DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale
Game Master Solaric

@Cebrë and the others present

Harmon Stipplelock, the chief judge of the Tournament strikes a loud bell and the roar of the crowd quiets to a hush. ”It is now my great pleasure to announce the winner of the Arcane Challenge. Please let her know how much you appreciate her going through more arches than anyone else I know. Put your hands together for Cebrë Hath’we, Champion of the Arcane Challenge at the Elsir Vale Tournament of Heroes.” The crowd bursts into loud cheers and soon the chant resumes. ”Cebrë, Cebrë, Cebrë, Cebrë, . . .” Judge Harmon approaches and lays a gold pendant around your neck. He then hands you a large pouch of gold. 250 gold pieces. With a polite handshake he says. “Congratulations Ms. Hath’we. You truly are a hero of Elsir Vale!”

@Florence

From your perspective, the spectators and people you have talked to all seem to really like Lord Jarmaath as a ruler. You have heard no complaints other than Lars Ulverth's complaints about the lack of funding for his troops or Lady Kaal's strong objections about his economic practices.

@Everyone

I know you have different things you need and/or want to do before the gauntlet (and maybe afterwards as well). Please let me know where you are going next and who is going with you.

Humming along with the crowd's chorus, Florence wanders around in search of Bofus. Shouldn't she be able to find him soon, she will take a seat at a street corner and cast Summon Instrument-Lyre.

She will then tell the tale of Get'nak'ed, the freedom loving naturist bugbear.

Perform1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Obviously it's a rather comical tale that involves a swarm of bees, a bowl of cool milk, a female bear and a blonde hero called Flavio...Sadly, Florence is laughing too hard to perform well...

Jorgan Balch you say? Hrmmm, well I think I'll be headin' over thataway now then! Much thanks, an' enjoy yer...ah...sap and ice... Thordak says cautiously to the obviously unstable, harp-wielding wizard.

He heads back over to the center of the field just in time to see Cebre be awarded her medallion and joins in the cheering enthusiastically, grinning at the thought of his won gold and his second triumph over an elf today...so far... Wooohooo!!!!!! Yeah Cebre! You get 'em!

Although Thordak has discarded the theater proposal as impossible and rubbish, he has given more thought to the wolf-shaman proposal... Approaching the group, he gets together the other heroes, as well as Florence and Bofus if they are around.
Alright, Oi've gotta get rid o' this pelt, so Oi'm headed down to the Hide Out or whatever it's called—this tanner on the south side of town. Are you all plannin' to meet you know who? Cebre, if you need some new clothes you might come, too, but Oi don't wanna have to wait for you to pick your clothes if it'll take you forever, clear? Oi want to get back here before the gauntlet starts again...

@Thordak

Local Knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Thordak, suddenly realizing that it is sunday and that nobody is home, puts his hand to his forehead in shock and dismay. Baaaah! Damn! Why is it always sunday when Oi need to go to a shop? Well maybe this Gorgon Belch character is around here somwhere... Thordak says, peering around for someone with stained hands.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

If he sees this man, he will excuse himself from the group and approach him.

Thordak.

Not knowing what Jorgan Balch looks like, you certainly cannot identify him. However, you are aware of a section of the grounds where merchants do sell their wares. Perhaps, you might have some better luck there.

You leave Summoners field and wander across the grounds to a section known as Merchant's row. As you begin walking through, you are suddenly greeted by a salesman.

Good afternoon, Master Dwarf. Where are you from? Can I interest you in purchasing a carpets from our fine selection.

@Florence.

As you perform your ballad of Get'nak'ed, a small number of people gather and chuckle in slight amusement. One man tosses you a silver piece and his female partner gives him a dirty look. One Brindol Lion you recognize as Lucifar Kastoon stops and listens. He does not seem to laugh at all. When you finish, he says to you, Can I have a word with you, Missy?

If you comply,

The only other thing I'm going to do is see Dalga about that potential poison neutralizer. then I'll head toward the east gate, watching for my friends.

Florence will stroll off to East gate, hoping to meet Bofus there.

Assuming I meet him:

As Florence sees her most favorite kneehugger, she signals him to follow her around the next street corner.

