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Topic: Kingmaker Adventure Path 2.0
Subject: Book 1: Stolen Land
Hey-o, standard disclaimer, this game will broadly stay within the loose confines of the PG-13 rating, but It's not unexpected for it to drift onto more mature themes and language. Proceed with caution or abandon, as per your choice.
-Sibelius' Kingmaker Adventure Path- 2.0
1 Pharast
Oleg's Trading Post
South Border of Brevoy
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty -six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg's Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behaviour to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
-Ioseph Sellemius, Lord Mayor of Restov
Oleg's Trading Post stood three days from the nearest large city and almost two days from the last border fort along the South Rostland Road. On the very frontier of civilization it's distance from the major roads and nearby rivers ensured that the post was as isolated on the frontier as it could get, with sparse traffic only from trappers and hunters operating in the region.
The post itself had been renovated from an old, disused border fort when the owner, Oleg Leveton, and his wife, Svetlana, arrived there sometime in the last year to rebuild. The old ten-foot wooden palisade surrounding the post/fort still stood to protect its inhabitants from the wilds of the Greenbelt rolling from the south up to the post's front gates.
As the group approached on wagon and horseback, they could see a figure walking along the rooftops of the buildings inside the fort--a stocky man who glanced in the direction of the travelers once and carried on with his business.
In the middle of the afternoon the post's thirty-foot wide gates were left open for traffic to come and go at leisure. The wagon driver led his horses into the small dusty courtyard first, followed by the two mounted members of the Greenbelt Charter party after. A pleasant-looking woman was stooped over a cook pot dangling from a tripod over an open fire between two large tables on one side of the yard.
The woman looked up at the arrival of the party and gripped the ladle in her hand with sudden nervous tension. Almost as soon as it had come the woman relaxed with a short, relieved sigh. She continued stirring the pot, which emitted a tantalizing smell that competed with the ambiance of wet hay and melting snow.
"We've been expecting you, my husband and I. I'm Svetlana Leveton--Oleg's my husband. We run this trading post together. You'll excuse me if I don't stop to shake all your hands or the like, someone has to make sure supper doesn't burn.
"The stables are just there behind you," she gestures with her chin, "you can put up your horses in there. Otherwise make yourselves at home. Oleg will be down shortly, as soon as he's done fixing the roof." This last she addressed loudly to the roof of the guesthouse, where the sound of hammering suddenly resumed unseen from the far side of the roof.
"Don't mind him. He's got a lot on his mind lately." Svetlana set down her ladle in the pot and went to the main house. She paused at the door. "I have to keep up with supper, but if you want to introduce yourselves I don't mind." She turned to go in but hesitated on the threshold again. She bit her lip and turned back with smile. "I must say, we were almost worried you'd be too late--they arrive in the morning."
Barely as soon as the words left her mouth she vanished inside the building. Around you inside the palisade there were a total of four buildings--the aforementioned stables on the left side of the yard, a main house taking up the far right, and the guesthouse on the near right, both doors opening out to the fire pit and tables that lay between them. The fourth building, smaller than the rest, looked like a storage hut, laying between the main house and the stables. Behind the hut there were midden pits dug into the ground. Here is a map. The Q&A has a description of each area on the first page near the bottom.
The wagon driver unhooked his horses from the wagon and led them into the stables with Frodrick's and Krii's horses. As you get yourselves oriented Svetlana returns with more ingredients for her stew (you'll have time to chatter and get set before you get the chance to ask her to clarify anything).
You have already introduced yourselves to each other over the three-day journey, but take this time to introduce yourselves to Svetlana (and, conveniently, the audience). Oleg will be down just in time for supper when it comes.
As a primer to help you start learning names and faces:
Zeran, with a unique personal swagger and even more unique weapon appears to be a sailing man hailing from the nearby lawless region of the River Kingdoms. His tricorn hat suggests much of his life has been spent aboard decks, though you can only imagine what it has to do with the unusual alchemical wand he keeps, which he calls a 'pistol'. He has come to the Greenbelt on a whim seeking adventure and entertainment.
Kyrie, the youngest, carries her shovel with a casual authority. You would almost laugh at the poor girl and her weapon, but you had been there when a clueless magistrate thought to turn her away from the offices where you all signed the charter, thinking to keep away foolish girls. Whatever your reservations about her choice of weapon, you no longer doubt that she can and will use it effectively, though time will tell if she can handle herself in real combat. You suspect yes. Her reason for being in the Greenbelt, having come from a life of farming on the Rostland plains (you don't tell her that you guessed that already), is that she came to join the fight against the bandits threatening the roads lately.
Frodrick (the last of Clan Redbrew), on the other hand, is by far the oldest member of those assembled to sign on to the Greenbelt Charter. Even by dwarf standards the man is well along in years, and at a hundred and eighty-nine it shows in his beard which by now shows just as much white as its original red. He rides upon the back of his trusty war-trained mare Jargon Hooves and carries a traditional waraxe of dwarven design. He quickly tells anyone who inquires that he is the last of a small clan of dwarves in an out-of-the-way section of the Icerime Peaks, overrun by goblins. His purpose in the Greenbelt is to find an honourable warrior's death, dragging as much filth and corruption down with him that he can sink his axe into before they get him.
