Now Blue is unconscious and dying).

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +2 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 1/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 7/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status: Prone
Hanzo HP: 16/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue)hp: -6 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (green)hp: AC: Status: ?
Kobold (red)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (black)hp: AC:
Kobold (Lt blu)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (orange)hp:-2 AC:

The masked elf snarls and unleashes an arrow at the remaining kobold on the far ledge (red).

bow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 5

The masked elf howls in frustration. This is NOT how he prefers to face an enemy. He begins to wonder if this quest was really worth the money.

Hanzo fired another arrow at the red kobold, grinning maniacally.

MW shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2

His smile slipped when he realized that he'd fired at a shadow instead of the kobold itself, though.

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stabilize: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2 (Black is dying)

The two foes still standing on the northern ledge each load a stone to whip at Thomas!

Light Blue Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Orange Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

And they both miss terribly!

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika (currently prone!), Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +2 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 1/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 7/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status: Prone
Hanzo HP: 16/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue)hp: -6 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (green)hp: AC: Status: Fleeing
Kobold (red)hp: -4 AC:
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC: Status: Fleeing
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (black)hp:-9 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (Lt blu)hp:-4 AC:
Kobold (orange)hp:-2 AC:

"The first one was OK, but look at this one. "
Thomas steps forward to protect Jori, loads a stone from his pocket into his sling and hurls it at a kobold (lt blue).

attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

"Oh s~@!"

Joriannika stood up, wincing at scrapes and bruises. Then she put away the rapier she had inexplicably drawn, and picked up her crossbow again.

"Evil never wins!" she insisted in Draconic hisses and clicks, scowling at the kobolds.

Joriannika stands, (provoking an AoO from Purple)...

Spear: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

...and easily dodges the poorly thrust spear!

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Red continues its assault on Thomas, laughing at his pathetic attempt to sling a stone at him.

Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

It stops laughing when its rock goes wide and rolls down into the trench.

Purple, takes another stab at...well, stabbing Joriannika.

Spear: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

But the human is simply too quick!

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Blue Stabilize DC 10: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Although you can't see it, you hear the raspy breath of the blue kobold quicken. It may be unconscious, but it's in a lot of pain.
(Blue takes 1pt of damage)

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +2 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 2/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 7/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 16/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (blue)hp: -7 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (green)hp: AC:15 Status: ?
Kobold (red)hp: -4 AC:15
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC:15 Status: Fleeing
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:15
Kobold (black)hp:-9 AC:15 Status: Unconscious
Kobold (Lt blu)hp:-4 AC:15
Kobold (orange)hp:-2 AC:15

Hanzo stepped past Thomas into the firelight, but didn't bother to shoot at the purple kobold, assuming that Thomas and Jori had that handled. Instead he took another shot at the red kobold.

MW shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6

confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
additional dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

He hooted triumphantly as he nailed it in the eye, then called to the other kobolds in Draconic: "Which one of you is gonna be next, huh? Spitted on an arrow like a worm on a hook. Whaddaya think?"

Hanzo downs the red kobold with an arrow to the eye!

(Botting Guruthos)
Hanzo steps forward a bit, nocks an arrow, aims at the nearest kobold still standing to the north, and lets fly.

bow against light blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17(hit!)
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Hit finally hits his mark, and the kobold is knocked off its feet!

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Black stabilize: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3(Fail! 1pt of damage and dying)
Light Blue stabilize: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4 (Fail! 1pt of damage and dying.)

Orange loads a stone in its sling and whips it at the rogue!
Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
But, with a comrade having just been shot with an arrow bleeding out next to him, he can't focus and the rock goes wide.

Climb DC 5: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
The creature, apparently not wishing to die or surrender, immediately descends the rope ladder and moves to escape.