Once there, she grins silvery lol and says

I just sold your soul to a guy named Lucifar lol again, he wanted me to drag you to a place called the Thirsty Ghoul, a drinking tent in Merchant's row. I think he doesn't like you very much...now what do we make out of this? Oh, he already paid me 25 gp.

She opens her pouch and gives Bofus half of that.

You leave Summoners field and wander across the grounds to a section known as Merchant's row. As you begin walking through, you are suddenly greeted by a salesman.

Good afternoon, Master Dwarf. Where are you from? Can I interest you in purchasing a carpets from our fine selection.

Wot? Oi ah...No! Does it look like Oi need a carpet you—Thordak catches himself and addresses the man in a more friendly manner. Good afternoon, sir. Do you know the whereabouts of...of...of... Jorgon Balch? Thordak says, hoping he's remembered the man's name correctly.

@Florence: PPppfffffwwahahahaha!! This is perfect!! I can't believe that I'm getting coin from the guy who's trying to capture me. Short story is this: that guard is in the pocket of the same "Baron" who has Tattoo Face in his pocket (or wahtever that relationship is--I'm still not clear on that). They've been trying to nab me all day, because they're pretty sure that I've got something Rotskill needs to insure he's the winner of the Gauntlet. He's going to get VERY desparate as the moments tick away, I really don't know what he's going to try to pull next. Anyway . . . let's head to teh gate, I need to talk to the Magistrate before the Gauntlet starts.

Unless there's more to do between now and then, I'll head to the East gate w/Florence, looking out for both friend adn foe.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

I'll follow Bofus, trying to keep an eye open for Lucifar or Rotskill.

Perception1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

@Thordak

The carpet man looks disappointed, but nonetheless tells you where to go. "Oh yes, the Tanner Man. You can find his booth set up down at the end of the row."

As you pass a market filled row of vendors and touts, you come to a makeshift canopy that covers a table displaying a variety of stuffed animals including a badger, a large snake, a racoon, and a large lizard. However behind the display stands the most impressive creature of the collection, an amalgam of fur and feathers, a bizarre, half owl monstrosity that has its huge claws raised in anger.

A bald, stocky looking man leans back in a chair with his feet up. His eyes are closed and he appears to be snoring.

Nice beast back there...Oi wonder what it is?
Thordak takes 10 to figure out what it is.
Ah yes...an OWLBEAR! Oi knew Oi'd heard o' somethin' goofy like that before...doesn't look as goofy as it sounds though...

Thordak lets his pelt fall on the counter, hoping the hefty thud of its skull on the wood will wake the man. If he still doesn't wake, Thordak adresses him. Hrmm Hrmm! Slumberpuss! Oi've got a business proposition for ye! He waits for the man to stand and wake up so he can register Thordak's words. That's a nice owlbear ye got there! You kill it yerself? Thordak asks, leaning in over his pelt. Oi've got this winter wolf pelt here, an Oi'd like to get some hide armor made from it. Oi heard you were the man to come to? Oi make metal armor, but Oi've never worked with hide...is that somethin' you could do?

@Thordak

ZZZZZZZ . . . .ZZZZZZZZ . . . . The man suddenly wakes up and jumps to his feet. Oh . . . hi there. Ahh, yes . . . that's an owlbear. No I didn't kill it, but I took that fallen beast and stuffed it pretty well though, huh? Well, let me see this pelt of yours. Jorgan Balch takes a long time to carefully looks over the winter wolf pelt and eventually gives a long low whistle. "This is an impressive pelt! So, did you kill this thing yourself? I could craft this into a magnificent piece of hide armor for you for about 175 gold pieces."

@Bofus

Let's head to the East gate. I need to talk to Strictland before the Gauntlet!

@Bofus & Florence. You find each other at the East Gate. At the moment, there is nobody around, except for a stray rat that scurries off as you approach the guard house.

Folks, please let me know where you are. I know Thordak is at the tanners and Bofus and Florence are at the East Gate. How about the rest of you?

