DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Well, we can never have too many wands of magic missiles. Zanith, why don't you take this one since I can cast the spell and already have one. Bofus should probably take the bag of holding, and it is just the right size to put him in when he starts to wise off.

The potion of CMW should go to Bofus since Thordak will likely be near the rest of us for healing by Zanith or the wand and Mantooth can heal himself. And I suppose we keep the sword and morning star to be sold. I don't think that it matters who takes the exilir as it is not a very strong enchantment. I think that Matthais' truth spell is harder to overcome. We could try it on the worm lord, but I am guessing that even a goblin will be able to overcome the enchantment.

Well, it is certainly worth a try. If you are willing, we could try and question him now. Once we are ready, I will heal him just enough to bring him to consciousness. So, Bofus, are you sure he is secured?"

Once he gets approval from the others, Mathais casts Cure Light Wounds upon the Wyrmlord.

"Holy Sarenrae, let me use these hands to heal that we may learn of our enemy and see your realm come to pass!"

Cure Light Wounds 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Well, I hope I haven't healed him too much!"

Once Koth gains consciousness, he casts Zone of Truth

"In the name of your shining light, let the truth be known here and now!"

Turning to his companions, he comments. "He is all yours, for questioning."

The hobgoblin sorcerer opens his eyes and strains against the rope that binds him. Then he glares at all of you and speaks in common.

"You will be avenged for this insolence! Just wait until Ozyrrandion comes back for a visit. He will pick you up in his jaws and chew you to pieces! You will all beg for his mercy! Mwahaha!"

Will Save vs. Zone of Truth 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"Curse this damn magic you wield. . . Grrrrr! Ok, you will not beg for mercy, but he will come for you!"

oi oughtta! Thordak says, kicking him and barely restraining his hand from moving to his axe. who's this Azuredandelion fellow? he says, looking into the nasty goblin's beady little eyes menacingly.

"He is a green dragon and he is only one of the chromatic dragons who will lead the Red Hand to their inevitable. . . Grrrr! . . . likely domination of this land."

@Tirion: Sir, I must protest strongly to your suggestion that I "start mouthing off." "Start" implies that I sometimes STOP. ;-)

As far as potions and healing goes . . . yeah, I'm in agreement with you Tirion, that if someone is likely to be out of healing range, it'll be ME. Let it be known, though, that I'm working on learning how to use magic wands and other accoutrements, so that I can perhaps carry the curative wand soon! And I suppose I can use the bag of holding for our group stash--it was getting a little heavy. I'll update the stash shortly--I'm on my lunch break!!

once Koth is awake . . .

So, Mr. Koth. I'm sure you're just DYING to tell us all about teh Red Hand, how you're going to take over the multiverse and all that rot. Adn I'll be you're DYING to tell us all the details too. So please . . . I sit down, put my backpack on teh ground as a pillow and recline comfortably, and pull out my pipe for a smoke . . . tell us what's happening. And please, feel free to include all the tirades and "YOU'LL NEVER SUCCEED!! NEVER!! MUAHAHAHAA"'s as you wish, we've got all day! I pull out a snack and start munching. For example, tell us about Ozyrrandillon--when do you expect him back? Does he visit often? Does he have brethren of the dragon ilk who are co-conspirators? And, what did the earstwhile Baron Trask have to do with your plans?

"Tell us what's happening. And please, feel free to include all the tirades and "YOU'LL NEVER SUCCEED!! NEVER!! MUAHAHAHAA"'s as you wish, we've got all day!"

"Well it is obvious that you have great cunning, skill, and fire power, but you are but a bug about to be stamped out by something far greater than yourselves! You have no idea what you are up against! The Red Hand is greater than all ourselves. Hehehe. You have no idea what you are about to face!"

"Tell us about Ozyrrandillon--when do you expect him back? Does he visit often?"

