As they cut the youth's bonds, he rolls over and groans. Badly beaten the youth still lives but is in considerable medical danger.
The youth cracks a blood encrusted eye and peers at you. "Who are you .... where are the .... giants?"
Arimar places his hands over the young oread's chest and allows Sarenrae's healing light to flow through his body and out from his fingers.
"My name is Arimar, this is Benaiah, Gwen, Kaddren and Doctor Aparn. We came here quite by accident, actually," Arimar notes, shrugging, "But luckily for you, we were more than a match for those giants. Now your turn... who are you, and what were you doing in two Hill Giants' (please tell me it was only two) makeshift larder?"
"Me? I am Orus. From Northpass." Licking his cracked lips, the youth continues. "Giants raided. They do from time to time. Capture young men and women and .... head back to their mountain home. Can you ... get me back to Northpass?" The youth looks pleadingly at you. "Yes. Just the two.
"Well, I believe that is where we are headed... doctor?" Arimar just confirms with Aparn before continuing, "I'm assuming you know of any other perils on the way... and perhaps you could tell us a little of what we'll find there. We are looking for the Alaznist Stair. Anything you are able to share of those places would be most appreciated."
Kaddren assists in a variety of marginally helpful ways in searching the body and standing out of the way as Benaiah is healed, keeping a careful eye as to the proceedings, but not interfering with the style of the relative strangers. On an equal note, he carefully moves to study some inconsequential bit of loot on the giants when the subject of drugs come up.
In every situation I've seen where the demon of addition takes route, it is impossible to force out unless the addicted is willing to first. It is best to take note on how this instability may challenge our goals, though.
The arcanist takes a somewhat suspicious look at the strange planetouched, though he relaxes a bit after the story begins to come out He adds in "How far of a travel will it be, do you think? We ended up slightly adrift from where we were intended, so a local guide would certainly be helpful, in a sort of mutually assured preservation sort of way. I, for one, would prefer to avoid stumbling into other giants. They talk too much about nothing."
Orus takes a long pull from the offered water skin before handing it back. He looks at the Companions before shaking his head, still in a bit of shock from his capture, rescue, and that these people just appeared on the mountain. "You are on Rivenrake Island, the northernmost island in the Varisian Gulf." Doctor Archisa Aparn nods his assent, beaming that he deduced it correctly and that his teleport spell was close to its mark.
"I am from the village of Northpass, located at the base of this mountain. My village is made up of all oreads. We live a simple life, till the fields, work the stone, live our lives. Once we get there I will introduce you to Burgomaster Draslas, the Burger of Northpass. He is a just and fair man. We love him dearly.
"The walk shouldn't be too bad, about a half an hour or so."
"At the top of this mountain is the Alaznist Step. There is a trial from Northpass all the way to the Step. It would be half a day's journey from Northpass to the top, and a difficult one at that. Pretty cold, and the air is so thin that you can barely breathe. Not that I have been there, we tend to stay off the trail when we can.
"You see the Step is controlled by giants, and a clutch of harpies before that. They constantly war for dominance. The further north you get, the greater the chance of encountering them. But as you can see, the giants can be found anywhere. Other than the difficult mountainous terrain, I know of nothing that would impede our way."
"If you wanted to know a bit more, the island to the south of us is called Argavist Island. That island is populated mostly by nomadic Shoanti tribes. They come to Northpass occasionally to trade for our stone work."
As Orus and the Companions continue to converse and descend the winding trail back down the Rivenrake Mountain towards Northpass, they notice they are breathing better, the air is warmer, and the terrain is a bit easier.
As they round a bend they notice the path ends abruptly. "Not to worry friends, there are lots of cliffs in these mountains. There should be ropes ..." Orus leaves the sentence unfinished as the group pulls up some hacked off ropes that only extend down a few feet.
"Giants must have cut them." the youth looks towards you.
70 feet
Kaddren listens to the boy as he recounts what will likely be the path ahead, filing the information away for later use. As they reach the cliff face, he lets out a low whistle craning his neck a bit to look down. Impetuously he nudges a small stone over the side, watching it bounce down several terminally lethal drops, as it clatters to the ground far below. Looking at the companions with a grin, he adds, "Well, I don't think it's an illusion..."
At the subject of the rope being cut, he pulls out a length of rope that looks completely unused, having just been purchased prior to this trip. "Well, I came slightly prepared, although that's a bit of a long drop to take chances on. I do also have some arcane alternatives, though depending on which we use it could be relatively draining on my reserves and I probably wouldn't be terribly useful in a fight later on. There's Monkey Fish, a delightfully named and versatile spell, although it requires absence of heavier armors so I'm leaving that completely off the table should either of you gentlemen happen to be Ulfen-clad under your armor. There's also the more reliable Spider Climb should it come to that."
He pauses for a moment to take a breath, then continues. "Last but probably most efficient is Feather Fall, which I'll be using regardless, though I can understand if we're not at the 'Trust Fall' stage in our relationship. I also worry that solving such a challenge with a single spell might be a bit underwhelming should some capricious deity be monitoring our progress and intentionally imposing moderate yet manageable obstacles for us to overcome." He completes his recounting of spells and looks up at the sky and takes a moment to offer a polite nod to any such entity that might apply to.
