GM Michael's Giantslayer

Game Master Dread

Keeping an eye on Storm to make sure the young wolf stays near Othden, Rory brings up the rear until they exit the old temple. Once outside, He lets Thistle roam to the side of the group moving and sniffing in a wide circle while he keeps a keen eye out, as the others make their way to the Barterstones. Once they arrive and they see Othden's father approaching, Rory tells Othden, "It looks like your safe now." Looking at the young wolf. "Storm come." As the wolf nears, he scratches Storm behind the ears, telling him, "Good boy, who's a good boy." While Thistle turns and looks at the two of them as if to say 'really?'

Once the father and son finish greeting each other and Merriman addresses them, Rory nods his head in agreement. "Your right, we need to report, then I'm going to need to see a priest about getting some of my strength back, I feel awful." One the team is ready he follows Merriman to meet with the council members.

Imara nods to Rydell and hands the chain shirt to him. She would be encumbered if she wore it. I don't think it's worth it.

She eagerly exits the building and feels a palpable relief as they emerge again into the open air. When they reach the barterstones she remains quiet when Othden and Merriman reunite, but smiles to see their mutual relief. She also scans the area to see if there are any signs of change since they left just a few hours ago (though it feels like days).

"I agree, Rory. I want to see the priests as well. I think we're all a little worse for wear after that trip. I say we report, get patched up, then maybe return to Merriman here to see about selling some of our spoils." Imara can't help but smile at the thought.

Outside the rubble of the church, Shel removes her simple hide armor and angrily throws it on the ground. She flops down beside it, laying on her back and letting the heat of the sand and setting sun embrace her. She inhales deeply and focuses on the spirits around her. This was without a doubt the worst day she had ever had since the days before she came to Trunau. So much death. So many traitors! The spirits called to her, demanding vengeance for the innocent lives lost this day.

Phoenix joins Shel in the sand, digging out a trench and throwing clean, hot sand over himself to cleanse his feathers of any dark parasites that may have attempted to cling to his perfect, shiny plumage.

====================

"Assemble the councilors quickly, Merriman. There are traitors within the walls of Trunau."

Retcon
Pleased to be out of the temple and on the way back to town, Rory see's Shel strip her armor and in frustration lay on the ground. He stops Thistle, waiving the others on, waiting until Shel is ready to go.

Storm not knowing any better, trots over to the pair, sniffing at the dust covered chicken then moving over to Shel to lick her face. Realizing what the young wolf was doing, Rory, hisses at him. "Storm come!"

Did you bring Brynia's body back.?

Merriman and Othden toward the front gates. The gates are maned by 4 guards instead of 2 and there is a stream of folks entering the gates from the outlying farms and ranches with the grim probability of war on the horizon. Each is being verified by Councilor Lessie Crumpin of The Church of Abadar, who had her log book out and checking her recent census documents.

Seeing the group coming back. Othden with a bruise on his face, the party with blood, dust and slightly damaged clothing and armor. Rory clinging to Thistles back. Imara walking more flat footed than before. Ovril almost stumbling along, She shuts her log book and tells the guards and people at the gate to wait for a moment.

She immediately moves towards the group and touches the golden key around her neck and she calls the power of Abadar. A burst of positive energy surrounds the group. Hold friends, let me see how I can help

channel: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Then moves to Rory's side and after looking at him she prayed briefly and touched his arm, he felt a slight amount of strength return. Then she began moving among the group touching armor or clothing, mending what was damaged.

lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 2

At this point both Rory and Ovril sneezed and coughed. She paused looking that them. Have you been bitten by vermin at the Plague House? You may have the beginnings oa disease that will start to effect you in the next couple days. I cant help that today. But I will make sure I prepare cure disease prayers for tomorrow. I suggest Imara, Ovril and Rory, you also seek out The Meesons, they may have potions to help restore your strength and agility. Tell the council I will be along shortly.

Yes, we did. The 'how' is tricky - if there was anything we could wrap her body in, without disrespecting her memory, that would be preferable. But I do suppose the 'how' is not all that important.

Overwhelmed by the kindness of the councilor, rather pale-loking Ovril stammers when he gives the lady his thanks. "Th-thank you. Yes, I'll do that. S-surely!"

Still, despite being drained of a chunk of his vitality and vigor, Ovril is feeling quite combative. Now is the time for action.

cover her and have Rydell carry her on his shoulder(s)? heh,

Rydell waits dour faced as Shel takes a moment of rest. After a minute he says.

Lets head out. We have things to do. Though doesn't leave until the others are ready.