"Ozyrrandillon goes where he wants and when he wants. He visits on occasion, but only to see that we are making the progress we need. I admit, that your actions will slow down our work, but you cannot stop the tide of blood that is about to come in! When he does find out what you have done, he will eat you for lunch. I suppose you won't offer much meat, but at least that chunky dwarf of yours may satisfy his appetite. But no matter. In fact, none of that will matter. Hehe. My work here is nearly done."

"And, what did the earstwhile Baron Trask have to do with your plans?"

"Oh, so you know that scumbag human! Indeed, the Red Hand will spare him if he does what he says he can, but I question whether he will be able to follow through with his promises. One of the bladebearers and his party have not returned yet, but we shall see if they have made the acquisition when they return. So do you want to beg now for me to let Ozyrrandillon and the Red Hand spare your pathetic lives? If you have something to negotiate with, I will hear your pleas at this time!"

I look from Matthais to Bofus and shake my head.

What did you heal this goblin for? I thought we had agreed to burn him since leaving him as fertilizer would likely just poison the ground.

I cast Ray of Frost switched to Acid and shoot it directly by his head so that some hair is burned.

The wyrmlord glares at Tirion in anger and desperation as one obsessed. Suddenly, a startled look crosses his face and he replies to the gnome in Draconic.

Hehe. My work here is nearly done."

Once the goblin has responded to Tirion, Mantooth asks for clarification on what he said earlier in common. "Your 'work here'? Just what do you mean by that? I certainly hope it's completion doesn't hinge on that bladebearer's party returning."

"Hehe. You, my human scum, will find the answer to that, in about three days!"

Wyrmlord Koth appears outraged and responds in desperate anger!

Hehe, this should be interesting. Since Tirion is in a zone of truth? and is

Sense Motive on Tirion: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Zanith looks aghast at what Tirion says for a moment. He then tries to conceal the look of fear and apprehension that swarms over his face:

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

He doesn't do as good as a job as he had hoped. Retaining a slight look of seriousness, he listens in to the two talk, slowly making his way to the large hole in the nearby wall.

Standing on the edge, he looks to the goblin and asks in goblin,

You all hear the name Jorr in the midst of the goblin.

Zanith, thanks for keeping me on my toes. I think I will also have to assume Tirion was outside of the zone of truth! I suppose Matthais positioned himself such that Koth was in the area of effect, but Tirion was not.

As the witch stands on edge and asks the wyrmlord a question in his native tongue, the Hobgoblin smirks and replies back to him.

Zanith continues to question the wyrmlord, and the hobgoblin keeps on talking.

Matthais approaches Mantooth and whispers to him as he watches the questions and answers go back and forth.

"Koth appears to be telling the truth in everything he says, but this does me very little good if I can't understand half of what anybody is talking about! Let's hope these fellas will translate for me what was said after Koth is out of here. I wonder what we should do with him next. The Dawnflower urges me to forgive those who are not beyond redemption, but I'm not sure about this fella. If those ropes were untied, I don't think he would have second thoughts about letting another bolt of lightning fly! This is the most dangerous sort of prisoner to keep alive, especially if a dragon is going to return to see him!"

Going to wait for some more posting before I act. Zanith is at a critical moment... I'm guessing you'd all be able to read his movements and know he is about to flee.

Zanith looks relieved and cracks a smile, but as he does this he curses at the Wyrmlord in Goblin. He then looks out the gaping hole in the tower and the area below, then his gaze looks back to the gnome, Tirion, in apprehension. Lyra takes off from her perch on his shoulder and into the sky.

After Zanith curses Koth, the hobgoblin sorcerer smirks again at the witch and even begins to taunt him.

"Oh, I see you must be close friends with the ranger and his little pets! Have you ever eaten dog meat, human? I hear it's pretty tasty! If you hang out here in the keep, I'm sure some of the patrols will be happy to share some with you when they come back! I understand that they like to fry it up over the fire so it's nice and tender."

Zanith seems to ignore the goblin, focusing all of his attention on the gnome. His eyes dart back and forth over the group and then back to the gnome. He inches back towards the edge. Precariously perched, he asks the group, "Can you understand what he said to the goblin?" He points to Tirion.

