KMGM's page

14) Third Party Products: I am still somewhat hesitant to work with third party products, and I feel some need to apologize for that. I know those publishers work hard to put out good materials. Since I'm not that familiar with them, it would take a fair amount of time for me to get used to them, more than I might have at this time. So for now, we'll stick to Paizo's products.

Thanks, all, for thoughts. I'm going to take a few days to get a recruitment thread together, then I'll put it out there for everyone. Have a good night!

12) Chevalier - Since this is more a 3.5 PrC than a PRG one, let me think about it.

13) Vigilante - A king or queen that secretly disappears for a while to fight monsters and bandits? Awesome! :) Some populaces would prefer that their ruler not try to win his or her own fights, and just stay alive. Others? Not so worried.

Please, ask away! :)

6) Posting Expectations - Since play would be by Discord, checking in once or twice a day would be fine. And if we are all online at the same time in the evening, then things would probably move somewhat quickly. I would likely bot combat posts if there was more than a 24 hour delay, but there are definitely going to be days where posting just doesn't work (kid gets sick, vacation, holidays, etc) so we obviously won't be heartless with each other.

7) LCD's Numbers Comment - I've tried this with 7 players, and unfortunately it just led to a lot of indecisiveness (though that could have been the players). I think that two players, guiding their NPCs (and rolling for them sometimes), should be able to make decisions quickly and set directions for their kingdom. Though I could be wrong!

7) LCD's & LCFs Player Choice Comment - Yeah, that's what I'm hoping will be a little easier with this style of recruitment. Responses to questions on the form could be as short or as long as the player decides. I think that looking at player posts here on the board is a helpful guideline, but I also acknowledge that player attrition is a tricky boat to steer. Life gets the best of any of us.

8) Cohort Handling - Oh yeah, this is definitely on the PCs in combat settings. :) I'll have enough going on. As for the other support NPCs, this is where the vast library of Paizo NPCs just starts getting reskinned. FOLLOWERS, on the other hand, would mostly be assigned duties and then I'd run with them from there.

9) UW ideas from Uthraed - Yep, that makes sense!

10) Additional Crunch Questions - Here we go:
- Combat Stamina: I'd be open to this, but only for classes that don't already get a pool, grit, panache, etc. Again, let's talk.
- Variant Multi-Classing: I don't see the appeal, personally, but I can see why others do. Let me think on this. I kind of like how each of the classes stand on their own for the most part.
- Prestige Classes: I think they are great! However, I also would want their inclusion to make sense in the game. Obviously something like the Swordlord prestige class has a natural home here, but others like the Knights of Ozem (who are dedicated to another part of the world) would make less sense. Again, let's talk! As for multiple prestige classes, I would likely say no, but if there's a good story reason for it, then we might come to an agreement. What's a theoretical combination that you had in mind, Uthraed?
- Dex to Damage: Outside of the obvious class options, I'd stick to the feats published by Paizo on this: Dervish Dance, Slashing Grace, Fencing Grace, or Starry Grace. There's an argument to be made for an Agile Amulet of Mighty Fists, too, and there's more than enough time in the course of this campaign for custom weapons/items to be crafted. Given my openness to side-stepping the feat tax for this campaign, I think the options are more than fair.

11) Pairing Up - I was thinking about this, too, and if two players wanted to propose a pairing right from the start, that's fine by me. It's less work for me on the far end.

Thanks, all. Any other thoughts?

1) Free Leadership Feat / NPCs as Cohorts - I can see the appeal of this idea. The PCs that are chosen would get approved by the national leaders because of their natural leadership abilities, and having a squire, acolyte, assistant, etc. makes sense.

As for followers, I would agree that waiting until a later level makes sense. At least until a suitably well-defended base of operations is in place, but I'm hesitant to start them lower than leadership score 10 (though that's achievable at lower levels by a high charisma character with a few other bonuses added in). Or, perhaps, they arrive at the following Leadership Score : Follower #s, and pick up as normal at leadership score of 10.
- 6 : 1
- 7 : 2
- 8 : 3
- 9 : 4

2) Discord Functionality - Yes, it's primarily a messaging app. I would create a private server that the players would join, and dice rolling would be native to it. Each server can set up a number of #channels. For example, one #channel would be #gameplay, one #oocdiscussion, one #questlog, one #charactersheets, etc., whatever we need to help us keep information in place. It's very easy to just leave it in the background. I work from home a little bit in the evenings, but I can usually pop over for a couple minutes to write a post.