At the gate-

Rydell approaches with a grim determined expression set in his face. He wasn't about to show any weakness if he could help it. He does give a nod of appreciation at the healing however.

That plague-house needs to be burned down or repaired. As it stands now, it was nothing but a haven for those seeking to harm the town and dangerous creatures. What would happen if some child found their way to it? Though I suppose it is a matter for another time. We cleared out its horrid occupants. If it matters for your preparations, we dealt with both regular rats, and ones made from a shadowy substance that normal weapons had no effect on.

The group goes through the gates, people are watching the entourage and there are whispers from the crowd at seeing them carrying a body over Rydells shoulder. wonder who that is? They went after the killer. Thats probably the killer they are bring back. and such

they turn to go up the hill passing this and that. They can see a guardsman trying to scrub off the paint hanging on ropes at east tower. . Agrit comes out to escort them up to The White Hall, to meet with the council. Othden is beaming walking besides his father with importance.

Moving with the reunited father and son, Rory is pleased to see that the guards had doubled and they were being verified by Councilor Crumpin. He rides Thistle to the side with her and the team, feeling a little better after her ministrations. Answering her question, he nods, "Bit by live rats and dead ones." Looking towards Ovril and then back to Lessie, he nods in agreement. "Come see you in the morning and see the Meesons for a potion. Thanks."

He looks at the crowd of people waiting to get in, and asks. "Councilor Crumkin, a word please?" Lowering his tone he continued. "In the temple we found a make up kit for disguises. Othden mentioned hearing a half orc named Ghaer a representative of Skreed, the leader. I remember hearing about a particularly troublesome Half-Orc named Gorewillow Skewed. He has mercenary tendencies, operates out of Freedom Town and is reputed to be a master of disguise and infiltration. Odds are one or both of them are already here in Trunau. But I thought you should know, so you can inform the guards to keep an eye out." Nodding to the council member, he left the information in her hands, turning to follow the others towards the meeting.

to correct a couple things Ghaer was the Flood Troll. Gorewillow Skreed and Skreed are one in the same.

Imara follows alongside the others, keeping a watchful eye out for anyone tht she does not immediately recognize or anything suspicious. If they go past it, she will also stop by the forge and retrieve her bellwire trap.

Shel can barely contain her anger over the thought of the traitors in their midst. Phoenix reflects her roiling emotions, hissing and snapping at any townsfolk that stray too near.

Rydell walks with a grim determination towards the council members.

Passing Where they left Omast and Katreza, Imara moves in and recovers her trap, seeing 4 Guards standing near Katreza's cubby, but Omast not present. When she asks, they are told The council called Omast away and he thought it prudent to make sure there were enough guards there couldnt be a traitor taking advantage of the situation.

They say Katreza is sleeping but actually seems a little better. They Say Silverman came to see her a few hours ago.

The group continues up the hill and through the two gates separating the middle quarter from the lower and high. There are many out watching. Tents are being pitches in the lower quarter and several displaced farmers are being housed in the Commons.

They approach the Ivory Hall, and Rubby runs out to hug Othden and the two of them start talking fast. among themselves. Amelia can be seen standing on the porch of The Ivory Hall and she waves at Rydell.

Kurst comes out of the Ivory Hall and approaches the group looking at the body on Rydells shoulder.

This the Killer? Can I see who killed my brother? The council is waiting inside. with Omast as well.

Rydell lets out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding when he was sure Amelia was safe.

As Kurst approached and spoke Rydell shook his head. No, it is not... we could not carry all of the bodies from the place. This...is Brynia. Slain by the same group that slew Roderick it seems. Her, and Roderick's killer still lay in the basement of the plague house, along side the traitor Daktani. after a few seconds of silence Rydell realizes he should probably try to explain further.

We did not wish to leave her body there... so we chose to bring her back. He lets out a sigh.

Just come to the council meet where we will go over everything that happened. He moves on past without slowing whether Kurst follows or not.

The group is ushered into the council chambers where. coming in behind them quickly is Lessie Crumkin.

for posterity they each announce themselves for the record. before the meeting begins

We bring this emergency meeting of the Council to order on this 5th Day of Lamashan, with the great possibility of war with an advancing orc Horde on the horizon we have with us special guests to speak on what they know.

For the record I, The Chief Defender of Trunau, Halgra is leading this meeting.

I, Agrit Staginsdar, Chief Arcane Advisor to The Council is present and prepared to speak on The markings we have found and any magical defenses we can prepare.

I, Priestess of Abadar Lessie Crumkin is present and prepared to speak on the census of able citizenry prepared to fight and the state of the towns finances.