"Got to meet you, Orus, and thank you for the information," Arimar smiles cheerily at the man, "Giants and harpies... that sounds ominous. Are they all hill giants, or are there even worse ones to contend with? As for the harpies, I'm certainly glad I brought my ear-plugs!" Arimar pulls out the two small balls of beeswax from his haversack.
"Feather fall would be most useful," Arimar notes, "As are those other spells you mentioned. Quite handy to have around, are you not, Kaddren? But I've brought over 100ft of rope... so we can pretty easily restore that climbing apparatus. Why don't you feather fall yourself down and use any spare spells you have to save us in case one of us falls as we climb down?"
Arimar considers removing his armor to aid his descent, but decides that it would take too long to remove and put back on - and he might need it if any more hill giants came by.
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"Giant's and Harpys, eh?" Benaiah says with a raised eyebrow. "And to think, we intend to move a short term excavation crew in to get the stone we need. Short term being weeks or a couple of months perhaps. No, giants and harpys will not be a pleasant problem to solve. I am thinking that we are going to have to approach this with that in mind. Perhaps this means there will be some long-term benefit for your people, Orus. It would be good to talk to your Burgomaster, is that what you called him? Yes, I think we can help each other here."
Benaiah stops rambling as they reach the edge of the cliff, both because he was done, and because there was a more immediate issue at hand.
"Yikes." is all he offers, with raised eyebrows. Not worried, however, he patiently waits as Arimar takes charge with the most logical method of climbing down. "I'll go last. Gwen, you start climbing when Arimar is about halfway, unless you have a magical trick up your sleeve as well. Slow and steady, no need to take extra risks here. I'll make sure the top stays clear of any unwanted guests then follow down once Gwen is safe at the bottom."
"Kaddran, if you want to go first, feel free. However, if you wait with me, you can untie the rope when we are all down and bring it with you as you gently float to the bottom." Benaiah adds, a slight hint of jealousy at being able to float down so easily.
"Hey, I didn't think of that," Arimar says, as he reaches the half-way point and calls up, "Please do get that rope for me. Thank you!"
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Kaddren explains the overall mechanics of how his spell works to a potentially skeptical crowd, then waits of the top of the cliff as everyone determines the hows and whens of their descent, waiting to the last with whomever cares to join him. As Arimar use the rope, he readies a casting of Feather Fall in case someone falls within the first 35 feet, hoping to turn a terminal fall into a only-slightly-life-threatening fall.
After the last of the climbers make it to the bottom of the cliff he turns to any of the other fellow Fallers and regards them very seriously. "Ok, we all jump on the count of three. As in 'one, two, three, jump.' Not 'one, two, three-jump.' Got it?" After everyone's assent to descend is given, he moves to the ledge and counts out "One... two... Wait wait... hold up" as he suddenly remembers the rope and grabs it. "Ok, for real this time. One... two... three", before leaping off nimbly. As the ground seemingly rushes up at him, he drops barely an inch before frantically whispering the word "feather" in draconic, suddenly slowing their fall gently.
After reaching the bottom, Kaddren gently dusts off his gear and ensures all his packs and belongings are still there, particularly his spell book, before grinning. "One of my instructors once said, 'It is better to have a long life with Feather Fall always prepared without ever having cause to cast it, than to have a short life with having cause to cast it and having it prepared.' Of course, this was my first time using it when it wasn't just a party trick and death was on the line. It was quite exhilarating. Perhaps we'll do it again after all this is done." Looking around, he motions vaguely in the direction of forward. "Ready to move on?"
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Benaiah begins to prepare himself mentally for the climb down the rope. He contemplates the weight of his armor and gear, and the strength of his grip, and finally the sheer distance he must go. He tries not to factor in his sweaty palms, but after a moment realizes he must.
Ohhh... This would be the worst way to go out. After so many near death experiences, to slip down a rope that...
"What's that? You can take more than just yourself with that spell? I am familiar with it..." His spirits suddenly seem bouyed. His mental calculations now shift to the fight with the hill giants, and the remarkable effectiveness of the grease and glitterdust spells.
Yea, this guy knows what he is doing.
"So just like before, I'll wait up here with you to make sure nothing goes south. Except I'll take a ride on that feather fall, if you don't mind."
Benaiah's heart skips a beat at Kaddran's explanation that this was the first real test of his casting of that particular spell. He gets ready to snap, but holds back. Eh, its probably better he didn't say anything.
With a shrug, he looks to the others to see if they are ready to go, then scans the path ahead for any unwanted visitors.
As the companions determine the best route down, Doctor Archisa Aparn looks to Orus. "Come here please, young oread. Could you hold my cane for me?" Doctor Archisa Aparn release his grip on his walking stick and it stays perfectly stationary, perpendicular to the ground. Orus looks queerly at the good doctor, wondering what he is supposed to do.
Smiling to himself, Doctor Archisa Aparn mimics Kaddren's spellcasting. Grabbing the boy by the arm, he pulls him off the ledge and they begin to float gently to the base of the cliff.
Orus' eyes go wide in fright at the magical flight, but Doctor Archisa Aparn only chuckles to himself. "Welcome to a much larger world. I assume that no one in Northpass as ever done this."