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +2 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 2/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 7/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 16/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (orange)hp:-2 AC:15
Kobold (Lt blu)hp:-9 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:15
Kobold (green)hp: AC:15 Status: ?
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC:15 Status: Fleeing
Kobold (black)hp:-10 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (blue)hp: -7 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (red)hp: -14 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying

"They are fleeing! "
Thomas reloads and hurls another rock at yellow, if still in sight, otherwise at orange.

attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

The rock clonks Orange in the head, who crumples and (because I can!) tumbles into the ravine below, landing on his head.

Joriannika took a step back before realizing that she couldn't really get away from the purple kobold without falling into the ravine too. Taking a different tack, she whipped out one of her vials with her free hand and shook it at the kobold, making it fizz harmlessly - but she was counting on the kobold not knowing it was harmless.

"Do you want to burn for your crimes? You should run, too - you're the last one left here," she suggested in Draconic. "If you stay and die, who will remember you? No one. But if you live, you can... uh, live to fight another day. Anyway, we didn't come here to kill you all."

Diplo: Persuasion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Oh well.

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

In draconic the creature rasps out, "Gotta a funny way of showing it!" then it stabs again at Joriannika

Spear: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18(Hit!)
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

The spear digs into Joriannika's thigh! The purple kobold then dashes southwest -

Joriannika, you get an AoO if you wish to use it. Otherwise...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

- and jumps over the gap!

red: 1d20 - 9 ⇒ (7) - 9 = -2
Red finally bleeds out and dies.

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

(Purple is placed where he would be if Jori either doesn't make an AoO, or if it misses).

Kobolds (blue, green) // Guruthos, Hanzo // Kobolds (Black, Light Blue, Orange) // Joriannika, Thomas // Kobolds (Red, Purple, Yellow)

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: NO PENALTY IN THIS ROOM! |

Global Condition:
Thomas HP: 15/17 AC: 16/12/14 Status: +2 atk/dmg rolls (rnds 3/10)
Guruthos HP: 13/14 (2nl) AC: 15/13/12 Status:
- Mori hp: 5/7 AC: 15/14/13
Joriannika HP: 4/12 (1nl) AC: 17/13/14 Status:
Hanzo HP: 16/18 AC: 17/13/14 Status:

NPCS:
Kobold (purple)hp:-4 AC:15
Kobold (green)hp: AC:15 Status: ?
Kobold (yellow)hp: -4 AC:15 Status: ?
Kobold (black)hp:-10 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (blue)hp: -7 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying
Kobold (Lt blu)hp:-9 AC:15 Status: Unconscious, dying

Joriannika yelped, then let out an expletive that her family definitely would have ribbed her for as the kobold slipped past her and Thomas. She raised her crossbow to shoot the kobold, but it was so quick!

Jori isn't going to waste a bomb on one kobold, and I don't think she gets an AOO with a crossbow? If she does, she'll take it.

you can only take an AoO if you threaten the square. You need SNap Shot to threaten with a ranged weapon

And so, it's Guru and Hanzo's turn

Welcome to the Dragon's Demand campaign module! Please dot and delete in the gameplay thread, and use this thread to discuss the opening of the game.

Pre-Game

Take a moment to discuss your characters and find their place. For the purposes of this campaign, it's best the PC's are not natives of Belhaim. This adventure assumes you've only recently arrived. If it would make sense for your characters, a man named Silas Gribb offers you a job as caravan guards, and you need the money. So, it's possible some of you might have known each other for awhile, or maybe just met that day. One or two of you might be in Belhaim for other reasons, because your character would not likely be a caravan guard.

Please discuss any pre-existing connections, relationships, or knowledge of each other your characters might have, but I don't expect you all to have big interwoven stories.

Posting rules

Please plan on posting AT LEAST 5 times a week. I would love to keep a fast pace on this game, because PbP is a slower medium by its nature. I will try to post at least once a day. If everyone has made a post since my last GM post I will do something to move the action forward. If we are waiting on a few posts, I will give reactions or answer questions but give time for everyone to have their say.

Once all but one PC has posted, that final PC has 24 hours to post or I will bot them. If we are in combat rounds, the botted action default will be to make an attack with the last weapon used. I will never bot a player to use any per day ability or other limited resources. If we are not in combat, your botted action will essentially be a variation of "Durian the Wanderer smiles and nods".

