GM Endless Forms' Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Spires of Xin-Shalast (Book 6)

Northeast Varisia | Xin-Shalast | Tactical Map

Sandpoint | Sandpoint Hinterlands | Varisia | LOOT!


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Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

"What's going on over there?", Miana asks curiously, first flying up to make sure no more giants are attacking the town.


Giant Slayer 17| HP 241/241 (214/292) |20% MC AC:23 T:15 FF:21 CMD: 41(45) | F+21 R+15 W+12 | Init +2 | Per +27

Seal snatches the cure light wound wand and taps himself a couple of times.

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

He then replaces Isoult and whips out his wound of Lead Blades while twirling another ioun stone above his head.

"Where there is smoke, there is fire. Let's see if the dragon has a momma."

Once the party is ready, he leads the formation like a group of superheroes. He will tap his Ioun Stone to re-enlarge himself and tap his Lead Blades wand on the appropriate weapon once enemy forces can be spotted.


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

Lucian also heal himself before spurring his steed onwards.
CLW: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 8) + 4 = 21

"An attack on the southern outskirts? Let's strike at once!"


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Three stone giants have swung wide so as to approach Sandpoint from the south-the approach resulted in their late arrival, apparently, bbut allowed them relative freedom in looting the manor houses and capturing nobles. That is, until you arrived.

Two of the giants pull a large wagon between them, seemingly loaded with treasures looted from the homes.

Go!


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

Rissi flies close enough to summon a flaming sphere.

fire, flex 21 negates on the closest: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 2) = 6


Giant Slayer 17| HP 241/241 (214/292) |20% MC AC:23 T:15 FF:21 CMD: 41(45) | F+21 R+15 W+12 | Init +2 | Per +27

Enlarged with Isoult in hand, Sealman returns to his rage state and charges the solo giant with renewed vigor.

Evade Reach on Giant Seal is fighting. Unless he has a reach weapon, he'll need to move 10' to get within melee and provoke AoO.

Charging, Enlarged Raging, PA Isoult vs Giant: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38
Dmg: 6d6 + 2d6 + 30 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 1, 3, 6) + (4, 5) + 30 = 60

Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

Fly from Rissi still active?


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

had 5 minutes on seal, 10 minutes on Miana from when cast


Sorcerer(Seeker) 1 / Rogue 4 / DD 9 Suli AC22(26)/T16/FF17/CMD30||HP146[146]F:+11|R:13|W:+10(+2 vs poison)||Init.+9|Perc:+26(+28 trapspotter)blindsense 30'

Kufieno darts toward the giants, trying to take a bite out of one, looking to flan with someone.

Power Bite: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 4 = 13 Not sure what buffs are still up.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Fly still active.

Rissi, Seal, and Kufieno take down the first giant!

Miana and Lucian!

Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

"Brigand!", Miana shouts charging forward and delivering a powerful spin kick giant's forehead.

Stunning flying charge kick @ giant: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 2 = 23
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9
DC 19 Fort save or stunned for 1 round


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Miana deals a kick to the giant!

The remaining giants don't look ready to lose their lives over this loot and soon enough there is a horn call in the distance calling them to retreat.

These giants have already loaded a lot of treasure into their wagon, including four woven silk tapestries worth 1,200 gp each; three chests of silver and gold-inlaid tableware worth 1,000 gp in all; barrels of wine, brandy, and olive oil worth a total of 1,400 gp; and a teakwood desk inlaid with silver and gold worth 600 gp. All of this belongs to the Scarnetti family.

DC 30 Perception:
Searching the teakwood desk, you find a hidden compartment that contains several letters addressed to Titus Scarnetti from local crime lord Jubrayl Vhiski that reveal not only that Titus hired Jubrayl to burn down several mills in the region (ensuring Scarnetti’s own mill in town would gain more business), but also that Jubrayl has reversed the attack and is now blackmailing the Scarnetti family for regular payments, lest he reveal to Sheriff Hemlock that Scarnetti paid one of his boys to light those fires.

When you return this to the Scarnettis (as I would hope you would) they thank you for preventing these giants from kidnapping the entire family, paying a reward of 1,000 gp.

Once the raid is over, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Why did the giants attack Sandpoint?” Answers can come most easily from a captured giant. Luckily, there are a couple lying about who are fatally wounded but not dead yet....


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

peeps: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Rissi flies outside the city and dramatically gestures over the skeleton and dramatically gestures.

