Kingmaker AP

Game Master dfsearles

"I imagine the reason for talking with them first is to verify the story, to ensure they are as accused before punishing them for it. I realize that implies not trusting these good folk, but, we don't know anything about them other than what they have told us, do we? When serving as both judge and executioner, it is important to make sure you are right before acting. We should secure the gear first, in case they arrive quickly, and then discuss how to set the ambush, I think." As he finishes, Drektan looks to Layla for approval or agreement.

Oleg looks to Layla and bows his head in thanks, Its an honor to have you here Lady Aldori. As for the bandits, I would supose only a small band of them will come this time. The first time they showed up some weeks ago there were 15-20 of them, over time though, fewer and fewer have arrived. Lord only knows what will happen when they come if you attack. He then looks to Ajax and Drektan with distain, and a slight amount of anger in his voice, This is an outpost on the edge of the wilderness, I think they know that help isn't soon to arrive. As for trusting me? You're a band of adventurers who could come from anywhere, and you show up to a trade hub plagued by bandits... I think I'm the one who has to do the trusting around here. He motions for everyone to go eat.

"The scum most likely think more goods will come and they can take them again. Parasites expecting things will always be that way." Katarina looks extremely angry.

As the daughter of a merchant family she is familiar with those that prey on them and hates them bitterly. "We will not be giving them our supplies. We have weapons and spells we can give them. Painfully!"

The muscle wizard grins at the cleric's eagerness to dish out some pain. "There's that fire I like. Good to see you haven't lost it."

After Drektan reasons, Atlas thinks a while, considering. "We should probably get to that right away, if there IS anything left to steal. Remember those tracks I found yesterday? Someone was following us through the forest. Could be the bandits. If so, they'd know we're here and probably already on their way."

He then shrugs. "As for who to trust, I'd take the word of two down-on-their-luck settlers living in a stripped-bare outpost over the one of a host of armed ruffians. And it only takes one look to verify it. Road-side bandits aren't the most eloquent or groomed of people. Usually."

Layla shakes her head positively towards Drektan.

You are right. We should still give them the benefit of reasoning, and regardless... They might have useful information to reveal. One thing is extracting information from a captured prisoner, the other is extracting it from arrogant gluttons who believe they have the advantage.

She listens as Atlas, keeping a pondering silence.

Yes, we need to start preparing right away. Katarina, in the high likelihood these men are truly bandits and can't be reasoned with, I am sure our skills will be greatly put to use. I believe the opportunity to engage them lethally might be the natural course of events, and even in such case coming from a hiding position will give us the edge of surprise. Oleg, if you have some map of the outpost and its surroundings, we can start drawing our strategy and planning traps and hiding spots.

Cator turns to his wife. "Vesnia? Will you please stay with Lana when this all goes down? You are probably the best person to protect her should things go awry."

Oleg just looks at the party as they discuss strategy, nodding at the fact they wish to fight off these bandits. When asked if he has a map he shakes his head. This place is small enough, there's no need for a map. What you see is what we have. With that he looks back at Svetlana, standing by a cooking fire, patiently tapping a ladle in her hand. Look, do all the planning you wish, but I could tell you right now, the bandits will be here soon after sunrise tomorrow morning as per their schedule. With that he retreats over to the dinning area of the fort, kisses his wife, and whispers something. She tenderly touches her hand to his face and says something back to him, then serves him a delicious smelling bowl of stew.

Oleg's Trading Post
Inside the trading post you notice several things right off the bat:
Market Yard: The center of the post, you can easily see where wagons are frequently brought in and out by a worn trail divots in the road. Now, only a single covered wagon sits idle near the gate.

Guesthouse: This building sits directly to the right after coming into the post. Judging by its size, you estimate that 4-5 people could reasonably sleep inside this small shack. It's roof looks worse for ware, and there are several small holes along the top of the walls as if it hasn't been cared for.

Stable: The building to your left, along the wall, is open for the most part, though the back of it is closed off and half gates sit closed. You make note of several small bales of hay that sit inside the Stable, waiting for its occupants to come feast.

Storage Pen: Next to the Stable, directly across from the main gate, sits a small pen, its fence is well worn and the gate hangs open. The biggest thing to note is that the pen sits completely empty.

