Monty Haul's Storm King's Thunder - 5E

Game Master Steve Geddes

Coughing up a bit of blood, Pik makes his way towards the fallen Giants. Well...they may not be smart, but they certainly hit hard. What do you think they have in those sacks? Hopefully not people.

Dorin empties out the sacks and roots through thd belongings.

The magical energy gradually fades from his fingers with a tingle. The bladesinger goes to help Dorin, in case there is any sign that explains why the giants are on the rampage now.

Three dead giants...impressive.

Rath leans over his hands on his thighs and laughs a bit under his breath... "Well that was exciting". He then straightens up and notices that some of his comrades were suffering. "Please gather around, and let me see if the Crow Spirit can help to ease your wounds".

It looks like Pik took the worst of the wounds, so I'll cast my two Heal slots on him.

Rath instructs Pik to sit on a small boulder, and begins to dance around him, placing crow feathers from a small pouch at his belt on the worst of his wounds. "This should only take a minute. Be at ease"

1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Cure Wounds 1

1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Cure Wounds 2

Rath can cast these spells in the normal time, but he's big on ceremony if he has the time.

I appreciate it, Rath. Pik sighs as the healing fixes some of his bruised bones. I took a rather solid hit there.

Rath begins his healing ceremony, Pik's wounds healing quickly at the Shaman's touch.

During this time Dorin and Coronei empty the enormous sacks the giants carried and begin rummaging through the tangled mess of objects.

There are many broken or otherwise useless mundane items, tools and even furniture. Scattered through the assortment you find a neatly tied and bundled tent which would fit four people, an enormous and ornately decorated pipe which appears to have been carved from some giant beast's thighbone and a half-empty keg of ale. There is also a well crafter wooden box which contained half a dozen potions in glass flasks, although most have unfortunately shattered thanks to the giants' rough treatment and all you can salvage are two potions of healing. There are also three hundred gold pieces and almost as many silvers.

Towards the bottom of the heap you find the true treasure, a heavy collection wrapped up in a bearskin cloak. As Dorin and Coronei uncover the parcel you see two enormous earrings, clearly made for a giant and each set with an enormous ruby, the largest that even Dorin has seen.

I've updated the party loot list. You'd have time to quickly scout the farmstead and still make Roderic's Cove by nightfall. Would you rather search more carefully? Try and track the giants? Head in the direction they seemed to be heading to seek their next target? Something else?

Could someone else scout the farmstead while Dorin and Coronei are busy and Rath is dancing? Silvio, possibly?

Pik gingerly hops off the rock, holding his ribs. We should...we should check out the farm. Hopefully the people here hid from the Giants, but if not...they might need help.

Or more likely, they need to be buried.

"You stay here and catch your breath, Silvio will check the farm and be back shortly", Silvio annunces and heads of to scout the farm. Not a fan of tact or discipline, the rogue heads straight for the main building to look for possible survivors.

"I think a more thorough search of the place is necessary, there may be survivors hiding.." Kraz says while catching his breath..

Kraz follows Silvio..

Kraz and Silvio approach and can see that the destruction is extensive. No building is untouched, even the outhouse has been flattened. As they explore the ruined farmhouse they quickly make the sad discovery that there were no survivors. A family of five lie partially buried in the rubble of the destroyed building. The adults seem to have died shielding the children as much as possible, but to no avail.

The livestock continue to wander off, but the giants have had sport destroying the fences and paddocks around the farm anyway. Even if you were to catch them, there's not much you'd be able to do without a day or two's solid work repairing the structure. The giants have been ruthless and thorough in their demolition work.

Dorin attempts to pick up the trail of the Giants.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Moving back out to the group..

"We should probably bury them and then find out who this Okssort is. My bet is on another giant, but if he's commanding these raids on farms he must be stopped.." Perhaps we should head on the Roderic's Cove and alert others first? I don't know if we would be as lucky with another trio of giants or more.."

Kraz will attempt to help Dorin as well..

Surv: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Coronei looks around to see if he can find the family plot, a sign of a long standing farm.

