DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

"Jorr, if you don't mind, please tell them that the battle had some collateral damage. Namely, this bridge. We can't leave here without stopping the advance of the forces."

With the rest of the party searching for loot or rounding up prisoners, Mantooth will begin looking for any way to take down the ancient bridge. With Bofus on the North end, he starts at the south end of the bridge, examining the base of the two towers for any weak blocks or irregularities.

Perception, SE Tower 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Perception, SW Tower1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"This might be a job best left to you, Thordak."

Is he telling the truth?
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

In Goblin: You and your pitiful army will last no longer against the forces of good than did your lizard friend.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Spitting on the ground by the hobgoblin - He says that they were just directed to protect the bridge so that goblins could pass. Useless mindless goblins.

I leave the hobgoblin in the hands of Matthais and begin to examine the bridge for any weak points.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Craft(stonemasonry): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Knowledge(engineering): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

@Mantooth

The towers and bridge appear to be made with extraordinary thickness. However, as you investigate the southeast tower, you notice a great deal of erosion and weathering along the base of the tower near the edge of the gorge.

@Tirion

• The hobgoblin appears to be telling the truth.

• The dead hobgoblins all carried their standard combat gear of masterwork longswords, studded leather armor, composite longbows, and 20 arrows. However, the equipment does not radiate any auras of magic.

• Although you did not notice the eroded section of the tower on your own, when Mantooth points this out to you, you believe that this part of the bridge is a weak point that if destroyed, may cause the entire bridge to collapse.

Well all. We can probably take the bridge out here at this eroded corner. However, this is a major trade route and destroying the bridge with greatly impair trade through this area. On the flip side, with the hobgoblins so easily taking up a position here, I do not know how much this road is even used any longer.

Jorr or Matthias, do either of you know how heavily travelled this road is? If we were to take out the bridge, what affect would that have on local trade?

Also, if we take out the bridge, we are stuck on one side or the other, or at least out steeds will be. Lulu can ferry us across, but I doubt she could carry a nervous steed.

"Jorr or Matthias, do either of you know how heavily travelled this road is? If we were to take out the bridge, what affect would that have on local trade?"

"Well, having lived in Brindol nearly all of my life and grown up in a family closely tied with merchants and trade, I can say that the Dawn Way is the life blood of the Elsir Vale. This is the main route from Cheliax in the west to Druma in the east. Destroying the bridge would definitely put a hamper on trade, be devastating to the economy, not to mention would ruin and incredible piece of ancient dwarven history. I wonder if there is another way to stop this rabble of hobgoblins from coming through. I guess I still can't believe that they would cause much trouble to the armed towns in the vale. All Jarmaath needs to do is dispatch several patrols of Brindol Lions and they would put an end to all this nonsense."

"Destroying the bridge would definitely put a hamper on trade, be devastating to the economy, not to mention would ruin and incredible piece of ancient dwarven history."

"Dannae be a goon, Priest! Is that a' yae can think aboot? Trade and economics isnae all there istae live for! Whot aboot the wee animals o' the forest an' all? Them damn hobbies are up tae sumthin I ken! I dannae believe the hobbies would place a green dragon ane the bridge to mak a nest to pester the wee traders. Nae, there is a gud reason for the mauradin bands and the dragon. I ken it ane mae bones, an we gotta find oot what!"

"Nae offense, Priest, but couldya do sum a' that divine magic hoopla and heal up same of these damn wounds?!"

hp:16/36

Yes, I think we could all use some healing around here. Gather around my friends and let me send some of the healing light of Sarenrae around us to heal your wounds."

Once everyone gathers around him, Matthias lifts his hand and prays before channeling the divine energy of Sarenrae.

"Oh great and mighty Dawnflower, bathe us in your healing light and close up our wounds, that we may continue to serve you with acts of goodness and kindness. I ask this in your name."

Channel Energy 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6) = 17
Channel Energy 3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) = 7
Channel Energy 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) = 12

Everyone in a 30 foot radius of Matthias may heal themselves up 36 hit points up to their maximum.

"Thank yae, Sir! I am richt obliged! Lemmae ken what aye canndae for yae in return."

Hit Points: 36/36

Thank you Matthias, much improved.

Now then, is there a way to block the bridge? I would cast an illusion, but that is not in my repertoire.

I suppose Thordak could set up some traps, but then there is the risk of travelers and merchants getting caught.

