Phlebotomas Phlebotomas Plumthorn
Summary
Phlebotomas Phlebotomas Plumthorn was the halfling mob boss who ran an extortion racket near the pyramid landings under Arden Vul. For a long time, he and his gang of thugs controlled access to the Halls of Thoth, demanding payment from all who passed. His operation was ultimately dismantled by the Right for Riches Company in a decisive assault.
Criminal Enterprise
Phlebotomas Plumthorn’s gang controlled the territory beneath the Pyramid of Thoth. His business model involved:
- “Adventuring Licenses”: Forcing adventurers to purchase a license for 25 gp to enter the area.
- Tithing: Demanding a 10% tithe on all treasure recovered by licensed parties.
- Protection Racket: Extending his influence beyond the ruins, running a protection racket for merchants as far away as Newmarket.
- Armed Enforcement: His gang was known to be well-armed, reportedly using magic wands and poison.
Relationships
- Roskelly Winterleaf: Phlebotomas Plumthorn’s primary lieutenant, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the toll collection. He was killed by Lacrymosa while attempting to flee during the party’s final assault.
- Blandveg: An Archontean mage, alchemist, and poisoner who worked with the halflings. He was also killed by Lacrymosa.
- King Weskenim: A significant rival. Phlebotomas Plumthorn’s gang was squatting on territory that Weskenim considered a rightful goblin entrance to the surface. The goblin king encouraged the party to act as “halfling exterminators.”
- Right for Riches Company: Phlebotomas Plumthorn’s relationship with the party was fraught with tension from their first meeting. The constant tolls and harassment were a recurring point of frustration, eventually leading to his downfall.
The Downfall
After numerous sessions of debate and planning, the Right for Riches Company finally moved against Phlebotomas Plumthorn in Session 26.
- The Plan: Aided by the mercenary Lacrymosa, the party used a combination of flight and invisibility spells to bypass Phlebotomas Plumthorn’s guards and strike directly at the leadership.
- The Assault: The ambush was a resounding success. Merenuithiel Lacrymosa Merenuithiel Lacrymosa Armaris killed Blandveg almost immediately. Phlebotomas Plumthorn was quickly wounded and, after a successful intimidation by Vael, was forced to surrender.
- The Aftermath: Phlebotomas Plumthorn was stripped of his possessions, including his keys, which were later copied and given to the goblins. He and his surviving followers were exiled from Arden Vul and instructed to return to Newmarket under threat of death. His former territory was then ceded to King Weskenim’s goblins.
Appears In
- Session 2 - Halfling Rent-Seekers
- Session 3 - Dragons and Baboons and Beastmen, Oh My!
- Session 4 - Cheese and Crackers and Thoth and Demons — Uvash was still tied up in intense theological debate at the House of Gods, so the group decided to hire the mercenary on call at the Grudge Brigade, a female elven archer named Merenuithiel.
- Session 5 - Parleys and The Great Cavern — The party parleyed with Phlebotomas Plumthorn, where he asserted his ongoing control over the halfling toll collectors beneath the pyramid.
- Session 6 - Good Ghost, Bad Ghost
- Session 8a - Never Trust a Scorpion
- Session 10 - Baboons, Ghouls, and a Mule
- Session 11 - The Great Cavern Redux
- Session 26 - The Scouring of the Shire