DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Doesn't it figure that the days I'm not as available, you guys mostly are . . .

I'm too busy huffing and puffing from the exertion of the run, and from the indignity of the Kaal's lie, to respond properly. I'm thoroughly impressed with Tirion's improved lie, though, and use my breathless state to cover my initial surprise. Covering quickly, I look for an opportunity to assist in the deception--but I recognize that his lie was skillful enough that any attempt at embellishment from ME could blow it. So I'll just nod in agreement enthusiastically (but not TOO enthusiastically) while I continue to suck wind.

"I will not waste words with any of you any longer. However, I will warn each of you that you have made an enemy today. It is not wise to cross paths with Verasa Kaal!"

I cannot resist sticking my finger in this b~&~*'s eye. I give a curious glance to Teyani and address her directly. "Sergeant Sura, in your extremely professional opinion, if someone declares someone else an enemy after the target of their venom did nothing wrong, does that speak worse of the character of the accused, or the accusor?"

No!....*hoo*...puff*...Thisisnot...*Wheeze*...somethingthatcanwait...m'lady ! Thordak says, pushing his body through the door.

'Scuse me... he mumbles, reaching into his breeches and pulling out the vial of antidote.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Holding it up to Kiana, he exclaims This is the antidote! Give it to Jarmaath!...It's a long story!

Panting, hands on his knees, Thordak mutters something about armor and something else about tavern food.

"You didn't know what was happening until later? The baron setting up shop in your hall and bringing the hob goblin prince as his company didn't tip you off to anything odd? You strike me as a more perceptive man than that, Navrak."

"You are very perceptive yourself, my friend. Have you ever considered joining the rogue profession? Well, I admit, in my line of work, I have had to turn a blind eye to many things. I hated giving up my room to Trask, but letting the hobgoblins in the house was the final straw for me. I guess, he wanted to meet with them, and they in turn wanted to do a little reconnaissance of the city. Listen, Mantooth, I admit that I have trouble living up to your ideals and being able to live free of compromise, but in my position, I have been forced to make many decisions, many of which I have regretted. The least has not been getting involved with Trask."

"Thisisnot...*Wheeze*...somethingthatcanwait...m'lady! Scuse me... he mumbles, reaching into his breeches . . .

Kiana screams out in disgust at your last comment, before she understands what your are truly up to. "Uuuuugggh! You dirty old dwarf. How rude!"

"This is the antidote! Give it to Jarmaath!...It's a long story!"

Suddenly greatly relieved, Kiana breathes a sigh of relief and replies, "What did you say? An antidote? Speak up Master Thordak. Are you sure? What is this exactly and why do you keep it where you do? Never mind. Tell me, what am I suppose to do with this? Should I give Jarmaath the entire dose?"

As Verasa Kaal turns to leave for her carriage, Sura replies to your question and ask some in return.

"Sergeant Sura, in your extremely professional opinion, if someone declares someone else an enemy after the target of their venom did nothing wrong, does that speak worse of the character of the accused, or the accusor?"

"Mr. Beechnut, nothing is ordinary when you have someone such as Verasa Kaal involved, especially when questions of character are involved. In fact, today I have just tried to do what is just and right, but right now I don't know if I have just lost my job as a result of these choices. Well, Mister Beechnut, either way, you and I had better be on the watch for repercussions that will inevitably follow as a result of not obeying her every command. With Verasa Kaal, they always do! Now that she is departing, can you tell me the truth, did you have anything to do with stealing her Fire Opal?"

Never you mind where Oi keep things, lassie! Thordak says, almost chuckling to himself. Yes, give him all of it, will ye? An' quick!

@Thordak

Kiana quickly reaches over to Lord Jarmaath and opening his mouth, she pours the contents of the vial down his throat.

"There, its done. Now tell me, Master Thordak, what is going on here? Where in the world did you find an antidote? We have been completely unable to figure out the cause of his illness!"

Ulverth also chimes in, "Yes Master Dwarf, I too would like to hear your story. First of all, why are you so out of breath?"

Ahh... Thordak sighs, seeing that the antidote is properly administered. Oi'd love to, but Oi've got to go help a couple little fellows out of a jam, methinks...
With that, he stands and begins to leave once more. Over his shoulder, he calls You'll keep an eye on him, won't ye'? Oi'll be back before too long to tell you everything if'n ye like!

