DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Oh boy, wouldn't *I* like to organize this!!! Tirion, turn your magic-seeking eye on this lot, wouldn't you? Menawhile...

check for traps: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

Does it appear this was deliberatly destoryed, or more like accidentally over the eyars? Any way to tell how recetnly?

Bofus, please give me a sense motive check.

Tirion wanders up from behind where he was trying to explain the difference between dark gnomes and deep gnomes to Thordak.

When he sees the mess:
You know Bofus, you do not have to leave every place you enter completely destroyed.

He then casts Detect Magic and scans the area to see if there are any auras.

Inside the Crypt

Tirion points to several items on the ground.

Strange that they have been deserted, but there are a number of magical items still lying here.

Spellcraft(belt): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Spellcraft(kukri): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Spellcraft(wand): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Spellcraft(scroll 1): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Spellcraft(scroll 2): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

"This place looks like the ghostlord's own treasure chamber. I wonder why it was ransacked. I would think that thieves came in and robbed this place, except for the fact that they left so many coins and magic items lying around. Why would they do such a thing?"

Tirion sighs: I am not up to the task today. The wand makes webs. One of my favorite tricks. The Kukri is a beautiful weapon which you might like to use Bofus. It is magic, and capable of finding the enemy's most vulnerable spots much easier.

Unfortunately, I cannot figure out exactly what the belt and scrolls do. I can try again tomorrow, but I do not think that I can figure them out today.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Is the kukri small, or normal?

Lol - Bofus, you need to grab 1 level of fighter to pick up Martial Weapon Proficiency and Two-weapon Fighting (bonus feat). With a Keen Rapier and a Keen Kukri, you could be Butterfly Sting transferring crits to Thordak or Mantooth almost every round.

that is not a hlaf bad idea...

I think someone was in here looking for something in particular. can't tell what it was and wehther it was found, though...

"What do you suppose they were looking for? Can we tell if they ever found it? Well they have still left lots of treasure here. That was certainly not my purpose in coming here, but perhaps we can we put some of it to use. Should we take the items that radiate magic and perhaps find somebody who can identify their properties? What about these gold, silver, and platinum coins? They are not cursed are they?"

Tirion looks quizzically at the paladin:
I have no problem taking the magic as it may well be of use to us in the short term and eventually I shall be able to identify it. However, the gold is a different matter. If we have to fight and manage to defeat the lich, then I have no qualms taking the gold. On the other hand, if we are to attempt to bargain with the lich, I do believe it easier if we are not walking around with pockets full of his gold. I do not sense the gold as being cursed in any manner, nonetheless, I think that prudence would be wise in this case and leaving it here, at lease for now, would be a wise choice.

Thordak waits at the door to the hallway, keeping a wary squinty eye on the magical items in the previous room.

You know, I'll bet it was the lich looking for his jewelry!! I've know my da to tear the place apart looking for his favorite cravat--THAT HE'S WEARING. Maybe when the thing was stolen, before he KNEW it was stolen, the ghostlord ransacked his place looking for it.
.
I agree with you gents. Let's de-clutter this place and take the stuff that no self-respecting lich would ever use, like a halfling-sized kukri!!

I'll note this stuff in Undivided Loot next chance I get, prob. lunchtime

updated sheet. I did NOT include the wand, I assumed tirion would take it--however, if you end up not using it, Bofus can use wands with a high degree of reliability, so I'd take it to increase options!
.
Also note: I've still got a belt of giant strength and amu of natural armor, and a potion of blur, no one specifically claimed. TAKE IT and post it so I can remove it!! those are items we should use, not sell. (and I'm undecided about the kukri. Iw asn't planning on multiclassing, but it is an attractive option...I hadn't envisioned Bofus as a melee fighter, but he *is* mixing it up a lot, isn't he?

I don't see you as a multi either, but the additional bonus combat wise is pretty good. You are -2 on attacks, but get an extra shot at sneak damage and a high percentage for the Butterfly sting feat.

