DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale
Game Master Solaric

Standing with the rest of the group, Mantooth is in his full armor and has both his shield and sword. He has his crossbow on his back, with five poison bolts. Leaning closer to Thordak, Mantooth whispers to the Dwarf "Do you mind trading me some normal bolts for these poison bolts? I have no use for them, Iomedae has forbidden it."

Oi thought you were more of a swordsman, but Oi guess you were impressed by moi shootin' eh? Hrah, just kiddin! Thordak says, pulling five bolts from his quiver and exchanging them for Mantooth's poisoned bolts. Poisoned bolts, eh? Where'd you get these? Oi usually don't mess around with that stuff, but if they're already poisoned, Oi don't see why not... Oi wonder wot kind of poison it is... he says, eamining the bolts before placing them in a separate compartment n his quiver.

Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Knowledge, Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

I'm not sure what you would use to identify poison...

Matthias approaches Mantooth and asks Should we circle around the back of the barn in case we have to enter?
He checks his equipment as he waits for an answer. He is wearing his armor and has his shield and sword along with his cross bow and bolts.

You use "Profession-Alchemy" to identify poisons.

Since I was not expecting to see Rotskill outside of the warehouse, I'm hiding behind a tree, keeping an eye out for Florence to give me some sort of sign on how to proceed.

Taking the regular bolts from Thordak, Mantooth replaces them where he kept the poison bolts he acquired from the red Mantis. "Careful with those, Master Thordak. I took those from the Red Mantis who intended to kill Lord Jarmaath with them."

Turning toward Matthias, Mantooth node. " Let us circle around once the halfling is in their sight. Right now they're alert and looking for trouble. Once Bofus presents himself, they'll be distracted enough for us to sneak around in our armor with ease."

With that, Mantooth pauses with his eyes closed, taking time to silently appeal to Iomedae for the safety of the group.

Let us circle around once the halfling is in their sight. Right now they're alert and looking for trouble. Once Bofus presents himself, they'll be distracted enough for us to sneak around in our armor with ease."[/b]

That will not be enough distraction I fear - these sorts are likely to have sharp eyes and ears, distracted or not. Although I cannot yet communicate with Sirius the way I would like, I do share an empathetic link with the creature and I we will at least have a warning if any danger is present.

Cebrë nods to the sky. High above a hawk is circling.

I would suggest we all get of the road except Thordak and myself and find a safe place to observe behind cover. Thordak, I will follow you at a distance if you like. If we require haste, I will summon a steed for us.

@Florence

As soon as you're ready I'll get him here, he's just waiting at the next streetcorner to buy me a waffle...with cream. Anyway, what are you planning to do with him and am I allowed to join your little carriage ride?.

First, we are going to bring him in and get him to tell us where the eye of the dragon is located. Once we get the location, we will ship him off with a Cheliaxian slaver named Nextic Karastone. He is a a great slaver that specialized in taking halflings. This here is his carriage. I'm not sure where he is going to be taking the twit from here!"

Since after I pondered about the whole thing I was interested in joining your little gang myself.

"Well, lets see how valuable you are after this transaction and I'll put in a good word for you with the boss."

"Well, I think we are as ready as we will ever be. Bring him in the warehouse and we will shut and lock the door behind you. We will be waiting inside!"

Have I ever heard of this slaver?

Knowledge Local1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Florence turns back to where she told Rotskill where she left Bofus and quickly casts Innocence

OK, your plan sounds good, I'm just happy not having to see the touchy slip again...wait here, I'll be right back with him.

Bluff1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

I'll then return to Bofus and whisper him to follow me and report what Rotskill's plan is.

@Florence

You have not heard of the slaver. I presume Bofus follows you.

You return to the warehouse and as Rotskill mentioned, the yard is now empty. You open the front door to the sound of a low creak.

How do you proceed?

Something occurred to me yesterday while I was partying that would have occurred to Bofus earlier--he'd not be carrying his coins. If you'll allow me to retroactively have my money in the Wyvern lockbox, I'll do that. If not, I"ll bury them in an inconspicuous place near a bush or something!

As Florence comes back . . .

So, we ready for this show? I'll grab her hand as we approach the warehouse, mentally preparing for what's to come--not sure which tack I'm going to have to take, so I've got to be ready for them all!