Miguel had been a bard living in Restov before he took on the charter, studying his dual passions of music and fencing. Those native region recognise his long, single-edged sword as an Aldori dueling sword, which marks him as a member of that school. By all accounts he is utterly carefree, extremely personable and easy to get along with. It's hard to imagine the blond dandy in a fight he couldn't talk down, except perhaps one caused by his roguish charms--though his musculature suggests he could handle himself anyway. When asked why he came to sign on with the Greenbelt Charter he proclaims his desire to test his mettle against the ruffians and scoundrels known to thrive here, and perhaps have a good time between. While you don't doubt this is true, his over-indulgence in bravado makes you wonder if that is the whole story.
Krii, who prefers to go by his last name, hails all the way from Ustalav. The tall, seemingly albino man with his long white hair and red-orange eyes, has lived on the frontier of the Stolen for some time, due to a sequence of events involving the being orphaned at early age, the loss of his uncle, and finally adoption by a troupe of gnomes who settled in the region due to their belief in its connection with the First World. Intrigued by the prospects of hidden knowledge buried in the area, and prospects of power to be had in conquering its secrets, Krii traveled to Restov in hopes of joining one of the groups being sent into the four regions.
(We may yet have a few additions to retcon into this first post, or they may be added later as late-comers. Either way, I think I shall declare this game without further day more or less open.)
Posted on 2013-02-20 at 08:25:02.
Edited on 2015-08-21 at 00:42:52 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: KINGMAKER Q&A 2.0 BEGINS HERE
Welp, in preparation to use this whole dang Q&A for a completely different Kingmaker party and adventure, the postings start here. You hear that? Just everybody remember Page 13 is the first one now, eh?
Not likely, generally individual pages of the Q&A are not that important except for the most recent, and all that sweet awesome information I (am currently updating) on the Page 1 way back there.
Have fun, kiddies.
Posted on 2013-02-17 at 21:11:33.
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Topic: GOODDAY: Welcome to Pyron
Subject: Oh yeah
Oh yeah, I never did end up finalizing and sending a concept. I can't remember why that was, but I'll assume it was because I was busy and dubious about my ability to participate. Hell, I see now I didn't even post a comment above.
Consider this a formal poke of waffling and inconstancy that I may or may not be able to join and I might or mightn't have part of an idea conjured up.
Posted on 2012-10-17 at 03:51:28.
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Topic:
Subject: Oh boy
I can't lie, I'm probably way to busy even to be thinking about this game.
It's a good thing I don't know what's good for me.
I'm thinking about it. I can't commit yet--I'm not sure I have the time to devote right now, but if I can I'm finding myself most definitely interested.
While I'm at it I'll see if Reralae isn't too busy, too.
Posted on 2012-10-17 at 01:12:07.
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: Chism? Wait, no...
As a heads up for Achuak, in order to proceed he needs to cross the chasm (of yet unknown depth). There are two ways, using the vines hanging from the ceiling and walls, or leaping.
You can see from the map the chasm is about 10 feet across, but positioning makes the gap 15 feet wide from ledge to ledge.
Alternatively, having updated the map now, you can perhaps try to shoot at the mites in the next room? It's a maybe.
Posted on 2012-09-05 at 09:37:02.
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Keeping things moving.
“I am strong enough, thanks to your friend, to carry the fight to the vile ones! I have turned my mission over to all of you, but I still wish to see it done personally. Your comrade has given me a sword that I might fight the vile ones and I would use it.” Mikmek replied. He looked determined to continue.
(Achuak's scouting)
Achuak stood next to Takahashi. He could see across the chasm that split the warren mostly into the next room. Both rooms sloped down toward the chasm, but Achuak could make out at least three mites. All three watched him carefully, squinting their bulbous eyes. They seemed to be waiting for something rather than attacking.
Achuak 10/11 –
Aria 8/9 – Hunched, Dancing Lights 8/10
Junn 4/8 – Hunched
Sordin – Hunched
Sylvia – Hunched
Takahashi 12/12 (1) – Hunched, Total Defence (+4AC), Light ~1min (Aria)
Mikmek: Uninjured
Mites
A*: Uninjured
H: Uninjured
I: Uninjured
(This is mostly to update the statblock for you and note what has happened. Two rounds have passed. Takahashi has seen nothing since the last mite left. Deeper in the warren he can hear distant voices talking or squabbling—the difference is negligible in the mites' tongue. A new map accompanies this update, showing what Achuak can see for if he desires to continue scouting. Naturally, Achuak is the only one who can see these mites at present. If they took the time, low-light-visioners could probably make them out, too, but not as clearly. Don't worry about needing to do something (unless you want to, but it seems like everyone's content to hang around so far), I plan to resume updates pending Achuak's reaction to his scouting so far.)
Here's your new map right here at the same ol' address.
Cross-Section of the Warren: Shows the chasm just at the edge of your vision.
Posted on 2012-09-05 at 09:30:41.
Edited on 2012-09-05 at 09:32:16 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Pathfinder Q&A & Characters
Subject: Half-orc meet half-elf
Hehe, I bet Myirh and Zuriel are really going to hit it off when character interaction gets going. Hit it off the door, down the stairs and into the river, maybe. *waves 'hi' to Jozan*
And that poor wizard, completely surrounded by buff, testosterone-laden warriors.
It'll be interesting to see if the party survives their first encounter... each other.