"Be gone, skeleton! You are no longer needed here!"

In reality, she simply wills it to burrow thirty feet underground, until she requires her new toy again.

Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Miana is going to help others around town over dealing with the giants immediately, trusting Lucian's soothing words to coax the information they need before Sealman's rage boils over.


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

"Rissi, would you like to see this?" whispers the Varisian before the Scarnettis have a chance to claim what's rightfully theirs.

You can open the spoiler, though Lucian will probably want to put the letter back after that.

"What do you make of it?"


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

"Interesting. Is your question *squeak* "Who is Jubrayl Vhiski?". I'm sure you have a better answer for that then I."

local, who is Jubrayl: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

"However, if your question is "How is this related to current events?". Well, that is an interesting question, but one that can only lead to some level of unfounded speculation. We know that those who we oppose utilize the metaphysical quality of Greed to power their machinations. This is clearly a case of *chhhh* greed if ever I saw one."

"Moreover, it brings to question as to whether the previous murders at the mill were random, or in fact the culmination of a longer term design. I would worry for Master Scarnetti's soul. His naked *chhh* grab for power make him a prime candidate for the those who brand using the Sihedron. Perhaps when you commune with your gods next you might ask them whether Scarnetti bears the Sihedron, is in danger of acquiring it, or perhaps even if Jubayl is one of these "Seven", like Judge Ironbriar. Of course I am far into the realm of baseless speculation at this point."

"On a different matter, we should survey the various arcane facilities underneath the city. As they have been a target before, they might be related to the current raid."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Jubrayl is a known local crime lord. Sheriff Hemlock and Mayor Deverin have been looking for a way to arrest him for some time but he is very careful and they have not yet found enough evidence to put him away. This evidence would surely be sufficient (and would likely come with a reward), but would also ruin the Scarnetti family.

---

Somebody's trying to jump us ahead a book or so.... ;)


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

EF:
I apologize if I'm coming across as too meta. The greed and sihedron ritual part; well, I do have meta knowledge of the runelords, unfortunately, which I've tried to keep out of the character. But I think we've well established the relationship between the greed and the Sihedron ritual based upon what we've found thus far. Specifically the letter to Xanesha we recovered earlier, the one from umm... thread search Lucrecia.

If you mean some other part of my comments, then that's just informed guess territory :)


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

Rissi contemplates the letter a bit longer. "If the *squeak* man has committed a crime, then the right course of action seems simple enough: he should be punished. I would not wish that his family suffer on account of this man's deeds, but his destiny was *chhh* by his own hand wrought."


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

"I don't care much about laws, but if you think it's what's best for Sandpoint, then I'll gladly let you pursue in this path."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Rissi:
No problem! I wasn't implying any metagaming. You were just very astute in recognizing that the 'arcane facilities underneath the city' would become important again. But not for another book!

Don't forget about figuring out why the giant attack happened!


Sorcerer(Seeker) 1 / Rogue 4 / DD 9 Suli AC22(26)/T16/FF17/CMD30||HP146[146]F:+11|R:13|W:+10(+2 vs poison)||Init.+9|Perc:+26(+28 trapspotter)blindsense 30'

Kufieno muses aloud. "Why did the giants attack? Who organized them? A giant, or someone else?....."


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

The ratfolk wizard seems caught up in her latest revelation, and does not answer Kufi's question immediately. Instead, she secures the letters and scheme to turn them over to Sheriff Hemlock as soon as possible to keep the guilty from fleeing.

I speak giant, but I doubt a little rat is good interrogator material

She considers for a moment. "It would be easy enough for me to make you appear as a giant Master Kufieno, if you wish to bluff one of the giants into revealing their purpose. It merely requires I maintain line of sight to you, and of course the *squeak* illusion will be imperfect but it may fool the dying."

Translation: wand of silent image, 3 charges left


Giant Slayer 17| HP 241/241 (214/292) |20% MC AC:23 T:15 FF:21 CMD: 41(45) | F+21 R+15 W+12 | Init +2 | Per +27

Seal walks over to the captured giant and punches him in the nose.

In giant and common Seal screams at the captive raising Isoult in the air in one hand, "Tell us why you attacked Sandpoint? Who is your leader? Where are is your base? It belong to us. And WHERE IS CATORCE!


