DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Well, that went better than expected. Did you get anything interesting? I am guessing that the mighty hobgoblin Wyrmlord general likes gnomes even less now than he did before.

I tell everyone what went on and what I told, mislead, the general about.

If I had to guess, the army, or some part of it, will be arriving here before long. We ready to take this thing down. I wish there was another way.

Having trouble reading your draconic - looks a lot like Greek, but I can only get it about 60% translated.

Oh, and I am guessing that we are going to have visitors before long and might not want to be waiting right next to this bridge when they arrive.

Oh, so ye made it out alive! Well, not long after we got here a coupla manticores showed up here but we took care of 'em. Now it sounds like yer on the run. Go on an' wake the others, Oi'll get the mounts ready! Thordak says, waking a ruffled-Lulu and saddling her up.

If it is possible, I would like to try to get 2 hours of rest in so that I can recover my spells. Obviously if we have visitors, wake me up and we run.

Unfortunately, I think that taking this bridge down may be necessary due to the army up there, Bofus has the numbers, but it looks like there are over 1000 of them including numerous ogres and several hill giants as well as abysmal dragon spawn.

Wait, did they see ye or not? Are they comin' after ye?

Rather than typing a ton, feel free to reread the draconic spoilers.

Well, I just walked in as gave a bunch of guards, including one hill giant, a good swearing at in draconic. Eventually, I was invited to meet with the commander. The Wyrmlord general heard my story, but then announced that some goblin worgrider had returned before us and told him that Koth had been defeated. At this point he tried to have his dragonspawn grab me. I decided it was time to make an exit. I ran out, cast invisibility, and decided that what the wyrmlord really needed was a nice warm fire. So I lit his tent on fire, the one with all his maps and according to Bofus at least 2 more dragon gems. Unfortunately we were unable to secure the gems. Although Bofus did get some reports I believe.

I do not think that they know which direction I fled to, but I am sure they will be following soon enough. Probably not with the whole army as that is a big undertaking. But I would be surprised if we did not see some ogres and or giants here shortly.

I really wish we could weaken the stones in the middle of the bridge so that when there was substantial weight in it - say 3-5 giant types - that it would collapse to divide their forces.

Suddenly, Jorr Natherson comes running out of one the northeast tower with his dagger drawn wearing just his britches.

"What the de'il is going on oot here?! Well, well. Look whit the cat dragged in! It's the wee folk! So yae made it! Good, good! Glad tae see yae! Yae dannae look any worse for wear! So tell us ye' tale. Did yae see some big an nasty critters?"

Jorr listens to the tale with great interest as he stands there scratching his beard.

"Well pull m' beard and m' leg. If I didnae ken yae, then I widnae believe yae!"

"But I would be surprised if we did not see some ogres and or giants here shortly."

"Then we should make oorselves ready! I dannae ken whit yae all are feelin, but I dinnae lik hav'n the bridge here when we have giants aboot tae cross. I ken I like the bridge an all, but it would be daft tae keep it up! Especially now that ye've stirred up the wee hornet's nest!"

Boy, I hate it when I miss out on a buch of activity!! Between birthday parties and the Superbowl, didn't get a chance yesterday to post. :-)

Well, I must say, even though I dont' speak Draconic, our friend Tirion here was brilliant!! Bold as brass, he was. Walked rightup to giants and dragonspawn alike, just as daring as you please, all "I'm an important dragoney sorcerer, take me to your leader!!" Ha! I'll be telling THAT story for some time, it was great!! I clap Tirion on the back in glee. Man, that was something. Unfortunately, my disguise was rather poor, so I had to resort to hiding right away. I managed to filch these . . . Here I produce the army roster, and the letter . . . but as Tirion said, there were two Eyes of teh DRagon in the Wyrmlord's chest that I simply could not get to.

I look squarely at Thordak. We've got to take this bridge down NOW, before they get here. Otherwise . . . the Vale will be a ruin. I'm sorry.

I'll go back a bit and keep an eye out for company so we get some warning--these arms aren't going to be much good swinging a hammer! I'll shoot an arrow this way if anyone's coming, and then I'll hide in the woods to get in from behind, savvy?

I scamper off back toward the army and find a nice tree to climb where I can get a good vantage point of any incoming company.

Nodding in agreement with Bofus.

Right now, I think that getting 2 hours of rest would be most beneficial for me. I am nearly out of spells, and I am guessing that we may need some firepower shortly.

If there are any questions, I will answer them, otherwise, I find a place in one of the towers on the side opposite the Red Hand camp and crash for 2 hours to recover my spells- gotta love the Ring of Sustenance.

