TEXT:  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Throwing Ston
  Throwing Ston
  Throwing Ston
  Throwing Stones
  es
  es
  es    
   
  A One
  A One
  A One
  A One----Round D&D 3
  Round D&D 3
  Round D&D 3
  Round D&D 3rd
  rd
  rd
  rd Edition Living Greyhawk 
   Edition Living Greyhawk 
   Edition Living Greyhawk 
   Edition Living Greyhawk 
  Adventure
  Adventure
  Adventure
  Adventure    
   
   
   
  by August Hahn
  by August Hahn
  by August Hahn
  by August Hahn    
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Politics heats up in the town of Nighford. Two candidates for the office of Grossspokesman are engaged in a bridge 
  building contest to win that position and they both want your help! Who will you support? How far will you go to aid 
  your employer? And what will you do when the race takes an inevitable turn for the worst? An adventure for characters 
  levels 1-6. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, GREYHAWK, and RPGA are registered trademarks of Wizards of 
  the Coast, Inc. LIVING GREYHAWK is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Scenario detail 
  copyright 2000 by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This scenario is intended for 
  tournament use only and may not be reproduced without approval of the RPGA Network.  
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 2 
  This is a RPGA Network adventure game. A four-hour time 
  block has been allocated for playing the game (or this round 
  of the game), but the actual playing time will be about three 
  hours.  
   
  It is a good idea to ask each player to put a name tag in 
  front of him or her. The tag should have the player's name 
  at the bottom, and the character's name, race, and gender at 
  the top. This makes it easier for the players to keep track of 
  who is playing which character. 
   
  Scoring the game for RPGA points
  Scoring the game for RPGA points
  Scoring the game for RPGA points
  Scoring the game for RPGA points: The RPGA has 
  three ways to score this game. Consult your convention 
  coordinator to determine which method to use: 
  1. 
  No-vote scoring: The players write their names and 
  numbers on the scoring packet grid, you fill in the top 
  of the grid. That is all. No one is rated. This method is 
  used for people who are just playing for fun. 
  2. 
  Partial scoring: The players rate the game master and the 
  scenario on their player voting sheet, and provide 
  personal information, but don’t vote for other players. 
  The game master rates the scenario and completes 
  personal and event information, but does not rate the 
  players as a team or vote for players. This method is 
  used when there is no competition, but the 
  convention coordinator wants information as to how 
  the game masters are performing, or the game master 
  wants feedback on his or her own performance. 
  3. 
  Voting: Players and game masters complete the entire 
  packet, including voting for best player. If this method 
  is used, be sure to allow about 15-20 minutes for the 
  players to briefly describe their characters to the other 
  players, and about 5-10 minutes for voting. This 
  method is used when the players want to know who 
  played the best amongst them, or when the adventure 
  is run in tournament format with winners and prizes. 
  Multi-round adventures usually required advancing a 
  smaller number of players than played the first round, 
  so voting is required for multi-round adventures. 
   
  When using Voting, rank the players in order of your 
  voting choice while they are completing their forms, so 
  that you are not influenced by their comments on your 
  abilities. 
   
  The players are free to use the game rules to learn about 
  equipment and weapons their characters are carrying. 
   
  Some of the text in this scenario is written so that you 
  may present it as written to the players, while other text is 
  for your eyes only. Text for the players will be in bold italics
  bold italics
  bold italics
  bold italics. 
  It is strongly recommended that you paraphrase the player 
  text, instead of reading it aloud, as some of the text is 
  general and must be adapted to the specific situation or to 
  actions of the player characters.  
   
   
  LLLLIVING 
  IVING 
  IVING 
  IVING GGGGREYHAWK
  REYHAWK
  REYHAWK
  REYHAWK Tier 
   Tier 
   Tier 
   Tier 
  Structure
  Structure
  Structure
  Structure    
  To determine the tier, add the character levels of all the 
  characters. In addition, add the levels of any henchmen or 
  animals according to the values on their certificates. 
  Compare the total to the chart below to find the tier. 
   
   
  4 players 
  5 players 
  6 players 
  7 players 
  Lvl Cap 
  T1: 
  4-12 
  5-13 
  6-14 
  7-15 
  4nd  
  T2: 
  13-22 
  14-24 
  15-26 
  16-28 
  6th  
  T3: 
  23-32 
  25-35 
  27-38 
  29-41 
  8th  
   
  The level cap indicated the highest level of character 
  allowed to play this adventure. Characters of levels higher 
  than the highest level shown for the highest tier cannot 
  be played. 
   
  Lifestyle
  Lifestyle
  Lifestyle
  Lifestyle    
  At the beginning of every scenario, each PC is required to 
  pay upkeep costs matching the level of lifestyle they wish 
  to maintain. The cost of each lifestyle will be indicated at 
  the beginning of the scenario
  scenario
  scenario
  scenario. The lifestyles, and the 
  effects that each has on play, are: 
   
  Destitute
  Destitute
  Destitute
  Destitute 
  You have no living space, and must carry all 
  your gear everywhere. You eat poor quality 
  food. You wear a peasant outfit, your only 
  change of clothes. 
  Poor
  Poor
  Poor
  Poor 
  You sleep in poor accommodations, and eat 
  poor quality food. You wear a peasant outfit, 
  and have two sets of clothing. 
  Common
  Common
  Common
  Common 
  You have common lodgings, and eat 
  common quality food. You have normal 
  clothing for your profession (adventuring); 
  nothing fancy. You probably have two or 
  three sets of clothing. 
  High
  High
  High
  High 
  You stay in good quality lodgings, and eat 
  good quality food. You wear anything in 
  value up to courtier’s outfits, and generally 
  buy a new set of clothing every two weeks. 
  Luxury
  Luxury
  Luxury
  Luxury 
  You have luxurious accommodations (twice 
  the cost of good accommodations), and you 
  eat excellent foods. You can throw a 
  banquet for your friends every day, and 
  frequently do. You wear clothing up to the 
  value of noble’s outfit, and buy a new set of 
  clothes every week.  
   
  Lifestyles come with bonuses or penalties to Diplomacy, 
  Intimidate, Disguise, and Bluff skill checks. These 
  penalties, shown below, should be applied at the DM’s 
  discretion, and can sometimes backfire—for example, a 
  PC with a poor lifestyle would not have a penalty when 
  talking to a beggar, but would when talking to a city 
  official. A PC with a high lifestyle should have a penalty 
  when dealing with a group of street thugs, where a PC 
  with a destitute lifestyle might not. 
   
  DMs are encouraged to role-play these reactions 
  whenever possible. 
   
  Lifestyle
  Lifestyle
  Lifestyle
  Lifestyle    
  Cost
  Cost
  Cost
  Cost    
  Skill Modifier
  Skill Modifier
  Skill Modifier
  Skill Modifier    
  Destitute 
  14 sp 
   
  -2 
  Poor 
  43 sp 
   
  -1 
  Common 
  12 gp 
   
   0 
  High 
  250 gp 
   
  +1 
  Luxury 
  500 gp 
   
  +2 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 3 
   
   
  Adventure Summary and 
  Adventure Summary and 
  Adventure Summary and 
  Adventure Summary and 
  Background
  Background
  Background
  Background    
  In the Yeoman town of Nighford, a community on the 
  south end of the Little Hills, the local politics is becoming 
  intense. The two frontrunners for the post of 
  Grosspokeman, rival landowners Jalab Kreshin and 
  Olmek Garshweth, have had the town in a stir as they try 
  to win their support. The election close at hand and both 
  are determined to win.  
   
  An agreement between the two candidates and the 
  townsfolk of Nighford has determined an interesting way 
  to choose the winning candidate. The town is split in half 
  by a stream, and travel across it is troublesome. Both Jalab 
  and Olmek have agreed to build a bridge over the 
  bothersome brook. The town will then vote on which 
  bridge they think is best, and the winning builder 
  receives the entire population’s vote for office. 
   
  Both men have different ideas about how to win the 
  contest. Jalab, the richer of the candidates, has paid a 
  sizable sum and hired a well-respected dwarven engineer 
  from Longspear. With that kind of expertise, he feels 
  confident that the battle is already won. Jalab wants to 
  show the Nightfordians that he can solve major problems 
  without tapping the communities resources (local labor-
  wise, at least), but he still needs someone to build what 
  his dwarf engineer designs. He offers the PCs 
  employment—he wants them to help build his bridge. 
  Jalab believes that by hiring outsiders it will make him 
  look like a problem solver with fresh ideas.  
   
  Conversely, Olmek Garshweth has taken the 
  problem of the bridge as a serious personal (and 
  Nightfordian) challenge. He’s intimately involved with 
  every stage of the design and construction. He does not 
  wish to place the entire burden on outsiders (“It’s our 
  bridge after all”) when he and his kin can share the work. 
  Still, extra hand are always helpful, so he offers the PCs a 
  job helping him build his bridge. 
   
  This adventure begins with the players arriving in 
  the town of Nighford while on the road to another 
  destination. News of their arrival spreads quickly and 
  both Jalab Kreshin and Olmek Garshweth soon ask the 
  PCs for assistance in their bridge building.  
   
  The PCs are allowed to work with either party, but 
  Olmek will not hire any of the PCs if other members of 
  their party are working for Jalab. The open-ended nature 
  of this adventure allows the PCs to determine their own 
  role in the unfolding action. 
   
  Jalab will prove to be a snobbish taskmaster, apt to do 
  anything it takes (short of murder) to win this contest. 
  PCs of a less than heroic bent may shine in his service as 
  thugs, saboteurs, and spies. It is unlikely that PCs will 
  choose to support Jalab, but the adventure allows for it if 
  they so chose.  
   
  Olmek is a strict, but compassionate, man, and is not 
  afraid of hard work. He rewards those who work with 
  him. He will offer PCs who want good and honest work 
  the chance to do so and profit by it. 
   
  After the PCs negotiate with either Jalab or Olmek, 
  and accept whichever offer appeals to them, they can 
  begin to work on their bridge of their choice. Work 
  continues until tragedy stikes. Both builders are getting 
  their supply of stones from a local quarry. When gnolls 
  overrun the place, they are not able to get the stones 
  needed to finish their bridges.  
   
  After either battling or bargaining with the gnolls, 
  the PCs can help bring the flow of stones back to the 
  work site, and bridge building continues.  
   
  What follows is a running game of sabotage, 
  negotiation, and espionage as Jalab does everything he 
  can think of to delay or destroy Olmek’s bridge. 
   
  First, Jalab dunks a small gray ooze into the waters 
  upstream of Olmek’s bridge. Because it stops long enough 
  to surround and eat an exposed tree root the PCs have a 
  chance to stop it before it destroys the bridge supports. 
   
  Then, Jalab sends a spy into Olmek’s work site. The 
  spy attempts to disrupt Olmek’s progress. The spy has 
  instructions to sprinkle a powder that rust metals on 
  Olmek’s tools. If the PCs uncover the spy quickly, the 
  attempt fails.  
   
  As a final desperate attempt, Jalab tries to bribe the 
  voting committee to side with his bridge. This attempt 
  can be foiled if the PCs have been both polite and 
  diplomatic to the committee during their numerous 
  unscheduled visits to the work site. If they have alienated 
  or have been rude to the voting council, enough of them 
  take bribes to swing the vote in Jalab’s favor. 
   
  The PCs will have their hands full whether they try 
  to finish their jobs, stay neutral, join in the backbiting, or 
  stop a feud.  
   
      
  Player’s Introduction
  Player’s Introduction
  Player’s Introduction
  Player’s Introduction    
  Travelling by road from Daywine, you pass a number of small 
  Travelling by road from Daywine, you pass a number of small 
  Travelling by road from Daywine, you pass a number of small 
  Travelling by road from Daywine, you pass a number of small 
  farms. The local fo
  farms. The local fo
  farms. The local fo
  farms. The local folk are in the fields and hard at work 
  lk are in the fields and hard at work 
  lk are in the fields and hard at work 
  lk are in the fields and hard at work 
  bringing in harvests, but take time to greet you as you pass. 
  bringing in harvests, but take time to greet you as you pass. 
  bringing in harvests, but take time to greet you as you pass. 
  bringing in harvests, but take time to greet you as you pass. 
  You feel welcomed, but watched, as you enter the town of 
  You feel welcomed, but watched, as you enter the town of 
  You feel welcomed, but watched, as you enter the town of 
  You feel welcomed, but watched, as you enter the town of 
  Nighford. The largest hamlet along the Javan, Nighford boasts 
  Nighford. The largest hamlet along the Javan, Nighford boasts 
  Nighford. The largest hamlet along the Javan, Nighford boasts 
  Nighford. The largest hamlet along the Javan, Nighford boasts 
  a fine array of goods, decent prices,
  a fine array of goods, decent prices,
  a fine array of goods, decent prices,
  a fine array of goods, decent prices, and the amenities of 
   and the amenities of 
   and the amenities of 
   and the amenities of 
  comfort missing from long days on the trail.
  comfort missing from long days on the trail.
  comfort missing from long days on the trail.
  comfort missing from long days on the trail.    
      
  One thing strikes you as odd in this fine village; a 
  One thing strikes you as odd in this fine village; a 
  One thing strikes you as odd in this fine village; a 
  One thing strikes you as odd in this fine village; a 
  running stream too wide to cross comfortably divides the 
  running stream too wide to cross comfortably divides the 
  running stream too wide to cross comfortably divides the 
  running stream too wide to cross comfortably divides the 
  settlement. Standing in the middle of Nighford is an old 
  settlement. Standing in the middle of Nighford is an old 
  settlement. Standing in the middle of Nighford is an old 
  settlement. Standing in the middle of Nighford is an old 
  wooden bridge that al
  wooden bridge that al
  wooden bridge that al
  wooden bridge that allows travel between the halves, but it has 
  lows travel between the halves, but it has 
  lows travel between the halves, but it has 
  lows travel between the halves, but it has 
  certainly seen better days.
  certainly seen better days.
  certainly seen better days.
  certainly seen better days.    
      
  Guarded Yeoman hospitality abounds here, from the 
  Guarded Yeoman hospitality abounds here, from the 
  Guarded Yeoman hospitality abounds here, from the 
  Guarded Yeoman hospitality abounds here, from the 
  waves and nods of the merchants on Market Row to the 
  waves and nods of the merchants on Market Row to the 
  waves and nods of the merchants on Market Row to the 
  waves and nods of the merchants on Market Row to the 
  inviting smell of home cooking from the open door of 
  inviting smell of home cooking from the open door of 
  inviting smell of home cooking from the open door of 
  inviting smell of home cooking from the open door of 
  Millicent’s Inn.
  Millicent’s Inn.
  Millicent’s Inn.
  Millicent’s Inn.    
   
  Give the PCs some time, no more than about fifteen 
  minutes or so, to describe their characters and what they 
  plan to do in the small town. More than likely they have 
  been traveling together on the road, so they have had 
  some time to get to know each other. Some PCs may wish 
  to arrive at town separately from the rest of the group, but 
  they should figure out how they meet the rest of the PCs 
  while in town. 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 4 
   
  Those who wish to shop may certainly do so. 
  Nighford boasts all the benefits of being on the major 
  trading lane of the Javan river. As such, it has an excellent 
  selection of goods and services at reasonable prices (i.e., 
  the prices from the Player’s Handbook). 
   
  Though Nighford sees its share of travelers visiting 
  the lush banks of the Javan, it has always made due with 
  its single inn—Millicent’s. Unless characters insist on 
  camping outside town (an act discouraged on financial 
  and practical grounds by the Mayor of Nighford), they 
  will be staying at Millicent’s. 
   
  After the players are comfortable with Nighford and 
  each other, proceed to Encounter 1.    
      
   
  Encounter 1: 
  Encounter 1: 
  Encounter 1: 
  Encounter 1:     
  Is This A Proposal?
  Is This A Proposal?
  Is This A Proposal?
  Is This A Proposal?    
  This encounter begins when the PCs decide to take their 
  night’s rest. It assumes the party is staying at Millicent’s, if 
  this is not so paraphrase the text in this scene to match 
  the circumstances. Jalab and Olmek will send their 
  representatives to the PCs even if they are camping 
  outside town. 
   
  At Millicent’s, the rooms are not ready until after 
  supper and ‘smoke’, an hour dedicated to sipping drinks 
  and enjoying a good pipe. It is during ‘smoke’ that the text 
  below is read. 
   
  Sweet pipeweed smoke whiffs up to the eaves and rafters of this 
  Sweet pipeweed smoke whiffs up to the eaves and rafters of this 
  Sweet pipeweed smoke whiffs up to the eaves and rafters of this 
  Sweet pipeweed smoke whiffs up to the eaves and rafters of this 
  spacious country inn. Dinner was wonderful, with enough 
  spacious country inn. Dinner was wonderful, with enough 
  spacious country inn. Dinner was wonderful, with enough 
  spacious country inn. Dinner was wonderful, with enough 
  steamed fish, braised vegetables, and butter
  steamed fish, braised vegetables, and butter
  steamed fish, braised vegetables, and butter
  steamed fish, braised vegetables, and butter----baked bread to 
  baked bread to 
  baked bread to 
  baked bread to 
  satiate your road
  satiate your road
  satiate your road
  satiate your road----weary appetite. Your
  weary appetite. Your
  weary appetite. Your
  weary appetite. Your mugs never went dry, 
   mugs never went dry, 
   mugs never went dry, 
   mugs never went dry, 
  and your plates stayed full throughout the evening.
  and your plates stayed full throughout the evening.
  and your plates stayed full throughout the evening.
  and your plates stayed full throughout the evening.    
      
