Assault on Stormbringer Castle

[Toric_Arthendain]

Three hurricanes have ravaged the extreme southern coast of Varisia in the last three weeks, leaving behind death and destruction on a great scale. As the locals bury their dead and make plans to rebuild, they are fearful that more storms might be coming. The leaders of Argalis, one of the towns affected, know that the hurricanes were sent by the storm giant Stozari Stormbringer for failing to pay her annual "good weather" tribute. The leaders of Argalis, along with those in the other towns devastated by the hurricanes want to put an end to the storm giantess forever and have thus begun a search for a band of adventures willing to take the job.

Your reputations are such that you were all contacted via a letter from a Lord McDurmott, governor of the town of Argalis on the southern Varisian coast. He has offered you the paltry sum of 1,000 gold pieces each to destroy the storm giantess Stozari Stormbringer, stating that he would offer more but the coastal towns affected by these storms are in a state of turmoil and need all the money they can get for rebuilding purposes. He does make mention of the other riches likely to be found in her stronghold that you are all welcome to keep for your troubles which should easily make up for the small sum of gold he is able to offer.

Upon arrival in Argalis and meeting with McDurmott, he is able to provide the following details about the castle. Ogres with ballistae guard the castle's guard towers and he has seen a hill giant at the gates. He has never been inside her tower within the castle however. He also mentions that the towns have paid the "good weather" tribute over the years but it has steadily increased to the most recent demand of 5,500 gold from the smaller towns and 20,000 gold from Argalis. When they refused to pay, Stozari sent an envoy to make demands in person. When the towns still refused, Stozari sent the three hurricanes in consecutive weeks, devastating the towns and the coastal areas. McDurmott provides directions to the castle, which is located atop a mountain 10 miles north of Argalis. Meeting your fellow adventurers who answered the call and gathering your supplies, you set out.

Wind whips about you, and a light, cold rain pelts your skin as you stare up at the giantess' mountain. A winding road cuts through the rock, leading to the castle's gates far above.

 

[OnlytheStrong]

Kulgen grumbles as the rain beats down on him. He lifts his shield over his head to block the rain and says, Me name's Kulgen Torkeln. I figger since we are gonna be fightin soon, ya outta know me name. The dwarf is less grumpy with the rain off his face, and trudges ahead.

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

The wiry elf seems more invigorated by the rainfall than anything else - though he periodically checks the oiled case that holds his most prized possession. He moves lightly from shadow to shadow, not caring do advertise his position to siege weapons on the wall - even if he does know that disguising the group's presence as a whole isn't going to happen.

"This is quite the unfriendly approach. No insult to your armor, dwarf, but maybe the lighter ones of us should try scaling the peak long enough to at least see what will be shot at us."

 

[OnlytheStrong]

Do what ya need ta do elf. I ain't fer thinkin a giant will give us much mind. They prolly fer thinkin that we'd need an army ta get inta that place.

 

[Shayuri]

"Never assume your enemy is a fool," advised a husky female voice from behind the dwarf.

"Always let it be a pleasant surprise."

It seemed to the untrained eye that there was no one there...until she moved. Then what had seemed to be just another patch of stone and shadow fluidly reformed into a young woman wearing the pelt of a white tiger as a cloak...even going so far as having a helmet made to look like its head.

She was Aridha, originally a tribeswoman of the barbaric north, who had come southward to the 'warmlands,' and taken up trade as a tracker and bounty hunter. Except for the pelt, she'd acculturated well, learning to read and write, to master the idiom and grammar of Common as spoken south of the mountains, and generally to fit in.

From within the tiger's "mouth," her face framed by vicious fangs, Aridha's pale ice-blue eyes peered out from a face darkened by a life lived under the sun. Her mouth curved in private amusement at her little quip. The smile faded when she looked up at the castle though.

"If they haven't seen us yet, they will soon. If they think we're weak or want to test our strength, they may send guards out to question and capture us."

 

[Voda Vosa]

"I will burn the foolzz if they come to threat uzz! I will burn them all to duzzt and bonezz!" the human says. His voice was like a snake or a lizard, pronouncing the "s" like "zz". Although, you can't tell if that is an eccentricity or some reptile ancestor, you can certainly tell, that his red shinny eyes, are like a live flame.

 

[maddmic]

Kale had answered the letter, not for gold or glory, but for the towns. He had grown up poor and knew what it was like to have your hard earned wages be commanded by individuals as "protection" payments. It was as a teenager he decided to become one who protects those who are taken advantage of. This situation was just that, simple and plain.

He had hunted many things. He was not the best hunter, but certainly could hold his own in combat. The group he now was a part of seemed to be somewhat prepared. The muscle they displayed indeed seemed to be what was necessary for the task at hand.

The human looked to the sky and blinked as the rain hit his face. He disliked cold and clammy days. He turned his gaze to the mountain before them and looked up the path cut in it's face. After hearing the words of the others, he continued moving towards their goal. "It does not matter to me which way you choose to approach the castle. We are under Sarenrae's protection and have nothing to fear from these evil creatures."

 

[OnlytheStrong]

I ne'er said giants were fools. The things jus' be too assured of their place on da top. The dwarf decided the rain wasn't that bad, hugged his shield tight to his body, and went as fast toward the castle as this short legs could carry him.

 

[Voda Vosa]

The soreceror aparently was unpleased with the rain, water hitting his body wasn't the most pleasant of sensations for him. "Ahj... this damn rain must be product of these evil troglodytes"

 

[hero4hire]

I ne'er said giants were fools. The things jus' be too assured of their place on da top. The dwarf decided the rain wasn't that bad, hugged his shield tight to his body, and went as fast toward the castle as this short legs could carry him.

The shirtless half-orc remained crouched, impassive and silently listening to the others "It would seem." he said softly as he rose up to his full height. Twice as tall as a normal man. "Our dwarven companion has decided for us." He finished indicating the dwarf churning his chubby legs up the path.