FitzTheRuke
Legend
"Maybe we can convince them that they're better off leaving us alone?" asked Donnell while quickly collecting his surviving arrows.
(IC) Against the Giants PBP Group 2
- Thread starter FitzTheRuke
- Start date
Tonguez
A suffusion of yellow
Kahru looked back at the squire with an approving nod and despite Waythes urgent drive to slay these too he sain “there is merit in that”.
The Barbarian Druid had moved closer to the Colonel, around the dead carcasses, as he considered the options before them, to flee, subdue the stone giants or keep on fighting.
“Stone giants are known for wisdom are they not?“ he posed the question to himself as much as the others “Perhaps with these worthless bulks slain and with Thyffons favour we can convince the Steinjotenen to abandon Nosras failed scheme”
Time was of the essence now and though he was not fully recovered, Kahru steeled himself, waiting to see how the others might respond ”but Colonel where will they return and what need we do to subdue them?”
The Colonel's head is pounding; he can feel the minute ticking away. "Decide quick -- they'll be coming soon. I'm no negotiator, but if someone wants to speak first, say so."
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Steve Gorak
Adventurer
"I can speak, and I agree that there is no need for bloodshed if the stone giants are willing to talk. I have met stone giants in the past, and indeed, they tend to be reasonable. Speak now if you want me to bring up any point or ask any specific question."
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The Colonel looks a Gimlack, and says, "Tell me when you're ready." Then, over his shoulder, "Donnell; find cover."
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FitzTheRuke
Legend
There was a whooshing wind, and the two Stone Giants returned, with furious expressions on their faces. One looked as if nothing could calm his fury but a fight to the death, but the other put a hand on the first one's shoulder and gestured to the carnage of the room. They had, of course, heard about the death of Chief Nosnra the night before. Now faced with the utter destruction in the great hall, they understood that these small folk were a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps a force to be reasoned with.
As it appeared that the invaders were prepared to to parlay, the (slightly) calmer stone-giant spoke, saying, "I am Utharn. This is Laerthar, Emissary of Thane Arnak of the Howling Crag. You may speak to him."
Utharn stepped aside, and Laerthar said as if he found it hard to believe, "Am I to understand that you are the slayers of Chief Nosnra, his second wife Grutha, and their entire brood? You have made my task for my Thane much more difficult."
As it appeared that the invaders were prepared to to parlay, the (slightly) calmer stone-giant spoke, saying, "I am Utharn. This is Laerthar, Emissary of Thane Arnak of the Howling Crag. You may speak to him."
Utharn stepped aside, and Laerthar said as if he found it hard to believe, "Am I to understand that you are the slayers of Chief Nosnra, his second wife Grutha, and their entire brood? You have made my task for my Thane much more difficult."
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Steve Gorak
Adventurer
Gimlak steps toward the stone giants with a practiced calm and composed demeanor. "Thank you Utharn and greetings Laerthar, I am Gimlak Silverbeard, Firstborn son of Torbin, King of the Mountains. Apologies for the unannounced imposition, but we had a quarrel with your hosts, and did not want to force your hand. Indeed, Nostra and the others were less than cooperative with us, which was unfortunate for them." Pausing for a second to let the information sink, Gimlak adds "Do share what your Thane requested, perhaps our objectives can converge, or at least, not be in conflict with one another."
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JustinCase
the magical equivalent to the number zero
Snakes can remain still for long stretches of time, waiting patiently to see what a potential prey will do and whether it will wander carelessly within reach of a poisoned fang or suffocating coils. Likewise, Duvrael remained motionless, relying on his lack of movement to keep him unnoticed until the stone giants make any indication of getting hostile.
The spell that kept the starspawn invisible, outside, was a minor buzzing in his head, requiring his focus but only a bit, so that the yuan ti wizard can easily follow the conversation between Gimlak and the stately jotuns.
