GM Badblood's The Dragon's Demand

Game Master Lance K

spellcraft : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Ilvaria steps back and starts casting a sleep spell!

1 round casting time.

"They want us to chase them into the cave! They probably have traps in there."

To the kobolds, Suizal speaks back in her rusty Draconic.

Suizal steps up and lobs a ball of ice at the green kobold in the front.

Ray of Frost vs touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

"That was a warning! Stay back."

Ilvaria begins casting a spell, one that might disable most of the enemies, as long as nothing happens to break her concentration. Suizal moves up and warns the kobolds that they are dangerous before knocking one if them with a blast of ice.

That hit despite cover! Tanssi out performed her summoner and is ready to act!

Your mission is to "take care of the kobold threat," so "technically" that's a lie. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to kill them all, but you're definitely not there on a peaceful diplomatic mission

Without hesitation, knowing what damage the kobolds did when they were absent last time, Tanssi leaps forward to swipe at the closest creature.

It looks like the rocks are positioned to prevent a charge. If Tanssi can charge, they now have pounce and could make additional attacks

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Tanssi has a 20% miss chance outside of bright light

Oh geesh, vanilla summoners can get pounce super early. But yeah, the boulders interfere with charging.

Tanssi scrambles up the boulder and swings her claw at the kobold, but amazingly she misses, despite having caught the creature off guard with her speed.

Several of the kobolds draw spears and begin stabbing at Tanssi. The party notices that the creatures appear to be struggling with the bright light of day and none of them land a blow.

They are dazzled in bright light. Don't remember if that also has negative consequences for Tanssi and Ilvaria also. And Dark Green had to move through Tanssi's reach and provoked an AoO

Dark Green spear: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 1 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Green spear: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Brown spear: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 - 1 = 17
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

The far off kobolds move out of the cave. One kobold launches a Hail Mary sling throw at Ilvaria.

Sling, vs cover: 1d20 + 3 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 - 1 - 2 = 13
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

The other draws a crossbow as they move and fires at Suizal, who is out in the open. Both missiles bounce off the rocks.

Xbow: 1d20 - 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 6 = 8
Piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Round 1
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Kobold Caster
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Drk Green -1, AoO from Tanssi
Kobold, Brown
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green
Sir Falcon
Andwise

Round 2
Irlana

AoO, Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The only consequence of bright light is that Tanssi doesn't gain it's 20% concealment bonus

Following behind Tanssi, Andwise scrambles up to the edge of the rocks. As he approaches, as small glob of acid pools in his hand, before he releases it toward the dark green kobold.

Acid Splash, Touch: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20 Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Crit?: 1d20 ⇒ 19 Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Tanssi grabs one of the kobolds in her jaws and flings her into the quarry wall. Then Andwise steps up and blasts one the kobolds in the face with some summoned acid. Despite the severity of the wound, the kobold is still standing

Round 1
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Kobold Caster
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green
Sir Falcon
Andwise

Round 2
Irlana

Hearing the melee in progress Irlana takes a glance ahead, casts her cantrip again and moves a little closer.

Casting Daze on Brown. DC12 Will save again. Are there any plants in the area? Or just dirt and rock? I prepared Entangle thinking that we'd be outside for some of this....

Okay, botting Sir Falcon for now.

Sir Falcon rushes forward and climbs onto one of the boulders. Drawing his trident as he moves, he throws it down at the closest kobold. His foot slips and he almost stumbles down. Unfortunately the missile lands in the dirt right in front of him.

Thrown Trident, no PS: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 4 = 2
Piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Irlana, I think there would be enough grass and shrubbery out here and there is some moss growing on walls of the first ten feet of of the tunnels but once you go into the darkness of the caves plant life does tend to get a lot sparser.

Irlana steps forward and tries to daze another kobold, but this one also manages to shake off the enchantment.

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

The blue scaled kobold steps out of the cave and fires a barrage of sparks out of her fingertips at Tanssi.

Fort DC 12 needed!