I, councilor Sara Morninghawk, keeper of the arms of Trunau am present and able to speak on the status of the armory.

I Tyari Varvatos, High priestess of Iomedae, am present and being the Chief Divine Advisor to the chief Defender can speak on stores of medicines and status of the various representatives who have healing capabilities.

I, Kessen Plumb, Master of Stores can speak to the status of our water and food stores in preparation for a seige.

Merriman stepped forward.

If the Council will, I Merriman Mater of Barterstones, am present as guest to the council to speak on the indigents present and I have brought my son who was present at The Plague House and overheard conversation that we may glean Intelligence from.

Thats me. Said Othden

Standing in For Jagrin Grath who is out on Patrol, I Omast Frum, Senior Member of The Trunau Militia, am present and ready to speak of the status of our military presence.

As a guest of The Council, I Kurst Grath am present to help in security.

Silverman steps up and holds up a piece of slate upon which he has written

As a guest of the council, I Silvermane, Druid and keeper of the Source of Water am present to be an advisor to The Chief Defender.

I, Sir Brantos Calderon, an here as guest to the council prepared to speak on behalf of Lastwall

Halgra Looked to the party and said, please tell us what you know

Phoenix pats over to center stage, his vicious talons making intimidating clacking noises as his steps threaten to tear asunder the flooring. He spreads his wings and begins clucking. Ladies and gentlemen, tis I: Phoenix the Magnificent! You may recognize me as the protector of this town; a stalwart wall against the shadowy forces from beyond our borders. I go by many other names: Avalancher, mountain-hewer, bringer of life, Clarence, the Almighty, but you may call me Phoenix. It is with a dark and heavy heart I come to you with news of traitors and cowards in our midst...

Phoenix's speech is interrupted with a high pitched squawk when Shel unexpectantly scoops him up from behind. "Daktani has been helping a half-orc named Skreed plot the downfall of Trunau. They murdered Rodrick and Brinya for refusing to help them. Skreed and his followers are already within the walls. We must gather all the townsfolk immediately to find the outsiders." She stands tall but her voice quivers with rage.

eariler
As Rydell explains to the shocked sergeant, Rory nods, "It's true Kurst. Roderick somehow learned something was up. So they killed him for it. Kidnapped Brynia, Daktani tried to talk her into joining them. When she refused she was killed. Died for Trunau like Roderick. Both died hero's"

Now that Othden had been returned to his father, Rory calls Storm close, keeping an eye on the young wolf as the moved through town. Every time he would stop to sniff, Thistle would huff and he would turn and run to catch up. Rory smiled patting her on the neck, "Good girl, keep him in line."

now
As they enter the council chambers, Rory turns to Storm and points to a spot beside the door. "Storm stay." Riding Thistle in a little further as Storms ears droop, whining a little as he sits down. He's ears perking slightly as Phoenix begins to strut about until Shel scoops the chicken up. After Shel gives a quick synopsis. Rory shifts Thistle to the front slightly. "We were asked to investigate the cause of Roderick's death. What we found was that Roderick learned of a plot involving several half orcs, so they staged his murder to look like suicide. We have the proof of it we can show you later. But more importantly, as Shel pointed out, we learned a little about the plot. Gorewillow Skreed is a mercenary operating out of Freedom Town, he's reputed to be a master of disguise and infiltration, he seems to be in charge of prepping Trunau for the upcoming attack. We believe he is already in the town. The large white crosses were painted by half-orcs from Freedom Town posing as merchants. The swords are magical and glow brightly at night to those with dark vision. We believe they were painted to mark spots either to attack or spots to regroup. There are people who are already trying to remove them." He pauses for a moment seeing what others had to add.

Imara pulls out her dagger and idly spins it in her hand while the others introduce themselves. Her mind works over the events of the day in her head. Roderick. Dead. Brynia. Dead. By the gods, she almost lost her own life today. She could have. Any of them could have. She could have lost Rory or Rydell. At this, she glances at them surreptitiously, without turning her head. And what about Ovril and Shel? She doesn't know them well, but Shel clearly cares about the town, and Ovril showed great bravery. It was obvious he was badly shaken, but he carried on anyway. She looks at them as well. Maybe, just maybe... it's worth opening my heart a little more...

She holds that feeling for the briefest of moments before it starts to feel like too much, like she may just drown, or get swept away if she continues along that path. The old walls spring back up and she pushes the emotions and vulnerability that threaten to breach the surface back down.