Much as I do not look forward to it, I think that the best option is to move forward and take this battle to the hobgoblins and dragons so that we have to advantage of surprise. At present they do not know what happened here as we have the only survivor, which we could easily eliminate.

HP:56/63

Thordak examines the bridge, frowning.
It's a pity it's fallen inta such disrepair! Shameful, really! But it's still a major trade route, an' it's a piece o' history, a legacy o' times gone past. Oi wouldn't want te see it destroyed... Oi think the best thing would be to garrison it, an' when this is all over we get some Dwarven craftsmen up here te fix it up! As fer us, we need te figure out a way to stop the rest o' the army... First things first though. We need to get word to Drellin's ferry, Brindol, an' the Hammerfist Holds. Any ideas?

HP:59/61

"I understand that this bridge is ancient and is a part of history, but that is part of the problem. If you think you might be able to take out the bridge just by knocking out that one eroded part, it might be time for a new bridge.

As soon as the hobgoblins notice that their dragon is dead and their guard has been.. disbanded, then I don't see why they won't begin marching near immediately without being able to guard it."

@Thordak

"I think you may be one of the best candidates for getting the word out, my friend." Mantooth says, looking from the dwarf to the hippogriff.

Hmm? I'm not sure we should separate as we approach the enemy. However, let's consider things carefully. If we are to ride north, my friends, I think we should keep the bridge intact. I really don't like the idea of leaving Humphrey behind and our mounts will certainly enable us to travel faster than any hobgoblins. The dragon is destroyed, so we don't need to worry about that any more."

Well, not 'bout that one, but who knows if they've got more? Their whole thing is that they work for the dragon queen, right? Hrm... Mantooth, Oi think you might be right about me goin' to warn people, but you should learn some respect fer history, lad! Now! Oi'll be off then! he says, mounting up.

First, Thordak retrieves some dragonscales. Then, He and Lulu fly off for Drellin's Ferry. After that is the Hammerfist Holds, then Brindol.

Ride: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Well then, we move forward. One option is that we could send a message back with Lulu, or if Jorr has any animal friends, telling Drellin's Ferry and Brindol that reinforcements are needed her post haste.

I would just hate for the hobbies to circle around us if we were to miss them. And regarding the dragon, if they have a dragon guarding this bridge and these are worshippers of the demon dragon Tiamat, then we will undoubtedly meet with more scaly resistance at some point before we are done.

" Now! Oi'll be off then!"

"You are obviously free to go, Thordak, but I don't like the idea of you going out on your own out there. Also, I'm not sure we want to be out here without someone who can fly across this gorge! I would seriously reconsider, and perhaps not split us up, yet. Let's find some more information. All we have is Koth's map, but do we really know what the threat is?"

Yeh - I got ninjaed by Thordak - I would oppose splitting up at present, things are too time sensitive. Does Jorr have any contacts? That is what I was asking about - animal or fey - which could be used as a messenger?

I posted this morning, but teh board ate it and I haven't had a chance before now to try again

Whoa, there, Thordak!! Don't go flying off just yet. Sure, grab some scales, but don't leave us yet, OK??
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Here's what I'm thinking. Let's take some time to determine how we could drop the bridge, and maybe even start setting that up. We keep that as a last-resort contingency, in case things get so hairy that we have to simply stop them cold. I think between Tirion and myself, we might be able to figure something out.
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But also, we've gained a pretty big advantage here--the invaders still think they have a strong bridge guard. Unless and until their scouts report otherwise, they've got their pants around their ankles. Let's press our advantage and move north with all haste--after seeing to the bridge, that is--and get a first-hand view of what's going on. THEN we can talk about sending messengers to Drellis Ferry, Brindol, or wherever else we think is threatened. On teh way we definitely want to keep an eye out for advanced scouts and, um, deter them from reporting back. Aaaaand if Thordak is of a mind to try tracking the dragon's lair--everyone knows how fond dragons are of the shineys!!--so much the better. Oh yeah, found these in the tower--anyone mind if I keep the potion of invisibility? Might be another dragon we need to sneak up on later. Someone else take the Cure Serious potion.

I take a deep breath, and take out an Eye of the Dragon. So, Tirion, show me the weathered part of the bridge. Let's put our heads together and see if we can't figure out how we might take this thing down if we need to!

@DMHW: I don't know if you'd prefer a Perception or Disable Device check to see if juryrigging something is possible, or if you'll let me use the EotD to assist that check. OR if you'd let, say, Tirion's Engineering assist my DD. Say the word!

