DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Thordak makes his way back to the keep, carrying Dalgar, and attempts to enter. Comin' through, boys! he says to the guards with a wink.

@Bofus

"Yes, I know about that. But there's something very sinister going on, literally under your nose. The reason I came here and broke into your house--my sincere apologies, but you'll understand in a moment--well, sir, and please be honest with me: are you aware of a way into the city sewer system from your house? Further, of a hideout in the sewers?"

Strickland, his face growing pale again, visibly sighs. After an uncomfortable silence, he gestures to you. "Please have a seat, Mr. Beechnut." Strickland walks to the window and looks through the hole in the shutter and then returns and sits down in a chair opposite you. "Yes, I am ashamed to admit that I have known of this hideout. I was paid to keep silent about it, because the Blackscarzi lair was built practically underneath this house. It was a source of great shame for me and a constant reminder of their power. It was as if they were taunting me all of this time. In my basement, you can sometimes hear clanging coming up through the pipes and you know they are up to something down there. It is like an infestation that you just can't get rid of. I have never been down there, but I have known about them. I do not believe it is possible to get there from my basement, unless you can perhaps squeeze through pipes, but that sounds far to dangerous than simply trying to find their own entrance."

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@Matthais

Now, do you know where the bottle of wine is?

"I am sure that is long gone. I suspect the staff threw the bottle out with the rest of the leftovers from the meal."

"And who was the lady friend you mentioned?"

"I doubt you would know her, she was a trusted friend of Jarmaath's and she would never do such a thing. Your dedication to this incident is admirable, but I would not bother follow up with that lead. Have you searched Lord Jarmaath's room perchance?"

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@Thordak

"Comin' through, boys!"

The guards raise their hand and call out, "Wait, wait, Master Thordak! I know you have been allowed in, but that lady may not enter! People cannot just come and go as wish around here! We have our orders you know!"

It is like an infestation that you just can't get rid of. I have never been down there, but I have known about them. I do not believe it is possible to get there from my basement, unless you can perhaps squeeze through pipes, but that sounds far to dangerous than simply trying to find their own entrance."

I look hard at Strictland for a moment. I appreciate your levelling with me. If there's anything else you're holding out on . . .

after a brief pause, I continue. What if I told you that I know of an entrance? Further, that I know for a fact that Trask himself is down there?? Do you think--theoretically, of course--that a competent group of hardy folk, with the element of surprise, could simply end Trask's threat by ending Trask--and would that be a desirable thing?

The guards raise their hand and call out, "Wait, wait, Master Thordak! I know you have been allowed in, but that lady may not enter! People cannot just come and go as wish around here! We have our orders you know!"

Thordak slows. Listen, boys, she's with me, an' she's a lady with a hurt leg! An' Oi don't wanna hear any more sass from you! Didn't yer mothers teach ye how to be courteous to a lady? She won't do no harm! Thordak says, hoping the hawk doesn't prove him wrong.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 15

He huffs and continues on.

@Bofus

"I appreciate your levelling with me. If there's anything else you're holding out on . . .

Strickland paces the room even more, clearly panicked. At last he responds. "Well, I have made many mistakes, enough that I can longer count them."

" What if I told you that I know of an entrance? Further, that I know for a fact that Trask himself is down there??"

"I wouldn't believe you. Trask is too clever to come to Brindol. He knows that Jarmaath has no time for him and would attempt to imprison him if he dared step foot in this city. Besides, there is no reason for him to come here. He has his own kingdom he is trying to expand from Elsir Cross. The Blackscarzi or the Blacknives as he calls them already do his bidding. Unless the Blacknives are failing him and need some motivation, but that would be a huge risk for him."

"Do you think--theoretically, of course--that a competent group of hardy folk, with the element of surprise, could simply end Trask's threat by ending Trask--and would that be a desirable thing?"

"You were very impressive in the gauntlet, my friend, but the Baron is a very evil man. Furthermore, he is slippery as a fish and as deadly as a poisoned dagger. However, I suppose if yes, theoretically, if you could surprise him, which I will remind you is highly unlikely, then yes, it would be highly desirable. Besides ending the obvious threat to my family, his death would be a blessing to all of the subjects under his control to the north. He is a tryrant beyond any I have ever met. The worst thing, is that he is very clever and almost impossible to get to."