@Thordak

ZZZZZZZ . . . .ZZZZZZZZ . . . . The man suddenly wakes up and jumps to his feet. Oh . . . hi there. Ahh, yes . . . that's an owlbear. No I didn't kill it, but I took that fallen beast and stuffed it pretty well though, huh? Well, let me see this pelt of yours. Jorgan Balch takes a long time to carefully looks over the winter wolf pelt and eventually gives a long low whistle. "This is an impressive pelt! So, did you kill this thing yourself? I could craft this into a magnificent piece of hide armor for you for about 175 gold pieces."

Yous see this hole? Thordak asks, indicating a crossbow bolt-shaped rend in the wolf's hide, That was me! He says, pointing to his crossbow proudly, but it was me an' some friends done it. Quite a beast, mind you! Fearsome frosty breath!

So about the armor: are you a Master armorer? Would this armor be of masterwork quality? It's important that it is as protective as it is soft and white! Oh, an' Oi want a helmet outta the head! Could you do that? Mind the ears an' the snout! Thordak asks, exitedly, imagining how cool the armor will look when it is done...

Does the stray rat look suspicious? :-)

@Florence

You do not suspect the rat is anything other than it appears.

I am going to wait up and see where the rest are.

Alright, Master Jargon Belcher! You've got yerself a deal! Oi'll pay you 100 gold pieces now, an' the remainin' 75 upon moi receivin' the finished product! Thordak says excitedly, pulling out his coin pouch and counting out 100 gold pieces. An' how many days will it take to craft this armor? Oi'll come pick it up when it's finished... An' don't forget the helmet! Thordak exclaims. After the man answers, he makes off towards the Eastern gate to meet with Magistrate Strickland.

You each arrive at the East Gate guard house where you find a seat around the table inside the small stone hut. After a short wait, Matthias arrives with with a man whose appearance is hidden by a hood. The man steps inside, closes the door and pulls back his hood, revealing himself to be Leland Strickland, the magistrate of Brindol.

”Good afternoon. Master Teskerwill has informed me that you wanted to meet with me before the Gauntlet. I am afraid that Rotskill and Trask's minions are still on the loose and it is not wise for us to be meeting like this. If they catch me with all of you, it could pose problems for my son. What is it that you wish to talk to me about?”

The door to the stone hut opens again suddenly and Mantooth steps in, quickly closing the door behind him. Taking a seat at the table, Mantooth nods to his friends and then addresses the Magistrate. "Sir, the recent attempt on Lord Jarmaath's life quite unsettles me. An attack like that would not have been able to get that far without one or more persons that are close to the Lord working against him. Do you think that these could also be Rotskill's companions?"

"Hargil Trask is a self styled Baron that has no limit to his ambition. I would not be surprise to see him add Marthton and Red Rock to his "Barony", but I am disturbed to think that he would go so far as to assassinate the Lord of Brindol. I know that Jarmaath has no use for the Baron, but until now, Trask was smart enough to keep his thugs from running amok outside of his own lands. Since the towns of Elsir Vale have not fought among themselves in many years, Jarmaath is loath to intervene in another town's business, even if that business is getting rid of a jumped-up brigand like Hargil Trask. If the Baron is indeed behind the assassination attempt, this could change the political landscape significantly."

Yeah, an' Oi know at least one o' the guards looks very shifty... Can you tell us which guards exactly are the ones we should watch for? What was it you and Mathias discussed last time? An' what's the news on the gauntlet? Thordak blurts out, adding question after question as he thinks of them.

"I don't know the extent of their infiltration, but I do know the clan has extended their reach through a local thieves guild called the “Blackscarzi.” They are very secretive and I don't know where their lair is, but their presence has certainly grown strong in Brindol. They have threatened the life of my son on numerous occasions and I have fulfilled all of their demands. The latest, however was to offer several positions to guild members in the Brindol Lions. They now have three such member in the ranks of this elite member of the guards. They go by the names, Kastoon, Maliki, and Raztor. I am not clear what they are planning next, but I fear the worse. If you wish to help, find their lair rid their presence from this city."

Florence listens carefully, she only now begins to understand how dangerous the situation is.

I'd definitely be happy to help you stopping those criminals! she says with a lot of fervour.

