Keep on the Borderlands - The Path of Evil - Session 32

SESSION 32: DAY 14 – BURG LIECHENSTEIN  

Reflecting back on the conversation with Wallache, Lucien and Talmark recall Lucien’s response to Wallaches enquires to Kord, Malandir and Per, “Capt Wallache, it through the enlightened inspiration of our god that sound choices and appropriate tactics came to mind quickly, resulting in not attempting to take the entire tribe all at once. We are a capable band, dedicated to helping civilize and tame this area.

You'll find that these non-combatants you dismiss so readily will breed combatants or grow to become combatants in short time, do not slight them so lightly, think towards the future."

Talmark adds, “Lucien has the truth of it. Judicious use of tactics, blocking terrain, and the fear caused by a group working in concert to slaughter their enemy can reap, to use a phrase, mass enemy casualties while minimizing harm to one's own band. That particular tribe will be trouble no more.

As for the ogre... We made 2 forays into the Goblin lair. There was a pair of men with the mace of Toreg upon their shields, slain. We found ogre footprints, and there were some near the Caves of Chaos. We encountered it a few days ago, on our first foray into the goblin's den. It fought fiercely as their ally, and we lost one of our hired hands, and thus retired to rest for a bit before continuing our assault later. It may have had a hand in the pair's death, it may not have. And there may be more than one, so do not be surprised if we bring you another set.”

Turning their attention to the observation that the town had been quiet Talmark remarks, “I am sure that Wallach and the others will soon begin to wonder where it is that we stay, when we do not return here immediately after our forays. At some point, we will have to give tell about our base camp. There is a part of me that wishes to better fortify our hide, building a true palisade and tower in front of the cave mouth itself, and yet another part that wishes to keep it hidden. And then there is the question of the Toregites. The powers here may request being lead to their corpses or burial plots. Something to keep in mind. I think we should not tarry here long to minimize the number of question that could be asked of us, but we need more building supplies regardless.

We need a better locking mechanism for our present front gate, as well as 2 other gates to set within our system. One in the western passage that can form a backup to the front gate and prevent/delay invaders from passing into our sleep chamber and then to the bridge, and the other to form a block below the bridge. This I think would involve putting some sort of grate into the stream, I cannot recall how deep it is, as well as a wooden wall with a gate in it to block access along the stream. This can be tied into the bridge above to form a solid barrier. Then, in the future, perhaps we can expand outwards."

Kord scratches his chin, “The stream bed is dry. I figure it either never flows or only flows occasionally with water. Given the nature and size of it I’d suggest that it doesn’t flood. My brothers I’ve been studying engineering, as I’ve always had an interest in both tactics for defense as well as attack, and I think, with the right materials and man power, I could manage a gang to build a better structure, although I know nothing of locks.”

Malandir puts up his hand, “I might have dealt with the odd lock from time to time so I can help in that regard. Perhaps we should also sow the stream with caltrops as a little extra welcome to any who try to cross it or use it to attack the position. When I have some more time, perhaps I will spend some time learning basic trap-making that we can employ on the approaches to the cave as well.

Otherwise, as soon as you are all ready, I agree, let's get back out to the wilderness and earn some more trophies!”

Turning the attention of the conversation back to the current status of the Burg, Lucien says “Could be there is trouble amiss and that is the reason for the deployment of the knights of the Burg," Lucien smirks, "Let's hope so - and that their numbers are suitably whittled. A part of me is sure Wallache feels threatened by our last foray. He seemed taken by surprise, not happily surprised, but taken aback that we were able to wipe out the tribe." 

Talmark observes “Lucien, I have the same feeling about Wallach. If we continue to do 'too well' our group may go from being a help to being a target much sooner than we wish. I propose that we talk to other burg merchants and residents and Caravaners about our deeds, but in a way that makes us sound like we are genuinely here to help rather than tearing the Knights down for their lack of progress. ...until later.