3) Managing Followers/Hirelings/Kingdom Building - I think that the Downtime rules can be an interesting way for PCs to invest in their world, especially a long-term campaign like Kingmaker (especially when a kingdom turn is a whole month). For example, when I ran it in the tabletop, one player used his PCs cash to purchase a set of stables in the capital city, and over the course of the time that we played, it gave his character a fair amount of extra income. Takes a while, but again, the characters have plenty of time.

If the players were more interested in just Role Playing the downtime or kingdom building, then I would run the numbers in the background as a way of keeping things organized/quantified for me, but hopefully we'd find a way to do this narratively that's also relatively easy to track. There are aids out there that we'd find.

4) Crunch - Yeah, I can put some parameters in place, but I'm more interested in Character Ideas than mechanics for now, mostly because I want players to be invested in the Character, not the characters numbers. However, I can see wanting to quantify things as you create the character. As for some of your specifics:

- 15- or 20- point buy for ability scores.

- Starting at level 2, with WBL per the Core Rulebook, plus an "Expeditionary Fund" from the leaders of Brevoy that goes towards the supply and care of teams/followers

- Racially, it makes sense for the PCs to be humans, or human-derivative races, including planetouched (aasimar, tiefling, elemental/geniekind races) or half-elf/half-orc, as these make sense in the context of the Brevic noble houses, and who they might send on such a quest. There are arguments to be made for other races / racial pairings for the two rulers chosen, I'm sure, but they'd have to be good arguments. :)

- I would not go for Gestalt, mostly because I am planning to give the PCs a lot of NPC support, and Gestalt can get a little out of hand. Maybe a Mythic tier if it makes sense? But then, it might only be a temporary one, not a permanent one. I'll think on this, but don't plan on Gestalt.

- Background skills are a definite yes! I think this is a great idea that should be in every game.

- Sadly, I don't yet have Ultimate Wilderness, but I need to take a look at picking it up! $10 for the PDF seems reasonable. Is there a specific mechanic you have in mind, Uthraed?

- Regarding feat tax, I would be willing to use this alternative to feats, especially since it's just two PCs. We could talk specifics if necessary.

5) What does this kind of recruitment look like? When I started my Hell's Rebels PBP, I asked the players to fill out this google form. I would come up with different question specifics for this AP, but the basic principles would be similar.

- - - - -

Hope that all helps! What else?

A previous attempt of mine to run the Kingmaker AP here on the boards had to phase out due to my trying to balance full time work with a brand new baby. Now, I’m full time at home with my child, and I’ve got a bit more free time for thinking about and running a game. However, I’ve learned a couple lessons about running this AP after that false start here, and one go of it live with friends, and I have an idea that I think is a little bit more feasible for me.

Number of Players
I’ve been thinking about just having 2 PCs, each creating characters who will be in an arranged union with both PCs (eventually) taking the “Ruler” role in the new kingdom (with NPCs filling in other kingdom roles). Having just two players makes navigating some of the custom storytelling a little easier for me, and if all three of us stay engaged in the story, things might move a little bit faster, too.

I would have one PC be from Issia (taking the campaign trait “Issian” or “Noble Born”), and one from Rostland (taking the campaign trait “Rostlander” or “Sword Scion”), to represent a potential alliance coming into place for the politically fraught kingdom of Brevoy, even if it is between a non-noble from each land.

I was thinking about starting characters at level 2, instead of level 1, and giving them the ability to purchase Teams (a la Ultimate Campaign) to direct during the exploration phases of the AP, and accompany the PCs into encounters.

Choosing PCs
As far as choosing PCs goes, I think that I would set up a pair of Google Forms (one for Issians/Noble Families, one for Rostlanders/Sword Scions) with a series of questions for interested players to complete before a set “end” date, when the forms would be closed to submissions. Rather than needing to commit to a full crunch build-out for a new PC, the questions would focus on PC backgrounds and relationships.

After that “close” date for the forms, I would then give players the option to select their ideal “partner” for the expedition, then choose those pairings on another Google Form (probably drop down menus for each of the representatives and a comments field). This will represent the petitions to the Dragonscale Throne and the Lord Mayor of Restov on behalf of the people of Issia and the people of Rostland for the (potentially dubious) honor of heading into the wilderness and establish a new nation. This also gives players some choice in balancing their own party makeup. I would then make the final choice on a pairing of players for the game.

