Kingmaker - Dark Kingdom PBP

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

A perfectly good meta-gaming assessment of why coup de grace is a low risk course of action. I would point out that we have 7 or 8 rounds in which to control our mounts and leave the area. I could run far enough away in that many rounds if need be. :) And have you noticed that DK makes a lot of low percentage plays with those hot dice of his? :P

More importantly, I would counter with the role playing response. Would you really risk waking the sleeping pigs or would you more likely jump on your horse and avoid the area for the time being? I'm thinking that Bellis would also probably have something to say about the needless slaughter of wild animals that are merely defending their young and territory when another option is available.

Besides, didn't we just talk about how it is wrong to kill helpless/defenseless "prisoners" for no reason? XD

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Vanions stike finally drops the huge boar and it falls to the ground in a heap, suddenly dead.

You look and see two of them sleeping, with another two of them standing there in an almost trance.

You think that you could surround and probably finish the boars 1 at a time by readying actions to attack them on another person's Coup de grace attempt but you would have to act quickly. You know you still have just over 30 seconds left on the spells, but you can't be sure of exactly when they will end.

One thing to keep in mind, if they have taken this as their territory, you might have to fight them on the way out as well since this appears to be the only trail in or out of these woods.

You must decide quickly or the boars will start to re-awaken?

You can leave or stay and kill the remaining ones without completing all of the rolls (most likely unless you debate for a while here), this will be a roll playing decision only, but act quickly or the boars will awaken...

[Vanion Bracke]

I disagree that this is really meta-gaming Eadric. All the numbers I used were calculated off of my own stats. I'm not taking in to consideration the boar's hp, saves, or any other info. My character simply knows that he can pretty reliably finish off a helpless victim. This is the same thing as how Ellaria knows how reliable her spells will work based off their save DC.

And for roleplaying purposes, Durn's told us that they are going to pretty much fight to the death. Bellis has tried to charm them, and talk them out of fighting us, but was largely unsuccessful. It's taken us 3 rounds just to put down 1 of the boars, and during that time it ripped into a bunch of our horses. Now, Ellaria has told us that her sleep spell is about to where off, and unless we do something quick, we are going to have to risk fighting even more of them.

So yes, at the moment, Vanion is ready to finish off the sleeping boars. Unless Bellis or Durn, with their knowledge of nature, can offer a reasonable reason not to do so, that's the course of action I will be taking

After finishing off the first boar, Vanion tries to quickly follow Ellaria's instructions, and get into position to help finish off one of the sleeping boars.

[Durn the Wolf]

Please apply Durns above attack action to the nearest sleeping boar, unless Ellaria's action wakes one please.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

Just so I understand our situation, we are talking about coup de graces on the two sleeping boars only yes? Meaning that the two animals in a trance will still be awake and acting normally in under a minute? Are we fleeing then? Or then fighting those two? And if we flee, they will still most likely be hanging around this area when we make the return trip? Along with a couple hundred pounds of carrion to act as bait for other wandering monsters? :)

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

Upon seeing the big boar go down, Eadric spins to look for his frightened mount as well as check and see where Ula has gotten to in all the confusion.

[Bellis Haevic]

As the last active boar drops, Bellis rears her horse up and gets ready to gallop off "Come on! lets get out of here before the others awaken!

As she passes Vanion and Ellaria go to finish one of the sleeping boars off she turns and shouts "What in the 9 hells do you think your doing?!?"

[Obi Canicus]

Following Bellis' lead and wanting to get as far away from the boars as he can, Obi virtually leaps into the saddle of his horse, and tries his best to lead the jittery equine over to Bellis.

Untrained Ride:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Untrained Handle Animal(to keep it from bolting):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Okay, Looking at Handle Animal, I think I made it. Unless my horse is really freaking out right now...

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Eadric Cuthwulf wrote:

Upon seeing the big boar go down, Eadric spins to look for his frightened mount as well as check and see where Ula has gotten to in all the confusion.

Ula is sitting on his horse tied to his saddle with a rope around his neck, looking farily miserable in the rear of the group.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

Handle Animal is a trained only skill. :/

If DK decides that the horses are still frightened you need to make a ride check DC 20 to calm/control the horse. If the horses aren't frightened, then you should be able to mount normally. (Well, as normally as a halfling can mount a horse! ;)

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

Upon spying Ula, Eadric sheathes his sword, and snatches up his lance before quickly mounting his skittish horse (Ride check required?). With a soothing word and a purposeful kick, he quickly rides over towards Ula and regains the loose end of the tether.

