DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3W - Two Paths Diverged Near the Evermoors

Kriv

The noble comported himself as was appropriate, taking one of the proffered chairs.

"Principally, the trolls coming here seems to have been a desperation move caused by Fire Giant action. Their camp was ransacked, Giants dragging away some of their number. Our scouting elements can give more detail on what we found there and on the trails we discovered."

Tamalin Zoar

Tamalin listens carefully to Kriv, her expression thoughtful as he explains the trolls' actions. She leans forward slightly, curiosity piqued.

"Fire Giants dragging away trolls?" she murmurs, more to herself, before raising her voice with calm authority. "Fascinating... and troubling."

She gestures to one of the guards at the table, a man who had been pretending not to eavesdrop but was clearly alert. "Berron, listen up. I want you to write down these details."

As Berron nods and rises from the table to fetch parchment and carry out her request, Tamalin returns her focus to Kriv and the party. "Giants dragging trolls away—-it doesn’t sound like random violence. Do you think the trolls were being targeted for some purpose, or was it simply a raid? Any clues that might suggest why the giants would go to such lengths?"

Her gaze sharpens. "This might point to something bigger, and if these attacks aren’t random, we’ll need to be prepared."

<Bern>

He didn't like getting 'involved' in these sorts of discussions, but he couldn't hold his tongue. "It seemed more like the trolls were being ... 'conscripted' by the giants for some ... 'project' of theirs."

Sindar

The bard nodded not only in agreement with Bern's comment but to let Bern know he approved of how it was phrased. Inciting a panic won't help them. He wondered how much this information broker would sell the truth to others for?

Tamallin Zoar

Tamalin’s eyes narrow thoughtfully at Bern’s remark, her fingers lightly tapping the table. "'Conscripted,' you say?" She pauses, considering the implications of such a word. "There have been whispers about Fire Giants digging across the Savage Frontier. Some are convinced they’re searching for something—-artifacts, weapons, who knows what-—but they’re relentless."

Her gaze sharpens, her tone more direct now. "You were part of the defense at Triboar, weren't you? Giants attacked there, digging in the chaos as well. Do you think this could be related? Are the trolls being forced into their 'project' as labor?"

She leans in slightly. "And tell me more about the fire giant you slew. Were there enslaved trolls working with it? Were the trolls attacking at the bidding of the giant?"

<Meanwhile back at the Witch's hut>

Pavel

{OOC: Not knowing the party's finances I didn't feel right answering the question about 1000gp so was waiting for Zeim to reply before responding}

To him the price was a little steep. Extremely steep especially considering how the potions were only experimental. He turned to Zhu to try to gauge her reaction to the price.

Zhu

Seeing Pavel's glance, she shrugs. The party is very wealthy, owning a magical mine in Phandalin, so the cost is not a major consideration. However Zhu is not of the original group and so is not a part owner in that enterprise. "We will talk to the others and see. I do not expect it to be a problem but I can't promise away other's coin."

Sindar

"In Triboar the giants came in and dug up something and took it away. We didn't get to see what it was, nor did we catch the giants who did take it away. We did however slay many of the foes that day."

He doesn't answer about the Firegiant because he isn't sure how much they want to share with the information broker who is quite intent on learning more for free. The half-elf's inclination is to sell the information to the woman because that is how she operates. They did what they were asked and haven't even been paid for that. It isn't that he is a mercenary, it is more like she values what she is getting and is happy to get it for free, and that irks him.

"Maybe we should talk about compensation for the information we are supplying," he watches her gauging her reaction.

Tamalin Zoar

Tamalin listens intently as Sindar speaks, though her expression tightens ever so slightly at the mention of compensation. She sits back in her chair, her gaze cool but still polite, though there's a faint edge to her smile.

"Perhaps," she begins, her tone measured, "you've forgotten our arrangement—or perhaps you’re underestimating the value of my offer. I promised you a letter of recommendation to present in Everlund, which is not something I offer lightly. You’ve uncovered important information, and in return, that letter will open doors for you there, with allies who can provide far more than mere coin."

She leans forward slightly, maintaining a composed but firm demeanor. "I understand your efforts have been significant, and I’m not opposed to fair compensation for your troubles beyond what was agreed. But if you’re thinking to start a bidding war for information... well, I suspect you’d find yourselves at a disadvantage."

Her gaze softens, though her words remain pointed. "I’d like to keep things cordial and fair. So, shall we proceed with what we’ve agreed upon, or is there something else you wish to discuss?"

Zindra
She was getting the feeling that pushing for gold was going to have a negative impact. She studied the town speaker, wondering if it was worth pushing her for compensation.