Play Format Idea
I’ve been playing a couple games on Discord lately, and I like the speedy response of that format (and notifications!). It’s a little trickier to read back over the major plot points of a campaign that way, but I am curious to try out the benefits. If you’re not familiar with the Discord service, take a look. I also like that it would be easier to post from my phone/tablet. I would be available on the service between 8:30pm and 10:00pm EST on most evenings, but I wouldn’t necessarily expect players to be live/available each evening.

The Feedback I’d Like
- Does this kind of game sound interesting?
- Does playing over Discord sound interesting?
- What questions would come up for you about this kind of game?

Please post below, as it would really help me focus my thoughts on putting together a way to do recruitment. I’ll consider all comments from now through 7 Feb 2018. Thanks for your help!

Oleg grunts. "I need not their labor here." He looks over at Jean-Luc, who appears to also have no interest in watching what is going on. "Fine. Next trader who comes through for Restov will take them with this one," he gestures at Jean-Luc, who nods, "and take them to the Swordlords for justice. There are no slaves in the River Kingdoms. Da?"

Woah, what a week! Sorry, team. I'll post here in a bit, now that I have a day off.

Sorry team. Holy week is a busy time for me, since we have Thursday afternoon and Friday off, so I should be more ok by tomorrow afternoon.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

The other men all begin jabbering at once, obviously terrified at the idea of hanging. Sentiments of remorse, apologies, requests for forgiveness all come tumbling out of the gravely wounded men who are now facing a very real demise.

Oleg spits again, grabbing at the nearest one with Wyatt. "This one looks ready," he says with a dour look. Tears well in the man's eyes as he cries out. "You want to do other than hang it?" he offers to Drektan before nodding to Wyatt. "This one wants to hang him. What would you do instead? Would you send it back to Restov?"

sorry everyone

I just started a new job and it's really eating up a lot of my time.

Unfortunately I don't have the time to do your game justice, and I'll have to withdraw.

hope there's no hard feelings, good luck.

Hey, congrats on the new job! Bummer to lose Jean-Luc. No hard feelings at all, take care.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Oleg grunts in appreciation as Wyatt and Drektan help him to haul up the leader to the wall, and merely spits when Mikam and Nikoleta refuse to help. The man struggles against your grip, but cannot break free of you or his bonds. It is difficult to get him up the ladder to the top of the wall, but once you have him there, Oleg secures his rope to the top of the wall.

"Any words for last breaths?" Oleg asks the man with a grim glare.

The man spits at Oleg's face and calls, "Happs Bydon dies free!" Oleg wipes off the spittle, then leans back and shoves the man over the edge of the wall. There is a brief sound of scrabbling and kicking as Happs tries to find purchase, and after a short time there is only silence.

Oleg turns and looks at the others, who have been sitting in shocked silence. "Which next?" he asks.

Sorry team, got back into town later than I thought. I'll be following up tomorrow. Hope y'all are well.

The leader simply laughs at Wyatt's words. "Such fine speech! One blushes - ha!" He shakes his head as he laughs, then begins caughing up blood. "You'll be meeting her soon enough, I should think."

At Drektan's word's (Assuming Intimidate check of 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, let me know if it should be bluff instead) the leader simply chuckles a little more, then spits out a bit of the blood. "I'm dead either way, cat-man. Y'think the boss'll let me keep my place after this cock-up?"

He shrugs to Nikoleta. "Beggars can't be choosers."

Oleg grunts to Drektan, "Da, good enough then," and moves to pick up the leader and haul him to the ladder leading up to the catwalk around the wall. "Who will help Oleg?" he asks.

The other bandits remain silently fearful, watching their leader with wide eyes.

Sorry team. As you know, I'm going out of town next week, and - of course - that has made this week even busier. I'll be responding tonight.

Oleg slows down a moment, but shrugs and points at the inert bodies. "Bah, bandits are bandits, whether they follow orders or not. All men have choice of livelihood. You want to speak to them? Fine. We hang them at noon." He sits at the table and begins preparing a noose for each of the five men.

---

Jean-Luc, your bolts have indeed shattered at the tip, and are not reusable as ammunition. But do know that 1) Oleg may have some to trade and 2) At some point in the AP you talk to the others about taking a day off to craft some bolts. With a minimum successful craft roll, you can make 100 bolts a day.

---

Does anyone go after the horses?

