Kingmaker: Stolen Lands of the Shining

Game Master BloodWolven

"Good thinking, Tristan." Angeus says, trying to determine the direction of the roar.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

She murmurs aside to Nightwing, "If it truly be a dragon...and if it attacks, will you fight, or watch?"

Quince makes noises that sound like the horses answer back. "Erastil guard us . . .perhaps it's a friendly dragon . . . Or previously well fed. "

Kevros remains silent and follows the group since the Wardens are mapping the region and there is currently no wrong way to proceed to the monastery. Kevros remains vigilant and starts to keep one eye around them and one eye towards the sky.

Kevros looks at Quince, "Quince, I hope the dragon is friendly. However, all of the children stories about fire breathing dragons ended badly for humans, elves, and dragons alike. But I will keep your outlook on things. And then again, it may not be a dragon, it may be something else."

Angeus you think the roar is from the direction of where you took camp last night.

Speaking quietly to Angeus, Nightwing says with his confidence wavering, "Dear if your group merely asks we will help and try to protect us all, though if it is truly a dragon I think we may be outmatched, where is Saren's mount by the way, was it not a dragon of sorts?" He asks with interest.

Angeus looks at Nightwing, frowning, "But, Saren's dragon turned into his tatoo...didn't it."

She looks to the others, "Could that be Saren's mount we're seeing and hearing?"

Quince looks around curiously.

Is Saren Conscious I have forgotten.

Quince checks. If unconscious he looks for the Tatto. If conscious he asks, "Saren could that be your drake."

"I don't know anything about that, I thought it had ran off." Nightwing offers weakly not for sure about the truth.

Saren is still in the stretcher behind Kevros' horse, he seems to be a bit delusional, not coherent. There is no tattoo on Saren's chest. Quince you see a magical glowing symbol that looks like a dragon hovering a centimeter above his chest. It seems only Quince can see the glowing dragon.

Oh so that was not a momentary vision.

"Well there is no tatoo on him just this strange glowing symbol that looks like a dragon just above his skin. I mentioned it a couple days ago when he failed to wake up. No one else saw it."

Kevros looks to Angeus and nods, "It could be and that we are one step ahead of it. Since it has Draconic blood, it is a predator and it is probably tracking him down to reconnect with its master. In addition, he or she knows Saren is hurt." ... Kevros looks to Quince, "I do remember you saying something about it but we did not know Saren's dragon was materialized and searching to reconnect with its master." Kevros shrugs, "If you all want to take the risk that the dragon or dragon-like creature that is roaring and shooting fire into the sky is Saren's, we can wait for it? Although, we should take precautions just in case it is a full dragon looking for lunch or tasty humanoid snacks."

I agree, I would rather set an ambush instead of just wondering back toward it. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Kevros nods his head, "That sounds good but let's be sure of our target before we initiate the ambush. In other words, make sure we are attacking an enemy and not a friendly. In addition, we need to think three sided (3D) instead of two sided (2D) because if it is a true dragon, it may be flying and we need to take that advantage away from the dragon."

"I do not recall his beast breathing fire if it is a dragon, unless its a baby what chance do we stand against it? No offense."

Angeus looks pensive, "All wise and necesary precautions, Kevros. I think we need to try, for Saren's sake. Let us find a good rocky place where we can hide; hiding behind trees and bushes isn't wise if it breathes fire. We put Saren in an accessible area and we watch from hiding..."

Kevros smiles, "Well I am not sure we should use Saren as bait per-say just in case it is a true dragon. If we find a good ambush place and then hangout, I have a feeling it will track us down."

The group takes some time to find a more rocky spot, it is a small crevice. Where there is a bit of a lip, enough space for 3 medium creatures. It is about 15 feet deep at the deepest point, giving cover for at least 6 large creatures.

There is several copses of trees but it seemed like you were looking for something rocky.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Kevros points to ceiling of the lip, "I just noticed several tiny scorpions up there." Kevros looks to Tristan, "Aren't the smaller scorpions more deadlier than the larger of the normal size scorpions which does not include giant scorpions?"