Thordak gathers his belongings and makes his way down to where the altercation with Verasa Kaal took place. Cutting his way through Tirion's seemingly omnipresent webs, he walks up to the guards.

Turning to Sura: I had nothing to do with stealing any jewels of hers - although with her personality, I am guessing the majority of this good town would love to see her robbed blind. I was just as amazed as everyone else that the fire opal was on me. I assume she is very good at sleight of hand and either placed the fire opal on me as she was first accusing me, or it was never on me and she had it in her hand the entire time. If you have any spells which would show what person possessed and/or held the fore opal, I ask you to use them - I am sure that you will find the only person to have held that jewelry was Ms. Kaal herself.

I guess, think of it this way - how would I, a practitioner of the arcane arts, have stolen jewelry like that, and more particularly, if I was so skilled that I could steal from someone as perceptive and powerful as her, why would I be walking down the street past her carriage with it in broad daylight. She is a slighted spiteful woman who did not get her way and decided that it would be fun to show her power to the smallest two people in town.

I realize that I never made the perception check called for earler:
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Sergeant, I didn't see it happen, but believe me--I KNOW a scam when I see it. The "Lady" there planted that opal on my friend here. I had no idea she had any skills in the light-fingered department, so I was caught unawares and didn't actually see her. But I also invite you to use whatever divination magic you desire--we are completely innocent. Neither of us laid a finger on that jewel, or anything else belonging to Kaal.
.
As far as why she's got it in for us, well . . . I lean in conspiratorially . . . between us, I'm related to a halfling clan nearby who, shall we say, don't get along well with the Kaals. You know she's the kind of woman to hold a grudge, and also that she'll assume the worst of who she WANTS to percieve as an enemy even if she has no proof they ARE an enemy! She undoubtedly thinks I'm a veyr close relative to that clan in question, although she has no proof other than her twisted intuition.
.
Sergeant, I thank you very kindly for your timely and courageous intervention on our behalf. If there's anything I can do to assist you that may be . . . uh, outside yoru official capacity, I'd be only to happy to assist you.

Do I need a Bluff check to send her a secret message of what I"m talking about???

If you'll excuse us, we have to see to the Lord Jarmaath in his time of crisis! Shall we, Tirion?

@Bofus, Tirion

No Bluff check needed unless you want to be clearer on what you are offering to do.

"If there's anything I can do to assist you that may be . . . uh, outside yoru official capacity, I'd be only to happy to assist you."

Sura replies, "The best thing you can do to help me, is to stay out of trouble and stay out of her way. I don't want this incident and my actions to come back and bite me. Now, I think we are all set here. You are free to go. Fare well!"

Thank you for your help Sura - I will do all I can to avoid her, although considering her last comment, I am guessing that trouble is going to be following the two of us for a while.

I dispel the web and Bofus and I quickly head to the castle where we meet Thordak. Despite Thordak's previous post, I doubt he would have had time to get to the castle, give the antidote to Lord Jarmaath, and get back to us before we were done annoying Kaal. We probably get there about the time Thordak is heading back out past his favorite guard.

"The best thing you can do to help me, is to stay out of trouble and stay out of her way. I don't want this incident and my actions to come back and bite me. Now, I think we are all set here. You are free to go. Fare well!

Ha!! Funny thing is, we were specifically TRYING to stay out of her way!! Thanks again Sarge, we'll be careful.

@Tirion: ...careful to poke that insufferable bully in the eye every chance I get!! Man, what a biotch. I can't *wait* to see her son get smacked down and Strictland reinstated.

I'll head off with Tirion to catch up to Thordak and see whether Jarmaath lives!!

Bofus and Tirion depart Sura and head up the hill to Brindol Keep. You are able to meet with Ulverth and Kiana before Thordak departs.

"Well met gentlemen!" Ulverth greets you.

Good afternoon Captain. How is Lord Jarmaath. I apologize that we were delayed, but we had a run in with Ms. Kaal. Rolling eyes. Did Thordak make it here with the antidote?