Main Hall: To the right of the Pen sits the Main Hall, its double doors hang open and you can just barely make out a stretch of hallway.

Dining Area: In front of the main hall sits two long wooden tables with benches, between them is a small campfire with a tripod erected over it. A large black pot sits above the fire, and the smell of stew is brewing from it.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Not catching the mumblings, Atlas instead inspects the outpost's facilities.

I assume that since it has a gate, the outpost is entirely walled?

"Let's check the buildings and see if anything could be used to aid in our defense. After bringing it to Oleg to ask, of course. Looking for things like animal snares and means of concealing them, for one. I have a few flasks of oil we could pour near the entrance, perhaps some of the hay as well. A sudden fire among them might bring at least a few to panic. Or simply burn, with luck."

So you’re going to inspect the outpost and dig through his things without permission, or wait until you guys eat and talk more first? Just getting clarification

Cator will look around the outpost for natural foliage to use as camouflage.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Though, If Oleg is that confident on their schedule it's probably good manners to join him for dinner first."

Sorry, i missed the line where he invites us to dinner.

Atlas walks over to the dinner table. "If the invitation still stands, we could use a good meal. Going on jerky, nuts and dried fruit for days wears on a person."

He sits down and studies Oleg and his wife. "Also, is there any advice or help you could give us for fighting them off tomorrow? You know them much better than us; their weapons, armor, if they have magic and the like. And can we use any of your remaining equipmemt to help in the defense?"

Svetlana brings out some extra bowls and silverware, setting the table for you and your cohorts. The drivers of the caravan tend to the horses, settling them into the shed and making sure they had feed bags, including Drektan's horse. After you all sit and Oleg finishes his stew, he turns in regard to Atlas, There isn't much left around here since the bandits take everything every couple of weeks, but there might be some things laying about, feel free to look about. He stops for a moment, as if in thought, then continues, As for the bandits themselves, like I said before, there were about 15-20 of them the first time they showed up, said this land belonged to some Stag-Lord, and that we had to give them whatever supplies and gold that we had. Now I'm not much of a tripoding adventurer like yourselves, but they all seem like typical bandits. crossbows, swords, leathers, and the like. Over the last few weeks though, they've come in smaller numbers, probably because they know we aren't going to put up a fight. However, if you're really willing to help us, we would greatly appreciate it. With that he stands and stokes the fire a bit. The red embers crackle and flash when disturbed and you all feel the gust of warmth. Oleg looks out to the sun, still a few hours from setting, but it is getting into the evening, and hangs his head. The guesthouse is yours, feel free to use it as you wish. There's eight beds in there, and I can rig up some sheets to give you lady folk a little more privacy. Just behind it there's some showers, if you hurry, the water should still be warm from the sun's rays as I had just filled the trough yesterday. He takes his wife's hand lovingly and heads off to the house.

While searching the grounds and various buildings you discover that the main house has two rooms currently locked, one has to be their sleeping quarters, to other room you can safely assume its a storage room of some kind. If asked, Oleg will tell you that its a larder, where he is allowed to keep a couple of weeks worth of food.

There is another storeroom that contains the following:
two barrels of, drinking water, a half-full barrel of lantern oil,
three common lamps, a dozen candles, a week’s worth of firewood, a hooded lantern, 70 feet of hemp rope, a tent, and enough food (mostly cheese, hard bread, and dried venison) to last for 2 weeks. Oleg freely offers you anything in here that you might find useful. Bare in mind he is hurting on supplies and doesn't know when, or if, he will get more of these supplies.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Cator and Vesnia thank Oleg for the meal. The barbarian begins circling the property, keeping an eye out for bandits.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

When Atlas is outside with the rest of the group following dinner, he lowers his voice. "Not our business I guess, but I've got a hunch he's got more stuff hidden somewhere than he's letting on. The bandits seem to have taken less than 'everything', too."

He cracks his neck to the side and continues the stroll around the perimeter. "That said, let's get about divising a strategy...

After finding the supplies in the storeroom.

"So we've got hay, a lot of flammable oil, a wall surrounding the perimeter except for one gate and plenty of buildings and spots to hide ourselves. I say we let them in, then spring the trap. Oil covering the entrance. Hay on top to disguise it. Maybe he's got some animal poo left from the pens, rotting in a barrel somewhere. Could use that to disguise the scent."

