DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

The armored knight looked comfortable on the war dog mailed in light chain. He was used to battle, and the equipment he carried had seen many a battle.

A week after the victory in Brindol, you arrive at the Keep at the request of Lord Jarmaath. The Captain of the Brindol Lions, Lars Ulverth, escorts you up to the Lord's chamber.

"Well met, Gentlemen!" Turning to Red, Bofus, and Tirion, Kerden Jarmaath greets you warmly with a hearty embrace. "My friends, I wish to thank you again for all you did to save Brindol from the Horde of the Red Hand. If it were not for your bravery, I'm not sure that we would be having this meeting here right now. I've met with Thordak, Son of Throtgar and he has decided to return with his people to the Hammerfist Holds. Likewise, Mantooth Longbrow has agreed to remain on as Magistrate of the town. He will do much to help us restore order to Brindol. Athough many of the refugees are already returning to Brindol, I fear that our work is not over yet."

"I will speak of this more in a moment, but first I want to introduce you to three heroes who have arrived from afar to help us in our most dangerous task yet. Please allow me to introduce you to Lorth Blood-Seer, Mirrin of the Deep, and Tomkin the Doughty."

You may make your introductions here.

One of the persons introduced is a muscular human garbed in steel, his back bearing a curved blade and a circular shield with sunburst motif. Neither overly tall, nor overly short, nor blessed with any real gift of looks or countenance, he just was. A kind face seemingly tinged with weariness smiled as he nodded to the Lord "Well met one and all, I am Lorth."

Well what did we end up with as a general share of loot gp wise?

From spoiler above (still accurate AFAIK):

" the 5-way split is 5968. (I'm not giving Poppy a split--how does that work??)"

She isn't entitled to a split :)

Bookkeeping: Bofus will have enchanted his vest to +2 and spent 3,000 in group funds to charge up the Staff of Life 6 more charges, to a total of 7. He'll also have purchased several minor magical trinkets/potions/scrolls that I don't need to list out here--"it's all about being prepared!!" He's also been doing more than his fair share of carousing and celebrating, as well as spreading the word to keep an eye out for a new beer vendor heading to town: the Beerswizzlers!! he'll also make a point of checking in with Mantooth every day to insure the security of the Kaal dragon.

Bofus strides into the Keep as if he owns it, nodding and smiling at all the guards like a celebrity. He enters Jarmaath's chamber as if he's an old friend (which he sincerely believes he now is considered), clasping forearms with the Lord in a brotherly greeting.

My good Lord, it was our pleasure to help such a worthy cause! And don't discount the bravery of every single defender behind these walls--yourself included!!

I'm not surprised Thordak decided to head home, but I'll miss him for sure. And our loss is Brindol's gain with Mantooth staying here--if I were at all worried about how things would work out, I am no longer!

...I fear that our work is not over yet

Bofus heaves a dramatic sigh. Well, I suppose I've had enough rest and revelry--I was almost about to start getting bored. Almost.

Well met one and all, I am Lorth

Bofus extends a hand to the newcomer. Hi there, Lorth! I'm Bofus Beerswizzler, atcher service! The halfling peers at the man's weaponry, and raps his knuckles on his breasplate, giving a nod of approval. You look pretty tough, my friend. I'll hide behind you if things get hairy!

"My good Lord, it was our pleasure to help such a worthy cause! And don't discount the bravery of every single defender behind these walls--yourself included!!"

"You are quite right, Bofus. It has been a tremendous victory for everyone. The Elves of Tiri Kitor supplied some very able archers who made short work of many hobgoblins. Also,the Dwarves of the Hammerfist Hold brought great aid with their axes and crossbows. Lars Ulverth spoke of the bravery of the Brindol Lions. Alas, Victory was won, but it was at a great cost to many good folk."

"I'm not surprised Thordak decided to head home, but I'll miss him for sure. And our loss is Brindol's gain with Mantooth staying here--if I were at all worried about how things would work out, I am no longer!

"Indeed, Thordak and his hipogriff were of great assistance to us all. However, as you are well aware, I am pleased to have Mantooth Longbrow taking over as Magistrate. Perhaps more importantly, I am well pleased to have Verasa Kaal behind bars for the time being and somebody in the office whom I can trust and rely on."

"Mornin." A short hairy dwarf with a large axe balanced over his shoulders nods curtly at the group.

"Mornin." A short hairy dwarf with a large axe balanced over his shoulders nods curtly at the group.

Bofus turns to the dwarf, and pauses, tilting his head and squinting slightly. You don't look like a "the Doughty" type, but you *do* look like an "of The Deep" type. I'm guessing you're Mirrin? He extends his hand.