But I hope for you that those thieves weren't forced into delinquency by greedy moneybags...

Magistrate, my biggest question is the most immediate--how to protect the innocent Gauntlet competitors from harm. I think Rotskill and his thugs can be depended upon to focus on *me* until the Gauntlet is over, so perhaps that will keep them out of any other kind of trouble--since they've been incapable of doing us any harm, I'm really not too worried.

So, what I need to know is, what is the actual setup of the competition? Is it a straight-out race, where there is only a single path, and the first one to the locks get their crack at it? Or is it taken in turns, and timed?

If it is taken in turns, then how can we arrange it so that I'm either first, or second after Rotskill? he certainly won't get poisoned. I'm confident I can neutralize the poison for any competitors after me.

Once I get past this hurdle, I'm more than willing to take on the next when the Gauntlet is completed, which sounds to me like finding out about this Blackscarzi. And I believe we may already have a lead in that regard. Maybe my compatriots and I can discuss some possible details once we're done here?

"All the competitors for the Gauntlet start at the same time. Like a wheel with six spokes, the Gauntlet is an enormous circular ring with six entrances, each one spaced around the perimeter. The six competitors will race against each other at the same time. They must each pass through the pendulums followed by the hall of pits, followed by the locked portals. Finally, the competitors all come out in the center of the wheel where the race ends with a climb to the top of a tall tower located at the center of the ring. The competitors may either unlock the door to the tower and climb the stairs inside, or they may climb the outside wall. The first one to reach the top and ring the bell is declared the winner. The only lock that all of the competitors could face is the lock to the door of the tower. I wonder if that is the one that is poisoned."

Florence wonders if anyone ever died during the Gauntlet

I should just ask...

Umm, has anyone ever found his death during this competition? It sounds really dangerous.

The Gauntlet is certainly one of the more dangerous events, and I know that many people have been hurt over the years, but we've tried to make it more of a race than a challenge. In latter years they started filling the pits with water and we've certainly never used poison on the locks. I don't remember any record of anyone dying at the Gauntlet before.

[bFinally, the competitors all come out in the center of the wheel where the race ends with a climb to the top of a tall tower located at the center of the ring. The competitors may either unlock the door to the tower and climb the stairs inside, or they may climb the outside wall. The first one to reach the top and ring the bell is declared the winner. The only lock that all of the competitors could face is the lock to the door of the tower. I wonder if that is the one that is poisoned."[/b]

This ending is different than what Bofus heard about during Gather Information checks, so I'm needing to adjust my thoughts here . . .

Hmm, Rotskill had said to his lackey to make sure the "last lock" was poisoned, and that it could only be opened with "his key." I had asked around and I thought the final piece of the Gauntlet was three locked doors, each more difficult than the last--THAT last door was what I assumed would be the 'last lock.' Seems like the door lock is the one to look out for.

*thinking* I can only think of two options. One, you get someone to check that lock before the Gauntlet starts, and neutralize the poison. Two, I make sure I'm the first one there, and I do it. I don't mind the second option--I think I have a damned good chance of beating any Daikini's despite your ungainly long legs!--but it might be the safer course to have the lock checked before, don't you think?

There *is* a third option--to simply call off the Gauntlet temporarily--but that's definitley less than optimal.

BRAINSTORM: DMHW, reflecting back on the conversation I overheard that led us all here . . . could the cloaked figure that Rotskill spoke to, and paid, have been Lucafer? Does his build match the guy I saw?

"It is true, Mr. Beechnut. The locked portals get progressively more difficult. However each competitor will be going through their own leg of the gauntlet. So there is not a single lock that each competitor will have to go through. Unless they decided to poison the last lock of each of the six routes. Either way, I will send a team to inspect the mechanisms before we start the event. I just don't know if they have the skill to disable all of the traps that may be laid. I am hesitant to call off the event, be perhaps if we all remain vigilant. I will also make sure that we have healers nearby."

There is nothing that contradicts the fact that the cloaked figure could be Lucifar.