  Now, as the help tidies the rooms upstairs, bloated 
  Now, as the help tidies the rooms upstairs, bloated 
  Now, as the help tidies the rooms upstairs, bloated 
  Now, as the help tidies the rooms upstairs, bloated 
  relaxation seems the fashion of the evening time in Nighford. 
  relaxation seems the fashion of the evening time in Nighford. 
  relaxation seems the fashion of the evening time in Nighford. 
  relaxation seems the fashion of the evening time in Nighford. 
  Weary from the road, it is easy to appreciate the simple 
  Weary from the road, it is easy to appreciate the simple 
  Weary from the road, it is easy to appreciate the simple 
  Weary from the road, it is easy to appreciate the simple 
  comforts o
  comforts o
  comforts o
  comforts of a soft chair, a warm mug, and the company of 
  f a soft chair, a warm mug, and the company of 
  f a soft chair, a warm mug, and the company of 
  f a soft chair, a warm mug, and the company of 
  those whose only aim is to enjoy the same.
  those whose only aim is to enjoy the same.
  those whose only aim is to enjoy the same.
  those whose only aim is to enjoy the same.    
   
  Give the PCs a minute or two to roleplay relaxing and and 
  conversing with each other, or folks in the Inn. Then, 
  introduce Alik “Weasel” Kreshin. 
   
  One of the patrons
  One of the patrons
  One of the patrons
  One of the patrons, a man who arrived later in the evening 
  , a man who arrived later in the evening 
  , a man who arrived later in the evening 
  , a man who arrived later in the evening 
  and took up residence at a table near yours, stands and 
  and took up residence at a table near yours, stands and 
  and took up residence at a table near yours, stands and 
  and took up residence at a table near yours, stands and 
  approaches. 
  approaches. 
  approaches. 
  approaches.     
      
  “Pardon me, but could I have a word with you.” He’s well 
  “Pardon me, but could I have a word with you.” He’s well 
  “Pardon me, but could I have a word with you.” He’s well 
  “Pardon me, but could I have a word with you.” He’s well 
  dressed compared to the other farmer folk in the common 
  dressed compared to the other farmer folk in the common 
  dressed compared to the other farmer folk in the common 
  dressed compared to the other farmer folk in the common 
  room, and is finely groomed. His
  room, and is finely groomed. His
  room, and is finely groomed. His
  room, and is finely groomed. His black hair glistens with a 
   black hair glistens with a 
   black hair glistens with a 
   black hair glistens with a 
  faint sheen of oil.
  faint sheen of oil.
  faint sheen of oil.
  faint sheen of oil.    
   
  Unless the party cuts him off or utterly rebukes him for 
  bothering them, he continues. 
   
  “You look like a capable bunch, just the sort father needs. Oh, 
  “You look like a capable bunch, just the sort father needs. Oh, 
  “You look like a capable bunch, just the sort father needs. Oh, 
  “You look like a capable bunch, just the sort father needs. Oh, 
  how rude of me.” The man extends one hand and smiles. “
  how rude of me.” The man extends one hand and smiles. “
  how rude of me.” The man extends one hand and smiles. “
  how rude of me.” The man extends one hand and smiles. “I I I I 
  am Alik Kreshin, of the Nighford Kreshins.”
  am Alik Kreshin, of the Nighford Kreshins.”
  am Alik Kreshin, of the Nighford Kreshins.”
  am Alik Kreshin, of the Nighford Kreshins.”    
      
  “Now, to business. That is what makes the sun go ‘round, 
  “Now, to business. That is what makes the sun go ‘round, 
  “Now, to business. That is what makes the sun go ‘round, 
  “Now, to business. That is what makes the sun go ‘round, 
  yes? Business? Well, you folk surely do a tidy bit of that as 
  yes? Business? Well, you folk surely do a tidy bit of that as 
  yes? Business? Well, you folk surely do a tidy bit of that as 
  yes? Business? Well, you folk surely do a tidy bit of that as 
  adventurers, no? Otherwise, how would you have escaped life 
  adventurers, no? Otherwise, how would you have escaped life 
  adventurers, no? Otherwise, how would you have escaped life 
  adventurers, no? Otherwise, how would you have escaped life 
  as a farmer?” With that, he la
  as a farmer?” With that, he la
  as a farmer?” With that, he la
  as a farmer?” With that, he laughs derisively. “Farmers…,” he 
  ughs derisively. “Farmers…,” he 
  ughs derisively. “Farmers…,” he 
  ughs derisively. “Farmers…,” he 
  says again, as if he had made a joke.
  says again, as if he had made a joke.
  says again, as if he had made a joke.
  says again, as if he had made a joke.    
      
  At other tables, people glance up, see Alik, and shake their 
  At other tables, people glance up, see Alik, and shake their 
  At other tables, people glance up, see Alik, and shake their 
  At other tables, people glance up, see Alik, and shake their 
  heads. Some of the folk in the tavern seem offended, at least 
  heads. Some of the folk in the tavern seem offended, at least 
  heads. Some of the folk in the tavern seem offended, at least 
  heads. Some of the folk in the tavern seem offended, at least 
  one of them mutters “Weasel” under his breath. They seem 
  one of them mutters “Weasel” under his breath. They seem 
  one of them mutters “Weasel” under his breath. They seem 
  one of them mutters “Weasel” under his breath. They seem 
  more 
  more 
  more 
  more disgusted with the person than the conversation. Many 
  disgusted with the person than the conversation. Many 
  disgusted with the person than the conversation. Many 
  disgusted with the person than the conversation. Many 
  folk shuffle out of the inn.
  folk shuffle out of the inn.
  folk shuffle out of the inn.
  folk shuffle out of the inn.    
      
  By the time Alik speaks again, half the patrons are gone 
  By the time Alik speaks again, half the patrons are gone 
  By the time Alik speaks again, half the patrons are gone 
  By the time Alik speaks again, half the patrons are gone 
  and more are following. “So, would good businessmen like 
  and more are following. “So, would good businessmen like 
  and more are following. “So, would good businessmen like 
  and more are following. “So, would good businessmen like 
  yourselves be interested in some well paying work? My fath
  yourselves be interested in some well paying work? My fath
  yourselves be interested in some well paying work? My fath
  yourselves be interested in some well paying work? My father 
  er 
  er 
  er 
  could use strong backs and keen wits.”
  could use strong backs and keen wits.”
  could use strong backs and keen wits.”
  could use strong backs and keen wits.”    
      
  From the look of this Alik, his father is in desperate need 
  From the look of this Alik, his father is in desperate need 
  From the look of this Alik, his father is in desperate need 
  From the look of this Alik, his father is in desperate need 
  indeed…
  indeed…
  indeed…
  indeed…    
   
  A Sense Motive check (DC 10) will reveal Alik is a tad 
  shifty, but that his offer is genuine. If a PC makes his or 
  her Sense Motive check by 15, they will also get the 
  feeling that the work involved may not be as quite on the 
  up-and-up as he suggests.  
   
  Alik does not wait long for an answer. He is not 
  interested in chatting, feeling that he is too high born to 
  talk with the likes of common adventuring folk. He is 
  here against his will, Jalab sent him to hire the PCs, but he 
  doesn’t have to like it. 
   
  If the PCs refuse his offer, he shakes his head, 
  murmurs something about “road-addled half wits,” and 
  attempt to leave. If prevented from doing so, he threatens 
  to call for aid. Though no one in town likes “Weasel,” they 
  like the idea of his father’s financial wrath coming down 
  on them even less. If Alik calls for help, several townsfolk 
  come within two rounds to aid him. This intervention 
  will result in the PCs being thrown out of town, though 
  the villager loath to go this far.  
   
  If the PCs are thrown out of town, the adventure is 
  not over. Instead, have Ulme’s offer (below) occur outside 
  Nighford after the PCs have been “ejected.” 
   
  Instead, if the PCs accept, Alik is but not surprised. 
  He tells the PCs to come to the Kreshin Estate in the 
  morning after breakfast. There, he assures them, they will 
  get all the details.  
   
  Once Alik leaves, regardless of whether he has 
  secured the party’s help or not, the sole remaining patron 
  in Millicent’s approaches cautiously.  
   
  “Hail strangers. Please don’t judge all of Nighford by the 
  “Hail strangers. Please don’t judge all of Nighford by the 
  “Hail strangers. Please don’t judge all of Nighford by the 
  “Hail strangers. Please don’t judge all of Nighford by the 
  measure of that one’s tongue,” he says as Alik strides out into 
  measure of that one’s tongue,” he says as Alik strides out into 
  measure of that one’s tongue,” he says as Alik strides out into 
  measure of that one’s tongue,” he says as Alik strides out into 
  the night air. “Weasel Kreshin is not our finest citizen.”
  the night air. “Weasel Kreshin is not our finest citizen.”
  the night air. “Weasel Kreshin is not our finest citizen.”
  the night air. “Weasel Kreshin is not our finest citizen.”    
      
  He extends hi
  He extends hi
  He extends hi
  He extends his hand. “Ulme. Ulme Garshweth. I’m glad 
  s hand. “Ulme. Ulme Garshweth. I’m glad 
  s hand. “Ulme. Ulme Garshweth. I’m glad 
  s hand. “Ulme. Ulme Garshweth. I’m glad 
  to meet you.”
  to meet you.”
  to meet you.”
  to meet you.”    
      
  Ulme will pause and let the PCs talk with him if they like. 
  He is up on most of the town news and will gladly share 
  it. He is unpretentious and honest to a fault. Sense Motive 
  (DC 10) will reaffirm this. 
   
  When it seems appropriate in conversation, possibly 
  after being asked what Alik wanted them to do, Ulme will 
  explain the contest between Weasel’s father and his. 
  Then: 
   
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 5 
  “So, you can see what’s at stake. There’s no denying Jalab is a 
  “So, you can see what’s at stake. There’s no denying Jalab is a 
  “So, you can see what’s at stake. There’s no denying Jalab is a 
  “So, you can see what’s at stake. There’s no denying Jalab is a 
  good businessman. H
  good businessman. H
  good businessman. H
  good businessman. He’s qualified for the role, no doubt. But 
  e’s qualified for the role, no doubt. But 
  e’s qualified for the role, no doubt. But 
  e’s qualified for the role, no doubt. But 
  there’s more to a town than its market, and Old Kreshin 
  there’s more to a town than its market, and Old Kreshin 
  there’s more to a town than its market, and Old Kreshin 
  there’s more to a town than its market, and Old Kreshin 
  doesn’t see that.”
  doesn’t see that.”
  doesn’t see that.”
  doesn’t see that.”    
      
  He pauses to sip at his ale, “My father isn’t as sharp with 
  He pauses to sip at his ale, “My father isn’t as sharp with 
  He pauses to sip at his ale, “My father isn’t as sharp with 
  He pauses to sip at his ale, “My father isn’t as sharp with 
  numbers, but he knows work
  numbers, but he knows work
  numbers, but he knows work
  numbers, but he knows work—
  —
  —
  —good honest work
  good honest work
  good honest work
  good honest work—
  —
  —
  —the ethics 
  the ethics 
  the ethics 
  the ethics 
  that Nighford was built
  that Nighford was built
  that Nighford was built
  that Nighford was built upon. Which brings me to my 
   upon. Which brings me to my 
   upon. Which brings me to my 
   upon. Which brings me to my 
  offer…”
  offer…”
  offer…”
  offer…”    
      
  He suddenly looks a bit sheepish. “I know you’ve already 
  He suddenly looks a bit sheepish. “I know you’ve already 
  He suddenly looks a bit sheepish. “I know you’ve already 
  He suddenly looks a bit sheepish. “I know you’ve already 
  been asked, and I’ll understand if you say no, but we could use 
  been asked, and I’ll understand if you say no, but we could use 
  been asked, and I’ll understand if you say no, but we could use 
  been asked, and I’ll understand if you say no, but we could use 
  help too. I doubt my father can pay you what Old Kreshin 
  help too. I doubt my father can pay you what Old Kreshin 
  help too. I doubt my father can pay you what Old Kreshin 
  help too. I doubt my father can pay you what Old Kreshin 
  can, but if you’re so inclined, you’d be
  can, but if you’re so inclined, you’d be
  can, but if you’re so inclined, you’d be
  can, but if you’re so inclined, you’d be welcome to work for us.”
   welcome to work for us.”
   welcome to work for us.”
   welcome to work for us.”    
   
  Ulme will not press them for an immediate answer. He’ll 
  happily talk with them for a while longer, but he does 
  have to get home soon. If the PCs show any interest at all, 
  he’ll invite them to come by the Garshweth bridge site 
  (which he provides directions to) in the morning. Then, 
  he bids them a good night. Even if completely refused, he 
  stays pleasant. 
   
  What happens next is completely up to the PCs. 
  They have the offers in front of them. A section in 
  brackets at the start of each scene after this one will give 
  you what you need to run this adventure if the PCs opt to 
  work for Jalab. The main text assumes that the party 
  chooses to work for Olmek.  
   
  Of course they may choose not to get involved. In 
  that case, let them stay in town as long as they like. Both 
  parties will approach them once more. If they still refuse 
  to help either side, the PCs are on their own in Nighford. 
  When they tire of shopping and resting, the adventure 
  ends. Collect voting sheets and thanks the players for 
  participating in a Living Greyhawk adventure. 
      
   
  Encounter 2:
  Encounter 2:
  Encounter 2:
  Encounter 2:    
  Offered and Accepted
  Offered and Accepted
  Offered and Accepted
  Offered and Accepted    
  If the PCs are now working for Jalab, run this scene using 
  the Kreshin estate described in the Appendix. Jalab will 
  deign to meet with the PCs personally, explaining their 
  duties and negotiating their pay. They will also get a 
  chance to meet Kulgar Deepdelve, Jalab’s hired dwarven 
  engineer before Chapter Three. 
   
  Jalab offers the PCs 200 gp each for their work, as 
  well he will offer “bonuses as he sees fit.” He will go as 
  high as 300 gp each, if the PCs spend time bargaining. He 
  is building his bridge in the center of town, so the PCs 
  will be close to the inn. 
   
  Although Ulme did not mention it, the party is 
  welcome to join his family for breakfast when they make 
  it to the Garshweth camp. Unlike Jalab, who directs his 
  bridge project through Kulgar and Alik, Olmek is present 
  on site and remains there practically through the entire 
  project. 
   
  When the party arrives, read or paraphrase the 
  following: 
   
  The early morning sun shines over th
  The early morning sun shines over th
  The early morning sun shines over th
  The early morning sun shines over the campsite before you. 
  e campsite before you. 
  e campsite before you. 
  e campsite before you. 
  Several men sit around a well
  Several men sit around a well
  Several men sit around a well
  Several men sit around a well----tended fire while another man, 
  tended fire while another man, 
  tended fire while another man, 
  tended fire while another man, 
  Ulme, cooks what you suppose is a large breakfast in a 
  Ulme, cooks what you suppose is a large breakfast in a 
  Ulme, cooks what you suppose is a large breakfast in a 
  Ulme, cooks what you suppose is a large breakfast in a 
  blackened iron skillet. He sees you as you approach and waves 
  blackened iron skillet. He sees you as you approach and waves 
  blackened iron skillet. He sees you as you approach and waves 
  blackened iron skillet. He sees you as you approach and waves 
  for you to join them.
  for you to join them.
  for you to join them.
  for you to join them.    
      
  As they near you see an older ma
  As they near you see an older ma
  As they near you see an older ma
  As they near you see an older man, who resembles 
  n, who resembles 
  n, who resembles 
  n, who resembles 
  Ulme
  Ulme
  Ulme
  Ulme—
  —
  —
  —or rather Ulme resembles him
  or rather Ulme resembles him
  or rather Ulme resembles him
  or rather Ulme resembles him—
  —
  —
  —his shoulders are 
  his shoulders are 
  his shoulders are 
  his shoulders are 
  broader, and he stands a tad taller than his son. He rises and 
  broader, and he stands a tad taller than his son. He rises and 
  broader, and he stands a tad taller than his son. He rises and 
  broader, and he stands a tad taller than his son. He rises and 
  faces you, studying you carefully. He then nods with 
  faces you, studying you carefully. He then nods with 
  faces you, studying you carefully. He then nods with 
  faces you, studying you carefully. He then nods with 
  satisfaction.
  satisfaction.
  satisfaction.
  satisfaction.    
      
  “My son told me he’d come to you for aid. You’ve my 
  “My son told me he’d come to you for aid. You’ve my 
  “My son told me he’d come to you for aid. You’ve my 
  “My son told me he’d come to you for aid. You’ve my 
  than
  than
  than
  thanks if you’re here to help. If you can not, you’re still 
  ks if you’re here to help. If you can not, you’re still 
  ks if you’re here to help. If you can not, you’re still 
  ks if you’re here to help. If you can not, you’re still 
  welcome to join us for breakfast. Either way, we don’t talk 
  welcome to join us for breakfast. Either way, we don’t talk 
  welcome to join us for breakfast. Either way, we don’t talk 
  welcome to join us for breakfast. Either way, we don’t talk 
  until breakfast is done stewing.”
  until breakfast is done stewing.”
  until breakfast is done stewing.”
  until breakfast is done stewing.”    
      