"Nope. Never. And not sure anyone would ever want to." comes the boy's terrified response.
"While we wait for Gwen to make up her mind on her descent," Arimar casts a sideways glance to the halfling who seems to be growing less and less loquacious with each passing day, "Perhaps, Orus, you could fill us in on how many giants and harpies your tribe thinks are up there, and what types of giants there are... or should I wait for you to land first?"
The big Aasimar chuckles as the frightened boy makes his safe descent. Unbeknownst to him, in the mountainous air and the bright sun, Arimar's skin has started changing from its dull silver to a more lustrous golden hue, one more typical of his kind. Even his eyes, once a pale slate color have started to shine and glow with an almost fluorescent light.
"Don't rightly know. That might be a better question directed at Burgomaster Draslas and the village council." comes Orus' response.
At the top of the cliff the halfling stands feeling a brisk wind rolling across the hills and tingling her skin where it is found exposed. She shivers for a moment, then pulls the heavy coat tightly about herself, feeling the supple fur inlays pressing pleasantly against her neck. Taking a few seconds she leans forward and looks over the edge, scanning the drop and the treacherous descent sprawling out beneath her feet.
As Benaiah describes waiting for Gwen to begin her climb, a weakening sensation causes her knees to sway at the thought of venturing down such a path. On the verge of asking if the brutish Benaiah would be willing to carry her, or at the very least, tie a rope around her waist to lower her down, when Kaddren speaks up. Relief washes over her as the newcomer proposes a means of descending that she can actually support.
She didn't realize how unsure of Kaddren she was before voicing, "Yes, please!" Her voice rings out and accepts his offer, "I would love access to your feather fall spell. Tell me what to do so as to not hurt myself... I'm all ears." After finishing speaking, she cannot help but question if, as a group, they have begun to trust Kaddren. But in thinking about it more, Gwendolyn can only imagine there is less risk in trusting Kaddren than relying on her own skills to climb down. In this case, relying on herself could only lead to disaster.
When the time is right, and following a string of confusing directions from Kaddren, the halfling closes her eyes, hesitates, then leaps from the cliff.
Breathing heavily the bard cannot seem to catch her breath and continually turns to look up the incline in amazement and fear at what they had just managed. It was true she did want to leave the Magnimar, when they were safely within its walls, but even her first taste of the wild was unsettling, first giants and now an almost unsurpassable obstacle.
"It would be great..." Gwendolyn manages to says though her breath is still ragged and her knees shaking slightly beneath her. "If you could introduce us to the Burgomaster. As my friends have said, I think there is definitely a mutually beneficial arrangement that could be made between us all."
She sighs heavily, looking up the incline once more.
Safely reaching the base of the cliff, the companions look to the top only to see a ragged mountain cat prowl to the edge, sniff, then growl before turning tail and bounding back to the scrub bushes. Even from this distance, the companions can see her ribs clearly over her taut skin that is ripped and matted. She clearly is not in good health.
The hike down to Northpass passes relatively uneventfully. Orus, unaccustomed to conversing with anyone outside his village, is awkward and quiet. Doctor Archisa Aparn takes in the beautiful mountain sights. The natural rock of Rivenrake Mountain is a purplish hue, more dark pink in the bright sun. Though the air is crisp and cold, the natural heat generated from the hike is enough to warm the companions. The odd bird calls, the sound of the breeze, the crunch of the morning frost on the pebbly path as they pass offers new sensations from the hustle and bustle of the Magnimarian streets. No piles of refuse, no crush of people, no constructed building mar this beautiful landscape.
Before they know it, the mountain pass curves to its final descent, like an animal stretching for a drink of water. Built into the side at the base of the mountain resides the town of Northpass. Nestled up against the gently sloping side are concentric rings of single and double story stony structures. The entire town covers less and half a mile, square and is ringed by a 20 foot high wall that starts against the mountain, curves out around the base, and ends against the mountain; in total, spanning about a seventy degree angle.
Outside the city walls are divided fields in the mountain's scree dotted with small stone structures with thatched roofs. Here, farmers till the fields producing crops for the village, while others raise livestock to both work, and feed the oreads.
Orus and the companions look worriedly as smoke rises from inside the walls of Northpass indicating a fire of some sorts. Even more troublesome is the double-thick-doors in the city wall are both hanging drunkenly from their hinges and a small section of the protective wall crumbled to boulder-sized chunks of stone.
As they make their way to front gate a cry goes up from the wall. ""
An oread couple bolts out of the gate and crush their son in an embrace, before thanking the companions profusely. "We never thought we'd see him again. Thank you so much. We are forever indebted to you." Orus waves his farewell as the newly reunited family moves off.
A tall, well dressed oread approaches the companions. Draped in a fur-trimmed cape, a beautifully polished stone necklace dips across his chest indicating his station."Welcome to Northpass, and well met. I am Burgomaster Draslas. On behalf of all the citizens of our town, we heartily thank you for the safe return of Orus. If you please, I believe we have tales to tell and I for one would like a strong drink. Would you all please join me and some members of our town council?"
The oread leads the companions inside the broken gates. Though it is not their specialized field, it is readily apparent that the gates were broken by the giants, as is the destroyed section of wall. Teams of oread carpenters and masons are already hard at work repairing the damage as a few patrol behind holding weapons at akward angles.