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@Thordak

"Listen, boys, she's with me, an' she's a lady with a hurt leg! An' Oi don't wanna hear any more sass from you! Didn't yer mothers teach ye how to be courteous to a lady? She won't do no harm! "

The guards stare sullenly as Thordak chastises them. One of them gulps and replies, "Uhmm, sorry Master Thordak, we didn't mean any disrespect and all, but you should know, we have heard that she is a witch! We would get into serious trouble if we let her pass!"

The guards stare sullenly as Thordak chastises them. One of them gulps and replies, "Uhmm, sorry Master Thordak, we didn't mean any disrespect and all, but you should know, we have heard that she is a witch! We would get into serious trouble if we let her pass!"

Witch!? If she was a witch, would Oi be carryin' her on moi back? Wouldn't she jus' fly around on her broomstick? Go an' fetch yerself a switch, so Oi can tan yer hide! Even if she were a witch, she's with me, an' Oi trust her, an' Oi suggest you do the same! Look: If this poor injured lady causes any trouble, ye can hold me pers'nally accountable, alroight? Good job watchin' the gate, but it's not me or moi friends you've to worry about, eh boys?

Thordak resumes his walking again.

I shake my head:
Ok, Mr. Ambassador, your responses are improving. However, your continued failure to respond to my questions makes me question your honesty. Once again, who was the lady with whom you and Lord Jarmaath had dinner last night? I do not care she is a high priestess of Callistria, I want her name as she is a suspect in this matter until such time as we find that she is innocent.

Turning to Mantooth: We need to find if the food and wine from last night was thrown out.

If there are any guards about: Could you please see if any of the kitchen staff are around? We need to see if they threw out the leftovers from last night's dinner.

"You were very impressive in the gauntlet, my friend, but the Baron is a very evil man. Furthermore, he is slippery as a fish and as deadly as a poisoned dagger. However, I suppose if yes, theoretically, if you could surprise him, which I will remind you is highly unlikely, then yes, it would be highly desirable. Besides ending the obvious threat to my family, his death would be a blessing to all of the subjects under his control to the north. He is a tryrant beyond any I have ever met. The worst thing, is that he is very clever and almost impossible to get to."

I listen intently. ONce he's done, I go over to shake his hand. Sir, you have my sincere apologies for having invaded your home like a common cretin. My suspicions were that there was a way into that underground lair from here, and that you were either complicit, or--more likely--held against your will. I thank you for the information. I don't yet know what I'm going to do with it, but allow me to bid you good day.

I bow and leave out teh front door, sneaking back to the cover of teh garden adn trees where I'm pretty sure my friends are.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Seeing Bofus exit the house, I climb down the tree and rejoin him and Florence.

I join them - is the guy with the club already gone?

@Bofus

" Sir, you have my sincere apologies for having invaded your home like a common cretin. My suspicions were that there was a way into that underground lair from here, and that you were either complicit, or--more likely--held against your will. I thank you for the information. I don't yet know what I'm going to do with it, but allow me to bid you good day."

"Bofus . . . If you really do what I think you are going to, I want to thank you ahead of time. I'll be saying my prayers to Desna! Fare Well, Mr. Beechnut!"

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@Florence, Tirion, and Bofus

The angry man with the club staggers a little as he grabs the screaming boy by the ear and pulls him across the lawn. "What did I tell you about fighting! Huh Kid? Somebody always gotta get hurt! This time it looks like its you. When we get home, it looks like you're gonna need a little lesson!"

He pulls the kid from the yard and returns to the nearby apartment building.

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@Thordak

"Ok, Master Thordak. I shouldn't be doing this, but seeing how respected you are and all, I am going to trust you on this one. However, if something happens, remember, I am going to be the one paying the price! I am taking your word on this!"

The guard reluctantly opens the gate for you.

"Bofus . . . If you really do what I think you are going to, I want to thank you ahead of time. I'll be saying my prayers to Desna! Fare Well, Mr. Beechnut!"

*wink*

The angry man with the club staggers a little as he grabs the screaming boy by the ear and pulls him across the lawn. "What did I tell you about fighting! Huh Kid? Somebody always gotta get hurt! This time it looks like its you. When we get home, it looks like you're gonna need a little lesson!"

.
He pulls the kid from the yard and returns to the nearby apartment building.

I see Florence and Tirion coming, and I glance at them, and at the unfolding "domestic scene" with a torn look. I give them a helpless and apologetic shrug, then shout out

HEY you sorry sod! Why don't you pick on someone a little closer to your size?? I wave at myself indicating I mean me.

