DM Mathpro's advanced Rise of the Runelords campaign group 2 (Inactive)

Game Master mathpro18

The morning sun shines brightly down on you and you wake slowly but stiffly. After having a nice inn to stay in for the last couple days the prospect of sleeping on the ground last night was a bit...jarring but you are doing what you must to get back to Sandpoint in time. Bedrolls and tents lay strewn around your camp but the sounds of your party members waking soon start to fill the air. You figure your still about three days out of Sandpoint and you hope that you are not to late.

Malcolm wakes up early so he has time for his morning prayers. After all they were going to travel. "May the Tender of Dreams sing along until we arrive." he whispers to himself. He proceeds to pack his belongings while his friends finish their dreams

Ithalil climbs out of hiding. His watch coming to an end. Morning Malcolm. I'll get started on breakfast now that you are awake Ithalil begins to gather the cook wear and food for breakfast. Putting some kindling on the hot coals to get the fire started again.

Dot...

Malcolm finishes packing his stuff and decides to tune his lute while he waits... it's been a long time since the last time he did. He should remember to take care of Delilah less she starts to stound angry.

He plays an old song that Brother Henry taught him years ago. The lyrics talk about the joy of arriving safe... but the music speaks. And she speak about the thrill of the walk.

Perform: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38

Zarion stirs himself from slumber and throws on his shirt, using prestidigitation to remove the dirt and sweat of travel from it and the clothes that he had slept in before going around and sharing the slightly rose-scented magical love with his traveling companions. "Good morning, everyone! Pack up your gear and I'll chuck the tent back into the hole." He rolls up his own bedroll and blanket and takes the aforementioned black cloth out of his pocket, unfolding it a bit and placing it on the ground a few yards from the rest of the camp before unceremoniously kicking the bundled sleeping equipment into the black room beneath, and then he gets to work.

Standing outside the camp, he appropriates a stake from the large tent and plants it in the ground, lifting on the rope within his portable hole via use of a cantrip until he could grab it and pull it out himself. Then he started chanting. The ink on his skin started to shimmer, then increase in quantity, and finally the excess removed itself from his skin and solidified into a horse. He repeated the process three more times, then tied the horses together, muttering a calming stream of words in Varisian. The magic would make them listen, but he had to say something to give them direction.

That done, he returned to camp and sat down next to the fire, reminiscing slightly about a time when a conjuration like that might have taken something significant out of him before getting caught up in the music that Malcom was playing. He was good, and it reminded Zarion of some of the Varisian traveling songs he'd grown up with. He smiled as it came to an end and applauded politely before turning his attention towards the man stirring the coals. "Anything you need done before breakfast, Ithalil?"

As Ithalil finishes his watch and the others stir as their morning preparations begin...a short ways away from the camp an intermittent whistling is heard as the large Shoanti warrior greets the day with his customary morning kata.

His routine is unique....none of the group has ever seen anyone else with his fighting style. He alternates slow smooth movements almost like a dance while swinging SkyReaver his fauchard from one hand to the other and then with both hands at the same time sometimes fast (creating that whistling sound) sometimes slow. No armor interferes or slows down the swings of SkyReaver or the kicks and punches that are interspersed with his movements. A few of his friends have seen the rare Barbarian warrior wielding their 2handed weapons in one, but they were all armored warriors more brute strength and SMASH than the lithe movements of Wargrym. A sight to behold.

He walks back to the camp wiping off the sheen of sweat from his body and greets his friends with a large smile. "Morning Ithalil...may the Gods shine on you and your bow....and keep your arrows out of my backside." Wargrym is just teasing Ithalil...That happened long ago and it's an old joke between them by now.

looking at Malcolm strumming his lute "Right Malcolm...I know you agree that your wonderful healing hands should not have to be placed on my backside"

Ithalil looks over at Wargrym with a blank expression. I always hit what I am aiming for He replies in a deadpan tone. Besides I don't remember Malcomb complaining. He turns his face to Zarion to hide a brief smile at the memory. Well it looks like we have a volunteer for dishes.

Once everybody is up and ready Ithalil dishes out the breakfast stew. Plenty of vegetables and very little meat. Eat up we have a long ride ahead and only hard tack for lunch.

Malcolm sits in the floor to eat some stew. The air smells good, of spices and salt, surely a good omen "Of course I'll complain, I'd rather not have you harmed. But if you insist in bleeding, I'll keep laying my hands hahahahaha!" he looks to Siobhan tent. "She's still sleeping?"

"of course I'll do the dishes.. You certainly don't want me doing the cooking... I know you all fondly remember the last time I cooked "

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"My guts remember, War. It was like eating an armed and angry goblin whole. With acid for hands. On fire. Hahahahahaha!"

