DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Nabo visibly relaxes when the talk turns to tracing around the valley to the other side. With him assisting Cynara and Love to ready the camel you are underway shortly. You retrace your steps through the forest and come back upon where the old trade route comes into the valley - which will be where Stonebrow will make his approach.
Assaying the lay of the land you see that the ground is reasonably open and there is no blind corner or hollows near to the valley where a force could be hidden in ambush. There is rubble and brush upon the trail which could be used to hide individuals, but not an attacking force.
The trail itself is still visible after all these years, but only just. Overgrowth, boulders and the occasional fallen tree branch clearly show that the road is not used for wagon travel at present. It will be slow going for Stonebrow as they will need to clear the path as they travel.
The only other tracks visible on this path are that of game, wolves and deer.
Do you go South down the path at all? - or continue to skirt the valley?
Padrym Steelribs |
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
"I see old gnoll tracks here, and some game, but nothing large or recent. I suggest we continue to skirt the valley. Nothing indicates an ambush from the fortress and we don't have the resources to clear the path."
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
"Aye. That seems the most prudent course of action at this juncture. No reason to rush now that we are this close. Let's be prudent and effective in our initial approach."
Cynara |
"Not that I'm looking for work, mind, but we should perhaps be prepared to spend some time clearing this out after we've made a base camp--if the caravan has to come through here at speed, they may not have the time to remove the debris. For now, though, I concur. Let's continue around the valley."
Padrym Steelribs |
"Well enough Cynara, and if we manage to secure the other areas of the valley I think you are correct, we should ease the caravan's passage."
Female voice: We should head into the fortress now!
Patience.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Moving further around the open area, you pass by the road that you first took into the valley itself. Seeing no change from when you first came through you continue on. The sun has passed over the top of the sky and begun it's descent before you reach the area where the original proposed path comes out into the valley. The path is clearer than the Southern trade passage, but only just.
The amount of rubble and damage to the path would not be traversable by wagon, but would allow a person or camel to move through unhindered. You can see a reasonable way into the trail and cannot see anything to draw your attention.
Further around the valley you can see the sheltered cutback shown on the map more easily. It is well hidden and the entrance at its mouth is barely thirty foot wide, with reasonably sheer cliff-faces on each side. It is still too far distant to discern fine detail, but you would be able to make it today with some daylight remaining if you pressed forward.
Khepri of the Dawn |
Further around the valley you can see the sheltered cutback shown on the map more easily. It is well hidden and the entrance at its mouth is barely thirty foot wide, with reasonably sheer cliff-faces on each side. It is still too far distant to discern fine detail, but you would be able to make it today with some daylight remaining if you pressed forward.
Perception 1d20 ⇒ 14
Khepri points to some an area in the path, "Look at these tracks here. I am no Ranger but I have fought gnolls before and there are definitely gnolls in the area recently."
Padrym Steelribs |
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
"More than that Khepri, there's another track here. It is unshod and around 3 times as large as your foot. It entered the valley around a week ago. We should be careful moving towards that hollow."
Cynara |
Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Cynara eyes the tracks that the other two pointed out. "It's late enough in the day that perhaps we should make camp here, using the rubble as cover. Tomorrow morning we can leave the camels here with Nabo and make a reconnaissance in force into the hollow."
Padrym Steelribs |
"An excellent idea Cynara, unless someone objects I say we do just that. Perhaps Mr. Lovelace would like to scout on his own without us foolish heroes tramping along with him?"
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
The party makes camp set back from the road with their backs against the mountain. The rest of the day and night pass without any excitement. After the fall of night, the group is once again able to see some firelight dancing in the ruins of the fortifications that guard the transept.
The next day brings an overcast sky and the air feels heavy and wet. Covering up the remains of your camp, your focus turns to the hollow ahead. At your request Nabo remains with the camels and promises to keep them out of general sight as you make your reconnaissance.
Moving closer to the hollow the ground is relatively clear of flora, though there are stones and bushes that could be used to provide a stealthy approach if desired. You cannot see into the depths of the secluded area without approaching closer.
Cynara |
Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Cynara is finding it distinctly odd, after this long on the trail, to be walking somewhere without being followed by camels. She'll defer to the folks with real distance vision.
Khepri of the Dawn |
** spoiler omitted **
The party makes camp set back from the road with their backs against the mountain. The rest of the day and night pass without any excitement. After the fall of night, the group is once again able to see some firelight dancing in the ruins of the fortifications that guard the transept.
The next day brings an overcast sky and the air feels heavy and wet. Covering up the remains of your camp, your focus turns to the hollow ahead. At your request Nabo remains with the camels and promises to keep them out of general sight as you make your reconnaissance.
Moving closer to the hollow the ground is relatively clear of flora, though there are stones and bushes that could be used to provide a stealthy approach if desired. You cannot see into the depths of the secluded area without approaching closer.
