AtG Howling Crag (5e PBP) IC

[FitzTheRuke]

A cold and misty morning came to those camped under the rocky overhang. Though it had been damp and bitter cold all night long, the group was none the worse for wear as they struck camp to make the last leg of their trek to Howling Crag. The winds that gave the Crag its name blew through, a powerful shriek that made conversation difficult, and threatened to knock down the unwary that stepped out from behind shelter.

Visibility was terrible, and flying was dangerous. The only consolation was that the giantess on her eagle was certainly faced with the same difficulty.

OOC: How would you like to go about scouting? You are 1 mile away across a gorge, but it's going to take 4-5 hours to get there on foot, and the only "easy" access is the road up to the main gates. It is possible to approach by climbing down into the gorge and back up the other side, but it's not likely to be easy. And you're leaving the horses here, correct?

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

OOC: I think the plan was for Kharu to use wildshape to scout for a back entrance and for the spellcasters to use divination magic. This was all supposed to take place over night so that we could a plan for the next morning: study new spells, if needed, etc...

 

[Steve Gorak]

OOC: yes, this. Next morning, If we’re in a pinch, 4 of us can fly for 20 minutes if Gimlak burns a 6th level slot + 1sp

 

[Kobold Stew]

OOC: Yes, I presumed we were leaving the horses. The Colonel can levitate and be pulled like a balloon....

 

[FitzTheRuke]

A mile southwest of Howling Crag
~6am on Starday, 27 Patchwall, 576cy.

Through various divinations, Gimlak had observed the Howling Crag during the night: Its great gates to the east were guarded day and night by two stone giants, with the trail leading up to the gates lined with enormous torches whose flames bent with the winds. Between the three great mountainous spires was a rocky flat space, where at least three other giants occupied a central watchpost, sitting on stone slabs around a great bonfire. Also about were piles of rocks the size of a man's head, and two steel cages. One cage appeared to be empty, but the other held a white-feathered owlbear.

Each spire had a tall cave-like entrance.

OOC: I'm not sure of the extent of the divination "scouting", but here's a map of the main entrance:

Spoiler: Map

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

OOC: I thought someone had arcane eye. Kharu had no luck finding an alternate entrance?

 

[Steve Gorak]

OOC: Maybe a silly question, but is the ground solid rock or is it soil/earth?

Gimlack shares everything he sees with his companions, so everyone has a clear idea of the layout of the keep. "So, we rest for the night, and request an audience tomorrow in the morning?"

 

[Tonguez]

Before the morning mist had risen, Kahru had descended down into the gorge, alternating between hawk, wolf and man as the conditions demanded. A mile across, it would be a difficult route for those without the benefit of flight or a wolfs stamina.
Nearing the Howling Crag, the Barbarian Druid had asked the spirits of the night to help him Pass without trace and once more called the spirit-bonded Vadasz to his side and together the two had found their way around the nearest of the mountainous spires, making way by hops and flurries, hugging close to the mountain cliffs as a buffer against the rough and unpredictable winds.

The bright fire drew his attention and hiding, the Druid willed Vadasz to go closer and look over the steinjotunen watchpost, noting just how many were waiting within. His intention was to find a way into the Crag by stealth, avoiding a confrontation at the gates before they had even gained access. Pulling Vadasz back from the edge, Kahru searched the area for other entrances and waited for the rest of the party to make their approach

OOC: I hope I havent jumped the gun too much , Anyone else want to join me on a stealth mission crossing the gorge? Spells: Once we get close to the Howling Crag I cast Pass without Trace +10 Stealth (Dex) Skill Checks: Survival +7 1D20+7 = [20]+7 = 27 Athletics +7 1D20+7 = [4]+7 = 11 Stealth +5+10* (Pass Without Trace) 1D20+5+10 = [18]+5+10 = 33 Perception +71D20+7 = [14]+7 = 21 Scouting: Is there an alternative entrance to the Howling Crag or any way of sneaking pass the Watchpost? What's the blue creature at AL-26? Quick Stats AC 15 HP 92/92 HD 11/11 PP 17 Spell DC 15 WildShape 2/3 Rage 3/3 Warrior of Spirits 4/4 Staff 7/7 Spells - 4/4 2/3 3/3

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

OOC: while Donnell is more than stealthy enough (and especially with pass without trace), he lacks the mobility.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

I thought someone had arcane eye. Kharu had no luck finding an alternate entrance?

OOC: We'll have to see. It's not quite as easy as "I fly recon."

Maybe a silly question, but is the ground solid rock or is it soil/earth?

OOC: There's barely any topsoil, and most of it is bunched up in cracks and under rocks. There's some on the flat between the peaks, but even most of that is covered in shale and gravel. Much of it quite large. No, most of the area is solid rock.

I hope I haven't jumped the gun too much.

OOC: No, this is good: It gives me an idea as to your approach and your means.

Kahru
As he had done the whole trip, Kahru broke off from the group to scout forward, sometimes as a hawk, and other times as a wolf. Flying was extremely difficult with the strength of the winds. Kahru and Vadasz looped around each other, taking turns facing the worst of the winds while they wound their way northward.

While they had not yet found a second way into the Crag (Kahru noted a few large rocks that might hide secret entrances), Kahru found that only one creature noticed (and objected to) a pair of birds landing on the outer walls. A large, blue-feathered Ice Hawk (it would stand fully the height of a man) also sheltered from the winds on the outer wall between the two northern peaks. It eyed them with malice and surely would have attacked, had it not been directly against the wind.

OOC: That's the creature at AL26. Medium Sized Ice Hawk.