Whether or not the elf spots a small graveyard, he helps find and dig under a shady spot for the five corpses. Slowly the name Osskort is fixed like a dwarven grudge.

"Yes, these deeds cannot be allowed to continue", Silvio says striking a uncharacteristically somber tone standing over the dug graves of the family that once called the farm home. "The rampaging of these creatures must come to and end. Silvio will see to it!" he continues and accentuates the last sentances with a clenched dramatic fist reaching for the sky. "It is possible that the people of Roderic's Cove are in grave danger. We are close. Silvio believes that we should honor our vow to bring the news of Semile's passing to the village. Then we look into this newfound giant nuisance."

Pik frowns as he looks at the scene, then nods solemnly, We should bury these folk. I did not know them, but they deserve as much. Brave people, if nothing else. With that, the half-elf goes about helping Coronei with the task of finding a suitable resting place for the dead.

You find an appropriate place to lay the family to rest in the shade of a tall tree in the farmstead's back yard. There are shovels and other such tools in the wreckage of the farm and it doesn't take you long to give them a proper burial.

Once they are at rest, Dorin and Kraz pick up the hill giants' trail. Although the rough ground is stony and sparse, the three brutes are easy to track, having made no effort to hide their passage. It heads just east of true north, likely heading for the southern tip of the Stony Mountains, although they are not visible from here.

Roderic's Cove is about ten miles east of here, you'll reach there by nightfall if you press on. The mountains are around thirty miles if you'd rather follow the giants back where they came from (and presuming they came from the mountains - the tracks could change direction, of course).

Pik wipes his brow and leans on the shovel. He whispers a few prayers for the fallen to various gods. It is perhaps best if we moved on to the Cove. We don't want to be wandering around a mountain, at night, where other Giants might be living. He frowns and grunts as he pushes away from the shovel and straightens up. Seems like Giants are making a nuisance of themselves around here. Maybe someone in the Cove might know why.

"I agree.. We should at least alert the authorities of what happened here and in Elbar's Bluff."

Rath, after the bodies are buried visits each one, and performs a small chant over each one before placing a black feather from his dwindling supply on each fresh grave, so that their spirits can fly free while their mortal bodies rot in the ground.

He then attempts to play a funeral dirge on his strange instrument.

1d20 ⇒ 17 Perform: Bagpipes

And almost hits a correct note or two.

I must find more feathers if this journey is to be successful.

"Perhaps it is time to see if we can find out what is going on here. Let us head to this town".

Rath will look for more crow feathers along the journey to the town.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Perception.

Somehow the man's bagpipes strike just the right tone for this elf. Coronei cannot sing or play, but satisfies himself with a quick mental prayer,

By all the pantheon of Corellon Larethian, I promise that your shades shall be avenged.

Leaving the ruined farmhouse behind you, your party presses on towards Roderic’s Cove. As you travel, Rath runs his eyes over the sparsely growing trees and is rewarded after an hour or so when he spies a crow nesting in the lower branches of a mid-sized birch tree. The large bird watches the shaman intently, remaining seated calmly on the branch as Rath harvests feathers from the ground and low hanging branches of the tree. You have no further encounters throughout the afternoon, reaching the small township just after sunset.

Roderic’s Cove is a small, unwalled town on the coast, nestled within a reasonably large sheltered inlet where the Chavali River meets Varisian Bay. There are around a hundred buildings arranged along two streets a couple of hundred yards long. As you draw near, you see that there are several camps dotted around the outskirts of town, small family groups gathered around campfires with wagons, carts draped with blankets and other improvised shelter.

“There’s no room in the inn,” one friendly man offers as you draw near, a farmer by the look of him and his family’s dress. Waving over to an empty plot in the field besides his family, he indicates you should camp there. “You lot look like you could handle orcs. I’d feel much safer having you sleep between them and my boys!” he grins as if joking, but it’s clear to you all that he would be delighted if you’d take up the offer.

It's evening when you arrive. Do you want to make camp outside? Go into town to find the sergeant and deliver your message? Try to get a room in the town? Something else?

