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

DM

As the echoes of the fire giant's fall faded into the depths of the cavern, and the heavy footsteps of the retreating troll grew distant, silence settled over the party.

The enormous adamantine staff lay on the ground next to the defeated giant, a reminder of their hard-won victory, its engraved runes also a reminder of the giant's magical power.

The battle had taken its toll. Wounds were fresh and deep, and the party had not yet rested to refresh their magic; clearly they needed to take time and use caution, as this particular quest was far from over. As everyone caught their breath, the faint sound of moaning drifted from a dark passageway on the western portion of the cavern, the only way out as the fire giant's magma still blocks the other exit.

As the party cautiously approached the dark passageway, more runes could be seen inscribed on the wall, not even attempting to disguise what may be some sort of ward or trap for anyone headed into it. Or perhaps out of it?

Zhu

Carefully she examines the Staff and it's runes, trying to determine their purpose. She reaches out carefully to touch it and if nothing untoward happens she picks it up and then heads towards the moaning sound, Pausing to examine the runes on the wall first as well.

DM

The staff doesn't do anything when touched.

The runes are not in any recognizable modern language.

However, picking it up isn't quite as trivial. It's sized for a giant, and appears to weigh a hundred pounds.

(OOC - Oh well. Was hoping if it was magical it might resize for the wielder, like armour does. In that case, once she realizes how heavy it is she will leave it and go explore the other runes and the moaning.)

Sindar

Once Zhu drops the staff back down, the half-elf wanders over and takes a look at it. He mostly examines it in light of what he saw in the mural. He expects it is a old relic, but wants to learn more about the conflict.

<Bern>

As the others begin to assess the worth of what remains, he continues to scan for any 'threats' that may have been attracted by the sounds of the battle.

Zindra
She was not interested in the trinkets right now. She was interested in the troll. She didn't have fire but she had a blade and a bow and she knew how to move quietly and could see in the darkness. So could the troll, but she didn't intend on getting close enough for it to lay a hand on her.

She waved over to Bern before she disappeared into the darkness, letting the fellow ranger know which way she went.

Zindra moved after the troll, sword in hand, as quietly as she could, looking for drops of ichor on the ground, staying close to a wall or behind any outcropping to pause and listen for it's voice or footsteps. As she moves, she hears her foot touch a pebble that loosens a stone. It makes a noise.

Zindra Stealth
Neptune rolled 1d20+6 and got 10

Kriv

The Mephits had been as nothing, and it was but the work of a moment of will to wipe out the temporary effects of being exposed to their heat.


Kriv Second Wind
AJ rolled 1d10+7 and got 8


The Dragonborn returned to the group, eyes alighting on the staff. Items of historical significance were the scholar's forte.

Pavel

Seeing Kriv head back in, Pavel follows. Since his weapons are no longer trying to burn his hands he assumes all the flying creatures are dead.

DM

There's eventually a dead end and the Troll can only go so far.

It's not particularly observing whether it's being followed, just trying to run. But knowing it's being chased, it eventually finds a spot to maybe try to defend itself. For weaker foes it would have maybe been more threatening, but this party just took out a Fire Giant and the troll knows it's outmatched.

It speaks in the Giant language, "I no hurt you. Let me go."

Outside the cave, the Mephits see how useless they are, and the one who belongs to this plane of existence [MM4] returns to its original home, resembling an ordinary mound of magma. The rest blip back to their own plane of existence about 24 seconds later.

OOC: Sindar, roll Intelligence (Arcana).

Zindra
She replies in giant, "Then come out. We saw the giant punish you. We came for the giant not to kill you."

DM

Not being killed is a bonus for the troll, and it creeps back close enough to be able to see Zindra, but still mostly hides around a corner. "I stay here until you go," he says simply.

DM

Sindar's close investigation of the staff seems to hint at some connection with the story told on the mural in the ancient ruin. He recognizes that the adamantine metal that it's made of seems to be the same metal as the construct depicted in that story. And that metal seems to match the description Glork gave of what the Fire Giants who burned his home were after as well.

