DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

@Bofus

At Kaal mansion, Bofus takes a careful look around to see whether there is any activity, around or in the house.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Stealth: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (16) + 23 = 39

Bofus, There are two guards standing out front of the gates for Kaal Manor. There is also a large wall that surrounds the estate. At the moment you are hiding behind a tree outside of the manor watching the guards.

Kaal Manor

"It sure is a quiet night." Remarks one gaurd.

"Shut up!" whispers the other intensely. "Do you know what Tearax would do to you if he caught you talking during guard duty. I know how this works. I'm going to be the one who pays the price for your stupidity! Now don't make a sound and guard the way you are suppose to!"

"Enjoy your night in a cold cell traitor."

"You heard him, Kaal. Let's go and see where you will be sleeping tonight."

One of the Brindol Guards leads you through a set of gates and into a row of prison cells. "These are the cells, which one do you want me to put him in? There are plenty to choose from."

Brindol Prison

While you are walking by, you cannot help but notice the familiar face of Lockstar the Great. He grips the bars of his cell and calls out, "Hey what's happening to the the magistrate? Is he a prisoner now? Maybe with the change in management around here, I will have a chance of getting out. Pleaaaaaase oh pleaaaaaaase let me out of here! I promised to be good. Just please get me out of here! I am a bard and I need to be out of here singing my songs and telling my stories! I've been practicing and I promise I am much better now!"

"Wraaaaaahhh!" The forest giant in the corner roars as he rattles the bars of his cage, "Mongo want go home too! Let Mongo out!"

First, move up to the wall, to the south of the guards (P14)

Stealth: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (7) + 23 = 30

Second, start to climb the wall.

Climb: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

third, who the hell is Tearax?

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

I thought we let Mongo free. Thinking of Forest Giants, did the group we recruited ever arrive? I have not heard mention of them.

@Tirion

Turning to the guards he commands, "Release the dwarf and the gnome and escort this band of rabble out of the Fortress. However, let's put Mongo back in cell 15. I don't see anything here about freeing the giant!"

If my memory serves from way back in November 2011, Mongo was Thordak's cell mate when he was arrested and the dwarf used him to break the prison bars, but in the end, the escape did not happen as planned. Tirion and Thordak were freed, but Mongo was not. The area that I was reading was around post #3595 Once you folks escaped there was no follow up to freeing Mongo. In regards to the Forest Giants, you have not heard anything from and/or about them.

@ Bofus

Bofus, you sneak over to the wall (P14) and you believe you are hidden in the shadows of the night, but you are having trouble climbing the wall (DC25). In regards to local knowledge, you are not aware who Tearax is. You have never heard of the guy.

Kaal Manor

"Mongo want go home too! Let Mongo out!"

Jared Kaal calls back to the giant, "Mongo, you know that I always wanted to free you. It was the orders of Lord Jarmaath that prevented me from doing so. If you ever do escape, which I hope you do, you want to take your revenge on Jarmaath and this Captain here. They are the real jailkeepers that you want to avenge!"

"Why is the forest giant behind bars?"

Bofus tries again to climb the wall...

Climb: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

"Why is the forest giant behind bars?"

"I have always wondered that! I was just dutifully following my orders. If his lordship would have only shown a little more mercy to this poor homeless giant, poor Mongo would not have been imprisoned here so long, uncertain whether he would live, die, or ever see his homeland again."

"I believe a patrol of Brindol Lions found him wandering too close to the city. He had slain some cattle that belonged to a farmer north of the city. The giant must've been hungry or lost and came down from the Giantshield Mountains to the north. We did not think it wise to allow him to roam free and a decision was made to incarcerate the giant for the safety of everyone. Naturally the people of Brindol do not like having giants wander about. When a group of Brindol Lions fought the giant off, we successfully captured it, but we lost one of our own by the name of Barlan Holst. Magistrate Strickland was here when we brought Mongo in, but since then, I'm not sure where we are in the trial process. Unfortunately, I don't think much has happened in the giant's case since the young Kaal took over as magistrate. The question remains as to what we should do with him now. This may be the first big order of business for our new magistrate."

@Bofus

Bofus begins climbing up the wall outside of Kaal manor and reaches a height of 5 feet (1/4 of normal movement). The wall is 25 feet high so I am looking for four more successful climb checks (DC 25) Any check that fails by <4 indicates no progress. Any check that fails by >5 indicates a fall. To catch yourself from a fall will be practically impossible (DC45).

Kaal Manor

I don't remember my previous climb being that difficult...I think if Bofus sees how tricky this is, he'll forego the climb, as falling will likely give his position away.

Upon seeing how sheer the wall is, Bofus decides to bide his time and keep an eye on the perimeter of the place. He wants to make sure Lady Kaal doesn't get warned from anyone coming form the jail, so he'll keep an eye on the half of the mansion facing the jail against any messengers coming that way.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Stealth: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (4) + 23 = 27

@Bofus

Bofus, I don't remember them being that difficult either, but I decided to read the rules for a change. Let me know if you think I'm missing anything. What did we do for the Gauntlet?