"I am afraid that these are grim time. I doubt that Jarmaath will last the night. However, your friend Thordak has brought up an antidote, and we have given it to Lord Jarmaath, but we are waiting to see if it has any effect. We can only hope for the best. So tell me, are you all responsible for procuring this antitoxin?"

Well, we assisted. A few nights ago, my friend here. Pointing at Bofus. Saw someone discussing stealing a plant from within the castle. While this seemed odd, he did not think much of it as it was just a plant.

Then the other night following the incident with the devil at the theatre, we saw a suspicious gentleman hurry out of the theatre. Once again, my sneaky friends followed him. He went down into the sewers below Brindol and then disappeared into a concealed door. Little was heard, but we decided to investigate this further, so this morning we went back into the sewer and overheard a heated argument which included the name Trask. Knowing that Baron Trask had been linked or tied to several recent problems recently, we decided to further investigate the concealed door with our full party - including all the surviving Tournament Champions.

Thus, we went down and carefully entered the secret door where we were attacked by several well armed thugs. Once they were dispatched, we proceeded further into this labyrinth where we overheard the person we though was Baron Trask himself, in addition to several people with distinctly goblin accents. When we opened the door, we were attacked by the Baron, his magician, one of your citizens, a Mr. Kruel, and several powerful hobgoblins. We managed to defeat all of them, but just barely and not without sustaining substantial injuries.

Once the Baron and the chief of the hobgoblins were dispatched, Mr. Kruel surrendered and informed us that there was a plant which was stolen from the castle in a storeroom in the guild and that it was protected by several more hobgoblins and a mighty forest drake. Mr. Kruel offered to assist us in defeating these monsters, and with his assistance we managed to defeat the drake and hobgoblins. As Mr. Kruel had noted, there was a small red plant in the storeroom.

We took this to the only person we knew to be skilled in alchemy, Thordak's friend Dalgar, who examined the plant and said that it would make a potent antidote - and that if this was the cure then it should work. She did warn us that if we were wrong that the antidote could be fatal. However, we decided that it was worth the risk since the good priests and clerics appeared to be unable to heal Lord Jarmaath and we could see no reason for Mr. Kruel to be lying to us with Baron Trask dead. Furthermore, the Baron's request that this particular plant be stolen from the castle only days before the poisoning attempt seemed particularly timely in conjunction with the poisoning attampt.

I apologize for the long explanation, but that should bring us to the present. Is there any more explanation that you need?

Lars Ulverth listens to Tirion expound in great detail of the attack on the Baron and the Hobgoblins and pays particular attention to the mention of an underground hideout.

"Did you say that you eliminated Baron Trask?! This is marvelous news indeed! He has caused the Lord great political trouble over the years and has always been a thorn in his side. He has also been a villainous tyrant to his people. I do hope Kerden will recover enough to hear the good news!"

. . . "Dalgar, you say? This does not give me much hope or confidence for the fate of our Lord. That woman in a fraud of a healer and I doubt that she would be able to do much. Had I realized that she was involved in the elixir I would have stopped you right away. I just hope she hasn't killed him. If she does, at least I will have a good excuse to arrest her!"

. . . "So where did you say this hideout was located? Did you find Narvak Kruel there? He is a very dangerous man, and I would watch your back if you are anywhere near him. Furthermore, he is as slippery as a fish. So where is he now?"

" I appreciate the thoroughness of your explanation. I have much to follow up on, and this is a big help. I think I will start in this hidden lair!"

Uh, Captain . . . might I humbly suggest you keep careful and full watch on the good Lord Jarmaath through the night? I mean, if Trask is as crafty as it sounds like he was, he could well have some contingency planned if his assasination of Jarmaath failed. I'd venture to guess that after tomorrow morning the Lord would be safe, as news of the BArons' death will spread quickly--but if he has any lackeys we don't know about, they could be poised to strike in the event of this failed poisoning.

I begin looking around our immediate vicinity for said agents of Trask.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"Uh, Captain . . . might I humbly suggest you keep careful and full watch on the good Lord Jarmaath through the night? "

Hmm? Do you really think he is still in any danger from other assassination attempts. I still have not been able to find any lead on the attempt on his life at the Tournament. I am still unclear if that was an attempt on his life or the ambassador's. However, perhaps you are right. His life already hangs by a thread and we need to give him any fighting chance we can get. I will stay and guard him myself!"

