"Yes, it's the first time it has happened, so I will not let it trouble me too much. Thank you for your concern, Captain. Iomedae gives me strength to ignore being troubled by it. We have more pressing, and real matters to attend to."
"Well, I am sure you do. A knight of your caliber must be needed in nearly all of these communities. You would be a very good, Captain of the Watch, Mantooth. Have you ever considered the job? Well, no matter. I wish you well and hope that we see each other safely behind the walls of Brindol when the time comes. May Iomedae be with you. What is it that you Iomedean knights always say, 'For Victory, For the Heart!' May it ever be so for all of you and the people of this vale!"
Ok, since I seem to be the only one checking.
Fairly early, we get the wagon packed up. I have the Captain sit on the wagon while I drive it.
As we get toward where Iormel has his tent/wagon, I cast Invisibility on the Captain so that it is just myself driving with Mutamba and Mantooth riding. Bofus' and my ponies are tied to the back of the wagon. I had Bofus leave earlier on foot so that he is nearby, but behind Iormel should the scum decide to run.
I then drive the wagon right up next to Iormel's wagon. I actually drive across something unimportant of his - a blanket or something - to get his attention. We have the hobgoblin - which Mutamba knocked out - bound on the back of the wagon.
As I get up to him I smile and wave. Looks like a beautiful day. Good for a long ride on the road. You should get going so that you are not behind those traveling on foot. I expect we should make the Gap by tonight, hopefully even farther.
Stealth(Bofus):
Bluff(Tirion):
"Looks like a beautiful day. Good for a long ride on the road. You should get going so that you are not behind those traveling on foot. I expect we should make the Gap by tonight, hopefully even farther."
Iormel, sits on a chair near his carriage, sipping a what appears to be a cup of tea. He looks up at you as you approach.
"I detest running from the horde. I loathe to think what they are doing to my estate, and I certainly don't know what makes you think that it could possibly be a beautiful day."
As he notices that you have run over one of his silk blanket with your wagon he glares at you in alarm.
"Watch were you park that wagon of yours! Have a care! That blanket comes all the way from Rahadoum. I don't expect you to understand its value, but you should at the very least watch what you are doing, you imbecile!"
Perception:
Sense Motive:
Rahadoum huh, sounds far away. You should also be careful. These boxes have weapons of red steel in them all the way from the devil forges of Cheliax. Fortunately the priests of Iomedae and mages in Brindol know how to destroy them so that they will not be able to be used to assist the horde.
Good thing that we got them before Durgin escaped with them. You are lucky that we got them back, after you came and relieved the guard that was watching Durgin, he almost fled. Fortunately we had an eye watching Durgin so that he would not run.
All I can say is that I would hate to be the person who procured them for the horde. Shouldn't be difficult to figure out who it was. After all, the Cheliaxian devils keep very good records of every business deal. Especially one involving a huge quantity of devil forged dragon blades such as these.
Intimidate:
Bluff
"Rahadoum huh, sounds far away. You should also be careful. These boxes have weapons of red steel in them all the way from the devil forges of Cheliax. Fortunately the priests of Iomedae and mages in Brindol know how to destroy them so that they will not be able to be used to assist the horde."
"Does a little black gnome such as yourself even know where Rahadoum is? I should doubt it, you uncultured idiot!"
"Good thing that we got them before Durgin escaped with them. You are lucky that we got them back, after you came and relieved the guard that was watching Durgin, he almost fled. Fortunately we had an eye watching Durgin so that he would not run."
"Are you saying that the simpleton Farmer, tried to betray Drellin's Ferry to that horde! That damn traitor! I thought he might be a spy! I sure hope you killed 'em before he caused any more trouble! We can't afford such treachery!"
"All I can say is that I would hate to be the person who procured them for the horde. Shouldn't be difficult to figure out who it was. After all, the Cheliaxian devils keep very good records of every business deal."
"What are you trying to say?! You don't want to be Durgin Fortkeep, the traitor? I'm sure the records are somewhere, but I would be surprised if they used Durgin's real name. Spies like him are very deceptive and treacherous!"
"Especially one involving a huge quantity of devil forged dragon blades such as these."
"Are you trying to intimidate me? Just because I didn't want to leave my beloved town of Drellin's Ferry, does mean you should take out your inadequate failings on me! You're the idiot hanging out hear destroying my silk blanket and bumbling everything else around here!"
Nobody made you leave Drellin's Ferry. You were welcome to stay there and welcome the horde. I mean, there are obviously people in the horde who you know, otherwise you would not have left that nice note on your home threatening the horde. After all, if you were truly powerful enough to back up your threat, then you would not have had to leave since you clearly would be powerful enough to stop the horde yourself.