  He smiles warmly and gestures to several flat stones in a 
  He smiles warmly and gestures to several flat stones in a 
  He smiles warmly and gestures to several flat stones in a 
  He smiles warmly and gestures to several flat stones in a 
  ring around the fire. Returning to his place on
  ring around the fire. Returning to his place on
  ring around the fire. Returning to his place on
  ring around the fire. Returning to his place on one of them, he 
   one of them, he 
   one of them, he 
   one of them, he 
  awaits your response.
  awaits your response.
  awaits your response.
  awaits your response.    
   
   
  Olmek is sitting with his four sons, Ulme, Ithal, Pryam, 
  and Olamn. Each of the boys is much like his father—
  kind, honest, and extremely hard working. They will be 
  quite, but friendly. This should give PCs some idea of the 
  kind of folk they are working with. Even if they have 
  come to refuse the job, Olmek will thank them for their 
  time and warn them not to trust Jalab. He has seen too 
  much of “Old Jalab’s’ handiwork to ever trust the man. 
   
  If the party is here to join the project, he will 
  welcome them in. This is what he will say: 
   
  “I don’t have a lot a money. Most of what I make goes right 
  “I don’t have a lot a money. Most of what I make goes right 
  “I don’t have a lot a money. Most of what I make goes right 
  “I don’t have a lot a money. Most of what I make goes right 
  back into my family and my town. Six kids are expensive at 
  back into my family and my town. Six kids are expensive at 
  back into my family and my town. Six kids are expensive at 
  back into my family and my town. Six kids are expensive at 
  times.” He gives a soft smile to his boys, who laugh at the 
  times.” He gives a soft smile to his boys, who laugh at the 
  times.” He gives a soft smile to his boys, who laugh at the 
  times.” He gives a soft smile to his boys, who laugh at the 
  comment.
  comment.
  comment.
  comment.    
      
  “What I do have, I’ll gladly offer you. I have 200 gold set 
  “What I do have, I’ll gladly offer you. I have 200 gold set 
  “What I do have, I’ll gladly offer you. I have 200 gold set 
  “What I do have, I’ll gladly offer you. I have 200 gold set 
  aside for you. You work with me for the rest of the week and 
  aside for you. You work with me for the rest of the week and 
  aside for you. You work with me for the rest of the week and 
  aside for you. You work with me for the rest of the week and 
  it’s yours. If we win this contest, I’ll scrape together something 
  it’s yours. If we win this contest, I’ll scrape together something 
  it’s yours. If we win this contest, I’ll scrape together something 
  it’s yours. If we win this contest, I’ll scrape together something 
  to give you as a bonus, but the pay’s yours even if we don’t 
  to give you as a bonus, but the pay’s yours even if we don’t 
  to give you as a bonus, but the pay’s yours even if we don’t 
  to give you as a bonus, but the pay’s yours even if we don’t 
  finish.
  finish.
  finish.
  finish.””””    
      
  He looks levelly at you, as if trying to gauge your 
  He looks levelly at you, as if trying to gauge your 
  He looks levelly at you, as if trying to gauge your 
  He looks levelly at you, as if trying to gauge your 
  reactions. “Is that fair enough?”
  reactions. “Is that fair enough?”
  reactions. “Is that fair enough?”
  reactions. “Is that fair enough?”    
   
  The 200 gp is the best that he can do. Olmek prefers 
  people to money, and he doesn’t have as much money 
  hoarded as his opponent does. The legacy of his wealth 
  can be seen in his children and in the way he cares for the 
  people of Nighford. His offer is also for the whole group, 
  so the party will have to divide 200 gold among them. He 
  will make this clear to them. He does not want to deceive 
  anyone. 
   
  Assuming the PCs agree to the terms, he warms up 
  even further. He will practically take the PCs in like 
  members of his family. The party may only earn 200 gp in 
  his service, but they will not have a material need he 
  won’t try to fulfill. Provided they are not outright rude or 
  tell him to mind his own business, he will try to find out 
  what each PC needs and try his best to get it for them. 
  (See Olmek in the Appendix to determine what he can or 
  can not get for the PCs.) 
   
  Run this encounter for as long as you think the PCs 
  need. This is their time to get to know the Garshweths 
  and decide their place in this contest. If you think it 
  might fit better for some players, have one of Olmek’s two 
  daughters (Ivea and Kelori) arrive at the camp with fresh 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 6 
  linens. Some PCs might be the chivalrous sort who 
  responds better to a woman in need… 
   
  When you think breakfast and Olmek’s offer has 
  played out, continue to Encounter 3. 
   
   
  Encounter 3:
  Encounter 3:
  Encounter 3:
  Encounter 3:    
  The Assignment of Tasks
  The Assignment of Tasks
  The Assignment of Tasks
  The Assignment of Tasks    
  This encounter is essentially the same no matter who the 
  PCs are working for. The main difference is that for those 
  working with Jalab is, Kulgar hands out work roles and 
  sets obvious rogue-types aside to speak with Jalab 
  personally. When this iron-fisted dwarven taskmaster is 
  finished deciding what the PCs will do, the scene ends 
  and Chapter Two begins. 
   
  Olmek will take the PCs aside after breakfast and talk 
  with them for a bit. His aim is to decide what job each 
  PCs would do the best. He was a Yeoman’s healthy 
  respect and fear of magic, but he recognizes its place in 
  the world.  
   
  After determining where each PC can best serve the 
  bridge project, he asks them if his suggestions are 
  suitable. Once assigned, he will not want to change their 
  roles. There won’t be much time later to change where he 
  has assigned them, so they need to be comfortable with 
  his decisions now. 
   
  His initial decisions are logical ones based on 
  perceived class and ability scores.  
   
  Class or Highest Statistic: 
  Best Role: 
  Fighter / Strength 
  Heavy Lifting, Basic Labor 
  Rogue / Dexterity 
  Stone Placement, Woodwork 
  Cleric / Wisdom 
  Magical Assistance, Healing 
  Wizard / Intelligence 
  Magic Assistance, Oversight 
   
   
   
  Heavy lifting will involve just that. This bridge will take a 
  lot of wood and stone. Olmek’s sons are all quite strong, 
  but they can use the help. Basic labor involves holding 
  things in place as they are fitted, hauling building 
  materials, and basic step and fetch. 
   
  Stone Placement and Woodwork are both activities 
  that require a keen eye and a steady hand. Those with 
  obvious coordination skills will be assigned to these tasks, 
  as none of Olmek’s sons are especially dexterous. 
   
  Magical Assistance will be a great help, though 
  Olmek will not want to ask for any. PCs will have to 
  suggest ideas for their spells, but Olmek will be receptive 
  to these ideas if they seem will speed up the project. One 
  thing he will never have a problem with is magical 
  healing, provided it comes from a good or neutral god. 
   
  Oversight is a category that allows for those who are 
  better suited for watching rather than doing to still 
  participate. A lot of mistakes can be prevented or caught 
  early if someone watches the work carefully. 
   
  Once the work roles are handed out, Olmek will set 
  the PCs to work, joining them in the growing heat of the 
  day. He seems to take great pleasure in honest work, and 
  remains pleasant and friendly even during the hardest of 
  the toil. This is another trait his sons share (though Pryam 
  grumbles sometimes about wishing he was able to just 
  ‘wave his hands’ and have the work all done). 
      
   
  Encounter 4:
  Encounter 4:
  Encounter 4:
  Encounter 4:    
  Toil and Trouble
  Toil and Trouble
  Toil and Trouble
  Toil and Trouble    
  This section of the adventure is where most of the actual 
  work gets done on the bridges. The PCs should be settled 
  into their work roles and ready to begin. 
   
  Presented below is a system for tracking PC work on 
  bridge for constructing. The system takes into account 
  contribution by a number of (likely) unskilled laborers: 
  the PCs. Enthusiasm and good supervision counts for a 
  great deal, though, and the PCs may indeed contribute 
  greatly to the project. 
   
  To simulate this contribution, as well as the actual 
  contest between Olmek and Jalab, use the following 
  system for bridge building: 
   
  The projects are divided into four main phases: 
  foundation, support, walkway, and finishing. These 
  phases will each require the accumulation of Completion 
  Points. Completion Points are generated by checks 
  against a variable DC, with success granting 1 CP plus the 
  ability or skill modifier (including rank, ability modifier 
  and cooperation bonus) of the PC making the roll.   
   
  One PC makes the roll. The PCs can choose which 
  PC will make the roll (usually choosing the PC with the 
  highest rank or Ability adjustment). Other PCs can 
  attempt to cooperate (as per the rules in the Player’s 
  Handbook p. 62)  
   
  The DM can use his or her common sense while 
  dealing with the rolls and the outcome. Basically if the 
  PCs can devise a reasonable method for their work on 
  each section of the bridge construction, give them the 
  benefit of the doubt. As a rule of thumb allow spell 
  casting characters who can uses spells to aid in a 
  particular construction phase to automatically grant a +2 
  cooperation bonus if those spells are cast. They do not get 
  this bonus per spell, but rather per section. Quality of the 
  casting is better than quantity. The following is an 
  example of how to deal with a sample construction 
  segments:  
   
  For the sake of example, let’s say that among the PCs 
  there are two fighters, one of whom is a dwarf. This group 
  also sports a rogue, a cleric, and a wizard. The dwarf has 
  the Craft (stonework) Skill with 2 ranks, an Intelligence 
  of 12 (+1), and his racial bonus for such skills (+2). The 
  rest of the adventurers have no building skills; thus the 
  PCs nominate the Dwarf to make the roll. The fighter 
  assists with his sturdy back (Strength 18/+4) the Rogue 
  assists in placing the stones (Dex 17/+3) while the wizard 
  lends a grease spell to help move some of the particularly 
  heavy support blocks and the cleric uses his mending to 
  fix chips or breaks in the support (each of the spells gives 
  the dwarf an automatic +2 cooperation bonus to his roll, 
  increasing his bonus to +9). The DC for the foundation 
  work is 15. The fighter makes his Strength check and gets 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 7 
  a score of 9 (5+4) while the rogue gets a 17 (14+3). The 
  rogue also contributes a +2 cooperation bus to the dwarf’s 
  roll, increasing the bonus to +11. The dwarf PC rolls a 7 
  (making his total score 16), and just makes the DC. The 
  PCs get 12 completion points for their effort.  
   
  PCs can make up to two completion attempts per 
  construction segment. Keep track of the total completion 
  points the PCs gain (even if it is 0), it will be important for 
  the vote at the adventure’s conclusion.  
   
  The DC for each section of the construction are as 
  follows: 
   
  Construction Section  
   
  DC 
  Foundation 
   
   
   
  15 
  Support  
   
   
  15 
  Walkway 
   
   
   
  15 
  Finishing 
   
   
   
  10 
   
  There are encounters that take place during each 
  construction section. They are listed below:  
   
  Construction Section 
   
  Encounter 
  Foundation 
   
   
  Encounter 5 
  Support  
   
  Encounter 6 
  Walkway 
   
   
  Encounter 7 
  Finishing 
   
   
  Encounter 8 
   
  These encounters must occur and must be completed 
  before the rolls for that construction section are made. 
  Thus, the Encounter 7 must be completed before the 
  walkway can be built. 
   
  If players are working for Jalab, this system does not 
  change. All noted scenes still play out, although 
  Encounter 7: The Quarry changes dramatically.  
   
  Note that Encounter 8-9    must be completed before 
  the final phase of the bridge can be finished. When you 
  are ready, begin the contest. Take the opportunity to read 
  the following text as a way of starting the project: 
   
  Work begins. Hours creep by
  Work begins. Hours creep by
  Work begins. Hours creep by
  Work begins. Hours creep by as the enormity of the task 
   as the enormity of the task 
   as the enormity of the task 
   as the enormity of the task 
  becomes more apparent. You knew what you were getting 
  becomes more apparent. You knew what you were getting 
  becomes more apparent. You knew what you were getting 
  becomes more apparent. You knew what you were getting 
  yourselves in to, but the scale of the operation was somehow 
  yourselves in to, but the scale of the operation was somehow 
  yourselves in to, but the scale of the operation was somehow 
  yourselves in to, but the scale of the operation was somehow 
  less visible before you started. Building a bridge is a great deal 
  less visible before you started. Building a bridge is a great deal 
  less visible before you started. Building a bridge is a great deal 
  less visible before you started. Building a bridge is a great deal 
  more complicated than you imagined it would b
  more complicated than you imagined it would b
  more complicated than you imagined it would b
  more complicated than you imagined it would be.e.e.e.    
      
  Your project begins as a huge pile of stones and several 
  Your project begins as a huge pile of stones and several 
  Your project begins as a huge pile of stones and several 
  Your project begins as a huge pile of stones and several 
  rough beams of wood are hauled to the site. All the tools are 
  rough beams of wood are hauled to the site. All the tools are 
  rough beams of wood are hauled to the site. All the tools are 
  rough beams of wood are hauled to the site. All the tools are 
  arrayed for use, their functions explained to you through the 
  arrayed for use, their functions explained to you through the 
  arrayed for use, their functions explained to you through the 
  arrayed for use, their functions explained to you through the 
  most effective form of learning, experience. 
  most effective form of learning, experience. 
  most effective form of learning, experience. 
  most effective form of learning, experience.     
      
  From wax
  From wax
  From wax
  From wax----treating the lu
  treating the lu
  treating the lu
  treating the lumber to rough hewing corners 
  mber to rough hewing corners 
  mber to rough hewing corners 
  mber to rough hewing corners 
  on the rocks, you engage in what seems like an aeon of 
  on the rocks, you engage in what seems like an aeon of 
  on the rocks, you engage in what seems like an aeon of 
  on the rocks, you engage in what seems like an aeon of 
  backbreaking toil. Work begins, but will it ever end?
  backbreaking toil. Work begins, but will it ever end?
  backbreaking toil. Work begins, but will it ever end?
  backbreaking toil. Work begins, but will it ever end?    
   
  From there you can bridge into simple dice rolling if you 
  prefer. Feel free to describe and role play through each 
  phase as much as you like and as much as time allows. 
  Olmek stays supportive and gladly offers breaks to those 
  who need them. He is a tireless man who drives his own 
  sons mercilessly, but he is more forgiving of the PCs. 
   
  Kulgar is worse. He does not give breaks except on a 
  rigid schedule, and he does not brook misbehavior on the 
  work site. Completion Point rolls made while working for 
  Kulgar do receive a +1 bonus though, for while he is a 
  harsh taskmaster, he is also a skilled engineer 
   
  Olmek returns to his daughters and household each 
  night, but he encourages the PCs to camp with his sons 
  on site. His sons have set up an adequate camp, but 
  Olmek will not begrudge the PCs if they choose to stay at 
  an inn. 
   
  Encounter 5: First Visit
  Encounter 5: First Visit
  Encounter 5: First Visit
  Encounter 5: First Visit    
  In this scene, the PCs meet the Voting Committee. Valon 
  and Maratha Kesk are respected elder members of the 
  community. Both have served in the military when they 
  were much younger. The PCs may have already met 
  Mayor Jyn Dolahn depending on their actions in town 
  before taking this assignment. 
   
  This scene is as long as you choose it to be, but there 
  should be some opportunity for roleplay between the PCs 
  and the voters. How they treat the three folk on the 
  committee makes a huge difference in the resolution later 
  in the adventure. 
   
  This Encounter doesn’t change for Jalab’s crew. PCs 
  on Jalab’s crew will see though that Jalab seems like a 
  different person around voters. He is actually present on 
  the work site, even appearing to lend a hand when the 
  committee arrives. As soon as they leave he heads back to 
  the comforts of his home. 
   
  Read or paraphrase the following:  
   
  You are hard at work on the foundation of the bridge, when a 
  You are hard at work on the foundation of the bridge, when a 
  You are hard at work on the foundation of the bridge, when a 
  You are hard at work on the foundation of the bridge, when a 
  break is called. Olmek has his son Pryam bring water around 
  break is called. Olmek has his son Pryam bring water around 
  break is called. Olmek has his son Pryam bring water around 
  break is called. Olmek has his son Pryam bring water around 
  for all of you and work completely halts.
  for all of you and work completely halts.
  for all of you and work completely halts.
  for all of you and work completely halts.    
      
  Looking up 
  Looking up 
  Looking up 
  Looking up from your labors, you see three newcomers 
  from your labors, you see three newcomers 
  from your labors, you see three newcomers 
  from your labors, you see three newcomers 
  have arrived at the site. A man in his later years, dressed 
  have arrived at the site. A man in his later years, dressed 
  have arrived at the site. A man in his later years, dressed 
  have arrived at the site. A man in his later years, dressed 
  lightly in a simple linen tunic and fine pants, walks beside a 
  lightly in a simple linen tunic and fine pants, walks beside a 
  lightly in a simple linen tunic and fine pants, walks beside a 
  lightly in a simple linen tunic and fine pants, walks beside a 
  woman of similar age. She has on a plain sensible dress with a 
  woman of similar age. She has on a plain sensible dress with a 
  woman of similar age. She has on a plain sensible dress with a 
  woman of similar age. She has on a plain sensible dress with a 
  pair of woolen hose beneath.
  pair of woolen hose beneath.
  pair of woolen hose beneath.
  pair of woolen hose beneath. Both have  very critical looks on 
   Both have  very critical looks on 
   Both have  very critical looks on 
   Both have  very critical looks on 
  their faces.
  their faces.
  their faces.
  their faces.    
      