The runes themselves are not decorative; they look like they might tell a story. But what story is anyone's guess.

Zindra
"How about you follow at a safe distance. That way I can introduce you as an ally."

DM

"Why you need me?" the troll answers. "You want talk galdrmaðr. You passed on way in."

Kriv

The Dragonborn approached Sindar, casting a historian's eye over the massive artifact.

Davroar

Davroar cancels his summons of the bats When the Mephits disappear, and quickly looks for Jaliera, giving her a big hug when he finds her safe and uninjured.

"I'd better see if anyone else needs some healing..."

Making his back to Pavel and Kriv he will offer additional healing if they want it.

Pavel

"Yes, thank you." Pavel says at the offering from Davroar.

"Those things were trying to roast me and make sure I was lava broiled. Not to mention I almost became the giant 's squeeze ball. Any healing is welcome."

Jaliera

Seeing Davroar, she is delighted that he is well and better looking than when she last saw him. She returns his hug and smiles, proudly watching him offering healing.

"I have some healing potions, if we get to the point of needed them."

Zindra
"We want to talk to you. I don't know galdrmaðr but you show me."

She slings her bow over her shoulder and shows her hands knowing that her sword ready and within reach if things go poorly.

"I could kill you. I shoot wings off of flies for practice. I don't want to harm you. Come with me now and you are spared."

(OOC - Pande - Anything on the runes on the wall and the moaning sounds Zhu was investigating?)

DM

Threat of death is sufficient motivation for the troll to at least partially comply.

"I follow. But you not need me. Galdrmaðr help you."

Zindra

She leads the troll back to the others. As she walks, she asks the troll, "What is your name? I am Zindra."

When she gets close she says to the troll, "Raise your arms above your head. It is a signal that you are not going to risk your life by trying something stupid."

DM

The troll reluctantly follows, keeping within sight of Zindra but trying to hide around corners whenever he can. He doesn't answer the question.... he's not interested in making friends, just making it out of this cave alive. Which means he does follow the instructions to raise his arms when directed.

He does look around for any other ways to escape in case these giant-killers go back on their word.

Zindra

She emerges from the tunnel with the troll following close behind, hands in the air.

"He won't tell me his name but he wants to live. Let's make sure he doesn't find a way out of here and then we'll have a chat with him. Keep your weapons sheathed unless he decides to run away. He says we should talk to Galdrmaðr. Does anyone know what that means?"

Davroar

He will cast healing on Pavel, and with Kriv nearby he will heal him too.

Davroar cure wounds level 2 on Kriv
Dugan rolled 2d8+7 and got 16

Davroar cure wounds level 2 on Pavel
Dugan rolled 2d8+7 and got 15

Aubric

"Did he say where we would find this... uh... whatever that word was?" the cleric asks.

Jaliera

If Zhu is following the moaning, Jaliera is following her.

<Bern>

He lowers his bow at Zindra's request.

Kriv

"It's the staff, isn't it? Nothing else here seems worthy of a name."

Aubric

The cleric tilts his head toward the darkened passage that they haven't yet explored.

"Yet."

(OOC - It is being explored by Zhu. Am waiting for results.)

DM

For those who have decided to explore the dark corner of the cave where moaning sounds were heard, they can see down the passage entrance up until it turns a corner. A large rune is present within a few feet of where the passage branches off, in clear view and possibly intended as a warning to anyone that there could be magical warding. Whether to keep the moaning creature in or investigating creatures out, or both, is unknown.

The giant's spells during the fight displayed a rather high level of magical expertise, dealing damage typically seen from level 7 or level 8 spells, and with a unique mastery of magma/lava -- the floor is still lava in the other passage, despite the giant's passing into the beyond.

OOC: Zhu and Jaliera, and anyone else joining them, please describe what you're looking for more specifically, and how you're looking for it. Visually? Spells? Throwing a willing or unwilling victim down the passage?

Jaliera

She whispers.

"I don't think a glyph would affect Whisper. Living things only, right? In which case I could get her to take a look. Unless you could neutralise it?"