Fortunately, since we figured your name would save the building it was on, we moved the note to the inn. I figured that the inn was much more important to the town than that ridiculous waste of money in which you used to live.
"Nobody made you leave Drellin's Ferry. You were welcome to stay there and welcome the horde. I mean, there are obviously people in the horde who you know, otherwise you would not have left that nice note on your home threatening the horde. After all, if you were truly powerful enough to back up your threat, then you would not have had to leave since you clearly would be powerful enough to stop the horde yourself."
"Don't be such a fool! I am a merchant and have done very well for myself through hard work, but that does not mean that I would try to single handedly stop an entire horde of monsters. Furthermore, I resent you making accusations that I know people in the horde! I cannot help the fact that there are dangerous fiends and burglars about. Only a fool such as yourself would not find it prudent to give trespassers a warning before they attempted any such mischief! But now you claim to have removed my note! How dare you!! That note was not written to warn off intruders from raiding the Inn. By my own hand, that note was a threat to any intruder who dared enter my own home! Now you force me to send one of my servants back into harm's way to rectify the situation! You are an interfering wretched little gnome, aren't you?!"
You are amazing. You actually think that hill giants, ogres, ettins and trolls can read? You really are amazing.
Whisper - Bofus and Mutamba. Did you two see where he put the pin when he sabotaged the ferry? I wonder whether he still has it on him?
Well, if you send someone back to become food for the horde, make sure that they know we set several traps on the way. There are a number of deadfall trees as well as a magic trap or two that will have to be avoided. We did not expect anyone would be so fool hearty as to actually head back into the mouth of the storm.
Whisper - Bofus and Mutamaba - keep an eye on him. If he does send someone back, we will have to intercept the messenger and question him or her.
"Well, if you send someone back to become food for the horde, make sure that they know we set several traps on the way. There are a number of deadfall trees as well as a magic trap or two that will have to be avoided. We did not expect anyone would be so fool hearty as to actually head back into the mouth of the storm."
"Well, if you hadn't taken the note down in the first place, I would not have to be making these decisions. I have every right to defend my property and the likes of you should be held accountable for your villainous acts!"
I begin to ride forward.
You are a funny man Iormel. I will just be happy once we are able to get to Brindol and more powerful priests and mages are able to divine exactly what caused Durgin to snap. I am sure that Durgin will have much to say once we break the curse on his ring. It will be interesting finding out exactly why the nice farmer snapped like that.
"And you are not a very funny, gnome. As for me, I will be happy when you are gone from my sight. Now get in your wagon and begone! I don't want to hear another word from you. The only news you bring is the ill sort!"
And may you have a good day as well merchant of doom.
I continue to ride forward.
Whisper: Mutamba, you probably want to circle around. I am going to stop this wagon in a few hundred feet to check on the horses and make sure that there is nothing wrong with the axels. That should give you and Bofus time to waylay any servant he might send back. If I do not hear from you in thirty minutes, I will send the wagon on with the guards, and Mantooth and I will come back and find you two - leave a crossed slash on a tree or rock if you should leave the road.
"Indeed little friend. I will ensure things go as they should. I have prepared some gifts to get us out harm's way if necessary. Come,Bofus, we have work to do." With that the monk slips of quietly to the side once he has deemed it safe to do so.
@Mutamba and Bofus
A short time later, you notice Iormel talking to one of his servants. The servant dons a gray traveling cloak, mounts a horse and departs out of Terrelton making his way west along the Dawn Way.
"What do you think, Bofus? Should we stop him now or see where he is heading? We are not in the right wo be stopping free men for our own curiousity on this one, I believe."
Iormel's Servant rides west along the Dawn Way towards Drellin's Ferry.
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Mmmmm . . . I'm not sure taking a whole day to follow the servants back to Iormel's house is a good use of our time. I mean, I didn't find anything useful there. Yes he's suspicous and creepy, but I'm not sure what watching them re-post the notice is going to gain us.
.
Since the townsfolk authorities are privvy to the stuff that went on, maybe it's better ot leave them to keep an eye on him, while we go do the dangerous stuff that on one else can?
Stop him and question him. I do not know whether you missed something, but he is not being sent back to leave a note. Mantooth did not sense Iormel as being evil. Thus, this is all about money which means there is some business transaction between Iormel and the horde. My guess is that he wants the horde to know that the missing weapons are not Iormel's fault, that it was us who did it. Or there is a second stock of them that he wants the servant to notify the horde of.
"Both make a fine case. In these times the rule of law is most important. We will stop this man as it ultimately will enforce that law. Let us catch him one he is out of ear shot and we are sure no one is following us, Bofus."