I be thinkin' we need t'deliver our message. Then, mayhap we can be returnin' to camp out here?

"Agreed.. Find the Sergeant and the find some food.."

As the decision is taken, Coronei turns to the farmer and quietly asks, "what attacked you? We met giants. But you said orcs."

“There’s no room in the inn,” one friendly man offers as you draw near, a farmer by the look of him and his family’s dress. Waving over to an empty plot in the field besides his family, he indicates you should camp there. “You lot look like you could handle orcs. I’d feel much safer having you sleep between them and my boys!” he grins as if joking, but it’s clear to you all that he would be delighted if you’d take up the offer.

"Ah, so you have heard? Silvio must admit that he did not expect the word to spread quite that quickly but yes, you are standing in the presence of that Silvio Callgari Pazzi and his good friends! We did indeed vanquish the orc tribe, whose name escape Silvio at the moment, and it is very kind of you to acknowledge that fact", Silvio states in as a warming way that a casual and unknowing brag might be expressed. "How ever, right now Silvio and his good friends are honorbound to find a sergant of Roderic's Cove. One who goes by the sur name Southwell. Do you know where Silvio can find this person?"

If not then Silvio will engage the town guard, posing the same question in relativly the same manner (by injecting mild, and unconscious, boats about his and the groups numerous deeds). So I'd vote for going into town to interact with the guards and then heroically fortify the edge of the town by sleeping near the farm.

Pik smiles as he talks to the man, It's true, we're here to see a man about a message. But, if you don't mind me asking, what brings you all here? Seems to me there's a lot of people traveling through for this sort of town.

“We’ve all come to town for safety,” he explains, indicating the people camped around the outskirts of town. “Word got out that there were bands of orcs raiding farms from out of the hills. Giants too, though I didn’t put much store in that.”

“I’m Ariscon and that’s my wife Lyrana. We live just upriver,” he continues. “Our place is walled but there’s only the two of us and our boys. Once we started hearing about the orc attacks, we gathered up what we could and came here. We’ve fought of the odd goblin, but we heard the orc raiders are fully armored and ride giant birds. No way we’d risk staying there. The town guard has gone out to drive them off, there’s a few of them left at the guardhouse though, you can’t miss it. It’s the big stone building, right on the river.”

Continuing into the town, you see the single inn is bursting and many of the other buildings show signs of having taken lodgers tonight. All up, you’d judge there’s close to a hundred extra people crammed into the small town and another thirty or forty camped on the outskirts. Most folks seem friendly and pleased to see your well armed party in the village. There’s a clear buzz of unease throughout the settlement though. The laughs are a little forced and the celebrating a little loud as the townsfolk and farmers try to forget what’s brought them all together.

The large guardhouse is very easy to find. Combination barracks, jail, customs house and mess hall, you can see that it is almost empty. There’s a single guard in the office to greet you when you come calling about Sergeant Southwell. Asking you to wait, he heads back into the building, emerging a few moments later with a smartly dressed man, greying at the temples.

“I’m Sergeant Southwell,” he introduces himself, giving your group an appraising look. “I understand you wanted to see me? Please tell me you’ve come to volunteer! I can’t offer much pay, but we have warm food and beds for folks like you who might like to get about and help us keep things orderly.”

Silvio dons his most compassionate expression and warmest tone as he answers the sergant. "Alas, that is not our main reason for travelling here to lovely village. Silvio and his good friends are here for more dire reasons. It pains Silvio to be the one to tell you this but a few days ago the honorable village of Elbar’s Bluff was besieged by giants. The town suffered greatly and it brings great pain to Silvio's heart to inform you that your sister was among those who lost their lives", the sympathetic chelaxian finishes and waits to gauge the sergants response.

Dorin nods at Silvio's words and awaits the response of the sergeant.

Kraz adds.. "And let's not forget about the farm we came across yesterday. All it's inhabitants were killed by Hill Giants.. We managed to down the brutes, but we overheard them talking about other farms. Something big is happening and we need to get word to Riddleport or Magnimar or something."