Bofus looks up at the axe on the dwarf's sturdy shoulder. Huh. It seems I can also hide behind YOU!

Mirrin looks down at the proffered hand as if someone was handing him a purple two headed chicken.

"Aye, Mirrin of the Deep. Don know who the Doughty is. We get to kill goblins or wot?"

Question for the DM...is purchasing ammunition ONLY allowed in units of 50, or can we buy fewer? Can we, for example, buy 10 +2 equiv. arrows for 1,600 gp or MUST we buy in increments of 50 for 8,000?

Sorry, been really busy the past few days.

With the loot split, does that include any items we sold? I have that +2 Mace, which for a sorcerer is like owning a death wish, and will probably sell it. Not sure about any other stuff.

"Aye, Mirrin of the Deep. Don know who the Doughty is. We get to kill goblins or wot?"

"Mirrin, I'm afraid you have arrived too late to kill goblins and hobgoblins. No, I fear your task is going to be far more dangerous! However, before I speak of this task, tell me some of your background. Are you skilled at tracking and able to following signs that may lead you to a hidden lair?"

Smile maintained at Bofus' words Lorth adds "Do not fear little one, my bulwark will hold if needed."

Mirrin takes the news of no goblins to kill as a man told at the restaurant that his favorite meals were discontinued.

"Aye"

"Mirrin, you are a man of few words. I appreciate that. So let me get right to the point. Based on the intelligence we've received, we've made a troubling discovery- namely, the strange and terrible dragonspawn that we faced as part of the horde army were just the advance scouts of an even greater infernal host of devils, fiends, and Tiamat's spawn. Azarr Kul, the High Wyrmlord of the horde was absent from the Battle of Brindol for one simple yet terrible reason- he has remained in the Fane of Tiamat to complete a month-long ritual to open a portal to Tiamat's court to augment the horde with an infernal army. If he succeeds, the horde will become all but unstoppable."

"I am unsure how long you will have to get to the Fane of Tiamat and stop this ritual, but it is certainly time measured in days rather than weeks. I have secured two scrolls of teleport for you, allowing the reader and up to three others to teleport up to nine hundred miles away. You can decide where you wish to teleport, but I would suggest either Drellin's Ferry or perhaps Vraath Keep. From there, you will need a ranger to track the enemy's route and try to find the Fane. This is where I trust Mirrin to help you out."

"I can donate some magic to your cause. I have 8 potions of cure moderate wounds, 4 potions of bull's strength. 5 potions of invisibility, 2 scrolls of haste, and a scroll of fly."

"Do you have any other questions I can answer?"

With the loot split, does that include any items we sold? I have that +2 Mace, which for a sorcerer is like owning a death wish, and will probably sell it. Not sure about any other stuff.

Yes, includes the items we recently found (dragon plate for example).

Do you have any other questions I can answer?

Bofus' brow furrows a bit in worry and concentration.

you mentioned a month-long ritual. Does your intelligence give you any indication of the nature of that ritual? any special items that are being used, or anything like that?

He turns to his friends, old and new. I think it's worth a few moments to speak to our buddy the Harp Wizard on this subject.

Another question, Jarmaath--does your intelligence indicate whether Drellin's Ferry or Vraath Keep is closer to where the Fane is reported to be?

"You mentioned a month-long ritual. Does your intelligence give you any indication of the nature of that ritual? any special items that are being used, or anything like that?"

"We have questioned a number of fiends from the horde, but even the highest ranking of them have not actually been inside of the Fane. They have revealed to us that the High Wymlord is performing this ritual, but I suspect that information has simply been passed down to them through the ranks. We have not captured anyone who has yet divulged the exact location of the fane nor the nature of this ritual."

"I think it's worth a few moments to speak to our buddy the Harp Wizard on this subject."

"Agreed, the great wizard may be able to reveal much, but unfortunately, he has not yet returned. Brindol Academy remains closed, but I am confident that he will be back soon. However, I don't think we have the luxury to wait any longer. Needless to say, I am eager for life in the vale to return to normal."

"Another question, Jarmaath--does your intelligence indicate whether Drellin's Ferry or Vraath Keep is closer to where the Fane is reported to be?"

"One prisoner we captured indicated that the Fane was located deep in the Wyrmsmoke mountains. Vraath Keep is a half days travel north of Drellin's Ferry. It is on the edge of the Wyrmsmoke Mountains and most likely closer to the Fane, but it may not be as well known to you. You see, the accuracy of a teleport spell depends on how well the target area is known. The question is, how much risk are you willing to take when you teleport? Time is of the essence, but we still need you alive."