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Mutamba and I will talk as we walk well behind the servant, following close enough to keep him in sight, but not so close as to give away our position.
How about this: we catch up to him quietly. You stop him and talk to him, which shoudl distract him enough for me to lift the note he's going to place so we can take a look!
"That sounds fair enough. Irori has given me the gifts to make this an easy affair. I will move ahead and double back so as to engage the man in a conversation you continue to follow closely and do what it is you do." With that, the jungle cat like grace again makes itself known as he moves get ahead of the man.
Taking up a position directly along the man's path, Mutamba launches in a sermon of knowing oneself in times of great strife the power of his words filling the air like the roar of a panther. Catching the man's eyes with his own, Mutamba continues to issue forth his powerful words.
Iormel's servant is startled by the monk, but quickly becomes fascinated with his sermon.
Perception
"Do you really believe that we all have such wondrous gifts within us?" He asks Mutamba.
Meanwhile, Bofus easily takes from the courier a document from his pouch. Upon reading it, it appears to be a rewrite of Iormel's original message that was posted to his door.
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I look disgustedly at Mutamba and shake my head slightly, and replace his parcel.
Sleight of Hand:
then give Mutamba a head-nod back toward where we came before I fade back into the woods
Stealth:
I wait a bit away so i can hear and/or see what's going on, waiting for Mutamba to finish up.
@Mutamba: Meh. It was just a rewrite of the same damned message. No smoking gun. I don't like Iormel, and he's extremely suspicious--but nothing he's done has been difinitively "bad guy," if you follow me. Just "jerk guy."
.
*sigh* Shall we return to meet Thordak with the rest of the crew?
• Moonday, Lamashan 1, 4710; 3 hours after noon •
@Everyone
Traveling throughout the day, you arrive at the tiny hamlet of Nimon's Gap where the Dawn Way descends out of the Nimon Hills which are scattered with sheep, goatherds and their shepherds. Below the hills, the orchards surrounding countryside are filled with apples, pears, and chestnuts. The small hamlet is built up around a small walled inn. Swinging from a post is a sign that says "The Cross Eyed Beholder." Refugees appear to be camped both inside and out of the walled Inn.
Once we are back together with Thordak.
Well all, I think that this is where we split from the group. We need to find these other Wyrmlords and stop them before they create any more monstrosities. According to Jarr, it is likely that one of them is to the north in Rhest. Actually, we can travel with the people for one more day, but I personally think that it would be faster if we moved on our own now. We can warn the two villages on the way, Talar and Witchcross.
Also, Thordak, if you do not mind splitting again briefly, you could fly north over the forest and talk personally to the elves. I admit they may be a little suspicious of a flying dwarf, but once you show them the dragon scales, I am sure that they will come around.
From Witchcross, it is north and then west into the march to Rhest and this dragon spawn creating Wyrmlord.
Thordak greets the companions with hearty handshakes, eyeing the monk critically.
If ye mean te be comin' with us, ye'd better get yerself some armor, lad...An' a weapon too, Oi think.
Aye, Tirion, Oi did send a bird with a message to them, but we can't be sure if he ev'r got there...Thing is, if Oi go there's that many less warriors here te defend. Now Oi thought tha plan was to set up a trap or somethin' fer when tha horde comes through tha gap, but there are too many people here. We've gotta make sure they're long gone by tha time tha horde gets here...
Oi'm gonna go explore a bit an' check out where we can defend from, lay o' tha land an' such. Thordak says, looking around.
Perception:
He goes off to survey.
In terms of exploring the land, the region surrounding the hamlet is mostly orchards in a rolling countryside. The Nimon Hills are gentle hills rolling out to the east for a ways. There are no distinguishing geographical features. In fact, the gap itself is not much of anything except the Dawnway winding its way down through two hills into the hamlet.
Unless someone wants to do something else, we will travel with the group as far as Talar and then head north around the woods toward Rhest.
If anyone has another idea, please post it. Otherwise we are off to fight more Wyrmlords and dragonspawn.
Whisper - Bofus, you might want to check out Iormel's wagon at some point, and not while falling off the back if possible. I am sure that he has something hidden there.
DMHW, are there any opportunities to stock up on minor magic items, such as potions, or wands/scrolls of low level (<4)?
@Bofus
Iormel's Coach has not arrived in Nimon's Gap yet, but perhaps by evening he will arrive with others.
A Black haired woman, her face streaked with the dust of the road rides up on a horse. she wears a soldier's tunic of blue and white over a shirt of mail, with the stylized image of a golden lion over her heart. With a look of recognition on her face, she smiles as she dismounts. "Well, here are some familiar faces! How are the Heroes of Elsir Vale faring?"