The sergeant’s expression shows a brief moment of pain before he quickly controls himself. “Semile? We haven’t seen one another for over a year…” he trails off, swallowing the bad news stoically. “She grew up here. Couldn’t bear it when the pirates took over and moved to Elbar’s Bluff…” shaking his head sadly, he spends a few seconds composing himself before straightening slightly.

“Thank you for bringing me the news. It’s an awful thing, but not knowing would be worse,” continues the sergeant, nodding towards Kraz. “I agree. This activity is much more than we’ve ever seen. The orcs rarely come down from the hills. They spend most of their time fighting each other. If something’s stirred them up and got them to work together, you can bet it’s something powerful.”

“We’ve had some reports of giants as well,” he looks somewhat apologetic. “Though I confess that the captain and I didn’t think much of it. We figured it was more likely to be the exaggerations of a panicked farmhand seeing his first orc than a true account of a battle. If you’ve seen them first hand…” he ponders the news for a moment, trying to force the news of his sister’s death from his mind as he considers his next move.

“The captain has taken most of the guard on patrol,” Sergeant Southwell explains. “When the outlying farmers began flooding in we knew something was up. Sounds like it’s bigger than we expected. We’re not shy about fighting when it comes to it, but I fear if the patrols run into marauding giants they may well be out of their depth.”

“Magnimar is too far, I think. And they’ve shown little interest in coming this far north. If we give you fast horses, you should be able to make Riddleport in a day,” the young sergeant looks to you hopefully. “I don’t know that the overlord is going to care, but if there’s any help to be had, that’s our best shot. Even if they won’t help, you may be able to learn more for us. What do you say? Would you stay the night here, then go to Riddleport tomorrow and try to plead our case?”

"Once again, please allow Silvio to express how saddened he is by having to be the bearer of such dreadful news", Silvio says and opens up for a comforting hug should the sergant need it.

"Silvio's first thought would be that he and his good friends, all being men of action and adventure(!), are better suited investigating the source of the problem in a more hands on manner. But Silvio is reminded of his good friend Pik's great talent for words and diplomacy. He could talk a giant into shrinking several feet, Silvio swears by it! If there is one person that could persuade the Overlord to send troops to Roderic's Cove, it is the great Pik!"

Pik blushes and frowns slightly, Well, I certainly wouldn't go that far, but I'd be happy to give it a try. Certainly, it seems like someone must, and you can hardly spare the soldiers already here. He looks around at their surroundings, You have quite the influx of people. I only hope we can get you that aid in time.

Shouldn't we go to the aid of that patrol? They may not know about the giants until it is too late.

The sergeant seems unsure how to take Silvio's effusive compassion, turning instead to answer Coronei's question.

"Unfortunately, I'm not sure where to direct you.They headed out to one of the first sites which raised the alarm, but as to where they would have gone after that." he gives a helpless shrug. "The captain is no fool though. Whilst he may be able to go toe to toe with giants, the rest of us would be well out of our league. I'm sure he'll beat a hasty retreat here rather than engage in any dramatics."

"He should be back by dawn. Why don't you rest for the night and we'll see what he has to say then? Perhaps he will ask you to go to Riddleport or perhaps he will have some clue as to where the attacks are coming from and have a more exciting course of investigation for you." he offers Silvio a smile.

"Either way, you're welcome to make youselves at home in the barracks for the night."

Take the sergeant up on the offer? Return to the farmer and his family? Head out into the night to try to find the patrol? Leave for riddleport immediately? Something else?

Coronei looks at the others for an answer. The truth that the patrol may be lost or cannot be found seems a little confusing to the organised warrior mage.

He waits for a decision on the mundane and looks about for anyone else with useful information or clues for danger.

"Should we patrol the outskirts of the tents and camp in case of a night raid?""

While he can stand civilization for a while, listening to a bunch of uncouth soldiers snoring and farting all night doesn't really appeal to Rath.

"I'd like to just stay near the farmer tonight, and pick things back up in the morning. Could use a good nights rest".

