DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

"I think your own dear friend, Red, has objections, which I would like to hear his concerns, because I think they are likely the same as mine."

I agree with my mother that, I too could use the telepathic bond to be in communication with the rest. We all know that my men are going to be at the front!"

"My concerns are that the Magistrate and his forces wont be needing to respond to anything with urgency, and that the main communications need to be with the more mobile forces. The command for the Dwarves to fell the bridges is also time critical."

"The question was whether anyone objects, and I do, however I respect that I have no right to veto"

"My sentiments exactly!" Lars Ulverth declares. "Not only should Orthrek have the link, I think it would be wise to give me a telepathic bond to help deploy Lions as needed. Without doubt the Brindol Guard will be of great use defending walls and structures, but I do not forsee them moving about as the Lions will. I think we ought leave both Kaals out in this case!"

"You have a very good point, Captain, and Red, you know how much I value your opinion. . . "

"Just one moment!" Verasa interrupts. "Here you come in and choose to give a telepathic bond to a group of outsiders and mercenaries but you are not even willing to give one to your own Magistrate nor the most powerful house in Brindol! The Kaals have driven the economic security of this city for years and we are not about to be pushed out on a whim! You clearly do not understand who you are dealing with! I, Verasa Kaal, will not sit back and let you make decisions to our detriment without hearing from me! Now I suggest you all reconsider where this discussion is going, and remember who you are dealing with!"

My dear Lady, you have said, repeatedly, that the Kaal house has driven the economic security of Brindol etcetera etcetera. In what way has the House furthered the MILITARY security of Brindol? You are flip-flopping on whom you support and why; you're willing to defer to a military commander for some things regarding military command but not for others.
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You should let the experts do what the experts do. Perhaps your talents would serve the city better by planning for the rebuilding of any damaged parts of the city and rebuilding trade after the scourge is done. You know, I happen to know an outstanding beer vendor not to far from here...In any case, all of the people who have done actual fighting in this war agree. Bofus gives a quick, but unmistakable, glance at the whelpish magistrate here. Your objections, quite frankly, sound a bit petty and without foundation to an ear such as mine--as you said, "untrained in negotiation." Perhaps you could explain your reasoning behind why you think your opinion in military matters should hold as much weight as you seem to think they do? Bofus then waits a beat, and gives a deferential bow as an afterthought. While in the bow, he throws Elyria a quick wink.

"My son, Jared, as you all need be aware, was one of the bravest Brindol Lions to ever come through the military training here in Brindol and now he leads one of the most powerful police forces in this entire vale. The Brindol Guard are not to be ignored. They are brave fighting men who are clearly more familiar with the streets of Brindol and are much better prepared for battling skirmishes in the alleys of this fine city. It is essential that I am in communication with all of the powers that be, so that I may be able to direct Jared on where to position his forces. So, clearly this is a military matter."

Of course it's a military matter--that is precisely my point! You have a wealth of economic experience (yes, pun intended). You also have a wealth of military experience, madam? This last is with a bit of incredulity.

And, I don't mean to be insulting, but...well, to be honest, I have not personally witnessed any outstanding bravery from the Magistrate here. And the good word of a mother about her son must, as you surely realize, be taken with a sizeable grain of salt. I would have to defer to someone not related to him to speak for his outstanding bravery in order for ME to be convinced--but then, who am I but a simple Halfling, eh My Lord? Bofus bows again, giving Jarmaath a nice big smile.

"I believe I have heard enough to make a decision. Verasa, you will not agree with me, but I am going to give the telepathic bonds to Orthrek for the Dwarves, Sellyria for the Elves, Tirion for the Heroes, and Captain Ulverth for the Lions. If we need to communicate with the guard, we will send a messenger."

"This is insulting! I do not need to defend myself in the presence of any of you! I have exercised a great deal of power in this city for a long time, and you have made it very clear where you stand in relationship to the Kaal family! You may get your way this time, but you have not heard the last of me!"

Verasa Kaal stands up and storms out of the great hall.

"I'm sorry for the tension." Jarmaath apologizes to his guests. "An oncoming war can be very stressful for even the strongest of characters. Lady Kaal is simply use to getting her way. Well folks, it is getting late, and I would like to wrap things up. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed before we adjourn our meeting?"

