Kellen chuckles at the exchange before him and also Thordak's grumbling. "Next round's on me, Thordak. Maybe we can try some Shoanti fire-ale, that stuff has a mule's kick I tell you. Perhaps the tale of the Benzie Rover to keep it lively as well."
To Tomaru he gives a slight pat of the shoulder and adds with a smile: "Wonders never cease. Home is where the heart is, it seems."
It's a cool night over Sandpoint. The stars are out in full, and the warm glow from behind shutters gives faint light to the streets as you pass. Up Market Street, past the Market Square, and up Water Street to the town hall. The walk is pleasant, and no one really speaks until the stone face of the town hall is in sight.
Mayor Deverin turns to Lym. "So what is this problem you need to speak of so urgently?"
Lym waits to answer until the group is inside and behind locked doors. Then she brings out her journal, opens it at a page with a homemade bookmark and lets the dignitaries see what she wrote there: a copy of the note the group found in the cave where they fought and defeated Barl and Lucrecia.
"We found this in the lair of a Giant Necromancer. He is dead, but he was but one agent of a far larger group -- one connected to the recent murders. Sandpoint is in danger and we need to prepare for the worst."
She hesitates, shrugs, then adds: "Also, if no other Foxgloves have claimed the manorhouse, I would like to purchase it, demolish the current building and build my home there. Sandpoint has become home to me -- and I want to defend it."
Thordak's mood lightens and there's more of a spring in his step at the words of the gnome and the rogue. "Okay! I'm good then, I'm good." He nods with enthusiasm.
Aurora sits on one of the chairs, legs together and hands held together in her lap.
She listens intently as Lym explains the group's presence to the Mayor.
Mayor Deverin reads the letter, then re-reads it. She hands it to the Sheriff Hemlock who's brow furrows deeply as he reads. Finally, he hands it back to Lym.
"This is very grave news," he says. "Of course there have been signs of increased giant-like activity in the area: giant foot prints, outlying farm buildings crushed, and the like. Magnimar knows of course, and they run heavy patrols up and down the Lost Coast road, but they haven't seen anything. Neither have we."
"What is it you propose?" the Mayor asks.
"Find this army before it strikes and crush its advance before it can get to us," Lym says. "But to be on the safe side, I want to boost the town's defences as well. I think Father Zanthus can help me especially with my share in both tasks. But I am not the only person in this team."
Kellen rubs his chin in thought at Lym's comment and the discussion; his mood growing more sober as the matters at hand are discussed. "It's more Shalelu's bailiwick, but I could certainly take to doing some reconnaissance outside of town; see if there's any indication of a camp or base close by."
He pauses to consider other options. "Possibly, I could work up some traps to spring along the main roads to town. Ain't never done so on anything as big as a giant, but I suppose nothing ventured, nothing gained."
"We can't just indefinitely booby trap Sandpoint. There still has to be trade, and farmers coming into town."
"We can't just indefinitely booby trap Sandpoint. There still has to be trade, and farmers coming into town."
Kellen shrugs. "Just a suggestion....doesn't all have to be ready right away; but it would need some setup work in any. Can't make a deadfall trap in ten minutes if you need a dozen cut logs in any case. It would still require some scouting or warnings to prep everything - something I assume we would know if you have an army of giants and a dragon in tow."
He turns the problem over further. "Anything tall enough around here for a ballista station? Not that I can make one of those. Just asking if that's an option."
Sheriff Hemlock shakes his head. "We don't have 'defenses' to bolster, unfortunately. We have the gate in the north wall, but the wall doesn't surround the town. The river lies along the eastern side, but a giant could wade that easily. Cutting any bridges won't help. Same for traps. You'd have to trap the whole eastern approaches, and that'd be a hazard to the townsfolk."
Father Zantus adds: "We have no practical defense versus a dragon anyway."
"Agreed Zantus," the Mayor says. "Not to mention an 'army' of giants. Unless I am much mistaken, the Sandpoint guard is not up the task of marching out and 'crushing them'. Goblins are one thing, giants and a dragon completely another."
There is a lasting silence as everyone contemplates what Mayor Deverin has said.
"So. What can we do?" she asks.
"As I see it, there are three ways a giant army could approach Sandpoint: above ground, underground, or teleportation. There's nothing we can do about magical travel, but I have a feeling that Lym will tell us that an army of Giants with the magical resources to teleport them all would be so far beyond anything we could handle, we might as well move to Sargova. Digging tunnels large enough for Giants to walk through would be noticed and way more trouble than it's worth, which leaves overland. I would hope that a giant army would be something visible from high up, so our scouting should be done with flight. A giant army would have to stick to thick forest cover to avoid being seen, so we should determine if there are any clear patches the Giants would be unable to avoid and scout them."