Hrmph! Thordak grunts. Haven't ye all seen that map? It says they're plannin' to attack an' when, but we don't know what days the ones marked on the map are. Oi think it's our first order o' business to get some help! Now Oi can send out some animal messengers tomorrow, but Oi don't have enough to alert everybody... An' as fer the dragon's lair, Oi think we can wait on that, eh?

Hrmph! Thordak grunts. Haven't ye all seen that map? It says they're plannin' to attack an' when, but we don't know what days the ones marked on the map are. Oi think it's our first order o' business to get some help! Now Oi can send out some animal messengers tomorrow, but Oi don't have enough to alert everybody...

But that's just it--we don't know what kind of help we need, do we? I mean, if we get 5 militia men from Drellis Ferry, will that make any difference? Do we have the time to spare to try to get a few contingents of Lions all the way here--or will the hobbies have marched already? I say again, we've gained an advantage, we've got to press it. Once we know what we're up against, THEN we warn folks. Instead of a vague "The hobgoblins are coming!!" message, we can give them nice specific information they can use in their defense--or in their running away. I say we press north, posthaste!!

An' as fer the dragon's lair, Oi think we can wait on that, eh?

*sigh* fine, FINE. It can wait. Trail will grow cold, confusticate it, but it can wait.

To the hobgoblin:

Which way did your scaly friend from from? And you better be truthful or the dwarf may teach you how to fly just like your friend did.

Determining how to take the bridge down is most likely engineering. Setting up a trap/trigger could be either DD or E, but would seem like a combination, engineering to know how to get it down and DD to set up a trigger.

@ the group.
Bofus, lets have a look at it. I say we try to set a trigger trap which we can release should we have to flee this way with hobgoblins on our trail. Say something with a rope which Thordak and Lulu could pull once the rest of us are across the bridge.

Knoweledge(engineering): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 I<-- I rolled a 24 earlier, not sure if that is still good or not.

To the hobgoblin:

Which way did your scaly friend from from? And you better be truthful or the dwarf may teach you how to fly just like your friend did.

Determining how to take the bridge down is most likely engineering. Setting up a trap/trigger could be either DD or E, but would seem like a combination, engineering to know how to get it down and DD to set up a trigger.

@ the group.
Bofus, lets have a look at it. I say we try to set a trigger trap which we can release should we have to flee this way with hobgoblins on our trail. Say something with a rope which Thordak and Lulu could pull once the rest of us are across the bridge.

Knoweledge(engineering): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 WTF - I posted this and had a 13 for a 21, it did not post and now I get a 6, <-- I rolled a 24 earlier, not sure if that is still good or not.

@Bofus and Tirion.

From Tirion's assessment you know that it will take only a mere 40 points of damage to this 5-foot square (hardness: 8) to bring the bridge down. This issue with laying a trap is how much do you risk damaging it and how do you propose being able to damage it further? Also how easy do you want it to be to trigger the trap? Give me your ideas and I will come up with a DC for the DD check.

My objective would be to find the keystone or keystones and then use my acid to dissolve any mortar that is holding them such that they are loose, but still firmly in place (so that they will not fall on their own), but as soon as a reasonable amount of pressure is applied, the keystone will come out.

Then to tie a rope or other sturdy device in such a way that with the pull of a dwarf on the back of a hippogriff, the stone will be dislodged bringing the whole thing down.

I will then leave the rope in place in case we need it on the return trip. And will remove it at that time if the hobbies are done. I figure that the bridge will still be standing and that Thordak's dwarves brethren should be able to fix this when they come to repair the bridge.

Oi don't like tha idea of sabotagin' the bridge, but...Oi guess if we really need to...Bah, just get it over with, but Oi don't wanna watch. Oi'm gonna go get some scales. Anybody else want some souvenirs?

Thordak goes to get some scales. Is there a way to grab a couple flasks of acid, too? Not that we really need it with Tirion...Just curious...

@Tirion

There is no clear and easy way to knock down this bridge as a trap, except perhaps by partially damaging it and then finishing the job to activate the fall. However, this is risky in that you could accidentally knock down the bridge prematurely. After further investigation you realize you have three different options to accomplish this task.

