DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale
Game Master Solaric

What's this? Is this where that little beastie comes from?

Trabalard Yab replies nervously. "I don't know what it is, except for the fact that it is the box that Lockstar asked me to keep safe in the Inn's Treasure Chest. I wonder if that is how he managed to get the chest open?"

•About Five Minutes Later•

A black haired woman, walks into the room from the hallway. 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. She calls out. "Ok folks. I am Sergeant Teyani Sura, Lion of Brindol. Nobody move! This is a crime scene and I want this room undisturbed. So are these two twits the accused?" She calls back out into the hallway. "Come and get them, boys. These two need to be brought back to the Bastille. But make sure you don't touch a thing! Do you hear me! Good!"

Two lower ranking Brindol Lions step into the room and grab the manacled Lockstar and his assistant. They push them out into the hallway and lead them away.

Once they are out of the room, the Sergeant calls out to those remaining, "So can somebody explain to me what the hell happened here and where in all the hells did that dead devil come from?"

Good Sergeant, while there may be additional facts that lead up to this situation, of which I am not aware, I can provide you with the recent events which lead to this scene. About 20 minutes ago, I had awoken and was preparing for the day when I heard a shout from the hallway. I then left my room and entered the hall where I saw the good knight with sword drawn standing outside of the room in which sat this horrible devil.
-
The devil then mocked the good Paladin by offering to pay him to leave, an offer which no Paladin could accept. The devil threatened the Knight of Iomedea at which time the Paladin drew his sword. The devil turned invisible and appeared in front of the fair maiden who is also a Champion of Bristol who had just arrived. The imp then plunged its poisonous tail into fair Cebrë's heart critically injuring and poisoning her. As quickly as I could, I used my limited magical ability to shock the vermin which the good Paladin then dispatched with a critical hit of his sword. Fortunately the monster was defeated before it could do any more harm.
-
At about this time the good lady Florence, Ranger Thordak and the champion of your gauntlet arrived. Shortly there after, Mr. Lockstar, the wannabe bard, arrived beseeching us to not harm his friend Xaktzar. Apparently Mr. Lockstar had some deal whereby Xaktzar would grant him great musical skills. What Lockstar offered to give the Imp in return I do not know, but I would guess in involves an eternity in the lower planes of hell.
-
Knowing the evil that Imps are wont to spread, the good Bofus investigated the room for any traps for the weary. Not finding any traps, he investigated the chest, however it apparently had a concealed magical trap which was set off when the chest was opened. The blast threw Mr. Bofus out the open window along with a small bag of loot. Fortunately Mr. Bofus's acrobatic prowess enable him to avoid suffering any great injury. Mr. Bofus immediately took the loot into Master Yab. Mr. Bofus then returned to the second floor.
-
After the chest trap exploded, the rest of us were able to see the substantial loot contained in Mr. Lockstar's chest and recognized items which had previously been contained in Master Yab's lockbox. At this time we commanded Mr. Lockstar and his orc-guard to remain in the room until the Lions arrived so that proper justice could be had. Mr. Lockstar and the orc both then sought to escape, but the good Ranger and Paladin were able to restrain them for the past few moments prior to your arrival.
-
I hope that this has not been too longwinded an explanation, but I believe it is best to set forth all the facts to enable you to best perform your duties.

Bluff:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Diplomacy:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Mantooth nods his head with each point of Tirion's recount that he agrees with, indicating that the gnome is telling the truth. "My name is Sir Mantooth Longbrow, Sergeant Sura, and I may vouch that what the gnome says is true. I sensed an evil presence from this room and opened the door in the interest of the safety of the patrons of this establishment and myself. What I found was this imp, Xaktzar, that you see before you on the ground" Mantooth gestures to the body "mortally wounded the recent tournament champion, Cebrë Hath'we."

Diplomacy1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

The paladin then pauses for a moment in thought, reflecting on the recent events before continuing.

..Iomedae forgive me.

"Everyone else you see in this room, alive or otherwise, came to my aid. Had I not opened the door, Madame Hath'we would still be alive."

