Giants Reign (Inactive)

Game Master Tall Tale Teller

"Inside... yes inside." Jalel fumbled for the correct words a moment before going back to the Orc.

"It seems the others want to bring you and your compatriots inside. A chance few outsiders recieve. Provided you can act civilly for a time. I suggest you take the offer." he added a bit too quickly.

Polmar sees an old city ruin tower, that stands at 50 feet. He then climbs it. Even from this vantage point, he cannot see the dragon. Though he can see a fair ways off a band of 3 orcs heading towards the city.

Talirin and Rose head north, Stealthy style.

The tall grass makes going into stealth mode a lot easier.

After a short time they can hear voices.

"I think it's gone." Says a deep male voice.

"You sure? Well lets head back I don't want to run into anything else." Responds a high female voice.

"We will. As soon as we gather enough supplies now keep picking." Say a different and slightly irritated male voice.

As you get nearer you finally see two humans and a elf huddled low in a small clearing (Meaning the grass is short) Picking red colored mushrooms.

Lershoth kind of stands there, initially annoyed at the bickering and then becomes fascinated at the site of the majestic beast.

[dice=Knowledge Arcane]1d20+9+1d6 Anything on the dragon.
Would you look at that thing, I don't think I remember ever reading of one so large. I must get a closer look if I can.

** spoiler omitted **

Lershoth grumbles a little before helping move the bodies. Jalel, you think you could convince your 'friend' and his compatriots to come inside peacefully?
Is there anyplace inside we could lock them up?

There are some cells underground for prisoners.

What do you think? Rose whispers as she loads her hand crossbow. Human were south, dragon went north

Polmar scuttles off the Tower and heads back for Rose's central position

That dragon is GONE but uhh sistah, we've got a different problem. It'll take them some time to get here but three more bands of orcs are on their way to the city. We might want to, I dunno do something about it. Either get ready to fight them or pretty quickly hide our presence and put those orcs into cells. We handled the last band with ease but it might not go so well against a group three times the size. Either way we probably need to recall the hunters.

I'm not there. Me, Talirin, and I assume Benny went south after instructing the rest of you to take the orcs inside the cave mouth. Also there's a band of three orcs, not three bands of orcs coming towards you.

Benny and I will stay back and cover you in case of trouble by sneaking in behind them. They may be potential allies. By not showing your weapons you show you are not afraid of them as well as not threatening them. If they threaten you we will take them from behind.

I think polmar snuck off between your orders and us leaving.

being more unusual races we may scare them before we can get to know them.

Noticing his lack of ranged weapon she shoves her hand crossbow into his hand before standing up and walking out with weapons sheathed. What ho good neighbors.

But he still walked up to a me that wasn't there. Also, presumably we're the hunters.

ah woops

Polmar scuttles past where he assumed Rose to be, and seeing she was gone, rushed to Lersoth and Jalel and filled them in.

The dragon is long gone, but there are 3 more orcs on their way here. Once those other orcs are locked away we should head back to the surface and prepare for their arrival... unless you think there's some strong possibility they'll simply pass us by.

Benny will take 10 on his stealthiness for a 24.

"Benny will be extra quiet for this. I have my musket loaded and ready for your orders."

Benny levels his gun at the strongest seeming individual.

As soon as Rose greets the trio, they all stand quickly weapons drawn. (Humans wielding swords while the elf holds a bow pointed at Rose.)

"Greetings, Stranger." says the black haired elf cautiously. "What do you need. If nothing please be on your way." He still has an arrow pointed at Rose. "Hold on now Lethmir. Lets not be so hostile." Says the blonde female sternly to the elf. She lowers her sword, then says, "Greetings friend. My name is Jessie. This is Bannin." "She gestures to the brunette male human. "And that is Lethmir." She nods toward the elf. and then gives a look to him as if saying stand down, he hesitantly complies. She then looks back at you and asks,"May I ask your name."

I am Duchess Rose Reneva. Leader of my people. I heard your shouts when the dragon flew overhead. It is good to see less... hostile survivors. I made the last group drop arms after they proved unwilling to speak civilly.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, duchess. We are also happy to meet folk that are not trying to disembowel us." Jessie responds enthusiastically.

"How many of you are there?" Lethmir asks pointedly.

I might ask you the same. I will not betray our secrets with just a question. I'm sure you can understand. We've already had a bit of nasty business with a small band of orcs.

Jessie nods in understanding, "You too huh? Well that's not surprising. They seem to be pushing to take this area. And they may just do it if we don't figure something out soon. We were just gathering a bit of food then get ready to push back. What about you?"

My intention is to kill the various bands. and burn them. That dragon will actually help sell that quite nicely now that I think about it. How do you intend to make sure that food is safe? I'm gathering samples to make sure the mist didn't spoil the land and the flora.

"We fed it to our prisoners. They had no bad reactions." Lethmir says bluntly.

Hmm. quite efficient. Still best to wait a couple of weeks, make sure there's no toxins building up. How many of you are there?

"Nope" Lethmir says simply.

Bannin finally speaks up, "As you rather not divulge too much on your group we would rather not on ours. Nothing personal."

We're at a bit of an impasse then. You see, a civilization needs people. A country needs people. And I intend to forge one. The greater the pool, the more skills we have and the stronger the nation will be. Do you agree? If so, then who governs you?

Jessie then says before the others can say different, "Rico, Rico Beldam. He runs our merry little tribe."

"Large tribe, she means very large tribe." Lethmir chimes in.

Jalel looked to where Polmar had pointed and nodded. "If it is only a few more Orcs, then it should not too difficult to deal with them. But from what I can recall, Orcs have always been able hunters, it's unlikely they will miss us if they come searching for their companions. Although, it is unusual to see them at the day considering the advantages they have with nightfall."

