DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Well, what's left to discuss? We head north to check out the true nature of the hobgoblin force. From there, we decide what combination of warning nearby settlements, sabotage, hit-and-run attacks, or misdirection we can use to foil the buggers. The sooner we head north and intercept, the more time we have to do what we wanna do.
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To answer your question Jorr, Tirion, Mantooth, Matthias and myself are Vale Tournament champions. We, with Tirion's help, uncovered this invasion plot and we're trying to stop it.

Thordak makes sure Lulu has some shelter before going inside.

Thordak enters and shakes off his hood. He nods to Jorr and tosses him a half-bottle of Black Monk Brandy. That should do, Oi think!

"Well, what's left to discuss?"

"Bofus, I think the question that remains is what to do with the bridge. If we are ok leaving the great dwarven bridge for the time being, then I say we can proceed north and see what the hobgoblins are up to. The other concern is for the need for rest to recover spells. Should we wait until we are well rested or shall we simply proceed as we are? Personally I am prepared to call upon the healing power of Sarenrae a great deal more if needed."

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

I am good either way. I have some spells left, but have used about half of my available spells for the day.

"Aye, now you're talkin! Let's gae and hae funn ain thae rain!"

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Hey, Mantooth!! Show me where that weak spot on the tower is again, will you? I wonder if there's anything close by we can whack it with?

@converstation re: bridge and moving on I'm thinking that if we need to drop the bridge in a rush, some of us should be able to hold the bad guys off while some of us wrok on the bridge. As much as I'd like to weaken it more now to reduce the time it woudl take to bring it down, I can see Thordak's point in NOT wanting to do that. I say we move on now. As to your spells, Tirion, my thinking is that there probably aren't going to be TOO many threats around, considering the guard that we just took care of, savvy?

You travel north across the Skull Gorge Bridge and proceed west along the Dawn Way as the rain continues to pour. You ride for several hours, but travel is slow as the road is thick with mud which slows your progress. However you reach a trail that breaks off to the east and leads up to a rugged ridge.

The Witchwood

Proceed further north along the Dawn Way or dismount and take the trail east?

Well all, I think we should follow the path. Jorr and Thordak, do either of you see any sign of hobgobs either direction? If my memory serves me correctly, the road will split a few miles north of here with the Dwarfroad heading west through the Wyrmsmoke mountains while the Old North Road heads north across the plains.

My vote is the path, I doubt that the hobgoblins will be hiding right next the the Dawn Way.

"Nae disrespect Tirion, but I wouldnae gae up thair. That's an auld path ta Cinder Hill. The view is nice an a', but yae wouldnae sae much today. Let's press on an find the hobbies. Most a the tribes live in the Wyrmsmoke Mountins tae the west o' here. Besides, I dannae see any tracks of the hobbies yet."

Survival Check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Mind ye, thae choice is up to yae."

Survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

I can't see this site's images from work, but I'd check Koth's map and see if we can glean which directionthey're most likely to be from that

Proceed further north along the Dawn Way or dismount and take the trail east?

I'm with Jorr on this one. by the map, it appears the hobbies are gathering a little farther north . . . *pause* . . . Jorr, you say there's a fine view from Cinder Hill, eh? How far west would you say is that view?? Might we get to the top and see any distance--considering we're looking for an army, you think we coudl find them from there?

I'll show him Koths' map, being as careful as I can to keep it dry.

"Might we get to the top and see any distance--considering we're looking for an army, you think we could find them from there?"

"Hmm? Well I suppose if a good wee view is what yae be wantin, then Cinder Hill is the place. Yae can see up tae thirty leagues or mair intae the Wyrmsmokes to the west, an even mair tae the east intae the Cinder Valley. It mae be auf thae path, but it mae be worth it."

Huh. I think it might be worth getting such a good vantage point, what do you all think? Jorr, could we crest the Hill by nightfall?

ooh, look at these! Thordak says, pointing to some muddy marks. Looks like a giant came a-creepin' through here...headed up the hill...hrmmm

"Jorr, could we crest the Hill by nightfall?"

"Ach aye! It isnae tae far. Mind yae, yae should leave the mounts here on the Dawn Way. The trail isnae meant for horses. Com along and I'll tak yae up thae trail."

"Looks like a giant came a-creepin' through here...headed up the hill...hrmmm"

"What dae yae see thair, my good Dwarf? Aye that's a Hill Giant for sure! I suspect its a loner fraim thae Krustag tribe. We'll have to mind our step. Keep yair eyes on the lookout for the brute."

