DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

I really do not want to make decisions for you, so please discuss with each other and decide. Where are you going? Witchcross and then north, Brindol, or somewhere else? When you are ready, let me know.

Witchcross and north.

aye.

Wealday, Lamashan 3, 4710, Two hours after noon.

You leave Talar moving north along a trail. It appears a little rougher than the Dawnway, but is certainly passable on horseback. As early afternoon arrives, you reach Witchcross, a large village located at the ford of the Witchstream. A guard eyes you suspiciously as you cross the bridge into town.

"What's your business here?" He remarks sternly.

We are merely passing through on our way north. Although we would like to speak with you town leaders regarding events further south.

"Is that so? Well, the Duke is busy at the moment and will not be able to take any visitors right now! If you want to leave him a note, I can see that it is presented to him. You can write can't you?"

Actually, we ran into the Duke in Talar. He asked to deliver a message to your other leaders before we continued on our way north.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Actually, we ran into the Duke in Talar. He asked to deliver a message to your other leaders before we continued on our way north."

"The Duke? That's impossible! He's in his own keep! Besides, what the hell would the Duke be doing in Talar?! He lives here in Witchcross! And what other leaders would he be talking about?! He is the only one! If you mean the old druids that live in the nearby woods, then that is laughable. He wouldn't send a message to them unless it said something like 'I need some more firewood, please send me some more trees to burn!' Haha! That's a good one! I appreciate the laugh, but now get lost!"

Well then, if you liked that joke, here is something else you might like.

I cast Dancing Lights and put on a quick show for him.

Once he is enjoying himself, I cast Charm Person (DC16) on the guard.

"'Hey, those lights are pretty fancy. What are you, some kind of performer?"

Will Save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"You know, once you get over the fact that you are rather unusual looking, you really are quite a charming little imp! What can I do for you?"

Well, as I said, we would like to speak with those in charge of the town. Is the Duke around? We met someone in Talar who claimed to be the Duke, a younger chap. Is the Duke actually older? Or did we meet his son or some imposter?

"Well, as I said, we would like to speak with those in charge of the town. Is the Duke around?"

'Well, as I told you, the Duke is the only one in charge around here. He should be in the keep, but I'll warn you, he really doesn't like visitors. To be honest, I'm usually not welcome in the keep. I don't know who you met, but certainly the Duke is no geezer if that's what you think. He is a pretty tough and shrewd man. So head across town to the big castle on the left. You can't miss it. Good luck getting in!"

Thank you, and before we go, I have one more question. Does the Duke look like . . . I give him a description of the Duke from Talar.

"Yeah, that's the fella! Short reddish hair with the earring in the left ear! I don't know what kind of statement he is making, but that's just my opinion."

Thank you very much. If I may ask, how late do you keep the gates open? And are you ever assigned to the gates on the north side of town?

_______
Assuming that he does not have anything else vital to say, we continue into Witchcross.

Whisper to the others: Interesting, he does not even know that the Duke is not in town. How much you want to be we have a clone standing in for the Duke while he seeks to raise a drow army in Talar. It will be interesting seeing who we meet when we ask for the Duke to warn him of the coming horde.

Witchcross is a large town with busy streets. You pass several inns including the following: The Belching Boar, The Baalzepub, and The Tipsy Troll. People seem far too busy with their everyday business to pay much attention to you. You do notice a large keep on the north side of town that you can only presume belongs to the Duke.

Where in town do you wish to proceed?

Thordak heads over to the Belching Boar first to see what the word in town is.

Mantooth heads directly to the keep. He glances up at the presumably interesting sign reading "Belching Boar" and gives Thordak a pat on the back as he splits off. "Iomedae be with you in there, friend."

If someone is accompanying Mantooth to the keep, the paladin will stop and discuss any game plan before moving forward to the keep.

After the deliberations, or not, the paladin makes his way to the keep and speaks to whomever greets him first. "Good afternoon. My name is Sir Mantooth Longbrow and my companions and I come from Brindol to deliver news to your leader. I must request that we speak with him or her immediately."

Diplomac 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Thordak orders a Tankard of ale.

Barkeep! Ale fer a thirsty Dwarf! An' news if ye've got it!

