GM EDDV's Ire of the Storm

Game Master eddv

Vera is amazed with the portal. "That's a handy spell Mak'da."

With that spell the Paralictor offers the group a stiff handshake.

We will take care of sealing this place. You can take your booty as thanks. He is stiff, but you have earned his respect.

Soon you arrive back at the Grand Lodge where a very surprised Venture Captain Adril Hestram - a bear of a man with massive muscles and a big beer gut, is having an ale that spills all over him as he drops it in shock at your sudden appearance. He stinks pretty badly of ale, considering his position as the lead Venture-Captain over the grand lodge.

Well, well if it isn't my favorite group of pathfinders to follow in the chronicles! This is quite the haul. A career maker!

He grins Come on now, let's get all this down to the archives and then see you all celebrated for the top tier of agents you are!

He lets out a might belch and a laugh as things begin to wind down for our heroes.

Arisira casually pulls out a cigar, and "supervises" the destruction of the phylactery before turning her attention to the stacks of books, tomes, and manuals. Once she realizes Mak'da's magical transportation- she starts to organize and prepare the golems for departure, ensuring the most useful and unique are delivered first.

"Neat trick. I have seen a lot of things, but tree-doors is something completely different...

Upon finally crossing the portal herself, Arisira tosses a casual glance at Hestram. "You said that the last time too- and the time before that, if I remember correctly... Now if you will excuse, it has been far too long since I had a good bottle of wine!" she says, excusing herself and disappearing into the grand city.

Vera happily joins her team and the Venture Captain in several drinks. "Thanks to Cayden for giving us home safe from the mission." She raises what could be her fifth glass of wine.

Roughly a week or two after you return the grand lodge, the Venture-Captain of the Grand Lodge, the big hairy near-toothless Adril Hestram summons you to his office - it is cramped with all the trophies of his various travels stuffed into it seemingly at random.

I'm glad you all came. He says with a big deep laugh. He offers whiskey and cigars much like Finze Bellaugh, but a discerning palate like Arisira's immediately notices that these are the cheapest lowest quality versions of these products around.

His big meaty palms thumb a tome and he grins Among the many treasures you brought back from Rachikan, was this gem of a tome right here - The Book of The Titan He grins In addition to being a manual of gainful exercise, which the society will put to very good use one of its seekers, it details some very interesting lore details regarding the Giants living in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings and details a very powerful ritual which we need a giant-blooded mage to assist us with. Fortunately, the nerds down in the archive have searched and found a candidate - a Storm Giant named Zoarth who we evidently encountered quite some time ago and who was unusually friendly towards the small races. He may be able to help us, for a price. He guffaws as if impressed by his own shrewdness.

He has a castle at the peak of the Kodar Mountains. I know you all have mostly adventured in the nice warm south, so one last time before you retire I figure you can brave to North for once. If you can accomplish securing this Zoarth's help with this ritual, well...the Decemvirate have been hinting that they may have some new Venture Captains to name in new lodges all over the world. Not promising anything naturally but just saying...this is your shot

Arisira takes a long, slow, look at the cigars before reaching out and taking hold of the cigar. She slips it into her pocket and nods a silent thanks at the captain.

Maybe it wont be as bad as it looks...

"Hey now, Captain Hestram. Are you implying that I don't have giant blood in me?" she feigns indignation before cracking a small smile. "Any giant that opts not to crush us 'small folk' on sight is good enough for me. I guess that means that we are headed to the North. I always imagine what a lodge of my own might look like. As long as there is a good winery close by, I am sure I can make it work"

A smurk crosses her face, as she thinks through the implications and then the task at hand.

"I might have missed this, but did you tell us what our previous encounter was with this Zoarth? I suppose you also know what that 'price' might be?"

Vera waves away the cigar, but takes the drink. Her face remains passive as she sips. Cayden this is for you. she thinks as the fire burns in the pit of her stomach.

"I've never been up north. I'm guessing we'll need furs and more clothing that usual to keep us warm. I could turn the Pridon's Hearth Bar and worship Center into a Lodge once we retire. It's a small town you know."

