GM Michael's Giantslayer

Game Master Dread

Rydell returns the hug a bit sheepishly infront of the others, then his eyes narrow at her question.

you know better than to be gossiping. No, Brynia was killed by Daktani and others. She died staying true to the town... one of the good ones.

After a moment, he points to the council.

Stay near them, help them however you can as long as you are near at least one of them, and stay out of their way the rest of the time. And don't go running off. I want you here or at our room. Understand?

They emerge from the meeting. Imara is exhausted almost to the point of stumbling. She’s starving, but is primarily concerned about getting her agility restored. A small line of terror runs through her, pushing her to wonder if this is permanent. She pushes it back down. She’s seen people heal from similar afflictions. It’s not permanent.

Amelia stops them and gives Rydell a long hug. Imara’s heart aches. She pulls her eyes away from the two siblings and shifts her weight restlessly. She suddenly thinks of Sid. Where is he? She hasn’t seen him. Is there time to go visit him? No. She needs to get her needs met first – what if an attack comes soon? Given the way today's gone so far...nothing seems outside the realm of possibility. After she's gotten any healing available, she will go find him.

Imara asks if Brynia and Daktani killed Roderick. Imara opens her mouth to protest, but Rydell beats her to it. Better to let him handle it anyway. Instead, she turns to Ovril and Rory. “I need to get to the temple. If anything else happens tonight, I want to be better prepared. Are you two coming? I'm going to grab some dried meat and fruit on the way. Then maybe a proper meal after."

The group leaves the Ivory Hall and think...both priestesses are here. so their best bet is to go to This and That, the store run by the Meesons, where Gorkis and Crazy Jess are. Gorkis being an Alchemist, he would likely be able to provide aid on recovery of their capabilities.

And since that was near where Sid worked and katreza was resting it would be a good place to start, before it got to late. The Sun was almost down on the western horizon, and the moon could be seen rising in the east. Hanging lamps at occasional buildings were being lit. There was a bite of cold in their air. The Commons was a bustle with the farmers setting up their tents Even with the Danger, looming everyone seemed genuinely pleasant and in good spirits.

If they didnt know what they did, it would seem as a day before a festival.

As the group heads toward where they left Katreza, Rory points towards the 'This and That.' "Councilor Crumkin told me to seek out The Meesons, they may have potions to help restore strength and agility." He looks at the others, "I hope it doesn't cost too much."

As they near the front of the store, Rory looks at Storm, worried that the pup would get into something, pointing towards the front of the build near the door, "Storm stay." Giving a small whine, Storm drops his ears and spinning about several times, lays down in the dust. Riding Thistle into the shop, Rory asks, "Could someone give me a hand with the golden box, I don't think I could lift it if I had too."

Seeing Jess he gives her an description of what he needs. "Jess, Councilor Crumkin said you might have something for sale that will help me. I was bitten by a ghost rat of all things and it sapped my strength. Would Gorkis make something that can restore my strength?"

More exhausted than he cares to admit, a rather despondent Ovril follows the others towards Katreza. It's when Rory commands Storm to stay, that he snaps out of it. Storm. That's what's coming for us.

Without saying anything, he steps up and helps Rory with the box. Yes, his muscles ache and whine - especially so the ones in his darned drained left leg - but they'd do so regardless.

"A restoring draught, is what we're after," Ovril adds to the halfling's words as he addresses Jess.

Eager to begin the hunt for the traitors, Phoenix hops up on the counter in This and That and squawks. Inspection! Let's see your citizenship papers!

Shel aimlessly wanders out of the Ivory Hall, following Phoenix to This and That. She sits outside instead of entering. The adrenalin from her previous anger had faded and she feels drained in an unfamiliar way. The spirits are distant - still there, like figments of shadow dancing around the edge of the light cast by a campfire - but difficult to grasp. She thinks it is because she called on their powers too much that day. Most of the spirits of the natural world preferr to work in slow and subtle manners, like a river carving its way through stone over ages. Even though she had not been injured that day nor had she engaged in any more rigorous physical activity than was usual for her, every muscle aches and her eyelids are heavy. At the very least, she had found some people in Trunau that were somewhat competant. Rory and Rydell did not surprise her, but the fortune teller did and Imara did. Who knew an outsider and a troublemaker would be key to defending the city? The spirits work in strange ways.