If you are going to miss posting due to any real life situation, that is perfectly ok. Real life issues happen. I'm sure I will have them come up as well over the course of the game. Please give us as much warning as you can, and I will happily bot you during your absence and will have your PC do anything you ask me to have them do.

Missing posts

If you do not post anything for a week without letting us know that you will be missing, I will consider your character gone. I will write them out in a suitably spectacular manner and we will move on. I apologize if this sounds harsh, but I have to draw a line somewhere. I would love to play this one to the end, which takes awhile, and I want to try to keep things moving.

Game Style

In the end, I want you all to have fun. Please please please give me feedback on how things are going. I want to make this a rewarding and fun campaign, but I know there are many ways to run a game.

If I'm completely honest with you, I'm probably more of a flexible GM than a strict by-the-book-all-the-time GM. When the stated rules don't serve the narrative well, I'll probably rule in favor of narrative and bend/break/create rules as needed. (If it's a situation where I'm not familiar with the mechanics or rules super thoroughly, this may happen). However, I will play creatures and NPC's as by-the-book as possible, and will ALWAYS abide by the dice roll.

I do like to tweak encounters as we go, either up or down in difficulty to match the party. If you feel like things have gotten too easy, let me know and I will try to keep things engaging and challenging.

This module is "kinda linear," in the sense that it's completely possible to skip entire sections of this campaign unintentionally!. So while the occasional NPC might strongly suggest against certain courses of action, I am happy to roll with the punches if you guys try unexpected solutions.

I would like to highly encourage interaction between PCs. Talk in character, learn about each other, let your PC personalities show through. This medium is awesome for RP if you want it to be. Don't feel like you have to just post once a day and wait for a GM post before posting again. Have conversations, come up with plans, try to figure out the back stories, etc.

Hopefully we will all have fun with this! I love this module and am so excited to run it.

Thomas came by a boat that stopped in Belhaim for resupplying and making repairs. Since there's no way of knowing when the trip will continue or when another boat might show up, Thomas settles in and finds a place to stay, the Wise Piper Inn.

So he's been here for two days, and would only know people that came with the same boat. Might have had a drink with someone in the Inn.

Joriannika also came by boat, but it was a family houseboat/river trading vessel. Perhaps it was the same one? The family that owns it rescued her from the river after an ambush on the vessel she was on previously. She's looking for a way to repay them - but she lost all her coin to the river bandits, so she can't stay at the inn.

Also, just FYI, next weekend I'll have guests and probably won't be able to reply.

Guruthos came down from the north, accidentally passing through Galt, barely making it out alive. He would typically sleep out in the surrounding forest, but in his haste to escape a mob of angry Galtans, he lost his tent. He is now searching for a place to stay, though he is too low on funds to stay at the Inn. He is hoping to trade a few animal skins he's gained from hunting to the local furrier for a few gold. He overheard a man (Silas) looking to hire caravan guards, so he would accept that so long as he's not expected to talk and interact much.

It is possible that Guruthos met Marana while hunting.

To be clear, Silas hired his caravan guards in Cassomir. The reason any of the PC’s he hires get stranded in Belhaim is because he won’t be around very long to pay them.

@Joriannika: not the same boat. You where heading north, that's where I am from.

@Thomas: I was heading north, but it's possible that I passed you on your way south before the bandits ambushed the ship I was on. I could have floated downstream and been found by the trader boat. A bit of a reach, but not impossible. Or it could have been a different boat, as you prefer.

To be clear, Silas hired his caravan guards in Cassomir. The reason any of the PC’s he hires get stranded in Belhaim is because he won’t be around very long to pay them.

So he hired us in Cassomir, then stiffed us at Belhaim?

When gameplay starts (And it will once I get a confirmation that final crunching is done and everyone has sorted out their backstories), it will start with those who traveled with Silas arriving in Belhaim as twilight falls.