Vraath Keep is a half days travel north of Drellin's Ferry. It is on the edge of the Wyrmsmoke Mountains and most likely closer to the Fane, but it may not be as well known to you.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Vraath Keep our headquarters??? I've got "Deed to Vraath Keep" in our Group Pot, and we've got that little HQ we set up way back when--was that not Vraath Keep, or am I misremembering?

Listening with some intent Lorth ventures "With a need as dire we would be foolish to refuse any help that you might offer Lord Jarmaath." suggesting that all the potions be liberated for their cause.

"As to the where we should begin I should have to defer to your good thoughts... I am late arrived to the conflict and not well acquainted to the area."

Lord Kerden Jarmaath wrote:

Vraath Keep is a half days travel north of Drellin's Ferry. It is on the edge of the Wyrmsmoke Mountains and most likely closer to the Fane, but it may not be as well known to you.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Vraath Keep our headquarters??? I've got "Deed to Vraath Keep" in our Group Pot, and we've got that little HQ we set up way back when--was that not Vraath Keep, or am I misremembering?

OK, I remembered. Our HQ is not Vraath Keep, but a small outpost just outside of Brindol. We got the deed to the Keep later. So yeah, we're much more familiar with Drellis Ferry, having spent at least a full day there gettin got know the townsfolk and convince them to run to brindol.

I'm with Lorth. Lord Jarmaath, we'll take yor gracious offerings with gratitude, and put them to good use in ending this threat!

Bofus takes one of the Invisibility potions, one of the Haste scrolls, and reaches for the scroll of Fly, looking at Tirion with the universal both-eyebrows-raised-questioning look.

If you could pass on an important message to the Harpwizard as soon as he returns...could you tell him that we know he is still looking out for what we left him, and that we might need them in a hurry? I suggest you fill him in on our mission; we've taken him into our trust, and he may be able to offer some help. I'll pick up a Feather Token in case we need to contact him quickly.
.
Other than that...I believe Tirion and I can each activate one of those Teleport scrolls, and get us all to Drellis Ferry forthwith. Considering what's going on, I've got a few more minutes of preparation before we leave...

What kind of terrain/climate might we expect in the Wyrmsmoke mountains? I've got 2 climber's kits; will we need more and/or cold weather outfits? Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

OK, I remembered. Our HQ is not Vraath Keep, but a small outpost just outside of Brindol. We got the deed to the Keep later. So yeah, we're much more familiar with Drellis Ferry, having spent at least a full day there gettin got know the townsfolk and convince them to run to brindol.

You've got it now! Vraath Keep was the stronghold where you fought Wyrmlord Koth and his Manticore. Before the Red Hand took it over, it belonged to the Vraath family.

What kind of terrain/climate might we expect in the Wyrmsmoke mountains? I've got 2 climber's kits; will we need more and/or cold weather outfits? Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

The Wyrmsmoke mountains is difficult terrain with many rocks, cliffs, forests and high peaks. At this time of year, you will not need cold weather gear in the valleys, but up on the summits you may need some.

Tomkin listened attentively to the speech of Lord Jarmaath and bowed deferentially to him as he entered the room. As he removed his helmet, a shock of unruly, fine brown hair framed a face that had very fine, delicate features. He managed a quick nod and a short bow as he entered the room to the others. He though nothing of bringing his dog into the room and motioning him to stay quietly in a corner. As he moved with a quick blink rather than walking, you noticed he was a creature with active, aware eyes indicating no small intelligence. The canine appeared to shift around, being many places at once--he was not a typical dog, and what those learned in magic would call a blink dog.

The small knight errant in a polished suit of plate armor waited until the others and spoke, and added simply: "I am Tomkin, a chosen champion of Chaldira Zuzaristan. The exploits of your trio have traveled farther than you can imagine. I hope to contribute to your noble cause in any way I can."

His face warms up as he gazes upon the hobbit. "Good hobbit, my heart is gladdened to see another of small stature on this grand adventure. I will have to show you how to ride Donnal, my trusty steed. He can be handy in getting in and out of dangerous situations, but he cannot carry the weight of the others."

Tirion listens to the new warriors as they introduce themselves.
Well, any assistance is appreciated. We will miss the sword of Mantooth and Thordak's axe and bow. However, it looks like you all are equally skilled. I am sure that on the road to the Wyrmsmoke mountains we will learn how each other operates.

Speaking of the mountains, Lord Jarmaath, could we teleport to the collapsed bridge over the gorge? Or where Bofus and I first encountered the horde? Either of those places would be a day or two close and would avoid us having to get around the gorge, not that the bridge seems to be missing.