1. Investigating the old eroded section that Mantooth found certainly reveals a possibility for taking down the bridge quickest and easiest. (hardness: 8; hitpoints: 40)

2. Upon further investigation, you also notice that the bridge walkway is made of heavy stone blocks set tightly together (the equivalent of extra-thick superior masonry. The keystone is located at the center of the bridge along the walkway. Although this wound be a slow process, you believe that you could eventually bash the walkway in to remove the keystone. (hardness: 8; hitpoints: 270)

3. The four towers appear to serve as anchors connecting the bridge to the sides of the gorge. The bridge could be destroyed by ruining both towers on either end (that is, both north towers or both south towers). To bring down a tower, at least five 5-foot sections must be destroyed (hardness: 8; hitpoints 180 each 5 foot section).

@ DMHW - how long would it take to do the damage to the weak point if I and Thordak concentrated on it?

I tell everyone what DMHW posted.

Perhaps the best bet is to leave the bridge for now. If we find we have to flee. Thordak can bring me back on Lulu. We can then damage the weak point and then wait for the rest of you to cross. Then we take down the bridge and ride Lulu across to meet the rest of you.

Flying back up to the others, Thordak shows off the scales, along with five pearls and a green gem he found embedded in the scales.

Appraise, Green Gem: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Appraise, Pearls: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Didn't we find a magnifying glass or something in the thieves guild? And what ever happened to the eyes of the dragon? Did we split those up/do we have more than one pair?

Hmmm, lets see those pearls and gems.

Detect Magic on pearls and green gem.

If necessary:

Spellcraft(pearl 1): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Spellcraft(pearl 2): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Spellcraft(pearl 3): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Spellcraft(pearl 4): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Spellcraft(pearl 5): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Spellcraft(green gem): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

@Everyone

Congratulations on winning a huge battle! I was not sure how that was going to turn out, but you pulled it off! Let me know if I have missed anything in the threads that you have asked about. What do you do next? Damage the bridge? Destroy the bridge? or Leave the bridge? When you leave, which direction will you go?

Thordak, let me see that gem. I think it is magic.

Spellcraft with Identify: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

Well that was a crappy roll.

@Tirion Hang on . . .

I pull out a white EoD and look through it at the new green gem.

Thordak, this is a good time to bring it up again . . . I formally request that folks say who is carrying what gem. Bofus has both whites, but he DOES NOT want to carry all of them. Right now we also have a green, a red, and a blue. Matched pairs seem to provide energy resistance to the bearer--so far resistance is matched to the breath weapon of the dragon of corresponding color. Can folks volunteer to carry a color, and I'll note it in my Group Pot list who has what?
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Also, I recommend checking the Group Pot entry on my char sheet fairly regularly, as you never know what might be in there!! And it's everyone's, not mine just because I'm carrying it, yo! If you think you'll use it, say you're taking it and I'll note accordingly.

@Thordak Hang on . . .

I pull out the group Merchant's Scale, and check out the pearls as well.

While checking out these pearls, I pontificate with y'all.

The way I see it, we should knock a few more blocks off this here bridge, so it will still stay up, but will go down faster if we need to do it fast. Then we should scout north as fast as we can. What say you all?

I also make a mark on the arrow I annointed with poison so I know which one to grab if I need it.

@DMHW: thanks for the kudos. I was worried too. :-)

Thordak will take whichever gems he is entrusted with. Oi'm still fer leavin' the bridge alone. If we absolutely need te destroy it, we should wait until we know that, then do it. Anyways, Oi think it's time fer us te be movin' on--we wanna get a look at this goblin camp if we can...
Thordak re-mounts and prepares to go.

I am hearing two votes (other than Jorr or Matthias) to move on. A third vote and it will be done.

Move on.

@DMHW - how long do I think it will take time wise to undermine the structure enough to take it out? 1 minute? 5 minutes? 30 minutes? --> If I just keep hitting it with Acid Rays (0 level spell) one after another. Or if Thordak were to go at it with his axe or some tool?

The answer depends on how well you hit and how much damage you do. How to damage an object in a nutshell: Roll to hit against an AC 9. If you hit, roll damage. Deduct 8 from the damage roll. DM subtracts the result from the hitpoints. For more information please read Damaging Objects

So the cantrip would likely not do any damage. And even the acidic Scorching Ray and acidic Shocking Grasp would only do a little damage.

