GM Tyranius Giantslayer (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

"Ay, not to be wielded lightly. But if this tablet is true-and I've no immediate reason to trust a giant except that it sounds right-then we might need some dragon breath to relight Minderhal's Forge, like this Jogrothir fella says. Maybe that's what someone was trying to do with these dead drakes, eh?"

After reading the tablet and hearing of the horns capabilities, Rogzul rubs his chin in thought.

"I don't know anything about the forge, but there were many drakes above that gate we found to the south. Maybe we could use this horn to create a distraction that may let us in?"

He shrugs and moves toward the cliff face to climb back down.

"So yer sayin this big horn has magic that kin scare off or attract dragons?" Kraygan's beard bristles in thought as he looks at the artifact. "Is it safe ta drink out of?"

Glancing over Jorgan's shoulder at Jogrothir's giant journal, Kraygan points out a section of the tablets. "Mentions fire geodes here along with dragon breath. Think our stone map could be a fire geode Wren?"

Kraygan chuckles at Rogzul's suggestion. "Could be a good plan, but I ain't sure I understand how it's powers would help us get through. Blowin it would prob'ly bring down the army on us. Maybe we can test it first?"

"We don't have to be the ones blowing the horn Kraygan."

Rog smiles a toothy grin. "We just need a stupid giant and a convincing lie, they can bring the dragons down on themselves, or clear the skies so we can fly safely."

"We just need a stupid giant and a convincing lie..."

Wren snorts.

"A convincing lie? I have plenty of those around. Mostly about..." Wren's voice trails off, desolate. ...myself. 'I deserve to live.'? that's a good lie. Or 'I'm not a failure.'? Ha. Another good one.

Wren chortles to himself, his face masking pain.

"Let us explore further and ponder what might work. This horn might be a tool or a false hammer. What I am more concerned about are Jorgan's words about Minderhal. Why do *WE* want to light the fires therein? It's a giant place wedded to fell god and even darker Thassilonian demigods."

Wren holds up the map halves.

"I believe these might be considered geodes, but not sure that these drakes breathe fire, however. There are many confusing things happening."

Torgan hears the plans but can only see one option. "We need t' bring down th' Mighty Flamebeard. Let us worry about th' Minderhal Forge after." he reasons as he heads towards the ledge, ready to climb down.

I wonder what happened to the drakes guarding this treasure trove... he wonders to himself.

"Why do *WE* want to light the fires therein? It's a giant place wedded to fell god and even darker Thassilonian demigods."

"I'm not sure we want to light it. But knowin this horn is important ta doin that could be useful... right?" Kraygan can't imagine why, but leaves such brainy thoughts to those with bigger brainshorn .

"Let us explore further and ponder what might work. This horn might be a tool or a false hammer. What I am more concerned about are Jorgan's words about Minderhal. Why do *WE* want to light the fires therein? It's a giant place wedded to fell god and even darker Thassilonian demigods."

Jorgan shrugs. "I don't know why we'd want to I guess, but now we know how it could be done. Or how someone might have already done. Or how someone was trying to do it but got themselves killed by a dragon in the first place. Either way, useful bit o' knowledge."

"But on another note, I'm liking this plan of using the giants to scare off the dragons or set the dragons against the giants. Only one enemy for us then. Personally, I'd rather fight giants than dragons."

The dwarves continue to debate the repercussions and benefits of using the horn as Torgan makes his way back to the caves entrance. Getting a breath of fresh air he notices a large shadow fall over the entrance as a behemoth of a spire drake slams down right in front of him and roars in a shrill voice.

This creature's gaunt body, legs and bat-like face are covered in long spines while a pair of wings stretch out from its body in this vast cavern. Ceiling height is roughly 40 feet high.

Assuming you meant to heal up before hand Rogzul?

Round 1
Torgan (58/71; Wormrot; sickened; -1 Con)(Malt 41/45; Wormrot; sickened)
Wren (49/49)
-----------------------------
Spire Drake
-----------------------------
Kraygan (80/81)(Haggis 62/66)
Rogzul (26/62; Wormrot; sickened)
Jorgan (68/75)

Wren looks at the drake and steps back behind the dwarves which always seems like a good idea in his mind.

He draws a scroll of comprehend languages, hoping one of the dwarves speaks (or can pretend to speak) the dragontonguian language that involves a lot of hissing and grunting.