Round 2
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Kobold Caster
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green
Sir Falcon
Andwise

Nearly surrounded, Tanssi's shadowy form flickers in the bright light. Lashing out with claw and teeth, they strike at the kobolds- first brown and then green.

Bite, PA: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Claw #1, PA: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Claw #2, PA: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Suizal sighs. "Oh great Gozreh. Why don't they listen?" she says almost sarcastically, rolling her eyes and fake shakes her hands at the sky. She knew these kobolds wouldn't stop to talk and knew they're there to 'rid the threat'. Knowing that, she moves forward and simply lobs another glob of ice in the back (the blue caster).

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Ilvaria ends her spell and hits the three Kobolds in the front.

Sleep, DC 16 Will save.

She then moves forward and shoots acid at one of the Kobolds that did not fall asleep.

acid touch attack, no precise shot : 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 31d3 ⇒ 1 Also faces cover.

In case all at the front sleep then she will double move over the boulders.

Ilvaria completes her spell and the air around the kobolds grows sweet and still as her magic tries to lure them to sleep. The spellcaster resists but the two other kobolds fall asleep on their feet, letting their weapons fall to the ground.

Tanssi steps forward and lashes at the blue kobold, but her claws and teeth encounter some kind of invisible barrier

Brown: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
Green: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Spellcaster: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Suizal and Ilvaria's mystical missiles fail to hit the kobold sorceress.

The two kobolds at the southern entrance bombard Andwise with missiles. Despite the cover from the boulders, a crossbow bolt grazes Andwise's shoulder.

Sling: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 1 = 9
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Xbow: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 1 = 20
Piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Round 2
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Kobold Caster
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4, asleep
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green, asleep
Sir Falcon
Andwise -4

Suizal's attack was versus touch AC, if that matters. I'll make sure to specify in the future.

Yep, acknowledged that. But there is cover from shooting through the rocks/allies, there is a penalty for firing at targets engaged in melee and kobolds are small creatures that get a DEX bonus. So even assuming a DEX bonus of only +1, you're looking at needing at least an 18 to hit.

Sir Falcon squeezes forward while drawing his katana and then takes total defense.

Sir Falcon, the sleeping kobolds are helpless, so you are able to occupy their squares and could get close enough to take a swing at the kobold sorceress if you'd like.

Adwise is still up! And Irlana can post for her action to start off round 3 if she'd like!

Round 2
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Kobold Caster
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4, asleep
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green, asleep
Sir Falcon
Andwise -4

Round 3
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Kobold Caster
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4, asleep
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green, asleep
Sir Falcon
Andwise -4

Andwise and Irlana are up!

Shifting around slightly and pulls out a flask of acid, Andwise creates another small globule of acid before flinging it at the crossbow kobold.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Damage, focus: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Acid splash only has a 30 ft range, but if Andwise wants to move closer he could draw that flask as part of a move action. Or you could go for that blue sorcerer instead.

Falcon will step over the helpless kobold now that he understands the GMs ruling and takes a swing at the soceress.

Katana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Katana Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 121d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

I am curious where you're getting a +7 to hit. My math is +2 for BaB, +1 for Weapon Focus, +3 for Strength but I know I might be missing something.

Sir Falcon's sword hits some resistance in the air around the creature as it descends towards the kobold caster but the blade cuts through it like a tatami mat and buries itself into her shoulder. As he draws the bloody sword out the kobold passes out from the pain.

Just need a clarification from Andwise for round 2, as he was out of range with his spell.

With two kobolds down and two fast asleep with their chins in their chests, the remaining kobolds look ready to break and flee into the caves.

Round 3
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4, asleep
Kobold Xbow
Kobold, Green, asleep
Sir Falcon
Andwise -4

Ilvaria moves forward and shouts.

“Do not wake up the sleeping kobolds! Concentrate on the ones in the back!!“

double move

Ilvaria warns her allies not to bother the slumbering kobolds as she hustles towards the remaining foes. The two tribesmen let out a squeal of terror as they see the drow rapidly approach.