Matthais looks to the others and then shakes his head and replies, "Well . . . not exactly. I know he wasn't speaking goblin, but he does that with many of the evil creatures we've faced. Last week we were in a theatre and he begin talking to a vengeful creature from the outer planes, talking in a strange language just like he did a moment ago. I'm not sure what he said, but the demon attacked him and the rest of us right after he said it. I guess the wyrmlord wasn't in any position to attack him this time. So, do you know what he said? Is it anything we need to be worried about? I mean anything worse than the fact that this hobgoblin is good friends with an actual green dragon?!"

I glare at the Wyrmlord.

Sense Motive(Zanith): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

He looks to Matthais with concern. Then, Zanith raises an eyebrow to the gnome as he listens to him speak in gnomish. Some tension is relieved in his shoulders, but he still remains poised on the ledge. He teeters, quietly, still trying to ascertain what is going on. He breaths slowly and returns the conversation in gnomish,

After Tirion's last comment, the Wyrmlord's face goes pale and he further replies. This time, however, a little more panicked.

Laughing.

Zanith begins to step back into the tower and his apprehension slowly fades. He looks to the cleric and says, "I will let him tell you later, if he wishes."

*mutters* I've gotta learn more languages. grumble grumble

While Tirion, Zanith, and Bofus finish up there interrogation, I do need to know what your plans are. There are still several rooms that have not been explored. If you have no further questions for the Wyrmlord at the moment, you do not need to wait around. There is still much to be done for everyone.

"Koth appears to be telling the truth in everything he says, but this does me very little good if I can't understand half of what anybody is talking about!"

@Matthias

Sense Motive, Zanith 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 D'oh

Mantooth continues in a whisper "Whatever exchange is happening between the witch and the worm, Zanith seems to be keeping quite cool about it, so there does not appear to be a problem. I might see if there is anything else useful in this keep."

@Bofus
The paladin then turns to Bofus and asks "Would you like to take a look around this place? I'll accompany you if you'd like, say if you run into two minotaurs."

Turns and looks to Mantooth at the mention that he is a witch, "I am NO witch. I am merely trained in all manner of mystical arts."

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

He is clearly not telling you the truth. From what you can tell he has a lot to hide. He smiles and attempts to disarm the situation, shrugging off the accusation. A natural, hansom charm exudes from the witch, but it is not one that is from well honed social skills. He seems to be a rather honest, caring man who simply can't tell a lie. He adjusts his bags and readies himself to move on.

"Do you mind if I join you, Mantooth? I'd like to see if we may find any signs of Jorr."

As they walk together and search the remaining areas, Zanith begins to speak, "I'm sorry, I don't think I can hide it much longer from you. Apparently you know what I am, but I did not hide it as well as I should have. Finding Jorr and defeating these evil creatures has proved to be a greater priority than hiding a part of my life that was very troubled. I was once classically schooled at the Brindol University before Verrasa Kaal entered my life in the most miserable way."

He stops to look around for a few seconds, "You mentioned your dislike for her earlier. It would seem that we have a common enemy. My father discovered her dark secret before he was thrown into prison, I labeled as a heretic and a witch, and my mother thrown into poverty." As he confides in you, you notice that he is acting strangely. Instead of a look of grief and sadness, he instead smiles and looks relieved. "Its been so long since I have kept that inside. It is good to be able to share it. I think I am done hiding this past. You all seem very capable. Perhaps one day we can take this fight to the Kraals and condemn them for their traitorous actions."

He looks to you and nods, "Ah, to the secret my father discovered, well." He pauses, building suspense, "He discovered that she had dealings with the Aspis Consortium"

"In my training at the the Dawnflower's Temple back in Dennovar, I learned to speak, read and write infernal, but I have yet to put it to good use. Let's pray that I never have to. You guys go ahead and keep looking around this ruined keep. I am going to stay here with Tirion and keep and eye on this Wyrmlord. Call up to me if you need us for anything. Oh, and don't touch anything that I wouldn't touch!"