"He who strains at stars sometimes stumbles over stones. . . Sorry just thinking what would S' ala say. But honestly trying to ambush dragons killed by scorpions."

Kevros chuckles, "From a Dragon's point of view, that would be horrible! All of this strength and power brought down by something easily squashed by a claw nail. Although, I imagine they would have to drop on the dragon just right to find a place that isn't covered by thick dragon hide and enough of them would have to sting the dragon. At the very least, it would be a distraction."

Kevros looks around for a nice perch location that he can both hit the potential target and maybe ... just maybe ... hit the lip just right to knock the scorpions down below on the potential enemy.

Not really such a place Kevros, and it looks rather clear plains out there except a few boulders here and there, this small ditch, and a few copses of trees, all being within as far as the eye can see.

"So what is the plan. If its Saren's beast we dont want to to harm it. But I don't think Saren's beast flies and I have never seen it breathe fire. "

The monks lead there horses past the crevice, forcing anything coming at them to jump the crevice if land based. They arm themselves with weapons that were obviously hidden, the craftsmanship looks to be exceptional. Praying and repeating mantras they prepare themselves for the likely coming fight.

Tristan follows the monks lead and hides behind the crevice as well

Kevros hides and takes cover behind a boulder best suited for quick deployment of range attacks and then take cover. He watches the monks and Tristan hide in the crevice, "It is not good to all pile up in the same location when a possible breath weapon is involved. Some of you should use the boulders to hide or take cover behind."

Angeus looks for a boulder that would allow her to flank any creature that approaches the crevice. She will keep the rock between her and the creature to remain unhidden.

Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Our horses are a bit exposed here." He scans the field for a place where he can put them as far from danger as possible. "I am going to remove the dragon snack food from the open."

I am not a real life horse expert. So I am not sure how to describe what I am doing. I mean I don't know if its better for them to be teathered together or what. But I would like to keep the horses and my animal companion safe in this case.

Quince takes a position behind a boulder with his Crossbow.

Technically the best thing to do with horses is to lay them on their sides and lay down across their neck. They use their head for momentum to stand up so when you lay across their neck they don't move. When you tie them up, if one spook, they all spook and will probably pull their rope free or from the person holding them because they will drag that person. The other thing to do is blindfold them hence the reason why in New York and other places, horses have those side blinders so cars and people don't spoke them by quickly coming into their peripheral vision, but they still can hear and smell which can also instigate a reaction. The good thing about the game is you have the animal handling roll scapegoat and Kevros will cover you if need be.

Yeah there are a few options but laying across their necks pulls me from the fight. Tethering them to each other might give us only one direction to go if they bolt. I figured I would leave it to the DM to assume I did what a good horse trainer would do in this situation and get back into the action.

Since the horses are liking you. As their herd leader, perhaps they will just be calm with you there? ... LOL

LOL I was thinking I would stay with the bipeds. If for no other reasons that they are less desirable snacks. Honestly I feel like at this point I want to make some effort to say it was considered but I don't want to derail the obvious direction the group is going.

I think we are over thinking this but I do appreciate the information. I believe everyone has posted their locations for the coming ambush. Presently Saren is on the front side of the crevice as 'bait', but I heard some objections about that, where do you guys want him to be?

Quince you will keep your animal companion next to you, having it lay down. Most of the horses are put in the crevice to not be seen.

Sorry I just didn't want it to come up later that we left a bunch of dragon snacks lying around and loose our horses. LOL that is something my old GM would nail us for.

No it is good to state where they are, I need to know where they are so said dragon snacks don't become such! I might nail you for it later, but with such focus and detail on them, it should not be a problem. Quince I think you voiced about Saren's location, where would you put him?

The roaring of the beast gets louder and you can tell it is near.

If he is immobile then I would nestle him in the crevice where he won't get trampled.

"Its getting closer."

Works for me.

Since Kevros told the group about the scorpions, Quince moved Saren into another niche to make sure he is safe from being trampled, making sure it is safe first.

