After meeting with the commander at the small refugee settlement at Garethsford the newly assembled party rides west with the King's Token. As you ride you see nervous village-folk and wary militia. The fighting does not appear to have reached this region but you meet many people fleeing east to escape Sterich and the magical disaster that has engulfed Istivin.
The journey takes the most of 5 days, the crowded roads and poor conditions after the storm making it near impossible to ride hard. The air is still cool and wet from the passing rain and the long ride and dreary campfires make it a perfect time to talk with and perhaps understand new comrades.
As darkness falls the flickering light of a campfire pierces the gathering gloom. The sounds of insects rise and fall in the cool breeze with the warmth of the fire the only thing holding back the damp chill. The day had been long and boring, the only thing breaking the monotony is the refugees streaming east away from the rising danger inside the borders of Sterich.
The light dims and the only thing breaking the silence of the night is the chirping of crickets and the crackle of the fire.
Alistair dismisses the shadowy mount he had conjured for their days' travel and heads over to the warmth of the campfire. A slight wave of his hand removes the days grime from his clothes and slightly warms them.
"Well this is just another charming nigh! How are you all fairing?"
He takes a seat and lights his pipe as he leans back against his pack.
Ebixus sets up his bedroll and pack in a fashion any soldier or mercenary will be familiar with, unpacking and repacking his gear to rotate undergarments, remove debris, and perform general maintenance as needed. He looks over his little area and checks his mental list of tasks, then shrugs.
"Had better days, to be honest. The rain and grime kinda makes for a crappy ride, but at least no-one is shooting at us. Any of you lot familiar with heavy armor, specifically plate?"
He taps his breastplate as he sets his weapons down nearby his bedroll.
"I could use a hand taking the old shell off for rack time, unless you'd like me to keep first watch. Either way works for me."
Fitzroy sits down on a fallen log and tugs off his right boot.
He holds it upside down and shakes it until a pebble drops out.
"That stone has been driving me nuts all day long."
to Ebixus he says:
"Can't say that I know the first thing about heavy armor, but point me at the right straps and buckles and I'll see what I can do."
"Here, let me clean you both up a bit."
Again, Al waves his hand and the days' mud and grime drop to the ground and a warmth seeps into the clothing.
"Appreciate that, Alistair. Forgot how nice it is to have a mage with you on campaign. Dry socks and clean gear makes for lots better morale, and no trenchfoot or nothing like that. That'll make this trip a lot more pleasant."
Dolgrym stretched after dismounting. "I'm more used to being on foot but this certainly is faster." He sets his spot up as once used to being in the wilderness without any complaints. "While I prefer to be dry, clouds and rain keep the temperature more moderate. I can't stand a hot sun. Too much time underground I guess."
From your campsite near the side of the road it is easy to see the glow of other fires in the distance, evidence of the numerous souls fleeing the dangers ahead. Although the refugees are more interested in keeping their heads down and making their way forward they are still a good source of information for those willing to listen.
- From some you heard of giant, ogres and other savage being spilling from the Jotuns to the south.
- From some you heard of malign magics and evil sorceries.
- Others speak of evil troops clad in dark armor fighting alongside strange monsters.
The stories you have heard while riding make you think. What dangers will fall upon our path in this mission? What evils will we have to overcome to gain the glory and riches the king of Keoland has promised?
"It seems unusual that chaotic monsters like ogres and giants would be involved in a coordinated campaign. There must be some powerful force keeping them organized."
Yes
Karl relaxes near the fire.
I have fought many orcs and ogres before, but this is different. They are too dim to coordinate, indeed they fight each other as much as not.
He sips the hot tea he has. Behind him snuffles his companion, are large beast resembling a two-horned Rhino. It looks intimidating, but thus far it has been fairly peaceful. Karl leans back and gives it a pat.
Good girl, Tiny. Soon we hunt.
Gwolf Grumbles cutie, as she snoozes.
"The pattern is unchanged. Refugees flee the horrors of war, telling the simple truth until it sounds too horrible to be believed, and then they begin exaggerating. No idea if that has begun, yet, though. 'Giant creatures of destruction' seems a clear enough description of the King's foes." He's still in his desert robes, though he may have added a layer or two for warmth. He pokes around the fire, and tends to an overly-simple pot, unless someone else moves to cook.
"Looks to be a nice night. Want to sleep under the stars, or would you prefer shelter?"
Karl considers the sky
Perhaps a drizzle near morning. I'll take the last watch if no one minds
"Shelter is always nice, if only to conceal us from prying eyes. A sneak thief can carry away plenty valuable gear before you even know it's missing."
Ebixus settles into his spot, sitting cross legged and at ease on the ground.
"Anyone telling just why these baddies up and started a ruckus? I mean, giants terrorizing the common folk and monsters taking livestock, that's nothing new. Hells, that's what I've made my living on in one way for another. But an army of monsters all headed the same way? Like you said, Karl and Fitzroy, that ain't normal."