"It is true, Mr. Beechnut. The locked portals get progressively more difficult. However each competitor will be going through their own leg of the gauntlet. So there is not a single lock that each competitor will have to go through. Unless they decided to poison the last lock of each of the six routes. Either way, I will send a team to inspect the mechanisms before we start the event. I just don't know if they have the skill to disable all of the traps that may be laid. I am hesitant to call off the event, be perhaps if we all remain vigilant. I will certainly make sure that we have healers nearby."

Ah, ah, I understand now. Each competitor has his own door leading to the tower, not "all competitors go through the same door." Hmm, that complicates things considerably. But tehn, why would Rotskill have specified "make sure the last lock is poisoned?" Wouldn't he have wanted "the last locks poisoned?"

I'm looking puzzled and worried, until I get an "it dawned on me" expression.

I wonder . . . could he be referring to a locked door hiding the legendary hidden gem in the Gauntlet?? Could THAT be his whole angle?!?! Getting the fame and wealth of being the first to get to the gem? Because if THAT door is not openable by anyone else, that would actually make sense--and it would make sense to poison it for extra insurance.

Magistrate, DO NOT tell me where the gem is hidden, because I do NOT want to cheat--I'll win this thing, AND get that gem, on my own skills and merits. But, I think THAT is where the poison is. Send someone trustworthy to that lock, and check it thoroughly for traps, and neutralize that poison! Do you have a cleric who can cast Detect Poison or something?

I'm clearly getting excited, because my imagination is fired up thinking that I've solved that little mystery.

Hhmmm . . . that gem would HAVE to be in the tower, because that's the only place all the competitors will be, and it would be unfair to hide it where only one competitor has the possibility of finding it. I'll have to work fast to get to the tower so I can take the time to search properly!

There is nothing that contradicts the fact that the cloaked figure could be Lucifar.

Acknowledged. Dollars to donuts that the dowel I lifted has something to do with all this . . .

OK, for now, I think there's little more to do but stay alert and alive for the gauntlet. Rotskill and Company will surely strike at me, and probably at you all--excepting YOU, Florence, 'cuz they think you're on THEIR side, so let's keep it that way--at least once before the Gauntlet. If I were them, I'd try to "divide and conquer," so it's more important than ever that we stay together to not give them an opening. Are we agreed? I'm not going to wander off anymore--I'm as prepared as I can be. I think we should stay nice and visible, make them come to us in a desparate fashion. Their top priority is going to be to get ME, but they'll probably try to capture one of YOU to get me to give myself up. So, everyone stay frosty and watch out for each other. After I win the Gauntlet, we can reconvene at the Wyvern and discuss how we handle the next steps--how does that sound?

Florence, I think that you should keep AWAY from the rest of us, even if there's an altercation--we should try to use you as a double agent for as long as we can, and I've got an idea that might help us find this thieves' lair later on . . .
DM, can I purchase a sap somewhere on the grounds without having to role-play it out?

Florence nods to Bofus and realizes that she is in fact scared about the halfling's well-being, because of the murderous Gauntlet.

I have to tell this Lucifar guy something...a reason why I didn't bring you along, once I meet him at the tent. Any ideas, shorty? Oh and I'm sure you know how to make good use of me when we're taking on the thieves' guild.

She says with a grin.

"Well folks, are there any further questions that I can answer for you? We are getting very close to the start of the Gauntlet and I recommend that you get this halfling there as promptly as can be. I appreciate your willingness to help me in my difficult position, and especially your discretion! Good luck to all of you!"

@Bofus. In regards to a sap, purchasing one should not be a big deal. If you want it before the start of the Gauntlet, you can pick one up on the way through Merchant's row on the way. Otherwise, ask someone else to pick it up while you are at the Gauntlet.

Florence nods to Bofus and realizes that she is in fact scared about the halfling's well-being, because of the murderous Gauntlet.

is this showing at all? It's obvious to you that Bofus is supremely confident in not just surviving, but winning, this test! If it weren't for the poison endangering the other competitors, you get the feeling he'd be treating this a LOT more lightly.

I have to tell this Lucifar guy something...a reason why I didn't bring you along, once I meet him at the tent. Any ideas, shorty? Oh and I'm sure you know how to make good use of me when we're taking on the thieves' guild. She says with a grin.

