(IC) Against the Giants PBP Group 2

[FitzTheRuke]

Laerthar crossed the room and freed his captive aide, Utharn. He turned and listened to Kahru and answered, "Outside influence? Do you mean to suggest that we of giant-kind are allowing ourselves to be manipulated?"

He thought for a moment and answered, "A few days ago, I would have crushed you with my bare hand for such a suggestion, but it seems... it may be possible. I must return to Howling Craig immediately and consult with Thane Arnak.

 

[Steve Gorak]

Gimlak approaches Laerthar and says in Giant “ We understand that you must consult wih your Dain. There may be many plots at work here, and if you allow me, and I mean no disrespect, if outsiders are at work, it would make sense that they dealt with the hill giants. Notwithstanding this, we would appreciate if you could guide us to rooms where there are other prisoners, or any other threat that we need to deal with. We intend to liberate the keep. ”. He then bows respectfully.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Laerthar nodded, "You have bested the giants, myself included. Though Smolderheart punished me for overstepping the Ordning - I had thought that he was only here to make arms and armor, but he fancied himself next in line after Nosnra died."

"I did not expect to lead this place, but only to make peace with you to avoid bloodshed. But Smolderheart and Notkur," he indicated the dead hill giant youth, "Who was Nosnra's heir, though I doubt that he would have lasted long with the violent ambitions of the Hill Giants - would not have me make peace, and declared me traitor."

When Utharn was free, he continued, "I will have us abandon the dig and release the orcs. I do not think that there is much more for you to find here, but I will leave it in your hands. Perhaps I will return and negotiate with whoever you leave in charge here to resume our search. Perhaps there is nothing left to find."

He shrugged his big shoulders as if he no longer cared either way.

 

[Steve Gorak]

“I appreciate your candor, and know that you and your Daim are welcome in my dwarves hall. I also hope you understand, I believe we will burn this keep to the ground once we are done.”

 

[Kobold Stew]

How long had it been since this group first assembled in Lord Falldur's courtyard?

The Colonel looked at the assessed his companions. Donnell, whom Lord Falldur had entrusted in his care, was now, in so short a time, a soldier... no, more: he was a veteran. Any who had survived this battle deserved that title."Well done," he says offering a hand to any survivor -- both the strike forces but also the soldiers who had fought without the experience of battle the Colonel had.

Perhaps some were wounded; they could be healed, and he wil help as he can. Perhaps some were disheartened: the weight of victory is itself not always free from cost, and as he looked away it was not a scene of joy. Only release.

The Colonel's knees hurt, and his right ear was ringing, but he'd be able to heal himself in a few days if the pain there continued. Above all, though, the Colonel knew that the threat still existed.

He does not have the same sense that the fort must be levelled -- surely that decision could be left til later. Having Lord Falldur's banner above this steading might carry more force than its destruction. But this was not for him or for this team, ot call -- at least as far as the Colonel is concerned.

Doc, Gimlack, Kahru, and Donnell. The Colonel looks each of them in the eye. In the weary eye. He asks Doc if he can bum a smoke.

Captain Caine and his men also deserve his thanks. And these stone giants, whose begrudging alliance they seem to have now earned. But it is an uneasy peace, and it's better to let others have those conversations.

The Colonel finds a wall, sits down and leans against it.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnell Race: Human HP: 43/43 TH: 14 AC: 17/19 w shield

Pass Perc: 14 Pass Inv: 10 Pass Ins: 17 Initiative: +2

HD: 5/6 Action Surge: 0/1 Second Wind 0/1 arrows: 19

---

Donnell takes the Colonel's hand and grips it to shake it but it quickly turns to an embrace. The last battle was chaotic and harried and the young soldier as the adrenaline runs its course it's replaced with relief and strong emotion.

"Thank-you for all that you've done for my Lord Falldur - you risked so much! And thank you for taking me under your wing and having faith in me. I often wondered if I could even be useful but I never felt that I was a burden. You've all taught me so much in such a short time."

He approached each of them in turn and congratulated them on their victory, shaking their hands or slapping them on the back or hugging them.

Then he went to see if he could help with his wounded kinsmen. He wasn't gifted in skill of healing and was put to work moving the wounded and the dead.

 

[Kobold Stew]

"No, lad. Thank you." The Colonel takes Donnell's hand.

 

[Tonguez]

The northman did not waiver when the Steinjotun replied to him. The response was not unexpected, and indeed, once upon a time the barbarian would have issued much the same warning as Learthar had. Nonetheless is was the Skyjotun Lord Thyffon who had raised the external manipulation and Kahru was still interested to find more in whatever time remained.

Fortunately the Dwarf Gimlak stepped in with his more studied diplomacy, though the princes noble arrogance may have caused him to presume greater authority than he had. Surely it was for Lord Faldurs to determine if the Steading was burned or remained - and in his absence did that mean that Captain Caine or even the Squire Donnel had the superior right? The ways of the north were easier, who could understand the politics of the civilized?

Kahru chuckled as the lad came to acknowledge him "You are a true blooded warrior of your people now young Donnell! You do honour to your Chieftain and if it was up to me I would reward you with lands and wealth and beautiful women.

Alas I have none of those things to grant you! So instead I will embrace you as a brother in arms" and with that he wrapped his big arms around the young mans shoulders, hugging him to his chest, while a big grin lit up his features.

The aftermath was something else. The Druid offered healing as required, and shared good berries for those who needed sating. Afterwards he inquired as to what plans Tamanar the elf might have, then looked about in whatever locked chest and boxes remained to see what he might find

and finally the zealot of Clan Storm Bear would take the corpse of old Ironjaws, remove it from the hall and lay it in the woods to be returned to the soil ...