(Naturally I'm just making this up as I go, I know almost nothing about the characters and how they might actually react to each other. Just Myirh, and her... tendencies.)
Posted on 2012-08-26 at 04:57:16.
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Topic: Pathfinder anyone?
Subject: Pro Bono Noob
On behalf of Zeakol (whom you may see lurking here or there) I throw his name into the ring. He's having issues making posts at the moment, so he asked me to show his interest in this game.
Also, for tips, you've done a pretty good job demonstrating what kind of game you're going to be running. What system will you use to generate ability scores (point buy, rolling, etc.). I see 'Core Only' and I imagine that means staying away from things like Archetypes. All pretty clear there.
Also, about how many posts per week are you looking to set the minimum? (Average is about 1 in my experience, though you may wish to do things differently).
That's about as many questions as I can think of asking for now. No doubt your players will have some more queries for you.
Once again, when Zeakol next has the power to post, he should be popping in here to say hi.
Posted on 2012-08-20 at 08:43:49.
Edited on 2012-08-20 at 08:51:30 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: So, You're New Here. . .Awesome! Read this.
Subject: That mountain back there? That's the Banhammer Al uses.
I think it says something about the Inn that the 'closest thing we have to a troll' was made into a Moderator for the forum.
Also, I love that you mentioned Word Processor posts. There was a time when I thought I was the only one who the submit button hated. I figured other people just got wise to its antics and with a steady hand and cautious eye never lost their posts after that.
Excellent guide.
EDIT: Oh wow, so apparently this has been here for a rather long time  it's still a fantastically awesome guide, though, even if I am oblivious 
Posted on 2012-08-20 at 08:30:51.
Edited on 2012-08-20 at 08:32:55 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: The Life of Mikmek
Mikmek graciously accepted Sylvia's dagger. “Thank you most kindly. I will wield your sword with vengeance against these monsters.” The black creature bowed its head. “I will fight by your side until either I perish or our objective is complete.” Evidently, like all kobolds met so far, Mikmek's taldane was rusty compared to his draconic.
Achuak touched the bottom of the shaft and looked, eyes wide with horror, at the room. When Mikmek met his gaze, the younger kobold was almost too stunned to talk for a moment.
“Mikmak, it is I, Achuak. You are in good hands, the warm bloods here have come to aid our clan in the plight against Tartuk. We have come for the statue that we might be liberated from the purple one’s rule! Do you know where it is? And are there any more of our brethren in here? Any information you can give us could alter the results of this mission, and the clan’s future!”
It was almost too much for the kobold to take in. Achuak recognized the whelp, still just barely too young to be accepted as a warrior, now grown in the last year to adulthood. Mikmek struggled another second for words, but eventually managed, “I told them! I told them you'd come back to kill Tartuk!”
Mikmek remembered himself, and his duties as a warrior. “I know not where the statue is hidden, but the last two times over the last three months they stole it, it was always found in the cheif's war room. Those who have shed their final skin in this life before you are all that remains of my war party. When we were ambushed we were taken directly to this room, so I have not personally seen any more of their wretched hive, but I believe Chief Grabbles' war room is through that tunnel.” Mikmek indicated the exit Takahashi was guarding, the only besides the shaft they crawled down.
Sylvia meanwhile translated for the other three.
(It's still not quite too late to get in some kind of action on round 1 of the ceasefire.)
Posted on 2012-08-20 at 08:21:51.
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Topic: Prometheans: Genesis - Q&A
Subject: Yo pienso
I think she means 'without' her in the sense that whoops, weeks have gone by and dang I really should have been responding to people kind of without, rather than updates during offline hours.
Hehe, I was almost afraid interest was flagging for this game with the GM's misfortune, but I suddenly remembered Dani yesterday and got all bubbly (for a dude approaching six and a half feet, you can imagine what that looks like for yourself) and I see clearly that I'm not the only one still excited
Posted on 2012-08-19 at 07:02:02.
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: Ah, hehehe
I feel it may be prudent to note that his friends are the three kobold corpses hanging along the wall. You have found them. *little celebratory noise*
Posted on 2012-08-15 at 20:34:58.
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Facelazorz, Kobold Prisoners, and Misleading Titles
Junn appeared from the shaft, Achuak following just a few feet above.
Sylvia threw another ball of acid after the fleeing mites, striking one full on across the side of the head. It fell to the ground screaming as acid burned scars into its hideous blue flesh (-4acid MiteB Dying).
The other escaped down the sloped tunnel that led to the next room. Takahashi started to pursue the fey, but halted when it leaped onto another network of roots stretching across a wide chasm that split the passage. He couldn't see how deep it was from back here, but it was obviously not a short drop.
The samurai paused to assess his position. Rushing deeper into this hole could be fatal, especially with his comrades only just catching up to him in this room. He glanced at the one captive kobold still breathing, then down the passage. This room was much better suited to a defensive position than the last.
“See to the prisoner. I will hold the entrance,” Takahashi directed. He took up a defensive stance by the passage bottleneck. He gave potential attackers just enough room to get cut to pieces as they tried to get by him.
Aria approached the kobold hanging from the roots on the wall. He (or her? Aria had no way to tell) was beaten and bruised pretty badly, but he was still alive and his breathing was regular. As she looked him over, he flinched involuntarily in response to her proximity.
“Can you hear me?”
