DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3K - Evermoor Way

DM

The remainder of the first night on the road is uneventful. The distant fire burns all night, but once acquainted with the denizens of that camp, Whisper does not alert on any other danger.

It's still early as the party prepares to get on the road.

Jaliera

Still half asleep, Jaliera rises and starts the morning preparations. As she does so, she relates their encounter to everyone.

Davroar

He silently admits that that was the most comfortable sleep he has had outdoors with the magical hut conjured by Sindar. Ready for another day of travel after listening to Jaliera's tale he asks everyone, "We going to stick to the road, or should we check what these giants were digging for?"

If they did find another large metal rod Davroar doubts the giants would cover up the holes out in the middle of nowhere, so perhaps they can figure out if the giants were successful or not.

Jaliera

"If it is not too far out of our way, then I think we should check. I can send Whisper to see if she can find a large hole. Maybe we'll be lucky?"

<Bern>

"I agree that a bit of investigation would be useful", he said with a nod.

Zhu

She nods as well. "It would be good to know."

Arus

He'd slept well enough. Though Leomund's Tiny Hut lacks the luxuries of The Pearl-handled Pipe in town, it is still a superb shelter in the wilderness.

After a light breakfast, Arus busies himself with feeding and saddling his horse, listening in on Jaliera's story as he does.

"Yes." he agrees, adding with a smirk, "Let's just hope they weren't digging a giant latrine."

DM

As the party made their preparations to depart, Whisper circled looking for threats, looking a bit further down the planned route as per her usual orders, and finding nothing of interest returned to Jaliera to indicate such whilst awaiting more orders.

Jaliera

She calls Whisper in whilst she talks to the others.

"The barbarians said that the young fire giant had been digging in the hills south of their camp. Shall we head that way and when we are closer I can see if Whisper can spot anything?"

<Bern>

"I think it might be we could learn something important", he said with a nod. "But we =are= on a schedule, so cannot spend =too= much time ... at least now."

Sindar

"Sure, the more information we learn the better." He also seems pleased that his ritual helped them spend the night on the road.

Davroar

He shakes his head in agreement with Bern and says, "Yeah, you're right. If it's too far south, then we might as well just stick to the road."

Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he will start walking knowing that the sun creeps higher into the sky for every minute wasted standing here.

DM

It looks like the nearest hill to the south is about 2 to 3 miles away, suggesting it would take about an hour to travel there by foot.

Zindra

"Bern, I didn't realize there was a schedule other than to not let the doppelganger's trail get too cold. What is our deadline?"

The scout was hired by the party but there was never any time constraint explained to her.

"We've talked about how we have to learn about what is going on with the giants. If those damned fire giants are digging over yonder, I for one want to find out what that is all about. And if we can pay them back a bit for what they did in Triboar, then it wouldn't it be a time well spent?"

<Bern>

"While I know that our 'employers' want 'things solved' ASAP, as far as I know there is no ... 'deadline' for that", he said with a shrug. "And while I can not ignore '=my= problem'", he added, "I can't help but think that we may learn something useful if we talk to the giants."

Kriv

"The giant problem is a pressing one. We can afford a couple of hours. If need be we'll put the effort in to make up the time."

Jaliera

"I think we should stick together. Whisper will be of more use. If we find anything that sends us in another direction, we can then do that. And if trouble finds us, then we have more chance collectively."

"Shall we go?"

She sets off.

<Bern>

He suppresses a chuckle and then turns to follow.

Zindra
"It sounds like we all agree to check out what the giants are doing. Let's get organized."

The party was mounted and needed to be so. Fortunately with Whisper in the air, able to see small prey like rabbits from a mile away, Jaliera would get a great sense of the tactical situation way before they would encounter any giants.

Zindra led her horse to take a position on the right flank and followed Jaliera.

Arus

Ready to move out at first light, Arus is quick to mount up.

"Aye," he agrees with Jaliera, "we'll save time in the long run by staying together. Less time spent finding each other later."

If there are giants abroad, they'll need every sword and spell they can muster.

Once the party are underway and horses warmed up, Arus will manoeuvre his to the rear, adopting their normal travel formation. Two columns.