I think it's better to let you know that, pretty much, as soon as you arrive in Belhaim, there will be guards waiting and Silas Gribb will promptly be arrested. Apparently there was a warrant for his arrest. So you will be left stranded, and unpaid, as your former employer is hauled off. We will roleplay this interaction, but I think it's good to know why you'll be in a backwater town with little to no money.

I will be posting links to maps, town info, and a loot sheet soon. Today was a busy day. (Besides a friendly neighborhood GM, I'm also a youth minister and our youth group went swimming today to bid farewell to summer vacation.)

@Thomas: I was heading north, but it's possible that I passed you on your way south before the bandits ambushed the ship I was on. I could have floated downstream and been found by the trader boat. A bit of a reach, but not impossible. Or it could have been a different boat, as you prefer.

No, why not. Sounds good. So, I was on that family-owned trading vessel that was on its way back to Andor from picking up Kelish cloth in Yanmass. Your ship was taking the route through Taldor towards the Fog Peaks. We pulled you out of the water four days ago and I have been healing your wounds. Thomas is quite the charmer, but hasn't seen much of the world beyond his hometown and some foreign traders. You feel he tries to keep some things secret.

Joriannika was waterlogged but very grateful to you and the traders. She seems immediately trusting, and while you can tell that she's mad at the river bandits, she doesn't let it stop her from cheerfully speaking with everyone on the new vessel. She's both helpful, as much as her pre-healed wounds allow, a good listener, and chatty where Thomas is more reserved... but she doesn't speak much of her life in the city. Rather, she speaks at length about her idealistic views and how they will help Galt, once she eventually gets there.

"But Belhaim is my port of call for now," she cheerily announces as the boat docks. She thanks the family profusely for their help, and promises to repay them as soon as she can. "I always keep a promise!"

She went with Thomas to the Wise Piper, just to keep him company as she tried to figure out what to do.

I haven't had a chance to delve into the other PCs' backgrounds yet, but I'll do it when I get home tonight.

DM, that sounds like a great way to end their vacation!

:)

___

The loot sheet is up. It should be set so that you're all able to edit the page. We will use this to track party loot and wealth distribution. Each player should claim one of the bottom tabs, put your starting wealth in the appropriate cell on the right, and fill out what gear you purchased. It should auto-calculate your net at the top.

On the main page, whenever the party sells loot, we'll enter it there, and all gold distributions will be entered as "purchases".

This was borrowed from another campaign I'm in, and I'm pretty sure the GM said he borrowed it from someone else.

Maps and Info still to come.

Guruthos will be traveling with Silas, and when he finds out that he won't be paid, he will be concerned (as he only has 7gp and a copper). He may seek out the hunting lodge and the furrier to see if they need any traps built.

GM, maybe I'm missing something, but I've looked around and do not see a link to the loot sheet. Sorry for the newb question (haven't done PBP in a few years), but where would I find it?

It's okay. Top of the screen, above the campaign info tab. It'll be more obvious once I post more links up there.

Okay, now it should be set up so that anyone with the link can edit!

Unless you all are okay waiting until tomorrow, if Gobo and Trevforshort haven't sounded off here by this evening (let's say 6pm CDT), I will replace them. I was hoping to get this second table started this morning.

I don't mind waiting.

It's okay. Top of the screen, above the campaign info tab. It'll be more obvious once I post more links up there.

I see it now, thank you.

I'm ok with waiting until tomorrow for them.

Okay. That works for me as well.

Huh, so I took the average rogue starting wealth (140gp), but forgot to add the +15% for having a craft (Trapmaking). Neat, I'm not as broke as I thought I was!

Edit: claimed a tab and entered my stuff. Confirmed it matches my Hero Lab.

how many are we awaiting still? Is four players enough? most APs and modules are designed for this size. I think the original Inquisitor is missing, right?

Correct. This module was designed for four PCs, I was going to run it with 5 because of some sage advice I was given. We're technically still waiting on our original inquisitor and the monk that Gobo Horde had submitted.