As they all enter the Rolling Boulder, they find the accommodations plain, but well made. The hearth is radiating heat and light, illuminating the large sitting room and warming the mountain chill. They all take seats around a long wooden table. Burgomaster Draslas, long with a handful of male and female oreads, position themselves in between the Companions. Platters of roasted vegetables, and much smaller portions of braised goat are placed 'family style' interspersed by pitchers of cooled ale and stone cups.
Burgomaster Draslas quickly introduces the members of the village council before turning to you, "Please, tell us your tale of how five strangers that did not pass through Northpass wind up on Rivenrake Mountain just in time to save Orus?" Spoken directly and without malice, all the council members turn to you.
As everyone is settled safely at the ground, Kaddren completes his appraisal of his belongings and adjusts his black coat so that it can flow with a dramatic air in the breeze. He turns to the oread. "While I'm unfamiliar with what a 'burgo' is, meeting with this fine individual and the village council should probably be our first course of business when we get to your village. Perhaps you could introduce us to them and play up your own timely rescue from almost certain death?"
Realizing how that probably would sound to a young boy, he falters for a moment and rushes to add, "I mean, I'm certain there was no -real- danger to yourself and that you would have ultimately fine, somehow... We just helped quicken that process, of course." He favors the boy with a comforting grin.
The arcanist's eyes harden as he views the devastation afflicted on the village, briefly reviewing over a few options me might be able to suggest to aid them in their re-fortification efforts. A calculating portion of his mind thinks to how the masons here and those intended to travel from Maginar might be able to aid in each others' goals.
He perks up when Orus is reunited with his family, graciously returning their thanks with a modest, "Think nothing of it, it was our pl-- Indebted you say? Exactly how indebted?" Watching the family huddle together in reunion, he glances away and adds awkwardly, "...Ahem. Never mind, we're just glad we returned him to you unharmed." Public displays of familial affection have never really been my thing...
As the welcome rolls on, he accepts the refreshments with practiced social grace, nibbling on the vegetables and goat as if the were fine delicacies. He immediately comes up with a witty retort regarding divine providence as to their arrival, but for once tactfully waits for one of the others to speak up first.
When there is a lull in the conversation, he does interject, "I know there are more serious matters at hand, but it's been bugging me all day so... what exactly is a 'Burgo?'"
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Eh... If she prowls around enough, she should easily find a massive feast up the trail. A cat as hungry as she looked, it won't take her long.
Benaiah raises an eyebrow and makes an exaggerated head turn to regard the good doctor before turning back to the Burgomaster. "I'm sure the doctor might talk your ear off about the finer points of arcane calculations and the Coriolis effect, but the answer I believe you are looking for is the teleport spell. We've come from Magnimar in search of some very particular stone found only in this area. Exiting the extra-dimensional hop put us right on top of a couple of hill giants." Benaiah swallows hard, the only indication that he might be skipping something, "After we killed them, we found Orus in their makeshift camp."
Wanting to give the others an opportunity to speak up, he holds off on mentioning more of the details of their goals, knowing the conversation will work it's way there eventually.
"My name is Benaiah, by the way. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I am sure I speak for my companions when I say thank you for your hospitality. The food looks spectacular." relaxing a bit more, Benaiah fills his plate and begins to dig in to a particularly juicy pheasant and plump red potatoes.
Turning to Kaddren with a knowing look, "A burgo is another term that we use for a small town." comes Draslas' dry reply.
After hearing Benaiah's brief summation, Draslas and all the village councilers' eyes go wide. "Magnimar? Really? All that way?" all the residents of Northpass turn to look at Doctor Archisa Aparn with newfound respect. The good Doctor continues to write.
"Master Benaiah, we are stone experts. What exactly are you looking for? And we are glad that our humble offering are acceptable to such cultured individuals all the way from Magnimar."
It is obvious that the sheltered inhabitants of Northpass are impressed with the Companions' city of origin.
"You have a fine looking town here," Arimar compliments the mayor, "But your guards seem a little... green. Living so close to harpies and giants, I would think you'd have more in the way of trained, seasoned warriors..." He lets the point hang after he realizes that such men and women might all be dead.
"Well, we are looking for stone, actually," Arimar notes, placing the sample they brought with them for comparison on the table, "This type of stone, to be precise. We need it to restore an aquifer back in Magnimar, an aquifer that has very specific construction requirements. Do you happen to know where we might find this stone?
"Also," he adds, "Do you have any idea how many harpies and giants are up in those mountains around the Alaznist Step? Are there only hill giants, or are their taller cousins also present?"
Taking the stone in his hand, he examines it. "I would have to explore this further, but I can feel traces of Thassilonian magic, rune magic, in this. Hollow Mountain? a dark look passes between the oreads
"About Rivenrake Mountain, the topic at hand. Though the giants and harpies have controlled the higher passes, we seldom venture that far up, and they seldom venture this far down. The giant raids are fairly new, and we have done the best with what we have.