One yellow eye popped open, then the other. He, like every other kobold in the region besides Achuak, was covered in dull black scales, with a paler scales on covering his chest. The kobold watched Aria warily, but said nothing.
“How badly are you hurt?” She placed both kukri in one hand to cast her healing song.
The kobold's chest swelled, cringing in pain halfway through the gesture. “Mikmek warrior. Mikmek hurt worse.” He paused. “You help Mikmek?”
“Yes.” Aria touched the kobold—Mikmek—with the glowing energy. He squirmed and gasped as his cracked ribs reset and his bruised body mended. (+3hp Mikmek Uninjured)
Sordin stepped in to help, tearing at the knotted roots that held Mikmek to the wall. “Just hold still a bit longer—we'll have you free in no time.”
Sordin made short work of the knots, and soon the kobold was standing on his own two feet. No sooner had he touched the ground, though, than he fell to his knees.
“Mikmek thanks you. Be happy to help tallfolk kill big-eyes if only Mikmek have weapon.”
Achuak 10/11 – Climbing
Aria 8/9 – Hunched, Dancing Lights 6/10
Junn 4/8 – Hunched
Sordin – Hunched
Sylvia – Hunched
Takahashi 12/12 (1) – Hunched, Total Defence (+4AC), Light ~1min (Aria)
Mikmek: Uninjured
Mites
A*: Uninjured
B*: Dying
(We are dispensing with initiative order, but we'll still be tracking rounds since there are some time-based effects still on-going and we might have company any minute now. Act in whatever order you choose [operating under a loose first-come-first-serve basis—no interrupting each other], but take each round one at a time (which is not to say you can't post more than one round if you've planned it). Next combat I'll give all y'all a new initiative to play with, but for now dealing with the kobold is the main issue, until reinforcements arrive.
(Oh, and by the way--Yes, Mikmek will totally flip out when he sees Achuak, the same as every kobold who has seen him so far.)
Here's your new map right here.
Cross-Section of the Warren: Shows the chasm just at the edge of your vision.
Posted on 2012-08-14 at 08:12:26.
Edited on 2012-08-15 at 20:23:21 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Daisuke is proving to be uniquely suited to ripping through these mites.
Achuak started his climb down with his crossbow over his shoulder. Below him almost the entire shaft was filled top to bottom.
Sylvia climbed down the last few feet and landed in the room below beside Aria. She quickly dodged two mite blades as she moved out of the dancer’s way.
Sylvia cast another ball of acid straight into the chest of one of the mites who had tried to stab her—the same who had tried to curse her (-2acid MiteC).
Junn crawled down the shaft to the space Sylvia had formerly occupied the same way Sordin had a second ago.
The mite next to Takahashi stepped back and performed the now familiar cursing manoeuvre on him, but again the samurai’s resolve was too strong to be swayed by their magic.
One of the throwers struck Aria with a tiny dart in the side (-1dmg) while the other tried to curse Sylvia, which she threw off after a moment’s effort. The one wounded by Sylvia’s acid tried to stab her but didn’t come close to hitting.
Takahashi physically imposed himself between the remaining mites and those coming up behind him. With another swipe of his katana he dispatched yet another mite (-5dmg MiteE Dying) sending it sprawling to the ground to join the pool of blood already mixing with the water flowing through the room.
The rest of the mites were decidedly worried at this turn in the advantage of numbers. Aria drew her kukri knives and cut down the acid-splashed mite (-2dmg MiteC Dying).
Sordin touched ground, worsening the numbers still against the fiendish blue fey.
Achuak 10/11 – Climbing
Aria 8/9 – Hunched, Dancing Lights 5/10
Junn 4/8 – Hunched, Climbing
Sordin – Hunched
Sylvia – Hunched
Takahashi 12/12 (1) – Hunched, Expertise (+1 AC), Light ~1min (Aria)
Mites
A*: Uninjured
B*: Uninjured
C*: Dying
D*: Dying
E: Dying
F: Dying
(Mites are beginning to flee. You will get your map when I get last minute details from peeps. Point is four people are in the room, and the two mites left are trying to gtfo. Long wait for the post brought to you by the fact that I almost forgot I had a game from the lack of activity (well, yeah, I was also doing other things, so it’s on me, too).)
Oops, I forgot to add a map to this shindig. Here ya go ya needy blighters. =D
Posted on 2012-08-08 at 02:28:33.
Edited on 2012-08-13 at 23:10:47 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Making headway... by which we mean making heads go away from their bodies.
No sooner had Junn decided to await the return of their little reptilian companion than Achuak materialized out of the shadows, silent and unpursued. If the mite had been alone or if she had been in one corner of the room, Achuak may have been able to attack or slip past, but he realized it would be next to if not impossible to walk right past her.
Junn decided to go for the next logical step, and started climbing down the shaft, ending up passing Sordin just as the paladin was realizing that the shaft was too crowded to descend any further until one of the girls moved.
Sylvia at the bottom leaned down to see into the room without getting too close to the sharp knives of the little monsters. She reached out with one hand and summoned a small ball of acid, one of her weakest spells. She lobbed the glob at the nearest mite, but the angle of the shaft prevented her from aiming properly. The acid splashed a foot away from the feet of the mite she aimed to hit, which leaped up in surprise and hissed at her.