Karl thought a second
The savage folks in the mountains, orcs, gnolls, ogres, hill giants and the like have never united before. So if something did unite them, it has to be strong.
He stretches
if it lives, it can be destroyed
"Well, that part is easy enough." He takes the time to conjure another yurt made of webbing. "Everything dies. Including us. Be careful about which thread you are actually cutting when we attack this thing. It is far easier than you might think to cut your own by accident. I can help with that, some, but only some."
Karl grins
Ehlonna shields me, and empowers me, Naji bin Caedmon. I am her huntsman. I have accepted that this life I have chosen may be short. Be certain of your own choices.
He finishes his tea, tipping the dregs into the fire, with a slight hiss.
He yawns.
to sleep. Tomorrow is an important day.
He settles down to sleep next to cutie.
"I won't turn down a roof over my head for the night." Fitz tells Naji.
"With luck, with can distract the mob of giants and such, identify who or whatever has united them, and eliminate the threat without a broader war."
"Well I suppose if we want to stay out of the rain, then I could do something about that."
Getting up, Alistair begins to cast a spell. After a few moments, a dome rises from the ground and surrounds the party. A dim light shimmers from the dome and the air begins to warm.
"Well that should make our evening a bit more endurable. Well, off to bed. Sleep well."
"I'll stay up and take the first watch. Fitz says to the group.
To Ebixus: "I'll wake you in a few hours to take over."
"Works for me, I guess. With all these magics, I can't imagine anyone is gonna find us out here."
The night passes without incident, dark of night giving way to the dreary grey of an overcast morning. The party wakes, breaks their fast and packs up camp to continue moving to Istivin. The rest of the trip goes smoothly and in a few more days you approach Istivin, expecting to see the spires and shining buildings of the capital.
You do not. Where the towers of the Earl’s citadel should rise, there is instead a large, ebony sphere, as if a god had taken the city and left in its place a huge black pearl. As your party rides nearer, they see that the hemisphere cuts through the city around the citadel like a knife, and buildings are literally cut in two by the perimeter of the black bubble.
As you near the capital a Keolandish patrol approaches you.
The commander of the patrol speaks as he nears you.
"There is to be no trespassers here by the King's order. If you are adventurers here to respond to the King's Writ the you need to speak with the King's agent before you do anything else."
With that he directs you to a manor standing near the edges of the city.
The manor seems respectable as you approach, expensive but not ostentatious, the guards at the entrance of the manor stops you.
"What's your business here?"
"The kings agent is expecting us. We are here to answer the kings call and slay monsters and evil wizards. Can you point us where he or she is, please?"
Ebixus smiles coldly, his voice precise and polite as he speaks with the guard.
The guard looks over your group with an appraising stare.
"Mr Lashton is up the stairs in Sage Algorthas' office. Go up and present yourselves there."
You head inside and up the stairs approaching a well-appointed office. There are 2 guards at the door and 3 individuals inside. A slender middle-age man wearing fine clothes is sitting at the main desk in the centre of the room, a young man with a tonsure is sitting on a chair reading a book to the side and an elderly man is assisting the gentleman sitting at the desk.
The middle-age man seems agitated and is currently yelling at the elderly man near him.
"Damn your collection Algorthas. It's riddled with inaccuracies. How am I supposed to... Who the hell are you lot. Give your names and missions. I am extremely busy." These last words are directed at your party when he sees you near the door.
"We are a group of adventurers, come in answer to your King's summons. I am Naji, priest of The Colorless and All-Colored." He looks to the others to introduce themselves.
"I'm Ebixus. The kings proclamation said you were looking for monster killers. I'm one of those."
Once again, he delivers the simple statements with a flat effect, eyes narrowed and scanning the people in the room.
"Hmmm..what is it you are reading sir?", Alistair says, speaking to the tonsure gentleman.
Dolgrym looks at the man, "I am Dolgrym Giantfoe of Moradin. I am a scout."
Outside, Karl looks at Cutie.
stay here girl. Cause no problem.
The large creature snorts, as Karl looks at the guards
fear not. Cutie here will not be a problem as long as she is undisturbed. And fed. Would it be possible for a bale of hay to be provided?
After entering
well met. I am Karl Darkhunter, huntsman of Ehlonna, here in answer to the kings proclamation
Karl scratches his chin as he looks at the abrupt man.
The tonsured man looks at Alistair and smiles calmly.
"It is a treatise on the importance of forbearance and humility in politics. Written by an Abbot with noble family. But I believe that is not important at the moment, I apologise for Mr Lashtons abruptness but perhaps an introduction is in order."
With this he waves a hand casually in the middle-age mans direction.
"Good afternoon, my name is ..." slight pause "Ahem .. Fitzroy Delhume." another slight pause "I am here because there was a mention of a pardon....." Fitzroy says in a slightly embarrassed tone.