Aye, Oi think ye might be right this time...it seems like there's no other option, so... he says to Bofus, grimacing.

Thordak quickly makes a stout wooden spear, then ties himself to a tree and belays down to the eroded spot. There, he starts digging and prying around the stones to try to loosen them.

Knowledge, engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

@Thordak

You take your spear and begin prying and loosening stones around the tower. You are able to remove what you can through digging, but you are now at the point you will need to damage the stone with a pickaxe or hammer.

The eroded section of stone has hardness 8 and now has 34/40 hitpoints. A few more hits and you think you may be able to bring the bridge down. However, please note that Matthias is still sleeping in the northwest tower, and I don't know where Tirion is planning to sleep. I don't want to give you any ideas, but you may consider waking him, before you finish your work. :-). Thordak, I will also need to know what time you wish to start digging. It is currently about 1.5 hours before midnight.

My plan is to sleep in one of the south towers, or next to a tree south of there if there is a risk that the bridge may go down. And everyone should be across the bridge before Thordak finishes. Lulu can carry Thordak across afterwards.

Also, I have a stonemason's pick if Thordak wants it. Might be a little small, but is designed for this purpose.

Just before I scamper into the woods, I stop cold for a couple seconds, then run back with a big poop-eating grin.

You konw what would be fantastic?!?! If we could time it juuuuuust right, and have Tirion make someone like Thordak or Mantooth (and Lulu) invisible, stay here on this side, while part of the horde crosses teh bridge. Then, at a nice moment, take that last swing to bring the bridge down, jump on an invisible Lulu, adn fly ot the other side!! HAHAHAHA!
.
That's probalby too complicated . . .but man, that'd be fun!!

I skip back into the woods, makin gsure that I find a scouting place that's within easy bowshot of the bridge.

Mantooth is sleeping in the south west tower, as he is trying to regain his spells from the day.

The towers and bridge appear to be made with extraordinary thickness. However, as you investigate the southeast tower, you notice a great deal of erosion and weathering along the base of the tower near the edge of the gorge.

Please note that the weak spot of the bridge is on in the southeast tower. That is lower right on your map of the Skull Gorge Bridge. That also means that it is on the south side of the gorge.

If no enemies have arrived before I awake, then I would like to take a look at the letter Bofus grabbed to translate it.

•Starday, Rova 29, 4710. 2 hours after sunrise •

The evening passes uneventfully, and the rain appears to have stopped. You awake to the sound of distant horns blasting and the steady clomp of marching feet. Although you do not see the horde, you believe they are coming along the Dawn Way and approaching Skull Gorge Bridge.

Tirion, could you kindly make a literacy check for me.

Thordak climbs back up and retrieves Tirion's pick. He works dutifully through the witching hours, weakening the bridge foundation but being careful not to take it out completely.

...zzz....

Thordak wakes with a snort at the tramping of feet, rising quickly with axe in hand. Realizing that the threat is less imminent, he wakes Mantooth.
Mantooth, you wake the others an' keep watch. Oi'll knock out the bridge as soon as it's full o' the buggers. You whistle te let me know.
He then belays back down to the weakened foundation. There he waits.

At Mantooth's whistle, he takes one last swing at the foundation of the once-proud bridge.

Pick: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 =>3
Crit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 7) + 6 = 19 =>9

"Good Morning, Mantooth! I heard the blaring of horns and then the rumble of an army approaching. It was not until I looked around that I realized that it is just Thordak snoring! Does the dwarf plan on taking down this bridge or is he just going to just sleep there all day?!"

@Thordak

"Sound good! I'll stand at one end and hope they don't come across faster than you can swing that hammer!"

@Matthias

Back in the tower, Mantooth gives the cleric a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry, Matthias, but as hard as it is to believe that noise you hear now is the approach of thousands of goblin soldiers looking to do far more damage to us than a bad night's sleep thanks to Thordak snoring!" Mantooth says, gathering his things. "Collect your belongings and pray to Sarenrae that Thordak can bring the bridge down with them on it and us on safe ground."

With that, Mantooth begins going from tower to tower to wake up everyone.

@ Bofus

"Bofus, wake up! The horde is here!"

@ Tirion

The horde is here, Tirion, wake up!"

@ Jorr

"Jorr, there is a small goblin here saying he'd like to be your friend, please come down here!"

Linguistics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Remember, they had a pile of manticores and dragons, so we may have visitors on this side of the bridge as well.

Mantooth, stay off the bridge, I will make a sticky mess for them to have to crawl through while Thordak takes down the last stones.

Not sure about timing, but I assume I was awakened. I will cast Web on our end of the bridge, should cover the last 40 feet of the bridge in a nice sticky mess.

