Joan zips two arrows into the giantess and she continues to bleed from multiple wounds. The giantess steps forward dropping the huge body she is carrying to hammer at Gallak and Joan with her greatsword, trying to get the bard first.
Nar attempts to swing with his axe before the clomp of feet leave him unconscious.
Joan managed to twist out of the way of the worst of it.
Unfortunately, there was enough of it to hammer her almost to oblivion. She slammed into the wall and heard the crack of bone and tasted iron in her mouth. The cough that came up was small and pathetic, but it pained her like nothing else had before. She held her hand up and wondered why she was seeing blood on it.
That's my blood...
Her mind moved slowly, Gallak was slumped on the ground, but she was still standing. Barely. A growl came from beside her. Luilfr. Her companion, she knew that somehow. She stumbled down a stair, and another, just out of reach. She looked to the gnoll that'd lead them here.
"Put one between the b$~~@'s eyes. Then run. Run get help, or just run for your life."
She drew an arrow, the last one she was likely to fire, and notched it. Pain burned in her chest and back. Breathing was hard, and stars flashed before her eyes.
The arrow streaked into the giantess, adding another wound to the others she'd given her. She turned to Luilfr as she leaned against the wall.
"Sic 'er boy."
With a blood curdling howl the white wolf leaped forward and tried to rip into the boots around the giant's feet.
"You want me? Come get me you cold freak of a b*$#!!"
Nar, with his last spell spell granted to him by Angradd, a spell of fire, tries to burn the last of the life left within the giantess
Cast Defensively - burning hands
But only a small whiff of smoke appears as Nar is too battered to properly cast it.
As the dwarves prepare to assault the bloody giantess, who has an amazing amount of fight in her for someone having taken the blows she's has, the world begins to slow down and ears begin to pop. The runes along the spiral staircase pulse and glow, a bloody tribute to Gorum, the god of bloody battle. Nar recognizes the runes as symbols of the deity's presence, and as they glow blood red, he realizes they are powerful pieces of divine magic.
Two figures can be heard to argue as Kragg rises to his feet, a small dwarf figure he recognizes as Magrim, and a colossal frost giant made of ice. It is humorous as the smaller dwarf seems to be getting the better of the colossal frost giant in the argument, but over a crucial point the larger frost giant seems to be standing firm.
Boog-Boog drops to his knees as he recognizes the frost giant and is able to utter the single word "Thremyr" as the two argue.
After a while, they turn to Boog-Boog after seeming to actually agree to a compromise neither is comfortable with. The large frost giant speaks in the common tongue, "Gnoll, the hall is yours again. But your elders' plan to fall on the victor will not be realized this day."
The frost giantess howls in frustration, but reluctantly gathers up the remains of her dead mate to leave. She nods and says, "Yes first Jarl. Exile it is."
Magrim turns to Kragg and says. "The giants are gone, but the gnolls are masters of this place. They rule here again. I could not see Gorum strengthened at the expense of dwarves. Bloody attrition is not acceptable to dwarf or giant."
Boog-Boog nods and points to the massive blood spilled in the halls. "It is dwarf blood and giant blood, as our elders had hoped. And Gorum rules here again as our high priest has hoped. But playing the jackal is not my style. Especially after that divine display."
Boog-Boog, or Booglipstin II, gnoll crown prince of the combined tribes presides over the cleanup after the brutal battle. The giants have been exiled, and it is amazing that two giants can have ruled over so many gnolls. But then, having faced the giants in combat, maybe it is not so amazing.
Booglipstin II still prefers Boog-Boog and explains that he is somewhat honor bound to repay the huge loss of life paid that day. He shows the dwarves to the centerpiece of the giant complex, a carved marble throne. After sitting in the throne, the gnoll is covered in a bright light, and the throne continues to radiate a large amount of magic.
Boog-Boog explains that the throne is a test of divine favor and inherent toughness and hardiness. Those that pass, are rewarded. If anyone is found lacking, the throne will be silent forever.
14 giants and now 11 gnolls have sat on the throne. Some have emerged tougher than ever, but no one has stilled the magic of the throne. Boog-Boog asks Kragg to pick the toughest dwarf to try it out.
Boog-Boog presents a keen, +1 falchion and a battle axe +2 from the stash of giant goodies that were left behind as obviously too small for their large hands.
"It is the least we can do. And the most my elders probably will let me do."
Magrim sticks around to meet his cleric and heal him and the other prisoners to full health.