The mite circled around the hole, wary not to come in sight of whatever shot down its companion. It stared at Sylvia in concentration the same way the other focused on Takahashi. Its eyes likewise shot open wide suddenly, causing a sensation of doom to creep into Sylvia's gut. Thanks to her background of magic and mental effort, she resist the emotion effect as easily as the samurai had.
The remainder of the mites converged on Takahashi. One threw another dart which deflected off the metal plates in his armour, another tried to pull its fear-trick on him, but he resisted even quicker than the first, the one standing next to him tried to stab him, but he dodged. The last two drew daggers and ran to surround him, one of which he cut down one the spot with a contemptuous flick of his katana as it tried to surround him (-10dmg Mite(F) Dying).
Finding himself pressed deeper into the corner, Takahashi adopted a defensive stance. Far from going entirely on the defensive, he carefully chose the moment to strike while keeping himself in a good position to dodge. Another mite fell to a quick slash (-4dmg Mite(D) Dying).
Aria was the first to follow Takahashi into the room, Sordin filling the void she left on the wall. Three mites lay dying around her with only two more in melee reach. Takahashi stooped under the low ceiling to her left, and the remaining two mites stood back.
Achuak 10/11 –
Aria – Hunched, Dancing Lights 4/10
Junn 4/8 – Hunched, Climbing
Sordin – Hunched, Climbing
Sylvia – Hunched, Climbing
Takahashi 11/11 (1) – Hunched, Expertise (+1 AC), Light ~1min (Aria)
Mites
A: Uninjured
B*: Uninjured
C*: Uninjured
E: Uninjured
D*: Dying
F: Dying
(Since I don't have access to my map-making tools right now, splitting R3 into a grid with Takahashi's current position as A1, the rows labelled alphabetically and columns numerically: Mite-C moves down to C2 and uses its spell-like ability, E moves to C3 and throws a dart, D moves to B2 with a dagger, and F gets cut down in B2 on its way to B1 [base of the shaft], all other mites (A and B) stay where they were. Achuak is at the entrance to R1, Junn is near the top of the shaft, Sylvia nor Takahashi have moved, Aria is at bottom of shaft, B1 as far as that room's notation goes. Sordin is just above Sylvia.)
Posted on 2012-08-02 at 02:29:49.
Edited on 2012-08-02 at 03:43:01 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: Knowledge Checks
Achuak knows that all vermin (unless otherwise specified) share the following common traits: They are Mindless and have Darkvision.
More specific to giant centipedes he knows that their bite attacks are poisonous, they cannot be tripped, and they are can be stealthy.
More importantly, though, than whatever the centipedes are capable of, Achuak knows already the the mite's senses excel in the dark in every way, as evidenced by the fact that they squint in even the lowest levels of light and there are absolutely no lights in the warren besides those at Aria's command and Sordin's lantern.
Posted on 2012-07-29 at 20:51:15.
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Plumbing the Warren... it could use it...
Chastised, Sylvia put the dagger she got from Kressle away and started to climb down the shaft slowly. Without hesitating Takahashi took the other wall, passing Sylvia on his way straight to the bottom. The light shining from his compass* illuminated most of the egg-shaped room and its occupants.
Along one wall the bodies of four kobolds were strung up using the ubiquitous roots for bindings. One of the kobolds was still moaning, but the other three had gone limp in death unknown hours or days ago. The six mites in the room stood around the moaning kobold with sticks in their hands, but they weren’t looking at him. All six looked from the body of their companion freshly killed to the tall man that now stood over it.
Above Aria sheathed her kukris and joined Sylvia on the root walls.
(Random Mini-Statblock to Establish Continuity)
Aria – Hunched, Climbing Dancing Lights 2/10
Sylvia – Hunched, Climbing
Mites A-F – Oh, hullo there.
Achuak announced his intention to explore the other tunnel branching off from the entrance and left deeper into the darkness. Junn was going to follow him, but elven night vision suffered considerably without the faint glow of the stars and moon overhead. The elf sheathed his weapon following the others, moving closer to the narrow shaft.
Sordin put his bow away and prepared to begin his climb as soon as there was a space open in the shaft. He didn’t wait long. Sylvia climbed down the shaft, perched on the wall just a few feet above Takahashi’s head.
The samurai was ducking under the low ceiling to see into the room. The mites gathered their wits enough to strike. The three in the front grabbed their throwing weapons. Takahashi found an assortment of small weighted darts flung at him. The only one that actually hit him, though was thrown with only just enough force that it stung his shin without significantly wounding him (-1sub Takahashi).
Two more mites drew their tiny knives and ran up to the samurai. The last, standing furthest from the light, didn’t seem to be doing anything more than staring at Takahashi in concentration. Then all at once its huge black eyes shot all the way open. Immediately a foreboding sense of doom overtook Takahashi. His mettle proved to be too much for the supernatural fear and the feeling faded as quickly as it had come.
Takahashi drew his sword and stepped aside of the entrance to allow others to come flooding down. The room, like the previous, was a tight fit for the six-foot tall samurai. He swiped at the verminous fey but it dodged back and hissed some curse in a strange language at him.
Aria meanwhile crawled past Sordin on her way down the shaft stopping again just above the sorceress, whose bright hair was getting dirtier with every minute spent underground. Aria could only be glad that her shorter hair wouldn’t be such a hassle to wash.