Well, you could always say you couldn't find me. Considering how easily I've evaded their clumsy grip and lazy eyes so far, it shouldn't be too hard a sell. Ol' Lu didn't happen to tell you why they wanted me, did he? I know one reason, just curious what "the help" is being told.

Magistrate, I think I've got all I need. Shall I leave it to you to contact us at your convenience and discretion later on? As far as I'm concerned, after the Gauntlet, we'll head back to the Wyvern--unless there's some crazy party for all us winners going on somewhere!--and discuss our next steps from there. Take care of yourself, and we'll talk to you later, hopefully through less mess.

Once we head out of the gatehouse, I'll toss a bag of 250 gp to Mantooth and Thordak each. Here ya go, boys. Your original 100 bet, plus 150 winnings. I've already bet on myself the maximum he'd allow me to, but I'm willing to let you "buy" 200 gp worth of my bet off me if you want.

Let's go! And we should stop at that corn vendor on the way, I could use a snack before the games!

On the way to the gauntlet, I definitely will buy a sap.

OOOOOOhh! Hrahrah! Thordak grins, patting his pouch of gold lovingly. What's that you say? Sure, Oi'd buy 200 gold pieces of yer bet! What're the odds? Oi'll just take the winnings and leave you the original bet then when you get it back! Heheheh! An' Oi wouldn't say no to a nice bit o' roast corn either! Oi'll be comin' with ye then! Thordak says, securing his winnings inside his armor. He stands up and heads for the door, licking his lips. The thought bubble with roasted corn is nearly visible floating above his head.

You all exit the guard hut and start making your way together toward the Gauntlet. You accompany Bofus as he picks up a sap at a small shop in Merchant’s row and then he makes his way down the path toward the gauntlet.

I presume that you are all together. If that is not the case. please let me know.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
As Thordak walks, he tries to keep an eye out for trouble, but his short stature and hunger for roast corn impair his perceptive abilities...
He is, however, aware that there could be trouble and as such is ready to act if it presents itself in a more visible form. Meanwhile, he buys an ear of roast corn from his favorite vendor and gnaws on it with Dwarfish delight.

Can I also buy one Cure LIght Wounds potion? I'd forgotten about that earlier

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

YIKES!! LOOK OUT!!

I move away from the charging figure (pointing him out--hopefully everyone will see him now) in such a way as to force him past my better armed and armored friends to get to me, drawing my sap on the move (move action). Assuming he has to stop his "rush" or at least slow down, I'll take a look around for more trouble (active perception check: move action).

Pithy comment while moving: I knew they'd get more desparate, but this is ridiculous!

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Assuming Bofus' yelling and pointing is enough to get Thordak to see this man...

Thordak, having now been interrupted in the enjoyment of his corn by a hippogriff, a witch, and a charging man within an all-too-short period of time, is thoroughly angered. AAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!! That's the last straw! You're done! He cries out as the man charges forward.

First, he throws the half-eaten corn at the man like a dagger, aiming for his eye.
Thordak's AOO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Corn doesn't happen to have an 18-20 Critical does it?
AOO Damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

As the man is struck and distracted, Thordak pulls his mace and springs into action, ducking the flail and swinging for the man's legs.

Thordak's Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

First, he throws the half-eaten corn at the man like a dagger, aiming for his eye.

You should have aimed for his ear. HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW

@Bofus

@Thordak

With a very clever jab, you thrust your piece of corn into the eye of the passing hodded figure.

Ouch!!! What the hell was that!" He cries out. "Watch where you point that thing, you imbecile!"

Flail attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Flail damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The cloaked figure swings his flail at you, but misses.

Florence can't decide if she is rather shocked or amused by the clumsy ambush.

Now, who the hell are you, you idiot? She will cast Daze (Dc 14) targetting the attacker.

Too dumb to be true, pff!

While Flail Man is engaged, I'll try to circle around to flank with whomever presents the closest opportunity. As soon as I'm in position, I'll club him one.

I'm assuming we're going to need initiative soon, so I'll hold off on my rolls until we know the order of operations.