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The giant looks in no state to argue when Seal starts yelling at it. The injured giant squints, frowns, and then chuckles to itself. “Defeated by nosy little humans and dwarves and rats and. . . whatever else,” it says. “Never thought this would happen to the Plateau People. Well, I can tell you this: My lord is mighty Mokmurian, one of the dark giants of old come again. His magic, the things he has made... He has convinced the tribes that they will rule all the lowlands again, down to the sea. He has mastered the ancient arts.

“He will certainly kill you all, run rough over your tiny homes with the army he has called. The fortunate few will become his slaves. You beat us today, but you won’t beat us when there are a hundred or a thousand of the Plateau People marching together. Lord Mokmurian will make it happen. He’s almost as smooth a talker as you are, little one.” He scratches his nose. “Teraktinus—he was the leader of our scouting party. He convinced us that you’d be easy pickings and we’d all get rich. He obviously underestimated you, and he paid for his mistake. I’ve no interest in paying for that mistake as well—grant me safe passage out of your lands, and I’ll tell you everything you wish to know.”

Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

Miana, after tending to any other injured, returns for the interrogation, mostly to make sure Seal's bloodlust can be held in check.

She closes her eyes to the giant's request, nodding to herself. "No, if you wish freedom, you must also help repair the damage your band has caused as a sign of atonement. Then, after leaving, you must promise to never return unless it is for peaceful reasons."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

"Where is this Teraktinus now? One of these bodies?"

Note for later: skin that dragon for his scales!


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The giant considers Miana for a while before responding. "That seems reasonable enough for me to keep my life."

To Lucian he waves his hand at the pick-wielding giant that went after Seal earlier.

"Ok, I'll tell you and then I'll get to work on those walls. But then I go free into the hills with no further stipulations."

"Mokmurian is our lord and leader. He promised us glory and riches, and although our raid on your town didn’t go so well, that’s because Teraktinus was a fool. When Lord Mokmurian marches down from the Storval Plateau, he will take from you everything."

"I have only heard him speak from afar, and have only heard from others of the power of his magic. He is the rarest of us all, a child of the stones who has mastered the magic of the Ancient Lords. They say he can turn the living into immobile stone and can turn his own flesh into granite armor. I’ve even heard he can cause the very stones of the world to quicken and pull those who stand atop them into a tomb below the earth. And I’m sure he can do much more than that."

"He has at least seven tribes of under his command, with each tribe numbering in the dozens. The number of lesser kin he’s conscripted—ogres, hill giants, ettins, trolls—is not insignificant. He also enjoys the support of several lamias—degenerate followers of the Mother of Monsters."

"Mokmurian has claimed a place taboo to my people: the Valley of the Black Tower in the Iron Peaks. He calls his fortress Jorgenfist, after the name of the fortress that guards the entrance to the afterlife. Our elders found the name blasphemous, but Mokmurian is powerful enough not to fear blasphemy."

Anticipating your next question, the talkative giant continues, "Jorgenfist lies within the Valley of the Black Tower in the Iron Peaks. It overlooks the waters of the Muschkal River, but can also be approached by heading east from the Storval Stairs. Lord Mokmurian himself dwells deep below Jorgenfist—in hidden places he does not allow us to visit."

And with that you can level up to 11!


Giant Slayer 17| HP 241/241 (214/292) |20% MC AC:23 T:15 FF:21 CMD: 41(45) | F+21 R+15 W+12 | Init +2 | Per +27

Seal entire body appears to seize at the agreement made with the giant. As the rage begins to boil within the dwarf just by standing by a living giant for less then five minutes, Thunderpuss strides by Sealman's legs. Looking down at his companion, Thunderpuss matches Seal's eyes with forgiveness. Forgiveness and mercy, the same that was bestowed to the fire pelt when he was under goblin control. Relucantly, Seal loosens his grip on Isoult to reach over and scratch the top of Thunderpuss's head.

"There is one more thing. As you leave and walk through the hills, you will stop at every home you pass by to beg forgiveness for years of theft and murder. Do that and you shall live out your days. Do it not, and I will track you down and drag you back to the Five Kings to be a birthday bash bag for all the dwarflings."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The giant nods to Seal. "A fitting judgement I suppose. With each breath I will curse our failed leader Teraktinus and the poor decisions he made though."


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

"Before you go, tell me of the Ancient Lords. What do you *chhhhh* mean by those words?"

history on mokmurian?: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31

Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

Miana is surprised by Seal's additional request, but pleased the dwarf allowed the giant to live. Glad to see there's more than bloodlust against them., she thinks to herself.