1. Zindra+Bern
2. Kriv+Sindar
3. Davroar+Jaliera
4. Arus+Zhu

[OOC Is Jaliera mounted? I kinda thought not but don't fully trust my memory these days

[Yeah, iirc Jaliera's mounted on a dire jackalope.]

DM

The party heads south toward the hills, Whisper searching ahead for any threats, occasionally returning to Jaliera to convey images, and if desired, hovering about 100 feet above her to offer the ability to see through the familiar's eyes.

About half an hour into the travel, Whisper has relayed images of some unusual digging. Not a giant hole, but many giant holes.

To be precise, there is no large excavation as if digging up something from deep in the earth below, but there are several smaller holes; smaller being a relative term as they were likely dug by a giant. It gives the impression that whoever was doing the digging didn't know precisely where to dig, and was poking around in many places.

Whoever it was is nowhere to be seen.

But on a subsequent pass, Whisper does report a sighting of a beast! The image relayed is that of an ogre, laying on its back. It's not clear whether it's alive or dead.

Fortunately for those concerned about time, it's more toward the direction they were traveling earlier. If they were to turn to the east they'd encounter it.

Or they can continue southerly toward the polka-dotted landscape.

Jaliera

She relays the information to the group.

"I think we should look at the ogre and the holes as we are in the vicinity."

Davroar

"Or we could just let sleeping ogres alone?"

He is not wanting to get into any fight if they can avoid it.

<Bern>

He nodded his agreement with Davroar. "We can come back after we finish our current mission. I expect things here will have changed."

Zindra
"If the ogre is alive, it needs to be dead. If it's gravely wounded, we would do well to ask it some questions before putting it out of it's misery. But I am with Jaliera on this. We need to check it out."

<Bern>

He looked to see what the others thought ... should they ignore 'the mission' for now or do what they had agreed to do.

Davroar

Zindra has a point he did not consider, and he is not that uncompassionate in letting an animal or beast die a slow death if it is injured. Davroar will wait to see what the others have to say and will not object if the majority wants to investigate further.

Arus

"Bern's right in that we must stay focused on the mission." Arus says in agreement with the ranger, but there's more to be said, "Yet uncovering the schemes of giants is our mission and yonder lies one such giant."

The triton grins, "I know ogres are the least of giantkind but to ignore it outright might seem a little rude." he says.

The party have come this far off track so they might as well see the detour through.

<Bern>

He shrugged indicating his willingness to go with the majority. "Then, we should probably be off."

Kriv

"Ogre first in case it is dying, then the excavation site."

Jaliera

She nods, changes direction and sends Whisper ahead.

DM

As the party detours to investigate the Ogre, Jaliera can see through Whisper's eyes that it is certainly not dead, as it's moved from laying flat on its back to some sort of a half-sitting resting position with its back and head on a rock. While its greatclub lays by its side within reach, it certainly seems to be no threat.

There are no obvious signs of any injuries, at least as can be seen through an owl's eyes.

Although it is laying alongside a path, the area around it has plenty of trees to provide cover should the party want to sneak closer to get a better idea.

(OOC: If you want to sneak up, DC 8 stealth check for any parties doing so.)

Zindra

"I suggest that those of us who can be stealthy out here approach first. The rest of you can stay within range for your attacks if something goes wrong. I speak giant but most ogres also speak common. I also know this terrain, having passed through here rather often."

She works it out with the others and when they're ready to approach, she moves stealthily towards the ogre, staying out of it's range but getting within her range. Zindra knows ogres and knows that they like to pummel smaller humanoids and, on occasion, will throw spears and javelins.

They don't use weapons that require any brains to operate, like bows and arrows. To use a bow they would need to think about what end of the arrow to put into the bowstring and how to hold the bow so that it doesn't take off an ear of theirs. Zindra will load a arrow into her longbow and targets the ogre before any words are spoken. If the ogre makes a hostile move, she's ready to put it down.

Zindra Stealth
Neptune rolled 1d20+6 and got 17
Hunter's Mark
Readied action: Shoot arrow at ogre if it make a hostile move towards her.