He scratches his chin and watched the entrance. "Then we light them up. Literally - one of us throws a lit torch or alchemist vial. And while they're panicking from the fire surrounding them, we move in for the kill. Might not stop them all from running but it's relatively easy and simply. And so long as we take at least one alive for questioning and one to bring the message back to their leader to kindly back the f!*$ away from these people, it's a success in my book. Right?"

"Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Could I help with the cleaning as partial thanks?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Later

"Agreed, he is hedging his bets. But, just as we have only met them, they have only met us. If he did not hedge his bets, he would be too foolish to survive as a trader. Interaction with the bandits could put some truth to his tales, and some to the Lady Aldori's position, both. Providing cause to increase trust beyond a polite, starting assumption."

After looking around, some, and listening to the ideas.

"We would need to be cautious about where oil is used, of course. Fire is a marvelous tool, but it is also a ravenous beast, and there is a great deal of wood about. That said, we don't have to be so obvious in lighting the oil. A burning lantern next to it, me close to that, and the lantern could tip over on cue. I would need to be within 10', but there's no cause to attract attention to the fire source. I have no ranged weapons, so during the encounter it shouldn't matter, but I climb most things easily. Is there anything we want to put on top of the things around us? Or should I run a rope up to help a ranged combatant to a roost?"

Drektan, you can attempt a DC 15 Climb check to get onto any roof that you see, however, there isn't anywhere to tie a rope off to, there is a ladder though that a character could use as well.

Oleg considers your plans for using his oil to set a trap. Aye, that might work, but you'll have to be careful not to attract to much attention to it.

Through the rest of the evening you set up your trap, making sure to plan for every contingency. I need one player to roll an INT Crafting (trap) check, this will set the DC for the bandits to notice it. I need all party members to read the layout description of the outpost carefully and tell me where you'd like to hide, or if you're going to stand out in the open. Oleg has mentioned your plan to the drivers and they have set up the carts in the Market yard to make it appear as if they are traveling merchants. He tells you he will be glad to stand outside once the bandits arrive, when, and if, the fighting breaks out, he is going to run inside with Svetlana and Vesnia.

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Can I use Axton's roll as an Aid another?

Katarina lets those with muscles plan tomorrows entertainment. She takes the time to see if anyone at the Trading post is in need of healing?

[dice=sense motive] 1d20 + 4;

Can I use Axton's roll as an Aid another?

Katarina lets those with muscles plan tomorrows entertainment. She takes the time to see if anyone at the Trading post is in need of healing?

I’ll let you go ahead and use the 25DC information that I improperly formatted and never caught. What will you be doing for the encounter in the morning?

Drektan, you can attempt a DC 15 Climb check to get onto any roof that you see, however, there isn't anywhere to tie a rope off to, there is a ladder though that a character could use as well.

Drektan has a climb speed of 20' w/o encumbrance.

Cator will ambush from The Stables, while Vesnia stays with Svetlana to keep her safe.

Atlas will hide in the guesthouse. He prepares a mage armor spell to pre-cast it the moment the bandits come in visual range of our scout (Drektan on the roof)? He also grabs a shield scroll which he intents to use when the lantarn is thrown and the fire starts.

craft: trap?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

If taking 20 is allowed since we spend most of the day placing the oil and trying to cover it up with straw and optionally animal poo, it would be 23.

Craft: Trap: Untrained assist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Drektan will try to set a burning lantern (without cover), near the oil, and then get up on the wall close enough to the lantern to use Prestidigitation to push it over. He can cast the Prestidigitation as soon as the bandits are in sight. I figure they'll come into the compound well before the hour is up.

"We're going to need to keep them here until we're finished." Katarina says, scanning the outpost. "Someone will need to close the gate once they're inside. We don't want one running off to tell the others do we?"

Katarina has no Stealth at all. She will be ready to cast Bless and then attack from the Stables.

I assume it's best if I'm the one speaking to them... Distracting them. - says the duelist - If one or more of us hide outside, maybe just by surrounding them it's enough to prevent them from fleeing? I mean, we might not need to close the gates... As I suspect they might not even step all of them inside.