"Mind ye, yae should leave the mounts here on the Dawn Way. The trail isnae meant for horses."

"Well if it isn't that far, then perhaps I'll just stay here with the horses while you all run up and summit the hill. I'm just not fond of the idea of leaving Humphrey all alone out here, especially if there is a hill giant lurking about. Just be careful and you should be fine without me."

Matthias ties up the horses to a tree off of the Dawn Way and finds a position to rest and wait.

• Fireday, Rova 28, 5 hour after noon. •

The trail you're following is rough, but you as you climb you are able to start seeing the great peaks of the Wyrmsmoke mountains to the west. As the trail crests a rugged ridge, climbing up to the summit of Cinder Hill, you pass through sparsely covered landscape with wind-twisted pine trees. From the summit you find yourself looking north and west across a broad vale, with a rugged knoblike hill or small mountain on the opposite side. The Dawn Way cuts through the valley, a ribbon of pale stone leading past the towering heights of the hill. The valley is filled with a great encampment. Hundreds of crude tents dot the valley floor, interspersed with bulky siege engines, groups of wagons, and pens for draft beasts. You can easily make out hundred of warriors in view at any given time. Bands of goblin worg riders patrol the camp's outskirts, battalions of fierce hobgoblins engage in mock battles with martial shouts and the clang of steel on steel, hulking giants plod from place to place, and you even see a scarlet covered dragon lazily circling overhead. The is the camp of an army numbering in the thousands.

I do not have room to fit all of the army on my battlemat, but here is a zoomed in section to give you a sense.

Battlemat

I think we should disguise Bofus as a goblin and send him in.

Well, I must say, that definitely qualifies as an invading army. And despite our bravado, I do not think that we are quite ready to take them on by ourselves.

We definitely need to get a message back to Brindol, Drellin's Ferry, and the other towns. Didn't someone mention that they could send animal messengers?

Don't suggest that for real, Bofus might accept!! besdies it worked for Frodo and Sam . . . actually, that's not a bad idea.

That . . . is bad news. What are our options here??? I mean, we can't do enough hit-and-run attacks to whittle down THIS force in the distance between here and the bridge. And we certainly aren't hitting them head-on and walking away to tell the tale.
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I suppose I could sneak down there with that potion of Invisibility we found, see if I can find anything out about the leaders of this force, what they're plans are, stuff like that. Any other suggestions?

Do we know the caster level of the potion of Invisibility we foudn with the green dragon?

Jorr stares in utter disbelief at the massive encampment. He is unable to utter any words out until Tirion finally asks his question.

" Didn't someone mention that they could send animal messengers? "

"Are yae daft? I dinnae think a wee animal is meant tae deliver this message! Nae ane wid believe it! Nae, I've seen enough. Time tae make haste and return tae Drellin's Ferry. We must warn the poor buggers! Them an the whole damn vale! I also think we've got a bridge ta tak doon before they start movin! Damn history! The dwarves can mak anither ane!"

"I suppose I could sneak down there with that potion of Invisibility we found, see if I can find anything out about the leaders of this force, what they're plans are, stuff like that. Any other suggestions?"

"Aye. You're daft tae! Dinnae expect this auld bastirt to come and rescue yae if yae get caught! I mae be saft, but I'm nae daft!"

Potion of Invisibility is CL5

Now hang on, hang on, hang on!! Tirion gave me an idea. If I disguise myself as a suitable creature--goblin, kobold, whatever--and snuck in to that camp, I might just be able to find out something useful. And the potion is a nice ace in the hole to help me escape if I need it. I mean, desperate times call for desperate measures!! And who knows . . . maybe I can find more Eyes of the DRagon down there!!

I'm obviously getting excited about trying something this crazy, desparate, and dangerous. I'm checking out the layout of the army encampment, seeing whether a head tent or such creature is determinable.

What do 'yall think??? ;-)

Hrrrrr! Lemme attem! Little bastars, pollutin' nice mountains like these!

"What do 'yall think???"

"Hae ye nae fear, man?!! Dae yae see thae red drag'n flitin aboot? It makes auld Ozzy look lik a wee pet! It has nasty sharp claws and teeth tae put Mantooth tae shame! Nae tae mention that hundreds o' giants, manticores, ettins, worgs, hell dugs, gobbies and hobgobbies are playin aboot! This isnae the hobbie annual picnic yae ken!"