Florence follows Tirion's explanations but remains quiet.
As Mantooth begins to blame himself for Cebre's death, she arches an eyebrow and shakes her head.

It was not your fault, Mantooth. Cebre was killed by that demon and if you hadn't attacked it, it would've brought more and more mischief into our world. Don't blame yourself for being what you are.

Teyani Sura carefully takes notes on everything that Tirion recounts in his story. She shakes her head listening to the list of events and the attention to detail that the gnome gives. She smiles a small grin as Mantooth introduces himself.

"Mantooth Longbrow, your reputation precedes you. It is a pleasure to finally meet! Captain Ulverth speaks highly of you. I am well pleased to know that you were here to set matters right. But I have to agree with the lady, you cannot blame yourself for the death of the half elf. Hath'we's death was as senseless as it was needless, but if you did not dispatch this fiend from the planes of hell, we would be dealing with a far worse situation."

Turning to the gnome, Teyani asks. "Now who in the good earth are you? I have never heard of you? You look like you don't quite belong uh . . . uh . . . on the surface. What rock did you climb out from under?"

Where I'd normally be the one to be piping in without restriction, it appears that Tirion and Mantooth have the situation well in hand, so I'm keeping quiet . . .

. . . until Mantooth blames himself. After Florence's comment, I agree. She's right, of course, Sir Knight. I mean, let's be fair--I'm the one who suspected something behind this door, so if you need to blame someone besides Lockstar, you blame me, OK? You can't let fear of a possible tragic ending stop you from doing what's right!

Exactly. If fear would get a hold of our minds, we could retire this very moment.

She places herself next to Bofus to show that she seconds his thoughts.

I apologize m'lady Sergeant, I am Tirion Jörðhár. I come from the small village of Uldar located about a fortnight west of Brindol on small tributary of the Elsir River between the Westdeep and the Wyrmsmoke Mountains, just south of the Dwarfroad. As with these other good folk, I came to Brindol to seek the fame and fortune for which Elsir Vale Tournament of Heroes is renown. My intention was to enter into both the Arcane competition as well as the artistic stonemasonry competition. Unfortunately I was waylaid by bandits 5 days ago and my faithful pony was killed. Thus, I only arrived in Brindol last night, two days too late for the tournament, much to my chagrin.

Regarding my unusual appearance, my grandsire was an illusionist and adventurer. When he was young, he and his companions adventured into a long abandoned dwarven keep. However, instead of meeting the expected residents of an abandoned mine such as orcs, goblins and gnolls, he and his companion found themselves besought by denizens of the plane of earth. For three long years he and his companions were trapped in either the keep or the plane of earth. Finally he escaped and returned to Uldar, but his adventure had left his appearance almost black as night. Several years later my father was born and to everyone's amazement, his skin and hair were also nearly charcoal in color. Now, nearly 200 years since my grandsire escaped from the dwarven mine, my skin and hair, as you can see, also retains this rather unusual charcoal hue.

Thus, although I may appear as though I belong in the underdark, in fact I am no different than any other gnome. I grew up among other gnomes and elves in Uldar and enjoy a good joke as much as the next.

I hope that I have answered your questions. Simply put, how did I come to be here - well, I am a visitor to Brindol and just had the luck, or unluck depending on your point of view, to be in my room when this unfortunate incident began. I exited my room to see if I could be of assistance and then the events unfolded as I described before.

I then turn briefly to Mantooth:
Sir Paladin, you fought bravely and vanquished this foul beast. Unless you had spent years studying the creatures of the lower planes, it is unlikely you would have known the devil's ability to turn invisible or the potency of it's poison. I too am saddened by the loss of your friend, but you are not to blame. The only person to blame for this tragic loss is the individual who brought that creature into the inn. And thankfully the bard wannabe is now in the custody of the Lions and will soon face the justice he so deserves.