Thordak proceeds through the gate and up into the keep to Lord Jarmaath's chambers with Dalgar. M'lord, Oi've brought somebody who might be able te help ye! he says, letting her down off his back and approaching the lord respectfully.

Seeing Bofus shrug and yell, and knowing this is probably a bad idea, I will attempt to sunder the man's club with a 0 level frost ray:

Ray-touch attack at club: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

I have no clue if this is possible, but seemed like a good idea at the time. Thats what an 8 wisdom will do for you.

Seeing Bofus shrug and yell, and knowing this is probably a bad idea, I will attempt to sunder the man's club with a 0 level frost ray

Now THERE'S something you don't see every day!!

@Bofus, Florence, and Tirion

"HEY you sorry sod! Why don't you pick on someone a little closer to your size?? "

The angry man lets go of the kid and looks around trying to find you.

Perception Check 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Hey, you half twit! Who the hell are you talking to?!"

Suddenly the frost ray, zaps him on the hands. "Hey what the? . . . Some short creature is gonna meet my club real fast!"

Initiative

Lugmuk 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
Bofus Initiative 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Florence Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Tirion’s Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

The drunken man scowls and begins his staggered charge toward you.

You have the initiative!

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@ Thordak & Matthais, Mantooth

You recall the passageways and doors required to return to Jarmaath's chamber. When you arrive, you find Matthais, Mantooth and Ambassador Stainak outside of the door. At the sight of the dwarf the ambassador audibly sighs.

"Oh great! Now we have the dwarf here as well! I really don't know why the good Lord keeps you folks around for support. So, Thordag, who did you bring with you this time?"

"Could you please see if any of the kitchen staff are around? We need to see if they threw out the leftovers from last night's dinner."

"We will look right away and see who was on duty last night!"

Standing up to my full almost 3 feet, I look him in the eyes as he charges -
You REALLY do not want to mess with members of the Brindol Bashers do you!!!
Intimidate(demoralize): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 --> I might have a -4 for size difference, not sure.

"Hey what the? . . . Some short creature is gonna meet my club real fast!"

The drunken man scowls and begins his staggered charge toward you.

I hope this gets over quickly--we need to get back to the others right away!!

Well, at least you show the nuts to attack someone ONLY half your size and a quarter your weight, you huge lummox . . .

In an attempt to end this quickly without actually hurting this lout, I run at him while pulling out my sap, time his staggering charge, and use his bent knee to hop up and give him a smart whack across the jaw.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 <--Hmm, this *could* be a hit . . . so
Non-Lethal sneak attack damage: 1d4 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + (2, 5) = 8

As I land, I continue to taunt him. Let's see how you do against someone who'll actually hit you back, big boy.

@Bofus, Tirion, and Florence

Once you begin showing some resistance, the man drops his club and runs (mostly staggers) away back to his apartment. The kids have run away and the neighborhood appears quiet again.

@Bofus, Tirion, and Florence

.
Once you begin showing some resistance, the man drops his club and runs (mostly staggers) away back to his apartment. The kids have run away and the neighborhood appears quiet again.

Oh, what a hero. OK, guys, lets walk and talk, shall we?

I begin to walk briskly toward Jarmaath's palace as I discuss what Strictland and I talked about.

So, he says there's no way into the sewers from his house, and I believe him. It *sounds* like taking this Baron out would be a good thing to do; apparently he's a real tyrant at home, and is only working to expand his stranglehold. Strictland thinks Trask is foolish to come here unless he has a good reason--and we know his reason. I pat my breast pocket with the Dragon's Eye in it Jarmaath would not suffer Trask to be here, which is why I think we need to intercept our friends before Mantooth discloses that Trask is actually in town.
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See, we might be able to surpirse Trask and take him and his goons down, but if Jarmaath hears that Trask is in town, he'll put together a posse and scare Trask off before we get our crack at him. I want to see if we can still get Jarmaath's support for going directly against Trask, but not give up that he's here yet. Sound good??

Seeing Thordak return:
Thank goodness you are back Thordak. -- M'lady, I believe that Lord Jarmaath was poisoned through some sort of ingested poison, likely from food he ate, or wine. Is there anything your can do?

Then turning back to the Ambassador: Sir, I really hate making threats, but until you tell us who the lady was with you and Lord Jarmaath last night, I am afraid that I will have to ask Captain Ulverth to keep you in the brig. I apologize, but it is necessary in a dire situation like this.