"Hrrrrr! Lemme attem! Little bastars, pollutin' nice mountains like these! "

"I'm wit yae, my dwarven friend! Mind yae, ta tak on the hoard is daft. I dinnae care how much o' a champion yae say yae are, it cannae b' done. I hate ta say it, but the vale is lost. A' the Brind'l Lions in the land cannae match the size o' this!"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The only problem with you disguising yourself Bofus is that you do not speak draconic or goblin, which I am guessing are the two most common tongues in that camp. Although I am not as sneaky as you, I do speak both of the hideous languages.

Also, with my dark complexion, I would likely fit in quite will with these cretins in the valley. If you can help disguise me as one of them.

EDIT - Actually, with my draconic sorcerer powers, I could probably just walk into camp and nobody would expect anything.

"Dannae tell me that yae are thinkin o' going down thair with the wee fella?!! That's it settled! Yae both are daft! Mind yae, I'm staying here and havin a wee nip with mae gud friend, Thordak, and yae cannae expect tae be saved by ane of us! And I doubt your horse lovin, preacher man will bae much help ither!"

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Aaahh, there's the command tent .. . I point out the Red Hand flag (see spoiler) And while I don't speak goblin, I do speak orcish. I wonder if they'll translate? Maybe I should pick that language up. But that doesn't help us now, does it?

hhhmmmm . . . thinking . . .

Alright, now we know wot we're dealin' with, we'd better get to warnin' the vale. Le's go! Thordak heads back down the track.

"Alright, now we know wot we're dealin' with, we'd better get to warnin' the vale. Le's go!"

"I'll tak the Dawn Way back wid yae, my friend, but I 'spect these two dafties are aboot to enter the hobbies' wee picnic. I ken it isnae a pleasant job, but I can help yae with the taken doon of Skull Gorge bridge."

Jorr Natherson follows Thordak down from the summit back to the Dawn Way to meet up again with Matthias Teskerwill and tell him the news. Once he reaches the cleric he comments to him, "Well, preacher, yae better start prayin cause we're gonna need it!"

"Well, preacher, yae better start prayin cause we're gonna need it!"

"Why? What did you see up there? Did you see some hobgoblin marauders?"

I follow the others down.

Well Bofus, what do you want to do? I still hate splitting up. Thordak, could you instruct Lulu to carry Jorr to Drellin's Ferry and then carry a messenger to Brindol and then return to us? I know this would likely take several days, but Lulu would be in grave danger if we meet any more dragons in the air. If she can do this, it would get the messengers to their destinations the fastest we can and get troops to the bridge which is the necessary pinch point. With enough archers, they can hold that bridge against almost anything.

Regarding your question Matthais, lets just say there are a few . . . thousand . . . troops marshaled in the mountains west of here. They have at least one big red dragon among them. Who knows how many more there are, but their numbers appeared to include hill giants, ettins, and all sorts of other large and evil monsters.

"Regarding your question Matthais, lets just say there are a few . . . thousand . . . troops marshaled in the mountains west of here. They have at least one big red dragon among them. Who knows how many more there are, but their numbers appeared to include hill giants, ettins, and all sorts of other large and evil monsters."

"Dear Sarenrae help us! Thousands you say?! I just don't understand. The hobgoblin tribes have always fought with each other. A few marauders sometimes attack travelers, but nothing the patrols haven't been able to take care of. What could possibly be uniting them? Dear Sarenrae, with your everburning flame protect us!"

I think the answer to your question is a single word - "Tiamat". The queen of evil dragons. You may recall that the hobgoblin priests we defeated before Drellin's Ferry were dedicated to her and the devil in Brindol responded to my unknowing mention of her. I only hope in the name of all that is good and holy that she has not returned to this land or we may pray for a lessor evil such as Asmodeus.

So, the question is, what can *we* do?? We can't fight. We *can* warn folks, but that will only get us so far. I still think we shouldn't take spying off the table completely. I mean, if this were an army of a hundred plus several manticores, would there be the same "yeer daft!" answer to that suggestion? Honestly, would I really be in any LESS danger for spying on a force a quarter--a tenth!!--this size? Does anyone have any better ideas than my sneaking down there to find out more about what is holding these beasts together?
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Tiron, I'm undecided if I think we should both go. I mean, I've seen your bluffing skills and they're exceptional--but do you think you can rely on that, and pretty much ONLY that, to get in and out of there?

Mantooth looks from Bofus to Tirion. "Tiron's bluffing skills are quite good. That and - I mean no offense by this - you do seem to fit in there the best among all of this group with your dark complexion and draconic background." The paladin rubs his chin and continues. "I am not entirely excited about splitting up, but if you are confident in your ability to go into the camp and gather any information, that would be helpful.