"I have never seen their larger cousins, the mountain giants, but as I mentioned, we seldom travel into their realm, preferring to stay here. In times past, a clutch of harpies ruled the path, now a band of giants rule. At times it has been undefended. About a decade ago some Pathfinders tried to clear the it. Either failed or met some fate beyond because we never saw or heard from them again. I would number the giants half a score and a bit more, and the harpies a bit less than that. Again, that is a guess.
"As for their tendencies, the harpies leave us relatively alone, but will raid weak parties on the path. Giants will do whatever they want, whenever. As you saw, they even come down to Northpass to raid and pillage. Always the young, inexperienced ones, while the older giants sit in their fortress.
"There are other perils. Rivenrake Mountain is a healthy environment with apex predators, and animals native to the mountain region. Not to mention that the Mountain itself is a greater opponent to many than any beasts. Difficult climbs, bitter cold, barely enough air to breathe, many lost their lives in the ascent and descent of the mountain.
"There is a couple, Elyas and Rina. They claim a large portion of the mountain as their own. Not on the main trail mind you. Doesn't matter who strays into their territory, they will attack on sight. You can tell their holdings by this mark/" he draws on a sheet of paper and slides it to you. "He comes here from time to time to trade for vegetables. Mostly barters his tanned hides or other oddities. Not friendly at all, but a good trader." Burgomaster Draslas looks to the group to see if they have more questions.
"Really?! The Alazinst Step?" a quiet murmur explodes around the table as the council members exchanged worried glances. Holding up a hand for silence, the group regains its focus on the speaker. "No oread from Northpass has ascended past the Step in over a generation. An old Thassilonian ruin." at the mention of the word 'Thassilonian' Doctor Archisa Aparn opens his bag and produces his portable writing desk. Quill poised, the good doctor looks to Draslas before motioning the Burgomaster to continue. "As I was saying ... where was I?" clearly distracted by the Doctor's sudden producement of a writing desk from such a small bag has the Burgomaster a bit flustered. "Yes, The Alazinst Step. Well, like I was saying, there is a path that runs from Northpass, to the summit of Rivenrake Mountain, and then back down before ascending again to Hollow Mountain. That is what we call a saddleback. Hollow Mountain is a much smaller peak than Rivenrake Mountain, and a bit more forgiving environmentally.
"So the Alazinst Step is an old Thassilonian outpost meant to defend the pass over Rivenrake Mountain into Hollow Mountain. The reefbreaks in the Varisian Gulf make this the only route to Hollow Mountain. It is assumed that the Alazinst Step guarded the path. It is a very defensible position, one that could not be taken with a frontal assault." he turns and looks at the council members. "At least not by us."
As the burgomaster analyzes the stone, Arimar nods along. "Hollow Mountain, yes. Our contacts in Magnimar surmised as much. Problem?" He asks the question at sight of their darkened expressions.
"Any chance we can make peaceful contact with this Elyas? If he's managed to claim a tract of land with all these giants around, then I'd like to know how he did it."
Aromatic listens intently to the rest of the discourse. "So your people have tried to make it to Hollow Mountain, then? Why did they fail, if you don't mind me asking? And why did they want to go in the first place? Do you still want to go?"
The oreads look at one another. "Problem. Well you can't get there without going through the Alaznist Step, which is currently defended by a tribe of giants. I might consider that a problem. And all the other stuff we mentioned.
"Personally though, I haven't been to Hollow Mountain, though I did do a fair bit of ranging in my time. Like I said, we tend to be pretty content here in Northpass, but some do have a bit of wanderlust in them. Some leave for other places, some come for the tranquil lifestyle. We try not to be judgemental.
"But Hollow Mountain has always been associated with evil, and the desires of evil people. As your friend can tell you, Hollow Mountain was the rumored home of Alaznist the last Thassilonian Runelord of Wrath. I do not question your motives, but know that the place you seek was once inhabited by creatures of pure evil.
"Why some choose to go ... well some are inherently evil and seek to gain power, some like your friend seek after knowledge, some are searching for lost artifacts to sell and buy a small kingdom. All that I know have failed. Don't know how. Like I said, the Mountain is a foreboding place, and who knows what is living in Hollow Mountain now, alive or dead."
"As for us joining you, know that the warrior caste of Northpass is not up to the task of clearing the step. You don't need to convince us that clearing the Step would be in our best interest though. If the stone quarried at Hollow Mountain becomes valuable, Northpass would become a very desirable location as a trading outpost and way station. You have seen what the giants do to us, at their whim nonetheless.
"As for an assault, the path leads right to the Step. The giants could just throw their stones and slaughter us from the safety of the Alaznist Step. And we don't have the available fighting force to throw away charging to our deaths. Nor are they very well trained. Maybe if you could present a plan, it would be easier to sanction such an offensive and draw up support. Regardless these are matters I must discuss with the council members in private." a few of the council members give Draslas a look.
"But know that Northpass is open to you all to use as a base of operations, and any assistance we can give you, be it material or know how, we will do our best to accommodate you." Burgomaster Draslas ends with a large pull of ale. "We shall ever be grateful for the return of Orus. To Orus" he cheers.