The spell that kept the starspawn invisible, outside, was a minor buzzing in his head, requiring his focus but only a bit, so that the yuan ti wizard can easily follow the conversation between Gimlak and the stately jotuns.
FitzTheRuke
Legend
The Stone Giant Emissary eyed the dwarf for a moment, sizing him up, as it were. Gimlak had carefully used the title "King of the Mountains" in describing his father, for he knew that announcing which mountains would likely lead to conflict. The stone giants and the dwarves of the Crystalmist mountains had long argued over who was king of what.
Soon Laerthar replied, saying, "Your quarrel with Chief Nosnra no doubt began with his raids. We stone giants have remained neutral when it comes to raiding. It is neither here, nor there, to us. Thane Arnak has us here to learn what the Dirt Giants have found under their steading, and to join in its excavation. Two of my men work to uncover it now."
He turned to his aide and asked (in giant), ::Are there dwarves among the laborers?::
Utharn nodded and added, ::I believe there are some involved in the excavations and more of them at Smolderheart's Smithy::
Laerthar waved a hand, as if that last was more information than he cared to have, and he said magnanimously, "I will have them released into your custody."
"Heed my warning: With Chief Nosnra and Grutha dead, you will find that there will be a short reprieve followed by righteous vengeance. His first wife, Morzul, was mother to a few of these... offspring. That she did not eat them as babies suggests that she was fond. She has the ear of Jarl Grugnur of the Shrouded Glacier. The frost giants will soon be on the march."
Soon Laerthar replied, saying, "Your quarrel with Chief Nosnra no doubt began with his raids. We stone giants have remained neutral when it comes to raiding. It is neither here, nor there, to us. Thane Arnak has us here to learn what the Dirt Giants have found under their steading, and to join in its excavation. Two of my men work to uncover it now."
He turned to his aide and asked (in giant), ::Are there dwarves among the laborers?::
Utharn nodded and added, ::I believe there are some involved in the excavations and more of them at Smolderheart's Smithy::
Laerthar waved a hand, as if that last was more information than he cared to have, and he said magnanimously, "I will have them released into your custody."
"Heed my warning: With Chief Nosnra and Grutha dead, you will find that there will be a short reprieve followed by righteous vengeance. His first wife, Morzul, was mother to a few of these... offspring. That she did not eat them as babies suggests that she was fond. She has the ear of Jarl Grugnur of the Shrouded Glacier. The frost giants will soon be on the march."
Steve Gorak
Adventurer
Gimlack represses his anger. These giants didn't value dwarven lives to use them as slaves without a second thought. However, nothing showed in his demeanor.
"Your gracious gesture to release my brethren is much appreciated, let us go to them so we may take them into our custody"
Following the warning regarding Morzul, Gimlak smiles. "Many thanks, yet again. We prefer to discuss these matters but are more than capable to deal with any disagreement"
"Your gracious gesture to release my brethren is much appreciated, let us go to them so we may take them into our custody"
Following the warning regarding Morzul, Gimlak smiles. "Many thanks, yet again. We prefer to discuss these matters but are more than capable to deal with any disagreement"
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FitzTheRuke
Legend
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"As you wish. Utharn will take you to the cellars to free your kin. The hour is late and there is much to do. I will deal with the remaining hill giants and tell them to stand aside." Laerthar declared with the air of one who is used to having his declarations followed.
He spoke quickly to Utharn in giant, ::Just do it. Tell Laikus and Maggith that they will have to proceed without the dwarves. Smolderheart is unlikely to give up his assistants. Avoid him if you can.::
Utharn nodded and bade the small invaders to follow him.
Steve Gorak
Adventurer
Gimlack nods his appreciation. Since Gimlak speaks Giant, he infers that Smolderheart is also located below.
He tells his companions telepathically: "I think Smolderheart is also here. I will wait for the first group of dwarves to be released before I ask them about those with Smolderheart. Let us follow them."
He tells his companions telepathically: "I think Smolderheart is also here. I will wait for the first group of dwarves to be released before I ask them about those with Smolderheart. Let us follow them."