And, taking a level of fighter is not really multi-classing since neither have magic in my view. It is just giving you a little more martial prowess. It would also give you medium armor proficiency which would open up the mithral breastplate as an option since it has no real penalty being mithral.

mmmmm...sexy. Very interesting, and I shall study this deeply!!

How do you wish to proceed? Are you planning to pick up the gold or are you going to depart and keep searching the rest of the crypt? Let me know and I can lead you all onward.

I believe we're all agreed...

The heroes pack up the magical goodies, bt leave the coin (at least for now), and proceed out to the other secret door (at X 30). But first...hit by a bit of inspiration, Bofus glances about the room through one of his Eyes of the Dragon--paying special attention to the gemstones.

Moving back into the room with the well of skulls, Bofus returns to the secret door, and activates it. Like the others, he pushes a small button and the wall slides back revealing another room. The floor of this chamber has been polished to a mirrorlike sheen. Intricate carvings of lions in their natural habitat adorn the walls, but unlike with the carvings elsewhere in the complex, the great cats depicted here are healthy and alive. The grandeur of nature is apparent in every aspect of the masterful carving, except for one lone figure in the eastern wall. The lions on this wall recoil in horror and disgust from this human figure whose face is downcast and whose arms held palms out, hang limply at his side. At the figure's feet is a single lead lion cub.

Inside the Crypt

Huh. I wonder what this room is...

First, check the immediate area for traps (with EoD).

Perception vs. traps: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

Then, take a careful look around the room, paying most attention to the eastern wall figure carving (with EoD).

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

What do the rest of you do? Please indicate where you go and/or what you are doing.

I will stay by the entrance and cast Detect Magic to see whether there are any auras of note.

Thordak stays in the main chamber, going back to the entryway to make sure nobody's sneaking up on them.

Mantooth will step inside the room with Bofus and with his sword drawn he will stand ready to defend Bofus in case there is any evil nearby.

Bofus looks up at his big friend and gives a wink. Don't worry good Sir Knight, I'll protect you!

The chamber grows unnaturally cold, and then a terrible figure strides into the chamber with the well of skulls. His flesh is yellow and shrunken, clinging to his bones in ragged tatters, and pale green flames dance where his eyes should be. He wears old, tattered armor made from lion pelts. "Intruders," he hisses as he approaches Thordak. "You dare to trespass in my domain? Explain yourselves at once!"

Bofus jumps a bit, then smiles and whispers This is it, boys!! He immediately retrieves the false phylactery, then quickly moves to front of the line. he bows deeply.

Oh great and dreadful Ghostlord, we would not have intruded upon your sanctum without excellent reason--and a gift, to show that our intentions coincide with yours!

Bofus holds up the fake phylactery so it's in clear sight, then lightly tosses it to the lich.

Behold a copy of your most prized treasure. Before your anger exceeds reason, think on how we could have duplicated it as perfectly as that...and we will give you the opportunity to direct your ire to its rightful owner!!

"Oh great and dreadful Ghostlord, we would not have intruded upon your sanctum without excellent reason--and a gift, to show that our intentions coincide with yours!"

Bofus holds up the fake phylactery so it's in clear sight, then lightly tosses it to the lich.

"Behold a copy of your most prized treasure. Before your anger exceeds reason, think on how we could have duplicated it as perfectly as that...and we will give you the opportunity to direct your ire to its rightful owner!!["

The ghostlord's flaming eyes flicker at the sight of the replica phylactery. Suddenly the lich turns obsessively towards Bofus and the sight of the phylactery.

"What is this trickery that I see before me?! I cannot believe you are of the villains who would dare risk their very existence over such an item! Now," The lich booms powerfully. "Speak up and you may live, conceal your intentions from me and you will be destroyed!"

Tirion steps out near Bofus:
Lord of the Great Cats, our intentions are noble. While we hold no love for one such as yourself who has chosen a path of dark immortality, we believe that you and we have a common enemy. A common enemy who would use you as a tool against our friends, and then likely seek to destroy you once our friends are destroyed.