Soon enough the lizard creature appears and runs straight towards the crevice. It stops above the crevice and it looks like there is a rider on it. A blue green dragon of sorts without wings, two large horns emerge from the sides of its head. The humanoid riding on the dragon in a saddle is bent over and covered in furs. It steps off the dragon slowly and eases itself to the ground. "What, is this the place or do I need to stay on your misrible back for another day?"

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 11
int: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Quince looks toward Kevros' position and mouths the words "cover me."

Quince stands moves from hiding and greets the rider and beast. "Hello, not to anser for the great creature but I think you were brought here for my friend, Saren. He is with me but sick."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 (+2 more if she is fey)

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Int Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Kevros nods, "Go ahead, I have you covered." Kevros covers the graceful rider but not Saren's mount.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Int Check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

It's Saren's mount, but who's the rider?

Angeus watches from her hiding place as Quince rises and addresses the rider. She keeps her crossbow trained on the rider's back; just in case.

Tristan is relaxes a moment as he takes in the situation. He then gets his horse up and repacked.

I will watch and keep a perimeter as Saren is looked at.

Tristan will circle abouta 200-300' perimeter until signaled.

The figure in furs responds to Quince, "Ah, yes if someone is sick bring them to me. I am a healer after all. This beast seems to have lost its intelligence."

If movement is not done with Saren, his mount will jump over and go into the ravine. Then grabbing the stretcher as best as it can from the niche, safely moving Saren to the healer.

Quince heads for Saren and begins to bring him out.

Kevros relaxes a little but still keeps his weapon pointed in the general direction of the healer but not directly.

Quince speaks to the woman as he brings Saren out toward her. "He was bitten by spiders. His injuries were able to be healed but . . . the next morning he did not wake."Quince looks about a little high strung. I can't say how glad I am that this was not a true dragon. I wonder if I should tell her about the vision.

The healer looks over Saren, she feeds him two potions. "I have done what I can for him right now, he is going through a strange withdrawal, do you know which god he serves or anything special about him?"

Kevros relaxes all the way, "Thank you ma'am for helping Saren recover. As for his religion, does his dragon mount reveal his religion? In addition, Quince saw a dragon symbol appear above Saren's chest." Kevros watches the healer carefully not because he does not trust her but he has not seen too many catfolk before.

Quince nods, "Sorry yes. I saw a vision of a dragon and a giant fighting after wich I saw a glowing sigil of a dragon glowing above his heart just barely a ove the skin."

"Ah, yes the Elken family, that does make some sense. It is lucky this dragon has a good relationship with your friend Saren." she says solemnly, she begins to rifle through Saren's items. "Dragons and Elkens typically don't get along, territory and everything. I could do more for him with a fire and a place to sit. Are you near your camp site or what?"

Saren still sleeps fitfully. Even after the potions.

Kevros shakes his head and then shrugs, "We were currently on the move and set up here to see if the dragon-like creature that was pursuing us was friend or foe. However seeing this area is fairly secure, I do not see why we can not set up here or we can set up in those trees over there." Kevros points to the trees. "In addition, well met, my name is Kevros and we are the Wardens of the Greenbelt. And the monks are led by Nightwing. We can be more formal with introductions later after we set up camp to help Saren recover."

Quince smiles warmly and introduces himself. "I am Quince Medvyed. Glad you found us. "

Quince moves about setting camp and securing the horses. He stops he work sharply and finds Angeous he looks ar her whistfully a moment. "Hey ah Angeous can I have a word." He looks at akwardly a moment and then moves to pull her close to him attempting a kiss. "Sorry I figured I should get that planted before the next dragon hunt. The next one might not be friendly . . . I mean the dragon might not be friendly . . not the kiss. . . so camp. "

Emerging from her hiding place Angeus comes up behind and nods to the new comer then crouches and waves to Saren's dragon "Welcome back.".

She then moves to help set up camp.

While innocently going about her business, she finds her self stopped by Quince who, before she can react, pullled her close and gave her a kiss.

Eyes wide with surprise, she watched as he awkwardly explained his actions, before smiling and reciprocating with a kiss of her own.

Easing away from Quince, she remained smiling, a twinkle in her eye and turned and walked away, knowing full well he was watching her go.