Zhu

"Dispelling magic is not among my specialties", she replies. "Let me take a closer look at it and see if I can recognize what it might be. As for Whisper, that is certainly possible, although glyph's are typically triggered by the spellcaster's definition so if she said anything passing by rather than any living being it would go off."

She doesn't bring up the fact, due to Jaliera's attachment to the Owl, that both she and Jaliera know that should Whisper be incinerated she can be resummoned later.

Approaching to a point that doesn't cross the Glyph but is close enough to see it clearly, she thinks thru her Magical knowledge to see if she recognizes it.

After a moment or two, she shakes her head. "I can't tell what it could be, though we do know it is from a Fire Giant so there is that. If you want to try Whisper go ahead."

Another thought strikes her. "We could also get Davroar to send some of his bats across it if you don't want to risk Whisper? Why don't you see if he's willing?"

Zhu Arcana roll
Zeim rolled d20+3 and got 4

Jaliera

"Hey great idea! Won't be a moment."

She jogs back to the others.

"Davroar? Got any of your bats left? We have an unknown glyph they could fly over.. or settle on."

Aubric

"I could attempt to dispel the magic, but given how powerful that giant was, I think triggering any ward with a summoned creature is a fantastic idea," the cleric notes.

"I'd also advise we all stay well clear of the area.... I'll certainly plan to be at least twenty-or-so feet away."

Troll

The troll observes the party inspecting the rune, and while he isn't exactly wanting to be friends with Zindra, he decides to offer some information to hopefully help the party -- and increase his own chances of survival.

In Jotun, he calls out, "Wall make fire. Two carvings. Galdrmaðr other side."

Zindra
"Thank you ..." she says to the troll, looking for it to provide a name.

Then she calls out to the others, in common, "Our friend here says that the wall makes fire. There are two carvings and Galdrmaðr, whoever or whatever that might be, is on other side."

Zhu

Hearing Zindra's call she replies. "We need Davroar to send some of his bats to trigger the glyphs. In the meantime, ask the Troll what it knows of the raids on the village and anything about the whole Giant uprisings. I guess also, why did the Fire Giant want it with it? Did it have some sort of task to do?"

Zindra

She is hopeful that the troll, who she does not trust in the slightest, does not understand common. Zindra snickers at the instructions from the eladrin sorceress before answering her but loud enough for all to hear, "The troll made it clear to me that Galdrmaðr will be a fountain of information. At this moment it is unbound and I would suggest we do something about that before we proceed with any interrogations."

DM

The troll gives no evidence of understanding common. And as evidenced by his simple speech, even his knowledge of Jotun is limited.

He is hungry, though, and would probably trade information for fried bat.

[OOC: if a summoned creature dies, does its corpse return to the other plane of existence before you can eat it?]

Davroar


Hearing Jaliera calling his name, he heads over to where the group is inspecting the glyph and says, "I let the bats go earlier, but I can summon another few."

Pointing to a empty spot just outside of the area he will cast his spell to summon more bats.

"So, want me to send all in at once or once at a time?"

[ooc: Up to the DM if I get the bats again or something else though. ]

Jaliera

"One at a time in case it resets itself. And I agree with Aubric, we should stand well clear."

She retreats to what she hopes in a safe distance.

Zhu

".... or in case there is more than one rune."

Davroar

Casting his conjure animals spell again, he will direct the first swarm of bats into the passage way once everyone backs off to a safe distance.

DM

Thee first swarm of bats flutters down the dark, narrow passageway, their wings creating a soft, whispering rustle that echoes off the stone walls.

Abruptly, as the swarm passes the conspicuously carved rune, a wall of fire suddenly appears in the passage, completely blocking further passage, other than for those who might be resistant or immune to fire.

Wall of Fire
Level: 4th (cast as level 6th)
Duration: 1 Minute

You create a wall of fire on a solid surface within range. You can make the wall up to 60 feet long, 20 feet high, and 1 foot thick, or a ringed wall up to 20 feet in diameter, 20 feet high, and 1 foot thick. The wall is opaque and lasts for the duration.