  Behind them a second man seems to be examining 
  Behind them a second man seems to be examining 
  Behind them a second man seems to be examining 
  Behind them a second man seems to be examining 
  everything from the tools to the stones. He shakes his head 
  everything from the tools to the stones. He shakes his head 
  everything from the tools to the stones. He shakes his head 
  everything from the tools to the stones. He shakes his head 
  from time to time, letting his thinning hair fly from side to 
  from time to time, letting his thinning hair fly from side to 
  from time to time, letting his thinning hair fly from side to 
  from time to time, letting his thinning hair fly from side to 
  side.
  side.
  side.
  side.    
      
  “Valon, Maratha! How good of yo
  “Valon, Maratha! How good of yo
  “Valon, Maratha! How good of yo
  “Valon, Maratha! How good of you to come!” Olmek says 
  u to come!” Olmek says 
  u to come!” Olmek says 
  u to come!” Olmek says 
  warmly. “If I’d know you’d be dropping by, I’d have sent a 
  warmly. “If I’d know you’d be dropping by, I’d have sent a 
  warmly. “If I’d know you’d be dropping by, I’d have sent a 
  warmly. “If I’d know you’d be dropping by, I’d have sent a 
  coach for you!”
  coach for you!”
  coach for you!”
  coach for you!”    
      
  The man in the lead sighs. “This would be a poor surprise 
  The man in the lead sighs. “This would be a poor surprise 
  The man in the lead sighs. “This would be a poor surprise 
  The man in the lead sighs. “This would be a poor surprise 
  inspection if we’d warned you first, candidate Garshweth.” The 
  inspection if we’d warned you first, candidate Garshweth.” The 
  inspection if we’d warned you first, candidate Garshweth.” The 
  inspection if we’d warned you first, candidate Garshweth.” The 
  woman on his arm nods her cool agree
  woman on his arm nods her cool agree
  woman on his arm nods her cool agree
  woman on his arm nods her cool agreement.
  ment.
  ment.
  ment.    
      
  “Fair enough.” Olmek laughs, seeming undeterred. “And 
  “Fair enough.” Olmek laughs, seeming undeterred. “And 
  “Fair enough.” Olmek laughs, seeming undeterred. “And 
  “Fair enough.” Olmek laughs, seeming undeterred. “And 
  you, Mayor Dolahn,” he says to the person behind them. “A 
  you, Mayor Dolahn,” he says to the person behind them. “A 
  you, Mayor Dolahn,” he says to the person behind them. “A 
  you, Mayor Dolahn,” he says to the person behind them. “A 
  fine day to you too!”
  fine day to you too!”
  fine day to you too!”
  fine day to you too!”    
      
  “Fine indeed for some, but not for me. This heat is for the 
  “Fine indeed for some, but not for me. This heat is for the 
  “Fine indeed for some, but not for me. This heat is for the 
  “Fine indeed for some, but not for me. This heat is for the 
  young, not for the likes of us. You’re nearly as old a
  young, not for the likes of us. You’re nearly as old a
  young, not for the likes of us. You’re nearly as old a
  young, not for the likes of us. You’re nearly as old as I, Olmek!” 
  s I, Olmek!” 
  s I, Olmek!” 
  s I, Olmek!” 
  The mayor shakes a finger at your employer. “You should be 
  The mayor shakes a finger at your employer. “You should be 
  The mayor shakes a finger at your employer. “You should be 
  The mayor shakes a finger at your employer. “You should be 
  indoors doing something that more befits you!”
  indoors doing something that more befits you!”
  indoors doing something that more befits you!”
  indoors doing something that more befits you!”    
      
  Olmek steps out of the water and moves up to the trio. 
  Olmek steps out of the water and moves up to the trio. 
  Olmek steps out of the water and moves up to the trio. 
  Olmek steps out of the water and moves up to the trio. 
  “Work befits a man as long as he wishes it to. It’s when he 
  “Work befits a man as long as he wishes it to. It’s when he 
  “Work befits a man as long as he wishes it to. It’s when he 
  “Work befits a man as long as he wishes it to. It’s when he 
  stops working that he
  stops working that he
  stops working that he
  stops working that he gets old.” The words get something of a 
   gets old.” The words get something of a 
   gets old.” The words get something of a 
   gets old.” The words get something of a 
  wan smile from Mayor Dolahn, but the other two just roll 
  wan smile from Mayor Dolahn, but the other two just roll 
  wan smile from Mayor Dolahn, but the other two just roll 
  wan smile from Mayor Dolahn, but the other two just roll 
  their eyes in disapproval.
  their eyes in disapproval.
  their eyes in disapproval.
  their eyes in disapproval.    
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 8 
      
  “We are here,” the one he addressed as Valon says, “to 
  “We are here,” the one he addressed as Valon says, “to 
  “We are here,” the one he addressed as Valon says, “to 
  “We are here,” the one he addressed as Valon says, “to 
  inspect your work site. We all feel that we could vote not only 
  inspect your work site. We all feel that we could vote not only 
  inspect your work site. We all feel that we could vote not only 
  inspect your work site. We all feel that we could vote not only 
  on the fini
  on the fini
  on the fini
  on the finished bridge but how it was built too.”
  shed bridge but how it was built too.”
  shed bridge but how it was built too.”
  shed bridge but how it was built too.”    
      
  The woman nods again. “Aye, and we’ve come to inspect 
  The woman nods again. “Aye, and we’ve come to inspect 
  The woman nods again. “Aye, and we’ve come to inspect 
  The woman nods again. “Aye, and we’ve come to inspect 
  your workers too. Let’s have a look at them.” With that, all 
  your workers too. Let’s have a look at them.” With that, all 
  your workers too. Let’s have a look at them.” With that, all 
  your workers too. Let’s have a look at them.” With that, all 
  three of them turn their critical, vaguely disapproving eyes on 
  three of them turn their critical, vaguely disapproving eyes on 
  three of them turn their critical, vaguely disapproving eyes on 
  three of them turn their critical, vaguely disapproving eyes on 
  you.
  you.
  you.
  you.    
   
  It will be very easy at this point for the PCs to return 
  rudeness with rudeness, but do them the service of 
  having Olmek or one of his sons mouth “Behave!” where 
  the committee can not see them. Then, if the PCs choose 
  to continue being belligerent, let them. 
   
  The committee isn’t here to be friendly, but they will 
  return like with like. If the PCs, or most of them at least, 
  are polite, they will be so as well. They will not be warm at 
  all, but they will be polite. 
   
  After a battery of questions ranging from “Why are 
  you helping Olmek with this bridge?” to “Why aren’t you 
  back home, farming or doing something honest?” the 
  committee will leave. From the look of Olmek’s face, he is 
  happy to see them go. He’ll fill them in on who the three 
  were and the role they serve as the Voting Committee. 
   
  If the party was rude to the Voters, Olmek will 
  understand. He will ask them to please keep a civil (or 
  silent) tongue if they return.  
   
  Once this scene ends, finish the rolls for the 
  foundation phase and tally the results on the sheet 
  provided in the handouts. Then, move to the support 
  phase and scene two. 
   
   
  Encounter 6: Second Visit
  Encounter 6: Second Visit
  Encounter 6: Second Visit
  Encounter 6: Second Visit    
  Like before Jalab seems to know whan the committee is 
  coming for an inspection. He arrives in impeccable work 
  clothes and lends a hand with the construction for a few 
  minutes before they arrive. Then, he talks with them and 
  sees them away from the site. As expected, he does not 
  return once they leave. Kulgar seems disgusted with this, 
  but he has a job to do. 
   
  It’s been some time. The foundation has been sunk and 
  It’s been some time. The foundation has been sunk and 
  It’s been some time. The foundation has been sunk and 
  It’s been some time. The foundation has been sunk and 
  rendered stable
  rendered stable
  rendered stable
  rendered stable. Both ‘hands’, as the sections of the foundation 
  . Both ‘hands’, as the sections of the foundation 
  . Both ‘hands’, as the sections of the foundation 
  . Both ‘hands’, as the sections of the foundation 
  built on either side of the stream are called are finished. You 
  built on either side of the stream are called are finished. You 
  built on either side of the stream are called are finished. You 
  built on either side of the stream are called are finished. You 
  are weary, but the work is going apace and Olmek seems well 
  are weary, but the work is going apace and Olmek seems well 
  are weary, but the work is going apace and Olmek seems well 
  are weary, but the work is going apace and Olmek seems well 
  pleased with you.
  pleased with you.
  pleased with you.
  pleased with you.    
   
  If there are any young folk or women among the PCs, 
  Olmek has likely taken a fatherly liking to them by now. 
  He has been offering well-meaning but ultimately 
  country borne advice to them during breaks and when 
  work slows enough to talk. He shows a genuine interest 
  in all the PCs, asking them why they adventure and for 
  stories of their travels (if they have any to tell). 
   
  After a minute or two of roleplay here, continue: 
   
  You hear Pryam mutter again. This time, it’s not about 
  You hear Pryam mutter again. This time, it’s not about 
  You hear Pryam mutter again. This time, it’s not about 
  You hear Pryam mutter again. This time, it’s not about 
  wishing the bridge were done. No, this time it’s “Oh, by Pelor’s 
  wishing the bridge were done. No, this time it’s “Oh, by Pelor’s 
  wishing the bridge were done. No, this time it’s “Oh, by Pelor’s 
  wishing the bridge were done. No, this time it’s “Oh, by Pelor’s 
  burning gaze… Not them again…”
  burning gaze… Not them again…”
  burning gaze… Not them again…”
  burning gaze… Not them again…”        
      
  Glancing up, you see what he means. The three voters are 
  Glancing up, you see what he means. The three voters are 
  Glancing up, you see what he means. The three voters are 
  Glancing up, you see what he means. The three voters are 
  back. They give the entire site a quick glance, then move to 
  back. They give the entire site a quick glance, then move to 
  back. They give the entire site a quick glance, then move to 
  back. They give the entire site a quick glance, then move to 
  Olmek with a purpose. They pause for a moment to speak 
  Olmek with a purpose. They pause for a moment to speak 
  Olmek with a purpose. They pause for a moment to speak 
  Olmek with a purpose. They pause for a moment to speak 
  with you again. This time, their manner is just as curt as 
  with you again. This time, their manner is just as curt as 
  with you again. This time, their manner is just as curt as 
  with you again. This time, their manner is just as curt as 
  before.
  before.
  before.
  before.    
   
  After a minute or two of questions, mostly dealing with 
  the party’s whereabouts for the past few nights, they turn 
  back to Olmek. 
      
  “We need to talk, candidate Garshweth.” the lady Maratha 
  “We need to talk, candidate Garshweth.” the lady Maratha 
  “We need to talk, candidate Garshweth.” the lady Maratha 
  “We need to talk, candidate Garshweth.” the lady Maratha 
  says curtly.
  says curtly.
  says curtly.
  says curtly.    
      
  “Of course.” Olmek answers as he extricates himself from 
  “Of course.” Olmek answers as he extricates himself from 
  “Of course.” Olmek answers as he extricates himself from 
  “Of course.” Olmek answers as he extricates himself from 
  the tangl
  the tangl
  the tangl
  the tangle of planks he was working on. He goes over to them 
  e of planks he was working on. He goes over to them 
  e of planks he was working on. He goes over to them 
  e of planks he was working on. He goes over to them 
  and they move away from the site to talk.
  and they move away from the site to talk.
  and they move away from the site to talk.
  and they move away from the site to talk.    
   
  Anyone who wishes to may make a successful Listen 
  check (DC 15) or use magic to overhear the conversation. 
  If they do eavesdrop read the following. If not, skip it and 
  read the passage after it. 
   
  “We’ve had a report of possible sabotage from Kreshin’s work 
  “We’ve had a report of possible sabotage from Kreshin’s work 
  “We’ve had a report of possible sabotage from Kreshin’s work 
  “We’ve had a report of possible sabotage from Kreshin’s work 
  site, Olmek” the woman continues once they are out of earshot.
  site, Olmek” the woman continues once they are out of earshot.
  site, Olmek” the woman continues once they are out of earshot.
  site, Olmek” the woman continues once they are out of earshot.    
      
  “Nothing’s happened here.” he answers them in a 
  “Nothing’s happened here.” he answers them in a 
  “Nothing’s happened here.” he answers them in a 
  “Nothing’s happened here.” he answers them in a 
  confused tone.
  confused tone.
  confused tone.
  confused tone.    
      
  Valon Kesk replies, “Not from hi
  Valon Kesk replies, “Not from hi
  Valon Kesk replies, “Not from hi
  Valon Kesk replies, “Not from him, to him. The word is 
  m, to him. The word is 
  m, to him. The word is 
  m, to him. The word is 
  that one of your boys went down to his camp and watered 
  that one of your boys went down to his camp and watered 
  that one of your boys went down to his camp and watered 
  that one of your boys went down to his camp and watered 
  down a whole load of mortar. They had a break in their 
  down a whole load of mortar. They had a break in their 
  down a whole load of mortar. They had a break in their 
  down a whole load of mortar. They had a break in their 
  foundation yesterday.”
  foundation yesterday.”
  foundation yesterday.”
  foundation yesterday.”    
      
  Olmek nods, but then shakes his head. “No one here did 
  Olmek nods, but then shakes his head. “No one here did 
  Olmek nods, but then shakes his head. “No one here did 
  Olmek nods, but then shakes his head. “No one here did 
  that, and you’ve my word on it. I keep an e
  that, and you’ve my word on it. I keep an e
  that, and you’ve my word on it. I keep an e
  that, and you’ve my word on it. I keep an eye on my boys, and 
  ye on my boys, and 
  ye on my boys, and 
  ye on my boys, and 
  they know better.”
  they know better.”
  they know better.”
  they know better.”    
      
  The mayor speaks. “Of course, Olmek. We know you and 
  The mayor speaks. “Of course, Olmek. We know you and 
  The mayor speaks. “Of course, Olmek. We know you and 
  The mayor speaks. “Of course, Olmek. We know you and 
  we know your children. Who we don’t know are them…” 
  we know your children. Who we don’t know are them…” 
  we know your children. Who we don’t know are them…” 
  we know your children. Who we don’t know are them…” 
  With that, he points towards the lot of you. “They might not 
  With that, he points towards the lot of you. “They might not 
  With that, he points towards the lot of you. “They might not 
  With that, he points towards the lot of you. “They might not 
  want to lose, you know?”
  want to lose, you know?”
  want to lose, you know?”
  want to lose, you know?”    
      
  Olmek scowls softly. “Loo
  Olmek scowls softly. “Loo
  Olmek scowls softly. “Loo
  Olmek scowls softly. “Look here, Jyn. They may be 
  k here, Jyn. They may be 
  k here, Jyn. They may be 
  k here, Jyn. They may be 
  strangers to you, but I’ve been slogging mud with them for a 
  strangers to you, but I’ve been slogging mud with them for a 
  strangers to you, but I’ve been slogging mud with them for a 
  strangers to you, but I’ve been slogging mud with them for a 
  few days now. I don’t think they are the sort to do that, and I’ll 
  few days now. I don’t think they are the sort to do that, and I’ll 
  few days now. I don’t think they are the sort to do that, and I’ll 
  few days now. I don’t think they are the sort to do that, and I’ll 
  ask you to take that back.”
  ask you to take that back.”
  ask you to take that back.”
  ask you to take that back.”    
      
  The mayor holds up his hands. “Sorry, Olmek. I take it 
  The mayor holds up his hands. “Sorry, Olmek. I take it 
  The mayor holds up his hands. “Sorry, Olmek. I take it 
  The mayor holds up his hands. “Sorry, Olmek. I take it 
  back. We got no fac
  back. We got no fac
  back. We got no fac
  back. We got no facts to pin it on anyone. Hells a nine, the 
  ts to pin it on anyone. Hells a nine, the 
  ts to pin it on anyone. Hells a nine, the 
  ts to pin it on anyone. Hells a nine, the 
  mortar might have just been weak. We’ll let it go.”
  mortar might have just been weak. We’ll let it go.”
  mortar might have just been weak. We’ll let it go.”
  mortar might have just been weak. We’ll let it go.”    
      
  “For now.” Maratha says.
  “For now.” Maratha says.
  “For now.” Maratha says.
  “For now.” Maratha says.    
   
   
  The mortar problem mentioned did occur to the Jalab 
  camp, but it came from Kreshin’s stinginess over using 
  enough expensive silt as opposed to sand in the mortar. 
  With too slight a mixture, the foundation was bound to 
  crack.  
   