Davroar

"I'll hang back."

He is not the quietest when trying to sneak, so he will approach only up to a point and help if needed with spells or shape change into his familiar brown bear form to charge into battle if needed.

Jaliera

"I'll come with you Zindra."

She also readies her bow.

Jaliera Stealth
Gypsy rolled 1d20+10 and got 24

Kriv

The armor-clad noble nodded silently and held back, hands poised ready to shape arcane mudras should burning the ogre at range be necessary.

<Bern>

He moved to join the group approaching.

Bern Stealth MikeD rolled d20+6 and got 14

Arus

"Don't forget to say 'Boo'." Arus mutters wryly as the scouts stalk off.

DM

The ogre seems blissfully unaware of those approaching, as all three of the scouts move well within easy range to strike it down should they need to.

Blissfully is probably the wrong adverb to describe the ogre's condition. It doesn't seem to have much energy at all, only occasionally moving one of its rather large limbs, and occasionally sighing. If a deep ogre breath counts as a sigh. It does occasionally mumble something unintelligible to itself.

There is a rather loud rumbling sound, almost as if the earth was shaking... no, wait. The earth isn't moving. That's just the ogre. And the sound is from its stomach. Its lower lip sticks out slightly -- if it were possible for an ogre to pout, that's what everyone would see.

Of course, ogres don't pout. Maybe it's just deep in thought. As deep as an ogre's thoughts go.

Jaliera

She has no idea what to say nor does she know if it speaks common. Perhaps it needs help? She indicates to Zindra to speak and raises her bow, ready just in case.

<Bern>

He considered following Jaliera's prep, but decided that might provoke a response. Instead he put his hand on his sword, ready to pull if needed.

Zindra
The scout nods to Jaliera and emerges from hiding to take a casual stroll towards the ogre.

“Greetings friend! How art thou this fine day?”

She does nothing that looks remotely hostile and she keeps about 50 feet away, too far for the ogre to close on her.

DM

The ogre looks surprised and its hand moves to the handle of its greatclub, but doesn't lift it.

"No hurt you," it says in common. "You no hurt me?"

Seems to be negotiating a truce.

Zindra

"Yeah. Sure. I won't hurt you if you don't threaten me. We've got a deal."

She approaches, weapons remain sheathed.

"Why do you look sad?"

Jaliera

She makes sure she has a clear shot but stays hidden, leaving the talking to Zindra.

DM

"No food," the ogre replies, a hopeful look on his face. "You have food? They took my food."

Zindra

"Who took your food?" she asked, ignoring his food request. A hungry ogre is a dangerous ogre.

The ogre

"Giants," comes the reply.

"Too many giants," he elaborates. "Do you fight giants?"

<Bern>

Zindra has the ogre talking, so he listened, but didn't interfere.

Zindra
"Let's just say that I don't get along with giants. Do you know what kind of giants they were? I don't remember that there were giants here before. What were they up to?"

The ogre

"Taking my food!" the ogre says emphatically. "The other giants ran me off too. Ran all day. No food."

He remembers his previous question. "You have food? I tell you more if you give food."

Jaliera

Definitely a good swap. She is not sure if Zindra has rations but just in case recalls Whisper, so she can drop some off for her.

Zindra
She reaches into her backpack, still at a distance and takes out her rations and brings them over to the ogre.

"This should hold you for a little bit. I'll see if I can get more for you."

The ogre

The ogre looks immensely appreciative of the rations, gobbling them up quickly, nearly crying in relief.

"Fire giants," he begins after swallowing the first of two large bites. He gestures toward the east. "Had magic. Burned trees. Burned food."

He quickly consumes the rest of the rations. "Tried hunt, Hill Giants not let me. More angry. Some had real clubs."

<Bern>

As the ogre begins telling his 'story', Bern pulls some food from his pack and tosses it once the initial 'meal' is gone.

Zindra
"You've been helpful. I'm going to go fetch some more food for you. I don't have to, but you are my new friend. Wait here and I'll go get some. I dropped some not far away."