She is annoyed by the interruption to her simple, quiet life. Angered by the cowards that work against Trunau. Mostly though, she is fearful for the future.

Shel used both spells, all three channels, and both scrolls of healing and about 10 hexes. What a day.

Jess met the group and spent a long time talking to the dogs and staring at Phoenix. Gorkis of course went right to work, producing 3 potions rattling about tapping his inventory and it would take a day to make another and they should be more careful and dont they know how hard these potions are to make,...then he set them on the counter saying that'll be 1,200 gold.

Jess spun around from kneeling next to Thistle saying Gorkis!. This isnt retail. They are officials on a mission for the town.

He swallowed hard and nodded...Quite right. what was I thinking. 900 gold a stare from Jess...ok ok Cost is 600 gold. Jess stood up and put both hands on her hips. he sighed ok Jess. 300 Gold barely covers the ingredients. She glanced at the group to see how that sat with them.

Eh? What's this? Phoenix hops across the counter to inspect the potions, sniffing and then licking the stopper on one of the potions. This will require further inspection. The spirit animal picks up one of the potions in his razor sharp beak and hops off the counter, heading for the door to stash the potion in Shel's satchel with his other treasures for examination at a later time.

Gorkis stood gawking shocked at the chickens antics before he shouted Stop That Chicken!

had to be said *chuckle*

Jess began laughing saying I think Phoenix is saying they should be free.

Rydell felt uneasy at the perceived charity.

How about we have a tab so to speak? I wouldn't feel comfortable taking it for that little... but what if we paid 300 now, and 300 later when we can manage it... If, I suppose. At worst I can work it off once this all blows over and things settle down.

Rydell only glances at Phoenix before shaking his head. Almost smiling, almost frowning.

Jess stood up and was having a hard time stopping laughing everytime she glanced at the chicken trying to stuff the potion bottle into the satchel. Obviously unwieldly obviously touch. it made her burst out in laughter again.

She glanced at Rydell. At Rory At Ovril. At Imara.

She said Youve done so much. Take all three. bring us 300 Gold when you can. with a wink she said We know where you live

Gorkis nods and said Besides. we will probably be fighting for our lives within a week...wouldnt want your deaths on my conscience.

thats 1 each of lesser restoration for Imara, Rory and ovril. heals 1d4. Rory has 4. Imara 3. Ovril 3. Each will also heal 1 over night. Then the Lessie and Tyari, Brantos or Silvermane could take it for tomorrow...or Katreza if she was cognizant enough. and of course Gorkis could make 1 potion tomorrow..

Raising an eyebrow as Rydell baulks at Jess' generosity Rory rolls his eyes when the ranger says he'll work off six hundred gold pieces. Shifting Thistle forward he says, "I have a better idea." he dismounts the wolf, untying the fancy golden box from the saddle, shifting it so that the shop keepers can see it he asks. "So what would this gold box be worth?"

I don't remember what the gold box was worth. Still don't have access to the loot page, was that Imara's?

work off three hundred! not six!

Phoenix freezes when Rory mentions his golden box filled with treasures. Very slowly his head turns towards the halfling, rotating nearly 180 degrees. Unsure if he had heard the outrider correctly, he softly clucks You are not trying to sell my beloved artifacts, are you?

Shel's not interested in the selling or buying of equipment. Once the party has divided the gold she needs to visit the Wonder House to get things to craft more scrolls so she can make some tonight.

Jess moves forward and looks it over and whistles low. That would take care of the potions and Ill give you 300 credit as well. what other alchemical items might you need?

theres a 25% a particular potion is present. You could pay for him to make a 4th restoration for the morning or take any potion at 25% cost. except for healing. those at full since they are cheap. You could atke any other alchemical item at 50% cost. with a 75% of it being present.

Looking from the shop keepers to the chicken, Rory shakes his head, "Fine." He opens the box, taking out the thirty platinum pieces they had stored within. Setting them on the counter. "We'll just pay for this with these for now. We might bring back the box later. Guess we have to talk about it."

Accepting the three vials from Jess, he hands one to Orvil and the other to Imara. Uncorking his vial he lifts it up. "Cheers." Swallowing the contents he belches and asks. "Shall we check on Katreza now?"

lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The group leaves the shop, and exits Rory downs his potion immediately and feels the majority of his strength restored within seconds. He instinctively knows he will be fine tomorrow as long as this disease Lessie talked about is cured. Imara and Ovril look at the bottles in heir hands as the group goes next door to Clamor and enter to find one of the apprentices at the counter, who lets them back to where the 4 militia guard are standing near Katreza's, formerly Urnsuls, cubical

While the others negotiate over the price of the potions, Imara takes inventory of the loot from their “trip”. She is shocked that so much danger and so much of value was such a short distance away and no one knew. What other hidden treasures and threats does our area hold? she wonders.