  After the conversation ends, read on: 
   
  Olmak returns. “Well, that was pleasant.” The look on his face 
  Olmak returns. “Well, that was pleasant.” The look on his face 
  Olmak returns. “Well, that was pleasant.” The look on his face 
  Olmak returns. “Well, that was pleasant.” The look on his face 
  shows that it was anything but. “I tell you what, my fellows,
  shows that it was anything but. “I tell you what, my fellows,
  shows that it was anything but. “I tell you what, my fellows,
  shows that it was anything but. “I tell you what, my fellows,    
  let’s break for lunch. Kelori’s fish should be just about done. 
  let’s break for lunch. Kelori’s fish should be just about done. 
  let’s break for lunch. Kelori’s fish should be just about done. 
  let’s break for lunch. Kelori’s fish should be just about done. 
  Let’s up and to the house.”
  Let’s up and to the house.”
  Let’s up and to the house.”
  Let’s up and to the house.”    
      
  The promise of another home
  The promise of another home
  The promise of another home
  The promise of another home----cooked meal lends you the 
  cooked meal lends you the 
  cooked meal lends you the 
  cooked meal lends you the 
  strength to hike with Olmek and his sons the half
  strength to hike with Olmek and his sons the half
  strength to hike with Olmek and his sons the half
  strength to hike with Olmek and his sons the half----mile back to 
  mile back to 
  mile back to 
  mile back to 
  their home.  
  their home.  
  their home.  
  their home.      
   
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 9 
  Work continues, and you can now complete the rolls for 
  the second phase. Record the results and move to scene 
  three. 
   
   
  Encounter 7: The Quarry
  Encounter 7: The Quarry
  Encounter 7: The Quarry
  Encounter 7: The Quarry    
  Unfortunately, you can’t build a bridge without stone. At 
  this point of the construction, both sides will need to re-
  supply. What neither Jalab nor Olmek know if the town’s 
  quarry has been taken over by a displaced tribe of gnolls 
  from the Little Hills. 
   
  Kuurkrahk, the chieftain of the gnolls, and his tribe 
  are war-weary from constant battles with the halflings of 
  the Little Hills. As such, their tribe is nearly extinct and 
  they have been constantly on the move. This life has 
  taken the edge off their savage natures (NE instead of CE) 
  and has left them wanting little more than a place they 
  can call home.  
   
  This scene is quite different if the PCs are working 
  for Jalab. Having not adequately planned for the project 
  despite the advice of his dwarven engineer, Kreshin runs 
  out of stone before Olmek. Wanting to get the most use 
  out of his hirelings, Jalab sends the PCs to fetch more 
  from the quarry. Run the rest of this scene using the gnoll 
  statistics in brackets and ignoring the references to the 
  slaughtered cartage team. If the PCs are not careful they 
  will end up being the slaughtered cartage team. 
   
  Olmek calls you all aside as his sons continue to l
  Olmek calls you all aside as his sons continue to l
  Olmek calls you all aside as his sons continue to l
  Olmek calls you all aside as his sons continue to lay planks 
  ay planks 
  ay planks 
  ay planks 
  across the support scaffold. “Good folk, we’ve hit a snag in the 
  across the support scaffold. “Good folk, we’ve hit a snag in the 
  across the support scaffold. “Good folk, we’ve hit a snag in the 
  across the support scaffold. “Good folk, we’ve hit a snag in the 
  works.” With one hand, he gestures to a small pile of stones.
  works.” With one hand, he gestures to a small pile of stones.
  works.” With one hand, he gestures to a small pile of stones.
  works.” With one hand, he gestures to a small pile of stones.    
      
  “That’s all the rock we have left. I’ve been to the 
  “That’s all the rock we have left. I’ve been to the 
  “That’s all the rock we have left. I’ve been to the 
  “That’s all the rock we have left. I’ve been to the 
  stonemason, but his team hasn’t come back from the quarry 
  stonemason, but his team hasn’t come back from the quarry 
  stonemason, but his team hasn’t come back from the quarry 
  stonemason, but his team hasn’t come back from the quarry 
  since ye
  since ye
  since ye
  since yesterday. It’s only a four
  sterday. It’s only a four
  sterday. It’s only a four
  sterday. It’s only a four----hour ride, so something may 
  hour ride, so something may 
  hour ride, so something may 
  hour ride, so something may 
  have happened to them.”
  have happened to them.”
  have happened to them.”
  have happened to them.”    
      
  He looks thoughtful, then asks, “Would you take my cart 
  He looks thoughtful, then asks, “Would you take my cart 
  He looks thoughtful, then asks, “Would you take my cart 
  He looks thoughtful, then asks, “Would you take my cart 
  to the quarry and see what’s keeping the cutting team? This 
  to the quarry and see what’s keeping the cutting team? This 
  to the quarry and see what’s keeping the cutting team? This 
  to the quarry and see what’s keeping the cutting team? This 
  isn’t part of what I asked you to do, but I’d be grateful if 
  isn’t part of what I asked you to do, but I’d be grateful if 
  isn’t part of what I asked you to do, but I’d be grateful if 
  isn’t part of what I asked you to do, but I’d be grateful if you 
  you 
  you 
  you 
  would.”
  would.”
  would.”
  would.”    
   
  He waits for a reply. He understands if the party refuses 
  and sends two of his sons (Pryam and Ithal) instead. 
  When they haven’t returned by nightfall, and they won’t. 
  He gathers a group of townsfolk militia to ride with him 
  to the site. PCs who do not go with him now are 
  essentially out of a job (and out of the rest of the game). 
  Olmek will discharge them as cowards. If the PCs wish to 
  go with him then, run the rest of this scene as normal. Be 
  sure to add Pryam and Ithal’s bodies to your description 
  of the quarry carnage. 
   
  Assuming the PCs choose to go the first time, Olmek 
  lends them his cart and draft horses. Move to the rest of 
  the scene below. 
   
  The quarry is a long ride from town, up along the 
  very edge of the Little Hills. Here, the stone of the hills is 
  exposed enough for stone cutters to make a good harvest. 
   
  As you approach, you see another wagon like yours near the 
  As you approach, you see another wagon like yours near the 
  As you approach, you see another wagon like yours near the 
  As you approach, you see another wagon like yours near the 
  path leading into the manmade canyon. The horses for it are 
  path leading into the manmade canyon. The horses for it are 
  path leading into the manmade canyon. The horses for it are 
  path leading into the manmade canyon. The horses for it are 
  no where to be seen.
  no where to be seen.
  no where to be seen.
  no where to be seen.    
      
  Rounding the trail to enter the quarry, y
  Rounding the trail to enter the quarry, y
  Rounding the trail to enter the quarry, y
  Rounding the trail to enter the quarry, you draw near the 
  ou draw near the 
  ou draw near the 
  ou draw near the 
  wagon. No sign of life is anywhere to be seen; not near the cart 
  wagon. No sign of life is anywhere to be seen; not near the cart 
  wagon. No sign of life is anywhere to be seen; not near the cart 
  wagon. No sign of life is anywhere to be seen; not near the cart 
  and not in the quarry itself. This place seems utterly 
  and not in the quarry itself. This place seems utterly 
  and not in the quarry itself. This place seems utterly 
  and not in the quarry itself. This place seems utterly 
  abandoned.
  abandoned.
  abandoned.
  abandoned.    
   
   
  Any who ask to examine the cart will find a heavy piece of 
  canvas pulled over what might be a load of stones in its 
  bed. However, the flies and the smell will hint to 
  something far worse. When (if) someone pulls back the 
  cloth, read: 
   
  The canvas seems to stick to whatever lies beneath it at first. 
  The canvas seems to stick to whatever lies beneath it at first. 
  The canvas seems to stick to whatever lies beneath it at first. 
  The canvas seems to stick to whatever lies beneath it at first. 
  Then, it pulls back to reveal hundreds of bones and several 
  Then, it pulls back to reveal hundreds of bones and several 
  Then, it pulls back to reveal hundreds of bones and several 
  Then, it pulls back to reveal hundreds of bones and several 
  sev
  sev
  sev
  severed heads. Some human, some horse, all seem to have been 
  ered heads. Some human, some horse, all seem to have been 
  ered heads. Some human, some horse, all seem to have been 
  ered heads. Some human, some horse, all seem to have been 
  gnawed and discarded here still fresh. None of them are more 
  gnawed and discarded here still fresh. None of them are more 
  gnawed and discarded here still fresh. None of them are more 
  gnawed and discarded here still fresh. None of them are more 
  than two or three days old, with many of them fresher than 
  than two or three days old, with many of them fresher than 
  than two or three days old, with many of them fresher than 
  than two or three days old, with many of them fresher than 
  that.
  that.
  that.
  that.    
      
  As the party makes this discovery, they are in turn about 
  to be discovered. A gnoll, who has just exited the quarry’s 
  single mining cave, sees them and howls out a warning to 
  the rest of his tribe. (PCs with Alertness will have the 
  possibility of circumventing this, but they must have line 
  of sight on the quarry cave’s entrance and be able to 
  silence the gnoll in one round, probably at a distance of 
  more than 100 feet). 
   
  The gnoll spends his entire round howling and 
  making enough noise as possible in order to alert the rest 
  of the tribe, he will attack the PCs on the second round. 
  One gnoll with come out of the cave on the third round. 
  Two will exit on the fourth round and two will exit on the 
  fifth round. The chieftain with his mate and two 
  bodyguards will exit on round six, and finally three gnolls 
  will arrive from the cave on round seven. 
   
  This fight might be difficult for a very low-level PCs, 
  but there is a chance for a peaceful resolution after at least 
  one gnoll is slain. The chieftain will bark out an attempt at 
  parley on any round following the death of a gnoll. This 
  attempt will make every other gnoll delay until all the 
  PCs have acted. Kuurkrahk, the chieftain, will only 
  attempt to parley twice. If his attempts are ignored, he 
  will then commit himself and his people to a fight to the 
  death. 
   
  Use the Quarry Map for this combat. Place the gnolls 
  at the ambush points marked if the PCs are coming here 
  on a stone-fetching errand for Jalab. They have no 
  warning of the gnolls presence unless the think to scout 
  the area before entering. 
   
  Tier1 (EL 3)
  Tier1 (EL 3)
  Tier1 (EL 3)
  Tier1 (EL 3)    
  Gnoll Warrior (4)
  Gnoll Warrior (4)
  Gnoll Warrior (4)
  Gnoll Warrior (4): CR 1; Medium-Sized Humanoid; HD 
  2d8+2; hp 10 (each); Init 0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 16 (+1 natural, 
  +4 scale, +1 wooden shield); Atks +3 melee (1d6+2 [crit 
  x4], heavy pick); AL CE; SV Fort +4, Ref 0, Will 0. 
      
  Str 15, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 8. 
   
  Skills: Listen +3, Spot +3; Feats: Power Attack 
   
  Equipment: scalemail, wooden shield, heavy pick 
   
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1): CR 1; Medium-Sized 
  Humanoid; HD 2d8+2; hp 18; Init 0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 17 (+1 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 10 
  natural, +4 scale +2 large wooden shield); Atks +4 melee 
  (1d8+4 [crit. 19-20], masterwork longsword); AL CE; SV 
  Fort +4, Ref 0, Will 0. 
      
  Str 17, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8. 
   
  Skills: Listen +3, Spot +3; Feats: Power Attack. 
   
  Equipment: 
  scalemail, 
  large 
  wooden 
  shield, 
  masterwork longsword. 
      
  Tier 2 (EL 6)
  Tier 2 (EL 6)
  Tier 2 (EL 6)
  Tier 2 (EL 6)    
  Gnoll W
  Gnoll W
  Gnoll W
  Gnoll Warrior (6): 
  arrior (6): 
  arrior (6): 
  arrior (6): use the stats above.  
   
  Gnoll Bodyguard (1)
  Gnoll Bodyguard (1)
  Gnoll Bodyguard (1)
  Gnoll Bodyguard (1): CR 1; Medium-Sized Humanoid; 
  HD 2d8+2; hp 16; Init 0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 15 (+1 natural, +4 
  scale); Atks +4 melee,(1d12+5 [crit x3], greataxe); AL CE; 
  SV Fort +4, Ref 0, Will 0. 
      
  Str 17, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 8. 
   
  Skills: Listen +3, Spot +3; Feats: Power Attack 
   
  Equipment: scalemail, greatsword 
   
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1): use the stats above. 
      
  Tier 3 (EL 8)
  Tier 3 (EL 8)
  Tier 3 (EL 8)
  Tier 3 (EL 8)    
  Gnoll Warrior (8)
  Gnoll Warrior (8)
  Gnoll Warrior (8)
  Gnoll Warrior (8): Use the stats above.    
      
  Gnoll Bodyguard (2)
  Gnoll Bodyguard (2)
  Gnoll Bodyguard (2)
  Gnoll Bodyguard (2): Use the stats above.    
      
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1)
  Kuurkrahk, Gnoll Chieftain (1): Use the stats above. 
   
  Note:
  Note:
  Note:
  Note: one of the gnoll warriors is Ghnurrli, the chieftain’s 
  mate.    
      
  Kuurkrahk, if given a chance to parley, will ask to 
  speak on behalf of his tribe. They do not really want to 
  make war any more. Sense Motive (DC 15) will ascertain 
  the truth of this this. Still, detection of alignment will 
  reveal they are evil, but only faintly (see the detect evil 
  spell, p. 192 of the Player’s Handbook). 
   
  All Kuurkrahk really wants to live and hunt in peace, 
  but his tribe is too small now to compete in more 
  humanoid controlled areas. He offers to move on though, 
  taking his chances elsewhere rather than face extinction 
  at the hands of the party.  
   
  If pressed, he will even offer the extent of his tribe’s 
  treasure; 106 cp, 82 sp, 59 gp, and a single small emerald 
  worth 100 gold. (This can, of course, also be looted from 
  the cave if the gnolls are defeated). It is all kept in a heavy 
  leather pouch under his sleeping furs that he and 
  Ghnurrli share. He will even trade his sword for another 
  weapon if anyone shows an interest in it, and he thinks 
  this could save his tribe. 
   
  Of course, this poses a moral dilemma for PCs. Is it 
  just to slay creatures offering to surrender and move on? 
  Is it just to let them live, knowing that they will possibly 
  hunt others in the future? This is an opportunity for 
  roleplay and debate. There is no right answer, only 
  personal answers. 
   
  If Olmek is here with the PCs because his sons went 
  missing, he will not forgive the gnolls. His sons’ heads 
  were in the wagon, and he desires revenge for their 
  deaths. He will offer no quarter at all, nor will the militia 
  folk he brought with him. 
   
  If the gnolls are allowed to surrender, they take what 
  they are allowed to grab and leave to quarry headed east. 
  They swim the Javan and head across the border, never to 
  return. If not, or if the attempts were not recognized or 
  acknowledged, they fight to the death. Either way, the 
  party has (hopefully) survived and can proceed with what 
  they came here to do. 
   
  There is more than enough discarded and unloaded 
  stone here to finish both bridges. There is certainly more 
  than one cart can haul back. A cart from the PCs 
  opponent will arrive as they are loading up and if 
  unmolested, will do the same. 
   
  If a fight breaks out, use the relevant statistics for the 
  parties involved from the Appendix. The PCs’ rivals will 
  not use lethal combat unless they do. PCs working for 
  Jalab get a 50 gp reward for delaying the other team this 
  way, but is immediately fired and turned over to Nighford 
  justice if one of Olmek’s sons are slain. Kreshin wants to 
  win a political race, not start a blood feud. 
   
  The team that loses this conflict, if one takes place at 
  all, suffers a –10 CP penalty to the walkway phase of the 
  bridge due to the delay. 
   
  Assuming both teams are still able to return with 
  loads of stone, the contest continues. Finish the rolls for 
  the walkway phase, record the results, and move on to 
  Encounter 8. 
   
   
  Encounter 8: 
  Encounter 8: 
  Encounter 8: 
  Encounter 8:     
  Long Walk, Short Bridge
  Long Walk, Short Bridge
  Long Walk, Short Bridge
  Long Walk, Short Bridge    
  Now comes the ugliest part of the contest. Various 
  actions taken by the party may have the contest anywhere 
  from nearly a sure thing to looking bleak. Either way, 
  Jalab isn’t taking any chances. His dominance of shipping 
  in the town of Nighford didn’t come from trusting luck, 
  after all. It came from a ruthless nature and careful 
  planning. 
   
  He isn’t about to let Olmek, a ‘yeoman simpleton’, 
  take from him what should have been his without 
  question. There is no doubt in Jalab Kreshin’s mind that 
  he should be Grossspokesman. If he has to cheat to assure 
  that victory, he is more than prepared to do so. 
   
  While this chapter is written from the preventative 
  view, with PCs stopping Jalab’s sabotage, it can easily be 
  turned around to have the PCs as the saboteurs; to do so 
  just flip the scenes to the saboteur’s point of view. You 
  can do this by having one or more of Olmek’s sons in 
  place of the PCs. Remember that the saboteur PCs are 
  given struck orders to make sure no one is killed during 
  these espionage attempts. Because of this the PCs may 
  have their hands full trying to save Olmek and his sons 
  while trying to subtly wreck his bridge; all while trying 
  not to leave any evidence of their involvement. 
   
  In this encounter, flagstones are laid, the railing is 
  completed, and the bridge’s surface is fitted and 
  reinforced. Describe this work to the players, then have 
  them camp for the night. Olmek is now insisting, gently 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 11 
  but firmly, that the bridge be guarded. He will even stay 
  himself. When everyone is settled, run the scene. 
   
