That would be for the best, but if he shows on route, just drop him.
With that, he hefts his gear and moves along with the others.
The party heads back to the front entrance the way they came.
Happily moving forward Ulfgard follows the others.
Haskyll walks along at the back of the group.
[b]"What the blazes now. Everyone be movin' wary. I'm thinkin' our trolly friend's hidin' in the water'n watchin' us. Right out about th' middle o' th' lake there, there's a wee ripple. Might be we could be movin' right on out o' here wi' no tussle, but le's be keepin' a wary eye on the water.
The party is able to leave the caves without an encounter.
Anga does not notice the ripples in the water until Ragnir points them out. Whatever is in the water stays in the water.
Outside is a contingent of about a dozen of the town's militia. A couple of them appear hardened and capable, but the rest do not look like soldiers. Several are just boys. A couple are way too long in the tooth. The others look to be tradesmen or merchants.
The party will notice activity across the Hopesprings Pond. Some people were cleaning up. But some looked to be packing up. A couple of wagons filled to the brim with what looks like a family with furniture and stuff were heading out of town. The population of Trunau is taking a hit.
"We should explain that if the people run they will be easy prey for the swinefaces!"
If the raid is over, I am thinking that we turn our prisoner over to the sheriff, and that we rest and look over this new gear we found. While we plan out our next set of actions.
Haskyll looks pensive.
I wonder, if in all this excitement if the Ramblehouse survived.
Kaos, before we do that, let us find a spot to drop some of this gear and deliver our prisoner first.
"Well we should leave her with the guards and hunt the troll! Me thinks, only a dead troll is a good troll!"
"Ha, if you think I will leave the little basher alone.... In any case let me get a breath and some food and some ale... and I am ready to explore the caves further."
ah, meybe tha troll has run off. Still if ye wish to hunt it, I'm game.
We will need a couple of minutes and a reasonably quiet area to look them over. As for sending the non magic, I can work with that for right now
"Report?" Kurst Graft comes along the Hopespring's Pond. "What have you found?"
"You are done here. We will send another team in to clear any other hostiles. Take this Half-Orc to the Longhouse and Councilor Halgra right away. She will want to question him. I am coming with you. I may have some questions for him too," Kurst looks tired but relieved.
Ragnir looks at Kaos, "Ye be plannin' on goin' swimmin' lad? Tha' troll be in the water, an it be doin' tha' to avoid us. Is no gonna be comin' out o' there, without a lot o' encouragement. Ye let the guards with crossbows keep a wary eye on the pond. I'll show them where I seen it, an' if'n it shows its mangy head, the guards c'n fill it full o' bolts, an' send fer us. Otherwise, we'll be doin' naught but spinnin' our wheels here, an' I fer one want ta be hearin' what ol' inky face has te be sayin' about why he's here, an' who be sendin' him."
Well, while we are spinning our wheels for a bit, I think we can take the time and look over that armour along with other things that we are packing.
I agree that we should hear what he has to say, but I also agree with Kaos, as we are in the best spot to deal with it.
Kurst, ye be wantin' to bring the makings of fire or acid. Trolls fear both. I for one would like a chance to recover spells. And work out these items we found. I don't think the troll is goin' anywhere.
Looking at Anga Ulfgard points to the hammer, then to the armor. "Mind lassy, if you weave your spell and try to identify those items. We have a moment breathing space, don´t we?"
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"Thank you for your advice. For now we will leave guards here to make sure nothing comes out," Kurst begins the climb up to the Inner Quarter.
The town's Inner Quarter is in ruin. Only a couple of buildings remain standing. The town portion on top of Bloodmarch Hill faired much better. The Longhouse is intact. Jagrin, Kurst's Father is there. High Defender Halgara is there. Tyari Varvatos, the Priestess, is there too. She cast a healing spell on the bound Blonde Half-Orc. It comes too.
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Before we had to the Longhouse Kaos will talk to one of the guards Hay we killed about 4 Dire wolfs in there and I thought we would be heading back in there. But that does not seem to be the case. So when you go in bring me one or two of them would you? I need a new cloak. Be safe With that he will pick up the half orc and head for the Longhouse.
Looking at Anga Ulfgard points to the hammer, then to the armor. "Mind lassy, if you weave your spell and try to identify those items. We have a moment breathing space, don´t we?"
As you ask.
Anga chants a quick spell and waves one hand, casting a detect magic.A broken Large sized spear
The stone blacksmiths hammer of the Giants maker god
The resizing Halfplate.
Heart Shaped Locket
Belt
2 Scrolls - cast read magic and look at the titles
1 Wand
4 Potions.
Alchemists Alembic - don't need to id, and cannot read much of it anyway
Geode
When you are done with that armour and hammer, I would like a chance to look over them as well. There seems to be something with them.