If the dragon wishes to speak, Wren will read the scroll of Comp Lang so that he can at least understand what is being asked...if the dwarvenhorde doesn't go directly into fight mode, of course.

I forgot about the disease, but sleeping gave us 8HP each?

Disease Check in the morning: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

-Posted with Wayfinder

Yes, I put the 8 hp up for resting already. The disease check will start next morning as you got the disease early this morning.

Ok, awesome. I just remembered we rested and didn't want to miss something!

Torgan looks at the dragon and draws his weapons swiftly, letting the glint of the magical hammer and dagger shine in the torchlight. Uncharacteristically, however, he immediately turns and joins his half-sized brethren. "Figure I ain't about t' get flayed alive without aid." he tells everyone.

Double Move.

Torgan rushes around the corner as he skids to a halt tactfully retreating from the spiny drake. Wren prepares a scroll, unsure what to do as the dragon continues to hiss and growl.

The drake takes off after it's prey as it's wings flap into the air, hurling it forward across the ground.

The spire drake rears it's head back and begins to hack as it spits a compressed ball of jet-black dust that follows right behind Torgan's heels. The ball strikes near Torgan and splashes all about into thousands of motes of dust. The dust trickles and floats all about a 20 foot radius engulfing all in the party.

Negative Energy Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 1, 2) = 19 DC 18 Will save for half
Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 3

If fail the will save you take -2 to attacks, saving throws, skill and ability checks; Conjuration (Healing) is reduced by half for 3 rounds. If you pass the save it only lasts 1 round.

The spire drake once again hisses causing it scales to clatter in rage.

With a surge of speed the drake takes to the air within the chamber and lands next to Jorgan blocking anyone from leaving the chamber.

Round 2
Torgan (39/71; Wormrot; sickened; -1 Con)(Malt 41/45; Wormrot; sickened) - Will save for 10 hp
Wren (30/49) - Will save for 10 hp
-----------------------------
Spire Drake
-----------------------------
Round 1
Kraygan (61/81)- Will save for 10 hp(Haggis 62/66)
Rogzul (7/62; Wormrot; sickened)- Will save for 10 hp
Jorgan (49/75)- Will save for 10 hp

Will Save-Sickened: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9

Torgan is blasted by the negative energy ball and recoils as his flesh seems to melt and decay. "Dammit, Prophet! Yer supposed t' warn us o' this type'a stuff." he says crankily.

Torgan wheels around the corner and coats himself in the bark of Trunau.

Barkskin.

Will vs Breath: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Argh!" Kraygan coughs and stumbles. "By Gorum's blood, what kind o' breath weapon is this! Some sorta death belch?!"

He tries to think up a good tactic for dealing with dragons, but can only be sure that the best defense is a good offense. Slamming a fist into his armor he begins to grow, and as he takes a step toward the drake he takes up Gorum's Thorn is a solid grip.

Standard action to activate Righteous Might and a movement action to pick up Furious Focus for 1 minute.

I failed to heal myself, so that's on me, we'll just say Rog was preoccupied by his disease and forgot to focus on mundane wounds.

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

CSW: 3d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 8, 5) + 8 = 26

Kicking himself mentally for not paying attention to his wounds, Rog shrugs off the negative energy and steps back from the bar faced beast. Spear in one hand, he calls forth the strongest healing magic he knows, hoping to get back into the fight as soon as possible.

Round 1, Init 19

Wren growls as his skin begins to boil at the energy from the drake.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Will vs. the blaahs

"We barely wanted your stupid magic anyway, Drake, now here's magicline bling in response!" Wren casts Haste, and moves out of the way.

Haste (1/8), not Jorgan: +1 to your mom and your sister. Also +1 to that thing that does stuff.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Wait, why doesn't Jorgan have haste? I think Torgan is the one that's too far away or blocked by the wall.

Jorgan covers his face just in time and pulls his undershirt over his nose to prevent breathing in the nasty dust. As he looks back up, he finds himself face-to-face with the dragon. "Uhh... I'm guessing he's upset about stealing his stuff, yeah?" Jorgan then steps back and thrusts his spear at the beast.

Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 3) + 11 = 19

Heartspit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 1) + 11 = 13

If Jorgan actually does have haste and Wren is just being a silly dwarfist:
Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (3, 2) + 11 = 16

Kraygan immediately doubles in size, seizing Gorum's Thorn in his massive hands he prepares himself for the drake.