I was actually trying to say that the last link should be with the chief cleric so that the healers would be tied together with the rest of the troops. As long as the Vaals are out, that is all that matters.

"Now there goes a woman who sleeps in a cold bed."

"Nothing left to converse upon, not until we have taken stock of the full forces against us and run our game to weaken them. Suppose all we need do now is decide on a time to leave, suppose I must visit a library first, perhaps some chronicler has penned information on the red dragon or the Wyrmlord that we might find salient"

"And a tavern, we must find a tavern, people need music at a time like this and we could both use the wine"

"Yes of course, and a tavern, for a few glasses of red"

"I'm sorry for the tension." Jarmaath apologizes to his guests. "An oncoming war can be very stressful for even the strongest of characters.

Hah! I would not have described the recently vacated company that way, sir!

we must find a tavern, people need music at a time like this and we could both use the wine

Well, most of the non-military of the town has evacuated, but if I know the proprietor, I'm thinking that the Stone Wyvern might still be operational. Lord Jarmaath, know you whether Master Yab has left, or is he still there? Also, are there any merchants--non-Kaals, that is--still left in town? We would like to resupply.

"Red, my friend, I'm afraid that all the taverns of Brindol have been shut down. I've ordered all non military personnel to flee of the city and with that order, the innkeepers and tavern owners have boarded up their establishments and left for Dennovar. I'm afraid it was my own doing. However, if you wish to partake of my wine stores, visit, and perform for us here in the great hall, I would be delighted. I admit, it would be nice to share a night with good company before the Horde comes to lay siege on us."

"Bofus, tell me what you are in need of, and I may be able to assist. Unfortunately, the Kaals' Trading Emporium is the only place left open and they are mostly selling to members of the Brindol Guard. The truth is, if she chose to call in all of her debts, Verasa Kaal would own nearly the entire city. Furthermore, after today's meeting, she may be inclined to do so. Now, I'm afraid you have made an enemy of her and I do not think she will be inclined to sell to you any time soon."

Jared Kaal glares in anger at Lord Jarmaath as well as Bofus, Red, and the remaining heroes. "I can assure you, the Kaal Trading Emporium has nothing to sell to you." Without any further words, the magistrate departs the great hall.

"Hahah that is hilarious! Then let me recommend this, Lord Jarmaath, rather than leave her holding all the power with threats of calling in debts on people, I recommend everyone simply forming an orderly line to go settle all their debts"

"Once she realises that she owns the entire town, she will realise that no one has an interest in defending property that is no longer theirs, and everyone is free to go... except her, and her small force, which insufficient to defend all that she owns. Any of it really, the Horde would burn through her paltry forces in a day."

"Do you see where this might be going?"

"HAHAHAH She will have to pay everyone to stay, and they will ask for their property back as payment!"

"That's vicious"

"She either gives it all up, or she loses it all. She reaps the bitterness of her own harvest. I have little sympathy for the tyrant."

"I think that is part of her stress in this war. She has much to lose in her empire as the Red Hand destroys everything in its path. You see, she is obsessed with power and wealth. Profit is always on her mind. She also likes the fact that everyone owes her something. I worry about the people of Brindol who have taken out loans from her and may then end up losing their homes and businesses in the battle of Brindol. They will end up under her thumb right from the start if they ever try to make their living back in Brindol. Mind you, although she has great power and influence throughout the Elsir Vale of Isger, her family has great power throughout Druma where they value wealth and trade over any deity. Working with her here in Brindol has certainly not been easy over the years."

"Then hand it all back to her now, wish her all the best in her future endeavours, and your people will be free - able to start fresh lives and not live under her yoke for generations. She is in no position to play a hard bargain, and the price people can ask to defend all her assets is truly extortionate"

"Perhaps the arrival of an invading army is the only thing that will finally liberate your people"

"That's not a bad idea. Mind you, she is not going to want to actually collect on those debts right now. You see, as I said, she likes having everybody owe her, especially when misfortune is coming down hard upon her debtors. I have been fortunate enough to stay out from under her yoke, but I wish I could say the same for the people of Brindol. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I can do anything about it right now anyway. Her contracts are with each individual merchant, family, or individual and those agreements are between her and her clients. The real thorn in my side is the fact that I was forced to make her son, the magistrate of Brindol when my former magistrate, Leland Strickland was caught up in a scandal with some corrupt Brindol Lions and forced to resign. I have been too busy preparing for war to deal with the underhanded politics that happen in this city. All I can say is that I am pleased to have you and the others on my side."