I head to the keep with Mantooth.

@Belching Boar

'Barkeep! Ale fer a thirsty Dwarf! An' news if ye've got it!"

"Coming right up, Dwarf! Ol' Jackoby has just the thing you've been looking for. Raging Witch Fireale! It's the best drink in town!"

The barkeep returns in a moment with your ale and says, "As for news, the most important that we've heard in these parts is that the old Rhest Trail north has been closed. I heard a patrol of Brindol Lions went North to try and clear it out, but only one returned. The rhest were all destroyed by ogres! Hehe, the Rhest were killed, yae get it? Ahh nevermind! So anyway, where did you come from and what news do you bring?"

@Murandal Keep

""Good afternoon. My name is Sir Mantooth Longbrow and my companions and I come from Brindol to deliver news to your leader. I must request that we speak with him or her immediately.""

"Nice to meet you, Sir Longbrow. I am honored to meet such a distinguished knight, but I am sorry to say that Duke Murandal is busy at the moment and is not prepared for visitors this afternoon. I could pass word along and perhaps he could make an appointment for you in the near future."

Good man, we do not have the time to wait as we must continue our voyage north shortly to see why the Rhest trail has been closed. The Lord of Brindol sent us and does not wish for the trail to remained closed.

However, it is imperative that we speak with your Lord. The news we bring at the request of Lord Jaarmath is of a very sensitive nature and may cause great harm to this good town if ignored.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

You guys go ahead to teh keep. I'm going to fliter through the town, pick up what I can--see what the common word is on the easrtwhile Duke!

I'll start by following Thordak to the Boar (so I heard about the Rhest trail). Then I'll just move about, Gathering Info.

Diplomacy (Gather Info):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

specifically, I'm looking for
* how teh common folk feel about the Duke and his rule
* any rumors about his deeper designs
* who's next in line to run this joint, and what are THEY like
* how important is the Rhest Trail to local security--is having it closed goign to impede citizens' flight to Brindol?

Nice diplomacy roll, Tirion!!

Thordak raises a bushy eyebrow at the inkeep and takes a drink of ale.

Ogres, ye say? Oi'm not exactly findin' that funny. Tha news Oi bring ain't cheery neither--yer town is probably gonna hafta evacuate. There's a helluva horde o' goblins an' ogres and' all kinds o' nasty creatures headed through tha vale. An' they've got Dragons too. he says, taking another drink and watching the barkeeps response.

* how the common folk feel about the Duke and his rule
* any rumors about his deeper designs
* who's next in line to run this joint, and what are THEY like
* how important is the Rhest Trail to local security--is having it closed goign to impede citizens' flight to Brindol?

• The people of Witchcross are not overly fond of the Duke, but they are not comfortable talking about it in fear that they will suffer repercussions from the authorities.

Ogres, ye say? Oi'm not exactly findin' that funny. Tha news Oi bring ain't cheery neither--yer town is probably gonna hafta evacuate. There's a helluva horde o' goblins an' ogres and' all kinds o' nasty creatures headed through tha vale. An' they've got Dragons too.

"Dragons, Ogres, horde of goblins. I tell you. This world just isn't the same as it use to be. When I was a kid, running around these nearby woods, the big creature we had to worry about was the Ol Spikeytusk, the biggest wild boar in the Witchwood. However, to be honest, I think Spikeytusk is one of our friendlier beasts around. At least you knew where you stood with 'em."

• The people of Witchcross are not overly fond of the Duke, but they are not comfortable talking about it in fear that they will suffer repercussions from the authorities.

• Nobody really knows his deeper plans, except that he rules like a tyrant.
• The Duke has a brother who would take over rule when he is done, but he is not much better.

Further question, after learning these:

"Good man, we do not have the time to wait as we must continue our voyage north shortly to see why the Rhest trail has been closed. The Lord of Brindol sent us and does not wish for the trail to remained closed."

The guard at the keep listens and appears genuinely surprised to hear your comment. He replies, "The Rhest trail has been closed? When did that happen? Do you know why?"

"However, it is imperative that we speak with your Lord. The news we bring at the request of Lord Jaarmath is of a very sensitive nature and may cause great harm to this good town if ignored."