Turning to another of the guards: Please summon Captain Ulverth, I am afraid that we need to speak with him now.

Though Stainak should be under Matthias's spell, Mantooth can never be quite sure with the ambassador's answers. He raises an eyebrow once the man starts to look nervous.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Mantooth takes a step closer to the ambassador, making eye contact with the man. "Really, Ambassador, this should be avoidable. With someone such as yourself in a respected position, we do not want to be the ones to incarcerate you for withholding information about the Lord's illness. We know he was poisoned. Until we find out what poisoned him or ar able to cure him, no one who has spent considerable time him will be allowed to leave for quite some time. I am asking you, please help us rid our Lord of his illness in any way you can. Who was this individual you and Jarmaath ate with last night?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Sir, I really hate making threats, but until you tell us who the lady was with you and Lord Jarmaath last night, I am afraid that I will have to ask Captain Ulverth to keep you in the brig. I apologize, but it is necessary in a dire situation like this."

"Damn you, Teskerwill! Stop with your pushy threats! This is no way to treat a dignitary such as myself. You are aware of the word dignity aren't you! Well, you should know that I have diplomatic immunity and to hold me against my will will be an offense against the state! I should be allowed to have a discrete rendezvous with a lady without having to divulge who she is! I'll be damned if I tell you any more!"

"Really, Ambassador, this should be avoidable. With someone such as yourself in a respected position, we do not want to be the ones to incarcerate you for withholding information about the Lord's illness. We know he was poisoned. Until we find out what poisoned him or ar able to cure him, no one who has spent considerable time him will be allowed to leave for quite some time. I am asking you, please help us rid our Lord of his illness in any way you can. Who was this individual you and Jarmaath ate with last night?"

"Well, Sir Longbrow, at least you understand my position! I want you to be fully aware that I am on your side in this matter, but there are some matters that need treated with discretion. I would be willing to tell you of this lady. However, I want you to treat her with more respect than Master Teskerwill treats me, and furthermore, I want this portion of your investigation kept completely secret. Nobody needs to know that she was here in the keep! In fact I request at your word that you not question her or pursue that thread of the investigation until all other leads are exhausted. Before I answer you, are we agreed on this matter?"

Thordak huffs and opens the door to Lord Jarmaath's chamber, mumbling. Oi've had enough o' politics!
He beckons for Dalgar to follow him, and shows her to the sick lord.
Lord Jarmaath, this is Dalgar, she might be able to help you...
With that, he begins searching the room for suspicious items.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

" Before I answer you, are we agreed on this matter?"

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"Stainak, I am afraid the matter is quite urgent. This is Lord Jarmaath's life we are talking about. I feel that our options may be exhausted as soon as we find out the fate last night's dinner leftovers, so please, tell me who this woman is and where I may be able to find her. You have my word that discretion will be used."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

@Mantooth & Matthais

"Stainak, I am afraid the matter is quite urgent. This is Lord Jarmaath's life we are talking about. I feel that our options may be exhausted as soon as we find out the fate last night's dinner leftovers, so please, tell me who this woman is and where I may be able to find her. You have my word that discretion will be used."

"Very well. Her name is Elkira Haskinar. She is the daughter of Rhola Haskinar, the matriarch of the Haskinar Clan. They own that large manor just down the hill on the east side. They control nearly all of the farming trade in this region. But as I mentioned, she is not going to be able to reveal very much that I myself have not already told you. Please leave her alone, and I urge you not to let her family know that she was here! As I was saying, we simply shared a meal together with Jarmaath and then he went retired to his chamber. He was absolutely fine when he left us. It was not until morning that he was so sick!"

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@Thordak

"Lord Jarmaath, this is Dalgar, she might be able to help you... "

Lord Jarmaath smiles weakly as you both approach his bedside. However, it disappears as soon as Dalgar calls out to him, "Hello there, Sonny! You don't look like you in any good shape for dancing tonight! What's the matter, cat got your tongue? Open your mouth and let me take a look inside! Don't be shy, Jarmy. I don't bite. Do I Thorry?"

For the next ten minutes, Dalgar inspects the Lord carefully, ignoring Jarmaath's weak attempts to resist.

Dalgar's heal check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Thordak, as you look around the room you notice the following objects: his four poster bed, a bedside table holding his reading book and a large candle on it. There is a wardrobe in the corner that contains a variety of fine clothes for all occasions. In a place of honor above the fireplace, his sword rests upon a rack. Nearby on a stand is his suit of armor, gauntlets, shield and helmet. Against the wall is a writing desk with an ink bottle and a quill.