As we open the door, I'll take a quick look around
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
while I start to shamelessly grope Florence. So . . . you know a nice comfortable place to, um, lie down in here, do you? Lead the way!!

@Bofus That is fine to leave your money back in the chest at the Stone Wyvern.

"You're right," Mantooth whispers to Cebre "we might not want to take our chances with this bunch." Turning now to the cleric, Mantooth continues "Mattias, let's get behind that bush." Waving his hand behind him to encourage Matthias to follow, Mantooth moves to crouch behind a nearby shrub Move to AF2 .

@Bofus and Florence

As you enter the warehouse, you find that the room is filled with boxes and crates. Once you pass over through the door frame. The door shuts behind you and you are greeted with Rotskill and several armed Blackscarzi.

”Don’t move a muscle, you rotten thief! You cost me the Gauntlet and now you have a little gem that belongs to me. Hand over the Dragon’s Eye and I may spare your life! Where is it, you Scum?”

Warehouse

Matthias moves behind the bush with Mantooth, he whispers:
Humphrey is hidden nearby, If need be I can whistle and he will come. Also I think we can make it to that bush closer without being seen and then make our way through the shrubbery.
AA 5, just a suggestion not moving there yet...

Florence pushes Bofus violently some steps further

Here he is, as promised!

Shelyn save his ass tonight!

"Here he is, as promised!"

"Nicely done, my dear." Rotskill delights. "You will go far, I suspect. Yes, you will go far!"

Surprise Round

Two Blackscarzi thugs grab Bofus on each side and attempt to grapple him.

Thug 1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Thug 2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Not yet. @Bofus: Initiative please unless you choose not to resist.

Florence wrote:

"Here he is, as promised!"

"Nicely done, my dear." Rotskill delights. "You will go far, I suspect. Yes, you will go far!"

OK, here we go . .

I'm obviously too surprised to offer much of a struggle, however it would look too suspect if I just gave up without a fight, so I won't just "go limp". My CMD is 15, but would be 10 if I were denied Dex bonus. Your call, DMHW!

I look around at the situation, and show on my face that I realize I've been had. I look over with venom at Florence.

You . . . you . . . YOU FILTHY B1TCH!!! When I get out of this I'm gonna . . . I'm gonna . . .

I'm obviously torn between evading the thugs, getting out, and slapping Florence, so I imagine I'm easy prey.

I've got limited time to post today, I might only make one more post. 2 at the most.

Florence grins a haughty grin and spits on the ground

That's what you get for being so touchy, slip!

@Bofus

The thugs grapple you and force you into a chair where manacles are attached to your wrists.
"Hehehe. Relax and make yourself comfortable, Beechnut! As you are well aware, you cost me the Gauntlet and I don't take that kindly. Now you have a little gem that belongs to me. Tell me where the Dragon’s Eye can be found and I may spare your life! So where is it?”

"Hehehe. Relax and make yourself comfortable, Beechnut! As you are well aware, you cost me the Gauntlet and I don't take that kindly. Now you have a little gem that belongs to me. Tell me where the Dragon’s Eye can be found and I may spare your life! So where is it?”

I "regain my composure." Huh. You again. Guess it took a . . .WOMAN for you to finally get the best of me, you weasle? You wouldn't have won the Gauntlet if I hadn't taken that key, I'm way too good for you. YOu didn't deserve the Eye then, you STILL don't. GO--TO--HELL. You're not going to kill me as long as I know where the Eye is, you must think I'm as dumb as you are if you think I'll believe your hot air.

meanwhile I want to get a measure of the others in the room--are they showing Rotskill any respect/deference as if htey want to be there, or any resentment or the like?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Thordak pulls his cloak hood up over his head and tucks his beard in.
Matthias, Mantooth, you guys keep hidden; watch the buildin'. If Oi hear that it's time to intervene, Oi'll let you know, Oi'll be over on t'other side of the buildin'.

He waits for everyone to go into the building, then motions for Cebre to follow him. Cebre, Oi'm havin' second thoughts about tryin' te get up through one o' those windows... How 'bout we try to just listen through a wall?