When the wall appears, each creature within its area must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 5d8 fire damage, or half as much damage on a successful save.

One side of the wall, selected by you when you cast this spell, deals 5d8 fire damage to each creature that ends its turn within 10 feet of that side or inside the wall. A creature takes the same damage when it enters the wall for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there. The other side of the wall deals no damage.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 4th.

The swarm of bats is consumed in a heartbeat, the flames licking hungrily at the tiny creatures, reducing them to nothing more than wisps of smoke and charred fragments.

Seems the troll was telling the truth.

So far.

[OOC: the wall will remain for a minute. Talk amongst yourselves.]

Jaliera

"Great work Davroaor."

She is relieved that none of them were caught in the glyph. She hates fire.

"Now hopefully it will disperse before too long."

The troll had been helpful. It could be again. She decides encouraging it might be useful. So she takes out some food, approaches and offers it to the troll.

"That was good information. Thank you."

<Bern>

He jumped a bit when the rune erupted even though he was expecting something like that. It would have been bad for them. He turned to the troll and nodded agreement with Jaliera 'thanks'.

DM

The troll looks nervous, as he's got orders to keep his hands up. And maybe the food is a trap to pull him out of his half-hiding spot at a corner in the rock wall. But he slowly moves toward the food to retrieve some and then moves back to where he was.

"Giant capture Galdrmaðr," the troll offers, a head nod toward the burning wall. "I try help but fire bad."

Zhu

"Where, and why?" She asks the Troll.

DM

"At camp," the troll says simply. "Many giants all around. Make us dig. Galdrmaðr protect us. This giant too strong for Galdrmaðr."

Zindra

"You can put your hands down troll. You told the truth." he says in Giant. Then he begins to translate for it.

"Is Galdrmaðr a who or a what?" she asks while the fire burns.

DM

The troll lowers its hands, looking slightly more trusting of the group. "Who," he answers simply. "Make drink help fight giant together. Only way beat giant."

Zindra

"So it seems that Galdrmaðr is a who not a thing. And he wants to help us fight another giant. And he might be thirsty. I don't know. My giant isn't perfect."

Zhu

"Sounded like he, or she, could be an alchemist." She waits for Davroar to send another set of bats further into the tunnel to check for additional glyphs.

Aubric

"Do you think this could be related to that potion we found at the troll encampment?" the cleric inquires, brow furrowing.

DM

Meanwhile, while the party converses with the troll and tries to make sense of the simple Giant language explanations, the wall of fire ceases to exist. It does indeed look like there's another rune on the wall further down, close to where the passageway turns.

Some sounds of movement can be heard beyond, but no voice, for now.

Zindra
She takes a sip from her water flask and then hands it to the troll. If she gets thirsty, she'll ask some else later for a sip and she'll plan on buying a water flask when they get back to town.

"Someone watch Trolly here. I'll take a look at what's carved on the wall there."

Relying on her darkvision and once again trying to move stealthily forward she approaches the next rune.
Zindra Stealth
Neptune rolled 1d20+6 and got 12

Zhu

Pointing to the Troll and then the fried bats, she says, "Eat up."

Pavel

He followed the echoing sounds of voices and nearlyy started at the sudden light of the flames of the wall. Moving a little faster he catches up to the group.

<Bern>

He looked around. It seemed that there were people working on the way forward. He continued to keep watch on the other areas where threats might come from.

Kriv

Making a note to look at the staff in a more in-depth way next time they made camp, the Dragonborn cautiously advanced up to where the wall of fire had been.

"Galdrmaðr?" He called out, with a strong Dwarfish lilt to the unfamiliar word cadence.

DM

"Too close fire," the troll replies. Even as hungry as he is. "Still more fire, other carving. I eat after."

Zindra has moved forward to investigate the other rune which seems at first glance almost identical to the first one.

Of course, given the party's knowledge of glyphs of warding, the rune itself may not actually be relevant to the spell as much as a physical warning to passers-by. As the troll seems aware of this trap, the runes might just be a very prominent warning that "none shall pass". Perhaps it's even a bluff to fool a dumb troll? In any case, a visual inspection of the rune doesn't give any additional information.