Round 3
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Ilvaria
[b]Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4, asleep
Kobold Black Xbow
Kobold, Green, asleep
Sir Falcon
Andwise -4

"Yes, yes, yes. Whatever you say Ilvaria. No touchie the sleeping kobold."

She'll scoot down to join Ilvaria. Then Suizal points at the black kobold holding a crossbow. "Watch out!! This may hurt your ears!"

Suizal let's out a ghastly wail that only the kobold can hear.

Cast Ear-piercing scream. I believe I can expend a point from Arcane Reservoir to increase CL by 2 (1 normal + 1 from Air Mastery. Which would put spell at CL 4. Dazed for 1 round and takes 2d6 sonic damage. DC 15 Fortitude save will negate Daze and half the damage.

Sonic damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

”This looks bad for you!!“

Ilvaria draws an acid flask as a focus and casts a spell that shoots acid at the kobold in orange.

Touch attack, Acid splash, acid flask as focus for + 1 damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Andwise rushed forward and nailed the kobold crossbower with a lucky strike. Suizal followed behind and casts a spell that shakes up the sniper, causing it to hold its head in pain as it gets its bearings back.

Fort DC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Ilvaria, I goofed on the formatting; but you don't get an extra turn.

Round 3
Light Conditions: Bright light
Terrain: Boulders are difficult Terrain and provide cover
Irlana
Ilvaria
Tanssi
Suizal
Kobold, Orange
Kobold, Brown -4, asleep
Kobold Black Xbow, -10, dazed
Kobold, Green, asleep
Sir Falcon
Andwise -4

Irlana moves forward (half speed for rough terrain?) and casts Daze on the closest kobold. I don't think I tried it on orange yet? DC12 Will.

Sorry I was offline over the weekend. Had family staying with us.

No problem!

Will Save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Geesh, I think every single time they've passes their save against Irlana's daze.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
B/P/S: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Tanssi moves dacross the rocks to take a bite out of the remaining kobold. The kobold goes limp in the eidolon's jaws.

We can call the fight at this point. Three of the kobolds are dead or dying, two are asleep for another minute and a half and one is dazed, so everyone will get a full round of actions before he can act. The party just needs to decide what they want to do with the surviving kobolds.

The party surrounds the last standing kobold, blocking his escape into the caves. Still recovering from the Suizal's sonic scream and badly wounded, their is a look of fright in his eyes as his fate is entirely in the hands of the adventurers from Belhaim.

"It is good that you surrendered! Now start talking! Why did you attack us and what are you doing here?" Ilvaria says with a soothing voice to one of the bound and awake kobolds.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

"This is our land! You are trespassing! And I'm not going to tell you anything, you pile of rancid rat dung!" the kobold spits back in Common.

Diplomacy failed

sense motive : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Afraid? Hmm … let us try another method! the Drow thinks.

Ilvaria’s whole demeanor changes.

“Do you know what I am? A Drow. I will flail you, cut you into pieces and then feed my critters with you!! If you don’t tell me all about your defenses and whatever else we want to know then your existence will end very painfully!! Do you understand?“ she says with a wicked smile.

intimidate : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Ilvaria's attempts to intimidate the kobold are much more successful. "Please, I don't want to be flailed! If you have to kill me, just do it quick!" Although the kobold is cagey and much of the information that he provides is unreliable, the captive does reveal some useful information about the Bloodvow Lair. He gives a rough outline of the whole complex and reveals that they have been breeding rats and reptiles as guard animals. "We weren't expecting Belhaim to send mercenaries so quickly so we didn't get traps set up yet. But we are prepared to fight trespassers." He does reveal that there is a room where slingers can attack intruders from fortified positions and that there are about 30-40 kobolds living in the lair.

It takes about 10 minutes to get this information from him. Anything more specific would be unreliable, but the party is able to get an idea of what to expect and all of the map is now revealed.

The two sleeping kobolds wake up but surrender when the adventurers block their escape into the cave.

Suizal raises an eyebrow and looks curiously at Ilvaria. "Don't want to cross you, sister."