The Colonel senses the tension before the fight relax, and is content to say nothing, given that it was he who banished the Stone Giants. He says nothing -- diplomacy has never been a strength. But he keeps Donnell close, calling him over with a gesture.
He'll be happy to head down to free the dwarves as soon as he can.
He'll be happy to head down to free the dwarves as soon as he can.
Tonguez
A suffusion of yellow
Kahru stood back silent and poised as the dwarf prince stepped forward to speak with the Steinjotenen emmisary. Still gripped in his hand the Great Sword Waythe yet urged the barbarian zealot to attack, but Kahru knew this was the time for diplomacy not battle, and he scowled deeply as he called for Waythe to be patient.
Fortunately the northmans instinct concerning the Stone giants nature had been right, they were not driving this strange alliance, and he saw no reason to disbeleive their stated motives nor their goodwill gesture and warning.
It seemed they would not just be facing lowly ogres but also Isejotunen from the Shrouded Glacier and whomever else was in the cellars with Smoulderhearts smithy.
’so what could they be digging for below?” Kahru blurted out after the order to release the dwarfs had been given by the giant Laerthar. Realising that it was a giveaway that he understood the giant tongue he continued “my Lord does not beleive that Nosra was behind this alliance of giants and that there is a hidden authority pulling the strings, I am tasked to find out who. Please tell your Thane to be wary”
Kahru was not great a diplomat (nor spy), but he made sure to not name Lord Thyffon, even as he revealed his cards - for good or ill…
Fortunately the northmans instinct concerning the Stone giants nature had been right, they were not driving this strange alliance, and he saw no reason to disbeleive their stated motives nor their goodwill gesture and warning.
It seemed they would not just be facing lowly ogres but also Isejotunen from the Shrouded Glacier and whomever else was in the cellars with Smoulderhearts smithy.
’so what could they be digging for below?” Kahru blurted out after the order to release the dwarfs had been given by the giant Laerthar. Realising that it was a giveaway that he understood the giant tongue he continued “my Lord does not beleive that Nosra was behind this alliance of giants and that there is a hidden authority pulling the strings, I am tasked to find out who. Please tell your Thane to be wary”
Kahru was not great a diplomat (nor spy), but he made sure to not name Lord Thyffon, even as he revealed his cards - for good or ill…
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FitzTheRuke
Legend
Utharn led the group out of the great hall and into the corridor that led toward the kitchen. There a lone female hill giant raised her club nervously upon spotting the small folk following the stone giant.
::I am taking them to the cellars. Stand aside.:: The stone giant said in a deep voice full of authority.
::Buh... they's da smalls wud kilt the chief!?:: the hill giant stammered stupidly.
::Yes they are. Think carefully, now: If they can kill your chief, his wife, their guards, and nearly all of their children in under a minute, what chance do you think you have against them?:: Utharn said flatly and waited patiently while she made a slow calculation.
::Uh... I'm gonna go ged a bite t'eat.:: she said, lowering her club. She shuffled off through the kitchen doors.
The stone giant took them the other way, through a set of doors that led, first to an empty guard-room with smelly unkempt mattresses, and then to a flight of stairs that led downward.
Utharn stopped at the top of the stairs and looked thoughtful for a moment. He sighed and spoke in the common tongue, "I should warn you: I do not know if I can so easily convince the Keeper of the Cells to let us pass. Nor yet, the bugbear guards. I am not their master. In fact, I hold no authority here beyond what is granted me by the Ordening and my Thane, through his emissary. Hill Giants are a brutish sort and you have killed what passes for their leadership. I cannot predict how they will act."
::I am taking them to the cellars. Stand aside.:: The stone giant said in a deep voice full of authority.
::Buh... they's da smalls wud kilt the chief!?:: the hill giant stammered stupidly.