If Cebre agrees, he leads her around to the back of the building so they can listen through the window (or the wall).
Move to E21 or E23. If this doesn't make sense to do, move to I26

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 But there are no guards outside, right?

He presses his ear to the wall and listens, trying to make out what the people inside are saying.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

@Bofus and Florence

Huh. You again. Guess it took a . . .WOMAN for you to finally get the best of me, you weasle? You wouldn't have won the Gauntlet if I hadn't taken that key, I'm way too good for you. YOu didn't deserve the Eye then, you STILL don't. GO--TO--HELL. You're not going to kill me as long as I know where the Eye is, you must think I'm as dumb as you are if you think I'll believe your hot air.

Rotskilll glares at you in contempt. "Have always been a cocky little halfling? I think it is time for you to be a little humbled. I want you to meet a friend of mine. Kraztor. I want you to meet Mr. Beechnut."

A pale faced necromancer in a black hooded cloak remains silent as he looks over you.

After half a minute, Rotskill begins the intimidation process, trying to demoralize you.

"So if this doesn't work, I will have to start by cutting each of your fingers off."

Intimidate Check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

You are Shaken. See page 568. You suffer a -2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, etc. for the next 3 rounds.

Suddenly, the necromancer takes out a copper piece and begins casting a spell using the small token as part of his material components. The necromancer goes into a deep concentration and you begin to feel the arcane effects intruding on your mind.

Next, Rotskill takes advantage of your morale and begins asking questions again. "So tell me thief, where is the eye of the dragon?!"

Will save please (use -2 due to Demoralize)

@Thordak

There are no guards outside. The windows in the back are high up, but the windows in the front are at ground level. There does not appear to be a way to open them without breaking them. You are unable to hear anything from the back of the warehouse.

"So if this doesn't work, I will have to start by cutting each of your fingers off."

.
You are Shaken. See page 568. You suffer a -2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, etc. for the next 3 rounds.
.
Suddenly, the necromancer takes out a copper piece and begins casting a spell using the small token as part of his material components. The necromancer goes into a deep concentration and you begin to feel the arcane effects intruding on your mind.

without looking at the spoiler, even someone not well versed in the arcane arts has hear that spellcasters can read minds. "A penny for your thoughts? . . " So, I've got a plan!!

"So tell me thief, where is the eye of the dragon?!"

.
Will save please (use -2 due to Demoralize)

I'll use Guidance at this time.

Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

I'll visualize myself burying the gem near a headstone in a graveyard, and say to myself:

In the graveyard, buried next to Ferren Umplebee's headstone . . .graveyard, Ferren Umplebee . . . graveyard, Ferren Umplebee . . .

Hrmph... Thordak grumbles quietly, stepping away from the warehouse wall. Can't hear a thing... Wot should we do?

Turning to Cebre, Oi'm almost thinkin' you should have summoned a fly! Hrah! Oh well... Alright, let's just hide in the bushes then... But wot if there is trouble...? Cebre, come 'round to the front with me... Move to Q23

Thordak peers in the window to see what is inside.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

He then turns to Cebre and speaks quietly. Have you got anythin' that could... ah... make this window... disappear? Some sort of spell that could turn it to dust or water or... sumthin?
Is the window made of glass? Also, is this wing of the warehouse a separate room? If it is the same room, then NEVERMIND.

@Bofus and Florence

After a few moments, the necromancer stops concentrating and then declares in a cold chilling voice, "I have the location of the dragon's eye. We are done here."

"Did you hear that, theif! Even without speaking a word, you have given away the location of the gem. Now that is what I call power!" Rotskill turns from Bofus and calls to the back of the warehouse. "Nextic, you may have the little bugger now."

From the back corner of the warehouse, a man with a short goatee, an earring, and a wide brimmed hat steps forth with a pair of manacles.

[b"]It would be my pleasure, Rotskill,"[/b] He replies as he steps up and clicks the manacles shut around your wrist. "Let's load him into my caravan. Bring the others, too."

Suddenly, a chain gange of six sorry looking halflings are dragged out and Bofus is attached to the chain.

@Everyone

The front doors to the warehouse are flung open and a chain gang of halflings is lead out to the caravan where they are dragged into the back and attached to the wall. The black brimmed slaver pulls out a flute and begins playing a little melody on it. Then he pauses for a moment and says, "Let's hook up the horses."