Rory comes out of the shop and hands Imara a Potion of Lesser Restoration. She takes it gratefully. ”I’m not sure I’ve ever been more excited to drink something in my life! She smiles at Rory and swallows her potion as well, grimacing at the slightly metallic taste. Relief floods through her as she feels more like her normal self. She feels better than she has all day, and as a result her mood lightens considerably. ”Much better!

As they move toward Clamor, Imara keeps an eye out for a kid that she can pay to fetch them some food. She’ll wait outside to keep an eye out (for the food and any potential threat) and listen to the conversation from afar.

Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Rory, Imara, everyone. If it would be alright with you, I would use a portion of the items we found to finally buy a bow I've been trying to save up for. He says, more than asks, but still waits for a response.

Outside the shop, Rory whistles for Storm, expecting the young male to fall into step. Looking up to Rydell, he nods, "Once were done checking on Katreza, we can sell off these items and purchase a few things."

He looks off to the horizon. "I fear your right, arms and armor may be a priority." He looks to the wolves concerned about the lightness of their armor.

Smiling to the others, "But we may need to get a bite to eat first."

Step aside. Licensed physician coming through. Phoenix clucks, walking between the legs of the guards and into his patient's room.

Shel puts on a brave face, not wanting the ailing half-orc to get a sense of exhaustion or frustration from her. "Katreza? Are you up? Silvermane says you are feeling better."

As Shel pushed the curtain open, The guards had parted to allow the group access.

Katreza sat on her cot, propped up by pillows, sipping some tea. Her eyes clearer than they had seen prior. She glanced at the group. At Shel...At Phoenix and smiled Its good to see you daughter. Yes. Hes given me some herbal medicine that has helped tremendously. My body isnt aching. right now and im not feverish. Is there something I can do to help?

As they approach the small room, Rory turns to Storm, pointing. As if he new what Rory was going to say, He dropped his ears and sat down. Rory smiles, "Good boy, stay." Thistle, watching between the two gives, them both a huff, turning her head.

Guiding Thistle past the curtain to the corner where they had been previously, Rory observes Katreza. Happy to see their old friend in better shape, he blurts out. "Daktani betrayed Brynia, there both dead now too."

To Rydell:
"Yes. I am sure we all have things we want to buy. I assumed we would sell what we don't plan on keeping and then split the profit between us afterwards. Hopefully, that will give you enough for the bow! Come to think of it, I could use a new one myself..."

When they arrive at Clamor, Imara waits just outside as the others go in. She looks out at the town and thinks about everything that has happened in the last 24 hours, and what the next several days may bring. It’s nice to finally have a few moments to breathe. After hours of what seems like nonstop movement, the rogue allows herself to sit on the stoop of Clamor. Rory begins to recount – very briefly – what happened. As he stops speaking, Imara draws Brynia’s Love and wonders at it, turning it over in her hand and examining it closely while she waits for Katreza’s reply.

Imara and rydell stand in the entry way to Clamor looking outside talking about bows. Imara glances over at the bakery right next door and looks to see if she can see Sid. At this point she cant. but the smell of fresh baked bread wafts over to her nostrils reminding her how hungry she is.

Inside Rory announces That Brynia is dead and Katreza nods sadly. I saw it in a vision a few hours ago. I was asleep and dreaming. Things are in motion. what was lost will be found. What was hidden shall be exposed. Danger is nigh and the events have been set in motion that will have far reaching effects. Beware the Storm King. He brings death and destruction to the lands. She says that almost in a chant....and then she looks at Shel and says emphatically. Read the Book. Read the Book. Uskroth's Hammer is key!

"Don't touch her!" Shel warns the others in a harsh whisper when Katreza begins saying strange things. The spirits were know to possess a person on occasion to share a dire message. She slowly approaches the bedside and asks quietly "What book, Katreza?"

Spellcraft: Is she in some kind of trance?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Shel looks at Katreza and could tell she was having a vision right now.