  Jalab’s son, Alik, along with a pair of hired hands 
  have released a gray ooze into the stream near Olmek’s 
  bridge. Their plan is for the jelly to consume the wooden 
  supports of the bridge before Olmek finishes covering 
  them. 
   
  Unfortunately, the gray ooze has something of a 
  mind of its own and stops before it gets to the bridge to 
  consume a tree root exposed in the middle of the stream. 
  The sound of Alik and his thugs throwing stones at the 
  jelly to move it off the root alerts anyone on watch (Ulme, 
  if none of the PCs thought to post a guard) immediately. 
  Once the PCs are up and cognizant, read: 
   
  A little ways upstream, you see a strange sight in the 
  A little ways upstream, you see a strange sight in the 
  A little ways upstream, you see a strange sight in the 
  A little ways upstream, you see a strange sight in the 
  moonlight. A slick, viscous mound of goo, greyish
  moonlight. A slick, viscous mound of goo, greyish
  moonlight. A slick, viscous mound of goo, greyish
  moonlight. A slick, viscous mound of goo, greyish----ochre in 
  ochre in 
  ochre in 
  ochre in 
  color, is in the stream near the bridge. Even as you sight it, it 
  color, is in the stream near the bridge. Even as you sight it, it 
  color, is in the stream near the bridge. Even as you sight it, it 
  color, is in the stream near the bridge. Even as you sight it, it 
  begins to move. Where it was, th
  begins to move. Where it was, th
  begins to move. Where it was, th
  begins to move. Where it was, the steaming remains of a once 
  e steaming remains of a once 
  e steaming remains of a once 
  e steaming remains of a once 
  thick tree root disintegrate into the water.
  thick tree root disintegrate into the water.
  thick tree root disintegrate into the water.
  thick tree root disintegrate into the water.    
      
  “Pelor’s gaze, the bridge!” Ulme shouts and grabs a spear 
  “Pelor’s gaze, the bridge!” Ulme shouts and grabs a spear 
  “Pelor’s gaze, the bridge!” Ulme shouts and grabs a spear 
  “Pelor’s gaze, the bridge!” Ulme shouts and grabs a spear 
  from the campsite. “We can’t let that thing get near the 
  from the campsite. “We can’t let that thing get near the 
  from the campsite. “We can’t let that thing get near the 
  from the campsite. “We can’t let that thing get near the 
  bridge!”
  bridge!”
  bridge!”
  bridge!”    
   
  The ooze will reach the bridge in four rounds, as the 
  water is aiding its normally slow movement rate. Those 
  who do not wish to enter the stream to fight must use 
  spells, ranged weapons, or wait until the third round, 
  where it will be close enough to the bridge to engage in 
  melee.  
   
  If the gray ooze survives to reach the bridge, it will 
  do 3 CP worth of damage to this last phase of building 
  until it is destroyed. Also, if fire is used while the ooze is 
  in contact with the bridge, the flame will do half its 
  damage in CPs to the flammable supports. 
   
  Tier 1 (EL 4)
  Tier 1 (EL 4)
  Tier 1 (EL 4)
  Tier 1 (EL 4)    
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1): CR 4; Medium-Size Ooze; HD 3d10+10; 
  hp 24; Init 0; Spd 10 ft.; AC 5 (-5 Dex); Atks +3 melee, 
  (1d6+1 and 1d6 acid, slam); SQ Improved grab, acid, 
  constrict, camouflage; AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref -4, Will -4. 
      
  Str 12, Dex 1, Con 11, Int --, Wis 1, Cha 1. 
   
  SQ: Improved Grab (Ex)—to use this ability, the gray 
  ooze must hit with its slam attack. If it gets a hold it can 
  constrict; Acid (Ex)—A gray ooze excretes a digestive acid 
  that quickly dissolves organic material and metal. Any 
  melee hit deals acid damage. The ooze’s acidic touch deals 
  40 points of damage per round to wood or metal objects. 
  Armor or clothing dissolves and become useless 
  immediately unless it succeeds a Reflex save (DC 19). The 
  acid cannot harm stone. Metal or wooden weapons that 
  strike a gray ooze also dissolves immediately unless it 
  succeeds a Reflex save (DC 19); Constrict (Ex)—A gray 
  ooze deals automatic slam and acid damage with a 
  successful grapple check. The opponent’s clothing and 
  armor suffer a –4 penalty to Reflex saves against the acid; 
  Camouflage (Ex)—It takes a successful Spot check (DC 15) 
  to recognize a motionless gray ooze for what it really is.  
      
  Tier 2 (EL 6)
  Tier 2 (EL 6)
  Tier 2 (EL 6)
  Tier 2 (EL 6)    
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1): CR 6; Medium-Size Ooze; HD 5d10+10; 
  hp 35; Init 0; Spd 10 ft.; AC 5 (-5 Dex); Atks +3 melee, 
  (1d6+1 and 1d6 acid, slam); SQ Improved grab, acid, 
  constrict, camouflage; AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref -4, Will -4. 
      
  Str 12, Dex 1, Con 11, Int --, Wis 1, Cha 1. 
   
  SQ: Improved Grab (Ex)—to use this ability, the gray 
  ooze must hit with its slam attack. If it gets a hold it can 
  constrict; Acid (Ex)—A gray ooze excretes a digestive acid 
  that quickly dissolves organic material and metal. Any 
  melee hit deals acid damage. The ooze’s acidic touch deals 
  40 points of damage per round to wood or metal objects. 
  Armor or clothing dissolves and become useless 
  immediately unless it succeeds a Reflex save (DC 19). The 
  acid cannot harm stone. Metal or wooden weapons that 
  strike a gray ooze also dissolves immediately unless it 
  succeeds a Reflex save (DC 19); Constrict (Ex)—A gray 
  ooze deals automatic slam and acid damage with a 
  successful grapple check. The opponent’s clothing and 
  armor suffer a –4 penalty to Reflex saves against the acid; 
  Camouflage (Ex)—It takes a successful Spot check (DC 15) 
  to recognize a motionless gray ooze for what it really is. 
   
  Tier 3 (EL 8)
  Tier 3 (EL 8)
  Tier 3 (EL 8)
  Tier 3 (EL 8)    
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1)
  Gray Ooze (1): CR 8; Large-Size Ooze; HD 7d10+10; hp 
  46; Init 0; Spd 10’; AC 5 (-1 size, -5 Dex +1 natural); Atks 
  +5 melee (1d6+1 and 1d6 acid, slam); SQ Improved grab, 
  acid, constrict, camouflage; AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref -4, Will 
  -4. 
      
  Str 12, Dex 1, Con 11, Int --, Wis 1, Cha 1. 
   
  SQ: Improved Grab (Ex)—to use this ability, the gray 
  ooze must hit with its slam attack. If it gets a hold it can 
  constrict; Acid (Ex)—A gray ooze excretes a digestive acid 
  that quickly dissolves organic material and metal. Any 
  melee hit deals acid damage. The ooze’s acidic touch deals 
  40 points of damage per round to wood or metal objects. 
  Armor or clothing dissolves and become useless 
  immediately unless it succeeds a Reflex save (DC 19). The 
  acid cannot harm stone. Metal or wooden weapons that 
  strike a gray ooze also dissolves immediately unless it 
  succeeds a Reflex save (DC 19); Constrict (Ex)—A gray 
  ooze deals automatic slam and acid damage with a 
  successful grapple check. The opponent’s clothing and 
  armor suffer a –4 penalty to Reflex saves against the acid; 
  Camouflage (Ex)—It takes a successful Spot check (DC 15) 
  to recognize a motionless gray ooze for what it really is. 
    
  When the ooze is defeated, the excitement is over for the 
  night. Alik and his thugs do not stay to watch the fight. 
  They ran as soon as Ulme shouted an alarm.  
   
  The PCs can return to sleep or to guard, but nothing 
  else occurs. Jalab is not so desperate yet to try anything 
  more open or direct. That will change… 
   
   
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 12 
  Encounter 9: 
  Encounter 9: 
  Encounter 9: 
  Encounter 9:     
  Ashes to Ashes, Rust to Rust
  Ashes to Ashes, Rust to Rust
  Ashes to Ashes, Rust to Rust
  Ashes to Ashes, Rust to Rust    
  In this encounter Alik is back on orders from his father. 
  Equipped with something Jalab paid a great deal for a 
  long time ago, he intends to take advantage of Olmek’s 
  limited resources. Alik is carrying a vial of rusting 
  powder, an alchemical compound that dissolves metal on 
  contact. Without tools, Kreshin’s believes, Olmek will not 
  be able to finish his bridge in time for the vote. Tomorrow 
  is the last day of the contest, which does not give Olmek 
  enough time to procure or make new tools. 
   
  The resolution of this scene is up to the GM. It is 
  suggested that Olmek have all his sons sleeping in two by 
  two shifts with the PCs doing likewise. He is no fool, and 
  the ochre jelly was an awfully convenient ‘accident’ for 
  his opponent. He is feeling the time crunch and knows 
  that if Kreshin is going to try anything else, it will be 
  tonight. 
   
  It has been a tense night. The usual jovial conversation 
  It has been a tense night. The usual jovial conversation 
  It has been a tense night. The usual jovial conversation 
  It has been a tense night. The usual jovial conversation 
  around the fire has been muted as those on watch duty keep 
  around the fire has been muted as those on watch duty keep 
  around the fire has been muted as those on watch duty keep 
  around the fire has been muted as those on watch duty keep 
  careful eye on the sum of your har
  careful eye on the sum of your har
  careful eye on the sum of your har
  careful eye on the sum of your hard labors. The bridge sits 
  d labors. The bridge sits 
  d labors. The bridge sits 
  d labors. The bridge sits 
  nearby, nearly finished…and vulnerable. 
  nearby, nearly finished…and vulnerable. 
  nearby, nearly finished…and vulnerable. 
  nearby, nearly finished…and vulnerable.     
      
  The moon rose hours ago and continues to shed its dim 
  The moon rose hours ago and continues to shed its dim 
  The moon rose hours ago and continues to shed its dim 
  The moon rose hours ago and continues to shed its dim 
  light over the camp. Between in and the low fire, shadows 
  light over the camp. Between in and the low fire, shadows 
  light over the camp. Between in and the low fire, shadows 
  light over the camp. Between in and the low fire, shadows 
  abound. Vision is difficult and the sounds of the forest build 
  abound. Vision is difficult and the sounds of the forest build 
  abound. Vision is difficult and the sounds of the forest build 
  abound. Vision is difficult and the sounds of the forest build 
  and ebb in an
  and ebb in an
  and ebb in an
  and ebb in an eerie rhythm. Guarding this bridge has never 
   eerie rhythm. Guarding this bridge has never 
   eerie rhythm. Guarding this bridge has never 
   eerie rhythm. Guarding this bridge has never 
  been this dangerous, this creepy. Everyone is nervous.
  been this dangerous, this creepy. Everyone is nervous.
  been this dangerous, this creepy. Everyone is nervous.
  been this dangerous, this creepy. Everyone is nervous.    
      
  Anything could happen, at any moment.
  Anything could happen, at any moment.
  Anything could happen, at any moment.
  Anything could happen, at any moment.    
   
  Let the party stay tense this way for a while, playing up 
  their isolation and the desperate nature of their position. 
  Be sure to allow the PCs several Spot and Listen rolls. 
  Choose one of these rolls for the time when Alik makes 
  his move, and don’t alert the PCs if they fail. All this 
  tension has a good source after all; if the bridge isn’t 
  finished tomorrow, all their work was for nothing. 
   
  Olmek has chosen to guard the bridge carefully, but 
  it did not occur to him to be that careful with the tools. As 
  always, they are gathered and sitting in a cloth covered 
  crate on the far side of camp. The tools are oiled every 
  night. The crate has been kept downwind to ward off the 
  smell. 
   
  This gives Alik the perfect opportunity. If none of 
  the PCs have thought to protect the tools, they will likely 
  be destroyed. Only a PC on guard who can succeed in an 
  opposed roll against Alik’s Hide (he has 5 ranks in Hide 
  and a Dex of 15, allowing for a +7 bonus) will spot him in 
  time to stop him. By the time the guarding PC gets to 
  make this roll, Alik is almost to the crate. (This assumes 
  the tools are at the edge of camp. If they have been moved 
  closer, Alik will be spotted where the tools should have 
  been. Use the map of Olmek’s work site in the Appendix 
  for this.) 
   
  If spotted and alerted to this fact (the PC may decide 
  to try and stop him quietly after all), he will initiate 
  ‘combat’ by trying to get to the crate and hurl the vial 
  inside it. This means initiative rolls for everyone awake 
  (including Ulme and Pryam, the two brothers guarding 
  with the PCs). 
   
  If captured (again, no one involved will be fighting 
  in lethal combat unless the PCs do), Alik will desperately 
  try to talk his way out of it. He will not, however, reveal 
  that this was his father’s plan. He will say that he got this 
  vial from his father’s keepsakes (true), decided to come 
  and destroy the tools (technically true), and came here 
  alone to do it (also technically true). If asked directly if his 
  father was involved, ‘Weasel’ will rant about how Jalab 
  Kreshin is a great man and deserves the Grosspokesman 
  position far more than a country “bumpkin.” 
   
  If left to make the decision himself, Olmek will go 
  with Ulme and run Alik back home. If the party objects 
  to this plan, he will invite them to come along. He refuses 
  to believe that Jalab would get violent over this contest 
  (and he is right; Jalab is not an evil man, just greedy and 
  self-centered). 
   
  Those who go with Olmek are greeted by a tired 
  looking Jalab who listens with feigned shock (detectable 
  by a Sense Motive, DC 15) to the sordid details of his son’s 
  plan. Then he assures Olmek and the party that he will 
  see to it his son is punished for this (which is true, 
  especially if he didn’t succeed). Then he bids them all 
  good night. There is work to be done in the morning. 
  “May the best man win,” he will say as they leave. A Sense 
  Motive will not be needed to detect the faint derision in 
  his voice. 
   
  This scene can end a number of ways. If the tools 
  were saved, proceed on with scene three. Olmek will 
  reward the PC that spotted Alik with the vial of rusting 
  powder and a great deal of grateful praise. 
   
  If the tools were not saved, the CPs Olmek can 
  contribute to this phase drops from 80 to 50 unless the 
  tools can somehow be replaced. Player ingenuity should 
  be rewarded here, returning some or all of the lost 30 CPs 
  depending on the idea(s). 
   
  When ready, adjudicate the final scene in the 
  chapter, then move on to Encounter 10.    
      
      
  Encounter 10: 
  Encounter 10: 
  Encounter 10: 
  Encounter 10:     
  To Sway a Golden Mind
  To Sway a Golden Mind
  To Sway a Golden Mind
  To Sway a Golden Mind    
  This scene does not truly concern the PCs and they will 
  likely have no interaction with it unless you wish to give 
  them a chance to intercept or eavesdrop on Jalab’s bribe 
  attempts. If you do, use the Nighford map and the 
  Townsfolk bios in the Appendix as guides for the scene. 
  Otherwise (and especially if the table is running out of 
  tournament time), just decide how the bribery goes using 
  the system below and proceed to the next chapter. 
   
  PCs working for Jalab will have nothing to do with 
  this scene unless they have given him good reason to 
  think they can be discrete. Otherwise, he trusts the bribe 
  attempts to his son Alik or a loyal manservant. If the party 
  has convinced him to use them, the three bribes can be 
  interesting to play out and make for excellent, if morally 
  questionable, roleplaying. 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 13 
   
  Jalab’s chosen agent(s) will be using a combination of 
  the Diplomacy skill (Alik or Jalab’s manservant has 5 
  ranks and a 14 CHR; total bonus +7) and a huge amount 
  of money (1000 gold) to buy the voter’s consideration. 
   
  All three members of the committee are moral 
  people, but Kershin has a lot of influence in the 
  community and a refused bribe could be as detrimental as 
  the guilt they would feel over accepting. Thus, it comes 
  down to fate (a die roll) and the PCs actions. Total the 
  modifiers below and roll one opposed check for each 
  person: Diplomacy score versus Will Save. For reference, 
  Mayor Dolahn has a 14 Wisdom (+2), Valon Kesk has an 
  11 (+0), and Maratha Kesk has a 16 (+3); all three begin 
  with a +1 for their essentially moral natures. 
   
  If the PCs have: 
  Then Alik is: 
  Then Voters are: 
  been rude to the Voters 
  +1 
  - 
  driven 
  off/killed 
  the 
  Gnolls 
  - 
  +1/+2 
  had no good excuse for 
  the ‘mortar sabotage’ 
  +1 
  - 
  been very kind to the 
  Voters or generous in 
  town 
  - 
  +1 
  seriously 
  injured 
  any 
  townfolk 
  +2  
  - 
  not 
  succeeded 
  at 
  stopping any sabotage 
  +1 
   
  obvious clerics/paladins 
  of Pelor, Heironeous, or 
  St. Cuthbert 
   
  +1 per level per 
  cleric/paladin 
  As above, but of any 
  recognized evil diety 
  +1 per level per 
  cleric 
   
   
  Add any other modifiers as you see fit, then roll and 
  compare. Each roll that indicates a successful bribe results 
  in the appropriate modifier when the voting occurs in the 
  next chapter. 
   