"So it is to Jorgenfist we go to stop Mokmurian's plans. Does the place hold any sacred reverence to your people? I wish to stop the evil Mokmurian has planned, but I do not want to purposefully destroy a place of cultural significance to you."


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

These giants aren't actually half-bad. We could even be friends or allies if it weren't for powermongers like Mokmurian.

"I'm glad to hear you say these words of sincere repentance. What's your name, by the way? I'm Lucian Arvandru, and this is Evanya, my companions. Well met."


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

oops, meant history on the tower, not the leader


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge
Hidetsugu Rissi wrote:
"Before you go, tell me of the Ancient Lords. What do you *chhhhh* mean by those words?"

"They are gone now, but our elders tell us they once ruled over our ancestors, enslaved them, forced them to build the monuments that grace Varisia even today. Many of my brothers believe that Mokmurian is one of these Ancient Lords risen from the past to rebuild his empire."

You can tell from this description that he refers to the Runelords.

Miana, Champion of Irori wrote:
"So it is to Jorgenfist we go to stop Mokmurian's plans. Does the place hold any sacred reverence to your people? I wish to stop the evil Mokmurian has planned, but I do not want to purposefully destroy a place of cultural significance to you."

"It was a blasphemous and evil place to us but Mormurian is above that and he cares not for such superstitions, as he calls them."

Lucian Arvandru wrote:
"I'm glad to hear you say these words of sincere repentance. What's your name, by the way? I'm Lucian Arvandru, and this is Evanya, my companions. Well met."

"Dave."


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

Anything from history check on the black tower/jorgenfist. Also, George's fist? Silly name for a fortress!

Silver Crusade

Female Suli Paladin 3/ Monk-Un 4/ CoI 10 | HP 181/181 | AC 28 (39)* T 28 (30) FF 24 (35)* | F +22 R +20 W +21* (22) | CMD 48 | Init +4 | Perc +20 | Smite 3/3 Lay on Hands 12/12 Stunning Fist 14/14 Elemental Assault 17/17 Ki Points 13/14 Inevitable Fist 17/17

Bajabbers!


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Rissi recalls that Jorgenfist is located in the middle of the Iron Peaks, almost in the center of the entire region that encompasses Varisia and the Storval Plateau. The region where the spire resides is known locally as the Vale of the Black Tower. Just like many things in the region, the true origins date back to ancient Thasillon and the construction projects of the Runelords, although Rissi does not know any specifics about this tower.

Making the journey on foot from Sandpoint would require going up the Lost Coast Road, over to Ember Lke, then up to Galduria, Wolf's Ear, Ravenmoor, and finally the Storval Stairs. Onceat the top fot he stairs, you can head directly east into the Iron Peaks and the Valley of the Black Tower. The journey is about 320 miles long-230 along roads, 60 along open grasslands, and 30 through broken hills and low mountains. The journey will take 15 days (assuming Rissi rides Thunderpuss) and perhaps a bit faster with mounts or magical enhancements.


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

I routinely cast overland flight, so I can cover 64 miles in an 8 hour day without fatigue. I could even stay behind and catch up :)


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

"Well met, Dave. I wondered if you could teach me about your culture, your customs. I'd be very interested."

Not wishing to hold the game for long however, but Lucian would like to find out more about the stone giants way, and is geniuinely interested in making a new friend, in time.

"Is that time we journeyed again? Well, Desna has bestowed me higher powers recently, so know that I'll be able to teleport us around, though I can't take everyone yet."

Speaking of teleport, do familiars count as one person, or half a person?

Despite a merry time spent in Sandpoint, Lucian is glad to resume his travels, as his restless and curious nature once again takes over. He will ride his phantom steed daily, and will offer to carry someone or other with him on the ghostly horse.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Familiars don't count; they are essentially part of their masters.

Lucian does some homework on stone giants:

stone giants!:

To outsiders, stone giants may seem more elemental than truly alive, enigmatic beings of stony silence whose flesh seems hewn from living rock and whose demeanors are as unchanging and tough as the earth itself. Yet the chiseled faces of stone giants are flesh, not rock; their hardened bodies skin, rather than granite; and in their veins runs blood as red as any other, not sand or dust. Myths about stone giants abound, and ignorant travelers in the mountains blame them for landslides, washed out roads, and even thunderstorms. Many flee at the first glimpse of a stone giant, believing such beings to be no better than some of their more destructive cousins.