Anga Runedaughter will discern that the broken Large sized spear is now treated as a standard +1 Spear. A mark below the head in Giant will identify that this was once in the possession of the Hill Giant King Uskroth.
Anga will not be able to identify the stone blacksmiths hammer of the Giants maker god. But Haskyll can.
When Haskyll gets outside in the clearer light of day, sweat will begin to bead on his forehead.
Anga does not know the re-sizing Half-plate. But Haskyll will recognize the armor as Uskroth's Armor.
Anga will not know anything about the Heart Shaped Locket.
Anga will determine that the Belt is a Heavy Load Belt. This wide leather belt is held together with two strands of oxen skin threaded through holes on each end. The belt’s wearer is affected as though subject to a permanent ant haul spell .
2 Scrolls - scroll of phantasmal killer, a scroll of tongues.
Anga does not know anything about the Wand.
Anga will determine that the Geode is not magical. At least in its current form. It looks like it would match with another Geode.
After telling about the hammer and the armor Ulfgard whistles... loudly.
"Those are very nice items. I really like my basher. I can keep it or? Or would you like as priests of Torag wield a weapon sacred to another god?"
Anga will determine that all of the potions are Cure Light Wounds.
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Interogating the Blonde Half-Orc:
1.) His name is Skreed Gorewillow.
2.) He and a Half-Orc team were sent by the Hill Giant Grenseldek to infiltrate Trunau, weaken it’s defenses, find Uskroth's tomb and plunder its contents.
3.) There was difficulty finding the tomb.
4.) The Plaguehouse was a place to relay the status between the infiltrators and the Twisted Nail Orc Tribes, allies to Grenseldek.
5.) Twin Flood Troll's were sent alternately as messengers so no one would know the full plan. Only Skreed knew the full plan.
6.) Rodrik Kurst was close to discovering the infiltrators.
7.) Skreed moved to end that threat to their plans.
8.) Impatience on the part of the Twisted Nail Orcs lead to the attack on Trunau.
9.) It was pure luck that the cave was discovered.
10.) Skreed knows that Grenseldek has a similar Geode.
11.) He does not know anything more about the Geode or its significance.
High Defender Halgara will knows that the Twisted Nail orcs inhabit a ruined border fort called Redlake Fort. Once part of Harchist’s Blockade, Redlake Fort stands near the River Esk, north of Trunau.
For now the party is free to stay at the Longhouse. Unfortunately, there are many beds available.
The party will be able to rest. The Battle of Bloodmarch Hill is over.
Day Nine
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Unless someone objects Kaos will take the belt and strap it on. Those are both grand magic items and I believe one of will be able to use them well. But I would like this belt all these weapons get a little heavy some time. :)
Wow I those guys know how to get all the info from a person. I hope they never have to question me.
Ragnir dons the armor, wriggling around in it at first "Now tha's just bloody weird. Fits like it was made jus' fer me. Resizin' armor..." He looks up a bit sheepishly, "I's jus' kinda creepy."
Aye, Ulfgard, you can use the hammer, I doubt that Torag would appreciate me using it.
He then goes through the description of what he knows about these items.
Ulfgard will put the found mw longsword in the pot and strap on the breastplate if Haskyll does DIP on it
Haskyll will determine that the stick is a Wand of Inflict Moderate Wounds with seven remaining charges.
The locket is a True Love's Locket. These gold heart-shaped pendants, which open to reveal small hollows inside, always come in pairs and must be on the same plane of existence to function. When two people with a strong emotional bond (such as good friends, family members, or romantic partners) each wear one of the lockets containing a keepsake from the other person (usually a lock of hair or small picture), the lockets’ magic becomes evident. After 24 hours of wearing a linked locket, each wearer knows the condition of the other as via a constant status spell. In addition, when either wearer uses the aid another action to assist the wearer of the linked locket, the bonus gained is increased by 1. Lastly, once per day, each wearer may use one of the known skills of the wearer of the linked locket, as borrow skill. If either wearer of a linked true love locket takes the pendant off, has it forcibly removed, is killed, or travels to another plane, both lockets cease to function until re-attuned for 24 hours.
The formula alembic is magically-augmented alchemical device that distills a potion or alchemist extract into the knowledge needed to create its formula. By gently heating a potion or extract in the alembic for 1 hour, the device creates a few drops of magical liquid. If consumed by an alchemist, this liquid gives him knowledge of the potion’s or extract’s formula, as if it were an extract he recorded in his formula book. This knowledge lasts for 24 hours. He may scribe this formula in his formula book in the normal fashion. Using the alembic does not harm the potion, but the process makes it nearly boiling hot (it cools normally). The alembic can only distill the knowledge of formulas on the alchemist extract list (for example, it cannot turn a potion of a cleric-only spell into something an alchemist can learn).
"Well, we have to help the people with rebuilding Trunau and then hunt the rest of the twisted orcs! If we can weaken them further we ensafe the town!"