She turned from the ogre and made some haste towards where Bern and Jaliera were hiding in wait. Once she spotted Bern hiding behind a rock she followed the finger he use to point out his rations she knelt down to pick them up and and started to head back to the ogre.

"Here. This is all I have but I am giving you the rest. I will hunt for myself later."

She paused to let the ogre think about that. She knew it was feeble-minded and that string of words were likely complicated for it. When she saw the look of understanding on it's face she furthered the conversation.

"Why were the fire giants doing that? Why burn trees and food? And what are those holes?" she asked pointing to all the giant holes about.

It was a lot of questions for an ogre, but she was going to be patient with it as it was being helpful.

Hungry Ogre

"You friend too," the ogre replies. "I help you fight."

Assuming, of course, he's nourished enough.

As more food is produced, the ogre is happy to accept it and he begins eating it, slightly slower than the original pack of rations, listening to the new questions.

"Don't...." he begins, then pauses, looking at the food, and back to Zindra. "Uh. I think they wanted black rock."

He looks around as if anyone other than Zindra might overhear. "Hid rock with food. They burned trees to find. Burned food too. With magic. I don't like magic."

Jaliera

She would have been happy to share her rations too. Maybe with Bern and Zindra later instead.

Then her next thought takes everything else out of her mind.

**Giants with MAGIC**

That is a whole new ball game.

**And what is black rock?**

Right decision to talk to the ogre though. She doesn't understand it yet but they have certainly learned much.

Zindra
"Cowards!" she exclaims, siding with the ogre's anger. "What black rock? Did you see where they buried it?"

The ogre

The ogre's brow furrows at the question, apparently confused.

Not that it takes much to confuse him.

"They not bury, they steal. I found buried last year. I hide. They find."

Zindra

She smacks her own forehead with her palm and replied.

"My being stupid. I did not understand. You found the black rock and hid it with your food and they took it? They are so bad. That's why fire giants are bad!"

She nodded her head.

"I know rock was black. Was it big? Was it long? Did it look like maybe it wasn't just a rock? Did the giants call it by some name that was different than 'black rock'?"

Ogre

The ogre seems to have regained enough energy to start to stand up while talking. He picks up his club in the process, but does not appear to be using it threateningly. In fact, he uses it as a visual aid.

"Looked like broken part of bigger rock," he says, holding up his club. "Shape like this but only half big."

As Zindra asks more about the rock his brow furrows. "Maybe not rock. Metal? Kinda like both. Look like armor but too thick to wear."

The ogre looks thoughtful, trying to remember everything he can about the black rock.

"Fire make rock look green," he adds.

Jaliera

**Fire makes rock green? Could be metal?**

Outside her sphere of knowledge but perhaps others might know? She maintains her position and tries to avoid being noticed which might spook the ogre. Facing one human is probably OK, more might be an issue.

Zindra
"That is very useful! You are smart. That is a strange rock if it changes color! Maybe it was magic. Hmmmm."

He pauses and lets the ogre ponder and absorb.

"I hope the food was good. I am headed that way and am meeting some friends. Do you have a destination? By the way, I am Zindra."

Glork

"I am Glork," the ogre replies.

"You save life with food. I go with you and help you next fight. I hope you want to fight stealing giants."

Glork gestures eastward from whence he came. "Hill giants on the way, you help me fight them so I can hunt food? Or I help you if you go another place."

Zindra

"Sure. I have to meet my friends. Let's get going."

With that she starts walking and says, "This way."

Jaliera

She quickly stows her bow and makes sure she is in the open near Bern. Best not to get the ogre on the defensive.

As Zindra comes into view, she raises her hand in a friendly greeting.

"Hi Zindra, who's your new friend?"

Zindra

"This is Glork. He hates giants. They were bad to him. I like Glork."

She turns to Glork now, "This is Jaliera, a friend. And that over there is Bern - he doesn't like giants either".

Glork

Glork wraps his fist tighter around his club and starts to walk, following Zindra along the path. As the two new members are introduced, the ogre nods his head toward them.

"Hello friends," he says simply, not even trying to remember names.

<Bern>

He wasn't exactly 'happy' about the ... apparent ... addition to the group, but if Zindra thought it was a good idea, he was willing to 'go with it' for now. He returned the nod.