Kellen follows that:
"If you can't be the wolf, be the hare. If we can get a warning from the scouting, we have everyone go to ground and stay out of their way then. What about these tunnels under the town; or even just cellars? I'm with Praxim, I doubt an underground attack. And I'm not saying some of us can't fight 'em, but it might be the best way to avoid casualties for the rest of the townsfolk. You can't catch what you can't find."
"Second thought comes to mind...how many boats in the harbor? Could we put those not able to fight away from the town if needed?"
"We can take heart in our good fortune." Declares Tomaru. "We know they're coming. That allows us at least some time to prepare. Desna has given us this. Let's not waste it with despair." He looks at the assembly each in turn. "Now the advance scouting is a grand idea. In addition, we can try to Scry their location. It will be difficult because we don't actually know them, but it could work. We could conscript more folk into the militia and" he points to Thordak, "techniques to fight giants" then to Praxim "and the ones skilled with a bow or crossbow can be made into an archery platoon. The catacombs beneath the glassworks I was told about. How extensive is it? Can the non-combatants take shelter there?" That last directed at the Mayor and any other nobles.
"Can we build ourselves a platform like that?"
Is there anywhere within Sandpoint that could be of benefit? What about on the roof of the new church?
"An ARMY?! With a DRAGON?! When did a blasted dragon come into play?! Blast!" the dwarf exclaims, mightily discouraged. He ponders the news for a long moment before shaking his head. "Even if we do what we say, this town isn't built for such a lot. This town'll be nothin' but rubble if this blasted army makes it in...," he pauses with a look of thought about him before, "Wait wait wait. Now, this may sound crazy, but, what if we were the trap? Or possibly just meself, it doesn't matter. What I'm sayin' is, they've got ta come from somewhere which means they're gonna have ta pass a certain point somewhere, and when they do that, we hit them when they least expect it!" He punches the palm of his hand. "Or possibly just meself, it doesn't matter. Now, for the dragon, our resident stick shooter here," he points to Praxim, "would be wise ta stay here in town and be ready when it comes ta us. But as for the big dumb dopes, we can try to at least cause a bit o' chaos and slow 'em down a bit. Or possibly just meself, it doesn't matter," he says, shrugging. "While they'll be thinkin' we've got this town surrounded and no one's gonna stop us, we'll be choppin' their stupid , AND FEEDIN' 'EM TO " he yells, furious over it all, causing himself to try and catch his breath.
"Calm, friends. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have little idea of the forces that are arrayed against us. Before we go playing bait, let's get some more information."
"I bought a spell in Magnimar that can help with a lot of our challenges: Planar Binding.
I can call Celestial scouts to this realm -- and if I can convince them to help us, they can range far afield and report back to us.
Likewise, I can call mighty defenders to advise on our defences, and winged soldiers to help deal with the dragon.
There are also other beings I can call... But whatever I summon, it will need to be persuaded or cajoled into compliance. And for that, I shall require help."
Lym looks at Tomaru.
"Unless I am mistaken, you should be able to call such aid as well, with far less risk, though a more limited selection of entities."
At Lym's suggestion, Kellen just opens his palms in a gesture of acknowledgment. "Matter's of that nature I'm a little limited on; but if someone or something needs convincing, I'll certainly try."
"I tend to be of the scout and harry approach, if it will help - so maybe keep Thordak from getting himself squashed in the process," he adds this last part in reference to Thordak's "plan" with a smirk to lighten the mood.
Aside from that, he crosses his arms to listen to more suggestions and see what feedback they get from the town leaders.
At the mention of a dragon, Aurora's head snaps to attention immediately.
What kind of dragon, do we know? It would be advantageous to understand its strengths and weaknesses if we knew the breed is all...
She also nods at Praxim's comment
You are right, threat or not these folk can't live in the equivalent of an armed camp indefinitely, they have livelihoods, a harvest to gather and crops to plant. I agree that an early warning is lkely our best bet as indeed these giants can't be that stealthy in their approach surely!?
Kellen's suggestion about the safety of the townsfolk seems to strike a chord with the gnome
Yes that's a good suggestion, we can but hope there are enough fishing boats with enough space that most folk can make it to safety in time. Outside the range of a thrown rock should be good enough. Would it be all right to advise the general populace of that plan so they are prepared and know what to do when the alarm sounds? she asks the mayor.
As Thordak gets irate and starts shouting, Aurora simply listens, before laying one small hand gently on the dwarf's forearm.
Your passion serves you well in this endeavour Master Ironheart, I pity the giant who tries to stand in your way she states, simply and sincerely.
At Lym's comment she tilts her head and stares to the side, mentally tallying.