"I appreciate your position. It must be tough when you are bossed around by lords and counts all the time, but I assure you, I have my orders and Duke Murandal is busy and does not want to be disturbed. Perhaps you would be willing to speak to the Magistrate. He may be able to listen to your concerns. Shall I go and find him for you?"

* who is next *after* the brother?

* do folks think the brother may be suceptible to intimidation?

You are unable to gather any of this information from the people in the Belching Boar.

Thank you, I would appreciate being able to speak with the Magistrate. While we really need to talk with the Duke, I understand the necessary bureaucratic protocol.

I then whisper to Mantooth: Might be time to turn on your sense evil ability. I do not know whether this Magistrate will be evil, but we better be on guard.

@Tirion & Mantooth

Another guard comes and escorts Tirion and Mantooth from the gatehouse into the courtyard and into a building where an elderly man with a thick gray beard sits behind a large oak desk. He stands as you enter his office.

"Well met, gentlemen, I am Neryan Lanasun. I am the Magistrate of Witchcross. I understand you need to speak with somebody about a matter of great importance. Please have a seat. What is this matter that I can help you with?"

Before the magistrate arrives, Mantooth whispers back "I will try, but I do not wish to offend the magistrate in the same way lady Nesten was taken aback. Perhaps if you could distract him somehow?"

Mantooth bows slightly and greets the magistrate when he enters. "Good afternoon, Magistrate Lanasun. My name is Sir Mantooth Longbrow, and this is my companion Tirion Jörðhár. We are on a mission from Lord Jarmaath of Brindol to warn the people of the vale of the horde that approaches." Mantooth will either fill in the Magistrate in detail or let lore-master Tirion have the honors. "We know that the Duke is not presently here, but must urge you to begin the preparations to gather your forces and warn your people."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

""Good afternoon, Magistrate Lanasun. My name is Sir Mantooth Longbrow, and this is my companion Tirion Jörðhár. We are on a mission from Lord Jarmaath of Brindol to warn the people of the vale of the horde that approaches."

"Good afternoon Sir Longbrow. Sir Jördhare. I am sorry that the Duke was unable to see you himself, but he is engaged in other affairs at the moment. Thank you for making the effort to come and talk with me."

"We know that the Duke is not presently here, but must urge you to begin the preparations to gather your forces and warn your people."

"I certainly have a great deal of authority in this town, but don't you think you are being a little hasty? Tell me more about what you know about this horde? Do you have any evidence that they will even be coming as far north as Witchcross?"

Do we know whether they will come here, of course not. Just like I do not know whether it will rain today, or tomorrow, or next week, but I know that it will rain eventually. There are 5000 hobgoblins, a legion of hill giants, numerous ogres and minotaurs, and more than a few dragons. I, and the good paladin, personally helped slay one green dragon and have seen a very large red dragon which we barely escaped from just after we collapsed the Skull Gorge Bridge to slow down the movement of the horde.

If it is not this week, then it will be next. These are not logical people, they are monsters, they worship a chaotic and evil dragon god. Even if they do not attack here first, they will eventually. However, if you have food and supplies, they will attack you here to strengthen their position before facing Brindol which they know will be heavily defended.

And regarding your good Duke. We continue to be told that he is not available. I would like to know why. You are about to face the most dangerous threat in this area in generations, and where is he? Of chasing tail in Talar I suppose? Or is he up north in the Blackfens talking with the enemy forces in Rhest? Or perhaps he is working a deal with the good drow from the Underdark hoping that they will save him from the horde? Or perhaps he is dead and rotting in the ground because he decided to attempt, while invisible, to attack a paladin who was investigating blackmail in Talar?

I hope that you have answers for these, because your town is currently without a leader and it is about to be overrun by a horde of ravenous monsters who will rape your women and eat your weak. Magistrate Lanasun, you are in control of this town now, and I beseech you to assume the powers granted you by your position in the absence of the Duke, and get this town evacuated before it is too late.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

I am attempting to gain his trust, but also to set forth the true facts to scare the heck out of him that if he does not work with us, he, his position, and likely the rest of the town, will most likely be dead within a few days.