Leaving the tower, Bofus, Matthais, Thordak and Tirion bring Wyrmlord Koth down the stairs of the tower, out through the barracks and out onto the grounds of the courtyard. Meanwhile Mantooth and Zanith follow down the stairs into the living quarters of Wyrmlord Koth. Now that the stinking cloud has cleared, you are able to get a better view of the place.

The circular chamber has been outfitted with a mix of furniture, including a large desk, an overstuffed chair, a massive four poster bed, and a large easel that holds a sizable canvas covered with a sheet. A heap of rubble from a hole in the ceiling lies heaped at the base of the arcing flight of stairs.

Thordak shrugs and gives the goblin a good kick-in-the-pants before leaving the Gnome to his interrogation.

Kick: 1d20 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 = 30
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 3 = 7

Aye, Oi was gettin' sick o' that spittin' an' hissin'...Wot else've we got here? Other buildin's?

"Aye, Oi was gettin' sick o' that spittin' an' hissin'...Wot else've we got here? Other buildin's?"

You have lots of choices. Please tell me where you investigate. Use the coordinates if you need to.

The Keep

"Wot else've we got here? Other buildin's?"

"I'm not sure we could really call these things buildings. They appear to be more like piles of rock that by some miracle are staying upright. So is this the way they build things up in the Hammerfist Holds, my friend?"

"So, where do you want to explore next? Wherever you go, we should stick together. So, I'll let you go first, my friend, and I'll bring up the rear."

Before we go anywhere . . . we need to take care of something.

I pull out my sap and smack Koth smartly on the noggin (Coup de Grace)

Non-Lethal Damage: 2d4 + 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3) + (5, 2, 2) = 15

There, I feel better. Let's go explore!!

Ooohh--his living quarters, eh? Let's check otu that desk!

Traps: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Search: take 20=31 (36 if you allow the Eye's bonus)

With great satisfaction, Bofus takes his sap and knocks out Wyrmlord Koth with a quick blow to the head. Next, he follows Zanith and Mantooth into the living quarters of the Wyrnlord. Upon carefully inspecting the desk, Bofus do not notice any traps. However, you all do notice several pages of notes and parchments sprawled out over his desk. Included in this collection is a map with numerous notes written in goblin all over it.

Map with Notes from the Red Hand

Zanith takes the maps and notes from Bofus and audibly breathes in, as if his finger was just pricked, when he studies them. You realize the source of his pain when he begins to speak, "They intend to raze Drellin's Ferry." He looks to those around him and ponders a second before speaking up again, "It looks like we have a couple of options. There is a bridge that spans the Skull Gorge. It is a bottleneck between the hordes massed near Cinder Hill and Drellin's Ferry. If we can destroy it we can buy ourselves some time while we muster forces and warn the village or we can hold the bridge and try to fend off this invasion ourselves. Or perhaps a combination of the two? I don't think there is any choice about trying to stop this invasion force - we have to do something. They intend to march all the way to Brindol, killing all in their way." He looks closer at the map, "Except perhaps the halflings.... there is a note here that they want them to take them as prisoners so that "Turgarum" can use them as food."

As we search the rooms, I cast Detect Magic and scan each room starting with the Wormlord's chamber.

Once Bofus KOs the Wormlord: Thank you, I was getting tired of talking to that idiot. If we have the map, perhaps we do not need him, or we could let him escape and follow him and see where he is going.

I also tell the rest what was said between myself and Koth. You all can read the goblin and draconic spoilers above.

@Tirion

You do not see anything any magical auras out in the open as you scan the room.

I dont' have time to digest all the spoilers right now but I will later. :-)

While I don't speak/read goblin (yet), I take what translations others give and assist in studying the map.