@Tivilio, if you would like to play your arcanist as well, that's fine.

I've also informed @Krisam that he could dual-play Joriannika and his knife master unchained rogue, Hanzo Belkin, if he so wishes. (I say he out of convenience, obviously not knowing nor caring about anyone's gender). ^_^

In any case, we need to get started. So with the three we have, I'm going to start the campaign. I'll leave room for Marana if Trevforshort decides to join us.

I should have our first gameplay post done in the next 60 minutes (I'm at work, gotta multi-task).

good news! I never thought about that. But one person playing multiple PCs really speeds things up :)

I can play my Arcanist if he's needed. I'll need to come up with a backstory for him, but I should be able to do that in a day or two.

Okay:

Okay, I guess we've got a party! (I was SO tempted to make a joke about getting this party started. You have no idea.)

Hanzo was with the caravan, so he could know Guruthos? Probably only superficially, considering your background, but maybe they were on a few watches or rode point guard or something together.

Okay, I guess we've got a party! (I was SO tempted to make a joke about getting this party started. You have no idea.)

Hanzo was with the caravan, so he could know Guruthos? Probably only superficially, considering your background, but maybe they were on a few watches or rode point guard or something together.

Yes, and given that they're both unchained rogues (at this point, anyway), they have some common ground. Guruthos is pretty stand-offish and quiet, but a simple head-nod might speak volumes for him.

Okay:

** spoiler omitted **

Sounds good, I'll prep him this evening, but don't feel obligated to use him unless you feel we need him. I'm fine either way.

Yes, and given that they're both unchained rogues (at this point, anyway), they have some common ground. Guruthos is pretty stand-offish and quiet, but a simple head-nod might speak volumes for him.

Guruthos might notice that Hanzo's only weapons are the long knives he keeps tucked away. He isn't talkative like Joriannika, but he doesn't fall in the stand-offish camp with Guruthos either. He seems wary, watchful, like it's ingrained in him... but not unfriendly.

And he does tell some good jokes around the campfire at the evening meals.

Guruthos may catch Hanzo looking at his mask once in a while, a speculative look on his face, but he never brings it up in conversation.

ETA: Friday-Sunday I'll have guests, so I probably won't be able to post then. Feel free to drag Joriannika and Hanzo along on any harebrained schemes. :D

Guruthos might notice that Hanzo's only weapons are the long knives he keeps tucked away. He isn't talkative like Joriannika, but he doesn't fall in the stand-offish camp with Guruthos either. He seems wary, watchful, like it's ingrained in him... but not unfriendly.

And he does tell some good jokes around the campfire at the evening meals.

Guruthos may catch Hanzo looking at his mask once in a while, a speculative look on his face, but he never brings it up in conversation.

Guruthos is quite used to people staring at him, be it his mask or what is underneath. He's also quite content to let Hanzo do the talking. If asked a question, he will typically answer as briefly as possible, preferably with a shrug. Because he must remove his mask to eat, Guruthos typically does not take meals with others. Once, when Hanzo told a particularly bawdy joke during a meal, he thought he heard a short, raspy chuckle coming from the shadows where Guruthos ate... but it could have been a burp.

Got it. Hanzo and Joriannika smile and wave. ;)

Got it. Hanzo and Joriannika smile and wave. ;)

Haha, yep, Joriannika smiles brightly, full of the belief that if you smile the world smiles back, and Hanzo smiles in a way that suggests that he's planning on lifting someone's purse strings right now.

Zeneka's stats are up, but don't feel obligated to bring him in if he's not needed.

Player Handouts has been updated.

Thomas and Joriannika: During your first two days here, if you were likely to go visit any of the places listed in the Locations/NPC list, let me know. If it was a shop, prices will vary depending on their disposition towards you. If you simply walked around, or sat in the tavern drinking for two days straight, I guess that's fine too. ;)

Well, Joriannika has lost almost everything. She might need to resupply. Thomas would be happy to assist her with some coins.

