Steve Gorak
Adventurer
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AtG Howling Crag (5e PBP) IC
- Thread starter FitzTheRuke
- Start date
Steve Gorak
Adventurer
Gimlak nods and proceeds contacting the Thane. He says in Giant "Greetings great Thane. Prince Gimlak Silverbeard speaking, heir to King Torbin. My companions and I respectfully request an audience. We shall arrive in three days."
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FitzTheRuke
Legend
Kahru
Waythe was a rather large sword, and when Kahru was not expecting battle, he often hung her on the wall in a nice spot in the castle. She was pleased with the honour, though she longed to be at war, slashing foes to death. When Kahru fetched her to leave, she was excited to go. Her spot on the wall held a few other objects that Kahru had acquired from the Hill Giant Steading. She commented on one, gifted to Kahru by the liberated dwarves. First, by noting that it wasn't much for conversation, then through a tangent or two before she said something that made Kahru listen more closely to her rambling: "I wonder if we will get to slay any dwarves. Lord Thyffon, when he was engaged in long, boring talks with the hill giants, told me that he did not trust the dwarf that had arrived with the fire giant Smolderheart. I thought that we might kill him, but then he left. Lord Obmi. That was his name. The dwarf, I mean. Thyffon did not think that he was much of a 'lord', though."
* * *
Gimlak
Gimlak had never met Thane Arnak, and could not directly send to him (and would not, in any case, unless they had established a closer relationship), but the group had been invited to an audience by Emissary Laerthar and had established something of a friendly relationship with his assistant at the steading, a stone giant named Utharn. He began by contacting Laerthar. His answer was short: "I am sorry, but do not come; you will be refused."
And further communication was cut-off.
* * *
Both Kahru and Gimlak had done cursory reconnaissance of the route from Greyfalls to Howling Crag. The first in the form of various animals, and the second by psychic eyes. An old, no-longer used dwarf road passed through the mountains from the south travelling north, that passed to the east of the high peaks where the Stone Giants lived. The giants had their own trails that crossed the mountains, though some of them would be difficult to travel for a smaller creatures. And of course, many animal trails also wound around mountainous obstacles.
Though it was only about 15 miles away by flight or psychic travel, the trip would take them four or five days on the ground. Kahru had once observed a stone giantess mounted upon a giant eagle, which could only have been a gift to her from the cloud giants. This concerned him that they were once again involved, but there was no way of knowing how or when she had acquired the eagle, without speaking to her (or to Lord Thyffon) about it. At any rate, it would be difficult to approach the Crag unseen if she were scouting above.
Gimlak had seen a giant patrol leave the Crag - mostly stone giants, but he'd seen a frost giant as well, and two hill giants who carried their supplies. They had travelled north-east by a steep route that led toward human lands. The route they travelled was not one that Gimlak would chose to approach the Crag - he would suggest one that mostly followed a ridge from the south, and when he observed that route, he saw no giant activity on it at all.
Waythe was a rather large sword, and when Kahru was not expecting battle, he often hung her on the wall in a nice spot in the castle. She was pleased with the honour, though she longed to be at war, slashing foes to death. When Kahru fetched her to leave, she was excited to go. Her spot on the wall held a few other objects that Kahru had acquired from the Hill Giant Steading. She commented on one, gifted to Kahru by the liberated dwarves. First, by noting that it wasn't much for conversation, then through a tangent or two before she said something that made Kahru listen more closely to her rambling: "I wonder if we will get to slay any dwarves. Lord Thyffon, when he was engaged in long, boring talks with the hill giants, told me that he did not trust the dwarf that had arrived with the fire giant Smolderheart. I thought that we might kill him, but then he left. Lord Obmi. That was his name. The dwarf, I mean. Thyffon did not think that he was much of a 'lord', though."
* * *
Gimlak
Gimlak had never met Thane Arnak, and could not directly send to him (and would not, in any case, unless they had established a closer relationship), but the group had been invited to an audience by Emissary Laerthar and had established something of a friendly relationship with his assistant at the steading, a stone giant named Utharn. He began by contacting Laerthar. His answer was short: "I am sorry, but do not come; you will be refused."
And further communication was cut-off.
* * *
Both Kahru and Gimlak had done cursory reconnaissance of the route from Greyfalls to Howling Crag. The first in the form of various animals, and the second by psychic eyes. An old, no-longer used dwarf road passed through the mountains from the south travelling north, that passed to the east of the high peaks where the Stone Giants lived. The giants had their own trails that crossed the mountains, though some of them would be difficult to travel for a smaller creatures. And of course, many animal trails also wound around mountainous obstacles.