"Did I ever tell you how I met them? They were the winners of the Elsir Vale Tournament of Heroes. Bofus won the gauntlet event, Thordak won the bolt and arrow competition, and Mantooth Longbrow won the open combat event. We got wrapped up in an adventure when one of the competitors in the arcane challenge got trapped in a magical gate and was nearly killed by a dire wolf. Since then, they have become some of my closest allies!"

"Who cares if she wishes to collect those debts, the people who owe them are entitled to settle them... that the timing is unfortunate for her is hardly their problem. It would be ironic if her own son was the one enforcing the debtors entitlement to settle"

"Anyhow, Tournaments aren't so bad, but they lack the chaos required to fuel the fires of true legend."

"So tell me good Lord, where do the Kaals keep their library of contracts? I assume they will be protecting that asset heavily in the battle."

"Be a shame if a great Red Dragon burnt the place down"

Tirion begins to laugh:

Perhaps we could draw big arrows on the roofs of the buildings near to where she stores her contracts with a sign that says "Dragon, Burn This First.

"Got any paint?"

The question seems joking, but there is almost a serious undercurrent.

"Well, I don't know for certain where her contracts are kept, but it would most likely be Kaal Manor. It is heavily fortified with her own guards, and I am certain she is hoping to keep it well protected throughout the battle."

(#13 on the Map of Brindol)

Jared Kaal glares in anger at Lord Jarmaath as well as Bofus, Red, and the remaining heroes. "I can assure you, the Kaal Trading Emporium has nothing to sell to you." Without any further words, the magistrate departs the great hall.

As the child storms out, Bofus calls out quite clearly Now THAT'S a nice impartial magistatrate for you! Bravo, you're an inspiriation!!

Once she realises that she owns the entire town, she will realise that no one has an interest in defending property that is no longer theirs, and everyone is free to go... except her, and her small force, which insufficient to defend all that she owns. Any of it really, the Horde would burn through her paltry forces in a day

Bofus blinks a couple times, walks up to Rebel Red, and bows deeply to him.

Wow. I can't wait to start working with you, you devious bastad!!

Perhaps we could draw big arrows on the roofs of the buildings near to where she stores her contracts with a sign that says "Dragon, Burn This First."[/b

[b]Hee hee hee!! I love it!!

Well, I don't know for certain where her contracts are kept, but it would most likely be Kaal Manor. It is heavily fortified with her own guards, and I am certain she is hoping to keep it well protected throughout the battle

Bofus shrugs. I know someone who could discover that infomation--wnat me to go find out?? Guards guarding against an army will be nothing but practice for me!!

"I know someone who could discover that information--want me to go find out?? Guards guarding against an army will be nothing but practice for me!!"

"Bofus, I would not wish to impose on you when I have already asked so much of you and your friends. We are on the verge of one of the biggest battles that Brindol has ever seen, and we cannot afford for any of the heroes to get caught up in one of Verasa's webs."

"I know that the magistrate would not turn a blind eye to any such illegal activity, but I sure would!"

"Lars, you should not encourage them as such. You know what she would do to them if they got caught!"

"My lord, you forget, we are talking with the Master of the Gauntlet! What could possibly go wrong? You must admit that it is a very appealing thought though?"

I would never put the officials of this town in a position that would compromise their good name. I officially withdraw my illegal suggestion, and in front of all witnesses present, absolve them of any connection to the suggestion.

And for the record, they don't have the skills to catch ME!!

Is there anything else that needs done before the battle of Brindol begins?

I think we need to go whack a dragon, a wyrmlord, and burn down a townhouse don't we? Or is that not on the cards? :p On a metatastic level, is there scope to go hunt a dragon?

"How long until they arrive?"

I'm to play whatever cards you like. This has been a sandbox adventure all along and I am willing to do what you like. However, any way you look at it, the horde is coming!"

Tirion looks at the others:
Yes, what is the expected time that the horde will arrive? We will have to make sure that all the work is finished to fell the bridges if necessary before they arrive. Also, if we are to make any attacks on the dragon, we should do this while the horde is preparing. Dragons are unbelievably difficult to surprise, but we can try.