Teyani Sura turns to the gnome and replies"Well Tirion, I appreciate the introduction. It is a pleasure to meet you. I have no doubt that if the Tournament had a talking event, you would have won that one as well. I jest, but seriously I am grateful for all you have done for Brindol. I am most sorry about your friend, Hath'we. Do you want me to call for priest from the Cathedral, or shall I call for one from the temple of Pharasma? Either way, we should get this place cleaned up. I believe I have enough to write my report. Will you all be around for the next couple of days in case this information needs to be presented to the Magistrate?"

"Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! I cannot believe this day. Robberies, Murder, Devils and more. I must escape as quick as I can. Master Thordak, the chest if you please." Trabalard Yab exits the room and looks at the death that lingers in the hallway with unease, as he walks towards the stairs and back down toward his office.

I think we'll probably be here, Sargeant.

I look at my companions. what do you think Cebre would have wanted done--did she have any family?

I'll start looking aroudn for some way to help straighten things up a bit.

I don't know, you knew her longer than I did, I guess. Did she ever speak about her homeland or maybe even a family?

Florence helps Bofus tidying the corridor up.

I think we'll probably be here, Sergeant.

"I am glad to hear it, my friend. Likewise, if you need anything else from the Lions, be sure to seek us out. Good day to all of you."

Sergeant Teyani Sura looks around for a moment more and lets out a deep sigh. Then she follows Trabalard Yab ( and I presume Thordak obliging the gnome by carrying down his chest ) downstairs.

I wasn't present at taht moment, but Cebre told someone--Mantooth?--to "read her journal . . ."

You will be able to find Cebrë's journal easily enough. When your character is ready to read it, two of the entries can be found under DMHarpwizard's profile.

"Thank you, my friends, for the kind words. You are all right, I could not have known what was going to happen once the door was opened." Mantooth looks around the room, thinking over the events that just transpired. "I am not sure if she had family or desired a certain fashion of burial, but Cebrë did ask me to find her journal and read it. I presume it would be in the room she shared with Florence?"

I haven't seen any book, but that does not mean anything, I'm not the very attentive type, you know. Florence shrugs and walks to her room to look for the journal.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you all as I should be in and around town for a few days. In the meantime, if anyone has not had breakfast, I was about to head downstairs to enjoy Master Yab's fine morning fare and would enjoy some company.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you all as I should be in and around town for a few days. In the meantime, if anyone has not had breakfast, I was about to head downstairs to enjoy Master Yab's fine morning fare and would enjoy some company.

You are able to find the journal in her backpack in her room. There are two main entries from the last two days. The first is primarily about her encounter with the old man at the tournament. However the other is about a strange magical process she underwent upon reading a magical tome given to her by Lord Jarmaath. However, inside the journal you also find a small note to each of you telling you what to do with her body in case something should happen to her.

The recent journal entries can be read in their entirety under DMHarpwizard's Profile Page.

By this time Thordak has already followed Yab with the chest in tow.

"Alright, Master Yab, where abouts do you want me to set down this chest?"
If the gnome leads him into his office, Thordak looks around to see if he spots anything interesting.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Thank you, Master Thordak. You are a gentleman and a hero!"

The walls of Master Yab's office are adorned with pictures of what appears to be generations of the Yab Family. The rest of the office looks completely messy and thoroughly unorganized. His desk if filled with piles of papers and trinkets from keys, to mugs, to candles, to cloth napkins and an apron piled in his chair. You wonder how he runs such a fabulous Inn.

Before they enter Cebre's room to search for her journal

@Tirion: OK friend, we've got a few things to do here, I'm sure you'll understand. I for one will gladly join you in a short while. Go on ahead . . . (It's clear that this is a polite, but rather firm, dismissal as they've got grim business to attend to)

@Thordak: Thordak, come on back up here when you're done, OK? We've got some things to discuss.

@Tirion: technically, this conversation happens outside of your earshot, and you shouldn't hear it. However, I'll leave it up to you and DMHW whether you should read it; it seems rude to have a spoiler entitled "everyone except Tirion!" Besides, I'm confident it's nothign you won't hear anyway.

After Tirion heads down, I help in moving Cebre's body out of the hall and on to her bed (wiping away a few fresh tears, but beginning to get ahold of myself). Once we find the journal and read her wishes, I pause before speaking.