** spoiler omitted **
Perception 1d20 ⇒ 17
Khepri points out more large footprints like the ones they saw before
Padrym Steelribs |
"Best be ready, more footprints like that means we're probably dealing with some giants in there."
Padrym grips Magatha and makes sure his armor and gear are in place for the fight.
Padrym Steelribs |
I'm with Khepri, not really a sneaky type. Figured Love would want to scout first so was just waiting for him to post his actions as he is the more tactical thinker.
Cynara |
"The way you've described the entrance gives me an idea. Love, how hard would it be for you to get to the top of the cliffs and look down into the hollow?"
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Love's been away from the forums a bit, so rather than waiting I'll DMPC
Love indicates that he's reasonably sure he can get to a reasonable vantage into the hollow. He then stalks up to the side of the entrance and climbs the wall. He disappears from view for a stretch of time before returning with information.
The hollow entrance continues back for about forty feet before it opens up into a wider enclosed space maybe eighty feet across. There isn't much plantlife as the sun doesn't penetrate into the area that much. A fireplace smoulders in the hollow with a blackened corpse beside it - probably a hyena or wolf by the size of it. There is a large haphazard looking lean-to built out of wood and hides in the back and Love can swear he saw a huge figure at rest beneath it. However he was too far to tell exactly what kind and whether it was injured or not.
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
Sorry life happened. Back now.
Know local to get general info on humanoids 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
"Looks like a small giant. Could be an ogre but it didn't smell bad enough. Dark enough for one in there though. Big trouble in any case."
"It to be looks asleep right now. Likely wakes up when the sun goes down. If we want to take it we should hit it now and with everything we've got."
"Pity we can't just fade into the forest for a week or three. This big boy here could save us a good deal of Gnoll trouble if we could figure a way to point them at each other."
"There is also a small chance we could talk to it. I have heard rumors that one of the bosses keeps a tame ogre back in Katapesh. He feeds it on under-performing gang-members, could just be propaganda though."
"So heroes, which way do you want to play it?"
Khepri of the Dawn |
"I dislike the notion of ambushing anyone without giving them a chance to prove their worth first. I would like to try and talk with it first, maybe it isn't hostile. Of course I want everyone to be ready for the worst and be ready to fight it with steel if it won't heed our words."
"Anyone that doesn't want to face it head on should find a good vantage point to fight from. Love, did you find a good spot like that? "
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Love's vantage point could take two at most, and is a DC 15 to free-climb to (ropes would reduce DC).
You'd be roughly 150ft from the lean-to.
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
"I agree with Khepri. No reason to attack a possible ally for no reason. Who knows, he might be a right reasonable chap."
Cynara |
Cynara gives a small smile and a nod back towards where the young jackalwere is watching the camels. "The peaceful approach has worked well for us so far. Though I'd be happier with Love and perhaps Dolgrym up on the cliff." She continues, deadpan, "If there's room, of course. I would go myself--all elves are trained in archery from a young age, and I am no exception--but I might have some difficulty choosing a target."
Khepri of the Dawn |
"I'll go with Khepri. If negotiations turn hostile you'll want the backup."
"Thank you Padrym, I appreciate it"
Khepri will wait til the others are in position then advance with Padyrm to talk to the giant.
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
Love looks at the negotiators.
"Hate to mention this. I mean I really hate to mention this, but does anyone here other than me speak giant?"
"If it is a giant and the toe defination on the tracks makes that a tad more likely it may not speak anything else. Goblin or Orc would be worth a try as well it "
Padrym Steelribs |
"I speak Goblin, not Giant. As negotiation was your idea I've no problem letting you do the talking while we back you up."
Female voice: I don't like his disdain.
Leave him be, his methods lack virtue but his results are stone.
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
Sounds good to me, DM. I can't trip him, but I can sure magic missle the heck out of him!
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
The advance group of Love, Feigr, Padrym and Khepri move forward into the hollow itself, while Dolgrym and Cynara hang back from them a few tens of feet. The barefooted tracks you saw earlier are more prevalent as you draw closer to the hollow and you see they go both into and out of the hollow. If you had to guess you'd say that they were all made by a single humanoid, and you can't discern any tracks from any other parties.
Stealth Marker: 1d20 ⇒ 18
The advance group draws up to the mouth of the setback area where the path widens and takes in the surroundings up close. Love's initial recon was accurate with the only real structure of note being the lean-to at one side of the hollow. Beneath the lean-to you can see a single giant asleep on what appears to be a half-rotted layer of wolf hides. It's back is to you at the moment and its skin is grey. It is garbed in a loincloth that appears made of lizard hide.
It shows no sign of detecting your approach, and you hear snores that sound as though ballbearings being poured down a stairwell issuing from the creature. The firepit in the center of the clearing burned out a few hours ago, but still smoulders. There is a charred hyena corpse beside it. It looks like the corpse was held in the flames by it's legs - so only half of it is charred.