A tousled white haired head pokes itself of a still standing tent. "Will you great oafs keep it down? Some of us are trying to sleep!" As you are all intimately aware by now Siobhan doesn't really do mornings.

About five minutes later, Lexie comes fluttering out of the tent and perches daintily near the fire. "Sorry about her, bad dreams last night made it tough to get any sleep at all. She's been feeling a lot of 'stress' recently."

Shortly afterwards Siobhan drags herself out of the tent, squinting hard at the brightness of the sun. "Morning boys, sorry about the oafs thing." She still looks bleary and sits, largely unmoving, on a convenient rock while Lexie flutters behind her and gently strokes her hair, humming the tune Malcolm was playing earlier.

You'll all have seen through the trip that Siobhans magic seems to defy any alignment or definition. One of her most spectacular spells transforms the land around you into the very image of Hell and she has recently deployed some horribly lethal magic. On the other hand she always has a cure spell ready for a friend - what you make of that is up to you :P

Lexie is her Azata familiar btw. Desna sent her as a 'sober companion' to keep Siobhan's Dark Tapestry inspired magic from corrupting her.

As Lexie strokes Siobhan's hair Wargrym makes eye contact with the Azata "Well good morning sleeping Beauty... "he says with a wink and then shifts his gaze slightly to Siobhan "and good morning to you as well Siobhan " he holds a serious face for a moment before breaking into a wide grin

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Ithalil wonder's, not for the first time. What kind of dreams could keep her trapped in the dreamlands so late? So far he has kept his curiosity in check and not invaded his friend's most private moments.

I saved you two bowls Soibhan and Lexie He says with a faint smile.

As we travel Ithalil will be checking for signs of passage from giants and a dragon.

Siobhan makes a very rude gesture towards Wargrym but otherwise doesn't move. Lexie on the other hand seems very excited by the prospect of food and proceeds to scoff a bowlful rapidly.

"Thanks Ithalil! You cook really well!

Siobhan, once her meditation is complete opens her eyes, takes the bowl and smiles wearily. "Thank you Ithalil, this really does smell good." She only eats a few bites, but that's normal too for this stage in the day - Siobhan never eats much.

"We can head out as soon as you're ready, if someone could help with the tent?"

Siobhan will likely be distracted as they ride. She's not the party scout or anything like and most of the conversation is Lexie whispering in her ear. By early afternoon she seems a lot better and joins in the conversation as normal.

Anyone got craftin requests? I might as well get started on anything people want made - also DM: how are we handling craft rules?

Malcolm finishes his breakfast and heads for Siobhan's tent "I'll help you, Sio"
Once its all folded nicely, he waits for the rest to finish and start the travel.

Maybe is Desna influence or maybe I'm just hyped, but let's do this!

After finishing his breakfast in uncharacteristically distracted silence, Zarion uses another cantrip to clean off his bowl before stowing his gear, including the rope holding the conjured horses, in the portable hole before folding up the cloth and pocketing it. He chuckles as the sound of feline snores emanates from one of his tattoos; Selthanis, his Silvanshee familiar, was less of a morning person than Siobhan, and had the added boon of being able to rest on Zarion's skin. "Alright. Malcolm, you're the only one with a horse that you'll still have tomorrow. Set the pace for us." He shakes his head and looks over the horizon, in the direction of Sandpoint as he steps awkwardly into the saddle of one of the conjured steeds. "Alright. Time to get going."

Zarion is going to keep an eye out for anything, not that he's terribly good at perception.

Siobhan favors Malcolm with a smile. "Thanks Mal, I appreciate it." Behind her Lexie grins at Malcolm and winks pointedly. She divined Malcolm's feelings for Siobhan some time ago and seems to wholeheartedly support them. Siobhan, completely oblivious to her familiars antics, walks over to another conjured steed and swings herself smoothly into the saddle.

"You riding with me Lexie or flying yourself?. Zarion is right, we need to ride. Sandpoint is waiting for us!" She spurs her horse towards Sandpoint.

@ Siobhan.... crafting requests? Better question is what Don't I want crafted lol. . Alas no funds for now. .Simple solution. Let's go find that dragon and then loot it's horde....

As Wargrym mounts his Mount he says to Zarion "this tattoo is coming along nicely... But it itches like crazy... Can't wait for you to finish it... Those Giants won't like picking on someone there own size. "

@Zarion if the tattoo artist has any recommendations on where to locate the GM approved Enlarge Person tattoo... Let me know. . It's a work in progress right now. . But once we loot some Giants purses I should have enough to pay for its completion

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Swings himself into the saddle on his horse. Looking very uncomfortable, he turns to his companions. don't have much need for these in the forest.