I have not the natural talent nor trinkets to summon further assistance than myself. My studies have tended to follow in the vein of the more destructive rather than creative.
The dwarf turns to the gnome, wide-eyed with fury before his demeanor almost instantly softens from her words and calming touch. A small grin forms as he nods and settles down.
"Scouting sounds like a plan." Sheriff Hemlock says. "I do have a small group of men with some experience at that, plus we can always count on Shalelu. She came back just before you did."
"Agreed, Belor. Let's find Shalelu, she was at the Dragon, and..."
Mayor Deverin is cut off in mid-sentence by the sound of a horn, blowing three long blasts.
"The NorthGate!" Sheriff Hemlock cries, leaping to his feet. He rushes out of the Mayor's office and down into the street, followed closely by Father Zantus and Mayor Deverin. Once in the street, your small group looks northward, but your view of the NorthGate is blocked by the buildings along Town Street. It doesn't take long to find out what is happening, though as a loud crack rolls down from the gate.
"That sounded like something hitting the wall..." Father Zantus begins.
Praxim casts a spell...and sprouts white feathery wings. With some effort and clumsiness, he lifts up into the air and climbs until he can see what's going on.
Lym mutters a series of spells, one of which causes goldfurred bats to appear. As the Wizard rises into the air to join Praxim, the bats fly off to the south and east to scout.
"Looks like we used up all the time we had. Desna preserve us." Tomaru readies for battle. He adds Shield of Faith and Divine Favor to add to his precast Magic Vestment and False Life. Now, more primed for combat than ever before Tomaru steps into the middle of the group. "Tordak, Kellen, Aurora, gather around me. Once Praxim and Lym let us know where they are, I can get the four of us there in a moment.
Kellen jumps up at the horns and follows. At the sounds of attack, he cracks his knuckles; pulls his new bow; and readies himself. "'Trouble comes on it's own time,' my uncle used to say."
He stands listening for other signs of attack and the direction; waiting for Tomaru's movement spell, he adds to the Mayor and the Sheriff: "Does anyone know where the entrance to the tunnels below are? Anyone who can help get townsfolk down there, aside from ourselves?"
At the sound of the loud crack, Thordak's eyes go wide as he follows the others outside, his attention fixed in the direction of the North Gate the entire time. The dwarf then responds to Zantus's observation quite calmly, sounding almost as if he's in another place. "It was somethin' alright, Father... it was a big rock. I'd know that sound anywhere... when a huge rock hits against your defenses... it won't be long before they burst through and then we'll be surrounded... all surrounded... no way out. Not sure how we survived... we never saw 'em comin'... never saw 'em comin'." The dwarf slowly shakes his head in sadness. Not a couple of moments later he shakes his head vigorously. "Blast! What is it?! Why are we standin' around?! Let's go get these <blankety, blanks>! Wait!" Thordak pulls out a couple of vials from within his pack and drinks them. "Okay, now let's go!" He grips his longaxe and looks through narrowed eyes towards the north. "It's payback time," he vows.
Very well, it seems the time for words is over, our actions will talk for us now. says Aurora, quietly and solemnly.
She nods at Lym and then moves to stand by Tomaru.
Depending of course on how the field of battle is arrayed and how else I might be of assistance, I would just like to advise that I am happy to engage the dragon myself.
She flexes her shoulders, raising her arms as her tattoos swirl on her skin, her robes parting with a *crack* and suddenly there are two crimson wings unfurling from her back, though she takes care that they don't strike anyone.
Master Ironheart, it strikes me that you might also benefit from being able to take to the skies for this engagement, please allow me
She reaches out and lays a gentle hand on the dwarf's cheek. There is a surge of power and the tattooed script encircling her wrist spins and flows on to Thordak's face, the words forming in to the shape of a wing.
When you wish to escape the earth's pull, simply touch the mark and will it so, you should be able to remain airborne for ten minutes or so, after which you will float to the ground.
She smiles, intoning another word of power that causes shimmering energy to spring in to life around her.
I am ready.
Thordak is quite stunned by the gnome's 'transformation' as his eyes go wide with fascination. "By Torag's hammer, I think we have an angel on our side," he mutters in awe.
When she touches the side of his face, he feels the magic flow through him as he reaches and touches the area of his cheek that her hand just left. He does manage a slight nod and a, "Thanks... thank you, Aurora," before he looks over at Kellen and mouths the word: "Angel!" as a very big grin forms.
"Seeing that everyone else can fly, Tomaru says as he pulls out a vial. "Perhaps you would like to have the option as well." He holds it out to Kellen. "It will only last a few minutes, so be mindful of how long you're flying."
"Perhaps you would like to have the option as well." He holds it out to Kellen.
