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

File:CestellanDrimbel.jpg

Cestellan of Oleg Keep

Name: Cestellan Drimbel, the stern Castellan of Oleg Keep, fiercely loyal to Lord Vellor, and protector of his lands.
Campaign: Ivae Orr
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Appearance: A tall, imposing man with a shaved head and a long scar across his face. He wears a black cloak over his chain mail armor and carries a heavy sword at his side.
Voice/Mannerisms: The Castellan speaks in a deep, gruff voice. He is always serious and to the point. His posture is rigid, and his gaze is unwavering. He rarely smiles and prefers to communicate with direct commands.
Ideal: Duty - The Castellan is fiercely loyal to Lord Vellor and will do whatever it takes to protect him and his lands.
Flaw: Arrogance - The Castellan believes that he is always right and that his word is law. He is often dismissive of others, especially those who are not as powerful as him.
Bond: Lord Vellor - The Castellan would die for Lord Vellor. He sees him as more than just his liege lord; he sees him as a father figure and a friend.
Info: Challenge 11 (7,200 XP) Medium humanoid (human) Armor Class 18 (chain mail) Hit Points 127 (14d8 + 70) Speed 30 ft.

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Ability Scores: STR 18 (+4)
Skills: Athletics +7, Intimidation +7, Perception +6, Persuasion +6 Features:

• Action Surge (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The Castellan can take an additional action on this turn.
• Leading by Example. The Castellan has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks to inspire others.
• Protector. The Castellan has advantage on saving throws made to protect Lord Vellor from harm.

Actions:

• Multiattack. The Castellan makes two sword attacks.
• Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.
• Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and the target must make a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Tactics: The Castellan will always fight to protect Lord Vellor. He will position himself between Lord Vellor and any attackers, and he will use his Action Surge to attack any enemies who get too close. He will also use his Leading by Example feature to inspire his allies to fight harder. If Lord Vellor is in danger of being killed, the Castellan will use his Protector feature to try to save him. He will also use his Shield Bash attack to try to knock prone any enemies who are attacking Lord Vellor. The Castellan is a powerful and skilled warrior, but he is not invincible. He can be defeated if he is outnumbered or caught off guard. However, he will always fight to the death to protect Lord Vellor.
Condition Immunities:
Damage Immunities:
Challenge Rating:
Senses: passive Perception 16
Languages: Common
Equipment:

Redbraid Headsmasher

File:RedbraidHeadsmasher.jpg

Redbraid Headsmasher, the grizzled War Chief of the remaining Ripper Clan, bound by duty and a longing for honorable battle.

Name: Redbraid Headsmasher
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Appearance: Old and grizzled, with a thick red braid that hangs down his back, hence his name. He bears numerous scars, evidence of a long life of battle. His armor is practical and well-worn, and his eyes reflect a weariness with the world, yet still hold a spark of fierce determination.
Voice/Mannerisms: He 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.
Ideal: Duty first, death before dishonor.
Flaw: Can't see the big picture.
Bond: Ripper Clan warlord Trozig. Believes by doing what he's told he'll be rewarded.