NORTHPASS
NG small town
Corruption -1; Crime -1; Economy +0 (+5 relating to stone); Law 0; Lore -1; Society 0
Qualities Insular, resource surplus (stone & gems)
Danger 0
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government autocracy (burger)
Population 428 (428 oreads)
Notable NPCs
Burgomaster Draslas (male oread aristocrat)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 1,000 gp; Purchase Limit 5,000 gp;
Spellcasting 4th
Minor Items 3d4; Medium Items 1d6
Insular The settlement is isolated, perhaps physically or even spiritually. Its citizens are fiercely loyal to one another. (Law +1; Crime –1)
Resource surplus (stone & gems) A surplus of a certain commodity has made for very competitive markets in those kinds of goods. This commodity and items primarily made from it can be purchased for as little as half the normal cost. The additional cost of making an item with alchemical compounds related to that resource is halved in this settlement’s marketplaces.
As the group continues to talk, Arimar steers the conversation to Elyas. Burgomaster Draslas laughs. "I remember it well. I was but a youth, rarely seeing any species other than fellow oreads. Then this human comes in to Northpass like he owns the village then yells for the Burgomaster. He is dressed head to toe in animal skins, scraggly beard down to his chest, hair uncombed and unkempt, a huge sack slung across his back. So the Burgomaster disappears with him and few council members, they come out not long after - we were squatting on a nearby rooftop. Elyas walks out of the inn, and right out of Northpass, only without his sack.
"The Burgomaster comes out and issues a decree, that the man Elyas has claimed portions of the east side of Rivenrake Mountain, all off the path, and we are to respect our new neighbor and stay off his property. Well we didn't know one could own portions of the mountain, and mind you, we are kids. Tell us not to do something, you can bet we went looking for Elyas' territory the next morning. A whole gang of us.
"We left at first light, combing the mountain side. We came across some strange ruins, like I showed you. First boy to step past the rune, saw an arrow shot out of nowhere land a foot in front of him. Attached to the shaft was a note, said Stay out, or the next one hits you..
"Well, tell us not to do something ... it was the biggest dare, Who is brave enough to enter Elyas'? Finally one brave soul accepted the challenge, or foolish, depends on how you look at it.
"All the kids hanging back, the lone oread walks past the rune stone. Another arrow right in front of him. Then the boy ... he takes another step. Arrow in the shoulder. Then another in the other shoulder. Then they all hear, '
"As far as I know, no one ever did. And I never will." Burgomaster Draslas pulls down his tunic showing all the companions the twin scars in both shoulders.
"Like I said he still comes around, looks mostly the same. People say he has a wife, though she has never visited Northpass, and no one I know that is credible has ever seen her. Stranger things happen. We do see giant heads on pikes near his runes. Guess it is a bit more obvious for them than a little scribble on rock."
"Huh, I think I like this Elyas," Arimar chuckles with the story, "Thank you for a highly entertaining and informative tale! Arrows in children aside, I genuinely think from the story that he just wants to be left alone and doesn't mean any real harm. If the giants leave him and his wife alone, then we definitely need to meet him. How often does he come to Northpass? Otherwise, I think we may need to get at least to the border of his lands and see if we can't rouse him. Yes?" The suddenly animated Aasimar turns to his friends and Kaddren and the doctor for affirmation.
"Beyond that, don't rouse the warriors just yet," Arimar grins as the Burgomaster already takes things to the same logical conclusion that the paladin was thinking of also, "I was mostly concerned for the village should we stir up some kind of hornets nest up there and the giants or harpies decide they would be best served if Northpass wasn't. I've not heard of a 'mountain' giant before... is that what most of them would be? Do you mean 'stone' giant? I've heard of those..." Arimar secretly hopes that he doesn't mean such powerful foes stand between them and success with the Fountain. Two hill giants were stressful enough... a dozen or so stone giants? They wouldn't stand a chance.
"In any case, though, I appreciate that you are at least willing to hear us out should we come up with a plan that requires your support," Arimar claps the man on the shoulder, "You are a credit to your village, and know that for as long as we share your hospitality, you shall also share in our aid and protection. If your men need further training, I would be happy to help with the drills. If something should attack you while we stay here, we will be at the front lines defending the village. This, I swear to you."
Kaddren looks vaguely disappointed on discovering what a 'burgo' is. "Really? Why don't you just call it a town? I was imagining some variant of mammoth or something, given the lions, and giants and harpies around here, that's barely a novelty.
Kaddren considers this all thoughtfully, then nods at the Aasimar. [b]"Seeking out this 'Elyas' might be the best course of action, though I would approach them with the assumption that said individual isn't merely human. At least, they seem the type that are worthy of respect and caution. Even I would be on my best behavior for such a visit."
Responding to Arimar, "Elyas doesn't come around too often. More likely to get a trading party from the Shaonti tribes to the south.
On Argavist Island to the south are roaming tribes of Shoanti. They do come to Northpass to trade for our stone and cut gems. We are experts in stone work and gemology, if you will pardon my bragging. They are generally very peaceful and pleasant here, and do their best to abide by our customs. I find it highly unlikely that they would desire to become involved in our affairs though." comes Draslas anticipated response to Arimar's unspoken questions.
"As for instructing the militia, I don't see how having a few experts helping out the lads and lass could hurt."
"Very well then," Arimar says, standing up, "We'll make ready to go see Elyas - unless Gwen or Benaiah, you object? Before that, though, we shall help where we can. I'd be happy to help drill your militia and to lend whatever other aid you might require."