Joriannika is impressed with Thomas' generosity, but demurs, saying that he's already done so much for her! "I'll find a way to pay for what I need without taking your money," she insists earnestly, clasping his hand.

Joriannika would definitely wander the town and become familiar with its inhabitants, and maybe do some window shopping, but she's mainly keeping an eye out for any opportunity to earn some money. Preferably quickly, since she isn't sure how long the traders will stay in town!

from my experience you can't take 10 on knowledge checks. that would create the strange situation that everybody knows quite a lot about everything. The other argument against it is that a bard specifically gets the ability to take 10 on knowledge checks.

Correct, no one may take 10 on a knowledge check, and since we don't have a bard, her abilities don't matter. If you aren't trained in a specific Knowledge "field", you cannot even attempt a check.

The one exception to that is monster lore. When trying to recall or understand what a creature is or it's abilities (etc.), a PC can make untrained knowledge checks as long as the DC=10 or less. Which means only really common creatures like goblins and such. (There are no goblins in the Dragon's Demand.)
And even then, the only bit of information I'm likely to give is the name of the creature.

Ergo, only roll knowledge checks if you are trained in that field of study.

Talia bid you all a goodnight and cleaned a few dishes and went through a door behind the counter.

If you all would like to use this time to get to know each other a bit, that's fine. You may also go straight to bed.

Unless one of you starts something, the night will pass without incident.

Ah, ok. I'll try to remember.

To supplement Thomas' and Joriannika's time in Belhaim before the adventure began, I'm granting each of a 1-time bonus in the form of a Kn(Local) check (to be used at any time, as you see fit) due to rumors or any history you may have learned from the citizens in town.

If it's not a class skill for you, you may treat it as a class skill for you for that single attempt. You may also use this benefit to Aid another making the attempt (supplemental knowledge is what I call that!).

If it is a class skill for you, you get a +1 bonus the next time you roll Kn(Local).

Again this is a single use bonus for Thomas and Joriannika.

For this table, I'm going to experiment a few things. One includes narrative-based rewards. Actions/choices you make might earn you an one time use of an extra d6 on any roll (except damage). Or some other bonus.

These rewards will be far and few in-between. (Maybe... it's kinda up to you guys).

I want to encourage this group to be creative. If you feel like the story is going one direction but you want to go another, try it! I'm going to try to go with the flow with what choices you make. If that results in a TPK...well, I'll try not to let that happen. ;)
(Don't worry. It's extremely unlikely we'll have a TPK...)

Thank you all for being my guinea pigs on this.

Your Friendly Neighborhood GM

interesting conversation you're having. I presume.

Thomas and Joriannika: During your first two days here, if you were likely to go visit any of the places listed in the Locations/NPC list, let me know. If it was a shop, prices will vary depending on their disposition towards you. If you simply walked around, or sat in the tavern drinking for two days straight, I guess that's fine too. ;)

I had a chance to look at the different places. Thomas will most likely have visited Fisher's Row and watched and/or chatted with the fishermen about their success and regional strategies and fish.

That's very strange Thomas. I wonder why Hero Lab (which uses source official Paizo source material) has Daemonic as a language? Maybe it's incorrectly listed in a sourcebook or something. Well, we can deal with this in a few ways:

• pick a language that both of our characters speak (infernal or abyssal).
  
• pick opposite languages (for instance, you take infernal and I take abyssal, or vice versa).
  
• individually choose and let the chips fall where they may.
  
• ignore this for the purpose of this game and continue to treat daemonic as a language.
  

GM & Thomas what are your thoughts?

well, I was originally expecting that nobody will understand me. That's the expectation of that particular orcale curse in general.
I chose one at character generation. You can check my profile and choose accordingly, or pick one at random.

Y'all could decide that Guruthos doesn't speak the same language that Thomas will during combat, but some of the guttural sounds and a few words are similar that he knows the language itself might be evil or demonic in nature.

Ok I've changed mine to Abyssal.