Her urgings became more fervent. You have the Book Daughter You Have it. Its knowledge is utmost importance. Agrimmosh. Agrimmosh!!!!

Rydell remained stoic as Katreza began chanting. He wasn't sure what to make of these sorts of things. He figured there had to be some legitimacy to all of it. Wouldn't be as many people claiming it if there wasn't. But he'd never experienced anything like it so was hard pressed to empathize.

The cartomancer experiences the encounter with the ailing Katreza as those rare few times the family elder taught the young Ovril family secrets - from how to honor Desna through elaborate rituals, to Havayselvayan tricks of the trade to read and interpret the cards in a way no one else can. Now, like then, he can't help but feel a little lost and completely overwhelmed by what's going on.

"Storm King? Does anyone know a Storm King ... ? Agrimmosh? Never heard any of these names before! ..."

With Ovril being too in the moment, he fails to notice how the cards of his heirloom deck are moving on their own accord, shifting places and forming patterns that, as the moment passes, will be forever lost to time.

I take it we can't roll any knowledge checks for this one? Ovril has Arcana, Nature, and History.

Confused by Katreza's babbling, Rory looks from Shel to Ovri, shrugging his shoulders, "And what book?" As he tries to remember any stories about any of it.

Lore(Hold of Belkzen): Strom king: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Lore(Hold of Belkzen): Uskroth's Hammer: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Lore(Hold of Belkzen): Agrimmosh: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Yes Lore and Knowledge Local, Arcanna, History all apply.

From the very first post. Though for us its been a while for Shel...it was Yesterday morning

It was a normal fall day in Trunau. The temperatures had dropped considerably in the recent weeks from the normal over hundred degrees of the summer months beyond the hordeline of the orcs to in the 80's. ..........

Within The City Shel was seated at a table inside the House of Wonders looking over a book recently obtained by Agrit about a the Giant Urskoth and his leadership of the Twisted Heart clan of Orcs and giants when they came south many many years ago. She was particularly interested in the information about the Giants hammer 'Agrimmosh' She moved forward and paid for the book with Agrit, glancing down at her Spirit Animal, Phoenix which walked around on the floor under the watchful eye of Agrit. The Chicken was rather healthy and confident...braver than worldly fowl........

Phoenix, having impeccable avian memory, climbs onto Shel's shoulder, tugging the strap of her satchel until it falls to the floor with a heavy thud. He rifles through the bag until he has cleared the canvas away from the largest and heaviest object Shel carries: the very same book Katreza speaks of! He struts about on top of the book, clucking proudly, chest puffed out more than usual.

Sorry 'bout the delay. Busy couple of days. I knew I'd heard those names somewhere before and I was going to attempt to search the thread for them tonight, but our lovely GM has beaten me to it.

"Of course!" Shel gasps quietly, falling to her knees to retrieve the book. She had completely forgotten the book with all that had transpired in the last twenty-four hours. She lifts the book, almost reverently, opening it and setting it on her lap. "This cannot be a coincidence! The spirits guide us in all things. This book recounts Urskoth the giant's arrival to the Hold of Belkzen... I think... I have not had a chance to read it yet..." On one hand, the spirits rarely spoke so loudly and clearly. On the other, Shel was hoping the last two days had been a hiccup in her normal, boring life. Her heart sinks as the feeling that the spirits have more in store for her and her new companions grows.

Pausing for a moment, something tickled the back of Rory's mind. He had heard something about something. When the chicken knocked the bag from Shel's shoulder and pulled an old book from her pack his eyes widened. Dismounting Thistle. The wolf, not needing to be told to stay, spun a couple of times and laid down. While Rory walked over and looked over the kneeling Shel's shoulder. "Haven't read it yet? How long have you had it?"

Katreza starts spouting off strange statements. Imara’s heard enough stories to know what a prophecy sounds like. She quickly sheathes Brynia’s Love and pulls out her journal, doing her best to write down everything Katreza says:

Things are in motion, what was lost will be found. What was
hidden…danger is nigh and the events have been set in motion that
will have far reaching effects. Beware the Storm King…Read the
Book, read the book, Urkgosh’s hammer is key….you have the book,
daughter, you have it. It’s knowledge is utmost importance.
Agrimosh, Agrimosh!

The seer stops speaking and Shel exclaims something about coincidence. Fate. Feeling a rush of excitement and interest, Imara quickly moves inside, curious to see what's going on. "What is not a coincidence? What book is she talking about?"