Or intention is to return to you something you value more than life, or perhaps in your case more than unlife itself. However, there are those who seek to destroy the Elsir Vale, to destroy all that we . . . and, I imagine you, hold dear. To destroy the land where elves and dwarves and great cats can roam and live. A group who would bring the worship and destruction of evil great wyrms to the Vale with the intention of the slavery and destruction of all we hold dear as its goal.

My Lord, we know of the location of your soul, and can assure your that these deceitful dragon worshipping goblins no longer are in possession of it. We ask but three things before we return it to you.

First, we ask that your undead troops immediately cease to support the Wyrmlords.

Second, we ask that you turn your troops against the despicable Wyrmlords who have held you as a slave after stealing your phylactery.

And, Third, we ask that once the Wyrmlords troops have been destroyed, that you return to the rest here in your crypt that you have enjoyed, and sought, for so many years.

If you vow and agree to these requests, we, unlike the goblin scum, shall give you your phylactery. If you then continue to fight the good folk of the Elsir Vale, we shall fight you of necessity have to battle you. However, if you agree to assist the people of the Vale in their fight against the dragons, and return to your home here once the Wyrmlords have been defeated, then we shall request that the Lord of Elsir Vale grant you this land such that your rest will not be bothered by law abiding citizens of Elsir Vale in the future.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Bofus sweats a bit, but is breathing easier as Trion speaks. While he's going, Bofus retrieves the note they found with the real phylactery.

Dread Ghostlord, here is proof of what the gnome speaks: a damming note describing the theft. I invite you to use whatever divniations you desire to discern the truth of what we say, and of the veracity of this note!

Bofus flourishes the note, glances at the lich, and hesitates...he then eyes Tirion, and makes a vaguely mysical gesture with his left hand, and sort of floats the note toward the ghostlord. Tirion, I dare not approach his greatness--do you mind...?

"If you vow and agree to these requests, we, unlike the goblin scum, shall give you your phylactery. If you then continue to fight the good folk of the Elsir Vale, we shall fight you of necessity have to battle you. However, if you agree to assist the people of the Vale in their fight against the dragons, and return to your home here once the Wyrmlords have been defeated, then we shall request that the Lord of Elsir Vale grant you this land such that your rest will not be bothered by law abiding citizens of Elsir Vale in the future."

Even with Tirion's attempt at diplomacy, the lich remains hostile and does not appreciate the threatening deal.

"I will not bandy words with the likes of an insolent gnome who thinks he can command what I do! You are in my lair now, and I will see that you join my ranks of undeath before I enter an agreement with those terms! However, if you indeed know of this item, then you had better speak now, and I will consider sparing your life!"

"Dread Ghostlord, here is proof of what the gnome speaks: a damming note describing the theft. I invite you to use whatever divniations you desire to discern the truth of what we say, and of the veracity of this note!"

The lich grabs ahold of the note out of the air and reads it.

"Saarvith - Take great care with the enclosed phylactery. I need not explain to you what the Ghostlord would do if he knew where I had sent his little bauble for safekeeping. Hide it somewhere safe - perhaps it could be trusted to your dragon friend's keeping? Keep it hidden until Brindol is taken. Should it fall into the hands of someone who could return it to its owner, the consequences for our effort could be dire indeed. - Ulwai

"Treachery!" The Ghostlord cries in fury! "That hogboglin b!*&& will suffer for her crimes! She will not leave here alive!"

With his burning eyes, the lich glares back at Bofus and demands, "Where did you find this note and where is the real amulet that your trinket was made in the image of?!! I am warning you, thief, I will burn you alive in hell fire if you do not answer my question right now!"

Bofus, you begin to feel the panic of fear coming on just as it had with the ghost lion. Although you are presently in control of your actions, it is only just barely and you do everything in your power to stop from fleeing out of this dangerous crypt.