Rogzul covers his mouth from the spores but not before a little bit get in. Healing his wounds seems to only have a very limited effect as it drains his magic. 1/2 heal due to spores

Jorgan scurries back away from the spire drake and thrusts Heartspit at it. Did you really get 3 fours in a row. :( The spear merely scratches the more advanced drake's thick scales.

Torgan coughs and coughs as he looks for some sort of cover from the dust spitting drake. He finds a small side cavern that loops back around as he works on his defenses.

Wren increases everyone's speed within the chamber as the drake cocks its head in confusion as Wren begins to his and growl back at it in a language it understands.

The drake leaps into the air landing near Wren as it snaps its jaws inches from the elf's face. The wings buffet the spores all about the chamber as Wren feels hots pungent breath on his face.

Provoke AoO from Jorgan for movement.

Active Buffs
Haste

Round 3
Torgan (39/71; Wormrot; sickened; -1 Con)(Malt 41/45; Wormrot; sickened) - Breath 2 rnds
Wren (30/49) - Breath 2 rnds
-----------------------------
Spire Drake
-----------------------------
Round 2
Kraygan (61/81)- Breath 2 rnds(Haggis 62/66)
Rogzul (30/62; Wormrot; sickened)
Jorgan (59/75)

Ah piddlespot.

Painlord, you done screwed up now. Whatcha gunna do? Admit error? It's totally your fault. I think you should correct the error.

Painlord? Painlord? Are you listening to me? Say you're sorry and move on. Just be nice.

Wait, why doesn't Jorgan have haste? I think Torgan is the one that's too far away or blocked by the wall.

Torgan? Jorgan? Same thing.

If Jorgan actually does have haste and Wren is just being a silly dwarfist:

Probably this. Except that Wren doesn't care enough to be a dwarvist. He has other issues on his mind...like his impending death.

Oh Brraaa-VO, Painlord. Nice work. Way to be nice, you gummy dink. You're an a$**~!$, Painlord.

No, you shut up. And you wonder why I try to kill you with beer.

A#*###$.
* * * *

Round 2, Init 19

Wren never read the scroll and it doesn't confer the ability to speak Draconic.

Wren uses his new found power to blink away from the drake, disappearing from sight. Dimensional hop away, does not provoke.

Haste (2/8), not Bumsniffer Torgan: +1 to your mom and your sister. Also +1 to that thing that does stuff.

Torgan sees the elf appear behind him and laughs a bit, noticing the drake-blown hair. "Yer mange is kerfluffled." he says, pointing with Brinya's Love at the wisps of silver hair askew on the elf's head.

With a dwarf giggle, he moves around to another small side tunnel, bellowing to his kin. "Why don't we just leave 'im in 'ere an' make fer the entrance?"

Double Move.

Kraygan sees Wren facing the wrath of the drake alone and charges across the cave floor without care for diplomacy.

"BARAK TRUNAU!" He cries, challenging the monster and inspiring his companions with his battlecry.

Cavalier Challenge: Kraygan +5 damage, everyone else +2 to hit while Kraygan is in melee.
Gorum's Thorn - PA + FF - Sick + Haste: 1d20 + 15 - 3 + 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 15 - 3 + 3 - 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 3d6 + 19 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) + 19 + 5 - 2 = 27

Looking down for Wren, Kraygan bellows, "Don't worry elf, I... uh.. now where'd he get off to?"

Now healed somewhat, and feeling lighter on his feet from Wren's spell, Rog marhces toward the flying beast and roars as he drives his longspear forward.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 341d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

AoO Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 6) + 11 = 22

---

Jorgan doesn't seem to notice the threat against the elf, only concentrating on following the dragon. "Hey, get back here! Cowardly beast." You pretty sure this is directed at the dragon.

Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (6, 1) + 11 = 18

Oh, my rolls are so horrible this fight. Lol.

Kraygan rushes at the Drake just as Wren vanishes from his sight. The vanishing elf slightly distracts the dwarf as Gorum's Thorn cants slightly to the side and merely grazes the drake scales causing no harm to it. Just barely missed its AC

With a little more focus Rogzul steps beside Kraygan and sticks his longspear in between the advanced drakes spines, causing it's growl to change into a howl of pain.

The spores stuck in Jorgan's throat seem to take their toll on his health as his hands shake quite a bit causing Heartspit to nearly fall from his grasp.