Ah-HEM. So, we've got a few things to discuss. First, the most crass and pragmatic thing: her possessions. You all are too kindly to bring this up, so I'll do it. It seems clear to me that she wanted us to split her belongings amongst us. I have an idea in that regard, but I'll hold off for now.
.
Second, someone has to tell Lord Jarmaath right away, before he finds out some other way. I think it's only fitting that he get his pendant and book back. Perhaps we should also give him Cebre's flute, as he was so taken by her music? Mantooth, it seems most appropriate, since you're in the good Lord's excellent graces, that you deliver this sad news, but if you prefer, I'll do it--I'd understand if it's too unpleasant. You and the rest of you have cleaned up the mess that I instigated today, it's only fitting that I help clean up this messy situation. What say you, Sir Knight?
.
As an aside, we need to contact the local Shelyn temple and let them know what happened, see about them taking care of Cebre's eternal rest. *sniff*
.
Third, let's talk about this Tirion guy. He seems like a good bloke, and had no problems walking up to this devil and laying the smack-down on him with a touch spell--that takes some courage. He also covered for MY activities, which he knew nothing about and, let's face it, were extremely suspicious. His willingness to jump into battle with complete strangers against a nasty blighter speaks volumes for his character, and I think we should get to know this gent, with the intent of letting him in on what we're doing and inviting him along, once we get a better read on him.
.
Now, if we end up giving Tiron the "In," I propose we give him a hefty share of Cebre's coin, as well as her armor bracers, to sort of "start him off" if you follow me. Kind of a "welcome, and thanks for helping" gift, savvy?
.
So, first, who's going to break the news to Lord Jarmaath, and are we giving him the pendant, book, and flute?

I walk downstairs with Master Yab and tell him:
Please let me know if there is anything that I can assist with. While I may not be an arch-mage or lord, I have learned to fix and repair items over the years. I expect to be here a few days and know that room got a little scorched during the scuffle.

After/if Master Yab responds, I head to a table in the corner and sit down and order breakfast unless he specifically requests assistance immediately.

After helping Bofus with the body, Mantooth lets out a deep sigh to try to regain complete composure while listening to Bofus. "I think what you've said makes sense, Bofus. I will be the one to tell Lord Jarmaath. This is as much of a mess yours as it is all of ours. If I can take no blame, than nor can you." Mantooth collects the flute and the pendant from Cebrë's belongings/self and readies himself to find Jarmaath. "I may leave now, as I don't believe I can find as much use for any of Cebrë's belongings as the rest of you can. Bofus, May I ask where you put the recovered Dragon's Eye? If it is not with you, I suggest either you start carrying it with you or allow me to carry it - I'd rather not risk going through this again now that we know Master Yab's lockbox can be compromised. Aside from that, we never know when we will need the two eyes together."

If no one objects, Mantooth then departs from the inn, bids Tirion a good morning on his way out, and then leaves to the keep to find Jarmaath.

I toss Mantooth the Dragon's Eye I was carrying. I'll get the one from the chest while you're gone. Good luck.

So, after Mantooth leaves, I start the unpleasant task of removing Cebre's valuable items, including coins, spellbook, bracers, wands, stuff like that. After a time I take a deep breath.

OK, I've got to get out of here. I'll go find a temple to Shelyn and ask their help, find out how arrangements are made, that sort of thing. Then I'm going to need a good drink, so I'll meet you in the common room and we can talk with Tirion. Sound good? Good.

I'll take maybe 50 gp from Cebre's wealth in a separate pouch (I'm guessing Shelyn will wnat some sort of donation to help with the upcoming duties) and head downstairs. First, stop at Tirion's table.

Hey friend--I'll be right back to join you. Florence and Thordak should be down any minute, and Mantooth . .. well, I don't know how long he'll be. maybe I'll go find him to make sure the Lord Jarmaath is OK . . . anyway, stick around, OK?

Then I go to Master Yab, or Roland if he's available. Hey--I'm going to go to the Shelyn temple to see about Cebre. Can I get my posessions from the lock box--should be that red gem, and a goodly sack of coins. (I'll wait)

Finally, with that done, I step outside and find the temple.

Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

To Bofus: Good luck with your tasks. I should be around, or I shall leave work with Master Yab should I step out for a while.

As Florence comes down into the taproom, she still seems totally shattered by the events. Spotting tirion, she walks over to his table and seats herself.

She grimaces and buries her face in her hands as she takes a deep breath.

You have me deepest sympathy m'lady. While your heart may be heavy, remember, she is now with others of her kind where elves frolic and orcs are never seen.

Hey--I'm going to go to the Shelyn temple to see about Cebre. Can I get my posessions from the lock box--should be that red gem, and a goodly sack of coins.

"Absolutely, Master Beechnut! That is the least that I can do after your assistance today." Trabalard departs briefly and returns with your possessions. "Here you go, my friend."

Florence has to grin about Tirion's comment and the sorrows fades from her countenance

I'm used to death and loss and I really think elves have a speacial place on their own plane of meta-existence, but I doubt they frolic there all the day. It was just so much bad luck she had...our plan was good, no dobt, but I still don't get why she was attacked by that creature instead of Mantooth...Nevermind, now Tirion, what do you plan to do next?

Well, as I said before, my initial plan was to compete in the Tournament. However, now my first plan is to explore the town and reequip. I lost many supplies when the bandits stole my faithful pony. Other than that, as with many gnomes, I have a bit of a wanderlust and was hoping to meet with others of a similar mindset.

Since you are staying in the Inn, I assume that you are not from Brindol. I understand that fair Cebre won the arcane division, such a tragic loss. Did you and any of you companions also compete?

Oh yeah, I think Thordak won the archery competition and Bofus won the Gauntlet, I'm not sure about the others though. If you're looking for some company, I think the others would welcome you to our small band of ne'er do wells.

She smiles and one might get the impression that Florence has already forgotten Cebre.

I would welcome the chance to join you all. From our brief encounter this morning, you seem to be a group with whom I could work. However, while we wait on Bofus and Mantooth, I have a few errands to run to get resupplied. Why don't we meet back her early this afternoon after we have all finished what we have this morning, then we can figure out how I would fit in with your party.

Unless Florence (and Thordak if he is down yet) requests that I stay, I will gather my stuff and head out into the town to resupply.

Florence agrees and will walk up to her room to get her and cebre's belongings in order.

If there are any magical possessions or things of worth I will put them aside to ask the the group if we should use them, later on.

So folks, what do your characters have planned for the day. I know of the following events coming up. What else do you wish to fit in?

• Bofus goes to find a Temple of Shelyn
• Mantooth meets with Lord Jarmaath
• Tirion needs to purchase some equipment today
• Possible Meeting with Rotskill today
• Florence performs in concert tonight at Vellorian's Playhouse

I'm planning on some extensive item buying/selling. We've got lots of masterwork weapons/armor so I'm hoping to find a buyer; I want to talk about a trade of magical leather armor for mithral shirt and buckler, and i want potions too. maybe a wand.

Oh, and I also want to find a buyer for the stuff that's still in Nextic's lair. I was going to ask Yab about it first, and offer him a significant discount.

Also, myself, Mantooth, Thordak, and Florence have to decide on whether Tirion is joining us! :-)

With a Gather INfo check of 27, if there's a Shelyn temple intown, I'm sure I'll find it!!

@Bofus

You are aware that there is no official temple of Shelyn in Brindol, but you are aware of a temple of Sarenrae called The House of the Healing Dawnflower ( See #8 on Map of Brindol ) and a Temple to Pharasma ( See #21 ). Perhaps somebody at either location can direct you to a priest of The Eternal Rose.

You know of two places for Weapons and Armor in town. The Delightful Shield is run by a beautiful blonde female human blacksmith named Sophia and The Bashing Hammer is run by a balding male blacksmith with a large moustache named Crektin.

Pharasma is closer. I'll inquire there. Pardon me, but do you know of the closest place I might find a holy person of Shelyn?