1st day of Pharast
The trap is set, breakfast finished, and the party is in place. Oleg stands in front of the merchant carts with Layla by his side. Katrina and Cator just 20 feet off to the west, crouching behind a stable door, ready to pounce out at the first call. Atlas stands just inside the guesthouse, its door cracked open just enough for him to see Oleg. Drektan climbs up the side of the wall, carefully peering over in an attempt to watch the path. It isn't long after everyone is in place when Drektan sees the approaching bandits. From the looks of things, they are fairly confident nothing is going to happen, other than them receiving their payment. three of them are all dressed fairly similar in leather armor and are laughing and poking fun at each other, behind them, walks the proud figure of a man clad in a green cloak, a bow is slung over his shoulder and remains quiet as they walk up. about 30 feet from the gate, the man in the middle of the three calls out to Oleg, but they still approach. Oleg, ye old git! I see we have a nice little caravan today!
His friend to his right laughs, Yeah, maybe we should have brought a cart and horse with us huh?
The third reaches behind the first and slaps the seconds arm, Nah, we can just take one of theirs! Why go through the extra work!

The three bandits walking in front walk just inside the gate, and as they start walking through the oil, the man in the back calls out, HOLD IT YOU IDIOTS!

Oleg reactively takes a step back, fear crosses his face for a moment and stutters out, H-H-H-Happs my friend... what's wrong?
OK guys, it looks like your trap may have been made, will you try and convince the bandits that nothing is wrong and hold your attack, or will you spring into action? This will be a surprise round so follow the order as noted below, if holding, just say so, their actions this round have been detailed above. Until the first shot is fired or weapon drawn though, assume each round is a surprise round.
INIT:
Happs: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
bandits: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Layla: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Katarina: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Drektan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Cator: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Atlas: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

There's no need for violence, mates. - says Layla, approaching with Oleg - It seems we might have simply a case of misunderstanding.

The duelist stops back, holding the man by her - and keeping the distance from the bandits.

My name is Layla, and I'm hoping we can come out to some level of agreement. After all, what are all of us if not just simple people trying to earn out bread and roof? - he pauses - There's a chance for coin in exchange for honest, hard work. Maybe no one will end up rich, but bellies will be fed and children will be dressed.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

And you see, if the good manners are to come with information about who you're working for and how can we meet such fine gentleman or woman, then likely we can make the coin purses even heavier.

As he moves forward, the other bandits take a look at their feet, then back at Happs. As the bandit on the right, towards Drektan, he taps the one in the middle and then at the lantern. Uh bud?

The bandit in the middle of the trio looks towards the lantern sitting on a barrel. He taps the one on the left. Uh, bud?

The third bandit scrapes some of the sludge off of his boot and sniffs his finger. God, this stuff smells like oil and s***!Upon being tapped on the shoulder by his counterpart, he looks to his boots, then to his lantern, and finally, he eyes move up and lock onto the cat, gripping the wall and motioning with his fingers. ITS A TRAP! The three bandits immediately draw swords and Happs draws his bow.

With the spell precast, Drektan doesn't have to do anything more than will the lantern to fall over, off the barrel, into the oil. He does. As gravity takes over, and the slight push becomes redundant, Drek looks over the wall to see how the leader reacts.

Katarina will sigh and cast Bless on herself & Cator. Her move action is to open the stable doors to let him move freely.

Not wasting any time, Atlas casts the scroll of shield on himself and rushes from the stables, ready to engage the bandits!

+4 ac for a turn. Atlas has 10 feet reach and combat reflexes, he will try and position himself so that if they move forward, they provoke.

Cator joins Atlas exiting the stables, drawing his greatsword and rush to meet the bandits.

The one who would be on the right is not so lucky. He leaps from the fire, but his slippery boots cause his to slip and fall prone directly beneath Drektan, and his sword clatters away from his grip as he lands on the hard dirt.

Our third bandit though escapes mostly unharmed, and emerges face to face with Cator.
bandit 3 attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Smoke however appears to interfer with his vision however as his blade swings from right to left through the air, completely missing Cator with no effort from him.

GET THOSE BASTARDS! You all hear shouted from beyond the fire, as Happs moves to find a way past the fire.

attack roll, AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Atlas manages to hit the bandit stumbling towards him, but unfortunately the hit is only grazing.

On the plus side, he still hit him in the balls with a halberd, so it probably wasn't that pleasant either.