For those new to the party, we sort of collapsed an ancient dwarven bridge with a couple dozen giants and ogres on it. Sort of ticked off the horde who were in the process of crossing it.

"Speaking of the mountains, Lord Jarmaath, could we teleport to the collapsed bridge over the gorge? Or where Bofus and I first encountered the horde? Either of those places would be a day or two close and would avoid us having to get around the gorge, not that the bridge seems to be missing."

"Yes, I suppose Skull Gorge is another location you could teleport to. The creek itself flows out of the Wyrmsmoke mountains, so that is another possible entry point. As you well know, without the bridge it will certainly add many days travel if you wish to pass over the gorge. However, maybe you have better plans to deal with that."

"So, unless there are further questions, I will say goodbye for the present. I wish the seven of you luck. May the Inheritor look down upon your quest and support you in your every endeavor. May you all return to this hall safely with news of your success. Be well, my friends!"

The bard in the corner continues strumming away on his mandolin and softly singing a Galtan revolutionary song whilst the thimble sized angel dances a jig and cuts in with her own musical accompaniment.

As the song comes to an end he fills the silence "With the glorious peoples overthrow of the dragon woman and the tyrants running this town from the shadows I thought I had material enough to keep on wandering, for I hear in the distance the beckoning of my adoring fans, bit alas, Rebel Red is not yet done here, and it sounds as though there is still a while to go overthrowing the forces of Evil... how long until we depart?"

"I shall see these places you speak of, and I shall wrote fierce poems" Red bows extravagantly.

"

"With the glorious peoples overthrow of the dragon woman and the tyrants running this town from the shadows I thought I had material enough to keep on wandering, for I hear in the distance the beckoning of my adoring fans, bit alas, Rebel Red is not yet done here, and it sounds as though there is still a while to go overthrowing the forces of Evil... how long until we depart?"

"I am indeed glade to have the Rebel joining in this company. Oh, one last thing before you go. Here are some various maps that we have of the region. I'm not sure how helpful they will be, but they should give you a place to start your search."

"This map was the one that was recovered before the horde attacked. It does not have a lot of detail, but the writing may give you some clues. Hobgoblin Map

"This is one that came from the library at Brindol Academy."
Brindol Academy Map

"This is the map given to us by the Harpwizard, Deitrovica Manturiel."
The Brown Map

"Finally, we have the map given to us by my dear friend, Jorr Natherson."
The Green Map

"Please feel free to take and use all of them. Once again, good luck!"

If you have finished purchases, updated your character sheets, and finished your business in Brindol, please let me know where you wish to teleport and we shall begin your journey.

"I be tendin ta me bird outside. Fetch me when yer ready."

Tomkin shows an interest in the maps, but defers to the party veterans.

"I don't know where the best place to go is, but I definitely want to be close to resupply if we need it. Teleporting into danger will be a rare opportunity--one we should not squander."

"Good hobbit, my heart is gladdened to see another of small stature on this grand adventure.

Bofus warmly shakes Tomkin's hand. Glad to know you, Tomkin! While I don't begrudge these daikini their uses, it's surely good to have another kindred spirit!

I will have to show you how to ride Donnal, my trusty steed. He can be handy in getting in and out of dangerous situations, but he cannot carry the weight of the others."[/b]

Bofus blinks at the splendid animal. That...is a nice puppy. I might take you up on the offer to ride him.

I don't know where the best place to go is, but I definitely want to be close to resupply if we need it. Teleporting into danger will be a rare opportunity--one we should not squander

Opening one of the maps, Bofus points to the now-defunct bridge at the Gorge. This here would be the closest place to the mountains that I'd feel confident to 'port to. Problem is, once we are on the north side of that gorge, resupply is going to be a problem no matter *where* we teleport. I think that porting right here, as Tirion suggests, is the right idea to maximize our time.

Shifting in his armor Lorth frowns "We search for the very redoubt of the foul forces behind the peril the vale has endured... I fear there would be no resupply once we forge ahead... we must instead rely upon ourselves and each other for strength."

"The gorge it is, my heart and arm are ready and willing... though if there is time I would pay final respects at temple."

Added Potions and Scrolls to 'Party Loot' Section at the base of my profile.
Scrolls need to go to someone who can cast them though.

""The gorge it is, my heart and arm are ready and willing... though if there is time I would pay final respects at temple."

"By all means, please take care of what business you need to. The Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance is located right on the hill in the center of Brindol. There are a number of priests dedicated to Iomedae and Sarenrae there. I will note that you are leaving to the Gorge. Now, are you landing on the north or the south side?"