You know, I wonder if they mobilized to search for those two Torag we dealt with? I tried to be as vague as possible with Wallach about them without giving any outright falsehoods. Jumbled, yes, omissions, yes, but no lies. Those may need to come later as well..."

Running his fingers through his hair Lucien considers Talmark observation and reasons “I am not convinced enough time has passed for them to be aware the Torag's were missing before we arrived. Think about it...

Unless #1 -- The Torag Clerics deployed from the Burg after us, in which case we maybe should have recognized them?

Or #2 -- Unless they split off from a bigger group that arrived at the Burg and are no longer here. In which case why did they not check on the split off pair immediately when they did not return? Why would they wait until they are even further away before asking to deploy a search party - and why would Wallache not be leading the mission?

I feel these 2 possibilities are too convoluted to be likely.

AND - with the tribes, caravans and people (Sildar for one) do apparently tend to go missing on occasion and not much seems to be done to locate them individually. No one specifically asked us to look out for a missing caravan guard or locate ambushed property.”

Later that day the party seeks out some of their contacts in the Burg to find out more about why the fortress has been so quiet of late. 

Sgt Engel says that from time to time the brothers of the faithful must go on a mission to prove themselves and undertake a great test. Those that survive return with a higher ranking. Sildar is amongst those that have left to face the beast - Bymbir, Lord of the White.

Berowalt confirms that the order had recently purchased equipment and weapons from him including additional long spears, bows and arrows, crossbows and bolts etc. Enough to supplement the equipment of a 'company' of men.

Berrin says that Bymbir is a white dragon who is said have great wealth and that the brotherhood want to recover the dragons horde. He says that Bymbir has a cave, high in the peaks of the snowy mountains.

That evening the party reconvenes.

Lucien proposes “If everyone else agrees, I think we'll pin the dragon part for now.

We'll make innocent enough inquiries and deduce the "precise enough" location later, but I do not think we should even consider reconnaissance until we are all around fourth level or so and have defeated the Caves of Chaos.

Talmark agrees “Indeed! Though I like the idea of capturing a dragon's horde, if it has a name it must be a big and older one, so it can keep to itself for a bit LONGER! Especially if the Burg Knights do not succeed.”

Kord nods his head, “Then it is in agreement. Let’s prepare for our next foray into the Caves of Chaos once more and we’ll keep a watch on the white dragon and we’ll deal with it later. 

Thinking to himself Talmark resolves that hearing of the Dragon will lead him to inquiring more about it, such as its age and history. His dream of having his family sword imbued with flame has found an ultimate target, his destiny.

Kord asks the group a question “If we’re going back to the caves, who should we target next? Should we attack the hobgoblins or maybe scout out the other caves and try for the orcs or some of the other monsters that Ragnar mentioned?”

DM’s Comments: Just a couple of observations about the character level ups and the new character. As everyone has picked up upon, Lucien now can brew potions and has a host of new abilities. Kord has picked up the skill Engineering, specifically to help with the fortifications at Crawmaw Caves. Talmark has picked up the feat Combat Reflexes and now will get multiple attacks of opportunity which will help when opponents try to flee or try to get past him to attack weaker party members. Per has a fairly offensive character build with high strength, decent dex and he has a reach weapon with Combat Reflexes. If the party gets charged by a horde of weaker opponents it’s likely that he’ll cut down a number of them before they reach the line.

DEW

Keep on the Borderlands - The Path of Evil - Session 31

SESSION 31: DAY 14 – BURG LIECHENSTEIN  

Lucien and Talmark gather the ears and go to find Captain Wallache. Travelling around the Burg they notice that it looks quiet at the moment. There doesn’t seem to be as many men at arms as there usually are. 

They find Knight Engel at his normal post. He welcomes them with in his usual profane manner and promptly goes to find Captain Wallache. 

He returns quickly and smiling he says “Captain Wallache is just taking his breakfast. He’ll be with you hideous nose picking stench cows shortly”. They ask about Sildar to which Engel says that he’s currently out on a mission. 

