Encounter 11: The Dying Reeve

The True and Rightful King

Encounter 11:  The Dying Reeve

Level 3:  Easy (party’s level -1 = 2) 125 xp

Human Street Entertainer, Level 1 Skirmisher, xp 100 (1 player)
Human Gang Member, Level 1 Minion, xp 25 (1 player)
4 Iron Circle Rabble, Level 2 Minion, xp 31 ea. (2 players)
Iron Circle Cutthroat, Level 2 Skirmisher, xp 125 (3 players)
Iron Circle Enforcer, Level 2 Elite Brute, xp 250 (4 players) (delete 4 Iron Circle Rabble and Iron Circle Cutthroat)
4 Iron Circle Rabble, Level 2 Minion, xp 31 ea. (5 players)
Iron Circle Cutthroat, Level 2 Skirmisher, xp 125 (6 players)

Setup

You are in Lightoak Bridge, Woodlea Forest.  You hear the sounds of battle outside:  shouting, the ringing of metal on metal, scuffling.  Upon entering the street, you realize that the fighting is occurring to the side of the building.  Upon rounding the corner, you see a group of men assailing the Reeve, a young elf named Zangretor Woodsoul.  You have met him before, and found him to be inexperienced and perhaps a bit unpredictable.  Perhaps that is the reason, but whatever the cause, his attackers have bested him by the time you arrive on the scene.  They strike the killing blow and he falls to the ground at the moment you round the corner.

Tactics and Development

Perception DC 5 reveals that the Iron Circle Rabble, Cutthroats, and Enforcer are wearing red livery with black tabards bearing a gray circle of chain over their armor.  History DC 10 reveals that this livery, tabard, and symbol are the livery, tabard, and symbol of Baron Seaaver Songsteel, the Baron of Redden Barrens.  Nature DC 5 reveals that Redden Barrens is the barony just to the north of Woodlea Forest.  History DC 15 reveals that Baron Seaaver Songsteel is 9 years old and reputed to have an immature and volatile temper.  History DC 20 reveals that Baron Songsteel is the younger brother of Countess Therstine Songsteel Wolfswift of County Ironmoor, married to Count Yenven Wolfswift.  Nature DC 10 reveals that County Ironmoor is the county just to the west of County Whiteborough.  History DC 25 reveals that Count Yenven Wolfswift is the brother of King Ulodannan Wolfswift of Lightholt.  History DC 30 reveals that Count Yenven Wolfswift is also the brother of Princess Quierris Wolfswift Harsif, who is married to Reeve Xanice Harsif of Highbush, appointed by Baron Grayward Silverkin.

If the party has attempted to sneak around the corner, have them make a Stealth Check DC 15.  If they pass, they get a surprise round.  If they fail, the Human Street Entertainer and the Iron Circle Cutthroats get a surprise round – they were waiting for them.  If the check is less than 10, all the enemy get a surprise round.

As soon as the enemy knows of the presence of the adventurers, one of them says to the others, “Stay and take care of them.  We’ll see you back at camp.”  Then the number of enemy leave to take the enemies down to the appropriate number for the party.

The enemy is not motivated to die for this cause.  As soon as the leader is bloodied, he calls for them to retreat.  If the leader is killed, the others run.

Features of the Area

Illumination:  Torches that function as street lamps provide dim light to the back edge of the building.

Treasure

Perception DC 5:  On the bodies you find several wallets containing a total of 380 gold pieces.