I have no desire to tangle further with the rest of these boars today! I plan to put as much ground as I can between us and them before they regain their senses. I suggest you do the same!

With that, Eadric spurs his horse and gallops in the direction of the bandit camp, keeping a respectful distance, where possible, from the slumbering and dazed boars and mindful that other boars (or worse!) might be lurking about in the area.

Did Bellis' healing burst return all of my mount's lost HP, or is it still wounded?

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Eadric, your mount is still down 1 hp. It takes you and Durn a full round to get your horses back under control and mounted, but you all can successfully ride away and leave the Boars behind you before they awaken or get their wits about them.

Waiting confirmation from Vanion and Ellaria that they are good with leaving before advancing.

[Lupus Nequam]

Lupus looks at Durn, Vanion and Ellaria and then turns to watch as the others mount up and prepare to leave. In Lupus' mind the decision is easy, he runs over, grabbing his horse's reigns, before mounting and joining those intending on riding away. I am not about to risk my life over a bunch of pigs no matter how docile they appear to be at the moment!

[Vanion Bracke]

Seeing everyone turning and going in the opposite direction of him, Vanion slams on the breaks and holds for a moment. We're leaving? he asks to no one in particular. But I thought we were-- he suddenly cuts off mid sentence as he finally realizes the situation that he is in- deep amongst the barely sleeping boars, and all alone.

Vanion turns tail, and hustles back to the rest of the group, and tries to mount up as quickly as possible.So we are running, then? Just so you know, I'm really not sure how well I'm going to be able to handle my mount if they decide to give chase...

[Durn the Wolf]

so we are ignoring my attack? It's frustrating when people go out of order and others actions get lost in the shuffle. Ellaria already posted an attack... then it's my turn, and I've already posted an attack.

[Lupus Nequam]

You and me both Vanion! And just about everyone else, other than Bellis, it would seem! I am by no means an authority in such matters... but I would assume that the boars might be relentlessly aggresive in defending their young and territory when directly confronted as opposed to being ruthlessly and psychotically driven to pursue us after being soundly thrashed back there. before adding One would hope anyway! with a nervous laugh and a glance behind him.

[Ellaria]

Ellaria sees the first boar drop while the others start leaving. As Vanion leaves as well, she nods her head and flees, leaving 4 huge boars which are about to wake behind her.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

You are free to take your action(s). Our posts don't prevent you from attacking the boar. My post was meant to telegraph my intention to flee the area. Much like your post telegraphed your intention to coup de grace the boar. You can coup de grace the boar and then my (our) actions will follow. We regularly post our intended course of action prior to our actual turn. In fact it is the pattern we have been following up to this point and the nature of the PBP.

We discussed the merits of the coup de grace in the ooc discussion and I posted my intended course of action based upon that discussion. If your attack alters things significantly, I may change my intended action, again much like we have been doing. I have made no assumptions within my posts as to what course of action anyone else would follow prior to my turn. Speech is a free action, so my bolded statement could happen during anyone's turn no matter the context of their actions.

No harm was intended. I apologize for any affront perceived.

[Obi Canicus]

If you do kill it though, I suggest we come back at night and see if it's still here. I can roast it for everyone.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

I have no doubt he will kill the first sleeping boar. That was never the issue/concern for me. What is yet to determined? What is DK's interpretation of "threat" in regards to the calmed boars. ;)

[DM Dark Kingdom]

You can change your action Durn based upon the conversation or move up to #4 and coup de grace that one? Just let me know, you get an idea of what the party wants to do, was going to let you drop out of combat rounds but if you want to try and finish that one you certainly can. The others can change their action based upon that action if they want. Remember it was taking Edric a full round to get his mount under control and riding off would be the following round.

You can't coup de grace the calmed ones, they can still defend themselves and will be free fomr the spell as soon as they are attacked.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

DM Dark Kingdom wrote:

You can't coup de grace the calmed ones, they can still defend themselves and will be free fomr the spell as soon as they are attacked.

I was urging caution in this instance because I have seen the spell Calm Animals ruled in such a way that the calmed targets would see the continued attack upon their "kind" (other members of their herd or what not) as a "threat" (the wording of the last line of the spell, "any threat") and thus would end the affect. In other words, they did not need to be attacked to feel threatened. The success of the coup de grace was never the question. I did not want to kill one boar to just have the other two rejoin the fight. That is all.