Rotskill turns to Florence and says, "Isn't that sweet! He's playing a little music for the buggers as they begin their journey into slavery!" Rotskill pulls out a pouch of gold pieces and gives it to Florence. 250 gold pieces. "Thank you for all of your help, my dear. I really couldn't have done it without you."

Upon hearing the doors to the warehouse fly open, Thordak jumps slightly and quickly darts behind the side of the building, pulling Cebre with him.
Move to O26

He hides there, hunched against the wall, and listens as he winds his crossbow.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

I'm a little taken aback by the number of halflings here--not something I was expecting. But it does lend fuel to my belly fire!!

You think you've seen the last of me?!?! *Ptuh!* I'm going to split you up the middle and hang your guts on a fence!! Every one of your little toadies here know how I did in the Gauntlet today. You think your Blackscarzi Boss will *like* to hear that you took the BEST DAMNED THIEF this town has ever seen and sold him to slavery?!?! You think he's NOT going to reward one of these little flunkies for getting ME into your group---ME, who you could only beat with a conniving woman--that's right, you KNOW you couldn't have done it without her!!--and a spellcaster?!?! THIS ISN'T THE END, ROTSKILL!! You're a cheating, filthy thug--you're a THIEF WANNABE and you will stay up at night thinking about how badly I beat you at every turn, you mark my words!! You'll never find that Dragon Eye, NEVER!!!

I'll continue shouting crap while I'm being loaded in the caravan. If I get the opportunity, I'll give a wink of assurance to any of my "cellmates."

Do I think it's even possible that I beat the detect thoughts spell??

Florence weighs the gold in her hand, pulls out one piece and nibbles at it

It was a pleasure. I'll stay around the Craven Raven, just in case you have more work for me to do.

She nods to Rotskill and gives one of the bound halflings a (very light) kick in his butt. Grinning as vile as possible she leaves the warehouse and looks for the next best spot to observe the action unfolding.

As soon as the seven of us are in the carriage alone, I'll do my best to get as calm as possible, and quietly assure everyone that "It'll be OK," whether that's a wink, thumbs-up, or a quick word. I want everyone to be quiet so I can listen.

I want to hear whether we can tell where Rotskill & Co are going, because they're certainly goign right for the Dragon's Eye. Do they give any verbal cue as to where they're headed? (no matter what they say, there's not a lot I can do about it right now, but I'd like to know in any case.)

Regardless, my next plan is to do the following, in this order.
1) Have someone continue to make some noise--crying, yelling, talking, whatever--so I can fill everyone in the carraige in on what's going to happen.
2) while I talk, get out my tool kit and work on my own bindings.
3) Then get everyone else free. Have the first one I free act as a lookout against both the slaver, and my friends.

I'll wait to continue utnil we resolve the current situation.

@Bofus

You are brought into the back of the carriage where the chain connecting you all is attached to the wall. While you are locked to the back of the carriage, the slaver with the wide black hat continues to play a haunting melody on his flute. The six others halflings look at you with fear and desperation in their eyes. For these halflings, hopelessness is made complete as the back door to the wagon slams shut, sealing their fate!

Bofus, let's roll play your plan as we go. One step at a time please. Also, I would like to see a Bluff check to see if you were able to fool the Necromancer with your deceptive thoughts.

A young halfling with curly brown hair begins to sob and cry out in desperation. "Now we will never be free! My dearest Melindy will never see me again!"

@Florence

It was a pleasure. I'll stay around the Craven Raven, just in case you have more work for me to do.

Rotskill smiles and replies, "So do you have other talents that you can contribute to our cause, my lady?"

@ Thordak

Two of the blackscarzi sound like they are coming your way and will be around the corner in a moment. Stealth check please.

Call me jacky of all trades. What do you plan next?

She walks back to Rotskill's side and tries to look like a kitten sitting in the pouring rain.

Diplomacy1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

You got it chief.

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

A young halfling with curly brown hair begins to sob and cry out in desperation. "Now we will never be free! My dearest Melindy will never see me again!"

I'm grateful to the slaver for playing a tune on the flute; that should cover any noise I make nicely.