Zindra insight about Tamalin Zoar's flexibility
Neptune rolled 1d20+5 and got 20

Sindar

"I was merely trying to talk with you in regard to what you have already set out. We did the job you asked, and you have offered fair compensation. Then we brought additional information, which you are happy to gather, and believe it or not, I am happy to share. But it is as you say outside of the bounds of our original agreement. Normally when I deal with people I don't worry about compensation. I offer and they pay what they think it is worth. I am sure it leads to more benefit on their parts, but I gain information and a good story to tell.

"I was not, nor do I intend to offend or get into a bidding war. I just felt like we were straying off topic. As a bard my life is information be it tales to sing, or tell, or good gossip to share. So with that in perspective, it isn't about trying to gouge you for everything either."

He waves his hand. "We are heroes. We go where we are called and do what must be done. That alone is a worthy story for me. Does this make it clearer about what I meant?"

Zindra

"...and I am sure that our hostess will permit you to sing or tell the tale of our exploits (and they are not just that one giant) at the tavern. I'm sure that after you amaze the crowd with your exploits you'll earn some coin too!" she says to Sindar while giving him an approving sign with a furtive wink.

Tamalin Zoar

Tamalin’s expression softens as Sindar clarifies his intentions, a faint smile returning to her lips. She holds up a hand in a polite gesture of apology.

"Thank you for explaining, Sindar. I appreciate your candor, and I certainly did not mean to misunderstand your words. Let’s be clear, then."

She pauses, gathering her thoughts before continuing with calm sincerity. "The task I set before you was to find out who or what was behind the troll attacks, and why they were happening. You’ve reported that the trolls are fleeing out of desperation, that Fire Giants are ‘conscripting’ them. That is important information—but it’s not the full answer I was seeking. What I need to understand is whether these trolls were attacking us under the giants’ orders, or if something else is at play. Is this a coordinated effort from the giants? Or are the trolls acting out of their own desperation, and simply fleeing danger?"

Tamalin leans back slightly, her tone firm but now free of tension. "Once we’ve fully explored the question of the troll attacks, I’d be more than happy to share further information. I can see that you’re a man of stories and knowledge, and I assure you, I’ve plenty to share. But I must first ensure that my town is safe from this threat."

Her gaze is warm again. "I trust that clears things up for us?"

Sindar

He looks from her to the other party members. "We believe this might be something to do with a war over a thousand years ago. The giants fighting with the dragons, as near as we can tell. The giants are recovering ancient artifacts to further their efforts.

"This particular fire giant seemed interested in an area around a cave not far from here. It was there that she kept one troll leader imprisoned and forced the others to do manual labor digging up things in specified places. How they know where the things are that they are searching for isn't clear. What also isn't clear is how organized they are, but signs point to much more organized than we would like. Things happen in Triboar and here, that is too much of a coincidence to ignore."

Zindra

She nods at Sindar's clear explanation and adds, "We've had to deal with fire giants twice and hill giants once. We were attacked on the road and the hill giants mostly seemed interested in our horses. I suppose they were hungry. But Sindar is right. There's something deeper than hungry hill giants and treasure hunting fire giants."

Tamalin Zoar

Tamalin listens intently as Sindar and Zindra lay out their findings, her expression growing more serious. When they finish, she lets out a quiet sigh and folds her hands on the table before responding.

“The Vonindod,” she begins, her voice steady but laced with concern. “A devastating weapon forged by the fire giants during the ancient war with the dragons, capable of bringing them to ruin. It makes sense, given what you’ve discovered. If the fire giants are recovering pieces of the Vonindod to rebuild it, their excavations—and their enslavement of trolls—would be part of a much larger plan. But... what concerns me is that we have no evidence of dragons rising. If there is no dragon war on the horizon, why would they need such a devastating weapon? What are they planning?” She shakes her head, as the question seems rhetorical.

She leans forward, her expression darkening as she shifts her focus to Zindra’s mention of hill giants. “As for the hill giants, that’s even more troubling. You came along the road from Yartar, yes? I hadn’t heard they’d made it this far north yet. Last I knew, they were still confined to the Dessarin Valley, but if they’re expanding their reach, it’s only a matter of time before they come here, hungry for more than just horses.”

Tamalin’s brow furrows as she continues. “The hill giants have been raiding the villages of Beliard, Womford, and Uluvin. Caravans traveling the Iron Road between those villages have been attacked regularly. So far, they’ve stayed closer to their den, but it seems as they take away livestock and it becomes scarce, they’re pushing outward. We’ve also received reports that they’ve begun to encroach on the High Forest. If they’re ranging this far north... well, it won’t be long before they descend on us, looking for whatever they can find.”

She taps the table thoughtfully. “The question, as you said, is why. Why are they spreading so far beyond their usual hunting grounds? Is it just hunger, or is there something driving them to gather food with such urgency?”

Her eyes meet theirs again, full of genuine worry. “If both the fire giants and hill giants are becoming this organized, this driven, then we may have an even bigger problem on our hands. I’ll admit I don’t have all the answers, but I suspect we haven’t yet seen the full scope of what’s unfolding.”