"However, Kruel and the Blackscarzzi would be my first suspects. While I stay guard here, would you be able to locate Sergeant Tayani Sura and ask her to bring a patrol of Brindol lions down to that den of thieves? We need to gather as much information as we can on the Blackscarzzi and their plans? I want to know their every move before they make it. I don't trust that Kruel fellow at all. Perhaps Once you get a hold of Sura, could you kindly lead her back down to their lair? Thank you again, gentlemen, for all that you have done in the service of the people of Brindol!"

"However, Kruel and the Blackscarzzi would be my first suspects. While I stay guard here, would you be able to locate Sergeant Tayani Sura and ask her to bring a patrol of Brindol lions down to that den of thieves? We need to gather as much information as we can on the Blackscarzzi and their plans . . .

Sir, may I ask . . . for how long as the Blackscarzi been a thorn in the side of the laws of Brindol? Because it seems to me that Kruel was sincere in his assertions that he was forced to work with Trask; that he didn't know of the assassination attempt until it was well underway; and that he provided material assistance in stopping the plot and--hopefully--saving Jarmaath.

@Bofus, Thordak, and Tirion

Captain Lars Ulverth smiles at your questions and responds politely.

"Mr. Beechnut, I can tell that you have such an open and trusting heart. I hope that never changes about you. However, when you've been around as long as I have, you learn not to trust these rogues. They aren't like you who perform clever tricks with your nimble fingers to entertain guests or to test your wit and skill in competition. These cutthroats use their stealth and deception to steal and take advantage of those who have worked hard to achieve their success. Thank goodness we have laws to create order in our society, and those who choose to break those laws need to pay the price. You have such a romantic notion of being a burglar, but I assure you, in real life, it is not so glamorous.

If the Blackscarzi chose to get involved with Baron Trask, then that's their own poor choice, and they deserve what's coming to them. They have been plotting and scheming behind my back for years. I always felt like they were laughing at me behind the scenes. I'm glad you were able to find their hidden lair. I have been trying to find it for years and it has always eluded me. Hehe. We'll see who gets the last laugh now. This is why it is so difficult for me to stay here tonight, but I trust Sergeant Sura will be able to handle the assignment. She may not be as seasoned as I am, but she has a good head on her shoulders. So keep strong, my halfling friend, and don't let them persuade you any differently. I will be here when you get back."

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@Mantooth, Florence and Matthais

"So how about it, do you care to play a game of Roll the Bones? Here, its nice and simple, start with 5 of these decadice and roll it as such."

1d10 ⇒ 7
1d10 ⇒ 9
1d10 ⇒ 4
1d10 ⇒ 9
1d10 ⇒ 5

"Hmm, it looks like I could work for three 9s or try to go for a run of 4, 5, 6, followed by a 7. Well, let me try for the run. So I will keep the 4, 5, and 7, and reroll my 9s, hoping that I will get the six with at least one of my two remaining rolls. Here goes."

1d10 ⇒ 3
1d10 ⇒ 3

"Ahh, not quite, but in the end, it looks like I got a run of 3, 4, 5. That's not bad. Now I can can choose just one more reroll. Since I've got my run of 3, I am going to pick up this lasst 3 and try for my six again."

1d10 ⇒ 10

"Ahh, not quite. But I still got my run of three in. Here, why don't you folks take some decadice and give em a roll. To make it interesting, let's wager 20 gold pieces on the winning results. How does that sound?"

I am standing back frowning while I watch both Narvak and the other prisoners. As I hear Narvak discuss a wager, I try to catch Florence and Mantooth's eyes. When I do, I shake my head.

If Mantooth does not stop, I will call him over.

Remember your oaths as a paladin. To uphold the law. While playing dice and cards is frowned upon, it is not against the law in Brindol. However, gambling most definitely is.

"Remember your oaths as a paladin. To uphold the law. While playing dice and cards is frowned upon, it is not against the law in Brindol. However, gambling most definitely is."