Nodding to the reading man, Alistair moves his attention to the middle-aged man.
"Greetings, I am Alistair Orm, wizard and adventurer."
Lashton stares at the group of you.
"If you want to aid the cause of the King you will have to follow my orders and recognise my authority as given my the Seal of the King I wear on my hand."
With this he flashes a signet ring he wears on his left hand.
"If necessary you will also accept orders from the heads of my personal guard. If such a thing is unacceptable then you can leave."
Without waiting for replies he sneers and says to the elderly man next to him. "Algorthas, tell them about the current situation."
The sage sighs and stops the work he had been doing. Taking a lecturing pose he begins to speak. And speak. And speak.
"The nation of Sterich has always had to deal with the dangers of the non-human population of the Crystalmist mountains which make
up our western border. These mountains are the home of a large number of hostile races, including the various breeds of giantkind.
These giants have been conducting small raids against our western farms and towns for years, and a sizable portion of our militia has been devoted to protecting that portion of the realm. Recently, however, the number and size of these raids has increased dramatically, and worse yet, they appear to be more coordinated
than is normal for such dull brutes.
It has been confirmed that several giant leaders have emerged, and these leaders are rallying their people in a genocidal war against humankind. In normal times, the nation would be hard-pressed, and aid was requested from
Keoland. But to make matters worse, a fearsome spell has befallen the city of Istivin, cutting off all normal leadership. This foul magic first appeared a fortnight ago. Some say that a powerful demon appeared in the courtyard of the citadel. Some say that a gift from another country was instead a deadly trap. Some even say"
With this comment the sage glances at Lashton.
" that it is the result of meddling in arcane matters that were too powerful. In any event, by the next morning the entire citadel was covered by this black hemisphere. One of two things happen to those who approach the sphere. If they are strangers to the land, the sphere appears hard and solid as rock. If they are native-born, however, they can walk right through into the sphere itself.
Those who entered, however, have never been seen again."
After this long exposition Algorthas takes a breath and turns back to Lashton.
Lashton turns his attention back to your party.
"As Algorthas has said there is 2 main problems here in Sterich. I am dealing with the issue here, your task is to infiltrate the Jotun mountains and find where the giants are rallying. Once you have found them destroy them. You will be provided with a map that has the general area I have determined the base to most likely be." Behind Lashton Algorthas starts and mouths 'you determined?'.
"You have your task, if you have questions be brief I and the sage have more important things to deal with."
Very well. I accept those terms. Do you know what types of giants we face? And do you have any information on these leaders?
Karl says matter of factly.
Fitzroy grimaces and considers the problem put forward by the sage.
"It seems uncharacteristic for giants to have organized enough to threaten the kingdom in this fashion." he says.
"Is there any information on the leaders that have started these problems?" he asks.
"I am interested in who, or what might be bringing these creatures together and who is behind the magic we are seeing. So yes, I will agree to your terms."
Algorthas grimaces.
"Little to none unfortunately. Even the possible location of the giant's headquarters was inferred from scout reports in the area of the Jotuns. The only lead I can give you at this point is that the leader would seem to be a hill giant of some strength. It would also seem unlikely that the leader of the giants and the one who cast this magic is one and the same."
The tonsured young man sitting by the side speaks up at this point. "I would like to interject for a moment and introduce myself. I am Prefect Randos of Pelor. I would just like to note the matter of your reward, since it seems to have slipped Mr Lashton's mind. The giants have likely accumulated a significant amount of pillage from their raids. This, if you can take it would be the large part of your reward."
Mr Lashton starts at this. "This. What." He grits his teeth. "Very well. As the good Prefect has said. You should set out without delay. If you have any objections at this point, keep them to yourselves. At this moment you know too much. If you were to try to back out of your obligation I would have to have you arrested and imprisoned. For the good of the realm." He finishes this with a nasty smile and Prefect Randos sighs deeply but does not object to this statement.
Ebixus looks at the man threatening him, then o er his shoulder at the rest of his team. After a long moment, he shrugs and turns towards the door, heading out.
"Let's go kill some monsters."
Good plan.
"I would suggest we get started. Does anyone have experience tracking giants?" Fitz asks.
"I can track okay. It's not specific to giants, per se, but they aren't usually known for stealthy moving over ground."
Karl grins.
Tracking giants? I have a bit of utility in that. Cutie and I are able to do that.
The Prefect stands and walks to the door. "Please let me give you the map." He heads out the door and down the stairs away from the office in which you stand. When you come to meet him he turns to you all and says.
"I... apologise for Mr Lashton's behaviour. I would like to say he is under a great deal of stress but... If you have any reasonable requests to assist you in your mission please ask. Although I am here mainly as an observer on the King's behalf and do not have access to many resources I will attempt to accommodate." With that Prefect Randos pulls a rolled piece of parchment from his priests cassock and hands it to one of you.
"Please begin your search in the marked area of the Jotuns."