Torgan tactically moves from side cavern to side cavern as he tries to get back to the dragon.

Pissed at Rogzul for injuring him the drake

Bite vs Rogzul AC 19: 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 15 - 3 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 + 6 = 17
Negative energy damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Tail slap vs Rogzul AC 19: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 3 = 18

The drake's mouth full of fangs as long as a man's arm dig into Rogzul's back and chest. A bit of the negative energy seeps into his wounds, instantly rotting chunks of his flesh away. Rogzul jerks in pain unintentionally dodging the beasts tail as it swipes past his head.

Active Buffs
Haste- (except Torgan)

Round 4
Torgan (39/71; Wormrot; sickened; -1 Con)(Malt 41/45; Wormrot; sickened) - Breath 1 rnds
Wren (30/49) - Breath 1 rnds
-----------------------------
Spire Drake (-16)
-----------------------------
Round 3
Kraygan (61/81)- Breath 1 rnds(Haggis 62/66)
Rogzul (7/62; Wormrot; sickened)
Jorgan (59/75)

The drake's breath weapon had set Kraygan's head spinning like the morning after a night of drinking, but he had fought many brawls in the throes of a hangover, and half the Battle of Trunau as well, so this wasn't a completely new experience.

With a string of curses about gods and their genitals, he whirls Gorum's Thorn about in broad strokes.

Gorum's Thorn - PA + FF - Sick + Haste: 1d20 + 15 - 3 + 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 15 - 3 + 3 - 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 3d6 + 19 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6, 3, 2) + 19 + 5 - 2 = 33
Iterative: 1d20 + 10 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 8
Damage: 3d6 + 19 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) + 19 + 5 - 2 = 34
Haste Attack: 1d20 + 15 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 15 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 28
Damage: 3d6 + 19 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) + 19 + 5 - 2 = 29
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 15 - 3 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 15 - 3 - 2 + 1 = 27
Crit Damage: 3d6 + 19 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (1, 1, 2) + 19 + 5 - 2 = 26

Righteous Might 2/5
Haste 2/8
Cavalier Challenge: Kraygan +5 damage, everyone else +2 to hit while Kraygan is in melee.

Jorgan steps back to give himself more room to maneuver with his spear. This thing must be broken.

Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 2) + 11 = 14

Heartspit: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (3, 1) + 11 = 15

Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 6) + 11 = 18

Confirm:

Heartspit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18
damage: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (6, 5, 1, 5) + 22 = 39

Hmm, must be working again.

Jorgan coughs up the last of the spores from his lungs and gets a firmer grip on his spear. He is able to drive it deeper between the dragons scales.

With the distraction Kraygan does a small leap into the air and brings Gorum's Thorn crashing down on top of the drake's skull, splitting it open. The drakes narrow eyes shift in it's head slightly as it takes a step, wavers and falls to the ground in a heap.

Wren peeks his head out from around the corner, only coming out after it's clear that the drake is down.

"Oh man, that thing was a big one. I wonder if we had to kill it, but probably for the best that we did," Wren says moving over to lift up a gum flap and to explore the teeth of the drake.

"I would not have wanted to be bitten by this."

With the threat over, Wren will finish up packing and looting and be ready to slowly climb back down.

Not sure where to go next. Ideas?

"Hey lizard, how'd ye like my magic sword!"

Kraygan taunts the beaten drake. Then, in both insult and victory, he grabs the dragonbane horn and blows it in the thing's spiky face.

BAAWWWOOOOOOOO!

As Wren makes to head out, Kraygan offers strong advice.

"Let's heal and rest up this time before explorin, eh?"

Kraygan blows the horn in defiance of the slain drake. As he whoops in victory he hears the screech and call of what sounds to be dozens of cries all around the nearby mountainside. It is difficult to discern exactly how many as the sound seems to echo all along the Valley.

After several minutes the sound of panicked and shrill screeching is cut short into silence by the overwhelming and deafening sound of a single mighty roar that makes the entire cavern shake. A dark cloud blots out the sun and the sound of heavy massive wings is heard somewhere outside the cavern, kicking up all kinds of wind and dust.

The cloud of dust makes it difficult to see clearly but as you step out of the cavern you see a massive dragon flying towards the Cathedral, far bigger than any dragon you have seen before. The creatures speeds past the cavern arcing through the Valley and is several miles away making it difficult to tell age or color.