"And regarding your good Duke. We continue to be told that he is not available. I would like to know why. You are about to face the most dangerous threat in this area in generations, and where is he? Of chasing tail in Talar I suppose? Or is he up north in the Blackfens talking with the enemy forces in Rhest? Or perhaps he is working a deal with the good drow from the Underdark hoping that they will save him from the horde? Or perhaps he is dead and rotting in the ground because he decided to attempt, while invisible, to attack a paladin who was investigating blackmail in Talar?"

"You are not privileged to know why he is unavailable. That is his business and none of yours. Furthermore, you speak out of turn when you insinuate that he is visiting Talar. Not only that, but your talk becomes treasonous when you accuse the Duke of of speaking to the enemies in Rhest, or working a deal with the drow!"

"I hope that you have answers for these, because your town is currently without a leader and it is about to be overrun by a horde of ravenous monsters who will rape your women and eat your weak. Magistrate Lanasun, you are in control of this town now, and I beseech you to assume the powers granted you by your position in the absence of the Duke, and get this town evacuated before it is too late."

"Now, I appreciate your word of warning that you deliver. It certainly does affect the good people of Witchcross and the rest of Elsir Vale, however, I must now ask you to leave. For indeed I am magistrate of this town and I may exercise a great deal of authority as I see fit. Now, for my next act, I declare this meeting is over. You have your business to attend to, and I have mine. Good day, Gentlemen!"

I will bid you adieu, but please know that your Duke did attack a knight of Iomedae without provocation in Talar. I would spend more time working to assist you, but it is now your decision. Please know though that Talar, Drellin's Ferry, and all other towns between have heeded our warnings and have evacuated, or are preparing to evacuate. If you do not notify the people of Witchcross of this threat, then the loss of life which we expect to occur shall be entirely on your hands.

For now, our party shall continue our path to the north to find out why ogres have been attacking and what evil has taken up residence in the swamp. I hope that when I return I will find this town deserted and unharmed. However, I strongly expect to find the town in ruins. I only hope that it is only the buildings that are burning, and not a town of dead bodies.

With that I bow my head, and turn to leave. Sir Mantooth, you can attempt to convince the good Magistrate to heed our warning, but I do not believe he wishes to hear the truth.

I then leave the office and wait outside for Mantooth.

I don't know how long my GI check took . . . I'll look for Tirion and Mantooth once it's done. Let me know the timeing of when I find 'em

Wealday, Lamashan 3, 4710, Three hours after noon.

Bofus you have finished your gathering of information.

Do you wish to stay in Witchcross or press onward toward the north?

When Tirion leaves, Mantooth decides to give one last imploration. "Magistrate, please. What Tirion has told you is true, and you know that I am bound by my honor to tell no lies as well. I urge you to heed our warnings and do what you must to get the word out to the townsfolk." If the magistrate is still dismissive, Mantooth will wait for the man to turn and leave before casting Detect Evil. The paladin then exits to find Tirion.
"That could have gone better. Why would he be so resistant to our warning? There must be something strange going on with the whole lot of authority here. Perhaps Bofus could find out what this other "business" the magistrate has."

"Magistrate, please. What Tirion has told you is true, and you know that I am bound by my honor to tell no lies as well. I urge you to heed our warnings and do what you must to get the word out to the townsfolk."

"My good, Sir Longbrow, please know I will do everything in my power to ensure that the people of Witchcross are safe. I do not mean to offend your friend, but he appears to put his nose in business that is not entirely his own. I will certainly pass this information on to the Duke and I am certain that he will begin taking precautions at once! Please rest assured, the people of Witchcross will not be hurt!"

I meet up with Mantooth and Tirion as they leave the Magistrate's. I'll exchange notes with them.

So it turns out that the duke wasn't, how does the phrase go, "well loved" by his people here. His brother is next in command, and he's not much better. From what you're telling me, either the magistrate is oblivious to the current state of affairs--that wouldn't surprise me, given how recent they occurred--or is knowledgeable and hiding it--whihc also wouldn't surprise me.