Bofus takes a deep breath, trying to keep a lid on his panic. We found this note in the lair of a dragonlord--a goblin riding a black dragon, both of whom are laid low and lamphrey food. As for the location of the amulet...please sir, understand that if we were to give you that information, you would have no further reason to keep us alive. I will never understand the depths of your fury, but I *do* understand that your intelligence is vastly superior to mine, and that even my paltry brain knows you cannot afford to kill us before you get the location of your property. Rest assured that you will have it safe in your possession before the sun sets again. If you do not believe my word, perhaps you will believe a paladin making the same promise?
.
In any case, my friend here was making "demands" (here Bofus uses air quotes) which we, in our foolishness, assumed you would already desire based upon what happened. The only thing that we desire is the safety of the Vale. The Hand is threatening that safety, and your forces are bolstering the Hand--forces coerced from you by the theft, if this note is to be believed. Dread lord, simply pull your forces back from the Hand, and you have my word--and the word of this paladin--that you shall have your amulet back forthwith.

Bofus gives Tirion a sidelong look, and minutely pats his hand down in a "tone it down" gesture...

Tirion understands Bofus' thoughts.
What my friend says is true. The phylactery was found in the horde of a black dragon and his Wyrmlord goblin archer rider. Our goal is to see the Vale safe from the horde of goblins, giants and dragons that we believe to be followers of the Queen of Dragons. For many many years, you have lived here without harming the people of the Vale. I would hope that you would desire to return to your peaceful unlife. Here with your friends and companions the lions.

You need not assist us in the defense of the Vale. But I would think that you would enjoy gaining revenge on those who stole your phylactery, your soul. What I requested was not a demand. It was what I hoped you would do in seeking revenge against those who stole your most prized possession, and to regain the peaceful repose which you have enjoyed these many many years. The help I spoke of was not a demand that you help us, but rather a belief that since those against whom your revenge should be directed, and our enemies, are one and the same, that we could come to an agreement that your troops and the citizens of the Vale not turn on one another and maintain a truce until the horde has been destroyed and scattered to the four corners of the world. And that once this has happened, that the people of the Vale could return to their homes and villages and farms, while you could return here to your home. And that both could then resume their existence without interfering with one another.

"You wretched little imps! I hear ceaseless prattling but what I really want is my precious phylactery and my eternal life back in my hands! If you procure that one item for me, then I will be free to destroy all the vile hobgoblins encamped under my roof and my arrangement with the Wyrmlord Ulwai will cease. She will no longer receive the support of my army of bonedrinkers and if she ever shows up here again, she will spend the rest of her life in eternal torment! Is that enough reassurance for you?! Now where is that phylactry?! My patience grows thin!"

I believe that is enough for me--how about you boys? Let us procure it...come, we can get it in your hands in a matter of hours, if we move handsomely.

Bofus starts leading the group back out to the entrance--avoiding all traps--with a confident step. Not running, but definitely NOT lollygagging either. He throws a wink at the group and, if he can get away with it without the Ghostlord seeing it, he'll mouth the words "trust me!" to them. As he continues toward the entrance, he'll keep talking.

Here's what we'll do. We'll get to the entrance of your home. My friends will leave to get your artifact, and I'll stay here to insure their return. Once you have your property back, we'll all leave amicably and without violence. You have all of our words that the only thing we desire is for all of us to leave safely, under our own power, and for you to remove your support from the Hand. That's it.

"Here's what we'll do. We'll get to the entrance of your home. My friends will leave to get your artifact, and I'll stay here to insure their return. Once you have your property back, we'll all leave amicably and without violence. You have all of our words that the only thing we desire is for all of us to leave safely, under our own power, and for you to remove your support from the Hand. That's it."

As Bofus departs with his companions, the Lich stands there and declares to him. "And how long is this going to take?! If I find out that you were just here to raid and plunder my crypt then I will send a legion of bonedrinkers to hunt you down and feast on the marrow of the bones of your pathetic living bodies!"

With the Ghostlord

As the Ghostlord comes in, Thordak's eyes pop and his beard bristles.
Lads, Oi think we found tha Ghostlord...

He remains mostly quiet during the following discussion, partly out of disgust for the creature and partly because he never was much good with negotiation...

As I said, measured in hours, not days. Bofus is clearly trying to usher everyone out. Mind those pits, everyone. I believe I've marked them sufficiently so you won't fall in.