Peering out the cave, Kraygan's mouth hangs open wide enough to see his tonsils beyond the beard.

"Balls..." He whispers after the real dragon moves beyond sight. Looking at the horn, he uncorks his keg, drinks heavily, and then plugs the small end of the horn before carefully slinging it over his shoulder.

"Let's rest up before movin on." He repeats.

I see Jorgan has the heal skill. He could use it to apply the improved healing rate (double HPs) for long-term care with 8 hour rest. And possibly give Rogzul and Torgan a bonus to his save vs disease.

S$&%-ton of awesome fun flavor.

Awesome.

Wren is content to rest the night and climb (or fall) down outside in the morning. His knees hurt from watching others climb up yesterday anyway.

Torgan admires his cousins' handiwork. "Aye, ye did good." he says as he pulls a fang from the drake's mouth before joining Wren in descent.

At the bottom, he looks for the trusty Dwarven mounts, hoping the imposing lizard in the sky didn't have a small snack.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Whats the plan after you guys rest for the night. Also as you rest I need a new DC 20 Fort save from Torgan / Malt and Rogzul. If fail you take 1d3 Con damage.

After seeing the dragon heading in the direction of the Cathedral, Kraygan is more motivated to finding an alternate route of approach, and suggests backtracking further.

He's also more interested in actually listening to Wren's knowledge of the horn. "So this horn. Ye said it scares away or attracts dragons. Does it have limits? Can't help but notice that big one that flew over didn't seem affected. Also, when it draws in a dragon, does it give ye any control over it?"

Might be a GM question, but I never really understood the point of a sympathy spell.

Regarding next location for exploration, I moved the X to a dark branch back along the main trail. I think we should go there. Also, depending on how these diseases progress, we may want to consider returning to that town for supplies, like anti-plague or scrolls of remove disease (if they have any).GM: is that town somewhere in the map?

Fortitude-Torgan: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 Healed fully?
Fortitude-Malt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Constitution Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Torgan uses the rest of his magic to heal himself before the group rests for the night, gladly snuggling up to the sickly Malt.

CLW x4: 4d8 + 2 + 10 ⇒ (3, 7, 4, 8) + 2 + 10 = 34 Full Health.

As Torgan awakes, feeling a bit better, he realizes that his face is covered in yak snot. "Eww... Ye snotted all o'er me, Malt!" he says as the yak sneezes in his face.

---

After attuning to nature, Torgan speaks up. "Aye, we need t' find th' Beard O' Evil. I reckon th' dragon is a good enough place t' start. Let's follow 'em." he suggests.

Might be a GM question, but I never really understood the point of a sympathy spell.

It is definitely very situational and may make a bit more sense later......and in further books.

@Torgan- It takes two consecutive checks to rid the disease. SO no Con damage but still sickened

@Kraygan- The town is off the map but I put a label on there which direction it is. It is West from where you entered the Valley. Several days away.

The group uses the cave to rest for the evening. The dragon's defiant roar seems to have quieted the mountainside for some time as it is many hours before the wildlife begins to make a single cricket chirp.

Torgan heals his wounds in the morning as the group slowly makes their way back down the jagged cliff face. You guys have plenty of time to heal yourselves.

As Kraygan begins to lead the group back towards the entrance to the Valley of Minderhal he notices that the Valley branches off to the north that he hadn't noticed previously. Most of the day has passed by uneventfully. Kraygan decides to give it a try as it is only a couple of miles off of the beaten path.

A broad wood of young aspens and birches sweeps through this vale. The trees sway softly, their pale branches glimmering in the light. Near the edge of the grove, a forgotten pathway of badly weathered dark stone pokes through the forest floor, leading to a clearing containing a large structure of timeworn stone. Colorful lichens cling to the walls, and most of the slate roof has collapsed inward. Jumbles of great granite blocks lie around the building, half buried beneath the soil and fallen leaves.

Go ahead and continue the RP. It takes nearly a full day to reach this building.

Sorry, we've been planting the last two days and I just didn't have the energy to post yesterday. 6.5 acres of corn, by hand, one kernel at a time. But we got it all in the ground so we just wait and hope for rain next week.

Jorgan indeed has +8 Heal which I think is enough to take 10 for recovery on everyone.

Jorgan has been quiet since the death of the drake, mulling over the possibility that a larger dragon is still to come. Seeing the ruins he offers, "Well, there's probably not any moving giant statues in this one. Let's check it out." He then dismounts from Spirit and leads on closer with Spirit just behind.