Lars Ulverth, the captain of the Brindol Lions knocks and enters Lord Jarmaath's Chamber.

"Pardon, the interruption, my lord, but we should get the next of kin list from heroes before they depart. In case they do not return, we should know who to contact."

"Pardon, the interruption, my lord, but we should get the next of kin list from heroes before they depart. In case they do not return, we should know who to contact."

"Yes, yes, Lars, we will take care of that." Addressing all of you as you are departing, Jarmaath states, "Forgive the captain, but he is ever so practical in many of these details. If there are some next of kin that you care to have notified in case of a tragedy, please be sure to leave the list and the good Captain will see that they are informed. Mind you, if you do fail, I fear that all of our kin will need to be informed!"

"Kinfolk? Oh yes of course, my kin are all the collective bards, wandering minstrels, composers, artists, and lovers wandering Golarion, see that my works are merely circulated to for them all to draw on freely - so that all my fans crying deeply at the loss of their star may be comforted by the voices of a million musicians who all join one chorus and say "Why people? Do you understand nothing? How can Red be dead when we still have his poems?"

Lorth's smile grows slightly weary at the mention of kin "None that will wait on the words... I first died when I gave myself to her graces, and when my death comes it will be a homecoming to her halls."

Tomkin speaks in a dramatic tenor voice: "I hereby name Lord Jarmaath the executor of my estate and leave all my worldly belongings to the Temple of Chaldira Zuzuristan."

He moves over to his dog and, in a quick movement, his dog shifts under the knight and quickly rises to his feet. He looks used to bearing the burden of the half-sized warrior.

"Let's go!!"

Teleport

Teleport to Skull Gorge is considered "viewed once". Teleport to Drellin's Ferry is considered "studied carefully". I will roll the dice once you tell me exactly where you wish to teleport. Are you landing on the north side of Skull Gorge, the south side of Skull Gorge, or do you prefer the safety of landing in Drellin's Ferry?

Teleport

Teleport to Skull Gorge is considered "viewed once". Teleport to Drellin's Ferry is considered "studied carefully". I will roll the dice once you tell me exactly where you wish to teleport. Are you landing on the north side of Skull Gorge, the south side of Skull Gorge, or do you prefer the safety of landing in Drellin's Ferry?

I'm putting on my rarely-used rules laywer/munchkin hat.

I would argue that due to
1) the strategic importance of the Skull gorge bridge at the time and
2) the fact that we literally "studied it carefully" in order to determine how best to bring it down

we might just be entitled to a "better" categorization of the bridge location for teleport purposes. (my one and only argument on this topic)

thank you. :-)

Tonkin opines: "I take risks, but only when warranted. Let us teleport to this ferry."

You have a very compelling argument, but you brought down the bridge that you studied so carefully. I will permit a compromise and allow a role of "seen casually" which is in reference to the area surrounding the bridge.

Teleport: 1d100 ⇒ 53 Success!

Finally, are you landing on the north or the south side of the gorge?

NORTH

Upon casting teleport, you suddenly find yourselves standing near a dirt road. Ahead is a stretch of barren ground with sickly looking trees that ends in a gorge. Roughly a hundred feet wide at its narrowest point, the gorge drops away precipitously to a fast rushing stream far below. The gorge continues as far as the eye can see to the east and west.

This was once the sight of a great dwarven bridge of stone that was anchored at both ends to large forty foot high stone towers with pentagonal roofs. The bridge appears to have collapsed and fallen into the gorge, but the two stone towers on the north end appear to be intact. The remains of a hobgoblin encampment lie on the western side of the towers. The camp appears deserted.

Skull Gorge North

Taking the journey through the teleportation upon bended knee, Lorth stands and slings his shield from where it is stowed upon his back to rest upon his left forearm. His eyes take in the bridge and detritus of a failed encampment and nodding knowingly of what must have transpired looks to the heroes of Brindol for guidance as to their next steps.

Tomkin, having dismounted to teleport, reassures Donnal and mounts up again. From the wear of his boots it is obvious they wear more where the stirrups rub them than on the bottom.

"I can't believe we moved so far. The advantage of this teleport spell is so amazing."

He too looks to the veterans for the next step. "Should we make sure these camps are clear?"

Next to Mirrin a massive Griffon turns it's head and vomits.

"Aye bloody nauseating is what it is. I'll take a look round." The dwarf disappears into the surrounding landscape.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Stealth +2 if in the mountains

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36 Survival to track and see what's been around.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Perception etc.

"We need to clear the place. Empty it now, or deal with it at an inopportune time"