Arus

He's surprised when they're joined by an ogre---who wouldn't be---though only his left eyebrow lets it show.

Looking the ogre up and down, one term comes immediately to Arus's mind. Meat shield.

Could be useful!

Arus knows the Giantish language from his people's dealings with the storm giant realms, but he doesn't let on to the ogre yet. Instead he says in Common:

"Welcome."

Best not to overwhelm the ogre's mental capacity by giving another name to remember.

Jaliera

"Hi Glork."

She smiles.

"Seems we have something in common as I don't like giants either!"

<Bern>

He steps out, bow and sword put away ... for now.

"I'm not a fan of giants either", he said in common.

Zindra
Zindra and Glork had just We hadn't reached the other two scouts and he let them get comfortable with the ogre. She then said, "That's 1 - 2 - 3 new friends that you made today. I say that any day you make one friend is a good day. 3 should make this a very good day. But wait! There are more friends! Let's meet them too. We all are angry with the giants. Hill giants wanted to eat my horse! "

She was sure he was confused, especially about the numbers, but she reached a hand out to hold his and lead him to the camp site to meet the others.

Glork

Glork initially took Zindra's hand as she leads, but it's not easy for the lumbering creature to walk that way. He withdraws the hand. "I follow. Meet more friends."

As the trio plus their new club-wielding carnivore arrive back with the other group he stays very close to Zindra until he is introduced.

Kriv

The Dragonborn noble regarded the new, brutish arrival dispassionately. Ah well, they’d travelled further with worse.

“Welcome, Glork.”

Glork

As multiple party members offer him welcome, the ogre nods toward them. As his own introduction, he gestures toward Zindra. "This one save life," he says. "I pay back...."

He pauses, his large brow wrinkling in thought. He doesn't seem to know the common word for what he's trying to express.

He uses the Giant language word. "Maat." Anyone in the party who speaks the giant language would recognize that as representing an act of honor.

Davroar

He is quite surprised to see Zindra, Bern and Jaliera returning with the ogre. Here he thought they were going to end up in an unnecessary fight, and instead it seems they gained an ally at least for the time being. Walking alongside Jaliera, he points a thumb to Glork and asks, "How, you ever get him to come along?"

Jaliera

She grins.

"Giants had stolen his food so Zindra fed him. And we are against the giants as he is now so he has offered to help us. Probably only until a giant fight is over but better on our side!"

Glork

As the party discusses his arrival, Glork looks around, noticing where the rations are carried.

Kriv

The Dragonborn noble, a weather eye the ogre, tried to follow that wandering gaze.

<Bern>

It may have been based on his past dealings with ogres, but, despite Zindra's 'endorsement', he was still suspicious. He continued to 'keep an eye' on the newest 'addition' to the 'team'.

Glork

Glork isn't suspicious. He's hungry. But he doesn't do anything yet. He does inquire about the plans, though.

"We go fight giants? Or we eat?"

Zindra

"You honor me," she says back to the ogre in giant. "I think we can eat and also fight giants. Eating comes first. I'm going to do some hunting. There has to be so good prey nearby."

She looks about to see if she's going to do this alone.

Jaliera

"I can help if you want some company?"

This ogre is likely to eat a lot given his size.

Zindra

"Sounds great. It can take a while to find enough to eat so be patient Glork. I'm sure, if you're hungry, some of my friends will chip in a nibble for you. Jaliera and I will get to work."

She headed out with Jaliera and said, "Hopefully Whisper can spot some big game from above."

Glork

Glork tells Zindra, "I help you hunt?"

He does like his meat rare.

Granted, Glork's idea of hunting is finding penned animals from the local farmers and he would be far from stealthy.

Zindra
"Jaliera and I are small and sneaky and good hunters. I would like you to become friends with my friends. Tell them the story about what the giants did. We will be back soon with food."

Glork

"If food too big for you to carry I help," Glork offers, perhaps hoping for some large prey.

He thens turns to face the rest of the group. "Giants stole my black rock," he begins, looking around to see who's listening.