Elsewhere Achuak was slowly approaching the end of the second tunnel from the entrance. He knew the mites’ large eyes provided them with greater vision in the darkness than even he had himself, so he relied on the contours of the earth rather than the darkness to mask his presence.
The next room had a particular smell, like damp and dung. He took a peek inside and quickly found his estimation was correct. The room was much larger than the workshop. The damp floor was criss-crossed with shallow trenches of putrid water. There were six large mounds of dung and compost heaped around the room, each studded with spherical eggs. In the centre of the room, sitting on a small stool, a single mite was feeding three giant centipedes, each at least six feet long from a large bowl at her feet. Achuak could hear her murmuring low, unintelligible words of affection to the three giant vermin who fed hungrily from the paste.
Achuak 10/11 – Stealthed
Aria – Hunched, Climbing Dancing Lights 3/10
Junn 4/8 – Hunched
Sordin – Hunched, Climbing
Sylvia – Hunched, Climbing
Takahashi 11/11 (1) – Hunched, Light ~1min (Aria)
Mites
A-C: Uninjured
D*: Uninjured
E,F: Uninjured
Dingetooth: Dying
Uurch: Dying
(Any moment the majority of the party will be on solid ground again and in larger quarters easier for fighting in. Sure first you’ll have to draw your weapons, but hey, least you can say you didn’t plummet to your death. I can’t actually think of much to say for this post’s OoC section… Oh! I could mention that I managed to end the turn on the last initiative count (if you don’t count that I delayed Achuak’s discoveries—the first initiative count—until last). Also, about the dying mites, I'm only going to leave them up for a few rounds after KO so things don't start getting majorly cluttered around the statblock region.)
*(Officially ret-conned: Aria cast light on Takahashi’s compass, not his sword or sheath. The compass hangs attached to some strap or another and can easily be detached and it just looks better.)
In other news, though, your map is here.
Posted on 2012-07-29 at 08:07:23.
Edited on 2012-07-29 at 08:27:48 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: I got nothing as far as titles go for this one. Just climb that shaft, and don't slip.
The shaft was pitch black, impossible to see down for human eyes. Takahashi brought the light with him, illuminating most of the shaft. The trickle of water flowing down the wall drained out of the room down the shaft, dropping thirty feet to the barely illuminated floor below.
The mite turned to look up and hissed at the light, perhaps sensing its end. It clung to the roots half of the way down the shaft, just at the edge of the illuminated area. Sylvia's spell drew a squeal of pain from the gremlin. Its movements were pained and laboured as it tried to catch its breath.
Takahashi sheathed his sword and prepared to start climbing down. Aria behind him cast ahead a light spell into the shaft. The spell created four points of light that illuminated the whole root-lined area.
The Sordin took aim at the mite. The creature slowly laboured its way to the bottom of the shaft, reaching the bottom. It had barely staggered away from the wall when Sordin released. The mite took the arrow near-vertically through the chest, dropping on the spot (-3dmg Uurch Dying).
Junn glanced at the crowd around the shaft and deigned to take his time looking around the workshop instead. The workbenches in the centre of the room were covered with an assortment of tools and poor-quality crafting materials, as well as the makeshift caltrop-catapult.
Everything in the room, though, appeared to be designed with a cruel sense of practical humour in mind. A miniature joke-workshop with murderous intent in every prank. On one wall there was a paper tacked, its purpose unknowable. It was marked with a tally, adding up to seven so far. Whether it stood for some kind of crude inventory or the days since the last serious accident, he could not read it to say.
Achuak 10/11 – Reloadin'
Aria – Hunched, Dancing Lights 1/10
Junn 4/8 – Hunched
Sordin – Hunched
Sylvia – Hunched
Takahashi – Hunched, Light ~1min (Aria)
Dingetooth – Dying
Uurch – Dying
(Initiative will be kept up for now. It's Sylvia's turn next (then TK, then Aria, then take it from the top with Achuak again, Junn, Sordin, and so on). Takahashi is obviously just a few moments from crawling down the shaft, so putting away weapons to follow him would probably be prudent, though getting in front of him probably isn't—though as I think about it, there are enough roots on the walls for him to go past you, and there's more or less no way you'd make it to the bottom before him, to say nothing of the fact that between him and the dancing lights spell, there is enough illumination in the area.)
(As for climbing, the roots make it relatively easy, and if you're good at climbing you can take a -5 penalty to your check to make an accelerated climb (move 1/2 speed rather than 1/4) down, but due to proximity to battle (prior and following) you can't Take 10 to concentrate unless you have a climb speed.)
Posted on 2012-07-27 at 05:26:34.
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: Oh yeah
Just remembered. There is no light in the area. You can't hit anything until either Takahashi brings you the light, or Aria makes more.
Thus the simple solution is pretend that You delayed until Takahashi moved close enough, then you shot when the light showed up. The mite is just barely within 'normal illumination' still.
Posted on 2012-07-27 at 02:22:51.
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Topic: Prometheans: Genesis - Q&A
Subject: There she is.
There's my energetic little dead-black goth girlie. I was waiting to see the antithesis of Aly's capture go down
I fly on rainbows. That's 'nuff said. XD I think I suddenly have a certain theme song already lined up for her from the Internet 
Posted on 2012-07-27 at 01:10:52.