Hey, hey--look at me. I promise you that I'm nowhere NEAR being captured here!! I've got a lot of plans. One of which is that there are some very tough hombres on my side who are going to help rescue us. And even if htey don't . . . here I get my tools if I can reach them, or instruct someone to get them for me if I cannot . . . I'm still going to get us out of here. You're looking at the bleeding Gautnlet Champion!!

I do my own shackles first. I'll try a take 10 first.

Disable Device (take 10) = 22 (don't konw if there's a penalty for beign shackled)

If that fails, I'll make rolls--let me know.

@Florence.

"Call me jacky of all trades. What do you plan next?"

Rotskill replies, "Well, the Blackscarzi have their hand in everything from slave trade, to selling illegal weapons, to simple extortion, but the aspect that I have been leading is obviously to get a hold of the Eye of the Dragon for Baron Trask. The gem is to be used as a bargaining device for some half dragon creature who calls himself 'Azarr Kul'. If I can secure the gem, Baron Trask will be very pleased and I will certainly gain his favor. Don't worry, I will also be sure to mention your help as well."

@Bofus.

You are able to retrieve your tools. However, the manacles are going to take a DC 30 to open. You may retry if you fail. Please roll to find out how long it will take you to release yourself and all of the halflings.

You are able to retrieve your tools. However, the manacles are going to take a DC 30 to open. You may retry if you fail. Please roll to find out how long it will take you to release yourself and all of the halflings.

I'll take the time to remove my armor to make things easier. While I'm working I'm also going to talk to everyone.

OK, listen up. You--closest to teh window. Keep an eye out for my friends. Here, you take this (my sap) and you take this (my dagger) and hold it for me. Now, here's what's happening. I've rigged this wagon to fail shortly--probably in a few minutes. When it does, it's going to be quite a bump for us. I'm hoping my friends will be ready to jump in and resuce us, but if they're not here yet, we'll have to do it ourselves. The seven of us can take this guy down if we work together. When I'm done here, I'll take my dagger back, and as long as someone can help me by flanking him with the sap, we'll get him. Then we can all go home. Any questions?

Matthias motions to Mantooth Come on there isn't time to wait for thordak and cebre we can't lose this cart.
He gives out a short whistle and there is the soft noise of horses hooves as Humphrey comes trotting around the corner to meet him. Matthias mounts the horse behind the cover of the trees and motions for Mantooth to join him.
We won't be winning any races with the two of us on here but we should be able to keep up with the cart
Stealth Check If necessary 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (17) - 6 = 11
If possible Matthias will take a roundabout way to catch up to the cart so as to not attract the attention of or pass Rotskil and the remaining thugs.

The caravan has not started moving yet. The thugs are hooking up the horses while Nextic Karastone plays a melody on his flute.

@Bofus

”Hey, hey--look at me. I promise you that I'm nowhere NEAR being captured here!! I've got a lot of plans. One of which is that there are some very tough hombres on my side who are going to help rescue us. And even if they don't . . . here I get my tools if I can reach them, or instruct someone to get them for me if I cannot . . . I'm still going to get us out of here. You're looking at the bleeding Gautnlet Champion!!

The curly brown haired halfling stops crying and says to Bofus, ”This is no time for joking mister. We are in a serious jam. My true love will never see me again . . .”

Wellby, I don’t think he’s joking! Kazam! I think this really is Bofus Beechnut. Desna be praised! Kazam, Double Kazam! Hello Mister Beechnut, I am Falco Tosscobble at your service. Actually I am not in a good position to serve at the moment, but it is still nice to meet you none the less.“

”Falco, stop pulling my leg, you have gone too far this time! This is not funny!“

”Not this time, Wellby. I’m not making it up. I’m serious, this fella really is Bofus Beechnut, from Hillwatch. You know, the Champion of the Gauntlet. “

”How could Bofus Beechnut get caught by that wicked piper?!?! He is far too clever to be captured into slavery!”

”That is a good point, Wellby.” Turning back to Bofus he asks, ”Wellby has got a point. What is the Gauntlet Champion doing in the back of a caravan about to be sold into slavery? Don’t tell me that you lost your luck!”