He speaks as only a dwarf can: "Keep these guys in line and don't F*&( it up. I am the keeper of the dwarven dead, but don't send me any new business." Then he taps Ghanrik on the head. "Don't let the warriors have all the fun. Make sure you can take a hit too, but your head is your best weapon."
He then looks at Boog-Boog: "Well played, gnoll. These dwarves could learn from you. I think the saying is let's you and him fight and I'll watch."
Joan collapses in the stair way, even she could see that continuing to fight in the face of this was not wise.
But that did not stop her from glaring at the giantess as she carried her mate down the stairs. Her hatred was no longer burning, but it simmered just behind her blue eyes.
Luilfr lays his head on her lap, looking like a worried pup.
"It's alright boy. I just need ta catch me breath."
Of original characters entering the ice caves Gallak is the one whom Kragg nominates. Hopefully his Dwarven constitution followed by his ferocity at times will allow him to pass whatever test is necessary of him.
Once that is finished, Kragg turns to Boog-Boog and inquires of the ice ships, the whole reason they came here in the first place. He lets the diplomat of the group do the fine talking and any negotiating that is necessary however.
Gallak hums a bit to himself as he steps forward to try his mettle against this chair.
Gallak almost triggers a boon from the throne. He is found slightly lacking.
Boog-Boog points to Grallk, the barbarian. (Won't roll for a PC)
Then another dwarf is chosen by Kragg (Grallk is too tough to silence the throne)
Then a gnoll sits on the throne.
He feels he narrowly avoided silencing the throne.
Third dwarf can go.
A gnoll emerges tougher(assuming it is still working)
Fourth of your group can go.
Gralk sits upon the Throne at Boog-Boog's instruction.
Nar (if keeping same character), Joan, Kragg then the rest.
Boog-Boog's cousin, the hardy barbarian Gralk sits on the throne. After years of confinement refusing to reveal the secret of the royal family, he is rewarded with a seat on the magic throne.
A deep voice booms, "Gorum is pleased." Gralk seems to have a deeper more healthier cast to him, and looks to bear the effects of his imprisonment with much more ease.
Boog-Boog claps Gralk on the back.
"You must show these dwarves to what they seek. Gorum is pleased with you. If that doesn't make you a believer in Gorum, nothing will."
Gralk smiles broadly, as he stands.
I will aid the dwarves, as you say, Boog-Boog, in the name of Gorum.
Here is the roll now if you need things to progress. If Nar is switching characters then he would go first with the new characters.
Ghanrik can only stay quiet and bow in the presence of Magrim, when spoken to he simply nods in agreement. When everyone is settled and gathered Ghanrik says "We'll lads, ladies... its good to be alive and even better to be free!"
pauses then continues
"Who is the leader of this group? You have my aid in the divine arts blessed 'ere by Magrim himself!"
pauses again briefly looks around a second then continues
"I could really go for a mug of ale right now.... speaking of mugs, ye wouldn't by chance come across a magical one in that giant hoarde.. one that always keeps ye ale cold... that be the only thing I ever smithy'd proper."
Gralk stalks downstairs to root through the dead for items that he would need to equip himself. He takes the fololowing from the bodies of Khazad and Hon, unless there is any objection while doing so.
+3 Mithral chainshirt of Fortification(25%)(10 Lbs)
Merciful Executioner's Axe
+2 Belt of Con
Cloak of Protection
2 Flasks of Acid
Hon's Backpack
Caltrops
Grappling Hook w/50’silkrope(4+5=9lbs)
When he returns to the other dwarves, he holds up a finely wrought Breastplate (read...+2 Breastplate). He speaks in common with a distinct gravelly barking overtone.
Since I got what I need, this Breastplate up fer grabs.
Gallak smiles disarmingly at Gralk. Ho, what's this, Gorum didn't toughen ye enough? He jests, nodding towards the belt.
Gralk returns to the others sporting a finely wrought Breastplate, and he carries a large Falchion Sword that he will sheath on his back.
He looks at Gallak when he motions to the belt, and he unclasps it. He then holds it out to Gallak, and with a curt nod, says,
Me think it is good belt for Gralk, but if you need it, take it. So, where to now, my new friends?
"Some place with soft beds, hot baths, and warm blankets." says Joan.