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"Well based on the story you've told, I would venture a guess that Elyas shouldn't be to difficult to find. Or at least, it shouldn't be to difficult for him to find us." Benaiah adds to the conversation.
"And yes, I think that is the first place we need to go. A man powerful enough to hold off a tribe of hill giants is a man we need on our side, or at the very least, not in our way. If we intend to have any sort of short to medium length operation mining the stone we need, we cannot have Giants knocking on our door."
Benaiah nods his approval, that part of the conversation seeming to be settled. He doesn't move to get up though, since there is still plenty of food on his plate to be eaten.
"Come to think of it, I might be a little light on camping supplies, especially if we are going to have to trek all the way through the pass. I've got gear, but not enough gear for an extended trek. Any chance I could borrow some? I don't have any gold on me now, I'd be happy to trade my services in help training your militia, at least in the ways of fitness and strength. Arimar is much better suited to the finer points of fighting. I'm more of a brute force kind of guy." he says with a wry smile.
A murmur ruffles the amiable conversation as oreads' faces cloud. "I have to say it is a bold move, desiring an audience with one such as Elays. But you seem to be well armored." Burgomaster Draslas knocked on Benaiah's armor. "The town of Northpass would happily equip you for such an excursion, as a small way of thanking you for saving Orus and your offer to beefen up our militia.
"It have been many years since I have ranged on the sloped of Rivenrake Mountain, and my legs need a good stretch. If you will excuse us, I need some private time with my council to make arrangements in my absence." At the states from the council members, Draslas gives them an authoritarian look. "Honestly, you cannot expect me to sit idly by as these men and women risk their lives? Come now."
Turning back to the group, ""Please, sit, enjoy. When you are ready let me know and we can depart. Come." he signals to the council members and they arise as one to follow the Burgomaster out.
"My how exciting. If you all don't mind, I would prefer to say here in Northpass. If there is anything that I can do to assist you before you depart, you only need to say the word. I think that I shall take a walk and take in the sights of the town if you don't mind.
"Now where is my walking stick?" Doctor Archisa Aparn pushes back from the table and shakily regains his footing before spotting his walking stick, standing alone and perfectly straight in the middle of the room. "Ah, there it is. See you all later." Doctor Archisa Aparn moves over and grips the knob of his walking stick before departing the inn.
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"Hopefully we will be seeing you again shortly, Doctor Aparna. Perhaps a few days from now..." the halfling waves goodbye to the odd companion, but still not having developed a particularly close bond with the samsaran, refrains from embracing him. "That is, assuming we can find a way befriend this Elyas without too much incident. You remain here, and we'll be sure to tell you all that happened upon our return."
Turning to her companions, "I'm in agreement that it's best to start by making contact with Elyas," she begins. "But based on what we've heard, I still don't know how we will actually go about befriending him."
"For lack of a better plan, not knowing anything we can use to ingratiate ourselves..." she says with a sigh. "We may simply have to travel to his side of the mountain and then see what he has in store for us, and how he reacts to our presence."
"Play it by ear, as it were."
"Yes, Doctor, I think it perfectly acceptable for you to stay here in Northpass," Arimar replies, "You've got research to do, and you're not here to negotiate with hostile recluses!"
The paladin smiles at Gwen's assessment of the situation, "Ingratiating ourselves will be difficult, but we do have something to offer in return for his help - provided we can strike up a conversation - after all, he would benefit from the giants' and harpies' removal and a more stable and prosperous Northpass, would he not?
"As for contacting him, playing it by ear seems our best course of action! I think if we camp on the edge of his territory and throw messages at him on rocks or arrows, he'll eventually come to see what's going on," Arimar has a sudden sobering thought, "Or the giants and harpies will..."
Arimar begins to round up the lads in the militia, and starts drilling them on which end of the sword to hold. It occurs to him that he cannot recall how he was taught all he knows about martial combat, only that he does know.
"Ahem."
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Oh right, Arimar's knowledge stems from his newfound goddess but he does his best to translate it into words and actions that the oread warriors can use to their benefit.
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The Companions double and triple check their equipment, both Doctor Archisa Aparn and Burgomaster Draslas approach. Ending their conversation Doctor Archisa Aparn wishes the companions good luck as he loiters, while they notice that Burgomaster Draslas is dressed quite differently.
Gone is his heavy chain of office, and fine clothes and fur-lined cape. He is now dressed in hip high deerskin boots, sturdy made and well worn in, a dun colored tunic, and tanned breeches. His tunic is tighter around the middle clearly indicating that he has put on a bit of weight since the last time he work this. "Wife must have shrunk it." he lamely blames as he tries to buckle a wide belt about him. "When you are ready we can head out."
As the small group sets out, is a perfect day for a hike on Rivenrake Mountain. The sun is shining brightly as it peaks over the horizon, elongating shadows across the path. The cool, crisp mountain air condenses in small white billows as each individual exhales. Small game skitters across the green vegetation of the alpine meadow.
The conversation is sparse as they take in the sights around them. The muffled footfalls make an odd echoing sound as they bounce from one vertical stone wall to another. The companions see small flocks of birds riding the thermals up the mountain side, searching for prey, along with small packs of deer and goats scamper across the path and bound up steep slopes.
