AtG Howling Crag (5e PBP) IC

[FitzTheRuke]

Utharn stood still for a moment. Still enough that he could have been a statue. But then his head shifted to one side, showing that he'd been thinking. He answered Donnell, ::Yes, I think that I will, though it make me a traitor. I know that you excel at carnage, so I ask that you stay out of the higher levels of the Spires. Most of our common population live and work there. If you are on the gate-level, do not go up. Similarly, the Thane's close family live in the Warrens under the southern spire. You will see children - ::

Here, he broke off, thinking that smalls might not recognise a Stone Giant Child, and he held his hand up at about ten feet, indicating their approximate height. ::You would only gain our everlasting animosity if you destroy a generation.::

::But I care not what you do to anyone you find who is your own size. The gargoyles, elementals, and plants can be replaced. If you stay out of his lair in the south-west warrens, or offer him a bribe, I expect that Ezevon the Cave Dragon will not be a problem for you.::

On the subject of entry, he said, ::I suppose that if I am going to betray my people (even if it is for their own good) then I may as well go all-in. There is a tunnel entrance to the warrens in the gorge. It is blocked at both ends by stones that take two of us to roll aside, so I am not sure if it is possible for you to gain entry, but I can describe how to get there if you wish.::

 

[Kobold Stew]

"Do not speak of betrayal," says the Colonel to the nervous Stone Giant, hoping to reassure him. "Your loyalty to your lord is clear, and your concern sincere. And you have my word that we intend no harm to the Thane, nor to the children within. When we return, we shall no longer be ambassadors, and if things be as you say, our animosity will be directed only at the advisors, at those who are our size, as you say. We will work not to harm your kinfolk, and not to kill those who raise a hand against us."

The Colonel levitates, to speak to Utharn looking him in the eye. He wishes he shared a language, but he doesn't and must speak in Common.

"You do now know us, and your mistrust is understandable. But I say this to you: we are not your enemy, and we mean your Thane and your people no harm. We seek what is bringing imbalance to the giants, for the greater safety of us all. If we work together, this will be accomplished much easier, with what we hope will be no loss of life among your people. When we come, it will be for the smalls."

The Colonel holds the giant's gaze, and slowluy settles down on the ground again. Using the telepathic bond, he shares with the others. "Add your own oaths as you will. We do not need to know of the passage, but perhaps if he tells us, he will think that is the means of our appoach. It will not be, but there may be value in some misdirection."

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 91/91 AC: 18/20(with shield)	Buffs: 15/15 Temp Hit Points +5HP (aid) 8/8hrs Soul's help 1/1 1d8	Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [X] []
Channel Divinity: 2/2	Lay on Hands: 30/30	Arnythyn: HP: 25/25
Spoiler: Stats(saves) STR: 13+1(+4) DEX: 16+3(+10) CON: 14+2(+5) INT: 10+0(+7) WIS: 12+1(+4) CHA:16 +3(+6) *saves include aura	Spoiler: Skills Athletics+5 History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5	Spoiler: Spells Daily: Divine Smite 1/1 Find Steed: 1/1 Memorized spells 1st : Shield of Faith*, Prot. frm Evil* Cure wounds, Bless, Divine Favor, Divine Smite Heroism 2nd: Aid*, Zone of Truth*, Protection from Poison, Shining Smite

---

Donnell wasn't much for making vows or oaths. He'd made deals with agents in rival clans and he'd done his best to keep his side of the bargain. But that was more about maintaining a reputation for being good with your word than saying something for the sake of honour. It wasn't that he was against 'honour' as a concept but, in general, he avoided making promises he couldn't keep.

But maybe that wasn't true. He drew the line at attacking non-combatants - especially children. He'd been shocked when the hill giant 'Prince' had been slaughtered at the Hill GIant Steading. It was a line he'd never cross.

"I have no interest in bothering children and will avoid them at all costs. As I'd expect from your people in a time of war.

Before we go in, we need to do several things to ensure we don't blunder into the wrong places.



First, would you be willing to telepathically bond with us? It won't last long, maybe an hour or so but it gives us the ability to bring you into any plans we might have.*



Second, I need you to confirm some intelligence we have on the Crag:

- There are rumours that a Frost Giant is residing here. Is that true? What is his role in all this and is he considered an enemy.

- There is a dwarf imprisoned. Is this true? Who is he and why is he here?"

He wanted to get more details on what they had divined and, importantly, see if Utharn would withhold any information from them.

- Three days ago, three 'smalls' were admitted several days ago? Why are they here? Are they human? What can you tell us about them?

- What can you tell us about the two 'smalls' that are now advisors to the Thane?"

---

OOC: *I want to telepathically bond with Utharn ONLY if, when we communicate, we can keep him out of our conversations until necessary. Example: is it possible for Donnell to have a side-conversation with one bonded person without the others 'hearing' the conversation? If so, it's worth bonding with him. Otherwise, I don't really want him privy to every conversation.

 

[Steve Gorak]

OOC: *I want to telepathically bond with Utharn ONLY if, when we communicate, we can keep him out of our conversations until necessary. Example: is it possible for Donnell to have a side-conversation with one bonded person without the others 'hearing' the conversation? If so, it's worth bonding with him. Otherwise, I don't really want him privy to every conversation.