@GM: Torgan's 1 Con damage would have healed over night.

Torgan nods to his brother, warily fingering the hilt of Aggrimosh as it rests by his side. "Aye, but it'll probably house 'orrors o' a different kind." he says dourly as his sinuses seem to be stuffed up. "Bloody cold..."

Updated HP to reflect Jorgan providing Long term care to everyone but himself and Torgan's con damage :)

Surprisingly the set of large double doors open with ease. A row of five half-columns splits this foyer, their crowns carved into small stone offering bowls. Beyond the foyer, a wide set of stairs descends to a recessed central chamber with three long prayer benches. The stone benches are cracked and covered with moss. Much of the ceiling has collapsed into piles of giant slate shingles. Shrubs and weeds grow through the floor, covering everything in verdant tangles. Along the west wall, two flights of stairs climb to raised balconies with cracked stone railings. The first staircase coils around a slender menhir topped with the crudely carved countenance of a heavy-browed fire giant.

I don't see a reason why those can't be tiered

To the north, a set of steps climbs to a broad dais facing the benches. A huge fire pit fashioned from sheets of hammered black iron, bent and riveted together, stands upon the dais atop an ornately forged cast iron frame. A wide stone altar stands behind the fire pit, engraved with a giant helm with huge fangs. The altar and dais are draped in a thick blanket of stringy greenish moss.

Wren appreciates the healing care during the night of rest. He is still injured, but they are minor and will heal on their own. What won't heal and can't be fixed is the agedness of his knees and the toll the hiking is taking upon them. As such he will be calling a magical mount for himself on a daily basis (lasting 16 hours).

After another day on the road, he grumbles and is actually glad to see a structure of some sort.

Seeing the ruins he offers, "Well, there's probably not any moving giant statues in this one. Let's check it out." He then dismounts from Spirit and leads on closer with Spirit just behind.

"Good, this will give me a chance to stretch my legs," Wren says dismounting and readying his bow. Yes, he will complain about walking and about riding. He just wants to sit.

"Alright, let's be careful, usual plan: dwarves in first, valuable people in second," Wren says, staying behind Jorgan as they advance.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Perception

"Mind those bones, looks like something might be dragging prey here," Wren says, identifying the bones.

* * *
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 Know (religion)

Wren spits. "This might be an unholy place, dedicated to the fire giant god Zursvaater, the Prince of Steel. He probably was an a+#%%$%."

Not a whole lot online about that god unfortunately.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"Bones?" Kraygan asks, looking at the debris. "Where? I only see sticks. Anythin... magical... Here?"

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Rogzul scans the room, feeling weary from the disease in his blood, he heals himself as he walks around, trying to be useful in anyway.

Heal Hex: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 2) + 8 = 15
CLWx2: 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (2, 7) + 16 = 25

Feeling his wounds close and the scabs fall from his body he spots an odd looking branch but can not discover it's properties.

"Elf, can you discover what this does?" As he waits for Wren, he spots what seems to be a hidden door just east of the dias, "And you dwarves should probably have noticed that door before me." He says with a smirk, feeling better.

Forgot my Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Pass

Torgan's footsteps gently impress into the moss and dirt after he dismounts from Malt. "Lots o' temples round 'ere." he mentions after Wren's explanation of the altar.

Rozgul points out the door and the bodies and the dwarf frowns. "Not yer usual church fare. " he mutters to himself as he moves to investigate the bodies.

As he plods forward, the blonde dwarf pulls his hammer free, using the heavy square face to push aside the undergrowth to get a better look.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Not yer usual church fair."

Wren looks confused at the dwarf.

"Where you expecting a carnival? A circus? Maybe you could tell us more about the rituals of Zurzvaater," Wren asks pointedly. "I didn't know you had knowledge of such things. Enlighten us more."

"Candles." Torgan says in response, ignoring the tone of the elf. "Probably more candles. Churches love candles. "

"Also, I ain't never seen a church with dead bodies. Probably not those in a normal temple. "

As he thinks about it, he adds. "Oh! Tapestries. Gotta 'ave tapestries. Pictures is something everyone can understand. "

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"Ale." Kraygan adds, uncorking one of his kegs and taking a deep drink. "Real church should be able to fill ye with the holy spirits."

He offers to pass the keg around.