As far as "investigating" the Kaals, if we have time, this would be most opportune as we all know that the Kaal dragon will wait until the Lions are weakened and then attempt to take control. If we can find evidence to remove her spawn from his seat as magistrate before the attack, this would be preferable.

Thordak speaks with Orthrek. Orthrek m'lord, wot's tha progress on tha defenses? Have ye gotten moi giant crossbows finished? Oi think those'll be key fer defending against tha bigger foes like tha dragons an' tha giants. Also, have we got any smiths here? Oi could stand te do some repair work an' maybe make some new armor fer me an' me Lulu. If not, maybe tha good Lord Jarmaath has a smithy we can put te use?

Thordak speaks with Orthrek. Orthrek m'lord, wot's tha progress on tha defenses? Have ye gotten moi giant crossbows finished? Oi think those'll be key fer defending against tha bigger foes like tha dragons an' tha giants. Also, have we got any smiths here? Oi could stand te do some repair work an' maybe make some new armor fer me an' me Lulu. If not, maybe tha good Lord Jarmaath has a smithy we can put te use?

"Aye, Thordak, we've got yer crossbow built up jist the way yae designed it. It's a beast tae move around, but once we get it up and positioned, it's nae bad. We'll want tae be findin just the richt spot fer that one. Keep yer eyes oot for some noice big targets! Aye, and we've got some smith in the camp if yae be needin fixin fer yer armor. Mind yae Oi dannae think we'll have much time tae be crafted yae any mithril plate any time soon. Tell us what yae hae in mind, young Thordak."

What is the expected time that the horde will arrive? We will have to make sure that all the work is finished to fell the bridges if necessary before they arrive. Also, if we are to make any attacks on the dragon, we should do this while the horde is preparing. Dragons are unbelievably difficult to surprise, but we can try.

"From what our scouts have seen, and the progress they have made since Talar, they could arrive as soon as tomorrow evening. I don't know whether they will stop and set up a siege camp, or if they will simply attack once they get here, but whatever plans we need to follow through on, needs to happen soon."

Lord Jarmaath, are there any powerful clerics still in town? I've got a magic item that I'd like to see about getting recharged...

Under his breath to his gang I'd be delighted to check out the Kaal mansion, if you all dont' mind my taking that little side trip...

Under his breath to his gang I'd be delighted to check out the Kaal mansion, if you all dont' mind my taking that little side trip...

"I know I am not as quiet as you, Bofus, but if you like, I would be more than happy to accompany you and see that justice is delivered in whatever form you propose?"

"I don't doubt that the Kaalshave bad intentions, and the suggestion that they are of Black Dragon stock and have already made overt displays of inappropriate use of power suggests to me that they are of rather unworthy stock. They intend to rule this town and simply make everyone slaves by another name, with their hands on the whip."

"For their to be justice and freedom, something will have to be done about it all, bit whether that day is today or not... who can tell. If it is true that the next dawn will bring darkness to blot out the light, then perhaps we need to focus first on the enemy at our gates, and then upon the enemy within them. I am off to the library, perhaps to find out more about our foes..."

"Should we need to, Poppy can speak with Desna and ask questions that might need answering"

Red and Poppy depart to anywhere that might have some good records, and study their own songbooks for any mention of said dragons.

Poppy - Know:History (Aid another)1d20 ⇒ 16
Red - Know:History 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29

The Red Dragon itself, and the Wyrmlord. Any weaknesses, known personality traits we can exploit, enemies... anything useful really

"I can ask six to be precise. Answers are usually only yes or no however so we'd need to be as precise as possible...Elysium is a place of beauty and distractions, so need to make it all easy to answer!"

"I don't doubt that the Kaalshave bad intentions, and the suggestion that they are of Black Dragon stock...

Um, actually, that was a reference to our friend Tirion here. You can see his ancestry on his black skin. But don't hold his dragon ancestry against him, he's good people.

You know, it might be worthwhile for me to just poke around a little at the Kaal manor, just to eavesdrop; strike while the iron is hot and all that, while they're still riled up for not getting their way. Maybe they'll talk, and let something juicy slip. If no one minds, I'll be going for a stroll. I'll catch up with you all in the morning.
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Lord Jarmaath, kindly let me know about that cleric, would you?

"Lord Jarmaath, kindly let me know about that cleric, would you?"

"What cleric are you referring to, my friend? Are you trying to find Matthias Teskerwill?"