Against the Giants: Steading of the Hill Giant Chief

[Phaezen]

The mention of the ruins under the steading gets Brook's interest, he turns to the scholar

"Greeting Thaddeus, my name is Brook, and as you have correctly surmised we are here is deal with the giants.

However, I am a scholar by nature and would be interested in investigating the temple you say is under the compound. Is there anything you can tell us about it?"

 

[tiornys]

"Pleased to meet you, Master Brook," beams Thaddeus. "I'm afraid we have no verifiable information about the temple. There are several theories, of course.... Anders thinks it was an ancient temple of Sehanine. Others have linked it to Bane or Gruumsh. Qversti'ich claims it is no temple at all, but a gate to bizzare realms. I... well, I have a theory, but I'd rather not share it in case I am wrong."

Thaddeus pauses, then continues, "This is why any information you can bring back is key! We know so little, but it could be very important...." Trailing off, Thaddeus stares into the distance for a long moment before suddenly focusing sharply on Brook.

"If I'm right, the temple could be very dangerous! Should you find it, be cautious!

Blinking rapidly a few times, Thaddeus smiles wanly, "Er, but I'm sure you would be. Experienced adventurers and all.

[sblock=Miranda, Lucan, and Gwenn]"Anders" is almost certainly a reference to Toman Anders, Master Librarian of the King's Library in Galvidan.[/sblock]

[sblock=Miranda]"Qversti'ich" is a Dao scholar who maintains a dwelling on one of the more stable earthmotes in the Elemental Chaos. He is reputed to be an outcast and an expert on the composition of the planes, but little is actually known about him among the Efreet.[/sblock]

 

[drothgery]

"I can certainly understand if you'd rather not tell us your theory, but if the ruins are something unusual, there may be dangers there beyond the giants, and I usually prefer to be the surprise, not to be surprised." 'Mari' said.

 

[tiornys]

GM: If you're making a serious attempt at persuading him to offer his theory, I'll want a Diplomacy roll please.

 

[Scotley]

Wik was prepared to dismiss Thaddeus until he began to speak of danger. "I understand your desire to keep things close to the vest in case your theory turns out to be correct. You wouldn't want to have some other scholar take credit for something you figured out first. But I have no academic standing. I go forth to put my life on the line. Please be candid with us and tell us what sort of things might tell us we have wandered into danger. Certainly signs that we are on ground sacred to Sehanine would be good news even Bane's influence might be to our benefit given the nature of our mission. The unblinking eye of Gruumsh will make us wary. This gate you speak of disturbs me and we would avoid anything of that sort. I want to return alive from this mission. If you know something that threatens my, our, personal safety you must put aside your academic dispassion and share what you know. We are not going to a lecture hall we go to war."

 

[drothgery]

GM: If you're making a serious attempt at persuading him to offer his theory, I'll want a Diplomacy roll please.

OOC: Okay.

 

[pathfinderq1]

"Indeed, Master Cole, any information might be helpful. Not only might it help to protect us, if the place is as dangerous as you think, but it might help us understand what we find. If you would tell us of your theories, we might find clues that we would otherwise dismiss as unimportant." Miranda's voice was calmer than some of the others here, and held the resonance of someone experienced at oratory.

OOC: Miranda auto-succeeds at Aid Another (minimum roll 18); if you want her own roll instead of an Aid, it is 1d20+17= 23; roll Roll Lookup

 

[tiornys]

"I... truly, if I knew anything, I would not hesitate to tell you. But some things should not be spoken of--should not be thought of, in truth." Thaddeus shivers for a moment, then sighs.

"Suffice to say that my theory concerns such a thing. A being wrapped in secrecy and shrouded in madness. If you find that greens and purples dominate the decor, with, perhaps, depictions of tentacles, beware of madness, of losing control of yourself!"

Thaddeus grimaces. "Of course, I'm probably wrong, worrying you all over nothing. Anders is very good at this kind of research, and of course he has so many resources...."

GM: A difficult Religion check or a very difficult Dungeoneering or Arcana check can reveal the being that Thaddeus is hinting at.

 

[drothgery]

Gwenn Arellic, human rogue(thief)

"Thank you." 'Mari' says. Not that what he said gave her the slightest hint of anything.

 

[Scotley]

Wik considers the man's words. If he is so sure he's wrong why would such a timid fellow come to us at all? What could he be thinking of? "Well thank you for what you did reveal to us. It certainly doesn't fill me with hope. A mad out of control giant does not sound like a better foe than those I've already faced. Perhaps we can speak with this Anders as well?"