"Oh shut up, Teskerwill! Stop being such a stick in the mud! We're just having a little fun. There is no harm in throwing a few dice to pass the time. Mantooth knows his vows and the law and he knows that this doesn't count as gambling. This is just a fun match."

"Listen, Mantooth, I admit that I have trouble living up to your ideals and being able to live free of compromise, but in my position, I have been forced to make many decisions, many of which I have regretted. The least has not been getting involved with Trask."

"While I may disagree with your life choices, Narvak, I do not consider you an evil man. That being said, I believe you will respect my decision to not play. Matthias is right - I have taken an oath that does prevent me from participating in such.. activities. I hope that you do not mind that our interests differ in that respect." Looking at the cleric, Mantooth can see that he is slightly perturbed but continues to talk to the rogue. "What I am interested in, though, Narvak, is your thoughts on this "Red Hand" business. That mage laying in the dirt over there seems to be in favor of them, so I can't imagine their a lawful bunch. What do you suppose they will do now that Trask is dead and those gems that they wanted aren't there's any longer?"

Before letting the rogue respond Mantooth adds "By the way, where does that passage lead to?" He says, gesturing to where Bofus, Tirion, and Thordak left through. "What's up there?"

""While I may disagree with your life choices, Narvak, I do not consider you an evil man. That being said, I believe you will respect my decision to not play. Matthias is right - I have taken an oath that does prevent me from participating in such.. activities. I hope that you do not mind that our interests differ in that respect."

"I appreciate your kind words. I am also glad to respect our differences. Obviously, there is no pressure to play, Sir Longbrow. It was simply idle amusement to pass the time. The choice is entirely up to you. I admit, that I don't have as much religion to sustain me as you do, and I need other distractions in my life to keep me amused."

"What I am interested in, though, Narvak, is your thoughts on this "Red Hand" business."

"Well, I admit that I do not trust that red hand bunch one bit! Trask thought that by having an alliance with them, he would be able to use them to cause some trouble in the nearby towns and help strengthen his position as a Baron of this region. He already rules Elsircross and Red Rock. I think he always had his eyes on adding Brindol and Marthon to his little empire, but he never knew a way to get rid of Jarmaath and the Brindol Lions. I think he was hoping the Red Hand hobgoblins would be able to help him that matter."

"By the way, where does that passage lead to?"

"Oh that's just another escape route out of the lair. It's probably the cleanest way out because you don't need to enter the sewers at all. It leads up to an old barn of sorts. However, we try not to use it too much, because we didn't want to draw attention to the locals. You know, just in case they grow suspicious."

I'll just sit and hum, when I'm offered the dice, I shake my head

I feel it's not a good day for dice games...hey Matthais, what do you think takes them so long?

Narvak interjects, "Well, knowing Bofus, He probably went to find some suds at a pub along the way. I think he forgot that we are already well stocked down here!"

Turning to Bufus and Thordak:
Well, I suppose we should go find the Sergeant and get back with the others.

Turning back to the Captain: Sir, we will go and find your Sergeant and show her the secret guild we found. However, I ask that no judgment be rendered until such time as a proper trial has been had. I understand that he has been a thorn in your side all these years. But, if you pass judgment without allowing the judicial system to take its course, then you are no better than those you would accuse.

Use whatever means are at your disposal to determine the guilt of Mr. Kruel and his associates, but please, for your sake and the sake of this good city make sure that Lord Jarmaath is aware of the proceedings and the proper proceedings are used.

I give Tirion a slightly suprised, but thankful, look. Well said, my dark friend!! Yes, the rule of law is the way to go, innit Cap'n?! Can't let our emotions get the better of us, Justice is Blind, and all that. We'll find the good Sergeant and show her the way.

Once we're away from the Captain and heading in teh direction Sula was going, I'll confide to Tirion in low tones.

I nod thoughtfully, fearing the worst

Yeah, maybe.

@Bofus, Tirion, and Thordak

You quickly return to the site where you saw Sergeant Sura last and after inquiring with a few people you find that she is on patrol not far away. In a short time, you are able to approach her.

"Well met, again! Have you finished with your urgent business already?"

[b]Sarge, on order of Captain Ulverth, we have to show you something. You might want to bring a few soldiers with you--but just a few, you shouldn't need many. Once she's ready, I'll (somewhat reluctantly) lead the way to the hideout.