[ooc] It seems that even with the scorching ray - 4d6+6 --> average = 20 divided by 2 = 10 minus hardness of 8 would result in only doing 2 points of damage. That would take a while. Seems that Thordak or Mantooth with a big two handed weapon are the best option. {/ooc]

I look through one of the white Eyes of the dragon at the green gem Thordak found. Looks like htis is another Eye of the Dragon! That gives us a matched pair of greens. Thordak, why odn' tyou take both of them--I'm guessing it'll protect you from acid. Here, let's split the rest of these up . . . Tirion, you take the blue one, and Mantooth can take the red one. I've got the pair of whites. Matthias can get the black ones once we find them. Sound good?

I'll note who's carrying which, if anyone trades, tell me so I can keep it up to date!

• Fireday, Rova 28, 1 hour after noon. •

The overcast weather suddenly erupts with a clap of thunder and a downpour of rain begins falling down on all of you.

Lulu shakes and puffs her feathers against the rain in a disgruntled way. Thordak takes the green gems and stows them in a pouch. Oh, Bofus, wot happened to that healin' potion? Oi wouldn't mind replacin' the ones Tirion and me used today, just in case, ye know?

DMHW: How much energy resistance does a pair of gems offer again? And will it stack with spells like resist energy?

The pair of dragon eyes offers Energy Resistance 10 against the specified type of energy. In the case of the Green Eyes, it would be acid. This special effect is essentially the Resist Energy spells and does not allow stacking . It overlaps and does not stack with protection from energy either.

I hand over the CSW potion.

I say that Thordak takes the green gems. Mantooth takes the pair of whites. I take one red. Bofus takes 1 blue or black. And Matthais takes the others.

Bofus has the highest reflex save and evasion, so he is least likely to take major breath weapon damage. I already have ER5 versus acid. And Mantooth and Thordak as the front liners are most likely to get hit.

Lets get out of this rain and into either a gate tower or one of the hobgoblin tents for a few.

"Lets get out of this rain and into either a gate tower or one of the hobgoblin tents for a few."

"Aye, we dannae want the wee gnome tae melt!"

I say that Thordak takes the green gems. Mantooth takes the pair of whites. I take one red. Bofus takes 1 blue or black. And Matthais takes the others.

Works for me. Mantooth, go ahead and take the 2 whites, adn note you've got Resist Cold: 10 now. I'll keep the blue one for use in trapfinding.

Mantooth pockets the two white gems and suddenly feels a little warming in doing so. He then looks at the toward the towers. "As much as I'd like to dive into one of those vile nests that the goblins call "camps", I think we may be better suited in a tower."

"Aye, then let's dae that! I cannae stand aroond tarrying awhile in the rain when the thair's a roof o'er there."

Jorr Natherson quickly enters the closest tower and remarks to the others, "So tell mae aboot yourselves. I've heard your names an all, but who are yae and whit the de'il are yae daein oot here in the Witchwood?"

Patting Bofus on the back with a hearty pat, Jorr says,"Hehe! You're a wee sneak, Beerswizzler! I dinnae see yae a 'all that battle!"

Once the dwarven ranger enters the tower, Jorr discretely takes Thordak aside and talks to him.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

I give a little snicker (but that's it). Why, thank you, Goblinbane. I had a tough time finding the right time to strike after taking that guard down. Mantooth was certainly both brave and mighty there, wasn't he?
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Hmm, seems a shame to waste half a day just to avoid a little rain, dunnit??

"Why, thank you, Goblinbane. I had a tough time finding the right time to strike after taking that guard down."

"Aye, the timin is always a tricky thing. Tae shoot or not tae shoot is always thae question."

"Mantooth was certainly both brave and mighty there, wasn't he?"

"Indeed, he was that! That wis most impressive. Mind yae, with a name like that, I'm surprised that he didnae bite the reptile!"

"Hmm, seems a shame to waste half a day just to avoid a little rain, dunnit??"

"Aye, indeed! If I wasnae sae afraid a gettin wet, I would be trackin me way tae their camp and slayin a whole nest a dragons. Mind ye, I'm just a wee safty and was hopin tae ha' a cup of tea. Lemmae ken if ye find a game a tiddly winks aroond here."

Well met Jorr. I am Tirion. I come from a small village west of here some leagues. My grandsire got mixed up with earth elementals and black dragons, so I have acquired a bit of a connection with the earth and acid magic.

I agree that we should get moving, but figured that if we were going to discuss our next move, we should do it where it was dry. Also, I am about half way through my spells for the day, so I could use some rest before too long.