She lets the weight of her words settle, then adds, “It’s fortunate that we have heroes like you willing to stand against it. If I can help by sharing more information or by reaching out to my contacts in Everlund, I will. But I fear this is far from over.”

Tamalin softens her tone and offers a small smile as she continues, “You’ve more than satisfied my request. The information you’ve brought me has been invaluable in understanding why these trolls attacked Calling Horns, and I will honor my end of the bargain." She reaches for a nearby pouch where the letter has been prepared. "Before you leave here, I’ll give you instructions on how to use it to gain favor in Everlund. My family has ties to the council there, so it should open a few doors for you. But before we get to that—do you have any other questions? Is there anything else on your minds, or more that you’d like to discuss about the fire giants, the trolls, or even the hill giants? I know you’ve uncovered a lot, and sometimes more comes to light in conversation.”

Her eyes move from one party member to the next, giving them time to think. “You’ve done Calling Horns a great service, and I’m willing to share any information I can to aid your journey -- and help defend us all.”

Aubric

Meanwhile, out in the common room, Aubric is enjoying his beverage when Rory comes up. "I promised I'd meet you after the kitchens close but my mom said I gotta go home," the boy replies. "But maybe if you told her I made a promise?"

Aubric smiles at the boy, giving him a wink, waving over the boy's mother. "Your son has some critical information that will help my friends and I keep this town safe," he tells her. "But as you can see they are currently busy with the innkeeper and I don't think we can wait until the morning. I can promise that if you let him stay here a bit late, he will have armed escort to your house later, and we won't let him do anything dangerous at all."

The barmaid looks skeptical, but figures if she says no the boy will sneak out anyway. Better he's got protection. "As you say," she replies to Aubric, while raising her brows at Rory. "Don't even think of taking any risks, young man."

Rory nods eagerly, and pulls up a chair next to Aubric, changing the topic to magic tricks...

Sindar

He has learned the official name of the machine. The half-elf wouldn't have let that piece of information out into the conversation no matter how much they trusted the innkeeper. But then what was useful in one place might not be useful in another. By talking about the machine, they learned what it was called and a bit more perspective. There was so much they didn't know it was frightening.

Witch's Hut

Pavel

"Best we be off then. Let the other's know of the opportunity and the cost." he says to Zhu.

He turns to leave and head back to the inn.

Zhu

She nods. "Best wishes Mistress. If I pass back thru this way one day, and you'd like to talk about things, I would be happy to share some tea with you." It is clear she is referring to whatever situation occurred that stopped Viera from creating magic items.

DM

An elf sitting not far from Aubric and the boy snickers loudly.

He was already several drinks into an evening that was evidently going to be a binge. His garb indicated that he was not of the forest and by his golden hair and fair skin, Aurbric knew him to be a high elf. The full backpack at his feet implied that he was a traveler. He could be a merchant or something else.

"Critical information?" he says once he caught Aubric's attention.

Aubric

Aubric inclines his head in a respectful greeting, acknowledging the high elf's heritage.

"Well met, my kin," he replies. "I would not say 'critical' in the way of grand importance, more that the boy holds some local knowledge—simple matters, really, about the town and its ways, things that have gone unnoticed. He knows of a shortcut or two, and where to grab snacks from the kitchens when they're closed."

DM

The elf looks askance at Aubric and took a swig of his drink.

"Ah. Of course. No doubt...kin".

There was only the slightest hint of derision in the response. Yes. They were both elves but Sun elves were known to be haughty and arrogant.

"I did hear the word critical and from what I have heard this eve you handily too care of a powerful fire giant and trolls. Surely when a group accomplishes something like that, shortcuts through a small village and the location of an easily raided pantry don't sound to me like critical pieces of information."

He suddenly seems slightly less inebriated and more focused.

"But alas, I might be wrong. I did also hear that you are traveling east."

Once again he pauses and then smirks.

"I hear this. I hear that. It pays these days to keep one's ear to the ground."

At this point he turns to the boy, "What sort of snacks might I find in this pantry that your friend there speaks of?"

Aubric

Aubric chuckles softly, not allowing the high elf's tone to unsettle him, and offers a diplomatic yet playful response. "Believe what you will, my friend," he says, in an amused tone. "There are many things in this world we might call 'critical.' Sometimes it’s the smallest details that carry the most weight—other times, they’re just... snacks." Aubric glances at the boy nodding toward him, before returning his gaze to the high elf. "But, as you say, one never knows what might be important these days."

Rory

When queried about the snacks, Rory grins mischievously, catching the playful mood in the air. "Depends on how much you’re willing to pay for that kind of information." His tone is teasing, but there's a certain sparkle of curiosity in his eyes. "These guys brought me troll claws. Do you have troll claws?"