AtG Howling Crag (5e PBP) IC

[FitzTheRuke]

The Gates of Howling Crag
~11am on Starday, 27 Patchwall, 576cy.

Donnell, Gimlak, and the Colonel approached the gates of Howling Crag on foot. They were a humble delegation, and it had been a long nearly five-hour hike in high winds, first down from their campsite over the gorge, and then up the long winding wide trail. The weather was terrible, and a few high-velocity rains had struck them from the north while they climbed. The two stone giants at the gates hollered in the giant tongue, ::Go back the way you came, small folk! There is nothing here for you!::

The enormous torches that lined the path up blew sideways across the trail, forcing them to hug the left-hand side (southward) to avoid the worst of the sputtering, greasy smoke from the (hopefully) animal fats that kept them from blowing out.

Kahru had avoided the predatory gaze of the ice-hawk, and was now sitting under the shelter of the northmost spire, not far from the gatehouse. From his vantage, he could see both his allies as they approached the gates, and the giants by the bonfire, who grabbed rocks from the rockpiles when they heard the tower guards call out into the windy morning. They waited impatiently to see if they'd be called to defend the gate, as the caged owlbear squawked in protest at its lack of freedom.

 

[Kobold Stew]

The Colonel Raises his voice and addresses the giants at the gates. He is jovial and holds open arms.

"We are here for the Thane, none other. Our delegation's presence is expected, and our coming has been announced. We have journeyed on appointment, and are not to be turned away." His voice takes on a warm tone of disbelief -- as if he wants to help the guard who has made an error, and not hold him accountable. "Come now, let us in, and we shall put this past us."

With every fiber of his being, the Colonel expects to be admitted. It is not deception, but rather a sense of entitlement. Of course, he knows he might be rebuffed, but if he is, he wants there to be no doubt that he has made an effort. He'll take names if he has to ("And who is the individual who has chosen to reject the Thane's guests, and Lord Falldur's emissaries?") but his intention is to persuade the guard that the group has every right to be inside.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 91/91 (15/15THP) 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 [X] []
Channel Divinity: 2/2	Lay on Hands: 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

---

As Donnell, Gimlack and the Colonel make their way up the trail, and as rain pelts down on them, Donnell shouts over the howling wind so the others can hear,

"You know, I have to say that, despite all this, I'm confident we'll get through it. I can't think of anyone I'd rather be out here with." He smiles as he pulls his hood up and over his head and adjusts his satchel. It's just a passing comment but it's just enough to raise people's spirits a little, despite the bad whether.*

***

Donnell stands and watches the interaction between the giants and the Colonel, not sure what to expect. He tries his best to help by looking 'official', although, he's not sure how to pull that off.

---

OOC: @Steve Gorak I assume we take the time to put up Telepathic Link? If a roll is necessary, I'll try aiding Kobolds roll Casting Aid on( @Steve Gorak )Gimlack, Donnell and( @Kobold Stew ) the Colonel. +5 hit points (not temporary HP) for the next 8hrs.

 

[Steve Gorak]

OOC: absolutely, before we leave, Gimlak does a ritual to set up rary's telepathic link. Our characters are now networked! Don't forget the +15 thp from inspiring leader, done right after waking up

Gimlak stands relaxed and proud next to the Colonel. He has all the allure of a dwarf that expects to be let in.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

The spirits in Doc had been howlin' at him for a while, makin' Doc 'bout as useful as wet powder to a boom-goblin. It was takin' all of his considered efforts to just walk and drink, and he was barely noticin' when the group happened upon the gates of Howling Crag.

But as they approached, something in 'em realized that this was important. You gonna skin that smokewagon or stand around whistlin' dixie? Doc took a long pull of his flask and wrestled those spirits back down. The others might need him.

And the Sheriff didn't pardon the damned for laziness.

Seeing that Hoss was goin' to parlay with the Big Uglies, Doc loosed a troublesome soul to provide Hoss a little help before moving behind Hoss and fixing a fiery gaze on them Uglies.

OOC: At the gate. Sending Soul's Help to Colonel (if he fails test he can add a d8 to roll). Using help action for Hoss. Good cop, bad cop. Hoss can parlay nice. Doc will be intimidating behind him. (No roll, but provides advatange and Doc's intimidate is +12)

 

[FitzTheRuke]

The guard stood atop the tower, high over the heads of those on the road below. He considered the Colonel's words for a considerable time before calling down in a booming voice, ::Thane Arnak has declared that there will be no audience; there will be none.::

When this declaration was not enough to have them leave, the giant listened patiently to the Colonel (who had a ghost in his ear that made suggestions of diplomatic phrasing). The guard introduced himself and the silent giant on the other tower as Brozhan and Nornorn respectively, and finally gave an inch by adding, ::If you need, I will inform Emissary Laerthar that you are here, so that he may rescind his hasty invitation.::

 

[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

---

It occurs to Donnell that the proper thing to have done, if they were following simple rules of hospitality, was bring a gift for the Thane.

Telepathically, he thinks to the others,

So now what?

 

[FitzTheRuke]

From his perch on the northern spire, with one eye on his allies and the other on those within the walls (with special attention to frost hawk, who looked at Kahru as if he would make a quick lunch, if only he could be bothered to fly against the strong wind), Kahru watched as the giants around the bonfire slowly gathered weapons just in case they were needed. The hill giant appeared particularly nervous, as the story of what happened at the Steading had reached here and spread. It was generally understood that the 'smalls' that had been there were the only group likely to arrive here.

One of the giants moved to stand by the large doors under the western spire and waited for the giant at the gate-tower to give the order to knock.

OOC: If you demand it, they will summon Laerthar (or at least, his assistant Utharn) to come talk to you.

 

[Steve Gorak]

OOC: hey @FitzTheRuke, how many giants can Gimlak see and how far away are they? Thx

 

[FitzTheRuke]

OOC: hey @FitzTheRuke, how many giants can Gimlak see and how far away are they? Thx

Ooc: There are two stone giants - one on each tower on either side of the gates. However, inside there are three more stone giants and a hill giant in the courtyard behind the gates (Kahru can see them), plus there are probably more (at least the Stone Priest to the south and a Frost Giant to the north) in the immediate parts of the spires. On top of THAT, it seems likely that Laerthar and/or Utharn, and/or anyone else, could be summoned with a knock on the west spires's doors.