"I've rigged this wagon to fail shortly--probably in a few minutes. When it does, it's going to be quite a bump for us. I'm hoping my friends will be ready to jump in and resuce us, but if they're not here yet, we'll have to do it ourselves. The seven of us can take this guy down if we work together. When I'm done here, I'll take my dagger back, and as long as someone can help me by flanking him with the sap, we'll get him. Then we can all go home. Any questions? "

"Kazam, you really are clever! Why didn't you think of that, Aldagrim?"

"Hey, don't blame me, Falco, you were the one who wanted to play Cow Patty Bingo!"

Bofus, it will take you quite a while to get all of the manacles unlocked. I will tell you how much progress you have made as things unfold. In the meantime, visit with the halflings as you work. BTW, the windows are barred and covered up with curtains and you cannot actually look out them.

@Matthias

The caravan has not started moving yet. The thugs are hooking up the horses while Nextic Karastone plays a melody on his flute.

Perfect. Gives me more time to unlock everyone!

”That is a good point, Welby.” Turning back to Bofus he asks, ”Wellby has got a point. What is the Gauntlet Champion doing in the back of a caravan about to be sold into slavery? Don’t tell me that you lost your luck!”

Make sure you keep your voices down. Now Welby, Falco, does it look like I've been captured? Here I take out my hidden tools with a flourish and start working on my manacles I *am* Bofus Beechnut, I *am* the Gauntlet Champion, and I *AM* going to get us all out of here. Everything happening--well, ALMOST everything--is going according to the plans of me and my friends, who happen to be ALL OF THE OTHER CHAMPIONS. I didn't expect to see all of YOU, but I'm thrilled to be able to stick my finger in this slaver's eye by freeing all of you. Welby, my boy, you're going to give your Melindy a big ol' kiss for me, OK? Just do what I say and we'll all be fine.

Bofus, it will take you quite a while to get all of the manacles unlocked. I will tell you how much progress you have made as things unfold. In the meantime, visit with the halflings as you work. BTW, the windows are barred and covered up with curtains and you cannot actually look out them.

OK, that works for me. Instead of an eye, I"ll have someone keep an ear out.

Keeping an eye on the front of the warehouse, Mantooth is surprised to see that Matthias has brought Humphrey over. "Matthias, what are you thinking!" Mantooth whispers, keeping low to the ground and out of sight. "If they haven't already heard your whistle or seen Humphrey, the guards outside surely will soon!"

My dear Rotskill, I may have underestimated your contacs and your organization. It seems like you deal with real biggies. When are you going to hand the Eye over to them?

@Florence

Rotskill totally eats up your flattery. "You certainly have underestimated me. Once I get the gem, I will be making the trip to Elsircross personally, to hand deliver it to Baron Trask. You see, I am actually a big time rogue that deals with only the biggies! Stick with me lady, and you will go far." Rotskill reaches over and pinches your butt.

@Bofus

Make sure you keep your voices down. Now Wellby, Falco, does it look like I've been captured?

Well . . . no."

"And you do seem very sure of yourself."

"But even if you get the manacles off, how are we going to get out of the wagon?"

Oh, shhhhh.... Thordak says to himself as he hears the thugs. He dives behind a tree and waits, his crossbow ready. Move to L28

Acrobatics: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Unfortunately, he trips and falls over. He lies as still as possible...

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

As the thugs pass, he moves around the tree, keeping it as a barrier between them. Once they round the corner, he sneaks a little farther away. Move to P33

Perception Checks 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Two of the blackscarzi walk right by Thordak, remarkably not spotting him as he lies in the tall grass. A minute later they return from the paddock out back, each leading a strong looking steed. Moments later they have hooked up the horses to the carriage and it is ready to roll. Nextic puts down his flute and calls out, "Well, it is time to go, boys. Thank you Mr. Rotskill for your assistance. I know that thief will bring a pretty penny at market. I hope we can do business again sometime. Fare well. Tralala!"

Suddenly the carriage jerks forward as the horses begin to pull it. Slowly the carriage rolls down the cobblestone street making its way through town to the Western gate.

"But even if you get the manacles off, how are we going to get out of the wagon?"

One thing at a time. I've got lots of ideas.