"Much obliged," Kellen takes the potion, but waits on drinking it just yet. "We have enough targets and recon in the air for now, better to wait until numbers are known."
He gives a small grin at Thordak's amazed remark. "Better angels on shoulders than devils on our heels," he adds to none in particular.
The bats wing away south and east, soon lost to sight.
Praxim rises up a point where he see above the buildings between you all and the Northgate. He cab barely make out the gate and the adjoining wall, enough to see men huddled there against the battlements. As he watches, a dark blob arcs from further up the road and impacts on the gate with another 'crack'.
"There's no entrance to go to,' Sheriff Hemlock says, "we sealed the one you found soon after you left."
The bats wing away south and east, soon lost to sight.
Hearing another loud crash, "Blast! We've got ta go! Let's go, lad! Do your magic and get me to those giants now!" The dwarf holds tight to his longaxe as he readies for the 'jump'.
"There's no entrance to go to,' Sheriff Hemlock says, "we sealed the one you found soon after you left."
Kellen grimaces with frustration. "Cayden's @&*$! Are you kidding me?! What about cellars or basements? We have town full of people with no where to go...just wonderful." He readies himself, but makes no further moves for now.
"At least get folks into the glassworks. The stone buildings will hold out longer than their houses," Praxim shouts down as he bonds a spirit to his bow.
His bow is now holy.
Aurora simply smiles as Thordak makes his comment
You are too kind sir!
Her smile gently fades
Now, I fear we must away. If we end in different places then it has been a pleasure to travel with you all, Gods be good we will share the road together again soon.
She waits for the transport spell.
"There's no time for that!" The Sheriff says with some exasperation. "you go do what it is you do, and leave us to our jobs." He pulls a horn from his belt and blows three long blasts. Almost immediately, the bell in the town hall tower begins begins ringing frantically. A contingent of guardsmen begins begins forming in the street, armed and armored.
"I'm off to the cathedral." Father Zantus says.
"Careful Abstalar, we will see you soon." The Mayor replies. "Good fortune to you all, may Desna see us through."
Kellen nods at the officials: "Fair enough, good luck to you."
He pauses to look at Thordak; Aurora; and Tomaru. "An assault from one direction seems...too obvious. It may be the main assault...but until we get word from Lym or Praxim, I won't dismiss a flank attack from the river or Tanner's Bridge. If you three want to head that way - I'll stick close to the eastern flank; use this fly potion you gave me."
He glances at them - not fully committed but ready to move.
High above the ground, Lym stands on the night wind and gazes into the distance, looking out for the enemy and waiting for her scouts to return to her.
"What do you see?" she calls over to Praxim.
"What do you see?" she calls over to Praxim.
High above the ground, Lym stands on the night wind and gazes into the distance, looking out for the enemy and waiting for her scouts to return to her.
"Flying rocks from further up the road," Praxim replies.
...
He pauses to look at Thordak; Aurora; and Tomaru. "An assault from one direction seems...too obvious. It may be the main assault...but until we get word from Lym or Praxim, I won't dismiss a flank attack from the river or Tanner's Bridge. If you three want to head that way - I'll stick close to the eastern flank; use this fly potion you gave me."
He glances at them - not fully committed but ready to move.
"Of course they'll be flankin' us. And goin' off by yourself, lad, is only gonna get ya killed. I'd prefer we stay together but if your so determined, Aurora can go with ya. But KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Don't be a hero and be so foolish as ta take them head on. Leave that ta us older heroic fools," he says with a wry grin and a wink. "Praxim will keep his eye out for the dragon and any approaching giants as well as Lym. They'll let us know. You've got ta trust in your team, lad, otherwise, you'll be dead before ya know it," he tells him in all seriousness. "Again, I'd rather we stick together; but if you're set on separating then, as I mentioned, I think Aurora ought ta go with ya... at least give me that, lad," he asks sincerely. He then looks to the angelic gnome, "I'd be grateful if you would go with Kellen, Aurora, if he's smart enough ta take on help," he says, cutting his eyes toward the rogue as a grin forms from within that beard of his.
Aurora nods at Thordak before turning to Kellen
Your potion will last but a few minutes, best not waste those now just moving to position. I lack the strength to carry you but I will accompany you so you are not alone. We can change our tactics on the fly, and if there is a magic user in each group then we can communicate...
She gestures for him to lead on
I fear we lack the time to argue further, so shall we just get on and not risk antagonising Master Ironheart any further? her eyes twinkle with mischief as she gives the warrior no polite way to refuse.
Following Kellen out in to the streets, her small wings beat powerfully and launch her up to the level of the rooftops where she remains, scanning the horizon and relaying what she sees to Kellen as they move.