Bofus remains hidden outside of the main gate to the Kaal's house and for the present, you do not see anything suspicious.

Red wanders down to look at the Giant, Poppy following on.

"So big fellow, why are you here? Did you truly slay their cows? What else did you damage?"

Poppy sniffs for any sign of Evil.

"So big fellow, why are you here? Did you truly slay their cows? What else did you damage?"

The great forest giant looks at the bard straight in the eye and tries to answer as best he can.

"Mongo great hunter! Mongo eat meat! Mongo fight angry men and try run away. Mongo kill angry man and get caught in rope. Put Mongo in cage! Mongo want out of cage!"

"That sounds very reasonable. I will see about getting Mongo out of the cage because a cage is no place for a forest giant. You can't just eat their cows though. Maybe the new magistrate can get your papers and find out what is going on. Where is your home exactly?" Red gets out a map...

"Indeed, as a new magistrate and a paladin of Iomedae, I will see that justice is done. I just want to make sure that you do not leave here and go killing innocent people. That will not be acceptable. Is that something you may be able to comply with?"

"As I look at you, I realize that you must be a great and able warrior. We may yet be able to put you to good use. We have a great enemy horde of hobgoblins, goblins, and dragons that are marching on Brindol as we speak. We need to defend the city and our people are making preparations as we speak. Perhaps we could put you to use fighting against this enemy? If you are released, you would be free to leave and return to your homeland, but I would encourage you to stay and help us fight the Red Hand."

"That sounds very reasonable. I will see about getting Mongo out of the cage because a cage is no place for a forest giant. You can't just eat their cows though. Maybe the new magistrate can get your papers and find out what is going on. Where is your home exactly?"

"Mongo want out! Mongo want out now!"

When Red presents him with a map. He looks at it rather confused, but replies, "Mongo live with giants. Mongo want to live with giants again! Mongo fight to live with giants!"

""As I look at you, I realize that you must be a great and able warrior. We may yet be able to put you to good use. We have a great enemy horde of hobgoblins, goblins, and dragons that are marching on Brindol as we speak. We need to defend the city and our people are making preparations as we speak. Perhaps we could put you to use fighting against this enemy? If you are released, you would be free to leave and return to your homeland, but I would encourage you to stay and help us fight the Red Hand."

"Mongo is hunter! He fight for giants and find food to eat! Mongo want to go live with giants!"

Captain Lars Ulverth speaks to Red discretely so that the giant cannot hear him. "He's probably not too bright that one. I doubt he even knows what a map is. Mind you, we've had a long history with the forest giants in the Elsir Vale. It probably started about two centuries ago when Amery Vraath and his mercenaries destroyed the steading of forest giants, forcing the Twisttusk giants who dwelt within it to fall back into the mountains to regroup. Those giants had their revenge not long after when they destroyed the Vraath Family Keep. If I got my history correct, most of the remaining giants opted to remain higher up in the mountains rather than return to the area, which they felt was cursed. If this giant is one of the Twisttusk, then he is likely from the Wyrmsmoke mountains. If he is one of the Crushstone giants, then he is likely from the Giantshield mountins. Whichever one he is, I wouldn't trust him for a second. Watch yourself, my friend."

"Well, time is wasting. Let's put Kaal in a cell with no windows and leave him here until we have dealt with the threat of the Red Hand."

"The decision for Lockstar is simple, leave him imprisoned as well. Unless anyone has some convincing reasons for me to release him, I see no reason to let him out."

"The giant, Mongo, is not as easy a decision. I could certainly use some advice from each of you. When Mongo says he is going to fight for the giants, does that mean he will be fighting for the Red Hand or against? This is an important factor in my decision."

Tirion listens to Mantooth:
The mage had a quasit as a familiar. Only those of a highly chaotic and evil bend would converse with such abyssal nightmares. Until he has proven to be reformed, I vote he remains in the cell. The giant on the other hand seems to be kept here simply because the ex-magistrate did not have the time with his busy schedule of local tarts to hear the lack of evidence.

My vote is for Mongo to prove he does not mean this city harm by assisting with the reenforcing of the city's defenses. If he does this, then I think we should allow him to leave. I would like it if he was willing to remain and assist in the defense as he does not seem to be of an evil nature as would join with the queen of dragon's evil horde. But, it should be his choice once he has proven no intent to harm us.

Red seems to agree.

"Tirion, Red, I have a great deal of respect for both of you. Although I'm not comfortable with the idea of releasing a forest giant upon the city of Brindol, I realize that these are no ordinary times. I believe Mongo has paid more than his fair share of restitution for his transgressions and it is time to release him."

Moving over to Mongo's cell, the new magistrate addresses the giant, "Mongo, on behalf of the city of Brindol, I release you from this prison. You are free to go. However, I command you to hunt farmer's cattle no more and I urge you to assist with the defense of Brindol. If you fight against the Red Hand, you will be declared a protector of Brindol."