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@Bofus, Tirion, and Florence

You are greeted by two stern guards at the main gate to the keep and they greet you sharply.

"Afternoon, folks. State you name and business, please."

Good afternoon - we we have been summoned by Lord Jarmaath, he has some questions for us regarding a devil that attacked the theatre last night. We were told it was quite urgent and to rush here.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Well Ambassador, thank you for your response, it would have been much easier without all the subterfuge.

I go in to Thordak - Hey, Thordak has anyone used the quill and ink? I wonder if the poison might be on them?

Wot?! They can do that!? Buuah! Thordak shudders, feeling poorly for the lord. He goes over and sniffs the quill and ink carefully, making sure not to touch them. Remembering the sinister candles from the night before, he examines Jarmaath's candle, then picks up the book warily. Cebre had been readin' some mighty strange books... Oi wonder if...? Thordak cracks the book just a hair, holding it as far away from his face as he can.
What does the ink smell like? What's the book? How about the candle?

@Tirion, Bofus, and Florence

"Good afternoon - we we have been summoned by Lord Jarmaath, he has some questions for us regarding a devil that attacked the theatre last night. We were told it was quite urgent and to rush here.

"Why doesn't anybody ever tell me what is going on here?! Well, your purpose sounds reasonable, but what's your name, dark gnome? And who are the rest of you?"

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@Matthais and Mantooth

"Well Ambassador, thank you for your response, it would have been much easier without all the subterfuge."

"And you, Master Teskerwill, would have done much better to show some respect to your elders! If you are quite finished with the interrogation, I should be leaving. Good day, Sir Longbrow, Teskerwill."

@Thordak

The ink has a strong inky odor, but it does not seem out of the ordinary. The title of the book is "Destiny of Wind, The Story of the Kite Fliers of Kaer Maga." The candle is black and rather thick (about four inches in diameter). The wick appears to have been lit, but very little if any wax has been melted.

I snort and reply

We are not the rest of anybody...pfff. He's THE dark gnome, you know?

We are not the rest of anybody...pfff. He's THE dark gnome, you know?

"Well, state your name and business then, and let's be on with it!"

Thordak looks more closely at the candle, checking it for any marks or strangeness. He hacks off a chunk with his dagger and crumbles it up. Hrmmm... This candle looks a lot like the ones from the theater last night...

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Any magic?

I am Tirion Jörðhár, this good lady is the entertainer Florence Danapieré whose performance was so rudely interrupted by the devil's appearance last night, and my wee companion is Mr. John Littlefoot. As I mentioned, we were all in the theatre last night.

@Tirion, Bofus, and Florence

"I am Tirion Jörðhár, this good lady is the entertainer Florence Danapieré whose performance was so rudely interrupted by the devil's appearance last night, and my wee companion is Mr. John Littlefoot. As I mentioned, we were all in the theatre last night."

"So why are you here, John Littlefoot, and what is your business? Are you simply here as a witness?"

"So why are you here, John Littlefoot, and what is your business? Are you simply here as a witness?"

Yes, sir. As Tiron says, I was there and would like to give my full account to the good Lord.

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Yes, sir. As Tiron says, I was there and would like to give my full account to the good Lord.

The guard eyes you all carefully and then decides to let you through. "You may proceed. However, you must kindly leave your weapons here at the gate."

The guard eyes you all carefully and then decides to let you through. "You may proceed. However, you must kindly leave your weapons here at the gate."

Of course, sir.

Without hesitation I unbelt my rapier, as well as one dagger. Leaving another dagger, and my sap, both concealed, on my person.

As Tirion comes up Thordak brings him the candle. Hey, ahhh... take a look at this. Does it look like the candles from the theater last night? Is it magic or evil or poisoned?

I give him my dagger and follow Bofus.

Busy today, sorry for the short post.

Well, lemme see. Hmmm.

Do I recognize the candle?

Cast Detect Magic.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Guys - I think this candle caused the illness. It produces some kind of a deadly vapor when lit. Hmmm, wonder if I can get a better read on it.

Cast Identify

Knowledge(arcana) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36 --> trying to identify exactly what spell was put out by this candle

The aura is necromancy. Can someone get the high priest and the harp wizard, they seem to be the most likely to know about this stuff.