They wait for an hour and finally Captain Wallache comes to the gatehouse. 

He immediately provides an aloof and not all that convincing apology for the delay and asks the men to join him in at the small table to conduct their business. 

Lucien and Talmark produce the ears. Wallache is clearly surprised at the numbers. He counts through them: 38 sets of goblin ears, 1 set of ogre ears and 4 sets of hobgoblin ears. He questions the party representatives about how they, half a dozen or so men, were able to defeat what looks like a whole tribe of goblins? How did they capture the goblin warlord Ragnar? How did they kill the ogre? Where did they travel etc? [DMs note to players: Talmark and Lucien, please provide some responses to the above questions and I’ll come back later and re-edit your responses in].

He cannot accept that all the goblin ears are from combatants. “Some of these goblins look very scrawny” he rationalizes “some look like they are female ears”.  Looking at the ogres ears he quips “this looks very old, like you found it on an already dead ogre rather than one that you killed yourself.” He assesses that of the 43 sets of ears 33 are acceptable and he provides the 330gp bounty.

That’s twice now that Wallache has slighted the party of the bounty that they deserve. Lucien uses Sense Motive to try to better understand what Wallache’s motives are for treating them in this manner. 

The check is an opposed check done against a Bluff check from Wallache. Wallache rolls a 17 + 5 bluff skill = 23. Lucien rolls 6 + 10 sense motive skill = 16. He cannot quite work out why Wallache is short changing them. 

Still 330gp is a good start. They had previously sold their looted weapons to Berowalt at the Minotaur Blacksmithery. He had given them what had seemed like a fair deal and so they travel back to the Cold Hart Tavern and gather the looted weapons and some of the men at arms to help them carry them. 

They find in the smithy diligently working away. Entering the 20-foot-high building with the 5ft parapet upon the flat roof Talmark thinks of the defensive nature of the structure. The main room is occupied by a large forge, bellows and other items. The diligent Berowalt is working with two assistants. One is working the bellows whilst Berowalt and the other are working a new sword. 

Upon entering a small bell rings at the door announcing the parties entrance. Berowalt looks up from his work, wipes his hand upon his apron and approaches Lucien and Talmark. They present the looted weapons to which Berowalt scratches his beard and responds “Metal is hard to come by here and is in great demand. For the man sized weapons, I can put them into good order and sell them to the needy defenders of either the caravans of the Burg. If they are something else then I can use them for scrap metal, melt the down and re-use them.” He looks closer at the weapons and says “Look some of these are small. I’ll give you 2.5gp for each of the 25 small short swords, 7.5gp for each of the 12 small short bows, 4gp for that there morning star and 6gp for each of the 2 war hammers. That would be a total of 194gp. How does that sound?”

The deal sounds fair to Lucien and Talmark and is essentially the same as what was previously given to them by the hard-working blacksmith. Lucien and Talmark procure a set of scale mail armour and a heavy shield for one of the men at arms at the cost of 57gp. Berowalt thanks them for their business and the party leaves.

They proceed back to the Cold Hart Tavern and rendezvous with the party. There they present the three remaining men at arms with a set of scale mail armour, heavy shield, long sword, long bow and a quiver of arrows each and they distribute the remaining wealth amongst the four party members.

As they are talking about their next steps Per enters the room. He had been out for the morning equipping himself. He is clad in chain mail armour and carry a pretty nasty looking glaive. Smiling, he does a few fancy fighting moves to show off his new equipment and good natured chuckles can be heard amongst the group.

The party still has a few major items of loot to liquidate including the statute from Cragmaw Caves (50gp), the silver cup (70gp) and the tapestry (900gp). Summary of wealth is provided in the following table. 

The updated character sheet is provided below.