"Only since last night." Shel lifts the book and lays it out flat on the bed, trying to flip it open to a page that mentions Agrimosh.

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Knowledge History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Shel starts paging through the tome looking for a mention of Agrimosh.

and as she does Ovril snaps his finger realizing he knows something of this.

A story told to Ovril by one of his many grandmothers (for a Varisian's extended family consists of all of those who share the same blood - and the ties that bind can go way back, but can never be broken) finds its way to the surface of cartomancer's thoughts. He will share its details with his companions as soon as the situation allows it, but for now shares only the fact he knows of it. "I know a tale that tells of an Uskroth. I will tell it in full once we withdraw from Katreza's chambers, Shel."

For what it is worth, do read the spoiler and assume your character now 'knows' it for Ovril will happily share the details. It's just that right now, in-game, it wouldn't make sense for him to gush out the details of the story.

Imara crowds in and reads over Shel's shoulder, unable to contain her curiosity. A breath escapes her as she reads of the hammer. Then she pulls out her journal and rereads what she wrote. Feelings of excitement and destiny flutters in her stomach again. "What does this all mean? Events have been set in motion? By what? This attack on Trunau? And the hammer is key?" Imara straigthens and wracks her brain to see if she can remember ever reading about a Hammer of Unmaking.

She had been feeling restless lately. Like it may be time for her to leave Trunau. She had been reluctant to leave because of her father, and Sid, but maybe...maybe her time had come. Could this be the adventure she'd always dreamed about, falling into her lap?

It seems that we have a lot of information, but now that I know what Agrimosh is, I'll try Lore (artifacts), just in case.

Lore: Artifacts: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Its simple. It means we have more work to do tomorrow.. So a good rest tonight will be important. It seems finding this tomb is among that list of things to do... He pauses a moment before heading back to the front of the Clamor, looking for Sara if she was back, or for someone who was tending the place in her absence.

Immara pauses to think of what she remembers learning of Agrimmosh, and recalls

Agrimmosh, Agrimmosh...why is that familiar? She closes her eyes and clears her mind, searching her memories. Things slowly shift and fall into place and her eyes fly open. "It must be here! They must be looking for it! I do remember reading about that hammer. It's extremely powerful! Powerful enough to cause an invasion, I am sure. We need to prepare. And report back to the council. Oh, if only I had more gold!"

Is Katreza still lucid (or awake, at least? Do we think we can get any more information from her tonight?

No more info for Katreza. Ovril still has to drink his potion. Then we can role play until everyone heads to bed. Once 3 folks post here they head to bed Ill advance to the next day. tomorrow until the funeral in the evening its all about selling and buying..

Having prided himself on knowledge about the Hold of Belkzen, Rory draws a complete blank. As Imar nears and looks over Shel's shoulder as well, he nods in agreement, they need to figure out what it all meant. Rolling his eyes as Rydell states the obvious, but is surprised when his friend heads back to the shop. Realizing Imara had started talking, he returns his attention to her, asking, "What would more gold do?"

after they leave the 'sick room'
As the exit, Rory calls to Thistle, "Thistle heel." Then walks beside his friends listening as Ovril shares his knowledge about the tribes and burial of the great chieftain. He calls out to Rydell, "Hey Rydell, hold up. let's go across the street and get something to eat. I think better on a full stomach." Walking out the door of the shop he climbs on Thistles back and tells Storm. "Storm heel." As the young wolf stands up. Rory recommends. "Let's finish our conversation over supper. Then we can head to bed."

I'm assuming there will be a little more conversation, then bedtime

Hmm. Phoenix clucks thoughtfully. He walks over to the Shel's satchel where it still lays on the floor and begins pecking through it, picking up each of his treasures and examining them in turn. He settles on one, a tinned nail bent at a ninety degree angle he found near a fence one day, and carries it over to Imara. I've always suspected this mighty nail held great powers. Do you think this is the artifact we seek? He sets the nail on the floor in front of her. After a moment, he picks it up and places it directly on the elf's boot and looks up at her quizzically. Behold: it is immune to rust despite its immense age. What else but giant magic could do that?

Rydell motions Rory to go ahead.

I'll be there shortly. I'm going to pick up some stuff I need. Just in case.

Rydell will then go looking to find a composite longbow (2), and to refill on arrows and possibly purchase some separate types of arrows.