Well, yes, of course we haev to do SOMEthing about this invasion, don't we?? That's why we're here! And this bridge certainly does seem to be the natural point of attack--or defense. If I could get a look at the bridge, maybe I could figure something . . . clever, savvy?? I can think of another option right off the bat. If we capture the bridge before the invasion force arrives, sabotage it to collapse at our desire, and drop it while they're crossing, THAT would be fun!! We could wait 'til, say, a quarter of their force is across and wipe that out ourselves after the bridge is down. hehehe!! Well, we shoudl definitely keep these maps--I can study tehm to learn goblin, that seems like it would come in handy--and we can finish exploring this keep before the fact that it's in our hands is common knowledge.

Bofus, I will let you take a 20 on your perception to find traps and/or mechanisms, but I would rather not have you take a general 20 on a general search of the entire keep. You are still in Koth's room. Please be specific about where you look next.

Beginning our search of the Keep. Bofus will probably lead. First room is the small room of off Koth's room. Then we will go counterclockwise starting with the room Bofus was taunting hobgoblins from atop a few minutes ago.

Perception(first room): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

• Oathday, Rova 27, 5 hours after noon. •

When I said specific, I was looking for actual squares, but no worries we will go with the 20. I am assuming searching a 5 ft. by ft square takes about a minute, so taking a 20 takes about 20 minutes for each square.

After about 3 hours, you have thoroughly searched every square of Koth's Chamber. On square T12, you find something that you doubt that even Wyrmlord Koth had ever found himself, a cleverly concealed secret trap door in the floor. Opening the trap door reveals rungs set into the wall that descend into an underground vault.

The Keep

Now that I've got a few minutes to post--rest assured, DMHW, I would have specifically requested taking 20 for the entire room! I'd assume the old bugger would have had something stashed away, whether it be an unholy relic, treasure stash, or other personal notes. But a secret trapdoor/vault is good too!!

Well, well well!! Looks like the keeps' been keepign secrets from our dear Wyrmlord up there!! Shall we take a peek boys? Someone give me a torch or somethign so I can make sure it's safe.

Once I get a light source, I'll descend slwoly, carefully inspecting for traps along the way, as well as looking/listening for danger. Since I"m holding a light source, i"ll assume I can't also hold an Eye since I need a hand for holding the ladder rungs. If I *can* hold a light source in some other fashion (hooking a lantern to my belt, or a light spell), please add +5 to the (traps) roll below.

Perception (general): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Percepton (traps): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

I certianly hope the dice bot gets a new lease on life in 2012. Biotch.

@Bofus

Not detecting any traps, you carefully descend into darkness, using only your light source to see by. After climbing down the rungs for about 40 feet, you reach a small chamber made with smooth stone walls and an arching roof with elegant lines. The floor is covered with a thin undisturbed lair of dust and against the wall is an elegant iron door crafted with a shield bearing a coat of arms and the Vraath family crest.

The Vault

Thordak wrote:

"Wot else've we got here? Other buildin's?"

"I'm not sure we could really call these things buildings. They appear to be more like piles of rock that by some miracle are staying upright. So is this the way they build things up in the Hammerfist Holds, my friend?"

"So, where do you want to explore next? Wherever you go, we should stick together. So, I'll let you go first, my friend, and I'll bring up the rear."

@Matthias: Teskerwhell! Oi believe you know as wll as Oi that this is no Dwarven craftsmanship! The great halls of Ironfist are carved out of the solid rrrock of the mountain!

Thordak helps with the searching.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 + Stone cunning if there are any more secret passages or things in the stone.

@Bofus: Well, Oi'd agree with ye, but Oi think the bottleneck would be enough. Oi'm thinkin' up some ideas fer this, an' If we're luck we might be able te recruit the help o' some o' the holds, an' maybe even some o' the pointy ears. Wotever it is, we've gotta get to the bridge now an' start securin' it. It says they'll be at Drellin's Ferry at...day five. Oi'm not sure wot day it is, but the sooner we start preparin', the better. Now how can we get some messages to the Hammerfist holds, an' to the elves over in the Westdeep--that's where that pointy-ear Oi competed against came from? We should also let Jarmaath know...