"I've never met a giant. What should I expect?"

It's never that straightforward. What favor will he ask? And who will try to stop us from acquiring his aid?

He waves his hand and says Ah well...Giants are well known for their nasty tempers and territorial behavior. Usually even just approaching a Giant's stead is enough to get boulders chucked at your dang heads. Fortunately, the previous agents found Zoarth more willing to cooperate. He didn't do much - simply provided some shelter for a group of agents attenpting to sneak into Irrisen.

He takes a puff of his cigar - a designer brand that Arisira recognizes - and seems quite pleased with himself.

I have no idea what he will ask. Being a wizard AND a giant makes him hard to predict. Giants are notorious grudge holders though so I imagine it'll be something like getting back at one of his rivals

Mak'da scowls a little at the idea of looking for help with a giant. This castle, its in the snowy wastelands of the north. I imagine there are more problems than just the giant, what else can we expect to run into up there? Do any of our enemies know about this book or what we might be looking for? Also, rivals?

Well...It's pretty darn unlikely our enemies know about this book unless one of the Hellknights saw you guys taking this book and somehow read and translated the whole thing...or if we have spies inside this organization. Either way is pretty unlikely. He scratches his belly as he thinks

Well...it is still the lands of the Linnorms, not just their kings. You're headed into the mountains, so maybe look out for those Crag Linnorms. Otherwise, I really don't know what you might run into or what that Giant Wizard might want - after all Wizards are pretty darn weird and want all sorts of oddball stuff!

Adril does NOT offer to teleport you or anything like that so youre on your own.

Adril is a bum.

Nothing for it, but to get moving.

Walking out of the room, Arisira casually turns to her companions.

"Sounds like he left something out to me. The least that he could have done is offer us a halfway decent smoke- this crap isn't worth leaf it is wrapped in."

She pulls the cigar back out of her pocket and with a abrupt hand wave, it crushes under some unseen force.

"Since when did the pathfinders not even arrange travel for their operatives?"

"Maybe he spent his budget on cheap liquor." Vera responds to Arisira's question.

"We at least need cold weather gear. I hear it's cold up there. Also there's something about witches, and hexes. I don't remember what exactly." She shrugs.

It doesn't take terribly long for you to arrange boat travel if that's what you want to do but the journey is long and somewhat uncomfortable as you sail Northern Choppy Seas.

You make your way to the port fishing town of Buried Hatchet which puts you just a few days hike up a mountain. Along the way you are beset by bandits and mountain lions but at your level of skill these encounters present barely a challenge.

Finally you reach the peak of the mountain where a golden road of hardened light leads up to a castle in the mountain peaks.

But from up the road the sounds of grunting and rock on rock can be heard.

Vera points up the road. Let's tread carefully. They may throw rocks at us." She draws her bow and moves up the road.

Maybe we'll get lucky and it's someone peaceful.

Just as you say that a group of four Hill Giants pass with boulders in hand humming a song about "crushing Zoarth" and rumble past you

Arisira stands still, as the four giants pass within stones thrown of the party.

No purchases for me, btw

"I could always *try* to talk with them... but if they are going to head on their way, no sense disturbing them- if you ask me"

Except on their way is on our way. Zoarth is who we're here to see. It's stop them now or hope we're not too late later.

Mak'da will bring along her treant friend again.

Giants are always troublesome. If we dispatch this lot then out potential ally may well look more favourably on us!

In preparation for a potential battle Mak'da blesses herself, T'Khan and Valin with barkskin.

I am level 12 now so that gives a +5 enhancement bonus to natural armour. Each will be extended and last 6 hours.

Looking about to her companions, Arisira prompts a quick burst of energy about them and steps out from her quiet place.

"Hey. You big guys. Did you say something about Zoarth?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 37

They look over at Arisira and shout YEAH! SOME OTHER GIANT PAID US GOOD MUNNY TO GO BEAT IM UP

They look pretty ornery but go on

How much money?

They get really aggravated and say ENOUGH NOW STOP CONFUSING ME!