---

Later in the morning, the leader and his men groggily come back to consciousness. They struggle weakly at their bonds, and upon seeing the nooses the five men begin protesting loudly, crying innocence, until Oleg walks up and punches the leader across the mouth. Rubbing his hand, he steps back and spits at the bandit's feet. "Not so big man now, eh? You take Svetlana's ring, I get you a nice necklace to go with it." Oleg chuckles as he pats the noose in hand.

"Well," the leader begins, "I see you've acquired some new friends, Oleg. Mostly men, I see. Svetlana needing a little more than ya got? Maybe brought that other slip of a girl along to make sure there was enough to go around. Though what that thing is," he shakes his head at Drektan, "Ah, the rats must be starting to be a problem, right? Heh, heh heh," he chuckles before turning to Jean-Luc. "You were the one with the crossbow. Good shot! Y'know, the pay for our crew is pretty good. Sure y'all wouldn't prefer to work for me? 'Cause I know a lady that's gonna cause you all planes of hurt if I don't get back to 'er. Care to make a deal?"

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Early Morning
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

The door creaks open, and Svetlana pokes her head out. "Is it safe? Are they gone?"

Oleg pulls her back, then steps outside to survey the aftermath of the battle. "Ha HAA!" he cries. "My friends, well done! They will hang from the southern wall, an example to all the bandits of these lands! Ha HA! You are welcome here, room and board on Oleg, as long as you need! Ha HAAAA!" He picks up Svetlana in a great hug, spinning her around in the air. After setting her down, he dashes into the house, and comes back out with several lengths of rope. "Come, let us hang them from the walls. Let none deal banditry here - ha!"

Slowed from jumping quickly on the horse, the leader of the bandits is surrounded by Drektan's shards...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
...as is his horse...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
...and the one near it...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
...but only this last is hit by the shards, taking damage. The horse rears and flees.

However, the bolt from Jean-Luc's crossbow thuds into the man's shoulder, pitching him from the horse and dropping him to the ground. His horse also starts and begins trotting away at the loss of its rider.

7/8 HP

I'm guessing that since I am so far from the bandit leader and that the gate isn't fully open and that they are so many people between me and the leader that I'll have to make a perception check to realize that the leader is conscious [dice=Perception check to see/hear the bandit leader]1d20+1 and that'll fail

Nikoleta moves over to the bandit rolling on the ground and attempts to restrain him [dice=Grapple]1d20+2

I agree, you would be intent on the other bandit, and (with that roll) would not notice the leader hopping on his horse to ride away. Good binding on #2, though!

:) Gotta watch those spells. Hope Jean-Luc got his crossbow loaded...

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Init Order: Mikam, Jean-Luc, Nikoleta, Urzug, Drektan, Wyatt, Bandits

Mikam disappears into the guest house.

Jean-Luc approaches a bandit (#3) and begins tugging away the man's belt to make a crude set of manacles.

Nikoleta uses her length of rope to truss up the bandit at her feet, who continues to bleed from her knife wound and Drektan's stab.

Urzug leans against the wall, panting.

Drektan moves over near the gate, preparing to use the clothes of the bandit there to restrain him.

Wyatt sees the bandit bleeding at Nikoleta's feet, and goes over to try and stabilize him. 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 The quick application of the man's own clothes over his knife and rapier wounds appears to be doing the trick.

---

Bandits:
1) Unconscious, tied up.

2) Rolls on the ground, rubbing at his eyes.

3) Unconscious, being tied up by Jean-Luc

4) Dead

5) Unconscious, about to be tied up by Drektan

Leader) Apparently having recovered from Mikam's blast of colorful magic, the leader of the bandits stands up quickly and, seeing that his underlings have fallen, attempts to leap quickly into the saddle of his horse... 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 ...but the wounds he has sustained appear to slow him down just enough that he can only manage to get into the saddle. He rolled well on the duration of color spray, and isn't unconscious from wounds yet.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Init Order: Mikam, Jean-Luc, Nikoleta, Urzug, Drektan, Wyatt, Bandits

Mikam wanders into the guest house.

Jean-Luc hears the bolt on Oleg and Svetlana's house being drawn, and Svetlana steps back with the door while Oleg hands out a coil of hemp rope to Jean-Luc.

Nikoleta puts away her bow and draws out a rope while the bandit below her bleeds out.

Urzug's blow causes a loud crack to sound through the yard. Svetlana starts at the sound and looks curiously at the corner of the guest house, as she is unable to see the violence.

Drektan offers advice to the party about using the bandits' own gear.

Wyatt awaits a reply from Mikam.