A short cleric greets Bofus at the temple. "You won't be finding any priests of Shelyn here, Mister, but I've herd on an old holy man of the Eternal Rose that lives here in Brindol. I don't know where he lives, but I hear that he frequents the art classes over at Brindol Academy. You may have some luck checking there."

OK, first to the Delightful Shield.

Good day m'lady. I've got some trading to do with you! First of all, if you recall that I was asking about a mitrhal shirt for one of my small stature. I'm wondering whether you'll do a straight trade of a mithral shirt AND a mithral buckler, for this little beauty . . .

I show her the encahnted armor I'm wearing. [/ooc]The resale value of +2 armor is approximately the same as the market value of light mithral armor and a mithral buckler. I'll leave it to you whether it's "close enough"[/ooc]

I've also got a bunch of masterwork armor and weapons I'd like to sell you, if you're buying. I can bring them by later today .. .?

Then, i'll head over to teh Brindol Academy. I'll try to find the priest who hangs out for the art classes.

Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

depending on how that turns otu, I'll tehn head back to the Wyvern, to discuss details with the rest of the gang.

Florence will wait eagerly for the evening to come. She plans to be an hour earlier than appointed at Verlorian's Playhouse.

@Bofus

Sophia smiles at the short bearded halfling. "You don't look the adventuring sort. Teehee. But I would be able to make the trade with you for the magical armor. Here try this one for size." Sophia presents you with a small shirt of mithral chain and a mithral buckler. "I think the small suit is going to look rather cute on you! And yes, I would be see what you have for masterwork weapons to trade."

Later at Brindol Academy

You arrive at the main building of Brindol Academy. Six great stone pillars rise up from the front steps to the triangular shaped roof of this classically designed building. Passing through a set of great oak double doors you step into an impressive entryway with stairs spirally ascending up the wall to the upper floors. To your right is a reception desk and behind it is a wide open door. A white bearded gentlemen steps out of the door to greet you. His face looks familiar, but he does not appear to recognize you through your disguise. "Good afternoon, sir. My secretary appears to be out at lunch. What can I do for you? I am Harmon Stipplelock, headmaster of this academy."

Headmaster Stipplelock, I was told I might be able to find someone at your academy. I have a friend in need of a Shelyn holy person, and I was told you may have a student fitting that description--distinguished gentleman like yourself, enjoys art classes . . .? Does this sound like something you could help me with?

"Oh yes, you must be referring to Condar Everimsar. He was indeed a holy priest of Shelyn. However, I would not think of him as exactly a student. He actually teaches some of our art classes here on a part time basis. In fact he is in the art studio working with a few students right now. If you would like to slip into the back of his class, I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I'm sure when his class is finished, he would be happy to talk with you. If you are willing, I can take you down to his room right now?"

Headmaster Stipplelock walks you down a few corridors and leads you to a door with a small but beautiful stain glass window in it. "This is his room. Good luck with your business." The headmaster quietly walks back to his office.

You tell me when it's evening time?

Headmaster, you've been most helpful and most gracious. Thanks much!!

I'll hang out serruptitiously in the back of the class until it's over, making sure I don't interrupt any students who wish to speak to Condar. Once he's unoccupied, I'll approach.

Uh, par'n me sir--you're Condar Everimsar, correct? The Headmaster tells me you're a Shelyn priest? I wonder if I may call upon your help in that capacity.
.
I have a friend who died just this morning--very tragic. She was the Arcane Challenge Champion, such a loss!! Well, her wishes were to be, uh, "taken care of" by the clergy of Shelyn. Would it be possible, sir, for you to see to her final rest? I'm certain I could pay you whatever you required . . . barring that, is there a Shelyn church anywhere nearby?

You walk into a class of eight students all working on drawing at easels. Laid out before you on a couch is a beautiful naked human female. She looks up and smiles at you as you enter. A kind, elderly man, who you believe to be Condar, looks over to you and gives you a nod. "It appears that our next model has just shown up, students. When you are ready, Sir, you can come over and pose on this bench, Mr. . . . I' sorry, I forgot your name?"

Folks, I want to tie up any loose ends before tonight's concert at Vellorians. Please indicate what you are planning to do.