"Jorr, there is a small goblin here saying he'd like to be your friend, please come down here!"

"What?!!! Yae sae ther'sa wee gobbie that want's tae be mae friend?!! I dannae ken any such fella. Hmm? I wonder if he wants tae play fitba!"

Jorr quickly dresses, packs his equipment and races out to see what's coming.

"Crivvens! It sounds like the whole fitba team!"

Tirion, in the morning, upon wakening, you spend some time trying to decipher the coded draconic letter Bofus found in Wyrmlord Kharn's tent. With careful analysis, you believe the letter to read as follows:

After reading the letter - and hopefully before the arrival of the army.

Er, guys, we have a few other issues. This is the Army of the Red Hand, but according to this letter from their High Wyrmlord Azaar Kul, there are several other players. First, some Wyrmlord named Saarvith is apparently creating dragonspawn, likely those abominations Bofus and I saw, in the blackfens. And someone named Wyrmlord Stormcaller is apparently raising an undead army. Much as I dislike evil dragons and giants, at least they are predictable. Undead and dragonspawn sounds much more problematic.

Finally, our buddy Azarr Kul is apparently starting some rites to summon Tiamat herself. Which sounds like a really bad idea to me. I do not know where he is doing this, but it is probably somewhere we need to get to.

I also recite everything else in the letter so feel free to read the spoiler.

Mantooth runs to the edge of the bridge onto solid ground at Tirion's request, staying out of sight behind one of the towers for the time being.

•Starday, Rova 29, 4710. 3 hours after sunrise •

As you wait and listen, you hear the thunderous pounding of feet, horns blaring, hobgoblins chanting, shouting and making a great deal of noise in their rage like frenzy. However, so far, you are unable to see any of the horde. Suddenly, breaking down the road at a swift pace, come six goblin worg riders. You believe this to be the advance scouting party. In a short time they are nearly upon the bridge. Aside from Thordak, who is waiting at the edge of the cliff near the eroded section, you believe yourselves to be hidden from view.

Initiative

Bofus Initiative 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Mantooth Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Thordak Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Tirion’s Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Matthias Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Jorr Initiative 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Surprise Round

Bofus (unresolved)
Thordak (unresolved)
Jorr (unresolved)
Mantooth (unresolved)
Matthias (unresolved)
Tirion (unresolved)

Skull Gorge Bridge

Whisper: If it is just dogs, let them come forward. I can trap them, or we can just take them out. Lets try to get something big on that bridge. Some of those demonspawn or a giant.

I ready an action to cast Web once the front worg rider is to BL/40-41. I will center the web at BH40/BI41.

Thordak loads his crossbow and tracks the riders, but thinks better of it and presses himself against the tower instead.

Stealth:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Mantooth draws his sword and nods to Tirion. "I am worried that if you trap the riders on the bridge the rest of the force will see them and not want to cross."

Lets get these across and then take them out, I can then dismiss the web. We already have a dead dragon, two dead manticores, and a pile of scorched hobgoblins lying around. It is not like a few more dead worgs and goblins will make any difference.

I'll book over to BP 38, keeping under cover as much as possible, and hide there.

Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24

Surprise Round

Matthias maneuvers Humphrey over to southeastern tower (BP47) and tries to stay hidden.

Stealth 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Torag's beard, that must be Matthias! Didn't anybody teach the lad te use his armor!?

Surprise Round

Jorr steps to BP43, draws an arrow to his bow and readies an attack against the first thing that crosses the bridge.

"Stop makin a racket, yae fool o' a preacher! We are trying tae surprise the gobbies, nae invite them to tea!"

Surprise Round 1

• Bofus sneaks across the road to BP38.
• Thordak loads his crossbow and presses against the tower to stay hidden.
• Jorr readies a bow attack against the first thing crossing the bridge.
• Mantooth draws his sword.
• Matthias takes Humphrey and makes a fair amount of noise moving to BP47.
• Tirion readies an action to cast Web once the front worg rider is to BL/40-41. He centers the web at BH40/BI41.

• The Goblin Worg riders continue racing across the bridge trying to avoid the Tirion's Web spell that is being shot at them.

Reflex Saving Throw 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Reflex Saving Throw 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Although there is still plenty of Tirion's web to pass through, the two lead worgs have managed to avoid being enmeshed in the sticky strands thus far.

Tirion, I cannot recall your DC Save for your Web. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Battlemat

Surprise Round 2

Bofus (unresolved)
Thordak (unresolved)
Jorr (unresolved)
Mantooth (unresolved)
Matthias (unresolved)
Tirion (unresolved)

Surprise round
Thordak stays put, waiting for the bigger prey...