---

1) Unconscious... 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 ...and bleeding.

2) Stirring, but mostly flailing limply on the ground.

3) Unconscious

4) Dead

5) Unconscious

Leader) Stirring, but mostly flailing limply on the ground.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Init Order: Drektan, Mikam, Jean-Luc, Nikoleta, Urzug, Wyatt, Bandits

Drektan moves across the yard.

Mikam's spell... 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19, 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 ...does not appear to affect the horses, but you believe they simply are of "tougher stuff" than the bandit leader. Another action?

Jean-Luc runs across the yard toward the house, though you cannot detect movement inside as yet.

Nikoleta sees the bandit below her bleeding out.

Urzug's headbutt lands hard, and the bandit flops to the ground, unconscious.

Wyatt's healing energy avoids bandits in the yard, and washes over the wounded. +3 HP

---

Bandits:
1) Unconscious 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

2) Wakes up with a start, but flails about on the ground, unable to move.

3) Unconscious

4) Unconscious

5) Unconscious

Bandit Leader: Unconscious

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Drektan's rapier stab pierces the bandit's armor. -4 HP

Mikam's spell showers light over the leader... 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 ...and the leader collapses, unconscious.

Jean-Luc makes his way down the ladder.

Nikoleta stabs hard into the bandit, and he goes down in a hurry. -7 HP, unconscious.

Urzug's punch glances off the bandit's armor.

Wyatt puts his shoulder into the door, but it does little to move the big gate.

-----

1) Unconscious 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

2) Unconscious

3) Unconscious

4) Hops away from Urzug, then pulls his bow and shakily loads and fires an arrow... 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 1d8 ⇒ 4 ...and the arrow catches you in the arm.

5) Unconscious

Leader) Unconscious

Thanks, team. Synthesizing, will post next tonight.

In other news, my RL group has asked me to step up somewhat early to lead Kingmaker in RL, and I'll be beginning that in a couple weeks. This should not affect my ability to post here, but just wanted to let you know.

Seeing that most of the bandits have been dispatched Mikam moves to the gate to see if he can get an angle on the bandit leader.

"Is the leader still up?" Mikam asks, looking through cracks in the gate curiously.

Is the gate open enough to cast through next round?

Yes, the gate will be open enough to cast through, if you are aiming for the leader. You'd need to move partway across the yard to do so, unless you wait for Wyatt to open it further.Though with that strength roll, it'll be a little tough.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Drektan's shot goes over the bandit's shoulder, definitely drawing his attention away from the midden pile.

Mikam continues to not draw attention to himself, hiding in the stable behind the doorway.

Jean-Luc's cry reaches the bandit leader's ears, and the bandit leader seems to shrink back a bit, clearly worried about dying.

Nikoleta shifts her way through the refuse pile... Bandit Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 17 ...but the bandit easily spies her.

Urzug attempts to knock down the fleeing bandit, but only manages to grab him from behind. [ooc]Grappling the bandit, not knocked down (need to beat CMD by 5 on the overrun).

Wyatt casts a spell of doom on the bandit leader... Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 ...but he shakes off the effects.

---

1) Sees Nikoleta, but is worried about Drektan and his arrows. He instead closes the distance and attacks Drektan... [ooc]1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 ... but misses.

2) Unconscious

3) Unconscious

4) Tries to break free of Urzug's grapple... 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 ...and miraculously weasels his way out, hopping 5' away and drawing his longbow while turning to face Urzug.

5) Unconscious

Leader) The leader, though shaken by Jean-Luc's words, still sees one troop member upright, draws his bow and fires at Wyatt... 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14; 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 ...but the arrow bounces off your armor.

Onto Round 4!

Sure, That will work. I will stop on top of him, or one space after him, if I fail, however you want to work it. I always thought of overrun as trample, but the goal here is to tackle him to the ground, pi him, and then beat the snot out of him with non-lethal damage. all damage done prior to this has been lethal.

Hmmm, got it. Let me think about that one

Urzug sees the Bandit run, and charges after, and attempts to tackle him to the ground.

[Dice=Grapple Check]1d20+
I'm guessing Grapple is the closest thing to what I'm trying to do, that or Bull rush(which would gain the +2 from the charge, but Bull Rush is just pushing the opponent around...

Do you mean Overrun? He doesn't really have room to maneuver, so he can't get out of the way.