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Sounds like we may has a couple of options
First do we know where Redlake Fort is?
Second if that Troll in the cave is still alive we may be able use it to find out where that hill giant is.
By the way does anyone know anything about this Geode?Kaos will show it to the town leaders if none of us know.
This was one of the most devastating Orc raids the town has seen in recent memory. When it is discovered that the raid was lead by a Half-Orc, it makes the already tense relationship between the inhabitants and the Half-Orcs in Trunau even more difficult. For now, many Half-Orcs are staying in the Longhouse for protection. Katrezra is there, the Half-Orc Seer friend of Rodrik Kurst. He is near the High Defender when Kaos pulls out the Geode.
"May I see that?" Kaos hands the Geode to the old Half-Orc. "Very curious. This type of Tourmaline is local to the Mindspin Mountains. The crystalline structure of this Geode has actually been shaped to the same contours as the hills and mountains of the Mindspin Mountain range." He looks a little closer. "There is a trail. It is a map. It is incomplete." The Half-Orc shrugs and returns the Geode back to Kaos.
Well, if we are going to be here for a night.
Haskyll takes a few minutes to prepare a couple more spells.
Ragnir
Mordea
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Before noon, you will hear that the Flood Troll was captured by a contingent of Trunau’s finest Guardians and the opening to Uskroth's tomb was sealed. The Flood Troll was interogated but nothing new came of it.
Others were busy cleaning up. Another contingent of guards were sent to destroy the Plaguehouse. The Sanctuary’s high priestess, Tyari Varvatos went along to bless and consecrate the grounds.
As the party moves about the town, you are often congratulated for your effort. Many affectionately referring to you as Ruby's Defenders.
But this day was a somber one. By nightfall those who lost their lives during what will become known as the Battle of Bloodmarch Hill is cremated at the Flames of the Fallen. The numbers lost were difficult for the town to accept. Several entire families were wiped out.
Ruby, herself, would come up and hold Kaos' hand during the service.
Again, this evening a warm bed and a hot meal was provided for the party at the Longhouse.
Day Ten
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Kaos will move around the town and help where he can. Weather it be with his muscles or with some kind words and a listen ear.
This is a time of great sorrow and of great pride. You and your town have proven that you are strong and will not go quietly. You will persevere and become even stronger as long as you remember to pull together.Try not to put blame on people just because they may share some characteristics of those that attack you. Keep in mind they fought and died with you.
Day Eleven
It amazes those not familiar with Trunau the efficiency of the citizenry to clean up and restore some order. Word of the town's victory has reached other nearby settlements. More merchants appear in town, setting up mostly behind the walls of the lower quarter.
Day Twelve
The party is found and summoned to meet the High Defender.
High Defender Halgara addresses the party, "It is good that you stopped that saboteur from obtaining the artifacts you now possess. However, we still have a giant of a problem. This Hill Giant Grenseldek must pay for the harm she has caused. You have proven yourself capable. We want you to infiltrate Grenseldek's lair, an abandoned outpost near the River Esk called Redlake Fort. Then deal with this threat, so that this Grenseldek will no longer cause harm to Trunau. Do you accept?
After the party agrees, Halgara introduces to the party a familiar face, the venerable Elf Silvermane, who the party rescued near the fallen tower of the Inner Quarter several days earlier. Silvermane is a mute and communicates through a sign language that Halgara can understand.
[b]"Sivermane says that there is a place known as the Vault of Thorns, a demi-plane created by the druid Council of Thorns. The entrance is located within the Ghostlight Marsh, a swamp to the northeast surrounding the confluence of the Kestrel and Esk rivers. The Vault contains a cache of items that may prove useful in your fight against the Twisted Hearts."
Halgara continues, "Silvermane says, to find the Vault of Thorns, you should look for a marker in the form of a circle of thorns carved into a stone near the banks of the River Esk. This marker will put them on the right path through the swamp to find the Vault, but the entrance to the demiplane is hidden."
At this point, the elf produces an ancient, leaf-embossed brass lantern, "This is called a ghostlight lantern. If the husk of a dead will-o’ wisp is placed inside the lantern, the lamp will produce a beacon that points to the circle of standing stones that marks the Vault’s entrance. Once you reach the druidic circle, they need only wash the supernaturally fueled lantern’s light over the central standing stone to open the portal into the Vault of Thorns."
"I have already secured passage for you aboard a keelboat that regularly plies the rivers of southern Belkzen. The riverboat’s captain is a half-orc named Raag Bloodtusk. He has agreed to transport you to Ghostlight Marsh and then up the River Esk to a location near Redlake Fort. In exchange, you are to help sail the boat and defend it from any
dangerous river denizens. Overland would be way too treacherous. This is the best way." Halgara hands the party a letter of introduction.
Kaos will find Brinya. She has never seen this locket before and knows nothing about it.