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: There might be an adage about startling gremlins with catapults, but I can't think of it.
The mites both hissed and squinted their massive black eyes at the intruding light. The latest caltrop launched bounced off the one's bulbous dome skull, only annoying it further. They reached for their knives, but Achuak's trigger finger was faster. He pointed his crossbow at the nearest. The mechanism gave a thunk and the bolt sprouted from the mite's chest (-2dmg Dingetooth). Were it not for the creature's natural resistance to physical harm, it would probably be dying already.
The stricken mite clutched its wound with a gurgling protest. The other standing next to a small catapult-like contraption reached for his sword but instead took a caltrop from the diminishing pile. With a malicious grin it pulled the catapult back and launched the caltrop at Achuak.
The kobold turned to the other mite just in time to take the small spiked projectile on the cheekbone, drawing a shallow cut just below his eye (-1dmg Achuak). Its ears visibly drooped to see the ineffectiveness of a direct strike.
Capitalizing on Achuak's distraction, the first mite charged forth in a rage. Any experienced eye could see that the mite never had a chance to hit the nimble sniper. Behind the mite his companion was already making a quick getaway to the shaft at the back of the room. Without hesitation it jumped onto the root-covered wall and started descending.
Junn, doubled-over almost in half from the low ceiling, made his way into the room. He left his flank open for a brief moment as he stepped around Achuak, looking for a little room to swing his sword. The mite was no more successful than he had been with the kobold. When he was situated, Junn fixed his yellow-and-black eyes on the creature with a grin. The blade of his sword alone was longer than the gremlin was tall. The mite was again very resistant, but not enough for the elf's strength. He rent (-4dmg Dingetooth Dying).
No doubt the other was on its way to warn more of its companions about the intruders. If they came up the shaft in force, the room would quickly get crowded with things trying to kill one another.
Achuak 10/11 –
Aria – Hunched
Junn – Hunched
Sordin – Hunched
Sylvia – Hunched
Takahashi – Hunched
Dingetooth – Dying
Uurch – Fleeing down shaft.
(Alright, here's the breakdown: Sordin goes next, but his position at the back of the party means it would take his whole round to make it to the edge of the shaft. He could shoot next round, assuming the mite was still there. Sylvia can move and cast this round. There's no guarantee her cantrip will deal enough damage to take it out, but there's always a hope. Takahashi could sheath his sword and draw his bow as he moves, but he would have to wait like Sordin. Finally Aria can cast some kind of spell so that the humans mentioned have a chance to see the mite in the darkness (Takahashi is currently the only source of light in the area))
(For the record by the way, it's common knowledge by now that the mites have damage reduction (cold iron), so I just wanted to point out that the damage displayed is not the total roll but the result dealt after DR applied. I'll try to remember to keep it as such, unless you'd rather the other way around, seeing the total damage and gleaning from context how much effect was actually dealt)
Map is a lot cruder than you're used to because this particular compy is a pain to paint with and this battle was never going to last long anyway. Link brings you to my dropbox again 'cause I'm not gonna post that on DA
As for that cross-section, once again: Manoeuvred to show more of the room below (R3) so you can make some kind of educated guess what you're jumping into if you should so choose to go thataway.
Posted on 2012-07-26 at 00:46:24.
Edited on 2012-07-26 at 03:51:51 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: *makes post* *discovers that there is a new page my browser didn't update to*
*deletes post*
Alright, let's try this again. Before he disappeared for the day, Shades mentioned something about a surprise round. Since everyone who isn't Achuak needs a light to fight by, the only way the mites would be surprised is if Achuak went in alone and hoped that they didn't catch on the second time they scented him.
Thus, I'm just going to run this by the (new, if no one objects) Marching Order. Achuak in front, and Sordin gets moved to the back. Our rear guard can't actually see anything behind him, but at least has range and if caught by surprise has the best chance of surviving.
That said, the room is like 15x15, and there are two mites. I'll be surprised if more than half of you even get a chance to attack them.
Posted on 2012-07-25 at 21:38:46.
Edited on 2012-07-25 at 21:39:11 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Caught the vile creatures blue-faced in the act! Of partying hardy.
Achuak snuck down the tunnel, leaving behind Takahashi and Aria prepared to face whatever came following him if he was spotted. After a short depth Achuak saw a room at the end of tunnel. He could hear the hated mites inside the room—at least two—giggling in intervals.
The kobold kept low and crept just close enough to get a glimpse of one of the creatures. He watched as one of the mites stood waiting with its mouth open wide. A moment later something small and sharp-looking flung into its waiting maw. Both the mites giggled as the catcher swallowed the object and writhed about ticklishly, then switched places.
Achuak could only see half of the room from his position, but there were three crude workbenches in the centre, each covered with an assortment of tools and metal and wooden hardware. The far side of the room there was another exit, sloping down further.
The next shot bounced off the mite's bulbous head and landed in Achuak's direction. He quickly pulled back out of sight just in case, but not before he saw that the mites were shooting and swallowing metal caltrops.
Achuak froze as he heard the mite sniffing the air loudly like a boar, almost as if the fey was trying to clear his nose in reverse. Thankfully the mite's companion called its attention back to the game and the ugly blue creature didn't put much thought into traces of a scent.
Without further hesitation Achuak scurried up the tunnel back to the party.