@Zarion if the tattoo artist has any recommendations on where to locate the GM approved Enlarge Person tattoo... Let me know. . It's a work in progress right now. . But once we loot some Giants purses I should have enough to pay for its completion

There's a certain male organ which likes being enlarged. Perhaps that would be an appropriate place for such a tattoo? ;)

when I'm enlarged ALL of my weaponry are bigger. So that's as good a place as any. . But I'm not sure I want Zarion working on that area.. Now if the beautiful Siobhan was a tattooist........

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Ithalil is suddenly tasting breakfast again

when I'm enlarged ALL of my weaponry are bigger. So that's as good a place as any. . But I'm not sure I want Zarion working on that area.. Now if the beautiful Siobhan was a tattooist........

She'll certainly put a needle through it if asked.

Could you all please wait for that experiment until I get the feat for ranged LoH? Much appreciated

Malcolm gets on his horse and starts to ride to Sandpoint when his friends are ready. "Our city needs us, we should hurry! And if we happen to find any dragon or giant on our way, remember that I'm the one to help, so try not to charge head on Hahahaha"

Can we just postpone that one indefinitely? There are parts of the body that not even Varisians want to tattoo. As for slots, spell tattoos need to be activated by sight, so while this isn't a spell tattoo maybe wrists or hands might be thematic?

Zarion spurs his horse onward after the others and shakes his head. "As much as I'd love to finish it off, the magic needs time to set. There's a lot of layers in this spell and I don't actually know it. It sounds simple, but really I have to enlarge you, enlarge your gear, prevent your bones from breaking under the stress, and make it all bind to your magic instead of mine. Right now I've about a quarter of all of that done, and I have to be careful not to finish any one step early or the whole thing will lock down and then maybe only half of you will enlarge. But yes, it does itch a little bit when it's fresh." He chuckles. "And believe me, Malcolm, I won't be charging at any dragons. I have magic to do that for me."

Malcolm gets on his horse and starts to ride to Sandpoint when his friends are ready. "Our city needs us, we should hurry! And if we happen to find any dragon or giant on our way, remember that I'm the one to help, so try not to charge head on Hahahaha"

"When we get a chance Malcolm I need to test a new spell with you." Siobhan calls across to the paladin. "I've been trying to make a spell that will protect me from different kinds of magic selectively, rather than just blocking all magic and stopping me casting. If Ithalil doesn't mind could you two help me test it later?"

DM I'm referring to Source Severance from Faiths and Philosophies. Will it be ok to use? Since it's a splat-book I thought I should check. I don't think there's anything else on my spell-list that needs clearing. If it is allowed then how would I go about crafting it into a wonderous item?

Hmmm I could hit him with color spray. Watch him flop around like a fish if it doesn't work. he says with a smile. Keeping his eyes on the surroundings. His thoughts stray to happier times running through the trees of his home late at night. Playing hide and seek as a child many years ago.

Malcolm fondles his beard for a few seconds, meditating "Well, if it helps saving us all later I'll accept. Just don't hit me with anything in the face, please." he says with a smile.

Thats fine Siobhan and you would be allowed to craft in into a wonderous item.

As you guys ride it is a beautiful day for early spring and surprisingly warm which is a relief. You ride for a couple of hours talking amongst yourself until you spot something off in the distance. At first your not sure what it is but as you get a little closer there is not doubt in any of your minds. Its a giant...a rather large one at that. As you get a little closer you estimate he stands about 20' tall and you notice a firey red mane of hair and pale grey skin. Lucky for you he hasn't noticed you yet and is still about 200 yards off. He is by himself.

Malcolm turns back to whisper to Ithalil"Is... is that a fire giant? I've only heard about them. It's huge." he gazes back to the giant. "Should we ambush him? I'm not sure if its hostile or if its one of those who were headed to Sandpoint..."

Anyone who wishes to identify the species of giant please make me a knowledge local check.

I don't know if its a fire giant, Malcolm just assumed that based on his hair. He may be mistaken.

Battle map can be found here He's further off than pictured now.

Knowledge local : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

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I have no experience with giants. I can sneak closer to see it better. Perhaps there is a clue as to whether it is hostile or not.

casting penumbra 110 minutes duration no longer dazzeled light sensitivity

Galwaf y cysgodion ac yn eu rhwymo i fy llygaid His hands covering his eyes as he chants

Siobhan mutters quietly and darkness swirls around her out of nowhere. As Ithalil chants thin tendrils of the darkness snake away towards the elf's eyes - covering them like a mask. The main body of shadow coalesces around Siobhan, covering her in a long robe of utter darkness with a dark hood overlying her white hair.