Though it was only about 15 miles away by flight or psychic travel, the trip would take them four or five days on the ground. Kahru had once observed a stone giantess mounted upon a giant eagle, which could only have been a gift to her from the cloud giants. This concerned him that they were once again involved, but there was no way of knowing how or when she had acquired the eagle, without speaking to her (or to Lord Thyffon) about it. At any rate, it would be difficult to approach the Crag unseen if she were scouting above.
Gimlak had seen a giant patrol leave the Crag - mostly stone giants, but he'd seen a frost giant as well, and two hill giants who carried their supplies. They had travelled north-east by a steep route that led toward human lands. The route they travelled was not one that Gimlak would chose to approach the Crag - he would suggest one that mostly followed a ridge from the south, and when he observed that route, he saw no giant activity on it at all.
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FitzTheRuke
Legend
Howling Crag
The home of the Stone Giants was a mighty fortress nestled between three conical mountain peaks. The immediate approach was a long, winding trail up a steep path lined with giant-sized torches, that arrived at a fortified gate. Howling winds blew through constantly, giving the place its name:
The home of the Stone Giants was a mighty fortress nestled between three conical mountain peaks. The immediate approach was a long, winding trail up a steep path lined with giant-sized torches, that arrived at a fortified gate. Howling winds blew through constantly, giving the place its name:
Doc reckoned any way they went would result in some spot o' blood, and didn't have much to offer. But he was keen to saddle up on a horse. Figgered the horse would be his favorite type o' companion- one that didn't requires conversin' and would leave him to drinkin'.
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Tonguez
A suffusion of yellow
"a dwarf working with the Ildjotun?" Kahru frowned when Waythe revealed that a dwarf had been seen in the company of Smolderheart at the Steading. It was too early to know just what connection this Lord Ombi might have with the giant's conspiracy, but the forewarning of betrayal had the Northman alert and Lord Thyffons mistrust was even more reason to be on guard.
"we may indeed need to slay a dwarf" Kahru conceded, wondering just how Gimlak might react if the need arose.
Taking wing, Kahru took point above the party as they followed the old dwarf road into the mountains. From his vantage he could watch the path ahead and around the perimeter, using his hawk sight to spot any threats and reporting them back to the others; rises and falls in the trail, places to rest and warning of potential threats, like the giantess scout mounted upon a giant eagle - did the party intend to approach the Howling Crag openly or to rely on stealth? They would need to stop and prepare before the final approach.
During a rest in the journey the Barbarian took time to question Gimlak "friend tell me, do the dwarfs and the steinjotunen have common contact? I have learnt of a dwarf named Lord Obmi, do you know him?"
"we may indeed need to slay a dwarf" Kahru conceded, wondering just how Gimlak might react if the need arose.
Taking wing, Kahru took point above the party as they followed the old dwarf road into the mountains. From his vantage he could watch the path ahead and around the perimeter, using his hawk sight to spot any threats and reporting them back to the others; rises and falls in the trail, places to rest and warning of potential threats, like the giantess scout mounted upon a giant eagle - did the party intend to approach the Howling Crag openly or to rely on stealth? They would need to stop and prepare before the final approach.
During a rest in the journey the Barbarian took time to question Gimlak "friend tell me, do the dwarfs and the steinjotunen have common contact? I have learnt of a dwarf named Lord Obmi, do you know him?"
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TaranTheWanderer
Legend
| Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 (9/9TH) AC: 18/20(with shield) | Pass Perc:15 Pass Inv: 14 Pass Ins: 15 Initiative: +3 | Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [] [] |
| Channel Divinity: 2/2 | Lay on Hands: 30 | Echthigern: HP: 25/25 |
|
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 |
Athletics+5
History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5 |
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 |
Maelshor was a celestial word that, roughly translated, meant “The Greatest and First”. Maelshor was also the name of the King's prized Stallion. The legendary Stallion that was rumoured to have been a gift from an angel. Maelshor had sired many horses during his long life at the capital and his progeny were ridden exclusively by the King's Knights.
Donnell had been gifted one such horse, named Arnythyn, which meant “Glorious One” in celestial. Donnell assumed everything was glorious in heaven – or wherever celestial horses came from – so maybe it just meant 'normal' up there. But, down here on the mortal plane, celestial horses were just that: Glorious.