*thinks a bit* I have something of an idea. I don't think we cna spend the time to set EVERYTHING right here, we've got to head north. HOwever, I might just be able to convince the magistrate to affect change for the better in this town. I'd rather not give you the details, good Sir Knight, because . . . well, the details lie within my speciality. I suggest you guys head north, and I'll catch up in an hour or so. It'd probably be best if what I have in mind isn't easy to be connected to the good paladin's name, savvy?

if pressed for details, I'll hedge a bit, then give up something. I want to scare the magistrate into straightening out. I think if I disclose the Duke's death, and threaten to come back for the brother--AND the magistrate--he might just wise up a bit. Any objections?

as we're talking, I lead them to somewhere a little more private, and I take out my disguise kit and start using it. I'm going for a rough-and-ready highwayman type of thing--scars, hard lines, 5 o'clock shadow, that sort of thing. Also going for a bit of a taller, slimmer look. As I finish up. . ..

I suggest you guys gather up Thordak and head north at our previous pace. I'll catch up in a little, and I'll let you know what happened. Just give me a layout of the building, where is the Magistrate's office?

I tell Bofus what I know from our short encounter with the Magistrate. We the find Thordak and his brew and head north at a slow pace.

Tirion and Mantooth met up with the Magistrate inside Murandal Keep.

@Bofus

If/When you arrive at the gatehouse, you are greeted by a guard.

"Whoah there, fella! Just where do you think you are going?! You are not permitted inside this keep, buddy. If you prefer to see the dungeons, I can arrange that!"

whoa whoa whoa, who said anything about approaching the guards?!?! I'm SNEAKING in, baby.

First, I'll try to sneak in through the gate. If that doesn't seem reasonable, I'll climb into a window. Preferably somewhere near where the magistrate's office is.

Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30
if necessary, climb: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

DM, I'm fine with this not under a spoiler, but let me know ifyou'd prefer it that way . . .

@Bofus

Bofus, you find a moment when the guard is sufficiently distracted talkiing to another guard and you manage to sneak past with apparent ease. Next you cross the courtyard and climb through a window into the office of the magistrate. He appears to be working at his desk attending to various paperwork.

@Mutamba

You may go with either group. I will play it by ear and see what you decide.

@Tirion, Thordak, and Mantooth

You remount your horses and proceed North along the old Rhest Trail. Later this evening as the sky grows darker, you come to a stone bridge crossing a swift flowing brook. You are greeted by a large balding man wearing a chain mail shirt and carries a halberd who greets you gruffly.

"Just a moment, there folks. I will need to collect one gold from each of you to cross my bridge. Let's pay up!"

Your bridge, eh? Did you build it? Thordak asks, taking a good look at both the man and the bridge.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Knowledge, engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I whisper to the others: Perhaps we should pull back and wait for Bofus, not sure I like this fellow. Mantooth, can you get a read on him?

@Thordak, Tirion, and Manooth

"Your bridge, eh? Did you build it? "

The apparent owner of the bridge responds, thinking that you are being fresh with him. "Don't be a wise guy! No I didn't make it, but I certainly do own the bridge and if you wanta cross, it will cost you a gold each."

THAT was fun (assuming I made it out OK)!!

Bofus, if you depart shortly after this event, you would be able to catch up to the others before they reach the bridge.

"I . . . b . . .b . . .but . . . . d . . . did you k . . . .k . . . kill the Duke?"

Yes . . . with great pleasure, and much less difficulty!

Just to be clear--I planted the dagger into the table, as a keepsake for the magistrate. I'm guessing he shoudl recognize it as the Duke's blade, it was ostentatious enough!

I'll catch up to the group.

Hey guys! I think I *might* have just solved the "witchcross is ruled by tyrants and selfish arrogant idiots," at least one can hope! and I'll tell them what transpired go ahead and read the spoilers

As they approach the bridge and the toll man asks for his money, I'll pipe up.

YOUR bridge?!?! Under whose authority are you collecting a toll, Slick? This is a public road. I seriously doubt you're going to be able to intimidate us into paying your highway robbery, er, toll, Troll!

Does the flying dwarf have to pay? And do you usually charge those infused with the blood of dragons? Or those blessed by Iomedae? Or those more likely to plant a dagger in your back just for fun?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21