  Complete the finishing stage, record the results, and 
  proceed to Encounter 10.    
      
      
   Encounter 10: 
   Encounter 10: 
   Encounter 10: 
   Encounter 10:     
  The Final Stone
  The Final Stone
  The Final Stone
  The Final Stone    
  Here, all the work and struggle comes to a close. The 
  voters come to Olmek’s bridge and render their decisions. 
  They do not announce the results aloud, preferring to 
  announce it in town at a mayoral rally.   
   
  Decisions, Decisions
  Decisions, Decisions
  Decisions, Decisions
  Decisions, Decisions    
  There is no other way to describe it. You are pleasantly 
  There is no other way to describe it. You are pleasantly 
  There is no other way to describe it. You are pleasantly 
  There is no other way to describe it. You are pleasantly 
  exhausted. Some of you have never worked this hard in your 
  exhausted. Some of you have never worked this hard in your 
  exhausted. Some of you have never worked this hard in your 
  exhausted. Some of you have never worked this hard in your 
  lives. As you stand by the edifice of your efforts, watching th
  lives. As you stand by the edifice of your efforts, watching th
  lives. As you stand by the edifice of your efforts, watching th
  lives. As you stand by the edifice of your efforts, watching the e e e 
  three voters pour over it, you see the same pride and fatigue in 
  three voters pour over it, you see the same pride and fatigue in 
  three voters pour over it, you see the same pride and fatigue in 
  three voters pour over it, you see the same pride and fatigue in 
  Olmek’s eyes.
  Olmek’s eyes.
  Olmek’s eyes.
  Olmek’s eyes.    
      
  After what feels like hours, they pull back and go to your 
  After what feels like hours, they pull back and go to your 
  After what feels like hours, they pull back and go to your 
  After what feels like hours, they pull back and go to your 
  employer. As impartially as possible, they tell him to present 
  employer. As impartially as possible, they tell him to present 
  employer. As impartially as possible, they tell him to present 
  employer. As impartially as possible, they tell him to present 
  himself and those he feels deserve to be with him to
  himself and those he feels deserve to be with him to
  himself and those he feels deserve to be with him to
  himself and those he feels deserve to be with him to the 
   the 
   the 
   the 
  mayoral rally tonight. Then, they board their coach and leave.
  mayoral rally tonight. Then, they board their coach and leave.
  mayoral rally tonight. Then, they board their coach and leave.
  mayoral rally tonight. Then, they board their coach and leave.    
      
  With growing excitement, he tells his boys to go clean up. 
  With growing excitement, he tells his boys to go clean up. 
  With growing excitement, he tells his boys to go clean up. 
  With growing excitement, he tells his boys to go clean up. 
  Then, as he dashes off with them, he stops and turns to you. 
  Then, as he dashes off with them, he stops and turns to you. 
  Then, as he dashes off with them, he stops and turns to you. 
  Then, as he dashes off with them, he stops and turns to you. 
  “Well, you lot? You coming? You’ve earned this as much as the 
  “Well, you lot? You coming? You’ve earned this as much as the 
  “Well, you lot? You coming? You’ve earned this as much as the 
  “Well, you lot? You coming? You’ve earned this as much as the 
  rest 
  rest 
  rest 
  rest of us!” He smiles warmly and takes you back to his home.
  of us!” He smiles warmly and takes you back to his home.
  of us!” He smiles warmly and takes you back to his home.
  of us!” He smiles warmly and takes you back to his home.    
   
  At this point, allow the PCs to make plans for the rally. If 
  they choose to, let them describe how they are dressed, 
  what they will carry, and how they intend to act. If they 
  need encouragement, begin by describing the fine new 
  clothes Olmek and his family are wearing. Both girls are 
  in fine linen dresses (Ivea is in a hunter green, Kelori 
  wears a dark burgundy that nicely sets off her dark 
  auburn hair) and both are wearing simple silver jewelry. 
  All four boys emulate their father more or less by wearing 
  a new white shirt, tailored jackets and pants of black 
  flaxen stock, and knee high leather boots.  
   
  If each phase of the bridge met its base CP cost, 
  Olmek will gladly take anyone who wishes to go into 
  town for clothes shopping (on him, up to 10 gold each, as 
  a gift for their fine work). Otherwise, he will gladly take 
  them into town, but they will have to shop out of their 
  share of the 200 gold he now pays them. 
   
  And the Winner is…
  And the Winner is…
  And the Winner is…
  And the Winner is…    
  That’s a good question. To determine it, total the 
  modifiers from the Bridge Construction Sheet, add a +2 
  modifier for each voter Jalab successfully bribed, and 
  make an opposed roll between Olmek and Jalab. If PCs 
  went above and beyond normal efforts for either side, add 
  a +1 to +5 modifier as you see fit. The highest roll wins. 
  Once you’ve determined the winner, read the following 
  text. 
   
  The gathering outside the Mayor’s home grows 
  larger by the moment. Millicent has set up a table of 
  delicacies and drink mugs, as have a few of Nighford’s 
  more gregarious citizens. The ale flows freely as folk 
  gather to hear the pending announcement. 
   
  Olmek stands near you, fielding a hundred well wishes with a 
  Olmek stands near you, fielding a hundred well wishes with a 
  Olmek stands near you, fielding a hundred well wishes with a 
  Olmek stands near you, fielding a hundred well wishes with a 
  warm smile and an honest word of gratitude. Nearby, but 
  warm smile and an honest word of gratitude. Nearby, but 
  warm smile and an honest word of gratitude. Nearby, but 
  warm smile and an honest word of gratitude. Nearby, but 
  opposite the congregation fr
  opposite the congregation fr
  opposite the congregation fr
  opposite the congregation from you, Jalab Kreshin and his son 
  om you, Jalab Kreshin and his son 
  om you, Jalab Kreshin and his son 
  om you, Jalab Kreshin and his son 
  sit in chairs they had brought from home. No one seems to be 
  sit in chairs they had brought from home. No one seems to be 
  sit in chairs they had brought from home. No one seems to be 
  sit in chairs they had brought from home. No one seems to be 
  speaking much with the Kreshin group, but he doesn’t seem 
  speaking much with the Kreshin group, but he doesn’t seem 
  speaking much with the Kreshin group, but he doesn’t seem 
  speaking much with the Kreshin group, but he doesn’t seem 
  concerned.
  concerned.
  concerned.
  concerned.    
      
  Down the street from this growing throng you see Jalab’s 
  Down the street from this growing throng you see Jalab’s 
  Down the street from this growing throng you see Jalab’s 
  Down the street from this growing throng you see Jalab’s 
  Bridge. It’s a solid piece of work
  Bridge. It’s a solid piece of work
  Bridge. It’s a solid piece of work
  Bridge. It’s a solid piece of work spanning the stream with two 
   spanning the stream with two 
   spanning the stream with two 
   spanning the stream with two 
  walkways. Places rest along the thick stone rim for flower beds 
  walkways. Places rest along the thick stone rim for flower beds 
  walkways. Places rest along the thick stone rim for flower beds 
  walkways. Places rest along the thick stone rim for flower beds 
  to be laid, but they are empty now. You have to admit; it’s a 
  to be laid, but they are empty now. You have to admit; it’s a 
  to be laid, but they are empty now. You have to admit; it’s a 
  to be laid, but they are empty now. You have to admit; it’s a 
  fine piece of work.
  fine piece of work.
  fine piece of work.
  fine piece of work.    
      
  Eventually, the voter committee comes out from Mayor 
  Eventually, the voter committee comes out from Mayor 
  Eventually, the voter committee comes out from Mayor 
  Eventually, the voter committee comes out from Mayor 
  Dolahn’s house and approac
  Dolahn’s house and approac
  Dolahn’s house and approac
  Dolahn’s house and approach the assembly. As if by silent 
  h the assembly. As if by silent 
  h the assembly. As if by silent 
  h the assembly. As if by silent 
  approval of the Kesks, the mayor is the one to speak.
  approval of the Kesks, the mayor is the one to speak.
  approval of the Kesks, the mayor is the one to speak.
  approval of the Kesks, the mayor is the one to speak.    
      
  “Good folk of Nighford and visiting friends, the end is 
  “Good folk of Nighford and visiting friends, the end is 
  “Good folk of Nighford and visiting friends, the end is 
  “Good folk of Nighford and visiting friends, the end is 
  finally here. And now that it is the end I must say that it is 
  finally here. And now that it is the end I must say that it is 
  finally here. And now that it is the end I must say that it is 
  finally here. And now that it is the end I must say that it is 
  neither Jalab Kreshin nor Olmek Garshweth who is t
  neither Jalab Kreshin nor Olmek Garshweth who is t
  neither Jalab Kreshin nor Olmek Garshweth who is t
  neither Jalab Kreshin nor Olmek Garshweth who is the 
  he 
  he 
  he 
  winner of this contest. No, the real winners are the people of 
  winner of this contest. No, the real winners are the people of 
  winner of this contest. No, the real winners are the people of 
  winner of this contest. No, the real winners are the people of 
  Nighford. Two bridges now span the stream that once divided 
  Nighford. Two bridges now span the stream that once divided 
  Nighford. Two bridges now span the stream that once divided 
  Nighford. Two bridges now span the stream that once divided 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 14 
  our good town. One will be a joy to see every day when we do 
  our good town. One will be a joy to see every day when we do 
  our good town. One will be a joy to see every day when we do 
  our good town. One will be a joy to see every day when we do 
  our shopping and run our errands.”
  our shopping and run our errands.”
  our shopping and run our errands.”
  our shopping and run our errands.”    
      
  As he says that, he gestures to J
  As he says that, he gestures to J
  As he says that, he gestures to J
  As he says that, he gestures to Jalab’s bridge. Kreshin 
  alab’s bridge. Kreshin 
  alab’s bridge. Kreshin 
  alab’s bridge. Kreshin 
  himself just nods, coldly acknowledging the compliment. 
  himself just nods, coldly acknowledging the compliment. 
  himself just nods, coldly acknowledging the compliment. 
  himself just nods, coldly acknowledging the compliment.     
      
  “The other will not be so well know, but will affect us just 
  “The other will not be so well know, but will affect us just 
  “The other will not be so well know, but will affect us just 
  “The other will not be so well know, but will affect us just 
  as much. The Garshweth Bridge stems the widest point of the 
  as much. The Garshweth Bridge stems the widest point of the 
  as much. The Garshweth Bridge stems the widest point of the 
  as much. The Garshweth Bridge stems the widest point of the 
  stream and will be a great aid to our carters and trav
  stream and will be a great aid to our carters and trav
  stream and will be a great aid to our carters and trav
  stream and will be a great aid to our carters and travelling 
  elling 
  elling 
  elling 
  merchants. What took hard labor to ford will now be an 
  merchants. What took hard labor to ford will now be an 
  merchants. What took hard labor to ford will now be an 
  merchants. What took hard labor to ford will now be an 
  effortless crossing.”
  effortless crossing.”
  effortless crossing.”
  effortless crossing.”    
      
  Olmak smiles and looks touched by the mayor’s words.  
  Olmak smiles and looks touched by the mayor’s words.  
  Olmak smiles and looks touched by the mayor’s words.  
  Olmak smiles and looks touched by the mayor’s words.  
  The look on Kreshin’s face leaves little doubt that aiding his 
  The look on Kreshin’s face leaves little doubt that aiding his 
  The look on Kreshin’s face leaves little doubt that aiding his 
  The look on Kreshin’s face leaves little doubt that aiding his 
  town with a bridge the way Olmek did never crossed his
  town with a bridge the way Olmek did never crossed his
  town with a bridge the way Olmek did never crossed his
  town with a bridge the way Olmek did never crossed his    
  mind.
  mind.
  mind.
  mind.    
      
  “In the end, though, we had to choose one. We finally did, 
  “In the end, though, we had to choose one. We finally did, 
  “In the end, though, we had to choose one. We finally did, 
  “In the end, though, we had to choose one. We finally did, 
  but it was not easy. The winning bridge builder, and 
  but it was not easy. The winning bridge builder, and 
  but it was not easy. The winning bridge builder, and 
  but it was not easy. The winning bridge builder, and 
  Nighford’s new grosspokesman for our district is…
  Nighford’s new grosspokesman for our district is…
  Nighford’s new grosspokesman for our district is…
  Nighford’s new grosspokesman for our district is…insert 
  winner’s name!”!”!”!”    
      
  With that, the mayor smiles and throws his hands in the 
  With that, the mayor smiles and throws his hands in the 
  With that, the mayor smiles and throws his hands in the 
  With that, the mayor smiles and throws his hands in the 
  air. “I
  air. “I
  air. “I
  air. “I declare the contest ended and the rally begun! Enjoy 
   declare the contest ended and the rally begun! Enjoy 
   declare the contest ended and the rally begun! Enjoy 
   declare the contest ended and the rally begun! Enjoy 
  yourselves, one and all!” The town of Nighford erupts in 
  yourselves, one and all!” The town of Nighford erupts in 
  yourselves, one and all!” The town of Nighford erupts in 
  yourselves, one and all!” The town of Nighford erupts in 
  festival all around you.
  festival all around you.
  festival all around you.
  festival all around you.    
   
  If the PCs are with the winning builder, they have great 
  reason to celebrate as well. Also, if they are working for 
  Olmek and they win, he presses a small pouch with 25 
  gold into each of their hands. “It’s the least you 
  deserve…”    If not, the end of the adventure depends on 
  their employer.  
   
  If they were working for Jalab, he fixes them with a 
  cold stare, pays them what he agreed to, and will have 
  nothing to do with them again. 
   
  If they were working for Olmek and lost, he is in 
  relatively fine spirits regardless.  
   
  “The town is served either way, and this way I don’t have to 
  “The town is served either way, and this way I don’t have to 
  “The town is served either way, and this way I don’t have to 
  “The town is served either way, and this way I don’t have to 
  move. Come, you’ve worked like trail dogs for me. 
  move. Come, you’ve worked like trail dogs for me. 
  move. Come, you’ve worked like trail dogs for me. 
  move. Come, you’ve worked like trail dogs for me. Let’s see if 
  Let’s see if 
  Let’s see if 
  Let’s see if 
  we can’t relax for a night!”
  we can’t relax for a night!”
  we can’t relax for a night!”
  we can’t relax for a night!”  
   
  No grudge is held at all, and the PCs are still treated like 
  family friends. 
   
   
  The End
  The End
  The End
  The End    
   
   
  Experience Point Summary
  Experience Point Summary
  Experience Point Summary
  Experience Point Summary    
  To award experience for this adventure, add up the values 
  for the objectives accomplished. Then assign the 
  discretionary 
  roleplaying 
  experience 
  award. 
  The 
  roleplaying award should be given for consistent 
  character portrayal and contribution to the fun of the 
  game. You can award different roleplaying amounts to 
  different characters. 
   
  Award the total value (objectives plus roleplaying) to 
  each character. 
   
  Encounter 3
  Encounter 3
  Encounter 3
  Encounter 3    
  Quality of bridge construction 
   0-75 xp 
   
  Encounter 5
  Encounter 5
  Encounter 5
  Encounter 5    
  Acting politely to the voters 
   25 xp 
   
  Encounter 7
  Encounter 7
  Encounter 7
  Encounter 7    
  Defeating the gnolls 
  75 xp 
   
  Encounter 8
  Encounter 8
  Encounter 8
  Encounter 8    
  Preventing the gray ooze from destroying the 
  bridge 
  25 xp 
   
  Encounter 9
  Encounter 9
  Encounter 9
  Encounter 9    
  Preventing or successfully sabotaging the 
  Olmek’s bridge 
  50 xp 
   
  Defeating the gray ooze 
  100 xp 
   
  Encounter 11
  Encounter 11
  Encounter 11
  Encounter 11    
  Helping to win the contest 
  100 xp 
   
  Total experience for objectives 
  450 xp 
  Discretionary roleplaying award 
  0-50 xp 
   
  Total pos
  Total pos
  Total pos
  Total possible experience
  sible experience
  sible experience
  sible experience    
  500 xp
  500 xp
  500 xp
  500 xp    
   
   
  Treasure Summary
  Treasure Summary
  Treasure Summary
  Treasure Summary    
  Player characters may keep items from the scenario that 
  are listed on the treasure list below or which meet the 
  following conditions:  
   
  1. 
  The item must be non-magical and specifically listed 
  in the text of the adventure (e.g. armor on foes). If it 
  is not listed in the text, the characters cannot keep it. 
  Items of this nature can be sold for 50% of book 
  value, or recorded on a log sheet.  
  2. 
  Animals, followers, monsters, henchmen, and so 
  forth (any living being, basically) may not be kept 
  from a scenario for any reason unless the treasure 
  summary lists the being specifically. It is okay for the 
  player characters to form relationships with NPCs, 
  but these will not be certed and cannot bring 
  material benefit to the character. Contacts (sources of 
  extra information) must be specifically certed. 
  3. 
  Theft is against the law, but may be practiced by 
  some player characters. Items worth more than 100 
  gp that are of personal significance to the owner 
  (including family heirlooms), and all magical items, 
  will be discovered in the possession of the character 
  by one means or another. The character must return 
  the item and pay a fine equal to three times the value 
  of the item stolen. In addition, the PC caught 
  receives campaign-decided penalties for being 
  known as a thief, such as Infamy. For other stolen 
  items which meet the criteria in #1 above, use your 
  judgment and the circumstances within the game to 
  determine whether a PC thief gets away with the 
  theft or not.  
   