Burgomaster Draslas takes of his pack and turns to the group. "Chasm, there are a few on the path. Usually we just climb down and then back up unless it is a particularly heavy traffic area, then we affix a ladder across. So who is first?"
Chasm: Usually formed by natural geological processes, chasms function like pits in a dungeon setting. Chasms aren’t hidden, so characters won’t fall into them by accident (although bull rushes are another story). A typical chasm is 2d4 × 10 feet deep, at least 20 feet long, and anywhere from 5 feet to 20 feet wide. It takes a DC 15 Climb check to climb out of a chasm. In forbidding mountain terrain, chasms are typically 2d8 × 10 feet deep.
The sun continues to make its journey across the sky as the temperature starts to cool in the later afternoon sun. "Elyas' territory starts just up ahead. We should head back within the hour if you want to get back before sunset. If it is all the same to you, I prefer to wait here for you. Should you get in trouble and need my help, we'll I can run back to Northpass and bring the militia back with me tomorrow. I am going to give you all an hour and a half." He thrusts a tall stick in the pebbly path, and makes a scratch where the stick casts is shadow and another a few degrees counter-clockwise. "Good luck."
"Thank you for taking us so far, Burgomaster. Your guidance is much appreciated. It might take us longer than an hour and a half to gain Elyas's attention," Arimar notes, "But I guess we could always try again another day... and possibly leave him a note to meet us at Northpass." Shrugging, the Aasimar takes the lead, deciding to leave his Sarenite falchion sheathed. He picks his way along the path towards Elyas's territory.
"Gwen, perhaps some pleasant music for while we travel to the edge of Elyas's territory?" Arimar suggests, "Aside from attracting his attention, he might be better disposed towards us if he hears a lovely melody."
The group quickly reaches a warning sign that Draslas had told them about.
Along their way and approaching the warning signs, marking the edge of Elyas' relatively unknown territory, Gwendolyn's eyes search for any sign of the invisible threshold and clues of the mysterious man's presence in this area. At hearing Arimar's suggestion, she nods with a pleasant smile and slowly unslings the violin case from her back. "Of course," she agrees. "If nothing else, hopefully it will help pass the time for you all..." Taking a further moment, she stretches and flexes her fingers, before dragging the bow across the strings to release a few tentative notes.
"Let's see if Elyas' is a fan of music," she says, taking a deep breath then commencing her song. Gwendolyn chooses an ethereal sounding melody, with long rolling notes and gentle transitions, at times even stretching the subdued tones until they seem to blend with the very murmur of the passing wind only to gradually rise a short time later, punctuating the stillness and majesty of the surrounding mountains.
Arimar booms over the melody, staying just this side of the marked border,
Shrugging, Arimar sits down. "How long do you think we should wait?" he asks his friends. Certainly, there were worse places to be waiting in. With Gwen's pleasant melodies echoing from the mountainous terrain and the fresh wilderness air to breathe, he could relax here for hours.
Kaddren looks around, showing a bit of unease as they stand at the border of a potentially violent and powerful individual with a propensity towards 'shoot first, give warnings later.' Then he shakes his head and replaces his demeanor with a grinning mask. "You know, it would be just our luck to come over here, standing in freezing weather just waiting around to have him out at the market for the day. Not that I'm suggesting that we test that theory any time soon..."
He glances over to Gwen as she starts playing. "I suppose that's as good a plan as any, assuming that it doesn't draw harpies or the like. I can Ghost Sound a joke as well."
Leaning over to Arimar, he whispers, "What were we planning to give in return, exactly?"
"What were we planning to give in return, exactly?"
"We're going to help clear the area of its monstrous denizens," Arimar reminds the arcanist, "Which, as well as the trade in stone, will bring prosperity and security to Northpass, the nearest civilized settlement that he can purchase wares from."
As the companions set up their makeshift day camp on the lee side of Eylas' warning stone, Gwen continues to entertain the group with the ability of a maestro.
Arimar begins to call out Elyas' name, and the sound reverberates from rock face to rock face before fading to the wind, but the mountain man never appears.
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Benaiah spends most of the travels in silence, enjoying the scenery and the stark contrast to the bustling city he is so accustomed to. He smiles inside when Arimar suggests Gwen begin to play her violin, coming to the realization how comforting it is to have the soft, melodious notes surrounding him.
After about ten minutes or so, Benaiah offers a thought to the group. "You know, we should probably consider the thought that despite what we say, he may not care to hear us out." Benaiah pauses for effect, "On this side of the border."
He pauses again, letting that sink in. "So perhaps I can help speed things up a bit. Gwen and Arimar, if you would be ready with a healing spell, just in case." He says with a mischievous grin. "Kaddran, would you be so kind as to pen a letter, explaining our position and what we hope to accomplish? Just a few sentences will do. If his methods hold, the first sign of him we should see is an arrow in the ground. We might be able to attach the letter and send it back in his general direction in case he isn't interested in speaking to us directly."
Girding his loins, Benaiah steps across the border defined by the warning sign. He advances only a single pace, then stands with his arms at his sides, and begins a patient wait.