There also seems to be a few crude cages made of sticks just beyond the beast. Too small to contain a person - but you cannot make out what is within.
The creature is strong and dangerous, but you don't believe it beyond your group's abilities.
You are presently about 70ft from the giant (who is large sized). If you'd like to approach without risking waking it, you will need stealth rolls.
Padrym Steelribs |
Perception +5 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
K. Dungeoneering 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Padrym holds up his hands, motioning to the group. When they gather round he will bend over to draw in the dirt.
"Cave Giant. Young Adult. Battle Axe. Cages. No Reasoning. Plan?"
Padrym points to the appropriate things as he writes them.
Padrym Steelribs |
Retcon since I can safely whisper.
"That is a Cave Giant. They are cruel and vicious, there will be little reasoning with it. It appears to be a young adult, and there are cages behind it, probably full of hyenas. I am still open to trying negotiation but it may be difficult. It has a battle axe over there."
********************************
"We know neither of us can do that Khepri, it's Lowfield or none of us."
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27. Knowledge Dungeon 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14.
Whispering: "Please call me Love." It is almost an automatic reply. "Yeah, I think I can get it. Negoations go better when you are the only side armed."
Love goes still mor a moment. Eyes wide drinking in the scene.
Are we up or downwind from the cages? Smell anything indicating that the cages might be occupied?
Love begins to move carefully forward, timing his movements to follow the giants breathing. Stealth is +8 to save you looking it up.
Khepri of the Dawn |
Love begins to move carefully forward, timing his movements to follow the giants breathing. Stealth is +8 to save you looking it up.
Khepri watches intently for any hostile movement towards Love to come to his aid if threatened.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
The hollow is fairly well shielded from the wind, so smells don't carry too far.
Love is able to creep stealthily up to the sleeping giant without alerting it to his presence. As he draws closer, he is able to see into the pens behind it and see that they hold a handful of lizards. From the subdued pigmentation, you'd guess the lizards spend most of their time in caves - and they look young, with a lot of growing to do yet. They skitter about within their pens, but don't make any sounds worthy of waking the giant.
As well as the battleaxe - which is within easy reach - there is also a man sized lumpy sack lying on the opposite side of the giant. Long strands of drool hang from the giant's tusked maw.
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
Thinking "Take the axe? Or the bag? Or both? You know..you can use an axe..grim uncle Bombo did teach you. How hard would it be to kill him?"
Love gingerly picks up the axe, hefting it a moment to find its blalnce point.
"Nah. You are not an assassin Ernst. Now to adjourn to more suitable surroundings."
Love carefully slips around the back of the lean-to. At this point sleeping beauty should be between love and the party with Love out of sight behing the shelter.
Love raises the axe over the top of the lean-to so the party can see it and slowly waves it back and forth.
Khepri of the Dawn |
Thinking "Take the axe? Or the bag? Or both? You know..you can use an axe..grim uncle Bombo did teach you. How hard would it be to kill him?"
Love gingerly picks up the axe, hefting it a moment to find its blalnce point.
"Nah. You are not an assassin Ernst. Now to adjourn to more suitable surroundings."
Love carefully slips around the back of the lean-to. At this point sleeping beauty should be between love and the party with Love out of sight behing the shelter.
Love raises the axe over the top of the lean-to so the party can see it and slowly waves it back and forth.
Seeing love take and hide the giant's axe (and himself), Khepri feels its time to wake the sleeping giant. Making sure first that everyone else is ready, Khepri will bang his sword upon his shield until it wakes up.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Love is able to manhandle the battleaxe away from the giant's side - though only through concerted effort as the bone blade is far to large and heavy for him to wield with any degree of grace. He finds his position of concealment behind the giant and signals to the other members of the advance party.
Khepri then begins banging on his shield to awaken the giant. After a few moments, it wakes with a start and growls as it finds it's feet. Bestial tusks jut from it's mouth as it stands in a hunched pose. Turning to face the source of the banging its eyes settle upon the Paladin of Sarenrae. Wiping sleep from its eyes with one hand it mutters in Giant "Mine a fost somn. Ce vrei om plăpând?"
Love is pretty sure the Giant hasn't noticed either him or the missing axe at this point.
Distance between the forward party and giant is still about 70ft. Love is between 5 and 15ft behind the beast - your choice.
Feigr Roarrgun |
Feigr stands watching the giant rise, "Well ain't he beautiful? Am I mistaken or did we just leave our sole speaker of giant in a spot where we don't want him talking right now? Anyone got any ideas? Frankly, I'm not taking any chances." Feigr stops speaking for a moment and then calls out softly, "Come now and shield me from the blows of our ancestral foe."
Activates Spirit Shield for +4 to AC