The rest of us could lay in wait out of sight around this area until you got back, and then it would be a good idea if we all went to Drellin's Ferry. There is no way we are going to even begin to able to take on this force without someone backing us up."

@Thordak

"Thordak, my dear dwarf, were those giant tracks you said you saw? Were you able to stay on the trail? It seemed like you were good.. friends with that large individual when you spent some time in the Brindol jail cell. Perhaps you could use that same charisma to gain us more woodland allies?"

Bofus and I could go together. We have to make some decision. I think that getting the message back to Drellin's Ferry and Brindol as soon as possible is most important.

Obviously Bofus is better at disguising himself, but I have spent my life explaining why I am different and I do speak the two principal languages that we expect in this army. If we want numbers, then Bofus is best. If we want information, I am best. In fact, I might be able to just walk in and explain myself away. Dragon blood - from an evil black dragon at that - should carry a lot of weight here. Isn't their leader supposed to be half-hobgoblin and half-blue dragon if I recall correctly?

"Well if yae tae wanna enter the enemy's den, then bae my guest. Mind yae, I'm gannae head back to Skull Gorge an sae whit I can dae tae the bridge. I'll wait thair for ane day for your return. If yae dannae mak it back by sunset tommorow, than yae may need ta tak a wee walk around the long way. Good luck tae both a yae! Come an the rest a yae! We've got work tae dae."

Thordak talks as they ride back towards the bridge.

@Mantooth: Well, Oi gen'rally don't like giants--age-old feuds with us Dwarves, ye know? But as we were both trapped in there, Oi figured it was tha only way te go, right? Oi dunno if we can get the giant's help, though, Oi think the one in the jail might've been...an exception, understand? But, if we do find him or some other folks, Oi'll certainly try te make nice. Oh, that reminds me.... Remember back at the tournament? There was this elf in the archery competition... Oi was thinkin' about sendin' him a message-- a couple hundred elven archers would be a force te be reckoned with, eh?

Bofus and I could go together. We have to make some decision. I think that getting the message back to Drellin's Ferry and Brindol as soon as possible is most important.

*sigh* crap. I don't want to split up either. But it jus tmight be best for Tirion and me to try to infiltrate the army, and the rest of you to take out that bridge, then warn folks.

Seriously, I'm having difficulty finding any good course of action other than splitting up. Anyone . . . anyone??

That is way I was thinking about sending Jorr and Lulu to Drellin's Ferry. Thordak would lose his mount, but we would get the message out without splitting. Obviously, we are the only two suited to enter the camp. Dark gnome sorcerer and his goblin (hmmm, you don't speak goblin), his mute goblin assistant. I can always talk with you via Message.

This is always a tricky situation. Sometimes splitting the party cannot be avoided, but if you do, please make a plan with each other about when you are going to meet up, and perhaps also emergency plans for what to do when you don't show up. Also, please don't plan anything that would take you too far apart (more than a days journey from each other).

Well, here is a thought, The camp is in the hills west of here. Thordak, could you lead us around the camp so that we can find a good concealed place to make camp. Then Bofus and I can investigate the camp and see what is afoot. At the same time Jorr, or Jorr with Lulu, can return to Drellin's Ferry to raise the guard. It should not take too long to get there if she flies straight. Then Drellin's Ferry can send a fast horse to Brinol while guards from Drellin's Ferry come to take out the bridge, or prepare to take it out should any of the hobgoblins appear.

By doing this, if Bofus and I find anything important which needs to be dealt with, we will still have the whole group. And we will have Jorr and some additional backup to watch, and if necessary take out, the bridge.

Jorr thinks for a moment and then interjects."Aye cannae see anither solution, but, I've anither idea! Thordak, Mantooth, Preacherman, and I could try an find auld Grunty McGrunts! I ken he disnae like company, but perhaps with some persuasion, we could get him to be an ally in oor cause!"

Bah! Not that crazy fool McGrunts! Oi dunno.... An' Oi'd rather not camp here, or infiltrate the camp. Oi still say we've got te get back an' warn people.

"Dannae tell mae yae ken who I'm talkin aboot?! Well, if yae dae, then ye ken that if we could get him to join us, we mae get the whole tribe a' them giants ta fight fer us."

"I don't like the sound of this. How do you expect to get some savage barbarian giants to come and fight for the people of the Elsir Vale? They hate the fact that they were displaced and driven from their homeland. Just look at the stones we saw in Vraath Keep! You know who drove out the original residents in the first place, don't you?! It certainly wasn't Koth and his minions!"