Kragg looks around at the recently freed dwarves and the new gnoll recruit. Although it wasn't the same group he started with, Kragg felt like this group would be able to handle the rigors of their mission better. Speaking up when asked who was leading this venture, Actually I have been leading it up to this point for all the good it has done. It was my decision to come here so I don't know how trusty my judgememnt was. That being said, Gallak here is our diplomat. His words are supported by me which in turn is given weight by Rock. Once we are finished here adn get these ice ships then we will have to talk about what our options are and where to proceed. Having the gnolls as allies is a great boon if we can come to a long standing agreement.
Joan receives a boon.
"This human is acceptable. "
Joan emerges tougher(+1 Con)
The blade fits you, Gralk, but I know if no better weapon for a true dwarven ally than an axe. I find myself with two, one my father's, one my fallen companion's.
Gallak offers Gralk the Merciful Axe, preferring the familiarity of his own heirloom.
Much thanks, Gallak!
Gralk takes off the Falchion and lays it to the side in favor of the Greataxe.
This be fine axe for Gralk!
He sheathes the new weapon on his back with a toothy grin.
Kragg also emerges tougher (+1 con).
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Following the footfalls and conversations up the steps, Kiptera comes upon a bloody scene and a throne room. Enemy of my enemy is my ally Kips observes the nonchalant interactions between the gnolls and dwarves. A gnoll inviting the dwarves to sit on a throne? A gift of a waraxe to a Gnoll? These be strange times.
Silently she approaches the throne, with a measured polite nod to a rather regal gnoll. Can regal be applied to gnolls?. Kip steps up the throne, turns to face the crowd of expectant faces,with a forced casualness plants her posterior on the princely?papal? throne.
Exhaling a forgotten breath, she steps off with measured relief and another nod towards the gnoll holding ceremony.
Kiptera emerges tougher (+1 con)
Two gnolls sit on the throne.
The stone is not silenced, and one triggers a boon and emerges tougher.
Boog-Boog looks for other dwarven volunteers.
"Sitting on the throne twice is dangerous. Only the very toughest have tried and been rewarded."
Bah, if the chair dinnae like me, so be et.
One of the captured dwarves comes up and says, "What's happening here?" He notices the cloaks and says, "Hey aren't you the dwarves traveling with my cousin Hon? Where is he?" Durgen begins to looks through the mess of people.
Kragg looks around at the newcomer and then looks for Hon. Well actually I haven't seen him sice I went onto attack the other giant. I am sure he is around here somewhere. He always tries to hide in the shadows till just the right occasion. That being said a throne and dignitaries is usually the occasion he presents himself. He wasn't with us on the steps when Magrim showed up so I have no idea.
Once everyone has had their chance to sit on the throne Kragg will do so again. Rock made him the leader for a reason and now was the chance to prove it. He almost caused the death of the entire party but somehow the gods intervened. This test would reassure him if he was fit to be a leader or not.
: sitting on the throne before Kragg breaks it
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"Different face, different race, same dismissing talk as my brothers and father. I can measure up but I cannot help but notice you have not seated twice. So yes, I’ll sit again.” And no sooner said than done, she sits upon the throne. This time with ownership, feeling the carved inscriptions from chisels of long ago dwarves, ”Yes. This suits me well. I’ll have to get me one of these.” Remaining on the throne, she surveys all those assembled below her. She says nothing further but her face mirrors an unvoiced authority.
Edit: Ninja'd and a nat 20. Perhaps both are good things.
Joan watches the rest of the proceedings seated by Luilfr. Scratching the wolf's ears. When Hon's absence is mentioned, she thinks for a moment before replying to Kragg.
"Did he head somewhere else? Where our new friends came from, perhaps?"
We will have to go see, but we can not dismiss ourselves now during these proceedings. Afterwards we will have to go look for him.
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On the other hand, I wonder if the Gnoll Gralk who is literally as well as metaphorically pawing through Hon's backpack is upsetting dwarven sensibilities? I mean really? Hon isn't certified dead yet. This would most cerrtainly warrant a shift on the loyalty meter for the not-verified dead Hon.
Just saying.
On the gripping hand, Hon would applaud the gnoll. Unguarded stash, Dwarves getting thier avarice on in the throne room. "Dibs" rule is in force.
Oh, fine, all yoo ninnies gettin' a proper sit down. Hell, Ah warmed it oop fer ye.
Unsure if he's even supposed to have another go, Gallak gingerly situates himself on the throne, notably uncomfortable at first, but then seems to relax into the throne after a moment.
Kiptera, Gallak and Hon's cousin emerge tougher.
Boog=Boog tries again
He emerges tougher.
And three more gnolls.