And unless you really want to run a combat against 3 hill giants that youre going to stomp, they'll continue on their way

Vera nods, and whispers. "Let's just follow them. Maybe Zoarth will smash them instead, and he'll be in a good mood to talk with us."

As you make your way up the path you see that these Hill Giants are joining what can only be described as a Siege as Giants tangle with giant blue cats in the entry way to this castle in the clouds.

While these large blue cats and elementals fight off Giants, there is a large breach in the wall which 6 giants seem to have poured into - it seems possible in the chaos for you to follow.

Valin indicates the hole.

Looks like we have our way in.

"Lets go." Vera rushes toward the crack hoping the confusion of the fight will cover their advance.

Mak'da flies forward with Vera, T'Khan in tow.

"Thank you for your time, Mr Giant People" she calls out as they leave confused.

Upon approach of the cloud castle, Arisira glances at her companions before nodding- ready to slip inside. With a quick hand gesture, she vanishes from sight Invisibility

"Lead on, I will follow and stay close" she whispers in Vera's ear

As you make your way into the breach a half dozen giants stand in the breach, looking a bit more intelligent than the others and seeming more intelligent than the rank and file ones you saw outside.

One of them turns to you More interlopers? YOU GONNA MAKE ME MAD.

The one giant that doesn't look like the other looks back at you and before he can react an air elemental appears and attacks They must be working with Zoarth. GET THEM BOYS

Stone Giant
---
Arisira
T'Khan
Mak'da
Vera
Valin
---
Blue Giant
Red Giant
Yellow Giant
Purple Giant
Green GiantGreen Giant

The lead Giant thrashes against the elemental, destroying it.

Finally!

Mak'da and T'Khan wil wait for Arisira assuming she may inspire and cast haste. These actions assume those buff are cast

Mak'da reaches out and casts a spell on T'Khan before flying to the side to get a good look inside.

Casting Bulls Strength. I have made myself large and added a token for Stonebreak but the entrance doesnt look large enough for him.

T'Khan growls and lunges into the breach, clawing at the lead giant.

Valin draws upon Iomedae's favor before drawing his sword and wading into battle alongside T'Khan.

cast Divine Favor and move

Inspire! Haste!

A burst of magic emanates from an invisible spot, and a familiar voice echos out

"Who do these giants think they are anyways?"

Vera casts bless.

T'Khan rushes forward, connects with his bite and grabs onto the giant looking very much like an overgrown and aggressive housecat next to the Hill Giant.

That Giant tries to mash T'Khan with his fist.

Slam: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Slam: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

The Purple Giant yells Dats a REAL BAD KITTY and smashes T'Khan with his club.

Club: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
But misses

The yellow Giant closes on Valin and smashes him with his club

Charge Club Power Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 2 - 3 = 29
Damage: 2d10 + 19 ⇒ (5, 1) + 19 = 25
Green Follows suit

Charge Club: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 - 3 = 19

Dargh no room! screams the last as he hurls a rock at T'Khan

Charge Club: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 4 = 20

The Stone Giant finishes dispatching the air elemental guardian.

Stone Giant
---
Arisira
T'Khan (-11)
Mak'da
Vera
Valin (-25)
---
Blue Giant
Red Giant
Yellow Giant
Purple Giant (-19) GRAPPLED
Green Giant
Group Conditions: Haste, Inspire Courage, bless

1st Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 42
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 18

2nd Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 33
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 22

haste Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 35
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 19

Confirm 1st Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 32
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 23

Valin starts hewing away at the yellow giant, his first cut nearly disemboweling it. Once it falls he steps forward and continues his grisly work on its green friend.

Vera moves in behind Valin. "Let's see if Cayden can't even the odds a bit." She casts Flame Strike.

Fire and Holy Damage DC18 Reflex Save: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5, 6, 1, 2, 2, 1, 5, 6) = 32
It should get Purple, Green, Yellow and Stone

Arisira repositions herself, opening up a line of fire to the stone giant, before releasing her arrows. Trickles of arcane energy surround the arrow tip and turn it alight!