@DMHW - darn, I thought that I had cancelled the web - I guess I only said it in the bold. I actually intended to wait until all the worg riders were across and then cast it behind them to keep them from retreating.

The DC should be 17, a save means that they are not grappled, but they still move slowly as it is difficult terrain.

Tirion, that is fine. Let's just be more careful with what you declare. When I resolve rounds, I am getting faster, but I am looking directly at actions stated and not reading dialogue as carefully.

The goblin worg riders race across the bridge unhindered. They are nearly completely across.

Battlemat

Surprise Round 2

Bofus (unresolved)
Thordak (unresolved)
Jorr (unresolved)
Mantooth (unresolved)
Matthias (unresolved)
Tirion (unresolved)

Mantooth will wait until all of the worg riders are completely across and Tirion has shot his web before moving forward and taking a stab at the last one.
Can one ready a movement and attack?

Magnimarana Attack 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Magnimarana Damage 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Reflex 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 If Mantooth must avoid being entangled when entering the web

I'll shoot the first worg rider who shows his ugly face on this side of the bridge. Then I'll stowe my bow and get ready to stab stuff.

Sorry for the confusion. If it was big units - ogres, giants, etc. then it would have seal, trap, collapse. Since this is still worg scouts, then it is seal off, kill, then wait for the heavy units.

Ok - my first action will be to cast Web such that it catches the last 1-2 worgs, while effectively sealing off the other side of the bridge. Centered at BA40-41 once the last worg crosses the BB row.

Matthias will dismount from Humphrey, draw his scimitar and moves to BQ45.

"Blessed Dawnflower, please guide us that we may vanquish these worgs!"

Jorr releases his readied attack against the first worg.

Ranged Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"I hope yae like the feel o' an arrow in yer chest, cause I hope tae put plenty more there."

Surprise Round 2

The worgs race across the bridge and the attacks begin as you execute your readied actions.

• Bofus shoots at the first worg rider. (unresolved)
• Thordak (unresolved)
• Jorr shoots at the the Worg (BQ44) and hits the beast.
• Mantooth steps forward and attacks the Worg at BQ44 and damages it.
• Matthias dismounts and moves to BQ45
• Tirion casts Web and hits two worgs in the center of the bridge. One worg still remains on the other side. I may have retconned your actions, but I am not retconning my two saving throws. :-)

Goblin Worg Riders Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Battlemat

Round 1

Bofus (unresolved)
Thordak (unresolved)
Goblins and Worgs (unresolved)
Jorr (unresolved)
Mantooth (unresolved)
Matthias (unresolved)
Tirion (unresolved)

Remember with the savings throws, they are not grappled, but are still moving through difficult terrain and become grappled if they move and fail a reflex save.

"Anyone in the effect's area when the spell is cast must make a Reflex save. If this save succeeds, the creature is inside the web but is otherwise unaffected. If the save fails, the creature gains the grappled condition, but can break free by making a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as a standard action against the DC of this spell. The entire area of the web is considered difficult terrain. Anyone moving through the webs must make a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as part of their move action, with a DC equal to the spell's DC. Creatures that fail lose their movement and become grappled in the first square of webbing that they enter."

Surprise round
attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 <--ppfftt yeah right

ROUND 1

Draw rapier, 5' step to BP 39 then attempt to Feint on the rider.

Feint: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 <--vs DC of 10+BAB+Wis mod (or 10+Sense Motive, if higher)

Ye'ole Web.

Round 1

BQ39 Goblin Worg Rider attacks Bofus
Flat Footed for Round 2 due to Bofus' Feint attempt (DC 10+1=1 =10)

Shortbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 4

BQ38 Worg attacks Bofus

Bite 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 plus Trip
Trip Attempt vs. Opponent's CMD (Only if attack succeeded) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

BQ43 Goblin Worg Rider attacks Mantooth

Shortbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 4

BQ44 Worg attacks Matthias

Bite 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 plus Trip
Trip Attempt vs. Opponent's CMD (Only if attack succeeded) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

BT43 Goblin Worg Rider attacks Tirion

Shortbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 1

BT44 Worg attacks Tirion

Bite 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 plus Trip
Trip Attempt vs. Opponent's CMD (Only if attack succeeded) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Battlemat

Round 1

Jorr Natherson attacks the goblin worg rider at BQ43.

Dagger 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 2

"Stay still yae scrawny wee Gobbie!"

Round 1

By the light of the Dawnflower, if it is your will, guide me to slay this fiend of evil!"

Matthias swings his Flaming Scimitar at the Worg (BQ44) itself.

Scimitar 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Damage 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 5) + 3 = 14
Confirm Critical 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 3 = 10