OOC: fyi, Gimlak can do this through Telepathic speech. A different ability to use telepathy on 1 creature. Unless your character has that capability.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Utharn scanned the sky once more, clearly looking out for the Roc-Rider. He said, ::I must return soon; there may not be time for a psychic connection to be made. But I will try to answer your questions quickly: The Frost Giant Mirgvard is an emissary of Jarl Grugnur. He demands that we send increasing numbers of strong giants to support the raids. I do not care what becomes of him. The dwarf, I am told, is an artisan who led a group of her people who were doing decorative carvings for the Thane. I do not know what crime she committed, nor what happened to her workers. It did not occur to me to ask. The group that arrived recently, I think were humans, yes. Though two of them were giant-kin, which is perhaps why they were admitted. Castellan Belastraya seemed to be expecting them and sent them below. The advisors, I do not know. They arrived while I was at the Steading and I have not seen them, but Laerthar told me that they are serpent-like. I do not know if he meant that they are lizardfolk, something else, or simply to insult them.::

A great eagle's cry was heard in the clouds not far away, and Utharn yelled, :: Do NOT return! This place is not for smalls!::

And he left the group at the bend in the road and turned toward the gates. Soon the massive shadow of an enormous eagle passed overhead, with the stone giantess rider who peered over its side at them with open hostility. She passed by, but immediately circled back to swoop low over them, intending to drive them on their way.

OOC: By giant-kin, he means goliaths.

 

[Steve Gorak]

Gimlak nods to the giant and says Telepathically we will be able to communicate for a bit.

OOC: I re-read telepathic speech. It only lasts sorcerer level minutes (11) but message is 120 ft so that may be enough when we are closer. Telepathic Speech. Bonus Action. Pick a creature you can see within 30ft of you. You can communicate telepathically with each other while you are within CHA mod miles of each other. You must each use a language the other knows. It lasts (Sorcerer level) minutes & ends early if you form a Telepathic connection with another creature.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 91/91 AC: 18/20(with shield)	Buffs: 15/15 Temp Hit Points +5HP (aid) 8/8hrs Soul's help 1/1 1d8	Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [X] []
Channel Divinity: 2/2	Lay on Hands: 30/30	Arnythyn: HP: 25/25
Spoiler: Stats(saves) STR: 13+1(+4) DEX: 16+3(+10) CON: 14+2(+5) INT: 10+0(+7) WIS: 12+1(+4) CHA:16 +3(+6) *saves include aura	Spoiler: Skills Athletics+5 History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5	Spoiler: Spells Daily: Divine Smite 1/1 Find Steed: 1/1 Memorized spells 1st : Shield of Faith*, Prot. frm Evil* Cure wounds, Bless, Divine Favor, Divine Smite Heroism 2nd: Aid*, Zone of Truth*, Protection from Poison, Shining Smite

---

Time to go, I guess.

 

[Kobold Stew]

The Colonel nods to Utharn as he leaves, and urges the others to come under cover of a nearby overhang, so that the group is out of sight of any eagle rider. "We won't be able to fool them for long, but perhaps if we wait until a while, we shall have further intelligence."

Spark, of course, is still inside the giants' fortress.

"With what Gimlak has learned, there is access through both the South Spire and the North Spire that we can access, but which may be under-protected, if they think the route inaccessible. It will take work, but I feel that way is safest and means we will not be encountering opposition at a guarded barricade."

He looks at each of the others. "I think we want to rescue the dwarf prisoner as well, though the priorty should be disrupting the enemy influence on the Thane." The Colonel hears the tone of his own voice and checks himself. He turns to Donnell: "That is if you agree."

OOC: Reference maps

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 91/91 AC: 18/20(with shield)	Buffs: 15/15 Temp Hit Points +5HP (aid) 8/8hrs Soul's help 1/1 1d8	Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [X] []
Channel Divinity: 2/2	Lay on Hands: 30/30	Arnythyn: HP: 25/25
Spoiler: Stats(saves) STR: 13+1(+4) DEX: 16+3(+10) CON: 14+2(+5) INT: 10+0(+7) WIS: 12+1(+4) CHA:16 +3(+6) *saves include aura	Spoiler: Skills Athletics+5 History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5	Spoiler: Spells Daily: Divine Smite 1/1 Find Steed: 1/1 Memorized spells 1st : Shield of Faith*, Prot. frm Evil* Cure wounds, Bless, Divine Favor, Divine Smite Heroism 2nd: Aid*, Zone of Truth*, Protection from Poison, Shining Smite

---

Under the glare of the patrolling eagle-mounted giant, they walked and talked. Donnell nodded to the Colonel's assessment,

"Judicious use of Mass Suggestion will let us to avoid combat if we accidentally run into civilians.

The way from the gorge leads into the Warrens, where the children are, so we need to avoid that. We still don't know what's beyond the closed double-doors. I'm assuming that's where the leadership.

The North tower seems the best choice since it only has two units. I'm not sure we can risk freeing the prisoner without drawing the attention of the Frost Giant. That may have to wait. Any engagements there will bring in enemies from the courtyard.

But where does that tower even lead? A room full of electric balls? Is the Thane beyond that? Or is that where the Dragon is?"

 

[Kobold Stew]

The Colonel holds his gaze as Donnell betrays himself with too many questions. All these are things we must discover, he thinks.