Cover, for DM to decide

Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 11 +22 Arcane, +17 Local, nature, Planes

All arrows are cold Iron. She can choose between adamantine and silver if necessary

+2 Shortbow, Precise, Rapid, Deadly, haste, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 17
ManyShot #1: Damage, Composite, Deadly, Arcane: 1d4 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 3 = 18
Manyshot #2: Damage, Composite, Deadly, Arcane: 1d4 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 3 = 16

+2 Shortbow, Precise, Rapid, Deadly, Haste: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 35
Damage, Composite, Deadly, Arcane: 1d4 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 3 = 18

+2 Shortbow, Precise, Rapid, Deadly, Haste: 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 3 + 1 = 14
Damage, Composite, Deadly, Arcane: 1d4 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 3 = 19

Hasted Shot: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 34
Damage, Composite, Deadly, Arcane: 1d4 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 3 = 18

Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
extra damage: 2d4 + 30 ⇒ (1, 3) + 30 = 34

Valin very nearly takes out the yellow giant and Caydens fire does the rest.

Reflex Yellow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Reflex Green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Reflex Purple: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Reflex Stone: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Meanwhile Arisieas rain of arrows does a real number in the stone giant

Stone Giant (-70)
---
Arisira
[bT'Khan (-11)
Mak'da[/b]
Vera
Valin (-25)
---
Blue Giant
Red Giant
Purple Giant (-41) GRAPPLED
Green Giant (-16)

1st Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 44
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 21

2nd Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 36
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 22

haste Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 43
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 23

Confirm 1st Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 31
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 24

Confirm 2nd Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 20
1d1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 17

Confirm haste Attack, Bless, Divine Favor, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 41
damage, Divine Favor, Inspire Courage: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 23

A divine fury consumes Valin as he opens up deep wounds on first the green giant in front of him and the purple one nearby when it falls.

Whoo boy. Triple crit threat

Vera dimension hops to the other side of the blue giant and attacks him from behind.

Rapier, Haste, IC, Bless, Divine Favor, Flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Haste Attack Rapier, Haste, IC, Bless, Divine Favor, Flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

All of the attacks miss T'Khan. I forgot to add Barkskin and Haste to his AC

Mak'da raises her hands and brings down a column of flame on the clumped giants at the entrance.

Flame strike on blue, purple and green. DC26 reflex save

Fire damage: 12d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 6, 6, 1, 2, 5, 5, 2, 1, 1) = 40

T'Khans actions will depend on who is left standing.

Reflex Blue: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Reflex Purple: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Reflex Green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Another of the giants falls in a hail of fire.

Stone Giant (-70)
---
Arisira
T'Khan (-11)
Mak'da
Vera
Valin (-25)
---
Blue Giant (-40)
Red Giant
Green Giant (-56)

T'Khan roars and attacks the giants.

Starting with blue, move to purple if blue drops. He has flanking on blue so those attack rolls are 2 higher.

The front rank of giants are easily cleared.

The Red and Stone Giants run to fil the gap That bastard Zoarth will pay for what he's done no matter how much weird shit he summons! He says in reference to all of you.

Red Giant, Club vs T'Khan: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 16 - 3 = 33
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 16 - 3 = 26
Greatclub Damage: 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (2, 4) + 16 = 22

Red Giant, Club vs T'Khan: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 16 - 3 = 19

Stone Giant, Club vs Valin: 1d20 + 18 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 18 - 3 = 18

And whiffs

Valin then steps forward and destroys the Stone Giant!

Vera steps into a flank with T'Khan on the Red Giant and deals big damage!

Arisira
T'Khan (-22)
Mak'da
Vera
Valin (-25)
---
Red Giant (-24)

Mak'da flies forward, dodging around the remaining giant and takes a swing at it.

Move, provoking and attack once. AC is 35

Slam, flank, inspire, haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 36
Damage, inspire: 1d8 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 3 = 18

T'Khan roars and attacks the giant.

Her primary target, having been felled- Arisira skirts through the fallen wall and behind Valin. Knocking her bow, she sends one arrow toward the Giant creature.

+2 Shortbow, Precise, Deadly, haste, IC: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 18
Damage, Composite, Deadly, Arcane: 1d4 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 3 = 19