"...they murdered Roderick and Brynia for refusing to help them..." She's brought back to the present moment abruptly as she realizes that Shel is speaking. Imara quickly composes herself and adds, "Othden spotted them and followed them to the Plague House. They caught, and beat him, but much of what we know is thanks to him."

Rydell just gives a nod.

I think, we should stop removing the marks. If the enemy attacking us will seek to use them. We can use that to our advantage... It would be a risk, only assuming for now what the intent is. But if they are indeed places they want to attack we can set traps and ambushes for them there. However that would involve allowing them into the town. That decision I will leave to you all. Unfortunately, we were not able to detain the conspirators we encountered or learn much more from them However. I have several names I would suggest being detained and questioned if they are even still in town. Either due to possible connection or potential knowledge of the attackers. Rishka, Vorum, and Urnsul and anyone with close relations to them should at least be questioned. He looks to the rest.

Imara perks up. "That's not a bad idea about setting traps. We don't have to let them into ton, bit we can have traps set there in case they do get in. Has anyone had any luck removing the marks?"

Pausing for a moment as the conversation turned to using the marks to their advantage. Rory thought for a moment about the size and visibility of the swords, looking up he blurts out. "What if were wrong, what if they are big like that to identify targets for ranged attacks. They know were built for a siege. What if the bring large siege weapons?" Looking at Patrol Leader Omast Frum he asks, "Omast, has the scouts reported anything?"

Omast looks at Rory and smiles at his young protege. Jagrik's patrol hasnt returned; but it only left this morning at dawn. At this point they are likely setting camp half way between here and the river. We have posted outriders a few hours away in several directions, the ones more likely for an advance. None of them have returned. so no.

Agrit added, So far all attempts to remove the marks have failed. The die is quite persistent. I can prepare magics to dispel them for tomorrow, but I can only do that to a couple a day, and If I do that, my possible offensive magics will suffer for the defense of the town.

Well dont do that Agrit. Nor any of you others. she looked around the assemblage. Id rather everyone prepare your magics for battle. Let them come. We have repulsed attacks before. I am far more worried about infiltrators than I am about someone targeting buildings for assault or ranged attacks. How can we ferret out the enemy inside without causing the town to panic...that is the question. If we start a house to house search, they will start seeing the enemy in each other...especially if we talk of disguises. Fear is the enemy here. Suggestions?

NInja'd by the chief defender :)

Not surprised that the paint was being difficult Rory shakes his head. Thinking aloud, he mumbles. "Probably don't have enough brown paint to paint over them." He smiles slightly trying to joke. "And they probably didn't leave enough of the white paint to put crosses on everything."

Tyari looked at the wrapped body on the floor. and a tear went down her face. Before we get into this. Im assuming That is Brynia's body there. She deserves better than to just lay on that floor wrapped in a blanket. Let me get a few guards to take her to where we have Rodericks body and we can have a joint funeral tomorrow night at Moonrise at the Flame of the Fallen. Best we do this quick with an attack eminent. If thats ok with you Chief Defender?

Yes Tyari. Yes. Please.

"Rory makes a good point too. Can we simply cover the marks? A few nails and some burlap should do the trick. And I agree that we shouldn't go door-to-door looking for spies. Perhaps we start with the three Rydell mentioned and go from there? I can also move around town and keep an eye on things, see if I see anything suspicious. But, I won't be able to cover everyone or every place, obviously."

Ive already had Vorums and Rishka's place in the Barterstones checked. As well as Brynia's and Daktani's rooms. Since all of them were missing. No clues available besides what youd already mentioned.

"And no sign of Urnsul either? Perhaps they've all split already." She looks at the other four. "They said Katreza is feeling better. Perhaps it's worth speaking with her again and giving her this news as well?"

As the impact of the day begins to wear on Rory, he slumps over a little in the saddle, causing Thistle to turn her head to look at him. Dropping her ears she whines a little causing him to pat her on the neck, "I'll be alright girl, Just need to recuperate a little."

Sitting back up in the saddle, he addresses the team, "We owe it to Katreza to tell her what's happened." He looks to Halgra, "Ma'am, may we be dismissed. You all don't need us to plan the defense of Trunau. We'll be happy to follow orders when the time comes."

Yes of course. Well done. Im sure we will have great need of you all before this is over. Go. take care of what you need to and Ill see you tomorrow night at the funeral.

The group exits the hall and finds Amelia standing on the steps outside waiting for Rydell. She runs up and hugs him holding him for a good long time saying Im so proud of you. and so glad to see you back..

Then she pulls away for a second and looks at him. Is it true that Daktani and Brynia were traitors? That Brynia killed Roderick? Thats the rumor going round.