Two black wings burst from her shoulder blades, giving Siobhan the appearance of a monstrous black bird as she beats her way into the sky.

=====================
Standard Action: activate cloak of darkness.
Swift Action: activate wings of darkness.
Move action: climb 60ft vertically.

"Well Malcolm...What do you think? You and I aren't going to be able to sneak up on him. I'll cast my Enlarge spell and then we continue down the road. If the Giant charges us...Ithalils arrows will start sprouting out of its belly and Zarion and Siobahn can cast whatever spells they deem appropriate, while you and I take the beast down. Ithalil while Malcolm and I continue down the road, you find a good spot to shoot from. Given what we know about a dragon and Giants coming to attack Sandpoint we should consider it hostile till proven otherwise. Thoughts?"

"on second thought. How about we wait for Siobhan to come back an give us a scouting report from her aerial vantage point first before attacking? Would be good to know if it's a solitary scout or the first of a war party"

Zarion nods and sends a line of wariness down the empathic link with Selthanis. The feline tattoo prowls down his arm before jumping off onto the saddle in front of the sorcerer. The black cat with the white flame pattern on its chest looks up at Zarion and speaks in a deep, feminine voice. "What is it, Zarion? I was having a nap." The sorcerer chuckles. "You'd nap all day if I didn't wake you eventually. Can you go with Siobhan, let me know if I need to send help?" The Silvanshee regards him for a second before inclining her head and leaping into the air, flying off after the oracle, heedless of the fact that cats don't typically fly. "I'll wait until we get a bit closer to dismount. Not too keen on having to deal with casting and riding at the same time. Animals springing into being has this terrible tendency to scare other animals."

Malcolm draws his longbow and prepares himself for battle with a swift prayer to Desna May the luck favor us so we can end our travel safe before turning to Wargrym "Yes, we should advance carefully until our scout and particular angel give the signal. If the giant is our enemy I'll cover you until we reach him. Hopefully I don't have to heal you today, but just in case... I'll share your pain.

Malcolm casts Shield Other on Wargrym.

Mechanics: 8 hours duration.

Thanks for the ring. Putting it in the inventory

oops put that in the wrong forum

Ithalil will move up to the tree near the creek to get a better look.

Siobhan, having seen all she needs to, drops like a stone. Black wings crash out at the last moment and Siobhan lands lightly on the ground. "He's alone and from what I saw, unaware. If you want to take him down we can either charge or we can try and draw him into an ambush. Either way lets try not to kill him. I want a prisoner I can talk to before we do anything drastic. Malcolm, Ithalil, Wargrym can you pull that off?"

Siobhan looks around for agreement. "Right. When I raise hell, charge." She nods decisively to Malcolm and Wargrym, before leaping back into the clouds as all her companions feel a familiar surge of power within them.
======================
[ooc]Move Action: Return to the ground
Free Action: Speak
Standard: Cast Blessing of Fervor. It will effect everyone within 50ft so Ithalil might get buffed if he wasn't too fast!

As Sio leaps into the air Malcolm says "Thank you, Sio." and he draws an arrow, prepared to let "hell" loose at her signal.

======
Preparing to Smite Evil then Attack with the longbow with the surprise round, then full attack first round choosing the extra attack of Blessing of Fervor

Wargrym casts Enlarge Person on himself

Wargrym is now large with a reach weapon. If the giant is also large and not using a reach weapon, Wargrym will get an AOO if the Giant tries to get within melee range. He will stay at Malcolms side as Malcolm uses his bow. And let the Giant eat arrows til he attacks us. Has anyone been able to identify the type of giant?

No its DC 25...but judging from its size as it moves you are pretty sure its larger than large

Seeing that it is not the more common Giant of the size that he can match with his Enlarge spell...Wargrym casts a Shield spell now more wary of the solitary foe.

would 11th level characters possibly know the only Good Giants Cloud and Storm are of the huge size? Therefore this Giant might be Good. Not saying it is, but it's a possibility. Would hate to unleash hell on a friendly Storm Giant. Having Malcolm detect evil once in range might be a good thing to do.

With a grin and a nod, Zarion spurs his horse forwards. A hand gesture summons his Silvanshee back to him, and he slides off the horse next to a pile of rocks, keeping a close eye on the giant and placing the horse between himself and it. "Alive. I think we can do that."

Move and Standard because I'm not embarrassing myself with untrained Ride checks.

Just waiting for Ithalil to post before I start anything...