"Riding in the service of Brindol, I was part of a patrol sweeping up the old Rhest Trail. Five days ago, we ran into a roadblock - hobgoblins and ogres, waylaying any travelers heading into or out of the vale from the north. They were too strong for us, and we had to retreat. Captain Ulverth sent several of us riding off to warn folks across the vale to avoid the old Rhest Trail. So here I am. What brings the rest of you out here?"
"Sounds as though they could be linked to tha horde, eh?", Mutamba says to his companions.
I walk over and give the good Sergeant a hearty handshake.
Good to see you Sergeant. It does not surprise me in the least to hear this news, it is as we expected. We are planning on heading north up the old Rhest Trail tomorrow once we reach Talar. We believe that one of the leaders of this terrible horde has set up camp in the ruined city of Rhest.
I do not know whether you met our companion Matthais on the way here, but we also ran into a few hobgoblins, er, a few thousand actually along with a few ogres, a few ettins, a few giants and a few dragons. We actually managed to kill a small green dragon, for some reason I doubt that the leaders of this dragon worshipping hored appreciated our killing their dragon.
Because we believed that Drellin's Ferry would be indefensible, we asked the village elders of Drellin's Ferry to evacuate, as we have done for the other farms and villages along the way. My goal is to give this horde nothing to kill, nothing to steal, and hopefully nothing to eat on their march east.
Oh, and I believe that my good friend Thordak here has rallied the dwarves to join our cause, he also sent a message to the elves, although we have not heard a response from them yet. And, with the help of an old woodsman named Jorr, we may have gained the assistance of a number of Forest Giants. All should be heading toward Brindol for what sadly will be a massive battle. As for the five of us, our goal is to find and eliminate as many of the horde's leaders as possible, we think that by cutting the head off of this beast, its generally chaotic parts will break apart into smaller and less dangerous groups.
"I do not know whether you met our companion Matthais on the way here, but we also ran into a few hobgoblins, er, a few thousand actually along with a few ogres, a few ettins, a few giants and a few dragons. We actually managed to kill a small green dragon, for some reason I doubt that the leaders of this dragon worshipping horde appreciated our killing their dragon."
"I did not meet Matthias. Is he on the way to deliver the message to Lord Jarmaath? He will not be prepared to hear about a horde of goblins and dragons numbering in the thousands! Even with help from Elves and Forest Giants, this battle does not sound easy in any way!"
"Because we believed that Drellin's Ferry would be indefensible, we asked the village elders of Drellin's Ferry to evacuate, as we have done for the other farms and villages along the way. My goal is to give this horde nothing to kill, nothing to steal, and hopefully nothing to eat on their march east."
"Well, it sounds like you have done the right thing. At this point, it sounds like the most important thing is to get the people of this vale to safety. I guess this explains why we have all of these people camped out around this place!"
"Indeed. This is not such a bad thing and I will help them see that is may actually be a gift of Irori helping them cast off the chains of bondage brought on by material needs. I have little and care for little what is the loss of a roof when Irori provides me with trees to sleep under? Fine clothes are only a prison that bars us from being in contact with ourselves. I will return to the people bring them the words of Irori in a hope they can take them with them."
"I don't believe I have met you," Teyani says as she offers a hand. "Sergeant Teyani Sura of the Brindol Lions, at your service! Mindy you, I would be careful what you say, my friend. I doubt any of the people are going to be very appreciative of this 'gift' you are describing. I think you are going to have a difficult time selling this Irori as he strips off their fine clothes. However, if the horde is indeed in the numbers you are describing, then I think strong walls and sharp blades are going to be much preferred to warm houses and fine clothes!"
• Moonday, Lamashan 1, 4710; 8 hours after noon •
Throughout the late afternoon and evening, many of the resident of Drellin's Ferry arrive in Nimon's Gap. The 'Cross Eyed Beholder' appears full, so many of the refugees are camped in several of the fields surrounding the town. Iormel's coach arrives rather late and the councilman and his wife begin to set up an ornate tent next to their coach. However, it is clear that the wife is of no help whatsoever, and the two begin to bicker at each other.
"Iormel, this spot is too bumpy and it simply won't do."
"Well, if you weren't so drunk, then maybe you could help . . ."
"Well, you know I hate travel by coach! What else is there to do?"
. . .
Sneaking into the coach when Iormel is out setting up his camp, you find the plush sheets rather comfortable. On one of the seats are three empty bottles and a half finished bottle of red wine from a Cheliax Vinyard called 'Red Devil Wine'. As you give the inside a thorough search, you find a stash of 300 gold pieces in in a sack under one of the coach seat cushions.