To the Ghostlord...Um, sir, I have to assist my friends getting to the mouth of your dangerous abode. I would have expected you to want to stay with us up to the entrance, to prove we're not simply leaving, no? I give you my word that once they leave, I will stay here until you get your thingy back.

Without waiting for a response, Bofus herds the group back to the entrance, avoiding all those nasty pits. He makes a point to stand near each of them at least once on the way out (I'm assuming the Ghostlord is, well, ghosting us) and will tell each of them in a low, fast whisper Leave when I say! don't argue in between louder proclamations of Look lively now, step around that stone there. Whoops, don't fall in this one, looks like a doozy!!

let us know if anything untoward happens before we get to about where the dragon-thingy was, at the beginning of the crypt.

Mantooth and the others move through the narrow corridors back to the room with the pit. At this point, Bofus leads them north followed by east, making his way out of the crypt. Not far behind, the thief watches several ghost lions keeping an eye on him. Not waiting around to become acquainted with them, Bofus moves onward through to the room that was previously shrouded in a cloud of smoke. However, this time, the company of heroes is met by a company of hobgoblins. At the back of this group is a strangely strikingly beautiful female hobgoblin who greets you, in a voice that is both enticing, but very dangerous.

Inside the Crypt

"Well, well, well!" She declares, "Who do we have here? I see that the Ghostlord has had visitors without them making my acquaintance. How rude! So what exactly are you doing here? I'm sure you were not foolish enough to come here and hunt the king of the undead beasts in his own lair. Perhaps you've come to deliver something to him. Something that rightfully belongs to me! Why is it that you could not have come to see me sooner?!! We could have discussed matters. Let's hope that you haven't gone ahead and made any rash decisions!"

And why should we have expected to make your acquanitance in the Ghostolord's home? What business would a troupe of hobgoblins have here?? Unless you were invited to become undead thralls, I can't think of a reason the ghostlord would want you here...What say you, Ghostlord? These friends of yours?

Tirion whispers to Bofus using the message spell:
Might be a good time to reacquaint the Ghostlord and his missing item.

"And why should we have expected to make your acquanitance in the Ghostolord's home? What business would a troupe of hobgoblins have here?"

"Haven't you heard? We have made a great many things our business here in this vale. The time for dormancy is over! We will no longer sit back and let the inferior races tell us what to do! Tiamat has become our god and she has united us under one red handed banner."

"Unless you were invited to become undead thralls, I can't think of a reason the ghostlord would want you here?

Ha, ha, ha! Undead?! I did not realize that your brain was quite so limited in its thinking. No, we are not here to become undead, we are here to command them! You see, with the power of Tiamat guiding us, we are able to tap into the Ghostlord's power and ask a little favor of him. He is now assembling an army of undead who will assist in bring the red hand to our true glory! We are just here to help with the motivation."

"...What say you, Ghostlord? These friends of yours?"

"Ha! Do you think that even now, you can ask the ghostlord for support? Ha! You underestimate the power of Tiamat! He would not dare attack us! If he ever wishes to live in peace, he would be wise to do exactly as we ask of him. The Queen of Dragons is not the type of deity to make enemies with! Now, enough of this idle chit chat! You've got something that belongs to me, and I want it now! Hand it over!"

Bofus, you left the ghostlord and his lions back in the chamber of the well of skulls. You are not clear whether he heard you or not.

Bofus looks at Tirion, and gives a small nod. He then thruns back to the Hotgoblin and gives a dejected sigh.

Well, you do appear to have everything under control here, don't you? Apparently we're beaten. Thordak, go ahead and give it to her.

Good thing we had 2 fakes made!! I noted I was carrying one, we never decided who was the 2nd. I randomly picked Thordak just now.

Once attention is diverted to Thordak, Bofus slips back straight to the ghostlord. On the way out, he whispers to the group since plans changed, i'm giving it to him now and trusting to hope that he won't kill us.

Stealth: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (7) + 25 = 32

Thordak steps to the doorway and pulls out the pendant in its box.
Here ye are, Oi believe this is wot yer lookin for...? Thordak says, rattling the box a little.