Session 104 Prep

Previously...

• The battle of Oleg Keep raged for nine days before a truce was called by the Baron.
• During the evening hours the forces make their final moves.
• The Drow and their allies return to the underdark after ambushing the Barons forces inside Oleg Keep.
• The barbarians and their Flan villager allies from the Blemu Hills and Rakers leave quietly sometime before dawn.
• The PC's move their airship closer to the Keep.
• Horns and war drums blare as dawn breaks over the battlefield.

Interludes

Use these when the pacing slows down and you need to shake things up.

• Scene title and description

Planned Events

The opening scene starts on the field of battle, how the session goes after that is up the PC's negotiation skills.

The truce negotiation starts:

• The sun rises over the battlefield, casting a golden glow over the scene. The ground is littered with the bodies of the dead, both human and non-human. Some of the bodies are still smoldering from the fires of battle. The air is thick with the smell of blood and smoke. The armies of Lord Vellor, the Baron, and the PCs and their demi-human allies stand facing each other, their banners fluttering in the morning breeze.
• In the shadows of the ruined building of Oleg village, a group of Drow looks on from a distance. Their eyes are narrowed in suspicion, and their hands are on their weapons. The PCs know that the Drow are not to be trusted, but they are also aware that they are outnumbered. On the other side of the battlefield, a small band of barbarians on horseback look on all sides with contempt. They are not interested in peace. They are only interested in plunder and bloodshed.
• The armies march towards each other, knights in shining armor, archers with longbows, and footmen with spears and shields. The motley composition of all the forces is made worse by the stench of rotting flesh emenating from the undead, and the unkempt mercenaries and bandits loaded with plunder. The tension is palpable, but there is also a sense of anticipation. The world is on the brink of change, and everyone knows it.
• The PCs and their allies approach a large tent setup in the center of the open field with caution. They know that the negotiations could go either way, and they are prepared to fight again if necessary. But they also hope that peace can be achieved, and that they can all avoid further bloodshed. The PCs can feel the weight of all the eyes on them as they approach the tent. They know that they are representing not only themselves, but also their friends, their allies, and their people. They take a deep breath and enter the tent, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

The armies depart?

• Trumpets and drums sound the orderly retreat of each army from the field.

The armies resume conflict?

• The whirling cloaks of the officers and nobles are all that can be seen as they rush towards their forces sounding out Attack! Trumpets and drums sound the attack as the armies rush towards each other to resume their deadly combat for control of Oleg Barony.

The PC's decide to investigate Oleg Keep

• Resume the exploration of the Keep from whatever point the PC's decide to enter it. Ref Oleg Keep section.
• A few days after the battle an emissary from Count Dunstan court at Knurl arrives to congratulate the PC's on their victory.

Cliffhanger

The PC's have to decide if they retire to run their barony or continue adventuring to gain more fame and wealth.

Random Encounters

None

Key NPC's

Cestellan Drimbel

Redbraid Headsmasher Medium Humanoid (Hobgoblin), Lawful Neutral Armor Class 15 (Studded Leather) (natural armor) Hit Points 91 (14d8 + 28) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (0) 13 (+1) 11 (0) Saving Throws Str +5, Con +5 Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +3, Survival +4, Perception +4 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities None Senses Passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Goblin Challenge 4 (1100 XP) **Martial Advantage.** Once per turn, Redbraid can deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to a creature he hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an ally of Redbraid that isn't incapacitated. **Battle Weariness.** Redbraid has disadvantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened, reflecting his age and weariness, but he gains advantage on attack rolls against creatures that are higher level or larger than him, challenging him to an honorable battle. Actions Multiattack.** Redbraid makes two attacks with his Greataxe. **Greataxe.** Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d12 + 3) slashing damage. Reactions Worn Defense.** Redbraid can use his reaction to add 2 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see the attacker and be wielding a weapon. Roleplaying Notes Redbraid speaks in a rough, gravelly voice, tinged with the weariness of age. He is blunt and direct, with little patience for pleasantries. He prefers action to words, and his movements are deliberate and efficient. He often clenches his fists or grips his weapon, a sign of his pent-up desire for combat. Additional Info Appearance Old and grizzled, with a thick red braid that hangs down his back. Bears numerous scars. Armor is practical and well-worn. Voice/Mannerisms Rough, gravelly voice, weary tone. Blunt and direct. Bond Ripper Clan warlord Trozig. Believes by doing what he's told he'll be rewarded. Ideal Duty first, death before dishonor. Flaw Can't see the big picture. He focuses only on the immediate task or battle. Info Redbraid Headsmasher, the grizzled War Chief of the remaining Ripper Clan, bound by duty and a longing for honorable battle. Equipment Greataxe, studded leather armor, a worn clan totem.

Redbraid Headsmasher