Rose chuckles. So there's few of you. Don't worry, we have no designs on your people. But would your tribe be interested in joining us as we rebuild?

Polmar nods I thought of that too. Jalel, I will head back to the tower to try and track their movements, if you and Lers could go up so that I can direct you...I will whistle twice if they are coming from the west and once if they are coming east. Unless either of you has the message spell that's the best we can do for coordination. Perhaps they will come set a trap for us or perhaps they are just mad but whatever, we should be ready.

Bannin steps in, "We will let you meet our leader. But on neutral ground. Here will do. We will send Lethmir to fetch him." Bannin nods to lethmir who hesitates a moment but does as told and heads off into the tall grass.

Rose nods. I had expected when I suggested that to have a meeting a day or two hence. So tell me about yourselves. How did you get to safety? How did you survive. Duke Fitzgerald Prepared our refuge in case of the giants, did he have others?

Still musing about the Dragon, Lershoth ponders out loud.

Well I don't suspect it will bother us if we don't bother it. Still... Realizing Polmar was talking to him he stops and looks at the Halfling with something of a grimace as his tail twitches.

He mutters under his breath my name is Lershoth, "Ler-Shoth", oh never mind, it doesn't matter right now.

Fixing a pained smile to his face, he nods.

I think tracking their movements seems like a reasonable suggestion right now. Maybe Nephele can keep an eye with you as well, or come with us.

Jalel, if you don't have any objections. Perhaps we can try to circle around them. If we need to we will have to deal with them.

Lershoth motions in the direction Polmar pointed before drawing his swords and trying his best to move quietly, his tail swishing in annoyance.

Blasted Rose, and Benny, and Talirin too! Why did they have to go running off willy nilly.

Taking 10
Stealth: 10 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 12 + (5) = 27
Burning a point of Inspiration.

Thanks for the good idea, Polmar. I overlooked the fact that I got another 0th level spell this level. Just picked up Message.

"Hmm a message spell, I have never had need of such a thing until now. I don't believe I have..."

Jalel stopped mid-sentence with a look of dawning realization crossing his face. He closed his eyes and his face fell into a serene look as he held out his arms and inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. He repeated this process several times.
"When the dragon passed over us." he whispered.

As if something was responding, a very light breeze seemed to blow around him. His eyes snapped open and he had a confident smile on his face.

"Polmar, I'll need you to go 40 paces west of here."

Jessie, ponders for a moment then says, "I know that duke Fitzgerald had warned our tribe leader. And then we occupied one of our tunnels and well, yep."

Lethmir then continues, "We did what most who survived till now did ate rats fought underground horrors and grew strong."

Most? You know more?

I meant anyone who is alive in general, no group specifically." Lethmir says irritably.

Ah, I see. You keep saying tribe, tribe of what? Were you great warriors? Wandering traders?

"Tribe of all sorts I guess." Jessie says pondering the question.

Rose sits down and makes herself comfortable. You know, I'd quite like it if you'd stop pointing your weapons at me. Come sit. Play me the song Tell me the history of your people.

Polmar Excitedly paces the required 40 paces from Jalel. "Oh man you do have it

Rose sits down and makes herself comfortable. You know, I'd quite like it if you'd stop pointing your weapons at me. Come sit. Play me the song Tell me the history of your people.

I posted them putting down their weapons awhile ago.

Lethmir sighs then says,"I am going to head back and get the chief." Lethmir takes his leave into the tall grass.

Jessie sits a few feet in front of Rose. Then says, "Lets see here... it all started with...There was a...Hmmmm...Uhhh...Bannin a little help? I am horrible at story telling."

Bannin sits next to Jessie clears his throat then says in a low mysterious voice, "A long time ago in a land far far away...Mood setting music The people of the past fought and bickered lots... It was bad. Then there was a man who came and enlightened the people...He killed a lot of them and told them to bow before him...They were enlightened to the fear of this man.

He then sent armies all over the world, to conquer. One of those armies sailed here... And found a rich vital land. So they built a base and posted a flag in the name of the empire. They battled many of the local human, goblin and orc tribes. Then the giants came and killed them all, and some nomads took over their city and that's that..."

Hahahaha Your sense of humor is much appreciated. We've had precious little to laugh about the last fifteen years. But I was thinking something a tad more specific to your tribe.

Bannin then said more seriously,"We are just a small group of folk who came together and made a partnership with your city. They provided resources and we provided well, loyalty. The duke needed something done we did it, whatever it may be. No questions asked..."

Rose smiles darkly. I see. That's very interesting. Perhaps I can earn that same loyalty.

Jessie chuckles nervously, "Uh huh..."

So tell me of this leader of yours, is e an elder? All of those who were adults when we went into the caves died over the last few years.

"He is about our age. (They look like they are in their mid to late twenties) And he is very strong" Responds Bannin giving Rose an appraising look.

TTT you may want to do something with the other half of the group before we lose them, and Talirin, Benny, you can react and describe stuff and think, you don't have to be inactive.

Rose notes the look. Before you think about attempting to overpower me you might remember that the orc band I came across laid down their arms in fear.

Rose I'll run this game how I see fit. I said from the get go this was very player driven if you want stuff to happen you make stuff happen. A lot of the group are doing stuff the others could participate but have not. As for Talirin and Benny I figured they are hearing what you are so it's pretty much been directed at the three of you.

Okay, I just didn't want to lose anyone.

"That was not what I was thinking. I was more of trying to figure out if we can trust you." Bannin responds.

So the positioning is Jalel in in the center Lersoth 40 feet or so East and Polmar 40 feet west. Is this correct. And of course your all in stealth mode right.