Arnythyn was eighteen hands of pure muscle and majesty. His coat was pure white with a mane that seemed to blow in the air even on the calmest day and his teeth sparkled, glistening white, in the sun.
When the King gifted a horse, it was the tradition that the horse chose the Knight. When Donnell was invited to the King's stables, he was introduced to several horses, each of whom seemed to size him up. Then, it seemed to Donnell, the horses conferred with each other before Arnythyn finally stepped forward.
Donnell was overjoyed but when he attempted to mount the horse, the steed would not suffer it. Donnell tried several times to climb into the saddle but time after time, Donnell found himself lying face down in the dirt with the other knights gathered around, laughing at some private joke.
King's horses were incredibly intelligent and well trained and rarely needed to be led or tied. It was, therefore, a humiliating trek back to Greyfalls for Donnell. He still couldn't ride the horse and was forced to walk with an animal that annoyingly insisted on leading the way and leaving Donnell to trail behind like a lesser.
Owning Arnythyn was a learning curve for the staff at Greyfalls. The stable boy, Shawn, had once made the mistake of closing and barring the Stallion in his stall at the stable. The next day, Arnythyn was found grazing in the field, the door to the stall, smashed.
Donnell had toyed with the thought of using his magic whip, Obedience, to break the horse's will but quickly dismissed it. He didn't want to be a cruel master like the hill giants and wanted to build trust with the stallion. Besides, he didn't think the magic of the whip could even affect it. He'd also thought about asking Kharu for advice but he was too ashamed to admit his failures to his friends. Instead, every day, he took Arnythyn out, away from the castle, to go ride but, every day, he failed.
So it was, when the comrades came out to the front gate to gather, they found several horses which included Doc's black mare named Umber, a fully laden pack horse named Lacy and one Glorious stallion, standing majestically next to –and slightly ahead of – a sullen and dejected, Donnell.
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TaranTheWanderer
Legend
| Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 AC: 18/20(with shield) | Pass Perc:15 Pass Inv: 14 Pass Ins: 15 Initiative: +3 | Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [] [] |
| Channel Divinity: 2/2 | Lay on Hands: 30 | Echthigern: HP: 25/25 |
|
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 |
Athletics+5
History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5 |
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 |
As the group travelled, Donnell, who had wanted to "get some exercise and get accustomed to the rocky terrain" had decided to walk instead of ride. He listened to the discussion between Kharu and Gimlak.
For his own part, he'd recommended taking the south path and trying to approach using stealth. Using the scout's notes, he was hoping they'd be able to find a way to get close, unseen.
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The Colonel proceeds with the group, not feeling the need to operate with stealth unless it were ordered. And if it were, he knew that there were magics that could make a stealthy all the more effective. Using the sending stone had been a mistake, but it was a mistake the Colonel could live with. If Donnell wanted to make the approach in secret, the Colonel would not second-guess that.
They had been enjoined to make this journey. The Colonel would make it. Gates and Walls he could handle. As they began to walk, The Colonel realized that he had not brought his shield with him; indeed, he had not wanted to do so. He offers a small prayer as they set out, and he feels the immanent presence of his unseen companion, Spark, Zipping back and forth but seldom going more than 30' away.
The Colonel has come to believe that Spark is a gift from his patron divinity -- that the Lightning, which now manifests itself differently for him (it is angrier, and perhaps more aggressive) has become incarnated in her tiny form. She is there, always, listening in on conversations of others, an extra pair of eyes that reports back and whispers intelligence into his hears. And her whisper is lovely, and it is welcome.
They had been enjoined to make this journey. The Colonel would make it. Gates and Walls he could handle. As they began to walk, The Colonel realized that he had not brought his shield with him; indeed, he had not wanted to do so. He offers a small prayer as they set out, and he feels the immanent presence of his unseen companion, Spark, Zipping back and forth but seldom going more than 30' away.
The Colonel has come to believe that Spark is a gift from his patron divinity -- that the Lightning, which now manifests itself differently for him (it is angrier, and perhaps more aggressive) has become incarnated in her tiny form. She is there, always, listening in on conversations of others, an extra pair of eyes that reports back and whispers intelligence into his hears. And her whisper is lovely, and it is welcome.
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"Ready when you are, sir," the Colonel says. He takes a horse, and pulls it in position behind Donnell.
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