As a standard action, taken during your move or as part of a charge, you can attempt to overrun your target, moving through its square. You can only overrun an opponent who is no more than one size category larger than you. If you do not have the Improved Overrun feat, or a similar ability, initiating an overrun provokes an attack of opportunity from the target of your maneuver. If your overrun attempt fails, you stop in the space directly in front of the opponent, or the nearest open space in front of the creature if there are other creatures occupying that space.

When you attempt to overrun a target, it can choose to avoid you, allowing you to pass through its square without requiring an attack. If your target does not avoid you, make a combat maneuver check as normal. If your maneuver is successful, you move through the target's space. If your attack exceeds your opponent's CMD by 5 or more, you move through the target's space and the target is knocked prone. If the target has more than two legs, add +2 to the DC of the combat maneuver attack roll for each additional leg it has.[/overrun]

Into the middens then! These are 10' wide pits of refuse, food scraps, and excrement, all topped with hay to keep the smell down. One is reminded of Star Wars.

Round 2

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Init Order: Drektan, Mikam, Jean-Luc, Nikoleta, Urzug, Wyatt, Bandits

Drektan's arrow grazes the bandit, though his attention isn't drawn
far from the slighter woman.

Mikam holds another blast of magical energy ready.

Jean-Luc's bolt thuds into the ground at the bandit leader's feet, and
the bandit leader flattens further against the wall.

The bandit stabs forward when Nikoleta moves away...
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 ...but misses. She dives into the middens.

Urzug's second blow knocks the bandit to the ground, unconscious.
Did you want to move?

Wyatt's morningstar catches the bandit in the arm... 1d8 ⇒ 1 ...and it scores a glancing blow.

---

1) Perception 1d20 ⇒ 8 The bandit runs up and stabs down into the midden, but doesn't quite find Nikoleta under the hay.

2) Unconscious

3) Unconscious 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

4) Drops his sword and withdraws, avoiding Attacks of Opportunity as he runs for the corner.

5) Unconscious 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Leader) Pushes on the gate, trying to open it and get a shot inside...1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 ...and manages to get it open just far enough to see inside. He readies his bow, but does not have time to draw and fire.

Looks like it's working well! Got to play for about an hour this morning, runs very smoothly.

Need to reset the key bindings at the beginning to standard WASD configuration, and the mouse sensitivity is a little crazy. Other than that, I haven't run into any bugs yet.

HP 2/8

Nikoleta winces from the pain of the shortsword, dropping her bow and attempts to cast shocking grasp. [dice=Defensive casting concentration check, DC17]1d20+3 Failure, spell lost, but at least I don't provoke.

Loosing her spell, Nikoleta attempts to find an opening before moving away and attempting to hide in the hay behind the storage shed.[dice=Acrobatics check to avoid attack of opportunity]1d20+1 failure, wow two natural 1s in 1 post, bandit gets an attack of opportunity, and I'm probably unconscious if he hits, should he miss I'll move into what I think is hay.

[dice=stealth check to hide in the hay, moved more then half speed]1d20+6-5 Well, atleast that wasn't a natural 1

Quick question: By "in the hay" do you mean into the storage area? Just want to make sure.

Mikam, I'll post later this morning and assume that you are still delaying if we haven't heard from you.

Cyrioul 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Gelik 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Surtin 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Theria 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Ishirou 1d100 ⇒ 84

Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ishirou 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Theria
1d100 ⇒ 81
1d100 ⇒ 40
1d100 ⇒ 18
1d100 ⇒ 28
1d100 ⇒ 14

1d100 ⇒ 65
1d100 ⇒ 31
1d100 ⇒ 40
1d100 ⇒ 37
1d100 ⇒ 98

1d100 ⇒ 88
1d100 ⇒ 61
1d100 ⇒ 42
1d100 ⇒ 72
1d100 ⇒ 68

1d100 ⇒ 61

1d3 ⇒ 2

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

1d6 ⇒ 4
1d6 ⇒ 6
1d6 ⇒ 5
1d6 ⇒ 2
1d6 ⇒ 5
1d6 ⇒ 1

Aerys smiles, and all start chuckling good natured-ly at your later words.

"After this ends," Sasha laughs, "If I do anything, it'll be to stay off of boats! Sorry, Aaron, I'll be on your crew, as long as that boat is on land." She gives you a pat on the shoulder as she leads the group north.

SOrry for delay. Big events a church with Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day. Prepping for the "big return" meeting with the other NPCs here today , while I have the day off. Hope to have something for you before EOD or tomorrow AM.

Hey, team.