::Yes they are. Think carefully, now: If they can kill your chief, his wife, their guards, and nearly all of their children in under a minute, what chance do you think you have against them?:: Utharn said flatly and waited patiently while she made a slow calculation.
::Uh... I'm gonna go ged a bite t'eat.:: she said, lowering her club. She shuffled off through the kitchen doors.
The stone giant took them the other way, through a set of doors that led, first to an empty guard-room with smelly unkempt mattresses, and then to a flight of stairs that led downward.
Utharn stopped at the top of the stairs and looked thoughtful for a moment. He sighed and spoke in the common tongue, "I should warn you: I do not know if I can so easily convince the Keeper of the Cells to let us pass. Nor yet, the bugbear guards. I am not their master. In fact, I hold no authority here beyond what is granted me by the Ordening and my Thane, through his emissary. Hill Giants are a brutish sort and you have killed what passes for their leadership. I cannot predict how they will act."
The Colonel nods, and dares to offer an answer, since Utharn seems not to be holding a grudge. Would he himself be so charitable, he wonders, and utters a prayer of hope that he may never need to find out.
He looks up at the giant.
"We know this is not your fight, but it is something we must see through to the end. We appreciate your help in taking us as far as you are able. We shall remember."
He looks up at the giant.
"We know this is not your fight, but it is something we must see through to the end. We appreciate your help in taking us as far as you are able. We shall remember."
Steve Gorak
Adventurer
Gimlak nods his approval. “well said friend, now let us go to my brethren”
FitzTheRuke
Legend
Utharn led the way down the steep stairs. They were sized something between the stride of a giant and the stride of a "small", and so were difficult to descend for both. When the stone giant reached the bottom he held out his hands toward a bugbear guard who stepped up to challenge him, saying, "There is no need for alarm. I am taking these to speak with my kin."
The room at the bottom of the stairs was bigger than expected, piled high with crates and barrels looted by the raids. Several doors and archways lead to further rooms and cellars. A second bugbear stood on the other side of the pile of crates, and the room's thirty-foot ceiling was supported by four pillars. To the left of the landing, a set of ten-foot high double doors were left partway open, with torchlight showing through.
Across from the hall was another set of double doors (closed), and a third set were open in the south-east corner. On the south wall was yet another set of double doors, but these were twenty feet tall and wide and iron-bound, and through them echoed a clanging noise that sounded like a hammer on an anvil.
The second bugbear took one look at the newcomers and ignored the stone giant's plea for calm. He turned and ran toward the south-east and an alarm gong that hung from the wall there.
The room at the bottom of the stairs was bigger than expected, piled high with crates and barrels looted by the raids. Several doors and archways lead to further rooms and cellars. A second bugbear stood on the other side of the pile of crates, and the room's thirty-foot ceiling was supported by four pillars. To the left of the landing, a set of ten-foot high double doors were left partway open, with torchlight showing through.
Across from the hall was another set of double doors (closed), and a third set were open in the south-east corner. On the south wall was yet another set of double doors, but these were twenty feet tall and wide and iron-bound, and through them echoed a clanging noise that sounded like a hammer on an anvil.
The second bugbear took one look at the newcomers and ignored the stone giant's plea for calm. He turned and ran toward the south-east and an alarm gong that hung from the wall there.
Tonguez
A suffusion of yellow
Kahru followed in silence with Waythe still twitching in his hand, it was satisfying to know that the Hill giant king was dead, and also that they would be fighting more soon; giant and bugbear both.
Still the northerner had not yet found the Eaglebone whistle stolen by the ogres nor had he any clue to take to Thyffon. He would need to stay alert…
Still the northerner had not yet found the Eaglebone whistle stolen by the ogres nor had he any clue to take to Thyffon. He would need to stay alert…
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Steve Gorak
Adventurer
Gimlack turns to Utharn and says in giant. "Perhaps this is the time for you to retire, as to remain uninvolved. Before you do so, can you advise where my kin are, and where the rest will be: those with Smolderheart's Smithy"