“There are two vermin that way in some kind of crude workshop. There appears to be another root-lined shaft at the far end of the room going down like the one we came in.” The kobold's hatred was audible in his voice as he described the room.
Posted on 2012-07-25 at 01:28:41.
Edited on 2012-07-25 at 01:30:32 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Campaign
Subject: Skeet Shooting Down at the Old Sycamore.
The kobold scouts seemed very pleased by this turn of events. “As soon as we have the statue, we should be safe from the curse! Return quickly, or who knows what may happen!” The lead scout addressed the rest in common. “Much thank-you!”
Pharast 9
Northern Kamelands
The Old Sycamore – Mite Warren
It wasn't difficult to find the warren of the little blue monsters—even if there hadn't been a clear trail of corpses littering the twelve mile span between. The greying behemoth of a sycamore tree that marked the site of the warren towered above all the hills in the area, and it's highest skeletal branches—stretching up to a hundred feet in the air—could be clearly spotted from several miles away.
As the group approached and Achuak came closer to the tree than he had ever dared in the past the tiny kobold realized something he had never noticed from a distance—the tree, though barely clinging to any semblance of life, was not yet actually dead.
They brought their wagon to a halt a short distance downhill from the tree itself. The horse happily received a feedbag to munch on while they were away. Before climbing the hill, each prepared his or herself for combat, drawing weapons and loading crossbows.
There was at least one further of those troubles-that-come-in-varied-groupings. When they made it to the base of the old sycamore, there was no clear sign that anything lived in the area, much less an entire warren of mites. They were not delayed for long, though. Junn noticed a suspicious gap between the roots of the tree and Achuak spotted where the grass had been disturbed by habitual passage.
Using his acute vision, designed for exactly the kind of conditions found deep underground, Achuak peered into the gap. He confirmed that it was, indeed, as suspicious as it seemed. Concealed just below was a narrow root-lined shaft dropping almost ten feet below the ground. By his judgement, the roots would be strong enough to support their weight, and covered the shaft densely enough for an easy descent. Looking back at his companions, though, he realized the tallfolk would likely find the situation somewhat cramped.
(Assuming no one objects unduly to crawling in a hole barely large enough to fit you. You don't have to like it, but I'm operating under the assumption that howevermuch complaining goes down, you get in.)
Aria drew a lightning-bug from her pack and cast a light spell on the locket of Takahashi's sheath, causing it to shed illumination around the samurai while Achuak's natural vision provided a rearguard.
- - - -
Only a few moments after the last party member hopped into the hole, a stranger riding through the area stopped by the wagon. It was already getting late in the afternoon. He decided it was worth having a look around, and dismounted.
“Look, Vilify, a friend for you.” He tied up his loyal family steed next to the party's horse.
Now assuming he was right, he just had to figure where they'd gone. He looked around the area once, then his gaze returned to the tree. There was no use in denying it, so he trekked up the hill to have a look around.
- - - -
As per Achuak's estimation, the climb was almost effortless, hardly any more challenging than a ladder. At the bottom of the shaft the roof was low, hardly more than five foot at most, and densely covered with roots grabbing at the party's heads. Only the kobold was spared the need to duck. (All medium creatures are stooped; -2 attack rolls)
From the bottom of the shaft there were two ways to go, each extending down in opposite directions deeper into the earth. See here for a rough cross-section (apparently only text shadow survived the transfer; you should still be able to read it). Have either Marching Order leader (Takahashi), Unofficial team leader (Sylvia out of pure virtue of being the most vocal), or Rite of Democracy determine which direction to go.
Posted on 2012-07-24 at 04:47:34.
Edited on 2012-07-24 at 04:58:40 by Sibelius Eos Owm
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Topic: Kingmaker Q&A
Subject: Marching Order
I just realized, we need some kind of marching order. This is a guideline of who stands where when the party is moving through a dungeon in non-combat. This is so, for example, Sylvia doesn't just walk into a room and whoops looks like the monsters won initiative and she's the only one in range of all of their attacks (likewise, so when someone attacks the back of the line, Sylvia's not hiding nice and safe from the next room... but is perfectly easy to pick off unbeknownst to the rest of the party.
Lead. This is usually where you place your tank-iest warrior and/or best melee fighter. This way when they enter the room, nothing can stop them from charging straight into combat, and the squishies behind are safe from surprise. I would recommend Takahashi, because let's face it, anyone else would die in one hit or else be trapped without use of their bow.
Second Here's where you need your healers or other melee fighters so they can either fix up the lead if s/he gets butchered by the first onslaught, or quickly join melee. Aria serves both roles of healer and the only other person willing to enter melee.
Middle. Bring out your squishies and put them here. Squishiest casters go deepest in the middle (not at the back). These people are vulnerable to attack, or else work best when they have some range on their enemies. This is really a catch-all in parties larger than four. Sylvia is the only person who needs to be in here, since her Magic Missile takes no aiming penalties.
Rear Guard. Put either your best ranged warrior or your best perception check back here. The rear guard keeps an eye out for attacks from behind, especially the kind that might cause them to disappear without alerting the party in front of them. For this position, either Sordin or Achauk work best (when Achuak is not setting up traps or... well come to think of it, trap detection is good to have close to the front, too. I don't know, I usually forget about traps until we actually run into them, then forget to make precautions for next time).
Posted on 2012-07-23 at 07:26:41.
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