Yesterday was quite busy at work, and it's spilled over into today. I'll have a post for y'all by later this afternoon or early evening EST. Sorry for the delay.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Early Morning
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind
Initiative: Drektan, Mikam, Jean-Luc, Nikoleta, Urzug, Wyatt, Bandits

Round 1:
Drektan's arrow again manages to find an armor crease, causing serious pain. -6 HP

Mikam delays for a better opening. Just let me know when/if you want to act.

Jean-Luc spends the round reloading his heavy crossbow, and preparing a shot against the bandit leader. Jean-Luc: If I'm missing your Rapid Reload feat, or an equivalent class ability, just let me know and we'll count your crit against the leader.

Nikoleta's arrow easily hits the same bandit as Drektan's arrow, hitting him square in the shoulder and knocking him unconscious to the ground. -4 HP

The man is surprised by Urzug's sudden rage, and hit hard by the fist to the head. -6 HP

Wyatt's charge catches the nearest bandit with a heavy thud. 1d8 ⇒ 6

---

The bandits shake off their surprise and respond in kind. Numbers correspond to battle map on Roll20.

1) Draws a short sword while rushing around the corner to find the source of the arrow that felled #3. He stabs out at Nikoleta... 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 ...and manages to catch an exposed side. -6 HP

2) Lies unconscious on the ground after Mikam's spell.

3) Lies unconscious on the ground after getting hit by three arrows. Imagine that... 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

4) Draws his short sword and hops to the side, stabbing at Wyatt... 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 ...and misses.

5) Has no interest in fighting the crazed-looking half-orc, and joins #4 in attacking Wyatt... 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 ...and only hits armor.

Leader) The leader of the bandits is stunned at the development of events, and tries to urge his horse to kick open the gates of the fort, but the skittish beast barely remains under control. He hops down and flattens himself against the wall to avoid another of Jean-Luc's bolts.

On to Round 2!

yeah I'm really liking roll20 for the map.

i was sort of under the impression that the bandit leader was inside too though, so i guess he's actually outside of the closed gates?

Correct, he is outside the gates, and about to be completely shut out. You could still lean over the top of the wall to shoot at him, though, if you stand up.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

Init Order: Drektan, Mikam, Jean-Luc, Nikoleta, Urzug, Wyatt, Bandits

Drektan pops around the corner and just manages to score a hit against the nearest bandit. Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Mikam's blast of magical color knocks the bandit nearest the stable doors unconscious.

Jean-Luc's bolt just manages to catch the bandit leader in an armor crease. Damage: 12

Nikoleta's arrow flies between the buildings, and past the bandit to shatter against the wall.

Urzug and Wyatt get the gate doors half-way closed, and will shortly finish.

The bandits are utterly surprised by this turn of events, and stand somewhat flabbergasted at the sight of armed response!

Without armor or weapon, Oleg runs inside the house, pulling the door shut on his way in.

Surprise round: Complete!
Round 1 - Start!
Dang, I'm liking this Map server a lot more than normal solutions. Thanks for playing along with it with me, folks.
Happy Fat Tuesday, hope you are getting a good party in, wherever you are.
As a heads up, I will most likely be offline on Thursday, but will have plenty of time to make it up on Friday.

Folks,
Just FYI, this is a good example of where I'm happy to fudge a little if I don't know your original intentions re: tactics. In this case, I'm guessing Drektan would set himself up just inside the guest house to hop out and blast the nearest bandit. I'll try to synthesize this evening for y'all.

NC. EST

Mikam steps out far enough to see the nearest bandit. Realizing that he is close enough for the spell to work, he smiles, dips his hand into his spell component pouch and tosses some sand towards the warrior while spitting out a few clipped words. The bandit is suddenly bathed in multi-colored light.

Color Spray, DC14

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

I'd say that was successful. I'll synthesize all and post tomorrow morning.

Urzug, having been briefed in the morning, attempts to close his side of the gate.

[dice=Strength check]1d20+3

Similarly, that will be a full round move action. Next round, you may complete either a standard action or a full round action.

Nikoleta moves out from behind the storage shed, bow in hand and arrow cocked and lets an arrow fly towards the man whom was doing all of the talking with Oleg.

[dice=Ranged attack, enemy has cover]1d20+2-4 My guess is that is a miss.

[dice=On the off chance that he has flat-footed AC of 7 or lower, damage]1d6

Let's hope I roll higher in future rounds...

Unfortunately, you are correct: His flat footed AC is higher than 7.