[DM Dark Kingdom]

I am in a conference today so I won't be able to post until around dinner time EST! Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you don't see a post from me until later.

[Lupus Nequam]

DM Dark Kingdom wrote:

I am in a conference today so I won't be able to post until around dinner time EST! Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you don't see a post from me until later.

This is par for the course. I'm off work all day and free to post and nothing is happening. *sigh*

[Lupus Nequam]

*double sigh*

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

It is 12:01am EST. Do you know where your DM is? ;)

What time do you guys eat dinner down there in Atlanta?

I would like to point out I posted zero times "today". Thats 24+ hours people! I hope you guys are happy! ;)

PS I will be out of town, in the hinterlands, all weekend. I doubt even my iPhone will save me, so my participation should be low to none. Sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully Eadric is still alive come Monday! ;)

[Lupus Nequam]

I work all weekend as well so ditto for me. Except I don't care if Eadric is still alive come Monday! lol

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Well guess what guys, we will have to RETCON som of this. I was re-reading a couple of the posts and realized that Ellaria attacked a calmed boar, #2. So as soon as #2 was attacked it becomes its initiative so you do have another one to deal with!

Since he is 5' from Eadric, it attacks! 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 dam [1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Bellis 20
Boar #4 Several Injuries/Sleeping
Obi 18
Vanion 18
Boar#1 Dead
Ellaria 14
Boar #2 awake and very angry
Durn 13
Lupus 13
Eadric 11
Boar #3 Dazed...
Boar #5 Sleeping

Use Durns attack for #2. His arrow strikes deep into its flesh enraging the boar even more!

Lupus and Eadric you are up. See wasn't th wait worth it!

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

I knew it was to good to be true... Eadric escape combat without HP loss? Thats unpossible! ;)

Eadric, who had been intent on leaving the remaining boars behind, spins back around just in time to block the incoming boar's furious attack.

I'm not sure what this accomplishes... are we to fight every wild beast in the Greenbelt before we make the bandit camp? Eadric growls over his shoulder, as he hacks away at the enraged boar.

Retcon Round 3:

Eadric 5' steps to H-9 (boar is in I-9) and attacks with his longsword.
To hit1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

[Lupus Nequam]

Seeing the dazed boar spring back to the attack, and not wishing to see any of the others rejoin the fight, Lupus dashes up to the sleeping boars and prepares to put an arrow into one of their heads from point blank range. The non injured one, boar #5.

Round 3 Redo:

Lupus moves to K7 from I3 and readies an action to shoot any boar that moves to attack him*. If no boar triggers his readied action he coup de graces boar #5 with his bow on his next turn (round 4 - see next spoiler) (full round action).
* If attacked, readied attack:
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
dc13 save

Round 4:

Coup de grace on boar #5, full round action. I reserve the right to 5' step depending on how round 3 went.
Auto hit crit damage 3d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) + 3 + (6) = 22
Fort save DC 32 or die.

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Bellis 20
Boar #4 Several Injuries/Sleeping
Obi 18
Vanion 18
Boar#1 Dead
Ellaria 14
Boar #2 awake and very angry
Durn 13
Lupus 13
Eadric 11
Boar #3 Dazed...
Boar #5 Sleeping

Map Updated and posted.

Round 4 begins with Bellis:

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

After rereading the posts, I also believe that Ellaria should be in K-7, not Lupus, as she moved there in round 2. At the same time she shot at boar #2. If Lupus wants to move up to the boars for a coup de grace, he could move to L-6 instead.

[Bellis Haevic]

Have you never seen the butterfly effect DK? altering the timeline can have severe consequences!! :P

"It seems we will never reach our true enemies Eadric!" says Bellis with exasperation as she gallops alongside him. "Deadeye guide your blade" she says, briefly touching his shoulder as new strength and energy flow through his sword arm.

Round 4:

Move to I7
cast guidance on Eadric +1 attk

[Lupus Nequam]

Please change my move to L6. Thanks.

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Lupus, no problem on moving your guy over, Ellaria is in your position.

Obi, Vanion, and Ellaria to go.

DMDK

[Obi Canicus]

"We could have just left..." Obi mumbles as he moves his horse forward to get a better veiw of the boar and sends small stream of fire at it.