Bern does not see any danger in the cave other than a troll rather close to the party, not particularly by his choice, but he seems to be cooperating. Although he seems to be glancing toward the exit often enough to indicate that given the chance to flee the scene, he may do so.

Hearing Kriv speak the name, the troll speaks up again, reminding the party. "I no hurt you. Galdrmaðr no hurt you. We fight giant, not fight as good as you."

Davroar

When the first fire wall dissipates he will say, "Best to step back Zindra, I'll send another swarm in now." Once she is clear he will direct the second swarm of bats to go further in. Davroar expects the same thing to happen, yet he will be cautious by backing away too.

[ooc: reading the spell description these are fey so there is no burnt bodies left around for the troll to eat. ]

DM

After Zindra has stepped back to a safe distance, the swarm of bats flies past the first rune harmlessly, proceeding onward several feet to pass the next one.

And nothing happens. To the bats, at least. They reach the end of the passage, turning a corner to the left.

A voice, sounding annoyed, says a few brief syllables in a language unknown to any of the party members, but not dissimilar to the sound of the troll's voice.

Davroar

When nothing seems to happen to the second group of bats he sent in, he will send in the third group, instructing them to fly to the end of the passage and them fly back to him. Davroar wonders if perhaps the first rune was to keep people out and the second is to keep something in there.

DM

Davroar could have had the second group just return, but since there are eight swarms flapping their little bat wings everywhere, why not mix it up?

The third swarm flies past both runes safely, and then turns back toward Davroar.

But they don't get very far. Another wall of fire immolates them in much a repeat of the triggering of the first glyph, but the wisps of smoke are on the far side of the fire wall.

Seems Davroar's hunch was correct.

Davroar

"Hah!" His guess was correct when the second fire lights up.

It's another wait before the second fire wall disappears, and then Davroar asks, "Zindra, did you see more runes? Should I send in another group?"

The second group of bats are still alive with whatever is inside, but he wonders if they should be doubly sure before he dismisses his spell.

Jaliera

She nods her approval as Davroar's bats return and trigger the second glyph. They seem to be making good progress and keeping everyone safe. A win-win. Davroar is so clever.

Zindra
"Good job!" she says to Davroar. "I'll check for more stuff."

She approaches the entrance with great caution again, looking about and doing so stealthily.
Zindra Stealth, Perception
Neptune rolled 1d20+6,1d20+5 and got 10, 9

DM

There's nothing obvious indicating any other magical wards here that Zindra can see, although the passage turns a corner and who knows what's beyond that bend?

Zindra
She retreats back to the group.

"I found no other traps but the cave bends around. It may pay for a second set of eyes to take a look. And then we should discuss strategy."

She looks at the troll and says in giant, "Did you enjoy the water? Amongst my people sharing water is a sign of friendship," she exaggerated. "Is Galdrmaðr another giant? Should I expect Galdrmaðr to be friend or foe?"

DM

The troll is still cautious, but sharing information has proved beneficial. He'd still rather be somewhere other than here.

"Galdrmaðr troll like me," he says simply. "Galdrmaðr help trolls fight giants and not die."

There's a pause as the troll thinks.

He thinks slowly.

He sees the party has cleared the fire but is still cautious.

"I show you Galdrmaðr and you help? We no hurt you."

(The troll completely misses any social cues about friendship. While he knows some Jotun words, 'friend' just ain't one of 'em.)

DM

Seeing no immediate objection to his offer, the troll decides to gamble. One step closer to freedom, and all.

Given his regenerative abilities, it only took about 90 seconds to recover his full health, and the fire walls took a total of two minutes. He just might be able to sustain some damage in an attempt to flee again if it comes to that. But for now, he's still hoping helping the giant-killers is in his benefit.

He raises his arms again, and starts to slowly walk toward the opening to the passage behind which Galdrmaðr resides. "I show you Galdrmaðr," he says. "I no hurt you. You no hurt me, you no hurt Galdrmaðr. We talk."