Outskirts be workin' fer me too. I'll be bringin' some ale with me, though.

How much for a small cask?

Pik nods in agreement, I think it'd be best to go back to Ariscon and his family. We'll need the rest for a journey, but we might as well make these people feel a little safer while we can. And, with any luck, the patrol will be back in the morning.

"Silvio would prefer to find the patrol, but he can also appreciate the nobility of offering protection to the working folk. In these perilous times they deserve what peace of mind we can provide."

Turning to sergant Southwell he asks: "Do you have a armorer in the village? Silvio is in the market of aquiring a studded leather armor."

"We should stay here and regroup in the morning.. Running into a pack of orcs or worse, giants at night would be disastrous."

“You could try the Foehammer’s Forge in the morning,” answers Sergeant Southwell, indicating the direction to Silvio. “Although Ghelryn works mainly in metal. It might be better to stop in at Uldinath’s Arms just a bit further along. They charge for the name, but their arms and armor are good quality, though a little flashy for my tastes.”

Your party returns to the outskirts of town, much to the delight of Ariscon and Lyrana who offer you some simple but tasty food once your camp is established. The refugees appear to have settled and the sounds of the overcrowded town gradually fade as the night wears on.

You can all have a long rest, plus advance to fifth level (see the discussion thread for a comment and for rolling hp/character builds). The night is uneventful and in the morning you'll be free to do whatever you wish.

Silvio's eyes light up as he hears Southwell's description of the Uldinath's Arms apparel. "Thank you for the suggestion. Silvio will make sure to visit them tomorrow!"

The next day
"So, what great heroics lies in store for Silvio and his good friends today? Silvio must admit that the notion of getting to the bottom of this giant problem is tickling, but he can also see the wisdom of using Pik's great diplomatic skills to bolster the defense of Roderic's Cove.", Silvio says after thankig Ariscon and Lyrana for their hospitality.

If there is time Silvio would like to visit Uldinath's Arms to inquire about buying some studded leather armor

Pik rolls his pack off his lap and places a hand on it to stand. Stretching, he looks around and throws the sack over his shoulder. Let's go see these arms makers. We can check on the status of that patrol when we're finished.

"Indeed, let's go check it out.."

Aye, I be needin' some better armor.

"Yes, Silvio is excited to see the shop. If it is all that sergant Southwell said it would be, Silvio believes that we are in for a treat!"

Silvio would like to buy a studded leather armor (45gp) and a rapier (25gp). How much spending power do we have?

In the morning, your party heads to the upriver part of town. It doesn’t take long to find the two armorers. Ghelryn Foehammer is an elderly dwarven blacksmith who runs Foehammer’s Forge. His workshop is open to the street with a simple wooden table and a few samples of arms and metal armor on display whilst he works in plain sight of passersby.

“You looking to buy?” he calls gruffly as you draw near, hammering at his anvil. “It’s the finest armor you’ll see north of Magnimar.”

Dorin and Kraz pause to inspect what’s on offer and it does indeed seem well made and well maintained. Needing leather armor, Silvio wanders a few shops along to Ghelryn’s competition where Harriet Uldinath invites him in to a small but smartly decorated showroom, complete with change room and mirror.

“Ah, I know a fine gentleman when I see one!” she beams, bowing slightly as she invites Silvio in. “Allow me to pour you some wine before you make your selection. We sell only the most exquisite weaponry and armor here, Sir. Every piece individually embossed with the Uldinath family crest. What better way to mark your fine self as a man of taste and distinction?”

Ghelryn sells any weapons and medium/heavy armor from the PH at standard prices. Harriet’s weapons and leather armor is 20% more expensive than the prices listed. However, the armor has faux golden buckles, decorative patterns and her family crest. Any weapons bought here are also stamped and more decorative than usual, although they are functional as well as pretty.

Dorin, Kraz and Silvio (accompanied by Pik) will spend most of the morning getting fitted into armor and buying any weapons they need - it would be safe to expect you all to meet up at lunch to go find out about the patrol's outcome.

Any plans for the morning Coronei and Rath?