You are all present when Dalgar announces, "Your Lord was definitely poisoned by deadly vapor. He is failing, but he still has some time yet. Let me see that candle, Sonny!"

The elderly woman inspects the candle for a moment and replies, "This could be very dangerous for you frail ones, but we should light this to determine if this is indeed the cause. Any of you have some flint and steel?"

Hmmm, not sure if lighting it here would be a good idea since Lord Jarmaath is already so harmed. If you wish to test it, perhaps we should take it to a deck or balcony to avoid others being affected.

Turning to the others:

The more important question is who brought this candle here, or who gave it to Lord Jarmaath.

Has anyone called for Captain Ulverth? He needs to initiate an investigation into this. Also, we need to talk to Lord Jarmaath's housemaid or the guards who were here last night to determine if anyone knows who brought this candle. I do not have any spells which will assist me on this.

I also look more carefully at the candle, does it appear that there are any markings on it as to its origin?

I try to catch all mycompanions' eyes and nod to them to talk to me, separate from everyone else.

Once we're all together awya from the general brouhaha, I hold a quick whispered conference.

Things are clicking into place for me. Trask did this, or I'm a shaved dwarf. Strictland said it would be foolish for Trask to be in brindol unless he had a good reason, but he has TWO good reasons. He's here in town to find the Eyes, and also to personally and permanently remove one of his biggest opponents--Jarmaath. Mantooth, you're not going to want to hear this, but we have to move on Trask alone, NOW. If we raise the alarm and give up Trask's location to Jarmaath and the Lions, Trask will hear of it immediatley and disappear, and we'll lose our chance. But we know where he's hiding, and we can surprise him!
.
If we bring Trask's head back here, that will solve a plethora of our woes, I'm certain. This is our chance, and we may not get another one--while the Lions are still investigating, and distracted by Jarmaath's illness, and while Trask still thinks he's successful, is still looking for the eyes, and still doesn't know his hideout is secret. I say we mvoe--RIGHT NOW--and take him and his mooks. We make a battle plan en route, but we dont' hesitate.
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Let's beg off right now, syaing we want to be out of the way while they fix things here, and we'll REALLy fix things!! Let's go!!!

My eyes are lighting and I'm bouncing on the balls of my feet at the prospect of action after so much confusion.

That's it! Can someone stay here and help Jarmaath? Oi don't know enough about this stuff to be of any help...But Oi know wot moi axe an' crossbow can do! Bofus, let's go! Thordak says, his anger mounting. He cracks his knuckles and begins walking agitatedly towards the door to retrieve his weapons.

"Hmmm, not sure if lighting it here would be a good idea since Lord Jarmaath is already so harmed. If you wish to test it, perhaps we should take it to a deck or balcony to avoid others being affected."

Dalgar replies curtly, "What do you take me for, a fool, you impish gnome! Obviously I am not going to subject the Lord to further poisoning. However, maybe I should take you along just to see that it really works."

"Let's beg off right now, syaing we want to be out of the way while they fix things here, and we'll REALLy fix things!! Let's go!!!

Looking at the halfling, listening to Thordak, Dalgar chimes in, "Thorry, did you say Bofus? So you are the wee halfling I met at the tournament! Nice to see you again, Sonny! You have an impressive little disguise you are wearing! Well, this is all starting to fit together. But I just don't understand why you would choose to go without such a brave warrior as this young knight. If you are going to take on those villains and rogues who did this, I would be thinking that you would take all the help you can get. Now why don't you guys all go along and leave me to go back to my camp on the hill to work on this Candle thingamajigger. We can leave the Lord in the incapable hands of his fine clerics. When you come back, come find me on the hill outside of town and I should be able to tell you what I can do for an antidote. Now, you boys, and you too my dearie, head off and storm the castle or whatsuch, but you better take good care of Thorry for me! He is very important to me, you know!"

Even in such a grave situation, Mantooth cannot help but smile a little while listening to Dalgar's chatterings. Taking a slight bow before he leaves, Mantooth responds to the witch. "Of course, my lady. We will return your dearest Thordak to you. Beard and all." As the party leaves, Mantooth tucks the name Elkira Haskinar away for future reference.

Once they've retrieved their weapons and Mantooth is re-armed he asks "Alright, where is the former Magistrate's house?"

Just seeing what I know about Elkira Haskinar:

Knowledge(nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Then I guess a visit with the good Baron is warranted.