He has no concept of a parley but in his crude Jotun speak it's pretty clear he wants to set one up.

Step by large step, he moves closer to the dark tunnel with the rune markings... unless redirected elsewhere.

Jaliera

"We'll cover the rear" she offers, referring to herself and Whisper. With Whisper's eyes they can watch in the dark and Jaliera has her bow and spells if needed. She waits for the others to follow the troll.

Davroar

He will keep the remaining bats around just in case, as he will follow from a distance into the dark passage.

<Bern>

Since Dav was planning to 'bring up the rear', he moves up behind Jaliera putting his bow away and pulling his sword.

Zindra
She was the one that could talk to the trolls so she took the lead, bravely, walking near the troll. As she walked to it's side and behind it, she signaled for the others to cover her. Her sword was at the ready as she followed into the darkness.

DM

The troll heads past the runes without concern, believing that they have been effectively disabled... possibly because he's seen this done before.

No fire appears, and the troll reaches the end of the passage, turning the corner where the passage expands into a slightly larger, dimly lit room; the light coming from what appears to be a small mound of magma.

One the party has seen before.

The troll begins speaking as the party catches up behind him, the language 'trollspeak' of which maybe only one out of every ten words sounds even remotely familiar to those who speak the Giant language. Certainly not enough to piece together what's being said.

But those following -- Zindra first -- can turn the corner and see who's being spoken to.

The other creature -- apparently Galdrmaðr -- is hulking figure similar to, but quite different from a typical troll. This troll is slightly more slender but no less imposing, draped in tattered animal skins and adorned with bones and feathers. Its skin is a sickly green, marred with intricate scars and markings that seem to glow faintly in the dim light.

A staff carved from twisted wood and topped with a skull has been placed behind the mound of magma.

The troll's eyes seem to display an unsettling intelligence, a stark contrast to the dull, hungry gaze of the other troll.

Galdrmaðr is bound in searing chains that seem to glow with an inner fire. The chains are anchored to the ground, leaving the troll with limited movement. Around its neck, a collar of molten metal pulses with a dull red heat, runes glowing faintly. Wrists and ankles are scarred with burns where the shackles sear its flesh. As the troll shifts, the brands on its body flare with heat, causing it to wince in pain.

Despite the restraints, and the obvious pain, the troll’s eyes burn with a fierce determination as it spots the party. He speaks Jotun, a bit more eloquently than the other troll. "I am told you have defeated my captor and have spared the life of my kin. I thank you."

Zindra

With the others nearby she says out loud to her companions, "There's another troll here. He's bound and secure. It's safe to enter. He thanks us for getting rid of the giant who he says was his captor."

"You are welcome sir. My friends will likely find a way to remove these restraints that bind you. Do you speak common? Most of them do not speak Jotun."

(OOC - I don't know why but I've had the impression that it was a female.)

OOC: that would be Galdrkona.

Galdrmaðr

The chained troll nods succinctly to the explanation about others coming to help, eyes showing appreciation even if he doesn't verbalize the thanks again.

To the question of language, he replies, in common, "I speak a little of common."

Troll

The troll who the giant did not feel the need to bind in magical chains thinks his duty is done.

"I go wait outside?" he asks, still trying to get away from this cave. The room isn't overly large and two trolls somewhat complicate the ability for others to join.

Pavel

He stays near the door straining to listen in. A casual glance in from the doorway to see the restraints. Seeing their nature he realizes that they are magical of some kind but he is unsure of the make.

Zhu

Looking at the Trolls and the magical bindings she turns to the other magically inclined party members. "Can any of you Dispel the magic on the bindings?"

Aubric

“I can try,” the cleric responds. “It depends on how powerful that giant’s magic was. But I should point out that the giant likely considered this creature’s own magic powerful enough to suppress. So let’s be cautious.”

Pavel

"I couldn't even begin to try. That spell is still beyond my understanding. " He admits.

[OOC: 3rd level magic user... 3rd level spell... ]