Seeing the arrow fly, Wyatt will promptly begin trying to close the gate.

d20

With that roll, you will be able to close your half of the gate as a full-round move action, so that when you are finished, you will still be able to take a standard or move action during ROUND 1. Wanted to let you know so that you can plan ahead.

Date: Pharast 1, AR 4710
Time: Dawn
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp (Low 40s) / Overcast / No wind

The morning dawns cool and crisp, and you emerge from sleep to find Svetlana coaxing a fire out of the logs in the firepit. She nods at you, nervously, as she rubs her hands together before going back inside the house, yet she first calls out quietly, "Erastil be with you, all of you! May doom come to them this day!" Oleg is busy hauling furs and other trade goods out from the stockroom to lay out in the storage area before opening the gate and doing his best to look like he is acting normally.

The spring morning is bustling with life outside the walls of the trading post, and more than a few birds have flitted in to perch on the roof of the stable, as though observing the morning rituals of the trading post.

As though on cue, nearly an hour after dawn, you hear a whizz followed by a loud thud on the outside wall, and the clop of hooves as several horses approach. Coarse laughter comes into the courtyard as you hear several figures dismount. Jean-Luc, hidden in his perch, and Nikoleta, hidden behind the storage shed, can peek out safely to see that there are five bandits in the courtyard. Nikoleta can see that there are at least as many horses out in the yard, and a man you presume to be the leader is still astride one, his bow in hand and across the pommel of his saddle.

"Good morning, Oleg!" he calls out while the other bandits begin heading for the storage shed. "So fine to see you again! And where is little Svetlana, eh? Keeping the sheets warm for you, I hope - or perhaps for me, ah? Ah, ha ha ha ha ha!"

Oleg bristles in anger, but does not retaliate, simply backing away from the men to stand close to his home. "Just take what you came for and be gone! We do poorly enough without being able to fight you off," he bluffs.

Oleg's Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 vs. Bandit's Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Something in Oleg's voice must have sounded a little less than shaky in the now silent morning air. Shortly you hear the leader call out, "Eh, what is this? What are you getting at, Trader?" The bandit grows grim. "You've not one for words, are you? Come now, tell Happs what you're about, before the boys need to make you talk!"

Initiative:
Drektan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Jean-Luc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Mikam: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Nikoleta: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Urzug: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Wyatt: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Thugs: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Leader: 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (12) - 6 = 6

Initiative Order: Surprise round! The party gets the jump on the newcomers. If you hadn't moved your character by now, I placed you where I thought your posts indicated on our Roll20 map. Urzug and Wyatt are each behind a gate door. Post your actions, and I'll lay them out in the order below. If I haven't heard from you within 12 hours, I'll send a PM to remind you.
Drektan: 21
Mikam: 20
Jean-Luc: 18
Nikoleta: 18
Urzug: 13
Wyatt: 6

The enemy will respond during "ROUND 1", following the surprise round.
Thugs: 18
Leader: 6

Good luck with your ambush!

KMGM wrote:

lantzkev wrote:

I'm assuming you'll keep this moving forward in the mean time right?

Yes. Had a busy day. Writing now.

I am enjoying this game! Urzug is fun to play, and I like the party feel.

Great!

Date: Calistril 28, AR 4710
Time: Near Dusk
Location: Oleg's Trading Post
Weather: Temp(Low 40s F) / Overcast / No wind

Oleg grunts in appreciation of Wyatt's help, and you quickly close the gate as a full-round action.

Svetlana beams at Nikoleta, "Thank you, madam, thank you all," she says, turning to face you. "Please, continue to eat your fill of the stew here. When you are ready for the evening, there are four beds in this guest house. Otherwise, you are welcome to stay in the stables. Perhaps the... large one may feel more comfortable there," she says, referring to Urzug. "Lady Nikoleta, yes? If you wish, we can make up a pallet for you in our home, should you be more comfortable there. I am afraid that our house is a meager place, but you may find some comfort inside near the fireplace."

Oleg grunts at this, but only comments, "There is plenty of firewood along the wall. You may use what you wish, for it is easily replaced. I will come round to wake you before dawn. Get in place when you are ready, I will prepare the... lure," he fairly spits out the final word before throwing a few final logs on the cook fire, nodding to all, and heading inside his house.

Feel free to continue conversation. When complete, let me know a couple things:
1) Where you'll sleep
2) Where you'll set up in the morning for the ambush
I'll post once all are in place.