Retcon to add this in before we meet the Sergeant, please!

Eavesdrop: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

In moi opinion, Thordak says, interposing his beard between the little ones, That hide-out wouldn't be half bad to keep for ourselves! ...O' course, that is if Nerve-rack doesn't end up keepin' it...

Thordak strokes his beard and continues while they walk.

Now...he says he didn't mean harm, an' that's believable, but Oi don't agree with stealin' from folks. Oi think the Lions could put him to good use if he's willin', either as a spy and connection, or as a full-on city watchman like ol' cap'n Lars there. Thordak says indicating over his shoulder with a thick thumb. Wot about you boys?

" I admit, that I don't have as much religion to sustain me as you do, and I need other distractions in my life to keep me amused."

"Have you thought about paying a visit to the Cathedral of Peace Though Vigilance? I am by no means calling you ignorant, Narvak, but I think there is much you could learn from stopping by and speaking with any of the priests or priestesses." If the rogue looks disinterested, Mantooth will continue. "It would not hurt you, Narvak. Consider it returning the favor for dispatching the Baron."

"Well, I admit that I do not trust that red hand bunch one bit! Trask thought that by having an alliance with them, he would be able to use them to cause some trouble in the nearby towns and help strengthen his position as a Baron of this region."

"Are they just a group of hobgoblins, then? If they are a force large enough to cause trouble in these towns how did the Trask think that he would be able control them? Speaking of hobgoblins, is that the first of that chief you had seen around these parts?"

To both Bofus & Thordak while walking:

Agreed on all counts. I will give Kruel a slight benefit of the doubt - which is why I did not just zap him a few more times with the wand. Kaal on the other hand, that devious b**** planted her jewelry on me and accused me of theft. If I were going to steal something, I would not be so overt as to walk past her and flaunt it the next day. Yes - she is a bad person, I do not know whether she is in fact evil, but I will make sure that we ask Mantooth to check her out next time we run into her - preferably on a charging mount.

Retcon to add this in before we meet the Sergeant, please!

I hadn't realized you were there, but that's fine. I'd have shared my thoughts w/Thordak, so go ahead and read the spoilers

In moi opinion, Thordak says, interposing his beard between the little ones, That hide-out wouldn't be half bad to keep for ourselves! ...O' course, that is if Nerve-rack doesn't end up keepin' it...

Well, I personally prefer Nextic's old place. It's roomier, better stocked, and less . . . poopy.

Now...he says he didn't mean harm, an' that's believable, but Oi don't agree with stealin' from folks. Oi think the Lions could put him to good use if he's willin', either as a spy and connection, or as a full-on city watchman like ol' cap'n Lars there. Thordak says indicating over his shoulder with a thick thumb. Wot about you boys?

There's folks, and there's folks. Me, I don't steal from anyone who doesn't deserve it, or just for fun. Now, if Mr. Kruel only stole from Kaal-style fops who got THEIR largess from squeezing honest folk, I'd sign up to be his second-in-command. In any case, you raise an interesting point on him finding a new line of work--but while he'd definitely be effective at thinking like a thief, I doubt he'd have teh temperment for guard duty.

@Mantooth, Florence, and Matthais

"Have you thought about paying a visit to the Cathedral of Peace Though Vigilance?"

"Hahaha! You make me laugh, Sir Longbrow! You really think those priests would welcome an old villain like me? I'm not sure I even know how to pray. I can see the excitement when they put the collection plate in front of me. That would be rich!"

"It would not hurt you, Narvak. Consider it returning the favor for dispatching the Baron."

"Hmm? I am ever grateful for your kind deed! I really am. I am not sure that I would have dared take down the Baron alone. But tell me, Mantooth, what do you think I could gain with a little religion? You sword wielding lady of light, would not be very welcoming of someone who has opposed law at every turn. I am not sure I would feel the fear that you all experience."

___________________________
@Bofus, Tirion, and Thordak

"Sarge, on order of Captain Ulverth, we have to show you something. You might want to bring a few soldiers with you--but just a few, you shouldn't need many."