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 15 
  Any item retained according to these rules, which does 
  not have a certificate, will not ever have a certificate 
  issued for it.  
   
  The campaign staff reserves the right to take away 
  any item or gold acquired for things it later finds 
  unreasonable but which were allowed at the time. 
   
  Working for Jalab:
  Working for Jalab:
  Working for Jalab:
  Working for Jalab:    
  • 
  Up to 300 gold each for working on the bridge 
  • 
  10 gold each for going to the Quarry 
  • 
  25 gold each for pouring the Ochre Jelly into the 
  stream 
  • 
  100 gold to the one PC sent to rust Olmec’s tools 
  • 
  50 gold each for each Voter successfully bribed 
   
  OR 
   
  Working for Olmek:
  Working for Olmek:
  Working for Olmek:
  Working for Olmek:    
  • 
  200 gold total for working on the bridge 
  • 
  10 gold each worth of clothing for excellent job on the 
  bridge 
  • 
  25 gold each for winning the contest 
  • 
  106 cp, 82 sp, 59 gp, and a single small emerald worth 
  100 gold from the gnolls. 
   
  • 
  Maste
  Maste
  Maste
  Masterwork Longsword
  rwork Longsword
  rwork Longsword
  rwork Longsword from Kuurkrahk (Medium, 
  315 gp): Elegantly forged and crafted, this sword 
  bears dull gray blade, as if the smoke used to craft it 
  were trapped inside. The hilt is wrapped in blue 
  leather, and the quillons are decorated with 
  ornamental stones. This non-magical blade confers 
  +1 to all of the wielder’s ‘to hit’ rolls. 
   
  • 
  vial of Rusting Powder 
  Rusting Powder 
  Rusting Powder 
  Rusting Powder (750 gp): The contents of this 
  vial act similarly to the druid spell Rusting Grasp. The 
  vial may be used as a grenade-like missile or a 
  weapon, although the vial must break in order for the 
  powder to be effective. The entire quantity of powder 
  need not be used in one use. The DM should 
  determine how much is used for a particular 
  application. The contents of this vial are not powerful 
  enough to affect enchanted metal. 
  • 
  1 
  Influence 
  Point 
  from 
  the 
  Council 
  of 
  Grosspokesman if they are on the winning team: You 
  have done a service for a member of the Council of 
  Common Grosspokesmen. As such, you may use this 
  influence to call forth a favor from a member of the 
  Council should the need arise. 
   
  • 
  Enmity of Jalab Kreshik
  Enmity of Jalab Kreshik
  Enmity of Jalab Kreshik
  Enmity of Jalab Kreshik if the PCs aided Olmek 
  Garshweth and succeeded in the bridge contest 
   
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 16 
  Appendix 1: Important NPCs of Nighford
  Appendix 1: Important NPCs of Nighford
  Appendix 1: Important NPCs of Nighford
  Appendix 1: Important NPCs of Nighford    
  Note:
  Note:
  Note:
  Note: The quick stats for the NPCs of Nighford on the town map are incorrect. Please use the stats following each name on this list. 
   
  The Voting Council of Nighford is made up of three town elders respected by the townsfolk for their wisdom and 
  experience. Individually, they are: 
   
  Mayor Jyn Dolahn, human male, War3; hp 21 
  Mayor Jyn Dolahn, human male, War3; hp 21 
  Mayor Jyn Dolahn, human male, War3; hp 21 
  Mayor Jyn Dolahn, human male, War3; hp 21     
  One of the oldest and most respected citizens of Nighford, Dolahn made a name for himself thirty years ago fighting 
  giants with his military unit in the Jotens. His exploits are often told, mostly by him and with generous embellishments, 
  on cold Yeomanry nights at Nighford’s only inn.  
   
  An honest man, Dolahn is thinking more and more about his future. He is not getting any younger, and his political 
  career seems to have stalled with his appointment as Mayor. He knows he will never be appointed as a Grosspokesman, 
  but he is content to remain where and what he is. He does, however, sometimes wish for a more glamorous (and 
  wealthier) role.  
   
   
  Maratha Kesk, human female, Com2 
  Maratha Kesk, human female, Com2 
  Maratha Kesk, human female, Com2 
  Maratha Kesk, human female, Com2     
  Maratha is seen by most of the townsfolk as the mother they’ve never wanted. She pries into everyone’s affairs, offering 
  criticism and advice in the same breath. By the same token, everyone knows that she is always available for “tea and soul 
  searching”, as she calls it. She’s also known as the most trustworthy of gossips (a dubious title) in town. Anything she 
  repeats is the unpolished truth. 
   
  All of those things aside, she is very well liked. Her reputation as a meddlesome shrew is tempered by the cold 
  compassion she shows everyone in town. While she isn’t kind, Maratha can be counted on for food, shelter, and 
  ceaseless nagging when a Nighforder needs it most. 
   
  If Maratha Kesk has any character flaw, it is her conviction that Valon and her deserve a higher quality of life than 
  the little town of Nighford can provide. Until now, her frustrations over this have been channeled into her hard work 
  bettering the quality of life for the people (including herself and Valon) of Nighford. If someone were to make her an 
  offer of enough money to leave Nighford behind, however, she’d be very tempted despite her better nature. 
   
  Va
  Va
  Va
  Valon Kesk, human male, Com1
  lon Kesk, human male, Com1
  lon Kesk, human male, Com1
  lon Kesk, human male, Com1    
  Unlike his wife in so many ways, Valon is living proof that opposites attract. Valon is quiet, unassuming, and mostly 
  concerned with his family and business. The second son of a Loftwick wheelwright, Valon came to Nighford years ago to 
  make his fortune continuing the trade. While it never brought him true wealth, Valon and his wife live to relative 
  comfort. 
   
  Valon values his place in the society of Nighford. As one of the oldest men in town, he often has people ask him for 
  advice and wisdom. He has come to see this respect as wealth of a different kind; the avarice of his youth has almost 
  disappeared.  
   
  Unfortunately, his wife’s constant mention of the better life she desires never lets it completely vanish. 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 17 
  Appendix 2: The Kreshi
  Appendix 2: The Kreshi
  Appendix 2: The Kreshi
  Appendix 2: The Kreshins
  ns
  ns
  ns    
  Jalab Kreshin, human male, Rog3:
  Jalab Kreshin, human male, Rog3:
  Jalab Kreshin, human male, Rog3:
  Jalab Kreshin, human male, Rog3: CR 3; Medium-Sized Human; HD 5d6+5; hp 29; Init +5 (Dex, Improved Initiative); 
  Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (+1 Dex, +3 Studded leather); Atks +3 melee (1d8 [crit. x3], shortspear); SA Sneak attack +2d6; SQ 
  Uncanny dodge; AL N; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +3.  
   
  Str 11, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 14. 
   
  Skills: Bluff +10, Climb +1, Diplomacy +8, Hide +4, Innuendo +4, Jump +2, Listen +4, Move Silently +5, Ride +2, 
  Swim +2; Feats: Improved Initative Skill Focus (Bluff), Toughness 
   
  Equipment: Shortspear, studded leather 
   
  Jalab Kreshin is one of the two major landholders in Nighford. For over a decade, his only real rival has been Olmek 
  Garshweth. Not a man to appreciate the benefits of an honest adversarial relationship, Jalab has focused most of his 
  efforts toward besting Olmek and his family at everything they do. 
   
  Thus, this bridge building contest has become Jalab’s obsession. Not only will beating Olmek prove to everyone in 
  Nighford his obvious superiority, but becoming a Grosspokesman would give him the most important position in the 
  district. To accomplish this, Jalab would pay any price and use any means at his disposal. 
   
  Jalab is not, however, an evil man. Murder and violence are not tools he is prepared to use in his conflict with the 
  Garshweths, despite his son’s many suggestions that those tools are an option. Even as obsessed as he is, the elder 
  Kreshin would not kill to accomplish his goals. Sabotage and bribery and different matters, entirely. 
   
  Alik Kreshin, human male, R
  Alik Kreshin, human male, R
  Alik Kreshin, human male, R
  Alik Kreshin, human male, Rog3:
  og3:
  og3:
  og3: CR 2; Medium-Sized Human; HD 3d6+6; hp 21; Init +6 (Dex, Improved Initiative); 
  Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (+2 Dex, +3 studded leather); Atks +3 melee (1d8+1 [crit. x3],. Shortspear); SA Sneak attack +2d6; SQ 
  Uncanny dodge; AL NE; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +2.  
   
  Str 12, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 14. 
   
  Skills: Bluff +6, Climb +1, Diplomacy +5, Hide +6, Jump +1, Move Silently +6, Ride +2, Swim +2; Feats: Improved 
  Initiative, Toughness, Weapon Focus (shortspear).  
   
  Equipment: Shortspear, studded leather 
   
  If apples don’t fall far from the tree—Alik is proof that they also rot once they plummet. As cold and calculating as 
  his father, Alik Kreshin is far crueler than Jalab will ever be. His loyalty to family is his only good trait, though he can be 
  charming and convincing when the need arises.  
   
  Unfortunately for Alik, he does not handle failure and conflict well. As soon as a task becomes difficult, he begins 
  looking for escape routes, short cuts, and lackeys to dump the work on. When the adventure begins he has been sent by 
  his father to gather friends to work on the Kreshin’s bridge with him. Since Alik has no real friends and no desire to toil, 
  he approaches the PCs instead. 
   
  If the PCs are especially harsh to Alik, especially if they embarrass him in public, Jalab’s orders not to get violent 
  may get tossed aside in the heat of the moment. Alik, never one to do anything the hard way, will certain not attack the 
  PCs publicly, but a rogue in the shadows with a vengeful blade can be very dangerous.  
   
  Note:
  Note:
  Note:
  Note: If at any point, the Kreshin estate’s layout is required for roleplay, use the map of Olmek’s farm provided in the map section and 
  embellish with lots of superficial details. 
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 18 
  Appendix 3:
  Appendix 3:
  Appendix 3:
  Appendix 3: The Garshweths
   The Garshweths
   The Garshweths
   The Garshweths    
  Olmek Garshweth, human male Ftr4:
  Olmek Garshweth, human male Ftr4:
  Olmek Garshweth, human male Ftr4:
  Olmek Garshweth, human male Ftr4: CR 4; Medium-Sized Human; HD 4d10+8; hp 35; Init +1 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 
  (+1 Dex, +3 studded leather armor); Atks +7 melee (1d6+2 (crit. 19-20], short sword) or +6 ranged (1d8+2* [crit 19-20], 
  light crossbow) AL LG; SV Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +2. (* +2 damage only applies to targets within 30’ of Olmek when he 
  shoots, as per Weapon Specilization).  
   
  Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 13. 
   
  Skills: Climb +3, Diplomacy +2, Jump +2, Knowledge (engineering) +2, Profession (farmer) +5 Ride +4, Swim +2; 
  Feats: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Toughness, Weapon Focus (light crossbow), Weapon Focus (short sword), Weapon 
  Specialization (light crossbow). 
   
  Equipment: Crossbow, short sword, studded leather 
   
  Olmek is a man of his word, a hard worker, and a staunch supporter of the town. Add to that the years of good 
  service he spent stationed at nearby Rockturm and the reasons for his place as one of Nighford’s most respected citizens 
  are obvious.  
   
  Olmek’s family has a well-earned reputation for truthfulness. Normally, there would be no contest against his 
  appointment as Grosspokesman for his district. Unfortunately, Jalab Kreshin wields enough power in Nighford to make 
  voting against him dangerous for those townsfolk who owe him favors or money. 
   
  Olmek himself came up with the idea of the bridge building contest, mentioning it at a town council meeting in 
  front of Mayor Dolahn. This public suggestion ensured that Kreshin could not suppress the idea before it was voted on. 
  Olmek regrets not stipulating that the contestants had to work on the bridges without outside aid. 
   
  Still, Olmek believes in individual worth and would not be above hiring good folk for aid to balance the massive 
  advantage Jalab has gained by hiring a dwarven engineer. He treats everyone in town with respect and friendly affection. 
  As long as the PCs behave respectfully, he will extend this warmth to them. 
   
  The Garshweth Sons; Ulme, Ithal, Pryam, and Olamn, all human males, all War1:
  The Garshweth Sons; Ulme, Ithal, Pryam, and Olamn, all human males, all War1:
  The Garshweth Sons; Ulme, Ithal, Pryam, and Olamn, all human males, all War1:
  The Garshweth Sons; Ulme, Ithal, Pryam, and Olamn, all human males, all War1: CR 1/2; Medium-Sized Humans; 
  HD 1d8+5; hp 13 each; Init +1 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 leather armor); Atks , +3 melee, (1d8+2 [crit. x3], short 
  spear); AL LG; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1.  
   
  Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 12. 
   
  Skills: Climb +1, Profession (farmer) +4, Ride +1, Swim +2; Feats: Great Fortitude, Toughness. 
      
  Equipment: Shortspear, leather armor. 
   
  Olmek’s sons are his true legacy and they have learned well by his example. They are all very well liked in town and 
  if one of them vouches for a person, the people of Nighford will respect his word. This can be a valuable asset for the PCs 
  as they interact through this adventure. 
   
  Steadfast and brave, the Garshweth sons will stand beside their father come what may. That is how the PCs might 
  get involved with Olmek’s bridge, as Ulme can not bear to stand by while Alik hires even more help for his father.  
   
      
  
   
  Throwing Stones 
   
  Page 19 
  Appendix 4: Bridge Construction Tracking Chart
  Appendix 4: Bridge Construction Tracking Chart
  Appendix 4: Bridge Construction Tracking Chart
  Appendix 4: Bridge Construction Tracking Chart    
  Note: Remember that the PCs have can make two rolls per construction phase. Successfully beating the DC for that 
  section earns them Construction Points (CP). The CP they earn in each construction phase is the total of their bonuses 
  and penalties +1. They gain CP for each of the two rolls in each construction phase.  
   
  Step 1: Determining the Construction Benefits:
  Step 1: Determining the Construction Benefits:
  Step 1: Determining the Construction Benefits:
  Step 1: Determining the Construction Benefits:    
  With the following chart track the PCs progress in helping complete their patron’s bridge. Add their CPs to the Patrons 
  CP and then subtract the CP needed. The result is a either a positive or negative number that will server as a bonus for 
  the final determination roll when the judging occurs in Encounter 10. For simplicity just add the penalties and bonus to 
  determine the groups total adjustment.  
   
  Construction Phase 
  Construction Phase 
  Construction Phase 
  Construction Phase     
  PCs first roll CP
  PCs first roll CP
  PCs first roll CP
  PCs first roll CP    
  PCs second roll CP
  PCs second roll CP
  PCs second roll CP
  PCs second roll CP        
  Patron’s CP
  Patron’s CP
  Patron’s CP
  Patron’s CP    
  CP Needed
  CP Needed
  CP Needed
  CP Needed    
  Balance  
  Balance  
  Balance  
  Balance      
      
  Foundation (DC 15) 
  _______________ 
  _               ______________70 
  90 
  ______________ 
   
  Support (DC 15) 
  _______________ 
  _               ______________70 
  95 
  ______________ 
   
  Walkway (DC 15) 
  _______________ 
  _               ______________70 
  90 
  ______________ 
   
  Finishing (DC 10) 
  _______________ 
  _               ______________50 
  70 
  ______________ 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Total Balance:  
  ______________    
      
  Step 2: Determining the Winner:
  Step 2: Determining the Winner:
  Step 2: Determining the Winner:
  Step 2: Determining the Winner:    
  Determining the winner is simply a matter of an opposed checks between Olmak’s  and Jalab’s teams. Whatever side the 
  PCs are on, they will use their Balance of CPs totaled above to modify their side rolls. Their opponent’s adjustment to the 
  roll is determined by way of the chart below.  
   
   
   
      
      
          
  PCs CP balance
  PCs CP balance
  PCs CP balance
  PCs CP balance    
      
      
  Opponents CP balance
  Opponents CP balance
  Opponents CP balance
  Opponents CP balance    
   
   
    
  0 or lower 
   
   
  0 
   
   
    
  +1 to +5 
   
   
  +3 
   
   
    
  +6 to +10 
   
   
  +8 
   
   
    
  +10 to +15 
   
   
  +12 
   
   
    
  + 15 to +20 
   
   
  +17 
   
   
    
  +20 or above 
   
   
  +20 
   
  If Jalab successfully bribed the judges (see Encounter x) than he gets a +5 insight bonus to the check. Even after the 
  bribing he could still loose, because the judges do not want to be seen as suspect if there is clearly a better bridge.  
   
  During Encounter 10, feel free to allow the one of the PCs to roll for their side’s check. Roll the opponents check openly 
  so that there is no hard feelings. In the end the whim of the judges (as represented by the dice) determines the victor.  
   
  
   
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SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Living Greyhawk/Modules/Yeomanry/591/Normal Scenarios/YEO1-02 - Throwing Stones (APL 2-6)/YEO1-02 - Throwing Stones.pdf