Is everyone's turn up now?

Ajax hits the first bandit to emerge. With his disheveled look, his eyes grow wide and falls.

As his lifeless body lays on the ground, blood begins to pool beneath him.
yes, I will wait to post more until everyone has acted, this was just because of the AoO.

Katarina will move out, avoiding the now unpleasant fire and swing at teh nearest bandit if there is one in range?

Scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Pffft!

Cator raises his mighty sword high, slashing down at the smoky-eyed bandit.
Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Dmg.: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9

Katrina moves out and charges forward, but the fire is hot and it causes her to falter in her swing, the tip of her blade slices through his armor, but misses him. Cator though, come up to the bandit and swings his mighty great sword, slicing into the bandit like a stick of butter.

there is still one bandit beneath Drektan, just to the right of the gate. And Happs is outside, watching you tear his people to shreds.

Atlas attacks the remaining underling!

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Keep one of them alive! Stabilize the bleeding ones, if possible. - yells Layla, turning her gaze to Happs - Not him, though. As sentenced by the authority of the Aldori Swordlords, I want him down!

As she points her dueling sword to him, she rushes and tries to attack the man.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

As she points her dueling sword to him, she rushes and tries to attack the man.

[dice=Attack]1d20+7
[dice=Damage]1d8+1

If you’re charging through the fire, you’re going to need to roll a reflex save, or acrobatics. DC 15. On a fail, take 1d6 fire damage, on a success, take 1 fire damage.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

As Drektan doesn't recognize any special traits about this bandit to share with his companions, he climbs down and moves to the fallen bandits.

He will attempt to staunch the injuries of the one which had fallen directly below him to see if he can save one as instructed . . ..

Heal (First Aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

But his lack of expertise proves a problem.

scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
scimitar Critical?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Nope. :(

damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Slashing at her opponent again she sweetly informs him. "I'm the only healer here. So if you wish to live you should surrender like a good boy!"

Ajax makes short work of the remaining bandit. Katarina, who are you going after? If it’sHapps, you’ll need to make a REF or Acrobatics to get through the fire. I’m going to amend what I said earlier though, a successful acrobats results in no damage from getting through the fire. A failed check results in you landing in the fire and needing to do a reflex save. The DC for both is 15. If you make a reflex save and pass, you take one point of damage as smoke fills your lungs and fire locks at your skin, of you fail, the fire physicals burns you.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Layla charges through the fire, avoiding most of it but still burning herself, and attacks the man.

assuming Katarina jumps through the fire.

With her cat like grace that leaves Drektan in awe, Layla jumps through the fire and slashed at Happs’s arm, causing him to drop his bow, then before he can blink, Katarina joins her and slices him across his chest. He screams and falls prone, gurgling slightly as his blood spills onto the ground.

Happ’s blood, along with the third bandit that Cator and Katarina took out seems to stop flowing, the first two bandits’ though seem to continue to hemorrhage from Ajax’s weapon and won’t stop.

Katarina really can't see any point in keeping bandits Spit! alive, but shrugs and follows orders.

Rolling to stabilize the wounded

heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"There you go boys. You'll be nice and healthy for your hanging." She says warmly with a smile.

Starting to get a feel for Katarina. Sweet, kind and helpful most of the time. Just a touch bloodthirsty with those she doesn't like. :)

End of Combat
As the party looks around at the sheer carnage, spilled blood in four different pools, the bandits, and their leader, restrained on make shift cots, and the smoldering pile of burnt hay and fecal matter, they come to realize that this may have been a touch to easy from the descriptions you’ve heard until now. What will they party do? Where will they go? Will the bandits ever wake up? These questions, and more, are now in your hands.

The two youngest will live to be questioned. If we like what we hear, they might have some other chance in life. As for Happs and company, if they still breath, they shall be hanged outside to serve as an example.

The duelist is still scorched, but makes an effort to hide she’s hurt. A good night of rest later, maybe even a bath if it’s Sunday, will take care of it.

You all were very fast and talented! I’m very happy to be in your company. Good job! - she completes, as she starts kneeling down to relieve the bandits from the equipment and separate the two she wants to question. She looks around to see if Oleg is already back out.

Cator nods and rushes to help loot the bodies.