My instructions to whomever is holding the sap are intended to mean "Flank, then use Aid Another action to give me the +2 to hit"

Florence does not resent Rotskill his doing, she just purrs

Oh, I would love to accompany you on that trip...by the way, did I say that I love tattoos?

As I'm working, I look up with a puzzled expresson.

Falco, your sirname is 'Toscobble?' Where have I heard that before . . . Toscobble . . .Tossc--WAIT!! I remember! Are you related to that Toscobble performing troupe?!?! They're pretty good!!

Oh, it just occurred to me--do any of you have trainign in lock picking? If so use this. I toss down my nromal toolkit It's not as good as this one, but it can get the job done. Might save some time.

@Bofus

"Indeed I am a Tosscobble. I am Falco at your humble service. I am a player of the lute, but unfortunately, I am without instrument. Please let me introduce you to my friends. This is Rorimac Shortwick, Tolman Overhill, Wellby Amster, Anson Thorngage, and the old grumpy old rogue is Adalgrim Hornblower."

"I am not grumpy! However, I cannot deny that I am an old Rogue. I could put those pick tools to some use, Mr. Beechnut. I will give them a try."

@Florence

Oh, I would love to accompany you on that trip...by the way, did I say that I love tattoos?

"Well, my dear, I like the way you work!"

Rotskill immediately grabs ahold of you roughly and and smacks you a smarmy kiss directly on your lips.

"I will make sure to bring you along, my kitten!"

"I am not grumpy! However, I cannot deny that I am an old Rogue. I could put those pick tools to some use, Mr. Beechnut. I will give them a try."

Excellent!! Nice technique, Adalgrim. Keep it up and we'll meet in the middle.

While we both continue working, I'm hoping that our making progress and easy manner are calming the others down. We'll continue talking about plans while we work.

OK, I'm expecting this carraige to fail any time now. When it does, a lot is going to depend on how the slaver reacts. I'm thinking my friends will simply pop in and overpower him quickly, in which case we could just sit back and watch. Did the slaver have guards? If so, how many? In any case, once we're done with these acursed manacles, I'll work on the door lock--I want to have the option of opening it quickly if we need to. We're goign to have to be flexible--either sit tight, or lure one of the guards in here and club him, or storm out and swarm. Are you all with us for any of those actions? I look each of my kith in the eye, waiting for an answer--"yes" or a nod or something Good!
.
Now, once we're free, can you all make it home safely?

"Well, my dear, I like the way you work!"
.
Rotskill immediately grabs ahold of you roughly and and smacks you a smarmy kiss directly on your lips.
.
"I will make sure to bring you along, my kitten!"

I can't decide which I'm going to prefer: knifing Rotskill myself, or watching Florence do it.

@Bofus

"Well Bofus, we will do our part." Tolman replies. "There is no way I'm going to walk into slavery easily."

"Yaah!" Chimes in Falco, "I just want to take that damn flute of his and bend it in two by crashing it over his head!"

Rorimac adds, "I'm not sure this carriage is going to fall apart. It is made by 'Restar and Vanes
Custom Carriages' They are one of the finest carriage makers on the market. They may be out of Westcrown, Cheliax, but they certainly seem like a quality product. My grandpa had one of their coaches that he owned."

"Well Bofus, we will do our part." Tolman replies. "There is no way I'm going to walk into slavery easily."

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"Yaah!" Chimes in Falco, "I just want to take that damn flute of his and bend it in two by crashing it over his head!"

THAT'S the spirit!!

Rorimac adds, "I'm not sure this carriage is going to fall apart. It is made by 'Restar and Vanes

Custom Carriages' They are one of the finest carriage makers on the market. They may be out of Westcrown, Cheliax, but they certainly seem like a quality product. My grandpa had one of their coaches that he owned."

Come now--have I let you down yet? I *sabotaged* it. Even so--if worse comes to worst, we'll improvise. My friends will attack the carriage, or we can just jump out!

Once the manacles are all opened, I'll work on the door lock. I'll assume the DC is 30 unless you tell me otherwise. I won't *open* the door, just unlock it.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

hehehe

then I'll put my armor back on and stow my tools. I'll let the grumpy ol' thief keep my other ones.

We'll wait until the carriage fails, or I'm sure that it's been long enough that it won't fail.