When the kobold is done talking, Suizal bows. "Thank you for that information. You are useless to us now. But that doesn't mean we must kill you."

As the kobolds surrender, she whispers to the others, "What do we do with those who surrender? I'm sure these wont be the only ones."

"Why, exactly, are you here. Who gave you the orders to prepare for mercenaries?"

Impressed by Ilvaria's demanding diplomacy.... Irlana just stays back with her crossbow ready.

30-40? Dangerous!

The kobolds mew piteously when Suizal suggests a summary execution of the captives. It does raise the question though of what to do with the surviving kobolds, as they could remain a threat if left alive.

"This is our home! We hunt the beasts of the forest and mine these caves for their riches. And we must always prepare to defend ourselves, for the enemies of kobolds are everywhere! When we heard the tower fall and our warriors failed to return we knew that the longshanks would eventually come." the captive snaps back at Andwise.

Yeah, the Bloodvow are a full sized kobold tribe. That's why the Baroness is paying the party so much to get rid of them; they are significant threat to the village and they would suffer a lot of casualties if they sent their militia to take them out.

"Humm... I am not sure I qualify as a longshanks, but I understand your concern. The Longshanks in the settlement say that you are causing problems. Yet, you say that you have been here for some time and it is your home. What has changed where once you were separate, now you are in conflict?"

Diplo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Sir Falcon tries to smooth things over It sounds like you were duped gentleman. Whoever that was was trying to trick you into getting killed by us. Why not tell us who the dastardly devil is?

Just a head's up, Ilvaria's Intimidation makes the kobold act as if friendly. At this point their attitude can't be improved any more. You won't need to make any more Diplomacy checks unless you're trying to get them to perform some kind of favor.

The kobold says, "You don't understand kobold history. We make enemies where ever we go. We know that you lesser races are envious that the blood of dragon's flow in our veins."

The kobold responds to Sir Falcon. "We were defending our land from trespassers. And there's no reason to disparage our chieftain. He has done great things in leading our tribe."

SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Now, now... let's be honest here. You know that you have done at least a few things to draw the anger of the longshanks. Perhaps we need to speak with the Chieftain, to straighten things out?

Ilvaria nods.

“Yes, you will lead us now to a chieftain!“ she says with a grin.

"Sure, if you wish. Or I could go ahead to let the chieftain know that he needs to prepare for visitors," the kobold offers.

Suizal shakes her head. "No, no. You're coming with us. Show us the way."

Irlana follows along with the group. If the kobolds could be convinced to stop raiding, would the town consider actually "trading" with them? Surely the kobolds had something that the humans might want?

As they move along she quietly suggests the idea to Ilvaria. "Do you think trade might be a workable answer?"

Is the party doing anything with the two kobolds that were sleeping? Or searching through the kobolds' gear?

Ilvaria asks Sir Falcon to tie up the kobolds please!

20+CMB to break free.

“We should take all kobolds that are alive with us!“

She then searches all bodies and scans the area with detect magic.

perception : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

The four "regular" kobolds each have a sling with bullets, a spear and leather armor. The spellcaster has a light crossbow with bolts, a magic scroll, a jar of silversheen, and a bag of caltrops. The sniper has a short sword, studded leather armor and a masterwork light crossbow with bolts. He also has an alchemist fire. (And of course all the weapons and armor are Small sized) Between the kobolds there is also 60 gp in loose coins, trinkets and uncut gem stones.

1d20 ⇒ 6

The entrance to the cave is rather tight and the ceilings are low, causing the taller members of the party to have to stoop as they walk through the tunnels.

The scenario states that all Medium sized creatures get a -2 penalty to attack rolls while fighting in the lair due to the small ceilings. Personally, I think you can mitigate this penalty by fighting with light weapons. I also think crossbows and spell attacks would work fine in tight spaces, but thrown weapons, bows, and 1 and 2 handed weapons would take the penalty. This is mostly going to affect Sir Falcon. Did you guys hold onto those mithril daggers?

The red smiley face on the map will represent the kobolds. Position yourself in one of the tunnels and show where you want the kobolds to walk.