"So what is it that Ulverth wants you to show me? Why didn't the captain simply come find me himself?"

Follow us m'lady Sergeant. Lets just say we found some people who I have been told you have been looking for for quite some time. You will probably want to bring at lest 4-5 of your more trusted guards.

I look to Bofus and Thordak for confirmation. And then lead the way to the hidden entry we left through.

@Tirion, Bofus, and Thordak

"Follow us m'lady Sergeant. Lets just say we found some people who I have been told you have been looking for for quite some time. You will probably want to bring at lest 4-5 of your more trusted guards."

"Four or five guards? This sounds dangerous, but I can gather them up in just a moment. So who are these people that you found?"

Sergeant Sura leads you to a nearby guard post where she enters and calls out the following soldiers, " Maliki, Kardok, Farlesk, and Raztor, grab your stuff. You are with me! We've got a job to do!"

Waiting just a moment, the four guards don their armor and swords and report that they are ready.

"Brindol Lions, ready for duty, Mam!"

Turning to you, she says, "Ok my friends. We are ready. Lead us onward!"

I lead the impromptu group back to the barn whence we egressed. If we pass anyone on teh way who looks askance or doesn't move promptly, I say officially stand aside, please, official Lions business!! and I thumb back to the Sergeant (and give her a wink and a smile).

As we get to the barn in question, I don't hesitate--I lift the trap door with a It's this way, follow me! and immediately begin jogging down teh stairs.

As we get to the trap door, I warn the guards: Watch out for the 5th step. We believe that it is trapped, most likely we think that it will gave anyone stepping on it s serious shock.

I have not clue exactly which step it was, but that is the one I point out. If it was not the 5th step, then just insert the correct number in place of 5th.

Oh, yeah!! Thanks Tirion. I forgot all about that!! It's this step here . . .

I jump over a step onto the next.

@Bofus, Tirion, and Thordak

As Bofus climbs down the steps, he accidently triggers an electrical trap that releases an arcane burst of energy upon him.

4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 6) = 19 Reflex Save DC 20 for half

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@Matthais, Florence, and Mantooth

Suddenly, Narvak Kruel gets up casually and says, "Please excuse me gentlemen. I will be back in just a moment."

Navrak stands up and exits through the tavern door to the north.

I have been standing by the door watching Navrak throughout our time downstairs.

I put my arm up. You are going to stay here in our sight until the others return. I do not care if it takes all day. You are a blight on this city and have been so for years, I am not going to let you escape out some other hidden exit.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

If he forces his way through my extended arm, I will turn and follow him stepping exactly where he does to avoid any traps. I also wave to Mantooth and Florence to follow.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Thordak cannot contain a laugh as he sees Bofus hopping down the stairs, only to be zapped into the air. He carefully follows, stepping over the step he thinks is trapped.

@Mantooth, Matthais, and Florence

"You are a blight on this city and have been so for years, I am not going to let you escape out some other hidden exit."

Narvak becomes very agitated by Teskerwill's comment and suddenly become much more forceful in his conversation.

"Let's not be such as pompous ass, Teskerwill. I have treated you as a guest in my home and you are certainly not a Lion. So step aside, before someone gets hurt!"

Intimidate 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Matthais is shaken by Narvek's intimidation for the next two rounds.

______________________________________
@Thordak, Bofus, and Tirion.

You cannot recall what step is trapped. You will need another Perception Check (DC 20) to determine which step the electrically charged trap was on.

I draw my sword and press the tip against his back

You won't go anywhere!

Perception1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Sense Motive1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

He is lying anyway, he won't come back once we let him go.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Upon noticing the small humming light above the door frame and seeing the others actions, Mantooth draws Magnimarana but does not point it at the Narvak. When Florence says he doesn't plan on coming back, he frowns.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"Narvak, please. I hope you are not off-put by my suggestion to visit the cathedral. We are giving you a choice to be here under your own will. I do not want to have to bind you like the rest of Trask's goons. I implore you, sir, please cooperate with us a bit longer and you may yet to see your guild kept. If you flee now, we will no longer be able to help you."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Matthias is not effected by Mantooth's Aura of Courage?

I assume with Thordak's promethian 22 perception check, he remembered which step was trapped?