Round 4:

Moving to I3 and casting Fire Splash(-4 4 from fiiring into Combat) at Boar #2
Ranged Touch Attack:1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5
Damage:1d3 ⇒ 1

[Ellaria]

Ellaria gestures towards the active boar and utters a few arcane words.

Round 4:

Spoiler:

Cast Daze on boar #2

[Vanion Bracke]

Vanion side steps over the only dead boar, and rushes to Eadric's aid. Damnit, you aren't looking very good Eadric. But I'll see what I can do about it.

Round 4:

Move to H7
Cast Cure Light Wounds on Eadric 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

I don't think that the boar actually hit me Vanion. I have an AC of 20. DK can confirm this and let you change your action I'm sure, if I am correct. I will still be at max HP if the boar missed.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

Assuming that the boar missed and I am still at max HP and because I am typing this on my phone and will not be able to post tomorrow likely...

Eadric, feeling the blessing of Erastil surge through his body, continues slashing at the enraged boar, all the while hooting and yelling at it trying to capture it's attention and get it to focus it's attacks on himself. Eadric manouvers in an attempt to flank the creatue as he hacks away.

Round 4:

Please move me a square that gives me flanking if possible.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

[DM Dark Kingdom]

No the boar missed Eadric on its initial attack. Sorry not able to post much yesterday, was out on the lake all day with the family. Since everyone else was pretty much busy as well I was fine with a sow post day. Hopefully come Monday we can get things back to normal.

Vanion you can change your action to an attack.

[Vanion Bracke]

Whooops. My bad. Then, yes I will try an attack.

Round 4 (again):

Arane Strike on rapier
Attack Boar #2 (base + str) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage (base + str + arcane strike) 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Vanion attacks and stikes the boar true. Finally hit by someone in the party the boar lashes out at Vanion and hits with a grazing blow for 4 points of damage.
Obi fires another bolt and goes wide.
Ellaria fires off a spell and the boars eyes glaze over.
Eadric flanks #2 and hits the angry, but dazed boar.
Lupus kills one sleeping boar #5.

Durn still to go this round.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Just for my own reference, everyone's current location is: Eadric I-9, Bellis I-7, Vanion H-7, Obi I-3, Ellaria K-7, Lupus L-6 and Durn is in J-6(?). Boars #1 and 5 are dead and boars 2 (active/temporarily dazed), 4 (sleeping), and 3 (calmed) are the in the same locations.

Eadric continues his assault upon the giant pig.

Round 5:

Eadric maintains a flanking position, taking a 5' or whatever movement is required, depending on the other party members movements and continues attacking with his longsword.

To hit1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25
Damage1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Confirm Crit1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Oh! So close! :/ At least I hit!

[DM Dark Kingdom]

OK Durn fires an arrow at #2 and it goes wide.

Start of Round 5:

Bellis 20
Boar #4 Several Injuries/Sleeping
Obi 18
Vanion 18
Boar#1 Dead
Ellaria 14
Boar #2 injured and very angry
Durn 13
Lupus 13
Eadric 11
Boar #3 Dazed...
Boar #5 Dead

Map Updated and posted.

Round 5 begins with Bellis:

BTW Bellis knows if you stride up to an animal with a weapon drawn it will break the enchanment on them.

[Lupus Nequam]

After driving an arrow straight through the first sleeping boars head, Lupus steps next to the second boar, planning to do the same to it.

Round 5:

5' step to L7. Full round action coup de grace on boar #4.
Auto hit crit damage 3d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 2) + 3 + (2) = 15
Fort sace DC 25 or die.

[Eadric Cuthwulf]

DM Dark Kingdom wrote:

Map Updated and posted.

I don't see an updated map....I just see the old round 4 map. Is it me?

[Bellis Haevic]

Bellis looks on in digust as her party members continue to slaughter the defenseless sleeping boars. Erastil, forgive me for associating with such scoundrels. Seems I will have my work cut out for me when it comes to teaching your ways

She draws her longbow in a swift arching motion sending an arrow straight at the boar savaging Eadric.

Round 5:

Draw longbow
longbow attack1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 = 14
Damage1d6 ⇒ 6

[DM Dark Kingdom]

Eadric Cuthwulf wrote:

DM Dark Kingdom wrote:

Map Updated and posted.

I don't see an updated map....I just see the old round 4 map. Is it me?

Yeah, created the new map, I guess it helps to upload it...