Mantooth takes the guard's keys and opens Mongo's cell.

"Mongo want out! Let Mongo out!"

When the cell doors are opened, Mongo emerges in a half crazed state. "Wwaaaaaahhhhh! Mongo free. Take Mongo out. Take Mongo out to see sky!"

Meanwhile, the bard from the northern cell tries to plead his case. "If you are letting out a forest giant, then you must certainly have enough compassion and mercy to let me out! I am a bard and naturally I have made mistakes in my passed, but haven't I paid the price as well. With an evil army on the way here, I am needed for whatever comes our way. Hey you!" Lockstar yells over to Red. "I'm a famous bard and I need you to put in a good word for me. The world needs a few good bards, but your buddies over there are not willing to take a chance on me. Can you believe it?! Please try to get me out and you will not regret that decision either!"

Tirion looks back at Lockstar and shakes his head:

As I said, you shall be given a trial based upon the nature of your deeds when the time is right. For now, I believe the magistrate has decided that you shall remain in the prison.

With that, Tirion turns and follows the forest giant out of the prison.

"Hmmm I'm afraid I am not so sure about who you are or what you have done, so my friends here might have a hard time accepting any vouching for you on my behalf, never mind though, we are putting an apparent fan and lady of ambiguous affections in there with you so at least you will be entertained!" Red offers quite helpfully.

"A lady of affections?! Are you saying she wants to come and see me? Is she a fan of mine? You see I am changing over a new leaf. I am here to bring music to the world. Now that I've gotten rid of that vexing necromancer I can now start to feel the power of Shelyn return to my being! Naturally, love emenates from my being, but I also need Desna's luck and freedom to come visit me here in my cell, so I can get out of this joint!

As Jared Kaal is locked away in the large cell on the corner, he gives you more threats that are not likely to be his last. "You will all suffer for this outrage! I will see to that personally. You will regret this decision for the rest of your life!"

"Give him a sword."

Red looks a little non-plussed, he tightens his own sword belt from its slightly jaunty fit to a more serious bearing.

"He's offered to see to it personally and I demand satisfaction."

"Oh now there's trouble...Red, just ignore the imbecile, he's due a dance wth the hangman, why bring forward his swift release?"

"He still speaks to cause offence, I wish to see if he is better with his sword than with his tongue"

"Give him a sword."

Red looks a little non-plussed, he tightens his own sword belt from its slightly jaunty fit to a more serious bearing.

"He's offered to see to it personally and I demand satisfaction."

"Bring me my blade and I will run you through with it, Bard! I'm not afraid of you!"

"Considering the time constraints we are under, this may be a perfect way to solve this problem." Looking to Longbrow for his nod of approbal, Ulverth commands, "Guards, go get young Kaal his sword. Let's solve this problem here and now. And while you are at it, send someone to House Kaal to go fetch young Bofus. I don't think he will want to miss this."

Quietely turning to Red, he asks, "Are you sure you want to do this? Should I send for his armor as well? Just be warned, my friend, Kaal was a Brindol Lion before he became magistrate. This will not be an easy fight."

@Bofus

Several moments later, a Brindol guard comes to Kaal manor and looks around trying a little lost.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Several moments later, guards and our Heroes are gathered in the Prison Yard.

Bofus' presence is dependent on his decision. Kaal has a sword in his hand, but whether Kaal is armored or not is a decision for Red.

Everyone eyes the situation with great anticipation.

Brindol Prison Yard

If Red is not armored, Tirion will cast Mage Armor on him when he has a chance. Preferably out of the sight of the spawn.

So, the guard is looking around first, not making a B-line for the gate/guards? That makes a difference...

Bofus, yes, the guard is looking around for you first.

In that case, I'll sneak over to him and intercept him on the way, as far out of sight from the Kaal guards as I can.

A duel? Huh. No kidding--I did not see that coming! OK, let's go! I fall into step behind the guard.

"A Brindol Lion eh? Yesterday he was the rooster of the yard, tomorrow a feather duster"

Red simply smiles and admires his falchion.

"Sing us a song Poppy, a battle tune, something...jaunty, looks like we will have an execution of a corrupt aristocrat after all, vive le Galt!"

"Enough of your singing! Prepare to die!"

Jared Kaal draws his blade and prepares to attack.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Initiative for Rebel Red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Red, you may begin.

Rounds 1

Red
Jared Kaal

Battlemat

Red simply takes one step back, growing to an enormous size, his blade leveled at the magistrate while his face twists into a mask of anger.

5' step away, use cloak to enlarge, goes into Rage - if Jared closes will trigger attack of opportunity

Round 1

"What is this trickery?! I should have guessed you would find some way to cheat!"

Jared indeed charges forth and attacks.

Longsword: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

AoO granted

Battlemat

Trip 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Just resolving the AOO, as it effects my future actions :p