If others tell tall tales of their kind, the stone giants have only themselves to blame, for they wear enigma as comfortably as their stone-colored hides. Reclusive by nature, stone giants generally avoid contact with outsiders. Those few who do mingle with other societies rarely discuss their own kind or traditions. They make no apologies for their isolationist ways, as the mixing of stone giant culture with those of others has never brought joy to their solemn people.

Stone giants claim to be among the oldest of giantkind, their clay molded by the gods to set precedent for many to follow. Stone giant elders and storytellers say that in ancient times, when they were the only giants, they stayed true to their ancestors and their traditions. That lasted until they encountered humans. The humans coveted their skill with earth and stone, and bent the stone giants to their will. The enslaved giants built countless great structures, architectural wonders destined to be buried and forgotten. In time, these stone giants escaped the yoke of slavery, but the lessons they learned stuck. No more were they simple herders and cave dwellers. They had learned the ways of iron and stonemasonry. Some had even turned from revering their ancestors to the worship of human gods. These modern stone giants find themselves torn between two paths: the crafters and builders who reshape the world with new found knowledge, and the spiritual giants who respect their ancestors and adhere to the old ways.

Stone giant clans are ruled by their eldest couple. This couple claims no special title and receives few privileges, but is responsible for numerous matters that directly affect the well-being of the clan. Both must reach agreement on matters before presenting their decision to the clan, insulating their people from rash decisions and despotic rule. Should one or both members of the ruling couple pass away, stewardship of the clan passes to the next most senior couple, whether they desire the burden of rule or not. Widows and widowers of past couples retain positions of respect as advisors within the clan for the remainder of their days, and it is not uncommon for an elder couple to have several such advisors during their rule.

Though a stone giant clan is ruled by only one elderly couple, many tribes recognize numerous stone giant elders, a title given to individuals both in recognition of their advanced age and their spiritual prowess. Such ancient beings often possess sorcerous powers over earth and stone, taught to them either by previous elders before their passing or by communing with their ancestral mountain and the spirits of their forebears. The distinction between such elders and the ruling eldest couple can be a tricky one for outsiders to grasp. The oldest couple rules the tribe, but are not necessarily elders. Likewise, although old, elders might not be the oldest members of their tribe. Instead, to a stone giant, the term elder denotes an individual who has passed beyond youth, adulthood, and even old age into a fullness of maturity and enlightenment few achieve. In theory, the words of the elders carry no weight of law, but in practice stone giants follow the requests of their elders with little question.

The elders refer to their calling as “hearing the voice of stone.” Each elder bears a responsibility to train promising young giants in the ways of shaping and understanding stone as well as in the history and ideals of their clan. Despite these teachings, few students hear even a whisper of the voice of stone during their lifetimes. Some leave their tribe and wander alone until the stone speaks to them; others join communities of smaller races for a time and find the voice there. Many never return from their spiritual journey. Though most tribes have at least one elder, mishap or violence occasionally leaves a tribe bereft of an elder's guidance. Such tribes rarely prosper, and often turn from their peaceful traditions to more violent ways.

Stone giant society organizes itself into clans, each clan consisting of a number of interrelated families (usually a dozen or fewer) living in the same region. “One mountain, one clan” goes the stone giant saying. Two clans rarely share the same mountain, and larger clans sometimes claim multiple peaks. Clans with a common bond of blood or history usually have cordial relations and may even share grazing grounds, while unrelated clans rarely cooperate. Regardless, wars between clans are almost unheard of. Any violent feuds that do arise are swiftly decided, and the weaker clan usually concedes to the demands of the stronger rather than perpetuate bloodshed.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Ready to begin the journey? Just note any down time activities or anything you want/need to do along the way. I'm not a fan of wandering monster / random encounters so as long as you take reasonable precautions while traveling you will be safe.


Giant Slayer 17| HP 241/241 (214/292) |20% MC AC:23 T:15 FF:21 CMD: 41(45) | F+21 R+15 W+12 | Init +2 | Per +27

Seal will help with the giant corpse disposal while teaching Thunderpuss how to fight in tandem. He is ready at a moments notice when the party is ready to assault the Fortress of the Stone Giants.

Seal will backtrack along the giant's trail. After all how hard can it be to follow a giant army's tracks?


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

After thanking Dave the giant for the lore he shared, Lucian once again bids his farewell to Brodert Quink, Father Zanthus, Ameiko and his other friends in Sandpoint.

