DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3V - Into the Unknown / Out of the Darkness

Zindra

"Yeah. Go wait outside," she says to the other troll in giant. The huntress knew that the troll wouldn't be there when they finally left the cave. It saw the group destroy a fire giant and a hoard of demon fire beings. It knew it didn't stand a chance against the party. But it helped out by warning the group about the fiery wards. It earned mercy and it's life.

She nodded at those guarding the exit that indicates that it was alright to let the troll go. Then she turns her attention to the bound troll.

"To what are these chains that Galdrmaðr is bound to attached? Isn't it easier to chip away at the wall than to try and cut through magic?" she suggests quietly to those who are discussing the matter.

DM

The non-magic-inclined non-common-speaking troll doesn't need a second invitation to go outside.

He actually will wait for Galdrmaðr, but with a clear path to flee if setting up the rescue didn't work out.

Galdrmaðr

The chained troll listens to some of the discussion, at least part of it that he can understand, but doesn't volunteer any information.

Patient, this one is.

Davroar


Davroar is not sure if he wants to waste a spell on this troll, but he adds, "Could summon an earth elemental again?"

Just like the rune that they got from the mural the other day, it might be able to free the anchors in the wall.

Aubric

"Or we could pick the locks," the cleric replies. "What's our actual goal here?"

Jaliera

She hears the call to let the troll through and lowers her bow, nodding to him on his way past.

<Bern>

He was in agreement with Aubric. "Yes. Are we building a troll platoon", he asked.

Zhu

As the others talk among themselves about freeing the Troll she moves closer and asks it in Jotun, "Why did the Fire Giant want you in the first place?"

Galdrmaðr

As the question is asked in Jotun, the troll answers in the same language. "Many giants entering our land, stop us hunting. Giants use fire to make us work or starve. Easy for giants to control small number of trolls with fire. I help other trolls fight giant. We fight together, more trolls against giant, and beat some giants.This giant had more power, stop me from helping trolls fight. Others run away, fight by themselves again and lose."

Zhu

She nods. "Do you know anything about the increased raids on the human towns? If the Trolls are busy fighting the Giants I'd think they'd be too busy to attack the villages, or are the Trolls being driven out?"

Galdrmaðr

"Driven out," the troll replies. "Trolls just trying to stay alive and eat. Only fight if they have to. Giants with fire make trolls work. Other giants stronger than trolls and steal troll food. I help some trolls not have to run away, keep our hunting and food."

Zhu


"What work are they making Trolls do?" She asks, curious.

Galdrmaðr

"Dig up metal," Galdrmaðr replies. "Giants know where to dig. We find pieces of something bigger. Other giants take away. We move to other place to dig."

He tilts his head in the direction of the entrance. "Dig place outside this cave. My kin you let go had to work. I got to sit here."

It's hard to tell, but there may be the slightest change in the troll's expression that hints toward sarcasm. He still hasn't mentioned his bonds or the pain they cause. He shows no fear, apparently accepting whatever comes of this situation.

Zindra

She moves over to the troll and stands right in front of him, looking down to him, arms folded across her chest.

"We would love for you to show us exactly where your kin was digging," she said to the still bound troll. "But for that to happen we need to get you out of here. We've been talking about how. You heard our thoughts. It seems like we have several choices. One, we can just leave you here but that would make our life tougher and you probably want to get out of here. Two, we can try and chip away at the rocks that hold the chains that bind you but then you'll need to drag around large and heavy blocks of stone. That can be tiresome. Three, we can put out a search for some high-powered wizard to come and dispel the magic that binds you I don't know too many wizards that want to help a troll so we would need to pay for the service. That would cost an arm and a leg. Which brings me to four. We can cut off your limbs, and I guess your head, and hope that you regenerate. So you see our dilemma. We have nothing against you so we leave this choice up to you. What would you like us to do?"

Galdrmaðr

The troll gives a subtle nod of understanding to the options offered.

"Again I thank you," he begins, eyes showing a deeper understanding of the peaceful nature of this conversation.

"The galdr of these chains," he begins, the other-language word used to describe the effect on the chains precisely the same word the other troll used as part of this name, "will not last now that the giant is gone. I can wait if you can. Simple galdr."

He seems content to wait. Much better than getting his head chopped off.

"The grǫm on collar gives no pain, but I cannot wield galdr," he continues. "Which you want until I show you dig. Or have kin show. After that we talk how to take off."

Pavel

Pavel calls out from outside the room, "Your name and your shackles are named nearly the same. Is there a reason for this?"

Galdrmaðr

Hearing Pavel's question (in Jotun), the troll responds, "Others call me Galdrmaðr because I wield galdr." He pauses a moment, then adds, "Common word for Galdrmaðr is 'shaman' but kin not know common."

Zindra
"Alright then. We have a plan. We wait for the magic to time out. But in the mean time, who wants to join me outside to go check on Galdrmaðr's kin and see what the giant was having him digging out?"

She starts backing out, looking to see who'll join her and makes her way out to the dig site.

Davroar

Standing around in his wet clothes and armor, he shrugs shis shoulders and figures that getting outside into the sunlight is a good idea so he will follow Zindra.

"If its like other dig spots, the giants probably already found what they were looking for though."

Jaliera

"Some who can talk the this troll should stay, maybe with back up.. For me, I would prefer to get out of the cave but I can provide back up if needed."

Zhu

"I will stay here. While I wait I can get the Staff the Giant used and study it a little bit." As she say this a thought comes to her. "What do you know of Jotun Runestones?" She asks the Troll.

<Bern>

"I can go with either group. Anyone have an opinion as to where I am most useful", he asked.

Galdrmaðr

The troll shaman's answer isn't very helpful. "Giants know ancient galdr. I not know runes. Only giants."

Non-magical Troll

The troll allowed to leave is indeed still loitering near the cave, waiting for Galdrmaðr to come out. He hides amidst some of the foliage, although his green is much paler than the bushes and he's easy to spot. But he's got lots of free space to run!

Pavel

Pavel follows Zindra and the others with her out to watch over the troll and head out to the dig site.