DEW

Keep on the Borderlands - The Path of Evil - Session 30

SESSION 30: DAY 13-14 – CAVES OF CHAOS TO BURG LIECHENSTEIN  

Lucien turns to the group and declares “Asmodeus has genuinely blessed our efforts to date. I think it would be best to beat a hasty retreat from this place. Whilst we are unwounded our resources run thin and more powerful adversaries await. Best to get back to a safe place, rest and make up with another go on our own terms.”

Malandir adds, “We have much to carry and some light casualties. Perhaps I should scout the secret passage before we leave to have an idea what is at the other end.” He quietly walks up to the passage and looks to the west. He can see that it extends to the range of his infravision, 30ft, in a straight direction but then he can see no more. 

He comes back to the party. “I can see nothing down there. Let’s not push it. Let’s go back to the Burg and cash in all this loot. We might be able to get some better equipment.”

Kord nods “I agree. We should go back to the Burg. Whilst we may not have many wounded we’ve expended most of our spells and we’re exhausted. Also, we’ve learned a lot from this expedition and I think it’s time to take stock and plan our next attack.”

Lucien adds “Mayhaps we should get better equipment for the men at arms as well. Perhaps upgrade their armour, maybe get them morning stars and light crossbows as well.”

The men at arms all nod in agreements “Yes, yes better equipment for us.”

They re-group and get back into formation. Ragnar is placed in the middle of the formation and kept under watchful eye. As they approach the outside of the cave Lucien asks him “Ragnar, what tribe do you fear the most? Is there one warlord or chieftain of all the tribes? Do any of the tribe brag about having pet monsters and how do they describe them?”

Ragnar looks confused. Lucien uses Sense Motive and feels that Ragnar thinks this is a trap question. The little monster responds “Youz, youz evilz klericz are ze most powerful monsterz in all ze kavez.”

They head straight to the Burg and bypass Cragmaw Caves. They encounter nothing along the way, and, in the dark they finally reach the safety of the Burg. [DM’s note: 3 random encounter checks (ie 1 day and 2 night checks) against a 1 in 8 chance but no random encounter]. 

Upon entering the gate the see Knight Lorenz, the Corporal of the Watch. Flanked by brothers of the watch, Lorenz greets the party, makes some remarks about their tatty attire, and collects their entrance fees. He also places Ragnar under arrest. The men at arms take him away to the dungeon.

They quickly seek out the Cold Hart Tavern where they find warm and familiar surrounds. 

Berrin the proprietor, makes arrangements for a private room for the party. They eat quickly and go to bed to rest. 

The next morning they rise and take stock. They accumulated a lot of experience from their last raid as summarised in the following table.

And they accumulated a lot of loot, as summarised in the following table (note the Not Cashed in Loot at the bottom of the table). 

They still have many of their consumables available.

Scratching their heads they remember there are quite a lot of people that they know in the Burg. 

In summary, the party has earned a lot of experience with Lucien, Kord and Talmark all gaining a level. Malandir isn’t quite there yet but he isn’t far off. 

The men at arms also have gained enough experience to advance a level. 

One of the men, Per, has been taking tutelage from Talmark in the way of advance fighting skills and he’s been learning about Asmodeus from Lucien. He decides to leave the mercenary company and asks if he can join the party. Over breakfast Lucien, Kord, Talmark and Malandir decide that it would be good to have another faithful party member. 

DM’s notes. Guys, Per will advance to become a 1^st level fighter and a player character. He’ll be played by Vampifan aka Bryan Scott, who you may have seen post to the site from time to time and you’ll note his site in the “Blogs I like to read” column in the left hand margin. Bryan has been a great inspiration to me over the years and if you want to see a great blog with almost a million hits please check out his site. In particular, he has had some great single player campaigns and I’ve learned a lot about solo campaigning from his site. I’ve applied a lot of the principles that Bryan uses to our own Pathfinder games.

Please welcome Bryan. 

We’ll probably have a few sessions of levelling up and local interactions at the Burg. Please come back to me with details of leveling up and also interactions that you want to do at the Burg including selling the loot, buying new equipment etc. I’ll update the summary character sheet in due course. 

DEW