"I'm ready to go. Jorgenfist awaits."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The stone giant fortress of Jorgenfist is located int he middle of the Iron Peaks, almost in the center of the entire region that encompasses Varisia and the Storval Plateau. From here, Mokmurian has gathered several tribes of giants-mostly stone giants, but also some tribes of hill giants and groups of ogres, and as these tribes gather in the valley surrounding the fortress itself, thoughts have turned increasingly to the promise of war....

As you head toward the Storval Plateau, you come across several battle sites which bespeak of a terrible fury, littered with shattered stones and pulped bodies left for the scavengers after every bit of valuable loot had been stripped away. You note several enormous campsites with campfires clearly made of tree trunks with boulders set about in a ring.

The Storval Rise is one of the most unique and infamous landmarks in Varisia; the change in terrain from the fertile lowlands to the rugged and stony scrublands of the plateau above marks the lands of giants and barbarians with an unmistakable boundary. The rise itself often reaches dizzying heights of 1000 feet or more, but at the location known as the Storval Stairs, the cliffs are only 400 feet high, and feature an ancient Thassilonian monument once used by armies of enslaved giants for easy foot travel between the lowlands and the plateau.

The Storval Stairs rise in 2-foot steps, and a are flanked on either side by immense statues of Runelord Karzoug (although the southern statue has finally begun to crumble and erode) and walls of ancient towers, buildings and dwellings. The place is now all but abandoned except for a few hill giant sentinels who stand no chance against your well-prepared party. They also don't seem too attentive and you easily sneak up on them and take them out before they can escape or raise any sort of alarm.

Soon enough you enter the Valley of the Black Tower, so named for the ominous spiked edifice that stands as a lone sentinel over the valley's riverside boundary.

The mountains give way to a wide valley perched on the upper edge of a cliff overlooking the Muschkal River. At the western edge of the valley entrance, a lone watchtower stands upon a low hill, but this structure is overshadowed by the larger one that looms int he valley proper. here stands a ring-shaped stone wall, fifty feet in height and surrounding several buildings, the most impressive of which is the eponymous looming black tower wide blade-like crenelations that overlooks the river gorge. Within the ring, a one-hundred-fifty-foot-tall stone spire rises, surrounded by three low buildings. Apart from the black tower, five smaller towers are built into the fortress wall-one of these towers is wider than the others and seems to be the only gateway into the courtyard within.


Male Human (Varisian) Oracle (Lore) 8, Evangelist 10 | HP 165/165 | AC:36 T:20 FF:29 CMD: 30 | F+13 R+22 W+24 (+2 vs transmutation) | Init +5 | Per +25 (+4 to determine whether he's surprised), Darkvision 60ft

Lucian, exhalted by such an exotic journey, frowns as the party reaches the valley of the Black Tower.

"We have to find a way in. The way I see it, we can either teleport inside, which may be risky due to the unknown nature of the terrain, or arrive by air, and invisible if we can. We could also knock on the door, but that doesn't seem such a bright idea to me. Rissi, is there a way you could scout magically to gain information on the layout? I can use my divinations, and so can Evanya, if we have more precise questions."


Spell Effects:
heroism, false life, mage armor, mind blank, overland flight
Stats:
Wizard 17 | HP 121/121| AC:19 T:19 FF:15 CMD: 23 | F+13 R+13 W+15 | Init +11 | Per +24 (darkvision)

"Yes, I can prepare a *squeak* scrying sensor, to at least survey the courtyard. I have nothing more *chhhh* powerful at the moment."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

On the Jorgenfist Map you guys are approaching from the west. The little encampments around the walls are various giant camps making up the army you've been told is gathering here.


Giant Slayer 17| HP 241/241 (214/292) |20% MC AC:23 T:15 FF:21 CMD: 41(45) | F+21 R+15 W+12 | Init +2 | Per +27

"Can Butterfly girl go take a look inside the castle? Maybe she can make herself look like a bird. Nobody cares about black birds."


Sorcerer(Seeker) 1 / Rogue 4 / DD 9 Suli AC22(26)/T16/FF17/CMD30||HP146[146]F:+11|R:13|W:+10(+2 vs poison)||Init.+9|Perc:+26(+28 trapspotter)blindsense 30'

Kufieno looks around, peering across the valley. "Surely this is some sort of side entrance, or secret exit? You know, in case the fortress was overrun?"

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